221

I.—3a

The river-flats and low undulating country are covered with rewarewa, big tea-tree, kowhai, kahikatea, and small bawas, while the rough and higher country is clad with tawa, rata, totara, rimu, Aβ., with birch on the tops of most of the ridges. As regards the formation of the country, it is very mixed, comprising sandstone, papa, and limestone, some of the ridges showing sandstone on the top, with papa on the sidelings. The best portion of the block is that to the west of Subdivisions 15 and 16, and a considerable portion of this along the road and river frontages is flat, and would be suitable for raising root and other crops in conjunction with the grazing-land, which comprises the balance, and which would all break in into really good sheep-country. The eastern end of that part of the block which I inspected, and coloured blue on the attached litho. [Exhibit No. 72], is of a very much rougher nature, and, while a large proportion would, no doubt, become fair grazing-land, there is a considerable area which is almost valueless from a grazier's point of view, though it may eventually become a valuable asset on account of the coal-deposits which are evidently there, and which I will refer to later on. The western portion of the part which I inspected presents no serious difficulties in the way of roading, as almost level roads and at a low cost could he made up both river boundaries, while short roads would give access to any sections lying between the two. In fact, there is a rough track up the Mokau on the south bank as far as the clearing mi Subdivision 13, and a track has been cut and partly made up the Mohakatino as far as Subdivision I I, though it is in a very bad state at present and almost impassable. The eastern portion (coloured blue) would be much more difficult, as it would l>e impossible to carry a road lip the Mohakatino further than Waipapa Stream, owing to the falls and rough country. A road, however, could be formed without much difficulty up to the mouth of the Waipapa Stream, and access to this portion of the block might be possibly obtained by continuing the road up the Waipapa Stream. This portion of the block might also be reached by continuing the Mohakatino Road, which ends at present in the southeastern corner of Block 11, Warn Survey District. Road access to the roughest part of this block, which is in Blocks IV and V, Mokau Survey District, might possibly lie obtained by a road up the Totara Stream. This would also open up the good country lying in the Totara Stream Valley (shown green). In the attached litho. the portion coloured blue is rough to very rough country, consisting of high rough ridges with steep spurs and gorgy streams. The greater portion of this is sandstone, the tops of the ridges ami spurs being covered with birch. Contained in this there is an area of 4,700 acres (approximately) which could only lie classed as grazing-run country, though from the indications 1 saw there is very probably a large portion of this that is coal-bearing. While going up the Mangapongahuru Stream I came across a seam of coal which was showing 10 ft. thick in the stream bed. I also saw coal outcropping in Reveral other places. The other portion coloured blue in Blocks VII. VIII, and IX. Mokau Survey District, is less roiiLrh than the other, and. though the ridge tops are mostly sandstone with birch, the sidelings are much better in most eases. papa and covered with tawa, rata, &c. I have no doubt that it will break into good sheep-country. The area of this is approximately 13,000 acres, and I would suggest thai it would probably be to the best advantage to divide it into large areas. The balance of the block, coloured pink, green, yellow, and purple, is mixed. The bush is mostly light, and comprises tawa, rata, rimu, kahikatea, rewarewa, &c., with a light undergrowth, very little of which would be suitable for milling purposes. In fact, during my travels through this block I saw very little timber suitable for this purpose, and what T did see was very much scattered. This portion (coloured pink, green, yellow, and purple) would all divide into suitable areas for sheep and cattle farming, and, while there is a possibility that future settlers could devote portion of their holdings to dairying purposes, there is not a sufficient concentrated area suitable for subdivision into dairy farms to warrant the erection of a factory iii any particular locality. Of the land which calls for special mention, that lying up the Totara Stream is perhaps the best. The flats along the river are very rich, and the undulating country will grow splendid grass, as is shown by that on the felled portions. The general run of the valleys is from easy to fairly steep towards the main ridge. H. T. Twiss, The Commissioner of Lands, New Plymouth. Crown Lands Ranger.

No. 75. Lands Department, 23rd March. 1910. Re Mokau-Mohakatino Bind-. In accordance with your instruction of the 28th January I submit herewith for your information report by the Commissioner of Crown Lands. New Plymouth, as t<. the suitability of the MokauMohakatino Block for settlement, and the price which the Crown could afford to pay for the land in question. The total area of the block is 55,837 acres, and of that amount 5,341 acres 3 roods 25 perches have been awarded to the Crown (less 4 acres for Native burial-ground) in satisfaction of survey liens, &c. leaving 50.495 acres and 15 perches as the net area we will have to take into consideration in valuing this land. The total value of the land at which it could be disposed of by the Lands Department to the public is £45.144 55., being a value of. say. 18s. per acre. Therefore it follows that the Crown could not afford to srive. at the outside, more than £35,000_ for this land. Strictly speaking, the Crown would not be justified, under ordinary circumstances, in giving more

29—1. 3a.