MR PYKE AT ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 991, 15 April 1881, Page 2

MR PYKE AT ALEXANDRA.

A unanimous meeting of electors and others was held at Alexandra on April 9th. Mr Simmonds (May v) was in the chair. After reading the notiee convening the meeting, tho Chaiiman said he would say a few words on the important subject Mr Pyke would address them about. If it was the desire of the people that the district should prosper, they must aid in having the land thrown open for settlement. Population was ths source of prosperity, but u tho land was not available there would be no population, and then there would be no necessity for the proposed interior railway.' He would leave the matter in Mr Pyke’i hands. Mr Pyke then gave an address, but as it was similar to the one he delivered at Clyde on Friday night, we do not deem it necessary to repeat it, Mr M'Ginnis said that after the lucid and clear speech of Mr Pyke he could say but little. He was one with Mr Pyke on the question of the settlement of the people on the land and the cutting up of the runs ; if the people were true to themselves, they could bring pressure to bear on the Government and Parliament, and compel them to cut up the runs in such a manner as to make them available for settlement. The mining interest was dying out, and as the land was the only field into which they could pass, it must at all hazards be made available for them. If the runs were properly cut up, foreign capitalists would be induced to throw in their lot with us. It was only by adopting such a course that the country would prosper. He would do all ho could to forward the movement, and would look upon it as a duty. Mr M'Ginnis proposed, and Mr Cameron seconded—“ That Messrs Simmonds, Muir, Rivers, Forrest (Sec.), Butler, and mover be appointed a Committee to prepare a memorial or petition to Parliament, in conjunction with other branches of the Otairo Central Land League, asking that the provisions of Section 129 of ‘The Land Act, 1877,’ may be faithfully carried out in the future disposal of land held under pastoral leases in Central Otago ; and, further, to suggest such amendments as may be desirable and necessary for the promotion of the settlement of the people on the land ; such Committee to have power to add to their number.” The motion was put to the motion, and carried unanimously. Votes of thanks to Mr Pyke and the Chairman terminated the meeting.