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facilities. So far, no one in this district appears to have taken advantage of the many benefits to be derived by the Land for Settlements Finance Act : this is probably more owing to ignorance of its provisions, which only require to be known to be appreciated by both purchasers and vendors. I , '. Stbphenson Smith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WESTLAND. Both of the land-for-settlements estates, Kokatahi and Poerua, are utilized partly for dairying and partly for grazing purposes, and the whole of the settlors on both are doing well. The land has increased considerably in value since the estates were offered, but fortunately there has been an absence of trafficking, the lessees being quite content with their holdings and showing no inclination to part with them, although valuable considerations are offering for their goodwill. With isolated exceptions, the settlers are of a good class, and are making the best use of their lands, although in some instances they are inclined to favour grazing in preference to the more remunerative although more arduous occupation of dairying. However, with dairy factories conveniently situated and a good class of cattle procurable on the settlements, it is probable that grazing will shortly be relinquished in favour of dairying in all cases, the only obstacle to the latter being the high rate of wages ruling in the district. The tenants in both settlements, and more especially in Poerua, are to be commended for the enterprise they have shown in the matter of procuring good stock with a view to improving their dairy herds, and they are now receiving a wellmerited reward for their enterprise. Fifteen tenants are now milking a total of 449 cows, and, in addition to these, the settlements are supporting 2,772 sheep, 832 cattle, 94 horses, and 240 pigs, a remarkably good record for a total area of 5,020 acres, let at rentals based on a total capital value of £10,840. As would be anticipated from these figures, agricultural farming is not indulged in to any extent, the only cropping done being for the purpose of supplying winter feed for stock: the total area under crop this season is 216 acres. The late dry season lias produced no ill effects, and since the recent rain there is an abundance of grass everywhere. The results obtained from the experimental farm now being established at Poerua will be of great benefit to the settlers, who warmly appreciate the action of the Government in this matter, as they are most anxious to take advantage of any information that will assist them to farm their holdings in a more scientific manner. q jj McClurb Commissioner of Crown Lands.

CANTERBURY. Lands opknkd tof. Selection. Eight new settlements were opened for selection under renewable-lease tenure during the year. The following are brief particulars in regard to the disposal of each : — (1.) Ladbrooks Settlement, near Lincoln, about twelve miles from Christchurch. Opened for selection, 11th May, 1910. Area offered, 268 acres, in twelve sections of from 1!) to -'30 acres, all but one of which were selected before the end of the year. The settlement consists of good dairying land, with a creamery immediately adjacent, but the areas appeal- to lie generally regarded as somewhat small for successful occupation. (2.) Clandeboye Settlement, six miles from Temuka. Opened I'm- selection, 17th May, 1910. Ana offered, 560 acres, in ten sections of from 30 to 95 acres, all of which were disposed of at the first ballot. This is dairying land, of excellent quality. (3.) Hornby Settlement, at Hornby, about six miles from Christchurch. Opened for selection, 2nd August, 1910. Area offered, 71 acres, in twenty-three sections averaging about 3 acres each. This settlement was offered with the object of providing suburban homes for workmen employed at the neighbouring freezing-works. As is generally the case with small suburban holdings, these sections have not been taken up so promptly as farm lands, but fifteen sections have already been selected, and the remaining ones are steadily going off. (4.) Clandeboye No. 2 Settlement, about seven miles from Temuka. Opened for selection, 23rd August, 1910. Area offered, 406 acres, in six sections of from 60 to 70 acres, all of which were taken up at the first ballot. This settlement 'adjoins the previously offered Clandeboye Settlement, but is of somewhat lighter quality. (5.) Ruapuna No. 2 Settlement, about twenty miles from Ashburton. Opened for selection, 10th August, 1910. Area offered, 4,424 acres, in fourteen sections of from 123 to 477 acres, all but one of which have been selected. This settlement consists of level pastoral and agricultural land. (6.) Kohika No. 2 Settlement, about six miles from Makikihi. Opened for selection, 23rd August, 1910. Area offered, 581 acres, in four sections, all of which were disposed of at the first ballot. ' The sections consist of good agricultural downs land. (7.) Meadows Settlement, near Washdyke, about four miles from Timaru. Opened for selection, 22nd November, 1910. Area offered, 449 acres, in fourteen sections of from 10 to 74 acres, all of which were taken up at once. This settlement consists of flat agricultural land of good quality, very handy to the Town of Timaru and the freezing-works at Smithfield. . (8.) Stoke Settlement, about six miles from Rangiora. Opened for selection, 11th January, 1911. Area offered, 963 acres, in seven farm sections from 74 to 229 acres, all of which were disposed of at the first ballot, and three one-acre sections. The land is principally easy agricultural downs, of good quality.