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C.-l

Summary of Crown Lands now open for Selection— continued.

Aores. Acres. Surveyed, first class ... ... ... ... ... 22,242 „ second class... ... ... ... ... 34,429 56,671 Unsurveyed, first class ... ... ... ... 32,655 „ second class ... ... ... ... 30,175 62,830 Total area of land open 31st March, 1897 ... ... 119,501

Crown Lands being prepared for Disposal.

Clerical Branch. —The correspondence shows a large increase during the year, as the following figures show : The number of letters, &c, received and despatched was 46,245, and during the year 1895-96 42,500, being an increase of 3,745, and an average of about 150 per day. This statement includes circular notices re payments and improvements, &c, to selectors; Surveyors' and Bangers' reports, circulars, various returns, records received from other departments, &c. 981 vouchers were passed [for payment, to the amount of £18,064 10s. 5d., and 358 cheques were drawn on the Chief Surveyor's imprest account for wages, &c, representing a sum of £2,858 12s. 2d. There are 2,362 selectors now registered on the books on settlement conditions. This is a slight decrease on last year's figures, due principally to the large number of farm-homestead sections which were forfeited or surrendered and are not yet reselected. I have much pleasure in stating that since I took charge last November I have received the most cordial assistance and advice from the Chief Draughtsman, Chief Clerk, and the other principal officers and staff generally. The arrangements for carrying on the vast business of the offices are admirable in many respects, and reflect great credit on the staff and upon Mr. J. H. Baker, my predecessor. J. W. A. Marchant, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

System. Area. Block. Locality. Iptional... it n Acres. , 22,975 i 5,400 1,060 ! 1,920 j 1,300 ! Unsurveyed: First Class. Kaitieke Waimarino Eangataua Waim arino- Atuahae Kawatau North Waimarino Block. South Waimarino Block. South-east of Waimarino Block. South Waimarino Block. East of Mangaweka. it • ■ ■ Total 32,655 Optional... 23,275 1,060 1,670 320 3,850 Unsurveyed: Second Class. Kaitieke Eangataua Wharita North Puketoi Waiohine South North Waimarino Block. South-east of Waimarino Block. North-east of Ashurst. North of Makuri Township. North of Featherston. /; * • • it it • • • Total 30,175

Class. Area. Block. Locality. First and second First Second Second Second Second First and second Acres. 20,000 10,800 26,700 5,800 6,700 20,000 42,000 Awarua ... Eangiwaea Tauakira Mangapapa East Puketoi Eetaruke Between Mangaweka, Taihape, &c. Between Wangaehu and Turakina Eivers. Near Athens, on Wanganui Eiver. East of Waitotara Eiver. East of Puketoi Eange. On Wanganui Eiver. Forfeited farm - homestead sections in various localities. In North-east Wairarapa. West of Eketahuna. West of Mauriceville. West of Carterton. East of Cape Palliser. Second Second Second Second Second 4,000 10,000 15,000 13,900 10,700 North-east Puketoi Kaiparoro Te Mare... Kaitangata White Eock Total 185,600