DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1915 Session I, C-01

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Right Hon. W. F. Massey (Minister of Lands) and Staffs of Head Office and Wellington District Office, Lands and Survey Department. Frontispiece.]

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1915. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

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

CONTENTS. General Report— P»se : Appendix I—continued. rage Functions of Department ~ .. .. 3 ■ Taranaki .... 23 General Report on Settlement .. .. i Wellington .... 25 Recent Land Legislation .. .. .. 9 Nelson .. .. .. 27 Lands opened .. .. .. .. 10 Marlborough .. '.'. '.'. '.'. 29 Lands to be opened .. .. .. 10 Westland.. .. .. .. ~ 30 Lands selected .. .. .. .. 10 Canterbury .. .. .[ ['. 31 Lands made Freehold .. .. .. 10 Otago .... 33 Revenue.. .. .. .. .. 11 Southland .. .. .'. ]'. 34 Expenditure .. .. .. .. 11 Postponement of Rent .. .. .. 12 j Appendix ll— Revaluation of Crown Leaseholds .. .. 12 Land for SettlementsLand for Settlements Act .. .. .. 12 I Summary of Position at 31st March, 1915 ..35-39 National Endowment .. .. .. 13 j Auckland .. .. .. 40 Inspections by Crown Lands Rangers .. 13 Hawkn's Bay .. .. .. 40 Kauri-gum Land Settlement .. .. 13 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 41 Kauri-gum Industry .. .. .. 13 Wellington .. .. .. .. 41 Land-drainage Branch .. .. .. 13 Nelson .. .. .. .. 41 Scenery-preservation .. .. .. 14 Marlborough .. .. '.'. .. 41 Conference of Officers .. .. .. 14 Westland .. .. .. .. 41 Departmental Changes .. .. ..15,16 Canterbury .. .. .. .. 41 Expeditionary Forces, Officers joining, &c. .. 16 Otago .. .. .. .. .. 42 Head Office .. .. .. .. 17 Sou bland .. .. .', '.'. 42 Conclusion and Valedictory .. .. 18 Appendix lII— Appkndix I— Sand-dune Reclamation .. .. .. 42 Settlement of Crown Lands— Auckland.. .. .. .. .. i 9 Appendix IV— Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 21 Land-drainage Operations ~ .. 43

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Tables — Page Tables— continued. Page Table I.—Lands of the Dominion, Position of Table 20. —Arrears of Rent .. .. 62 (approximately) .. .. .. 46 „ 21. —Payments to Local Bodies from 2.—Lands opened for Sale and Selection "Thirds," "Fourths," and during the Year.. .. .. 47 "Halves" .. .. .. 63 „ 3. —Lands taken up during the Year .. 48 „ 22. -Payments of Capital Value under „ 4.—Comparative Statement of Lands Section 191 of the Land Act, 1908 63 seleoted for Ten Years .. .. 49 „ 23.—Forfeitures and Surrenders during „ s.—Lands sold for Cash during the Year 50 the Year .. .. .. 64 „ 6. —Deferred-payment Lands (Land Aots, „ 24.—Selectors, Number of, Area hold, and 1877 and 1885) .. .. .. 50 Area made Freehold .. .. 65 „ 7. —Deferred-payment Lands (Land Laws „ 25.—Endowments: Lands taken up during Amendment Acts, 1912 and 1913) .. 51 the Year .. .. .. 66 „ 8. —Perpotual-lease Lands .. .. 52 „ 26.—Return of Educational Endowments 67 9.—Occupation - with-right-of-purchase „ 27.—Village Settlements .. .. 08 Lands .. .. .. .. 52 „ 28. —Special-settlement Associations .. 68 10. —Lease-in-perpetuity Lands.. .. 53 „ 29. —Improved-farm Settlements .. 08 „ 11.—Renewable-lease Lands .. .. 54 „ 30. —Land for Settlements Aots, Land „ 12.—Agricultural-lease Lands .. .. 55 acquired and leased under .. 09 13.—Mining Districts Land Occupation „ 31.—Transactions in Bush, Swamp, and Leases .. .. .. .. 56 Scrub Lands under Section 127 of 14.—Pastoral Licenses in Mining Distriots 56 the Land Aot .. .. .. 69 15. —Small Grazing-runs .. .. 57 „ 32. —Rangers' Inspections .. .. 70 16.—Pastoral Runs .. .. .. 58 „ 33. —Lands reserved and alienated .. 70 „ 17. —Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses .. 59 „ 34. —Advances obtained for the purpose „ 18. —Gross Revenue received during the of Roading Crown Lands, showing Year .. .. .. .. 60 the Amount borrowed and the „ 19. —Rebates of Rent granted during the Amount repaid .. .. .. 70 Year .. .. .. .. 62 MAPS. Showing Land Transactions during the Year j Showing Land Transactions during the Year, North Island .. .. .. .. At end. | South Island .. -.. .. .. At end. ILLUSTRATIONS. Right Hon. Minister of Lands, Head Office and Wellington Staff, Lands and Survey Department .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Frontispiece Messrs. W. B. de L. Willis, F. W. Watson, G. Pirritt, S. T. Seddon, H. B. Randrup, and G. J. B. Cairnie .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Facing page 16 Sand-dunes, Rangitikoi Coast .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. „ 42 Sand-dunes, Waikato Heads .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. „ 43

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ANNUAL BE POET. The Under-Skcretary/ for Lands to the Right Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist June, 1915. I have the [honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1915. I have, &c, James Mackenzie, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Eight Hon. W. F. Massey, P. 0., Minister of Lands.

REPORT. Functions of Department. It is not generally known that the various duties and functions of the Lands and Survey Department have steadily increased of late years, and that they embrace a very large field of activities apart from the primary duties appertaining to the survey and settlement of Crown land. They may be briefly summarized as follow : — I. Lands Branch, which deals with — (a.) The settlement and administration of ordinary Crown lands; (6.) Settlement and administration of land-for-settlements estates acquired for closer settlement; (c.) Leasing and administration of the national-endowment lands; (d.) Leasing and administration of educational-endowment lands ; (c.) Administration of public reserves ; supervision of public domains and cemeteries ; (/.) Preparation and issue of publications relating to land, &c. 11. Survey Branch, which deals with— («.) Surveys of Crown land for settlement purposes ; (6.) Surveys of land-for-settlement estates ; (c.) Surveys of Native land for Native Land Court and Maori Land Board purposes ; (d.) Surveys of roads and lands to be taken under the Public Works Act; (c.) Triangulation and standard surveys ; (/.) Magnetic survey and the taking of magnetic observations at Christchurch and elsewhere wherever necessary ; (g.) Computation of tidal observations and revision of coast survey ; (h.) Examination of surveyors under the Surveyors Board; (i.) Checking and revision of land-transfer and every other class of survey relating to titles to land. 111. Land-drainage Branch, which deals with— (a.) The drainage and reclamation of the Hauraki Plains under the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908; (b.) Drainage and reclamation of the Rangitaiki Plains under the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910 ; (c.) Inspecting, reporting, advising, and, where necessary, supervising the numerous drainage, reclamation, river works, water-boring, and irrigation schemes throughout the Dominion on Crown and other land; general construction works; (d.) Expenditure of subsidies on roads, &c, to local bodies. IV. Forestry Branch, dealing with— (a.) The conservation, supervision, and sale of Crown timber in the Crown and State forests of the Dominion; (b.) Establishment and operation of State nurseries and plantations in various parts of New Zealand, with the object of ensuring future forests for commercial purposes to meet public and private requirements ; (c.) Encouragement and assistance to farmers in planting trees on their holdings.

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V. Scenery-preservation Branch, dealing with— (a.) The inspection, reporting on, and acquisition of areas of land suitable for scenerypreservation under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908 ; (b.) Supervision and administration of scenic reserves after acquisition. VI. Kauri-gum Industry Branch, dealing with— («.) Supervising and advising on the kauri-gum industry, purchasing gum from the. diggers, and working of kauri-gum fields by the Crown. This branch was established by the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914. Every year a greater strain is thrown upon the officers of the Department in consequence of their extending duties and responsibilities, and it may be mentioned that no less than fifty Acts of the General Assembly deal with the work undertaken by the Department, and that the provisions of such Acts need to be carefully studied and known by officers. Each year there are presented to Parliament from ten to twelve reports on various phases of the work, so as to comply with statutory requirements, and a perusal of these reports will show the extent of operations and the thorough manner in which they have been carried out. General Report on Settlement. In the interests of settlement and for general information after such an exceptionally dry season, I give a short resume of the conditions that have prevailed throughout the Dominion during the past twelve months, so as to show how settlers have been affected as regards weatherconditions, and the consequent effect on grazing, cropping, and dairying operations. This information has been culled from reports by the Commissioners of Crown Lands, surveyors, rangers, foresters, inspectors, &c. Auckland. The weather-conditions of the past season have proved exceptionally trying to farmers, especially in the northern and central portions of the district. The usual spring growth was largely checked by want of rain and by high cold winds, following which came one of the driest summers experienced for a considerable time. As a result many of the white crops were practically failures, and were fed off, not being worth harvesting. Root and fodder crops were also to a very large extent failures, and in many parts had to be prematurely fed off. The shortage of water and feed has been very severe on dairy stock, and considerably curtailed the milking season. Fortunately the serious prospects for the coming winter have been very materially lightened by warm early rains, which have brought away a good growth of pasture. The high price of grass-seeds is a serious drawback to many farmers, who have obtained good burns during the drought, but to whom the increased cost of sowing will involve a considerable financial strain. Graziers and sheep-farmers have, on the whole, experienced a favourable season, as, although the carrying-capacity of their holdings was diminished, this was largely counterbalanced by the enhanced prices obtained for stock, while the high prices and strong demand for all classes of farm-produce have to a large extent compensated the farming community for the disadvantages arising from the abnormal season. Hawke's Bay. Northern Portion of the District. Dairying: In May, .1914, the Poverty Bay district experienced a very heavy flood, but thereafter the rainfall was below the average, the winter being unusually fine and mild. This was followed by a dry spring, and, as the summer was practically rainless, the farming community suffered from light crops and loss of pasture. Farther inland at Otoko, Rakauroa, Matawai, and Motu the drought was not felt so much, and the milk-supply all through the season compared very favourably with the previous years. The dry season was apparently very suitable for lucerne, as it did remarkably well, and the splendid results of this fodder have been an object-lesson to the farmers who go in for dairying, and undoubtedly will result in its being very extensively grown all over the district. Wool: Owing to the dry weather, the clip generally was light in condition and relatively lighter per fleece. Local sales were made in the early part of the season at 9d. to 9-|d. per pound. Later, the competition being keener, the prices went up to lid. per pound. Frozen meat: Though the season was very dry, sheep and lambs fattened fairly well; the principal difficulty was want of shipping-space. The season all through has been very bad for cattle. In the early part of the season many farmers consigned, and the returns now being received show very remunerative prices- -mutton, s|d. to 6£d. per pound; lamb, up to 7|d. per pound; and beef, 6d. per pound.

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The local stock values were fairly well maintained till well into the summer, but since then there has been very little doing either in buying or selling ; but as the wool and meat prices are still well maintained, values must improve as feed becomes more plentiful. Cropping : Crops generally were light as the result of the dry season, but prices have been abnormally high. In former seasons practically all the oats grown were converted into chaff for local requirements, but during the past season the high price obtainable for the grain induced many settlers to thresh. The following are the ruling prices for the crops raised this year: Grass-seed (farmers' dressed), 7s. 6d. per bushel; oats, ss. to 6s. per bushel (usual price, 2s. sd. to 3s. 3d.) ; maize, 6s. per bushel (usual price, about 25.) ; chaff, £8 10s. (usual price, about £4 10s.) ; Cape barley, ss. 4d. to ss. 6d. (usual price, Is. 9d. to 2s. 6d.) per bushel. Southern Portion of the District. The abnormally dry season experienced during the year in Hawke's Bay has seriously interfered with farming operations of all descriptions, and accelerated the falling-off of the milksupply of the various factories throughout the district. Late frosts were experienced, and considerably damaged many orchards in the early stages of fruiting. Stock (principally sheep and cattle), owing to the shortage of grass and rough cattle-feed, of which latter there is usually an abundance to meet winter conditions, are not expected to winter well, and the death-rate will be considerable. The returns for the season will probably show a substantial decrease in the output of butter and cheese compared with previous years. The Dannevirke district is steadily coming into prominence as a dairying centre, and the industry is spreading in all directions. The settlement of the Otawhao Block, near Takapau, has been followed by great activity and enterprise. Originally dense bush, the land has been cleared, and the area is carrying a wonderful growth of grass, notwithstanding the considerable damage done through bush-fires in the summer months. An adjoining area will be opened for closer settlement in the near future as dairy farms, and the increased acreage and number of settlers should be the means of establishing cheese and butter factories on a large scale. Owing to the shortage of pasture, stores (either cattle or sheep) do not meet with ready sale. Fat stock, on the other hand, are eagerly sought after, fat bullocks being known to bring 6d. per pound live weight. Wool, butter, and cheese have considerably advanced in prices. With crossbred wool reaching Is. 5Jd. per pound, dairy butter Is. 2d., and cheese Bd. per pound, wheat Bs., barley 65., and oats ss. per bushel, with oaten sheaf chaff as high as £10 and meadow hay £6 per ton, the cost of living has very appreciably risen, and will no doubt seriously affect many members of the community. Taranaki. Generally speaking, this is mainly a grazing and dairying district, and on the land occupied by Crown tenants, and indeed throughout the whole district, the growing of crops is as a rule only undertaken for the supply of winter feed for stock, and in the rougher parts scarcely sufficient of that is done. A settler on any bush selection can only do so at a reasonable expense, when the stumps on his land become rotten enough for easy removal. In the northern end of the district the Ranger reports that for this season more land than usual has been broken up for root crops, but less than in the previous season for oats and chaff. In the King-country on the open fern land the plough is being largely used for breaking up the land prior to sowing down grass, and quite steep land is being ploughed. In a few years a great improvement will be noticeable in this respect. On the bush selections any settlers who are thrifty seem to rely chiefly on hay as a standby. On the rougher parts of the southern end of the district flat or easily ploughablc land is scarce, and on many selections there is enough bush land for felling to obtain a crop of turnips with the sowing of grass-seed on new burns. On the older settled parts turnips, mangolds, and hay seem most in evidence, though a small amount of maize, oats, and lucerne is grown and ensilage used. Grass looks fairly well in the Ohura district, but not up to the usual elsewhere. The ruling prices for stock as gathered from sale reports average as follows : Fat bullocks, £8 to £12; fat cows, £6 to £8; forward store cows, £5; dairy cows, £7 to £10; dairy heifers, £5 to £7 ; two-year heifers, £3 to £4; yearling steers, £1 15s. to £2; two-year steers, £5 to £6; calves, £1 ss. Sheep: Good fat sheep, £1 ; good store sheep, 15s. ; good fat lambs, 15s. ; ordinary lambs, 10s. ; old ewes, sound mouth, in lamb, 15s. ; fat and forward ewes, 17s. Pigs :

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Weaners, 4s. to 6s. lOd. ; stores, six months, 12s. 6d. to 16s. ; stores, twelve months, £2 10s. Wool: Fleece wool, 11-|-d. to Is. 3|d. ; pieces and bellies, B|-d. to ; locks and stained, 5Jd. to 6£d. Butter-fat averages about Is. 2d. per pound to the farmer, and from the same milk the equivalent for cheese is about Is. 6d. Wellington. Crazing: The. season has been exceptionally dry in most parts, but on the whole it has been a fair average season. The East Coast suffered most, owing to the small amount of rainfall in the spring, and most of the settlers had to seek grazing elsewhere. These conditions will cause rather a bare feed-supply for grazing in several parts of the district, but in other parts feed is coming on well again. Generally, stock did very well, and more than the average number of fats were marketed, both in mature sheep and lambs. Prices of Stock : Prices for all classes of farm stock have been good, and farmers generally have experienced a very successful season, notwithstanding the dry year. The average ruling prices for stock were as follows: Fat bullocks, £12 to £18; fat cows, £8 65.; three-year bullocks, £4 to £8 155.; two-year bullocks, £5 95.; yearling bullocks, £4; mixed weaners, £1 10s. ; dairy cows, inferior, £4 15s. ; heifers, £3. Sheep : Fat wethers, £1 Bs. 6d. ; four and six tooth, £L ; ewes, £1; other sheep, 17s. 6d. ; lambs, 165.; lambs, inferior, Bs. 6d. Farmers in some of the dry areas were unable to fatten more than one or two drafts of sheep owing to feed-scarcity, and were compelled to dispose of good store lambs and sheep at low figures. Cropping : On the East Coast, on the whole, the crops have not been up to the average in the dry portions —oats, wheat, turnips, &c. In the more northern part of the district there is not much cropping done, but a larger area of wheat was put in this year than in former years, and the crops were very good indeed. The oat-crops were also good. In the Wairarapa cereal crops were light, and harvested early, while root and rape crops were in 'most parts a failure. The oat-crop generally was short and light, while the market price at present is nearly 100 per cent, in advance of the average for past years. Dairying: The dairying industry still increases, and new factories both, for the making of butter and cheese are constantly starting in different localities. Dairy-farmers have had a particularly good season, as prices both tor butter and cheese have been ruling very high. In fact, prices for all farm-produce has been good. In the more newly settled districts the factory returns show some 50-per-cent. increase in the output. In some parts, owing to early frosts and dry weather, the season has been somewhat shortened, while in other parts more dairying would be carried on but for the roughness of the country; but it is noticeable that as roads are improved and conditions are at all suitable, more and more cows are being handled. Pigs : In some localities pigs are still a very neglected line, although, farmers when spoken to on the subject seem to be thoroughly alive to the possibilities of good profits, and no doubt when increase of dairying and cropping warrant it, pork will rise to be a staple product. Taking all the factors into consideration, settlers during the past year have, on the whole, had a very satisfactory season, the dry season being more than counterbalanced by the increased prices of farm-products. Nelson. During the past year the drought in other parts of the Dominion has not been felt in this district to any great extent, therefore the settlers, both freeholders and leaseholders, have had a most prosperous season, grass being plentiful and green crops having been sown to a great extent, whilst both sheep and cattle have done well. The prices obtained for wool and stock — the former from 9d. to Is. 4d. per pound, sheep 12s. to £1 65., and cattle from £1 15s. to £2 per hundredweight — have been the highest yet received in this district, whilst high prices have also been obtained for all kinds of crops, which were of a fair average quality. There have been no new developments of any kind in the timber industry throughout the district —in fact, a general depression in the case of the export trade. Many of the mills are not working to their full capacity, and the prospect is not too good for the coming year. But this could hardly be otherwise at guch a stressful time. Marlborough. As regards the northern portion of the district the pastures in the bush portion were good throughout the year, but those in the open country suffered badly from the drought. These

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conditions affected the market price of sheep, which at the beginning of the year were as high as £1 6s. for breeding-ewes, and towards the end could be bought for 13s. Cattle were a good price throughout the year, dairy cows ranging from £6 to £10. The dairy factories were kept busy during the year, the output of butter and cheese showing an increase on former years. There was a considerable increase in the area of crops sown, particularly in wheat, which in the majority of cases was a failure owing to the drought. Fortunately, the high prices realized for grain somewhat compensated the farmers for their light crops. The southern portion of the district, which is principally open county, suffered severely from the drought probably the worst that has been experienced for forty years—consequently feed during the latter part of the year has been very scarce, and the outlook for the winter as far as grazing is concerned is serious. There was a larger area- of crops sown, which in most cases were failures. The dairying industry, which is not carried on to any great extent in the southern part of the district, was also affected by the drought. Fortunately the high price of all produce has compensated in a measure for this. Westland. On account of the moistness of the climate and the uncertainty of successful harvesting, no cropping is done except for the purpose of providing winter feed for stock. The weatherconditions that have prevailed during the past year have been very favourable to the growth of grass, but the dairying stock has felt the effect of the excessive amount of rain, which during the five months ended 31st March, 1915, reached a total of 70 in. distributed over 103 days. The average milk-yield per cow shows a shortage as compared with previous years, but in the case of those factories that did not enter into a contract for disposal of their season's output at a fixed figure the enhanced prices ruling for butter and cheese will counterbalance the shortage in supply. The prices ruling for fat stock fluctuate in sympathy with those in other centres, and generally compare very favourably with them.. During the winter the supply of fat stock is somewhat limited, owing to the greater length of time required to fatten, on account of the adverse weather-conditions. The prices paid for butter-fat by the butter-factories averaged llfd. per pound, and by cheese-factories 10|d. per pound, while it is anticipated in the case of two of the latter that a bonus of 3d. per pound will be paid. During the past year there 'has been a considerable increase in the number of fat cattle and sheep raised. It is estimated that upwards of five thousand head of fat cattle and ten thousand fat sheep were sold by public and private sale. These figures are the actual production of the Coast, and that they will show a marked increase in the future can be gauged by the fact that an additional three thousand head of store cattle from Canterbury were imported into the province during the last summer months. It has been proved beyond all doubt that dry seasons in Canterbury and Nelson force growers and dealers to export their surplus stock to the Coast, where there is a certain rainfall and always abundance of feed, and the quality of fat stock has been of an exceptionally high standard. The climate favours the Hereford breed of cattle, and they thrive remarkably well. On some stations there is a preference for the Shorthorn, and the Hereford-Shorthorn cross, but for beef the Hereford is preferred. In the far south, difficulty confronts the growers in getting fat stock away from these parts, and the long drive of over two hundred miles militates against delivering cattle at the fat-stock sales in finished condition. It is probable that in future the stock-growers in the far south will specialize in the raising of forward stores and selling at Wataroa, which has now become a saleyard centre. The progress of the southern district may be gathered from the fact that permanent sales are now being held at Waitaha, Harihari, and Wataroa. Throughout the province the dairying strains of cattle are yearly improving, and the herds* now compare favourably with most other parts of the Dominion. There has been a marked improvement in the quality of the Romney sheep raised in the district, as is clearly demonstrated by the fact that at the wool-sales in January, February, and March of this year clips from the West Coast topped the New Zealand market at each sale, the excellent price of Is. sfd. per pound being obtained for one lot. Much more attention is now being devoted to wool-growing, and farmers are keen to improve the strain, a number of pedigree flock ewes having been imported last season. The latest returns show that in the Grey County there are 28,197 sheep, and in the Westland County 31,516 sheep. These figures denote a steady increase.

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Canterbury. In North Canterbury, from April to June, 1914, normal conditions prevailed, and there was little movement in the conditions or values for stock! and produce. The light rainfall during the spring months, averaging on the plains only 5 in., threatened shortage of pasture and cereal crops; luckily 2| in. of rain fell during December, which gave an impetus to the pasturegrowth and filled out the grain, but was too late to stimulate the hay, which was very light. As most of our dairy farms are located on the heavy coast soils, the milk-supply did not fall much, except on the Peninsula farms, the volcanic character of these lands being more susceptible to a reduced supply of moisture. Sheep-feed on the central plains became scarce. The December moderate rains averaged 2|in. The farms along the foothills benefited from the north-west showers, and some of the best crops were there harvested. The December rain was sufficient to fill out the grain, and, although the straw was short, the threshing-mill returns exceeded expectations, and a general average of 29 bushels of wheat and 42 of oats was successfully won. There should be very little discoloured or damaged grain in the market. Settlers in the South Canterbury district have experienced one of the most trying seasons on record, and only the exceptionally high prices of sheep and cereals, the result of the war, have saved them from r a most serious financial r position. Up till December the conditions were about norma], and the season Tpromised to be a good one. Since then, however, hardly any rain has fallen, and, in addition, there have been more than the ordinary share of nor'-westers, thus leaving the country in a more parched condition than it has been for the last seven years. Turnip and rape crops are practically a failure, so that the wintering of stock has become a very serious problem to settlers, and the difficulty is increased by the limited steamer space available for getting off their hands what fat stock they have. For patriotic and other reasons many settlers desire to put down an additional area in cereals, but the ground in places is so hard that the breaking-up of grass lands will prevent their doing" so, unless a good downpour of rain occurs within the next few weeks. War conditions rapidly affected the market values, both for cereals and stock. The buyers operated rapidly, so much so that wheat rose from 4s. 2d. per bushel in August to 7s. 2d. in March, oats for the same" period from 2s. Gd. to 4s. 2|d., flour from £11 per ton to £17 10s., potatoes from £3 to £5 10s., and chaff from £3 10s. to £7 ss. Cheese was not so much affected, 7d. per pound being maintained. Butter rose from Is. Id. to Is. 6d. per pound. During the autumn months the rainfall was much below the average, and the stores' and breeding flocks' winter feed was encroached upon. Grass on the plains again suffered, and there is a serious outlook for our flockmasters for feed during the coming winter. The trouble has been accentuated by the difficulties of disposing of fat animals through the absence of sufficient storage and bottoms. Stores stock fell rapidly in market values, in March some holders having to boil down. Every ton of straw will be needed for the winter. The rainfall on the plains for the whole year averaged only 22£ in. The wool returns were satisfactory both in quality and quantity ; the prices obtained were higher than for many years. On the whole our farmers have little to complain about, and the land-values show no sign of depreciation. Otago. Grazing: Owing to an exceptionally long winter there was little real growth until the early part of December. High cold and drying winds kept back the pastures, and when they came away the lack of sufficient rain was detrimental, to growth. Cropping : Grain and. root crops suffered in the same way as grass. After coming through the ground little progress was made; then the warmer weather brought them on, but the growth was not maintained. The southern districts did not suffer so badly, and there are some very good yields. ' In the north and central [districts there is* a big shortage of winter feed. Dairying: It is only in the more favoured localities, where the land is good and there is a better rainfall, that dairying is carried on to any extent. The winter prospects are not particularly bright, as the pastures are not good and the necessary winter feed is lacking. Ruling Prices of Stock : The price of stock has been well maintained. Owing to the difficulty experienced in getting away lambs at the usual time, many farmers had to sell at a lower price than usual. TheyFgo in for producing fat lambs, and depend on getting them off at a given time. Therefore any circumstances arising [to^interfere with their arrangements put farmers in a serious position, as they make no provision to carry surplus stock,

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Southland. Generally speaking, the weather-conditions during the autumn and winter months were good, and all classes of stock thrived well. The spring was far from satisfactory, cold winds prevailing, which retarded all growth, up to the end of December, after which the weather-conditions were much more favourable, and both grass and cereal crops came away with a rush, with the result that large numbers of fat lambs, sheep, and cattle were frozen during January, February, March, and April. Fat cattle, sheep, and lambs realized good prices, cattle averaging from £1 14s. to £2 3s. per 100 lb., sheep £1 to £1 13s. each, and lambs 6{d. per pound. In sympathy with these prices, all classes of store stock sold well, more especially forward store cattle, wethers, and lambs. Breeding-ewes were also in good demand, selling from 15s. to £1 55., according to age and breeding. The lambing returns on the farms and lower country averaged from 80 to 120 per cent., but on the higher country and pastoral runs the percentage was far from satisfactory, being in most cases only 50 to 70 per cent. Mainly owing to the increased demand caused by the outbreak of war, wool has realized exceptionally good prices, averaging from Bd. to Is. 3d. per pound. The cold and backward spring militated against the dairying industry, arrd the returns from cows up to the New Year were far from satisfactory ; however, as the season advanced matters improved, and this, with the good prices realized for 1 cheese, it having brought up to B|d. per pound, has compensated for the bad spring. The cereal crops, which in the spring were most disappointing, eventually improved in an incredible way, and averaged out at from 40 to 50 bushels, and in some instances reached as high as from 90 to 130 bushels to the acre. In contrast to many other parts of the Dominiorr, feed this summer and autumn has been plentiful, and, as the turnip-crops are all fairly good, ample feed for the winter is assured. Recent Land Legislation. While some of the amendments made under the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1914, are of a general nature, several very important amendments relating to the administration of ordinary Crown lands and settlement lands were made to the existing law. The following is a short account of the more important amendments : — Section 5, for the purposes of limitation of area of holdings, enacts, in respect of land not classified under the Land Act, that land of an unimproved value of £8 per acre or upwards shall be first-class land ; land of arr unimproved value of between £4 and £8 per acre, secondclass ; and land of an unimproved value of less than £4 per acre, third-class land. Further, timber is not included in the unimproved value of timber land. Formerly land of an unimproved value of £4 per acre and upwards was deemed to be first-class ; and land of an unimproved value of between £2 and £4, second-class; and land of an unimproved value of less than £2, third-class. It was ascertained in practice that the former law relating to unclassified lands was too restricted and not in the best interests of settlement. Section 8 provides for the subdivision of Crown pastoral land consisting principally of high country, and disposal of the same to holders of sufficient low-lying land to profitably work the whole. Sections 17 and 18 allow of the holders of leases in perpetuity of ordinary Crown land and settlement land to acquire the fee-simple of their holdings in all cases. Section 21 provides for the acquisition of the fee-simple of part only of a small grazingrun in cases where the area of the whole run is greater than the limit allowed. Section 27 provides that where a pastoral run is subdivided at the expiry of the license the licensee has the right to acquire a new pastoral license over' one of the subdivisions, irrespective of the tenure on which the lands are offered. Formerly the tenant only had the right to a subdivision if the lands were leased under the pastoral-license tenure. Section 28 allows of the granting of leases of settlement land without competition to persons who have been, continuously employed on estates purchased for a period of at least five years immediately preceding the acquisition, subject to ordinary area limitations. Sections 32 and 33 (subject to limitations of holding) permit of the exchange of pastoral licenses to small-grazing-run leases, and small-grazing-run leases to renewable leases respectively. Section 36 allows of the sale of sand-dunes and other worthless lands at such price as may be deemed advisable, but certain improvements have to be effected before certificates of title can issue.

