NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROVISION OF HOUSES FOR MAORIS, INCLUDING EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION. REPORT ON—BY BOARD OF NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1942 Session I, G-10

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1942. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROVISION OF HOUSES FOR MAORIS, INCLUDING EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION. REPORT ON—BY BOARD OF NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave.

GENERAL REPORT.

This report, dealing with the operations of the Board of Native Affairs during the financial year ended 31st March, 1942, provides a summary of the principal activities undertaken throughout the year in connection with the development, settlement, and farming of Native land and measures taken for improving the housing conditions of the Maori people. For purposes of economy there has been omitted repetition of facts that can conveniently be obtained by reference to previous statements on these subjects presented to both Houses of the General Assembly during the past eleven years. The satisfactory progress maintained during the past decade in the Native-land-settlement enterprises controlled by the Board is due in a very large measure to the sustained energies of the Maori people concerned, the majority of whom are now achieving a successful standard of efficiency in farming and, encouraged by their leaders, are making an appreciable contribution to the primary production output of the Dominion. The policy of the Board is the settlement of the Maoris to the limit of their remaining land resources, in circumstances that will secure for them a reasonable standard of livelihood as farming members of the community, and the Board realizes that this objective is only possible with the co-operation and assistance of the elders and the leaders. A most satisfactory feature of this year's operations is revealed in the figures relating to the sale of dairy-produce and the returns from the sheep and cattle farming activities controlled by the Board, which resulted in revenue receipts amounting to over half a million pounds, the exact amount being £575,752, as compared with a total return of £547,516 for the preceding year. The steady upward trend year by year has thus continued, despite the fact that war conditions have handicapped farming operations generally. The principal items of production from State schemes controlled by the Board are as follows : Butterfat, representing the Department's proportion only, which averaged 40 per cent., £176,743, as compared with £169,660 for the previous season ; wool-sales, £76,802, as against £7.9,274 for 1941 ; proceeds from sheep and cattle sold, £214,140, in comparison with £200,504 for the previous year ; and sundry receipts (crops and other farm produce), £34,578, the previous year's figures being £28,657. The volume of dairy-produce has decreased slightly from 6,123,888 lb. to 6,067,433 lb., while the wool-clip shows a marked increase from 4,663 bales to 5,426 bales. The seventeen stations financed by the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards produced a total of 2,164 bales of wool of a gross value of £35,784, as compared with J ,853 bales (£32,940) for the preceding year ; sales of livestock on these properties reached £36,672, in comparison with £35,567 for 1941; while on the East Coast Trust stations 2,765 (2,369) bales of wool were shorn. The live-stock returns at the 31st March last are reflected in the volume of production for the year under review in respect of dairying and sheep-farming operations controlled by the Board, and show an increase in practically all classes. The tallies, with the preceding year's figures shown in parentheses, on the farm-development schemes financed by the State are as follows : Cows milked during the season, 40,000 (37,950) ; other dairy stock, 24,000 (21,000) ; run cattle, 27,600 (27,500) ; breeding-ewes, 155,500 (136,300) ; dry sheep, 111,000 (114,600). The Native Trust and Maori Land Board stations, which derive their finance from Trust funds, were also carrying 10,900 (7,450) run cattle, 40,500 (39,200) breeding-ewes, and 41,200 (34,000) dry sheep. In addition, the East Coast Trust stations carry flocks totalling 143,000 sheep and nearly 18,500 head of cattle. The vagaries of the weather experienced throughout the North Island were generally unfavourable for farming. Following a good late autumn the winter was severe in North Auckland but mild in the Waikato, and during the spring the rainfall was excessive. Drought conditions which prevailed in the autumn were unfavourable for dairying, although production was maintained in the north. In the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty areas the dry autumn spell affected butterfat returns, but welcome rainfalls which followed have improved pastures and a good growth of winter feed is assured for stock purposes. Parts of the East Coast district experienced a good season and stock has been healthy, but in the Waiapu area shortage of winter feed is anticipated due to the dry autumn. Hawke's Bay suffered from an exceptional dry spring and early summer, followed by excessive rainfall which affected harvesting but which will be beneficial for wintering stock. A wet season in Wanganui and Taranaki districts delayed shearing and other stock-work and affected the feeding-value of grass. Climatic conditions in the South Island were variable.

