Hamiltons Bun. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 13

Hamiltons Bun. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — It is surprising that an Otago Waste Lands Board can be capable of "passing such a silly resolution as that adopted by the board when dealing with a petition from Hamiltona and Sowburn people. To judge by that action the people of Hamiltons and Sowburn, or a section of them, are those only who are to receive consideration. What about the 100 and odd disappointed applicants for land on Prestons, and the people who are continually as-king for more land, and who returned John M'Kenzie to give it to them. Sir, there is an easy way of testing the bona fides of this question. Let the Government cut up those runs and offer them for selection, and if they are not taken up it will then be quite time enough for the Ministry to decide to re-let it. But that is a contingency that is not likely to happen, and the only thing that surprises me is the idea of any sane person saying people do not want this land.

It also occurs to one to ask what purpose is served by the visits of Messrs Clark and M'Kerrow, or if those visits mean any more than an annual picknicking party. They are evidently quite unable to grasp the fact that people will and must; have land to settle on.

In conclusion, I would suggest that the petitioners' names be published so that we can see who they are. Some of them are no doubt the same men who groomed the horees of the commissioners when they were so hospitably entertained at Hamiltons. — I am, &c, February 6. Pat.