Some of these short lines which it is proposed to build will open up an immense area of good land. Crown Lands at Auction. Crown lands may be acquired in fee-simple by auction purchase in limited areas as town and suburban lots. Price. The minimum purchasing price for land bought at auction is 10s. per acre. Terms of Purchase. Terms up to ten years may be allowed, with interest at 5 per cent. per annum. What Assistance does the Government Give the Intending Settler? The Government issues a railway ticket at half the ordinary fare to the intending settler desirous of inspecting Crown land with a view of selecting an area not exceeding 5,120 acres. If the intending settler subsequently takes up a selection, subject to personal residence conditions, not exceeding 5,120 acres in area, the half-fare paid by him is refunded, and his family, self, ordinary household furniture and effects, agricultural implements, seed, one dray, and one set of harness are carried free to the railway station nearest to his selection. What Other Assistance? Special reduced rates are granted for the carriage of building material, fencing wire, and two truckloads of live stock. Wire netting is also supplied on twenty years’ terms at 5 per cent. per annum. Assistance to Obtain Water. If desired, the State will also sink wells on waterless country, spreading the cost over the total purchase price of the land over the term of lease. What is the Agricultural Bank? A Government Bank institution established, primarily, for the purpose of assisting new settlers and also agriculturists and graziers, to whom it makes advances on the security of freeholds, licenses, and leases from the Crown, for the purpose of making improvements on the land or for paying off liabilities, at 5 per cent. per annum, repayable in twenty-five years or at any time at the option of the borrower. What Security is Required? The applicant for an advance must give a first mortgage on his holding. The bank advances 12s. in the £1 on the total value of the land and improvements. When is it Repayable? For the first five years only simple interest is charged at 5 per cent. per annum. After five years the borrower must begin to redeem his advance at the rate of £4 0s. 3d. half-yearly for each £100 borrowed, inclusive of interest, until the whole has been paid. Can the Settler Borrow Money to Buy Stock?