Public Works Statement. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH, UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1421, 11 August 1881, Page 2

Public Works Statement. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH, UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Tuesday. Mr Hall delivered the Public Works Statement. He began by regretting the loss of Mr Oliver and the heavy task thereby imposed on him. After recapitulating the contents of tables attached he proceeded to speak of The Railways. The considerable expenditure of the year, amounting to L 960,165, has been almost wholly upon works already begun before the period 1880-81, including the expenditure during the first quarter of the current year, and the liabilities on the 30th June last. It has not exhausted the votes of last year. No single group of lines can be said to be absolutely finished and provided with suitable appliances ; but I am glad to inform the House that the calls for additional accommodation and increased plant are diminishing in importance, the lines being for the most part equal to an extended traffic Beginning in tha North, after alluding to the Kawakawa and Whangarei lines and the Kaipara line, he said, "the AucklandWaikato line is of considerable interest to the colony at large, and it has been advanced (since the date of last Statement), on the southern side of Auckland, to Te Awamutu, a point within three miles of the southern boundary of the confiscated territory m the Waikato distiict. The line thus extended is now closs on one hundred miles in length, and with the Kaipara line will form a continuous line of HO miles. WaikatoThames : Some progress has been made with this line. From the AucklandWaikato line at Hamilton the formation towards Morrineville is finished for a distance of four miles, and tho remaining four miles of the section are in hand. No part can be usefully worked until the bridge over the Waikato at Hamilton is erected, the ironwork for which has been already shipped. At the other end of the Thames- Waikato lino a contract has been let for the formation between Grahamstown and Kopu, where a deep water wharf can be obtained. NapierWellington (Northern Division) : The Northern division of the trunk-line between Hawke's Bay and Wellington has been lengthened by four milep, thirty chains, ending 1 at Maketoto, and was opened last year. The gap in the trunk line is thus reduced to about eighty miles. The exact position of a portion of the work remaining to be constructed within the Seventy -Mile Bush has not yet been determined. Some work has been done on the Southern division of this railway, but no extension has been effected, and the Northern terminus remains at Masterton. New Plymouth - Foxton : The Northern division of this trunk line, being the portion from New Plymouth to Hawera, a length of about 51 miles, is completed. Twelve miles between Ngaere and Normanby have been opened for traffic during the last financial year, and tho remainder will be opened in a few days. The Southern division of the New Plymouth-Foxton line, being tho work between Hawera and Foxton, has now a total extension of 98 miles, of which 19 miles between Kaiawi and Waverley have been opened during the year. The length remaining to unite the Waverley and Hawera lines is 25 miles, of which the precise direction between Manutahi and Hawera is as yet undetermined. The present surveyed line passes near the coast, but we consider that it would be preferable to adopt one further inland, if it should turn out to be economically practicable. The Wanganui wharf has been finished, and has a total frontage available for vessels of about 940 feet. Steps are being taken to provide the necessary station buildings on the reclamation and to bring the new station into proper working order. Foxton- Wellington : The earth works on this part of the tmnk-line (tho total length of which is about seventy miles) were begun in Wellington by the "unemployed" but funds not being available for its continuation the works have been discontinued. The House will be aware that with a view to carrying on the project a company has been initiated in Wellington. The promoters have been in treaty with the Government^for terms, including the grant of lands on the Hue of the earthworks executed and of material already provided. The Government propose also to undertake the definition of the survey of the whole line and any arrangement which may make and reserve to the colony the right of purchase ; the completion of this work would open up railway communication between Wellington and the whole Wanganui and Taranaki country by a line of 240 miles. This matter will come before the Legislature in connection with a bill to be introduced empowering grants of land for the purposes of this kind required to complete the trunk lines. Unsurveyed intervals of 120 miles on the west and 160 miles on the east separate the extremity of the Waikato line at Te Awamutu from "Waitara (Taranaki) and Napier respectively. The Government will lose no opportunity which may present itself for obtaining such information with regard to the intervening country as will enable the best mode of completing this main arterial line to be determined. South Island Railways. Picton-Hurunui : Crossing over the Strait we enter the Picton -Blenheim section, on which the only