AGRICULTURAL LEASING.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 356, 16 May 1874, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL LEASING.

(To the Editor.) Sib, — In the early days of leasing upon the goldfields, applications were made according to law, and for a Txmajide purpose. Now it appears the Agricultural Leasing Reg'-lationß , are made to seivo for pastoral purposes. If •we look at the present raid upon Tuapeka East, it seems dpubtf ul if all those applications are for bona nde agriculturists. One of the applicants, whose application is to be heard on the 21st, has stated that his application is for , another party ; so if there is known to be one dummy in the lot, we are perfectly justified in assuming that there are more. It is about time agricultural leasing in the Tuapeka district was put a stop to. No one can deny but all the ground fit for agricultural purposes has been occupied. The rough country that is left the residents in the district should take some steps to retain possession of for mining and grazing purposes, otherwise they will very soon hare to clear out to make room for the sheep. Wetherstones is doomed if all the agricultural leases that are applied for round about it are granted; and the same plague that is hovering over Wetherstones is liable at any moment to alight in other parts of the district. Fancy a fence running from Wetherstones dam along the sides of the ranges behind the town half-way to the Waitahuna road. Where, .1 ask, can the residents turn their cattle ? Not beyond their own garden fences, unless they come towards the head of Gabriels G-ully. I would recommend that meetings should be held at the different parts of the district to adopt some means whereby the residents will be able to protect themselves. — I am, &c., John M'Hattik. Blue "Spur, May 12th.