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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1946 Session I, G-10

GENERAL REPORT In presenting" its report for the financial year ended 31st March, 1946, the Board of Native Affairs furnishes a review of the varied activities connected with the development and settlement of Native lands, and outlines the measures taken therewith to improve the living conditions of the Maori race. This statement, which is in continuation of those previously presented annually to both Houses of the General Assembly during the past fifteen years, provides a summary of the progress achieved in maintaining and extending the agricultural and pastoral schemes which were initiated in 1930 with the object of establishing and settling more Maori people upon their own lands ; the Native Housing Scheme, inaugurated in 1938, for the provision of better housing accommodation for Maoris; the re-establishment of Maori returned soldiers undertaken since 1944; and, refers to other operations financed by State or Trust funds and initiated for the benefit and advancement of the Maori race. It has, in this year's report, been possible to give, a more comprehensive review of the work that has been accomplished and is in progress than has been possible under wartime conditions. Previous reports, presented to Parliament from 1931 onwards, dealt with the changing attitude of the Legislature, which at the beginning of the present century became aware of the necessity for preserving the remnants

CONTENTS PAGE Report by Native Minister .. .. . . .. .. 1 Part I.—State Development Schemes .. .. .. .. 8 Part II. —Maori Land Board Undertakings . . .. . . 28 Part 111. —Native Trust Activities .. .. .. .. .. 31 Part IV.—Native Housing Operations .. .. .. .. 36 Part V.—Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee . . .. . . 41 Part VI. —East Coast Native Trust Lands . . . . .. 48 Statistical Tables .. . . .. .. .. .. 52

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave

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

1946 NEW ZEALAND

G—lo

G—lo

of the ancestral territory then remaining* to a race to which the State has peculiar obligations and responsibilities, and the events leading up to the evolution of the present policy of developing Native land by the use of public funds. Throughout all these reports it has been shown that the basic object of the development! schemes now established is to encourage the Maori people to become energetic, thrifty, and industrious farmers, and to create a mode of living 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 31st March, 1946, towards attaining that end. 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 (Deputy Chan-man) ; The Financial Adviser to the Government; The Under-Secretary for Lands; The Y aluer- General; The Director-General of Agriculture; and Three other persons appointed by the Governor-General in Council. Throughout the year the Board has been able to make further progress 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, as far as possible, by periodical top-dressing with fertilizers, but more by systematic grazing; suitable measures have been taken to control ragwort and blackberry and other noxious weeds together with rabbits in infested areas; attention has been given to stock husbandry; and the programme of building, fencing, and draining pushed, to the limit of availability of materials and labour. There are ninety-nine State schemes (as distinct from Trust activities) in the North Island and three in the South Island, and these embrace a total area of 957,067 acres in various stages of development. Experience has shown that the majority of settlers display commendable enthusiasm and industry in the working of their areas. Of the total already established, it is estimated that 60 per cent, are successfully settled. The balance includes some recently settled whose prospects cannot be readily defined, but also includes a number (about 5 per cent.) whom it is considered will never make successful farmers. Where settlers fail to measure up to the standard required and it becomes evident that a change of occupier must be insisted on, application is made to the Native Land Court for the recommendation of another person for nomination as occupier. At the hearing of the application the owners of the land and the occupier (settler-unit) are present, while the Department is represented. The farm's production figures and future prospects are discussed and the best possible arrangements made for carrying on. Frequently the occupier is retained upon an undertaking to make a better effort, which, of course, is in the interests of himself, as well as his co-owners. Another purpose served by the reference to the Court of the question of nomination of occupiers is that all persons interested are given an opportunity of being heard in respect of those interests under the presidency of a judicial officer trained and qualified to adjudicate upon the merits of the case. The gross expenditure of public moneys for the year on all the agricultural and pastoral schemes controlled by the Department (including subsidies) was £795,565 (compared with £780,014 for the previous year), while the Department's proportion of the receipts from farming operations amounted to £707,920 (compared with £667,807 for the previous year). Thus the year's working, without recourse to new capital, resulted in a surplus of £39,028 after payment of £67,143 to the Consolidated Fund in interest charges.

2

G—lo

Figures for other years are:—

Cash collections by the Department under each heading showed some variation when compared with the previous year. Receipt-s from butterfat decreased by 3-6 per cent., while the Department's share of wool proceeds was up by 17-3 per cent. Sales of live-stock brought an additional 11-6 per cent., and the returns from miscellaneous items (including crops) which are grouped under heading " Sundries " rose by 7 per cent. Taken over the whole the collections in cash were 7-8 per cent, above last year's total. The actual amount of the revenue collected under each heading was as follows: butterfat (representing the Departments retention, which averaged 44 per cent., £185,389, compared with £192,484 for the previous season; wool sales, £120,947, as against £103,036 for 1945; live-stock sales, £375,559, in comparison with £336,500 for the previous year; and sundry receipts (crops and farm produce), £32,657, the previous year's receipts being £30,479. On State-financed schemes the volume of dairy-produce decreased last year from 5,756,5911b. to 4,920,4351b. (due in part, no doubt, to the abnormally dry season experienced in the North), while the wool clip of 6,019 bales showed an increase of 94 bales over the 1945 season. The twenty-one stations financed by the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards produced a total of 1,966 bales of wool, as compared with 2,069 bales for the preceding year. On the East' Coast Native Trust stations 3,331 bales were shorn, the previous year's clip being 3,653. The live-stock returns at 31st. March, 1946, show a decrease in the number of dairy cows carried, with an increase in the number of breeding-ewes. 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, 39,044 (43,382) ; other d,airv stock, 23,808 (20,291) ; run cattle, 31,256 (26,954); breeding-ewes, 169,279 (163,173); dry sheep, 121,979 (116,779). The seventeen • Native Trust stations were carrying 7,797 (7,559) run cattle, 30,946 (32,350) breeding-ewes, and 30,987 (30,4i0) dry sheep, while the figures for the Maori Land Board stations were 3,719 (2,972) run cattle, 15,374 (17,552) breeding-ewes, and 18,031 (14,212) dry sheep. The average number of employees of the Board during the year was 1,510. This figure excludes farm-managers and foremen directly engaged by the Public Service Commissioner and is again exclusive of the 1,880 settlers now established on unit holdings. High rates of pay being offered in outside industries (a particularly disturbing effect of the war upon pastoral occupations) has set the Department a problem of re-creating, where it has been lost, interest in farming. Employees on departmental farming activities totalled 1,273, and on Native housing 198. Grants from the Consolidated Fund to the Land for Settlements Account amounting to £126,673 for the year enabled the Board to undertake the development of land which otherwise could not be economically cultivated. The amount was expended by way of subsidies, which are granted to farms on a percentage basis varying with necessity according to the nature of the country being improved. On schemes in course of development, and properties

3

— Surplus. Interest paid to Consolidated Fund. £ £ 1945 .. 29,278 98,100 1944 57,779 82,851 1943 19,151 114,172

G—lo

being farmed by the Board men are employed on contract work at standard rates of pay which enables the provision of a reasonable standard of living for workers on marginal land, particularly during the winter months. Horticulture The process of evolution of the Maori from his simple pre-pakeha days to his position in the complexities of modern conditions has, through its very abruptness, produced a state of confusion and uncertainty in the minds of many, with their inherited ideas conflicting with their immature desires. This hesitancy, d,ue to lack of experience or insufficient knowledge, and often mistaken for lack of ambition or initiative, is not readily comprehended by the pakeha with his generations of steady improvement and progress behind him, but, nevertheless, is an obstacle that must be overcome, and the apparently haphazard arid aimless activities that have retarded progress for so long must be supplanted by a more ordered way of life. Many have overcome all the handicaps and achieved prominence in various professions or activities, but much remains to be done for the less advanced amongst the race. Recognizing that the foundation of a race is in the home and that pride in home is reflected in the general national welfare, it is logical that emphasis should be placed on home conditions as a basis for moulding or introducing a wider conception of all that participation in modern life entails. The Board seeks to improve the standard of living by promoting a higher appreciation of home values —that is, the difference between a house in a bare paddock and a home in the full meaning of the word. This is particularly appropriate with new houses erected under the housing scheme, where the initial pride in possessing a new home may be extended to the general benefit. Admittedly, the way will not be easy, but by making fruit-trees more readily available, advising on suitable subjects for garden decoration, assisting in the laying-out of gardens and the like, to stimulate the esthetic sense which is so pronounced in some members of the race, much can be achieved. Activities in this direction cannot be shown by statistics, but, nevertheless, claim can be made to some progress. Coincident with home beautification, attention is being given to production of vegetables for home consumption and the utilization of small areas in commercial small-fruit culture and flowergrowing. A commencement has been made with planting the Maraenui Experimental Area, Further planting will be done during the coming season in tree tomatoes, passion-fruit, feijoas, Chinese gooseberries, citrus, and avocadas, and any other suitable types that become available. The demonstration plot at Whirinaki suffered severely from the drought and results were disappointing. In this area fruit and shelter trees are being grown by the Whirinaki Young Farmers' Club for their own use, but have suffered, a set-back, the dry season having retarded progress for twelve months. A strain of maize procured from Motiti succeeded well and should be valuable in replacing the poor strains being grown at present. The interest in this club is still at a high level and its educational value cannot be overestimated. Increased quantities of fruit and shelter trees are being grown this year in the departmental nurseries. Much remains to be done in providing shelter and fencing timber on development schemes and unit properties, and as labour and material become available, efforts are being made to make up the leeway lost during the war years. Last year the demand for trees exceeded the supply, and for the coming planting season up to 2,000,000 he'dge and shelter trees will be available for distribution. It is anticipated that they will all be utilized.

4

a—lo

Approximately 800 fruit-trees were distributed last year, and 1,300, including about 400 citrus, will be sent out during 1946. The assured disposal, at satisfactory rates, of market-garden produce during the war years has encouraged various Maoris to contemplate entering into commercial production. Much waste land or partially used land in the proximity of Maori settlements could be converted to profitable use by this means, and it is hoped that the example set by some of the more progressive will be an incentive to greater effort by others. Individual marketing and inability to follow market trends owing to comparative isolation facilitates exploitation by astute buyers and has been the cause of much disappointment and loss to growers. The Department, in acting as agent for the growers and providing instruction and assistance in ■growing and marketing produce, is performing a valuable service at no cost to the grower. During 1945 produce to the value of approximately £9,000, made up of 335| tons of maize, 132 tons of potatoes, 90 tons of onions, and •50£ tons of kumaras, was marketed on behalf of growers from a comparatively •small area in Tauranga alone, in addition to kumaras, potatoes, and onions from Crisboriie and other districts. As the bulk of this produce is new production and ail extra effort by the producers, it can be accepted as an indication of the latent possibilities in this direction, and suggests that under sympathetic guidance the Maori can become a significant force in the national •economy. Distance from the markets and the consequential heavy cost of transport are effective barriers to the progress of many localities, and ways and means are being explored to overcome these handicaps. The opening of vegetable-processing works in Wairoa has filled a longfelt want in providing a means whereby small holders can profitably use areas too small for other farming activities by producing crops for which a market is assured. Approximately 87,000 tomato plants were grown by twenty-eight Maori families in Wairoa and the surrounding districts, and almost without exception the returns, notwithstanding the dry season, have been highly satisfactory. The Native Department service of instruction and .advice to these people, who were inexperienced in tomato culture, can justly claim credit for the introduction of a very promising industry. Asparagus culture has been commenced, and extension into other lines is anticipated,. Similar service is available as required and is being used to the limit of :staff ability to cope with positions as they arise. Recognizing the limitations and the handicaps under which many of the Maori people are labouring, the scope of departmental activities is being enlarged to provide the specialized instruction necessary to enable the Maori to compete on an equal footing with his pakeha neighbours. During the year experimental plots of sunflower seeds suitable for oil processing were planted at Huramua (Wairoa), Tauranga, and Whirinaki. Oil-cake made from sunflower seed contains over 36 per cent, albuminous substance and up to 10 per cent, fat and is therefore a valuable concentrated cattle-food. The remaining part of the flower after threshing can be used as a coarse fodder. The husk of the sunflower may be used for fuel and is the material for obtaining furfurol (a volatile oil), while ashes of the stalks and flowers contain up to 30 per cent, potassium carbonate and may be used for the production of potash required in the textile and soap-boiling industries. After inquiries were made in Russia and Canada, a small consignment was received as a gift from the Dominion of Canada, but owing to the extremely •dry conditions prevailing and the lateness of the season when the seed arrived •only a small quantity was used this year (it was, in fact, sown for seed to increase the quantity available next year), and larger areas will be sown next spring. The sowings, considering the late planting and drought conditions, "were successful.

5

G—lo

Recently field work was undertaken for the preliminary investigation of limestone deposits adjacent to areas of concentrated farming settlement, and this resulted in the purchase, for installation on the east coast, of a mobile limestone pulverizer capable of producing 40 tons of lime per day. From a development point of view, agricultural lime (which must be rich in calcium content and is usually shell lime with a phosphatic element) and builders' lime (from a fine-grained, white, chalky stone) are important. Outcrops between Te Araroa and Hicks Bay have shown a calcium carbonate content of 94 per cent, to 96 per cent., and their working will enable the supply of lime to farms and schemes previously denied a supply through the prohibitive cost of transport. Ahuwhenua Trophy The annual competition for the trophy donated in 1933 by Viscount Bledisloe for the most progressive Maori farmer was this year judged by the Field Instructor of the Department of Agriculture stationed at Hamilton. The winner. Henare Paraone. a. unit of Clevedon, in the AVaikato-Maniapoto District, was commended by the judge for the manner he has broken in and brought into profitable production such a quantity of hard and poor country. The unit is a good, all-round farmer, has a good knowledge of fat-lamb raising, bacon-production, and beef-production. He does all his own buying and selling of live-stock) and plans farming operations well ahead, showing wisdom in making a large quantity of hay and ensilage during 1944-45 when grass was plentiful. The second placed competitor, Robert, Tanginoa Tapa, of Ranana, in the Aotea District, has done very good work in breaking in country that wasinfested with blackberry, gorse, and ragwort. Good judgment had been exercised in bringing in small areas at a time. Wiremu Matene Naera, of "Waiotemarama, in the Tokerau District, was placed third in the competition and commended by the judge as a thorough and economical man who looks after his farm well, while Heemi Lawson, of Torere, was placed fourth after mention was made of the work he had done breaking in country previously infested by ragwort. Weather The abnormal weather conditions experienced during the past twelve months are reflected to a certain extent in the returns from farming. During the earlier part of the period departmental farms in Taranaki (Aotea District) experienced a rainfall in excess of the normal, while other areas experienced a deficiency, particularly between Hastings and East Cape, where the fall was less than a quarter of the normal. In June nearly all districts received roughly half the usual rainfall, and this condition continued into July and August, except in Nelson, where rivers were in flood during the latter month. Generally the dry conditions continued except for some periods of broken weather which hindered shearing and harvesting, and it can be said that at this time the dryness became critical in Hawke's Bay. It was not until the middle of March that the North Island districts suffering from the drought received any beneficial rains, but when they did most pastures made a sufficiently good recovery to ease partially the winter fodd,er position, which, however, is still critical. Palliative measures taken include the purchase of hay in Otago and Southland (where harvests were satisfactory) for transfer to the drought-stricken areas, particularly in Tokerau and Waikato-Maniapoto Districts covering North and South Auckland, and the Waiariki and Tairawhiti Districts covering Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Northern Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, and East Coast areas.

6

a—io

Maori Land Boards The financial positions of the Maori Land Boards—Tokerau and WaikatoManiapoto in Auckland, the Waiariki Board in Rotoma, Tairawhiti Board in Gisborne, Aotea in Wanganui, and the Ikaroa and South Island Boards in Wellington—are sound. A full report on the farming activities of these bodies, controlled, by the Board of Native Affairs, appears in Part II of this report. 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 £246,930 invested in Government securities, £358,615 on mortgage, and a further £58,929 by way of overdraft to stations and other farm properties. The Maori Land Boards at 31st March had £280,932 on deposit with the Native Trustee, £314,236 invested in Government securities, £242,273 invested in mortgages to various Maoris, and had granted overdrafts amounting to £118,985 to various properties engaged in primary production. The total liability to Maori beneficiaries of institutions) under the control of the Board of Native Affairs was £883,586, this being covered by investments amounting to £1,442,986, reserve funds of £391,388, and cash balances of £111,954. Native Housmg At 31st March, 1946, 58 teams with a total of 198 workmen (including 23 rehabilitation trainees) were engaged on building, including plumbing and painting. Expert supervision is exercised over the operations by 17 Supervisors with headquarters in various localities, mainly in the North Island, but covering also the South Island. There were 110 .jobs in progress at the end of the year. Operations are more fully dealt with in Part IV of this report. Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee During the year twelve farms were purchased for ex-soldier settlement and sixteen men established on holdings. Forty-two advances were made for the purchase of furniture and fifty-four for the building of homes. A full report on the activities of the Committee for the past year appears in Part Y of this report. The Board takes this opportunity to acknowledge the unlimited debt to members of the Maori race who served with the Armed Forces in all their activities, both overseas and in New Zealand. The Board pays homage to those who fell in the service of their country and extends to the bereaved relatives its full sympathy, and trusts that those invalided home will soon be restored to their best health. In conclusion, the Board acknowledges the services of all officers of the Native Department, who, in carrying out the Board's intensive policy of extending development and production, are materially contributing to the Dominion's national economy. Accompanying this statement are reports on departmental development schemes, on Maori Land Board and Native Trust farming operations, on activities under the Native Housing Scheme, and upon the work of the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee and the enterprises under the asgis of the East Coast Commissioner. Native Minister.

