MEETING OF CROWN TENANTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10443, 20 August 1895, Page 4

MEETING OF CROWN TENANTS.

A meeting of tenants of the Crown, held at Wedderburn on Thursday last, was attended by over 50 settlers. Mr John M'Kay was voted to the chair, and explained that-the object of the meeting was to approach the Government and try to secure a remission of the present year's rents for Crown levants, who hove suffered through the late -severe winter weather. Mr Guflie telegraphed regretting that he was unable to attend It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Bobeet Johnstone, seconded by Mr E. Mawhinney— "That a petition be forwarded to the Government, setting forth that owing to the extreme severity oLthe present winter and the enormous loss, of stock, in the district, the. Government be anked to remit the present year's rental of the lands affected."—Carried. A copy of a telegram to the Minister for Lands, sent by Messrs Johnstone and Burnett, asking that a responsible officer be appointed at once to report on the state of tbe district, having been, read by the chairman, Mr H. AiiiiiTAGe advocated the permanent reduction of rents in the high parts of the district, and asked the meeting to act as one man in the matter. '■•• Proposed by Mr N. Goedost, seconded by Mr H. AitMiTAGE—" That in order to prevent 'any undue advantage or abuse bsing'made of the first resolution, the Government be asked to appoint "the stipendiary magistrate Mid tbe . district surveyor of Nasaby to report oa tbat part of the district affected by snow since the 13th of June last."—Carried. 77.7 Proposed by Mr. John Lory, seconded by Mr Lobb—" That Mr Fraser, Crown lands ranger, having been through the district about the beginning of August, the Government be asked to instruct that gentleman to report on the matter."—Carried. .'.■.-■". Proposed by Mr H. Akmitage, seconded by MrF. Haekex—"Thafc owing to the altitude of portions of this district we n»ve been paying too high rents Lorn the time we have been in poeses-sion of our holdings, and we would respectfully . sk for a permanent reduction of our rent*."—Carried. It was resolved to forward a copy of the resolutions to the member for the district, the Hon. J. M'Kenzie, with'a request that he should use his influence in bringing tha matter - before tbe Government at once. The sum 0£.27s was collected to defray necessary expenses. Mr W. F. Inder, iv forwarding a petition, stated that his charge was 2gs, which he had much pleasure in donating to the cause. ; Messrs Lory, John- . stone, Stevens, Harrex, and M'Kay were appointed a committee to use all legitimate means . to secure the prayer of the petition; Votes of r thanks were passed to Mr W; F. Inder and the '■_ chairman, and the meeting closed. 'v: