DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1925 Session I, C-01

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] 925. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

CONTENTS Grneral Report : — p ft( »e Appendix II: — P a g P Review of Past Year .. .. .. 2 Land for Settlements — Legislation .. .. .. .2 Summary of Settlements established .. 21 Lands frr Selection .. .3 Extracts from Reports of Commissioners of Deterioration of Crown Lands .. .. 3 Crown Lands— Revaluations .. .. .. 4 North Auckland .. 28 National Endowment .. 4 Auckland .. ' .. .. . 29 Education Endowments .. .. 4 G-isborne .. .. 3C Forfeitures and Surrenders 4 Hawke's Bay .. .. . . .. 30 Receipts .. .. .. .. .4 Taranaki .. .. .. ~ 30 Postponements .. .. ..4 Wellington .. .. .. .. 30 Arrears .. .. .. .. 4 Nelson .. .. .. .. 30 Rebates .. .. .. 5 Marlborough .. .. 30 Expenditure .. .. 5 Westland .. .. .. 31 Statement of Capital .. .. .6 Canterbury .. .. .. 31 I and-drainage Operations .. .. 6 Otago .. .. .. .. .. 31 Staff Employment .. 6 Sou hland .. .. .. .. 31 Departmental Changes .. .. .. 6 Report on Cognate Subjects .. 7 Appekdix III:— Land-drainage Operations .. .. 31 Appkni ix I Settlement of Crown Lands— ppendix North Auckland .. .. ..8 Sand-dune Reclamation .. .. .. 34 Auckland.. .. 10 Gisborne .. .. .. ..11 Tables : — Hawke's Bay .. .. .12 Table I.—Lands of the Dominion, Position of Taranaki .. .. 18 (approximately) .. .. 34 Wellington 14 „ 2.—Selections during the Year .. 35 Nelson .. ..15 „ 3.—A1l Lands held on Lease .. 35 Marlborough .. .. ..15 „ 4.—Lands-for-settlement Land-i .. 36 Westland.. ..17 „ s.—Endowment Lands leased and adCanterbury 18 ministered by Land Boards .. 36 Otago .. 19 „ 6.—Receipts, Arrears, and PostponeSouthland .. .. .. ..20 ments .. .. .. 36

Sib, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 25th June, 1925. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report on the settlement of Crown land for the year ended 31st March, 1925. I have, &c., J. B. Thompson, The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands, Under-Secretary.

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REPORT. Review of Past Yeak. A PERUSAL of the detailed reports submitted by the various Commissioners of Crown Lands in Appendix T will serve to show that the past year has been one of steady progress on the part of the farming community generally, and that satisfactory returns have "on the whole been obtained from all classes of farming. The winter was a favourable one throughout most of the Dominion, and there was ample feed, with the result that stock came through the winter well, and lambing percentages were very fair. In last year's report reference was made to the remarkable success of the wool-sales in the 1923-24 season. The year just past must also be specially mentioned as a wool year, though it is extremely difficult to judge whether the remarkably high prices obtained at the opening sales have proved as beneficial to the pastoral industry as at first seemed to be the case; At the first sale of the season, held in Wellington on the 17th November, competition was exceptionally keen, the American buyers being free bidders and being forced to high rates by strong Bradford, Continental, and local opposition. The price standards set at that sale were maintained and even exceeded at one or two of the subsequent sales in other centres ; but the market then showed a steadier tendency, and prices, though still satisfactory, eased a good deal. There is little doubt, however, that, all things considered, the 1924-25 wool season, combined with good prices for wool and mutton, will put the pastoral industry on a sounder footing than it has enjoyed for some years past, and that the results, provided always that land-values are not unduly inflated, will be reflected in increased prosperity all round. The dairying industry continues to expand, and lower prices have been balanced by an increased output. Many problems face the dairy-farmer ; but with a gradual improvement in the quality of the herds and the stamping-out of diseases, combined with improved methods of feeding, and a steadily growing appreciation of the great value of top-dressing, there is little doubt that this expansion must continue, to the great benefit of the whole Dominion. Agriculturally the season was a very fair one, and grain-growers should have had a reasonably profitable year. Rust was very prevalent in Canterbury ; but in Southland the harvest season was exceptionally favourable, the grain threshing out in good condition. The early winter was marked by an excessive rainfall in many parts. Floods occurred in portions of the North Auckland District, and more severely on the Hauraki Plains, where considerable damage was sustained. The land flooded, however, was but a small proportion of the reclaimed area on the plains. Again in December there were extensive floods in many parts, resulting in considerable damage to roads and bridges. The Wairarapa was the principal sufferer, many miles of fencing being levelled and roads badly scoured. Rents in arrear show a considerable improvement on the position shown in last year's report. This subject is more fully dealt with under its appropriate heading later on in this report. Crown tenants now on the books of the Department number 35,842, occupying an area of over 20,000,000 acres. Over 9,750,000 acres of this total is represented by pastoral runs, the great majority of which are held in the Marlborough, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland Districts. A special feature of the closing quarter of the year was the purchase by the Government of over 400 acres of land on the eastern side of the Hutt Valley. A branch suburban railway-line is being constructed, and the land will be subdivided on the best town-planning lines. For this purpose the Lower Hutt Borough Council is co-operating with the Government in a town-planning competition for the best lay-out of the areas purchased, together with certain adjacent portions of the Hutt Borough, and no pains will be spared to bring the scheme to a successful conclusion. Legislation. The following is a brief summary of the legislation affecting the operations of this Department which was passed during the session of 1924 : — Land Act, 1924. —For a long time past the necessity for a consolidation of the land laws has been keenly felt both by officers of the Department and by the general public. The consolidation has been effected in so far as the law with respect to ordinary Crown lands is concerned by the passing of the Land Act, 1924, which is a compilation, with certain amendments, of the Land Act, 1908, and the greater part of ten Acts amending the same. It is hoped that a Bill consolidating the law with respect to the acquisition and disposal of private lands for settlement purposes will be introduced during next session. Education Reserves Amendment Act, 1924.—This Act comprises a number of amendments to the Education Reserves Act, 1908, found necessary for the purpose of administering more effectively the lands set apart as endowments for primary and secondary education. Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1924.—This Act, which contains 196 sections and three schedules, establishes a record in the number of special enactments contained in one Act, promoted by Departments of State, local authorities, &c. Discharged Soldiers Settlement, Amendment Act, 1924.-—The purport of this Act is principally to authorize the Dominion Revaluation Board to revalue and to reduce mortgages in respect to advances

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made to discharged soldiers for improvements, purchase of stock, and other chattels. It also contains other provisions found necessary for the efficient administration of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915. Eymont National Parle Act, 1924. —This Act, which sets apart certain lands in the vicinity of Mount Egmont as a national park, repeals previous legislation in this connection, vests the control and management of the park in a new Board, having local representatives as therein provided, prescribes the powers of the Board, restricts the issue of leases and licenses to certain purposes, and prescribes penalties for breaches of by-laws and other offences. Finance Act, 1924. —Section 4 of this Act authorizes the Minister of Finance to borrow such further amount as thinks fit, not exceeding £100,000, for the purposes of draining, reclaiming, and roading of lands subject to the provisions of the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908. Section 5 authorizes the Minister of Finance to borrow such further amount as he thinks fit, not exceeding £25,000, for the purposes of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1913. Section .16 authorizes the reservation as a permanent State forest of 53,196 acres of the Selwyn Settlement on payment of £100,000 to the Land for Settlements Account out of the State Forests Account. Section 17 provides, inter alia, that as from the 31st March, 1924, local authorities shall be entitled to receive "halves" of the revenue derived from the disposal of timber on Crown lands, not only with respect to royalties derived therefrom, as had hitherto been the practice, but also with respect to sales of such timber in bulk for cash. Appropriation Act, 1924.—Section 14 empowers the Minister of Finance to apply out of the. Consolidated Fund to the credit of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Account an amount not exceeding £60,000, to be applied in satisfaction of rates levied by the Minister of Lands under the authority of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910, for the period of three years ending on the 31st March, 1924. Lands foe Selection. During the year 463,946 acres were selected under all tenures, the average holding being about 350 acres. Except for exceptionally good dairying country and open sheep - grazing land, the demand for Crown land continues to be restricted. During the year there were not many large blocks offered, the sales by the Department being principally confined to scattered sections. The principal large block offered comprised portion of the Teviot Settlement (20,155 acres), in the Otago District. The area opened for selection during the year totalled 182,789 acres, comprising 1,009 holdings. At the present time there is a total area of about 480,000 acres of Crown, settlement, and national-endowment lands open for selection. Practically all Crown lands are now open for general application, although discharged soldiers obtain special preference where they are regarded as being suitable tenants and have the necessary qualifications. The Wilden Run, in the Otago District, is being subdivided into seven runs, the total area being 60,335 acres ; and from inquiries made it is expected that there will be a keen demand for this country. Deterioration of Crown and other Lands. For some years past it has been becoming increasingly evident that all was not well with the settlement of certain extensive areas of hilly bush country in some portions of the North Island, particularly in northern Taranaki and the south-western portion of the King-country generally, and in the Waioeka district in Opotiki County. These lands have to a very large extent been steadily reverting to second growth, with a consequent reduction in carrying-capacity, and notwithstanding the most sympathetic treatment by the Department in the way of remissions and postponements a number of tenants have been forced through stress of adverse circumstances to abandon their holdings, while others have been doing little more than holding on. The position lately has become more acute, and with a view to fully investigating the problem a special committee, comprising representatives of the Lands, Agriculture, and Valuation Departments, and farming interests, was set up in October last to report on the present condition of the Crown leaseholds affected, the cause of their deterioration, and the best methods of dealing with them so as to enable such lands to be profitably occupied and farmed. A separate investigation was also carried out in the Opotiki County. The special committee referred to made an exhaustive inspection of the hilly pastoral country between Raglan and Whangamomona generally, and by careful examination of the areas affected, and from meetings with the settlers, secured much information as to the extent and causes of the deterioration, &c. This information, together with the committee's suggestions in the matter of possible remedial measures, has been embodied in the exhaustive report that h s been received, a report that it is considered will prove of the utmost value in deciding upon the action necessary to stave off further deterioration and to bring back into profitable occupation the areas that have been affected by various classes of secondary growth and weeds. The investigation of the position in Opotiki County was completed in January last. A careful and detailed inspection of the areas there affected was carried out, from which it appears that many holdings have deteriorated to a large extent. This unsatisfactory state of affairs has been brought about largely by the sowing of English grasses which failed to become established ; by faulty handling and the felling of bush areas without the provision of sufficient fencing ; by the absence of settlers and shortage of labour during the war ; and in certain cases by the lack of suitable road access. That all these areas present a difficult problem must be candidly admitted; but at the same time evidence is not lacking that over much of the land secondary grasses can be successfully established and maintained, and the country gradually improved. It was not foreseen either by the Department or the settlers themselves that the long-established methods of breaking in bush country that have proved successful in other districts could not safely be applied to the areas in question; but a determined effort will now be made to evolve methods to meet the special conditions and requirements of the case.

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Revaluations. Under section 15 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1915, ten Grown leaseholds were revalued during the year. As a result, the capital values were reduced from £21,160 to £14,210, and the annual rentals from £960 to £645. The total revaluations made from the 11th November, 1913, to the 31st March last number 503, with a reduction in capital value from £1,212,725 to £964,580, and in annual rental from £55,035 to £43,735. The revaluation of properties held by discharged soldiers is dealt with in the annual report under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915. National Endowment. The national-endowment area was reduced during the year by 13,100 acres. Further particulars are given in parliamentary paper C.-14. Of the area within the endowment some 6,847,755 acres were held on lease or license at the 31st March by 4,4-55 tenants, paying an annual rental of £138,254, while 1,693,897 acres (partly, however, covered by existing leases) had been set aside as provisional State forests. Educational Endowment. Under the administration of the various Land Boards there is an area of approximately 807,000 acres of educational endowments leased to 3,920 tenants, who pay an annual rental of £120,950. Great attention is paid to the administration of these lands, and every care taken to ensure that adequate rentals are obtained. Forfeitures and Surrenders. Crown tenants to the number of 463 had their holdings forfeited for non-compliance with the terms and conditions of their leases and licenses. The area was 139,150 acres, and the annual rental £11,020. In addition to this, 267 tenants surrendered their leases over a total area of 222,778 acres, with an annual rental of £4,920. The grand total of forfeitures and surrenders was thus 730 tenants holding 361,928 acres at an annual rental of £15,940. These totals are not in practical effect nearly so formidable as they appear at a first glance, as by far the larger proportion is represented by miscellaneous leases and licenses, while the surrender of certain pastoral runs in Otago and Southland accounts for over 164,000 acres. A judicious exercise of the forfeiture penalty is, of course, necessary to ensure reasonable compliance with terms and conditions ; but it is never resorted to until every other means of obtaining satisfaction have failed, and Crown tenants are always assured of careful and sympathetic treatment in this respect. Receipts. The receipts for the year from all sources (excluding, of course, Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account receipts) total £1,272,724, a decrease of £56,350 on last year's figures. The sum of £397,44-0 was derived from ordinary Crown lands, £497,744 from lands held under the Land for Settlements Act (including Cheviot Estate), £146,900 from the national endowment, and £125,123 from the education endowment. Four districts have returned increases, Taranaki the substantial one of approximately £23,000, due principally to the purchase for cash of West Coast Settlement Reserve lands. Cash received on the conversion of leaseholds to freehold tenure is much the same as last year. The following table gives the relation of this freehold revenue to total receipts during the last few years : — Conversions Amount yielded Total to Freehold. therefrom. Receipts. Year ending 31st March, 1921 .. .. 878 320,025 1,735,483 1922 .. ..335 71,520 1,215,040 1923 .. ..249 57.809 1,208,422 1924 .. .. 373 104,076 1,329,074 1925 .. ..341 98,344 1,272,724 Of the 341 conversions to freehold during the year, 250 were in the North Island districts. Postponements. Postponement of payment of rent were granted to 1,945 tenants during the year, involving the large sum of £275,118. At the 31st March £233,173 remained postponed on account of 1,733 tenants. The bulk of these postponements are incidental to the liberal policy pursued in the revaluation of Crown leases held by discharged soldiers. Arrears. Rents in arrear at the 31st March amounted to £301,659, a decrease of £142,789 on last year's figures. Nevertheless, the arrears, together with the postponements in force, form a formidable total, and it will probably require several good seasons, combined with careful attention on the part of the Department, before the position can be regarded as satisfactory. The following shows the position in regard to arrears of rent for the past six years £ Year ending 31st March, 1920 .. .. .. .. .. 51,801 1921 .. .. .. .. 63.460 1922 .. .. .. .. .. -167,838 1923 .. .. .. .. .. 358.225 1924 .. .. .. .. .. 544,448 1925 .. .. .. .. .. 301.659

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Rebates. For prompt payment of rent 16,648 Crown tenants were granted the usual rebate iti terms of section 116 of the Land Act, 1908 (now section 123 of the Land Act, 1924), and section 55 of the Land for Settlements Act, 1908. These rebates amounted to a total of £50,783.

Expenditure. Summary of Expenditure approved during the Year ended 31st March, 1925.

Net | Gross Name of Vote or Acoount. Amount i ... Recoveries. Net Expenditure. voted. ! " ' £ £ s. d. I £ s. d. £ s. d. Vote Lands and Survey (Subdivision 1) 150,719 245,323 17 3 106,879 19 8 138,443 17 7 Vote Lands and Survey (Subdivision II) 35,354 30,225 15 3 227 4 4 29,998 10 11 Vote Land for Settlements expenses .. 8,185 8,323 6 8 731 19 1 7,591 7 7 Land for Settlements Account (Dis- 8,652 6,377 2 10 20 17 7 6,356 5 3 charged Soldiers Settlement Account) : Vote Lands for Settlement of Discharged Soldiers' expenses Vote Scenery-preservation .. .. 11,470 2,981 3 3 0 6 0 2,980 17 3 Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account: 57,500 77,462 12 0 15,696 10 9 61,766 1 3 Vote Expenses of management Totals .. .. 271,880 370,693 17 3 123,556 17 5 247,136 19 10 Public Works Fund. Roads to open up land for settlement .. 51,250 23,169 5 11 25 6 11 23.143 19 0 Totals .. .. 51,250 23,169 5 11 25 6 11 23,143 19 0 Other Accounts. Land for Settlements Account.. .. .. 15,654 3 9 231 15 9 15,422 8 0 Land for Settlements Account (Discharged Soldiers 14,212 13 8 1,419 3 5 12,793 10 3 Settlement Account) Rangitaiki Land Drainage Account (section 7, 29,912 1 1 1,568 17 9 28,343 3 4 Rangitaiki. Land Drainage Act, 1910) Hauraki Plains Settlement Account (section 5, 11,370 3 3 74 1 6 11,296 I 9 Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1922) Hauraki Plains Settlement Account (section 93, 67,490 8 9 2,253 19 7 65,236 9 2 Reserves, &c., Act, 1916) Hauraki Plains Settlement Account (section 4 (2), 20 0 0 .. 20 0 0 Finance Act, 1924) Swamp Land Drainage Account (section 95, Reserves, &c., Act, 1916) Kaitaia .. .. .. .. 12,411 13 1 82 19 11 12,328 13 2 Waihi .. .. .. .. .. 11,653 3 10 48 15 3 11,604 8 7 Poukawa .. .. .. .. 103 3 9 .. 103 3 9 Hikurangi .. .. .. 18,682 7 6 57 9 1 18,624 18 5 General .. .. .. .. 2,352 18 4 556 18 2 1,796 0 2 Swamp Land Drainage Account (section 2, Swamp 1,173 13 11 .. 1,173 13 11 Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1922) Kauri-gum Industry Account .. .. .. 16,743 15 0 27 12 0 16,716 3 0 National Endowment Account.. .. .. 6,197 13 7 .. 6.197 13 7 Native Land Settlement Account (Surveys) ,. 26,070 19 7 476 10 0 25,594 9 7 Native Land Settlement Account (section 19, Land 4,718 9 8 .. 4,718 9 8 Laws Amendment Act, 1922, and section 21, Land Act, 1924) Cheviot Estate Account (section 19, Land Laws 872 8 8 .. 872 8 8 Amendment Act, 1922, and section 21, Land Act, 1924 Hunter Soldiers' Assistance Trust Account .. 28 1 5 .. 28 1 5 Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account .. 751,583 18 0 .. 751,583 18 0 Refunds, deposits, &c. .. .. .. 32,021 12 1 .. 32,021 12 1 Expenditure under section 14 (1) of Appropriation 1,960 18 3 884 6 1 1,076 12 2 Act, 1924 : Unauthorized expenditure Totals .. .. .. .. 1,083,866 19 5 7,682 8 6 1,076,184 10 11 Grand totals .. .. .. 1,477,730 2 7 131,264 12 10 1,346,465 9 9

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Statement of Capital.