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The importance of fodder crops is realized as being necessary for wintering and fattening stock, and the Board has encouraged the growing of other farm produce to meet the demands of the Dominion during the present state of emergency. Linen flax was grown on an increased area in the Marlborough District, a total of 178 acres being planted, but owing to unfavourable weather conditions the yield per acre for this season is not as good as that obtained for the previous year. In the Bay of Plenty and East Coast districts considerable areas were again planted in maize, and efforts will be made to grow potatoes and other vegetable crops to meet the demand created by war conditions. Fodder crops have been grown to a greater extent during the past season ; it is estimated that a total area of 2,000 acres of swedes were sown, and areas aggregating approximately 3,200 acres were cut for hay and ensilage. The control of noxious weeds, especially ragwort, has presented a difficult problem, on dairy-farms owing to the short supply of Atlaci.de and sodium chlorate. Goats are being used extensively for the purpose of controlling blackberry growth, but shortage of labour has retarded the work of gorseeradication. In some districts, notably Taumaruiiui and Tokaanu, the rabbit pest appears to be increasing, and more drastic steps will need to be taken to combat this nuisance. In Southland the rabbits are a serious menace to farming operations, but all possible means to destroy this pest are being taken. Grants from the Consolidated Fund made available through the Department during the year under review amounted to £247,500 and were the means of enabling the Board to profitably employ some 2,000 Maoris on productive work on Native lands or on Native housing construction. In cases where returns from farming operations were found to be insufficient to maintain a reasonable standard of living the Board has provided assistance to settlers during the winter months by way of subsidized contracts. The Ahuwhenua Cup, presented by the Right Hon. Viscount Bledisloe as a challenge trophy for competition by Native settlers on land-development schemes, was awarded this year to a member of the Maniapoto tribe who is farming at Te Kuiti. Bach year there is keen contest for the trophy, and in complimenting the winner upon his well-kept farm and efficient management the judge commented favourably on the high standard of farming efficiency shown by all nine competitors. The shortage of and restrictions on building-materials and the demand for skilled carpenters and other tradesmen for defence works has curtailed the Board's housing activities during the year, and the increased costs of construction is also a factor which is retarding the provision of suitable dwellings. Nevertheless fair progress has been recorded, and the number of houses erected, purchased, or repaired during 1941-42, including those built for settlers on farm-development schemes, was 156, classified as follows : Under development and settlement schemes, 54 ; under the Housing Act, 53 ; and under the Special Housing Fund established for indigent Natives, 49. The total number of cottages and other dwellings erected or repaired for Maoris up to the 31st March, .1.942, was 2,258, and in addition a large number of farm buildings have been provided for Native settlers on the land. Much remains to be done to alleviate the housing conditions of many of the Maori people who are still living in deplorable circumstances which exist in scattered Native communities throughout the country, but war conditions are at present precluding expansion of activities. Comprehensive measures to ameliorate the position must be considered in conjunction with the rehabilitation of Maori soldiers as they return. It is gratifying to note from reports that better housing conditions soon reflect themselves in the improved health of the occupants, particularly of the children, and the Board trusts that the measures already taken will prove an incentive to the people to strive for higher Standards in this direction. The development of new areas has been completely curtailed during the year owing primarily to the supply of fetilizers being reduced and also to the dearth of man-power available. It will, in fact, be impossible to maintain pastures on marginal lands to the full extent possible under previous conditions, and if the quota of artificial manures available for future requirements is less than that received for the past season a drop in production is inevitable. The immediate concern of the Board is to maintain lands already in pasture. In addition to directing the farming operations of the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards which embrace seventeen sheep-stations aggregating 67,659 acres, in resepct of which advances amounting to £196,000 have been made, the Board controls the investments on mortgage or overdraft of these statutory bodies. At the 31st March, 1942, the investments of the Native Trustee amounted to £590,000, including £391,000 on mortgage securities to 372 Natives, £164,000 on overdraft to stations, and £5,000 held in local-body debentures. The corresponding figures for the seven Maori Land Boards at the same date were : Total investments, £603,000, including £153,500 by way of loans to 253 Maori mortgagors ; £80,000 advances on properties since included in development schemes ; and £105,000 held in Government securities. Throughout the year the Board continued its policy of encouraging the application of surplus Trust funds towards assistance to Maoris for farming and housing purposes. The Board takes this opportunity of again paying tribute to men of the Maori battalions and other units, many of whom were engaged on Board-controlled lands and arc now serving with the armed forces overseas or in New Zealand. The deepest sympathy is extended to the relatives of those who have made the supreme sacrifice, and the Board trusts that favourable reports will be received of the wounded, missing, and prisoners of war, and that men invalided home will soon regain their normal health. In the stupendous task of rehabilitation after the war it will be the Board's duty to assist, and it feels assured that in this important work it will have the fullest co-operation of the leaders of the Maori people. In conclusion, the Board desires once again to record its appreciation of the devoted services rendered by officers of the Native Department, which, with a depleted staff caused by the release of many younger men for overseas and defence purposes, has efficiently carried out the Board's policy of maintaining production and contributing fully to the Dominion's war effort. Accompanying this statement are district reports reviewing the various agricultural and pastoral schemes, farms, and other activities controlled by the Board, and tables are appended containing statistical and financial information concerning all its operations. H. G. R. Mason, for the Chairman.

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STATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES. TOKERAU MAORI LAND HOARD DISTRICT. The Tai-Tokerau or Northern district covers the entire peninsula North of Auckland, and fully one-quarter of the Maori population of Ao-tea-roa live within its boundaries. The lands of the settlers under individual occupation are in the majority small in area and poor to medium in quality. In this district the Department administers four large unit schemes, and thereby controls 860 Native farmers. In addition, there are sixteen large comprehensive schemes or stations embracing approximately 13,000 acres of grassland. In spite of a poor season from December onwards, dairy-production exceeded the record figures of the previous season. Cash proceeds to the Department from this source increased from £50,747 to £55,415. The live-stock generally wintered well, and this fact materially helped the stock to pass through the dry period in good condition. Throughout the district new development has been curtailed on account of the acute shortage of labour and essential materials such as fertilizers, fencing-wire, and building requisites. Of the two nominations for the Ahuwhenua Trophy submitted by the district for the annual competition, one competitor was placed fifth and the other eighth. The employment-promotion grants decreased during the year. The assistance was extended to a monthly average of 547 workmen, to which the Fund contributed £67,895, reflecting a decrease of £12,4-24 on the previous year. Until war restrictions were placed on building materials, the district building programme proceeded satisfactorily. The total number of cottages constructed during the year, under supervision of the Public Works Department, is 20, bringing the total number of houses erected to date to 483. The following table shows the progress made over the last six years : —

The principal features are summed up as follows : Area gazetted, 462,821 acres ; area developed and occupied by settlers, 124,242 acres ; area in grass on general schemes, 12,960 acres ; dairy cattle number 15,847 and other cattle run number 11,130 ; sheep carried number 17,977 ; while 349 bales of wool were produced. WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT. The Waikato-Maniapoto or South Auckland district embraces the Waikato, Hauraki, and Kingcountry localities, and satisfactory progress has been made in all three areas during the year. The general weather conditions during the late summer were not favourable, and very dry conditions were experienced during January, February, and March. The total area gazetted is 65,758 acres, of which 29,674 acres have been developed and occupied by 227 individual Native settlers. The balance area includes 11,874 acres in grass and 562 acres in crops. These areas are administered as comprehensive schemes or stations. A steady increase in the number of live-stock carried is reflected in the reports for the undermentioned years: —

In spite of the unfavourable dairy season, the butterfat-production actually increased on last year's output. The table below shows the progress during the last six years Butterfat. Butterfat. lb. lb. 1937 .. .. 316,091 1940 .. .. .. 488,744 1938 . .. 361,611 1941 .. .. .. 719,834 1939 .. .. .. 448,140 1942 .. .. .. 785,068 The Aim when ua Trophy was awarded for the first time to a settler in the South Auckland district, the winner being Mr. Tame Pukunui, a Maori farmer near Te Kuiti. Another Native farmer in the Hauraki district was adjudged runner-up.

