NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT REPORT ON—BY BOARD OF NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1935 Session I, G-10

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1935. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT REPORT ON—BY BOARD OF NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave.

The policy of the development of Native lands or Native-owned lands with Native labour for the settlement of Maoris out of funds supplied by the State was adopted by the Government in 1929, when legislation was enacted to give statutory authority for the development of the lands offered or available for the purpose. Active operations were commenced in March, 1930, on the Horohoro Block near Rotorua, and from time to time other lands have been brought under development. At the present time there are seventy-four separate development schemes being actively worked, embracing a total area of 653,774 acres, more or less. The report now submitted, referring as it does to the operations for the year 1934-35, covers the fifth year of the Department's work on the development of Native lands and their settlement by Maoris. Brief particulars are given below of the position and extent of development under the several schemes now in operation, and the tables attached to this report give details of the expenditure incurred up to the 31st March, 1935, and also the figures showing the collections from the land in the nature of produce, wool, stock, &c., and other credits in reduction of the gross expenditure. The development and settlement of Native lands has for its primary object the promotion of the welfare of the Maoris, and to be wholly effective must comprehend the development of the man as well as the land. The members of the race provide the man-power for the work of development, and in this way receive tuition under competent instructors in the various details of land-development and farming processes. The supervision and instruction of the Department continues to be given to the Maori settlers even after settlement on defined areas in order that each settler may become a more efficient farmer. Experience has shown that the majority of the settlers are readily adaptable to correct farming practice, and display commendable enthusiasm and industry in the working of their areas. The returns from the dairying operations on the various schemes were affected by the low prices ruling for butterfat during the period under review, and the dry spell of weather experienced during last season over the greater part of the North Island was responsible for a fall in the total production below the estimate. However, notwithstanding the adverse conditions ruling, the returns showed a reasonable increase in value over the previous year. This can be judged from the amounts received by the Department as its share of the cream production, the figures being as follows: 1933-34, £28,432 Bs.; 1934-35, £30,887 7s. —an increase of £2,454 19s.

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The Department's share of the cream returns is obtained by way of orders on the dairy factories in respect of the individual settler's output, and varies as to the proportion according to the circumstances of the particular settler in relation to his production and loan liability , but in the great majority of cases is fixed at .from one-quarter to one-third. The cream collections in the course of time can be looked to to provide the principal means of payment of interest on the funds employed and for repayment of the money advanced, and it will be seen that it should not be unreasonable to anticipate that the cream collections alone will be sufficient for these purposes in the near future, apart from other sources of revenue. It has to be borne in mind, however, that at present only a proportion of the total area under development has reached the stage of production, and it can be contemplated that returns each year for some time will show a sound increase in the volume and value of production. The prospects for the present year for farm-produce are excellent, and it can be confidently anticipated that the result of the year's operations will prove to be highly successful. The Board of Native Affairs Act, 1934-35, which became law on the sth April, 1935, constituted the Board of Native Affairs and vested in that Board, as successor to the Native Land Settlement Board, the control and direction of the Native-land development and the control over expenditure on all farming operations undertaken or approved by the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards, also the control of the operations of the East Coast Commissioner in relation to the expenditure or investment of any moneys or to giving mortgages over any property vested in him. The Board of Native Affairs Act made provision also for the appointment of " district committees " to comprise three members, of whom one shall be the Judge of the Native Land Court, who shall be Chairman of the Committee. The functions of the district committees shall be to exercise, subject to the control of the Board of Native Affairs, such powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to it by the Board and to inquire into and report upon such matters as may be referred to the committees by the Board. Maori Unemployment Relief. The Board of Native Affairs has continued to avail itself of the opportunity of obtaining and utilizing to the fullest extent the moneys provided for the relief of Maori unemployed. It is realized that the only permanent solution of the problem of Maori unemployment (as well as European unemployed) is to establish an industry which will at once be reproductive and absorb the largest possible number of men. In the case of the Maori, possessed as he is of considerable landed interests, the solution appears to be his settlement on his land. The Board has therefore directed its expenditure of unemployment funds available for relief of Maori unemployed upon the development of Native lands either included in the Department's development schemes or upon Native-owned lands being developed from the resources of the owners. The number of Natives assisted during the year was 2,635, and the average earning of each man was £18 18s. Geo. W. Forbes, Chairman.

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TOKERAU (NORTH AUCKLAND) MAORI LAND DISTRICT. As previously explained in the annual reports, the North Auckland district has been divided into the following sub-districts : Kaipara', Hokianga, Bay of Islands, and Mangonui, in which are represented the Ngati-Whatua, Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngati-Ivahu, and Te Aupouri Tribes. All Native-owned areas in the Tokerau District were gazetted as being subject to the one scheme as a basis for authorization of expenditure which the Supervisors recommended from time to time on such areas as were considered suitable for developmental assistance. Owing to the scattered nature of the holdings it was not possible to undertake development on a face as in the Rotorua District, and it was found necessary to assist each small holding with such necessary requirements as would make it self-supporting. During the year this policy has been continued, and with the Unemployment Board's assistance through the winter months the majority of the units have done good work in improving their farms. Over 66,000 acres are now being farmed in this district, of which some 6,000 acres comprise six base farms located in different parts of the northern peninsula. Approximately 3,000 acres of new pastures have been laid down during the year, while over eighty miles of new fencing has been erected. Much of the land now being used for dairying was originally covered with scrub, fern, or poor-quality grasses ; but with the programme of intensive farming on smaller areas it is hoped to bring about a much-increased production of butterfat and other farm-products. Owing to the severe floods in the North many of the scheme farms suffered severe losses, but assistance was made available to alleviate the distress and assist the people, particularly those in the South Hokianga district, where conditions were most severe, to clear their farms of debris and to re-erect the fences which had been levelled by the deluge. There is evidence of a little restlessness in some of the northern districts, but the human element for farming purposes is, generally speaking, excellent, and with the co-operation of the local committees these people are making every effort to help themselves and the Department. Many of the individual advances are small, and it should therefore not be long before a number of the units are selfsupporting and no longer in need of departmental assistance. Eliminating the base farms and the Te Kao Settlement (Tokerau Maori Land Board Scheme) the- area under development in this district is approximately 60,000 acres, on which are established 669 units. For the past year the Department's receipts from assignments of cream cheques amounted to £10,863. The average advance is particularly small, and the repayments made are quite satisfactory. Base Farms. (a) The main farm of the North is the Motatau Base Farm, comprising 780 acres of Native leasehold land at Pokapu, near Otiria. Dairy cows are assembled here to await distribution, and it is also used as a dairy-farm on which between 70 and 80 cows are milked on a share basis. During this year 74 cows were milked, and returned f6,079 lb. of butterfat (average, 217 lb. per cow). This farm received a big setback from the floods of December and February, which resulted in much damage to fences and drains, while practically the whole of the hay crop was lost. (b) The Tautoro Bush, situated near Kaikohe in the Bay of Islands, comprises 1,607 acres of bush country handed over by the Lands Department for development by this Department. The whole of the bush has now been cleared, but a poor burn over most of the area has minimized the results aimed at. The balance, 300 acres, of bush was felled this year, but the exceptionally wet summer and autumn prevented a burn. With judicious stocking it is hoped to consolidate the grass already sown and to burn the felled bush and complete the grassing this year. The portion already sown has struck well and is now firmly established. (c) Panguru Base Farm comprises 297 acres of freehold and leasehold lands purchased from Messrs. Holland and Rogers, and is situated on the northern side of the Hokianga Harbour adjacent to the Panguru and Pawarenga Districts. There are about 227 acres in grass and 70 acres in bush, and it is used mainly as a distributing centre for stock. The principal work during the year has been clearing and logging some 100 acres, and regrassing some 50 acres, while a substantial stockyard has been built. The land is capable of carrying one ewe to the acre and one beast to 3 acres. For the coming year it is proposed to place a local Native on this farm as caretaker, and to allow him the proceeds from fourteen cows as remuneration for looking after the Department's stock and doing general farm work under direction of the Supervisor. (d) Waima Bush comprises some 1,414 acres on the Takeke-Rawene Road (South Hokianga), of which 1,000 acres were in standing bush. The bush area has now been cleared, and during the year six miles of subdivisional fencing have been erected, while 200 acres have been ploughed and grassed and 250 acres logged and top-dressed. This place has proved sound sheep and cattle country capable of carrying lj sheep to the acre and one cattle beast to 6 acres. The block, for subdivisional purposes, is poorly watered, and the whole question of a suitable water-supply is being looked into with a view, if suitable arrangements can be made, to having the area subdivided for closer settlement. (e) Pouto area. This area comprises some 9,000 acres, of which it is estimated about 1,400 acres are capable of being successfully developed. It is situated in the Kaipara District on the Pouto Peninsula, and the land is a light, sandy formation. There are some 400 acres of gum swamp lands. This year some 300 acres have been sown down in grass following cultivation from the previous year, while about two miles and a half of fencing have been erected and one mile and a half of drains made. It is considered that the dry land will eventually carry two to three sheep per acre and the swamp one cow to 1| acres. (/) Manukau Base Farm comprises 830 acres taken over from the State Advances Department, is situated near Herekino, and at present is being used for asembling culled stock from the Mangonui

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District. It is intended to develop this area as a whole and later to subdivide into some thirteen holdings on which selected units, will be placed. The year's work has consisted of clearing some 150 acres of titree and wiwi, digging 43 chains of drains, and ploughing 24 acres for sowing down. Next year it is proposed to fell and grass approximately one-half of an area of 400 acres of standing bush at the back of the section. The Natives in this area were at first somewhat reluctant to join in the development scheme, but are now showing much more interest. They are of the Rarawa Tribe and should make good average farmers. The following summaries show the progress of development in the Tokerau Maori Land Board District: —

Units.

Base Farms.

WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO MAORI LAND DISTRICT. In the previous statement submitted to Parliament is set out in detail the facts which led up to the development of Native lands in this district. For the purposes of this report they are subdivided into two parts : — (1) Waikato Proper, comprising the ancestral territory of the.Waikato Tribe, stretching from the Tamaki Isthmus in the North to the Puniu River, near Kihikihi, in the South. (2) The lands of the Maniapoto Tribe, known to-day as the King-country. A detailed review of each scheme is as follows : — Waahi. This scheme, although comprising only three farms, is of particular interest as it is the home of the Mahuta family and the present Maori " King " Ivoroki. The successful launching of the Waikato schemes was largely due to the personal influence of Te Rata Mahuta, the late Maori " King," and the leadership and organization of his cousin, Te Puea Herangi, who has devoted herself to the welfare of her people. The goodwill and co-operation of the descendants of Potatau and Tawhiao have been vital factors in furthering the policy of land-development throughout this district. The three units are able farmers and men of substance and require little supervision in the management and development of their holdings, which comprise the following : —

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I ! I 1 tct , , Area p. ■ ,, 'Number of District. er0 owned or j Sheep, j Horses. c ™ [Dependoccupied. , ill a - Acres. ' i Bay of Islands .. .. 210 24,943 5,735 521 145 50 [ 1,032 Mangonui .. . . .. 172 13,198 3,805; .. 188 40 920 Hokianga .. .. .. 232 17,188 5,632 160 256 119, 1,306 Kaipara 55 5,298 1,300 .. 15 .. j 279 669 1 60,627 16,472 I 681 604 1 209 3,537

Particulars of Live-stock. Name of Farm. Area. , Dairy Cattle. Run Cattle. Sheep. Horses. I I Acres. Tautoro Bush .. . . . • 1,607 . . 503 1,545 3 Motatau 780 177 63 286 4 Panguru .. .. . . - ■ 297 91 86 228 Waima Bush. .. .. ■ • ■ ■ 1,414 • • 329 1,883 1 Pouto 1,400 .. 10 308 3 Manukau .. .. .• • • 830 66 134 _ 6,328 J 1,125 4,250 11

Dairying Stock. „ . , Butter-fat *"*'• ~ Otto ows ' Classes. Acres. lb. 1 .. 70 22 6 3,310 2 .. 215 46 30 6,733 3 .. 290 53 32 5,484 575 ; 121 _____ 68 *15,527 * No information available as to number of cows milked during the season.

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Waipipi (Te Hakona). This scheme is a compact block of 282 acres subdivided into five farms and is situated on the Manakau Harbour about ten miles from Waiuku. Access is provided by metal roads, and the scheme is close to a dairy factory. Most of this area has been in grass for some time, and though the pastures are in fair order there is a lack of perennial rye, and it may be necessary to ultimately regrass certain parts. Noxious weeds have been kept well in check. The five occupiers are still in receipt of wages, and the total proceeds from cream cheques are paid to the Waikato-Maniapoto District Maori Land Board. The health of the people is good, but four of the five houses on the scheme are in need of repair in order to make the living-quarters satisfactory. The matter of water-supply received attention during the year and an electric pump and storage tank have now been installed by means of which the whole scheme can be reticulated. Dairying operations were continued throughout the year, and, in spite of low prices and the dry spell experienced during last summer, the following butterfat-production is regarded as satisfactory : —

The occupiers, who take a keen interest in the development of their respective areas, are anxious to obtain some security of tenure on a unit basis, and this matter is now under consideration.

