SALE OF RUNS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 342, 29 May 1877, Page 3

SALE OF RUNS.

The following petition in reference to certain runs, the leases of which fall in shortly, was adopted last evening at the meeting at Papakaio, and received a large number of signatures. It will be circulated for signature through the town and district before being forwarded to the Waste Lands Board :

" That your petitioners view with great satisfaction the efforts which are being made to open up for settlement those parts of the country which have hitherto contributed but little to the general wealth of the Colony. They are, therefore, desirous of respectfully laying before you their views, so that you, as the custodians of the public estate, may not be unaware of the experience and views of what they believe to be the large majority of the inhabitants of this district. Owing to the increased facilities for travelling and for the transmission of goods throughout Otago, the value of land has been greatly augmented. -In places not far distant from Oamaru, where a few years ago,- employment could only be found for a limited number of people, large tracts of country are being cultivated; and land which was only worth a merely nominal rental is now capable of yielding a handsome return for any capital invested therein. At present, too, there are great numbers of persons who have hitherto pursued agricultural pursuits in a comparatively small way, and have by their industry and thrift accumulated some means, and are desirous of having presented to them wider scope for their pursuits. There are also persons whose capital lias been used for the construction of the public works of the Colony, and which, owing to the stoppage of these works, has been I.berated, wiio ji.ro desirous of turning their energies to new pursuits. Labor, also, which daring the carrying on of the public works, was expensive, is at present comparatively ciioap. Your petitioners, therefore, respectful!}' submit to you that on all hands are evidences that the large tracts of country which at present are lying comparatively nnremunerative to the public, and unimproved by the occupants, ought to be opened for settlement in such areas as are likely to suit the wants of thai part of the general public looking out for places wherein to invest t!iL-ir capital and labour and whereon to -settle, and to be most remunerative to the public chest, and that thereby the lauds which at present contrbute bnt little to the paying of the public burden may henceforth bear their share. Your petitioners, therefore, most respectfully urge upon 3"ou the desirability of having a thorough examination of the Waste Lauds of the Crown made, so that when the present leases expire, the various runs may be cut up into areas suitable for settlement, and sold or leiv.-ed as may seem best for the public good. And your petitioners will ever pmy, etc."