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1943 NEW ZEALAND

NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROVISION OF HOUSES FOR MAORIS, INCLUDING EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION REPORT ON—BY BOARD OF NATIVE AFFAIRS

Presented to both Houses 1 of the General Assembly by Leave

GENERAL REPORT In continuation of previous statements presented to both Houses of the General Assembly during the last twelve years, the Board of Native Affairs submits its annual report on the development, settlement, and farming of Native lands, and subsidiary activities undertaken for the betterment of the Maori people. War conditions, and an adverse season experienced in many parts of the North Island, have affected farming operations, and the shortage of man-power and the limited supply of fertilizers are factors which have precluded the extension of land-development activities to any appreciable extent. Nevertheless, throughout the year every endeavour lias been made to maintain the Board's present farming enterprises and to stimulate production. Although climatic conditions generally throughout New Zealand during the year were satisfactory for agriculture, the vagaries of the weather experienced in some districts were distinctly unfavourable for dairying. In North Auckland a cold spring followed by an abnormally dry summer and autumn affected butterfat-production; in the Waikato a very dry summer was also recorded, but the season was more favourable for grazing; lambing percentages were good in the Bay of Plenty following a mild winter, but the paucity of rain in the summer affected dairying; parts of the East Coast suffered from drought conditions from August onwards, but the pastures recovered in the late autumn; the prolonged dry weather, which extended to the Wanganui district, was reflected in the decreased buttcrfat returns, but welcome rains fell in March; pasture growth was better in the Manawatu, but in the Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa areas there was a serious shortage of feed owing to the scarcity of rain. Crops in the South Island were reasonably good and the prospects for winter feed are satisfactory. Notwithstanding unfavourable seasonal conditions in many districts, the farming returns for 1942-43 were the highest yet recorded, and amounted to £617,442, as compared with £575,752 for the previous year. A decline of over 6£ per cent, in butterfat-production was more than offset by the 15 per cent, increase in wool-prices and the higher returns realized from the sale of fat stock. Including the proportion of cream returns paid direct to the settlers, the total revenue for the year amounted to £830,000, an increase of £35,000 over the figures for the preceding period. The principal items of production from State schemes controlled by the Board are as follows: Buttcrfat, representing the "Department's proportion only, which averaged 40 per cent., £165,268, as compared with £176,743 for the previous season; wool-sales, £92,770, as against £76,802 for 1942; proceeds from sheep and cattle sold, £240,073, in comparison with £214,140 for the previous year; and sundry receipts (crops and other farm produce), £36,883, the previous year's figures being £34,578. The volume of dairyproduce decreased from 6,067,433 lb. to 5,652,695 lb., while the wool-clip of 5,315 bales showed a slight decrease as compared with 5,426 bales for the 1942 season. The eighteen stations financed by the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards produced a total of 2,123 bales of wool of a gross value of £37,725, as compared with 2,164 bales (£35,784) for the preceding year; sales of live-stock on these properties reached £38,379, in comparison with £36,672 for 1942. On the East Coast Trust stations 3,471 bales of wool were shorn, the previous year's clip being 2,765 bales. The live-stock returns at the 31st March last show an increase in practically all classes over the 1942 figures. The tallies, with the preceding year's figures shown in parentheses, on the farming schemes financed by the State were as follows: Cows milked during the season, 40,500 (40,000) ; other dairy stock, 25,200 (24,000) ; run cattle, 30,500 (27,600) ; breeding-ewes, 159,300 (155,500) ; dry sheep, 121,500 (111,000). The sixteen Native Trust stations were carrying 8,615 (9,160) run cattle, 31,000 (29,500) breeding-ewes, and 38,000 (28,300) dry sheep; while the figures for two Maori Land Board stations were 1,785 (1,802) run cattle, 13,200 (10,900) breeding-ewes, and 10,000 (12,800) dry sheep. The Trust and Board properties derive their finance from trust funds.

