DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1896 Session I, C-01

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1896. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

COZCsmEJNTTS.

Page Gekekal Report op the Surveyor-General— Lands— Work of the Department.. .. •• ..! Mining Districts Land Occupation Act .. iii Improved-farm Settlements .. .. iv Special Settlement Associations .. iv Village Homestead Settlements .. iv Land for Settlements Act .. .. v Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act .. .. v Pastoral Runs.. .. .. .. V Cheviot Estate .. .. • • vi Settlement Conditions .. .. .. vi Revaluations .. .. .. .. vi State Forests .. .. •, • ■ vi Reserves .. .. • ■ • • vil Native Townships .. .. .. vii Thermal Springs .. .. ■ • viii Territorial Revenue .. .. .. ix Arrears .. . ■ • ■ .. X Surveys— Summary showing Nature and Extent .. x Trigonometrical and Topographical .. .. xi Explorations .. .. .. xi Settlement Surveys .. .. .. xii Native Land Court Surveys .. .. xii Mining Surveys .. .. •. xiii Road Surveys .. .. .. • • xiii Miscellaneous Work .. .. .. xiii Board of Examiners for Surveyors .. .. xiii Roads, &c.— Summary, Mileage constructed and Expenditure xiv Quantity of Bush felled, burned, and grassed on Roads .. .. .. .. xiv Head OfficeReport of Chief Draughtsman—Maps .. xv , „ Clerk —Correspondence .. xviii Accountant —Accounts .. xix Appendix No. 1— Land-settlement —Administration — Auckland .. .. .. .. 1 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 3 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 5 Wellington .. .. .. ..7 Nelson .. .. .. ..14 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 15 Canterbury .. .. .. .. 16 Landing Service, Port Robinson .. ..23 Westland .. .. .. ..24 Otago .. .. .. ..26 Southland .. .. .. ..32

Appendix No. 2— Page Survey Operations— Auckland .. .. .. 35 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 37 Taranaki .. .. .. ..37 Wellington .. .. .. ..38 Nelson .. .. .. .. 40 Marlborcugh .. .. .. .. 42 Westland .. .. .. ..43 Canterbury .. .. .. 44 Otago .. .. .. ..45 Southland .. .. .. ..46 Appendix No. 3— Road Construction and Maintenance — Auckland .. .. .. .. 47 North Island Central .. ... .. 53 Rotorua and Taupo .. .. 55 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 56 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 57 Wellington— Wanganui District .. .. 62 Central and Eastern Districts .. .. 64 Nelson .. .. .. .. 73 Marlborough .. .. .. 75 Westland .. .. .. ..77 Canterbury .. .. .. ..80 Otago .. .. .. .. 82 Southland .. .. .. .. 84 Works undertaken by Southland County Council 87 Appendix No. 4 — Co-operative Work— Auckland .. .. .. ..89 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 90 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 9fr North Island Central (C. W. Hursthouse) .. 91 Rotorua and Taupo .. .. 91 Wellington— Wanganui District (G. T. Murray).. .. 92 Central and Eastern Districts (Capt. A. C. Turner) .. .. .. ..92 Nelson .. .. .. .. 9» Westland .. .. .. ..93 Canterbury .. .. .. .. 94 Otago .. .. .. ..95 Southland .. .. .. .. 95 Appendix No. 5 — Reports on Improved-farm Settlements — Auckland .. .. .. ..95 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 96

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Appendix No. s—continued.5 — continued. Page Reports on Improved-farm Settlements— continued. Taranaki .. .. .. .. 96 Wellington .. .. .. .. 97 Otago .. .. .. .. 99 Southland .. .. .. .. 100 Eeturn showing Position and Transactions .. 102 Appendix No. C — Reports on Thermal Springs— Rotorua .. .. .. .. 103 Hanmer Plains .. .. .. 104 Appendix No. 7 — Reports on Little Barrier and Resolution Islands— Little Barrier Island .. .. .. 105 Resolution Island .. .. .. 105 Appendix No. 8— Explorations— Route over Southern Alps .. .. 107 Pox Glacier .. .. .. .. 108 Cook's River District .. .. ..110 Dusky Sound and Lake Manapouri .. .. 112 Appendix No. 9— Wanganui and Tangarakau Rivers— Works executed by Wanganui River Trust .. 114 Navigation Tangarakau River (J. T. Robinson).. 116 (G. T. Murray) ..117 Table I.—Summary of Lands disposed of up to 31st March, 1896 .. ..119 „ 2.—Lands opened for Sale and Selection, 1895-96 .. .. .. 119 „ 3.—Area of Bush felled on Land sold by Crown .. .. .. 121 „ 4.—Summary of Lands taken up during Year 1895-90 .. .. 121 „ 5. —Analysis of Holdings .. .. 122 6.—Lands sold for Cash during Year 1895-96 .. .. ..122 „ 7. —Deferred-payment Lands .. 123 „ B.—Perpetual Lease and Small Areas .. 123 „ 9.—Occupation with Right of Purchase .. 124 i, 10.—Lease-in-Perpetuity Lands .. 124 „ 11. —Agricultural-lease Lands.. .. 125 „ 12.—Occupation Leases under Mining Districts Land Occupation Act .. 126 13.—Village-settlement Lands .. 126 „ 14.—Village-settlement Deferred-payment Lands .. .. .. 127 „ 15.—Village - settlement Perpetual - lease Lands .. .. .. 128 „ 16.—Village-settlement, Occupation with Right of Purchase .. .. 129 „ 17.—Village-settlement Lease in Perpetuity .. .. ..129 18. —Village - homestead Special Settlers' Lands .. .. .. 129 „ 19.—Special Settlements Lands .. 130 „ 20. — Improved-farm Special Settlements— Transactions .. .. 131 „ 21. —Homestead Lands—Transactions .. 132 „ 22.—Small Grazing-runs „ .. 132 23.—Pastoral Licenses „ .. 132 „ 24.—Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses— Transactions .. .. 133 25.—Village Special Settlements, Position of, at 31st March, 1896 .. 133 „ 26.—Territorial Revenue for Year .. 134 „ 27. —Lands reserved or alienated by Scrip, &c. .. .. .. ]35 „ 28.—Selectors on the Books of the Department .. .. .. 135

