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Mangati Block (641 Acres), (Locality; Otorohanga). —Two dairy herds are to be established on Puketotara, Sub-block next spring and all the required buildings and other improvements have been erected. Te Tahi Sub-block, being of steep contour, will require further development before it will be up to a standard for settlement. Mapara Block (5,342 Acres), (Locality: Te Kuiti). —Approximately half of this block is still undeveloped through lack of labour and manure. There is a large area of heavy scrub yet to be developed. During this year one ex-serviceman was settled on a dairying section of 199 acres, while a prospective civilian settler operated a dairy herd on the bonus system. Settlement of this man will take place in July, 1946. Ngatamahine Block (4,661 Acres), (Locality: Piopio). —Three sheep sections, totalling 979 acres, are to be settled this autumn by ex-servicemen. Houses, store and implement sheds, sheep-yards, and a wool-shed and dip have been built for this purpose. The necessary fencing has also been erected. Four prospective civilian settlers who have been operating dairy herds on the bonus system are to be granted small-farm leases in July next. Nilson's Block (604 Acres), (Locality : Waimiha). —This area was originally heavy bush country which has been milled. All of the suitable land has been developed but greater supplies of manure will be required before the pasture can be brought up to standard. Disposal of this property cannot be contemplated until the condition of the block has materially improved. Ohakune Block (1,087 Acres), (Locality : Ohakune). —In July next this block will be settled, four dairying sections being allotted to ex-servicemen and a further one to a prospective civilian settler. All buildings and other improvements will be completed by June next. Otoru Block (1,224 Acres), (Locality: Rewarewa). —As contemplated in the last annual report, five ex-servicemen were settled in July, 1945. Steps are now being taken to reserve the bush area of 456 acres. Patoto Block (721 Acres), (Locality : Mokauiti). In July, 1945, 489 acres was made available to an ex-serviceman settler. The bush area of 233 acres is now under the control of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, New Plymouth. Piha Block (26 Acres), (Locality : Te Kuiti). —This is a small area which is used mainly as a holding paddock. At present a number of dairy heifers are being grazed thereon. Piu Block (6,131 Acres), (Locality : Mapiu).—A big development programme has been planned for 1947. This includes burning, sowing, disking, and fencing. The existing pastures have deteriorated somewhat, due to shortage of manure. Pururu Block (2,187 Acres), (Locality : Rangitoto).—Bain's Block was added to this area during the year. Eight ex-servicemen were settled in July last on dairy-farms totalling 858 acres after the necessary buildings, &c., had been erected. It is proposed to settle two more areas next year. Fifty chains of new roading were completed in 1945. Very little new development work has been possible owing to the large settlement programme. The block has been reticulated with electric power. Raetihi Block (3,133 Acres), (Locality : Raetihi). —Five mixed dairying and sheep sections consisting of 1,080 acres will be settled by ex-servicemen in July next. Before the major portion of the balance of the block can be disposed of a swamp of approximately 200 acres requires draining. The season has been a very satisfactory one in all respects. Rangarangai Block (1,587 Acres), (Locality: Taumarunui). —This area was taken over for subsequent settlement of ex-servicemen in March, 1946. Approximately 200 acres remain to be developed, but the balance is in fair pasture. The fencing is in reasonable order, but some will need reconditioning. The block at the moment is absorbing large numbers of stock from other blocks. A further 1,553 acres will be acquired in April next. Rumbles' Block (379 Acres), (Locality: Te Awamutu).—The gorse is still prevalent on this section, but it is being controlled as development proceeds. Throughout the winter, 600 breeding-ewes, 500 lambs, and 38 breeding-cows were carried.

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