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Sections 42, 43, and 44 allow of the exemption of lessees from conditions as to cropping, the postponement of rent of pastoral runs, and the postponement of rent of small grazing-runs respectively. It was deemed advisable to enact such legislation owing to the European war. Lands opened. More than double the area of land was opened during the year than during the preceding twelve months, and the attached table shows the areas offered in each district under the various tenures.

Land opened during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

In addition an area of 49,536 acres of educational and other endowment lands was opened for selection, making the grand total of 1,202,260 acres opened during the year under all classes. Lands to be opened. During the current year it is expected to place in the market the following areas of land in the Dominion, some of which comprise pastoral runs subdivided and reopened for selection : — Acres. Auckland District.. .. .. .. .. ..107,676 Hawke's Bay District .. .. .. .. .. 121,376 Taranaki District .. .. .. .. '.. 56,840 V. Wellington District .. .. .. .. ..59,000 Nelson District .. . . . . .. . . .. 90,000 Marlborough District .. .. .. .. ..13,000 Westland District.. .. .. .. .. ..16,300 Canterbury District .. .. .. .. .. 33,200 Otago District .. .. .. .. .. .. 460,000 Southland District .. .. .. .. .. 12,000 Total .. .. .. .. .. 969,392 In addition, Surveyors have as " work on hand " a considerable area which it is hoped to survey, subdivide, and place on the market later. Lands selected. During the year the total area selected was 957,049 acres by 1,880 selectors. Of this about two-thirds comprised ordinary Crown land, the balance being made up of land-for-settle-ment holdings and national and educational endowments. This shows a marked increase over the previous year's figures of 503,737 acres, and it is hoped that the coming year will show an equally satisfactory area added to settlement. Full details of the selections, giving the various tenures, will be found in Table 3 published in the appendix. Lands made Freehold. The lauds made freehold under the Land Laws Amendment Acts of 1912, 1913, and 1914 aggregated 93,547 acres, held by 494 selectors, the purchase price being £174,412. From the date of passing of the Amendment Act of 1912 up to the 31st March, 1914, a total of 628

Renewable Li lase. n H __ Pastoral Pastor. d Runs. District. Optional System. Land - Land. Land for Settlements. Sag -. _ _,_. _ *f 1 on in Mining Districts under Special Regulations. Lease by Auction and Application. Small Grazingruns: Ordinary Crown Land. Ordinary Crown Land. endowment Land. Total. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Acres. 67,556 4,285 18,381 21,624 22,389 4,302 Acres. 132 649 11 22 Acres. 10,397 5,809 5,309 11,309 Acres. 8.535 867 129 1,703 10,124 11,785 Acres. *630 57 85 64 1 {155 1 H330 200 424 Acres. f358 Acres. 379 1 69 277 72 99 78 **866 25 194 Acres. 7,150 13,640 2*,397 Acres. 5,328 Acres. Acres. 95,005 24,310 25,122 31,385 58,717 159,341 657,708 56,380 39,618 5,138 §9,155 14,800 143,000 544,790 102,870 47,900 814 2,888 4,040 593 5 537 41 ||7,284 4,177 434 7*,748 23,450 Totals 145,465 1,412 34,216 45,038 1,947 9,513 2,060 30,935 731,368 150,770 1,152,724 * Includes 12 acres endowment lands. [I •* Includes 270 acres land land for s j Includes . for settle; ettlemenfe 14 acres, meats, ant i. to Cheviot Es :i 1 aero Chi Irdinary Cr( itate. eviot Estatf twn landi t Incluc i. n les 43 acn deludes 38 land 7 acres lan< for settlom< Ifor settleir mts, and 7 lents. acres Che" § Nationalriot Estate, i.

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settlers had acquired the freehold of .110,760 acres, at a price of £118,264, so that the total purchases under these Acts up to the 31st March, 1915, represented 204,307 acres made freehold by 1,122 settlers, at a cost of £292,676. Revenue. During the year the revenue received was in excess of last year's figures by £96,631. The amount collected in each land district was as follows : — £ Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 205,384 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. .. 176,673 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 64,808 Wellington .. .. .. .. ..170,128 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 37,168 Marlborough .. .. .. .. .._ 51,482 Westland .. .. .. .. ..' 19,430 Canterbury .. .. • .. .. .. 237,025 Otago .. .. .. .. .. .. 135,218 Southland .. .. .. .. .. ft? 65 ,£ll Total .. .. .. .. ..£1,163,127 Analysing the revenue under the various Sources, the following figures are of interest :— £ Cash sales and purchase of freeholds .. .. .. .. 240,871 Deferred-payment instalments .. .. .. .. .. 36,924 Perpetual-lease rents .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,501 Occupation-with-right-of-purchase rents .. .. .. .. 110,604 Lease-in-perpetuity rents .. .. .. .. .. 228,022 Renowable-lease rents .. .. .. .. .. .. 135,759 Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations : Rents .. 3,258 Small-grazing-run rents .. .. .. .. .. .. 86,600 . Mining districts land-occupation leases : Rents .. .. .. 1 ,347 Pastoral-run rents .. .. .. .. .. .. 78,487 Educational and other endowments .. .. .. .. 114,309 Other leases and licenses and miscellaneous receipts .. .. 124,445 Total .. .. .. .. .. £1,163,127

Expenditure. Summary of Expenditure approved during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

Vote No. Name of Vote or Account. Amount Expenditure voted (Net). (Gross). Recoveries. Expenditure (Net). (iH 09 II 13 II Consolidated Fund. Lands and Survey Lands and Survey, Miscellaneous State Forests Account Scenery-preservation Account Land for Settlements Expenses .. 168 52 31 11 12 £ 168,046 52,683 31,609 11,163 12,437 £ 5,046 !,683 ,609 ,163 !,437 £ 206,851 52,190 30,386 7,966 4,796 £ 47,744 6,662 68 79 £ 159,107 45,528 30,318 7,887 4,796 10 Public Works Fund. Improved-farm Settlements Lands, Miscellaneous 16 7 16,000 7,390 1,000 ',390 15,005 1,675 2,796 12,209 1,675 Totals 299 299,328 1,328 318,869 57,349 261,520 Special Acts, Deposit Accounts, &c. .. Land for Settlements Account Hauraki Plains Settlement Account .. Rangitaiki Land-drainage Account .. National Endowment Account Native Land Settlement Account Kauri-gum Industry Account 5,343 18,206 17,009 15,572 5,550 93,795 4,993 400 5,343 18,206 16,609 15,572 5,550 93,795 4,993 Totals.. 160,468 4-00 160,068 Grand totals 479,337 57,749 421,588

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Postponement of Rent. During the year 188 tenants took advantage of section 13 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, and secured postponements of rent amounting to £9,785. The total transactions under this section of the Act up to the 31st March, 19.15, are shown in the following statement :—

The provisions of this section of the Act have been found very beneficial in cases where settlers have suffered through loss of stock, fires, &c, and require assistance to tide over a period of financial stress. Revaluation of Crown Leaseholds. In accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913, 250 tenants have secured revaluation of their holdings, with the result that extensive Deductions in rental and capital value have been made. The following is a summary of the transactions to date :— Number' of holdings revalued up to the 31st Match, 1915 .. .. 250 Capital value .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £582,879 Annual rental .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £26,893 Capital value as reduced by revaluation .. .. .. .. £456,518 Annual rental as reduced by revaluation .. .. .. .. £21,041 Applications received but not dealt with at 31st March, 1915 . . 53 The statutory provisions governing this class of transaction have now been amended by the passing of section 14 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1914, which provides that the consent of the Minister of Lands must be obtained before the application is granted, and, further, that an applicant must be in occupation of the land for not less than three years and not more than six years immediately preceding the date of the application. From a financial standpoint this amendment of the law was found to be necessary. Land for Settlements Act. The following table shows the estates opened for selection during the year under the Land for Settlements Act. As usual, there has been a keen demand for the bulk of the estates.

Postponements granted during Year ended 31st March, 1915. Total Post grantei 31st Mar jponements d up to ■oh, 1915. Rental n postponed at 19 uuaining 31st March, .5. System. Number of A , c , . Amount. Selectors. Number of Selectors. Amount. Number of Selectors. Amount. Ordinary Crown lands Land for settlements National-endowment lands £ 72 3,094 76 5,247 40 1,444 196 154 49 £ 9,582 13,103 1,719 151 85 44 £ 8,130 6.293 1,613 Totals .. 188 9,785 399 24,404 280 16,036

Land District. Name of Estate. Number of Holdings offered for Selection. Area opened for Selection. Luckland ,, Wellington lelson Canterbury Otway Waitakaruru Parahi Falloon Lake Hillboro .. Copland Tescliemaker Finlay Downs Waitahuna 1 and 2 17 15 9 6 7 3 2 11 5 10 Acres. 1,614 2,299 2,120 1,031 10,124 691 611 3,625 2,113 4,035 ,, ,, .. )tago Totals 85 28,263

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Appendix II of the report shows (on pages 35 to 39) full details of the estates acquired under the' Act, and the purposes for which they are utilized. A large number of the settlers have already taken advantage of the right to acquire the freehold, and consequently some of the settlements are not now occupied by Crown tenants, but are privately owned in the same manner as they were before the Government acquired them for closer settlement, with this difference : that in place of one or two owners the estates are now occupied, by a number of independent freeholders, who have already made a thorough success of their holdings. National Endowment. At the close of the year the area included within the national endowment was 8,619,341 acres, of which an area of 6,374,628 acres was occupied, at an annual rental of £103,556. The gross revenue collected during the year in respect of this endowment was £108,574, being an increase of £5,303 over the previous year's figures. Inspections by Crown Lands Rangers. The area covered by the Rangers in the course of their statutory inspections was 3,327,322 acres, comprised in 8,364 properties. The valuo of improvements required by the Act was £1,412,112, and the amount actually effected was £2,863,499. Full details regarding each district will be found in Table 32 of the appendix. Kauri-gum Land Settlement. In order to provide, on easy terms, small holdings in kauri-gum reserves or Crown land, provision was made in section 20 of'the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, for the disposal of allotments not exceeding 25 acres in area either on the occupation-with-right-of-purchase tenure or on deferred-payment license, at the option of the selector. During the year five sections in Rodney County, containing 116 acres, were opened for selection; and further areas of 800 acres at the Wade, comprised in thirty-seven sections, and 900 acres near Mercer, were prepared for settlement. Additional areas of 9,000 acres in Mangonui County, 1,000 acres in Otamatea County, and 2,000 acres in Hobson County were also surveyed; whilst 5,000 acres in Mangonui County and 12,000 acres at the Bay of Islands were inspected preliminary to their survey into areas of from 250 acres to 600 acres. The subdivision of these lands is well advanced, and plans will soon be available so as to enable the areas to be; placed on the market. The total area of kauri-gum lands nearing completion for settlement purposes is 30,700 acres. Kauri-gum Industry. The Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, was passed for the purpose of affording relief, and for fostering the kauri-gum industry during the crisis following on the declaration of war. It authorizes the Minister of Lands to — (a.) Work any Crown lands situated within a kauri-gum district, and drain and generally improve any such lands for future close settlement, fruit-growing, &c, by gumdiggers and others : (b.) Purchase and sell kauri-gum, and advance to the vendors of gum a proportion of the estimated value of the gum purchased. A special report showing the operations undertaken under this Act is being laid before Parliament as a separate parliamentary paper (C.-12), and shows what has been achieved in assisting the industry and the diggers at a time when a large body of workers were feeling the effects of war-conditions on their means of livelihood. Land-drainage Branch. Details of the works carried out by this branch are set forth in the attached report of the Chief Drainage Engineer. The major works comprise the reclamation of Hauraki Plains, Rangitaiki Plains, and Waihi Swamp, representing some .190,000 acres altogether. The operations of the branch are extending each year, and the services of the Chief Drainage Engineer are in request throughout the Dominion, in connection with similar projected works, as the success of reclamation-works carried out by this Department has demonstrated the potentialities of swamp lands in general. Particulars relating to Hauraki Plains and Rangitiaki Plains are to be found in papers C.-8 and C.-ll respectively.

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Scenery-preservation. The work of the Department in connection with scenery-preservation has been satisfactorily carried on during the year, and a total of 274,061 acres has now been set apart under the Scenery Preservation Act, and is now administered by the Department. Further areas of Crown land suitable for scenic preservation, but more or less unfitted for settlement purposes, may be added from time to time to the area proclaimed, thus maintaining the scenic beauty of the Dominion. Full particulars of operations under the Scenery Preservation Act will be found in paper C.-6. Conference of Officers. During the year a conference of officers was held for the purpose of inquiring into and reporting on the administration of District Land Offices, also with the view of generally promoting the efficiency of the clerical branch of the Department. It was composed of the following officers : Mr. F. T. O'Neill, Assistant Under-Secretary for Lands, Wellington (chairman); Mr. H. M. Bannister, Chief Clerk, District Office, Wellington ; Mr. C. E. Archibald, Chief Clerk, New Plymouth; Mr. F. T. Sandford, Chief Clerk, Hokitika; Mr. A. C. Turnbull, Chief Accountant, Wellington; Mr. J. H. O'Donnell, Receiver of Land Revenue, Auckland; Mr. A. D. Maofarlane, Receiver of Land Revenue, Invercargill; Mr. S. Gambrill, clerk, Head Office, Wellington; Mr. N. Fleming, clerk, District Office, Wellington; Mr. H. Hawthorn, Officer in Charge Pay and Revenue Branches, Treasury Department, Wellington ; Mr. P. D N. Verschaffelt, Sub-Inspector, Public Service Commissioner's Office, Wellington. The conference opened on the 4th May, 1914, in the Government Building's, Wellington, and presented its report on the 12th June, 1914. The following is a short synopsis, together with remarks relative to the recommendations of the conference under the main headings : — Records and Correspondence. —lt was ascertained that the system of recording in District Offices varied, and a recommendation was made for the adoption of the series system of record as indicated in parliamentary paper H.-14, 1913, amended to suit the requirements of Land Offices. The recommendation was approved, and the system as outlined established in the various offices. Returns. —The recommendations of the conference in respect of returns were with the view of doing away with all unnecessary returns, the preparation of others by carbon process, and the elimination of duplication of work, and tables in the annual statements. The recommendations have generally been given effect to, and this year's annual returns are compiled from a set of tables revised in terms of the suggestions of the conference. Accounts. —The conference recommended the extension of the multiple system of collecting and accounting of land revenue in all District Offices, the adoption of carbon process in connection with all revenue-work, and the revision of all forms, paying special attention to the introduction of compound forms wherever practicable. Recommendations were also made for the alteration and simplification of accounting for revenue received in the Gisborne office; also for the reduction of work in connection with refunds of deposits, &c, refunds being now made by cheque payable to order. Land Board, Work. —The conference reported that it had ascertained that various systems were in force in the different offices regarding the carrying-out of Land Board work, and recommended the introduction of a uniform system. As recommended, a uniform system has been introduced which allows of the preparation of the order paper by two or more officers, and by the use of carbons and the noting of resolutions on the order paper. All unnecessary transcription has been eliminated from Land Board work. Books, Forms, and Cards. —The conference reviewed all books, forms, and cards in tire various offices, and made recommendations as to the adoption of standard sets. In connection with forms, special attention was given to the introduction of compound forms wherever practicable. Rangers' Duties. —A recommendation was made relative to the introduction of a new system for the carrying-out of Rangers' duties, and such system is in the direction of reducing all Rangers' clerical work to a minimum. The system as outlined by the conference will be introduced as soon as the necessary loose-leaf field-book covers are available. General. —The conference made several valuable suggestions and recommendations for the better working of Land Offices ; and it is generally recognized that the holding of the conference will do much in the way of establishing uniformity of practice in the various offices, and, while simplifying the work of the Department, the efficiency thereof will be maintained, if not placed on a higher standard.

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Departmental Changes. Obituary. It is with extreme regret that I have to chronicle the deaths of Messrs. A. A. Seaton, W. H. Bentley, A. C. Clarke, and J. L. Dickie. The late Andrew Archibald Seaton was an authorized surveyor, and was first appointed to the service in 1878, but retired on compensation in 1884. He rejoined the Department in October, 1889, as a temporary surveyor, became a permanent officer in terms of the Public Service Classification Act, 1907, being subsequently appointed to the position of District Surveyor. He had been in failing health for some time prior to his death on the 21st April, 1915. When in good health Mr. Seaton carried out his field duties in a highly satisfactory manner; his work was very thorough and complete from every point of view. The late William Henry Bentley was appointed a clerk in the Auckland office in April, 1894, previous to which he was employed for some years in the Public Works Department. He was retired on superannuation in March, 1909, but was subsequently temporarily re-employed from time to time until his death in March last. The late Mr. Bentley was an enthusiastic and willing worker, and carried out the duties allotted to him in a very satisfactory manner. The late Arthur Clarkson Clarke was appointed a clerk in the New Plymouth office on the 9th December, 1897, and became a permanent officer in 1907. Owing to ill health he was transferred to the Auckland office in June, 1914, but the change did not prove beneficial, and whilst on leave of absence his death occurred on the 24th October' last on board the s.s. " Makura " when proceeding from Auckland to Sydney. The late John Lamb Dickie joined the Department as a surveyor for the Wellington District on the Ist October, 1892, being transferred to the Nelson office as Computing Draughtsman in January, 1898. He was appointed Land Transfer Draughtsman, Invercargill, in September, 1904, which position he held up to the time of his death on the 12th November, 1914. Mr. Dickie was one of our ablest professional officers either in the field or office, and, in addition, was a most conscientious, industrious, and intelligent officer, and his loss was much felt by his brotherofficers and those surveyors and the public with whom he came in contact. Retirements. The following officers tendered their resignation or- were retired from the service on superannuation :— Mr. John Charles Mackley, Crown Lands Ranger for- Southland, retired from the service on superannuation on the 30th June, 1914, after over eleven years' service. He was first employed as a clerk in the Invercargill office, being appointed a Ranger in August, 1908. Mr. John Ammunson, Timber Expert and Crown Lands Ranger, Wellington District, was appointed in 1901, and retired on superannuation on the 30th June, 1914, having reached the age-limit. He was a zealous and conscientious officer, with good local knowledge of the Awarua and Waimarino districts. Mr. Walter Sanderson Curtis, Land Transfer Draughtsman, Nelson office, having completed forty years' service, tendered his resignation and retired on superannuation as from the 31st January, 1915. His exemplary good conduct coupled with zeal and ability gave him a fine record in the service. Mr. William Francis Gordon, having reached the age-limit, was retired on superannuation on the 31st May, 1914. He joined the Post and Telegraph Department on the 17th February, 1873, and was transferred to the New Plymouth office of this Department in January, 1883, as a draughtsman. He was an able and hardworking officer. Mr. Robert Alexander Johnston, Chief Clerk and Secretary to the Land Board, in the Dunedin office, retired from the service on superannuation on the 30th June, 1914, having completed over forty years' service. For many years Mr. Johnston was Secretary to the Otago Land Board, and in this connection, while carrying out his duties in a very able manner, also rendered much valuable assistance to the Crown tenants of the district. In February, 1909, he was appointed to the position of Chief Clerk, and up to the date of his retirement held the dual position of Chief Clerk and Secretary to the Board. Mr. Johnston was in indifferent health for some time prior to his retirement, and it is hoped that a well-earned rest from official duties will have the effect of restoring him to a satisfactory state of health. Mr. Thomas William Hughes, District Surveyor, Auckland, was retired as medically unfit on the 31st August, 1914. He was appointed to the service on the 11th November, 1889, and had therefore completed nearly twenty-five years' service up to date of retirement.

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Mr. Colin Macandrew, clerk in the Dunedin office, who formerly held the position of Secretary to the Otago School Commissioners for many years, was transferred, to this Department on the Ist April, 1911, after the abolition of the School Commissioners. He was retired on superannuation on the 7th November, 1914. Mr. Henry Taiporutu Mitchell, District Surveyor, Rotorua, joined the Department on the Ist November, 1894, resigning on the 31st January, 1915. He had also been a member of the Waiariki Maori Land Board, and carried out extensive surveys around Rotorua. Mr. John Pollock, Chief Clerk in the Nelson office, joined the Department on the 24th November, 1873, retiring on superannuation on the 31st August, 1914, having completed over forty years' continuous service. He served as a draughtsman during the greater part of the period, succeeding Mr. Redgrave as Chief Clerk in 1908. He possessed an intimate knowledge of the Nelson District, and was of great assistance as Secretary to the Land Board. Mr. Henry Travers Twiss, Crown Lands Ranger, Taranaki District, was first appointed as a temporary draughtsman to the Wellington office on the 17th January, 1906, and was promoted to the position of Crown Lands Ranger, Taranaki, in May, 1908. He resigned from the service on the 31st July, 1914, in order to accept private employment in the Hawke's Bay District. Mr. Henry Albert Vollemaere was appointed as a clerical cadet in the Nelson office on the 6th June, 1905, and was afterwards transferred to the Auckland office. Having qualified as a solicitor-, he resigned from the service on the 31st May, 1914.

Promotions. Consequent on vacancies in the ranks of the Department, the following promotions took place : —

Expeditionary Forces. The following officers of the Department have responded to the Empire's call and enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. Some of them are now at the front, whilst the others are members of the reinforcements, or are waiting to be called to camp. Surveyors. —V. Blake, Wellington; R. F. Burgess-(cadet), Wellington; W. M. Gray, Hawke's Bay (Main Force) ;L.W. B. Hall (cadet), Auckland ;T. R. Hancock (cadet), Taranaki; R. F. Mackenzie, Auckland; N. A. Middlemas (cadet), Auckland (Main Force) ; G. Pirritt, Auckland; L. J. Poff (cadet), Auckland; S. T. Seddon, Nelson (Main Force) ;W. S. Thompson, Hawke's Bay; F. W. Watson, Auckland; W. B. de L. Willis, Auckland (Main Force); T. S. McMillan (cadet), Thames. Draughtsmen. —G. J. B. Cairnie, Auckland ; F. Coleman (cadet), Auckland ; R. J. Cornwell, Canterbury (sergeant, C Company, sth Reinforcements); T. S. Couch, Marlborough (Main Force) ; R. J. Crawford, Head Office; M. W. Haworth, Auckland (6th Reinforcements); T. H. Hudson (cadet), Taranaki ; E. A. Ingram, Westland (Sergeant); J. A. Montgomerie, Taranaki.; F. C.

Position to which promoted. Officers promoted, and late Position. Date. Kauri-gum Superintendent Inspector of Offices Chief Accountant R. P. Greville (Inspector of Surveys) A. C. Turnbull (Chief Accountant) J. H. O'Donnell (Receiver of Land Revenue, Auckland) F. E. Greenfield (Chief Draughtsman, Nelson) A. D. Burns (Chief Draughtsman, Blenheim) J. D. Thomson (District Surveyor, Nelson) A. N. Harrop (District Surveyor, Westland) (J. E. Archibald (Chief Clerk, New Plymouth) W. J. Munro (Clerk, Auckland) A. D. Macfarlane (Receiver of Land Revenue, Invercargill) F. T. Sandford (Chief Clerk, Hokitika) 1 Aug., 1914. 1 Nov., „ 8 Jan., 1915. Chief Draughtsman, Christchurch Chief Draughtsman, Nelson Chief Draughtsman, Blenheim Chief Draughtsman, Hokitika Chief Clerk, Dunedin Chief Clerk, New Plymouth Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Revenue, Nelson Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Revenue, Hokitika Land Transfer Draughtsman, Dunedin Land Transfer Draughtsman, Invercargill Land Transfer Draughtsman, Nelson.. 18 April, 1914. 22 June, ,, 8 Sept., ,, 1 June, ,, 2 July, „ 21 „ 10 Aug., „ 16 Sept., „ W. T. Morpeth (Draughtsman, Auckland) . . O. G. Goldsmith (Draughtsman, Invercargill) 1 April, „ 11 Jan., 1915. J. R. Strachan (District Surveyor, Wellington) J. P. Lane, (Clerk, Auckland) 25 ,, ,, Clerk, Wellington .. 10 Aug., 1914.

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Messrs. W. B. de L. Willis, F. W. Watson, G. Pirrit, and S. T. Seddon.

Mr. H. B. Randrup.

Mr. G. J. B. Cairnie.

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O'Reilly, Wellington; C. L. Purdie, Wellington; H. B. Randrup, Auckland; W. Rochfort, Christchurch (Hospital Ship, New Zealand Medical Corps) ; H. L. Wake (cadet), Hawke's Bay (6th Reinforcements); E. H. Whiting (cadet), Wellington (Main Force) ;J. Pegram, Napier; A. 0. M. Sicely, Napier ; J. D. Clapperton (cadet), Auckland; A. D. Folley, Hokitika; T, G. Phillipps, Invercargill. Clerks. —R. W. Cooper, Head Office (Samoan Expeditionary Force and sth Reinforcements) ; W. H. Ellis, Auckland.; C. S. Girdlestone, Wellington (Samoan Expeditionary Force) ; T. J. Lang, Head Office (Sergeant, 2nd Reinforcements); W. B. Quennell, Otago; H. P. Seeker (cadet), Head Office (Signal Corps, Main Force) ; W. N. Sievers, Wellington (Samoan Expeditionary Force and Sergeant, 6th Reinforcements). Crown Lands Ranger. —D. M. McDonald, Canterbury (Sergeant, Mounted Regiment, Main Force). Forester. —W. A. Fraser, Tapanui. In addition to the above, numerous members of survey parties and other employees have responded to the Empire's call. Casualties. Mr. William Brian de Laval Willis, a son of Archdeacon Willis, of Cambridge, who died of wounds sustained at the Dardanelles, was a young and promising officer of the Lands and Survey Department. He was educated at St. John's Collegiate School, Auckland, joined the Department on the Ist February, 1906, as a draughting cadet, and became a member of the College Rifle Volunteers. Two years later he was transferred to the field under District Surveyor R. S. Galbraith, and three years later joined the staff of Mr. J. Langmuir, Inspector of Surveys. After obtaining the necessary experience he sat for and passed the examination of the Federated Surveyors' Boards of Australia and New Zealand in March, 1912, and was then promoted to be an Assistant Surveyor as from the Ist May, 1912. Since that time he has been carrying out surveys in the Auckland District, and, in common with many other officers of the Department, volunteered for service with the Expeditionary Forces. Unassuming, hardworking, and conscientious in the performance of his duties, the late Mr. Willis was a young officer of much promise, and his death is a loss not only to the Public Service, but to the Dominion. Holger Bro Randrup, Draughtsman, in the Auckland Office, was reported as killed at the Dardanelles on the Bth May. The late Mr. Randrup joined the Department as a draughting cadet on transfer from the Post and Telegraph Department on the Ist November, 1906. At first he was stationed in the Wellington. District Office, but was transferred to Auckland on the Ist August, 1911. During his official career he proved himself to be an energetic, capable, and trustworthy officer, who was most favourably reported on by his superior officers, and was highly throught of by all with whom he came into contact. Unassuming in his demeanour, honourable in his conduct, and reliable in his official capacity, his loss will be much felt by all his brother-officers. Messrs. S. T. Seddon, T. S. Couch, N. A. Middlemas, and E. A. Ingram have been reported as wounded, and Mr. G. J. B. Cairnie has been reported as missing. Head OfficeCorrespondence : During the year 25,443 letters, telegrams, &c, were received, and 27,744 letters, telegrams, &c, despatched, being a gross total of 53,187. The correspondence has been steadily on the increase, and during the last three years has risen from 42,590. This mass of correspondence has necessarily thrown great strain on the records, correspondence, and, in fact, every branch in the Head Office. Cemeteries : At the present time there are under departmental control 522 cemeteries, there being five new ones added for the year. Two cemeteries were vested in local bodies during the year, and forty-one warrants issued for existing cemeteries. Domains : The number of domains now administered by the Department amounts to 561, there being an addition of twelve for the year. A report on their progress will be found in a separate parliamentary paper. Land Guides : Four quarterly issues of the Land Guide were published, there being 7,000 copies printed for distribution. These guides form a very valuable reference to the lands opened for selection, and are available for reference at all prominent centres and institutions. Land-sale Posters : To illustrate and afford the necessary information regarding the Crown lands opened for selection during the year, 169 sale-plan posters were issued, no fewer than 112,650 copies thereof being printed and distributed widespread throughout the Dominion for

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the information of intending applicants. In addition, twelve monthly posters containing a summary of the Crown lands opened for selection were prepared, and 31,800 copies issued for exhibition in suitable localities. The attached summary gives details of other work undertaken in the Head Office.

Summary showing the Number of Proclamations, Orders in Council, Warrants, and Notices prepared and issued during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

Conclusion and Valedictory The year that has passed has been a strenuous one to most of our officers, and the response of many of them to the Empire's call has increased the labours of those left behind. This applies both to those in the office as well as in the field. Notwithstanding this, the area placed in the market is double that of last year, whilst at least 1,000,000 acres is in an advanced state for offering during the current year, with a considerable area well in view for perhaps a somewhat later period. The various other branches of our great Department, as will be seen by the different reports which are being placed before you, have received the fullest attention. During the year, as occasion permitted, I visited more than once (with the exception of Nelson and Westland) every land district of the Dominion, and inspected in detail the operations of all the various branches under my control. On the whole lam entirely satisfied with the manner in which our multifarious operations are being carried out, and also with the zeal and efficiency of the officers, numbering about 600. This being the last annual report that I shall be 'able to lay before you for presentation to Parliament in connection with the working of the important Department which I have been privileged to control, after nearly half a century's service spent in it, and embracing during that long period work in its technical, professional, and! administrative branches, I wish to place on record my high 'appreciation of, the loyal support, assistance, and efficiency of those who have worked with me in the years that have gone; and particularly is this so with regard to the band of men and women ; now ;'connected with 'me in my administrative work, and with whom I will ('shortly Sbe parted by [reason* of my. from the Service on ' account [of reaching r " '•"" Jam es Mackenzie,»P' m " ■ Under-Secretary for Lands.

