G.—loB.

Units. —A separate report is being submitted with regard to Rongo Wetere, a unit on this scheme. With regard to George Rauputu (on Mahoenui 1 Section 2b 2, 187 acres 0 roods 20 perches), Mr. Wright was unable to do much for this unit on account of a difference over an issue of some fencmgwire which was later returned to stock and used on the main scheme. Rauputu has m the meantime been workin" on the above land spasmodically, and not making much headway. The account whjch was opened for the issue of wire should be closed and the interest transferred to the Mam Scheme Account. Ragwort and other Noxious Weeds. —The Mahoenui and Otiao areas brought under development were last year kept well controlled, and the ragwort, in particular, was not as much in evidence as m former years. Average Costs per Acre, &c.—lt is estimated that the total area brought under the initial development operations is 1,800 acres, of which approximately 1,735 acres are in grass. The balance is made up of bush reserves and swampy creeks. Based on the above figures, the average labour cost per acre for clearing and sowing works out at — £ s. d. Bushfelling (634£ acres) .. .. • • • • .. 1 1 6 per acre. Manuka felling (1,101 acres) .. . • • ■ • • 19 11 per acre. Sowing (1,735 acres) .. • • • • • • • • ' P er acre * 2 3 4 per acre. Less subsidy .. • ■ • • • • • • 4 2 P er aore - Net .. • ■ • • • • • • .. 119 2 per acre. Fencing.—The 1,492J chains of fencing have been erected at an average cost per chain of £ s. d. £ s. d. Contract wages .. ■ • • • • • • • ®54 10 6 Bristowe Bros —Wages .. ■ • • • ■ • ' 0 0 771 10 6 Average cost per chain .. • ■ • • • • • • 10 4 Less subsidy .. • ■ • • • ■ • ■ ■ • 2 Net •• 76 The Bristowe Bros.' work and supervision of the 1932-33 fencing programme expedited the work considerably, and the quality of it has set a high standard. Clearing Fence-lines and packing Fencing-material.— This item is rather high. This has been due to the work being done during the winter months, and in fixing contract prices allowance had to be made for horse-feed in the more recent contracts. The nature of the country also precluded any less expensive means of transport. The above work averages out at 6s. per chain, less subsidy, Is. 2d. : net, 4s. lOd. Live-stock Return. Ewes, four-tooth to full-mouth . • • • 1 > 520 Wethers !> 243 50 missing. Rams . . • • ■ • • • • • •" 2-year heifers (run) 126 51 missin 8-3-year steers 253 10 missing. 3,178 111 missing.

2—G. 108.

9