Q.—lo.

Until the 31st December, 1936, this scheme was financed by the Waikato-Maniapoto District Maori Land Board, but since that date the Native Department has been responsible for control and finance. The following butterfat production table is supplied : —

Grading—Superfine, 13,497 lb. ; first, 24,8741b. ; second, 131 lb. : total, 38,5021b. The area urtder development contains 310 acres, upon which 184 milking cows were carried at the flush of the season. The returns for the year to the Department, representing 100 per centum, were £2,134 from 38,502 lb. of butterfat. Kawhia. The Kawhia development scheme comprises twelve settlers and one block scheme —the Mangaora Subdivisions. There are three hapus interested —Ngati-te-Wehi (on Moerangi blocks around the Aotea Harbour), Ngati-Hikairo (on Kawhia blocks along the shores of the Kawhia Harbour), and Ngati-Apakura (on Mangaora Subdivisions). It must be appreciated that these three hapus are truly Waikato people and staunch supporters of the " Maori king." Kawhia itself is rich in traditional Maori history and legends. It was here that the famous " Tainui " canoe made a landfall after its voyage from Hawaiki about a.d. 1350, and it was here also that Te Rauparaha, the great Ngati-Toa chieftain, was born. The historic Pohutukawa of Papa-o-Korewa, to which, tradition tells, the " Tainui " was moored, still stands on the shore of the harbour. This scheme owes its beginning to the lead given by the late Maori king, Te Rata Mahuta, who, in the initial stages of developmental activities, advised his people as follows : " Listen, let us work with a vim in our work for our maintenance, and let those who are opposed go their way. Be you steadfast in your work." And through all the difficult periods which have been the lot of these people, these words and the mana of the Maori king have carried them through. To-day we find that the Natives in the Kawhia district have become fully alive to the advantages to be derived from Native land development, and great interest is being shown in the progress of the established settlers. Indications are not lacking that within the near future the Department will be asked to consider further development of Native lands in and around Kawhia. It is claimed by the Kawhia Maoris that here was the cradle of Hawaikian settlement of the west coast, and they are quite definite in their contention of historicity, and are apparently supported by songs and genealogy. As it is at present constituted, this scheme extends over an area of 4,351 acres, of which 2,000 acres are under development, 1,400 acres being in grass. During the year under review the units who have been running sheep in conjunction with their dairy herds have shown a marked improvement both in farming generally, and, always, in the financial returns of their farms. One of the principal factors to bring about this excellent result can be attributed to the keen competition amongst the settlers as to who could obtain the best fat-lamb returns. In the course of the season the fat-lamb weights ranged from 36 lb. to 44'5 lb., and illustrates the results that can be derived in applying basic slag to this type of heavy coastal country. The farmers generally have proved quite capable of managing their own stock. This is very gratifying, because, when sheep were first supplied, their knowledge of handling them was very limited. Full advantage has been taken to improve their holdings with the assistance of unemployed men, and much good work has been achieved. The health and behaviour of the people has been very satisfactory. Efficient and judicious supervision is being displayed by the Supervisor, and a certain share of the excellent results obtained must accrue to his credit. Provision has been made in the current year's estimates for the erection of five cottages, and an early start is anticipated under the direction of the Public Works Department. The Mangaora Block, containing 740 acres, of which 220 acres are under active development, has had the majority of the local unemployed Natives concentrated upon it, chopping heavy manuka, fencing and post splitting. The Polled Angus heifers transferred from Rotorua have done exceedingly well, and have kept second growth under control. At the 31st March, 1937, Mangaora (which is being developed as scheme land), was carrying 306 breeding-ewes, 49 Polled Angus heifers, 30 Polled Angus calves, and it wintered 290 ewes, which lambed down 256 lambs, averaging 90 per centum. The tallies of the units' live-stock are as follows : 280 dairy cows, 137 other dairy stock, 35 run cattle, 805 ewes, 38 horses, and 90 pigs.

3—G. 10.

17

Farm No. I Area. i Cows. Butterfat. Value. ! Ave f ?g e Carrying- ] per Cow. capacity. j ' Acres. Lb. £ Lb. Cows. 1 .. .. 130 70 15,062 827 215 70 2 .. .. 44 32 7,432 415 232 30 3 .. .. 53 28 5,724 315 203 30 4 .. .. 112 38 8,473 464 223 40 5* .. .. 37 16 1,811 113 113 30 Totals .. 376 184 38,502 j 2,134 209 200 * Ten months only.