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Matanuku (Locality : Tokoroa). —Seven sections were allotted to ex-servicemen during the year, while one is being farmed on wages pending further improvements. Two further sections will be settled in the coming year, while the balance of ten sections are expected to be ready for occupation during the following year. This block suffered less from the drought than other parts of the district and consequently the production of both meat and wool was satisfactory. Matarawa (Part Matanuku Block). —Possession of this block was taken on Ist March, 1945, and is being developed in conjunction with Matanuku. The subdivision provides for three sections, and contracts for the necessary buildings have been arranged. Ngutuwera (Locality : Tokoroa).—Last season's swede area has been sown down in permanent pasture, and a further area is now in a fairly good swede crop. Until sufficient manure is available, work on this block cannot proceed. Rerewhakaitu (Locality: Rotorua). —The work on this block has consisted of fencing, building renovations, and the provision of winter feed. Yery fair swede crops have been obtained and there is a good strike of soft turnips. It is now necessary toplough further rough areas for temporary pastures and swedes. There is great scope for development when fertilizer-supplies are available. Tokoroa (Locality : Tokoroa). —This block, in common with Matanuku, did not suffer from the drought to the same extent as the other areas to the east. The class of stock has been well maintained and production has been satisfactory. Last year's swede area has been sown down in grass and appears to be a good strike, but the new swede area has suffered badly.. Lack of fertilizer is again the cause of further deterioration of pastures, and this has resulted in a reduction of the number of breeding-ewes. Waikite (Locality : Rotorua). —Shortage of fertilizer and drought conditions resulted in further deterioration of pastures and consequent loss in carrying-capacity on the Waikite Block. In the case of the Whirinaki portion of the block there is no marked deterioration in the pastures, and this is no doubt due to the fact that there has never been any breeding of sheep or cattle on this area. It has been reserved for fattening cattle and wintering cull lambs from Mihi, with very good results. As a result of the experience of last year, it has been decided to make provision for the establishment of lucerne areas wherever possible. Development work in the meantime is limited to fencing, buildings, ploughing further unimproved land, and sowing temporary pastures for future root crops. Tikokopu (Locality : Helensville). —This block of 4,600 acres, which is situated about three miles south-east of Helensville, was taken over during the year. The whole area is undulating to hilly with some good flat areas suitable for dairying. Considerable development work, consisting mostly of clearing and pasture establishment, is necessary before settlement takes place. In the meantime, sheep and cattle are being run and areas prepared for large-scale development work. A subdivisional scheme providing for seven dairy and six sheep farms has been prepared. Whangapoua (Locality: Coromandel). —This block of 21,055 acres, which is situated on the Whangapoua Harbour, Coromandel Peninsula, was purchased in February, 1946. Of the total area, approximately 2,000 acres of flat to undulating country is being retained by this Department for future settlement, while the balance is being taken over by the State Forest Service. Considerable development work is necessary, as the greater part of the land consists of run-out pastures with areas of fern and scrub. A farm-manager has been appointed and a start made with fence repairs, draining, and pasture renovation. At present 1,500 breeding-ewes are being run. Riverside (Locality : Tangowahine). —Purchased in February, 1946, this block of 3,960 acres is situated about seventeen miles north-east of Dargaville. The whole area. is undulating to steep hills and consists of some fairly good grassed areas in the small valleys. The greater portion of the hill country is reverting to fern and scrub. The block has good water for stock on the eastern boundary, but over the balance of the'

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