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The station, is situated eighteen miles from Wairoa and six miles off the main highway through Whakaki. An area of 146 acres is sub-leased to an adjoining owner, thus enabling advantage to be taken of a natural fence-line. An area of over 500 acres is still in virgin bush. The station forms part of the assets of the Bast Coast Maori Soldiers' Fund. Hikuwai Station Situated on the main East Coast Road six miles south of Tokomaru Bay, this property contains 806 acres, of which one-quarter is alluvial flats. When taken over in May, 1937, the pastures were deteriorating to a marked degree. Prior to the war the old native grasses were turned over and the soil sown with good English varieties, resulting in an increased carrying-capacity. The station, however, has suffered during recent years from changes in the management (at one stage there were three managers in less than four years), but a European returned, serviceman has now been appointed, and under his control the farm should have a chance of proving what it is really capable of producing. Stock has been carefully culled, and after next year sufficient should be bred to make further purchases, with the exception of sires, unnecessary. Improvements yet required are a new wool-shed, dip, and water-supply for yhouse and paddocks on the flat. Hoia Station This property, containing an area of 6,514 acres situated at Hicks Bay, in the Matakaoa County, comprises part of the assets of the East Coast Maori Soldiers 7 Fund. The major portion of this station is extremely hilly and includes about 2,000 acres of bush which it is considered uneconomic to fell, but the Waikohu Block of 1,393 acres, which was acquired to offset the proportion of unworkable hill country, is reasonably easy land and includes some 450 acres of flats, part of which is alluvial. A severe fire swept the hill portion during the summer, consuming the drought-dried pastures, fencing, scrub, and stock. Some 2,300 acres were swept and required 426 bushels of grass-seed at excessive cost for resowing. Rains coming in late March and April brought on a good strike and the area will provide excellent sheep-grazing next spring. Replacement of the fencing is difficult. Severe reversion to scrub has occurred on parts of Wharekahika 18j Block, where, owing to lack of manure and labour, the permanent pasture could not be held. The management has been assiduous in obtaining grazing for the stock, and the ensuing year commences with a good supply of fodder and grazing and sufficient stock on hand to obviate the need of further purchases. Hurakia Station Marangairoa lc 5 Block (584 acres), which is farmed as Hurakia Station, was vested in the Native Trustee on 27th October, 1944, in ord,er to salvage an investment. It lies on the sea-coast a few miles from the East Cape and when taken over carried 370 sheep in very poor condition. When certain patches of scrub have been cut and the country opened up with tracks the stock should improve in condition. One subdivision fence has been erected, enabling 40 head of cattle and 750 sheep now to be carried. The last shearing produced 12 bales. Several factors contribute to making this a difficult place, as it is small, isolated, and devoid of essential improvements for satisfactory working.

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