c.—ll.

An increase was again recorded in the total production of butter-fat from the area, the Rangitaiki Plains Dairy Company manufacturing a total of 3,696 tons, an increase of three tons, and the Arawa Dairy Company 1,001 tons, an increase of 237 tons. During the early spring unsatisfactory weather conditions were experienced but the season was in the main veiy favourable to the production of good pasture growth. There was a steady improvement in the pastures on the settled areas during the year, but except in the areas being developed by the Crown, no extensive areas of new pasture were laid down. Maintenance work only was carried out on the flax-plantations in the area, which aggregate approximately 5.500 acres. With the prospect of an improvement in the market value of fibre there are indications that activities will recommence on several areas where a good growth of millable flax is to be seen. During the year a Committee consisting of Messrs. W. Stewart (Valuation Department), W. Taylor (Treasury), A. G. Harper (Internal Affairs), and R. G. Macmorran (Lands and Survey) inspected the district and held meetings with the ratepayers. The two main points contained in the order of reference were:— (1) To what extent, if any, concessions should be extended to the ratepayers if the Minister of Lands continues as the rating authority. (2) Whether it is desirable that legislation be promoted to enable or to enforce the ratepayers to form a Drainage Board to take over the administration of the works and to repay capital cost. The report of the Committee has generally been given effect to, particularly on the following points:— (1) The maintenance subsidy of 10s. for £1 be reinstated. (2) The rates for 1935-36 and 1936-37 be levied to produce the sum of £4,500 per annum. (3) The formation of a Drainage Board be not proceeded with meanwhile. (4) The provision of £2,000 for the removal of willows on the Rangitaiki River. (5) The provision of £4,000 for the strengthening of the Tarawera River stop-banks (east side). Rainfall. —The rainfall totalled 69-59 in., rain falling on 112 days. The wettest month was February with a fall of 12 02 in., and the driest January with a fall of 2-54 in. The average fall for the past eighteen years was 52-66 in. Maintenance. —The smaller drains throughout the area were maintained in good order, and several lengths of canals were cleared by hand or with the Sanderson weed-cutting launch. Periodical attention was given to the flood-gates in the area, and several lengths of stop-bank damaged by floods were repaired and raised. Three breaks in the Tarawera River stop-banks were repaired and protected. A new 4-ft. barrel flood-gate with steel door was placed on the outlet serving an area of low-lying land south of the Awaiti Stream. Rangitaiki River.—A. small relief gang was employed late in the year on the Rangitaiki River ring-barking willows and removing willows and obstructions from the channel. Dredges.—The light Bay City walking dredge was in commission throughout the period and deepened and widened several lengths of hand drains, straightened the mouth of the Rangitaiki River through the sand spit, and maintained a section of the Omeheu Canal, and at the close of the period was engaged in widening the lower reaches of the Awaiti Stream. The distance dredged during the year was 237 chains, a total of 22,683 cubic yards of spoil being moved. A Priestman dredge which was laid up in the Tarawera River sank in deep water during the year. This plant was raised and repaired. Drains in Operation.—One length of hand drain was taken over for maintenance purposes during the year, and the total length in now as follows:—* Miles oh. Dredge canals .. . . .... .. 68 28 Main outfall drains . . . . . . . . 115 4 Road drains .. . . . . . . . . 30 46 Of these, 106 miles 27 chains are maintained annually by the Department, whilst the growth is removed by hand or with Sanderson weed-cutting launch from 18 miles of machineexcavated canal. Plant and Machinery.—This consists of two Priestman dredges, one Bay City drag-line, one Monighan, one Priestman pontoon, two coal punts, one oil launch, and two small boats. Summary of Work Done:— Miles ch. Cubic yd. Drains deepened by hand . . . . . . . . 17 1,640 Drains cleaned by hand . . . . . . . . 107 Canals cleaned by hand . . . . . . . . 19 20 Canals cleaned by weed-cutter .. . . .. 12 60 Spoil dredged . . . . .. . . .. 2 77 22,683 Stop-banks repaired and raised by hand . . . . 28 3,400 Flood-gates erected . . . . . . . . 1 Drainage Rates.—Rates struck for the year 1935-36, totalled £8,988 12s. lid. and £4,062 Is. Bd. was collected. Expenditure for the year amounted to £6,261 6s. 3d. I have, &c. R. G. Macmorran, Chief Drainage Engineer. The Under-Secretary for Lands, Wellington, C. 1.

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