NATIVE DEPARTMENT THE DEVELOPMENT AND SETTLEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS AND THE PROVISION OF HOUSES FOR MAORIS (STATEMENT BY THE HON. H. G. R. MASON, NATIVE MINISTER, UPON THE PROGRESS OF)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1945 Session I, G-10

a.—io

1945 NEW ZEALAND

NATIVE DEPARTMENT THE DEVELOPMENT AND SETTLEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS AND THE PROVISION OF HOUSES FOR MAORIS (STATEMENT BY THE HON. H. G. R. MASON, NATIVE MINISTER, UPON THE PROGRESS OF)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave

GENERAL REPORT This report, which deals with the operations of the Board of Native Affairs during the financial year ended 31st March, 1945, sets out in concise form the principal activities undertaken throughout the year in connection with the development, settlement, and farming of Native lands and lands owned or occupied by Maoris, and in provision of housing accommodation for Maoris. A report upon the other activities of the Native Department is contained in a separate parliamentary paper (G.-9). The Board of Native Affairs was constituted under the Board of Native Affairs Act, 1934—35, and consists of the following members : — The Native Minister (Chairman) ; The Under-Secretary of the Native Department; The Financial Adviser to the Government; The Under-Secretary for Lands ; The Valuer-General; The Director-General of Agriculture ; and Three other persons appointed by the Governor-General in Council. The principal duty of the Board of Native Affairs, as defined by statute, is to promote the settlement and more effective utilization by Maoris of Native land and of land owned or occupied by Maoris, and to encourage them to engage in farming and in other industries related thereto. This duty, of course, takes in horticultural pursuits as well, and the progress made in this branch of activity will be referred to later in the report. The statutory provisions which enable houses to be provided for Maoris are contained in the Native Housing Act, i 935, and its amendments. The settlement of the Maori upon his own lands offers perhaps one of the widest avenues for his advancement. The Board of Native Affairs is therefore steadily pursuing the policy, first adopted in 1929, of developing unproductive Native lands with the assistance of funds provided by the State, and a large section of the Maori people is thus being afforded the opportunity of earning a living under conditions which they find most suitable. The results already manifested under this policy are distinctly encouraging. Development schemes now embrace a total area of over 1,169,865 acres, of which more than 804,045 acres are in the course of being either developed and improved or farmed as settled holdings. The number of individual farmers already established is now 1,892, and these settlers, together with some 2,000 other farm workers, support a very considerable number of dependants, estimated to be in excess of 20,000. In recent years the Maori people have unquestionably exhibited a greater trust and confidence in the policy and the mechanism of a Native land development scheme. Much of their former reserve and reluctance to bring their lands under the scheme, probably engendered by the memory of past grievances in relation to their Native lands, is disappearing, and it is reasonable to hope that in the not very distant future it will have wholly gone. The Maori is naturally a son of the soil, and he brings to his husbandry a certain acquaintance with agriculture in its elementary form and an intelligence which makes him an apt pupil who is very easily taught. The desire to attain competence and efficiency in modern farming practice and methods is distinctly encouraged by the spirit of emulation and healthy competition which is present in the Maori character ; and these desirable qualities can be fostered by an understanding, tactful, and sympathetic policy of supervision and farming education. It would be indeed suprising, .therefore, if the Maori failed to respond. During the initial stage of development when the land is being cleared, grassed, and fenced, most Maori farmers find themselves in congenial surroundings, as day-to-day progress holds their interest in the project. It is at a later stage, when the land has been stocked, and entered into production, when niaintenance of stock, pastures, and improvements are necessary, that the farmer must learn to sustain

G.—lo

consistent effort in order to make a success of his venture. Here it is that good supervision, exercised by tactful men who understand the Maori, can render the best assistance by suitable encouragement, especially during the months when returns are small and appear insufficient reward for the work undertaken up to that time or in prospect. In sheep-farming, where there is one wool cheque a year and stock is sold during a short period only, a high degree of self-reliance is required not only to finance the home and farm, but also to carry out maintenance to plant, buildings, gates and fences, and to husband the stock without any expectation of a return for many months. Undoubtedly this has accounted for the high popularity of dairying among the Maori farmers, for many feel that the quick and recurrent returns from their labours each month more than compensate for the additional toil and self-discipline required in a dairy-farmer. Farm Production Although New Zealand is capable of growing a wide variety of crops, the climate and soil fertility arc especially conducive to pastoral pursuits. Even in the cold seasons, grasses make some growth, and stock can be wintered in the open, their food-supply supplemented in some measure by hay and ensilage, which are for the most part products of the land in the season of flush growth harvested to supplement the feed upon which the stock is wintered. The possibility of all-the-year-round pastoral farming has probably been the cause of its having greater favour in the North Island compared with cropping. The Native land development schemes in the South Island have this year produced commercial crops of potatoes, peas, and barley with a small quantity of wheat. In addition, 26 tons of chaff were also obtained. Occupiers of Native land development farms (units) arc almost invariably nominated upon a recommendation of the Native Land Court. The Court's recommendation of a unit for any property is given only after a public hearing, and takes into account the wishes of the owners of the property, the industry and capacity of the nominee, the proposals of the Department's local farm supervisor, and relevant circumstances. Notwithstanding the care given to the selection of occupiers, some fail to attain the standard necessary for success as farmers. As the total number includes many who arc but recently settled and have not yet been adequately tried as farmers, the number of units considered as unlikely to become efficient farmers is very small indeed. In the case of unsuccessful farmers, application is made to the Court for the recommendation of another person to take over the farm, but no change is made until every opportunity has been given to the unsuccessful unit to overcome any lack of experience or training which may be retarding his progress and so prove his right to further trial. During the year, grants amounting to £141,485 were received from the Consolidated Fund by way of labour subsidies. This money has been expended on the development of marginal lands which, without some form of financial assistance, could not be brought into production and so made to bear its resident population, for it must not be overlooked that the land is always found in association with the people. The gross expenditure of public moneys for the year on all the agricultural and pastoral schemes controlled by the Department, including labour subsidies, was £780,014 (compared with £668,400 for the previous year), while receipts from farming operations amounted to £667,807 (compared with £574,455 for the previous year). Thus the year's working, without recourse to new capital, resulted in a surplus of £29,278 after the payment of £98,100 to the Consolidated Fund in interest charges. Expenditure under the Native Housing Act, 1.935, amounted to £39,613, while during the year housing mortgagors made repayments of principal £20,121 and met interest charges of £4,000. Cash collections by the Department under each heading showed some variation when compared with the previous year. Receipts from butterfat increased by 23 per cent., while the Department's share of wool proceeds dropped by 9 per cent. Sales of live-stock brought an additional 24 per cent., but the returns from miscellaneous items (including crops), which are grouped under the heading " Sundries," fell by 15 per cent. Taken over the whole, the collections in cash were 16 per cent, above last year's total. The actual amount of the revenue collected under each heading was as follows : butterfat (representing the Department's retention, which averaged 44 per cent.), £192,484, compared with £156,000 for the previous season ; wool sales, £103,036, as against £112,803 for 1944 ; live-stock sales, £336,500, in comparison with £269,324 for the previous year ; and sundry receipts (crops and other farm produce), £30,479, the previous years receipts being £36,301. On State-controlled schemes the volume of dairy-produce increased last year from 4,816,281 lb. to 5,756,5911b., while the wool clip of 5,925 bales showed an increase of 225 bales over the 1944 season. The nineteen stations financed by the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards produced a total of 2,069 bales of wool of a gross value of £37,133, as compared with 2,033 bales (£38,723) for the preceding year ; sales of live-stock on these properties reached £60,386, in comparison with £50,211 in 194-4. On the East Coast Trust stations, 3,653 bales of wool were shorn, the previous year's clip being 3,650; live-stock sales amounted to £105,006 (£85,765). The live-stock returns at 31st March, 1945, show an increase in dairy cattle and breeding-ewes, with a drop in the numbers of other stock carried. The tallies, with the previous year's figures shown in parentheses, on the farming schemes financed by the State were as follows : cows milked during the season, 43,382 (39,500) ; other dairy stock, 20,291 (22,600) ; run cattle, 26,954 (30,500) ; breeding-ewes, 163,173 (160,200) ; dry sheep, 116,779 (128,100). The sixteen Native Trust stations were carrying 7,559 (7,300) run cattle, 32,350 (31,700) breeding-ewes, and 30,410 (34,900) dry sheep, while the figures for the three Maori Land Board stations were 2,972 (3,350) run cattle, 17,552 (18,500) breeding-ewes, and 14,212 (11,600) dry sheep. Weather In the far North the weather this year was favourable for dairy-farming, the abundant summer rains bringing a growth of grass that is unusual, but in this case welcome, as it was the means of increasing the butterfat production to a figure much higher than that of the preceding year, The Waikato district

