C—l

Taranaki Land District. Brickland's Block (153 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was a badly ragwort-infested abandoned section. Work was commenced last spring. Sixty acres liave been cleared, 18 chains of drain dug, and 123 chains of new fences erected. No portion has yet been cultivated, and stock has been grazed only intermittently. The block is situated in the Mapara Survey District, Waitomo County. Brough's Block (1,053 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) The lease of this section, which is in the Aria Survey District, Waitomo County, was forfeited in March, 1936, and efforts to obtain a reselection were unsuccessful. It was finally decided that the Small Farms Board should take over and proceed with reconditioning. A start was made with the work in the spring of 1938, and was confined to scrub-cutting, fencing, and the sowing of 42 acres of swedes and turnips. The house has been renovated, and a dip and yards constructed. Stock carried temporarily: 635 sheep, 97 run cattle, and 3 horses. Seven men are employed. Crawford's Block (383 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) In 1932 the Small Farms Board established a tenant on part Section 5, Lot 1, Mapara Survey District, and his ultimate success was confidently predicted. However, a breakdown in health spoilt his chances, and ultimately he was forced to vacate. Ragwort had made its reappearance, and the Board decided therefore that the best course would be to allow the Superintendent of Land-development to take over the section for reconditioning. Work was commenced in the spring of 1938, when 20 acres of swedes was sown. The programme to be undertaken will include scrub-cutting, fencing, and draining. Twenty acres has been cleared, 14 chains additional fencing erected, and 9 chains of drains dug. Two men are employed. There is a possibility of a further area of Crown land adjoining this block being taken over by the Superintendent. Clifton's Block (612 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) The lease of this property was forfeited in June, 1936, and as there was little prospect of obtaining reselection the Small Farms Board agreed to take over and work the area in conjunction with adjoining land already under its control. Six men have been employed clearing the surface, sowing, and top-dressing 200 acres of scrub country. In addition, road fences have been renovated, 125 chains of subdivisioual fencing re-erected, 38 chains drains dug, and 20 acres ploughed and sown in root-crops, A new dwelling has been built, and dip and yards constructed. Work was commenced in the late autumn of 1938. Green's Block (666 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This forfeited leasehold, situated in the Mapara Survey District, Waitomo County, has just been taken over by the Board preparatory to reconditioning work being undertaken. The access bridge has been repaired to enable stock to be grazed and the tractor to be used. The improvements on the property at the date of forfeiture were an asset of the State Advances Corporation, which agreed to sell at valuation. Jensen's Block (773 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was an abandoned section on which work has been progressing during the past year.- There was approximately 170 acres of old pasture which has been fenced, top-dressed, and crushed. The ragwort is now completely controlled. Two hundred and fifty chains of fences have been erected or repaired, 190 chains of drains dug, approximately 180 acres have been cleared, burnt, and grassed, 32 acres have been sown in swedes, and a water-supply installed. Work is about 40 per cent, completed. Number of workmen employed : Twelve. Stock carried : Sheep, 399 ; run cattle, 72 ; horses, 4.

22