A—ib

38

The larch this year has been unaffected by late frosts, and a vigorous growth, ranging from 2 to 3 ft. has been made. Well-established pines have also made good growth, Pinus Laricio having increased their height by 10 to 15 in., and Pinus ponderosa from Bto 10 in. Younger trees have also made satisfactory growth, and the season on the whole has been a satisfactory one for trees. ' -To give a greater measure of security, the external fire-lines have been increased another half-chain in width, and belts of fire-resisting trees are being planted round the pine blocks. In order to cope with an outbreak of fire, depots containing fire-fighting appliances have been made, and these will be placed in prominent positions in the plantation. These boxes were made at the nursery, and will be placed in position at an early date. On completion of tree-planting a new block was taken in, the area being about 250 acres. The material for the fence was obtained from the old subdivisional and boundary fences, and the total length of fencing erected was 166 chains. The new area enclosed includes all the land available at present, with the exception of a small portion on the north-east boundary, which is of little use owing to its rocky nature and the presence of three or four private water-races running through. As there will be no further area to go on with on the completion of this block, I would advise that the lower portion of the run be taken over as soon as possible. The area on the lower portion is about 1,500 acres, and all good land for planting. After finishing the boundary-fence a divisional fence was erected in order to clear the land of vermin, and on an area of about 100 acres 320 rabbits were taken off. This work gives a great deal of trouble, as the pest is very numerous on the adjoining land. After fencing was completed, the work of pitting was put in hand, and some 309,700 pits have been sunk to date. The usual work of clearing suppressed trees of all undergrowth, opening up blanks, and ploughing fire-breaks, has been carried out. All tools have been kept in good repair, and permanent buildings are in good order. The total number of trees on the old and new sites is 1,934,224, covering an area of 719 acres. The proposed area to be planted this season is approximately 250 acres. The expenditure for the year amounts to £825 6s. Bd., and to date £7,257 17s. lid. The average number of men employed was 3-03 men.

Schedule I.

Schedule II. — Statement of Expenditure. For Year. To Date. Planting operations and maintenance — £ s. d. £ s. d. Tree-planting .. .. .. .. 52 3 0 1,474 5 2 Pitting .. .. .. .. .. 196 14 0 1,787 2 9 Clearing .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 17 10 Cartage of trees .. .. .. .. 3 2 6 111 19 3 General upkeep of plantation .. .. 241 12 8 1,665 12 6 General repairs .. .. .. .. 26 13 8 82 16 8 Horse-feed .. .. .. .. .. 164 10 0 Permanent works — Fencing .. .. .. .. .. 69 12 4 838 3 3 Formation .. .. .. .. .. 86 11 9 Buildings .. .. .. .. .. 116 11 1 Stock, implements, &c. —Tools, implements .. 0 8 6 33 4 6 Supervision and clerical (salaries) — Supervision of free labour .. .. .. 200 0 0 625 14 11 Proportion of Superintending Nurseryman's salary and clerical assistance .. .. 35 0 0 250 8 3 £825 6 8 £7,257 17 11

Number of Days Rain fell. Temperature. Number of Days Frosts occurred. Month. Rainfall. Maximum. Minimum. 1913. Inches. 3-53 1-61 Ml 2-51 2-83 1-74 2-26 6-04 5-96 Degrees. 64 56 52 58 58 68 72 74 82 Degrees. 19 14 13 7 18 20 22 25 28 Lpril lay rune fuly Lugust September .. )ctober November .. )ecenaber .. 8 13 6 12 12 II 9 17 i3 23 29 27 27 26 L5 15 12 9 1914. 4-03 2-69 2-10 8 7 9 82 84 77 30 30 26 2 5 8 ■ anuary February .. larch Totals 36-41 125 198