GLADBROOK RUNS

Otago Witness, Issue 3414, 20 August 1919, Page 13

GLADBROOK RUNS

RESULT OF THE BALLOT. The examination of applicants for the Gladbrook runs was completed early on- the 13th inst., and the ballot, which was commenced shortly after 3 p.m., was concluded at 4.30 p.m. In all, 22,841 'acres were open for selection, divided into five pastoral runs, the term being for 21 years. The land was open for selection by dis charged soldiers, and was very keenly sought after, 220 applications being received for one of the runs. The ballot was conducted in the Early Settlers' Hall. The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr R. T. Sadd) presided, and the other members of the Land Board present wero Messrs James Smith, Geo. Livingstone, C. J. Inder, and T. Munro. Before commencing proceedings Mr Sadd said the subdivision of Gladbrook was made possible by the acquisition of the property from Mr John Roberts. The flat poi'tion had been cut up into farms, and the settlers were doing well. As in the case of the Dasher runs, the board was particularly struck with the fno stamp of men who were applying. Some of the applicants were rejected for various reasons, a few for failing to appear personally and othei-9 for insufficiency of capital. He wished to point out that all applicants must be personally examined by the Land Board; but,

once having submitted themselves for examination and having been accepted, it was not necessary for them to again appear. All they required to do when making future applications was to send in a fresh statement of their financial position. Some of those applying on this occasion had less than £IOO of capital, which, in the opinion of the board, was far too little., for the purpose. The Government assisted to the extent of £750, which did not seem a large amount, but when it was considered that there were some thousands to be assisted the amount in the aggregato was considerable. He wished to remove a wrong impression that had been conveyed through Mr John Roberts removing fencing from some of the runs. Mr Roberts had a perfect right to do this, as it was absolutely his own property; in fact, he could have burnt it had he chosen to do so However, Mr Roberts had deposited a cheque for £l5O, the value of the fencing removed, with him (the speaker), and each of the four successful applicants for Runs Nos. 597, 598, 599, and 600 would receive a cheque for £37 10s.—(Applause). Mr Roberts had also offered the use of his woolshed to the successful applicants. He had also permitted selectors to take water from the races. As a matter of fact, he had shown every inclination to help the soldier-settlers as much as possible. Mr Sadd then gave some valuable suggestions to sucosesful applicants In his opinion 95 per cent, of the soldier-settlers would "make good," and although it was costing the oountry a lot of money to settle them, he thought it would be money well spent.— (Applause.) The ballot was then proceeded with, Messrs Geo. Black and John Bews acting as scrutineers. - The following is the result of the ballot: For Run No. 596, 1656 acres, together with homestead site of 537 acres, there were 159 applications. David Campbell Kidd, Brown street, Timaru, was the successful applicant. • For Run No. 597,2344 acres, together with homestead site of 511 acres, there were 157 applications. Daniel Greaney, of ttigh street, Oamaru, was the successful appliCa For Run No. 598, 5330 acres, together with homestead site of 705 acres, there were 129 applicants. David Chittock, ot 18 New street, Musselburgh, was the successful applicant. For Run No. 599, 8060 acres, together with 454 acres for a homestead site, there were 118 applicants. Robert Hercules Mitchell, of South Dunedin, was-the successful applicantFor Run No. 600, 3240 acres there were 220 applications. Robert Kidd, of Hakataramea, was the successful applicant.