DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1923 Session I-II, C-01

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Session 11. 1923. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

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

CONTENTS. General Report :— Pase Appendix II:— Page Review of Past Year .. .. .. 2 Land for Settlements— Departmental Conference .. .. .. 2 Estates opened for Selection .. .. 22 Land-reclamation Operations .. .. 2 Summary of Settlements established .. 22 Gisborne Land District .. .. .. 3 Extracts from Reports of Commissioners of Legislation .. .. .. . . 3 Crown LandsLands for Selection .. .. ... 4 North Auckland .. .. 30 Revaluations .. .. .. .. 5 Auokland .. .. .. .. 30 Extension of Licenses of Pastoral Runs .. 5 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 81 National Endowment .. .. .. 5 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 81 Forfeitures and Surrenders .. .. 5 Wellington .. .. .. .. 31 Receipts .. .. . • • • ■ • 5 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 31 Rebates .. .. .. ■. • • 5 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 31 Postponements .. .. .. .. 5 Westland .. .. .. .. 31 Arrears .. .. •• •• •• 6 Canterbury .. .. .. .. 81 Expenditure .. .. .. .. 6 Otago .. .. .. .. .. 32 Acquisition of Land by Persons of Enemy Southland .. .. .. .. 32 Origin .. .. . • • • • • 7 Inspection of Offices .. .. .. 7 appendix III:— Staff Employment .. .. ..7 . Departmental Changes 7 Land-drainage Operations .. .. 32 Head Office .. .. .. 9 Report on Cognate Subjects .. .. 9 Appendix IV : — T Sand.drift at Lyall Bay .. .. 36 Appendix 1:— Sand-dune Reclamation .. .. .. 36 Settlement of Crown Lands — North Auckland .. .. • • 10 T . _ Auckland.. .. .. 12 • Hawke's Bay .. .. ■■ 13 Table 1.- Lands of the Dominion, Position of Taranaki .. .. .. .. ■ • 15 (approximately) .. .. 39 Wellington .. .. .. ..15 „ 2.—Selections during the Year .. 40 Marlborough .. .. .. 16 „ 3.—A1l Lands held on Lease .. 40 Nelson .. • ■ • ■ ■ • 17 » 4-—Lands-for-settlement Lands .. 41 Westland.. .. .. •■ •• 18 „ s.—Endowment Lands leased and adCanterbury • • • • • • 19 ministered by Land Boards .. 41 Otago .. •■ •• •• ■• 20 „ o.—Receipts, Arrears, and PostponeSouthland .. .. •• ■• 21 ments .. .. .. 41

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Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, sth June, 1923. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report on the settlement of Crown land for the year ended 31st March, 1923. I have, &c, .1. B. Thompson, The Hon. D. IT. Guthrie, Minister of Lands. Under-Secretary. REPORT. Review of Past Year. A glance at the detailed reports submitted by the Commissioners of Crown Lands, in Appendix I, will show that the past year lias been one of progress, and that much more satisfactory conditions prevailed generally throughout the Dominion. The weather was favourable to farming excepl towards the end of the season, and there was a marked increase in development of land and its productiveness. The dairying industry was profitable, and proved the mainstay of a large proportion of the Crown tenants, and the upward lift given to the pastoral industry through higher prices being realized for the sale of wool materially assisted our runholders. Although there was a steidy demand for dairy-produce the prices were not high as compared with many previous years, whilst prices of dry stock have been consistently low, although lambs realized higher prices last season than for many years. However, there was a general improvement in farming conditions, and farmers view the future much more optimistically. This must be discounted to a certain extent by the fact that many landowners are still burdened with having to pay interest on the high prices that they paid for their holdings during the past few years ; but the position is gradually improving through concessions being granted in some cases by the mortgagees and in other cases by the passing of holdings to persons better able financially to work them. So far as the Crown is concerned, everything possible has been done to assist its tenants where it is seen that the oircunistanc.es of the case merit concessions being granted, and the Land Boards and the Government have in all cases manifested the greatest sympathy for the " trier." Although the percentage of unpaid rents is still very large, it is hoped that this will gradually diminish, and as times improve the position will work back to normal. Tenants may apply for revaluation of land or postponement of rent or extension of time to pay, and much has already been done in this direction. It may be mentioned that the leases and licenses on the book's of the Department amounted at the 31st March last to over thirty-five thousand, and as the Crown has also advanced money under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act to nearly five thousand discharged soldiers to enable them to acquire freehold land, a very large proportion of the farmers of (he Dominion are on the books of the Department and come under (he jurisdiction of the Land Hon ids and of the Minister of Lands. Departmental Conference. A conference of Commissioners of Crown Lands, representing the Auckland, North Auckland Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Wellington, and Canterbury Districts, and presided over by the Under-Secretary, was held at Wellington on Tuesday, the 13th March, 1923, to discuss matters of hind-administration, and in particular the disposal of farms abandoned or forfeited by discharged soldiers. Uniform methods of management were decided on, and much good was done by the discussion of current problems. Land-reclamation Operations. Close attention is being paid to the drainage of swamp lands, either Crown or freehold, now under development by the Department. Appendix 111 brings out in detail the activities of the Land Drainage Branch, and shows thai every effort is being made to bring areas to profitable settlement. Opportunity is here taken to stress the difficulties attendant upon ceclaiming the very wet and in man\' instances floating swamps. There is not only the provision of large outfalls and minor ditches to be arranged for, but also the important question of adequate mad-formation and attendant public facilities being provided. This effort is being made, and is largely the cause of areas not being so quickly made available for selection as was the case in earlier periods. It is useless offering swamp lands in their early stages of unwatering, and such course would only result in disappointment and embarrassment all round. The wise policy of purchasing up-to-date excavating plant, adopted in 1920, lias borne fruit, and the following shows the increased output of mechanically excavated material: 192(1 21, 498 627 cubic yards ; 1921-22, 858,860 cubic yards ; 1922 23, 1,335,M0 cubic yank;. The return of 1920 21 was obtained by the plant then at our command ; that of 1921-22 shows increase due to part of new plant being put into operation ; while 1922-23 return shows that the balances of plant purchased have since come into commission and further improved the output. This new plant comprises floating and dry-land dredges, drag-lines, and steam navvies. The following indicates the areas already reclaimed and in course of development: Crown land drained and settled, 49,200 acres; Crown land under development, 61,800 acres; private land drained or partly improved, 109,580 acres. In addition, further extensive areas of private kind will be dealt with as operations proceed.

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Although the analysis and survey of soil is not one of the functions of this Department, it may be mentioned that in the course of the operations of the Land Drainage Branch, more particularly when bores have been put down in the Hauraki Plains, a certain amount of valuable information has from time to time been obtained and published, in the annual reports on Hauraki Plains drainage, &c. Moreover, the very nature of the work undertaken by the Drainage Engineers materially assists "in our knowledge of the composition of the soil in the localities drained and reclaimed, and farmers who subsequently settle on the land will benefit by a knowledge of the particulars published. Such information is carefully collated and recorded for future reference and utilization, and every endeavour is made to co-ordinate the work of the Department with that of other Departments of the State. Gisborne Land District. Since the passing of the Land Act, 1877, when Land Boards were first constituted, the Poverty Bay district was administered by the Auckland Office until the passing of the Land Act Amendment Act, .1887, and then by the Napier Office and Hawke's Bay Land Board. A local land office was established at Gisborne, and a local land officer and staff dealt primarily with land matters in the Poverty Bay portion of the land district, the principal land office of the district at Napier completing transactions. The Hawke's Bay Land Board also sat once a quarter at Gisborne. It was, however, deemed advisable to alter the kind district and improve the status of the local office, and by Order in Council and Proclamation appearing in the Gazelle of the 3rd August, 1922, a separate land district was constituted as from the Ist April, 1923, comprising the Waiapu, Waikohu, and Cook Counties, with part of Wairoa County, whilst Gisborne Land Office was appointed the principal land office of the district. Before the new district came into being, however, it was considered advisable to enlarge its boundaries, and a, subsequent Order in Council and Proclamation published in the Gazette of the 15th March, 1923, constituted the Gisborne Land District, and, in addition to the previously named counties, included the Opotiki County, the exact boundaries of the district being defined in detail. The Land Board, for the new district was appointed, and consists of Messrs. V. I. Blake (Commissioner of Crown Lands) as Chairman, J. 11. Beed, B. H. Wickstead, and A. J. Cameron ; whilst the election of a member by the Crown tenants of the district is being proceeded with. The first meeting of the Board was held on the 19th April, and proved very successful, a largo attendance of the public and representatives of Parliament, various professions, and commercial interests testifying to the appreciation of the Government's action in establishing the new district. It may be mentioned that special care was taken to provide an adequate staff for the office, and it is worthy of note that this has been done with practically no additional cost to the country, owing to rearrangement of staff in other offices. Legislation. The following is a brief summary of the legislation affecting the operations of this Department which was passed during the last session of Parliament: — Land Laws Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act contains nineteen sections. Its principal provisions are as follow: Section 2 enables small areas of unoccupied Grown or settlement land, not exceedm"---50 acres, to be incorporated in leases of adjoining land of a similar kind, where deemed expedient, at such increased rent as may be necessary, and this does away with the necessity of issuing separate leases for these small areas. Section 4 provides that when land taken for a public work and not required for such purpose is sold as Crown land the proceeds shall be payable into the Public Works Fund. Section 5 gives facilities for the acquisition of the fee-simple of national-endowment lands within tins Hauraki Mining District held under renewable lease or on pastoral license. Section (i permits the lessee of a small grazing-run to acquire the fee-simple of the whole of his holding even if the area thereof is in excess of that prescribed by statute, provided that the Minister of Lands, .on the recommendation of the Land Board, determines that the area so in excess is unsuitable as a separate holding. Section 7 enables owners of leases of small grazing-runs which had expired between the 28th February, 1919. and the I Ith February, 1922, to apply for revaluations under section 15 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1915. Section 8 gives power by which the owner of a deferred-payment license of rural Crown or settlement land can convert his license to a renewable lease and have the purchase instalments already paid credited as rent. Section 9 enables the owner of a pastoral lease, to surrender the same and obtain a new pastoral lease of the area surrendered, together with any adjoining land occupied by him under a temporary grazing license, at such altered rent as the Land Board may fix with the Minister's approval. Section 11 prohibits the burning of any tussock on pastoral runs unless with the prior consent of the Land Board, and subject to such conditions as the Board may impose. Section 19 provides for the payment into the Consolidated Fund of reasonable expenses in connection with the administration of the Cheviot Estate, and of lands purchased out of the Native Land Settlement Account. The remaining sections of this Act arc what may be termed " machinery " measures, embodying improvements found necessary as the result of experience. Surveyors' Institute and Board of Examiners Amendment Act, 1922. —Section 2 of this Act provides that the Surveyor-General shall be Chairman of the Surveyors' Board. Section 4 provides that the Surveyors' Board may make regulations for the conduct of surveys and for ensuring the accuracy of plans and surveys required under any Act relating to or affecting surveys of land, except surveys carried out by or under the direction of the Surveyor-General. Section 5 defines the class of surveys in respect to which the Surveyor-General may make regulations without the collaboration of the Surveyors' Board. Section 6 increases the fees payable to the Board in respect of examinations, qualifications, and certificates. Swamp Drainage Amendment Act, 7&32.-~This Act empowers the Minister of Lands to authorize the expenditure out of the Swamp Land Drainage Account of any moneys required for the drainage, reclamation, roading, or otherwise rendering fit for settlement any area of Crown land, including national-endowment land, oven if such land is not part of a drainage area constituted under the

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Swamp Drainage Act, 1915; authorizes the transfer from the Swamp Land Drainage Account to accounts out of which moneys have been provided in two or three cases for the carrying-out of drainage reclamation works on certain Crown lands prior to the passing of the Act; provides that reasonable expenses of administration incurred with respect to any of the foregoing works may be paid out of the Swam]) Land Drainage Account, and that until such time as the Swamp Land Drainage Account is reimbursed the full amount of any moneys expended out of it in the manner above mentioned all proceeds derived from the sale or lease of Crown or national-endowment lands benefited by such works shall be paid into that account without any deduction of " thirds " to local bodies for the construction or maintenance of roads, or of " halves " of royalties derived from flax or timber. Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1922. —The purport of this Act may be briefly stated as follows : Section 2 repeals the provisions of section 108 of the Beserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1917, which provided that, unless and until Parliament otherwise directs, all lands described in the schedule to the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908, shall be exempt from any general rate made and levied by a County Council. Provision is made whereby such of these lands as are set apart as towns or villages, and such other lands when occupied within the meaning of the Bating Act, 1908, for a period of not less than three years, shall, on and after the Ist April, 1923, become liable for payment of general rates levied by a local authority. Section 3 provides that part of the Hauraki Plains rating-area, comprising an area of 960 acres, which has been included in the-Hauraki Drainage District, is exempted from any rates levied for maintenance purposes by the Minister of Lands under section 3of the Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1911. Section 4 provides that in the event of any lands in the Hauraki Plains rating-area being constituted a drainage district, or included in a drainage district, such lands shall also be exempted from payment of such rates. Under section 5 the proceeds of all rates made and levied by the Minister of Lands for maintenance of drainage works under section 3 of the Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1911, are made payable into the Hauraki Plains Settlement Account, excepting rates levied in respect of expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund, which rates shall be payable into that fund ; and section 6 authorizes the Minister of Lands to sell to the Hauraki Plains County Council certain wharves, jetties, goods-sheds, &c, which have been erected by the Crown on Hauraki Plains area, subject to such conditions as may be mutually agreed on. Tongariro National Park Act, 1922. —This Act sets apart an area of 145,000 acres in the neighbourhood of Mounts Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe as a national park, which area exceeds by 82,700 acres the area of the park a,s previously constituted. The Act vests the control and management of the park in a Board specially constituted thereunder, jirescribes the (lowers of the Board, restricts the issue of leases and licenses to certain purposes, and prescribes penalties for breaches of by-laws and other offences. Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empoweting Act, 1922. —This Act, which contains a larger number of special enactments than any previous special-powers Act of a similar nature, comprises 158 sections and a schedule containing twelve items, all dealing with matters of purely local interest. The Finance Act, 1922. —Section 17 of this Act authorizes the Minister of Finance to borrow such further amount as he thinks fit, not exceeding £100,000, for the purposes of draining, reclaiming, and reading of lands subject to the provisions of the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908. Section 20 abolishes the Waimarino Bush-fire Relief Account, originally constituted for the relief of sufferers by the Raetihi bush-fires, and transfers the moneys standing to the credit of that account to the General Purposes Relief Account, to be administered by the Minister of Finance. Section 49 confers on lessees of lands in Rotorua Township the right of having valuations (made for the purpose of fixing the price of the fee-simple) referred to the Assessment Court in the event of their objecting to the Valuer-General's valuations. Lands for Selection. During the year 481,649 acres were taken up by 1,426 selectors, the average holding being about 337 acres. Except for the sections in most favourably situated localities, the demand for virgin lands is still somewhat restricted, although an improvement is apparent when the transactions are compared with the previous year. The Government is still adhering to the policy of offering for general application practically all lands becoming available, but giving preference to discharged soldiers where such apply. The following schedule shows the area at present available for selection. The great bulk of this area is virgin bush or rough pastoral country : —

Land District. Area available for Settlement. Area under Survey Area to be put in for Settlement. f or Settlement. North Auckland .. (iis borne Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Marlborough Nelson Westland Canterbury Acres. 40,000 24,555 225,000 38,165 22,0()(i 19,737 6,996 59,100 15,000 23,350 18,500 16,000 Acres. 26,000 24,000 170,000 Nil 33,(i00 Nil 2,142 4,000 Nil Nil 128,000 14,000 Acres. 11,000 16,700 128,000 Nil. 25,500 177,677 11,400 Nil. 67,500 Nil. 47,821 Nil. Otago Southland Totals 508,403 401,742 485,598

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The sections available for immediate selection comprise for the most part scattered surveyed sections from the North Cape to the Bluff. Further particulars of the principal blocks proposed to be dealt with in the future will be found in the annual reports of the respective Commissioners of Crown Lands, printed in Appendix I. Revaluations. During the year sixteen Crown leaseholds were revalued under section 15 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1915. The capital values were reduced as a result from £46,143 to £37,557, and the annual rental from £2,090 to £1,703. The total revaluations made from the commencement of the system to the 31st March numbered 483, with a reduction in capital value from £1,164,733 to £931,547, and in annual rental from £52,790 to £42,232. Extension of Licenses op Pastoral Buns. The licenses of 152 pastoral runs, comprising 3,261,132 acres, have been extended at the existing rentals for periods up to fourteen years, under the provisions of section 14 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1921—22. These include both ordinary Crown land and national endowment. Sixty-four applications for extension of licenses are at present held in abeyance, pending amending legislation. Thirty-one applications by pastoral-run holders for extensions were declined for various reasons, mainly on account of the present rentals being considered too low, or that the runs wore suitable and required for early subdivision. In addition a number of small-grazing-run lessees have been granted extensions of their terms for a period of five years, under the provisions of section 18 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1921-22. Twenty-one small-grazing-run leases, comprising 51,931 acres, in the Otago Land District, have been thus extended. National Endowment. The area in the national endowment was reduced during the year by 6,329 acres. Fuller particulars are given in parliamentary paper G-14. Of the area set aside, 6,912,262 acres were held on lease or license at the 31st March by 4,157 tenants paying an annual rental of £139,637, and 1,690,300 acres (partly, however, covered by existing leases) have been set aside as provisional State forests. FORFEITURES AND SURRENDERS. Crown tenants numbering 283 had their holdings forfeited for non-compliance with the conditions of their leases and licenses. The area was 117,061 acres, and the annual rental £11,120. In addition 315 tenants surrendered their leases over an area of 429,45(1 acres, with an annual rental of £8,132. A considerable proportion of the lands forfeited and surrendered was held under miscellaneous and temporary leases and licenses, while a great deal of the area was accounted for by several large pastoral runs surrendered. Receipts. The gross receipts for the year amounted to £1,208,422, derived as follows : £410,152 from ordinary Crown lands ; £478,595 from lands held under the Land for Settlements Act (including Cheviot Estate) ; £144,943 from the national endowment ; and £117,487 from education endowments. Last year's receipts were £1,215,040, and it is considered that notwithstanding prevailing conditions the position in this respect has been fairly well maintained during the year under review. Six land districts have returned increases ; but in Taranaki receipts have dropped very considerably owing to a falling-off in the freeholding of West Coast Settlement Reserve lands. Canterbury, where the large number of well-established, and prosperous settlements has the effect of stabilizing"receipts to a great degree, has again been the, largest contributor. Freeholds have, as was the case last year, shown a marked falling-off throughout the Dominion ; and in this connection the following threeyearly summary, showing the relation of freehold revenue to total receipts, may be; of interest :

Rebates. For prompt payment of rent 15,704 Grown tenants were granted the usual rebate in terms of section 116 of the Land Act, 1908, and section 55 of tin; Land for Settlements Act, 1908. The. total amount of rebates granted was £43,986. Postponements. Postponements of payment of rent were granted to 1,083 tenants during the year. The amount involved was £138,672. At the 31st March, £102,048 remained postponed on account of 739 tenants. It has been the experience of the Department that the granting of postponements, while valuable enough in cases of temporary embarrassment, is of little use during a long period of depression and this method is being restricted more and more to cases for the relief of which it was originally devised.

i Amount yielded therefrom. Tola! Receipts. Year ending Number of Freeholds acquired. 31st March, 1921 31st March, 1922 31st March, 1923 878 335 249 £ 320.025 71.520 57,809 £ ], 735,483 1,215,040 1,208,422

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Abreaes. Rents in arrear at the 31st March amounted to £358,225, an increase of £190,387 from last year. This increase has been general throughout the Dominion, and has occasioned the greatest anxiety. Very careful attention has been given the problem of reducing arrears ; but unfortunately the position is not one that admits of an early recovery. It will be modified partly by remissions and revaluations where necessary. There is, however, a limit to what can be done in this way, and the majority of cases can only be met by stable prices and increased production consequent upon improved farming methods. Undoubtedly this question demands the most careful yet sympathetic handling during the extended period that must necessarily elapse before a normal position can be regained. EXPKNDITUEE.

Summary of Expenditure approved during the Year ended 31st March, 1923.

