MEETING WITH THE SETTLERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1508, 4 November 1886, Page 3

MEETING WITH THE SETTLERS.

In the evening Mr Baker, who was accompanied by Mr March, met the holders of sections in the village settlement in the Courthouse, Temuka, with the view of hearing their opinions on the subject of extending their holdings. There was a very large attendance and great interest was evinced in the proceedings. Mr Baker said some of them might remember that some time ago, he promised them to lay off the sections adjoining the creek as soon as he could get a Surveyor with, him, and; the sections would be laid off. He also proposed to extend the holdings and he would be glad'to hear what they had to say on the subject. The Government were not obliged to extend the sections, but they might do so. What ho would suggest was that the owners of sections near the creek should have another quarter acre which would extend their holdings to the creek. Those who were not pear the creek could get sections elsewhere. Of course they would not get a section for every member of the family, but every family would get another section. He would be glad to hear their opinion on the subject and take down the names of each as were willing to take up sections. He would answer any question on the subjects. Mr Edgeler said one side of the creek was a one-sided arrangement. What were the people on the other aide of the creek to get ?• They would have no right-of-way. Mr Baker said he would see that every section had a good road to it. Mr Edgeler wanted to know what would become of section 716, belonging .to his son.

Mr Baker explained that, lie would gat all the land between bis section and the creek. He bad some difficulty with regard to one place. He doubted whether a road was necessary by Williams’ section- There was no use in having too many roads; they would only have to maintain them. He thought it better to cut it up into sections. [There was a murmur of applause,, which showed plainly the people were in favor of this.] Mr Goodey said the views of the men generally was that they objected to take up sections owing to .want of employment. The times were so bad that the sections which most of them bad would go into the hands of the storekeepers. Mr Baker said it would not be obligatory on anyone to take up the sections, Mr Goodey said the best thing would be to group sections so as to form allotments of four or five acres, and let men cultivate them. If this were not done several of them would have to clear out, and go to the. North Island or somewhere else.

Mr Baker said that could not be done, as the law required the sections to be pm up by auction, but if not sold they might be included.

Mr Goodey said the sections would be improved and they would give employment to the men. Some- were thinking of clearing out'and taking tip bush land in the North Island.- - Gould not something be done with sthe reserves ; could they not bo let ataiow rental ? Mr Baker explained that the reserve! would be vested in the Town Board, and they could do what they liked with them. Mr Goodey.said it .was.the wish of the men to have the word “ unemployed ” blotted ont altogether. Mr Baker said it was his wish also. He would like to see them all employed, but that was not hip business at present. His business was to.extend.their holdings.

Mr Marshall.; Will the Government pot sprats in the creek 1 (Luighter). Mr Edgeler did not think' it would be fair to the old settlers that the land near the creek should be given to those living near it.

Mr Baker said it would not'be given ; it would be sold.

Mr Edgeler insisted that it was very unfair to the original settlers that they should pay £l2.while those coming now would have to .pay only £io or £7 10s. (Great noise, laughter, and cries of hold your tongue)., I will not hold my tongue. Keep quiet now. (Laughter), it is not fair to the ( old settlers. It is gone too far now ; they can’t,take it up, for they would have to go to another part of the town to get a section. Mr Baker; There is a section on the other aide of the street which you can have. Mr Edgeler proceeded to talk about the hardships which would be inflicted on some. He wished Mr Baker to understand he was a Town Commissioner, and would insist bn a bridge being built. (Laughter). Mr Baker then answered several questions. Persons taking up more land would not be required to live on it. The upset price would be £lO, and they would have 5 year! to pay it in. The land would be put up and sold by auction, and forfeited sections could not be sold at less than £l2. Mr Edgeler thought it was intruding on the rights of the Town Board, The Town Commissioners were in expectation of having these sections to let for the advantage of the Town Board. He was a Commissioner, and would look after the interests of the town. (Laughter). Lon’t laugh. If the cpjpmwb'ty laughed he boppd the Commissioner would not. (Laughter), Mr Baker said he was laughing at the fatherly interest Mr Edgeler took in the Town Board (great laughter), The Town Board had its endowments which would b.e vested ip them. After a few more questions Mr Barker invited such as desired their holdings extended to put down their Mines, and about 30 did so.

Mr Edgeler then addressed the meeting on the injustice done to those who bought sections at £l2. After having improved them, they, could not sell them now when the Government brought down the price to £lO and £7 10s. He was not going to take up another section and starve (laughter). If they did not get more 20 or 30 of them would clear out to Australia.

Mr Baker: It is too hot there (laughter). Mr Edge'or : It is too cool here, where we can get nothing to drink (laughter). What they wanted was 60-acre blocks. He got a book from Mr Rollestm which showed him they could get 50-acre blocks in the North Island. There.was ho work for them here, and they would have to clear out somewhere; Mr Baker-wished them to understand that he could not definhely promise that the land would be given, hut he would recommend Govern,ment to extend their holdings, and he had every hope that it would be done. If they took up another section they would be required to improve and and fence it. Anybody could bid for the sec'ions, but anyone who did not own sections a ready would have to live on them.

On the motion of Mr Goo ley, seconded by Mr Douglas, a hearty vote of thunks was passed to Mr Baker and the meeting terminated.