Kaihau. This scheme comprises five separate holdings, totalling approximately 378 acres, and is situated about three miles from Waiuku. The scheme is still financed by the Waikato-Maniapoto Maori Land Board. The water-supply question has been receiving attention, a bore was put down on Lot 310b, and on the other sections wells have been tested with a view to installing pumps. One new house is in course of erection. The pastures are generally in fair condition and have been kept clear of noxious weeds by continuous grubbing. The five occupiers, who are in receipt of wag'es, are keen to be definitely established as units with a secure tenure. With improvements now in hand the living-quarters will, with one exception, be satisfactory. The health of the people is good. There is approximately 70 acres still to be cleared, cultivated, and grassed. Internal fences are required and existing fences will require battens. Extensions of water-supplies will also be necessary. The following table is supplied : —

Onewhero. Onewliero is now in six subdivisions and comprises land scattered over a wide area, each locality presenting a different type of soil, a distinct type of Native, and a separate problem so far as farming is concerned. The sections are classified as follows :—

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Farm Area. ' Cows. i Butterfat. Values. [Average per Cow. j [ J J | • Acres. j lb. £ lb. 1 66 28 ! 3,616 139 ; 129 2 .. 61 19 3,402 131 179 3 .. 54 26 ! 3,878 150 149 4 .. 43 19 4,226 163 233 5 .. 58 23 5,112 196 222 282 i - 115 ' 20,234 I 779 176

Farm No. ! Area. Cows. Buttcrfat. Value. Average per Cow. Acres. lb. £ lb. 1 .. 130 61 12,930 501 212 2 .. 38 14 2,430 93 173 3 .. 113 28 6,280 242 224 4 .. 53 23 4,813 188 209 5 .. 44 22 5,894 228 270 378 148 32,347 _ 1,252 ' ,218

Section. ! Units. Area. Locality. Nature of Soil. Acres. Onewhero (proper) 10 720 Five miles from Tuakau .. First-class volcanic. Some swamp areas. Opuatia .. 8 1,380 Fifteen miles from Tuakau Papa and semi-gum land. Mangatangi .. 8 349 Twelve miles from Pokeno Good quality loam. Koheroa . . 2 201 Eight miles from Mercer .. Poor-quality gum. Mercer .. .. 1 51 At Mercer .. .. Clay to semi-gum land. Waikarakia .. 8 1,073 Approximately eleven miles Flats, heavy clay ; hills, poor gumfrom Mercer land.

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On Onewhero (proper) no new development work was undertaken during the year beyond the deepening and widening of 76 chains of main drain. The section suffers severely from an inadequate watersupply, and last season's returns were affected by the dry spell. Pastures are in fair condition, but parts will eventually have to be regrassed. Areas of swamp land that are drying out are badly infested with blackberry and require constant attention. The units, who are members of the Ngati-Tipa hapu of Waikato, are proving industrious settlers and should make a success of their holdings. They are poorly housed, however, in raupo dwellings on timber framework with iron roofs. A pleasing feature of the farming operations on all the sections is the cleanliness of the cow-sheds and dairy utensils, even where water has to be carried some distance. The pressing problem is provision for a plentiful watersupply, which is receiving attention. The Opuatia section covers an extensive area of undulating country. Fifty-two acres were cleared and grassed during the year, 120 chains of fencing were erected, and various short lengths of drains were cut. Pastures are in fair condition, noxious weeds are being kept in check, and steps are being taken to deal with the rabbit nuisance. At present milking operations are carried on with fair success, but owing to the inadequate water-supply it will not be possible to greatly increase the present herds. As much of the area in this locality is sheep country, mixed farming is being undertaken, and under suitable supervision should prove successful. The people belong to the Ngati-Tipa hapu of Waikato and are keen to make a success of their scheme. The Mangatancji portion ranges from river-flats to easy hills with good pastures infested in parts with blackberry. Work during the year comprised clearing and grassing 110 acres, erection of 160 chains of fencing, and building of five new cow-sheds. The settlers, who belong to Ngati-Paoa —a hapu of Waikato—were until, recently living in crude unsanitary dwellings, but five new houses are now in course of erection, and under improved conditions they are taking an increasing interest in the development of their lands. An active unit on the Koheroa section is making satisfactory progress, but the other holding is reverting to second growth, due to change of occupier. An area of 22 acres was ploughed and grassed, but the dry season affected the new pastures. Owing to the poor quality of the soil, heavy topdressing will be necessary. The settler established on the Mercer section is handicapped by blackberry, but is making a determined effort to clear bis land and increase his butterfat-produetion. The development of the Waikardkia portion of Onewhero scheme has not been a success, and the Department is faced with the problem of further expenditure of a salvage nature. Special reports are being obtained and it is hoped that by a re-arrangement of the scheme of subdivision certain of the sections may eventually be self-supporting. Tabulated information supplied is as follows : —

Waikato. Five units belonging to the Ngati-Wairere and Ngati-Whawhakia hapus of Waikato have been established on this scheme, and the following table is descriptive of their holdings

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Sections. Number of Units. Area. Cows. Butterfat. Average per Cow. Acres. lb. ! lb. Onewhero .. 10 720 150 24,871 166 Opuatia .. 8 1,380 182 21,498 118 Mangatangi . . 8* 349 97 17,838 i 184 Koheroa .. 2* 201 14 2,277 163 Mercer .. 1 50 13 2,445 188 Waikarakia .. 3* 1,073 No information 9,310 ! 3,373 456 78,239 i I 1 * One not milking.

. - ■ I " - - - ; I ; ~ Number Averaee ' Number Section. Area. ; of Cows Butterfat. ! veT Co „ of Dependmilked. I ' ants. 1 r , ~~ r ~ i | I ! Gordonton Seqtion— Acres. lb. lb. Unit No. 1 ! 31 8 1,700 212 3 Unit No. 2 . .. .. 18 8 1,046 131 2 Unit No. 3 .. .. .. 26 12 2,118 176 5 Huntly Section : Unit No. 4 .. . . j 53 6 1,109 185 Tauhei Section: Unit No. 5 .. ... 66 18 3,155 175 4 194 52 9,128 176 15

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Tlie Gordonton section is flat with soil of good quality, but the individual holdings are small, and until fully developed the units are forced to seek outside assistance in order to support their families. Blackberry is very prevalent and requires constant attention to keep it in check. During the year 12 acres were ploughed and regrassed, 15 chains of fencing were erected, and a drain, 44 chains in length, was cut through the middle of the property. The whole area is deficient in water. The pastures are in fair order, but certain areas will require regrassing. Living conditions are improving, and the settlers are taking an increasing interest in their scheme. The Huntly section is farmed by a Native woman who takes a keen interest in the development of her land. Ten acres of new grass were sown during the year, and 2 acres of scrub cut preparatory to ploughing. A cow-shed was erected, but at present there is no house on the property. There is still 30 acres to be cleared and grassed, and the question of water-supply will require investigation. The Tauhei section in the Morrinsville district suffered owing to the abnormally dry season, and production was accordingly below expectations. The unit is somewhat handicapped owing to physical disability, but is anxious to make a success of his holding. The pastures are fair, 6 acres of new grass were sown during the year and noxious weeds have been kept well in check. There is still an area of 550 acres awaiting development. Kawhia . The three hapus interested in this scheme —Ngati-Te Wehi, Ngati-Hikairo, and Ngati-Apakura— belong to the Waikato Tribe and as such their outlook is one to be judged from a focal point centred in Waahi Pa, Huntly—the home of the " Maori King." The first " Maori King " was chosen in the " fifties " of the last century, and in the lineal male descendants of Potatau, and the movement has become the rallying-point of the Waikato people and other allied tribes. It is now the most potent factor in preserving their tribal entities and social structure. This scheme owes its beginning to the lead given by the late Te Rata Mahuta and his family at Waahi, and by Te Puea Herangi at Waipipi and Onewhero, and although progress has been slow recent returns indicate that the venture should, under careful supervision, prove ultimately a success. The scheme comprises the Mangaora Blocks, approximating 740 acres (220 acres of which are under active development as a small sheep farm), and twelve holdings scattered around the Kawhia and Aotea Harbours on which units are dairying. The total area of the scheme is 4,241 acres. On Mangaora 220 acres, which have been cleared and grassed, are carrying 300 ewes. The pastures are fair to good and ragwort and blackberry have been cleared by cutting and grubbing. The balance of the block is covered with heavy manuka and light bush, but when developed, is very suitable for sheep-farming. Work undertaken on the unit sections during the year has been mainly in the direction of improving land already brought in. Cleaning up and burning manuka, 107 acres ; bushfelling, 50 acres ; grassing, 80 acres ; stumping, ploughing, and sowing, 61 acres ; manuka-felling, 27 acres ; clearing noxious weeds, 20 acres ; draining, 229 chains ; fencing, 150 chains ; and splitting 1,100 posts and 10,000 battens. In addition to the twelve units and four workmen on Mangaora, the scheme provided assistance for twenty unemployed Natives, and the total dependants of these people numbered 123. Returns of units' live-stock are as follows : Dairy cows, 290 ; bulls, 17 ; heifers, 109 ; calves, 60 run cattle, 34 ; sheep, 415 ; pigs, 25 ; and horses, 27. During the season the production of butterfat from 245 cows was 31,339 lb., valued at £978, and averaging 128 lb. per cow. Oparure. Five small farms scattered around Te Ivuiti, Oparure, and Hangatiki support six units with their twenty-three dependants belonging to Ngati-Kinohaku and Ngati-Rora hapus of Maniapoto. These holdings comprise 602 acres of low-lying land, which requires consistent attention in order to keep blackberry and ragwort in check. During the year the units followed their usual farm occupations and the land is now practically developed. Works carried out comprise : Roading, 10 chains ; ploughing, 4 acres ; clearing noxious weeds, 15 acres : and fencing, 120 chains. Good pastures are down on two sections, but the grassing on the other three holdings is poor. Live-stock returns are as follows : — Unit. Cows. Sheep. No. 1 .. .. .. .. . . . . . • 22 No. 2 .. . . .. .. . . .. .. 20 Nos. 3 and 4 . . . . . . . . . . 4 144 No. 5 .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 No. 6 .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 58 144. Forty - one cows were milked during the season, the production of butterfat being 7,352 lb., averaging 180 lb. per cow. Four of the units are industrious workers who are interested in the scheme, but the other two settlers require considerable supervision. The living-quarters are satisfactory and the health of the people is good. Mahoenui. The principal hapu of Maniapoto interested in this scheme is Ngati-Rungaterangi, a buffer subtribe in the eventful past history of the Maniapotos and Taranakis. Situated about thirty-eight miles from Te Kuiti on the main New Plymouth highway and comprising a compact area of 6,026 acres, of which 2,000 acres are developed, Mahoenui is one of the principal schemes in the King-country district.

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There are two units on part of the area, but the greater portion of the land is worked as a mixed farm and at present is stocked with dry sheep and cattle for the better handling of the property and building-up of the pastures. Efforts were made during the year to consolidate the area already developed (2,000 acres) by subdivisional fencing, stumping, ploughing, and top-dressing, and the following works were completed : Stumping manuka, 100 acres ; clearing and grabbing gorse, 62 acres ; ploughing and grassing, 60 acres ; sown in turnips, 65 acres ; new fences (subdivisional), 50 chains ; and repairing old fences, 60 chains. At the 31st March, 1935, the scheme was carrying 597 run cattle, 25 dairy cattle, and 2,203 dry sheep. Sales for the year were as follows : 225 run steers, 13 ran heifers, 27 rams, 489 wethers, 1,421 ewes, and 49 bales wool. These figures do not include units' returns. The area is at present fully stocked, and, in fact, slightly overstocked with cattle for winter-carrying capacity. The turnip crop did not reach expectations owing to the exceptionally dry summer. The land is badly infested with ragwort, gorse, and blackberry and requires constant movement of stock to check second growth. A, thousand acres of pasture have shown a definite improvement with top-dressing, and ragwort was kept under control by grazing with sheep. The prospects for the coming season are promising, and a larger wool clip is expected, with increased sales of fat sheep. Mahoenui should eventually be suitable for subdivision, and the present policy is to build up the pastures so that control of weeds may be maintained by Native units under ordinary grazing conditions. The scheme maintains two units with eight dependants, three workmen with fourteen dependants, and assistance from unemployment funds gave employment to an additional fifteen men supporting twenty-three dependants. The principal unit is Rongo Kingi Wetere, who owns considerable other lands in the district and who is milking a large herd. There is a valuable asset in this community in the hereditary leadership of the Wetere family, and it is expected that their influence will become more pronounced as time goes on and will prove beneficial to all concerned in the Mahoenui scheme. Waimiha. Situated about two miles from the railway-station midway between Te Kuiti and Taumarunui and comprising an area of 7,829 acres, of which approximately 2,000 acres are developed, Waimiha may be classed as the major development scheme in the Maniapoto District. The scheme gives employment to two defined units, six milking units, and about twenty-eight other workers, whose total dependants number ninety-three persons, a community of Natives, principally members of the Te Ihingarangi hapu of Maniapoto and a few representatives of neighbouring hapus. Although there were two or three defections among the occupiers some time ago there has been in the comparatively short period since the inception of the scheme a remarkable improvement in the health and general condition of these people, and this is being reflected in their willingness and capacity to cope with the farming operations on the various sections occupied by them. During the year 1934-35 the principal work carried out on the scheme comprised the consolidation of the position of the land already under development (2,000 acres) by top-dressing, stocking, and fencing. No building programme was undertaken to actually settle units on sections, and no additional area was brought in, but progress was made as follows : 85 acres sown down in grass, 25 acres reconditioned by harrowing in of seed, 45 acres cropped with swedes, 45 acres cleared of scrub, 450 acres cut for hay and ensilage, 420 chains wire sheep-proof fencing ; 10,000 matai posts erected and 50,000 battens were split; and 75 chains of drains excavated. Throughout the season milking was carried on, the production from 197 cows being 33,616 lb. of butterfat, valued at £1,292 and averaging 171 lb. per cow, an increase of 4,0001b. in weight and £302 in value over the previous year. Other returns included sales of 120 steers (£870) and 837 wethers (£918). The hay crop produced 13,776 bales, which were stacked for winter requirements. The scheme is at present stocked to carrying-capacity with 202 dairy cows, 13 bulls, 46 heifers and calves, 65 steers, 1,511 breeding-ewes, 230 wethers, and 45 rams. No wool was sold, as the sheep were purchased after December, 1934. The pastures as a whole show an improvement on last year. The grass-content has considerably increased, and the red clover has to a large extent gone out. This is reflected in the general improvement of the carrying-capacity and the condition of the stock. Some of the pastures have been attacked by grass grub, but concentration of stock on the areas aflected and heavy rolling has kept this pest down. Top-dressing with potash is an experiment which has proved successful, and this is borne out by the extra growth and apparent greater palatability of the pastures. On some of the sections half the area was top-dressed with superphosphate and half with potash, and the stock showed a decided preference for the potash-treated portions. Waimiha is not badly afiected with noxious weeds. On the grazing areas ragwort is well controlled with sheep, and in the hay paddocks any odd plants were hand-pulled before cutting commenced. The same treatment was applied to gullies and other waste parts. There are a few patches of blackberry, which have been out and kept under control. Rabbits have been kept under by periodic poisoning with phosphorized pollard. Housing conditions of the milking units and stockmen are good, and generally are sufficient for the requirements of the people. Temporary employees are accommodated in wooden huts in preference to tents. The health of the community during the year lias been excellent, and no deaths or outbreaks of infectious diseases have occurred.

