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a groat pity the Government did not take this matter up some time ago and lay in a stock of netting to supply the settlers, at a little over cost price, and so save the situation. Some of the County Councils are alive to the benefit of wire netting, and the Otorohanga County Council has been supplying settlers in that county, at reasonable rates, and a great many of the settlers have been taking advantage of this. Getting the netting through the County Councils is a good way of distributing it; and if the Government could see its way to work in with the public bodies, by granting a loan for the purchase of netting, it would be the best way of dealing with this matter. There is no doubt that the use of the netting would add greatly to the productiveness of the country ; as it is a well-known fact that every ten rabbits are equal to one sheep. Ragwort. —This is another pest that is spreading over a large tract of country, especially in the King-country, and is taking possession very fast. Many settlers are doing their best to keep it in check, but when they bound on Native or unoccupied Crown land the case is almost hopeless. Sheep put on it in the spring would help to check it, but this cannot always be carried out in practice. It is a difficult problem to deal with, and will require strong measures to cope with it. Managing and Overseeing Soldiers' Farms. —On this head we would like to make some suggestions : — (1.) That the head office for the South Auckland Land District for the management of soldiers' farms should be situated in Hamilton as being the most central and convenient for the working of these farms, and, as in the present case, the settlers would not have a long and expensive journey if they wished.to interview the head office. Many of the settlers, if Hamilton was made the headquarters, could leave their homes in the morning and be able to get back the same day. (2.) That there should be added to the office staff a good practical farmer, for this reason : it has been represented to us that orders from settlers for grass-seed and manure for top-dressing have gone down to head office early in the season, with a request for the order to be supplied so that the seed and manure could be sown at the proper time.' In many cases, owing to want of farming knowledge on the part of the office staff, these orders are delayed too long, till the season is almost over for sowing. This is a great grievance, and loss to the settler and likewise to the Government. There are cases also where the inexperienced settler sends to the head office for seeds and makes mistakes as to the quantities of the different seeds in making up his grass mixture. If a farm expert were at hand in the office he would detect mistakes of this sort and put the matter right, and likely save money to the settler and the Government. (3.) A good Supervisor would be necessary to control all the district Rangers. (4.) We do not cast any reflections on the present Rangers, acting in their several districts, who, as 1 far as we can judge, are good, tactful, practical men ; but they have far too wide an area to get round, and cannot see the settlors often enough, which is satisfactory neither to themselves nor to the settlers ; and we suggest that double the number of Rangers should be employed, all to be men of expert farming knowledge, tactful, and able to advise inexperienced settlers how to carry on farming operations in the best way : and these Rangers, if capable and responsible, should be fairly well remunerated. (5.) Meantime, the settlers write to head office for any wants they require. Generally, the head office writes to the local Ranger for particulars, and time is wasted. We would suggest that such communications from settlers should go through their local Ranger, who could pass them on to head office, with his remarks, and so save time ; and be much more satisfactory to the Ranger, who should be in touch with all matters in his particular area. (6.) That there should, be a special. Department set up, outside the Lands and Survey Department, in charge of a Superintendent with a good practical knowledge of all kinds of farming, and of good business capacity, to run these soldier settlements and farms. The Government has a large sum of money at stake in this connection, and nothing less than careful and efficient management is absolutely necessary if matters are to be brought to a successful issue. Having now given our recommendations in connection with each soldier settler, as set forth in individual reports, we consider that no time should be lost in adopting these, so as to give the settlers a chance to " make good." Many of the settlors are anxiously awaiting the verdict, and, if the matter is not settled soon, many of them will lose heart and walk out. We may further add, after careful consideration, that fully 80 per cent, of the men whom wo havo interviewed and inspected will " make good " provided the necessary assistance and guidance are given. Finally, we may say that the values we have put on the land for dairy farms are based on butterfat at Is. 3d. per pound, and for sheep-country at from £4 to £5 per sheep carried, according to the nature of the country and the state of the pastures ; and the values are assessed on the producing-capacity of each farm ; and, at the values put on, a farmer should be able to make a living and pay rent, interest, and rates and taxes. Hawke's Bay Land District. Summary. The Inquiry Board considers that it is not so much the rents as the high prices they paid for stock, fencing, buildings, &c, as well as the slump, that crippled the settlers. Revaluation is not suggested, but a remission of one year's rent and interest and the postponement of two years' rent and interest for long periods recommended. Detailed information is given re dairy farms in several parts of the district, and arguments submitted to show that the prospects of the sheep-farmer are bright. Special attention drawn to the blackberry menace in certain parts of the district, and suggestions made for the payment of £1 for £1 subsidy for eradication. Land purchase Boards congratulated on the purchases in Hawke's Bay. Generally the tone of the extended report is very optimistic and the Inquiry Board consider that if their recommendations are given effect to the returned-soldier problem will be solved.