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1936-37. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1939-40. 1940-41. 1941-42. Season's butterfat-produc- 1,108,700 1,365,080 1,599,856 1,639,811 2,145,077 2,209,560 tion, in pounds Houses erected* .. 58 152 247- 391 463 483 Cow-sheds erected* .. 55 197 331 450 536 557 * Progressive totals.

1936. 1937. 1938. 1939. 1940. 1941. 1942. Dairy cows .. .. 1,800 1,945 2,370 3,041 3,263 4,053 5,177 g] leep 7,117 8,739 14,000 24,700 31,257 41,171 45,574 Run cattle 945 1,337 1,623 2,563 3,257 3,643 4,203

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The employment-promotion subsidy during the year totalled £34,724, a decrease of £6,251 on the amount granted last year. This grant contributed towards the wages of an average monthly employment of 276 men. The extension of the Department's land-development operations is governed by the labour available as well as by restrictions on materials required for defence purposes. The voluntary enlistment of many Maori workmen has consequently retarded normal expansion. Housing operations proceeded more slowly this year on account of war conditions, but 17 cottages were erected during the period, and this brought the total dwellings provided on scheme lands to 179. The big majority of unit properties in the South Auckland district are now being worked under excellent living-conditions. Practically little new development was commenced during the year, and the aim has been to endeavour to hold and consolidate the present pasture lands and to keep production up to the maximum, in spite of shortages in essential farm requisites. The Native people themselves realize that a determined effort must be made to bring this about, and they are offering their wholehearted co-operation in this respect. WAIARIKI MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT. Development operations, as in other civil occupations, has been carried on under increasing difficulties occasioned principally from shortages of man-power and materials. All those engaged and interested in the work have accepted their extra duties and responsibilities, and have endeavoured to maintain and increase the production wherever possible. The climatic conditions have not been altogether favourable for dairying, and a very dry spell in January and February caused a heavy fall ing-off in the butterfat for those months. This dry spell was particularly severe on production in the coast area. Favourable weather since then, however, has given a good growth of feed that should enable all stock to winter well. Owing to enlistments of eligible men from the dairy-farms, extra responsibilities have been undertaken by the womenfolk, and in most cases they are doing their best to maintain the farms and production. It is hoped that the Department will be able -to give those fanners every assistance possible so that when the soldier husbands return they will find that the farms have not deteriorated or gone back through their absence. It was found, necessary for the Ruatoki settlers to change over to cheese-prod action during the year, and though there were difficulties, the change has been completed and the suppliers have fallen in with the requirements of the war effort of the dairy industry. It is regretted that through testers not being available it has not been possible to keep up the herd-testing this season in the Horohoro district. The settlers were really interested in the'information supplied per medium of regular tests, and it is hoped that the herd-testing facilities can be made available again at an early date. The year has been more favourable for the sheep and run-cattle schemes, and though there was a small outbreak of eczema late in the summer of 1942, it did not cause very grave losses. The disease was principally at Tauranga and Tikitere. There has been very little trouble from bush sickness, and it is considered that if those areas known to be affected can be kept judicially stocked and treated as at present with -cobaltized superphosphate satisfactory establishment of herds and flocks can be anticipated. Recommendations have now been made with a view to the granting of definite tenures or leases to those settlers established under the development schemes who have proved themselves to be efficient farmers. It is hoped that the granting of these tenures will encourage others to strive to qualify for leases in due course. With the limitation on man-power and material for farming and development work, no provision is being made at present for any new work to be commenced or proceeded with during the coming year, but there are ample areas suitable and available for new work in the district as soon as labour and materials can be obtained. Building operations have also been held up and, apart from maintenance and necessary repair work, only one new house has been erected. The butterfat-production has shown a decline of approximately 150,000 lb. (7 per cent.), and this is mainly accounted for by the drought in the late summer which affected supplies, especially in the coast schemes. Wool-production this year totals 2,022 bales, which is an increase on last year of 314 bales for the same schemes. Actually last year's figures did not include crutchings, so it must be borne in mind that the true increase is less than that shown. It can be said that, despite difficulties beyond the control of the administration, a successful year has been recorded and progress has been maintained. TAIRAWHITI MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT. The total area gazetted lor development has been increased by bringing in four more blocks in the Te Araroa - Wharekahika area, totalling 2,261 acres, and one block in the Waiapu district of 45 acres. The total number of settlers shows a slight decrease, accounted for mainly by amalgamation of farms where an occupier has joined up with the armed forces and suitable replacement has not been available. Climatically the district has experienced a good season, with a fair average rainfall in the south and north, but scarcely sufficient in the Waiapu to Tokomaru Bay area. Here a short season has

