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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 568, 10 February 1891, Page 2

The Dunedin Star contains a rough article on that species of individual known as “ dummies ” —people who apply for land under false pretences. The Star says :—lt is charitable to suppose that these dummies do not understand what they are doing when they sign the statutory “declaration” required by the Act* They solemnly declare that they are purchasing the land “ solely for their own use and benefit,” and “ not directly or indirectly for the use and benefit of any other person or persons whomsoever.” And they know that they are not doing so ; yet they run the risk of being placed in the dock for felony, and of incurring all the pains and penalties and disgrace of perjury, in addition to to the forfeiture of the land and all moneys paid in respect thereof. Yet, for a paltry bonus or commission, men in Dundein can be found to do this wrong and criminal thing. They can always declare that they do not own the maximum area permitted by the law, and they can go on doing this for ever, because ar soon as they get the Crown grant they can transfer the land to their equally criminal patrons, who find the cash and pay the commission. Mr M’Kenzie has promised a full and searching inquiry into such transactions; and developments of an astonishing nature, and most astonishing to the “ dummies,” may be expected. If these statements regarding cash sales be true, it is advisable that they should be entirely suspended until the existing law is amended ; for, as they operate at present, the greatest possible injury is being done to the country, and to the cause of settlement.