2

Gr.—10

was favoured with a mild year and quantities of winter fodder have been brought forward. The East Coast - Gisborne - Wairoa district experienced a year so unusually dry that conditions were difficult for many farmers with inadequate water-supplies. The Wairarapa, Manawatu, and Hastings districts had a spell of wet weather at shearing and harvesting time which resulted in some loss, but otherwise the seasons were not abnormal. In the South Island very difficult conditions were experienced in Southland and the dreariness of a very wet winter prevailed well into December. Further heavy rain in March interfered with the harvesting of cereals but produced a flush of grass, while at Wairau similar conditions prevailed. Snowstorms shortly after lambing time caused serious interference with stock in the Wellington and Manawatu districts and on the South Island schemes. The Taranaki area experienced some of the most favourable climatic conditions for many years, with the result that the butterfat production in that district reached a new record. Ahuwhenua Trophy " Son of the Soil" trophy, presented by Lord Bledisloe during his term as Governor-General of New Zealand as a challenge trophy for competition by Maori settlers 011 land development schemes, was awarded this year to Mr. J. Wharekura, a farmer from Horohoro, in the Rotorua district. The annual contest continues to exhibit unquestionable value in encouraging the Maori people to strive for the best results from the farming of their holdings and so stimulate a spirit of emulation and healthy competition. The judge, in making his award this year, stated that the development work carried out, the standard of farming adopted, and the volume of production was a great credit to all concerned, and he remarked that the same degree of effort applied, as it could be, to large areas of land in the North Island would increase production many times. The competitors had shown what was possible by the application of energy, determination, and intelligence, with departmental assistance where necessary. This year's winner, who was placed third in last year's contest, farms 125 acres, running 63 cows and heifers together with a small flock of sheep and some pigs. His return from a commercial crop of potatoes was excellent. The second placed competitor lias a farm of 56 acres carrying 44 cows and heifers, 2 working horses, and 26 pigs. Consolidation Consolidation has not made the progress expected during the year under review, more particularly because sufficient trained staff has not been available for the work. For nearly eighty years now New Zealand has pursued, through the machinery of the Native Land Courts, the simplification of 'Native land titles. Relatively small progress was made until 1930. In that year an active policy of development of Native lands began, and it was found that ownership of land by numerous individuals or by a community was a serious handicap to progress of the development scheme, and the progress of consolidation was resorted to in a greater measure. Consolidation has been defined as " the act of grouping into units of economic efficiency the multitudinous interests of a Maori community in scattered remnants of land, such consolidation being accomplished with a strict regard to the legal rights of each individual owner and the value of the interests concerned." Expressed briefly, this work entails locating in one composite area the scattered landed interests .of an individual or, at the most, of a family or hapu into compact groups as far as possible, convenient from an economic farming point of view. Every endeavour is made to provide the new holdings, where practicable, with all the natural accessories demanded by modern farming, and accordingly the new boundaries laid down for each block are governed by natural features, water-supply, accessibility by road, and the like. Native Trustee The investments of the Native Trustee and the seven Maori Land Boards, controlled, as they are, by the Board of Native Affairs, show a sound financial position. At the conclusion of the last financial year the Native Trustee had £181,830 invested in Government securities, £372,560 on mortgage, and a further £134,319 by way of overdraft to stations and other farm properties. The Maori Land Boards at 31st March had £242,237 on deposit with the Native Trustee, £271,029 invested in Government securities, £221,489 invested in mortgages to various Maoris, and had granted overdrafts amounting to £70,348 to various properties engaged in primary production. The total liability to Maori beneficiaries of institutions under the control of the Board was £849,461, this being covered by investments amounting to £1,493,812, reserve funds of £386,878, and cash balances of £68,789. Horticulture In his primitive state the Maori necessarily depended largely upon the limited range of his crops for sustenance, and with the aid of crude implements and infinite patience and diligence developed a high degree of proficiency in supplementing the natural resources of the country. Many have orientated themselves to the changed circumstances of a new mode of life, but through comparative isolation or inability to keep pace with modern development many are still in a state of transition, and more intimate contact is required to exploit the latent potentialities of the people and aid them in achieving the degree of self-sufficiency and confidence in operations essential to their welfare. A good response has followed the inauguration of efforts to stimulate cropping and horticultural pursuits, and the uumber of people interested and desirous of producing commercial, crops of maize, onions, and potatoes is increasing. Coincident with organized production has been the systematic marketing of produce, with uniformly satisfactory results and better returns to the growers than have hitherto been obtained under individual marketing. During the last year, kumaras, potatoes, onions, and carrots to the approximate value of £20,000 were marketed on behalf of Maori producers by the Native Department. This, in addition to the quantity sold by the growers personally, constitutes a worth-while effort under the existing conditions. There is every indication that guidance in cropping and orderly marketing can play a big part in improving the well-being of the people and the national economy. As in all undertakings where

