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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1936 Session I, G-10

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1936. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave.

This statement provides a summary of the principal activities of the Board of Native Affairs during the financial year ended 31st March, 1936, in connection with the schemes now in operation under the Native Land Act, 1931, and other authorities for the development and settlement of the lands of the Maori people. Previous reports presented to Parliament from 1931 onwards dealt with the gradual awakening of the Legislature at the beginning of the present century to the need for preserving the remnants of the ancestral territory of a race to which the State has peculiar obligations and responsibilities, the earlier attempts and devices to overcome the problem of effective Native settlement, the events leading up to the evolution of the present policy of Native land development with the aid of public funds, the inception and progress of the schemes for the rehabilitation of the Maori, and full descriptions of the lands involved and summaries of expenditure incurred year by year. Throughout these reports it was shown that the fundamental object of the development schemes now established, is to encourage and train the Maori people to become energetic, thrifty, and industrious farmers ; to revive that passionate attachment to the soil, so inherent in the race ; and to create a form of life which, while retaining the best elements of Native culture, will profitably settle the Maori on his own lands. This report continues the story of the progress made to the 31st March, 1936, in attaining this end. The outstanding feature of the year's activities was the marked increase in the volume of production, both from the dairying and pastoral operations on the State development schemes controlled by the Board, which, combined with the upward trend in prices, resulted in revenue receipts from butterfat, wool, live-stock, and other produce reaching the satisfactory total of £129,787, in comparison with £79,215 for the previous season —an increase of 63-8 per centum. The Department's share of the cream returns —usually one-third of the total output —amounted to £51,334, an increase of £20,447 over the previous year ; wool sales realized £11,656 as compared with £6,346 for 1934-35 ; and the proceeds from live-stock were £55,753, whereas in the corresponding previous year the returns from sheep and cattle sold amounted to £30,041. Throughout the year satisfactory progress has been made in the work of development and settlement ; fresh areas have been cleared of bush and scrub, and have been prepared for sowing down in permanent pastures ; established grass lands have been maintained by periodical top-dressing with fertilizers, and

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systematic grazing ; suitable measures have been taken to control and eradicate ragwort, blackberry, gorse, and other noxious weeds ; attention has been given to improved methods of stock husbandry; the programme of building, fencing, draining, and installing water-supply systems has been steadily advanced ; and new settlers have been established on holdings sufficiently developed for their occupation. To-day there are seventy-three State schemes in the North Island and three in the South Island for settlement of Native lands and these schemes embrace a total area of 668,885 acres, of which 161,941 acres are in various stages of development. The number of individual units already established at the 31st March, 1936, was 1,388, and it is estimated that these settlers, combined with share milkers, farm hands, and other workers, support a total population of 11,023 dependants. Climatic conditions varied widely in different parts of the Dominion, but generally the weather was favourable for sheep and dairy farming. Plentiful rains experienced in the spring and summer months resulted in phenomenal pasture growth, and ample feed was available for stock purposes throughout the year. In some districts a continuance of showery weather during the haymaking season affected the supply of fodder for the winter months, and shearing was at times delayed from the same cause, but the vagaries of the weather did not retard cultural operations to any serious extent. Reference is made in this report to unemployment problems and the measures taken to provide suitable occupation to ameliorate the conditions of unemployed Natives. The policy of the Board of Native Affairs is to utilize, wherever possible, unemployment funds placed at its disposal in subsidizing labour costs on the landdevelopment schemes now in operation, and thus direct the services of Maoris to works of a reproductive nature. Where the settlers are already established on these schemes, but still require assistance, seasonal conditions are met by suitable relief grants which are expended in employing them on their own farms. Failing work on development schemes every effort is made to place Maoris on privatelyowned Native lands in which the Department is directly interested as mortgagee, or on other Native lands which may be profitably improved. By means of the contract system the sum of £119,891 was expended on these purposes during 1935-36 out of grants from the Labour Department (late Unemployment Board), and this extraneous assistance considerably accelerated the progress of land development besides affording appropriate work for over three thousand Natives. The majority of the Natives whose lands are being developed or improved under the asgis of the Department are keenly interested in the success of the schemes established for their benefit and are striving to become independent farmers. In the arduous task of breaking in virgin country they have already shown a capacity for sustained effort under adverse conditions, and now that the productive stage is being reached there is every reason to believe that they will progress under careful and sympathetic supervision. The employment of tribal leaders, wherever possible, as foremen of the various schemes has proved a wise move, and the goodwill and co-operation of men and women of hereditary rank have been vital factors in furthering this new enterprise. The impact of Western civilization has wrought many changes on the communal system of ancient Maoridom, but the influence, the prestige, the mana of chieftainship is still a dominant force, and to-day the recognized leaders of the people are united, in their desire to emulate their European neighbours in the art of agriculture. Accompanying this statement are detailed reports of the various schemes in progress, together with a review of the farming operations of the Native Trustee, the Maori Land Boards, and the East Coast Commissioner —all of which activities are directly or indirectly controlled by the Board of Native Affairs. Tables are also appended giving particulars of expenditure and details of revenue receipts, together with statistical information concerning the lands under development. M. J. Savage, Chairman.

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PART I. —STATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES. The most important of the schemes now in operation for the development of the lands of the Maori people, and for assisting them in farming, are those which are financed out of moneys provided by the State and which are administered by the Board of Native Affairs, under the authority of section 522 of the Native Land Act, 1931, and its amendments. For purposes of administration these schemes are grouped in Maori Land Board districts, and it is proposed in this part of the report to review their operation during the past year. It may be mentioned by way of introduction that there are three classes or kinds of schemes which come under the above heading, viz. : — (1) Land development schemes : which have for their object the development and settlement of blocks or compact areas of Native land —e.g., Horohoro and Waimiha. (2) Unit development schemes : for further developing small holdings of lands already settled on or being farmed by Native individuals or families —e.g., Bay of Islands and Ruatoki. (3) Base farms: which have been established for the purpose of assembling, holding, and distributing live-stock to surrounding schemes.

TOKERAU MAORI LAND IDISTRICT. The Tokerau Maori Land District embraces the whole of the North Auckland Peninsula, representing the ancient domains of the Ngati-Whatua, Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngati-Kahu, and Te Aupouri peoples. These tribes comprise a considerable Maori population, indeed, in some of the northern counties numbering equally with the European inhabitants. For many years farming has been carried on to a limited degree by sections of the Native population, but for the most part supplies of food derived from the sea and from simple cultivation have provided the peoples with sufficient means of sustenance. The gum industry employed large numbers of the Maoris living in this district, the timber industry was flourishing, and the Natives took no mean part in the work associated with the pioneering period of North Auckland development. In recent years, however, these means of providing work for the northern tribesmen tended to diminish, when it was evident that the future of the Natives lay in the direction of the development and occupation of their own lands as farmers. In the initial stages of this policy the funds of the Maori Land Board provided finance to a certain extent. At Te Kao, in particular, developmental activity on a large scale was undertaken, but owing to the scattered nature of the holdings, such efforts tended to become confined to individual areas. At the same time consolidation schemes were undertaken with the object of marshalling the scattered interests of family groups into adjoining areas, in order that development might be facilitated. Much has been accomplished in that direction and consolidation officers are still fully engaged in formulating schemes for consideration by the Native Land Court. For this purpose the district has been divided into four areas —Mangonui, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, and Kaipara —under which appellations development schemes have been grouped for convenience of reference. As previous reports have shown, a great number of the Maori Land Board loans have been taken over and refinanced out of Government funds. The whole of the Native lands in the northern peninsula has been gazetted as being subject to the development sections of the Native Land Act, 1931. The farming policy is making considerable progress and, as shown in the detailed returns, 67,351 acres are under actual development (exclusive of the Te Kao scheme which is still under the control of the Maori Land Board), and 677 unit farmers are receiving assistance. In addition, a certain amount of farming is being carried on by Maoris, principally in a small way, without assistance from the Government. During the year considerable progress has been made with improvements on the Native holdings and areas which are being developed by the Department. Unemployment fund subsidies have been freely drawn upon, and an effort has been made to direct the efforts of unemployed Maoris towards the improvement of their lands. Generally in this area individual advances are small, departmental participation in the proceeds of the farms being safeguarded by orders on cream cheques paid by dairy companies. Dairyfarming is the principal industry, and the financial situation, including repayment of the advances made, is reasonably good. At Te Kao the Maori Land Board conducts a store which is supplying merchandise to the Native community at reasonable prices, and also a service for the carriage of cream to the dairy factory at Awanui.

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The Department's supervisors have been kept busy controlling and advising Native units in the conduct of their holdings and in the general supervision of Native unemployment activities. Supervisors report that Natives are anxious to learn the finer points of farming practice and that the best results are obtained by close supervision of their efforts. Unfortunately, the time at the disposal of officers has not always permitted the full demonstration of scientific methods, which are essential in obtaining the best results. The properties directly under the control of the Department, generally speaking, are in a satisfactory state as far as pastures and cultivation are concerned. Weather conditions in the district have not been normal, and excessive rainfall and consequent flooding of low-lying areas has resulted in damage to improvements and in stock losses. The roads in some districts were badly impaired, and a good deal of unemployed labour was utilized in repairing flood damage. In certain of the far northern districts, large areas of Native lands are unsuitable for general farm development. The question of afforesting these areas is receiving consideration, and reports are being obtained as to suitable trees and areas. This is particularly so at Te Hapua, where a remnant of the Aupouri tribe resides. Native opinion in the district is favourable towards the Department's development schemes, and it is realised that, with the progress of consolidation, means are available for turning previously neglected areas into profitable holdings. In some districts there is a shortage of suitable land which serves to intensify the problem of settling the large Native poj3ulation. It seems certain, however, that development in the North will most probably proceed in the direction of rendering assistance to individual farmers rather than in large scale development operations on extensive areas. The following summary compiled from District Office returns shows the progress of development during the year under review on the four main schemes : —

Motatau Base Farm. . This is the main farm of the North, comprising 780 acres of Native leasehold land, and being located at Pokapu, near Otiria. Since its inception as a scheme under development operations its primary function has been to facilitate the distribution of dairy stock for unit farmers in the Bay of Islands and Hokianga districts. The block may now be also regarded as a successful dairy farm, the herd consisting of 131 head, together with 65 run cattle, while the return of butterfat for the past, season was 14,1481b., which produced £670. As a subsidiary to the dairying, 29 pigs were on the farm at 31st March, 1936, while 27 were sold in the course of the past year for £57.

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Item. Mangonui. Hokianga. Bay of Islands. Kaipara. j Totals. Total area under development 13,198 acres 17,335 acres 25,192 acres 5,298 acres 61,023 acres as at 31st March, 1936 Total area in grass (area tem- 7,090 acres 12,398 acres 11,315 acres 2,299 acres 33,102 acres porary pasture not available) Area sown during year . . 186 acres 1,513 acres 980 acres 137 acres 2,816 acres Number of units .. .. 175 235 212 55 677 Dependants— Adults .. .. .. 394 602 538 127 1,661 Minors .. .. .. 603 1,080 723 185 2,591 Fencing— New _ • • ■ ■ • • 1,464 chains 3,682 chains 1,888 chains 521 chains 7,555 chains Repairs .. . . .. 144 chains 642 chains 302 chains 15 chains 1,103 chains Draining .. .. . . 1,216 chains 1,109 chains 1,406 chains 92 chains 3,823 chains Ploughing .. .. .. 181 acres 222 acres 506 acres 51 acres 960 acres Clearing— Bushfelling . . .. 43 acres 907 acres 372 acres 52 acres 1,374- acres Scrubcutting .. .. 256 acres 395 acres 426 acres 75 acres 1,152 acres Stumping .. .. 1,258 acres 1,500 acres 616 acres 23 acres 3,397 acres Live-stock as at 31st March, 1936— Dairy cattle—* Bulls .. .. .. 132 246 171 40 ■ 589 Cows .. .. .. 2,580 4,275 3,957 985 11,797 Heifers .. .. 534 883 979 170 2,566 Heifer calves .. .. 434 811 649 130 2,024Sheep .. .. .. .. 646 714 .. 1^360 Horses .. .. .. 194 304 197 10 705 Working bullocks .. .. 38 122 42 .. ■ 202 Receipts for year (Department's proportion only usually onethird) — Butterfat .. .. £4,154 £5,196 £5,005 £1,408 £15,763 0tll er .. .. .. £89 £117 £470 £46 £722

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The farm has again suffered badly as a result of heavy floods, in consequence of which repairs were necessary to 126 chains of fencing and 140 chains of draining. Subsequent to the heavy rains, great havoc was occasioned to the pastures by the ravages of a plague of caterpillars, which left the flats barren of grass. This state of affairs, combined with the fact that the herd had no hay last winter due to flood damage the previous summer, has resulted in the decrease in butterfat returns, while the stock and lambs have not fattened. A shearing plant and a wool-press were recently purchased, and it is considered that later these may be transferred to Tautoro Bush when a wool-shed is erected on that property. The pastures on the farm are at present short, but with recent fine weather the country is drier, and the flats healthier than for a considerable time past. A quantity of hay (approximately 35 tons) was cut, but owing to adverse weather conditions portion of the crop was damaged. Tautoro Bush. When this block of 1,607 acres was taken over from the Lands Department in 1931, for development purposes, it was in forest. It is situated near Kaikohe in the Bay of Islands district. Prior to administration by the Native Department, there were no improvements on the land, and to-day there are 1,200 acres sown in permanent grass carrying 1,627 sheep, and 329 head of cattle. The number of bales of wool obtained was 26, which produced a net receipt of £250. The land in places is inclined to run to fern, and to obviate this, some 500 head of cattle are required to be grazed. However, a dry season would do a lot of good on this area and enable bush, which has been felled, but not successfully burnt, to be cleaned up. A considerable amount of draining has been undertaken on the swamp portion, 72 chains having been done during the past year, with excellent results. This swamp land will be burnt and sown this autumn. In the light of this experience, further draining is to be contemplated. In order to satisfactorily hold the pasture, an area of 300-400 acres will require to be logged and top-dressed this ensuing year. A shearing-shed is becoming a necessity on the block (in the past sheep have been driven to Motatau Base Farm for shearing), and provision for this will have to be made in the near future. Waima Bush. Originally in bush, chiefly taraire with scattered puriri, this property, comprising 1,414 acres and situated in the southern Hokianga district, has been cleared under developmental operations to the extent of 1,100 acres, upon which 262 head of cattle and 1,793 sheep were being carried at 31st March, 1936. The past year's activities embraced 502 chains of new fencing, 90 acres sown in grass, 114 acres of ploughing, and 200 acres of stumping and logging, resulting from all of which it is now possible to effectively farm the land. The pastures are in good order, and it is hoped in the immediate future to procure a better and thicker sward of grass by pursuing an intensive programme of logging up and top-dressing, combined with rotational grazing. The total receipts to 31st March, 1936, from the sale of stock, sheep, and wool amounted to £2,798, of which £348 represents the sale of 35 bales of wool. Under an agreement with the Native owners of the block, the property is due to be handed back to them in 1937. It does not appear to be expedient in their interests, however, to subdivide the land into individual holdings for dairy-farming until the provision of a permanent water-supply is ensured. The future policy will be the subject of a discussion with the owners at the first suitable opportunity. Panguru Base Farm. This farm, comprising 297 acres of freehold and leasehold lands, of which 277 acres are in grass and divided into nine paddocks, is situated in the northern Hokianga district, near Panguru. The contour of the land is hilly but easily workable. The country was originally covered with thick bush and is of good quality. Consequent upon excessive rainfall and floods during the summer much damage was suffered, especially to the fences. These have been repaired, and a further 147 chains of new fencing was erected in the course of the year. Last season 202 lambs and 60 culls were sold off the property, while 70 heifers were transferred to units. The total proceeds from the sale of the stock were £670. Stocking at present is not as heavy as usual, as it is anticipated that during the winter a considerable number of culled and surplus stock will have to be transferred from units to this farm. The remaining 20 acres of ti-tree and second growth have been cut and cleared in readiness for burning and sowing. A certain amount of top-dressing will be necessary during the coming season in order to maintain the pastures. Manukau Base Farm. Situated near Herekino in the Mangonui County, Manukau Base Farm contains an area of 830 acres. It was taken over from the State Advances Office in September, 1933. The total area in permanent pastures is 375 acres, of which 24 acres were sown during the year under review. It is proposed to utilize the farm in connection with consolidation of interests in certain adjoining Native lands —a scheme of subdivision having been drawn up and approved by the Native Land Court,, In the meantime it is being used for the purpose of assembling culled stock from Native holdings in; the; Mangonui district, and at the 31st March, last 65 heifers and 72 culled run cattle were being carried.

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Since 31st March, 1935, 246 chains of new fencing have been erected, and 108 chains of existing fences repaired. As far as possible the fencing has been planned to suit future occupation by individual settlers. Other activities undertaken during the year include 290 acres of scrubcutting, 65 acres of stumping and logging, and 60 acres of ploughing. The heavy floods which occurred during the early summer resulted in much damage to the fences and pastures, and the programme of development-works laid down for the year has consequently been somewhat hindered. Poutu Area. On the Poutu Peninsula in the Kaipara district are some 9,000 acres of light sandy land known as the Poutu Area, of which only 1,400 acres are considered capable of being successfully developed. On an area of 350 acres sown in grass, 358 sheep are being grazed, from which 11 bales of wool were obtained and realized £105. The work of the past season consisted of 420 chains of new fencing, 238 chains of draining of the gum swamp lands, 60 acres of ploughing, and 70 acres of scrubcutting. Included in the scheme are 400 acres of gum swamp land which, it is hoped, will eventually be developed to carry one cow to 1J acres. Generally, excellent progress has been maintained, exemplifying the commendable enthusiasm of the Natives employed on the area.

Summary of Base Farms.

WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO MAORI LAND DISTRICT. In genera], Native land development in this district can be divided into two portions, comprising firstly, the Waikato Proper (from Auckland to the vicinity of Te Awamutu in the south), and secondly, the King-country area (the ancestral domain of the Maniapoto tribe, stretching roughly from Kihikihi in the north to Taumarunui in the south). Development in the Waikato area is handicapped by the scant land holding of the Waikato people, but this is to a great extent counterbalanced by the enthusiasm with which the tribe and its leaders -—among whom special mention may be made of the Waikato Chieftainess, Te Puea Herangi —devoted themselves to the task of developing the lands which were available. The result to-day maybe seen in the settlements at Waipipi, Kaihau, Waahi, and elsewhere, fuller details of which are set out in this report. The developed lands are in all cases in occupation by " units," some of whom are skilled and able farmers. Certain administrative difficulties, tenure for example, require adjustment, and will receive attention when legislative authority is available. The best tribal influence in the Waikato is strongly in favour of development. Within the bounds of Maniapoto, development has taken a different course and there is land in comparative abundance. Improvement of large areas was undertaken at Waimiha and Mahoenui, and these erstwhile neglected areas have been converted into farming country, which bears every prospect of permanent establishment. Elsewhere in the district smaller blocks have been dealt with and " units " established. Generally speaking, the main objective has been the establishment of the Maori unit as a dairyfarmer on a small area. Evidence is not wanting that, given adequate facilities for scientific cow-shed management, the Maori farmer does not suffer by comparison with his pakeha neighbours as a supplier of good-quality butterfat. The spread of ragwort into the King-country makes necessary the introduction of sheep, and the conducting of mixed farming. It is realized that this type of farming entails special attention to the selection of the individual to be assisted, and demands increased supervision and advice from the field personnel.

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Particulars of Live-stock. Returns Name. Area. „ for Dairy Run Q , Year. Cattle. Cattle. Shee P' B Xck s . g Acres. £ s. d. Motatau .. .. .. 780 131 65 431 4 29 1,292 7 0 TautoroBush .. .. 1,607 .. 329 1,627 2 .. 1,802 12 11 WaimaBush .. .. 1,414 .. 262 1,793 1 .. 2,797 12 8 Panguru .. .. .. 297 79 13 210 .. 732 19 2 Manukau .. .. .. 830 1 99 .. .. .. 165 8 3 Poutu .. .. .. 1,400 .. .. 558 18 .. 105 18 5 6,328 211 768 j 4,619 j 25 29 j 6,896 18 5

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A wet summer in South Auckland has provided abundant feed for stock, and this is reflected in increased butterfat returns from the unit farmers. While it has assisted the farming of such areas as Waimiha, where delay in the installation of the water-supply might otherwise have had serious results, it has retarded haymaking operations and restricted to some extent the provision of winter feed. Prospects for future development are good, particularly in the King-country area. Indications point to the fact that Native owners are becoming alive to the advantages to be gained by participation in the development schemes under the Native Land Act, 1931. No new schemes have been commenced during the year, but preliminary work has been entered upon in connection with several new development undertakings. This preliminary work involves consultations with owners, explanation of proposals, and tentative nominations of units before blocks are proclaimed under the development provisions of the Act. In this way the co-operation of every one concerned is secured, and future difficulties through difference in occupancy and ownership, avoided. Unemployment funds have been availed of in this district to a greater extent this year in land improvement, and subsidized work on lands not under the Department's schemes has increased. Supervisors report that the re-action of the Natives to the help given has been excellent and that in particular, where housing assistance has been possible, the improvement in the health of the children is noticeable. An encouraging feature, also, is the interest taken by the Natives in the financial side, and the frequent inquiries concerning the state of the accounts is evidence that Natives realize that financial assistance given must be offset by hard work and attention to the repayment of the advances made. A detailed summary of the separate development schemes in progress in this district is given hereunder. WAIKATO (PROPER). Kaihau. This scheme comprises five separate holdings totalling, approximately, 376 acres. The five occupiers are on wages based on one-third of their cream cheques, and they retain the total proceeds from the pigs. As in the case of the Waipipi occupiers, the Kaihau scheme people are uneasy at their lack of secured tenure and are anxious to have matters put on a sound basis. The scheme is still financed by the Waikato-Maniapoto District Maori Land Board.

The following butterfat production table is supplied : —

Grading: Superfine, 17,566 lb. ; first, 20,119 lb. ; second, 34 lb. : total, 37,719 lb. Waipipi (Te Hakona). This scheme is a compact area of 280 acres, divided into five farms, irrespective of title position. The bulk of the area is in pasture, which this year has shown some improvement and recovery from the dry summer previously experienced. The water-supply is proving satisfactory, and further reticulation will now be carried out. Noxious weeds have been kept in check, but more attention is necessary to stock and pasture management. The housing is not good, and replacements and repairs will be necessary during this year. The five occupiers are on wages based on one-third of their cream cheques, and they retain all the proceeds from the pigs. The occupiers are anxious to obtain some security of tenure, a matter which will receive attention during the coming year.

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Farm No. Area. Cows. | Butterfat. Value. Average Cairyingper (Jow. capacity. Acres. lb. £ i Cows. 1 .. .. 130 59 14,380 596 220 70 2 .. .. 44 26 7,396 305 j 280 30 3 .. .. 53 18 5,139 217 280 30 4 .. .. 112 22 7,279 295 250 40 5 .. .. 37 29 3,525 146 130 30 376 154 37,719 1,559 j 245 200 I

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The following butterfat production chart shows a decided increase on last season :—

Onewhero. Onewhero Proper. —This section comprises an area of 720 acres, parts of which are practically level with the Waikato River and are subject to flooding. Development is consequently a somewhat costly process, although much work has already been undertaken on the swamp areas. The successful settlement of this position of Onewhero is also dependent on provision for an adequate water-supply, a matter which is at present being investigated with a view to ascertaining the most efficient system of reticulation. Housing conditions generally are not good and will receive attention in due course. Ojpuatia.- —Only 8 acres of new pasture were laid down during the year. Sixty chains of new fencing were erected and much repair work undertaken. One new house has been built. Rabbits and noxious weeds have been kept in check. The country is suitable for mixed farming, and it is proposed to supply sheep to some of the units. Generally, this section of Onewhero is poorly watered. Mercer. —One unit is established across the river at Mercer and is making good progress, although the blackberry menace is a continuous problem. Mangatangi. —This section of the scheme suSered during the recent floods, a large area of land being taken away and river erosion destroying fences and road access to the back sections. Five new houses were erected during the year, and the units are now comfortably housed. No new work has been undertaken during the year. General maintenance requires constant attention, particularly in regard to checking the spread of blackberry. Koheroa. —Only one unit is active at Koheroa and, in the face of adverse conditions, is milking 15 cows and maintaining his farm to advantage. The other section at Koheroa is still vacant, and the question of farming the property is under consideration.

Further information in regard to Onewhero, which is a " blanket scheme " divided into five sections and covering a group of twenty-nine units, is supplied in tabulated form : —

Waahi. Of vast importance from a policy point of view, this scheme now comprises four farms occupied by members of the Mahuta family, three being at Waahi, Huntly, and one at Rotowaro. One farm at Waahi was divided between two of the late Te Rata Mahuta's brothers—Tonga Mahuta and Te Rauangaanga Mahuta. The third Waahi farm, now since his father's death occupied by Kingi Koroki (the present Maori " King "), is managed by a competent man, and shows a marked increase in production. All the units, members of the Mahuta family, are capable farmers, and evince a keen practical interest in the policy of land-development among the Waikato people, justifying the great faith shown by the late Kingi te Rata and his cousin, Te Puea Herangi, in its beneficial results.

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Farm No. j Area. Cows. Butterfat. : Value. ! Average Garryingper Cow. capacity. Acres. lb. £ Cows. 1 .. .. .. 71 33 5,329 219 162 35 2.. .. .. 60 18 5,392 225 299 25 3.. .. .. 56 21 5,430 225 259 30 4.. .. .. 46 20 5,029 204 251 25 5.. .. .. 47 26 6,332 259 244 30 280 118 27,512 1,132 233 145

Bern. I 0 Opuatia. Mercer. Waikarakia. Totals. Area under development .. 718 acres 1,317 acres 50 acres 462 acres 273 acres 2,820 acres Area in grass .. .. 385 acres 970 acres 35 acres 320 acres 110 acres 1,820 acres Number of units .... 10 8 1 8 2 29 Number of persons dependent 74 57 4 30 8 173 on scheme (adults and minors) Dairying stock .. .. 224 264 21 120 65 694 Horses ...... 15 13 1 12 6 47 Butterfat-production for year 33,3111b. 31,1071b. 3,0041b. 20,991 1b. 8,253 1b. 96,6661b. Average per cow . . .. 228 lb. 153 lb. 200 lb. 218 lb. • 150 lb. 190 lb.

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Waikato.

