MR. HOLLOWAY INCITED TO VISIT

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 335, 4 March 1874, Page 3

MR. HOLLOWAY INCITED TO VISIT

ROXBURGH.

The following is a copy of a letter forwarded to Mr. C/Holloway by the Secretary 'of the Roxburgh Progress Committee • —

27th February, 1874. "Sir.^^On behalf of tlie Progress ComMittee and -at their request, I desire to express to you tmr sincere approval of ydur MTiag undertaken a journey to this colony 'f*4 fSrpurpbpe '<Jf reporting upon its tfcpfc-4QiMfi'l^-^y«nUfs« aa/fk- suitable field for

agricultural settlement. 1 We are alßoglad to Observe that it is your intention 1 to make a personal tour through the province in furtherance of the same Object, and trust you will make it convenient to visit this district and meet this Committee, for the purpose of having a fair and truthful statement made- to you of the various difficulties which are .persistently put forth by the Government to defeat the oanafide settlement ofagriculturists on lands in localities, which for their excellent character in respect of climate are so well adapted for permanent homes of .large numbers of families ; but which, owing to the reckless and much to be regretted action of the Government, are almost always allowed to be monopolised by capitalists and runholders. In support of such statement, we would simply and fearlessly refer to the different agricultural blocks which have been declared open in this district — some being but dry shingle .beds, others of first-class quality, as the Island- Block, being sold to the runholder in defiance of the fact of the same having previously been declared open for application, and being nearly all applied for by iutending agricultural settlers. We venture to state .that, notwithstanding, the much boasted liberality of the land laws of this province, until suitable and reliable guarantees are given by the Government that good and suitable land will be reserved for settlement, and commonage for grazing cattle be provided in connection with each agricultural locality, there is little hope or prospect of immigrants on arrival .here being placed in any position better than agricultural day laborers, subject to remuneration for their labor to a fluctuating labor market. — I have the honor to be, sir, your obedt. servant,

- ' ' " John M. Kinastox, " Secretary Progress Committee. " Mr. C. Holloway, " Wain's Hotel, Dunedin."