3

GL—iO

so much depends upon individual inclination or effort, and the effort is regulated by financial return added income from successful cropping can supply the stimulus to home improvement and a higher standard of living. Greater efforts are being made to foster the " pride in home " spirit by encouraging the planting of shelter, fruit trees, and home gardens and providing the necessary advice and instruction. The background of inadequate returns from previous unregulated efforts is difficult to overcome, but the prospect is distinctly promising. The steady depletion of natural timber supplies demands planned planting, more especially on land not suitable for grassing, of trees that will counteract erosion and be of economic value either as shelter material or for fencing and allied purposes. In view of this, a comprehensive plan of reafforestation is envisaged. Much has been done in planting shelter on development schemes, and the constant requirements in this respect necessitate the maintenance of nurseries to produce the trees. The nurseries are staffed by Maoris and play no small part in furthering tree-mindedness among those whom it is desired to benefit; and the eventual propagation of fruit trees will assist in reducing the deficiency of fruit in the average Maori diet. In addition to the personal instruction and assistance in cropping and marketing that is available, areas where up-to-date horticultural practice can be demonstrated are being established. The Whirinaki Maori Young Farmers' Club, under the guidance of a departmental officer, exemplifies the spirit and the thirst for knowledge among the young Maori people, and the expansion of this movement is anticipated. Production of vegetables on a large scale for processing is envisaged in the near future, and arrangements that will benefit a large body of Maoris on small holdings are in hand. Instruction in schools, home gardens, and settlements will be continued with the object of improving home conditions and dietetic standards by the industry and application of the Tjeonle themselves. Attention is being devoted to producing marketable crops and to marketing, and the Department's liaison between the growers and the marketing authorities or markets is proving of very <*reat value and convenience to both parties. Operations will be continued along these lines with the object of fitting people into fuller and more useful lives and developing the qualities necessary to good citizenship. Rehabilitation The Department continues to act as agent for the Rehabilitation Board in the rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen. The Under-Secretary of the Department is a statutory member of the Rehabilitation Board and Council and is Chairman of the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee, which is a sub-committee of both the Rehabilitation Board and the Board of Native Affairs. During the year the Crown acquired, for the settlement of Maori ex-servicemen, a portion of Mi. A. I. Carroll s piopotty at Wairoa known as Huramua Station, The area acquired, comprising 1,778 acres, while being further developed preparatory to subdivision, is being utilized as a training centre where Maori returned soldiers are receiving practical instruction in modern farming methods. Accommodation is available for up to ten trainees at one time. Negotiations to acquire other properties were begun during the year, and since its close two blocks were purchased for rehabilitation purposes. Some progress has been made with rehabilitation, both in the way of providing houses and furniture and settlement on lands generally, during the past year, but it is hoped, and, indeed, it is already evident, that progress will be much accelerated during the forthcoming year. Maoris applying for rehabilitation assistance are not entirely confined to the agency of the Native Department, and may, and do, in appropriate circumstances, obtain rehabilitation benefits through the State Advances Corporation and other agency Departments associated with the Rehabilitation Department. Housing The progress of housing and other constructional activities of the Department, as in the buildin" industry generally has again been seriously handicapped by the shortage of materials and skilled labour* Operations are dependent 011 the availability of experienced and suitable Maori or European tradesmen to take charge of the various building teams as leading hands and job foremen, who, in addition to trade knowledge, must have tlie ability to understand and train the Maori workman. This dearth of skilled men not only keeps labour costs at a high rate, but also makes the task of supervising semi-skilled and unskilled workers a particularly heavy one, resulting in the need for limiting field operations within the capacity of the present supervisory staff to give adequate attention to works in progress. Maori trainees from the rehabilitation trade training centres are now being absorbed into employment 011 Maori housing operations as they become available. The products of these training schools should form a valuablecontribution to man-power requirements as the trainees gain experience in the application of the knowledge they have gained under the rehabilitation training scheme. Taking a long-range view, Maori housing will considerably benefit in the future by the recruitment of trained labour from this source. Early in the year considerable progress was made in completing arrangements for the appointment of supervisory staff 111 convenient localities throughout the North Island. While further appointments of overseers may be necessary to provide adequate coverage and control of future widespread activities, the staff now appointed will permit more concentrated attention being given to the improvement of Maori housing conditions in the coming financial year. There is, however, a growing need for further administrative staff to cope with the increased volume of work incurred by investigation of housing applications and other administrative duties necessary a,s a preliminary to field activities. The co-operation received from the various supply authorities in arranging for material requirements when difficulties were experienced in this regard are appreciated. The problem of supply as related to the scattered nature of activity is a matter of concern, and as the pressure of housing

4

Gr. —10

work develops so the need arises for establishing storage and works depots in central localities in order to obtain and maintain adequate custody and delivery of materials and equipment. Constant attention is being given to the establishment of housing advances on a satisfactory long-term basis not only for the purpose of meeting increased building costs, but also to provide improved housing standards. This is particularly necessary in considering the requirements of large families as related to the limited financial resources of such applicants. Applications for housing in town and suburban areas have shown a marked increase, thus presenting problems in the provision of loans sufficient to meet the costs of higher standards of construction and design necessary in such areas. Consideration is also being given to the question of rental housing in. town areas where Maoris have become established in permanent industrial employment. While the progress on housing operations has been restricted owing to factors confronting the building industry as a whole, the technical and administrative machinery has been gradually developed to meet the requirements of a heavier programme of work which will be evident immediately conditions in the industry become easier. Although the houses completed for the year have been less in number than might be desired, the steady growth of the organization is apparent when it is considered that the work in progress at the end of the year amounted to almost double the year's return for completed dwellings, with about thirty building teams operating. During the year under review a total of 102 houses were provided, while the total number of dwellings provided for Maoris up to 31st March, 1945, was 2,553. • • • Native Minister.

STATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES Tokerau Maori Land Board District The Tokerau District embraces the whole peninsula north of Auckland, and therein dwell a quarter of the Dominion's Maori population. The population is fast increasing, thereby adding to the responsibilities of the Department in its administration of Maori affairs. The development of Maori lands is providing a useful solution to the economic problems of many of these people and is creatine a new interest among them as ancestral lands become developed and are made productive. Dairying is the main avenue for bringing the land to a self-supporting stage. Vigorous progress in land development has, however, been retarded by wartime exigencies, such as lack of fertilizers, shortage of farm labour, and restricted use of farming materials, but despite disappointments and set-backs it is very pleasing to report that a notable increase in butterfat production has been recorded this year. The total yield of 2,069,999 lb. of butterfat from Maori unit farms financed by the Department shows an increase of 407,749 lb. or approximately 25 per cent., above last year's figures. On the whole, the season under review has been favourable to dairy-farmers! Copious summer rains produced an abundance of feed in practically all districts and production reached a considerably higher peak than was the case last season, when a very dry spell set in early in the season. Another factor has been that the dairy herds are generally in good health and should enter the winter months with a better chance of combating serious diseasesv Individual Maori farmers under the control of the Department number 817, while, in addition, 16 large stations or comprehensive schemes are operated. A number of these comprehensive schemes at present depasturing sheep and cattle are suitable for closer settlement and when subdivided could in some cases, be made available for rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen. Employment promotion grants during the year accounted for £32,279 marking a decrease of £2,634 on last year's figures. This amount has provided sustenance and work for a monthly average of 29J farming units and full-time workmen. Wool production has been kept to last year's level. The total of 451 bales clipped reflects an increase of 3 bales as compared with last year's clip of 448 bales. In the main these wool clips were produced from departmental stations, as very few individual Maori farmers in the North Auckland district run sheep, dairy-farming being the predominant occupation. During the year it was necessary to call for an investigation and report from the Director of Animal Research Division, Department of Agriculture, to inquire into the menace of tape-worms and fly trouble amongst the sheep on Waireia Scheme, where fairly heavy losses had occurred. The treatment prescribed was carried out, but although an improvement has been shown, the fly trouble is still persistent this season. The results of the measures taken in combating the tape-worm menace will not be apparent until later. The result of the 1944-45 Ahuwhenua Trophy competition shows the entrants well up to standard. One competitor at Takahue secured third place. The judge of the competition especially commended this competitor for the striking transformation of his property from standing bush to good grazing land with very limited financial assistance. Housing During the year the Department took over from the Public Works Department the construction of houses for Maoris in this district, and a Building Supervisor has been appointed for the North Auckland area. A great deal of leeway has to be made up in connection with erection of houses for Maoris in this district, and numerous recommendations have been forwarded for approval. Under the development scheme, twelve houses and sixteen cow-sheds were erected during the year. This does not include houses built by other branches of the Department's activities, for under the provisions of Special Housing Fund and Housing Act nine houses were erected and three more purchased and renovated for the occupation of mortgagors.