The holdings at Gordonton are too small to allow of much advancement, and units will have to rely to some extent upon outside assistance for their support and maintenance. Attempts to solve the water problem by means of spearpoints and hand-pumps have met with varied success, and it is not possible to guarantee a constant supply. The one unit in this scheme at Huntly, a Native woman, is making good progress, and her returns for the year from a small herd are very satisfactory. The unit established at Tauhei is now milking twenty-two cows and, since his land has been taken under development, he has, in addition to maintenance work, increased the area of his pastures annually. Although the two units at Parawera have only just recently come under development, much work has already been accomplished, and both the settlers are good workers. A serious problem affecting this area is the spread of ragwort, one unit, who was farming before coming under the Department's development scheme, suffering heavy losses of stock from poisoning, in spite of every effort to keep the weed in check. Development on other portions of the Waikato scheme such as the Karamu area has not yet commenced, the question of occupation being still under consideration. Tabulated information in regard to this scheme shows a marked increase in butterfat production.

Te Kuiti Base Farm. Situated about four miles from Te Kuiti Township, this property was taken over in 1932 from the Waikato-Maniapote District Maori Land Board, which was then mortgagee in possession, for the sum of £9,723, of which £8,000 is still due to that Board as a liability free of interest. It was considered that, by using the area as a stock base farm for the Native land development schemes and for the farms financed by the Board in the district, the property would be maintained in good order and pay the cost of such maintenance. The estate comprises good papa country, and is well watered by running streams. It is being carefully and efficaciously managed, and to-day is being utilized as a distributing centre for stock for Mahoenui and Waimiha schemes, and also for wintering stock from the former. In addition, the farm wintered 1,368 sheep, 744 lambs sold realizing £657, while the proceeds of the sale of 36 bales of wool produced £397. The revenue from the sales of stock during the season amounted to £959, 125 head of cattle being on hand as at the 31st March, 1936, which number, however, is considerably less than the maximum carrying-capacity of the land. Of the total area of 617 acres, 360 acres are in good grass, 120 acres in poor grass, and 100 acres consist of gorse, fern, patches of bush, and steeply faced hills. The season's activities embraced the erection of new stables, implement-sheds, and sheep-yards ; 35 acres of ploughing and subsequent sowing of swedes and ehou moellier, which incidentally proved highly successful ; 148 chains of new fencing, together with 117 chains of repairs to fences ; and 4 chains of draining. During the course of the year ten men with fifty dependants were assisted from unemployment funds to the extent of nearly £100. The prospects for the coming season are definitely good and, generally, from the point of view of a successful farming venture, the property is now in a promising condition, and when viewed in retrospect the wonderful improvement achieved in comparison with the state of the farm when taken over from the Board in 1932 exemplifies the successful management of this farming enterprise. Oparure. Five small individual farmers were embraced under this scheme, which is located near Te Kuiti and covers an area of 602 acres, of which 410 acres are under development. At the close of the year there were only three active units, the other two having liquidated their loan accounts. As far as the remaining three are concerned, it is apparent that they will need strict supervision and a certain amount of financial assistance from the Maori employment grant. Works carried out last year mainly under unemployment contracts included 52 chains of new fencing, 30 chains of new draining, while 14 chains of existing drains were cleaned, 15 acres of ploughing, and 55 acres of clearing, all of which provided employment for the five unit farmers and nineteen dependants. The proceeds of the sale of ewes and wethers for the year amounted to '£380, which, together with the cream cheque of £71, resulted in the total receipts of £457. One of the units is concentrating on sheep-farming, and at 31st March, 1936, there were 220 head on the section, while one of the other units is tending a dairy herd of 36 head, of which number 21 are in milk.

2—G. 10.

9

Item. Gordonton. Huntly. Tauhei. Parawera. J Totals. ' j J ' I Area under development . . 73 acres 52 acres 66 acres 133 acres 324 acres Units ...... 3 1 1 2 7 Number of dependents, 11 3 4 12 30 Dairying stock .... 42 9 27 24 102 Horses ...... 6 2 2 2 12 Butterfat .. .. .. 6,209 1b. 1,847 1b. 4,429 1b. 3,058 1b. 15,543 1b. Average .. .. .. 206 lb. 307 lb. 201 lb. 191 lb. 210 lb.

a—lo

Waimiha. Development operations on the pumice lands in the King Country were commenced in May, 1930, when subdivisions of the Rangitoto-Tuhua Block, comprising 7,872 acres, situated near the Waimiha Railway-station, and approximately forty miles south of Te Kuiti, were brought under the provisions of the Native Land Act as being suitable for dairying. A brief description of this scheme is contained in a report furnished by Mr. P. W. Smallfield, Fields Superintendent, Department of Agriculture, Auckland, in September last, as follows :— " The majority of the land on the Waimiha Native Development block is good average pumice country, capable of carrying, under proper management, a good rye-grass, white clover pasture—some of the lower river-terraces are poorer, and the swamp areas will be difficult to develop. Of the 2,000 acres which have been developed, some 500 acres are in good rye-grass, white clover, cocksfoot pasture, 100 acres in fair to poor pasture of white clover, cocksfoot, red clover, rye-grass, and bare ground. The immediate problems are the improvement of the pasture swards to the rye-grass, white clover, cocksfoot standard, and the improvement of the live-stock management methods so that the pastures are properly grazed and the returns from live-stock improved. The problem is partly technical and partly administrative; the methods for pasture improvement can be easily outlined, whilst the farm-management problems are more difficult of solution." % In regard to the farming future and carrying-capacity of Waimiha, Mr. Smallfield said The pumice land at Waimiha is capable of being developed into fair dairying land with a butterfat production of 100 to 130 lb. of butterfat per acre (under really high farming a butterfat production of 150 to 175 lb. per acre is possible). Successful farming depends on adequate winter feeding ; each dairy cow will require about acres of pasture land, of which about lj should be used for summer grazing and 1 acre conserved as hay or silage for winter feeding ; or swedes can be used for part of the winter feeding, allowing 1 acre of swedes for every ten cows and § acre for hay and silage. Up to the present, dairying at Waimiha has not been very successful, but the position is apparently much better now than in the past. Causes of poor past returns have been lack of water, lack of perennial rye-grass in the pasture, and inadequate winter feeding. An adequate water-supply is absolutely necessary for successful dairying, and I understand that the scheme outlined in the estimates is now being proceeded with by the Public Works Department." One of the main difficulties contended with on Waimiha was the deficient natural water-supply, but arrangements have recently been finalized with the Public Works Department for the installation of a gravitation system from a tributary of the Ongarue River. This will necessitate the laying of a 2\ in. pipe under the railway-line near Waimiha Station ; the estimated cost of reticulation is £2,691 for a daily water-supply of 10,000 gallons, which will provide for the requirements of twentvthree farms carrying over five hundred head of cattle. The supervisor reports that the scheme has shown a, general improvement during the year, but much better results would have been obtained had the water-supplv been completed at the commencement of the season. The condition of the stock generally has improved, partly due to the fact that the cattle are now readily taking the limonite and salt licks, for which special weather-proof boxes have been constructed. The stock returns at 31st March last were as follows : 194 cows in milk 25 dry cows, 11 bulls, 76 yearlings and heifers, 64 run cattle, and 1,326 sheep. The progress of development to date may be summarized as follows (ti) Settlement is practically complete on 635 acres on which units are in occupation. (b) On 645 acres development is well advanced, but pastures require reconditioning and subdivisional fencing. (c) About 800 acres, at present used for grazing, will be gradually settled. '(d) The balance of the scheme is wholly undeveloped. The total butterfat produced during the year from 189 cows, milked in seven herds was 33,624 lb. ; graded super, 5,277 lb. ; first, 27,166 lb. ; and second, 1,181 lb. The average per cow was 178 lb. Haymaking operations, in spite of adverse weather conditions, resulted in the conservation of 270 tons of first-class baled hay, properly stacked and covered, also four pits and three stacks of ensilage. Besides general farm work the following progress was made during the year : 343 chains of fencing were erected, 164 chains of new drains opened, 108 acres ploughed, 90 acres sown in swedes and 60 acres of scrub were cut. The wool clip of 23 bales averaged £13' Bs. 9d. per bale, and the proceeds from 63 tons of baled hay amounted to £231 13s. Waimiha maintains a population of seventy-seven Natives, and the health of the settlement has been good. The people are keenly interested in development, and enthusiasm is increasing as settlement progresses. The workers' interest in the scheme is being fostered by the formation of a social and sports club, which should stimulate a healthy esfmt de corps, characteristic of most triba] communities,

10

G.—lo.

Kawhia. There are three hapus interested in this scheme —Ngati-te-Wehi (on Moerangi blocks), NgatiHikairo (on Kawhia blocks), and Ngati-Apakura (on Mangaroa blocks) —all of whom are strong supporters of the " Maori King." The area extends over some 4,241 acres, of which 1,647 acres are under development, 1,300 acres being in grass. As a result of difficulty engendered in the initial stages of this enterprise through the feeling against the previous field supervision, and also on account of the irresolution of the owners of the blocks, progress was considerably retarded, and interest on the part of the occupants has in some cases being spasmodic. Notwithstanding the lack of supervision, cream returns show an improvement of 5,055 lb. of butterfat on last year's figure, and produced a net receipt of £1,464, which altogether, with the proceeds of the sale of sheep amounting to £982 and the wool cheque of £135, brought the year's receipts to the 31st March, 1936, to £2,581. As at that date there were 1,177 sheep and 471 dairy cattle on the scheme. Thus it is apparent that, with such a tactful and judicious control as is being displayed by the presentsupervisor, the majority of the 12 units with their 64 dependants should achieve satisfactory results, and ensure that their holdings do not deteriorate. During the course of the year 23 men with 104 dependants were assisted from unemployment funds to the extent of £507 ; the main farming operations carried out were 124 chains of new fencing with 40 chains of repairs to old fences, 29 chains of draining, 47 acres of scrubcutting, 63 acres of ploughing, 34 acres of bushfelling, and 99 acres of clearing and burning preparatory to sowing. This work has contributed considerably to the advancement of the farming activities, and with the increased interest being displayed by the units it is considered by the field supervisor that a further area should be brought into cultivation with a view to establishing the scheme as a good base area for the Kawhia district. Mahoenui. Situated about thirty-eight miles south of Te Kuiti on the main New Plymouth highway, and extending over a compact area of 6,026 acres, this scheme embraces the hapu of Ngati-Rungaterangi, and is one of the principal development schemes in the King Country. In view of the adverse reports in 1934 on the question of the possible deterioration of this land, it is gratifying to record that there is a general improvement as a result of heavier stocking, top-dressing, and subdivisional fencing, while the ragwort has been effectively controlled. In consequence of this scheme being overstocked last year, 80 cattle had to be sent to Te Kuiti Base Farm to be wintered, but this coming year it is proposed to obviate this state of affairs by sowing 200 acres in swedes, from which sufficient feed should be obtained to winter the cattle on the farm prior to being forwarded to Waimiha scheme in the spring for fattening. Of the total area, 2,400 acres are under development, with 1,550 acres in fair grass and 455 in temporary grass. Besides general farm work carried out by the permanent hands, the following progress was made : 497 chains of new sheep-proof fences were erected, while 110 chains were repaired ; 52 chains of new drains were excavated ; 56 acres of scrub were cut, while 80 acres of bush were felled ; 319 acres of stumping and 87 acres of clearing and burning were effected. These activities were accomplished under unemployment contracts, and provided work for seventeen men with forty dependants, the expenditure amounting to £825. The live-stock is in good condition, and at the 31st March, 1936, the tally was : 60 dairy cattle, 722 run cattle, and 3,305 sheep. The receipts consisted of £500, being the proceeds of 46 bales of wool, and £1,845 from sales of live-stock. This scheme is not yet suitable for subdivision, and at present there are only two units established with twenty-four dependants. The intention, however, based upon the estimate of the field officers, is, after providing a certain amount of internal roading, to eventually subdivide the block into twenty dairy farms, with two or three small sheep farms, and a run oS for the dairy stock.

Summary of Waikato-Maniapoto Schemes.

11

Number of Persons «g o 030 » dependent on Live-stock. © -2 <a 2 rp , i r ? a Number Scheme. o £ 1? o , lotal under c -g •* s w>h scheme. * i oi ffl o •£ P-< Area. Develop- TJ .. 0 mfnt, Units. ty £» £ . , u Dairying Run Q , £ 8 © Adults. Minors, Sheep. a; 3 p 3 <1 m Acres. Acres. lb. £ Kaihau .. 286 376 .. 15 6 154 .. .. 245 1,559 Waipipi .. 282 280 .. 18 11 118 .. .. 233 1,132 Onewhero .. 4,642 2,820 29 68 105 694 .. .. 190 3,991 Waihi .. 618 574 4 8 12 155 .. 140 715 Waikato .. 769 324 7 15 22 102 .. 210 652 TeKuitiFarm 617 617 4 4 2 125 1,089 .. 1,357 Oparure .. 602 410 5 5 19 36 220 194 457 Waimiha .. 7,829 2,303 2 25 50 306 64 1,326 178 3,889 Kawhia .. 4,241 1,647 12 21 43 471 34 1,177 150 2,582 Mahoenui .. 6,026 2,400 2 10 14 60 722 3,305 * 2,345 26,012 11,751 61 189 286 2,098 945 7,117 187 18,679 * Cream return from unit not to hand.

Gh—lo.

WAIARIKi MAORI LAND DISTRICT. The early history of development in this district can be obtained from a study of the parliamentary papers G.-IO issued between 1931 and 1935. Steady progress has been maintained on all schemes throughout the year, and the revenue for 1935-36 has increased by over 100 per cent, on the previous year's figures. The progressive increase in revenue since inception can be seen from the table appended.

Receipts from Inception to 31st March, 1936.

These figures are very satisfactory, especially in view of tie fact that the Department obtains only one-third of the total cream cheques in a large number of cases. In a district such as this, extending from Cape Runaway to Tauranga, and taking injall[the intervening country of the Bay of Plenty, Urewera, Rotorua, Taupo, and Tokaanu districts, the weather that has to be contended with varies widely from place to place. Nevertheless, climatic conditions experienced as a whole throughout the district during the past year have been favourable, and development operations have not been retarded. Erection of cow-sheds and cottages,, establishment of dairy herds, and general development works were proceeded with during the year. The number of loan accounts for individual settlers total 429. Development operations have satisfactorily absorbed the greater proportion, of surplus Maori labour available, and at times in the Bay of Plenty area it has been difficult to carry out the normal programmes arranged by the supervisors. The main difficulty experienced during the year was in the supply of fencing-posts for the Bay of Plenty. This is becoming quite a problem, and it will be essential to obtain a source of supply in the Rotorua district. A committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Mr. A. Jordan, District Valuer, of Te Kuiti, last May to consider further extension of development in the Tokaanu district, and it is hoped that development in earnest will be commenced in this area during the coming season. The sheep-raising operations of the district have been fairly successful this season, as will be seen from the fact that some £6,396 was received from the sale of wool and £15,420 from the sale of sheep. The sheep in many instances are used for crushing and consolidating pastures, and this is a benefit which cannot be measured in cash. The menace of ragwort cannot be lost sight of, for, although it has been adequately kept in check over the last year or two, it is an ever-present problem in all the areas in the district. The appointment of a chief supervisor has proved of benefit to the local Maori leaders and the departmental supervisors, and investigation on the spot of many of the matters that have caused concern in the past have been more easily and favourably settled. Brents Farm. This property, situated three miles and a half from Rotorua on the Rotorua-Whakatane Road, comprises 335 acres, made up of 294 acres leasehold and 41 acres freehold. Since inception of development in the Rotorua district, Brents Farm has been used as a central base for all stock movements in the Rotorua Central area. It has been an integral part of the system of utilizing stock for consolidating and improving the pastures of the land under development In the pumice belt. It is an ideal area for this purpose as it is a particularly fertile block of country, due to the fact that it has a liberal covering of " Rotomahana mud" —a volcanic deposit from the Tarawera eruption. The pastures are in first-class order and there is an absence of noxious weeds, due to the healthy land and the heavy grazing that has been carried out in the course of the period under review. During the year a wool-shed, implement-shed, and shearer's cottage were erected. This has resulted in first-class facilities being made available for the handling of the sheep in the central area. The wool-shed is spacious, and has earned the praise of the many visitors who have inspected it. It has night pens for 1,200 sheep, and for shearing and other seasonal operations there are available a four-stand electric plant and a two-stand portable plant. The portable installation is found to be of great service in handling small flocks of sheep on those schemes which are located at a distance from the wool-shed.

12

'fear. Cream ' Cattle. Wool. Sheep. Crops. Sundries. Total. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 1930-31 .. .. 4 181 .. 4 222 407 1931-32 .. .. 14 2,706 118 99 2,079 .. 576 5,578 1932-33 .. .. 23 7,714 2,303 506 4,455 .. 2,268 17 246 1933-34 .. .. 40 12,054 3,889 4,747 13,011 .. 2,615 36,316 1934-35 .. .. 42 13,234 327 1,839 11,088 247 3,320 30,066 1935-36 .. .. 42 24,054 13,007 6,396 15,420 458 5,170 64,505 59,943 19,644 13,587 46,057 705 14,171 154,107

G—lo

The programme of top-dressing has been continued, and 300 acres had an application during the year. An area of 126 acres, which had sown in turnips and fed off during the season, was sown down in new grass, and an excellent strike resulted. Three miles of new fencmgjwere erected, and renovations carried out to the existing fences. Extensive repairs were made to the existing watersupply, and, to ensure more adequate distribution to the various paddocks, suitable extensions have been made. The farm is stocked to its full carrying-capacity, and as at 31st March, 1936, this was as follows : 5 dairy cows, 4 draught horses, 2 stockmen's hacks, 253 ewes and wethers, 699 lambs, 241 run calves, and 3 beef cows. As mentioned previously, the profits from this farm are reflected in the bulk-stock account. In future it is the intention that the farm will be run as a separate unit and will carry its own stock. Charges will be made against the other schemes after the use of shearing and dipping facilities. Horohoro. Conclusive evidence of the wisdom of the far-sighted policy of Native land development can be seen to-day by the traveller who traverses the main Atiamuri Road outward from Rotorua. A magnificent view of the whole of the settlement can befobtained from the heights of Haparangi Mountain. To-day, after five years of active development onfhitherto unproductive land, there are herds of dairy and beef cattle, flocks of sheep, flourishing Maori settlements housed in a manner approaching that of their pakeha brethren, miles of fencing and shelter-belts, and luxuriant pastures. The bush-clad slopes of the Horohoro Range make a fitting background to the transformation from barren useless land to productive farms. At the Horohoro Native School, situated in the heart of the area, happy Native children enjoy their changed environment, and are absorbing that agricultural bias which is essential to the ultimate success of these Native land development schemes. As previously reported, this was the pioneer scheme of development on the pumice belt. Operations were commenced on the 7th February, 1930, by two parties, one of the Wairoa (Hawke's Bay) district, and the other selected from the Ngati-Tuara and Ngati-Kearoa, subtribes of Te Arawa, who own the block.

As an example of the progress made, and showing the stage development has reached, it is of interest to peruse the following for Ngati-Tuara and Rongomaipapa, which were the original schemes of the Horohoro Block.

The success of the Agricultural and Pastoral Show, which was referred to in the previous year's report, induced the Natives to combine in the real Maori communal spirit, and their efforts at the show were highly rewarded. Competitive events were arranged, and numerous sports items were introduced into the programme, which found followers from areas outside of Rotorua. The exhibits —garden produce and stock —were a credit and would have obtained prizes in more open competitions. It is fitting to mention here that the machinery inspector for a leading separator company made an inspection of the separators in the area during the dairying season, and he reported that the sheds were a credit to the Maori farmers of the block, and compared more than favourably with the many other sheds that he had visited in the course of his work. Since the commencement of dairying on this area, the various occupiers have been remunerated at the rate of 355. per week, pending their establishment as units. Their income has been supplemented by returns from pigs which they have been permitted to rear on the property. With a view to establishing these occupiers as permanent and independent settlers, an inspection and valuation of each holding is now being made by a committee comprising the Chief Supervisor, the District Valuer, and the District Supervisor. It is anticipated that it will be possible to establish these settlers on a satisfactory title basis as from the commencement of the ensuing dairying season.

13

I Ngati-Tuara. J Rongomaipapa. Area in grass and under cultivation . . .. j 1,384 acres 906 acres. Area in shelter-belts .. . . .. . . 36J ,, 45f „ Area on unit sections in natural state .. .. 437-| ,, 258 ,, Fencing erected . . .. .. .. .. 3,991 chains 3,194 chains. Draining .. .. .. .. .. 160 „ 560 „ Cottages and outbuildings erected . . ., .. 16 12 Cow-sheds erected .. .. .. . . 16 12 Number of units established . . .. . . 16 12 Total butterfat —inception to 30th April, 1936 .. 174,974 1b. 170,238 1b. Total stock on property, 31st March, 1936 . . .. 469 cows and heifers 472 cows and heifers. 81 dairy weaners 112 dairy weaners. 22 bulls 19 bulls. 5 horses 11 horses.

Gk—lo.

Haparangi Plantation. This plantation is situated on the Haparangi Mountain, lying to the south of the Rotorua-Atiamuri Road. It has an area of 833 acres and, as previously reported, was gazetted under section 522 of the Act, primarily as a Native unemployment scheme for the benefit of the Maoris of the Rotorua district; and secondly, to increase the natural shelter afforded to other schemes on the Horohoro belt. To the 31st March, 1936, some 750,000 trees have been planted. The more exposed southern and eastern parts of the hill have been planted with eucalypti and the hardier pines, such as Pinus Murrayana and radiata ; on the higher levels Pinus Murrayana. Facing north, and on the warmer slopes, species such as Douglas fir, macrocarpa, eucalypti, radiata, ponderosa, and Murrayana are planted, while the fire-breaks are lined with poplars. No major planting was carried out during the year, but maintenance works such as road repairs, and clearing fire-breaks were undertaken. The trees show good growth, and ultimately will be a valuable asset to the Department. Horohoro : Kapenga 1. This scheme comprises an area of virgin land, some 1,000 acres in extent, of similar quality to that of the adjoining block known as Kapenga 2. It is hoped that the breaking-in of this area will be commenced this year. Horohoro : Kapenga 2. Developed with the intention of providing dairy-farms for selected men from the Tuhourangi tribe, this scheme was a means of providing useful work for the Maori unemployed of Whakarewarewa. The property, of an area of 400 acres, is situated at a distance of seven miles from Rotorua on the Atiamuri Road, and is a particularly warm piece of country. It lies to the sun, and is protected in the background by the Haparangi Mountain, and shows promise of turning out to be one of the best areas on the Horohoro Block. Effective results have been achieved in the consolidation of the pastures by heavy stocking. Stock carried comprised 301 ewes, with 103 per cent, lambs. In addition, 966 wethers, which were put on Kapenga off the shears, were sold off fat at 255. per head, and 155 head of beef cattle were carried through the year. An adequate water-supply has been obtained for the present from springs on the property, but further extensions will be required on subdivision. Work during the year consisted of top-dressing the grassed area, clearing second-growth tutu and fern, and replanting where necessary one mile and a half of shelter-belts. The revenue for the past year is reflected in bulk stock, but as at the 31st March this scheme was allocated the following stock : 3 bullocks, 153 run cows, and 2 run calves. In future the block will be run as a separate unit, and this will enable proper farm-working accounts to be prepared. Horohoro : Ngati-Tuara. This land, comprising 2,125 acres under development, 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 sixteen supplied the factory this season. The holdings average between 90 and 100 acres. In addition to the general farming operations, further subdivisional fencing, draining, erection of cowsheds, cultivating turnip crops, and keeping in check noxious weeds, have been carried out during the year. Exceptional growth in the summer augured well for a first-class crop of hay, but continued wet weather retarded the gathering of the crops, and the quantity saved was affected accordingly. With the turnip crops that have been cultivated on each section this year, there should be sufficient feed to see the stock through a normal winter. The units continue to show a considerable improvement in their assimilation of farming methods, and this is reflected in the cleanliness of their sheds, which has resulted in a considerable quantity of their output being graded finest, and a steady increase in the poundage is recorded. The following figures taken for each dairying season Ist July to 30th June indicate the progress of butterfat production.

14

Year. ! Number of Cows milked . Total Butterfat.l Ave^ e ! sheds. per Gow. lb. lb. 1932-33 .. .. 10 Not recorded. 29,400 1933-34 .. .. 10 286 41,509 145 1934-35 .. .. 10 243 41,981 173 1935-36 .. .. 16 365 62,084 170

GL—lO.

This is considered satisfactory for land which five years ago was in its virgin state, and which is as yet not fully consolidated. The figures in the above table for 1935-36 take into account the returns up to and including 30th April. Moreover, in the total number of cows (365) shown, 176 of these were heifers. As mentioned in the preamble on Horohoro, the basis of tenure is now being considered by a special committee, and with an incentive to produce more under a system of share-milking or Crown tenancy, an improvement in the next year's production can be looked for. Stock on the property at the 31st March, 1936, comprised the following : 422 dairy cows, 47 dairy heifers, 81 weaners, 22 bulls, and 5 horses. Horohoro : Rongomaipapa. Situated at the southern end of the Horohoro Block, this scheme comprises an area of 1,209 acres. Twelve members of the Kahungunu tribe, of Wairoa, are now established on the land, each having his own farm and milking herd. The whole of the land was under production last year, and twelve sheds supplied the factory. The pastures are in first-class condition, and are responding to the annual top-dressing. Stock is gradually being acclimatized, and the number of heifers being kept by each unit is steadily increasing. The following schedule gives an indication of the progress of production since inception. The figures cover each dairying season, Ist July to 30th June.