work completed during the year is the extention to the town of Bleuheini,a distance of 1J miles including the Opawa bridge and Bleriheim Station. Neison-Koundhill : Tho works on this section are the formation of three miles extension from the inland torminus Foxhill to Belgrove country, from which a timber traffic may be calculated on, with very small increase to the working expenses. The permanent way is finished and the station works, are so far advanced aa to admit of the line being opened immediately. Hurunui-Bluff : ! The main line, thelongest continuous trunk | line in tho colony, measuring from the Hurunui river, the old provincial bodary of Nelson and Canterbury to the Bluff, 443 miles (exclusive of branches) has during the year been completed from Amberiyto Waipara'an extentiou of 7 miles at the northern extremity, leaving 19 miles to complete the whole distance to the Hurunui. The extension from Waipara to Waikari a distance of 9 miles will, I hope, be completed in time for the ensuing grain and wool season, but the section from thence to the Hurunui awaits further survey. Branches : During the year a portion of the, Tinwald Branch to Mount Somers, 10 miles 60< chains, has been opened for occasional traffic. An agreement has been made with the Rakaia Forks Company, under which the Government work this company's line of 22 miles 7 chains- 1 ip length. On the Waipahi-Heriotburn 15 miles 43 chains haye 1 been lately opened, and arrangements have been made for an interchange of traffic with the Waimea Plains Company (37 miles) under which' ,the . business is , now , carried on with through booking. Otago Central : Works have been prosecuted on' the' Hindon sedtion'of this line, by " Unemployed" • labor. All hands, except a few who have small contfiwts, are now discharged,

On the Wiugattti; contract the--formation-is practically finished, excepting the small tunnels at the 6th and 7th miles. The working survey is finished to Hyde and from Roughridge to near Lake Hawea. This important work is in an exceptionally favorable position for being prosecuted by a company, aided by grants of land on the principle I h.ive already referred to. Itt ust that by this means the work will be gone on with. Riverton-Repuki : The works on the Riverton contract, six miles, which include ballasting and permanent way, ar« now finished. Otautau-Nightcaps : The Opio and a portion of the Waiola contracts are ready tor the laying of the permanent way, and the whole line to the Nightcaps coalfield may be finished without difficulty during the present financial year. The Total Increase of Working Lines in the Colony. Summing up the additions made to the working lines in both islands during the year, we have a total of 106 miles. This gives a length of 1287 miles of trunk railway and branches now in work. To complete the main trunk lines in both islands the following additions will be required :—ln: — In the North Island, from Wellington to Foxton, 70 miles ; from Waverley to Hawera. 25 miles ; and from Waitara to Te Awamutu, 120 miles, being a total of 215 miles, besides a gap of 80 miles on the Wellington and Napier line. In the Middle Island a length of about 140 miles between Blenheim and Waikan will complete the trunk line from Picton to the Bluff. The Past Year's Work. Review ing 1 the year's experience of working railways, he said that an important change has been effected in the administration of this department, and the lesults on the whole are satisfactory, though in the passenger traffic there has been a considerable falling off, an indication in agreement with that furnished until recently by the Customs and other revenue returns of the geneivl depression in which this colony has shared, and the forced economies that have been the result. The decrease has not been caused by any increase in passenger fares-, which have not been laised, but in some cases i educed. This falling off has affected chiefly the business parts of the country. On the Hiuunui-Bluff lines, which furnish three-fourths of the whole, the receipts reached within 10 per cent, of those of the proceeding peuod, though the length of lines open to tiaific lias been augmented by above 4^ per cent. There has been a contemporaneous and very generally larger increase of the goods traffic revenue, amounting to 21 percent, and dependent not alone on the inciease of the tariff, but of the tonnage ; also on the second classes of receipts, namely, passengers and goods combined, there has been an increase ot nearly 10 per cent. Thanks partly to their augmentation and partly to encreased economy in the management, the net returns from lailways ■is a whole have during the past year been equal to 3-83 per cent, on the cost of construction. The decrease of train mileage consequent on the greater care everywhere visible in the administration, together with large economies in the railway staff have resulted in a considerable growth of the net revenue. The grobs revenue of the year ISBO-81 amounted to L 836.454 against L 762,572 in 1579-SO, an incieasc of L 73.882. The netl revenue was L 314.497 against L15'2,462 in 187980, an increase of L 131.935. The difference between these two increases, L 58,053, being due to the causes already pointed out. Notwithstanding the increase of mileage under work, (9 per cent.) the totiil cost of maintenance and traffic was reduced