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Raetihi BlocJc (balance, 2,049 acres), between Raetihi and Ohakune. In August last five ex-servicemen selected by ballot were established on mixed farms at the southern end of the block. Two houses on this area are still under construction; all other work is complete. Three dwellings, five cow-sheds, and other farm buildings were erected. A community water-supply serves the five dairy sections. Plans for settlement of the remainder of the block are in preparation; part will probably be offered for selection in 1950. Rangarangai Block (balance, 2,647 acres), on the Echolands Road, north-east of Taumarunui. One section of 367 acres was settled on fixed charges in May, 1946. A dairy herd was established on part of the southern area, and two ex-servicemen are employed as share-milkers. Three sheep sections are to be offered for selection in May next, and two dairy sections in July, when the share-milkers will also be permanently established. Four houses and three cow-sheds are under construction; roading and other work is in progress. Purchase of an area of Native land, 140 acres, formerly leased to one of the vendors, is under consideration. Rumbles Block (379 acres) is in the Pukeatua district, fourteen miles east.of Te Awamutu. Pastures on this block are improving and gorse is being kept under control. A cow-shed is under construction, and a bore will provide a water-supply. Dairying will be commenced next season, and the block will probably be settled in 1948. Tahaia Block (661 acres) consists of two areas, seven to nine miles south of Otorohanga. " Cooper's " area of 105 acres has been heavily stocked to control gorse, which is troublesome in the district. A small area previously in crops was sown in grass ; little other development work was done. The remaining 556 acres is undeveloped. An extensive development programme has had to be postponed on account of the shortage of fencing-materials. Tapuwae Block (3,328 acres) is pumice land, situated east of the Poro-o-tarao Tunnel on the Main Trunk Railway. Some maintenance work has been carried out, and the dry spell made possible the cultivation of a swamp area. The soil is mineraldeficient, the use of cobalt in manures and stock-licks being essential to maintain the stock in good health. Owing to the special management problems of this area and its isolated locality, settlement is not practicable at present. Tarata Block (188 acres), a two-unit dairy property, nine miles south of Te Awamutu. All improvements were completed early in the year, and a share-milker who was milking the dairy herd was allotted one section and an ex-serviceman selected by ballot placed on the other. Te Kowhai Block (balance, 303 acres), six miles north-west of Hamilton. The northern portion of the block, comprising three dairy sections, was allotted to exservicemen in July, 1946. Two dwellings, three cow-sheds, and other farm buildings were completed, and water-supplies installed. The other portion of the block, comprising one dairy unit of 111 acres, was disposed of during 1945-46. Vincent's Block (196 acres), five miles south of Otorohanga. Owing to weather conditions during the past season, pastures have deteriorated slightly. The district is infested with ragwort, which requires constant control. Repairs have been effected to fences and water-supply. Settlement as a single unit is proposed in 1948. Waihuka Block (2,539 acres), four miles south-west of Waimiha. Weather conditions during the past year have resulted in some deterioration of pastures, resulting in a slight reduction of carrying-capacity. Little development work has been possible, a small area only being sown in grass. This country is subject to a mineral deficiency and the use of cobalt in the form of manures and stock-licks is essential to maintain stock in good condition. Settlement will not be possible for some years. Waitangaru Block (balance, 10,384 acres), in the Mairoa district, eighteen to twenty-six miles west of Te Kuiti. Approximately one-fifth of the block is in native bush or is otherwise unsuitable for development, and a similar area reverted. The shortage of fertilizer, and weather conditions, have resulted in some weakening of pastures. Fencing-materials are required for maintenance and fencing cultivated areas, further development being hampered by the shortage. Control of pastures is difficult

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