5

a—io

Horticulture Proposals for developing the activities of the Maori people under this heading are under close investigation. Owing to distance from markets and other factors the prospects for commercial growing are not good, but it is anticipated that much benefit will be obtained from the fostering of the home gardens and orchards. Rehabilitation rhis is an important problem and one which will demand increasing attention as repatriation proceeds. Close liaison is maintained with the Rehabilitation Department and immediate attention is given to all cases as they come forward with the object of training ex-servicemen for farming or of placing them where they are fitted for immediate placement either on their own lands or on areas acquired for rehabilitation purposes. Waikato-Maniapoto Maori Land Board District With headquarters at Auckland, this district embraces the Waikato, Hauraki, and King-country areas. I here are three sub-offices Paeroa, Hamilton, and Te Kuiti—and local supervision is carried out by six field officers. Phe total area gazetted is 67,777 acres, of which 30,923 acres are in occupation by 244 Native settlers. A total of 12,165 acres have been developed by the Department and administered under sixteen comprehensive schemes or stations, many of which will be considered for subdivision into suitable areas for closer settlement by Maori farmers as occasion arises. Good climatic conditions favoured the district and consequently an excellent season resulted. Adequate quantities of hay and winter feed have been conserved. For the year under review the total production of butterfat was 851,226 lb., giving an increase of approximately 30 per cent, on the previous year's figures. The above weights are remarkable when the severe shortages of fertilizers and farm labour are taken into consideration. Wool figures show a total of 982 bales clipped, and increase of 83 bales on the previous year. The average number of workmen employed was 135, and grants from the Consolidated Fund amount to £18,899, a decrease of £1,057 on last year's figures. With these funds the Department was able to subsidize work of a capital nature on marginal lands in addition to providing a reasonable standard of living for farmers on properties not yet self-supporting. The total cash receipts for the year from all sources amounted to £96,402, as compared with £82,310 last year. Housing Owing to shortage oi materials and labour very little housing on scheme properties was carried out during the year , other than minor repair work. During the year, however, under the Special Housing Fund and Housing Act, eleven houses were erected and three purchased and renovated. The recent appointment of a Building Supervisor, and the organization of staff to cope with building construction, will enable progress to be made more rapidly. Rehabilitation Few inquiries for rehabilitation assistance were made by ex-servicemen in this district. Ample Maori-owned lands ol a suitable quality are available, and as the demand becomes greater and fertilizer and other materials become available development of these lands will provide a solution to this problem. Waiariki Maori Land Board District Work in connection with development activities has been confined mainly to the maintenance of existing properties and to increasing their production. Receipts by the Department have increased since last year from £247,564 to £290,115, and while development operations last year showed a net liability of £800,640, to-day the amount is £762,016. Wool production has been increased during the past three years with 2,075 bales in 1942-43 2,082 bales in 1943-44, while this year the total bales were 2,318. The numbers of stock carried this year compared with 1935 (in parentheses) indicate the vast improvement in the carrying capacity of the Native lands under development in this district: 1.7,153 (9,915) dairy stock of all classes ; 1,206 (465) working horses ; 10,385 (3,942) run cattle • 102,413 (28,000) sheep, of which 49,959 are breeding-ewes. In 1935, cash receipts from all sources totalled £29,000 while the total this vear has reached £290,000. . In Ruatoki, the largest settlement of farmers in the Rotorua district, many of the unit accounts are now in credit, and while these make periodical withdrawals to meet items of farming expense, they prefer to make many purchases from their own funds. There have been no requests from Ruatoki for the Department to release lands from the development scheme, and this is a gratifying sign that settlers have confidence in the departmental administration in matters affecting their lands. At Horohoro, keen interest has been shown in farm finance and the tribal committee of that area has co-operated with the Supervisor in an endeavour to readjust the position of those farms where the personal element has placed the holdings in an unsatisfactory position. Witli the contemplated granting of tenures at Tikitere and Horohoro, a better understanding should be introduced and the outlook made favourable for those farmers who desire to succeed. The efforts of these can be whole-heartedly applauded, and they are encouraged by the Department's officers to view the future with optimism A special committee of investigation toured the Coast district during the present year and dealt with many of the contentious problems that had been causing dissatisfaction in the minds of the units of the coastal belt. Ihe complaints received were mainly founded upon misunderstandings, and it

