PASTORAL LANDS IN OTAGO. (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE SALE OF LEASES OF RUNS.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1882 Session I, C-02

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1882. NEW ZEALAND.

PASTORAL LANDS IN OTAGO. (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE SALE OF LEASES OF RUNS.)

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. {Reprinted.) MEMOEAUDtiM by the Seceetaey for Cbown Lands to the Commissioner of Ceown Lands, Dunedin. General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 30th May, 1881. In view of the termination of the pastoral leases in Otago in the mouth of March, 1883, the Government has had under its consideration the course which should be adopted to promote the future occupation of the lands now included in these leases, in the manner most likely to induce a beneficial settlement of the country, and increase its productive power to the utmost. In arriving at the conclusions which I have now the honor to communicate to you, and which the Hon. the Minister of Lands directs are to be submitted to the Land Board for its consideration, regard was necessarily had to the nature, extent, and accessibility of the country, and the present occupation by a population engaged in agricultural, mining, and pastoral pursuits. Taking up these points and passing them in general review, we find the country under consideration is presently held in seventy-one runs, and comprises an area of 2,68 L,000 acres. This extensive area, with the exception of one or two runs near Waikawa, Southland County, is in one compact block, and stretches mainly from a point on the Taieri River, twenty miles from Dunedin, across the interior of Otago to Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, a distance of 150 miles by road. On this line lie Strath-Taieri, Maniototo (or Upper Taieri Plain), Ida, Manuherikia, and Upper Clutha Valleys. It is remarkable thatj although the general character of the interior of Otago is mountainous, yet these valleys merge into each other so gradually that they really form one continuous valley or plain across the country,. of an altitude above sea-level varying from GOO to 2,000 feet, the latter elevation being nearly attained for a few miles, where the coach road crosses the watershed between the Taieri and Clutha River1 systems, at the end of Rough Ridge, and across the Ida Valley to Hill's Creek, The mountain ridges which enclose this low country rise from it as a base to summit-levels above the sea of from 3,000 to (3,600 feet. Arranging the areas of the country according to the elevations of its surface above sea-level, we have approximately — Acres. Over 500 but under 1,000 feet ... ... ... ... 225,000* Over 1,000 but under 2,000 feet ... ... ... ... 1,153,000 Over 2,000 but under 3,000 feet ... ... ... ... 781,000 Over 3,000 but under 6,600 feet ... ... • ... ... 522,000 2,681,000 —from which it will appear that 1,288,000 acres, or nearly one-half the area of this interior Otago. country, is under 2,000 feet. As garden fruits, wheat, oats, barley, and root crops have been successfully grown up to or near this level in interior Otago for years past, and the winter snow-line varies from about 1,600 feet to 2,500 or 3,000 feet, according to the aspect of the country or severity of the season, we may assume that, so far as the climate is concerned, all land below 2,000 feet is safe for stock; and, where the soil is good and the surface admits of cultivation, it may be classed as agricultural. In apportioning the country for the purpose of settlement it must be clearly understood that every acre of grass is to be utilized. To accomplish this it will be necessary to associate high with low country, so that when the summer country is under snow there may be winter country for stock. This determines that the holdings must run from the valley up the slopes of a mountain ridge to its crest or summit. Where the summit is only three or four miles back, as in the case of the runs east from Strath-Taieri, the country can be subdivided into much smaller areas than such high country as the Lindis or Morven Hill runs, where the back high country is eight or ten miles from the winter country. A good deal of the country is intermediate between these limits: that is, five and six miles in depth from the low-lying areas.

* This includes 90,000 acres in Southland County.

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In any scheme of subdivision the question of boundaries arises. In the larger areas natural boundaries will usually be obtained, in part at least; but, in the smaller, fencing will have to be resorted to. If the holdings were laid off in long, narrow sections, the cost of fencing would be out of proportion to the value of the land enclosed. If laid off in squares, the cost of boundary fencing would bo the least possible per acre; but, say the areas were laid off twico the depth to the width, then that would give for the three-miles depth an area of 2,880, and for the ten-miles depth 32,000 acres. It is not intended, of course, that the country is to be laid off in a series of rectangles over the rugged mountain surface, but the illustration shows that necessarily the areas nuist vary much, and be comparatively large, even in the smallest subdivision practicable. A settler with a hill-farm of 2,880 acres in the Strath-Taieri District ought to do very well. The natural grasses carry a sheep to the two acres in that locality, and although the surface of the country is much encumbered at places with the outcrop of the schist rocks, yet a considerable area is improvable by the hill-side plough, and the carrying capacity of the country could be very much increased. If this Strath-Taieri country, and other similar areas under 3,000 feet, were subdivided into sections of from 2,000 to 5,000 acres, and offered in selected sections on pastoral deferred payments, on immediate payments, and on lease, settlers would have an opportunity of acquiring properties in the manner and of a size suitable to their circumstances and ideas. Applying the same general system of subdivision throughout, the areas would, as already stated, vary from 2,000 or 3,000 up to 30,000 or 40,000 acres. It would be practicable to have sections under 5,000 acres laid off in the vicinity of most of the interior townships, each section with sufficient level land for homestead purposes. The system of combining arable with pastoral lands in what may be termed " hill farming " is the only one by which any large body of small settlers can hope to succeed in the interior of Otago. It is quite true that a few settlers here and there are engaged in raising grain, but, as the market is purely local and very limited, there can be but very little expansion of settlement on that basis. The time may come when, with railway communication opened up with the coast, grain will be grown extensively on these inland grassy plains, but it is not yet. The settlers find they need grazing ground as an auxiliary to grain-growing, and many have been the expedients to secure this boon with a view of superseding the commonages, which are unsatisfactory to settlers, and often quite beyond their reach on account of distance. It would be well to give these little groups of settlers already referred to an opportunity of adding to their properties in their own locality. This could be done by including their block of 2,500 or 3,000 acres within a hundred of (say) three or four times that area. For instance, take the Hawea Flat, where there have been three small blocks, of about 2,500 acres each, opened at different times. A hundred might be declared, including the unoccupied flats along the Hawea and Clutha Rivers, and, taking in the mountain faces behind, up to the summit of Grandview Range. This locality is selected for illustration because it is the most remote agricultural settlement in Otago, being nearly 200 miles from the coast by a practicable road, and 35 miles from a commonage. Excellent crops of grain are grown there by the few settlers, but they ought to have the opportunity not only of expansion, but of adding to their number so as to form a community sufficiently numerous to allow of the establishment of church, school, and other social advantages. There are other small groups of settlers to which the same remarks apply in measure. In apportioning the country in large and small runs and hundreds in the manner proposed, we may reckon on a considerable increase of population. This suggests the necessity of carefully selecting sites for towns and village settlements, and making reserves of the lignite deposits. As the country is entirely destitute of indigenous growing timber, it would be wise to make a few plantation reserves. The Lake County Council has recognized the need of making provision for future wants in this respect by establishing a plantation in the Cardrona Valley. Care must also be taken not to hamper the goldmining industry in any way by selling any land proved or even supposed to be payably auriferous. The gold-miners require a great scope of country, and they have an instinctive aversion to the sale of Crown lands. By putting all such country under pastoral lease the miner and settler never come in collision. Putting these remarks in a short compass, they are, —(1.) That the agricultural blocks which have been opened from time to time, are, where practicable, to be included in a larger area, and declared a hundred. (2.) The fact having been established that fully one-half of the country consists of mountain slopes above 2,000 feet of altitude, and that the homesteads and winter country, to enable the higher country to be held, must be on a lower level, it follows that each run must combine both high and low country. (3.) Having regard to practicable fencing-lines or 7iatural boundaries, the runs are to belaid off in the proportion of the depth being about twico the breadth. (4.) The operation of No. 3 will result in a largo number of runs being laid off in areas under 5,000 acres each, of a number of about 10,000 acres, and in the highest country of probably a less number from 20,000 to 30,000 acres, or, in a few cases, even a greater area. Huns under 5,000 acres to be offered on pastoral deferred-payment, on immediate payment, and on lease. All other runs on lease for ten years under the provisions of " The Land Act, 1877." (5 ) Reserves to be made of the Otago Central Railway line as surveyed, of coal areas, of roads, of towns, village, and plantation sites. Tracings of the topographical maps are being prepared on which the agricultural and mining settlements, pre-emptive rights, roads, and altitudes will be shown ; also the approximate boundaries of proposed hundreds and runs in l'elative position. The areas to be leased can generally be marked off on the topographical maps with sufficient accuracy in relation to streams, ridges, and other natural features, so as not to require further survey. But the areas that are to be offered for sale, either on immediate or deferred payment, will require to be surveyed and marked on the ground. As these areas need not, nor indeed should, be offered for sale until within a short time of giving possession in March, 1883, there will be ample time left after the present winter is over within which to conduct the surveys. James . M cKeekow, The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin. Secretary for Crown Lands.

