CENTRAL OTAGO LAND LEAGUE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 997, 27 May 1881, Page 2

CENTRAL OTAGO LAND LEAGUE.

A general conference of delegates of the branches established was held in the Council offices, Clyde, last Saturday. Present:— Messrs MacKellar, Brown and Behrendt, representing Cromwell : Mr J. Smith, Bendigo ; Messrs MoKersie and McGregor, Bannockburn ; Mr Chappell, Blacks ; Mr McGinnis, Alexandra ; Messrs B. Naylor, Weisford, McArthur and Fache, Clyde. Mr MacKellar was voted to the chair,and Mr Brown appointed Secretary. CORRESPONDENCE. Telegrams were read from Mr H Wilson, Naseby ; Mr J. Ewing, St. Bathans ; and Maunel. Roxburgh; regretting that their branches were unable to be represented at the conference.

RE THE MEMORIAL. In opening the meeting, The Chairman explained that the Cromwell, Bendigo, and Bannockburn branches had agreed upon a form of memorial to the Minister for Lands, which would be found to be in accord with the draft memorial submitted to all the branches -viz , praying that Section 119 of the Land Act should be carried into effect in its entirety. This decided action was taken through there being no distinct understanding that there was to be a general conference after the consideration of tho draft memorial, and after seeing that the Southern branches had agreed to a form of memorial which, though in accord, also dealt with amendments of the Land Act. However, on receipt of a letter from Mr Welsford, pointing out that it was advisable to hold a united front on the ouesuou, he agreed to a conference, and influenced the other branches to attend. He said, beyond shewing that the people had but one view on the matter, he did not see what good it would do. It was indisputable that the movement for cutting up the runs was a genuine one, and that the people were in earnest was evidenced by some of those present having travelled over twenty mihs to take part intlieproceedings. The meeting then partook more of a conversazione than of a deliberative bodv. Some hold that the memorial should solely refer to Section 119 of tho Act, while otheis thought that a reference to the existing Act in the memorial, if it did no good,could not do any harm After discussing the situation for between two and three hours, the meeting closed.all agneing to tight side by aide, and shoulder to shoulder, until tho end sought was attained.