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land-for-settlement selectors. Since the coming into operation of the new Act there have been many inquiries for details in response to the circular memorandum issued, and up to the end of the year twelve selectors have taken advantage of the provisions of the Act. Transfers, The Land Board approved of 197 transfers during the year. In dealing with applications of this nature the Board has determined to minimize aggregation as much as possible, so that it is now, except in extreme cases, not likely that consent will be given to transfers to persons who already hold sufficient land from which to make a comfortable living. There is another aspect of transfers, to which the Board's attention has been called. Applications have been received for transfers at a very high figure, and almost immediately after entry into possession the new selector appeals for time to pay rent. This state oi affairs can be prevented by insisting upon proof of financial ability to carry on, and in future importance will be attached to the financial position of the proposed transferee, especially in cases where the consideration is a high one. Education Reserve Lands. In regard to the disposal of these lands, there have been very few transactions during the year, but there has been considerable correspondence in regard to renewals, transfers, mortgages, and other dealings. Out of a total of 382 lessees, onlv twenty-seven were in arrear, owing £176 14s. Land Board. The Land Board this year altered the day of meeting from Tuesday to Thursday as being more convenient to the Department in the preparation of business. The Board held twelve meetings, all at New Plymouth, and did not make any tours during the year. Office-work. The indoor staff has been kept very busy, and has maintained its reputation for loyal and cheerful attention to duty. G. H. BULLARD, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WELLINGTON. The total area of Crown land offered during the year was 9,979 acres. This, added to the land open for application on the 1st April, 1912 -viz.,_ 735 acres —made a total of 10,714 acres available publicly for selection. The lands offered comprised principally portion of the North Waimarino Block near Kakahi; subdivisions of the Ngamatea Forest Reserve, near Karioi; part of the Piripiri Block, near Ashhurst; an extension of Ohakune Village Settlement, at the railway-station; and a number of forfeited sections in various survey districts. Cash sales by auction were held of an extension of Owhango Township and of lots in Pongaroa and Manunui Townships. Two lots offered in City of Wellington realized £4,820. During the year effect has been given to the Board's former decision to increase the holdings of a number of settlers in the Mount Cerberus, Makuri, and Puketoi districts, and elsewhere, who were regarded as not having sufficient land for their maintenance. Twenty-two lots in those districts have been disposed of in this way, comprising a total area of 3,142 acres. For a similar reason about 1,125 acres has been allotted to contiguous settlers in the Rangiwaea and Salisbury Blocks. Timber on Section 42, Block XI, Ongo Survey District, and Sections 3 and 4, Block VII, Makotuku, was offered by auction, the result in the latter case being very successful, inasmuch as a milling bush offered at an upset price of £7,478 realized £8,500. In addition to this, sawmill licenses have been granted over an area of about 1,880 acres, at a total royalty of £7,842, and on behalf of improved-farm occupiers over an area of about 1,397 acres, royalty being payable on output of mills. The lands taken up during the ye#r on all tenures comprise 14,299 acres, in 168 lots. Lands to be opened. Steps are now being taken to place 64,899 acres, comprising the following lands, in the market during the ensuing season, and the surveys of many of them are already well advanced : Whakaihuwaka Block, near Waitotara, 8,923 acres; subdivisions of recently resumed runs near Alfredton, 1,980 acres; Hurupi Block and portion of adjoining Haurangi Forest Reserve, about 16,035 acres; portion of forest reserve near Manawatau Gorge, 4,325 acres; Mangatainoka Block, near Pahiatua, 1,830 acres; Kaiwakauka (South Waimarino) Block, about 10,000 acres; three pastoral leases, Raketapauma and Motukawa Blocks, 4,184 acres; seven lots in Puketoi and Mount Cerberus districts, 1,189 acres; about 1,536 acres (Duncan's exchange) on the Turakina River, in Mangawhero Survey District; also 9,240 acres of settlement land near Masterton and Aorangi, 3b 3c, Te Kawau Survey District, 240 acres. Included in the above total is an area of 5,417 acres in the Waipapa Valley Block (South Waimarino), which was offered late during 1912-13 on optional system, but withdrawn. It has been readvertised for sale since the close of the financial year, and the greater portion selected. The returns will appear in the transactions for 1913—14,

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