THE NATIVE LANDS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 205, 4 November 1909, Page 5

THE NATIVE LANDS.

The folowing return, showing the ap proximate position of native lands in the North Island, as at September 30, was laid on the table of the Boose of Representatives on Thursday by the Native Minister: — The ares of native lands held by Maoris as at December 21,1908, is estimated by the Native Land Commission at 7,465,000 acres,less (a) areas since acquired by Crown purchase, 14, 680 acres; (b) areas since acquired by private purchasers, 28,495 acres; (c) areas already sold and included in error in the Commissioner's estimate 20,000 acres, making a total of 63,175 acre* and leaving a balance as at September 30-of 7,401,285 acres. The ares estimated to be profitably occupied totals 3,407,098 acres, leaving an approximate balance of 3,994, 727 acres. Of this balance of the total available for settlement under the various Acts, etc., including Maori occupation, is stated as 2,288, 249 acres. This leaves a balance of 1,706,487 acres not profitably utilised, and which is accounted for as follows: I—Papatupu land, the titles to which have not been investigated or have been only partialy investigated, 490,752 acres; 2—balance, subjeet to the U few era District Native Reserves Act, 466,762 acres; 3—balance, subject to the Thermal Springs Act—estimated. 189,692 acres; 4 balance not dealt with. 559,181 acres making a total of 1,706,487. It is stated that there is a largo area under profitable occupation leased to Euro;y:]nj, by informal lease or on ;' r purposes.