Appendix No. 9— continued. Page Wanganui and Tangarakau Rivers— continued. Table 29.—Summary of Arrears at 31st March, 189G .. .. -.136 30.—Total Number of Crown Tenants .. 136 31. —Endowment Lands taken up during Year .. .. ..137 32. —Revenue received from Endowments 137 , 33. —Conditions and Settlement of Lands under Land for Settlements Act .. 138 34.—Cheviot Estate — Lands disposed of and Money received .. .. 139 , 35. —Cheviot Estate —Return of Outlay and Income .. .. .. 139 , 36. —Comparative Statement of Selectors and Settlement Conditions .. 140 „ 37.—Outlay and Income of Estates purchased under Land for Settlements Act .. .. ..141 38. —Applications made and Relief granted under " Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act, 1895 " .. .. .. 143 „ 39. —Surveyors employed, and Work on Hand .. .. ..144 „ 40. —Crown Grants and other Instruments of Title from Crown prepared .. 144 „ 41.—Plans placed on Crown Grants .. 144 „ 42,—Work under Land Transfer Act .. 144 „ 43.—Work done for other Departments .. 145 44. —" Thirds " and " Fourths " paid to Local Bodies .. .. 145 „ 45.—Expenditure and Work done on Roads 149 „ 46.—Works done on Co-operative System.. 174 „ 47. —Blocks of Land proclaimed under Government Loans to Local Bodies Act .. .. ..186 48.—Field-work executed by Surveyors .. 189 Maps— Map of Tuhoe Land (Urewera Country) To face p. x Map showing Land Transactions, 1895-96 To face p. 32 Map showing State of the Public Surveys, 1896 To follow Map showing Roads to open up Crown Lands, 1881 to 1896 .. ' .. .. To follow Map of Fox Glacier .. .. To face p. 108 Map of Longitudinal and Cross-sections, &c. —Fox Glacier .. .. .. To face p. 110 Map of Terminal Face and Geological Formation of Fox Glacier.. .. .. To face p. 112 Map of Explorations, Western Otago, by T. Mackenzie, M.H.R. .. .. To face p. 114 " Process " Illustrations— Tangarakau Confluence, 86 miles up Wanganui River .. .. .. To face p. 62 Retaruke Reach, 104 miles up Wanganui River To face p. 68 Fox Glacier .. .. .. To face p. 106 Summit of Whitcombe Pass .. To face p. 106 The Spike, on Copland Range, Westland To precede p. 11l The Sugar-loaf, looking down Fox Glacier To precede p. 11l Fox River, 2 miles below Fox Glacier To precede p. 113 Mounts Copland and Lyttle, from Ryan's Station, in Cook Valley .. To precede p. 113 Ngaporo, 62 milos up Wanganui River To face p. 116 " The Drop Scene," 61 miles up Wanganni River To face p. 116 Tieke, 70 miles up Wanganui River .. To face p. 118 Buttresses near Wangamoana, 80 miles up Wanganui River .. .. .. To face p. 118

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1896. NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Secretary of Crown Lands and Survetoe-General to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sik, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 30th June, 1896. I have the honour to furnish herewith the annual reports on the operations of the Lands and Survey Department for the twelve months ending the 31st March, 1896. I have, &c, S. Percy Smith, Secretary for Crown Lands and Surveyor-General. The Hon. John McKenzie, Minister of Lands.

LANDS. " The Land Act, 1892," was partly a consolidating Act, whilst at the same time considerable alterations were introduced into the methods of dealing with the Crown lands, and, like all such Acts, it has required amendment in detail. The second amending Act was passed during the session of 1895, but it introduced no new principle, though altering some of the details of the parent Act. These variations in the law may be summarised as follows : In certain cases, where considered advisable, survey deposits are done away with in the case of lands thrown open before selection ; registration of lands selected under Part 111. of the Act of 1885 is authorised, and mortgages of lands held under the deferred payment system are allowed under " The Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894," subject to certain restrictions mentioned; in special cases the amount and character of the improvements on land may be varied on the recommendation of the Boards ; in lieu of selling the land of a deceased licensee, the Commissioners of Crown Lands are authorised to transfer to the widow and children ; no right-of-way in any township, the plans of which have to be approved by the Governor, may be less than sixty-six feet in width; selectors under certain conditions may subdivide their leases ; and lastly, further facilities for exchange of tenure are provided. The subject of applications for land has been a somewhat prominent one during the past year, especially in the cases of the high-priced lands offered under the Land for Settlements Act, where it is apparent a system of " family dummyism " is growing up, under which large numbers of relations put in applications in order to secure to some member of the family some choice allotment with the view of transferring so soon as the law allows. A proposed alteration in the law with respect to this is now being prepared for your consideration. The table given below summarises transactions affecting the Crown lands during the past year; it is drawn up on the same lines as previous tables so as to admit of comparison, and such comparison will show a gradual increase in the variety of tenure, the ruling feature of all, however, being the retention of the freehold in the Crown. Towards a better understanding of the land-laws, it would seem that the variety of names given to tenures which differ very little from one another might be simplified, and thus avoid some confusion in the minds of selectors, who are unable readily to understand the distinctions recognised by the Aces. i—C. 1.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL KEPORT ON).

