Alexandra Land League.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 698, 20 October 1909, Page 5

Alexandra Land League.

Over twenty members of the above constitution attended the first monthly meeting on Monday evening last, the president (Mr Weaver) occupying the chair.

Several new members having been elected, correspondence was read showing that the lease of portion of Moutero run, comprising 6000 odd. acres, expired in February, 1910.

Mr Marsliu considered it was the duty j of the league to confer with the Laud j Board and ascertain what steps the j Board intended taking to have the laud | resumed for closer settlement. He | understood that members of the Board intended paying a visit to the district at I an early date, and suggested that the I different leagues meet them at Alexandra. The secretary explained that he had j communicated with the Land Board, and j had also seen the commissioner, who inI formed him that, members would be in, I the district in about a fortnight's time to j inspect the area "to be resumed on Earns- ! cleugli for fruit growing. i The president,thought it was wise to I meet them. .Thejleague was formed for j the promotion of closer settlement, and j although the Board may not give them i much encouragement lie suggested that a I petition be circulated and presented to I the Board signed by those desirous of | settling on the land.. He considered the, ; j Board was not paying Sufficient "attention j to closer settlement, and instanced the extension of lease granted to Galloway owing to the severe snowstorm. Another storm may come any time, and if a petition were circulated it would have more weight than personal interviews or j deputations. In reply to a question, Mr Spain de- ' tailed his offer to the Board. He considered the best fruit area was at Blackman's, and if they could not get 1000 acres at one place then they could take two or three blocks in different places, j The Board had decided to inspect the run | with a view to selecting favorablysituated areas. He was not going to limit the offer to 1000 acres. They could take 1500 acres if they liked. The president said.his idea was to form units at the different places in the dis- j trict, and the leagues could then appoint delegates to meet as a central body, j Leagues would be formed at Earuscleugh and Bald Hill Flat during the week. The meeting resolved itself into an interesting discussion of tlte best method of subdivision. The majority of those, present favored cutting the runs up into small areas to enable settle** to have about 10 or 20 acres suitable for fruit culture, and sufficient ground to graze 300 sheep during the time the trees I were maturing. Everyone agreed that i where the areas were suitable for fruit culture they should not be offered as small grazing runs. It was the general opinion of speakers that a large portion of the area falling due on Moutere next year was admirably adapted for fruit growing purposes. Others contended that if 1000 acres could be secured on Galloway there would be a stampede for sections, as the land was regarded as the finest in the district for fruit cultivation.

The proposal of a local syndicate to secure 1000 acres between Alexandra and Clyde to demonstrate l a patent pumping plant for lifting water from the river for irrigation purposes mentioned, and the subject of irrigation was also discussed at considerable length, this being considered as one of the essentials for which the league was formed. Irrigation must receive due consideration in the promotion of closer settlement. Finally Mr Cahill moved, and Mr Ashworth seconded—That the secretary be instructed to communicate with the Land Board and Minister of Lands slating that this League is in sympathy with the proposal of the syndicate to secure an area of land between Alexandra and Clyde for irrigation purposes with a view to demonstrating the capacity of the syndicate's patent pumping plant. —Carried unanimously. The procedure to be adopted and the proposals to be put before the Land Board re suitable subdivision of runs were next considered.

Mr Ashworth moved, Mr Marslin seconded—That the Laud Board be invited to meet this/"League at Alexandra at an early date to discuss the question of closer settlement of some of the Crown lands in the district.—Carried.

It was resolved that a special meeting be called prior to the visit of the Land. Board and arrange definitely as to what proposals would be put'before fie Board. Tlie meeting then adjourned after a most interesting and enthusiastic discussion extending over three hours.