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Te Maire Farm Settlement (Bassett's Block), (569 Acres J. (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) This block is in an exposed position, but nevertheless is coming in well, as is evidenced by the fact that during the last six years the stock capacity has increased from thirty to three hundred cows. The soil is dark sandy loam. An increase in the size of the holdings is desirable, but not absolutely essential, as the average annual returns from each of the eleven sections is in the vicinity of £350. During the year the settlers were principally engaged on general farm-maintenance work. The block is situated in the Hobson County. Whangarei Harbour Board Block (255 Acres). (Control : Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) This block, consisting of reclaimed tidal mudflats, is held under lease from the Whangarei Harbour Board. The first response to grassing was disappointing, but the pastures are now generally in good order. Owing to the smallness of the sections and the proximity to Whangarei, the block is more suited to persons with other means to supplement their income. Ninety-eight cows are being milked by the six occupiers, but the returns for the season were very poor owing to the fact that over a period of three months there was barely enough water for household purposes. Fortunately, two of the settlers are able to draw their supply from the local body's reticulation. Stewart's Block (246 Acres). (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) Exceptionally good results have been obtained by the three occupiers established on this property, which was acquired by the Board from Messrs C. M. and A. G. Stewart. When taken over, 50 acres was in good pasture, 110 acres in worn-out pasture, and the balance in ratstail and natural state. Ninety-four cows are being milked, and the season's production will be in the vicinity of 16,500 lb. The settlers are most industrious, and, besides attending to routine work, have been engaged during the past twelve months on the erection of subdivisional fencing and the clearing and cultivation of additional areas, with a view to increasing the carrying-capacity. Very little, if any, further capital money will be required for development work. Parris' Block (302 Acres). (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) Situation : twenty miles from the Pokeno Railway-station. When acquired, 60 acres was in rough pasture, and 242 acres in natural state. To-day the block is carrying ninety-six cows and twenty-seven head of dry stock on three subdivisions. Since being given occupation the settlers have maintained a very steady rate of development, and except for the boundary fencing, which was erected by contract, have carried on without the assistance of outside labour. It can be said that the progress on two of the holdings has been outstanding. Electricity and good water-supplies are available. Church Mission Block (633 Acres). (Control: Commissioner of Crown Lands, North Auckland.) This block was acquired in its natural state (hakea and tea-tree) by the Crown in 1934. Situated on the Awhitu Peninsula, approximately twenty-two miles from Waiuku. Development was carried out with the co-operation of the Public Works Department, and has resulted in the establishment of eight settlers on fully equipped dairy-farms carrying a total of 282 dairy cows, 115 dry stock, and 117 pigs. The occupiers were selected from the workmen employed on the scheme, and indications are that they will all be successful. Each man has been provided with an up-to-date cottage and shed, in accordance with modern standards, complete with milking-machines, electric power, and plentiful water-supply. Electricity has also been made available for domestic purposes. A recreation and foreshore reserve has been set aside, while small unusable areas have been planted in trees. About thirty pupils attend the school erected on the block.

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