C—lβ

38

repeated delays, and probably the few tons of carrots required for winter feed will be lifted from this late-maturing crop. Buildings, Improvements. —Several inexpensive improvements were effected to buildings and surroundings; and in this connection it might be mentioned that wet and otherwise unfavourable weather for agricultural work is usually availed of when undertaking fencing, building, or other progressive schemes. The neat serviceable cottage for the resident horseman was completed, and much credit is due to the nursery foreman and assistants for the bulk of the labour directed upon the building. A much-needed reform was undertaken in the shifting of several smaller buildings from the main stable and workshop to more convenient sites. This new arrangement permits of the expeditious harnessing of horses to the various implements, and entirely dispenses with the necessity heretofore practised of having to resort to manual labour in drawing to the open, and subsequently replacing, heavy machinery when required. During lifting operations the need of more tree-storage accommodation was felt; and this want has been relieved by constructing an iron lean-to on the sizing-shed, at the end of which the cycling stall' are permitted to keep their bicycles. A combined experimental and shelter plantation was formed to take the place of a piece of fast-decaying native bush ; and smaller improvements in the form of painting buildings and implements, construction of roads, fencing, &c, were also carried into effect. The annual expenditure amounts to £2,236 lis. 9d., providing employment for 11-13 men. and the total expenditure to date reaches £23,057 14s. sd. The year's output to plantations, public bodies, &c, is 1,556,464 trees, which are valued at £4,674 15s. 6d., as per Schedule V. and there is every prospect of at least an equal number being similarly dealt with during the ensuing season. Some 4,387,800 trees are now in stock in various stages, the two-year-olds being represented by the largest number. Statement of expenditure, Property Account, Trees Account, and meteorological records are appended.

Schedule I.

Schedule ll. — Statement of Expenditure. For Year. To Date. Tree-planting and maintenance — a s. <l. £ s. d. Tree-growing .. .. .. 886 2 0 11.779 15 11 General maintenance and repairs .. 317 7 1 2.277 6 0 Tree-seeds .. .. 110 14 3 1.066 18 8 Manures .. .. .. .. 32 3 11 221 8 4 Horse-feed, purchased and grown .. 105 13 0 1,185 17 9 Miscellaneous works .. .. 81 18 1 220 19 4 Stock and material.—Tools, implements .. 46 8 9 982 0 0 Permanent works— Buildings .. .. .. .. 375 10 5 1.999 3 4 Nursery-formation .. .. . . 13 9 197 I 9 Fencing .. .. .. 55 16 3 604 1 11 Water-supply .. .. .. 0 14 3 224 5 6 Supervision and clerical — Proportion of Superintending Nurseryman's salary .. .. .. .. 122 0 0 1.760 14 11 Clerical assistance .. .. .. 101 0 0 237 18 0 £2,236 11 9 £23,057 14 5

Month. I Rainfall. i i I Number of Days Rain'f. II. Temp Maximum. Temperature. pera ature. Minimum. Number of Days Frosts occurred. 1911. Lpril lay fune uly Lugust ieptember .. )ctober November .. )ecember .. •• Iu. 3-36 Km 3-02 2-02 1-32 2-82 2-71 6-36 3-33 I 12 12 19 12 12 16 li) 20 20 Deg. Kahr. 78 68 62 53 65 66 72 70 74 Deg. Fahr. 32 27 22 25 25 28 30 28 32 1 7 6 22 4 10 3 1 1 1912. January February larch 340 3-87 5-23 1!» 16 18 86 78 35 33 33 Totals 38-53 201 201 55 55