G.—lo.

During the year 150 acres of gorse and blackberry have been cleared, and, of this, 95 acres have been sown down m grass and 20 acres ploughed ready to sow down. Under the supervision of the 1 üblxc Works Department, 50 chains of drains have been dug and stopbanks built. This drain, which measures 10 ft. by 6 ft., is the main outlet for the area. Flood-gates have been installed, and benefits are already evident. The stock carried on the section as at the 31st March, 1938, was 754 wethers and 88 run cattle. A new house and cow-shed have been erected for a settler on this block, and a store-shed has been built on the scheme. The opening-up of this and other blocks in the Tauranga area has provided work for thirty Natives and eighty-seven dependants hitherto on relief jobs. On the Kaitimako and the settlers blocks employment was provided for twenty-four men who supported seventv-three dependants. J Tauranga : Ngapeke. ar ® a > wllicll was gazetted in July, 1937, comprises 801 acres, of which 500 acres are ploughable fiats and the balance undulating steep country. On this block 300 acres have been cleared, and of this area 100 acres have been ploughed and sown down and another 100 acres surface-sown, 400 chains of fencing have been erected, 120 chains of new drains dug, 20 chains of new roads formed, three new houses and an up-to-date storeshed erected, and four huts have been built to accommodate the workers. Two settlers have been established, and the stock on the scheme comprised 129 steers, 58 M.S. yearlings, and 6 horses. This country when fully developed should carry four ewes to the acre, and the fiat portion of the block one cow to l- 2 - acres. Though only in the initial stages of development, the land is responding well to treatment and should develop into good farming-country. To carry out the development programme thirty-four men were employed, and these support sixty-one dependants. Maketu Farm. Containing an area of 1,682 acres, the Maketu farm is being administered as a development scheme by the Department on behalf of the Arawa Trust Board. Kfteen acres were sown in grass and 10 acres in turnips ; other activities included the clearing of 100 acres, 15 chains of reading, 80 chains of fencing, and the widening and cleaning of 100 chains of drains ; a large wool-shed, sheep-dip, and yards were erected, also a four-stall stable and harness room, and ail the houses were painted. Considerable extensions were made to the water-supply which now reticulates over the whole area and should obviate the trouble experienced during recent drv seasons. ' & J At the commencement of the past milking season the five milkers on the farm were placed on a snare-milking basis, resulting m more efficient management of the herds and giving a greater degree of incentive to the milkers. The total production from the 430 milking-cows was 74,369 lb of butterfat (an average of 177 lb. per cow). The wool-clip totalled 16,010 lb., and 928 lambs were sold. In addition to the above dairy herds, the farm carried the following live-stock : 1 523 breedingewes, 943 dry sheep, 261 run cattle, 25 jersey bulls, as well as a number of pigs and horses The farm provided employment for thirty-three workers, and supported in all a total of fifty-eight adults and fifty-seven minors. Maketu : Motiti Island. No assistance was given during the year to the fifteen settlers engaged in maize-growing on the 852 acres which is the portion of Motiti Island gazetted as a development scheme. The farmers, however reduced their indebtedness to the Department by the proceeds of the sale of 798 bushels of maize With the possible exception of the supply of a few implements, no further assistance will be required by tnese set}tiers. Maketu : Pukaingataru. There are now four settlers on this scheme, comprising a total of 331 acres, all of which is capable of development. The whole of the area with the exception of 40 acres of swamp is ploughable. Two of the settlers are now self-supporting and are making satisfactory progress The other two settlers were gazetted under the Maketu scheme in September, 1936, and are included for administrative purposes under the Pukaingataru subdivision to distinguish them from the main Maketu area being c eveloped on behalf of the Arawa Trust Board. One settler did not require assistance during the year ihe fourth section of 90 acres was formerly under mortgage to the Native Trustee. During the year 50 chains of new fencing were erected on this property, 6 acres sown in lucerne, a new cow-shed and yaids elected, and a milking plant installed. This settler is milking sixty cows. In all, there are 170 cows on the scheme, and it supports a total of fourteen adults and five minors. Maketu : Te Puke. This scheme comprises a total area of 474 acres, all of which is capable of being developed and is all ploughable. Iwo settlers have been established on the property, but owing to excessive flooding these men have suffered a set-back. Ihe Parawhenuamea Stream, which runs through this land backs up and floods the surrounding areas, but this is being remedied by diverting and straightening out the course of the stream, 40 chains having been already completed. This drain, when completed will allow the water to get away, and the land should then be suited for dairy-farming purposes

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