SQUATTERS V. FARMERS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 312, 13 December 1873, Page 3

SQUATTERS V. FARMERS.

(To t/w Editor.) Sib, — Would you permit the undersigned to refer to " A Correspondent's " communication from Blacks, which appears in the " Dunstan Timqs," of 28th November, 1873, in which, allusions are made respecting the action takon by certain parties to procure a block of land on Glassfoi'd's run. " A Correspondent " asserts that there are not two good farms to be obtained on the whole of Glassford's run, and that it is a piece of spite on the part of those making the application on account of Mr. Glassford impounding the settler's horses. Now, we most emphatically deny the assertion set out in " A Correspondent's letter j " and further, would point out that this piece of land applied for is some of the best agricultural laud within 50 miles of Blacks, and that we were not actuated in any way as imputed by Pill Box. There are only 15 sections in the Blacks district open for agricultural settlement, and none of those sections are fit for the plough. In conclusion, we beg to state that the district, "almost to a man," is in favor of having the said land thrown open ; and should the Government want an expression of opinion on the subject by the residents, they will be soon accommodated. — We are, &c, Jony Sheppard. - J. C. Chappet.,. Michael Bahry. John Glass. W, M'Endow. Robert Jordax. Chabi.es Carson. ([Our correspondents enclose the subjoined official comnunication in support of their statement : — ] " Public Works Office (Provincial) "Dunedin, 3rd December, 1873. " Gentlemen,— l have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your memorial addressed to his Honor the Superintendent, relative to the opening up of more land adjoining block 1, Tiger Hill ; and, in reply, to inform you that the Government have no power to take hind m the spot indioatod this year, unless by agreement with the pastoral tenant, which it will endeavor to make, and should thi9 fail, the Q-ovevninent will throw open a block next year under the deferred payment system, and endeavor to get surveyed and thrown open for selection by Ist February. "I have the honor to be, gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, " Horace Bastings, "•Secretary for Works and Goldfields."