Name of Vote or Account. Net Amount voted. Gross Expenditure. Recoveries. Net Expenditure. Consolidated Fund. £ Vote Lands and Survey (Subdivision 1) .. 164,459 Vote Lands and Survey (Subdivision 11) 40,983 Land for Settlements Account : Expenses 5,258 Land for Settlements Account : Lands 5,123 for settlement of discharged soldiers— Expenses Scenery-preservation Account .. 11,141 Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account: 44,000 Expenses of management £ 164,459 40,983 5,258 5,123 £ s d. 257,242 11 11 27,533 8 11 3,583 16 4 4,085 .11 2 £ s. d. 130,852 4 11 1,547 0 0 3,180 18 3 £ s. d. 126,390 7 0 25,986 8 11 402 18 1 4,085 11 2 11,141 44,000 9,403 3 5 41,131 5 8 2,405 8 11 6.997 14 6 41,131 5 8 Totals .. .. ..270,964 270,964 342,979 17 5 137,985 12 1 204,994 5 4 Public Works Fund. Roads to open up land for settlements .. 110,312 110,312 78,891 6 4 540 17 0 78,350 9 4 Totals .. .. .. 110,312 110,312 78,891 6 4 540 17 0 78,350 9 4 Other Accounts. Land for Settlements Account Land for Settlements Account: Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account Rangitaiki Land Drainage Account (section 7, Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910) Hauraki Plains Settlement Account (section 5, Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1922) Hauraki Plains Settlement Account (section 93, Reserves, &c, Act, 1916) Swamp Land Drainage Account (section 95, Reserves, &c, Act, 1916) — Kaitaia Waihi .. Poukawa Hikurangi .. Mangawai Kauri-gum Reserve General Swamp Land Drainage Account (section 2, Swamp Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1922) Kauri-gum Industry Account National Endowment Account Native Land Settlement Account: Surveys, &c. .. Native Land Settlement Account (section 19, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1922) Cheviot Estate Account (section 300, Land Act, 1908) Cheviot Estate Account (section 19, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1922) Waimarino Bush-fire Relief Account General Purposes Relief Account Hunter's Soldier Assistance Trust Account Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account Refunds, deposits, &C. 28,500 10 9 56,038 14 2 47,649 6 2 7,979 0 0 88,456 4 1] 14,847 12 5 11,021 4 6 86 10 0 18,255 15 3 100 0 0 3,387 18 3 1,658 17 10 674 16 8 10 3,316 1 5 0 9 12 3 7 19 10 2 0 8 0 3 9 0 28,500 10 9 56,038 14 2 46,974 10 0 7.970 10 0 85,110 3 3 14,842 12 5 11,011 12 3 86 10 0 18,252 7 6 100 0 0 3,368 8 3 1,658 17 10 28,824 11 8 12,372 18 10 55,674 1 11 2,417 (i 0 2 JO 0 28,822 1 8 12,372 18 10 53,061 4 3 2,407 0 4 2,612 J7 10 5 8 8 0 18 0 556 7 3 0 18 0 556 7 3 40 11 3 600 0 0 37 0 8 1,333,513 2 10 23,171 6 0 1 9 6 39 1 9 600 0 0 37 0 8 1,333,513 2 10 23,171 6 0 Totals .. 11,735,189 18 8 6,694 0 8 1,728,495 18 0 Grand totals 2,157,061 2 5 145,220 9 9 2,011,840 12 8

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Acquisition of Land by Persons op Enemy Origin. The provisions of Part I of the War Legislation and Statute Law Amendment Act, 1918, relating to the acquisition of land by persons of enemy origin, were considerably modified by the War Disabilities Removal Act, which came into operation on the 16th October, 1922. The later legislation removes the restrictions so far as concerns all persons who have been naturalized in the Dominion, and as a result of the amendment the number of applications for licenses decreased considerably during the year. The total number of licenses granted during the period under review was 166. Inspection of Offices. The periodical inspection of offices was continued, and in addition to ordinary work the staffing of the new Gisborne office had to be attended to. It is desirable to point out what is meant by an inspection of an office. To make a comprehensive report of a land office it is necessary to investigate all phases of work, and some idea of the extent of the work might be gathered from a glance at the various headings in a recent report, which, includes —Staff and organization; overtime; interchange of duties; applying all possible checks to revenue ; inquiry re expenditure ; keys of strong-rooms and safes ; postponements and remissions ; arrears ; issue of Inspectors' notices ; imprest accounts and cash-book work ; " thirds " ; inspection of soldier securities ; housing of documents, including mortgages, bills of sale, licenses ; realization of securities; insurances; rangers' and Supervisors' duties; expiries and renewals; allotment-books ; Warrants ; Land Board work ; land-sales ; forfeitures and surrenders ; freeholds transfers ; issue of leases ; returns ; records ; reserves ; correspondence ; and any other coming under the notice of the inspecting officer. As there are twelve principal land offices to .be inspected in the course of the year, whilst the Chief Drainage Engineer's offices, and that of the Kauri-gum Superintendent, are also visited, it will be recognized that the duties of the Inspector of Offices involve continual travelling, as, in addition to the complete annual inspection, Hying visits are paid periodically to check the cash and accounts, to deal with urgent staff matters, and. any other business that requires special attention. It is only by constant and unremitting supervision that the work of a large Department can be kept in an efficient state, and it speaks highly for the painstaking and thorough manner in which the Inspector performs his duties that the working of the Department has been so satisfactory during the past year. Staff Em plo y m ent. On the 31st March, 1922, there were in the employ of the Department 631 permanent officers and 42 officers temporarily appointed, or a total of 683. During the last twelve months 17 new appointments (chiefly junior officers) were made, whilst 6 officers were transferred from other Departments. As against this accession of strength, 3 officers were transferred to other Departments, 2 officers died, 10 officers retired on superannuation, 30 officers resigned, whilst the temporary staff was reduced by 6, leaving the staff of the Department at the 31st March last composed of 619 permanent officers and 36 temporary officers, or a total of 655, a decrease of 28 for the year. It may be noted that for the previous year there had-been a decrease of 4-7, showing a total diminution of 75 for the past, two years. Notwithstanding the reduced staff, all officers worked loyally and well, and in every possible manner kept the work of the Department, up to date. Departmental Giiangks. Deaths. Edwin Hubert Campion, draughtsman in the North Auckland Office, died on the 9th July, 1922. His untimely death is deplored, and was a decided loss to the office in which he worked. He was a capable draughtsman, with a good practical knowledge of field survey, and had partially passed the Licensed Surveyor's Examination. He had been in the service of the Department since, March, 1918, first at the Head Office, and subsequently in the Napier and North Auckland Offices. Harry William Broadmore, draughtsman and computer in the New Plymouth Office, died on the 11th June, 1922. Mr. Broadmore joined the Head Office on the Ist April, 1905, and subsequently worked in the Blenheim and New Plymouth Offices. Originally a cadet, he was transferred to the draughting branch in 191.0. During his term of office he proved himself a very efficient officer, a good worker, neat draughtsman, and good computer, and his loss is materially felt in the Department. Retirements. Gordon Hurrell Morland McClure, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington, retired from the service on the Ist August, 1922. Mr. McClure joined the Railway Department of the Otago Provincial Government in January, 1873, and v/as transferred to the Survey Department on the Ist August, 1877. As a surveyor he was stationed chiefly in the Canterbury District, where he did good work and assisted to subdivide the Cheviot and many other estates. He was appointed District Surveyor as from the Ist January, 1894, and in May, 1908, was appointed Chief Draughtsman in the Christchurch Office. In June, 1909, he was promoted to be Commissioner of Crown Lands, Chief Surveyor, and Conservator of State Forests for the Land District of Westland. He was transferred to the Southland District in December, 1911, occupying similar positions as in Westland. After nearly four years' service he, was promoted to the charge of the Wellington Land District, and was stationed in Wellington until his retirement. He had a wide experience of settlement surveys during his thirty-one years of service in the held, including triangulation, topography", standard, sectional, land transfer, and subdivision for settlement, as well as of engineering surveys of roads, railways, and water-races, and in carrying out this work he showed himself a most capable and efficient officer. As Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor in the Westland, Southland, and Wellington Districts he displayed much zeal and energy, materially assisted in the settlement of the lands of the Crown, and took an active part in flic solution of the difficult problems which have arisen during recent years in connection there-

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with. Whilst acting as Commissioner of Crown Lands he was also Chairman of the Land Board, Chairman of the, local Land Purchase Board, and a member of the Taupo Totara Company's Royal Commission in 1920, and other Commissions on minor matters. Francis Edmund Greenfield, Chief Draughtsman, Christchurch Office, retired on superannuation on the 31st March, 1923. Mr. Greenfield was appointed a cadet in the Survey Department in March, 1880, and, having passed his surveyor's examination, was appointed Staff Surveyor in 1886. He. executed many surveys in the Nelson and Marlborough Districts, and joined the office staff of the Blenheim Office as a computer and draughtsman in July, 1893, being transferred to the Nelson Office as Chief Draughtsman on the Ist August, 1910. He was subsequently promoted to a similar position in the Christchurch Office in April, 1914, and acted in that capacity until his retirement. During his forty-three years' service, he showed himself a capable and experienced officer, with a good knowledge of all departmental work, and did not spare himself in the execution of the, duties entrusted to him Charles Adnam Mountfort, District Surveyor, Feilding, retired on superannuation on the 31st March, 1923. Previous to his joining the Department in 1884 he was an authorized surveyor in private practice, and whilst on the staff of the Department carried out extensive surveys in the Taranaki, Nelson, and Wellington Districts, being of late years principally employed on town, standard, and rural surveys. He was a conscientious, hardworking, and efficient officer, possessed of good practical knowledge of the higher branches of geodesical survey, and his accurate work was much appreciated. Arthur James Rossiter, Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Revenue, Hokitika, retired on superannuation on the Ist May, 1922. Mr. Rossiter joined the service in 1894, and was for sixteen years in the office of the Receiver of Land Revenue at New Plymouth, until the Ist April, 1910. He was subsequently transferred to the position of Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Revenue, at Hokitika, in June, 1919. Mr. Rossiter rendered excellent service, and proved himself a most painstaking and zealous officer, with the welfare of the Department at heart, particularly in matters relating to accounts and revenue. William Charles Lcversedge, Land Transfer draughtsman, Christchurch, was appointed as a cadet to the Survey Branch of the Department as from the Ist November, 1882. His whole service was in I,he Christchurch Office of the Department, where he served as a draughtsman in the Land Transfer Branch, being promoted to Land Transfer draughtsman in October, 1905. He was a very capable and painstaking officer, who carried out his duties in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. Ernest Edwin Townshend joined the Department in December, 1899, as a clerk in the Christchurch Office, but in June, 1908, he was transferred to the field staff as a Crown Lands Ranger in the; Marlborough District. He acted in this capacity until the date of his retirement on the 31st December, 1922, on superannuation. lie was a capable and reliable officer, who knew his district thoroughly, and had great experience in values of land, improvements, &c. Nathaniel Craig joined the Department in 1901, and was placed on the staff of the Starborough Nursery at Seddon, where he acted as nurseryman-in-charge. From there he was transferred first to Kurow and then to Conical Hills. He was subsequently appointed Crown Lands Ranger in the Wellington District, being stationed at first at Taihapc and then at Marton. He was an efficient officer, and most thorough in his methods, particularly as to the manner in which he, arrived at valuations of securities. He showed himself energetic, assiduous, and very reliable. Alfred Gould Howard, clerk, Auckland Office, retired on the 31st March, .1923. He was originally a member of Mr. Langmuir's survey party, but joined the office staff in Auckland in 1911, and in this capacity performed varied clerical duties. He was a, most reliable and hardworking officer, and was very neat and accurate in his work. Edward Fortesque Whittle Cooke joined the Clerical Branch of this Department in July, 1901, and was transferred to the Christchurch and New Plymouth Offices in succession. He retired on superannuation on the 30th September, last. He was a hardworking and energetic officer who willingly performed the different duties entrusted to him.

Appointments, Promotions, and Transfers.

Officer appointed. Previous Position. Position to which appointed. Thompson, J. B. Campbell, O. N. Brook, T. Galbraith, R. S. Morpeth, W. T. Munro, W. J. Wardrop, J. H. W. Chief Drainage Engineer Drainage Engineer, Auckland Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands, Hokitika. Chief Draughtsman, Wellington Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Revenue, Napier Senior Clerk, Christchurch .. Under-Secretary. Chief Drainage Engineer, Auckland. Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington. Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill. Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands, Hokitika. Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Revenue, ('hristehurch. Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Revenue, Napier. Land Transfer Draughtsman, Christchurch. Drainage Engineer, Kerepeehi. Surveyor, Auckland. Surveyor, North Auckland. Surveyor, Auckland. Draughtsman, Head Office (Class VI). Collector of Rents and Inspector of Securities, Dunedin. Wicks, A. J. .. Land Transfer Draughtsman, Nelson Taylor, E. Kino, B. Roe, T. S. Ross, H. McL. Broadhead, B. A. Cleverdon, R, .. Draughtsman and Computer, Kerepeehi Survey Cadet, Auckland Survey Cadet, North Auckland Survey Cadet, Auckland Draughtsman, Christchurch (Class VII) Sorter, Head Office

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Head Office. As in preceding years, the correspondence was very heavy, and taxed the resources of the record staff to the utmost. Inquiries are continually received* from all over the, Dominion and from abroad not only as regards land available for selection and likely to be made available in the near future, but also as regards lands supposed to have been granted, allotted, or purchased in bygone, days, and old records of Native and military claims and awards, and ancient titles require to be searched, and the subject-matter of the inquiry carefully investigated, The ordinary routine work of preparation of returns and statistics, Proclamations, Orders in Council, warrants, sale notices, regulations, appointments to numerous Boards, ore, necessitates much care and attention. Dealings with roads, exchanges of lands, reserves, domains, cemeteries, provisional State forests, kauri-gum reservations, scenic areas, Native grants, titles, and similar matters are steadily on the increase. There has been a heavy and continuous volume of correspondence on all matters dealt with by the Department, and the typing staff was fully occupied. As will be seen by an earlier paragraph, much legislation required drafting, and most careful revision and explanation to enable it to be submitted to the Law Draftsman, and it may be mentioned that the Department has a very great amount of legislation to initiate owing to the numerous and complex problems that have continuously to be faced when dealing with the lands of the Dominion. The work of the Sales Branch, as usual, included the publication of a large number of sale posters of lands open for selection, and also of the usual issues of the Crown Lands Guides, monthly posters of lands available for selection, <fcc, and the distribution thereof. With a view to economy, the printing of sale plans was restricted as much as possible ; in many cases the insertion of advertisements in the Gazette being adopted in lieu of issuing the customary plans, and thus greatly reducing the cost of the necessary advertising. The reprinting and revision of departmental forms as required was also attended to. Owing to the large number of standard forms now in use, this involved considerable work. The work of the Accountancy Branch has been for some few years past of a very heavy and onerous nature, principally owing to the volume of work arising out of operations under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, the various drainage-works, roading Crown and settlement lands, as well as other financial matters. Administrative matters connected with recommendations for loans, relief, assistance, and expenditure of moneys controlled by this Department, as well as the realization of securities, pass through this branch. It is obvious that all administrative as well as accounting matters connected with finance, particularly during the past three years, afford means for considerable study of the factors contributing to the success or otherwise of the Department's ventures. The total paid out by the Department by loans and expenditure is less than during the past few years, the decrease being attributed almost entirely to the transactions under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act; but, in regard to the latter, the administrative responsibility is now much more onerous than during the period preceding the slump. The statement of expenditure indicates the departmental accounts dealt with. Taken as a whole, the work of the Head Office has continued on a high plane, and thanks to the unremitting energy and acumen displayed by the district offices which deal primarily with most of the matters coming before the Head Office, the work of the Department is being carried out on sound and progressive lines. Reports on Cognate Subjects. As in former years, separate reports are required to be laid before Parliament in connection with many of the operations carried out by the Department. They comprise— Surveys. —The report by the Surveyor-General on the work of the survey (or technical) branch of the Department is submitted in parliamentary paper C.-la. Swamp-drainage. —The report required by the Swamp Drainage Act, 1915, is contained in parliamentary paper C.-4. Discharged Soldiers Settlement. —The annual report under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, is furnished by the Department in parliamentary paper C.-9. Scenery-preservation. —-.The statutory report containing details of reservations and statement of accounts appears in parliamentary paper C.-6. Advances for Roading of Crown Lands. —The necessary report submitted in accordance with section 63 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913, appears in parliamentary paper C.-7. Draining Operations in Hauraki Plains. —A report by the Chief Drainage Engineer on this subject appears in parliamentary paper C.-8. Public Domains. —A brief summary of the year's operations is given in parliamentary paper C.-10. Rangitaiki Land Drainage. —The annual report on the operations in the Rangitaiki Plains is given in parliamentary paper C—ll. Kauri-gum, Industry. —The annual report of the Kauri-gum Superintendent on the. year's operations is given in parliamentary paper C.-12. National Endowments. —The annual report required by section 11 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1920, appears in parliamentary paper C.-14.

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APPENDICES. APPENDIX I.— SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS. EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS. NORTH AUCKLAND. (R. P. Greville, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement. —The past year has been a satisfactory one for the farmers. With an abundance of rain right through the season, and a mild winter, the result has been a luxuriant supply of grass. This tended to increase the output, of butter and cheese and produce a record quantity of fat lambs. Following the depression of last, year the rise in the prices of farm-produce put heart into the farmers, and the prospects of the settlers appear much, brighter. When wool-prices had a tendency to rise at the same time as the price of butterfat was still on the decline, there wa.s a movement amongst farmers to abandon dairying in favour of sheep, and this occurred on land which is purely dairying-country. Now that the butter-market has firmed, these people are again reverting to dairying, the double change-over resulting in a certain loss. The tightness of the money-market and the preference shown by money-lenders to invest in city properties has had a detrimental effect on the development of the country, it being very difficult during the last two or three years to borrow money for improvements. It is anticipated that if prices remain firm confidence in country investments will be re-established. The Dairying Industry. —The season 1922-23 has eclipsed that of the previous year in the production of butter and cheese. The season opened very well for the dairy-farmers as far as prices were concerned, but after a few months the market began to drop and became very unsettled. However, the season as a whole has given an average price, for butterfat better than indications had one time promised. It is noticed, that some of the factories are paying out Is. 7-JdJ for the whole season ; there is one as high as Is. BT7d. ; other factories are not, however, doing so well. It is interesting to note that the dairy cows in New Zealand at the present time reach the enormous number of 1,238.891 ; cattle, 3,475,448 ; horses, 331,922 ; sheep, 22,928,864 ; and pigs. 396,648. It is pleasing to note that the importance of herd-testing is being widely recognized in New Zealand. Mr. A. C. Ross, of the Dairy Division, said recently that last year 81,471 cows were tested in New Zealand, this representing 7| per cent, of the total number of cows. The following summary in regard to the London prices of butter and cheese is of special interest : " A cablegram from London received recently by the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company advised that the company's butter is quoted at 1565. per hundredweight, sales being made at that figure to the extent of several hundred boxes daily. Danish butter is reported at 1425. f.0.b., the price reacting from 1365. due to American buying. Mr. W. Goodfellow, managing director of the company, said it was further reported that the Maypole Dairy Company, the largest distributers of dairy-produce in the United Kingdom, had reduced the retail price of butter to Is. 4d. per pound. It was expected that other stores would follow suit. He anticipated that the reduction in the price would stimulate the demand and bring about a quicker recovery. No substantial improvement in the market, however, was expected for several weeks. White and coloured cheese is reported to be selling at 86s. after a drop to 82s. The market is a fluctuating one with a downward tendency. Casein is quoted at £70 per ton, with a bare market, owing to an appreciable reduction in the American output. Good prices are anticipated for the coming season's output from New Zealand. Milk-powder sales are reported at £60 and £70 per ton, according to quality. Australia continues to buy moderate parcels of butter on the basis of Is. sd. and Is. 6d. f.o.b. The wholesale price is being maintained in Sydney and Melbourne at 2245. per hundredweight." There is a strong disposition among the dairy-farmers in our district to improve the standard of their herds. Of course this is a slow process and costs money. There is no doubt, however, that it is the only sure road to success for the dairy-farmer, who is more or less wasting his time milking a lot of indifferent cows. A great many of our soldier farmers show a very low annual production of butterfat; others, however, are beginning to show very good figures. Where a man is managing his place well and putting energy into it, it is a good policy on the part of the Department to assist him to improve his dairy herd. The Stock-market. —The prices of stock, with the exception of store cattle, have been on the whole satisfactory. Following the boom prices in^lOlQ—2o of dairy cows and sheep, and the subsequent drop, the prices have now practically returned to normal. The lowest price for wether mutton on the London market was in August, but since that date a gradual rise has taken place, and at the end of March wethers were fetching up to B|d. and ewes up to 7d. Good prices for lambs

