41

C—lβ

The work of sowing seeds was commenced on the 20th September, which is somewhat earlier than usual, and with very beneficial results, and I am of opinion that early sowing is the best for this station. The estimated number of seedlings raised is 1,435,750, and their value £1,438 9s. 3d. The Larix europaea have done exceedingly well; but, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of this tree on the plantations, I am of opinion that it would be wise to discard it, and substitute pines in preference. Lining-out trees was commenced on the 4th September, but owing to the small number of trees to handle, the work was of short duration. The cause of such shortage is that only a small quantity of seed was available, and the output depends on the amount of seed sown and successful germination. In consequence of this shortage, there will only be some 200,000 trees available for removal to the plantation. During the year 36 acres of land was broken up at Gimmerburn and sown down in oats, and the result has been very satisfactory, there being about 65 tons of clean oaten sheaf for chaffing. This will be cut up for use here and at other stations as required. The nursery live-stock has been increased by the addition of a fine foal. All tools, buildings, roads, &c., have been kept in repair, and hoeing, weeding, watering, &c, have also been carried out when necessary. The trees in stock have made very satisfactory growth for the year. The expenditure for the year amounts to £1,081 18s. Id., and the total to date £14,046 14s. Bd. The number of trees transferred to the Naseby Plantation was 608,250, and 7,360 to other stations and public bodies, their value being £1,698 17s. Id. The number of trees of all ages on the 31st March, 1913, is 2,364,850, and their value £2,839 18s. 3d. The average number of men employed during the year was 594.

Schedule I.

Schedule ll. — Statement of Expenditurt For Year. To Date. Tree-planting and maintenance — £ s. d. £ s. d. Tree-growing ... ... ... 314 6 10 5,488 1 10 General maintenance and repairs ... 302 14 9 2,838 11 9 Tree-seeds ... ... ... ... 44 11 6 542 11 2 Manures .. ... •■■ ••■ •■■ 40 15 3 Horse-feed, purchased and grown ... 155 11 2 669 15 6 Miscellaneous works ... ... ... 666 5151 Stock and material—Tools, implements .... 7 16 4 839 12 3 Permanent works — Buildings ... ... ... ... ... 830 11 2 Nursery-formation ... ... ... 48 11 0 673 9 4 Fencing ... ... ... ■•■ ••• 340 1 0 Water-supply ... ... ■■ ■■■ 310 0 10 Supervision and clerical — Proportion of Superintending Nurseryman's salary ... ... 25 0 0 472 7 4 Proportion of Nurseryman's salary ... 170 0 0 910 1 8 Clerical assistance '... ... ■■• 7 0 0 39 10 6 £1,081 18 1 £14,046 14 8

6—C. Iβ.

Number of Days Rain fell. Temperature. Number of Days Frosts o.curred. Month. Rainfall. Maximum. Minimum. 1912. In. 1-38 0-93 2-32 2-07 1-50 1-32 3-71 1-63 0-56 Deg. Fahr. 71 59 53 53 50 • 64 69 75 81 Deg. Fahr. 29 21 20 21 11 26 29 34 30] April May June July August September .. October November .. December .. 9 10 16 10 10 9 11 11 5 10 21 24 26 25 8 9 1 1913. 2-69 1-65 2-91 9 8 14 84 83 75 30 29 23 1 2 2 January February March Totals 22-67 122 129