COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2551, 12 July 1909, Page 3

COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS.

DISCUSSION AT THE BAND BOARD. It is usual at the sittings of Land Boards for any business dealing with mortgages, or questions that necessitate inquiry into the financial position of selectors, to' be taken in committee. The Hawkes’ Bay Land Board had a quantity of such business upon the order paper on Saturday, and it was, as usual marked for consideration* in committee. When the items were, peached Mr. Eustace Lane asked why the questions of the renewal or refusal, as the case might be, of small grazing runs should not Jbe considered in open Board. The Commissioner said it would be unadvisable to make the financial positions of lessees known to the public. Mr. Lane said that if the small grazing run business of the Board was taken in committee the whole business of the Board might be treated the same way. Committee proceedings were illegal and he would move that the leases be discussed in open Board. The whole business was underhand. The Commissioner said the Board could not take the man in the street into its confidence in every question, but would make any discussions arrived at public at the proper time. Mr. Groom said the Commissioner knew more about the details that were to come before the Board than any one else. Mr. Lane:" I am objecting to the question on the principle involved. Continuing, Mr. Lane said he thought the time had come when as much business as possible should be taken in open Board. He would give notice of motion that in future all such business be taken in open Board. The discussion then closed.