C.—s

10

Hot Springs. The geysers of Rotomahana, and hot baths of Rotorua and Waiwera, have so absorbed public attention that other hot springs which in a less favoured country would have been famous are scarcely ever heard of in New Zealand. From a little north of Napier, across the interior of the Island to Lake Taupo, and thence to Lake Rotorua, there are numerous hot springs, any one of which, in a populous country, would become the nucleus of a spa or sanitorium. The greater part of this country is still in the hands of the Natives, and there is therefore a great obstacle in the way of making suitable provision for the convenience of travellers, or of beautifying the vicinity of the springs with pleasure grounds. The Native Department, however, a few months ago, made arrangements with the Natives for a block on the shores of Lake Rotorua, at Ohinemutu, and a site for a township has been surveyed and marked off in streets, residence areas, and reserves for public gardens. On the Crown lands at Te Aroha, near the banks of the Thames River, there are hot springs which have recently come into notice, from the opening up of that country by settlement and roads. A reservation has been made of the surrounding grounds, and it is proposed to let the reserve with the springs for a term of years, subject to condition guaranteeing privacy and moderate charges to those using the springs. In the Middle Island, at Hanmer Plains, Amuri, at an elevation of about 1,300 feet above the sea level, and about 82 miles north of Christchurch, 32 miles by rail and 50 miles by coach, there are hot springs which have long enjoyed a local celebrity for their healing virtues. Until recently they were difficult of access, but the railway to Amberley and its further extension northwards, now in progress, has brought the Hanmer Plains within easy reach of the populous parts of the colony. The springs are situated on a reserve of 2,560 acres of Crown lands. A survey officer is now inspecting the ground, with instructions to report on the best manner of laying off a township or village in the close vicinity of the springs. An ample space will, of course, be reserved around them, so as to ensure privacy and freedom from any contamination. The control and management of these springs will be a matter for future consideration. General. There were for the twelve months ended 31st March last an area of 448,463 acres of Native Land-purchase blocks proclaimed Crown lands. As the area disposed of during the same period was 239,664 acres, there is a gain in the total area of Crown lands, which, in round numbers, comprise nearly 34,000,000 acres. Of this, 9,000,000 acres are worthless for settlement, consisting of barren mountain tops and lakes. Of the 25,000,000 acres left, one-half is presently let on pastoral leases, and the greater part of the other half is under forest. Leaving the Otago runs out of consideration, and some similar open country in Canterbury and Southland, we have to look to the North Island as the place where settlement on the small farm scale, of from 50 to 320 acres, is likely to be most active during the next year or two. The settler in the North Island has much to contend with, in the fern, and bush, and swamp; but there is a kindliness in the climate that makes amends for much, and, once the grass takes, the hard work is forgotten. It is a country that greatly wants opening; and there are many warm interior valleys where sub-tropical fruits would flourish, and where a large population might find a homo and livelihood on a comparatively small area. In the administration of so vast an estate as the Crown lands, the functions of the department need not be restricted to the mere passive sale of so many acres of land, but should be aggressive, in the sense of opening the lands by roads and surveys; and, having opened them, make known their qualities, whether of soil, timber, or mineral products, by the publication of maps and Crown Land Guides, and, on occasion, assist in the collection and dissemination of information bearing on the introduction of new industries, such as silk, olive, and vine culture, all of which have a direct bearing on the settlement of Crown lands. Departmental. The creation of the West Coast Land District (North Island), necessitated a slight addition to the number of assistants, but this was more than counterbalanced by the saving in work effected by the " Land Transfer Act Amendment Act, 1880." It provides for certificate of title taking the place of Crown grant, and the issue of certificates by the Land Transfer Department. In two of the Land Offices this has had the effect of enabling them to do with one officer less, and as the system gets fully into work more saving will be effected. The descriptions in titles have also been shortened; and, as between three and four thousand titles are issued each year, and two copies of each are prepared —under the old system three were required—any simplification tells in the aggregate. The saving, once the system is in full operation, may amount to upwards of £1,000 a year. It will also have the effect of expediting the issue of titles. There is nothing else requiring particular notice. I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the cordial co-operation of the Commissioners of Crown Lands, and of my associate, Mr. Eliott, and the ready assistance of all the other officers of the department. General Crown Lands Office, J. McKerrow. Wellington, 18th July, 1881.