e.-i

Operations on the Torode's Estate (the orchard property) were confined to seasonal work. The returns for the year were well up to the estimated production of ten thousand cases. Some 3 acres has been planted in stone-fruits, but it will be some time before they reach maturity. Molesworth-Tarndale Station continues to show signs of improvement, and there has been a marked increase this season in the growth of native blue-grass, plume-grass, tussock, cocksfoot, clover, timothy, and other grasses. Stock came through the winter in splendid condition. There has been a marked decrease in the number of rabbits on the station. On Sedgemere three ex-servicemen settlers have been engaged on development work and they are to be placed in occupation of their holdings at an early date. Development work on Greenhills has been hampered by lack of labour, but every effort is being made to break up old worn-out pasture with a view to early settlement. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Nelson.—There are two blocks in this district, Pakihi and Organ's, containing 2,922 acres. Maintenance work only is being carried out, and the main source of revenue is fattening cattle for the local market. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch— Ten blocks, totalling 17,257 acres, are being farmed or developed, one small block of 188 acres having been allotted to an ex-serviceman during the year. A mild winter and a favourable spring were followed by an exceptionally wet summer, culminating in disastrous floods in February. Lambing percentages were improved, and wool weights show a substantial increase on last year. Lambs were slow to fatten, and mortality was heavy in some cases due to the wet conditions. Development for irrigation proceeded during the year, but operations were necessarily small due to lack of labour. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin.—Four blocks were under development, but here, also, operations have been curtailed due to shortage of labour. On Papanui Block, 1,082 acres, the season has been a good one from a grazing point of view, and fat stock have gone off in excellent order. Island Cliff, 2,504 acres, experienced a wet season, as was the case elsewhere, and this greatly hampered the development programme. Nevertheless, stock did well and surplus sold at good prices. Taipo Hill, 468 acres, was in a bad state with twitch when acquired, and the wet season seriously interfered with the cultivation work. There was a good growth of feed on the block, and stock did well. Arcliff Block, 4,804 acres, comprises several abandoned sections which are being developed. The programme of regrassing was curtailed due to lack of suitable labour. Grass growth was good, and stock had a favourable year. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill.—ln the Southland District two blocks are under development—the Spurhead Block, of 2,223 acres, and the Anderson Gift Block, of 600 acres. Development work on these areas consisted mainly of drainage and fencing. All crops did well, but wet weather during March interfered with the wheat harvest. STATISTICAL SCHEDULES The statistical schedules appended give more particular detail and information in respect of the blocks at present under development. The blocks, which are subject to the Small Farms Act, 1932-33, and Land Laws Amendment Act, 1929, respectively, are shown separately, while those blocks which have been purchased for the settlement of ex-servicemen have their names printed in bold type. As from the Ist April, 1945, it is intended to make all areas with the exception of the Molesworth-Tarndale Run subject to the Small Farms Act, 1932-33. Ihe statistical data covers only those areas which have actually been farmed and developed by the Department for a period of one year as at the 31st March, 1945.

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