G.—loc.

Draining.—Two main drains—(l) The Ngahina drain which was continued through A Scheme, and (2) what is now commonly known as the Paekoa drain, C Scheme—were laid off by Mr. Gainsford, Surveyor, of Rotorua. These were completed, along with many subsidiary drains, at a total cost in •labour of £589 16s. 9d. The total length of all drains was 423 chains, of which 122 chains are on A Scheme and 301 chains on C Scheme. The draining made available for development a large tract of swamp country which formed the greater portion of the flats west of the Whakatane River. Sixtyseven men were employed in this work. Roading.—The scheme was well served as regards paper roads, which the Native Land Court laid off on partition of the Ruatoki Block, and which were supplemented on consolidation of titles immediately before the commencement of development operations. With a special grant provided from Treasury funds the Whakatane County Council formed and metalled the Mahurehure Road from the factory to the Waikirikiri Pa, a distance of three miles and a half. Under development activities the formation and metalling were continued to the mouth of the Gorge, a further distance of 110 chains, of which 99 chains were metalled. This latter portion was called Waikirikiri Road, and the labour-cost was £200, including the labour on one culvert made from oil-drums. This is the extent of the roading done on the eastern side of the Whakatane River. The constant traffic of milk carts and wagons, which increased as development advanced, had made the roads on the west side of the river almost impassable during the winter months and wet weather, and it was found necessary to carry out a programme of permanent formation of the main roads, with a view to metalling as the formation settled and consolidated. New roads to give access to the newly developed areas were also formed. The extent of roadwork on this side of the Whakatane River is 589 chains, at a total labour-cost of £471 10s. 6d., including the labour-cost on four bridges and nine culverts. Three of the culverts were constructed from oil-drums supplied, the other six being timber culverts. The total amount of work done under this heading may be summarized as follows : A Scheme—3Bs chains formation, 99 chains metalling, 5 culverts (3 of timber and 2 of oil-drums), and 3 bridges. C Scheme—3l4 chains formation, 5 culverts (3 of timber and 2 of oildrums), and 1 bridge. The number of men employed on this work was 103. Outstanding work— 204 chains of C Scheme roads, estimated cost £300. Splitting (Posts cind Battens). 2,431 posts were split up the Whakatane and Waimana Rivers, at a total cost of £71 Bs. Number of men employed, 4. A contract for the splitting and delivery of 40,000 battens was approved, at a price of 10s. per 100 delivered at the store shed. Up to the 31st March, 1933, a total of 15,000 battens had been split up the Whakatane River, but not delivered. No payments have been made in respect of these battens as the contract is at a delivered price, so that the work is shown as outstanding at the above date. Fencing.—The only fencing contract submitted for approval was for 16 miles to be done on C Scheme. The actual fencing done was 1,294-43 chains, or 16-175 miles, at a total cost of £309 7s. 9d, The fences erected were of seven wires unbattened, there being no battens available. The number of men employed on this work total 26. Most of the fencing has been done on A Scheme and consisted of reconditioning old fences and erecting new ones on the Consolidation Titles boundaries where they were definitely laid down. It has been difficult to arrive at the actual work done without a complete survey, but a conservative estimate would be 2,560 chains calculated on the amount of wire issued and based on fences of seven wires. No labour-cost has been incurred on this section of the Scheme. Ragwort.-—This weed was introduced to Ruatoki from Ruatahuna by the flood-waters of the Whakatane River and has taken a firm hold on the river-bed and the southern end of the Scheme (Ruatoki South). It has also spread to the Ohaua and Owhakatoro Valleys. During the spring of 1931 gangs were organized for the clearing, pulling, and burning of the weed, which was later treated with a solution of sodium chlorate with varying results. The 1932 treatment with the sodium chlorate and lime mixture showed better results, while the whole tribe turned out to clear the various portions of the Scheme badly affected. Control of ragwort by sheep was introduced in March, 1932, and as in other ragwort-infested areas of the Bay of Plenty Schemes this method is proving very successful. The total labour-cost of the work during 1932 was £58, and six men were employed on the wage-sheet to draw the money as sustenance for the 100-odd men, women, and children who were engaged in the good work. Buildings. These consist of the store shed, overseer's cottage, and supervisor's cottage with office attached. Timber for studs and rafters only, together with iron for the roof, was supplied for thirty sheds. Labour-costs not available. Pastures and Top-dressing .—The following table gives the progress in the pasturing of the land from the commencement of operations in 1930 and the position as at 31st March, 1933 :

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A Scheme. C Scheme. Total. A. R. P. A. It. P. A. R. P 01d g rass 1,193 3 32 81 3 0 1,275 2 32 1930-31 sowing .. .. 299 1 19 94 1 0 393 2 19 1931-32 sowing .. .. 731 0 5 441 3 27 1,172 3 32 1932-33 sowing .. .. 377 2 28 501 3 22 879 2 10 Fair to rough pasture .. .. 561 1 30 78 3 0 640 0 30 Total grass of sorts .. 3,163 1 34 j 1,198 2 9 4,362 0 3