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HAWKE'S BAY. The Settlement of Crown Lands. The principal blocks of land opened for selection during the year ended 31st March, 1914 (all of which were purchased from the Natives), were as under : —- Ahuaturanga Block, near Woodville, comprising 993 acres of dairying and pastoral land, subdivided into twelve sections in areas of from 37 acres to 157 acres. All the sections were selected at the ballot. The settlers are doing good work in effecting the necessary improvements, but, owing to the non-construction of roads and drains, they were unable to do all they wanted in regard to dairying. The Huiarua Block, in the local district of Poverty Bay, containing 7,436 acres, all forest land of good quality, and subdivided into one small grazing-run and the balance in sections on the renewable-lease system. All selected at the ballot. The delay in the construction of the roads to and through this block has also caused difficulty to the settlers. The Hukanui Block, near Waikaremoana, containing 8,746 acres, offered in three allotments, one on the optional system and two as small grazing-runs. Selected with the exception of one run, all forest country, part at high elevation. The Otawhao Block, near Takapau, containing 2,377 acres, offered in areas from 77 acres to 150 acres, was readily selected; it is excellent land. This class of land, adapted for dairying and mixed farming, is that most in demand, being suitable for the settler with small capital. The Tahoraite Block, about a mile and a half from Dannevirke, and some odd sections in the Tahoraite and Norsewood Survey Districts, 1,585 acres, were also readily selected. In addition several scattered sections have been offered and selected. Generally the most demand appears to be for medium-sized areas of good land, suitable for mixed farming or dairying, and which are within the means of the small capitalist and give a much quicker return than large areas only suitable for pastoral purposes, chiefly sheep-grazing. Last year was a more prospcrious year for the older established settlements than the previous one, for, although fairly dry for several months, there were no grass-fires, and the high prices for produce were well maintained. In March the finest rainfall for three years was experienced, and, in consequence, the autumn growth is exceptionally good, and the prospects of the settlers, especially those lately put on the land, should be very bright. The settlement of the land in this district is proceeding in a very satisfactory manner, and the surveyors are actively engaged on the subdivision of a number of blocks for future settlement. Disposal of .Remaining Crown Lands. It is proposed to offer for sale or selection during the current year an area of 131,468 acres. The following are brief descriptions of the principal blocks : — Waipiro, Buckley, and Te Puia Townships (16 acres) : Small areas suitable for business or residential sites. Te Puia Block (231 acres) : Open land of fair quality. Mangaoporo (1,182 acres): To be offered under optional system on the 22nd April, 1914. First-class land, all cleared and in grass with the exception of 60 acres. Motu (66 acres) : Mostly in bush; soil good. Heru-o-turea (Waitara), 3,990 acres: Undulating country covered with fern and taanusa scrub, with patches of birch bush, part limestone formation, balance soil of a pumiceous nature. Survey now in hand. Part Kaitoki, near Dannevirke (550 acres) : Mostly in grass. Good dairying country. Weber (269 acres) :To be offered under optional system on the 11th June, 1914. Undulating and broken country, with mixed bush in the gullies and scrub on the ridges. Mangamaire, near Porangahau (5,886 acres) : Excellent sheep country, well grassed, with some manuka scrub in places. Low undulating hills. Porangahau (4,06,4 acres): Mostly in native and English grasses; undulating and broken land; excellent sheep country. Manawaangiangi (2,092 acres): For the most part open country, partly in native and exotic grasses with patches of mingi and manuka distributed over the whole area, with mixed bush and scrub in the gullies. Waipaoa (16,785 acres): Rough broken country, covered with tawa and birch; soil fair to poor pumice. Survey in hand. Tuahu (6,000 acres): Mostly high birch-clad country; soil inferior to fair: sandstone formation ; well watered. Survey in hand. Kaiwaka (13,640 acres): In five small grazing-runs, to be offered on the 3rd April, 1914. Timahanga Block (17,418 acres) : Fronting the Inland Patea main coach-road. Capable of subdivision into two small grazing-runs. Undulating and some high country with patches of manuka, and fern with considerable patches of grass, capable in its present state of carrying 6,000 sheep; partly fenced and improved. At present let on temporary grazing license. Omahaki Block (15,710 acres): At present let for temporary grazing purposes. Undulating country, from I,looft. to 2,000 ft. above sea-level; covered with fern, manuka, scrub, and grass: steep faces to the Ngaruroro River. The survey of road access and for exchanges with adjoining owners being made at an early date to give good fencing boundaries. Capable of subdivision into three small grazing-runs. Kaweka, Pohui, and Kuripapanga (43,569 acres): Pastoral Runs 11, 13, and 14; comprise for the most part open rugged and broken country with patches of stunted black birch in the gullies and on hill slopes. The soil is of a light pumiceous character on slate rock, sandstone, and

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