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rul.ed during the year, North Island prime medium weights selling up to lid. per pound. The price offered for lamb by exporters has induced a great number of farmers to go in for raising fat lambs. This has caused a great demand for Southdown, Shropshire, and English and Border Leicester rams, the first-named being exceptionally keenly sought after. For back-country farms the Romney is still the most popular breed, and prices have been nearly double last year's. The Corriedale has been introduced in large numbers from the South Island. The prices for beef have been disappointing. The demand has been very limited, and although stocks for most of the period have been light, the position has been dominated by Argentine chilled beef. Prices realized at the local fat-stock market at Westfield have been slightly in excess of those quoted for export. Young cattle, especially well-bred steers, have been very scarce, no doubt owing chiefly to the fact that the majority of dairy-farmers for the past two or three years have been killing their bull calves. Freezing Operations. —The freezing season opened early in December with keen competition amongst exporters of all classes of lamb and mutton. Later beef was in demand for some two months and a half, but eased off considerably. The prices offered for the larger part of this season's frozen meat have been : Prime lamb, woolly, up to 42, 9d. ; shorn seconds and overs, B|d. ; wethers up to 64, 6d. ; wethers up to 64-72, s|d. ; ewes up to 64, sd. ; ewes up to 64-72, 4Jd. ; ewes, overs and seconds, 4d. ; beef, prime ox, 2 Is. to 225. 6d. ; beef, prime cow, 17s. The quantity of stock killed during tho period Ist April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923 : At Southdown—Cattle, 4,213 ; sheep, 6,768 ; lambs, 73,724 ; calves, 2,810. At Moerewa—Cattle, 7,018 ; sheep, 15,967 ; lambs, 49,275 ; calves, 101. Land Board Work. —During the year the Land Board held twelve ordinary and two special meetings, occupying in all forty days. The total number of items on tho order paper amounted to 3,330, of which 1,289 were in connection with Crown lands business and the balance, 2,041, related to soldiers-settlement business. Freeholds. —During the year the total number of ordinary Crown-land holdings made freehold was fifty-nine, the total area being 7,162 acres. Most of these areas were O.R.P. holdings, the terms of the leases of which expired. Under the heading of " Lands for settlement," seven holdings, totalling 26 acres, were freeholded, being mostly small areas in the suburbs of Auckland. Revenue and Arrears. —The total revenue received during the year under all headings was £48,702. The falling-off as compared to last year is attributed to the sales from timber (State forest) and the conversions to freehold. The settlements have also shown a decrease, mainly owing to postponements granted. The number of selectors in arrears was 420, the sum of £15,243 being involved. Of this amount £1.1,128 is owing by 127 soldiers. Postponements have been granted to fifty selectors totalling an amount of £3,856. Tho amount of rebates earned by 1,158 tenants was £1,332. Lwnd open for Selection. —In addition to numerous isolated sections opened during the year, several blocks of land were subdivided and thrown open for the first time. The Koheroa Block, near Mercer, consisting of eight sections, totalling 2,200 acres, of easy undulating clay and swamp land, opened early in the year, remain unsettled. The reason is not apparent. The ballot for the Pakepakarau Block, referred to in last year's report, was, on the contrary, a large one. All the sections were disposed of at the ballot, and the number of applicants far exceeded the amount available. The class of successful applicant was on the whole good. Ten sections on the East Coast Road, only five miles up the coast from the Takapuna tram, averaging 40 acres, were thrown open last April, but remain unselected. It is difficult to understand why these sections were not selected, as the price was reasonable and they are very handy to town. It is probable that most of these sections will be selected during the ensuing year. The Paiaka Block, near Hukerenui, on the Whangarei line, consisting of twelve sections averaging 200 acres each, was opened in November. The land is easy undulating clay land, and about half the sections were selected. The Waari Hamlet sections still remain unselected, and steps have been taken to have them withdrawn from soldier settlement and opened for general application. They should then be taken up, as they are very handy to town and the terms and prices are very easy. Over thirty rural educational reserves were offered for lease. Most of them are still unlet. These leases do not seem to be popular for some reason. Leases of building-sites near Auckland, however, find a ready sale at good rentals. Lands to be opened. —Amongst the lands to bo dealt with during next year are the following : Birdwood Block, comprising ninteen sections totalling 267 acres. Most of these sections have been ploughed and grassed, and in many cases fenced. They should form ideal fruit-farms within a very easy distance of Auckland, and will be available early in the New Year. Several large blocks considered suitable for settlement under what is known as the " homestead " section of the Act have been subdivided or schemed out, but opening is deferred pending the stabilization of the financial situation. Amongst these blocks may be cited the Mangonui East Block, 9,000 acres ; Taipa Block, 3,000 acres ; Akatere Block, 5,600 acres. The Omaunu Block, 2,231 acres, and the Waipu No. 2 Block, 2,570 acres, have been surveyed, but have been held up on account of the cost of formation of access roads. In the Omaunu Block in particular the cost is somewhat prohibitive compared to the value of the land. The Tokawhero Block, of 2,033 acres, has also been held up on account of the long access road which had to be formed. This has now been done, and the sections should be thrown open about September. The Poroti, Mangakahia, and Otaika Gum Reserve, totalling altogether 1,200 acres, have been or arc being subdivided into areas not exceeding 200 acres, and it is proposed to have the sections thrown open under that section of the Act which gives the lessees the right to occupy the land for the first five years rent-free. It is hoped by this means to get these gum lands well settled.

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Tho Kai Iwi Block, 3,200 acres, has been held up pending the formation of access and cross roads, and it is hoped to have this block thrown open later in the year. Six sections forming part of the Omahuta Forest, and containing approximately 2,200 acres, recently freed from reservation by the Forest Service, will also be thrown open later in the year when the necessary roading arrangements, &c, have been completed. These sections are, considered to be very suitable for farming purposes, and will no doubt be eagerly sought after. Settlement of Gum Lands. —The increase in the number of gumfield residents who availed themselves of the liberal provisions offered under section 20 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, referred to in last year's report, has been strongly maintained. In the case of the Puheke Gum Reserve, at the entrance to Rangaunu Bay, some fifty or sixty sections, averaging 25 acres, were allotted to persons all over New Zealand, who have been induced to take up the land by one of the local residents. The reports received by the Department with regard to this area were not very encouraging, and the Department insisted on the applicants inspecting the land and furnishing a certificate of their satisfaction before the sections were allotted. A great number of settlers have already taken possession, but it is too early yet to express any opinion as to their probable ultimate success or otherwise. It is proposed by tho Land Board to have several of the large gum reserves which have been worked out surveyed into sections and offered for selection under the same easy terms during the coming year. There would appear to be no question about it that this is the best method of settling these poor gum lands. AUCKLAND. (H. M. Skeet, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The past year has been one of considerably better conditions for nearly all sections of the farming community than its predecessor. The season has been an exceptionally favourable one, both for pasture and crops, and. the dairy-farmers, who constitute the larger proportion of tin; settlers throughout the district, have benefited both by a large production well maintained throughout the season and by a scale of payment for butterfat considerably in excess of the rate which ruled in the preceding season. For the bush farmer still engaged in developing his holding conditions have not been quite so satisfactory, the dampness of the latter part of the season having prevented settlers from getting good burns. The market for store cattle has .been unsatisfactory, which is a serious matter for the bush farms of the district, since the majority of these holdings cannot be kept in gopd order by sheep alone, but require cattle also to prevent fern from taking possession; and as there has been little or no profit in cattle, many holdings have unavoidably suffered in consequence. There has been a considerable fall in the price of average dairy stock, though cows and heifers of thoroughly good quality command high prices and arc difficult to procure. Many cull cows are now being sold for beef, thus ridding the market of animals which are unpayable to the dairy-farmer ; but there is room for much more to be done in this direction and for more systematic testing of dairy stock. Some of the dairy companies are now providing facilities for their suppliers to carry out periodical testing, and a widespread use of all available facilities would be of great advantage to the dairy industry. Coupled with this there is need for definite prohibition of sale of, or breeding from, cows of less than a reasonable minimum standard of butterfat-production, a standard which should gradually be raised so as to produce a progressive improvement of the dairy herds of the Dominion. In my last report I referred to the need, especially in this district, and notwithstanding its genial climate, for more extensive provision of fodder crops, both for summer and winter use, since even an average type of cow will yield considerably better results by a proper system of feeding, which, while it may entail more labour, will well repay the extra labour and cost. The practice of growing, on every dairy farm, sufficient quantities of lucerne and other fodder crops is one which needs to be more widely impressed on farmers. It has recently been stated that the climate of the Auckland District represents a tangible and substantial addition to the value of farm land, but as many of the present holders appear to have already had to pay for these climatic advantages, there still remains the necessity for making the best possible use of them. There appears also to be still a tendency to neglect, either wholly or partly, the annual top-dressing of pastures, which is essential both to the proper maintenance of the pastures themselves and to the production from them of the best possible returns. Evidence of the effect of the financial conditions of the previous years has been seen in the number of cases in which transfers of Crown leaseholds back to the previous holders have been submitted for the approval of the Land. Board, purchasers at the inflated prices of the boom period having found it impossible to carry on, and therefore been compelled to relinquish the holdings to the former holders as mortgagees, while in other cases transfers have been effected at considerably less than the price paid by the outgoing tenants. There appears to be, still a tendency in some quarters to attempt to justify the inflated prices previously ruling, and to maintain that prices will again rise to similar levels ; but the logic of past events, and, it is to be hoped, the sober common-sense of the farming community is against such contentions. So far as the Auckland District is concerned, too, it must be remembered that the annual top-dressing of pastures which is essential throughout a large portion of the district is a maintenance charge, thai, must; have a, distinct effect on the capital value of the land, and must be reckoned for in the price paid if disaster is to be avoided. As in previous years, the general supervision of Crown tenants' holdings has been to some extent overshadowed by the demands upon the ranging staff in connection with soldier settlement,

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but the Rangers are able to advise, from their general observations, that the conditions of Crown settlement are being well fulfilled. Lands selected. —The demand for land during a considerable portion of the. year was very limited, but latterly there has been a more satisfactory inquiry. The total selections during the year were 315 holdings, comprising an area of 33,133 acres, about 20,000 acres of which was taken up under tenures requiring personal occupation. The number of tenants on the books of the district at the close of the year was 5,094, occupying an area of 1,211,925 acres, at a rental of £116,547 per annum. Although the number of tenants has increased by 109, the area occupied shows a decrease of a little over 40,000 acres, due principally to the application of provisions of the Land Acts enabling the holders of pastoral runs to surrender portions and acquire a, better title, to the remainder. The Freelwld Tenure. —The total number of holdings alienated under this tenure was 101, comprising 11,441. acres, at a total price of £18,036. In addition to these, the purchase of a further 101 holdings, comprising 14,450 acres, was commenced under the deferred-payment system. The application of this system of purchase to rural and town lands offered at auction has been of great assistance to purchasers, as well as advantageous to the State. In regard to the, freehold of Native townships, the required proportion of lessees in Taumarunui having undertaken to purchase from the Crown, the acquisition of the Native interests has been commenced. In the Te Kuiti Township the necessary number of lessees have undertaken to purchase, and the acquisition of Native interests will proceed as soon as possible. In Otorohanga Township the lessees are now taking the preliminary steps to obtain the required proportion of applications for the freehold. As regards the Townships of Te Aroha and Rotorua, the holders of business and residence sites in the former are availing themselves freely of the freehold privilege, but none of the lessees at Rotorua have yet done so, objection being taken to the valuations made by the Valuation Department, on which the purchase prices are based. Revenue. —The gross revenue received for tho year was £271,373, an increase of nearly £16,000 on that of the preceding year. Tins included a sum of £141,966 received as payments of interest and principal under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. The arrears are heavy, and are due principally by settlers who have taken up holdings during recent years and have not yet been able to overcome the difficulties caused by the high prices of all materials for the development of their properties, followed by the slump in prices realized for farm-products. With the improved conditions now prevailing these arrears should gradually be reduced. The rebate granted for punctual payment of rent was secured by 1,563 tenants, the amount being £3,560, while rents amounting to £12,185 remained postponed at the close of the year. The Education Endowment. —The total area of the endowment is 72,748 acres, of which 43,588 acres are occupied by 233 tenants at a rental of £3,748 per annum. During the year 4,114 acres, the character of which necessitated a longer term of lease than the usual twenty-one-year term, was offered under renewable lease, with satisfactory results. Lands for Future Disposal. —ln my report of last year I indicated briefly the principal localities in which there is still scope for the development of Crown settlement in the district. Practically all these areas, however, require somewhat costly development of draining or roading, and the limited demand apparent for some time past, as well as the pressure of other conditions, have rendered it impracticable to provide the necessary preparation for the settlement of these lands. Exhaustive investigations have been made into the question of the settlement of the Urewera hinds, and it appears to be clear that the bulk of the land can only be successfully occupied, at any rate for some time to come, in areas of considerable size, while extensive reservations of the hill lands for forest and climatic purposes will be necessary in order to protect the river sources of supply and prevent the irreparable damage that would be caused by indiscriminate destruction of the native forest. The area of land at present open for selection in various parts of the district is 141,216 acres. General. —The Land Board sat during the year on nineteen days, the general volume of business coming forward for consideration being well maintained. An election for the elective member of the Board was held in March, the successful candidate, being Mr. W. G. Hayward, of Ngatea, Hauraki Plains. The retiring member, Mr. E. F. Andrews, has been of great assistance to the Board, owing to his extensive personal knowledge of the returned soldiers, and his experience on various bodies dealing with questions of repatriation. The year has been one of steady activity in the office, a diminution of work in some directions being balanced by increases in others. To the ranging staff the year has been a strenuous one, the demands of soldier-settlement work having kept them more, than fully engaged. The efforts of the whole of the staff are worthy of commendation, and it has been only by this zeal that the office has run so smoothly. HAWKE'S BAY. (W. F. Marsh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) It is very satisfactory to chronicle a marked improvement in many ways in the settlement conditions of Hawke's Bay. The rainfall for the year ending 31st March, 1923, was certainly again very much below the, average, and, unfortunately, December and January were responsible for two-fifths of it, much harm being done thereby to the hay, grain, and orchard crops ; but otherwise the rain was well distributed, and there was an absence of drought or excessive cold.

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Very good progress has been made in the, dairying industry. To those settlers who have only been a few years on the land the natural increase of the dairy stock is now coming in, and building up the herds and the feeling of pride in the holdings is becoming more apparent. More attention is being paid to good sires, and a spirit of rivalry is existent among the owners. One effect of the slump has been to bring home to settlers the absolute necessity of getting rid of stump and old grass in favour of crops and good pasture, and improvements in this direction are very noticeable in the recognized dairying portions of the district. With the prospects of obtaining a final result of 6d. to 9d. per pound more for his butterfat than fast year the, dairy-farmer can start next season with a better heart. Sheep-farmers have had a good season, but in this branch the well-established man, whose flock had been kept up by natural increase, benefited at once by the rise in wool, mutton, and lamb. The smaller man, struggling under financial difficulties, has practically been living on lamb-money for the last two years, with the result that his sheep have deteriorated, and it will take some time yet to educate him to the observance of the two sources of income- viz., wool and surplus stock. There is in too many cases an deal instead of to farm. Rape and turnips are sown, and when ready for feeding off, instead of being sold as fattening-crops to men whose business it is to deal, the settler haunts the sales to pick up stock cheap, and he runs too many risks. Orchardists suffered by unseasonable hail and heavy winds in the early part of the, season, but gratifying results have been obtained from tho apple, and pear crops, the main complaint being, however, that prices were too low. Generally there is more buoyancy, men are in betterjspirits, and it is felt that at least the hem of Fortune's garment is now firmly within their grasp. Revenue and Arrears. —The total revenue for the year was £293,667, of which £115,879 was received for the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account. The total number of tenants at the close of the year was 2,300, occupying an area of 1,102,034 acres, carrying an annual rental of £214,014. The amount of arrears on the 31st March was £88,494, owing by 490 selectors. This last amount is somewhat terrifying, and gives some indication of how the district suffered from the slump. Every possible action has been taken to collect arrears, and the failure has been a source of great anxiety to the office and the Board. Apparently there has been a tendency on the part of a great many men to " mark time " until the findings of the Inquiry Board are known ; and it is somewhat unfortunate and very misleading that the majority of the settlers affected consistently use the term " Revaluation Board." Revaluation to them has generally one meaning—viz., reduction. A great portion of the money can undoubtedly come in and is a good asset, but it is little use. discussing the position until the Inquiry Board has reported. Lands opened for Selection. —The lands offered comprised forty allotments, containing about 60,680 acres, of which 4,151 acres, representing seventeen allotments, were, available exclusively for discharged soldiers, and sixteen of these were selected. Four education reserves, with a total area of about 1,520 acres, were disposed of to four civilians. Six town and suburban lots, containing about 35 acres, were sold at very satisfactory prices. The Tahora Bloeks, of about 18,603 acres, comprising seven holdings, and situated near Motu, in the Gisborne district, were offered twice —the second time under the Bush and Swamp Act, for general selection —but no applications were received, despite the fact that there was very considerable local agitation to have these lands opened. Five pastoral runs, with an aggregate of about 35,435 acres, were also unsuccessfully offered at auction in Napier. The demand for anything but good land has quite fallen away. Land Board Work. —Eighteen meetings of the Board have been held at Gisborne and Napier, and the total number of items dealt with was 961. Although this is a great falling-off from the figures of the last few years, it is noticed that consideration of the business is not relatively shortened, as so much of the, soldier work requires close consideration. The personnel of the Land Board has undergone great changes during the year. Mr. George Wright, who had been a member for fourteen years, resigned owing to his departure from the district. Mr. Lachlan McKay, with eight and a half years' service, resigned through illness in December, 1922, and, to the great grief of all who knew him, died the following month. Mr. A. J. Cameron, the East Coast representative, for ten years, resigned, as he will be a resident in the new Gisborne Land District. All of these gentlemen were enthusiasts in the, work of the, Board, and their knowledge and judgment were of inestimable value to the Crown. Lands remaining for future Sel"clion. —At present there are about 68.740 acres of surveyed lands available for selection, but of them some 35,435 acres represent pastoral runs which have been offered unsuccessfully at auction and will shortly be open for application. Another 18,603 acres, being the Tahora Block, is not likely to prove very attractive, and a large portion of it may be set aside for State forest purposes. The Waihora Block, of 1,460 acres, comprising three holdings, and the Waipiro Block, of 6,068 acres, in eight holdings, although surveyed, have been held back pending adjustments of the Native titles, but will bo opened at a suitable date in the coming year. These blocks are first-class open grazing-lands. The Tapatu Block, of 6,089 acres, in seven or eight sections of bush lands, would have been offered during the past year but for the very heavy cost of providing road access. The remaining lands open for selection are two forfeited holdings, containing together about 1,087 acres ; and it is very probable that from time to time other forfeited sections will be re offered. During the year a most satisfactory consolidation of Native interests on the east coast has resulted in the herein-mentioned Waipiro Block being available, for selection, and further consolidation of the many varied interests held by the Crown is in progress. The work involves an immense amount of careful manipulation, but all the expense and trouble should be justified by results. In the southern part of the district the Crown interests in Native blocks are all under lease, and probably no action but further buying is required for some time.

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TARANAKI. (H. J. Lowe, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement. —Following the previous year's slump owing, to the low tone of the market regarding primary products, it is gratifying to note an upward trend in the financial period just closed. Butter has returned prices more on the lines of sane finance, and an increasing output has greatly assisted, while wool is stabilizing at a figure easily 100 per cent, in advance of that of the preceding year. Many settlers who retained their wool hoping for a better time have cleared their liabilities and weathered the storm, though they have had a hard struggle to pay their rates and retain their holdings while doing so. The graziers—although prices have increased —are still on the wrong side of the ledger, but, a slight rally in prices in the latter part of the year gave some measure of relief. Importations of slag and a reduction in price have enabled muchneeded top-dressing to be given to pastures sadly requiring such. The position to-day at first sight appears to be promising, but added to a farmer's troubles is the constant menace of the increase of noxious weeds. This is particularly noticeable where, owing to the poor demand and. consequent low prices for wool and mutton, farmers had risked selling their sheep and changed to dairying. On many such farms the absence of sheep and the occurrence of two wet seasons has undoubtedly allowed ragwort in particular to obtain a hold never anticipated, and its eradication is a serious problem for the future. Revenue and Arrears. —Once again the revenue has been well over ordinary, although purchases of West Coast Settlement freeholding has largely assisted. The amount collected, exclusive of returned-soldier receipts, totals £104,542. Arrears have been kept down as low as possible, but settlers have been assisted where it was known that to push them would unduly penalize men trying their utmost to succeed when the markets were dead against them. Land remaining for Selection. —This is practically all rough grazing-country, and it has yet to be decided how much of it will eventually be thrown open for settlement and how much handed over as permanent State forest. In many eases the land is difficult of access, and in the present unsettled state of the beef-market none of it would be sought after. There are on the market at present some thirty sections, of 18,400 acres, suitable, for farm holdings and runs, while some nine sections, of an area of 3,673 acres, are available but not yet offered ; there are also some thirteen small holdings close to New Plymouth, averaging 6 acres, more adapted to poultry, fruitgrowing, or beekeeping. Practically all the farm land offered, requires men with capital; the initial expenses are too heavy for men with limited means. Freeholds and, Cash Lands. —Settlers holding West Coast Settlement leases are still prepared to purchase these provided finance is available. The receipts under all headings, inclusive of purchases under the deferred-payment system, reach some £55,916. Land Board Work. —Although the actual cases are not so numerous as in the previous few years, the work in itself requires in many instances very careful discrimination in handling, as the lack of help afforded may mean the abandonment of a holding by a settler who, temporarily embarrassed, considers the Board is not giving him a fair hearing. The number of soldiers' applications dealt with was 476 ; ordinary transfers, 119 ; miscellaneous items, applications approved, and general, 288 : total, 883. WELLINGTON. (Tnos. Bkook, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement. —Early in the season it was apparent that our staple products would command better prices than those of the previous year, and that a more hopeful feeling had spread through the farming community. A desire to proceed with development-work was noticeable, and the progress made would have boon more marked but for the difficulty of obtaining financial assistance through the ordinary channels. Abundant rains fell throughout the Wellington district except in one or two portions of Wairarapa. Grain crops gave a good yield, but a wet autumn delayed the harvesting and caused some discoloration. Potato crops gave promise of good returns, but many were badly blighted. Rape and. turnip crops generally are good. The Wellington flocks gave a, splendid percentage of lambs, but the proportion fit for the fatlamb market was unusually small. Failure to fatten on rape was a noticeable feature of the season. This is not without its advantages, as it should help towards an increase in the ewe flocks. There is no immediate prospect of beef-production becoming profitable, and it is to be hoped that this will not cause the herds to be reduced below what is required, to keep the grass-lands in proper condition. Lands Opened for Selection. —These comprised forty-nine lots in Hall-Jones, Hawtrey, Epuni, and Paparangi Settlements, a gross area of 78 acres 3 roods 34 perches for sale by public auction for cash or deferred payments, of which thirty-six lots in Hall-Jones Settlement were not taken, the remainder being disposed of at upset prices. The leases of two pastoral runs in Motukawa Block, Moawhango, Maungakaretu, and Ohinewairua Survey Districts, an area of 2,834 acres, were offered for a term of seven years, this short term being on account of the possibility of the milling-timber on the adjoining Crown lands being disposed of. No bids were made. The proclamation, under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act was removed from four lots, comprising a total area of 2,511 acres 3 roods 19 perches, but only one was selected —viz., 81 acres 3 roods 19 perches. Under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, forty-eight allotments in Hall-Jones and Pihautea Settlements, Kaitieke, Wairarapa, and Waiopehu Survey Districts, an aggregate area of 578 acres 11 perches,

