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Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 105, 12 February 1870, Page 3

probably inform the Board the total number of Mr. M* Alpine's cattle, as he {Mr. Robertson) had no hesitation in saying that Mr. M'Alpine had twice the number included in that application. He was glad the Inspector was present, as he <Mr, Robertson) did not like to pay for his full number while others were allowed to go scot-free. The Inspector said he would be glad to know those who were not paying. Mr. Michael believed there were about 3000 head of cattle running on the Round Hill which were not paid for. Mr. Eadie asked if there were any paid for running on Round Hill branded with a circle, as he had seen many there with that brand. The Inspector said there were 70 head paid for having that brand. Mr.M'Alpine's application was granted. The Inspector here stated that his "powers were so limited that he felt his ■hands completely tied. He had written to the Government to that effect, and until he had the power to muster and impound cattle his power was paratysed. Malcolm M'lnnes,' application of 13 head, granted. John Pearson's application of 18 head, granted: Walter Miller's application of 18 head was next submitted to the Board. This application was questioned, on the ground of Mr. Miller not being a resident. Mr. Robertson looked upon the applicant as a runholder, and considered the privilege of depasturing cattle on the ■common was purely for the advantage of settlers and miners in the district. He had no more claim than a resident of Tapanui or elsewhere. Mr. Miller's application refused. Denison and John Roughan, 28 head, granted. William Besestow, 7 head, <granted. John Ward, 9 head, granted. James White, 6 head, granted. John L. 2 head, applicant not known — no address given ; Mr. Robertson empowered to grant it if correct. Robert Elliot, 18 head, granted. Sutherland and Poison, 50 head. Mr. Robertson asked where these cattle were expected to run. The chairman replied, in the ¥aitahuna division. v Mr. Robertson was "inclined to think' %he Waitahuna division was pretty well ■stocked ; besides, he thought Messrs. Sutherland and Poison already had their "full share, of cattle on the run. For the first time during the past three years there "was feed in the district ; and he was afraid if cattle were crowded upon the commonage in this way, it would be, •with the natural increase of cattle, as much impoverished as it was last year. ""Some runholders had said — and they were making a boast of it — that if the Board would not allow them to put on ■sheep, they would have cattle put on. Mr. Poison differed with Mr. Robertson as to the run being stocked. He thought it was capable of carrying many more cattle without degenerating it. If any restrictions as to number were to be made, he thought such a diiug should have been done when the boundaries were first decided upon. He thought it would be very unfair to pounce upon a poor sheepowner as soon as they suppose the Tun was stocked. Mr. Dewes endorsed Mr. Robertson's remarks. Mr. Eadie asked if Mr. Poison would think it right, if be (Mr. E*die) were to jj^iJ-OOD-sheep on Mr. Poison's ground. ""^Slr. Poison was certain that had the •application been made by oue who had no sheep on the goldfields, it would have been received at once. Mr. Michael would support the application, but on principle he thought it could not be withheld. He thought the time had come when a limit should be fixed for the number of cattle to be allowed each license holder. [This very timely suggestion of Mr. Michael's did not seem to receive the general approval of the Board. Mr. Gascoigne referred to the great drawback caused by the want of bye-laws to regulate these matters. He would support the application — no other course in justice could be adopted. Mr. Robertson thought it unwise to •admit other people's cattle to starve their own. He woiUd not consider himself justified, neither would he justify any body, in purchasing, say 100 head of cattle, not knowing where he could put them. The Chairman drew the attention of the Board to the Standing Orders, which restricted members to speaking twice only to the same motion. Mr. Robertson proposed, and Mr. Evans seconded, an amendment, "That the application be refused." On the amendment being put to the Board, there were three for, and four against. The application was therefore granted. John Downie's application for four head — granted. Thos. Treloar, eighteen head— granted James' Smith, Greenfield Station. There was some discussion on this application, but it was ultimately refused on the ground of non-residence. J. F. Herbert, for §00 sheep, refused on ground of applicant failing to state the locality where he wished the sheep to run. Walter Miller — refused, non-residence. Mr. Robertson drew the attention of the- Board to the system which was becoming so common and pernicious of residents on the goldfields taking in cattle on terms. He had heard even of people going to Tokomairiro, and bringing up mob after mob. There was no application from the Board for these cattle ; if they were paid for the evil would not be quite so bad. He considered the Board was not only doing the district but themselves an injustice. He believed there were 600 head on the run more thaa were shown in the returns. Mr. Poison moved, and Mr. Eadie seconded, "That the Government be asked to allow the secretary the sum of £10 a year for stationery, postage, and incidental expenses." Carried. Mr. Poison agreed to communicate with the Government respecting the matter. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Robertson, Poison, and Gascoigne, was appointed to draw up a return of cattle allowed by virtue of business licenses, miners' rights, &c. It was estimated that about ' 700 were included under these various rights. The next meeting of the Board to be held, on the sth of April. IShe Board then adjourned.