G.—lo.

pastures have been top-dressed, and a commencement was made with the erection of hutments for workmen. The stock losses have been light, a comparatively mild winter having been experienced, and the stock has come through in good condition. The swamp area is coming in well. The stock on the property at the 31st March, 1938, comprised 111 run cattle, 340 breeding-ewes, and 723 dry sheep. Difficulty has been experienced in inducing outside Natives to accept employment on this scheme owing to its isolation. There is an abundance of work offering at Pouto, but it is necessary to provide suitable accommodation, and the hutments referred to above are being built for that purpose. It is proposed during the ensuing year to plough and cultivate a further 150 acres, construct 100 chains of new drains, erect twelve hutments, erect three miles of fencing, and carry out some further roading. This programme will be increased if labour becomes available. The pastures are in first-class condition, and the ewes and hoggets which have been bred on the property are well-grown and big-boned sheep. The water-supply, which appears to be sufficient, comes from a stream and lake, and ultimately, when subdivided, a system of reticulation should present no difficulty. Tautoro Bush. This property comprises 1,607 acres, of which 1,000 acres were in heavy bush. There are 200 acres of alluvial flats which are being drained and stumped, and the balance of the area is rolling to hilly country, sparsely watered, and suitable for sheep and cattle only. Access is by metalled road ten miles from Kaikohe. If neglected, this country would quickly revert to Soft fern and the better grasses would run out, but it is responding well to top-dressing. Lambs reared on the property are a well-grown line, and are in excellent condition. A considerable area was cleared and burnt, and 200 chains of drains were constructed. A wool-shed was erected, machines were installed, and 90 tons of fertilizer distributed. The development of this area is providing an excellent field of work for the local unemployed Natives. As at the 31st March there were on hand 438 run cattle, 784 breeding-ewes, and .1,651 dry sheep. It is anticipated that after this year the farm will be rearing all its own stock requirements. As the country requires careful stocking, it is proposed to run it as a station for some years before attempting subdivision. Waima. This area of 1,414 acres is situated on the main Kaikohe-Rawene highway, approximately fourteen miles from Kaikohe, and a like distance from the nearest port —Rawene. The watersupply is sufficient for the purposes of a station, but upon subdivision a supply will need to be laid on. The land comprises mostly rideable clay hills, with approximately 100 acres of stony flats fronting the main road. Arrangements were completed with the owners for the continuance of departmental control as a station. The Public Works Department has the construction of seven cottages in hand. A further area of 528 acres, known as Waima South G 2, has now been handed over for development purposes, and this will be worked in with the present property, together with an area known as the Wharerimu Block, which was acquired from the Lands Department during the year. A considerable amount of logging-up and burning has been carried out. This autumn 90 tons of manure were distributed, and a further 16 acres ploughed and cultivated. The fencingoff of the homesteads that are now being built is in hand. Scattered clumps of tea-tree are being cleared, and, when completed, draining works adjacent to the road will be commenced. At the present time the pastures are in good heart and there is an abundance of feed. It is proposed to fall, fence, and grass 350 acres during the ensuing season. On the Waima bush area, stock on hand at the 31st March, 1938, comprised 2,205 mixed sheep and 357 run cattle. Tokerau (North Auckland) District. Details of works subsidized from the Employment Promotion Fund on Native properties not yet under the development policy. (Note. —Such properties are usually referred to as belonging to non-units) : — Bushfelling .. .. .. .. .. .. 177 acres. Clearing .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,375 acres. Other cultivation .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,311 acres. Fencing— New .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,827 chains. Repairs .. .. .. .. .. .. 953 chains. Splitting—• Posts .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18,657 Strainers .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,379 Battens .. .. .. .. .. .. 37,714 Draining— New .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,857 chains. Cleaned .. .. .. .. .. .. 899 chains. Roading .. .. .. •• .. 1,679 chains. Cow-sheds erected —New' .. .. .. .. .. 21 Cottages erected —New (non-unit procures material, and the Department lets the contract) .. .. .. .. .. 48

20