Proclamations. Orders in Oouncil. 'arrantsand! „, , , Notices. lotaL Under the Land Act and the Land for Settlements Act Under the Public Reserves and Domains Act Under the Scenery Preservation Acts Under the Native Land Act Under the Education Reserves Acts and Public Bodies' Leases Act Under the State Forests Act Under the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Acts, 1912 and 1913 U»der the Cemeteries Apt Under the Timber-floating Act Miscellaneous Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908 61 20 150 512 593 85 235 4 34 4 33 35 f_4 3 '5 3 |9 30 4 2 1 4 1 2 1 43 43 1 1 3 4 5 5 Totals 100 176 692 968

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APPENDICES. APPENDIX I.—SETTLEMENT OF GROWN LANDS. EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS ON SETTLEMENT OPERATIONS DURING THE TWELVE MONTHS WHICH ENDED ON THE 31st MARCH, 1915. AUCKLAND. (H. M. Skket, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Lands opened for Selection. At the beginning of the year the total area of Crown land lying open for selection within the llistrict under the various tenures was 242,389 acres; and during the year a total area of 97,634 acres was opened, of which 49,506 acres were placed on the market for the first time, and 48,128 acres bad been offered previously. The principal blocks of land offered for the first time included three portions of Hauraki Plains reclaimed swamp, totalling 10,369 acres, in fifty-three sections; 1,008 acres of worked-out gum land at Swanson, a few miles from Auckland, divided into eighty-six sections; 4,966 acres near Kawakawa, divided into eleven sections; two laud-for-settlement estates, totalling 4,418 acres, in twenty-four allotments; and 1,836 acres near Otorohanga, subdivided into twelve sections. Notwithstanding the unusual conditions that have existed during the greater part of the year, the inquiry for land has continued keen, and the applications for all favoured classes of land, especially dairying country capable of being brought into early profit, have been numerous. At the ballot for an area of Hauraki Plains land, held on the 31st March, there were 1,814 applications for thirty-three sections of land, ranging from 68 acres to 594 acres, and as each application covered a considerable number of sections the aggregate number of applications for the whole of the sections exceeded 12,000 —probably a record in ballots. The total area of land taken up during the year was 117,894 acres, by 727 selectors. The various Tenures. The occupation-with-right-of-purchase tenure still maintains its position as first favourite amongst selectors in the district, as is evidenced by the fact that out of 49,159 acres taken up under the optional system, 46,293 acres were selected under this tenure, which numbered at the close of the year 2,959 holders, occupying 799,248 acres, considerably over one-third of the number and area of all Crown holdings in the district. The lease-in-perpetuity tenure holds second place, with 1,570 holders occupying 351,878 acres. This tenure has lost considerably during the year from acquisitions of freehold either for cash or on deferred payment. The third most important tenure is the renewable lease, numbering 846 holders of 205,649 acres. The other tenures do not call for any special remark, but as evidencing the growth of settlement in the mining districts of the Hauraki Peninsula it is satisfactory to note that the area under occupation has increased during the year from 84,556 acres, held by 482 lessees, to 102,422 acres, occupied by 523 selectors. The roading to give access to these pastoral leases will be heavy, and in many instances steep grades only can be provided. Acquisition of the Freehold. The total area of Crown land alienated under freehold title for cash during the year was 70,090 acres, the number of purchasers being 439, and the price realized £70,181. In addition to these, 111 other holders, occupying 25,987 acres, commenced the acquisition of the freehold by the deferred-payment system, under which there were at the close of the year 199 selectors, holding 29,893 acres. Since the commencement of the war there has been a considerable falling-off in freehold transactions. General Condition of Settlement. The weather-conditions of the past season have proved exceptionally trying to farmers, especially in the northern and central portions of the district. The usual spring growth was largely checked by high cold winds and want of rain, following which came one of the driest summers experienced for a considerable time. As a result many of the white crops were practically failures, and w f ere fed off, not being worth harvesting. Root and fodder crops were also to a very large extent failures, and in many parts had to be prematurely fed off. The shortage of water and feed has been very severe on dairy stock, and considerably curtailed the milking season. Fortunately the serious prospects for the coming winter have been very materially

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lightened by warm early rains, which have brought away a good growth of pasture. The high price of grass-seeds is a serious drawback to many farmers, who have obtained good burns during the drought, but to whom the increased cost of sowing will involve a considerable financial strain. Grazing and sheep farmers have on the whole experienced a favourable season, as, although the carrying-capacity of their holdings was diminished, this was largely counterbalanced by the enhanced prices obtained for stock, while the high prices and strong demand for all classes of farm-produce have to a large extent made up for the disadvantages arising from the abnormal season. An examination of the reports received from the Rangers show that a generally satisfactory condition as regards fulfilment of conditions still prevails, and it must be remembered that the Rangers' reports apply to holdings in the earlier stages of settlement, when the initial difficulties of inferior access and breaking in new country afford a good deal of excuse for slight shortcomings of fulfilment. The number of defaulters is a comparatively small percentage of the whole, while in many cases the reports show an amount of compliance and substantial improvements effected that indicate the energy and persistence displayed by settlers. In this connection it may be again pointed out that a number of cases of default arise from the mistaken practice that obtains to a very large extent of applying for land without seeing it, notwithstanding the warning published on all sale plans. In the case of well-situated lands of good quality the practice may produce no bad effects, but with less favoured localities or inferior lands it frequently follows that the settler is disappointed, and either requests cancellation of his title or allows it to lapse by default in fulfilment of conditions. Meanwhile the general development of the district, the extension of railway and roading facilities, of telephone communication, and of schools are not only improving the lot of the backblock settler, but are bringing into demand lands which were formerly neglected, but which under the application of modern methods of farming, and with facilities for conveyance of manures at reasonable cost, can be successfully brought to productivity. Of such classes are the poor gum lands of many parts of the northern district and the light pumice lands of the central area. The former are being found to be not only very suitable for fruitgrowing, but also for general farming under suitable methods, with results hitherto unsuspected. The development of the pumice lands will be largely dependent upon improved railway facilities and the carriage of manures thereon at minimum rates. Considerable areas of bush have been felled during the season, and exceptionally good burns were obtained, the sowing of which will greatly enhance the stock-carrying capacity of the district, though the high prices of seed are a serious drawback to the grassing of new lands. In many parts of the district roadworks have been pushed on, and settlers frequently tax themselves to improve their facilities in this respect. The Hauraki Plains lands have shown very marked progress during the year, and are being recognized as likely shortly to develop into one of the finest dairying districts of the Dominion. Many farmers from other parts, especially Taranaki, arc seeking after these lands, with the usual result of a very substantial increase in goodwills. Numerous applications for leave of absence and exemption from conditions have been made to the Land Board by Crown tenants desirous of joining the Expeditionary Forces. All such applications have received the fullest sympathy and ready acquiescence from the Board, which feels that those who volunteer to serve their country at the front are deserving of the utmost consideration. The cases of other settlers who fail to fulfil the required conditions receive individual consideration from the Board, which endeavours, by timely leniency where necessary, to encourage due compliance, recognizing that to the bona fide settler a reasonable extension of time is frequently all that is needed to secure the desired results. There is, of course, another class who need different treatment, as their evasion of legitimate requirements would only retard the settlement of the district. Generally speaking, it may safely be said that the present condition and prospects of the settlement of the district are very satisfactory. Transfers, Forfeitures, and Surrenders. Although there was a noticeable falling-off of transfers shortly after the commencement of the war, there has been a considerable recovery, and the total number of cases dealt with during the year, 644, is very little short of the total for the preceding period. Orrt of the number quoted, 620 were approved after the fullest investigation and consideration, and twenty-four were refused. The total number of forfeitures and surrenders during the year was 129, representing an area of 36,945 acres. These figures show an increase on those for the previous year, due mainly to the practice before referred to of selecting Crown lands without prior inspection, with a frequent after-result of disappointment and consequent forfeiture. Improved-farm Settlements. Satisfactory progress is still being made by the three improved-farm settlements —Rangitoto Nos 1 and 2 and Korakonui —which, with the assistance of the dairy industry, are in a thriving condition and well advanced towards independence of further assistance from the State. Fourteen of the settlers have obtained their licenses during the year, and only fourteen are still holding under the original agreements. Kauri-gum Industry. The climatic conditions of the past season have been favourable to the working of swamp gum lands. The following were the numbers of licenses issued during the year : 336 ordinary, 1,812 special, 205 gum-buyers', and 317 residence-area licenses; the total amount of fees received being .£1,345 17s.

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The lifting of the reservation from an aggregate area of about 71,000 acres, as recommended by the Gum Lands Commission of last year, will have a considerable effect on the settlement of the North Auckland district. While a good deal of this is no doubt not of the best quality, there is much that can be profitably utilized either for fruitgrowing or general farming, while the fact that most of the northern lands are within comparatively easy reach of water carriage should enable the necessary artificial manures to be placed on the ground at a, reasonable cost. The surveys of these lands are being pushed forward with expedition, so as to enable as large an area as possible to be opened at an early date. Flax Industry. There is very little activity in this industry at present, the conditions experienced having inflicted a severe, but, it is hoped, only temporary, cheek upon its development. Settlement of Pumice Lands. During the year a careful examination has been made of an area of about 700,000 acres of the pumice lands between Rotorua and Taupo, and reports have been submitted thereon, while surveys are already in progress near Taupo. Portions of the land can probably be successfully utilized for afforestation purposes, and thus produce a crop that will be a valuable asset to the Dominion, besides probably having a beneficial effect upon the climate of the district and adding to the quality of the soil for future use. There are also considerable portions that can be successfully occupied in suitable areas, provided artificial manures, which are essentia] to success, can be placed on the ground at a reasonable cost, which will necessitate minimum rates of carriage. In any case, this land will require the expenditure of a fairly substantial amount of capital to make it reproductive, and it cannot be regarded as poor man's country. Lands to be opened. The area of Crown land open for- selection within the district at the close of the year was 250,753 acres. I anticipate that a further total area of 107,676 acres will be placed on the market and selected during the ensuing year; this estimate is made after making due allowance for- conditions that may tend to limit financial transactions and thus reduce the number of persons who may be able to take up land. The area of land that will be opened in the North Auckland district will in all probability form a considerable proportion of the total, the removal of kauri-gum reservations and other conditions indicating a likelihood of a substantial advance in land-settlement in that portion of the district. Departmental and General. Twelve ordinary and eight special meetings of the Land Board were held during the year, the latter including meetings at Whangarei, Dargaville, Te Aroha, Paeroa, and Te Awamutu. During the early stages of the war there was a considerable falling-off in the business transacted, especially as regards applications for transfer, but the amount of business coming forward is resuming normal proportions. The volume of departmental work, both in correspondence and by personal inquiry, has, however, been well maintained throughout the year, as an indication of which it may be mentioned that the aggregate inward and outward correspondence totalled 126,317 pieces of mailmatter, an increase of about 5,000 over the previous year-. The work involved in the collection of the revenue for the year may be indicated by the fact that 15,288 revenue-receipts were issued, in addition to which 2,400 receipts were issued for moneys paid into deposit account, amounting to £51,889. The sum of £12,602 was paid into Local Bodies' Deposit Account, from which disbursements totalling £15,171 were made to sixty-eight local bodies. In the expenditure section the disbursements represented by the vouchers passed amounted to £103,939, .dealt with in 3,600 vouchers, as against 3,150 vouchers representing £97,010 during the preceding year. The staff has been handicapped during practically the whole of the year by building alterations and rearrangement of offices, but, notwithstanding the difficulties and discomforts involved, has kept up the work in a satisfactory manner.

HAWKE'S BAY. (W. H. Skinnkr, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The Settlement of Crown Lands. The total area offered for sale or selection during the year ended the 31st March was 24,519 acres. The lands placed on the market comprised mainly—Portions of the Manawaangiangi Block (2,092 acres) : four sections ; open country, consisting mostly of low hills, well grassed. Kaitoki Block (450 acres): Good sheep country. Mangaoporo Survey District (1,182 acres) : Two sections, all in English grasses ; good soil resting on papa. Kaiwaka Block (13,640 acres), subdivided into five small grazing-runs, two of which were selected and three remain open for selection : Broken and undulating pastoral country ; soil generally light and pumiceous ; well watered. In addition, scattered sections in various parts of the district were offered and selected. Sales by auction were made of sections in Te Puia, Tarawera, and Mahia Townships, and the Borough of Gisborne.

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Lands to be opened. It is anticipated that an area approximating 121,376 acres will be made available for settlement for the coming year. Tenures. Owing to the few holdings offered for selection during the year and to the great number of holdings made freehold, there 4 is a small decrease in the jaumber of tenants on the books. The total is now 1,939. INSPECTIONS AND HANttERS' REPORTS. During the year the two Rangers made 435 inspections of leases held by Crown tenants under the several tenures, besides 275 miscellaneous inspections. The area of holdings inspected amounted to 258,652 acres. Improvements required, £195,667; improvements effected, £528,082. Defaulters number forty-nine—namely, twenty-seven for deficiency in improvements, eleven for residence, nine for both improvements and residence, and two for other reasons. The Poverty Bay district experienced a very heavy flood in May last, but thereafter the rainfall was below the average, the winter being unusually mild. This was followed by a dry spring, and, as the summer was practically rainless, the farming Community suffered from light crops and loss of pasture. Some anxiety was felt as to the winter prospects, but it is pleasing to be able to report splendid rains from the 18th to the 26th March of the present year, and an abundance of feed during the coming winter is already assured. The district has benefited, so far as prices of products are concerned, by the war, and the season, though dry, has been one of the most prosperous, from the producer's point of view, the district has ever enjoyed. I think lam right in saying that the prices of products in this district have never been so high as at present. As touched on in last year's report, the Whakatu Freezing-works is now in full swing. The Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association is well established at Hastings. A tobacco-growing concern at Clive has been formed into a company and appears to find favour with the public. Drought and bush fires have to some extent retarded the progress of the district generally during the dry season. In the case of the Otawhao settlers, who suffered very severely from both causes, assistance was rendered in the way of grass-seed supplied, which, owing to the high market-price of seed, made it a difficult matter for the settler himself to arrange for without help from the Government. Should the prices now obtaining for stock and produce continue, the farming community may look forward to a prosperous year in front of them. Purchase of Fee-simple. Owing to the liberal terms introduced by the recent amendments to the Land Act, the tenants have shown their appreciation of same by taking advantage of the offered opportunities, and no less than fifty tenants have made their selections freehold, the total area comprising 19,628 acres, and the purchase-money paid £35,529. In addition, there are twenty-three tenants who are acquiring an area of 12,456 acres under the deferred-payment system. Forfeitures, Surrenders, and Transfers. There were only five forfeited or surrendered holdings during the year, comprising 5,470 acres. The total number of applications to transfer submitted to the Land Board during the year was 148, of which nineteen were declined. Land Revenue and Accounts. The revenue received for the year was £176,673. This is an increase of £23,444 over the previous year. The revenue receipts dealt with numbered 4,388, and provisional titles prepared 57^ Rebates amounting to £9,292 were granted to 1,167 tenants. The total received on account of survey liens was £3,398, which shows a further increase on last year's figures. £8,551 was paid into the Local Bodies' Deposit Account and £7,464 was paid to local bodies. The sum of £11,811 was received into the ordinary Deposit Account, the disbursements amounting to £11,977. The numbers of vouchers dealt with increased to 1,108, which represents an amount of £30,609. • Expenditure of " Thirds," " Fourths," and " Halves." Seventeen proposals for expenditure of the sum of £7,464 were submitted by eleven local bodies, and approved of by the Land Board. The amount at credit at the end of the financial year was £7,693. Land Board. Twelve ordinary meetings of the Land Board were held during the year at Napier, and four at the ocal Lands Office at Gisborne. Special meetings of the Board were held at Waipawa in connection with land ballot, and at Dannevirke in connection with an inquiry into a charge of alleged dummyism. Mr. A. J. Cameron, whose term as nominated member expired, was reappointed. Mr. L. McKay was appointed to replace Mr. T. Hyde, whose term had expired. Applications for Revaluation under Part I of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913. Applications were received from sixty-three tenants under the above Amendment Act for a revaluation of their holdings. In every case but five the Valuer-General reduced the existing values,

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and in many cases by substantial amounts. The following gives the totals of original and revised values: Number of holdings, 58; original valuation, £182,479; revised valuation, £152,522; reduction, £29,957. The total reduction in the annual rental amounted to £1,404. Bush and Grass Fires, and Advances for Regrassing. A severe drought has been experienced throughout the land district during the past year, but most fortunately this was broken during the last week of March by a steady fall, which has had a magical effect on reviving the pasture. Throughout middle Hawke's Bay practically no rain had fallen from the 18th May, 1914, to the 18th March, 1915, and the result has been disastrous to the man on the land. The lack of rain, together with the continuation for extended periods of dry, hot, westerly gales of wind, created a condition of things highly dangerous to the settler. The whole country was parched and in a highly inflammable state. In the Otawhao Settlement, near Takapau, a heavy westerly gale started into being a fire which in an incredibly short time swept the settlement, destroying six newly built homesteads, besides sheds, fencing, and pasture. In the Ngapaeruru Block, near Dannevirke, two homesteads were burnt with many miles of fencing and large areas of pasture, but the heaviest loss here was stock, over eight thousand sheep having been destroyed. Assistance has been given to these settlers in the way of remission of rent and advances for the purchase of grass-seed to resow their holdings. General Review. The transactions for the year show an increase on previous years, notwithstanding the war. At the outbreak of hostilities it appeared as if all transactions in land would be brought to a standstill, but confidence was soon regained, and the good prices secured during the latter part of the year for the staple productions of the district has had the effect of creating an ever keener demand for laud, if that wore possible, than in former years. The settlers, taken as a whole, are in a sound condition. Those who took up their selections last season or early in this season have suffered severely by the drought referred to above. In these cases the granting of postponements and remissions of rents will enable them to recover their position in due course. Departmental. The number of letters, &c, received during the year amounted to 15,362, and 26,360 were despatched. An all-round increase in the business of the office has been experienced, which has been dealt with by the staff in a most capable and efficient manner, and I have great pleasure in again testifying to the unfailing loyalty and indrrstry of all the members of the clerical division of my staff. TARANAKI. , (G. H. Bullard, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Crown Land opened for Selection and Lands selected. During the past year an area of 27,325 acres was offered for selection, a decrease on the figures for the preceding year, duo partly to the staff surveyors having to overtake work in connection with lands previously offered under provisional survey, and also to the'loss of the services of one of the field staff. The lands made available comprised principally Aukopae, Makino, and Omona Blocks, and a few sections in Spotswood Settlement; also a number of forfeited sections in Aria, Mahoe, Mapara, Ohura, Totoro, and Waitara Survey Districts. During the year various ballots and auction sales were held at the principal office, and the ballot for Aukopae Block (Piopiotea West, Ohura, and Heao Survey Districts), comprising thirty-two sections of 6,419 acres, was held at Taumarunui in November last. The number of applications dealt with during the year amounted to 902, and the area selected under all tenures comprised 34,184 acres, by 132 selectors. Disposal of remaining Crown Lands. It is proposed to offer for sale or selection during the year 1915-16 a total area of 56,840 acres. Progress and Present Position of Tenants. The progress made by tenants having access to their holdings for wheel traffic has been generally satisfactory, and on land fit for dairying the prospects for the right stamp of small settler were never better in the history of the district. Sheep- and mixed-grazing farmers have had a splendid season, and have also done well on account of the high prices realized for stock of all kinds. In the case of new selections good burns were obtained, except in a few cases where settlers state that, in spite of drought experienced elsewhere, they were not able to get four or five successive days of fine dry weather, and consequently their bush is still lying unburned. In the back country the amount of bush felled last year scarcely came up to that of the preceding year, mainly owing to the difficulty in obtaining suitable labour and also the financial stringency that has prevailed for the past six or eight months. The fact that a great deal of the rough back country alienated in recent years is held by men of small means has prevented progress to the extent that would have been possible had the settlers in question possessed more capital.

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The number of defaulters during the year for non-residence and deficient improvements combined amounted to fifty-one, an increase on last year's figures ; but it is satisfactory to note that the value of improvements effected by Crown tenants over and above actual requirements totals £58,351. It is correctly pointed out by one of the Crown Lands Rangers that the lack of proper road access only leads to discontent on the part of selectors, and later to applications for reductions of valuation of their holdings, and moreover makes increasingly difficult the work of those officers entrusted with valuations of Crown sections and the duty of seeing that the State gets a fair price for the land it disposes of. . There are a few localities in this district where sections have been held as long as from six to ten years under the various leasing tenures of the Act and are still isolated from wheel traffic, but are prosperous considering such a heavy handicap. In the case of one district it is interesting to note how settlers in that position, by the exercise of a little ingenuity, are able to get narrow four-wheeled wagons to and from their holdings when the tracks are dry, and by this means get their wool out and supplies in. Conversion to Freehold under the Land Laws Amendment Acts of 1912 to 1914. In this matter the results of the year's transactions have not come up to the expectations forecast in the estimate of twelve months ago. This is due possibly to the stringency of the money-market arising out of war conditions, and as soon as that eases it is reasonable to suppose that selectors will exercise their right to freehold more freely, more especially in view of the extension of the period on deferred payments to nineteen years under the 1913 Act, and to the fact that in the case of lease-in-perpetuity settlement lands the right of conversion will, under the present law, end in November, 1918. Transfers of Holdings. Since the amendment of the law in regard to payment of stamp duty the number of transfers by way of exchange has dropped somewhat in this district. During the year the Board, after careful investigation of each case, declined a few applications on the grounds of aggregation. In the ease of some of the rougher lauds where aggregation appeared to be aimed at, a few were recommended by the Board for approval after a special report had been received from the Crown Lands Ranger, more especially in those cases where the transferors had apparently become involved and Were unable to carry on or find a landless transferee. Generally speaking, the consideration-moneys paid for transfer of the rougher class of lands have been reasonable. The Board hitherto has not raised the question of aggregation in the case of applications received for the transfer of education leases, but in view of one of the Crown Lands Rangers having reported that in some cases where education reserves are held and worked in conjunction with other property, their condition is not so satisfactory as in the case of those sections which are worked independently, it may be desirable to consider this aspect of aggregation more than in the past, and some amendment of the law appears worthy of consideration. Administration of Education Reserves. The leases of many education reserves are beginning to fall in, and arbitrations with regard to new rentals, so far as this district is concerned, have been placed by the Board in the hands of arbitrators entirely outside the Department. So far the results show that the new rentals fixed for renewal leases and also areas for reoffering are considerably in excess of the old rentals paid on the former leases. In some of the older parts of the district a great difficulty has been experienced in getting occupiers to pay proper attention to the eradication of noxious weeds on their land. Inspection of these holdings in the past must have been rather lax in that respect, and Crown Lands Rangers have increased difficulty in seeing that the conditions of the lease in regard to the eradication of noxious weeds are properly complied with. It is a question worth considering whether future education-reserve leases should not be brought more into line with some of the general conditions relating to Crown leases. Improved-farm Settlements. With regard to improved-farm settlements in this district, the position of some of the Tangitu settlers ought to be more satisfactory, having regard to the help afforded by the Government in the way of advances for stock under bills of sale, &c, and also the relief given in the past by way of postponement of collection of rent. Proportionally, there are a larger number of these settlers in default with rental payments than selectors under ordinary settlement conditions who have had no special assistance. On the other hand, it is satisfactory to state that the value of improvements on these holdings is well up to requirements, though many of the sections have not yet access for wheel traffic, thereby hampering holders in getting their cream to the market. Conclusion. The staff has worked well throughout the year, and I am pleased to be able to record my appreciation of their loyal and cordial co-operation at all times.

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WELLINGTON. (T. N. Brodrick, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Lands opened for Selection during the Year. The area offered was 31,489 acres. This added to the area remaining open for application on the Ist April, 1914 —viz, 11,225 acres —made a total of 42,714 acres available for selection during the year. The lands placed on the market comprised principally the Gorge Block, 3,198 acres ; Kaipaore Block, 1,505 acres; Haurangi Block, 12,814 acres; Hurupi Block, 3,556 acres; small grazing-run, Momahaki Survey District, 2,397 acres ; six lots in Falloon Settlement, 1,031 acres ; one lot, Hikawera Settlement, 632 acres ; and other lots in Karioi, Makotuku, Hunua, Whirinaki, Puketoi, Mount Cerberus Districts, Hawtrey and "Heatherlea Settlements, &c. Auctions Were held of lots in Mawaihakona, Pohangina, Kakahi, and Pongaroa Townships. During the year a total area of 37,728 acres was selected by 161. applicants. The keen demand for land is shown by the fact that 1,558 formal applications were received. Lands to be opened. It is proposed to offer for- sale or selection during the current year over 250 lots, having an area of about; 59,000 acres. Steps are now being taken to offer for cash by public auction about 5 acres of the AVilford Settlement, Petone, in fifty-three lots ; 1,233 acres of the Normandale Settlement, Lower Hutt, in eight lots ; and 69 acres of the Hawtrey Settlement, Johnsonville, in fifty-six lots. It is hoped that the reduction of prices proposed under provisions of section 43 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913, in the case of the last two settlements, may result in the disposal of lots for wffiich there is no demand at the rents hitherto fixed. Of the areas mentioned above, the survey of about 35,000 acres has been completed, and the sections are ready for offering to the public. Sale of Timber. , Fourteen lots of milling-timber, comprising 98,775,700 superficial feet, situated near Raetihi, Horopito, and Pokako, were offered at upsets aggregating £52.011. For twelve of the lots no bids were received, probably owing to the depression in the timber industry caused by the war. These twelve lots remain open for sale, and doubtless will be taken up when this industry revives. Two lots of timber in the Raketapauma Block, comprising 4,869,200 superficial feet, were also offered by auction and disposed of. In addition to a number of timber-cutting licenses granted over small areas, one lot comprising 9,903,600 superficial feet, situated near Horopito, was disposed of at a royalty of £5,137 ; another' to the south of Owhango, comprising 4,107,500 superficial feet, at a royalty of £1,602 15s. 7d. ; and the Railway Department was granted the right to mill 13,303,592 superficial feet on an area of about 736 acres north-east of Ohakunc at a royalty of £7,466 4s. 3d. In connection with a proposal which is now under consideration for the exchange of millingtimber on Crown lands for the freehold of about 4,500 acres near Rangataua Township, portion of which is suitable for settlement, estimates have been made of the milling-timber on 1,250 acres of the Rangataua North Block and 2,280 acres of the Rangiwaoa No. 1 Block. The quantity of timber on the former area is found to be 10,557,000 superficial feet, estimated royalty £3,384, and on the latter area 19,673,550 superficial feet, royalty £4,918. A proposal to set aside part of the Rangiwaea Block along the railway-line as a scenic reserve will reduce the exchangeable area in this block to 1,585 acres, the timber on which is valued at £3,422. An appraisement has been made of the milling-timber on an area of about 1,053 acres south of Owhango, west of railway. There is here a quantity of 18,864,000 superficial feet, the royalty on which is estimated at £9,386. This timber can now be dealt with in whatever manner may be decided upon. Exemption from Rent and Rates. A matter that has received a great deal of consideration during late years was the reiterated complaint by the settlers in part of the North Waimarino and Rctaruke Blocks that their rents were so high as to prevent the profitable working of their holdings. In September last these lands, which comprised sixty lots, having an area of 54,400 acres, Were brought under the operation of section 127 of the Land Act, 1908, and exempted from payment of rent and rates for one year under the special power given by section 25 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal, &c. Act, 1911, which provides that this concession may be granted to Crown tenants in cases where, owing to exceptional circumstances over which they have no control, they are prevented from occupying their holdings profitably. This resulted in a remission of rents to the amount of £4,179 15s. 6d. It was also decided, under the power given by section 13 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, and its amendments, to postpone payment of any rents in arrear after deduction of the amounts remitted. These concessions appear to have settled satisfactorily a long-standing grievance. In order to give other settlers advantages enjoyed by tenants in their vicinity, steps are now being taken to bring also under the operation of section 127 of the Land Act, 1908, under the special power mentioned above, the Waipapa Valley Block, in South Waimarino, offered in April, 1913, which comprises an area of 5,417 acres in ten lots, giving an exemption for a period of three years ; also two sections in Mangatiti and Moiinui Blocks, having an area of 2,038 acres, one with exemption for- two years and the other for four years. This remission of rent will amount to £2,1.03 10s.

