DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: DISCHARGED SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT. SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE DISCHARGED SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT ACT, 1915.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1918 Session I-II, C-09a

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Session 11. 1918. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: DISCHARGED SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT. SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE DISCHARGED SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT ACT, 1915.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave,

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 27th November, 1918. I enclose herewith supplementary statements which have been received from the Commissioners of Crown Lands in regard to the settlement of land by discharged soldiers. The report for the year ended 31st March, 1918, has already been laid before both Houses of the General Assembly in accordance with the provisions of section 14 of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915 (parliamentary paper C.-9). 1 have, &0., T. N. Brodriok, Under-Secretary for Lands.. The Hon. D. H, Guthrie, Minister of Lands, Wellington.

EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OK COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS. AUCKLAND. Settlement Land. Reynolds Settlement. —Situated near Cambridge. This settlement was opened for selection on the 12th June, 1916, and twelve selections, comprising an area of 693 acres 2 roods 13 perches, were made by discharged soldiers at an annual rental of £660 12s. A certain portion of this settlement was found to be unsuitable for returned soldiers, and in five cases surrenders were accepted. The soldier settlers on this settlement are dairying, the land being admirably suited for this class of farming. The tenants have every opportunity of success. Pakarau Settlement. —Opened for selection on the 18th December, 1916. Situated near Morrinsville. Area, 2,719 acres 1 rood 28 perches. Held by twenty-three tenants at an annual rental of £1,544 15s. The whole of this settlement is selected, and the settlers have made very good headway during their term of occupation. The settlers are dairying, and should succeed in their ventures. As time goes on, and the land is top-dressed and portions l broken up and resown, the carrying-capacity of each section will increase and better results be obtained. Taniwha Settlement. —This settlement is situated near Te Kauwhata. It comprises 474 acres and 20 perches, and is held by nine tenants at a rental of £586 per annum. It was placed on the market on the 18th December, 1916. The land on this settlement is of excellent quality, and well suited for dairying, for which it is being used. Tenants on this settlement were in a position to get a return almost immediately, and should all make a success of their holdings. Tapapa Settlement was opened for selection on the 25th June, 1917. It is held by ten tenants, who hold an area of 1,145 acres 1 rood 11 perches at an annual rental of £729. This settlement is situated near Matamata, and eventually the whole of the settlers will be dairying. The majority of the tenants are now so occupied, but one or two deemed it advisable to break up a considerable portion of their land and sow down in grass. These latter settlers have made excellent progress, and in the meantime have done well with young stock. This is a good settlement, and the tenants have every opportunity of success.

