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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1929 Session I, C-01

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1929. 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 :— PAGE Appendix II:— page Review of Past Year .. .. 2 Land for Settlements— Legislation .. .. .. 2 Summary of Settlements established .. 19 Lands for Selection .. .. 3 Extracts from Reports of Commissioners of Educational Endowment .. .. .. 4 Crown Lands — Forfeitures and Surrenders .. .. 4 North Auckland.. .. .. 26 Receipts .. .. .. .. 4 Auckland .. .. .. 26 Postponements .. .. .. 5 Gisborne .. .. .. .. 27 Arrears .. .. .. .. .. 5 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 27 Rebates .. .. .. .. 5 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 27 National Endowment .. .. .. 5 Wellington .. .. .. .. 27 Land-drainage Operations .. .. .. 5 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 27 Deteriorated Lands .. .. .. 5 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 28 Special Settlement of Inferior Lands .. 5 Westland .. .. .. .. 28 Lands reserved for various Purposes .. 6 Canterbury .. .. .. 28 Conference .. .. .. 6 Otago .. .. .. .. 28 Settlement of Undeveloped Areas .. 6 Southland .. .. .. .. 28 Expenditure .. .. .. 7 Staff Employment.. .. .. 8 Appendix III: — Departmental Changes .. .. .. 8 Land-drainage .Operations .. .. 29 Honours awarded to Department .. .. 8 Reports on Cognate Subjects .. .. 8 Appendix IV: — Hutt Valley Settlement .. .. .. 30 Appendix I:— Deteriorated Lands Account :— Settlement of Crown Lands— Balance-sheet .. .. .. 31 North Auckland .. .. .. 9 Transactions for Year .. .. .. 31 Auckland .. .. .. .. 10 Gisborne .. .. • 10 Tables :— Hawke's Bay ' .. .. ..11 Table I. —Lands of the Dominion, Position of Taranaki.. .. .. .. ..12 (approximately) .. ..31 Wellington .. .. .. 13 „ 2. —Selections during the Year .. 32 Nelson .. .. .. ■. 13 „ 3.- —All Lands held on Lease .. 32 Marlborough .. .. .. 14 „ 4.—Lands-for-settlement Lands .. 33 Westland .. .. .. .. 15 „ 5. —Endowment Lands leased and adCanterbury .. .. .. 15 ministered by Land Boards .. 33 Otago .. .. .. .. ..16 „ 6.—Receipts, Arrears, and PostponeSouthland.. .. .. .. ..17 ments .. .. ..33

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist July, 1929. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report on the settlement of Crown lands for the year ended 31st March, 1929, together with a short report on the special settlement of inferior lands. I have, &c., J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary. The Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands.

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REPOET. Review of Past Yeae. A perusal of the detailed reports submitted by the various Commissioners of Crown Lands (see Appendix I) shows that the past year has been a very satisfactory one, and that practically all branches of farming have produced good returns. The winter was generally a mild one, and although the spring was somewhat unsettled, with snowfalls on several occasions, chiefly on the high country in the South Island, feed was plentiful as a rule, and stock did very well. December was a particularly wet month, about double the normal rainfall being recorded in many districts, and the growth of grass was very heavy. Shearing and haymaking were delayed in some parts by the wet weather, and the wheat crops in Canterbury suffered to some extent. During January the rainfall was considerably below the average over the greater part of the Dominion ; but, on the other hand, there were heavy falls in Canterbury and Otago, and early in the month a destructive hailstorm caused a good deal of damage over a narrow strip of country in North Otago. February was very dry ; but March was wet and stormy, with unusually heavy rain in many districts. Although there was a deficiency of rain in January, this was not sufficient, as a general rule, to seriously affect the pastures, but the continued dry weather in February checked growth to a considerable extent. The dry spell was, however, of value in checking the rank growth of feed caused by the heavy rains of earlier months, while it also permitted the carrying-out of harvesting and haymaking under favourable conditions. The March rains were generally very beneficial, and prospects for winter feed are favourable over practically the whole of the Dominion. The dairying industry had a most productive year, and although prices varied to some extent the returns received were generally satisfactory. The expansion of this industry during recent years has proved a most interesting feature of land-settlement, and there is no doubt that on suitable land and under sound management no branch of farming possesses greater possibilities from a closersettlement point of view. Improved grass-management, top-dressing, and herd-testing are proving most important factors in increasing production, and Crown tenants generally are displaying a healthy interest in keeping their farming methods up-to-date. The sheep-farmer again had a good year. The wool-sales were generally satisfactory, and, although the high prices of last year were not maintained, production has increased, and are favourable. Returns from fat lambs were generally on a remunerative basis. Flocks continue to increase in many districts, and there is gratifying evidence of improvement in pastures and a decrease in the rabbit pest. Grain crops have been fair, but the agricultural industry is not in a particularly flourishing condition, and in many localities the tendency is to curtail grain-growing and use the land for grazing purposes. Selections of Crown and settlement lands during the year totalled approximately 462,000 acres. The tenants on the books of the Department under all tenures now number 36,702, occupying a total area of over 19,500,000 acres. Over 9,400,000 acres of this total is represented by pastoral runs, the bulk of which is situated in the Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland Districts, while 1,822,000 acres of purchased estates are held under lease under the provisions of the Land for Settlements Act. Receipts from rents, &c., show a slight increase over last year's returns, while arrears have decreased considerably. The Hutt Valley Settlement scheme continues to progress, and a short account of the position as at the 31st March last will be found in Appendix IV. Applications are still coming to hand from tenants who hold lands under occupation-with-right-of-purchase licenses, and who have for various reasons been unable to complete the purchase of their land during the term of the original license, for extensions of the term under the provisions of section 2 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1925, as amended by section 16 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1927. A considerable number of applications have been received from lessees of rural education reserves for permission to surrender their existing leases, and to receive in exchange new leases for a term of twenty-one years with a perpetual right of renewal for further terms, and with full compensation for improvements. These applications are made under the provisions of section 3 of the Education Reserves Amendment Act, 1927—n0w re-enacted as section 26 of the Education Reserves Act, 1928. Legislation. The following is a brief summary of the legislation passed in 1928 affecting the operations of the Lands Department Land Laws Amendment Act, 1928. —Part I of the Act contains provisions authorizing the owners of renewable leases of rural lands in the Cheviot Estate to acquire the fee-simple of their holdings. The owners of leases of grazing-farms in the estate, provided such farms are not suitable for subdivision, may also acquire the fee-simple in terms of the amending Act. Part II deals with the purchase of private land on the group system, power being given whereby two or more persons may purchase land acquired by the Crown on their behalf. Any persons desiring to purchase land under this system must negotiate with the owner of the land and obtain from him an offer in writing for the sale of the land to the Crown. The offer is then submitted to the Dominion Land Purchase Board with an application for the purchase of the land, accompanied by a plan showing the proposed scheme of subdivision between the applicants, and the existing roads giving access to the subdivisions. The applicants must also furnish such documentary evidence as may be required with

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respect to the capital they have available for stocking and improving the land. Upon receipt of the application the Dominion Land Purchase Board refers the matter to the particular Land Board concerned for investigation of the suitability both of the land and the applicants. Then the Dominion Board, upon receipt of the Land Board's report on these matters, decides whether or not the Minister is to be recommended to direct the purchase of the property. In the event of acquisition being decided upon the applicants, as a necessary preliminary to the actual purchase by the Crown, must pay to the Receiver of Land Revenue a deposit of not less than 5 per cent, of the estimated price to be paid by the applicant for the subdivision he wishes to select. When the subdivision is completed the section purchased by each applicant may be allotted to him without competition either for cash or on deferred payments spread over a term of 34J years, at such price as the Minister may determine in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of section 54 of the Land for Settlements Act, 1925. Instalments so payable under deferred payments will not carry a rebate of interest for prompt payment. Part 111 provides that for non-payment of rates an occupier's interest in Crown lands may be sold to any person qualified to acquire such interest and approved in that behalf by the particular Land Board concerned. Education Reserves Act, 1928.—Chiefly a consolidation of the Education Reserves Act, 1908, and its various amendments. Hanmer Crown Leases Act, 1928.—The purpose of this Act is to afford the Crown lessees in Hanmer Township and the immediate vicinity an opportunity of securing a more permanent form of lease over their holdings. Most of the leases hitherto have been for a straight-out term of forty-two years without right of renewal ; but the Act provides that the lessees may apply to surrender such leases, and to receive in exchange tenancies for any term not exceeding twenty-one years, with a provision that on the expiration of such term the lessees shall have an option either to accept renewed leases or to have new leases offered at auction, with protection for improvements, and so on from time to time. Applications received for new leases are to be referred to a special committee consisting of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, a valuer under the Valuation of Land Act, and one person nominated by the lessees who lodge applications. The functions of the committee will be to consider each application on its merits, and to submit a recommendation in each case as to whether the application should be granted over the whole of the land in the original lease, or in accordance with modifications agreed to by the lessee. Swamp Drainage Amendment Act, 1928.—This Act amends the existing law with respect to charging lands with the cost and maintenance of drainage-works carried out by the Department, so as to provide facilities for the following : — (a) Reclassification from time to time, if deemed expedient, of lands affected as a basis for rating purposes. (b) Appeal to a Stipendiary Magistrate by persons aggrieved by the classification of their lands for such rating purposes. Public Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act, 1928. —This is a consolidation and revision of the Public Reserves and Domains Act, 1908, and its amendments, together with a new part dealing with' the constitution and administration of national parks. The classification of reserves as set forth in the 1908 Act has been dispensed with, and the new Act gives full powers for changing the purpose of reservations and exchanging and vesting reserves, subject to reasonable safeguarding provisions. The Governor-General is empowered by Order in Council to revoke the reservation over any reserve, subject however to parliamentary sanction in the case of reserves set apart for public health or recreation, or for the use, support, or education of aboriginal Natives. The proceeds from the sale of areas set apart for health or recreation are to be expended in the acquisition of other lands for such purposes. Additional powers are conferred upon Domain Boards and the trustees of recreation-grounds, and provision is made for increasing the number of days in any year on which charges for admission to public domains and recreation-grounds may be made. Various other matters dealt with comprise chiefly minor amendments and machinery provisions. Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1928. —Contains thirty-seven clauses dealing with Crown lands, reserves, &c. Canterbury Provincial Buildings Vesting Act, 1928. —This Act vests the site of the Canterbury Provincial Council Chamber in a special Board, which is charged with the maintenance of the land and the Council Chamber as a memorial of the foundation of Canterbury Province. Surveyors Registration Act, 1928. —Separates the law as to the registration and licensing of surveyors from the provisions relating to the incorporation and proceedings of the Surveyors' Institute, and brings the law as to registration into conformity with modern statutes dealing with similar matters. Surveyors' Institute Amendment Act, 1928. — This Act is complementary to the Surveyors Registration Act. Its purpose is to separate the law relating specially to the incorporated society known as the Surveyors' Institute from the general law relating to the registration of surveyors and the conduct of the profession of surveying. Lands for Selection. During the year 462,563 acres were taken up on various tenures, the number of selections being 1,911 under all headings. These figures include some 648 sections, comprising altogether an area of 116,002 acres, taken up on miscellaneous leases and licenses, so that the selections on permanent tenures numbered 1,263 sections, covering an area of 346,561 acres. There was again a fair demand for small improved farms, and a brisk demand for good sheep-country. The lands offered included the Mataikona Settlement, near Castlepoint, and the Waimarama Block, Hawke's Bay. The former area, of some 12,932 acres, was purchased some years ago for soldier settlement, but for various reasons has been run by the Department as a going concern. The settlement, which comprises

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generally easy to steep Mil country varying from good to fair and inferior grazing-land, was subdivided finally into six sections, and offered in November last. Capital values of the sections ranged from £8,000 to £14,000 ; and, as a considerable amount of capital would be required to stock and further improve the sections, it was decided that applicants must be possessed of capital amounting to at least 10 per cent, of the capital value of the section applied for, together with the amount required to pay the first half-year's rent. There were some eighty-six applications, and all the sections were selected at the ballot. The Waimarama Block was originally purchased by the Crown from the Native owners, subject to a lease existing at the time of purchase. This lease lately expired, thus making the land available for offering for selection. The block contains a total area of 3,900 acres, and was subdivided into six sections. The land is mostly in Native grasses, but is generally well watered, and enjoys the reputation of being exceptionally fine sheep-country. Some two hundred persons lodged applications, and those who succeeded in drawing sections at the ballot should have little difficulty in making a success of their undertaking. The opening of this block again proved the keen demand that exists for really good grazing-land, but it is, however, only occasionally that the Department has an opportunity of offering grazing-country of the quality and favourable situation of the Waimarama Block. It has again been found during the past year that many persons desirous of selecting Crown sections had little or no capital available, and it is, of course, difficult for the Department to place such applicants satisfactorily. Under the existing law applicants must be in a position to deposit the first half-year's rent or instalment, and they must also satisfy the Land Boards that they have a reasonable prospect of being in a position to improve and stock the land they wish to select. Unless, therefore, an applicant possesses a small amount of capital, or is in a position to raise the same, it is not at present possible for the Department to assist him in his desire to settle on the land. There are doubtless many men of sound experience who are grievously handicapped by the lack of even a small amount of capital, and it may yet be possible to devise some means of assisting these to obtain farms of their own. Certain proposals in connection with the offering of new areas of Crown lands are dealt with in this report under the heading " Settlement of Undeveloped Areas," while the question of the purchase of private estates for subdivision is briefly discussed in parlia mental paper C.-5, the annual report under the Land for Settlements Act. Educational Endowment. An area of approximately 813,000 acres of educational endowments under the administration of the various Land Boards is leased to some 4,043 tenants, who pay a total annual rental of £131,098. A considerable number of applications have been received from various lessees, pursuant to the provisions of section 26 of the Education Reserves Act, 1928, to surrender their existing leases and obtain in exchange therefor new leases perpetually renewable for terms of twenty-one years, with full protection at the end of each renewed lease for the then value of unexhausted improvements effected by them. Forfeitures and Surrenders. In the case of Crown areas held under permanent tenures, the following forfeitures and surrenders occurred during the year: — Number. rea " Annual Rental. Acres. £ Forfeitures .. .. .. .. 370 156,304 8,696 Surrenders .. .. .. ..172 190,278 7,843 Totals .. .. .. ..542 346,582 £16,539 The total forfeitures and surrenders represent 1-819 per cent, of the number of settlers holding permanent leases and licenses. The total area of 346,582 acres involved appears large, but it includes approximately 167,000 acres of pastoral-run country. Forfeitures and surrenders of miscellaneous and temporary leases numbered 482, covering a total area of 62,093 acres. Receipts. Receipts have been well maintained, the total from all sources (excluding, of course, Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account receipts) being £1,290,856, an increase of £19,035 on last year's figures. The sum of £341,694 was derived from ordinary Crown lands, £647,632 from lands held under the Land for Settlements Act (including Hutt Valley Settlement and Cheviot Estate), £135,859 from the national endowment, and £131,400 from the education endowment. Cash received on the conversion of leaseholds to freehold tenures has shown an increase of approximately £41,000. The following table gives the relation of this freehold revenue to total receipts during the past five years : —■ Conversions to Total Receipts. Freehold. tUerelrom. Year ending 31st March, 1925 .. .. 341 98,344 1,272.724 1926 .. ..305 107,148 1,297,488 1927 .. ..304 76,570 1.245,338 1928 .. ..261 69,276 1,271.821 1929 .. ..317 111,119 1,290,856 Of the 317 conversions to freehold during the year, 249 were in the North Island districts.

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Postponements . Postponements of payment of rent were granted to 140 tenants during the year, involving the sum of £13,823. At the 31st March, £125,406 remained postponed on account of 919 tenants, as against £147,592 on account of 1,099 tenants at the 31st March, 1928. Arrears. Rents in arrear at the 31st March amounted to £156,209, a decrease of £41,710 on last year's figures. The following shows the position in regard to arrears of rent for the past five years : — £ Year ending 31st March, 1925 .. .. .. 301,659 1926 .. .. .. 222,148 1927 .. .. .. 227,191 1928 .. .. .. 197,919 1929 .. .. .. 156,209 Rebates. For prompt payment of rent 19,966 Crown tenants were granted the usual rebate in terms of section 123 of the Land Act, 1924, and section 59 of the Land for Settlements Act, 1925. These rebates amounted to a total of £56,989. National Endowment. Of the area in the national endowment, 6,680,587 acres were held under lease or license at the 31st March by 4,484 tenants, paying an annual rental of £136,916, while a very large area (partly, however, covered by existing leases) had been set aside as provisional State forests. For further particulars re the national endowment see parliamentary paper C.-14. Land-drainage Operations. During the year ended 31st March last some 1,491,056 cubic yards of spoil were excavated by floating and dry-land excavators. In addition, 10,600 yards of rock and 231,352 yards of stiff clay and rubble were dealt with. Further particulars of the various activities of this branch of the Department are given in Appendix 111. Deteriorated Lands. The work of the various committees set up under the provisions of the Deteriorated Lands Act, 1925, has practically been completed. The total number of applications for relief received from settlers in the various districts was 1,864, of which 1,823 had been dealt with at the 31st March last. In 1,455 cases reductions amounting to £503,843 have been made in capital values, involving a reduction of £23,739 in annual rents and interest payable. Mortgages have been reduced by some £51,262, some sixty cases having been .dealt with under this heading. Advances totalling £24,335 have been authorized in suitable cases for the purchase of fencing-materials, lime, and manures, while remissions of rent have been granted on a liberal basis on conditions providing that an equivalent amount is expended on improvements. The recommendations of the various committees have been given effect to wherever possible, and the assistance granted in terms of the Act has proved of great benefit in enabling the settlers concerned to make good progress with the task of bringing their holdings back into full production. Special Settlement op Inferior Lands. The following summary of the lands dealt with during the year is furnished in accordance with the provisions of section 223 (14) of the Land Act, 1924 : — (a) Aggregate area of land set apart: 1,862 acres. (b) Number of allotments and aggregate area disposed of : 4 allotments, 1,338 acres. The total number of allotments taken up and the area held as at the 31st March, 1929, was : 19 allotments, 4,908 acres. The area set apart during the year comprised portion of the Poroti Block, situated about thirteen miles from Whangarei, and comprising mostly undulating and easy sloping country, the bulk of which is ploughable ; soil chiefly pipeclay on sandstone formation. The block was subdivided into eleven sections, ranging from 129 to 198 acres, of which three sections were selected. On the Riverhead Block, near Kaukapakapa, which was offered during the latter part of 1927, seven sections have been taken up, and the settlers have made satisfactory progress in developing the land. All the holdings have been partly cleared and ploughed, and two settlers have laid down a portion of their sections in grass. The greater part of the land is being allowed to remain fallow for the time being, and at present the settlers are directing their energies to fencing, &c. A considerable amount of improvements has also been carried out on the sections held in the Ngongotaha Homestead Settlement, between Rotorua and Atiamuri.

