Gk—lo,

The following butterfat production chart shows a decided increase on last season :—

Onewhero. Onewhero Proper. —This section comprises an area of 720 acres, parts of which are practically level with the Waikato River and are subject to flooding. Development is consequently a somewhat costly process, although much work has already been undertaken on the swamp areas. The successful settlement of this position of Onewhero is also dependent on provision for an adequate water-supply, a matter which is at present being investigated with a view to ascertaining the most efficient system of reticulation. Housing conditions generally are not good and will receive attention in due course. Ojpuatia.- —Only 8 acres of new pasture were laid down during the year. Sixty chains of new fencing were erected and much repair work undertaken. One new house has been built. Rabbits and noxious weeds have been kept in check. The country is suitable for mixed farming, and it is proposed to supply sheep to some of the units. Generally, this section of Onewhero is poorly watered. Mercer. —One unit is established across the river at Mercer and is making good progress, although the blackberry menace is a continuous problem. Mangatangi. —This section of the scheme suSered during the recent floods, a large area of land being taken away and river erosion destroying fences and road access to the back sections. Five new houses were erected during the year, and the units are now comfortably housed. No new work has been undertaken during the year. General maintenance requires constant attention, particularly in regard to checking the spread of blackberry. Koheroa. —Only one unit is active at Koheroa and, in the face of adverse conditions, is milking 15 cows and maintaining his farm to advantage. The other section at Koheroa is still vacant, and the question of farming the property is under consideration.

Further information in regard to Onewhero, which is a " blanket scheme " divided into five sections and covering a group of twenty-nine units, is supplied in tabulated form : —

Waahi. Of vast importance from a policy point of view, this scheme now comprises four farms occupied by members of the Mahuta family, three being at Waahi, Huntly, and one at Rotowaro. One farm at Waahi was divided between two of the late Te Rata Mahuta's brothers—Tonga Mahuta and Te Rauangaanga Mahuta. The third Waahi farm, now since his father's death occupied by Kingi Koroki (the present Maori " King "), is managed by a competent man, and shows a marked increase in production. All the units, members of the Mahuta family, are capable farmers, and evince a keen practical interest in the policy of land-development among the Waikato people, justifying the great faith shown by the late Kingi te Rata and his cousin, Te Puea Herangi, in its beneficial results.

8

Farm No. j Area. Cows. Butterfat. : Value. ! Average Garryingper Cow. capacity. Acres. lb. £ Cows. 1 .. .. .. 71 33 5,329 219 162 35 2.. .. .. 60 18 5,392 225 299 25 3.. .. .. 56 21 5,430 225 259 30 4.. .. .. 46 20 5,029 204 251 25 5.. .. .. 47 26 6,332 259 244 30 280 118 27,512 1,132 233 145

Bern. I 0 Opuatia. Mercer. Waikarakia. Totals. Area under development .. 718 acres 1,317 acres 50 acres 462 acres 273 acres 2,820 acres Area in grass .. .. 385 acres 970 acres 35 acres 320 acres 110 acres 1,820 acres Number of units .... 10 8 1 8 2 29 Number of persons dependent 74 57 4 30 8 173 on scheme (adults and minors) Dairying stock .. .. 224 264 21 120 65 694 Horses ...... 15 13 1 12 6 47 Butterfat-production for year 33,3111b. 31,1071b. 3,0041b. 20,991 1b. 8,253 1b. 96,6661b. Average per cow . . .. 228 lb. 153 lb. 200 lb. 218 lb. • 150 lb. 190 lb.