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Jf en . experienced on account of a dry autumn, and winter feed in some cases will again be a problem, fetock has been healthy and losses few, and a better percentage of fats has been sent to the works. Departmental schemes in the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua districts have absorbed the bulk of the store stock and aged ewes. Excepting for sires, the time is approaching when little buying will lie required outside of the Department's own resources. Natural increases of sheep have improved, Uruahi Station having obtained .100 per cent., which is an unusual occurence on the coast. Fat stock off this station comprised 106. cattle and 825 lambs. Excepting m the Waiapu district, herd-testing is not yet a large enough, feature. An essential complement to testing is an adequate supply of heifers, and much remains to be learned in the rearing of calves, lo offset this in the southern area, some 100-odd weaners have been purchased from the Manawatu and are being grazed on newly-developed land on Mahia. Winter feed has received much better attention, and there is a satisfactory increase in the saving o hay in both northern and southern areas. In the latter area some eight, barns have been constructed by JNative labour. The quality of hay saved has been facilitated by a contract let to the owner of a power press. Noxious weeds are not a severe menace throughout the district, but in the south goats have to be used extensively to keep in check the prolific growth, of blackberry which became established in days prior to development. J Lairawhiti District was once endowed with an abundance of fencing and building timber but now many settlers have to import requirements from long distances. Emphasis has therefore been placed on. the necessity to repair the loss by vigorous planting of exotics. It is pleasing, mainly on stations, to find healthy strong plantations flourishing, particularly in the waste corners which are to be found on most farms. Ihe building programme has made steady progress. On development, sixteen houses six cow-sheds one wool-shed, one maize-crib, and four pig layouts have been built, while substantial additions have been made to two cow-sheds and five dwellings. This progress, following on from that made in previous years, is contributing much to a changed outlook and improved health amongst the JNative people. b The Tairawhiti District Maori Land Board administers one station—Anaura— of some 5 865 acres and m July is to take over the Waiorongomai Block of 13,000 acrcs at Ruatoria on behalf of the aeneficial owners. In addition to these activities, the Board also supervises thirty-four mortgaged properties which this year have produced 294 bales of wool, 66,342 lb. butterfat, and a surplus of some o'l ZJ 3 1 P ca Tll ° total mortgages number 94, with a gross liability of £58,323 at 31st March, 1942. J The Native Trust stations, which previously numbered seven, have now been increased to twelve making a total of 27,000 acres. Four of these are situated at Te Araroa and one at Ruatoria All these places were m a neglected condition, but with flocks and herds culled under active supervision and the provision of fencing tp control stock these pastoral lands will soon be making a substantial contribution to increased production. The Department is pleased to note the establishment of three secondary-school departments attached to Native schools at Ruatoria, Tikitiki, and Te Araroa. This extra schooling particularly m the manual section, should mean much in the training of new farmers. Native Housing— Steady progress has been maintained with the housing programme during the past year, and nearly all the building activities in the district have been carried out by Maori under the control of six master carpenters, one painter, and two plumbers, all of which are under the supervision of the Public Works Department. It is a pleasure to observe from various inspections that these houses are being cared for, which shows that the occupants thoroughly appreciate what is being done for them. rr The following is the position of the housing operations as at the 31st March, 1942 : Authorizations under the Native Housing Act for erections, purchases, and renovations totalled £46,332, covering 100 applications. Out of this number, sixteen houses have been completed during the year and two are in. the course of construction. From the Special Housing Fund an amount of £26,488 has been approved, the dwellings completed during the year numbering ten, with three m progress. AOTEA MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT. Although conditions arising from the present world conflict have of necessity restricted many of our departmental activities, it is pleasing to report that there has been no dimunition of interest in our various undertakings. Staffing difficulties and lack of labour have brought their problems but co-operation and improvisation have enabled progress to continue. Climatic conditions during the season were not of the best. From early spring until autumn ram fell at short intervals m most localities. While dairy-production was thus maintained, the feedingvalue of the pasture was not proportionate to the growth, due to lack of sunshine. Shearing and other stock work was consequently delayed and stock suffered accordingly. While lambing percentages were normal hoggets did not thrive under the wet conditions, and in the Manunui and Ranana areas losses were above normal. Fat stock m general did not kill out as heavily as usual, but the buoyant nature of the market more than offset this factor. Wool, though lighter in condition, realized satisfactory prices The reduction m fertilizer-supplies has not been seriously felt in established pastures which have retained the benefit of former applications, but careful stocking has been necessary in newer pastures and on light country. r Development work generally has been restricted to the consolidation of areas already brought in,

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Labour generally was only sufficient to cope with maintenance work, but that available in the Manunui area was concentrated, on logging up on former burns. In this process 295 cords of firewood were split and marketed at a satisfactory price. Some 40,563 superficial feet of mi liable timber was also salvaged in the form of logs which were profitably disposed of to sawmillers. Othef logs were also converted into sawn timber at a local mill, for use in building operations, at a considerable saving in cost. , ~ On Ist April, 1941, control of the development schemes m the Tokaanu area reverted to this district. These lands, as with those in the Manunui area, belong to the Ngatituwharetoa Tribe. As direct access is now provided by the new Tokaanu-Taumarunui road, not only is the marketing of surplus stock and produce considerably reduced in cost, but movements of stock between the various areas enables the maximum utilization of the land in pasture, with a resultant increase in income. Furthermore, the ambition of settlers in the Tokaanu area to commence dairying has brought a stage nearer by the acclimitizing of a number of dairy heifers which will form the nucleus of two dairy herds to be established in the ensuing season at Korohe. With the provision of the access provided by the Taumarunui— Tokaanu Road, many thousands of acres of Native land suitable for future development will provide a field for future settlement. On the other hand, the raising of the level of Lake Taupo for hydro-electric development has resulted in many hundreds of acres of partly developed and developable land being no longer suitable for this purpose. . The post-splitting operations at Rangataua, formerly controlled from the Auckland district, nave now been transferred to this district. The year's output of 33,170 posts, 906 strainers, and 117,539 battens was below normal, due to wet weather conditions, labour shortage, and. haulage difficulties. In the Ranana area heavy mortality in the breeding-ewes was responsible for disappointing results. This was largely due to the fact that the absence of a market for aged ewes during the 1940-41 season necessitated a carry-over of an unusual proportion of this class of stock. Building operations on lands under development have been restricted by difficulty in obtaining suitable labour materials. Nevertheless the requirements of the units in the matter of erection or repairs of cottages, cow-sheds, &c., have in the main been complied with. Production figures, with those of the previous season in parentheses, were as follows : Butterfat, 301,299 lb. (267,407 lb.) ; wool, 817 bales (448 bales). _ Stock carried at 31st March, 1.942 : Sheep, 38,064 ; dairy stock, 2,996 ; run cattle, 2,849. Tribute must be paid to the effort made by the Maori community not only in responding to the calls for individual effort to maintain primary production, but also to the ready response to the call for men for the armed forces, both for overseas and home service. Native Housing.—ln spite of prevailing conditions, every opportunity has been taken to proceed with the erection or renovation of dwellings under the Native Housing Act. Difficulties in obtaining galvanized iron were largely overcome by salvaging this material from old buildings 111 various localities. The diversion of skilled labour to essential war work has prevented many approved projects being proceeded with. The following buildings were completed during the year :

