G.—lo.

in the vicinity absorbed the unemployed Natives of this district. Approximately 30 acres of the turnip crop was a failure due to the very dry season and white butterfly. The swedes, however, were quite a fair crop. On the farm proper 368 cows were milked in the five sheds yielding 52,847 lb. butterfat at an average of 144 lb. per cow. In addition, sixty-eight pigs realized £195, calf-skins, £9, and cull cows £41. Cull sheep to the number of 414, which had been used for cleaning the pastures, were sold for £264. This enabled a profit of £346 to be made on the year's working, reducing the accumulated loss from inception (17th December, 1930), to £814. From early December to the middle of February an exceptionally dry spell was experienced and pastures on all the farms were parched and bare of feed. During this period it was necessary to feed the dairy-stock with soft turnips. At the present time all the pastures are looking exceptionally well, and there is an abundance of feed on all five farms. The paddocks used for dairying have all been top-dressed with 2 cwt. superphosphate and 1 cwt. slag per acre during the season, and this should have a very beneficial effect on production. With a normal season it is anticipated that butterfatproduction will considerably improve and it is hoped that the experience the milkers have now gained in the handling of their herds and in the care of their pigs will materially increase the returns from each shed. At the 31st March, 1935, the following live-stock was on hand : 71 bullocks, 22 dairy bulls, 368 dairy cows, 83 dairy heifers rising two-year old, 101 heifer calves, 7 horses, and 71 pigs. Maketu (Te Puke). Subdivisions of the Rangiuru 2a Block at Te Puke, comprising 422 acres, form this scheme, which is bounded on the eastern side by the Kaituna River. This river frequently overflows its bank and floods the lower paddocks on the scheme. It is hoped to remedy this by suitable protective works, which can be undertaken by the unemployed Natives of Te Puke. The fullest co-operation of the Natives of this area has not been received, but with sympathetic handling it is anticipated that they will ultimately display the keenness and energy shown by the other subtribes of Te Arawa who have handed over their lands for development. A further problem has been the eradication of noxious weeds, and concentrated efforts were made during the year under review to cope with ragwort and blackberry, 200 acres of which were kept in check. Other work carried out included ploughing, 80 acres ; cleaning drains, 160 chains ; erecting fencing, 16 chains. The property is at present carrying 486 ewes and 145 mixed beef cattle. The Supervisor reports that the pastures will be excellent when cleaned up, and it is expected that the area will be ready for dairying in two years' time. Maketu (Motiti Island). This scheme in on Motiti Island, off the coast from Tauranga, and comprises an area of 852 acres which was brought under development in 1932. The Motiti Maoris have cultivated their lands for years, growing maize which is reputed to be the highest quality obtainable in New Zealand. Assistance has been granted to them in the form of fencing material (the island has no suitable timber) and fertilizers to the extent of £1,000. The prolonged dry spell experienced last season and the havoc caused by plagues of caterpillars affected the corn crop, which was not up to the standard of previous years, but despite these difficulties the settlers displayed keen enthusiasm, and it is anticipated that by their combined efforts the loan capital liability represented by advances to sixteen units will be reduced during the current year. Practically no further assistance is required with the exception of the installation of a water-supply, and this is receiving the attention of the Departments concerned. The islanders —members of the Patuwai Tribe —are a particularly healthy and industrious community, who have good living-quarters and show keen interest in the scheme. Maketu (Pukaingatabu). This subdivision of the main Maketu scheme comprises an area of 211 acres, on which two wellestablished units have been placed. Their butterfat-pro.duction for the year totalled 8,500 lb. At 31st March stock held by these settlers included 103 dairy cattle, 4 horses, and 10 pigs. Tauranga. This scheme comprises 958 acres, all in grass, of which 459 acres constitute the Kaitimako Block, which is situated on the south side of the Tauranga - Te Puke Road, about a mile and a half from the Tauranga Town boundary. During the year the following work was done : Four cottages erected, 336 acres ploughed, sown and grassed, 400 acres top-dressed, 100 acres second-growth gorse cleared by grubbing, 120 chains subdivisional fencing, 50 chains road repairs, 30 tons hay saved, and 20 acres turnips cultivated. The property at Kaitimako is stocked with bulk stock. Three hundred and eighty-eight ewes were wintered there, and during the spring grazing for 145 beef cattle and 259 breeding heifers was provided. At the present time 102 cows, forty calves, and twenty-eight mixed yearlings are being grazed on the block.

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