G.—3

Recently there has been an extra demand for gold-mining lease surveys at Reefton. The usual staff in that district has been temporarily strengthend by surveyors from adjacent districts, so as to enable the demand to be met promptly. There are 83 staff surveyors at work in the field, and 26 cadets in training under them, also 26 surveyors on the temporary list; in all, 109 parties at work. This force may be curtailed or augmented according as it is desired to effect the more or less rapid settlement of the country. But it would certainly be very inconvenient to reduce it at present, for, in addition to the work already alluded to awaiting disposal, there are several hundred miles of road which should be marked off through granted lands this season before the right to do so lapses. It is not unlikely that there may have to be a temporary increase in the number of survey parties employed during the summer to meet that and other emergencies. If so, there is a reserve force in the senior cadets, that can be drawn on if necessary. I have, &c, The Hon. William Rolleston, James McKerrow, Minister of Lands. Surveyor-General.

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