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1915. NKW ZE A L AND.

THE LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS ACT, 1908 (REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly in compliance mth Section 85 of the Land for Settlements Act, 1908.

The Land Purchase Inspbotob and Chairman of the Board of Land Purchase Commissioners to the Minister of Lands. Sir,— 20th July, 191.5. 1 have the honour to submit the report of the Department for the year ending the 31st March, 1915. Land for Settlements. The number of properties considered was 137, of an area of 365,198 acres, of which 50,211 acres were purchased at a cost of £356,687. With the exception of 1,693 acres not yet taken delivery of, the whole has been satisfactorily settled. The demand for several of the blocks was extremely keen, and anything offered suitable for mixed farming, but more especially for grazing, is eagerly competed for. Further purchases have lately been made totalling 13,963 acres, valued at £108,316, and negotiations are pending for other areas. Notwithstanding the unsettled condition of affairs, a good many properties are changing hands at prices quite up to those ruling prior to the outbreak of war. While the present prices for our products are maintained there would appear sufficient warrant for the high values obtaining. During the year the necessary notice has been served under section 64 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, .1913, upon three owners in respect to their properties, and subdivision is proceeding. The total area purchased to the end of Maroh, 1915, is 1,540,578 acres, at a cost of £7,293,300. Land Settlement Finance Act. There have been six associations formed during the year, with thirty-seven members and an area of 3,279 acres, valued at £62,553. Several other proposals were under consideration, but for various reasons were not approved of. The associations already formed, with very few exceptions, appear to be prospering. The mode of procedure for the formation of an association' is very cumbersome, and in several instances has been the means of preventing suitable men taking advantage of the provisions of the Act. The present Act should be repealed and replaced by a simpler one with wider powers. John D. Ritchie, Chairman.

I—C. 5.