15.
84
173
32. The Commissioners received complaints of delays by the
Crown Lands Office in dealing with applications for land.
This
they found to be the fault not of the individual officers but
rather of the unwieldy system, whereby an application has to
be referred to numerous other sub departments, such as Drainage,
Waterworks, etc., before a decision is arrived at. It would be
far simpler if areas for development were mapped out in zones
in advance. This would enable an application for a site in the
area to be speedily granted without the present multiplicity
of reference; whilst at the same time publication in the
Government Gazette from time to time of the zone areas would
prevent applications for sites in areas not available. The
'zoning' should be in the hands of a standing Zoning Committee
under the Chairmanship of the Director of Public Works, and
with expert unofficial representatives serving on it.
33. The combined Crown Lands and Surveys Office should take
over more responsibility than it does at present. It shoul
for instance deal with all quarries, quarry leases, sand
permits, temporary leases and annual permits in connection with
encroachments on Crown land, without reference to a higher
authority, except where a matter of policy is involved.
Lease plans should also be signed by the Superintendent.
Regarding sand permits the Commissioners would draw attention
to the fact that the sand resources of the Colony are being
rapidly depleted. The whole matter requires careful but
immediate attention; meanwhile the permit fees should be
considerably raised.
34. The Superintendent of Accounts and Stores should remain
with duties substantially as at present, but the organization
of his sub department should be examined by financial and
stores experts, who, in consultation with the Director of