HIGH COUNTRY RUNS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 136, 10 June 1940, Page 17

HIGH COUNTRY RUNS

SPECIAL LAND BOARD

SOUTH ISLAND ARRANGEMENT

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

TIMARU, June 9,

As a sequel to representations made to hjm in regard to high country problems at conferences at Tekapo last year and this, supported by statements by Messrs. Burnett and Kidd, members of Parliament, the Minister of Lands (the Hon. F. Langstone) has agreed to the establishment of a High Country Land Board for the whole of the South Island, with two representatives for each land district .in the island.

This information was released in an interview by Mr. Burnett, who quoted a letter from the Minister in which he agreed to the proposal. The Minister said that representatives of the land districts could consult the Commis--sioner of Grown Lands in their districts and also meet the Department's officers to discuss problems and endeavour to find a solution satisfactory to the licensees and the Department. The rabbit menace was particularly stressed, the Minister stating his advice was that the best and only satisfactory solution was the extermination of the pest by the setting up of rabbit boards that follow out a definite killing programme.

Mr. Burnett stated that steps were being taken to set up an advisory board and seven runholders represents ing the whole island had already agreed to act.

The Minister also agreed to furnish a register of all pastoral licence holders, and it rests with these men on what basis voting and representation on the board will be decided.