G.—lo.

Tokaanu. This scheme, adjoining the Tokaanu Village on each side of the Tongariro River where it enters Lake Taupo, has an area of 2,683 acres at present under development. The year's operations comprised the erection of 130 chains of fencing, the cleaning-out of all drains, planting 25,000 trees ex Wharenui Nursery, and the formation of 70 chains of road leading from the main Tokaanu Road. Last summer 110 acres of land were cleared, cultivated, and sown in turnips, the result being a particularly good crop available for winter feed. The winter feed was further augmented by the saving of 150 tons of hay. The pastures on the Waipapa section have done exceptionally well, but those on the Hautu side of the Tongariro River have suffered from rubbish growth consequent upon insufficient stocking. This will be remedied by heavier stocking during the coming year. As at 31st March, 1935, there were 37 cows, 4 bullocks, 37 yearlings, 31 calves, 45 rams, 1,662 ewes, and 577 lambs on the scheme. There is a fairly heavy mortality among the ewes owing to the prevalence of ragwort. The scheme assisted in providing work for twenty-two workers and maintenance for thirteen other adults and thirty-three children. The Natives of the area belong to the Tuwharetoa Tribe, and on the average are good workers. There are ten units on the scheme, but the whole property is grazed with the bulk-stock sheep and cattle. TAIRAWHITI MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT. Takatahu. This scheme comprises 418 acres, and is situated in the vicinity of Te Araroa on the south bank of the Karakatuwhero River. It is a compact area and little is required in the way of further development. A certain amount of regrassing has been undertaken, and the planting of the river-bank with willows for flood protection is progressing rapidly. At the 31st March, 1935, the following stock was held on the scheme : 7 pedigree bulls, 115 cows, 33 springing heifers, and 33 calves. There is one unit with five dependants and two workers with five dependants on the block. It is proposed to subdivide the area and establish a second milker, who is at present being trained by the milker now on the land. The condition of the living-quarters and the health of the occupants are good. Waiapu-Matakaoa. This scheme is the only one in this district which follows the " blanket " methods of North Auckland. In the other schemes, even if certain units were disconnected, there is one main block which forms the nucleus of the scheme. The Waiapu-Matakaoa on the contrary consists of a number of small blocks in nowise connected save that for convenience of accounting they are grouped into one control account instead of each one being a scheme unto itself. There are five sheep-farming propositions which consist of two Crown leases, one Native lease, and two Native freeholds. Situated in the Northern Waiapu District, the scheme is the centre of a large Native population, and brings under development the tribal lands of the Ngatiporou people, who for some years before Government assistance was forthcoming were engaged in dairying and pastoral pursuits. Brief notes on the larger stations are as follows : — Toetoe and Kaiwaru. —Prior to 1934 development was confined for the greater part to portions of these two blocks which were being worked as one sheep-station. During the year a scheme of subdivision rendered possible by extinguishing certain leasehold titles was adopted and six lessee units were established, three of whom are now dairying and the remaining three working their holdings as small sheep-runs. Bushfelling and grassing were the principal activities during the period under review, and in addition about 120 chains of fencing was erected. Marangairoa 1a 2-4. —The section, comprising an area of 494 acres, is worked as a sheep-station, carrying 580 breeding-ewes, besides 102 run cattle. Tapatu-Waitangirua 2b. —This station, containing 695 acres, is leased to a Native tenant who is running 1,400 sheep, together with 143 store cattle. The occupier is an able farmer, and it is expected that he will clear off his total indebtedness in respect of advances for development during the coming season. Section 5, Block VIII, Mangaoparo Survey District. —Comprising an area of 574 acres of easy hill country, of which 300 acres are in good English pastures, this section is fully stocked with 1,100 sheep and 83 head of store cattle. Section 10, Block VIII, Mangaoparo Survey District.—This section contains 258 acres, which are now fully developed. The pastures are nearly all good English grasses, and the occupier, who is a capable sheep-farmer, requires little supervision in the management of his holding, and with a favourable season should extinguish his liability to the Department during the coming year. The balance of the Waiapu-Matakaoa scheme comprises 45 unit holdings on which dairying is the principal industry. Returns for the year include 152 bales wool, sales of 3,200 sheep, and transfers to other schemes of 250 store cattle and 385 breeding-ewes. Information in regard to butterfatproduction is not available.

18