7

G—lo

PART I.—STATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES The provisions of Part I of the Native Land Amendment Act, 1936, which repealed and replaced section 522 of the Native Land Act, 1931, authorize the Board of Native Affairs toi advance State funds for the purpose of developing the lands of the Maori people and for assisting them in farming 1 ventures. Although other means of finance are available, the State development schemes are by far the most extensive. For administrative purposes, schemes and farms are grouped in areas coinciding with the Maori Land Board .and Native Land Court Districts and detailed supervision of farms is undertaken from the Department's five district offices, with assistance from the eighteen sub-offices located in more remote localities. It may be stated that in the main there are four classes or kinds of schemes which come under the heading of State development schemes, viz.— (1) Land-development schemes, which have for their object the breaking-in or development for ultimate settlement of blocks or compact areas of Native land. This is the first stage, when the area is run as a station until conditions are suitable for subdivision. (2) Unit development schemes or settlers' farms, for further developing small holdings already settled or being farmed by Maori individuals or families. This is the second stage of development, when an advance is made to the individual farmer (unit). (3) Base farms, which have been established for the purpose of assembling,. holding, and distributing live-stock to surrounding schemes and for change pastures. (4) Bulk Schemes: Facilities for the interim holding and later distribution of bulk purchases of farm requirements, or ventures such as extensive post- and batten-splitting undertakings. Before any land owned or occupied by Maoris is gazetted or brought under the. provisions of Part I of the Native Land Amendment Act,. 1936, the Board of Native Affairs requests that a meeting of assembled owners be held and, a resolution passed agreeing to the proposal, or some such evidence of agreement be obtained. Following this, the procedure usually adopted is to organize man-power, if possible from the owners of the land, but otherwise from unemployed Maoris, on contracts upon the area for all kinds of work,, such as _ clearing bush, scrub, fern, and noxious weeds, ploughing, fencing, draining, sowing grass-seed, and manuring. On the whole, good' value has been obtained in the past for expenditure on contract work. When the development is sufficiently complete, including the provision of a home, cowshed, and other necessary buildings on a section, the owners are given an opportunity, before the Native Land Court, of recommending one of their number, or some other person, as the nominated occupier or unit of the section. The Board of Native Affairs makes the nomination upon the recommendation of the Court. Once a unit has been settled, the field officers have their greatest task ahead of them, as they must be prepared to advise the Maori farmer, who, while he may be easy to handle and in need of comparatively little instruction in breaking in country, is for the most part ignorant of the finer points of farming. Further, when development is at this stage the land is bearing its heaviest burden, in that it is expected to provide a livelihood for the unit, to* make provision for maintenance of the security, and to provide capital for the completion of development. The Department has in the field a supervisory staff of forty-three officers whose work is co-ordinated by a'Chief Supervisor. In addition, there are ten foremen and overseers, the latest appointment being that of a dairy foreman

8

G—lo

at Ruatoria. The latter will give greater supervision in a closely settled dairying district than has been possible in the past, and should be able to render invaluable service to the local dairy-farmers and the dairy factory alike. The repayment of moneys advanced is obtained, for the most part, by "way of orders, on dairy factories in respect of the individual settlers' output, and, varies as to the proportion according to the circumstances of the particular settler in relation to his production and loan liability, but in average cases is fixed at 40 per cent. As only a proportion of the total area under development has so far reached the stage of production, it can be expected that for some time to come returns each year will show an increase in the volume and value of production. Following will be found a general report on each district, together with a review of district schemes. TOKERAU NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT The Tokerau District embraces the whole of the North Auckland Peninsula and supports a large Maori population which is steadily increasing. The unit farmers in this area are mainly engaged in dairying, although in many cases on land which is not altogether suited for this type of farming. Progress, however, has been steady, but has been retarded somewhat by the shortages and the high costs of materials during the war period. During the past year climatic conditions have not been favourable. The early spring was cold and wet and was followed by a long dry spell in the late spring and summer which developed into the severest drought experienced, in this district for very many years. Kumara-growing by the Maoris in some of the favoured valleys of North Auckland is providing a welcome addition to income, and the Maoris find a good market in Auckland for their surplus production. A profitable sideline also has been the collection of agar seaweed by the Maoris on the w r est coast between the Hokianga Harbour and the southern end of the Ninety-mile Beach. In some cases, however, the Maori units have been tempted away from their farms, with a consequent effect on general maintenance. During the year high prices have been received for kauri-gum, and this also has attracted many units to the gumfields, with similar results. A branch of the Young Farmers' Club, has been in existence in Whirinaki for some time and has done very good work among the young Maori farmers. A move in the direction of forming another club at Waima has recently taken place. The Whirinaki Club has a nursery with 400 orange stocks and a .similar number of peach and apple stocks. Efforts are also being made to raise shelter-trees by nursery methods. Members of the club during the year ■visited the Ruakura Experimental Farm and had a most instructive time. There are 805 Maori unit farmers financed by the Native Department in North Auckland. It is estimated that 50 per cent, of these have reached a reasonable standard of success, and that, of the balance, a considerable proportion will in time make good. There is a proportion of cases where progress is not being made owing to lack of interest in farming, bad access, uneconomic holdings, and poor quality of land. Ngataki This scheme, comprising Crown land, is populated by Te Hapua Maoris. Three dairy-farms have been established, and it is proposed to open up a new dairy-shed this coming year. The installation of an ample water-supply during the year enabled butterfat-production, in spite of drought conditions,

9

G—l.o

to be well maintained. The success of this scheme was greatly endangered during the drought by scrub fires, but strenuous fire-fighting efforts saved the area. One shelter clump of 1,000 Pirms pinaster planted in 1941 was burnt, while several thousand trees planted in 1944 45 season died owing to the dry weather. Oturei Arrangements are well in hand to prepare and subdivide a portion of the farm for settlement this coming dairy season by three Maori ex-servicemen, together with the erection of three cottages and three cow-sheds and an adequate water-supply. Roading also will be given attention. The remainder of the scheme needs further development before it will be suitable for subdivision into farms. Oturu This scheme, situated, handy to Kaitaia, is now ready for subdivision into dairy-farms, and it is intended to establish four ex-servicemen as dairy-farmers this coming season. A commencement has been made in the erection of buildings. During the past few months run cattle and sheep carried on the scheme have been gradually disposed of and replaced with good-quality dairy heifers which will provide the nucleus of dairy herds for the prospective settlers. POKAPU No extensive new work was undertaken during the year and general management was very difficult in view of drought conditions. Two classes of farming are undertaken on this scheme: sheep and cattle grazing on the back portion, with dairy-farming on the front areas. In an endeavour to keep the dairy herd in production it was necessary to make available a portion of the block usually grazed by run cattle, and although no undue losses occurred, the condition of the run cattle was seriously affected. The numbers of breeding-ewes and run cows have been reduced with a view to conserving winter feed. PoUTU There has been very little fresh development work carried out during the year, except that 50 acres has been sown in permanent pasture. The stock is looking exceptionally well. Most of the disposal stock has sold well on the market at Westfield or on hooks at the freezing-works. It is anticipated there will be a draft of beef cattle ready for the winter market, to be followed by a good draft of fat lambs during the season. On the whole, the year's operations have been very satisfactory. Ruataniwha No active development has been undertaken on this scheme, which consists mainly of volcanic rock, for some years. Until a suitable water-supply is installed and fertilizer is available the area will be grazed by Tautoro Base Farm live-stock. It is divided into ten paddocks and was purchased for development in conjunction with surrounding areas. Alone this property could not be worked economically. Tautoro Capital works undertaken on this scheme during the year were the construction of two and a, half miles of internal roading, excavation and. metalling of the road from the wool-shed to the main road, the erection of a new two-horse stable and feed-room, while 30 acres previously cropped were laid down in permanent pasture.

10

G—lo

An outbreak of fire 'occurred during the drought, and owing to the timber being in a decayed state it was very difficult and costly to bring under •control. A Polled-Hereford stud bull was purchased early in the season. The stock on the scheme are now beginning to show the effects of the drought, but with the normal winter carrying-capacity considerably reduced, heavy losses are not anticipated. Waima Three fairly large dams have been constructed in situations from which water may be reticulated to other areas of the farm when necessary. The hay crop was very disappointing, as only 1,400 bales were obtained from an area which in past seasons has harvested 4,600 bales. Waxma South A No large-scale development has been carried out on this scheme of '1,460 acres owing to the difficulty of obtaining suitable labour and the scarcity of materials. The ragwort problem is fairly serious on portions and it will be difficult to control until the country is cleared. This area is steep and broken and a portion is covered with heavy bush scrub and fern and the remainder is light to heavy bush land. The property is badly watered, so that development costs will be high. Waireia A fairly extensive programme of development has been undertaken this year. On the flat approximately 60 acres have been drained and cleared. A large area of the hill country has also been cleared of scrub and the fences put in order. The sheep generally have shown considerable improvement and, •despite the very serious drought experienced, the live-stock have come through in fair condition. Tewharau On this scheme, situated near Dargaville, no new development work wasi undertaken during the year, although maintenance work has been brought up to date. The property suffered, considerably from the drought conditions •during the year and consequently the dairy and run herds had to be considerably reduced in numbers. The cows were very heavily culled and the lowest conditioned breeding-cows were sold off at reasonable prices, considering their condition owing to shortage of feed. It is anticipated that there will he some losses in the breeding-cows, but the sheep have made a good recovery and are looking well. WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT This district embraces the Hauraki and Waikato areas. In the Thames and Waikato areas, units are generally engaged in dairying. In the Kingcountry there are some dairy units and the balance are engaged in mixed farming. Work during the year has been restricted to maintenance, but when fertilizer and other materials become freely available there are large areas of Native land, particularly in the King-country, awaiting development. The district has experienced the same dry and drought conditions experienced elsewhere, but fortunately the succeeding mild and rainy autumn has restored the freshness of the pastures and will take stock into the winter in fair condition.

11

G—lo

There was a decrease of 88,452 lb. in the butterfat-production, or approximately 11-5 per cent., from units during the year. Production totalled 762,7741b., and this is considered as very satisfactory, considering 1 the conditions prevailing. "Wool-production from development schemes and unit farmers was 973 bales, compared with 983 bales for 1945. The King-country area continues to experience difficulty from ragwort,, and the dairy units in this area have found it a sound practice to run a proportion of sheep with their dairy herds to control this noxious weed. In the Hauraki district the practice of sending out to each unit monthly butterfat schedules of all units in the district, together with appropriate farming comment concerning, for example, the necessity of shutting up hay paddocks, and, hints concerning the growing of supplementary crops, has been adopted. This practice is producing very useful results and introduces a spirit of emulation among the units. In the Waikato district a portion of one unit property has been turned over to market-gardening on a share basis, and it is expected that success in this case, which seems assured, will encourage other settlers in the neighbourhood to devote some attention to the production of vegetables as a side-line. The district is particularly suited to vegetable-growing, although a vegetablegrowing undertaking in another area did not prove greatly successful. Supplementary crops in the way of oats, soft turnips, and maize have proved specially helpful during the dry season, and the necessity for some supplementary feed of this nature has been impressed upon units. Attention during the year has been devoted to increasing production by the use of pedigree bulls with good butterfat backing, and the introduction of sires by proven bulls is being considered in suitable cases. Te Kuiti The area covered by the scheme comprises heavy-type country and withstood the dry spell very well indeed. Live-stock are in good condition, but the pastures are now showing the effect of the restricted manure quota. The scheme is now in credit to extent of £2,276. Mahoenui An area of gorse country was cultivated with tractor and sown down in swedes, but owing to the consistent dry weather the crop was not a success. The larger portion of this area was later sown down in temporary grass and oats. Mangaora This scheme comprises a heavier-type country on the west coast, but development is seriously handicapped by lack of adequate water in the summer months. The area is not suitable for ploughing, being very hard in the summer and boggy in the winter. Consequently, it is difficult to renew the pastures and fertilizer is therefore essential to maintain existing grass. The live-stock bred are healthy and suitable for transfer to other schemes for fattening. Ngahape This scheme, which lies in the Otorohanga district, comprises light country originally infested with both ragwort and rabbits. The latter have been exterminated, but there is still a large percentage of ragwort through the pastures. This is more noticeable in the areas disked than in the ploughed parts.

12

o—lo

Ngutunui ■ • - This scheme is on very light country originally all in gorse and tea-tree which was disked whilst standing and then burnt and the area then cultivated with bush and bog harrows. The land was then sown down in temporary grass. Following this each year an area of between 60 acres and 70 acres was ploughed and put into swedes, succeeded by disking and the sowing of permanent grass. This method of developing unimproved land into permanent grass has proved most successful. PIJKEMOREMORE In common with other properties in the district around Hamilton, this scheme has not produced results on account of the drought conditions. During the year a new water-bore was put down, resulting in an unlimited supply at 140 ft. The scheme was successful in gaining third place in the chiller-beef competition at the Hamilton Summer Show, the judging being both on hoof and on the' hooks. The placed bullock was bred on the scheme and was the only one of the first five placed entrants which was bred by its exhibitors. Tunaeke This scheme, which covers 406 acres, was commenced on July, 1937, and is situated about three miles from Whatawhata. When the area was taken over it was unimproved, but after a programme of subdivisional fencing, ploughing, planting, draining, metalling, and building, settlers have been established on the whole area. Te Uriwha Two share-milkers have been established during the past two years, and as they have proved satisfactory it is now proposed to settle them upon their holdings as units of development. Milking will commence on a third subdivision in about two years' time. Development of Uriwha was commenced in 1938 when the property was in a completely virgin state. It is now all developed with the exception of bush areas set aside for shelter. Waikaretu The scheme, which covers 977 acres, has made slow progress during the year owing to shortage of labour. When taken over the area was badly infested with blackberry and gorse, but 220 acres are now in permanent grass with 50 acres more under cultivation. Waimiha This scheme is situated in the pumice belt and is also " sheep sick." The sickness, however, has been overcome by consistent use of cobaltized superphosphate and it is now possible to rear excellent fat lambs and bullocks. Top-dressing available has been insufficient to maintain the pastures as they should be kept. The dry spell did not adversely affect the grass, but the water-supply was insufficient at times. Seventy acres were sown in swedes and soft turnips, but the crop was a failure owing to the drought. The whole area was sown down in oats for winter feed. Approximately 500,000 Pinus radiata have been planted during the last twelve years, and the stands are making very good growth.

13

a—io

WAIARIKI NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT Areas which the Department is actively developing or is contemplating developing in the Waiariki District in the near future (contingent, as always, on the available man-power and materials that are still in short supply) are mainly centred in the following localities: — On the main Rotorua-Frankton Railway small isolated properties are assisted under the unit type of occupation and development. Approaching Taupo in the area adjoining Mokai and Western Bay of Lake Taupo requests have been received to establish a large-scale development area in the timber-worked lands around Mokai. This area was recently swept by the disastrous fires experienced, particularly in the Taupo region, this year, and it will be impracticable to undertake development on any scale until suplies become more plentiful. Some 20,000 acres may ultimately be brought under the scheme should development, when started, prove capable of being successfully pursued. Bush blocks at Oruanui and Waipapa have been worked for the totara post and batten timber, but this source of supply will be unavailable unless it is found possible by the State Forest Service to make a portion of the remaining totara bushes available, as far as the fallen timber is concerned. The area in the Horohoro Valley embraces all types of agricultural and pastoral activities. Large-scale development was first initiated in this area on both sides of the road for a distance of sixteen miles from Rotorua in one continuous block. Units, some successful, others found to be unsuitable, have been established. There is a nursery which supplies trees to districts beyond Rotorua, and a plantation of various trees established on Haparangi Mountain. Lands in this area were originally considered to be bush sick, but with the supply of cobalt in the manures used the lands have proved to be of successful use for intensive cultivation and for dairying and grazing. Towards the Urewera country is situated the Ngatimanawa scheme, ready for subdivision for dairying, but which cannot be cut up into smaller areas until the difficulty of communal ownership is overcome; while stretching out immediately beyond Rotorua are the easy grazing slopes of Tihiotonga, a Maori Land Board property which to-day is the most successful, from a productive and financial point of view, in the Rotorua district. Along the Te Ngae Road, about three miles distant, the properties of Puketawhero and Wharenui are situated, practically behind the main base farm at Brents, where some 6,000 cattle and 60,000 sheep are annually distributed to central schemes in and around Rotorua. Across the range and connecting up with Puketawhero and Wharenui is situated the Okareka scheme, adjoining Lake Okareka and the recently acquired Miller's block of European land. Okere, immediately beyond Mourea, is a compact, large-scale development area which was formerly timber-covered,. This block is an asset of which the Maori, owners to-day feel proud. Disastrous fires swept several hundred acres of the back country this year, while an extensive storm did, widespread damage to the road fences near Lake Rotoiti. Taheke, adjoining Okere, continues the development line in a face to the 17-mile peg on the Rotorua-Tauranga Highway. Not particularly suitable for dairying, this country will make ideal sheep-farms once the land is fully consolidated for grazing under unit occupation and suitable Maori farmers acquire the knowledge so essential to success. Okere and Taheke were subject to Maori Land Board encumbrances, and in this connection half the Board's liability was paid off during the past year. The remaining schemes in the immediate vicinity of Rotorua are that part of the Waikato party area on the Rotorua-AVhakatane Highway, where gorse has retarded successful establishment of unit settlers, and the main Tikitere