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In the foregoing table, all the deferred payment and perpetual lease selections are made now by selectors already holding lands under those particular tenures, and who are by law allowed to increase their holdings on the same terms in cases where the selected lands adjoin their own properties. The transactions are necessarily few, and must decrease. The considerable amounts shown as received under these headings are: in the case of deferred payment lands, the instalments towards final acquisition of the freehold, and, in that of perpetual lease holdings, it represents— besides rentals—the payments in exercise of the right of purchase contained in the leases. Both of these systems will gradually become extinct under process of law, either by purchase, or exchange to other tenures in which the rent is less, and therefore a diminution of the cash revenue is to be expected on their extinction. The foregoing table may also be summarised in a form showing the selectors under a few headings, for purposes of easier comparison, as follows; they include the Cheviot Estate, and selectors under the Land for Settlements Act, but exclude miscellaneous leases :—

Part 111. of " The Land Act, 1892," is that under which lands are thrown open for selection, with the optional tenures of cash, occupation with right of purchase, and lease in perpetuity, and therefore the operations under this part of the Act may be taken as some measure of the most popular form of tenure. The figures are : Occupation with right of purchase, 431 selections, 84,967 acres; lease in perpetuity, 415 selectors, 89,144 acres; showing, as do the selections for the previous year, a slight preponderence in favour of the lease which allows of ultimate purchase, notwithstanding that the rents are 1 per cent, greater in the latter case. In the table given above, the selectors under the 999-year leases are largely in excess of the others; but it is necessary to point out that a large proportion of the lands now thrown open, such as the association blocks, improved farms, village settlements, and under the Land for Settlements Act, can only be selected on that tenure, no choice being given, as in the case of optional selection. From Table 5 it will be seen that the total number of selections under all headings last year was 2,865, being 318 in excess of the previous period. Of ohese, if we deduct the purchasers of town sections, lessees of pastoral runs, and miscellaneous leases, there remains 2,269* selectors as about the number who selected lands for the purposes of occupation, and most of whom are bound

* The figures given in the Financial Statement are 2,425, in which pastoral selections are included.

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Nature and Tenure of Lands selected. No. of Purchasers or Selectors. Area. Cash received on Past and Current Transactions. A. E. P. 163 0 31 182 0 8 26,098 2 9 455 2 8 1,427 1 9 84,967 3 9 89,144 0 18 36 0 0 9 1 18 & s. d. Pown lands suburban lands iural lands Deferred payment Perpetual lease )ccupation with right of purchase lease in perpetuity Agricultural lease .. Allage settlement, cash „ deferred payment „ perpetual lease „ occupation with right of purchase .. „ lease in perpetuity /illage-homestead special settlement (lease in perpetuity) Special settlement associations improved-farm special settlements )ccupation leases, Mining Act Small grazing-runs .. 'astoral runs Miscellaneous leases and licenses Cheviot Estate— Cash lands Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlements (lease in perpetuity) Grazing farms .. .. •. Pastoral run Miscellaneous land for Settlements Acts — Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village Special settlement associations (lease in perpetuity) .. Small grazing-runs 235 58 169 6 7 431 415 3 16 3 183 11 224 315 69 30 156 189 2 13 3,279 3 24 633 2 32 41,434 1 13 28,348 0 1 2,931 1 19 43,557 2 4 2,109,971 0 2 190,469 3 10 1 20,343 13 2 44,659 15 7 69,343 17 5 7,144 18 0 11,157 19 7 548 2 3 106 4 6 937 11 1 1,190 9 8 6 15 2 896 5 7 2,310 13 3 12,911 10 2 125 9 5 412 7 6 19,738 17 7 80,066 8 8 12,189 9 2 14 6 8 130 2 23 1,125 3 0 159 2 29 893 9 8 5,672 6 10 742 6 0 2 'ie 2,536 0 0 741' 1 32 5,440 8 3 235 18 1 404 15 11 275 10 14 32,080 1 20 - 83 2 14 2,803 0 9 313 1 3 4,975 17 9 171 0 5 101 10 10 15 13 4

1894. 1895. 1896. Tenure. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. lash )eferred payment 'erpetual lease )ccupation with right of purchase jease in perpetuity .. 'astoral runs (ccupation and agricultural leases, Mining Acts 500 96 17 471 1.228 227 Acres. 34,999 12,668 3,854 108,499 255,348 899,945 415 49 3 428 1,032 123 Acres. 38,719 5,497 1,263 75,500 166,037 568,293 492 6 7 434 1,461 188 72 Acres. 26,584 455 1,427 84,970 199,093 2,156,378 2,967

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by the law to reside on their selections within periods varying from one to four years. Out of this number, 301 are selectors of lands acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts, and 30 are selectors of land on the Cheviot Estate. In many cases the lands selected are, pf course, sections which had previously been taken up, but surrendered or forfeited by the original holders and again offered for selection. The forfeitures for non-compliance with conditions last year were considerable. They are referable rather to transactions of previous years than to those of the year under consideration, and are due to a more rigorous insistance on the conditions of lease or license being carried out. The total number was 674, out of which the association selections numbered 316, nearly all of which are in the Wellington District. These consisted of sections which had never been occupied or improved by the selectors, the fact being that many of the blocks were selected by the agents of the associations without sufficient knowledge of the country or its suitability for that class of settlement. Most of these sections have been again selected in larger-sized areas, and, therefore, with a better chance of success. The average size of what may be termed the farm selections for last year was 162 acres, or just one acre larger than for the previous period. The following table summarises the lands of all descriptions selected for the last eight years to the 31st March last :—