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Streamlands Settlement is situated near Warkworth, North Auckland, and ten settlers hold 1,287 acres 2 roods 25 perches at £469 12s. per annum, Eventually the majority of the holdings will be occupied as dairy farms, but in the meantime some of the sections have to be broken in. Good progress has been made, and when once the drains which arc being put through by the Crown are complete the settlers should be able to make their holdings into first-class dairy farms. Some of the sections are more or less in their virgin state, and considerable improvements have to be done before the land can be brought to profit. In most cases the settlers have done good work, Te Miro Settlement is situated near Cambridge, and a portion of it was opened for selection on the 25th February, 1918. Thirty-three tenants hold an area of 6,399 acres 2 roods 7 perches at an annual rental of £2,288 16s. A fair proportion of this settlement is suitable for dairying, but portion of it is better adapted for grazing. Much good work has been done, but up to the present the settlers have had no chance of any return.' A good number of them will be milking during the present season. Others are grazing while improving their holdings preparatory to dairying next season. Pakaraka Settlement was opened for selection on the Bth July, 1918, and seven settlers selected 485 acres 1 rood 2 perches at an annual rental of £468. This settlement is situated near Kawakawa, and is first-class dairying-land. The whole of the settlers entered into occupation immediately after selection, and some of the settlers were supplying milk to the factory six weeks after that date. Settlers on this settlement should be successful. Scattered Land for Settlement Sections. —Selections of scattered sections by discharged soldiers have been made at Bickerstaffe, Ecclestone No. 2, Ohauiti, Waitakaruru, and Clifford Settlements, and the total discharged soldiers to select settlement land under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act is 107, the area held being 13,635 acres 1 rood 32 perches, and annual rental £6,712 17s. Crown Lands. The chief blocks of Crown lands opened for selection under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act comprise Awakino Valley Block, Kaihu Valley Block, and Puhipuhi Block. Awakino Valley Block. —Five sections in this block, varying from 66 to 118 acres, or a total of 341 acres, were selected by five settlers. The land is situated near Mahoenui, about thirty miles from Te Kuiti Railway-station. The land is of first-class quality, suitable for dairying, and notwithstanding the distance from a dairy factory the settlers should be successful. Kaihu Valley Block. —Nine settlers selected an area of 1,736 acres in this block, situated four to seven miles from Taita Railway-station, on the Dargaville-Kaihu Railway. Land was fairly heavy bush country, and the settlers have made excellent progress. In the near future they should have very good dairy farms. In the meantime the majority of the settlers are running young stock. The areas of the sections vary from 114 to 324 acres. Puhipuhi Block. —The area selected by fourteen settlers on this block is 4,782 acres. The sections are situated near Whakapara Railway-station, on the Whangarei-Kawakawa Railway. The majority of this land will be occupied for grazing purposes, for which it is well suited, anil with little assistance the settlers should be able to profitably work their holdings. * Scattered Areas. —A. fair number of scattered areas of Crown lands throughout the district have been selected, and at the present time applications from twenty selectors, covering an area of 2,816 acres at an annual rental of £1,034 145., are being dealt with, and steps are being taken to assist the lessees financially. The total selections to date of both Crown and settlement lands are as follows : 196 selectors, holding an area of 32,949 acres, at an annual rental of £9,203. In a number of cases of settlement land postponements of rent have been granted, and in the case of virgin bush or swamp land remission of rent for periods up to two years have been given. HAWKE'S BAY. Purahotangihin comprises 15,120 acres, subdivided into twenty-four farms varying from 434 to 1,262 acres. Well watered and grassed, mostly native. Generally good soil, on clay or pumice, with outcrop of limestone. Selected between October, 1916, and July, 1917. Four holdings were surrendered, but have since been reselected. The settlers are making good progress, have effected improvements amounting to £7,000, and are carrying 21,000 sheep, 532 cattle, and 64 horses. Including families of the lessees the number of people on the settlement is thirty-two. Awa-o-totara comprises 16,074 acres, subdivided into fourteen farms varying from 646 to 1,469 acres. The land generally consists of easy hills to undulating country, and has been allowed to go back. However, most of .the sections are capable of carrying more or less stock in their present condition. Selected from November, 1917; and at the present time three sections are still open for selection and one surrendered. Seven selectors have made good progress with the erection of homesteads and fences. Improvements effected, £1,750. Carrying 4,400 sheep and 300 cattle. There are fourteen persons residing on the block. Mangaorapa "Block, near Porangahau, comprises 4,561 acres, divided into six holdings ranging from 694 lo 1,066 acres; all selected on the 7th June, 1917. For the most part open country in native grass with some scrub; soil fair, though generally light. All the settlers are making good progress; have erected homesteads and also a great deal of fencing. Only one, who is engaged on military duties, is not residing. The block is carrying about 3,07(1 sheep, 373 cattle, and 21 horses. There are sixteen persons residing on the block. Porangahau Block, near Porangahau, comprises 8,912 acres cut tip into thirteen holdings of from 277 to 912 acres. Selected in June, 1917, and May, 1918. Hilly and undulating open country in native and English grasses with sonic scrub; first-class grazing-country. All settlers are making good progress. Homesteads have been erected, and a considerable amount of fencing completed. Carrying 10,674 sheep, 923 cattle, and 34 horses. The three sections selected in May last have not yet been stocked. There are thirty-five persons resident on the block.

