In New Zealand the manner of acquiring Crown lands is either by auction or application. If by auction, the land must have been previously surveyed and marked off on the ground into definite areas, designated sections. The upset price is either so much per acre or so much per section. Rural lands not disposed of at auction are opened for application after thirty days' notice. If by application, or free selection, as it is frequently termed, the land need not have been previously surveyed; but after survey there is an adjustment, either by supplementary payment or refund, according as the surveyed area is found to be in excess or defect of the are a stated in the application. This system of application is only in force in the district of Canterbury, in the Middle Island.