About 230,000 acres over and above the quantity opened for selection or sale the previous year was advertised this last year. The particulars are as follows :— Acres. For Optional selection ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 329,585 Lease in perpetuity ... ... ... ... ... ... 35,219 Village homesteads and village allotments ... ... ... ... 1,369 Cash lands offered at auction ... ... ... ... ... 11,810 Leases of reserves and Crown lands, for auction, selection, and application 65,820 Small grazing-runs... ... ... ... ... ... ... 114,902 Pastoral runs .. ... ... ... ... ... ... 795,770 1,354,475 The above figures include all classes of lands, whether ordinary Crown lands, lands acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts, Cheviot Estate, &c, both surveyed and unsurveyed, and the surrendered or forfeited sections that came in during the year. Several blocks of land are preparing for selection at the present time, more especially in the North Island, but it is almost without exception broken forest country, suited mostly for pastoral pursuits, after clearing and laying down in grass. Most of this country requires large expenditure in roads before it can be settled, for, as has been previously pointed out, the settlement operations are very generally considerably in advance of the roading. A very large sum over and above what is usually granted might with great advantage to settlement be spent in this direction, and especially towards securing through metalled main roads, from which the branch roads into the various blocks should lead. The work of opening the hilly country that has been dealt with for several years past, and lands of similar character, which alone are available in the future, may be characterized as gigantic. The New Zealand settlers have before them, and are doing, works in the way of roadmaking, and opening up new lands, which in older countries have taken many centuries to perform. But, if settlement is to progress, roading must be undertaken in increased proportions. No lands have been selected during the year under the provisions of the Midland Eailway contract; the figures, therefore, remain as at the date of last report —namely, 282,329 acres, besides 84,262 acres held in trust under clause 28 of the contract. " The Mining Disteicts Land Occupation Act, 1894." The transactions under this Act for the previous year were practically nil, as the matter was then only in its initiatory stages, but during the past year sixty-nine selections have taken place, covering an area of 2,931 acres, or an average of forty-two acres to each selection. These lands lie in Auckland, Otago, and Southland. The object is to secure permanent homes for miners on the goldfields, and near their work. The Commissioner of Otago points out that the difficulty which has so frequently occurred under somewhat similar circumstances previously is also, under this Act, cropping up. This difficulty is the proper adjustment of the claims of selectors to the wants of the pastoral runholders for low country to work the high-lying runs belonging to the Crown. It

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Year. No. of Selectors or Purchasers. Area taken up during Year. Territorial Revenue. Total Revenue collected. No. of Crown Tenants oa the Books. .888-89 .889-90 .890-91 .891-92 .892-93 893-94 .894-95 .895-96 2,529 2,653 2,420 2,519 3,071 2,876 2,547 2,865 Acres. 2,313,611 4,155,472 2,154,138 1,453,082 1,663,339 1,393,918 1,015,577 2,662,344 £ 310,061 304,842 352,417 320,483 274,399 282,067 338,166 291,673 Not given. 322,885 364,938 324,470 310,523 347,343 375,879 345,331 Not given. 12,164 11,995 12,735 14,261 15,081 15,326 15,683

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is obvious that great care will have to be exercised in granting these applications, or the Government ■will be in the position of having to purchase under the Land for Settlements Acts sufficient low-lying country to work the runs. So long as this danger can be avoided, the Act seems to supply a want by allowing the miners to secure permanent homes. Impeoved-faem Settlements. A somewhat prominent feature of the past year's transactions has been the extension of this kind of settlement, which was first started the year previous. It is not necessary to repeat the description of the tenure and other particulars given in the last report, nor has the time yet arrived when entire success can be predicted, but, so far, the system has certainly had the effect of removing from the towns a considerable number of people who otherwise would have been found in the ranks of the unemployed, and an opportunity has been given to all who are really desirous of becoming bond fide settlers a chance to make homes for themselves, and become producers rather than a burden on the State. Many, who have taken up land under this system, brought no experience with them to aid in the operations of the pioneer work of settlement, and this had to be gained at some cost to themselves and the State. So long as the Government continues monetary aid by way of assisting in clearing, grassing, and house-building, all will go well; by the time this comes to an end sufficient experience should have been gained, and the farms ought to be stocked. This latter is at present a difficulty with many of the settlers, for it is obvious that many of them can at first do little more than support themselves out of the moneys advanced for clearing, without sparing anything for stock. At the date of last report, eighteen settlements had been initiated, covering an area of 21,202 acres, which had been allotted to 193 settlers. On the 31st March last, additional settlements had been allotted, making the number 39 in all, covering 63,597 acres, which is divided into 665 allotments, averaging somewhat less than 100 acres each farm. Out of this number 573 sections had been allotted. At the date of the report, 679 persons were residing, while the area felled was 9,301 acres; 8,138 acres being in grass. The expenditure for houses, clearing, and grassing amounted to £22,438. The total value of improvements, including those paid for by Government, amounted to £26,984. In connection with these settlements, 67 miles of road have been partially formed, and on which the settlers have been emplayed part of their time. The time has not yet expired at which the rentals are to commence, except in two cases; consequently only the sum of £125 9s. had been received at the 31st March for this account. The settlements are chosen, so far as possible, in positions where there is a likelihood of the settlers obtaining some employment in the settlement operations of the surrounding country, but the amount of land suitable for this class of holding is very limited, and, consequently, a neglect of the above condition has to a certain extent taken place. There are five of these settlements in Auckland, one in Hawke's Bay, fourteen in Taranaki, nine in Wellington, five in Otago, five in Southland. Further information will be found in the appended reports. Special-settlement Associations. Table 19 shows particulars with respect to this class of settlement. It will be seen that the total area held on the 31st March last was 234,181 acres, as against 291,067 acres for the previous period. The blocks which were balloted for during the year numbered twelve, containing 44,237 acres, the selectors totalling 238. Considerably more than half of the association settlements are in the Wellington District, Taranaki following next in order. The settlements formed since the. Act of 1892 came into force are held in lease in perpetuity. The only thing which distinguishes these settlements from lands selected on the ordinary lease-in-perpetuity tenure, is, that the ballot is confined to the members of the association, and the area is limited to an average of 200 acres throughout the block, the limit being 320 acres. As a matter of fact, the average comes out a good deal below 200 acres. It has been pointed out more than once that in the eargerness to secure blocks for this kind of settlements the representatives of the associations did not always make their selections wisely, and as a consequence it is found that many blocks were chosen in parts of the country unsuited to holdings of the size of 200 acres, much of it being land very broken in character, and only adapted for pastoral purposes in much larger holdings. In nearly all cases the blocks were outside the points to which roads had been made, and hence one of the difficulties of settling on the lands when allotted. Whilst every effort has been made to afford the necessary access to the lands, it is obvious that a system of roading so extensive as to provide all the blocks with means of communication, is the work of many years. It is clear, from what has transpired since the selection of some of the blocks, that many of the members of the associations were unfitted either by experience or monetary means to settle on the land, and, moreover, that some joined with the idea of being able to transfer their interests, contrary to what the regulations provide. The Land Boards have, however, been careful to. see that the law is applied as it was intended, and this has resulted in a great many forfeitures during the year. In the Wellington District alone, the interests of 393 selectors, nominally holding 78,003 acres, have been either forfeited or surrendered, and the lands thrown open in larger-sized holdings. The same has occurred with some of the Taranaki associations. Wherever the association blocks have been located in places suitable for 200-acre sections, a large amount of settlement and improvement has taken place. Village-homestead Settlements. Table 18 gives particulars as to this class of settlement. Very few transactions have taken place during the period under review, for the system has, in a great measure, been supplanted by the improved-farm system. It will be seen that eleven new selections took place, the area taken up being 633 acres. There were thirty forfeitures for non-compliance with conditions, and thirtyeight exchanges to other tenures, or surrenders. The total advances made to settlers from the first

