Mount Pisa Lands.

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2645, 20 October 1919, Page 5

Mount Pisa Lands.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. The deputation from the local Soldiers Committee and settlers generally (Rev. W. P. Rankin and Mr 11. D. Poison), waited on tire Minister of Lauds (Hon. D. H. Guthrie), in Wellington early last week, armed with petitions urging the Government (o take over the Mount Pisa run, with freehold and water rights, at once, for settlement by returned soldiers. The deputation met (he Minister on Monday, and was introduced by Sir William Fraser, member for the district. In presenting the petition, Mr Poison voiced the desire of the inhabitants of Cromwell and the Upper Clutha \ alley for the Government to take over the Mount Pisa run on the terms of Mrs Cowie Nichol s offer—namely, by arbitration. lie also referred in a general way to the advantages of acquiring the property and so give a greater oppqrs tunity to the young men of the district to settle down. He mentioned that from this district alone between 200 and 300 young men had gone forth to uphold the honor of King and Empire, and only two from (he many returned had obtained land at a ballot.

Hon. Guthrie.—The offer made by Mrs Cowie Nichols was too much. Sir William Fraser. —Far too much.

Rev. Rankin.—Have you not made a mistake in your asseitions. I understand the offer made by Mrs Cowie Nichols was one of arbitration, in fact I have the copy here in my possession. Hon. Guthrie. —Arbitration is not a paying one for the Government. They always lose. Sir Wm. Fraser. —That is so, and proved by experience. Rev, Rankin, —There is surely something wrong with the Government {when they employ men to arbitrate who do not know their business. In this case, however, arbitration is suggested. Your interests will be protected. Hon. Guthrie.—But what advantage is to be gained by buying a properly that will ultimately come to us in 1921. Rev. Rankin. —Doubtless there is argument in your statement, but you are taking the wrong view. By arbitration you will obtain value for your money, and have the whole run, w’ith its freehold, water rights, and woolshcd, besides having the acclimatised sheep, which is of great importance to a man when taking over a place, and adds a value to the sheep and property. Wo and the people whom we represent consider arbitration the most reasonable proposition. The present lessee has a right to a block, and naturally he will choose the homestead block with all the advantages. We want the Returned Soldiers to have that block. Wc want the Government to buy the water. There is enough water, winter and summer, to irrigate Pisa Flat ” though some have questioned it.

Hon. Guthrie.—But water will be provided ! Rev. Rankin.—Yes ; I can understand that, and there lies the difficulty. The license for irrigating the Mount Fist flats is held by the Cromwell Develop' raent Company. Is that fair ? It will mean saddling the young m n who are fortunate in selection with 35s per acre or thereabouts for water. The power is problematical. It also means monopoly. Hon. Guthrie. —How mauy heads does the lessee hold , b Mr Poison. —35 heads, which may fall considerably below’ that, but that can be considered by experts. Owning water rights myself, I can say that there is considerable decline in the hottest months of the year. Rev. Rankin.—That is so, but I still maintain that during the hottest mouths if the water owned by the lessee js scientifically distributed there is sulli' cient to irrigate the whole flat. I am assuming the flats wilTbe cut up for the soldiers, Hou. Guthrie.—Your assumption i* correct, but even assuming that wc took over the run and water rights we should have to charge a price for the qse of the water. Mr Poison. —We understand that, but surely much cheaper than the private companySir Wm. Fraser.—That is very questionable. Hon. Guthrie.—l have been delighted with the prospects of your district and consider that a great future is ahead. Such were my impressions when I visited your district in February, and I can further add that the matters which you have laid before me will have my fullest attention and will be brought for further consideration before a committee next week to be dealt with. Now to assist me I shall be glad to have your local knowledge when the matter has been finally settled. Mr Poison,---I shall be delighted to give the fullest assistance. I can speak for myself and colleague. Rev. Rankin. —There is just another point which 1 should like to bring before your notice. That is the dpsipe of the people and returned soldiers tfi reserve 25 per cent, of the run for open competition, and that to mclud “elurned soldiers, Many of the people in t]io district have been waiting for years for the ballot of Mount Pisa run. lion. Guthrie. —That’s impossible; ray department have decided that all lands arc to be cut up for returned soldiers.

Rev. Rankin. —I Lave read that such is the case. I only mention this matter, but surely you will give the settlers who arc already trying to make a living on the run a bit more ground, say 100 to 300 acres.

Hon. Guthrie. —I am glad that you have mentioned that matter. You can rest assured, that they will be fairly dealt with and granted the extra hit. In conclusion, Mr Ho Ison thanked the Minister for receiving them, and said they would go back with the feeling of having done their duty. Jlon. Guthrie. —Yes and done jt, vjvll. I will remember the peep of protecting the settlers', and the prospects of arbitration before shearing.

PRESERVING THE ICVHtf. Indications that the light pot so good as forrperly ayo the, apk has to be hold at arms length or near the face or vvhon a mist grows before objects one wishes to see. If your eyes aro at all troublesome get them tested without delay. Right glasses may help yon wonderfully and preserve your eyes. HUGH NEILL, D.13.0.A., Glasgow Optical House, HO George Street, JUuuediu, •>