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With a view of encouraging a demand for five unsold sections in the Whakaihuwaka Block, having an area of 5,391 acres, which have now been open for selection for a considerable time, it is proposed to reoffer them with exemption from rent for a period of four years. Condition and Progress of Settlement. The reports of the Crown Lands Rangers show that on the whole the farmers have had a very successful year, the returns for wool and fat stock being unprecedented. The dry summer affected the dairy industry to some extent and reduced the output from the factories, but the prices obtained for dairy-produce probably fully compensated for the losses so sustained. No doubt the abnormal prices ruling for produce and stock may be attributed to the increased demand for our productions owing to the war closing many of the ordinary channels of supply and creating extra demand for our staple products. The pasture suffered on light lands for want of rain, but on the papa country the feed held out, especially where the land was stocked moderately. Fair-sized creeks and streams were completely dried up, but timely autumn rains made the outlook brighter for winter feed. The Wairarapa districts suffered more than those of the west coast, and especially favoured were the northern lands, where heavy dews kept the pasture fresh. Concessions in the way of postponement and remissions of rent, and increases in the holding-area, have been the means of helping some settlers to retain their holdings, and are greatly appreciated. Improvement and residential conditions on recent selections are being satisfactorily performed, and access is now obtained to most holdings by good roads, the larger part of them open for dray traffic, and the others by bridle-roads in gradual process of conversion to dray-roads. It is evident that the difficulties of transit in newly settled districts are not nearly so great as they used to be. The area of bush felled was not so large as in past years, but burns were good, and the grass and turnips have taken well. There is still an unsatisfied demand for land of suitable nature at a price which an average selectorcan work with a small margin of profit. Small areas of good land are always more satisfactory from a settlement point of view than poor and unsuitable lands, which require more capital than the average settler possesses to work them, and this is often the cause of dissatisfaction to himself and loss to the Crown. Improved-farm Settlements. The North Waimarino Improved-farm Settlement contains approximately 10,961 acres, on which eighty settlers were placed under the Lands Improvement Regulations. Those who have obtained their licenses, numbering twenty-nine, have made most extensive improvements, some having obtained further assistance from the State Advances Department. The other settlers have, whereverpossible, taken advantage of an amendment of the regulations authorizing advances up to a, limit of £400. Five settlers are unable to reside on their sections owing to sawmillcrs not having removed sufficient timber to enable occupation to commence. The majority of the settlers engage in dairying, a few sell milk in the township near their holdings, and the rest supply the Kaitieke Dairy Factory at Piriaka, which this year had an output of 60 tons of butter, as against 40 tons last year. Seven sawmills are still operating in the settlement, but by the end of this year pearly the whole of the milling-timber should be removed, and the progress of the settlers will no longer be retarded by the rights granted to the millers. In this connection I may explain that the original intention of the settlement was to place people without any means at all on the land. To this end they were granted holdings of 100 to 150 acres each, on which they w-ere allowed to clear about 15 to 20 acres for a home-stead-site ; they had then to await the milling of the bush on the remainder of their sections before further clearing could be done, and in the interval they were supposed to make their living by working at the mills and on the roads. They were allowed advances for work done on their sections, the sums so advanced being added to the capital value of the land when they finally acquired their leases. They were also receiving credit up to £200 royalty for timber when such has actually been cut off their land. The natural wish of such people to bring the whole of their area into pasture as soon as possible and become independent of outside work has caused friction and discontent at delays in cutting off the timber. Every effort has been made to help them to attain the object of their desires, but it would be wrong to suppose they have been badly treated by the delay. On the contrary, they will shortly come into full possession of valuable properties such as they were unlikely to have been able to acquire by any other means. Improvements effected, at the settlers' own cost during the year average about £30 per settler-, and from the commencement of settlement to date a total average of £498 per settler. A considerable area of bush has been felled during the year, and in almost every instance the burn has been satisfactory ; the new grass is already showing very well. The majority of the settlers are on a fair way to make a good living, but a few are having a hard struggle, due to their want of knowledge of how to make the best use of their holdings. Purchase of Fee-simple ok Leasehold Lands. There has not been so much activity during the year in the purchase of the freehold of ordinary leases in perpetuity, as is shown by the returns, for the last two years during which the provisions of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, were in operation. Up to the 31st March, 1914. conversions numbered 169, and during the year just ended only eighty-nine conversions were completed. In settlement lands the purchases have increased from four to nineteen. The falling-off is, I think, easily attributed to the tightness of the money-market consequent upon the war.

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Under the provisions of section 50 of the Reserves, &c. Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1913, the holders of renewable leases in Ohakune Village Settlement were given the right to acquire the fee-simple, and twenty-three tenants have taken advantage of the concession, twenty of them selecting the deferred-payment system. Similar concessions were granted to the holders of renewable leases in the Rangataua and Manunui Village Settlements under sections 46 and 48 of the Reserves, &c. Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1914. Up to the present only one tenant has given notice. Under the provisions of section 31 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1.913, eleven small grazingruns have been purchased, eight under the deferred-payment system and three for cash. Had it not been for the causes above mentioned the number would no doubt have been larger. Transfers. During the year the transfers of ordinary Crown lands totalled ' 190, covering an area of 39,618 acres. On settlement lands the total was thirty-three, with an area of 3,645 acres ; while thirtyeight education reserves, with an area of 9,454 acres, were similarly dealt with. Forfeitures and Surrenders. In all thirty leases forfeited during the year, representing in area 3,497 acres and £352 in annual rent. Included in this total are sixteen miscellaneous licenses and two primary-education reserves. The surrenders numbered four, with an area of 21 acres and an annual rental of £15. As these particulars show no increase over last year's figures, the position may be regarded as satisfactory. Land Board. The Land Board held twelve ordinary meetings, and there were also held five special meetings in connection with ballots at Palmerston North, Hunterville, Martinborough, Masterton, and Ohakune. Mr. W. McLennan retired from the Board in April last, having entered into a land-agency business, and the Board recorded its appreciation of his services during his term of office. The vacancy was filled by the appointment of Mr. Charles Mclntyre, of Rangiwahia. Arrears of Rent. Compared with the corresponding period of last year the amount in arrear is £81 in excess, while the number of selectors in default is 237, an increase of thirty-nine. This may be accounted for by the fact that no pressure has been put on tenants during the last eight months, in consideration of the alleged scarcity of money, which has proved to be only temporary; but with the high prices being obtained for wool and dairy-produce there is no reason why active measures should not now be taken to enforce payment, and I accordingly propose to take more active measures to get the arrears reduced forthwith. Clerical. Since the abolition of the outward-letter book in March, 1914, which comprises extra carbon copies of the letters despatched in, addition to those kept on the files, there has been no record by which the volume of correspondence could be ascertained, and the register of inward letters having been rejected by the conference of clerical officers in May last, that means of keeping tally of the correspondence was also lost. These books did not account for all the documents handled, such as rent-notices, posters, &c. It may be said, however, that the infrequent reference to these books did not justify their preservation ; and, so long as the time of officers is fully employed in dealing with the work of each day, it is sufficient to denote that the volume of correspondence is maintained. There are now two officers employed on records and despatch work, in place of three as formerly, and their time is fully occupied. The " series " system of record was introduced in February last, but it is too soon to pronounce upon its effects. A Burroughs adding-machine was installed and connected with electric current, which has greatly facilitated the work in the Revenue Office. Alterations in the forms of cash-books, accounts, and returns suggested by the conference referred to have appreciably reduced the labours of the office staff. I have again to advise you that all the officers in this division have performed their duties in a most efficient manner.

NELSON. (F. A. Thompson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) At the beginning of the year now past the effects of the previous year's strike had practically disappeared and things had returned nearly to normal. The outbreak of the war in August, however, somewhat dislocated settlement, first by drawing away as recruits a great and steadily increasing number of excellent prospective settlers and backblock bush and road men, and secondly by temporarily disturbing the equilibrium of finance. The untoward and unwonted situation, however, by creating enhanced demand for the products of the soil, may now be considered to have restored equanimity and enterprise to the better class of settlers. The outlook is therefore decidedly bright for solid progress in settlement.

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Arrears of old Selections. The surveys have now been completed of arrears of selections under scheme survey, with the exception of a few-sections in Karamea which are now well in hand. The system of selection before survey does not work well for this district, as it docs not provide properly for homestead-sites and for roads, and the non-definition of boundaries tempts selectors to evade proper occupation and working of their sections, thus militating against a true nucleus of settlement and interior community of interest. Land already offered. The various blocks of Lamb Valley, Station Creek, Howard, and Rotoiti, together with the Lake Settlement, did not, for reasons previously mentioned, attract other than a moderate number of selectors, although admirably suited for ready working. The success of these blocks, however, is only a matter of time, as the high prices for stock realized at the local sales must have the effect of bringing about a demand for further land. Portions of Wai-iti Hills were also readily disposed of as soon as each block of milling-timber was cut out. The bulk of the land offered during the year has been either on renewable lease or pastoral license under the regulations for mining districts. Lands to be offered. During the current year it is proposed to offer areas aggregating 90,000 acres in various parts of the district. The surveys of some 10,000 acres of good dairying and pastoral land at Karamea are approaching completion. It is hoped that the improved road access from Westport to this hitherto isolated district, together- with, more regular sea service, will render more commercially workable the undoubtedly splendid land in that locality. An engineering survey now in progress will, there is every reason to hope, shortly result in the establishment of a most serviceable route for interchange of stock between Karamea and the railway system at Tadmor, thus utilizing the different climatic conditions of the two coasts. Although the steady and persistent opening-up of these back-country roads and stock-routes in the numerous localities served will for a time tax the resources both of the General and the local Government, yet the venture is a thoroughly sound one now that farming and market transport are rapidly proceeding on scientific lines. Crown Tenants. The number of Crown tenants on the books is 2,607, practically the same as last year ; the new tenants about balance those who have exercised their right of purchase. Fruit Industry. The fruit industry, which is now an assured success, with sound commercial connections, continues to increase. Four- canning-factories are kept busy, and the trade with the outside world is extending. Education Endowment Lands. There is nothing specially worthy of mention under this heading, but the tenants in ail cases arc showing a strong disposition to come under the new Act; in order to obtain more equitable protection for their improvements. The tenure of twenty-one years and the right of renewal at revaluation at the end of the term seem to give every satisfaction. If OREST-CONSER VATtON. Various areas arc being set aside from time to time as the land suitable lor settlement becomes occupied. Dairying Industry. There are now nine butter-factories and two creameries. The value of the industry is about £70.000 per annum, and the number- of cows in the district in connection with factories is eight, thousand. The general tendency of the industry is in the direction of concentration and good steady progress. Correspondence and Records. The volume of correspondence shows an increase all round, and the improved system of records enables it to be dealt with with facility and despatch. Land Board and Office Changes. The usual monthly meetings were held at Nelson, and in addition there were three special meetings at Westport, Reefton, and Murchison. The Land Board also paid several visits of inspection to the outlying districts, an arrangement which appeared to give the settlers considerable satisfaction. During the year the Department lost the services of Mr. Andrew Sinclair, whose experience and judgment rendered him a most valuable member of the Board. Special Districts for Roading. There has so far been no applications under this head, but it is possible there may be one or two localities that may deem it desirable to take advantage of this section of the Act.

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Coal Industry. There is a fair improvement upon last year's output, which was seriously affected by the strike. Inspections by Crown Lands Rangers. The three! Rangers in their respective districts have kept their inspections up to date. These show that the settlers' improvements are in most cases well in advance of the statutory requirements. The number of defaulters, considering the stress of times, is not unreasonably large. General. Successful agricultural and pastoral shows in the more westerly districts, which until recently have been considered almost solely mining centres, are evidence of the progress of settlement from a land point of view, and form encouraging evidence of increasing prosperity. Taken generally, the tenants have every reason to take heart from the year's progress, although in some instances bad burns, due to wet weather, have gone against them. There is every evidence from the Rangers' reports that the improvements effected far outweigh the bare statutory requirements. I desire to thank both the field and office staff for the zealous discharge of their duties.

MARLBOROUGH. (H. G. Price, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The total area opened for sale or selection during the year was 159,341 acres, of which 118,398 acres were taken up; in this is included four pastoral runs, four land-for-settlements sections, and the balance ordinary Crown lands. Lands to be opened. There will be an area of about 6,500 acres of Crown lands in the Opouri and Tunakino Valleys opened about July. This is part of a State-forest reserve from which, the reservation has been uplifted, as all the available milling-timber has been removed. Judging by the number of inquiries it will be keenly competed for at tire ballot. Rangers' Inspections and Reports. During the year the Crown Lands Rangers made 539 inspections ; the improvements required by the Act being £135,964, and those actually effected £350,228. They report that owing to the exceptionally dry season the settlers have had a bad. year, except those in the bush district, where the drought was not felt so much. Revenue. The total revenue received for the past year amounted to £51,482, being an increase of £6,708 over the previous year. The arrears of rent, exclusive of current half-year's rent, is £955. Rebates of Rent. Rebates for prompt payment of rent totalling £2,643 were granted as follows: Ordinary Crown lands -Number, 360; amount, £377. Land for Settlements—Number 359; amount, £2,219. National-endowment land- —Number, 79 ; amount, £47. Conversions to Freehold. The number of conversions to freehold were —nine for cash., area 4,817 acres, amount £7,458 ; and on deferred payments four, area 4,277 acres, annual instalments £892. Flax Industry. The past year has been quite a normal one as regards this industry. Mining Industry. With the exception of the Golden Bar Mine at Wakamarina, from which the returns of gold and scheelite continue satisfactory, there is very little going on in the district. Noxious Weeds. The eradication of noxious weeds is being dealt with as far as funds will allow, but the foxglove and blackberry are both a serious menace in several parts of the district, and as the former is not classified as a noxious weed in the Nelson District, consequently the work done near that boundary in this district is of little avail, as it spreads again from the Nelson District. Land Board. The Land Board held twelve ordinary meetings and two special ones. Two tours of inspection were made to different parts of the district.

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General.

The phenomenally dry season has been a serious drawback to the settlers, a considerably large area having been planted in wheat and barley which turned out in the majority of cases a failure, consequently the supply of grain from local sources is much below the average, which means a higher cost to the settler for seed for the coming season, which is to be hoped will be a good one to compensate for the one just past; but in spite of this the settlers are generally contented and hoping for better times. Conclusion. I have to thank the staff for their assistance and co-operation at all times.

WESTLAND. (H. D. M. Haszard, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The crisis through, which the Dominion, in common with other parts of the Empire, is passing has not had the effect of retarding the progress of settlement in this district; in fact, in the matter of selections the area dealt with was in excess of the estimate made at the beginning of the year when peaceful conditions existed. The revenue anticipated under- headings other than timber has been realized to within £50. The total receipts have fallen short of the estimate by £1,960, over £1,900 of this shortage being due to the restriction of sawmilling operations resulting from a temporary decrease in the demand for timber on the outbreak of war and the lack of steamers for freightage to Australia. As a result of the high prices ruling for stock and produce the position of the settlers has made verjr satisfactory improvement, despite the somewhat adverse climatic conditions that existed dining the spring and summer. The continuous wet weather had the effect of reducing the milk-yield, and, although, there was an abundance of grass, attempts to save hay for winter feed were generally unsuccessful. Owing to the excessive rainfall, which militates against haymaking operations, it is surprising that more attention is not given to the making of ensilage, as settlers would be amply recouped for the outlay required to install the necessary plant by the certainty of having winter feed for their stock and the consequent increase in the carrying-capacity of their holdings, which is to a very large extent dependent upon the number that they are able to winter. The output of the butter and cheese factories was very satisfactory, and, in the case of those factories that did not enter into contracts for the sale of their products at a fixed price, very much enhanced returns will result from increased prices ruling for butter and cheese. The first purchase of land in this district under the Land Settlement Finance Act was completed during the year by the Harihari Land Settlement Association, which acquired a property adjacent to the Harihari Dairy Factory. The whole of the members of tins association come from the Taranaki District, where they have been engaged in dairying ; and, as they have brought with them a herd of 140 cows from good milking strains, their advent to the district will result in material benefit to the cheese-factory. Should their venture meet with success, of which they are very sanguine, I anticipate that further operations under the Land Settlement Finance Act will follow. In the early part of the year operations in the direction of disposing of new lands were restricted in anticipation of amendments to the statutes that were likely to result from the report of the Commission that was appointed to inquire into the conditions affecting tenures available in this district. As the report was not, however, dealt with by Parliament last session, the lands that had been subdivided for settlement were offered for selection under the tenure provided by the Karamea and Westland regulations. Although this tenure does not meet with, very general approval, on account mainly of the absence of right to acquire the freehold and the refusal of the State Advances Department to accept the titles as security for advances, the number of applications received discloses a keen demand for land suitable for dairying. The action of the Government in appointing a Commission with a view to devising a process by which the position of settlers as regards the tenures of their holdings might be improved was very much appreciated, and future developments are now awaited with interest. The whole of the unoccupied pastoral runs in the district which had been withheld from selection for some time were offered for lease by auction, and nine runs, containing a total area of 153,260 acres, were disposed of ; the remaining runs will be open for selection by public application early in the coining year. The right of renewal conferred upon holders of pastoral-run licenses by the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1.91.3, has so improved the tenure as to create a keen demand for the more easily accessible of these runs, and numerous inquiries are now being received for them from persons in other districts. Hitherto' the land in this district has been dealt with very largely by free selection under the regulations for the occupation of pastoral lands in Karamea and Westland Mining Districts, this course being rendered necessary, as conflicting oil-boring, mining, and timber rights prevented the offering of blocks of any dimensions. These difficulties have now to some extent been overcome, especially in regard to oil-boring rights, and several blocks of land were offered for selection by public application during the year, while others will be available at an early date. The preparation of lands for selection and also the issue of titles to unsurveyed areas granted by the Land Board are seriously retarded owing to the reduction in my survey staff. In the matter of areas that have hitherto been granted as temporary grazing licenses, more permanent tenures not being then available on account

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of mining, the principle must be continued of allowing those holders who have effected improvements to acquire better titles from time to time as the objections on account of mining are removed ; but with the increasing demand for land the time has now arrived when free selection should give place to competition by ballot. There have been no transactions in education endowment reserves during the year-, but the subdivisional surveys are now in hand, of two reserves from which, the sawmilling-timber has been removed. The land comprised in both of these reserves is of very fair- quality, and the proposed dealings will result in enhanced revenue being derived. The proposals for dealing with new lands during the coming year include the leasing of several cattle-resting reserves under the Public Reserves and Domains Act. These reserves in their present unimproved and unfenced state are of no value as resting-places for stock, and it is therefore proposed to offer them for lease for terms of sufficient length to justify the lessees in effecting improvements, and to provide in the leases that accommodation must be provided for travelling stock at a fixed rate. The areas, ranging from 100 acres to 200 acres, are far in excess of the requirements for- the purpose for which they were set apart ; but, in view of the fact that they are situated in localities where reserves for other purposes, such as sites for townships, may in the future be required, I do not consider it advisable to uplift tire reservations. Probably the most important industry at the present time is coal-mining ; six mines, including the two State mines, being in active operation. Tire large number of men employed in these mines provides a good local market for produce, and maintains a large population, the Runanga Township, adjacent to the State coal-mines, itself accounting for a population of twelve hundred, while Blackball and Brunner, two other towns, are wholly dependent upon coal-mining. The whole of the output of coal, except that required for local consumption, passes through the Port of Greymouth, and accounts for a large proportion of the shipping : the total exported during the year ended the 31st December, 1914, was 436,351 tons, which is 30,000 tons in excess of any previous year. The coal raised by companies operating on Crown lands produces a revenue in royalties of some £3,000 a year. The flax industry has been at a standstill for the past few years, as the prices offering for hemp were too low to allow of operations being carried on at a profit. The recent improvement in the market, which promises to be maintained, has already had the effect of inducing flax-millers to reopen their mills. The reports of the Crown Lands Rangers on 244 properties visited show an excess of £30,589 in value of improvements effected over the actual requirements under the conditions of the leases. A large area of bush was felled during the year, but unfavourable weather-conditions prevented a number of settlers from getting a satisfactory burn, with the result that the whole season has been lost, and the undergrowth, will require to be cleaned up against next season, thus adding to the cost of clearing. On many holdings the flats have row been wholly cleared, and attention is being devoted, to clearing the sidelings, which were formerly regarded as practically valueless : results have proved that the value of these sidelings has been very much under-estimated. The most frequent breach of conditions is in the matter of residence ; but in dealing with such cases due consideration must be given to the circumstances, as in localities where there are no dairy factories the rigid enforcement of residence-conditions on small holdings not yet very largely improved, acquired by men of no considerable means, would entail severe hardship on them : reasonable time to bring their holdings into a sufficiently advanced state of profit to provide them with a living is always allowed, provided that satisfactory progress with, improvements is being made. The clearing of noxious weeds on Crown lands is carried out by this Department, special attention being paid to ragwort and Califomian thistle ; but a little more energy might be applied in this direction with advantage by owners of freehold and lessees of Crown land, as the tendency of both these weeds has been to increase during the last few years. The worst menace, and one with which no attempt has been made to cope, is blackberry. This pest now exists to such an extent that the outlay of a very large sum of money will be required to produce any appreciable beneficial effect. The recommendations of the West Coast Settlement Commission, that experiments should be carried out by the Crown for the purpose of discovering the best means of eradicating blackberry, is worthy of very careful consideration. The cost of dealing with large areas of blackberry under any of the methods at present known is so high as to be beyond the means of the majority of private owners and lessees, but it is surprising to see the number of properties upon which no attempt whatever is being made even to check it. My best thanks are due to the staff for their- steady application to the work of the office.

CANTERBURY. (C, R. Pollen, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Lands offered for Disposal. During the past financial year the Land Board, disposed of, under the Land for Settlements Act, under renewable lease, 7,097 acres to twenty-four new tenants. Three sections offered under the same tenure failed, to find an applicant;. There were disposed of by public auction thirteen sections in townships to seven new tenants. Two pastoral runs, comprising an area of 14,300 acres, in the Ashburton district, were disposed of by public auction, with compulsory residence, under section 54, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913. These failed to find a bidder at a previous auction. A pastoral run in the Geraldine County, comprising 33,600 acres, failed to find a bidder at auction ; later it was,

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offered at a reduced upset and was disposed of. Six reserves, comprising 864 acres, were disposed of by public auction to six. tenants. Two education reserves, comprising 103 acres, were disposed of by public auction for a term of fourteen years, and four were not disposed of at auction. These latter are now being reduced m upset price, and are to be reoffored by tender. Four reserves, comprising 1,160 acres, were disposed of by tender. 260 acres of Crown land Were disposed of to four purchasers. In the Cheviot Settlement, three sections of an area of 14 acres were disposed of to one tenant, underrenewable lease, and one section of 7 acres was sold at auction. Land Revenue. The total revenue for the past year- amounted to £237,025, being an increase of £30,970 on last year's figures. Freehold. Three perpetual-lease holders acquired the freehold of 368 acres, to the value of £864. Four-occupation-with-right-of-purchase tenants acquired 826 acres for the sum of £833. Under the legislation of 1912, two perpetual-lease holders acquired an area of 51 acres, realizing £215, and twentythree tenants of lease in perpetuity of Crown land acquired 4,059 acres, to the value of £5,885, and thirty holdei-s of lease in perpetuity of lands for settlement acquired 1,331 acres, representing £11,458. Four holders of lease in perpetuity of Crown land, comprising 114 acres, converted to deferred payments, the annual instalments amounting to £14. Nineteen lease in perpetuity of lands for settlement converted to deferred payments 969 acres, the annual instalments "amounting to £536 ; and one small, grazing-run of lands for settlement, comprising 978 acres, was converted to deferred payments, the annual instalment amounting to £77. Forfeitures and Surrenders, and Transfers. Seven miscellaneous leases were forfeited, comprising an area of 604 acres, annual rent £225 ; and five leases under the lands for settlement were dealt with, comprising 90 acres, annual rent £117. The number of transfers approved was 273. and eleven were declined. F Cheviot Estate. This settlement continues in its successful state generally. The Cheviot farm lands have now increased in the public appreciation, as shown in the goodwill paid when transfers are effected. The settlement suffered in common with the rest of Canterbury in the disposal of fat stock, through the shortage of storage capacity at the freezing-works, and limited number of ships available to receive freights of carcase mutton, owing to the war. The dry autumn increased the trouble, as feed was not available for keeping the stock in condition, and the crops of turnips for winter supply to the breedingflocks were utilized. All straw, even to the solid Tuscan, will be required for winter fodder. To such an extent has the want of storage capacity been felt that many of the larger stockholders are contributing to the new company forming to establish a new freezing-works at Waipara Junction, the site for which is under negotiation, to bo purchased out of the recently acquired settlement land of Glenmark Estate. The cereal crops were satisfactory, the average being about 30 bushels of wheat and 40 bushels of oats per acre, and all. the grain was well harvested. The high prices of these crops will induce the farmers to increase the area to bo devoted to grain-growing during the coming season. The population of the district remains about the same. Twenty-six grazing-farm leases, expiring in 1916, were extended for twelve months, and will have to be dealt with in the coming year. Educatton-reserve Leases. The leases of a number of these reserves expired during the year, and were relet, after revaluation, to those tenants whose working of the land in the past indicated their fitness to be given an opportunity for a new lease under more favourable conditions than those of the expired lease, the present form conferring the right to renewal on revaluation at the expiry of the term. Where the conditions of their holdings indicated carelcssenss in husbandry the reserves were put to public competition, either by auction or tender. The Education funds have benefited by the increased rents, and the lands by a careful selection of tenants. The general appearance of the education reserves in this district is satisfactory. Pastoral Runs. The runs of larger area, chiefly in the high country, have had a successful year. There were very few losses from, snow in the winter ; a fair lambing percentage in the spring, and a fair wool crop, wit h excellent prices, obtained. Shortness of feed in the high country was not experienced, most of the lands receiving the benefit of warm westerly showers. The Mackenzie County has experienced another good winter, and in consequence is looking exceedingly well. The plantations, reported on for the first time last year, have, with few exceptions, done well. The general experience of settlors is that three-year-old trees do better than any others, and the varieties which appear to thrive best are larch, Pin/us muricata, and Pinus ponderosa. The older plantations in this district are also looking well. Lands held under Part 111, Land Act, 1908. Few new leases under this Part of the Act were issued during the year, there being very little Crown land, apart from the pastoral, country, left for disposal. All the other settlements at Oxford,

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Waikari, Lake Ellesmere, and mid-Canterbury are well established. They suffered from the abnormal season like the rest, but benefited by quality and high prices obtainable, disadvantages thus being neutralized. Small areas of Crown land, useless as separate holdings, were disposed of by auction and realized satisfactory prices. Land Laws Amendment Acts, 1912, 1913, and 1914. There were no applications under the provisions of section 27, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, for an extension of licenses on account of loss of stock through heavy falls of snow. Section 13, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, which provides for the postponement of rent, has not been taken so much advantage of this year as in the past, thirteen selectors only having taken advantage of this clause of the Act. There is no doubt that the administration of this clause is beneficial in a number of cases where a tenant is waiting payment for his crops, so enabling him to get the rebate on his rent. During the year applications for revaluation of their holdings under section 13, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913, were received from many selectors of the more recently acquired estates. These were duly forwarded to the Valuer-General, and in all cases the rents were reduced, and in some cases considerably reduced Before the war started the number of inquiries showed that a good many tenants intended to take advantage of purchasing their freeholds under these Acts, but they apparently found difficulty in finding the necessary capital. The applications since the war have been mostly confined to small sections in the vicinity of towns. Departmental. The total number of ordinary meetings of the Land Board was twelve, and there were two special meetings during the year. All officers of the clerical staff have worked capably and efficiently during the past year.

OTAGO. (Robert T. Sadd, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The year ending the 31st March, 1915, has been characterized by the great inquiry and demand for land, especially for pastoral country suitable for sheep and areas suitable for fruit-farms. The demand for the former is being met by the subdivisions of pastoral runs as the licenses expire when the country is suitable, and for the latter by cutting up portions of pastoral runs in Central Otago which can be ploughed and irrigated. Arrangements have been made with the licensee of the Earnscleugh Run to relinquish over 7,000 acres, parts of which are very suitable for fruit-farms, after irrigation. During the year the Omarama Pastoral Runs, 182,900 acres, were subdivided into twelve subdivisions, for which there are many inquiries. The Benmore Runs, containing over 300,000 acres, are also being subdivided for settlement in anticipation of the expiry of licenses in 1916 ; the survey of Puketoi Run, 21,360 acres, has been let by contract; the Galloway Runs, of 130,000 acres, are also under survey into pastoral runs and fruitfarms. The provisional survey of several small estates purchased at Beaumont, containing about 5,000 acres, together with the Bellamy Runs, containing about 32,000 acres, has been completed, and these lands will be ready for ballot in May. The surveys of about 700 acres between Alexandra and Clyde have been completed by contract, in areas from 11 to 80 acres, for fruit-farms and general settlement. The total area now held by 4,896 lessees from the Crown is 5,510,321 acres. The revenue received for the year just ended was £135,218, showing an increase of £5,109 over the previous year's receipts. Generally speaking, the Crown tenants have had a good year, due to the good prices obtained for stock and farm-produce. The winter, though not very severe, was a long cold one, and up to the end of November cold, windy weather was experienced. Matters improved somewhat by the end of December, but want of sufficient rain was against the growth of some of the crops, especially root crops, and the autumn _growth has not been good through absence of sufficient moisture. Conversions to Freehold. During the year thirty-four tenants acquired the freehold of their sections, the area comprising 6,079 acres. The leaseholds so converted were made up as follows : Perpetual lease, 14 ; lease in perpetuity, 8 ; occupation with right of purchase, 4 ; lease in perpetuity (land for settlements), 3 ; village homestead on perpetual lease, 3 ; and deferred payment, 2. Rebates of Rent. For prompt payment of rent, rebates amounting to £679 were granted to 701 tenants on Crown lands, £5,135 to 746 tenants on settlement lands, and £78 to 138 tenants on national-endowment lands. '•

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Arrears of Rent. Excluding current instalments payable in advance, the total amount of rent in arrear is £1,581. The number of tenants whose rents were postponed is fourteen, and the amount involved £467. The amount of rent postponed to date and still unpaid is £1,394. Forfeitures, Surrenders, and Transfers. The number of tenants whose leases were declared forfeited (exclusive of miscellaneous leases) amounted to twenty-two, with an area of 2,637 acres. There were seven leases surrendered, covering an area of 992 acres. The number of transfers brought before the Land Board was 227, of which seven were declined. Education Endowment Reserves. There are 482 tenants in this district holding 231,828 acres, with an annual rental of £11,3.19. Of this number 427 tenants hold lands formerly administered by the School Commissioners of Otago. Practically all the reserves are let; those that are not comprise some scattered areas of very indifferent quality. Conclusion. Owing to the numerous changes in the staff and to the fact that it was short-handed for a time, the officers have had a strenuous time during the past year, and I wish to express to them my hearty thanks for the willing and satisfactory manner in which they have performed their various duties.

