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Approximately 40 chains of new fences were erected and the main pipe-line for the* water-supply was renewed. Twenty-five acres were cleared of stone, of which 20 acres was grassed and 5 acres cropped. Mihi (Locality: Reporoa).—Area, 26,992 acres. Possession date, Ist August, 1938. Subdivision, not finalized. Additional areas were acquired during the year and these will be developed in conjunction with this block. There was excellent growth on all pastures and very heavy yields of hay were obtained. The trial dairy herd milked on shares again maintained a high production level and on one occasion topped the list in the Reporoa group of the Auckland Herd Improvement Association. An investigation into an apparent deficiency trouble on this block was carried out by the Agriculture Department and it was established that there is a deficiency of copper in certain parts of the area. Steps have been taken to remedy this. Shortage of water is a retarding factor in the closer settlement of this area, but the possibility of linking up these blocks eventually in the Reporoa Valley reticulation scheme is under consideration. Motutapu (Locality : Hauraki Gulf). —Area, 3,606 acres. Subdivision not intended.. The areas in crop the. previous year were sown down in permanent pasture and a further 90 acres cultivated for crops. Fencing-work consisted of dismantling and re-erecting : about 50 chains. Stocking was still arranged with a view to controlling the heavily infested ratstail pastures, and this has produced good results. An excellent wool crop was obtained and stock generally wintered well. Ngutuwera (Locality : Tokoroa). —Area, 1,301 acres. Possession date, 3rd March, 1941. Subdivision, not yet finalized. This block has been grazed in conjunction with Matanuku Block. Okahukura (Locality : Wellsford). —Area, 9,041 acres. Possession date, sth March, 1945. Subdivision (tentative), twenty-three dairy and five sheep farms. Shortages of materials and labour are the contributing factors influencing development operations. To date 625 acres of established pasture has been renovated and 360 acres of gorse and scrub land has been cleared and. cultivated and of this area 200 acres sown in crops. The homestead has been completely renovated and all other farm buildings repaired and painted. An engineering survey has been carried out for the main drainage system and a drag-line excavator engaged to open up approximately 6 miles of drains. Opou (Locality: Ngatea). —Area, 573 acres. Possession date, 30th June, 1947.. Subdivision, three dairy-farms. The formation of the access road was completed by the Public Works Department and is ready for metalling. Since taking possession, 1,020 chains of old fencing has been dismantled, 100 chains repaired and reconditioned, and 698 chains of new fences erected. Five hundred and ten chains of drain bank has been graded and 110 acres of pasture harrowed. On the run-off area of 239 acres, all existing fencing has been renovated, the old cottage dismantled and removed, and the area top-dressed. Both properties have been stocked with cattle from Pouarua, and it is expected that one herd will-be milked during the coming season. Patuamahoe (Locality: Patuamahoe). —Area, 140 acres. Possession date, 31st March, 1947. Subdivision, two dairy-farms. This area was grazed during the year and contracts have been let for the erection of buildings. A water-supply is being installed and both sections will be balloted before the commencement of the 1948-49 dairy season. Pouarua {Locality : Hauraki Plains). —Area, 12,147 acres. Possession date, 10th October, 1937. Subdivision not yet planned. This block includes the Pouarua Block proper, 10,483 acres, a deep-peat area being worked on a long-term development plan ; the Kerepeehi Block, of 1,605 acres, which is a shallow-peat area now nearly ready for settlement; and an area of 58 acres which is a dairy-farm being used for experiments in mineral deficiency. On the main block most of the work during the year was confined to maintenance of drains, fences, and care of live-stock. About 70 acres of tea-tree swamp was harrowed and burnt and will be sown. The experiments in mineral

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