ANTI-IMPOUNDING LEAGUE.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 83, 13 June 1871, Page 5

ANTI-IMPOUNDING LEAGUE.

I A Jpublic mooting, convened by his Worship the Mayor for the purpose of taking measures to secure a Commonage for this district, was held in the Town-hall on the evening of Thursday, Bth inst. In the absence of the Mayor, Mr Dago was voted to the chair. In taking it, he briefly stated the objects of the meeting, which were, the obtaining adequate commonage for Cromwell ap.d district, and forming a League for mutual protection against impounding persecution. Mr J. Marsh said ;that his opinion was very much that expressed in a recent article in the Cromwell Argus :

"Who would be freej themselves must strike the blow." It was high time that every man in the. district should "go in" for mutual protection against the squatters. It was a pure matter of business. He believed an Anti-Impound-ing League would befet fulfil the desired objects ; and thought l/sts should be sent round to get the necessary funds.

Mr Goodger concurred in the remarks of the last speaker. They were in the centre of three large runs, and the public might get 10,000 or 15,000 acres off each. He had a poor opinion of Mr Macandrew; —" he was a squatter's man, —sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal." Mr Kelly considered deputations to the Superintendent useless. They must take the law into their own hands, and demand that the squatter should fence before he could impound. Let them stand shoulder to shoulder for mutual protection.

Mr Marsh now moved the first resolution: " That in the opinion of this meeting an Anti-Impounding League for this district is desirable ; and that a committee be appointed to form and organise such League." He objected to the existence of serfdom in a new country ; they did not want Lords of Manors or feudal Barons here. Mr Kelly seconded the motion.

Mr 11. M'MoRRAN made some irregular remarks in defence of the squatters, and was repeatedly called to order.

Mr Marsh contended that diggcra were the real source of wealth to the district. S([uatteri3ing was simply a commercial speculation.

Mr Kelly said there were only two or three solvent squatters in the Province. The resolution was put and carried with only one dissentient (Mr R. M'Morran). Mr Sii.wly said that Mr Loughnan had done his bjst to give to Cromwell a commonage, hut had failed. In reply to a remark from Mr Taylor, Mr Marsh said he had no desire to evade the law, but to agitate for a more liberal land law, and for mutual protection. Mr Maokellar proposed the second resolution : " That subscription-lists bo opened to provide funds for the League, and that each member subscribe 55."

Mr Hayes seconded the motion, which, after some discussion, was carried. The third resolution was moved by Mr MackelliAß, seconded by Mr Brydon, and agreed to: — "That the Chairman and Mr Marsh bo appointed to receive funds and to test the legality of impounding." On the motion of Mr Taylor, seconded by /Mr Toavan, it was further resolved : pounding League, a Committee be formed to urge upon the Government the necessity of a Commonage for the Cromwell District." A numerous committee, representing Cromwell and the surrounding districts, was formed to carry out the terms of the first resolution, and generally to promote tho objects of the mooting in obtaining adequate commonage. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. The Committee met in the Town hall on Friday evening, the following members being present, viz.: —Messrs Kelly, G. W. Goodgcr, It. Dagg, M'Cormick, Taylor, Box, Towan, Marsh, and Barr. Mr Kelly was appointed Chairman of Committee, and Mr Marsh agreed to act as Secrotaiy. The subjoined motions were submitted and agreed to :

"Tltat subscription lists be prepared and chwlatod with tho view of obtaining money to firry out the objects of tho Committee." | That a letter be written, and sent to the Government through our Representative, Sawing tho necessity of commonage for tho district." "That the names of Messrs James Stuart and James Marshal be added to the Com mittce." "That next meeting take place on Thursday next, at two p.m., in the Town hall; and that a copy of the minutes of this meeting bo handed to the Cuojiwell Argus for publication."