C.—l.

as eminently satisfactory in view of the fact that, for various reasons stated in my report for 1898-99, a shrinkage in revenue was expected, the shortage as between 1898-99 and 1899-1900 being only £824 lis. lOd. The gross annual rental for all classes of tenure at 31st March, 1899, was £64,822, as compared with which the actual rent received for the year was £63,576, a much more favourable comparison, I think, than can usually be made. The gross estimate for the current year is £66,058, which I have every reason to believe will be fully realised. Summary of Transactions. —The following summary of transactions during the year shows an increase of some fifty in number over the previous year, and an increase in the number of holdings and area as at 31st March, notwithstanding the very considerable number of forfeitures, surrenders, expiries, and selections made freehold.

Summary of Land Transactions, 1899-1900.

Arrears.—The total amount of arrears at the 31st March was £5,065, owing by 257 selectors, occupying an area of 66,021 acres, an increase in amount as compared with 1898-99 of £1,843 and of sixteen selectors, but a decrease in area of 27,049 acres. The greater proportion of these arrears occur under the Land for Settlements Act. The estate most in arrear is Tokarahi, which, as stated in last year's report, fell behind during the first two years through drought, and conse-

26

Transactions during Year. Leasehold Area held at 31st March, 1900. Revenue Nature of Selection, &c. received during Number. Area. Number. Area. the lear. A. E. p. A. E. p. £ s. d. Cash 110 1,116 3 5 ... . . , 1,911 19 0 Deferred payments 1* 246 3 21 66 18,767 1 11 2,354 8 8 Deferred payments made freehold 23 3,027 3 16 Perpetual leases *... 301 58,538 0 36 2,506" 14 5 Perpetual leases made freehold 10 1,161 1 12 754 10 0 Occupation with right of purchase 33 6,030 0 3 115 20,515 1 33 592 5 0 Lease in perpetuity ... 53 9,701 2 30 604 156,641 0 0 4,349 18 6 Lease in perpetuity, exchange 13 4,731 3 1 ... from other tenures Agricultural leases 3 69 3 24 19 632 1 2 55 10 8 Occupation leases (Mining Dis13 627 0 0 105 4,260 1 4 171 7 4 tricts Land Occupation Act) Village settlementDeferred payment ... 3 130 0 4 13 1 11 Perpetual lease 39 872 0 25 94 16 4 Occupation with right of pur5 3 2 28 1 4 6 chase Lease in perpetuity 4 53 1 15 128 1,921 0 4 158 1 6 Village-homestead special settle84 1,341 1 5 165 9 3 ment Special - settlement association 15 2,955 1 12 120 13 3 (lease in perpetuity) Homestead lands 3 206 2 37 Improved-farm settlement 54 7,464 1 7 15" 17 5 Small grazing-runs 20 42,722" 2 18 249 504,836 0 31 12,078 2 9 Pastoral runs 33 348,045 0 8 248 4,389,812 0 20 29,654 3 3 Coal and mineral leases f 176 10 9 Timber-cutting 13 618 0 0 L 452 66,020 3 12 55 19 6 Miscellaneous licenses 77 21,602 3 21 ) ( 793 17 1 Survey-fees ... 139 8 10 Crown-grant fees ... 153 12 5 Other sources 502 4 9 Total ordinary Crown 406 439,754 1 14 2,490 5,234,918 0 31 56,819 17 1 lands Land for settlements— Lease in perpetuity 41 8,104 2 14 296 40,486 2 6 9,298 3 8 Village lease in perpetuity ... 1 10 0 0 29 393 0 4 299 18 11 Small grazing-runs 3 3,667 1 30 337 8 4 Miscellaneous 6 214" 0 0 40 631 1 39 53 15 8 Total land for settle48 8,328 2 14 368 45,178 1 39 9,989 6 7 ments Endowments 1 12,040 0 0 48 43,561 3 35 1,128 13 8 Grand totals 455 460,122 3 28 2,906 5,323,658 2 25 67,937 17 4 * An exchange from perpetual lease.