G.—loB.

Some trouble was experienced with some of the units, and when the scheme got well under way, the units were reduced to ten. The development of Mangaora Block proceeded without any unit. This meant that the development operations have been confined to 3,932 acres 2 roods 18-2 perches— one unit, Moeparu Tanira, having withdrawn—and the area of 390 acres under his nomination has not been touched. Of this 3,932 acres 2 roods 18-2 perches it was estimated that approximately 1,000 acres was in grass. This figure was, however, misleading, as it was later found necessary to clear a lot of manuka in the grassed areas, and re-sow approximately 500 acres. Moerangi Blocks (Ngati Te Wehi Tribe). —In the Aotea Harbour area the work has proceeded with very little trouble, and the clearing, burning, and sowing, also fencing, from all accounts, have been very successful. The metalling of the short access road to the Aotea Harbour foreshore, which was done upon representations made through this Department, has been a great boon to these people. With regard to the burning, it may be mentioned that Whareiaia Moke attributes their success to the fact that they burnt whenever the weather and other conditions were favourable. Kawhia Blocks (Ngati Hikairo Tribe). —The best results, as far as clearing, burning, and sowing are concerned, were in connection with the area occupied by Ngatuerua Erueti and Tahaho Pikia — (1931-32 operations). The burning and sowing on Moka Hopa's aiea and the Mangaora Blocks (1932-33 operations) were not very good, and will call for special attention next summer. It would appear that no blame is attachable to the units concerned or the Foreman, as the last-mentioned officer informed me that his instructions were explicit, and he carried them out to the letter. He also adds that he was sorely tempted to disobey orders and burn off earlier when the weather and conditions were favourable. The failure in this case has also resulted in about £70 worth of mixed grass-seed being left on hand. Mangaora Block (Ngati Ajjakura Tribe). —The control of this block will present some difficulty on account of the present attitude of the resident owners of the block. Before work commenced on this area I made several attempts to organize that section of the owners who were ekeing out a precarious existence on the Chinese gardens in the Manurewa and Pukekohe districts. Unfortunately, I was almost immediately afterwards involved in the Waimiha Development Scheme, and was not able to follow up my programme, and ultimately work was commenced by Mr. Wright with other labour. Subsequently some of the owners from Pukekohe put in an appearance at Mangaora, and their activities (cutting manuka firewood), and attitude generally, have given some anxiety. Sheep on Mangaora.—The lack of fencing on this block last year gave a lot of trouble whilst the wethers were depasturing on it. The Foreman several times had to rush out at various times of the day and night to bring the sheep back from the main road. Stock blocks proved ineffective ; as one place was blocked the sheep found another outlet, and so it went on until the sheep were sold. According to the last available live-stock tally, there are seventeen missing. It is possible that these have strayed and cannot be recovered. General.—As previously indicated, my knowledge of this scheme as a whole has limitations, and I propose to take the first opportunity of visiting Kawhia, preferably in company with Mr. A. E. Edwards—Mr. Edwards has special knowledge of the accounts in this case, and there are some points to be cleared up—to make myself fully conversant with the requirements of the scheme.

Live-stock.

2

Cows. Bulls. Heifers. 1-2-year Sheep. Horses. D. Whatu .. .. .. 15 1 7 j J. Paki .. .. . . .. 21 .. . . 4 Rautahi Rukutai .. .. 11 1 W. Waitere.. .. .. 28 2 Whare Moke . . . . 54 2 .. 5 Turinui Rauroha ..... 30 1 18 4 C. Pikia .. . . \ Moka Hopa . . . . j iO 2 Paretira te Huia .. .. . . 20 1 6 Mangaora .. . . .. .. .. .. 727 (17 missing) Totals .. .. 219 10 31 727 14: