SOUTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21668, 11 June 1932, Page 17

SOUTH OTAGO

BALCLUTHA DISTRICT NEWS

(From Odr Own Correspondent.) BALCLUTHA, June 10. BUSY COAL MINERS. That it is an ill wind that blows nobody good was never better exemplified than in the sudden prosperity that has come to Kaitangata owing to the strike in Southland mines. Kaitangata miners afe now working three shifts, night and day, and 1 the output of coal has increased enormously. In addition, a new agreement that will have a duration of 12 months has just been concluded between the company and the men. The coal being produced just now is exceptionally good, and a distinct trade revival is predicted for Kaitangata. LAND VALUES. At the corporation sale yards to-day the estate of .the late Mr George Hay, situated at R.omahapa, and comprising a little over 1 4000 acres in all, the greater part freehold, was offered at in one lot. Bidding was not spirited, and the property was passed in at £SOOO. A borough leasehold of 150 acres in the Clinton district was next offered, hut failed to elicit a bid, although the upset price asked for the yearly lease was but £4, or about fid an acre. The former tenant had been paying lg an acre. A well-known district farmer, commenting on the results of the sales, stated emphatically that sheep country was worth nothing on present prices, especially if any cultivation had to be done. He pointed to a pen of fat ewes, estimated to'weigh lOOlb each, that had been sold for 10s 9cl, and heavy fat ,lambs at 10s to 12s. “ There is nothing for the farmer and cultivator in those prices, even if he got the land for nothing.”