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The gross expenditure of public moneys for the year under review on the agricultural and pastoral schemes controlled by the Board was £648,328 (compared with £766,838 for the previous year), the finance for which was provided from the following sources: Farming receipts, £534,976; grants from the Consolidated Fund towards labour subsidies, £132,503. The year's working thus resulted in a surplus of £19,151 without recourse to new loan-moneys, and after meeting £114,172 in interest charges. Due partly to the continued enlistment of Maoris of military age for service with the armed forces, and to some extent to the lucrative rates of pay at present being offered in outside industries, the average number of men employed on Board-controlled properties declined from 2,000 to some 1,000 during the year under review. Grants from the Consolidated Fund amounting to £132,500 were the means of enabling the Board to subsidize the work on marginal lands and maintain production on properties not fully developed, and in cases where returns from farming operations were found to be insufficient to provide a reasonable standard of living the Board has provided assistance to settlers during the winter months by way of labour subsidies, with the main object of increasing the productivity of their holdings. The Board appreciates the work 'of the district tribal committees and their executives, which are an integral part of the Maori war effort organization, in directing settlers not eligible for military service to remain on their farms and to devote their energies towards increased production. The Government has recently decided that more vigorous measures shall be taken to develop and extend horticulture amongst the Maoris, and arrangements are in train for the appointment of an expert to the Native Department for the purpose of controlling this activity. As a commercial enterprise, the establishment of suitable men as marketgardeners on selected areas which cannot be profitably utilized for dairying should provide opportunities: both for the occupier and his family,'and the development of horticulture for domestic purposes will materially improve the living-conditions of the people. The Board welcomes the extension of agricultural pursuits among the Maoris, and where there is reasonable security, is prepared to consider advances to meet the cost of fencing and cultivation and the purchase of seed and manure. It is expected that much of the work in connection with the repatriation of returned Maori servicemen will be delegated to the Native Department. Provided the necessary finance is made available, the Department is properly equipped to undertake the responsibility of finding employment for discharged soldiers on Board-controlled properties, establishing suitable men as settlers on tribal and other lands, and providing homes and financial assistance for Maoris who have served with the armed forces, and for servicemen's widows. Pending the appointment of some administrative authority in accordance with the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act, 1941, the Board of Native Affairs has approved advances under the Native Housing Act for dwellings in appropriate cases, and ls , investigating any applications which have been referred, and is arranging for inspections of Native lands suitable for soldier settlement. The trans'fer of skilled tradesmen to defence construction works, the scarcity of and restrictions on building-materials, and the general demands on man-power for war purposes have seriously curtailed the Board's housing activities during the year, but nevertheless some progress is recorded. Some 49 houses were erected, purchased, or repaired under the provision of the Native Housing Act, while on the farm development, and settlement schemes 32 dwellings were completed and 15 were renovated. The total number of cottages and other dwellings erected or renovated for Maoris up to the 31st March 1943 was 2,354, and a large number of farm buildings have been provided for Native settlers on the land. The Board is fully seized of the need for improving the living-conditions of the Maori people, and trusts that more vigorous measures in this direction may be possible as trie war position improves. This year the Ahuwhenua Trophy, presented by the Right Hon. Viscount Bledisloe tor annual competition among Maori settlers on land-development schemes, was awarded to a member o± the Ngati-Kahungunu tribe engaged in dairy-farming at Horohoro near kotorua In awarding points for pasture control, stock husbandry, volume of production conservation of winter-feed, condition of fences, cleanliness of sheds and equipment, and general farm management, the judge congratulated the winner on his initiative, and complimented the seven contestants on their farming efficiency. The investments of the Native Trustee and the seven Maori Land Boards are ! and are m a sound position. At the 31st March last the funds invested by the Native Trustee amounted to £648,000, including £398,000 on mortgage farmed'£B 000 h £168 '° 0 ° + °" i to Btations and otW being nfX* ™ m Gove ™P ent /tock and local-body debentures, and £55,000 deposits at short call. The corresponding figures for the Maori Land Boards at the same date 3 '° o0 ' inCl " dinS £152 '° 00 by Way of loans 10 252 Maori Tinvrinn • ' advances on properties since included in development schemes- £{? in war-loan stock; and £52,000 in other Government securities. Ie hoard takes this opportunity of paying homage to members of the Maori race who are serving with the armed forces overseas or in New Zealand. The Board extends w llT^ceLd 0 of r eaVC h d ° f the fallen ' and tnists tha t favourable report will be received of others who have become casualties or prisoners of war, and that men invalided home will be speedily restored to normal health. th P th ? B r d again . acknowledges the zealous services of all officers of the Native Department, who, in carrying out the Board's policy of maintaining production have contributed materially to the Dominion's war effort p uction, Accompanying this statement are district reports on the various farming and land development activities controlled by the Board, and tables are appended contaMng statistical and financial information concerning all its operations. H. G. R. Mason, for the Chair-man.

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STATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES TOKERAU MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT The North Auckland district covers the entire peninsula north of Auckland and is divided for control purposes into sub-districts covering individual unit schemes—namely, Mangonui, Ilokianga, Bay of Islands, and Kaipara. Individual Native farms financed by the Department number 835, while in addition the Department operates 16 large comprehensive schemes or stations. The majority of these general schemes are suitable for close settlement and will be subdivided at an opportune time. A marked decrease is shown in dairy-production figures during the year. The abnormal dry spell accounts in the main for this reduction. The climatic conditions have been most unfavourable. Cattle came into the winter in good condition, but bitterly cold winds prevailed until October, which was a mild month. Since November very little rain has fallen. Experienced settlers state the abnormally dry spell since November has been the worst experienced in twenty-two years. In many instances, cows dried off in January and February. In some cases hay was being fed out to stock as early as .March. The present prospects of a successful year next season are unfavourable. In addition to dry weather, numerous bush and peat fires have taken toll of many acres of grass laud. Lack of labour has also added to the difficulties. A large number of our unit farmers have joined the Colours, and this has imposed a heavy burden on the womenfolk, who are doing their best to maintain the farms during their absence. Another reason for the acute labour shortage is the fact that a large number of workers prefer to accept the more remunerative temporary work which is freely offering in the district. With the limitation in man-power and farming requisites, very little new development work has been undertaken. The main effort has been directed towards maintaining improvements already effected. Employment-promotion grants decreased during the year. Assistance was extended to a monthly average of 315 workmen, to which the Fund contributed £26,772, a decrease of £25,400 on the previous year. The reduction of fertilizer-supplies is now being felt on established pastures. The greatly reduced quantity of manure available is being utilized where required most urgently. Wool-production this year totals 390 bales, which is an increase of 41 bales on last year's total of 349 bales. Brief particulars summing up the main features are as follows: — Area gazetted .. .. .. .. .. 463,443 acres. Area developed and occupied by settlers .. . . 87,546 acres. Areas grassed on schemes or stations . . . . . . 13,152 acres. Number of unit farmers .. .. .. . . 835 Live-stock carried on all properties . . . . .. 25,870 dairy cattle. 3,540 run cattle. 19,000 sheep. Native Housing.—Building operations have been greatly curtailed owing to necessary materials and key labour being required for defence purposes. However, thirteen houses have been erected during the year, and as soon as the supply position has eased, this aspect of the Department's activities will receive its due consideration. It is to be noted that the demand for housing assistance is still keen. Housing repayments in both the Tokerau and Waikato districts are on the whole satisfactory, although some difficulty has arisen in cases where the Department is relying for instalments on assignments of wages. It is found that workmen are inclined to move from one place of employment to another, and it is difficult in these cases to keep repayments up to date. WAIKATO-MANIAPOTO MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT This district embraces the Waikato, Hauraki, Coromandel, and King-country areas and is known as the South Auckland district. Satisfactory progress has been made notwithstanding adverse weather conditions, shortage of fertilizers, and other farming requisites. The total area gazetted is 66,525 acres, of which 31,570 acres have been developed and occupied by 236 Native settlers. The balance area .includes 24,273 acres of farmable lands, of which 12,210 acres are in grass. This balance area is directly administered by the Department under seventeen comprehensive schemes or stations, many of which, as a matter of general policy, will later be subdivided into suitable areas for closer settlement by Native farmers. Close supervision of both unit and scheme activities has been maintained and much good work has been accomplished, particularly in efforts to increase production. Although climatic conditions generally during the late summer were unfavourable (very dry conditions prevailed during January, February, and March), the butterfat output has not decreased to any great extent. The year has been more favourable for sheep-grazing, and this is reflected by the large wool-clip, which shows only a slight decrease of 7 bales on the output of 889 bales for the previous year. Suitable labour on both unit and comprehensive schemes has been scarce and only sufficient workers have been available to cope with maintenance work. Owing to limited man-power being available, work has been concentrated on improving existing cleared areas, and little or no new development work has been undertaken during the year. The employment-promotion subsidy towards the Department's schemes during the current year totalled £20,462, a decrease of £8,500 on the amount granted last year. The expenditure of this grant gave work to a monthly average of 173 workmen.

