THE MOLESWORTH STATION

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22249, 13 November 1937, Page 14

THE MOLESWORTH STATION

Subdivision Being Investigated MANY DIFFICULTIES .TO BE OVERCOME • [THE PRESS Special Service.] NELSON, November 12. Officials of the Lands Department and members of the Land Boards from Marlbprough and Nelson left Nelson to-day to investigate the suitability of subdividing the Molesworth, Tarndale, and Rainbow runs, and other of the larger holdings in the hinterland of the South Island. The party will prepare a report for presentation to the Government.

Earlier this year the virtual abandonment of Molesworth created a stir in farming circles, and the resultant sale of the 23,000 merino sheep and 1600 head of cattle attracted considerable notice, as the merino was one of the largest high-country flocks in New Zealand. The position was investigated by a representative of "The Press" at the time, and he came to the conclusion that a material factor was the burden of overhead costs. It was stated at the time that it was likely that, unless remedial measures were applied by the Government, further large areas of high-country grazing land would also be abandoned. The Canterbury Sheep Owners' Union had by this time urged the Government to set up a commission to inquire into conditions on South Island highcountry sheep runs. The inspection by the party from the north of the island will, it is stated, be very thorough, and as there are considerably more than 500,000 acres to be inspected, it will be some time before the report is completed. Practically the whole of the area to be examined is fairly open country, with few gorges and mountain ranges. It is all more or less within the periodical snow area, but it is hoped that the committee of inspection will find it suitable for subdivision. Some of the problems to be faced will be roading, homestead sites, and fencing. The Molesworth run is the largest in New Zealand, and in some quarters it is contended that the subdivision of such a large, mountainous holding will involve considerable difficulty. The run has, it is understood, not yet been formally abandoned to the Government, as the lease covering the major portion of the property will not expire until well into next year.