6

Gr.—lo

is pleasing to record that now the differences have been satisfactorily settled the settlers have shown a greater degree of co-operation and willingness to assist themselves. The winner of the Ahuwhenua Trophy this year was Mr. ,1. Wharekura, a farmer at Horohoro, in the Ngati-Kahungunu portion of the settlement. Mr. and Mrs. Wharekura have truly earned this highly merited award, for during the absence of the husband (an ex-soldier of World War 1) on homeservice duties during the present world conflict Mrs. Wharekura attended to all the farming activities herself with some outside female help. The Maori war effort liaison work has continued to be fostered in this district with the close co-operation of the Department. Pumpkins, onions, kumaras, and potatoes have been cropped, while every help was extended to the Maori tribal committees of Rotorua in the raising of their patriotic quota for the current year, when the record sum of £3,450 was paid over by the Maori people as their voluntary contribution to this year's patriotic appeal. It has again been necessary to cull herds owing to the continued low fat production per cow and per acre, but it is anticipated that this course will ensure better results in future. Fifteen years of development have seen great strides made in the large-scale land-development activities, but it is recognized that in this district the personal element on many small unit holdings fails to reach the standard required through the principles of scientific farming not being properly applied or not yet understood. As the principles are mastered the fat production per cow per acre will be increased. One unit at Te Kaha produced 281 11). fat per cow, and it is considered that this effort can well be expected from many more in future. The satisfaction of housing needs of the people has been retarded, due to shortage of labour and materials, but every effort is being made to push on this very essential part of our departmental operations as labour and materials become available, and there are now a number of carpentering gangs at work throughout the district. Reinforcements for the Maori Battalion overseas have continued to make a heavy draw on the Maori man-power available, while the needs of essential industry such as the freezing-works have necessitated our scheme lands being short-manned from time to time throughout the year. All county authorities in the district are satisfied with the annual rate compromises and payments made by Maori lands, although one outstanding problem which remains to be solved is the Matakaoa County claim, which covers rates outstanding over a period of more than eight years. It is regretted that again this year many areas of the district, particularly Cape Runaway, Whakatane, and Ruatahuna, have been seriously handicapped by heavy floods. Damage in the Ngatiawa flood was particularly heavy, while Ruatahuna was isolated for many months. Weather conditions on the average have been fair, though the coastal belt experienced ample rain and sunshine. Close co-operation exists with the Rehabilitation Department, and men eligible for settlement have been graded, and steps are being taken to ensure their establishment on family or other farming areas acquired for the purpose. The Maori Training School of Carpentering at Ohinemutu, controlled by the Rehabilitation Department, is demonstrating that the average Maori soldier, by keenness and ability, can rapidly become efficient in the trade. It will be of inestimable value to the Maori race to have this avenue for training its returned soldiers, as many of them do not desire farming for their future livelihood. The two most serious problems met this year are shortage of sodium supplies and the lack of cobaltized manures. The high cost and shortage of sodium chlorate is making the control of ragwort an expensive proposition, necessitating heavy subsidies in such areas as Ruatoki, Horohoro, and Waiohau. Sheep have been used in an endeavour to control the weed, but the reduction in dairy herds upon. the. introduction of sheep to a farm gives rise to serious thought. In Rotorua Central area the lack of cobaltized manure is particularly felt, as it has resulted in a definite loss of revenue. Tairawhiti Maori Land Board District Development operations throughout the district continued to show an improvement in spite of the many shortages caused by war conditions. An unusually dry spell which lasted from spring right through to the early autumn was experienced from one end of the district to the other. This had an adverse effect on the fattening of lambs for the freezing-works, with also a resultant shortage of winter feed for cattle. Dairying operations were not affected to the same extent, and an actual increase in the butterfat production was attained. A greater quantity of hay was saved, which should offset the winter shortage of feed. Speaking generally, it can be said that approximately 60 per cent, of the units have reached the stage where they could be described as successful farmers, whereas a further 20 per cent, show hope of eventually coming up to the required standard. Of the remainder, there are a number who may require to be replaced, and it is hoped that with the return of the overseas Forces some of these farms will provide an avenue for rehabilitation of a number of the Maori soldiers. A greater measure of success has been achieved with the stations. Owing to the continued high prices for wool, meat, and stock, many are in a sound financial position, while the quality of stock carried has been improved considerably. The farming operations of the Huramua Station, which was purchased for the training of returned Maori servicemen, and eventually for subdivision and settlement, has been carried on with the existing dairy herd, sheep, and cattle. There are at present five Grade B and one Grade C trainees receiving instruction and gaining experience. One additional trainee left of his own accord, and a further two are awaiting grading. All camp buildings have been completed and the provision of electricity for lighting and heating arranged. As it is desired that all branches of farming practice be embraced, the appointment of a further instructor to take over the dairying is being arranged. Waiorongomai Station, under the control of the Maori Land Board, is now in a sound financial position, and the stock requirements have been built up both in cattle and sheep, and further purchases, with the exception of sires, will not be necessary. Although extensive fencing maintenance is still required, this will be completed as labour becomes available, and should not affect the objective of the payment of a substantial annual dividend to the owners. There is ample fencing timber available on the block,

7

G —10

Native Trust stations with the exception of Tawhiti, Hikuwai, and Mokonui have improved considerably, and are now in a position to show fairly substantial profits. Marangairoa, Opapa, and Pohutu Stations have been more heavily stocked with cattle, with a consequent reduction in the numbers of sheep. It has been found that there is a considerable benefit to pastures, while sheep profits are maintained and there is only a small reduction in the wool return. The transfer of surplus stock from the northern end of the district to the Waiariki district has been continued and a substantial sum saved on commission. During the year the control of Hurakia Station (584- acres) has been vested in the Native Trustee. This is a small block near the East Cape which has been allowed to deteriorate, and it will be ■some considerable time before the farm is put on a sound footing. Maori housing under the control of this Department was commenced in April, 1944. A great deal of organizing was necessary and it was not until June that actual operations started. Since then, however, good progress has been made and the scheme is now well established. The construction gang comprises seven key men and twenty-two Maoris, with varied experience, and includes five returned Maori servicemen. The purchase and utilization of an oil company's buildings at Waikokopu filled a gap caused by the short supply of materials, providing ten dwellings with accommodation for over sixty people. The building programme for the Huramua Training Farm was undertaken by the Housing Branch, and the following buildings were erected : manager's residence (new), cookhouse and dining-room, ten single-man huts, two eight-men huts, ablutions and drying room and conveniences, store-shed (30 ft. by 20 ft.), and implement-shed (80 ft. by 18 ft.). In addition, repairs to existing dwellings were made. Building operations in the northern end of the district have been delayed pending the supplies of seasoned timber from the mill, which is financed by the Maori Land Board, becoming available. A yard has been established for the stocking and seasoning of timber, and it is hoped to install a dressing plant almost immediately for the supply of flooring, lining, &c. When this is completed the whole of the timber required can be obtained from this source. The housing activities for the year are illustrated by the following :— New houses erected . . . . . . . . . . 5 New houses under construction .. .. .. 7 Huts re-erected for ex-servicemen .. .. .. 8 Alterations and additions .. .. .. .. 10 Bulk stores erected .. .. .. .. .. 2 Station buildings erected .. .. .. .. 1 Aotea Maori Land Board District The more favourable climatic conditions experienced during the year have resulted in a new high record for butterfat, the production aggregating approximately 380,000 lb. This an increase of 16 per cent, on the highest production figure previously recorded (1942-43) and has been achieved in spite of the inadequate supplies of top-dressing during the past few years and the consequent deterioration of pastures. The increased wage and farm cost allowances being paid for the current year's dairy-produce will materially assist the units in meeting the higher material and labour costs prevailing, but these will not be fully reflected in the accounts for the year ended 31st March. Full advantage has been taken of the increased fertilizer allowance for dairy-farmers. Nine units are now dairying in the Tokaanu district and the results have been most encouraging, while the foundations have been laid for a new dairying centre in the district south of Lake Taupo. On these sections further development work is necessary, particularly internal fencing and the planting of shelter belts, but the present high cost of fencing materials restricts activities in these directions to the barest essentials. The further clearing of pumice lands in the Tokaanu district has been postponed until the position regarding future supplies of fertilizer is clarified. It is proposed to utilize any labour thus displaced by embarking on a programme of tree-planting in this area. Fencing timber of good quality is now available for the Tuwharetoa lands and from a subdivision of the Pukawa Block which was recently brought under development. These will provide a convenient supply of posts and battens for the adjacent areas. Certain areas of development lands on the shores of Lake Taupo have been adversely affected through the raising of the level of the lake for hydro-electrical power. A survey of the extent of the damage is now being carried out, and the question of compensation will in due course be considered by a tribunal which has been appointed for that pmqjose. The work on the Manunui Scheme has been largely restricted to the utilization of available labour in bushfelling, clearing, and control of rabbits and noxious weeds, and the splitting of firewood. On the general area at Banana, little but maintenance work has been possible owing to prevailing shortage of labour. The live-stock on the general areas have wintered well and good prices were realized for fat sheep and cattle. Continued wet weather during the early summer delayed shearing operations, and consequently the full returns from the wool clip did not come to credit before the close of the financial year. An area of 999 acres in the Whangaipeke Blocks was brought under the provisions of Part I of the Native Land Amendment Act, 1936, and, in addition, 2,552 acres in the Pukawa Blocks, which were purchased by the Crown in June, 1943, are now available for development. Recent exchanges of land interests between the Maoris and the Crown should provide a further area of approximately 20,000 acres of land which, as soon as the titles are finalized, the owners desire to be incorporated in the Korohe and Tauranga-Taupo Schemes. The large areas of land in the Tuwharetoa district which are at present or will in the future be available for development should furnish an opportunity to undertake the rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen on a large scale, in addition to making provision for the settlement of local owners. Preparations in this direction could be accelerated by the use of modern mechanical methods of clearing lands and sowing them in pasture as soon as adequate supplies of fertilizer are assured and the necessary field staff is obtainable for the efficient supervision and control of the operations,