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Pour nominations have been submitted for the annual competition for the Ahuwhenua Trophy, while during the year the winner of the previous year's competition—a member of the Maniapoto tribe farming near Te Kuiti—was presented with the trophy with due ceremony. Brief particulars summing up the main features are as follows:— Area gazetted .. .. .. ' .. .. .. 66,525 acres. Area developed and occupied by settlers .. .. .. 31,570 acres. Area in grass on comprehensive schemes .. .. .. 12,210 acres. Number of unit fanners .. .. .. . . .. 236 Number of comprehensive schemes or stations . . . . .. 17 Dairy cows .. . . .. .. .. .. 8,800 Run cattle .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 4 300 Sheep .. .. .. ~ .. .. 47'000 Native Housing.—Housing generally in this district is reasonably good as far as the majority of Native settlers under the Department's control are concerned. Since the inception, 182 cottages have been erected on unit and scheme properties, while the number of dwellings erected, renovated, or purchased under the Native Housing Act during the year was 10. A considerable number of applications are awaiting attention when the restrictions on building and the man-power position is less acute. WAIARIKI MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT The year under review has not been particularly favourable from a farming viewpoint, though, in the main, average seasonal conditions may be said to have prevailed. I lie recent summer has been a dry one and has affected production, particularly in the Bay of 1 lenty area. I 1 igures now available indicate that there has been a serious decline in the butterfat-production per cow during the past season, and this is attributed in the main to the shortage of manure and the dearth of labour available for farm-work. Following a mild winter lambing percentages were good and the majority of the lambs were sent off fat, and no undue carry-over of culls will be necessary. In common with all other districts, labour shortage and the absence of many of the settlers on active service, combined with restricted fertilizer-supplies and the rising costs of materials, precluded the extension of development operations. In fact, it has been exceedingly difficult to maintain areas which have already been developed, and deterioration of pastures and improvements is to be noticed, particularly on the marginal areas. Ruatoki settlers were _ again put to considerable expense in the change over from cheese to butter I at, and it is regretted that such changes were found necessary in a communal such as Ruatoki, where old prejudices are still carried by many of the Native elders. Nevertheless, the change over has been accepted in a good spirit. Butterfat-production of 1,935,683 lb. allows a reduction on the figure of last year. Wool produced comprised 2,112 bales, which is an increase on the previous season. A very diy season accounts for the decrease in buttorfat, and a local dairy companv states that production has dropped approximately 20 per cent, with its suppliers.' Extensive reviews of the unit loan accounts have been made and, generally speaking, the large settlement of Ruatoki shows up very favourably. There are a larg'e number oi accounts here either in credit or in a very healthy position. The other areas around the my oi 'lenty and Tauranga show reasonable loan accounts, with the exception that at lorere and Whakatohea there are numerous difficult bush sections where settlers are having some difficulty in meeting their liabilities. 'he live-stock in this district is in good condition,' and it is now quite a common sight to see special tram loads of sheep, lambs, and cattle being forwarded to the freezineworks from the Rotorua area. In addition, a good local market has been built up by the Department m the supply of beef and mutton to the trade. n + M h . e gating demands of the four counties, Rotorua, Whakatane, Tauranga, and Opotiki, have been given much attention and, wherever possible, rates have been paid U P \° , antl including March 1943. Satisfactory compromises, where necessary, have been effected, and it is hoped that the financial position of the properties will continue to improve so that future rating demands may be met promptly. , are now ma ?.Y a . rca . s developed and ready for soldier settlement or rehabilitation purposes, but it is not recommended that they be subdivided until it is known what settlers are available and until the necessary buildings can be provided I liese areas are meanwhile being grazed with sheep and run cattle In all parts of the district every encouragement has been given to settlers to grow extra areas of_ potatoes, maize, and kumara, and in this respect much time has been spent m fostering a campaign to increase the primary production of the district It is goXyfelds resulted * ™ whcre the - cr °P s were given the attention necessary, !h? fr X f h th -° Ahuwl ?® nua Challenge Trophy was awarded to a Maori settler m this district, the winner on this occasion being a member of the Ngati-Kahungunu tribe farming at Horohoro, who was complimented by the judge for his initiative in general farm management. 111 Native Housing.-Housing activities are at a standstill, as the Public Works Departments organization has been fully employed on defence construction works. A proposal to establish this Department s own building organization has been ardently advocated for many years by this office and_ it is hoped that consideration will be given to such an establishment at an early date in order that urgent housing applications, when approved can be proceeded with expeditiously. ' approved,

