NATIVE DEPARTMENT THE DEVELOPMENT AND SETTLEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS AND THE PROVISION OF HOUSES FOR MAORIS (STATEMENT BY THE HON. H. G. R. MASON, NATIVE MINISTER, UPON THE PROGRESS OF)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1944 Session I, G-10

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1944 NEW ZEALAND

NATIVE DEPARTMENT THE DEVELOPMENT AND SETTLEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS AND THE PROVISION OF HOUSES FOR MAORIS (STATEMENT BY THE HON. H. G. R. MASON, NATIVE MINISTER, UPON THE PROGRESS OF)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave

GENERAL REPORT In continuing the story of the growth and expansion of the present policy of Native-land development and settlement and housing-accommodation for Maoris with the aid of loanmoneys provided from State resources and Maori funds for the rehabilitation of the Maori race as a whole, it is useful to preface this report of the activities of the Board of Native Affairs for the year ended 31st March, 1944, with a brief summary of its genesis, and its sociological import both to pakeha and Maori alike. A report upon the functions of the Native Department, apart from land-settlement and housing, is contained in another annual parliamentary paper (0.-9). In his natural or primitive state the Maori necessarily was compelled to find his living from the slender resources of the country. He had to grow what he could, although the range of products was decidedly restricted, but the land was the source of his livelihood — apart from the food which the forests, the rivers, and the sea provided. His early plantations bore evidence of careful planning with due attention to climate, soils, and situation, and he was able with his crude wooden tools and much labour to cultivate those areas which had to suffice for his purposes. To the accompaniment of appropriate rituals and observances, lie planted and harvested, year by year, his food crops, most of which he had originally carried across the wide seas. The early missionaries under Marsden found the Maori to be singularly receptive to European methods of agriculture, and with the introduction of iron implements, wheatgrowing was profitably developed during the first half of the nineteenth century. With the rapidly increasing population of the country and the consequent demand for land for European settlement, the Maori was largely encouraged to live upon the proceeds of the alienation of his lands rather than upon the products of their soil, and it was not until the beginning of the present century that the Maori mind was once again turned towards the utilization of the land and suitable measures were adopted to re-establish the people on the ancestral lands then remaining to them, and to educate them in the business of stock-farming. No great measure of success was obtained immediately, but in some districts, perhaps better endowed by Nature than others, and where land-sales had not proceeded to the same extent, considerable progress was made by the Maori fanner — a success which ultimately was to lead, after many years of endeavour, to the present activities in land utilization. The State's contribution to the sociological experiment of Native-land development and settlement and provision of homes for Maoris lias been very considerable and has for its object the manifold purposes of improving the living standards of the Maori race, of absorbing the largest possible proportion of the Maori population into the economic structure, of bringing idle lands into production, of combating or eradicating noxious weeds which are a menace to the surrounding clean country, and of assisting in the payment of county rates. The keynote to this policy, forged over some years, is that of helping people to help themselves — people who have within themselves the desire and capacity to work out their destinies if they are given a helping hand in the early stages of their establishment

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into the social and economic life of tlie country. The Board's policy in developing and settling Native land which has been gazetted as subject to Part I of the Native Land Amendment Act, 1936, to-day finds echo in Article 28 of the Australian - New Zealand Agreement. Therein it is declared that, in applying the principles of the Atlantic Charter to the Pacific, the doctrine of " trusteeship " should be applicable in broad principle to all colonial territories in the Pacific and elsewhere, and that the main purpose of the trust is the welfare of the Native peoples and their social, economic, and political, development. The issue confronting the State in the social and economic advancement of the Maori race is one of human endeavour, progress towards the goal of which land-settlement provides the means. Its successful solution is to be measured not so much in terms of financial repayments of advances, but in what is equally important to the country — the positive results of happy homes and contented and virile people living on an equality in. all respects with, the pakeha. Much requires to be done before the results sought to be obtained by the Government can be realized, but a very real effort is being made, and will continue to be made, towards the fulfilment of the Administration's policy. Rome was not built in a day, neither can the Maori be fully established as a self-supporting individual in the community within the space of a single generation. Climatic conditions varied considerably in the different districts throughout the year under review. In North Auckland, following a reasonably good winter, the spring was late and very cold; a dry spell during summer was experienced, but in early autumn there was plenty of moisture which provided good pasture growth. Somewhat similar conditions obtained in the Waikato and King-country. In the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua areas, torrential rains in the early autumn caused widespread damage to farm properties and marred what might have been a reasonably good season from a farming viewpoint. The season in the Gisborne - East Coast and Wairoa districts lias been wet, there being 100 much rain for sheep-farming: cold, wet weather in the early spring affected lambing percentages ; and heavy floods in autumn resulted in severe damage to fences and culverts on farms, while many hundreds of acres of land slipped badly. Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa were very bare of feed until the spring, and since then there has been plenty of rain, resulting in an exceptionally good pasture growth, possibly too much for sheep-farming. On the west coast, extending from Wellington to New Plymouth, the spring was late; in November dry weather set in and almost drought conditions prevailed until early March, when rains relieved the situation. In practically every district the weather conditions towards the end of the year were good, and with, a satisfactory growth, cattle should enter the winter in sound condition. Notwithstanding unfavourable seasonal conditions in many districts, the farming returns for 1943-44 were the highest yet recorded, and amounted to £669,420, as compared with £617,442 for the previous year. A decline of over 5-J per cent, in butterfat-production was more than offset by the 17-per-cent. increase in wool proceeds and the higher returns realized from the sale of fat stock. Including the proportion of cream returns paid direct to the settlers, the total revenue for the year amounted to £875,000, an increase of £45,000 over the figures for the preceding period. The principal items of production from State schemes controlled by the Board are as follow: butterfat, representing the Department's proportion only, which averaged 46 per cent., £156,015, as compared with £165,268 for the previous season; wool-sales, £114,084, as against £92,770 for 1943; proceeds from sheep and cattle sold, £267,806, in comparison with £240,073 for the previous year; and sundry receipts (crops and other farm produce), £36,521, the previous year's figures being £36,883. The volume of dairy-produce decreased from 5,652,695 Ib. to 4,816,281 lb., while the wool-clip of 5,700 bales showed an increase of 385 bales over the 1943 season. The nineteen stations financed by the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards produced a total of 2,033 bales of wool of a gross value of £38,723, as compared with 2,123 bales (£37,725) for the preceding year; sales of live-stock on these properties reached £50,211, in comparison with £38,379 for 1943. On the East Coast Trust stations 3,650 bales of wool were shorn, the previous year's clip being 3,471 bales. The live-stock returns at the 31st March, 1944, show a slight increase in sheep, and a decrease in cattle over the 1943 figures. The tallies, with the preceding year's figures shown in parentheses, on the farming schemes financed by the State were as follow: cows milked during the season, 39,500 (40,500) ; other dairy stock, 22,600 (25,200) ; run cattle, 28,000 (30,500); breeding-ewes, 160,200 (159,300); dry sheep, 128,100 (121,500). The sixteen Native Trust stations were carrying 7,300 (8,615) run cattle, 31,700 (31,000) breeding-ewes, and 34,900 (38,000) dry sheep; while the figures for the three Maori Land Board stations were 3,300 run cattle, 18,500 breeding-ewes, and 11,600 dry sheep. The Trust and Board properties derive their finance from Maori trust funds. The gross expenditure of public moneys for the year under review on the agricultural and pastoral schemes controlled by the Department was £668,400 (compared with £648,300 for the previous year), the finance for which was provided from the following sources: farming receipts, £574,455; grants from the Consolidated Fund towards labour subsidies, £151.724. The year's working thus resulted in a surplus of £57,779, withoul recourse to new loan-moneys, and after meeting £82,851 in interest charges. The Ahuwhenua (Son-of-the-soil) Trophy, presented by the Right Hon. Viscount Bledisloe during his Governorship of New Zealand for annual competition among Maori