These returns can be regarded as satisfactory considering the short time that development has been in progress, and show that the assisted migration of landless Natives from other districts has not been in vain. The figures in the above table for 1935-36 take into account the returns up to and including 30th April, and of the total number of cows, 88 were heifers. The stock on the property as at 31st March, 1936, consisted of 19 dairy bulls, 376 dairy cows, 96 dairy heifers, 112 dairy weaners, and 11 draught hourses. Horohoro : Tuhourangi. This scheme comprises a total area of 1,007 acres of which 900 are now in grass. Two units were established with dairy herds during the year, and it is intended to commence another three this coming season. Dairying commenced quite late in the season and 6,368 lb. of butterfat were produced up to the 30th April of this year. Work in the farming and development operations provided employment and support for nine men and their dependants, numbering twenty-one. Top-dressing of the grassed areas was carried out, 5 miles of fencing erected, 400 chains of drains opened up, and 360 acres of tussock area were cleared. In addition two Maori carpenters from Ohinemutu erected two sheds and two cottages. A plentiful supply of winter feed is available, and with the 40 acres of turnips it enabled the following stock to be carried throughout the year : 236 steers, 188 beef cows, 70 beef calves, 71 dairy cows, 51 yearling Jersey heifers, 700 head of sheep, 5 bulls, and 5 horses. The only credit that has gone to the scheme is from butterfat, but with the allocation of the bulk stock profits and a discontinuance of this account the scheme will be allotted its own stock, which will enable farm-working accounts to be taken out in future. As at 31st March, 1936, the following stock was running on the scheme : 63 dairy cows, 194 dairy heifers, 8 dairy weaners, 5 dairy bulls, and 5 horses. Horohoro : Turanganui. This scheme, comprising an area of 640 acres, has only been under development for a comparatively short period. The members of the Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki tribe, of Gisborne, who were brought over to work the area, unfortunately did not settle down to the conditions of their adopted homes, and gradually drifted back to their own hapus on the East Coast. To-day one remains with his wife and two children, and will be rewarded for his perseverance by being allocated the first of the sections available for allotment. Work during the year provided relief for unemployed Natives of Rotorua and consisted of cultivating 150 acres, top-dressing 210 acres, fencing 5 miles, and draining 2 miles, in addition to the maintaining of pastures and attending to stock. Consolidation of the pastures has been proceeded with during the year —76 black Polled Angus bulls being used for the purpose. The pastures on the gcheme are showing particularly good growth.

15

Year. . N Sheds ° f Cows milked. Total Butterfat j lb. lb. 1932-33 .. .. 6 Not recorded. 35,697 1933-34 .. .. 8 289 45,034 156 1934-35 .. .. 8 280 41,098 147 1935-36 .. .. 12 316 48.409 153

G. —10,

Horohoro : Waikaukau. Extending along tie Rotoraa-Atiamuri Road, and adjoining the Tuhourangi scheme and Ngakuru settlement, this scheme has a total area of 3,193 acres. The block is administered in conjunction with the Rongomaipapa scheme, and is really an extension of same. It was utilized to absorb the unemployed of the Ngati-Kahungunu Natives of the Wairoa district. Steady progress has been made during the year. Four new sheds were established. Two cottages were erected, and these are now occupied. In addition, there were 5 miles of fences erected, 200 acres put in new grass, and 3 miles draining cleared and opened up. Although milking commenced fairly late in the season, owing to delay in the erection of the cowsheds, the butterfat output, totalling 10,163 lb. from 80 heifers can be considered satisfactory in view of the fact that these men had had no previous experience in this class of work. The pastures are steadily improving, and two more milking-herds will be established this season. The stock on the property as at 31st March, 1936, was a-s follows : 8 bulls, 105 cows, 95 heifers, 15 calves, and 6 horses. Parekarangi. This scheme continues the line of development on the Rotorua-Atiamuri Road, and is the connecting link between the Horohoro and Peka schemes, and has a total area of 1,570 acres, of which 1,116 acres are in grass. Considerable improvement has been effected during the year in the pastures, and it has been decided to proceed with the establishment of another four dairying units this coming season. This is very satisfactory, and shows the quick results that can be obtained from the pumice soils, provided regular top-dressing and systematic consolidation with stock is carried out. One unit milked his herd on Parekarangi during the past season. His herd was increased to 60 cows, and a pumping plant and milking-machine were installed. Actually it is not desirable as general policy to install milking-machines, but in this case the necessity for meeting the shortage of water on the property necessitated the installation of a pumping plant and, in order to obtain the maximum results from the capital invested, it was considered that in this case a milking-machine was warranted. For the present dairying season, this unit's herd produced 6,801 lb. of fat from 52 cows milked. Taking into account the fact that 26 of this number were heifers and that the milking season has not yet finished, the results can be considered satisfactory. Work during the year consisted of draining, clearing second growth fern, fencing, top-dressing, cropping hay, and cultivating turnips. This was carried out by the labour available from the families of the owners of the Parekarangi sections, and wages for this work have been their principal means of sustenance for the year. At the 31st March last the stock on hand was : 1,592 wethers, 2 bullocks, 109 run heifers, and 96 head of dairy stock. Parekarangi Extension. Adjoining Parekarangi proper, this block contains an area of 700 acres. With the exception of fencing and planting of shelter-belts, development work has not been proceeded with, but, owing to the necessity for providing useful and productive work for the unemployed Maoris of the area, it will be part of the coming year's development programme. The shelter-belts are growing splendidly, and will ensure a good start for the units as soon as development has been completed. Peka. This scheme, comprising a total area of 1,364 acres, is situated at the forks of the RotoruaAtiamuri Road and the Rotorua-Taupo Highway. Of the total area, approximately 395 acres are in grass. During the past season one unit started milking, and it is intended to start another two during 1936-37. A prolific growth of gorse has had to be coped with, and the clearing of same provided useful work for the unemployed of Whakarewarewa. Subdivisional fencing was carried out on three of the sections, two new milking-sheds were erected, the grassed areas top-dressed, hay saved for winter feed, and 75 acres put down in grass. The block wintered 435 ewes which produced 355 lambs, and, in addition, 35 head of dairy stock, 116 black Polled Angus heifers, and 30 bullocks were carried through the year. The pastures on the road-frontages are looking excellent, but second-growth gorse on back portions will require further treatment before becoming suitable for dairying. Stock on the property as at 31st March, 1936, was : 4 bullocks, 116 run heifers, 239 run cows, and 90 head of dairy stock. Wharenui Nursery. This nursery is performing a very useful service in development operations of the Rotorua district, as it has ensured a continuous and cheap source of supply of trees for the planting of shelter-belts besides providing useful work for six men and their dependants. During the year the following trees were planted out : 14,750 Lawsoniana, 3,100 poplars, 16,550 macrocarpa, 12,600 barberry, 62,000 Macarthuri, 57,150 viminalis, 89,000 Douglassi, 3,900 gigantea, and 96,000 radiata.

16

a.—io.

Considerable losses have been caused by the grass grub, as was experienced last year. Frequent inquiries are being received from other districts for trees, and the planting programme for the coming season is being framed so as to cope with any demand. An extensive programme for the planting of seedless barberry on the Horohoro and Tikitere schemes is being planned, and it is hoped to have 500,000 of these planted next season to supply the requirements of these schemes. Waipapa Bush. As previously reported, this area is worked out and the residual assets, estimated at £514, remain. Ohere. The lands between the Ohau Channel and the Okere River constitute this scheme. The total area is 6,000 acres, of which 1,200 acres are now in good grass, and 1,000 acres in rough feed. The subdivision stage has not yet been reached. The areas already developed are being consolidated and crushed with sheep and cattle, and the block wintered 250 beef-breeding cows, 2,500 hoggets, and 1,800 ewes. During the summer months the scheme provided grazing for 1,800 ewes, 250 beef cows and calves, 118 steers, and 2,750 wethers. The pastures on the block are of good quality, and this scheme should be capable of showing good returns in the future. Although not ideally suited for subdivision, the scheme is such as will be capable of supporting a large number of the Natives of the Mourea village when the final stage of development is reached. Ragwort continues to be a pest, and will necessitate heavy crushing with sheep for a considerable period. Work during the year consisted of surface sowing 400 acres, ploughing 200 acres and sowing in grass, cultivating 150 acres for turnips, top-dressing 1,200 acres, fencing 5 miles, and clearing 600 acres fern and second growth, which provided a fair measure of relief for Natives of the Mourea village throughout the year. Tikitere. Originally gazetted under the Mourea development scheme, this block contains 1,147 acres. The response to cultivation has proved exceptional, but this no doubt is due to the covering of " Rotomahana mud" from the Tarawera eruption. During the year-another milking-herd was established, bringing the number supplying the factory up to six. The returns from milking-herds have been quite satisfactory, considering the setbacks the stock receive owing to shortage of shelter, but this aspect is gradually being overcome as the trees are showing good growth. The returns from inception to the 30th April, 1936, following the dairying season —Ist July to 30tli June —are as follows : —

The figures for 1935-36 are to April only, and of the total number of cows milked 80 were heifers. In addition to the general farm maintenance, further development was carried out during the year in the cultivation of 200 acres grass, 60 acres turnips, clearing 100 acres, and fencing 3 miles. This was done by Natives from the Coast, who formed the main development contingent, and were awaiting allotment of sections at Tikitere. Stock carried during the year, in addition to dairying herds, was : 1,100 ewes and 500 hoggets. At the 31st March last the following stock was on the property : 9 dairy bulls, 358 dairy cows and heifers, 60 dairy weaners, 10 horses, 845 ewes, 24 rams, 76 run calves, 94 run cows, and 7 bulls. The Okahu paddock of 160 acres comes under this scheme. It is a particularly healthy block, and wintered 727 ewes which lambed down 720 lambs, and in the summer grazed 262 bullocks also. Second-growth gorse, which was much in evidence last year, is now well under control. Tikitere Waikato Party. This scheme which takes its name from the fact that it is an extension of the Waikato scheme and is settled by Natives of the Waikato district, comprises an area of 590 acres, of which 500 are in grass. The block is still in the development stage. The pastures are filling out rapidly and, once the secondgrowth gorse is mastered, the area will be ready for dairying, and it is proposed to establish five dairying herds this coming season.

3 —G. 10.

17

Year. 0WS Fat per < " !ow ' lb. lb. 1932-33 .. .. 1 Not recorded 5,019 1933-34 .. .. 5 169 33,724 199 1934-35 .. .. 5 180 34,381 191 1935-36 .. .. 6 250 47,491 190

G.~ 10

Of particular interest is the fact that 917 ewes wintered on this block lambed down 900 lambs, and, in addition, the lambs which were sold off fat killed out at 38*5 lb. Throughout the winter 110 black Polled Angus heifers were also on the block. Work for eight men was provided in clearing second-growth gorse, fencing, top-dressing, and general farm work. As at 31st March, 1936, the following stock was on the property : 3,127 ewes, 82 rams, 262 bullocks, and 4 horses. Rotoiti. The total area of this block is 4,939 acres, of which 1,700 are now in good pasture. As mentioned previously, the block was brought under development primarily for the purpose of finding work for the unemployed of Otarae-Marae ; during the year useful work has been carried out by these Natives in top-dressing 1,200 acres, fencing 2 miles, splitting rails and battens, and clearing second-growth fern and ragwort over the grassed area. Good grazing was provided for 302 bullocks, 1,068 wethers, and 341 beef heifers. As at 31st March, 1936, the following stock was on the property : 518 ewes' 1,598 wethers, and 17 rams. From now on the block will carry its own stock and proper farm accounts will be kept. Taheke. This is another general development block, and comprises an area of 9,081 acres, of which 1,000 are in grass, which is more adapted for sheep-farming than subdivision, and until development is completed, will be used as a grazing run. In the past the block has been stocked with bulk stock, but in future will carry its own stock, and proper farm accounts will be kept. Work is provided for unemployed Natives, and during the year this consisted of top-dressing 600 acres, fencing 4 miles, ploughing 160 acres and putting in grass and turnips, and clearing and surface sowing 150 acres. Stock carried during the winter was 261 bullocks and 1,862 ewes, while in the summer a further 1,597 wethers were added to the above stock. As at 31st March, 1936, stock comprised 1,273 ewes 612 wethers, 40 rams, and 107 run cows. Okataina Bush. This bush has proved of great service in the supply of fencing materials for schemes in the vicinity of Rotorua, Tauranga, and Maketu. It is exceedingly difficult to get expert bushmen from the ranks of the unemployed, but the men at present working have proved entirely satisfactory and, despite heavy weather in the mountainous country of Okataina, the following materials were split and distributed to the above-mentioned schemes during the year : 2,015 strainers, 57,950 battens quantity of rails, bridge stringers, wool-shed blocks, and 54,339 posts. In addition it has been necessary to extend roads into different parts, and this has °iven useful work for the unemployed Natives of Rotorua. Maketu Farm. This farm is administered by the Department for the Arawa Trust Board. The financial arrangements for funding the debt on the property were completed during the year, and in future it should be possible to maintain the farm out of revenue and, at the same time, provide a sinking fund for repayment of loan-moneys involved. Historical interest is attached to the scheme, because it was at Maketu that the great navigator, Tama to Kapua, and his Polynesian crew landed in the canoe Arawa. ' The property, consisting of Maketu proper and King's Estate, has a total area of 1,277 acres of which 900 acres are m grass. For the twelve months ending 31st March, 1936, the five milking-he'rds produced 69,3751b. butterfat from 278 cows and 74 heifers milked throughout the season In addition, the revenue from the sale of 98 pigs, 160 bullocks, 32 cull cows, and 8 sheep, supplemented the income of the farm. In addition to the usual farming operations on Maketu proper, extensive development work was carried out on both this and King's property, which consisted of grubbing and clearing 577 acres second-growth gorse and ragwort, opening 300 chains drains, ploughing 84 acres, fencing 345 chains forming roads and effecting repairs, building store-shed, top-dressing existing pastures, saving hay for winter feed, and cultivation of turnips. " The stock on the property at 31st March, 1936, was : 351 cows in milk and heifers 62 dry cows 101 yearlings, 93 weaners, 18 bulls, 7 draught horses, 64 pigs, 94 Hereford steers, 650 breeding-ewes' and 16 Southdown rams. experienced in obtaining suitable labour for development operations, and a gang of unemployed Natives from Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa were employed, and did very good work.

18

Gh—lo.

Maketu : Te Puke. This scheme embraces an area of 422 acres and is bounded on the eastern side by the Kaituna River. Frequent flooding of this river continually upsets the development programme, and progress has not been altogether satisfactory. Eight men were provided with work in clearing 64 of gorse and keeping in check ragwort and blackberries on 160 acres, besides cleaning up and opening 2 miles of drains. One unit is established, and has gradually built up a herd of 41 cows, 11 of which were supplied by the Department. One-third of his cream cheques are now secured to the Department. It will not be possible to commence dairying on the balance of the area for some considerable time to come, as it is essential to have second growth gorse and other rubbish crushed out before stocking with cows. During the year 158 head of beef cattle were utilized for crushing purposes. As at 31st March, 1936, there were, besides the unit's herd, 115 bullocks, 42 beef heifers, 22 dairy heifers, and 4 horses running on the property. Maketu : Motiti Island. This scheme is on Motiti Island off the coast of Tauranga, and takes in a total area of 852 acres. No assistance has been provided during the past year, as the Natives have been capable of producing enough from the soil to maintain themselves. The loan accounts were considerably reduced by the sale of maize in December, the units allocating the Department 427 bags, which were sold and credited to their accounts. In addition, substantial credits in the form of rents which the Natives assigned to the Department, have been utilized in reduction of the liability outstanding. Maketu : Pukaingataru. This scheme, totalling 211 acres, maintains two units who have reached the self-supporting stage, the Department taking a proportion of their cream returns, which is ample to cover repayment of principal and payment of interest. The butterfat returns for the twelve months ending 31st March, 1936, totalled 13,294 lb. Tauranga : Kaitimako. This scheme, situated on the southern side of the Tauranga - Te Puke Road, about a mile and a half from the Tauranga Town boundary, contains 595 acres, of which 540 acres are in grass. Consolidation of pastures is being proceeded with preparatory to the subdivision of the block. For this purpose, 190 beef cattle, 670 wethers, and 700 ewes were used and carried through the winter. Work during the year was of a developmental nature and consisted of top-dressing the grassed area, fencing 3 miles, cleaning 2 miles drains, and grubbing second-growth gorse over the whole of the area. The stock on the property at 31st March, 1936, was : 1,281 ewes, 33 rams, 15 bullocks, 15 run heifers, 58 run calves, and 104 beef cows. Tauranga : Hairini. This property is a self-contained farm, and all in grass. The Native unit has a large family, and assistance in the nature of unemployment work is granted him from time to time on Kaitimako. Tauranga : Whetu Werohia. This is farmed by a Native unit, and is a Soldiers Land Settlement property taken over from the Lands Department. The block, containing 171 acres, was at one time all in grass but reverted to second growth. Since being taken over by the Native Department, 100 acres have been grassed and extensive fencing and draining carried out. The property is not yet ready for dairying, but there are now running on the place 352 ewes and 7 rams. Ruatahuna. Situated in the valley at the head of the Whakatane River in the heart of the Urewera, this scheme was undertaken with the idea of assisting the Natives of this section of the Tuhoe tribe with sufficient work to provide them with the necessaries of life. The work is subsidized from the Maori employment grant. Nevertheless the Department's interest in the settlement has been of great educational value, and the liability to the State is now decreasing annually. At 31st March there were 3,408 sheep and 100 head of beef cattle secured to the Crown by bill of sale. There are now 20 units with loan accounts established, and all advances are covered by ample security to the Department. In the course of the year approximately 500 acres were cleared, two miles of the Matatua Road formed, and seven miles of fencing erected. Where land was suitable, turnips were cropped to provide stock with feed during the severe winters which are experienced in the locality.

19

Gr—lo,

Ragwort is a menace on the cleared parts, and good results are being secured by crushing with sheep and cattle. The scheme now has a communal sheep-dip, shearing-shed, and yards, which have facilitated the handling of stock. It is interesting to record that the foreman, in his report, states that the health of these Natives has greatly improved since development started. No more bush lands should be cleared in the Urewera, and development is being restricted to the lands already chopped and which have gone back into second growth. A problem to be faced in this area will present itself on the cessation of the Public Works roading activities. The Public Works Department employs a large number of Natives on road works, on completion of which there will be a surplus of Natives who cannot be absorbed by the Native Department on development, and apparently some avenue for settlement of Ruatahuna people in other districts, where lands are more plentiful, will need to be sought. Tokaanu. This scheme, which adjoins the Tokaanu Village, stretches along both sides of the Tongariro River, and there are 2,683 acres under development. The whole of the area is grazed with sheep and cattle' which are being used to consolidate the pastures and clean up the ragwort, blackberry, and other rubbish. During the year 250 acres were cleared and grassed, 800 acres top-dressed, 100 acres sown in turnips for winter feed, 350 chains of drains cleaned, 25,000 trees planted, 200 chains of roads reformed, a cottage erected, sheep-dip built, and riverbank protection-works carried out. At 31st March last, there were 2,937 sheep and 108 head of beef cattle on the property. At present the Department is finding work for the unemployed Natives of the Korohe, TaurangaTaupo, and Pukawa lands. Subsidies from the Unemployment Board materially assisted these Natives in obtaining sustenance work in cleaning and draining land which will be gazetted for developmentthis year. SCHEMES IN THE BAY OF PLENTY DISTRICT. The following information of a general nature relating to lands under development in this district has been compiled from reports and statistical returns :— Acres. Total area of scheme land . . . . . . ~ .. 70 116 Area suitable for development .. .. .. .. 35 067 Area in permanent pasture . . . . . . .. .. 16 318 Area in rough feed .. . . .. .. .. 4 005 Area in crops .. .. .. .. ~ _ _ qq9 The number of schemes and units within the district, together with the number of Maoris deriving benefit therefrom, is as follows :— Total number of schemes .. .. .. .. . . 12 Total number of units .. .. .. . . ~ 279 Total number of adults .. . . .. .. .. 707 Total number of minors .. .. .. .. _ 1,187 Details of live-stock as at 31st March, 1936, are as under :— Bulls .. .. 300 Horses .. .. 441 Cows .. .. 6,292 Run cattle .. .. 688 Heifers •• •• 851 Sheep .. .. 5,160 Calves .. .. 754 Works undertaken during the. past year are summarized as follows : — Area cleared .. .. .. .. .. 3,058 acres. Area ploughed .. .. .. .. .. 1,489 acres. Draining (new) .. .. 3,147 chains. Dram cleaning .. .. .. .. .. 2,000 chains. Fencing (new) .. .. .. .. .. 6,000 chains. Fencing (repairs) .. .. .. .. .. 3,118 chains. Roadmg 266 chains. Splitting posts .. .. .. ..15,700 Splitting battens . . .. .. . , . . 58 080 Cottages erected . . .. . . . . .. 30 Cow-sheds completed . . . . .. . . . , 50 The above work has been carried out both with the assistance of unemployment funds and by units themselves, and is in addition to the general farm and station routine work. The following particulars of sales during the year do not include unit cull stock or farm produce other than butterfat: — Total Value. £ Butterfat .. .. . ... 878,2501b. 34,119 Wool .. .. .. .. .. 28,6161b. 831 Cattle .. .. .. .. 275 1,567 Sh eep 1,535 1,463

20

GK—lO.

During the year accounts have been adjusted on a number of schemes, and unallocated expenditure has been apportioned to the respective unit sections. Water-supply installation costs have also been adjusted, and settlers charged with a water-rate on a carrying-capacity basis. The replacement of dairy stock is a big item each year, and it is difficult to educate units to successfully rear their own replacements as they are apt to regard the feeding with new milk during the first few weeks of a calf's life as pure waste. As Ngatiawa becomes more developed and hay crops can be grown, it will probably be more economical to purchase weaner heifers and hold them until they come into profit rather than buy in-calf heifers each year. On the small farms such as at Ruatoki, it is problematical whether it is not more economical to milk to full capacity and replace by purchasing each year rather than rear the heifer calves for this purpose. The returns for the year under review show an improvement over previous years, and it should be possible after the next season to considerably curtail expenditure on a number of the, established units and to maintain their farms out of revenue. During the year the field stafi was strengthened by the appointment of an officer specially chosen for instructional work in stock-management and dairy-control. A graduate (B.Agr.Sc.) from the Massey Agricultural College, well equipped for carrying out this important function, was chosen, and has been attached to the Ruatoki scheme as Assistant Supervisor. A review of each undertaking comprising the Bay of Plenty group of schemes is give as under :—■ Ngatiawa. Named after the tribe occupying lands around Whakatane, this scheme comprises an area of 5,315 acres, of which 4,300 are suitable for development, 1,600 acres are in permanent pasture, and 700 acres in rough feed. Pastures and Crops.—The climatic conditions of the year under review have been ideal for this class of country, the rainfall being above the average, with the result that feed has been plentiful throughout the growing season. The pastures have stooled into a good sward and, providing topdressing is continued for another two years, there will be no danger of this country reverting to native grass and second growth. The area sown last autumn of approximately 200 acres is also coming into quite a good pasture, although for some time the fern was very thick, but after continual heavy stocking it appears to be well in hand. This portion was top-dressed with 2 cwt super, during the year. The rough feed is chiefly in the gullies on Eiver's block, and stands a good deal of feeding during the winter months. An area of 75 acres of turnips was sown with a little temporary mixture of grass, and this crop is a fair average one, and will be a good standby for hoggets and weaner cattle during the winter months. Stock. —The following stock was on the property at 31st March, 1936 : — Cattle— Sheep— £, :: :: :. m 65 Run cows 193 Wethers 83 Heifers .. .. ..123 Ewes .. .. .. 1,978 Calves .. .. .. 137 Hoggets .. .. .. 897 These tallies were taken after the autumn sales when all the surplus stock had been disposed of. All stock has done exceedingly well, and heavy cullings have been carried out during the past two years to improve the general standard. At the local sales the stock from this scheme topped the autumn fairs for both cattle and sheep. The grown sheep averaged 8| lb. wool, while the lambing percentage was 90 per cent. It is the practice to mate 400 aged ewes with black face rams, dispose of the lambs as fats, and cull the ewes. The balance of flock ewes are mated with Romney rams and retained for the purpose of keeping up the flock. The only trouble experienced among the sheep was facial eczema last autumn, and parasitic infestation with the hoggets. The latter were drenched, and all the badly affected ones culled out and sold. The cattle are principally straight black Polled Angus, and although a good strain, are shy breeders, the calving percentage not exceeding 50 per cent. It is proposed during the coming season to cross thirty cows with Herefords with the object of increasing the calving percentage. Work undertaken during past year. —The following is a summary of the work carried out apart from the general station routine : — (a) Fencing 300 chains new, 350 chains repair. (b) Draining 100 chains new, 1,400 chains repair. (c) Clearing 700 acres, second growth, rushes, lupin, &c. (d) Stumping and ploughing, 80 acres. (e) Sown in turnips, 73 acres. All pasture was top-dressed with 2 cwt. per acre. Sales.—Wool, 25,192 lb., gross value £725. Stock—Cattle, 78 head, gross value £396 ; ewes, 348 head, wethers, 108 head, lambs, 326 (stores), lambs, 239 (fats), gross value £1,038.

21

G.—lo

General.—-The following is quoted from the supervisor's report:— " Representation has been made to the Department to have this property subdivided and units established, but as the property is far from being fully developed I consider it would be a mistake for this to take place. The country is difficult to hold even when run as at present, but if cut into small sections it will be impossible to control. To enable a good pasture to be established it is necessary to first plough. A gcod deal of the country already surface sown is fast becoming covered with heather, and it will be necessary to plough and resow before one may expect any good returns to be derived from these areas. Probably the best method of bringing in the ploughable areas of this country is by first growing a root crop. Of the available labour, none of the workers have horses or implements and, during the past year, it was necessary for units from Ruatoki. scheme to do the team work. The question of top-dressing will also be somewhat difficult owing to the lack of horses for the purpose of packing. It may be necessary in the near future to go into the question of purchasing a team of horses and employing a teamster all the year round. " It is considered that in time to come any building-sites within the vicinity of the sea-front will be very valuable, and as there is quite a demand for such sections it is thought that the Department should ensure that no land be disposed of for this purpose for some time' to come." The number of workers employed on Ngatiawa during the year was 37, and the scheme supported 67 adults and 48 children. Ruatoki. Situated about ten miles from Taneatua and immediately south of the Opouriao Settlement, Ruatoki is one of the major development schemes in the Bay of Plenty district. The scheme maintains a population of 300 adults and 434 children belonging to the Tuhoe (or Urewera) tribe, and the number of units are at present 124, of whom 119 are suppliers to the Ruatoki branch of the Opouriao Dairy Factory. The total area is 31,309 acres, of which it is proposed to develop 10,000 acres. The area laid down in permanent pasture at the 31st March last was 5,048 acres and, in addition, 1,100 acres were in rough feed or temporary pasture. Two hundred and twelve acres were planted in maize. The absence of any pronounced drought during the year was responsible for the heavy and continuous growth of grass, but due to sunshine being below normal, the feeding value of the grass was not commensurate with its great bulk. Although the season produced a luxuriant crop of hay, much of the grass was spoiled during haymaking operations, and the supply of dry fodder for winter feed has consequently been affected. The aversion on the part of units to making ensilage is marked, and it will require much persuasion to overcome this prejudice, but nevertheless the introduction of ensilage for winter feed is most desirable, and greater areas should be devoted to this purpose. Units have been in the habit of taking their hay from the same paddock for several years in succession and, in some cases two crops per year, with the result that these pastures are deteriorating. As they were for the most part sown down in temporary feed, this result is inevitable, but, with permanent pastures now being sown, units should learn better methods of management. It will probably be most effective and least costly for units on the river flat to use a temporary mixture on their paddocks, as a short rotation will be essential so long as ragwort remains a serious menace. An extension of the area in lucerne could well be effected and would increase carrying-capacity. A small area of root crops on each section would be a factor in securing increased output, and is advocated as a method of improving the methods of husbandry. The dairying stock on the scheme at the 31st March, 1936, was as follows : 146 bulls, 2,462 cows, 369 heifers, 273 heifer calves, and 192 working-horses. The bulls and the majority of the young cows introduced through the scheme are of a good type, and when mature the latter promise to be reasonably good producers. Some sections are overstocked with unprofitable stock through the failure of the units concerned to cull at the proper time, and a special endeavour is being made to clear these culls as soon as possible. Stock generally is in good condition, and should come through the winter in good order. Some bad cases of mammitis have been encountered, and deaths have also occurred from ragwort poisoning, tympanites (bloat), calving troubles, and cows becoming bogged in unfenced drains. The importance of hygienic measures in the control of stock diseases is receiving attention, and units are encouraged to seek assistance in the early stages. The production per cow of butterfat, which is as follows, is gradually increasing, and this year stands at the highest figure in the history of the scheme.

