c.—3.

Wellington Region. Nurseries. —At the 31st March the total tree stocks (including 10,500 poplar-cuttings) were estimated to be approximately 6,250,000, the preponderating species being Pinus ponderosa and P. Murraycma, with lesser numbers of P. sylvestris, P. Laricio, Larix decidua, P. Banksiana, &c. It is anticipated that round about five and a half million trees will be available for planting during the coming season. The nursery at Putorino, Hawke's Bay, was transferred to the Native Department as from the Ist September, 1931. Plantations.—Tree-planting at 1 Karioi was commenced late in May and finished towards the end of October, with a total area of 2,914 acres. Blanking accounted for 24 acres, while 54- acres of P. radiata 1928 planting was interplanted with P. ponderosa. Over 90 per cent, of the new area was planted with P. Laricio, P. ponderosa, P. Murrayana, and P. sylvestris, in that order. Generally speaking, a satisfactory strike resulted over the whole area. Nelson Region. Nurseries.—Owing to the extremely unfavourable weather conditions, nursery operations at Golden Downs were not carried on so successfully as in previous years. Rain made the cultivation of ground almost impossible, and shortly after lining - out commenced strong drying winds were experienced. One hundred and eighty-four pounds of seed were sown, mainly Douglas fir and Pinus ponderosa, and although the latter species showed an excellent strike, it was later attacked by " pine-wilt " and some losses occurred. At the time of writing there was a marked decrease in the number of trees being attacked. Plantations.—The planted area at Golden Downs was extended by 3,977 acres, including 415 acres of underplanting in native forest. Planting began in June and finished early in October, and, although favourable climatic conditions obtained during the planting-season, a severe spring drought followed and was responsible for some heavy losses, more particularly with respect to the Pinus radiata, which was the species most used and covered an area of 1,693 acres. P. Laricio was also in some demand, and 1,005 acres were planted with this species. The usual maintenance-work was carried out at Dumgree. Westland Region. Westland Nursery. —Seed-sowing having been discontinued at the nursery, the work for the year was confined chiefly to the second- and third-year-old tree crops. The stock at present is estimated to total 3,521,650 trees, being Pinus ponderosa, two-year-old, 3,042,000; Cupressus Lawsoniana, two-year-old, 47,300 ; Thuya plicata, 380.500 ; Pseudotsuga taxifolia, 51,500, &c. Generally speaking, all species in the nursery have made good growth, although the Cupressus Lawsoniana are scarcely as well forward as the other species. Westland Plantation. —The principal work for the year was the establishment of 1,106 acres of new plantation. Thuya plicata seedlings were the only trees used, as past experience has proved that this species is the most suitable for the locality. The spacing generally adopted was 4 ft., in rows 8 ft. apart. Canterbury Region. Nurseries. —The stocks at Balmoral Nursery at the close of the year were (in round figures) 4,600,000 trees. The trees lifted and disposed of from this nursery during the year numbered 6,700,000. At Eyrewell Field Nursery 3,507,600 trees were lifted and put out in the plantation. The stocks on hand at the 31st March, 1932, were estimated to total 412,000 usable trees. Plantations.—The total area planted for the year was 2,141 acres, distributed as follows : Eyrewell, 1,855 acres ; Balmoral, 239 acres ; and Hanmer, 47 acres. The percentage of strike averaged : Hanmer and Balmoral, 60 ; Eyrewell; 80. At the close of the 1932 planting season all the land at present available will be planted up. In the older plantations maintenance-work was carried out as far as funds permitted. Southland Region. Nurseries. —No seed-sowing was undertaken during the year, and the only nursery-work carried out was general maintenance at Tapanui. Plantations.—ln this region tree-planting is now confined to Pebbly Hills project, and during the period under review 1,982 acres of new planting were completed. A small area at this station still remains to be planted. Thinning, cleaning, &c., were put in hand at Conical Hills, Dusky, and Pukerau Plantations, as an unemployment-relief measure ; but this is referred to in detail in an earlier portion of the report.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (|,940 copies), £27.

By Authority : W, A. G, Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington. —1932,

Price 9d.

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