Meetings, Etc.

Dunstan Times, 6 May 1881, Page 2

Meetings, Etc.

CENTRAL OtAGO LAND LEAGUE. A meeting of delegates from the Alexandra, Blacks, Clyde, and Tinkers' branches of the Central Otago Land League was held at the Shamrock Hotel, Blacks on Saturday last, the 30th ultimo. Present—Mr J. M'Ginnis, Alexandra ; J. C. Chappie, Blacks ; S. Welsford, Clyde ; P. Murphy, Tinkers ; and G. Fache, Secretary of the Clyde branch. Mr S. Welsford, who was voted to the chair, explained the object of the meeting was to agree to the form of memorial to be sent to the Government, praying that the pastoral leases, as they fell in, should be cut up into smaller areas. He said a draft memorial had been sent to all the branches, and as in all probability each delegate was prepared with objections, he thought it better, so as to save time, that the draft should be read, and as any alteration or amendment suggested itself that it be embodied. The memorial, as amended, was then read and adopted, as follows : To the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sir, —We, the undersigned settlers, ratepayers, and others, resident in Vincent County, within the land district of Otago, desire to bring under your special notice the following facts : 1. That, as appears by a return laid on the table of the House of Representatives in the session of 1877, there are at present nearly one million and a-hal' (1,500,000) acres held under pasto al leases by 21 persons or firms wuhm that part of Vincent County which is in the provincial dis'.rict of Ocago. 2. That rive persons or firms hold 780,000 acres, or more, than onehalf of the pastoral lands in the county, and that some of the remaining runholders occupy larger tracts in other adjacent counties than in this. 3. That the tenure of nearly 1,000,000 acres, now hell by eleven persons, must be dealt with during the present year, and the remainder in 1882-83. 4. That by Section 119 of "The Land Act, 1877," such leases may, "if the Goverhor-iri-Couhcil shall see fit, be exposed to auction in runs of such extent as he snail approve" ; and, further, that "no larger extent than will bo sufficient to carry all the year round 5,000 head of sheep, or 1,000 head of cattle, shall be offered at auction in one lot, under the provisions of the Act." 5. That theoccupationof such immense blocks of territory by a few individuals is detrimental to tire prosperity of the district, adverse to the welfare of the community, and injurious to the .State. 6. That the time has arrived when it has become desirable, in the genera' interest, to sub-divide the runs into smaller areas, so as to permit of the speedy settlement of the people on the soil, whether as agriculturalists or followers of pastoral pursuits, or both united. 7. That your memorialists believe that about one-third of the area described, or 500,000 acres, are adapted for agriculture, and the remainder for grazin? purposes. 8. That it would be conducive to the well-being of the people, and beneficial to the State, if a system combining agriculture with grazing were adopted wherever practicable; and that this can only be achieved vy una suo-cuvision o[ me pastoral lands into areas of from 2,000 to 20,000 acres, according to the nature of the country, ils geographical features, its cattle carrying capabilities, and its adaptability for mixed farming or grazing purposes only. 9. Your memorialists therefore pray that you may take such action as may be needful to ensure the carrying into effect Section 119 of the " Lani Act, 1877," and that you will cause necessary instructions to be given for the immediate survey of the pastoral lands, so that no disastrous delay may occur in throwing them open for settlement. 10. Your memorialists further desire to point out that in a country so diversified with mountains, plains and valleys the (greatest care will be required to ensure the laying out of the land in such manner as will hllow of occupation at the least expense, and be most advantageous to all interests. Your memorialists therefore venture to suggest that a Commission of members of the Waste Land Board, in conjunction with two local men who are conversant with the land ami the locality, may be appointed to inspect and report thereon ; and that such Commission be instructed to classify land as first and second agricultural, first and second pastoral, and further to report as to localities where the pursuits can be profitably combined. Your memorialists also desire to urge Bome slight alterations in the existing Land L»w, viz.:— 1. Tuat the pastoral land when subdivided be disposed of by leases for a term of years, at an annual rental per acre, with the right of purchase ; the mining interests in all cases to be considered and protected. 2. That provision be made to prevent any person or firm from obtaining or holding more than one lease. 3. That holders of lands under the deferred payment system be not debarred from obtaining leases of pastoral lands, 4. That improvements should he paid for by the State, and repaid by the incoming lessees by instalments extending over the term of their leases. 5. That provision in all cases be made for holding over all agricultural land until required for actual settlement. 6. That provision be made for the residence of pastoral lessees when the area exceeds 2000 acres. And your memorialists, having in view the promotion of the best interests of the State, present this memorial to you with full confidence that you will do justice and conserve the law herein* [Here follow the signatures.] Resolved—That Mr Fache, the Secretary oftheClydebranch.be requested to send copies of the memorial as adopted to the branches in tho Northern ridings of Vincent County ; also, to Roxburgh, aud to ask if thoy purpose workrou with rh... branches in tho lower ridings of Vincent County in one general memorial, or to adopt a soporate memorial. Resolved—That in tho ovent of other branches deciding to work with the Alexandra, Blacks, Clyde, and Tinkers branches in one general memorial, or, if its deemed

desirable or necessary to hold a further meeting to discuss the memorial, or anything relating thereto, that the meeting be held at Clyde, and that Mr Faeho, the Secretary of the Clyde branch, convene the same. Resolved—That if it is resolved that no further meeting is necessary, the Secretary of each branch take early steps to obtain signatures to the memorial as adopted at this meeting. The Chairman said ho had to thank the gentlemen present for the assistance they had rendered him in the chair, and was extremely pleased the matter they had taken In hand was being carried out with so much spirit. It was evidence when men travelled, as some had that day, twenty miles, others nearly thirty miles, to assist in preparing a memorial that they were in earnest, and he thought would go far in inducing the Government to frame future laws as would meet with the general views of the people. The cutting up of the runs in such a manner as to promote settlement was all that was required to make the country or this portion of it prosperous. Now, that they had entered upon the work, he hoped they would one and all persevere until they had gained what they were seeking. A question arose as to whether the memoiial should be signed by the public or by the delegates only. Mr Fache thought that if signed by the delegates only it would have equal weight, and the necessary expense of a canvas of the district would be saved. Messrs M’Ginnis, Chappie, and Murphy thought the whole body of the people should have an opportunity of signing the memorial. After further discussion it was resolved—That when the memorial is finally agreed upon, that the Secretaries of each branch take charge of it and obtain signatures. Mr J. C. Chappie said it was understood that in the Blacks district while signatures were being obtained subscriptions would be solicited to defray the current and other expenses that may accrue. The meeting then separated.