Land-drainage Operations. For the year ended 31st March, 1925. some 1,885,690 cubic yards of spoil were excavated, compared with 1,700,298 yards during the previous year. Full particulars of the various activities of the branch are given in Appendix 111. Staff Employment. On the Ist April, .1924, there were 609 officers permanently employed in the Department, and 51 temporary employees, a total altogether of 660. During the year 64 new appointments were made to the permanent staff, while 6 officers were transferred from other Departments. Four officers died during the year, 8 were transferred to other Departments, and 40 resigned or retired on superannuation, leaving a staff at the Ist April last of 627 permanent officers. In addition, 69 temporary officers were employed, making a total of 696. Departmental Changes. Retirements. Mr. W. R. Jourdain, who retired on the 31st December last, entered the Department in May, 1887, and was stationed in Napier till 1900, when he was transferred to Head Office. He was appointed Chief Clerk, Head Office, in 1912, which position he held up to the date of his retirement. He was appointed Secretary to the Scenery Preservation Board in 1906, Secretary to the Royal Commission on the Timber Industry in 1909, and Secretary to the Tongariro National Park, Board from 1909 to 1913 and during 1922-24. He was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1911, and was the author of the " Digest of the Land Laws," published in 1920, and " Land Legislation and Settlement in New Zealand," published this year. He also compiled " Forestry in New Zealand, 1909." During his period of service he proved himself a zealous, willing, and reliable officer. Mr. J. G. Bendely was appointed a cadet in the Survey Department at Christchurch on the 11th January, 1886, and was transferred to the Lands Branch on the Ist July, 1890. He at various periods held the positions of Record Clerk, Correspondence Clerk, Secretary to the Land Board, and Chief Clerk in the Christchurch Office. In 191.1 he was transferred to Auckland as Chief Clerk, and till the date of his retirement held the dual position of Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Revenue. For some time prior to his retirement his health was not of the best, and chiefly for this reason he deemed it necessary to sever his connection with the Department, in which for a period of thirty-nine years he had served with unselfish and untiring devotion to his duty. Mr. F. C. Ewen joined the Department as Crown Lands Ranger in 1901, having previously had service on survey parties. He was a conscientious, reliable, and willing officer. Mr. J. Collins was appointed Crown Lands Ranger at Southland in 1904, and retired in June,. 1924. He was an expert in timber matters, and had considerable experience of the milling industry. His knowledge of timber and the milling industry was of much assistance to the Department.

* , Capital, 31st Accrued Revenue 0 ' March, 1925. Revenue. Charges. I £ . £ £ Lands andlSurvey Department—General .. .. 7,330,130 i 369,500 341,900 Land for Settlements .. .. .. .. 10,888,400 j 517,150 477,250 Land for Settlements (Discharged Soldiers Settlement) .. 3,222,050 129,300 161,500 Cheviot Estate .. .. .. .. .. 373,480 27,800 11,000 National Endowment .. .. .. .. 4,750,000 158,420 163,100 Native Land Settlement .. . . .. .. 2,520,000 73,000 31,000 Hunter Soldiers'Assistance Trust .. .. .. 20,150 800 170 Primary Education Endowment .. .. .. 2,294,300 113,000 114,000 Secondary Education Endowment .. .. .. 199,120 9,300 9.400 Scenery-preservation .. .. .. .. 101,650 2,500 500 National Endowment Trust .. .. .. .. 27,370 1,160 Totals .. .. .. .. 31,726,650 1,401,930 1,309,820 Rangitaiki Land Drainage .. .. .. .. 510,000 30,750 30,400 Swamp Land Drainage .. .. .. .. 421,000 .. ! Kauri-gum Industry .. .. .. .. 75,000 22,500 i 13,500 Hauraki Plains Settlement .. .. .. .. 630,000 22,250 j 36,000 General Purposes Relief .. .. .. .. 32,000 1,560 1,360 Totals .. .. .. .. 1,668,000 77,060 81,260 Discharged Soldiers Settlement .. .. .. 20,087,836 922,700 1,032,800 Grand Totals .. .. .. .. j 53,482,486 2,401,690 2,423,880 I I

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Deaths. Miss B. C. Stevens joined the Department as a shorthand-writer and typist at Nelson in November, 1915, and rose to the position of Senior Shorthand-writer and Typist. She was a capable and efficient officer who always showed a great interest in her work. Mr. J. L. Bennett carried out thirteen years of zealous and faithful service as caretaker of Kapiti Island. Mr. Bennett was born at Oamaru in 1869, and spent his younger days in farming and on various stations in north Otago. His sudden death at the cottage at Kapiti came as a great shock to all his friends. His wife predeceased him by a short period, and both are buried on consecrated ground situated towards the north end of the island.

Senior Appointments, Promotions, and Transfers.

Messrs. Phillips, Morilleau, Nelson, Lawn, Wattie, Greig, and Borlase passed the Survey Examination and were appointed as surveyors during the year.. Mr. ,T. H. Robertson, Accountant, Dunedin, was transferred to the Justice Department, Auckland. Reports on Cognate Subjects. As in former years, separate reports are required to be laid before Parliament in connection with many of the operations carried out by the Department. They comprise— Surveys.—The report by the Surveyor-General on the work of the survey (or technical) branch of the Department is submitted in parliamentary paper C.-la. Swamp-drainage.—The report required by the Swamp Drainage Act, 1915, is contained in parliamentary paper C.-4. Discharged Soldiers Settlement.—The- annual report under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 191-5, is furnished by the Department in parliamentary paper C.-9. Scenery-preservation.—The statutory report containing details of reservations and statement of accounts appears in parliamentary paper C.-6. Advances for Roading of Crown Lands. —The necessary report submitted in accordance with section 63 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913, appears in parliamentary paper C.-7. Draining Operations in Hauraki Plains. —A report by the Chief Drainage Engineer on this subject appears in parliamentary paper C.-8. Public Domains. —A brief summary of the year's operations is given in parliamentary paper C.-10. Rangitaihi Land Drainage. —The annual report on the operations in the Rangitaiki Plains is given in parliamentary paper C.-11. Kauri-gum Industry.—The annual report of the Kauri-gum Superintendent on the year's operations is given in parliamentary paper 0.12. National Endowments. —The annual report required by section 11 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1920, appears in parliamentary paper C.-14.

I Officer appointed. Previous Position. Position to which appointed. Date. G-. W. Palmer .. Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land 1/4/24 Revenue, New Plymouth Revenue, Christchurch J. Macdonald .. Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land 29/4/24 Revenue, Invercargill Revenue, Dunedin T. Tudhope .. Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land 26/4/24 Revenue, Napier Revenue, New Plymouth T. Pound .. Senior Clerk, Invercargill .. Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land 29/4/24 Revenue, Invercargill N. Fleming .. Senior Clerk, Nelson .. .. Chief Clerk and Receiver of Land 12/4/24 Revenue, Napier J. Stalker .. Clerk, North Auckland.. .. Senior Clerk, Nelson .. .. 1/5/24 A. W. Duncan.. Clerk, Christchurch .. .. Senior Clerk, Invercargill .. 11/8/24 C. L. Purdie .. Clerk, Wellington .. .. Senior Clerk, Christchurch .. 4/8/24 S. Roberts .. Clerk, North Auckland.. .. Accountant, Dunedin .. .. 23/3/25 H. M. Lawrey . . Clerk, Christchurch .. .. Accountant, Invercargill .. 16/12/24 W. E. Cockroft Cashier, Wellington .. .. Clerk, Auckland (C, VI) .. 1/12/24 H. E. Walshe .. | Senior Draughtsman, Head Office Chief Draughtsman, Head Office 13/5/24

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APPENDICES. APPENDIX I. —SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS. EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS. NORTH AUCKLAND. (H. J. Lowe, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement. —A retrospect of the past year shows that progress has been steadily maintained. During the months of April and June the central portion of this district was visited by disastrous cyclonic rainstorms, causing an enormous amount of damage to railways, roads, stock, and newly sown grass-lands, and covering some parts of the country with heavy slips and spoiling the pastures upon the swamp-lands. After this period a fine stretch of warm and showery weather ensued, and brought away a luxuriant growth of grass, making an ideal season for cattle. From the reports of my Field Inspectors I gather that conditions on all farms generally have improved, more cows are being milked and more pastures put down. Hay crops this year have been above the average ; but all will be wanted before the winter ends. In proportion to the area of land now used for grazing and general-farming purposes, the acreage devoted to cultivation is almost negligible. There is an absence of severe frosts except on very low-lying land, with a growth of grass more or less throughout the winter months, and these no doubt are the factors which retard intensive and progressive farming, which is so noticeable farther south. A considerable! portion of this district is purely grazing-country ; but owing to the low prices received for beef this part of farming has been more or less neglected, and consequently pastures have suffered and deteriorated to a great extent owing to the spread of ferns and other noxious growth. I have again to stress the value of paspalum on gum-land, and to point out the increase in butterfat where this grass is grown. The presence of this grass when grown in conjunction with English grasses is easily seen, as it causes the flush of the season to be prolonged a month or six weeks, and we have not enough frosts to kill it up here. It was apparent during the flood season, where areas of low-lying country were submerged by flood-waters for lengthy periods, that all grasses perished except paspalum, causing an immense growth of pennyroyal and other rubbish. The disease prevalent among dairy herds is becoming alarming, and has this season been a serious loss to the dairying industry generally and a great setback to unfinancial settlers. The adoption of herd-testing has been a great boon to farmers, who, however, have been slow in taking advantage of it, but as the facilities are being extended no doubt more in this direction will be accomplished. The uncertainty of the wool-market has resulted in dairying on land which should be devoted to depasturing sheep. The market opened very well, the prices being higher than the good ones received at the closing sales last season ; this heartened up our settlers, as the rise in wool put up the price of sheep and thereby increased the price of cattle. For some international reason, however, the price of woo! did not rise much above the opening sales, and thereafter declined quite 20 per cent., but on the whole the prices for the season were satisfactory. The Dairying Industry. —Prices of butterfat have been irregular notwithstanding the dairy control, and with the present cost of bringing in and keeping dairy land in good order it will be a serious matter if the prices fall below Is. 3d. per pound to the producer. There was a general increase in the dairy output for the whole of the north, resulting in several factories and additions to existing factories being erected. The quantity produced up to the 31st March, 1925, amounted to 14,538 tons of butter and 773 tons of cheese from twenty-nine dairy factories operating in this district. The Stock-market. —The store-cattle market has shown an improved condition compared with last year, when stock was almost unsaleable. This rise was predicted in my last report. Now prices are getting back to a remunerative basis, due in some measure to the big shortage in calving which occurred in the Argentine. Present prices for lamb and mutton are very good. Markets all round have a healthy tone. Pigs. —Good prices and a fair demand for pigs still exist. More attention should be paid to this profitable side-line in dairy-farming, as satisfactory prices can be procured for all stock raised. Poultry. —Shipments of eggs to London have been a pronounced success, but, beyond supplying local requirements, the industry as a whole has not made much headway owing to the high prices of food. Fruit. —Crops have been exceedingly good throughout the district, but prices obtained do not show much profit for the grower. Large orchards are being gradually diminished and are now being used as dairy farms, the supply being evidently greater than the demand.

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Freezing Operations.—The quantity of stock killed for export for the period Ist April, ] 924, to 31st March, 192-5, was as under : — Southdown. Moerewa. Cattle .. .. .. .. .. 6,441 8,661 Sheep .. .. .. .. .. 8,096 7,218 Lambs .. .. .. .. .. 70,008 34,228 Calves .. .. .. .. .. 2,973 277 Pigs .. .. .. .. .. 2,857 254 The average prices for North Island ordinary brands of frozen meat obtained in London during the year were —Mutton, 7fd. ; lamb, 11 Jd. ; beef, 4fd. Land Board Work. —During the year the Land Board held thirteen ordinary meetings, occupying in all twenty-eight days. The total number of items on the order paper amounted to 2,350, of which 1,139 were in connection with ordinary Crown lands business and 1,220 affecting the administration under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. Freeholds.—During the year the number of ordinary Crown holdings made freehold was fortyfour, the total area being 3,326 acres. Under the heading of lands for settlement, eleven holdings, totalling 44 acres, were freeholded, and two national-endowment holdings, comprising 491 acres. Land open for Selection. —The total area opened during the year was 10,497 acres, consisting for the most part of isolated sections. Of these, twenty-five were rural properties of an average area of 400 acres each, suitable for farming purposes. Six farmlets of about 12 acres each, adjacent to the city, on the north railway-line, and suitable for market-gardening, poultry, &c., were offered, the response being good. During the year twenty-one education-reserve sections in and about the city were offered for lease as house-sites, and were readily taken up. Another subdivision of fifty-four sections at Orewa Beach was offered for sale by auction, and twenty-six of the lots were sold. Lands for Future Disposal.—During the year I managed to make a close personal inspection of nearly all the Crown-land blocks. River head Block. —This block contains an area of 10,000 acres, which is very suitable for treeplanting, and may be best utilized as such. Waioneke Block, near Kaipara Heads, which, with adjacent Crown lands, contains 3,500 acres, is capable of being cut up into three small grazing-runs now the access is so much improved. Only parts of this block are fit to bring in, the swamps being poor and full of large holes left by gum-diggers. Te Kuri Block, north of Kaipara Heads (18,000 acres), suitable for tree-planting. Kai-Iwi Block (area 5,650 acres), south of Mangonui Bluff : This land is very poor indeed, except perhaps 1,500 acres on the coast which is suitable for a grazing-run ; but the beautiful lakes in this block are a great asset, and should repay the cost of a road thereto if the immediately adjacent lands are planted as a scenic reserve. Ahipara Block (5,100 acres) : This land may be brought in some day, but the time is not yet. The Maoris are getting much gum therefrom, which practically keeps the Village of Ahipara. Taipa Block, Mangonui (3,000 acres) : This block should best be utilized for tree-planting, as water carriage is available. Kapiro Block (17,500 acres), situated between Kaeo and Ohaeawai : Most of this block should also be utilized for tree-planting, especially those parts adjacent to the sea. Kerikeri Block (6,700 acres) : This block I recommend should be drained at once and opened for settlement. Motutangi Block (5,000 acres) : The reports regarding this block are not very encouraging, and the sand-drift question must be settled before this area is thrown open, although possibly 1,000 acres of the best part could be made available shortly. Whangaiti Block (1,795 acres) : This block, situated near Titoki, should be opened and cut up into two farms if same will stand the cost of the necessary cable bridge across the Mangakahia River, which is a rapid and dangerous stream. Otaika Block (4,700 acres) and Poroti Block (3,300 acres) : These blocks are all gum-lancl and can nearly all be brought into grass ; but, in conjunction with the Agriculture Department, we are testing it by actual farming to prove by an exact balance-sheet that this country can not only be brought into grass, but kept in good heart and made to pay more than interest on the whole outlay. Birdwood Block, Swanson (700 acres) : Experiments are still being carried on, and further areas along the road frontage are being grassed in anticipation of selection for small-town-supply dairy farms. Restrictions as to top-dressing will have to be inserted in all future leases, and thereby stop any tendency to take all out, put nothing back, and then leave. Ruakaka Block (4,000 acres), situated near One Tree and Marsden Points : The inland part of this block can, I think, be brought in, but the greater part near the sea should be left as it is for the present, as it keeps back the sand, and will not repay cost of opening, besides being dangerous to do so. Te Karae Block (3,000 acres) : Of this block 500 acres in white-pine should be retained for milling, and 1,000 acres at least of the higher land should be added to the Tutamoe State Forest, leaving very little for settlement. Tokawhero Block (2,033 acres) : This block is held up pending the purchase of adjoining land to warrant cost of road access. Omanu Block (2,000 acres) : This is to be re-roaded and opened for selection now we have secured a less expensive road access. Omahuta Blocks (16,000 acres) : These are not ready to tackle yet, as they would not under present conditions pay the cost of putting into grass.

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Parahirahi Block (9,000 acres) : Parts of tliis block have been handed to the State Forest Service for milling prior to opening ; the best of the balance will be thrown open, but the greater part is too poor, I think, to open yet. As it surrounds the Ngawha Hot Springs it could be utilized with advantage for planting. Altogether the blocks I inspected totalled some 150,000 acres, little of which can be brought into profit without liberal financial assistance, and much of which I should hesitate to spend money upon at the present cost of labour and materials ; but, as the access to our northern lands is improving rapidly, the time may come when we shall be cible to finance the bringing-in of the best, at any rate, of these lands, as we must have closer settlement and do our best to attract the people on to the land and away from the cities. AUCKLAND. (W. F. Maksh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) General. —For the dairying industry, which occupies a large proportion of the farming community of the district, the past year has been an exceptionally favourable one from a climatic point of view. A mild spring was followed by a damp summer and a good autumn, the condition and growth of pasture being well maintained through the season. The prices for dairying products will probably be lower than last year, but this should be more than compensated by the increased output resulting from the good season. Dairy stock have averaged lower prices than during previous years, but there is a good demand for tested herds, and it is satisfactory to note that herd-testing is becoming more general as its benefits are recognized. The market for beef and store cattle has been fairly good, and sheep and lambs have been at high prices consequent upon the result of wool-sales. The latter benefited a number of settlers and enabled-them to lighten their financial burdens ; and, although present indications do not point to the maintenance of boom prices for wool, it is to be hoped they will keep up sufficiently to encourage the building-up of the depleted flocks of the Dominion. Generally speaking, the farmer in each line has experienced a favourable season, but it can hardly be said that the position of the farmer on a purely grazing property has been mateiially improved thereby. Certainly, the high prices realized for his wool have enabled him to clear some outstanding liabilities, but having, as a general rule, been considerably understocked for some time past owing to the condition of the markets, he has been compelled to buy, if necessary, at prices which indicate an uncertain margin of profit when he sells again. In the meanwhile, owing to lack of sufficient stocking and finance for subdivision, fencing, &c., his property has often depreciated in condition to an extent that renders his position precarious. These conditions, which affect a very large number of farmers both on freehold and leasehold lands in the western part of the district, from the Mokau River to the mouth of the Waikato River, have been investigated by a special Commission, whose recommendations are now under consideration. In regard to the Crown leaseholders concerned, it may reasonably be emphasized that their difficulties are not properly attributable to the original capital values and rentals, but rather, in so far as the financial aspect is concerned, to mortgages representing goodwills paid to previous holders, or moneys borrowed for effecting improvements the value of which has now very largely depreciated. Lands offered and selected. —The demand for lands throughout the year has been very slack. This is due to several causes, chief of which are, in the case of unimproved lands, the heavy cost of breaking them in ; and in the case of improved properties, the fact that sellers (unless under pressure of financial or other circumstances) are not even now generally willing to negotiate upon a basis which offers the purchaser a reasonable margin for contingencies. Added to these factors are a feeling of uncertainty regarding the produce-market of the future, and the difficulty of obtaining finance, the latter due to the fact that investors seek securities with a more stable and readily realizable basis of value. There appears to be little prospect of the demand for farm-lands improving until more reassuring conditions in these respects can be established. H £ During the year a total area of 51,023 acres was offered for sale or selection on permanent tenures, but the areas selected under those tenures was only about 16,000 acres, taken up by fifty-two applicants. The two principal blocks offered were the first portion of the Urewera lands, totalling about 28,000 acres, under the optional system ; of this only 3,318 acres was selected, and the remainder has been withdrawn pending further investigation as to the best method of its utilization. The other was an area of 10,566 acres, part of the block known as the Tokoroa Education Endowment, consisting of semi-pumice country situated southward from Putaruru. Although this was offered on the most favourable leases allowed by law (thirty-three years, perpetually renewable at revaluation) and on a very moderate basis of value, the result was not such as to inspire confidence in the claims that have been made regarding the attractiveness of this type of country—at any rate, under present conditions. Freehold and other Tenures. —The principal selections under settlement tenures were —occupation-with-right-of-purchase licenses, fourteen, comprising 8,941 acres ; and renewable leases, twenty, comprising 4,402 acres. | |f| An area of 12,136 acres was sold during the year to 120 purchasers, the greater number of these being by conversion from deferred-payment and occupation-with-right-of-purchase licenses. In the case of the latter tenure, this naturally arises principally from the expiration of the term of the license, although an indication of existing financial conditions may be found in the fact that two holders under this tenure whose licenses were about to expire elected to convert into lease in perpetuity on a lower rental basis. It may also be noted that six holders who