22

v _ Total Total Number of Number Butterfat Return eali Butterfat. Returns. Cows. milking. per Cow. per Cow. lb. £ lb. £ s. d. 1931-32 .. .. .. .. .. 1,010 .. 5 15 6 1932-33 .. .. .. .. •• ■■ 1,310 178 5 19 10 1933-34 .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,754 173 5 3 10 1934-35 .. .. .. 261,330 9,626 2,018 1,707 153 5 12 9 1935-36 .. .. .. 387,858 15,758 2,462 1,994 195 7 18 0

G.—lo.

It must be borne in mind that the milking-stock on the scheme is largely immature, and these have not reached the height of their capacity for yield. The grading for last season was approximately as follows :— Cream : 15 per cent, super ; 75 per cent, first grade ; 10 per cent, second grade. Milk : 80 per cent, first grade ; 20 per cent, second grade. The greatest trouble is experienced in securing high-grade products in the flush of the season, when high night temperatures have a serious deleterious effect on the milk and cream, due to the lack of adequate cooling facilities. An advance in the direction of providing sufficient running water for cooling as well as cleansing utensils, and drinking water, is urgently required, and would be well repaid. Feed-flavour is apparent in much of the milk and cream from the Ohaua and Ngahina areas, due to the rapid growth of clover in the spring and summer months, and is responsible for the low grade of this produce. Apart from improved pasture-management, this can only be counteracted by cooling facilities. An attempt to stimulate interest in better shed and general farm-management is being made by the organization of meetings of units, at which these problems are dealt with and discussed. Good progress has been made with the new buildings which were included in the estimates for the year under review. A lean-to implement-shed, and a small tool-shed were erected adjacent to the store-shed ; 35 cow-sheds have been completed, and 6 others started ; 6 cottages have also been built. Building is advancing rapidly, and no difficulty should be experienced in completing the 51 sheds and 30 cottages for which provision was made. The housing position is still far from ideal but, assuming higher prices are obtained for dairy produce, cottages may be provided in the more urgent cases, and a higher proportion of the butterfat cheque called up. The extensive shingle river-flats and uncultivated areas higher up the river valley form ideal conditions for the spread of ragwort; on the hills, and in parts where it is difficult to control, this weed has a serious hold, necessitating effective measures on the part of settlers. Blackberry is of minor importance on the scheme, and only a few bushes are to be found. Work for the past year includes— (a) Fencing. —1,436 chains of new fencing and 1,600 chains of repairs to existing fences. (h) Draining.—l,442 chains of drains have been excavated and approximately 100 chains of feeding drains opened up or cleaned. (e) Clearing, stumping, «fee. —Scrubcutting, clearing, and burning 152 acres was undertaken, together with 61 acres of stumping. (d) Ploughing and cultivation.—l9B acres were worked under unemployment contracts, and the total area in crops on the scheme was 238| acres. (e) Ragwort control. —Men were employed on the river-bed at various times throughout the summer months to apply a sodium chlorate-lime mixture to the ragwort growing on infested ground, and thus prevent wholesale spread to clean land. The scheme is on a very sound basis. Advances on sections are well secured with a reasonable margin of safety. Units are, nevertheless, generally slow to take full advantage of the opportunity offered them to make the best use of their land, and become self-supporting as far as maintenance of their sections is concerned. They are not motivated by the aims of economic self-sufficiency to anything like the extent that these aims operate in the case of European farmers. It is therefore extraordinarily difficult to impart lasting enthusiasm for better farming methods. The tribal customs are still strong in the district, and interfere to a considerable extent with general farm work. Considering the relatively short time the scheme has been opeiating, this is to be expected. The response of the younger generation to the opportunities offered is disappointing in the main, one reason probably being that they are forced to work in the shed at too early an age. In the past this has meant exposure to all weathers in the rough milking-sheds, but with the improved conditions on the farm this difficulty should be overcome. The scheme is overrun by indiscriminately-bred dogs, many of which are kept for the purpose of pig-hunting. Better control of these animals must be obtained, and the destruction of all unregistered dogs carried out. The lack of shelter for the stock from the cold southerly winds in winter and early spring, and the prevailing north-easterly wind throughout the major part of the year, is a serious drawback to the scheme. A start has been made in the direction of remedying this difficulty, and trees planted two years ago are thriving. A programme of further planting has been planned to cover the next five years, and as much as possible should be done in the coming planting season to fill gaps in the present plantations and, where fencing material is available, to plant new shelter belts. Due to the wet season, the high level of water in the river has precluded work being carried out on construction of groins at points designed to prevent further encroachment by floods. If opportunity offers this work will be pushed ahead immediately, and willows planted on the river-bed in an endeavour to reclaim portions of the area eroded by previous flooding. Waiohau. Satisfactory progress has been made during the year in the development of this scheme, which comprises a total area of 7,425 acres situated on the Rangitaiki River, about, twenty-eight miles inland from Whakatane. The area in permanent pasture is 410 acres, in rough feed 100 acres, in turnips 70 acres, and in maize 50 acres. In addition, 900 acres have been cleared ready for ploughing, and it is proposed to develop in all 3,290 acres. The established pasture has thickened out into a good sward with all the ground well covered, and the beneficial result from top-dressing with 3 cwt. super, is apparent.

23

G.—lo.

This scheme is still in the developmental stage, and is maintaining thirty-one adults and fortyseven minors. During the past year two units have been milking and supplying the dairy factory, and the scheme has provided work for twenty-three Maoris. Ragwort is the only noxious weed of any consequence, and this has been kept well in check by pulling and spraying with sodium chlorate. A few patches of gorse along the river bank will be grubbed during the coming year. The only water-supply is provided by creeks, drains, and the Rangitaiki River ; every endeavour is made to arrange fencing in order that each paddock has its own supply of water. The scheme is at present carrying 407 wethers, which will be sold as fats during the autumn, and 110 three-year in calf Jersey cross heifers have recently been purchased for milking during the following season. During the year i 25 bullocks were purchased and sold, and 500 hoggets and 170 ewes were grazed from Ngatiawa scheme. Now that the results of development are becoming apparent the Natives are taking more interest in the working of their scheme. Six units will be established with herds during the 1936-37 season, when the approximate number of cows to be milked will be 180. Whakatohea (including Hinahinanui) . Members of the Whakatohea tribe are located on this scheme, which comprises a total area of 2,446 acres situated in the Opotiki district. Of this area it is proposed to develop about 2,000 acres, and at present 1,188 acres are in pasture, and 110 acres in rough feed. The number of units who are milkers and suppliers to the dairy factory is 33, and including dependants, the scheme maintains 83 adults and 138 minors. At the end of the year under review, the stock returns were as follows : 48 bulls, 805 cows, 52 heifers, 100 heifer weaners (natural increase reared), and 53 working horses. Field reports indicate that the dairy stock wintered well considering the heavy frosts experienced on the table lands and the unfavourable weather which extended well into September. Since then good climatic conditions have prevailed, and the milk supplied has been satisfactory. All dairying-herds were inspected during the year, and all diseased unprofitable cows culled. With the exception of a few cases of mammitis, very little disease was noticed, and units have been given proper instruction in the treatment of affected stock. The grasslands have received careful attention during the year, and the quality and of feed grown has been exceptionaUy good, due no doubt to the improved methods of grassing, manuring, and general pasture-management carried out by the units. As in the case of other schemes in the coastal district, settlers have experienced great difficulty in harvesting their hay crops owing to continual rains, but the majority of the units have been able to save one or more stacks of hay or ensilage, and others who have not made any provision for winter, have on hand maize stalks or areas in rough grass which can be used during the winter. The housing conditions of the settlers have been improved by the erection of sixteen cottages during the year, but there is still a number of cases where units are living in huts and dilapidated whares. Provision will be made in the estimates for the coming season for the erection of a further ten cottages. Development operations undertaken during the year included 945 chains of new fencing, 316 chains of new draining, 105 acres bushfelling and scrubbing, 51 acres surface sowing in pasture, 133 acres ploughing and sowing down in pasture. For fencing, 2,340 posts and 10,600 battens were supplied and packed to the lines. Ragwort is still noticeable on the river-beds, but is kept under control by spraying with sodium chlorate. The general standard and cleanliness of dairy-sheds and utensils is good, and the grading of cream supplied from the majority of the holdings has been satisfactory. The following butterfat table is supplied : —

Note. —The figures for 1935-36 are to the 31st March only. As the season, does not end until the 31st May the average should be over 185. Opape Base Farm. This farm was established as a base for the breeding and supplying of dairy stock to the Native settlers in the Bay of Plenty district. The, total area is 1,072 acres, of which approximately 800 acres are suitable for development. At the 31st March last 275 acres were in permanent pasture, 50 acres in rough feed, 5 acres in lucerne, 23 acres in turnips, 3 acres in maize, and 12 acres in millet. The land is a portion of the Opape Block, situated eight miles from Opotiki on the Coast road to Cape Runaway, and was under lease for a term of forty-two years from the Ist July, 1920. The lessee's interest was acquired by the Department in July, 1931,

24

Season 1932-33. Season 1933-34. Season 1934-35. Season 1935-36. Recorded number of cows milked .. . . 330 419 341 487 Total butterfat supplied .. .. .. 61,869 1b. 77,717 1b. 61,0601b. 80,0791b. Average yield per cow .. .. .. 1811b. 1851b. 1761b. 1651b. Average value of butterfat per cow .. £8 Is. Od. £6 17s. 9d. £7 5s. 6d. £6 8s. 6d.

Gk—lo.

The supervisor reports that there has been a good growth in the pastures for the year under review. Heavy rainfall was experienced in the spring and summer, resulting in a plentiful supply of grass which, however, was of little feed value until late in the season, owing to the continual wet weather and the rank condition of the pasture. A number of the paddocks were cut for hay and ensilage but, owing to the excessive rain, the hay saved was not up to the usual standard. Millet sown on an area of new ground gave very satisfactory feeding results, and was hard grazed for four months, when it was reworked and sown down in grass. All pastures were top-dressed with 3 cwt. superphosphate in the spring, and the flats were treated with a dressing of basic slag in the autumn, resulting in a good dense sward of dark green colour. In addition to the general farm work during the year, an area of 74 acres was cleared and partially stumped, and part of this was ploughed and sown in millet preparatory to laying down in permanent pasture. An area of 23 acres was also sown in turnips. The stock wintered exceedingly well and little trouble was experienced with disease. At the 31st March the following stock was running on the farm : 199 dairying cattle, 183 sheep, 15 pigs, and 3 horses. The total supply of butterfat for the year was 22,0301b., averaging 202 lb. per cow. The grading over the whole season has been well up to standard, the chief trouble experienced being with first-grade butter which had feed-flavours. During the year herd-testing was carried out with interesting results. On the basis of all cows in milk for 239 days, the yield ranged from 412 lb. to 104 lb. butterfat, the average being 222 lb. This farm is now reaching the profit-earning stage, and the area developed could be subdivided into six holdings. Tor ere. The lands of the Ngatai tribe are embraced in this scheme, which comprises a total area of 3,508 acres, situated near Opotiki. It is proposed to develop 3,000 acres suitable for dairy-farming. At present 1,900 acres are in permanent and temporary pasture. The land ranges from river-flats to terraces and easy hills capable, under proper treatment and regular top-dressing, of producing good pastures. Portions of the permanent grass lands have considerably improved in quality and condition during the past twelve months, especially on the higher levels, where ragwort was so prevalent during the early stages of development. This weed is now chiefly confined to the Torere River flats and is difficult to cope with, as it is being continually brought down by floods from the higher country outside the scheme boundaries, and the seeds deposited on the river-flats. Top-dressing with sodium chlorate has been undertaken frequently over the total aflected area, and it is gratifying to note that this pest has at last been checked from spreading further afield. The supervisor considers that, with active co-operation on the part of the settlers, ragwort can now be kept under control with a diminishing effort each year. Although a larger area of pasture than usual was reserved for hay, the exceptional showery weather experienced on the coast during the harvesting season spoiled a considerable portion of the crops, and the actual 'quantity saved was not as great as anticipated. Considering the growth of ragwort the stock wintered well, and it is worthy of note that only two cows died from poisoning, although the losses during the preceding year from the same cause were heavy. An abundance of feed has been available for all stock throughout the summer, and at the close of the year under review the cattle were in good condition, and during the year the dairy herds were carefully inspected and all diseased or unprofitable stock culled. The stock returns at the 31st March, 1936, were as follows : 31 bulls, 754 cows, 208 heifers, 13 steers, 30 working bullocks, and 56 horses. _ The increase in dairy cattle over the previous year is 43 cows and 73 heifers. There are now 34 units on the scheme, of whom 32 are milking and supplying the dairy factory. The total number of persons dependent on these settlers is 63 adults and 124 children. Provision for a suitable water-supply has been made by damming the creek and by ramming the water to a large reservoir, from which it is reticulated to the various unit holdings. A summary of the work undertaken during the past year includes 285 chains of new fencing, 250 chains fencing repairs, splitting 4,650 posts and 17,000 battens, opening up 60 chains new drains, cleaning and deepening 95 chains of draining, felling 145 acres of bush, stumping 92 acres, ploughing 105 acres, and sowing down in pasture 161 acres. The following table, showing the supply and grading of butterfat since the 1932-33 season, is of interest:—

The cream grading has been fair, although during the early part of the season feed-flavours caused by the exceptional heavy growth of pasture were evident. The extensive repairs and renovations undertaken during the year to the majority of the settlers' cow-sheds will undoubtedly assist them in

4 —Gr, 10.

25

1932-33. 1933-34. 1934-35. 1935-36. Average number of cows milked .. 499 631 507 671 Total butterfat supplied .. .. 81,407 1b. 94,038 1b. 76,739 1b. 118,998 1b. Value of butterfat .. .. .. £3,164 £3,479 £2,482 £4,632 Value of butterfat per cow .. .. £6 6s. 9d. £5 10s. 3d. £4 18s. Od. £6 18s. Od. Average yield per cow .. .. 163 lb. 149 lb. 151 lb. 176-6 lb.

G.—lo,

supplying cream of better quality. Sheds and utensils are in the main kept clean and in good working condition, and the units generally take a personal pride in the state of their dairies. Although to some extent inexperienced in practical farming, the general working standard of the Torere people is good. They are keen to progress, and with constant and individual supervision, which at present is essential, their scheme should become a successful venture. Maraenui. This scheme is located around the mouth of the Motu River, which flows into the Bay of Plenty southwards of Te Kaha. The total area is approximately 1,500 acres, of which it is proposed to develop 800 acres. At present an area of 100 acres is in permanent pasture and a further 250 acres in rough feed. In addition, 60 acres were cropped during the season in maize. There are no established units on Maraenui as the scheme is still in the course of development, but ten Natives are employed, and altogether eighteen adults and twenty-four children derive some benefit from the undertaking. The pastures on the flats have been top-dressed, and feed has been plentiful throughout the year. The maize crop suffered in the early stages from floods, and after going into cob was damaged by severe storms and heavy rains which were experienced in the district. A plague of caterpillars then stripped the stalks of all the leaves. Ragwort and blackberry are very prevalent on this area, and are kept in check by cutting, grazing, and spraying. Providing the ragwort can be eradicated, the flats will in time make good dairy-farms, but it will be necessary to graze sheep for the next few years, and during the last season 300 in-lamb ewes were carried. The returns from 263 lambs and 96 ewes —■ 1,898 lb. wool, amounting to £63 —were very satisfactory considering the sheep were off ragwortinfested country. Owing to the scarcity of labour, difficulty was experienced in carrying out the programme for the year, but the following works were undertaken : 40 chains new fencing, 60 chains repairs to fences, clearing and stumping 62 acres, ploughing and working down 62 acres, and roading 20 chains. Note. —Under the general heading of Te Kaha is comprised a group of schemes extending along the Bay of Plenty coast from Motu River to Cape Eunaway. In previous G-.-10 statements Maraenui is referred to as a section of Te Kaha, but for the purpose of this report it is treated as being a separate development scheme. Omaio. Comprising an area of 2,179 acres, this scheme is situate on Omaio Bay, and joins the Maraenui scheme in the Bay of Plenty district. It is proposed to develop 1,900 acres, and at present 1,220 acres are in permanent and temporary pasture. Eighteen units have been established on Omaio, seventeen of whom are supplying cream to the Te Kaha Dairy Factory. The number of persons dependent upon the scheme is forty-four adults and eighty-three minors. Following a late spring, ideal weather conditions prevailed, and feed was plentiful throughout the summer, the majority of units being able to save one or more stacks of hay for winter use. Ratstail is prevalent, especially on the terrace lands, but methods now being adopted in regard to top-dressing, harrowing, and closer grazing will ultimately kill this undesirable grass. The temporary pastures are of poor quality, being thickly infested with blackberry and other weeds, but 150 acres of this area was stumped and cleared during the year in readiness for cultivation next season. The dairy herds were culled during the year, and all unprofitable stock sold. The number of cows milked during the flush season was 343, the butterfat supplied 53,795 lb., and the average per cow £6 7s. lOd. For the previous season 311 cows were milked. All units now milking have been equipped with first-class dairy-sheds, and utensils are kept in fair order considering the scarcity of water. Water systems, consisting of concrete dams and pipe-lines, are now being installed, and these improvements should result in better cream grading. Other works undertaken during the year include the erection of 548 chains of boundary and subdivisional fencing, opening up 87 chains of new drains, clearing and scrubbing 41 acres of second growth, stumping and clearing 205 acres of heavy manuka and blackberry, ploughing 40 acres, and splitting fencing material. Four cottages were erected, and the majority of the settlers are now comfortably housed. With the exception of a few of the units the general farm work throughout the season has been quite satisfactory, and a general improvement is noticeable, but close supervision and instruction in proper dairying methods is essential to the progress of this scheme. Te Kaha. This scheme is located at Te Kaha, on the Bay of Plenty, and comprises a total area of 2,966 acres, of which 2,400 acres are suitable for development. At present 1,105 acres are in permanent and temporary pastures, including 293 acres sown in grass during the year. There are now twenty-five units established on the scheme, twenty-four of whom are milking and supplying cream to the Te Kaha Dairy Company, and, in addition, five prospective settlers are also suppliers to the factory. Thirty-four adults and ninety-nine minors are dependent on these workers.

26

G.—lo.

Owing to heavy rainfall and excessive cold winds, little growth was noticed in any,of the pastures until October, but since then favourable weather conditions prevailed and feed was plentiful. Continual showers, however, affected the harvesting period, and crops of hay were damaged and went into the stacks in poor condition. Units do not as yet appreciate the necessity for conserving winter feed, although the majority saved one or more stacks of hay during thejyear, but sufficient areas are in rough grass to tide them over until next season. During September and March a top-dressing of 2 cwt. to 3 cwt. of superphosphate per acre was applied to all permanent pastures, and this treatment, in conjunction with harrowing and closer grazing, has improved the quality of the grass. The dairying stock came through the winter in only fair condition, due chiefly to the excessively cold weather experienced, but some of the settlers failed to take the care and interest that is required with cattle during these months. The incidence of mammitis, due in some cases to neglect, was noticeable during the flush months of the milking season, and in all cases units were advised and instructed in regard to treatment. Very few other diseases were reported, and in the autumn all herds were carefully culled, and diseased or unprofitable stock sold. At the 31st March the following stock was on the scheme : 508 cows, 18 bulls, 96 heifers, 14 steers, 18 working bullocks, and 30 horses. The butterfat-production table for the past five years is as follows : —

* 1935-36 figures are to 31st March only. A good water system supplies twenty separate farms, four additional houses, and a meeting-house. A check upon undue wastage is exercised by a committee which acts in conjunction with the supervisor. During the year a considerable amount of development work was undertaken, including 590 chains of new fencing ; 93 chains of new drains ; clearing, stumping, and grubbing 375 acres of scrub, blackberry, manuka, and light bush ; ploughing 145 acres ; and roading about 25 chains. In addition, 45 acres of the Waiorore section were ploughed and sown in maize, and 170 acres was surface sown in grass. The lack of co-operation among the settlers is noticeable on this scheme, which is difficult to manage, and there is a tendency on the part of the units themselves to rely too much on the younger members, especially in regard to milking and general farm maintenance. It is hoped that, with close and sympathetic supervision, units will be encouraged to realize the benefits of closer development and intensified production. Note. —Reference to this section of the Te Kaha development area was contained in previous G.-10 statements under the heading of " Te Kaha Proper." Orete. Farther along the Bay of Plenty coast, the Orete scheme is marked on the map by a point of the same name jutting out into the sea. Its total area is 4,774 acres, of which it is proposed to develop some 3,600 acres. At present 1,620 acres are in permanent pasture and a further 290 acres in rough feed. In addition, 68 acres were cropped during the year. Twenty-three units have now been established, all of whom, with the exception of one, are suppliers to the Te Kaha Dairy Factory. The number of persons dependent on these settlers is thirty adults and ninety minors. Old settlers in this district state that the flush of grass experienced during the late spring and summer months has been phenomenal, and there has been a super-abundance of feed on the scheme. The general standard and quality of all pasture lands that have been ploughed and sown down is good, and ratstail and danthonia, so noticeable two years ago, have now almost completely disappeared, due to correct top-dressing, grass harrowing, and systematic grazing. Unfortunately, haymaking operations were marred by excessive wet weather, and the settlers experienced great difficulty in harvesting their crops satisfactorily, with the result that a considerable amount of hay perished before reaching the stacking stage. The ultimate amount saved exceeded that of the previous season, but, owing to these conditions, the quality was not as good. The live-stock returns at the 31st March were : 713 cows, 141 heifers, 23 bulls, 46 calves, 22 working bullocks, 970 sheep, and 56 working horses. All stock was fairly well cared for during the winter months, which were very cold and wet, and the majority of the dairy cows were in profit by the end of September. During the year each dairying herd was inspected, and all diseased and unprofitable cows were culled. Apart from a few cases of mammitis, very little disease was noticed, and units were instructed in regard to the treatment of this complaint. The grading of cream has been very fair, considering the unavoidable delays in delivery to the factory owing to floods in the Raukokore River, which has to be forded. This river is only fordable near the mouth, and after a flood the shingle formation becomes so dangerously soft that it is often two or three days before the cream lorry can cross over. It has been a common occurrence for the service to be suspended, owing to this cause, for several days in the flush of the season, when daily deliveries are

27

Item. 1931-32. 1932-33. 1933-34. 1934r-35. 1935-36.* Total butterfat supplied .. .. 25,361 1b. 34,088 1b. 11,863 lb. 32,390 1b. 57,937 1b. Value of butterfat .. .. £852 £887 £1,086 .. £1,841 Average per cow .. .. .. .. .. .. 122-2 lb. 152 lb. Recorded number of cows milked over .. .. .. 265 381 flush months of season

a.—lo.

essential for the best grading results. Since the inception of this scheme the supply of butterfat has steadily increased, as evidenced by the following table : —

* To 31st March, 1936, only. . A high-pressure pump and engine, by means of which water is pumped from the Waiokaha Stream to a reservoir and reticulated to the individual holdings, was installed in December, and one result of an adequate water-supply was an increase of 37,211 lb. in butterfat over the previous season. Since there has been a proper supply of water the improved condition of dairy sheds and utensils has been marked. In addition to ordinary farm-maintenance, new works undertaken during the year included 330 chains of new fencing, opening up 97 chains of new drains, cleaning 90 chains of existing drains, stumping 34 acres, scrubbing and clearing 124 acres, and ploughing 103 acres of which 35 acres were sown in permanent pasture. The progress achieved on this scheme is regarded as being satisfactory, the settlers are industrious, and a number of the holdings show promise of becoming first-class dairyfarms. Note. —In previous G.-10 statements reports on this scheme appear under the heading of "Te Kaha - Orete No. 1 Section." The area shown in 1935 was 1,389 acres, but during the year under review there has been a revision of the boundaries, and Te Wliaiti —previously shown as another' section of Te Kaha —has been included. Whangaparaoa. Beyond Orete, and a few miles south-east of Cape Runaway, is situated the Whangaparaoa scheme, comprising 3,748 acres, of which 1,567 acres are under development. At present 755 acres are in permanent grass and 770 acres in temporary pastures. The scheme supports fourteen units, twentyone adult dependants, and fifty-eight minors, and twelve settlers supply cream to the Te Kaha Dairy Factory. Climatic conditions throughout the year were similar to those experienced on other schemes in this district, and the effect on pastures, winter feed, cream supply and grading was practically the same. Up to the 31st March the total butterfat supplied for the past season was 56,260 lb., an increase of 16,495 lb. over the full season for 1934-35. The stock returns at 31st March, 1936, were as follows : 427 cows, 81 heifers, 42 heifer weaners, 12 bulls, 25 bullocks, 8 steers, 22 working horses, and 407 sheep. The general care and treatment of live-stock has been very fair. Owing to the Raukokore River not being bridged, there have been delays during floods in transporting cream to the factory, and the grading has consequently suffered on occasions. The living conditions of the people are being improved by the erection of cottages under the supervision of the Public Works Department, arrangements are in train for the installation of a proper water-supply, drains are being cut and new fences erected, and the scheme is generally progressing satisfactorily. The willingness of the majority of the units to co-operate with the field officers is a pleasing feature, and with close supervision they show promise of becoming successful farmers. Note. —Previous reports on this scheme appear in G-.-10 statements under the heading of " Te Kaha - Whangaparaoa Section." Te Piki. Adjoining Whangaparaoa, this scheme is still in the earlier stages of development, and there are no established units. There is, however, a population of forty-four adults and forty minors living on the settlement, and of the former, twenty-four are workers. The total area gazetted is 4,245 acres, of which it is proposed to develop about 1,000 acres. At present 310 acres are in permanent pastures and 400 acres in rough feed. Previously a number of culled cows from other schemes were held on this property, but the area in pasture is now stocked with 100 bullocks which will have a beneficial effect on the English grasses. The following is a summary of work undertaken during the past year : — Fencing. —597 chains were erected and repaired with very little material cost. Draining.—l 33 chains of new drains were excavated. Clearing. —308 acres of ti-tree, scrub, and rushes. Splitting. —1,500 posts and 12,000 battens. It is considered that the scheme should settle seven units within the next four years. Note. —The reference to this scheme in G.-10, 1935, appears under the heading of " Te Kaha."

