G.—ô.

1937. NEW ZEALAND.

LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS ACT, 1925 (REPORT ON THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 109 of the Land for Settlements Act, 1925.

The Land Purchase Controller to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Bib, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, C. 1, Ist September, 1937. I have the honour to submit a report on land-purchase operations for the year ended 31st March, 1937. The only purchase of any consequence during the year was a block of private land situated in the Rock and Pillar Survey District and containing an area of 1,591 acres approximately. The land was purchased on behalf of six approved applicants under the group-settlement scheme. After completion of purchase four of the applicants purchased their subdivisions for cash. The area will be known as the " Hyde Settlement." On the Galatea Block development operations continue to be satisfactory. On the Ist March, 1937, twenty-two sections, embracing an area of 2,391 acres, were offered for selection by ballot. Thirty-seven applications were received, and sixteen sections, with an area of 1,777 acres, were selected on renewable lease. The greater part of the estate continues to be worked as a sheep and cattle station, and, due to the good prices ruling for wool, sheep, and fat cattle, the results of the year's operations from a financial point of view have been highly satisfactory. Share-milking was continued on ten farms, the result being very encouraging. Butterfat returns showed a further increase, from 112,513 lb. to 123,2181b., for the months July, 1936, to March, 1937, as compared with the same period in the previous season. The stock carried as at 31st March, 1937, comprised 20,504 sheep, 904 dairy cattle, 5,800 run cattle, 25 horses, and 279 pigs. Development work on the Kakariki Block has been steadily proceeding, with further areas being gradually brought into fuller production. 1,460 acres have been cleared during the year, and up to date 9,291 acres of new pasture have been laid down. The stock comprises 15,800 sheep and 1,360 cattle. Improved results are shown each year, and net returns for the year have been eminently satisfactory. Further experiments on areas reputed to be bush-sick have been conducted on the Tapuwae Block. At the close of the year a good profit was revealed after meeting interest on capital. The stock at the 31st March, 1937, consisted of 5,730 sheep, including 3,270 ewes, and 850 cattle. Tables are attached giving particulars of the properties considered and land acquired during the year, together with statement of receipts and payments, revenue account, and balance-sheet, duly certified by the Controller and Auditor-General. I have, &c., W. Robertson, Land Purchase Controller. The Hon. the Minister of Landf. I—C. 5.