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No. 2. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin, to the Secretary for Crown Lands. (Memorandum.) Crown Lands Office, Duuedin, 24th June, 1881. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your memorandum of the 30th May last, numbered 271/2, as to dealing with runs in the interior of this district, the leases of which expire in 1883. The various proposals were duly considered by the Land Board, at a meeting of that body on tho 22nd instant, when the following resolution was unanimously adopted : " That the Board, having considered the memorandum of the Secretary for Crown Lands relative to the disposal of Crown lands in Otago to be dealt with at the expiration of the current leases of the runs in March, 1883, desire generally to express their concurrence with the views of the Government contained therein, as tending to promote settlement in the interior, and that the Board will be glad to co-operate with the Government in carrying the same into effect." J. P. Maitland, The Secretary for Crown Lands, Wellington, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

No. 3. [Advertisement, .] Sale op Pastoral Leases of Crown Lands. —Preliminary Notice. General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 7th November, 1881. Three million acres of Crown lands will shortly be open for sale and lease in the Provincial District of Otago, New Zealand. This country is at present held under lease in large runs until the Ist March, 1883. These runs, after agricultural blocks, townships, plantation and other reserves have been taken, will be subdivided into areas of about two or three thousand acres and upwards, according to the nature of the country, and will be offered for lease or for sale on pastoral deferred payments in terms of " The Land Act, 1877," and " The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1879." The agricultural blocks will be forthwith surveyed, and will then be offered for selection on immediate and deferred payments. Areas exceeding 5,000 acres will be let as runs for ten years, from the Ist March, 1883, with pre-emptive right over 320 acres for homestead. Areas under 5,000 acres will be generally for sale on pastoral deferred payments. In order to give new pastoral lessees time to make arrangements, the licenses will, in terms of the Land Act, be sold by public auction, at the Land Office, Dunedin, in the latter end of February, 1882, twelve months before possession is to be given. One year's rent will be payable in advance on the license at the time of sale. The pastoral deferred payment sections will be offered for sale by public auction probably in November or December, 1882; possession on the Ist March, 1883. Terms: A deposit of onethirtieth of the price of the land on purchase, the balance in half-yearly payments extending over fifteen years. .Residence within twelve months is compulsory, and must continue for five years, Balance of instalments may be paid at end of ten j'ears, in whicii case Crown grant issues. The country has been occupied for upwards of twenty years. It is well grassed, well watered, sound, and healthy. Distance from port by good roads, and railways part of the way, from 30 to 150 miles. Maps and further particulars will be obtainable at the Land Offices in New Zealand early in December next, and at places in the Australian Colonies to be named in future advertisements. Suitable blocks of land will also be surveyed immediately in the Provincial District of Canterbury, for sale on pastoral deferred payment, and will be offered for sale about March, 1882. AVir. Eolleston, Minister of Lands.

No. 4. The Hon. the Minister of Lands to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin. Sic, — General Crown Lands Office, "Wellington, 24th December, 1881. In the month of May last a memorandum was forwarded to you by the Secretary for Crown Lands for submission to the Land Board on the subject of the future disposal of the runs in the Provincial District of Otago, of which the leases are to terminate in the month of March, 1883. That memorandum embodied the principles which, in the opinion of the Government, should guide the dealing with those runs so as to promote the beneficial settlement of the country and increase its productive power to the utmost. I have now the honor to forward, for the information of the Board, maps and schedules showing the manner in which these principles appear to work out in their application to the blocks of country to be dealt with, and to express the hope that the information thus afforded will enable the Board, without much difficulty, to exercise the function which devolves upon it under the Act. The results of the work of the department, as shown upon the map, are briefly as follow: (1.) Seventy-six runs comprising an area of about 2,427,000 acres, the leases of which expire in the month of March, 1883, and which, in terms of " The Land Act, 1877," have to be dealt with not later than the end of February next, are subdivided into 150 runs, comprising in all a total area of 2,162,000 acres. (2.) An area amounting to 265,000 acres is withheld from leasing for the purposes of pastoral deferred payment and agricultural settlement. The topographical information on the maps and the descriptions in the schedules have been broighfc up to the date of the most recent surveys, and the contour lines showing the altitude of the country