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The outlook and prospects for the coming season are promising, and a general increase in the output of butterfat is expected. Returns should be augmented by the sale of sixty-five steers, thirtyfive to forty bales of wool, about 1,250 fat lambs, and probably fat sheep and hay. The land is being developed for dairying, and before the area grassed can be regarded as fully developed it will be necessary to build nineteen houses, eighteen cow-sheds, twenty-three manure and implement sheds. Subdivisional fencing is required on fourteen sections, and a general water-supply is a matter for consideration. There are approximately 400 acres to be regrassed after being cropped for turnips, and live-stock for eighteen sections, averaging twenty-five cows a section, will ultimately be required. Provision is being made for shelter-belts. At present the outlook of the people can be described as generally enthusiastic towards development. On account of the measure of success achieved (the human material being as a nucleus an untried and, according to current opinion, an indifferent community) what might be termed a bold experiment has become a persistent challenge to the Maniapoto Tribe as a whole. Te Kuiti Base Farm, Formerly held by the Waikato-Maniapoto Board as mortgagee in possession, this property, comprising 617 acres, situated four miles from Te Kuiti Township, was taken over in 1932 for use as a base farm. Up to this time the Waikato Board had advanced £9,723 on the property, and it was arranged that after a payment to the Board of £1,723 from development funds the balance of £8,000 was to remain in the Board's books free of interest. The Supervisor reports that the farm is at present slightly understocked, although the carryingcapacity for the year was increased by 400 ewes and 100 head of cattle. He expects that the farm will ultimately carry three ewes to the acre, together with fifty cows. Parts of the farm have been badly infested with blackberry and gorse, necessitating continual cutting and grubbing ; goats have proved effective in the eradication of these noxious weeds. Ragwort is not in evidence, as the country has been continually grazed by sheep. The pastures show a general improvement as a result of top-dressing, and this is reflected in the carrying-capacity. It is expected that 100 per cent, of the wether lambs will be sent to the works as fat. During the year development-work was largely confined to bringing back into pastures the areas which had reverted to weeds and second growth. Approximately 300 acres of fern were crushed and are now coming into good pasture, 80 acres of gorse and blackberry were grubbed, 160 acres of logs and stumps were cleared and burned, 25 acres were ploughed for turnips and 3,000 lb. of grass-seed were sown broadcast on burnt patches, bare spurs, and on areas which were going back. In addition, 58 chains of new fences were erected and 120 chains repaired, These works provided employment for eight Maori unemployed relief workers supporting twenty-five dependants, and it is reported that excellent work was performed by these men during the year. The Supervisor considers that the prospects for the coming season are definitely good. A larger wool clip is anticipated and sales of wether lambs and cull sheep should exceed last year's totals. The property is now practically fully developed for the purpose for which it is being used. The live-stock returns are as follows : 1,343 sheep, 77 yearling cattle, and 5 horses: In addition, the farm has been used as a base for distributing stock to schemes, and considerable numbers have been grazed for varying periods throughout the year. WAIARIKI MAORI LAND DISTRICT. Brent's Farm. This property, situated three and a, half miles from Rotorua on the Rotorua-Whakatane Road, comprises 335 acres —Rotomahana mud country —and is used as a base farm for the grazing of stock and for holding new stock for the Rotorua Central Area. It is an ideal place for the purpose for which it was obtained, and the pastures are in first-class order. During the year a sheep dip and yards were erected, thereby greatly improving working-conditions in the locality. The value of the farm from this point of view will be further enhanced when the proposed wool-shed is erected. Thirty tons of hay were cropped during the year, and 127 acres of turnips were sown for winter feed. The farm is divided into seventeen paddocks and 344 chains of subdivisional and 236 chains of boundary fencing have been erected. As the farm is practically all in grass, only the usual maintenance work is necessary. Very little trouble is experienced with noxious weeds, owing to the heavy grazing during the year. Horohoro. As previously reported, this the pioneer scheme of the pumice belt, was commenced on the 7th February, 1930, by two parties, one of Wairoa Maoris and the other of eight men from the Ngati-Tuara and Ngati-Kearoa subtribes to Te Arawa who owned the block. The keenness and industry these people displayed in appreciation of the Government's assistance to enable them to farm their lands and thereby to improve their physical, social, and moral conditions is reflected in many ways. It is interesting to record that they conducted on excellent lines and in the true communal spirit an agriculture and pastoral show. All factions combined in creating a spirit of rivalry between the various units in their productive efforts.

2—a. 10.

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The following information culled from departmental reports shows the progress of development during the year on the various subdivisions of Horohoro : — Haparangi Plantation. Haparangi Plantation on " Haparangi Mountain " situated on the south side of the RotoruaAtiamuri Road is part of the Horohoro development scheme. The area of the plantation is 833 acres, and the land was gazetted as subject to section SLI of the Act, primarily as a Maori unemployment-relief scheme for the benefit of Natives m the Rotorua District, and secondly to increase the natural shelter afforded to other scheme land surrounding the mountain. . , , The more exposed south and east parts of the hill have been planted with eucalypti, and some of the hardier pines, such as Pinus mwrayana and Pinus radiata. _ On the higher levels Pinus murrayana has been planted, as this species is able to withstand the severe exposure. D . On the northern and warmer faces such species as the Douglas fir, Macrocarpa, hmcalypti,Jrmus radiata, Pinus ponderosa, and Pinus murrayana have been planted. Fire-breaks have been fringed with poplars. . . The area is protected by fire-breaks and is under constant supervision. During the year 150,000 trees were planted and 600 chains of fire-breaks cleared. In addition to this work 171 chains of new roads have been formed and 212 chains of road repairs effected. Roads leading to the summit have been formed and from there an excellent view, which will become more attractive with the growth of the trees, can be obtained of the Horohoro schemes and surrounding country. a Horohoro (Kapenga No. 1). Containing an area of 1,000 acres, no active development was undertaken during the year under review on this scheme. , This is a block which was gazetted in 1931, but apart from an expenditure of, say, £110 Irom unemployment funds for roading no active development has been undertaken, as there is a possibility that the land may be ultimately acquired by the Defence Department for the purpose of an artillery range. Horohoro (Kapenga No. 2). The principal work undertaken during the year on this scheme, comprising a total area of 400 acres, was 294 acres cultivated and sown in grass, 106 acres grassland top-dressed, 2,500 ft. water, piping laid, and 190 chains ring and subdivisional fencing erected. Stocking with wethers and cattle has improved the pastures, which are filling out well, and it is intended to continue grazing bulk stock for a further period before dairying is undertaken. Horohoro (Ngatituara.) Comprising an area of 2,125 acres under development, this land is owned and worked by the Ngati-Tuara and Ngati-Kearoa subtribes of Te Arawa, who have converted an area of scrub and fern into nineteen farms, of which ten are supplying the dairy factory and a further six will do so next season. The Supervisor in his report for the year under review states that at the commencement of last winter the dairy stock were in poor condition due to an insufficient supply of winter feed, which caused fairly heavy losses and left the stock in poor condition to commence the season's production. However, this winter the losses should be considerably decreased; as ample winter feed has been saved in the form of hay and turnips. Prom 244 cows in milk it is anticipated that the production of 35,176 lb. of fat will be considerably increased next year, as a great improvement is to be seen in the pastures. Moreover, culling was carried out and greater interest is being shown by the units m the care and attention to their cows and cleanliness in their sheds. In addition to general farming operations subdivisional fencing, draining, and repairs to cottages were carried out. Horohoro (Rongomaipapa). The Rongomaipapa section comprises 1,209 acres under development and is the southern portion of the Horohoro Block. With the exception of a certain amount of subdivisional fencing to be completed, this section is now fullly developed and twelve farms have been established. Prom nine sheds 35,3901b. of butterfat were produced. The 269 cows in milk averaged 132 lb. of fat. The Supervisor, reporting for the year under review, states that the pastures, which are free from noxious weeds', have filled out well, showing the effect of top-dressing applied in the autumn. The herds have been culled for the first time, and it is hoped that considerable improvement will

10

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be reflected in the amount of butterfat produced. Stock carried at 31st March, 1935, included 381 dairy cows, 15 dairy bulls, 95 heifer calves, and 6 horses. Four miles of fencing and 95 chains of drains were constructed, 6 chimneys built, and 5 ranges installed in the settler's cottages, and also road-access works were carried out in addition to the usual farming operations. The people of this scheme —members of the Kahungunu Tribe of Wairoa —are now able to see the fruits of their industry : 1,200 acres of scrub and fern converted into twelve small dairy-farms. Hobohoro (Tuhourangi). The third section of the Horohoro group to be brought under development was Tuhourangi, named after the subtribe of Te Arawa who own and work this land, comprising 1,007 acres. Steady progress has been made by these people, who are keen and industrious, and it is proposed to establish two units with herds this season. An ample supply of winter feed has been saved. The Supervisor reports that the pastures have filled out well, and a further 759 acres will be ready for dairying in 1936-37. Work undertaken during the year was as follows : 882 acres top-dressed, 45 acres turnips cultivated, 158 chains road repaired, 80 tons hay cropped, 150 chains fencing erected, 650 chains old drains cleared, 50 chains new drains formed, 2 cottages erected, and 25,000 shelter trees planted. At the present time the scheme is being used for grazing bulk stock. Horohoro (Turanganui). This scheme, comprising 640 acres on the south side of the Rotorua-Atiamuri Road, was the last section of the Horohoro group to come under development. During the year 210 acres were ploughed, disked, and put into grass. This is the first area to be sown on this scheme, and the Supervisor reports a good strike of new grass, which will be crushed and consolidated with stock. The land is being worked by the Te Aitangi-a-Mahaki Tribe, of Gisborne, who were assisted during the year by unemployed Natives from Rotorua in the cultivation of the above area and the following work : 182 chains boundary fencing, 70 chains draining, and 240 chains shelter-belt planting. The property is very free from noxious weeds, and will be used for bulk stock grazing until it is fully developed. Horohoro (Waikaukau). Containing an area of 1,193 acres, this scheme is bounded by the Ngakuru Block and the Tuhourangi Section of the Horohoro scheme, and extends from the Rotorua'-Atiamuri Road to what is known as Bryce's Road. In 1931 a freehold area of 772 acres bounded by the Ngakuru Block was purchased to enable connection to be made with a large Native area known as Kapenga, which was subsequently developed. The block has been efficiently worked by a contingent of Ngati-Ivahungunu Natives from the Wairoa District, and during the year under review the principal work done was as follows : 476 acres top-dressed, 90 acres turnips cultivated, 40 tons hay cropped, 429 chains drains cleared, 176 acres scrub cleared, 160 chains road repaired, 180 chains subdivisional fencing erected, and 30 chains new drains excavated. The Supervisor reports that the pastures are responding well to top-dressing, but they still require filling out before being termed good. It is intended to start four sheds milking this season, and during the early part hay and turnips will supply ample feed. The property, which is naturally watered by the Waikaukau Stream, wintered 260 ewes and 98 dairy weaners. Parekarangi. This scheme is practically an extension of Horohoro, but has been organized separately, as the land is owned by a different branch of the Tuhourangi subtribe of Te Arawa. The area of open land is estimated at 1,570 acres, of which 1,116 acres have been put in grass since 1931. An additional area of 75 acres was developed during the year, 1,080 acres grassland top-dressed, 60 acres disked, 300 chains of road repaired, 150 acres cleared of noxious weeds, 350 chains old drain cleaned out, and 120 tons of hay saved. Steady progress has been made in improving the pasture, but the Supervisor reports that with the exception of 155 acres the land will not be ready for dairying for at least another three years. One unit has been fully established, and is milking a herd of twenty-six, which it is proposed to increase to sixty this season. This property wintered 1,100 ewes and 60 beef cows, and at the present time it is carrying 3,000 ewes, 61 bullocks, and 144 beef cows. Parekarangi Extension. In 1933 an area of 700 acres adjoining the Parekarangi scheme was brought under development and named Parekarangi Extension. The block has been ring-fenced, and an area of 510 acres has been cleared. In order to counteract the exposed nature of the country, extensive shelter will need to be provided.

11

(I,—lo.

