G—l

Pakihikura (Locality: Rewa). —Area, 2,0*24 acres. Purchased, 7th August, 1946. Subdivisions, three sheep-farms. The development programme comprising new dwelling, renovations to existing buildings, extensive fencing, internal roading, and some metalling is almost completed, and charges are now being fixed in readiness for handing over. Pamivai (Locality : Martinborough).—Area, 7,724 acres. Purchased, 25th February, 1946. Subdivision, six sheep units. Normal farming operations have been carried on in conjunction with limited development work. Roading difficulties have now been overcome and the new access road and ford across the river to the eastern portion is completed. One new house and implement-shed have been erected, but further progress towards settlement depends on the availability of wire. Final disposal will probably not be before 1950. Pokaka (Locality : Moawhango).—Area, 2,319 acres. Purchased, 20th February, 1947. Subdivisions, three sheep units. The development programme consisted mainly of fencing, tracking, and erecting of sheep-yards, and is practically finished. Charges will be fixed and the areas handed over before the end of June, 1948. Pongaroa (Locality : Pongaroa).—Area, 12,519 acres. Purchased, 3rd March, 1948. Subdivision scheme has not yet been finalized, but will probably cut into twelve sheep units and one mixed unit. Four undefined sections are being balloted forthwith to provide labour. Final settlement will take at least three years. Pukehou (Locality: Bulls). —Area, 1,220 acres. Acquired, Ist July, 1947. Subdivision, two dairy units and one fat-lamb unit. It is hoped to fix charges in time for the coming season. Pukenui (Locality : Ohakea).—Area, 212 acres. This area was handed over by the aerodrome authorities, being surplus to their requirements. The area will subdivide into two dairy units. The programme should be completed on Ist July, 1949. Rangitane (Locality : Opiki, Palmerston North). —Area, 259 acres. Purchased in two parts, 31st March, 1947, and Ist June, 1947. Subdivisions, four dairy units. Three new houses with cow-sheds and implement-sheds have been erected, two new bores sunk, fencing erected, draining completed, one dairy herd of 60 heifers was milked, and balance of property was cleaned up with sheep and bullocks. Three units are now being balloted, in order to hand over each section on fixed charges at the Ist July, 1948. Rata (Locality: Rata).—Area, 1,050 acres. Purchased, 6th March, 1946, and 22nd March, 1948. Subdivisions, seven dairy-farms and one sheep unit. A considerable area has been cleared of stumps and approximately 160 acres has been regrassed. About 100 acres was sown in wheat this year, the yield being 33 bushels per acre. Endeavours are being made to fix charges on four dairy sections on Ist July, 1948. Two houses and implement-sheds have been erected. A large earth dam of 3,200,000 gallons capacity has been completed, and arrangements are in hand to reticulate as soon as piping comes to hand. Raukawa (Location: Palmerston North). —Area, 190 acres. Purchased, 18th March, 1947. One fat-lamb unit. Development has been completed and charges are to be fixed for next season. Riverdale (Location : Linton). —Area, 398 acres. Purchased, 25th March, 1948. Subdivision, five dairy units. Development comprises five new houses, five cow-sheds, five implement-sheds, new fencing, and reticulation of water. A little roading will be required and an extension of power lines for the new buildings. Settlement is aimed for 1949. Ruamahanga (Location: Carterton). —Area, 4,358 acres. Two thousand three hundred and eleven acres purchased 29th March, 1946 ; 2,047 acres added on 28th February, 1948. Subdivision, six fat-lamb units, two dairy, and one mixed. One dairy unit was allotted on fixed charges in October, 1947, while the second will be settled for the 1948-49 season. Development has consisted of repairing fences, drainage, and erection of buildings. Final settlement should be completed by 1950.

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