from L 550,010 in 1579-80 to L 5 21,957 in 1880-81, a reduction exceeding 10 per cent , and as large probably as the due care of the lines and plant will permit in the existing state of the traffic. Only two openings for further economy can be suggested on the facts of the copious returns as to the working management for the year. I icfer first to the selection in futuie purchases of the types of locomotive experience suggests as most suitable, and to the employment of the luel which having regardj to its cost has proved mo^t effective in this connection. It will be satisfactory to hon. members that I should observe that New Zealand coal alone is now used on the locomotives, and that these returns show that the Westport coal may claim to rank in point of value for locomotive purposes above that obtained from the Newcastle (N.S.W ) mines, which stands second on the list. The .second hope of economy arises from what appears at first eight the excebsivo pioportion of locomotive expenditure under the head "shunting." The item in question is about one fourth of the total, (£137,000) of class "locomotive power" in the return 1.3, and if a moderate additional expenditure in tho extension and equipment of some of the stations would diminijh the charge mateiially, the result would sensibly affect the net revenue. The propoition of the whole working expenses due to maintenance, is 35 per cent of the amount of tho daily operations ; keeping the permanent way true, uniform, and level, absorbs 23V per cent. The cost of material in repairs of way, is 5 per cent, and the maintenance of bridges, signals, and other works of the kind, 5 per cent., the repairs of stations and buildings, H per cent. Take again the analysis of locomotive expenses which in the whole enter for 2GJ, per cent of the annual expenditure, it will appear that 21 per cent is for running expenses, (fuel, oil, labour &c.,) and 5[ per cent for repairs and renewals of the locomotives. Repairs and renewals of waggons and carriages, make 5| per cent of the total. We have then in all 22-} per cent of the annual expenditure devoted to renewals and rppairs of rolling stock, of permanent way, bridges, culverts and buildings in addition to the 23 \ per cent, as already stated, for the daily operations in maintaining the guage and levels of tlie permanent way. I need not say that pxtra charges may be made from time to time for entire renewal of sleepers or rails on sections of the system, but these will not, I think, come upon us on a scale to make us anxious." Roads in the North Island. Dealing with roads, Mr Hall spoke of the road works under the vote of £66,500 for roads, &c, north of Auckland. ' ' Part have been carried on by the several County Councils of the district, under agreement as to the object which the several grants were to be expended ; a portion of the vote has been applied to the construction of a main road between Auckland and Mongonui, and is being expended on this work under the supervision of the Chief Surveyor, Auckland, Mr Percy Smith. The works done on this road have made it fit for wheeled traffic as far as Wellsford, a distance of 55j mile 3, and they include three 'bridges of considerable size. On the next two sections contracts are in progress in the neighbourhood of Whangaroa and Mongonui, and between Mongonui and Awanui contracts are completed or in progress over about 18 miles. These, when finished, will make a road between the last named placas fit for wheeled traffic on the whole distance from the north shore to Awanui. About 40 miles of new road will,, on completion of the contract's 'now in hand, have been formed j a . portion of which has been metalled. Aroha drainage : In the Waikato -and Thames the, most important works are the Aroha drainage, on which considerable progress has been made. About 8j

•miles of drains remain to be done. Whatawhata Bridge : The bridge across the Waipa at Whatawhata, on the Ham-ilton-Raglan road, in length 520 feet, was opened in April last. Te Rore bridge : The Te Rore bridge, across the same river, 2^ miles below Alexandra, providing communication between Kawhia and the Waikato and Auckland Railway, is under contract, and is progressing satisfactorily, On the Taranaki promontary, the road at the back of Mount Egmont has been metalled for a distance of nearly IS miles. The formation of the Coast road, or that leading from the Waingongoro through the Waimate Plains and the Parihaka block to Stoney River, has been completed during the year. It is now practicable for wheeled traffic throughout its entire length, and more than half that length is already gravelled. The Committee is aware that in addition to facilitating the settlement of a very promising district, this work is one of special political importance. It has been carried out, to a large extent, by means of the A C Force. Maintenance of certain New Zealand roads : A number of other roads has been maintained, improved, extended and surveyed in the North Island, for particulars of which the reports of the Engineer-in-Charge may be consulted by hon. members desiring fuller details. With one or two important exceptions, these are not new works. Roads in the South Island. Turning to the South Island, considerable progress has been made with the road from the Tophouse through the Upper Wairau Valley to Tarndale on the way to the Amuri and