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Otawhao Block, situated close to Takapau, comprises twenty-four holdings of a total area of 2,730 acres. Opened for selection in May, 1916.. Four sections, of which two were not occupied at all by the original selectors, have been forfeited and roseleoted. Originally heavy-bush land, now carrying native and exotic grasses; level and undulating, and nearly all ploughable when stumped. In centre of .flourishing dairying district. The settlers are engaged principally in dairying, and are now getting well established. All have erected dwellings and are residing, except one who has subleased his holding for a term. Fencing is completed, and a considerable amount of stumping and ploughing has been done. Carrying 713 head of dairy cattle., 1,090 sheep, as well as pigs and horses. There are fifty-two persons residing on the block. Block XIV, Norsewood Survey District, situated two miles and a half from Dannevirke. This settlement, of a total area of 183 acres, comprises four sections from 7to 74 acres. Opened for selection in May, 1916. Well adapted for dairying. Partly flat and partly broken country; good soil, well watered; considerable area in grass. Selectors have erected residences and fencing. Carrying 73 dairy cattle. There are five persons residing on the block. Watea Settlement, about four miles from Takapau, comprises 1,575 acres, subdivided into nine sections ranging from 153 to 177 acres in area. Opened for selection in May. 1917. Open country in native and exotic grasses. Settlers are engaged in mixed farming. Dwellings have been erected, and all except one are residing. A considerable amount of fencing has been erected, and a fair area is under crop. Stock comprises 2,555 sheep, 136. head of cattle (chiefly dairy stock), and 34 horses. There are nineteen persons residing on the settlement. Mapakeke Settlement, situated three to six miles from Takapau, comprises 3,733 acres, divided into seventeen sections; areas, from 177 to 265 acres. Level to undulating land in native grass; well adapted for mixed farming. Most of the settlers have gone in for sheep only, but some are also milking a few cows, and others intend to do likewise. All settlers have erected dwellings and are residing except two, who are respectively • engaged on military duties and managing an absent soldier's farm. Boundary fencing has been completed, and also some subdivisional fencing. Several settlers have done some ploughing and sown various crops. Stock approximately comprises 6,000 sheep and 200 cattle. About twenty-five persons are residing on the settlement. Ngatapa Settlement, situated eighteen miles from Gisborne, comprises 118 acres, divided into three holdings. Opened in July, 1916. Two sections of 90 and 14 acres selected, and one section of 14 acres not taken up. Consists of alluvial flats and low hills in English and native grasses. Both settlers have erected dwellings and are in residence on their holdings; fencing has also been erected. Carrying 211 sheep and 4 cows. There are four persons residing on the block. Miscellaneous. —Eight scattered sections in different parts of the district have also been offered at different times, of which five, containing an area of 3,887 acres, have been selected. Four settlers have erected dwellings and are residing. Three are engaged in sheep and cattle grazing, and one in dairying; the fifth holding is a bush one, and was only selected a few months ago. TARANAKI. Tututawa Settlement. —Three sections, comprising 726 acres, were opened for selection on the 23rd May, 1917, and taken up. The selectors are milking on portions of their holdings, and grazing dry stock on the balance. Two of them are shaping very well; the third is doing fairly well, and some stock has lately been sold from his holding at a good profit. This settlement is close to a dairy factory. There is a house erected on each of the three holdings ; aggregate value of £950. About 624 chains of post-and-wire fencing erected (half boundary and all internal road fences) of a value of 'about £700. Number of stock running, 63 head of dairy cows and heifers. Parkes Settlement, of seven sections, containing 397 acres, was disposed of by ballot on the sth September, 1917, and all land taken up. The settlers have all started supplying dairy factories with milk, and most of them have installed milking-machines. Two had started dairying almost from the beginning, and have done fairly well. They all should do well if they exercise care and show industry. Some of them will need a little time to bring up arrears of rent. All seven holdings contain dwellings and outbuildings of an aggregate value of about £2,000. Stock running at date, 193 dairy cows and yearlings, against which the Crown has advanced £2,127. Holdings all fenced; live fences on external boundaries. Internal fencing, about 166 chains of post-and-wire fences and live hedges. Croydon Settlement, of seven sections, aggregating 631 acres, was disposed of by ballot on the 23rd May, 1918. The settlers are or will shortly be supplying milk to dairy factories. The unusually severe winter has been hard on them, and the cattle are not in good condition, but the spring has now properly started and the cattle should quickly recover. A few cows were lost. The settlers were somewhat inconvenienced by the temporary road cutting up badly under traffic, but the permanent road is now in use. It is too early to say whether or not they will be successful, but as far as can be judged they are shaping well and seem anxious to get on. They are receiving advice from the Agricultural Department. There is a house and necessary outbuildings erected or being erected on each holding; aggregate value, about £1,850 (at date). 139 head of stock—dairy cows and heifers —running; approximate value, £3,000. About 808 chains of sheep-proof post-and-wire fencing (external and internal) already erected, of a value of about £1,138; other fencing in course of erection. Miscellaneous Grown areas acquired by ballot or by transfer comprise twenty-seven holdings of 9,556 acres. They are mostly bush holdings in various localities, and, having been acquired recently, the holders are only getting under way. Bushfelling is in progress on about 665 acres, and buildings are in course of erection. Fencing erected at date, about 313 chains, worth about £439. Stock on holdings (those part open and grassed, or old holdings acquired by transfer), 452 head dairy cows and heifers and about 200 sheep.