While the following were in course of erection :

11l addition, one dwelling was purchased under the Act at a cost of £450. Reports received on the condition of houses erected have shown that the mortgagors have generally responded to the environment created by improved living-conditions. IKAROA AND SOUTH ISLAND MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICTS. The season 1941-42 cannot be considered all that could be desired for agricultural-farming activities as the weather throughout the year was very unfavourable. As, for an example, the growing of grass-seed, which is carried out to a great extent m the Hawke s Bay district, received serious setbacks owing to the weather being exceedingly dry up till the end of December and continually wet during the harvesting period, with the result that a large quantity of the seed was lost.

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t. -in- Renovation or r i n „ t New Buddings. Addition. ° 0st ' £ Native Housing Act .. 6 5 4,005 Special Fund .... 5 1 1 > 665

„ .... Renovation or r , New Buildings. Addition. Cost ' £ Native Housing Act .. 2 3 Special Fund .. .. • • 1

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The weather factor also brought about a poor season for hay, although a considerable quantity was baled. However, the stock position is very favourable, duo to the flush of feed throughout the season caused by the general rains at the beginning of the present year. The stock are all going into the winter in excellent condition, and the present prospects show that there will be ample feed to carry them over this period. In the Manawatu district, which is confined to dairying, there was a very hard winter which has brought about a noticeable increase in the growth of rubbish on the low-lying and swampy ground. However, despite the winter setback, the late spring returns increased considerably, with the result that the butterfat return for the season was on the average considerably better than the previous year. At Wairau, where the Native land development scheme is administered by the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Blenheim, a very good yield was obtained from white-clover seed. Also on this scheme .178 acres were planted in linen flax, which resulted in a commercial crop of 165 acres. No major capital works were carried out during 1941-42 due to the restricted supply of materials and the shortage of labour. During the year, and until such time as the position regarding labour and materials s becomes normal, efforts will be centred on consolidating and maintaining the stage of development which has been reached. During the twelve months under review a total of twenty houses were erected or renovated, while two were purchased in the Ikaroa district, and in the South Island four houses were erected or renovated. The activities of the Department in attempting to improve the living conditions of the Maoris in this district have been greatly hampered by the shortage of materials and the dearth of Native labour due to the abnormal conditions at present existing. A large number of the Maoris is in the forces. Others prefer to find more remunerative work, of which there is an abundance at the present time.

NATIVE TRUST AND MAORI LAND BOAKD ACTIVITIES. The Board of Native Affairs exercises control over the expenditure on all farming operations undertaken or approved by the Native Trustee or a Maori Land Board, and over the development of any land and the management of any scheme or undertaking in connection with which any such expenditure has been made or incurred by these bodies. Similarly, the Board controls the investment on mortgage or otherwise of moneys available for investment in the Native Trustee's Account or in the account of any Maori Land Board. The Native Trustee is undertaking the farming operations on fifteen separate sheep and cattle stations, aggregating some 50,000 acres, of which four new properties iti the Te Araroa district and one near Ruatoria became vested under section 25 of the Native Trustee Act, 1930, during the past year. The improvements on these latter properties were in a poor state of repair, and renovations arc being proceeded with. The other remaining stations are all now well equipped with buildings and other improvements necessary for the farming of the areas. They are fully stocked with sheep and cattle and are now in a position to breed their own requirements. The live-stock tallies at the 31st March last were as follows: 9,167 run cattle, 29,584 breeding-ewes, and 28,375 dry sheep. In addition to the above station properties, the field organization of the Department is responsible for the supervision of mortgaged lands and Native estates in respect of which the Native Trustee has been appointed administrator or trustee. At the 31st March, 1942, there were 372 loan accounts covering investments, mostly farming propositions, totalling £391,206. The two Maori Land Board stations —Anaura, farmed by the Tairawhiti Board, and Morikau, vested in the Aotea Board —are being successfully managed, and according to the returns have experienced a satisfactory year. Farming operations on Anaura, comprising 5,865 acres situated on the East Coast, have been carried on similarly to preceding years, adhering very much to the plan of breeding both in sheep and cattle, and selling off the surplus stock, for which the market has been very good. The natural increase was just about on a par with last season in both sheep and cattle—viz., calves, 319, as against 320 last year, and lambs, 3,538, as against 3,680 in 1940-41. The wool-clip of 213 bales, as compared with 197 bales for the previous year, has definitely improved both in quality and weight, and with careful selection of rams should not deteriorate. The quality of the cattle has also improved' the herd now being up to a good standard. The season has been very dry, the rainfall being much below the average, and the country at the moment is very short of cattle feed. However, provided an ordinary winter is experienced, there should be no fears of carrying through the present numbers. Maintenance work in connection with fencing repairs has continued, and some 500 acres have been cleared of scrub. The work of plowing and sowing the flats in grass is steadily proceeding, and it is intended to continue with this method of improvement in small areas annually. At 31st March, 1942 the station was carrying 1,112 run cattle, 5,238 breeding-ewes, and 2,729 dry sheep.

