§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the tenants on the Palmer estate, near Ken-mare, are desirous of purchasing their holdings, and that the estate has been offered to the Congested Districts Board, who would arrange for a valuation of it as soon as possible, he can now state the probable date of the valuation of the estate referred to; is he aware that there are six tenants on the Palmer estate, five of whom are bonâ fide farmers whose valuation ranges from 30s. to £6 10s., and that the owner of the sixth holding does not live on the farm, which is let to a grazier, who is willing to sell the farm to the Congested Districts Board for distribution amongst the other tenants, and that the landlord is also anxious to have the same divided; and will he institute inquiries in the matter and have the holding divided amongst the remaining five tenants, as this is the only farm on the estate where there is any turbary?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe estate mentioned has been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board, and the maps and rentals relating to it have been sent to the inspector with instructions to make a valuation and report for submission to the next Board meeting. There are eight tenants on the estate. In five cases the valuations do not exceed £7. In three cases the valuations are above £7. The Board cannot consider the question of the distribution of the lands until they are purchased.