DEPUTATIONS TO THE MINISTER OF LANDS.
(Fkom Our Own CosrvstqUdekt.)
Naseby, January 13. The Minister of Lands reached Naseby yesterday, and was interviewed in the evening, there being a very large number of settlers from all parts of the district present.
Mr Jacob Lory, on behalf of the settlers at Maruimato, asked that about 3500 acres of run 225 should be resumed for the purpose of enabling the settlers to increase their holdings, which at present are very small. He stated that the previous Government had promised to give effect to their wishes," but last year the land was relet for a further term of five years. —The Minister promised to give the matter his earnest consideration on his return to Wellington, but pointed out that if it were decided to grant the deputation's request, 12 months' notice would have to be given to the squatter. Mr John Lory next stated that he had occupied, with the consent of the squatter, a small area of land' at Eweburn, but he had recently discovered that it was surveyed land, which was about to be dealt with. He wished to know whether he would be allowed time to take off his crops, or, failing that, compensation.—The Minister undertook to lay the matter before the Land Board. ; ■
The Secretary of the Miners' Association next asked that the residence clause of the occupation license system should be struck out, as it prevented many miners from taking advantage of the system.—The Hon. Mr M'Kenzie said that the clause objected to was introduced because it was found that the system was being greatly abused in someplaces. He thought that the occupation license system was not a good enough tenure for miners, for there was no inducement to make a nice home when the occupier could be called on to surrender at'three months' notice, and he would be in favour of granting the land under perpetual lease. If a person cultivated his holding he was entitled to reasonable compensation when called on to surrender. —Mr Brown assured the Minister that the miners would object to any clause providing for compensation or for any superior tenure, as great difficulties would be experienced in the event of the land being acquired for mining.—Messrs Kerr, Creighton, and Law also spoke on the subject.—The Minister promised to consult the Hon. Mr Scddon and see what was best to be done. . ■ ■ . The Miners' Association also brought under the notice of the Minister the question of mining outlets at Blackstone, where, through two sections being closed, the only outlet through a whole block was rendered useless.-— The Minister promised to give the matter his attention.
Mr Guffie (county chairman) thanked the Hon. Mr M'Kenzie for his courtesy, and said that the people of Naseby would always bo glad to see him as Minister of Lands.—The Minister replied, stating that it was his honest wish and desire to do the best he could in the department he represented. The hon. gentleman left Naseby this morning for Clyde, and proceeds thence to Wanaka.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 9323, 14 January 1892, Page 2
Word Count
508DEPUTATIONS TO THE MINISTER OF LANDS. Otago Daily Times, Issue 9323, 14 January 1892, Page 2
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