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five years, or earlier, at the option of the Association. The Provincial Government undertake to expend a sum equivalent to ten shillings per acre in the construction of drains and roads.

2. Two blocks of land at Palmerston, Manawatu District, have also been set apart as Special Settlements for Scandinavian Immigrants and Road Labourers, who had previously been placed on the land by the General Government. These blocks have been surveyed into sections of from twenty to fifty acres, and are occupied under a system of Deferred Payments.

LAND ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS.

On 19th November, 1872, 18,098 acres of surveyed Crown Land, situated in the Townships of Sandon, Carnarvon and Palmerston, Manawatu District, were thrown open for selection on Deferred payments, under Part I. of “The Wellington Special Settlements Act 1871.” Up to 31st. March, 1873, 4,495¾ acres have been applied for, the applications having been, with but few exceptions, for the open lands. Out of those applications, a total of 2,701 acres was selected at the upset price of two pounds per acre.

The continued and protracted delays which have occurred in the construction of the Tramway from Palmerston to Foxton, and the absence of a road through the bush from Palmerston to Rangitikei, are the chief, amongst other causes, to which may be attributed the non-selling of the bush lands set apart under this system. As soon however as the Road and Tramway have been completed, it is very probable that the Bush Land will also be applied for.

CROWN GRANTS AND ARREARS OF SURVEY.

During the period extending from 1st April, 1872, to 31st March, 1873, there have been prepared in this Office and forwarded to the Secretary of Crown Lands for the Signature of His Excellency the Governor, viz:—

462 Crown Grants including an acreage of ... 108,776 1 19

While the Sales for the same period have amounted to ... 61,810 1 87

Thus reducing the arrears of survey by ... 47,465 3 22

It was anticipated that the work of the year would have resulted in a greater reduction of these “arrears,” but the adjustment of the old surveys has presented greater difficulties than were expected, and thus necessitated a larger amount of Field work. As yet little more than field work has been accomplished in connection with the matter, but it may fairly be assumed that during the current year correct Plot Maps of many parts of the Province will be completed, and as a consequence, a large number of Crown Grants prepared and issued.

MANAWATU DISTRICT.

In the Manawatu District, including the Rangitikei-Manawatu Block, the road lines have all been explored and determined prior to the sections being surveyed, while during the last two years all lands sold in these districts have been surveyed and pegged on the ground before being offered for sale. Prior to all such sales Lithographed Maps, shewing the numbers, contents, and position of the sections, have been prepared, thus affording the fullest information to intending purchasers and the general public.

WAIRARAPA AND EAST COAST.

In the Wairarapa and East Coast Districts there is a large extent of Unsurveyed Crown Lands, estimated at 500,000 acres, which only requires to be made accessible by roads to ensure its sale. The land is well timbered and the soil of excellent quality. The road now in course of formation from Opaki to the Manawatu Gorge, will, when completed, do much to open up the District through which it passes, but in addition to this main line, it is of great importance that the Country between

Masterton and Alfredtown:
Alfredtown and the Manawatu Gorge:
Alfredtown and Castle Point:

should have lines of road opened up, even should the work done in the meantime consist only of falling the bush on the road lines one chain in width, and constructing log bridges over the worst creeks.