During the year under review the following programme of work was carried out: 180 chains new fence erected, 77 chains drains excavated, 80 chains old drains cleaned, 60 chains road repaired, and 30,000 shelter trees planted. Peka. Comprising a total area of 1,364 acres, this scheme is bounded by the Rotorua-Atiamuri Road and the Rotorua-Taupo Main Highway, just south of the Hemo Gorge. The property is naturally watered by springs and streams, and to date 410 acres have been put in grass. As the pastures have filled out in a first-class manner, it is intended this season to establish two units with dairy herds. Unemployed Natives of Whakarewarewa carried out the following work during the year : 380 acres top-dressed, 30 acres cultivated for turnips, 50 acres second growth cleared, 60 tons hay cropped, 141 chains fencing erected, and 100 chains drain cleared. The block wintered 500 hoggets and 30 cows. Wharenui Nursery. This nursery, covering approximately 10 acres, was established in 1933 as a source of supply of shelter-trees for development work. The area in use is part of the Waiariki District Maori Land Board's Wharenui property. During the year 653,000 trees were transferred to schemes in the Rotorua area. The following varieties were distributed : Radiata eugenoids, Laivsoniana, Eucalypti, Macarthuri, Vimincilis, acacia, Douglassi, and seedless barbary. At the 31st March, 193-5, there were 1,242,000 trees on hand at the nursery. The depredations of the grass-grub caused heavy losses in young trees during the year. Four men, three women, and twelve minors are dependent on the scheme for their livelihood. Waipapa Bush. As previously reported, this property, the Waipapa-Whatapo Block, was purchased in 1930 to ensure a supply of fencing-timber at a reasonable price for the development schemes in the Rotorua area. The bush has been practically worked out, and the rate per 100 for posts, &c., charged to other schemes was adjusted to the actual cost of extraction. The balance of the expenditure shown as a charge against this block represents the estimated residual value of the assets remaining, viz., land, £90 ; royalty value of matai posts and riniu, £424: Total, £514. Okere. The lands comprising this scheme were originally included in the Taheke and Mourea development schemes, but it was deemed expedient to exclude them, and accordingly all the blocks between the Ohau Channel and the Okere River at Rotorua were included in a new scheme under the above title. The total area is 6,000 acres, of which 2,050 acres are in grass and rough feed. The owners of these lands belong to the N'Parua and N'Takinga ha/pus of the Te Arawa Tribe, and reside in and around the Mourea Township. They efficiently carried out the following programme of work during the year under review : 800 acres cleared of second growth, 400 acres burned and surface sown, 150 acres cultivated and put in turnips, 600 acres grassland top-dressed, 240 chains road repaired and widened, 400 chains fire-break cleared, and 150 chains new fencing erected. The property, which is drained by natural streams, is heavily infested with ragwort, but the policy of crushing and consolidating with stock is resulting in a gradual cleaning-up of the pastures. The block wintered 2,200 ewes and is at present carrying 1,637 ewe hoggets, 506 breeding-ewes, 921 store ewes, 255 breeding-cows, and 12 bulls. The lambing percentage was over 100, and wether lambs went to the works at an average of £1 per head. Store ewes were used to crush out the badly infested areas at the back of the scheme. The Supervisor reports that it will be necessary to run these blocks as a grazing proposition for some time to come. Tikitere. The Tikitere scheme originally formed part of the Mourea developmental area and comprises those lands situated to the south of the Ohau Channel within twelve miles of Rotorua. The area under development contains 1,147 acres adjoining the Tikitere thermal regions, and the covering of Rotomahana mud from the Tarawera eruption over the greater part of the surface of the Tikitere lands has made it very responsive to cultivation and manuring. The Supervisor, referring to the Okahu paddock of 160 acres, in his report for 1935 states : — " This property is used for bulk-stock grazing as it is very healthy and without doubt one of the best in the district. Last winter it averaged five ewes to the acre, and the lambs all went off fat, killing out at 35-37 lb. At the present time there are 786 ewes and 75 dairy heifers on the property." Five active units have now been established who are supplying the factory, and the returns for last year for 233 cows was 27,529 lb. butterfat. In addition, the scheme, apart from Okahu, wintered nearly 1,000 sheep. The Supervisor reports that these returns should increase considerably next season as the pastures are getting well established and also an increased interest is being shown by the units.

12

GL—lO.

During the period under review the following programme of work was carried out : 250 acres cultivated and sown in grass, 770 acres top-dressed, 240 tons hay cropped, 30 acres stumped, 59,000 trees planted, 332 chains subdivisional fencing erected, 120 chains new drains formed, 40 chains watersupply pipes laid, four troughs installed, and one cottage, cow-shed, and yards completed. Tikitere (Waikato Party). Comprising an area of 560 acres, this scheme adjoins the main Tikitere scheme and is being developed by a small party from the Waikato District. Second-growth gorse is a problem here, but the Supervisor reports that with grubbing and stocking it is being kept in check. The grassing has been completed and the pastures are now filling out rapidly and showing good growth. Two hundred and nine beef yearlings and 500 ewes wintered exceptionally well. The following work was carried out during the year : 460 acres top-dressing, 36 chains access-road formation, 200 acres gorse-grubbing, 30,000 trees planted, 160 chains plantation fencing, and 20 chains drains cleaned. In addition, a water-supply was laid on from the main Tikitere scheme, which called for 80 chains of piping and the installation of four water-troughs. Rotoiti. This scheme, which was taken up as an unemployment-relief measure, provides a means of sustenance for the families living on the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti, the majority of whom live at Otarae Marae. The total area is 4,939 acres, 1,113 acres of which are in established pastures and 591 acres recently sown. During the year 500 acres of grass were top-dressed, and a gravitation water-supply with troughs was installed. As it will be some time before the pasture is suitable for close settlement it was stocked from bulk stock, and it will be necessary to similarly deal with it for the next few years. During the winter the following stock was carried : 1,921 wethers, 121 bullocks, 136 breeding-cows, 19 mixed-sex yearlings, and 5 bulls. Taheke. This scheme, which is being utilized for sheep-farming, comprises 9,081 acres, of which 1,000 acres are under development. The property lies on either side of the Kaituna River, and is bounded on the south by Lake Rotoiti and on the north-west by the Hururu Stream. The south-western portion is adjacent to the Okere development scheme and the eastern boundary is the Pokopoko Stream. During the year 40 chains of fencing were erected, 600 acres of grass land were top-dressed, 500 acres were cleared of second growth, 500 acres were burned and surface-sown, and 80 acres of turnips were cultivated. The noxious-weed problem is fairly bad, but this is gradually being checked with stocking and clearing. This country is being developed by clearing, burning off, and surface-sowing, and satisfactory results are being obtained. During the winter the scheme carried the following stock : 700 hoggets, 300 ewes, and 174 bullocks. Stock does well on this property. The living-conditions are good, and the Natives are interested in the development-work. Okataina Bush. This land, which lies to the eastward of the road between Lakes Rotoiti and Tarawera, was brought under development for the purpose of a timber-supply for the development schemes in the Rotorua area and also to provide work for local unemployed Natives. The block contains excellent totara. Some twenty men and their families have been provided with a livelihood during the year. The following material was supplied to the schemes : 1,016 rails for stockyards, 32,158 battens, 23,647 posts, and 1,069 strainers. The climatic conditions are very severe in this locality and difficulty is being experienced in obtaining sufficient workers for the project. An expert bushman, Mr. Colin Hay, was obtained as foreman, and his experience has been invaluable in connection with this work. Maketu. Previously farmed by the Arawa Trust Board, and taken over for development in 1931, Maketu Farm takes its name from that historic spot where, six centuries earlier, the great navigator, Tama te Kapua, and his Polynesian crew, after crossing the sea of Kiwa, landed in the canoe Arawa. The property comprises some 1,277 acres, made up as follows : — (1) Four hundred and forty acres all in grass subdivided into five farms, on which separate herds are milked, the Department taking all receipts and paying the milkers' wages. (2) The balance of the area is under various stages of development and during the year the following work was carried out : 80 acres ploughed and sown in turnips and swedes, 125 chains fencing erected, 15 acres gorse grubbed, 120 chains drain cleaned out, and ragwort controlled. Ragwort, gorse, and blackberry have taken a fairly strong hold in parts, according to the Supervisor's report, and difficulty was experienced in obtaining sufficient men for clearing purposes as large drainage works

13

G.—lo.

in the vicinity absorbed the unemployed Natives of this district. Approximately 30 acres of the turnip crop was a failure due to the very dry season and white butterfly. The swedes, however, were quite a fair crop. On the farm proper 368 cows were milked in the five sheds yielding 52,847 lb. butterfat at an average of 144 lb. per cow. In addition, sixty-eight pigs realized £195, calf-skins, £9, and cull cows £41. Cull sheep to the number of 414, which had been used for cleaning the pastures, were sold for £264. This enabled a profit of £346 to be made on the year's working, reducing the accumulated loss from inception (17th December, 1930), to £814. From early December to the middle of February an exceptionally dry spell was experienced and pastures on all the farms were parched and bare of feed. During this period it was necessary to feed the dairy-stock with soft turnips. At the present time all the pastures are looking exceptionally well, and there is an abundance of feed on all five farms. The paddocks used for dairying have all been top-dressed with 2 cwt. superphosphate and 1 cwt. slag per acre during the season, and this should have a very beneficial effect on production. With a normal season it is anticipated that butterfatproduction will considerably improve and it is hoped that the experience the milkers have now gained in the handling of their herds and in the care of their pigs will materially increase the returns from each shed. At the 31st March, 1935, the following live-stock was on hand : 71 bullocks, 22 dairy bulls, 368 dairy cows, 83 dairy heifers rising two-year old, 101 heifer calves, 7 horses, and 71 pigs. Maketu (Te Puke). Subdivisions of the Rangiuru 2a Block at Te Puke, comprising 422 acres, form this scheme, which is bounded on the eastern side by the Kaituna River. This river frequently overflows its bank and floods the lower paddocks on the scheme. It is hoped to remedy this by suitable protective works, which can be undertaken by the unemployed Natives of Te Puke. The fullest co-operation of the Natives of this area has not been received, but with sympathetic handling it is anticipated that they will ultimately display the keenness and energy shown by the other subtribes of Te Arawa who have handed over their lands for development. A further problem has been the eradication of noxious weeds, and concentrated efforts were made during the year under review to cope with ragwort and blackberry, 200 acres of which were kept in check. Other work carried out included ploughing, 80 acres ; cleaning drains, 160 chains ; erecting fencing, 16 chains. The property is at present carrying 486 ewes and 145 mixed beef cattle. The Supervisor reports that the pastures will be excellent when cleaned up, and it is expected that the area will be ready for dairying in two years' time. Maketu (Motiti Island). This scheme in on Motiti Island, off the coast from Tauranga, and comprises an area of 852 acres which was brought under development in 1932. The Motiti Maoris have cultivated their lands for years, growing maize which is reputed to be the highest quality obtainable in New Zealand. Assistance has been granted to them in the form of fencing material (the island has no suitable timber) and fertilizers to the extent of £1,000. The prolonged dry spell experienced last season and the havoc caused by plagues of caterpillars affected the corn crop, which was not up to the standard of previous years, but despite these difficulties the settlers displayed keen enthusiasm, and it is anticipated that by their combined efforts the loan capital liability represented by advances to sixteen units will be reduced during the current year. Practically no further assistance is required with the exception of the installation of a water-supply, and this is receiving the attention of the Departments concerned. The islanders —members of the Patuwai Tribe —are a particularly healthy and industrious community, who have good living-quarters and show keen interest in the scheme. Maketu (Pukaingatabu). This subdivision of the main Maketu scheme comprises an area of 211 acres, on which two wellestablished units have been placed. Their butterfat-pro.duction for the year totalled 8,500 lb. At 31st March stock held by these settlers included 103 dairy cattle, 4 horses, and 10 pigs. Tauranga. This scheme comprises 958 acres, all in grass, of which 459 acres constitute the Kaitimako Block, which is situated on the south side of the Tauranga - Te Puke Road, about a mile and a half from the Tauranga Town boundary. During the year the following work was done : Four cottages erected, 336 acres ploughed, sown and grassed, 400 acres top-dressed, 100 acres second-growth gorse cleared by grubbing, 120 chains subdivisional fencing, 50 chains road repairs, 30 tons hay saved, and 20 acres turnips cultivated. The property at Kaitimako is stocked with bulk stock. Three hundred and eighty-eight ewes were wintered there, and during the spring grazing for 145 beef cattle and 259 breeding heifers was provided. At the present time 102 cows, forty calves, and twenty-eight mixed yearlings are being grazed on the block.

14

G.—lo.

The previous year's sowing (123 acres) has turned out excellent pasture, while the 336 acres sown during the year had to be heavily stocked during the spring months in order to check the growth. The scheme provided a livelihood for thirty-one workers, twenty-eight other adults, and seventyfour minors. These Natives, belonging principally to the Maetarangi and Ngatilie Hapu Tribes, are industrious and have displayed a keen interest in the work of the locality. Ngatiawa. This scheme takes its name from the tribe which occupies the territory between the Ohiwa Harbour, Whakatane, and the Rangitaiki River. It comprises an area of approximately 5,313 acres. There is a natural water-supply. The chief work has been confined to clearing up second growth on the area already grassed, 1,000 acres of which have been top-dressed ; in addition, the following work was carried out during the year : 270 acres of fern country burnt and sown, 160 chains of new fencing were erected, and repairs effected to 78 chains. Approximately eighteen miles of drain-cleaning was also undertaken. The following stock is carried : 222 beef cows and heifers, 140 beef yearlings, 2 bullocks, 8 beef bulls, 102 beef calves, 1,500 old ewes, 564 mixed-sex two-tooths, 56 rams, and 930 lambs. There is a three-roomed cottage, a three-stand shearing-shed, sheep yards and dip on the scheme. The state of the pasture on 500 acres is quite good, but the remaining 500 acres is in fair order only. There are two workers and three dependants, Ruatoki. Formerly partly developed, Ruatoki has a total area of 31,309 acres. Work done during the year comprised 941 chains of fencing and the erection of eighteen milkingsheds. Owing to the large area of river-bed and undeveloped country, both within and without the scheme, the growth of ragwort is becoming a very serious problem. Steps are being taken to prevent it from gaining ascendancy on the developed areas. This season has been a phenomenal one for the pastures, and never in the history of Ruatoki has so much winter feed been saved. In this respect the district was very fortunate in not experiencing the recent dry spell which was so prevalent throughout the country. The winter feed saved was mostly in first-class condition, but difficulty was experienced in getting the units to build stacks which would turn the water. As much instruction as possible was given in this direction, but stack-building is an art which cannot be easily taught. The beautiful dark colour of the pastures testify to the benefit of the top-dressing. Paspalum, which is finding its way into all the pastures, is becoming very thick, but so long as it can be prevented from becoming rank and root-bound it should prove beneficial. An area of 180 acres, which was left unsown last year on account of the lateness of the season, has been worked again and sown. The total number of cows milked during the season was 2,018. This represents an increase of 264 over last year's figures. There are also 487 heifers which will come into profit next season. The stock included 116 bulls, 273 heifer calves, 193 horses (working), and 3 bullocks (working). The health of the stock throughout the scheme is very good, and over 90 per cent, are m firstclass condition to start the winter. There are 122 units supplying the factory, and all work in well together. The scheme work, including sowing, top-dressing, fencing-repairs, and general cultivation, proved a great boon to those Natives who are not milking and to those whose returns from their herds are insufficient to support them and their families. > The question of an adequate water-supply for the whole of the scheme presents one of the area's greatest problems, a>nd the time has now arrived when a water-system will have to be installed to meeu the requirements of those properties not adjoining the river. Lack of an efficient water-supply is definitely one of the causes of the excessive amount of second-grade milk and cream being produced. The proximity of the dairy factory and markets is an asset to this scheme, and the outlook is promising. The 310 adults and 402 minors obtaining their livelihood on the area belong to the Tuhoe Tribe and are taking a great interest in all its operations. Ruatoki (Waiohau). The Waiohau blocks —a separate part of the Ruatoki scheme —are situated on the Rangitaiki River about twenty-eight miles from Whakatane. The area of the scheme is 7,425 acres, of which about 960 acres is ring-fenced and under development. During the year 297 acres were ploughed, 140 acres sown in turnips, and 157 acres sown for pasture. In order to divide the area at present under development into six blocks 614 chains of fences were erected. In addition to this work, 86 chains of drains were completed and a new store-shed was erected. Cutting and treatment with sodium is keeping ragwort in check. The health of the settlers appears to be quite good and their living-quarters are fair. The scheme provides a living for twenty-nine workers, nineteen other adults, and fifty-nine minors who belong to the Patuheuheu Tribe and who are industrious and keen. It is anticipated that the pastures will be ready for grazing sheep during the coming year,