so soon as the outstanding contract for improvements in the Wairau gorge is completed wheeled vehicles will be able for tho first time to travel from Nelson, Picton and Blenheim to the Bluff and Riverton in the extreme South. The load is now open from Tarndale south, although still interrupted by some unbridgea rivers of considerable magnitude. Pelorus-Valley, Nelson to Picton, and Blenheim by the Rai-yailey : Of this road 14] miles are being formed and gravelled, and will shortly be finished ; the WakamarinoandKarahina bridges are finished ; but 20 miles, including the RaiValley road.romaiu to complete a carriage road between the Nelson and Wairau district. Nelson and Buller Valley : Two contracts for forming and gravelling on the Nelson and Buller Valley Road will complete the communication for vehicles between Nelson and the West Coast. It is expected this work will be finished during the present month. It will not, without further expenditure be a highclass road ; in particular tho Matari and Owen rivers and granite creek require bridging-. Reef ton - Greymouth : The bridge over the Inangahua at Reefton is nearly finished ; it has five spans of 50ft. and four of 15ft. Haast Pass Bridle Track : This track is open, and communication exists between the Lake vVanaka district (Otago), and"Westland. Some inconsiderable works are still required to finish the line satisfactorily. Christchurch - Hokitika : Considerable works have been necessary to repair the damages by the flood on this road and to place parts of it in more security against future casualties of this kind." Other Works. Reference was then made to harbours, lighthouses, and coalfields. In regard to fcho latter he said the largest output of coal during the year 1880, it will bo observed, was from the Kawakawa mine, Bay of Iblands, which produces a • ' glance coal," largely used by the Union Steamship Company. Tho Kawakawa mine, opened 16 years, has yielded 541,865 tons ; the K.mio (Whansrarei), opened 4 yeais, 6352 tons ; the Taupiri (Waikato), 5 yeais, 14,817 tons ; the Waikato (Waikato), opeued 4 years, 15,549t0n8; the Waitanguro (Buller), opened 5 years, SSO tons; theßanbury (Buller), opened 2 years, 5192 tons; the Brunner (Grey Valley), opened 16 years, 32,503 tons; Coal Pit Heath (G-roy Valley), opened 4 years, 14,330 tons; Springfield^talvern), opened 4 years, 7060 tons ; Homebush (Malvern), opened S yeais, 7873 tons; Prince Alfred, (Otago) opened 2 years, 1030 tons ; Prince Alfred, No. 2 (Otago), opened 2 year*, 2030 tons ; Shag Point (Otago), opeued 18 years, 36,666 tons ; Walton Park (Otago), opened 10 years, 19,370 tons ; Abbotts Royd (Otago), opened 5 years, 8216 tons ; Kaitangata (Ot.igo), opened 5 yeais, 15,830 tons; Kaitangata, No. 2 (Otago), opened 3 years, 10,709 tons. It will be observed that up to the 3ist December last, the date to which the returns are made, the output from the Great Buller Coalfield, of winch so much has been on good srround expected, had not been extensive. Since that time, however, there fields have largely increased, being upwards of 10,000 tons" for the half year ending 30th June. No doubt thin important field will fully justify the largo expenditure which has been incurred for its dovelojjment. I am infouned one of the difficulties obstructing the development of these mines is likely to be diminished shortly, steamers having been ordered designed speciallyf or the service to Westport as colliers and passenger boats From, the efforts of the management of the mines to keep pace with the improvement of transport, next year will probably show important growth in the working of this field, which supplies a coal that competes favourably with any in this hemisphere in the Victorian market. The total output of the coal mines of the colony is 300,000 tons for the year 1880, showing an increase of 68,700 tons on the yield of 1879, and of 137,700 tona on that of 1878. As I have already stated, New Zealand coal is now exclusively used on the New Zealand railways. A list of accidents during the year is given, causing death in two cases, and injury to one person in twenty. Surveys. Otago Central Railway : Tho working survey of the Otago Central Railway has been continued and completed except the part between Hyde and Roughridge, which will not take long to complete. Passes of the Southern Alps : A reconnoisance survey of the passes at the heads of the Rakaia, and Hokitika rivers has been made which has afforded important and satisfactory results. There has also been a further examination of several northern passes at the instance of the promoters of a company in course of formation at Chriatchurch, for connecting Westland with Canterbury and the southern trunk line of railway. The height of the passes thus determined are as follows : — Whitcombe Pass, 4180 feet ; Arthur's Pass, 3914 feet ; Hurunni pass, 3159 feet; Hope Pass, 3230 feet; Lewis Pass, 2879 feet ; Ada Pass, 3300 feet . The distance from." B^a&nerton o Christchurch by several of njgjines suggested would bo about, W Whitecombe Pass, 184 miles ; Mathias fi f'4ffl 184 miles Arthur Pass, 142 miles ; Hurunui Pass, 157 milea The route by the Lewis Pass is longer, having in view Christchuroh as the terminus. That by the Ada exceeds this by about thirteen miles. According to the character of the line adopted, none of the passes' of the Southern Alps offer a fitting gradient on either side without adonc: detour or zigzag. A consideration that must not be, lost sight r of, when the proposals come to be practically dealt with ia the important question .of the districts or 'otherwise, to be opened if benefited by railway communication. The ' promoters of tlie'iproj'ect advocate the route by the Ada Pass." The progress of telegraph* and the construction of public buildings were then

