The Timaru Herald. MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 1895.

Timaru Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 1831, 5 August 1895, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 1895.

We publish this morning some highly interesting information regarding the present condition and future prospects of the snow-covered runs. It is abundantly clear that m our previous remarks on the subject we did not exaggerate the losses. The severity of the winter m the back country— the hard frosts coming on the top of the continuous and heavy falls of snow— will prove to be nothing short of _ a calamity, and those interested will have seriously to consider their position. We understand that it has been suggested that .the run-holders affected should petition the Government for a remission of the sheep rate now being demanded,

and for a remission of this halfyear's rent. It cannot fairly be contended that the run-holders have no special claim for consideration at the hands of the State. The State stands to them m the position of landlord, and m cases of this kind, when from natural causes the land has entirely failed to yield the profit contemplated by lessor and lessee, the equities of the position demand that the landlord shall at all events share m the misfortune which has overtaken the tenant. The fact that the landlord happens to be the State should make no difference; indeed, the State ought to set the community an example of equitable dealing. Some narrow-minded persons may fail to see the matter m that light, but we have no reason for supposing that under the circumstances the Government will not be prepared to make concessions. We believe it will be found that they will make concessions where substantial losses are proved. As to the suggested petition, it would be very difficult to get it sent round, and an agitation meeting of those interested is just now out of the question, as so many of those from whom information would be wanted are actually snowed up. It will be seen from the article headed " Mackenzie Country," to which we just now referred, that the Government are not unaware of the state of the country, and if they desire more precise information on any point, they could send a special commissioner to see and report. We should say that if this is to be done it should be done at once. After the snow has gone, a visitor would obtain a very imperfect idea of the nature of the visitation and the extent of the calamity. Under the circumstances, the Government might make a move without being pressed or even asked to do so. We greatly fear that some of the runholders who are financially weak must succumb, as the expense of re-stocking the runs will have to be faced. But to return to the suggested petition. It will be seen that Messrs Maslin and Flatman have had several conversations with the Minister of Lands about the position of the Crown tenants who have suffered by the exceptionally severe winter, and that the Minister has given them to understand that there will be no general remission of rents. Each case will be dealt with separately and on its merits. It would seem therefore that a general petition would be of no service. Our advice is that each settler whose run has been snow-covered, and who has m consequence sustained loss, should at the earliest possible moment make out a full statement of its extent, giving all particulars, including cost of restocking at such prices as may be expected to 'rule. That statement, accompanied by an application for remission of rent, should be forwarded to the Minister of Lands. It would be as well also that the members for the several districts should, m their places m the House, make pointed allusion to what has happened, and thus strengthen the hands of the Minister of Lands m any proposals which he may have to make.