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H. and E. B. Carey Block (Locality: Puni).—This is a single-unit property and dairying operations have been carried on by the discharged serviceman, who will take the property over as from Ist July, 1946. A small amount of necessary development work, including renovating of fencing, has been carried oift, and a contract has been let by this Department for the erection of a new cow-shed. Araparera Farm Settlement (Locality : Helensville). —Dairying operations have been carried on during the year pending the acquisition of adjoining land necessary to provide two dairying units. A major problem has been the provision of an adequate watersupply, but this difficulty has been overcome and work on the installation of a supply has been commenced. Ngamahanga Farm Settlement (Locality : Pakaraka). —Possession of this property was taken on 29th March, 1946, and two dairying units will be provided. Arrangements had been made in anticipation of possession for the erection of two cow-sheds on a daylabour basis. The area will be grazed pending the commencing of dairying operations. Batten's Block (Locality : Waipu).—This block was being developed up to 31st March, 1945, under the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1929, being formerly an abandoned Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Account property. It was not possible to carry out any development work during the year owing to shortage of fertilizers and suitable labour. The Department, however, is receiving satisfactory returns from the property from sheep-farming operations and the grazing of run cattle. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland In this land district all development areas are controlled by the Superintendents of Land Development, Auckland and Te Kuiti. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Gisborne Four properties were acquired during the year for the settlement of ex-servicemen : Glenholme Farm Settlement (Locality: Opotiki), containing 2,165 acres, is situated sixteen miles from Opotiki on the main Opotiki-Whakatane Road. It has been subdivided into six mixed dairy and sheep farms and development has proceeded to such an ■extent that it is hoped to grant the six returned servicemen employed on the settlement permanent leases at the commencement of the coming season. Whakamaru Farm Settlement (Locality : Opotiki), containing 400 acres, is situated -two and a half miles east of Opotiki on the Tablelands Road. It is under development, and when ready for settlement will provide four mixed farms, dairy and sheep, for returned servicemen. At the present time the property is carrying 263 sheep and 170 head dairy heifers ; 510 four- and 6-tooth wethers were disposed of late in March, 1946. Painga Farm Settlement (Locality: Wairoa), containing 2,950 acres, is situated approximately 35 miles from Wairoa on the Matakuhia Road, and is well stocked with sheep and cattle. There is an area of 570 acres in standing bush which has been reserved for milling. The Department has continued to run this property as a station pending subdivision and erection of necessary farm buildings. Two exceptionally good sheepfarms will be available for ex-servicemen during the coming year. The property is at present carrying 2,100 ewes, 1,800 dry sheep, and 300 cattle. Kohanga Farm Settlement (Locality : Gisborne). —This is a property of 30 acres at Manutuke, approximately eight miles from Gisborne. The area is flat rich land along the banks of the Te Arai River and has been acquired for the training , and eventual .settlement of four returned servicemen desirous of taking up small-fruit growing as a livelihood. These men are being trained under the supervision of the Orchard Instructor, and after qualifying for "A" Grade certificates should be well on the way towards successful establishment. Te Wera (Locality : Matawai). —This block contains an area of 9,922 acres and was acquired in 1927, since which date it has been developed and farmed as a sheep and •cattle station.. Since acquisition, an area of about 1,900 acres of bush land has been felled and grassed. A standard flock is established and the surplus sheep and cattle are

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