G.—lo.

Whangaparaoa. The Whangaparaoa scheme is located to the south-east of Cape Runaway, beyond the Orete scheme, and comprises a total area of 3,748 acres, of which 1,551 acres are under development. There are now fifteen settlers on the scheme, fourteen of whom are dairying, while another settler will shortly be established. Dependant on the settlers are sixteen adults and seventy minors. The usual periodical visits of inspection and instruction were made during the year. The areas in permanent and temporary pasture are 799 acres and 726 acres respectively, the area in crops or fallow being 36 acres. The grass harrows have been much employed during the year, with satisfactory results. Although favourable climatic conditions for pasture-growth have prevailed during the year throughout the Bay of Plenty, harvesting was hampered by rain. Sufficient supplies of hay and ensilage have, however, been saved by the settlers for winter fodder. Live-stock on the scheme as at the 31st March, 1937, comprised 16 bulls, 538 cows, 6 steers, 18 working bullocks, 70 heifers (two to three years), 61 heifer calves, 275 breeding ewes, 180 M.S. lambs, 40 two-toothed wethers, and 13 working horses. This represents an increase of 111 milking cows over the number shown last season. The health and condition of the scheme stock have been uniformly good during the year, and settlers are giving more attention to care and treatment of their stock. Dairy herds were heavily culled during last year. Despite difficulties of transport occasioned by floods, the grading of cream supplied has been satisfactory, indicating the observance of a high standard of cleanliness of sheds and utensils. The following is a summary of butterfat produced during the year and a comparative table for the previous season: —

A water-supply operated on the small reservoir and ram principle is giving good service. A major scheme to supply adequately the greater number of settlers is now in the course of construction, and it is hoped to have this supply completed before the next milking season. During the year two cottages and three cow-sheds have been erected for settlers. Timber has been ordered for a further two cottages and three milking-sheds, and work is proceeding as the timber comes to hand. Work done during the past year is as follows : 303 chains of new boundary and subdivisional fencing erected and a further 60 chains repaired ; 77 chains of new drains opened and 29 chains of existing drains cleaned ; 35 acres of stumping and 38 acres of rushes, toetoe, and second growth cleared—these areas are mainly in temporary pasture awaiting cultivation for permanent grasses ; 28 acres of manuka cut and burnt and the area sown in temporary pasture ; 44 acres ploughed, cultivated, and sown down in permanent pasture ; and 18 acres ploughed for crops and green feed. Settlers on this scheme have had a satisfactory year, and it is pleasing to observe their willingness to co-operate with the departmental Supervisor. The industry and keenness displayed is commendable, and the settlers give every promise of becoming successful farmers.

50

„ Total Butterfat Number of . Year " and Value. Cows milked. Average per Cow. lb. £ lb. £ 1936-37 .. .. .. .. .. 65,520 3,096 422 155-2 7-3 1935-36 .. .. .. .. .. 56,260 1,897 362 155-0 5-2