CROWN LANDS

Evening Star, Issue 19019, 14 August 1925, Page 10

CROWN LANDS

PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT REHT ARREARS INCREASING [From Our Parliamkxtarv Ekpobtek.] WELLINGTON, August 13. There are .35,842 Crown tenants occupying twenty million acres, of which nearly half comprises pastoral runs. The Crown lands report states that the demand for land continues to be restricted, except for exceptionally good dairying country and open sheep-graz-ing land. The areas selected last year totalled 463,946 acres, and the area opened during the year comprised 1,009 holdings, totalling 182,789 acres. Crown tenants to the number of 463 had their holdings forfeited for nonocmplianco with conditions. Tho area was 139,150 aens, and the annual rental £11,020. In addition 267 tenants surrendered their leases over a total area of 222,778 acres, with an annual rental of £4,920. Tlio grand total of forfeitures and surrenders was thus 730 tenants, holding 361,928 acres, at an annual rental of £15,940. These totals are not, in practical effect (says the report), nearly bo formidable as they appear at first glance, ns by far the larger proportion is represented by miscellaneous leases and licenses; while tho surrender of certain pastoral runs in Otago and Southland accounts for over 164,000 acres. Postponement of payment of rent was granted to 1,945 tenants during the year, involving the large sum of £275,118. At March 31 £233,173 remained postponed on account of 1,733 tenants. The bulk of these postponements aro incidental to the liberal policy pursued in revaluation of Crown leases held by discharged soldiers. Rents in nrrear at March 31 amounted to £301,659, a decrease of £142,789 on last year’s figures. Nevertheless, the arrears, together with postponements in force, form a formidable total, and it wnl probably require several good seasons, combined with careful attention on tho part of the department, lie fore the position can bo regarded as satisfactory. Conversions to freehold were made in 341 instances, 250 being in the North Island. The total amount yielded was £98,344,