SOUTH CANTERBURY RUNS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2876, 3 October 1895, Page 3

SOUTH CANTERBURY RUNS.

Mr A. P. O'Callaghan's report to the Lands Department for the year ended March last contains the following :—" So far as I have been able to form an opinion the lesaees of the pastoral runs in South Canterbury are, with few exceptions, carrying out the conditions of their leases as regards management. On some the oll'ect of previous neglect are apparent. Two runs are seriously infested with sweetbriar I have dwelt chiefly on the subject of sweetbriar in this report, as I consider it to be by far the most injurious vegetable pest that at present threatens the pastoral country, aud the most difficult of any to destroy if ouce allowed to get firm hold, while it can be easily cleared out with a little care before it extends itself into rough, broken country. I found the runs I havo visited generally more free from gorse and broom than I expected, though, of course, there may be many places affected which I have not been able to see. I regret to have to report that the runs in the Mackenzie Country have suffered very severely from drought this aeaaon. and that feed is very scarce, the stock being in many cases low in condition. It is to be feared the losses this winter will be considerable, if weather proves bad aud much snow falls." Tha following is from the report of Mr Marchant, Chief Commissioner :—"As a consequence of the depreciation in the value of stock and agricultural produce, ih« Laud Board have been potitioned or requested to reduce rents or make other concessions. So far, the applications have been confided to the small graze-run .selectors on Station and Greta Peaks, and a few selectors at Hinds, Burke's l\:ss, aud elsewhere. Eight pastoral tenants applied to be allowed to surrender their licenses or obtain a reduction of rent. The Land Board considered that only throe cases appeared to require relief, the view being taken that one unfavorable year could not be considered sufficient warrant for a reduction, even if the board possessed the power to comply with such requests. . . . Small grazing runs. —Lesaees are suffering severely from depression iu prices, and in some case 3 from the increase in the cost eif keopiug down tho rabbits ; surplus stock is almost unsaleable, and, in many instancos, tho inorino ewes have been sent for boiling down at ruinous prices, to make room f ir wintering tho buubs. The lo.ssees holding under the Act of l.i*o are in much tho samo poajtiqn as fultilling tho requirements of their leases as when I reported on tho .subject la-fc year—namely, the improvement conI ditions have been carried out by all but I one settlor, while residence is not satisI factory in some instances."

Winchkstisu School Committee.—The usual monthly meeting of the Winchester School Committee was held on Monday evening. The following members were present:—Messrs Wm. Deßenzy (chairman). R. Smith, J. Donnithorne, W. Philp, and W. Hide. The master reported that there were 81 pupils on the roll and that the average attendance for September had been 73. The balance-sheet of the late concert was sent in. The receipts amounted to £8 17s 9d, and the expenses to £1 12s 2d, leaving a credit balance of £7 5a 7d. £4 12s 6d was received from the Board of Education, being the amount for incidentals for the quarter. A letter was received from Messrs P. W. Hutton & Co. re school requisites. The chairman was requested to provide some necnsßaries for the Bchool and the master to procure some stationery for the standard examination. The cleaning of the school chimneys was allowed to stand over. Accounts amounting to £3 7s were passed for payment and the meeting terminated.