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Statement of Expenditure. „ , Amount at 31st March, 1909 ... ... ... ... 2,266 12 7 Tree-planting ... ... ... ... ... ... 54 0 8 Cartage of trees ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 8 0 Pitting ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 93 12 2 General maintenance and repairs ... ... ... ... 118 9 0 Fencing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 158 3 5 Dismantling commonage fence, &c. ... ... ... ... 24 15 6 Buildings—erection of hut ... ... ... ... ... 13 l" <j Tools ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 6 0 Proportion of Nurseryman's salary ... ... ... ... 30 0 0 Supervision ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 10 0 £2,777 9 1 A. W. Roberts, Nurseryman in Charge.

Hanmer Springs Nursery. (Area, 40 acres; approximate altitude, 1,225 ft.)

Rain fell on 139 days, with a total of 43*74 in., the maximum monthly fall being 627 in. in January. The highest shade temperature was 90°, on the 27th January, and the lowest 20°, on the 14th July. The weather conditions prevailing throughout the past season have been exceptionally favourable for nursery operations. The rainfall was very evenly distributed throughout the j'ear, resulting in a steady unchecked growth among all nursery stock, especially the two-year-old larch, which have put on from 24 in. to 30 in. Three-year-old stock of all classes have made exceedingly good growth, the crop throughout being very sturdy, and in first-class condition for planting permanently in the plantation. About five and a half beds of last year's seedling larch were partially thinned, a portion of the crop being lined out and the remainder left in the seed-beds for the season, with very satisfactory results. Owing to a largo number being too small and tender for lining-out, lining-in was resorted to with excellent results, and a very large percentage are strong enough for permanent planting. A "break" of four-year-old Pinus Laricio and P. austriaca has done remarkably well, and, though these trees were severely checked by wrenching during the summer, they have made an average growth of from 12 ill. to 24 in. Lining-out operations were commenced on the 24th August, but owing to wet weather this work was considerably prolonged, and was not completed until the 21st October. The results have, however, been highly satisfactory, and a total of 1,262,000 trees were lined out, at a cost of Is. -Id. per thousand. 529,300 smaller plants were also lined in at Is. per thousand, thus making a total of 1,766,300 trees transfeired to nursery lines. Seed-sowing was commenced on ths 4th November, and completed on the 6th, the whole operation occupying three days. The results have been successful, and all seeds germinated well, with the exception of larch, which is not so heavy a crop as in previous years. The crops of Pinus Laricio, P. ponderosa, and P. muricata are heavy, and possess a strong and healthy appearance. Alder germinated thinly, but have made good growth. The number of trees raised from seed during the year was 2,935,000, valued at £2,934 55., bringing the total of trees raised since the inception of nursery to 10,275,531, valued at £14,249 7s. 7d. Trees to the number of 1,040,455, valued at £3,124 10s. 7d., were transferred to the plantation during the year, making a total of 3,348,001 trees, valued at £8,713 9s. Id., trans lined to plantation to date. The estimated numlier of trees available for transfer .to plantation is 1,390,000. Draining of lining-out area was completed with beneficial results to nursery stock, and soil was rendered easier to ploutrh and work when lining-out. It. is proposed to deal with a portion of the new nursery in the same manner, as the greater part is low lying, and water lies for some time before soaking away. The lining-out area was also levelled where necessary, and about 2 chains of formed. As hares do a considerable amount, of damage to lined-out stock during the winter, it will lie necessary to erect netting fence around the new nursery area against this pest. The' water-supply continues satisfactory, and an adequate pressure can always lie relied upon at the nursery. The supply at the stables and house, however, is not so satisfactory, being obtained from an old water-race. A ram is utilised to pump water into a. tank situated on an elevation above the house and stables, but the pressure is poor. Additions to implement-shed were completed, and there is now room for all implements, drays, ifcc. The present workshop is. however, quite inadequate for requirements, and a small extension is desirable. The building of additions to nurseryman's cottage was commenced in February, and good progress was made with the work. When complete the dwelling should be a vast improvement on the former structure. For the purpose of providing horse-feed for the winter a paddock of 8 acres was sown dining (he spring with assorted grasses, and a good crop resulted. About 15 acres of oats were sown during the autumn, the crop being harvested during January,