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Lands reserved for various Purposes. Under the provisions of section 360 of the Land Act, 1924, and section 71 of the Land for Settlements Act, 1925, various areas of Crown and settlement land were permanently reserved during the year. The reservations made totalled fifty-five, covering an area of 2,550 acres. A summary of work carried out under this heading is given below : — Purpose of Reserve. _ N ™; ber of Area. reservations made. A. E. P. Additions to school-sites .. .. .. ..3 2 1 12 Addition to hot-springs reserve .. .. 1 12 0 Cemetery .. .. .. .. 2 1116 Government purposes .. .. .. 1 0 3 13 Gravel and quarry .. .. .. .. 4 9 1 25 Harbour .. .. .. .. .. 1 17 2 0 Hospital-sites .. .. .. .. ..2 718 Landing .. .. .. .. .. ..1 200 Library-site .. .. .. .. ..1 100 Military .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 314 Municipal .. .. .. .. .. 4 2 2 27 Public-hall site .. .. .. . . 1 0 1 24 Recreation . . .. . . . . ..15 4105 River-protection .. .. .. .. ..1 1220 Rubbish and sanitary .. .. .. ..1 1029 School-sites .. .. .. .. 7 20 1 26 Travelling stock .. .. .. .. 1 16 1 13 Water-supply . . .. .. .. 8 2,401 2 39 Totals .. .. .. ..55 2,550 2 31 The above does not include areas that have been vested in the Crown as public reserves in town subdivisions pursuant to the provisions of section 16 of the Land Act, 1924. Conference. A conference of executive officers of the Department, presided over by the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands, was held in Wellington in January. The position in regard to abandoned farms was fully gone into with a view to so adjusting their values that they will prove attractive propositions to persons desiring to select farming-lands, while the possibility of developing the pumice lands and other undeveloped areas in various parts of the Dominion received careful consideration. Reports were also submitted of lands considered suitable for settlement, and the whole question of land-settle-ment was thoroughly discussed from all points of view. The conference resulted in several important recommendations, which, if adopted, will involve the introduction of legislation to bring them into effect, being submitted for the consideration of the Government. Settlement of Undeveloped Areas. Following upon the conference referred to above, the Hon. the Minister requested the various Commissioners of Crown Lands to select areas of undeveloped Crown lands suitable for subdivision in their districts, and to carry out the necessary surveys so that settlement can be proceeded with if Parliament approves of the provision of the necessary finance. At the present time the Department has no express authority to expend funds in preparing Crown lands for occupation, or in making advances to settlers for the improvements required in the initial stages of breaking in their holdings, and it is desired to improve the position in that respect. It is considered that there are in some districts large areas of unimproved land, mostly pumice and gum country, which could be profitably occupied now that the value of top-dressing for that class of land is becoming more fully understood. Most of it is land requiring fairly close settlement, so as to allow of intensive farming of every section, and it is hoped that as a result of special investigations several blocks suitable for group settlement will be found. A topographical survey of a block in the Taupo-Rotorua district is being undertaken by the Department. When the survey has been completed the area will be developed for settlement to a certain extent before being opened for selection, and it is hoped to proceed on similar lines with blocks in other parts of the Dominion. This will enable the incoming tenant to obtain some return from his land from the beginning, and he will then be in a better position to proceed with the improvement of the remainder of his section. The land concerned is at present in fern and scrub, and a good deal is ploughable country. The success of the scheme will also largely depend upon suitable finance being provided to assist the settlers in their farming operations.

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Expenditure. Summary of Expenditure approved during the Year ended 31st March, 1929.

Name of Vote or Account. 4 ' Gr083 E*P<radituie. Recoveries. Net Expenditure. £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Vote, Lands and Survey (Subdivision I) .. .. .. j 157,565 266,935 5 2 110,206 7 0 156,728 18 2 Vote, Lands and Survey (Subdivision II) .. .. .. 30,568 25,989 16 9 971 0 0 25,018 16 9 Total, Lands and Survey .. .. .. .. 1 188,133 292,925 111 111,177 7 0 181,747 14 11 Vote, Scenery Preservation .. .. .. .. .. I 17,203 14,141 0 7 1 17 0 14,139 3 7 Vote, Land for Settlement: Expenses .. .. .. .. 3,465 2,152 13 6 .. 2,152 13 6 Vote, Land for Settlement of Discharged Soldiers: Expenses .. 3,885 . 1,356 8 2 12 10 0 1,343 18 2 Vote, Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account: Expenses of Manage- 40,000 39,900 0 0 .. 39,900 0 0 ment Totals .. .. .. .. .. .. 252,686' 350,475 4 2 111,191 14 0 239,283 10 2 Other Accounts. Cheviot Estate Account .. .. .. .. .. .. 880 13 5 .. 880 13 5 Deteriorated Lands Account .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,786 6 11 .. 4,786 6 11 Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account .. .. .. .. .. 722,175 8 1 .. 722,175 8 1 Hauraki Plains Settlement Account— Hauraki Plains Act, 1926— Section 10 (1) (c) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38,303 5 4 20,568 5 5 17,734 19 11 Section 10(1) (d) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 253 6 9 .. 253 6 9 Section 10 (1) (e) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,771 0 6 20 18 10 3,750 1 8 Section 10(1) (/) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 605 2 6 .. 605 2 6 Section 10 (2) .. .. . . . . .. .. 0 7 4 .. 0 7 4 Unauthorized Expenditure—Refund of overpaid rates in Hauraki West 344 18 3 .. 344 18 3 drainage area Hunter Soldiers'Assistance Trust Account .. .. .. .. 38 11 5 .. 38 11 5 Hutt Valley Lands Settlement Account—Hutt Valley Lands Settlement Act, 1925, section 11 (2) (a) .. .. .. .. .. .. 98,500 0 0 .. 98,500 0 0 Kauri-gum Industry Account — Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, section 4 .. .. .. 1,613 16 11 489 14 5 1,124 2 6 Finance Act, 1926, section 20 .. .. .. .. .. 800 0 0 .. 800 0 0 Land for Settlements Account — Expenses incidental to estates .. .. .. .. .. 70,709 16 1 589 7 9 70,120 8 4 Acquirements of estates .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,951 3 9 843 11 2 3,107 12 7 Expenditure under section 20, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1927 .. .. 4,999 3 2 .. 4,999 3 2 Expenditure under section 83 (3), Land Act, 1924 .. .. .. 48 17 2 .. 48 17 2 Interest under section 208 (8), Land Act, 1924 .. .. .. .. 168 4 9 .. 168 4 9 Expenditure under section 49, Land for Settlements Act, 1925 .. .. 88 3 2 .. 88 3 2 Expenditure under section 105, Land for Settlements Act, 1925 .. .. 441 11 6 .. 441 11 6 Expenditure under section 13, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1926 .. .. 110,804 19 0 .. 110,804 19 0 Te Wera Farm Account: Expenditure .. .. .. .. 8,875 5 6 .. 8,875 5 6 Expenditure under section 3 (2), Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926 480 0 0 .. 480 0 0 Expenditure undersection 10 (3), Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926 1,000 0 0 .. 1,000 0 0 Expenditure under section 7, Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1927 258 14 0 .. 258 14 0 Land for Settlements Account (Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account) — Expenses incidental to estates .. .. .. .. .. 4,606 13 3 198 10 4 4,408 2 11 Expenditure under section 20, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1927 .. .. 5,477 17 3 .. 5,477 17 3 Land for Settlements Act, 1925, section 105 .. .. .. .. 1,271 0 0 .. 1,271 0 0 National Endowment Account—Expenditure under section 295 (2), Land Act, 6,419 6 6 .. 6,419 6 6 1924 National Endowment Trust Account—Section 49, Land for Settlements Act, 1925 1,250 16 6 .. 1,250 16 6 Native Land Settlement Account— Expenditure under section 417 (a), Native Land Act, 1909 .. .. 38 5 0 .. 38 5 0 Expenditure under section 417 (6), Native Land Act, 1909 .. .. 11,347 1 9 263 0 6 11,084 1 3 Expenditure under section 417 (e), Native Land Act, 1909 .. .. 95,009 19 4 1,229 5 9 93,780 13 7 Expenditure under section 417 (/), Native Land Act, 1909 .. .. 962 19 10 0 10 10 962 9 0 Expenditure under section 21, Land Act, 1924 .. .. .. .. 2,834 11 3 .. 2,834 11 3 Expenditure under section 20, Land Laws Amendment Act, 1927 .. .. 1,340 0 0 .. 1,340 0 0 Expenditure under section 17 (5) (a), Land Laws Amendment Act, 1927 .. 218,628 19 2 .. 218,628 19 2 Rangitaiki Land Drainage Account— Expenditure under section 8 (2), Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910 .. 1,506 0 0 .. 1,506 0 0 Expenditure under section 7, Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910 .. 17,854 I 7 4,227 3 8 13,626 17 11 Expenditure under section 22 (1), Finance Act, 1925 .. .. .. 967 .. 967 Appropriation Act, 1924, section 14 (2) (6), and Finance Act, 1927 (No. 2), 402 12 0 .. 402 12 0 section 11 Swamp Land Drainage Account — Kaitaia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16,188 19 1 627 19 5 15,560 19 8 Waihi .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,293 6 6 2 11 0 2,290 15 6 Poukawa .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 743 1 10 .. 743 1 10 Hikurangi .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24,185 16 10 349 5 6 23,836 11 4 General .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 4,964 9 2 21 17 3 4,942 11 11 Swamp Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1928, section 6 (1) — Refund of special rates for interest and sinking fund'— Kaitaia drainage area .. .. .. .. .. .. 339 14 6 .. 339 14 6 Waihi drainage area .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 10 5 .. 2 10 5 Swamp Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1928, section 6 (2) — Refund of general rates for administration and maintenance— Kaitaia drainage area .. .. .. .. .. .. Ill 7 8 .. Ill 7 8 Waihi drainage area .. .. .. .. .. .. 160 5 0 .. 160 5 0 General Purposes Account— Ellesmere Lands Drainage Act, 1905, section 6 (1) .. .. .. 439 5 0 .. 439 5 0 Refunds of revenue, Deposit Account expenditure, expenditure under special 46,956 2 8 .. 46,956 2 8 Acts of the Legislature, &c. Totals .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,539,243 4 2 29,432 1 10 1,509,811 2 4 Grand totals .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,889,718 8 4 140,623 15 10 1,749,094 12 6

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Staff Employment. At the Ist April, 1928, the staff of the Department numbered 636 permanent and 74 temporary officers. Some 22 new appointments to the permanent staff were made during the year, and 11 officers were transferred from other Departments. On the other hand, 18 officers resigned, 9 retired, 1 died, and 12 were transferred to other Departments. The staff at the 31st March, 1929, numbered 629 permanent and 86 temporary officers. Departmental Changes. Retirements during the year were those of Mr. W. T. Neill, Surveyor-General; Mr. J. Stevenson, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor, Blenheim; and Messrs. H. R. Aktinson, A. Hodgkinson, C. Macfarlane, R. R. Percival, W. J. C. Slane, J. H. Treseder, and J. H. W. Wardrop. Transfers to other Departments included those of Mr. R. Self, to the Valuation Department, and Mr. F. W. E. Mitchell, to the Treasury.

Senior Appointments and Promotions.

Honours awarded to the Department. Since the publication of the last annual report His Majesty has been graciously pleased to bestow upon the Under-Secretary of the Department the honour of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division). Previous recipients of honours have been :— William C. Kensington (Under-Secretary, 1902-12), 1.5.0. John Strauchon (Under-Secretary, 1912-14), 1.5.0. James Mackenzie (Under-Secretary, 1914-16), 1.5.0. Thomas N. Brodrick (Under-Secretary, 1916-22), 0.8. E. and 1.5.0. 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. Drainage 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 vear'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.-11. Kauri-gum Industry.—The annual report under the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, is given in parliamentary paper C.-12. National Endowments. —The annual report required by section 302 of the Land Act, 1924, appears in parliamentary paper C.-14.

Officer appointed. Previous Position. Position to which appointed. Date. E. 0. Weir .. Land Transfer Draughtsman, Chief Draughtsman, Dunedin .. 28/5/28 Dunedin A. R. White .. Clerk, Wellington .. .. Accountant, New Plymouth .. 28/8/28 L. Avann .. Accountant, New Plymouth .. Assistant Accountant, Head Office 13/8/28 P. R. Wilkinson Chief Draughtsman, Blenheim .. Commissioner of Crown Lands and 12/3/29 Chief Surveyor, Blenheim H. E. Walshe .. Chief Draughtsman, Head Office Surveyor-General .. .. 1/4/29

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APPENDICES. APPENDIX L—SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS. EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS. NORTH AUCKLAND. (0. N. Campbell, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The past season lias been an exceptionally good one for the farmers in this district; good steadyprogress has been maintained, and prices of produce have been quite satisfactory. Owing to last year's drought the outlook was not bright, but the mild winter combined with frequent rains throughout the spring and early summer produced luxuriant growth, and the increased production has evened up last year's shortage. It was not until the late spring that hay was fed to the stockample evidence of the amount of green feed available. Paspalum this year has made vigorous growth, and owing to its drought-resisting quality it has supplied a large amount of the green feed during the dry spell in the late summer. Dairying Industry. —This industry is still growing, and production has increased to the extent of nearly 20 per cent, on last year's output. Prices, too, have been well maintained ; an average of Is. 4d. to Is. sd. per pound for butterfat must be considered good. Large areas are now sown in paspalum, and this factor, coupled with the activities of the herd-testing associations and the plentiful supplies of top-dressing manures, have all tended to considerably increased production. Cattle.—Beef-prices have improved, and more confidence in this line is given to the breeder and grazier. The " bobby veal " industry, which appears as though it has come to stay, is largely responsible for the shortage in cattle and the consequent increase in price of beef. Sheep and Wool. —Wool-prices have been good, and the clip, both in respect to quantity and quality, has been above the average. All classes of sheep are still in keen demand, and cull stock have been bringing good prices. The lambing percentage has been on a par with previous years, but the rate of mortality has been lower. Farmers have had no difficulty in quitting surplus sheep at a profit. Pigs. —In some parts of this district not enough interest has been taken in this side-line of the dairying industry. This is apparently due to the inconsistent prices obtained. However, in the North at the freezing-works the killings have increased, with prices fair, but on the whole the industry is not a flourishing one. Poultry. —Eggs this season have not realized the prices as in previous years, and this, combined with the high price of feed, has in many cases prevented the farmer who is dependent upon this industry for a living from making his income meet his expenditure. Land Board Work.—The Land Board held twelve meetings during the year, occupying twentyseven days. The number of items dealt with totalled 1,421, of which 891 were in connection with ordinary Crown lands and 530 dealt with the administration under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. The term of appointment of Mr. Waters expired on the sth May, 1928, and he was reappointed for a further period. Land offered and selected. —An area of 19,727 acres was offered during the year for sale or selection on permanent tenures —an increase of 4,660 acres over the previous year's offering. Demand for land was brisk, and the area selected, of 27,852 acres, taken up by 248 selectors, shows an appreciable increase on the previous year's selection of 17,743 acres by 224 selectors. The land offered comprised mainly unimproved rural holdings. Land improved or partly improved has been sought after, and in most cases was readily disposed of. A further batch|of|sections in the Orakei Garden Suburb was offered at public auction, the response being good. Freeholds. —Tenants are increasingly availing themselves of the right to acquire the fee-simple of lands held under lease to the Crown, the total freeholds for the year, including cash sales, being 76 purchasers of 6,064 acres, as against last year's totals of 46 purchasers of 2,554 acres. Roads and Railways. —The activities of the Highways Board are very noticeable in this district. Good progress in the construction of all-weather highways is being made, and there is every prospect of a through metal-road connection from Auckland to Kaitaia becoming an accomplished fact next year. The provision of all-weather roads is an essential preliminary to the settlement of the northern clay lands, and all money spent in this direction is well spent. The so-called poor gum lands of the North will in time carry a big population. Gum Lands. —Experiments are still being carried out by the Agriculture Department on the different classes of gum lands in this district, and with proper cultivation and liberal top-dressing this class of land can be gradually brought in and successfully settled. General. —The Bay of Islands Co-operative Dairy Co. contemplates closing their factory at Ohaeawai and building a larger factory at Moerewa, while a new dairy factory is being erected at Kaikohe. On. the whole the outlook is much brighter than last year. There has been an absence of land speculation, and settlers are increasingly developing their holdings by bringing in new country and improving their existing pastures. The provision of hard roads and cheap money will facilitate this progress.

