THE HERALD. Alexandra: Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1909. LAND SETTLEMENT.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 696, 6 October 1909, Page 5

THE HERALD. Alexandra: Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1909. LAND SETTLEMENT.

The people of the immediate district have at last been aroused from the Micawber-like spirit into which they appeared to have fallen. They ; have addressed themselves—at least, some of the in ).e far-seeing ones - with characteristic energy on the imperative necessity for public agitation being directed towards the promotion ot closer settlement of the Crown lands of this neighborhood. Everybody now knows as j truly as that the sun sheds light the advantages of taking land and settling people upon it This inno- j vation, which was angrily de- ! nounced at its inception by the monied classes as coniiscat jry, has proved to be one of the most vital aids to southern progress. No district in Otago, or the South Island for that matter, has fared worse in the closer settlement of the Crown lands of this dominion than our own i immediate locality, where some 226,000 acres of land are held under pastoral license. Residents i were prevailed upon to concentrate | their energies on irrigation, and leagues were formed for this special purpose. Oiudifterent occasions we j have pointed out the fallacy of their i then efforts, instancing the old argu- j ment of " the blood without a body," but the people were gulled by the oratorial abilities of artful politicians. However, we are pleased to say they have at last been brought to a sense of their responsibilities, and there | appears sufficient reason for supposing that the movement afoot m this district to form Land Leagues at the different localities is the result of careful study on the part of the convener. Truly, Mr Weaver has fulfilled an important mission when he has succeeded in bestirring the people into taking an interest in that which he rightly judges to be essential if the closer, settlement of our Crown lands is to be prosecuted to a fruitful issue. He is performing a service of high value to the community by exerting himself to produce an active interest on the part of the " landless man " in the closer settlement project. Taking everything into consideration, the meeting at Alexandra last week was all that could be desired, and we venture the opinion that in the not-far- , distant tuture the Alexandra Land League will have cause for congratulation at its formation. Many anomalies were even ventilated at the meeting, and if unly half of what was said anent the actions of the Otago Land Board were true then it is high time that the people banded themselves into leagues and by an heroic endeavor sought to mitigate the agrarian profligacy of the past. The offer of Mr Spain to give 1000 acres of the most favorably situated land on Earnseleugh run for subdivision into fruit-grow-ing areas has much to commend itself, and we would fain hope to see the lessees of Moutere and Galloway runs make other such liberal offers. Suitable areas along the foothills from Waikerikeri exist on Moutere run, whilst the ram paddocks on Galloway would make ideal orch ards. If these latter could not be spared, then other fertile portions of the run may easily be transformed into profitable fruit cultivations. The Bonanza water would command any area on Galloway, and the in fiuence of irrigation would serve to furnish the most eloquent proof of the remarkable productivity of the soil on this run. With 3000 acres thrown open for fruit culture on Earnseleugh, Moutere and Galloway runs, the fruit industry in this district would soon assume large dimensions ; and the railway revenue would thereby be considerably increased. We throw this suggestion out to the newly-formed leagues as an incentive to merit their inauguration, and were the proposal placed before the lessees of Moutere and Galloway runs there is every reason to hope that it would be favorably considered. Certain it is that to a large extent the earth hunger would be materially appeased, and the runholders would be laying the foundation of an industry that will in time make Central Otago one of the most populous aud prosperous districts in the South Island.

Parliament reassembles to-morrow. A witness giving evidence in an application before the Ophir Warden's Court last week gave it as his opinion that there was little or no soakage from water races •in Central Otago. This statement, however, did not meet with the general opinion of those present in court, and judging by the decision it was plain that the contention of the witness did not leave any convincing proof of his argument on the mind of the warden. Areas of land suitable for fruit culture are now being readily taken up in this district, , and during the past week or s > several sections have been applied for. When an application came before last meeting of the Otago Land Board for an area of ground on Earnscleugh ran for a fruit orchard, the lessee, Mr Spam, who was present at the meeting, suggested that a block of land, say 1,000 acres, in the most favorable part of the run be selectee for subdivision into sections suitable foi fruit culture. People working on dredges ir the district were desirous of securing lant for orchards, and Mr Spain assured th< board that he had no objection to area: being granted, as the blocks were only small The Hoard unanimously decided to ad>pt Mi Spain'* snggestim, and several of -thi members complimented Mr Spain on hiliberal otfer in the interests of close: ettietuent.

