0.-1;

Matamata Settlement.— -More interest has been evinced in this settlement probably than in any other of the land-for-settlements estates in Auckland, and it is satisfactory to be able to record continued progress in the development of the farms. There are four creameries erected in the settlement, and nearly all the settlers are suppliers, the daily amount of milk averaging 2,830 gallons during the season. The early turnip-crop was a great success, but the later crop was a partial failure, being put in too late. The oat-crops have been very satisfactory. The settlement promises to be before long a thriving and populous centre. Stock-sales are now held there monthly, and in the township there are stores, blacksmith's shop, boardinghouses, and other signs of advancing settlement. The figures show that 296 persons reside, having erected 105 houses, many being very presentable residences. The area in crop is 1,716 acres. Cattle number 4,333, horses 403, and sheep 5,861. The total value of improvements amounts to £22,894. Selwyn Settlement. —This settlement has been divided into two portions, the southern portion only having so far been offered for selection. The area offered totals 50,987 acres, of which 12,050 acres have been selected. The sections were only available for selection on the 18th December, 1905; but there are already 18 sections occupied, the selectors being engaged in completing their houses and fences. At present the class of houses cannot be fairly judged, as in most cases tenants are erecting the rear portion only, the balance to be added later. The settlers appear to be a hardworking class. Efforts are being made to establish creameries. The roads are well advanced, and all the selectors seem well satisfied. As so little time has elapsed since the ballot, it may be fairly said that the lessees are showing every indication of being successful in their efforts. Methuen Hamlet— -There are now 13 substantial houses erected in this settlement, ranging in value up to £250, all properly fenced, and with gardens and orchards in course of making. Roads are formed throughout the hamlet, and the land already worked is giving good results. Cradock Hamlet. —The settlers in this hamlet appear to be in comfortable circumstances. The sections occupied are well kept, the buildings and fences being in good order, and the gardens and orchards in a thriving state. Hetana Hamlet. —The land in this hamlet is, in places, of poor quality. There are, however, 14 selectors residing and effecting improvements. There is the appearance of some progress now being made in the settlement as a whole. This is not a successful hamlet, but it may improve. Kitchener Hamlet. —Seven selectors have erected comfortable cottages in this locality, and they have good gardens attached. One selector is making a success of his holding as a nursery-garden. The land is of good quality, very productive, and giving every satisfaction. Waari Hamlet. —There are only 5 selectors in this hamlet, but they have made good improvements. Roads are constructed throughout the settlement; a new bridge has been built, which facilitates the access ; the soil when cultivated gives good returns, and the hamlet is worthy of better attention by those in search of small areas for homes. Plumer Hamlet. —The selectors in this settlement are all in a comfortable position, and satisfied with their holdings. They have erected good houses and made substantial improvements, and the progress of the hamlet is very encouraging. There are still some sections remaining open for selection. James Mackenzie, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

HAWKE'S BAY. Tomoana Settlement. —This settlement, which was part of the Frimley Estate and lies near Hastings, was placed in the market on the 2nd March, 1898. The area purchased was 111 acres 3 roods 38 perches. Number of occupied sections, 13 ; total population, 65 ; number of sheep 40, horses 16, cattle 65, pigs 9 ; area in grass, 74 acres 2 roods 3 perches, out of which 26 acres have been ploughed, ctopped, and again laid down in permanent pasture by the settlers ; area in white and green crops, 17 acres ; and orchards and gardens, 18 acres 2 roods. The area held is 110 acres and 3 perches, and is occupied by 13 selectors, who pay an annual rental of £135 2s. There are 12 dwellinghouses in the settlement, of a total value of £1,915. Eleven selectors are residing on their hoidingj. The improvements required by the Act amount to £310 Bs., and the value of improvements effected to £2,940 ss. Dairying and the fruit industry are still the principal sources of revenue in this settlement, and the area laid out in orchards is increasing each year. Mahora Settlement.— This settlement, which was originally part of the "Frimley Estate, is situated near Hastings, and was opened tor selection on the 22nd March, 1899. The area purchased was 1,133 acres 3 roods. The number of selectors is 32 ; total population, 122 ; number of sheep 1,013, horses 89, cattle 415, pigs 209. The stock is than shown last year, as a numbet of the settlers have sold stock, and are shutting up for grass-seed and hay this season. The area in grass is 890 acres ; area in white and green crops, 210 acres 3 roods ; and in orchards, 15 acres 2 roods. An area of 17 acres 2 roods 18 perches is still unselected, and is occupied under a temporary lease. Selectors hold an area of 1,116 acres 1 rood 35 perches, and pay an annual rental of £1,620 Bs. lOd. There are 28 dwellinghouses, valued at £3,770. The improvements effected by selectors are valued at £7,669 10s., as against £3,439 19s. 3d. required by the Act. The dairying industry is still the main source of revenue in this settlement. Several apiaries are to be seen in the settlement, and in one instance one settler's output from 100 hives realised in honey and wax about £80 for the season. Raureka Settlement. —This settlement, which was part of the Frimley Estate, was placed in the market in May, 1896. The area purchased was 427 acres 2 roods. The number of selectors is 18 ; total population, 85; number of sheep 712, horses 63, cattle 77, pigs 80; area in orchards, 10 acres; area in

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