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TAIRAWHITI MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT A few small blocks have been brought under the Native land-settlement scheme during the past year. The season, practically throughout the district, has been normal, and the rainfall m the northern and southern districts was on the whole fair. In the central area, however, drought conditions prevailed from August to April, and dairy returns suffered considerably' while run cattle from several stations had to lie disposed of at unfavourable prices. In the autumn, however, the grass recovered rapidly, and it is expected that there will be sufficient food available everywhere during the coming winter. Despite the lack of Maori man-power through the enlistments in the armed forces and the exodus of available classes required in the centres, the production has been more than maintained. Only a slight recurrence of facial eczema has been experienced, and it is hoped that prospects of a major outbreak have now passed. Many management difficulties have been overcome by the temporary amalgamation of properties. In the southern portion of the district some areas have been found unsuitable for dairying, and the policy adopted of carrying out mixed farming and cropping has had beneficial results. Cropping produce for sale is new to the Tairawhiti District, but this year contracts have been entered into with a canning firm for the supply of approximately 200 tons of potatoes and 20 tons of carrots, which will, be dehydrated for the overseas services. A small venture with beans for the supply of seed for export has also been satisfactory. The following table shows the present stock, &c., under the control of the Department:—

I he benefits experienced in this district on the completion of the railway-line between Wairoa and (risborne are reflected in the increased prices obtained for live-stock railed from the Mahia development scheme, Ilerehcretau station, and other properties in this area, and the reduction in freights on manures and other farming requirements as compared with road transport. While the restrictions on the supply of fertilizers are felt heavily throughout the district, the harrowing of pastures has been carried on with beneficial results. Native Housing. Building activities throughout the district have been curtailed, as all available skilled labour has been concentrated 011 defence work, but it is hoped that thi) Maori carpenters, who have been carefully trained and are now experienced, will not be lost to the Native housing scheme. It is gratifying to note that the new employers are well satisfied with their services. Only seven houses were erected and one purchased during the year, but the titles for many sites have been cleared by appropriate Court order, and Natives are being encouraged to accumulate deposits in anticipation of the time when further progress can be made. There is no doubt that the policy of providing better housing conditions for the Maoris has resulted 111 a marked improvement not only in the health of the people, but in their living conditions generally, and the care bestowed 011 their homes and gardens in almost, all cases gives cause not only for satisfaction, but encouragement to continue the good work. It is pleasing also to report the excellent position of the housing accounts; not only is interest, being met, but substantial reductions are being made in the loans by principal repayments. Assignments of pension moneys, together with rents, form the greater part of the receipts, and these accounts are an example of what can be accomplished by regular monthly payments. AOTEA MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICT The shortage _of man-power and materials has not permitted any increase in development operations in this district. In several instances the younger farmers are servin°' with the armed forces, and every endeavour is being made by wives and parents to maintain the properties in full production. The prolonged period of dry weather which commenced in the early summer is reflected in the marked decrease in butterfat-production, and although 'an abundant rainfall was experienced in the latter part of February and early March, this was too late to retrieve the position. In common with individual Natives outside the development schemes, the settlers in this district have made a splendid response to the appeal for an increased production of potatoes as part of the Maori war effort. At the time of writing, the crops are bein<>' harvested for marketing, but production figures are not available. Many fine crops have been noted on various farms in the district. Considerable interest was aroused by the nomination of two units for the Ahuwhenua Trophy, this being the first occasion 011 which entries have been made from the Aotea District. Although the entrants did not fill the prize-winning places, their participation

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Dairy Other . , Run Bales of Cows. Dairy Stock. ee P' Cattle. Wool. Native Department .. .. .. 3,642 2,547 52,309 4,570 1077 Native Trust .. 37;660 4,205 '753 Maori Land Board .. .. .. .. .. 15,817 2,233 591 Totals •• 3,642 2,547 105,786 11,008 2,421

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in the competition should have a stimulating effect on the efforts of the neighbouring Native settlers. In the main it has not been possible to obtain labour for other than maintenance work on the general development schemes. In many cases in this district, constant attention is necessary to control the growth and spread of noxious weeds, principally ragwort, blackberry, and gorse, and all labour available has been utilized on this work. At Ranana the clearing of second-growth gorse and blackberry has been carried out, and considerable maintenance work undertaken on fences. The breeding-ewes were heavily culled and replaced with younger stock. A very satisfactory crop of swedes and choumollier was grown on this scheme for winter feed. A commencement has been made with dairying operations in the Tokaanu area, cream being supplied to the Kaitieke Dairy Co. In addition, a local milk-supply is being established for the Tokaanu residents. The successful inauguration of this new industry in the Tokaanu district must eventually tend to an era of economic self-sufficiency for the Natives resident there. The commencement of dairying here has also stimulated local interest and has been taken as an earnest endeavour on the part of the Department to implement its promises in this direction. Operations on the Manunui scheme have been restricted to the maintenance of the areas under development, but it has been found possible to continue to a limited extent the clearing and logging work mentioned in previous reports. A quantity of timber has been salvaged and milled and is being held for departmental use, and, in addition, sales of firewood have continued. The abundance of first-class firewood within easy distance of metalled roads should go a long way towards meeting the costs of logging up. Dearth of labour at present precludes the available market being fully exploited. The splitting of fencing-material at Rangataua has continued, the output, compared with, that of the previous year, showing a considerable excess in the number of posts split. Considerable delay has been experienced in hauling the fencing-material from the bush, owing to the plant being impressed for urgent defence work and the contractor being subsequently called up for service with the armed forces. A new contract has since been arranged, and the fencing-material should now be available in larger quantities. In certain localities, notably at Ranana, Manunui, and Tokaanu, workmen have formed National Savings groups, and the total savings amount to a considerable sum. This is an aspect on which it is considered more emphasis might be made by those interested in Maori welfare, providing, as it does, deferred spending-power which will be of invaluable assistance when these workmen are in turn established on holdings of their own. Native Housing.—Despite the acute shortage of labour and materials, it has been found possible to erect two new houses on development areas, while four are in course of erection and four have been repaired. In addition, two milking-sheds and several other small buildings have been constructed, and others repaired. Although the prevailing war conditions have restricted building operations, seven new buildings were erected under the Native housing scheme, while additions and renovations were effected to four dwellings. Three dwellings are in course of erection, and three houses were purchased. IKAROA AND SOUTH ISLAND MAORI LAND BOARD DISTRICTS Unfavourable weather experienced during the past year has adversely affected farming operations in both districts, although in the South Island conditions were somewhat- better than in the North. On the Kaiwhare, Wairau, and Southland schemes, administered by the Lands Department, stock came through the winter in a satisfactory condition, and the supply of feed is assured for the coming winter. In the Wairarapa district the winter was followed by a long spell of dry weather which caused a serious shortage of feed. In the Ilawke's Bay district conditions were even worse. Although stock came through a mild winter in good condition, there was no flush of feed in the spring owing to the lack of rainfall and excessive winds. The prospects for wintering stock in Ilawke's Bay are therefore poor, and in these circumstances next season's lambing percentages are expected to be low and stock losses may be high. Pasture growth in the Manawatu has, generally speaking, been better than elsewhere in the Wellington Province. In spite of adverse weather conditions, cropping results have been reasonably good. The Department's main cropping area is at Wairau, where wheat, peas, oats, grass-seed, and hay have been successfully harvested. No linen flax was grown on this scheme last year on account of the excessive weed growth, and a change over was made to peas. Unfortunately, wet conditions at germination spoiled a considerable area, but the balance matured reasonably well. Harvesting is not yet completed, but good yields are anticipated. In Hawke's Bay lack of rain and excessive winds resulted in a poor season for both rye-grass and clover, and there has been a consequent reduction in the area harvested for seed. A large quantity of potatoes has been grown in both the Ikaroa and South Island Districts in a special endeavour to assist the war effort. No major capital works have been carried out during the year, due to the restricted supply of materials and the shortage of labour. Native Housing.—A recent survey of housing conditions in northern Hawke's Bay undertaken by the Health Department indicates that continued efforts are necessary to improve the living conditions of Natives in this area. Owing to shortage of materials and the diversion of skilled labour to essential defence construction works, little progress is possible at the present time. Over the past twelve months six residential properties have been acquired under the Native Housing Act and seven dwellings have been erected or renovated. An increasing number of applications are awaiting attention.

