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Henderson's Block (776 Acres), (Locality : Otorohanga).—The pastures on this block suffered seriously during the dry spell and most of the live-stock had to be moved elsewhere. Two ex-servicemen are to be settled on dairying sections of 100 acres each this year and the remainder of the block is to be disposed of to ex-servicemen during 1947. Kaeaea Block (1,639 Acres), (Locality : Aria). —During the year, 60 acres of pasture have been added to the previous total. A new wool-shed has been erected and the carrying-capacity of the block is steadily increasing. Permanent grass is now rapidly consolidating and the swamp area is gradually being brought in. Kairangi Block (863 Acres), (Locality : Roto-o-rangi).—This block, which was originally acquired from the Waikato Land Settlement Society, will be completely settled this year. To date, sixteen prospective civilian settlers of the society have been established and a further three ex-servicemen settlers will take over the balance of the block in the near future. All the necessary improvements have been effected. Karakariki Block (1,433 Acres), (Locality: Whatawhata). —This block contains a large area unsuitable for development. Some years will elapse before any further settlement can be contemplated. The block was taken over from the Waikato Land Settlement Society. Kohua Block (1,094 Acres), (Locality: Piopio).—-An ex-serviceman is to be settled on 357 acres this autumn. A new house and supplementary buildings have been erected for this purpose. Very little development has been carried out during the past year on the balance of the block, but the existing pastures are consolidating well and the fences are in fair order. Konui Block (300 Acres), (Locality: Hamilton).—This property, formerly used by the Department of Agriculture as a vegetable-production scheme, was handed back to the Department during 1945. Four ex-servicemen are to be settled in June," 1946. Houses have been built, a water scheme installed, fences erected, and milking-sheds completed and equipped. The recent dry spell temporarily affected the pastures, but it is anticipated that the desired recovery will take place before settlement. Fifty-seven acres was disposed of to the Agriculture Department for soil-research purposes in June, 1945. Langdon's Block (456 Acres), (Locality : Pukeatua). —The dry summer affected this block of pumice land more than the heavier country. Lack of manure has also adversely affected the pasture. Two small-farm settlers are to commence dairying this year. The necessary fences and buildings, have been erected. Maihiihi Block (335 Acres), (Locality : Maihiihi). —One settler took over a herd during the year and a further section is to be settled this coming year. The balance of the block will not be ready for settlement for some years yet. Mangamdhoe Block (442 Acres), (Locality: Otorohanga).—The gorse on this property is now under control and development of the area is proceeding. Further settlement will now, however, not be possible for some years yet. The recent dry spell adversely affected the pastures, and a crop failure resulted. Mangaorino Block (832 Acres), (Locality: Te Kuiti). —When taken over, this area was reverted hill country. During the year, 35 chains of new track have been completed to make easier access to the back of the block. The crops included a trial of 2 acres of pampas grass. There is no immediate prospect of a new road into the Mangarapa Basin being formed, and until this is done development cannot be successfully handled. Mangaotaki Block (1,611 Acres), (Locality : Mangaotaki).—This area was acquired for ex-servicemen in 1945, and it is expected that settlement will take place early in 1947. This country rises from easy hills to steep ridges. Two-thirds is in good pasture ; the balance is reverted somewhat to fern and scrub. This block was heavily stocked during the dry spell, due to stock transfers from departmental properties in drought areas.

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