LAND SETTLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20650, 23 August 1930, Page 13

LAND SETTLEMENT.

ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR.

SELECTIONS OF CROWN AREAS. PRIVATE ESTATES PURCHASED. [UY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REl'O lITEH. ] WELLINGTON, Friday. A total of 402,900 acres was taken up on various tenures during the year, states the annual report on the settlement of Crown lands presented in the House of Representatives to day. The number of selections was 2091 under all headings. These included somo 728 sections, comprising altogethcY an area of 88,859 acres, taken up under miscellaneous leases and licences, so that tho selections on permanent tenures numbered 1363 sections, covering a total area of 314,041 acres. The following tablo gives tho selections of Crownjands under all tenures for the last five years:— Year. Number. Area in Acres. 1 921 i.. 3,390 347.7 111 1027 .. 1,711 45G.590 192S .. 3,91 c? 1 GO, 590 1929 .. 1,911 4G2.5G3 1930 .. 2.091 402.900

The great importance of bringing many areas of Crown lands at. present lying idle into a state of productivity is fully recognised, and with this end in view it is intended to utilise the provisions of tho Land Laws Amendment Act, 1929, for the development and settlement of such areas in all suitable cases, says the report. Ikfore the close of tho year under review a great deal of preliminary work was carried out. Tho necessary regulations and forms of application were prepared and printed, accountancy instructions issued and other arrangements completed. Tho personnel of the Lands Development Board, established under the Act, was completed by the appointment by the Governor-General of Mr. J. R. Franklin, of Wanganui, a gentleman possessing extensive experience both in tho farming of ordinary land and thd breaking in of undeveloped areas. Tho annual report on tho Land for Settlements Act, 1928, was also presented to-day. It was stated that 804 offers of estates were considered and 24 properties were purchased. Tho total area acquired was 46,040 acres and the amount paid out £438,994.

Included in tho purchases were four properties totalling 1115 «cre» acquired on behalf of approved applicants under tho provisions of Part 11. of tho Land Laws Amendment Act, 1928.

Thirteen settlements were opened for general application, tho number of subdivisions being 92 and tho total area 17,434 acres. Included in the report was a tablo showing a return of land purchased and paid for during tho year ended March 31 last:—

Briuklands, 1123 acres; £17,318. Welburn, 562; £20,528. Moanaroa, 1003; £18,469. Scotston, 493; £8647. Fernhill, 474; £B3OO. Fernhill, 1010, £16,205. Tame,tea, 731; £16,098. Tamatea, 241; £5062. Brydone, 355; £5701. Wcstella, 836; £46,241. Rockford, 1742; £13,558. Currio, 170; £7780. Murrayfield, 1076; £8519. Gower, 186; in part, £6029. Raupo, 907; £5719. Phillips, 266; ' £12,271. Mangakura, 940; in part, £6500. Aponga, ,3178; £22,600. Aponga, 412; £3993. Roseberry, 2029; £36,524. Roseberry, 1880; £28,213. Tapanui, 1939; £31,999. Wilden, 24,064; £81,016. Clunes, 423; £11,704. Totals, 46,040; £438,994.