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had commenced to purchase the freehold of their properties by deferred payments, but found themselves unable to meet the substantial payments of principal and interest during the early years of the term, availed themselves of the opportunity afforded by recent legislation to exchange to renewable lease, thus obtaining the relief of very much lower payments. There has been a fair amount of activity in the conversion to freehold of leases in the Native townships, but in these, as well as at Rotorua, influences appear to be at work endeavouring to secure modification of the terms of purchase originally agreed to, regardless of the fact that such attempts savour somewhat of a breach of faith with the Crown, which undertook the purchase of the Native interests 011 a basis of which the lessees were well aware beforehand. Tenants and Revenue. —The total number of tenants at the close of the year was 5,576, occupying an area of 1,063,873 acres, at a rental of £109,225 per annum. The receipts for the year amounted to £25-1, 931, which included £137, 962 of payments under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Acts in respect of advances made. The arrears totalled £52, 227, owing by 1,275 lessees, an amount which indicates the extent to which the district has suffered from past financial and other conditions. The Land Board has, as in previous years, investigated all cases where circumstances indicated that assistance to tide over the difficulty could be given by means of postponement. In many of the cases, however, it appears to be questionable whether any real ultimate benefit would accrue from this course, the position of the tenants, the condition of their holdings, and the nature of their liabilities rendering recovery doubtful. The tenants are, however, fortunate in having the State as a landlord, which is prepared to extend the utmost possible consideration. It may be remarked that the above arrears include those owing by soldier tenants whose cases had not been finally dealt with by the Dominion Revaluation Board or the necessary adjustment of their accounts completed. Lands to be opened for Selection. —As indicated in previous reports, it is difficult to predict with any accuracy what lands can be offered during the coming year. A total area of 149,083 acres is already available for selection, but much of it is not attractive to land-seekers. Other lands which could be made available require the provisions of access at considerable expense, while the problematical chances of disposal under present conditions do not appear to justify such expenditure being incurred. It is clear, however, that, more particularly with the present heavy costs of bringing in undeveloped lands, new settlers cannot afford to be further hampered by lack of reasonable roading facilities, and unless these can be provided when the lands are placed on the market it is worse than useless to offer them at all. Land Board Work. —During the year meetings of the Board have been held on twenty-one days, the total number of items dealt with having been 1,911. This shows a further decrease in number, but the majority of the cases now dealt with present features of considerable difficulty, and necessitate very close investigation and. attention. Members of the Board take a keen interest in the work, and their knowledge of local conditions and of the requirements of the settlers is of great assistance to myself and the office. Mr. W. G. Hayward, the Crown tenants' representative, has been re-elected unopposed for a further term. Office-ioorJc. —The year has been one of exceedingly strenuous activity in the office, and I am pleased to record that the staff has spared no pains to keep the work up to date, and its willingness to work extra hours for this purpose has been most praiseworthy, and has considerably relieved the burden of a time of some anxiety and difficulty. The Field Inspectors in their duties are confronted with problems requiring much discrimination and hard work. That they have come through their trials most successfully is a tribute to their tact and industry. It is with very much regret that I record the retirement, at the end of January last, of Mr. J. G . Bendely, who for many years had occupied the position of Chief Clerk in this district. His work was always characterized by ability, throughness, and untiring energy, and the loss to the Department and this district especially cannot be over expressed. GISBORNE. (V. I. Blake, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) General Conditions of Settlement.—Once again the year has been one of very good condition as far as sheep-farmers are concerned. The prices for wool at the early sales were much higher than even those of last year, and the prices of fat lambs and breeding-ewes showed a corresponding increase. Prices of wool fell off somewhat at later sales, but even then the prices were very satisfactory. Most sheep-farmers are once again on their feet after the slump, which hit this district very hard. Bush-land holders did not experience a very favourable year. Rains were frequent, and opportunities for burning off were few and far between ; many men were quite unable to get a good burn. The frequent rains, while beneficial to pastures, interfered greatly with harvesting, and serious losses have been recorded in some quarters. Dairy-farmers had a good season, but butterfat-prices had a falling tendency. Once again attention must be drawn to the necessity for building up good dairy herds. Many farmers seem content to muddle on with the same old inferior stock, and a falling-off in cream cheques is the inevitable result. Particularly on the high-priced lands on the Poverty Bay and Opotiki fiats, a first-class herd is an essential if dairying is to be made to pay. A dairy-farmer's life is a strenuous one at any time, and it is difficult to understand why so many are content with a bare living, when careful herd-culling would, in many cases, give 0, comfortable one. The evil of inflated values is still in evidence. Particularly in Opotiki County farms have come back on the hands of the mortgagees through the absolute impossibility of making them pay at the prices paid for them. This evil is not confined to dairy farms : it is evident in sheep-country as well. One good result is that in many cases the mortgagee has had to resell at a normal price. Too often,

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however, the Land Board, in the case of Grown lands, has had to refuse consent to transfers in order to protect would-be buyers against themselves. It has been noted, too, that very often men without anything like sufficient means wish to take over properties when it is abundantly evident that they could not pay their way. One would have thought there were quite sufficient object-lessons in the past to deter them. Noxious weeds have been kept down fairly well, but on some holdings blackberry lias almost taken charge. In one or two instances the Board has been compelled to remit rent for a period of years to give the tenant a chance of coping with the evil, and financial help has also been necessary. The Rabbit Boards still continue to do very good work, and the district is almost free from this pest. Land opened for Selection. —The only important block opened for selection during the past year was the Waihora Block, at Kanakanaia. The land in this block was well known, and a large ballot was the result. The successful applicants are of a satisfactory type, and appear to have started well. Several abandoned holdings in the Waioeka Valley were reopened, but even at the moderate capital values fixed by the Board only one was reselected, and that by an adjoining owner. Four small sections near Motu were eagerly sought after, local men being lucky at the ballot. Several isolated sections were thrown open, but the demand was not grea,.. Revenue and Arrears.—-Once again the time of the Board has been very largely taken up with the question of arrears of rent. The number of cases in which forfeiture had to be threatened before payment was made was much larger than it should have been in view of the good season experienced. The amount of arrears collected was very large. Soldier settlers in particular have been educated up to the fact that rent must be paid or reasonable cause shown for granting postponement. This latter privilege is never refused in cases where it is deserved. At the same time, it is again evident that many settlers think that a debt to the Crown does not matter much as compared with a debt to a financial institution. The Board is endeavouring to make it quite clear that the Crown is entitled to at least a share of the proceeds of a farm. Many deferred-payment holders, for instance, seem to think that as long as their interest is paid up the instalments of principal do not matter. Now that the slump is over the Board is demanding payment of principal also. The revenue for the year, including Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account receipts, amounted to £127,331, as compared with £102,474 last year. It will, of course, be remembered that the great reductions given in many cases to discharged soldiers considerably reduced the amounts falling due. On the other hand, these same men had arrears running back to June, 1923, to meet. In the great majority of cases the arrears were met, although still further postponements were required in order to help some men out. Board Work. —The work of the Land Board has increased to a great extent, although two-day sittings have been rare. Members showed a fine appreciation of the duties required of them, and the Board worked together very amicably. It was at times necessary to take very unpleasant steps,, but members have a high sense of duty both to the State and to the Crown tenants. Once again the cordial relationships with legal firms in the district must be recorded. It does help the work of a Board very considerably when solicitors understand Board requirements as they do here. Lands remaining for Selection.—The lands which should be opened for selection during the ensuing year include the following blocks:—Tuparoa Consolidation (6,000 acres); Poroporo (4,380 acres); Tahora (2,920 acres); Section 1, Block XXI, Mangahopai (4,780 acres); Waipaoa 5a (1,000 acres). About half of this country is in heavy bush, some of it being amongst the best of the bushland left in the district. Except in the case of the Tuparoa Consolidation the prices will be low. A large area of forfeited bush leaseholds in the Opotiki County will require to be dealt with later on, when the report of Messrs. Primrose and Donovan is given effect to. The total area to be opened next year is approximately 19,080 acres. In addition to this area 12,000 acres are at present open for selection. Amongst the blocks that will be available for disposal subsequent to 1925 are Waipaoa No. 5 (11,600 acres), Oamaru lc (4,810 acres), Tangihanga (4,460 acres), and Tahora (21,710 acres). There is also in the Urewera and Opotiki districts a large area of unoccupied Crown lands, but this will probably be set aside as forest reserve. Office-work. —The work of the office throughout the year has proceeded smoothly, due to the zeal and attention of all members of the staff. HAWKE'S BAY. (J. D. Thomson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) From a settler's point of view the season just passed has been one of the best experienced for many years, both in regard to climatic conditions and prices obtained for farm produce and stock. The weather throughout the winter was mild, no excessive cold or wet being experienced, and the pastures came away early in the spring, making an abnormal growth during the summer months. There has been a well-distributed rainfall, while the autumn has been fairly dry. Hay has been plentiful, but some difficulty has been met with in saving it, owing to frequent showers. There is so much rough feed about that farmers are anxious to get it eaten off so that the sun and air may get in and bring on the young growth, which will otherwise be smothered. The dairy-farmer has had an excellent year as far as yield is concerned, and the cows have maintained their milk well until March, when the dry weather set in. The price of butterfat should average about Is. sd. per pound, which must be considered a good payable price. The dairyman has no doubt looked with envious eyes upon his colleague, the sheep-farmer, this season, on account of the

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latter's fortunate prices for wool and lambs. These prices have tended to unsettle the dairy-farmer in some cases, but he can console himself with the fact that it is largely due to his efforts that the country is in such a prosperous condition. The sheep-farmer has had an abnormal year as far as prices are concerned, the first wool-sales of the season constituting almost a record, while prices were well maintained even at the last sale. The clip was of good weight, clean and full of lustre. Lambing percentages were well up to average. The rape crops were good, and farmers were able to get away large tallies of fat stock. The price of sheep reached boom prices, good breeding-ewes reaching as high as 435. each. This was a dangerous figure, however, as they have now receded to about 355. The cattle-market is now recovering fast from the slump, and prices are reaching a paying line. This is no doubt due to an improvement in the Home-country markets. Grain crops, chiefly autumn-sown oats, have been very heavy The wet weather in January and part of February delayed harvesting operations and discoloured the grain to some extent, but some settlers were fortunate enough to get their crops stacked without damage. Taking everything into account, the year has been one of genuine prosperity, and has shown that, with ordinary climatic conditions and good prices, the Hawke's Bay District holds a favoured position in our favoured Dominion. Land Board Work. —During the year twelve meetings of the Land Board were held. There were 700 items dealt with, as against 556 last year. The matters for discussion embraced every phase of landadministration, but a large amount of the work dealt with was in connection with the settlement of discharged soldiers. Many recommendations from the Dominion Revaluation Board were also dealt with. Mr. R. B. Ross was re-elected Crown tenants' representative on the 26th May, 192-1, but he resigned his membership later, and Mr. Cornelius John O'Reilly, of Porangahau, was selected, on the 28th August, 1924, by the Crown lessees, out of four candidates, to represent them on the Land Board. The personnel of the Land Board is otherwise unaltered. Revenue and Arrears. —The gross revenue for the year was £294, 334, which shows an increase over last year's figures of £37,765. Of the amount received, £145,215 was for credit of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account. The arrears of payments due by settlers, both soldier and civilian, have caused some anxiety to the Department and the Land Board in the past, but it is considered that, in view of the concessions granted to soldier settlers by the Dominion Revaluation Board, and also in view generally of the excellent year the tenants have had, the position in this matter will be vastly improved in the coming year. The Blackberry Menace.—The growth and spread of blackberry on lands in the northern portion of the district is a matter that requires very serious consideration. This weed is difficult and costly to deal with, and very few of the tenants can command the capital required to cope with it. On fiat or undulating land the blackberry may be successfully combated, but on the hill country the weed is very difficult to deal with. Not only does it render useless large areas of country, but it is a serious menace to the pastoralist, as sheep and lambs, constantly get hung up by it. In some of the northern portions of this district the question of the eradication of blackberry is becoming one of national importance. TARANAKI. (J. Cook, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) General. —The past year has been a good one for the farming community, and the increased wool and sheep prices have brought about a more healthy tone as regards the demand for grazing-couutry. The lessons of the slump, however, have not been lost, and a cautious view is generally adopted as regards the future price of dairy-produce and wool. Climatic conditions generally have been good. A dry spell was experienced during the summer months, but this did not seriously affect the returns of butterfat. The price of dairy stock appears to have become established at about pre-war conditions, and the accepted view is that calculations based on not more than Is. 4d. per pound for butterfat are safest from the dairying aspect. The menace of noxious weeds is always present in the lighter country used for dairying, and will constitute an increasing problem to the community as time goes on. The reductions effected by the Dominion Revaluation Board in connection with soldier settlement, and the inquiry conducted by the committee set up to report on deteriorating land, have created an air of expectancy among Crown tenants generally. The unimproved value of Crown land in parts of this district may require investigation, but every case should be considered on its merits having regard to existing mortgages and the depreciation of securities brought about by the reversion of pasture lands into second growth. A disastrous cloud-burst visited parts of Whangamomona County last April, and losses were incurred by many settlers. Low-lying fences were either buried under debris or carried away altogether. The damage to roads and tracks made movement of stock impossible in some localities for many months, the Mangare Road settlers, near Whangamomona Township, being the worst sufferers in this respect. Much of the damage to roads has since been repaired by the Public Works Department out of flooddamage votes, but the piles of logs against bridges, and the scars on the hillsides caused by numerous slips, still bear testimony to the severity of the cloud-burst. Fortunately the damage was confined to a comparatively small and well-defined area, although the general damage caused by the consequent heavy flooding of river-courses affected a much larger area of the country. There is an increasing inquiry from Crown tenants as to the possibility of severance of portion of their leases, with the object of handing back to the Crown areas not considered suitable for development. Where these rough corners adjoin existing reserves the desire may be met, but the creation of unoccupied

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areas of Crown land, frequently without access, cannot commend itself. The survey and legal costs involved in arranging such partial surrenders are generally overlooked by the lessees. A disturbing matter is the increase in the number of rabbits seen in southern Taranaki. The spread into the Whangamomona County from the Ohura County lias doubtless been effected through the Tangarakau Gorge, and every effort should be made to combat this added pest to the many under which Crown tenants and others in central Taranaki are labouring. An established good price for mutton and wool for a period may do more to solve the problem of deterioration than anything else. The necessity for fencing and running dry cattle is generally accepted, and the incentive to do this will be supplied through a healthy demand for grazing-country, brought about by good prices for mutton and wool. Lands opened for Selection.—No new blocks have been opened during the year. The total area offered is 1J ,492 acres, comprising reselections to a great extent. The cost of roading unopened areas of Crown land is in most cases a deterrent to the opening of such areas, as the surveyed blocks available are in localities remote from existing roads. The total number of new tenants during the year is eightytwo, the area selected being 9,958 acres. Land Board Work. —Meetings of the Board have been held on twenty-nine days during the year, the total number of items dealt with being f ,083. Mr. C. J. Ryan was re-elected a member by the Crown tenants for a further term. I desire to record my appreciation of the assistance given me by the members of the Board, whose local knowledge and experience have been of great assistance always. Revenue and Arrears. —The total Crown Lands revenue received for the year was £100,139. The arrears total £13,122, and postponements £8,475, which includes rents postponed by Dominion Revaluation Board. Generally the position as regards collection of revenue has been similar to last year. Many tenants consider that a debt to the Crown is a matter for arrangement, and forfeitures have been resorted to in a number of cases. The Freehold Tenure. —In connection with freeholding under the provisions of the West Coast Settlement Reserves Acts the sum of £28,504 has been received. Other freeholds have been purchased to the amount of £8,359. This shows a substantial increase on last year's returns for freeholds. Land remaining for Selection.—These mostly comprise wooded country without access, and the placing of this land on the market will require careful consideration. The Taumatamahoe, Whakaihuwako, and Heao Blocks, near the Wanganui River, comprise papa and sandstone ridges costly to road, and no demand exists at present for this class of country. There are other small blocks in various parts of my district, but the time is not considered opportune to proceed with the necessary acquisition of roads and construction thereof in order to open these lands for selection. Office-work. —The demands on the staff have been very great, and the work has been kept up to date through co-operation and zeal on the part of all officers. WELLINGTON. (T. Brook, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The past year has, generally speaking, been quite a good one for all sections of the farming community. Climatic conditions have been very favourable, and as a consequence feed has been ample for all requirements. Dairy-produce has maintained fairly good prices throughout the season, and most factories should pay out on about the same basis as last season. In some parts of this district floods were experienced on the lower levels during the months of November and December, and some dairy-farmers had rather severe losses of feed and also suffered by damage to crops and fences. Sheep-farmers have had a very successful year, and in particular those who were fortunate enough to catch the early wool-sales. The price for fat sheep and lambs was well maintained, the demand for all classes of sheep being better than the previous year, the keen competition by exporters having its effect upon prices. It is pleasing to note that a sharp rise has taken place in the price of fat and store cattle ; and, as good lines of young stock are difficult to obtain, it looks as if prices will remain firm for some considerable time. A fair area of wheat was grown in this district, but the grain in many returns was mostly of second quality. Turnips, particularly swedes, did not do too well this year, soft turnips being better. Owing to the blight, poor returns were realized from potato crops. Oats for chaffing were plentiful, but owing to the prices being low only the good bright stuff found a market, and then only at a price which left little margin of profit. Land-values for land of reasonably good clean quality have been maintained during the year, and following upon the increase in the prices of cattle and sheep the demand for reasonably good farms was, towards the end of the year, much keener. It is noticed that a number of farmers who during the slump years of 1919 and 1920 started dairying have now reverted to sheep. The gross revenue received during the year was £508,624, being an increase on last year of £37,399. Of the total receipts, the sum of £325,452 was received on account of interest and principal under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. The arrears are still heavy, and are due principally by settlers who have taken up their holdings during recent years and who are still feeling the effects of the high prices they had to pay for materials required for the development of their properties, and who have not yet got over the effect of the slump prices. The Land Board held twelve meetings during the year, the sittings occupying thirty-nine days, and the number of cases dealt with numbered 1,800. The total number of conversions to the freehold from various tenures was ninety-four, and the revenue received from that source amounted to £25,970. Properties taken up during the year numbered 130, comprising an area of 7,465 acres.

