20

C—3

Since the autumn the trees have recovered, a little, but judging by the number of eggs seen there is very little hope that the end of them is in sight. The ploughing, disking, and upkeep of fire-breaks was attended to as usual. The area that was laid down in grass last autumn is not very promising, but one could not expect it to be considering that it was on the highest ground in the plantation. Better results may be expected from this season's sowing, as it is on the lower ground. The maintenance of the different blocks will be one of the greatest sources of expenditure here for the future, owing to the necessary undcrscrubbing and thinning. Another item which will be rather costly is the widening of the narrow fire-breaks on the older blocks, as there will be a chain to be underscrubbed, carried out, and burnt on each side, and the sooner this is done the better, in order to minimize the danger of fires spreading from one block to another. The thinnings-out of the different blocks, it is hoped, will be a source of revenue with firewood and mine-props. So far there is only a market for the latter here, but eventually, when the soldiers' settlement is established in the Waiotapu Valley, there should be a sale for the, former, or at least for rails. Labour and Accommodation for Workmen. —It is hoped that a start will be made during the (•(iming year to provide small comfortable cottages for the workmen. Better accommodation is urgently needed in order that the services of good workmen may be retained. Average daily number of men employed during the year, 20-32. Summary showing the Area of Waiotapu Plantation (8,454-03 Acres in Trees). How occupied. Acres. Larch .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,310-85 Pines .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,950-73 Eucalypti .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 180-50 Birch .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11-95 Roads, tracks, and fire-breaks .. .. .. .. .. 551-08 Unplanted land.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,324-20 Land unsuitable for planting, including swamps, creeks, also reserve for horse-paddocks and residences .. .. .. .. 288-65 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,617-96 Following is a record of the rainfall and temperature for the year : —

Rainfall, Temperature, &c.

Waireka Camp (Waiotapu Plantation). Situated on the edge of the Kaingaroa Plains, at an altitude of 1,800 ft. above sea-level, an afforestation camp has been formed for returned soldiers seeking employment. The camp is twenty-six miles from Rotorua, on the Galatea Road, and, being favoured with an abundant supply of pure spring water, has been named " Waireka." No expense has been spared to make Waireka a model camp ; the situation is ideal, and it is doubtful if there, is a healthier spot in the Dominion, or one more suitable for men with lung trouble or suffering from the effects of shell-shock. In the laying-out and building of the cam]) the comfort and wants of the men have received every consideration. A combined cookhouse and mess-room with seating-accommodation for forty men has been

Rainfall. Number of Days Rain fell. Temperature. Number of Days Frosts occurred. Month. " - 1 I Minimum. Maximum. i 1918. April May June July August September . . October November . . December . . In. 5-48 2-88 5-85 3-98 2-93 4-24 9-57 5-23 4-53 15 11 22 18 14 12 20 16 13 Deg. P. 26 22 27 14 15 21 24 24 21 Dog. F. 70 66 61 56 62 69 68 79 79 7 16 12 23 16 14 9 ■ 5 8 1919. 3-88 1-82 2-76 January February .. March 11 6 9 26 38 25 89 87 80 3 11 Totals 53-15 167 124