LAND COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1412, 24 March 1905, Page 3

LAND COMMISSION.

THE EXPENSIVE COMEDY CONTINUES.

(Pcrr Press Association.) Dunedin, last night.

Tho Land Commission continued its flying tour through Otago. Members were up at daybreak, and some inspeoted Bamego settlement, which is considered a success. Evidence was then taken at Balelutha from representatives of the Farmers’ Union and some Barnogo settlors The latter thought that after 10 years residence a settler should have the option of the freehold. There was soma talk of unearned increment. One settlor offered to sell his place to any member of the Commission if ho would get what he had laid out on the place. The Commission then proceeded to Clinton, bvt no witnesses were available, a much more important event, a sheep sale, engaging attention. The Commission visited tho Pomahaka settlement. After passing Wairuna-the land became poor, and tbe opinion was freely expressed that tbe Pomahaka set. tiers, at 3s 6d, were paying too high for the land. Thore was a strong [cold wind blowing, and rain was threatening. The crops and turnips looked backward, and the whole surroundings desolate and dreary. One of the settlers interviewed the Commission, and hod no cheerful tale to tell. Tbe Commissioners wero glad to get away from tbe forlorn spot. In the evening at Clinton evidence was given by Pomahaka settlers. They complained that the rent was too high and the loading excessive. The sections were too small. Tha Advances to Sattl.sa Depart, ment, according to one witness, refus-.d advances, as the land, even with improvements added, was not worth the rents they were payiDg. John McKenzio had said he would get the settlers a loan despite this, but the deportment kept back rent in ad vaneo, and the man only got Bome i 3. He was eo disgusted that he left tho distriot.