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AUCKLAND. (K. M. Graham, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) During the year ended 31st March, 1929, farming has prospered in all its branches throughout the Auckland Land District. Production has increased in volume, and market prices have been highly satisfactory, the present indications being that the actual production year will, at the close of the season, show that all previous records in dairying have been eclipsed, and that the aggregate returns from sheep are at least equal to, if not better than, the very satisfactory results of last year. A good mild winter was experienced, and all classes of stock came through in good condition ; and though some rather severe cold snaps were experienced in the spring of the year, their effect upon dairy production was not sufficient to prevent the yield from continuing in advance of that for the corresponding period of the previous season. A temporary setback, due to several weeks of very dry weather, occurred in the midsummer period, but since then the rainfall has been ample for all requirements, and this, aided by the results of intensive top-dressing of pastures, has left little room for complaint as the season continued. Sheep-farming and Grazing.—Following the excellent results of last year, local sheep and wool sales this season have again yielded very satisfactory profits to sheep-farmers and graziers. A mild winter and a good lambing season were experienced, a fairly large number of lambs making their appearance in one part of the district early in July. With a satisfactory percentage and low mortalityrate the season opened well, and has since proved itself to be one of excellent all-round values and increased production in all parts of the Auckland district. Dairy-farming.—A general air of prosperity has characterized the dairying industry over the past year. Farms show an improvement as a result of better farming and more subdivision into paddocks, and it is evident that a progressive interest on sound and practical lines is being taken in the management of pastures and the culling of the dairy herds. Top-dressing .of pastures has now become one of the greatest features of dairy-farming, it being recognized that the overhead cost of production can best be reduced by producing more per acre, and that this can be achieved by building up the soilfertility by surface-dressing with artificial manures. A dry spell was again experienced this season, but it was of much shorter duration than that of last year, and though a marked check in the dairy output was noticeable at the time, a good recovery has been made, and the season should prove to be another record one when the final returns become available in August next. All hay was harvested in good condition, and there are large stocks of both hay and ensilage on hand for winter feeding as required. Special Settlement of Inferior Lands.—As mentioned in my report of last year, an area of 6,933 acres of pumice land in the Rotorua district was opened for selection. Of this area 2,704 acres were taken up by nine selectors, and since then one holding of 389 acres has been surrendered and a new selection made of two sections comprising 1,251 acres. The position as at the 31st March, 1929, is that there are still nine selectors, covering a total area of 3,566 acres. Revaluations, under Section 216 of Land Act, 1924. —The number of applications dealt with during the year was ninety-two, resulting in reductions in capital values amounting to £47,349, and in annual rent to £2,362. There are eighteen further applications yet remaining to be dealt with by the Revaluation Committee. Land opened for Selection.—The total area opened for selection during the year amounted to 58,973 acres, while 43,118 acres were taken up by 199 selectors, representing an increase over last year of sixty-two selectors and 21,547 acres of land. Land Board. —During the year twelve meetings were held, occupying forty-two days, and a total of 1,702 cases were dealt with, comprising chiefly applications for land, transfer of leases and licenses, applications for advances and relief under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, as well as a considerable number of miscellaneous cases. Revenue.—The ordinary revenue for the year amounted to £130 ; 390, being an increase on last year's figures of £12,565. It is particularly pleasing to note this increase in spite of the fact that substantial concessions have been granted to settlers during the year by way of remissions, postponements, and revaluations. GISBORNE. (E. H. Farnie, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) General Conditions of Settlements.—The conditions throughout the year were on the whole very favourable, and the results on every class of farming have been good. As the conditions vary slightly in different parts of the district I have deemed it advisable to report on the different areas separately. Poverty Bay. —Stock generally went into winter well, but possibly the ewes were in too forward condition, and the lambing was approximately 15 per cent, lower than usual. Cattle did exceptionally well —in fact, better than for many years past. Hoggets also did well, and in most districts were better grown after winter than usual. Prices as compared with previous year : Sheep, increase of Is. 6d. to 2s. per head ; cattle, increase of £1 to £1 10s. per head ; wool—the prices of wool sold at Napier sales from November to March this year averaged 14-82 d. per pound, as against 15-64 d. per pound for the same period last year. Prospects : Sheep —two-tooth ewes and two-tooth wethers will be scarce, due to poor lambing and wet autumn and winter. Other ewes should maintain last season's selling-prices. This also applies to cattle.

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Dairying : The season commenced very favourably for dairying ; in fact, throughout last winter spring-like conditions obtained, the farmers having a difficulty in drying their cows off. The average increased production of the largest factory in this district shows about 20 per cent, for the months of August to December. During January and February a long spell of dry weather reduced the average increase to about 15 per cent. Wairoa. —The past season throughout the Wairoa County has been exceptionally good for the farming community. There was an abundance of feed, and the wool came off the sheep in superior condition, especially that early shorn, and the prices were about on a par with the previous year, which, it will be remembered, were high. Stock-prices opened very firm, and went up as the season advanced. This was chiefly caused by the abundance of feed, which had to be kept down, and in some instances store prices were in excess of fat prices. Cattle were, and still are, in great demand, and many farmers were tempted to sell at the high prices ruling, to the detriment of keeping their country in order. Owing to the high prices ruling for store sheep fewer fats than usual went into the local freezing-works. Generally the farmers through the district have had a splendid year, and the prospects for the next season appear to be good. East Coast. —Dairying : Though the season opened most favourably, there is not likely to be any increase on last season's output, although an increase seemed assured until the latter part of February and early in March, when a dry spell set in and affected the supply of cream to a la-rge extent. Owing to the top-dressing carried out by most of the dairy-farmers there was at no time of the season any shortage of feed, but the trouble in. most cases was the shortage of good water-supply. The prices realized for butterfat have been the best for a number of years. Bay of Plenty. —Dairying : Owing mainly to the mildness of the season and the plentiful supply of nourishing fodder, the dairying season continued fully ten months —namely, from July to May— without doubt one of the most successful seasons experienced in that district for many years. Sheep-farming : From a sheep-farmer's point of view the season has been one of the best experienced in that district. The lambing percentage was quite good, and in most cases considerably better than the average. Though the price for wool was not quite so good as last season, it was satisfactory and quite a payable proposition. Excellent prices were received for all store sheep, and the same remarks apply to both station and dairy cattle. This district has not experienced anything like the wet weather that the Gisborne, Wairoa, and coast districts have had, and the prospects are very bright for the coming year. Lands opened for Selection.—The best areas opened for selection during the year were two comparatively large sections on what is known as the Tuparoa Consolidation, near Ruatoria. These two sections were looked upon as being first-class propositions, and keen competition was expected. The Board was considerably surprised when there was only one application for each section. Several forfeited sections in the Waioeka part of the district were withdrawn, and offered on renewable lease rent-free for five years, but with one or two exceptions failed to find selectors. Several small sections in townships, &c., offered for sale by public auction were disposed of at satisfactory prices. It would appear that at the present time there is not much demand for land in this district. Arrears of Rent. —In a few cases settlers are badly in arrear, but in the majority of cases the rent came in well. The season, as reported elsewhere, has been an exceptionally good one, and all farmers should have been able to pay their way. Board Work. —The Board held twelve meetings during the year, and the amount of work dealt with was equal to normal. I would again express appreciation of the conscientious and painstaking work of the Board members, and of the harmonious relations which exist between the Board and legal and mercantile firms. HAWKE'S BAY. (J. D. Thomson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The year just ended has been another very good one in most ways—particularly in the dairying line it was an improvement 011 the previous year. The winter was a wet one, but very few severe frosts were recorded, and there was plenty of feed for stock. During the spring strong westerly winds ruled, and appearances pointed to a dry summer. However, this was not realized, and an excellent summer was experienced—not much rain in January and February, but a normal fall in March. As a consequence there was no setback as was experienced in the previous year, but ample feed was the rule and not the exception. Stock has done well generally. The lambing percentage was not so good as in the previous year, averaging from 70 to 80 per cent. ; the quality of the lambs, however, was mainly excellent, and there have been many fine returns from fat lambs, especially on farms where top-dressing has been carried out. The wool-clip was a good average one, but the price realized was not quite up to last year's figure. This was more than compensated for by the splendid prices obtained for fat lambs. The dairy-farmer has had a splendid season, in that there has been no scarcity of feed or lack of water ; and although there has been some trouble with abortion in different parts, this has not been general, and has not affected the milk returns to any extent. The price of butterfat is well maintained, and the average dairy-farmer should be very satisfied with the result of the season's work. It is gratifying to note that more attention is being given to testing and culling, but there is still much to be done in this direction before an average of at least 300 lb. of butterfat becomes the realized aim of all dairy-farmers. The price of beef has been high, and this has affected the pastures, as farmers who wished to purchase cattle in order to eat off the surplus growth have in many cases not been able

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to do so. Instances have come under notice where free grazing lias been offered in a desire to cope with the abundant feed. The season was so good that farmers were in a quandary at the end of July as to not being able to dry off their cows, so great was the flush of feed. All stock were in remarkably good condition for the winter months. With prices of fat stock still high and ample feed available there is every prospect of a first-class season in the coming year. Stock will go into winter in good condition, and unless the cold weather is unduly severe no setback should be experienced. Land opened for Selection.—Early in the year four sections in the Hereheretau Block—areas, from 625 acres to 807 acres—were opened for selection, and all taken up. These sections carried an exemption from rent for two years. The Waimarama Block, comprising six sections—areas, from 463 acres to 882 acres —was opened in February, and the number of applications received showed that there is a very keen demand for good sheep-country. Apart from these two blocks the only other lands offered comprised principally forfeited sections, and in most cases these were readily disposed of, the total area selected during the twelve months being 29,268 acres, and number of selectors seventy-seven. Moliaka Block.—lt was hoped at the beginning of the year that the consolidation of thjvarious interests in this block would be completed in sufficient time to allow of the opening of the land to public competition. The hope, however, did not materalize, and it is not possible at to] say when the land will be available. Approximately 15,000 acres will be eventually cut up. Otawhao Block.—A consolidation of the Native and Crown interests in this block is at present under way, and it is hoped in the near future to have an area of about 1,300 acres available for selection, which should cut up into eight good dairy-farms. Poukawa Lake. —Dredging-work has been commenced byjthe Land Drainage Branch in the stream forming the outlet to the lake, and when this work is finished it will be possible to open for selection an area of 3,000 acres, comprising excellent hilly and flat land. Land Board.—During the year twelve ordinary meetings and one special meeting were held, and a visit of inspection was made to the Te Kura Settlement. I have to express my warm appreciation of the labours of members and the work done by them in the interests of the settlement of land. Revenue.—The ordinary revenue for the twelve months was £146,144, the highest recorded since the district was divided, and an increase of £5,947 over the previous year. TARANAKI. (W. D. Aemit, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) From a farming point of view the past season has been very favourable. The mild climatic conditions during spring resulted in an early flush of grass, and butterfat-production showed a remarkable increase over the previous season during the of supply. Throughout the year this margin has been maintained, resulting in a very satisfactory seasonal increase in butterfatproduction over the whole period. Prices, however, have not been so well maintained, cheeseprices in particular have declined steadily throughout the season, after opening at an excellent figure. The quality of New Zealand cheese is the subject of close inquiry at the present time, but large shipments from competitive countries on the London market, together with fairly heavy stocks in hand during the close of the season, doubtless supply the main reason for the fall of cheese-prices. Generally speaking, however, the dairy-farmer has experienced a very satisfactory season. Hay and ensilage crops have been good, and provision for winter feed is plentiful. The price of dairy stock is now on a high level, recent sales of medium-quality early calvers averaging £12 to £14. Crown tenants in the northern portion of the district are experiencing difficulty with ragwort in an increasing manner where dairying is being carried out. The graziers have experienced a reasonably good year, with wool-prices well maintained up to the final sale for this district at Wanganui. Owing to indifferent roads in parts of the back country a quantity of back-country wool is offered at the late sales, and it is satisfactory to note that average prices were secured at this offering. The beef market has been quiet, but the local demand for cattle to stock back-country farms has contributed to maintain dry-stock prices at a high level. It may be said that the district experienced a surplus of feed over the season owing to the mild climatic conditions and good average rainfall. Deteriorated Lands Act Operations.—A total of 289 cases have been dealt with during the past season. Crown tenants are co-operating with the Department in a very satisfactory manner by way of securing remissions of rental in return for improvements effected by way of fencing, scrub-cutting, or application of artificial manures. Appreciation and thanks are due to the officers of the Agricul ■ tural Department for their valuable co-operation in this direction. Their advice to settlers and promptness in furnishing reports play an important part in the administration of this Act. Demonstration Farm, Wliangamomona.—The property leased to Messrs. J. Gordon and Son, of 226 acres, has been further improved by way of additional scrub-cutting, 40 chains fencing, and topdressing. The winter carrying-capacity has already been considerably increased over the past season, and this year twenty-eight milking-cows and thirty-two cattle of mixed age, together with about two hundred breeding-ewes, will be wintered. The property continues to be well managed, and will be treated with further artificial manures under arrangement with the committee in control under the terms of the lease.

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Land Board Work. —Meetings of the Board were held on forty days during the year, the number of eases dealt with totalling 1,525, inclusive of applications under the Deteriorated Lands Act and Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. Mr. Ryan was re-elected to represent the Crown tenants, and Mr. N. R. Cleland reappointed for a further term. I desire to record my appreciation of the assistance given by all the members of the Board in the work of the past year. Education Endowment Reserves.—lnspections of these reserves are being constantly carried out, and numerous renewals occur, requiring valuations and occasional arbitrations. The area administered under this heading is 53,522 acres. Freehold Tenure.—Freeholds acquired during the year represent a total of 1,171 acres by nine purchasers. There is a decided falling-off in the purchase of the freehold of West Coast Settlement Reserve lands. WELLINGTON. (H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Speaking generally, the year just closed may be regarded as a period of satisfactory progress in all the classes of farming followed by the Crown settlers in the Wellington Land District. Dairyfarmers and pastoralists alike have experienced a good year. Last winter was a remarkably good one for stock, there having been less than the usual average of severe weather. Sheep and Wool.—The sharp rise in the value of sheep which was experienced during the year before was well maintained, this fact being mainly due to the high prices ruling for wool in the selling season, and also to the markedly good prices obtained for fat lambs, more especially during the latter part of the season. Both fat and store sheep have realized high prices during the year. In the autumn there was a keen demand for sound-mouthed breeding-ewes, but purchasers were disinclined to pay the prices ruling for young ewes last year. Even after the freezing-works closed high prices have ruled through winter and spring up to the time of writing, as supplies have not exceeded requirements. In some parts the rank growth of grass has prejudiced the welfare of the sheep, and late lambs did not do so well. In the so-called deteriorated-land area in the northern part of the district the concessions granted under the Deteriorated Lands Act, 1925, have created credits in the settlers' accounts, and these moneys have been availed of to carry out top-dressing and general improvements. These operations are proving remunerative, but in many cases transport charges make the work expensive. Some new roads and bridges in the more remote localities have been completed during the year, and the improved access thus provided will enable numerous settlers to make headway. Dairying.—Last winter was one of the mildest experienced for a long time, and dairy cows commenced the season in excellent condition. The weather in the spring and summer up to the end of February was ideal for the growth of pastures and crops, the result being that record returns for butterfat have been obtained. The favourable season caused an abnormal growth of grass, and in many cases insufficient stock was available to keep the feed in the best condition. The more general application of top-dressing manures has no doubt materially affected the increased butterfat returns. This, together with systematic and judicious culling of herds, and the rearing of heifers from cows of proved butterfat production, will go far towards solving the problem of the successful farming of small holdings of highly priced land. Some herds have had a certain amount of disease amongst them, and if these diseases are eliminated there will remain little doubt about the future prospects of the small farmer. All things considered, the dairyman has experienced a good year. Prices for produce have maintained a payable level, and increased production has compensated for the lower prices obtained in some localities in comparison with those ruling last year. There is every reason why the Crown tenants may look to the coming year with equanimity. The revenue for the year was £223,940. The Land Board met on twelve occasions during the year. A large amount of business was transacted, comprising some 1,280 items. A large number of difficult problems affecting both land and finance came before the Board, and I again desire to place on record my appreciation of the cordial manner in which the members of the Board have co-operated with me in dealing with these matters. There is an increasing demand for land, both for dairying and for pastoral purposes. The high prices ruling for most farm-products are no doubt a factor in creating the demand. Any areas of any value that become available for selection are eagerly sought after. It is anticipated that the Weraroa Experimental Farm will shortly be subdivided for settlement, and alrepdy many inquiries have been received concerning it. NELSON. (A. F. Waters, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The farmers generally in the Nelson district have experienced a good year, climatic conditions having been particularly favourable. The winter was exceptionally mild, followed by abundant rains in the spring and early summer. There has been a luxuriant growth of grass, and consequently sheep and cattle have done particularly well. Sheep and Wool.—The prices of wool at the earlier sales were very satisfactory, but owing to a break in prices in the February and March sales farmers who missed the earlier sales received rathe*