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settlors occupying" lands under the Government's land-settlement project, was awarded this year to a Hawke's Bay settler at Hastings, a member of the Ngati-Kahungunu tribe, who is undertaking mixed farming comprising fat-lamb raising, grass-seed production, cropping for the canneries, and so on. It is symptomatic of the present days, and at the same time an encouraging fact, that the management over the last year or two of the winning and third-place farms for the 1943-44 competition should have been carried on by the respective wives of the two settlers in question, who are in the Armed Forces, and consequently were only able to visit their holdings at intervals. In making his awards upon the bases of pasture control, stock husbandry, volume of production, conservation of winter feed, condition of fences, cleanliness of sheds and equipment, and general farmmanagement, the nine contestants were stated by the judge to have done excellent work, the first three receiving special congratulations. The shortage of man-power and limited supplies of fertilizers, water-piping, and building-materials are the chief factors which have caused a cessation to the extension of land-development activities. The usual amount of top-dressing has not been possible since the restriction on fertilizer-supplies became operative, and the effect on marginal lands is very noticeable. Every endeavour has, however, been made to increase production wherever possible and to maintain the Department's farming enterprises. The war has no doubt had a very disturbing influence on the Maori people. In most districts patriotism has run high and the majority of able-bodied men have endeavoured to serve in the Armed Forces. Those who have not gone overseas have spent periods in Home Guard camps, and many farms have been managed by women. Usually the milking of the dairy herds has been well carried out by them., but other work such as farm-maintenance and stock-management has not received the proper attention except in a few instances where the women have shown better results than when the farms were managed by their husbands. The average number of men employed on Board-controlled properties was the same as for the previous year — namely, 1,200. Grants from the Consolidated Fund amounting to £151,700 were the means of enabling the Board to subsidize the work on marginal lands, and also to provide a reasonable standard of living to settlers on properties not yet fully developed, during the winter months, by way of labour subsidies. Lucrative rates of pay at present being offered in outside industries, the disturbing effect of the war, and the drop in dairy production have caused, amongst a large number of Maori farmers, a state of mind which manifests itself as lack of enthusiasm in the farming operations. The problem of the Department is to re-create the interest which has been lost owing to these causes. During the year a special committee of investigation was appointed to review the efforts of certain groups of Maori settlers under the Board's control in the (risborne and Ceneral Rotorua areas. This work may be termed the second phase in Native-land settlement when it becomes necessary to review the results of efforts of the individuals and decide whether they are really suited to the work and whether they be replaced. Several nominations were cancelled, and in other cases remissions of interest were made contingent upon greater diligence being displayed by the settler. As far as the first stage in the closer settlement of land is concerned, the Department's policy was modified to try to ensure that there be devised some practical test of a Maori's ability to farm successfully a holding on which he may be placed. It is proposed that, in dairy operations, as a, general policy every effort be made to appoint share-milkers as soon as pastures are established sufficiently for closer settlement, and thai for the time being, in view of their possible inexperience, close supervision and intruction be afforded them by the field staff. It is intended that the share-milker be established as a settler with a definite holding at the end of two years if he reaches the standard of competence demanded of him at the outset, A commencement in the extension of horticultural pursuits among the Maoris has been made by the appointment of a horticultural expert. With such a wide scope for operations a, considerable amount of exploratory work has been necessary, but progress has been made in the promotion of production and in the disposal of crops grown either for the requirements of the Armed Forces or for the local markets. Contracts were arranged for the growing of a quantity of carrots and kumara, with satisfactory results. As with many other activities, operations are limited to a degree by the amount of labour available, but it is proposed that increased quantities of onions, carrots, and potatoes will be grown on contract, thereby guaranteeing the grower against fluctuating markets. Towards the goal of increasing production for home consumption as a contribution to the betterment of living-conditions, instruction by means of demonstrations and talks has been given both in some Native schools and also in a number of Maoris' gardens. A fruit-tree nursery has been established at Tauranga, while on Matakana Island a nursery for trees for shelterbelts and general instruction in market-gardening has been started. The provision of fruit-trees should aid in fostering a sense of pride in the home and introduce more fruit to the average Maori's diet. To meet the scarcity of fencing-timber, the planting of eucalypts suitable for posts has been proceeded with. It. is hoped to encourage the growing of flowers and vegetables in the Wairarapa district for commercial marketing. The past year has again seen little progress made in the way of providing homes for Maoris, due to the emergency conditions arising out of the war operating in the building

