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Barkerfield, at Hinds, 1,922 acres. Acquired, March, 1947. Objective: Four irrigation units ; settlement anticipated early 1952. Light plains land in the May fieldHinds Irrigation Scheme. The preparation of paddocks for irrigation started in late spring, and 225 acres border-dyked and sown in permanent pasture, and 16 acres borderdyked and sown in lucerne. Water is available to these areas. Progress made with the erection of three new houses and sheds, and with renovations to existing homestead. Fencing-material is now coming forward, and the subdivision of the large border-dyked paddocks will be started this winter. Three ex-servicemen are employed, with promises of sections. Beckleigh, at Winchester, 377 acres. Acquired, September, 1947. Objective: One sheep and cropping unit and one dairy unit. Development completed and allotted, November, 1948. Blythebum, at Stonyhurst, 5,084 acres. Acquired, March, 1948. Objective : Four sheep and cropping units. The building programme, which includes four new dwellings, two implement-sheds, and two wool-sheds, is progressing and should be completed by August, 1949. Roading and access tracks have been completed and electric power available. Approximately 200 acres regrassed, and further development work to be carried out comprises 500 acres regrassing, and the erection of 463 chains fencing. An ex-serviceman manager, and three ex-servicemen employed, with promises of sections. Settlement on fixed charges anticipated for autumn of 1950. Charteris, at Diamond Harbour, 1,768 acres. Acquired, March, 1948. Objective: Two sheep and cattle units. These units were settled on fixed charges in September' 1948, temporary accommodation being provided. The building programme, which includes two new dwellings, one implement-shed, and one wool-shed, is 'nearing completion. Work is progressing on dip and yards. Cheviot Hills, at Cheviot, 5,060 acres. Acquired, February, 1946. Objective: Four sheep units and one dairy unit. Three sheep units and one dairy unit were allotted on fixed charges in August, 1947, and the remaining sheep unit was selected on permanent tenure, April, 1948. Clarkville, at Kaiapoi, 217 acres. Acquired, June, 1947. Objective : Three town supply dairy units. The building programme, comprising two new dwellings, three new milking-sheds, two utility sheds from part salvage materials, has been completed, also formation of access tracks, sinking of two wells, approximately 30 chains drains' and grass and lucerne establishment. The erection of 201 chains fencing and the installation of 1,300 ft. piping and troughs for water-supply is well advanced. Two ex-servicemen employed on the block have promises of sections. Final allotment is anticipated, July, 1949. Cone's, at Rakaia, 266 acres. Acquired: 134 acres, 7th October, 1947, and 132 acres 16th March, 1948. Objective : One sheep and cropping unit. The existing dwelling has been renovated and 37 acres of pasture sown. When compensation fixed, section will be allotted on fixed charges to the ex-serviceman at present employed on wages. Coutts Island, at Belfast, 177 acres. Acquired, April, 1948. Objective: Two town supply dairy units. The building programme provides for the erection of two new milking-sheds, one new barn-implement shed, and renovations to house and feedshed. Considerable regrassing is required before settlement. Owing to the dry summer retarding pastures, the ex-serviceman manager and the ex-serviceman on wages have both asked, and it has been agreed, that settlement be deferred until 1950. Craiglea, at Methven, 970 acres. Acquired : 772 acres, April, 1948, and 198 acres, March, 1949. Objective : Three sheep and cropping units. The building programme provides for. two new dwellings, two new store and implement sheds, and conversion of granary to wool-shed. Contract work has commeneed, and steady progress is being made. Two hundred acres new permanent pasture has been sown down. Further

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