7

H.—l3

facility be given to landholders to obtain properly-mixed poison. (3.) This has been most satisfactory. In a few localities only, where natural cover is plentiful, and in a few cases of wilful neglect, have the operations for the year not been so marked as might be wished ; but, having taken most stringent measures in these latter instances, I am satisfied good results will ensue and great improvement be visible ere long. (4.) Thirty-one. (5.) £370 17s. 9d. (6.) About 100,000 acres, principally bush reserves, about twenty thousand acres being fair pastoral land, which is divided into mining and other reserves and unsold Crown lands within hundreds boundaries. (7.) 821b. (8.) 3011b. (9.) 3381b. (10.) Twenty-one. (11.) Twenty, and one case withdrawn. (12.) Nil. (13.) S. Paterson, E. H. Kennedy, H. Styles, School Commissioners of Otago (6), Bank of New South Wales (Timaru), T. Shears, H. J. Muir, Sew Hoy, W. Saunders, C. C. Kettle, T. Home, G^ Bell. (14.) Nil. (15.) Seventeen this year. I may state that, where the surroundings are favourable, ferrets that have been liberated in previous years have done and are doing good work. (16.) Cannot say definitely, although large numbers are bred in this district and disposed of privately either in this or in other districts.

From Sub-Inspector H. Hull, Thornbury. (1.) Phosphorized grain, working ferrets and nets, a little shooting and trapping on farms, a few packs of dogs. (2.) None. (3.) This district continues in a very satisfactory state : wild ferrets are now numerous on most of the runs, and only patch-poisoning will be requisite this winter. (4.), (5.) Nil. (6.) There are a large number of very small reserves in Aparima subdivision—none, available for grazing licenses—also extensive bush reserves. (7.) 161b. (8.) Nil. (9.) 241b. (10.) One. (11.) One. (12.), (13.) Nil. (14.) Ten. (15.) 450. Very satisfactory. (16.) 1,115. Very satisfactory.