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industry. Although there now appears to be a gradual transition taking place from defence to general building works, the position with regard to shortage of materials and labour still remains difficult. It is anticipated, however, that the requirements of Native housing will receive its measure of priority under the national general works policies which are being formulated. In order to provide a more effective control of a progressive Native bousing programme, it has been found necessary to establish a housing and building construction Organization within the Department. This need arises from a number of causes, chief of which is the necessity for a closer contact with the Maori people in all matters dealing with this important foundation to their social and general welfare. The question of training Maoris in useful technical trades and allied occupations becomes of considerable importance in developing any building organization. It is proposed to promote the vocational aspect in conjunction with the general future development of the organization. Construction work will be undertaken as far as possible by small groups of Maori workers under the direction of qualified tradesmen who will also act in the capacity of instructors. As a measure to provide added amenities in keeping with a progressive welfare policy and at the same time to offset increased building-costs, as well as to bring its assistance within the reach of a larger number of Maoris, the Department has revised the basis of its lending policy to one not only offering easier repayment terms, but also a higher standard of home consistent with the need for improved living standards among the Maori people. Better housing-conditions can be considered as the basic solution to many of the health and sociological problems confronting the Maori race, and although present industrial emergencies will no doubt restrict building operations meantime, a progressive policy directed towards better standards of living for the Maori people will be vigorously pursued. During the year under review the Department's efforts resulted in a total of 97 homes being provided. Under the provisions of the Native Housing Act, 31 dwellings were erected or renovated and 17 houses purchased. On Native-land development and settlement schemes, 23 houses were completed and 26 renovated. The total number of dwellings erected or renovated for Maoris up to 31st March, 1944, was 2,451, while nearly 2,000 farm buildings have been provided for our Native-land settlement. The investments of the Native Trustee and the seven Maori Lands Boards are controlled by the Board of Native Affairs and are in a. sound position. At the 31st March last the funds invested by the Native Trustee amounted to £676,000, including £387,000 on mortgage securities to 374 Natives, £142,000 on overdraft to stations and other properties being farmed, £12,000 held in Government stock and local-body debentures, and £135,000 deposits at short call. The 'corresponding figures for the Maori Land Boards at the same date were: total investments, £759,000, including £147,000 by way of loans to 387 Maori mortgagors; £102,000 advances on farming properties and primary production projects; £213,000 in other Government securities and war-loan stock; and £250,000 on deposit with the Native Trustee. On behalf of the Government, the Board of Native Affairs, and the staffs of the Native Department, I express heart-felt sympathy to the relatives of those men of the Maori Battalion and other units, many of whom were engaged on Native development schemes, who have been killed, injured, or imprisoned. Towards the end of 1943 the Government approved of the appointment of the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee, as a joint committee of the Rehabilitation Board and the Board of Native Affairs, to control the repatriation of discharged returned Maori servicemen through the Native Department. The personnel of this committee comprises the Permanent Heads of the Departments of Native Affairs, Rehabilitation, Lands, and Treasury together with a- second representative of the Rehabilitation Department (Mr. E. L. Cullen, M.P.). Under the general allocation of functions in the rehabilitation scheme envisaged for Maoris, the Native Department will administer loans for land-development and the purchase of farms, houses, furniture, businesses, and tools of trade for Maoris living in Native settlements or communities. Such applications from Maoris living as Europeans in European communities will be handled by the State Advances Corporation and the Rehabilitation Department. Maori tribal executive committees are. acting in an advisory capacity, in conjunction with the local Rehabilitation Committees, for all applications to the Native Department from Maori ex-servicemen. The organization of the Native Department is well equipped to undertake the responsibilities of Maori rehabilitation through the land and in the provision of houses. The' amount of vote " Native Land Settlement " has been increased by £200,000 to cover the Department's functions in repatriation during the coming year. I take this opportunity to record the Government's appreciation of the way the Maori farmers and the Maori people generally have responded to the call to increase production of that first necessity of war, the food-supply, an appreciation also of the services of the members of the Board of Native Affairs, and of the loyal and untiring efforts of the officers of the Native Department, whose zealous administration has so greatly contributed to this result. Accompanying this statement are district reports on the various farming and land-development activities controlled by the Board of Native Affairs, and statistical and financial data concerning its operations are appended. Native Minister.

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STATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES Tokerau Maori Land Board District One-quarter of our Maori race lives in North Auckland, and under modern conditions the population is fast increasing. Native land gazetted for development in this district comprises nearly 500,000 acres, a small proportion being of the first quality and much of it. is unsuited for development. Consolidation and clarification of the land titles is proceeding steadily, but is proving a difficult task. From a farming point of view, the year has not proved a good one. Spring was late and cold, and a dry spell followed during the summer, but the year ended in an exceptionally favourable autumn. The scarcity of fertilizers, adverse labour conditions, and generally unfavourable weather has had some effect on dairy production, but on the whole the yield has been well maintained. No opportunity has been lost of impressing on settlers, of whom there are 834 financed by the State, the especial necessity in these times of maintaining production, and the response has been good. The Department's cash returns have shown increases by £8,000 to £85,590, although the butterfat-production is down by 13 per cent. In spite of staff difficulties, every endeavour has been made to give close supervision to the Native settlers. Butterfat-production of 1101b. per cow is still below the average Dominion rate of 2101b., and endeavours have been made to correct this. A number of Native farmers are inclined to leave the milking to the elder children and do not realize the importance of standard shed and stock management. Efforts are being made to improve carrying-capacity by the greater provision of winter feed and to encourage the greater use of the plough. In one district a Maori young farmers' club has been formed and the results have been very gratifying. The two entrants for the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition were placed sixth and ninth, and were considered by the judge to have done excellent work. During the year the Waireia Estate, of 4,640 acres, situated twenty-four miles from Kohukohu on the northern shores of the Hokianga Harbour, was purchased. Access is by a metalled road running through the area; the block consists of about 1,000 acres in standing bush, and the balance, in. fair pasture, is undulating to hilly, running into steep country at the back. Portions of this property will be suitable for closer settlement into approximately twelve holdings, and will provide relief to a district where there is a general shortage of suitable land and an expanding population. The following table shows the present stock, &c., on both settlers' and scheme properties for the last twp years:—

Native Homing.—Building activities were greatly curtailed owing to the scarcity of materials and .skilled labour being required for defence purposes. Only eleven houses were erected during the year, but as soon as the new housing organization is in a position to build, better progress will be made in connection with housing-construction for Natives. In addition to the above building operations, thirty-three cow-sheds were erected during the year on settlers' properties. Waikato-Maniapoto Maori Land Board District This district embraces the Waikato, Hauraki, Coromandel, and King-country areas and is known us the South Auckland district. The past year has not been a favourable one from a farming point of view in this district, resulting in a sharp fall ol 17 per cent, in butterfat-production. There was an exceptionally dry period during December and January, following which production recovered somewhat during a favourable autumn. Apart from the vagaries of the weather, shortage of fertilizer is precluding any marked increase in production. Moreover, wartime scarcities prohibit almost entirely any new land-development. There are, however, large Native-owned areas in this district which can be developed as soon as conditions again become favourable. During the year the Tunaeke Scheme, near Whatawhata, was subdivided and settled by dairy-farmers, and their future progress will be reflected in the returns from the Waikato Unit Scheme. Taking into account a lage carry over of wool produced and not sold at the end of March, the financial returns have been well maintained, the proceeds to the Department amounting to £82,000. This district has done well in the Ahuwhenua Cup competition, the second, fourth, and sixth places having been filled by Native farmers in the King-country and Kawhia areas.

