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of the employees, the results continuing to be satisfactory. For the trading year ended 30th June, 1948, the number of rabbits caught was 52,950, a considerable reduction on previous tallies. The stock have wintered well, and it is expected that a draft of 700 cattle—3oo bullocks and 400 fat and cull cows —will be ready for sale in April. With ample feed available and with good weather conditions, the" cattle are in good condition to go into the winter. Apart from the erection of a cottage and major repair to the cookshop, little development work was carried out in the period under review. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research have continued work on experimental plots in the homestead area. Speed, at Koromiko, 797 acres. Acquired, March, 1945. Objective : One sheep and dairy and two dairy units. Dairy units allotted on fixed charges, 1948. Development nearing completion on mixed unit, for allotment on fixed charges, August, 1949, to ex-serviceman at present on wages. Upton, at Awatere Valley, 1,628 acres. Acquired, November, 1947. Objective : One sheep unit and two sheep and cropping units. Development, comprising regrassing, fencing, new dams, and water-supplies, is proceeding. Ex-serviceman manager,' with right of a section. Probably two years' development. Wairau, at Wairau Valley, 15,978 acres. Acquired, September, 1947. Objective : Four sheep units. Stud block, 4,695 acres, taken over by ex-serviceman Ist April, 1948 ; back block, 4,713 acres, taken over by civilian (displaced purchaser), Ist June', 194 h! Development, comprising buildings, yards, water-supplies, fencing, and regrassing practically completed. For ballot on fixed charges, July, 1949. Westland Land District Kopara, at Haupiri, 2,685 acres. Acquired, June, 1948. Objective : Four sheep units for allotment, July, 1949. Development programme : Reconditioning of pastures and erection of fencing. Progress should be sufficiently advanced for allotment, July, 1949. Ex-serviceman manager, with promise of a section. Whitcombe, at Koiterangi, 445 acres. Acquired. December, 1946. Objective : Three dairy units for allotment, July, 1949. Development programme : Reconditioning of pastures, erection 395 chains fencing, two new dwellings and outbuildings, and water-supply. Progress: Buildings erected. Fencing and reconditioning pastures nearing completion. Ex-serviceman manager, with promise of a section. Canterbury Land District Progress with the erection of dwellings and farm buildings has improved during the year, and contracts are more readily accepted by builders. Delay in the offering on fixed charges occasioned by lack of suitable accommodation affects onlv a few blocks, and this is being overcome by the provision of suitable temporary accommodation where practicable. On blocks in the Ashburton-Lyndhurst Irrigation Scheme a further area totalling 700 acres has been bordered and sown down with permanent pasture and lucerne during the year. Two hundred and twenty-five acres has also been bordered in the Mayfield-Hinds Irrigation Scheme. Ashlyn, at Lyndhurst, 582 acres. Acquired, July, 1947. Objective : Two irrigation units. In run-down condition when acquired ; requires clearing and fertility built up before bordering and sowing of permanent pasture. Four hundred acres under cultivation during the year. Twenty-nine acres of permanent pasture on dry land, 9 acres bordered and sown with lucerne, and the balance of the area sown with fodder crops. One new dwelling, one new store and implement shed, one new wool and store shed, and renovations to existing dwelling completed. Two ex-servicemen are employed, with promises of sections.

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