G.—3a.

1898. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE LANDS PURCHASED BY GOVERNMENT BETWEEN THE 1st MAY, 1893, AND THE 31st DECEMBER, 1897; ALSO ACREAGE SETTLED BY EUROPEANS.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 15th July, 1898. Ordered, "That there be laid before this House a return showing—(l) The area of land acquired from the Maoris by the Government, the title to which has been completed, from the Ist May, 1893, to the 31st December, 1897; (2) the total cost of same ; and (3) the area of land so acquired which has been settled upon by Europeans." —(Mr. McLean.)

(1.) The area of land acquired from the Maoris by the Government, the title to which has been completed, from the Ist May, 1893, to the 31st December, 1897 ... ... ••• ■■• ••• ••• 1,614,017 acres. (2.) The total cost of same ... •• ••• ••• ••• £410,754 19s. 3d. (3.) The area of land so acquired which has been settled upon by Europeans ... 209,512 acres. Lands and Survey Department, Wellington, 28th October, 1898. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation (not given); printing, (1,325 copies), 18a.

By Authority: John Mackay. Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9B. Price, 3d.]