14

G—lo

scheme, established by Ngatiporou Maoris in the early 1930'5. Here four units are farming successfully on the better parts of this sulphur area, while the scheme proper absorbs the balance area containing much of the poorer lands and sulphur beds where hot pools and geysers predominate. To this area has recently been added, by purchase, the European block known as Waldron's and which links up with the main road at Mourea. Many sections will be available for letting on the scheme on the shores of Lake Rotoiti once a plan of subdivision and roading is decided upon. Near Te Puke, about seven miles out, the Waewaetutuki swamp lands are being actively developed. Progress is slower than on other areas, due to the necessity for consolidation of much of the swamp area. The need for a lowering of the Main Kaikokopu drain, controlled by the Lands Department, is apparent here. Towards Te Puke, on the banks of the Kaituna River, is the Rangiuru scheme, a piece of heavy swamp land that has been brought into a highly cultivated and productive state but which is still subject to flood-waters. Stop-banking will be required here. At Papamoa a large unit area is being successfully handled by the Department pending the ultimate occupation by the owner, a soldier of the two Great Wars. This farm is ready for occupation and rehabilitation of the present owner or his soldier son nominee, at present in the Japan occupation Forces. Towards Mount Maunganui and circling around towards Tauranga Township are situated the schemes of Mangatawa (to which has been added a Native land purchase), Ngapeke (a fairly broken piece of land mainly suitable for grazing and to which a Native land purchase was added), Maungarangi (the area formerly known as the Bank Run), and Kaitimako (the first of the Tauranga schemes to be developed). These Tauranga schemes, before being taken under Native land-development, were an eyesore and a menace to the European developed lands of the country. To-day they are in a profitable state of production. Numerous unit farms for rehabilitation of returned Maori servicemen will be available once the demand by this class of settler becomes the need of the moment. Up to the present there has been practically no inquiry for farms by Maori servicemen in the area, but later, when they have had a chance to re-establish themselves in the ways of civilian life, it is anticipated, that numerous inquiries for establishment as units will be received. On the Tauranga-Whakatane Main Highway at Matata overlooking the seashore is to be found the land-development scheme of Hauani. This scheme has, through lack of labour and shortage of materials, been seriously retarded in its development. A first essential to bringing in several thousand acres here is the establishment of a suitable water-supply. In the meantime, a share-milking herd under an experienced Maori farmer is run, with a few hundred wethers on the balance of the area. In the immediate vicinity of Whakatane and overlooking the town and the Ohope beach is the Ngatiawa scheme, an area which consists of a large tract of poor country having a road frontage of eight miles. It is being profitably handled, as a station. There is constant demand by interested owners for its establishment and subdivision into unit dairy-farms, but the practicability and wisdom of this has still to be assessed by a special committee to be set up by the Board of Native Affairs to inquire into this aspect of its future administration. Towards the Tarawera country, in the vicinity of Edgecumbe, is to be found the Putauaki scheme, a large portion of which has been developed, but which has been found to dry out badly under summer conditions. Unit occupation of this and the Omataroa Block can be proceeded with once building-materials become available. Farther on is the Waiohau Valley scheme.

15

Cr—lo

Numerous unit-s are established here, but the greater part of the block is under scheme development and it will be necessary to leave it so until the problem of the ragwort is' controlled. At Ruatoki, in the Opouriao Valley, a large tract of very fertile land is under the occupation of some 150 units, with a smaller area of the newer country capable of settling about five returned soldiers being handled by the scheme. A general administration unit, comprising store-shed and office, with residences for the Supervisor and storeman, is centrally situated. Herd-testing improvement has been carried on in conjunction with the Native school, and the knowledge imparted to the younger generation of Maoris will, it is hoped, have a marked effect in future years in the more scientific management of the dairy herds. River erosion, uneconomic unit areas, the upkeep of a water-supply, the settlement roading maintenance, and the ragwort menace have necessitated annual labour subsidies. Near Opotiki many unit farms are located, particularly at Whakatohea and Torere. It has been found in a number of cases, as at Horohoro near Rotorua, that the necessity exists for running sheep to control the ragwort menace, and to this extent some farms have practically gone out of dairying and into sheep-farming. This is only a remedial measure, however, and as soon as the lands are in a fit state for dairying they will revert to this method of farming. Some of the farms in the back country at Torere have had to be amalgamated with other unit holdings owing to their inability to be successfully farmed as independent holdings. At Haparapara a reverted leasehold is being handled which, with .a backcountry run at Ohotu, comprises a block suitable for grazing only. From Omaio to Cape Runaway the unit areas of Omaio, Te Kaha, Orete, AVhangaparaoa, and Te Piki are being closely farmed. These farms have shown a definite financial improvement during the past five years and, despite frequent drought conditions which are an annual occurrence on this part of the coast, many Maori farmers are earning a payable farm income. In this area is situated the Orete II Station, a mountain block suitable only for grazing. The flat, being leasehold land, was acquired by the Department, and on this property, known as the Orete Dairying Section, a share-milker is established. A committee of management of the owners assists the Department in its control. Te Piki, started in the early years of the depression for the employment of surplus Maori labour, presents a problem in land-development that will exist for many years to come, though its adjoining neighbour, Potikirua, a station proposition only, is a financial success. Rate obligations to the Counties of Opotiki, Whakatane, Tauranga, and Rotorua were met, as in previous years, by the Department on behalf of the various settlers on those scheme lands where an excess of revenue over maintenance costs resulted. Land-drainage liabilities have been met in the Rangitaiki and Wiaewaetutuki areas. Despite a particularly severe drought this summer and many disastrous bush fires, coupled with the reduction of dairy herds by heavy culling through shortage of feed and the necessity to reduce herds to run sheep to control the ragwort menace, the butterfat-production percentage drop is only 11 per cent., which must be considered exceptional considering the difficulties encountered. Numerous cases of unit occupation have been investigated by the Native Land Court in the past year and recommendations made to the Board of Native Affairs thereon. Wherever practicable, particularly at Horohoro, leases have been granted to successful unite. There have been no requests during the past twelve months from units for release from the Native landdevelopment administration.

16

G—lo

In the matter of subsidies a drastic reduction was decided upon, and Supervisors generally report that this has effected an improved outlook on the part of the unit occupiers. Times are good at present in the matter of employment offering to unit farmers in the off months, and while it has been the policy to permit units to work outside if their farms are being adequately managed, a constant eye is kept on those who are likely to jeopardize their farm work for the additional money of casual labour. Reports on individual schemes are appended. Brents Farm Situated three and a half miles from Rotorua, comprising 335 acres of freehold and 49 acres of leasehold, the property is the base farm for stock movements in the Rotorua central district. Pastures are in first-class condition and the farm was carrying at 31st March 194 run cattle. In addition, sheep from other schemes are handled during the seasonal operations and 17,700 sheep were shorn last season, while 6,447 head of cattle were purchased and transferred to other schemes. Casual labour for the stock work is obtained from stockmen and hands from other schemes with twenty-five casuals -engaged from time to time for the seasonal operations. This has given a fair measure of work to the local Maoris. Drought conditions were particularly severe during January and February, but by judicious management and feeding the stock was! kept in a satisfactory condition. Six hundred fat lambs were sent to the freezing-works, and this, combined with the regular sales! of fat cattle and wethers to the local market, has enabled the finances once more to reflect a very favourable position. Kaitimako The 595 acres of this scheme are easy and rolling in contour and situated on the Tauranga -Te Puke Highway about five miles from Tauranga. There were originally 953 acres in this block, but three unit settlers have been established and these are now under the Waiariki units section of the accounts. Kapenga No. 2 Located on the south side of the Rotorua-Atiamuri Road about seven miles from Rotorua, this property adjoins Tuhourangi and Kapenga schemes. It covers 400 acres, all of which are suitable for development and are in permanent grass. Ultimately the area will be subdivided into 100-acre farms. Mangatawa A new water-supply has been installed,. Polled-Angus breeding-cows are now being run on the property with satisfactory results. Fat-stock sales during the year have been very good. Second-growth gorse is still requiring attention, and this provides general farm work employment for five men. This property has not yet reached a stage suitable for subdivision into smaller holdings. Matata There are five established units and one share-milker on this scheme, which lies on the coastal plain about twenty-five miles north of Whakatane. the share-milking herd is now self-supporting, with the exception of the purchase of tested bulls.

17

G—lo

Maungarangi A portion of the homestead, block has been set aside as a nursery for fruit and citrus trees. Some excellent pip- and stone-fruit trees have been sent throughout the district, while there are at present a large number of citrus trees which will be available next season. Maungaroa This scheme, which lies on the banks of the Kereu River, was taken under development following the surrender of the lease in 1937. Access is by an eight-mile track up the river-bed. The country is mainly steep hill faces, there being only 400 acres of flat. Maintenance work and control of rushes have been carried out, while 160 chains of new fencing have been erected. Six hundred posts and 5,000 battens were split. Renovations to the manager's house and additions to wool-shed yards have generally improved the conditions of this scheme. A four-stand shearing plant was installed and sheep now do not have to be driven down the river to a neighbouring station to be shorn. The drought did quite a lot of good on this station, asi water is plentiful and the shortage of grass caused the stock to clean up quite a lot of rough pasture. As this is a back-country run difficult of access, it cannot be considered as a unit subdivision proposition. Okareka This scheme covers 2,122 acres and lies about seven miles from Rotorua ■ adjoining the Puketawhero and "Wharenui Blocks (Tihiotonga Station). It is mainly rough and broken hill country, but is responding to development and carries wethers and run cattle very well. During the year an adjoining block of 800 acres was purchased and development will start on this area as soon as conditions permit. During the year internal reading was carried out; this will enable better use to be made of manure and give more effective control of the stock. Okere This scheme lies between Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti and is for the most part easy hill country. There are still some 2,000 acres in standing bush. The area developed carries a very good sole of grass and fat stock turned off have been of excellent quality. The debt to the Waiariki Maori Land Board incurred prior to development has been partly liquidated, and it is anticipated that the balance of this debt will be paid off by June, 1946. Orete This property is about sixty miles east of Opotiki and is run as a sheep and cattle station. An additional area of 360 acres has recently been taken over and a share-milker installed. Peka This scheme is situated on the Atiamuri Road about three miles from Rotorua. Maintenance work only has been carried out during the year, but a new manager's house, wool-shed, and dip are under construction. The woolshed and dip will obviate the present necessity of driving sheep to Brent's Farm for shearing, dipping, and crutching. Sheep, from other schemes will also be handled on the place.

18

G—lo

Te Piki Situated near Cape Runaway, the scheme is at present run as a sheep and cattle-holding property. Maintenance work on fences, roads, and drains has been carried out during the year. The nursery attached is doing well and will supply the shelter trees for coast schemes. During the year 25 acres of grass were sown down and 25 acres of root crops put in, while 10,000 pinetrees were planted. New fencing totalling 80 chains has been completed with -100 chains of repair work. Twenty tons of hay were harvested. This is a difficult scheme on poor-class country. It was established to find work for the unemployed, in 1933. Putatjaki This scheme, which is situated at the foot of Mount Edgecumbe and around Te Teko, has about 6,000 acres of flat, volcanic-ash-covered soil and is very severely affected by dry conditions. The recent drought made it necessary to stint some stock in order to get the lambs away, while surplus ewes were sent to the freezing-works. At present it is difficult to say whether the rain will bring away a fresh sole of grass, and it may be necessary to resow large areas. The hay and swede crops suffered badly and are very light indeed. A manager has recently been appointed to this area. Rotorua Nursery Situated on the Taupo Road three miles from Rotorua, this nursery is well established under an expert Maori nurseryman who keeps the schemes of the district fully supplied with their requirements. Owing to the shortage of fencing-materials to provide the necessary protection, schemes are not as fully planted as the Supervisors desire, and a market for surplus trees grown has been found among local bodies, other Government Departments, and, wholesale nurserymen. Inquiries are now being received from settlers under the Rehabilitation Department. Ruatahuna The 6,596 acres of farmable land of Ruatahuna scheme are situated on the Waikaremoana-Rotorua Highway, where development was originally commenced in 1931 to provide assistance to then unemployed Maoris of the Urewera district. The area is now run as a fully utilized scheme, all shearing being done at the scheme wool-shed and the wool pooled for sale as one clip. Great difficulty has been experienced in handling these lands through the reluctance of the title-holders to merge the area into a large-scale scheme for running as a station carrying sheep and cattle, which is the only practicable method of dealing with such a large, virgin block of land, isolated as it is in the heart of the Urewera country by poor roads at a distance of about seventy-four miles from Rotorua or Wairoa, the nearest railheads. Taheke This scheme is situated past the Okere Falls about fourteen miles from Rotorua and is now coming into excellent heart. This year 2,470 fat lambs were put off to the works. Prior to development, the Waiariki District Maori Land Board had a mortgage on the lands, and during the year part, of this was paid off. It is anticipated that the balance will be paid to the Maori Land Board this June.

19

G—lo

Tihiotonga Three miles of internal roading have recently been completed in this area to enable manure to be carried to the back areas and give better results in the future. The scheme, which lies partly at the back of Rotorua, gives rise to admiration from visitors to the) town, as its perpetually green hills stand out as an indication of the excellent farming possibilities of the pumice lands of the Rotorua. district. Waikaukau This scheme is in the Horohoro area about eleven miles from The area is well advanced, and consideration is now being given to subdividing it for settlement by returned soldiers. Waiariki District Units The unit properties in the Waiarifc District suffered very severely from the severe drought conditions which were experienced during the summer—particularly in January and February of this year. The extensive effect is reflected in the butterfat-production, which was approximately 200,000 lb. less for the year than for the corresponding previous period. Further than this, many units have had to reduce the size of their milking herds in order to run some sheep in an effort to combat the ragwort menace, as this, in parts, is serious. The shortage of man-power throughout the area has reduced the number of Maoris seeking employment with the Department, and as a result only general maintenance work has, for the most part, been carried out. TAIRAWHITI NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT The Tairawhiti District extends from Potaka in the Wharekahika Valley in the north to the Mohaka River in the south, and includes 31 stations, 219 active dairy and sheep unit sections, besides many sections under mortgage to the Maori Land Board and Native Trustee. The area under development has been increased by a further 2,789 acres, which have been gazetted for development during the year. Activities in the Tairawhiti District received a severe setback by the summer drought, which was unprecedented in its incidence. The previous season was very dry and was followed by an exceptionally rainless winter. In the Gisborne district, garden hoses were used for watering urban gardens in mid-winter. The result was that little moisture was retained in the subsoil as a reserve for the summer period, October to April, and the effect was disastrous: paddocks, although closed as usual for hay, failed to produce sufficient growth to warrant cutting, while in others, if the hay was cut, little or no growth followed. Normal sowings of supplementary fodder such as turnips and rape were made, but the lack of rain prevented growth. To supplement local saving, 400 tons of hay has been ordered from the South Island. Cattle suffered heavily early in the season, as all the rough feed,, the control of which usually requires every available cattle beast to ensure healthy feed for sheep, was consumed. Those farmers who had spare feed for grazing were able to let it at a premium, and soon all that, in addition to rank feed on roads and river-beds, was cleared up. Stock prices dropped to little more than the price of hides, and in some cases whole herds of cows had to be put down the chute at the works for only the value of hides.. The normal losses occasioned through deaths were accentuated by the fact that the whole northern half of the North Island was in the throes of drought and the annual sales of stock to the Waikato were greatly restricted by lack of

20

G—lo

demand there. Many beasts which it is hoped will be carried through are little more than walking skeletons and if they live will produce little next season. Calving losses will be severe.

To show the influence of conditions on dairy production, the following is the comparison with last year:—

Fortunately", to offset the severity of conditions for cattle, the season, proved healthy for sheep, except perhaps for a heavier strike from fly and, where there was no remaining water-supply, the inability to dip. With the lowering 1 of the grading of fats acceptable to the works, picking could be done more deleply into the flocks. Cull lamb and ewe prices were poor as the drought extended its duration. With the drying-up of streams which, within the knowledge of old residents, had never before ceased running, water for stock was a distressing problem. Animals, starved and thirsty, burst through fences and useless flood-gates and everywhere could be seen combing the roads. Unaccounted-for losses, when future tallies are made, will be inescapable. In the northern area disaster spread in the wake of fires which raged over thousands of acres devouring pastures, fences, and buildings. Some 40,372 lb. of grass-seed has been purchased to reinstate pasture before second growth takes charge. Supplies continue to be a handicap to extension work. Fencing and manure are the items in which short supply is most felt. Fencing-posts are obtained principally from the silver-pine forests of Westland at excessive cost. Freight charges are heavy for the northern area and, in the absence of shipping to Hicks Bay, impose undue cost, particularly on manure. Over three hundred miles of rail and a further one hundred and twenty miles of difficult road freight nearly doubles the work's cost of fertilizer, and. this, with the limited quantity available, precludes the fullest exploitation of the excellent land—some of the most fertile in the country. The use of lime is not feasible to any great extent on account of freight costs, although large deposits of high-percentage calcium limestone exist in the Te Araroa area. It is hoped that crushing machinery can be installed and this essential soil dressing made available at reasonble costs. Success can be said to have been achieved with the majority of units. Of these, some 10 per cent, have achieved the hoped for position of being able to control their own farming without further need of supervision, many having developed the land, paid off the departmental liability, and become eligible for leasehold tenure, preparations for which are in train. The Department has again served as the selling agency for Maori producers of small crops, some 90 tons of kumaras and 10 tons of pumpkins being marketed. A demand for kumaras, carrots, and pumpkins has grown which the next year's crops will be insufficient to satisfy.

