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1917. NE W ZEAL A N D.

AGGREGATION OF PRIVATE LAND. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1917.

Presented to both /louses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 65 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, WIS.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist May, 1917. I have the honour to submit the following report for the year ended 31st March, 1917. The powers given by Part VII of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913 (regarding land acquired by way of aggregation), have been exercised in all cases that have come under notice. Instructions were issued to officers of the Lands and Survey Department to report any cases of aggregation of which they may become aware; and a number of reports have been received, all of which have been thoroughly investigated. In all cases in which there appeared to be any probability that the land acquired would be sufficient for a separate holding, the Board of Land Purchase Commissioners was directed to report whether the aggregation was contrary to the public interests, and whether the land was suitable for acquisition by the Crown. None of the reports received from the Board have been favourable to the acquisition of the land by the Crown. In the cases of blocks that may have been suitable for settlement, the reason generally was that the price paid by the purchaser was in excess of that at which the Board considered the land could be dealt with and leased to settlers with prospects of successful settlement and reasonable margin of profit. Consequently no properties have been acquired by the Government during the year. The Board has still some properties tinder consideration. Particulars of cases of aggregation, with the action taken, and the result of the investigation, are as follows :— Auckland Land District. Te Awamutu. —While preliminary investigation was being made the properties affected were subdivided by the owners. Hawke's Bay Land District. Tuahit and Hanr/aroa Survey Districts. —Four transactions, each of which involved aggregation, the same person being the purchaser in each case, were referred to the Board of Land Purchase Commissioners, and are at present under consideration. Wellington Land District. Survey Districts of Hautapu, Ongo, Apiti, and Oroua. —Six owners were concerned, but of these three were found not to have acquired land by way of aggregation. Fourteen transactions by the remaining three persons were investigated, and seven of these were referred to the Board of Land Purchase Commissioners. The Board reported that only one block was suitable for subdivision, but that they could not recommend the acquisition of it at the price paid for it by the owner. Otago Land District. Lake County. —Two cases were reported. Upon investigation it was found that the transactions did not come within the definition of aggregation. I have, &c, T. N. Brodriok, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Bight Hon. W. F. Massey, P.C., Minister of Lands.

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