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Otawhao Block, situated close to Takapau, comprises twenty-four holdings of a total area of 2,730 acres. Opened for selection in May, 1916.. Four sections, of which two were not occupied at all by the original selectors, have been forfeited and roseleoted. Originally heavy-bush land, now carrying native and exotic grasses; level and undulating, and nearly all ploughable when stumped. In centre of .flourishing dairying district. The settlers are engaged principally in dairying, and are now getting well established. All have erected dwellings and are residing, except one who has subleased his holding for a term. Fencing is completed, and a considerable amount of stumping and ploughing has been done. Carrying 713 head of dairy cattle., 1,090 sheep, as well as pigs and horses. There are fifty-two persons residing on the block. Block XIV, Norsewood Survey District, situated two miles and a half from Dannevirke. This settlement, of a total area of 183 acres, comprises four sections from 7to 74 acres. Opened for selection in May, 1916. Well adapted for dairying. Partly flat and partly broken country; good soil, well watered; considerable area in grass. Selectors have erected residences and fencing. Carrying 73 dairy cattle. There are five persons residing on the block. Watea Settlement, about four miles from Takapau, comprises 1,575 acres, subdivided into nine sections ranging from 153 to 177 acres in area. Opened for selection in May. 1917. Open country in native and exotic grasses. Settlers are engaged in mixed farming. Dwellings have been erected, and all except one are residing. A considerable amount of fencing has been erected, and a fair area is under crop. Stock comprises 2,555 sheep, 136. head of cattle (chiefly dairy stock), and 34 horses. There are nineteen persons residing on the settlement. Mapakeke Settlement, situated three to six miles from Takapau, comprises 3,733 acres, divided into seventeen sections; areas, from 177 to 265 acres. Level to undulating land in native grass; well adapted for mixed farming. Most of the settlers have gone in for sheep only, but some are also milking a few cows, and others intend to do likewise. All settlers have erected dwellings and are residing except two, who are respectively • engaged on military duties and managing an absent soldier's farm. Boundary fencing has been completed, and also some subdivisional fencing. Several settlers have done some ploughing and sown various crops. Stock approximately comprises 6,000 sheep and 200 cattle. About twenty-five persons are residing on the settlement. Ngatapa Settlement, situated eighteen miles from Gisborne, comprises 118 acres, divided into three holdings. Opened in July, 1916. Two sections of 90 and 14 acres selected, and one section of 14 acres not taken up. Consists of alluvial flats and low hills in English and native grasses. Both settlers have erected dwellings and are in residence on their holdings; fencing has also been erected. Carrying 211 sheep and 4 cows. There are four persons residing on the block. Miscellaneous. —Eight scattered sections in different parts of the district have also been offered at different times, of which five, containing an area of 3,887 acres, have been selected. Four settlers have erected dwellings and are residing. Three are engaged in sheep and cattle grazing, and one in dairying; the fifth holding is a bush one, and was only selected a few months ago. TARANAKI. Tututawa Settlement. —Three sections, comprising 726 acres, were opened for selection on the 23rd May, 1917, and taken up. The selectors are milking on portions of their holdings, and grazing dry stock on the balance. Two of them are shaping very well; the third is doing fairly well, and some stock has lately been sold from his holding at a good profit. This settlement is close to a dairy factory. There is a house erected on each of the three holdings ; aggregate value of £950. About 624 chains of post-and-wire fencing erected (half boundary and all internal road fences) of a value of 'about £700. Number of stock running, 63 head of dairy cows and heifers. Parkes Settlement, of seven sections, containing 397 acres, was disposed of by ballot on the sth September, 1917, and all land taken up. The settlers have all started supplying dairy factories with milk, and most of them have installed milking-machines. Two had started dairying almost from the beginning, and have done fairly well. They all should do well if they exercise care and show industry. Some of them will need a little time to bring up arrears of rent. All seven holdings contain dwellings and outbuildings of an aggregate value of about £2,000. Stock running at date, 193 dairy cows and yearlings, against which the Crown has advanced £2,127. Holdings all fenced; live fences on external boundaries. Internal fencing, about 166 chains of post-and-wire fences and live hedges. Croydon Settlement, of seven sections, aggregating 631 acres, was disposed of by ballot on the 23rd May, 1918. The settlers are or will shortly be supplying milk to dairy factories. The unusually severe winter has been hard on them, and the cattle are not in good condition, but the spring has now properly started and the cattle should quickly recover. A few cows were lost. The settlers were somewhat inconvenienced by the temporary road cutting up badly under traffic, but the permanent road is now in use. It is too early to say whether or not they will be successful, but as far as can be judged they are shaping well and seem anxious to get on. They are receiving advice from the Agricultural Department. There is a house and necessary outbuildings erected or being erected on each holding; aggregate value, about £1,850 (at date). 139 head of stock—dairy cows and heifers —running; approximate value, £3,000. About 808 chains of sheep-proof post-and-wire fencing (external and internal) already erected, of a value of about £1,138; other fencing in course of erection. Miscellaneous Grown areas acquired by ballot or by transfer comprise twenty-seven holdings of 9,556 acres. They are mostly bush holdings in various localities, and, having been acquired recently, the holders are only getting under way. Bushfelling is in progress on about 665 acres, and buildings are in course of erection. Fencing erected at date, about 313 chains, worth about £439. Stock on holdings (those part open and grassed, or old holdings acquired by transfer), 452 head dairy cows and heifers and about 200 sheep.

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