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were opened. One allotment in Hall-Jones Settlement was selected, and the remainder were offered for application to the general public as above. There were eight applicants for the section in Wairarapa Survey District and thirty for the sections in the Waiopehu Survey District, but only twenty-five were admitted to ballot. The section in Pihautea Settlement was not selected. There being so good a demand for seaside sections, at the mouth of the Rangitikei River an additional eighty-one lots in the Town of Tangimoanawere were surveyed, comprising 20 acres I rood 29 perches, and twenty-seven have been selected. Timber. —An area of 200 acres in Block VIII, Manganui, close to Erua Railway-station, was set apart for co-operative milling by discharged soldiers and taken up under those conditions. Payment of royalties will be made on the output of the mill. Provisional State forests of a total area of 118,416 acres 2 roods 33 perches were created from Crown lands, and will be controlled by the State Forest Service. Freehold. —The total number of conversions from various tenures was thirty-two, being a slight decline from the previous year's figures, about one-third being under occupation with right of purchase. Although, special legislation was enacted to enable the holders of renewable leases in towns and villages along the Main Trunk Railway to obtain the fee-simple of their sections, not many have taken advantage thereof. liand Board. —The monthly sittings of the Board extended over forty-two days, during which 1,971 items were dealt with, the greater part of the business—quite three-fourths —requiring the attention of the Board being connected, with the occupation of farms under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. Revenue and Arrears of Rent, Instalments, and Interest. —The gross revenue received was £429,624, being £2,764 in excess of the estimated receipts, of which the sum of £264,152 was credited to Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account. The total receipts were £34,624 in excess of those of the previous year, much of which, no doubt, was due to the recovery of prices for primary products. The rents in. arrear have increased considerably in all tenures, notwithstanding efforts to collect them, which shows that, the farmers are not yet in a position to meet their obligations. The, number of tenants has increased from 625 to 805, and the amount in arrear from £46,924 to £86,788. Of this sum £64,928 is owing by tenants of settlement land under renewable lease, being principally those settled under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. The arrears of instalments on soldiers' dwellings have increased from £5,192 to £7,865, and on farm mortgages from £52,341 to £73,448. An inquiry into nearly every case of default for payment of dwelling instalments discloses the fact that the mortgagor has been out of employment or has had sickness in the family. Every endeavour is made to extract a promise to pay off the arrears by stated instalments before resorting to legal means of enforcing payment or evicting the mortgagor. In cases of default by farm mortgagors many reasons may be given, of which the most prominent are those of paying the private mortgagees or stock agents before considering the Crown's security under first mortgage, of extravagance and want of prudence in expenditure on improvements which should be met gradually out of revenue, or in the purchase of unnecessary implements and other chattels which might reasonably be done without. Education Endowment Reserves. —The leases of thirty-six primary-education endowments and one secondary-education endowment expired, the annual rentals under the expired leases amounting to £689 6s. Id., and the, annual rentals assessed for the, new leases aggregated £2,397 10s. (id. The lessees of twelve endowments, however, elected to submit the new rentals to arbitration, with the. result that a reduction was made to the extent of £241 3s. per annum. The leases of seven primaryeducation endowments, comprising 843 acres 3 roods 27 perches, were offered, of which only two were taken up ; and two allotments, comprising 476 acres, in Ohinewairua and Omahine Survey Districts, will be offered, with four allotments in the Ongo, Apiti, Umutoi, and Waiohine Survey Districts, comprising 589 acres 1 rood. 24 perches, and three allotments in the Towns of Foxton, Levin, and Ohakune, at reduced rentals. Lands remaining for Future Disposal. —The operations for the coming year will be, confined to lands which were previously subdivided, and will comprise some thirty-two allotments, of an aggregate area of 12,124 acres, of which four allotments are worked-out sawmill areas which have been released for settlement. No large blocks of Native land have been acquired during the year, the only purchases being two small areas in the Taurewa and Hautu Block's, the former of which is covered by private milling-rights, and the latter is being developed by the Prisons Department prior to being opened for selection. MARLBOROUGH. (John Cook, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) General. —No fresh settlement of Crown lands or lands for settlement have taken place during the year under review. The position is much more encouraging owing to the rise in prices of wool and sheep, and the settlers, although they suffered a severe setback during the period of the slump, are now turning their attention to further developing and improvement of their holdings, which work has been perforce left in abeyance during the past two seasons. The outlook for next season is very much brighter, as the high prices realized for stock during the season just passed have enabled the farmer to dispose of his surpluses of the preceding season which, wherever possible, were held rather than be sacrificed at the very low prices ruling. The splendid rains during the summer months gave an abundance of feed, and stock throughout the district are facing the winter in good condition. The general rainfall in this district was ample throughout the. year, and was particularly favourable to the pastoral industry and the growth of crops. Unfortunately, the harvest was somewhat affected

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by too much rain. The increase in the price of products was most noted in the case of wool and sheep ; the rise on agricultural produce was not so marked, but was nevertheless of great benefit. Cropping. —Crops were exceptionally good, and with a drier harvest-time would have been a record. Dairying. —A good, season, with payable prices. Fruitgrowing. —The apple-orchards had good crops, and the quality is excellent. As the industry depends largely on the overseas markets, it is to be hoped that payable returns will be received. A fair quantity is being sent to South America. Flax. —A few fiaxmills resumed work ; the output was not large, but of good quality. Mining. —The old gold/field of Mahakipawa has attracted fresh attention, and the prospecting operations proved so favourable that there is a good probability of a company being formed to work the field extensively. The Deep Creek Mine is still working on gold and scheelite. Timber. —There are sixteen sawmills now at work, and milling still continues to be profitable. Wool. —The sudden rise in values was of the greatest benefit to wool-growers, and the prospects of the coming year are very good. Limeworks. —The Flaxbourne works continue to crush raw lime, but, owing to the death of the owner, the quicklime works at Wharanui have ceased operations. The importance of liming does not appear to be sufficiently recognized in this district. Land Board. —The usual monthly meetings were held. The result of the Crown tenants election resulted in Mr. James Fulton being reappointed. Mr. J. S. Storey was also reappointed a member of the Land Board.

NELSON. (H. D. McKelt.ar, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement. —Few new selections have been made during tho year, although a large number of holdings were opened. The outlook at the commencement of the year was not promising, but towards the close thereof numerous inquiries for land were received. This is an indication that the better prices now being obtained lor stock and farm-produce will stimulate the demand for new areas. The outlook generally is much brighter than it has been for the past two years, and farmers appear to be satisfied with the wool and sheep market and with the price of butterfat. The price of cattle is, however, still low. The past season has been unusually wet, consequently there has not been much bush felled, and considerable areas which have been felled in some cases for two years have not been burned. This has caused loss through lack of return on capital invested and delay in bringing the felled areas into profit. Nelson Land District is progressing steadily. It is capable of supporting a much larger population, but the increase is slow. The, progress of many settlers is retarded owing to the fact that they hold more land than they can develop with the resources at their disposal. In the back country, smaller holdings, more settlers, and better roads are urgent necessities. Statutory Inspection of Leaseholds. —Ordinary inspections of Crown leases are somewhat in arrear, but as an additional Ranger has been appointed this work will be brought up to date in the near future. Dairying Industry. —The established dairy factories are generally increasing their output. A new factoiy at Station Creek, Maruia Settlement, is now assured. Prices paid for butterfat arc satisfactory. Fruit Industry. —This is in a very unsatisfactory condition. Although most of the crops are heavy and clean, prices are so low that they will hardly cover the cost of marketing. Many orchardists are therefore in an unenviable financial position, and must fail unless there is a decided improvement in prices in the near future. Westport Colliery Reserves. —Energetic action has been taken in the matter of improving the position with regard to the lands comprised in the Westport Colliery Reserve and extension. The sections hitherto unoccupied or occupied without authority, or held under year-to-year leases, have been offered for permanent lease by public auction, with satisfa.ctory results both as regards rentals secured and number of sections disposed of. All lessees are now required to register their leases and all dealings thereunder before new transactions will be considered by the Land Board. It is hoped that legislative authority will soon be obtained to bring the whole of the reserves under the, Land Transfer Act. Education, Endowments. —The Land Board has adopted the policy of offering holders of expiring leases new leases for twenty-one years, with perpetual right of renewal for further successive terms of twenty-one years at rentals based on 5 per cent per annum of tho unimproved capital value. Renewals on these terms have been readily agreed to in all parts of the district except in the Town of Westport, where it is contended that the unimproved value is excessive. In a number of cases where leases had expired new leases were offered weighted with the value of the improvements ; no bids were received, however, and they are now being reoffered with the value of the improvements reduced. Some holders of expiring leases in Westport will not agree to a rental of 5 per cent, per annum of tho unimproved capital value. These lessees have a right of renewal for a term of fourteen years, and arbitration is now being resorted, to with a view to fixing the rental to be paid during the renewed, term. Review of Occupation Licenses. —The work of reviewing all the miscellaneous leases in the district issued prior to the Ist January, 1915, has proceeded steadily, and has resulted in a large increase in the gross rental received from this source. The lessees where necessary have been required to comply with the conditions of their leases, and many leases in the names of deceased settlers have been terminated or transmitted to their successors. A considerable portion of this work still remains to be done.

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Tarakohe Cement-works. —These works were closed for a considerable time, but latest reports say that they are to resume, in the near future. The information is welcomed by the district generally. Onakaka Ironworks. —These works, though not yet in a productive state, were just about to be opened when they were partly destroyed by fire. Besides the delay thus caused, considerable expense was incurred, but repairs have been effected, and other necessary works are now completed or under way, including road-formation, and tho erection of a wharf at the mouth of the, Onakaka River. It is anticipated that the furnaces will be again lighted at an-early date, and a start made with the smelting. Land Board. —Twelve ordinary meetings of tho Land Board were held during the year, these meetings extending altogether over nineteen days. The total number of items dealt with was 1,404. Besides the ordinary meetings the Board held a special meeting at Ariki on the 7th October, 1922. After inspecting a large number of holdings in that locality which are going back into fern, and on which the settlers state that they cannot make a living and pay rent, the Board decided that the properties inspected were similar to many other bush sections, and that there was no good reason why the special concessions asked for by the settlers should be granted. Revenue and Arrears. —The revenue received for the year totalled £83,535 19s. 10d., of which £49,342 3s. 3d. was on account of discharged soldiers settlement mortgages. Postponements granted during the year were: Rent, £1,028 17s. lid.; instalments and interest on account of discharged soldier settlers, £9,386 10s. lid. Arrears at the 31st March, excluding postponements still in force were : Rent, £6,603 ; instalments and interest on account of discharged soldier settlers £31,171 os. lid. Selections under the Regulations for the Occupation of Pastoral Areas in the Westland and Karamea Mining Districts. —Sections of unsurveyed areas under these regulations are fairly numerous, but the position is not altogether satisfactory. Although licensees have no right to the milling-timber on their selections, they resent the disposal of the timber to sawmillers or others. Many selections appear to have been made in the past with the object of securing the timber thereon by exchanging the pastoral license to renewable lease or acquiring the, freehold. Roads. —The state of the roads in the backblocks of the Nelson Land District is a great handicap to the settlers. The opening of blocks for settlement of unsurveyed land some years ago without any provision for roads, or in other cases with inadequate amounts for roading, has caused much hardship, and the settlers have, to ask for grants out of the Public Works Fund to make or complete! the roads. The granting on free selection of land under the regulations for the occupation of pastoral areas in Karamea and Westland Mining Districts also causes trouble as regards roading, as the selections are in most cases in remote, localities away from roads, and the settlers are continually approaching the Department for road grants. . The large increase in the cost of forming roads in recent years makes the opening of blocks almost impossible, as the, cost of the roads in some cases is greater than the value of the land. Lands opened for Selection. —The policy adopted during the year was to open only lands that were likely to be selected and that had reasonable means of access. The demand, however, was very small, and many of the sections made available remain unselected. At the present time there are indications that the demand for suitable holdings is increasing, WESTLAND. (W. T. Moepeth, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and, Progress of Settlement. —For the year ending 31st March, 1923, the weather conditions in Westland on the whole, from a farming point of view, were good. The winter months were exceptionally fine. Spring and summer have been fairly wet, but mild, so that conditions have been favourable for the growth, of grass throughout the district. Turnip crops for winter food have, 1 i generally successful, The cultivation of these crops is a well-established practice in the district, and the necessity and importance of this provision is being impressed upon the soldier settlers. The season has been bad for hay. The production of ensilage is a matter to which the attention of the farming community throughout the district is recommended. As in other parts of the Dominion, dairying is one of the principal resources of Westland, but though the output of cheese and butter has doubled in the last four or five years, and though the industry is still a gradually expanding one, its development is south Westland has hitherto been impossible for the want of regular and practicable means of communication. There are at present, eight dairy factories in the district the Overland, Fresh Food and Ice, Kumara, Arahura, Kokatahi, Waiteha (cheese), Harihari (cheese and butter), and Wataroa (cheese and butter). These factories are in full operation, and the. number of suppliers is slowly on the increase. The Wataroa Factory is the farthest south, but by opening up means of communication the industry is capable of considerable development in the, southern portion of the district. Between Wataroa and the Paringa River, and, farther south, from the Wailoa (or Maori) River to the Cascade River, there are extensive river-flat and foreshore areas capable of carrying dairy herds. These lands at present are used for grazing purposes, and the areas available could be increased by the reclamation of considerable swamp lands, and the possibilities in this direction are now being carefully investigated. A vigorous development policy would necessitate! the extension of the, railway from its present terminus at Ross as far as Waiho (widely known as an alpine and tourist resort)', the construction of a motor-service road from Waiho to Bruce Bay, and the construction of a motor road from Jackson Bay northward to the Waita River. If these works were carried out there would be nothing to prevent the establishment of dairy factories throughout south Westland. The country around Jackson Bay, which is a good harbour—in fact, the. only harbour on the west coast- could be served by steamer to. Greymouth, and the present unsatisfactory steamer service dispensed with, while from Bruce Bay northwards produce would be carried by road to Waiho. It is noteworthy that some large consignments of butter were shipped this year to America. These sales occurred at a somewhat critical period, and undoubtedly helped to stabilize the market.

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The systematic development of a butter-market in America is recommended to the attention of New Zealand exporters. Prices are slowly recovering from the, slump which set in two to three years ago, though for beef they are still low. Ruling prices in the district are as follow for the past season :Ox beef, from 255. to 365. a hundredweight; heifer beef, from 21s. to 335. ; cow beef, from 18s. to 305.; mutton, sd. to BJd., and lamb, lOd. to Is. a pound. Butterfat fetched Is. 7d. a pound in the earlier part of the season, but dropped to Is. 5d., though at the latter price there is a bonus at the end of the season. Crossbred wool began at 6|d. and ends at 9d. a pound. In store cattle, two-and-a-half- to three-year steers ran from £3 to £4 each, heifers the same a,ge from £2 10s. to £3. The prices for old cows run from £1 4s. to £1 10s., and sheep £1 Bs. to £1 10s. The Ross and Kokatahi limeworks are still in active operation. Flax-milling is practically at a standstill at present. The output of timber for the year is 47,000,000 superficial feet, against 48,000,000 last year. The prices show a slight drop, though the number of mills operating is increasing. There are some eighty saw r mills in Westiand, though in one or two cases mills have temporarily closed down for want of orders. The timber is one of the chief industries in the district, and it is satisfactory to report that conditions are better than a year ago, and prospects generally brighter. The opening of the Otira Tunnel will reduce freight about 50 per cent., and stimulate the industry generally. Local sawmillers are of opinion that Canterbury, for many years to come, will purchase silver-pine fencing-posts, which are keenly sought after, but the freight on which has hitherto been prohibitive. The American gold-dredging company at Rimu Flat is still in active operation. The area dredged during the last twelve months is 17 acres, 13,000,000 cubic yards of earth and gravel have been handled, and 12,500 ounces of gold obtained. The land is a stony, marshy flat, covered with bush, and useless for farming purposes. The, bush has little or no commercial value. I understand the company is about to extend its operations to Callaghan's, on the main Hokitika-Kumara Road. Pakihi Lands.— -The problem of dealing with these lands still remains unsolved. An attempt to bring a section of pakihi lands into profitable occupation has been brought under the notice of the Department this year, but the cost of bringing the land into profit, and the time occupied in the undertaking, would appear to constitute an insuperable barrier, under present conditions, to the successful occupation of this class of land. Land open for Selection. —There, has been little demand for land during the year. An area of 4,579 acres was opened by ballot in fifteen sections on renewabie lease and regulation license, but only three sections were taken up. In addition to this, 3,013 acres were selected on various tenures, exclusive of miscellaneous licenses. Land Board Work. —Twelve monthly meetings were held during the year as scheduled, occupying one full day each, with an additional day included to discuss the Soldiers' Board of Inquiry report. In all ninety-four applications for land, 117 transfers, and sixty-three applications by discharged soldiers for transfers, postponements, &e., were dealt with, in addition to a large volume of miscellaneous work. Freehold. —An area of 1,010 acres, comprising 113 acres of isolated areas and 897 acres of Crown lease, was purchased during the year, making the total area of freehold 156,708 acres, Revenue and Arrears. —The total gross revenue from all sources (including Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account) during the year amounted to £28,561, the rent roll being £9,654 and the arrears of rent £1,165, the latter being an increase over last year of £436. A good portion of these arrears is due by discharged soldiers, whilst the general depression of prices of the previous year threw many settlers in arrear, from which they have not yet recovered.' Every effort is being made to reduce the amounts still outstanding. Land remaining for Selection. —There are two areas of Crown land in bush which have been sectionized with a view to disposal. The quality of the land is generally poor, but as soon as milling-rights now current are expired the land will probably be opened for disposal on renewable-lease tenures. At Harihari an area of 720 acres of swamp land is now being reclaimed under the direction of the Chief Drainage Engineer. The work has not long been started, but when completed the land, which will no doubt be of very high quality, will be available for disposal. The intention is to subdivide it into dairy farms. CANTERBURY. (G. H. Bullard. Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement. —During the past winter the district experienced a very long succession of heavy frosts. Outside of these weather conditions were generally fine, so that stock losses were not large, but in parts of the back country the severe frosts and late spring resulted in low lambing percentages. In the southern part of the district, for seven months from April, 1922, tho rainfall was under 5 in., and consequently the germination of cereal crops was hindered. In November about 3 in. of rain fell, and December and January were exceptionally wet, and the cutting of crops was in many parts hindered and the quality of grain affected. In mid-Canterbury the rainfall also interfered considerably with the harvesting, and where wheat was threashed from stook there is a considerable proportion of damaged grain. Generally speaking, more grain has been stacked and less has been threshed from the stook. In most cases yields are said to have been better than in last year, and this will to some extent make up for the lesser area under crop. Some land is suffering from overcropping in past years, and farmers are learning by experience that in the long-run it pays to farm on a proper system of rotation, including the sewing of leguminous crops encouraged by liming where conditions suit. In North Canterbury the rainfall seems to have been more evenly distributed. In some of the drier parts of the district the season has suited the pastures, and there was plenty of grass, but unfortunately many of our soldier settlers an; without sheep, having sold last year to use their land for cropping, and, owing to the high, prices ruling at one time for store stock, hesitated to purchase, and as a result have feed wasting. On some of the lighter lands the

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season has suited the oat crops and fair results have been obtained, both from the first feeding off and subsequent cropping. Stock in the lower lands have done fairly well, but owing to the general failure of turnip crops some apprehension is felt about a possibility of the shortage of other feed for the coming winter. In some cases stock did not fatten well on the rape, which was too sappy from the extra rainfall. A larger number of lambs than usual were sold fat from the mothers. In the run country, in parts such as the Mackenzie County, lambing percentages are said to have been lower than usual, but other losses have been lighter. A sale of surplus stock was held at Tekapo, and very good prices realized. Runholders have benefited by the good prices for the finer wools, and this has helped many to materially better their financial position. Too large a proportion of the runs are suffering from the inroads of the rabbit pest, and the natural pastures are deteriorating in consequence, the sheep-carrying capacity being lowered. Any extension of leases should be utilized by holders to regenerate their country by lighter stocking, surface-sowing where practicable, and by checking the rabbit pest; and observation ieads me to believe that more rabbit-proof fences are required. It is also evident that it is unwise in the high country to carry subdivision into smaller properties very far. In the lower sheep-country the excellent prices for lambs and mutton have come as a great boon to sheep-farmers, and the effect is noticeable in our revenue. Dairy-farmers have experienced a good season, but all the same, some men who purchased land, both agricultural and sheep land, at excessive boom prices have been forced to quit their properties. Cattle still continue low in price, excepting very prime stuff for local consumption. Orchardists are obtaining good yields of apples, but prices are not good. Large quantities of stone-fruits were spoiled by rain and blights. Poultryfanners state they have not been able, to sell eggs at remunerative prices, but it is hoped that the proper organization of an export trade will benefit them in the future. Land Board Work. —The usual monthly meetings have been held, and owing to the volume of work dealt with every sitting has occupied three days. During the year the term of office of the Crown tenants' representative, Mr. D. Stowelk, expired by effluxion of time, and he was subsequently returned unopposed. As Chairman of the Board I must again acknowledge my indebtedness to every member for his valued assistance in dealing with a multiplicity of subjects that occupy the attention of a modern Land Board. Revenue. —It is pleasing to record an increase of £72,742 over the revenue, of twelve months ago, which is a reflex of the general prosperity of the district arising from the improved prices for our staple products. There is every reason to suppose that next year's revenue will be even more buoyant, as the better returns and prices are still too recent to show to fullest advantage to the man on the land, who requires time to make financial adjustments with trading firms, &c, as the outcome of better prices received. Under the improved conditions prevailing it is only reasonable to expect the clearing altogether, or a very considerable reduction, in rental arrears and current postponements as soon as tenants are. financially adjusted and feel the full benefit of higher prices. Lands made available during the Year. —A total area of 54,242 acres, comprising sixty-two sections, was made available during the year, as follows : — Nine lots, comprising 51 acres, for sale at auction ; thirty-two lots, 2,414 acres, for leasing at auction ; sixteen sections, 467 acres, for purely soldier selection ; two sections, 51,300 acres, for general application. There has been little demand for new selections during the year, chiefly owing to the unsettled state of the markets, and the scarcity of necessary finance for developmental purposes, and the high cost of essentials. OTAGO. (R. T. Sadd, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement. —Very little new settlement has taken place in Otago during the past year, as no estates have been acquired for subdivision and no subdivisions of runs have been offered. Fortunately, the rise in the price of wool, especially fine wool, has been maintained, and the price of the coarse wools has increased to some extent. Good prices have been realized for fat lambs and sheep, and the prospects for sheep-farmers are good. The, price of cattle has not risen, and now that there is no prospect of a profitable export trade the demand for beef must be limited to local requirements. The price of butterfat has not risen as anticipated, and the dairy-farmers generally have not had much chance to improve their position. The spring and early summer of 1922 were dry and cold ; as a result, both crops and grass were very backward during the earlier part of the year. Later, with good rains the grass and crops grew abundantly, and stock were all in good condition. North Otago has had plentiful rains which, though favourable to the growth of straw and grass, did not produce a good yield of grain ; in parts of south Otago and Taieri harvesting operations were very late, and much delayed owing to bad. weather. The rape and turnip crops are good in all parts of Otago, and with the good growth of grass there should be abundance of winter feed. The fruit-farmers have not had a good time with their soft fruits owing to the heavy supplies "■lutting the market. Until provision is made for dealing with stone-fruits, either by drying or making into preserves on a large scale, this class of fruit is not profitable. The, apple crop promises well, but payable export trade must be established for this product, otherwise it may be another case of overproduction. Large shipments are being made this season, and from the Ripponvalc Orchards alone 3,400 oases, weighing 640 tons, have already been forwarded for shipment by the " Runanga," and it is proposed to export from this locality 8,000 cases in all. A first consignment from Teviot and Ettrick, of 3,900 cases, has been shipped by the " Ruahine," and more will be sent later on. Owing to the heavy charges for freight, &c, it is necessary for this fruit to arrive, in good oondition and realize the highest prices, otherwise it does,not prove payable. Lucerne-growing is receiving a considerable amount of support on the. irrigated lands of Central Otago and elsewhere. Some of the bush farmers have had a good deal of trouble in their herds with mammitis, and in consequence have not done very well, and also the season has been too wet to get the best results.

