LANDS FOR SETTLEMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2259, 3 August 1908, Page 1

LANDS FOR SETTLEMENT.

THE ANNUAL REPORT. [Speciai, to “Times.”] WELLINGTON, August 1. The annual report of the. Lands for Settlement Department states that during tho year ended March last 129 estates, comprising 1,033,300 acres were offered to the Government. Of those, 38 were inspected and tho Government was recommended to purchase 35, of an area of 204,521 acres. The transactions completed (including estates ngrecil to he purchased during the previous year) numbered 16 estates comprising 126,807 acres, for which £565,727 was paid, whilst £47,067 was expended on roads, workers dwelling* and other contingencies. There wore also seven estates, containing 74,042 acres and purchased for £333,597, which were to lie paid for and opened for selection during tho current year. Rents, interest, ■and other revenue received during the year 'amounted to £2 '0.273. The total area acquired up tij .ho end of March last was 1,122,135 acres, for which £4,807,369 was paid, whilst £409,885 had been spent on roads and in preparing the land for settlement. Tho capital raluo of the land acquired was thus £5,217,254. Tho •total area leased is 979,094 acres, held by 4,292 tenants. Of .this area 679,410 acres are held under lease in perpetuity, 67,107 acres under renewable lease, and 232,577 acres under small grazing run leases and other tenures. The area opened and unlci at March 31st. was 115,184 acres, estimated to be worth a rental of £6,669.