8.—6

XVI

EXPORT OF GOLD. Owing to the outbreak of hostilities it was deemed necessary to protect the gold-output, and the Banking Amendment Act, 1914, was passed, prohibiting the export of gold unless with the consent of the Minister of Finance. During the year, however, 227,954 ounces of gold, valued at £895,367, and 599,162 ounces of silver, valued at £62,085, were exported. Shortly after the outbreak of the war the Government was asked to purchase gold on behalf of the Bank of England, and a very considerable amount has been so purchased. COAL-MINING INDUSTRY. The coal-mining industry is steadily improving, the output of 2,275,593 tons for the year being the highest ever recorded, and an increase of 387,588 tons over the output for 1913. UNEMPLOYMENT. It was generally predicted at the commencement of the war that there would be considerable distress due to unemployment, and steps were taken, by the formation of unemployment committees in the various centres of the Dominion, to cope with the difficulty. After the lapse of two months, however, what promised to be a period of depression developed into one of increased activity, and there has been little difficulty in providing employment for applicants. WORKERS' DWELLINGS. The erection of some 205 dwellings, referred to in last year's Financial Statement, was duly proceeded with, and 471 dwellings are now provided throughout the Dominion in twenty-one towns or localities. LAND REVENUE. During the year the gross land revenue received from all sources amounted to £1,163,127. Of this sum, £448,130 was received from ordinary Crown lands, £436,387 from land-for-settlement holdings, £13,652 from the Cheviot Estate, £108,574 from national-endowment lands, £79,102 from primary and secondary educational endowments, £35,207 from other endowments, and £42,075 from other sources. A sum of £16,036 is at present outstanding under the heading|of " Postponements of rent," granted in accordance with section 13 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, settlers finding the provisions of the Act helpful to tide[over a period of financial strain. The ordinary arrears of rent owing to the Crown at the 31st March, 1915, amounted to £25,671, as against £23,218 owing on the 31st March, 1914; but, in view of the conditions following upon the declaration of war, the position can be regarded as very satisfactory. SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS. During the past financial year an area of 1,202,260 acres was offered for public application under the following tenures :— For application for cash, for occupation with,sright of Acres. purchase, or for renewable lease (optional system) .. 145,465 For selection on renewable lease only .. .. 80,666 Small grazing-runs .. .. .. .. 30,935 Pastoral runs .. .. .. .. .. 894,221 . Town and suburban lands for cash and other areas for lease by auction and application .. .. .. 13,558 Educational endowments .. .. ~ ~ 37,415