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Dairy Cows. Kuu Cattle. Sheep. 1942-43 .. .. .. 16,125 9,745 3,535 17,957 391 1943-44 .. .. .. 15,456 9,311 3,837 20,420 448

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The net liabilities owing to the State, aggregating £225,000 in respect of the 241 settled properties (31,000 acres) and £120,000 in the case of the development, areas, have been reduced during the year. The live-stock tallies were: dairy cows, 5,700; other dairy stock, 3,200; run cattle, 4,400; and sheep, 49,000. Native Homing.—lt was possible to complete, in spite of material and labour shortages, six cottages for settlers. A great field of endeavour in respect to Native housing will, no doubt lie opened up when the new housing organization is able to function under normal conditions. Even to-day there is an amount of £5,000 representing applications which have been authorized but which it has not yet been possible to meet. Waiariki Maori Land Board District Wartime exigencies of lack of manures, continued shortage of labour, and delays in fhe supply of many essential materials such as iron, timber, and wire have added to the difficulties of both land-development, and farming during the year. Despite these setbacks, it is possible to report progress in many of our activities. There has been an increase to the Department in receipts from all sources, the total for last year being £229,689, while this year it is £247,564. The net liability on all development operations twelve months ago was £828,496; in 1935 it was £335,677; while to-day it is £800,640. The schemes to-day are on a purely maintenance basis. The wool produced during the twelve months shows a. small increase from 2,075 bales to 2,082 bales. The live-stock carried to-day, compared with the 1935 figures, shown in parentheses, will indicate a. considerable measure of progress in the carrying-capacity of the Native lands of the district: 17,156 (9,915) dairy stock of all classes, 1,231 (465) horses of working quality, 12,283 (3,942) run cattle, 50,887 breeding-ewes, and 59,029 (28,000 in all) other sheep. A further example of the expansion that has resulted in this brief period can be gauged from the fact that for the year 1935 our cash receipts amounted to £29,000, while this year alone the figure is in the vicinity of £250,000. In many eases the Department has been able to reduce its percentage of the cream cheque retained from the individual settler. This applies particularly at Ruatoki, the biggest settlement we have under our control. Even though a number of the loan accounts have been paid off, the farmers continue to seek the assistance of the Department in such communal, activities as purchasing, roading, and water-supply, and this service is still made available to them. Numerous settlers are showing enthusiasm and displaying initiative in an endeavour to improve their holdings. Every encouragement is given to them to acquire a full understanding of their financial obligations, as well as the main task of teaching them scientific farm husbandry. The special committee of investigation to review the ability of certain of the Horohoro settlers to carry on, recommended remissions of portion of the interest over the next five years. By appealing to tribal relationship through the factor of chieftainship and leadership, we hope to secure either a revivifying effect on delinquent settlers to farm well and prosper, or else to arrange for new nominations for certain of the holdings. Third place in the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition went to a settler in the Horohoro area. This endeavour has particular merit, in that the management of the farm was carried on by the wife of the settler after he joined the Armed Forces. Every encouragement has been given to those Maori farmers who desired to assist in the Maori war effort. Enlistments in this district have at times retarded the production programme, but very few appeals have been lodged for postponement of service. As part of the primary production aspect of the war effort, interest in the cropping of potatoes, kumaras, pumpkins, and onions has been encouraged. It is pleasing to record that several of our settlers who have seen active military service have gone back to their farms. In some districts where ragwort has become a menace it has been necessary to introduce small flocks of cull ewes to assist other control measures being adopted to combat the pest. The respective County Councils have again met the departmental officers with regard to county rates, and satisfactory settlements of the various claims have been made. All rating claims on development-scheme lands have now been adjusted up to 31st March, 1944. Greater culling of herds has been carried out in an endeavour to improve the production of fat per cow. Assistance has been given in several cases to enable settlers to acquire a better type of pigs and piggeries. Butterfat-production showed a. substantial decline this past year, contributory causes being the continued shortage of manures and adverse climatic conditions throughout the whole of the district. Several of our dairy-farmers suffered damage to property and loss of production when serious floods swept the Whakatane district. Where on some areas further consolidation of cultivated pastures is required, the policy of stocking up with wethers and heavy bullocks has been continued. Large drafts of fat stock have been taken from these areas during the year. On some of the coast stations only dry stock can be run, and, moreover, losses of stock have been heavy, due to the broken and rough contour of the country. A special investigation was carried out this year, and every endeavour is being made to reduce the losses. The Ruatahuna Settlement, with its large population, also presents special difficulties. For a times this year it was isolated by flood from both Rotorua and Wairoa,

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Passing reference can be made to the acquisition of several small areas. On the Te Ngae Road, near Brent's farm, a Native lease of 4!) acres was acquired. This has good watering facilities and will be worked in with Brent's to assist the seasonal movements of stock. Another place of 649 acres, known as Wright's Block, adjoining the Okere Development Scheme was purchased, and this, with 668 acres gazetted under Part I of the Act, will consolidate the operations in this area. Native Housing.—No Native houses were built during the period, but indications point to a recommencement of our housing activities in the coming year. Economic surveys, whenever carried out, disclose deplorable housing-conditions which demand immediate remedial action. The Native people evince keen interest in the housing proposals and back up their interest with cash deposits towards future homes. A Maori training-school in carpentry is being run at Ohinemutu by the Rehabilitation Department and should provide ample trained Maori carpenters to carry out the building programme when it is put into operation. Tairawhiti Maori Land Board District As with other districts, new development work lias been necessarily retarded by reason of shortage of labour and materials consequent upon the war. It is hoped that in the next season some progress will be made with urgently needed capital and maintenance work. Two areas of 83 acres and 1,904 acres were gazetted as subject to the development provisions of the Act and included in the Te Araroa Scheme. The subdivision of the Whangawehi section of the Mahia Scheme into six dairy-farms is now being undertaken. The average area of each holding will be approximately 60 acres to 80 acres. The Huramua Station, of 1,777 acres, at Wairoa, was offered for sale for purposes of the land-settlement of Maori servicemen. Since the close of the year covering this report, the property was purchased with a view to the establishment of instructional farms to be taken over later by discharged Maori servicemen. The property comprises land of good quality on the flats, and high ground of fair to good quality on the hills which provide winter run-off for dairy cows. Improvements have been well maintained, and satisfactory water-supply should be available to each, proposed subdivision. There is a. good metalled access road; the station is close to the railway and also to the Township of Wairoa, with tho facilities for hospital, education, freezing-works, and dairy factory. The rainfall during the season has been heavy, with serious floods in March which destroyed many of the crops in the vicinity of Gisborne. Damage was also caused to kumara and potato crops throughout the district, adversely affecting food-supplies. Erosion by the Waiapu River during the last twelve months amounted to a loss of .six acres. A review of the financial position at the 31st March, 1944, shows that the amount owing to the Department in respect of development areas aggregating 18,000 acres is £72,436, while advances to 226 settlers total £192,008 —an average indebtedness of £850 per settler. The Department's share of butterfat receipts of £13,790 showed a small increase of £253 over last year's figures, whilst the wool proceeds of £23,838 gave the big advance of £9,214 over the previous twelve months- —a 63-per-cent. increase. Live-stock sales are also up by 18 per cent;., the total sales being £27,042. The following table shows the present stock, &c,, under the control of the Department in the Gisborne District: —

