THE RUNHOLDER AND HIS MEN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13859, 23 March 1907, Page 4

THE RUNHOLDER AND HIS MEN.

By Suhdownes.

As years roll on and , the public more, fully realises the important work- done in the early days by the rnnkolders, the cry. against that pioneering class of colonists is gradually dying out; and when one does hear an outburst- against them it is 'usually more against tho individual than against the class—more against "the stolidly meati and newly rich f linn against "the good old stock who came here in the fifties, with their money, their culture, and their qnterprise. Of the former class we see them in different districts—men who go on adding farm to farm, or run to run; men taking no interest- in'anything outside their own sordid moneypiling. They support 'no local religious or philanthropic movement-; ' t-hoy keep their men in the poorest quarters; they seldom spend a penny with the local tradespeople, lest they' should lose a farthing; and they keep down their workpeople's pay as low as , possible. Is it to be wondered at that men should be disliked who take- no part- in discharging the-responsibilities of their position?'A trim type Of the old order is to.be seen at Shag Valley Station-in the person of Mr A.. D. Bell, a man who lives his life oil tho land, and who does good by stealth. lie is the one man. to,whom the surrounding settlers go when counsel or advice is required, whilst by his own people lie is honoured and respected. Recently the writer, who takes an interest- in how station hands are treated, enjoyed the opportunity of seeing tho accommodation he' give)?- to his men. Large and substantial stone kitchens- and dining rooms are provided; attached to thorn arc reading rooms, in which lii, scattered about, books, papers, and magazines, draught-boards, and playingcards. A plenteous supply of water is iaid on; a bathroom is attached, where the men can enjoy either a hot or cold bath. In the bedrooms of the. regular men are spring wire beds with kapok mat-tresses, and pillows. At the shearing-shed the' accommodation also is good. The compartments are more subdivided than usual, there being quarters for "shearers only" and for "boys only," the whole being well ventilated' and fitted in places with hat and coat hooks. \ Everything indicates 6olid comfort amid healthy surroundings. Apart from the above there are separate houses provided for the married folks, who when they once settle there do not shift their tents in a hurry. Shag Valley Station is a'chapter of tjic old station life in Otago. It is a centre of good influence, and it is to be hoped that many years mav uass ere Otago loses men of Mr Bell's stamp ard influence from its pastoral back-country.