C.—l.

HAWKE'S BAY, (F. R. Burnley, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Climatically the past year was a much more favourable one than the two previous ones. After a dry summer, light rain in April came when it was badly needed everywhere, but it was not the heavy soaking rain that was required to start a good autumn growth, which was very light as a result. Cattle feed was very light on the coastal areas and close to the ranges, this being the second dry autumn in succession. *A very mild winter helped considerably, and early spring rains started a good flush of feed. Much use seems to have been made of the 4b scheme to improve pastures and increase production by top-dressing, scrub-cutting, and fencing ; but suitable labour is now scarce in some districts for this class of work. There has been a considerable increase in the number of leases converted to freehold, both for cash and on deferred payments. This was no doubt due to the many O.R.P. licenses due to expire, and to the end of the time-limit imposed within which leases in perpetuity of settlement lands must be purchased. Transfers have not been heavy, but there seems a steady demand for leases of medium-sized dairying and mixed farming lands, while there is always a detnand for the small farms, both near Hastings and Napier.

TARANAKI. (A. F. Watebs, Commissioner of Crown Lands). The season 1940-41 has been particularly favourable for farming operations in Taranaki. Warm autumn rains promoted a good growth of grass, and mild weather continued until the end of June. Root crops were exceptionally good, and most farmers had ample winter feed. The lambing percentage for the district was a record, due no doubt to the favourable season. The dairy industry has had a remarkably successful season in spite of the disorganization caused by the change over from butter to cheese to meet wartime requirements. Revenue collected during the year was slightly in excess of that of the previous year.

WELLINGTON. (H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) In the northern portion of the Wellington Land District from Taumarunui to the Marton district, the seasons, taking them right through, have been favourable for all classes of stock and they came through the winter in good order and condition. Lambing percentages were considerably higher than for several years, and even in deteriorated areas they were up fully 10 per cent. Turnip and hay crops were disappointing, but fortunately the season was a favourable one for grass. Fat stock were fairly plentiful and values have been favourable, while store lambs, cast ewes, and cattle have sold well. In the Manawatu district a most favourable autumn and spring were experienced. Sufficient winter feed (hay and root crops) was available, and this, combined with a good winter, enabled stock to come through in good condition. Prices for stock were slightly lower than those ruling last year. The guaranteed price for butterfat stabilized the value of this product, but production will be a little lower than last season due to the very wet spring and the very dry summer. In the Wairarapa district conditions have been similar to those prevailing in other parts of the land district. Stock came through the winter in good condition and there was plenty of feed to carry them into the autumn. On grazing-country it was an ideal year for sheep and cattle and good average lambing percentages resulted. Satisfactory prices were obtained for surplus stock. Advantage has been taken of the 4b scheme by a large number of settlers who have desired to develop their farms by stumping and preparing heavily-timbered areas for ploughing and cropping. New subdivisional fencing has been erected, existing fences renovated, new drains dug, and better drainage made possible. The high cost of fencing-material has curtailed operations to some extent in the case of new fences. There is a good demand for land of the better class, and any areas opened that appear to have a living in them are keenly sought after.

NELSON. (P. R. Wilkinson, Commissioner of Crown Lands. The-winter period under review was the reverse of the previous severe winter. A comparatively mild season was experienced and stock came through remarkably well. It is anticipated that production will show an all-round increase, due principally to the favourable farming conditions. Dry conditions during and subsequent to the planting of tobacco affected some areas, but, on the whole, crops were very satisfactory. Hops were harvested in good condition, though some crops appeared to be rather lighter than usual. Areas of Crown land opened for selection during the year found satisfactory tenants generally. The position regarding arrears due by all Crown tenants continues to improve.

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