The Land Hunger.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2287, 4 March 1912, Page 5

The Land Hunger.

WANAKA RUNS. KEEN COMPETITION. No one who was in Cromwell on Monday and Tuesday last could fail to be impressed with the increasing hunger for land which continues to exist. A few years ago only those who were fully acquainted with the country could foresee the state of affairs which was so soon to follow. Although competition was keen when the first subdivision of Morven Hills and Kawarau was effected, it was as nothing compared to what exists at the present time, when on Monday last 131) aspiring tenants lodged applications for one block of 6250 acres in the Wanaka district. Several land board officials arrived on Saturday evening, including Messrs Johnson, M'Donald, and Ranger O'Neill, and the Athemeum Hall was besieged all clay Monday receiving applications. Members of the Board. Messrs Wihnot (Commissioner) Kinney, Livingstone, and' Anderson, and Mr Cuilen (Kegistrar), arrived on Monday evening, and the examination of iipphcants proceeded early on Tuesday morning and continued until after midday. The harlot was announced for ;•) p.m, and an anxious ero.wd of applicants from all parts of Central Otago, and particularly the Upper Clutha Valloy, awaited the drawing which took place shortly after o p.m. Mr Jas. Horn was appointed scrutineer for the applicants. The results of the ballot were : Hun No. 511. —1778 acres, half-yearly rental £ls, valuation for improvements £5 2s; 12 applicants (two withdrew) 8 approved : John M. Wrightsou, Cromwell. Pun 512.—0250 acres, half-yearly rental £l,O, valuation for improvements £111) 12s; 13U applicants, 105 approved : Harry G. Wood, Low burn Ferry. Pun 513. —3(330 acres, half yearly rental £25, valuation for improvements £lßl 15s ; 7 ( J applicants, 01 approved : Maria J. Smith, Pahnerston.