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are everywhere marked so as to afford the fullest information to the Board in determining upon the scheme of subdivision which they would recommend for final adoption. The plan of subdivision of laud to be re-leased, as suggested, represents as faithfully as was possible the principles previously adopted by the Board, and has been prepared with due regard to the grazing capacities of the land to the profitable grouping together of winter and summer country to its configuration of the country so as to insure practicable fencing lines and natural boundaries, and in view of other considerations which were fully laid before the Board in the previous memorandum of the Government. If the amount which it is proposed to re-lease appears large as compared with that set aside for agricultural settlement and sale, it will be remembered that, under the new system of leasing, it will be competent at any time to take without compensation, at twelve months' notice, further lands for sale and settlement out of the runs ; and, further, that the greatest care has to be exercised iv assigning the areas for freehold settlement that auriferous ground should not be alienated or the mining industry be otherwise interfered with. On this subject the Government has had important representations from those interested in mining pursuits. It remains for the Board first of all, in terms of section 114 of "The Land Act, 1877," to consider whether the subdivision and re-leasing of the runs as suggested meets their views, and then in terms of sections 120 and 121, to determine,—(L.) The rates of rentals which should be fixed as the upset price at which they should be put up to auction; and (2.) The term of years—not being more than ten—for which the runs or portions of runs should be re-leased. Upon the determination of the last point much will depend. The object of those who are intrusted with the administration of these lands in the future will be to increase their productive powers to the utmost, to afford facilities for pastoral and agricultural settlement, at recurring intervals, to a growing population, and to obtain as large a reserve to the State as is consistent with those objects. The simultaneous termination of a number of pastoral leases is not favourable is many respects to these results. It is therefore suggested, for consideration of the Board, that the term of years for which the runs or portions of runs should be re-leased should bo varied according to their character and the position of the land ; and that in the case of the subdivision of some of the large runs, the different portions, sho.uld be leased for different terms of years. It will be observed that in the vicinity of inland townships, and of lands already occupied by agricultural settlers, the runs have been made as small as the nature of the country will permit. In such cases it is thought there will at once be competition for them, and that their size will bring them within the reach of men of moderate means. In such cases, the Board would probably think it well to give the full term of ten years' lease. The same course would be followed with regard to any country where a present demand may be supposed to exist. The term for which other runs would be let would be guided by a variety of considerations : amongst others the spread of the rabbit nuisance, which no doubt can only be encountered under a tenure of fair duration. But, on the whole, the effort should be made so to re-lease the country that the leases will be falling in at more frequent intervals than they would if they were all let for the same term, and that they will so fall in as to meet the requirements of advancing settlement; and so that the State may obtain the advantage of the greater rental which would accrue from increased facilities of communication and the more immediate presence of a larger population. On the whole, I would suggest that (say) a million acres should be let for a full term of ten years, and the remainder for three different periods of (say) two, five, and seven years. In the schedule forwarded herewith the upset rental has been suggested at about a half more than what was paid on assessment, at 7d. a sheep. The estimate has been made iv view of the present deterioration of grazing property from the rabbit pest. It is hoped, however, that recent legislation will enable the nuisance to be successfully dealt with. I shall be obliged if you will lay this letter and accompanying maps and documents before the Board at the earliest opportunity, so that as soon as the question has been decided the publication of the map may be proceeded with without delay. As previously stated, you will be aware that, in terms of the Act, the auction of the runs must take place not later than the end of February next, and that due notice will also have to be given before that date, in terms of section 114, to the present lessees, as to the course which will be adopted. I have, &c, "W". Eolleston, The Commissioner of Crown Lauds, Dunedia. Minister of Lands.

No. 5. Mr. Vincent Pike, M.H.E., to the Hon. the Ministek of Lands. Sib,— Dunedin, 23rd December, 1881. I do myself the honor to forward a copy of resolutions agreed to at a meeting of Otago and Southland representatives recently held in this city, and to request the favour of an early° reply thereto. The last three signatures were authorized by letters and telegram, which would have been attached to the resolutions but for their containing other matters of a private nature. I also forward a newspaper {Morning Herald, 21st December, 1881) containing a report of the meeting. I have, &c, Vincent Pfke, The Hon. the Minister of Lands, "Wellington. Chairman of the Meeting.

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Enclosure in No. 5. Resolutions agreed to at a Meeting of Otago Representatives held at Watson's Hotel, 20th December, 1881; Vincent Pyke, M.H.R., in the Chair. 1. That, having regard to the magnitude of the interest involved, it is, in the opinion of this meeting, highly desirable that all action in relation to the dealing with the pastoral leases which expire in March, 1883, should be suspended until the newly-elected Parliament has had an opportunity of considering the best mode of disposing of the lands affected. (Carried unanimously.) 2. That, to prevent any injury accruing to the present lessees by reason of such suspension, they should be offered a renewal of their leases for a further period of one year, subject to the condition that any land required for sale or settlement —as deferred-payment, agricultural-lease blocks, agricultural blocks, deferred-payment pastoral blocks, or for hundreds or otherwise —may be taken for such purposes after March, 1883, without compensation, (Carried unanimously.) 3. That the foregoing resolutions be transmitted to the Hon. the Minister of Crown Lands, with a request that effect may be given thereto. (Carried unanimously.) We, the undersigned members of the Parliament of New Zealand, hereby signify our assent to the foregoing resolutions. J. C. Brown, Tuapeka. Thos. Duncan, Waitaki. J. Seaton, Peninsula. H. Driver, Hokonui. S. E. Shrimski, Oamaru. Vincent Pyke, Dunstan. M. W. Green, Dunedin City East. James P. Joyce, Awarua. John Bathgate, Roslyn. Henry Feldwick, Invercargill. W. Barron, Caversham. C. A. De Lautour, Mount Ida (per V.P.). Thos. Bracken, Dunedin City Central. Jas. Macandrew, Port Chalmers (per V.P.). Theophilus Daniels, Wallace. James W. Thompson, Clutha (per V.P.). John McKenzie, Moeraki.

• ■ No. 6. The Hon. Mr. Dick to Mr. Vincent Ptke, M.H.R. Sir, — General Crown Lands Office, "Wellington, 29th December, 1881. I have the honor, in the absence of Mr. Rolleston, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, forwarding resolutions passed at a meeting of members of the House of Eepresentatives for districts in the Otago Provincial District, in which the Government is requested to postpone all action in relation to dealing with the pastoral leases which terminate in March, 1883, until the newly-elected Parliament has had an opportunity of considering the best mode of disposing of the land affected. The Government is also requested to arrange with the present lessees for the extension of their leases for a further period of one year, subject to certain conditions. In reply I have to express my regret that the proposals of the Government in detail should not have been ready at an earlier date, so that the members present should have had full information before them. These proposals have now been forwarded to the Land Board, whose functions in respect of these runs are clearly denned in "The Land Act, 1877," aud 1 have full confidence that, when they are considered, they will remove much of the misconception which, partly from the impossibility of giving fuller details in an advertisement, has arisen upon the subject. The Government, prior to Mr. Rolleston's departure for Nelson and West Coast, gave the request contained in the resolutions forwarded by you very careful consideration, with every desire to afford the fullest opportunity for the discussion of this important question. But as it is at present advised, it does not appear to be competent to it to take a course which would set aside the existing law, and, involve arrangements with the pastoral lessees for which there would be no legal authority. I have, &c, Thomas Dick, Vincent Pyke, Esq., M.H.R., Dunedin. (For the Minister of Lands.)

