C—l

Papanui (1,082 Acres), (Locality: Dunedin). —This property, which, has been farmed and developed by the Department since 1934, is now ready for settlement. Two sections were offered last spring for selection by servicemen, but no applications were received. Since then, however, the sections have been allotted to two ex-servicemen who, prior to being given titles in May next, have been employed on the block on wages. Another section is being allotted to the Manager. The balance of the property, comprising an area of 200 acres, is being retained by the Department meantime. Allotments from the stock on the block will be made to the new settlers. An excellent grass season has been experienced and stock have done remarkably well. Taipo Hill (468 Acres), (Locality : Kakanui). —There was a good growth of feed on this block and stock did well. The damp season has, however, retarded development, as difficulty has been experienced in working this heavy land, which is infested with twitch. All crops except the wheat did well, and a good supply of winter feed is assured. Unfortunately, second growth and a touch of " takeall " which appeared in the w;heat had the effect of reducing the yield. It will shortly be necessary to face the question of installing a water-supply to an area of 80 acres sown in permanent pasture. An implement-shed, barn, and dip and yards were constructed during the year. The access to the block has been greatly improved by the action of the Waitaki County Council in metalling the road, and the Council's action is much appreciated. It will be necessary in the near future to extend this road to the site of the dwelling for the second subdivision on the block. In the last few weeks an area of 58 acres of wheat was sown. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill The blocks under development in Southland comprise ten separate areas with a total acreage of 9,885. Some preliminary work has been done on Tysoe Farm Settlement, which will be occupied by the Crown on the Ist April, 1946. Weather conditions throughout the winter were fairly mild and, ample supplies of feed having been available, stock came through in good condition. During August and September conditions were good and pastures came away splendidly, especially on paddocks that had been- top-dressed. Unfortunately, the weather changed during October, but by then lambing was well through. Some good percentages of lambs were recorded, but due to the weather taking a turn for the worse, drafts off the mothers were not quite up to last season's standard. Climatic conditions from October right through to January were unfavourable as far as the cultivation and sowing of crops were concerned. In spite of that, there'are some good crops of swedes and turnips, and in most cases there should be ample winter feed available. Climatic conditions were responsible for a general shortage of lamb feed, resulting in late drafts of lambs. Harvesting has also been seriously affected. Kenilworth Block (1,736 Acres), (Locality: Pine Bush). —This block, situated at Pine Bush and acquired in September, 1945, is a sheep proposition. The grassing on practically the whole of the area, when acquired, was in poor condition and will require renewing. All the crops with the exception of the 60 acres of turnips and rape, which proved a failure, have done fairly well and ample winter feed should be available. The difficulty of obtaining lime has hindered the development of these areas, approximately 90 acres having received no lime at all. The development programme as regards renewal of pastures for the incoming season is a large one. The stock carried has been increased to 1,800 breeding-ewes with replacements. The flock has been considerably improved, and so better returns can be expected. Fencing has been a difficult problem owing to the lack of materials, but some new boundary fencing has been erected. Three ex-servicemen working on wages handle the block. It will be some time yet before the property is ready for settlement. Ninety-three chains of road-formation are required on this block. This will allow it to be cut up into four holdings. Robinhood Block ,(1,742 Acres), (Locality: Mataura Island). —This block was acquired in April, 1945. It is situated about four miles south-east of Mataura Island and consists of- three holdings, one of which was allotted in September, 1945. Development operations have been confined mainly to the renewal of pastures and erection

35