COMMONAGE AT CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 369, 21 May 1869, Page 3

COMMONAGE AT CROMWELL.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Badger, Hughes, and Fraser, waited on his Honor the Superintendent on Wednesday the 12 th for the purpose of presenting a petition, asking that a tract of land might he reserved for commonage, and also that blocks of land might be reserved for commonage, and, also, that blocks of land might be thrown open for agricultural purposes in the neighborhood of Cromwell. The petition was signed by over three hundred persons, inhabitants of the district. The deputation was introduced by Mr. Shepherd. Mr. Badger read and presented the petition, and remarked that the question with which it dealt was one which had been mooted four years before, and had been agitated at intervals during the time since. An offer had been made of the Cromwell Flat as a common, but, that, from its sandy and shingly character - , was very sterile, and there were more cattle on it than could obtain sufficient feed. Cattle had to bo run on the neighboring stations, and a rent of £1 per annum had to be paid for them. There appeared to have been some misunderstanding with regard to the commonage wanted AVhat was required was about

40.000 acres, whereas, of the present commonage, only about 1,000 acres were available. Thera were many farmers and dairymen in the neighborhood, and it was for them the commonage was wanted. The best land lay in the gullies, and on the ranges, which was taken up by the runholders. There appeared to have been some misapprehension on the subject of agricultural land, and it has been stated by a member of the Government that they did not want the land for agricultural, but for pastoral, purposes; whereas, the fact was, that it was for agricultural purposes it was wonted. Ho had had numerous applications for land from men with a little money, in the upnjjglutha district particularly, and many left the district who bright particularise the case of two brothers who had about £3,000 between them, and who were anxious to settle down in the district, but, who, not being able to buy land, went away to the West Coast. The Superintendent asked where the 40.000 acres asked for lay. Mr. Badger replied that it formed part of Loughnan’s run. The Superintendent remarked that two points were involved in the petition, agriculture and commonage. With regard to the former, the Government had for some time been thinking of opening up land near Cromwell, and a piece of land near Lake Hawea was intended to beset apart for that purpose, and, in fact, it was now a mere question of survey. There had also been some talk of a block on Loughnan’s run. He could not say anything about common»g«, the Government would deal with that

matter, and there -was no doubt the claim of Cromwell would be considered. Mr. Badger said that there had been some talk in the district about applying to get the land proclaimed into Hundreds if they could not obtain commonage. The Superintendent remarked that the report alluded to by Mr Badger relating to the land being wanted for pastoral, and not agricultural purposes, might have come about through a deputation from Naseby, which had said plainly, that they wanted land for pasturage. Tqere was, no doubt that the question before tho country was how to get the lands out of the bands.of the few, into those of the many. He said nothing as to the merits of the question, but that that was the question there was no doubt.

Mr. Shepherd pointed out that a false impression appeared to exist with-regard to the powers of runholders. A block of land might be taken from a run, and the holder be paid, say ss. an acre for it, and yet he retain his right to depasture stock on the unsold portions of the land. The Superintendent corrected Mr. Shepherd, and remarked that he believed the block of land at the Hawea Lake had been extensively applied for. The whole question would, however, be considered, and Cromwell would no doubt get its share. Mr. Badger mentioned’also the,want of a gold receiver in the district.

The Superintendent explained that a receiver had been appointed, but that he had been removed to Clyde by the General Government. He had sent a charge in for travelling expenses, which the Provincial Government did not feel inclined to pay, inasmuch as it had never wished him to be removed.

The deputation then thanked his Honor, and withdrew.’*' \ '