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Lands opened for Selection. —No new estates or subdivisions of runs on Crown lands have been opened for selection during the year ended 31st March, 1923, but an area of 17,512 acres was offered consisting of scattered sections of Crown lands and settlement lands opened previously but not selected. The Teviot Settlement is still being farmed by the Crown, but it is proposed to offer a considerable area of the balance for selection at an early date. The four settlers on this settlement have fair prospects of success, and three of them are shaping well. The subdivisions of the Mount Pisa runs have not yet been offered, but fresh proposals are being made for offering so as to give possession after next shearing season. Freehold Tenures. —A total area of 5,677 acres was made freehold, consisting of twenty-eight holders of Crown leases with a right to the freehold, two land for settlement, and the balance auction sales of Crown lands. Land Board. —The work of the Board has been fairly heavy during the past year, but only monthly meetings were held, generally of one day's duration. Land remaining for future Selection. —The area' remaining for future selection open in the Land Guide consists of 5,572 acres. Land not yet offered : Teviot Settlement, 17,000 acres settlement land and 33,000 acres pastoral land, and the subdivisions of the Mount Pisa Run, 130,000 acres. SOUTHLAND. (R. S. Galbkaith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The climatic conditions prevailing in Southland during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1923, were generally favourable for farming operations. The spring and early summer proved very satisfactory, and there was abundance of feed throughout the greater part of the district. About the end of January, however, the weather broke, and February and March were very wet and stormy and exceptionally bad for the harvest, resulting in the loss of a considerable proportion of the grain crops and also of the late grass crops, while a good deal of the grain saved will not be first grade!. This unseasonable weather also detrimentally affected the milk returns, and interfered materially with the finishing-off of lambs for freezing, &c. The fescue harvest, being earlier, w r as completed during the good weather, and the crop was well above the average, though so far most of it has been withheld from sale, and it is still uncertain how market values may vary. The prices ruling for most farm-products have generally been encouraging, especially for wool, lambs, and dairy-produce, and show a great increase on last year's, so that settlers as a rule are hopefui, and there seems every reason to look forward with renewed confidence. Apart from dairy stock, however, cattle show little or no improvement, and the continued slump in the prices of dry cattle is especially hard for settlers on rough bush sections which very often are only suitable for grazing this class of stock, from which little profit can now be made ; nor does there yet appear to be any indication for the bettor. Not much bush was cleared on holdings during the past year. Such areas as were felled were difficult to burn owing to the wet autumn, and few settlers obtained satisfactory results in this respect. Sawmilling has been particularly active during the year, and several new mills are in course of erection, while other industries -coal-mining, freezing-works, &c.—are working full-handed, and there is little or no unemployment throughout the district. Lands opened for Selection. —During the year an area of over 23,000 acres of education-endowment land was offered as a pastoral run, and was selected, and other areas offered under various tenures totalled 11,500 acres. The demand for land has not been keen during the period under review, and the class of land available has not generally been attractive to prospective settlers, being mostly remote and difficult of access. Freeholds. —4,103 acres, comprising twenty-six holdings of Crown leases, were converted to freehold during the past year, and the purchase of two deferred-payment lands-for-settlement sections was completed; area, 258 acres. Nine small sections were disposed of for cash or at auction, the total area being 17 acres and the amount realized £100. There was only one conversion to deferred payment during the year, but four tenants, taking advantage of recent legislation, exchanged their holdings from deferred payment back to leasehold. Land Board Work.— The Land Board held twelve ordinary meetings during the year and three special meetings. Most of the ordinary meetings occupied two days each, a considerable part of the work being in connection with discharged soldiers' requirements. Other very important business that was given thoughtful consideration by the Board concerned applications by most of the runholdcrs for extensions of their pastoral-run licenses, or renewals of same under recent legislation. This work entailed several inspections by the Board members, and I am pleased to be able to report that most of the important runs in Southland have now been dealt with, the result being that the licensees are more satisfied with the improved tenure, while the rentals reserved to the State arc considered adequate. Revenue and Arrears. —The gross revenue for the year from all sources was £121,339, including £51,119 being payments under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. The. actual rent roll is £61,238, and arrears of rent at 31st March, exclusive of current half-year, are £7,434. Of this amount about throe-fourths represents lands for settlement arrears on some sixty leases. Out of a total number of 2,747 tenants only 150 arc! in arrears, so that, taking into account the period of depression which the country in general has experienced, the position may be considered satisfactory. Land remaining for Selection. —Speaking generally, the Crown land in Southland remaining for future selection consists of bush country most of which contains timber more or less suitable for milling. The settlement of this class of country has generally to await the cutting-out of the bush by sawmills, and is therefore necessarily very slow, especially so now that high prices ruling for timber, and the value of the' inferior kinds, tend to the more thorough cutting-out of milling-areas and the more strict enforcement of the conditions of the licenses in that respect, and this also makes it essential' to withhold areas from sale that show any possibilities of producing more timber, although previously worked by sawmills.

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APPENDIX lI.—LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS. The following tables show the estates opened for selection during the year, and parts of settlements previously acquired but not then offered, and the present position of all settlements disposed of under the Land for Settlements Acts :—

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, 1923.

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Number of Area onpnerl Land District. Name of Estate. Holdings " for , °P™ cd t Selection, tor Settlement. Acres. Hawke's Bay .. .. Te Mata .. .. 4 33 Wellington .. .. .. .. Hall-Jones .. .. 41 60 Canterbury .. .. .. .. Avonliead No. 2 .. .. 16 133 Totals .... .. 61 226

Name of Estate. holds holds Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarksjw to^Present North Auckland. Bickerstaffe .. .. 43 4 Grazing .. .. .. .. Good. Cadman .. .. 1 .. Grazing lease only. Bayliss .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Carroll .. .. 1 1 Grazing lease only. Craddock .. .. 3 11 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Eccleston No. 2 .. 7 I Homes .. .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Hetana .. .. 13 77 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Kitchener .. .. 3 9 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Koremoa .. .. 13 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Lawry .. . . 2 .. Grazing lease only. Methuen .. .. 6 24 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Motutara .. . . 11 .. Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Fair. Paerata .. .. 2 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Palcaraka .. .. 14 1 Dairying .. .. .. Fair. Parahi .. .. 10 .. Grazing and dairying .. .. .. Good. Plumer .. .. 5 16 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Prescott .. .. .. 1 Grazing lease only. Puketi .. . . I .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Fair. Puni .. .. 12 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Remuera .. .. 29 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Streamlands .. .. 13 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. To Pua . . .. 5 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Tokiri .. .. 5 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. U pokonui .. .. 4 .. Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Fair. Waari . . . . 15 24 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Waimata .. . . 15 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Waiteitei .. .. 10 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Totals.. .. 244 170 Auckland. Apata .. .. 8 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Balachraggan .. 22 4 Dairying .. .. .. . . Very good. Clifford .. .. 9 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Good. Delaney . . . . 1 .. Homes .. .. .. .. .. Fair. Fencourt . . . . 27 20 Dairying .. .. . . .. Very good. Gorton . . . . 10 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Hereford Park . . 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Unsatisfactory. Hikuai .. . . 18 .. Dairying ... .. . . .. Fairly good. Horahia .. .. 6 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Horahora .. . . 10 ., Dairying and mixedffarming . . . . Good. Hukutaia .. .. 24 .. Dairying and mixed' farming . . . . Good. Kaipaki .. .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. .. . . Very good. Karapiro .. .. 10 9 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very gbod. Kopuku .. .. 5 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Not yet satisfactory. Kopuku No. 2 .. 8 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Not yet satisfactory. Mangaotama .. 3 .. Dairying .. . . .. .. Good. Mangapouri .. 5 9 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Mangateparu.. .. 56 1 Dairying .. . . .. .. Good. Mangawhero .. 12 14 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Matamata .. .. 106 199 Dairying .. . . .. .. Excellent. Matuku .. .. 11 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Ngahinapouri .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Ohauiti .. .. 15 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Okauia .. .. 8 10 Dairying .. .. .. .. 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, 1923 — continued.

23

Name of Estate. Leaseholds. Freeholds. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Position. Auckland —continued. Omeheu Opouriao Orongo Otamarakau Otway Pakarau Puahue Pukemapou Rangiatea Rangitaiki Reporoa Rewi Reynolds Rotomanuka Selwyn Tahaia Tainui Tairua Taniwha Tapapa Tautari Teasdale Te Miro Waiare Waimana Waitakaruru Whatawhata Whitehall 11 37 27 8 II 20 18 8 12 7 71 7 24 1 106 10 3 1 11 11 36 23 34 4 25 16 2 7 66 7 3 12 6 5 132 Dai rying Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying and mixed farming Dairying Dairying Dairying and small farming Dairying and grazing Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying and mixed farming Dairying Grazing Very good. Very good. Fair. Good. Very good. Good. Good. Good. Very good. Good. Good. Very good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Not yet offered. Very good. Good. Good. Very good. Fair. Good. Very good. Good. Good. Very good. 1 1 "e 80 20 I Dairying Dairying Dairying and mixed farming Business and residence Dairying and mixed farming Dairying Dairying and mixed farming Dairying and grazing Dairying Dairying 13 Totals 930 619 Hawke's Bay. Ardkeen Argyll Beattie Clydebank Corby Coyne Crownthorpo Elsthorpe Forest Gate Glencoe Glengarry Gwavas Hatuma Homebush Kumeroa Kanakanaia Lindsay .. • .. Mahora Manga-a-toro Mangatahi Marakeke Ngatapa Ohuka Omana Otamauri Paremata Parinui Pourerere Pouparae Raureka Raumati Repongaere Rissington Springhill Sherenden Te Kaihi Te Kura Te Mata Tongoio Tomoana Tearai Waihau Waimarie Waipuka Watea Wharekaka Wigan Wilder Willows 17 57 6 20 4 1 is 45 HI 6 22 12 62 14 13 7 61 28 2(1 22 17 27 14 9 16 6 4 6 4 11 30 11 5 17 21 4 12 13 12 7 51 21 13 I 10 II II 4 20 0 3 9 17 3 1 8 0 6 "3 1 1 Pastoral Agricultural and pastoral Pastoral Pastoral Mixed farming Mixed farming Pastoral Pastoral Agricultural and pastoral Dairying Dairying Agricultural and pastoral Agricultural and pastoral Dairying Agricultural, pastoral, and dairying.. Pastoral Mixed farming Mixed farming Agricultural and pastoral Agricultural and pastoral Mixed farming Pastoral Pastoral Dairying Agricultural and pastoral Dairying and pastoral Mixed farming Agricultural and pastoral Agricultural and dairying Dairying and Iruit-culture. . Pastoral and dairying Pastoral and dairying Pastoral ■ Mostly pastoral Mostly pastoral Mixed farming Dairying Fruit-farming Mostly pastoral Fruit and dairying Agricultural, pastoral, and dairying.. Mostly pastoral Agricultural and dairying Mostly pastoral Mixed farming Dairying Pastoral Mixed farming Agricultural and dairying Fair. Very good. Very good. Very good. Fair. Fair. Good. Very good. Good. Fair. Fair. Good. Very good. Good. Very good. Very good. Very good. Very good. Very good. Very good. Fair. Very good. Eair. Very good. Good. Good. Good. Very fair. Very good. Very good. Very fair. Fair. Good. Very good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Very good. Very good. Very fair. Very good. Very good. Eair. Good. Very good. Good. Very good. 5 8 3 1 "l 7 8 1 5 6 "2 Totals. . 848 I 19

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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, 1923— continued.

24

Name of Estate. holds! i holds. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilizid. Remarks as to Present Position. Taranaki. Araheko Clandon Croydon Taranaki. ike Ion Ion 3 .. Dairying 7 .. Dairying 6 .. Dairying 3 7 6 Fair. Good. Will probably require revaluation. Improving. Eair. Feeling effects of slump. Good. Indifferent. Very fair. Feeling effects of slump. Satisfactory. Fair. Eair. Feeling effects of slump. Very fair. Very fair. Good. Awaiting reoffering. Unsatisfactory. Eair. Good. Fair. Good. Feeling effects of slump. Very good. Very fair. Hawke Huatoki Huia Huinga Ka.ru Katikara Kohura Kota Maha Mangamaira .. Marco Matanc Ngutu Parkes Piu Rahu Ratapiko Spotswood Taitama Tariki Tawhiwhi Tokaora Tntutawa (0 old ga Lara ra amaira .. L> uc u ;s piko wood ma i iwhi Lira awa Totals.. 1 .. Dairying 18 .. Residential and small farming 5 .. Mixed farming 9 1 Dairying 4 .. Mixed farming 2 .. Dairying 9 .. Mixed farming 7 .. Mixed farming I .. Grazing 1 .. Grazing.. 2 .. Mixed farming .. ... 1 .. Dairying 1 .. Mixed farming 7 .. Dairying Grazing 1 .. Grazing 5 .. Dairying 19 26 Homesteads and small dairying 7 .. Mixed farming 7 1 Dairying (i .. Mixed farming 6 10 Dairying 3 . . Dairying and grazing 138 38 1 18 5 9 4 2 o 7 1 1 2 1 1 7 "l 1 5 19 7 7 (i 6 3 26 "l 10 Totals.. 138 38 Wellington. Almadale Aorangi Ahiaruhe Akitio Arawhata Armstrong Bartholomew Bailey Benge Braemore Brown Bruce Callender Carrington Cherry Grove Cloverlea Corliss Coyle Devonshire .. Dawbin Dixon Dyer Eaglesham .. Epuni Hamlet Evans Fairfield Falloon Wellington. dale lgi uhe hata trong lolomew Y i . • nore n ) ider lgton y Grove rlea .s ushire .. lin l sham .. i Hamlet 9 old jn polo un is .. • itoke Jones nond ie 3r ui ui No. 2 rey lerlea its ibin ion ,nga ;ea no i lale ey Purdom i 9 .. Dairying 27 14 Dairying and fruit-growing 10 .. Dairying 5 . . Grazing 2 .. Grazing 2 .. Grazing and dairying 6 .. Dairying 1 .. Dairying 1 .. Dairying 3 .. Grazing 1 .. Dairying 1 .. Dairying 2 . . Dairying 33 2 Dairying 2 .. Dairying 17 .. Dairying 2 .. Dairying 1 .. Dairying 1 .. Dairying 1 .. Dairying 1 .. Dairying 35 4 Grazing and cropping 6 .. Dairying 32 11 Market gardening 1 .. Dairying 11 .. Grazing and cropping 7 .. Grazing and cropping 1 .. Grazing and cropping 1 .. Dairying and grazing 2 .. Dairying and cropping 1 .. Dairying and grazing 15 .. Dairying and cropping 7 .. Grazing and gardening, &o. 2 .. Grazing.. 1 .. Dairying 3 .. Dairying 9 .. Dairying 7 .. Dairying 41 15 Residential 18 8 Dairying, pigs, and poultry 4 .. Dairying .. .. .. Dairying 1 .. Mixed 1 .. Mixed 12 .. Dairying 1 .. Grazing 14 .. Dairying 6 .. Dairying 14 13 Grazing.. 2 .. Dairying 1 .. Market-gardening .. .. 1 .. Dairying 9 27 10 5 2 2 6 1 1 3 1 1 2 33 2 17 2 1 1 1 1 35 6 32 1 11 7 1 1 2 1 15 7 2 1 3 9 7 41 18 4 14 2 4 11 Good. Good. Good. Fair. Fair. Good. Good. Fair. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Very good. Fair. Good. Fair. Good. Very fair. Fair. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Fair. Good. Good. Eair. Good. Good. Good. Fair. Good. Fair. Good. Very good. Very good. Good. Good. Poor. Vacant. Good. Eair. Excellent. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Gee.. Glasspole Graham Greves .. • Greystoke Hall-Jones Hammond Hardie Harper Haunui Haunui No. 2 Hawtroy Heatlierlea Heights Hill.. Horrobin Johnson Kairanga Kiwitea 15 8 Kopane Kuku Langdale Langley Purdom Lean Lewis 1 1 12 1 14 6 14 2 1 1 13

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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, 1923 — continued.

4—C. 1.

25

Name of Estate. Leaseholds. Freeholds. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present. Position. ! i I .„_ Wellington —continued. Linton Little Littler Longbush and Mahupuku Makowai and Extensions Makapua Marama-a-mau Marshall Matamua Mangaraki Mangawhata Motukai Moroa Muhunoa McDonell McKenzie McLean Ngakaroro Neligan Nesdale Nesdale No. 2 Ngahape Ngarara Normandale Olliver Olver Omahu Ohakea Oroua Otahome Oturoa Osborne Paa Creek Paparangi Paramu Pihautea Perham Pitt.. Pohehe Poroporo Pukenamu Pukekoa Puketoi Quillinan Ruatangata Raumaewa Saxon Sandilands Soland Stanley Stokes Putorino Tawaha Tablelands and H ikawera Tamaihi Taikorea Te Matua Te Whiti Te Kotu Tiraumea Tuturumuri Te Ore Ore Waddington Wahren Wauhora Wilford White Waterson VVestmere Woulfe Wright Youle Loughnan 5 2 1 19 28 3 6 1 4 18 1 3 19 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 5 50 2 1 4 4 2 3 7 5 2 33 1 29 1 5 2 15 7 9 8 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 "2 6 6 12 7 Dairying and cropping Dairying and grazing Mixed Grazing and dairying Dairying and cropping Grazing Grazing Dairying Dairying Grazing and poultry Grazing and dairying Dairying Grazing Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying Mixed Mixed Mixed Grazing Dairying Grazing, pigs, poultry, &c. Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying and cropping Dairying Grazing Dairying Dairying Dairying Residential, pigs, &c. Grazing Dairying and cropping Dairying and pigs Gardening .. .. ... Dairying Grazing and cropping Dairying Dairying Grazing Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying ... Dairying Dairying Dairying Crazing and dairying . . . . Grazing Dairying Dairying Grazing and dairying Dairying Dairying Dairying and grazing Grazing Dairying Market-gardening . . ,. » Dairying Dairying and grazing Residential Dairying Dairying Grazing.. Dairying Dairying Dairying Temporary grazing. j Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Fair. Eair. Vacant. Eair. Eair. Eair. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Fair. Good. Good. Good. Good. / Fair. Good. Eair. Very good. Fair. Good. Good. Fair. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Vacant. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Doubtful. Fair. Good. Good. Eair. Eair. 1 Good. ! Good. Good. Eair. Eair. Good. Vacant. "2 15 24 15 4 (i 9 7 3 16 8 8 15 I 2 20 1 2 7 1 I I 5 15 Totals.. 878 120 Nelson. Blue Glen Braeburn Glen Rae Golden Downs Homestead sites 2 21 1 3 3 "2 Grazing Mixed farming Mixed farming Grazing.. Poor. Good. Good. Eair.