alluded to. " A considerable reduction has been effected during the last fifteen months, in the strength, of the public works department throughout the colony, the number of officers dispensed with being 95, the aggregate of whoue salaries amounted to £21,664 annually. Proposals for the Current Year. The Colonial Treasurer was able to place before the House a very gratifying statement of the condition and prospects of the ordinary finances of the colony The improvement he was able to accouut for will in due time have its effects on the resources at our disposal for the prosecution of public works. With regard to the loan expenditure, however, we have now reached the period when the operation of the pledges on the subject of further borrowing, which were required of us in 1879, are to be practically felt, and our expenditure on public works must be less thau it has been for some time past The balance remaining over from the Public Works Fund on the 31st March was L 1,860,373., 860, 373. Of this sum L 645 ,793 is absorbed by the expenditure between Ist April and 30th June, and by liabilities irrespective of native land purchases outstanding on the latter date. There remains, therefore, but L 1,214,580, 214,580 available for additional public works and for engagements in respect of native land purchase. For this latter purpose L 87.623 will be required during the current year, and LlOO.OOO should be reserved for fuither liabilities. When lion, members call to mind that the payment out of the Public Works Fund during the nine months of 1879-80 amounted to L1,7j>0,300, and during 1880-81 to L 1,958,351,, 958,351, and when they are aware that of the expenditure we can now afford a considerable share must be devoted to the completion of works already in hand, and to the further equipment of lailways already being worked, they will not be surprised to learn that we are compelled to disappoint some j reasonable expectations, and to postpone for the present some impoitant undertakings, the value of which is admitted. I trust, however, that this limitation of direct Government expenditure will to a considerable extent be compensated for by the operation of companies which will avail themselves of the facilities we propose to them for the construction of railways by the system of land grants. Our proposed expenditure will in the course of a day or two be laid before the House in detail in the Public Works Estimates. As already stated, a large paitot most ot the votes asked is lequired in respect of works or contracts for works entered upon under previous authority. It will also be found that a considerable proportion of the expenditure of the year will be devoted to loads and bridges. This is partly with a view to facilitate the settlement on Crown lands, and partly to render justice to those portions of the colony which have benefitted but little by railway expenditure. I now come to the Proposed Railway Works. (1). Kaipara - Waikato, AucklandHelensville : It is proposed to finish the equipment of minor works still necessary on the Kaipara line, of which the last section has just been opened. (2). WaikatoTliainea : This vote will cover the cost of the biidge over the Waikato at Hamilton, and continue the line for a great part of the distance towaids the Thames at Te Aioha. It also provides for the construction of the Thames portion of the line as far as Kopu. (3). Hamilton to Cambridge : Upon this bianch, above 13 miles in length, it is proposed to bie.ik ground. The country is easy, and the line will be much below the average in cost It will demand little additional plant, and possess considerable political as well as commercial nnpoitance. (4). NapierWelhngton : The works towards Tahoioito on the Northern division will be (Miiied on, and for completing outstanding contiacts and engagements on Southern division a considerable sum will be requited. (-3). Wellington-Foxton : A small vote is required to wind up accounts on these works, including payment for land. (6). Foxton-New Plymouth : The vote asked for the Northern division of this line will complete the works now in hand. The vote for the .Southern division will provide for the formation of the line between Waverley and Patea and from thence to Manutahi. It will also provide for the survey of the unfinished section between Hawera and Patea, and cover outstanding liabilities. (7). NelsonRoundhill: LGOOOwill finish the expenditure on the extension of three miles to Bellgrovc. (8). Greymouth to Nelson Creek : This line is in the direction of Reefton, and is completed as far as Stillw.vter. It is anticipated that itscontinution will form pait of the scheme of the company, winch is projected for the construction of a line between the East and West Coasts. (9). Westport-Ngakawau : Additional rolling stock is requiied for this line, as well as .some expenditure for land and small works. (10). PictonHurunui : A vote will be piepared for liabilities