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NELSON. (N. C. Kensington, Commissioner of Crown Lands). There has been a better demand for Crown lands during the past year. A total area of 54,210 acres, comprising sixty-nine holdings, was selected, and an area of 57,467 acres is advertised in the Crown Lands Guide as being available for selection. Dnring the year sixteen tenants acquired the freehold of their properties. The conditions generally have been favourable during the year, especially as regards the 'dain ing industry, and increased outputs have been the result. The prices for wool opened well at the early part of the season, but unfortunately were not maintained, and steadily declined. Towards the close many settlers withdrew their clips from sale, deciding to ship to England. The general decline of prices towards the close of the season has only been regarded as temporary, and settlers are looking forward to a reasonable price on the English market for the wool shipped, and for the coming season. Statutory Inspection of Leaseholds.—The Field Inspectors' reports show that a large number of inspections of ordinary Crown leases have been made, and in most cases the improvements are well in excess of the requirements. Dairying Industry.—The past season's operations show a steady increase in factory returns. In the central and western parts of the province a marked increase has resulted. The output from the factories in the Counties of Buller, Murchison, and Inangahua approximate 900 tons of butter. Several factories are also operating in Waimea, Takaka, and Collingwood Counties, although the latter county goes in principally for cheese-factories. The Karamea district has the disadvantage of heavy cost of transport to Westport to contend with, and is handicapped in this direction, which militates against the price that can be paid to the supplier. The same may be said to apply to many small factories operating in different parts of the district. Whilst it is admitted that they are of great convenience to the settler, still the heavy overhead charges of running small factories is such that the settler cannot expect the same return as where large central factories are operating with well-organized transportation. With the steady increase of the dairying industry settlers are confronted with the two essentials, herd-testing and top-dressing. I understand that the formation of associations for systematic herd-testing is now receiving attention in some parts of the district. Hop and Fruit Industry.- The past season has been favourable from the hop-growers' point of view as regards quantity, and the result has been a large surplus of hops for export. It is impossible to anticipate what price will be realized for the past season's hop crop, as much depends on the English market. The small-fruit industry was not so good as usual, on account of the large amount of wet and showery weather in the early part of the season, and in this respect the tomato-growers in the open suffered severely. As regards the export and local sales of apples and pears, the apple-export market is looking much brighter ; but the local sales of pears have been disappointing. For the apple-export trade a large shipment of sawn case material was imported from America, and. appears to have given general satisfaction. The general tone of the industry appears brighter, and with the organized control now operating there is a possibility of orchardists being placed on a firmer financial footing. Many settlers in the Tadmor and Waimea districts are giving attention to tobacco-growing, and in many cases good results have been reported, and there is good reason to believe that this industry may become one of the permanent side-lines of the Nelson District. Timber Industry.—The principal mills are operating on the West Coast, with several smaller mills in the Waimea, Takaka, and Collingwood Counties. Altogether there are thirteen mills operating in the Buller County, and there appears to be a better sale for timber on the West Coast than from other parts of the district. With the exception mentioned, many of the small mills operating in other parts of the district are having a difficulty in getting rid of their timber, and the demand does not seem very keen at present. West/port Colliery Reserves. —A number of sections in the Town of Westport were again offered for permanent lease ; several were disposed of, but the demand is not keen. Education Endowments. —Some 7,800 acres are at present leased under this heading, and a further 5,000 acres are available for selection in the Crown Lands Guide. The average rental of the leased land represents an annual rental equal to 5 per cent, of the capital value. Land Board. —During the year twelve ordinary and two special meetings of the Land Board were held. The number of items dealt with by the Board totalled 582. Mr. W. C. Mirfin was reappointed a member by His Excellency the Governor-General. As Chairman, I desire to record my thanks to the members of the Land Board for their cordial co-operation in all matters placed before them for decision. Revenue Arrears The revenue received during the year totalled £62,677. Of this £21,122 was from ordinary Crown tenants, the balance being receipts on account. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for the ready assistance given me at all times. MARLBOROUGH. (J. Stevenson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) More than an average rainfall was experienced during the past season, resulting in an abundance of feed right through the growing season ; and, though the harvest was somewhat protracted through wet weather, crops were generally good. Two floods of a minor nature occurred, doing no material damage to crops, and only restricting traffic on the main roads for a few days. All classes of stock are facing the winter in good and healthy condition, and, provided nothing unusual is experienced, the prospects for next year are fairly bright. 1

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Marlborough's reputation for lucerne-seed is well established throughout the country, and its standard and quality are still being maintained. Skins and hides have found a good market this season, and good prices are being obtained. It is reported that the poisoning of rabbits in south Marlborough was fairly successful last winter, when great numbers were destroyed. They still appear to be fairly numerous, however. Dairying.- The dairy industry remains much the same as last year. Prices for butterfat show a slight drop since the opening of the season. The Government assistance in order to facilitate the improvement of milking-strains by the hire of imported or pedigree bulls has not been taken advantage of except in a very few instances. If full advantage were taken of this excellent offer great improvement in the dairy herds would very soon take place. Butterfat is still at a low price, and this, together with the poor prices obtained for beef, makes the dairy-farmers' outlook not too bright. Wool and Sheep.—Record prices ruled for the earlier clips this year, and the fat-stock market was good, so that the sheep-fa,rmer has had an excellent year. Marlborough wool maintained its record prices of last year. Those who were fortunate enough to reach the first sales were well satisfied, and though a considerable drop took place towards the end of the sales, the prices obtained were good, and growers should now have caught up the lost ground caused by the slump of a few years ago. The Seddon fat-stock sales in December last again established a record for prices and entries. Some ■3,400 sheep were yarded, of which about 2,800 were lambs. Top prices were reached by Mr. Dysart, of Blind River —lambs of the Southdown cross, which realized 455. 3d. Mr. Conway, of Seddon, running him close at 41s. Id. for Suffolk cross. Other lots by the same breeders realized 395. and 38s. respectively. The lowest price paid was 31s. 6d., the average price for lambs being about lid. per pound. Fat wethers ranged from 335. 6d. to 31s. Id. Ewes also sold well. The annual Ewe Fair held in Blenheim in January was a great success. Fourteen thousand sheep came under the hammer. The top price realized was in the vicinity of 425. ; other lines brought 375. 6d., 365. 6d., down to 345. Id. Practically the whole yarding was cleared, and the prices realized show great promise for the future of this annual event. Merino-breeders are again out to improve their flocks by importing high-grade rams, the latest addition being imported by Mr. C. 0. F. Rutherford, of " Craiglockhart." The Addington markets still offer a handsome margin, and enormous quantities of store sheep trek annually towards Canterbury. The increased price, however, does not go to the grower, but to the dealer, and this amount is lost to the district, as most of the large dealers live south. Were the South Island Main Trunk Railway an established fact, surplus sheep would be trucked by the grower, and the increased price obtained would of coiirse come into the district. Similarly, the beef prices obtaining in Addington would encourage the production of beef in Marlborough if railway facilities for marketing were provided. At present there is practically no demand for beef. Agriculture.—A good season for crops of all kinds was experienced, and prices of barley, peas, &c., were fair. Chaff did not show such a good return. The caterpillars played havoc with some of the barley : crops estimated to produce 50 to 60 bushels were in a night reduced to 20 bushels. Fortunately, they were bad in part of the province only. Marlborough climate lends itself to the successful growing of seeds of all kinds. Agriculturists can therefore command top market prices for their crops. Orchards.—This industry, owing to the lack of a stable market, is going through a very trying period, the position this year being worse, if anything, than last. No improvement can, I think, be looked for until a stable market is found, and cost of production reduced to such an extent as to make the fruit-price within the reach of every one. One enterprising orchardist has launched out in a ciderfactory, the idea being to use those apples that cannot be marketed in the ordinary way. Should this project prove successful it may mean quite a good thing for the growers of Marlborough. Poultry-farming.—Owing to the successful export of eggs the prices locally have been very good. Then, a well-organized egg circle has done much for the industry in the way of marketing the eggs, regulating supply and demand, &c. The high price of fowl-wheat is about the only worry these farmers have at the present time. Timber.—This industry is flourishing. With the increased demand for buildings of all kinds quite a number of small plants are operating on country that a few years ago was considered worked out or unprofitable to mill. The end of the natural supply, however, is in sight in this district, and when there is nothing coming on to take its place it makes the outlook anything but bright in the timber line. Flax. —Four mills are operating in this district, and good-quality flax-fibre has been marketed. The £3-per-ton rise in fibre during the year has made the millers scour the countryside and cut flax in isolated and scattered patches that in ordinary years would go untouched. Limeworks.—The works at Ward owned by Mr. Alex. Thomson are now firmly established, and are proving a great benefit to the district. The crushing plant has been erected, and the requirements of the district are being well catered for. The output last year was in the neighbourhood of 1,000 tons, and the quality of the lime averaged 90 per cent. The demand is now becoming more regular as settlers realize the benefits that are to be derived from systematic liming. Lavd Board.—Twelve ordinary meetings and one special meeting were held during the year. The items dealt with numbered 477, of which 200 cases related to soldier settlement. Comparatively few (81) transfers of ordinary Crown lands were presented for approval. Miscellaneous cases numbered 196. Messrs. James Boyd and James Fulton, whose term as members of the' Board expired during the year, were both reappointed, the latter as representative of the tenants. Revenue. —The gross revenue received during the year amounted to £83,491, an increase of £2,645 on that of the preceeding year. This amount includes £27,371 received under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account.

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Land for Closer Settlement.—During the year a very fine piece of land in the Kaikoura district was purchased for closer settlement from Mr. Samuel Andrew. This estate will be known as " Fernleigh Settlement," and is now being subdivided into dairy farms, and will shortly be offered at prices that should ensure the success of the settlement. The roading of the Clarence Valley is now being pushed on by the Public Works Department, and it is expected that quite a number of contracts will be let this winter. This work should be kept steadily moving with the object of settling the valley as soon as practicable access is available. In conclusion, I wish to thank a very keen and efficient staff for the attention they have given their duties during the year. WESTLAND. (W. T. Morpeth, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Conditions and Progress of Settlement.—Weather conditions in Westland for the year ending 31st of March, 1925, have been favourable to farming operations. The rainfall for Hokitika was 133-58 in. and there were 2,024 hours of sunshine. The average rainfall may be put down at 120 in. and the average sunshine at 2,000 hours. The rainfall is thus 13 in. and the sunshine twenty-three hours above the average. The winter was mild, and there was an average spring, with the result that green and white crops are very good, and there is an abundance both of grass and winter feed. It is to be regretted that the Waitaha Dairy Factor}' has ceased operations, the local cream being now sent to the Central Factory in Hokitika, forty miles distant. It is an instance of the growing vogue of motor-lorry traction that the company should collect supplies so far awav from headquarters. At the same time it seems strange that the settlers shrndd not prefer to have the factory in their midst and on the spot. There has been an advance of from 3s. to ss. a hundred for ox beef on last year's prices, but none on heifer or cow beef. Prime ox brought up to 405., medium ox from 255. to 355., prime heifer from 275. 6d. to 355., medium heifer from 255. to 305., and cow beef from 15s. to 325. 6d. a hundred. Yealers and runners made exceptionally good prices for the year, in many cases up to 325. 6d. a hundred. The average would be about 255. One feature of the year's entries was the exceptional number of fat cows yarded, which is regarded as an indication of several farmers going out of dairying. There has been a very firm market for sheep. Only in a few cases farmers have increased their stock holdings for mutton purposes. The lamb increase was absorbed by the freezingworks in Christchurch, and for the first time in the history of the West Coast growers sold lamb at per pound in the paddock, in many cases receiving up to 12|-d. In the local yards wether mutton made up to B|d. per pound weight, and very little, if any, brought less than 6jd. per pound for the whole year. Ewe mutton ranged in price from 5Jd. to 6|d. per pound. Lambs in open market did not fetch prices equal to those received from buyers for freezing purposes. Lim,e-worhs.—The lime-works at Ross and Kokatahi are still in active operation. It is satisfactory to note that many farmers have discovered that top-dressing by lime, &c., will produce better results in this district than heavy cultivation. The Ross Company has had a hard struggle to keep going, but a policy of careful management, energy, and economy has been inaugurated, and under the present management the success of the company should be assured. Timber.—The total output of sawn timber from all mills operating in Westland for the year was 73.137.940 superficial feet, being an increase of 8,213,910 superficial feet over the previous year, and a record for any one year. The market towards the end of the year, however, was somewhat dull, as the following summary of the quarterly returns will show : Quarter ending 30th June, 1924, 18,006,138 sup. ft. ; quarter ending 30th September, 1924, 20,001,000 sup. ft. ; quarter ending 31st December, 1924, 19,406,100 sup. ft. ; quarter ending 31st March, 1925, 15,724,700 sup. ft. The timber comprised 50,822,184 ft. of riinu, 21,828,957 ft. of kahikatea, 280,397 ft. of Fagus fusca, 96,000 ft. of silver-pine, 70,300 ft. of totara, and 40,100 ft. of matai. Of this output 37,031,856 ft. were cut from Crown lands, 22,667,200 ft. from private land, and 13,438,882 ft. from State forest. The quantity of timber exported beyond New Zealand during the year was 21,495,942 sup. ft., comprising the following: Kahikatea, 16,828,957 sup. ft.; rimu, 4,533,586 sup. ft. ; Fagns fusca, 133,399 sup. ft. This return shows a decrease of 2,074,815 sup. ft. in comparison with previous year's return. In addition to the above quantity exported from Westland there were 2,749,712 sup. ft. from the Nelson District exported to Australia via G-reymouth. The return from the Nelson District shows an increase of 907,473 sup. ft. over the previous year's return. The timber exported to Australia was classed as follows: 15 per cent, clean 0.P., 60 per cent, rough 0.8., 25 per cenl. "shorts." There is a steady demand for rimu in Australia, more so than in the Dominion. There is no doubt at all that the opening of the Otira Tunnel stimulated the industry. During the year 13.033.941 sup. ft. passed through the tunnel. Present prices of timber per 100 sup. ft., Greymouth, are as follows, subject to trade and cash discounts : Rimu, clean heart, 38s. to 41s. ; dressing quality heart, 295. 6d. to 325. ; building heart, 21s. 6d. to 235. ; clean 0.8., 255. to 265. 6d.; dressing quality 0.8., 21s. 6d. to 225. 6d. ; 0.8., 14s. 6d. to 15s. 6d. ; kahikatea firsts, 255. ; kahikatea seconds, 15s. 6d. Four new mills started cutting during the year, while three were closed and one burnt, making eighty-two mills now in operation. Gold-dredging.— There has been a notable revival of gold-dredging in the district during the year. Probably encouraged by the success of the American dredge operating at Rimu Flat, mining experts from Auckland and Dunedin have made application for prospectirig-areas in south Westland and the Hohonu district. These have been granted, and in one case a dredge is being erected. Other local

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parties have applied for prospecting-areas at Okarito and Gillespie's. The American company has recently completed an exhaustive test at Awatuna ; but, though the ground is definitely auriferous, results did not justify the erection of a dredging plant, the margin of profit being too narrow. I understand the company propose shortly to make application for further prospecting-areas. The amount of gold recovered at Rimu Flat during the year was 9,830 oz., valued at £42,000, and an area of 18 acres has been dredged. The total amount of gold recovered to date by this company is valued at £165,000. Honey-production.—During the past year many inquiries have been made and areas applied for for apiary-sites in Westland, consequent, no doubt, on the successful operations of those already engaged in the honey industry. One apiary at Barrytown turned out 9 tons of honey, valued at £500, whilst others have had quite a successful year. The native bush, especially rata and kamahi, of which there is practically an unlimited quantity in Westland, is the main source of the honey-supply. From present indications this industry, which may be considered to be permanently established, promises to be an extensive and profitable one. Revenue and Arrears.—The total gross revenue for the year from all sources (including Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account) amounted to £31,973. The rent roll amounted to £8,760, and arrears of rent £1,696, an increase on last year's figures, due mostly by soldier settlers. Every effort is being made to collect amounts outstanding. Land open for Selection.--Areas totalling 3,637 acres were opened for selection by ballot during the year, and 3,138 acres were taken up under various tenures on permanent title. Land Board. —Twelve monthly meetings were held during the year, as scheduled, occupying one full day each. The Board dealt with 104 applications for land, 182 transfers and exchanges, 97 applications by discharged soldiers for advances, transfers, postponements, &c., together with an exceptionally large volume of miscellaneous work. Land remaining for Selection. —An area of 1,705 acres resumed from Run 27b is now being prepared for selection, and will be available some time during the current year. The land is situated close to the Main South Road, between the Fox and Cook Rivers ; it is all level land of good quality, and will be offered on renewable lease tenure. A further area of 833 acres, comprising good swamp land at Ilarihari, over which drainage operations by the Land Drainage Engineer were completed during the past year, is now available for offering. In addition to above, an area of 2,206 acres, comprising isolated areas and township sections, will also be available almost immediately. CANTERBURY. (G. H. Bollard, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) During the past year conditions have in the main been favourable for the various classes of farming. The season has again been a very good one for sheep men, particularly on the back country, and wool-yields and lambing percentages have been satisfactory. The very high prices for wool obtained at some of the earlier sales must have been very welcome to the farmers and the institutions financing them. Some few, whose cupidity was aroused by the large increase in prices, were tempted to withhold their wool, with the result that they had later on to accept lower prices, as the earlier ones were not maintained ; but even the lower returns have been very good, and if these can be maintained sheep-farmers should be well satisfied. The winter and early spring were very mild, and at first too dry, and the demand for store stock eased for a time, but good rainfalls in September and December saved the situation and crops and grass made good growth. The death-rate among lambs after marking was higher than usual owing to too much condition with the abundance of feed. The value of store sheep rose with the increase in the value of wool, and good breeding-ewes realized prices that seemed very high for those having to buy. In some 1 ca ties farmers state that owing to the soppy condition of the feed it was a little difficult to finish lambs well, but if the results of this year are again experienced pastoralists and graziers should be accounted fortunate. The, good results from sheep will mean that more land will be used for sheep-farming, and the relief from excessive cropping will be beneficial. Shearing was delayed a little by wet, and this caused some of the clips to miss the top prices. The frozen-meat industry has again had a good year, and record prices for lambs were obtained. The good season should result in an increase of flocks. A large number of sheep from the North Island, and some from the West Coast, found ready sale owing to feed being plentiful. The market prices for prime beef were good, and in the opinion of some there are indications that the local needs are equal to the supply. Grain-growers should have had a fairly profitable year. The promise of the season a little before harvesting was somewhat marred by heavy rain and wind just when harvest was pending. Yields have been variable. The moister conditions suited the lighter lands, but were not so good for the heavier. The oat-yields were very variable, the grain in some cases weighing very light; but still, on the whole, the results were fair, and on the lighter land better than usual. Rust was very prevalent, and early-sown Gartons on the heavy land were most affected. Much the same can be said of wheat crops. Growers are complaining that prices, owing to heavier costs all round, are not remunerative. Yields of peas have been good, but many of the potato crops have been affected by blight. Linseed crops were good ; grass and clover seed also, and owing to the good supply prices are easy. Generally good yields have been obtained by men who worked their land sufficiently. Those engaged in the dairying industry were not so fortunate as sheep and grain growers. The price of butterfat was not very good ; in the first part of the season the payable price of Is. 6d. per