Calf clubs have been revived at the local schools, and the children have received useful tuition on this subject, in the form of lectures. The one nominee from this district for the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition was placed fifth. Native Housing.—The progress during the year in the building of homes lias been necessarily slow, but it is hoped that in the coming year the work may gather momentum to help overtake the authorizations not yet completed of £20,000 ordinary advances and £14,000 Special Housing Fund advances. Ten dwellings were erected or renovated, and two purchased, during the period under review. The ability of the Maori to face up to his financial responsibilities under his housing mortgages is readily seen from the table" hereunder. Based upon present trends, the present mortgages should be liquidated in

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Dairy Other Run Bales of Cows. Dairy Stock. ' "• Cattle. Wool. Native Department .. .. .. 3,515 2,413 57,252 4,584 1,280 Native Trustee .. .. .. .. .. 36,521 3,767 679 Maori Land Board .. .. .. .. 18 14,516 2,396 311 Totals .. .. .. 3,515 2,431 108,289 10,747 2,270

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twelve years, thereby giving to each of the 130-odd families a freehold home. No mortgagor was in arrears with his interest at 31st March, '1944

Aotea Maori Land Board District In common with other parts of the North Island, this district has experienced unfavourable weather conditions — the second in succession — which are reflected in a general fall in production. The advent of spring was later than usual after a prolonged period of wet and cold weather. There was little growth until late October or November, when there was a change to hot weather with constant winds causing the usual flush feed of the summer to run straight up to seed. It is only since the commencement of the early autumn showers that there was any sign of recovery in the pastures. In most cases abundant supplies of hay were saved for winter feed, but on present indications root crops will not be up to standard. Pastures generally are now showing deterioration as the result of inadequate topdressing for several years in succession, and in some instances it lias become necessary to reduce the carrying-capacity of the properties. Dairy stock at the commencement of the season was not in as good condition as would have been the case if climatic conditions had been more favourable, and the aggregate butterfat-production of approximately 300,000 Lb. shows a fall of 8 per cent. Two further dairy-settlers were commenced at Tokaanu, making a total there of four, and it is hoped to commence milking on four or five other properties in. this locality during the coming season. The selected settlers are showing considerable enthusiasm in their new venture. One farmer in the Kai Iwi district who, two or three years ago, commenced a small Southdown stud flock was able this year to dispose of sixteen rams of his own breeding at satisfactory prices. The rams came forward in good condition and compared favourably with similar sheep sold by local breeders who had had many years of experience at this specialized branch of farming. Another settler at Reurcu successfully harvested a crop of wheat. During the year a readjustment was made of the boundaries of several of the sections at Banana. This should result in more compact holdings with an increased carrying-capacity and greater chance of economic success. As a result, it is anticipated that during the coming season the aggregate number of cows milked at Banana will be increased. For the second time an entry was made from this district in the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition, the entrant being placed eighth. There lias again been little new development work on the general areas, and progress in this direction cannot be made until more labour is available and fertilizer can be obtained to maintain any new areas brought into production. Considerable difficulty is experienced in obtaining the services of competent shepherds, stockmen, and teamsters. The rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen, in so far as their settlement on the land is concerned, will in practice be found to fall upon this Department as the agent of the Rehabilitation Board, and in this district, with the large areas available for settlement in the Taumarunui-Tokaanu area in particular, the needs of the local men can be fully met. Native Homing.—Although the housing activities in this district have necessarily been restricted owing to prevailing conditions, the continued use of Maori labour under the direction of " key " carpenters has been justified by the results obtained. It lias been possible, by the utilization of materials from buildings purchased for removal and good second-hand materials obtained from other sources, to keep the available labour fully employed, with the result that fourteen new houses were built, nine renovated, and in addition a. number of farm buildings were erected. A survey was recently made of the housing-conditions of eighty-six established and prospective settlers in this district. This revealed that in the majority of instances the housing-accommodation is satisfactory, and for the remainder, five are in course of erection or renovation, eight have been authorized by the Board of Native Affairs, and six will receive consideration as early as practicable.

8

1942. 1943. 1944. Ordinary. Special. Ordinary. Special. Ordinary. Special. £ £ £ £ £ £ Annual receipts .. .. 5,794 2,162 3,349 1,446 3,773 1,709 Less interest charges .. 3,583 337 1,375 432 1,272 480 Surplus receipts to 2,211 1,825 1,974 1,014 2,501 1,229 reduce principal Principal owing .. .. 25,594 9,482 29,527 11,218 28,358 11,350 Number of mortgagors .. 84 44 78 49 80 52

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lkaroa and South Island Maori Land Board Districts The boundaries of lkaroa enclose the Manawatu and Wairarapa districts and the greater part of Hawke's Bay; while all Native land in the South Island is included in the district of the same name. Thus very great changes in climatic conditions are experienced within the boundaries of these districts, and, taken on the whole, the weather has been unfavourable for farming during the season under review. Hawke's Bay experienced a bad autumn which seriously affected the pastures and live-stock, and was later followed by a dry summer with a resultant shortage of water. In the Wairarapa an exceptionally dry spell, which extended through the summer into the winter, had deleterious effects on the autumn growth. The result was a hard winter for stock, with lambing percentages poor and stock losses heavy. In the South Island climatic conditions at Wairau were only fair; a hard winter with cold, wet conditions continuing through the spring was experienced. There was a sudden change to the other extreme in early December, and semi-drought conditions prevailed until mid-February. At Kaiwhare there was a long period of wet and cold weather with snow during the winter and early spring. Fodder received a very severe set-back. Although the stock went into the winter in good condition, by the spring they had definitely deteriorated and stock losses were heavy. In Southland, on the other hand, although the year was an exceptionally dry one, conditions were particularly favourable. Ample feed was available throughout the year and excellent lambing results were obtained. The wool yield was satisfactory and cattle made pleasing progress. Cropping results have been reasonably good. Again a large quantity of potatoes has been grown as a special endeavour to assist the war effort. Conditions were not favourable for grass-seed production in Hawke's Bay, so an increased quantity of peas was successfully harvested. At Wairau — our main cropping area — wheat, oats, peas, potatoes, barley, hay, grass-seed, and a small area of linen flax were harvested with varying degrees of success owing to' the vagaries of the weather. In the Wairarapa, peas and potatoes were grown and adequate returns received. In spite of a difficult farming year, definite progress has been made on all schemes and reflects credit on the field supervision. There has been a reduction in the number of dairy cows in milk to 1,084, with a resultant fall of 17 per cent, in total poundage of butterfat produced. This has been offset by the all-round increase received from the sales of cattle and sheep of £16,575, as compared with £14,917 for the previous year, and wool proceeds' of £6,009, compared with £4,405. The winner of the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition was this year a settler at Hastings, to the wife of whom great credit is due for carrying on the farm so successfully during the settler's absence with the Air Force. The judge described the property as a compact little farm where everything is in its place, and that the type of farm — fat-lamb raising, grass-seed production, cropping for the canneries — makes it highly productive. No major capital works have been carried out, due to the restricted supply of materials and the shortage of labour. As these wartime conditions appear to be gradually improving, it is hoped that the tempo of the progress can be stepped up in succeeding years. It has been the policy in this year, as in those immediately preceding, to maintain and consolidate the development already achieved. The net liability owing by the development area has been reduced during the year by £7,140 to £52,625, and that by settlers by £2,054 to £39,474. Native Homing.—ln the period under review only eight houses, four each in the lkaroa and the South Island Districts, were erected. A contribution was made, however, towards the improvement of the living-conditions of the Native people by the purchase of thirteen houses in lkaroa and two in the South Island. Most of the former were located in the environs of Masterton, and in all cases the Natives have expressed themselves as being most satisfied with the dwellings secured. Houses have been kept in good repair, most of the painting having been done by the owners under supervision; and generally the properties are being well'looked after. Good work has been carried out in the South Island by a co-operative group of Maori tradesmen, favourable comment on the type of dwelling and workmanship having been received. Every encouragement is being given, to Maoris to lodge now applications for advances for houses so that they can be investigated and loans approved in readiness for an expansion of the building activities when labour and materials are available.

