C.—l.

Pururu Block (2,685 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was originally a Native lease-hold and was purchased from the lessee by the Crown. It was the first scheme undertaken by the Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti. Most of the area was originally bush clad and had been felled and grassed. It had almost completely reverted, and was badly ragwort and rabbit infested. Work commenced in October, 1933, and was confined to the central easy portion of 900 acres. It is now being extended to the west of the developed area. On the East approximately 300 acres of bush is being reserved. The improvements consist of twelve cottages erected and two houses repaired, while nine cow sheds and yards have also been erected. Approximately 1,000 acres has been cleared and grassed, and an additional 200 acres has been burnt and surface sown. Nine hundred acres have been cultivated, and of this 836 acres has been sown in grass ; 2,371 chains of fences have been erected and 280 chains repaired, and 192 chains of drains have been dug. One set of sheep-yards, one dip, and one cattle-yard have been provided. The original area of 900 acres is practically completed, but it may be necessary on account of ragwort to progressively renew a certain area of the present grassed land. Of the balance of the block there is approximately 700 acres which it is not intended to develop as it is either bush clad or too broken. This leaves approximately 1,000 acres which may be developed in the future. Stock carried : Sheep, 3,539 ; run cattle, 176 ; dairy cattle, 267 ; horses, 18 ; pigs, 37. Thirty-seven men are employed. Vincent's Block (195 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was an abandoned section very badly deteriorated and ragwort infested. Work has been proceeding for approximately three years and a half, and the following improvements have been effected : One dwelling has been erected, 80 acres has been cleared, 108 acres has been cultivated of which 90 acres has been sown in new grass, and 56 acres of old pasture has been renewed ; 163 chains of new fences have been completed and 65 chains repaired, while 32 chains of drains have been cut, including one large creek deviation. One set of sheep-yards has been constructed. The work on this section is practically completed. The remainder will be progressively undertaken as seasonal work. Stock carried : Sheep, 342 ; run cattle, 78 ; dairy cattle, 4 ; horses, 6. Rumbles' Block (379 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This section was a forfeited one which had become almost totally reverted and badly infested with ragwort and rabbits. Work was commenced about three years ago, and the improvements consist of one house erected, 48 chains fences completed and 137 chains repaired, 28 acres clearing and 47 acres cultivation, of which 4-3 acres have been sown in grass. One set of sheep-yards has been erected. Work is approximately 40 per cent, completed. Stock have been carried in large numbers intermittently. Smith's Block (194 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was an abandoned section which had almost totally reverted and was badly ragwort infested. Work has been proceeding approximately twelve months, and comprises the following : 129 chains new fence erected and 45 chains repaired, and 25 chains drains dug. The scrub on 120 acres has been cut, and this area is ready for burning and sowing. The work is approximately 30 per cent, completed. Fairly large mobs of stock have been grazed intermittently for purposes of ragwort and fern control. Stanley's Block (177 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was an abandoned section very badly infested with ragwort and almost totally reverted. Work has been in progress for twelve months, and the following comprises the work completed : Dwelling repaired, 74 acres cleared and sown in grass, 6 acres cultivated, 180 chains of new fencing erected and 80 chains repaired, while 63 chains of drains have been dug. The work has been approximately 30 per cent, completed. —Large numbers of stock are grazed intermittently for ragwort and" fern control. Te Tahi Block (430 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was an abandoned section which had for the most part totally reverted to fern and manuka, &c. Approximately 50 acres of worn-out pasture was infested with ragwort. Work has been proceeding for twelve months, and the following improvements have been effected : 150 acres cleared, 20 acres cultivated and sown in swedes, and 280 chains of new fences erected and 30 chains repaired. Work is approximately 30 per cent, completed. No stock has yet been carried.

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