C— No. 1.
I think it would be fairer to allow persons to run amounts of cattle and sheep in proportion to the amount of land they have leased, in a manner analagous to that in the Hundred system. 1 see no reason why a difference , should be made in the Commonages, or wherever they have depasturing Wardens at all. I was the Jirst that crossed the Arrow River with a mob of sheep, and placed them on ground which was then altogether unoccupied by stock of any kind ; and now I find that a small sheep-block has been reserved, inadequate to graze all the sheep in that district —virtually for one person, as there is about enough country for, in the allowance for a small increase. He was running sheep on that particular spot when the Reserve was made, although lie came after me ; and the country that I occupied is more fitted for sheep.
Mr. Thomson, Continued.
No.. 64. Mr. Henry Manders being duly sworn, examined : — I have been living here since the opening of the Goldfields, having been employed as a mining agent. Up to a short time ago—to the passing of the Act of 1866—great difficulties were experienced in obtaining land here. These have been to a very great extent removed by that Act. But the present difficulties in this district arise from an inadequate system of survey. The survey staff is too small, and this causes delay in giving the leases. I know several cases where leases have been delayed on that account—3o or 40 of them. One case—perhaps an extreme one—is Mr. M'Bride's, at Greenstone, who applied two years ago, and has not yet got the land applied for surveyed. The £10 deposit is paid, and a charge of in per acre is made under the new Regulations, the deposit being used in part payment of this rent. The amount of land now open in the Wakatipu Runs (including Mr. Rec's cancelled Run) has been carefully picked over, and the best portions of the land nearest to a market —such as Miller's .Flat, Haye's Flat, and Arrow Flat—have been selected. There is a moderate portion of land still open. I find that people want more laud. There are many who would settle if they could get suitable land. I have had many parties come to me as a matter of business to ask me to obtain land on the Kawarau side (Messrs. Boyes Brothers' Run) ; also to obtain, if possible, the opening of a. Hundred at the foot of the Lake, bounded by the Mataura, and running in the Nakoknai direction. This includes part of Roger's and part of Trotter's Run. If that land were put into the market, and a Hundred declared, J. think, from the numerous applications I have had in my line of business, that there would be considerable settlement there by an agricultural population. These very extensive plains, and the climate being superior to, and warmer than, that of Southland further down, people desire to obtain land there. Nokomai district has been almost deserted in consequence of people not being able to obtain land to keep even cows, or to cultivate even small sections. Complaints are very numerous on this account. I think the conduct of the runholder there (Mr. Cameron) is an exception to that of the runholders generally throughout the Coldnelds. He «-ill not allow any cattle on the Run. "He has given notice oven to the dairymen, to remove their stock. The importance of having a population, combining mining and agriculture, is very great to the Colony. They are easily taxed, as they would be settled. I have not found that the charge under the Goldfields Act, 1866, of rent, is objected to by the majority of the settlers—only by a few who have taken up land in large blocks by family arrangements or otherwise. Many persons hold 600 acres of land, to whom it wotild be of great importance to obtain a reduction of rent; but the majority of bond fide settlers think the working of the Act very satisfactory, and that the interest charged in the; shape of rent (2s 6d a year, 12.', pei , cent.) is moderate; and gives them the opportunity of saving a small capital in the improvement of "the land. Any change in the present system by allowing a portion of the rent to go towards the payment of the land, would lead to more land being taken up by persons who would take up large blocks for grazing farms, and acquire possession at the end of three years for speculative purposes. I mentioned just now some large tracts taken up of GOO acres and more by friends combining— husbands and wives— 'sisters ; and even children. T know an instance of an infant holding 200 acres. Any relaxation of the present law would lead to more abuse. I think generally, the present system has worked excellently during the short time it has been in force. It is a great pit)- it did not come into force sooner, as it would have saved to the Colony an immense quantity of gold that has been taken away to other places, as the miners were very eager to obtain land at that time. I have no doubt that, from the number of miners that I have spoken to, that the gloomy period which generally follows the opening of a Goldfield has now passed away, and a mining population is settling down, is increasing, and is likely to increase. J speak this from considerable experience and knowledge acquired amongst the miners. Each week witnesses the inlliiN of families of miners induced by the representation of their friends to come from other places. I have n<i doubt there is room for the opening of fresh Goldtields, both in the Kingston direction, and in other directions —towards Kawarau, as well as up the river.
No. 04. Mr. Manders, 4th March, 1869.
No. 65 Mr. Michael Craweour being duly sworn, examined :— lam a livery stablekeeper in Queenstown, and have a share in a mining claim on the Shotover, I know there is a d9sire in this district that the agricultural portion of Messrs. .Boyes' Run adjoining bond fide settlement 200 acres ; and three others with whom 1 am connected in mining, would each take up a Frankton should Ik; thrown open for selection. If such were done, I. would be prepared to take up for similar quantity. The land at present open for selection 1 consider only fit for pastoral purposes, all the the best of the blocks formerly thrown, opari being now taken up. I some time since (about 18 months ;i"o) spoke to the Gold Receive)- at Queenstown upon this subject, when he told me that he did not think it was any use applying for the, laud before named. I know there arc eoveiul others wanting laud there. I have only horses - no cattle or sheep.
No. 65. Mr. Gracour. ■lth March, 1509.
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ADMINISTRATION OF CROWN