 The Pre-emption Act did not specify conditions for the distribution of the land, and, consequently, so large areas were bought by speculators.Moody requisitioned 3,750 acres (1,517 hectares) for himself, and, on this land, he subsequently built for himself, and owned, Mayfield, a model farm near New Westminster.Moody was criticized by local newspapermen for land grabbing, but the activity was ordered by the Colonial Office.