and sundry works on the Blenheim extension, and for a length of breaking ground on the great trunk line to the south. (11). Hurunui-Waitaki and Branches : It is pioposed to complete the extension to Waikaii, which has been very long on hand, and to proceed with the short length to the Hiirunui. (12). Votes will be asked on account of the branch lines now in progress to Fairlie Creek, Upper Ashburton and Little River. (13). The completion of the junction between the Oxfoidand Springfield branches will have valuable economical results, and we propose to push on this work. (14). Waitaki-Bluff and Branches : A considerable vote is asked for works and liabilities on the main line and on the Duntroon, NgaparaPort Chalmers, Brighton Road, Outram, and Laurence branches. (15). Also votes to meet engagement on the Ngapara, Livingstone, Palmerston-Waihemo, Catlins River, Waipahi, Heriotburn, and Edendale-Toitois branches, and the Otago central line. (16). For the Southland lines, including the completion of the branch to Otautau and to the Nightcaps coalfields, and the continuation of the Orepuke line to a point at which it will become useful, a sufficient sum has been placed on the Estimates. Of the total proposed expenditure on railways, I think I may inform lion, members that a considerable amount (about L 436.000) in to cover the outlay during the first quarter of the current year, and liabilities on the 80th • June last. There remains only about L 580 ,805 for further expenditui'e on railways during the remaining nine months of the period 1881-82. It must not be supposed nowevjQt'f that the expenditure of the lastf financial year was m excess of the votes for the year. Those votes amounted to L 1,572,000., 572,000. The expenditure brought to book on the 31st March, (covering the liabilities coming over from the previous year, 1879-80), amounted to L 960,065, and this sura, together with the expenditure of the last March-June quarter, and the out-standing liabilities on 30th June last, , amounted to about L 1,595,906, or 1,660,945 within our last year's authority after, an expenditure of, five quarters and provision for all claims existing at the end of that time. The aggregate of the votes now amounts to a large sum, but the House'may depend urion their being care- ■ fully husbanded with due regard to the period over which their expenditure should' be'spraaft: 1 have already said that negotiations have been opened with

the promoters of companies for carrying out the lines from Wellington to J^Steraj", and from Canterbury to Wegfcjj£n<i; 'ami that one part of the prono^w |s a tgi'suit, of Crown lands by wajwpr subsidy, the Government are asjmecK jbhat subsides in the shape of Ciwu.grauts would i&duce capitalists^tot/un'dertake' 'lise'- Iful works of tUfa character which the condition of tjflf Public Woffis f FnndV and of the revemle,and the plecjge^of the , colony preclud Jfeheiegislaturd 'from proceeding with aWpresentr " withy regards to tha|]Qsag6 Oenfral lines mo definite proposptellj|ve r yet, reached, the Government. $j,\do tno r t doubt that, so favourable an omWtilhi^y for the exercise of private ewjerp^se will • be taken advantage of. luMppearii also far from improbable that tM6qntinuation of the line north of AucUalj|jl which has'already been partly surveyednnay at no distant date be under similar conditions. ( With this view I shall bring V 4gwn '» bill authorising such grants within^itnjLta > to, be laid down and under arrangements £6 be subject to the approval of Parliament. This mode of engaging private capital in the development and colonisation of the country the Committee is well aware is no novelty ; it has been employed on the largest scale in the United States, in Canada and albo in Queenland, and with good results. The method of dividing the territory abutting on the proposed lines, in alternate blocks for grants to the railway company and for retention by the State removes all possibility of the lands being occupied advantageously in very large areas, a danger which in any case would not be serious since the peopling of the adjoining lauds is the most obvious mode of making tho railway enterprise poofitable. Roads Projected. I bring all our proposals under this head in one view, whatever department may bo charged with their executions. But there is a distinction between our other suggestions and those for roads to open Ciown lands. The full account lequired for the roads of this class viz., L150,00C will bo shown in the Estimates but it is proposed to extend tho construction over three years and not to expend more than some L 50,000 during the current year. The total vote asked for on roads and bridges, including expenditure in the March ,lune quarter and all liabilities to the 30th June, amounts to about L2GO,OOC. In a schedule to 1)0 attached, to this statement is full account ot the road works proposed, beginning with the mo-,t northerly and taking them in geographical order It is proposed to run a road through the fertile region extending from Kawakawa to Okaihau and Victoria Valley, and to continue the line recently opened between the Victoiia Valley and Herd's Point in the Tokaehu,Wairoa, both by tho coastal line via Mongonui Bluff and the land line over the "Waioku Plateau. In the Counties of Mongonui, Whangnrei, Rodney, and Waitemata there are blocks at present inaccessible, which