G.—lk.

pears, &c, and all kinds of vegetables grow well. The head of the department (Mr. Palmer) informs us that this farm far excels Waerenga and Moumahaki in productiveness. The Maoris have not yet paid any attention to fruit or garden culture, and it appears to us that some of their young lads might be trained at this farm. We would recommend that from time to time six cadets be employed say for two years, and be paid a small wage. This would train them in the art of fruit or garden culture. That the Maoris make excellent workers in this kind of industry has been proved in the Rotorua County. Both Europeans and Maoris need to have their attention directed to the possibilities of the Tauranga County. We found various kinds of produce imported into Tauranga that could be better raised in Tauranga than in any other part of New Zealand. Potatoes are being imported from Australia and the South Island, and garden vegetables from Auckland. Until a proper agricultural expert is appointed to teach the Maoris, might not the Stock Inspector try and arouse the farmers, both European and Maori, to the need of better developing their district ? Our recommendations appear in the schedules, and may be summarised as follows :— A. R. P. 1. Land leased ... ... ... ... ... .. 1,444 0 0 2. Reserved for Maori occupation ... ... ... ... 26,037 136 3. Land to be dealt with under Part I of the Act for general settlement, — For leasing ... ... ... ... ... ... 9,452 1 8 For sale ... ... ... ... 6,037 0 24 Total ... ... ... ... 42,970 328 We have the honour to be, Your Excellency's obedient and humble servants, Robert Stout, A. T. Ngata, Commissioners.

SCHEDULES.

TAURANGA COUNTY. Schedule 1. Lands under Lease or under Negotiation for Lease.

2

Name of Block. Owneis. Area. Remarks. likutawatawa .aramuramu arish of Te Papa, Lot 116a Total 15 15 A. E. P. 1,092 0 0 300 0 0 52 0 "0 1,444 0 0