THE OTAGO RUNS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6508, 5 January 1882, Page 5

THE OTAGO RUNS.

[By Tklbgbaph.] fJFBOIf OtTB OWS 00EBB8P0KD1KT.] DUNEDIN, Jak. 4. At the Land Board meeting a letter was received from the Hon W. Bolloston, embodying the views of Government on the j question of dealing with the runs, the leases of which terminate in March, 1883. After referring to the memorandum of May last, which gave the principles which should guide dealing with them, it goes on: " I now forward, for the information of the Board, maps and schedules showing the manner in whioh those principles appear to work out, in their application to the blocks of country to be dealt with, and to express the hope that the information thus afforded will enable the Board, without much difficulty, to exercise the f auctions which devolve upon it under the Act. The results of the work of the department, bb shown upon the map, are, briefly, as folbws :—(1) Seventy-six run*, comprising an area of about 2,427,000 acrea, having to be dealt with not later than the end of February next, are subdivided into 150 runs, comprising in all a total area •f 2,162,000 acres; (2) an area amount* ing to 265,000 acres, is withheld from leasing for the purposes of pastoral deferred payment and agricultural settlement. The topographical information on the maps and the descriptions in the- schedules have been brought up to the date of the most recent surveys, and the contour lines showing the altitude of the country are everywhere marked, so as to afford the fullest information to the Board in determining upon the scheme of subdivision which they would recommend for final adoption. The plan of subdivision of land to be released, a? suggested, represents as faithfully as was possible the principles previously adopted by the Board, and has been prepared with due regard to the grazing capacity of the land, to the profitable grouping together of winter and summer country, to its configuration of the country, so as to ensure practicable fencing lines and natural boundaries, and in view of other considerations which were fully laid before the Board in the previous memorandum of the Government. If the amount which it is proposed to re-lease appears large as compared with that set aside tor agricultural settlement and sale, it will be remembered that under the new system of leasing it will be competent at any time to take, without compensation, at twelve months' notice,' further lands for sale and settlement out of the runs ; and further, that the greatest care has to be exercised in assigning the areas for freehold settlement, so that auriferous ground should not be alienated, or the mining industry be otherwise interfered with. On this subject tie Government has had important representations from those interested in mining pursuits. " It now remains for the Board first of all, in terms of section 114 of 'The Land Act, 1877,' to consider whether the subdivision and re-leasing of the runs, as suggested, meets their views, and then in terms of sections 120 and 121 to determine—(l.) The rates of rental which should be fixed as the upset price at which they should be put up to auction ; and (2.) The term of years, not being more than 10, for which the runs, or portions of runs, should be re-leased—upon the determination of the last point much will depend. The objects of those who are entrusted with the administration of these lands in the future will be, to increase their productive power to the utmost, to afford facilities for pastoral and agricultural settlement at recurring intervals to growing population, and to obtain as large a revenue for the State as is consistent with those objects. "The simultaneous termination of a number of pastoral leases is not favourable in many respects to these results. It is, therefore, suggested for the consideration of the Board, that the term of years for which the runs or portions of runs should be released should be varied according to their character and the position of the land, and that in the case of the subdivision of some of the larger runs the different portions should be leased for different terms of years. It will be observed that in the vioinity of inland townships, and of lands already occupied by agricultural settlers, the runs have been made as small as the nature of the country would permit. In such cases it is thought there will at once be competition for them, and that their size will bring them within the reaoh of men of moderate meens. In such cases the Board ««uld probably think it well to give the full tei in of ten years lease. The same course would be followed with regard to any country where a present demand may be supposed to exist. The tern for whioh the other runs would be let would be guided by a variety of considerations, amongst others the spread of the rabbit nuisance, which no doubt can only be encountered under a tenure of fair duration. But on the whole the effort should be made so to re-lease the country that the leases will bo falling in at more frequent intervals than they would if they were all let for the same term ; and that they will so fall in as to meet the requirements of advancing settlement, and so that the State may obtain the advantage of tho greater rental which would acorue from increased facilities of communication and the more immediate presence of alargor population. "On the whole, I would suggest that say 1.C00.000 acres should be let for the full term of ten years, and the remainder for three different periods of say two, five, and seven years. In the sohodule forwarded herewith the upset rental has been suggested at about a hair more than what was paid on assessment at 7d a sheep. The estimate ha* been made in view of the present deterioration of grazing property from the labbit pest. It is hoped, however, that recont legislation will enable this nuisance to be successfully dealt with. I shall be obliged if you will lay this letter and accompanying maps and document* before the Board at the earliest opportunity, so that as soon as the question has been decided the publication of the mops

may bo proceeded with without delay. A* previously stated, you will bo aware that in terms of the Aot the auotion of tho runs mutt tako place not later than tho end of February next, and that duo notice will also bttvo to be given beforo that date in terms of •eotion 114 to tho present lessees a* to the Coumo which will bo adopted." The Ohio! Surveyor ilso forwarded maps showing County boundaries, &o. After some discussion, on the suggestion of Mr Stout, the subjoot was postponed for a week.