THE BEAUMONT HUNDRED.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 70, 12 June 1869, Page 3

THE BEAUMONT HUNDRED.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sir,— Each session of the Provincial Council costs Otago a very considerable amomtof money— so much, indeed, that* it becomes a question whether it is not? very badly invested. Considering the small benefit derived, I tlunk it is money absolutely thrown away— so much the more reason why we should treasure and makb the best of any good measure which, may happen to be passed. The session recently ended has been no exception to the rule, in the matter of cost ; and has been quite as fruitless of profitable results as any preceeding session. One good thing, however, was unquestionably done, viz., the declaration -of a portion of Bellamy Run into hundreds. I certainly would have preferred seeing the entire run taken, and an adequate compensation paid. However, with this the public (now) has nothing to do ; the land is urgently needed, and has been granted ; and I am astonished to hear that an attempt, of the most clandestine character, has within the last week been made to undo what the Provincial Council has so righteously done— to continue, in fact, the great land monopoly which has so long existed, and which has placed this fine Province in its present precarious position, by driving away population and discouraging settlement. I ha*ve heard, sir, all sorts of reports about this matter. I will not allude to them further than to say that if a tenth part of them are true the grossest acts of dishonesty have been, committed by persons who ought to know better. Being only reports, I treat them as such until sifted, which 1 believe they will shortly be, as I perceive that a public meeting is announced for Monday evening next. At that meeting, doubtless, the matter will be thoroughly gone into, and the rottenness of the recent proceedings, exposed to view. Ido trust that the public will attend in numbers, and defend their interests. If the proceedings of the expensive Provincial Council are to bo upset to please a fevj at the cost of th& many, why, then, I say, serve the many right for putting up with it.— l am, &c, Cockatoo*

Tuapeka, 10th June, 1869.