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-transferred from a block in the northern district and a sheep-dip constructed. A ram has been installed for the supply of water to the shed and dip. Early settlement is not •contemplated. Mapara Block (balance, 5,355 acres) twelve to sixteen miles south of Te Kuiti, on the Taumarunui Road. Very little development has been carried out, work being •confined mainly to the maintenance of existing fences and pastures. A small area previously in crops was sown in grass. A small-farm settler who was previously •employed on wages with a bonus on production was established on a dairy unit of 137 .acres. A reverted leasehold property adjoining the block was acquired and cultivated for crops. Ngatamahine Block (balance, 3,353 acres), seven miles east of Wairere Falls, on Kohua Road. Early in the year three ex-servicemen were selected and placed on sheep units at the southern end of the block. Yards, wool-shed, and dip were constructed at .a, central point, and are held by the settlers as tenants in common. Four civilian smallfarm settlers, previously on wages.with a dairy production bonus, were granted leases in July. All buildings and water-supplies required for this settlement programme have . been completed. New development was confined to a small amount of fencing, and sowing of grass on areas previously in crops. Further settlement is not proposed before 1950. Nilson's Block (604 acres), in an isolated position seven miles east of Waimiha. Block has been carrying dry stock only. Control of pastures has been difficult owing to the prevalence of ragwort and shortage of manures. The block is considered uneconomic as a unit, but may be farmed in conjunction with adjoining land. Steps are being taken to have the block disposed of to nearby settlers. Ohakune Block (1,087 acres), one mile east of Ohakune Junction. The block is .subdivided into five dairy units. During the year four dwellings, five cow-sheds, and •other farm buildings were completed, and two high-pressure water-supplies were installed. A ballot was held to select four ex-servicemen, who have since been employed on wages with a bonus on results, the fifth section being allotted to a civilian small-farm settler. Charges on all sections are to be fixed as from Ist July next. Oniao Block (777 acres), four miles south of Aria Township, on the Ohura Road. Accommodation for workmen has been improved during the year, but otherwise little •development has been done. Much of the fencing is in poor condition and requires •extensive reconditioning ; pastures and drainage require improvement. A new access road of 20 chains is being formed to replace the road through the Native land leased by the vendors but not taken over with the block. Plans for settlement are being prepared. Ojparure Block (1,939 acres), nine miles west of Te Kuiti, on the Marokopa Road. The development programme, estimated to take four years, includes erection of dwellings and other farm buildings, subdivisional fencing, and the improvement of existing pastures. Subdivision into five sheep-farms is intended. Piha Block (26 acres), on the main highway north of Te Kuiti. Used mainly as a holding paddock, but has been stocked for control purposes. No additional development has been done during the year. Piu Block (balance, 5,981 acres), an amalgamated block in the Mapiu district, twenty miles south of Te Kuiti. Progress has been made in bringing undeveloped areas into cultivation, but early settlement of developed areas is not yet contemplated. Pururu Block (balance, 2,187 acres), in the Rangitoto district, ten miles east of Te Kuiti. During the year two houses were removed from the settled portion and re-erected on new sites, one on the northern portion and one on Smith's sub-block. A considerable area was laid down in pasture and portion of the undeveloped area was .sown in temporary grass and crops ; fencing of these areas has been completed. One dairy unit and one sheep unit are to be offered for selection shortly, all buildings being complete and the dairy plant on order. Improvements to the community water-supply are in progress, including conversion to use electric power. The balance of the block will make four farms, and a bush area is to be reserved.

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