Original Correspondence.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 12, 10 June 1863, Page 5

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Lake Wakatip Mail. Sir, —Being absent from home at the time of the late meeting held at Queenstown, I tike this opportunity of bringing before the public, that, which had I been present, I should then have stated. My peculiar position as to pre-emptive right over the whole of the land on which

this Township is built is well known, and my moral right to the same universally acknowledged ; but whatever may be my legal title, I feel that there are too many interests now at stake to press my claim to the land; therefore, before leaving Dunedin, I informed the Superintendent that in my case, whatever was the decision of the Government, I should merely look for compensation. This, I trust, will enable all those who have stores and buildings in this town to enter upon improvements freely, and without fear of any future interference on my part. But I cannot conclude without referring to another and equally important point to me. I mean my right as Runholder to the grazing of the whole of the land in this district. It is not generally known that the run, having been declared a Goldfield, in no way destroys my exclusive right to its pasturage; but such is the case. Even the late Superintendent, when up here, assured me of this; and Major Richardson, from his well known prii.ciphs, is not likely for an instant to have allowed such a right, unless he had felt quite sure of its legality. From the constant traffic through every part of my run, it is quite destroyed for all breeding purposes; indeed, owing to this, my lambing this summer has been a sad contrast to what I have heretofore experien< ed; for in place of three thousand I can only number as many hundred lambs. I have been obliged to remove all my breeding sheep, and make use of the country for the running of purchased fat stock to supply the butchers. The run is now carrying many hundred horses, as well as many milch cows, for the comfort of the diggers, &c, and to this I have never objected. And although, in many instances, I have allowed fat stock to be depastured here, there is no right to do so recognised lam certain that no one can personally think ill of me if I exercise my right, and object to the running of fat stock here; for if any one is to derive benefit from it, certainly the pioneer of this country, after the enormous expense of starting a run in such an out of the way district, ought to have the preference of all others. Should such monopoly press very heavily, it is always in the power of the diggers and residents in the district, by proper representation to the Government, to show them the advisability of cancelling the runholder's license: in this case a fair compensation is allowed him. Trusting you will give this a place in your columns, I am, Sir, Yours &c., W. G. Rees.

"w [advertisement.] PUBLIC HALL. To the Editor of the Lake Wakatip Mail. Sir, —An Institution, hitherto not esteemed essential in this thriving township, has of late engaged the attention of a few gentlemen desirous of aiding in the permanent settlement of the place; while at the same time affordiug means to the public of social and enlightening entertainment not at present possessed. It is thought that a large Hall, say about 50 i 20 feet, could be built by subscription, or otherwise, in which all public meetings could be held. Also for the purp se of Lectures, Concerts, Sabbath-day Preachings, Evening Classes, and the like ; as well as a place in which to hold meetings of the Town Council or Committees. Such a Hall, it is calculated, could be built at a cost of about £250, and could, without much difficulty, be made self-supporting. It is the intention of the Provisional Committee to call a public meeting in order to have the matter fully discussed, when it is hoped gentlemen favorable to the movement will be present. Due notice will be given of the Public Meeting to be called. Signed on behalf of the Provisional Committee,