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Dunstan Times, Issue 995, 13 May 1881, Page 2

OTAGO CENTRAL LAND LEAGUE.

The adjourned meeting of joint branches of the above League in the northern end of Vincent County was held in Cromwell on Saturday. The representatives present were—Cromwell: Messrs MacKeller, Colclough, Jolly, Brown, Marshall, Behrens, Sherwood, Towan and Heaney ; Bannockburn : Messrs Thomason, M’Kersie, M‘Gregor, Menzies, Smith, Griffiths, Aitken and Angel; Bendigo : Messrs O’Donnell and Morris.

Mr MacKellar occupied the chair, and Mr Brown acted as secretary. Correspondence was read from Mr Geo. Fache, Clyde, secretary to joint committees of the lower of county, asking whether this division purposed working with them, and, if so, suggesting a meeting of delegates from the several branches at Clyde on an early date to adopt a memorial. A copy was also enclosed of a draft memorial agreed to by joint southern branches. (This was published in last issue of the Dpnstan Times).

Copies of reply to this circular letter we re read by the secretary. That from Bannockburn expressed a conviction that separate action as to memorial would be best, and the Cromwell secretary in his answer deprecated precipitate action until after the joint meeting had been held in Cromwell, as the branches in this division (says the “ Cromwell Argus”) had not had opportunity of suggesting alterations or amendments to the memorial approved at the Blacks meeting. A lengthy discussion ensued as to the hasty action of the lower branches and the publication of the memorial before it had been approved and accepted by delegates from all the branches, especially as the Cromwell Committee had signified to Mr Fache its earnest desire to co-operate in the common cause.

A motion was proposed by Mr M‘Gregor and carried unanimously—That—in the opinion of this joint Committee, a memorial from each division of the County is the best and likeliest way to attain the object in view.

Draft memorial to the Minister of Lands was then read by the chairman and adopted clause by clause. The petition agreed to was very similar to the one we inserted last issue, excepting that all the suggestions re Amending Laud Aet being omitted. It was resolved that the memorial be signed by the committees of the several branches on behalf of their respective districts, and forwarded to the Hon. the Minister for Lands. The secretary was requested to forward copy of memorial to the secretary for lower branches, and explain course of action determined upon at this meeting. The meeting then adjourned.

The following is a list of branches formed to date : Alexandra Branch—Chairman, Mr J. McGinnis ; Secretary, Mr W. Forrest. Ophir Branch—Chairman and Secretary, Mr J. 0. Chappie. Tinkers Branch—Chairman, Mr Murphy; Secretary, Mr S. Reid. Clyde—Chairman, Mr Welsford ; Secretary, Mr Fache. Cromwell—Chairman, D.McKellar j Sec. retary, Mr Brown. Bannockburn— Chairman, Mr McKersie 1 Secretary, Mr McGregor. Bendigo—Chairman, Mr Peace ; Secretary, Mr Dawson. Roxburgh—Chairman, Mr Manuel. Naseby—Chairman, Mr Ewing. St Bathans—Officers not yet appointed.