LAND SETTLEMENT IN CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15034, 31 July 1914, Page 8

LAND SETTLEMENT IN CANTERBURY.

— *? • COMMISSIONER'S ANNUAL REPORT.

(SPECIAL TO "THE rRKSS.") AVELLINGTON. July 30. The- Commissioner of Crown Lands for Canterbury reports that tho Land Board disposed of, under tho Lands for Settlement Act, 8904 acres to thirtysix new tenants. • Tho total revcnuo for the past year amounted to £200,055, being an increase of £3799 over the previous year. The total amount of rent in arrears at March 31st, 1913, exclusive of current payments, was £6084. Tho amount of rents postponed, came to £3123, under Section 13 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, which makes a total of £9207 actually outstanding, which is less than 3 per cent, on the annual rent roll. Tho total sum allowed for rebates for pronlpt payment of rent was £11,442, the number of tenants who participated in this privilege being 3803. Two perpetual leaseholders acquired tho freehold of 120 acres, to the value of £135, five occupation with right of purchase tenants acquired 925 acres for the sum 0f£1057. under tho legislation of 1912, fivo tenants of lease-in-perpetuity Crown land acquired 2499 acres, to the value of £4265, one renewablo leaseholder of settlement land acquired 2 roods at a cost of £123, and two renewable leaseholders converted to deferred payment 28 acres, the annual instalments amounting to £190. There were eight village settlers who obtained the freehold of 354 acres, of the valuo of £811, and one farm homestead holder acquired 71 acres, to the value of £170".- ' There Were .'altogether twenty-three forfeitures, comprising 1302 acres, the annual, rent amounting to £521., There were three surrenders, comprising 184 acres, tho annual rental being £149. Nearly all these transactions wero caused by the lessees refusing to sign their leases.as a way of avoiding further obligations.

Tho licensees of tHe subdivided pastoral runs in tho Mackenzie Country have experienced two exceptionally good winters since they took possession, and have so far proved a success. Tho tree-planting clause in .tbeiri licenses has.met with the approval of all, judging by the practical manner in which they have planted in excess of the requirements. Most of the licensees have planted from five to ten acres, and the trees which appear to thrive best are larch, pinus muricata. and pinus ponderosa. Tho older plantations throughout the district are looking exceptionally well.

The reports to hand on : the educas tibn reserves aro of a satisfactory nature. In some cases tenants have neglected to comply with the condi--1 tions of their leases as to eradication of ; noxious weeds. Their attention has | now been called to this. I CHEVIOT ESTATE. Tho Commissioner says there is a j small increase -of population of the rural lands, and a decrease' in the j towns of Mackenzie and Port Robm- ' son, leaving the number of souls in the estate about tbe same as in the previous year. Tivontv-s.ix grazing farm leases "expire in 1916, aria ™c Boar d wHI havo a busy time this xeiZ J n dealing with the disposal of them" SJ sulj ~ tfivision or renewal. »» / The ranger's reports for tho j'^ 3l " show that, with the exception of tw"° or three, all the settlers in this dis- , trict are satisfied with their holdings, a great many doing exceedingly well, and the remainder can be said to be successful and holding their own.