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is £25,600, and the settlers have paid in rent and interest £17,601 11s. Id. There were 275 selectors in arrear, owing £2,000 14s. 2d., and the total value of improvements was £87,178 7s. 6d. The tables in the Appendix give full details regarding these settlements. "The Land foe Settlements Act, 1894." Particulars as to purchases made since the date of the last report of the Lands and Survey Department will be found in the report of the Land Purchase Inspector (C.-5, 1896). Mr. J. McKerrow took over that branch of the department on the coming into force of the amendment Act of 1895. In brief, the estates purchased to the 31st March last numbered twenty-eight, containing 86,919 acres; the cost for purchase amounting to £377,553 65., to which has to be added £11,761 11s. 7d., the cost of roading, surveys, administration, &c. Up to the 31st March, nineteen estates had been subdivided into various-sized farms to suit local requirements, and offered to the public, with the result that the greater part of them had been selected, and numerous settlers are now resident. At the date of the return there had been erected 133 houses, occupied by 643 souls, who had made improvements valued at £13,022 6s. The rentals are bringing in 476 per cent, on the sum sunk in the estates —namely, £209,559, which leaves a surplus after paying interest on the money raised for their purchase. The Commissioners report very favourably of the amount of improvements made, and the general compliance with the conditions of the leases, particulars of which will be found in the reports attached. Out of the 397 selectors who have taken up land since the initiation of the scheme, twelve have forfeited their rights through breach of the conditions, and two of these farms have since been reselected, whilst the others will probably be occupied as soon as thrown open again. Out of the total area purchased, 11,895 acres have not yet been selected, the reasons for which are given in the report (C.-5, 1896) already quoted, but there is no reason to believe that much of this will remain on hand long; indeed it is known that most of it will be selected so soon as the various causes which at present prevent selection are removed. These estates offer to the sons of farmers in their vicinity an excellent opportunity to acquire lands near their parents, from whom they can obtain help, whilst, at the same time, this class of settler is the best that can be secured in the interests of the estates themselves. The experience of the past season has shown the necessity for some amendment in the law with regard to the ballotting for the lands, so as to give greater facilities to the class that has been referred to, without their having recourse to what may be termed " family dummyism," a practice which, there is little doubt, has been in operation to a considerable extent during the past year. Any scheme which will secure the right class of tenant will be a great step in advance, for, in dealing with these high-priced lands, want of experience or means on the part of the tenant will very soon depreciate the value of the estates, and prevent their letting again at the same rents.* "The Pastoral Tenants' Be-lief Act, 1895." The exceedingly severe winter of 1895 rendered necessary some measure of relief to the pastoralists in the South Island, which was secured under the above Act. The parts of the country which suffered most were Canterbury and Otago, the other districts to a much less extent. The Land Boards made exhaustive inquiries into the losses of the settlers, as the members travelled about through the districts affected. The results, up to the 31st March, may be stated briefly as follows, though there are a few cases as yet undecided: — The number of tenants dealt with was 405, holding ... 7,312,796 acres. The stock depastured in 1895 was ... ... ... 2,344,850 head. The stock lost in excess of average was ... ... 699,559 „ The estimated value of such stock was ... ... £211,560 The number of cases where relief has been granted was .. 344 The nature of the relief granted is as follows : — Eemission of rent due ... ... ... ... £11,059 Eeduction of future rentals ... .. ... £16,383 Eemission of sheep-tax ... ... ... ... £772 The extension of leases varied from two years up to twenty-one years. Pastoeal Euns. A much larger number of pastoral runs has apparently been taken up during the past year, but those relet in Otago under the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act are included. The total number is 156, covering 2,109,971 acres. In Westland, eighty-two runs have been taken up under section 219 of the Act; this section provides for lands being held for a short term. The areas are small compared to the usual size of pastoral runs, as the eighty-two runs only cover an area of 22,524 acres. Owing to the provisions of the Midland Eailway contract, this is the only way in which these lands can be occupied at present. There were only thirty small grazing-runs selected, covering an area of 43,870 acres, mostly in Otago. During the present year a large number of the runs in Marlborough and Nelson will fall in, v/hich have been under lease for the last twenty-eight years, and these will be dealt with again so soon as the boundaries can be adjusted to suit the lay of the country, for which purpose topographical surveys have been in progress for some time past. In order to make the commencement of the leases fit in with shearing and other matters, arrangements have been made with the lessees to hold the runs until the end of February next; this will make them accord with all the other pastoral runs in the colony.

