HON. DONALD REID AT CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 782, 13 April 1877, Page 3

HON. DONALD REID AT CROMWELL.

On Saturday evening last the Ron. Donald Reid, Minister for Lands and Works, was interviewed by the leading business men of Cromwell. During the interview a number of questions affecting t he district were discussed. Mr Reid’s expressions on same we extract from the Cromwell Argus. On the division of Vincent County and the formation of a now county, Mr Reid said, “ ho might at once say he was opposed to the subdivision of Counties on principle, as he thought it would be a mistake. There might he special instances in which an exception would hold, but, generally, he thought small Counties would he a great mistake. It would be better, in bis opinion, to amalgamate and make them larger. In the particular case of Vincent County there might he strong local reasons for making an exception. lie believed in some cases that it would be better to hove small Counties with communities of interests rather than large ones without. Ho did not think it would be wise, however, to encourage the idea that separate Counties could ho easily obtained, as it would give no end of trouble. The petition from this or any other community would be considered fairly and without bias.

Mr C- Colclough drew attention to tho grave injustice which was being inflicted on the miners and the community generally by reason of tho services of tho Warden and Resident Magistrate not being available to meet demands. The speaker pointed out a number of instances in which much inconvenience and loss had been suffered, owing to the Warden having too extensive a field to overtake. No fault could ho found with Mr Simpson, who did Iris duty well, but hj" could not possibly give that satisfaction under tho circumstances which residents had a right to expect. Mr Colclough urged that a classof junior Wardens might ho appointed, who could also do their own clerkship ; and expressed his conviction that tho Warden should be stationed in tho place from which ho could best administer his district.

Mr MacKellar also spoke on this matter, and sketched out what ho considcrol would

I'o a much wiser distribution ot Wardens than at present in existence, ami with which suggestion the Minister of Justice had concurred.

Mr Reid was fully aware that Mr Warden Simpson had recently had a groat deal more than his share of work, but the arrangement was only temporary. Mr Warden Stratford might bfc expected back in about ton days to tako charge of the Wakatip division, and this would leave Mr Simpson more leisure to attend to this district. As to the appointment of junior wardens, it had been thought not judicious, as it gave rise to jealousies. Removal of location of Wardens entailed other considerations, such as shifting of police, gaols, &c., but no doubt the w'hole question would receive attentl‘m by the commission about to sit at Wellington. ROAD TO WEST COAST. Mr Marsh, in a few well-chosen and pointed remarks, adverted to,the necessity of the route to the Coast via Haast Bass, being rendered available for traffic. Mr Reid pointed out that so far as opening the route by road was concerned, that was a matter for the Comity Councils. If surveyors were available, he did not think Government would he averse to assisting to some-extent. As to connection by railway, it was not improbable a flying survey would bo made before any route was definitely settled upon. LAND FOR SETTLEMENT. This important subject was introduced by Mr G. B. Aitkcn, who .spoke with much earnestness and practical knowledge on the necessity for offering some inducements tor people to settle in the district; Mr Aitken pointed out numerous desirable blocks of laud in the district well suited to agricultural pursuits which might be thrown open for settlement, either unde ■ the deferred payment or agricultural lease system. Owing to the inability to obtain land hr permanent settlement many men with f'rallies were forced to leave the district. In the Hav/ea division one or two blocks had been surveyed, but had not been .thrown open. He (Mr Aitken) trusted Mr Reid would give Ibis matter his earnest attention, as it was one which very materially affected the well being of the district. Mr O’Neil also spoke of the want of laud for settlement in the Bannockburn division. There was some good land in that iieL-hbor-bood, but it was in the hands of the runholder. Many families in the locality would soon have to quit theTield if something in the direction of throwing open the land was not done. Air Reid said there was no difficulty in the way so long as suitable land was available. Ho held that the basis of all permanent prosperity was tbs land. Settle the people, and other industries would certainly follow. He deeply sympatisqd with the people in their cry for land, and would see to it that suitable blocks were thrown open without delay. If these were taken up others would follow.

Mr Peid intimated that it was probable a Bill would be introduced during next session of Parliament dealing generally with municipal reserves. It would be well for the Cromwell Council to forward to Wellington a list of all municipal reserves and endowments.

Some other matters of minor importance having lieen discussed, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Reid for his patient attention, and a similar courtesy to the chairman closed the meeting.