DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS FOR 1930 13 



Old Sales 



A decided effort in stirring up old claimants and occupants of land sold 

 years ago, in many instances the cases antedating Confederation period, has had 

 good effect. Of the numerous sales of old farm lots made prior to the year 

 ending 31st October, 1909, nearly 2,000 were found to be in arrears, and after 

 careful inquiry 536 were cancelled, the former claimants or occupants having 

 abandoned them or ceased to take any interest therein in the way of paying 

 arrears to the Crown or in certain cases taxes to the municipalities or school 

 sections. Arrears upon 436 of these sales were duly paid, evidence of perform- 

 ance of duties lodged and patents for the land were issued. 



There are remaining over 900 sales still in abeyance, and by persistent 

 demands upon the holders of the land on the part of the Department it is expected 

 that in due time like action to that taken as above cited will be followed, and the 

 accounts outstanding under this head considerably reduced. 



Clergy Sales 



The sum of $2,643.57 under this heading was collected as against $3,200.00 

 for the previous year. 



Common School Lands 



From this source the sum of $8,728.08 was received or twice that of the 

 year 1929. 



Grammar School Lands 



Arrears on old sales of this kind accounted for $2,028.83. 



University Sales 

 Collections under this heading amounted to only $174.90. 



Crown Lands 



For settlement, tourist, townsite and other various purposes the total area 

 sold and leased amounted to $145,110.00 for which part payment to the extent 

 of $99,579.00 was received. In addition the sum of $474,672.98 was collected 

 on former sales and leases, the aggregate exceeding the receipts of the year 

 1929 by over $76,000.00. 



Provincial Land Tax 



The revenue derived from this tax was $139,832.01, over $12,000.00 in 

 excess of the year previous. The property assessable is all situated in unor- 

 ganized territory and does not include that held by bona fide settlers who are 

 undertaking the task of pioneering in farm work. Certain objections to the Act 

 have been cared for by amended legislation and enforcement is being followed, 

 by the application of reasonable leniency in determining those subject to 

 exemption. Nearly 60 per cent, of the tax collected came from old patented 

 veteran claims, largely held now by individuals or companies for the exploitation 

 of the timber, while approximately 18 per cent, came from summer resorts, 

 an equal percentage from railway lands and the balance from miscellaneous 

 parcels. 



