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Robertson's Block (316 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was a small-farm section taken over by this Branch, fifteen months ago. It had partly reverted to fern, and ragwort was in evidence. This area now includes another adjoining abandoned section in a similar state. Work completed is comprised of one house erected and 278 chains fences erected and 25 chains repaired ; 66 chains of drains have been dug ; 151 acres have been cleared, 72 acres cultivated, of which 61 acres have been sown in grass, and 12 acres of old pasture have been reconditioned. Work is approximately 50 per cent, completed. Eight men are employed. Sheep have been carried intermittently for the purpose of ragwort and fern control. Tapuwae Block (3,328 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) The above block was purchased by the Lands Development Board in 1930 from the Tunnel Timber Co., Ltd. About 100 acres was then in grass, the balance being milled bush, which was later felled by contract. The whole area was for a time worked as a station under the supervision of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, New Plymouth, but in July, 1938, it was considered that it would be advantageous from the point of view of control if the area were handed over to the Superintendent of Land-development, who was operating on other areas in the locality. The Superintendent has continued to run the place as a station, but nevertheless proposes undertaking extensive development operations with a view to increasing the area in grass. Since July, 1938, one dwelling has been repaired, 163 acres cleared, of which 122 acres has been cultivated, and 23 acres sown in new grass. Thirty-five men are employed. Stock carried : 6,481 sheep, 843 run cattle, 4 dairy cattle, and 15 horses. West's Block (657 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This is an abandoned Crown leasehold situated at Aria which has been handed over to the Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti, for reconditioning. No work has yet been undertaken. o'Sullivan's Block (559 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This block is in the same position as West's, referred to above. The two areas will be worked as one unit. Zimmerman's (181 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This was a very badly deteriorated and ragwort-infested forfeited section on which work has been proceeding for two years. Improvements eflected are clearing, 50 acres ; cultivation, 17 acres ; grass surface sown, 90 acres ; new fences erected, 185 chains, and 60 chains repaired ; while 19 chains of drains have been dug. One set of sheep-yards and one dip and yards have been constructed and one dwelling repaired. The work is approximately 60 per cent, completed. Stock carried : Sheep, 806 ; dairy cattle, 1 ; horse, 1. In this case the large number of sheep was carried intermittently for control purposes. Waihuka Block (2,805 Acres). (Control: Superintendent of Land-development, Te Kuiti.) This block consists of five sections —one of 1,371 acres was forfeited, two comprise unoccupied Crown land in bush (485 acres), and two had been abandoned. The bush sections are being reserved for fencing-timber. There was approximately 200 acres in grass which has been renovated, and the ragwort which had badly infested another 80 acres has been controlled. The balance is unimproved land covered with manuka and fern, which it is proposed to clear. Approximately 900 acres is ploughable. Work has been in progress for about twelve months, and 126 chains of new fencing has been erected, 245 chains old fencing repaired, and 191 chains new drains dug ; 616 acres has been cleared and 71 acres cultivated. Number of workmen employed : Fifty-three. Stock carried : Sheep, 672 ; run cattle, 45 ; horses, 6.

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