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1895. NEW ZEALAND.

MOMOHAKI EXPERIMENTAL STATE FARM (RETURN RELATIVE TO).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated 28th June, 1895. Ordered, "That there be laid before this House a return as to the State (or Experimental) Farm, near Waverley, setting out - (1) the area; (2) the value of the land with improvements at time of the State Farm being started; (3) the amount expended since in (a) buildings, (6) fencing, (c) cultivating, including labour, (d) stock, and (c) other purposes; (4) the uses to which the land has been applied ; (5) the number of persons employed throughout, and the (a) maximum, (b) minimum, number; rates of salary or wages paid to each class ; (6) the number of stock now on the farm, and for what purpose ; and (7) the returns (if any)."—(Mr. G. Hutchison.)

Eetuen of Expendituee, &c, from Ist Septembee, 1893, to 31st Maech, 1895. 1. 254 acres 2 roods 13 perches (of this there is 71 acres 1 rood 24 perches of bush). 2. 3. (a) £577 10s., (b) £367 6s. Bd., (c) £887 3s. lid., (d) £376 os. 5d., (c) £449 10s. Bd. 4. For investigating diseases in stock, the testing of seeds and plants, and the distribution of proved sorts to settlers. 5. Eleven ; (a) nine, (b) two. Curator, £125 per annum; overseer £2 per week ; assistant nurseryman, 7s. 6d. per day ; labourers, 6s. 6d. and ss. per day; boy, 3s. 4d. per day. 6. Five horses, for farm-work; forty-four cattle, to eat down rough feed; 397 sheep, for experimental purposes. 7. £81 2s. lid. John D. Eitchie.

Additional Eetuen.—Teebs, etc. Orchard — Varieties. Numbers. Fruit-trees ... ... ... ... ... 320 987 Vines ... ... ... ... .... 63 71 Nursery — Fruit-trees ... ... ... ... ... 460 1,634 Vines ... ... ... ... ... 42 10,000 Other plants ... ... ... ... ... 15 50 Forest-and shelter-trees ... ... ... .... 23 6,170 Total ... 923 18,912 1,200 trees have been planted for permanent shelter purposes. 2,500 forest- and shelter-trees have been distributed this season. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,200 copies), 18s.

By Authority: Samuel Costall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9s. Price, 3d.}