15

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Rttatahuna. This scheme, situated in the valley at the head of the Whakatane River near Te Whaiti in the heart of the Urewera country, is traversed for the greater part of its length by the Rotorua-Waikare-moana-Wairoa highway. The land is grazing country suitable for sheep-farming, and at 31st March carried 2,900 sheep and 1,020 lambs. A foreman's cottage and community wool-shed were erected during the year in addition to eight miles of fencing, clearing, and roadwork, &c. The Natives here have had a particularly difficult time on account of lack of work, but this scheme has provided them with a means of sustenance. There are nineteen units on the scheme, members of the Tuhoe Tribe. Whakatohea Opape. Of the 2,036 acres comprising this scheme there are approximately 949 acres unimproved. Except when prolonged dry spells are experienced a satisfactory water-supply is obtained from streams and springs. The pastures vary from a well-balanced sward on the alluvial flats to second-class pasture of ratstail, paspalum, and danthonia on the higher lands. It is not anticipated that the area at present undeveloped can be economically brought into production, and future work will be confined to the improvement of the land already under development. On some of the alluvial flats it is possible to carry up to a cow to an acre, but on the higher country three to four acres are necessary for each cow. There are twenty-seven units belonging to the Whakatohea Tribe on the scheme, and the majority take a keen interest in development-work. Although the living-quarters are not all that could be desired, an average state of health is maintained by the occupants. Provision is being made, however, to have the existing shacks replaced by small cottages. At the 31st March, 1935, the following stock was on the area : 31 bulls, 533 cows, 213 heifers, 43 horses, and 5 working bullocks. The butterfat-production reached 64,726 lb. for the year, an average of 176-8 lb. per cow milked. Whakatohea (Hinahinanui). The total area of this scheme is 410 acres, of which 170 acres are in grass, the balance being unimproved. Run cattle have been used to crush and consolidate the area in grass, which was top-dressed during the year under review. One unit will be established milking this coming season. Whakatohea (Wainui). The blocks in this scheme were previously administered by the Ringatu Church Trustees and contain an area of 600 acres, of which 250 acres are in grass, the balance being unimproved. Three units have been established, and their live-stock returns are as follows : 72 cows, 35 heifers, 3 bulls, and 7 horses. Butterfat-production for the year amounted to 9,22-5 lb. Opape Base Farm. This scheme, of an area of 1,072 acres, is situated eight miles from Opotiki on the coast road to Cape Runaway. It was taken over as a base farm for the breeding of dairy stock for the Opape Block, subdivisions of the Whakatohea schemes. There is a natural water-supply sufficient for the needs of the scheme, and in spite of the dry season the farm looks exceptionally well. The pastures gave good feed right through the year and the returns have been quite satisfactory. In addition to the dry stock and the 110 cows milked, the property carried 194 ewes. The ewes did very well and helped in improving the pastures. Five cuts were taken off the lucerne, and the 40 acres of young grass sown, where the fern was cut, has been well crushed with heavy cattle from Hinahinanui. At the 31st March, 1935, the following stock was held on the scheme : 7 bulls, 114 cows, 33 heifers, 36 heifer calves, and 199 sheep (mixed sex). The butterfat-production for the year reached 23,121 lb. The farm-manager is assisted by three boys, who do the milking and general farm-work. Torere. This scheme, which covers 3,508 acres, is subdivided into thirty-two units and provides a means of livelihood for 107 adults and 111 minors. The people, who are good workers, belong to the Ngaitai Tribe and are keenly interested in development. 1,692 acres still remain in an unimproved state. Excellent water is obtained by ram supply from a permanent stream. It will be necessary, however, at a later date to install two small additional supplies. Carrying-capacity varies from one cow to If acres on the flat to one cow to 4 acres. With the more systematic grazing and the heavier top-dressmg that has been recently carried out the pastures have greatly improved, but a good deal of work still remains to be done before the area can be classified as good dairying country. During the year 80 acres were stumped, cleared, and sown into new pasture, 70 acres were cleared and sown in catch crops, 50 acres were cleared and surface-sown, and a further 150 acres were cleared of rushes and second growth. In addition, the units erected 435 chains of new fencing and effected repairs to a further 725 chains. One new house and a new cow-shed were erected and three other houses were completed.

16

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The scheme is badly infested with ragwort. Every endeavour is being made to control the pest by cutting and spraying. In a number of cases where the ploughable land has been badly infested, it has been necessary to resort to ploughing and cropping. At the 31st March, 1935, the following live-stock had been supplied to the scheme (particulars of stock owned by units prior to development is not available) : 30 bulls, 711 cows, 262 heifer calves reared, 42 horses, and 55 working bullocks. The butterfat-production for the year amounted to 22,471 lb., averaging 151 lb. per cow. TE Kaha. This scheme is situated on the Bay of Plenty and is divided into eight sections, extending northward from the Motu River to Cape Runaway in the following order : — (1) Te Kaha-Maraenui Section. —Area, 1,500 acres. This block was brought under development mainly for the purpose of controlling ragwort, which is being checked by cutting and treating with sodium chlorate and lime, and concentrating sheep on the areas affected. In addition to clearing noxious weeds, 50 chains of fencing were erected and 60 chains were repaired with the aid of subsidies from unemployment funds. (2) Te Kaha-Omaio Section. —Area, 1,139 acres. Work on this section was mainly confined to improving the land already under development. Sixteen units (supporting 111 dependants) are milking, and during the year an average of 140 lb. of butterfat per cow was maintained. Five new cow-sheds were erected, and a water-supply is at present being installed. (3) Te Kaha-Proper Section. —Area, 1,390 acres. No additional area was brought under development during the year, but the following is a summary of the work undertaken on the portion comprising 1,150 acres already improved : New fencing, 155 chains ; repairs to existing fences, 250 chains ; draining, 180 chains. In addition, five cow-sheds were erected. Twenty-four units are supplying to the local dairy factory, and the total butterfat produced during the year was 32,390 lb. It is estimated that settlers supported 103 dependants. (4) Te Kaha-Orete No. 1 Section. —Area, 1,389 acres. This area is in a similar position to the other sections, work during the year being confined to general improvement with a view to increasing production. A total of 43,423 lb. of butterfat was produced, resulting in an average of 127 lb. per cow milked. Three cow-sheds and one store-shed were erected during the year, and a water-supply is being installed. There are nineteen units on this section supporting ninety-nine dependants. (5) Te Kaha-Orete No. 2,— Area, 5,841 acres. In March, 1934, the future of this block was considered, and in view of the unsatisfactory co-operation of the Native owners, together with the large expenditure required for development purposes, it was decided to recommend to the Native Land Settlement Board that the stock be realized and the scheme abandoned. With the Board's approval the stock was disposed of to the best advantage by sales and transfers to other schemes, and no other work was undertaken during the year. (6) Te Kaha-Te Piki Section. —Although this scheme has a total area of 4,245 acres, only 282 acres can be classed as improved. No fresh land was brought in during the year, the main work carried out being stumping, digging and clearing, the formation of some 20 chains of road, the erection of 145 chains of fencing, the excavating of 230 chains of drains, and clearing of 80 chains of old drains. At the present time there are no units on the scheme, but twenty-one men, eighteen women, and forty-five children are maintained. These people come from the Whanau-Apanui and Ngati-Porou tribes and are good workers. They are quartered in huts in the meantime, but their health is reported to be good. (7) Te Kaha-Te Waiti Section. —Contains 770 acres. Work during the year was confined to repairing and improving the areas already developed, and 5 acres of maize were cropped and 35 acres of hay were harvested. There are three units on this section supporting thirteen dependants. The average of butterfat per cow was 150 lb. (8) Te Kaha-Whangaparaoa Section. —Area, 3,748 acres. No fresh development-work was undertaken during the year, but improvements to the areas already brought in were effected as follows : 100 acres of hay were cropped, 200 chains of new fencing were erected, and 400 chains were repaired. In addition, two cow-sheds were erected. There are thirteen units on this section supporting sixty-two dependants. The production of butterfat averaged 140 lb. per cow. A return of live-stock furnished at 31st March is as follows : —

3 —Gr. 10.

17

Section. Dairy Cattle. Run Cattle> Sheep * Horses. Maraenui .. .. ■ • • • • • 490 Omaio .. .. 453 176 36 .. 29 Orete No. 1 .. . • 499 218 22 250 40 Te Piki .. .. .. ■ ■ • • • • 9 Te Waiti .. .. 191 78 .. 780 9 Whangaparaoa. . .. 356 110 12 449 26 1,499 582 70 1,969 113

G.—lo.

Tokaanu. This scheme, adjoining the Tokaanu Village on each side of the Tongariro River where it enters Lake Taupo, has an area of 2,683 acres at present under development. The year's operations comprised the erection of 130 chains of fencing, the cleaning-out of all drains, planting 25,000 trees ex Wharenui Nursery, and the formation of 70 chains of road leading from the main Tokaanu Road. Last summer 110 acres of land were cleared, cultivated, and sown in turnips, the result being a particularly good crop available for winter feed. The winter feed was further augmented by the saving of 150 tons of hay. The pastures on the Waipapa section have done exceptionally well, but those on the Hautu side of the Tongariro River have suffered from rubbish growth consequent upon insufficient stocking. This will be remedied by heavier stocking during the coming year. As at 31st March, 1935, there were 37 cows, 4 bullocks, 37 yearlings, 31 calves, 45 rams, 1,662 ewes, and 577 lambs on the scheme. There is a fairly heavy mortality among the ewes owing to the prevalence of ragwort. The scheme assisted in providing work for twenty-two workers and maintenance for thirteen other adults and thirty-three children. The Natives of the area belong to the Tuwharetoa Tribe, and on the average are good workers. There are ten units on the scheme, but the whole property is grazed with the bulk-stock sheep and cattle. TAIRAWHITI MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT. Takatahu. This scheme comprises 418 acres, and is situated in the vicinity of Te Araroa on the south bank of the Karakatuwhero River. It is a compact area and little is required in the way of further development. A certain amount of regrassing has been undertaken, and the planting of the river-bank with willows for flood protection is progressing rapidly. At the 31st March, 1935, the following stock was held on the scheme : 7 pedigree bulls, 115 cows, 33 springing heifers, and 33 calves. There is one unit with five dependants and two workers with five dependants on the block. It is proposed to subdivide the area and establish a second milker, who is at present being trained by the milker now on the land. The condition of the living-quarters and the health of the occupants are good. Waiapu-Matakaoa. This scheme is the only one in this district which follows the " blanket " methods of North Auckland. In the other schemes, even if certain units were disconnected, there is one main block which forms the nucleus of the scheme. The Waiapu-Matakaoa on the contrary consists of a number of small blocks in nowise connected save that for convenience of accounting they are grouped into one control account instead of each one being a scheme unto itself. There are five sheep-farming propositions which consist of two Crown leases, one Native lease, and two Native freeholds. Situated in the Northern Waiapu District, the scheme is the centre of a large Native population, and brings under development the tribal lands of the Ngatiporou people, who for some years before Government assistance was forthcoming were engaged in dairying and pastoral pursuits. Brief notes on the larger stations are as follows : — Toetoe and Kaiwaru. —Prior to 1934 development was confined for the greater part to portions of these two blocks which were being worked as one sheep-station. During the year a scheme of subdivision rendered possible by extinguishing certain leasehold titles was adopted and six lessee units were established, three of whom are now dairying and the remaining three working their holdings as small sheep-runs. Bushfelling and grassing were the principal activities during the period under review, and in addition about 120 chains of fencing was erected. Marangairoa 1a 2-4. —The section, comprising an area of 494 acres, is worked as a sheep-station, carrying 580 breeding-ewes, besides 102 run cattle. Tapatu-Waitangirua 2b. —This station, containing 695 acres, is leased to a Native tenant who is running 1,400 sheep, together with 143 store cattle. The occupier is an able farmer, and it is expected that he will clear off his total indebtedness in respect of advances for development during the coming season. Section 5, Block VIII, Mangaoparo Survey District. —Comprising an area of 574 acres of easy hill country, of which 300 acres are in good English pastures, this section is fully stocked with 1,100 sheep and 83 head of store cattle. Section 10, Block VIII, Mangaoparo Survey District.—This section contains 258 acres, which are now fully developed. The pastures are nearly all good English grasses, and the occupier, who is a capable sheep-farmer, requires little supervision in the management of his holding, and with a favourable season should extinguish his liability to the Department during the coming year. The balance of the Waiapu-Matakaoa scheme comprises 45 unit holdings on which dairying is the principal industry. Returns for the year include 152 bales wool, sales of 3,200 sheep, and transfers to other schemes of 250 store cattle and 385 breeding-ewes. Information in regard to butterfatproduction is not available.

