THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8862, 12 July 1907, Page 3

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.

Press Association. Wellington. July 11. The annual report of the Lauds Deirtment, presented to Parliament '-day, shows that during the year ided March 31st last, the total area ! land opened under all classes of uure amounted to 610,263 acres, or 1 acres loss than last year. _ This ■ea consists of 287,853 acres in the •• orth and 352,400 acres in the ontli Island, the area in tho latter land (with the exception of tho elson district) being principally istoral runs. The laud showing the irgest area taken up is Auckland, ith 165,804, acres, Southland being scond with 153,287 acres, and Otago lird with 114,483 acres. The land selected during the year Stalled 958,653 acres, of Which 15,529 acres wore taken_ up under ).R.P. system, and 73,545 acres ,nder the L.I.P. system. Rural lands sold for cash ac* onnted for 19,896 acres, small grazng runs for 73,851 acres, and lastoral runs for 370,388 acres. Under tho Lands for Settlement let, 80,691 acres were selected on ho L.I.P. tenure. The balance of Jrown lauds still available is stated 12,288,822 acres, which is increased o 2,610,466 acres by the addition of 31,744 acres being purchsed under he Maori Land Settlement Act, 905. The total number of selectors who :ook np land! during the twelve nonths was 2280. The receipts during the year from all sources amounted to £578,233, or 537,984 in excess of the previous fear’s revenue. Tho total estimated revenue for the current year, is £566,200. iTeu additional estates had been opened for selection under the Lands for Settlement Act, and a portion of an estate previously acToired, making a total area for selection of 189,633 acres. Up to the present a total area of 1,017,588 ■fores, comprising 149 estates, has fcoon acquired.