THE DISPOSAL OF THE RUNS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1904, 28 July 1888, Page 3

THE DISPOSAL OF THE RUNS.

Not less important than the question of the proper classification of the lands comprised within the area of the runs, of which the leases fall m m May Ist 1889, aud the consequent rendering available for settlement of the lands suited thereto, is that of securing that the fullest publicity shall be given to the results of the labors of the commissioners, m order that all intending settlers may have the opportunity of making application for the lands available. Hitherto a mistaken policy of cheese — paring has operated most injuriously to the public interests, information being, if not altogether withheld, at any rate so sparingly given (and for the most part through the medium of that very little read publication the Government " Gazette " ) that m numberless instances tho general public have been left practically m entire We are glad to see that this T^fliPto be the case m regard to the lands of which we are now writing. An addition to clause 9 of the iVct Amendment Bill, has been carried on the motion of Major Steward, which will secure that every resident m Canterbury shall be afforded the opportunity of acquainting himself with the proposed classification of the land, and therefore of making any selection whioh he may desire. The following are the terms of the addition referred to, and which now forms part of section 9 of the Bill, as forwarded to the Legislative Council, viz. : " Copies of such description, together with maps, showing m distinct colors the lands so classified, shall be supplied to every County Council and Road Board throughout the district wherein any of the said lands are situated, and shall be displayed for public information at every postoffice and railway station, w,ithin such district." This is entirely as \t should ho, and for once the public estate will be dealt with m a business-like manner.