No. 7. Mr. W. D. Stewabt to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sib, — Otago, New Zealand, Dunedin, 28th December, 1881. I have the honor to forward copy of resolutions adopted at a public meeting at which I presided, held in the Princess Theatre here, on Friday evening, the 23rd instant. As the questions involved in the resolution are of considerable public importance, and have attracted great attention here, I shall be obliged by an early and favourable reply. I have, &c., W. D. Stewart, The Hon. the Minister of Lands, Wellington. Chairman.

Enclosure in No. 7. Resolutions. 1. Mr. Stout moved, Mr. Cairns seconded, and it was carried unanimously : " That in the opinion of this meeting it is necessary, before the runs should be re-leased, alterations should be made in the Land Act, and this meeting respectfully urges the Government to postpone the re-leasing of runs that may now be re-leased, until the whole question of dealing with the pastoral lands of Otago can be further considered."

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2. Mr. Wilson moved, Mr. Quinn seconded, and it was carried unanimously: " That this meeting strongly approves and indorses the action taken and the resolution passed at a meeting of the Otago representatives re disposal of Crown lands, and respectfully requests the Government to give effect thereto." 3. Mr. Rex moved, Mr. Smith seconded, and it was carried unanimously: "That the chairman of this meeting be requested to forward to tho Government a copy of the resolutions carried at this meeting,"

No. 8. The Hon. Mr. Dick to Mr. W. D. Stewaet. Sib,— Wellington, 10th January, 1882. I have the honor, in the absence of Mr. Rolleston, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th December, forwarding copies of resolutions with reference to dealing with the Otago runs which were adopted at a public meeting held in Dunedin on the 23rd ultimo. In reply, I transmit for your information a copy of a letter,* dated the 29th December, which I addressed to Mr. Vincent Pyke, M.H.R., in reply to a letter from him transmitting similar resolutions upon the same subject, which were passed at a meeting of members of the House of Representatives for districts in the Otago Provincial District. I have, &c, Thomas Dice, W. Downie Stewart, Esq., Dunedin. (For the Minister of Lands.)

No. 9. The Commissionee of Ceown Lands, Dunedin, to the Undee-Seceetaey for Ceown Lands. ' (Telegram.) Dunedin, 4th January, 1882. Laid Mr. Rolleston's letter, maps, &c, before the Board to-day. Board resolved to adjourn until next Tuesday to allow members to consider maps and schedule. Am preparing copy of schedule for each member at their request. J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin. Under-Secretary for Crown Lands, Wellington.

No. 10. The Commissionee of Ceown Lands to the ITndjce-Seceetaby for Crown Lands. Crown Lands Office, Dunediti, 18th January, 1832. I foewakd herewith resolutions passed by Land Board on 10th and 11th instant, dealing with rims the leases of which expire on the Ist March, 1883. As you will observe, whore the resolutions differ from the suggestions contained in the Government schedule, it is in the direction of further subdivision of the country and of an increase of upset rental. With reference to those Runs Nos. 171, 171 a, 205, 244, 255, and 137, which the Board have determined should not be leased again for depasturing purposes, and regarding which no such suggestion is contained in Government schedule, I may state that the Board's idea with regard to Runs 171 and 171 a was, that the best portions of these were suitable for pastoral deferred payments, and that the other portions should be cut into smaller pastoral runs of (say) from 1,000 to 2,000 acres to meet the requirements of settlers in the vicinity; the small runs to be let so soon as the necessary surveys could be made. The same may be said to be the views of the Board with regard to the other runs withdrawn by them from leasing as above, with the exception of Run 244, which the Board considered should all be surveyed into small pastoral leaseholds of (say) 1,000 acres. To resolve that these runs should not at present be leased again seemed to the Board the only practical means of having the above views carried into effect. J. P. Maitland, The Under-Secretary for Crown Lands. Commissioner Crown Lands.

Enclosure in No. 10. Resolutions of Land Board, adopted at Meetings of 10th and 11th January, 1882. The Chief Commissioner brought before the Board proposals by the Government as to dealing with runs the leases of which expire in 1883 ; also plans and correspondence in connection with the same from the Chief Surveyor, showing proposed subdivisions. Bun 259.—Resolved that Run 259 be relet, as per schedule, for ten years, at upset rental of £90. Buns 171 and 171b.—Determined that it is not expedient to lease again for depasturing purposes any part of the laud within the same, and determined that such lands are required for sale and settlement. Bun 245. —Determined to be relet, in five portions, as per schedule (Mr. Stout dissenting), Runs 245 and 245 a for five years, remainder for seven years. Rents : Run 2-15, £280; 245 a, £200; 245b, £300; 245 c, £280; 245 d, £260. Bun 444, —To be relet for ten years at £10 per annum, as per schedule.

* Vide No. 6.

