C—4

20

ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE DISPOSAL AND SETTLEMENT OF THE MATAMATA ESTATE.

In continuation of Return No. 111, Paper No. 275 C, laid upon the Table of the House of Representatives on the 4th November, 1904, on the motion of Mr. Lawry.] Laid upon the Table by leave. From the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, to the Surveyor-General relative to the Disposal and Settlement of the Matamata Estate. (Telegram.) Auckland, 7th November, 1904. Matamata Settlement : Following information might be added, if thought desirable, and in time, to the parliamentary return: Auckland Land Board inspected Matamata 2nd November. Found, out of 117 farms, ninety-eight settlers actually resident, with homesteads and improvements; four non-resident, with improvements. Only eight have not started, whilst four other applicants await Board's approval. Three have been forfeited, and will be taken up again as soon as reoffered. Regarding stock, 1,500 cattle, 400 horses, and 7,000 sheep are owned by settlers, with butter-factory in full swing, supplied by 700 cows, sending 1,500 gallons of milk daily. Settlers all contented and in excellent spirits. James Mackenzie, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands. For the Hon. the Minister of Lands. J. W. A. Marchant, Surveyor-General. 7/11/04.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.--1904.