I.—sa.

[W. C. KENSINGTON.

scattered all over the provincial district. They are small areas. The largest areas will be in Clifton and Stratford Counties, and in what is known as the new County of Waitomo. 100. Do you consider those lands in the Waitomo County to be as valueless as you say?— t said I was taking the value of the land all over the provincial district. In the Waitomo County and the Ohura Valley there are very nice lands indeed, but I do not think those are worth more than 12s. to 14s. an acre at the outside. 101. There is a doubt in the minds of most members of this Committee —as well as the people in Taranaki —as to the probable effect of subsection (4) of clause 3. Do you think that to set aside that doubt a proviso should be put in granting the exemptions that are claimed by the people?— I think I may suggest to the Committee that Mr. Martin, the solicitor, is here to advise it. His opinion perhaps might be taken, and it would be of more value than mine on such a point as this. 102. What do you think would be the total revenue that would accrue to the Harbour Board from these 113,000 acres?—l reckon the total annual revenue to the Board would be £1,000 a year at the outside. 103. Then supposing the provisions of the Bill brought into effect, what would be the revenue for the National Endowment Fund?—The National Endowment Fund would get £4,206, less £1,051. TKat is the position. Hon. Mr. McNab.] I may say that we do not think the Bill will have the effect which is feared; but if there is any doubt at all in the minds of members of the Committee amendments will be put in to remove that doubt.

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