G—lo

The programme of top-dressing has been continued, and 300 acres had an application during the year. An area of 126 acres, which had sown in turnips and fed off during the season, was sown down in new grass, and an excellent strike resulted. Three miles of new fencmgjwere erected, and renovations carried out to the existing fences. Extensive repairs were made to the existing watersupply, and, to ensure more adequate distribution to the various paddocks, suitable extensions have been made. The farm is stocked to its full carrying-capacity, and as at 31st March, 1936, this was as follows : 5 dairy cows, 4 draught horses, 2 stockmen's hacks, 253 ewes and wethers, 699 lambs, 241 run calves, and 3 beef cows. As mentioned previously, the profits from this farm are reflected in the bulk-stock account. In future it is the intention that the farm will be run as a separate unit and will carry its own stock. Charges will be made against the other schemes after the use of shearing and dipping facilities. Horohoro. Conclusive evidence of the wisdom of the far-sighted policy of Native land development can be seen to-day by the traveller who traverses the main Atiamuri Road outward from Rotorua. A magnificent view of the whole of the settlement can befobtained from the heights of Haparangi Mountain. To-day, after five years of active development onfhitherto unproductive land, there are herds of dairy and beef cattle, flocks of sheep, flourishing Maori settlements housed in a manner approaching that of their pakeha brethren, miles of fencing and shelter-belts, and luxuriant pastures. The bush-clad slopes of the Horohoro Range make a fitting background to the transformation from barren useless land to productive farms. At the Horohoro Native School, situated in the heart of the area, happy Native children enjoy their changed environment, and are absorbing that agricultural bias which is essential to the ultimate success of these Native land development schemes. As previously reported, this was the pioneer scheme of development on the pumice belt. Operations were commenced on the 7th February, 1930, by two parties, one of the Wairoa (Hawke's Bay) district, and the other selected from the Ngati-Tuara and Ngati-Kearoa, subtribes of Te Arawa, who own the block.

As an example of the progress made, and showing the stage development has reached, it is of interest to peruse the following for Ngati-Tuara and Rongomaipapa, which were the original schemes of the Horohoro Block.

The success of the Agricultural and Pastoral Show, which was referred to in the previous year's report, induced the Natives to combine in the real Maori communal spirit, and their efforts at the show were highly rewarded. Competitive events were arranged, and numerous sports items were introduced into the programme, which found followers from areas outside of Rotorua. The exhibits —garden produce and stock —were a credit and would have obtained prizes in more open competitions. It is fitting to mention here that the machinery inspector for a leading separator company made an inspection of the separators in the area during the dairying season, and he reported that the sheds were a credit to the Maori farmers of the block, and compared more than favourably with the many other sheds that he had visited in the course of his work. Since the commencement of dairying on this area, the various occupiers have been remunerated at the rate of 355. per week, pending their establishment as units. Their income has been supplemented by returns from pigs which they have been permitted to rear on the property. With a view to establishing these occupiers as permanent and independent settlers, an inspection and valuation of each holding is now being made by a committee comprising the Chief Supervisor, the District Valuer, and the District Supervisor. It is anticipated that it will be possible to establish these settlers on a satisfactory title basis as from the commencement of the ensuing dairying season.

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I Ngati-Tuara. J Rongomaipapa. Area in grass and under cultivation . . .. j 1,384 acres 906 acres. Area in shelter-belts .. . . .. . . 36J ,, 45f „ Area on unit sections in natural state .. .. 437-| ,, 258 ,, Fencing erected . . .. .. .. .. 3,991 chains 3,194 chains. Draining .. .. .. .. .. 160 „ 560 „ Cottages and outbuildings erected . . ., .. 16 12 Cow-sheds erected .. .. .. . . 16 12 Number of units established . . .. . . 16 12 Total butterfat —inception to 30th April, 1936 .. 174,974 1b. 170,238 1b. Total stock on property, 31st March, 1936 . . .. 469 cows and heifers 472 cows and heifers. 81 dairy weaners 112 dairy weaners. 22 bulls 19 bulls. 5 horses 11 horses.