THE WAIMATA BLOCK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2134, 17 July 1907, Page 2

THE WAIMATA BLOCK.

WANTED AS A BOROUGH ENDOWMENT. . An effort will bo made to yet the notorious Waimata section (about which such an outcry.was made when withdrawn from ballot) proclaimed as a Borough endowment. The Mayor brought the matter up last evening. Ho said that as the Waihirero property had been lost it occurred to many people in town that an endeavor should bo made to get the Government to grant the Waimata section, containing IH7 acres, as an endowment for the town of Gisborne. At present Gisborno

was very poorly off for endowments, having only 1000 acres at Waerenga-o-kuri and 34 acres within the Borough. He made a strong point of the fact that these were old endowments. Since’the Borough had been extended by taking in Wliataupokb and Kaiti, in all 700 acres more area to look after, not one additional acre had been secured in the way of endowment for the increased boundaries. He considered this a strong argument in to the Government .for reasonable treatment. X’lie

present time, when the Government Were so favorably disposed towards endowments and made this an argument in.favor of their land policy, was a most favorable opportunity to press Gisborne’s claims, and he thought there was a good prospect of meeting with success. If the Waimata section could be obtained, it would be a much appreciated gift to the town. He moved that representations be made to the Government. Cr. Sheridan, in seconding, - said lie knew the request would be supported by a good many members of the House. As a matter of fact, this was about the poorest Borough in the colony in regard to endowments. The balance-sheet showed that tlio total rents derived were just under £SOO. The large extension in the Borough boundaries warranted the grant being made by the Government. Even' half-an-acre required for a pound site had had to be purchased. The only hitch in the Waimata section was in regard to the title, and he felt quito. sure that if approached tlio Hon. Wi Pere would assist the Council in the matter. Ho felt quite sure the Council stood a very good clianco of success if the case was proper!'-represented to the authorities. The Minister of Lands should be communicated with, and if necessary a deputation should pioceed to Wellington in support of the application. He was prepared to make one of a deputation., and to pay his own expenses. (Hear, hear.) Cr. Whiiirav spoko in support, and the motion was unanimously carried. The Mayor mentioned that, if successful, tlio busli on the property could he fenced off as a reserve, and the balance dealt with in the ordinary way for revenue purposes. .