0.—4.

15

Mr. H. Bullock: Applicant for Section 97, Subdivision 35. He states he has a capital of £250 cash. Produced satisfactory evidence in support of statement. Has no stock. Has done farming all his life. Born in England, and has been in the colony about fourteen years. His capital is at his own absolute disposal. No partnership, and did not borrow any money simply for the purpose of making application. Passed for ballot. Mr. J. W. Garland and Mrs. Annie Garland: Applicants for Section 97, Subdivision 35, Block IX. Produced satisfactory evidence as to their financial position. Has had farming experience. The Board was satisfied and allowed them to go to ballot. Mr. W. Fitzgerald: Applicant for Section 97, Subdivision 35. Stated he is thirty years of age and has £200 in cash and horses; three draught and four hacks, £20; single-furrow plough. Has had twenty years' experience at dairying. Bank-book produced shows £131 to his credit. Money at his own absolute disposal. Did not borrow any simply to make application. Is free from debt. Passed for ballot. Mr. W. F. Bush: Applicant for Section 97, Subdivision 35. Stated he is twenty-five years of age. Has £300 cash. Has twelve years' experience on farm, six months on dairy farm. Holds no other land. No partnership. Produced satisfactory bank-receipt for £300. Capital at his own disposal, and did not borrow any for the purpose of making application. Passed for ballot. Mr. R. A. Stanley: Applicant for Section 1, Subdivision 37. Stated he is twenty-eight years of age. Has £150 in stock and capital —cash amounts to about £56. Produced satisfactory evidence as to cash. Has two working-horses and some unbroken hacks. Has been all his life farming; at present working on a farm at Okoroire. Owes no money. Has no partnership. Holds no other land, and did not borrow any cash simply to make application. Passed for ballot. Mr. J. Goldsworthy, jun.: Applicant for Section 1, Subdivision 37. Applicant did not attend the Land Board meeting, and made no reference to his financial position. The Board therefore decided to strike out his name, which was accordingly done. Mr. Horace Ghitty: Applicant for Section 80, Block 11., Subdivision 37. Stated he was twenty-seven years of age. Had £90 in cash and one farm-horse. Has had twelve years' experience in farming. Is not married. Holds no other land. Produced a bank-book showing £46 to his credit. Stated he had left other cash at home. Did not borrow any simply to make application. Was free from debt. Passed at ballot. Mary L. Brown: Applicant for Section 81, Subdivision 37. Her father represented applicant. Stated she had £300 in capital. Satisfactory proof produced as to financial ability. Applicant satisfactory in other ways. Mr. Greenslade vouched for them. Passed for ballot. Mr. W. Stanley: Applicant for Section 81, Subdivision 37. Stated £500 in cash and stock. Cash £200, but did not produce evidence to show that he had that amount. Lifetime experience in all classes of farming. Is married, and wife understands farming. Has eight of a family. Is free from debt. Has no partnership. Did not borrow any money simply to make application. Passed for ballot.

Special Memorandum from the Commissioner. The foregoing is a gist of what took place at the ballot. There was a great deal of conversational discussion, particularly with regard to some of the applicants who possessed but small means. In these cases the applicants were often known to the Board, and members were able to vouch for their ability to farm the sections to advantage. Of course, the appearance of the men went a long way, and it was thought that it was the only chance that men of their class had of securing homes without having to find a large amount of capital. Those who had limited means were made to understand clearly that they were getting a fair show, but if they were unable to carry on the land would have to be given to those who could. For various reasons it was found necessary that the land should be in occupation to keep down weeds, &c, and, as a large number of the settlers have ample means, the admission of a few poorer men would provide labour and help the settlement. J. Mackenzie, 31st October, 1904. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDENCE.

File. Date. From To Subject. i420/57A 26/7/04 Commissioner of Crown Lands Under-Secretary Applicant for Section 138, whose application was passed by theJBoard conditionally upon production of correct form and satisfactory answers to questions wants to withdraw, being unable to subscribe to declaration. Asks if land must be gazetted, or does it remain open still.