28

Item. 1932-33. ! 1933-34. 1934-35. 1933-36.* I Total butterfat supplied .. .. 33,127 1b. 58,930 1b. 57,082 1b. 94,293 1b. Average number of cows milked . . .. .. 483 484 Average per cow . . .. . . .. .. 118 lb. 194 lb. Total value of butterfat supplied .. £976 £1,567 .. £3,388

a.—io,

Schedule showing recorded Butterfat and Cows milked on Seventeen Main Rotorua Schemes.

Summary of Returns and Information Relative to Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Development Schemes. Total area gazetted .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 132,490 acres. ~ estimated as suitable for development .. .. .. .. 69,573 „ „ in grass .. .. .. .. .. .. 31,740 acres „ under other cultivation .. .. .. .. 1,658 ~ „ in rough grass .. .. .. .. .. 8,675 ~ „ at present under development .. .. .. 42,073 „ Number of units established on definite tenure .. .. .. 317 ~ units on defined sections but tenure not settled . . . . 53 ~ other loan accounts raised . . .. .. . . 59 429 ~ men and youths assisted with employment during year .. . . 916 ~ adults and minors, including above 916, who received benefit from scheme lands during year — Adults .. .. .. .. .. . . . . 1,536 Minors . . . . .. . . • .. . . .. 1,942 Live-stock : Units and Scheme, — On hand at 31st March, 1936— Dairy stock .. . . . . .. .. 11,016 Beef stock .. .. .. .. .. 3,327 Sheep .. .. .. . . .. .. 34,676 Horses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 525 49,544 Pigs are property of Natives and no record is kept. Work undertaken during year, — Fencing — New .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,113 chains. Repairs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 3,075 „ Draining— New .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,737 Repairs .. .. .. . . .. . . .. .. 3,390 ~ Clearing second growth : ragwort and new country .. . . .. 8,387 acres. Ploughing and cultivating .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,205 ~ Roading and repairs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,146 chains. Cottages erected .. .. . . . . . . .. .. 38 Cow-sheds erected . . .. .. .. .. . . . . 66 Wool-shed and shearers' quarters .. .. . . . . . . 1 Sheep-dips . . .. . . .. . . .. .. .. 3 Cash receipts for year — Butterfat .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £24,054 Cattle .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £13,007 Wool .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £6,396 Sheep .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £15,420 Crops .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £458 Sundries .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £5,170 — £64,505 Total poundage butterfat recorded for year from 6,321 cows . . . . .. 1,139,500 lb. Average poundage fat per cow over all areas .. . . .. .. 180 „

29

1932-33. 1933-34. 1934-35. 1935-36. Scheme. Butterfat. Butterfat. Butterfat. t ~-?, WS q Butterfat. milked. milked. milked. milked. ■ i lb. lb. lb. lb. 1. Horohoro N'Tuara .. 29,400 .. 41,509 286 41,981 243 62,084 365 2. Horohoro Rongomaipapa .. 35,697 .. 45,034 289 41,098 280 48,409 316 3. Horohoro Tuliourangi .. .. .. .. .. .. •• 6,368 50 4. Parekarangi .. .. •• ■■ 3,886 .. 4,115 .. 6,801 52 5. Peka .. .. .. •• •• •• •• •• 4,265 25 6. Waikaukau .. .. .. .. •• •• •• •• 10,163 80 7 Tikitere.. .. .. 5,019 .. 33,724 169 34,381 180 47,491 250 8. Maketu 60,847 358 69,375 352 9. Pukaingataru .. .. .. .. .. .. 8,500 .. 13,294 70 10 Ruatoki .. .. 232,367 1,310 303,506 1,754 261,330 1,707 387,858 1,994 11. Whangaparaoa .. .. 13,939 92 33,941 239 39,-765 285 56,260 362 12. Opape Base Farm .. .. .. 23,796 110 23,119 108 22,030 109 13 Omaio .. .. 22,029 202 33,700 311 53,795 343 14. Orete and Te Waiti .. 33,127 274 58,930 393 57,082 483 94,293 484 15 Wliakatokea .. .. 61,869 330 77,717 419 61,060 341 80,079 487 16. Torere .. .. .. 81,407 499 94,038 631 76,739 507 118,998 671 17. Te Kalia Proper .. .. 34,088 249 41,863 345 32,390 265 57,937 381 526,913 2,754 779,973 4,837 776,107 5,068 1,139,500 6,391

Gh—lo,

TAIRAWHITI MAORI LAND DISTRICT. Extending from Hick's Bay in the north to beyond Mohaka in the south, the Native land development schemes in the East Coast, Poverty Bay, and Wairoa districts embrace a wide area of fertile lands, territories of the Ngati-Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhakaata, and a section of the Ngati-Kahungunu peoples. The Tairawhiti district may be regarded as the birth-place of the present policy of developing and settling the lands of the Natives and assisting them in their farming operations —a policy which has for its ultimate settlement of the Maori himself as a self-supporting member of the community ; the keynote to the achievement of this goal being the re-establishment of the mana or prestige of the tribes which had been deranged with the advent of the civilization of the pakeha. The vision and understanding, which was the basis of the Native land development legislation of 1929, seemed to fan the co-operative spirit of the Maori into activity under the guidance of such policy. During the pioneering period, when the colony was in the active process of development, the Maoris were content to seek such occupation as was necessary to satisfy their simple needs on works of a public nature, or on European lands in the process of settlement, but meanwhile their own ancestral territories remained idle and undeveloped under common ownership. The vesting of Native blocks in the East Coast Trust, the Native Trustee, and certain special trusts, created for the purpose of liquidating the affairs of Maori estates, led to the preservation and gradual development of certain of these areas in the Gisborne district; prior to 1925, the incorporation of owners and consolidation of interests enabled large tracts of country to be brought into cultivation, and with limited assistance from State Departments and lending institutions, sheep-farming was engaged in by the Natives ; the year 1925 marked a forward move when dairying operations were commenced in the Waiapu district with the establishment of the Ngati-Porou Dairy Factory at Ruatoria ; but with the passing of development legislation in 1929, there still remained scattered but extensive interests of virgin or partially cultivated Native lands occupied by the owners. The settlement of these Native lands by means of State development schemes was commenced in the East Coast district in January, 1930, when an area of 13,762 acres was gazetted as being subject to the development provisions of the Act of 1929, and the Mohaka scheme was undertaken. Following this scheme, other blocks were brought under development, and to-day there are seven of these schemes in operation for the settlement of lands owned by the Maoris. Covering a wide area of 59,234 acres of good pasture lands, on which 155 units have already been established, and ten areas are still being farmed as sheep-stations, the success of these schemes is already assured, and with helpful supervision and the continued industry of the people, the consummation of the ideals embodied in the land-settle-ment policy should be realized. In reviewing the activities of the past year, the arranging and supervision of contracts for the relief of unemployed Natives provided necessary labour on the development schemes, and, in addition, assisted the owners of interests in scattered private lands in farming their holdings. Without this assistance many acres of idle lands would otherwise have lain idle owing to the prevailing economic conditions, and it is anticipated that still further areas of these private lands will ultimately come under the development schemes and be brought into full production. The rainy season experienced, although beneficial from the point of view of butterfat production, was not favourable for sheep-farming, but nevertheless the wool clip of 610 bales,-which realized £6,822, may be regarded as being satisfactory. During the year twenty-two small residences and seventeen new cow-sheds were erected for units, and the following farming activities undertaken: thirty-nine miles of new fencing were erected, together with the reconstruction of fifteen miles of old fences, 400 acres were ploughed and cultivated, 3,182 acres were cleared of scrub, and thirty chains of river-protection work were carried out in order to prevent river erosion in certain localities, especially in the Waiapu district, where further areas of valuable land are threatened. Protection works of this nature may be regarded as a major activity, entailing substantial expenditure of capital, and consequently the units have been unable as yet to fully finance these works. The operations for the past year also cover the formation of five miles of public roads, and sixty chains of private roads. It is hoped with the aid of the Public Works Department to construct a further seventeen miles of very necessary access roads in the near future. In addition to work on development schemes, the supervision of unemployment relief contracts on areas not under such schemes was continued. The expenditure of £14,000 in this connection has greatly assisted the owners, and brought into production many acres of uncultivated lands which would otherwise have lain idle. Takatahu. " Takatahu " is the local name of the Whetumatarau No. 6 Block which, with the adjoining subdivision No. 5, comprises an area of 418 acres near Te Araroa, consisting of three parts flat and one part of steep hillsides. Prior to coming under the development provisions of the Native Land Act, the lands were included in an order of incorporation under Part XVII of the Act but were not utilized to any extent, and all but 100 acres were in standing bush. The property has been fully cleared and grassed, and to-day is in good pastures subdivided into fourteen paddocks. It is stocked as a dairying-run and the butterfat produced a return of £769 for the season. The live-stock at 31st March consisted of 7 pedigree bulls, 140 cows, 33 heifers (20 months), 44 weaners, 7 breeding sows, and 39 porkers and weaners. Takatahu is being run by the manager (a married man with five children) and three helpers, one of whom is also married with two dependants, and who is gaining experience with a view to later taking over one of the sections. It is estimated that three dairy-farms can be ultimately established on this scheme.

30

G.—lo.

Waiapu-Matakaoa. This " blanket " scheme consists of a number of small blocks in nowise connected except that, for convenience of accounting, they are grouped into one control account. Situated in and around Tikitiki and Ruatoria, near the East Cape in the two counties from which the name is derived —namely, Waiapu and Matakaoa —and embracing an area of 12,350 acres in which are included the tribal lands of the Ngati-Porou people, the block is being farmed by some 81 units with 479 dependants, while 4 new units are to be recommended for assistance this coming year. The people are mostly engaged in dairying, and a greater proportion of the farms comprise rich river-flats which, however, are subject to occasional floods and in places erosion. The aggregate of the developmental activity on the scheme for the year under review was as follows : 650 acres sown in grass, 175 acres of clearing, 1,360 chains of new fencing, with 640 chains of repairs to fences, 60 chains of new drains, and the erection of 17 houses and 10 cow-sheds. Particulars of the tallies of live-stock as at the 31st March last and the proceeds therefrom during the past season are enumerated hereunder : 7,924 sheep, 1,439 dairy cattle, 276 run cattle, and 71 horses. Receipts : wool-clip of 155 bales realized £1,575, stock sales amounted to £3,790, and the departmental receipts from butterfat were £1,106. Brief surveys of the state of development on the larger stations included in this area are as follows :—< Toetoe. —Extending from the coast at a point approximately half way between Te Araroa and the East Cape up the eastern bank of the Oruatua Stream for distance of nearly three miles, this property consists of good soil, and has a plentiful supply of water. The year's operations included the cutting and burning and sowing of 150 acres of light bush and scrub land, and two miles of new fencing were erected. The stock as at the end of the year included 1,900 ewes, 1,000 lambs, 150 rams and wethers, 150 station cows, 37 heifers, 60 calves, and 4 bulls, while the sales of stock returned £1,600. Kaiwaru. —This section is situated on the western bank, south of the confluence of the Oruatua and Wiiti Streams. During, the year 209 acres have been felled and grassed, making the area now in pasture 325 acres. In addition one mile of new fencing was erected, and further bushfelling is contemplated for this coming winter. The live-stock tally was 287 ewes, 10 rams, 29 steers, while the sales of live-stock produced £285. Marangairoa la, 2, 3, and 4. —Located nearly three miles south from Te Araroa on the eastern bank of the Awatere River, and comprising 494 acres, this section is worked as a sheep-station, with the exception of two or three areas of about forty acres each whereon the owners are dairying. The property is too steep for dairy-farming on a large scale. The stock at present being wintered on the station consist of 476 ewes, 228 lambs, 15 rams, 90 cows, 50 calves, and 3 bulls. The stock sales produced £466. Tapatu Waitangirua 2v,. —Situated in the Te Araroa district, and. extending over an area of 695 acres of good sheep and cattle country, this property is at present carrying 700 ewes, 550 lambs, 70 cows, 2 bulls, and 35 odd weaners, while sales of live-stock produced £622. At the time this section was included in the scheme in 1931, 210 acres of it had been cleared and grassed, since when the balance has been felled and grassed. The necessary fences and sheep-yards have also been erected. The progressiveness of this unit is exemplified in the fact that he was able to liquidate his indebtedness to the Department during the past year. Section 5, Block VIII, Mangaoporo Survey District. —Located eight miles from Tikitiki, up the Poroporo River valley road, and comprising 574 acres of fairly easy hills, of which about 300 acres are in English pasture (bushburn), the balance being in Native grasses, this property consists of good warm country fenced into four main paddocks and two smaller ones. The stock depasturing on the station at present consist of 940 ewes, 15 weathers, 700 lambs, 25 rams, and 128 dairy cattle ; the season's stock sales having realized £403. Section 10, Block VIII, Mangaoporo Survey District. —This property is managed by a capable farmer who has practically cleared off his liability to the Department. Adjoining the above-mentioned station, it comprises 258 acres of easy hills, now all in grass with the exception of shelter clumps. Inkweed is very prevalent, and fences are rather difficult to maintain as slips are frequent. The stock at present being carried consist of 440 ewes, 275 lambs, and 56 weaners, and the season's realizations from sales were £413. Remainder of Waiapu-Matalcaoa Scheme. —Comprising Tikitiki, Pahooterangi, Hinetiraha, Hahou, and Toetoe holdings, there are seventy-seven units established on this portion, all of whom are engaged in dairying on areas ranging in extent from 12 acres to 225 acres. These areas were carrying 1,100 head of cows and heifers. The larger sections are not yet fully developed, but generally they are making reasonable progress, and it is gratifying to record that the prospects for the coming winter are much brighter than for the same period last year. Poroporo. Some eight miles inland from Port Awanui, on the main East Coast road just north of the Waiapu River, the Poroporo scheme of an area of 5,449 acres of extremely fertile land is located. When this scheme was taken under development in the early months of 1930, it consisted for the most part of bush lands, with several slopes covered in fern and manuka. In the course of the subsequent two years, the bush was felled, grassed, subdivided, and fully stocked.

31

GL—lO,

To-day the block comprises eleven units, and the Uruahi Station —an area of some 1,789 acres — which is efficiently managed by a European. As far as this latter property is concerned there is little further development work required, and the farm is fully stocked. Exceptionally heavy rains occasioned damage to fences and tracks on the station necessitating protection-works in the creek below the residence, and the planting of trees on the portion showing a tendency to slip. The area in permanent grass is 2,337 acres, in temporary pasture 244 acres, and in other cultivation 23 acres. During the past season the following works were undertaken : 151 chains of new fences, 38 chains of drains, 30 acres of ploughing and cultivation, 89 acres of clearing, and the erection of three residences and three cow-sheds. The tallies of live-stock at 31st March last were recorded as 4,000 sheep, 650 run and 200 dairying cattle. The receipts for the season were as follows : 89 bales of wool, £928 ; the Department's share of butterfat returns from 23,434 lb., £216 ; and stock sales, £2,393. The carryingcapacity of the land is estimated at 4,000 sheep and 650 head of cattle. Although reasonable progress and results have been obtained this last year, the loan liabilities are not being reduced, but it is hoped to effect savings that will ensure a gradual reduction of these charges. Mohaka. Mohaka has the distinction of being the first scheme to be launched in the Tairawhiti district under the development legislation of 1929. Prior to 1930, the people—members of the Ngati-Pahauwera hapu of Kahungunu —were grazing sheep and dairying in a small way on their lands, which comprise parts of the Mohaka, Putere, Waihua, and Waipapa Blocks located on the East Coast adjacent to the Mohaka River. Developmental operations commenced in January, 1930, with the granting of financial assistance for fencing, clearing, cultivating, and stocking, the policy being the same as that adopted on Ranana, Ruatoki, and other unit schemes where the settlers were already established. The scheme now comprises an area of 19,709 acres on which forty-nine units with 269 dependants are engaged, principally in dairying. The Native farmers for the most part show great industry, and promise to make successful settlers, and it is intended to establish nine new units in the course of the ensuing year. In order to assist in clearing the land of blackberry, goats and sheep are also run on the scheme. On account of the light nature of the country, and the distance from bases of supply, progress is necessarily slow, but the prospects of successful settlement are reasonably good. Incidentally it may be mentioned that with the completion of the East Coast railway line as far as Mohaka, the transport costs of both live and dead stock should be greatly reduced. It is necessary to erect many more cowsheds, and the most urgent ones are being built each year, four having been erected during the period under review. Lack of water is a handicap on the whole of the Mohaka Block, but there are good springs on sidlings which can be boxed in and the water pumped to higher levels, and there are also some good creeks running in deep ravines where rams can be operated. The housing problem is still a big factor, and much remains to be done in this connection. It is proposed to build during the coming season several small cottages as designed by the Public Works Department, and this should partly alleviate the acute shortage of decent housing accommodation. The year's farming activities embraced the sowing of 1,000 acres in grass, 230 acres of cultivation, 868 chains of new fencing, together with repairs to 539 chains of fences, 1,420 acres of clearing, and 219 acres of ploughing. The dairy herds are in good condition, and the tallies as at the 31st March last were 1,410 dairy cattle, 3,744 sheep, 750 goats, and 57 horses. The wool clip of 42 bales realized £444, the Department's share of butterfat returns amounted to £1,752, and sales of live-stock were £725. As far as the genera! outlook of the Natives is concerned, consequent upon their participation under the Native land settlement scheme, it is apparent that they have benefited both in health and spirits, the improvement being most marked in the children. Included in the scheme is a base farm containing an area of 428 acres, which is now in the process of being subdivided for settlement into four farms, two of which will be available for allotment as unit holdings this coming year. The other two sections will be run conjointly for another year, until the necessary improvements can be made to warrant units being settled. Waihua. Formerly designated Ngamahanga, this area of Crown land was handed over for development in 1933, and comprises some 4,300 acres of sheep and cattle country situated between Mohaka and Wairoa. The block consists of pumice and fern country at the north, and good clay country in the middle and south. In January, 1933, when the area was taken over, it was carrying bush and scrub whicli had been cut but not burnt. To-day the station has 3,900 acres in grass, and was carrying as at the 31st March last 6,113 sheep, 397 cattle, and 8 horses. It is anticipated that the block will be carrying about 8,000 sheep and 400 cattle this coming winter, but this number is the estimated maximum capacity, and numbers will probably decrease as the pastures get older and native grasses predominate. The roads to this block are bad, vehicular traffic being possible only for a few months of the year. A wool-shed is under construction, and it is hoped to have it completed for the next shearing season. In the past sheep have had to .be driven seven miles for shearing. As a flock of ewes (1,000 five-year-olds) is now being carried, a shearing-shed is essential to the property.

32

Gk—lo.

Tie development work during the year has been confined to sowing an area of 100 acres in grass, 320 chains of new fencing, 20 acres of ploughing, and 220 acres of clearing. The wool-clip realized £1,900 from 156 bales, and live-stock sales produced £7,348, thus the total receipts for the past year amounted to £9,248. Generally the block is still being improved, and is worked as a run, the number of permanent employees being three adults and four minors. Kahungunu. Previously known as Mohaka Extension, this scheme comprises the balance of the Crown land portion of Mohaka Block handed over by the Lands Department in January, 1933, for developmental purposes. Primarily the land in this scheme was to be developed by and for the benefit of unemployed members of the Kahungunu tribe living in the Wairoa and Mahia districts, but a portion was reserved for units of the Ngati-Pahauwera hapu. Of the total area of 8,230 acres brought under the provisions of the Native Land Act, some 1,350 acres are now sown in permanent pasture while the remaining portion is mostly covered in blackberry, scrub, and light bush, which it is not intended to develop at the present time. The country is light and not easy to develop, but it is hoped that with heavy stocking and judicious manuring it will ultimately make reasonably good dairying land. The four Pahauwera units established are supporting a large number of dependants, and it is intended to allot four further holdings in the very near future when improvement in the pasture establishment has been effected and a system of water-supply installed. The area is well sheltered with belts of Pinus radiata, which are growing well. The following work was undertaken during the year : 250 acres of clearing, 130 acres of ploughing, 200 chains of new fencing, and 251 acres of sowing. Live-stock tallies at 31st March last were 944 sheep, 26 dairy cows, 32 run cattle, and 8 horses. The receipts were made up as follows : 12 bales of wool realized £143 ; live-stock sales amounted to £160, and the proportion of the cream cheque was £41. Tuparoa. Grouped for the most part between the Tuparoa Village and the northern boundary of the Akuaku Block, and between Whareponga Village on the sea side and the main highway, this scheme covers twenty-eight blocks, of an area of 8,777 acres, and comes under the category of a " blanket " scheme. The Tuparoa consolidation scheme was applied for in 1922, but as a result of unavoidable delays in determining the interests in the block it was 1929 before the Native Land Court finalized the titles of the land. Within the triangle denoted by Whareponga, Tuparoa, and Ruatoria, a large area went to the Crown and a number of titles went to the Native owners. The whole of the coastal area of this triangle was unfenced and covered with tauhinu and manuka, while various neighbouring stock overran the land. There were some small areas partly farmed, but not to a degree of efficiency. The first step towards the development of these blocks were taken in the winter of 1931. As part of an old sheep station, all these lands when taken over in 1931 carried fair sheep pasture and being of papa formation were eminently suitable for sheep and cattle. As at the 31st March last stock comprised 8,837 sheep, 1,077 run cattle, 243 dairy cows, and 12 horses. The main sheep-station is Whareponga, commonly called Repo Station, comprising 5,378 acres, on which are run some 7,500 sheep and 800 head of cattle. As stock losses have been heavy it is intended to erect further fences during the ensuing year. It has also been decided to replace the Polled Angus bulls with Herefords in the hopes of improving the calving percentages. On the other sheep-station, Akuaku A 12a, covering an area of 563 acres, there are some 500 sheep and 140 cattle. The progress over the past year has been satisfactory, excepting that two of the smaller units proved unsuitable and are being replaced. The works undertaken include 219 chains of new fencing, 4 acres of ploughing and cultivation, and 27 acres of scrubcutting. The wool clip of 156 bales exceeded last year's figure by 23 bales and realized £1,834. The other receipts were stock sales £2,616, and the Department's share of the cream cheques amounting to £400, the total production of butterfat being 14,949 lb.

Summary of Tairawhiti District Schemes.

s—a. 10.

33

Other Dependants. Live-stock. Area under Scheme.& Develop- Units. ment - Adults. Minors. Dairy. Sheep. Other. Acres. Takatahu .. .. 418 1 6 5 224 .. 46 W aiap u-Matakaoa .. 8,886 81 181 298 276 1,439 7,924 71 Poroporo .. .. 2,604 12 14 49 650 200 4,000 17 Tuparoa .. .. 8,504 9 27 30 1,077 243 8,837 12 I Goats I 7^0 Mohaka .. .. 7,481 49 109 160 .. 1,410 3,744 S Ho^ 1 57 Kaliungunu .. ..1,631 4 21 31 32 26 944 8 Waihua .. .. 4,000 .. 3 4 397 6,113 8 33,524 156 j 361 577 2,432 3,542 31,562 969

G—lo,

Return showing Cash Receipts for Year.

AOTEA MAORI LAND DISTRICT. Development operations in this district have been confined to the Ranana and Ohinepuhiawe schemes, comprising lands beneficially owned by hapus of the Whanganui tribe. Although the Aotea district extends from the Rangitikei River to south of the Mokau River, there are, with the exception of Ranana area, no large blocks capable of development for dairying, but there are — (а) Many small areas scattered throughout the district which, if brought under development, would settle from one to two Natives ; and (б) Small settled holdings on which financial aid is necessary to assist the Native occupier in becoming a self-supporting economic unit. A few propositions under heading (a) have been under investigation for some time, and present indications are that formalities will be completed at an early date. The Maoris affected by both (a) and (6) have in the past held aloof from participating in the Department's schemes for developing and settling their lands, but the fact that there are now numerous eager inquiries regarding these schemes is evidence that they appear to be gradually coming to an understanding of the advantages to be gained from their operation. The indications are, also, that they are now beginning to realize that, given the necessary financial assistance, a higher standard of farming can be attained under skilled supervision and closer attention to stock-management and pasture-control. The only scheme, as yet, in this district where the effects of the Native land development legislation may be studied, is the Ranana scheme. Unquestionably there has been an uplift of the people in this area both as to their health and their outlook on life. Prior to the inception of the scheme the Natives were living in crude and unsanitary dwellings, and were left to their own resources regarding finance, with the result that the lands were deteriorating and the people losing hope. The following information shows the result of development operations in this district during the year 1935-36 8 Ranana. Comprising a total area of 4,516 acres of good quality land, for the most part consisting of easy hills, the Ranana development scheme is located forty-four miles up the Wanganui River, and surrounds the Native villages of Hiruharama (Jerusalem) and Ranana on the eastern bank. The blocks included in the scheme were formerly vested in the Aotea District Maori Land Board, which some years ago had cleared and grassed portions of the allotments and released them to the beneficial owners free of all liabilities. With financial assistance from two dairy companies the Natives commenced dairying operations, but were handicapped at the outset by high costs, insufficient equipment, and lack of experience and proper supervision, ana it was not until their lands were brought under the development provisions of the Native Land Act, 1929, that any appreciable progress was made. When the scheme was commenced in April, 1930, ragwort had become widespread and other noxious weeds, particularly gorse and blackberry, were a serious menace ; the poor quality of the milking-herds was reflected in the returns ; and the people were living in whares in unhealthy surroundings. Early expenditure, which was necessarily heavy, was principally incurred on such items as buildings and fencing materials, seed, manure, farm implements, and dairy equipment. The milking-herds improved, sheep were purchased to control the spread of ragwort, access roads were formed and metalled, provision was made for a good water-supply, and, with the industry and whole-hearted efforts of the settlers, much has been accomplished during the past six years. The actual area which is being actively developed is 2,670 acres. A full account of the earlier stages of the development of Ranana is contained in previous G.-10 statements.