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Bun 203.—T0 be relet in three runs, as per schedule—Run 203 c for ten years, 203b for seven years, 203 a for five years. Rentals, £150, £230, and £230. Bun 233.—T0 be relet for ten years at £75. Bun 17. —To be relet for ten years at £250. Bun 205.—Determined that it is not expedient to lease again for depasturing purposes any part of the land within the run, and determined that such lands are required for sale and settlement. Bun 204. —That 11,700 acres be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule ; the remainder to be relet in two runs, 14,000 acres and 18,300 acres, as per schedule, for five years, at £300 and £260 upset rental. Bun 248.—That 2,600 acres to be taken for sale and settlement; remainder of run to be relefc in two portions, as per schedule—Run 248 for seven years, 248 a for ten years. Rentals, £500 and £250 respectively. Bun 219.—That 1,760 acres on Taieri River be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule; remainder in Runs 219 and 219 a, as per schedule, to be divided into four runs, at upset rental of £100 each. Bun 306.—T0 be relet for seven years at £300 upset rental, as per schedule. Bun 227. —2,800 acres to be taken for settlement, as per schedule; remainder to be relet in two portion?, as per schedule —Run 227 for ten years, Run 227 a for seven years. Rentals, £440 and £220. Bun 228.—T0 be relet in two runs, as per schedule, each for seven years—Run 228 for £400 and 228 a for £200. Bun 226.—That 4,300 acres be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule ; that 17,000 acres of Run 237 be added, as per schedule, the runs to be relet as follows : Run 226, as per map, for ten years, at £330; 226 a and 226b to be divided into four runs. Rentals, 6d. per acre. Bun 244.—Determined that it is not expedient to lease again for depasturing purposes any portion of the run, and that such lands are required for sale and settlement. Bun 210.—That 9,900 acres be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule ; remainder to be relet in eight runs —Runs 210f and 210e in schedule to be divided each into two runs; 210 a, 210 c, and 210 d .for five years, remainder for three years. Upset rental of subdivision of 210f and 210e at 6d. per acre; 210 a, upset rental, £137 10s.; 210b, £200; 210 c, £117 10s.; 210 d, £160. Bun 308b.- —To be relet in two runs, as per schedule —Run 308 c for ten years, 308b for ten years, at rentals respectively of £350 and £400. Bun 308 a be relet for seven years at upset rental of £250. Bun 247.' —That 7,200 acres along bank of Taieri River be taken for settlement, as per schedule; remainder to be relet in five runs —furthest north run for three years, furthest south seven years, and three middle runs five years ; rental, Bd. per acre. Bun 206b.' —To be relet in three runs, as per schedule, for ten years—Run 206b at £140, 206 d at £20, 200e £45. Bun 206a.—That 1,100 acres be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule ; Run 20Sa, as per schedule, to be divided into two runs; to be relet at upset price, 6d. per acre. Runs 206 c and 206f to be relet, as per schedule, at £170 and £90 respectively ; to be let for four years. Bun 211.—T0 be relet in two runs, as per schedule, for ten years —Run 211, £175 ; 211 a, £135, as per schedule. Bun 362 a. be relet, as per schedule, for ten years, at £300 upset rental. Bun 224.—That 5,500 acres on flat, in Ida Valley, be taken for settlement, as per schedule, remainder to be relet in five runs, as per Chief Surveyor's schedule, for four years, at 7d. per acre upset rental. Bun 362b. —To be relet, as per schedule, for ten years, at £300 upset rental. Bun 201.—T0 be relet for one year at present rental, £555. Bun 250. —Resolved that it is not expedient to lease again for depasturing purposes any portion of run. Determined that the land in same is required for sale and settlement, except part now included in Runs 210b and 210&. Bun 255.'—Resolved that it is not expedient to lease again for depasturing purposes any portion of. run, and that the land in same is required for sale and settlement. Buns 300 and 301.—T0 be relet, as per schedule, for nine years, at £300 each, upset rental. Bun 217a.—T0 be relet in two runs, as per schedule, for eight years, at upset rental of £200 each. Bun 217b. —To be relet, as per schedule, for six years, at upset rental of £225 ; to include small part of Run 209, as per schedule. Buns 209, 464, and 11. —To be relet, as per schedule—Run 209 for seven years, 464 for eight years, and 11 for nine years, at respective upset rentals of £75, £100, and £90. Bun 261. —That 8,300 acres be taken for settlement, as per schedule, remainder to be relet in six runs ; boundaries to be fixed by Chief Surveyor. Divisions of Run 261b, as per schedule, to be leased for eight years; division of 261 a, as per schedule, to be leased for seven years; division of 261, as per schedule, to be leased for five years, at upset rental of 4d. per acre. Portion of 808 a to be added, as per schedule. Bun 225.—That a block of 6,100 acres, as per schedule^ be reserved for sale and settlement in Ida Valley and White Sow Valley; remainder of run to be divided into six runs; boundaries to be adjusted by Chief Surveyor—two for five years, two for six years, and two for seven years, at 7d; per acre. Bun 222.—That a block of 3,900 acres be taken for sale or settlement on the bank of the Taieri River, as per schedule; remainder to be relet in three runs, as per schedule, for three years—Run 222 at upset rental of £280, 222 a at £180, and 222b at £280. Buns 186 and 48. —To be relet in one run, as per schedule ; portion of Run 186 to be thrown into 260, as per schedule, for nine years, at upset rental of £300,

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Run 213b. —That a block of 5,000 acres in Strath-Taieri be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule; remainder to be relet in two portions; boundaries to be fixed by the Chief Surveyor, at upset rental of 4d. per acre, to be let for ten years; portion of Runs 248 and 213 a to be added to the run, as per schedule. Run 254. —That 15,000 acres be taken for sale and settlement, fronting Strath-Taieri Road ; remainder to be relet in two runs —furthest north at 3d. per acre, iipset rental, and furthest south at 4d. per acre —Ruu 254, as per schedule, for ten years, and 254 a for eight years ; southern portion to be thrown into Run 260, as per schedule; about 22,000 acres. Run 260. —To be relet with portion of Runs 254 and 186, as per schedule, into two runs for nine years —Run 260 at £300, upset rental, and 260 a at £30, for seven years. Run 185.—9,800 acres to be taken for sale and settlement; remainder to be relet in two runs, as per schedule, for seven years—Run 185 at £70 upset rental, and 185 a at £80 upset rental. Run 307.—Determined that it is not expedient to relet for depasturing purpose any portion of this run, being required for sale and settlement. Run 218. —That 7,300 acres be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule ; remainder to be relet in two runs, as per schedule —Run 218 for five years, upset rental £210; Run 218 a for six years, upset rental £225. Run 171 a that it is not expedient to release for depasturing purposes, being required for sale and settlement. Run 238. —That the run be relet in eight runs. That Runs 238, 238 a, and 238b, see schedule, be divided each into two runs, to be let at 3d. per acre upset rental; and 238 c and 238 d, as per schedule, at £100 each for six years; division of 238 for eight years, division of 238 a for seven years, and division 238b for six years. Run 237.—That the run be relet in six runs —Runs 237, 237 a, and 237b, as per schedule, to be each divided into two runs: division of 237 for ten years, division of 237 a for nine years, and 237b for ten years, at 3|d. per acre upset rental. The Board then adjourned at 1145 p.m.

