C.—l.

LAND DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE LAND LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 1929. The following additional areas, notes on which are supplied later in this report, were taken over by the Lands Development Board during the year for reconditioning and development A. r. p. Arthurton-Clifton Settlement sections, Otago .. .. .. 3,551 1 12 Acton Settlement sections, Canterbury .. .. ~ .. 561 0 0 Broadfields-Woodlau Settlement sections, Canterbury .. .. 618 2 32 Lauriston-Lyndhurst Settlement sections, Canterbury .. .. 329 0 32 Part Tangimoana Plantation, Wellington .. .. .. 100 0 0 5,160 0 36 The area under the Board's control now totals approximately 72,701 acres, excluding the Molesworth and Tarndale Runs (239,624 acres), which are being farmed only with cattle with a view to hastening the natural regeneration of the denuded slopes. The Board has continued to give financial support to Crown tenants for the development of their holdings, but its scope in this respect is strictly limited as the Act lays it down that only the lessees or licensees of undeveloped Crown lands are eligible to receive advances. The following information is supplied in accordance with section 10 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1929 :— Particulars of the Areas in respect op which Development Works have been undertaken DURING THE YEAR. North Auckland Land District. Kapiro Block (100 Acres). —Experiments in grassing are proceeding on an area of 100 acres of typical ironstone land with a view to deciding whether the large areas of this type of country in the North Auckland Peninsula offer any scope for successful development and settlement. The experiments are controlled by the Superintendent of Land Development, Auckland. Batten's Block (1,524 acres). —This property, which was held under security for advances under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, came back on the Department's hands in 1933, and has been farmed ever since. The Lands Development Board took over in 1938, and has proceeded with a certain amount of additional clearing and grassing to improve the productive capacity. Auckland Land District. Galatea Estate (19,300 acres). —Eollowing two indifferent years, weather conditions were favourable in this district and the pastures have shown marked improvement. There was a satisfactory increase in dairy production, and several herds in the district will average over 300 lb. per cow. Apart from extensive cropping (560 acres swedes) and haymaking (852 tons), the principal work during the year was cultivation, grassing, fencing, and consolidation of existing pastures. Preliminary work was also put in hand for the establishment of eight additional share farms. Gisborne Land District. Te Wera Station (9,922 Acres). —Te Wera Station was acquired by the Government in 1927, and has since been farmed by the Department. It has now reached the stage where a standard flock is carried., and the trouble once experienced with bush sickness appears to have been completely overcome. All surplus stock disposed of recently has realized top prices. With a view to making more adequate provision for winter feed, an additional 20 acres was stumped during the year. Other work undertaken included the top-dressing of 800 acres with cobaltized superphosphate. The stock carried includes 10,453 sheep and 1,858 head of cattle. Hawke's Bay Land District. Kaheka Estate (10,505 Acres). Development of this block was commenced in 1938 and was continued during this year. The stock on hand at Ist April, 1940, was 11,145 sheep, 1,234 bullocks, and 17 horses. During the year 76 chains of new fencing was erected, 30 chains of old fencing completely reconstructed, and 61 chains repaired. Eighty-nine acres of new land, 35 acres of which was stumped, was ploughed and is now growing a good crop of swedes. Thirty-six acres last year in swedes was sown with Cape barley in the spring and produced a good sample of grain and a fair crop. This area was sown in permanent pasture immediately the crop was harvested. One hundred and forty-five acres was top-dressed. Shelter plantations were cleaned and blanks replaced. In September, 1940, Mr. J. T. Young's renewable lease of 702 acres was absorbed into the block and the stock, consisting of 450 sheep and 58 mixed cattle, taken over. Altogether 3,282 lambs were bred, 3,825 wethers and 145 steers transferred from Kakariki, and 188 steers purchased. A total of 5,114 fat wethers were sent to freezing-works (2,06.1 averaged 67-88 lb.), 605 forwardconditioned grown bullocks were sold together with 46 mixed cattle from Young's, 309 five-year ewes were sold, and 592 transferred to Lagoon Farm.

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