AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER ft ADVERTISER. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1872. " MEASURES. NOT MEN."

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 243, 26 September 1872, Page 7

AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER ft ADVERTISER. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1872. " MEASURES. NOT MEN."

The decision of His Honor Mr. Justice Chapman, in the case of Maclean and others v. Macandrew and others, has created a feeling of disappointment and regret in Tuapeka. Many men have been patiently waiting for a lengthened period to acquire land on the Bellamy Run, and the result of the case has been anxiously looked for. Certainly, neither side seemed in any hurry to bring it to a conclusion. The feelings of those kept in suspense, as to whether they would be able to procure a spot to establish a home upon or not, seems to have been entirely disregarded. Messrs. Maclean and Co. cannot be blamed for this, but for the sake of those alluded to, the Provincial Government should not, if it lay in their power, have allowed the proceedings to extend such an unconscionably long period of time. We are not aware whether the authorities intend to carry the matter before the Court of Appeal. If so, there will be another year's delay at the least This would certain be a livelj' prospect for those desirous of settling upon the disputed land — so lively, indeed, that they would not care to contemplate it too closely, but would, In all likelihood, prefer to do so with a few hundred miles of sea dividing them from it. Whether it is intended to oarry the oase further, or let it rest as it is, some land should be immediately thrown, open. No difficulty oan stand in the way of a. cancellation.of the runholder's title over 5000 ' aores. This would temporarily satisfy the demand, and when the Otago Waste Lands Act comes into operation, more land can be procured* If some land is to be thrown open, it must be done quickly. Tie people who want to settle have been so befooled and humbugged, that they are thoroughly sick of the country, and are not likely tohropk; much further delay.

It has been repeatedly stated, that unless some further facilities for acquiring land on the goldfields are provided, many of the best men will leave the colony. We have seen how many valuable colonists have emigrated in the past, because they were not allowed to attach themselves to the soil. In the future, if the same cause ia allowed to exist, a similar result will inevitalby follow. We do hope the Executive will take this matter into consideration, and as soon as possible make arrangements for having a 5000 acre block of land on Bellamy Run declared available for settlement.

Once again a Fire Brigade has been organised — this time we hope successfully. So far as the Brigade itself is concerned, we have little fear of its sharing the fate of its predecessor. The men seem efficicent and willing; and the officers elected have had considerable experience elsewhere. But if proper encouragement is not afforded by the townspeople, it cannot continue to exist. Up to the present time, Lawrence has not been the scene of a conflagration of any magnitude; and, although, this almost unparalleled immunity may have lulled many into apathetic indifference, no one can believe that it will always continue. In a town built of wood, the danger of fire is always imminent. The townspeople, therefore, should always be on the alert to guard against the danger; and the best

way to do, is to have a thoroughly disciplined andjefficient corps organised, to undertake tfus special duty. The first step in this direction has been taken, and now it only remains for those whose lives and properties are to be protected, to put their hands willingly in their pockets and subscribe liberally. A good round sum is required to put the newly-formed Brigade into a state of thorough efficiency. The insurance companies, we believe, will give handsome donations, and the Town Council will, probably, vote a sum of money for this purpose. The remainder of the expense will fall directly upon the citizens, who, we hope, will see it is their interest to contribute ungrudgingly, according to their means. We may point out an indirect advantage of the existence of a Fire Brigade, i.e., that it will cause a considerable reduction in the annual premiums required to be paid for insurances. We do not think it necessary to urge more strongly, or at greater length, the desirability of affording every encouragement to the Fire Brigade, as it must be patent to every sensible man.