Prickly Pear Frontage Selections.
Prickly Pear Frontage Selections are confined to proclaimed prickly pear frontage areas, comprising lands free from or only lightly infested with prickly pear, but which adjoin and do not extend for more than seven miles from lands heavily infested. The greatest area allowed is 5,000 acres.
The term is fifteen years, with a peppercorn rental for the first five years and an annual rent of one-tenth of the purchasing price during the remaining ten years. During the first five years of the term the land must be absolutely cleared of prickly pear, one-fifth of the pear being eradicated during each year, and must be kept clear during the balance of the term. The freehold may be obtained prior to the expiry of the term on proof being made that the land has been maintained free from prickly pear for three years consequent on the eradication having been completed in advance of the prescribed period.
Prickly Pear (Bonus) Selections.
In the case of Prickly Pear (Bonus) Selections, the freehold of the land, and a bonus in addition, are granted in return for the complete eradication of the pear. The maximum amount per acre payable as bonus is stated in the opening proclamation, but each applicant must lodge a tender specifying a bonus per acre not in excess of that mentioned in the proclamation. In the case of simultaneous applications for the same land, priority attaches to the lowest tender. The size of the portions opened must not exceed 2,560 acres. The term of lease is ten years, at a peppercorn rental throughout. The land must be absolutely cleared of prickly pear during the first seven years—one-seventh each year—and the clearing must be maintained until the expiry of the lease. One-seventh of the bonus payable may be claimed at the end of each of the first seven years of the term, on proof to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the condition of eradication has been complied with. If the eradication is completed at an earlier date than is required by the conditions of the lease, the balance of the bonus will then become payable. The freehold may be obtained prior to the expiry of the term on proof being made that the land has been maintained free from prickly pear for three years consequent on the eradication having been completed in advance of the prescribed period.
OTHER MODES OF ACQUISITION.
Crown lands may be acquired in fee-simple by auction purchase in areas up to 5,120 acres. There is no limitation to the area of freehold land which may be held by any one person. The minimum purchasing price for agricultural land bought at auction is £1 an acre, and for other land 10s. an acre. Terms up to ten years may be allowed, with interest at 5 per cent. per annum on instalments paid after six months from the time of sale, or the purchaser may elect to hold the land as a lease in perpetuity at a rental, for the first ten years, equal to 3 per cent. of the purchasing price, and for such rent for each succeeding period of ten years as the Land Court may determine.
Opportunity is also afforded for the occupation of Crown lands for pastoral purposes from year to year under an occupation license, or for a fixed term not exceeding forty-two years under pastoral lease. There is no limitation to the area which may be held by one person under either of these tenures.