35

C.-l

Education Endowments. In this district the work entailed in the administration of education endowments is considerable. At the 31st March there were 780 tenants holding an area of 339,772 acres, and paying an annual rent of £15,570. From the tables it will be seen that there were a number of expiries, renewals, selections, &c, during the past twelve; months, and similar transactions will recur each year. The work in dealing with these endowment lands is somewhat exacting, but I am pleased to be able to report that all dealings are up to date. General Remarks. It is gratifying to be able to report the continued prosperity of the selectors in this district. On account of unfavourable weather during the spring the growth of all crops was retarded, and on this score operations were from five to six weeks late. However, from the New Year onward the climatic conditions have proved to be exceptionally favourable for the cereal crops, as is evidenced by the fact that they have produced fully 20 bushels to the acre more than last year. Speaking'generally, the root crops have not been so successful, but the grass is well up to the average. The dairying industry reports successful progress. It is worthy of note that a sugar-of-milk factory has been established at Edendale during the year, and the directors of the institution estimate that the value of the output for the initial year will amount to £22,000. This factory is said to be the first of its kind in the Dominions and the second in the Empire, the only other factory being in Ireland. Last year I had to report that the prices of farm-produce were universally high, but, in common with the whole of New Zealand the ruling prices this year in Southland have broken all previous records. Departmental. This report would be incomplete without a fitting expression of appreciation from me concerning an efficient and capable staff, all of whom have rendered willing service and have performed their various duties in a most satisfactory manner.

APPENDIX lI.—LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS.

Summary of the Settlements established upon Estates acquired and dealt with, under the Provisions of the Land for Settlements Act, up to the 31st March, 1915.

Name of Estate. Selections. Principal Purpose for which Holdings are utilized. Remarks as to Present Position. [uohland — Balachraggan Bickerstaffe Cradopk Ecclestone No. 2 Foneour t .. Hetana Karapiro .. Kitchener .. Mangapouri Mangawhero Matamata . . Methuen Ohauiti Okauia Opouriao . . Otway Parahi Plumer Prescott Rangiatea . . Rewi Selwyn Tautari Teasdale Waari Waimana .. Waitakaruru Whitehall .. 24 46 9 5 40 46 16 9 11 20 191 17 14 13 91 17 2 10 1 19 10 122 40 63 23 25 7 13 Dairying Grazing Homes and orchards Homes Dairying Homes and orchards Dairying Homes and orchards Dairying ,, • • Homes and orchards Grazing Dairying Good. . ) Fair. Good. )) ii a . J ?) . J . . )» ■ ■ New estate. >, ■ • Dairying and grazing Homes and orchards Grazing lease Dairying iGood! Good. Grazing .. .. Fair. Good. ,, .. Business and homes Orchards and homes Dairying Dairying and grazing Dairying ,, 5, New estate. Good. Total 904