Acquirement of Freehold for Cash.

The manner of acquiring the freehold of Crown lands is either at auction or by application :—

1. At Auction.—The land is previously surveyed and marked off on the ground into sections. Maps showing the sections are on view at the Land Office, and particulars are advertised at least a month before auction. The land is sold to the highest bidder above the upset price, the terms being an immediate payment of one-fourth the purchase-money, and the remainder within one month.

2. By Application or Free Selection.—A form, filled in, and signed the applicant or his agent, is left at the Land Office for consideration of the Land Board. One-fourth of the purchase-money is paid on application, and the balance within one month after the applicant has been declared the purchaser. In Canterbury there is no deposit on application, but immediately on the Land Board approving of the application the whole of the purchase-money must be paid.