o.—l.

NELSON. (P. R. Wilkinson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The winter of 1939 was one of the most severe experienced in this district for many years past, and as a consequence the period under review has been a most trying one for farmers generally. The dry spell experienced in the summer of 1938-39 continued into the autumn, and resulted in a shortage of feed. Stock suffered accordingly, and entered upon the winter months in a fairly low condition to withstand a severe winter. Heavy snowfalls during the late winter took toll of the low-conditioned stock, and severe losses were suffered. In spite of the severe winter an early spring was experienced, and favourable farming conditions have prevailed for the balance of the period under review. Some' flooding in the early summer necessitated the replanting of considerable areas of tobacco, but the subsequent season has been quite a good one. Lands opened for selection were sought after in cases where the qaulity offered an inducement to settlers to expend money thereon. A considerable improvement in the position of the rent accounts of Crown tenants is noticeable.

MARLBOROUGH. (G. I. Maktin, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The drought conditions which prevailed at the close of last season continued until the end of June, and the total rainfall at Blenheim for the six months ending 30th June, 1939, was only 3-93 in. Feed became very short, especially in the northern area, and stock generally went into the winter in poor condition. Good rains were experienced in July and August, and climatic conditions from then on were favourable for all portions of the district, with the exception of the low-lying, heavy lands adjacent to the lower reaches of the Wairau River. Heavy rains in the ranges at the source culminated in this river overflowing its banks early in December, inundating several thousands of acres of the district's best land. Crops which had shown exceptional promise were in many cases ruined, and considerable areas of permanent pasture were drowned out. Those sheep-farmers who rely wholly on wool and store sheep had a poor year. Although woolprices were up on those received recently, the increase was offset to a large extent by the lighter clips. In addition, prices for store sheep have been very poor, and in many cases barely cover the cost of getting sheep to the saleyards. Farmers on the easier lands who can fatten their surplus stock fared much better, as also did the agricultural farmers, and many good crops were harvested. The dairy-farming community has experienced a disappointing season, due largely to the abnormal climatic conditions prevailing, and production in the northern localities is slightly down on the previous season. Orchard production is down slightly below normal, but the size range is much better, the quality is good, and the trees generally have made average to vigorous growth.

WESTLAND. (B. King, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Farming conditions over the past season have been particularly difficult. The rainfall daring the productive period was exceptionally heavy, being accompanied by uniformly low temperatures and a large decrease in the sunshine period. As a consequence growth of pastures was retarded. Those settlers with farm lands fronting on rivers, and these comprise a considerable number, have had large areas of pasture lands flooded from time to time, and the consequent deposit of silt on the herbage has had an injurious effect upon stock. An exceptional flood in the Grey Valley at the end of February was prevented from causing much damage to stock owing to the fact that it was generally anticipated, with the result that flocks and herds were removed to safer quarters in time. The protective banks recently erected at the Raupo Settlement withstood the strain of the floods remarkably well, although the margin of safety was reduced to a very low figure indeed. Further works are now in hand to increase the height of the protective banks. Settlers have met their obligations to the Department very satisfactorily during the year, revenue having been maintained, while arrears have been slightly reduced.

CANTERBURY. (N. C. Kensington, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Reports generally show that climatic conditions have made farming conditions difficult over the past year, although there has been compensation by way of increased prices for wool and lambs. There were heavy falls of snow during July, mostly on the low country and Banks Peninsula, but no heavy falls were reported at that time in the Mackenzie country and on the high country generally. The high-country runholders, however, suffered later where heavy falls of snow were recorded in the middle and end of January. Weather conditions had a bad effect on wool, and light clips have been general, lambing percentages also being very low. A dry spring was followed by rain in the middle of January, and, although spring-sown wheat returns showed poor results, the autumn-sown returns were very satisfactory. The

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