The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 47
Unsurveyed Land
Unsurveyed Land.
Unsurveyed land is disposed of under a system called "Pre-emption," specially meant to meet the case of the settler with small means. Under this system a man over eighteen years may get a right to land many years before he has to pay the money for it. The quantity he can get is 320 acres in one part of the province, and 160 acres in other parts.
The settler chooses his land; gives rough plan to Government: pays record fee, 2 dollars (8s. English); puts in corner posts, and, personally or by licensed substitute, occupies the place for four years; leave of absence two months, or special leave of four months in a year; if he dies without a will, heirs step into his shoes, widow holds during minority of children, or while she is unmarried; a settler can sell to another his "pre-emption claim" to the land, if land has been improved to the extent of 2 dollars 50 cents (10s. English) per acre.
No payment for the land has to be made by a settler, or his heirs, until the Government survey reach it. This may not be for years. The price is not to be more than 1 dollar (4s. English) per acre. The Government will not ask for this money immediately on the survey of the land having been made. The payment may be spread over four years further ahead. The settler does not pay interest.
Tracts of land near the land actually occupied can be leased for grazing purposes, on terms designed to be liberal to the pre-emptor. Such leased land is liable to be "pre-empted" by others; but, in that case, the lessee's rent is reduced proportionately.
Land covered with wild hay can also be leased in the above way, but not more than 500 acres of it to any one person, and not for longer than five years.
Mining and timber leases will be named under their proper heads further on.
The Government is authorised to make free or partially free grants of land, and to sell lands, in large quantities, for purposes of colonisation. Certain needful arrangements connected with the passage of the Canadian Pacific Railway through the province have delayed until July, 1873, the much desired extension of a system of free grants to settlers; but the Provincial Parliament has already authorised this extension, and will otherwise oiler even greater inducements to real settlers than now exist.
Military and naval officers in her Majesty's service are entitled to free grants on certain conditions. The Agent-General will give information.