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disappointing results. Prices of sheep have maintained a fairly high level, with keen demand for any lines of good quality, and in spite of the drop in wool the price of sheep remains fairly high. Dairying.—On account of the luxuriant growth of grass the dairy-farmers have had a very good season. The prices paid out by the various factories have been fairly high. There has been a very keen demand for store cattle, which has assisted the dairy-farmers considerably in disposing of surplus stock. Deteriorated Lands.—The burning and resowing of fern and secondary growth in the dry summer and autumn of 1928 is now showing beneficial results in many back-country localities, and lias assisted materially in counteracting the deterioration. Lime and phosphates are being used in increasing quantities by farmers, with very satisfactory results. Orchards. —The apple crop this year is somewhat lighter than last year, but the fruit is generally larger. On account of the wet season some difficulty has been experienced in controlling black spot. Hops, Tobacco, and Small Fruits. —The hop crop generally has been fairly heavy and has been harvested in good condition. There is approximately 750 acres of tobacco now grown in the Nelson district, but the permanence of the tobacco-growing industry depends on the maintenance of remunerative prices for the leaf. Small fruits generally have given good results, and prove a satisfactory crop to the small farmer. Pakihi Lands.—The Gawthron Institute has been experimenting near Westport in the economical development of " pakihi " lands. A demonstration area on a larger scale is now to be undertaken in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture. Revenue.—The revenue received during the year totalled £62,106. Of this amount £15,690 was received from ordinary Crown tenants, the balance being receipts on account of discharged soldier settlers. These figures show an increase on last year of £5,636. 'Land Board. —Twelve monthly meetings were held during the year, when a total of 586 cases were" dealt with. I wish to thank the members of the Board for their co-operation and assistance in all matters brought before them. MARLBOROUGH. (P. R. Wilkinson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Climatic conditions in the Marlborough Land District during the past twelve months have been varied, but the year's results may be considered fairly satisfactory. Mild conditions during late autumn and winter were favourable to all classes of farming, and stock came through in good condition. A wet early spring followed and made the operations of the agriculturist somewhat erratic, with the result that many crops were late-sown. Ideal conditions followed until the end of December, when rainy conditions again threatened the crops and caused much anxiety during the harvesting period. Returns were affected and the yields generally were below average. Barley-growers will be the chief sufferers from this and also on account of prices, as it is feared that prices will show a substantial decline. Generally a good healthy tone prevails throughout the district. Sheep and Wool. —The sheep-farmer has experienced, all things considered, a very successful year, conditions being favourable throughout. Although wool-prices dropped during the sales, the better quality and weight produced counteracted somewhat the decline. The bulk of Marlborough wool is sold through Christcliurch and Wellington, and it is estimated that the average prices per pound for the season's sales are : Merino, 18d. ; half-bred, 17d. ; three-quarter bred, 16d. ; Crossbred, 15d. ; and lambs' wool, 16|d. Ram and ewe fairs were held during the year at Blenheim and Seddon, when good entries were submitted to fair attendance of buyers. Many of the best studs, however, are not submitted, breeders realizing that they must seek outside markets to obtain prices near value. It is estimated that over one thousand stud rams have been distributed throughout New Zealand from this district. Sheep-sales are held regularly, and good prices in advance of last year's rates are maintained, young ewes in particular being sought for. Fat-lamb sales opened well, and prices were maintained until recently, when a slight drop was noticeable. The freezing-works situated at Picton is in full work, and it is estimated that 120,000 carcasses will be handled, 75 per cent, being lambs. Dairy-farming.—This industry is steadily increasing, and lands hitherto confined to agriculture are gradually passing over to the cow. The season has been a good one, prices being satisfactory and feed plentiful. Herd-testing is not indulged in as freely as is warranted, but an improvement is noticeable in the efforts of settlers to cull the non-paying animals. A recent statement of the Herdtesting Association disclosed that about 2,200 cows were under test, so that there is room for much improvement. With the application of top-dressing, herd-testing, selection of cows and sires, and provision of winter feed the dairying industry should vastly improve. Average price for butterfat for the season is about Is. 4|d., with prospects of a bonus. Agriculture.—This branch of farming has not been up to average, and is gradually giving way to dairying and sheep-fattening, which promise a more assured income. A total of 25,000 acres was sown last season in cereal and pulse crops. Orchards. — About 500 acres are devoted to apple-production. The season has been generally favourable, and export figures should exceed last year's total of 31,000 cases, which was a record for the district.

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Tobacco-growing.—A total area of 36 acres was planted out in tobacco-plants. The crops grew well, and from reports the product is very good, but there is no market. The experiment has i lustrated that the leaf can be grown in Marlborough, and it should prove a lucrative venture when a market is established. Poultry.—The local egg circle handled approximately 1,400,000 eggs from 230 suppliers, this being an increase in supplies and suppliers. The average price works out at Is. Bd. per dozen. Lime-works. —One plant is operating at Ward, where the price on trucks is 255. per ton. The output is roughly 500 tons per annum. The supply could be greatly increased, but demand is low on account of limited rail service, the cost of carriage to the farm being too great for the average farmer. Land Board.—Twelve ordinary meetings were held during the year. I tender my thanks to the members for their co-operation and earnest consideration to all matters that have required their attention during the year. WESTLAND. (W. T. Mokpeth, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement. —■ The farmers this year have had quite a good season. Weather conditions were not quite so favourable as last year, but on the whole they have been good, and there has been a plentiful yield of milk and an abundance of grass, while in some localities considerable quantities of hay have been saved. A fair amount of liming and top-dressing has been done, but there is still a very considerable area of land held in private ownership which is not producing anything like up to its full capacity. Lime-works.—The lime-works at Kowhitirangi and Ross are still in active operation. Timber.—Conditions in the timber industry appear to be improving. The total output of sawn timber for the year was 70,450,400 superficial feet, an increase of 13,000,600 ft. on last year's figures. Of this total, 28,082,300 ft. were cut from Warden's licenses, 2,625,200 ft. from Crown land, 24,435,600 ft. from freehold, and the balance, 15,307,300 ft., from State forests. The quantity of timber exported overseas amounted to 21,718,000 ft., an increase of nearly 6,000,000 ft. on last year's export. A total of 32,092,800 ft. passed through Otira Tunnel. In addition to the sawn timber, 481,200 silver-pine posts, poles, strainers, and sleepers were railed to Christchurch, and 820 trucks of props and bars, chiefly beech, were supplied to the coal-mines. Flax. —The four flax-mills mentioned in last year's report are still carrying on. Two additional companies are being formed for the purpose of developing Grove's Swamp and Rotokino Swamp respectively. If these concerns materialize, both will employ a large number of men, and produce a considerable amount of fibre. It is stated by experts that the quality of the leaf grown in this district is exceptionally good. Revenue.—The total revenue for the year, including the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account, amounted to £25,822. Land revenue amounted to £14,480. Gold-mining.—The largest concern of this nature in the district is the Rimu Gold-dredging Co. of America. During the year the company dredged 30 acres of fresh country, excavated 1,843,357 cubic yards of material, and won gold to the value of £54,402. Another dredging concern has been established at the Five-mile Beach, south of Okarito. Rich prospects have been obtained, and the company will shortly be in .active operation. The Hohonu Gold-sluicing Co. and the Skippers Westland Gold-mining Co. are also in operation, besides a number of small one-man or two-men sluicing claims. Land Board. —Twelve monthly meeting's were held, as scheduled, during the year. The Board dealt with 175 applications for land, 108 transfers, 23 exchanges, 33 applications by returned soldiers for advances, transfers, postponements, and remissions, and 163 timber licenses, together with the usual, volume of miscellaneous work. CANTERBURY. (W. Stewart, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Canterbury has had weather conditions this year that have suited a large proportion of her area, and this, in conjunction with fair prices, has given the farming community a good year. Owing to a fine winter, stock generally were carried through in good condition ; and although the spring was rather wet, this was not bad enough to cause serious losses. Pastoralists generally have had a favourable season, for, although prices for wool and lambs have not been quite so buoyant, yet they have been payable to the farmer who is on reasonable-priced land and is managing capably. The relative drop in merino wool as compared with half-bred has allowed those in need of merino ewes for back-country stations to purchase at more reasonable figures than have been ruling for some years past. Lambing and weight of clip have been quite up to average years. There is the promise of a good autumn growth of grass, and stock should again go into the winter in good condition. Shelter-planting conditions, which were relaxed during the war and immediately thereafter, are now being more strictly enforced. The last few favourable seasons have induced more experimentation in surface sowing, in top-dressing, and in improvement of pastures generally, which has also been

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greatly assisted by more subdivision and consequently better-regulated grazing and spelling of pastures. The improved tenures for pastoral runs have also been contributing factors towards improvement in our high-country grazing ; but probably the greatest factor of all in this improvement has been the control of the rabbit. A few small-grazing-run leases are expiring shortly, and were considered for renewal during the year, but in no case did the Land Board recommend subdivision, as the runs were not considered to be capable of subdivision. Agriculturists have not all had a good year. In the heavier land of the northern and southern parts of the district the rather unusual amount of summer rainfall caused rust and other blights, and early crops did not fill well. These weather conditions, however, suited the lighter lands, where yields were up to normal. The good autumn allowed much threshing out of stook, which is estimated to save about 3d. a bushel, but is often carried out at the expense of quality. In too many cases overcropping is allowing such weeds as Californian thistle to increase, but Crown tenants generally are being given such concessions as have allowed twitch and other weeds to be eradicated. There is a shortage of turnips this winter owing to the dry autumn, but the rank summer growth produced ample supplies of hay, and there is more green feed this autumn than usual, so that provision for winter feed is up to normal. Stock did not fatten early this year owing to excessive rainfall, but late fattening conditions have been very favourable. This year there has been a greatly increased demand for brown-top seed, which has proved an unexpected boon to many Canterbury farmers. Dairy-farmers have had a good year. Prices have been better, and showery conditions well into summer greatly increased the yields. Where top-dressing has been tried in districts with sufficient rainfall results have been very encouraging. Farmers in most districts now have a guide from the Agriculture Department's experimental plots, both in pasture and crops, and should show increased production in the future, if prepared to be guided by these results. Fruit-farmers have had good yields, more particularly of apples and pears, but early stone-fruits were affected by too much rain. Outside-tomato growers have, however, not been so fortunate, as heavy storms in January gave the plants a severe setback, and the delayed season caused serious loss. Many potato crops also suffered from the same storms. Seasonal and market conditions have favoured some small holders but have been against others. Poultrymen have had a better year, owing chiefly to the export trade in eggs, which was fostered by Government guarantee, but also due to lower price of feed, and probably to better organization in the industry itself. Land Board Work. —The Land Board held twelve ordinary meetings during the year, each extending over a period of three days, and two special meetings. The number of cases dealt with was 1,103. Revenue.—The total revenue for the year was £608,306, including £323,584 Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account, being an increase of £25,562 on the previous year. This increase is made up of £22,114 Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account and £3,448 in the ordinary revenue. This can be considered very satisfactory, as the increase is purely the result of a good season all round. Arrears. —It is pleasing to note that the arrears at the 31st March last show a decrease of £13,200 as compared with the amount outstanding at March, 1928. The amount is made up of £6,837 ordinary revenue, and £6,363 Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account. Postponements.—Postponements outstanding at the 31st March, 1929, are £5,587 less than that for March, 1928. OTAGO. (R. S. Galbraith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) A general summing-up of the conditions throughout the whole of Otago leads to the conclusion that the year has been an average one. An exceptionally favourable autumn was followed by a very mild winter, and weather conditions remained good until September, from which month cold snaps and broken weather were experienced. As a consequence spring-sown cereal crops were irregular in maturing, and although some very good yields were obtained the general yield was below the average. On the 7th January a phenomenal hailstorm swept over a long narrow belt of country in North Otago, and while its duration could be measured in minutes its effects could not be readily ascertained. Wheat and oat crops suffered most, but rape and turnip crops, which at first sight appeared to be ruined, recovered to a remarkable degree. A flood in the Molyneux River in October was rather prolonged, and water remained on the adjoining low-lying country for several weeks. The heavy rains in March caused som< anxiety on the Taieri Plain, but these proved to be merely local, and the river receded quickly, no appreciable damage being done. All classes of stock came through the winter in excellent condition, but suffered a setback by the broken weather from mid-spring onwards. Stock losses from snow were extremely light, but holders of high country took no risks and brought their flocks down at the usual time. Some surprisingly good lambing percentages were recorded on the high country, and if wool-prices had been up to last year's level the pastoralists would probably have reaped record returns. The wool-production in Otago has shown a steady and gratifying increase of recent years, an increase which may confidentlv be ev ected to continue. The contributing factors to this end are top-dressing of pastures, irrigation.

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and the decrease of rabbits. The season's wool-sales showed a decided drop in prices as compared with those obtained in the previous year. Although the production was about 7,000 bales above, that of last year, the increase did not compensate for the reduced price. At the end of the 1928 season exceptional prices were paid for fat lambs, settlers getting as much as 7s. to Bs. per head more for the last drafts than for their first ones. This season the schedule price opened at 10|d. per pound, but this favourable rate to the producer was, unfortunately, not maintained. About the end of January a reduction of fd. per pound was announced, and by the beginning of March the price had fallen to 9d. It is gratifying to note, however, that the present indications point to an upward tendency. Notwithstanding the fall in price of wool and lambs, the returns should afford the sheepfarmer little or no cause for anxiety, and if prices remain at their present parity the sheep-farming industry will continue to be prosperous. Dairy-farmers have had a good season. Feed was plentiful, the cows were in good condition, a very good return of butter and cheese was shown, and the prices realized were remunerative. Prices for grain compare favourably with those of last year, and farmers in most instances realized their expectations.. Pig-raising has been a disappointing industry, the prices obtained being below the cost of production. Only a small proportion of settlers, however, depend to any extent on this source of income. Fruitgrowers have had, on the whole, a fairly good season, with average prices ruling. Irrigation.—Farming pursuits in Central Otago are very closely associated with irrigation, and the future of that part of the district in regard to increased production is largely dependent on the judicious development and use of the lands where water can be made available at a payable price. A relatively small area of irrigable land held in conjunction with a fairly large area of run country makes a very valuable and profitable property which can easily bear a high rate for water, and. this is the ideal use to which irrigation can be put. The Ida Valley country gives a remarkable example of this. A few years ago the output of fat lambs from that district could be estimated in hundreds, while last year forty-four thousand fat lambs were trucked from Poolburn Railway-station. Dairying would appear to be the most profitable class of farming to which the small self-contained irrigated farm could be put, and there seems to be a reasonable prospect of a settler making a fair living by this method even with the ordinary herd of, say, thirty cows. The returns from cows in Central Otago are in many cases surprisingly high considering the long winter and short milking season, and these, no doubt, could be considerably increased by systematic culling and careful breeding. No other kind of farming offers such possibilities to the settlers on the smaller areas which can be served with a supply of water. It is pleasing to note that farmers throughout Otago are going in more and more for improving their pastures by top-dressing, &c., and are also making great improvements in their stock, so that more stock and stock of a better class is now being carried. The gradual spread of manuka scrub in certain parts of the district has been causing much concern of late years. Freeholds.—An area of 2,521 acres, chiefly consisting of Crown leases, was purchased during the year, bringing the total area of freehold in Otago up to 2,310,628 acres. Lands remaining for Selection.—Practically all the land in Otago which is at all attractive and suitable for settlement is held under one tenure or another, and there are very few areas available for disposal in the near future, about 4,000 acres of partially irrigable land on Pisa Flats, near Cromwell, being the only fairly large area immediately in sight. Some pastoral lands under Part VI of the Act will, as the licenses expire, provide for further settlers, and possibilities in this direction are being carefully watched ; but, while both these tenures may be subdivision give opportunities of placing more settlers on the land, it is questioned in some quarters whether there would be any increased production. Land Board Work. —Twelve ordinary meetings of the Land Board were held during the year, occupying on an average two days each month, besides four special meetings at Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Oamaru respectively, and one special meeting at Dunedin. A large amount of general miscellaneous business was dealt with, besides 276 applications for land, 409 transfers, 19 applications for advances, and other matters in accordance with discharged soldiers. Several inspections were also made by members of the Board in connection with applications for land and other matters requiring special consideration. Revenue and Arrears. —The total gross revenue from all sources (including Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account) during the year amounted to £262,058 ; the rent roll (including Discharged' Soldiers Settlement Account) being £229,800, and the arrears of rent and postponements £43,111. This shows a slight decrease in arrears and postponements from last year of £2,184. Every effort is being made to bring about a reduction of these arrears. SOUTHLAND. (N. C. Kenrtngton, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The past year may be classed as generally satisfactory from a farming point of view ; there were certain unseasonable changes at critical stages which acted against production and quality, but on the whole the settler came out well on the prices offering. The winter was mild, with no heavy losses on the high country, and good lambing percentages were reported on both high and law country. The prices obtained for wool-clips were satisfactory, although about £2 10s. per bale lower then the preceding year ; also, it was reported that a good deal of tender wool was submitted at the sales, which