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NATIVE TRUST AND MAORI LAND BOARD ACTIVITIES The expenditure incurred on all farming operations undertaken by the Native I rustee and the various Maori Land Boards is controlled by the Board of Native Affairs. 1 he Board also exercises control over the investment on mortgage or otherwise of moneys available in the Native Trustee's Account or in the account of any Maori Land Board. The Native Trustee is actively farming sixteen separate sheep and cattle stations. Most of these properties have now been developed to the stage where little further capital money will be required. The stations are fully stocked and are in a position to breed their own requirements in both sheep and cattle. The numbers of live-stock at the 31st March, 1943, were 8,600 run cattle, 31,000 breeding-ewes, and 38,000 dry sheep. At the 31st March, 1943, there were 367 mortgage-investment accounts in the Native Trustee's books, totalling £461,094, which mostly represent advances on Native farm securities. Ihe field organization oi the Department is responsible for the supervision of these properties, together with the Native estates in respect of which the Native Trustee has been appointed administrator or trustee. The Tairawhiti Maori Land Board has been successfully farming Anaura Station for a number ol years, and has, during the past year, assumed control of another station on behalf of some 1,000 beneficial owners. This property, Waiorongomai, contains 13,845 acres and is carrying 6,400 sheep and 1,000 cattle. All necessary buildings are already oa the station, and the programme for the next few years wil'l be the renovation of these and the fences, which are in poor condition. The nature of the country varies considerably, the front portion being easy light hills and flat river terraces. The back portion of the block, which comprises the bulk of the area, is very steep and precipitous, and about 2,000 acres 1 are impossible of development and will be allowed to revert to bush. Ihe Aotca Maori Land Board experienced a very satisfactory year in connection with Ihe farming of Morikau Station, the beneficial owners of which voted a further sum towards war purposes, making a total of £6,000 contributed from farming profits. The stock carried on Maori Land Board stations as at 31st. March, 1943, was as follows: 17,000 breeding-ewes, 13,000 dry sheep, and 2,800 run cattle. The following table indicates the measure of assistance granted from Maori Land Board funds to individual Native settlers for the purpose of financing their farming operations:—

EAST COAST NATIVE TRUST LANDS The Bast Coast. Native Trust lands, which range from Tolaga Bay in the north to Wairoa in the south and extend to Mahia Peninsula, are controlled by the East Coast Commissioner. Under section 7 of the Board of Native Affairs Act, 1934-35, these lands were brought under the control of the Board as far as the operations of the Trusts relate to the expenditure or investment of any moneys or to the giving of mortgages over any property vested in the Commissioner are concerned. The original purpose of the Trust was the salvaging of large areas of Native land which were in danger of being lost to the Maoris. This object has been achieved, and the Trust is now in a thoroughly sound financial position and self-supporting, 110 Government moneys being involved, the aim of the Trust at present, besides providing' a. return to the Maori beneficiaries, who number approximately 7,500, is to use the lands as far as possible as a training-ground for Natives. The Commissioner has his own officers and staff with headquarters at Gisborne. The total area of the Trust vested in the Commissioner comprises 224,909 acres' divided into two portions the East Coast Native Trust lands containing* 116,000 acres and the Mangatu Trust embracing 108,909 acres. Sheep and cattle farming is undertaken by the Commissioner on a large portion of the Trust which is divided into twenty-three

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Total Advances to Nativel AT , Board. Settlers under Mortgage Number of as at 31st March, 1943. Mortgagors. £ Tokerau .. .. 2,550 3 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 6,617 18 *Waiariki .. .. 4,936 * 25 Tairawhiti .. .. 68,169 92 Aotea .. .. .. 34,594 60 Ikaroa .. .. .. 29,426 45 South Island .. .. 5,912 9 Totals .. .. 152,204 252 * In addition, £72,966 is invested in farm properties (Taheke, Tihiotonga, and Waikawa).