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pound of butterfat for good grades was paid ont, but later on in January this dropped to Is. Id., recovering to Is. 3d. later. These prices, being only for first-grade stuff, will not be averaged all round. Cows were in poor condition in the earlier part of the winter, but the mildness of the season helped them. Earlier spring was rather dry; the later rains improved the growth of feed for a short period, but during February and March the lack of rain and prevalence of drying winds again caused yields to drop, making the season short and not as profitable as it might have been. Growers of stone-fruits did not have a very successul year, brown rot being prevalent. Good crops of apples have been obtained in some cases, but several heavy gales must have done damage in some parts. Market-gardeners and tomato-growers have experienced fair conditions, and results should average fairly well. Poultry-farmers are still in the struggling stage, and, while grain-growers are complaining of insufficient prices, the poultrymen are saying that grain and other feed are too dear for them to run their industry at a profit. There seems to be a probability of an export trade being worked up and helping to secure for them firmer and better prices. Landholders generally are increasing their efforts to grapple with the rabbit pest. As before, the Land Board work has continued to be heavy, and several supplementary meetings have been necessary. Revenue. —Arrears show an increase, but after the better seasons the Board is not inclined to lend so sympathetic an ear to defaulters. The revenue collected from Crown tenants, : n spite of adverse conditions in some cases, resulted in the very satisfactory amount of £268,476. Land selected. —During the year seventy-six new selections were taken up, comprising 15,246 acres, with a total rental of £1,961. The Field Inspectors are still kept very busy, and it has notbeen possible to attend to ordinary statutory inspections and keep as good an eye on reserves as could be wished. OTAGO. (R. S. Galbraith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The year just ended has been one of steady progress by the settlers throughout Otago. The weather conditions on the whole were good, a mild winter being followed by a good growing spring and summer. The rainfall was scarcely sufficient, and the effect was more marked in the southern than in any other part of the district. In north Otago the grass was early and very good, especially north of Palmerston ; south of that town it was later in coming away, and as the summer advanced it suffered a little on account of insufficient rain. The oat crops about the Oamaru district showed plenty of straw, but in some cases did not thresh out to expectations. Wheat crops in the same district were barely up to the average, but some very fine samples of wheat came on the market. Root crops were average, while rape and other green feed proved to be very good and stood a lot of eating-off. In Central Otago, where most of the land is used for grazing, the pasture came away well, and sheep from the hills were in better condition than has been the case for some years past, with the result that the wool-clips were good and clean and lambing percentages high. Irrigation is having a most important effect on sheep-farming in localities where water is being utilized. Development of this work is being vigorously pushed on by the Public Works Department, and the results already achieved justify the opinion that in a few years' time the sheep-carrying capacity of Central Otago will have increased enormously. One large sheep-farmer, who is, perhaps, the pioneer of irrigation, openly proclaims his belief that one acre of irrigated land is equal to twenty acres of similar unirrigated land. This may be an overstatement of the case or it may not; certain it is, however, that the increase in production due directly to irrigation is very great, and is reflected in the market price of sheep farms and runs. In southern Otago the rainfall was not sufficient to give the best results in cereal and root crops, although some very fair crops of turnips were produced. In one or two localities swede turnips were affected by blight. Up to November the growth of grass was good, but from then on to March very little growth was perceptible. Good rains fell in March and stimulated the growth to a marked degree. An inclination on the part of dairy-farmers to dispose of their herds and go in for sheep is manifesting itself. The causes are not far to seek. One of them, however, ought to be mentioned—the spread of ragwort in the bush country. Blackberry is also spreading to some extent, and it is sincerely to be hoped that this weed will not be allowed to take possession of any appreciable area of country. The area of land opened for selection during the year was 25,236 acres, the most important offering being the pastoral country on what was the well-known Teviot Station. This country was eagerly competed for, there being seventy-one applicants for the six lots offered. The total number of new selections made last year was 171, with an area of 137,565 acres. These figures show an increase of twelve selectors over the number for the previous year, with a decrease in the total acreage selected. The number of freeholds acquired was exactly the same as that of the preceding year, although the area made freehold was slightly larger. It is pleasing to be able to record that the figures with respect to arrears of rent are much lower, both in number of tenants and amount outstanding, than was the case for the 1924 period. The work of the Land Board was heavy, the outstanding feature being the large number of applications to transfer that came up for consideration. Large sums for goodwill, particularly for pastoral properties, were disclosed, rendering it necessary to scrutinize such transactions very closely. I am much indebted to the Board members for their valuable advice, great assistance, and loyal co-operation.

o.—i

20

SOUTHLAND. (K. M. Graham, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) A general review of the results obtained from the operations of our rural industries in this district for the twelve-monthly period ending 31st March, 1925, discloses that good progress has been made generally, and that, on the whole, satisfactory returns have been derived from all classes of farming. Regarding the dairying industry, in some localities unusually dry climatic conditions were again experienced, and the absence of seasonable rainfall caused the failure of early-sown crops and the falling-away of pastures in the summer months, with a corresponding reduction in the milk-yield. At one period of the season anxiety was caused through the sudden drop in the price of butter, but it is pleasing to note that a marked improvement has since taken place, and the year closes with prospects for a continuance of reasonably good prices for both butter and cheese throughout the remainder of the season. It is becoming more commonly recognized by the farming community that success in the dairying industry lies largely in the direction of making provision for an ample supply of feed for dairy cows right throughout the year. The value of top-dressing of pastures cannot be too strongly stressed in this connection, and the cheapening of artificial manures is tending to make this possible to an increasing degree as compared with former years. This is evidenced by the increasing sales of these commodities during the year by the several mercantile firms operating throughout this district. With a fuller recognition by the dairy-farmers of the economic value of the proper care and management of pastures, the overhead working-expenses on the farms can be considerably reduced and an appreciable increase in returns will be obtained, whereby land-values will be sustained and the continued prosperity and progress of the district assured. The total acreage put under oats this year was again much less than in former years. In some parts of the district the crops lacked bulk owing to the absence of the usual spring rains, but again in other localities splendid crops were obtained. An exceptionally fine harvest season was experienced, the grain threshed out in fine condition, and the market prices ruling gave a profitable return to the growers. Southland was this year favoured with a comparatively mild winter, and this enabled all*classes of farmers to maintain their stock in very fair condition right through to the spring. The sheep-farmer has experienced an exceptionally good year. The climatic conditions left nothing to be desired in this respect, and the high prices ruling throughout the season for wool and fat lambs have had the effect of once again firmly establishing confidence in this branch of industry. This is reflected in the keen demand for store sheep, and anything offering in this line meets with a ready sale. The Southland Electric-power Board has made good progress during the year with, the installation of the Lake Monowai hydro-electric scheme, and it will not be long before the whole of the district is served with light and electric power. The work of the several Hiver Boards is now well in hand, and continued good progress can be looked forward to in the future. The straightening and deepening of the streams now being dealt with by these Boards is of such immediate value to the lands affected that their hitherto unproductive nature will be entirely changed to one of high productive value, and the district as a whole will indirectly derive the advantages of greater prosperity due to the increased production from these lands. There has been no abatement in the activities of the timber-milling industry during the year, and the Crown lands still under bush have in consequence an immediate prospective value, to which due cognizance must be given before they can economically be thrown open for settlement. The scarcity of labour, its high cost, and the time taken to clear and develop this class of land all operate at the present time to cause a lack of inquiry for bush sections, unless they be of first-class quality and favourably situated.

C.—l.

APPENDIX ll— LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1925.

21

Name of Estate. e s * Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. to^Present J J North Auckland. Bayliss .. .. 1 ■ • Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Bickerstaffe .. . • -13 4 Grazing.. .. .. ■. • • Good. Cadman .. .. 1 • • Grazing lease only. Carroll .. • • 2 1 Grazing lease only. Graddock .. . ■ •. 14 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Eccleston No. 2 .. 23 3 Homes .. .. .. .. . ■ Good. Hetana .. ■ • 10 80 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Kitchener .. ■. 3 9 Homes and orchards .. . . .. Good. Koremoa .. .. 13 • • Dairying .. . . .. .. Poor. Lawry .. . • 1 ■ • Grazing lease only. Methuen .. • ■ 3 27 Homes and orchards .. .. . . Good. Motutara .. .. 11 .. Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Satisfactory. Paerata .. ■ • 2 .. Mixed farming .. .. • • • • Poor. Pakaraka .. .. 15 I Dairying .. .. •• iair. Parahi .. • ■ 11 • ■ Grazing and dairying . . .. .. Good. Plumer .. ■ • 4 17 Homes and orchards .. .. .. Good. Prescott .. . . 14 1 Homes .. .. .. . . . • Good. Puketi .. ■ ■ ■ • • • Grazing .. .. .. . • Unsatisfactory, j< un i .. .. 11 .. Dairying .. .. .. •• Fair. Remuera .. .. 25 ■ • Dairying .. . . .. .. Fair. Streamlands .. . . 13 •. Dairying .. . • ■ • ■ ■ Poor. Te Pua .. . . 5 1 Dairying .. . . .. . • Fair. Tokiri .. • ■ 3 .. Dairying . . ■ ■ • • • • Unsatisfactory. Upokonui .. .. 4 .. Dairying and grazing . . .. . • Fair. Waari .. . . 30 30 Homes and orchards . . .. .. Good. Waimata .. •. 15 • . Dairying .. .. • ■ • • Satisfactory. Waiteitei .. .. 10 •. Dairying .. .. .. •. Fair. Totals .. 273 188 Auckland. Apata .. • • 6 .. Dairying .. .. .. • • Good. Balachraggan .. 22 4 Dairying .. .. • • • • Very good. Clifford .. .. 9 • • Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Good. Delaney .. • • 1 ■ • Home .. .. .. • • .... Fencourt .. . • 23 22 Dairying .. . . .. .. Very good. Gorton .. .. 10 .. Dairying .. .. .. • • Good. Hereford Park .. 2 . . Dairying .. .. .. • • Unsatisfactory. Hikuai .. .. 20 .. Dairying .. .. • ■ • • Fairly good. Horahia .. .. 0 • ■ Dairying .. . . .. • • Very good. Horahora .. . • 10 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. (rood. Kaipaki '! .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. • • • • Very good. . Karapiro .. . . 9 10 Dairying Very good. Kopuku .. .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. • • ■ • Unsatisfactory. Kopuku No. 2 .. 1 • • Dairying .. .. . ■ • • Unsatisfactory. Mangaotama.. .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. • • . . Good. Mangapouri .. .. 5 10 Dairying .. .. ■■ •• Good. Mangateparu.. .. 56 1 Dairying .. .. .. (*ood. Mangawhero.. .. 10 16 Dairying .. .. •• GoodMatamata .. • • 96 207 Dairying .. .. • • ■ ■ Excellent. Matuku . • • • 10 ■ ■ Dairying .. .. ■ ■ • • Good. Ngahinapouri .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. ■ • • • Good. Ohauiti .. • • 15 ■ ■ Mixed farming .. .. • • • • Unsatisfactory. Okauia '.! • • 7 11 Dairying Good. Omeheu .. •• H •• Dairying .. .. .. Very good. Opouriao .. .. 36 67 Dairying Very good. Orini .. • ■ 1 • • Dairying .. .. .. • • New settlement. Orongo .. ■ • 33 .. Dairying .. .. .. • • Fail-. Otamarakau.. .. 1 ■■ Dairying Good. Otway .. 9 s Dairying .. .. •• Very good. Pakarau .. .. 18 4 Dairying ■ • Good. Puahue .. • • 18 • • Dairying and mixed farming .. .. ixooa. Pukemapou " .. 8 .. Dairying Good. Rangiatea .. •• U 14 Dairying .. Very good. Rangitaiki .. • • ■■ Dairying and small farming .. .. Good. Reporoa .. • • 74 7 Dairying and grazing .. .. • • Good. Rewi .. 7 5 Dairying Very good. Reynolds .. • ■ 23 .. Dairying Good. Ro'tomanuka.. .. 1 •• Dairying •• 00fL Selwvn • • • • 93 143 Dairying and mixed farming .. • • b-ood. Tahaia !! • • 9 ■ • Dairying Fair Tainui .. •• 3 .. Grazing.. .. .. •• •• Good.

o.—i.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1925—continued.

22

Name of Estate. holds' holds. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Kem to^Present ; ' Auckland —continued. Tairua . . • • 23 2 Residence .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Taniwha .. 11 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Tapapa .. .. 11 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Tautari . . .. 38 6 Dairying and mixed farming .. . . Good. Teasdale .. . • 21 81 Business and residence .. .. .. Very good. Te Miro .. •. 32 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. . . Fair. Waiare . . . ■ 4 .. Dairying .. .. .. . . Good. Waimana .. .. 24 21 Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Very good. Waitakaruru.. . . 17 1 Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Good. Whatawhata.. .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Whitehall .. . ■ 6 14 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Totals . ■ 894 655 Qishorn e. Ardkeen .. • • 17 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Clydebank .. .. 5 4 Pastoral .. .. .. .. Very good. Glencoe . • • • 5 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Homebush .. ■■ 13 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Hukutaia .. • • 22 .. Dairying .. . . .. .. Satisfactory. Kanakanaia .. . ■ 7 1 Pastoral . . .. .. .. Very good. Ngatapa . • • • 27 3 Pastoral .. .. .. .. Very good. Ohuka . • • • 14 • • Pastoral .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Paremata .. 6 •• Dairying and pastoral .. .. .. (lood. Pouparae .. •• 4 5 Agricultural .. .. .. .. Very good. Repongaere .. ■ • 1 1 • ■ Pastoral and dairying .. .. .. Satisfactory. Te Arai .. •• 48 11 Pastoral, dairying, and agricultural.. .. Very good. Waimarie .. • • 13 5 Dairying and agricultural .. .. Very good. Wharekalia .. .. 13 .. Dairying and agricultural .. .. .. Good. Wigan .. •• 13 7 Pastoral .. .. .. .. Very good. Willows .. . . 19 3 Agricultural .. .. .. .. Verj' good. Totals . . 237 39 Hawke's Bay. Argyll .. • • 57 6 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Very good. Beattie .. • • 0 . • Pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Clydebank .. .. 14 3 Pastoral _ .. .. .. .. Very good. Corby . . • • 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Coyne . • • • • • • • Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Surrendered. Crownthorpe.. . ■ 18 . • Pastoral .. .. .. .. Cood. Elsthorpe .. .. 46 8 Pastoral .. .. .. .. Very good. Forest Gate .. • • 1" 9 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Good. Glengarry .. .. 21 .. Dairying .. .. .. ..I Fair. Gwavas .. • ■ 12 • • Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Good. Hatuma .. • ■ 61 18 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. . . Very good. Kumeroa .. • • 13 3 Agricultural, pastoral, and dairying.. .. Very good. Lindsay .. • • 59 10 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Mahora .. .. 26 8 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Man«a-a-toro .. 20 6 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Very good. Mangatahi .. . • 23 1 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Very good. Marakeke .. •• 17 •• Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Omana .. . • 9 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Otamauri .. • • 15 2 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Good. Parinui .. • ■ 4 . - Mixed farming .. .. .. . • Good. Pourerere .. . • 6 1 Agricultural and pastoral .. .. .. Good. Raumati .. .. 30 3 Pastoral and dairying .. .. .. Very fair. Raureka . . .. 10 9 Dairying and fruit-culture.. .. . . Very good. Rissington .. ,f > •• Pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Sherenden .. .. 21 .. Mostly pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Springhill .. • • 17 1 Mostly pastoral .. .. .. •. Very good. Te Kaihi .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. ■. Good. TeKura .. •• 13 •• Dairying .. .. .. .. Very fair. Te Mata . • • ■ 13 1 Fruit-farming .. .. .. • • Good. Tomoana .. • • 7 7 Fruit and dairying .. . . .. Very good. Tongoio •• •• 12 •• Mostly pastoral .. .. Good. Waihau .. • • 20 1 Mostly pastoral .. .. .. .. Very fair. Waipuka .. ■ ■ 1 • • Pastoral .. . . .. .. Good. Watea . • • • 10 • • Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Wilder .. • • 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. . . . . Good. Totals .'. 617 98 Taranaki. Araheke .. •• 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Very fair. Clandon .. ■ • 7 .. Dairying .. .. • • • • Good. Croydon .. • ■ 6 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Hawke .. • • 1 • ■ Dairying .. . . .. •. Good. Huatoki . . ■ • 22 .. Residential and small farming .. . . Fair. Hui a .. .. 5 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. . ■ Some settlers doing well; others fair.

C.—l.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1925 —continued.

23

Name of Estate. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. I I I L Taranaki —continued. Huinga .. . . 9 1 Dairying .. . . .. .. Good. Karu . . .. 4 . . Mixed farming .. . . . . .. Indifferent.. Katikara . . .. 3 . . Dairying .. .. .. .. Fairly good. Kohura .. . . 11 . . Mixed farming. .. .. . . .. Indifferent; fair prospects. Kota .. .. 0 . . Mixed farming .. . . .. .. Satisfactory. Mana .. . . 1 . . Grazing.. .. .. . . .. Now satisfactory. Mangamaire .. . . 1 .. Grazing.. .. .. . . .. Indifferent. Marco .. .. 2 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. . . Indifferent. Matane .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Ngutu .. .. 1 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fairly good. Parkes .. .. 7 . . Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Piu .. .. .. .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Unselected. Rahu .. .. 1 . Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Abandoned. Ratapiko .. .. 5 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Indifferent. Spotswood .. .. 15 30 Homestead and small dairying .. . . j Good. Taitama .. . 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Indifferent. Tariki 7 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. [ Good. Tawhiwhi .. . . 6 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Indifferent. Tokaora .. .. 6 10 Dairying .. .. . . .. Very good. Tututawa .. .. 3 .. Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Fair. Totals .. 140 42 W ellinglon. Ahiaruhe .. .. 10 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Akitio .. .. 5 | .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Fair. Almadale .. .. 9 .. Dairying .. .. ■. .. Fair. Aorangi .. .. 27 14 Dairying .. • ■ .. . • Good. Arawhata .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. •. .. .. Fair. Armstrong .. .. 2 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Good. Bailey . . .. 1 .. Dairying .. •. .. .. Fair. Bartholomew .. 6 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Benge . . .. 1 .. Dairying .. . . .. . . Good. Braemore .. .. 3 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Fair. Brown .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. . . .. .. Good. Bruce . . .. 1 . . Dairying .. . . . . . . Good. Callender .. .. 2 . . Dairying . . .. .. .. Fair. Carrington .. . . 33 2 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Cherry Giove . . 2 .. Dairying .. . • .. Bad. Cloverlea .. .. 16 I .. Dairying .. . • ' . . .. Fair. Corliss .. .. 2 | . . Dairying .. . . .. ' ■. Good. Goyle .. . . 1 j .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Dawbin .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. ■ . . • . • Fair. Devonshire .. .. I Dairying .. ■ . .. Fair. Dixon .. .. 1. I .. Dairying .. . . . ■ ■ ■ Very good. Dyer .. .. 35 J 4 Mixed .. .. ■ • .. .. Good. Eaglesham .. .. 6 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Good. Epuni Hamlet .. 30 j 13 Mixed and gardening .. .. .. Good. Evans .. . . 1 . . Dairying .. . . .. . . Good. Fairfield .. .. • Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Falloon .. .. 11 .. Mixed .. .. .. .. Good. Gee.. .. .. 1 Dairying .. . . .. .. Fair. Glasspole .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Graham .. .. 2 . . Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Fair. Greves .. .. 1 . . Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Greystroke .. .. 15 .. Dairying .. - • • • • • Fair. Hall-Jones .. .. 35 .. Gardening .. .. ■ ■ .. Good. Hammond .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. ■ . .. .. Fair. Hardie .. .. 1 • . Dairying .. . • • ■ .. Fair. Harper .. .. 3 • ■ Dairying .. ■ ■ .. ■ • Good. Haunui .. .. 9 .. Dairying .. .. • ■ ■ • Good. Haunui No. 2 .. 7 .. Dairying .. . • ■ ■ ■. Good. Hawtrey .. .. 34 22 Residential .. ■ ■ . ■ -. Good. Heathertea .. .. 18 8 Grazing.. .. .. .. ■■ Good. Heights .. .... .. .. Very bad. Hikawera and Tablelands 15 1 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Hill.. .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. . • •. Fair. Horrobin .. .. 1 • • Mixed .. .. .. •. - - Good. Johnson .. .. j 1 • • Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Fair. Kairanga .. .. j 11 • ■ Dairying .. .. • ■ • ■ Good. Kiwitea .. . ■ 1 • Dairying . . -. .. • • Good. Kopane .. .. 14 . . Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Kuku .. .. I 6 .. Mixed .. . . ■. .. . ■ Good. Langdale .. .. 13 14 Dairying .. .. . . .. Good. Langley Purdom .. j 2 .. Dairying .. . . ■. . ■ Good. Lean .. .. I 1 Residential .. • . • ■ . . Good. Lewis .. 1 Dairying .. . • ■. Good. Linton . . .. 5 ■ ■ Dairying .. . ■ . ■ •. Good. Little .. . . ! 2 . Mixed .. .. • • ■ ■ Fair. Littler ., I > Dairying ., . • ■ Good.

