Promotion of Settlement.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 699, 27 October 1909, Page 5

Promotion of Settlement.

MORE LEAGUES FORMED. The agitation for the closer settlement of the Crown lauds of this district is the centre topic of conversation just now, and as a further incentive to bring out the success of this movement two more leagues have been formed during the week. On Thursday evening last a meeting was held at —Bald Hill Flat.— There were about 23 residents present, and the chair was taken by Mr C. Weaver, who, in a similar address to that delivered at Alexandra recently, prefaced the objects in forming the league. Messrs A. Ashworth and W. A. Bodkin were also present and addressed the meeting on the advisability of forming leagues at the different places in the district. After some discussion it was decided to form a branch league. Mr J. C. Smith was elected president, and Mr J. Dowdall was appointed secretary. The most advantageous method of subdividing the runs was next considered, and after discussion it was decided that another meeting be held this week for the purpose of considering same. Every member present signified Ins intention to take up land when it was offered. It was also agreed that delegates be appointed to attend a meeting at Alexandra prior to the visit of the laud commissioners. About 20 members were enrolled in the room. Before the meeting terminated Mr Dowdall, in an appropriate address, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Weaver, which was carried amidst applause. —At Earnscleugh.— On Friday evening over 20 residents of Earnscleugh attended a meeting in the schoolhouse. Mr A. C. Iversen was in the chair and explained the objects of the meeting. Mr Weaver also addressed the meetIt was unanimously decided to form a branch of the land league, aud the following office-bearers were elected : —- President, Mr Iversen; secretary, Mr J. Frater. The offer of 1000 acres of land on Earnscleugh for fruit-growing purposes was the subject of considerable argument. The President suggested that the league should appoint delegates to proceed with the commissioners when the latter visited the run to select the area of 1000 acres. The majority of those present were of opinion that 1000 acres were not sufficient to meet the demand for land for settlement purposes, as the area was too small. There was no water available for irrigating the land, and without this commodity people would not take up the land solely for fruit culture. At times the argument became very heated, and speakers were most pronounced iu their respective opinions. Everyone appeared to favor a proposal to approach the Land Board advocating the resumption of a large area of Earnscleugh run for settlement purposes. Ultimately Mr D. M'lntosh moved, Mr P. Weaver seconded—That the Laud Board be asked to resume a block of 30,000 acres of Earnscleugh run with a view to subdivision iuto suitable areas.— Carried unanimously. This argument .over, the meeting next discussed the forthcoming visit of the land commissioners, aud as all members j present signified their willingness to accompany the commissioners on a visit pi inspection everyone at the meeting were appointed as delegates. It was also decided to attend a special meeting at Alexandra to discuss proposals to put before the commissioners on their arrival. An enthusiastic meeting terminated after a most interesting discussion on laud settlement.