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Two excavators have been operating in the district, one on improving the channel of the lower Pongakawa River and the other on the Wharere Canal and Kaikokopu Stream. Over 2 miles of drains were widened and deepened during the year, 18 miles of drains cleaned, and 3 miles 15 chains of fencing repaired. Other work included crushing blackberry and scrub and heavy harrowing of 438 acres, the formation of 21 miles of cattle and access tracks, renewing and erecting bridges, and the control of ragwort and blackberry. The season, on the whole, was a good one and stock came through the winter in good condition. The dry spell after Christmas had little effect in this area and grass was plentiful at the end of the year. Whenuanui (Locality : Ruawai).- —Area, 176 acres. Possession dates, 30th August, 1946, and 9th September, 1947. Subdivision, two dairy-farms. All development work Jhas been practically completed, with exception of the buildings, which should be ready in the near future. These sections will be balloted shortly, and it is expected that charges will be fixed as at Ist July 1948. Whiteside's (Locality : Otakiri). —Area, 97 acres. Possession date, Ist June, 1945. Single-unit dairy-farm. The development work, which included the erection of buildings, fencing, and pasture renovation, was completed. The section was allotted on fixed charges on Ist July, 1947, to the ex-serviceman who had been milking on wages during the previous season. Superintendent op Land Development, Te Kuiti The current development programme is well in hand, although the shortage of fencing and building materials causes some delay. A further nineteen sections will be balloted shortly. Arohena Block (Locality : Te Awamutu). —Area, 4,130 acres. One sheep section of 364 acres is being settled by a small-farm settler on Ist July, 1948. Concerning balance of block, 225 acres are to be cultivated, 145 acres to be sown in crops, 80 acres in grass, and 100 acres surface sown during the year. Water-supply is to be extended, and settlement is anticipated of three sections in 1949. Balance indefinite. Atua Block (Locality: Arapuni).—Balance area, 207 acres comprising two dairyfarms. Development operations were completed, and two ex-servicemen who were milking on a wages basis were established on their holdings as at Ist July, 1947. Ellicott's Block (Locality: Te Awamutu). —Balance area, 1,029 acres. One sheep section of 415 acres will be settled this year. Settlement of the remainder is being deferred pending the acquisition of additional land which is at present under investigation. Foss' Block (Locality: Pukeatua). —Area, 438 acres. Subdivision, one dairy and one sheep farm. Approximately 50 acres is to be cultivated and 100 acres surface sown. Water-supply is being improved and extended. It is anticipated that settlement will be effected in 1950. Henderson's Block (Locality : Otorohanga).—Balance area, 575 acres. The balance of this block has been subdivided into three mixed farms. Drought conditions were experienced, but stock came through in good condition. Development at present being undertaken includes farm buildings, water-supply, fencing, and farm tracks. It is proposed to settle the three subdivisions in 1949. Kaeaea Block (Locality: Aria). —Area, 1,639 acres. Work during year comprised erection of house, maintenance of fencing, and cultivation. Dry conditions were encountered, but stock emerged in fair condition-. A long-term development programme is required for this block and settlement will not be possible for some years. Kairangi Block (Locality : Cambridge).—Balance area, 320 acres, comprising one sheep-farm. Improvements, including fencing, drainage, and water-supply, were completed, and the ex-serviceman who had been working on the property on a wages basis was established on Ist July, 1947.

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