ADMINISTRATION INQUIRY COMMITTEE.

lI.—No. 1

9

6. The Eeport of the Select Committee of the Legislative Council appointed last Session to inquire into the Moa Flat sale applies with even greater force to the sale of this land. In conclusion, I would respectfully point out that when, a few years ago, the Provincial Government had under consideration the sale of the Wakatipu runs, the General Government of the day interposed, and to that fortunate circumstance can be clearly traced the prosperity of what is now undoubtedly the leading inland town in Otago. This district possesses resources second only to those of the Wakatipu, and would, from the facilities which exist therein for combining the two industries of agriculture and gold mining, if opened for settlement, be capable of supporting a large population. This will be for ever rendered impossible if the disgraceful and notoriously illegal acts of the Provincial Government be permitted to be carried out. I have, &c, John M. Kinaston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Secretary, Progress Association.

Mr. Horace Bastings to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sir, — Lawrence, 17th July, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that a public meeting was held here on Monday, the 15th instant, as per notification annexed hereto, when the following resolutions were proposed and carried unanimously, viz.:— " That this meeting solemnly protests against the sale of large blocks of land within gold fields by the Executive and the Waste Land Board of this Province, as contrary to the spirit and letter of the Gold Pields and Waste Lands Acts, and peculiarly prejudicial to the interests of the gold fields." " That the aid of the Executive Government of the Colony be asked, to take the necessary steps to prevent any further sale of lands in large blocks within gold fields, and to prosecute the individuals who have been guilty of entering into the late contracts for the sale of such blocks." " That the Chairman be requested at once to communicate with the Colonial Secretary on the subject of the above resolutions." I have, &c, Horace Bastings, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Mayor of Lawrence.

Enclosure. Sir, — Lawrence, 4th July, 1872 The Provincial Government and Waste Land Board of the Province of Otago, being apparently determined, in defiance of law and justice, to sacrifice the interests of the gold fields and the Province generally, by privately selling large blocks of land, we deem it our duty to request you to call a public meeting of the inhabitants of this district to protest against their action, and to consider what steps may be taken to prevent their carrying out purposes so fatal to the interests of the country. We are, &c., To Horace Bastings, Esq., Mayor of Lawrence. [Here follow fifty signatures.]

In accordance with the above request, I hereby convene a public meeting, at the Council Chambers, Lawrence, on Monday evening, at 8 p.m. Lawrence, 9th July, 1872. Hoeace Bastings, Mayor.

APPENDIX C. Telegram from Chairman, Otago Waste Lands Inquiry Committee, to Mr. J. B. Borton, Warden, Eoxburgh. 1. Do you know the block of land lately sold by the Waste Lands Board of Otago to Cargill and Anderson ? 2. Does it contain any land suitable for agriculture ; and if it does, how much ? 3. Does it to your knowledge contain any auriferous land ? 4. Are there any water races within the block ? 5. Is the sale injurious to the mining or agricultural interests of the district. 6. What is the opinion of the inhabitants of the district on the sale ? 7. Give any further information you can on the subject. T. L. Shepherd, Wellington, 27th July, 1872. Chairman. Similar telegrams forwarded same day to —John Beighton, Eoxburgh ; G. E. Mackay, Eoxburgh ; E. Eady, care of Mackay ; J. M. Kinaston, Eoxburgh ; Eobt. McLeod, care of Mackay.

Telegeam from Mr. Boston to the Chaieman, Otago Waste Lands Inquiry Committee. I hate not been over the land but know its situation. Believe it includes agricultural block already surveyed. Would judge from what I hear that the whole block must contain three or four thousand acres of agricultural land. Ground has not been prospected, but gold was found in post hole. Consider sale injurious both to mining and agricultural interests. People generally consider great injustice done to district. Roxburgh, 29th July, 1872. Boston. .

Telegeam from Mr. Boston to the Chaieman, Otago Waste Lands Inquiry Committee. Ageicultueal block I find not included in sale. My estimate of three or four thousand acres of agricultural land is low. Eoxburgh, 29th July, 1872. Boston. 3