At sitting of 11th January, 1882, 3 p.m. Runs 262 and 256. —These two runs to be subdivided into seven runs, to be relet —three runs for seven years, and four, including the back country, for ten years j one run in back country at 3d. per acre, remainder at 4jd- upset rental* Run 249. —To be relet in three parts ; boundaries to be fixed by Chief Surveyor; one north for five years, one middle for seven years, and south run for ten years; upset rental sd. per acre. Run 221.—T0 be relet in five portions —Run 221, as per schedule, to be divided into two runs; boundaries to be fixed by Chief Suveyor ; remainder, 221 c, 221 a, and 221b, as per schedule. Divisions of 221 to be leased for eight years, at 6d. per acre; 221 a. for seven years, at sd. per acre; 221b for seven years, at sd. per acre; 221 c for seven years, at 3d. per acre. "With regard to subdivision of 221 d, suggested in Government schedule, the land within this being portion of Clyde Commonage, the Board declines to recommend the same to be leased. Run 220.—T0 be relet in four portions ; boundaries to be fixed by Chief Surveyor—Two subdivisions on Manuherikia River to be let for five years ; remainder for seven years, all at 6d. per acre upset rental. Run 223.—Resolved that 7,800 acres be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule ; to be relet in six runs ; boundaries to be fixed by Chief Surveyor —Runs 223, 223 a, 223b, 223 c, 223 d, and 223e, as shown ou Chief Surveyor's map furnished to Board; 223 a and 223e to be relet for five years, 223b, 223 c, and 223 d for nine years ; all at upset rentals of 6d. per acre. Run 236. —Resolved that 24,000 acres be taken for settlement, as per schedule—Subdivisions 236 and 236 a, as per schedule, to be divided into four runs; boundaries to be fixed by Chief Surveyor. Division of 236 to be relet for ten years, at upset rental of 3d. per acre ; division of 236 a to be relet for seven years, at upset rental of 3 id. per acre; remainder of run to be relet in Runs 236b, 236 c, 236 d, 236k, and 236f, as per schedule ; 236b, 236 c, and 236 d to be relet for five years, at upset rental of £120, £120, and £170; 236e and 236f to be relet for eight years, at upset rental of £60 and £50. Run 235.—T0 be relet in. two portions, to be divided by Lindis Pass Road, for ten years, at 3d. per acre upset rental. Run 239.—Resolved that 4,600 acres be taken for sale and settlement as per schedule; remainder to be relet in two portions —Runs 239 and 239 a as per schedule; 239 for ten years, and 239 a for seven years ; upset rentals £175 and £75. Ran 240 a that 8,600 acres be taken for sale and settlement; remainder of ruu to be relet in four portions, as per schedule —Run 240 to be relet for one year at £78 ; 240 a to be relet for four years, rental £145 ; 240 c to be relet for five years, rental £165 ; 240 d to be relet for six years, rental £137. Run 240b. —To be relet, as per schedule, for seven years, at £120. Run 256.—Thrown in with 262. Run 200.—Resolved to take 2,200 acres for sale and settlement, as per schedule ; 5,040 acres to be added to Run 199b, as per schedule ; remainder to be relet in two runs, as per schedule—Run 200 for eight years, upset rental £360 ; 200 a for eight years, upset rental £325. Run 199.—-Resolved that 4,800 acres be taken for sale and settlement, as per schedule ; remainder to be relet in three portions, as per schedule—-Eva 199 to be relet for eight years, upset rental £350; 199 a to be relet for ten years, upset rental £265 ; 199b to be relet for nine years, upset rental £200. Run 214.—T0 be relet, as per schedule, for ten years, at £70 upset rental; 214 a to be relet, as per schedule, for nine years, at £80 upset rental. Run 359. —To be relet, as per schedule, for tea years, at £120 upset rental. Run 432.—T0 be relet, as per schedule, for tea years, at £30 upset rental.

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Bun 251.—T0 be relet, as per schedule, for eight years, at £200 upset rental. Bun 132.—Eesolved that it is not expedient to re-lease for depasturing purposes, and determine that it is required for sale and settlement. Buns 257 and 177. —Eesolved that it is not expedient to re-lease for depasturing purposes, and determines that the land within them is required for sale and settlement. Bun 179. —To be relet, as per schedule, for eight years, at £180 upset. Bun 212 a be relet in three runs —Run 212 a, as per schedule, to be divided into two, and relet for six years, at 4d. per acre upset; 212 c to be relet for seven years, as per schedule, at £80 upset. Buns 215 and 212b. —-To be relet in one run, as per schedule; to be relet for ten years at £100 upset. Bun 137. —Eesolved that it is not expedient to re-lease, for depasturing purposes, any portion, and determine it is required for sale and settlement. Bun 170. —To be relet in three runs, as per schedule—Eun 170 for nine years, upset £280 ; 170 a for eight years, upset £160; 170b for seven years, upset £120. Eesolved that the foregoing resolutions passed by the Board on the 10th and 11th instant, dealing with runs therein mentioned, be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for his approval. J. P. Maitland, 11th January, 1882. Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands.

No. 11. The Undee-Seceetaet for Ceown Lands to the Commissioneb of Ceown Lands, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 19th January, 1882. Goyeenment has not yet officially decided as to proposals about runs, but will approve of Board's recommendations. Prepare advertisement and get it in type ; send slips here before public issue for approval. Maps, as you know, will be published in four sheets. In the advertisement the runs should be grouped according to sheets, so that the maps and advertisement may correspond. Areas and upset prices should be stated, as well as duration of lease. Conditions of sale in terms of Land Act can be held over until day of sale. Would not Monday, 27th February, and Tuesday, the 28th, as suggested in my telegram of last evening, be better days of sale than commencing 25th? Whatever place for sale to be held in you think best will be agreed to, but, as Garrison Hall is so large, the mere selection of it might induce a crowd of onlookers who might interfere with the orderly conduct of sale. Plans will be ready for issue end of next week. H. J. H. Bliott.

No. 12. The Commissionee of Ceown Lands, Dunedin, to the Undek-Seceetaey for Cbown Lands. Crown Lands Office, Dunedin, 20th January, 1882. Heeewith I forward, for approval, slips of advertisement of runs, as requested in your telegram of yesterday. Previous to receiving your telegram to-day, I had arranged for use of Watson's longroom for sale. J. P. Maitland, Commissioner Crown Lands.

