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of lack of fittings. The development programme is well advanced, and it is hoped to have charges fixed and sections disposed of on permanent tenure as from Ist July next. Elms Farm Settlement, three miles from Kaikoura, between Kowhai and Kahautara Hi vers. Area, 2,020 acres. Acquired, 15th August, 1945. Subdivided, one sheep and two dairy farms. Difficulty has been experienced in finalizing completion of the building programme, but this is now in hand, and it is hoped to fix charges on the two dairy units this year. Additional water-supplies have been put in hand and extra permanent pasture has been laid down. There are now no stock difficulties on the property. Draper's Property (Blenheim). —Area, 60 acres. Acquired, 1945. Single-unit dairy-farm. Charges were fixed and the area allotted on permanent tenure. Speed's Farm Settlement, at Koromiko, sixteen miles from Area, 797 acres. Purchased, 4th May, 1945. Subdivided one mixed and two dairy farms. Two ex-service-men are engaged on wages, each with the promise of a section. One set of buildings was completed during the year, and tenders have been invited for the balance of the buildings required. An extensive development scheme has been carried out: opening and clearing of drains, stumping, clearing rushes, deepening main stream through the property, laying down of additional pasture, and renewing and erecting fences. The property is showing marked signs of improvement, and probably charges will be fix e d for the 1948 season. Craigloclchart Farm Settlement, Waihopai Valley, twenty miles from Blenheim. Area, 7,915 acres. Acquired, 14th March, 1947. Subdivided, three sheep units. A recent acquisition, and development programme not yet started. Claverley Farm Settlement, on coast south of Kaikoura, adjoining the Conway RiverArea, 3,710 acres. Purchased, 17th March, 1947. Subdivided, four sheep-farms. A recent purchase, and development programme under consideration. Davidson's Block (Kaikoura). —Area, 54 acres. Acquired, October, 1946. Singleunit dairy-farm. Excellent hill country which can be allotted as soon as the necessary buildings completed. A. and P. Land (Blenheim). —Area, 42-| acres. Acquired, May, 1946. Charges fixed and area allotted on permanent tenure. Mudford's Property (Blenheim). —Area, 34 acres. Acquired, 26th November, 1946-First-class agriculture land on which no development work was undertaken. Charges fixed and area allotted to two ex-servicemen for asparagus-growing, small seeds, and agriculture. Molesworth.- —Area, 239,600 acres. Considerable progress has been made in controlling the rabbits and about 86,000 destroyed—nearly double last year's tally. A holding paddock of 1,200 acres in the Awatere has been completed, 220 chains of fencing in all, and the homestead renovated, and likewise some of the huts. A new cow byre and yards was erected near the homestead, and about 2,500 trees planted out, principally radiata and some Oregon pine. Improvements to the water-supply were also effected. Pastures continue to show improvement, and likewise the natural regeneration. Dr.'Allen, of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department, continues with the grassing experiments. A radio telephone was installed between the homesteads at Molesworth and Tarndale and has proved a decided acquisition for quick communication between the two places. The Fisheries Laboratory Research Officer conducted an investigation of the effects -on fresh-water-fish foods. It is proposed during the rehabilitation of Molesworth to make annual investigations by the mobile laboratory of the Marine Department. The stock came through the winter in fairly good condition and the calves were .about the best yet reared and the percentage better. The present herd comprises 1,345 breeding-cows, 326 heifers, 801 steers, 7 dairy stock, and 60 bulls. Sales totalled 387 and the price realized £5,474 2s. 6d., the steers averaging £l4 18s. 6d. and the cows £ll.

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