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The satisfactory results obtained in the operations conducted, on Morikau Station have been maintained during the past season. The wool-clip of 368 bales, although lighter in weight owing to the wet season, was of outstanding quality and was favourably commented upon by the brokers. Good prices were obtained from surplus stock, and in a fleece competition a first award was obtained for hoggets. Live-stock carried at 31st March, 1942, were 691 run cattle, 5,7.18 breeding-ewes, 10,107 dry sheep. Due to shortage of labour, bushfelling operations were restricted, but an area of 37 acres was cleared. The beneficial owners have made substantial contributions to the Dominion's war effort, and during the past year an amount of £2,000, representing profits available for distribution, were invested in the National Savings Account, with donation of interest for war purposes. This, together with previous investments or donations, brings the owners' total to date to £4,000. The following table indicates the measures of assistance granted from Maori Land Board funds to individual Native farmers for the purpose of developing their lands : —

EAST COAST NATIVE TRUST LANDS. The East Coast Native Trust lands, which range from Tolaga Bay in the north to Wairoa in the south and extend to Mahia Peninsula, are controlled by the East Coast Commissioner. Under section 7 of the Board of Native Affairs Act, 1934-35, these lands were brought under the control of the Board as far as the operations of the Trusts relate to the expenditure or investment of any moneys or to the giving of mortgages over any property vested in the Commissioner are, concerned. The original purpose of the Trust was the salvaging of large areas of Native land which were in danger, of being lost to the Maoris. This object has been achieved, and the Trust in now in a thoroughly sound financial position and self-supporting, no Government moneys being involved. The aim of the Trust at present, besides providing a return to the Maori beneficiaries, who number approximately 7,500, is to use the lands as far as possible as a training-ground for Natives. The Commissioner has his own officers and staff with headquarters at Gisborne, The total area of the Trust vested in. the Commissioner comprises 221,909 acres, divided into two portions—the East Coast Native Trust lands containing 116,000 acres, and the Mangatu Trust embracing 108,909 acres. Sheep and cattle farming is undertaken by the Commissioner on a large portion of the Trust which is divided into twenty-three stations aggregating 132,703 acres, an area of 72,000 acres is cut up into some twenty-five farms which are lesaed, and there is approximately a balance area of 20,000 acres still undeveloped. During January and February last the Commissioner resumed occupation of 25,000 acres in respect of which the leases had expired, and this area, which comprises four stations —Te Hua, Mia, Maungahaumi, and Komihana—is now being farmed by the Trust and is carrying 42,000 sheep and 5,100 head of cattle. In view of the shortage of potatoes a special effort was made during the year to meet the market, and 1,200 sacks beyond the requirements of the stations were grown. Arrangements are being made to materially increase the crop during the coming season. After taking into account the four stations occupied during the year, the live-stock returns at 30th June, 1941,"5h0w an. increase over the previous year's tallies, the figures, with those for June, 1940, given in parentheses, being as follows : 143,410 (99,206) sheep and 18,358 (12,880) head of cattle. The wool-clip of 2,765 bales for the past season also shows a considerable increase in comparison with 2,369 bales for the 1940-41 season. Each station is in charge of a resident manager who is under the control of the farm supervisor.

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Total Advances to Native N h f Board. Settlers under Mortgage Morteaeors as at 31st March, 1942. Mortgagors. £ Tokerau .. .. 2,415 1 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 20,4-96 19 *Waiariki .. .. 4,888 23 Tairawhiti .. .. 58,323 95 Aotea .. .. .. 30,648 56 Ikaroa .. .. .. 30,943 50 South Island .. .. 5,878 9 Totals .. .. 153,591 253 * In addition, £73,269 is invested in £arm properties (Taheke, Tihiotonga, and Waikawa).

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TABLE 1.—NATIVE LAND-DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES AND SETTLED HOLDINGS: STATISTICAL DATA SUMMARIZED IN DISTRICTS.

2—~Gr. 10.