* The table attached to the report on the Land for Settlements Act, page 11, states the arrears of rents on all the settlements to be £480 2s. Bd. This sum has been reduced since 31st March last to £330 3s. 9d.

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The Cheviot Estate. It will be seen from Table 34 that fourteen lots were disposed of for cash, six on lease in perpetuity, eight on village homestead conditions, and two grazing farms during the year ending the 31st March last, covering an area of 3,952 acres. These comprised a few forfeited sections, some town and suburban sections, and one new grazing farm. Practically, with the exception of a few reserves and town lots, the whole of the estate has now been dealt with. Taking the balance of capital value of £274,107 carried forward from last year, and adding to it the expenditure during the year for roads, interest, cheese-factory, and expenses of landingservice, amounting altogether to £15,237, and deducting the rent received and accrued, price of land sold, and port charges, amounting to £17,618, we arrive at a balance for the present capital value of the estate of £271,726. This shows that the rentals and receipts more than cover the expenditure, which will be further reduced next year by the cessation of roadworks. The annual rent of the estate was, at 31st March, £14,367 ; and the arrears amounted to £130 7s. 3d., owing by six tenants out of the 216 who hold the estate. There was a profit on the landing-service of £127 12s. 6d. last year. Since the 31st March the roads and landing-service have been handed over to the Cheviot County Council, who will in future undertake the management of both, and expend a sum of £3,000 granted by the Government to complete the roads and drains. The reports speak well of the class of settlers who have taken up land on the estate, and of the large amount of work performed by them in improving the lands. Settlement Conditions, etc. All the Commissioners' reports refer to the large amount of improvements effected on lands which the Crown Lands Rangers inspected during the year. Taking the colony all through, the value of such improvements is considerably more than double that required by law. During the processes of settlement very large areas have been felled, burnt, and sown with grasses preparatory to carrying either sheep or cattle. In the matter of clearing, &c, there are very few of the Crown tenants behind-hand, though residence is not so fully carried out. There are reasons connected with the difficulty of access that induce settlers to put off till the last moment allowed by law the removal of their families to their sections. In bush country this limit of time is four years. Even at the end of that time it frequently happens, in interior blocks, that sections can only be approached by bridle-roads. This cause more than any other tends to make compliance with the residential conditions more onerous than others relating to improvement. The staff of Crown Lands Eangers consists of eighteen officers, who have to visit the various properties held on conditions of improvement at least once a year, for many years after the land is selected. They are often called on to perform other duties in addition, which necessitates drawing on the strength of the Survey officers to keep the work up to date. Although the work of inspection is more forward now than has been the case for some time, there are still arrears in some districts. The inspection of the estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Act will entail closer inspection than do ordinary Crown lands, for the properties are more valuable, and likely to deteriorate if the conditions are not strictly observed. At present the Crown Lands Eangers are performing this work in addition to their other duties, and, from the extracts given of their reports to be found in the Appendix, it will be seen that a large amount of improvement has taken place on these properties, which in many instances are now carrying a considerable population where but few individuals were to be seen before the estates became Crown property. The close and constant inspection of the forest districts of the north has disclosed the necessity for it, for many depredations have been detected, and the defaulters brought to account. This has resulted in a considerable augmentation of the territorial revenue. In Westland, most of the inspections are confined to timber licenses, of which particulars are given in the Commissioner's report. The properties inspected during the year numbered between 4,000 and 5,000, and the value of the improvements on these is considerably more than double what the law requires. An attempt has been made in Table 3 to show the area of bush felled on lands sold or leased by the Crown to the 31st March last, but great difficulties surround the question, therefore the figures there given must be taken as very rough approximations. Revaluations. As stated in last year's report, the operations under " The Selectors' Land Revaluation Act, 1892," had at that time practically ceased. Only one transaction took place during the past year, which had remained over from the previous year. The total transactions, therefore, under this Act may be summarised as follows : — Total loss in capital value ... ... ... ... ... £169,497 Total loss in rental values ... ... ... ... ... £2,383 State Poeests. At the date of last report the area that had been reserved for all classes of timber reserves amounted to 1,150,918 acres. During the current year 60 acres in Marlborough, and 4,980 acres in Southland, have been withdrawn from reservation for settlement purposes. On the other hand, 18,504 acres have been reserved for forest, for planting, for preservation of native fauna and flora, and for scenic purposes, so that the total now stands at 1,164,382 acres. The largest areas reserved, as already referred to, were on the shores of Lake Waikaremoana, and the Little Barrier Islands. A good deal of the timber scorched by fires in previous years has been disposed of during the year, especially in the Thames district, where disastrous fires occurred in past years in the kauri forests, destroying large quantities of valuable timber, and leaving much other timber in a state that necessitated sale to avoid a total loss. The principal sales have been in the Auckland district, where, on account of the greater dryness of the climate, and the inflammability of the kauri forests, the

