AGY-4942 | Royal Commission on the purchase by the Government of the Boorabil Estate and adjoining improvement leases

Full description

Robert D. Pring was appointed Royal Commissioner on 9 July 1914 to inquire into the following matters,
1. The matter of the purchase by the Government of the Boorabil Estate and the adjoining Improvement Leases
2. The administration of the Department of Lands in connection with the said purchase
3. In connection with the aforesaid matters, to inquire whether on the part of any one there has been any interference, or attempt at interference, with the purity of Parliamentary or Departmental action (1) The inquiry formally opened 20 July 1914 (2). The findings of the Commission were as follows:
-Every care was taken by both Ministers and the officials in the Lands Department to protect the public interests, to ensure that a fair and reasonable price was paid for the land, and to guard against the possibility of the land being left on the hands of the Government by reason of its failing to attract settlers
-There was no trace of improper conduct on the part of the Ministers or officials in the Lands Department
-There was danger in allowing a member of Parliament to act as a paid agent- whether land or otherwise- in matters connected with Government Departments (2). The Final Report was submitted 28 August 1914 (3). ENDNOTES:
(1) Report of the Royal Commission on the purchase by the Government of the Boorabil Estate and adjoining improvement leases, New South Wales Parliamentary Papers, 1914-1915, vol.5
(2) Ibid, p.95-98
(3) Ibid, p.98