8

G;—10

Native Housing The continuing labour and material difficulties have confined our activities to those of an urgent or essential nature covering, in the main, work necessary to prevent deterioration in health or reduction in farm production. To some extent difficulties were avoided by the purchase of existing dwellings, and the year's activities resulted in a betterment of conditions in nineteen cases, comprising the purchase of six houses, the erection of eleven, and the renovation of two. Farm buildings necessary to the maintenance of production were erected as required. During the latter part of the year, and in accordance with departmental policy, the organization necessary to increase the scope of the building activities has been established. Such extension of organization covers both field and office, and its success will be gauged by the manner in which the expected influx on work is dealt with. Such influx, it is anticipated, will arise due to various causes, including the release of labour and materials, rehabilitation, and the more complete utilization by the Maori people of the advantages accruing under the provisions of the Native Housing Act. Rehabilitation Large areas of undeveloped Maori land, more particularly in the Tuwharetoa area, have great potentialities for the settlement of Maori ex-servicemen of this district. Immediate settlement is impracticable under existing circumstances, but on the necessary machinery, materials, and fertilizer becoming available, together with an appropriate allocation of man-power, results already obtained on this class of country justify optimistic forecasts that further settlement will prove a success. In the initial stages of development these lands should also provide an avenue for training inexperienced men who indicate a preference for settlement on the land. With this object in view the necessary planning will receive immediate attention, thus avoiding delay when conditions are favourable. The only avenue for immediate settlement on fully or partly improved areas would be those lands formerly under lease which have reverted to the owners. Ikaroa and South Island Maori Land Board Districts . Owing to the schemes in this district being situated in a large area of country extending to both Islands, very great changes in climatic conditions are experienced on individual projects. Taken as a whole, the year 1944-45 has not been a good season as far as farming activities have been concerned. In the South Island, bad weather has been general, and at Wairau the wet conditions which prevailed during the late winter and early summer culminated with a flood on the 19th January. The flood waters flowed over the top of the stop-bank at various places and resulted in the loss of 12 acres of peas, 11 acres of potatoes, and 10 acres of oats. In Southland, wet and cold conditions were prevalent throughout the spring and extended up to Christmas. Grass and crops were thus slow in getting away. Considerable rain in March seriously interfered with the harvesting of oats, but produced an abundance of feed. In the Wairarapa and Manawatu districts, weather conditions were not favourable, but they were not abnormal, and the same applied to the Hastings district, although during shearing operations and grass-seed harvesting a bad spell of wet weather was experienced, resulting in a difficult period with some losses. In spite of adverse conditions, small but steady progress has been made throughout the district, reflecting credit on the supervision exercised—in the North Island by the field staff, at Blenheim by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, and at Invercargill by the Chief Surveyor, Lands and Survey Department. Butterfat production is up some 8,000 lb., this result being obtained from a lower number of cows milked than the previous year. The output of wool is up 35 bales, and from the sale of live-stock approximately the same figures as last year were realized. In these difficult war years it has been the policy to consolidate and maintain the development that has already been reached. Owing to the shortage of labour and certain materials no major capital works have been attempted, and although conditions appear to be gradually improving, it will be some time yet before normal development can be carried out. In the meantime, progress cannot be as rapid as could be desired, but steady development will be aimed at until conditions return to normal. Housing The year under review discloses a further increase in the contribution towards the improvement in the living conditions of the Maori people. During the year six houses were erected and renovated in the Ikaroa District and four in the South Island. In addition, sixteen houses were purchased for Maoris in the Ikaroa District. Construction of houses has been impeded to some extent by the limited materials and labour available, but it is confidently anticipated that as conditions gradually improve and supplies of material and labour become available, the construction of dwellings will be considerably stepped-up. An endeavour has been made to maintain the periodic inspection of houses completed in previous years, and any necessary maintenance and repair work has been carried out. The number of applications being received for advances for housing is increasing each year as a result of the encouragement being given to Maoris to lodge applications for immediate investigation, in readiness for the contemplated expansion of building activities as conditions return to normal.

2—G. 10.

9

G.—lo

NATIVE TRUST AND MAORI LAND BOARD ACTIVITIES The Native Trustee, a statutory trustee constituted by the Native Trustee Act, 1930, actively farms seventeen stations, comprising 50,000 acres, all vested in him under section 25 of the Act. The farms are financed by way of overdraft, the total of which, at 31st March, was £131,939. The stations carry 31,350 breeding-ewes and 30,410 other sheep in addition to 4,372 run cattle. During the last financial year 1,294 bales of wool were produced, the value being £23,609. Receipts from sales of live-stock were £28,894. The Maori Land Board stations experienced a favourable year. Morikau, administered by the Aotea District Maori Land Board, covers an area of 11,806 acres and carries 16,176 sheep with 840 cattle and 40 working horses. Receipts last year were £7,569 from 425 bales of wool, £7,191 from live-stock, and sundries £39. During the year a further dwelling was completed, making a total of 3 now on the station. For the last financial year the net profit was £3,280, while £3,000 was invested in the 1944 Victory Loan. The total investments of the owners are now £10,390, of which £3,000 has been voluntarily loaned free of interest. Anaura and Waiorongomai Stations are both administered by the Tairawhiti District Maori Land Board, and on these cattle and sheep have been carried to capacity. Although the season was sufficiently difficult to make the fattening of stock impossible, the markets for store animals were exceptionally good and the whole of the surplus stock was disposed of at satisfactory prices. During the year a combined total of 350 bales of wool were produced at a value of £5,965. Sales from live-stock amounted to £14,301, and sundries £208. The stations at the end of the year carried 2,132 cattle, 8,036 dry sheep, and 7,552 breeding-ewes.

