8.—6

XV

This Act has been brought into operation wherever applicable to the large area of Crown lands which had hitherto been lying open for selection, and also to all new blocks which have been opened. It came into force too late, however, to afford an opportunity in the past year of judging of its influence upon settlement ; but the reports of -the Commissioners of Crown Lands indicate that the concessions and benefits which are afforded by the Act are highly appreciated, and it is anticipated that a considerable extension of settlement will be the result. No less than 2,714,147 acres of Crown lands were thrown open for selection during the year. Whilst recognising that a considerable portion of this area had been offered in previous years, there is no doubt that its reclassification and valuing have been of great benefit. Deducting the area thrown open on the pastoral-run system, the area which was offered almost wholly on settlement conditions amounted to over 900,000 acres. The area disposed of and handed over for occupation and improvements was 402,794 acres ; and including the land-for-settlements estates, there was a total addition to the Crown leaseholds of 512,357 acres. This will insure the placing of a large number of additional persons upon the land, who will ere long be in a position to add to the wealth of the community, increase the volume of exports and revenue, and be enabled to establish themselves and families in comfort, and so become independent of the Government or labour market. A special feature of settlement in the North Island was the recognition of the claims of the co-operative labourers engaged upon the railway and road works for an opportunity to establish themselves upon the land. The Superintendent of Village Settlements was despatched to interview the men and ascertain their requirements. All Crown lands suitable for the purpose were surveyed into allotments, and ballots were held including all those who had expressed their desire to obtain sections, preference being given to married men, with the result that 148 men secured holdings, aggregating 27,059 acres, under the improved-farm system. LAND FOE CLOSE SETTLEMENT. Thirteen estates acquired by the Government, comprising an area of 140,356 acres, and representing a capital value of £661,340 and annual rental of £33,067, were handed over to the Lands and Survey Department to be dealt with, and prompt steps were taken to survey and prepare the lands for settlement. The greatest interest was manifested by the public, and there was keen competition, with the result that almost the whole of the sections were at once allotted to a superior class of settlers, who have, in a great majority of cases, proved their bona fides by entering into possession of and undertaking the improvement and utilisation of their holdings. It will be interesting to review the results of the policy inaugurated by the Government under " The Land for Settlements Act, 1892." The acquisition of estates for the purpose of providing agricultural and pastoral holdings, and also small areas for the settlement of artisans, mechanics, labourers, and other workers engaged in the industries of the country, has been steadily pursued ever since the commencement of the policy. There are now recorded upon the registers of the Lands Department 129 estates, comprising an aggregate area of 615,581 acres. Of this area 576,045 acres have been subdivided into 2,729 holdings, classified and valued at £3,030,462, and are producing an annual rental of £151,523. The receipts during the past financial year amounted to £150,883. Two thousand and seventy-six houses have been erected upon the properties, whilst 8,255 persons are resident thereon. The value of improvements effected is £608,611. The total receipts, almost wholly on account of rertals, paid into the Treasury since the inception of the system amount to £564,621. The account at the 31st March last showed a profit for the year of £49,398 available for the purchase of further estates.