SOUTHLAND. (G. H. M. McClure, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The total number of tenants under all tenures at the close of the year was 3,032, and the total area held 2,173,368 acres, while the annual rental amounted to £47,200. This last amount is some £1,800 more than the figures at the close of the previous year. The gross revenue received for the year now under review was £65,809, showing an increase of £6,741 over last year's receipts. Land opened for Selection. The total area of land opened under all tenures during the year was 46,947 acres, 2,000 acres of which were offered for the first time. Education-endowment land included in the above total amounts to 41,809 acres. This area consists for the most part of expired leases which were reoffered at auction. Land to be opened for Selection. During the coming year I expect to place about 12,000 acres of new land in the market. The survey of part of this area is near completion, and I hope to have the balance surveyed in time to have the land offered this year. Most of the area is Worked-out sawmill country situated in Aparima, Jacob's River, Oreti, Lillburn, Waimumu, Waikawa, and New River|Districts. Apart from these figures a number of expiring education leases will be offered atjauction. Arrears of Rent. The arrears at the close of the year amounted to £31,2 owing by fifteen tenants. This amount represents only a little more than one-half per cent, on the total [annual j rent [payable, and may be taken as an assurance of the prosperity of the tenants generally. Freehold Titles. Compared with last year there was a slight falling-off in the number of freeholds acquired. The legislation of 1912 and 1913 offered further- facilities to the tenants to acquire the fee-simple of their holdings, and under such legislation forty-two tenants converted their holdings to the freehold. The area thus acquired (including land for settlements) amounted to 8,501 acres, and the purchase-money paid to £12,595. Apart from these figures, nine lessees exchanged to deferred payment during the year and are|purchasing their sections under that tenure. Transfers. During the year 169 transfers were approved. Coal Leases. Increased activity has been shown in the matter of applications for leases and licenses under the Coal-mines Act, and several leases have been granted during the year. The land comprised in such leases is mostly education-endowment land in the Wairio District. If railway communication be extended so that the lessees are able to comply with the output conditions of their leases, the result will mean that the education-endowment revenue will be considerably augmented. f£ll have also, as Commissioner, granted several leases over endowment land administrod by the local High Schools Board.

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Education Endowments. In this district the work entailed in the administration of education endowments is considerable. At the 31st March there were 780 tenants holding an area of 339,772 acres, and paying an annual rent of £15,570. From the tables it will be seen that there were a number of expiries, renewals, selections, &c, during the past twelve; months, and similar transactions will recur each year. The work in dealing with these endowment lands is somewhat exacting, but I am pleased to be able to report that all dealings are up to date. General Remarks. It is gratifying to be able to report the continued prosperity of the selectors in this district. On account of unfavourable weather during the spring the growth of all crops was retarded, and on this score operations were from five to six weeks late. However, from the New Year onward the climatic conditions have proved to be exceptionally favourable for the cereal crops, as is evidenced by the fact that they have produced fully 20 bushels to the acre more than last year. Speaking'generally, the root crops have not been so successful, but the grass is well up to the average. The dairying industry reports successful progress. It is worthy of note that a sugar-of-milk factory has been established at Edendale during the year, and the directors of the institution estimate that the value of the output for the initial year will amount to £22,000. This factory is said to be the first of its kind in the Dominions and the second in the Empire, the only other factory being in Ireland. Last year I had to report that the prices of farm-produce were universally high, but, in common with the whole of New Zealand the ruling prices this year in Southland have broken all previous records. Departmental. This report would be incomplete without a fitting expression of appreciation from me concerning an efficient and capable staff, all of whom have rendered willing service and have performed their various duties in a most satisfactory manner.

APPENDIX lI.—LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with, under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act, up to the 31st March, 1915.

Name of Estate. Selections. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Position. [uohland — Balachraggan Bickerstaffe Cradopk Ecclestone No. 2 Foneour t .. Hetana Karapiro .. Kitchener .. Mangapouri Mangawhero Matamata . . Methuen Ohauiti Okauia Opouriao . . Otway Parahi Plumer Prescott Rangiatea . . Rewi Selwyn Tautari Teasdale Waari Waimana .. Waitakaruru Whitehall .. 24 46 9 5 40 46 16 9 11 20 191 17 14 13 91 17 2 10 1 19 10 122 40 63 23 25 7 13 Dairying Grazing Homes and orchards Homes Dairying Homes and orchards Dairying Homes and orchards Dairying ,, • • Homes and orchards Grazing Dairying Good. . ) Fair. Good. )) ii a . J ?) . J . . )» ■ ■ New estate. >, ■ • Dairying and grazing Homes and orchards Grazing lease Dairying iGood! Good. Grazing .. .. Fair. Good. ,, .. Business and homes Orchards and homes Dairying Dairying and grazing Dairying ,, 5, New estate. Good. Total 904

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Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with, under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act, up to the 31st March, 1915— continued.

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Name of Estate. Selections. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Position. Hawke's Bay — Argyll Clydebank .. Elsthorpe .. Forest Gate Hatuma Kanakanaia Kumeroa .. Lindsay Mali ora Manga-a-toro Manga tali i .. Ngatapa Pouparae . . Pourerere .. Raumati Raureka Sherendon .. Springhill .. Te Arai Te Mata .. Tomoana .. Tongoio Waihau Waimarie .. Waipuka .. Wigan Willows 61 22 47 27 76 7 14 67 31 26 23 27 8 6 30 16 21 17 52 9 11 12 22 18 1 15 22 Agricultural and pastoral Pastoral .. ,, . . . . . . Agricultural and pastoral .. ,, Pastoral Dairying, agricultural, and pastoral . . )» >> ,, Dairying, agricultural, and fruit-culture Mostly pastoral Agricultural and pastoral Mostly pastoral Agricultural and dairying Mostly pastoral Mostly pastoral and dairying Dairying and fruit-culture .. Mostly pastoral and dairying Agricultural and pastoral Agricultural, pastoral, and dairying .. Fruit-culture Good. ,, >> )5 Very good. Good. Very good. Good. Fair. Very good. ,, Fair. Very good. Fair. Mostly pastoral Agricultural and dairying Mostly pastoral Pastoral Mostly pastoral 5> Very good. Good. Very good. Good. Fair. Very good. Good. Excellent. Very good. Total 688 Taranaki —■ Clandon Huinga Spotswood Tariki Tokaora 7 10 43 8 12 Dairying Very fair. Good. Homesteads Dairying and grazing Dairying Very good. Excellent. Total 80 Wellington — Aorangi Carrington Dyer Epuni Hamlet Falloon Hawtrey Heatherlea Hikawera . . Langdale .. Linton Longbush . . Mahupuku Mangawhata Maungaraki Normandale Ohakea Paparangi .. Poroporo .. Tablelands Tawaha TeMatua .. Grazing license33 34 37 39 6 30 26 4 29 5 (i 8 2 20 31 11 34 17 9 24 12 3 Dairying and fruit-growing Excellent. Fair. Excollent. Very good. Grazing, dairying, and cropping Market-gardening, residence Reports not yet due. Residential, &c. Dairying, poultry, bees G razing sheep and cattle Grazing Dairying and cropping Grazing and dairying Fair. Good. Excellent. Good. Excellent. ,, . . . . ,, Grazing, pigs, poultry, &c. .. Good. Fair. Excellent. Good. ,, ,, ,, ,, • ■ Dairying, cropping, and grazing Residence, pigs, poultry, &c. Reports not yet in. Grazing sheep and cattle Grazing, dairying, and cropping Dairying and grazing Very good. Satisfactory. Sound. Total 420

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Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with, under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act, up to the 31st March, 1915 — continued.

Name of Estate. Selections. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are tj , , n , ■„ ... ut'li' d Remarks as to Present Position. | Nelson — Braeburn .. Lake Wangapeka 22 3 15 Dairying and grazing .. .. Good. it*..;.. Good. Fair. Very good. .. Fair. Total ,, .. .. Very good. 40 Marlborough — Blind River Flaxbourne Hillersden .. Hillersden Bush Lynton Downs North ank Omaka Puhipuhi . . Rainford Richmond Brook Starborough Waipapa 18 124 46 1 II 11 13 2 11 12 185 4 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Fair. Fair. ,, ■ • ,, Sheep-farming . . . . .. Satisfactory. Satisfactory. ,, . . . . . . ,, Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Doubtful. Sheep-farming . . . . . . Satisfactory. Sheep-farming and light cropping . . Sound. Grazing . . . . .. .. Satisfactory. Dairying . . . . . . Good. Sheep-farming and grain-growing . . Fair. Doubtful. Satisfactory. Sound. Satisfactory. Good. Fair. >> • ■ ,, >> Grazing .. .. .. .. „ ,, Total 438 Westland — Kokatahi . . Poerua 8 23 Dairying and grazing . . .. Highly satisfactory. Highly satisfactory. Total , .... ,, ,» 31 Canterbury — Albury Allanholme. . Annan 79 8 43 Sheep-farming and grain-growing . . Excellent. .i—3 Excellent. Good. Established and prosperous. Ashley Gorge Ashwick Avenel Avenel Extension Aylesbury .. Bourndale .. Braco Buddo Chamberlain Clandeboye. . Clandeboye No. 2 - Claremont .. Copland Culverden . . Douglas Drayton Eccleston . . i_pwort.li Finlay Downs Four Peaks Fyvie Hekeao 10 8 16 11 6 7 11 14 21 10 6 11 2 58 31 20 4 „ . . Good. Part pastoral, part mixed farming, part Established and prosperous. business sections Part pastoral, part agricultural . . Well established. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Good. Well established. Good. Fair. Indifferent. Fair. Fair. ,, • . . ran. ,, .. Indifferent. Agriculture .. .. .. Fair. Sheep-farming and grain-growing . . ,, Market-gardening .. . . .. Well established. Market-gardening and workers' homes Fair. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Excellent. Dairy-farming and grain-growing .. Fair. Well established. Fair. Excellent. Fair. >) • ■ ,, Sheep, dairy-farming, and grain-growing „ (New settlement). Agricultural, pastoral, and commercial Very good. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Indifferent. Agricultural . . . . . . ,, Sheep-farming and grain-growing . . Good. Dairy-farming and grain-growing . . Now freehold. (New settlement). Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Good. D__ >> ,, Very good. Indifferent. Good. Now freehold, 5 8 5 13 Good. Bad. Well established and proHighbank . . Hillboro . . Hornby Horsley Downs 78 3 21 24 . . Bad. Dairy - farming, sheep - farming, and Well established and pro-grain-growing sperous. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Ditto. (Now settlement). Market-gardening and workers' homes Fair. Agricultural . . .. .. Well established and prosnerons sperous. Ditto. Fair. Well established and proKaimahi Kapua 13 12 sperous. Market-gardening .. .. .. Satisfactory. Small farming and dairying .. Good. sperous. Satisfactory. Good.

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Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with, under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act, up to the 31st March, 1915 — continued.

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Name of Estate. Selections. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Position. Janterbury —continued. Kapuatohe Kereta Kinlooh 13 4 32 Market-gardening and workers' homes Dairying Pastoral, agricultural, dairying, and grass-seeding Mixed farming Satisfactory. Good. Satisfactory. Kohika Kohika No. 2 Ladbrooks Lansdown Lyndon 17 4 14 10 9 ,, Dairying and agriculture Sheep-farming and grain-growing Mixed {farming Very good. is Fair. Good. Well established and proLyndon No. 2 Marawiti Maytown Mead Meadows Mills Morice 9 13 11 22 14 21 31 Mixed farming and pastoral Sheep-farming and grain-growing Small farming and dairying Sheep-farming and grain-growing sperous. Prosperous. Well established. Good. Prosperous. Fair. Good. Satisfactory. ,, ■ ■ Mount Ness ing Orakipaoa Otaio Otarakaro Papaka Pareora Pareora No. 2 Patoa Pawaho Peaks Puhuka Punaroa 11 27 9 6 9 28 33 O t_J 22 12 1.0 17 Small farming and dairying Dairying, grass-seeding, grazing, pastoral, and agricultural Sheep-farming and grain-growing Dairy - farming, grain - growing, and market-gardening Small farming and dairying Market-gardening Mixed farming dairying Sheep-farming and grain-growing] Mostly pastoral Workers' homes Mixed farming Workers' homes Dairy - farming, I sheep - farming, and grain-growing Grain-growing and sheep-farming Very good. Well/established. Good. Vory|good. Good. Excellent. Satisfactory. ,, Well established. Excellent. Rainclill'l Rakitairi Rapuwai Rautawiri Roimata Rosebrook Rosewill Ruapuna No. 2 Scargill Sherwood Downs Stoke Strathmore Studholme Junction.. Takitu Tamai Tara Tarawahi Teschemaker Timaunga Timaunga Extension Tripp Valverde Waiapi Waikakahi Waimate Wharenui Winchester 1 22 5 6 24 14 160 15 8 26 7 3 4 5 38 8 25 11 17 7 25 11 13 197 34 26 10 Well established. Good. Well established. ,5 ' • ,, 5, Satisfactory. Good. Very good. Good. Indifferent. Fair. Good. Very fair. Good. Excellent. Satisfactory. Very good. Satisfactory. Workers' homes Small farming and dairying Sheep-farming and grain-growing Agricultural Grain-growing and sheep-farming Agricultural Grain-growing and sheep-farming Small farming and dairying Sheep-farming Workers' homos Sheep-farming and grain-growing Workers' homes (New settlement). Mixed farming Sheep-farming and grain-growing ,, • • Fair. Good. Fair. Indifferent. Good. Excellent. Good. ,, • • ,, • * S!ieep-farming, grain and fruit growing Workers' homes Sheep - farming, grain - growing, and dairying Fair. Homestead-sites 10 Total 1,701

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Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with, under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act, up to the 31st March, 1915 — continued.

Name of Estate. Selections. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Position. Otago — Airedale Ardgowan Aviemore Barnego Olareview Conical Hills Duncan Earnscleugh Elderslie Elderslie No. 2 Greenfield Janefield Kauroo Hill Kurow Maerewhenua Makareao Makareao Extension.. Matakanui Meadowbank Momona Otanomomo Otekaike Plunket Pomahaka Puketapu Rugged Ridges Steward Spottis Creek St. Helens Tahawai Taumata Te Aneraki Te Puke Tokarahi Totara Waitahuna No. 1 Waitahuna No. 2 Windsor Park No. 1.. Windsor Park No. 2.. 12 65 I 24 5 42 6 14 37 16 44 21 42 13 76 32 4 3 11 13 15 64 18 27 11 1 49 I 3 8 9 23 4 79 27 3 7 37 10 12 65 1 24 k 5 42 6 14 37 i a 44 21 42 13 76 oo 4 3 11 II 13 15 64 18 27 1 1 Mixed farming General and dairying Pastoral General and dairying General and farming General and dairying Fruit-growing G eneral and mixed farming ,, . . . . ,, Dairying and fruit General and farming Grazing and dairying General and farming ,, . . . . ,, . . . . Mixed farming Dairying and farming Dairying and grazing General farming General and grazing General and dairying Good. Very good. Good. Fair. J) ii Very satisfactory. Good. . j Sound. Good. H . ) a a Very good. Ei 1 ri . _. Fair. Very good. Good. ,, Fair. Good. Good. Very good. Good. Fair. J) a Very satisfactory. Good. . j Sound. Good. a a a a Very good. Fair. Very good. Good. Fair. Good. ,, . i . i 1 49 1 3 8 9 23 4 TO Pastoral General farm and little dairying Pastoral General farm and little dairying Dairying General farming Dairying General farming a a a a J? Fair, n— a .. a a a 55 a ,, Good. Fair. Good. Fair. 27 3 ,, . . . . . . Recently selected : no report yet made. Fair. 7 37 in General and dairying Good. Good. Total 10 877 ,, ,, ,, 877 Southland — Ardlussa Beaumont Edendale Ermedale Fortification Hill Glenham Knowsley Park Maori Hill Merrivale Otahu Ringway Waiarikiki 3 10 136 13 5 40 9 14 47 7 7 7 3 10 136 13 5 40 9 14 47 7 1 Pastoral Agricultural and pastoral Agricultural, pastoral, and dairying .. Pastoral and dairying Pastoral Agricultural, pastoral, and dairying .. Pastoral Dairying and pastoral Agricultural, pastoral, and dairying . . Agricultural and pastoral .. New settlement; fair. Fair. Excellent. Fair. New settlement; good. Good. New settlement; fair. Good. Very good. Good. New settlement; fair. Fair. Excellent. Fair. New settlement; good. Good. New settlement; fair. Good. Very good. Good. ,, ,, New settlement; fair. Total 298 7 298 Pastoral New settlement; fair. Grand total .. 5,477 5,477

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EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS. AUCKLAND. (H. M. Skeet, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) New Settlements. Two new settlements have been opened up during the last two months of the year- -namely, Parahi Settlement, in the Otamatea County, consisting of 2,120 acres divided into nine sections varying from 59 to 387 acres, and the Waitakaruru Settlement, adjoining the Hauraki Plains, and comprising 2,299 acres divided into fifteen sections varying from 67 to 268 acres. In neither case was there much demand for the land, and portions of both settlements remain unseleoted at the close of the year. Number of Tenants, etc. The number of holders of settlement lands on the books at the close of the year was 904, occupying an area of 175,190 acres, and paying £24,562 per annum. Notwithstanding the new selections during the year, the total number shows a net decrease of fifty-five holders and 10,308 acres, the loss being, of course, due to a large number of holders acquiring the freehold. Condition of established Settlements. The Rangers' reports show that the old-established settlements in the district are generally in a prosperous condition, with comfortable homesteads and substantial improvements, and every indication of permanent and successful settlement. In some of these settlements a fair amount of subdivision is going on, with good results. Most of the settlers carry on dairying, for which good facilities in the form of creameries exist; the amount of cropping done is therefore very limited, although probably more might be done in the Way of growing root and fodder crops with advantage. The Balachraggan and Otway Settlements, situated in the Thames Valley, which were established during the preceding year, have made good progress ; the lessees are complying with conditions in a satisfactory manner, and there is every prospect of success. The Ohauiti Settlement, near Tauranga, however, has encountered difficulties, and although some of the lessees are complying and working hard on their holdings, their position is not yet assured. The small suburban settlements near Auckland are doing well ; many of the lessees are acquiring the freehold of their sections and are subdividing into smaller areas for building purposes.

HAWKE'S BAY. (W. H. Skinner, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The settlers holding land under the Land for Settlements Act in the northern portion of the district have had a fairly successful year, considering the very dry spring and summer we have just experienced. The settlers on Wigan, Ngatapa, Kanakanaia, Clydebank, and a large majority of the Te Arai settlers, go in principally for sheep-farming, breeding and fattening cattle. The prices received this season for wool, beef, and mutton have been a record for the district. The settlers who go in exclusively for dairying have in most cases a few acres of lucerne, which has been invaluable during the dry summer. The splendid result of this fodder has been an objectlesson to others, and undoubtedly will result in its being grown more extensively all over this district. One of the Ngatapa settlers tried a 10-acre paddock of wheat, which threshed close on 30 bushels to the acre. Taking into consideration the very dry season, this must be considered very satisfactory. On account of the very dry spring there was not so much cropping as usual, and the crops generally were not so good; but the very high prices ruling for chaff, oats, barley, maize, &c, more than make up for the difference. There are now nineteen settlements in the southern portion of the district. Owing to a prolonged drought experienced in Hawke's Bay, and extending from Ormondville northwards, settlers have been severely handicapped, and those engaged in dairying pursuits have felt the pressure acutely. To counterbalance this to some extent, prices for butter and cheese have been considerably above the average. Tongoio Settlement: A marked improvement is to be seen in the way settlers are dealing with the blackberry trouble, and the Natives are also showing some practical work in the clearing of this pest on adjoining lands. Taking the unfavourable season into consideration, our settlement settlers might have fared worse than they have done, and may reasonably look forward to better results this year.

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TARANAKI. (G. FT. Bullard, Commissioner of Crown 'Lands.) The total area of the five settlements in this district is only 5,331 acres. The sections are all occupied, chiefly for dairying purposes, and the rental arrears, I am glad to say, is small. The whole of Spotswood Settlement has now been disposed of, and is held for homesteads. The prospects in the case of the five settlements are distinctly good, and in the case of the Tariki Settlement, the latest purchase, I am quite satisfied with the manner in which the settlers have developed their holdings and controlled the noxious weeds. In the case of Tokaora Settlement, the present-day value of the land is very much above tire Crown values. It is quite anticipated that a fairly large number of the lessees in these settlements will avail themselves of their freehold rights during the current year, especially under- the easy time-payments offered by the deferred-payment system of purchase.

WELLINGTON. (T. N. Brodrtck, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Only one new settlement, the Falloon, was offered during the year. It is situated between eight and nine miles north-west of Masterton, and comprises six sections, having a total area of 1,031 acres. These were offered on the 18th December, 1914, and all were selected. Some of the selectors are already in occupation. In the Poroporo and Heathcriea Settlements, disposed, of in the previous year, the settlers have made substantial progress. The other rural settlements are in a satisfactory position, and where transfers have taken place the purchasers have paid substantial amounts for the goodwill of the leases. NELSON. (F. A. Thompson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) There are three settlements in this district; two —namely, the Wangapeka and Braeburn —are in a most satisfactory condition, and with few exceptions the settlers are well satisfied with their holdings. The crops and stock have done well during the past year ; in fact, the former better than in any other part of the district, whilst the latter topped the market at the local stock sales. The Lake Settlement has just 'been offered, therefore nothing of any notice can be reported.

MARLBOROUGH. (11. ( I. Price, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Only one new settlement —the Wither —has been acquired during the year, the ballot for which takes place on the 13th April, and I anticipate a fair demand for the sections. The settlers on Hillersden and Lynton Downs Settlements—that were acquired last year—have been handicapped by the phenomenally dry [season that we have experienced ; old residents say there has been nothing like it for forty years ;1 but in spite of this, the settlers are hopeful, and should with an ordinary season make satisfactory progress. The settlers on the old-established settlements are all doing fairly Well.

WESTLAND. (H. D. M. Haszard, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) There are only two settlements in this district, both, of which were acquired some years ago. Good progress has been made by the whole of the lessees, and the establishment of dairy factories has resulted in very material increases in the unimproved values; but, notwithstanding large goodwill offering, no sales whatever have taken place during the year. At the time of purchase of these estates only parts of the areas had been cleared, but practically the whole of the bush has now been felled, and more cultivation is being done. Although the growth of grass has been very good, the wet season has had the effect of decreasing the milk-yield, but this shortage will be made good by the enhanced prices ruling for butter. CANTERBURY. (('. 11. Pollen, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Four new settlements were opened for selection under renewable-lease tenure during the year, as follows : Hillboro', three sections ; Copland, two sections ; Teschemaker, thirteen sections ; Finlay Downs, five sections. All were disposed of. All the settlements acquired previous to 1910 show steady progress, and their prosperity is assured. It was noticed when making cursory inspections during the year that the houses, buildings, yards, &c, were continually being augmented and kept up in good condition.

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The crops were lighter than usual, owing to a dry spring, but quality and unusual high prices made up for deficiency in quantity. Cropping restrictions were suspended, but very little overstepping of the conditions was apparent. The reports on some of the recently acquired estates, the soil of which is of a light character, did not indicate such a satisfactory state of affairs. The unusual dryness of the spring and autumn months acted disastrously on these lands, which the porous nature of the soil renders susceptible to climatic influence. Improvements on these estates wore not in all cases quite up to legal requirements, the greater part of the permanent additions being in the direction of those promising immediate profit. The lands in the upper Ashley are being subdivided for disposal, the road giving access via the Ashley Gorge having been completed. Residence conditions were well complied with (The remarks made with regard to the Land Laws Amendment Acts, 1912, 1913, and 1914, in Appendix I. apply to these lands.) OTAGO. (Robert T. Sadd, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) During the spring and summer the past season in Otago was very dry, and in consequence some of the crops in the district were very poor, especially root crops. Feed was also scarce; but owing to the high prices obtaining for stock and crops the bulk of the settlers are fairly prosperous. In northern Otago fairly good crops have been successfully harvested, consisting chiefly of wheat and oats, and owing to the high prices occasioned by the war the fortunate growers are making very large profits. Unfortunately, the area under crop is not nearly so large as it should be. During the year one new settlement (Waitahuna, 4,035 acres) was opened for selection, in ten holdings, which were all selected at the ballot or- immediately afterwards. The Otanomomo Settlement is now doing better, and some more sections have been taken, and the balance are being reofiered at a reduced valuation ; several settlers made application for a revaluation, and this has greatly reduced the price. Boring operations are being prosecuted on the settlement to try to obtain a better water-supply. The settlers are forming a co-operative company to start their own butter-factory. The older-established settlements are on a sound basis and most of the settlers are doing well. The high prices obtainable for all classes of farm-produce, owing to the war, will go a long way towards putting all these settlers in a good sound position. . SOUTHLAND. (G. H. M. McClure, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) There are now twelve settlements in this district, the area under lease being 69,521 acres held by 298 lessees. During the year thirteen lessees took advantage of the legislation of recent years and purchased the freehold. The area thus acquired was 3,824 acres, and the amount received £9,501. No new settlements were acquired during the past twelve months, but the remaining sections in Fortification Hill, Knowsley Park, and Waiarikiki Settlements were selected during the year. The remaining sections in the Ardlussa Settlement are being readvertised, and will be opened shortly. Altogether the settlements have been very successful, and the tenants continue to make satisfactory progress. It is instructive to note that the total improvements effected exceed the value of those required by £67,508.

APPENDIX lII.—REPORT ON SAND-DUNE RECLAMATION. [By E. Phillips Turner, F.R.G.S., Inspector.] Run 24, Rangitikei. In the spring of 1913 a contract to plant with marram a belt of 6 chains wide and 210 chains (126 acres) along the coast was entered into with Mr. James McKelvie, the lessee of this run. The bunches of marram were to be set 2 ft. apart (10,900 to the acre), and the price per acre £3, or a total of £378. Owing to dry weather starting early only 50 chains were done the first year. Last winter Mr. McKelvie resumed operations, but owing to the extreme difficulty he had in getting men to stick at this kind of work he threw up the contract in the spring, after completing 154 chains (92$ acres) of the original contract of 210 chains. Though Mr. McKelvie had the advantage of having carts and horses near the ground and a foreman who has had many years' experience with planting marram, yet he states that the planting cost him £6 per acre, and that he has lost heavily on the work. The sand in this locality is of a very light nature, and a very slight wind moves it, and this with other disagreeable factors connected with living on the dunes causes men to throw up the work after two or three days' experience. Though up to the middle of spring the marram that was planted looked as though it had taken well, the abnormal drought, accompanied by constant high westerly winds in the summer, caused such a continuous movement of the sand that quite two-thirds of the total marram planted

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Rangitikei Sand-dunes. (1.) Looking northerly from South Head; Scirpus frondosus and Planted Marram. (2.) A Gravelly Basin about 6 Chains inland, Newly Planted Marram on left. (3.) Looking inland from Beach; Logs at High-water Mark; on Mounds Scirpus frondosus and Spinifex. (4.) Looking seaward towards Point from which (3) was taken— a Shingle-basin.

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Sand-dunes at Waikato Heads. (5.) Looking northerly; Marram planted last Spring. (6.) About 50 Chains inland from Beach— Moist Hollow strewn with Shells and Pumice. (7.) A Shelly Flat, looking seaward; Scirpus Mounds, now planted. (8.) Natural Foredune at Mouth of Waikato (now planted), being undercut by Sea.

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here has been killed; so if this work is to be persevered with it will be necessary to replant the area where the grass has failed. It may be stated that private planters in this district have had the same misfortune. Waikato Heads. During the last winter a belt 1 mile long and 6 chains wide (48 acres) was planted with marram at the north Waikato Head. The contract was let to Mr. J. H. Herrold (who was the only one who tendered) for- £300. The bunches of marram, were planted 2 ft. apart, or about 10,900 to the acre. It must be stated that in this case all the marram had to be carted about twelve miles along the beach from Waipipi. Though this dune is reported to be one of the worst in New Zealand, it is pleasing to say that the marram has taken very well there. This is probably largely attributable to the fact of the sand having a higher specific gravity than that at Rangitikei; and also the rainfall is greater-. However-, though the grass has taken very well, the heavy gales of the spring caused the sea to under-cut the bank just at the mouth of the river, and though a rough kind of retaining-wall of manuka-boughs was built to protect the bank, and a short groyne of stout manuka poles erected down to low-water mark, they have proved ineffective, and the erosion on my last visit was still going on. Protection at this point could be ensured if a pile groyne were built about 60 chains up the river from the mouth, so as to deflect the current to the south side of the Heads, but it would cost more money than the circumstances warrant, so it has been decided not to attempt to stop the erosion, but to run the chance of the current reverting to its former course on the soufJh side. Whether this occur- or not, reclamationwork may be continued up the coast and to the rear of the belt planted. Proposals for the Future. Run, 24, Rangitikei. All authorities insist on starting reclamation at the source of the sand-supply. Owing to the lesser expense involved it was decided to treat this dune according to the method adopted in Holland .and Belgium that is, planting marram on the natural surface along the shore. Owing to the occurrence of drought with high winds this treatment has not proved a success at Rangitikei. The surface of the land near the shore is very irregular, being a succession of high mounds. It is now proposed to make sand-catching fences to hold the sand between these mounds and establish a fairly uniform foredune along the coast. As there is no material near at hand with which to build these catching-fences, the operation will be expensive ; but this seems better than running the risk of another- dry seasorr destroying any grass that might again be planted on the natural surface. Having effectively held the sand at the shore-line, the planting of marram on the interior- can be made much wider, with a consequent lessening of the cost. It is proposed to send dowm from the Rotorua Nursery a competent man. to act as foreman, and he will have under him a small gang of men to start building up the foredune and planting marram to the rear. At the same time a small area in a place secure from sand-drift will be fenced in with rabbit-proof fencing, and some trees sent down from. Rotorua Nursery to test their respective merits for growing under local conditions. Waileato Heads. To the rear of the marram already established here it is proposed to plant a belt of tree-lupin, and if sufficient marram can be procured at a reasonable cost in the district the belt will be extended up the coast. As the land here rises to an elevation of about 300 ft. it would be too exposed for treeplanting. An attempt, however, will be made to establish suitable grasses on the reclaimed area. Other Places. On the Kaipara Coast near Waimauku £100 is going to be spent in aiding the Motutara Domain Board to reclaim a bad part of their grounds. From the foregoing it will be seen that the Government undertakings in connection with this matter are already fairly considerable, and they are being proceeded with as extensively as finances will permit.

