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Waimumu Block (664 Acres), (Locality : Waimumu). —Progress lias been satisfactory on this property, and with the building programme nearing completion the allotment of the two holdings will take place in the autumn of 1946. Development work of a permanent nature completed during the year included the erection of new boundary fence between sections and the sowing of new pastures. Further drainage work is now under way and should be completed prior to settlement. The wheat yield was good and there is an ample supply of winter feed. Stock are going into the winter in good condition and all surplus lambs will be fattened before the season closes. Spur Head (2,223 Acres), (Locality : Edendale). —-This property, acquired in April, 1941, fronts the Invercargill-Dunedin State Highway, four miles west of Edendale. As in previous years, a substantial programme was carried out, the area under cultivation totalling 424 acres. A protracted spell of unfavourable weather retarded spring sowings, and the lack of sunshine arid warmth had a detrimental effect on the rape crop. However, turnips have done well, notwithstanding late sowings. Two thousand breeding-ewes and 320 head of cattle were wintered. Of the latter, 224 were fattened and sold, while an improvement in the quality of fat lambs produced was obviously in response to the better type of pastures now established, this notwithstanding that only a limited amount of top-dressing could be carried out and that the position with regard to supplies of lime was still unsatisfactory. Good progress was made during the year with water-supply and fencing, particularly the latter, approximately 530 chains of new fences being erected. The property has been considerably improved since it was acquired by the Crown, but the rate of future progress will be dependent upon the supply of materials and additional labour, which will involve the erection of houses. STATISTICAL SCHEDULES AND TABLES Table A.—Contains particulars of the properties purchased by negotiation for the settlement of ex-servicemen and of which possession was taken during the period Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946. Table B.—Contains particulars of the properties capable of subdivision into two or more units which were acquired under section 51 of the Servicemen's Settlement and Land Sales Act, 1943, during the period Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946. Table C. —Contains particulars of the properties acquired under Part II of the Servicemen's Settlement and Land Sales Act, 1943, during the period Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946. Table D. —Shows the total number of units—and cost of acquisition of singleunit properties acquired under section 51 of the Servicemen's Settlement and Land Sales Act, 1943, during the periods Ist April, 1944, to 31st March, 1945, and Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946. No properties were acquired under this legislation prior to Ist April, 1944. ■ Table E. —Contains details of the actual expenditure during the year under annual appropriations on the purchase of land and improvements and on development and farming operations. Corresponding figures for the previous year are included. Table F. —Shows the amount of profits and losses ascertained during the period Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946, on the disposal of blocks. Statistical Schedules.—These schedules contain more particular detail and information in respect of the blocks at present under development. During the year under review all blocks, with the exception of the Molesworth Run (Marlborough), previously subject to the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1929, were made subject to the Small Farms Act, 1932-33, and all the blocks shown are now subject to that Act. Such of the blocks as have been specially purchased or acquired for the settlement of ex-servicemen have their names printed in bold type. The statistical data covers only areas which have actually been farmed and under development by the Department for a full year as at 31st March, 1946.

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