LAND SETTLEMENT.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14761, 3 September 1913, Page 12

LAND SETTLEMENT.

;■* ' ■ THE YEAR'S'OPERATIONS. (sfECIAT, TO "TOE PRESS.") WELLINGTON, September 2. In tho annual. report of the Lands Department presented to the House today, it is stated that during the year nineteen new estates were subdivided into 242 farms or holdings, aggregating an area of 123,138 acres, and offered for selection. Two of tho estates were situated in the Hawke's Bay district, fourteen in Canterbury, two in Otago, and ono in Southland. Tho total number of holdings occupied under the provisions of the Land for Settlements Act now number 5379, aggregating 1,306,518 acres, from which accrues an annual rental of £329,890. The number of sheep depastured on the lands is estimated at 1,010,C00, horses 19,100, catt'o and other stock 85,700. Tho total value of improvements at the date of last inspection was £2,371,306. The area of Crown land that has been dealt with under the system of improved farm settlement is 115,9-11 acres. Of this area 81G9 acres has been acquired ,in fee simple by 94 settlers under the right of purchase conferred by their leases. The balance. 107,772 acres, is as present held by SO3 settlers. * Tho reports of the various Commissioners of Crown lands showed that very •satisfactory progress was being mndo on tho settlements recently established, many of the settlers having commenced dairying operations, the Government supplying stock where necessary upon suitable terms of repayment. The total area of national endowment land held under lease or license sit th« close of the year was fi,324,008 acres, at a yearly rental of £89,559. The area within this endowment was now 8,551,250 acres. This area was <-on•stantly being added to by selections of ordinary Crown land under the renewable lease tenure, and by conversions from the other tenures to renewable lease.