EVIDENCE AT CLINTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 16

EVIDENCE AT CLINTON.

THE POMAHAKA ESTATE

Clinton, March 23. On arrival at this point the commissioners snatched a hurried early lunch on the understanding that a sitting would be held at a quarter to 12. There were, however, no witnesses available — a. much more important event in the form of a sheep sale engaging the attention of farmers. No ■witnesses being forthcoming at the appointed hour, it was decided to drive out to the Pomahaka Estate.

If the commission goes on at its present pace it will ccme to be known as "the sweating commission." The shorthand writers have had some severe days — long coach and train journeys, combined with spells of note taking and transcribing till far into the night. On one occasion they worked till nearly midnight, and got up at 5 o'clock next morning to catch up on their work.

As a. matter of fact a mistake was made in the late appointment of the commission. Moat of the farmers in the south have been busy harvesting, and mo-.fc valuable evidence lias been lost in consequence. The drive to Pomahaka and back, occupying a little over three hours, was most unnleatant. A cold wind was blowing with hurricane force. and rain threatened throughout the journey. Pomahaka was seen under the most unfavourable conditions, and one or two of the settlers who appeared on the scene did not lend' anything in the way of joviality to the proceedings. Leaving Clinton the land in the vicinity of Wairuna was adjudged very good, uitk fair crops. A few miles further on the land became poorer in quality, and as the Pomahaka territory was appioaebed the decline was very marked, and the opinion was fie-ely expressed that at 3s 6d fter acre the settlers were undoubtedly jeaj-

ing -too high a price for the land. The settlement is certainly not a success. The crops and the turnips looked backward and thin. The< buildings and general improvements are not what was looked for on a prosperous settlement. The whole surroundings, indeed, were de-solate end dreary. Oje of the settlers interviewed the commission and had no cheerful tale to tell, and the commissioners were glad to get away from, the forlorn spot.