21

Scheme. Butterfat-production, in Pounds. Decrease. 1944-45. 1945-46. Pounds. Percentage. Mahia 43,604 40,816 2,788 6 Mohak a-Kah ungumi 96,101 57,502 38,599 40 Poroporo 17,679 13,288 4,391 25 Te Araroa 60,385 45.360 15,025 25 Tuparoa 39,517 22,743 16,774 42 Waiapu 190,567 127,333 63,234 33 Wharekahika 34,723 27,444 7., 279 21 Average decrease 31

G—lo

Mahia This scheme, due mainly to its situation on the isthmus and the sunny side of the Mahia Peninsula, is endowed with a mild climate, ample rainfall, and fertile soil. Although butterfat-production dropped slightly from the total of previous years, the effect of the drought was not nearly so severe as on other schemes and dairying could be carried on for the full season. It has been possible to provide nearly every dairying unit with a lucerne stand, and these, with the natural flush growth of grass, enabled ample supplies of hay to be baled. Matajkaoa Station This area of 2,400 acres is situated at the northern end of Hicks Bay and extends along the seashore for several miles. It has made good progress despite war' shortages, and returns allow a substantial dividend to be paid from the profits. Mohaka-Kahungunu Last summer drought conditions were soon apparent in the light soil of these schemes. Little hay could be saved as the growth was completely arrested, and unless mowing was done early what little feed there remained had to be grazed to keep the herds going. Extensive sowings of turnips, oats, and barley were made to provide late winter and spring feed. Perhaps the benefits of a similar annual programme will become apparent to the units and the year's sowings repeated. In 1943 two stations were created from a number of units with a view to improving the pasture and capital assets. In one case, owing mainly to management, the trial was unsuccessful, and the area is being divided between the second station and a former unit holding. Several of the original blocks should, with suitable pasture management, become available next year for settlement by ex-servicemen. In seven cases in this district the occupiers have failed to progress, and it has become evident that while they retain tenure no improvements can be anticipated. These cases will be referred to the Native Land Court for a recommendation and the owners given an opportunity to give their opinions at the hearing of the application. Ngamahanga Station The main item of interest on Ngamahanga Station during the year was a soil survey undertaken by an officer of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. His findings disclosed that there is a large tract of nearly 2,000 acres through the centre of the station where the soil is of such a nature that it is extremely doubtful if it should be used for grazing. Accordingly, it has been decided to shut off this tract from the remainder of the station and use it only for run purposes, although some of it, where the fire hazards do not appear dangerous, might serve for small plantations. Experiments in dressing with phosphatic papa were carried out. Poroporo-Tuparoa The Poroporo .scheme produced the only Ahuwhenua Trophy entry for the district, but it was most unfortunate that this splendid farm was rendered barren at the time of judging by prevailing climatic conditions. The judge stated that nowhere in his travels throughout the Island had he witnessed such severe effects of the drought. Uruahi Station continues to pay well and the owners receive liberal dividends from the farm profits. With the leasing of an inactive unit section adjoining, a site for a much-needed wool-shed is made available, and the erection of this will be budgeted for with funds from the credits the Department is now holding. During the year a. dip and yards were installed.

22

G—lo

Waiapu During the past year the only work undertaken was of a maintenance nature. Extensive repairs to existing fencing were made, while draining and grassing were carried out where possible. The Poroporo Stream dried up for the greater part of its length for the first time on record. "Wherever possible, oats for green feed were sown as soon as domestic or other crops were out of the ground, but the absence of rain prevented growth, and little extra feed will be gained from this until winter. Water-supply installations gave satisfactory supplies with the exception of Hahau where the flow became small and could not cope with the demand. It is clear that this supply is overloaded, and efforts will be made to increase supplies to the unit connections. A major water scheme to supply all units at Tikapa has been commenced by the damning of a good, spring with ample water and the building of a 6,000-gallon reservoir in the hills above. An engine and pump has been obtained, and the whole scheme will be completed for use of units next summer. Wharekahika - Te Araroa The extensive tree-planting of previous years was furthered during the year, and when the plantations attain maturity a much felt need will be filled. Though a large expenditure of money has cleared extensive areas of land and provided them with fencing and, surface sowing, the time has arrived when the advent off mechanized means of cultivation and improved supplies of fertilizer should bring about much more intensive use of the warm land in the belt near the sea. So far it has not been possible to do much more than preliminary work. In the Te Araroa scheme there are four areas run as stations all of which have shown profits and, with the exception of Rangiata, have reduced their liabilities at last balance date. Marangairoa 1a 2-4 had a credit of £958 with the Department, £6OO of which was paid to the owners by way of a dividend. AOTEA NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT The Aotea District comprises an area the boundaries of which extend from White Cliffs (Parinihinihi) in the North Taranaki Bight and extend across country to Tarawera, some miles west of Lake Taupo, and thence in an irregular south-westerly direction to the sea at the mouth of the Rangitikei River. The district includes the ancestral domains of several notable tribes whose deeds are recorded in the history of the Dominion —namely, the NgatiHau (Wanganui), Ngarauru, Ngati-Ruanui, Taranaki, Ati-Awa, Ngati-Apa, Ngati-Pikiahu-Waewae, Ngati-Hauiti, Ngati-Whiti-Tama, and Ngati-Tuwharetoa. Large .areas of land are available for development in the ManunuiTokaanu area, and the prosecution of further large-scale development on these schemes should be undertaken as soon as modern mechanized plant is available to clear and cultivate the land. The aggregate butterfat-production for the year was 374,919 lb., showing a decrease of 1| per cent, on the output for the previous year. In view of the unusually dry summer which prevailed, this result is considered satisfactory, but was largely attributable to the fact that dairying was commenced by four units in the spring of 1945. It would appear that some units may have a difficult year during 1946-47, as in certain instances it was not possible for adequate supplies of hay to be saved, and in other cases crops

23

O—lo

for supplementary feed were not successful, particularly in the Tokaanu area. The continued inadequacy of fertilizer-supplies is shown in the pastures and maximum production cannot be expected until increased top-dressing manure is available. Korohe The work on the balance area of this scheme has been largely restricted to maintenance of existing improvements and grassing areas that have been previously cultivated for crops. The pastures are showing the results of the insufficiency of fertilizer during recent years, while the abnormally dry season has caused further deterioration. An area of 100 acres was sown with swedes and chou mollier, the crops being satisfactory considering the conditions. To provide shelter-belts, 25,000 trees were planted, but owing to the dry weather conditions the results were disappointing and it will be necessary to replace many trees. The protection of the trees entailed the erection of 200 chains of fencing. Exceptionally good work was carried out in the destruction of rabbits, although the full benefit of these activities will not be realized until several intervening areas are brought into the scheme to provide an unbroken tract ■of land for rabbit control. Manunui During the year, 500 acres were felled and grassed on Puketapu 3b C and 3c 4, which adjoin areas previously sown in grass. Owing to shortage of labour it has not been possible to split firewood in any appreciable quantities, l)ut the large amount of good fallen logs available will provide a lucrative source of revenue to the scheme as well as much needed supplies of fuel for North. Island markets as soon as men are available to split it. The rabbits on the scheme have been vigorously attacked in co-operation with the Meringa Rabbit Board and good results have been obtained. It will be necessary, however, to continue these operations for a further year or two. The Manunui unit sections are'adjacent to the Manunui-Tokaanu Highway, with the exception of one at Piriaka. There are nine settlers occupying 2,671 acres, but two of these being probationary units are included under balance area in the accompanying statistical tables. Six of the nine units are ■dairying in addition to grazing sheep and run cattle and for the year 1945-46 produced 18,299 lb. butterfat. This represents a considerable increase in production from the scheme and is due to two units commencing dairying •during the year. The remaining three units occupy holdings on which it has not yet been considered wise to commence dairying. They occupy between them 1,538 acres. Ohinepuhiawe The two units on this scheme are situated on the banks of the Rangitikei River. The land is heavily infested with gorse and dries up early in the summer. Neither property can be considered economic in its present state, but the revenue received from the few cows milked is usually sufficient to meet interest and other charges, and in each case a home is available for a family and work is readily obtainable in the adjoining township of Bulls. Pihama The sole unit has an exceptionally fine holding of 337 acres and is milking 84 cows, which produced 14,007 lb. butterfat. In addition to rearing surplus dairy heifers for disposal, he has a flock of 1,290 sheep which, during the year ended 31st March, 1946, produced 16 bales of wool and 562 lambs for sale. During the past two years this unit has erected one of the finest milkingsheds in South Taranaki, the whole of the cost being met from surplus revenue.

24

a—io

Ranana This scheme was taken over for development in 1930 and was then largely individualized by settlers on sections approximating Native Land Court boundaries which in many cases could not provide an economic holding and which also ignored such important factors as water-supplies, road access, &c_ In many cases dairying had been commenced on pasture which had not consolidated and on areas where the weed growth was beyond the capability of the individual settler to control. The result was that during the succeeding years many of the unit properties were* vacated for various reasons and the balance area of 3,006 acres, of which 1,326 acres are in pasture, remains.. The difficulties that arise when a scheme is fully individualized when taken over for development was pointed out in the issue of this report published in 1932, and subsequent experience has proved the wisdom of developing lands in blocks and establishing pastures by rotational grazing prior to utilization. There are several good sections now ready for settlement but for which nosatisfactory units are at present available, although it is hoped that the owners concerned will agree to these lands being made available for the settlement of returned servicemen on a leasehold basis. Rangataua Bush The splitting of birch fencing-timber on an approximate area of 500 acres near Ohakune has been carried out by the Department since 1939 and the operations have provided large supplies of fencing-timber for various landdevelopment schemes in the North Island. Early in 1941 the control of this; project was transferred from the Waikato-Maniapoto District to the Aotea District, but, the operations of the Department in this area must cease in December, 1946, when .the license of the firm which holds the timber-cutting rights in the same area expires and haulage to the railhead of the Department's produce will be no longer available. There are at present sufficient orders on hand to absorb the greater part of split material awaiting haulage and further posts, &c., which can be split during the unexpired term of the license. Taurewa A commencement has been made in the development of the WhangaipekeBlocks of 999 acres, but progress is restricted to the labour available. Ringfencing connected with the Manunui scheme is being proceeded with. The present access is difficult, entailing a crossing of the Wanganui River, but ultimately the further development of the adjoining Manunui scheme will" provide a satisfactory road from the Manunui-Tokaanu Highway through theHohotaka Block. One unit has been established on this Tuwharetoa- scheme and runs sheep and cattle on a gazetted area of 552 acres, of which approximately 300 acres are in grass. Frequent changes in live-stock are necessary to control noxious weeds and consolidate pastures. The stock carried on 31st March was 291 wethers, '7l steers, and 5 dairy cows. Tokaanu Thirty thousand trees were planted on the scheme, but owing to climaticconditions a considerable number did not thrive and heavy replacements' will be necessary. ' Excellent results have been achieved by the use of phosphorized pollard for rabbit-destruction, but this work must be continued for some time to come. The rabbit-fence erected between the Tongariro River and the south-eastern corner of Lake Taupo is proving effective..

25

G—lo

Wami-Pukawa Development operations have recently commenced on Pukawa 2a and Waihi-Kahakaroa 2 and 3a and an area of 500 acres sown in grass, of which 350 acres is in permanent pasture. This course was rendered necessary owing to a fire which burnt through the scrub and fern during the late summer, and advantage was taken of the excellent seed-bed provided by the ash. It is intended to ring-fence the area at an early date and stock will be provided in the coming spring. These lands are situated on the elevated plateau at the south-western end of Lake Taupo, and the scheme has great potentialities as a farming proposition. Wangaehu The total area is 196 acres, comprising 120 acres in pasture and the "balance in medium to heavy gorse growth. A marked improvement has been effected in the control of second-growth gorse by increased subdivisional fencing and rotational grazing under strict control. The water-supply is confined to dams on the lower levels, and for this reason it is not considered that dairying on a large scale should be undertaken. It will probably be some years before the gorse is entirely under control, and the property should then support one unit grazing ewes and wethers and possibly a small dairy herd. IKAROA NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT The boundaries of this district enclose Manawatu, Wairarapa, and the greater part of Hawke's Bay. Fortunately, the drought experienced over most of New Zealand during the past summer did not have any disastrous •effect on development schemes in this district, while the extra outlet cut at the mouth of the Manawatu River has brought relief from the usual flooding that in the past has affected the lands in that area. Homewood This scheme is on the east coast of the North Island approximately fortytwo miles from Masterton. It is situated in what might be termed a dry area, as on an average every third season is a dry one of almost drought intensity. This season was no exception, there being no rain for months and at one stage the position looked very serious, but now the feed outlook is good and all stock is in good order to enter the winter. Sheep and cattle are the main source of revenue, as the major portion of the block is secondclass hill country and undeveloped. It is considered that about 550 acres w r ould be better suited for growing trees than for pasture. Of the total area, approximately 450 acres can be cultivated and cropped, and this year, as an •experiment, 7 acres of Montgomery red clover was harvested. Thirteen and a half bags of seed were threshed and will realize an estimated return of £35 per sack. This year 20 acres of scrub were cut and ploughed and 25 acres ■of worn-out pasture broken up. As more labour becomes available, these areas will be increased. Makirikiri This scheme is in the Wairarapa district about four miles from the Mangamahoe Railway-station. Climatic conditions were normal on this block during the year. The area used for stock is approximately 275 acres, the balance being in bush and scrub. "An area of 15 acres has been stumped and cleared of timber and is now ready for cultivation This was a particularly dirty area and, with timber and blackberry, was a home for rabbits and ragwort, both of which are plentiful on this scheme.

26

,G—10

Manawatu In past years this scheme has experienced numerous setbacks owing to flooding by the Manawatu River, but this danger has now been practically eliminated by an extra outlet being cut for the river to reach the sea. Butterfat returns for this year have been much improved on previous outputs, but there is room for further improvement yet. This year, in addition to dairying,, a small area was used for market-gardening. From an experimental point .of view this was a success, but 110 great profit was made. With the experience gained a greater measure of financial success might be expected on future occasions, but one great drawback is the transporting of materials and produce across the river, as the scheme is now virtually an island. It is intended next season to establish three share-milkers on this scheme and to cull and replace quite a number of the cows at present in the herds. With close and continuous supervision, good results may be expected. PORANGAHAU The balance area under development is 832 acres of good second-class land about one mile from Porangahau. A very severe drought made conditions 011 this scheme very difficult for live-stock, as all the creeks and springs dried up. A small P.A. breeding herd has been established with good results. SOUTH ISLAND NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT Kaiwhare Comprising an area of 514 acres on the main south road about ten miles north of Kaikoura, this scheme usually suffers from an excessive rainfall, but the weather conditions during the year under review have been reasonable and growth during the autumn promises to be good. The lambing percentage was 87-4 per cent, which is very good for this type of country, and the wool clip averaged just over 8 lb. per sheep and sold at over 13d. per pound. The death-rate was light, approximately 3 per cent. The flock has been heavily culled and satisfactory prices obtained. One hundred of the best wether lambs have been retained to assist with the control of the fern, &c. The deathrate of cattle has been exceptionally heavy, brought about by the cattle eating branches of ngaio trees that had been blown down. When these branches begin to wilt they are very poisonous for stock. This, combined with rust on the bracken fern, was the cause of the loss. Southland Scheme Satisfactory progress was made, notwithstanding unfavourable wet and cold weather from October to February. The principal development item consists of the clearing of 37 acres of logs and stumps. In addition, appreciable headway was made with fencing and, to a lesser extent, drainage. Two works recently completed consist of the extension of electric-power line to certain parts of the scheme at Colac Bay and the formation of 52 chains of new road at Wakapatu. Both these items represent definite progress. There is one development lease in the scheme. Wairau Climatic conditions during the year under review have been very erratic and- major flooding occurred during August and November. The summer months have been very good and the prospects for autumn and winter feed are good. The lambing percentage was extremely poor, but this was due