34

Wool. SflTp„ nf Department's Scheme. Live-stock Proportion of Total Receipts. Number of Bales. Proceeds. Cream Cheques. £ £ £ £ Takatahu .. .. .. .. .. 31 769 800 Waiapu-Matakaoa .. .. 155 1,575 3,790 1,106 6,471 Poroporo .. .. .. 89 927 2,393 215 3,535 Tuparoa .. .. .. 156 1,834 2,617 399 4,850 MoJiaka .. .. .. 42 443 726 1,752 2,921 Kahungunu .. .. 12 143 160 41 344 Waihua .. .. .. 156 1,900 7,347 .. 9,247 610 6,822 17,064 4,282 28,168

Gh—lo.

Work undertaken during 1935-36.—Generally, the programme relating to building, fencing, and clearing was proceeded with, satisfactorily, more especially towards the close of the season, due to there being more|fencing material available and to the increase in wages. During the year 126 acres of gorse were grubbed, 114 acres were cleared of blackberry, 21 acres were ploughed, and 9 acres sown in turnips. Repairs to 100 chains of fencing were completed and 302 chains of new fences were erected. A water-supply service for cottages and milking-sheds has already been established, and this is extended from time to time as required. No work of this nature was carried out last year, but all sections have a sufficient supply of water for stock. Particulars of Live-stock at 31st March, 1936. —The stock owned by the units comprise 24 bulls, 601 dairy cows, 137 springing heifers, 142 yearling heifers, 38 horses, 16 rams, and 686 ewes. In addition, stock charged to the scheme, but not yet allocated to the settlers, includes 8 bulls, 903 ewes, 18 rams, and 7 horses. The carrying-capacity of the land in pasture is a beast to 2| to 3§ acres, together with 1 sheep to the acre. Sheep. —The ewes continue to check the growth of ragwort on the scheme area, and the year's operations have shown a small profit. The grazing of sheep on this area must necessarily be maintained and extended wherever possible on account of ragwort. Several of the units have been supplied with sheep with satisfactory results. Sales for the year were as follows : 19 bales wool, £170 ; 621 lambs, £458 ; 1,392 ewes, £1,208 ; 19 rams, £86. Cattle. —The dairy cows and young stock came through the past season quite well, and all are in good condition and should winter satisfactorily. Dairying.—Butterfat returns for units: Finest grade, 6,6481b. (11-25 per cent.); first grade, 28,717 lb. (48-55 per cent.) ; second grade, 23,763 lb. (40-20 per cent.) : total, 59,128 lb. The past year from a butterfat producing point of view was not as successful as anticipated, the early part of the season and the autumn not being favourable. The dairy cows did not respond as was expected, but the fall in production is not attributed entirely to this cause, the need of closer supervision of the units' operations being a contributing factor, and this will be given special attention in the future. A further important factor in the heavy fall in the percentage of finest grade was the disruption of the daily cream service owing to the closing of the Wanganui River road. The river service boats make the down trip on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only, thus necessitating the holding over of each alternate day's cream production, and in some instances the mixing of two and three days' cream. The grading consequently suffered. From a chart showing the total number of pounds of butterfat produced by Ranana units the following figures have been extracted : 1930-31, 41,053 lb. ; 1931-32, 47,006 lb. ; 1932-33, 65,786 lb. ; 1933-34, 67,946 lb. ; 1934-35, 62,461 lb. ; 1935-36, 59,128 lb. From the inception of the scheme until the end of the 1934-35 season there has been a continual increase in the percentage of finest grade and a large decrease in second grade, while first-grade butterfat showed a decline corresponding largely with the increase in finest. From graphs prepared, the violent fluctuations in this season's gradings, due to dislocation of the daily cream service, have been clearly indicated. Buildings erected. —These comprise six cottages (22 ft. by 10 ft.) of two rooms and porch, and one milking-shed. More cottages, and additions to cottages, will be made during the coming season. The health of the people in the scheme area is of the utmost importance, and better living conditions are reflected in the general improvement of the health of the community. State of Areas. —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. Units and Advances.—The number of dairying units are twenty-five, who are supporting fiftythree adult and sixty-nine minor dependants. Advances from development funds at 31st March, 1936, amounted to £12,742 (principal, £12,383 ; and interest outstanding, £359). Unemployment Subsidies.—The sum of £1,077 was expended from unemployment funds in respect of the following works : fencing, gorse-grubbing, scrub and blackberry cutting, erection of buildings, and miscellaneous works. Living Quarters and Health.—The improvement effected during recent years has been maintained. The erection of two-roomed cottages (with privies), in place of punga whares and shacks, has vastly improved the living conditions and health of the inmates. The improved water-supply has also contributed to this general uplift, but much yet remains to be done and will be attended to gradually. People and Hapus.—The improvement in the general outlook of the people (Ngati-Ruaka and Ngati-Hau hapus) since the inception of the scheme has been maintained. They continue to exercise a keen interest in the work, and are anxious to see that their scheme is a success. The Whanganui tribe as a whole is maintaining its interest in the progress of the scheme, which, with the Morikau farm, is the only area of any extent available for the maintenance of its mana and the settlement of its young men on the land. Outlooks and Prospects for coming Season.—The prospects for the 1936-37 season appear bright, and increased production is anticipated. Negotiations are in train for a speeding-up of the cream service. The steady progress of recent years has been maintained and, if it were not for a shortage of labour in the scheme area, the progress would be accelerated. Despite the increased rates of pay offering for those engaged on public works, &c., there appears to be no inclination on the part of the settled units to leave their holdings.

35

GL—lO.

Ohinepuhiawe. This is a small scheme of 96 acres near the township of Bulls, on which one unit is already settled, and on which it is proposed to establish a second Native farmer during the coming season. The present unit is a keen and energetic young settler, who is milking fourteen cows. Work undertaken on his section during the year included 39 chains fencing, clearing 18 acres gorse, ploughing 13 acres, and the erection of a cottage and milking-shed. The present pastures are in fair order, and will carry one beast to 2 acres. The land is flat and in close proximity to a dairy factory, and when fully stocked and developed can be made into a very good holding.

Analysis of Cash Receipts for Year 1935-36.

IKARGA AND SOUTH ISLAND MAORI LAND DISTRICTS. In both districts under the control of the Ikaroa and South Island District Maori Land Boards, development work has been proceeding satisfactorily. Of the schemes in Ikaroa district —Manawatu and Heretaunga—the former is in a flourishing condition, and the position of the latter, despite frequent floods experienced during the year, is particularly encouraging in view of the fact that the unit farmers give every indication of being able to liquidate their total indebtedness within a few seasons. The Matakarapa Block, in the Manawatu scheme, has presented some problems as a result of the frequent flooding of the Manawatu River, which caused drainage difficulties on the low-lying areas comprising the most fertile portion of the block. In the South Island the supervision of the three schemes is being effectively carried out under the control of officers of the Lands and Survey Department at Blenheim and Invercargill. During the year under review, providing for the Maori unemployed has presented one of the maj or problems, especially in the Ikaroa district. Owing to the local body authorities in the Manawatu being unable to find sufficient work of a useful nature for the registered unemployed Natives within their boundaries, an agreement was made whereby all Maoris in these localities were to be provided with work by this Department. This responsibility of absorbing the unemployed Maoris on contracts has occasioned difficulties peculiar to this district alone, in as much as there are no unalienated Native lands now available. Thus the contracts have had to be arranged on leased lands, and it has not been possible to evoke a personal interest in the farming activities such as is obtained on other schemes where the Maoris are developing their own lands. Indeed, in many instances preference to return to the Unemployment No. 5 Scheme has been shown. The problems experienced have not yet been satisfactorily solved, but every effort has been and will be made to evolve a scheme whereby the greatest amount of benefit may accrue to the district and at the same time be of the utmost advantage to the Maoris.

Particulars of the assistance rendered to the unemployed Maoris (apart from those employed on development schemes) are as follows : —

36

Ranana. Ohinepuhiawe. Totals. £ £ £ Butterfat .. .. 1,077 19 1,096 Cattle .. .. .. .. 194 .. 194 Wool .. .. .. .. 6 .. 6 Sheep .. .. .. .. 1,032 .. 1,032 Horses .. .. . . .. 57 . . 57 Sundries .. . . .. 302 .. 302 Totals .. .. .. 2,668 19 2,687

T ,. Amount ; Number of -p. , , Location. , , , Dependants. expended. Workers. £ Manawatu .. .. .. 5,425 202 513 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 1,987 138 234 Marlborough .. . . .. 236 12 29 7,648 352 776

a.—io,

IKAROA DISTRICT, With the exception of the Matakarapa Block, the two schemes in this district are concerned only with the provision of assistance to Maori farmers. Manawatu. Five unit holdings are comprised in this scheme, which is situated in the Manawatu district, and embraces an area of 441 acres, together with the Matakarapa Block of 368 acres at Foxton. During the year one farmer reached the stage where he required no further assistance, while another individual holding has been established. The live-stock belonging to units is as follows : 79 cows, 4 bulls, 16 heifers and weaners, and 5 horses. The butterfat production was 12,706 lb. —graded as finest, 7,813 lb. ; first, 4,807 lb. ; second, 86 lb. In regard to the Matakarapa Block, 150 acres are now grassed and the balance is swamp, sandhills, and flats in Native grasses. The live-stock carried at the 31st March was 107 cows, 15 heifers and calves, 3 horses, and 9 pigs. This block is still under development, and has not yet reached the stage where units can be established —the cows at present being milked by two share milkers who are working satisfactorily. The butterfat returns for the year under review were —finest, 12,283 lb. ; first, 12,252 lb. ; second, 92 lb. ; all of which represent a total of 13,627 lb. Provision has been made for three units, and the necessary buildings have been erected. Since development activity has commenced, the land has gradually subsided and drainage facilities are not entirely satisfactory. It may ultimately be necessary to install a drainage pump. Unemployment among the Maoris in the Manawatu district has been acute, and unemployment contracts to the extent of £788 were arranged on scheme lands in the course of the past year. Expenditure for the year, exclusive of unemployment money, was £660, and receipts from milk cheques and sale of stock were £570. At the 31st March, 1936, the amount owing by the scheme was —principal, £2,906 4s. 5d., and interest, £3 14s. sd. Heretaunga. This is a " blanket " scheme comprising sixteen holdings of an area of approximately 2,000 acres, and supporting ninety-five dependants. The farms are scattered over a wide area in Hawke's Bay, although the majority are within easy reach of Hastings. There is very little work of a developmental nature necessary, as most of the holdings are cleared and grassed, but during the year, in addition to seasonal work, 80 chains of new drain were completed, 110 chains of fences were repaired, and one new house built. Four unit farmers have this year repaid their total advances, one of these settlers withdrawing from the scheme. Live-stock tallies (held by units) are as follows : 255 cows, 59 heifers and yearlings, 15 bulls, and 18 horses. The total butterfat return for the year was 38,272 lb., being graded— finest, 16,228 lb. ; first, 20,501 lb. ; and second, 1,543 lb. All the holdings are practically fully developed and the carrying-capacity cannot greatly increase, but production should increase gradually with herd improvement. The expenditure for the year, exclusive of unemployment contracts, was £217 ; and receipts, principally from cream cheques, amounted to £807. The amount owing by the scheme at 31st March, 1936, was —principal, £1,702 7s. 7d., and interest, £25 16s. Bd. SOUTH ISLAND DISTRICT. In the South Island the three development schemes in operation are widely diverse in character and are separated by the length of the Island, two schemes being at the northern end and one at the extreme south. One of the most interesting of all the development schemes is that at Wairau, near Blenheim. Wairau. There are about 840 acres gazetted in this scheme. With the dual purposes of recouping the Department's expenditure and breaking in the formerly flooded areas which were covered in flax and raupo, the local Natives have been employed on an extensive programme of swamp ploughing and cultivating in preparation for pea cropping. The land is bisected by the Roberts drain, which is banked on both sides. Two flood pumps discharging into the Roberts drain have been installed and connected with the power-lines, and are functioning satisfactorily.

37

G.—lo.

The operations during the year under review were confined principally to breaking in new raupo country, cultivating, ditching, and cropping as follows : 235 acres are under plough or in pea stubble ; 28 chains of new fence were completed on the west of the Roberts drain, and the whole of the stopbanks are now adequately protected against stock ; 400 chains of new ditches were excavated and 200 chains of old ditches were cleaned ; 37 chains of banking were completed ; 75 acres of rushes and 19 acres of flax were grubbed ; 13 acres cleared of willows and raupo ; 90 acres partly stumped after ploughing ; and lastly, one new flood-pump was erected and housed, and a flood-gate renewed. Unemployed Natives have been engaged on this scheme to a large extent. Unfortunately, weather conditions seriously interfered with the cropping programme and, owing to late ploughing and sowing due to unprecedented wet weather, the estimated crop, which realized £800, did not fulfil the expectations for the season. Given reasonable climatic conditions this coming season, the prospects are bright, and the realization of the crop should go far towards liquidating the total indebtedness of a large undertaking. Kaiwhare. This is a recent venture commenced during the year and aims at the development of approximately 500 acres of easy hill country covered with bush and scrub, part of which has been burnt standing. The block is situated about ten miles from Kaikoura and about eighty miles from Blenheim. The supervision is causing some anxiety on account of the inaccessability of the scheme. The programme to the 31st March, on which unemployed labour was utilized, comprised : 170 chains of fence-line cleared ; two miles of track prepared for packing of fencing material ; 11 chains of drains cleaned and deepened ; 49 chains of new subdivisional fence erected ; and 10 acres of dead standing manuka scrub cleaned. Oraka and Kawhakaputaputa. Comprising two areas near Colac Bay of about 2,500 acres within easy reach of the TuatapereRiverton railway, and accessible by good roads, this land was nearly all in heavy bush when development was commenced at the end of 1930. Most of the bush has been felled, and the cultivated land now supports thirty-six adults and fifty-one minor dependants. Some sections are still unoccupied and it is doubtful whether they can be economically developed at the present time. All the land comprised in this scheme has now been brought within the provisions of Part XVI of the Native Land Act, 1931, and the matter of the issue of leases to the units is receiving attention. The principal activities during the year under review have been the maintenance of fences, together with five miles of new fencing"; 60 acres of scrub-cutting and logging-up; 10 chains of draining; and 75 acres of ploughing. One new house and two cow-byres have been erected, and several cow-byres have been renovated. The 300 ewes purchased last year for ragwort control have proved a profitable investment, and the sale of the lambs has added materially to the returns to the units. Live-stock returns at 31st March are as follows : 348 cows, 74 heifers, 87 calves, 18 bulls, 15 steers, 21 horses, and 424 sheep. The expenditure for the year, exclusive of unemployment contracts, was £1,300. Cash receipts for the year amounted to £880, principally from milk and cream cheques and the sale of stock. The milk yield is not yet up to expectations, due to the fact that the herds still require a considerable amount of systematic culling. The butterfat returns for the year were 34,080 lb. of first grade and 2,483 lb. of second grade. In order to assist and keep units on their holdings, unemployment contracts amounting to £500 were arranged, and it is gratifying to observe that this scheme is approaching the stage where most of the units should, with little further expenditure, be self supporting.

38

GK—lO.

PART lI.—MAORI LAND BOARD SCHEMES. Under this heading is grouped those schemes or fa,rming undertakings which depend on funds provided by the Maori Land Boards. Mention has been made in the G.-10 Report for 1935 that the control and management of farming operations undertaken by the Maori Land Boards is, by virtue of the Board of Native Affairs Act, 1934-35, now vested in the Board of Native Affairs, as successor to the Native Land Settlement Board. Since coming into operation, the policy of the Board of Native Affairs has been to exercise control over the expenditure incurred on schemes and farming ventures undertaken by the Maori Land Boards. For this purpose an annual budget, or estimate of expenditure, for the ensuing year is submitted in respect of each undertaking, for the approval of the Board of Native Affai-rs. The direct management of these farming operations is left to the discretion of the Maori Land Board concerned, and the services of farm supervisors attached to the Department are always available. The following are the principal schemes or farms which are being developed under this heading :— Morikau Farm. This property is situated on the Wanganui River, some forty-seven miles from Wanganui, and adjoins the Ranana development scheme. The lands which comprise parts of the Morikau No. 1, Ranana, and Ngarakauwhakarara Blocks, were vested in the Aotea District Maori Land Board by Orders in Council under section 4of the Maori Land Settlement Act Amendment Act, 1906. During the year 1910 the Board decided, in lieu of leasing the land to Natives, to farm the property under Part XY of the Native Land Act, 1909, and has continued to do so under the provisions of this Act (now Part XY of the Act of 1931). In 1925 the Board embarked upon an active policy of development, and the farming operations showed satisfactory profits until the recent depression. The farm is managed by a European, and all expenditure is rigidly controlled by the Aotea Board, which also keeps the books of account. The area under pasture is 5,709 acres, while a further area of 181 acres was felled in the course of the year. In 1931 the Board released to the beneficial owners an area on which the Natives commenced dairying on their own account with the financial assistance of two dairy factories operating in the Wanganui district. This area was subsequently included in the Ranana scheme in 1930, and Morikau Farm now comprises 11,806 acres. The net profit for the year was £5,754, an increase of £2,075 over the previous year's profit, while the overdraft with the Aotea Board, which was £4,329 as at Ist April, 1935, was reduced to £139. The accumulated profits, after allowing for appropriations for payment by way of dividends to the beneficial owners, and for substantial writings-ofi of doubtful assets, now total £19,370, and are being used for further development on the farm. With the liquidation of the overdraft with the Board, the only liability of any consequence is the mortgage of £32,000 to the Native Trustee, and it is anticipated that the farm will be in a position from now on to reduce this liability each year. The assets total approximately £54,000, comprising improvements, £35,421 ; live and dead stock, £17,153 ; and sundries, £1,426. According to the reports of the wool-classer, the quality of the Morikau clip is improving each year. Stock, both sheep and cattle, are sought after by buyers, and the quality of the Morikau offering is frequently commented upon in newspaper reports of stock sales. The proceeds from the sale of 6,173 sheep and 271 cattle were £6,026 and £1,095 respectively. At the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association Show held in November, 1935, Morikau entries won two first prizes in the fat sheep classes in open competition. One of the entries was also adjudged to have the champion fleece in the show, and this fleece was sent to Wellington by the association, where it was framed and placed on exhibition. The number of bales of wool obtained last season was 333, realizing £3,781. The farm has, for some years past, been in the position where it has not been necessary to purchase any stock, with the exception of bulls and rams, the natural increase being more than sufficient to maintain the numbers required. The live-stock tallies as at 31st March, 1936, were 13,723 sheep, 1,309 cattle, and 31 horses. The carrying-capacity is estimated at 14,725 sheep and 1,178 cattle. On this property the beneficial owners have a very valuable asset, an asset that will become increasingly valuable as time goes on and access improves, and one that will yield a constant source of income.

The net trading results over the past few years are enumerated hereunder :—

39

' Profit. Loss. £ £ To 31st March, 1933 .. .. .. 2,04-1 ,, 31st March, 1934 .. .. 6,369 „ 31st March, 1935 .. .. 3,679 „ 31st March, 1936 .. .. 5,754 £15,802 £2,041

a.—to.

Te Kao Dairy Scheme. The Te Kao lands, vested in the Tokerau District Maori Land Board, comprise the Parengarenga and Pakohu Blocks in the North Auckland District. These were blocks in respect of which the Native Minister had redeemed survey mortgages, and which were vested in a Maori Council by section 3 of the Maori Land Claims Adjustment Laws Amendment Act, 1904. By section 287 of the Native Land Act, 1909, these lands were brought within Part XV of the Act of 1909, and are now within Part XV of the Act of 1931. The Te Kao Native settlement on these blocks lies on the shores of the Parengarenga Harbour, about forty-five miles to the north-west of Awanui and about twelve miles from the nearest European settlement. The population consists of about 330 Natives —men, women, and children —who are occupying approximately 4,325 acres of land which may be classed as being one-third good flat or drained raupo swamp, one-third sandy gum country, and the balance clay or very light semi-volcanic soil. By the end of 1924, gum-digging had ceased at Te Kao and the people, members of the Aupouri tribe, were in dire distress. They were living in crude corrugated-iron shacks, many of them being without floor or lining, the families were ill-nourished and the infantile death rate was one child in every four under twelve months old. The President of the Tokerau District Maori Land Board was asked to investigate the position, and following on his report a dairy-farming scheme was commenced for the betterment of the Natives. The progress of the scheme from its inception is full of interest. The raupo swamps were drained, cleared, ploughed, and grassed. Permanent pastures were gradually established on the hill slopes. Live-stock was supplied to the settlers as soon as their holdings became sufficiently developed to start dairying. A store was established by the Board in order that the people could purchase the necessaries of life at a reasonable cost. It was followed by a motor-lorry service for conveyance of cream to Awanui —a distance of forty-five miles —where the nearest dairy factory was located. In place of the usual meeting-house a hall, with dining-room and kitchen attached, was erected to supply the community needs of the people. Housing conditions were improved, and gradually the efforts of the Tokerau Board to change a poverty stricken group of gum-diggers into a progressive community of Maori farmers bore fruit. All this effort, spread over a period of eleven years, has involved heavy expenditure, and at the 31st March last the settlers' indebtedness to the Tokerau Board for advances and interest outstanding was £26,107. In addition, expenditure of a general nature amounting to £8,780 has yet to be apportioned, and plant and implements valued at £1,500 have been supplied by the Board. The store has shown a trading profit of £400 for the year under review and its assets, including buildings, appear in the books at £1,800. A small profit has also resulted from the cream lorry service for 1935-36. Reports for the past year reveal that the season has been a favourable one for the Te Kao Settlement, a wet summer having admirably suited the light nature of the soil. Areas of peat swamp that have been drained under unemployment relief contract, have dried out, and in most cases have been sown in grass. Indeed, the whole of such areas would have been sown in pasture, but the inclement weather, although favourable generally to the settlement, did not allow the surface of the swamps in places to dry sufficiently to burn for a seed-bed. The butterfat produced for the season extending from July, 1935, to April, 1936, amounted to 58,6201b., being an increase of 5,0901b. over the previous period. Last year there were fifty-two units under the scheme, of whom forty were supplying cream to the dairy factory. Under unemployment relief contracts, 150 acres of semi-tidal flats were stopbanked. A difficulty encountered in the area is the disposal of surplus dry and culled stock, and in this connection it is proposed to build a stockyard in the settlement at which auction sales of local, or any outside stock, could be held, the usual rate being levied on all sales. Arrangements are accordingly being made for a suitable yard to be erected. With the steady improvement being effected to the road between Awanui and Te Kao (a distance of forty-five miles), a big reduction should be achieved in the cost of running the Board's cream service. Repayment to the Tokerau Board for advances to the units is effected by assignments of monthly cream cheques, the proportion ranging from one-fourth to one-third. At the present time these recoupments are insufficient to meet the interest charges in full, and the financial position of the Te Kao dairying scheme cannot as yet be regarded as satisfactory. Anaura Station. Situated on the East Coast about seven miles from Tolaga Bay, and comprising 5,865 acres, this property was vested in the Tairawhiti District Maori Land Board in 1929, in trust for three hundred Maori beneficial owners who, desiring to obtain possession and management of their lands, were unable to meet the compensation moneys for the improvements effected by the European lessees. The area is chiefly hill country of a sandstone and clay formation, and although originally carrying light bush and manuka scrub, it is now cleared and in pasture with the exception of a small portion consisting of hill top. Wide, open valleys aggregating about 400 acres of heavy swamp flats are in the course of being developed and are already showing good results.

40

G,— lo

The improvements to date have all been carried out by the Maoris who have interests in the block, and it is estimated that, in order to effectively keep the second growth and noxious weeds in control, these Natives may be advantageously employed during several successive winters. The fencing is in good order, while the reserve of bush will ensure a supply of posts for some years. The pasture is steadily improving with the disappearance of the scrub, and a heavy complement of cattle is being successfully carried. The Romney flock of sheep is attaining a higher standard, resulting in an improved clip of about 170 bales annually. The tally of sheep now wintering on this station totals 7,870, of which number 4,700 are breeding-ewes. A herd of Polled Angus cattle has been established, numbering 1,100 head and including 500 breeding-cows. A new manager's dwelling has been recently erected, and will be welcomed, as the former quarters had outlived their usefulness. Other buildings and improvements include a six-stand wool-shed, shearing quarters, shepherd's quarters, dip, and sheep and cattle yards.

The net receipts for the year under review were as follows : wool-clip of 173 bales realized £2,210 ; live-stock sales amounted to £3,888. A table of trading results is appended hereunder.

The losses, it will be noted, occur in the three years which are recognized as denoting the most stringent period of the recent economic depression. A trading profit of £1,783 has thus been made since the station was taken over by the Board. Tihiotonga Station. In August, 1928, the vVaiariki District Maori Land Board acquired this property under the provisions of the Native Land Act (now section 106, 1931) from the European owners on behalf of the Ngati-Whakaue (a sub-tribe of the Arawas) for the reason that this hapu was practically landless. The station when purchased comprised 913 acres freehold, and 1,702 acres of Native and Crown leaseholds, and is situated about three miles from Rotorua Township. As the area was subject to cattle sickness, " change " properties—also in the vicinity of Rotorua —were acquired by the Board, and the station now consists of the following blocks : — Tihiotonga— Acres. Native leasehold . . .. .. .. .. .. • • 1,660 Crown leasehold .. . . . . .. .. . . . . 42 Freehold .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. 913 Subsequent purchases of Wharenui, Puketawhero, and Hill's Blocks— Native leasehold .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,739 Freehold .. . . . . .. .. ~ . . .. 11 5,365 Farming operations were continued by the Waiariki Board until 31st March, 1934, but through lack of funds, and understocking, the pastures deteriorated, and, as a temporary measure, the properties were taken over and stocked by the Department. Fences and pastures have been much improved and the station is now in good order. The Maori Land Board resumed control of the area as from the Ist April, 1936, and will manage the farm on its own account —subject to a comparatively small mortgage to the Department. The Board has already established two dairying units on the property, and it is intended to run the balance of the area as a sheep and cattle station meantime, with the ultimate objective of subdivision into smaller holdings for the settlement of Natives. Recent reports on the land state that in the Tihiotonga Block there are approximately 1,850 acres of easy-lying country facing north, which, when wholly grassed and the pasture brought up to the right standard, should be capable of supporting eighteen settlers. At present there are approximately 600 acres in good pasture, 500 acres in fair pasture, and the balance in poor grass and fern. The major portion of the Puketawhero Block is steep and unsuitable for subdivision. There are 215 acres in pasture of inferior grasses, and 300 acres have been cleared and will be burnt in preparation for sowing. This block has been used as a " change " paddock for any sick stock on the Tihiotonga Block. Hill's Block is stated to be healthy country, suitable for grazing sheep and cattle and, as the major portion is hilly, closer settlement will not be attempted. It is well subdivided into paddocks, and a water-supply has been installed. The Wharenui Block is worked in conjunction with the two preceeding blocks and, 011 account of being broken by deep watercourses, is not suitable for subdivision. It is elevated country ranging from 1,000 ft. to 1,600 ft. above sea-level, and is exposed but is good sheep land. The programme for the year under review provided for the top-dressing of 1,000 acres of pastures, sundry cropping, and for unemployment contracts on clearings, ploughing, road work, water-supply, and fencing. The dairying units milked two herds comprising some 180 cows.

