THE WAITAKI ISLANDS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8174, 4 May 1895, Page 3

THE WAITAKI ISLANDS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

A mooting was hold on Thursday night in Dolargy's II ill, Kurow, re lousing tho islands in tho Waitaki River. Tho meotnig was convened by ndvertiscmont, and a largo number of sot tiers interested in tho islands wore present. Mr G. Raven was elected to tho chair. Tho Chairman said it afforded him groat ploasuro to preside at tho meoting, aa it showed clearly by tho uuinbor prosonl that tho gotilora of tho district were- alivo to their own interest, and wero prepared to uso all roftßonnblo moans to protout those intorosts. This said a lot for tho vigilunco and porseveranco of tho sottlors. Ho understood that tho mooting was calKd for tho purpo.so of protesting against tho salo of tho islands in tho Waitaki River, cspeci'lly tho islands that most interested i ho residents of this district. Ho said that thoro woro tliroo methods by which tho tf Kiclen'a might arquiro tho isl-tnd.s, viz : (1) Ask tho Govi rmncnt to withdraw thorn from sale ; (2) ;icquiro them under clause 115 of tho Laud Act. In case tho meeting decided on adopting this course tluy would h wot) door 'ruatoosin whom the islands ehou'd bo vesbed. Filling thn Government granting them uudor tho above clause, trustees might bo appointed on behalf of tho scttlois to acquire tho islands. After a number of motions had beon moved flntl carried, and finally rescinded, th» following motions woro carried : Mr C. Ilillo moved, and Mr W. Frasor seconded : That the Mandß rofori'od to in lot 2 bo doclaiod a reserve for grazing purposes for tho benefit of tho sett len of tho district, under clause 110 of the Land Act-. Mr Smith mnvod, and Mr T. Munro seoondod : That in the event of the (iovernmont not falling in with tho requ at embc died in Mr Hil'c'a motion, lhaf this meeting would bo in favor of subscribing tho upset rmtal, viz., Ll5, ami lousing tho islaudn id lot G, such lot to bo vested iti trustees eloo'od by tho subscribers, h was also decided that a petition bo drawn up at once, praying tho Govoinment to considor tho net lers 1 request as net forth in tho motions carried. Tho petition was draw up in tho hill and signod by about 30 settlers. A voto of thanks to Me Riven for presiding torminatod the proceedings.