a—io

Ranana This scheme was taken over for development in 1930 and was then largely individualized by settlers on sections approximating Native Land Court boundaries which in many cases could not provide an economic holding and which also ignored such important factors as water-supplies, road access, &c_ In many cases dairying had been commenced on pasture which had not consolidated and on areas where the weed growth was beyond the capability of the individual settler to control. The result was that during the succeeding years many of the unit properties were* vacated for various reasons and the balance area of 3,006 acres, of which 1,326 acres are in pasture, remains.. The difficulties that arise when a scheme is fully individualized when taken over for development was pointed out in the issue of this report published in 1932, and subsequent experience has proved the wisdom of developing lands in blocks and establishing pastures by rotational grazing prior to utilization. There are several good sections now ready for settlement but for which nosatisfactory units are at present available, although it is hoped that the owners concerned will agree to these lands being made available for the settlement of returned servicemen on a leasehold basis. Rangataua Bush The splitting of birch fencing-timber on an approximate area of 500 acres near Ohakune has been carried out by the Department since 1939 and the operations have provided large supplies of fencing-timber for various landdevelopment schemes in the North Island. Early in 1941 the control of this; project was transferred from the Waikato-Maniapoto District to the Aotea District, but, the operations of the Department in this area must cease in December, 1946, when .the license of the firm which holds the timber-cutting rights in the same area expires and haulage to the railhead of the Department's produce will be no longer available. There are at present sufficient orders on hand to absorb the greater part of split material awaiting haulage and further posts, &c., which can be split during the unexpired term of the license. Taurewa A commencement has been made in the development of the WhangaipekeBlocks of 999 acres, but progress is restricted to the labour available. Ringfencing connected with the Manunui scheme is being proceeded with. The present access is difficult, entailing a crossing of the Wanganui River, but ultimately the further development of the adjoining Manunui scheme will" provide a satisfactory road from the Manunui-Tokaanu Highway through theHohotaka Block. One unit has been established on this Tuwharetoa- scheme and runs sheep and cattle on a gazetted area of 552 acres, of which approximately 300 acres are in grass. Frequent changes in live-stock are necessary to control noxious weeds and consolidate pastures. The stock carried on 31st March was 291 wethers, '7l steers, and 5 dairy cows. Tokaanu Thirty thousand trees were planted on the scheme, but owing to climaticconditions a considerable number did not thrive and heavy replacements' will be necessary. ' Excellent results have been achieved by the use of phosphorized pollard for rabbit-destruction, but this work must be continued for some time to come. The rabbit-fence erected between the Tongariro River and the south-eastern corner of Lake Taupo is proving effective..

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