The court sits at Clyde on Saturday and at Alexandra on Monday next. Railway excursion fares in connection with the Dunedin spring races are advertised in this issue. Look out for auction sale on Thursday, 14th inst., on behalf of Theyers Bros, comprising furniture and effects, two-acre section near school, and other articles For further particulars see handbills. Shop to let. —AdvL Pallid, thin and passing weak, Shivering in the cold wind bleak, Coughing till he scarce can speak, This is man without it ! Laughing at each cough and cold, What is this that makes him bold? Stuff that's worth its weight in gold - Woods' Peppermint cure— don't doubt it. Attention is directed to an important auction sale at Clyde on 26th inst., when Mr George Fache will sell two races with right to two heads of water, also one acre alluvial claim and about 500 feel of iron piping. The property is situated at Blackman's Gully, and as the races command all the low-lying land on Earnseleugh the sale should attract a large attendance of miners and fruitgrowers. The new season's catalogue presented by Mr W. A. Scott, cycle importer and manufacturer, Dunedin, is to hand and its enlarged form and complete compilation is an indication of the growth of this business. The name of the business has been changed to W. A. Scott and Sons, Mr Scott having taken his sons, who have been brought up to the business, into partnership. The mail order department of the business receives careful attentiou, and orders by post are promptly despatched. Everyone should have one of these useful catalogues. Complete arrangements have been made in connection with the daffodil social to be held in Alexandra to-morrow evening under the auspices of the football club. Hearty support has been accorded the club by its numerous lady friends, and the feature of the function will be an excellent table supper. Local horticulturists who have daffodils l ' spare are respectfully invited to notify the secretary (Mr P. Gordon), when these will be called for to-morrow. The social is expected to be very largely attended, and visitors from Clyde and other adjoining districts have signified their intention of being present. Sir J. G. Ward, Prime Minister of New Zealand, returned to Auckland on Thursday last from his visit to England in connection with the Defence Conference. Sir Joseph was tendered a fitting welcome home, the streets being lined with spectators. While in L-jndon the Prime Minister obtained a million of money, and also laid the basis for obtainnig in London all monies required by local public bodies in New Zealand at the rate of about 3£ P" cent. These sums >vill only be obtainable in sums of and over, and for that reason legislation of a special nature will be required. Sir Joseph said he was glad to be able to say that our financial position there stands as strong as ever. On his arrival at Wellingt m on Saturday Sir Joseph Ward received a very warm reception. Referring to the repjrt in the Conservative papers on his Auckland welcome, which was described by every Tory journal as lukewarm, Sir Joseph made some very outspoken remarks. He said : " Some people who professed to be on the side of Empire were not above doing something contemptible to try to stab one who happened to be the leader of a prominent party in NewZealand. Forty thousand citizens had enthusiastically welcomed him at Auckland, but a miserable, contemptible effort was made by some creature to try to discount it. All he could say was ' Have pity on him, for his intellect must be of inferior type.' " Sir Joseph was warmly applauded for his pointed remarks During the-progress of the lan 1 meeting at Alexandra on Saturday last it was mentioned that, a local syndicate had approached the Land Board with a view to securing a title over a piece of land between Alexandra and Clyde. The intention was to obtain the land for the purpose of raising water from the river to irrigate the arid area by means of an invention possessed by the syndicate. The idea was to demonstrate the capacity of the invention for pumping water from the river for irrigation purposes, and it was contended that the machine would assist in solving the vexed question of water schemes for Irrigating the arid regions of Central Otago. Members *>f the league were of opinion that the efforts of the syndicate should be encouraged, and it was practically decided to assist the syndicate to secure the land. The shield won by the local school football team at the annual seven-aside tournament at Roxburgh recently is now on view in Mi Richardson's shop window. It is rather a pretty trophy, being composed of polished oak, with silver mountings. The centre plate represents a football held, and is also made of silver, whilst plates exist around the shield for placing thereon the names of the winning teams. The shield was presented to the school yesterday by Mr* Marslin, chairman of the school committee. To the Roxburgh tournament committee a word of praise is due for their foresight in providing such a valuable trophy for competition amongst school teams, an 1 we trust that their efforts in this direction will be rewarded by the raising of the standard of Rugby amongst the growing youths of the Teviot and our own immediate districts.

Considerable difficulty was experienced at the Land League meeting in finding a person to undertake the duties of honorary secretary, and for a time it looked as if. the position would not be filled. However, Mr S. T. Spain came to the rescue of the league and accepted the position, for which he was j accorded a hearty round of applause. As Mr Spain is the lessee of Earnscleugh run it is a , rather singular occurrence to find a runholler fulfilling the secretarial duties of a land league. In taking the position Mr Spain assured the meeting that he would place no obstacles in the way of the league in its advocation for the closer settle.nent of the land, and he would endeavor to carry out his duties in a satisfactory manner. The chair man paid a high tribute to Air Spain, who was ever ready to assist in any movement that tended towards the future prosperity of the district, and his action that night clearly showed that although an occupier of a pastoral run he was in sympathy with the people in the demand for laud At the recent dispersal sale of Clydesdale horses at Mr Reid's Elderslie Estate, near Oaiuaru, Mr Peter Anderson, of Ida Valley, was successful in securing a couple of young horses, which should prove valuable for breeding purp ses A bay colt by Balgowrie Emerald II was purchased by Mr Anderson for 35) guineas. As Balgowrie has secured firsts and champions in the ring at Christchurch on four different occasions, as well as other similar prizes in Canterbury, Mr Anderson's purchase should prove a good one. The strain is of the very best quality, cuming as it does from the very front rank of Clydesdale progeny. Mr Anderson also purchased a bay filly four years old by Agitator -Dolly. The price paid was 75 guineas, and the filly has been served by Balgowrie. The name of Agitator is sufficient guarantee of the filly's quality, for this wellknown sire was a prize-taker at the Highland S )ciety's show in Scotland, and was for many years the champion stallion of New Zealand. We have to congratulate Mr Anderson on securing two such valuable horses. Alt igether seven hj irses were purchased from Eldirslie for Central Otago, two secured by Mr John Wilson, ut Lau ier, and three f>r the Maniut >to district. A full sister to Mr Anderson's fidy was !> lught by Mr Sh m, of Fielding, for 235 guineas.