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Lambing percentages were good, but weights of drafts off the mother were slightly lower than in previous seasons. On the other hand, with plentiful supplies of lambfeed available, subsequent drafts of lambs were heavier. Hay and oat crops were harvested in splendid condition and much earlier than usual. Balfour (Locality : Balfour). —Area, 1,363 acres. Acquired, 21st January, 1946. Subdivision, three sheep-farms. Regrassing and drainage operations have been completed and the building programme is well advanced. Although some 90 chains of fencing have yet to be completed, it is anticipated that the sections will be ready for permanent allotment in July, 1948 to the three ex-servicemen who have been working on the property since acquisition. Dacre (Locality: Dacre). —Area, 634 acres. Acquired, 10th June, 1946. Subdivision, two sheep-farms. Development programme, including extensive drainage improvements and the clearing of 62 acres of bush and scrub, has been practically completed, except for fencing and buildings. Of the two new houses to be provided, one is in course of erection and tenders have been called for erection of the second. Two ex-servicemen have been employed on wages since acquisition, and it is planned to allot to them at an early date. Drumfern (Locality : Dipton).—Area, 7,319 acres. Acquired, Ist October, 1947. Subdivision, three or four sheep-farms. This property consists of approximately 1,500 acres of poor to medium pastures, the balance tussock hills. The preparations of this property for settlement will involve an extensive development programme, including regrassing, fencing, drainage, and buildings, and it is not expected that it can be completed before 1952. Eastern Bush (Locality : Orawia).—Area, 938 acres. Acquired, 14th December, 1945. Subdivision, two sheep-farms. Building and drainage programmes have been completed, but a fair amount of fencing has yet to be done. Two ex-servicemen with promises of sections are working on the property. It is planned to allot a section to one of these two men at an early date. The other section is more backward and cannot be allotted until July, 1949. Granvue (Locality: Otautau). —Area, 578 acres. Acquired, 24th April, 1947. Subdivision, two sheep-farms. The principal development consists of the erection of one house, one implement-shed, and 130 chains of fencing. Sixty-seven acres have been regrassed, but no progress has been made with fencing. The settlement of two ex-servicemen who have been working on the property since acquisition is planned for July, 1949. Karara (Locality : Tuatapere).—Area, 709 acres. Acquired, Ist September, 1947. Subdivision, two sheep-farms. Development programme consists of 300 acres of regrassing, 240 chains of fencing, and the erection of two houses, one wool-shed, two implement-sheds, and a dip. Forty-five acres have been regrassed to date and a further 51 acres are at present under cultivation. Sixty chains of fences have been repaired. Property will be ready for allotment on fixed charges to two ex-servicemen in July, 1950. These two men have been working on the property since acquisition. Kenilworth (Locality : Pine Bush). —Area, 3,055 acres. Acquired, 20th September, 1945, 1,736 acres, but an adjoining area of 1,319 acres acquired in March, 1947, was added. Subdivision, seven sheep-farms. In an extensive development programme, 660 acres have been regrassed, 190 chains of main channels have been excavated, and the formation of 128 chains of new road is practically completed. Five ex-servicemen with promises of sections are working on the property. Allotment of five sections in 1949 and two in 1950 will be made, provided fencing-materials become available.

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