No. 13. The Undee-Seceetaby for Ceown Lands to the Commissioned of Crown Lands, Dunedin. (Memorandum.) General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 25th January, 1882. Eefeebing to your letter of the 20th instant, transmitting copies of the draft advertisement of the Otago runs, I now return the advertisement which has been recast here, so as to show the runs, arranged in the order in which they will be placed on the lithographic plans. This amended advertisement—which must be strictly adhered to—should be inserted by you in the Herald, which is the provincial Gazette of Otago, every day ; in the Otago Daily Times every Tuesday and Thursday; and in the Witness every Saturday. A general advertisement has been prepared, which will be forwarded from this office to the papers throughout New Zealand and the Australian Colonies in which general land-sale advertisements usually appear. Copies of two sheets of the lithographed plans will be sent to the Chief Surveyor by to-day's mail, and copies of the other two sheets will be forwarded by next Friday's mail. Further supplies of the plans will be sent from time to time, as they can b» worked off. When you receive them you should distribute them gratis to the public in such manner as you may think best. I forward for your information a copy of'tVe rough notes which were made when comparing the draft advertisement which was sent with the resolutions of the Board, as communicated in your letter of the 13th January. All the alterations and amendments which appear in these notes have been made in the amended advertisements, and I must again impress upon you the necessity of adhering implicitly to the form of the advertisement as it is now sent to you, as any alteration, no matter how slight, will upset the arrangement of the plans and advertisements.

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The corrections mentioned in your telegram have been made in the proof-slips. Most of the errors, as you will observe, had been detected before the receipt of your telegram. H. J. H. Eliott, The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin. • Under-Secretary.

Enclosure in No. 13. [RougTi Notes on advertisement slips from Dunedin!) — Ctago Runs. Run 248. Left out. (Taieri and Maniototo Counties.) Run 219. Given in advertisement for five years. (No term in resolution of Board.) Run 261. Subdivision 261 a should be for five years, to agree with Board's resolution. Run 255. Should be 254 in subdivision. Run 238. Subdivision 238b should be seven years instead of six, as per list. Run 237. Subdivision 237 a should be ten years, not nine years; 237b, nine years, not ten years; 237 c, nine years, not ten years ; 237 d, ten years, not nine years ; 237e, ten years, not nine years. Run 263. Subdivision 263 d, being the furthest back country, should, according to schedule of Board's resolution, have upset rental fixed at threepence per acre—2B,oso acres, £350. Run 221 d. Dunstan Commonage. Board decline to recommend the leasing of it. Run 220. Subdivision 220 and 220b should be five years, and 220 a and 220b seven years. Run 223. Subdivision 223, given for four years. Board's resolution does not give any time for this subdivision. Run 236. Subdivision 236ir should be for ten years, not seven, and rent £229, not £267. Run 359. Left out in Southland County. Board's resolution relet, as per Government schedule, at £120 for ten years. Run 432. Left out in Vincent County. Board's resolution to be let for ten years at £20. *Run 445. In printed list, but not in resolution, neither is it in Government Schedule.

For amended advertisement see New Zealand Gazette No. 17, of 16th February, 1882, pages 270 to 274.

No. 14 The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin, to the Undee-Secbetary for Ceown Lands. Sib, — Crown Lands Office, Dunedin, 10th March, 1882. I forward herewith returns of sale of runs held here on the 27th and 28th February last, showing amounts of rental at which the same were sold, and the names of purchasers. You will observe that the new buyers are noted by an asterisk (*). For your convenience, I have added a summary showing results of the sale, and analysis giving average price per acre obtained, and also the highest and lowest prices. Although the number of new buyers is limited, twenty-two runs only having passed from the hands of the present holders, still the bidding by the general public for the runs was very keen, and the present lessees have only retained their runs by paying rentals for them which were not considered sufficiently remunerative to new buyers, who would necessarily have to undertake the heavy preliminary expenses of starting a station. As a consequence of so many of the public having been disappointed in obtaining runs, eager inquiries are now being made with reference to the various blocks which have been taken off the runs for settlement, when the same will be brought into the market, and under what system. The attention of those who have been thus disappointed has been especially directed to those runs or blocks which it is understood will be opened as pastoral deferred-payment lands. I know of a considerable number of would-be purchasers of land, having each capital for investment from £3,000 and £4,000 up to £10,000, who would now readily take up pastoral deferred-payment sections, if they could obtain the same of fair quality and of the maximum size (5,000 acres), and who, I have no doubt, would be willing to purchase such sections even a considerable time before they could get possession of them. It will be a matter well worthy of careful consideration when such land as contained in Runs 307, 210, and 204 should be brought into the market. The class I have above alluded to is a very valuable class to retain in the country, and I should like to be in a position to assure those of them making inquiries that they will, in the course of a few months, have an opportunity of investing in this provincial district. I think it would be well if a good proportion of sections surveyed for pastoral deferred-payment were to be of the maximum area of 5,000 acres; I think also that a few sections to be sold for cash should be mixed with the deferred-payment ones. If this course can be adopted, I feel certain that a class of settlers will be obtained of a most valuable description- —able, from their means, to put the land to the most profitable purpose, and affording, at the same time, employment to the poorer class of settlers throughout the country. I have, &c, J. P. Maitland, The Under-Secretary for Crown Lands. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

* Approval lias been obtained to the subletting of this run.

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Enclosure in No. 14. Return of Purchasers of and Amounts paid for Otago Runs sold at the Garrison Hall, Dunedin, on Monday, 27th, and Tuesday, 28th February, 1882.