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Seven soldiers have been advanced money on mortgage to enable them to acquire seven areas, comprising -297 acres, on which they work at trades in town centres and erect homes on their own land. One is a suburban area of 25 acres, on which the holder has 8 dairy cows, horses, and necessary farming implements. He combines a fruit-farm with milk-supply for New Plymouth. One holding is rural, 176 acres of first-class iai id, with equipment for dairying,'with 25 dairy cows and appurtenances. In addition, a section of 84 acres is being acquired under section 3, Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1917, and the applicant has already taken possession with the vendor's consent,' &c. It contains a house (insured for £5100), and has 20 dairy cows, also horse and farm implements secured from the War Relief Association of Taranaki. WELLINGTON. Parts of Tablelands, Longbush, and Makupu-ku Settlements, near Martinborough, comprise 3,548 acres, divided into seven farms varying iron 316 to 707 acres. Undulating to hilly land, in grass. All selected between February and June, 1916. The settlers, who are making good progress, have all their homesteads and fencing erected, and are now carrying 637 head of cattle (30 of which are dairy cows), 21 horses, and 8,580 sheep. Including families of the lessees the number of people on the settlement is fourteen. Pouw/iakarua Settlement,' at Mangaweka, comprises 770 acres, subdivided into six sections ranging from to 229 acres. Flat, undulating to hilly grass country, suitable for grazing and dairying. All selected in May, 19.16. Four out of the six settlers have erected homesteads, ail fencing has been completed, and the block is isarrying 343 head of cattle (including 179 dairy cows), 9 horses, 342 sheep, and 27 pigs. 22 a;res have been placed under crop. i\'umber of inhabitants of settlement, eight. Otamakapua Settlement, in Apiti district, tin miles from Mangaweka, comprises 2,934 acres, subdivided into ten sections varying from 150 to 378 acres. Flat, undulating to hilly, open and bush land suitable for dairying and grazing. Ail selected during June, 1916. Six of the eight settlers have erected homesteads. An area of 92,9 acres of bush has been felled, 1,700 acres have been sown in grass and 42 acres placed under crop, and all fencing completed. The settlement is carrying 34i head of cattle (including 96 dairy cows), 28 horses, 980 sheep, and 7 pigs. Total population, thirteen. Tiraumea Settlement, situated in Puketoi district, about twenty-eight miles from Eketahuna, and offered in March, 1917, comprises an area of 10,236 acres, subdivided into twenty-one farms ranging in area from 322 to 894 acres, all of which have been selected. The country is well grassed, and comprises undulating to easy hills with numerous fiats. Suitable for agricultural and pastoral purposes; parts suitable for dairying. Twelve of the settlers have erected homesteads, all ring-fencing has been completed, and most of the subdivisional fences. The settlement is carrying 400 head of cattle (including 19 dairy cows), 30 horses, and ,11,184 sheep. Total number of souls on settlement, thirty. The above figures do not include the stock on 2,47 5 acres, the grazing of which is let by the settlers until they can buy their own stock. Greystoke Settlement, situated about four milles from Marton, contains 1,047 acres in fourteen sections, varying from 54 to 103 acres, which were all allotted in October, 1916. xlll open grass land suitable for dairying. Eleven of the settlers have erected their homesteads. 27 acres have been resown with grass, and 155 acres placed under crop. The stock carried on the settlement comprises 553 head of cattle (including 296 dairy cows), 31 horses, 435 sheep, and 31 pigs. Total population, thirty-eight. Fairfield Settlement, situated about seven miles from Feilding : 1,020 acres in seven lots (all selected) varying from 103 acres to 206 acres. Nearly all grass land suitable for dairying and cropping. Four of the settlers have erected their homesteads; most of the fencing is completed; and the stock carried on settlement comprises 192 head of cattle (including 93 dairy cows) and 17 horses. An area of 162 acres has been placed under crop. Population, seven. Makowai Settlement, situated about fifteen miles from Feilding: 1,734 acres in twenty-eight areas (all allotted) varying from 44 to 114 acres. All grass land suitable for dairying. Most of the sections have been occupied since November, 1916; three sections, comprising an extension of 284 acres, recently purchased, were allotted o:n the Ist September, 1918. Twenty-three of the tenants have erected their homesteads, and most of the fencing has been completed. The stock carried comprises 888 head of cattle (including 648 dairy cows.), also 45 horses, 381 sheep, and 87 pigs. 98 acres have been resown in grass, and 70 acres placed under crop, inclusive of settlers' families the number on settlement is seventy-nine. . Piitorino Settlement, situated about four miles from Rata Railway-station and about seven North : all flat, rich alluvial silt in splendid grans---ideal grazing-country. Comprises 472 acres, to 83 acres, all of which have been occupied since July, 1917. Rich alluvial flats in terraces formerly under heavy bush; in splendid grass, and eminently fit for dairying. Ten of the settlers have erected their homesteads; all fencing has been completed; and the settlement is carrying 434 head of cattle (including 305 dairy cows), also 12 horses, 85 sheep, and 46 pigs. 3 acres under crop. Total population, twenty-one. Two sections, comprising 139 acres, are not yet stocked. Kopane Settlement, situated about seven miles from Feilding and about nine from Palmerston North : all flat, rich alluvial silt in splendid grass—ideal grazing-country. Comprises 472 acres, in fourteen sections ranging from 30 to acres, all of which have been occupied since the Ist April, 1918. Ten of the settlers have erected their homesteads; all fencing has been completed. All of the settlers have not yet stocked up, as many of them have been taking in outside stock for grazing. At present the stock owned by them comprise 224 cattle (221 of which are dairy cows) and 5 horses. Population on settlement, twelve.