C.—l.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1925—continued.

24

Name 01 Estate. hoMs" ' holds Principal Purpose for which Holdings ara utilized. Present W ellingUm—continued. LongbushandMahupuka 18 4 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Loughnan .. .. 13 .. Residential .. .. .. .. Good. Makopua .. .. 4 .. Pastoral .. . . .. . . Fair. Makowai and Extension 28 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Mangaraki .. . . 18 2 Mixed .. .. .. . . .. Good. Mangawhata.. .. 1 6 Dairying .. .. . . . . Fair. Marama-a-mau .. 0 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. fair. Marshall .. . . 1 . . Dairying .. . . . . Fair. Matamua .. .. 4 .. Dairying .. . . .. . . Fair. McDonnell .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. . . . . Fair. MeKenzie .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. . . . . .. Fair. McLean .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. . . Fair. Melling .. .. .. .. Residential .. .. .. .. Fair. Moroa .. .. 19 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Motukai .. .. 3 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. Fair. Muhunoa .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Pair. Neligan .. .. 1 . . Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Nesdale .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Nesdale No. 2 . . 1 .. Dairying .. . . . . .. Fair. Ngahape .. .. 3 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Good. Ngakaroro .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. . . .. .. Good. Ngarara .. .. 5 .. Dairying .. . . .. .. Good. N ormandale .. .. 44 13 Mixed .. .. .. . . . . Poor. Ohakea .. .. 4 13 Dairying .. .. . . .. Good. Olliver .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. .. . . .. Fair. Olver .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Omapu .. .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. . . .. Fair. Oroua .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Osborne .. .. 5 .. Dairying .. . . . . . . Fair. Otahome .. .. 3 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Fair. Oturoa .. .. 7 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Paa Greek .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. . . . . .. Fair. Paparangi .. .. 33 7 Residential .. .. .. .. Fair. Paramu .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. Good. Perham .. .. I .. Dairying .. .. .. . . Good. Pihautea .. .. 29 .. Dairying .. . . . . . . Good. Pitt.. .. .. 5 .. Gardening .. . . .. . . Fair. Pohehe .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. . . . . .. Fair. Poroporo .. .. 16 2 Mixed .. .. Fair. Pukekoa .. .. 9 . . Dairying .. . . .. .. Good. Pukenamu .. .. 7 .. Dairying .. .. . . , . Good. Puketoi .. . . 8 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Good. Putorino .. .. 15 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Quillinan .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. . . Good. Raumaewa .. .. 3 .. Dairying .. . . .. .. Fair. Ruatangata .. .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Sandilands .. .. 1 . . Dairying .. .. . . .. Fair. Saxon .. .. 1 . . Dairying .. . . Fair. Soland .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. . . Fair. Stanley .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Stokes . . .. 1 .. Dairying .. . . .. .. Fair. Taikorea .. .. 6 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Tamaihi .. .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Tapuae .. .. 2 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. .. Good. Tauherenikau .. 1 .. Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Fair. Tawaha .. .. 24 1 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Te Matua .. .. 8 6 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Te Ore Ore .. .. 7 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Fair. Te Whiti .. .. 7 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Tikotu .. .. 3 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Poor. Tiraumea .. .. 16 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Bad. Tuturumuru .. .. 8 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Waddington .. .. 18 .. Grazing .. .. .. .. Good. Wahren .. .. 1 .. Gardening .. .. .. .. Good. Waihora .. .. 3 .. Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Fair. Waterson .. .. 2 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Westmere .. .. 7 .. Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. White .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Wilford .. .. 44 30 Residential .. .. .. .. Good. Woulfe .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Wright .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. . . Fair. Youle .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. . . .. Fair. Totals .. 932 162 Nelson. Blue Glen .. .. 1 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Poor. Braeburn .. .. 21 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Glen Rae .. .. 1 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Golden Downs .. 3 .. Mixed fanning .. . . . . . . Good. Kohatu ,. .. 3 .. Grazing.. ., .. .. Fair,

C.—l.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1925 —continued.

4—C. 1.

25

Name ot Estate. holds holds Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. 1686 "' N elson —continued. Lake .. .. 5 .. Grazing.. .. .. •.. .. Fair. Maruia .. .. 4 .. Grazing and dairying .. .. .. Fair. Matakitaki .. .. 4 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Fair. Palmer .. .. 1 .. Grazing and dairying .. .. .. Fair. Spittal .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Tutaki .. .. 2 1 Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Poor. Walker .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Wangapeka .. .. 14 3 Mixed .. .. .. .. .. Good. Homestead-site .. 1 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Good. Totals .. 62 6 Marlborough. Alberton .. .. 4 .. Agricultural . . .. .. .. Fair. Blind River .. .. 18 .. Sheep-farming and agricultural .. .. Very good. Bomford .. .. 1 .. Agricultural .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Erina .. .. 12 2 Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Unsatisfactory. Flaxbourne .. .. 129 12 Sheep-farming and agricultural .. .. Very good. Goat Hills .. .. 4 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Hillersden .. .. 53 7 Sheep-farming and agricultural .. .. Good. Hillersden Bush .. 3 .. Pastoral .. .. . . .. Good. Linkwaterdale .. 6 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Not too satisfactory. Lynton Downs .. 11 .. Sheep-farming .. . . .. .. Fair. Moorlands .. .. 6 .. Agricultural . . . . .. .. Good. Neville .. .. 1 1 Agricultural .. .. .. .. Unsatisfactory. Northbank .. .. 10 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Omaka .. . . 14 .. Sheep-farming and agricultural .. .. Good. Puhipuhi .. .. 2 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Rainford .. .. 11 .. Dairying . . . . .. .. Excellent. Richmond Brook .. 12 .. Sheep-farming and agricultural .. .. Very good. Starborough .. .. 169 15 Sheep-farming and agricultural .. .. Excellent. Waipapa .. .. 4 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Good. W arnock .. 2 .. Dairying .. .. .. . . Fair. Wither .. .. 20 2 Sheep-farming and small farms .. .. Satisfactory. Totals .. 492 39 Westland, Kokatahi .. .. 8 .. Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Highly satisfactory. Poerua .. .. 22 2 Dairying and grazing .. .. .. Highly satisfactory. Totals .. 30 2 Canterbury. Acton .. .. 3 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Albury .. .. 81 1 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Allanholme .. .. 9 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Good. Annan .. .. 43 4 Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Well established. Ashley Gorge .. 7 3 Dairy-farming and grazing .. .. Well established. Ashton .. .. 8 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Ashwick .. .. 8 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Good. Avenel .. .. 16 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Avenel Extension .. 11 •• Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Avonhead .. .. 17 .. Small farming .. .. .. .. Unsatisfactory. Avonhead No. 2 .. 18 •. Small farming .. .. .. .. Unsatisfactory. Aylesbury .. .. 6 .. Mixed farming .. .. . . .. Good. Bankfield .. .. 9 .. Mixed farming and grain-growing .. .. Uncertain yet. Beach .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Bourndale .. .. 7 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very fair. Braco .. .. 6 8 Market-gardening .. .. .. Well established. Broadfields .. .. 5 .. Mixed grain-growing .. .. .. Uncertain. Brooksdale .. .. 13 ■. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair; improving. Bruce .. . • 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Buckley .. . • 3 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Buddo .. .. 10 5 Workers' dwellings .. .. .. Fair. Burke's Homestead .. 1 .. Homestead-site. Chamberlain .. . . 21 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Glandeboye .. . . 10 .. Dairy-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very fair. Clandeboye No. 2 .. 6 .. Dairy-farming and grain-growing .. .. Fair. Claremont .. .. 11 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Fair. Clayton .. ' .. 6 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Coldstream .. .. 11 • • Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Cooper's Creek .. 1 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Copland .. .. 2 .. Sheep, dairy-farming, and grain-growing .. Good. Craigmore .. .. 10 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Cricklewood .. .. 8 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Culverden .. .. 57 10 Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Good. Douglas .. .. 34 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Fair; improving. Dovleston .. .. 5 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. ,. Uncertain yet. Drayton .. .. 15 5 Agricultural .. .. .. .. Improving. Dromore .. .. 3 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Uncertain yet.

o.—l.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1925—continued.

26

Name ot Estate. j Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Canterbury—continued. Eccleston .. .. 4 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Epworth .. .... 2 .. Now freehold. Finlay Downs .. 5 .. Dairy-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very good. Pour Peaks .. .. 8 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very good. Fyvie .. .. 4 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. Not satisfactory. Glenmark .. .. 29 1 Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Good. Glentanner .. .. .. .. Homestead-site .. .. .. .. Fair. Gorge Road .. . . 4 17 Workers' homes. Grange .. .. 3 .. Dairying and grain-growing .. .. Uncertain yet. Hadlow .. .. 3 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Hawthorne .. .. 6 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Heihei .. .. 13 .. Poultry-farming, &c. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Hekeao .. .. 10 7 Mixed farming .. .. Well established. Hewitt .. .. 1 .. Homestead-site. Highbank .. .. 70 9 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Well established. Hillboro .. .. 3 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Good. Homebrook .. .. 16 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Homestead-sites 10 Hornby .. .. 20 3 Agricultural and gardening . . .. Fair. Horsley Downs .. 10 19 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Well established. Isleworth .. .. 12 .. Mixed grain-growing .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Jungle .. ..' 1 .. Dairy-farming .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Jungle No. 2.. .. 1 .. Dairy-farming .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Kaimahi .. .. 8 5 Workers' homes and gardening .. .. Satisfactory. Kakahu .. .. 5 .. Mixed farming and grazing . . .. Satisfactory. Kapua .. .. 12 .. Sheep-farming and dairying .. .. Good. Kapuatohe .. .. 7 7 Workers' homes and gardening .. .. Satisfactory. Keith .. .. .. 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Kereta .. .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. .. Well established. Kinloch .. .. 31 1 Dairy-farming and grazing .. .. Very good. Kohika .. .. 17 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Well established. Kohika No. 2 .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. . . Very good. Kowhatu . . . . 5 . . Mixed farming .. ... .. .. Fair. Ladbrooks .. .. 14 .. Dairying and mixed farming .. .. Improving. Lambrook .. .. 4 .. Mixed grain-growing .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Lansdown .. . . 10 1 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Good. Lauriston .. .. 4 .. Mixed grain-growing .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Leeston .. .. 5 .. Agricultural .. .. .. . . Well established. Lees Valley .. .. 10 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. . . Considerable improvement. Lyndhurst .. .. 15 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Lyndon .. .. 8 1 Mixed farming . . .. .. .. Well established. Lyndon No. 2 .. 9 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Well established. Macgregor .. .. 1 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Unsatisfactory. Marawiti .. .. 13 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Well established. Maytown .. .. 9 2 Sheep-farming and dairying .. .. Good. Mead .. .. 22 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Well established. Meadows .. .. 14 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very fair. Milford .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Mills .. .. 21 .. Small farming and dairying .. .. Well esta Wished. Morice .. .. 28 3 Dairying and grass-seed growing .. .. Satisfactory. Morten .. 11 1 Poultry, &<-. .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Montford .. .. 9 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Improving. Mount Nessing .. 11 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing ... .. Very good. New Park .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Oakwood .. .. 5 .. Mixed farming and grain-growing .. .. Uncertain. Ohapi .. .. 6 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Omihi .. .. .. .. Homestead-site. Orakipaoa .. .. 26 1 Dairying, grain-growing, and gardening .. Well established. Otaio .. .. 9 .. Small farming and dairying .. .. Well established. Otarakaro .. .. 1 6 Market-gardening .. .. .. Well established; satisfactory. Papaka .. .. 9 .. Mixed gardening .. .. .. .. Well established. Pareora .. .. 28 .. Sheep-farming and dairying .. .. Good. Pareora No. 2 27 7 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Patoa .. .. 1 3 Grazing and small farming .. .. Satisfactory. Pawaho .. .. 8 17 Market-gardening .. .. .. Satisfactory. Peaks .. .. 10 2 Mixed gardening .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Puhuka .. .. 9 1 Workers' homes .. .. .. .. Well established. Punaroa .. .. 15 2 Dairying, sheep-farming, and grain-growing .. Well established. Raineliff .. .. 1 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Rakitairi .. .. 21 1 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Rapuwai .. .. 5 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Rautawiri .. .. 6 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Riverina .. .. 6 . ■ Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Uncertain yet. Roimat.a .. .. 11 18 Workers'homes .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Rollesby 1 .. Uncertain. Rosebrook .. .. 11 3 Small farming and dairying .. .. Good. Rosewill .. .. 152 9 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Ruapuna No. 2 .. 15 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Seargill .. .. 9 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Moderate. Seafield .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. Satisfactory

C.—l,

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1925—continued.

27

Name of Estate. holds" holds Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks^to^ Present Canterbury—continued. Seaforth .. .. 4 .. Small farming and dairying .. .. Uncertain yet. Sherwood Downs .. 26 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Good. Springwell .. .. 6 .. Mixed farming and grain-growing .. .. Uncertain yet. Stoke .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Strathmore .. .. 3 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Studholme Junction .. 4 .. Small farming and dairying .. .. Good. Takitu .. .. 5 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Well established. Tamai .. .. 15 25 Workers' homes .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Tara .. .. 8 1 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very good. Tarawahi .. .. 9 19 Workers' homes .. .. .. .. Satisfactory. Teschemaker.. .. 12 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Very good. Timaunga .. .. 17 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair; improving. Timaunga Extension .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Tripp .. .. 24 .. Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Fair. Valverde .. .. 11 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. . . Fair. Waiapi .. .. ! 11 4 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Waikakahi . . .. 188 14 Sheep-farming and grain-growing .. .. Well established. Waimate . . .. 34 .. Sheep-farming and grain and fruit growing .. Good. Wairere .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Waitohi Peaks .. 10 .. Sheep-farming .. .. .. .. Improving. Wharenui .. .. 17 8 Workers' homes .. .. .. .. Well established. Winchester .. .. 10 .. Sheep-farming, grain-growing, and dairying .. Fair. Woodlau .. .. 6 .. Mixed farming and grazing .. .. Uncertain yet. Workers' homes 3 Totals .. 1,887 258 Otago. Airedale .. .. 12 .. Dairying and general farming .. .. Good. Ardgowan .. • • 67 3 Dairying and general farming .. .. Good. Arnmore .. .. 5 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Aviemore .. .. 1 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Good. Awamoa .. .. 1 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. Good. Barnego .. .. 22 2 Dairying and genera) farming .. .. Good. Bellamy .. .. 13 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Poor. Cardrona .. .. 1 .. Grazing. . .. .. .. .. Only fair. Clareview .. .. 5 .. Dairying and general farming .. .. Good. Clifton .. . • 10 .. General farming . . .. .. .. Fair. Conical Hills .. .. 45 1 Grazing and general .. .. .. Poor. Crosshill .. .. 6 . . Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Croucher .. .. .1 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Dalmain .. .. 3 . . Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Poor. Duncan .. .. 4 3 Dairying .. .. .. .. Poor. Earnscleugh .. .. 27 .. Fruit-farming . . .. .. .. Fair. Elderslie No. 1 .. 35 1 General farming .. .. .. .. Good. Elderslie No. 2 .. 16 .. General farming .. .. .. .. Very gcud. Galloway .. .. 11 .. Fruit and homestead-sites.. .. .. Very fair. Gladbrook .. .. 43 3 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Glenn .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. IndifferentGreenfield .. .. 36 7 Mix :d farming .. .. .. .. Good. Hilderthorpe.. .. 19 .. General and workers'homes .. .. Fair. Janefield .. .. 20 2 Dairying and fruit-growing .. .. Good. Kauroo Hill .. ■. 42 3 General farming .. .. .. .. Good. Kelso .. .. 5 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Only fair. Kurow .. .. 11 3 General farming and dairying .. .. Only fair. Lakeview .. .. 1 .. General farming ... .. .. .. Good. Maerewhenua .. 77 .. General farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Makareao .. .. 33 .. General farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Makareao Extension 3 Maraeweka .. . • 8 .. General farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Matakanui .. .. 3 .. General and grazing .. .. .. Good. Meadowbank.. .. 11 .. General farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Melville Park .. 6 .. General farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Momona .. . . 9 5 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Oakleigh .. .. 1 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Only fair. Otanomomo .. .. 25 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Otekaike .. .. 64 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Plunket .. .. 18 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Pomahaka .. .. 27 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Poplar Grove .. 21 2 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Pukeawa .. .. 14 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very good. Pukenui .. .. 6 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Puketapu .. .. 9 2 Dairying .. .. .. <;ood. Rugged Ridges .. 1 .. Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Very fair. Steward .. .. 51 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. St. Helens .. .. 3 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very fair. Tahawai .. .. 7 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Taumata .. .. 9 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Teaneraki .. .. 23 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Very fair. Te Puke .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Teviot .. .. 29 1 Grazing.. .. .. .. .. Vnry "air.

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Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act up to the 31st March, 1925—continued.

EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS. North Auckland. (H. »T. Lowe, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Waimata Settlement (Dargaville). —Good progress has been made on this settlement. The settlers are all in a fair way to becoming prosperous farmers. New subdivisional fences have been erected, a fair amount of bush has been burnt and is now being sown down in English pastures. The settlers who are dairying have made provision for summer feed for their cows, and very good results have been obtained. The paspalum on the flats has thrown an abundance of green feed for all classes of stock during the dry spell, and, as the settlement is very well watered, the returns from the cows have been satisfactory. The settlers are milking on the flats and running sheep on the hills. Their returns both for butterfat and wool, have been very satisfactory. They are running over four thousand sheep on the settlement, and milking three hundred cows. The settlers are a very good lot, well contented and working well. Good progress is being made towards metalling the new road from the settlement to Dargaville. This will bring them within eight miles of a good stock-market. Awakino Settlement. —New subdivisional fences have been erected, drains have been cleaned out,, and a fair amount of ground is being stumped, cleared, and ready for the plough. On one bush section a large area is now being stumped, and is almost ready for ploughing. The settler hopes to sow this down in temporary pastures for winter use, and will have sufficient ground to grow supplementary crops for his cows during the summer months. New cow-sheds with concrete floors are being erected, and the timber is being cut for new dwellings. The settlers on this settlement are not as well or comfortably housed as they are on Waimata, but excellent progress is being made. Over three hundred cows are being milked on this settlement, and are all under official test. On the hilly portion of the settlement they are running store cattle, just sufficient to keep the farm in good order. Altogether things look very prosperous on Awakino. On this class of country any settler will make good if he is a worker. Many of the settlers did not put in for a revaluation and are quite satisfied with their farms.

