OHINGAITI.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9083, 25 February 1908, Page 5

OHINGAITI.

CUTTING lIP THE LAND. Tho adjourned public meeting in connection with this subject was held on Friday evening last in Delaney’s Hall, Ohiugaiti. A large number assembled, including Mr Horn blow from Mangaweka. Mr T. Berry presided, and apologised for tho absence of Abe Gower (one of the delegates), and that of tho Momber|for the district, Mr A. E. Remington. Letters were also read which had been received from laud owners, who had been written to on the subject. The gentlemen written to were Messrs B. Hammond, Weston sen., A. E. Russell, Duthie Bros., and W. S. Marshall. The three last courteously replied that at present they had no intention of selling their properties. Messrs Hammond and Weston, sen., did not reply. It was further stated that Mr McGregor, who controlled blocks of laud on the east side of the Rangitikci, had been interviewed by tho delegates appointed, and that he had expressed his willingness to cut up ins leaseholds and also assist bona iide settlors. The rental he named was 80s per aero. Messrs Heise and H. Lower both expressed the opinion that at this rental it would bo impossible to make a living off tho laud. The latter cited personal experience in support of ids argument. Many others endorsed their remarks. Mr Hornblow, at the chairman’s invitation, faddressed’gthe meeting, ami said that if those present wanted land for homesteads they must make their wants and needs known. Tho Hen. the Minister for Lambs, Mr McNab, would, Mr Hornblow assured tho meeting, bo willing to visit tho district in April next. If ho were communicated with—and when he reached Ohiugaiti driven round, tho obvious fact of tiro laud’being locked up> would ho made clear to him. and if then a petition was presented through the Member for tho district, the Government would assuredly take steps to cut up some of the large estates surrounding Ohiugaiti. He gave this information as he had been called upron by the chairman, and although lie was not a resident of Ohiugaiti lie wanted to see tho pilaco go ahead—it would help? tho town in "which ho lived. Ho would do all in his pmwer to assist anv movement.

ft was resolved that the 'Hon. the Minister for Lands be invited to visit Ohinguiti in April next. It was also proposed and carried that the delegates communicate with Mr McGregor, asking if be will kindly consider the question of fixing a lower rental for such lands as be is willing to offer to lease. The advantage of getting the Government to build the Mental Hospital (which Cabinet has resolved upon) at Ohingaiti was strongly urged. It was pointed out that probably the Government purposed building a'similar structure to the Suuuyside Mental Hospital, and using the laud acquired as the Suuuyside Superintendent did—for rearing purebred stock. Messrs Heise and Hancox were elected delegates with power to act with those already elected. The meeting closed with the usual votes of thanks, and special mention of Mr HornbloiV and Mr Delaney, the latter having given the use of the hall free of charge.