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Kaitaia (Locality : Kaitaia)., —The year's operations consisted of maintaining the present grassed area, but the cold wet spring and hot dry summer affected the butterfatproduction from this area. Only about half the usual amount of hay was harvested, but the dairy stock are in good condition and no trouble is anticipated in bringing them through the coming winter. Three paddocks comprising 17 acres were resown in grass last autumn, but owing to the poor spring the growth was disappointing. Most of the paddocks in the area are becoming very rough, as timber is starting to show through, thus making it impossible to use mowers and harrows. The danger of peat fires which occur every year requires to be overcome before extensive development of the peat areas can proceed. Kerepeehi (Part Pouarua Block). —Of the total area of 1,590 acres, 188 acres are leased, and of the balance about 900 acres has been cleared and grassed, while 500 acres "is still in scrub and pussy-willow. The number of men employed on this block during the year has varied between two and ten. They have been employed cleaning drains, ■erecting and repairing fences, controlling noxious weeds and regrowth, and attending to stock. During the latter part of the year some 200 acres were harrowed, and part of the clay road around the block was also harrowed and regraded. Galatea (Locality : Rotorua). —Ten sections totalling 1,483 acres were allotted -during the year to ex-servicemen. Good progress was made with the erection of farm buildings, and it is expected that a further fourteen sections—2,lso acres —will be settled before next season. Returns from the dairy-farms were much lower than those of the previous year, a prolonged dry spell having a serious effect on the pastures. Work was practically confined to fencing, draining, water-supplies, &c., with a view to preparing sections for settlement. Some 300 acres to 400 acres of lucerne was sown on this area last spring and an excellent strike resulted. This will provide good hay •crops for the coming season. Paratu (Locality : Walton). —This block, of 2,020 acres, was acquired in 1943 ;and drainage and pasture improvement work has been carried out. The forming and metalling of the access roads and erection of fences and buildings have been commenced, it is hoped to have thirteen of the proposed sixteen mixed farms ready for settlement for the 1947-48 season. In the meantime the area is being farmed with sheep and •cattle and good results have been obtained, approximately 100 per cent, of the lambs being fattened. Motutapu (Locality : Hauraki Gulf). —In common with other development projects, lack of fertilizer again held up the pasture-improvement programme on this island. Approximately 120 acres was ploughed and sown in green barley, and this area will later be regrassed. Repairs to fences and building renovations have been carried out and a great deal of gorse has been eradicated. Owing to the nature of the pastures it was necessary to reduce the number of breeding-ewes carried, but the number of breeding-cows was increased. The extra stocking with cattle has made a big improvement in the ratstail pastures. This island is being farmed for the Army Department. Mangawai (Locality : Mangawai). —Development work included the clearing and grassing of approximately 100 acres of heavily infested gorse swamp, but unfortunately & fire during the summer spread across this area. Other damage which resulted from the fire was the destruction of fences and plantations. All sheep have been removed from this block, and they have been replaced by cattle with a view to the strenghtening of the pastures before dairying commences in 1947. Awaroa (Locality : Ruawai).—Possession of this property of 287 acres was taken on Ist February, 1945, and it has been subdivided into three dairy-farms. Before settlement, new buildings, water-supply, fences, and -drains are required, and much of the pastures are to be resown. This work was commenced during the year, and in the meantime the area is being grazed.

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