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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, 1923 — continued.

26

Name of Estate. Leaseholds. Freeholds. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Position. Nelson —continued, Lake Matakitaki Palmer Tutaki Walker Wangapeka 5 1 1 2 J 14 1 Crazing. . Temporary grazing. Dairying Crazing I dairying Mixed farming Eair. Fair. Eair. Fair. Good. 3 Totals.. 54 0 Marlborough. Alberton Blind River Bomfiird Erina Elax bourne Goal, Hills .. I [illersden Billersden Bush Linkwater Dale' Lynton Downs Moorlands Neville North bank Omaka Puhipulii Rainford Richmond Brook Starborough Waipapa Warnock Wither 4 18 1 14 130 4 52 3 7 11 6 1 10 13 2 11 12 166 4 1 20 "2 9 7 Agriculture Sheep-farming and agricultural Agriculture Sheep-farming Sheep-farming and agricultural Sheep-farming Sheep-farming and agricultural Pastoral and supply of posts Dairying Sheep-farming Agriculture Agriculture Grazing Sheep-farming and agricultural Sheep-farming Dairying Sheep-farming and agricultural' Sheep-farming and agricultural Sheep-farming Dairying Sheep-farming, agricultural, and small farms. . Good. Good. Good. Most unsatisfactory. Very good. Uncertain yet. Quite satisfactory. Satisfactory. Not too satisfactory. Eair. Good. Unsatisfactory. Quite satisfactory. Good. Very good. Excellent. Very good. Excellent. Satisfactory. Fair. Satisfactory. I 14 2 Totals.. 490 35 Westland. Kokatahi 8 23 2 Dairying and grazing I )ai rying and grazing Highly satisfactory. Highly satisfactory. Poerua Totals.. 31 2 Canterbury. Acton Albury Allanholmo Annan Ashley Gorgo Ash ton Ash wick Avonel Avonel Extonsion Avonhead Avonllead No. 2 Ay lesbury Bankfield Beach Bourndale 3 79 9 42 7 8 8 16 11 18 14 6 9 6 7 6 5 14 4 3 12 1 21 10 6 ' 11 6 11 1 2 10 7 57 32 5 16 3 4 1 4 3 Mi xed farming Sheep-farming and grain-growing Sheep-farming and grain-growing Mixed farming and grazing Dairy-farming and grazing Mixed farming Sheep-farming and grain-growing Mixed farming Mixed farming . . . . . . Small farming Small farming Mixed farming Mixed farming and grain-growing Mixed farming Sheep-farming and grain-growing Market gardening Mixed grain-growing Mixed farming Mixed farming Mixed farming Workers' dwellings Homestead site. Sheep-farming and grain-growing Dairy-farming and grain-growing Dairy-farming and grain-growing Sheep-farming and grain-growing Sheep-farming Mixed farming Sheep-farming Sheep and dairy farming and grain-growing .. Mixed farming Mixed farming Mixed farming and grazing Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. M i xed farming Agricultural Mixed farming and grazing Sheep-farming and grain-growing Uncertain yet. Well established. Good. Well established. Well established. Uncertain yet. Good. Vory fair. Very fair. Unsatisfactory. Unsatisfactory. Good. Uncertain yet. Uncertain yet. Very fair. Well established. Uncertain. Fair. Uncertain yet. Uncertain yet. Fair. Braco Broadfields Brooksdale .. 8 Bruoe Buokley Buddo Burke's Homestead Chamberlain .. Clandeboye Clandeboye No. 2 Claremont Clayton Coldstream Cooper's Creek Copland Craigmore Crioklewood Culverden Douglas Doyleston Drayton Dromore Eccleston Epworth Einlay Downs 3 Well established. Very fair. Fair. Eair. Very good. Uncertain yet. Fair. Good. Uncortain yet. Uncortain. Good. Eair; improving. Uncortain yet. Improving. ' Uncertain yet. Well established. Now freehold. Very good. 9 4 o 5 Dairy-farming and grain-growing

0,-1.

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, 1923 — continued.

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Name of Estate. Lease- Freeholds, holds. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Position. Canterbury —continued. Four Peaks Eyvie Glonmark Glentanner Gorge Road Grange Hadlow Hawthorne Heihei Hekeao Hewitt Higlibairk Uiiiboro I tomebrook Homestead-sites Hornby Horsley Downs Isleworth Jungle Jungle No. 2 Kaimahi Kakahu Kapua Kapuatohe Koith Kereta Kinloch ivohika Kohika No. 2 Kowhatu Lad brooks Lam brook Lansdown Lauriston Leeston Lees Valley Lyndhurst Lyndon Lyndon No. 2 Macgregor Marawiti Maytown Mead Meadows Milford Mills Morice Morton Montford Mount Nosaing New Park Oakwood Ohapi Omihi Orakipaoa Otaio Otarakaro 8 4 29 4 3 3 6 11 10 1 70 3 16 10 20 10 13 1 1 8 5 12 9 4 32 17 4 5 14 4 10 4 5 9 15 8 9 1 13 9 22 14 4 21 28 10 7 11 7 5 6 1 I 17 7 9 3 18 5 5 1 Sheep-farming and grain-growing Mixed farming Mixed farming and grazing Homestead site Workers' homes. Dairying and grain-growing Mixed farmimg Poultry-farming, &c. Mixed farming Homestead site. Mixed farming Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Mixed farming Agricultural and gardening Mixed farming Mixed grain-growing Dairy-farming Dairy-farming Workers' homes and gardening Mixed farming and grazing Sheep-farming and dairying Workers' homes and gardening M i xed farming Dairying Dairy-farming and grazing Mixed farming Mixed farming Mixed farming Dairying and mixod farming Mixed grain-growing Sheep-farming and grain-growing Mixed grain-growing Agricultural Sheep-farming Mixed farming Mixed farming Mixed farming and grazing Mixed farming and grazing Mixed farming and grazing Sheep-farming and dairying Mixed farming and grazing Sheep-farming and grain-growing Mixed farming Small farming and dairying Dairying and grass-seed growing Poultry, &e. Mixed farming and grazing Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. ... Mixed farming Mixed farming and grain-growing Mixed farming Homestead-site. Dairying, grain-growing, and gardening Small farming and dairying Market-gardening Very good. Not satisfactory. Good, Fai r. Uncertain yet. Eair. Uncertain yet. Weil established. Well established. Good. Eair. Eair. Well established. Uncertain yet. Satisfactory. Satisfactory. Satisfactory. Satisfactory, Good. Satisfactory. Satisfactory. Well established. Very good. Well established. Very good. Uncortain yet. Improving. Uncortain yet. Good. Uncertain yet. Woll established. Fair. Uncertain yet. Well established. Well established. Unsatisfactory. Well established. Good. Well established. Very fair. Uncertain yet. Well established. Satisfactory. Uncertain yet. Uncertain yet. Very good, Uncertain yet. Eair. Good. I 1 2 3 26 9 5 1 2 Well established. Well established. Well established, satisfactory. Well established. Good. Well established. Satisfactory. Satisfactory. Satisfactory. Well established. Well established. Well established. Well established. Well established. Well established. Uncertain yet. Satisfactory. Uncertain. Good. Well established'. . . ■ Very good. Moderate. Satisfactory. Uncertain yet. Good. Uncertain yet. . Good. Papaka Pareora Pareora No. 2 Patoa Pawaho Peaks I'uhuka 9 28 27 1 8 10 9 15 1 21 5 6 4 12 1 11 153 15 9 4 8 26 6 7 7 3 17 2 1 2 Mixed gardening Sheep-farming and .dairying Sheep-farming and grain-growing Grazing and small farming Market-gardening Mixed gardening Workers'homes .. Dairying, sheep-farming, and grain-growing . . Sheep-farming and grain-growing Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing Mixed farming Workers' homes Punaroa Raincliff Rakitairi Rapuwai Rautawiri Riverina Roimata Rollesby Rosebrook Rosewill Ruapuna No, 2 Scargiil Seafield Seaforth Sherwood Downs Springwell Stoke 1 17 3 8 Small farming and dairying Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Mixed farming Mixed farming and grazing Mixod farming Small farming and dairying Sheep-farming and grain-growing Mixod farming and grain-growing Mixed farming .. ......

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, 1923— continued.

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Name of Estate. Leaseholds. Freeholds. I I Principal Purpose for which Holdings are • tilizcd. Remarks as to Present Position. Canterbury —continued. Stratiimore Studholme Junction . . Takitu Tamai Tara Tarawahi Tesohemaker Timaunga Timaunga Extension .. Tripp Valvcrde Waiapi Waikakahi Waimato Waiiv.ro Waitolii Peaks Wharenui Winchester Woodlau Workers' homes 4 5 20 8 14 12 17 7 25 11 11 189 35 7 II 18 10 4 3 I I Fair. Good. Well established. Satisfactory. Very good. Satisfactory. Very good. Eair ; improving. Good. Eair. Pair. Well established. Well established. Good. Fair. Uncertain yet. Well established. Eair. Uncortain yet. Satisfactory. I ; Mixed farming Small farming and dairying Sheep-farming Workers' homes Sheep-farming and grain-growing Workers' homes Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Mixed farming Mixed farming Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. Mixed farming Sheep-farming and grain-growing Shoep-farming and grain-growing Sheep-farming and grain and fruit growing .. Mixed farming Sheep-farming Workers' homes Shoep-farming, grain-growing, and dairying .. Mixed farming and grazing Residential 20 I 14 I 4 13 ,x Totals 1,900 232 Otago. Airedale Ardgowan Arnmore Avicinore Awamoa Barnego Bellamy Cardrona Clareview Clifton Conical Hills Crossbill Crouchcr Dalmain Duncan Earnscleugh Elders lie No. 1 Elderslio No. 2 Galloway Gladbrook Glenn Greenfield Hilderthorpc Janefield Kauroo Hill Kelso 12 67 5 ] I 22 15 ] 5 10 47 0 I 3 5 25 35 16 10 41 4 36 19 20 42 4 11 ] 70 33 3 8 3 11 7 9 1 25 64 18 27 21 14 6 9 1 51 3 7 9 23 4 5 3 2 1 3 Dairying and general farming Dairying and general farming Mixed farming Grazing General and mixed farming Dairying and general farming Grazing Grazing Dairying and general farming General Grazing and general .. General and mixed Mixed farming Crazing Dairying Eruit-farming General farming General farming Fruit and homestead-sitos Dairying Mixed farming General farming General farming and workers' homes Dairying and fruitgrowing.. General farming Dairying General farming and dairying General farming General farming General farming Good. Good. Only fair. Good. Good. Good. Indifferent. Eair. Fair. Indifferent. Fair. Good. Good. Indifferent. Indifferent. Fair. Good. Fair. Fair. Good. Fair. Good. Poor. Good. Good. Eair. Fair. Fair. Good. Good. 1 3 "7 2 3 Kurow Lake view Maerewhonua Makareao Makareao Extension .. Maraeweka Matakanui Meadowbank.. Melvillo Park Momona Oakleigh Otanomomo Otekaiko Plunket Pomahaka Poplar Grove Pukeawa Pukcnui Puketapu Rugged Ridges Steward St. He Ions Tahawai Taumata Toaneraki Te Puke Teviot 3 5 1 1 I 1 2 1 2 General farming General farming and grazing General farming General and mixod farming Dairying Mixed farming Dairying General and mixed farming General and mixed farming General and mixed farming Dairying Mixed farming Mixed farming Dairying Grazing General and mixed farming General farming Dairying Mixed farming Dairying General farming Grazing Eair. Good. Good. Indifferent. Good. Good. Good. Very fair. Very fair. Very fair. Indifferent. Eair. Eair. Good. Good. Very fair. Good. Good. Good. Good. Indifferent. Not yet completely settled. Indifferent. Good. Fair. Fair. 2 "l 1 Tilverstowe Tokarahi Tokoiti Totara 7 80 4 27 Mixed farming General and mixed farming General and mixed farming General amd nixed farming

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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, 1922 — continued

Name of Estate. Leaseholds. Freeholds. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Poiition. Otago —continued. Wairuna Waitahuna No. 1 Waitahuna No. 2 Windsor Park No. I Windsor Park No. 2 . . Westcott 15 1 6 38 IO 8 ? 1 1 Mixed farming General and mixed farming Gonoral farming General and mixed farming General and mixed farming General farming Indifferent. Poor. Poor. Good. Good. Fair. Totals 1,099 19 Southland. Ardlussa Allonby Beaumont Campbell Crichton Park Edendale Ermedale Fortification Hill Glenham Knowsloy Park Lambert Lamont Maori Hill Merrivale Merrivale No. 1 Merrivale No. 2 Monte Cristo Otahu Ringway Stalker Strath vale Teihoka Waiarikiki Waildwi Town 6 5 9 4 4 106 11 6 39 8 I 6 16 45 9 7 4 8 5 8 9 4 7 21 2 2 45 2 6 Pastoral Dairying Mixed farming Mixed farming Pastoral Dairying Mixed farming Pastoral Mixed farming Pastoral Dairying Dairying Mixed farming Mixed farming Mixed farming Mixed farming Dairying Mixed farming Mixed farming Dairying Dai rying Mixed farming Pastoral Suburban building sites Eair. Good. Fair. Eair. Good. Very good. Doubtful. Good. Very good. Poor. Very good. Fair. Good. Good. Poor. Poor. Good. Fair Fair Very good. Good." Fair. Poor. Good. 10 3 1 8 Totals.. 348 79 Grand totals 6 966 1 475

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EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OP COMMISSIONERS OP CROWN LANDS. North Auckland. (K. P. Greville, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Settlements. —No now settlements were purchased or opened during the year. The old settlements at Parahi and Bickerstaffe continue to progress. A number of sections on the Prescott Settlement, opposite Penrose Junction, will be offered for sale in May, the average upset price being about £3 10s. per foot. The sections arc very rocky. Representations were made to the Board re opening the remaining forty-odd sections on the Lawry Settlement at Ellerslie, but it is considered that these sections, with one or two exceptions, are more fitted for a quarry than for building. In view of the early completion of the city tram system to the Harp of Erin, the time has arrived for pushing on with the expensive road-construction to open the numerous building sections on Cadman and Carroll Settlements. Most of the sections are excellent building-sites, and there will be great competition for them. it was hoped that the available sections at Eccleston Settlement, Otahuhu, would have been offered, but owing to various unforeseen difficulties the sections are not likely to be available till next June. As sites for homes these sections are very fine. General Conditions of Settlement. —Koremoa Settlement, Northern Wairoa District: The settlers on this settlement are reported to bo doing good work as far as the swamp portion is concerned. They are all dairying. New drains have been dug, and the old ones have been cleaned out. There seems to be a disposition on the part of the settlers to give up the gum-land sections which form part of each holding, but the Board is of opinion that a proportion of hilly land is essential to each holding if these settlers are to succeed. Puni Settlement, Pukekohe : Good progress has been made during the year, quite a lot of new ground having been brought in, and stumping is being proceeded with on most of the bush sections. Stock are looking well, and cows are showing better returns than last year. With one or two exceptions these settlors are doing very well. Their returns are gradually increasing, and the assistance given them in the past in the matter of postponements should not in future be required. Waari Hamlet (near Auckland) : As soldiers failed to take advantage of the liberal provisions under which the sections in the above hamlet were offered, steps have been taken to have the land withdrawn and reopened for general application. The sections are within the Auckland suburban radius, and should be readily taken up. Remuora Settlement, Ohaeawai : Good progress lias been made by the settlers. A good deal of ground has been cleared of stones, and stumped, and ploughed. The cows on the settlement are all looking well, and the settlers may now be considered as being well established. Three or four sections were given up during the year by holders for various causes, principally ill health. Included in these were some of the best sections on the settlement, and there is no question of the success of the incoming tenants, provided they are fit and competent men. Many of the settlers are going in for lucerne-growing, with very satisfactory results. Paparaka Settlement, Kawakawa, : The settlers on this settlement have done very well under the circumstances during the past year. The majority of them have been paying their way. The Departin mt has been compelled to come to the assistance of the settlers in the matter of clearing the very large area of gorse on this settlement, and a contract has been let. The work of clearing and ploughing is now well in hand. Te Paa, Upokonui, and Puketi Settlements : These settlements are comparatively small. The Te Pua settlers have done very well during the year, and may now be considered as being established. The same remark applies to tho Upokonui settlers. One man on the latter settlement, whose health is bad, will probably be compelled to give up, but there will be no difficulty in reletting his section. The sole settler on Puketi, which only comprises two sections, has not so far succeeded too well, but has been given liberal help to tide him over his existing difficulties. Waimata Settlement, Dargaville : This settlement, which is looked upon as being the best Government purchase in this district, is still in a prosperous position. Very good progress has been made, extensive subdivisions have been carried out, and the settlers have in some cases gone in for milking. There are over five thousand sheep on the settlement, as well, as store cattle and cows. The settlers are a very good class. Streamlands and Waiteitei Settlements (near Wellsford) : On the former settlement a good deal of improvements has been effected. The large drain constructed by the Government has proved most beneficial. The cattle on the settlement have done fairly well. The settlers on the Waiteitei Settlement as a whole are not progressing as well as was expected. The settlement is exposed to heavy winds, and the settlers have at last taken the repeated advice given them to plant more shelter. Tho settlers on both these settlements, as a rule, are still having a hard struggle. Motutara Settlement, Waimauku : The settlers on this block are, with two exceptions, dairying. Provision has been made for all classes of stock. All the settlers are now comfortably housed, and only two sections remain open for selection. One settler will probably be compelled to give up his holding owing to ill health, but the others are all a good type and are already doing well. Auckland. (H. M. Skeet, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) There are now in this district fifty-two settlements occupied under the Land for Settlements Act, of which thirty have been offered exclusively for discharged soldiers, and there are a few soldier settlers scattered amongst the older settlements. The latter are now, with very few exceptions, in a

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highly developed and prosperous condition. They are occupied principally as dairy-farms, and include some of the most successful properties of the kind in the district, settlements such as Matamata, Selwyn, and Rangiatea in the Waikato, and Opouriao and Waimana in the Bay of Plenty, being widely known for their quality and success. Settlements such as these are so (irmly established that recent conditions have done little to disturb their prosperity. There is little doubt that some, of the more recently established settlements will, after the lapse of a similar period, be in an equally sound and prosperous condition. Hawke's Bay. (W. F. Marsh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The only addition to lands for settlements during the year was the subdivision of a reserved area in the original Te Mata Settlement. This area had been used by the Agricultural Department as part of the Arataki Experimental Farm, and, with a portion of Crown lands adjoining, was cut into four orchard properties averaging about 8i acres, all of which were selected by discharged soldiers. The old-established settlements are still in a healthy state, and very little change is taking place in the personnel of the tenants. Taranaki:. (H. J. Lowe, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) No new estates have been acquired this year, and in spite of adverse conditions the older-pur-chased estates have more than held their own. The estates specially bought for soldier-settlement are dealt with under that heading. Wellington. (Tiios. Brook, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The only estate purchased during the year was the Tapuac Settlement, comprising 758 acres of sheep-country, divided into two sections, and allotted under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. In the .Hall-Jones Settlement, near Lower Hutt, forty-one allotments were offered to discharged soldiers, but as only one was selected the remainder were offered to the public for cash or deferred payments, when four were selected. Nine lots in Hawtrey, Paparangi, and Epuni were offered and disposed of. The street-construction in part of Wilford. Settlement is Hearing completion, and several residential sections of about J acre each will be available during the coming year. The older settlements continue in a satisfactory position, there having been very few changes in occupation or tenure. Marlborouo i i. (J. Cook, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) There were no estates acquired or disposed of during the year. The settlements, generally, have benefited by the recent increased prosperity of the pastoral industry. Nelson. (H. D. McKellar, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The settlements acquired in recent years have not proved attractive to settlers. No sections in Maruia Settlement have been taken up. The projected new dairy factory on the settlement will, however, probably result in the disposal of some of the holdings. Matakitaki Settlement and the unselected portion of Tutaki Settlement have been leased temporarily for grazing. On the older settlements the settlers are firmly established. Three unselected sections in Lake Settlement, which have been grouped as one holding are still unoccupied. Westland. (W. T. Morpeth, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The only settlements in the Westland District are Kokatahi and Poerua. Both these settlements have been very successful.. All the settlers are engaged in dairying. They are in a flourishing condition, most of them being by now practically independent. Canterbury. (C. H. Bullard, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) One estate of 133 acres was purchased under the Land for Settlements Act during the past year, and those acquired since 1915 having been disposed of under tho Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act are dealt with under that heading in a separate! report. The older settlements held by civilians are well established, and, generally speaking, have had a prosperous year, with good harvest returns, plentiful feed for stock, and unprecedented prices for wool, lambs, and staple products. These settlements have exceeded the period of statutory requirements, and are now only subject to genera] supervision by the Crown Lands Rangers. There has been a marked paucity of applications to purchase the freeholds of these lands during the year. In cases of applications for consent to transfer dealt with by the Land Board during the year, one noticeable feature in several instances was the apparently heavy goodwills asked for by the outgoing tenants.