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had an eflect on the prices offered. The top-dressing of the lower country, the increase of flocks, and the general improvement of flocks on the pastoral runs is now reflected in the large increase of wool handled at the Invercargill wool-sales. The following information given by a member of the Wool brokers' Association makes interesting reading : — Bales sold. Gro ? s P^eeds £ s. d. For the year 1927 .. .. .. .. 26,226 406,429 5 2 „ ' 1928 .. .. .. .. 30,755 648,941 0 0 1929 .. .. .. .. 35,187 662,910 9 9 The prices offered by the several companies for fat lambs were very high early in the season, but dropped after the first two months, though the price remained at a good figure for the producer. The wet spring and summer has had an effect on the fattening of lambs, and difficulty has been experienced by some settlers in getting away the same number as in previous seasons ; but the broken weather experienced was not general and was mostly confined to the southern end of the district. The dairying industry has had a successful season, but suffered somewhat on account of the late spring, and pastures generally were not suitable to give good returns till well on in November. Even on the lowest figures paid out per pound of butterfat the returns should be quite satisfactory, and with the general improvement of the pasture and herds which is taking place will show a good return per cow. There will not be as much rye and fescue seed for export as last year. The late spring experienced had the effect of forcing paddocks to be kept open for stock which generally would have been closed, and fescue-seed has suffered on account of early frosts experienced in the north of the district. With the small amount of oats threshed the farmer is now turning his attention to the harvesting of meadow hay, and a large amount has been stacked this season. For years past the pastoral-run holder has endeavoured to save up hay for winter feeding, and this is becoming more pronounced, and low country worked in conjunction with pastoral runs is now, where possible, shut up and cut for hay. The turnip crops are looking well, and ample provision appears to have been made for winter feeding. Conversions to Freehold. —Twenty sections, of a total area of 3,442 acres, were converted to freehold. Crown Lands opened for Selection.—During the year eighty-two sections, of a total area of 7,762 acres, were opened for selection. There has been no special demand for bush lands, the reasons, no doubt, being difficulty of access and finance. It is difficult to keep settlers on bush lands unless there is a gravelled road to the section, and those seeking land and having a limited capital prefer to purchase a farm as a going concern. On account of the general good conditions prevailing for sheepfarmers there have been many inquiries for pastoral country. Crown Lands to be opened for Selection. —It is proposed to open for selection some seven sections, comprising 3,000 acres, in the Lillburn district, at an early date. Land Board. —Twelve ordinary meetings were held during the year and a large amount of business transacted. As Chairman, I desire to thank the members of the Land Board for their cordial co-operation during the past year. Revenue. —The gross revenue for the year amounted to £145,644, of which £79,542 was on account of principal and interest under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. The above figures show a substantial increase over past years.

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APPENDIX lI.—LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1929.

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APPENDIX II.—LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS. Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1929. Name of Estate. Principal Purpose tor which Holdings arc utilized. Kemar p 0 ?ftio°n PrCSent North Auckland. Bickers taffe .. .. 39 6 Grazing .. .. .. .. Good. Bayliss .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Cadman .. • • 1 • • Grazing lease only. Carroll . . .. 27 8 Homes .. .. .. .. .. Good. Cradock . . .. .. 14 Homes and orchards .. .. .. „ Eccleston No. 2 .. j 13 14 Homes .. .. .. .. .. ,, Hetana .. .. 8 82 Homes and orchards .. .. .. ,, Kitchener .. .. 1 11 ,, .. .. .. Koremoa .. .. 12 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Lawry .. .. .. .. Grazing lease only. Methuen .. .. i 3 27 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Motutara .. .. j 12 .. Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Satisfactory. Paerata .. .. 2 .. Mixed farming . . .. .. .. ,, Pakaraka .. .. 14 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Parahi . . .. 10 .. Grazing and dairying .. .. .. Good. Prescott . . .. 13 7 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Satisfactory. Plurner .. .. 4 17 Homes .. .. .. .. .. Good. Puketi .. .. 2 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Fair. Puni .. .. 10 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Remuera .. .. 31 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Good. Streamlands .. .. 13 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Te Pua .. ; 4 1 ,, .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Tokiri .. .. j 4 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Good. Upokonui .. .. j 6 .. Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Satisfactory. Waari .. .. j 32 37 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Waimata .. .. [ 16 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Waiteitei .. .. 11 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Finlayson .. .. j 1 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Good. Totals.. .. 290 225 Auckland. Apata .. .. 8 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Ballachraggen .. 21 5 ,, .. .. .. .. Very good. Clifford . . . . I 9 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Very satisfactory. Delaney . . .. 1 .. Home .. .. .. .. .. Good. Fencourt .. .. 21 27 Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Very good. Gorton .. .. 10 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Hereford Park .. 2 j ,, .. .. .. .. Doubtful. Hikuai .. .. 21 • • " • • • • • • • • Good. Horahia .. .. 6 .. 1 ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Horahora .. .. 10 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Good. Kaipaki .. .. 4 • • Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Karapiro .. .. 9 10 | ,, .. .. .. .. ; „ Kopuku .. .. 3 1 „ .. .. .. .. Fair. Kopuku No. 2 .. 5 j ,, .. .. .. .. : Mangaotama .. 3 1 j ,, .. .. .. .. I Good. Mangapouri .. .. 5 10 ,, .. .. .. .. | ,, Mangateparu.. .. 55 1 j ,, .. .. .. .. ! Mangawhero .. 11 17 ,, .. .. .. .. I „ Matamata .. .. 83 233 ,, .. .. .. .. ■ Very good. Matuku .. .. 11 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Good. Ngahinapouri .. 4 .. ,, .. .. .. .. : Very good. Ohauiti .. .. 11 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Unsatisfactory, but improving. Okauia .. .. 5 11 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Omeheu .. .. 10 • • >> • • ■ • • • • • ! >> Opouriao .. .. 33 68 ,, .. .. .. .. Very good. Orini .. .. 2 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Unsatisfactory. Orongo .. .. 38 „ .. .. .. .. „ Otamarakau .. .. 7 • • i >» • • • • • • • • Good. Otway .. .. 9 9 j „ .. .. .. .. Very good. Pakarau .. .. 19 5 ,, .. .. .. .. ,, Puahue .. .. 20 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Fair. Pukemapou .. .. 9 • • I Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Rangiatea .. .. 12 15 „ .. .. .. .. Very good. Rangitaiki .. .. 8 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Good. Reporoa .. .. 84 9 Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Fair. Rewi .. .. 7 5 j Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Reynolds .. .. 25 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Rotomanuka .. 1 '' " '' '' •' "' Good. Selwyn .. .. 82 158 Dairying and mixed farming .. .. „ Tahaia .. .. 11 .. ! Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Tainui . . .. 3 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Fair. Tairua .. .. 24 3 Residence .. .. .. .. Good. Taniwha .. .. 11 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Tapapa .. .. 11 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Very good. Tautari .. .. 35 9 j Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Fair. Teasdale .. .. 16 87 | Business and residence .. .. .. Very 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, 1929 —continued.

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Name of Estate. hotels" j holds j Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Itmarta^astoPraeiit Auckland—continued. ■ I To Miro .. .. 42 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Fair. Te Ngaro .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. .. .. . . Good. Waiare .. .. 4 .. ,, .. .. .. .. „ Waimana .. .. 19 23 Dairying and mixed farming . . .. Very good. Waitakaruru.. .. 16 2 Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Good. Whatawhata .. .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Whitehall .. .. 6 14 ,, .. .. .. .. Very good. Totals.. .. 887 724 Gisborne. Ardkeen .. .. 16 .. Pastoral .. . . .. .. f Good. Clydebank .. .. 4 4 ,, .. .. .. .. Glencoe .. .. 6 .. Dairying . . . . .. .. ,, Homebush .. . . 13 .. „ .. .. .. .. ,, Hukutaia .. .. 18 1 ,, . . . . .. . . Very good. Kanakanaia .. .. 7 1 Pastoral .. .. .. .. : ,, Ngatapa .. .. 23 3 ,, .. .. .. .. ,, Ohuka .. .. 13 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Pair. Paremata .. .. 6 .. Dairying and pastoral .. . . .. Fair to good. Pouparae .. .. 3 6 Agricultural .. .. .. . . Very good. Repongaere .. .. 11 1 Pastoral and dairying . . .. .. Good. Tapui (Tappers) .. 1 . . Pastoral .. .. .. .. ,, Te Arai .. .. 46 12 Pastoral, dairying, and agricultural .. Very good. Waimarie .. .. 12 i 5 „ ,, .. ,, Wharekaka .. .. ; 13 ,, ,, .. Good. Wigan .... 12 7 ,, ,, .. Very good. Willows .. ... 16 6 Agricultural .. .. .. .. ,, Totals.. .. j 220 ! 46 Hawke's Bay. Argyll .. .. 53 10 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Very good. Beattie .. .. 5 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Clydebank .. .. 14 3 ,, .. .. .. .. ,, Corby .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Coyne .. .. 1 .. ,, .. .. .. Crownthorpe .. 18 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Elsthorpe .. .. 43 11 ,, ... .. .. .. Very good. Forest Gate .. .. 20 9 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Good. Glengarry .. .. 29 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. j Fair. Gwavas .. .. 11 I 1 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Good. Hatuma .. .. 59 I 21 ,, .. .. .. I Very good. Kumeroa .. .. 13 3 Agricultural, pastoral, and dairying . . ,, Lindsay .. .. 59 14 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. „ Mahora .. .. 26 9 ,, .. .. .. .. j ,, Manga-a-toro .. 20 6 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. ,, Mangatahi .. .. 20 4 ,, .. .. .. ,, Marakeke .. .. 17 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Omana .. .. 9 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Otamauri .. .. 15 2 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. j „ Parinui .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Pourerere .. .. 6 1 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. ..' ,, Raureka .. .. 10 9 Dairying and fruit-culturc .. .. Very good. Raumati .. .. 30 3 Pastoral and dairying .. .. , . Very fair. Rissington .. .. 5 . . Pastoral .. .. .. . . Good. Springhill .. .. 17 1 Mostly pastoral .. .. .. .. Very good. Sherenden .. .. 21 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Good. Te Kaihi .. .. 3 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. ,, Te Kura .. .. 11 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Te Mata .. .. 13 1 Fruit-farming .. .. .. .. Good. Tongoio .. .. 12 .. Mostly pastoral .. .. .. .. Fair. Tomoana .. .. 6 8 Fruit and dairying .. .. .. Very good. Waihau .. .. 20 1 Mostly pastoral .. .. . . . . Fair. Waipuka .. .. 1 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Watea .. .. 10 .. Mixed farming .. .. . . .. Fair. Wilder .. .. 4 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Good. Totals.. .. 609 118 Taranaki. Araheke .. .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Clandon .. . . 7 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Very good. Croydon .. . . 7 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Hawke .. .. I .. ,, • • •. .. .. Good. Huatoki .. .. 30 4 Residential and small farming .. .. Fair. Huia .. .. 5 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. „ Huinga .. .. 9 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Karu .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Indifferent. Katikara .. .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Kohura .. .. 11 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. 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, 1929 —continued.

Name of Estate. ' | Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Kemarte as to Present Taranaki —continued. Kota .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. . . . . .. Fair. Mana . . .. i .. Grazing .. .. .. .. „ Mangamaire .. .. 1 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Indifferent. Marco .. . ■ 2 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. . . Fair. Matane . . .. •. 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Ngutu .. .. 1 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Poor. Okahu .. . • 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. . . Fair. Parkes .. .. 7 .. „ .. .. Very good. Piu .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming -.. .. .. .. Indifferent. Rahu .. •. 1 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. TJnselected, deteriorating. Ratapiko .. .. 5 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Good. Spotswood . . . . 10 36 Homestead and small dairying .. .. Very good. Taitama .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Tariki . . .. 7 1 Dairying .. .. .. . . Very good. Tawhiwhi .. .. 9 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Indifferent. Tokaora .. .. 4 12 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Tututawa .. .. 3 .. Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Fair. Totals.. .. 150 55 Wellington. Aorangi .. .. 24 18 Dairying .. ,. .. .. Good. Almadale .. .. 6 .. „ .. .. .. .. Fair to good. Ahiaruhe .. .. 10 . . „ .. .. .. .. Good. Akitio .. .. 6 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. „ Armstrong .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. ., .. .. Fair. Arawhata .. .. 2 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Bartholomew .. 6 .. „ .. .. .. „ Bailey .. •. 1 .. „ ■ • .. .. .. Good. Benge .. ■ • 1 .. ,, .. .. . ■ .. ,, Brown .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. .. Fair. Braemore .. .. 4 .. Pastoral . . .. .. .. Good. Bruce .. .. 1 . . Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Callender .. .. 1 .. „ • • .. .. .. Fair. Garrington .. .. 34 2 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. „ Cherry Grove .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Corliss . • •. 1 .. „ • • .. .. .. „ Cloverlea .. .. 17 .. Dairying and residential .. .. .. „ Coyle .. .. 1 . • Dairying .. .. .. .. Poor. Dawbin .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. .. Good. Dixon .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Devonshire .. .. 1 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Dyer .. .. 37 10 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Epuni Hamlet .. 21 24 Mixed and garden .. .. .. „ Evans .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. . . .. „ Eaglesham .. .. 8 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. „ Fairfield .. .. 8 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Falloon .. .. 6 .. Mixed .. .. .. .. .. „ Gee .. .. I •. Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Greves .. .. 1 .. „ • • • • . • .. Fair. Greystoke .. .. 12 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Good. Graham .. .. 1 .. „ ■ • •. .. .. Fair. Glasspole .. .. 1 .. „ • ■ .. .. .. Good. Hammond .. .. I .. „ .. .. . . .. Fair. Hawtrey .. .. 46 50 Residential .. .. . . .. Good. Hall-Jones .. .. 32 7 Gardening .. .. .. .. „ Heatherlea . . .. 18 9 Dairying .. . . .. .. „ Heretaunga .. .. 16 110 Residential .. .. .. .. Very good. Heights . .. .. 2 .. Sheep and dry cattle . . . . .. Fair. Hardie . . . . 1 .. Dairying Haunui No. I .. 8 .. „ .. .. .. .. Good. Haunui No. 2 .. 7 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Harper .. .. 1 ■ • >. • • • ■ ■ • • • Pair. Kiwitea .. .. 1 .. ,, • • • • .. .. Good. Kairanga .. .. 11 •• ,, •• •• •• •• ,, Kopane .. .. 14 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Kuku .. .. 4 . . Mixed Langdale .. .. 12 13 Grazing .. .. .. .. „ Lean .. .. 1 • ■ Residential .. .. .. .. „ Lewis .. .. ■ • • ■ Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Linton .. .. 5 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Little .. .. 1 •. Mixed .. . . . . .. .. „ Loughnan . . .. 26 .. Residential .. .. .. .. „ Langley-Purdom .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Littler .. .. 1 ■ • „ • ■ ■ ■ • ■ • • Very good. Longbush and Mahupuku 16 6 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Makopua .. .. 2 .. Pastoral Makowai and Extension 26 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Marama-a-Mau .. 6 . . „ .. .. .. .. Good. Maungaraki .. .. 17 2 Residential .. .. .. .. ,, Melling .. .. 2 .. „ .. .. .. .. „

o.—l

22

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, 1929—continued.

