CHATTON.

Southland Times, Issue 3626, 5 February 1880, Page 2

CHATTON.

Mr Shanks introduced Mr Watt, who said he had been deputed by some of the deferred-payment settlers of Chatton to ask for a reduction in their rent. He would suggest that they be allowed a twelvemonth longer in which to pay it. If that could not be done, they would sooner be turned off. The settlers numbered a hundred, and were unanimous in the matter. Mr Rolleston said the subject was brought before the House last session by Sir Shanks, and he (Mr Rolleston) did his best to make the facts plain. The Government had no power to do as the. settlers wished : indeed, he considered it would be unwise for the Government to hold out any hopes in cases like the present. The Government were bound to carry out the law as it was at present constituted. He was very desirous that the deferred-pay-ment system should have a fair trial, and considered it was the only way that the country would be settled by bona fid* settlers. Mr Watt — Then, so far as Chatton is concerned, all the deferred payment settlers will be turnei off. Mr Rolleston could only state, as he had before, that the Government were bound to abide by the laws. Mr Watt said no rents had been collected for over twelve months. He could assuro the Minister that it would be impossible tq find a better class of farmers than those located in the Chatton district, Mr Rolleston explained that he himself was a farmer, and he was well aware of the trouble farmers generally had had tQ

put up' With "all over the colon y, but it would I>* unfair ; to deal with one set of settlers in a different way to their dealings with others, , , , , , , Mr Watt explained that ho had expended *600'««ul it would be two years and mx months before ho would reap any l-on- f , Mr Rolleston again said the Government - must abide by the law. Mr Watt said they were all willing to stand by the law if time were allowed Mi-Shanks said that no rents had been collected for 18 months, and he for one would say- "Jet the sleeping dog lie." Mr Watt thanked Mr Rolleston aud left.