27

G—lo

to the flooding which took place just as lambing had commenced and necessitated the shifting for grazing of 600 ewes The wool clip averaged just over 8| lb. per fleece and sold at approximately 14d. Willows are being cleared along the Marakoko River in preparation for the use of the drag-line to •deepen the Marakoko drain, and when this work is completed it should be of material assistance in keeping the water-level in the internal drains at the lowest possible level, which is very necessary for the successful running of the scheme. PART 11. MAORI LAND BOARD UNDERTAKINGS The Maori Land Boards, which were first constituted under the Maori Land Settlement Act, 1905, are empowered by statute to make advances from their Common Funds for the purpose of assisting Maori farmers to ■develop and improve their lands. The Board of Native Affairs, as in the case -of the Native Trustee, is empowered to exercise a substantial measure of control •over the investment, on mortgage or otherwise, of moneys in the account of k Maori Land Board. A Board may also, out of funds at its disposal, purchase and farm lands, or may advance money for the farming, improvement, or •settlement of any Native freehold land, or may guarantee the accounts of Maori dairy-farmers with any co-operative dairy company. In addition to advancing money on mortgage to Natives, a Maori Land Board may, with the consent of the beneficial owners, carry on any agricultural or pastoral business, or any other business or occupation connected with land and the produce thereof, on behalf of and for the benefit of the owners or such Maoris as may be interested in the businesses carried on. The supervision of the Board of Native Affairs is exercized by requiring annual budgets for the ensuing year to be submitted for approval, together with full trading accounts for the past year. The direct management of the farming operations is left to the discretion of the Maori Land Boards, who are empowered to co-opt the services of field officers of the Department for supervisory purposes. Four sheep-stations are now being carried on under this scheme of financing. The following is an account of each: — Anaura Station Situated 011 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. The annual meeting of the owners of this station was held at Mangatuna, the balance-sheet for last year showing that the liability to the Board and the bank had now been reduced to £12,602 and that there were no other debts •owing. The book value of live-stock appears in the balance-sheet at £10,257, and general improvements are valued at £29,840. A dividend of £1,394 was •distributed to the owners, and various donations were made to worthy welfare objectives during the year. The work on this farm was mostly maintenance; the only capital works were the erection of two houses to be occupied by shepherds. This station suffered from drought during last season, this being the worst drought ever

28

a—io

known in Tolaga Bay district. However, the rainy weather in April and May helped considerably to make a recovery as regards the feed available for stock. At the present time there are 1,028 run cattle, 8,025 sheep, also 15 horses on the property. During the year 2,824 sheep were sold off with 303 cattle. 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 XY of the Act of 1909, and are now within Part XY of the Act of 1931. The Te Kao Native settlement on these blocks lies on the shores of 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 Maoris-—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 Apouri Tribe, were in dire distress. They were living in crude corrguated-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 empowered to advance money to the local, people for the establishment of farming ventures. These settlers have since had their accounts transferred to the Native Department and they are now units under the Native land-development scheme. 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 4 of the Maori Land Settlement Act Amendment Act, 1906. During the year 1910 1 the Board decided, in lieu of leasing the land to Natives to farm the property under Part XV 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). The farm comprises an area of 11,806 acres, of which 5,735 acres have been developed. Activities during the past year have been restricted to maintenance and seasonal station operations, and, despite frequent changes in staff, the maximum possible work has been carried out. The access road has been re-formed and is being metalled to the wool-shed, while a road has been formed for a distance of approximately two and a half miles into the property. The latest balance-sheet (30th June, 1945) revealed permanent improvements, £43,025; investments, £10,390; sundry assets, £1,043; and live-stock, £16,064; or a total security value of £70,522, apart from the unimproved value of the land. During the past year the owners resolved to appropriate sums aggregating £9,000 for the reconstruction and renovation of pas on the Wanganui River .and as a contribution to the Ngarimu Scholarship Fund, and approval of these proposals is at present under consideration by the Native Land Court.

29

G—lo

Waikawa Station This farm includes the freehold areas of Waikawa 2b and 3 (7,193 acres) with Waikawa 2a 2, a leasehold of 81 acres. The Waiariki District Maori Land Board first advanced money to this scheme in 1930, when it was brought under the provisions of section 23 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1929, as a salvage measure. The station can be fairly classed, as hard, rough country which is purely a place for dry sheep and unsuitable for breeding. Four thousand acres of the property is in bush, mostly in the back area, while the front portion near the sea and the road access is in fair pasture. Ragwort is a serious menace on the property and the Department is fully alive to the consequences which would ensue if this were allowed to seed the large area farmed in the vicinity of the infected areas. The future working of this property is at present under consideration by the Board of Native Affairs. Waiorongomai Station This sheep and cattle station farmed by the Tairawhiti District Maori Land Board is situated in the high country near Ruatoria, on the east coast. The area, 13,845 acres, varies from light hills and river terraces in the front to steep and stony ground forming the headwaters of two swift-flowing rivers, the Waiorongomai and Mangaoporo, at the back. The height above sea-level is for the most part between 500 ft and 800 ft., while the rainfall is well over 100 in. per annum. Owing to its steepness and the rough stream-beds, the hill country is exceedingly difficult to work, especially during the winter, when the track up the Waiorongomai Stream is out of use for days at a time. The land had been leased to a successful farmer from 1907 until the expiry of the lease in -1942, when the incorporated owners decided to seek the assistance of the Board in farming it themselves, and accordingly the Maori Land Board was authorized, under section 523 of the Native Land Act, 1931, to manage the land and carry on agricultural and pastoral pursuits on behalf of and for the benefit of the beneficial owners. There is considerable scope for development and improvement of the front area when fertilizers are again available, and when sufficient work has been done it will be possible to establish two further small dairy-farms in addition to the two already leased to Maoris without cramping the area required for the sheep.

DISTRICT MAORI LAND BOARDS: ADVANCES TO MAORI SETTLERS The following' table indicates the measures of assistance granted to individual Maori farmers for the purpose of developing their lands as at 31st March, 1946:

30

Maori Land Board. Total Advances to Maori Settlers under Mortgage. Number of Mortgages. Farming Purposes. Other Purposes. Tokerau Waikato-Maniapoto Waiariki Tairawhiti Aotea Ikaroa South Island .. .. .. Totals £ 2,543 4,380 6,637 66,952 24,691 2,124 3,472 1 13 10 201 12 20 3 4 3 9 34 44 110,799 260 114

G—lo

PART lII.—NATIVE TRUST ACTIVITIES The Native Trustee is a corporation sole established under the Native Trustee Act, 1920 (now 1930). By legislation passed in 1929 and 1930 the Native Trustee was authorized, in addition to the numerous duties already devolving upon him by previous legislation, to undertake the development and farming of the land of Maoris on behalf of the owners thereof. The moneys under his control comprise both the Native Trustee's Common Fund and special investments. Moneys in the Common Fund comprise—(a) Purchase-moneys and, compensation held on behalf of beneficiaries. (b) Rents received from Native lands on behalf of beneficiaries for whom the Native Trustee acts—for example, the estates of deceased Maoris, lunatics, and convicts. , (c) Rents received from reserves vested in the Native Trustee—for example, the West Coast Settlement Reserve. (d) Moneys deposited by the various Maori Land Boards. (These moneys are held by the Maori Land Boards on behalf of their own beneficiaries.) (e) Moneys deposited and held on behalf of various funds, such as the Maori Purposes Fund. Special investments are those expressly directed to be invested otherwise than in the Common Fund and are held on behalf of beneficiaries. The Board of Native Affairs exercises control over the financial operations of the Native Trustee—that is, over the investment on mortgage or otherwise of moneys available for investment in the Native Trustee's account, over the expenditure on all farming operations underaken or approved by the Native Trustee, and over the appointment of Supervisors or managers in respect of farming operations. Section 25 of the Native Trustee Act, 1930, provides that the Native Trustee may, so long as he thinks fit, occupy the whole or any part of vested lands as a farm and carry on any agricultural or pastoral business, while where it is deemed expedient several areas may be occupied and farmed conjointly, notwithstanding that the several areas may be owned by different sets of owners. The farming operations of the Trust may be conveniently classified as—(1) Native lands vested by the Court under section 25 of the Native Trustee Act, 1930. (2) Native lands acquired under mortgage or in respect of which the Native Trustee is mortgagee in possession. (3) Maori estates in respect of which the Native Trustee has been appointed administrator. The Native Trust Office, which was amalgamated with the Native Department in 1934, was the subject of decentralization in June, 1938, when the administration, supervision, and detailed management of properties vested under section 25 of the Native Trustee Act, 1930, were transferred to the district offices at Auckland, Wanganui, and Gisborne, subject to the general control of Head Office. The proposals have, in the year under review, been carried further, in that the preparatory work for the transfer of the administration and supervision of properties under mortgage and of Maori estates has been put in hand. The following statistics illustrate the extent of the farming operations under (1) above:— Number of properties .. .. .. .. 16 Area (acres) . . . . .. .. . . 52,166 Number of sheep .. .. . . .. 61,933 Number of cattle . . .. .. .. 7,797 Wool clip, 1945-46 (bales) .. .. .. ij'22s

31

G—lo

Particulars of each station referred, to are appended below. Details concerning trusts and estates must, however, be omitted, as private estates are involved. Ahirau Station Ahirau Station, which is being managed by the Native Trustee as mortgagee in possession, comprises three leasehold properties totalling 1,180 acres near Te Araroa, in the Matakaoa County. For some years after entry by the mortgagee the margin of security was small and only salvage expenditure could be incurred. Stock carried at 30th June, 1945, was: cattle, 250sheep, 1,640; while 41 bales of wool were shorn. The stock is in good order and, no buying except sires is necessary Aohanga Station This station is situated on the east coast in the Akitio County and comprises three blocks of land —namely, Mataikona Nos. 1, 2, and 3—containing in all 17,723 acres. Of this area, 907 acres are reserved for occupation by the beneficial owners, leaving 16,816 acres to be farmed as a sheep and cattle-run by the Native Trustee. As with Hakurenga, the Native Trustee undertook to control and farm this land expressly for the benefit of the owners without having previously invested money in the property. Control was taken at the request of the owners after a lessee, whose term of - occupancy concluded on 28th February, 1930, had allowed much of the property to revert to second growth and scrub and the improvements deteriorate seriously. Hakurenga Station This farm, comprising Waipiro A 15, A 16, A 20, and A 21 Blocks, is one of the properties which the Native Trustee undertook to control and farm expressly for the benefit of the owners without having previously invested money in this venture. 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, which was subsequently vested in the Native Trustee in terms of section 25 of the Native Trustee Act, 1930. Located near Waipiro Bay, on the east coast, this farm covers a total of 2,786 acres. The contour of the country is fairly easy hills, but the pastures generally require constant crushing to be kept in order. When, taken over in 1930 the farm was in a very neglected condition, but this has been remedied and the . quality of the stock and pastures has been good for some years. Breeding-ewes are considered a far better paying proposition here than dry sheep, so that each year mostly wether lambs are sold to leave more breedingewes. The station is in good heart and carries 3,005 sheep with 441 cattle. The last shearing produced 71 bales. 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 the Ist January, 1922, with a right of renewal for a further term of thirty-three years. Subsequently an area of 2,536 acres of the leasehold was surrendered to the Crown, thus reducing the area to 3,837 acres.

32

G—lo

The station, is situated eighteen miles from Wairoa and six miles off the main highway through Whakaki. An area of 146 acres is sub-leased to an adjoining owner, thus enabling advantage to be taken of a natural fence-line. An area of over 500 acres is still in virgin bush. The station forms part of the assets of the Bast Coast Maori Soldiers' Fund. Hikuwai Station Situated on the main East Coast Road six miles south of Tokomaru Bay, this property contains 806 acres, of which one-quarter is alluvial flats. When taken over in May, 1937, the pastures were deteriorating to a marked degree. Prior to the war the old native grasses were turned over and the soil sown with good English varieties, resulting in an increased carrying-capacity. The station, however, has suffered during recent years from changes in the management (at one stage there were three managers in less than four years), but a European returned, serviceman has now been appointed, and under his control the farm should have a chance of proving what it is really capable of producing. Stock has been carefully culled, and after next year sufficient should be bred to make further purchases, with the exception of sires, unnecessary. Improvements yet required are a new wool-shed, dip, and water-supply for yhouse and paddocks on the flat. Hoia Station This property, containing an area of 6,514 acres situated at Hicks Bay, in the Matakaoa County, comprises part of the assets of the East Coast Maori Soldiers 7 Fund. The major portion of this station is extremely hilly and includes about 2,000 acres of bush which it is considered uneconomic to fell, but the Waikohu Block of 1,393 acres, which was acquired to offset the proportion of unworkable hill country, is reasonably easy land and includes some 450 acres of flats, part of which is alluvial. A severe fire swept the hill portion during the summer, consuming the drought-dried pastures, fencing, scrub, and stock. Some 2,300 acres were swept and required 426 bushels of grass-seed at excessive cost for resowing. Rains coming in late March and April brought on a good strike and the area will provide excellent sheep-grazing next spring. Replacement of the fencing is difficult. Severe reversion to scrub has occurred on parts of Wharekahika 18j Block, where, owing to lack of manure and labour, the permanent pasture could not be held. The management has been assiduous in obtaining grazing for the stock, and the ensuing year commences with a good supply of fodder and grazing and sufficient stock on hand to obviate the need of further purchases. Hurakia Station Marangairoa lc 5 Block (584 acres), which is farmed as Hurakia Station, was vested in the Native Trustee on 27th October, 1944, in ord,er to salvage an investment. It lies on the sea-coast a few miles from the East Cape and when taken over carried 370 sheep in very poor condition. When certain patches of scrub have been cut and the country opened up with tracks the stock should improve in condition. One subdivision fence has been erected, enabling 40 head of cattle and 750 sheep now to be carried. The last shearing produced 12 bales. Several factors contribute to making this a difficult place, as it is small, isolated, and devoid of essential improvements for satisfactory working.

2—G 10

33

G—lo

Kahuitara Station This property covers the Kahuitara A 2 Block of '792 acres, situated in the Waiapu County about four miles south of Ruatoria. Six hundred acres are in easy to steep hills, the balance being flat land (168 acres alluvial), and the whole is admirably adapted for mixed farming. When taken over the property had not been properly subdivided and slips on the unstable boundaries had left gaps in the fence-lines. Considerable expenditure, which has been centred mainly on the flats, was required to bring the farm into a reasonable state of production. Marangairoa Station This station consists of 1,478 acres in the Matakaoa County four and a half miles from Te Araroa Township. It is composed of approximately 90 acres of high country, the remainder being easy sloping hills and good flats. The whole place is well watered by streams and, creeks, except the highest point, where a good site for a dam is now available Four hundred cattle with 2,400 sheep are carried on the property, which is subdivided into seven main paddocks. During the past year 49 bales of wool were shorn. The net profit from the station during the period under review was £856, and during the previous year £919, so that the mortgage account is being steadily reduced. Motuweka Station Situated near Porangahau, this station comprises five blocks of Native land which are mortgaged to the Native Trustee and farmed by him conjointly, and also two leasehold properties, the total area farmed being 4,789 acres. During the year one and a half miles of boundary fence has been renewed, and the station is embarking on a long-term agricultural policy whereby it is hoped to increase the carrying-capacity. On the whole, stock are in good condition, but losses due to the unsatisfactory state of fences are above the average. Pohutu Station Pohutu Station covers 3,796 acres in Matakaoa County close to Te Araroa Township. It is a nice property easily accessible from many points by good roads. It is subdivided into twenty-four paddocks and includes 196 acres of standing bush. The area is used for mixed farming and carried at the latest tally '5,423 sheep and 930 cattle. On grass land are 3,293 acres which, when taken over, contained a heavy proportion of ratstail that had been allowed to get into a rank state under previous management. Posts and battens can be supplied from bush standing on the property, and a bullock team is used to transport these as required. Takapauopapa Station - Takapauopapa Station (Marangairoa 1a 5 and 1a 6 Blocks) includes 1,272 acres with a capital value of approximtely £7,000. A total of 232 acres are in bush, 70 acres in steep hill faces, and the balance in easy hills and flat. The property is about three miles from Te Araroa, and when taken over by the Native Trustee in 1941 consisted, owing to the poor state of the fencing, of one paddock, while the pastures were in poor condition and the stock in need of rigid culling. In the past five years internal and boundary fences have been re-erected and the stock culled and replenished.

34

G—lo

The station has proved itself as an economic holding and, but for the unfortunate depredations of fire and drought during the summer months, would have been firmly established as a successful farming concern The carrying-capacity is 2,000 sheep and 450 cattle. Net wool receipts during the past year were £7lO from 41 bales. Tawanui Station This property, being Section 4, Block 111, Maungamangero Survey District, contains 9'16 acres of Crown leasehold in perpetuity and was acquired by the Native Trustee as mortgagee in 1931. It, is situated near Ngapaenga, thirty miles from Te Kuiti. This property is minerally deficient, necessitating regular applications. of cobaltized superphosphate as top-dressing, and owing to the restricted quota of fertilizer rotational grazing of all stock through top-dressed paddocks is essential. Situated, as it is at a fairly high altitude and surrounded by high lands, the area has a high rainfall and suffered no ill effect from the dry spell. Live-stock is improving and the percentage of fat lambs is increasing annually. Tawhiti Station Tawhiti Station covers 4,021 acres of hill country on a peninsula a few miles north of Tokomaru Bay in "Waiapu County. The actual good grazing area is only about 2,280 acres and the bulk of this is of poor quality, due to past mismanagement. Stock losses in the past few years have been heavy and have precluded any improvement in the station's finances. A European manager has recently been appointed, and there is. every indication that with the necessary energetic handling this station's account may be placed in a better position. The stock carried is 2,053 sheep and 292 cattle and the wool clip this year was 51 bales. No station in the district causes more concern than does this one. Of very rugged contour and containing one-third of sub-marginal land, it has proved very hard to work and has failed to carry stock numbers comparable with its size. Reversion to scrub is prolific and insufficient stock can be carried to offset this tendency. Subdivisional fencing is pushed on with as far as labour is available, and progress was attained when an unfenced portion of the boundary of some two miles length was completed. Stock losses were severe, partly from drought conditions and partly from the nature and location of the property. Cull stock showed the effects of drought and produced prices which could be expected in an unusually poor market, Tiratu Station This property is located about four miles from Dannevirke and comprises ♦733 acres of easy-lying country very well placed, for fat-lamb raising. It is the Manawatu No. 4d Block and 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, 1930. "When taken over the land had deteriorated, the pastures run out, no ploughing had been done, nor had the land been top-dressed. During the past year most of the work done was maintenance, including the repairing of 307 chains of fencing; 30 acres were sown in grass with rape, and this fattened some 700 lambs, while a further 20 acres were cleared of stumps.

