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Seeing that the session is now so far advanced, the House may probably be unable to consider or discuss the foregoing proposals at the present time ; and, even were it otherwise, the subject is one of such vast importance in its bearing upon the future prosperity of New Zealand, that it may perhaps be well to afford public opinion throughout the colony an opportunity of expressing itself upon the question before any definite action be taken thereon. This report will serve, so far, to ventilate the proposal; and your Committee would express a hope that the Executive Government may, during the recess, prepare a Bill dealing with the question upon the lines embodied in the foregoing suggestions: such Bill to be submitted to Parliament at the commencement of its next session. J. Macandbew, 3rd September, 1885. Chairman, Advances on Land Committee.

Mortgages outstanding, 31st March, 1885. Mortgages.—£loo and under £500 : Number, 24,922; amount, £5,421,793. £500 and under £1,000 : Number, 7,866 ; amount, £5,027,883. £1,000 and under £2,000 : Number, 6,634. Above £100 and under £1,000 : Number, 32,788 ; amount, £10,449,676.

By Axithority : Geoege Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBs.

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