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1924. NEW ZEALAND.

RATES PAID BY THE GROWN ON NATIVE LANDS.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated 13th August, 1924. Ordered, "That there be laid before this House a return showing--(1) The amount levied by way of rates and paid by the Crown on Native lands under the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act, 1882 ; (2) the amount of such rates since paid by way of stamp duty; and (3) the amount still outstanding." —(Hon. Mr. Ngata.)

Return. 1. The amount levied by way of rates and paid by the Crown on Native lands under £ s. d. the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act, 1882 .. .. .. .. 67,369 910 2. The amount of such rates since paid by way of stamp duty .. . . .. 38,235 0 8 3. The amount still outstanding (estimate) .. .. .. .. ._. * 15,000 0 0 * The amount of rates paid by the Crown on Native lands and not recovered by way of stamp duty is £29,134 9s. 2d., but it is estimated that about half of these rates are in respect to lands acquired from time to time by the Crown for settlement purposes. Exact figures could not be given without making exhaustive inquiries and references to maps, &c., but it is estimated that approximately £15,000 rates are outstanding on lands still owned by Natives. Recovery in each ease is made when the document containing the Krst transaction is presented for stamping. F. W. Flanagan, Valuer-General. Valuation Department, Wellington, 31st October, 1924.

Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (175 copies), £1 ss.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinneb, Government Printer, Wellington.- 1924.

Price 3d.]