THE LAND QUESTION.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XI, Issue 607, 19 May 1881, Page 3

THE LAND QUESTION.

Mr Pyke gave an address in the schoolroom, Bt. Bathans, on Monday evening, the lOih instant, on the land question. Considerable interest' has been aroused in this matter lhroughout the district, and a larpe meeting assem bled to hear Mr Pyke. Mr John Ewing was voted to the chair, and, in introducing Mr Pyke, earnestly impressed the necessity for united and immediate action.

At the eonc'usion of Mr Fyke's address, which was much the same as those delivered elsewhere, and was most attentively listened to throughout, Mr George Purton moved, and Mr Pyle seconded—" That a branch of the Otago Central Land League be formed at St- Uathans, to co-operate with the branches already formed in memorialising the Government as to the necessity for sub-dividing those pastoral runs in the interior ot Otago, the leases of which will shortly expire, in such, a manner as best to promote settlement, and secure, in the interests of the Colony, the largest possible revenue, care being taken to prevent the alienation of auriferous country, while affording facilities for the occupation of such country until required for mining. Also to press on the attention of the Government the necessity of such alterations being made in the Land Act as it has been proved are required to suit the circumstances of the people of the interior of Otago." Carried. Moved by Mr Pyle, seconded by Mr Morgan—"That the' St. IBathans branch of the Otago Central Land League consist of Messrs G. Purton, J, B. Jones, J. Ewing, T. Keenan, T. Hughes, T. Mee, J. Aitkenhead, P. Jenkins, and' the mover." Carrie^ Several gentlemen present spoke at length, heartily endorsing Mr Pyke's view,'and together a great deal of interest was manifested in the proceedings. A vote of thanks to the worthy speaker, and the Chairman, brought the meeting to a close.