NATIVE TRUST AND MAORI LAND BOARD 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.

2—G. 10.

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The Native Trustee is actively farming on 50,000 acres, sixteen sheep and cattle stations — one near Te Kuiti, three in the Wellington province, and twelve in the Gisborne Maori Land Board District. Most of the stations are well equipped with buildings and general improvements ; they are well stocked, and their own requirements in both sheep and cattle are bred. The live-stock tallies at 31st .March, 1944, were 31,700 breeding-ewes, 34,900 dry sheep, and 7,300 run cattle. In addition to the above properties, the field organization of the Department supervises mortgaged lands and Native estates in respect of which the Native Trustee has been appointed administrator or trustee. At 31st March, 1944, there were 374 loan accounts covering investments, mostly farming propositions, totalling £387,000. The three Maori Land Board stations, embracing 31,000 acres — Anaura and Waiorongomai (Gisborne) and Morikau (Wanganui) —were carrying an aggregate stock of 18,400 breeding-ewes, 11,600 dry sheep, and 3,300 run cattle. The Anaura Station is in a sound position, a dividend of £1,400 having been paid last year to the beneficiaries. Excellent feed conditions and a buoyant stock-market contributed to a very good farming year. Despite short staffing, which is accentuated by the rough state of the country, the riding distances involved, and the cold, wet climate, progress is recorded on the Waiorongomai Station in the programme for painting and renovating the station buildings and repairing the fences. This station made an investment in the Liberty Loan. Prom the Morikau Station, at the request of the beneficiaries, a further amount of £2,390 was paid to the war loans, bringing the total contributions to £7,390, of which £3,000 was voluntarily loaned free of interest. A successful year is reported; and the property has been maintained to the maximum capacity of the available staff, difficulty having been experienced in securing adequate labour. The following table indicates the measure of assistance granted from Maori. Land Board funds to individual Native settlers for the purpose of financing their farming operations:—•

EAST COAST NATIVE TRUST LANDS The Board of Native Affairs exercises control over the financial operations of the East C'oast Trust lands, which are administered by the East Coast Commissioner. Ranging from Tolaga Bay in the north to Wairoa in the south, and extending to Mahia Peninsula, the total area of the Trust comprises 224,319 acres plus 1,203 acres leased from the Tairawhiti District Maori Land Board, making a total of 225,522 acres. This is divided into two portions — the East Coast Native Trust lands containing 116,613 acres, and the Mangatu Trust embracing 108,909 acres. Sheep and cattle farming is undertaken on a large portion of the land, which is divided into twenty-three stations aggregating 147,597 acres; a further section of 55,422 acres is cut up into some twenty-five farms which are leased; and there is a balance area of 22,318 acres still undeveloped. The outstanding feature in connection with the farming operations is the lack of teamsters, as a result of which a very large number of draught horses have been idle throughout the year. This has affected the number of stock carried through the winter, and more particularly the number of sheep and lambs fattened. The stock tallies were 77,000 breeding-ewes, 68,000 dry sheep, 6,000 breeding-cows, 12,000 other cattle, and 727 horses. The wool sold for the 1943-44 season amounts to 3,650 bales, an increase of 179 bales; the live-stock proceeds were 61,000 sheep (£55,200) and 4,300 cattle (£30,500). The outside investments of the Trust, aggregating £4.1,666, comprise: War Loan, £33,345; Liberty Bonds, £1,800; inscribed stock, £6,521.

10

Total Advances to Native , T , Board. Settlers under Mortgage U ' T1 er 0 as at 31st March, 1944. mortgagors. £ Tokerau .. .. 2,532 3 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 4,847 17 *Waiariki .. ... 6,944 21 Tairawhiti ,. .. 66,842 235 Aotea . .. .. 32,970 • 59 Ikaroa .. .. .. 27,989 43 South Island .. 5,363 9 Totals .. .. 147,487 387 * In addition, £73,063 is invested in farm properties (Taheke, Tihiotonga, and Waikawa).

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

3—G. 10.