will be opened by cross roads run on fiom the main line. In this manner more than 4100 miles of new road will penetrate the Crown lands lying north of Auckland, which comprise the area of 1,200,000 acres. Passing south of Auckland to the Waikato Basin wo have the roads penetrating the Awaroa Survey District from a point on the l ail way system, and a line to open the Huihuitata block. In the Thames distiict a very necessary road has at length been obtained through the Komata block, and is now under construction. When finished it will be a summer coach road fiorn the Thames through To Aroha to Hamilton, Whatawhata, and Raglan. It is of importance to complete the drainage of the Te Aroha block, and to continue to improvo the coastal main line of road to Tauranga, Opotiki, and the East Cape and also to follow up the construction of the impoxtant line from Cambiidge to Rotoiua, which, when available for Avhccled traffic, will complete the coach road from Wellington to Auckland, and the important section between Cambiidge and Taupo, which will form part of a future main line from Waikato to Hawko's Bay, should not be lost sight of. Sums varying in amount will be asked for these works, as also a moderate amount will be asked for to improve a set of roads in the Bay of Plenty, branching inland from the coastal main line. These are fiom Matataka (Richmond) to Teko, and from Whakatane to Teko, and its continuation to Galatea on the edge of the Kaingara Plains. The importance of opening the extensive East Coast district has received much consideration. The road line from Opotiki to Giaborne has been under construction during the past year, and I am very desirous to complete it, and so establish communication between the Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay. Branching from this road an inland lino is being explored and surveyed to the valley of the Waipa, and another road to connect Gisborne with the Waimata block, and that from Gisborne to Wairoa with branches to the Crown Lands requires forming, so as to afford the opportunity of settling a countryjwhieh for the present may be said to be hermetically sealed from settlement. Coming to Hawke's Bay, it is pioposed to open a road fiom Wairoa to some considerable area of Crown land on the Mohaka, and to assist in the opening of the Pukehitere bush by a road, the local bodies co-operating. The road winds through Crown lands begun in the Seventy-Mile bush, and is to be extended from several points according to the demands of settlement. The sheep quarantine reserve ot 59,000 acres in the south east corner of Hawke's Bay being no longer required for that purpose, is to be laid out preparatory to disposal. In the T.iranaki provincial district the great suncess of recent land sales is an encouragement to tho further opening out of the fertile lauds still remaining for disposal there. With this view, road clearing will continue to be made through the forest lands in the West Coast districts. Coming down the Wpst Coast to the Wellington provincial district, and taking the railway line aa a basis, it is proposed to run. a cross road inland from several points to Crown lands. With this view, roads are proposed from Waverley to Moumataki; Wanganui tp Tokomaru and a lino to Murimotn, (an inland line originated at Marton), another extendiDg to the KinVbolton Road from the borders of the Fielding settlement, through Waitapu and Otamakapua Blocks a line opening out the Pohangana and Fitzherbert Blocks. The only, other works projected on the West Coast of this Island are ; a line connecting the Crown Lands under survey with Otaki, and tho completion of the bridle track connecting Waikanae with Mugaroa ; Upper Hutt, in another, part of Wellington district, a branch line connecting the country between the Hutt and Porirua with the railway station, and in the county of Wairarapa West, cross roads from ,the Mastertou-Woodville coach road to the extensive arears of Crown Lauds' in the Pahiatua, Mangaono, Bangihimau, and MauriceVille 'Blocks. The northern and western districts of the Middle Island being but scantily (provided with railway communication have a fair cjaim to a reasonable ainbun't of expenditure on the construction of main lines of road and necessary bridges. Our 'p"rop6salB are framed accordingly. Commencing at Cook's Strait, there are three' arterial lines -of communication, which require opening up or completing (1) 'ik'6 road along the Bast Coast from Blenheim l( 'by Kaikoura, 1 ' through 1 Green Hills to the Marau township, (2). A road through the

middle of the Island from Nelson, by the i,Uf)j)gr Wairau and Upper Ularence to the JlanittieiKPlams, ano (3). from Nelson by theJEoge and Buller Valleys to Westport and Greyinouth. Another important s^iue is the, ma% road from Blenheim, VPicjxm, and Havelock, by the Pelorus and' Rdh Valleya $ Nelson, which will jpnder available a considerable tract of valuable Wiber land Mn the Rai Valley, • '^a/shown by estimated and detailed statements wliiqh will be lsd before you. It is proposed 'to open up communication by means of roads and "tracks, with all the outlying districts in the island where set»tlement is going on. 