,G—10

Manawatu In past years this scheme has experienced numerous setbacks owing to flooding by the Manawatu River, but this danger has now been practically eliminated by an extra outlet being cut for the river to reach the sea. Butterfat returns for this year have been much improved on previous outputs, but there is room for further improvement yet. This year, in addition to dairying,, a small area was used for market-gardening. From an experimental point .of view this was a success, but 110 great profit was made. With the experience gained a greater measure of financial success might be expected on future occasions, but one great drawback is the transporting of materials and produce across the river, as the scheme is now virtually an island. It is intended next season to establish three share-milkers on this scheme and to cull and replace quite a number of the cows at present in the herds. With close and continuous supervision, good results may be expected. PORANGAHAU The balance area under development is 832 acres of good second-class land about one mile from Porangahau. A very severe drought made conditions 011 this scheme very difficult for live-stock, as all the creeks and springs dried up. A small P.A. breeding herd has been established with good results. SOUTH ISLAND NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT Kaiwhare Comprising an area of 514 acres on the main south road about ten miles north of Kaikoura, this scheme usually suffers from an excessive rainfall, but the weather conditions during the year under review have been reasonable and growth during the autumn promises to be good. The lambing percentage was 87-4 per cent, which is very good for this type of country, and the wool clip averaged just over 8 lb. per sheep and sold at over 13d. per pound. The death-rate was light, approximately 3 per cent. The flock has been heavily culled and satisfactory prices obtained. One hundred of the best wether lambs have been retained to assist with the control of the fern, &c. The deathrate of cattle has been exceptionally heavy, brought about by the cattle eating branches of ngaio trees that had been blown down. When these branches begin to wilt they are very poisonous for stock. This, combined with rust on the bracken fern, was the cause of the loss. Southland Scheme Satisfactory progress was made, notwithstanding unfavourable wet and cold weather from October to February. The principal development item consists of the clearing of 37 acres of logs and stumps. In addition, appreciable headway was made with fencing and, to a lesser extent, drainage. Two works recently completed consist of the extension of electric-power line to certain parts of the scheme at Colac Bay and the formation of 52 chains of new road at Wakapatu. Both these items represent definite progress. There is one development lease in the scheme. Wairau Climatic conditions during the year under review have been very erratic and- major flooding occurred during August and November. The summer months have been very good and the prospects for autumn and winter feed are good. The lambing percentage was extremely poor, but this was due

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