C—l

The number of ex-servicemen who have been established on permanent tenure or on wages or other similar basis with the promise of permanent tenure upon completion of the development programme and the area involved for the twelve months ending 31st March, 1949, and from the inception of the ex-servicemen settlement scheme up to 31st March, 1949, are :

These figures do not include ex-servicemen who have been assisted' by way of rehabilitation loans to purchase established farms on their own account. The number of allotments during the year ending 31st March, 1949, which is 338 y shows a marked increase on the previous year's figure of 248. The full effect of the year's programme will not, however, be apparent until the end of June, 1949, but the notes supplied by officers in charge of development operations show that a considerable number of additional units will be made available before the commencement of the new dairy season. It is confidently anticipated that the total allotments for the season, Ist July, 1948, to 30th June, 1949, will exceed 400. The following comments are submitted on the development and settlement operations by the officers in charge of this work in each district:— Auckland Development District An improvement in the supply of fertilizer had a beneficial effect on the pastures on blocks, and good weather conditions resulted in high production. As in the past, difficulty was again experienced in having buildings erected prior to the commencement of the dairying season. Araparera, at Kaukapakapa, 389 acres. Acquired, November, 1944. Objective : Two dairy-farms—one of 180 acres allotted on fixed charges, July, 1947, the balance of 209 acres totally undeveloped. Awaroa, at Ruawai, 461 acres. Acquired : 287 acres, February, 1945, and 174 acres, May, 1948. Objective : Five dairy-farms—three allotted on fixed charges August, 1948, and two will be allotted July, 1949. Battens, at Waipu, 1,576 acres. An abandoned Crown security comprising sheep and cattle-grazing country. The possibilities of a full-scale development programme, including a considerable amount of clearing and grassing, is under consideration to provide two sheep units.

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1st April, 1948, to From Inception to 31st March, 1949. 31st March, 1949. Land District. Area. Units. Area. Units. Acres. Acres. North Auckland 3,235 33 12,899 92 Auckland 8,818 71 58,113 376 Grisborne 20,106 22 46,999 57 Hawkes Bay 9,758 26 34,139 103 Taranaki 2,201 12 11,438 75 Wellington 31,959 57 69,368 191 Marlborough 18,496 12 34,949 43 Nelson 210 4 1,379 16 Westland 1,012 2 1,012 2 Canterbury 50,639 70 124,604 189 Otago 15,109 12 52,919 66 Southland 5,661 17 23,863 67 Total 167,204 338 471,682 1,277 Total for previous twelve months ended 31st March, 1948 : 99,81 7 acres (248 units).