Page image

C—l

Makarini (Locality : Hastings). —-Area, 1,673 acres (approximately). Acquired, 3rd March., 1947. Subdivided into five steep-farms. The development work on this block is well under way, all the fencing except one section subdivision being completed and the water-supply is nearing completion. A contract has been let for demolition and removal of surplus buildings, and the salvaged materials will be used in the erection, of implement-sheds on other parts of the block. Three dwellings have yet to be built and two existing cottages renovated. This block was affected by the drought during the slimmer and early autumn, but has made a good recovery. One hundred and ten acres have been laid down in new grass. Miller (Locality: Hastings).—Area, 11 acres. Balloted on fixed charges during the year for orchard settlement. Development work included the building of a dwelling and implement-shed, and the construction of a water-supply pumped from an artesian bore has been completed. MoJcara (Locality: Tutira). —Area, 1,723 acres. Acquired, 31st March, 1948. With development, this property is anticipated to provide two dairy-farms. Some very rough country at the back will be utilized with an adjacent abandoned Crown leasehold property for soil conservation and afforestation purposes. Mount Cameron (Locality: Puketapu). —Area, 2,009 acres. Subdivided into three sheep units. Housing contracts have been let and the water-supply is completed. Three hundred acres of scrub have been cut, and when manure becomes available this area will be top-dressed and subterranean clover sown. Approximately 30 chains of new fencing has been erected and a considerable distance renovated. Omarunui (Locality: Fernhill). —Area, 1,510 acres (approximately). This property was acquired during February, 1948, and is expected to subdivide into nine dairy units and one sheep unit. There are no buildings on the block, but little development beyond buildings, water-supply, and fencing is anticipated. Oringi (Locality : Oringi).—Area, 344 acres. The development of this area into* three dairy units is practically complete and it is anticipated that they will be disposed of on fixed charges by 30th June, 1948. Pukeatua (Locality: Dannevirke). —Area, 4,151 acres. Subdivided into fivesheep units. Development practically completed and charges will be fixed for 1948-49 season. Raupare (Locality: Hastings).—Area, 47 acres. Possession will be taken in June,. 1948. It is anticipated that the block will provide three orchard units, and approximately 10 acres will be added to Twyford Farm Settlement to help that subdivision. Two houses and two artesian water-supplies will be required. Rakaiatai (Locality: Makotuku). —Area, 1,629 acres. Acquired, 31st March, 1948. It is anticipated the block will provide five sheep units. A full range of buildings as well as water-supplies and a considerable distance of new fencing will be required. RawMti (Locality : Napier).—Area, 2,144 acres. Acquired, 22nd February, 1946. Settlement of this area has been retarded by the inability to get contractors to erect: buildings ; however, the contracts are now well under way. Rabbit infestation is very serious in this area, but now gradually coming under control. Over a mile of internal roading has been reformed and reconstructed and a comprehensive water scheme has been completed on the southern area. Approximately 35 acres originally in heavy scrub have been giant disked to be sown in grass mixture this autumn. It is anticipated the block will be balloted as soon as buildings are completed. Salisbury (Locality: Maraekakaho). —Area, 1,500 acres. Acquired, 19th August, 1946. Subdivided into three sheep-farms. Settlement of this area has been held up pending the erection of buildings. Seventy acres of pastures laid down this year. The subdivisional fencing is practically completed.

21