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greatest damage to the forests occur. The last summer having been especially dry, the forests have suffered in consequence, and, in the Puhipuhi State Forest especially, a considerable amount of kauri timber has been injured. Since the returns 'were made up on the 31st March, all this damaged timber, together with that injured in the great fire some years ago, has been disposed of at remunerative prices. The extension of the railway line from Whangarei towards Puhipuhi had rendered the sale possible. Large fires have occurred in other parts of the colony also, so that besides the denudation of the country of its forest-clothing by the operations of settlement, considerable areas are rendered waste by accidental fires. Where the country is otherwise useless for settlement, it would seem to be a wise policy to replant these areas with useful timbers, selected for their ability to withstand fires. Something is being done, and has been done in the past, in sowing the burnt areas with grass; and the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Southland, is taking in hand some of the bush areas from which the timber has been cut out, and replanting them with young timbertrees. The result of this experiment will be looked forward to with interest. Preparations are also making to try tree-planting on the bare Kaingaroa Plains in the Auckland district, as well as in Otago. Such operations might be extended with great advantage to the country, for the timbersupply is fast diminishing by the operations of settlement. The licenses for kauri-gum digging issued during the past period numbered 115, and the fees received amounted to £57 10s. Eeseeves. Particulars of the reserves made for public purposes will be found in Table 27. The following summarises them under a few different headings :— Acres. Eecreation ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 241 Primary and secondary education ... ... ... ... 39,348 School sites ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 308 Forest reserves, plantations, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 1,754 For preservation of native fauna, timber, and for scenic purposes ... 16,750 Thermal springs ... ... ... ... ... ... 580 For use of aboriginal natives ... ... ..." ... ... 805 Miscellaneous reserves ... ... ... ... ... ... 308 A much larger area has been reserved for education endowments this last year than usual, which is mainly due to the fact that the percentage of Crown lands which should be reserved pari passu with the disposal of the Crown lands for settlement has been brought up to date. Attention has been given also during the past year to preserving places of scenic or historical interest, with which may generally be combined reserves of wooded places for climatic purposes. An area of 8,300 acres was thus reserved along the eastern shores of Lake Waikaremoana, a lake which presents features of peculiar beauty quite unlike any other in the colony, and, of its class, certainly the most beautiful we have. The western and northern shores of this lake are within Tuhoe-land, or the Urewera Country; they are wooded to the water's edge, and very broken, hence it is probable that the forests will continue untouched, even if the land itself remains in the hands of its Native owners. The Little Barrier Island, of which particulars were given in last year's report, has now been reserved permanently for the purpose of preserving the native fauna and flora, the area so reserved amounting to 6,960 acres. The 580 acres reserved under the head of " Thermal Springs " consists of a piece of wooded country up the Nuhaka River, Hawke's Bay, where some valuable springs were discovered a few years ago. Under " The Reserves Disposal and Exchange Act, 1895," of last session power was given to the Public Trustee to exchange a block of land of about 4,200 acres on which is situated the Patua Mountain, near New Plymouth, for other Crown lands of equal value, with the idea of preserving this fine mountain in its native state, and of converting it into a national park. Circumstances have arisen, however, which prevented the completion of the negotiations for exchange that had been initiated; but it is hoped the object of the Act may yet be accomplished. The Board constituted under "The Tongariro National Park Act, 1894," has not as yet met, there having been no necessity to call the members together. Should the proposals to set aside a small sum for some necessary works be assented to, it is hoped facilities will thereby be offered to tourists next summer to visit the mountains and the hot springs to be found there with much more ease than at present. The land around the fine falls at Wairere, Upper Thames, has been purchased by the Land Purchase Department, and is now the property of the Crown. It should be reserved permanently, for the sake of the scenery. A report will be found in the Appendix from R. Henry, the caretaker at Resolution Island, giving some information as to his proceedings during the year in the way of introducing birds from the mainland on to the island. The Commissioner of Crown Lands points out the significant fact that the ferrets are believed to have made their way over the mountains to Dusky Sound, the consequence of which will be that all the native birds in that locality will disappear. The reservation of Resolution Island, and the transportation of some of the birds from the mainland, was made none too soon. Native Townships Act. The above Act was passed last session, and under its provisions arrangements have been made for securing two valuable sites. The first is at Pipiriki, on the Wanganui River, fifty-six miles from the town of Wanganui, at the point where the main road from Napier strikes the river. A little under 500 acres is the area which the Maoris have agreed to hand over, and the survey of this is about completed. It will provide building-sites on long leases, besides reserves for public purposes. The second site, where arrangements have been concluded wiih the Maori owners, is at Tokaanu. at the south end of Lake Taupo, where an area of about 500 acres is now being divided into