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POBOPORO. This scheme, of an area of 2,604 acres, is situated approximately eight miles inland from Port Awanui on the main East Coast Road just north of the Waiapu River. There are twelve units and four other workers, with ninety-eight dependants dependent on the scheme for their livelihood. Very little development work was undertaken on the scheme proper during the year. Twenty-two chains of fencing were erected and the existing fencing maintained. On the Whenuakura units two cow-sheds were erected and 80§- chains of subsidiary drains were dug. The whole area is now in grass, and future work will comprise maintenance and the improvement of pastures generally. From a butterfat-production point of view the prospects for the coming season are not bright, owing to the fact that feed is short and very little winter feed has been grown. The sheep country is looking well. The live-stock carried by the scheme as at the 31st March, 1935, is as follows : Sheep, 4,492 ; dairy cattle, 261 ; run cattle, 537 ; horses, 25. During the year sales included 92 bales of wool, 2,820 sheep, and 120 sheep-skins. Tuparoa. This is a " blanket " scheme covering twenty-eight separate blocks, the majority of which are grouped between the Tuparoa Village and the northern boundary of the Akuaku Block, and between Whareponga Village on the sea side and the main highway. The area is 8,777 acres. With the exception of some subdivisional fencing, very little development work has been undertaken this year. During the year 500 acres were cleared of variegated thistles which infest the Whareponga area and require continual cutting to keep in check. There are thirteen units, five other workers and one hundred and one dependants maintained by the scheme, and although the health of the inhabitants is good the condition of the living-quarters can be classed only as fair. The live-stock position as at the 31st March, 1935, was as follows : Dairy cattle, 337 ; run cattle, 925 ; sheep, 7,310 ; horses, 14. The scheme produced 133 bales of wool, and sheep to the value of £1,447 os. 3d. were sold or transferred to other schemes during the year. The dairying returns are not available. Mohaka. This scheme, which covers an area of some 19,709 acres, is situated on the East Coast adjacent to the Mohaka River, and comprises parts of the Mohaka, Putere, Waihua, and Waipapa Blocks. There are 57 units located on the scheme, who support some 296 dependants. The following work was undertaken during the year : Clearing and stumping, 280 acres ; scrub-cutting, 45 acres ; bushfelling, 50 acres ; ploughing, 462 acres ; sowing grass-seed, 426 acres ; winter feed, 50 acres ; fencing, 1,374 chains ; draining, 15 chains ; buildings erected, 9 cowsheds, 1 cottage ; and blackberry cleared, 133 acres. The Mohaka lands are infested with blackberry and contain areas hard to control. A good deal of cutting and burning has been undertaken by units, and goats are now being used on badly infested areas to good purpose. Ragwort is being watched closely and sprayed with sodium chlorate at appropriate intervals. Scheme stock comprises 106 cows, 58 store cattle, and 5 horses, and units' stock aggregate 3,410 sheep, 1,236 cows, 102 calves, 21 store cattle, 55 horses, and 186 goats. The main tribe on this area is the Pahauwera, and the people are, generally speaking, keen to become self-supporting. What land has been laid down in permanent pasture is in good heart. The bulk of the country being light, the use of fertilizers and very careful management are necessary. The health and living-conditions of the people are good, there being a noticeable improvement in the children since the inauguration of the scheme. Kahunguntt. This scheme contains 8,230 acres, and is situated in the Wairoa County to the. north-west of the Mohaka development scheme and on the northern bank of the Mohaka River. There are four units and two other workers supporting thirty-five dependants. The following work was undertaken during the year : Clearing and stumping, 31 acres ; scrubcutting, 5 acres ; ploughing, 81 acres ; cropping (swedes), 40 acres ; sowing grass-seed, 108 acres; and fencing, 138 chains. Live-stock returns at 31st March, 1935, were as follows : 627 lambs, 43 cows and heifers, and 8 horses. The units already established on this scheme are members of the Pahauwera Tribe, and it is expected that several more settlers will be alloted holdings next season. The land laid down in permanent pasture is in good order, but there is a large area covered in blackberry, scrub, and light bush awaiting development.

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Waihua. This scheme is Crown land which has been brought under the provisions of section 522 of the Native Land Act, 1931, to be used mainly for sheep-farming. The total area is 4,300 acres, and the property adjoins the Mohaka scheme. The development work undertaken during the year has been confined to subdivisional fencing, 183 chains ; clearing of blackberry ; ploughing 10 acres ; sowing grass, 155 acres. A 5,000-gallon reservoir has been built, and approximately 2,000 ft. of piping has been installed to supply the sheep yards and dip. A good deal of scattered blackberry is showing, and cutting and burning is being carried out by the station hands as time permits. There are four workers and six dependants relying on the scheme for their livelihood. The carrying-capacity of the scheme has been increased by approximately 500 sheep, and when the subdivisional fencing is completed it is proposed to carry ewes, when better returns may be expected. The wool clip realized £1,073 from 143 bales, and 4,775 wethers were sold for £5,556. The following live - stock was held on the scheme at the 31st March, 1935 : 5,172 wethers, 1,526 lambs, 334 three- and four-year bullocks, and 3 horses. AOTEA MAORI LAND DISTRICT. Ohinepuhiawe. Five sections of Ohinepuhiawe Block, comprising 96 acres situated near the township of Bulls, were brought under the provisions of section 522, Native Land Act, 1931, in October, 1933, but the commencement of development operations on this scheme was deferred owing to a dispute regarding boundaries, which were defined by the Court on partition on 17th July, 1934. The survey was in turn delayed owing to the question of road access, which has now been settled. Practically no wqrk was undertaken during the year, but it is proposed to establish two units with milking herds during the coming season. Ran an A. The principal developmental activity in the Wanganui District is the Ranana scheme, comprising a total area of 4,516 acres, which is located forty-four miles up the river. Of this area, 2,670 acres are included in sections which have been or are being actively developed. The blocks affected are the Ngarakauwhakarara, Ranana, and Morikau No. 1, and include the Ranana and Hiruharama (Jerusalem) Settlements. During the year under review attention has been focused on those sections which required the least work to bring them to full productive state, and efforts were concentrated on gorsegrubbing, blackberry-cutting, bushfelling, scrubbing, &c. The building and fencing programmes were proceeded with, but shortage of labour and the impracticability of getting posts and battens out of the bush through bad weather conditions were factors which retarded progress. An additional area of 150 acres was brought in during the year, and 237 chains of fencing were erected. The Supervisor reports that the new pastures are holding well, and the old pastures on the whole are in fair order. The subdivision of the various holdings into smaller paddocks assisted towards better grazing methods, but top-dressing and resowing in parts will be required to revive the old pastures. The eradication of noxious weeds is still a serious problem, and concentrated efforts were made during the year to cope with ragwort. A definite programme of cutting, spraying, and heavy stocking with sheep is in operation, and the results have so far proved satisfactory. Ranana is essentially a dairying scheme and twenty-one active units, who are supplying cream to the factory, have now been established. In addition, one section is being operated by a share milker, who received half the proceeds of the butterfat; two new units will be established during the coming year ; and there are ten units classed as non-active who have been charged with portion of the development expenditure. The total workers on the scheme number sixtynine, who are supporting 142 dependants. Particulars of units' live-stock at the 31st March, 1935, are as follows : 20 pedigree Jersey bulls, 3 grade bulls, 662 dairy cows, 169 springing heifers, 142 yearling heifers, and 37 horses. In addition, the scheme wintered 1,051 sheep. The butterfat returns for the year from approximately 500 milking-cows show a decrease of 5,485 lb. over last year's figures, which it is stated is due to late calving, the dry spell experienced during the late summer and early autumn, and the discontinuance of milking operations on three sections running approximately thirty-five cows. The following butterfat-production table is of interest, and shows a marked and pleasing improvement in quality of output.

20

Year. Second Grade. First Grade. Finest Grade. Total. lbs. Per Cent. lbs. Per Cent. lbs. Per Cent. lbs. 1930-31 .. 24,799 60-0 15,822 38-5 432 1-5 41,053 1931-32 .. 14,143 30-0 32,468 68-0 395 2-0 47,006 1932-33 .. 9,579 14-5 49,267 75-0 6,940 10-5 65,786 1933-34 .. 15,610 22-9 42,925 63-2 9,411 13-9 67,946 1934-35 .. 10,725 17-5 31,323 50-0 20,413 32-5 62,461

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It is estimated that, the carrying-capacity of the Ranana land is one cow to three acres, together with one sheep to the acre. During the year 1,815 ewes (mainly 5-year-olds) were purchased for the purpose of checking ragwort upon the badly infested areas. Four hundred and ninety-three lambs and 713 ewes were marketed during the year; also 18 bales of wool. Sheep on hand at 31st- March, 1935, were 997 breeding-ewes, 38 lambs, and 16 rams. Since the scheme was inaugurated the health and general outlook of the people has been greatly improved. The erection of two-roomed cottages in place of punga whares and shacks has vastly improved their living-conditions, and they are showing a keen interest in the work of development and are anxious to make their scheme a success. The scheme has appealed to many of the young men farther down the Wanganui River, and applications for sections have been received from places as far distant as Putiki. The prospects for the coming season are brighter ; the pastures are in fair condition ; dairy cows are coming into production earlier and are mostly in good condition. It is reported that the whole of the live-stock have come through the winter fairly well, and the units are exercising closer attention to this important phase of their farming operations. Hitherto the development side of the scheme activities has engaged the most attention, but experience has shown thatgreater supervision of the active milking units is necessary to ensure that the holdings do not deteriorate and that the methods and diligence of the settlers obtain the fullest production from their lands. IKAROA MAORI LAND DISTRICT. HERETAUNeA. This is a " blanket " scheme embracing eighteen units (supporting sixty-nine dependants) whose holdings, totalling an area of 2,027 acres, are scattered over a wide area in Hawke's Bay. The lands were in most cases cleared and developed before they came under the Department's scheme, and the assistance granted has been in the nature of live-stock, fencing material, fertilizers, seed, and farm equipment. Work of a developmental nature undertaken during the year included the erection of 25 chains of fencing and repairs to 30 chains of existing fences ; clearing 20 acres of blackberry and rushes ready for ploughing ; building 4 new cow-sheds ; and draining and improving the water-supply. Live-stock tallies (held by units) are as follows : 255 cows, 59 heifers, 15 bulls, and 18 horses. . The return for the year amounted to 34,9741b. of butterfat — graded finest, 10,837 Ib.; first, 21,5191b. ; second, 2,6181b. The holdings are now almost fully developed and the carry-ing-capacity will not increase greatly, but production will increase with improvement of herds. The pastures are all good English grasses, about one-third of which were laid down during the 1933-34 season. The people, belonging principally to hapus of the Ngati-Kahungunu Tribe, are a good type of settler who take a live interest in their farms. Both their health and their living conditions are satisfactory, and most of the units are now approaching the stage when they should with supervision be self-supporting. Feed is abundant, and with favourable spring conditions and maintenance of present prices the prospects for the season are distinctly promising. Manawatu. This scheme comprises five unit holdings in the Manawatu District totalling 355 acres, and the Matakarapa Block of 368 acres at Foxton. Seasonal work was undertaken on the sections farmed by the units, all of whom are dairying, and their butterfat-production for the year was 14,562 lb. The people belong to the Ngati-Raukawa Tribe and are interested in the work of development. All interest due by units has been paid to date. Active development proceeded on Matakarapa Block through the year, the following work being undertaken : Fencing, 45 chains ; draining, 25 chains ; grassing, 30 acres ; and clearing gorse, 130 acres. This portion of the scheme employs two share milkers whose dependants number ten, and eighteen casual workers (thirty-six dependants) were also engaged during the year, principally on unemployment work. Eighty-three cows were milked on Matakarapa during last season, the butterfat-production being 9,850 lb. During the year buildings erected were a one-roomed cottage, eight-bailed cow-shed, and an implement-shed. The condition of the pasture is good, and in cases where new pastures have been sown good strikes have been obtained. With the improvement in prices for dairy-produce, the prospects for the coming season are promising. SOUTH ISLAND MAORI LAND DISTRICT. Wairau. The work proposed under this scheme was the reclamation, by means of stop-banks and an internal drainage system, of 840 acres of raupo swamp comprising a portion of the Wairau Native Reserve and adjoining freehold Native land. Situated about seven miles from Blenheim on the road to the mouth of the Wairau River, the reserve is bounded on the south-west by the river and on the north-east by the Pukaka Stream. Within these boundaries lies a block of practically dead-level land only about 1 ft. above sea-level, the circumference of the area being six miles and a half.

