C—l

the shortage of fencing-wire it is possible to only ring fence the area. Workmen's huts have been erected, a large store-shed built, and approximately 190 chains of roading formed. Matanuku (Locality : Tokoroa). —Area, 3,279 acres. Possession date 3rd May, 1940. Subdivision, twenty farms. The ex-serviceman who was milking on wages last season has been granted his lease, and two other ex-servicemen who have been milking on wages will be granted their leases in time for the coming season. It is anticipated that a further eight sections on this block will be available for lease in the 1947-48 season, the buildings being well under way. Seven sections on this block were settled during 1945-46. Matarawa (Locality : Tokoroa). —Area, 334 acres. Possession date Ist March,, 1945. Subdivision, three farms. Matarawa (Homestead). —Area, 160 acres. Possession date, 29th July, 1946. Subdivision not finalized. Both these areas are grazed in conjunction with Matanuku, and it is anticipated they will be ready for settlement in time for the 1947-48 season. Maungakawa (Locality: Cambridge). —Area, 958 acres. Possession date, 31st October, 1946. Subdivision not yet finalized. As yet a' plan of subdivision has not been finalized and the property will be farmed with Romney sheep and fat cattle possibly for three or four years, which period is necessary to catch up on deferred maintenance and bring the pastures to a condition where the property can be farmed economically in smaller units. Maungatapu (Locality : Morrinsville). —Area, 455 acres. Possession date, 31st May, 1946. Subdivision, five dairy-farms. One section was balloted and the successful applicant milked on wages during the season. He will be allotted the section on fixed charges from Ist July next. Development work on the balance of the area is proceeding. An access road has been formed and metalled and farm buildings are being erected. The date of the ballot for these four sections depends on the progress made with the erection of the buildings. Mihi (Locality: Reporoa). —Area, 24,935 acres. Possession date, Ist August, 1938. Subdivision not yet finalized. There has been very slow recovery from drought on the higher portions of these blocks. The balance of the pastures are in good condition. Approximately 30 acres have been sown in lucerne and a good strike obtained. All work on this block is now being done by this Department. Intensive development work on this area must await improvement in the materials supply position. Motutapu (Locality : Hauraki Gulf). —Area, 3,606 acres. Subdivision not intended. Work on this area consisted of cultivating and sowing 90 acres of crop area into permanent pasture and 50 acres into lucerne. A further 150 acres cultivated and sown in swedes, barley, and chou moellier. An excellent strike of lucerne has- been obtained. Control of heavily infested ratstail pastures has been maintained by heavy stocking with cattle, with good results. The low manure allocation has not allowed of top-dressing other than the crops and new pasture. Fencing consisted of the dismantling and re-erection 76 chains. Control of gorse and noxious weeds was maintained by grubbing. Ngwtuwera (Location : Tokoroa). —Area, 1,301 acres. Possession date, 3rd March, 1941. Subdivision not finalized. This block has been grazed in conjunction with Matanuku, but no development work has been possible owing to the shortage of fertilizer and other materials. Last year's swede area of 25 acres has been grassed and a fresh area of 22 acres is now in swedes. Okahukura (Locality : Wellsford). —Area, 9,041 acres. Possession date, sth March, 1945. Subdivision (tentatively planned), twenty-three dairy and five sheep farms. Large-scale development has not been possible owing to the shortage of fencing-wire and fertilizer, and except areas required for seasonal crops no new land has been broken in. The homestead building was rebuilt and general repairs carried out to the other station buildings. A pig-proof fence was completed around the southern part of the block and stock losses from pig-worrying were reduced considerably. A drag-line dredge is required to carry out the reconstruction of the main outlet drain.

10