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T,articulare - Tokerau. Wdtato- ! WalariM - Tairawhiti Aotea. Ikaroa. j South Sub _ totals . "and St Totals. Mcma " Boards. -Lrusiee. Trusts. 2. Area"notfmii table for development " " Acre" «?>lg "J.gBg *".1» 12 '«00 4,241 926,064 19,67! 50,088 132,703 1,128,526 l-S^tfTttir° CCllpie<iby8ett,erS '■ - £*"„ 124 2 4S 39^ 4 6 ' 428 W 252:062 19; 671 til 1524 5 Balance area unde-dev€>W>TneTit "* -^ um^ er 8 £9 no fij 224 78 47 16 1,920 2 stations 15 stations 23 stations 1,920 l:^nSro7Safee d^rr4(lteia 5 >_ " " 24 ' 33 ° 28 ' 486 85 ' 256 14 . 569 89 -« 3 5 ' 932 2 ' 316 a»|307 .. .. 20,000 27 0 ; 3 07 CIeS 1 2 • n .lW j 52,021 13,085 9,808 442 790 98,287 .. .. .. 98,287 Oth°r cultivations " " " " f '??? SfZ 710 -• 90 2 . 463 776 6 . 632 •• •• 6,632 Undeveloped £ ,, 248 732 1,691 1,484 479 115 338 5,087 .. .. .. 5,087 DweUtaas K Cre l ' 11 10,880 3 °' 834 79 ' 036 3 ' 012 412 140,301 .. .. 20,000 160,301 Wool sheds 5 Um £ er 7 ? 41 94 11 25 12 3 259 .. 3 . 262 Cow-sheds S Um K ei 6 9 14 2 3 1 3 38 2 8 N.A. 48 r>;U f -U-" "" •• ■■ dumber 2 ,3 10 4 1 2 22 1 9^ 7. N et°Ua™?y m on- dlDg3 . " 14 « 7 97 I 3 80 14 if 296 !! \ " 300 Area settled, includes interest (item 3) .. .. £ 352,507 230,650 365,078 184 655 126 043 37 874 13 924 1 310 731 1 310 7^1 8. Faraing C on a bSan?e ty?™ S mterest (item 5) £ 123, 259 150, 541 580, 480 82 i920 139 1856 20) 838 20 1274 1 i 118', 168 !! !! !! 1 1118 168 Run^cattle' 6 S™? 1 „ 7 1« 619 1.026 529 172 .. 87 3,149 .. .. .. 3.149 Sheep— " " " " " Number 2 > 455 3 > 3 1» 12,222 2,793 2,524 126 227 23,662 .. .. .. 23)662 SS'r,r :: r. :: :: |=S 'S:K SS *8 !!;S Kg '« 88 :: :: :: fftt is;,..™:: :: :: :: ,j;s „« » • » » «» ei : g Sheep sold Number 1,010 831 5,626 1,101 "637 "36 "ll9 9 ;366 " " " H^ef! crop s 0 M :: :: - Typeand 7 - 455 16 - 994 54 • 129 1 3 . 076 , 13 > 387 7 > 2 ei i. 7 « "i.osi .. .. .. IU.OSI 9. SatoSprodiice^live- stock, ' & c„ for year (balance area)- " 3 ° 9 " 518 i;853 " 496 " 505 " 137 " 33 3 > 5 1 - - - 3 >« " *' " " • • £ 759 I 220 .. 1.612 .. 2 591 2 591 Sh eep— 4 ' 912 6 ' 213 28 > 064 6,842 7,137 2,361 "661 !! !! " 56^190 Transfers^ o' other schemes f 7 ' 5 ™ 09 45 7 ' 231 8 ' 157 8 ' 412 I. 438 93 > 702 ■■ •• •• 93,702 Cattle— schemes .. .. .. £ 29 2,632 10,971 1,973 3,638 1,920 .. 21,163 .. .. .. 21^163 Testes 6 to other schemes " " \\ % ff 2 l |>&£ g' 982 |' 98 J I'lf, ™ 749 72 ,1?8 .. .. .. 72,198 Sundries: Cash and transfers .. .. .. £ 1 661 2 434 2'974 1'sftt „ ta'fen '* ** " 2,359 10. Live-stock and seasonal expenditure for year (balance area) — ' ' ' 1,885 20,357 439 3,277 29,760 .. .. .. 29,760 Sheep: Purchases and transfers .. .. .. £ 4 a im * ns? o koa o aqk .. g S^- and ~ r8 £ t:3S I'Ml Ifst 2 ' 08 ! HI ;; ;; ;; | 9 ; 734 LaboS? 1 ' ° harge3 ' &C " eXCluding cu rrent interest £ 14,728 11,081 35,651 10,959 24.470 7,935 3,799 108,623 .. .. 108 623 11. Subsidies received for year (scheme and unit) I: " t J'gg al'gfg I i'« 84 41 ' 743 f 1,23 8 499 «.g9 .. .. .. 55,589 12 ' AY Snff 0IltMy Iat0Ur em P Io y ed development and Number "'547 ""'276 ' 496 " '172 lie ' 80 ' 32 I'Ml " 20 " 83 N.A. l'Mt 13. Area settled (occupied by units) — :: ;• - -IS 1|: S l: S -S 1'! IP 1; f - 12 - 237 - M Sheep— " '* 202 988 200 2 ' 188 320 30 .. 3,933 1,802 9,167 18,358 33,260 Other'sheep 68 " " " " 5™£ 2 "qoq o'qo? 17,009 11,460 4,433 657 57,635 10,956 29,584 .. 98,175 Butterfat— " " " " 1<umber 32 3 4,322 2,394 11,823 2,335 109 49 21,366 12,836 28,375 143,410 205)987 Total caslfproceeds . ' !! " " 2 'HVnl 2 ':!q'885 3 ?o'«o« ?°'f 6 4 °' 981 «. 006 .1 94 " •• •• 6,006,194 proportion .. " " £ !®:??0 W.'it llf 7 l ll;|?E 8 'g? " " ;; Total net value :: " " f umber 4 ° 374 }'B, 580 312 96 7 1,575 581 1,583 2,765 6,504 Live-stock sold I 2 W, 4 'J 43 l'°ll 9 . 499 2,470 1,563 98 20,612 9,035 26,749 .. 56,396 Sundry sales " c 6 A 7fe0 10,488 10,497 4,194 539 48,240 11,027 25,645 .. 84,912 * 5 035 2 167 6 989 1600 683 l364 3g i7 > 876 44 >9g9

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TABLE 3.—COMPARATIVE RETURN FOR DISTRICTS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS: STATE SCHEMES (DEPARTMENT'S PROPORTION).

Table 2.—ANALYSIS OF CASH RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR 1941-42.

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' ~ J : ~~ : r I Districts 1930-31. 1931-32. 1932-33. 1933-34. 1934-35. 1935-36. 1936-37. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1939-40. 1940-41. 1941-42. Totals. , ; I ! ££££££££££££ £ Tokerau 1 908 5 312 11,092 13,726 22,070 29,186 32,804 46,554 52,085 79,197 81,468 387,961 Waikato-Maniapoto .. '202 '316 3,180 7,301 6,871 14,348 17,635 23,085 30,853 38,772 76,328 30,328 289,219 Waiariki 2 667 5 578 17,246 36,318 29,472 63,585 81,730 111,730 130,276 131,962 211,763 214,786 1,037,113 Tairawhiti " " ' 650 9 143 16.886 20,253 23.610 32,999 43,180 29,365 38,724 54,792 56,349 325,951 Aotea " " 413 1070 916 1.404 2,180 2,687 3,988 8,244 12,614 21,491 37,455 48,769 141,231 I karoa '288 992 '888 727 1,377 1,651 2,013 4,442 8,181 16,021 22,686 59,266 South Island " " 5 143 294 - 391 506 1,631 2,127 2,442 3,113 3,694 2,539 7,697 24,582 Unallocated (Head Office) .. 352 72 12 .. 5,480 479 274 378 191 34 .. 180 7,452 Tota l s .. .. 5,547 13,429 42,875 75,747 79,215 129,787 169,590 223,876 257,408 294,943 478,095 502,263 2,272,775