EAST COAST NATIVE TRUST LANDS The Board of Native Affairs exercises control over the financial operations of the East Coast Trust lands, which are administered by the East Coast Commissioner. Ranging from Tolaga Bay in the north to Wairoa in the south, and extending to Mahia Peninsula, the total area of the Trust comprises 224,226 acres plus 1,203 acres leased from the Tairawhiti District Maori Land Board, making a total of 225,429 acres. This is divided into two portions—the East Coast Native Trust lands containing 116,603 acres, and the Mangatu Trust embracing 108,826 acres. Sheep and cattle farming is undertaken on a large portion of the land, which is divided into twenty-four stations aggregating 149,436' acres; a further section of 50,193 acres is cut up into twenty four farms which are leased; and there is a balance area of 23,758 acres still undeveloped. In connection with farming operations, the impossibility of getting teamsters was mentioned in the report of last year. It is becoming increasingly apparent that all agricultural work must, as far as possible, be carried out by mechanical appliances, as it is becoming less and less possible to get teamsters. During the year over 800 acres which had not previously been ploughed was broken in with a giant disk and already over 200 acres of this area is sown in grass and turnips. In future greater use will be made of tractors where possible, and accordingly horses, to some extent, will be discarded. On the Mangatu Block, Okaihau Station, a road has been pushed through with bulldozers over five miles beyond the station through very rough country to tap a large reserve of totara posts. It is expected to obtain 40,000 to 50,000 posts from dead timber in this area. The stock tallies at 31st March were 78,133 breeding-ewes, 70,684 dry sheep, 6,028 breedingcows, 13,237 other cattle, and 681 horses. The wool sold for the 1944-45 season amounted to 3,653 bales, valued at £63,928, and live-stock proceeds from 63,105 sheep were £60,731 and from 5,165 cattle £44,285. The outside investments of the Trust, aggregating £65,539, comprise war loans, £57,030 ; liberty bonds, £2,410 ; and inscribed stock, £6,099.

10

Gr.—lo

TABLE 1.—NATIVE LAND-DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES AND SETTLED HOLDINGS: STATISTICAL DATA SUMMARIZED IN DISTRICTS

3—G. 10.

11

Particulars. Tokerau. Manlapoto I Waiariki - Tairawhiti. Aotea. Ikaroa, Mand Sub-totals. Land Trustee <>iast Totals. Boards trustee. Trusts. 2 A?ranot a suitaMe development a" 68 ! 46 ?'2il H'lll 1^'S 94 86,542 105,127 13,233 i 4,245 942,329 31,516 50,818 145.202 1,169,865 z. Area not suitapie tor development .. .. Acres 4,70o 7,o82 72,079 26.453 2.677 297 25 113 818 s m-j iiq i9n 3. Area developed and occuped by settlers .. .. Acres 86,789 30,923 40 353 36 837 8 749 6 196 : 667 210 514 " " 210 5l2 t'. area under developmeut — Number j 817 244 466 239 77 'A 3 stations 16 stations 23 stations ""l" 14 "gSSSS: :: :: :: :: iSS I T™ "IS M -iS 18 - 458 10 > "S-g? 31,516 50,818 109,673 "*» e "S ta> ? tl0I1S AcreS 60 486 1,202 285 264 272 174 IS " " " 2 693 Undeveloped .. .. .. .. .. Acres 13,139 11,929 28 ; 882 4,529 82,619 3,431 2,171 146,700 !. !*.! 246^700 Total " •• •• •• Aeres | 28,270 24,664 84,223 23,252 93,701 6,787 3,578 264,475 31,516 50,818 109,675 346,819 ™3* :: 1=? 1 I 1 8 1 1 " ! 15 I s 8 1 *8 6. Net 0^,^^ 1 '" 088 25 65 40 89 2! 16 3« " 6 26 "16O si Area settled —includes interest (item 3) .. .. £ 334,176 217.359 320 117 195 791 1-27 5<!Q 5<u <s asn 1 9<!7 iqr iqi two 1 o,>r, 7. FaSro e n a MmcfM^it^5)- earSilltereSt(item5) £ 447,679 116;473 441! 890 15»;734 28;373 25>50 !! ".i' " 11348 1825 » S um f er „ ® 96 388 76 ? 680 302 123 75 2,927 19 47 2 993 Number 3,772 3,265 10,100 3,158 2,158 451 299 23,203 2,972 7,559 19,265 52,999 :: |Sz ",S ii;S . 3® ";SS %S W MS ■&» S3 ftS ft» M! fer :: » I ».» »'"> iM »Jt ..,>8 ..» .AS > ™ - 3 : I fS.T " •• •• ■■ Number 956 i' 270 5,271 1,529 622 44 175 9 867 5 165 15oS> Crop sold :: :: "Type and q^a™ty r 12 ' 232 W ' 1Z7 74,480 15,761 14,853 5,698 V 60 144,511 ' 63 ' 105 207 .' 6 1« 8. Ac., for year (balance area)- 428 606 " 579 " 466 " 174 71 4 > 50 " 773 i.' 2 » 4 10,072 " " " •' " f J.? 06 959 1,775 3,151 399 433 .. 8,023 .. .. .. 8 023 Sheep " " •• " . ■ £ 7,339 10,898 34,808 8,819 8,723 3,316 1,055 74,958 13,524 23,609 63,928 166'o29 CagsfSto other schemes i! !! f "im W "'111 87 : 89 * 60 ; 721 290 ; 426 :: - - i 68 *'*£ S:SS » W 'St "« S;SI! > .< %a Slnsfasto other schemes !! :: i! I 1 ; 339 4, °°f 737 2,279 820 1,585 J?- 512 247 2,843 .. 15,902 9. Live-stock and seasonal expenditure for year (balance area) — " ' ' 1,903 .. .. .. 11,903 Sheep: purchases and transfers £ 4,032 14,456 96,829 2,851 10,-551 4,242 1,473 134 434 transfers £ 5,199 4,888 61,177 8,291 12,656 2,292 189 94,' 692 !! " ;; li'Jvi M E item 0 n d ) ing CUrrCIlt iuterest and £ 4 .919 3,049 27,006 38,979 12,276 2,194 1,387 89,810 .. 89,810 10. Subsimes°rYceived for year (scheme and unit) :: " I 32;279 U'SI I'MO iMlt W, Mol 6'io5 " " " 72 - 548 n - A !3ng7 ntmy labour (development and Number 291 135 '446 'l70 'l38 "'57 ? 36 *19 " 74 "ill 14 i'47? 12. Area settled (occupied by units) — n?wS«TS, rf V " " " •• 15,878 5,424 11,800 3,891 2,438 849 175 40.455 40 455 " " " " ® um 5 er 9,252 2,534 4,590 1,912 1,345 614 44 20 291 " " " 20 291 Sheep Number 379 1,060 285 1>4 523 .. .. V. V. V. 3,751 Other'?Wn eS S Um 5 er 16 ' 181 6 ' 000 19 >901 7,160 4,950 528 55,695 55 695 Number 69 I 4,628 2,500 11,378 2,821 948 98 !! !! !! 22^442 dage •• " •' " ?• | 2,041,145 836,149 1,730,809 511,903 368,188 131,498 30,157 5 649 849 5 649 849 ™ rash r cced^. t . 144,511 59,227 153,940 33;210 28;714 10;775 2 448 432 825 " " " 'Al'wt Wool— proportion .. .. .. £ 60,465 26,361 68,508 15,062 16,321 4,978 789 " " !! 192^484 S a J e ? , , • ■ •• •• •• Number 23 378 291 636 203 86 8 1 625 , AOC M " " " " £ 374 5,275 1,906 7,597 3,483 1 1,662 128 *>o'425 " " 9n'495 f ?' 084 19,160 12,929 24 > 036 10,434 1 7 ,800 538 " " " 5^981 Sundry sales .. .. .. .. .. £ 3 ;490 2,320 13,363 3,149 1,499 j 1,451 52 !! !! 25^324 * 36 tons of potatoes, 1,144 bushels peas, 172 bushels barley, 3 sacks wheat 26 tons chair. t Cattle sales for Maori Land Board and Native Trust stations included with sheep sales.