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Cherry Grove Settlement, situated about ten miles from Wanganui and about five from Westmere Railway-station: 579 acres, in three sections varying from 147J to 232f acres, all of which have been occupied since December, 1917. Flat and easy hilly country, well watered, and well adapted for agriculture, dairying, and grazing. Two of the homesteads have been erected, and all fencing has been completed. The settlement is carrying 110 head of cattle (including 30 dairy cows), 2,400 sheep, and 4 horses. Population, four. [Waihora Settlement, situated about twenty-six miles from Masterton, comprises 477 acres, in three sections ranging in area from 104| to 221 acres, all of which have been occupied sinco March, 1918. Flat and undulating to very easy hilly country, most of it in good grass, suitable for dairying, grazing, and agriculture. The stock carried comprises 52 head of cattle (including 47 dairy cows), 5 horses, and 850 sheep. Two of the homesteads have been erected, and all fencing completed. Population, five. Pukenamu Settlement, situated one mile from Te Horo Station on Main Trunk Railway, and about five miles from Otaki : 730 acres, in eight sections ranging'from 73 to 115 acres. Mostly good swamp land and partly sandy downs. Very suitable for fattening, grazing, and dairying, especially for the latter, owing to the fine climate. Three of the sections have been occupied since the Ist April, 1918; the remaining five comprise an extension recently purchased, and were allotted in September, 1918. Three of the settlers have erected their homesteads, and good progress is being made by the new-comers. The stock carried comprises 205 head of cattle (including 145 dairy cows), 8 horses, 20 sheep, and 18 pigs. Population, ten. Gorge Settlement, near Woodville, comprises 2,161 acres, subdivided into three sections varying from 633 to 795 acres. All selected in June and July, 1916. Undulating to hilly bush country, suitable for dairying and grazing. Two of the settlers have erected their homesteads; fencing has been completed. The settlement is carrying 272 head of cattle (including 16 dairy cows), 5 horses, and 700 sheep, which can be greatly increased when further improvements are made. Already an area of 467 acres has been felled, and 543 acres sown in grass. Population, three. Hamua Settlement, about two miles from Hukanui Railway-station and about seven from Eketahuna, comprises two sections of and 67 acres, allotted in July, 1917. Flat and ploughable well-watered grass land, suitable for dairying. One homestead has been erected, and all fencing completed. Stock carried comprise 82 head of cattle (including 54 dairy cows) and 2 horses. Population, three. Two settlements at Owhango and Pirlaka, on. Main Trunk Railway, comprise 2,730 acres, subdivided into sixteen sections varying from 105 to 309 acres, flat, undulating to hilly, milledout bush lands, suitable for dairying and grazing. Selected between January and July, 1916. The settlers are progressing well with their improvements. Twelve homesteads have been erected, and all fencing completed.. An area of about 2,009 acres has been felled, and 1,785 acres have been grassed. The stock, which can be much increased when the sections are further developed, comprise 456 head of cattle (132 of which are dairy cows), 10 horses, 1,065 sheep, and 10 pigs. Population, forty-three. Settlement of 606 acres in Manganui district, subdivided into two sections. Undulating to hilly bush country, most suitable for grazing. Selected in April, 1916. One homestead has been erected; all fencing completed. An area of 246 acres has been felled and 254 acres grassed. Stock carried, 45 head of cattle, 488 sheep, and 3 horses. Population, two. South Waimarmo Block comprises about 40,775 acres, situated close to Wanganui River, at a distance from Wanganui by river of seventy-four to 108 miles. Accessible also from Raurimu and Raetihi, distant respectively thirty-three and thirty-two miles. All virgin bush country with no timber of commercial value; easy to fairly steep hills, which will make good grazing-farms when cleared. Subdivided into forty-eight sections varying from 263 to 1,800 acres, of which thirty-one have already been selected. Most of the selectors have already made progress on their holdings; some of them are improving their financial position by taking contracts for roadmaking in the block. The prices of the sections are low, and exemption from payment of rent and general rates is being allowed for a period of four years. These settlers, if they are industrious, have a bright future before them. Two homesteads have been erected, and most of the settlers are getting some of their bush down. An area of about 1,200 acres has been felled and 423 grassed; a good deal of fencing has been done. Stock comprise 14 head of cattle (including dairy cows), 650 sheep, and 2 horses.. Settlement in Karioi district, near Rangataua, comprising two sections of 216 and 381J acres. Flat millcd-out bush land suitable for grazing. Two homesteads have been erected and fencing completed. An area of 5 acres has been felled and 210 acres grassed. Stock carried comprise 112 head of cattle (including 75 dairy cows) and 5 horses. Population, five. In the Puketoi district three sections, comprising 506 acres of hilly bush country of no milling-value, have been selected, two of them in 1916 and one just recently. The settlers are making fair progress with their bushfelling and fencing. About 130 acres have been felled and 20 acres grassed. In Normandale Settlement, Lower Ilutt, one lot of 858 acres has been selected, comprising undulating to fairly steep hills suitable for grazing purposes. Lessee has erected homestead, wool-shed, and much fencing, and is running about 1,300 sheep and 17 head of cattle. One lot in Watroa comprises 22 acres of flat and undulating grass land, near Waverley. Settler has erected homestead, completed fencing, and, as he takes contracts for farm-work in the vicinity, the purchase-money for a team of draught horses has been advanced to him. He has 3 dairy cows, and keeps poultry. Purchases op Rural Private Properties for Discharged Soldiers under Section 3 of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1917. About seventeen farms, comprising an area of 2,111 acres, have been acquired for discharged soldiers under the provisions of the above-quoted section of the Act. Six of them are situated in

