18

A—i

the information of intending applicants. In addition, twelve monthly posters containing a summary of the Crown lands opened for selection were prepared, and 31,800 copies issued for exhibition in suitable localities. The attached summary gives details of other work undertaken in the Head Office.

Summary showing the Number of Proclamations, Orders in Council, Warrants, and Notices prepared and issued during the Year ended 31st March, 1915.

Conclusion and Valedictory The year that has passed has been a strenuous one to most of our officers, and the response of many of them to the Empire's call has increased the labours of those left behind. This applies both to those in the office as well as in the field. Notwithstanding this, the area placed in the market is double that of last year, whilst at least 1,000,000 acres is in an advanced state for offering during the current year, with a considerable area well in view for perhaps a somewhat later period. The various other branches of our great Department, as will be seen by the different reports which are being placed before you, have received the fullest attention. During the year, as occasion permitted, I visited more than once (with the exception of Nelson and Westland) every land district of the Dominion, and inspected in detail the operations of all the various branches under my control. On the whole lam entirely satisfied with the manner in which our multifarious operations are being carried out, and also with the zeal and efficiency of the officers, numbering about 600. This being the last annual report that I shall be 'able to lay before you for presentation to Parliament in connection with the working of the important Department which I have been privileged to control, after nearly half a century's service spent in it, and embracing during that long period work in its technical, professional, and! administrative branches, I wish to place on record my high 'appreciation of, the loyal support, assistance, and efficiency of those who have worked with me in the years that have gone; and particularly is this so with regard to the band of men and women ; now ;'connected with 'me in my administrative work, and with whom I will ('shortly Sbe parted by [reason* of my. from the Service on ' account [of reaching r " '•"" Jam es Mackenzie,»P' m " ■ Under-Secretary for Lands.

Proclamations. Orders in Oouncil. 'arrantsand! „, , , Notices. lotaL Under the Land Act and the Land for Settlements Act Under the Public Reserves and Domains Act Under the Scenery Preservation Acts Under the Native Land Act Under the Education Reserves Acts and Public Bodies' Leases Act Under the State Forests Act Under the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Acts, 1912 and 1913 U»der the Cemeteries Apt Under the Timber-floating Act Miscellaneous Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908 61 20 150 512 593 85 235 4 34 4 33 35 f_4 3 '5 3 |9 30 4 2 1 4 1 2 1 43 43 1 1 3 4 5 5 Totals 100 176 692 968