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M afar a Block (Locality, Te Kuiti). —Balance area, 5,355 acres. A big development programme is necessary before settlement of block can be effected. This includes fencing, water-supply, drainage, roading, and the erection of farm buildings. Early settlement is not envisaged, but it may be possible to establish four ex-servicemen on sections within the next three years. Maungakawa Block (Locality: Cambridge).—Area, 958 acres. Acquired, Ist October, 1946. To be subdivided into two sheep-farms. It is anticipated that development operations will be completed in time to enable the two sections to be settled in 1949. The property is being managed by an ex-serviceman with the promise of an undefined section. Ngatamahine Block (Locality: Wairere). —Balance area, 3,353 acres. The subdivisional scheme for the balance of this block has not yet been finalized. A considerable amount of development work is still to be undertaken and early settlement is not envisaged. Despite drought conditions, stock came through the season very satisfactorily and production was equal to that obtained the previous year. Nilson's Block (Locality: Waimiha). —Area, 604 acres. This property, which is uneconomic and in an isolated position, has been carrying dry stock only. In view of these factors, the property was sold to an adjoining settler in April of 1947. Ohakune Block (Locality: Ohakune). —Area, 1,087 acres. Subdivision, five mixed farms. All improvements on the block, which included farm buildings, fencing, watersupply, and cultivation, were completed early in 1947, and four ex-servicemen and one civilian small-farm settler were established in July of that year. Oniao Block (Locality: Aria). —Area, 777 acres. Acquired, 30th April, 1946. Subdivision, two sheep-farms. It is anticipated that settlement will be effected in 1950. During the year fencing was erected and a farm track formed. Work to be completed includes four buildings, 600 chains fencing, 150 acres to be reconditioned, and drains to be widened and deepened. Oparure Block (Locality: Te Kuiti). —Area, 1,939 acres. Acquired, 19th March, 1947. The property will be subdivided into sheep-farms. Development work during the last twelve months included the erection of farm buildings, renovation of 140 chains of fencing and the cultivation of 90 acres. An adequate water-supply for this block is a problem and settlement is not anticipated for some years. Owaikura Block (Locality : Otorohanga). —Area, 446 acres. Acquired, Ist August, 1947. Subdivision, three dairy and one mixed farm. A considerable amount of development work is to be undertaken on the block, including farm buildings, water-supply, fencing, cultivation, drainage, and formation of farm tracks. Two dairy sections will be ready for settlement by ex-servicemen on Ist July, 1948. Pamotu Block (Locality : Wharepuhunga).—Area, 1,869 acres. Acquired, Ist March, 1948. It is planned to subdivide area into five mixed and three sheep farms. Development, including farm buildings and fencing, will be undertaken. Anticipate settling five mixed and one sheep unit in 1949 or 1950. Paratu Block (Locality: Walton). —Balance area, 1,891 acres. Acquired, Ist October, 1943. Subdivision, thirteen mixed and one sheep section. On Ist July, 1947, one settler was established and seven were allotted sections on a wages basis. As all improvements, comprising buildings, fencing, water-supply and regrassing, have been completed on the seven holdings, these settlers will have their charges fixed as from Ist July, 1948. It is proposed to ballot two more mixed farms on wages during the 1948-49 season. Further development is required on the remaining sections (three mixed and one sheep), but it is anticipated these will be ready for settlement in 1949-50. Parau Block (Locality, Oparau).—Area, 692 acres. Acquired, April, 1947. Subdivision, one dairy, two mixed, and one sheep farm. Before settlement can be effected a considerable amount of development work has to be undertaken. This comprises erection of farm buildings, fencing, installation of water-supply, formation of farm tracks,

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