G—lo

Business Loans.—The Department lias assisted returned Maori ex-servicemen to establish themselves in the following businesses:— £ (a) Restaurant .. .. .. .. .. 1,450 (b) Purchase of fishing launch and gear .. .. .. 700 (o) Taxi-cab and licence .. .. .. .. 600 (d) Cartage businesses (3) .. .. .. .. 2,240 WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO NATIVE LAND COURT DISTRICT Three areas have been purchased by the Department with the object of development and subsequent settlement by Maori ex-servicemen. These are blocks of 99 acres at Waimamaku, 627 acres at Whitianga, and 120 acres at Clevedon. Mataitai Rehabilitation Scheme.—This is a block of 255 acres situated near Clevedon. It is anticipated that when 130 acres of hill country and 31 acres of flat land have been developed, the property will be capable of supporting a loan account of approximately £4,600. MamaJcumara Returned Soldiers' Settlement.—This is an area of 905 acres situated across the Kihikihi-Arapuni Highway about ten miles west of Arapuni and is at the moment in the initial stages of development. Maori ex-servicemen of the Ngatihaua Tribe, who were the owners of the area, will be settled here, and members of this tribe will be employed as labourers in the meantime. Te Kuiti 2b 20b.—An area of 109 acres near the Hangatiki Base Farm has been obtained by the Department for the possible settlement of ex-servicemen. At present it is in its natural state and considerable development will be necessary before a settler can be established. Purchases for individuals total 368 acres, and 2 properties are in full production with the occupiers showing distinct promise. The purchase has been arranged of a third property, and at the moment the transaction is being considered by the Land Sales Court. To date approval has been given to 3 loans for housing and all 3 dwellings will be commenced shortly. Twelve furniture loans have been granted, and the furniture has been installed in the respective dwellings. WAIARIKI DISTRICT NATIVE LAND COURT During the past year no new properties have been purchased for rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen. Three settlers are on Miller's property at Waimana, and it is hoped to settle at least two of these on their own account before the next dairy season. Two brothers are settled on Davies' property, near Te Teko, and these men also should be settled permanently for next dairy season. Arrangements are under way for the purchase of several blocks at Rotoiti adjoining the present scheme, and it is proposed to settle returned servicemen of the Ngatipikiao Tribe there. Four blocks have been offered for rehabilitation around Te Teko, and these are being inspected and valued prior to consideration being given to purchase. In addition to these settlers, many of the older units have made way for their returned-soldier sons and enabled them to be resettled on the family lands. As soon as fencing-wire and other general fencing-material becomes plentiful it will be possible to subdivide some of the existing schemes to provide either sheep or dairy farms, and these would be available for ex-servicemen.

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