CROOKSTON.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 169, 4 May 1871, Page 6

CROOKSTON.

(From our Own Correspondent.) 22nd April, 1371. A meeting of those interested in the Crookston block of land was lately hold at Rae's Junction Hotel. Present: Messrs. R. MLcjod, J. Rao, J. Bennett, Groorge M'J>od, Robert Patrick, and others. Mr. M'Leod whs called to the chair. The Chairman explained tho reason for calling the meeting, viz., that all those holding land in the said block had received notice, either from tho runholders or their managers, to the effect that ploughing, fencing, &c, must be stopped immediately, and giving twelve hours' notice to remove all cattle trespassing thereon. Mr. James Bennett proposed :—: — "That the Superintendent be consulted in the rn-itter, and be requested to send a reply by telegraph." This resolution was seconded by Mr. Patrick. Mi\ Rae and Mr. M'Leod produced their deposit receipts, which they had obtained from the "Warden at the Teviot, whom they thought to be an accredited agent of the G-overnment. In taking a report of this meeting, I should like to make a few remarks, if not trespassing on you" valuable space. Although a comparative stranger in this part of the province, I have had seven years' experience in connection with the Government and goldfields in tho North Island, so that my passing remarks are not made without a little experience in these matters. In the first place, Mr. Editor, allow me to remark tlia^l did think matters connected with the G-overnment were I better conducted in the South than I they have been in the unfortunate North Island ; bnt I am sorry to see that the South Island has been fast drifting on the same lock on which the North Island got shipwrecked. I am, however, glad to sec that so far as the Council is concerned, you are getting a better class of men, viz., mercantile men, who wish to see the industries of the country prosper, and population increase — not land sharks, of which I can see this province has had its share; and allow me to add, that through these provincial land sharks the greater part of the North Island has been landed in bankruptcy. But not to deviate too far for the present from the purport of the meeting : in the name of justice, I ask, what would be thought of any private individual, or firm, that would transact business in such a loose manner as the Government have apparently clone with the inhabitants of this district ? I scarcely think the squatters would issue such rash ordei's unless they had good authority for so doing. Whether the G-overnment or the squatter is to blame, I know not ; but this Ido know, that I would look for redress to some one. The head of the province is just as amenable to the law as any private individual. I by no means blame the squatters for the action taken ; it is the proper course to wake up the Government, if they have not fulfilled the many unfortunate engagements they have entered into with the squatter. Right is right, and a bargain is a bargain — to use common phrases ; but I maintain it is hard for an industrious and thriving class of settlers to have their cattle hunted here, there, and everywhere. They are told to remove them, but where are they to remove them to ? Echo answers to the famed Island Block. They will soon be hunted from there. Drive them, then, where the Maori wants to drive the pakeha — into the sea. This Crookston Block is capable of supporting a number of families, and I think the G-overnment have done well to encourage the agriculturist. I wish I could say the same of the Island Block ; but I reserve this for a future occasion. Had the Crookston Block been auriferous, I would say give it neither to the agriculturist nor the squatter. As regards the Moa

Flat Block, I shall not trespass on your space at this time ; but I should advise the Government to think seriously before they di-.pose of any land along tho bed of the Benger Burn, which I have little hesitation in prono uucing, so far as the terraces and flats aro. concerned, gold-bearing. It is only a question of time and a supply of water that is wanted to develop its resources. I had very great pleasure in visiting that extensive water race at the Teviot, accompanied by Mr. M'Kay, merchant, and a few of the other shareholders. The race is being carried some miles above the Teviot along precipitous mountains, and so permanent is the work that you might run an engine along the track. In a very short time they will reach the banks of the rive/*. I understand it is their intention to carry this race to Moa Flat. This is truly a praiseworthy undertaking, and that on a large scale, and at great expense ; but still, there are in this company practical men who know that eventually it will repay them, and they will yet have good causo to be proud that they have been instrumental in settling a large number of industrious miners on our rivei- terraces.

There is no telegram as yet from the seat of knowledge to the settlers at Oi'ookston. lam afraid there i« somothing rotten in the state of Denmark.