WAITAHCNA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2121, 21 November 1868, Page 3

WAITAHCNA.

(FROM CUH OWN CORUKSrONDENT.)

Wednesday, Nov. 18th

A public meeting of tho inhabitants of the district was held in the largo room of Mr Taunton's Golden Age Hotel, this evening, at 8 o'clock, for the purpose of taking into consideration tho necessity of supporting the newly-formed Tuapoka Land League. Tho meeting, although not a largo one, presented a respectable appearance, and tho enthusiasm as well as unanimity of feeling which characterised its proceedings, compensated for tho lack of numbers.

The chair was taken by H. Bastings, Esq., of Tuapeka, who initiated proceedings by reading a memorial from the residents of tho Tuapeka district to the Superintendent and Executive Council of tho Provinco, representing tho urgent desiro among all classes of tho mining community for an enlarged area of land being placed at their disposal for selection. 110 pointed out to thoso in attendanco that tho best guaranteo for tho lasting prosperity of tho Provinco, waa tho occupation of its broad acres \.y a numerous and tlirifty population, whoso energies and industry would be devoted to the development of its cultivable and grazing capacities, and not by letting it remain—as now to a great extent it is—a vast sheepwalk. Ho felt suro that most miners wero looking hopefully forward to the timo when they would become occupiers of the land for husbandry ; and for tho conservation of their interests the League waa labouring, and would no doubt receive their hearty support. The Provincial Government waa not favourably disposed towards placing the pooplo upon tho lands ; but outuido pressure must bo brought to bear upon them ; they would then discover how irresistible public opinion can becomu when directed to tho redress of such a grievance as that of withholding tho land from tho people, and that, too, at a timo when its occupation ia of vital importance to every ono in Otngo. It was not a question alone of local interest. The whole provinco was deeply concerned in its solution, and to this end land leagues wero being formed throughout its length and breadth. To tho decision of tho people, so expressed, tho Government must eventually succumb.

Mr Frasor moved, and Mr Eddie seconded, tho following resolution :—

" That, in tho opinion of this meeting, tho present agricultural lease regulations on the Gold fields are not only injurious to tho settlers, but likely to prove disastrous to the future prosperity of tho agriculturist ; and that this meeting, while agreeing with the object of the Tuapeka Land League, would also urge on it tho necessity which exists for a thorough remodelling of the regulations under which agricultural allotments aro granted."—

Carried unanimously. Mr Fraser deprecated tho exor' itant charge made for survey, and thought it was helping to cripple tho poor man in his "'effort at settlement. Somo of it ought to bo devoted to the payment of tho rental, or go in liquidation of tho land i'self when purchased. If a man took up four blocks of 50 acres each, the survey fees would amount to L4O ! Such a sum would help materially in tho purchase of cattle for an agriculturist of small means.

Mr Batters observed that when land here was thrown open for agricultural selection, two sqxiattcrs absorbed nearly the whole of it t y means of dummies. Vvhat surety would thcro be that a similar process would not be gone through in the case of Smith and Treweek if they had their runs open for puhlic occupancy ? Tho Chairman stated tho duty of the League would Ye io prevent tho land being held otherwise then for boiia fide purposes of settlement. Tho League also would look closely after auriferous lands and use its utmost exertions to prevent tho miner from being despoiled of ground, upon the preservation of which for mining purposes, his livelihood depended. In reply to a question from MrHickey, the Cliairman said the annual subscription to tho League would be 10s, and that none of tho officers connected therewith received any pecuniary consideration for their services. Of course such inevitable expenses as those of printing, &c., would be defrayed out of the contributions.

Mr Clarke wanted to know what alterations the League intended to obtain in the agricultural lease regulations. Mr Bastings, in answer, said nothing definite in that matter had yet been done. They invited tho Corporation of Waitahuna, and ho hoped to see at tho next T.L.L. meeting at Lawrenco, some gentlemen delegated by the people of this place to discuss tho matter and make such alterations as would be judicious and beneficial to thogold fields. On the motion of Mr Clarke, a local committee was then elected, to further as much as possi' le tho prayer of tho memorial, and the etiorls of the Land League. The proceedings terminated with tho usual vote of thanks to ihe Cliairman ; after which the signatures of all present were attached to the petition. The wintry weather which prevailed at the beginning of the week is again succeeded by genial sunshine ; and the crops look invitingly green and vigorous in tho various homesteads and gardens with which Waitahuna is adorned. Tho late rains, too, havo given an impetus to mining ; and I think that that fact improves the prospect of a merry Christmas.