0.—3.

Statement of Live-stock depastured on Farms, 31st March, 1923.

Summary. £ s. d. 22,080 sheep, valued at .. .. .. .. 15,053 8 4 2,243 cattle, valued at .. .. .. .. 8,049 10 0 93 horses, valued at .. .. .. .. 630 0 0 £24,332 18 4

Auditor's Certificate. Sir,— Wellington, 4th October, 1923. 1 have the honour to report that I have completed the audit of the accounts of tho East Coast Native Trust lands for the year ended 31st March, 1923, and have the following comments to make thereon :— Stock Account. —I have accepted without reservation the statement of live-stock at the various farms, as certified to by Mr. H. Syme, Farm Superintendent, and by Mr. Harvey, Agent for the East Coast Commissioner at Gisborne. There is apparently a discrepancy in the Te Kopua sheep. It is estimated that some 240 sheep are short. Prom inquiries made, I understand that a portion of this farm is unfenced, and one of the adjoining owners has a very similar earmark to that used by the Tc Kopua farm. Probably, in drafting for shearing, some of the missing sheep may be recovered. The matter is being closely watched by the Farm Superintendent, Mr. Syme. Patemaru Farm,. —The adjustments in respect of posts which. I reported on last year have been dealt with in the present accounts. I have also to report that stores on hand at, 31st March, 1922, amounting to £40 125., were last year not shown in the accounts but were deducted from the purchases. Tahora 2c 3, Sec. 2. —The Freehold Account shows a debit balance of £18,358 17s. 6d., the increase being due to further sales to Messrs. Chappcli and Field. The amount represents the extra value over the original book value, and. in my report dated 21st October, 1921, I reported on the position of this block. Penal Rate on Taxes. —I notice that penal rates of 10 per cent, wore paid on taxes due to the Waikohu County, amounting to £54 12s. lOd.; also to the Cook County Council, of £8 Bs. 2d. I understand this was owing to there being no funds in hand at the time the rates became due. Subject to these remarks I certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief the accounts are correct. Enclosed please find a set of the accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1923. I am, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Native Affairs, Wellington. Arthur T. Clarke, Auditor.

Approximate Cost, of Paper. — Preparation, not [riven ; printing (475 copies), £18 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. SKINNER, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 924.

Price (id.]

2—G. 3

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Farm where depastured. Number. Sheep. Cattle. Number. Value. Horses. Number. Value. Total Number. Total Value. Value. To Huia Mahurangi Pakowhai Papuni Paremata In transit Te Kopua Waimaha Patemaru 1,800 3,595 441 3,527 2,400 105 4,110 3,430 2,480 £ s. d. 1,209 II 0 2,421. 13 0 442 2 6 2,370 12 0 1,531 7 0 154 1.9 10 2,903 5 0 2,277 0 0 1,070 18 0 200 478 60 397 212 £ s. d. 746 0 0 1,785 10 0 292 0 0 1,531 0 0 870 0 0 4 5 36 7 £ s. d. 20 0 0 55 0 0 195 0 0 1.40 0 0 2,064 4,078 501 3,960 2,850 £ s. d. 2,035 11 0 4,202 3 0 734 2 0 4,102 1.2 0 2,096 0 10 389 217 290 1,321 10 0 945 0 0 1,158 10 0 9 8 24 45 0 0 40 0 0 J 35 0 0 4,508 3,661 2,794 4,269 15 0 3,202 0 0 2,970 8 0 Totals .. 22,080 15,053 8 4 2,243 8,649 10 0 93 630 0 0 4,416 24,332 18 4