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stations aggregating 132,703 acres, art area, of 72,000 acres, is, cut up into some twenty-five farms which are leased, and there is approximately a balance area of 20,000 acres, still undeveloped. The stock figures for the year ended 30th June, 1942, varied slightly from those of 1941, the tallies being: Sheep, 137,939; cattle, 16,253. More breeding-stock of both sheep and cattle is being run. The wool sold for the 1942-43 season amounted to 3,471 bales. The fat stock killed for the year ended 1942 was as follows: Lambs, 15,698; sheep, 17,613; cattle, 196.. There will be a large increase in the killing of fat cattle during the 1942-43 season. Again during the past year over one thousand sacks of potatoes beyond the requirements of the stations were grown and disposed to advantage. In addition, the Commissioner acquired for beneficiaries one thousand sacks of seed, which were distributed, and added materially to the potatoes grown for the Maoris' own use and for supply to the market. The Maoris were also assisted to produce large quantities of kumara, and to this end a special " Oliver " tractor plant has been operating in the Wairoa district on small areas of lands owned by Maori beneficiaries. On the Mahia Peninsula the owners in the Tawapata Block requested the Commissioner to supply them with facilities for fishing. A fishing-launch and two boats were procured, and in addition to a very large quantity of fish being caught for the Maoris' own use, over five thousand terakihi were caught and dried and forwarded to a Wairoa firm which enclosed the fish in air-tight tins, packed them in crates, and forwarded the supply through the National Patriotic Fund Board to the Maori Battalion in the Middle East. The Maoris of the Tawapata Block have now secured fishing licenses, and intend to endeavour to augment the supply of fish to Wairoa, Gisborne, and Napier. The season throughout has been, on the whole, a very favourable one, and good returns have been shown from all stations. On Omapere Station, of the Mangatu Block, a veiy fine Polled Angus stud is being developed, and on the Pukutarewa Station a Hereford stud, so practically the whole of the bulls required for the Trust will, in the future, be bred on these two places. A liomncy stud has been established for a number of years, and now supplies a very large proportion of the rams required. The sawmill established some years ago on the Mahurangi Station, Te Reinga, has for the past year been practically engaged the whole time cutting rimu, birch, and other timbers for war purposes and white-pine for the supply of pelt and tallow casks under special direction from the Timber Controller. During the past year the East Coast Commissioner invested a further £10,000 in war-loan securities on behalf of beneficiaries.

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TABLE 1.—NATIVE LAND-DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES AND SETTLED HOLDINGS: STATISTICAL DATA SUMMARIZED IN DISTRICTS

