G.—lo.

of gravel to the surface, the whole area is now under permanent pasture. The year's work embraced 18 acres of clearing of gorse, 44 chains of new fencing, 4 chains of draining, 16 acres of grassing, and the installation of an electric water-pump. Live-stock as at 31st March comprised 30 dairy cows, 9 other dairy stock, and 2 horses. Both settlers are young and energetic and are making every endeavour to become efficient farmers. They have comfortable houses. Reureu. Gazetted on 27th January, 1938, this scheme is situated seven miles from Halcombe, and comprises a total area of 309 acres. The lands comprised in this block are mostly rich river-flats, with some undulating country. No developmental work has yet been commenced, all efforts being centred on river-protection works, on which ten men with thirty-eight dependants have been engaged. As some of the sections adjoin the Rangitikei River, where there has been steady erosion for some considerable time, the construction of stone groynes, the planting of willow trees, and the erection of fences will prevent the further loss of rich land, and will also have the effect of greatly minimizing the risk of erosion on other land farther down the river. This work is being carried out under the supervision of the County Engineer. Oil the completion of the protection work a start will be made on general development, and as these Jands are particularly rich, there is no doubt that a successful scheme will result. Mangaweka. Situated one mile from Mangaweka Railway-station, and comprising a total area of 43 acres, this scheme contains mostly undulating land which is all ploughable. There is already a fairquality pasture, but resowing will be necessary on portion of the block. There is one dairying settler established, and the scheme supports two adults and three children. Apart from the erection of a cottage and a cow-shed, no work has yet been commenced, but during the coming season it is expected that the balance of the work will be completed. The live-stock as at 31st March, 1938, comprised 16 dairy cows, 1 bull, and 2 horses. As the section was only gazetted on 25th January, 1938, no returns have yet been received. The established settler was the first one in this locality to bring his land under the developmental policy, and the effects of the State's administration will be closely watched by neighbouring Native farmers, many of whom may desire to follow his example in the near future.

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