RETURN OF MINERAL LEASES GRANTED UNDER "THE NELSON WASTE LANDS ACT, 1874."

Sess. II.—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

Laid upon the Table by the Hon. Mr. Rolleston, with leave of the House.

Memorandum to the Under Secretary for Crown Lands. I forward a statement of leases issued under the Land Act. The printed form of lease hitherto used does not contain any provision for compelling working; but prior to the passing of "The Mines Act, 1877, gold-mining leases could be issued over mineral leases, and it was thought the payment of dead rent would insure the ground being worked, or the lease being surrendered. Section 1, subsection (2), of Appendix A, " Mines Act, 1877," excepts lands held under mineral lease from lands to be leased for gold-mining. _.., AT , no _ Alfred Greenfield, 20th November, 1879. Commissioner.

C—lo.