6 —Gr. 10.

41

Year. Profit. Loss. £ £ 1929-30 .. .. 1,383 1930-31 .. .. .. 5,550 1931-32 .. .. .. 4,316 1932-33 .. .. .. 79 1933-34 .. .. 4,559 1934-35 .. .. 1,849 1935-36 .. 3,937 11,728 9,945

GK—lO.

PART lII—FARMING OPERATIONS OF THE NATIVE TRUSTEE. Farming operations are at present being carried out by the Native Trustee on the following stations : (Ī) Hoia Station, (2) Hereheretau Station, (3) Aohanga Station, (4) Motuweka Station, (5) Tiratu Station, (6) Hakurenga Station, (7) Tawanui Station. Hoia and Hereheretau stations are the assets of the Maori Soldiers' Fund which was vested in the Native Trustee under section 23 of the Appropriation Act, 1925, the former being situated near Hicks Bay, East Coast, while Hereheretau is adjacent to Whakaki near Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. Hoia Station. When taken over, this station comprised the following leasehold areas : — (а) Wharekahika Ba, 1,719 acres ; Term, 21 years, expiring 30th June, 1938. (б) Wharekahika Bc, 1,054 acres ; Term, 42 years, expiring 30th August, 1953. (c) Wharekahika Bd, 1,027 acres ; Term, 21 years, expiring 30th April, 1936. (d) Wharekahika 18k (part), 1,321 acres ; Term, 21 years, expiring 30th June, 1937. In the case of Ba, Bd, and 18k (part), the lessee is entitled to full compensation for all improve ments of a permanent character, or in the alternative to a right of renewal for a further term of twenty-one years. There is no right of compensation for improvements under the lease of 8c Block. From the outset it was realized that it would be an advantage to these areas if some adjoining arable country could be acquired, and subsequently the goodwill of two further leases was purchased as under :— Wharekahika 18or, 1,278 acres : Term, 21 years, expiring 30th June, 1936. Wharekahika 181, 115 acres : Term, 21 years, expiring 30th December, 1939. Under the terms of both of these leases, the lessee is also entitled to full compensation for all improvements of a permanent character or in the alternative to a right of renewal for a further twenty-one years. The total area now being worked as Hoia Station is 6,514 acres, 2,000 acres of which are still in virgin bush. Various arrangements have been entered into as to the rents payable under the different leases and reductions have been obtained by arrangement with the owners, or by applications to the Mortgagors Adjustment Commission under the Mortgagors and Tenants Relief Acts.

The closing down of the freezing-works at Hicks Bay very soon after the Native Trustee took over the administration of the Maori Soldiers' Fund, necessitated a change in the original proposals with regard to the running of the property, but steps have been constantly taken to increase the carrying-capacity, and the following table sets out the difference between the first year of operations and the stock being wintered this year :—

The total liability at present owing to the Native Trustee is £24,602, and a report of a recent inspection by the Chief Supervisor and the Farm Supervisor for the East Coast Trust Commissioner intimated that the value of the improvements should be sufficient to cover this liability. The live and dead stock are valued at £10,000. Hereheretau Station. This station originally comprised an area of 6,373 acres, being Hereheretau 2a and 2d Blocks, the title being a lease from the Crown for a term of thirty-three years from Ist January, 1922, with a right of renewal for a further thirty-three years. The rent for the area was originally £1,125 per annum for the first thirty-three years and 5 per centum of the fee-simple, less the value of the improvements,

42

Sheep. Bun Cattle. Wool. Breeding- Qthers> Breeding- Bales> Proceeds . ewes. cows. £ First year .. .. .. 1,500 556 56 168 43 584 Present season .. .. 3,150 1,404 250 392 116 1,254

GL—lO.

for the second thirty-three years. Subsequently an areafof 2,535 acres of the leasehold was surrendered to the Crown, thus reducing the area to 3,838 acresT and upon application to the Dominion Revaluation Board, the rental was fixed at £425 per annum. An area of 146 acres is subleased to an adjoining owner, thus enabling advantage to be taken of a natural fence-line. Approximately 580 acres are still in virgin bush.

Attention has been given to working the country with a view to increasing carrying-capacity, and good results are being obtained as shown from the following comparison between the first year of working and the position at the present day : —

As there are still fifty-two years of the lease to run, it is considered that the prospects of this area being a profitable farming proposition are bright. It is intended to bring in further areas of country each year. In a report of a recent inspection by the Chief Supervisor and the Farm Supervisor for the East Coast Trust Commissioner, the land was valued at £17,990 and the stock at £9,339, while the property generally was stated to be in a satisfactory position. Since this inspection additional stock valued at £1,050 was acquired, and thus on the basis of the liability of £15,304 to the Native Trustee, there is a substantial surplus. Aohanga Station. Comprising three blocks of land—namely, Mataikona 1, 2, and 3—this station contains an area of 17,723 acres, of which 907 acres are reserved for the use and occupation of the owners, leaving the major portion of 16,816 acres to be farmed by the Native Trustee. The property is situated on the East Coast between the Aobanga and the Mataikona rivers, and had been subject to leases for many years, the last lease expiring on 28th February, 1928, when the land, which had been allowed to go back to second growth, was in a poor condition. The owners were not able to finance any of the work necessary to improve the block and were faced with the possibility of having to lease at a low rental on account of the heavy outlay which would be required to bring the country in again. They requested the Native Trustee to take some action to deal with the situation, and as a result special legislation (now section 64 of the Native Purposes Act, 1931) was passed vesting the control and management of the whole area in the Native Trustee. In discussing the arrangements for the running of the property with the owners it was agreed that an annual payment by way of anticipation of profits of an amount equal to what was being paid previously by way of rent, would be made to them until such time as the advances made by the Native Trustee to work the place had been repaid. It was further agreed that later, when profits were available, these would then be distributed amongst the beneficiaries. As practically the whole area had gone back to manuka and tauhinu, contracts were let for clearing 10,000 acres, and subsequently a splendid burn resulted. Many miles of new fencing were erected and the necessary stock purchased, and although in the total a large sum was expended, the average cost per acre was reasonable. Further areas have been cleared up by unemployed relief workers under an arrangement with the Unemployment Board.

The station is being worked with a view to increasing its carrying-capacity, but it has been difficult to go on with necessary work such as pulling tauhinu, cutting scrub, and erecting new fences, as it has not been possible to get the labour required to do the work. The following comparison sets out the present-day position as against the first year of the Native Trustee's control, the figures being the actual winter carrying-capacity : —

43

Sheep. Run Cattle. Wool. 8 " Others. 8 " Others. Bales. | Proceeds. J ; ! £ First year .. .. .. 991 371 70 195 25 436 Present season .. .. 2,900 2,305 150 420 169 1,681

Sheep. Run Cattle. Wool. Others. others . Bales £ First year .. .. .. 9,362 6,638 796 1,278 230 1,983 Present season .. .. 9,500 19,891 800 1,073 674* 8,119 * 72 on hand.

a.—lo.

To-day the property presents a very different aspect to what it was when it was first taken in hand, and there are approximately fifty miles of new fences, good permanent pastures, good buildings, and the place is fully stocked up with good young sheep and cattle. The erection of additional internal fencing, which is being proceeded with, will enable the better handling of the stock. In a report of a recent inspection by the Chief Supervisor and the District Valuer it was stated that a fair and reasonable valuation of the station to-day is £108,100, and of the stock and plant £42,500, which gives a total value of £150,600 to cover the present liability to the Native Trustee of £80,231. Motuweka Station. This station comprises a group of blocks in close proximity to one another, situated near Porangahau, as follows :— Aercs. (a) Porangahau 1b 40, Section 4 .. .. .. .. 1 302 1b 40, Section 1b .. .. .. 051 (b) Porangahau 1b 40, Section 1a .. .. .. 551 (c) Porangahau 1b 4a 1b "] 1B 4A 1A 2 .. .. .. 631 1b 4a 1a 1b J (d) Porangahau 1b 40, Section 3 \ Mangamaire 813 B f " • • • • 931 (e) Mangamaire B3 B4 .. . . . . .. . _ 023 Total .. .. .. .. 4,789 A grazing lease of Whawhakanga F4, containing 832 acres, for five years has also been taken, but this property is not subject to any liability to the Native Trustee. All the above properties are mortgaged to the Native Trustee, and various arrangements have been made with the owners of each block as to the working of them, with the result that a considerable area which was going back to second growth has been cleared up. The places are being improved to the extent that in course of time each property will clear itself of its liabilities and be returned to the owners in a condition which will enable farming to be carried on successfully.

Carrying-capacity is being increased, and the difference between the stock held during the winter of the first year of running the property, and the number being carried this winter, is as follows :—

In a report of a recent inspection by the Chief Supervisor and the District Valuer it was stated that the farming policy which had been adopted in the past was satisfactory, and warranted a continuance. The valuation of the various properties was on the recent inspection assessed at £38,040, and the value of the stock was placed at £17,200. The total liability to the Native Trustee to date is £35,433, so that there is a substantial margin over and above the indebtedness. Tiratu Station. Situated about four miles from Dannevirke, this station comprises Manawatu No. 4d Block, and contains 734 acres. The property was mortgaged to the Native Trustee, but as the condition of the security was rapidly deteriorating, the control and management of same was vested in the Native Trustee in terms of section 25 of the Native Trustee Act, 1925. When taken over, the land had deteriorated, the pastures had run out, no ploughing had been done, nor had the land been topdressed, and in the first year of working practically no lambs could be fattened off the mothers. The station is being used for the raising of fat lambs, and is being worked with that object. Its increasing carrying-capacity is evidenced by the following comparison of the sheep carried during

44

Sheep. Run Cattle. Wool. Br ewt g - 0thers - Br :„t g " <**«». Bales. Proceeds. £ First year .. .. .. 2,242 2,061 168 129 98 463 Present season .. .. 3,350 10,321 200 294 249 2,994

G.—10.

the winter of the first year the place was under the control of the Native Trustee, and the number being wintered this year : —

In a report of a recent inspection by the Chief Supervisor and the District Valuer, it was stated that since the Native Trustee had been farming the property an improvement has taken place annually, as shown by the numbers of stock which have been gradually increasing. This result has been brought about by clearing surface timber, stumping, cropping with turnips and rape, and then sowing down in good English grasses. They were unanimous in their opinion that the methods which had been employed in the past were satisfactory, and they recommended a continuance of the present policy. All stock is in good order and condition, and there should be no difficulty in carrying at least the same number as that wintered last year. The property was valued at £11,835, and the stock at £4,126, while the indebtedness to the Native Trustee is £12,011 ; so that there is sufficient security for the loan liability. Hakurenga Station. Comprising Waipiro A Nos. 15, 16, and 21 Blocks, situated near Waipiro Bay, this station contains the following areas : Waipiro Al5 (one part), 300 acres; Waipiro Al5 (other part), 138 acres ; Waipiro Al6, 1,251 acres ; Waipiro A2l, 522 acres : total, 2,211 acres. The property was subject to a guaranteed mortgage and, as it was going back, the guarantor was considering withdrawing his guarantee. As the committee of management was not in a position to obtain a new guarantor or to arrange the finance necessary to meet the situation, a request was made to the Native Trustee to take action in order to prevent the sale of the property. As a result of a report by the Field Supervisor, it was decided to vest the control and management of the land in the Native Trustee in terms of section 25 of the Native Trustee Act, 1930. Adjoining these lands was Waipiro A No. 20 Block, containing 606 acres, which was mortgaged to the Native Trustee and which was rapidly deteriorating and, as this property could be conveniently worked with the other land, its control was also vested in the Native Trustee under section 25, making the total area of 2,817 acres which is being farmed as Hakurenga Station.

The land will require careful handling to re-establish the pastures, and present efforts are being directed towards increasing the capacity for carrying breeding stock. This is being gradually accomplished each year, and the following comparative table shows the winter carrying-capacity in the first year of the Native Trustee's control and the position to-day :—

In the first year the wool had been sold before the land was placed under the control of the Native Trustee. The station was recently inspected by the Chief Supervisor and the Farm Supervisor of the East Coast Trust Commissioner, and they valued it at £13,455. The live and dead stock were valued at £6,556, to which has since been added a further £600. As the liability to the Native Trustee is £14,132, there is a satisfactory margin over indebtedness. Tawanui Station. Section 4, Block 111, Maungamangeeo Survey District. This property which was acquired by the Native Trustee as mortgagee, contains 916 acres, and is situated at Ngapaenga, near Te Kuiti. The title is a lease in perpetuity from the Crown. It was known that the country was sheep sick, and a course of treatment of sheep was arranged with the co-operation of officers of the Department of Agriculture. Resulting therefrom it has been possible to breed sheep on the property and this fact, it is considered, should enhance its value.

45

Sheep. Run Cattle. Wool. Br ewei n§ " [ 0thers " B i ng " Others. Bales. Proceeds. £ First year . . .. . . 998 302 .. 114 15 63 Present season .. . . 1,900 260 65 78 41 508

— Sheep. Run Cattle. Wool. Br ewei ng j " Br c e ows ng | 0thers " Bales. Proceeds. £ First year .. .. .. 764 3,292 79 192 Present season .. .. 1,850 2,096 150 198 98 1^046

G—lo.

The work now being done in the way of stumping and scrubcutting will increase carrying-capacity and lessen the possibility of loss to the Native Trustee's Common Fund, as far as the mortgage liability is concerned.

The following comparison sets out the difference in the winter carrying-capacity of the land during the first year of running and the present-day position : —

It was found during tie first year that the sheep could not be bred and grown to maturity and the ewe flock was accordingly reduced. However, it is now being gradually increased, as various parts of the property show response to the treatment already mentioned. As the property was taken over in December, 1931, the wool-clip for that year was sold by the then owner. At present the indebtedness to the Native Trustee is £5,523, while the value of the land is £4,400, and that of the live and dead stock, £1,200. General. The wool returns from the seven stations farmed by the Native Trustee show an appreciable increase over the figures for the corresponding previous year. The total clip for 1935-36 resulted in 1,374 bales producing £15,852 —an average of £11 10s. 9d. per bale—in comparison with the proceeds of £9,358 from a wool-clip of 1,147 bales, averaging £8 3s. 3d., for 1934-35. In addition to the aforementioned sheep-stations there are also several private estates under administration. The combined carrying-capacity of these, together with the wool proceeds for the 1935-36 season, were as follows : sheep, 13,809 ; cattle, 1,391 ; wool, 317 bales ; net proceeds of wool, £3,666.

46

Sheep. Run Cattle. Wool. 8 Others. Others. Bales. Proceeds. £ First year .. .. .. 934 197 28 64 Present season .. .. 567 335 36 59 27 250

G.—lo.

PART IV.—EAST COAST NATIVE TRUST LANDS. By virtue of section 7 of the Board of Native Affairs Act, 1934-35, the East Coast Native Trust lands and the Mangatu Trust were brought under the control of the Board in so far as the operations of the Trusts relate to the expenditure or investment of any moneys or to the giving of mortgages over any property vested in the East Coast Commissioner. The Commissioner is a trustee appointed by the Governor - General by Order in Council in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Native Purposes Act, 1931, and is charged with the management and control of certain lands in the interests of the beneficial owners thereof, all of whom are aboriginal natives of New Zealand. The present holder of the office, Mr. J. S. Jessep, is a member of the Board of Native Affairs. The genesis of the title of the East Coast Commissioner to what are known as the East Coast Native Trust lands arose from the attempt at various times of various trustees to salvage these lands from the financial difficulties they had got into in the " eighties " of the last century. In 1902 the the East Coast Native Trust Lands Act was passed, which provided a method of salvaging the East Coast blocks from the realization then imminent. The Trust vested in the present Commissioner is an extensive one, and comprises a total area of 223,063 acres. It is divided into two portions—the East Coast Native Trust lands and the Mangatu No. 1 Block. The East Coast Native Trust lands comprise 114,191 acres, of which 61,649 acres are divided into twelve stations. The Mangatu No. 1 Trust comprises 108,661 acres, of which 31,504 acres, divided into five stations, are at present being farmed by the Commissioner. During the year a large amount of development work has taken place on both Trusts, twenty-four miles of new fencing having been erected, and 3,300 acres of bush and scrub felled and cleared. In this way employment has been given to a large number of Maoris. Distributions were made last year to the beneficiaries amounting to £15,226 for the East Coast Native Trust lands and £4,222 for the Mangatu No. 1 Trust. It should be noted that there are no Government moneys involved in the Trust, which is self-contained in regard to its financial affairs. Live-stock returns at the 30th June last were as follows : 91,687 sheep and 10,409 head of run cattle. The wool-clip of 2,063 bales produced £22,880, and receipts from the sales of live-stock amounted to £54,579, thus making the total return for the year £77,459. The general policy of the East Coast Commissioner is to employ Maoris wherever possible. Permanent Native employees are engaged on every station, and a large number of Maoris are employed on contract work in felling bush, fencing, draining, and other works of a similar nature. The policy is to use the lands as training grounds for the Maori, and to this end Native cadets have been attached to almost every station. These lads are being trained in all branches of farming, and even wool-classing and blacksmithing are included in the curriculum, with the object of fitting them to manage Native lands.

47

G.—lo.

NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES. Summarized Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1936.

SCHEDULES.

48

Total Purchases from , Cash Expenditure pins Expenditare Bulk and other cUmeT Total Total Receipts to Sales of Produce, Unemployment Sales to other Net 31st torch, 1885. ' | 31st March, 1935. j 8&S 3&EK8k TOKERAU DISTRICT. £ s . d. £ S. d. £ s . d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ S. d £ s. d. £ s d ' £ s d £ H Bay of islands .. .. 48,615 15 6 10,540 3 8 2,227 4 0 1,605 18 11 62,989 2 1 22,395 14 9 5,490 5 2 7,538 17 9 194 5 0 -7 369 19 5 Tautoro Bush .. .. 7,985 3 8 1,468 16 5 36 7 5 302 9 10 9.792 17 4 2,436 19 0 1 559 1 9 246 5 0 20 0 6 s'sso h 1 w a f a T '-4,7 '• '• 64 ,2 11 16 ' 36 ° 3 4 3 ' 825 13 3 2 ' 173 13 3 86.960 19 9 30,226 1 1 5,353 11 9 9,561 15 4 545 7 2 41OT4 I 5 Waihou Lower A 37 .. .. | 746 13 1 4 0 0 .. .. 750 13 1 89 11 4 4i ' j74 4 5 Waima Bush .. .. 5,598 2 10 3,113 11 3 188 4 3 222 4 8 9,122 3 0 1,388 14 6 2,458 7 3 llli'o 0 43 0 0 4 191 1 * K 7 a^ a : U 'Z 5 a 5 2 1,453 13 7 1,742 6 3 570 12 8 17,851 17 8 5,360 10 2 1,453 18 5 995 18 0 4 2 0 lo'o37 9 1 M Pouto . ! 2,304 10 2 1,272 0 1 21 3 11 113 13 6 3,711 7 8 728 5 2 105 18 5 692 3 0 53 8 1 2 , i n Mangcnm | 42,158 7 2 10,058 11 6 1,892 6 4 1,513 13 5 55,622 18 5 17,310 0 11 4.246 13 10 6 404 19 1 528 14 4 97 10 £ Manukau , 2,854 9 7 998 16 10 13 16 6 159 16 11 4,026 19 10 189 17 4 98 8 3 523 3 6 135 5 10 s'oto 2 n MotatauFarm j 9,996 10 11 1,033 13 6 687 15 8 396 10 2 12,114 10 3 2,616 8 3 907 8 9 92 0 0 735 2 5 10 10 Pangura Farm. .. , 2,475 10 6 545 19 6 279 18 9 108 4 6 3,409 13 3 664 3 2 289 15 9 193 8 0 336 8 2 Vltl 18 9 Bulk stock, materials, &c. .. j 14,583 5 10 4,017 4 8 251 15 1 20 3 9 18,872 9 4 13,224 11 8 106 2 0 .. 4,881 1 4 660 14 4 Totals •' •• |216,005 4 4 50,866 14 4 ' 11,166 11 5 7,187 1 7 285,225 11 8 96,630 17 4 22,069 11 T 27,359 9 8 8,137 16 7 131 027 16 9 . 1 — = == - = WAIKATQ-MANIAPOTO DISTRICT. £ g- £ g _ (J. £ s. d. £ S. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s . d £ s d £ R d f = q 9,898 15 9 2,908 9 11 4 16 6 429 17 3 13.241 19 5 2,890 18 10 1,574 0 8 533 2 9 /9« ,7 9 TeKum Base Farm .. .. 6,969 3 5 1,543 1 9: 421 10 11 181 15 3 9,115 11 4 4,099 11 8 1 293 8 0 140 3 3 77?' 8 3 t'ltl O I Mahoenm 22,062 0 2 4,984 15 4 3,077 12 1 902 5 2 31,026 12 9 7,449 1 6 2 467 2 11 931 7 8 40 10 3 in I Onewhero 19,408 10 10 918 11 8 .. 985 5 8 21,312 8 2 2 823 3 1 1 954 19 9 195 6 4 MI Q o °P ar . ure 1.794 4 2 208 14 7 365 3 2 64 13 8 2,432 15 7 572 8 6 554 16 0 19fl'l9 6 Ī9 10 1 ?'o8Q fi aah \ 2,657 19 7 275 4 1 .. 118 17 5 3,052 1 1 473 4 3 273 18 4 2 , ® Waikato .. .. .. 1,110 6 7 400 15 2 .. 56 16 10 1,567 18 7 137 17 8 230 6 1 131 5 6 " T'nfiS Q a a ! miha 31,969 9 10 4,815 4 6 48 2 2 1,362 0 1 38,194 16 7 6,863 7 11 4,571 18 3 454 15 0 45 6 " 3 0 19 \ i I--,," '• 7 ' 5 ° 7 2 4 364 19 9 140 10 1 335 4 3 8,347 16 5 728 15 7 1 396 0 8 2 , 1 f Bulk stock, materials, &c. .. 1,363 2 0 665 19 11 j .. 13 15 8 2,042 17 7 1.742 6 3 31 3 2 " " Ha a ' • • 269 8 2 T ° tals '• •• 104.740 14 8 17,085 16 8 i 4,057 14 11 4,450 11 3 | 130,334 17 6 27,780 15 3 ~14,347 13 10 2,387 13 8 1,418 17 LL 84,399 16 10

GK—lO.

