The Eighfield Buns and Land-Hunger in Central Otago. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2481, 2 October 1901, Page 13

The Eighfield Buns and Land-Hunger in Central Otago. TO THE EDITOR.

Sic, — A petition, bearing 130 signatures, praying that the above runs be opened for close settlement was presented in the House a few days ago by Mr Thomas Mackenzie, member "for Waihemo. As one having a thorough knowledge of the land-hunger existing in Central Otago district, permit me space for a. few remarks thereon. Highfield runs are a part of one of tho largest stations, if not the largest, in tho centre, comprising, as it does, Highfield, Blackstone Hill, and Lauder stations, under one management, and owned by one of tho wealthiest firms in Otago ; and, what is more to the point at the present juncture, is eminently suitable for settlement under the small grazing run system. It is now some years since the late member for Tuapeka — the Hon. Mr Larnaeh, the farmer's friend — asked the Government if it was aware of the land-hunger existing around Poolburn, and as a result Gome 10.000 acres, part of Ida Valley station, and immediately adjoining the Highfield runs, were opened as three small grazing run«. It must be fresh in the minds of everyone, the rush that took place for thoge run?. That was the last occasion on which any land vas opened in Central Otago. As a lesult of the last few years' prosperity, and the sons of our settlers springing up, so great and genuine is the demand that I am. perfectly safe in asserting" it will take upwards of 150.000 acres of grazing country to appease the hunger. We have here several hundred thousand acres of Crown lands suitable for settlement under tho small grazing run system, but at the present time held by monopolists. What has been the result': In recent year 3, when the Government haa been asked to open a few thousand acres the matter has been shelved by a weals Minister for Lands. Only last session two efforts were made to open Crown land*. Mr James Bonnet, member for Tuapeka, s thoroughly practical man, after making a personal inspection, tried to induce the Government to open a part of Matakanui station, but so far without success; whilst a monster petition, presented by Mr Tho«. Mackenzie, praying that Patearoa station be opened has also borne no fruit. What the idea of the Minister for Lands can be in keeping this land locked up and at thesanie time pushing on the Otago Central railway i» impossible to conceive. The member for Waihemo, who i? admittedly an able fellow, never had a better case in hand than the present one. If he is unable in this case to force the hand of an unwilling Minister, then it is evident he has too much Conservative blood in hi* veins to represent so important a consti tuency in the House as Waihemo. — I am. etc.,

September 14

'RUDE>'CE.

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