11

. G ,, Maori j . A East Particulars. Tokerau. ™» iariki - Tairawhiti. Aotea. Ikaroa, South Sub . tot als. j Ljmd j Trngtee Coast Totals. X. Total area .. .. .. .. .. Acres 468,365 66,986 196,694 84,625 101,606 13,149 4,245 935,670 31,516 50,818 145,202 1,163,206 2. Area not suitable for development .. .. .. Acres 5,305 9,657 72,251 26,275 2,429 250 25 116.192 .. .. 5,202 121,394 3. Area developed and occupied by settlers .. .. Acres 87.716 31,302 40.441 33,715 9,692 6,112 667 209,645 .. .. .. 209,645 4. Number of settlers.. .. .. .. .. number 834 241 466 226 84 40 8 1.899 3 stations 16 stations 23 stations 1,899 5. Balance area, under development — Area — - Permanent grass .. .. .. .. Acres 13,493 11,271 53,557 17,268 9,863 1,314 1,199 107,965 31,516 50,818 109,675 299,974 Temporary grass .. .. .. .. Acres 1,449 348 316 .. .. 1,663 13 3,789 .. .. .. 3,789 Other cultivations .. .. .. .. Acres 74 536 1,172 510 330 203 225 3,050 .. •• 72 3,122 Undeveloped.. .. .. .. .. Acres 12,380 10,862 28,957 5,857 79,292 3,607 2,116 143,071 .. 30,253 173,324 Total .. .. .. .. Acres 27,396 23,017 84,002 23,635 89,485 6,787 3,553 257,875 31,516 50,818 140,000 480,209 Dwellings .. .. .. .. .. Number 79 41 85 18 17 14 5 259 3 3 32 297 Wool-sheds .. .. .. .. .. Number 7 9 13 2 4 1 1 37 3 8 21 69 Cow-sheds .. .. .. .. ,. Number 4 3 5 8 1 3 4 28 1 .. 29 Other farm buildings .. .. .. .. Number 25 65 86 25 115 22, 15 353 4 160 517 6. Net liability on — Area settled— includes interest (item 3) .. .. £ . 350,314 224,788 333,761 192,008 119,800 32,797 6,677 1,260,145 i .. .. 1,260,145 Balance area—excludes current year's interest (item 5) £ 118,739 120,735 466,879 72,436 150,704 27,708 24,917 982,118 .. .. •• 982,118 7. Farming on balance area (item 5)— Dairy cattle .. .. .. .. .. Number 501 366 554 345 172 153 23 2,114 24 19 5,936 8,093 Run cattle .. .. .. .. .. Number 3,443 3,230 11,982 2,848 1,665 226 335 23,729 3,285 7,320 12,049 46,383 Sheep — Breeding-ewes .. .. .. .. Number 13,240 13,479 44,465 15,847 9,475 4,478 3,343 104,327 18,436 31,744 77,672 232,179 Other sheep .. .. .. .. .. Number 6,236 12,178 57.020 9,993 11,085 2,837 476 99,825 11,602 34.878 67,807 214,112 Horses .. .. .. .. .. Number 70 115 1.231 62 94 21 15 1,608 64 172 723 2,567 Butterfat sold .. .. .. .. ..lb. 26,372 9,261 40,147 3,171 8,780 .. 87,731 .. .. 87,731 Cattle sold .. .. .. .. .. Number 1,159 1,304 4.085 531 1,582 26 204 8.891 .. .. 4,323 13,214 Sheep sold .. .. .. .. .. Number 13,047 15,224 66,587 10,879 15,034 5,829 2,110 128,710 .. .. 60,982 189,692 Crops sold .. .. .. Type and quantity .. .. .. .. .. .. * * .. .. .. * Wool produced .. .. .. .. .. Bales 422 504 1.859 532 430 141 41 3,929 671 1,362 3,650 9,612 8. Sales of produce, live-stock, &c., for year (balance area) — Butterfat .. .. .. .. .. £ 1,133 586 .. 1,948 180 343 .. 4,190 .. .. .. 4,190 Wool .. .. .. .. .. .. £ 8,090 11,543 39,063 10,333 8,670 2,672 806 81,177 13,365 25,358 59,379 179,279 Sheep — Cash sales. .. .. .. .. .. £ 12,805 13,785 71,506 6,650 12,465 6,196 2,155 125,562 16,315t 33,896t 55,191 230,964t Transfers to other schemes .. .. .. £ 459 2,633 48.224 3,008 2,951 827 .. 58,102 .. .. .. 58,102 Cattle — Cash sales .. .. .. .. .. £ 6,836 9,135 49,439 2,870 4,710 214 2,037 75,241 t t 30,574 105,815f Transfers to Other schemes .. .. .. £ 2,127 1,817 24,120 2,101 5,928 376 . . 36,469 .. .. .. 36,469 Sundries — Cash sales .. .. .. .. .. £ 2,259 3,089 3,790 1,133 4,131 1,607 2,224 18,233 129 5,931 .. 24,293 Transfers to other schemes .. .. .. £ .. .. 398 6,387 .. 14 6,799 .. .. .. 6,799 9. Live-stock and seasonal expenditure for year (balance area) — Sheep: Purchases and transfers .. .. .. £ 6,081 7,922 77.823 6.880 6,017 3,550 1.108 109,381 .. .. 21,837 131,218 Cattle: Purchases and transfers .. .. .. £ 4,647 3,898 241687 41121 4,485 648 43,516 .. .. 19,667 63,183 Farming-expenses — Material, charges, &c., excluding current interest and £ 5,084 3,906 23,249 24,181 20,670 1,982 1,729 80,801 .. .. 21,837 102,638 E.P. subsidies (see 10) ' ! _ „ , Labour .. .. .. .. .. £ 13,560 12,769 17,949 13,373 10,513 1,253 1,267 70,684 1 .. .. 32,844 103,528 10. Subsidies received for year (scheme and unit) .. £ 34,913 19.956 57,887 11,443 13,689 4,122 6,685 151,695 .. .. .. 151,695 11. Average monthly labour employed (development and Number 238 145 419 177 98 54 '37 1,168 19 90 111 1,388 farming) 12. Area settled (occupied by units) — Dairy cows .. .. .. .. .. Number 14,955 5,325 12,309 3,515 2,260 916 168 39,448 .. .. .. 39.448 Other dairy stock .. .. .. .. Number 9,311 3,207 4,293 2,068 1,115 455 42 20,491 .. .. .. 20,491 Run cattle .. .. .. .. .. Number 394 1,132 301 1,736 658 .. .. 4,221 .. .. .. 4,221 Sheep — Breeding-ewes .. .. .. .. Number 820 15,897 6,422 18,153 9,102 5,031 454 55,879 .. .. 55,879 Other sheep .. .. .. .. .. Number 124 7,460 2,009 13,259 4,670 791 12 28,325 .. .. .. 28,325 Butterfat — Total poundage .. .. .. ..lb. 1,635,897 641,175 1,587,294 410,594 297,824 126,009 29,757 4,728,550 .. .. .. 4,728,550 Total cash proceeds .. .. .. .. £ 109,048 42.734 llOiOOO 27,125 21,627 10,121 2,206 328,861 .. .. .. 328,861 Department's proportion .. .. .. £ 46.056 18,725 57,840 11,842 12.813 3,869 681 151,826 .. .. .. 151,826 Wool — Bales .. .. .. .. .. Number 26 395 223 748 257 112 10 1,771 .. .. .. 1.771 Total net value .. .. .. .. £ 449 8,633 2.861 13,505 4,929 2,337 194 32,908 .. .. .. 32,908 Live-stock sold .. .. .. .. £ 4,491 15,786 17,522 8,951 5.309 664 67,003 .. .. .. 67,003 Sundry sales .. .. „ .. .. £ 3,471 1,028 8,786 1,833 993 40 18,286 „ LJ 18,286 * Twenty-eight tons chaff, 188 sacks peas, 523 sacks wheat, 42 tons potatoes, 172 bales hay, 17 sacks rye-grass. f Cattle sales for Maori Land Board and Native Trust stations included with sheep sales.

