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of new fences. Here again the difficulty of obtaining lime and materials lias hindered progress. The fencing on the property is poor, but good progress is being made in reconditioning. Both sheep and cattle have done well and it is hoped that all lambs will be fattened before the end of the season. It is expected that one more holding will be allotted in 1947. Anderson Gift Block (600 Acres), (Locality : Dipton). —Two new dwellings have been erected by the Housing Construction Department, outbuildings have been completed, and are now in occupation by the two settlers. These two homesteads, with the addition of shelter-trees, should create a favourable impression. The new boundary fence between sections is nearing completion, and the contractor has made satisfactory progress with bridges over the main channel. Grain yields on this block were good, new grass areas are looking particularly well, and ample winter feed is assured. The ewe flock is in good condition to go into the winter and the ewe hoggets are an outstanding line. Due to late sowing of lamb feed, returns from fat lambs were not satisfactory. Wool returns were splendid, and, taking everything into consideration, the season has been a very successful one. Allotment of holdings will take place in the autumn of 1946. Strathlane Block (440 Acres), (Locality : Invercargill).—The outcome of the season's operations show that this block has been successfully farmed. Yields from wheat, which has been stacked, promise to be good. Returns from fat lambs and wool were very good. Areas laid down in new grass are looking well, and the remainder of the pastures are satisfactory. A contract has been let for the erection of a new dwelling and outbuildings, but it will be some time before these are completed. Ample winter feed is available and the stock are looking particularly well. Settlement will take place as soon as the building programme is completed. Balfour Block (612 Acres), (Locality : Balfour). —-This block was acquired in January, 1946. Three ex-servicemen are employed and the programme of development is under way. The work on hand consists of ploughing approximately 200 acres of old pasture and liming and top-dressing of the better established pastures. Fencing and draining will be carried out as soon as materials are available. The property is fully stocked at present, but owing to the failure of the turnip crop due to club-root, winter feed will have to be purchased. Establishment of buildings on this property is being proceeded with. One unoccupied dwelling on Crown land was successfully moved to this block. Eastern Bush Block (493 Acres), (Locality : Invercargill). —Since acquiring this property in December, 1945, the following development work is being carried out: ploughing of approximately 300 acres, 40 acres of which has been sown in dun oats for spring feed, balance to be sown in grain and fodder crops. Liming and top-dressing have been done on the better established pastures. Fencing repairs and the erection of new boundary fences are under way. An endeavour is being made to reduce the rabbit menace. All cultivation is being done by contract. Two ex-servicemen are employed on wages doing seasonal work and erecting fences, &c. Five hundred ewes will be wintered on the property, this small number being due to lack of winter feed. Repairs fco the two existing houses are being attended to. Ruahine Block (1,125 Acres), (Locality: Pahia). —This property was acquired in March, 1946. It will be subdivided into three holdings, two sheep and cattle and one dairy. The development programme will include the use of an excavator on drains and a bulldozer on bush areas. There were no turnips on the block when acquired, but there is an ample supply of rough feed. It is planned to winter approximately 300 cattle and afterwards stock the property with both sheep and cattle. Menzies Ferry Block (250 Acres), (Locality : Fortrose). —This block, containing two dairy holdings, is almost ready for settlement. Buildings and boundary fence have been erected, water reticulation is still to be completed, and milking-machines on one section are to be installed before the holdings are allotted. All crops have done particularly well. New pastures sown are in first-class order and there is an amply supply of winter feed. With the excellent quality of the herd and the feed position assured, successful settlement of this very fine property is anticipated.

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