35

G—lo

Waiotaapi Station In the Waiapu County near Tokomaru Bay, 699 acres, being Waipiro A 22b 3 Block, are farmed as Waiotaapi Station. When the management was taken over in 1941 the country was in poor shape and the prime necessity was to renew pastures and fences. As far as possible this has been done, so that the farm now supports 1,002 sheep and 144 cattle. Thirty bales of wool were produced during the past year. Prior to the Native Trustee taking over the management the property had been unsuccessfully used as a dairyfarm. Probably none of the stations in this district suffered so severely from drought as did Waiotaapi. Being all hill country, pastures were barren at an early stage and stock were reduced to bare existence. PART IV,—NATIVE HOUSING OPERATIONS GENERAL The rate at which new houses are being provided for Maoris has shown a steady increase during the past year, although the general conditions relating to man-power and materials have again proved a serious handicap to attaining the desired annual output of houses While all possible assistance has been granted by the Supply and Works authorities in providing supplies, the shortage of key building-materials such as timber, cement, roofing, wallboards, baths, and ranges has enforced a restriction on constructional activities commensurate with the rate .of supply to ensure the full employment of workers. This position has been most evident in the matter of timber-supplies, and it is apparent that under the present system of zoned distribution progress will continue to be limited. As an emergency measure where other timbers have not been readily available, the use of Pinus imignis timber has been adopted in some districts for certain framing purposes on conditions regarding its use similar to those approved by the Housing Construction Department for State rental houses. Where Pinus imignis is used, the approval of both the local authority and the prospective home-owner is first obtained. While the use of substitute materials and construction has been considered to combat the difficulties of the timber position, their use has been prohibitive for various reasons, such as the shortage of cement as a basic material for such substitutes, the heavier costs involved by their use as related to the already limited financial resources of housing applicants, and the limited trade experience of the majority of workers employed or available for such forms of construction. Negotiations with the various Supply authorities are in progress for an improved basis of supply to meet the heavy programme of work ahead, and it is hoped that early in the coming year this aspect of the housing activities will be considerably improved to the extent that bulk purchase of materials will be facilitated. For this purpose stores and works depots are now being established in key locations throughout all districts. One of the greatest difficulties confronting the Department, and this is apparent in all branches of the building industry, is the lack of skilled and experienced tradesmen capable of taking charge of building teams and giving trade instruction to the large numbers of unskilled and partially experienced workmen otherwise available. As a result of the preponderance of semi-skilled labour now employed without an adequate proportion of experienced labour, it is found in many cases that labour costs have increased unduly. This applies particularly to Maori housing, where operations are scattered widely throughout country districts.

36

G—lo

A similar position arises among contractors, who are unwilling to take country work due to the volume of other work available in the more closely settled centres, to which large numbers of skilled artisans migrated during the war years. Among seasonal workers there are many excellent tradesmen whose services are unfortunately not available regularly throughout the year. This fact further handicaps consistent progress and proves an unreliable source of labour. Under these conditions a long-range plan, with particular reference to apprenticeship orders, is being adopted whereby more attention will be given to the employment and trade training of Maori youths under qualified working instructors. This plan should assist in the economic advancement of the Maori in the industrial field. The number of building teams now operating is 58, as against 30 teams ■operating last March, while the number of workers engaged on housing ■construction total 198. As an aid to the trade training of Maoris in addition to meeting the requirements of the housing programme locally, proposals are in hand for the establishment of the joinery workshop and general works depot at Rotorua. This will be the first of several to be erected in key districts for the purpose of extending training and works facilities in connection with the constructional and maintenance activities of the Department. Constant attention is being given to improving the standard of Maori housing by providing those amenities necessary to safeguarding the welfare and health of the people. The standard of houses now being provided is in conformity with the New Zealand Standard Code of Building By-laws. One of the greatest problems, however, is that of bringing the costs of satisfactory housing standards within the financial means of applicants with large families. 'Taken generally, the economic status of the Maori restricts the degree to which modern housing standards can be adopted, and accordingly housing standards have to be modified to prcndde the bare minimum of accommodation and amenities consistent only with health requirements. Unless some form of assistance can be guaranteed to bridge the gap between the costs of such housing and the financial ability of the large family groups, endeavours to provide adequate housing standards will be handicapped. This matter is receiving constant attention with a view to arriving at a satisfactory solution. One pleasing feature of housing operations is the widespread interest "being created among Maoris, who are developing a house consciousness to a high degree and the will to effect savings for such purposes. This is particularly noticeable in the commendable manner in which the majority of owners are reacting in their care and use of the homes already provided. With the recent appointment of an architect, the establishment of a complete plan service scheme for housing is now in hand. This service will provide a wide range of designs suitable for rural and urban communities and the varying needs of housing applicants. The trend of industrial development, with its large demands on labour, is presenting an ever-increasing housing problem by the large numbers of Maoris migrating to the industrial centres for factory employment. Similarly, Maoris are being absorbed more and more into commercial, clerical, and professional employment in the cities and townships, where they hold no land interests, a basic requirement for housing advances. The Department has fully investigated this aspect of housing on a rental basis and submitted recommendations which are now being considered by the Government. The need, for the maintenance and improvement of existing securities has been fully recognized by the Department for some time, and now that the housing organization and the staffing position has developed to a stage where

37

G—lo

it can reasonably cope with the volume of work of this nature, in addition to new constructional work, attention can be given to regular inspection and the remedial work required: Office and field procedure for handling this work will be in operation shortly. The estimated ten-years works programme covering general development and rehabilitation housing as recently submitted to the Ministry of Works provides for the erection of approximately 6,000 new dwellings (excluding rental houses) and the alteration, maintenance, and repair of approximately 3,000 existing housing securities. The monetary value of this programme is estimated at about £7,000,000, but the extent to which the housing programme can be realized successfully will be dependent on various factors such as the question of supplies, the availability of additional trained and experienced tradesmen, and the degree of financial assistance that can be granted in meeting the housing requirements of the large family and poor economic groups. As conditions relating to materials, man-power, transport, and staffing improve, so it is anticipated that a heavier programme of housing works can be undertaken. The present housing works in progress, including new dwellings, alterations, additions, and renovations, average 110 per month. TOKERAU NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT The taking-over of the construction of Maori housing from the Public "Works Department at the end of the previous year made a great deal of organizing necessary, and both the office and field staffs have had to be increased to cope with the volume of work, for the number of applications is increasing each year. Labour difficulties were at first experienced, but as these were overcome the question of material supplies deteriorated until at the close of the year the position was desperate and has retarded operations to such an extent that the supply position is now the problem. The shortage of buildingTtimber is particularly acute. In spite of the difficulties experienced, the number of buildings erected was an increase on last year's figure, the completions for the latest period beingHouses erected and renovated . . .. .. 47 Houses purchased . . .. .. 4 Cow-sheds erected .. . . . . .. .. 17 Implement and store sheds .. .. 2 WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT It was during the year that the construction programme (Department's organization) for Maori housing in the district actually became established, a second Building Supervisor being appointed. Operations have not come up to expectations, for, although numbers of houses are waiting to be erected, shortage of labour and materials has been the major problems, and will continue to be so on account of big hydro-electric and other Government undertakings in the district. Timber-supplies are the biggest problem, even the Timber Controller being unable to assist when urgent jobs are ready for commencement. Owing to these factors, building operations have been disappointing, as the following figures for the year will show:— Houses erected and renovated .. .. .. 11 Houses purchased .. .. .. .. .. 2 Cow-sheds erected .. .. .. .. 1

38

a—io

However, the organization is now fully established, and when the supply of materials improve the construction programme will go forward rapidly. Houses already erected are inspected periodically and maintenance carried out as required. WAIARAKI NATIVE LAND C'OURT DISTRICT The housing organization, now fully established as a departmental function, has in this district during the past year shown satisfactory expansion and consolidation. At the beginning of the year under the new organization 2 houses had been erected and 5 were in the course of erection. Five teams of Maoris were employed. At the end of the year 22 houses had been completed and 32 were under construction, fourteen Maori building gangs being engaged on the work. These gangs have been so placed as to ensure the maximum coverage of the district as far as materials and organization will permit. The difficulties met with in the building of houses for the Maori people are real and numerous, especially at the present time. In nearly every case it is necessary for applications to be made to the Native Land Court for one or more orders so that the applicant's title to the house-site land may be put on a satisfactory basis. Following the adjustments to title, the legal formalities and location survey require attention before any constructional work can be started. The labour position has considerably improved, and with the close, co-operation of the Rehabilitation Department a strong Maori building organization is resulting. Supervision and transport of materials will always present a difficulty in this district when working in areas as isolated as Cape Runaway and Waitahanui (Lake Taupo). The position at the present time is being met, but when materials flow more freely further transport and organization will be required. Out of the growing consciousness of the people for a better standard of living, the demand for improved housing conditions emerges as an everincreasing factor, and a corresponding effort will be necessary to meet it. Despite every endeavour so far, however, only the fringe of this great problem has been touched. It will take many years of planning and unremitting work before the housing standard of the Maori people in this district is appreciably raised. TAIRAWHITI NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT Owing to acute shortages of supply in many building lines, housing operations in the past year have been considerably curtailed. Lack of experienced foremen instructors also contributes against increasing the number of field personnel. There are six foremen-instructor carpenters in charge of twenty-eight Maori workmen operating in ten teams and one foreman-instructor painter and plumber in charge of six workmen. A high standard of workmanship is being maintained and an encouraging improvement made in all trades controlled by the foreman instructors. To date a total of 960 applications have been received, and, of these, 168 have been disposed of and, 300 have been submitted for consideration of the Board of Native Affairs. In addition, preparatory work has been carried out on approximately 200 applications and 250 have either been cancelled or not proceeded with for various reasons.

39

G—lo

To the 31st March, 1946,, in this district, 260 applications were approved under the. Native Housing Act, 1935, for erection and repairs of buildings. These approvals totalled £107,270, being £40,177 under " Act " and £67,093 from the Special Fund. Houses completed to date are— Special Fund— Erected . . .. . . 27 Repaired .. .. .. .. .. 2 Native Housing Act— Erected .. .. .. . . .. 70 Repaired .. . . . . .. .. 10 Rehabilitation: Erected .. .. .. 1 A further 16 houses were purchased with advances made under the Native Housing Act. The dwellings completed for the year ended 31st March, 1946, numbering 29, with 9 dwellings in the course of erection and 2 additional repair jobs in progress. The following shows the position of expenditure and repayments, from which it will be noted that since the inception of the housing scheme approximately one-third of the expenditure has been repaid and of the houses built in nine cases repayments have been made in full:— Expenditure. Repayments. £ £ Ordinary . . .. .. 43,267 17,356 Special . . .. . . .. 22,236 8,552 AOTEA NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT An increasing number of Maoris are evincing an interest in the Native Housing Scheme, due, at least in part, to the activities of the Department's officers. This has resulted in the receipt and investigation of a much larger number of applications for assistance The advisability of accumulating funds towards a deposit for a house has been suggested to several applicants, who have been encouraged to make payments with this object. The District Maori Land Board allows interest at Post Office Savings-bank rate on such deposits, and many have availed themselves of this scheme. The appointment of Building Supervisors for the Taranaki and Taumarunui areas has added greatly to the scope of work which could be undertaken, and the wisdom of such appointments is reflected in the increased number of Maoris whose living conditions have been bettered as compared with the figures for the preceding twelve months. Fifteen new houses have been erected and additions and repairs carried out on 11 others. Three houses have also been purchased. Five miscellaneous farm buildings necessary for the maintenance of production have been erected. Until the last few months, when availability of supplies again tightened, materials were more readily procurable, and these, together with those obtained from buildings purchased for demolition, have warranted the employment of extra workmen, so that the year closes with fifteen additional men employed and four more building teams operating. The establishment of bulk stores at Wanganui, Hawera, and Taumarunui is proceeding as rapidly as conditions allow, and these, when stocked and functioning, should lead to still further improvement in the efficient running of the Department's building organization in this district.

40

G—lo

IKAROA AND SOUTH ISLAND NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICTS Considerable progress has been made in the housing of the Maori people during the last year, but some difficulty is still experienced in contacting applicants throughout the wide area covered by the two districts, although the appointment of additional field staff has helped greatly in this direction. The number of applications received is steadily increasing as the Maoris realize that the position is returning to a normal basis, and a heavier burden is thus placed on practically every section of the office staff as well as the field staff. Every effort is .made to deal with applications promptly, but cases are often held up until the Native Land Court puts the land title in order or because of shortage of labour and materials. Maori labour is utilized where possible, but as the men available are yet foot* the most only partially skilled the ultimate cost of the jobs is often increased because of the consequent higher labour cost. At the same time, it is realized that this policy benefits the Maoris as a whole by teaching them a worth-while trade. In this matter close contact is maintained with the Rehabilitation; Department, and some ex-servicemen are being trained by the Department under the rehabilitation scheme. An attempt is being made to carry out regular inspections of houses built by the Department so that the buildings do not fall into disrepair, and generally the position in this respect is well under control. There appears to be a growing sense of responsibility amongst those for whom houses are built and a- realization that their homes must be looked after and well cared for. In the South Island a Building Supervisor is" now operating with one gang in the Nelson and Marlborough districts, and arrangements are in hand for establishing another gang in the Canterbury area, where there are several jobs ready to be commenced. There is a great deal of work to be done in this very scattered district, but matters are now on a sounder footing than previously. A number of applicants reside on the west coast, but it has been found necessary to arrange for private contractors to do the work in these cases. PART V. —MAORI REHABILITATION FINANCE COMMITTEE Two avenues are open to Maori ex-servicemen who wish to obtain rehabilitation assistance. They have the choice of proceeding through ordinary channels, as do pakehas, or they may use the especially created channels whicSh a,re designed to meet more particularly the needs of the Maori exserviceman—although the extent of the assistance which may ultimately be granted is not affected by the means through which it has been obtained, as stress is laid upon the necessity for uniformity. The particular facilities created for Maori applicants for rehabilitation aid co-opt the assistance of regional tribal executive committees who make suitable recommendations upon all applications, which are subsequently lodged with the Registrar of the Native Land Court in the applicant's home district. The departmental Farm or Building Supervisor in the area is then called upon for a report, on the application, which is forwarded to the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee, a body created with approval of Government on 26th November, 1943, to attend to the particular needs of Maori ex-servicemen. The decisions of the Committee are final, but expenditure of any public moneys involved is authorized only by the Board of Native Affairs, in which has been invested the control of all moneys appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of advances to Maoris. The decisions of the Committee are implemented by the administrative machinery of the Native Department, which, in addition, carries out rehabilitation work under the provisions of the Native Land Amendment Act, 1936, and the Native Housing Act, 1935.

41

G—lo

The Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee is comprised of the following members of the Rehabilitation Board:— The Under-Secretary of the Native Department; The Under-Secretary of the Lands Department; The Financial Adviser to the Government, — who are also members of the Board of Native Affairs, together with The Director of Rehabilitation; H. H. Rankin, Esq.; and E. L. Cullen, Esq., M.P. The Committee is thus enabled to implement in every detail the policies of the Rehabilitation Board and the Board of Native Affairs, whilst giving full and sympathetic consideration to the needs of Maori ex-servicemen. The total amount approved by the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee and administered by the Department up to the 31st March, 1946, for housing, tools of trade, furniture, establishment in businesses, and settlement on land was £201,570. In addition, the Department, under its own provisions, has authorized the expenditure of £6,601 for land-settlement and £18,871 for housing for Maori ex-servicemen. Properties have been purchased in various districts for the settlement of Grade " A " Maori ex-servicemen, but other offers of farms have been declined on account of their being uneconomic and unsuitable as single-unit holdings. In cases where properties purchased require further development, the nominated occupiers are placed on wages until such time as the properties are considered to have reached an economic stage. The policy of the Department is to ensure that Maori ex-servicemen seeking settlement on land are established on farms that are self-supporting. The following is the position concerning 'landsettlement : Approvals 'by the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee — Farms purchased .. .. .. 12 Number of ex-servicemen settled .. .. 13 Total amount authorized .. .. .. £96,249 Approvals by the Board of Native Affairs— Number of ex-servicemen settled .. .. 7 Total amount authorized .. .. .. £6,601 The total expenditure authorized by the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee for housing up to the 31st March, 1946, was £64,584, while the number of houses purchased, erected, repaired, or added to was eighty-two. The expenditure authorized by the Board of Native Affairs for the same period was £18,897 and the number of houses purchased, erected, repaired, or added to was thirty-three. Due to the irregular supply of building-materials and the shortage of trained carpenters, the number of houses completed is comparatively small in proportion to the number of applications approved by both the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee and the Board of Native Affairs. "With the increased number of trained personnel becoming available, the progress of the housing scheme is being considerably accelerated. In order that Maori ex-servicemen applying for furniture and tools-of-trade loans are enabled to purchase those articles without delay, the District Registrars, together with the District Rehabilitation Officers, have been empowered to approve provisionally of applications that may come before them. These approvals are later confirmed by the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee. The position at 31st March was— Number approved .. .. .. .. 64 Total amount approved .. .. .. £5,773 Full statistical tables are appended to this report.

