THE HURUNUI VILLAGE SETTLEMENT (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO ADD TO.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1891 Session II, C-07

C—7

Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

THE HURUNUI VILLAGE SETTLEMENT (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO ADD TO.)

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated the 15th July, 1891. Ordered, " That that there be laid on the table copies of all correspondence which has taken place between the Government or any officer of the Government, and the Midland Railway Company, on the subject of the acquisition of lands to add to the Hurunui Village Settlement." —(Hon. Mr. Eollbston.)

No. 1. District Land Office, Christchurch (Survey Department), 11th May, 1891. Block XLl.—The Hon. the Minister of Lands is anxious that this block should be subdivided and sold in such a manner that the settlers in the adjoining village settlement may be enabled to increase their holdings. I now have a surveyor in the district, and it would therefore be convenient to make the necessary subdivision before he leaves the locality. Eeferring to the conversation we have had in the matter, I should be glad if you will let me know, for the information of the Minister, on what terms you would be willing to sell this land to the settlers referred to and other applicants after you have duly selected it in terms of your contract. Tracing of blocks enclosed. John H. Bakee, Chief Surveyor. The General Manager, New Zealand Midland Eailway Company.

No. 2. New Zealand Midland Eailway Company (Limited), No. 156, Worcester Street, Sib,— Christchurch, 13th May, 1891. In reply to your memorandum of the 11th instant, the company is anxious to assist the Hon. Minister of Lands in promoting settlement, and will be prepared to come to some arrangements for selling Block XLI., so as to enable the adjoining settlers to increase their holdings, as the Minister considers necessary. The company's terms for selling lands other than forest lands are either for cash or one-third cash, and the balance on mortgage for, say, five years at a low rate of interest. I am under the impression, from our conversations, that the Government would consider it necessary to sell these lands on somewhat easier terms, and, if so, I would suggest that the method of sale, and size, and prices of sections be first arranged between the Government and the company, and that the company should then undertake to sell on such terms as the Government may think necessary, provided that the Government guarantee that the company receive the purchase-money agreed upon for the block within a certain time. There is not likely to be much difference of opinion between the Government and the company as to the prices for these lands, and I shall be prepared to go into the question at the earliest date. I have, &c, Eobeet Wilson, Engineer-in-Chief and General Manager, New Zealand Midland Eailway. J. H. Baker, Esq., Chief Surveyor, Christchurch. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,300 copies), 18s.

Authority: Geobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l.

Price 3d.]