RIVERSDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1956, 20 August 1891, Page 19

RIVERSDALE.

August 17.— Tbe weather of late has been all that could be desired for getting on with agricultural work, and everybody is busy getting their ground ready for sowing. Land ! Land I Land I— Who wants land ? was the first query of the deputy of the school commissioners, Mr J. W. Bain, who met eettle-s and nt.hprs Interested at Riversdale on Monday last, in re opening up for settlement Bun 194 (GiUauder's) There were about 60 persons present. Mr Baiu was

acoompanied by Mr J. L. M'Donald, the com mUsiouers' agent, and apologised for the absence o his colleague, Mr T. Denniston. who is indisposed About two months ago a petition was forwarded to th commissioners, asking them to open up 10,000 acre of this rnn for immediate settlement, and it was in ordei to Inquire into the bona fides of the petition that the meeting was called. Mr Bain explained that the commissioners were anxious to open up their lands for profitable settlement. They had fixed their rents at 5 per cent, on the capital value of the land. He remarked that during the past three years a great deal of the commissioners time at the meetings was taken up In considering applications for a reduotion of rent, and to obviate this they had deoided to make it dearly understood that in future parties getting land must be prepared to pay the rents agreed upon at the time of sale. Mr Bain pointed out that the commissioners were bonnd to accept the highest offer at auotion or tender, and that it was possible for one man to obtain the whole. After going into the question of roads and irrigation Mr Bain invited discussion, and resumed hfi seat amid applause.— Mr Squires inquired If the commissioners intended only to lease or to sell the lands.— Mr Bain replied that they had determined to lease for 14 or 21 years.— Messrs A. G. and B. Barle, A. H, Aitken, and W. Stewart all spoke in support of the land being opened as soon as possible. Indeed, the majority of those present in conversation seemed to regard it as mockery to ask for proofs that there was a demand for land.— Mr James White deolared that it was possible for the commissioners to open the land under the Land Act, whioh provided restrictions as to residence and area. If the land could not be opened under this system he would prefer to see it delayed, and the aid of Parliament invoked to give the commissioners power jte so .open it.— Mr White moved accordingly, and Mr Vallanoe seconded the motion.— After dieoussion, Mr White withdrew bis motion m favour of one by Mr Squires, to the effeot— " That the land be opened for seieotion under the Land Aot deferred-payment, perpetual lease, or cash systems." This was seconded by Mr Horrell, and deolared carried.— A show of hands was taken as to the most desirable mode of selection, resulting as follows • -Tender, 14; auotion, 11 : ballot— For, 15 ; against, 9. After -a vote of thanks to Mr Bain for his attendance the meeting terminated.