UPPER CLUTHA LAND

Evening Star, Issue 20137, 30 March 1929, Page 11

UPPER CLUTHA LAND

DEMAND FOR SUB-DIVISION A PROGRESS LEAGUE FORMED [Special to the ‘ Star.’] CROMWELL, March 30. Interest in the land question and other matters for tho welfare of the district is being maintained with an enthusiasm which, if it continues, cannot fail to make for progress. The Land Board’s recent proposal to investigate tho possibilities of subdividing the runs of Messrs J. L. Lethbridge, J. C. Elliott, and W. Paterson in the Tairas and Lindis- district, together with tho Minister’s recently-expressed desire to receive local opinions, prompted the public to act and organise.

A public meeting for this purpose was held last evening, when there was an attendance beyond the capacity of the. Council Chambers, seventy residents of Cromwell nnd district and Hawea Flat being present. Air W. A. Bodkin, ALP., was voted to the chair, and expressed pleasure at the helpful support and enthusiasm of the community. After a short discussion the following motion was carried unanimously : —■ “ That this very representative meeting of citizens of Cromwell and settlers of Upper Clutha Valley is of opinion that the progress of tho district has been arrested by the present aggregation of land, and the refusal of the Otago Land Board to promulgate any definite policy of closer settlement, and that an association, to bo called the Upper Clutha Progressive League, he formed with the object of urging on the Government the desirability_ of resuming lands suitable for subdivision ” Air W. A. Bodkin was elected president, and Messrs R. Varcoe and J. I/. Stewart Wright joint secretaries, and tbe latter treasurer. An advisory committee representative of the district was elected as follows:—Messrs R. L. Barclay, W. P. Cotter (Hawea Flat), H. Barker, W. Studholme (Pembroke), K. Alunro, G. Trevathar. (Tame Towan, G. Scott (Lowburn), T. B. Phillips (Ripponvale), C. Jocelyn P. Parcel! (Bannockburn L R. Hretlierton, W. Partridge, and F. Partridge (Cromwell) ; Executive Council—Messrs J, Grant, J. Roberts, W. Jclley, J. Clarkson, and the Alayor of Cromwell in office.

After discussion on the Mount Pisa land it was resolved to ask the Land Board and the Minister that all the land of these flats be resumed and offered fen - ballot. Tho next motion was that those runs specified at the last meeting and all leases falling due be investigated with a view to ascertaining whether or not they are capable of subdivision, and, if so, that the said runs be subdivided accordingly. Another was that the Land Board be asked to have associated with it in the matter of tho investigation of runs flic Advisory Committee appointed. The Executive Committee was requested to draw up a constitution and policy for the league, and to report to a future meeting. A long debate took place in respect to the transfer of Mount Burk, the chairman explaining the position of the present leases. Ho said tho Government would not confiscate runs, but must observe the present laws pending any amendments. Finally it was re solved that it be a recommendation to the Government and the Minister that the Mount Burk run be purchased for closer settlement, .in rclerring to this, speakers said the run was easily capable of carrying three settlers, as the present stocking wan 10,000 sheep. In Jus concluding remarks Mr Bodkin said that with the enthusiasm shown good results would follow, and he was organising to enlist the support of all Otago M.P.s and local bodies m Dim city.’ Lie wanted the continued support of" local residents, and also business people. Given that, he was confident oi a great development, and already had assurances from the Ministers of support. He further stated that in addition to the Ministers who had already been through tho district, lie had arranged for the Hons. Do la Renello and Stall worth v to visit the town and district in April or May, and the Prime Minister had promised to bo in Cromwell for a dav before Parliament met. It may bemadded that there is an air of groat confidence throughout the district, and hopes of marked progress in closer settlement by irrigation and subdivision. . A vote for the Roaring Meg irrigation scheme on tho next Estimates seems assured.