c.—l.

APPENDIX lII.—LAND - DRAINAGE OPERATIONS. (R. G. MacMorran, Chief Drainage Engineer.) Separate reports on Hauraki Plains, Rangitaiki, Kaitaia, Hikurangi, Waihi, and Poukawa Drainage Works have been forwarded. Exclusive of the main drainage works above mentioned, a short summary is given covering some of the general work carried out. Galatea Estate.—The drainage work commenced last year, entailing the provision of new outlets and improvements to existing outlets for an area of 2,000 acres, was completed early in the year. Late in the year improvement of that part of the channel of the Rangitaiki River fronting the estate was put in hand. This work comprised removal of all willows and obstructions causing or likely to cause, erosion of the banks in a stretch of nine miles and a half. Minor protection of the eastern bank of the river was also done, and two overflow channels closed where diversions of the river were likely to occur. Onepu Block Development.—Operations on this area have proceeded very satisfactorily, and at the close of the period work was well in hand on the areas remaining to be grassed. The completion of this work will enable the block to be subdivided into twenty-one holdings, aggregating 2,446 acres, of which 2,093 acres will be in permanent pasture. It is anticipated that twenty of these sections will be capable of development as dairy-farms, while the remaining section of lighter quality will probably be found more suitable for disposal as a run-off. The grassed lands have been opened for selection when it was considered the pastures had been satisfactorily established. With the more easily handled areas, this period is twelve months after grassing, while the lighter areas are retained for a further twelve months. Of the areas handled since operations commenced in January, 1931, some 378 acres, subdivided into four sections, were disposed of by ballot during the year, while a further 617 acres, subdivided into five sections, are, with small exceptions, completely grassed and boundary-fenced and will be balloted for early in the coming year. The four established settlers are dairying, and judging from the progress already made and the results obtained the successful settlement of the area as dairying land seems assured. The work carried out during the year embraced completion of sowing of areas under cultivation last autumn, preparation for sowing of additional areas totalling 900 acres, and top-dressing in the spring and autumn of previously established pastures. Heavy manuka growing on much of the area grassed this autumn necessitated fairly heavy expenditure in clearing and stumping before cultivation could proceed. Areas carrying lighter growth were harrowed before sowing, and still further areas were burnt and surface-sown. Extensions to the drainage system were carried out during the year and made possible the complete development of an area of low-lying lands adjoining the river, a good portion of which is below river level. The sale of jersey heifers purchased by the Department for grazing the area was held early in the year, prices returning a reasonable profit on the outlay. A further 200 head of yearling heifers were purchased, which are doing well and will be offered for sale during the coming year. Briefly, to date 2,109 acres of scrub have been cut, 1,247 acres stumped ; 1,184 acres ploughed and cultivated ; 2,068 acres sown in grass ; 1,143 acres top-dressed twice ; 210 acres top-dressed three times ; 5 miles 68 chains drains constructed ; 6 miles 31 chains temporary fences and 17 miles 2 chains permanent fences erected. Pongakawa Block Development.—This is an area of 930 acres of surrendered flax-lease land, situated in the Waihi Drainage Area, on which development work was commenced late in the year. This land is for the most part fairly low-lying peat swamp of good quality, carrying a heavy growth of manuka and rubbish. Main outfalls are already provided in the Waihi swamp-drainage system, and with the extension of this system through the area it is anticipated the land will be capable of development into small sections as grazing run-offs, and for this purpose it should prove most valuable. A single men's relief camp of twenty city men was established in January, 1933. The work to date comprises almost entirely draining and the clearing of drain lines through the heavy growth as a preliminary to further development. Some 15 acres near the camp were cleared, and will be burnt and surface-sown early in the coming year. The relief men employed were almost entirely lacking in experience of this class of work, but at the close of the year, under proper supervision, excellent results were being obtained. Miranda Drainage.—This work was commenced in November, 1931, and is now nearing completion. It is financed by the Hauraki Plains County Council and Unemployment Board, and provides drainage for a block of 4,700 acres of excellent dairying country at Waitakaruru. The work has been carried out on the co-operative-contract principle at rates of pay computed to enable the average workmen to earn 10s. per day. The actual average daily earnings of these co-operative-contract workers since the commencement of the scheme is 9s. 9-6 d. per man. Camp accommodation for sixty men is provided, and. the number of men working has varied between twenty - five and sixty-five.

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