'the principal works of this kind not included in the main roads just mention ejCar6 as follows ;—ln; — In the Provincial 'toistytfct of Marlborough, Awatere shearing reserve ; in Nelson AdrerV Valley, Wakefield to Shantely Brook, M,atakicaki to Marua Valley, Grey Valley to Teretnaku, Cobden to Seventeen•MilG Diggings ; in Westland and CanteriJbif^'jDilmftns' Town to Chrustchurch, Road in upper Ashley Valley ; in Otago, Hindon and Beaumont to Millars Flat, Mount Benger, G-reen Valley, Seaward Forest, and a large number of roads to open up lands, the leases of which will shortly fill m, and which will be available for settlement. As already stated the expenditure for giving effect to the proposals for opening up Crown lands will bo spread oyor a period of three years. It is intended that it should be commenced without delay. Harbor Works. Greymouth : There can be no doubt that that the condition and effects of the works at the mouth of the Grey liver and the importance of the coal deposits of the district warrant and call for the necessary expenditure for continuing the operations advised by Sir John Coodio. Westport asks also for a vote for experimental works at Westport, which will probably be found necessary, and the election of which may be justified by some of the same same reasons as for the operations at Greymouth. Lighthouses. Instructions have been given to have the neighbourhood of Waipapa and Slope Point carefully examined for the purpose of determining the precise site which should be adopted, and a vote is proposed for the erection of the lighthouse, and steps will at once be taken to procure a suitable light. The light and apparatus which lias for some time been in store at Auckland for erection on one of the islands ,is a guide to the entrance of the Hauraki Gulf, will now be utilised for the object for which it was procured. Small sums will also be asked for the erection of the lending lights already in store at the entrance of Tory Channel, and for placing a substantial beacon in the French Pass. Waterworks on Goldfields. The Kumara Sludge Channel will be finished, and it is proposed to augment the water supply by the construction of another reservoir in the Kapitea Valley. It is intended to make a diversion of the Argyle water-winch near its head, and to substitute a tunnel for the the open race and flummg, which at this place are very costly to maintain. The Mikonui water race, for its entire length, involves such an exceedingly large outlay that the Government are troubled to proceed with the general scheme. They propose to have further enquiries instituted as to fche benefits to be derived from the work, and as to whether some less costly provision is not practicable, rhe section between Rons and Donnely Creek will be finished, as it will contiuuilly be of some service in working the Ingher level auriferous ground. Public Buildings. With the exception of additional school buildings, for which a iaiger .sum is iskedth.ui last year, and for increased <accomodation in home of the lunatic asylums, \ otcs will only be asked to meet a few pressing cases, in which, for some time past the public service has seriously suffered from want of proper office acuomodation. Immigration. Operations under this head have been ibnost suspended during the past year. Hie state of tlie labour market is not at ill such that we should be justified in attempting to renew a large assisted immigration. Believing, however, as we lo that a considerable addition to the population of New Zealand is as necessary for the development of its resources as totke prosperity of those who are now settled within its borders we look forward to being able afc no distant date again to afford facilities for the introduction of 3uitable immigrants. But at present iircumstances do not permit us to do more that to assist a number of persons who have been to some degree surprised by the suspension of subsidised immigration, and to extend this assistance to a very limited number of single women md of nominated immigrants who are xnxious to join their relations in the colony. The Government look on State immigration operations as involving a ligher average of moral responsibility ;han pei haps any other with which they ire charged. The vote asked for, miluding a minimum btaff in the colony md in England, and the maintenance of wildings, is L 12.963." After alluding :o Major Atkinson's financial policy, Mr Sail said: "The character of the proDO^als to be made on the meeting of the ie.\t Parliament must depend to a great legree in the financial experiences of the surrent year, but I wish now to affirm i few principles which will be observed in >ur propositions should we be honored vith the continued confidence of the sountry, and should our finances, as we mticipate, justify an immediately forvard movement. First, we shall make iur proposals as Ministers of the whole iolony, although not neglecting the laims, needs and prosperity of anyone of ts districts ; secondly, we shall ask the Legislature to define its future underakinga with all possible precision, and to five the fullest guarantee in its power hat the undertakings so defined shall be aithfully carried out ; thirdly, we shall ,sk that future borrowing operations be trictly limited in amount by the calcuable prospects of the country, and that ion-owed money be employed only for vorks which give reasonable • promise of j^ing remunerative -within, such period as sound finance contemplates," Elaborate schedules of proposed works, Sec, are attached to the statement.