APPENDIX IV.—LAND-DRAINAGE OPERATIONS. [By J. B. Thompson, Chief Drainage Engineer.] The Land-drainage Branch has been busily engaged during the past year in attending to matters pertaining to land-drainage and river-protective works generally. Special inspections, reports, and estimates were made in connection with the following schemes : New River Estuary reclamation ; Waikiwi River improvement; river-protective works affecting the Grey, Hokitika, and Kokatahi Rivers, Clandeboye and Barnego Settlements ; Poukawa Lake drainage, and Lefes Valley Swamp drainage. Inspections, &c, were made in connection with Tokatoka, Hungahunga, fKawa, Eureka, Upper Mangapiko, Whangamarino, Tuatua-Moana, and Ody's Swamps ; Waimatuka River, Kaitangata Lake drainage ; water-supplies of Otanomomo and Mamaku ; and many other minor- works and schemes. A good deal of work was done by the respective officers in inspecting works performed by local bodies out of Government grants. Plans and specifications for these works were also examined, for approval or otherwise. Vouchers of a total amount of £5.326 Bs. 9d. were prepared and certified to for payment to the local bodies through the Treasury.

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Hereunder is a short report on works that have been carried out under my control, in connection with the various grants, &c.: — Hauraki Plains, Construction of Roads and Drains on Crown Land adjoining. —Some 50 chains of road has beenjiformed, and further work is now in hand. The expenditure during the year was £121 Is. 2d. Hauraki, Plains : Orchard, East Road Extension. —This work connects the Orchard Road with Turua--Netherton Road, thus providing a direct outlet for the proposed Orchard Bridge. Some 75 chains of road was completed, 60 chains cleared and grubbed, and further works are now in hand. The expenditure during the year was £289 18s. Hauraki Plains : Waikaka Tramway Road. —This is a grant to assist in the construction of Patetonga (Waikaka) Tramway Road. The road has been fascined and ballasted throughout, and is now being widened so as to be used for vehicular purposes. The expenditure during the year was £1,250 9s. Hauraki Plains, Metalling Roads in. —The work done under this heading has been given in detail in the.report on Hauraki Plains operations. The total length metalled to date is 9J miles. Metal is principally obtained in Kauaeranga Stream, Thames, and barged over to the plains by our own plant. We have also obtained metal from the Auckland Shingle Company. During the year the following roads were metalled : Pipiroa-Waitakaruru, 100 chains; Kopuarahi-Turua, 180 chains; Kopuarahi-Kopii, 180 chains. The expenditure during the year was £4,229 6s. sd. Hauraki Plains: Maintenance completed Works, Drains, &c. —This vote is for maintaining drainage-works on the settled portion of the Hauraki (Plains until such time as the rating clauses become operative. Roads and, drains have been generally maintained during the year, the expenditure being £1,332 18s. Ilulcerenui Swamp Drainage.Some 2 miles of levels were run, and contracts let for drains approximating this distance. Payment was also made for drains completed last year. The expenditure during the year was £129 17s. Kopu Ferry Road to Hauraki Plains.- —This is for road to connect Hauraki Plains with contemplated ferry near Kopu. Some 40 chains of road were completed, but the work is held up until such time as the local bodies concerned decide on the western terminal of such ferry. The expenditure was £98 12s. Morrinsville~Waita/caru,ru Road. —Some 20 chains of road-formation was completed, at a cost of £64 18s. 6d. The formation will be proceeded with immediately the balance of road is legalized. Ngarua Road and Canal- -This canal leaves the Piako River where the Ngarua Creek joins it. It has been cut for 125 chains, some 79,707 cubic yards being taken out. A dam had to be constructed, so that the dredge would not be liable to tidal influences. The cost for- the year was £449 Bs. 6d. Patetonga South Road. —This road, 65 chains in length, has now been completed. The expenditure for the year was £175 125., including compensation. Piako and Waitoa Rivers Improvement. —This has been mainly widening of the Piako River between Kerepechi and Waikaka Canal by the two Priestman dredgers. The good effect of the work done was apparent during the heavy rains in March, when the Piako River only rose a few feet at Kerepeehi. During the year some 21,026 cubic yards were dredged; at Patetonga Landing the approaches to the wharf were deepened, some 12,730 cubic yards being taken out. The cost for the year was £1,044 15s. Id. During the coming year it is proposed to dredge portion of the Waitoa River, south of its junction with the Piako River. Rangitaiki Drainage District: General Road-construction. —A distance of 6 miles 24 chains was completed during the year, and a further distance of 11 miles is now well in hand. The expenditure was £1,163 9s. Bd. Waikato River: Engineering Surveys.—-The engineering survey of the Waikato River was continued under the local charge of Mr. Allan Morpeth, Land-drainage Engineer's assistant. The largerpart of traversing done was swamp-edges and islands in the vicinity of the Whangamarino Swamp, some 70 miles having been completed. Levelling mainly consisted of lines run through the swamp area to locate the fall in various parts, and to find out what proportion of the land was drainable, not being subject to normal floods. Some 25 miles of levelling was done. Cross-sections of the river were taken from Mercer to Rangiriri, some thirty-eight being taken in that distance. Cross-sections were also taken at various places near the groynes put in by the Waikato River Board, and compared with those taken in 1913, to show result of groyne-work. The tide-gauges established last year were read at various times. Inspections of the Waikato River from Cambridge to Ngaruawahia, and of the Waipa from Pirongia to Ngaruawahia, were also made. In addition, inspection was made of the small tributaries of the Waikato River near Mercer. The field-work has now been completed, and plans will be finished early in May. The expenditure during the year was £590 Bs. Bd. Waitoa River: Snagging. —This river has now been snagged as far south as the Te ArohaMorrinsville Railway. During the year some 4 miles 9 chains of river was snagged, and 5 miles weeded. The expenditure for the year was £887 Is. lOd. Opouriao Protective Works, to prevent, Encroachment of River. —All the old works have been kept in repair and are in good order. New works during the past year consisted chiefly of the erection of boom groynes, some 2,794 ft. being constructed; 150 ft. of wire-netted stone groynes were also put down; and some 85 chains of the river-bank has been fascined and protected with willows. The past season was unfavourable for the successful planting of willows, or more of this work would have been done. The expenditure during the year was £1,071 9s. lOd. Waimana River Protective Works. —The works completed last year have been maintained. Three boom groynes of a total length of 528 ft. have been erected. The proposed new channel through Section 19 was laid off and cleaned ready for scooping. The land required to be resumed for same was surveyed, and willows planted to protect the proposed new channel. The expenditure was £262 lis. lOd.

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Waihi Swamp (Maketu) Drainage.—-A. field party has been in operation on this work since December last, getting the necessary levels, &c, so that, works could be proceeded with. Some 2 miles 43 chains of the Kaikokopu Stream was levelled up, 10 miles of swamp-edge defined, and check levels taken, and a magnetic survey made of the islands and channels in the Waihi Estuary. A Priestman dredger was ordered from England, and should arrive in the Dominion in May, Plans Were prepared for construction of pontoon for the dredger. This pontoon will be constructed on the ground, and will be completed by the time the dredger arrives. The expenditure during the year was £294 19s. Bd. Monovale Swamp, Cambridge.—The engineering survey of the Monovale Swamp was completed during the year, some 19 miles of levels being taken, and also soundings over 10,000 acres of swamp area. The expenditure was £i5O 4-s. Waitakaruru Loan Block. —This is for roading^Waitakaruru Loan Block, and also Waitakaruru Settlement (Land for Settlements Account). It was decided to give road access to all the sections before offering for selection. To date some 15 miles of road has been formed (9 miles of 14 ft. road and 6 miles of 12 ft. road), 6 miles 40 chains of drains formed, and 70 chains of stop-bank and drain. The Waitakaruru Loan Block comprises 9,382 acres, and Waitakaruru Settlement 2,350 acres, and the survey of this 11,732 acres was completed during the year. The whole area was offered for selection in February, and practically the whole of it was applied for. The expenditure during th< year out of Loan Block was £1,440 17s. Bd., and Waitakaruru Settlement (Land for Settlements Account) £274 ss. Ballachraggan Settlement (Land for Settlements Account). —Some 130 chains of drains were completed and eight bridges constructed in this settlement for the year, at a cost of £274 ss. Otway Settlement (Land for Settlements Account).- -In this block improvements to existing drains have been laid out, as well as to existing roads. In addition, over 2 miles of roads have been levelled and will be formed at once. East Taieri, Waipori River. —An engineering survey party commenced operations in March, and during period traversed 9 miles 66 chains on Waipori River and Meggott Burn Stream, and also roughly located on ground the line of a possible channel through Lake Waipori. The following large schemes were carried out by this branch, and of course comprise the major portion of the works : (1) Hauraki Plains drainage-works ; (2) Rangitaiki drainage-works. Those woi'ks are treated in separate reports, to comply with the respective Acts governing each. Engineering Surveys--Home 139 miles of engineering surveys have been made in connection with the various works. The schedule hereunder shows the principal works carried out during the past year, covering all our- operations. Of course, there are many works of minor importance that it is impossible to summarize :— Double drain and road formation .". .. .. .. 2 m. 50 eh. Deepening and widening drains.. .. . . .. .. 71 m- 28 eh. Drain and road formation . . . . . . . . . . I m. 4.6 eh. Road drains formed .. .. .. .. .. ..2m. 13 eh. Outlet drains formed .. .. .. .. .. 25 m. 75 eh. Clearing and cleaning drains .. .. .. .. .. 163 m. 68 oh. Drain and stop-bank formed .. . . . . 2m. 1.0 eh. Strengthening stop-bank .. .. . . . , . . 4m. 15 eh. Removing heavy timber from drains .. .. .. . . 7m. 52 eh. Snagging river- . . . . .. .. .. .. 2m. 30 eh. Weeding river .. .. .. .. .. ~ 4m. 40 eh. Disking roads .. .. .. .. .. . . 27 m. 0 eh. Forming roads .. .. .. .. ... 20 m. 24 eh. Clearing road-line .. .. .. .. .. 3 hi. 60 eh. Fences erected, .. .. .. .. .. 10 m. 64 eh. Bridges erected .. .. .. .. .. ... . ..22 Wharf erected .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Flood-gates erected .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Roads metalled .. .. .. .. .. 5 m. 40 eh. Canals cut .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4m. 44 eh. Rivers widened and dredged .. .. .. •. .. 7m. 32 eh. Spoil lifted by dredgers ';-; .. .. .. .. 444,686. cub. yd. Timber groynes erected $pt .. .. .. .. 3,322 lin. ft. Wire-stone groynes erected .. .. .. .. .. 150 lin. ft. River-bank fascined .. .. .. .. .. ■. 85 eh. Artesian bores sunk .. .. ..... .. .. 22 Engineering surveys, levelling .. .. .. .. .. 1 39 m. Office. —The total expenditure certified to for payment during the year was £55,610 Is. Id. Of this amount direct Treasury payments amounted to £15,991. 9s. lid., payments through Thames and Whakatane Imprest Accounts £39,335 16s. Id., and payments through Post Office to £282 15s, Id. Some 1.90 piecework special contracts were in operation. Inward correspondence amounted, to 1,800 letters, and l,92ojoutwards. and some 1,630 voucher's were prepared and passed through the books. Afconsiderable number of engineering, road, survey, and other- plans were made, and tracings for photo-lithos and other.- purposes prepared. The expenditure quoted represents the amounts actually expended on the various works, but will not necessarily agree with the figures shown in the tables for the year as submitted, to Parliament,, as a portion of the expenditure was not brought to charge before the end of the year. 1 have to express my appreciation of the very efficient services rendered by my staff during the year.

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Table 1. —Return showing (approximately) Position of Lands in the Dominion at 31st March, 1915.

District. I Total Area granted Total Area T . , . under Acts without of Crown Lands "old SU Money Payment leased _,____*_ i,_ or reserved for Public under all Tenures ttvJ f i,? Purposes from (exclusive of _ reenoia. Foundation of Reserves leased Dominion. by Crown). 1_ ; Estimated Area Total Area Total Area _*" te«S- M__S___f Total Area open of nS 0 h,-R^_i P ¥f exclusive of I and in for Selection. Native Land. ; „&£?&, " _ ££•** any of the other : Preceding Columns, j Headings. Auckland Acres. Acres. Acres. 2,413,678 j 3,640,930 1,872,223 Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. 253.953 3,545,599 .. 658,795 1,140,362 13,525,540 Hawke's Bay . . 2,421,581 437.223 956,931 20,018 1.385.506 .. 150,140 . 137,501 5,508,900 Taranaki 500,108 713. 805 606,073 6.663 317,909 .. 66,906 193,036 2,404,500 Wellington 3,226,715 : 890.639 858,771 6.956 1,617,509 36,500 195,110 218,800 7,061,000 Xclson 586,520 311.421 795,100 59,321 41,148 1,573.000 60,000 1,288,490 4,715,000 Marlborough 782,734 222.445 1,460,573 13,023 .. 131.447 100.367 57,411 2,768,000 Westland 140.198 308.545 1,616,141 49.362 .. 750.000 154.171 845,461 3,863,878 Canterbury 3,636,071 1.369.047 3,915.935 191 .. 233,650 444,780 4.371 9,604,045 Otago Southland 1.993, I02 , 59 1.999 5,504, 238 I.592, 288 3.554 .257 1.722. 636 3.515 .. 520,000 263,300 92,846 8,969,000 22.664 .. 626,479 140,502 223.543 7.882,369 Totals 17.292.995 17.292.995 , 12,040,311 19,308.621 12,040,311 19,308.621 435.666 6.907.671 3,871,076 2.234.071 4,201.821 66,292,232 435.666 6.907.671 3,871,076 2.234.071 4,201.821 66,292,23: i_ _l_

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Table 2.—Lands opened for Sale and Selection during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

District. SAM at Auction fob Cash oh on Dk. uiiuhh Payment. __„„_, _,,...n Optional ll 2fr G?Si__. Pastorttl S^tem ' iSJfe. Run" 8 ll "" 8 ' '■•°"»' "bar B«_l Acres, i Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. 150 73 389 67,556 .. 7,150 7 ' 50 4,285 132 13,640 5,32{ 8 28 49 18,381 649 39 .. 25 21,624 11 2,397 I ... 22,389 22 .. I4.80C 4 .. 144 ! 4.302 .. .. 143,001 «*"_; „ _'_ _ _ SI'- c _- 2 « 2 3 p a'rj * . _ _ n— o _j o arc gr _i_« a, a 9 ■- • 3 da) S3 as ■" w _> o _) S « I I 8 Totals. Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland . . (lanterbury .. Otago Southland Acres. 156 7 8 39 Acres. 132 649 11 22 Acres. 7,150 13,640 2^397 Acres. fii 328 ! I 14,800 143,000 544,790 Acres. 358 1 l Acres. 379 I 69 277 72 99 78 595 1 26 194 Acres. 76,061 23,443 19,184 24,373 37,284 147,549 544,869 875 34,904 4,663 4 I 21 I . . . . . . . . . . U*_rtfc, l\i\, 20 2fi0; .. 21 178 1 2,888 593 7,748 23,__5C 86 3XH 4,040 5 593 5 7^748 23,450 Totals 236 436 I ,206 145,465, 1,412 30,935 731 .368; 35! 1,789' 913,205 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury 7 22 14 1 ■■ <> hand for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson, Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland ! " 3 9 9 8,535 867 129 1,703 10,124 11,785 8,547 867 129 1,703 10,124 11,792 "7 '34 9 7,270 4,177 434 '_70 7,583 4,177 434 9 •■ Totals 44 18 45.024 270 45,356 National-endowment Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury. . Otago Southland i 10.397 10,397 5,809 5,309 11,309 5,809 5,309 11,309 .. i .. 814 '.'. 102,870 47,900 9 J 55 112,839 47,900 537 41 537 41 ■• ______ .. Totals 34,216 150,770 9,155 194,141 Eduoation endowments *49,498 Grand totals j 280 436 1,231 145,465 80,666 30,935 882,138 9,513 2,060 1,202,222 The following shows the Land 1 Taranaki, 2,208 acres ; Wellington, 91 acres. With the exception of 1_,0,.: aci the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 190K. listricls acrrs; N res. open in which these lands are elson. 770" acres; Canterbi ed on pastoral-run tenure situated: Liry, t,537 (Souctalan Auckland, _,6_9aoi acres; Otago, 241 i d), these lands wen res; Ha 1 i,cres; a 3 offerer tvke's I. a nd Soul I for sel< y. _09 acres ; ibland, 41,809 3Ction under

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48

Table 3. —Return of Lands selected during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

Average Holdings of Selectors. 81 gl" Ii ii o Tenure. Number of Selectors. . vi s? 8 ■_ ■«£ ■>- 8 * s * .1 *< s « a °i»c3 o-E o_T- Ot»-_ o „ -. o _ " t, o*S *-< o *? _ q~ h©_! hqo __<u_ iS- lis i all ISS PS II"I l ffi | S*S i 1*5 | M 5 |»5 £3g s a g Ordinary Grown Lands — Cash'lands .. .. .. .. 277 91 1{ Deferred payment .. .. .. .. 1 Occupation with right of purchase .. .. 428 .. 10 Renewable lease .. .. .. .. 19 12 Mining districts land occupation leases .. 29 .. 2 Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special 67 regulations Small grazing-runs .. .. .. 2 Pastoral runs .. .. .. .. 20 Miscellaneous leases and licenses .. .. 472 62 28 277 1 428 19 29 67 91 12 158 1 100 3 20 6 24 i_i 9 25 3 87 1 15 1 41 3 '_! 19 Acres. 5,711 110,729 2,704 1.285 27,398 2 20 472 62 1 282 "2 75 "2 14 _8 2 15 21 3,767 283,780 207,484 Totals .. .. .. 1,315 165 57 1,315 165 571 316 122 84 57 642,863 Cheviot Estate — Cash lands .. .. .. .. 1 Renewable lease .. .. .. .. I. 1 I I I 7 14 Totals .. .. .. 2 21 Land for Settlements — Cash lands .. .. .. .. 10 3 Deferred payment .. .. .. .. 17 7 1 Renewable lease .. .. .. .. 139 4 c Miscellaneous leases and licenses .. .. 21 1 1 10 17 139 21 3 7 4 1 7 10 30 18 55 1 '27 1 15 8 24 22 39,445 652 Totals .. .. 187 15 ( 187 15 65 56 2H 15 8 40,143 National-endowment Lands — Renewable lease .. .. .. .. 166 1 1 Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special 47 regulations Small grazing-runs .. .. .. 4 Pastoral runs . . . . . . .. 8 Miscellaneous lenses and licenses .. .. 37 1 ] 166 47 1 51 5 54 25 28 17 21 11 46,237 9,553 4 8 37 1 3 8 4 11,036 130,558 43,477 1 io 20 2 Totals .. .. 262 2 1 262 66 99 17 22 26 240,861 Thermal springs districts leases .. .. 3 a 3 Educational-endowment Lands —■ Primary .. .. .. .. 93* 36 ! Secondary .. . . .. . . 1.8 10 93* 18 36 10 34 7 13 2 1 3 5 32.798 362 I ' 3 33,160 Totals .. .. .. 11.1 46 111 46 41 13 • 5 Grand totals .. .. 1,880 228 7 1,880 228 748 j 1 ~ 484 200 j 124 96 957,049 Other endowment lands .. .. .. 13 4 13 4 7 I I , ! i 2 •-•■-• 827 * Includes one cash sale of 1 acre.

49

o.—l

7—C. 1

Table 4. —Comparative Statement of Selectors and Lands selected under Settlement Conditions for the Ten Years ended 31st March, 1915.

Cash. Perpetual Lease* and Deferred Payment. t Lease in Perpetuity. Renewable Lease. Occupation with Right of Purchase. Agricultural Lease. Mining Districts Land Occupation Leases. Small Graziug-runs. Education Endowments. Pastoral Licenses in Mining Districts under Special Regulations. Totals. Year ending 31st March, No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. Ne. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. . Area. No. I Area. 1906 [ j Acres. 268 11,172 j 1* Acres. 127 810 r Acres. 160,240 Acres. 393 Acres. 158,020 Acres. 30 Acres. 1,194 34 Acres. 68,587 Acres. 94 Acres. 21,382 1,630 Acres. 420,722 .. I .. 1907 462 j 20,377 407 | 28,522 382 42,194 381 J 8,886 654 156,517 451 220,061 26 1,044 51 114,854 79 14,391 1,723 527,244 1908 499 100,669 183 70,643 360 188,212 3 84 73 3,047. 64 226,757 .. .. 57 7,876 1,646 625,810 I 1909 i 193 106,184 860 219,172 382 123,116 36 1,490 10 28,989 i .. .. 83 14,743 1,946 535,888 1910 4 1,011 694 184,904 528 141,757 60 2,068 45 298,494 .. 71 11,946 1,783 649,066 1911 1912 274 i 9,547 409 | 6,096 15 1,877 612 628 124,268 498 388 136,007 73 55 2,687 22 23 128,764 18 5,061 106 192 27,421 53,114 1,600 430,571 187,082 132,869 1,426 144,617 1,713 530,265 1913 352 ! 4,625 312 | 5,948 ! .. 288 5,742 | 18| 585 207,606 362 104,935 36 773 10 37,749 142 6,847 121 28,606 1,608 391,141 1914 539 213,402 489 117,366 61 2,398 4 14,691 59 3,340 145 28,037 1,609 385,182 1915 > 27 325 88,400 428 110,729 29 1,285 6 14,803 102 20,948 114 36,951 1,310 278,885 Totals .. 3,535 143,109 j.i* |.i»T 2,175 J526,498 321 J36,196 1271 27} ,4,426 jl,295,477 4,279 |1,433,072 84 479 17,412 269 1,078,305 il,062 244,467 16,568 4,774,77'

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Table 5. —Lands sold for Cash during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

Table 6.— Return of Deferred-payment Lands, under the Land Acts, 1877 and 1885, at 31st March, 1915.

50

Town. Suburban. Rural. Totals. Distilc.t. ll •'if. Area. _ g _ H o _ I. _ - ■_■_ 5 _ eu _ 5 £ Area. ~ ■% a g 3s _J = oS 11 Area. *£ §S _! * ■SB S . _, » 'H _> -2_{ Area. S^ HP <S _ ., = ° rH Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 34 I 6 2 12 Acres. 29 4 2 7 £ 1,051 261 46 585 16 9 2 1 Acres. 95 54 25 £ 364 567 144 45 58 5 6 4 6 7 8 4 12 17 Acres. 1,957 374 36 47 921 294 101 258 522 759 £ 2,908 1.354 111 408 674 668 246 1,128 418 1,481 1.08 20 10 16 8 8 10 5 62 32 Acres. 2,081 432 63 54 921 298 102 278 649 833 £ 4,323 2,182 301 993 674 713 321 1.228 1,598 2,075 2 1 22 1 20 12 75 100 357 4 28 15 115 74 823 594 Totals 79 75 2,475 71 367 |2,537 127 5,269 19,396 277 5,711 14,408 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury 1 7 160 1 7 160 Land for Settlements — Auckland Canterbury Southland 2 1 1 i 222 30 4 2 1 13 5 5 119 72 75 6 3 1 14 5 341 102 75 Totals 3 li 23 266 518 252 10 24J Educational Endowment (Primary) — Marlborough 18 IS Grand totals 82 76J 2,727 72 374 2,697 135 5,293 289 5,743 15,104 9,680 Other Endowment Lands — Wellington 5 139 3 I •• 5 3 139

Net Area 11 Capii held on 31st March, 315, including talized Holdings. Yearly Instalments Area. and Interest payable. <p CD .£ CD-Ojfj> <0\* <VtH H _ 4 iS* Freohold during tl acquired lie Year. Made Freehold irom Commencement of System to 31st March, 1915. Select Arrear March tors in on 31st i, 1915. District. Number ol Selectors. Number ot Purchasers Area. Number of Purchasers Area. <_> 5 ii I* i o i Acros. £ £ Acres. Acros. 46,003 91,324 159,479 219,491 150,467 4,682 4,572 30,278 193,155 196,916 £ -uekland lawke's Bay taranaki Vellington .elson .. larlborough Vestland.. Canterbury )tago louthland 333 972 1,424 1,579 I ,592 55 100 643 1,237 1,586 4 132 700 17 16 14 162 __ 629 Totals 11 832 39 176 629 9,521 1,096,367 NOT!.—This table includei village-settlement am special-si ittlement lands,

C. 1.

Table 7. —Return of Deferred-payment Lands held under the Land Laws Amendment Acts, 1912 and 1913, at 31st March, 1915.

51

District. Selections during Number of Area. Selectors. she Year. Convei Tenurei ■sions fror 3 during t i other io Year. Net Area held on 31i 1915. it March, Annual Instalment. Number of Selectors. Area. Annual Instalment. Number of Selectors. Area. Annual Instalment. Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawko's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 1 Acres. 5 £ 60 27 3 2 39 3 Acres. 12,499 6,652 201 9,873 750 £ 329 495 35 1,130 15 51 9 II 61 14 Acros. 17,006 11,359 2,200 13,440 3,514 £ 470 759 228 I ,526 80 4 2 6 114 254 84 14 17 35 9 4 4 28 2,497 114 784 2,203 62 14 47 163 Totals 5 50 86 30,427 2,070 191 53,117 3,349 Land for Settlements — Auckland. . Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 10 7 13 9 63 27 82 20 6 5 I 4 11,319 5,804 722 539 947 4,277 1,579 2,117 681 196 100 892 148 24 16 5 2 4 12,887 6,461 760 4.14 1,810 4,277 2,082 2,437 761 119 273 892 20 5 3 1,947 2,469 189 613 435 76 22 6 5 1,975 2,865 190 792 561 78 Totals 17 22 90 146 28,213 6,689 232 31,645 7,995 Grand totals 27 140 232 58,640 8,759 423 84,762 11,344 18 Amount received during the Year ended 31st March 1915. Freeho durin lid igt acquired he Year. Made ] meul Froe it Of ! ihold from Ci System to 31s 1915. omi itM imencelarch, lelectors on 31st 19: in Arrear March, 16. District. Numbe of Purchase! Area. Numl of Purchai her ! Area. Ai -€ ex oil Total mount Balized, :clusive Interest. Number of Selectors. Amount. isers. Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland £ 1,577 1,831 466 2,387 876 3 2 1 3 3 Acres. 928 599 165 1,030 1,893 6 2 1 4 4 Acres. 1,224 599 165 1,207 2,438 £ 1,174 959 243 1,537 986 4 "l £ 19 11 132 41 20 675 i i 2 28 6 421 io 492 540 Totals 8,005 is 5,036 27 6,125 5,439 14 59 Land for Settlements- — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 7,118 7,582 4,283 1,970 28 2 1 1,345 56 130 38 2 1 • 1,380 56 .130 4,996 529 .1,744 II 5 i 42 47 1 1,636 4,811 481 862 i 46 Totals 28,743 31 1,531 41 1,566 7,269 18 136 Grand totals 36,748 til 6,567 68 7,691 12,708 32 195

(J.-l.

Table 8. —Return of Perpetual-lease Lands at 31st March, 1915.

Table 9. —Return of Occupation-with-right-of-purchase Lands at 31st March, 1915.

52

to (111] Excliani other Ti ring the ges enures Year. Ifori'eitiii .'ing the 'es Year. Expirii :ing the es Year. Fri leholds ac< tiring the ' [llired rear. dm liin District, O o_ L_ f-> Area. Annual Rental. tM Area. Annual Rental. O __ _. __ Area. Annual Rental. _e . _ II s __ If. Area. Amount realized. Auckland.. Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 1 Acres. 48 £ 5 Acres. £ Acres. £ 16 2 I 1 3 Acres. 2,382 465 35 412 £ 1,153 390 106 566 2 1 37 19 3 2 2* 277 10 3 5 17 12 199 419 3,321 205 202 1,079 2,392 697 5 46 8 Totals 6 94 13 I 56 5 t ! 2 277 10 59 7,438 6,584 District. Com] _ o „ >* _ si ide Fi uicom llstM reeliold i tent of S; [arch, 19 •ea. Total | Amount realized, I exclusive of Interest. from ystem to 115. Net Area Net Arei O m _> i_ a a held on 31st March, 1916. Area Annual Arca " Rental. 1:1 §>•»■ H «_, A _ « M fl W>_ _ a«> _. - r_i jji 9 O o _a "-. J_ . S «F. 33. Boa il p,a Sel An Mai °o „ h o a; _ r_ t> as H OJ l M lectors in _ear, 31st rch, 1915. Amount. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki . . Wellington.. Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury Otago Southland . . 585 313 407 828 32 9 9 139 225 189 Acres. 170,499 135,635 101,973 311,436 10,137 1,698 682 17,273 37,445 26,032 £ 80,684 104,060 94,856 278,615 3,499 786 685 26,253 30,453 22,027 158 3 7 36 5 15 4 95 197 123 Acres. 22,196 1,214 3,012 2,080 666 466 381 2,730 2.1,250 7,500 £ 572 48 146 116 14 26 19 324 858 4.1.0 £ 527 65 157 148 1.1. 27 17 301 854 394 12 2 1 1 £ 19 3 5 1 12 4 37 14 Toials 2,736 812,810 641,918 [ 643 61,495 2,533 2,501 32 79 * These leases wen again reneped during the year, illiige-settlement and the annual rental being £12. Note..—This te >lo includes ' special-settlement lands.

