MEETING OF CROWN TENANTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2317, 28 July 1898, Page 45

MEETING OF CROWN TENANTS.

Oa Saturday, 16th iast , a meeting of Crown tenants was held afc Middleniarch to consider the advisability .of petitioning Parliament 'to amend the Land Acr, bo as to enable a revaluation of tha leases to be made, with a view to reducing the rentals ia order that they migH be brought into proportion to returns obtained from the land. Among those present were Messrs D-ugaid Malheeon (chairman), Donald M'Rae, A. Stewart, T. M'Lay, (.i. Sutherland, T. Thompson, C. Pateraon, and S. Grant.

Mr D. M'Rae pointed out that the carrying capacity of the land had of late yeax'S considerably decressid. He also made reference lo tho fall in prices of stock and wool. It was stated by Me A. Stewsrt that notwithstanding the utmosS economy, be found that a fair living wage could not be made. In respect to tho misleading deductions bo often drawn from theoretical faimicg, Mr G. Sutherland gave a ca?o within his owu experience whero he docked 450 laraba, and at the following shearing mustered only 160. It was unanimously agreed that at the present rentals no adequate return can ba got from capital invested in the land aud labour expended on it. Oa the motion of T. M'Lat, seconded by D. M'Rae, it was resolved to petition Parliameufc to amend the law in order that a re-valuation of the leases could bd made.

A committee was then formed to draw up a petition lo be forwarded to the member for the district.