42

G—lo

Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee. —Return of Properties (Freehold and Leasehold) purchased to 31st March, 1946

TOKERAU NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT Considerable attention has been given to the rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen during 1 the year, the Department acting as agent for the Rehabilitation Board in regard to advances for farming, purchase of businesses, and housing. Owing to title difficulties and lack of land, some difficulty is being experienced in re-establishing servicemen on Native land. The Department has made some purchases of properties on which to establish servicemen, but there is a general shortage of properties suitable for this purpose. To date seven properties have been purchased for settlement, and on the general development schemes subdivision has taken place on which it is proposed to settle six returned men this coming season. Further subdivisions are contemplated. A strong effort is being made to provide housing for returned servicemen, but difficulty is being experienced in providing suitable house-sites and in securing supplies of the necessary building-materials. In certain parts of North Auckland timber is in very short supply. WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT The demand in this district for rehabilitation assistance has not been very great compared with North Auckland. The following advances have been approved during the year:— Farms purchased .. .. .. .. .. 1 Number settled .. .. .. .. 1 Furniture loans granted .. .. .. .. 3 Tools-of-trade loans granted .. .. .. .. 1 Employment arranged .. .. .. .. 2

43

Property. Location. Area. Amount. Motatau 2, Section 33 Pipiwai A. 139 K. 2 p. 35 £ 2,100 Sections 4 and 6, Block VI, Hokianga Survey District Waima 482 3 00 1,640 Section 1, Block Y, and Section 1, Block VII, Hokianga Survey District, and leasehold of Section 87, Block IX, Hokianga Survey District Kaiapoi, Section 68 Tuahiwi 15 2 36 750 Sections 2, 4, 5, 6, Block I, Otama Survey District Kennedy Bay.. 247 3 14 4,000 Section 45 and Part Section 69, Block V, Mangaone Eketahuna 146 0 11 3,824 Survey District Section 42, Block I, Waoku Survey District Oue .. 79 2 00 2,250 Parahi, Lot 4, D.P. 29278 Ruawai 134 0 00 200 Section 21, Block IV, Waimana Survey District Waimana 751 2 14 1 16,652 Section 1, Block VIII, Waimana Survey District 99 666 0 00 / Omataroa, Section 9b, and Lots 5, 6, and 7, Rangitaiki Te Teko 292 1 29 8,000 Survey District Huramua Station Wairoa 1,777 3 15 35,000 Section 9, Block VIII, Whangape Survey District .. Pawarenea 192 2 00 1,645 Sections 54 and 55, Block I, Waoku Survey District.. Oue 175 0 05 1,100 5,100 3 39 77,161

G—lo

WAIARIKI NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT During the year two areas have been purchased for settlement by returned Maori servicemen:— A. R. P. (1) Section 1, Block VIII, Waimana Survey District .. 666 0 00 Section 2, Block IV, Waimana Survey District .. 751 2 14 1,417 2 14 Section 1 is steep and broken hill country of which 150 acres were previously grassed but reverting to second growth and fern. The balance of the area is in light bush. Section 21 is flat to undulating hills, mostly in fair to good pasture, with acres in scrub and fern. At present there are three prospective settlers on the property, who arfe now being paid wages of £6 per week to prepare the farms for settlement. The property has three farms set out, while two further sections will be available later. Milking is being carried out by the men on the property, their butterfat return for last season being 19,222 lb. Sheep are run on the undeveloped portion, from which 28 bales of wool were produced. During the year two houses and two cowsheds have been completed. (2) Lots 5 and 6, Rangitaiki Survey District, and a. e. p. Part Omataroa. 9e .. .. 291 1 08 Lot 7, Rangitaiki Survey District . . .. 1 0 21 292 1 29 One hundred and sixty acres of this purchase are flat, with the balance undulating to low hills of which 5 per cent, would be ploughable. There are three returned men on this property, which has been subdivided into two farms. Dairy-farming has been carried on during the past season, the total butterfat production being 15,057 lb. As soon as the settlers have proved themselves they will be given definite tenures. In addition to the two purchases, other areas have been inspected by the Field Supervisors and are under consideration for rehabilitation settlement. Several of the older development units have made way for their returned soldier sons, and these latter are being assisted in every way to readjust themselves to civilian life. TAIRAWHITI NATIVE LAND COURT. DISTRICT The following is the position of applications for rehabilitation assistance lodged to date:— Lodged. Completed. Housing .. .. .. 27 1 25 Furniture . . . . . . 35 14 21 Tools of trade .. .. 9 1 8 Business . . .. 3 2 1 One house is under construction at this date. Progress of housing construction as presented above is too slow to give satisfaction, but progress is controlled by supplies of building-material and building requisites and the availability of building-sites with titles perfected. Most of the remaining twenty-five applications require perfection of titles to the building-sites before they can be presented to the Building Supervisor for construction work.

44

G—lo

With the delegation of authority to district offices to grant furniture loans, the passages of these applications and the ultimate supplies of furniture have been speeded up. There are twenty-one loans awaiting action, fourteen of which will remain inactive due to lack of suitable accommodation to house the furniture. Nine applications- for tools of trade have been approved and one completed, and most of the other eight are in various stages of completion. Huramua Soldiers' Settlement During the year steady progress has been made on this settlement, and the results obtained can be considered encouraging and satisfactory. An area of 45 acres of swedes and chou moellier were grown, but owing to the very dry weather experienced the strike was not a good one. However, the crop came on well with the later rains and has given ample feed for the winter months. The 10 acres of rape planted was also affected by the dry weather, but has come on well. Eight acres of cattle pumpkins and 4 acres of sugar-beet were good crops and will prove of great value during the winter months. The sugar-beet was grown for the pigs. Fifteen acres of lucerne has been established and a good strike has been obtained. It will prove a most valuable standby for the dairy herd. The season was not a good one for tomatoes, but the 5 acres planted for canning purposes gave reasonable returns. In addition to these crops, an asparagus-seed bed was established, sufficient plants being grown to plant from 7 acres to 8 acres of asparagus. These plants will be planted out this year, and the first picking for cannery purposes should commence in September, 1948. Lime and superphosphate have been difficult to obtain, but 181 acres have been top-dressed with 1 ton lime and 2 cwt. superphosphate to the acre. Beneficial results have been shown by the application of lime and superphosphate, and as supplies become available better returns will be shown. During the year a new five-roomed house was built for the Dairy Instructor and a 5,000-gallon concrete reservoir supplied from the roof of the house was also erected. Four additional single huts have been erected for the accommodation of the trainees and improvements made to the milkingshed. Electric installations have been made at the camp which include the cookhouse, fourteen single and one double hut, washhouse and shower-room, and also the Dairy Instructor's residence. During the year two bores have been put down to a depth of approximately 100 ft. Both bores are capable of supplying 400 gallons to 500 gallons per hour and have proved very beneficial during the dry season. These bores are operated by a pump driven by a petrol-engine. An extensive pig layout on a plan approved for the Waikato district has been erected. This layout, which provides for twenty subdivisions, has made a big improvement to the general conditions for the pigs. Owing to shortage of fencing-material, very little planting was done during the year. A programme of planting will be undertaken later and much needed shelter-belts will be established. The stock position on the property is quite satisfactory and ample winter fodder is assured. Three proven sires have been purchased during the year to help build up production in the herd and all cows milked are under test. Trainees: During the year's operations one trainee has been graded "A " and he is now awaiting settlement. At present there are fifteen trainees in residence, twelve being graded " B " and the remaining three Grade " C."

45

G—lo

Trainees are all of good type and are taking their training seriously. Conditions at the camp are much improved now that electric light has been installed and all the men appear to be contented with the training given them. All trainees are members of the Young Farmers' Club and attend field-days on various properties in the district, and are given lectures by prominent farmers and the Government Veterinarian on animal diseases and complaints. With the different types of farming carried on at Huramua it is possible to train men in dairying, sheep-farming, agriculture, and vegetable-growing, and the manager endeavours to post each trainee to a fortnightly period of -each type of farming. It has been realized that a large number of trainees will desire the necessary knowledge to set themselves up as dairy-farmers, and the Department has appointed a Dairy Instructor to give practical training in this direction. AOTEA NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT In this district the number of Maoris entitled to rehabilitation assistance is not large. Many appear to have been encouraged to apply for and obtain housing, furniture, and tools-of-trade loans on a European basis, the Rehabilitation Committees apparently being satisfied that the particular cases do not justify the machinery set up under the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee being utilized. Every assistance and encouragement is being given to applications referred to this Department as agent of the Rehabilitation Board. Eight have been received during the year, of which five were for land-settlement. Of these five, one has been approved and the initial steps for the establishment of the man are in hand. In some cases progress has been retarded by the proposed sections being found uneconomic, in which case more suitable areas are being sought. The question of tenure is also one which tends to delay such applications, but steady progress is being made and these difficulties are gradually being overcome. Three applications were for the erection of houses. These present few difficulties, and in one case the house has been built during the year. In another, plan and specifications are ready and the work should be in hand shortly. The third application is under consideration by the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee. When the necessary machinery, materials, and labour are available for the development of large areas of Maori land in the Tokaanu District, the potentialities for settlement of all Maori ex-servicemen from this locality are excellent. In the meantime, any serviceman interested in ultimate settlement on the land can. obtain employment and experience pn the various development schemes' operating in the district. Negotiations are proceeding for the purchase of an area at Putiki for rehabilitation purposes. This land will provide seven good building-sites on which it is intended to erect homes for ex-servicemen. IKAROA AND SOUTH ISLAND NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICTS During the year twenty-two rehabilitation cases were dealt with, bringing the total since the inception of the scheme in 1943 to 33. The applications varied, and included applications for assistance for purchasing, building, or repairing houses, for purchasing furniture, or for farming purposes. One ex-serviceman was established on a farm in the Wairarapa district, and another man obtained a loan for the purchase of section at Kaiapoi for the growing and harvesting of grass-seed. One further case at Kaiapoi covers the purchase of a section and the repayment of a mortgage is not yet finalized.

46

G—lo

There were four houses under construction as at the 31st March, one in the Manawatu district, two in Hastings, and one at Picton. There are four further cases where loans have been granted for housing purposes but where it has not been possible to commence building. Two of these are at Porirua, one at Masterton, and one in Wellington. In the latter instance the applicant is having difficulty in purchasing a section in the city. A -complication is that the applicant, who has a leg injury sustained on service overseas, is operating a shoe-repairing business in a suburb and wishes to have a section near his shop. One section was inspected, but although in a suitable locality it was a poor building-section, and in the serviceman's interest no action was taken. One house was repaired during the year at Feilding for a returned serviceman. As there was no housing gang operating in the district and little chance of having labour available for some time, the work was done by private contract, the completed work being passed by the Building Supervisor. Only one application for a loan for furniture was received during the year, and a loan of £96 approved by the Registrar. There has been no call on rehabilitation funds for the purchase of tools of trade in this district. Every assistance is given to ex-servicemen in all cases coming to the notice of the Department, even where the cases do not normally come within the scope of the Department's activities. Frequently it is difficult to ascertain an ex-serviceman's intentions, and applications may not be proceeded with because an applicant has changed his plans and moved to another district. Where loans are approved for farming, close supervision of the farming activities is maintained by the Field Supervisors and every assistance is given in advising on farming methods, buying and selling of stock, and in any other way that may be required. In all cases a sympathetic attitude is adopted towards ex-servicemen who are suffering from the effects of war injuries, and allowance is made for the fact that they may be handicapped in the attention they can give to their farms and in generally carrying out their obligations in respect of loans granted.

ASSISTANCE GRANTED TO EX-SERVICEMEN TO 31st MARCH, 1946: MAORI REHABILITATION FINANCE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF NATIVE AFFAIRS *

* Assistance granted by Board of Native Affairs is under Part I, Native Land Amendment Act, 1936, or Native Housing Act, 1935. t Item £32,047 includes cost of equipping Huramua Soldiers' Settlement for reception of rehabilitation farm trainees. Facilities now complete and cost per capita will be reduced as more trainees are put through the courses.

47

Overseas Servicemen. Home Servicemen. Totals. Loans or Advances Year 1945-46. To Date. Year 1945-46. To Date. Year 1945-46. To Date. approved for— No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. 1 Amount. No. I Amount. £ £ £ £ £ £ Purchase of farms 12 77,161 12 77,161 12 77,161 12 77,161 Settlement on farms 16 27,198 18 28,434 16 27,198 18 28,434 Expenditure on farms .. 32,047 32,047 32,047 32,047f Purchase of houses *3 1,250 *9 5,010 "3 1,250 *9 5,010 Erection of houses 53 49,122 94 74,002 i '850 '2 1^550 54 49,972 96 75,552 Repairs to houses 1 430 9 2,517 1 430 9 2,517 Additions to houses 1 152 1 376 1 152 1 376 Purchase of tools of trade 6 629 8 714 6 629 8 714 Purchase of furniture .. 41 3,603 53 4,761 i 'ioo 3 '298 42 3,703 56 5,059 Purchase of businesses .. 1 1,300 1 1,300 1 1,300 1 1,300 Miscellaneous 1 350 1 350 i 1^000 i M00 2 1,350 2 1,350 Supplementary loans .. 3 267 .3 267 3 267 3 267 Totals 138 193,509 209 ' 226,939 3 1,950 6 2,848 141 195,459 215 229,787

G—lo

PART VI. —EAST COAST NATIVE TRUST LANDS The creation of the East Coast Native Trust Estate dates back to events which occurred nearly sixty years ago, and arose out of well-intentioned attempts to utilize for settlement large areas of Maori land, based upon the principle of the Maoris supplying the land and European shareholders of a limited company supplying the capital necessary to render such lands available for settlement, with the hope, that 7 never eventuated, of profit to both pakeha and Maori, More than one company went to the wall in the course of time, leaving what was left "of the Maori land heavily mortgaged and in the hands of the trustees. With the object of salvaging what was left, the East Coast Native Trust Lands Act, 1902, was passed and the Trust lands became vested in a Board, while the mortgagee, a trading bank, was restrained from realizing its security before Ist August, 1904, which time was voluntarily extended until 1906. The Board consisted of three persons and was appointed to administer the Trust, while it later became a body corporate under the name of. " The East Coast Native Trust Lands Board" with perpetual succession and a. common seal. By sales of land and farm prodtLce and by reborrowing the balance needed the Board was successful in liquidating the debt to the bank, and in 1906 legislation was passed reciting that the principal aim of the 1902 Act had been attained in paying off the bank, abolishing the Board set up, and vesting the Trust lands in a single trustee known as the East Coast Commissioner. About the same time extended power was given to the Commissioner which included authorities for the farming of Trust lands and the setting-aside of villages. From time to time various farming projects have been set on foot, so that to-day there are forty-nine stations in the estate. In 1921 the affairs of the Trust came more under the control of officers of the Native Department with the appointment of a late Judge of the Native Land Court as Commissioner and the then Registrar of the Native Land Court at Gisborne as his agent. Pursuant to section 7 of the Board of Native Affairs Act, 1934-35, the East Coast Trust lands and the Mangatu Trust were brought under the control of the Board of-Native Affairs as 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 are concerned. The Commissioner has his own officers and staff, no Government finance being involved, as the Trust is entirely self-contained on a system of internal finance between debtor and creditor blocks among the components of the estates, which, on the whole, are making good progress towards the time when the lands may be handed back to the Maori beneficiaries fully developed and free of debt. The total area of land vested in the Commissioner is 224,842 acres. These lands are distributed through the Wairoa, Cook, Waikohu, and Uawa Counties —from Wairoa to Tolaga Bay and inland about eighty miles. The Trust is divided into two portions—the East Coast Native Trust, comprising 115,933 acres (plus some small adjoining areas totalling 1,073 acres of Native lands which are leased by the Commissioner and farmed in conjunction with the East Coast Trust stations), of which 69,904 acres are divided into fourteen stations and are farmed directly by the Commissioner, and the Mangatu Trust, embracing 85,046 acres, divided into fourteen stations. Each of the stations is in charge of a resident manager who is under the direct personal supervision of the Commissioner. The remaining lands comprise 48,647 acres which are leased in twenty-one farms and stations principally to Europeans and 22,318 acres of undeveloped land, mostly bush.