7—G. 10

49

WAIARIKI DISTRICT. £ s . d. £ s. d. f s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Brent's Farm .. .. .. 6,118 0 1 2,060 7 9 1,930 8 11 323 3 1 10,431 19 10 1,619 3 10 58 19 8 849 10 0 329 3 10 7,575 2 6 Haparangi Plantation .. .. 3,659 17 1 89 6 7 375 17 10 108 0 1 4,233 1 7 1,470 10 6 .. 916 6 6 .. 1,846 4 7 Horohoro — General and water-supply .. 5,523 11 6 149 5 9 168 1 7 300 14 2 6,141 13 0 191 7 9 .. 45 19 6 .. 5,904 5 9 Kapenga No. 1 . . .. 126 16 4 . . 10 10 7 0 13 3 137 0 2 119 0 8 .. . . .. 17 19 6 Kapenga.No. 2 .. .. 3,215 12 5 156 5 1 389 11 2 116 17 8 3,878 6 4 1,294 17 1 1 16 0 135 2 6 .. 2,446 10 9 Ngati-Tuara .. .. .. 29,877 2 7 4,747 12 6 2,455 18 3 1,446 17 8 38,527 11 0 5,287 1 6 2,980 16 4 527 14 4 203 17 6 29,528 1 4 Rongomaipapa . . .. 30,544 16 8 2,621 6 7 2,934 0 7 1,480 14 2 37,580 18 0 4,972 2 9 2,430 10 3 180 16 5 220 16 1 29,776 12 6 Tuhourangi .. .. .. 12,287 2 11 1,600 9 10 1,380 2 5 633 2 7 15,900 17 9 1,576 16 5 211 10 11 699 14 0 466 18 9 12,945 17 8 Turanganui .. .. .. 3,107 11 11 602 7 7 741 15 1 155 6 4 4,607 0 11 704 16 0 7 13 1 487 0 9 7 6 8 3,400 4 5 Waikaukau .. .. .. 9,915 19 3 2,427 16 3 1,537 0 6 554 19 6 14,435 15 6 1,240 6 9 374 4 1 681 7 10 65 0 1 12,074 16 9 Te Kaha — Proper .. .. .. 6,867 4 3 2,346 0 9 516 14 5 332 16 11 10,062 16 4 1,342 15 6 846 6 9 1,106 4 5 11 19 7 6,755 10 1 Maraenui .. .. .. 2,315 6 3 1,250 12 2 5 0 4 76 5 8 3,647 4 5 1,091 16 4 371 4 0 531 3 7 25 11 0 1,627 9 6 Omaio .. .. .. 8 758 12 4 2,828 14 4 365 1 3 512 9 5 12,464 17 4 1,541 16 3 808 7 1 787 13 0 .. 9,327 1 0 Orete .. .. .. 8,026 111 2,338 18 10 19 0 9 344 17 2 10,728 18 8 1,975 5 9 1,021 4 9 344 8 10 106 12 5 7,281 6 11 Te Piki .. .. .. 6,041 17 11 1,940 10 2 .. 247 5 0 8,229 13 1 1,897 1 6 63 11 2 1,165 7 8 10 15 4 5,092 17 5 TeWaiti .. .. .. l'l24 2 7 192 5 0 212 13 5 40 16 2 1,569 17 2 347 9 2 258 19 4 142 5 0 30 0 0 791 3 8 Whangaparaoa .. .. 11,426 18 0 2,193 10 9 284 16 1 506 11 11 14,411 16 9 2,565 4 8 687 4 6 692 5 4 52 9 3 10,414 13 0 Korohe * . .. .. 322 11 6 106 19 8 0 5 10 429 17 0 .. .. 322 11 6 .. 107 5 6 Maketu Farm .. .. .. 20,393 3 0 4,776 14 4 906 14 2 541 13 2 26,618 4 8 8,913 16 0 5,084 17 0 1,441 0 7 11,369 18 9 On 191 7 8 Motiti Island .. .. 1,417 7 5 482 6 11 12 18 4 50 8 3 1,963 0 11 462 5 11 677 3 1 .. 122 16 9 700 15 2 Pukaingataru .. .. 1,988 4 7 312 18 2 20 11 3 76 19 6 2,398 13 6 601 14 7 247 13 2 .. .. 1,549 5 9 Te Puke .. .. .. 4,318 14 6 934 0 7 138 4 2 203 11 7 5,594 10 10 859 9 11 27 12 4 548 5 1 .. 4.159 3 6 Ngatiawa .. .. .. 34,869 0 9 2,955 9 8 637 18 8 1,686 16 6 40,149 5 7 .4,234 5 2 2,020 15 9 1,482 10 10 27 11 1 32,384 2 9 Okere .. .. .. 7,954 17 5 1,849 11 6 2,031 15 0 408 18 4 12,245 2 3 1,595 6 5 21 19 6 1,676 13 4 25 0 2 8,926 2 10 Opape Farm .. .. .. 7 942 1 1 1,190 12 5 47 7 2 238 1 4 9,418 2 0 3,386 14 3 1,247 12 2 373 13 7 69 16 4 4,340 5 8 Parekarangi .. .. .. 19,430 15 11 1,832 6 10 1,680 5 1 919 1 6 23,862 9 4 3,668 13 6 355 14 0 1,099 3 0 110 5 0 18,628 13 10 Parekarangi Extension . . ,. 1,324 2 4 35 8 6 1 10 6 31 7 6 1,392 8 10 749 2 3 7 5 5 34 11 3 4 5 8 597 4 3 Peka.. .. .. .. 8,154 1 0 1,055 19 7 770 14 10 419 15 8 10,400 11 1 1,150 7 7 150 17 7 230 0 4 180 9 3 8,688 16 4 Rotoiti .. .. .. 5,856 11 5 975 12 2 851 13 8 280 4 6 7,964 1 9 1,291 12 0 .. 680 4 8 87 5 9 5,904 19 4 Ruamata .. .. .. 54 18 3 .. .. 0 19 9 55 18 0 36 17 10 .. .. .. 19 0 2 Ruatahuna .. .. .. 7,583 2 8 2,345 11 7 2,084 7 2 288 17 11 12,301 19 4 2,434 2 11 1,305 15 6 1,637 8 9 4 6 8 6,920 5 6 Ruatoki .. .. .. 47,154 16 0 12,368 3 6 2,248 110 2,039 18 1 63,810 19 5 13,342 15 8 5,708 0 4 2,400 7 3 650 12 1 41,709 4 1 Ruatoki (Waiohau) .. .. 2,631 0 1 2,753 4 6 1,038 1 8 124 14 2 6,547 0 5 1,085 7 8 654 18 10 1,475 3 9 218 17 11 3,112 12 3 Taheke .. .. 4,550 13 5 1,131 15 3 1,462 16 1 231 6 6 7,376 11 3 1,149 13 6 42 7 8 848 10 2 87 2 6 5,248 17 5 Tauranga .. .. .. 12,030 19 1 2,799 7 3 476 12 7 537 3 0 15,844 1 11 3,103 4 2 38 10 2 1,168 16 11 25 0 0 11,508 10 8 Tauranga-Taupo . . .. .. 359 19 039 018 359 7 2 . . 1 0 3 355 14 6 .. 2 12 5 Tikitere .. .. .. 38,311 11 6 2,488 9 10 2,599 17 4 1,516 9 9 44,916 8 5 11,441 18 6 2,578 17 10 894 2 0 142 10 7 29,858 19 6 Waikato Party .. .. 7,040 17 10 1,000 16 9 789 17 11 324 14 7 9,156 7 1 1,617 10 3 8 18 1 571 16 9 241 10 6 6,716 11 6 Tokaanu .. .. .. 22,423 10 1 3,845 9 10 866 4 4 950 0 2 28,085 4 5 5,202 1 4 1,103 5 0 2,125 5 8 15 0 0 19,639 12 5 Torere .. .. .. 10 723 19 3 3,116 3 7 224 14 10 414 17 9 14,479 15 5 3,638 10 10 1,637 9 9 781 17 8 21 9 6 8,400 7 8 Whakatohea 9.267 5 6 2,905 4 2 331 12 11 358 19 5 12,863 2 0 2,815 0 10 1,297 4 1 837 1 9 152 16 0 7,760 19 4 Whakatohea-Wainui .. .. 1,194 8 5 333 3 9 89 0 4 50 4 8 1,666 17 2 207 6 10 208 6 9 213 14 2 22 0 0 1,015 9 5 Wharenui Nursery .. .. 2,419 10 11 608 2 0 37 1 7 25 17 0 3,090 11 6 1,512 5 7 22 8 4 434 3 10 1,062 12 6 59 1 3 Bulk stock, materials, &c. .. 82,297 6 1 45,751 11 4 11,482 10 1 467 15 7 139,999 3 1 70,853 16 7 29,013 12 3 2,496 5 6 31,547 15 6 6,087 13 3 Totals 510,268 12 6 126,075 7 2 44,264 8 1 19,370 14 5 699,979 2 2174,591 12 6 63,584 12 9 33,422 2 6 47,719 13 0 380,661 1 5

GK—lO.

NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES— continued. Summarized Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1936— continued.

50

Total n Qo -h Purchases from -, T , T , , f!a.Kh finllprttrms Expenditure plus Expenditure Bulk and other r n * e d re Total Total Heceipts to Sate of SS, Unemployment Sales to other Net »"' gSKS ". 31 St March, 19 35. «- ■ Schemes, TAIRAWHTTI DISTRICT. £ d £ s. d £ s. d. , d.~ ~£ ZZ~ £ 71 TTi £ Td. Kahungunu 14,329 0 8 936 14 2 1,466 10 6 468 14 10 17,201 0 2 6,269 2 3 280 12 3 546 16 8 506 10 9 9,597 18 3 ollaka ■• '• •• 50,861 4 6 2,560 13 9 3,153 11 4 1,770 11 2 58,346 0 9 17,268 6 0 2,143 19 7 1,582 12 0 593 17 6 36,757 5 8 -Poroporo 21,174 16 2 1,444 11 3 702 12 7 576 3 2 23,898 3 2 10,709 1 1 2,732 18 4 266 1 2 225 9 7 9,964 13 0 Putormo Nursery .. .. 3,128 3 10 81 2 10 30 17 7 113 19 8 3,354 3 11 1,00113 6 42 19 11 69 15 0 55 5 9 2,184 9 9 i, akatahu 5,615 13 3 503 18 6 285 6 7 228 3 3 6,633 1 7 1,403 17 1 735 7 7 93 10 0 135 6 10 4,265 0 1 W ?ar ° a M , i !J'!i! a 8 2 ' 382 15 2 2 ' 523 6 2 831 1 3 37,15112 3 15,291 5 10 3,037 13 10 484 10 3 1,446 17 4 16,891 5 0 Waiapu-Matakaoa .. .. 41,405 16 11 5,035 9 2 5,925 5 4 1,381 9 3 53,748 0 8 21,634 17 0 3,666 9 0 1,506 12 10 1,706 15 10 25,233 6 0 a i hua , 22 > 249 7 9 5,39110 8 1,548 8 11 529 1111 29,718 19 3,13,383 1 7 9,430 5 2 264 17 2 115 7 11 6 525 7 5 Bulk purchases .. .. 12,119 10 0 14,811 2 3 1,027 12 10 19 4 10 27,977 9 11 8,417 5 8 1,539 14 10 419 19 0 18,443 6 10 Cr. 842 16 5 Totals •• •• 202,298 2 9 33,147 17 9 16,663 11 10 5,918 19 4 258,028 11 8 95,378 10 0 23,610 0 6 , 5,234 14 1 23,228 18 4 110,576 8 9 AOTEA DISTRICT. £ B d £ , d . £ , d . £ , d . £ g d . £ g d £ g d £ g d £ g _ ± £ g _ d Ohmepuhmwe 0 361 17 6 .. 8 6 6 379 4 0 .. 19 0 4 12114 6 0 3 6 238 5 8 Kanana •• •■ •• 23 > 117 n n 4,401 2 4 0 3 6 923 2 7 28,442 0 4 7,163 12 9 2,668 7 3 1,14119 6 .. 17,468 0 10 Totals .. .. 23,126 11 11 4,762 19 10 0 3 6 931 9 1 28,821 4 4 7,163 12 9 2,687 7 7 1,263 14 0 0 3 6 " 17,706 6 6 IKAROA DISTRICT. £«•<!• £■■.*. £ s. d. £ , d. £ , d. £ , d. £ ... d. £ s. d. £ s . d. £ b. d. Heretaunga 4,811 3 8 243 5 3 .. 100 16 4 5,155 5 3 2,578 14 7 807 6 5 41 0 0 1 728 4 3 Manawatu 4,162 8 7 1,448 10 7 .. 159 14 1 5,770 13 3 1,511 7 8 570 4 2 788 7 5 .. 2,900 14 0 boutlHand .. .. .. 13,620 4 9 1,796 7 9 .. 556 10 10 15,973 3 4 2,050 15 4 881 8 10 532 110 .. 12,508 17 4 alrau 5,089 16 5 5,311 8 8 .. 119 2 0 10,520 7 1 2,842 7 2 749 1 8 3,149 12 4 3,779 5 11 Kalwhare •• 147 1111 .. .. 147 1111 .. .. 71 0 0 .. 76 1111 Totals •• •• I 2 ?>683 13 5 8,947 4 2 .. 936 3 3 37,567 0 10 8,983 4 9 3,008 1 1 4,582 17 .. 20,993 13 5 WFAFl OFPTri? „ & r.r, S ' d ' £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. HhAD OFFICE .. .. 7,654 5 11 8,658 18 3 10,886 14 10 2 0 2 27,20119 2 11,034 19 0 11,479 11 6* .. 4,687 8 8 Grand totals .. .. 1,091,777 5 6 249,544 18 2 87,039 4 7 38,796 19 1 1,467,158 7 4 421,563 11 7 140,786 18 7 74,249 15 6 85,192 18 0 745,365 3 8 * Includes repayment of principal, £11,000, by the Arawa Trust Board on account of Maketu Farm, Eotorua District.

G.—lo.

TABLES.

Table 1.—Analysis of Cash Receipts for Year 1935-36 —State Schemes.

51

Butterfat. Cattle. Wool. Sheep. Sundries. Totals. Tokerau District. £ £ £ £ £ £ Bay of Islands .. .. 5,005 99 31 183 171 5,489 TautoroBush .. .. .. 984 8 ' 562 4 1,558 Hokianga .. .. .. 5,196 20 .. .. 137 5,353 WaimaBush .. .. .. 1,017 .. 1,434 7 2,458 Kaipara .. .. .. 1,407 7 .. .. 38 1,452 Pouto •■ ■■ 106 .. .. 106 Mangonui .. .. ..4,153 8 .. .. 89 4,250 Manukau .. .. .. .. 94 .. .. .. 94 MotatauFarm .. .. 432 380 31 43 20 906 Panguru Farm .. .. .. 99 .. 190 .. 289 Bulk stores and stock .. .. .. .. .. 115 115 16,193 2,708 176 2,412 581 22,070 Waikato-Maniapoto District. Kawhia 515 75 24 953 7 1,574 Te Kuiti Farm .. .. .. 543 396 336 19 1,294 Mahoenui .. ■• 427 2,026 14 2,467 Onewhero 1,470 62 .. .. 423 1,955 Oparure .. •• ■■ 72 168 .. 227 88 555 Waahi 267 .. .. .. 7 274 Waikato 203 4 .. .. 23 230 Waimiha .. .. •• 1,536 1,335 297 1,178 226 4,572 Waipipi 544 23 .. .. 829 1,396 Bulk stock and stores .. •. • • • ■ • • 31 31 4,607 2,210 1,144 4,720 1,667 14,348 Waiariki District. Brents Farm .. .. • • .. • • • • 59 59 Horohoro —Kapenga No. 2 .. .. .. ■ •. • • 2 2 Ngati-Tuara .. 2,797 115 .. .. 69 2,981 Rongomaipapa .. 2,290 132 .. .. 9 2,431 Tuhourangi ..204 4 .. .. 3 211 Turanganui .. .. • • • ■ • • 8 8 Waikaukau .. 362 5 .. .. 7 374 Te Kaka—Proper .... 649 20 .. .. 177 846 Maraenui ...... .. 104 5 262 371 Omaio .... 723 68 .. .. 17 808 Orete .... 902 55 24 .. 40 1,021 Te Piki .. .. .. .. • • ■ • 63 63 Te Waiti .. .. 220 10 . . .. 29 259 Whangaparaoa .. 624 32 .. .. 31 687 Maketu—Farm .. .. 3,234 1,749 .. 3 99 5,085 Motiti Island .. .. • • ■ • • • 677 677 Pukainaataru .. 186 35 .. .. 27 248 Te Puke .. •• 23 .. .. .. 5 28 Ngatiawa 3 858 1,013 147 2,021 Okere •• ■• •■ 22 22 Opape Farm .. .. 1,003 16 44 181 4 1,248 Parekarangx ...... 344 3 .. .. 9 356 Parekarangi Extension . . ■ • ■ • ■ • • • ? 7 Peka 138 3 .. .. 10 151 Ruatahuna •• 647 633 26 1,306 Ruatoki 5,253 81 11 .. 363 5,708 Ruatoki-Waiohau .... 32 550 .. .. 73 655 Taheke •• •• ■• •• 42 42 Tauranga .. ■ ■ • ■ • • • • • • •• 40 40 Tikitere 2,271 55 .. .. 253 2,579 Tikitere - Waikato Party . . 7 ... .. . . 2 9 Tokaanu .. ..' •• •• 3 452 553 96 1,104 Torere • ■• 1.64« 61 •• •• 30 1,637 Whakatohea 1,053 17 .. .. 227 1,297 Whakatohea-Wainui .... 194 5 .. .. 9 208 Wharenui Nursery .. ■ • • • • ■ • • • • 22 22 Bulk stores and stock .. .. 9,978 4,256 12,860 1,920 29,014 24,055 13,000 6,396 15,248 4,886 63,585

G.—lo.

Table 1. —Analysis of Cash Receipts for Year 1935-36—State Schemes—continued.

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 cheque, leaving the balance for maintenance and livingexpenses. 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.

52

Butterfat. Cattle. Wool. Sheep. | Sundries. Totals. Tairawhiti District. ££££££ Kahungunu ...... 38 5 143 92 2 280 Mohaka .. .. .. 1,604 96 156 246 42 2,144 Poroporo .. .. .. 193 277 368 1,874 20 2,732 Putorino Nursery .. .. .. .. . . .. 43 43 Takatahu .. .. .. 701 27 .. .. 7 735 Tuparoa .. .. .. 385 71 981 897 704 3,038 Waiapu-Matakaoa .. .. 983 529 290 1,807 58 3,667 Waihua .. .. .. .. 1,797 1,956 5,631 46 9,430 Bulk stores and stock .. .. 186 .. 125 1,230 1,541 3,904 2,988 3,894 10,672 2,152 23,610 Aolea District. Ohinepuhiawe .. .. 19 .. .. .. .. 19 Banana .. .. .. 1,077 251 6 1,032 302 2,668 1,096 251 6 1,032 302 2,687 Ikaroa and South Island Districts. Heretaunga .. .. .. 547 77 .. .. 183 807 Manawatu .. .. .. 513 57 .. . . .. 570 Southland .. .. .. 419 31 40 347 45 882 Wairau .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 749 749 1,479 165 40 347 977 3,008 Head Office .. .. .. .. . .. .. 11,479* 11,479 Grand total .. .. 51,334 21,322 11,656 34,431 22,044 140,787 * Includes £11,000 repayment of principal by Arawa Trust Board 011 account of Maketu Farm, Rotorua District.

G.—lo.

Table 2.—Analysis of Cash Receipts for Year 1935-36 —All Activities.

53

Butterfat. Cattle. Wool. Sheep. Sundries. Totals. Part I. State Schemes — ££££££ As per Table No. 1 .. .. 51,334 21,322 11,656 34,431 22,044 140,787 Part II. Maori Land Board Schemes— Anaura .. .. .. .. 1,238 2,210 2,650 34 6,132 TeKao 680 .. .. .. 1,034 1,714 Morikau .. .. .. .. 1,095 3,781 6,026 .. 10,902 Tihiotonga .. .. .. 745 414 .. 48 92 1,299 1,425 2,747 5,991 8,724 1,160 20,047 Part III. Native Trust Stations — Aohanga .. .. .. .. 7,265 8,119 16,477 145 32,006 Hakurenga .. .. .. .. +11 1,046 1,876 10 3,343 Hereheretau .. .. .. .. 402 1,681 3,211 59 5,353 Hoia .. .. .. .. .. 406 1,254 1,598 20 3,278 Motuweka .. .. .. .. 837 2,994 6,076 37 9,944 Tawanui.. .. .. .. .. 94 250 565 14 923 Tiratu .. .. .. .. .. 56 508 2,736 55 3,355 9,471 15,852 32,539 340 58,202 Part IV. East Coast Trust Stations— Mangatahu .. .. .. .. 1,832 2,166 3,950 .. 7,948 Okaihau .. .. .. .. 10 713 1,324 .. 2,047 Pukutarewa .. .. .. .. 1,436 1,711 3,336 .. 6,483 Waitangirua .. .. .. .. 9 749 1,143 .. 1,901 Wairere.. .. .. .. .. 2,102 3,895 5,780 .. 11,777 Iwinui .. .. .. .. .. 482 523 2,705 .. 3,710 Kopua .. .. .. .. .. 252 1,273 1,741 .. 3,266 Mahurangi .. .. .. .. 1,093 1,280 1,280 .. 3,653 Mangaotane •• •• 1,144 1,407 1,725 .. 4,276 Onenui .. .. .. .. .. 1,080 2,073 458 .. 3,611 Patemaru .. .. .. .. 879 1,136 2,198 .. 4,213 Papuni .. .. .. .. .. 1,356 1,933 2,202 .. 5,491 Pakowhai .. .. .. .. 1,099 154 1,592 .. 2,845 Pohaturoa .. .. .. .. 636 1,306 3,319 .. 5,261 Paroa .. .. .. .. .. 791 1,254 5,407 .. 7,452 Waimaha .. .. .. .. 818 1,307 1,400 .. 3,525 15,019 22,880 39,560 .. 77,459 GRAND totals .. .. 52,759 48,559 56,379 115,254 23,544 296,495

GK—lO.

Table 3. —Return and Analysis of Wool Sales for Year—All Activities.

Note. —The above returns for State schemes include wool sold during the year 1935-36, but the cash proceeds for which were not received until after the 31st March, 1936.

54

Number of Bales. Proceeds. Average per Bale. Part I. State Schemes : Districts — £ £ Tokerau .. .. .. 81 803 9-9 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 117 1,343 11-5 Waiariki .. .. 664 6,396 9-6 Tairawhiti .. .. 610 6,822 , 11-2 Aotea .. .. .. 19 170 1 8-9 Ikaroa South Island .... 6 40 6 • 6 1,497 15,574 10-4 Part II. Board Farms — Anaura .. .. .. 173 2,210 12-8 Te Kao Morikau.. .. .. 333 3,781 11-4 Tihiotonga 506 5,991 11-8 Part III. Native Trust Stations — Aohanga .. .. 674 8,119 12-0 Hakurenga .. .. 98 1,046 10-7 Hereheretau .. .. 169 1,681 10'0 Hoia .. .. .. 116 1,254 10-8 Motuweka .. .. 249 2,994 12-0 Tawanui .. .. .. 27 250 9 • 3 Tiratu .. .. .. 41 508 12'4 1,374 15,852 11-5 Part IV. East Coast Trust Stations— Mangatalm .. .. 179 2,166 12-1 Okaihau .. .. .. 70 713 10-2 Pukatarewa .. .. 135 1,711 12-7 Waitangirua .. .. 74 749 10-1 Wairere .. .. .. 320 3,895 12'1 Iwinui .. .. .. 48 523 10-8 Kopua .. .. .. 120 1,273 10-6 Mahurangi .. .. 110 1,280 11-6 Mangaotane .. .. 163 1,407 8'6 Onenui .. .. .. 180 2,073 11-5 Patemaru .. .. 103 1,136 11-0 Papuni .. .. .. 181 1,933 10-7 Pakowhai .. .. 12 154 12-8 Pohaturoa .. .. 124 1,306 10-5 Paroa .. .. .. 113 1,254 11-1 Waimaha .. .. 131 1,307 10-0 2,063 22,880 111Grand totals .. 5,440 60,297 11-1

G. —10

Table 4.—Comparative Return for Districts of Total Receipts from State Schemes.

Table 5.—Return showing Position of Native Lands under State Schemes.

Table 6.—Return showing Lands under Development or being farmed —All Activities.

55

Districts. 1930-81. 1931-32. 1932-33. 1933-34. 1934-35. 1935-36. Totals. ££££££ £ Tokerau .. .. .. 1,908 5,312 11,092 12,559 13,726 22,070 66,667 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. 202 316 3,180 7,301 6,871 14,348 32,218 Waiariki .. .. .. 2,667 5,578 17,246 36,318 29,472 63,585 154,866 Tairawhiti .. .. .. .. 650 9,143 16,886 20,253 23,610 70,542 Aotea .. .. .. 413 1,070 916 1,404 2,180 2,687 8,670 Ikaroa .. .. .. .. 288 992 888 727 1,377 4,272 South Island .. .. .. 5 143 294 391 506 1,631 2,970 Head Office (receipts at 31st March 352 72 12 .. 5,480 479 6,395 not as then transferred to districts) Totals .. .. 5,547 13,429 42,875 75,747 79,215 129,787 346,600

...... Total Area gazetted Area under Area not yet SfelabUsS ''toSdSST 1 Districts. for Development. Development. developed. VZt° D Acres. Acres. Acres. Tokerau .. .. .. 440,178 67,351 372,827 677 4,283 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 26,012 11,751 14,261 61 475 Waiariki .. .. .. 132,193 42,073 90,120 429 3,478 Tairawhiti .. .. 59,233 33,524 25,709 156 938 Aotea .. .. .. 4,593 2,766 1,827 26 126 Ikaroa .. .. .. 2,836 2,636 200 21 155 South Island .. .. 3,840 1,840 2,000 18 180 Totals .. .. 668,885 161,941 506,944 1,388 9,635

Area under Development Area under Development or being farmed. or being farmed. Part I. Acres. Pakt III. Acres. State Schemes —As per Table No. 5 161,941 Native Trust stations "' " 33 ' 844 Part TT PART IV. East Coast Trust stations .. 93,153 Board farms .. .. .. 27,361 — Totals .. .. 316,299

GL—lO.

Table 7. —Return showing Tallies of Live-stock at 31st March, 1936—All Activities.

Table 8. —Return showing the Principal Development Activities undertaken during the Year on State Schemes.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (609 copies), £70.

By Authority: G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington. —1936.

Price Is. 3d.~\

56

Dairy Stock. Run Cattle. Sheep. Horses. Other Stock. r Other Dairy cow8 - Stock. Part I. State Schemes : Districts — Tokerau .. .. 11,872 5,315 809 5,979 715 246 Waikato-Maniapoto 1,577 580 945 7,117 143 Waiariki.. .. .. 6,321 4,695 3,327 34,676 525 Tairawhiti .. .. 2,882 660 2,432 31,562 156 813 Aotea .. .. .. 615 287 .. 1,625 45 Ikaroa .. .. .. 441 109 .. .. 26 9 South Island .. .. 348 179 15 424 21 24,056 11,825 7,528 81,383 1,631 1,068 Part II. Board Farms — Anaura 8 5 1,114 7,871 5 TeKao .. 581 384 .. .. 82 Morikau .. .. 405 430 474 13,723 31 Tihiotonga .. .. 7 200 63 1,001 1,019 1,651 21,594 118 Part III. Native Trust Stations — Hoia .. .. .. .. .. 642 4,554 13 Hereheretau .. .. .. .. 570 5,205 11 Aohanga .. .. .. .. 1,873 29,391 44 Motuweka .. .. .. 494 13,671 14 Tiratu .. .. .. .. .. 143 2,160 9 Hakurenga .. .. .. . . 348 3,946 9 Tawanui. . .. .. .. .. 95 902 6 4,165 59,829 106 Part IV. East Coast Trust Stations — Mangatahu .. .. .. 812 7,067 11 Okaihau .. .. .. .. 217 3,241 8 Puk'utarewa .. .. .. .. 1,047 6,318 97 .. Waitangirua .. .. .. •• 519 3,895 7 Wairere.. ... .. .. .. 1,626 13,610 48 Iwinui . . .. .. . . .. 589 2,551 7 Kopua .. .. .. .. .. 589 3,982 5 Mahurangi .. .. .. .. 825 6,278 6 Mangaotane .. .. .. •• 482 6,707 12 Onenui . . .. .. .. . ■ 900 8,224 40 Patemaru .. .. .. .. 526 3,712 9 Papuni .. .. .. .. 640 7,723 30 Pakowhai .. .. .. .. 25 676 2 Pohaturoa .. .. .. •• 564 7,470 13 Paroa .. .. .. .. .. 509 5,084 30 Waimaha .. .. .. .. 539 5,048 5 Willows .. .. .. .. • • • • 101 10,409 91,687 330 GRAND totals .. 25,057 12,844 23,753 254,493 2,185 1,068

_. . , . Bushfelling and Fencing Draining Cultivating and -Districts. Clearing. (new). (new\ Grassing. Acres. Chains. Chains. Acres. Tokerau .. .. .. .. 6,568 8,454 4,402 4,124 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. .. 864 1,269 329 311 Waiariki .. 8,387 11,113 4,737 3,205 Tairawhiti .. .. .. .. 2,182 3,118 98 2,405 Aotea .. . . .. .. 258 341 .. 26 Xkaroa .. .. .. .. 75 60 80 100 South Island .. .. .. .. 267 477 421 310 18,601 24,832 10,067 10,481