LAND COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 780, 24 March 1905, Page 2

LAND COMMISSION.

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, March 23. Tho Land Commission continue*-its flying tour through Otago. McmlierH) were up at daybreak, and some inspected tho Baruego Scltlcniont, which is considered a success. Evidence was taken at Dalclutha from representatives of the Formers' L'nion and some Barncgo settlers. The latter thought Hint after ten years' residence a settler should have the opeion of the freehold. One s tiler offered to sell his pluce to any member of the Commission, il he' would get what he paid out on the place. Tho Commission then proceeded to Clinton, but no Witnesses were available, a much more iiii[>ortaiit event—a. sheep sale—engaging attention. 'J'he Commission visited Pomahaka settlement. After passing Wniruim the laud became poorer, and the opinion wus frc.-ly expros-ed that, the Pomahnkn settler at !!s Dd was paying too high for the lund. There wus a strong cold wind blowing, nnd rain was threatening. Crops and turnips looked backward and thin, and the whole surroundings desolate and dreary. One of the settlers interviewed the Commission, and hud no cheerful lule to tell. The Commissioners were glad to get away from the forlorn spot. In the evening ut Clinton, evidence was given by I'oniuhaka seniors. They cuinpluined that rent was too high, the loading excessive, and the sections too small. The Advances to Settlers liepurtuient, according to one witmss. refused advances, as the luml. over, with improvemonls added, wus not worth the runts ihey were paying. Sir John MucKen/.ie had said he woidd get a settler a loan despite this, but the department Kent buck the rent in advance, and the man only got some £3. He was so disgusted that ho left the district.