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Otago. (Robert Sadd, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) No estates were purchased under the Land for Settlements Act during the past year. On the estates originally purchased for discharged-soldier settlement, the sections unselected have been opened to the public. On Kelso Settlement, near Heriot, one section is still unselected, and on the Wairuna Settlement, near Waipahi, six sections, with an area of 3,825 acres, are not selected, and one section on Dalmain Settlement is not selected. Pukeawa Settlement, near Balclutha, is now all selected. All the older, well-established settlements are doing fairly well with the exception of Waitahuna No. 1, and with the rise in the price of lambs, fat sheep, and wool the prospects are improving. Southland. (R. S. Galbraith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Although no fresh estates have been purchased during the period, the year 1922-23 has been one of steady progress. More and more the settlers are going in for liming and top-diessing their holdings and the results obtained and being obtained are such as to encourage further efforts in the same direction. Some of the settlements in this district comprise land that cannot bo called first grade, and on these settlements it is necessary to keep on renewing the, pastures at short intervals. Edendale still maintains its place as the largest and most successful settlement in Southland. During the boom time, when the price of butterfat rose as high as 2s. 6d. per pound, there was a tendency to traffic in holdings on this settlement at prices for goodwill that could only be justified by the assurance of a long continuance of the high price of that product. Happily the Land Board did its best to discourage transfers of leases at the high goodwills. During the year just closed eight holdings on Edendale have changed hands, and of the two land-for-settlement allotments made freehold during the period one was on that settlement. The arrears are slightly less than were shown twelve months ago.

APPENDIX III.—LAND-DRAINAGE OPERATIONS. (0. N. Campbell, Chief Drainage Engineer.) The offices of the branch were moved during the year to the Law Court Buildings, High Street, where rooms were remodelled to suit the various operations. This change was in the best interests of the Service, as the branch is now in a departmental building and has the advantage of the different facilities provided. The year's operations have been very extensive, and the amount of work put through shows a considerable increase over that of the previous period. In particular the work of the clerical and accounting staff has increased very greatly, and in order to cope with this the services of a new officer had to be engaged. Separate reports, as required by statute, have been made on the, Hauraki Plains, Rangitaiki Swamp, and areas administered under the Swamp Drainage Acts. Many special reports and inspections were made during the year, among these being Harihari Swamp, Kokatahi Swamp, Koiterangi Swamp, Hereford Park Settlement, Mikonui Swamp, Tatarariki K.G. Reserve, Ruamahanga River District, Marama-a-mau Settlement, Moroa Settlement, Tawaha Settlement, McGregor Settlement, Te Kuri Block, and other small areas. Works done by local authorities out of grants and subsidies have been examined and passed, and the sum of £3,254 paid out in respect thereof. The following is a short report on general works carried out by the branch :- Omeheu Settlement. —The main work on this area consisted of road-formation, grading and filling, and double-drain construction. Several access bridges and one pile bridge across the dredge-cut were erected. The length of road formed was 74 chains, and 94 chains of drains w,ere excavated. Five small sill bridges and two pipe culverts were laid. As a result of operations this area is looking very well at present, and the land is likely to produce quick returns. When the road through Seccombe's property is linked up the settlers will have a good through road. Expenditure during the year was £392 6s. 7d. Reporoa Settlement. —The scheme of roading and draining as originally arranged for has been practically completed, with the exception of some bridges on the Paeroa Road. These bridges have not been required up to the present, as the sections fronting this road have not been selected, and at the present time there, does not appear to be any demand for this land. In certain localities where the peat is very deep and soft the country has subsided, and deepening was rendered necessary. In all cases the drains have been maintained, but the continual movement of the pumice in some of

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the drains will always cause trouble and require careful maintenance. With regard to the roads, certain portions of the roads received a coating of pumice so as to improve bad places, some 6,000 cubic yards being carted by contract and a smaller quantity by day labour. The ploughing and regrassing of 255 acres was carried out, and the take of grass promises to be successful. The total expenditure during the year was £4,394 13s. 3d., of which £1,513 12s. 6d. was spent on the ploughing and £499 15s. 3d. on the purchase of posts, &c, for settlers. Waitakaruru Block. - The maintenance of roads, drains, culverts, and bridges was carried out, and also flood-damage repairs executed, the total expenditure being £257 17s. Id. Kahuwera Additional Loan Block. Authority was received for the expenditure of £600 on this area to provide drainage through Section 4, Block IV, Totoro Survey District, Taranaki Land District. Levels were taken and the contract let for the work early in 1923, and this should be completed by the end of April. This swamp, although small, is of very good quality, and the drain will give much-needed relief, and enable the swamp to be fully developed. The expenditure to date is £42 4s. sd. : Pakihi Lands, Weslland.-—Kn area of land at Kumara was selected for the purpose of testing the possibilities of dealing with the drainage of pakihi lands, and operations have now commenced. A contract was let for the construction of a drain, but so far the work is not sufficiently advanced to test the success of the experiment. Expenditure was £28 1.75. sd. Awaiti Road and, Canal. -Tho remaining balance of grant-money was expended in the construction of the canal, the work being performed by dredge No. 6. Total expenditure for the year was £87 16s. lid. Waitoa River Snagging. —The money available for this work was expended during the progress of the canal cut by dredge No. 1. The river is now straightened and improved up to the North Road, Tahuna Settlement. Expenditure, £100. Lake Omapere Surveys. —A traverse of the borders of the lake was run in order to show the limits of the lake as they existed prior to the lowering of the waters by the deepening of the outlet stream, and also to show the resulting water-level. 340 chains of new traverses were surveyed, and 270 chains of old traverse picked up with compass and chain and new offsets taken ; 45 chains of line-cutting was also necessary. The work was completed and a plan of the lake prepared. Total expenditure, £41 9s. Bd. Streamlands Settlement. —A contract for constructing 88 chains of drain on the above settlement was let in March, 1922, and the contractor practically completed his contract, but owing to financial difficulties had to suspend operations. Since then the work has been completed by day labour and has given drainage facilities to several soldier settlers. In parts the construction of tho drain was very heavy owing to the large amount of timber encountered. The expenditure for the year was £219 15s. 6d. Koremoa Settlement.-- -The construction of the necessary roads and drains on this area has been completed, the cost for the year being £916 18s. Bd., making a total expenditure to date of £2,139 ss. The works carried out this year- were 2 miles 46 chains of road-construction, and 1 mile 70 chains of drain. Otamarakau Settlement.- Most of the work in this area was done- in the previous year, but a small balance of funds was used to complete some 35 chains of formation work on the northern side of the East Coast Main Trunk Railway. There is now a good formed and graded road from the main road to the beach. The settlers, who arc mostly returned soldiers, engaged in dairying, appear to be doing well. Expenditure for the year was £147 lis. 9d. Hereford Park Water-supply. —The intake for the supply was constructed in Section 2, and a pipe-line laid from there down to the ram-site in Section 4, thence up the hill to the reservoir on the boundary between Sections 3 and 4. Piping has also been laid from the southern boundary of Section Ito the reservoir. Owing to difficulty in obtaining all the material required, delay has occurred in coupling up the ram, but it is expected that tho plant will be in full working-order very shortly. Expenditure during the year was £334 7s. 3d. Drainage Surveys, Westland District.— -During the year the engineering surveys necessary to formulate schemes of drainage were completed on the Kokatahi and Koiterangi areas, both of which are situated in the Hokitika Valley. The necessary plans and reports were prepared, but the question of whether construction work will proceed is still undecided. However, should a decision to proceed under the Swamp Drainage Act be reached, the preparation of the necessary contracts should not be a very lengthly matter. Later a flying survey was carried out on the Mikonui Swamp, several miles south of Ross, but the few levels taken proved that it was not feasible, consequently further survey work was abandoned. Expenditure for the year was £293 10s. 2d. Inspections, Westland District. -In January a visit of inspection was made to the South Westland District to obtain information as to the quality of the swamp areas in that portion of the district. There are numerous swamps scattered along the coastal plains, several of which promise to be of good quality and capable of being drained satisfactorily. Expenditure, £24 2s. Bd. Harihari Swamp Drainage, Westland County. —The field-work of tin; above area, situated on the left bank of the Wanganui River, was completed and a scheme of drainage prepared. Contracts were prepared, but it was not until after the New Year that the contracts were advertised. Only two tenders were received, both being rejected as being too high. The work was then offered to contractors from the Hauraki Plains, who after some delay commenced operations in February. The first contract was the construction of tins double drains and road through the centre of the swamp. This has progressed satisfactorily, and the construction of the other drains will be taken in hand as soon as possible. The drainage of this area should be completed during the present year, after which the sections can be thrown open for selection. The area of inalienated Crown land is 720 acres, which

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should provide six or seven farms in areas suitable for dairying. Expenditure incurred for the year was £10 18s. lOd. Orongo Settlement. —The drainage-works, including the construction of main drains, stop-banks, and flood-gates, were completed during the previous financial year, and have been maintained during the year under review out of the Settlement Account funds. This maintenance work is particularly costly in this class of country, especially during the first few years, owing to the heavy deposition of silt. Now that the settlors are becoming established, and. as this Department has no special funds for this work, it seems necessary that the area should be amalgamated with the Hauraki Drainage District adjoining. The Board controlling this district would then collect the necessary rates and take care of the maintenance. A rainfall of 7| in. in twenty hours occurred over this area in the latter portion of the year. The drains had not then received their autumn cleaning, and, as could only be expected, the surplus water lay about in parts for some time, and it seems likely that a small area of recently sown grass will have been drowned. The damage, however, will not be serious, and the areas affected can be sown again in the spring. The subsoil, formerly to a large extent liquid mud, is consolidating with the lowered water-table, and the country is consequently becoming more easily worked. Drains cleaned total 1,530 chains, and drains deepened 226 chains. A further 102 chains of road was formed from spoil thrown up from the road-drains, and 244 chains of road have been metalled to date. A further 50 chains of metalling remains to be done, and this will be completed this season if the weather holds favourable. Ploughing operations this year have been confined to lands already disposed of. It was realized that without the assistance of the Department settlers could not satisfactorily deal with these fescue lands, and an area of land on each section has been ploughed, disked, and sown by the Department's men and plant. During the year 247 acres have thus been ploughed, 215 acres disked, and 181 acres sown with, grasses. Generally speaking the settlers have failed to realize the necessity for close subdivisional draining and also for the judicious treatment of the new pastures. For want of close subdivisional drainage some of the areas sown have not given the most satisfactory results, and also in certain cases beautiful fields of young grass have been allowed to get out of hand for want of stocking, with the result that the rank growth has largely smothered the new grass and encouraged the regrowth of fescue. Settlers are now settling down and realizing the position, and losses in this direction should be avoided in the future. Fourteen leadlined bores were sunk during the period, and twenty concrete-pipe crossings have been placed to give access to sections. Expenditure for the year was £8,842 7s. Tokaloka No. 3 Additional Loan Block. —The year's expenditure on this block has been confined to drain-maintenance and metalling. All the drains in the. settlement, totalling 598-8 chains, were cleaned and put into good repair, and finally handed over to the Raupo Drainage Board for future maintenance. Metalling has been carried on as conditions permit, but has been delayed by unfavourable weather conditions. To date, a total distance of 3 miles 16 chains of roads has been metalled with blue metal, and I mile 65 chains has been metalled with limestone. This limestone will later be covered with a wearing-course of 3 in. of blue metal, thus giving an efficient road at a greatly reduced cost. The remaining one mile and a half of metalling is being proceeded with, and will be continued until weather conditions prohibit carting. Expenditure for the year was £2,474 19s. 9d. General. —The following particulars give the aggregate of the principal operations carried out over all the works under the direction of the branch :— Cleaning drains .. .. .. . . .. 227 miles 72 chains. Widening and deepening drains .. .. ■ • 123 it 74 ~ Constructing new drains .. .. .. .. 32 „ 45 ~ Dredge-cuts_ .. .. .. .. .. 42 ~ 64 Re-forming roads .. .. .. .. •■ 6 „ 53 ~ Forming new roads .. .. .. ■ • 15 ~ 71 ~ Metalling roads .. .. .. .. .. 8 „ 28 ~ Remetalling roads .. .. .. . ■ • • 4 „ 72 ~ Fencing roads .. .. .. • • •• 16 ~ 3 ~ Clearing road-lines .. .. .. ••■ • 3 „ 24 ~ New stop-banks .. .. . - • • • • ? „ 8 „ Repairs to stop-banks .. .. ••• • 1 >> 41 ~ Line-cutting .. .. .. . • • • b' >> 0 ~ Levels taken .. .. .. • • • • 312 ~ 26 ~ Traverses taken .. . . .. .. • • 116 ~ 10 „ Cross-sections .. .. • • • • • • 12 ~ 0 ~ Willow-clearing .. .. .. .. .. 30 ~ 0 „ Artesian wells sunk . . .. .. .. .. 17 (number). Flood-gates built .. .. .. .. • • 9 Concrete culverts built .. .. • • • • 8 ~ Creek diversions .. .. • ■ • • • • 8 ~ Monie'r pipes made .. .. .. • • • • 525 ~ Pile bridges erected .. .. .. •• .. 12 ~ Sill bridges .. .. •• •• •• .. 46 ' „ Fascines for roads 18,068 bundles. Metal for roads .. .. •• ■• -20,189 cubic yards. Spoil excavated by floating and dry-land excavators 1,335, 140 Rock-excavation .. .. •• •• 21,886 „ Excavation by scoops .. •• •• 11,000

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Office. —The total expenditure Of all kinds which passed through the books was £224,762. The amount of £72,520 for wages, &c, was paid out of Thames and Whakatane imprests. Payment through the local Treasury amounted to £108,609. The number of piecework contracts lot during the year was 419. The number of vouchers passed was 4,340, an increase of 516 over the previous year's total. This increase gives a fair indication of the increase in the work. The total amount of receipts during the year, apart from rates, was £2,366, the principal item being Patetonga tram freights, £741. Inward correspondence numbered 9,315, outward 12,620. Collection of Rales. —The total amount received during the year was £15,242, credited as follows : Hauraki Plains, £10,851 ; Rangita ki Swamp, £4,391. A reclassification of the Hauraki Plains area was in progress during the year, but was not quite completed at the close of the period. The total number of assessments made for the year 1922-23 was 1,400. Draughting Staff. —The Draughting Staff has been kept very busy during the year. The considerable amount of field surveying completed in this period has entailed the supply of much survey information, plan-work, and general searching. In addition to this a considerable amount of work was done in the preparation of Proclamation plans, and the drawing-up of the necessary agreements and other small matters incidental to the proclamation of land transactions under the different statutes. On the engineering side the staff has been engaged for a good percentage of the year on the checking of various designs, and on the designing of bridges, culverts, weirs, drains, &c. The lithograph maps of the drainage districts have been kept well up to date, and one for the Hikurangi district has been prepared. Great use has been made of the photostat, and much time has been saved in the preparation of survey information, &c, by its use. The cost of the work turned out by the machine during the year shows a saving of 75 per cent, over the estimated cost of copying the plans, &c, by the old method.

APPENDIX IV.-SAND-DRIFT AT LYALL BAY. In accordance with a petition signed by certain property-owners in the vicinity of Lyall Parade, Apu Crescent, and Onepu Road, Lyall Bay, a sand-drift area containing 16 acres 3 roods 35-32 perches has been proclaimed by the Government in terms of the Sand-drift Act, 1908. The sand-drift evil in this locality has assumed a serious aspect in recent years, and considerable damage to residential property has already occurred, and will continue unless steps are taken to cope with the menace. The provisions of the Act come into force within the area on the 25th June, 1923, and within a period of six months from that date a scheme for controlling the drift, and a schedule showing how the, costs are to be apportioned, will be filed in the Magistrate's Court by the Minister of Lands, and notice thereof served on all owners. The scheme will then be open for inspection by the parties interested, and a period of two months is allowed for the lodging of objections. The Act provides for the hearing of all objections by a Magistrate and two assessors. Power to carry out the works of reclamation will ultimately be delegated under the Act to the Wellington City Council.

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SAND-DUNE RECLAMATION. R. P. Greville, F.R.G.S., Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) During the year sand-dune-reclamation work has been carried on in four different localities —on the east coast, between Marsden Point and Waipu ; on the west coast, between South Kaipara Heads and Motutara ; in the northern Kaipara, at the back of Te Kopuru ; and in the far-northern dunes, between Waipapakauri and Hohoura. Interesting reports on the work carried out in the various localities, by the Overseer, Mr. Samuel Stafford, are appended. It is interesting to note that considerable success has resulted from the operations, and there is no doubt that the work done has shown the wisdom of carrying out those sand-dune reclamations. The expenditure on the various areas up to date is as follows : Kaipara, £2,035 10s. 6d. ; Waipu, £2,080 12s. 6d. ; Northern Wairoa, £268 6s. 6d. ; Great Northern, £305 10s. 7d. : total, £4,690 os. Id. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the fourth annual report of the reclamation of the sand-dune areas, the operations at the various places of which being commenced on the following dates : Great Northern sand-dune area, commenced 7th May, 1922 ; Waipu sand-dune area, commenced Ist August, 1922 ; Kaipara sand-dune area, commenced 9th January, 1923. In the last annual report the date when the work was commenced on each sand-dune area, and a general summary, was given of the work done up to the 31st March, 1922. It was also mentioned that three other sand-dune areas were reported on. Waipapakauri to Hohoura. To commence the reclamation of this dune area, the material —that is, lupin-seed and marramgrass plants —had to be procured partly from the Kaipara and partly from the Orewa sand-dune areas. The lupin-seed was harvested on the Kaipara dunes, the work being done by contract labour at the rate of 4d. per pound for harvesting, threshing, and bagging the seed ready for shipment to Auckland. The quantity harvested from tho 16th January to the 11th February was 10 cwt. 3 qr. 23 lb., the cost of same at 4d. per pound amounting to £20 9s. On the Ist May two workers were engaged at Orewa to dig and prepare a supply of marramgrass plants for tho Great Northern sand-dune areas, and by the 20th of tho same month 103 sacks of marram-grass plants and the lupin-seed were shipped by the s.s. " Apanui " for Waipapakauri, arriving there on the 23rd. The marram-grass plants were entrenched temporarily, as the work of sowing the lupin-seed had first to be undertaken. Lupin-seed (Lupinus arboreus). —The area sown : Seventeen of the nineteen bags of lupin-seed were distributed along the coastal dunes, the other two bags being sent to an inland drift between the properties of Messrs. Gleeson and Wright. The sowing of the lupin-seed commenced at the Waipapakauri " turn-in " near Lake Waiparara ; from this point the seed was sown on all the coastal dunes and intervening sand-dune areas where the native growth provided shelter—in a northwesterly direction to a point about four miles beyond Hukatere, and in a south-easterly direction from the Waipapakauri " turn-in "to a point along the coast-line abreast of Lake Rotoroa and on beyond, the sowing being made on the coastal dunes and inland of same under sheltered cover to the vicinity of the last-named lake, and along the inland drift to the west side of Lake Waiparara. The approximate distance the seed was sown through the coastal dunes in the places mentioned is about twenty miles, and about a third of this distance on the most sheltered areas on the inland drift. The total scope of country sown on the coastal dunes, the intervening dunes, the inland sand-drift, and the sand-drift between Messrs. Gleeson's and Wright's properties would cover eighty miles. As nearly as possible the contour of the sand-dunes was followed in making the sowing. Marram-grass (Psam,ma trenaria) —two plantations established : Two sites were chosen to plant the marram-grass, one in the vicinity of the Waipapakauri " turn-in " and the other six miles farther up tin; coast in a north-westerly direction, at a place known as Waihi. Both sites chosen are within a few chains of high-water mark. Tho 103 sacks of marram-plants were equally divided so as to establish each plantation on equal terms. The approximate area of the marram-grass planted is 5 acres. The plantations are set, out in circular formation, and are on the open sand-drift. To regulate the flow of the sand-drift on to the marram-grass plants (as a certain amount of drift sand is suitable to their welfare), rows of flax-plants (Phormium tenax) were planted around the marram plantations at a distance of 1 chain from the outside rows of the marram-plants. General Remarks. —The marram plantations are situated within the borders of the Opoe Survey District. The lupin-seed sown starts at the southern end of the Opoe Survey District and extends through the coastal dunes of this district and. four miles north into the Hohoura Survey District. A notable feature of the coastal dunes operated on is that, notwithstanding tho great number of stock that have been grazing on them for many years, the dunes are, quite stable, and, with tire exception of some eight places where the sand-drift commences from the coast-line, the native growth is continuous, providing excellent shelter for the young lupin-plants, and later on will provide a sufficiency of lupin-seed for further development work. The native growth, extends inland from 5 chains to 40 chains, and the native covering consists of the silvery sand-grass (Spinifer hirsutus), tauhinu, korokio, tea-tree and mingaminga growing as prostrate shrubs, flax, and, in the sheltered