Name of Estate. j £js Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Eemark^as^to^ Present ! ; i L I W ellington—continued. Mataikona .. .. 6 .. G razing .. .. .. .. Good. McDonnell . . .. 1 .. Dairying . . .. . . .. Poor. Muhunoa .. .. 2 1 ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. McLean .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. .. Good. Marshall .. .. 1 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. McKenzie .. .. 1 • • ! >> • • • • • • • ■ Good. Matamua .. .. 3 ' ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Motukai .. .. 3 .. j Grazing .. .. .. .. „ Moroa .. . . 19 .. | Dairying .. .. .. .. Poor. Ngakaroro .. .. 2 .. „ .. .. .. .. Fair. Normandale .. .. 31 18 ! Mixed .. .. .. .. .. „ Nesdale No. 1 .. i Dairying .. .. .. .. Poor. Nesdale No. 2 .. 1 } „ .. .. . . . . Fair. Noligan .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Ngaha.pe .. .. 6 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Good. Ngarara .. .. 5 . . Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Ohakea .. .. 4 13 ,, .. .. .. . . Poor. Olver .. .. 1 • • " •' '' '' ' • " Oroua .. .. 2 „ .. .. .. .. „ Oturoa .. .. 7 j ■ • • •. Fair. Osborne .. .. 5 .. „ .. .. .. .. Good. Omapu .. .. 4 .. ,, .. .. .. .. „ Paramu .. .. 1 ] Grazing .. .. .. .. Fair. Paparangi .. .. 24 12 Residential .. .. .. .. Good. Olliver .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Perham .. .. 1 .. i Mixed .. .. .. .. .. „ Otahome .. .. 2 .. j Grazing .. .. .. .. Fair. Pohehe .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Pitt.. .. .. 2 3 Gardening .. .. . . • .. Good. Pihautea .. .. 28 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Paa Creek .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. .. Very good. Poroporo .. .. 16 2 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Pukenamu and Extension 8 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Pukekoa .. .. 9 ,, .. . ■ .. .. Good. Putorino .. .. 14 .. „ .. .. .. .. Fair. Puketoi .. . • 10 .. Grazing . . .. .. .. Very good. Quillinan .. . . j 1 . . j Dairying .. .. . . .. Good. Ruatangata .. .. 3 • • ! >> • • • ■ • • • • » Raumaewa .. .. 3 .. ,, .. .. .. . . „ Sandilands .. .. 1 .. | „ .. .. .. .. Poor. Stanley .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. .. Fair. Saxon .. • • 1 ,, .. .. .. .. „ Soland .. .. 1 I ,, .. .. .. .. „ Stokes .. .. 1 ' „ .. .. .. .. „ Tablelands and Hikiwera 14 3 Grazing .. .. .. .. Good. Tawaha .. .. 24 1 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. » Tapuae .. .. 2 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. „ Te Matua .. .. 8 7 Dairying .. .. .. .. , „ Te Ore Ore .. .. 8 .. „ .. .. .. .. Very good. Te Whiti .. .. 6 .. „ .. .. .. .. j Good. Tiraumea .. .. 16 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. j Fair. Tauherenikau .. 1 . . Mixed .. .. .. .. .. „ Tupurupuru .. .. 3 .. Grazing .. . . .. . . Good. Tikotu .. . • 3 . . Dairying .. .. .. ... Fair. Taumaihi .. .. 4 .. „ .. .. .. .. » Taikorea .. .. 6 .. „ .. .. .. .. » Tuturunmri .. . . 14 . . Grazing .. .. .. .. Good. Waddington .. .. 15 1 Gardening .. .. .. .. I Fair. Wahren .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. i „ Waterson .. .. 2 .. „ .. .. .. .. Poor. Waihora .. .. 3 .. Mixed .. .. .. .. .. 1 Good. Westmere .. . ■ 9 .. „ .. .. .. .. [ „ White .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Wilford .. .. 96 100 Residential .. .. .. .. Good. YVoulfe .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Wright . • .. I .. „ • • • • • • • • j !. Youle . ■ • • 1 • • ,, • • • • • • • • Fair. Hill .. .. 1 .. „ .. •• . • Horrobin .. .. 1 .. Mixed .. .. .. .. .. „ Johnson .. .. • • .. Grazing .. .. .. .. j Poor. Mangawhata .. .. 7 Dairying .. .. . . .. 1 Fair. Totals .. 977 418 Nelson. Blue Glen .. .. 1 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. ] Nearly all purchased by State Forest Service. Braeburn .. .. 20 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Glenrae .. .. 1 .. „ . • • • • • • • „ Golden Downs .. 3 .. „ .. .. .. .. | „ Kohatu .. .. 3 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. j Fair.

C.—l

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, 1929 —continued.

23

Name of Estate. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. toPresent Nelson—continued. Lake .. .. 5 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Fair. Matakitaki .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. „ Maruia .. . . 9 .. Grazing and dairying .. .. .. „ Palmer .. .. 1 .. „ .. ., „ Spittall .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. „ Tutaki .. .. 2 1 Grazing .. .. .. .. Poor. Walker .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Wangapeka .. .. 13 3 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Homestead-site .. 1 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. „ Totals .. 62 6 Marlborough. Alberton .. .. 4 .. Agriculture and dairying .. .. .. Fair. Blind River .. .. 18 . . Sheep and agriculture .. .. .. Very good. Bomford .. .. 1 .. Agriculture .. .. . . .. Poor. Erina .. .. 14 2 Sheep .. .. .. .. .. Fair. Fernleigh .. .. 7 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Flaxbourne . . .. 129 13 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Very good. Goat Hills . . . . 3 . . Sheep .. Fair. Hillersden . . . . 53 7 ,, .. . . . . . . . . Good. Hillersden Bush 3 Linkwaterdale .. 6 . . Dairying and agriculture .. .. . . Fair. Lynton Downs .. 11 .. Sheep . . .. .. .. .. ,, Moorlands . . .. 6 . . Agriculture .. .. .. .. ,, Neville .. . . I 1 „ .. .. .. „ Northbank .. .. 10 . . Sheep .. . . . . . . . . Good. Omaka . . .. 14 .. Agriculture, sheep, dairying .. .. ,, Puhipuhi .. .. 2 .. Sheep .. .. .. .. .. „ Rainford .. .. 11 . . Dairying . . .. .. .. ,, Richmond Brook .. 12 . . Sheep . . .. .. .. .. Excellent. Starborough .. .. 163 25 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. ,, Waipapa .. .. 4 . . Sheep .. . . .. . . . . Fair. Warnock .. .. 2 . . Dairying .. .. .. .. ,, Wither .. .. 19 3 Sheep .. .. .. .. .. Good. Totals.. .. 493 51 Westland. Kokatahi .. .. 8 . . Dairying and grazing .. .. . . Highly satisfactory. Poerua .. 24 3 ,, .. .. .. ,, Runanga .. .. 1 .. Residential Totals.. .. 33 Canterbury. Acton . . .. 3 j .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Albury .. .. 78 3 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. . . Well established. Allanholme .. .. 9 ,, .. . . Good. Annan .. .. 42 5 Mixed farming and grazing . . .. Well established. Ashley Gorge .. 7 3 Dairy-farming and grazing .. .. ,, Ashton .. .. 8 .. Mixed farming . . .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Ashwick .. .. 8 . . Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. . . Good. Avenel . . .. 17 . . Mixed farming . . . . .. .. Very fair. Avenel Extension .. 11 .. ,, .. .. . . . . „ Avonhead . . .. 16 . . Small-farming . . .. .. . . Unsatisfactory. Avonhead No. 2 .. 18 .. ,, .. .. .. .. ,, Aylesbury .. .. 6 . . Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Bankfield . . .. 9 .. Mixed farming and grain-growing .. . . Uncertain yet. Beach . . .. 10 . . Mixed farming .. . . . . .. ,, Bourndale .. . . 6 . . Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. . . Very fair. Braco .. .. 4 10 Market-gardening .. . . . . Well established. Broadfields .. .. 6 .. Mixed grain-growing .. .. .. Uncertain. Brooksdale .. .. 14 .. Mixed farming .. .. . . .. Fair, improving. Bruce .. .. 4 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Buckley .. .. 3 .. ,, .. .. .. .. ,, Buddo .. .. 10 5 Workers' dwellings .. .. .. Fair. Burkes Homestead .. 1 .. Homestead-site Chamberlain .. 21 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Clandeboye .. . . 10 .. Dairv-farming- and grain-growing .. .. Very fair. Clandeboye No. 2 6 .. ,, .. . . Fair. Claremont .. .. 11 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. ,, Clayton .. .. 6 .. Sheep-farming . . .. .. .. Very good. Coldstream . . .. 11 .. Mixed farming .. .. . . . . Fair. Cooper's Creek .. 1 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. . . ,, Copland .. .. 2 .. Sheep and dairy farming and grain-growing .. Good. Craigmore . . .. 10 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. . . Uncertain yet. Cricklewood . . .. 10 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Uncertain. Culverden .. . . 58 13 Mixed farming and grazing .. . . Good. Douglas .. .. 35 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. . . Fair, improving. Doyleston .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Drayton .. .. 15 5 Agricultural .. .. ,, .. Improving.

o.—l.

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, 1929—continued.

24

Name of Estate. hofds" holds Principal Purpose tor which Holdings are utilized. rve ma to^Pre^nt Canterbury— continued. Dromore .. .. 3 .. Mixed farming and grazing . . .. j Uncertain yet. Eccleston . . .. I 4 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. . . Well established. Epworth . . .. .. 2 .. Now freehold. Finlay Down3 .. 5 .. Dairy-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very good. Four Peaks .. .. J 8 i .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. ,, Fyvie .. .. j 4 1 j Mixed farming .. .. .. .. j Not satisfactory. Glenmark .. .. 28 2 Mixed farming and grazing .. . . Good. Glentanner .. .. .. .. Homestead-site .. .. .. . . Fair. Gorge Road .. .. 4 17 Workers' homes. Grange .. .. I 3 .. Dairying and grain-growing .. .. Uncertain yet. Hadlow .. .. 3 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. . . Fair. Hawthorne .. .. 9 „ .. .. .. .. 1 „ Hei Hei .. .. 13 1 Poultry-farming, &c. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Hekeao .. .. .10 7 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Well established. Hewitt .. .. 1 .. Homestead-site. Highbank .. .. 71 10 Mixed farming .. . . . . .. Well established. Hillboro .. .. 3 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. . . Good. Homebroolc .. .. 16 .. Mixed farming .. .. . . .. Fair. Homestead-sites .. 10 Hornby . . .. 18 5 Agricultural and gardening . . .. Fair. Horslev Downs .. 8 22 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Well established. Tsleworth .. .. 18 .. j Mixed grain-growing .. .. .. Uncertain yet. •Jungle .. .. 2 .. Dairy-farming .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Kaimahi .. .. "5 8 ,, .. .. .. .. [ „ Kakahu .. .. 5 .. Workers' homes and gardening .. .. ,, Kapua .. .. 12 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. „ Kapuatohe .. .. 6 8 Sheep-farming and dairying .. .. Good. Keith .. .. .. 1 Workers' homes and gardening .. .. Satisfactory. Kcreta .. .. 4 • • ! Mixed farming .. .. .. .. „ Kinloch .. .. 31 1 Dairying .. . . .. Well established. Kohika .. .. 17 • • Dairy-farming and grazing .. .. j Very good. Kohika No. 2 .. 4 .. Mixed farming . . .. .. .. Well established. Kowhatu .. .. 5 | „ .. .. .. .. Very good. Ladbrooks .. .. 14 .. j ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Lambrook .. .. 5 . . ,, .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Lansdown . . .. 8 .1 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Good. Lauriston .. .. 5 . . Mixed grain-growing .. .. . . Uncertain yet. Leeston .. .. 5 . . Agricultural .. .. . . .. 1 Well established. Lees Valley .. .. 10 . . Sheep-farming .. . . .. .. Considerably improved. Lyndhurst .. .. 18 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Lyndon .. .. 8 1 „ .. .. .. .. Well established. Lyndon No. 2 .. 9 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. j „ Macgregor .. .. 1 „ .. .. Unsatisfactory. Marawiti .... 12 I „ .... Well established. Maytown .. .. 9 2 Sheep-farming and dairying .. .. Good. Mead .. .. 21 ] Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Well established. Meadows .. .. 14 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very fair. Milford .. .. 4 • • Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Mills .. .. 21 • • I S m all farming and dairying .. .. Well established. Morice .. .. 28 3 ] Dairying and grass-seed growing .. .. Satisfactory. Morten .. .. 15 1 Poultry, ftc. .. . . . . .. Uncertain yet. Montford . . . . 9 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Improving. Mount Nessing . . II .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. 1 Very good. New Park . . .. 7 .. Mixed farming ... .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Oakwood .. .. 5 • Mixed farming and grain-growing .. Uncertain. Ohapi .. . . G . . Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Omihi . . .. .. . . j Homestead-site. Orakipaoa .. .. 26 1 Dairying, grain-growing* and gardening .. Well established. Otaio .. .. 9 • • j Small-farming and dairying .. .. „ Otarakaro .. .. .. 7 J Market-gardening .. .. .. Well established and satisfactory. Papaka . . . . 9 .. Mixed gardening .. .. Well established. Pareora . . . . 28 .. Sheep-farming and dairying .. .. Good. Pareora No. 2 . . 26 7 Sheep-farming and grain-growing . . .. Well established. Patoa . . .. 1 3 Grazing and small-farming .. .. Satisfactory. Pawaho . . . . 8 17 Market-gardening .. .. .. „ Peaks .. .. 9 j 3 Mixed gardening .. .. .. [ „ Puhuka .. .. 9 | 1 Workers' homes .. .. .. .. j Well established. Punaroa .. . . 15! 2 Dairying, sheep-farming, and grain-growing .. „ Raincliff .. .. 1. .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. ... „ Rakitairi 20 2 ,, .. .. ! „ Rapuwai . . .. 5 .. ,, .. .. ,, Rautawiri . . . . 6 ,, .. .. ,, Riverina . . 6 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. J Uncertain yet. Roimata . . .. 8 21 Workers' homes .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Rosebrook . . . . 11 3 Small-farming and dairying .. .. Good. Rosewill .. .. 151 11 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Ruapuna No. 2 . . 15 . . Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Scargill . . .. 9 .. Mixed farming and grazing . . . . Moderate. Seafield .. . . 4 .. Mixed farming. .. .. . . .. Satisfactory. Seaforth . . .. 6 .. Small farming and dairying .. .. Uncertain yet.

o.—l.

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, 1929 —continued.

4—C. 1.

25

Name of Estate. holds" holds' Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. to^ Present Canterbury—continued. Sherwood Downs .. 26 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Good. Springwell .. .. 6 .. Mixed farming and grain-growing .. .. Uncertain yet. Stoke .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Strathmore .. .. 3 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Fair. Studholme Junction .. 4 .. Small-farming and dairying .. .. Good. Takitu .. .. 5 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Well established. Tamai .. .. 9 31 Workers' homes .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Tara .. .. 8 1 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very good. Tarawahi .. .. 6 22 Workers' homes .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Teschemaker .. 12 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very good. Timaunga .. .. 16 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair, improving. Timaunga Extension .. 7 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Good. Tripp .. .. 26 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Fair. Valverde .. .. 12 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. ,, Waiapi .. .. 11 4 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Waikakahi .. .. 185 17 ,, .... ,, Waimate .. .. 35 .. Sheep-farming, grain, and fruit growing .. Good. Wairere .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Waitohi Peaks .. 10 . . Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Improving. Wharenui .. .. 13 12 Workers' homes .. .. .. Well established. Winchester .. .. 10 .. Sheep-farming, grain-growing, and dairying .. Fair. Woodlau .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Uncertain yet. Totals.. .. 1,875 304 Otago. Airedale .. .. 12 1 Dairying and general farming .. .. Good. Ardgowan .. 67 4 ,, .. ,, Arnmore .. .. 5 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Airemore .. .. 1 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Good. Awamoa .. .. 1 ; 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. ,, Barnego .. .. 20 i 4 Dairying and general farming .. .. ,, Bellamy .. .. 14 | .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Poor. Cardrona .. .. 1 j ,, .. .. .. .. Only fair. Clareview .. .. 5 ! .. Dairying and general farming .. . . Good. Clifton .. .. 8 | .. | General farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Conical Hills .. j 45 j 1 Grazing and general farming . . .. Poor. Crosshill .. .. 6 .. Mixed farming .. . . .. . . Fair. Croucher .. .. 1 i ,, .. . . .. . . Good. Dalmain . . .. 3 I .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Fair. Duncan .. .. 4 j 4 Dairying .. .. .. .. Poor. Earnscleugh .. .. 27 .. Fruitgrowing . . .. .. .. Fair. Elderslie No. 1 .. 35 1 General farming .. . . .. .. Good. Elderslie No. 2 .. 16 .. ,, .. .. .. .. Very good. Galloway .. .. j 11 1 Fruit and homestead sites .. .. Very fair. Gladbrook .. .. I 46 3 Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Glenn .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. j ,, Greenfield .. .. j 36 7 ,, .. .... .. | Good. Hilderthorpe .. I 19 .. General and workers' homes .. .. Fair. Janefield .. .. j 20 2 Dairying and fruitgrowing.. .. .. Good. Kauroo Hill .. .. I 42 3 General farming .. .. .. .. ,, Kelso .. .. 3 .. Dairying. .. .. .. .. ! ,, Kurow .. .. 11 3 General farming and dairying . . . . Only fair. Lake view .. .. 1 .. General farming .. .. .. . . Good. Maerewhenua .. 77 1 ,, .. .. .. .. Very good. Makaraeo .. .. 33 .. ,, .. .. .. . . Very fair. Makaraeo Extension .. 3 .. ,, .. .. .. .. ,, Manuherikia .. .. 11 1 General (with irrigation) .. .. .. Poor. Maraeweka .. .. 8 .. General farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Matakanui .. .. 3 .. General farming and grazing .. .. Good. Meadowbank.. .. 11 .. ,, . . .. Very good. Melville Park .. 6 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Poor. Momona .. .. 7 7 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Oakleigh .. .. 1 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Only fair. Otanomomo .. .. 25 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Otekaike .. .. 64 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Plunket .. ... 18 1 ,, .. .. .. .. Good. Pomahaka .. .. 26 2 „ .. .. .. .. Very fair. Poplar Grove .. 20 2 Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Pukeawa .. . . 14 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Pukenui .. . . 6 .. „ . . .. .. .. ,, Puketapu .. .. ■ 6 5 Dairying . . . . .. .. „ Rugged Ridges .. 1 .. Grazing . . .. .. .. Very fair. Steward .. .. 51 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. St. Helens .. . . 3 .. General farming . . . . .. .. Very fair. Tahawai .. . . 7 1 Dairying . . . . .. . . Good. Taumata .. . . 9 .. Mixed farming . . .. .. .. „ Teaneraki .. . . 23 .. Dairying . . .. .. . . Very fair. Te Puke .. .. j 4 .. Mixed farming . . . . .. . . Good. Teviot .. .. 24 1 Grazing . . .. .. . . Fair. Tilverstowe .. . . 7 .. Mixed farming . . .. .. .. „ Tokarahi .. .. 79 2 „ .. .. .. .. Good.

C.—l

26

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, 1929 —continued.

EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS. NORTH AUCKLAND. (0. N. Campbell, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The only land purchased under the Land for Settlements Act during the year is the estate of the late Roderick Finlayson at Rehia, comprising 253 acres, which has been subdivided into three sections. This land has subsequently been brought within the national-endowment area, and allotted to three soldier settlers in the locality who were in need of dry country to work in conjunction with their respective holdings. AUCKLAND. (K. M. Graham, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) No new estates have been acquired or opened for settlement during the year just ended, but a number of sections which have been withheld from settlement, or have come back into the hands of the Crown by forfeiture, have been opened for selection. The older settlements are now, generally speaking, in a sound position, with the exception of a few settlers, and most of the lessees should have participated largely in the general prosperity of the district during the last year. With respect to the more recent estates purchased in this district, they are occupied for the most part by soldier settlers who first took up their holdings in boom times ; but in spite of this, and also owing to the assistance granted in many cases by way of revaluations, remissions, &c., most of these settlers are now in assured positions. There is still, however, a small proportion whose chances of success appear doubtful, but given another good season or two a considerable number of them should be able to make good.

Name of Estate. hold?" bofcfs Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. 1 to Present - Otago—continued. Tokoiti .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Totara .. .. 27 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Wairuna .. .. 11 .. „ .. .. .. .. Fair. Waitahuna No. 1 ] 1 ,, .. .. . . .. „ Waitahuna No. 2 6 1 ,, .. .. .. .. Poor. Windsor Park No. 1 .. 37 2 „ .. .. .. .. Very good. Windsor Park No. 2 .. 10 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Westcott .. .. 7 .. „ .. .. .. . . Poor. Totals.. .. 1,114 68 Southland. -Allenby .. .. 5 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Ardlussa .. .. 5 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Poor. Beaumont .. .. 8 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. „ Campbell .. .. 4 .. „ .. .. .. .. Fair. Crichton Park .. 4 2 Pastoral .. .. .. .. „ Edendale .. .. 99 54 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Ermedale .. .. 11 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Fortification Hill .. .6 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. „ Glenham .. .. 34 10 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Knowsley Park .. 9 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Poor. Lambert .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Lamont .. .. 6 .. ,, .. .. .. .. „ Maori Hill .. .. | 17 3 Mixed farming ., .. .. .. Good. Merrivale .. .. j 42 12 „ .. .. .. .. „ Merrivale No. 1 .. I 9 .. „ .. .. .. .. Fair. Merrivale No. 2 .. 7 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Monte Cristo .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Otahu .. .. 6 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Ringway .. .. 4 3 „ .. .. .. „ Simpson .. .. 1 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Stalker .. .. 8 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Strathvale .. .. 9 .. „ .. .. .. .. „ Teihoka .. .. 2 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. , . Good. Waiarikiki .. .. 7 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Poor. Waikiwi Town .. J 39 22 Suburban building-sites .. .. .. I Good. Totals.. .. 347 113 Grand totals .. 7,057 ( 2,131

27

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A large number of properties have of late been offered in this district for closer settlement, but in many cases the land has been unsuitable for this purpose, while invariably the vendor's idea of value is so much in excess of Government valuations, and also those of departmental officers, that so far no business has resulted. A number of inquiries are being made under Part II of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1928, by persons who desire the Crown to acquire private lands on their behalf and subsequently lease same to them, but so far no transactions under this legislation have been completed in this district. GISBORNE. (E. H. Farnie, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) No new properties were purchased during the year, although several were offered : the prices asked were considered too high. The old-established settlements are still doing very well. Revaluations in various counties have put the settlers on a sounder footing, and the very good season experienced has also helped considerably. The Te Wera Settlement is still being farmed by the Department, and is giving satisfactory results. HAWKE'S BAY. (J. D. Thomson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) No new settlements have been purchased during the year, and the number of settlements, inclusive of those under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, is thirty-five. Two estates were offered to the Department during the year but were not purchased. There are several more under offer, and these are at present under consideration. The settlers have experienced another very favourable season, the weather being propitious and prices were well maintained —in fact, prices of fat lambs on some settlements were exceptionally high. The dairy-farmer has had a splendid season. The majority of the settlers are well established, but isolated cases still occur where, owing to unforeseen circumstances, a lessee is not doing too well. These cases are few, and should not increase. There were a few cases of transfer in the olderestablished settlements during the year. TARANAKI. (W. D. Armit, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Several properties have been offered during the year, but for various reasons none of the offers have been accepted. The older-established settlements continue successful, and a number of the later-acquired properties are becoming firmly established, notably Araheke, Karikara, Kohura, Kota, Parkes, Tututawa, and Tawhiwhi (with exception of one settler). On Karu and portions of Croydon ragwort is a serious problem, but the matter is receiving attention and the settlers given every assistance and encouragement. A good farming season has been experienced, and most of the settlements are making excellent headway. WELLINGTON. (H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The estates which were acquired before the war are firmly established, and, with one or two exceptions, their success is assured. Many of the settlers have acquired the freehold of their sections. Those estates purchased after 1914 were acquired mainly for discharged soldiers, and while some are in a prosperous condition others are not yet so fortunate. Each case is, however, brought under review, and it is hoped that ultimately all the holdings will carry contented settlers. No new estates were purchased during the year, although at the time of writing negotiations for the purchase of Mr. R. L. Levin's Westella Estate at Feilding are practically completed. This land comprises some of the best dairying-land in the district, and there are already indications that there will be record application for it. In November last the Mataikona Settlement was thrown open for selection, and the six subdivisions were readily taken up by a good class of settlers, who seemed pleased with their prospects. NELSON. (A. E. Waters, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The concessions and revaluations under the Deteriorated Lands Act have placed the lessees of settlement lands on a satisfactory footing. The majority of lessees appear to be doing their best to improve their holdings by liming and top-dressing. Matakitaki and Tutaki Settlements have been reallotted as individual holdings, as it is found that the country is more suitable for sheep-farming than dairying. No new areas have been acquired during the past year. Several properties have been offered to the Department, but a preliminary inspection has shown that they have not been suitable for subdivision into dairy-farms.

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MARLBOROUGH. (P. R. Wilkinson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) There were no new estates purchased during the year under the Land for Settlements Act. The season has been a favourable one, and it is evident that most of the settlers are on a sound basis. There are, however, still a few cases requiring adjustment, and these are receiving attention as opportunity permits. Taking the position generally, there is no doubt that, provided the settlers practise good husbandry and present prices are maintained, the success of the land-for-settlements holdings in this district is assured. WESTLAND. (W. T. Morpeth, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) A number of estates have been offered for subdivision during the year, but for various reasons all have so far been declined. Estates previously purchased and settled have been notably successful. CANTERBURY. (W. Stewart, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) All the older-established settlements are so well established as to cause the Department little anxiety, for the settler's interest in the property is often as great as that of the Crown, and, as rental is one of the first charges against the property, our position is very secure. On these settlements, if any settlers are in trouble, it is usually due to having bought in at too high a goodwill, and their troubles are with the mortgagees. In the cases where rentals have been reviewed, as with small-grazing-run leases, the rentals have usually been considerably increased. In the foothills settlements acquired just before the war there has been a good deal of discontent for some years past, but the legislation of last year has allowed these rentals to be reviewed, and rentals are now being adjusted in all cases where settlers apply. No new settlements have been purchased during the year, but quite a number of properties are now on offer, and are being investigated by the Dominion Land Purchase Board. OTAGO. (R. S. Galbraith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Most of the older-established settlements in Otago which were purchased at a time when advantage accrued from rising land-values are in a very flourishing state. Some of the less successful ones, however, together with some of the more recently purchased estates, have had their capital values and other charges reduced and adjusted by the District Revaluation Committee and by the Dominion Revaluation Board under the wide provisions for revaluation extended to settlers by recent legislation. Nineteen fewer settlers are in arrears with their rents as compared with the previous year. With these concessions it is considered that practically all the settlements are now on a payable basis, and, with few exceptions, settlers have very good prospects of success. No new purchases of estates were made during the year in this land district. Several properties offered to the Crown are, however, at present under consideration. SOUTHLAND. (N. C. Kensington, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) There have been no purchases under the Lands for Settlements Act in this district during the past year. Some of the older settlements, which comprised somewhat indifferent land, are not making good headway. Concessions have been freely given in the past, and the position in some cases appears to be caused by indifferent farming. The position of these settlements could certainly be improved by more up-to-date methods of farming, by top-dressing, and giving more attention to the class of stock carried. The holdings have in many cases become very heavily mortgaged in the early years, and this has acted against the successful working of the farms. Rabbits are very bad on some settlements, and it would seem advisable for the settlers to constitute local Rabbit Boards, so as to deal with this pest in some organized manner. The past experience in the matter of the indifferent success of some settlements in the district can largely be attributed to the subdivision of land which required a large amount of capital for liming and manuring to ensure the increased carrying-capacity necessary to bear the increased charges by subdivision, the settlers taking up the land not having the available capital necessary. In this district there are excellent areas suitable for subdivision, which would ensure successful settlement provided some more definite arrangement could be made for financing the settler from the start. A revaluation of Ermedale Settlement, which was selected in 1910, took place during the year, the settlers taking advantage of section 11 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1927, and a general reduction in most cases was approved by the Dominion Board. Fortunately, the majority of settlements are on land of good quality which has responded to good treatment, and the settlers are making headway.

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APPENDIX lII.—LAND - DRAINAGE OPERATIONS. (R. G. MacMorran, Chief Drainage Engineer.) The main operations during the year have been confined to the major land-drainage schemes, and, as laid down by statute, separate reports have been furnished on the following drainage areas : Hauraki Plains, Rangitaiki, Kaitaia, Hikurangi, Waihi, and Poukawa. Inspections and reports 011 general drainage matters have been made in several cases, the principal being Mangaone Stream, Ngaere Swamp, Kaikino, and Te Kopuru drainage. Works carried out by local bodies under subsidies and grants have been supervised and inspected, and a total expenditure of £10,619 has been passed for payment in this connection. Hereunder is a short summary of general work carried out by this Branch : — Koremoa Settlement. —The stop-banking and drainage 011 soldier settlers' holdings were proceeded with, and 1 mile 23 chains of new drain and stop-bank were constructed, 16 chains of old stop-bank raised, and 6 flood-gates installed. The works carried out should materially improve the drainage, provided the interested settlers take full advantage of and systematically maintain the same. Flax-planting, Hauraki Plains. —As a means of providing relief for unemployment, the work of flax-planting on a low-lying area near Kaihere, on Piako River, was undertaken last winter. The area selected was formerly in use for summer grazing, but is too low-lying to be economically protected from periodical flooding. The flax-plants were mainly procured from adjacent swamp areas on which there was a natural growth of flax. The work comprised draining, clearing scrub, and the gathering, distributing, and planting of flax-plants, and was mainly carried out on a co-operative contract basis. The area dealt with was 568 acres, and, excluding fire-breaks, drains, &c., the actual area put down in flax was 501 acres. It is interesting to note that the costs were as follows : Procuring plants, 18s. 3d. per acre ; transporting and distributing plants, including transport by launch and tramway, 18s. 6d. per acre ; planting flax, including setting out work and clearing fly-lines, £1 16s. per acre. Taking all costs of drains, fences, fire-breaks, cutting blackberry, planting, &c., the total cost was £5 6s. per acre. At present the flax is well established, there have been few losses, and new fans are developing on many of the plants. The success of cultivated flax on areas such as this, that cannot economically be drained for farming purposes, will closely affect the future of a large portion of the Hauraki Plains that is still held by the Crown. Motutangi Block. —Further drains covering 2 miles 3 chains were constructed during the year on the Motutangi Swamp. Ample fall is available on most of the drains opened. The peaty nature of the country precludes to a large extent the growth of weeds, but maintenance work will shortly be required on portion of the new outfall in order to ensure continued efficiency. This work should be carried out by the Mangonui County Council, as the settlers have formed a drainage district under the provisions of the Counties Act, 1920. Ngaere Swamp. —An engineering survey was carried out on this area near Eltham, comprising 250 chains pegging, 400 chains levels, and twenty-four deep peat soundings. Plans and report were prepared, and samples of peat listed for loss of weight and volume after drying. Ngatea-Kaihere Road —Metalling (Hauraki Plains). —As this Branch possessed the necessary plant and machinery, arrangements were made to carry out the re-forming and metalling of the unmetalled gap in the road along the Puhanga Canal and Piako River, from the Puhanga Canal Bridge to the Kaihere Landing, a distance of 3 miles 30 chains. Two-thirds of the cost is being furnished from the Public Works Fund, and the remaining one-third by the Hauraki Plains County Council. A good metalling season enabled work to be expeditiously carried out, and at the end of March some 2 miles 58 chains of road had been re-formed preparatory to metalling, 1 mile 77 chains re-formed and metalled with 4,711 cubic yards of metal delivered. The work is being pushed on, and it is anticipated that an all-weather road between Kaihere and Ngatea will be provided before winter sets in. Orewa Beach Township.—Certain work was carried out on Crown land in this vicinity, comprising the construction of new drains and the enlarging of existing ones. Patetonga Hiding — Metalling (Hauraki Plains.) — ; This work comprises the metalling of 8 miles 20 chains of roads and the widening and improvement, where necessary, of the existing formation. Approximately four-fifth of the cost is being found from the Public Works Fund and the balance by the Hauraki Plains County Council. A contract for the supply and delivery of some 14,000 cubic yards of metal was let. This contract, however, extends over three metalling seasons, and involves the installation of a crushing plant and opening up a new quarry. At the end of the period only 552 cubic yards had been delivered by the contractor, but before winter sufficient metal should be supplied to lay first course on the unmetalled gap on the Morrinsville-Patetonga Road. Tangowahine Settlement.—A day-labour party was engaged for a portion of the year in cleaning and grading of stop-bank drain, enlarging old drain, and construction of new ones. The flood-gates also received attention when necessary. Some 17 chains of new drain was constructed, 52 chains widened and deepened, and 4 miles 20 chains of drain cleaned. Orongo Settlement. —During the year some 10 miles 30 chains of drains were cleaned and 77 chains of existing drains widened and deepened, also necessary repairs to flood-gates. At the approach to the Hauraki Bridge 6 chains of new drain were constructed, and 77 chains were also constructed on the western boundaries of Sections 37s and 38s. The Orongo Ferry roadside drain was also considerably enlarged by the Hauraki United Drainage Board, with financial assistance from the Public Works Fund. Kairara Stream Diversion.. —Drainage-work and the diversion of the stream were carried out in this locality in order to reduce the risk of flooding of low-lying farm-lands. Very heavy timber was met with in the work of 35 chains of widening and deepening, 9 chains new drain, and 7 chains of streamdiversion.

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Reporoa Settlement. —The maintenance of 15 miles 40 chains of drains, as well as the dragging of about 3 miles of the Waiotapu Stream, was carried out last autumn by a day-labour gang. This work was done at a very reasonable cost, and has proved of great benefit to those lands which are situated near the drains maintained. The following schedule summarizes the principal operations carried out on the various w T orks : — Miles chs. Number. Cleaning drains .. .. 330 63 Flood-gates built .. .. .. 29 Widening and deepening drains .. 15 50 Pile bridges erected.. .. .. 12 Constructing new drains.. 13 27 Sill bridges erected .. .. .. 9 Dredge cuts and canals (new) . . 13 29 River and canal improvements .. 18 32 Cub. yds. Roads formed .. .. ..1 55 Metal used for roads .. .. 6,063 Roads disked and graded .. 8 55 Clay used for roads .. .. 1,262 Roads metalled .. 3 00 Spoil excavated by floating and dry-Stop-banks formed .. .. 5 61 land excavators .. .. .. 1,491,056 Stop-banks raised or strengthened 9 17 Rock excavated .. .. .. 10,600 Stop-banks repaired . . 4 10 Stiff clay and rubble excavated .. 231,352 Fences erected .. 6 63 Streams cleared . . . . 3 17 Acres. Levels taken .. .. .. 314 5 Planted in flax . . .. .. 568 Traverses run .. .. .. 104 65 Grass-seed sown .. .. . . 551 Office. —The expenditure passed through the books totalled £152,196 17s. lid., of which amount £40,260 13s. 4d. was paid from Thames and Whakatane Imprest Accounts and £47,971 Bs. 4d. through the Auckland Branch of the Treasury. Some 175 piecework and co-operative contracts were let, and 3,289 vouchers prepared and passed for payment. Miscellaneous revenue collected totalled £11,537 7s. 3d., of which amount Patetonga Tram freights accounted for £495 6s. lid. Inward correspondence, 3,512 ; outward, 5,364. Rates.—A total of 1,307 assessments were made, and the drainage rates struck amounted to £11,913 15s. 7d. Rates collected amounted to £11,228 19s. id. Draughting Staff. —This staff has been engaged in general draughting-work and preparation of plans for carrying out engineering-works. The photostat machine is still proving a cheap and accurate method of obtaining copies of plans, and in all some 3,372 prints were made, principally for our own requirements, and the Valuation, Lands and Deeds, State Forests, and Public Works Departments.