Name of Estate. holds" I holds Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Reiiiarka^a^to^Preseut ! '1 . i I Otayo—continued. Tilverstowe .. .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Tokarahi .. .. 79 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Tokoiti .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. . . Good. Totara .. .. 27 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Wairuna .. .. 13 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Waitahuna No. 1 1 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Waitahuna No. 2 6 1 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Westeott .. .. 8 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Windsor Park No. i 37 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very'good. Windsor Park No. 2 .. 10 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Very,good. Totals .. 1,120 54 Southland. Allenby .. .. 5 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Ardlussa .. .. 6 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Poor. Beaumont .. .. 9 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. . . [ Bad. Campbell .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Doubtful. Crighton Park .. 4 2 Pastoral .. .. .. .. Good. Bdendale .. .. 103 49 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Ermedale .. .. 10 2 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Poor. Fortification Hill .. 6 .. Pastoral .. .. . . .. Good. Glenham .. .. 37 7 Mixed farming .. . . .. .. Very good. Knowsley Park .. 9 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Poor. Lambert .. .. 1 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Lamont .. .. 6 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Maori Hill .. .. 16 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Merrivale .. .. 45 10 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Good. Merrivale No. 1 .. 8 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Merrivale No. 2 .. 7 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Monte Cristo .. .. 4 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Fair. Otahu . . . . 8 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Ringway .. . . 3 3 Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Stalker . . .. 8 1 Dairying .. .. .. .. Very good. Strathvale .. .. 9 .. Dairying .. .. .. .. Good. Teihoka .. .. 4 .. Mixed farming .. .. .. .. Fair. Waiarikiki .. . . 7 .. Pastoral .. .. .. .. Poor. Waikiwi Town .. 31 14 Suburban building-sites .. .. .. Good. Totals .. 350 90 Grand totals .. 7,034 1,633

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Tokiri Settlement. —Practically no progress has been made on this settlement. The settlers are waiting for the new values to be fixed and the place resubdivided ; this will be done as soon as the values are determined. Waiteitei Settlement.—Very little progress has been made on this settlement. Provision has been made for winter feed for the cows. At the new valuation the settlers should now be in a much better position to pay their way, and I feel sure that they will now work with better heart than heretofore. Most of the settlement is very exposed to the cold winds ; but as this portion will, from this on, be in larger blocks and running sheep, they should do fairly well, as there is sufficient ploughable land to grow crops for winter use. The results from the cows have not been as satisfactory as I would like to see, but I am given to understand that they are now being officially tested, and all those who are not giving good results will be culled out and sold. The river-flats and hills where rata and taraire grew are all right, but the kauri-gum land is very poor and weed-infested. Streamlands Settlement. —The drains are being cleaned out and a fair amount of ground is gradually being brought in, but this is a very slow process owing to the stumps and blackberry, and it will be some years before this can possibly be put down in permanent English pastures, as the ground is still subsiding and the roots are gradually coming to the surface. The blackberries have apparently been there for years, but were not disclosed until the swamps were drained. All the settlers are milking, and provision has been made for winter feed for the stock. The values of the sections on this settlement are being reviewed. Motutara Settlement. —Good progress has been made on many of the sections, and ample provision has been made for both winter and summer feed for the stock. The crops have been fairly successful, and the stock are all looking well for this season of the year. The artesian bores are giving out a liberal supply of water for all requirements, and the stock have not now to travel to the old waterholes for their daily supply of fresh water. Stacks of well-saved hay can be seen scattered all over the settlement. The settlers have made a start to plant shelter for the cows during the winter, and this was urgently required, as Motutara is very exposed to the cold winds from, the ocean. Koremoa Settlement.—Very little progress has been made on this settlement. A start is shortly to be made to make stop-banks : this will prevent the high spring tides from doing so much damage to the pastures. The settlement will not go ahead till such time as the new subdivisions and the new valuations are definitely fixed up. Remuera Settlement.—Good progress has been made, stone has been removed, and a large area o£ ground is now under cultivation. The drains running through to Lake Omapere have been cleaned out, and the lowering of the lake has considerably improved the holdings adjoining Omapere. The settlers are all milking, and provision is being made for winter feed for the stock, and when values are finally adjusted the triers should make good. Paerata Settlement.—Good progress is still being made, and ample provision has been made for winter feed for the cows. The stock are all in good condition for this season of the "year, and, as they are all officially tested, the results have been satisfactory. Puni Settlement. —Good progress has been made on this settlement, and ample provision has been made for winter feed for the stock. The pastures have been liberally top-dressed. The newly stumped ground has been ploughed, and crops of autumn seed-potatoes planted, and the balance of the ground has been sown in swedes and temporary pastures for winter use. A fair amount of ground is ready now for temporary pastures. As soon as a fair adjustment of prices is settled I expect the real men to do quite well'. Pareokawa Settlement.—This is still in the making, and a fair amount of bush was burnt off lately. The soil on the settlement is not at all bad, and when fully improved will carry a fair amount of stock. Care will have to be taken over the stocking, otherwise the fern will come away, but with good subdivisional fences and mixed farming no difficulty will be experienced in coping with the fern. The settlers are all engaged in mixed farming, and on this class of good country should make good. Tokatoka Settlement.—Owing to the drains not acting as well as expected and other unforeseen disadvantages, coupled with one of the wettest autumns on record (1924), this country is in a sour condition. The capital values of the sections have, however, been reviewed. Upokonui Settlement.—This was a fair bit of land, and, now that the prices have been adjusted, any real triers should do all right Pakaraka Settlement. —Many years ago this area was deliberately planted in gorse by the then owner to feed sheep upon. The gorse got away badly. The late vendor, a man of means and energy, got the place into beautiful order before it was purchased by the Department. During the inevitable delay in getting the settlers on to this land the gorse began to get away again. This, added to the want of expert knowledge and sufficient finance, gradually caused the settlement to deteriorate and gorse to spread. As far as possible this deterioration has now been written down by the Department, and if the men now left only put their shoulders to the wheel at the reduced prices they should succeed. Auckland. (W. F. Mabsh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) During the year one new settlement, the Orini Estate, was offered. It is situated on the Rangitaiki Plains, in the Bay of Plenty district, and comprises 928 acres, mostly partly reclaimed, swamp-land, which was subdivided into ten sections and opened for selection in September, 1924. It has not, however, attracted settlers, and up to date"only|one section has been taken up. A further small area, known as the Te Ngaroa Settlement, comprising 157 acres in two holdings, situated in the same part of the district, isjto be opened shortly. Including the first-named by discharged soldiers, there are fiftytwo settlements in the district,|on which there are 894 leaseholders occupying 122,954 acres, while 654 settlers, occupying 123,231 acres, have already acquired the freehold.

5—C. 2.

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A few of the recent settlements are still in a transition period, (lie settlers being still affectedjiy the adverse circumstances of the past few years, but most of the settlements are in a highly developed and prosperous condition, and are widely known as comprising some of the best dairy farms in the district. It may be mentioned in connection with the Selwyn Settlement that an area of 53,196 acres on wliat is known as the Mamaku Plateau, lias been handed over to the State Forest service. This area contains a large quantity of very fine milling-timber. CISBORNE. (V. I. Blake, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The old-established settlements in this district are still in a flourishing state. As was the case last year, in one or two instances men who paid too high a goodwill have had to be helped out, but the great majority of these settlers are in a very sound position. Some men who freeholded on the deferred-payment system found it hard to meet payments, and there have been comparatively few applications to freehold this year. The soldier settlements are, as usual, dealt with under a separate heading. Hawke's Bay. (J. D. Thomson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) No new areas were acquired in this district under the Land for Settlements Act during the year under review. The settlements acquired in the earlier years of the settlement scheme are now well established, and the infrequency of applications to transfer evidences a desire on the part of the settlers to retain their farms. The settlement farmers have experienced a remarkable year, both in quantity of farm-produce and also in the prices obtained therefor, and it is highly probable that, if the future yields the same promise, the minds of the tenants will be turning towards the acquisition of the freehold of their lands. The later-acquired estates were for the repatriation of returned soldiers for the most part, and the progress and development of these are dealt with in a separate report. Taranaki. (J. Cook, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Certain settlement areas are being reopened, notably Pui and parts of Tawhiwhi, and it is hoped that these lands will now become occupied on the greatly reduced rentals that have been arranged. It is also expected to offer the vacant sections on Kohura for selection at an early date. Katere Settlement, comprising suburban allotments close to the Taranaki Fertilizer Company's works at Smart Road, is still under consideration, there being no immediate prospect of a demand arising for these sections. Wellington. (T. Brook, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Including those occupied by discharged soldiers, there are 139 settlements in this district, of wh : ch number the older settlements still continue in a very satisfactory position. The more recent purchases are, generally not in such a good position, but as most of these have been selected by discharged soldiers, and as such will have the benefit of the legislation regarding revaluation the position, given reasonably favourable conditions, should considerably improve in the near future. The revenue received for the year by way of rents and other payments under thi-i heading amounted to £72,916. There were no new settlements purchased during the year. Nelson. (N. C. Kensington, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) No new settlements were opened up during the year, but the revalued sections in Tutaki, Matakitaki, and Maruia Settlements were opened for selection during the latter part of the year. Of a total of seven sections in Matakitaki Settlement, four have been selected, while eight sections in Maruia Settlement have been selected, leaving three still available for selection there. Three allotments in Tutaki Settlement are still available for disposal. On all the older-acquired settlements the settlers appear to be on a firm footing. Some settlers had arranged to purchase their sections on deferred payment, but, owing to the slump of late years, were unable to meet their payments, and in some cases they have found it desirable to reconvert to renewable lease. Marlborough. (J. Stevenson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Generally speaking, all the earlier settlements are now npon an excellent footing. Very few transfers of the leases of these take place. The settlements specially purchased for discharged soldiers are dealt with under the heading of " Soldier Settlements." An area of excellent dairying-land was recently purchased in the neighbourhood of Kaikoura for the purpose of subdivision. This property will be known as " FernleiglilSettlement." The quality of the land and its easy access should ensure the subdivisions being well applied for.

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Westland. (W. T. Morpeth, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The only settlements in the Westland District are Kokatahi and Poerua. Both these have been very successful. All the settlers are engaged in dairying, most of them being practically independent. Canterbury. (G. H. Bollard, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) were acquired this year. All the settlements are well established, and tenants generally doing well, except where areas are on the small side, or the farmer embarrassed by legacies of debt left over from the slump period. Otago. (R. S. Galbraith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) No fresh estates in Otago were acquired under the Land for Settlements Act during the year. One large freehold property was subdivided privately and sold by public auction : that was the Mount Royal Estate, for which there was keen competition. Some settlements in north Otago, acquired in recent years, are handicapped by lack of an adequate water-supply on several of the allotments. Steps are now being taken to remedy this defect. It has been found that some settlements have been subdivided into holdings of too-limited acreage. The only possible thing that could happen is happening : farmers are buying out their next-door neighbours. Generally speaking, the tenants on settlements in Otago are doing well and are satisfied with their prospects. Southland. (K. M. Graham, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The only matters of importance with reference to lands held under the Land for Settlements Act dealt with during the year under review were, firstly, the revaluation of those farms on which discharged soldiers were settled ; and, secondly, the passing of legislation enabling Knowsley Park and Waiarakiki Settlements to be revalued. As a result of the soldiers' revaluation the settlers concerned have been placed on a very fair footing, and from now on they should materially improve their positions. The revaluation of the two settlements mentioned above will be taken in hand shortly, and relief will be given where necessary. During the year good progress has been made with the roading of the Waikiwi Town Settlement. When this work has been completed I anticipate that the majority of the sections will be selected. These suburban building-sites have gone off well, and as further access is provided more sections will be opened for selection. No new estates were purchased during the year, and, taken on the whole, the settlements may be said to be in a satisfactory position.

APPEN J) IX 111. I,\M) J) RAIN AGE OPERATIONS. (0. N. Campbell, Chief Drainage Engineer.) Although no new major operations have coiiie into view during the past year, many small projects have been dealt with ; in fact, there has been a large increase in the number of drainage propositions of a minor nature which have been submitted to the branch for investigation and report. In many cases preliminary inspections were made to determine whether the expense of a proper engineering survey was warranted. Among the number of special inspections and reports made were the following : Hamilton Domain ; Horehore Settlement; Kaihu River ; Kaipara River ; Crown lands at Te Kopuru ; Seaward Moss drainage; pakihi lands, Westland; Kongahu Swamp ; Pokeno Valley; Aratapu Swamp ; Section 29, Block XI, Rangiriri; Pukemapou Settlement; Tarawera and Botomahana Lakes; Henry Settlement; Wairere Settlement; Maungateparu Settlement; Tihaka Swamp ; Tuatua Moana Swamp, &c. Works done by local bodies out of grants and subsidies have been examined and passed, a total of £3,399 14s. 2d. being approved for payment. Separate reports as required by statute have been made on the Hauraki Plains area, Rangitaiki Swamp, and the areas administered under the Swamp Drainage Act, 1915. The following is a short report on general works carried out by the branch : — Orongo Settlement. —The agricultural work carried out comprised ploughing and cultivating 54 acres, sowing 42J acres, mowing 40 acres, disking and cultivating 32-J- acres. Some of the settlers have reploughed small areas with their own teams with very good results, and it is now possible for lessees to control the fescue without further assistance. It is desirable, however, that a decision be reached regarding the work to be done on the unoccupied areas, as, unless the fescue is controlled, it will soon spread to the now cleared land. All drains have been cleaned, and improvements and repairs to drains, flood-gates, and stop-banks carried out where necessary. Expenditure for the year was £1,711 18s. Reporoa Settlement,.—The maintenance of the roads and drains has been the principal work carried out during the year. In the swamp portion of the settlement the maintenance of roads is particularly expensive, owing to the pumice used for blinding being washed away by the rain and blown away during

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fine weather. As a result these roads are deteriorating, and it is evident that a larger expenditure is required to maintain these roads if they are to be used for heavy traffic throughout the whole year. The drains were maintained, and in addition some of them through the peat country were deepened, which oil account of subsidence. Portion of the Waiotapu Stream was banked in a particularly low locality, so as to prevent the flood-waters flowing across the farms in the vicinity. Two sill bridges were converted into pile bridges, this being necessary owing to the pumice approaches being scoured away by the flow of water. About 45 acres of swamp country which was burnt during the previous summer was surface-sown in grass, so as to reduce as far as possible the growth of weeds. This was portion of the unoccupied Crown land, and until this land is settled there is likely to be a recurrence of fires. The expenditure during the year was £1,106 14s. Bd. Maramamau Settlement. —The erection of concrete flood-gates on this area was commenced in October, 1924. Three 5-ft.-diameter Calco gates are being installed, and these should effect a big improvement in the unwatering of the low country in behind the stop-bank along the Tauherenikau Stream. It is not expected that these gates will prevent the flooding of the land, but the period of inundation will be considerably lessened. Since the works were commenced three floods have been experienced, and as a result the completion of the gates has been considerably delayed and the cost increased. One flood was particularly high, the bank being topped in places, and it is evident that this bank should be raised. The concrete-work is practically complete, and the wole work should be completed at an early date. In addition to erecting the gate, very heavy excavation in hard gravelly country has been carried out, so as to connect up the gates with the existing drainage-system. The total expenditure during the year was £820. Hamilton Swanps. —For report purposes the swamps in the vicinity of Hamilton, have been divided into two areas, Woodlands and Rukuhia. The former comprises an area of swamp, situated to the east and north-east of Hamilton, containing approximately 55,000 acres, which is at present practically all under the control of Drainage Boards. The field-work of the area was carried out during the year, and the report is now practically completed. The following shows the extent of the field- work : 164 miles of levels, all compass-traversed ; 850 soundings for peat depths ; 34 square miles topographical surveys. _ jg The Rukuhia area is much smaller in extent, and is situated to the south-west of Hamilton, part of the area adjoining the borough. This area has generally much deeper peat and is not so far advanced in the breaking-in process. The field-work is well in hand, and will be completed at an early date.j Total expenditure on the areas for the year was £874 3s. 6d. Te Pu Kaharoa Bore —In October last arrangements were made to sink a trial bore for water in the Kaharoa district, which is situated to the north-west of Rotorua on the Rotorua- Tauranga Road. This district is particularly badly supplied with surface water, and recourse has been made to large concrete tanks, but this supply has not been too successful. The country is of pumice formation overlying rhyolite rock, and as a result is difficult to bore in. Unfortunately, the results obtained were negative, although the spot selected was divined before operations were commenced. This, however, is not the first case of failure in this locality, although in adjacent districts some bores have been successful. A further bore will be sunk. The expenditure was £248 13s. sd. Motutangi Swamp.—The field-work of this area was completed, and the data obtained showed that portion of the swamp is very deep peat, although the narrow strip near the Houhoura-Waipapakauri Road is much shallower and of better quality. This portion, along with other areas on the western side of the road, are the only areas suitable for settlement. The success of any scheme, however, is dependent on the stopping of the sand-drift on both sides of the area. This is absolutely essential, as the outlet for the swamp is now being raised by the sand blowing in. The drift from the west coast is more troublesome to control, and, although not affecting the main swamp, is now affecting Selwyn's and adjacent swamps. The expenditure during the year was £157 Bs. Id. Pakihi Lands, Westland.—There is very little to report on the above. The area, at Kumara prepared by the Department for agricultural experiments was ploughed during the summer by the Agriculture Department. So far, the results of their work are not yet available. Expenditure for the year was £39 9s. Bd. Bruce Bay Surveys, South Westland.—These surveys, the field-work of which was completed just prior to the period under review, cover an area of 40,000 acres of bush and swamp lands in the Bruce Bay district, South Westland. The plans of the area which were prepared and considered during the year bore out the tentative statement in last year's report that the time was not yet ripe for the development of the swamp-lands there. The swamps are generally small in area and very scattered, consequently they would be very costly to drain. Moreover, they lie among bush-clad areas which, while of high potential value as grazing-land, are at present not available for settlement, being locked up to preserve their timber crop. It is therefore recommended that the drainage of the swamps await the time when the bush has been milled, so that the bush and swamp lands may be developed together. Expenditure amounted to £27 Is. Id. Westland Surveys (General). —No surveys of new areas in Westland have been undertaken during the year ; in fact, the province has been well covered by the past three years' investigations, and all swamps of any area of note have been reported on previous to the period dealt with in this report. The position with regard to areas that have been reported on favourably remains unchanged ; the majority of the settlers interested have no desire for drainage at the present time. Plans and reports by an officer of the Commissioner of Crown Lands staff, Hokitika, covering an area of 51,894 acres in the Okuru district, South Westland, were examined, but it: was considered that drainage-works would not prove a payable proposition there at the present time. Kongahu Swamp.- -This swamp lies near Karamea, Buller County, Nelson Province. Its area is about 2,070 acres. Investigations into the problem of draining this area were undertaken in response to an appeal from the settlers interested, and an engineering survey had been in progress a month before this period under review opened. This survey was completed at the end of May.