21

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A stop-bank had been erected along the river by the Wairau River Board which largely prevented flooding from that source, but the problem was to protect the whole area, which was still subject to severe and frequent flooding by the Pukaka Stream. Small tracts of the higher portion were previously cultivated, but the flood risk was always present, and crops had to be put in late and harvested early. The balance of the area was in rough feed, rushes, flax, and dense raupo, and was used only for grazing a few head of cattle and horses. It was decided to construct three miles of stop-banks about 7 ft. high, containing in all about 60,000 cubic yards of spoil, and, in addition, about three miles of main drain and many miles of smaller subsidiary drains to cope with surface water and seepage. During the year under review a total of 110 chains of stop-banks and 283 chains of drains were constructed. In addition, 24 chains of old drains were widened and deepened and six concrete culverts, with flood-gates, were installed. Owing to the fact that the country is so low-lying, gravitational drainage cannot be relied upon solely, and to deal with internal water during flood times a concrete cylinder-type flood-pump, with an output of 120,000 gallons per hour with a 9 ft. lift, was installed on the eastern area, the power being meantime supplied by a Fordson tractor. It is proposed to replace this with al5 h.p. electric motor which will necessitate the extension of the Power Board's high-tension line for a distance of 60 chains, and also the provision of 30 chains of service line from the road to the pump. It is estimated that, during a period of four months last year, approximately 100,000,000 gallons of water were pumped over the bank. The banking and drainage undertaking has freed the lands from all but very exceptional floods, and has converted the area into rich agricultural land. It was first intended that the raupo should be mowed and burned, but experiments have shown that the most satisfactory method of disposal is to crush with a tractor and plough in, the work being followed up by disking and cultivation. During the past year 80 acres of heavy rushes were grubbed and burned and 60 acres of green raupo were crushed. These areas were then turned over with swamp ploughs and cultivated ready for oats and green peas. In addition to this new country, an area of 30 acres of old cultivation was ploughed and prepared for peas. A total area of 110 acres of peas and 60 acres of oats and barley were sown. The total yield of peas was 3,280 bushels, and proved a payable crop. As an indication of the exceptional crop of peas it is mentioned that yields of up to 60 bushels per acre have been harvested. With the assistance of the Unemployment Board it has been possible to employ during the summer months twenty-eight men, whose dependants numbered seventy-six. The scheme is being developed under the supervision of officers of the Lands and Survey Department, Blenheim, who report that the Natives take a very live interest in their work, and their advice on many points has been of great assistance. The Department was fortunate in securing the services of Mr. John Mac Donald, sen., of Wairau, as foreman of the banking operations, as he has had considerable experience in carrying out similar work under contract for the Wairau River Board. The outlook for the coming season is promising. The completion of the stop-bank work is assured, and this will mean that the whole area will be protected from normal floods before the winter sets in. When the stop-banks are finished the extra labour will be available for completion of the internal drainage system, and will enable the clearing and grubbing to be finished in good time. This will permit of an early start being made with the ploughing and general cultivation for next season's crops. Contracts for 285 acres of peas have already been arranged with different firms at satisfactory prices. Based on last year's returns, it is estimated that the crop should net at least 30 bushels per acre after allowing for seed. Oraka and Kawhakaputaputa. The Oraka and Kawhakaputaputa development schemes, known collectively as the Southland scheme, comprise a total area of 2,512 acres, situated near Colac Bay, within easy reach of the Riverton-Tuatapere Railway line. The area under development is as follows : — Acres. Holdings. Oraka .. .. .. .. .. . . . . 781 9 Kawhakaputaputa .. .. .. .. 1,092 9 Isolated sections .. .. .. .. .. .. 366 4 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,239 22 Prior to the.end of 1930, when active development commenced, the greater portion of these lands were covered in standing bush or scrub. A few of the owners were occupying sections of open land and were milking on about 350 acres of poor pasture infested with ragwort and overrun with rabbits. The holdings were not fenced, and stock roamed at large through wide areas of forest country. It was necessary to first concentrate upon felling and burning the bush, clearing scrub, grassing, and erection of boundary and subdivisional fences. During the period from inception until the 31st March, 1934, the sum of £10,448 was expended on development-works —the principal items being bushfelling, clearing, draining, fencing, erection of buildings, purchase of live-stock and farm implements. Receipts during the same period amounted to £1,459, resulting in a net expenditure of £8,989, which, together with interest (£1,329), brought the total up to £10,318.

22

G.—lo.

The principal activity during the year under review was the erection of two miles and a half of netting fences and five miles of ordinary fencing. In addition, 100 acres were ploughed, 60 acres cropped, 80 acres grassed, and a small area was stumped. A four-roomed house and a milking-shed were built for one of the units, and additions and alterations to existing cow-byres are in progress. To check the depredations of rabbits wire-netting fences are very necessary, as this pest is causing considerable concern. Good results are now being obtained by fumigation, but, unfortunately, the rabbits were well established in the bush areas before the fences were erected, and their destruction is proving difficult. Eighteen settlers, supporting some sixty dependants, have now been established on the scheme, and there are three vacant holdings awaiting suitable occupiers. One new unit was established during the year ; a house and cow-byre being erected for him. Live-stock returns at 31st March last were as follows : 324 cows, 73 heifers, 13 bulls, 85 calves, 20 steers, and 18 horses. The present estimated carrying-capacity of the Southland scheme is 430 cattle (mainly dairy cows) and 410 sheep. Departmental receipts for the year, principally cream cheques, amounted to £353, but owing to the very dry season experienced the milk-yield was not up to expectations and it will be necessary, by systematic culling and purchase of new stock, to gradually raise the standard of the herds. At present it is only possible to take assignments of one-fourth of units' cream cheques, the balance being required to provide bare living-expenses. To eat down ragwort, which has taken a hold on established pastures, 300 old ewes were recently purchased. Efforts to combat this weed by the use of sodium chlorate have not been too successful, and it is reported that this method of control is of doubtful effect in the locality. Providing dairy-produce realizes reasonable prices the outlook and prospects for the coming season are reasonably good. The settlers generally are keenly interested in the scheme and are anxious to make it a success. Due allowance must be made for the fact that, prior to development, they had had, with a few exceptions, practically no experience of farming. They had been accustomed to eke out a slender existence fishing and gathering mutton-birds in season. Many of the womenfolk have never milked a cow and the men were unaccustomed to the use of horses. The work is under the direct control of the Lands Department officials at Invercargill, who are exercising the patience and sympathy which is especially necessary in these circumstances. The following extract from a recent report by the Commissioner of Crown Lands shows very clearly the mental outlook of these people and is typical of many of the problems to be faced in establishing the Maori on the land : — " The present position is that all stock proceeds are paid in reduction of current account advances, no refunds being made. " This is the usual action taken when a bill of sale is held, but applied strictly to units, such as these, who cannot even understand the business side of the matter, the results are apt to be little short of disastrous. " These units must be encouraged to rear and sell surplus stock, and they must receive some immediate pecuniary reward for doing so. The fact that the proceeds from sales are applied in reduction of their debt means nothing to these people, who are only three or four years removed from the most casual modes of existence."

23

a—io.

NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES. Summarized Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1935.

SCHEDULES.

24

Cash Purchases from Net Interest Total Receipts to Sales of Produce, SubsMiS Sales to other Expenditure to Expenditure plus Expenditure, Bulk and other charged for Total. 31 t March 1934 . an(i Miscellaneous i? Schemes. «w Sfh ms5 ™ 1 int ,„ 1934-35. SchemeB. 1934-35. Revenue, 1934-35. 1934-35. cilst Marcn, 19da. 31st March, 1934. ' att £ s d £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. , , ' 30 g90 15 1 g 174 10 6 1,872 17 7 1,641 12 4 48,615 15 6 15,081 6 11 3,499 14 6 3,720 12 2 94 1 2 26,220 0 9 Bay of Islands .. .. •• s> > 889 12 3 230 13 1 7,985 3 8 582 12 6 344 14 0 955 7 6 554 5 0 5,548 4 8 Hokianga " uflll9 11 1M49 4 9 6,373 2 6 2,063 2 9 64,601 9 11 18,443 1 10 4,040 13 10 7,343 17 10 398 7 7 34,375 8 10 MOKianga .. too qq i/i 4. n 0 4 746 13 1 .. • • 26 13 4 62 18 0 657 1 9 Waihou Lower A 37 .. .. £74 12 2 33 14 4 157 9 5 5,598 2 10 .. 1,148 7 6 240 7 0 .. 4,209 8 4 Kaīpara " !! " 1 0 l'Sl 4 7 196 16 6 618 3 1 14,085 5 2 3,894 0 4 962 10 6 491 0 6 12 18 10 8,724 15 0 T> , 24| i| A 1 559 17 o 456 0 4 47 1 4 2,304 10 2 .. •• 728 5 2 .. 1,576 5 0 M Pouto . 31 738 9 6 8 091 8 11 880 3 6 1,448 5 3 42,158 7 2 10,250 19 6 2,777 6 2 4,119 17 11 161 17 4 24,848 6 3 Ma£gonui 3,73 9 614 0 3 149 13 4 90 16 0 2,854 9 7 .. 31 1 6 126 17 6 31 18 4 2,664 12 3 " " " 8 387*10 1 '6°5 14 10 582 1 0 401 5 0 9,996 10 11 1,614 7 0 705 15 7 63 10 0 232 15 8 7,380 2 8 Motatau Farm .. .. 8,387 10 1 625 14 10 582 1 0 4U1 6 2 475 ]() 6 453 0 0 5 8 2 36 0 0 169 15 0 1,811 7 4 IXtock latenals, & o.'' !! S 15 0 13 4 1,959 5 10 145 11 8 14,583 5 10 2,227 9 11 210 6 7 10,786 15 2 1,358 14 2 Totals _ .. 147,231 14 1 47,187 10 5 14,618 19 8 6,967 0 2 216,005 4 4 52,546 18 0 13,725 18 4 17,852 8 11 12,505 12 1 119,374 7 0 WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO „ n „ , ,. , , <• a d f . J £ s d £ s d DISTRICT. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d £ s. d £ s. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. _ co To q 64 9 10 •• 128 2 1 63 12 3 t>4 y 10 * alhau 7 926 1 1 1 594 18 9 57 4 11 320 11 0 9,898 15 9 2,121 7 3 361 15 9 405 17 10 1 18 0 7,007 16 11 hla I'j* J 9 2 370 18 4 1 793 3 2 130 0 2 6,969 3 5 1,028 11 3 587 13 8 468 8 0 2,014 18 9 2,869 11 9 TeXuitiFarm -,675 1 » -,370 18 4 6 734 0 2 22,062 0 2 3,561 10 5 2,068 5 10 313 7 10 1,505 17 5 14,612 18 8 6 609 0 7 1 703 15 3 178 6 7 917 8 5 19 408 10 10 1,796 18 6 918 5 10 .. 107 18 9 16,585 7 9 Onewhero 1 419 8 2 199 16 11 109 8 5 65 10 8 1 794 4 2 338 5 11 149 12 7 41 5 0 43 5 0 1,221 15 8 OP ar , ure 9 3 7 3 4 58 19 0 61 17 1 120 0 2 2 657 19 7 204 2 0 265 13 10 .. 3 8 5 2,184 15 4 aah \ 646 15 10 382 6 1 40 15 4 40 9 4 1 110 6 7 61 7 0 72 6 8 4 4 0 .. 972 8 11 Mkat ° 22 761 12 0 6 448 5 6 1 509 12 8 1,249 19 8 31 969 9 10 3,812 18 7 1,712 13 11 657 10 6 680 4 11 25,106 1 11 Waimiha «'884 8 5 250 19 7 12 5 6 358 18 10 7 507 2 4 189 4 4 538 19 3 .. 0 12 0 6,778 6 9 :: S " 1" 10 .. 1.365. s n mm »'!■' .. 82. 14 0 O. 37« 4 » Totals .. .. •• 79,283 11 6 16,216 9 1 5,408 12 3 3,960 3 11 104,868 16 9 13,966 17 2 6,871 9 9 1,890 13 2 j 5,179 17 3 76.959 19 o I I ' ' 1 " " '

4— G. 10.

G.—lo.

