G.—lo.

On Onewhero (proper) no new development work was undertaken during the year beyond the deepening and widening of 76 chains of main drain. The section suffers severely from an inadequate watersupply, and last season's returns were affected by the dry spell. Pastures are in fair condition, but parts will eventually have to be regrassed. Areas of swamp land that are drying out are badly infested with blackberry and require constant attention. The units, who are members of the Ngati-Tipa hapu of Waikato, are proving industrious settlers and should make a success of their holdings. They are poorly housed, however, in raupo dwellings on timber framework with iron roofs. A pleasing feature of the farming operations on all the sections is the cleanliness of the cow-sheds and dairy utensils, even where water has to be carried some distance. The pressing problem is provision for a plentiful watersupply, which is receiving attention. The Opuatia section covers an extensive area of undulating country. Fifty-two acres were cleared and grassed during the year, 120 chains of fencing were erected, and various short lengths of drains were cut. Pastures are in fair condition, noxious weeds are being kept in check, and steps are being taken to deal with the rabbit nuisance. At present milking operations are carried on with fair success, but owing to the inadequate water-supply it will not be possible to greatly increase the present herds. As much of the area in this locality is sheep country, mixed farming is being undertaken, and under suitable supervision should prove successful. The people belong to the Ngati-Tipa hapu of Waikato and are keen to make a success of their scheme. The Mangatancji portion ranges from river-flats to easy hills with good pastures infested in parts with blackberry. Work during the year comprised clearing and grassing 110 acres, erection of 160 chains of fencing, and building of five new cow-sheds. The settlers, who belong to Ngati-Paoa —a hapu of Waikato—were until, recently living in crude unsanitary dwellings, but five new houses are now in course of erection, and under improved conditions they are taking an increasing interest in the development of their lands. An active unit on the Koheroa section is making satisfactory progress, but the other holding is reverting to second growth, due to change of occupier. An area of 22 acres was ploughed and grassed, but the dry season affected the new pastures. Owing to the poor quality of the soil, heavy topdressing will be necessary. The settler established on the Mercer section is handicapped by blackberry, but is making a determined effort to clear bis land and increase his butterfat-produetion. The development of the Waikardkia portion of Onewhero scheme has not been a success, and the Department is faced with the problem of further expenditure of a salvage nature. Special reports are being obtained and it is hoped that by a re-arrangement of the scheme of subdivision certain of the sections may eventually be self-supporting. Tabulated information supplied is as follows : —

Waikato. Five units belonging to the Ngati-Wairere and Ngati-Whawhakia hapus of Waikato have been established on this scheme, and the following table is descriptive of their holdings

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Sections. Number of Units. Area. Cows. Butterfat. Average per Cow. Acres. lb. ! lb. Onewhero .. 10 720 150 24,871 166 Opuatia .. 8 1,380 182 21,498 118 Mangatangi . . 8* 349 97 17,838 i 184 Koheroa .. 2* 201 14 2,277 163 Mercer .. 1 50 13 2,445 188 Waikarakia .. 3* 1,073 No information 9,310 ! 3,373 456 78,239 i I 1 * One not milking.

. - ■ I " - - - ; I ; ~ Number Averaee ' Number Section. Area. ; of Cows Butterfat. ! veT Co „ of Dependmilked. I ' ants. 1 r , ~~ r ~ i | I ! Gordonton Seqtion— Acres. lb. lb. Unit No. 1 ! 31 8 1,700 212 3 Unit No. 2 . .. .. 18 8 1,046 131 2 Unit No. 3 .. .. .. 26 12 2,118 176 5 Huntly Section : Unit No. 4 .. . . j 53 6 1,109 185 Tauhei Section: Unit No. 5 .. ... 66 18 3,155 175 4 194 52 9,128 176 15