SMALL GRAZING RUNS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2351, 18 November 1908, Page 6

SMALL GRAZING RUNS.

THE LAND BOARD MEETING.

A BREEZE

There was another breeze at the last Hawke’s Bay Land Board meeting at Napier (says the “Telegraph”) Mr Eustace Lane s id he considered that as a member of the Board he. was entitled to see all the correspondence lie desired.

The Commissioner: I say you are not.

Mr Lane: I will then ask you to submit the question to the SolcitorGeneral as to whether members of a Land Board can properly do their duty if correspondence they require is withheld.

The Commissioner said that members of the Board were able to see all correspondence to or from the Board, .but nothing beyondi that. Mr Lane: Well, then, I will make a deliberate and public charge against the Minister of Lands of maladministration .

Continuing, Mr Lane said that the papers containing the clerical error mentioned by the Commissioner were sent to Wellington and another letter accurately stating the Board’s recommendation was sent to Mr Hall. The Hon. James Carroll forwarded this letter to Wellington, and the Department therefore had two letters containing contradictory statements. The Department did not even make inquiries as to the difference between the two letters, but granted Mr. Hall a renewal of the lease of the grazing run hold by him. Mr Lane proceeded to point out what ho considered Ministerial, maladministration in reference to the Waimarama estate. , The Commissioner said they could not discuss such matters at the Board, meetings. ' ... Mr Lane: I contend that this is the proper place. Mr Hyde: If you are going to make statements against the Ministry I am not going to stay. After some further remarks by Mr Lane, The Commissioner said he could not allow the discussion, on subjects in connection with the administration of the Government at meetings of this description and he would stand by that ruling. If Mr Lane found fault with the administration he must draw attention to it by., other channels. Mr Lane: What other channels: The Commissioner: That is for you to find out. , r . Mr. Lane: Do you, Mr Groom, ancl Mr Hyde, wish me Mr Hyde : You are making a statement against the Ministry. You can do what you like as an individual, but I am not going to sit- here to help you in your purpose. If you withdraw your statement I will remain. , Mr Lane: I will not withdraw anything. - Mr Hyde then left the room. Mr Lane, in conclusion: As a member of the Board I deliberately make charges of maladministration against the Ministry, and they can answer them. The meeting then closed abruptly.