GK—lO.

A wet summer in South Auckland has provided abundant feed for stock, and this is reflected in increased butterfat returns from the unit farmers. While it has assisted the farming of such areas as Waimiha, where delay in the installation of the water-supply might otherwise have had serious results, it has retarded haymaking operations and restricted to some extent the provision of winter feed. Prospects for future development are good, particularly in the King-country area. Indications point to the fact that Native owners are becoming alive to the advantages to be gained by participation in the development schemes under the Native Land Act, 1931. No new schemes have been commenced during the year, but preliminary work has been entered upon in connection with several new development undertakings. This preliminary work involves consultations with owners, explanation of proposals, and tentative nominations of units before blocks are proclaimed under the development provisions of the Act. In this way the co-operation of every one concerned is secured, and future difficulties through difference in occupancy and ownership, avoided. Unemployment funds have been availed of in this district to a greater extent this year in land improvement, and subsidized work on lands not under the Department's schemes has increased. Supervisors report that the re-action of the Natives to the help given has been excellent and that in particular, where housing assistance has been possible, the improvement in the health of the children is noticeable. An encouraging feature, also, is the interest taken by the Natives in the financial side, and the frequent inquiries concerning the state of the accounts is evidence that Natives realize that financial assistance given must be offset by hard work and attention to the repayment of the advances made. A detailed summary of the separate development schemes in progress in this district is given hereunder. WAIKATO (PROPER). Kaihau. This scheme comprises five separate holdings totalling, approximately, 376 acres. The five occupiers are on wages based on one-third of their cream cheques, and they retain the total proceeds from the pigs. As in the case of the Waipipi occupiers, the Kaihau scheme people are uneasy at their lack of secured tenure and are anxious to have matters put on a sound basis. The scheme is still financed by the Waikato-Maniapoto District Maori Land Board.

The following butterfat production table is supplied : —

Grading: Superfine, 17,566 lb. ; first, 20,119 lb. ; second, 34 lb. : total, 37,719 lb. Waipipi (Te Hakona). This scheme is a compact area of 280 acres, divided into five farms, irrespective of title position. The bulk of the area is in pasture, which this year has shown some improvement and recovery from the dry summer previously experienced. The water-supply is proving satisfactory, and further reticulation will now be carried out. Noxious weeds have been kept in check, but more attention is necessary to stock and pasture management. The housing is not good, and replacements and repairs will be necessary during this year. The five occupiers are on wages based on one-third of their cream cheques, and they retain all the proceeds from the pigs. The occupiers are anxious to obtain some security of tenure, a matter which will receive attention during the coming year.

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Farm No. Area. Cows. | Butterfat. Value. Average Cairyingper (Jow. capacity. Acres. lb. £ i Cows. 1 .. .. 130 59 14,380 596 220 70 2 .. .. 44 26 7,396 305 j 280 30 3 .. .. 53 18 5,139 217 280 30 4 .. .. 112 22 7,279 295 250 40 5 .. .. 37 29 3,525 146 130 30 376 154 37,719 1,559 j 245 200 I