a—l

The season's production will total 50,000 lb. butterfat, and it would have been at least 10,000 lb. greater in a normal season. The year's work, apart from routine farming, included the clearing and resowing of deteriorated pastures, the erection of several manure-sheds, and the renovation of a number of cottages which are of the unsatisfactory Otahuhu type. The block is carrying 319 dairy cows and about 100 head of dry stock. The purchase of Dr. Smith's interests has been approved by the Board. Raetea Farm Settlement (Mansbridge's Block), (378 Acres). (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) • Situated at Broadwood, Hokianga, and acquired by the Department of Agriculture on lease for five years from Ist August, 1932, with an option to purchase. The option was exercised, and a subdivisional scheme was arranged to provide three full-time farms. A feature of this block is the excellent water-supply drawn from the river running through the centre of the property. Road access was one of the biggest difficulties with which the settlers were faced, but this has now been improved. The returns for the past three years have shown a marked increase, and this season will reach 15,000 lb. There are 106 dairy cows and 50 head of dry stock on .the block. Waiotama Farm, Settlement (Cossill's Block), (313 Acres). (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) Situated on the Whangarei-Dargaville highway. Prior to acquisition by the Crown, the property was partly farmed by one man. The Board has established five settlers, who have their sections fully developed and in good order. The herds are in first-class condition and are showing a steady increase in production, but it is apparent that an increase in the area of the holdings by the reduction of the number of settlers to four would be an advantage. The transfer of one of the tenants to another property will probably be arranged at the first opportunity. Stock carried : 112 dairy cows and 36 head of dry stock. Waiaruhe Farm Settlement (Raikes' Block), (272 Acres). (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) There is a fair amount of stone on this particular property, and on that account development has been slow. Once cleared, the land is capable of good returns, and to-day 120 acres of top-dressed pasture is carrying ninety-two cows. Four settlers have been established, and all are doing well. One settler who is working to a programme of stoning, ploughing, and grassing 8 acres annually is making exceptional progress. There is an excellent water scheme, which serves the houses, sheds, and most of the paddocks. This block is in the Bay of Islands County. McCraith's Block (162 Acres). (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) Two settlers occupy the 162 acres, which was originally leased from Mr. J. F. McCraith, Arapohue. The lease expired in December, 1937, and the area was subsequently purchased by the Small Farms Board. During the past year an adequate water-supply has been installed, a pump-house erected, and good progress made with the cutting of rushes on the flats and the clearing of the steeper country. One of the sections has reached full stock capacity, but another two years' work will be required to complete development of the other. Each is capable of carrying thirty-five milking-cows, plus dry stock. The general position here is very satisfactory, and the men should do well. Rehutai Farm Settlement (Wilson's Block), (1,120 Acres). (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) Twenty-one occupiers had been settled on this block when the administration was handed over to the Small Farms Board, but a rearrangement of some of the boundaries was made when two settlers abandoned their holdings, and the area of four sections increased. Two other holdings have been extended by the purchase of additional land. The number of dairy cows on the block has increased from 72 in 1934 to 539 this season. In addition, there is 162 head of dry stock on the block. The water-supply is ample for domestic as well as stock requirements. The majority of the sections can be regarded as fully improved, and no further capital expenditure will be necessary either for stock or other improvements.

7