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Mangaone district, one near Waverley. the others in Sandon. Kairanga, Tiffin. Belmont, &o. They range in area, from 8| to 421 acres; inns! of them are Suitable for dairy farms. These allotments have Ik.'oii made within recent dales, but already the judical inns point to most of the settlers thereon being successful. The slock on these farms al present comprise about 212 head of cattle (including 200 dairy cows), 8 horses, 13 sheep, and 18 pigs. Taking the settlements as a whole, the position as disclosed in (lie following summary can lie regarded as eminently satisfactory, and success seems to he already assured for the majority of the settlers :•— About 238 soldiers have been settled on an area of 61,475 acres. Bush has been felled on 4,757 acres; area grassed, 5,1.25 acres; area in crop, 454 acres. Slock comprise 5,775 head of cattle (including 2,658 dairy cows), 29,440 sheep. 265 horses, and 279 pigs; but these figures do not include the natural increase for this year. Total population on settlements, 324. Total amount of advances made on settlements referred to above, about £55,015. Acquisition of Town and Rural Properties by means op Advances granted under Section 2 op the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1917. Advances to the amount of £18,685 10s. have been made to thirty discharged soldiers, enabling them to purchase thirty town dwellings, and an amounl of £12,050 has been similarly advanced to six of them for the acquisition of dairy farms, making a total under this heading of £30,735 10s. b MARLBOROUGH. Hither Settlement, containing 522 acres, is suburban 1,, Blenheim, and consists of thirteen sections, twelve of which are small areas—from 8 to 16 acres of agricultural land suitable for intense farming or workmen's homes. The quality of the land is good. So far only four sections have been selected. The class of tenant is not very satisfactory/ However, providing the right class of tenant is secured for these sections, there is no doubt'as to the ultimate success of the settlement. Three settlers have creeled cottages and are residing; the fourth is making arrangements to build. 113 chains of fencing have been creeled, and the sections are all under cultivation, the stock consists of 5 cows and 2 horses. Approximate total value of improvements £750. ' Frma Settlement is about twenty miles from Blenheim, in (he Wairau Valley. P consists of 6,968 acres of flat, undulating, and hilly pastoral country. It is subdivided into'thirteen holdings ranging from 297 to 759 acres. Eleven of the sections have been selected, one has been abandoned and the others are making lair progress, though somewhat hampered by want of sufficient capital the homesteads erected number six, and two more are about to be erected. 600 chains fencing has been erected, also two wool-sheds and yards. Stock consists of approximately 3,000 sheep 10 horses, and 8 cattle. Approximate total value of improvements, £2,506. Three areas of Crown land, comprising 1,192 acres, have been acquired in the Rai district luese are bush lands, and are being prepared and used for dairy-farming. They offer a bright future to the industrious settler. This latter appears to be somewhat difficult to find Each settler has erected a home, as well as milking-shcds, &c. 200 acres bush felled, and 100 chains fencing erected. Stock on the land consists of about SO head dairy cattle and 4 horses Approximate value of improvements, £ 1,000. ' lt WESTLAND. X hSj! BM ! lU \, m " ck - ", ear Lake Brunner, containing 5,582 acres, was set apart for settlement bj discharged soldiers, subdivided into eleven sections, and offered for selection. Three sections were taken up on the 21st November 1917, but the selectors have not yet entered into possession 0 the land. Another section was selected on the 20th March, 1918, the lessee immediately comZ iJJVf, W °t- «T , u'it * 6nd °J July he had effected improvements valued at £75, .on isting of 30 acres bushfelling and an unfinished whare. There is good reason to believe that he will prove a good settler. A fifth section in the block was taken up on the 21st August last urea lelecSr 2 litres Intention of entering into occupation without delay. Total An isolated section of. 148 acres in Block 1. Waiwhero Survey District, was selected under T'n "1 M r' K l!,,7 ■. M the end ol ' 3 ™ laßt iniprovemt?; vied at £212 had been effected. I he selector is residing on the land and making further improvements, and his success is assured. ft ' CANTERBURY. 1 L TZ aIU L Sett [ ement — 2 ' ! acres h. ten subdivisions, all taken up. Eight houses have been built. All pastoral country. Twenty-three miles of fencing erected. Just prior o the snowstorms ot July last the number of stock on this settlement amounted to 10,044 sheej 292 cattle and 26 horses. I he prospects of the settlers at (hat time were decidedly promising. No reliable c II ed c" lot r" " 'T'u ** ' U,n &fraid lt wi » be hea ™ r *"» fi s A I ' ?" T*' l WftS , the S6Cond fall of snow > t,lwnl ' dx end of July, which caused the more serious loss to stock and damage to fences. A report just received gives the estimated cost of repairing and renewing the fences over the settlement at £322 ™, \h SVi Pr r!L ng needS al c Pr ° per r ° ad access aml the drainage of the swamp grouml over the fiats. Both ot these were in hand, but everything was brought to a standstill by the snowstorms, and it was with difficulty thai the contractors"saved their teams frefm deetruYtion ;n CXPerICIR ' L ' th6re may diffi ° Ulty '" obtainiD S «*™*« <"' to takTo" these