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Particulars. Tokerau. Maniapoto Waiariki. Tairawhiti Aotea. Ikaroa. Inland Sub-totals. Land Trustee Coast Totals. ° ar S ' mSS ' 1. Total area .. .. .. .. .. Acres | 463,443 66,525 197,688 80,998 102,145 13,158 4,245 928,202 17,671 50,818 132,703 1,129,394 2. Area not suitable for development .. .. Acres 4,430 9,694 72,079 24,275 1,650 250 25 112,403 .. .. .. 112,403 3. Area developed and occupied by settlers .. Acres 87,546 31,570 40,353 35,923 9,888 6,112 923 212,315 17,671 50,818 112,703 293,507 4. Number of settlers .. .. .. .. Number 835 236 466 238 78 41 10 1,904 2 stations 16 stations .. 1,904 5. Balance area under development .. .. Acres 24,159 24,273 85,256 18,800 90,607 6,787 3,322 253,204 .. .. 20,000 273,204 6. Condition of balance area to date (item 5)— Permanent grass .. .. .. .. Acres 11,640 11,655 53,866 17,222 10,121 1,084 1,134 106,722 .. .. .. 106,722 Temporary- grass .. .. .. .. Acres 1,512 555 681 58 .. 1,810 33 4,649 .. .. .. 4,649 Other cultivations .. .. .. .. Acres 109 442 1,153 536 454 167 | 241 3,102 .. .. .. 3,102 Undeveloped .. .. .. .. .. Acres 10,798 10,896 29,556 252 80,032 3,726 1,889 j 137,149 .. .. 20,000 157,149 Dwellings .. .. .. .. .. Number 74 42 95 11 27 15 4 268 .. 3 .. 271 Wool-sheds .. .. .. .. .. Number 69 14 2311 36 28 N.A. 46 Cow-sheds . . .. .. .. .. Number 4 3 10 4 1 7 29 1 30 Other farm buildings .. .. .. .. Number 18 69 98 16 130 18 8 357 .. 4 .. 361 7. Net liability on — Area settled, includes interest (item 3) .. .. £ 347,981 226,325 344,260 191,503 117,659 34,245 7,293 1,269,266 .. .. .. 1,269,266 Balance area, excludes current year's interest (item 5) £ 116,812 126,598 484,236 62,345 152,474 30,602 29,163 1,002,230 .. .. i .. 1,002,230 8. Farming on balance area (item 5)— Dairy cattle .. .. .. .. .. Number 620 374 688 510 230 145 20 2,587 .. .. ; .. 2,587 Run cattle .. .. .. .. .. Number 3,152 3,292 13,208 2,622 2,415 146 399 25,234 .. .. .. 25,234 Sheep — Breeding-ewes .. .. .. .. Number 11,045 14,337 44,530 12,000 11,740 4,090 1,565 99,307 .. .. ' .. 99,307 Other sheep .. .. .. .. .. Number 5,547 11,383 54,137 11,089 13,583 2,500 626 98,865 .. .. .. 98.865 Horses .. .. .. .. .. Number 67 111 1,249 55 92 13 14 1,601 55 145 N.A. 1,801 Butterfat sold .. .. .. .. .. lb. 23,678 9,113 .. 33,934 6,350 14,182 .. 87,257 .. .. .. 87,257 Cattle sold .. .. .. .. .. Number 1,491 1,314 4,048 ! 474 1,370 29 110 8,836 .. .. .. 8,836 Sheep sold .. .. .. .. .. Number 9,972 18,826 57,762 ! 6,806 13,463 5,624 1,654 114,107 .. .. .. 114,107 Crop sold .. .. .. .. Type and quantity .. .. .. .. .. .. * Wool produced .. .. .. .. .. Bales * 371 532 1,909 394 461 132 40 3,839 .. .. .. 3,839 9. Sales of produce, live-stock, &c., for year (balance area) — Butterfat .. .. .. .. .. £ 1,007 677 .. 1,791 349t 505 .. 4,329 .. .. .. 4,329 Wool: Proceeds .. .. .. .. £ 6,776 9,666 31,667 7,177 9,659 1,965 758 67,668 .. .. .. 67,668 Sheep — Cash sales .. .. .. .. .. £ 8,619 15,535 64,992 8,298 10,208 5,452 1,876 114,980 .. .. .. 114,980 Transfers to other schemes .. .. £ .. 3,328 41,075 725 2,795 1,149 315 49,387 .. •• .. 49,387 Cattle — Cash sales .. .. .. .. .. £ 4,400 8,701 43,680 2,948 5,777t 80 845 66,431 .. .. .. 66,431 Transfers to other schemes .. .. £ .. 4,071 39,74® 632 5,295 .. 49,744 .. •• .. 49,744 Sundries .. .. .. .. £ 1,491 4,048 6,286 1,645 13,042t 724 2,696 29,932 .. .. .. 29,932 10. Live-stock and seasonal expenditure for year (balance area) — Sheep — Tranrfera S (0aSh> " " " " £ } 4,867 8,432 72, l'vjl } 7 > 048 4 > 837 838 106,943 .. .. .. 106,943 Cattle — Transfer? <CaSh> " f } 2 ' 682 3 ' 355 j- 5,062 192 1,028 73,567 .. .. .. 73,567 Farming-expenses — Material, charges, &c.. excluding current interest .. £ 5,979 4,796 21,290 19,744 11,036 3,433 2,901 69,179 .. .. .. 69,179 Labour .. '.. .. .. .. £ 10,822 12,271 36,715 27,006 16,001 1,218 925 104,958 .. .. .. 104,958 11. Subsidies received for year (scheme and unit) £ 26,772 20,462 51,410 14,513 10,940 3,678 4,723 132,498 .. .. .. 132j498 12. Average monthly labour employed (development and Number 316 173 416 60 111 52 28 1,156 16 90 N.A. 1,262 farming) 13. Area settled (occupied bv units) — Dairy cows .. .. .. .. .. Number 15,505 5,382 13,040 3,820 2,271 277 216 40,511 ! 18 36 .. 40,565 Other dairv stock .. .. .. .. Number 9,745 3,000 6.470 2,343 585 534 49 22,726 .." .. .. 22,726 Run cattle .. .. .. .. .. Number 383 976 390 3,114 387 39 2 5,291 1,785 8,615 16,253 31,944 Sheep — Breeding-ewes .. .. .. .. Number 1,260 16,248 6,597 20,681 10,354 4.460 434 60,034 13,231 31,014 \ -iqq qqq / 104,279 Other sheep .. .. .. . - .. Number 105 5,239 1,804 11,738 3,555 215 13 22,669 10,134 38,126 / \ 210,868 Butterfat — Total poundage .. .. .. lb. 1,881,993 778,610 1,935,683 462,761 319,779f 152,518 34,094 5,565,438 .. .. .. 5,565,438 Total cash proceeds .. .. .. .. £ 117,723 51,907 141,200 28,858 22,433t 11,793 2,566 376,480 .. .. .. 376,480 Department's proportion .. .. .. £ 48,234 20,673 63,530 11,752 12,524| 4,563 833 162,109 .. .. .. 162,109 WoolBales .. .. .. .. .. Number 20 350 203 492 324 84 3 1,476 631 1,490 3,471 7,068 Total net value .. .. .. .. £ 290 5,934 3,073 7,447 6,676 1,639 43 25,102 10,858 26,867 N.A. 62,827 Live-stock sold .. .. .. .. .. £ 3,165 20,976 10,160 11,700 9,357f 5,930 734 62,022 11,185 27,194 N.A. 100; 401 Sundry sales .. .. .. .. .. £ j 3,564 846 6,301 2,457 757| 1,228 99 15,252 945 5,399 N.A. 21,596 * Potatoes, 7 sacks; linen-flax, 215 tons ; grass-seed, 4,200 lb.; chaff, 1 ton; hay, 958 bales; peas, 86 bushels ; wheat, 551 sacks. t Includes part of March receipts of £4,874 treated by Treasury as a reduction of expenditure instead of a credit-in-aid.

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TABLE 3.—COMPARATIVE RETURN FOR DISTRICTS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS: STATE SCHEMES (DEPARTMENT'S PROPORTION)

TABLE 2.—ANALYSIS OF CASH RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR 1942-43

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— Butterfat. | Wool. Li,,....!,. , T*k. 1. Districts — £ £ £ £ £ £ Tokerau.. .. .. 49,241 7,066 16,184 5,055 77,546 147,000 Waikato-Maniapoto .. 21,350 15,600 45,212 4,894 87,056 118,300 Waiariki .. .. 63,530 34,740 118,832 12,587 229,689 ! 307,400 Tairawhiti .. .. 13,543 14,624 22,946 4,102 55,215 72,300 Aotea .. ... .. 11,703 16,335 21,982 5,498 55,518* 63,800* Ikaroa .. .. .. 5,068 3,604 11,462 1,952 22,086 29,300 South Island .. .. 833 801 3,455 2,795 7,884 9,600 Sub-totals.. .. 165,268 "92,770 240,073 36,883 534,994 747,700 2. Maori Land Boards .. .. .. 10,858 11,185 945 22,988 23,000 3. Native Trustee ... .. .. 26,867 27,194 5,399 59,460 59,500 Totals .. .. 165,268 130,495 278,452 43,227 j 617,442 830,200 * Excludes March receipt, £4,874, comprising butterfat, £1,171; livestock, £3,357 ; sundries, £346, treated by Treasury as a reduction of expenditure instead of a credit-in- aid. Note. —Butterfat receipts for State schemes denote only that proportion of cream cheques which is assigned to the Department in repayment of advances and interest due thereon. On settled schemes the policy is to accept an assignment of a percentage of the farmers' monthly milk cheque, leaving the balance for maintenance and living expenses. On those dairying schemes which have not yet been individualized, the full amount received for butterfat is retained, the workers being paid wages, but in the majority of cases a proportion only of the cream returns is actually paid to the Department.

