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WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO MAORI LAND COURT DISTRICT In this district the lands subject to development activities comprise an area of 66,000 acres situated south of Auckland within the Waikato, Coromandel, and Hauraki areas and a portion of the King-country. This district experienced a prolonged dry spell during the last spring and summer, but nevertheless production was maintained and the butterfat return advanced from 767,179 lb. to 906,154 lb., an 18 per cent, increase. The year 1948 is of particular interest in relation to schemes in the Hauraki and Coromandel areas included in this district as it marks the tenth anniversarv of the introduction of land-development schemes there. With the exception of a small area in the vicinity of Mangatangi and Maramarua, all the lands, which are now producing 200,000 lb. of butterfat per annum, were ten years ago in a virgin state and most of the occupiers depended upon the State for their livelihood. To-day these formerly waste areas have been transformed into something like 4,000 areas of pasture carrying 1,274 milking-cows. The manuka and nikau whares have been replaced by comfortable homes and the debt loads in no case exceed the capacity of the property or the occupier to meet. The main items of work completed on the 250 unit properties and the 18 schemes comprising this district were : Clearing .. .. .. .. .. 1,184 acres. Grassing .. . . .. .. .. 761 acres. Fencing .. . . .. .. .. 926 chains. Drains dug . . .. .. .. .. 309 chains. Roading . . .. .. .. .. 562 chains. In response to the urgent call for increased production, additional areas were planted in maize and others in vegetables. The results of these efforts, and those accruing generally from the realization of the advantages of adequate stock supervision, have been appreciated by those taking an active interest in the operations. It is anticipated as a result that there will be an intensified effort in the future. Three base farms in the Te Kuiti area are managed by Maoris, who have proved to be ver}?- efficient in the performance of their duty, their interest in the work being very keen. WAIARIKI MAORI LAND COURT DISTRICT The gazetted area in this district covers 241,572 acres, of which 161,306 acres are considered suitable for development. It extends from Tauranga eastwards to the vicinity of Cape Runaway and inland to Lakes Taupo and Waikaremoana. A very good year was experienced climatically, there being an adequate rainfall, no flooding, and a high percentage of sunshine. This has resulted in increased returns generally. The whole area has responded well to the increased activity of the settlers, and although, naturally, much remains to be done, there is every indication that settlers are realizing the increased advantages to be derived from making additional personal effort. This is particularly noticeable in the response to the appeal for greater production to assist in the Aid for Britain Campaign. Approximately 28,000 bushels of maize were sold having a total value of £10,500 ; 1,800 acres of maize, 800 acres of kumaras, 30 acres of barley, and 200 acres of peas, as well as areas of pumpkins and water-melons, were planted, harvested, and marketed. These extras, together with the increased production of butterfat and wool, and the enhanced price received therefor, have brought the Maori settlers to the realization of what can be done and what large sums can be brought to the credit of their accounts by increased effort and by efficient farm-management and adequate supervision.

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