The Division of Runs.

It is computed that, at the 31st December, 1884, there were within the colony 4,313 leased runs, yielding an annual rental in round figures of £268,500, forming about 1,600 "stations," and estimated to contain the bulk of the unalienated public estate, after allowing for reserves, about 100 lapsed leases, leases current for minor areas, and the water-covered acreage.

The land policy of former years had allowed the intending selector to establish a statutory claim to a limited area by entry and residence (certain forms of application, &c., being complied with) upon any unimproved part of the run occupied by the Crown lessee, which was under lease to him, and not specially reserved from sale.

The existing law requires the various run-holders (who have, as a body, conformed with the Act) to furnish plans of their holdings within 120 days from its commencement, showing a fairly even division of each, the Minister finally deciding, after amendment, if necessary, which half shall be resumed to the Crown, and for which remaining half a new lease should be granted to the present occupant on a firmer basis, as explained under "Occupation," post. In order to facilitate the division, where freeholds exist in situations rendering division a matter of difficulty, provision has been made for exchange or surrender to the Crown with compensation. Upon the determination of the division, the resumed portion may be occupied by the original lessee under occupation license (see post), until withdrawn by the granting of any lease or the sale of any land, the various methods of which latter may be dealt with under—