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Notwitlistanding the serious set-back tin- Lees Valley Settlement has sustained by the snow arid storms of the past winter the prospects of the settlers are good. Clayton Settlement, Fairlie District.—Area, 11.60:! acres. Five subdivisions, all taken up. The settlers have erected twelve miles of fencing, All pastoral country, Prospects good, but. the snow of the past winter will throw the settlement back considerably. It has not, so far, been possible to arrive at the Hock-losses, anil we must await the musterings to gel at this with any degree of certainty. There were 3,300 sheep in the settlement and 12 horses'. It is unfortunate I hat sueh a severe winter should have struck the settlement at so early a stage in its establishment. The opening prospects were- certainly good, ami there is little doubt but that, like the Lees Valley Settlement, it will, with a little judicious help, soon recover itself ami become firmly established, with every promise of a successful future. Paddy's Market linn, with Homestead Block, Fairlie District, Burke's Pass.—Area, 2,260 acres, in one subdivision, on which a house has been built. Sheep-country, with small block around homestead suitable for growing limited area of roots. Prior to the snowstorms of July last the lessee was doing well, with good prospects ahead. No means at present of knowing how his Hock of 850 sheep has come through the winter. Bottesby linns, Lower Mackenzie Country.—Area, 12,54-7 acres, in two runs, both taken up, Purely pastoral country. Like the lessee of Paddy's Market Pun above, these tenants had made a good start—had erected six miles of fencing, and their prospects were good. They had 3,920 sheep. The July snowstorms affected their positions somewhat, hut not to a serious extent. Port Levy Settlement. —Education reserves, Port Levy and Lyttelton. Area, 2,519 acres; four subdivisions, all taken up. Three houses have been erected and one mile of fencing. This is good safe grazing, is most conveniently situated to Port bevy Wharf and Lyttelton, and was most eagerly competed for. There are 5,820 sheep on the land. The harbour authorities are about to erect a wharf at Camp Bay, across the harbour from Lyttelton, which will serve the western half of settlement with quick and cheap water carriage for stock and wool to Lyttelton. The eastern half is already provided with a good wharf and regular water service to the same centre. These pastoral farms are subject to dry seasons and a failing water-supply, but every possible provision has been made in fixing boundaries to take advantage of the existing springs so that all sections should have what water there is available. The selectors are highly pleased with their luck in securing those lots and their future prospects. As the settlement was only started in July it is too early'yet to make any pronouncement as to its progress. CricMewood Settlement, Fairlie District.—Area. 1,915 acres, in eight subdivisions, of which one was not applied for. Seven houses have been built and one mile of fencing erected. Agricultural land, and adapted for grain and root cropping, also good sheep-country. There are 1,365 sheep on the land, 27 cattle, and 36 horses. Some good returns were obtained last season from the wheat crop, and one or two of the earliest settlers are now apparently well established on their holdings. I n one case the selector was enabled, through good farming and returns, to pav off within twelve months the whole of his advance obtained from the Government. On the whole this settlement shows every promise of a successful future. The proximity of the settlement to railway facilities is a big help in the easy disposal of produce. Last winter's snow hit the settlers but practically no stock-losses were sustained. For a few weeks free grazing was given to those most in need, on the unoccupied Crown lands, Seaforth Settlement, Washdyke, and Timaru Craigm,ore Settlement, Inland Timaru.—Area, 2,105 acres, in nine subdivisions. Two sections unlet. Two houses have been built and 52 chains of fencing erected. Mixed agricultural and pastoral, but, mainly adapted for pastoral purposes. The small-area put under ciop last year proved a failure, principally owing to bad weather conditions. It is somewhat difficult to forecast with any certainty the future prospects of this settlement. The land is variable; some of it is of the highest quality, the other is light and subject to vicissitudes of seasons. Those in occupation are quite satished that they will make a success of it with ordinary luck. There are 1 350 sheep in the settlement, 80 cattle, and 27 horses. MacGregor Settlement, Cave District.-Area. 326 acres, in one subdivision, which at present is unlet. IJie settlement was purchased, under section 3 of the Amendment Act 1917 The settler paid the first s,x months' rent, bul before the expiration of that period deserted his holdine without notifying the Department. No applications have since been received for the section Seafield Settlement Ashburton District. -Area, 1.329 acres, in four subdivisions, on'which two houses are built. All sections occupied. Agricultural land, but of a light nature, situated m the dry bet Watered by county water-race system. More suitable for grazing than graingrowing. 800 sheep on the property and 12 horses. The areas of these subdivisions are somewhat small; ,1. may he necessary to add about 100 aeres-to each of the four subdivisions from adjoining Crown land. It ,s too early Io say what lies in store for these settlers, but they are all industrious men doing their best to get on. Buckley Settlement, Ashburton District.—Area, 1,653 acres, in three subdivisions All sections occupied; one house built. Light agricultural land, best suited for grazing. 982'sheep on settlement. Crows good root crops, hut greatly dependent on the seasons, situated as it is snrnZ O . '" iT" ",' "J*" 00 "*" W& * eK(] llv count ? irrigation scheme.; no permanent spi nigs. Only opened for selection two months ago. so nothing to be said as to Progress /W Settlement, Ashburton District-Area, 1.16-1 acres, in three subdivisions; one house built. Ihe description ami remarks made against Buckley Settlement will apply exactly to this one, I here arc 6i>9 sheep and 4 horses on the property Leeston Settlement Leeston District—Area, 198 acres, in five subdivisions, all taken up lwo houses built. Rich agricultural land, suitable for all class of crops; average rent per acre' hi Joining Town of Leeston ami railway-station. This settlement has only recently bin taken up by men who propose to take on intensive farming. Prospects good Seaforth Settlement, Washdyke District, Timaru— 516 acres, in nine subdivisions of winch lour are let. Two houses built. Good soil; grows excellent grain crops, SabU, Z'for