TTT _ _. _ n i - m i. i Approximate Total Cash Receipts Butterfat. | WooL Live-stock. Sundries. Totals. j (Department's and Settlers' Proportions). i 1. Districts — £ £ £ £ | £ . £ Tokerau 55,415 5,319 14,090 • 6,644 81,468 155,000 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 20,990 10,356 34,318 4,664 70,328 96,000 Waiariki 67,544 30,586 106,693 9,963 214,786 298,000 Tairawhiti 15,390 16,251 21,700 3,008 56,349 76,000 Aotea .. 12,312 9,607 21,849 5,001 48,769 57,000 Ikaroa .. .. .. 4,185 3,924 12,774 1,803 22,686 29,000 South Island .. .. 907 759 2,716 3,315 7,697 10,000 Unallocated .. .. . • • • • • 180 180 Sub-totals .. .. 176,743 76,802 214,140 34,578 502,263 721,000 2. Maori Land Boards .. .. .. 9,035 11,027 44 20,10o 20,000 3. Native Trustee .. .. .. 26,749 25,645 989 53,383 54,000 Totals .. .. 176,743 112,586 250,812 35,611 575,752 795,000 Note.—Butterfat receipts for State schemes denote only that proportion of cream cheques which is assigned to the Department in repayment of advances and interest due thereon. On settled schemes the policy is to accept an assignment of a percentage of the farmers' monthly milk cheques, leaving the balance for maintenance and living expenses. On those dairying schemes which have not yet been individualized, the full amount received for butterfat is retained, the workers being paid wages, but in the majority of cases a portion only of the cream returns is actually paid to the Department.

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TABLE 4.—BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1942.

Note.—(a) Tota! houses erected, purchased, or renovated from inception to 31st March, 1942 Under development schemes .. .. 1,686 Under Native Housing Act— Ordinary .. . , 276 (includes 29 purchased). Special .. .. 296 (includes 7 purchased). 572 Total .. 2,258 (b) Total farm buildings erected from inception to 31st March, 1941 :— Cow-sheds .. .. .. 1,330 Wool-sheds .. .. .. .. 33 Sheep-yards, &c. .. .. .. 39 Implement and store sheds .. .. 290

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Under IN ative Housing Act, 1935. Under Native-land Develop- Totals Farm Buildings.* t-.. . ment. Districts. Ordinary. Special. E renorated. L ! Purchased - Purchased - Erected. Renovated. ftentvlt^d 1 Purohased - Cow-sheds. Woodsheds, g tore * " " Sheds. | Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Tokerau ...... 3 .. 13 2 7 .. 23 2 86 3 38 Waikato-Maniapoto ..1 2 12 .. 17 4 34 2 27 (12 yards) 13 Waiariki .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 5 5 _ _ 9 Tairawhiti.. .... 16 1 10 .. 5 .. 31 1 10 1 2 Aotea ...... 11 1 6 .. 5 5 27 1 11 (2 yards) 8 Ikaroa ...... 13 2 2 1 5 . . 20 3 7 (1 yard) 14 South Island .... 1 2 3 .. .. .. 4 2 .. (1 yard) Totals .... 45 8 46 3 40 14 145 11 150 4(16 yards) 75 * Figures to 31st March, 1941, only.

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TABLE 5.—NATIVE HOUSING: RETURN OF AUTHORIZATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1942, SHOWING THE NUMBER OF DWELLINGS TO BE ERECTED, PURCHASED, OR RENOVATED.

TABLE 6.—NATIVE HOUSING ACT, 1935: FINANCIAL RETURN OF OPERATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1942.

By Authority: E. Y. Patjl, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1942.

Price 6d,)

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Under Native Housing Act, 1935. ,, , „ ,. Under Native Totals Ordinary. Special. mtnt Districts. Schemes: Erections. Purchases. Emotions. Purchases. R tnovation's. 31s f^ rch ' Erections - j Purchases. Renovations. I Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Tokerau ...... 5 2 3 98 2 7 541 644 4 10 Waikato-Maniapoto .... 16 1 2 78 .. 10 269 363 1 12 Waiariki ...... 9 2 3 50 1 4 834 893 3 7 Tairawhiti ...... 91 6 3 76 1 3 199 366 7 6 Aotea ...... 62 11 19 21 1 5 75 158 12 24 Ikaroa ...... 70 6 27 29 2 5 45 144 8 32 South Island 20 5 4 17 4 2 9 46 9 6 Totals .. .. 273 33 61 369 11 36 1,972 2,614 _ 44 97

Ordinary. Special. Totals. . _ | Districts. Authorized. Authorized. Authorized. 1 1 Expended. Expended. ! : Expended. Number of . , Number of , Number of Am . . , Amount. , , Amount. . j Amount. Advances. Advances. Advances. Number. £ £ Number. £ £ Number. £ £ Tokerau .. .. .. 10 3,747 3,928 107 36,238 33,239 117 39,985 37,167 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. .. 19 9,323 7.009 88 31,408 25,724 107 40,731 32,733 Waiariki .. .. .. 14 6,953 4,236 55 20,657 17,383 69 27,610 21,619"" Tairawhiti .. .. .. 100 46,332 32,234 80 27,988 11,920 180 74,320 44,154 Aotea .. •• • ■ 92 34,065 28,776 27 7,715 5,814 " 119 41,780 34,590 Ikaroa .. .. 103 44.778 35,135 36 12,592 8,238 139 57,370 43.373 South Island .. .. .. 29 14,612 13,847 23 8,511 5,662 52 23,123 19,509 Totals .. .. .. 367 159,810 125,165 416 145,109 107,980 783 304,919 233,145 Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (565 copies) 3 £22.