APPENDIX IV.—HUTT VALLEY SETTLEMENT. (H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Further progress has been made with sales of residential sections in the Hutt Valley, and the prices realized are still satisfactory. In the early part of the year there was a falling-off in the demand for sections, but towards the end of the year there was a decided increase in sales, with the demand at the time of writing greater than it has been since sales were first commenced. Sales of residential sites are now approaching the thousand mark, while the pushing on of the industrial railway-line has added a decided fillip to demand and sale of industrial areas. It is pleasing to note the increased demand for industrial sites, and, in addition to sales already effected, it is definitely certain that at least three more sales will be completed early in the coming year. Four industries are now in full going order, and employing a large number of workmen. Indications point to a number of others being established during the coming year. The purchase of land made by the Department within the area totalled the large sum of £180,000, and roading costs are now in the vicinity of an additional £180,000. Completed sales as at the 31st March, 1929, realized £360,000, and of this sum £147,000 is on deferred payments, earning interest at 5£ per cent. In furthering the development of the industrial area, a road has been constructed from, approximately, Randwick Road, running along the sea-front, and joining up with the Day's Bay Road. This road, while serving as a means of subdivision of industrial areas, will considerably benefit travellers to and from the shore boroughs, shortening the distance, as it does, from Wellington to Day's Bay, &c., by half a mile. The scheme is now sufficiently far advanced for one to say with safety that its success is assured, and that in the final cleaning-up there will be a fair margin of profit to hand over to the Railway Department as a contribution towards the cost of the railway, as provided by the Act. It will be readily understood that a scheme of such magnitude as the one under review entails a considerable amount of work, both in the office and in the field, and it is pleasing to note at this juncture that the whole of the work has been carried out without any addition to the staff. My thanks are due to all. who have so ably assisted in bringing about the success which has been so far achieved, and in particular I must again mention the hearty co-operation and assistance of the Chief Surveyor, Mr. F. H. Waters.

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DETERIORATED LANDS ACCOUNT. Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1929. Receipts. £ s. d. Payments. £ s. d. To Balance—Cash in Public Account at Ist April, By Advances under section 11, Deteriorated Lands 1928 .. .. .. .. .. 15,413 910 Act, 1925 .. .. .. .. 4,927 13 0 Credits in reduction of expenditure under sec- Interest recouped to Consolidated Fund under tion 12 (4) (d), Deteriorated Lands Act, 1925 2,487 14 1 Section 139, Public Revenues Act, 1926 .. 600 0 0 Repayment of advances .. .. .. 83 12 10 Balance —Cash in Public Account .. .. 13,324 17 0 Interest on advances .. .. .. 268 19 11 Adjustment of amount erroneously charged in previous year .. .. . . . . 141 6 1 Interest on investments .. .. .. 457 7 3 £18,852 10 0 £18,852 10 0 Revenue Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1929. Dr. £ ■s. d. Cr. £ s. d. To Interest on loans .. .. .. 878 2 9 By accrued interest on advances .. .. .. 392 2 0 Interest on investments .. .. .. 378 9 1 Balance carried forward .. .. .. 107 11 8 £878 2 9 £878 2 9 £ s. d. £ s. d. To Balance brought forward from previous year .. 637 910 By Balance carried forward .. .. .. 745 1 6 Balance brought down .. . . . . 107 11 8 £745 1 6 • £745 1 6 Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1929. Liabilities. £ s. d. Assets. £ s. d. Loan Account .. .. .. 22,000 0 0 Advances on mortgages —Advances under secSundry creditors for— £ s. d. tion 11 of Deteriorated Lands Act, 1925 .. 9,139 310 Interest accrued on loans .. 436 7 8 Sundry debtors for interest on advances .. 250 5 5 Consolidated Pund, for interest paid Revenue Account —Balance carried forward .. 745 1 6 on debentures .. .. 686 2 9 Cash in Public Account .. .. .. 13,324 17 0 Consolidated Fund, for interest paid on temporary transfers .. 78 18 2 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 257 19 2 1,459 7 9 £23,459 7 9 £23,459 7 9 J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands. J. H. O'Donnell, Controller of Accounts. I hereby certify that the statements of Receipts and Payments, Revenue Account, and Balance-sheet have been duly examined and compared with the relative books and documents submitted for audit, and correctly state the position as disclosed thereby. —J. H. Fowler, Deputy Controller and Auditor-General.

TABLES.

Table 1. —Return showing (approximately) Position of Lands in the Dominion at 31st March, 1929.

Total Area of Land unfit Tntnl Arpi Tot.nl Area Crown Lands Total Area of for Settlement sold or reserved leased under Crown Lands Total Area (including Total Area District. and held on for Public all Tenures available of Area occupied in Land Freehold Piirooses (exclusive of for Future Native Land. by Rivers, District, ireenoia. i-urposes. Reserves leased Disposal. Lakes, Roads, by Crown). <fec.). Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. North Auckland :. 2,492,474 452,170 464,250 253,562 598,316 217,428 4,478,200 Auckland .. .. 2,560,023 1,092,556 924,710 1,376,356 1,654,803 612,125 8,220,573 Gisborne .. .. 1,129,615 428,154 511,400 137,973 1,058,485 253,864 3,519,491 Hawke'sBay.. .. 1,541,427 200,776 599,036 96,273 394,389 82,420 2,914,321 Taranaki .. .. 1,124,766 340,505 596,179 96,966 176,811 69,204 2,404,431 Wellington* .. .. 3,555,012 1,020,372 821,456 159,069 1,335,409 159,751 7,051,069 Nelson .. .. 640,076 2,360,893 853,928 227,249 30,051 602,803 4,715,000 Marlborough .. .. 786,659 355,081 1,516,251 8,132 .. 101,877 2,768,000 Westland .. .. 160,926 2,006,064 785,516 441,588 .. 469,284 3,863,378 Canterbury .. ... 3,552,462 1,432,102 3,978,888 32,086 i .. 482,892 9,478,430 Otago .. .. 1,991,969 958,340 '5,441,167 50,748 .. 651,898 9,094,122 Southland .. .. 1,847,357 4,245,318 1,533,375 172,600 .. 84,597 7,883,247 Totals .. 21,382,766 14,892,331 18,026,156 3,052,602 5,248,264 3,788,143 66,390,262 * Includes Chatham Islands.

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Table 2.-Lands selected during the Year ended 31st March, 1929.

Table 3.-Lands held on Lease at 31st March, 1929.

Pastoral Licenses 1Iining Districtg £*£« Renewable Lease. Pastoral Runs. * Districts occupation ™~ Endo™?n?s. T ° tels ' Land District. Regulations. Leases. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. j Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. j Area. No. j Area. No. j Area. No. j Area. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. North Auckland .. .. 30 947 89; 5,317 67 17,631 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 49 3,570 13 387 248 27,852 Auckland ■ 39 3,626 58 10,213 82 23,509 .. .. .. .. 10 2,369 .. .. 93 30,685 9 2,150 291 72,552 Gisborne " 7 33 6 1,566 18 10,867 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21 8,657 2 845 54 21,968 Hawke's Bay" 5 130 18 3,296 24 14,354 2 5,316 .. .. .. .. .. .. 19 6,073 9 99 77 29,268 Taranaki 22 498 21 1,491 49 25,042 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 60 25,904 3 1,030 155 53,965 Wellington " 86 190 206 2,616 48 20.910 1 2,185 .. .. .. .. .. .. 42 10,347 8 531 391 36,779 Nelson •• 8 30 4 289 23 16,499 .. .. .. .. 3 1,563 .. .. 41 4,163 1 241 80 22,785 Marlborough .. .. 2 51 .. 3 210 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 6,190 1 1 13 6,452 Westland 8 8 6 2 42 463 .. 3 15,750 9 1,885 9 33 138 7,104 1 1 216 25,246 Canterbury 8 76 6 695 9 964 2 12,982 .. .. .. .. .. .. 46 3,331 8 1,311 79 19,359 Otago • 35 119 4 324 29 6,164 .. .. 9 114,825 .. .. 7 302 96 8,348 4 1 184 130,083 Southland ! ! .. .. • • 8 12 16 458 22 6,073 .. .. 1 450 .. .. .. 36 1,630 42 7,631 123 16,254 Totals .. .. • • 256 5,720 434 26,267 416 142,686 5 20,483 13 131,025 22 5,817 16 335 648 116,002 101 14,228 1,911 462,563

j Pastoral Dirtriots I _ . , „ , . . ,„ lh , t.. „ Occupation with 1 Small Grazing- u Licenses in Ti ,!,t Perpetual Miscellaneous Leases Education . , Deferred Payment. Lease in Perpetuity. Renewable Lease. Kight of Purchase. runs. Pastoral Runs. Mining ! Leases. and Licenses. Endowments. i Totals - Land District. Di8tricts ' LeTes ! i ; | No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. : Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. ! ' ! L__! 1 L_! ! ! 1 I . I ill 1 ' ! I 1 I I Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. North Auckland j 366 20,502 426 68,613 803 152,231 833 140,480 1 .. .. 1 553 .. .. 2 71 7 324 450 97,565 731 42,527 3,619 522,866 Auckland .. 1,465 144,315 391 110,617 1,193 234,943 933 262,981 j 11 42,697 1 8,755 159 45,841 150 3,472 .. .. 966* 71,591* 165 50,813 5,434 976,025 Gisborne .. 48 20,398 90 40,091 268 128,649 142 94,683 68 187,871 1 186 139 30,981 67 ! 39,041 823 541,900 Hawke'sBay .. 106 39,837 412 110,970 516 203,189 179 53,666 ; 22 45,335 13 91,132 132 55,556 196 51,721 1.576 651,406 Taranaki ' .. 113 12,659 612 155,293 393 129,794 437 187,041 ! 4 3,582 .. .. 1 328 284 51,167 591 45,323 2,435 585,187 Wellington .. 997 50,862 1,049 144,513 1,136 186,638 480 179,052 ! 22 29,721 i 15 90,644 2 ! 476 465 15,870 523 103,568 4,689 801,344 Nelson' .. 66 17,639 377 123,507 586 244,290 100 37,773 12 16,634 5 211,509 200 37,903 18 677 1 104 445 119.902 134 7,490 1,944 817,428 Marlborough .. 41 15,560 552 180,499 292 147,999 84 25,446 110 j 283,049 46 848,045 7 52 239 20,439 41 1,413 1,412 1.522,502 Westland .. 53 4,364 356 42,018 625 74,385 24 5,473 .. j .. ,48 818,822 289 57,053 134 939 1 , 50 940 238,499 126 16.355 2,596 1,257,958 Canterbury .. 100 22,055 1,456 251,710 889 356,944 11 1,620 147 : 473,963 123 2,809,773 63 1,884 944 232,953 237 70,967 3,970 4.221.869 Otago .. .. 86 45,433 1,310 279,587 971 310,203 168 25,551 392 1,473,493 307 3,272,400 .. .. 337 11,226 70 3,854 l,503t 180,413f 441 46,315 5,585 5,648,475 Southland .. 120 9,972 541 92,112 387 78,087 216 36,947 20 64,989 72 1,279,861 .. .. 47 1,301 19 ; 207 i 406 58,664 791 337,504 2,619 1,959,644 Totals .. 13,561 403,596 7,572 1,599,530 8,059 2,247,352 3,607 1,050,713 808 2,621,334 632 9,431,680 648 140,797 688 17,686 171 7,279 |6,913 1,173,600 4,043 813,037 36,702 19,506,604 . ' ' 1 ' * Includes Thermal Springs District leases. t Includes agricultural leases. Note. —This table includes national endowments and educational endowments, but excludes other endowments administered by Land Boards.

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Table 4. —Lands disposed of under the Land for Settlements Acts to the 31st March, 1929.

Table 5. —Endowment Lands administered by Land Boards and leased at 31st March, 1929.

Table 6. —Total Receipts, Arrears, and Postponements of Rent at 31st March, 1929.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (750 copies, including map), £60.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 929.

Price Is. 3d.]

>» .Area of Land un- Total Area purchased for ■g let, including Cash and made Freehold Total Lands leased to Date. Rent and Total o c c Land forfeited, to Date. other Receipts A rpi , p.* 3 s surrendered, . , Payments from Land District. or resumed and oE o received Inception acquired. || > not re Iet, and 8 1 g S during to 31st .jfclSi also Laud not £,3 Area. Area. pJntS the March, f! yet offered for realized. | » Efintal - Year. 1929. -< Selection. gg Acres. Acres.! Acres. Acres. £ Acres. £ £ £ North Auckland 42,547 890 : 4,480 225 2,491 33,981 290 34,686 11,083 13,444 164,799 Auckland .. ! 354,361 77,981' 25,246 724132,241 303,785 887 118,893 32,515 44,488 923,446 Gisborne .. i 87,050j 391 10,100 46 6,252| 51,718 220 70,307 24,342 24,292 242,510 Hawke's Bay ! 227,396 2,432 .. 118 21,740 130,854 6091203,224 71,709 77,722 741,427 Taranaki .. j 28,236 ! 257 271 55 1,704 40,656 150 26,004 13,411 12,490 199,461 Wellington .. 159,498 1,141 857 418 13,818 150,692 977 143,682 74,776 89,077 1,075,798 Nelson .. 68,418 929 12,404 6 1,634 2,953 62 53,451 3,364 2,031 56,102 Marlborough.. 235,867 2,643 2,165 51 9,152 37,274 493 221,907 36,629 34,804 749,128 Westland .. -5,126 83 .. 3 396 218 33 4,647 536 467 14,692 Canterbury .. 605,506 4,254 3,838 304 18,075 141,6891,875 579,339 161,065 159,863 3,276,896 Otago .. 297,953 3,686 98 68 7,496 36,9831,114 286,673 76,625 71,5391,509,515 Southland .. 97,425 1,049 673 113 15,595 62,456 347 80,108 17,733 17,857 431,437 Totals .. 2,209,383 95,736 60,132 2,131230,594 993,259 7,057 1,822,921 523,788 548,074 9,385,211

National Endowment. Education Endowments. Other Endowments. Totals. Land District. g j g g g ■g i Annual a . Annual ~ . Annual A „„ ! Annual | Area ' Rental. g Area " Rental. g Area. | Area. Eenta , 5 5__ I Acres. £ Acres. £ Acres. £ Acres. £ North Auckland 402 81,919 6,197 731 42,527 8,574 13 1,872 41 1,146 126,318 14,812 Auckland .. 571 171,646 7,393 165 50,813 3,588 4 942 25 740 223,401 11,006 Gisborne .. 69 144,241 8,632 67 39,041 8,385 1 1 4 137 183,283 17,021 Hawke's Bay .. 54 65,020 5,081 196 51,721 9,236 .. .. .. 250 116,741 14,317 Taranaki .. 157 62,505 3,145 591 45,323 10,830 19 9,724 1,195 767 117,552 15,170 Wellington .. 114 59,969 4,325 523 103,568 29,520 53 21,741 1,421 690 185,278 35,266 Nelson .. 708 262,415 4,236 134 7,490 692 443 15,150 1,427 1,285 285,055 6,355 Marlborough .. 209 541,559 6,707 41 1,413 571 .. .. .. 250 542,972 7,278 Westland .. 1,046 334,548 3,860 126 16,355 680 2 130 7 1,174 351,033 4,547 Canterbury .. 1581,678,648 41,283 237 70,967 31,314 175 .17,006 1,840 570 1,766,621 74,437 Otago .. 7652,512,179 38,788 441 46,315 6,455 68 176,889 7,747 1,274 2,735,383 52,990 Southland .. 231 765,938 7,269 791 337,504 21,253 17 114,331 2,516 1,039 1,217,773 31,038 Totals .. 4,4846,680,587 136,9164,043 813,037131,098 795 357,786 16,223 9,322 7,851,410 284,237

Ordinnrv Tand ! National Education Other twoi Land District. Crown for End °7" Bndo f- End °7* , Miscel - _. To f» Total Po3t 0t one . Lands. Settlements. N alle y- Estate - T T me ? t T me " fc Receipts. Arrears. j Lands. Lands. Lands. ! £ £ £ £ ! £ ££ £ ! £, ! £ £ North Auckland 29,350 13,44-4 .. .. 4,529 8,374. 48 542 56,293 17,409 4,379 Auckland .. 71,331 44,488 .. .. 7,460 3,833 74 3,204 : .130,390 26,196 12,627 Gisborne .. 26,887 34,576 .. .. i 8,677 7,668 4 625 j 78,437 6,564 8,851 Hawke'sBay 53,484 77,722 .. .. 4,733 9,389 771 45 | 146,144 7,847 26,285 Taranaki .. 19,920 12,490 .. .. 1,241 10,670 1,198 4,925 ' 50,444 21,974 1,596 Wellington .. 26,103 89,077 71,352 .. 3,957 28,246 2,154 3,051 223,940 44,167 23,790 Nelson .. 7,317 2,031 .. .. 3,519 717 1.800 306 15,690 3,926 1,783 Marlborough.. 11,118 34,875 .. .. j 7,556 664 I .. 397 54,610 1,327 5,924 Weatland .. 5,012 467 .. .. 7,006 1,364 7 624 14,480 1,737 51 Canterbury .. 33,360 159,863 .. 17,851 40,277 31,319 I 1,730 322 284,722 17,974 29,819 Otago .. 42,873 71,539 .. .. j 40,109 6,389 j 8,499 195 169,604 3,814 6,762 Southland .. 14,933 17,857 .. .. j 6,795 22,767 12,892 858 66,102 3,274 3,539 Totals 341,694 558,429 71,352 17,851 135,859 131,400 119,177 15,094 1,290,856 156,209 125,406 ' I j