I I I I I ! ; s District. 1930-31. 1931-32. 1932-33. 1933-34. 1934-35. j 1935-36. 1938-37. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1939-40. 1940-41. 1942-43. Totals. I 1 I ' ! I . . . £ £ £!£'£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Tokerau :. .. .. 1,908 5,312 11,092 12,559 13,726 22,070 29,186 32,804 46,554 52,085 79,197 81,468 77,546 465,507 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. 202 316 3,180 7,301 6,871 14.348 17,635 23.085 30,853 38,772 76,328 70,328 87,056 376,275 Waiariki .. .. .. 2,667 5,578 17,246 36,318 29,472 63,585 81,730 111,730 130,276 131,962 211,763 214,786 229,689 1,266,802 TairawMti .. .. .. .. 650 9,143 i 16,886 20,253 23,610 32,999 43,180 29,365 38,724 54,792 56,349 55,215 381,166 Aotea .. .. .. 413 1,070 916 | 1,404 2,180 2,687 3,988 8,244 12,614 21,491 37,455 48,769 55,518* 196,749 Ikaroa .. .. .. .. 288 992 888 727 1,377 1,651 2,013 4,442 8,181 16,021 22,686 22,086 81,352 South. Island.. .. .. 5 143 294 391 506 1,631 2,127 2,442 3,113 3,694 2,539 7,697 7,884 32,466 Unallocated .. .. .. 352 72 12 .. 5,480 479 274 378 191 34 .. 180 .. 7,452 Totals .. .. 5,547 13,429 42,875 75,747 79,215 129,787 169,590 223,876 257,408 294,943 478,095 502,263 534,994 2,807,769 * Excludes Marcb re ceipts, £4,874, for Wanganui.

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Note.—(a) Total houses erected, purchased, or renovated from inception to 31st March, 1943 : Under development schemes .. 1,733 Under Native Housing Act— Ordinary .. . . 299 (includes 36 purchased). Special .. .. 322 (includes 14 purchased). 621 Total .. .. 2,354 (6) Total farm buildings erected from inception to 31st March, 1943 (approx.) Cow-sheds .. .. .. .. 1,400 Wool-sheds .. .. .. .. 45 Sheep-yards, &c. .. .. .. 40 Implement and store sheds .. 320

TABLE 4.—BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1943

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Under Native Housing Act, 1935. Under Native-land Develop- Totals Farm Buildings. Districts. Ordinary. Special. ' ° n Balance " area on 'yNovated" ! Purchased " ™ttte a d d Purchased " Erected " L Renovated. I P -<* ased - Cowshed, Wool-sheds, — ! LJ _ <gc ' ' Sheds. m , Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number Number Tokerau ........ .. 2 2 8 1 11 2 26 4 ' Waikato-Maniapoto .... .. 8 2 3 1 12 2 3 2 Waiariki ...... .. .. .. 1 g Tairawhiti .... 2 1 5 .. 20 27 1 " '3 otea 9 1 2 2 .. 5 16 3 8 i 4 Ikaroa ...... 5 5 .. .. .. 3 8 5 South Island ...... .. 2 1 1 31 5 Totals • ■ • ■ 16 7 19 ! 7 32 15 82 14 43 1 yj~

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TABLE 6.-NATIVE HOUSING ACT, 1935: FINANCIAL RETURN OF OPERATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1943

TABLE 5.—NATIVE HOUSING: RETURN OF AUTHORIZATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1943, SHOWING THE NUMBER OF DWELLINGS TO BE ERECTED, PURCHASED, OR RENOVATED

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (585 copies). £27 10s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —-1943. Price 6d. i

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Under Native Housing Act, 1935. r , , , T ,. p Under Native „ . Ordinary. Special. Land-develop-ment Districts. Schemes: Erections. Purchases. Erections. Purchases. ■ SlstMarch, Erections. , Purchases. ltnovatfons. d Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Number. Tokerau ...... 8 1 5 99 4 7 546 653 5 12 Waikato-Maniapoto .... 18 1 1 79 2 10 275 372 3 11 Waiariki .. .. . . 16 3 7 55 1 .. 836 907 4 7 Tairawhiti ...... 91 7 4 77 1 3 204 372 8 7 Aotea ...... 68 11 37 29 3 5 76 173 14 42 Ikaroa ...... 75 14 30 29 2 5 45 149 16 35 South Island ...... 22 8 7 17 4 4 9 48 12 11 Totals .. .. 298 45 91 385 17 34 1,991 2,674 62 125

Ordinary. Special. Totals. Districts. Authorized. Authorized. Authorized. Expended. j Expended. j Expended. Number of . . | Number of . , Number of . i : Advances. Amount " | Advances. Amount ' Advances. Amount " Number. £ £ Number. £ £ Number. £ £ Tokerau .. .. .. .. 14 5,133 4,127 110 37,172 37,492 124 42,305 41,619 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. .. 20 9,721 7,467 91 33,260 31,429 111 42,981 38,896 Waiariki .. .. .. .. 26 11,678 5,812 56 22,194 22,194 82 28^006 Taira-whiti .. .. .. 102 46,672 27,170 81 28,238 14,690 183 74,910 51,860 Aotea .. .. .. .. 116 40,242 32,276 37 11,275 7,533 153 51,517 39,809 Ikaroa .. .. .. .. 119 56,963 42,903 36 13,512 11,020 155 70,475 53,923 South Island .. .. .. .. | 37 17,013 15,000 25 8,580 6,619 62 25,593 21,619 Totals .. .. . J 434 187,422 144,755 436 154,231 130,977 870 341,653 275,732 i I