The Public Works Statement.

Opunake Times, Volume XXII, Issue 774, 19 September 1905, Page 2

The Public Works Statement.

LARGE INCREASE IN VOTES. The statement submitted to the House on Fridav by the Minister for Public Works (Hon. W. Hall-Jones) is, as usual, a comprehensive one in its printed form, and besides containing a good deal of information on the works in progress last year, tables, and is profii"-ly illustrated and supplemented by several useful photographic views connected with the works now being carried oat. The Minister reports that good progress has been made with the various works undertaken. The sum voted for all classes of roads was £410,975, but the amount for which authorities were> issued reached £469,444. Owing to the exceptionally wet weather in the early summer, road works were considerably retarded hence the expenditure was not so large as wa3 anticipated. The Government expect that either prior to the opening of the International Exhibition next year, or during the season, it will be practicable to take the through journey from Auckland to Wellington via the North Island trunk line, coaches being utilised for travelling between the breaks on the line. RAILWAYS. A detailed description is given of the work executed last year, and the expenditure thereon, together with the proposed votes for the current year. The following is a summary : Kawakawa-Grahamstown.—Expen-diture last year £B6IO, vote for this year £20,000. Helensville - Northwards.—£932o, £30,000.

Preroho-Waihi.—£39,676, out of the special account, leaving a credit balance of £BB6I, which is to be supplemented by a vote of £6OOO to close the account.

Gisborne-Rotorua.' Expenditure last year £16,068, this year's allocation £20.000.

Stratford - Ongaruhe.—Opened for traffic to Oruru on March 1 last. The earthwork on the Huiroa section (inoluding the summit cutting, made fair progress during the time worked, severe weather having hindered the work. The expenditure was £6217, the allocation for this year £20,000. North Island Main Trunk.—At the North end the line is complete for 190 miles, and the formation completed for another four miles. Beyond this point, Pukerimu, the service road is in course of construction. The formation has reached the edge of the Waimarino plateau, and is being pushed forward to the Makatohe viaduct, a contract for which was let last year for £sß,B69—the long 247 feet at Makohine. At the sou'-east span being 100 feet, as against the north end, plate-laying between Taihape and Mataroa i 3 in hand, and ballasting' has beguu. There are over 1800 men employed on the line, and this number is to be increased soon. Last year's expenditure was £154,436, and this year £BOO,OOO is to be asked for. Blenheim-Waipara.—The expenditure last year was £28,195 ; the vote now proposed is £45,000. Midland.—Last year £55,468, this year £IOO,OOO is asked for. Hokitika-Ross.--£17,174 last year, £20,000 proposed to be voted. Otago Central.—Last year £45,000, current year £IOO,OOO. Oatlin's - Waimabaka.—£2o,ooo is asked for this year, as against £4OOO last year. The total appropriations for railways (including several not mentioned above) amount to £860,500, an amount considerably in excess of last year's yote. ROADS AND BRIDGES. The net expenditure on road works last year was 253,972, but there were outstanding liabilities amounting to £72,775 in respect of work done. The number of men employed varied from 1024 in September, 1904, to 2115 in March last. Most of the work was in forest country, where it is much more costly than in open land. The proposed votes for this year are : £ Departmental Boads 18,775 General roads 391,718 Tourist roads 25,476 Maintenance of main roads 28,000 Loans to local bodies ... 85,000 Total £498,969 This is exclusive of £50,000 for goldfield roads. GENERAL, Tourist and Health Resorts— Out of the £17,108 spent lastyear Rotorua absorbed £5445. A total yote of £26.000 is proposed this year. Telegraph extension cost last year £79.298, and this year £IOO,OOO is proposed. Public buildings were responsible for £142,946, and this year £248,110 is asked for, exclusive of schools. Wellington Custom House absorbed £IB,OIB lait year, and now requires a further £7,700. School buildings last year totalled £110,727, but the amount of this year's vote out of revenue is not stated, only £85,000 out of the Public Works Fund being mentioned. Harbor defences : Last year £2,515, this year's vote £4OOO. The total vote for the current year is set down at £2,384,616. EXPENDITURE ON TARANAKI ROADS. The total expenditure on road and bridge construction in Taranaki last year was £15,296, of which £2402 was on the Ohura road, £967 on the Mangaehu road, £9BB on the MimiMokau road, £574 on the Otaraoa road. The remainder consists of smaller sums for roads and bridges in various parts of the district. For maintenance of main roads £563 went to the Mokau-Uriti Road, and £2627 to the Ohura road (south of Paorae stream). For roads to the mountain £946 was expended, while £8527 was advanced to local bodies.