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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 1943-44

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i 1 i 7 i i i i i 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. 1942-43. 1943-44. Totals. j ' I I i I ! £££££££££££££££ To kerau 1 908 5 312 11,092 12,559 13,726 22,070 29,186 32,804 46,554 52,085 79,197 81,468 77,546 85,590 551,097 Waikato-Maniapoto " " '202 '316 3,180 7,301 6,871 14,348 17,635 23,085 30,853 38,772 76,328 70,328 87,056 82,310 458,585 Waiariki " " 2 667 5 578 17,246 36,318 29,472 63,585 81,730 111,730 130,276 131,962 211,763 214,786 229,689 247,565 1,514,367 Tairawhiti " " '' 650 9,143 16,886 20,253 23,610 32,999 43,180 29,365 38,724 54,792 56,349 55,215 67,636 448,802 A tea 413 1 070 916 1,404 2,180 2,687 3,988 8,244 12,614 21,491 37,455 48,769 55,518 57,842 254,591 Ikaroa '288 992 888 727 1,377 1,651 2,013 4,442 8,181 16,021 22,686 22,086 24,682 106,034 South Island '.'. !! !! "5 143 294 391 506 1,631 2,127 2,442 3,113 3,694 2,539 7,697 7,884 8,801' 41,267 Unallocated .. .. .. 352 72 12 .. 5,480 479 274 378 191 34 .. 180 .. .. 7,452 Tota l a .. .. 5,547 13,429 42,875 75,747 79,215 129,787 169,590 223,876 257,408 294,943 478,095 502,263 534,994 574,426 3,382,195

I | , j _. , , I „ , . I m i. i ' Approximate Total Cash Receipts Butterfat. Wool. Live-stock. Sundries. Totals. (Department's and Settlers'Proportions). _J 1 L j i — | 1 Districts £ £ £ £ £ £ Tokerau .. .. 47,189 8,539 24,132 5,730 85,590 119,000 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 19,311 20,176 38,706 4,117 82,310 109,000 Waiariki 57,840 41,924 135,225 12,576 247,565 306,000 Tairawhiti " 13,790 23,838 27,042 2,966 67,636 83,000 Aotea " 12,993 13,599 26,126 5,124 57,842 67,000 i karoa ;; ;; ;; 4,212 5,009 11,719 3,742 24,682 31,000 South Island .. .. 681 1,000 4,856 2,264 8,801 10,000 Sub-totals .. 156,016 114,085 267,806 36,519 574,426 725,000 2. Maori Land Boards .. .. .. . 13,365 16,315 129 29,809 30,000 3. Native Trustee .. .. •• 25,358 33,896 5,931 65,185 65,000 Totals .. .. 156,016 152,808 318,017 42,579 669,420 820,000 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 cheque, 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 proportion 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, 1944

Under development schemes .. .. 1.782 Under Native Housing Act— Ordinary .. .. 331 (includes 51 purchased). Special .. .. .. 338 16 purchased). 669 Total .. .. 2,451 (b) Total farm buildings erected from inception to 31st March, 1944 (approx.) :— Cow-sheds .. .. .. .. 1,450 Wool-sheds .. .. .. .. 47 Sheep-yards, &c. .. .. .. 41 Implement and store sheds .. .. 333

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Under Native Housing Act, 1935. : Under Native-land Develop- Totals. Farm Buildings „ ment. ' (on Balanee-area only). Districts. Ordinary. Special. Erected and „ , , Erected and n , j n , i „ , Erected and „ Implement renovated. ! P urollasecl - renovated. Purchased. Erected. Renovated. j> enova t e( j. Purchased. Cow-sheds. Wool-sheds. Sheepyards. and Store §1 L | Sheds. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number Number iokerau .. 1 .. 3 .. 7 2 .. 7 " "Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. 1 .. 4 2 7 Waiariki .. .. .. .. .. 5 15 21 " " Tairawhiti .. 3 2 3 .. 3 1 10 2 1 4 Aotea .... 8 .. 5 .. 4 6 23 .. .. 1 1 Ikaroa .... 3 11 1 2 .. . . 4 13 South Island .. 2 2 1 .. .. 1 4 2 2 Totals 17 15 14 2 23 26 80 17 1 2 1 13 Note. —(a) Total houses erected, purchased, or renovated from inception to 31st March, 1944 :—

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TABLE 6.—NATIVE HOUSING ACT, 1935: FINANCIAL RETURN OF OPERATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1944

TABLE 5.—NATIVE HOUSING: RETURN OF AUTHORIZATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1944, SHOWING THE NUMBER OF DWELLINGS TO BE ERECTED, PURCHASED, OR RENOVATED

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1944.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (640 copies), £32.

Price (id. \

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Under Native Housing Act, 1935. „ , ■ ,. Under Native- Totals Ordinary. Special. land-develop- _ _ ment , Districts. Schemes: Erections. Purchases, 1 Erections. Purchases, Erections. Purchases. Renovation^ Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Tokerau ...... 7 1 5 108 6 8 552 667 7 13 Waikato-Maniapoto .... 19 1 1 82 2 11 278 379 3 12 Waiariki ...... 17 3 7 56 1 .. 836 909 4 7 Tairawhiti ...... 91 7 7 82 2 3 208 381 9 10 Aotea ...... 70 12 41 33 3 6 97 200 15 47 Ikaroa ...... 93 22 35 29 2 7 49 171 24 42 South Island ...... 28 10 8 22 .4 4 9 59 14 12 Totals 325 56 104 412 20 39 2,029 2,766 76 143

Ordinary. Special. Totals. i Districts. Authorized. Authorized. Authorized. 1 Expended. Expended. Expended. Number of , , Number of . , Number of , Advances. ! Amount - Advances. Amount. Advances. Amount " Number. £ £ Number. £ £ Number. £ £ Tokerau .. .. .. .. 13 4,798 4,461 122 42,077 39,459 135 46,875 43,920 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. ! 21 10,881 7,607 95 35,284 33,457 116 46,165 41,064 Waiariki .. .. 27 12,038 7,040 57 22,754 22,194 84 34,792 29'234 Tairawhiti .. .. .. .. j 105 48,107 28,483 87 30,760 '16,072 192 78,867 44.555 Aotea .. .. .. .. ! 123 42,425 35,055 42 13,125 9,512 165 55.550 44,567 Ikaroa .. .. .. 150 67,268 51,939 43 14,962 12,844 193 64,783 South Island .. .. .. .. 46 21,814 17,215 25 8,580 7,768 71 30,394 24,983 Totals .. .. .. 485 207,331 151,800 471 167,542 141,306 956 374,873 293,106