Taken up during ■ ;lie Year. li'u i :feltures dm Year. ■ing the Sur, renders during the Year. Freeholds acquired during the Year. District. ii Arca - ft" Annual Rental, o _ _s •So _ _i p _ Area. Annual Itental. 'O ;/ Si ft" Area. Annual Rental. „ g Area. Amount received. Auckland.. Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury Otago Southland 260 8 70 39 5 17 Acres. 46,293 2,816 25,408 24,464 2,564 3,806 £ 5,852 1,235 2,407 2,887 122 327 55 1 7 5 1 Acres. 17,882 121 4,815 3,405 412 £ 894 12 340 288 5 Acres £ 124 12 7 46 11 Acres. 28,745 9,953 3,875 15,841 1,398 £ 20,890 9,485 2,823 20,107 526 1 13 15 74 1,651 3,653 20 1.07 117 9 8 l',457 1,243 39 63 i 207 '. 2 4 4 20 236 826 476 3,494 165 833 201 1,729 Totals 428 110 729 13,074 8(1 29,335 1,641 1 207 230 64,844 56,759 District. Free iommi 1(5 i O jl _ iliolds acquire eneement of i list March, 1 ed from System to .915. Net Area held on 31st March, 1916. SI 11 Jz; -O Area. Annual Rental. r_ .•* ' _ s ri a p i o.i _ i , t. ., t. a _ ."oo S •«:£•§ Sill "_. 3 S CD IQ o "C tin d-s p°>3 E _1 •§■8 Selec Arre; Marc) .tors in ar, 3lst h, 1915. Area. Total Amount realized. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. 971 152 130 515 84 23 22 23 51 133 Acres. 218,138 76,581 48,497 149,329 14,471 6,320 4,131 3,146 8,067 28,245 £ 124,222 70,308 45,190 174,252 5,880 5,837 2,558 3,821. 4,530 15,561 2,959 362 701 845 213 64 86 25 311 464 Acres. 799,248 142.832 315,664 335,358 66,303 19,525 14,661 3,932 55,015 94,933 £ 49,023 21.828 19,873 27,763 1,365 1,148 478 458 1,663 3,488 £ 42,303 19,921 17,188 23,616 1,203 1,009 412 399 1,376 3,177 228 8 35 50 20 1 1 £ 3,446 219 749 1,230 135 10 7 23 117 Totals 2,104 556,925 452,159 6,030 1,847,471. 1.27,087 110,604 366 5,913 NOTH.—T! lis table ii icludes villai •e settlement and ini] roved farm set itlement la]

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Table 10. —Return of Lease-in-perpetuity Lands at 31st March, 1915.

53

Forfeitures c the Yea: tiring Sun •enders during the Year. Conversior Deferred Pa; during the' is to mient Year. Fi •eeholds acquired luring the Year. !. District. Cfi o a » Area. _> a a> K -i q a <_> co o II 55 Area. a _ _ S _ a o CO o *h £ Area. HI as ft 1 a * . ~X1 _ _ 3 _• a _ ■< _ 3 f. o „ _ . ai3 ft Area. _ a . p. o _ I- 2 Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Acres. £ 1 930 9 ■ 4 987 40 1 '' Acres. £ 14 1 2 11 3 Acres. 3,344 600 201 2,177 750 £ 71 14 23 107 11 65 If. 14 89 9 7 2 23 8 20 Acres. 16,388 4,715 2,830 13,910 1 ,692 1,966 206 4,059 1,338 4,212 £ 12,139 5,764 4,192 23,283 723 1,369 115 5,885 1,547 2,371 i 1 : "1 I •• 4 2 1 114 254 38 9 12 2 Totals •• 1 ••!■■! 6 1 1,918 ! 50 " j 1 38 7,478 249 252 51,316 57,388 Land for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury (M ago Southland i i .. j .. .. I • • i .. .. .. .. ! .. ! '31 "i "3 !•! 54 10 6 5 2 7,626 432 722 539 1,333 1,199 460 681 196 343 67 15 2 15 8,035 2,538 184 1,512 20,134 14,561 4,531 18,415 ! 19 5 2 969 2,469 184 557 435 71 30 3 10 1,331 315 1,781 11,381 3,838 6,146 Totals 3 ] 1 3 | .. 103 14,274 3,942 142 15,696 79,006 Grand totals 9 I 1.919 I 53 I .. I I i 141 21,752 4,191 394 67,012 136,394 Freeholds aoqui Commencement ol 31st March, ed from , System to 1915. et Ari leld 0 1911 m 3181 March, _r_ _ . krrj ■_ a _ _ 0 _« _ _! g^s _,<_ P _> t_i2 a a* a'S-* 3 ° P.H 9 _ _) «l Sol Arr Mai ictors in ear, 31st •Ob, 1915. 5. District. A o _ SS •5 IS a_ a 3 ft Area. H a O "c_ * 2 S O N o tz_ ■M o $i a _ OrS ft *_ _. a v PC 'S s a a < to Area. •_! O . _ si __• Amount. Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland.. Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland.. Canterbury Otago Southland 238 50 48 278 93 30 69 47 52 155 Acres. 52,678 15,589 10,621 37,176 34,874 9,761 16,545 7,319 8,896 26,124 £ 42,385 19,925 15,122 •57,550 16,285 6,641 8,243 12,013 7,437 20,657 1,100 291 772 1,324 423 321 386 426 861 503 Acres. 255,007 91,261 211,854 202,696 .149,243 137,324 45,008 77,144 193,447 77,692 £ 7,330 5,456 9,865 11,832 2,637 3,282 1,179 4,772 5,819 2,319 £ 6,780 5,153 9,107 11,451 1,895 2,986 945 4,452 5,276 2,146 45 2 34 38 33 4 17 8 11 1 £ 154 10 258 220 341 .1.85 35 43 53 1 Totals 1 ,060 219,583 206,258 6,407 1,440,676 54,491 50,191 193 1,300 Land for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland.. Canterbury Otago Southland 97 17 4 19 11,407 2,602 368 1,857 24,400 10,047 8,774 23,194 470 415 27 270 13 282 28 1,074 559 220 96,871 116,717 2,927 36,078 4,097 52,999 4,988 164,209 106,304 45,632 15,621 37.859 2,122 13,088 823 11,877 538 57,840 33,979 10,178 15,185 34,750 2,891 13,179 889 10,977 467 53,031. 30,689 9,146 24 5 ii 10 1 26 10 6 706 337 203 177 8 444 252 219 .. 30 3 14 1,331 315 2,397 11,381 3,838 6,754 Totals 184 20,277 94,388 3,358 630,822 1183,925 171,204 93 2,346 Cheviot Estate, Canterbury 210 26,866 7,294 6,627 20 Grand totals 1,244 239,860 9,975 300,646 2,098,364 245,710 228,022 1202 3,666 Note. —This table includes villi igc-ss'ttli'iue it, special-settlement, and improved-farm sett! iiiicnt lands.

a—l.

Table 11. —Return of Renewable-lease Lands at 31st March, 1915.

54

District. r _ CO IH o _ °° ll a -j _L_L Till ten up d the Yen luring .r. a © as 75 a a a -tl Exc ott 6 TJ1 lianges I ler Teni during ;he Yeai from ires 73 a _ M 7s p a a © _> Forfi litures c me Yeai luring, Sum I 1 i_ © jt _) 5 ~ 1 is a a.-, < ft _ inders d ihe Year Con nring I Payr tl _ * a co a ... © o A „ ■a ll 3 i{ a B-S -. ft iversions Deferred nent din he Year, 1 to ring ■_ a _ M 73 3 a a < Freel duri 13 ft o __ * _. <D _■ __ 0B„ a © ft holds acquired ■ing the Year. _ © M Area. *> a pr_ o - Si 9 Area. o 11 _l ft Area. _ _ 32 II ft A rea. Area. Area. National Endowment — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 79 Acres. 14,801 £ 1,039 11 Acres. 1,340 £ 54 26 1 2 Acres. 8,892 1 630 £ £ 363 .. 1 .. 61 .. Acres. £ Acres. £ Acres. £ 13 7 22 9 10 2 17 7 6,668 6,165 11,864 2,674 1,192 85 1,957 831 448 737 379 133 51 21 128 40 '. io 1,037 973 38 46 is'7 3 386 1,569 74 6 38 i 6^090 261 25 !! 17 !! .. .. .. 6 287 i2 i 2 3 51 "2 i 31 .. 55 1 .. " Totals I 166 46,237 2,976 34 3,637, 150: 58 15,132 542 6,406 4 3 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury 1. 13 Land for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 51 2 1 11 6 4 6,844 1,391 129 1,711 7,640 1,628 1,905 359 77 781 425 260 i 2 5 11 1,906 129 1 1,623 326 6 260 '_ ] 2,701 10,162 114 572 28 6 i 3,693 992 947 307 328 45 17 1 1 1 i 1,184 1 3 1 103 2,625 39 199 90 1,090 33 15 16 7,185 4,326 8,591 4.183 1,193 1,727 1 6 1 5 1,127 1,790 5 320 292 '_ 47 '._ '2 385 773 3 1,625 sis i 5 5 Totals 39,445 10,910 6,581 1. ,2801 14,535 1,075 5,637 685 1,677 4,816 139 25 36 23 Ordinary Grown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington 2 1 16 1,132 649 923 231 52 101 5 1 ii i "21 is 20 119 73 3 8 155 Totals 19 384 1 11 21 20 119 73 *$ 8 155 2,704 4 16 Grand totals 3,637 150 1,839 ! 20 20,962 1,188 56 5,756 I 1,685 4,971 325 88,400 14,283 34 MS 21,714 758 26

c—i.

Table 11. —Return of Renewable-lease Lands at 31st March, 1915— continued.

Table 12. —Return of Agricultural-lease Lands at 31st March, 1915.

55

District. Freel S3 if ft 6 tolds acquired to 31st March, 1915. Total Area. Amount realized. °2 _ o II a _. Net Area held on 31st March, 1915. Area. Annual Eental. Solecl Amount of ! Arrea Rent March received during tho o _ Year ended jj o 31st March, _;"_ 1915. |f ft 10 tora in ir, 31st 1, 1915. i p © a National Endowment — Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Acres. £ 594 61 138 79 402 99 331 17 226 176 Acres. 157,928 20,688 54,550 21,042 171,650 18,289 43,027 6,590 31,450 21,901 £ 7,769 4,078 4,084 2,258 3,782 648 1,294 510 1,163 930 £ 5,220 3,759 2,651 1,642 2,010 588 956 440 965 823 84 3 5 3 47 £ 907 24 93 597 1,294 ie "64 5 3 "l7 6 Totals.. 2,123 547,115 26,516 19,054 166 3,002 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury 14 659 509 431 25 Jjand for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 60 1 2 1 i 16,102 I 4 I 103 12,749 39 234 90 1,090 240 222 36 121 25 75 45,454 82,538 1,208 17,674 21,738 86,715 6,462 28,855 1,048 6,807 1,419 9,865 6,082 25,449 934 5,187 1,699 4,557 21 1 13 5 528 8 613 728 i 3 227 385 1,600 793 519 204 61 247,012 95,424 22,465 59,659 20,495 5,098 48,421 17,050 3,217 102 16 1 2,082 937 19 Totals.. 69 16,823 16,595 1,503 620,228 139,708 112,596 159 4,915 Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawko's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington 12 22 9 259 2,267 6,607 1,532 6,210 380 1,966 113 I ,015 392 I ,371 989 926 1 4 27 68 68 90 3 8 i55 Totals-.. 155 302 16,616 3,474 3,678 32 226 Grand totals 72 16,831 16,750 3,942 1,184,618 170,207 135,759 359 8,168 Note.—This tab! includi ;s village-si (ttlement ind improved-farm eettli iinent lands.

E du: spiries •ing the STear. Renewals during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March. 1915. a 1 . --§ . .£ 3 a j a _)•? J.™ H ,_ 0 d 3 __ O DC "Si a.ss Made Freeholi Commencement ol 31st March, 1 from System to 1915. Select* Arrea 31st M 191 ;ors in ar on larch, 15. District. O __ . G £_ 9 — o §1 ft M l_l Area, a a a © O -_ .0 o . 9 J r_ <x> jgco a* .rea. a a a © sl A li ._ © Area, a a a © p © a © -.« o E . © ID ■S-i a 3 ft ft Area. Annual Rental. O CO s_ _o as p © 8* _• a p o a -. iuckland Vostland )tago louthland '_ Acres £ 32 1 i Acres 23 £ 1 i<5 Acres. 541 £ £ 27 Acres. 67 2,750 32 279 1,326 I 131,297 50 1 6,570 £ 590 489 131,581 6,570 £ 23 Totals .. 2 32 1 1 27 1,475 140,896 23 16 541 23 |139,230

C—l.

Table 13. —Return of Mining Districts Land Occupation Leases under Part VIII of the Land Act, 1908, at 31st March, 1915.

Table 14. —Return of Pastoral Licenses in Mining Districts under Special Regulations, at 31st March, 1915.

56

Th,: ! ZTS ring Sum feitures mders d ihe Yeai and uringi E: Kem dur xchanges ewable Li ing the Yi to iase >ar. Net Area h 31st Marcl: i eld i, 1915. Select Arrei 31st ft 19 ;ors in ar on larch, 15. on District. tM _ _ © o °_ f-l )H ■51 a © 51 ftco _. . ° ■» §73 _ _ a a -9 © a © a« -.f. a © 7^ a a _ © O _ _ E So S _ as a © ft<„ 73 _i 2* 9 a a © O ta ■2 £ a_j p © ft m Area. Annual Rental. Amount received during the Year. O o_ 3 o II >r,t/_ a a o a •5 a © Si ftco i Area. Area. Area. Auc kland Hawko's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson .. Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago .. Southland 17 3 8 1 Acres. 942 £ 43 1 Acres. LOO £ 2 Acres. 551 £ 32 213 Acres. 10,368 £ 532 £ 464 22 £ 98 17 10 '_ 188 6 33* 5 85 1,469 481 762 58 16 122 62 14 125 13 1 4 40 8 2 3 23 4 .. '_ 32 5 8 1 271 49 i. 3 3 .. 66 4 iio 6 7 287 i_ 303 57 1,924 512 185 508 174 8 i_ Totals 29 29 1,285 210 8 21 I 696 24,971 1,058 55 1,425 I 1,347 48 161 ♦In :ludes oi io selector, irea 12 icres, annual rental £1, ni it land. itional-endowni*]

Talc m up dull Year. Ing the Kxcln other duri angos to Tenures ing the 'ear. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 191,5. Solo A IT 31st ictors in 'ear on March, 1915. District. ft» _s ft K _) o Si. g s jjr _Q o _ So *© _ _ _ 2 5 a,.„„ Annual fjg Ajfla ' Rental. H, % ft m Rent paid during the Year. Area. Annual Rental. Area. Area. Area. _ ft a 0 O _ Ordinary Crown Lands —■ Auckland Nelson Westland 53 11 3 | Acres. 23,902 2,887 609 £ 695 72 13 II 3 2 Acres. 4,498 338 172 3 Acres. 1,520 1 4 2 Acres. 200 1,547 400 281 138 80 Acres. 86,005 25,119 11,149 £ 2,170 526 266 £ 1,584 552 161 47 20 3 £ 445 170 16 2 282 Totals 67 27,398 780 16 5,008 1,802 2,14. 499 1.22,273 2,962 2 ,297 7(1 631 Tational-endowment Lands — Auckland Nolson Westland 2 14 31 510 2,665 6,378 17 74 168 2 3 6 335 519 769 3 1 3 392 167 489 3 2 2,U5 168 29 133 199 6,049 28,386 33,691 129 755 781 128 430 403 5 27 8 13 584 29 Totals 47 | 9,553 j 259 11 1,623 7 1,048 12,31.3 361 68,126 1,665 961 ■40 626 Grand totals 114 [36,951 | 27 6,631 12 3,258 IllO 1,039 2,850 12 4,460 800 190,399 4,627 1,257

a—i.

Table 15. —Return of Small Grazing-runs at 31st March, 1915.

B—C. 1.

57

1 Taken l during the ip Year. Expiries during the Year. Renewal of T_Gases during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. District;. •_ ■ O CO ©2 •2 © Area. g© p © £c_ a 73 a" a a a © 8 * 73 x> , s_ a Area. a a a ° S ft <* *- •__; ■a aS a Area. a a _ a © 7. **& © 73-d © 73 d ■2 „ "S £ . ag g Area, a a g Area, a a I 3« I 3« Acres. , £ I 1 Ordinary Grown Lands — Hawke's Bay Wellington Canterbury Otago.. Acres. 2 3,767 £ 318 1 10 2 8911 44 19,225, 1,205 9.404J 220 Acres. £ Acres. £ Acres. £ '2 9! 4041 254 1 '' 1 '' Totals 2 I 3,767 I 318 13 29,520 1,469 9,404 254! Cheviot Estate — Canterbury I 2.797J 461 2,797 ! 824 ■ • I • ■ National-endowment Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland '2 I 3^288 205 2 3 6 4 27 12 8,808! 35 6,042 94 2,651 33! 3,900: 158 39,928 1,019 31,323 432 2 3 6 15 27 12 8,808 6,042 25,120| 39,928 31,304 116 I ,046 59 2,559 1,175 686 2 4,272 107 ■ J 2 7,748 480 j Totals 4 11,036 6851 54 92,652 .1,771 65 113,842 5,641 .. [ 2 4,272 107 Grand totals .. 6 |14,803 I ,003 71 124,969J 3,701 71 126,0431 6,719 .. i .. 2 4,272 107 Ex Tenu ichannes to other res during the Year. Freeholds a to 31st March .cquired , 1915.* Net Area hei l 31st March, Id 1915. Amount of Rent received during the Year. Arrears ( 31st March, on , 1915 01 District. _ © jo a a ft . Annual Area ' Rental. OS u © ■a_s j Area. 11 ftft | Total Amount realized. O CO * _ ©5 •a _ as Area. Annual Rental. o _ „ ©2 •? o Ami g © p© lOUllt. Ordinary Grown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Marlborough Canterbury Otago 1 2 S Acres. £ 5,000 44 6,052 235 7,hm 308 Acres. 2 3,990 I 1,301 3 3,267 £ 2,756 3,885 6,055 2 47 3 67 10 10 85 Acres. 17,374 III.923 2,786 57,899 5,172 22,541 197,197 £ 639 7,856 46 3,354 119 1,579 5,498 £ 732 8,005 153 3,003 112 2,319 5,867 1 I io : 1 I io £ 69 19 258 Totals 11 18,628 587 6 8,558 12,696 224 414,892 19,091 20,191 12 346 Jheviol Estate — Canterbury 31 45,021 6,787 6,034 li 833 Land for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland 4 2 1 4,380 2 \ 944 978 877 465 49 2 4,997 2,748 I ,479 4,999 4 12 7 28 43 10 1 18,512 15,283 9,127 49,1.50 81,452 10,953 1,150 167 3,561 1,795 6,809 10,989 1,615 77 165 3,325 1,435 7,521 9,547 1,456 58 2 4 189 177 1 1 ,658 2,582 Totals 8,302 1,391 9,403 9,060 105 185,627 25,013 23,507 li 366 National-endowment Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland 13 52 7 11 9 75 58 283 20 50,803 172,993 7,870 11,898 16,758 213,456 216,038 999,876 66,531 439 4,148 152 481 109 3,068 9,153 19,346 1,033 382 3,566 59 414 120 3,266 8,348 19,781 932 '_ 1 8 1 197 27 228 237 Totals 528 1,756,223 37,929 36,868 12 689 Grand totals 18 26,930 1,978 10 17,961 21,756 891 2,401,763 88,820 86,600 36 2,234 * These freeholds were all aci [tiired during tho year.

a—l.

Table 16. —Return of Pastoral Runs at 31st March, 1915.

58

Taken up daring the Year. Exchanges to other Tenures duvim; the Year. Foi durinj •feiturr-s ; the Year. Expiries during the Year. Rei during tiewals ; tlie Year. District. O co _ . Ss _3 x> © Area. _ p as a © a © <K ft o „ © o X! o Area. g © p"© ft* O a; , u 5.2 ft" 1 O co & o Area. as ft x o_ ft « r: <o S3 If Area. Area,. Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Acres. £ Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. I 5,326 5 139,100 ' 840 5 109,950 77 5 5 3 75,743 15 125,821 13 59,710 20 56,423 4 4,700 3 15 13 20 4 I II 13 12 I 1,143 107,700 55,893 14,851 950 7 30,980 320 3 3,750 18 7 3 " Totals . . 20 283.780 ! 1,255 5,326 55 322,397 38 180,537 National-endowment Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland I 4 3 1 43,310 ! 49 47,900 1,140 39.348 1 320 I 33,600 2 I 8 I 17,100 4,300 442,109 7,300 2 3 1 30,050 4,300 189,410 7,300 Totals .. 130,558 t 1,509 33,600 12 470.809 231,060 Grand totals 28 414,338 2,764 38,926 67 93,206 45 411,597 District. Sui dunni °£ ©o ■3 8 a © a © •_, co g the Year. Net Area heU1 on 8l8t March. 1915. O co" k g a._„ -S Area (approxi- Average Annual Areu " g_ matel.v). Holdings. Rental. a © ft <o Selectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1915. Rent paid during the Year © tl S s 1 3 a ft < Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland . . Acres. Acres. 75,733 58,102 Acres. 5,049 5,282 £ 221 854 £ 71 892 £ 3 22 15 11 I 2 88,000 04,170 4 2 34 58 72 170 64 100,813 165,829 55],246 952,532 1,878,398 2,291,130 680,894 25,203 82,914 16,213 16,423 26,088 13,477 10,639 1.814 330 3,237 667 15,924 15,378 2,747 1,815 180 3.285 647 17,295 15,307 2,766 I 150 3 3-1 2 30 3 67 3 2 3 1 (iOO Totals.. 152,770 430 6,754,677 15,709 41,172 42,258 12 303 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury 1,619 1,619 190 190 Land for Settlements — Canterbury Otago 725 805 ■12 S3 4 201 133 Totals 1,530 382 125 133 National-endowment Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 9 1 14 1 15 22 58 51 28 92,935 186 28,219 10,000 311,140 274,050 1,256,184 1,136,306 669,070 10,326 186 2,016 10,000 20,743 12,456 143,309 22,281 23,895 155 12 712 34 1,380 300 21,824 8,532 2,154 133 12 1,033 1,275 255 21,554 9,578 2,066 5 12 * 1,730 3 2 2 38 38 6 Totals 1,730 199 3,778,090 19,059 35,103 35,906 12 94 Grand totals 154,500 634 10,535,916 16,645 76,590 78,487 21 397 > Included unde. Ordii lar; down Dam

59

A—i

Table 17. — Return of Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses not otherwise enumerated at 31st March, 1915.

Transactions during Year ended 31rt March, 1915. Total Amount received _ during the Year.* Total Area in Occupation mArrear 31st March, 1915. sistMardi, 1915. _. M -e Annual & 1 Area ' Rental. £ Amount. p s ft z District. Coal and Mineral. . Timber-cutting, Ac. Flax-cut ]ting. MisceUanei HIS. Total Area leased during the Year. 9 § ft Area. Annual Rental. a i a ft Area. Total Amount received. _ © _: a z Area. Total Amount received. -_ a ft Area. Annual Rental. Amount. Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 2 Acres. 2,300 £ 102 1 Acres. •• 200 I •• £ 12.526 61 652 7,592 645 3,249 3 480 303 2,123 •• I "i Acres. '.5 £ 84 52 46 95 39 58 21 16 48 46 67 41 Acres. 18,924 53.767 482 946 2,567 574 37,992 78,436 4,937 5,041 £ 1 ,024 7.240 69 225 29 34 98 761 115 129 Acres. 21,224 53,767 682 946 2,582 891 38,394 78,786 4,937 5,275 £ Acres, j £ 16,616 463 ! 98,928 \ 4,471 44 9,057 155 . 93,220 : 7,647 7 1,259 190 | 2,659 592 j 13 10,331 487 69,587 2,679 ! 40 1,504 356, 124,954 1.295! 40 4,312 205 : 41,766 1.240 7 1,023 553 ! 123,761 j 885 32 4,638 688 j 187,469 3,742 43 2,203 1,005 ! 105,971 1,451 ii 3,885 478 ' 32,081 1,185 .. £ 64 84 89 92 370 142 47 186 2 _i? i ioo 5 2 250 4 402 2 234 3 •• ! 7 Totals .. 2,634 110 767 27,634 190 457 |203,666 9,724 207,484 54,828 4,580 j 880,396 25,187 !237 1,081 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury 330 53 1,184 1 295 46 Land for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 31 4 134 '■'. i I 4 2 3 188 20 55 28 7 14 188 i 20 55 342 42 1 O I 218 457 4 1,134 262 2 475 1,015 24 42 ' 15 i 17 49 ! 3 j 43 94 11 ! 1,466 397 3 1,438 3,769 35 1,094 2,322 83 230 238 3 539 257 2 3i0 736 17 3 1 2 1 5 5 •• 28 5 6 1 342 42 i 5 ! 78 7 1 5 o 54 . . i Totalg 197 21 652 135 652 i 3,591 275 10,607 2,332 16 06 National-endowment Lands— Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Westland Canterbury Otago Southland .. i I 3,165 .. j 296 .. 1,554 .. 8,594 .. 53 '.'. i I i 8 3 8 18 2 4 io9: •• i 2,419 4,830 33,842 258 8 16 30 213 5 109 i 2,419 6,830 33,842 258 19 3,236 12 I 10,355 15 1 28,540 296 3 I 305 49 5 j 1,989 2,230 192 I 48,649 9,576 317 I 113,898 149 3 j 4,884 179 21 ] 16,423 53 i 1 I 19 149 15 10 256 805 778 210 118 1 4 2 32 17 1 73 22 140 30 58 i 2,000 8 1 19 1 ■ • i •• Totals 2,019 13,662 35 41,458 272 43,477 15,783 i 555 225,062 2,342 56 323 Grand totals 41,493 5 ! 417 j 198 25i,6l3 74,532 !5,463 4,653 119 767 13 !245,776 10,131 11,117,249 | 30,156 310 1,516 • Includes ci il and timber royalties and receipts from State forests.

c—l.

Table 18. —Return of Gross Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

60

Tenure. •c a _ o •3 a § a_ 2 St. a _ K H fc _ a o CO % ft _ p , o _ _ _ o MS a •o a „ CO © §7 I 6 I $ 5 s_ _' £ ._ p o /: _ 73 -_ o f Ordinary Crown Lands, <See. Cash lands Perpetual lease made freehold (Land Act, I 885) Perpetual loase made freehold (Land Laws Amendment Acts, 1913 and 1914) Occupation with right of purchase made freehold Lease in perpetuity made freehold Renewable lease made freehold Pastoral licenses in mining districts made freehold Small grazing-runs made freehold Deferred payment (Land Acts, 1877 and 1885) Deferred payment (Land Laws Amendment Acts, 1912, 1913, etc.) Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Renewable lease Agricultural lease Mining districts land occupation leases Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Cjal and mineral leases and royalties Timber licenses and sale of timber . . Flax-cutting State forests Other miscellaneous leases and licenses Payments of capital value under section 191 of the Land Act, 1908 Miscellaneous £ 4,197 920 233 £ £ £ 1,691 301 1,141 390 106 366 199 £ 674 £ 713 £ 321 Mil 38 £ £ 1,258 1,597 864 2,304 215 88 £ I .920 254 443 £ 13,813 5,368 1,216 20,890 12,139 9.485 2,823 20,107 5,764 4.192 23,283 165 526 723 526 723 1,369 165 115 833 201 5,885 1,547 1,729 2,371 56,759 57,388 155 2,756 3,885 .. 6,055 132 14 162 41 20 12,696 176 8,005 I . 577 1,831 466 2,387 876 876 132 675 527 42,303 6,780 392 65 157 148 19,921 17,188 23,616 1 5,153 9,107 11,451 I 1,371 989 926 l II 1,203 1,895 11 1,203 1,895 27 1,009 2,986 17 412 945 17 4,2 945 301 854 399 1,376 4,452 5,276 394 3,177 2,146 2,501 110,604 50,191 3,678 27 1,347 2,297 464 1,684 62 552 14 125 125 161 '.'. '27 508 174 62 552 161 732 71 468 3,878 84 8,648 3,538 8,005 153 3,003 892 .. 1,815 "61 651 7,012 180 Oil A 180 264 645 52 264 645 112 3,285 196 1 3,053 I ,062 647 124 3 46 850 647 124 3 46 2,319 5,867 17,295 [5,307 23 49-1 114 133 366 170 4,135 1,406 2,766 599 847 7! 1,276 1,156 20,191 42,258 1,972 13,540 190 14,094 25,032 572 1 5801 8,996 607 2,739 572 52 543 543 850 1 1,875 397! 356 30 294; 294j 967 125 4,060 16 Totals I14,056i 67,907 37,097 105,585 8,500, 13,827 4,265 39,481 37,462 i19,950 448,130 Land for Settlements. ('ash lands Lease in perpetuity made freehold Ronewablo leaso made freehold Small grazing-runs made freehold Deferred payments Lease in perpotuity Renewable lease Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Coal and mineral leases and royalties Timber licenses and sale of timber. . Flax-cutting Other miscellaneous leases and licenses Payments of capital value under section 191 of the Land Act, 1908 Miscellaneous .. .. • .. 341 20,134 2,625 1,479 7,118 15,185 6,082 165 14,561 39 7,582 34,750 25,449 3,325 4,531 199 4,283 2,891 934 36 .18,415 90 1,970 13,179 5,187 1,435 ■ 889 1,699 1,090 4,999 1,636 10,977 4,557 7,521 102 11,381 4,811 53,031 48,421 9,547 3,838 481 30,689 17,050 1,456 133 25 28 75 6,146 773 2,582 862 9,146 3,217 58 554 79,006 4,816 9,060 28,743 171,204 112,596 23,507 133 30 197 467 31 134 5 4 187 453 4 1,000 262 2 470 1,400 962 "24 1,400 8 369 20 44 216 462 2 656 1,777 Totals 53,355 86,532! |i2,842 41,466 2,632| 31,258 469 429,630 54,664 23,539 436,387 Cheviot Estate. Cash lands Lease in perpetuity Renewable lease Grazing-farms Pastoral runs Coal and mineral leasee Timber licenses and sale of timber.. Flax-cutting .. .. Other miscellaneous leases and licenses Payments of capital value under section 191 of the Land Act, 1908 Miscellaneous 40 6,627 431 6,034 190 40 6,627 431 6,034 190 330 330 Totals 13,652 13,652 National-endowment Lands. Cash lands Renewable leases Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations Small grazing-runs 5,220 128 3,759 2,651 1,642 2,010 430 588 956 403 440 966 823 19,054 961 382 3,566 59 414 120 3,266 8,348 19,781 932 36,868 (Jarried forward 1,359 8,788 5,730 7,325 2,710 2,056 2,560 3,854| 20,746 1,755 50,883

o.—l.

