G.—lo.

Kawhia. There are three hapus interested in this scheme —Ngati-te-Wehi (on Moerangi blocks), NgatiHikairo (on Kawhia blocks), and Ngati-Apakura (on Mangaroa blocks) —all of whom are strong supporters of the " Maori King." The area extends over some 4,241 acres, of which 1,647 acres are under development, 1,300 acres being in grass. As a result of difficulty engendered in the initial stages of this enterprise through the feeling against the previous field supervision, and also on account of the irresolution of the owners of the blocks, progress was considerably retarded, and interest on the part of the occupants has in some cases being spasmodic. Notwithstanding the lack of supervision, cream returns show an improvement of 5,055 lb. of butterfat on last year's figure, and produced a net receipt of £1,464, which altogether, with the proceeds of the sale of sheep amounting to £982 and the wool cheque of £135, brought the year's receipts to the 31st March, 1936, to £2,581. As at that date there were 1,177 sheep and 471 dairy cattle on the scheme. Thus it is apparent that, with such a tactful and judicious control as is being displayed by the presentsupervisor, the majority of the 12 units with their 64 dependants should achieve satisfactory results, and ensure that their holdings do not deteriorate. During the course of the year 23 men with 104 dependants were assisted from unemployment funds to the extent of £507 ; the main farming operations carried out were 124 chains of new fencing with 40 chains of repairs to old fences, 29 chains of draining, 47 acres of scrubcutting, 63 acres of ploughing, 34 acres of bushfelling, and 99 acres of clearing and burning preparatory to sowing. This work has contributed considerably to the advancement of the farming activities, and with the increased interest being displayed by the units it is considered by the field supervisor that a further area should be brought into cultivation with a view to establishing the scheme as a good base area for the Kawhia district. Mahoenui. Situated about thirty-eight miles south of Te Kuiti on the main New Plymouth highway, and extending over a compact area of 6,026 acres, this scheme embraces the hapu of Ngati-Rungaterangi, and is one of the principal development schemes in the King Country. In view of the adverse reports in 1934 on the question of the possible deterioration of this land, it is gratifying to record that there is a general improvement as a result of heavier stocking, top-dressing, and subdivisional fencing, while the ragwort has been effectively controlled. In consequence of this scheme being overstocked last year, 80 cattle had to be sent to Te Kuiti Base Farm to be wintered, but this coming year it is proposed to obviate this state of affairs by sowing 200 acres in swedes, from which sufficient feed should be obtained to winter the cattle on the farm prior to being forwarded to Waimiha scheme in the spring for fattening. Of the total area, 2,400 acres are under development, with 1,550 acres in fair grass and 455 in temporary grass. Besides general farm work carried out by the permanent hands, the following progress was made : 497 chains of new sheep-proof fences were erected, while 110 chains were repaired ; 52 chains of new drains were excavated ; 56 acres of scrub were cut, while 80 acres of bush were felled ; 319 acres of stumping and 87 acres of clearing and burning were effected. These activities were accomplished under unemployment contracts, and provided work for seventeen men with forty dependants, the expenditure amounting to £825. The live-stock is in good condition, and at the 31st March, 1936, the tally was : 60 dairy cattle, 722 run cattle, and 3,305 sheep. The receipts consisted of £500, being the proceeds of 46 bales of wool, and £1,845 from sales of live-stock. This scheme is not yet suitable for subdivision, and at present there are only two units established with twenty-four dependants. The intention, however, based upon the estimate of the field officers, is, after providing a certain amount of internal roading, to eventually subdivide the block into twenty dairy farms, with two or three small sheep farms, and a run oS for the dairy stock.

Summary of Waikato-Maniapoto Schemes.

11

Number of Persons «g o 030 » dependent on Live-stock. © -2 <a 2 rp , i r ? a Number Scheme. o £ 1? o , lotal under c -g •* s w>h scheme. * i oi ffl o •£ P-< Area. Develop- TJ .. 0 mfnt, Units. ty £» £ . , u Dairying Run Q , £ 8 © Adults. Minors, Sheep. a; 3 p 3 <1 m Acres. Acres. lb. £ Kaihau .. 286 376 .. 15 6 154 .. .. 245 1,559 Waipipi .. 282 280 .. 18 11 118 .. .. 233 1,132 Onewhero .. 4,642 2,820 29 68 105 694 .. .. 190 3,991 Waihi .. 618 574 4 8 12 155 .. 140 715 Waikato .. 769 324 7 15 22 102 .. 210 652 TeKuitiFarm 617 617 4 4 2 125 1,089 .. 1,357 Oparure .. 602 410 5 5 19 36 220 194 457 Waimiha .. 7,829 2,303 2 25 50 306 64 1,326 178 3,889 Kawhia .. 4,241 1,647 12 21 43 471 34 1,177 150 2,582 Mahoenui .. 6,026 2,400 2 10 14 60 722 3,305 * 2,345 26,012 11,751 61 189 286 2,098 945 7,117 187 18,679 * Cream return from unit not to hand.