CROWN LANDS REPORT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2628, 9 October 1909, Page 5

CROWN LANDS REPORT.

POVERTY BAY STATISTICS

(Special to “Times.”) WELLINGTON, October 8. The lands report was laid on the table of the House to-day. The area of Crown lands opened for sale or selection in the Hawke’s Bay land district during the year was 62,982 acres, •of which 50,363 acres were offered for the first time. The Commissioner reports that the value of improvements effected by settlers is still largely in excess of ? tlie amount required by the conditions under which the land is held. There was keen competition for all lands opened for selection during the year, and most of those who were successful at the ballots - 'are well satisfied with their present .position and prospects. In the Gisborne district, says the Commissioner, the two freezing works wore unable to cope witli the supply of fat stock offered. It is pleasing to note that there is every prospect of a freezing works being started at Tokomaru Bay, and this will not only be a great boon to the surrounding districts, but will also relieve the two freezing works already established at Gisborne. The Crown Lands Ranger for he Gisborne portion of the district reports that he inspected 279 holdings. The total value of improvements required was £106,496, the value of those effected being £457,878. In the Nu'naka district is an area of 2248 acres, being an expired small grazing run, which the Land Board retained for subdivision for settlement. The land is improved, and is good sheep country, which will be offered m two allottments for selection. In the Ngatapa Survey District an area of about 15,000 acres is now under subdivision for closer settlement. This block was originally included in pastoral run No. 47, held under license by Messrs Hutchinson Bros. The country is at present covered with forest, which, when cleared, will make good sheepfarming country, and will be readily taken up. The projected line of railway between Gisborne and Rotorua will pa'ss within a few miles of this block, and from the present rate of progress in the extension of the present line in that direction, it will not be very long before the settlers in this locality will be within easy range of railway communication with Gisborne. There are upwards of 19,000 acres, divided into areas varying from 2000 to 7000 acres, which, when ready for disposal, will be offered as small glazing runs. These lands are situated m the Hikurangi, Tuahu, and Tutainoe districts.