THE ANNANDALE ESTATE.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 82, 16 May 1918, Page 2

THE ANNANDALE ESTATE.

Six Sections Leased. When it was announced that the portion of the Annandale estate owned by the late Lieut. J. C. Allen was to be put on the market for lease a great 1 many people wondered how it would go. Speculations were rife as to the price that would be paid, and Dame Rumor, ever busy and ever prepared to seize a chance, had quite a pleasant few weeks. Reports went abroad as to all sorts of fancy prices that were to be paid, it being even suggested that over £3 an acre per annum was to be offered. It is perfectly true that very many farmers came, inspected the property, read the conditions of lease —and went home. But they did not put in a tender. Why ? The land was first-class, it was highly improved, and was a good property. The weak spot was the tenure. It was leasehold against freehold. Theoretically there is a great deal to be said for the leasehold ; but when it comes to the practical part of the transaction the freehold wins out every time. A local farmer put_ it to us this way : “ I liked the land ; I reckon at £ — per acre (and it was no small price either that he mentioned) I could have done well, but it was not my own. I would be really working for someone else, and if there was to be any increase in the price of the land I was looking for it.” Apparently that was what many farmers thought, for though many came and inspected few put in tenders. The leasing is as follows : Blocks 4 and 5 with an area of 480 acres have been let to Messrs Baker Bros., of Waitoa. Blocks-1,-2, 3 and 7, area 800 acres, have been taken by Mr W. R. Lowry, of Morrinsville. Block 6 remains unleased. We understand that it is Mr Lowry’s intention to put on several herds of dairy cows totalling from 400 to 450. Messrs Baker Bros., it is said,contemplate milking 100 cows. Hitherto the estate has been carrying about 150 dairy cows.