FL464142

228 [in pencil, upper left corner]
94 [in ink]

CROWN LANDS
FROM THE MORETON BAY COURIER 3rd MARCH 1855.

A scheme by which the Crown lands may be thrown open for sale
to the public, without injury to the squatting interest.

Under the above title, a "Resident of Darling Downs" dating on the 23rd ulto, [forms?]
the following Communication - 'Whereas the operation of the present Crown lands Regulations is the
source of much contention & ill will between different classes of this community: it is expedient to remove this
by substituting for these multifarious & confused regulations, one simple arrangement, which shall throw open the whole of
the Crown lands in the Colony for sale, and at the same time leave the licensed occupants of runs still in
possession of nearly the whole, with better title, & on more advantageous terms.  The following
submitted as the basis on which such a system may be founded.
First the Surveyor General, or his assistant to be authorised to put up for sale, as at present,
land applied for by two or more applicants for farms, if at a greater distance than three
miles from a township, of not less extent than forty acres each, or by four or more applicants for [farms?]
of not less than twenty acres each, or by one applicant when the section is adjoining lands
already sold. - Second Creeks, water holes, & rivers to be reserved from sale, so as to admit of
them being used by the public. Third -  The Surveyor General to be at liberty to make reserves
townships, & to put up land for sale in such quantities as he deems proper, without application [to?]
purchase.  Fourth - In Consideration of Such a concession on the part of the Squatter,
their willingness to submit to such intrusion on the part of the public, the Government to pay
the license fee, and recognise their right to the pasturage of their runs as private property, [if?]
the lands remain unsold, without any other charge than a registration fee of five Shillings.
Fifth The right of presumption to be limited to half a section at the head
Station. Sixth The Government to be still at liberty to make such alterations
and reservations as the public interests may require.

The object of rendering joint applications for isolated farms is to discourage as far as is
Consistent with individual freedom, the dispersion of population.  The location of [Settlers?]
& there, while access was still bad to water, would not prevent the squatters flocks
from grazing around them.  The remission of the present license fee would [compensate?]
for the intrusion, & should the land prove unsuitable for agriculture, they [should do?]
well of the change - The Public would be satisfied, & the occasional sales [would?]
more than idemnify the Government.