G.— 3

1917. NEW ZEALAND.

EAST COAST NATIVE TRUST LANDS. REPORT, BALANCE-SHEET, AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH, 1916.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly in pursuance of Section 13 of the East Coast Native Trust Lands Act, 1902.

REPORT BY THE EAST COAST COMMISSIONER. Sir, — Gisborne, 7th August, 1916. I have the honour to forward herewith the balance-sheet and statement of receipts and payments of the Trust estate as at the 31st March last, and statements of the accounts of the several blocks in the Trust as at that date. The surplus has increased to £266,399 4s. 9d. fi. in 2s. 9d. last year, and the value of the freeholds has been increased to £312,839 from £308,788. Rents paid to the Native owners amount to £3,616 13s. Bd., as against £3,033 18s. 6d., and farm profits paid out £1,409 16s. 9d., as against £426 lis. 6d. During the year a shearing-shed and shearers' quarters have been erected on Te Kopua Farm, and similar buildings arc now being erected on Mahurangi Farm, and it will be necessary this year to provide shearers' quarters and accommodation for the shepherds on Waimaha Farm. No large areas of bush were fallen during the year, but fencing was proceeded with on all farms as occasion required. The net profits on farming for the year amounted to £13,105 18s. 2d., of which £3,927 has been appropriated for payment to the beneficiaries, the balance being applied towards expenditure for improvements and in reduction of old liabilities. Receipts for sales of wool, live-stock, frozen meat, and other farm-produce amounted to £15,647 4s. Id., as against £10,425 15s. Bd. Owing to the lack of shipping facilities there was a larger quantity of wool and frozen meat unrealized at the end of the financial year than on any previous occasion, the value being £15,340. The quality of the flocks and the herds has been well maintained. I have again to report that no further sales of the Mangatu lands have been effected. There are inquiries for the lands, but prospective buyers require formed road access. The finance for this roading is arranged for, but it is improbable that the labour necessary for carrying out the work will be available until after the termination of the war. I have, &c., T. A. Coleman, East Coast Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister of Native Affairs, Wellington.

I—G. 3.