G—lo

there is no doubt that the figure would have been very much higher. The case of this settler affords a striking example of individual effort coupled with an improvement in dairy husbandrv. Over the last three years his production from 40 cows has been: 1945-46, 7,227 lb. ; 1946-47, 8,190 lb.; and 1947-48, 12,946 lb. Huramua Soldier's Settlement secured first prize " in the pen " and " on the hooks " at the Wairoa district Jamb competition, whilst Hikuwai Station gained third and fifth places in the Tokomaru Bay works competition. A number of the settlers are undertaking horticulture. During the season over 100,000 tomato-plants were cultivated, and the produce was sold to a pulping-factory in Gisborne at a satisfactory price of £lO per ton. One grower in particular produced over 6| tons of tomatoes per thousand plants. Three Maoris have planted 3| acres in grapevines, and during the coming season it is proposed to plant several areas in asparagus, raspberries, and passion-fruit. Supervision by the Department's Horticulturist, and general instruction and practical demonstrations, have assisted to implant in the minds of many Maoris some of the possibilities of the small-holding farmer. A small experimental nursery has been established at Kaiti Pa (Gisborne) and supplies of plants, small fruit-trees, and shrubs are being propagated for issue to Maori farmers. It is hoped to extend the project to include the supply of citrus trees, and as soon as a suitable site has been secured which will allow of the necessary extension the Department's Horticulturist hopes to enter the citrus-growing industry on a large scale. Electric-power reticulation has been extended in the Mahia area, and as soon as the wiring has been completed the present Diesel and petrol milking-machines will be available for transfer to other properties on the East Coast. The lime-quarry at Te Araroa continues to supply ample quantities of lime for the area as well as for private farmers who may be requiring it. Soil erosion is a major problem in this district, and the Department's Field Supervisors are collaborating with the Catchment Board's officers in an endeavour to carry out further prevention schemes. At present a large-scale prevention scheme embracing the area around the confluence of the Poroporo and Waiapu Bivers is being finalized and should shortly be in progress. AOTEA MAOBI LAND COUBT DISTBICT The aggregate area of development land in this district amounts to approximately 115,000 acres, of which 22,000 acres have been developed. Like most parts of the Dominion, this district experienced a prolonged dry season, the rainfall of 6-4 in. being slightly over half the normal average of 11-5 in. for the same period. This has caused a fall in production in some areas, and the total amount of butterfat (374,947 lb.) was less by approximately 5,000 lb. than last year's figure. The enhanced prices received, however, for butterfat and wool more than compensated for the drop in production. On one scheme the lambing percentage was 120 per cent. In some cases as much as 40d. per pound was received for wool, this price being made possible by the marked improvement in the manner in which the wool was sent out from the sheds. Closer attention is being given to this side of wool-production and it will have a considerable bearing on any future price obtained. Extensive tree-planting has taken place on schemes, where the total number planted during the year amounted to 21,000. The formation, metalling, realigning, and extension of roads has been carried out. This will give better access to holdings and will increase the all-round efficiency of the farms concerned.

7