Land for the People.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7397, 21 December 1898, Page 3

Land for the People.

A public meeting of farmers and others desirous of acquiring more land was held in the Sahoolhouae at Glenavy last night. There was a big attendance, despite bad weather, as all settlers here are anxious to Ret more land in addition to what they already have ; if possible sufficient to exist on. Mr John Norton informed present that he had convened the meeting, as he and a number of others were under the impression that the Government were going to cut certain parts of Waikakahi into too large blocks, and, aa this would not be lair to the small settlers, this meeting was called to try if something could not be done in the of getting the land cut into suitable sections. Major Steward and Mr T. Y. Duncan, M.H.R.'s, were present by request, and would give any assistance in their power. Mr John Henderson was elected chairman of the meeting, and briefly explained matters is connection with the object in view. Major Steward said that with regard to the rumor that had got about to the effect that the land adjacent to <J!enavy was to be cut into from 4QO to 640-acre farms, no such instructions had been given, and there was no truth in this rumor. If a block of land were wanted for ctoser settlement now wa3 the time to see to it; but people must bear in mind that the Government want bona fide settlers, not speculative purchasers. The village settlers are agitating for more land in addition to what they have already. This had been done in Otago and may be flnw here. The Waitaki village settlers' holdings are very light land, and 50 acres are insufficient. On 100 acres it is possible for a may make a living. Mr Duncan spoke in favor of additional f or small settlers. The idea was where land was light to give fair-sized farms. Instructions had been given to survey a block of into 50-acre sections for the Waitaki village settlers who wished to acquire more Mr Duncan was of opinion that the ballot should be confined to village settlers, and the law should be amended accordingly, but from the experience of village settlers it was not very probable that outsiders would go in for 50-acre sections on the land In question. After a lot of discuanon Mr John Morris, of Waihao, who was present, consented to convene a meeting of Waihao settlers to form a committee there. It was resolved that a memorial be sent to the Minister of t through Major Steward, signed by persons ready to take up small areas of stating the acreage in each case. Messrs John Henderson, Hollomby, Parkes, Norton, Kennedy, But#, Pelvin, M'Cowan and Smart were elected a committee with power to act conjointly with any other committee formed for a similar purpose. Mr was elected chairman and Mr M'Cowan secretary of the committee. It was resolved unanimously that each contrive Co ascertain what areas people are desirous of acquiring; Major Steward got very short notice of the meeting, having to leave home almost at a minute's notice. He will probably have to go to Wellington to interview_ Ministers in regard to the boftinees of last night.