C.-l

9

MAELBOEOUGH. 'Summary of Lands taken up.—Tha area which was open for ordinary selection under all tenures at the beginning of the year was 129,900 acres, which, added to the area that has been opened during the year, viz., 38,500 acres, made a total of 168,400 acres. Of this area, 27,300 acres have been taken up, leaving open at the end of the year 141,100 acres. Of this area, 135,000 acres are situate in the western and southern parts of the district, and is composed chiefly of rugged mountain-tops which for several months during the year are under snow, and is not at all likely to be taken up. The area taken up according to the table—viz., 8,527 acres—represents only that for which titles have been issued, and therefore differs from the gross total taken up by 18,773 acres, which have yet to be surveyed. Analysis of Holdings shows that, as last year, the small grazing-run tenure appears to be the most popular in this district for the present. This may probably be accounted for by the following advantages which this system secures, as compared with those under Part III.: First, there is no deposit required for survey, the Crown bearing the cost; second, the comparatively low rental; and third, the small value of improvements required. In addition to this, the tenure is practically a perpetual lease, and, lastly, the lessee has the right at any time to change his tenure to a lease in perpetuity. Pastoral runs come next in number, but, as the country now available is more or less heavily timbered, and there is no right under this tenure to clear the land, there is little or no inducement to take it up beyond the exceedingly low rental of Id. per acre. Under Part 111., or the " optional system," the lease in perpetuity is undoubtedly the favourite tenure. Gash Sales.— The only absolute sale for cash was that of an area of 6 acres and 34 perches in the Town of Kaikoura, to one person, the average price being £20 Bs. per acre. The only other item under this heading is the completion of purchase of a perpetual-lease section in the Onen District, Kenepuru Sound. Lease in Perpetuity.—ln addition to the area shown in the return, 1,891 acres have been taken up by seven selectors; but, as the land has not yet been surveyed and leases issued, it could not be included in the return. Small Grazing-runs.— An area of 6,039 acres has been leased during the year to twelve holders, the average area being 503 acres 1 rood, and the average rental 3d. per acre. In addition, there have been 4,925 acres taken up, which are awaiting survey. Owing to the practice which has obtained in this district of offering small grazing-runs prior to survey—although the cost is borne by the Crown—only the rentals of those surveyed and leased can appear on the return. Pastoral Licenses.— An area of 12,013 acres was taken up by eleven holders. These were pastoral runs, which were re-offered for a term of ten years. The balance of area held—viz., 1,100,077 acres—is held by 128 tenants, sixty-nine of whom hold under the Marlborough Waste Lands Act Thirty-seven, principally licensees,, have already applied to change their tenure to lease in perpetuity, comprising an area of 24,923 acres; and no doubt many more will do so during the current year. Although 8,000 acres is the average area of the holdings throughout the district, those south of the Wairau Eiver vary considerably in area, ranging from 500 to 93,000 acres. The amount in arrear, £136 14s. 4d., by two holders, was paid on the 2nd April. Arrears.—The arrears shown on return amount to £154 ;of this, £139 15s. 3d. was received on the 2nd April. Number of Selectors on Books.— -The total number of selectors is 321, or eighty-nine more than last year ; of this number sixty-two came under the head of " Miscellaneous," so that the increase of bond fide selectors is really twenty-seven. To summarise the Banger's report for the year it may be stated, as regards deferred-payment selectors that twenty-eight have not yet completed their sixth year of occupation. Of those reported on, the requirements amount in value to £213 155., and the improvements made to £422 10s , being £208 15s. in excess. Only one selector was in default, to the amount of £26 ; but as his house, valued at £25, was burned down, it is doubtful whether he can be said to be in default. Of perpetual-lease holdings thirteen have been reported on, mostly situated in the Sounds; of these nine have made more than "double improvements" in lieu of residence, the value of improvements required being £507 18s.; and of those made, £895 10s., being an excess of £387 12s. There are not at present any defaulters. Of village homestead special settlements, under the regulations of the Ist September, 1886, six selections at Wakamarina and seven at Kaikoura-have been reported upon. Of the former, the areas vary from sto 11 acres, all of which have been grassed and fenced, and houses built; two are non-resident Of the latter, 100 acres have been grassed, as against 93 required; only one settler having grassed slightly less than he should have done. In addition, dwellmghouses and fencing have been erected to the value of £362 10s. All, with one exception, are resident. Some of the settlers in the Wakamarina Village have found it impossible to comply strictly with the residence conditions the areas of their holdings being far too small to enable them to make a living off them and'they were unable to get work in the neighbourhood, consequently they have had to leave, and have in so doing rendered their interests liable to forfeiture. It would seem that some less stringent and more practicable regulations than those now in existence are necessary. Under these there appears to be no provision by which a settler can obtain compensation for his improvements, should he be compelled to forfeit his interest. Of small grazing-runs, 37 have been reported on ; all, with one exception, situated in the Sounds and containing an area of 22,706 acres. The total value of improvements require! was £464 16s 8d ; and the value of those actually made was £6,140 10s., showing the large excess of 2—C. 1.