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basins which have been lagoons at one time, twitch-grasses, trefoils, and white clover are growing, and extend in many localities to the frontal dunes. A. conspicuous feature of these coastal areas is the luxuriant growth of flax, which not only grows in sheltered places, but in many places close to high-water mark. The vigorous growth of flax and the many well-developed clumps of flax along the coast-lino show conclusively that many areas along the coastal sand-dunes could be reclaimed by transplanting the young flax-plants, the plants being procurable close at hand wherever the matured plants are growing. If this work were carried out extensively it would provide in the future a valuable asset which might help to minimize the cost, of the present reclamation of the hinterland sand-drift area. Before the above work could be carried out to a successful issue it would be necessary to remove stock, prevent firing native growth, or fence in the areas to be operated on. From a report received, the marram plantations and the lupins have developed as well as can be expected for the first year's growth. Kaipara Sand-dune Areas. In the last annual report it was stated that in aggregate 142 acres of marram-grass plants had been laid down, and that 660 sacks of lupin-seed in the pod had been harvested, threshed, and sown. From the 16th January to the 11th February of this year 10 cwt. 3 qr. 231b. of seed was harvested, threshed, and forwarded to Waipapakauri for the reclamation of the sand-dune areas in that locality. Harvesting California tree-lupin (Lupinus arboreus) : In January a start was made to harvest and sow lupin-seed, and fair progress was made. California tree-lupin branches and tea-tree used as fascines to reclaim sand-drifts. Work of this nature was commenced by lajdng four rows of lupin fascines carrying the seed-pods through the Pa marram plantation. These lupin fascines were to act as barriers to hold the sand-drift and to improve the growth of the marram-plants in the centre of the Pa marram plantation. Tho Woodhill, Wharepapa (Half-way Bush) and the Eagle's Nest lupin plantations were extended by applying the lupin-branches carrying seod-pods from each plantation in the method described. The lupin fascines put down at the Eagle's Nest plantation last season (March, 1922) proved a complete success. The fascines held the drifting sand and formed protective dunes some 3ft. to 4ft. in height, and are now continuous along the whole length of the fascines, which again gave shelter to the young lupin-plants, resulting in their quick growth. It was decided to extend these lupin plantations in a similar manner, and the following is a summary of the extended work : At the Eagle's Nest sand-dune area, 305 chains ; at the, Puketapu sand-djme area, behind Woodhill and Wharepapa, 150 chains ; through tho Pa marram plantation, 102 chains ; sand-drift at Pa marram plantation, 56 chains ; at the Eagle's Nest sand-dune area (tea-tree fascines), 63 chains : Total lupin and tea-tree fascines, 676 chains. The principal part of the work was carried out at the Eagle's Nest, and the lupin fascines and tea-tree fascines extend in locality from Griffith's fence to the old-established lupin plantation. It has been ascertained by observation that the sand that drifts easterly into the Eagle's Nest Valley, where the lupins are established, is held up by the lupin plants, and the drifting sand in any appreciable quantity can never be disturbed again by the returning and prevailing westerly winds. Therefore it is surmised that if the whole area of the Eagle's Nest Valley was planted with lupins it would serve as a catchment area for the drifting sand. A marked difference is discernable now in the encroachment of tho sand toward the land abutting on to the sand-drift between Reweti and Woodville. Marram-grass plantations : The marram plantations have this year developed to some extent with the exception of some 3 acres in tho centre of the Pa plantation, and the marram plantation at the Eagle's Nest. The cause of the weakness of these plantations is that instead of the sand drifting on. to the plants the sand is drifting away and leaving the roots of the marram exposed. To remedy this defect rows of lupin fascines have been laid through the plantations, with apparently good results. General Remarks. —California lupin-plants growing on the coastal dunes, west coast, approximate distance twelve miles : An inspection of these lupin-plants (sown March, 1921) was carried out on the 28th March. It is pleasing to note that the lupin-plants growing on the west coast dunes opposite the Eagle's Nest, and northerly for an approximate distance of three miles, have almost completely reclaimed tho dunes. Beyond this, north-westerly to the Otakanini Block, tho growth of the lupins has only been a partial success —that is to say, instead of the lupin-plants growing in continuous lines they are now in distinct clumps at distances apart. However, a number of defined lupin plantations are growing along this length of coastal dunes sufficient for a supply of material to reclaim the more exposed areas. The prevailing westerly gales in many parts of this coastal sand-dune area have completely destroyed both the native growth, the silvery sand-grass, and the lupins. The extended system of lupin fascines laid out at tho Eagle's Nest has fulfilled expectations, the lupin fascines checking the sand-drift and forming elevated dunes. On the sheltered sides of these dunes the lupin-seeds have germinated. The same results have also taken place at the other extended lupin plantations put down during the year. Referring to the method of work in removing the lupin-branches from the plantations to act as fascines on the sand-drifts where the works were in progress, one horse was used to draw over the sand area as big a load of luping-branches carrying seed-pods as possible. This method served a twofold purpose, for, besides carrying the fascines to their destination, a proportion of the lupin-seed was shaken out from the seed-pods and distributed en route. This shaken-out seed has freely germinated, showing a width of young plants some 7 ft. to 8 ft. in breadth. Waipu Sand.-dunes Areas. Up to the end of July no work was in progress at the above sand-dune areas. There was only a ranger in charge, authorized to deal with any stock found trespassing on Crown lands adjacent to the

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sand-dune areas or on the said dunes from the Waipu River to the vicinity of Marsden Point. Early in August two workers were engaged to again commence planting operations, and the routine of work was commenced—that is, digging and preparing marram-grass plants, attending to the Green Hill Nursery, transplanting lupin-plants, and harvesting, threshing, and sowing lupin-seed. In January, as weather conditions were suitable, marram-grass seed was harvested. The Green Hill Marram Plantation. The extension of this plantation commences behind the Green Hill Nursery and extends through the sand-drift to the first series of the coastal dunes. This plantation is laid out in circular formation. It embraces approximately 30 acres in area. Tho rows of marram have a total length of 129 chains with an average width of 5 yards, and are spaced from \to 2 chains apart. The dividing-lines between the extending lines of marram have a twofold purpose—to give the plantation an appearance of uniformity, and to feed the drift sand to the main lines of marram to ensure its successful growth. This extension of the Green Hill marram plantation was finished by the 17th November. From that date more marram-grass plants were planted out at the camp lupin plantation as protecting lines for an extension of the lupin plantation. Area of Marram-grass planted (approximate) : 11th August, 1919, to 31st March, 1921, 130 acres; 9th August, 1922, to November, 1.922, 30 acres : total, 160 acres. California tree-lupin harvested, sown, and lupin-plants transplanted : With the exception of the seed harvested by myself from time to time no labour was employed to harvest lupin-seed during tho summer of 1920 and autumn of 1921. Notwithstanding this the fallen seed germinated at a distance from tho parent plants, and thousands of young lupin-plants wore availabe for transplanting. This season (spring, 1922) the lupin-scod ripened earlier than usual, and from the 28th November to the 30th November harvesting, threshing, and sowing lupin-seed was carried out. From September to October, when climatic conditions were suitable, four thousand lupin-plants were transplanted. These lupin-plants wore planted out on the intervening dunes between the established lupin plantations extending to the main sand-drifts. From the 28th November to the 30th December sixty-six sacks of lupin-seed in the pod were harvested ; of these fourteen sacks were threshed, producing 1 cwt. 2 qr. of seed, and was sown on the sheltered sand-dunes in the vicinity of the Waipu River. The other fifty-two sacks of lupin-seed wore sown in the pod on the dunes around tho camp plantation and in the vicinity thereof. The established lupin plantations have made good growth, and in some places have completely reclaimed the coastal dunes as well as other parts of the inland drift. The Green Hill Nursery. At suitable intervals between the planting of marram-grass and other work in progress on the sand-dune, areas the transplanting of pine-trees was attended to, and the following is a summary of the work : Transplanted into other prepared beds — Pinus insignis, 394 ; Pinus muricala, 240 ; Pinus pinaster marilima, 100 ; Ailantus glandulosa (a suckering tree suitable for sand-drift), 39. Also, the following seeds were sown : Locust-honey, 250 ; Algarobi bean, 134. This assortment of tree-seeds was supplied by Mr. Campbell, of the Forestry Service. A quantity of A. lopantha and tree-lucerne was also sown. From the island drift near the camp to the nursery fence 22 chains of Albizzia lopantha and 22 chains of black-wattle seed was sown at a distance of 4 ft. apart. Also, a quantity of Pinus pinaster marilima seed was sown both on the coastal dunes and the inland drift. The progress of growth of the young pine-trees, the A. lopantha, and black-wattle is most satisfactory, as well as the Ailantus glandulosa trees. General Remarks. —The marram plantations both on tho Waipu and Ruakaka (Owen's) sanddunes have this last year made progressive growth, and have fully realized expectations, both as a source of supply of plants for further reclamation work and also from the fact that in the vicinity of where the plantations are established they have held up the drift of the sand. The continuous lines of marram-grass in their growth have raised protective dunes of sand from 5 ft. to 10 ft. in height. To assure complete success for these plantations further additional lines of marram-grass should be planted each season and the blown-out gaps replanted. The lupin-seeds sown in the spring of 1922 have germinated and are now in their first stage of plant-growth. Referring to the complete success of the established lupin plantations (Waipu sand-dune areas) and the germination of the seed surrounding the parent plants, this position is only localized, and there are many empty spaces on these sand-dune areas yet which would benefit by the surplus seed from these plantations being sown, as it is only the seed from the outer fringe of the lupin-plants established that have favourable conditions for germination. Tho lupin plantations on the Ruakaka-Marsden Point dune areas have in the sheltered places made good headway, but on the coastal dunes many gaps have been blown out of the lines of lupin-plants formerly well established. This defect, however, can now be easily remedied with the good supply of marram-plants now available here (Owen's plantation), which can be used to provide protective dunes to shelter the lupin-plants in their first stage of growth. Some of the hakea, Saligna, willows, and Albizzia lopantha have grown up to 5 ft. and 6ft. in height, while others are in varying degrees of growth. The ice-plants have become acclimatized to Waipu sand-drift, and are now growing vigorously. The toetoe plants from seed sown on the inland drift are commencing to grow up in large numbers. The Alaeaguus japonica and African boxthom plants arc, so far, in a backward state of growth. Northern Wairoa, near Te Kopuru. No work was done on this area during the year. Samuel Stafford, Overseer in Charge. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.

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Table 1.—Return showing (approximately) Position of Lands in the Dominion at 31st March, 1923.

District. Total Area sold or Total Area granted and reserved for held on Freehold. Public Purposes. Total Area of State Forests. Total Area of Crown Total Area of Lands leased under all Provisional State Tenures (exclusive of Forests. Reserves leased by Crown). Total Area of Crown Lands available for future disposal. Total Area of Native Land. Land unfit for Settlement, including Area occupied by Rivers, Lakes, Roads, &c. Total Area in Land District. North Auckland Acres. 2,445,300 Acres. 268,830 Acres. 102,485 Acres. 37,292 Acres. 459,745 Acres. 337,692 Acres. 609,428 Acres. 217,428 Acres. 4,478,200 Auckland .. 2,590,755 144,575 151,228 622,357 1,165,200 1,197,788 2,506,801 668,636 9,047,340 Hawke's Bay 2,533.803 213,740 • 199,653 53,735 1,010,334 146,262 1,200,679 150,694 5,508,900 Taranaki .. 1,093,659 219,595 69,500 42,639 584,871 110,865 214,825 68,546 2,404,500 Wellington* 3,361,692 460,351 450,930 144,708 774,463 200,984 1,425,458 232,414 7,051,000 Nelson 622,521 339,759 19,955 1,986,369 861,774 228,109 30,629 625,884 4,715,000 Marlborough 778,555 165,551 80,362 119,535 1,499,000 10,653 114,344 2,768,000 Westland .. 156,708 301,651 2,187 1,721,970 820,845 390,791 469,726 3,863,878 Canterbury 3,570,016 1,100,523 290,202 3,934,691 12,630 569,983 9,478,045 Otago 1,961,760 488,108 3,517,483 128,280 136,734 315,844 575,017 5,467,839 1,541,829 77,031 651,898 9,090,760 Southland .. 1,824,250 203,634 87,662 7,886,609 Totals 1,631,516 5,619,466 20,939,019 7,220,166 18,120,591 2,916,439 5,987,820 3,857,215 66,292,232 * Includes Chathai Islands.

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Table 3. — Lands held on Lease at 31st March, 1923.

Table 2. —Lands selected during the Year ended 31st March, 1923.

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Cash. Deferred Payment. Renewable ] Occupation with Renewable Lease. Eight o( Purcliaae _ Small Grazing-runs. Pastoral Runs. Pastoral Licenses in Mining Districts under Special Regulations. Mining Districts Land Occupation Leases. Miscellaneous Leases, &c. Education Endowments. Totals. Land District. No. Area. No. j Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. I Area. No. I Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. North Auckland Auckland Hawke's Bay.. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough . . Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland 16 51 23 55 10 8 2 7 9 43 9 Acres. 177 245 54 6,624 325 88 1 113 51 445 17 13 72 3 17 1 9 2 4 Acres. 91 1,210 27 319 45 19 9 .39 11 10 Is 21 46 3 Acres. 7,598 8,954 4,695 1,150 2,664 5,412 2,303 1,944 874 3,807 335 74 37 9 3 3 6 2 Acres. 5,150 9,279 1,721 115 ■• Acres? _ Acres. 8 7 . Acres. 1,967 1,434 14 i Acres. 174 20 36 65 22 27 33 94 8 54 27 72 25 Acres. 23,321 7,813 10,077 690 1,496 25,438 296 2,387 2,702 9,311 17,693 36 4 4 10 6 2 4 Acres. 810 3,491 2,786 6 286 1,418 6 220 315 71 110 128 123 28 100 75 199 57 Acres. 37,147 33,133 17,639 10,191 5,205 33,810 2,723 17,360 59,995 22,018 242,428 111 .. •• .. 6 .. 1 3 1,103 3,244 i ! 11,000 3 I 54,703 2 j 3,744 3 211,043 10 1,894 10 22 31 44 13 1,087 545 18 334 5 7 11 531 2 12,782 '• Totals 233 4 4,347 ■ 5,295 43 | 550 [ 463 101,224 89 22,118 I 1,426 8,140 121 1,741 305 39,736 134 18,008 9 280,490 2.5 481,64!

Pastoral Licenses in Mining Districts. Milling Districts Land Occupation Leases. Perpetual j Miscellaneous Leases Leases. and Licenses. Education Endowments. Deferred Payment. Lease in Perpetuity. Renewable T ease Occupation with Renewable Lease. EigM Qf PuIcllase Small Grazingruns. Pastoral Runs. Totals. Land District. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. Area. No. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. North Auckland.. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 91 682 151 38 288 52 34 24 114 46 100 Acres. 6,161 97,781 65,235 6,033 44,070 15,915 13,625 2,959 21,905 4,282 12,765 450 449 501 681 1,065 394 561 355 1,483 1,329 557 Acres. 72,375 133,228 151,652 183,609 161,292 136,920 182,322 42,331 252,301 281,974 95,524 625 1,206 674 350 1,085 543 268 429 868 826 360 Acres. 122,404 255,053 265,049 107,759 191,453 231,380 144,066 59,604 361,705 218,010 71,577 963 1,240 276 602 623 147 91 44 18 225 280 Aores. 169,426 415,788 108,234 269,445 236,616 51,273 26,165 8,354 2,662 36,993 56,683 2 20 100 4 30 15 115 Acres. 6,122 86,514 265,674 3,582 32,345 22,400 293,594 1 5 15 17 4 47 74 133 276 73 Acres. 553 62,562 72,824 127,275 229,700 825,603 1,144,320 2,825,818 3,336,511 1,258,419 215 •• 270 Acres. 62,696 56,778 3 186 23 2 108 Acres. 104 5,647 ! •■ •• 814 200 678 14 1 4 1 1 7 1 63 26 Acres. 1,032 52 1,479 583 104 53 50 1,885 5,238 1,842 306 i 852* 237 306 559 487 259 971 I 848 l,376t 465 Acres. 93,738 47,338* 85,484 13,834 26,239 140,577 42,544 203,156 229,911 194,820t 61,209 587 233 244 518 505 119 42 89 228 441 800 ! Acres. 43,055 43,588 87,783 50,426 104,138 8,838 1,409 13,783 70,801 44,733 338,330 3,042 5,089 2,198 2,503 4,173 2,055 1,426 2,425 3,904 5,342 2,729 Acres. 514,970 1,210,247 1,101,935 636,167 924,011 894,699 1,529,581 1,543,581 4,241,597 5,671,233 1,962,719 149 418 20 330 68,346 474,609 1,537,195 64,989 i .. 326 48 11,477 1,381 Totals 1,620 j 7,234 4,509 :6,666 1,138,850 3,806 |806,884 34,886 (290,731 \ 7,825 1,693,528 ;2,028, 060 1,381,639 1873 2,787,024 645 9,883,585 815 187,820 ;i 696 |20,301 197 12,318 120,230,741 I i * Includes Thermal Springs District leases. f Includes agricultural leases. Note. —This table inoludes national endowment and education endowments, but excludes other endowments administered by Land Board.

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Table 4. —Lands disposed of under the Land for Settlements Acts to the 31st March, 1923.

Table 5. —Endowment Lands administered by Land Boards and leased at 31st March, 1923.

Table 6. —Total Receipts, Arrears, and Postponements of Rent at 31st March, 1923.

Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (775 copies), £52 10s..

Authority : W. A. O'. Skinner. Government Printer, Wellington.—l923.

Price Is.]

Land District. ««| d d d Area a ro <» acquired. om £ O o *-• ! * Area of Land unlet, including Land forfeited, surrendered, or resumed and not relet, and also Land not yet offered for Selection. Total Cash & 3 Is Area pur< ind made to Dati ihased for Freehold i. Total a o ,:ui,I:; leas! id to Date. Rent and other Payments received during the Year. Total Receipts from Inception to 31st March, 1923. Area. Price roalized. Area. Annual Rental. forth Auckland Auckland Jawke's Bay.. ?aranaki Vollington ■folson laiiborough .. Vostland Canterbury )tago Southland Acres. 40,992 354,882 301,337 28,231 141,432 66,422 235,177 5,125 604,758 296,172 97,200 Acres. 849 13,227 2,829 246 1,139 917 2,694 78 4,503 3,108 1,000 Acres. 3,209 94,094 4,322 5,797 6,186 16,164 2,152 170 619 119 38 126 6 35 2 232 49 79 Acres. 1,705 118,146 21,816 1,384 6,904 1,635 6,457 192 14,371 5,967 11,140 £ 22,140 260,665 139,330 32,560 77,924 2,953 21,096 116 112,020 29,325 44,938 244 936 848 138 878 54 490 31 1,900 1,099 348 Acres. 35,229 129,414 272,371 20,805 127,202 47,707 223,874 4,855 584,488 258,291 83,837 £ 14,937 44,112 109,359 13,868 92,387 4,798 36,960 537 169,587 79,109 20,441 £ 8,321 38,819 83,569 11,471 59,790 2,500 31,458 520 143,148 63,477 16,533 £ 108,57! 704,44' 383,431 129,301 604,6638,431 536,471 11,92' 2,360,40! 1,074,701 320,91! 1,396 28,746 1,222 Totals .. 163,288 |1,475 189,717 743,007 6,966 1,788,073 586,095' 459,606 6,273,351 2,171,728 30,650

National Endowment. Edui sation Endowments. Other Endolents. Totals. Land District. IB Area. Annual Rental. i Area. Annual Rental. fl Area. Annual Rental. ,13 Area. Annual Rental. • forth Auckland Luckland lawke's Bay .. taranaki Vellington ■Telson iarlborough .. Vestland Canterbury )tago louthland 377 538 120 169 118 767 214 987 162 770 235 Acres. 86,846| 208,872 213,391 69,860 66,992 289,735 550,253 392,665 1,686,255 2,583,054 764,339 £ 6,500 6,779 12,719 4,874 4,652 5,930 6,555 3,999 41,982 38,988 6,659 587 233 244 518 505 119 42 89 228 441 800 Acros. 43,055 43,588 87,783 50,426 104,138 8,838 1,409 13,783 70,801 44,733 338,330 £ 5,200 3,748 15,408 9,543 24,128 663 588 585 30,339 5,773 19,823 14 5 2 20 28 443 Acres. 3,872 1,678 99 9,724 16,689 16,386 £ 141 40 20 888 750 1,507 978 776 466 707 651 1,329 256 1,085 541 1,277 1,053 Acros. 133,773 254.138 301,273 130,010 187,819 314,959 551,062 411,854 1,773,955 2,792,560 1,217,795 £ 11,847 10,567 28,147 15,305 29,530 8,100 7,143 5,336 74,116 53,158 28,875 9 151 66 18 5,406 16,899 164,773 115,126 752 1,795 8,397 2,393 Totals 4,457 6,912,262 139,637| 3,806 806,884 !ll5,804 756 350,652 16,683 9,119 8,069,798 272,12,

Land District. Ordinary Land Crown for Lands. Settlements. National Education Cheviot Endow- EndowEstate. ment ment Lands. Lands. Other Endowment Lands. Miscellaneous. Total Receipts. Total Arrears. Total Postponements. North Auckland .. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland £ £ 25,711 8,320 63,945 38,819 65,021 83,570 75,775 11,471 65,792 59,790 10,996 2,500 11,125 31,458 5,971 520 28,646 143,148 34,146 63,477 23,024 10,533 £ 25,711 63,945 65,021 75,775 65,792 10,996 11,125 5,971 28,646 34,146 23,024 £ 8,320 38,819 83,570 11,471 59,790 2,500 31,458 520 143,148 63,477 10,533 £ £ 4,685 13,347 10,693 4,542 4,698 5,295 8,274 13,118 38,455 35,227 6,609 £ 5,377 3,319 14,530 10,055 20,266 663 593 482 29,512 5,791 20,899 £ 46 98 28 805 422 14,739 £ 4,563 9,879 3,946 1,894 8,579 £ 48,702 129,407 177,788 104,542 165,547 34,193 51,965 21,344 261,412 143,322 70,220 £ 15,243 46,797 88,494 18,455 86,788 6,603 11,088 1,165 48,732 27,426 7,434 £ 1,207 12,185 29,886 1,791 27,422 560 4,220 18,989 963 1,986 3,571 2,577 515 290 676 1,110 578 19,935 3,678 1,164 Totals 410,152 459,606 410,152 459,606 18,989 144,943 1117,487 25,235 32,030 1,208,442 358,225 102,048