25

WAIARIKI DISTRICT. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. I £ s. d. Brents Farm .. .. .. 4,156 7 9 590 14 0 1,128 9 3 242 9 1 6,118 0 1 35 12 10 21 3 9 345 12 0 1,216 15 3 4,498 16 3 Haparangi Plantation .. .. 2,048 7 2 470 1 1 1,062 6 6 79 2 4 3,659 17 1 329 2 11 6 19 8 406 8 5 727 19 6 2,189 6 7 Horohoro — General and water-supply .. 4,210 9 3 1,069 18 8 37 8 1 205 15 6 5,523 11 6 8 8 4 .. 182 19 5 .. o,33i, 3 9 Kapenga 1 .. .. .. 122 17 4 2 10 0 .. 0 9 0 125 16 4 110 0 0 8 17 7 0 3 1 .. 6 15 8 2 .. .. .. 1.273 0 5 1,013 4 10 854 3 4 75 3 10 3,215 12 5 639 14 3 30 10 5 609 16 6 14 15 11 1,920 15 4 Ngatituara .. .. .. 24,176 19 4 2,496 15 7 2,038 19 10 1,164 7 10 29,877 2 7 2,999 15 7 1,481 14 1 270 2 1 535 9 9 24,590 1 1 Rongomaipapa .. .. 25,363 14 7 2,238 0 6 1,617 16 0 1.325 4 10 30,544 16 8 2,985 0 9 1,495 3 7 334 8 5 157 10' 0 25,572 13 11 Tuhourangi .. .. .. 9,150 19 9 1,618 9 4 1,035 19 8 481 14 2 12,287 2 11 1,140 12 2 21 1 0 415 3 3 .. 10,710 6 6 Turanganui .. .. .. 1,531 15 3 560 14 11 931 12 7 • 83 9 2 3,107 11 11 419 18 6 3 12 3 278 4 11 3 0 4 2,402 15 11 Waikaukau .. .. .. 7,499 12 2 1,144 8 1 889 11 11 382 7 1 9,915 19 3 882 6 7 3 15 6 354 4 8 .. 8,675 12 6 Te Kaha— Proper .. .. 5,260 2 11 1,088 7 5 167 12 8 351 1 3 6,867 4 3 768 1 11 400 9 3 90 1 4 84 3 0 5,524 8 9 Maraenui .. .. .. 1.562 6 2 440 12 8 249 18 7 62 8 10 2,315 6 3 543 2 4 378 18 5 169 15 7 .. 1,223 9 11 Omaio .. .. .. 6,643 9 1 1,551 15 5 267 6 10 296 1 0 8,758 12 4 1,066 1 2 380 14 11 95 0 2 .. 7,216 16 1 Orete .. .. .. 6,098 1 10 1,407 19 0 201 2 6 318 18 7 8,026 1 11 1,031 3 2 848 17 7 80 5 0 15 0 0 6,050 16 2 Te Piki .. .. .. 4,065 5 6 1,412 17 4 317 17 4 245 17 9 6,041 17 11 1,046 15 1 17 6 9 819 19 8 13 0 0 4,144 16 5 TeWaiti .. .. .. 956 0 6 112 18 2 7 18 8 47 5 3 1,124 2 7 154 2 9 182 2 5 7 14 0 3 10 0 776 13 5 Whangaparaoa .. .. 9,563 3 5 1,064 11 3 346 13 5 452 9 11 11,426 18 0 1,762 3 5 653 10 0 123 3 9 26 7 6 8,861 13 4 Maketu Farm .. .. .. 16,943 8 6 2,175 17 0 765 7 9 508 9 9 20,393 3 0 6,106 16 5 2,472 19 9 123 19 7 210 0 3 11,479 7 0 Motiti Island .. .. .. 1,178 12 5 177 4 2 3 17 2 57 13 8 1,417 7 5 186 13 10 75 12 1 .. 200 0 0 955 1 6 Pukaingataru . . . . .. 1,670 16 6 210 6 2 39 0 0 68 1 11 1,988 4 7 488 8 0 113 6 7 . . .. 1,386 10 0 TePuke .. .. .. 3.453 14 3 471 2 0 236 12 9 .157 5 6 4,318 14 6 626 7 11 12 4 5 220 17 7 .. 3,459 4 7 Ngatiawa .. .. .. 29,179 8 10 2,082 0 0 2,393 1 10 1,214 10 1 34,869 0 9 2,318 0 11 1,361 3 2 475 1 1 80 0 0 30,634 15 7 Okere .. .. .. 2,172 7 6 1,136 3 9 4,389 13 257 4 11 7,954 17 5 701 14 5 12 15 0 880 17 0 .. 6,359 11 0 OpapeFarm .. .. .. 6,787 14 2 764 17 3 160 5 7 229 4 1 7,942 1 1 2,288 12 0 1,044 16 1 27 18 10 25 7 4 4,555 6 10 Parekarangi .. .. .. 15.937 10 1 1.479 0 5 1,296 6 3 717 19 2 19,430 15 11 2,947 17 4 163 2 3 557 13 11 .. 15,762 2 5 Extension .. .. .. 861 4 10 235 1 11 208 1 10 19 13 9 1,324 2 4 543 5 2 .. 205 17 1 .. 575 0 1 Peka .. .. .. .. 6,682 19 6 683 13 4 462 9 6 324 18 8 8,154 1 0 833 14 0 12 12 4 200 7 9 103 13 6 7,003 13 5 Rotoiti .. .. .. .. 4,834 12 11 643 5 6 159 15 7 218 17 5 5,856 11 5 1,044 3 3 3 1 10 244 6 11 .. 4,564 19 5 Ruamata . . . . . . 53 5 11 0 6 0 0 9 4 0 17 0 54 18 3 36 13 0 . . 0 4 10 .. 18 0 5 Ruatakuna .. .. .. 3,210 0 1 1.695 6 6 2,453 1 0 224 15 1 7,583 2 8 1,342 9 3 130 17 5 960 16 3 .. 5,148 19 9 Ruatoki .. .. .. 36,510 19 4 7.770 0 8 1.095 5 3 1,778 10 9 47,154 16 0 8,791 9 11 3.361 0 4 1,134 11 0 55 14 5 33,812 0 4 Waiohau .. .. .. 573 14 7 1,509 16 8 528 13 7 18 15 3 2,631 0 1 445 16 5 23 2 3 616 9 0; .. 1,545 12 5 Taheke .. .. .. .. 2,720 3 8 842 6 3 843 18 7 144 4 11 4,550 13 5 697 19 2 11 7 0 440 7 4 .. 3,400 19 11 Tanranga .. .. .. 8,564 9 10 1,982 4 1 1,047 4 2 437 1 0 12,030 19 1 1,945 11 6 184 0 2 859 7 4 114 5 2 8,927 14 11 Tikitere .. .. .. 32,252 2 3 3,018 7 11 1,768 4 8 1,272 16 8 38,311 11 6 4,261 9 7 1,152 4 6 943 19 6 , 5,084 4 II 26,869 13 0 Waikato Party .. .. 3,433 0 3 1,213 17 7 2,142 2 9 251 17 3 7,040 17 10 1,121 15 1 14 7 5 480 2 9 1 5 0 5,423 7 7 Tokaanu .. .. 17,970 9 6 2,670 2 7 848 18 0 934 0 0 22,423 10 1 3,606 14 4 404 7 10 685 10 2 505 9 0 17,221 8 9 Torere .. .. .. .. 8,523 8 8 1,485 17 9 348 10 4 366 2 6 10,723 19 3 2,671 13 8 926 6 2 40 11 0 .. 7,085 8 5 Wliakatohea .. .. .. 5,184 2 6 663 0 8 112 10 0 222 1 11 6,181 15 1 1,413 12 0 739 19 4 .. .. 4,028 3 9 Hinahinanui .. .. .. 2,558 12 0 254 10 9 161 1 7 111 6 1 3,085 10 5 555 2 8 10 19 8 93 7 2 2 0 0 2,424 0 11 Wainui .. .. .. 1,084 12 10 37 17 3 19 0 0 52 18 4 1.194 8 5 81 11 3 100 15 7 .. 25 0 0 987 1 7 Wharenui Nursery .. .. 1,661 11 4 600 12 5 95 10 4 61 16 10 2,419 10 11 205 2 8 53 18 11 97 16 8 1.155 7 4 907 5 4 Bulk stock, materials, &c. .. 45.918 12 8 22,778 11 0 12,977 7 1 622 15 4 82,297 6 1 32,941 16 4 11,152 11 9 1,033 12 11 25,725 15 7 11,443 9 6 Totals .. .. • .. 373,604 7 4 74,865 7 10 45,710 14 1 16,088 3 3 510,268 12 6 94,126 11 10 29,472 9 0 14,906 17 11 36,085 13 9 335,677 0 0

G —10.

NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES— continued. Summarized Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1935— continued.

26

- I .| [ r I I I I nlim 1 Casl1 i Purchases from Net Interest ' , 1D . . j Collections, Unemployment « _ , I m p +- InteJest to Expenditure, Bulk and other charged for Total. Total Receipts to j Sales of Produce, Un |XidL Sales to other | E ' d ii ure to 31st March, 1934. 1934-35. ' | Schemes. ' j 1934-35. j 31 "t March, 1934. j and Mfecenaneotra j Schemes. j figgggffi. TAIRAWHITI DISTRICT. j £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s d £ s d Whangara . . . . .. 6 8 1 .. . . .. 6 8 1 .. 6 8 1 .. .. ' Kahungunu .. .. .. 9,611 19 5 518 14 1 3,891 17 0 306 10 2 14,329 0 8 3,406 6 4 77 6 3 231 1 2 2,554 8 6 8,059 18 5 Mohaka .. .. .. 32,576 15 6 1,709 16 0 14,165 19 5 2,408 13 7 50,861 4 6 5,586 13 4 1,258 1 2 812 2 0 9.611 9 6 33,592 18 6 Poroporo .. .. .. j 17,546 1 3 1,977 12 6 1,099 8 I 551 14 4 21,174 16 2 6,766 17 9 3,313 13 2 - 67 13 5 560 16 9 10,465 15 1 Putormo Nursery j 2,690 16 7 164 19 3 142 18 1 129 9 11 3,128 3 10 196 17 0 164 10 7 9 7 6 630 18 5 2,126 10 4 Tahatahu .. .. .. 4,824 1 8 365 9 10 164 10 11 261 10 10 ; 5,615 13 3 678 0 10 529 12 11 2 4 0 193 19 4 4,211 16 2 Tuparoa .. .. ..I 23,307 10 4 2,851 18 1 3,788 i 9 1,466 19 6 i 31,414 9 8 7,185 14 1 3,185 3 9 132 18 6 4,787 9 6 16,123 3 10 Waiapu-Matakaoa .. 24,766 17 0 5,179 8 7 10,371 18 0 1,087 13 4 | 41,405 16 11 9,801 10 1 4,370 1 2 1,201 6 8 6,261 19 1 19,770 19 11 Wailiua .. .. .. 13,971 2 4 6,263 6 5 1,464 2 10 550 16 2 22,249 7 9 5,909 7 1 6,551 5 7 44 8 6 878 0 5 8,866 6 2 Bulk stock, materials, &c. .. 7,413 12 4 2,985 14 6 1,505 15 11 214 7 3 12,119 10 0 674 8 1 796 7 1 3 3 0 6,943 7 6 3,702 4 4 : I Totals .. .. .. 136,715 4 6 22,016 19 3 36,594 12 0 6,977 15 1 202,304 10 10 40,205 14 7 20,252 9 9 2,504 4 9 32,422 9 0 106,919 12 9 AOTEA DISTRICT. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Ohinepuhiawe .. .. .. .. 900 .. .. 900 .. .. . 900 Ranana .. .. 17,455 8 4 4,896 15 7 2 0 0 763 8 0 23,117 11 11 4,477 19 1 2,179 7 9 454 5 11 52 0 0 15,953 19 2 Totals .. .. .. 17,455 8 4 4,905 15 7 2 0 0 763 8 0 23,126 11 11 4,477 19 1 2,179 7 9 454 5 11 52 0 0 15,962 19 2 IKAROA AND SOUTH ISLAND ! DISTRICT. ■ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Heretaunga .. .. .. ] 4,053 18 9 621 14 7 4 12 8 130 17 8 4,811 3 8 2,128 7 7 427 18 3 20 0 0 2 8 9 2 232 9 1 Manawatu .. .. . . j 2,992 10 3 706 2 0 348 13 9 115 2 7 4,162 8 7 853 19 2 298 15 2 186 3 6 172 9 10 0 11 Southland .. .. .. 11,546 5 1 1,494 15 6 2 14 0 576 10 2 13,620 4 9 I 1,459 15 9 352 15 6 227 9 0 10 15 1 11,569 9 5 Wairau .. .. .. .. 1,154 4 10 3,638 18 11 ,225 0 0 71 12 8 5,089 16 5 I 482 15 0 153 10 8 2,205 16 6 0 5 0 2,247 9 3 Bulk stock .. .. ■■ j » 7 5 .. .. • . . 200 7 5 21 10 9 . . .. 178 16 8 Totals •• •• •• 19,947 6 4 6,461 11 0 581 0 £ 894 3 1 27,884 0 10 4,946 8 3 1,232 19 7 2,639 9 0 364 15 4 18,700 8 8 i ! M TTT ! £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. HEAD OFFICE .. ..I 724 14 5 6,927 2 9 2 8 9 .. 7,654 5 11 697 3 7 5,480 7 10 .. 4,857 7 7 Cr. 3,380 13 1 1 ; Grand totals .. .. |774,962 6 6 178,580 15 11 102,918 7 2 35,650 13 6 jl,092, 112 3 1 210,967 12 6 79,215 2 0 40,247 19 8 .91,467 15 0 670,213 13 11 I I \

Or.—lo.

TABLES.

Table 1. —Analysis of Cash Receipts for Year 1934-35.

Note. —Butterfat receipts denote only that proportion of cream cheques which are assigned to the Department in repayment of advances and interest due thereon. On settled schemes the policy is to accept an assignment of one-third of the unit's monthly milk cheques, leaving the balance for maintenance and living expenses. On those dairying schemes which have not yet been individualized the full amount received for butterfat is retained, the workers being paid wages, but in the majority of cases a proportion only of the cream returns is actually paid to the Department.

Table 2.—Return showing (approximately) Position of Native Lands under Development.

Table 3. —Return showing Numbers of Live-stock on Schemes at 31st March, 1935.

Table 4. —Return showing (approximately) the Principal Development Activities undertaken during the Year.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given : printing (535 copies), £33 10s.

By Authority: G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington. —1935.

Price 9d.]

27

Butterfat. | Cattle. Wool Sheep. Sundries. Totals. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Waiariki District .. 13,234 9 3 326 10 11 1,838 17 10 11,087 19 9 2,984 11 3 29,472 9 0 Tokcrau District .. 11,215 14 3 1,780 19 6 129 9 7 297 12 3 302 2 9 13,725 18 4 Waikato-Maniapoto District 2,608 7 7 1,436 2 1 520 10 7 1,746 5 3 560 4 3 6,871 9 9 Tairawhiti District .. 2,085 8 9 150 3 0 3,717 15 10 11,975 15 0 2,323 7 2 20,252 9 9 Aotea District .. .. 806 7 1 105 .19 4 139 6 9 1,087 7 4 40 7 3 2,179 7 9 Ikaroa and South Island 937 0 11 47,13-11 .. 248 4 9 1,232 19 7 District Head Office .. .. .. .. 5,480 7 10 5,480 7 10 30,887 7 10 3,847 8 9 6,346 0 7 26,194 19 7 .11,939 5 3 79,215 2 0

Individual Total Area , rM , mf1oT «ot wt Settlers already oth District. | —dfor :Development . developed. Workers. dependants, 1935. — - - f A nroe A A PTAfi Tokerau .. .. .. 440,178 25,875 414,303 669 13 3,567 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. 25,389 7,366 1.8,023 84 1] 388 Waiariki .. .. .. 132.490 37,204 95,286 345 195 2,111 Tairawhiti .. .. . 45,075 27,229 17,846 181 20 1,127 Aotea .. .. .. 4,516 4,516 .. 33 .. 245 Ikaroa .. .. .. 2,786 1,195 1,591 23 20 130 South Island .. .. 3,340 1,543 1,797 18 34 144 Totals .. .. 653,774 104,928 548,846 1,353 293 7,712

Particulars of Live-stock. District. Dairying Stock. : | „ n ... ! liun Cattle. Sheep. Horses. Other Stock. p nw ci ymer i^airy 1 ows - ' Stock. j ! Tokerau .. .. .. 9,590 7,216 1,334 4,931 615 9 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. 1,559 649 859 5,649 122 25 Waiariki .. .. .. 7,467 2,448 3,942 24,448 465 96 Tairawhiti .. .. .. 2,689 1,377 2,703 29,886 200 198 Aotea .. .. .. 667 337 .. 1,051 45 Ikaroa .. .. .. 467 110 .. .. 27 3 South Island .. .. 324 171 20 . . 19 22.763 12,308 8,858 65,965 1,493 331 • I

District. j Bu8^ f S| and | Fencing (New); Draining (New). I I ; Acres. Oh. Ch. Acres. Tokerau .. .. .. .. 5,719 7,510 2,009 4,317 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. .. 548 981 500 742 Waiariki .. .. .. .. 2,742 6,612 1.293 3,788 Tairawhiti .. .. .. .. 1,050 2,999 96 1,870 Aotea .. .. .. .. 91 185 .. 70 Ikaroa .. .. .. .. 200 70 60 South Island .. .. .. .. 200 750 315 410 10,550 19,107 4,273 11,203