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A scheme of drainage was then drawn up, but it was considered that the cost was too high to warrant complete development of the swamp at the present time. It was recommended that the settlers could get a profitable flax cropiay putting in small surface drains through their individual holdings. At the same time the ground would be gradually consolidating and becoming more suitable for development when the time came for operation of the major scheme. Expenditure for the year was £253 Is. 4d. Kerikeri Block Svrveys.— These surveys were undertaken with a view to determining the expenditure necessary in drainage and roading to open for settlement the Crown Block of 6,400 acres situated in Blocks XI and XII, Kerikeri Survey District, and II and 111, Kawakawa Survey District. The survey has been in progress for two months, and is now well advanced. The block comprises about 5,500 acres of average gum-land, country, undulating to hilly and broken ; about 600 acres of fair peat swamp ; and 300 acres of rocky volcanic flat. Roading will prove a heavy burden on the block, as altogether thirteen miles of road is required, mainly through bad roading country. The drainage of the swamp will also prove very costly, as a tunnelled outfall 550 ft. in length through a clay hill is necessary. Altogether, it seems doubtful if the block can at the present time bear the expenditure necessary to open it for settlement. Expenditure was £50 13s. Hereford Park Water-supply. —The past year has been a most unsatisfactory one as regards the Hereford Park water-supply, the source of all the trouble being the ram itself, parts of which were constantly breaking. However, towards the latter end of the period the Department purchased a Blake ram, which will be installed at an early date. The pipe-lines and tanks are in good order. Expenditure was £9 9s. Bd. Waiare Water-supply. —Considerable difficulty was experienced in laying the drive-pipe for this installation in the bed of the stream. The extreme coldness of the water prevented continuous work being carried on, and the everlasting danger of the waterfall also militated against the early completion of the job. A trial was finally made about the end of September, but no good results could be obtained, the " kick " of the ram being so great that it loosened the flanges on the pipe and caused an air-leak. After considerable trouble these leaks were blocked, and ram has been pumping since November, 1924, approximately 1,500 gallons per diem. An increased supply could be obtained were the drive-water to be turned on to full pressure, but unless stronger drive-pipes with flanged ends were installed the danger of air-leaks would be greatly increased. The expenditure recorded was £157 7s. Id. Omelieu Water-supply.- At the request of the settlers in the Omeheu Soldiers Settlement a scheme for a water-supply by pumping from the Rangitaiki River was put in hand by the Department. This entailed the erection of a 6,000-gallon elevated reservoir with windmills, and also an auxiliary engine and pump, for use when required. A total length of 101 chains of main pipe-line was laid, and from this the individual settlers have run 16 heads. The plant has given every satisfaction, and each section is assured an ample supply of good water. The work was completed during the past year. Expenditure for the twelve months was £182 12s. lid. The following particulars give the aggregate of the principal operations carried out over all the works under the direction of the branch : — Miles ch. Number. Cleaning drains .. .. . . 356 49 Box culverts built . . . . 5 Widening and deepening drains .. 86 26 Pile bridges erected . . .. 13 Constructing new drains .. .. 20 12 Sill bridges erected .. 13 Dredge cuts . . .. . . 42 73 Concrete bridges erected .. 1 Re-forming roads .. .. 6 55 Piles and protective work .. 1,479 Forming new roads .. .. 10 63 Bundles. Metalling roads .. .. .. 2 7 Fascines used .. .. 1,322 Fencing roads .. .. .. 4 0 Cub. yd. Tram-lines laid .. .. .. 1 40 Metal used (for roads) .. 3,963 New stop-banks .. .. 10 Clay used (for roads) .. 17,121 Repairs to stop-banks .. .. 21 0 Spoil excavated by floating and Levels taken .. .. .. 403 35 dry-land excavators .. 1,885,690 Traverses run .. .. .. 56 10 Rock-excavation .. .. 39,238 Line-cutting .. .. .. 56 20 Stiff clay and rubble excavation 12,974 Number. Scoop excavation . . .. 7,950 Peat soundings .. .. .. 1,786 Acres. Concrete dam built .. .. 1 Ploughing .. .. 54 Flood-gates built .. .. 15 Sowing .. .. .. 87 Concrete culverts built .. .. 4 Cultivating . . .. 32 Office. The total expenditure of all kinds which passed through the books was £235,443. Of this amount the sum of £67,010 in payment of wages was paid out of Thames and Whakatane Imprest Accounts. Payments through the Auckland branch of the Treasury amounted' to £70,903. The number of piecework contracts let during the year was 267, and the number of vouchers passed 4,279. The total amount of miscellaneous revenue received during the year was £3,133 6s. 2d., the principal item being Patetonga tram freights, £822. Inward correspondence numbered 7,566, outward 10,890. Collection of Rates. —The total amount received during the year was £3,853, credited as follows : Hauraki Plains, £2,650 ; Rangitaiki Swamp, £1,203. The total number of assessments made for the year 1924-25 was 1,375. A reclassification of the Rangitaiki area was made during the year, the land being now divided into four classes, instead of three as in previous classification. Owing to various causes, but principally the financial slump and the highjnices paid for the land, the Rangitaiki area is not at present in a good financial condition, as is evidenced by the small total of the rates collected.

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The whole question is shortly to be examined by a Royal Commission, and until the report is furnished it is not expected that the revenue from rates will recover. Rates over the Kaitaia Swamp area will in all probability be levied in the coming year. Draughting Staff.- This staff has been kept busily employed during the year on general plan work, computations, general searching, and the supply of survey data. In addition considerable work was done in the preparation of Proclamation plans, and all other matters incidental to the proclamation of land transactions under the various statutes. On the engineering side the staff has spent considerable time on checking various designs and on the designing of spillways, flood-gates, drains, &c. The lithograph maps of the various districts have been kept up to date. Considerable work has been done on the photostat, approximately 3,400 prints having been made during the year.

APPENDIX IV.—SAND-DUNE RECLAMATION. For some years past the Department has been carrying on operations in connection with sanddune reclamations in the North Auckland District. These operations have from the commencement been under the direction of Mr. Stafford, who is responsible to the Commissioner of Crown Lands. The expenditure is authorized by the Department, but the funds are provided out of the Public Works Fund. The problem of these dune areas is a difficult one ; but much good work, though of course principally of an experimental nature, has been accomplished, and Mr. Stafford has carried out his work enthusiastically and on sound and practical lines. The method chiefly adopted is to plant marram-grass in a manner best calculated to enable it to spread itself, so as to get the most possible advantage at the least possible cost. Then later on comes the lupin-seed planting under the protection of the established marram-grass, and subsequently the planting of trees and grasses in the most suitable places. Unfortunately, for reasons of economy, the tree nurseries that had been establishedjhave had to be closed, and all the locally raised trees have been planted out. The great troubles have been the ever-present risk of fire, and a great deal of stock trespass. It is impossible with the means at the disposal of the Department to exercise any complete degree of control over the extensive areas being dealt with, and, unfortunately, the periodical firing of the vegetation of the coastal-dune areas has proved a severe handicap. In the opinion of the Commissioner of Crown Lands the plantations that have been established at Waipu seem to prove conclusively that the dunes can be satisfactorily held, though it is much easier to effect this on the east coast than on the west, where the prevailing winds are so much stronger and last longer. The Department, however, is unable to undertake tree-planting on any .large scale, as to do so would, involve a heavy expenditure and the employment of rangers to control the planted areas. The State Forest Service has been carrying out experimental dune work at the Rangitikei Heads, and it would appear advisable that all operations of this nature under the direction of the Government should be conducted on the same basis. With this end in view, and having regard to the apparent desirability of afforestation over large areas of the North Auckland dunes, a closer co-operation is being sought with the State Forest Service, and when (lie matter has been fully discussed the question as to whether the work now being done should be continued, and, if so, on what lines, will be submitted or consideration.

Table 1.—Return showing (approximately) Position of Lands in the Dominion at 31st March, 1925.

Total Area of Land unfit r,, , , . A™n Crown Lands Total Area of for Settlement sold m mSSkd reserved leased under Crown Lands Total Area (including Total Area District. | fnr Pnhiin all Tenures available of Area occupied in Land (exclusive of for future Native Land. by Rivers, District. I'reenoia. i urposes. Reserves leased Disposal. Lakes, Iloads, by Crown). &c). Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. North Auckland .. 2,466;664 428,898 465,784 294,100 606,426 217,428 4,478,200 .Auckland .. 2,510,285 772,947 1,063,582 1,107,058 2,157,255 609,446 8,220,573 Gisborne .. .. 1,118,145 424,182 518,365 136,096 1,068,898 253,805 3,519,491 Hawke's Bay .. .. 1,530,570 200,144 578,989 123,560 398,638 82,420 2,914,321 Taranaki .. 1,107,541 336,581 579,753 115,983 195,817 68,756 2,404,431 Wellington* .. .. 3,378,306 999,633 749,946 265,681 1,424,908 232,595 7,051,069 Nelson .. . . 632,594 2,292,914 862,299 270,654 30,629 625,910 4,715,000 Marlborough .. .. 785,003 354,031 1,534,139 10,805 .. 84,022 2,768,000 Westland .. .. 157,277 2,022,909 806,513 407,451 .. 469,228 3,863,378 Canterbury .. .. 3,575,039 1,397,924 4.012,836 9,788 .. 482,843 9,478,430 Otago .. .. 1,970,673 951,729 5,503,801 16,021 .. 651,898 9,094,122 Southland .. .. 1,836,663 4,243,289 1,550,485 168,213 .. 84,597 7,883,247 Totals .. 21,068,660 14,425,181 18,226,492 2,925,410 5,881,571 3,862,948 66,390,262 * Includes Chatham Islands.

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Table 2.—Lands selected during the Year ended 31st March, 1925.

Table 3.—Lands held on Lease at 31st March, 1925.

Pastoral Licenses Mining Djstricts Deferred x> T Occupation with Small n„„ a Ar - • ri- , • , Land Miscellaneous Education Totals Cash - Payment. Renewable Lease. aight ' of Purchase . G ra zing-runs. Pastoral Runs. M ™ Occupation Leases, &c. Endowments. lctale - Land District. Regulations. Lea3es - No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. ' Acres. North Auckland .. 9 337 14 73 23 2,220 52 4,849 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68 8,963 38 773 204 17,215 Auckland .. .. 40 146 48 122 20 4,402 14 8,491 .. .. .. .. 3 093 9 47 230 10,209* 6 2,541 370 26,651 Gisborne .. .. 2 243 .. 11 4,453 2 197 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 2,727 3 64 26 7,684 Hawke's Bav .. 6 2 .. 6 1,786 1 75 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 6,410 1 .. 19 8,273 Taranaki 36 2,539 9 2 11 2,871 7 i 1,933 .. .. ; .. .. .. .. .. .. 31 7,910 13 321 107 15,576 Wellington .. .. 10 13 31 150 46 1.872 4 I 1,110 .. .. 2 2,834 .. .. .. .. 35 1,333 2 153 130 7,465 Nelson .. .. 5 247 3 2,903 25 18,056 .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 404 .. 33 32,600 .. .. 69 54,210 Marlborough.. .. 1 1 1 20 10 2,293 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 121 2 5 21 2.440 Westland .. 1 1 .. 44 2,302 .. .. .. .. 1 20,000 6 814 9 21 26 16,060 1 1 88 39,199 Canterbury .. ..10 20 4 17 7 833 .. ; .. .. 2 12,381 .. .. .. .. 53 1,995 .. .. 76 15,246 Otago .. .. 32 106 1 595 31 12,029 7 ! 1,023 1 905 12 99,603 .. .. 23 771 61 22,485 3 48 171 137.565 Southland .. .. 2 1 4 9 5 1,303 1 225 .. 2 75,766 .. .. .. .. 22 8,838 10 46,280 46 132.422 Totals .. 154 3,656 115 3,891 239 54,420 88 I 17,903 1 905 19 210,584 12 1,911 41 839 579 119,651 79 50,186 1,327 463,946 * Includes Thermal Springs District leases.

Pastoral T)k?ri>f« „ , . _ . T . r , , ., _ . T Occupation with Small Grazing- ,, Licenses in ; Perpetual Miscellaneous Leases Education Deferred Payment. Lease in Perpetuity. Renewable Lease. Kight of Purchase runs. Pastoral Runs. MlTli _ Lan <*. Leases. and Licenses. Endowments. TotaiB ' Land District. Districts. °H£* m No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. j No. j Area. : No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. : Area. ' No. ; Area. No. Area. No. j Area. No. Area. . - j Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. North Auckland.. J 73 6,220 443 71,309 658 120,622 957 162,860 .. .. 1 553 .. .. 2 71 9 418 514 118,455 661 42,873 3,418 523,381 Auckland .. 1,150 104,146 429 126,784 1,161 239,331 1,088 330,249 19 80,826 2 39,456 184 55,146 179 4,918 .. .. 1,132* 43,930* 232 39,087 5,576 1,063,873 Gisborne .. 36 20,671 98 43,866 235 105,292 169 114,485 74 210,560 1 186 114 19,577 64 39,959 791 554.596 Hawke's Bay .. 97 42,274 417 112,173 491 186,207 188 54,202 23 50,865 12 69,801 117 64,141 181 51,720 1,526 631,383 Taranaki .. 43 4,216 668 181,106 347 104,089 559 250,146 4 3,582 .. .. 2 519 298 21,021 555 50,453 2,476 615,132 Wellington .. 338 42,438 1,042 158,998 1.148 188,946 573 221,314 126 24,533 20 131,554 1 583 578 26,147 504 105,284 4,230 899,797 Nelson .. 59 18,937 391 131,230 573 242,098 122 44,559 15 20,916 5 231,479.248 51,309 20 701 1 104 460 133,423 119 7,828 2,013 882,584 Marlborough .. 33 11,236 561 181,954 279 145,627 87 25,888 113 285,654 47 827,503 .. .. 2 200 7 52 247 41,845 40 1,413 1,416 1.521,372 Westland .. I 26 3,269 350 42,020 488 63,834 40 7,805 j .. .. 62 1,005,702 318 64,148 125 801 1 50 915 200,840 102 13,788 | 2,427 j 1,402,257 Canterbury .. 100 20,630 1.473 252,104 874 362,444 16 2,640 149 474,609 130 2,825,907 63 1,885 881 231,231 229 70,777 3,915 4,242,227 Otago .. .. 53 12,057 1,322 280.528 868 238,050 194 30,465 421 1,535,623 297 3,346,630 .. .. 345 12,201 76 4,991 l,368f 201,585f 442 45,082 ! 5,386 5,707,21 2 Southland .. 100 11,027 549 367 73,084 245 46,415 20 64,989 70 1,273,643 .. .. 47 1.312 20 1,793 457 66,280 793 339,006 2,668 1,971,806 Totals .. 2,208 297,121 7,743 1,676,329 7,489 2,069,624 4,238 1,291,028 864 2,752,157 647 9,752,414 750 170,603 720 20,204 180 10,395 7,081 1,168,475 3,922 807,270 '35,842 20,015,620 * Includes Thermal Springs District leases. t Includes agricultural leases. Note. —This table includes national endowment and education endowmants, but excludes other endowments administered by Land Board.

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Table 4. —Lands disposed of under the Land for Settlements Acts to the 31st March, 1925.

Table 5. —Endowment Lands administered by Land Boards and leased at 31st March, 1925.

Table 6. —Total Receipts, Arrears, and Postponements of Rent at 31st March, 1925.

Approximate Cost of Paper,—Preparation, not given ; printing (775 copies), £55.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92s.

Price 7s.]

>» _ Area of Land un- Total Area purchased for -g let, including Cash and made Freehold Total Lands leased to Date. Itent and Total Land forfeited, to Date. other Receipts . p,«3 s* surrendered, . Payments from Land District. 3-3$ or resumed and og o j received Inception ' not relet, and £ p , S3 g I Annual during t0 31st b( §£ also Land not Area. .§■§ j Area. .1 tho March, g | yet offered for if realized. I Rental. Year lfl25 < Selection. fcg | | fcoo | j Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. £ Acres. £ £ £ North Auckland 40,992 873 5,60S 188 1,774 25,228 273 32,737 14,069 8,658 125,304 Auckland .. 353,562 13,238 40,943 055176,427 376,455 894 122,954 34,470 32,881 768,132 Gisborne .. 76,246 39C 4,079 39 6,110 49,124 237 65,667 24,426 33,577 147,524 Hawke's Bay J 227,373 2,489 302 98 17,380 106,834 017 207,202 78,449 74,264 447,247 Taranaki 28.234 246 3,79S 42 1,401 34,426 140 22,729 13,910 9,763 152,479 Wellington .. 142,812 1,104 7,472 ! 162 8,563 87,142 932 125.07? 93,306 08,310 740,232 Nelson .. 66,434 92!. 14,019 I 6 1,635 3,033 62 49,851 4,485 4,746 46,204 Marlborough.. 235,250 2,643 3,474 ' 39 8.858 34,394 492 220,275 35,235 34,657 604,019 Westland .. 5,124 82 .. 2 192 110 30 4,850 537 397 12,700 Canterbury .. 605,709 4,176 2,232 258 15,453 122,104 1,887 583,848 103,481 142,6912,647,953 Otago .. 296,100 3,169 8,349 54 6,277 31,3381,120 278,305 79,805 70,0601,214,337 Southland .. 97,200 1,049 1,505 90 12,319 51,119 350 82,327 18,720 17,744 357,064 Totals .. 2,175.030 30,388 91,781 1,633 256,449 921,373 7,034 1,796,418 500,953 497,744 7,203,795

National Endowment. Education Endowments. Other Endowments. Totals. Land District. j S3 S a Aren Annual a . Annual .a , Annual ,g , 1 Annual | Area " Rental. | Area ' Rental. | Area ' Rental. a Area ' Rental. K Acres. £ Acres. £ Acres. £ Acres. £ North Auckland 388 80 , 3(30 0,632 001 42,873 0,708 IS 1,872 41 1,002 125,105 13,381 Auckland .. 502 189,909 0,559 232 39,087 3,038 5 1.078 40 79C 230,074 10,237 Gisborne .. 73 159,317 7,80S 04 39,959 8,012 1 1 4 138 199,277 15,885 Hawke'sBay.. 53 05,025 4,732 181 51,720 8,769 .. .. .. 234 110,745 13,501 Taranaki .. 165 68,980 4,839 555 50,453 10,514 19 0,724 1,234 739 129,157 16,587 Wellington .. 119 68,597 4,702 504 105,284 25,331 28 16,689 750 651 190,570 30,783 Nelson .. 758 283,339 5,828 119 7,828 730 436 15,000 1,433 1,316 306,173 7,997 Marlborough .. 210 542,335 6,597 40 1,413 576 .. .. .. 250 543,748 7,173 Westland .. 1,000 354,466 3,946 102 1 3,788 629 3 290 9 1,105 368,544 4,587 Canterbury .. 163 1,688,649 41,474 229 70,777 30,269 16( 16,908 1,822 558 1,776,334 73,565 Otago .. 7712,578,544 38,410 445 45,082 5,787 67 176,786 7,632 1,280 2,800,412 51,829 Southland .. 235 768,234 6,663 793 339,006 19,979 17 114,331 2,496 1,045 1.221,571 29,138 Totals .. 4,497 6,847,755 138,254 3,922 807,270 120,948i 758 353,285 15,461 9,177 8,008,310 274,663 I I :

nrfiir.Q7.T7 TonH National Education Other twoi Ton , m A:"r n y ! Cheviot Endow- Endow- Endow- Miscel- Total Total Land is c . T anf i s cspHipmpnt<5 Estate. ment ment ment laneous. Receipts. ' Arrears. Lands. Settlements. Landg> Landg Landg * j ments. I | I i i £ £ £ I £ | £ £ £ £ ! £ £ North Auckland .. 20,221 8,658 .. 4,355; 6,551 40 4,197 44,022! 17,976 i 7,876 Auckland .. 72,114 32,881 .. 5,377 3,778 52 2,767 116,969 152,227 22,627 Gisborne .. 33,597 33,577 .. 8,082 8,092 .. 1,031 84,379 13,915 i 15,066 Hawke's Bay | .. 58,191 74,264 .. I 4,090 9,124 .. 3,450 149,119 26,397; 55,114 Taranaki .. 32,489 9,763 3,848 10,223 1,062 42,754 100,139 13,122 8,475 Wellington ' 69,454 68,310 .. 5,351 \ 28,471 1,053 10,414 183,053 108,127 22,290 Nelson .. .. 8,566 | 4,746, .. j 4,440 704 1,598 ] ,068 21,122 6,145 2,956 Marlborough .. 11,352 34,657 9,196 618 .. 248 56,071 4,500 9,951 Westland .. 5,296 397 .. 13,456 1,135 12 2,792 23,088 1,696 225 Canterbury .. 31,010 142,691 17,467 44,586 30,196 1,882 644 268.476 40,449 67,078 Otago .. .. 39,337 70,056 .. 37,528 6,487 6,778 3,550 163,736 11,466 14,510 Southland .. 15,813 17,744 .. 6,591 19,744 2,357 301 62,550 5,639 7,005 Totals .. 397,440 497,744 17,467 146,900 125,123 14,834 73,216 1,272,724 301,659 233,173