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occupation. Applications are made from time to time to the Land Board for fragments of these isolated lands, but the cost of purchasing and forming roads thereto runs into a sum of money out of all proportion to the value of the land, and only in a few instances are the applications for permanent tenures granted. It would, in my opinion, be wise to extend to these lands the provisions of the regulations for the occupation of pastoral lands within mining districts, so as to permit of the area being taken up free from restrictions as to residence conditions. Lands opened for Sale or Selection. An area of 48,000 acres was opened for sale or selection during the year ending the 31st March, 1907. Of this area 47,000 acres was subject to the provisions of " The Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Act, 1903." Of the 48,000 acres referred tc, 29,441 acres was offered for selection on lease in perpetuity, 18,359 acres was offered on the optional system, 190 acres was offered by public auction for cash, and 48 acres was offered on the village-homestead system. The localities of the optional lands are practically confined to that part of the land district outside of the boundaries of mining districts, and extend over the Gordon, Wai-iti, Motupiko, and Motueka Survey Districts, while the localities of the lands opened foi selection on lease in perpetuity extend over the Central Buller and Maruia districts. Land Transactions during the Yeae. The figures relating to the land transactions for the year ending the 31st March, 1907, are given in the following return : —

Summary of Land Transactions for Year ending the 31st March, 1907.

Obseevations on the Tenuees, Lands sold for Cash. —A total area of 8,033 acres 1 rood 7 perches was sold to thirty-six purchasers, the amount realised being £3,638 Is. 6d. Of the area [quoted, 530 acres 2 perches was purchased by adjoining owners under section 114 of " The Land Act, 1892." Lands sold for cash are situated for the most part outside of the boundaries of mining districts. Of the areas sold, 6,011 acres 1 rood 27 perches was opened on the optional system, 530 acres and 2 perches without option, and 950 acres 3 roods 13 perches comprised an occupation with right of purchase made freehold.

Transactions during the Year. Area under Lease at 31st March, 1907. Revenue received during . Tenure. Number. Area. Number. Area. ear. Ordinary Crown Lands. Cash Deferred payment... Deferred pavment made freehold Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Occupation with right of purchase made freehold Lease in perpetuity Mining districts land occupation lease Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Pastoral licenses within mining districts Miscellaneous leases and licenses, including coal and timber royalties Other sources 30 "32 "fi 6 47 5 A. R. P. 6,552 1 32 4,832" 2 36 1,664 2 0 950 3 13 12,496 3 3 128 0 8 "91 12 191 325 32 A. R. P. 6,970 2 8 2,017 3 14 37,851 1 30 90,450 2 16 1,526 3 35 £ s. d. 3,302 13 6 536 14 3 32 10 2 601 13 3 335 8 0 1,026 1 6 36 17 5 1 "io 4,167 0 0 1,175 0 0 7 2 22 12,723 0 0 165,829 0 0 3,615 0 0 73 17 6 330 0 0 90 14 7 125 21,584 0 30 626 168,906 1 29 3,218 5 9 253 12 9 Totals ... 261 53,551 2 2 1,308 489,890 3 12 9,838 8 8 Endowment Lands. Lease in perpetuity Village - homestead special settlements Mining districts land occupation lease Miscellaneous leases Boyalty on coal and timber... 11 1 4,799 20 2 38 0 0 11 20 80 4,799 100 1,517 2 38 3 7 2 11 11 4 19 14 94 19 0 3 3 14 2 1 33 326 5,483 0 19 907 16 15,065 16 8 5 Grand totals 287 58,373 2 33 1,745 501,792 0 7 25,937 18 10