48

G—lo

The lands in the Tolaga Bay district known as Paremata and Mangaheia belong to two groups of owners. In the Mangaheia lands there is a considerable area of flat agricultural land along the banks of the Uawa River. A large part of this is now farmed by the Commissioner, being part of Paroa and Iwinui Stations. Early next year the remaining leases of parts of the Mangaheia Block will expire and a further area of 2,274 acres partially composed of good flat land will revert to and be farmed by the Commissioner. Paroa Station is composed partly of high, steep country which works in well with the remaining flats on which a considerable amount of agricultural work is carried out, and crops of maize, rye-grass, hay, &c., have been grown extensively. Iwinui Station, adjoining Paroa and composed of the Paremata 3 Block, has been heavily top-dressed, with the result that the carrying-capacity has been increased very considerably. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining teamsters, an agricultural tractor has been used with success in the cultivation of both the Mangaheia and Paremata Blocks. The Paremata 64 Block, which is known as Titirangi Station, was taken over in February last from the former lessees. Although steep, this is good sheep country, running along the sea-coast from Tolaga Bay Harbour to some miles southwards. The position regarding station labour has improved considerably over the last twelve months, but developmental and maintenance work have been hampered owing to the shortage of materials, particularly fencing-wire and corrugated iron. For the past twelve months the rainfall has been abnormally light and during the last six months the whole district suffered from a serious drought. Fires traversed some 3,000 acres to 4,000 acres of East Coast Trust properties, particularly in the Tahora and Mangatu Blocks, and although no loss of stock resulted, very considerable damage was done to fencing. Almost all these areas have been resown, and owing to the good autumn rains the strikes of grass have been phenomenal. On the Mangatu Block during the last eighteen months almost 1,000 acres of manuka country has been broken up with a tractor and giant disks, and land which was producing practically nothing is now in swedes and 500 acres to 600 acres sown down in English grass. This will result in a very large increase in the carrying capacity. The work done by the tractors on steep country covered with heavy manuka has been exceptionally good and some splefidid strikes of swedes have been obtained. The Commissioner is now importing one or two large bulldozers fitted with logging winches. These will be used for timber-milling and also for roadmaking in the back of the Mangatu areas, where there are large supplies of dead totara suitable for posts. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining men to work pack teams it is the intention to haul the totara logs to a point where they can be split into posts and loaded directly on to a lorry and distributed to the various stations. The East Coast Trust land—known as Onenui Station—situated at the extreme end of the Mahia Peninsula has until this year relied entirely on boat transport. This entailed the use of surf-boats, and all stores and materials necessary for the running of the station were brought in by this means. The wool was also shipped out in the same manner. For two years during the war no boat was available and two wool clips had to be held on the station. This year the Commissioner has had a road-line surveyed along the coast over the flat rocks and has succeeded in making a low-tide road by filling in crevices with bags loosely filled with sand and cement. The result is that road transport is now possible at low tide over this route and the wool clip has been carted out for the first time by motor-lorry.

3—G 10

49

a—io

With the improved means of access it has been possible to put a bulldozer and agricultural tractors on to this property, and an extensive programme is now being commenced to break up manuka and tauhinu country with giant disks. The result will be shown in a very large increase in the number of stock wintered. At the latter end of last winter the prevalence of wild pigs on some of the East Coast Trust properties necessitated the employment of gangs of Maoris for their destruction. As a considerable number of the pigs killed were found to be in excellent condition, the Commissioner arranged for their transport to freezing-works at Gisborne and Wairoa, where they were treated free of charge and passed for export. As a result a consignment of 78 carcasses of,wild pork was shipped to the United Kingdom Ministry of Food as a gift from the East Coast Trust beneficiaries. Owing to the scarcity and greatly increased cost of grass-seeds of all kinds, the Commissioner proposes during the coming season to set aside certain suitable areas where a large part of the seed required annually on East Coast Trust properties can be produced and will thus ensure a certain supply at a reasonable cost. Summary: East Coast and Mangatu Trusts 1. Number of stations . . .. .. . . .. 28 Number of farms on leased lands .. .. .. 21 49 2. Area— East Coast Trust— A eres. Acres. Stations .. .. . . .. .. 69,904 Leased 44,977 Occupied by owners .. .. .. .. 355 Undeveloped .. .. .. .. .. 1,770 117,006 Mangatu No. 1— Stations .. .. .. .. .. 85,046 Leased .. .. .. .. .. 2,884 Occupied by owners .. .. .. .. 431 Undeveloped .. .. .. .. .. 14,554 102,915 Mangatu No. 3: Area, 3,680 acres, now farmed by Mangatu No. 1 . . Mangatu No. 4: Undeveloped .. .. .. 5,994 225,915 3. Number of permanent employees on stations— East • Coast Trust.. .. .. .. .. 53 Mangatu No. 1 . . . . . . .. . . 86 139 4. Number of beneficial owners — East Coast Trust.. .. .. .. .. 6,948 Mangatu No. 1 .. .. . * .. 976 7,924

50

a—lo

5. Live-stock carried— Sheep. Cattle. Horses. East Coast Trust . .. .. 51,978 6,935 302 Mangatu No. 1.. .. .. .. 87,610 11,025 352 139,588 17,960 654 6. Wool (1945-46 season) — Bales. Bales. East Coast Trust. . . . .. .. .. 1,181 Mangatu No. 1 . . .. .. .. 2,150 3,331

East Coast Trust Stations

* Taken over February, 1946. Note. —Tahora 2c 3, Section 2, is a former mill-site only partly developed and used for occasional grazing.

Mangatu Trust Stations

4—G 10

51

Live-stock at 30th June, 1945. Station. Area. Sheep. Cattle. Horses. Wool, 1945-46 Season. Permanent Employees. Acres. Bales. Iwinui 1,455 3,063 441 11 56 2 Kopua 3,442 4,136 568 18 102 4 Mahurangi 5,675 7,270 790 40 145 6 Mangaotane.. 13,608 4,085 585 25 117 6 Onenui 4,959 6,034 602 46 125 7 Pakowhai 392 580 2 2 15 2 Papanui 8,827 8,535 1,307 78 212 6 Patemaru 1,944 3,586 447 10 91 3 Paroa 5,179^ 5,150 (flock) 129 (stud) 513 (flock) 156 (stud) } 13 110 7 Pohaturoa 7,238 4,125 704 24 77 4 Titirangi* 2,380 1 Waimana 12,100 5,285 730 ' 35 i3i 5 Whaitiri 410 90 Tahora 2c 3, Section 2 2,295 Totals 69,904 51,978 6,935 302 1,181 53

Live-stock at 30th June, 1945. Station. Area. Sheep. Cattle. Horses. Wool, 1945-46 Season. Permanent Employees. Acres. Bales. Dome 5,387 6,158 893 10 147 8 Komihana 5,885 8,078 918 18 211 6 - Mangatahu 4,019 7,001 788 10 179 7 Maia 3,967 6,396 736 25 154 7 Maungahaumi 11,965 11,560 1,166 15 284 8 Omapere 3,004^ 5,023 (flock) 351 (stud) 529 (flock) 185 (stud) | 22 125 8 Okaihau 3,230 3,293 313 25 71 4 Tarewa (stud) 1,167 824 414 5 27 5 Tarndale 8,575 5,028 591 17 124 5 Te Hua 7,694 9,498 997 37 221 4 Te Apiti 4,234 3,568 711 9 101 3 Wairere 9,880 12,657 1,410 62 313 8 Waitangirua 11,911 3,963 804 38 84 6 Waikakariki 4,128 4,212 570 59 109 7 Totals 85,046 87,610 11,025 352 2,150 86

G—lo

STATISTICAL TABLES Table 1. —Combined Statistical Data on Departmental Development Schemes (all Districts)

Table 2.—Analysis of Cash Receipts for the Year 1945-46

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 cream cheque, leaving the balance for maintenance and living expenses. On those dairying schemes which have not yet been individualized, th§ 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

Particulars Tokerau. WaikatoManiapoto. Waiariki. Tairawhiti. Aotea. Ikaroa. South Island. Totals. 1. Area (acres) 470,833 67,601 204,362 92,397 105,672 11,797 4,405 957,067 2. Area not suitable for develop4,633 7,692 73,310 28,510 3,644 350 118,139 ment (acres) 3. Number of settlers (number) .. 805 252 460 241 77 40 5 1,880 4. Number of workers — Permanent (number) 71 54 41 47 23 4 1 241 Casual (number) 176 61 387 257 96 24 31 1,032 5. Development to date— Permanent grass (acres) .. 67,195 34,950 89,208 54,597 19,994 4,207 2,189 272,340 Under cultivation (acres).. 38,772 1,767 3,381 1,406 854 353 229 46,762 Undeveloped (acres) 360,233 23,192 38,463 7,884 81,180 7,237 1,637 519,826 Dwellings (number) 505 191 537 179 101 56 11 1,580 Wool-sheds (number) 7 36 42 9 11 2 2 109 Cow-sheds (number) 658 160 450 158 73 6 12 1,557 Other farm buildings 23 77 549 126 148 60 21 1,004 (number) 6. Live-stock — Stock carried at 31stMarch, 1946— Dairy cows (number) .. 16,067 5,591 9,788 3,915 2,522 1,039 122 39,044 Other dairy stock (number) 10,331 2,960 5,082 3,179 1,670 539 47 23,808 Run cattle (number) .. 5,163 4,801 12,703 4,865 2,983 430 311 31,'256 Sheep— Breeding-ewes (number) 10,370 32,717 60,686 36,712 16,113 9,035 3,646 169,279 Other sheep (number) 7,708 18,051 54,269 22,522 13,826 3,981 1,622 121,979 Sheep sales and transfers to 12,214 29,730 68,683 25,017 19,319 13,213 3,667 171,843 other schemes during year uei) Cattle sales and transfers to 2,419 -1,595 13,397 1,565 1,238 273 255 20,742 other schemes during year ( rmTnV>or\ ) Sheep purchases and 876 6,726 48,722 9,820 5,411 5,394 1,145 78,094 transfers from other schemes during year (number) Cattle purchases and trans671 528 13,155 818 1,295 161 185 16,813 fers from other schemes during year (number) 7. Produce for year— Butterfat (lb.) 1,695,992 762,774 1,566,069 339,146 374,919 155,676 25,859 4,920,435 Wool (bales) 450 973 2,262 1,256 605 389 84 6,019 8. Net liability to date (£) 442,565 313,749 741,746 326,420 289,063 67,078 36,406 2,217,027 9. Subsidies received during year (£) 22,961 12,898 32,760 14,696 6,627 3,817 3,788 97,547

Approximate Cash Receipts Butterfat. Wool. Live-stock. Sundries. Totals. (Department's and Settlers' Proportions). 1. Districts — £ £ £ £ £ £ Tokerau 55,680 8,873 28,166 6,330 99,049 166,036 Waikato-Maniapoto 26,136 20,042 44,346 3,778 94,302 123,784 Waiariki 63,545 45,859 216,602 9,214 335,220 425,930 Tairawhiti 14,889 29,268 39,108 3,668 86,933 104,036 Aotea 18,408 10,314 25,454 5,642 59,818 75,345 Ikaroa 5,999 5,284 15,505 2,682 29,470 38,471 South Island 732 1,307 6,378 1,343 9,760 10,868 Sub-totals 185,389 120,947 375,559 32,657 714,552 944,470 2. Maori Land Boards 17,746 20,711 499 38,956 38,956 3. Native Trustee 41,053 48,974 3,881 93,908 93,908 Totals 185,389 179,746 445,244 37,037 847,416 1,077,334

a—io

Table 3.—Comparative Return of Total Receipts for Districts: State Schemes (Department's Proportion)

53

Year. Tokerau. WaikatoManiapoto. Waiariki. Tairawhiti. Aotea. Ikaroa. South Island. Unallocated. Totals. ■ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 1930-31 1,908 202 2,667 413 5 352 5,547 1931-32 5,312 316 5,578 "650 1,070 "288 143 72 13,429 1932-33 11,092 3,180 17,246 9,143 916 992 294 12 42,875 1933-34 12,559 7,301 36,318 16,886 1,404 888 391 75,747 1934-35 13,726 6,871 29,472 20,253 2,180 727 506 5^480 79,215 1935-36 22,070 14,348 63,585 23,610 2,687 1,377 1,631 479 129,787 1936-37 29,186 17,635 81,730 32,999 3,988 1,651 2,127 274 169,590 1937-38 32,804 23,085 111,730 43,180 8,244 2,013 2,442 378 223,876 1938-39 46,554 30,853 130,276 29,365 12,614 4,442 3,113 191 257,408 1939-40 52,085 38,772 131,962 38,724 21,491 8,181 3,694 34 294,943 1940-41 79,197 76,328 211,763 54,792 37,455 16,021 2,539 478,095 1941-42 81,468 70,328 214,786 56,349 48,769 22,686 7,697 180 502,263 1942-43 77,546 87,056 229,689 55,215 55,518 22,086 7,884 534,994 1943-44 85,590 82,310 247,565 67,636 57,842 24,682 8,801 574,426 1944-45 97,740 96,402 290,115 84,189 59,164 26,964 7,925 662,499 1945-46 99,049 94,302 335,220 86,933 59,818 29,470 9,760 714,552 Totals 747,886 649,289 2,'139,702 619,924 373,573 162,468 58,952 7,452 4,759,246

a—io

Table 4.—Statement showing Live-stock Returns as at 31st March, 1946

54

— Dairy Stock : Tallies at 31st March, 1946. Butterfat Poundage for Year. Run Cattle. Sheep : Tallies at 31st Starch, 1946. Bales of Wool. Workinghorses. Cows. Other Stock. Breeding-ewes. Dry Sheep. 1. Districts — Tokerau W aikato-Maniapoto Waiariki Tairawhiti Aotea Ikaroa South Island Sub-total 2. Maori Land Boards 3. Native Trustee 4. East Coast Native trusts Totals Number. 16,067 5,591 9,788 3,915 2,522 1,039 122 Number. 10,331 2,960 5,082 3,179 1,670 539 47 lb. 1,695,992 762,774 1,566,069 339,146 374,919 155,676 25,859 Number. 5,163 4,801 12,703 4,865 2,983 430 311 Number. 10,370 32,717 60,686 36,712 16,113 9,035 3,646 Number. 7,708 18,051 54,269 22,522 13,826 3,981 1,622 Number. 450 973 2,262 1,256 605 389 84 Number. 1,288 642 1,175 459 239 86 26 39,044 32 38 23,808 49 4,920,435 31,256 3,719 7,797 17,960 169,279 15,374 30,946 * 121,979 18,031 30,987 139,588 6,019 • 741 1,225 3,331 3,915 31 120 654 39,114 23,857 4,920,435 60,732 215,599 310,585 11,316 4,720 * Included in dry sheep.

G—lo

Table 5.—Buildings erected, renovated, and purchased during Year ended 31st March, 1946 (Native Housing and Native Land-development)

Note.—(a) Total houses erected, purchased, or renovated from (b) Total farm buildings erected from inception to 31st March, inception to 31st March, 1946 : 1946 (approximate) : Under development schemes .. 1,869 Cow-sheds .. .. .. .. .. 1,557 Under Native Housing Act— Wool-sheds . > .. .. . . .. 54 Ordinary . . .. 44-5 Sheep-yards, &c. .. . . .. .. 43 Special .. .. 421 Implement and store sheds . . .. .. 345 866 Total .. .. 2,735

55

Under Native Housing Act, 1935. Under Native Farm Improvements (other Land-development. JL Ob ft IS. than Housing). Districts. Ordinary. Special. Dwellings purchased. Additions Additions Additions Additions. New and New and New and New and Cow-sheds. StoreHouses. RenovaHouses. RenovaHouses. RenovaHouses. Renovasheds. sheds tions. tions. tions. tions. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Tokerau 5 6 9 4 10 14 24 24 3 17 2 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 5 1 6 2 13 1 2 1 Waiariki 13 4 i 6 i , 23 2 2 2 i TairawMti 2 i 23 1 4 4 29 6 ' 1 1 2 6 Aotea 10 6 1 2 4 4 15 12 3 3 1 1 Ikaroa 5 9 1 5 4 5 10 19 9 3 2 South Island 2 1 1 3 1 2 2 i Totals 42 24 45 13 30 .28 117 65 20 29 6 12

a—io

Table 6.—Buildings in Course of Erection and under Renovation at 31st March, 1946 (Native Housing and Native Land-development)

56

Districts. Under Native Housing Act, 1935. Under Native Land-development. Totals. Farm Improvements. Ordinary. Special. Cow-sheds. Wool-sheds. Store-sheds. New Buildings. Repairs and Alterations. New Buildings. Repairs and Alterations. New Buildings. Repairs and Alterations. New Buildings. Repairs and Alterations. Tokerau Waikato-Maniapoto .. Waiariki Tairawhiti Aotea Ikaroa South Island Totals Number. 5 6 24 2 6 5 2 Number. 1 1 1 '5 V 10 Number. 8 1 7 6 2 1 Number. 1 Number. 5 2 1 1 Number. 6 1 Number. 18 9 32 9 8 6 2 Number. 8 2 1 5 10 Number. 2 1 Number. i Number. 1 50 18 25 1 9 7 84 26 3 l 1

e—io

57

Table 7.—Native Housing Act, 1935: Financial Return of Operations to 31st March, 1946

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1946. Price Is. 3cZ.]

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (938 copies), £9O

Ordinary. Special. Totals. Districts. Authorized. Expended. Authorized. Expended. Authorized. Expended. Number of Advances. Amount. Number of Advances. Amount. Number of Advances. Amount. Tokerau .. .. Waikato-Maniapoto Waiariki Tairawhiti Aotea Ikaroa South Island 70 60 103 159 177 305 63 £ 33,887 35,932 94,039 80,869 70,406 164,898 33,730 £ 9,477 18,661 30,188 43,267 52,938 81,121 23,458 224 110 48 132 41 61 26 £ 72,662 39,331 35,389 44,700 12,244 21,383 10,421 £ 47,008 33,164 25,768 22,236 12,647 13,589 7,325 294 170 151. 291 218 366 89 £ 106,549 75,263 129,428 125,569 82,650 186,281 44,151 £ 56,485 51,825 55,956 65,503 65,585 94,710 30,783 Totals 937 513,761 259,110 642 236,130 161,737 1,579 749,891 420,847