OTAGO PASTORAL RUNS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14447, 13 February 1909, Page 5

OTAGO PASTORAL RUNS

CUTTING UP DESIRED.

GREAT PUBLIC INTEREST.

(From Our Owk Cdrrespokdent.)

CROMWELL, February 12. Delegates were present from each centre of the district to meet the Land Hoard Commissioners last night, a large number of settlers coming from a distance lo hear the proposals, very keen interest being taken in the proceedings. The delegates sat from 3 in the after. 110011 till 6, and went thoroughly into the details of cutting up the large areas proposed for sale on the 26th—namely, 187,000 acres on Morven Hills and 68,000 and 30,000 on Kawara.u Stations.

The members of the board arrived by coach, and the proccdings opened at 7.30 p.m., and did not finish till 10.20 p.m. The proposals from the delegates were unanimous to make four divisions of the Gibb3ton Run and four of the Nevis Run making eight blocks of the 88,000 acres' and two blocks of the 30,000 acres on tho Kav/arau Run, also reserving two areas of 1000 acres on the latter for small blocks not to exced 100 acres. Of the Morven Hills block of 187,000 acres, they recommended two blocks of about 40.000 acres, the balance to be small grazing

It was strongly urged upon the Government to purchase the improvements and freeholds, not including Tarras, and to load those on the rents.

Strong exception was also taken to the exchange of 1600 acres freehold granted to Dalgety and Co. on the Lindis River for their pre-emptive right, and representations have been made direct to Mr Eraser, M.P., to have this cancelled, the commissioners stating that it was practically arranged.

The whole of the people throughout this district are manifesting great interest in these runs being cut into small areas, and intend to petition the Government if it is not done.

The board stated that the areas would be withdrawn from sale in the meantime.