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settlers there is no cause for worry. Holdings on the light pumice areas still present a problem, but, as mentioned in previous reports, this should be overcome when adequate top-dressing is available. Seven Oaks (Locality : Cambridge). —Area, 224 acres. Acquired, 20th December, 1945. Subdivided, two dairy-farms. This property did not require extensive development and the work necessary—erection of piggeries, renovations to dwellings and cowsheds, extension of water-supply, and erection of boundary fences —having been completed the sections were offered for selection by ballot and were selected by ex-servicemen in August, 1946. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Gtisborne Progress report on settlements acquired for ex-servicemen prior to 31st March, 1946 : Glenholme Farm Settlement (Locality: Opotiki).—Area, 2,165 acres. Acquired Ist June, 1945. Subdivided into six mixed dairy and sheep farms. All subdivisions were allotted to ex-servicemen on fixed charges in May, 1946. Whakamaru Farm Settlement (Locality : Opotiki).—Area, 400 acres. Acquired, 29th June, 1945. Subdivided into four mixed dairy and sheep farms, and all sections have been allotted to ex-servicemen on wages. It is expected that development will be completed within one year, when the ex-servicemen on wages will have their charges fixed. Painga Farm Settlement (Locality : Wairoa). —Area, 2,950 acres. Acquired 2nd July, 1945. An area of 570 acres of standing bush has been reserved for milling. When fully developed this property will subdivide into two good sheep-farms. At present the property is being managed by an ex-serviceman with the promise of a section. Kohanga Farm Settlement (Locality: Manatuke, near Gisborne). —Area, 30 acres. Acquired, 30th March, 1946. The area is rich flat land along the banks of the Te Arai River and has been acquired for training and settlement of four ex-servicemen for the purpose of growing sub-tropical fruits. The training of the men and development work will be completed early next year. Te Wera Farm Settlement (Locality: Matawai). —Area, 9,922 acres. Block was acquired in 1927, since when it has been developed and run as a sheep and cattle station. It is expected to subdivide into seven holdings for ex-servicemen. A civilian manager is in charge, and in February three undefined sections were balloted by ex-servicemen on wages. The following six properties have been acquired during the year for the settlement of ex-servicemen : Waikoko Farm Settlement (Locality: Waerenga-o-Kuri).—Area, 6,386 acres. Acquired 14th February, 1947. To be subdivided into nine sheep and cattle units. Managed by an ex-serviceman manager with the promise of a section, and three undefined sections have been balloted by ex-servicemen on wages. Hiwinui Farm Settlement (Locality : Here). —Area, 7,358 acres. Acquired, 28th February, 1947. To be subdivided into seven holdings. An ex-serviceman is manager with a promise of a section, and four undefined sections have been allotted to exservicemen on wages. Hihiroroa Farm Settlement (Locality : Here). —Area, 4,476 acres. Acquired 28th February, 1947. This block will eventually settle five ex-servicemen on sections carryingsheep and cattle. Present manager is an ex-serviceman with the promise of a section, and two ex-servicemen have been allotted undefined sections on wages. Mangapeka Farm Settlement (Locality : Tolaga Bay). —Area, 596 acres. Acquired, 15th September, 1946. This block is to be subdivided into six dairy-farms, but considerable development will be required before the property can be settled. Karewa Farm Settlement (Locality : Ruatoria). —Area, 1,780 acres. Acquired, Ist May, 1946. To be subdivided into two sheep and two dairy farms. At present managed by an ex-serviceman with the promise of a section. One other ex-serviceman is also on the block on wage basis.

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