Table 18. —Return of Gross Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1915— continued.

61

Tenure. 13 a _ © a «1 CO *© . ._ t. E _ 5« H a I a I * I a o CO 13 ft__ ■a -d _> p ,s I ,-. _- +J u o «* § | 4* i o 0 I O •a , a _ 3 0 CO CO 73 o H National-endowment Lands —continued. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ fr#___| 56,883 i__ ,_ j Brought forward . . .. Pastoral runs Coal and mineral leases Timber licenses and sale of timber Flax-cutting Other miscellaneous leases and licenses Payments of capital value under section 191 of the Land Act, 1908 Miscellaneous 5,730j 7,325 2,710 2,050 2,560 3,854 1,359 8,788 20,746 1,755 133 12 I ,033 497 1,554 1,275 255 455 8,594 8 519 21.554 9,578 2,066 35,906 952 13,662 8 I ,161 3,165 296 "63 71 15 49 179 149 179 1 I 2 Totals 9,099 7,352 3.007! 3,138 4,791 5,129 I!,190 30.491 30,503 3,874 108,574 Educational-endowment Lands. Primary Secondary 3,9451 I ,492 8,703 1,869 5,405 961 9,393 2,563 5001 117 4681 89! 304! 209 22,088 135 4,110 723 115,864 164 70,780 8,322 Totals 79.102 5,437| 10,572 6,366! 11,956 617 557 513 22,223 4.833 16.028 Other Endowment Lands. Cash lands Perpetual lease made freehold Occupation with right of purchase made freehold Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations made freehold Deferred payments Porpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Renewable lease Mining districts land occupation leases Small grazing-runs Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations Pastoral runs Coal and mineral leases Timber licenses and sale of timber.. Flax-cutting Other miscellaneous leases and licenses Miscellaneous 125 53 30 193 76 8 23 15 I 54 56 " 140 275 80 61 73 1,498 274 89 270 265 53 30 I 93 76 282 23 1,682 62 73 2,138 56 1,539 .. 18,958 212 39 4,878 1,228 6,106 21,596 286 35 no 2 854 19 I . I 52 9 "50 19 "71 2,286 • • Totals 744 854! 434 20,536 2,686 1,548 6,7991 1,604 35,207 Thermal springs districts leases 1,881 1,881 Survey liens on Native land 15,81 3,398 1,972 4,745 10 56 25,996 Miscellaneous 4,997 910 2,670 2,804 82 651 307j 957; 816 14,198 Grand totals 205,384 176,673 64,808 170,128 37,168; 151,482 19,430 237,025! 135,218 65,811 1,163,127

C—l.

Table 19. —Rebates of Rent granted under Section 116 of the Land Act, 1908, and Section 55 of the Land for Settlements Act, 1908, during the Year ended the 31st March, 1915.

Table 20. —Arrears of Rent due to the Crown at 31st March, 1915.

62

District. ] Number of i Amount of Tenants who ; at( , have been ,__„»,„i [ranted Rebate.! « ralltwi ' t District. Number of Tenants who have been granted Rebate. Amount of Rebate granted. Ordinary Crown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland [ £ 5,734 3,904 494 2,329 1.307 2,263 2,000 3,024 330 108 360 377 385 132 492 356 701 679 766 512 Land for Settlements —contd. Otago Southland 746 242 £ 5,1 35 971 Totals 4,948 28,984 National-endowment Lands Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson. . Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 595 57 79 80 97 79 377 493 218 II I 35 47 Totals 12.569 13,684 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury 12 138 128 46 78 94 304 715 Land for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury I ,061 616 62 300 26 359 24 1,512 1,601 6,470 277 I , 779 133 2,219 49 10.290 Totals Grand totals 19,066 1,245 44,882 I ,499 Other Endowment Lands — Nelson Westland Canterbury 16 200 115 4 73 152

District. Number of Selectors. Amount in Arrear, exclusive of current Half-year's Payment. District. Amount In i-„ i.tl Arrear, exolu- . p. r si ve of current .Selectors. j Hsl£ . ye „. ( Payment. Jrdinary Grown Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 406 19 86 174 128 14 61 66 62 1 £ 4,336 400 1,164 1,904 1 ,211 346 142 297 299 I National-endowment Lands — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson. . Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 98 5 5 6 106 8 44 4 7 3 £ 1 ,005 221 93 646 2,018 228 161 333 23 6 Totals 1,017 10,100 Totals 286 4,734 Jheviol Estate — Canterbury Thermal springs (Rotorua) .. 15 924 40 194 Land for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 59 11 1 27 5 12 I 137 32 7 1,277 389 8 822 728 366 8 2,757 1,236 238 Education Endowments — Primary Secondary 152 27 1,749 141 Totals 179 1,890 Grand totals 1 ,829 25,671 Totals Other endowment lands 292 ' 7,829 76 292

C.-l

63

Table 21. —Statement showing Payments to Local Bodies during the Year ended 31st March, 1915, from "Thirds" of Deferred-payment, Perpetual-lease, Occupation-with-right-of-purchase, Renewable-lease, and Lease-in-perpetuity Lands, "Fourths" of Small Grazing-runs, and "Halves" of Timber and Flax Royalties.

Table 22. —Return showing Payments of Capital Value under Section 191 of the Land Act, 1908, at 31st March, 1915.

District. "Thirds," Deferred-payment, Perpetual-lease, Oceupation-with-I'ight-of-purehase, Renewable-lease, and Lease-in-porpetuity Lands. " Fourths," Small Grazing-runs. " Halves," Timber and Flax. Total Payments. Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough .. Westland Canterbury Otago Southland £ 13,816 7,029 6,653 7,411 2,050 750 783 427 876 1,423 £ 67 410 2 £ I ,288 25 32 192 1.007 128 3,291 5 111 356 £ 15,171 7,464 6,687 7,603 3,077 1,301 4,074 1,443 4,117 1,798 •20 423 1,011 3,130 19 Totals 41,218 5,082 6,435 52,735

Amoi tint deposited during the Year. 'otal Payments made to 31st March, 1915. System and Tenure. o CO |H r- © O XI 5 aco ft "o si PcO ft I rp nt .„i Annual : Original Payments Be °'" Aveaheld, Annual payalile. Capital & \\ e^h value. rai y m6nts Area held. Amount deposited. Ordinary Crown Lands — Lease in perpetuity Renewable lease 9 Acres. 799 £ 572 22 2 Acres. 3,550 1 £ 155 5 £ I ,781 52 £ 97 3 Totals 9 799 572 24 3,551 160 I , 833 100 Jheviol Estate —■ Lease in perpetuity 107 56 99!) 6 Land for Settlements — Loase in perpetuity Renewable lease 3 467 1,400 5 2 621 822 379 23 5.482 220 106 13 Totals .. 3 467 I ,400 1 ,443 402 5,702 119 Grand totals 12 I ,266 1,972 32 5,101 618 8,534 225 * Doposii is aggrei igate 33 or aore per ci mt, in e (very case,

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Table 23. —Return of Forfeitures and Surrenders during the Year ended 31st March, 1915, showing under each Tenure the Number of Selectors who have forfeited and surrendered their Holdings, and the Area and Rental of such Holdings.

64

Tenure. F Number. Forfeitures. Forfeiture Area. es. Annual Rental. Surrenders. Area. ! Annual Rental. Number. Ordin Lav ds — Perpetual lease . . .. Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Renewable lease Mining districts land occupation leases Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations Pastoral runs Miscellaneous 3 86 6 5 2 5 Acres. 56 29,335 I , 918 1 110 1,802 £ 5 1 ,641 50 II 3 50 1 4 2 7 Acres. 207 21 100 2,147 £ "7 15 5 61 I 155 5,326 1.1,653 33 512 4 26 J 52.770 4,007 328 138 Totals 263 50,201 2,305 44 159.252 554 Land for Settlements — Lease in perpetuity Renewable lease Miscellaneous 3 25 7 I 6,581 57 3 1,286 48 8 3 14,535 25 1,075 6 Totals .. 38 6,639 1,337 11 14,560 1,081 Natiorml-endowrnenI Lands — Renewable lease Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Miscellaneous 58 7 15,132 1.048 542 32 8 5 2 6,406 2.313 4,272 1,730 38,464 43 41 107 I 383 I 26 33,600 12,585 675 60 8 Totals 92 62.365 1.309 23 53,185 575 Education Endowments— Primary Secondary Hi 8 86 is 71 149 18 11 4,023 997 610 97 Totals .. 24 134 220 29 5,020 707 Grand totals 414 119.339 5,171 107 232,017 2,917

65

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Table 24. —Return showing the Total Number of Selectors, with Area of Crown Land selected or held, the Yearly Rent payable, and the Area made Freehold at 31st March, 1915.

Summary showing Total Land held in each Land District.

9—C. 1.

Total Tenure. Number Selectors. Total Area held. Total Total Arei Yearly Rental made Freehold. Instalment Number payable. Purcnaaers . Area. _ __: j Ordinary Crown Lands — Cash Deferred payment (Land Acts, 1877 and 1885) 11 Deferred payment (Land Laws Amendment 191 Acts, 1912 and 1913) Perpetual lease . . .. . . . . 643 Occupation with right of purchase .. .. 0,030 Lease in perpetuity .. .. .. 6,407 Renewable lease .. .. .. .. 302 Agricultural lease . . .. .. .. 16 Mining districts land occupation teases . . 695 Homestead Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special 499 regulations Small grazing-runs . . .. . . 224 Pastoral runs .. .. .. .. 430 Miscellaneous leases .. .. .. 4,580 Acres. 832 53,117 33 ' 9,521 3,349 27 Acres. 13,164,651 1,090,307 0,125 61,495 I,847,471 1,440,676 16.010 541 24,959 2,533 i 2,736 127,087 2,104 54,491 I ,000 3,474 3 23 i I ,475 I ,424 525 2,962 812,810 556.925 219,583 8 140.890 80.453 122,273 414,892 0,754,677 880,396 19,091 6 41,172 25,187 8,558 Totals.. .. .. .. 20,028 20,028 11,017,945 280,820 10,080,370 Cheviot Estate — Cash Lease in perpetuity .. .. . . 210 Renewable lease .. .. .. .. 14 Grazin.g-farms .. .. .. .. 34 Pastoral runs .. .. .. . . 1 Miscellaneous .. .. . . . . 53 210 14 34 1 53 20,800 659 45,021 1,619 1,184 7.294 509 6,787 190 295 6,855 'totals .. .. .. .. 312 312 75,349 15,075 0,855 Land for Settlements — Cash Deferred payment (Land Laws Amendment 232 Acts, 1912 and 1913) Lease in perpetuity . . .. .. 3,358 Renewable lease .. .. .. .. 1,503 Small grazing-runs .. .. .. 105 Pastoral rune .. .. .. .. 4 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. 275 232 3,358 1,503 105 4 275 31,645 030,822 620,228 185,627 1,530 10,607 7,995 183,925 139,708 25,013 125 2,332 41 184 09 4 539 1,566 20,277 16,823 9,403 TotalB . . .. .. . . 5,477 5,477 1,480,459 359,098 48,608 National-endowment Lands — Renewable lease .. .. .. ■. 2,123 Mining districts land occupation leases . . I Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special 361 regulations Small grazing-runs .. .. . . 528 Pastoral runs . . . . .. .. 199 Miscellaneous leases .. .. .. 555 2,123 1 361 547.115 12 68,126 26,516 1 1,665 528 199 555 I,756,223 3,778,090 225,062 37,929 35,103 2,342 Totals.. .. .. .. 3,767 3,767 6,374,628 103,556 Thermal springs (Rotorua) . . .. .. 315 315 4,053 2,090 Education Endowments — Primary . . • • ■ • • • • • 3,117 Secondary .. .. .. . • 369 3,117 369 764,822 38,517 71,146 8,415 Totals .. .. .. .. 3,486 3,486 803,339 79,561 Grand totals .. .. .. 33,385 33,385 20,355,773 840,206 16,141,839 Other endowment lands .. .. .. 816 810 376,486 15,443

District. Number of Selectors. Area held. Annual Rental. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 7,814 1,938 2,314 4,124 2,074 I ,324 2,242 3,694 4,841 3,020 Acres. I,958,420 1,047,818 059,041 I,020,848 846,309 1,497,150 1,637,127 4,298,858 5,326,162 2,064,040 I I j £ 106,387 138,459 45,783 88,627 14,845 44,399 7,791 225,636 122,646 45,633 Totals 33,385 20,355,773 840,206

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Table 25 .— Endowment Lands (other than National Endowment) taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

66

ild for Hash. Leasi Re Bo id under Education serves and Public lies' Leases Acts. 'astoral I_i ins. Mil Ls tl ling Disti ind Occu] ion Lease ■icts paMisci ot illaneous ler Leasi and _. District. Nature of Endowments. P as s% fcPn Area. _ I fc Area. Annual Rental. M I I. Area. _ X! I fc Area. 3 B _ fc Area. "5 _ So a © •.M Educational Endowments — Primary Secondary Primary Acres. 22 12 5 2 4 5 1 Acres. 666 306 200 571 68 923 54 £ 129 148 773 18 101 59 5 Acres. Acres. £ Acres. £ Acres. Auckland Hawke's Bay l'aranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Secondary Primary Secondary Primary 1 1 1 6 10 29 4 1 1,263 394 16,500 I I 489 218 687 15 4 12,182 832 2 3* 30 3 80 30 Secondary Totals 101 20,947 2,643 12,182 832 5 30 83 441 "» 280 3 37 19 758 30 788 113 ! Well ington Nelson Westland Canterbury Wanganui Harbour Board Westport Harbour Board Grey Harbour Board Lake Ellesmere 5 54 1 ,5 • 6 I Totals 5 51 15 Grand totals.. 4 j 12,182 6 55 101 20,947 2,643 832 I 15 12 * Leases under Coi il-i lues Ai >vei

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Table 26. —Return of Education Endowments at 31st March, 1915.

67

District. _ ©_s §* . og= * rrt * _ •■_ _ 0! o © © ©,_ Taken up during the Expiries during the Year. Year. Renewal of Li duriug the Y eases 'ear. •3, I cr. _ ~-2 a.„«. i Annual ,,.„„ Annual ■5 8 Alea " Rental. g Aloa " Rental. 3t_ g fc fc © Area. XI a 3 fc Annual Rental. Pi ■ima\ 7/ Educ lion. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Acres. Acres. . 116,020 2,341 80,184 209 51,120 2,203 94,698 94 9,412 775 1,120 14,613 70,160 1,537 45,520 241 . 348,418 41,809 22 5 2 4 5 Acres. 666 200 571 68 923 £ 129 773 18 101 59 13 11 2 14 Acres. 1,626 11,451 3 793 £ 97 586 17 167 13 6 4 3 Acres. 1,589 11,204 16 696 £ 233 704 47 173 I 36 ie 1 30 21 6 12 36 1,263 424 28,682 489 221 1,599 23 33 36 3,619 2,792 42,224 1.386 133 679 12 20 19 2,082 2,401 17,663 1,664 226 7i7 Totals . 831,265 49,209 831,265 49,209 92 32,797 3,389 133 62,544 3,081 78 35,681 3,785 Sei ;ondi \ry Edm •ation. ~nd Hawke's Bay taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury J tago Southland 10,333 7,484 2,354 12,178 802 284 4,448 I ,024 2,100 579 288 12 306 148 3 687 15 3 682 58 1 1 54 5 1 1 I 4 15 2 1 3 I 6 2 2 3 10 1 Totals 41,586 289 IS 362 169 (i 691 23 5 685 »>s Grand totals .. 872,851 49,498 110 33,159 3 558 139 63,235 3,104 83 36,366 3,853 Forfeitun the V is during ear. SlUTO] tl idol's d to Yea: luring r. Net ,rea held on 31st March, 1915. Selectors in Arrear ou 31st March, 1915. District. Area, -a J ga _ © a« <1 "o u _ r-l a" _ © 3t_ fc 1 Area Annual Area " Rental. I r Gross Amount received during the Year. u _] a ° 5 a fc • . u o s g 3 fc © 2 3 Area. — 73 3 a a« <l V. ;ary Ei 1 Acres. lucat m. • £ 3,945 8,703 5,405 9,393 500 468 304 22,088 4,110 15,864 £ 45 226 10 54 26 244 29 361 10 76 4 .15 4 66 11 619 10 23 3 65 4 Acres. £ £ 523 209 351 500 86 40 5.1 218 380 759 Acres. £ 3 68,379 3,925 9 80,014 8,953 1 49,414 5,819 0 92,709 9,780 6 5,320 420 0 1,120 450 1 13,478 311 8 69,862 22,132 0 45,332 4,027 9 339,194 15,329 Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 2 2 "5 1 9 3 1 2 3 "7 213 I 2 8 4 45 10 26 29 10 4 4 11 10 3 3 9 "3 77 1 58 2 10 30 3,772 4 592 Totals. . 16 86 71 IS 4,023 610 3,117 764,822 71,146 70,780 152 1,749 Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Si iconi lary Et ,uca. Hon. ■ 8 48 149 3 1 16 161 26 42 12 27 3 30 8,596 7,483 2,297 12,177 798 255 3,209 1,024 2,100 578 1,361 1,889 921 2,693 120 85 109 270 726 241 1,492 1,869 961 2,563 117 89 209 135 723 164 16 4 2 4 99 7 27 6 1 992 50 7 37 47 21 1 4 2 Totals.. 8 48 149 I I 997 97 369 38,517 8,415 8,322 27 141 Grand totals 24 134 220 29 5,020 707 3,486 803,339 79,561 79,102 179 1,890

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Table 27. —Return showing the Area of Land settled under Village-settlement Conditions to the 31st March, 1915.

Table 28. —Return showing the Area of Land settled under Special-settlement-association Conditions to the 31st March, 1915.

Table 29. —Return showing The Area of Land settled under Improved-farm-settlement Conditions to the 31st March, 1915.

68

Area held at 31st Ml i,rcli, 1915, Area mai to le Freehold late. Total Amount advanced to Selectors for Improvtnn nts up to 31st Mnrcl), 1915. District. U-, _ _° Sa as A © CO Annual Rental payable, ini hiding Interest on Advances. Amount of Advances which have been repaid to 31st March, 1915. Number of Selectors. Area, held. Number of Purchasers. Area acquired. i Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 5 14 3 57 3 2 42 2 39 90 128 16 716 49 16 347 221 309 Acres. 3,464 3,802 , 74 11,789 465 129 10,253 3,316 4,566 £ 283 2,013 12 2,717 82 19 I . 766 612 519 79 407 439 618 14 20 757 249 I ,011 Acres. 267 2,226 3,151 3,495 66 85 5,246 2,898 9,156 £ 2,312 877 6,893 104 £ 2,229 428 5,709 15 2,580 llsio 1,106 '_28 Totals 167 1,892 37,858 8,023 3,594 26,590 13,872 10,319 Ellesmer c Endowment, Canterbury 57 1,419 282 10 10

District. - © g _! © as a Q ________ Area held at 31st March, 1915. Number of Area held i Ann «al Selectors. Aieahem. | Kontal I Area made Freehold to Date Number of I Area Purchasers.! acquired. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Canterbury .. Otago 6 2 9 50 4 1 57 12 86 396 40 14 Acres. 9,534 2,400 15,604 7.1,422 4,579 2,765 £ 278 92 838 4,225 298 121 63 54 2 869 1 Acres. 6,734 » 4,810 400 89,677 71 Totals 72 605 106,304 5,852 989 101,692

h S ©a Area held at 31st March, 1915. Area made Freehold to Date. Total Amount advanced to Selectors for Improvements. District. *■ r_3 as _ © fc N S U e?eXs 0, | *"ld. Annual Rental. Number of , Area Purchasers, acquired. _uokland .. lawke's Bay 'aranaki . . Vellington louthland 12 2 19 19 4 117 15 343 236 34 Acres. 15,946 1,692 48,562 30,332 3,649 . £ 1,751 219 5,315 3,252 218.. .. 8 2 14 109 ... .. . 8 Acres. 799 219 I ,075 10,857 752 £ 26,696 2,020 44,754 35,082 12,058 Totals 66 745 100,181 10,755 .141 . 13,702 120,610

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Table 30.— Lands disposed of under the Land for Settlements Acts to the 31st March, 1915.

Table 31. —Transactions in Bush, Swamp, and Scrub Lands under Section 127 of the Land Act, 1908, during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

69

_S_*Sf oo_3f_a acquired, h ,.» , District. including y " d surplus. unlet _ra ■ _r_„ & ■SSS°SSh° Total _ 3 cs 3 „ ca " or mi •3 _■_-?; ©Sa£a' ~*r-r-_S..q'3_]i_2 °S _].3_^_ _© o|Sa_«o_© a£ « 2 g © © o * S oi fl tS ©.2.2 _, n a s MS gg •. _ fc* .roa purchai ide Freeholi led for Cash 1 to Dato. Total Lands leased o ca © o X o Area. as 3 © a*" at Date. Annual 1 .ental. Area. Price realized. Acres. Acres. Auckland .. .. 288,882 7,499 Hawke's Bay .. 226,220 2,133 Taranaki .. .. 5,331 62 Wellington .. .. 71,815 784 Nelson .. .. 34,501 765 Marlborough .. 213,526 2,533 Westland .. .. 5,125 102 Canterbury.. .. 501,232 3,236 Otago .. .. 223,887 2,572 Southland .. .. 86,124 945 Acres. 72,182 264 36 6 4,298 30 6,083 1 11,029 10 J £ 34,011 2,691 371 2,002 2 2,806 £ Acres. 49,660 904 175,190 17,121 688 221,396 9,008 80 4,898 25,609 420 64,731 11 40 27,651 6,533 : 438 196,910 31 5,023 12,653 1,70.1 496,467 6,765 I 877 I 218,673 10,861 l 298 : 69,520 £ 24,562 72,950 3,934 22,348 2,515 29,700 540 129,032 57,469 15,448 113 33 I,866 16 11,186 26 1 1,416 776 4,473 Totals .. 1,656,643 20,631 656,643 20,631 106,757 422 48,608 138,221 j 5,477 1,480,459 359,098 Yea.lv Total v..,._ _f Amount Value of „, lv „ n „ H r Unlet "dvancec District. Landat Sole l c ° or( Yearly Value of Unlet ' Land at 81st March, 1915. Total Amount ridvanced to Selectors for Improvements. Rent anil other Payments received during the Year. Arrears on Total 31st March, Receipts 1915. from Inception to 8l8 *19_6? Cb ' No ' Au ' oullt ' Holdings inspectei 31st Ma •_ _ o © , •a ©:£ Area. 91| fcPn Value of m< d during Yi irch, 1915. Improve ints. iar ended 1915 ' ments. Required. Actually made' £ £ Auckland .. .. 3,279 2,209 Hawke's Bay Taranaki . . ... .. 337 Wellington .. .. 1,494 2,510 Nelson .. .. 367 850 Marlborough .. .. 722 Westland Canterbury .. .. .188 2,785 Otago .. .. 716 I Southland .. .. 1,272 £ 3,279 I ,494 367 722 £ 2,209 337 2,510 850 £ 53,355 86,532 12,842 j 41,466 2,632 31,258 469 128,230 54,664 23,539 £ £ 300,359 59 , 1,277 682,588 11 ! 389 55,080 1 8 252,901 27 822 13,639 5 728 262,120 12 366 7,710 I 8 1,105,213 137 2,757 570,803 32 1,236 150,857 7 238 Acres. 217 31,124 196 53,963 27 567 26 10,836 34 21,884 408 178,518 28 5,023 862 198,149 775 213,651 330 77,657 £ 24,454 105,105 1,760 5,573 13,355 102,327 3,320 ,299,204 1251,267 79,105 £ 92,163 191,801 8,404 20,905 25,254 242,889 19,000 391,366 361,864 146,613 188 716 1,272 2^785 Totals .. .. 8,038 8,691 8,038 8,691 434,987 3,461,270 292 7,829 2,903 791,372 885,470 1,500,259 Payments of capital value under section 191 of the LtJnd Act, 1908 1,400 5,702 Totals 436,387 3,466,972

Selections during the Year. Total Area held at 31st March, 1915. District. .a . ° _ S3 J x> "8 Area. as 3 © fc m . ' Heavy-bush Land. Heavy-bush Land. Light-bush Land. Scrub La *£ £2 Annual ° £ . Annual f S 2$ Area Rental »£ Area Rental ©£ Area 1 18 held. (re- | g held. (re- , f £ held. a© mitted). 3© mitted). s© fc m .. fc K | fc K Scrub Li md. Totals. Amount of Rental remitted during the Year. i Annual ° 8 ' Rental ©5 re- a, 2 mitted}. P_| •a'" Area held. 1 Annual Rental (remitted). 1 Taranaki .. Wellington Acres. £ 2 62 I Acres. £ Acres. I £ Acres. 2 2,827 198 ' .. j 62 58,135 4,403 .. Acres. £ 2,827 198 58,135 4,403 62,725 1,284 Acres. ........t £ 2 2 62 Acres. 2,827 58,135 £ 198 4,403 Nelson 37 23,257 477 107 107 62,725 1,284 20 11,313 225 2 597 20 11,313 225 2 11 129 74,635 ! 1,520 Totals 477 20 11,313 37 23,257 ll VI 123,687 |5,886 225 597 I I I 93 1135,597 6,121 I

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70

Table 32. —Inspections made by the Rangers for the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

Table 33. — Return of Lands alienated under Acts without Money Payment, or reserved by the Crown for Public Purposes.

Table 34. —Advances obtained for the purpose of roading Crown Lands, showing the Amount borrowed and the Amount repaid up to 31st March, 1915.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,350 copies, including illustrations and maps), £120.

Authority : John Macjkay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ls.

Price 2s._

District. Number of Properties visited. Value of Improvements. Area. For Reouired Actually Deficient Required. _ ad _ improvements only. For Nonresidence only. Numln ir of Defaulter.' For Nonresidence and Improvements. For 1 other Reasons Total. Auckland . . Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington. . Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury Otago Southland . . I ,I 78* 435 270 1,130 881 539 273 I ,086 1,070 1,502 Acres. £ £ 260,280 112,930 268,266 63 258,652 195,667 528.062 27 127,421 65,316 | 123,667 18 268,406 33,047 T62.425 3 378,776 132,614 212,277 106 499,402 135,964 350,228 13 63,729 29,853 : 76,922 5 733,475 328,585 473,000 156 437,850 278,505 431,423 122 299,331 99,631 I 237,229 31 178 11 1.7 51 88 21 4 16 39 15 88 9 16 6 60 I 3 2 332 49 51 59 254 35 10 176 161 62 1 4 it? Totals 8,364 3,327,322 1,412,112 ; 2,863,499 544 440 200 5 1,189 * In ad' Idition 1,4', _ iniscellaneoi is inspections were made, CO' ■eriug an an ia of 1,081 1,619 acres

During the Year ended 31st March, 1915. Total Area granted under Acts without Money Payment, or reserved for Public Purposes, from foundation of Dominion to 31st March, 1915. District. Crown Lands sot apart for various Public Purposes. Area granted under Special Acts. Total Area thus alienated during the Year. Auckland Hawke's Bay I'aranaki Wellington . . Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. Acres. 1,815 . 80 336 1,589 4,907 206 49,431 66 1,492 3,019 Acres. 735 Acres. 1,815 80 1,071 1,589 4,907 206 49,431 66 1,492 3,019 Acres. 3,640,930 437,223 713,805 890,639 311,421 222,445 308,545 1,369,047 591,999 3,554,257 Totals 62,941 735 63,676 12,040,311

Land District. Area. Amount borrowed. Amount repaid. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson.. Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago .. Southland Acres. 1,336,869 452,094 718,685 769,645 391,975 225,417 40,749 3,552 176,085 163,188 a 319,591 114,663 235,237 264,429 42,661 28,098 5,576 1,821 21,475 41,325 £ 130,829 58,777 137,895 184,489 8,007 26,776 1,921 796 23,743 22,083 Totals 4,284,259 1,074,876 595,316

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NORTH ISLAND (TE IKA-A-MAUI) MEW ZEALAND Showing Land Transactions, 1914-15.

SOUTH ISLAND (TE WAI-POUNAMU) NEW ZEALAND Showing Land Transactions, 1914-15.