G.—lo

TABLE 2.—ANALYSIS OF CASH RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR 1944-45

TABLE 3.—COMPARATIVE RETURN FOR DISTRICTS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS: STATE SCHEMES (DEPARTMENT'S PROPORTION)

12

Districts. 1930-31. 1931-32. 1932-33. 1933-34. 1934-35. j 1935-36. 1936-37. 1937-38. 1938-39. j 1939-40. j 1940-41. 1941-42. , 1942-43. 1943-44. , 1944-45. Totals. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ i £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Tokerau .. .. 1,908 5,312 11,092 12,559 13,726 22,070 29,186 32,804 46,554 52,085 79,197 81,468 77,546 85,590 97,740 648,837 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 202 316 3,180 7,301 6,871 14,348 17,635 23,085 30,853 38,772 76,328 70,328 87,056 82,310 96,402 544' 987 Waiariki .. .. 2,667 5,578 17,246 36,318 29,472 63,585 81,730 111,730 130,276 131,962 211,763 214,786 229,689 247,565 290,115 1,804^482 Tairawhiti .. .. .. 650 9,143 16,886 20,253 23,610 32,999 43,180 29,365 38,724 54,792 56,349 55,215 67,636 84,189 '532^991 Aotea .. .. 413 1,070 916 1,404 2,180 2,687 3,988 8,244 12,614 21,491 37,455 48,769 55,518 57,842 59,164 313'755 Ikaroa .. .. .. 288 992 888 727 1,377 1,651 2,013 4,442 8,181 16,021 22,686 22,086 24,682 26,964 132'998 South Island .. 5 143 294 391 506 1,631 2,127 2,442 3,113 3,694 2,539 7,697 7,884 8,801 7,925 49'l92 Unallocated.. .. 352 72 12 .. 5,480 479 274 378 191 34 .. 180 .. .. 7^52 Totals .. 5,547 13,429 42,875 75,747 79,215 ,129,787 169,590 223,876 257,408 294,943 478,095 502,263 534,994 574,426 662 499 4 044 694 I ! _

Butterfat. Wool. Live-stock. Sundries. Totals. r , Approximate Cash Receipts ((Department sand Settlers Proportions). 1. Districts — £ £ £ £ £ £ Tokerau.. .. .. 60,465 7,718 24,757 4,800 97,740 183,000 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 26,361 16,192 50,016 3,833 96,402 129, 550 Waiariki .. .. 68,508 43,887 168,960 8,760 290,115 370,607 Tairawhiti .. .. 15,062 17,000 46,647 5,480 84,189 99,945 Aotea .. .. .. 16,321 12,077 26,983 3,783 59,164 76,150 Ikaroa 4,978 4,979 14,818 2,189 26,964 34,528 South Island .. .. 789 1,183 4,319 1,634 7,925 9,582 Sub-totals .. .. 192,484 103,036 336,500 30,479 662,499 903,362 2. Maori Land Boards .. .. .. 13,534 21,492 247 35,273 35,273 3. Native Trustee .. .. •• 23,609 37,894 2,843 64,346 64,346 Totals .. .. 192,484 140,179 395,886 33,569 j 762,118 1,002,981 Note.—Butterfat receipts for State schemes denote only that proportion of cream cheques which is assigned to the Department in repayment of advances and interest due thereon. On settled schemes the policy is to accept an assignment of a percentage of the farmers' monthly milk cheque, leaving the balance for maintenance and living expenses. On those dairying schemes which have not yet been individualized, the full amount received for butterfat is retained, the workers being paid wages, but in the majority of cases a proportion only of the cream returns is actually paid to the Department.

G.—lo

TABLE 4.—BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1945

Note, (a) Total houses erected, purchased, or renovated from inception to 31st March, 1945 : Under development schemes .. .. 1,811 Under Native Housing Act— Ordinary .. .. 379 Special .. .. .. 363 742 Total .. .. 2,553 (6) Total farm buildings erected from inception to 31st March, 1945 (approx.) Cow-sheds .. .. .. .. 1,466 Wool-sheds .. .. .. .. 48 Sheep-yards, &c. .. .. .. 41 Implement and store sheds .. .. 333

13

Under Native Housing Act, 1935. Under Native-land Develop- TotaJs Farm Building3 Districts. Ordinary. Special. m ' on Balan ee-area only). E reno e v d ated d | Phased. Purchased. Erected. Renovated, Phased. Cow-sheds. I Wool-sheds. Sheep-yards, ~ 1 J — _[ Sheds. Tokerau.. .. Number " Num J er " dumber. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Waikato-Maniapoto 3 2 8 1 1 io q Waiariki.. .. 1 .. .. ;; J d Tairawhiti .. 3 .. 2 8 13 Aotea 4 6 5 !! 4 " n "n Ikaroa .... 5 16 1 . " fi , fi ' 1 South Island ..3 .. 1 Totals 24 24 21 4 24 5 74 28 16 1

G-.—lo

TABLE 5.—NATIVE HOUSING: RETURN OF AUTHORIZATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1945, SHOWING THE NUMBER OF DWELLINGS FOR ERECTION, PURCHASE, OR RENOVATION

TABLE 6.—NATIVE HOUSING ACT, 1935: FINANCIAL RETURN OF OPERATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1945

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1945,

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (840 copies), £35.

Price 6d ,]

14

Under Native Housing Act, 1935. Dnder Native . ~ „ . , land-develop-Ordinary. Special. ment Districts. ] j ' j IncftTon to Erections. Purchases, Erections - Phases. 31s f^° h ' Erections - Purchases. tenovatfons. d T 1 | I Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Tokerau .. .. 21 • • 5 138 7 8 564 723 7 13 Waikato-Maniapoto .... 43 2 1 86 3 14 278 407 5 15 Waiariki 52 .. 3 14 .. 2 836 902 .. 5 TairawMti ...... 21 .. 7 45 .. 8 284 350 .. 15 Aotea 83 17 ! 47 33 3 6 103 2 9 20 53 Ikaroa .. ■ • 85 51 I 36 34 7 4 .. 119 08 40 South Island " .. .. 27 10 j 8 22 3 1 j 49 13 9 Tota l s .. .. 332 80 107 372 23 ! 43 2,065 2,769 . 103 150

Ordinary. Special. Totals. Districts. Authorized. Authorized. Authorized. Expended, j Expended. 7 Expended. Number of ! Amonnt ! Number of Amount Number of Amount. Advances, j Amount - ; Advances. Advances. Number. £ £ Number. £ £ Number. £ £ Tokerau 26 14,236 5,361 153 56,950 42,068 179 11,186 47,429 Waikato-Maniapoto '.! .. .. 46 26,535 9,622 103 38,998 34,732 149 65,533 34,354 Waiariki 62 41,290 10,425 62 24,312 , 22,941 124 65,602 33,366 Tairawhiti 115 52,406 34,784 108 39,959 16,290 223 92,365 51,074 iot ea " 147 54,765 41,879 42 13,625 11,137 189 68,390 53,016 Tkaroa 172 99,484 69,591 45 19,568 16,017 217 119,052 85,608 South Island 45 24,900 19,773 26 12,019 9,125 71 36,919 28,898 Totals .. .. .. 613 313,616 191,435 539 205,431 152,310 1,152 459,047 j 333,745