Old New s | g ld Run. Run. g£ h^_ Purchaser. Old Kun. New Kun. 2 9 | Sold at |H Purchaser. 226 228 224 227 226 226a 226b 226c 226d 228 228a 224 224a 224b 224c 224d 227 227a 225 225a 225b 225c 225d 225e 222. 222a 222b 306 219 219a 219b 219c 248 248a 211 10 10 10 10 10 7 7 4 4 4 4 4 10 7 5 5 6 7 6 7 3 3 3 7 5 5 5 5 7 10 10 £ 690 336 730 350 310 617 453 280 290 280 200 255 645 345 270 255 375 515 270 305 530 320 560 650 210 270 250 165 915 805 405 T. Keenanand F. Morgan.* J. S. Handyside, J. Eoberts. T. Keenan and F. Morgan.* Ditto. Ditto. F. G. Dalgety. Ditto. F. G. Pogson. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Eoss and Glendining.* Ditto.* P. G. Pogson. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. E. A. Chapman. Ditto. E. A. Chapman. Mount Ida Pastoral Co. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. John Eoberts. William Murray. C. Stewart and M. J. S. Mackenzie. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. John Creighton.* D. and J. Malloch.* Gr. Currie, N. Currie, and W. Currie.* J. H. Preston. Ditto. Ditto. Hamilton and Rowley. Ditto. Watson Shennan. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Eobt. MacGregor Turnbull. Ditto. Passed in. Edwin J. Spence. C. Stewart and M. J. S. Mackenzie. Passed in. Alexander McMaster. Ditto. N.Z. and A. Land Co. (Ld.). Ditto. Fairfax Fenwick. Ditto. N.Z. and A. Land Co. (Ld.). Ditto. 261 17 445 210 17 445 210 210a 210b 210c 210d 210e 210i? 210g 261 261a 261b 261c 261d 261e 213b 213c 254 254a 260 260a 185 185a 218 10 10 3 5 3 5 5 3 8 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 10 10 10 8 9 7 7 7 5 £ 640 75 170 380 330 290 430 330 300 380 400 147 265 405 505 405 250 870 1,000 660 810 120 310 125 800 E. Campbell andSons (Ld.). C. K. B. Huddleston.* N.Z. and A. Land Co. (Ld.). Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Francis Dillon Bell. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. John Eoberts. John Sanderson. A. and J. Boyd. Ditto. Ditto. James Shand. David Proudfoot.* James Shand. Gellibrand, Smith, and Pogson. 225 213b 254 222 260 222 306 219 185 218 248 211 206 a 206 b 203 204 247 247 211a 206a 206c 206f 206g 206b 206d 206e 203a 203b 203c 204 204a 247 247a 247b 247c 247d 308a 308b 308c 201 233 362a 10 10 4 4 5 10 10 10 5 7 10 5 5 3 5 5 5 7 7 10 10 1 10 10 315 235 210 200 225 500 120 270 405 310 305 735 920 295 530 640 410 470 420 910 560 259 186 235 236 237 238 218a 259 186 235 235a 236 236a 236b 236c 236d 236e 236f 236g 236ii 237 237a 237b 237c 237d 237e 238 238a 238b 238c 238d 238b 238f 238g 239 239a 240 240a 240c 240d 240b 245 245a 245b 245c 245b 249 6 10 9 10 10 10 7 5 5 5 8 8 7 7 10 10 9 9 10 10 8 7 7 G 6 6 G 7 10 7 1 4 5 G 7 5 5 7 7 7 5 700 415 1,060 505 850 560 730 310 450 380 120 215 610 910 460 410 640 245 510 530 550 460 190 270 240 360 490 500 370 220 70 145 165 137 450 440 260 300 280 400 182 Ditto. Francis C. Fulton. Ditto. F. H. Moore. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Thomas A. Eraser. Eobert Stewart.* F. H. Moore. Ditto. Eobert Stewart.* A. E. Blackwood. Edwin J. Spence. Ditto. Ditto. A. E. Blackwood. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Edwin J. Spence. Ditto. Edwin J. Spence. A. E. Blackwood. Ditto. Henry Campbell. Ditto. C. K. B. Huddleston.* Henry Campbell. Ditto. Ditto. Howell and Cocks. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. William Fraser. 308a 308b 201 233 362a 490 300 239 240a 362b 300 301 217a 217b 362b 300 301 217 217a 217b 209 464 I 11 10 9 9 8 8 6 7 8 9 800 495 510 350 730 140 235 510 240b 245 209 464 11 I 249 * New buyer.

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Return of Purchasers, &c., of Otago Runs— continued.

Summary. One hundred and seventy-three runs offered, containing about 2,306,417 acres, at the upset price of £36,488. One hundred and seventy runs sold, containing about 2,195,197 acres, realizing £68,854, being an increase of £33,341 above the upset price, or of £44,450 above the present rental (as represented by an average year's assessment). Three runs passed, at the upset price of £975. Analtsis. The average price per acre of runs sold is 7-|d. The highest price obtained was for Eun 218 a, containing 9,520 acres, which realized £700, being Is. sff d. per acre. The lowest price obtained was for Eun 444, containing 5,500 acres, which was sold at the upset price of £10, being about T \d. per acre. J. P. Mattland, 12th March, 1882. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

No. 15. The TTndee-Secbetaey for Ceown Lauds to the Commissioner of Ceown Lands, Dunedin. (Memorandum.) General Crown Lands Office, "Wellington, 12th April, 1882. Eefeering to your memorandum of the 10th March, No. 4/70 (298-287), reporting the results of the recent sales of pastoral leases at .Dunedin, and pointing out that a considerable number of persons who were disappointed in obtaining a run at the recent sale are anxiously awaiting the further sale of pastoral deferred-payment and other lands in the blocks which were withheld from leasing, I am directed to point out to you as follows : — 1. In the memorandum of the 30th May, 1881 (Parliamentary Papers, C.-2, 1881), it was stated that if the country to be disposed of on pastoral deferred payment was subdivided into areas of from 2,000 to 5,000 acres, and offered partly on cash and partly on deferred payments, settlers would be enabled to obtain properties of sizes suitable to their means and requirements. 2. It was announced in the preliminary advertisement of the sale of the runs, which was issued on the 7th November last, that the sale of the pastoral deferred-payment lands would probably take place about November or December next, possession being given in March, 1883. The subdivisional surveys of the blocks are now, as you are aware, in progress, and the sale will, in all probability, take place as previously announced. It would be desirable for you to inform the public, through the newspapers, of the proposals of the Government for dealing with the blocks which have been withheld from leasing. H. J. H. Eliott, , The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin. Under-Secretary.

* New buyer.

Authority: Geoegb Didsbttet, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB2.

Old "Eun. TIT ° » a 's Eun. J;£ Sold at Purchaser. Old Eun. New Run. Sold at Purchaser. 220 221 249a 249b 220 220a 220b 220c 221 221a 221b 221c 221e 223 7 10 5 7 5 7 8 7 7 7 8 5 £ 283 248 510 510 340 190 550 139 111 370 520 700 N.Z. & A. Land C. (Ld.). Ditto. E. Campbell and Sons (Ld.). Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. E. McLaren and E. M. Turnbull. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Executors of the late J. G-. a. Grlassford. 444 214 215 199 200 262b 262c 262d 444 214 214a 215 199 199a 199b 200 200a 170 170a 170b 212a 212c 212d 179 251 359 432 7 10 10 10 10 9 10 8 10 9 8 8 9 8 7 6 7 6 8 8 10 10 £ 260 650 690 10 150 80 220 390 470 390 530 510 670 500 210 150 175 120 420 300 E. Campbell and Sons (Ld.). Ditto. Ditto. George Eose.* Joseph Eogers. Ditto. Joseph Clarke. Cargill and Anderson. Ditto. Ditto. John McDonald McDonald. Ditto. James Eattray. Thomas Hinde.* D. M. Spedding.* David Proudfoot.* Ditto.* Ditto.* Ditto.* Win. Eobert Thomhill. Passed in. Eobert Stewart.* 223 170 223 233a 223b 223c 223d 223e 256 256a 262 262a 5 9 9 9 5 7 7 10 •10 820 400 250 450 440 490 156 270 290 Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. E. Campbell and Sons (Ld.). Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. 212a 179 251 359 432 256 262 "30