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Matakohe, at Ruawai, 1,045 acres. Acquired, September, 1947. Objective : Four dairy-farms for allotment, June, 1949. Development programme: Regrassing, buildings, fencing, draining, and water-supply. Progress : 162 acres sown in new grass, over 640 chains of fencing repaired and renovated, and the installation of water-supplies almost completed. Matariki, at Whangarei, 334 acres. Acquired, February, 1945. Objective : Three dairy-farms—one section allotted, July, 1948, and expected that the other two will be allotted, July, 1949, to the two ex-servicemen at present working on wages. Mauku, at Patumahoe, 592 acres. Acquired, April, 1948. Objective : Six or seven dairy-farms. Development programme : Erection of buildings, fencing, installation of water-supplies, and eradication 250 acres heavy gorse and tea-tree, and grassing. Progress : Three sets buildings completed, 200 chains fencing renovated, water-supplies completed, scrub and gorse burnt, and 150 acres pasture renovated. Three ex-servicemen on wages, with promises of sections. Motutapu (locality, Hauraki Gulf), 3,606 acres. This area is farmed by the Department on behalf of the Army Department. With the application of fertilizer, heavier stocking has been possible, and this has resulted in a reduction of the growth of ratstail. During the year a further 125 acres was sown in grass and 100 acres in crops, while 400 chains of fencing was renewed. Okahukura, at Wellsford, 9,041 acres. Acquired, March, 1945. Objective : Subdivisional scheme not finalized. Development programme : This block calls for longterm development to bring about 6,000 acres into production. Approximately 5,000 acres is in drainable swamp, and extensive roading will be necessary. Progress : Pasturerenovation has been carried out over 450 acres, and 700 acres giant-disked or rolled. Main drain completed and side drains proceeding. Approximately 20,000 ft. of pinetrees have been felled and milled for farm buildings on this block. Opou, at Ngatea, 573 acres. Acquired, June, 1947. Objective : Subdivision three dairy-farms for allotment, July, 1949, plus run-off area. Development programme : Renovation pastures, fencing, draining, water-supply, and new buildings. Progress : 138 acres pasture reconditioned, 1,030 chains fencing renovated and renewed, 66 chains new drains, 110 chains drains reconditioned, and buildings commenced. One ex-serviceman in occupation, with promise of a section. Patumahoe, at Patumahoe, 140 acres. Acquired, March, 1947. Objective : Two dairy-farms allotted, September, 1948. Potters, at Otahuhu, 21 acres. Objective : Seven market-garden (hothouse tomato) units offered for selection without buildings, with provision for applicants to apply for rehabilitation finance for buildings. Pouarua (locality, Hauraki Plains), 12,147 acres. Acquired, October, 1937. This block is made up of the Pouarua Block proper, 10,521 acres, a deep-peat area being worked on a long-term development plan ; the Kerepeehi Block, of 1,568 acres, which is being prepared for early settlement; and a 58-acre dairy-farm which is being used for experiments in mineral deficiency. On the main block the usual reconditioning and cleaning of drains, clearing and stumping swamp, and top-dressing was carried out. Experiments by the Animal Reserach Division and the Soil Fertility Branch were continued. Two ex-servicemen on wages on Kerepeehi Block, with promises of sections, will have charges fixed, July, 1949. Pukeoware, at Waiuku, 242 acres. Acquired, May, 1948. Objective : Two dairy units for allotment, July, 1949. Development programme : Erection of new buildings, renovations to existing buildings, fencing, and installation of water-supply. Progress : Practically completed except for buildings. One ex-serviceman in occupation, with promise of a section.

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