THE MOTU FOREST

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 862, 9 April 1903, Page 2

THE MOTU FOREST

MB WHINRAY’S SUCCESS. The resolution of the public meeting on Tuesday night met with a quick response from tho Government, showing tho effect of persistent advocacy. In response to a telegram conveying the resolution of the meeting the Premier replied :—“ Your telegram conveying resolution of public meeting re withdrawing one of the sections situated at the Motu from public salo received. There is no power given under existing law for this to be done. The law which formerly made endowments for boroughs and local authorities is now non-existent,” The Mayor again wired :—“ Do not ask endowment, but that Government withdraws one section from present sale, giving time to public to decide whether to purchase or lease section for public purposes. I would strongly urge your favorable consideration that this opportunity be given to our people.” Mr J. Whiuray also received tho following reply from the Hon. Mr Carroll : “ Arrived in Wanganui, and will attend matter as soon as get to Wellington.—J. Carroll."

Last night official information waß received notifying the withdrawal of the section containing 600 acres, priced on the map at 22s 6d per acre, and being portion of Urutawa East, block iv. The section is on the boundary between the Cook and Opotiki Counties, and is tho land in the vicinity of the Motu bridge, to which there is a dray road from Gisborne. The land is timbered with white pine, rimu, towai, and towhai. From a scenic point of view it is regarded as the best of the sections offered, although not so valuable as tho others from a productive point of view. The section is about four miles beyond tho Motu Hotel. The question of terms has not yet been discussed, but the probability is that the district will at last have obtained a reserve somewhat in keeping with those granted to other places. The thanks of the public are due to Messrs J. W. Whinray, T. Adair, W. D. Lysnar, W. Morgan, the Mayor and others who moved iu tho matter. Last evening the Mayor recoivod tho following tolegram from tho Premier : “ You will be pleased to know that instructions have been given to withdraw a suitable area from sale opposite the village. What happens to it is a matter to be decided hereafter. In the meantime it is withdrawn,” Wo are informed that there were only three or four applications iu for the section which has been withdrawn.