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dairying. Nineteen cattle and 4 horses on property. The land is situated alongside a railwaystation and close to the Borough of Timaru, with every facility for the quick and easy handling of stock and produce. Jungle Settlement Nat, 1 and 2, Winchester District.— Total area, 122 acres, in two sections, both of which are occupied. Two excellent farms, with homesteads and sheds complete; a house built on each. Both the tenants are dairying, with pig-raising as a side line, and own 43 cattle and 4 horses. The cream is railed from Winchester to the big central factory in Christchurch. These settlers should succeed, as the land is excellent, and the rents paid quite reasonable. Keith Settlement, Hororata District.—Area, 134 acres, in one subdivision. A small farm of good average quality. The lessee was in occupation before enlisting for the front, and on return desired to take advantage of the purchasing clause in his lease and become a Crown tenant with a safer tenure and easier terms. . Every indication of making a success of his farm and eventually freeholding it. There are 430 sheep and II cattle on the land. Aylesbury Settlement, Aylesbury District.—Area, 252 acres, in one subdivision. Light land in dry belt. There are 300 sheep and 2 horses on the property. Tripp Settlement, Geraldine District.—Area, 127 acres, in one section, on which a house has been built. There are 72 sheep and cattle and 5 horses. The land is of medium quality. Drayton Settlement, near Christchurch.—Area, 10 acres, in one subdivision. Medium quality soil. Used as a poultry-farm. Kowhatu Settlement, Inland Waimate District.—Area, 632 acres, in one subdivision, on which a house has been built. Occupied for grazing purposes, there being 300 sheep. Lessee's prospects are quite satisfactory from latest reports. 66 chains of fencing erected. Apart from the eighteen settlements referred to, Crown sections have been transferred to discharged soldiers. The areas of the lots taken over in this manner vary from 44 to 994 acres, and the whole make up a total of 1,649 acres. One of the lots is an education reserve!. These sections are scattered over the whole district, from Oulverden in the north to Waimate in the south.

OTAGO.

SOUTHLAND. Lamont Settlement, comprising 745 acres, was opened in December, 1916, and the four selectors made rapid progress during the first twelve months, each having built a house. They have had a decided set-back on account of the extremely bad winter just experienced. The stock, comprising 150 cattle, 257 sheep, and 18 horses, are in poor condition, and as the grass has not yet come away those dairying are finding a difficulty in keeping their herds going. The necessary boundarylences are erected, but little subdivisional fencing has been done owing to ruling high prices. If these settlers can pay their way this season success should result. Stalker Settlement, of 429 acres, was opened in April, 1918. Six sections were taken up, and all the selectors have built houses and are residing, and, with the exception of one are dairying with good results. The farmers of the district ploughed the areas required for' oats and turnips, and have collected enough cash to pay for the seed-oats. Considering the short time that the settlement has been occupied the prospects seem excellent. All boundary-fences have been erected, and the necessary subdivision fences were already on the ground. The stock, comprising 81 cattle (mostly dairy cows) and 11 horses, are in fair condition. The 71 acres unselected consists of small sections, the idea being to settle partially disabled men on them when opportunity offers. rt Lambert Settlement, of 102 acres, was acquired for one selector in February, 1918, under section 3of the 1917 Amendment Act. A house and all the necessary buildings and fences are on the ground. The byre has been thoroughly renovated and milking plant installed There are 20 dairy cows and 50 sheep. Notwithstanding late spring, grass is coining away well and stock is in good condition. The allotment adjoins his father's property, and the selector is assisted in horse-work, &c. There seems no doubt about his ultimate success".

Approximate Cost a/ Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (900 oopies), £10.

By Authority : Marcos F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1918.

Price 6d.]

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Class —viz., Agricultural, Dairying, or purely Pastoral. Number if Holdings. Prospect of Use to which Unoccupied Sections are put. Name of Settlement. Selected. Area. Unselected. Area. Success. lifton Agricultural, dairying, and pastoral Dairying Agricultural and dairying Fruit and dairying . . Dairying Acres. 1,551 Acres. 3,941 • 6 17 Fair . . Grazing. lalloway iakeview 3 1 161 53 Good .. •• Vestcott Hadbrook .. 4 7 953 650 16 27 882 4,545 Fair .. Good .. Grazing.