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building-sites and suburban areas. This place will become of considerable importance in the future, as here are grouped some very fine thermal springs, offering great facilities for the erection of baths and other buildings, with a good supply of cold water, easily obtained. The ease with which Tokaanu may be reached from the neighbourhood of Cook Straits must render this place a favourite resort for invalids who suffer from all forms of rheumatism, whilst the fine scenery of Lake Taupo, its fishing, shooting, and boating, will make it attractive to others. It is also a convenient point from which to make excursions to the Tongariro National Park. The Act provides that the proceeds from the leases go to the Maori owners of the soil, after defraying the expenses connected with survey and administration. Thermal Speings. The establishments at the various hot springs under the direction of the Lands Department have continued much the same as at date of last report. The group of springs, a little distance up the Nuhaka River, in northern Hawke's Bay, which are only just coming into notice, have had some attention paid to them. They are now accessible by a bridle-road, whilst a considerable area of land has been reserved round them to conserve the forest. These springs are used to a certain extent, but in the future, as access to populated centres becomes more easy, they are certain to be used by numbers of people. Arrangements have been made to lease 7 acres near the springs for twenty-one years, as an inducement to erect an accommodation house, and an additional 20 acres has been leased for paddocks. The lessee is to be caretaker of the springs, and is allowed to charge approved fees for the use of the baths he may erect; other baths are free. The Government has acquired through the Land Purchase Department some valuable hot springs, fumaroles, and solfataras, near Orakei-korako, on the upper Waikato, including the famous Alum Cave. In times to come, and after the opening of the Wai-o-tapu to Wairakei Eoad, this is likely to be a place of considerable resort for tourists. The purchase includes some " terraces " which are in process of formation. Another and more valuable purchase has been acquired by the same department near Eotorua —viz., two portions of the Whakarewarewa Block, containing the geysers and a number of valuable hot springs. The part acquired by the Government is in two portions, one on each side of the Native village. In order to protect the geysers from the acts of unscrupulous persons—who were fast diminishing the attractiveness of the place by their lust for " specimens " —a caretaker has been temporarily employed, whose duty it is to protect the place and act as guide. The great geyser, Waikite, has been quiescent for some time ; its cessation of action is said to be due to visitors throwing stones into the orifice. It is believed this can be remedied, and Mr. Malfroy is engaged in attempting to do this now. It has become a practice of late years to incite action in some of the geysers by the application of soap, which usually has the effect required, but, no doubt, to the injury of the geysers. Much speculation has been indulged in as to the cause of this phenomenon, and, therefore, the following extract from the " Smithsonian Report" for 1892 will probably be of interest. Mr. Arnold Hague, in treating of similar action in the geysers of the Yellowstone National Park, says:— "If soap or lye is thrown into most of the small pools, a viscous fluid is formed; and viscosity is, I think, the principal cause in hastening geyser action. Viscosity must tend to the retention of the steam within the basin, and, as in the case of super-heated waters, where the temperature stands at or above the boiling-point, explosive liberation must follow. All alkaline solutions, whether in the laboratory or in nature, exhibit, by reason of this viscosity, a tendency to bump and boil irregularly. • Viscosity in these hot springs must also tend to the formation of bubbles and foam when the steam rises to the surface, and this in turn aids to bring about the explosive action, followed by a relief of pressure, and thus to hasten the final and more powerful display. Of course, relief of pressure of the superincumbent waters upon the column of water below the surface basin is essential to all eruptive action. These conditions, it seems to me, are purely physical. Undoubtedly the fatty substances contained in soap aid the alkali in rendering the water viscous. If visitors to the Park could have their way, the beautiful blue springs and basins of geysers would be 'in the suds' constantly throughout the season. Throwing anything into the springs is now prohibited by the Government authorities ; it is certainly detrimental to their preservation, and the practice cannot be too strongly condemned by all interested in the National Reservation." At Rotorua, the well-known Hamurana cold springs have also been acquired, together with a considerable area around them. These springs are a source of attraction to tourists, and their acquisition will do away with the tolls hitherto charged sight-seers by the Maoris. Further leases in the town and suburbs of Rotorua were disposed of during the year—that is, thirty-eight leases, of an area of 155 acres, and also a few rural allotments in the Thermal Springs Reserve at Hanmer were likewise leased. With respect to the baths at Rotorua, the sulphur bath at the spot named " Postmaster " has been completed, and is now very much used for rheumatic patients. A ladies' swimming bath is now under construction near the Priest bath, which will supply a long-felt want, and make the accommodation for visitors equal to requirements. A settling tank has been built on the line of water supply, which will materially improve the quality of the water. The question of the drainage of the Town of Rotorua is becoming daily of more importance as the population increases. Proposals towards attaining this end have been submitted, and are now under consideration. The Hanmer baths in northern Canterbury continue to attract a large number of visitors, both for the sake of the thermal waters, and for recreation. ■ The plantations are now well forward, and have made the place very attractive. The great drawback in the case of invalids is the want of accommodation close to the springs. Were this supplied, no , doubt the number of visitors would be largely increased. It is believed that the reason why private enterprise has not undertaken to supply this want is the difficulty of obtaining a license.

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The following table shows the number of baths taken at Rotorua and Hanmer:—

Reports on both establishments, and one from Dr. Little, medical attendant at Hanmer, will be found in the Appendix. Connected with the subject of the thermal springs, as attractions to the tourist, it may be mentioned as a cognate subject that the well-known establishment called "The Hermitage," situated at the base of Mount Cook, in the Canterbury district, has become the property of the Crown during the year. It was found that the place was likely to be closed, owing to difficulties the proprietors found in working the place, and, therefore, rather than that such a popular resort should be lost to the public, the Government took it over. It is now under a caretaker appointed by the Government, who provides accommodation to those wishing to enjoy the magnificent scenery that is to be found there in perfection. The place at present labours under the disadvantage of bad access. On this being remedied, and a faster coach service provided—which will naturally follow better roads —the place will be the resort of numbers of people, who, from there, can visit the grand glaciers and other wonders of the Southern Alps with ease and satisfaction. Another thermal-spring establishment is gradually forcing its way into public notice, viz.— that situated on the Waingaro Eiver, not far from Whaingaroa Harbour, and access to which has been much improved of late years by increasing the width of the old bridle-track from near Ngaruawahia, on the Waikato. Vehicles can now reach the springs, though the road is still too narrow. The springs are vested in the local Eoad Board. There is a comfortable hotel here, of twelve rooms, and this last year a new concrete bath has been built, 12ft. by 12ft., the heat of which is easily regulated from a good cold-water supply. There is also a ladies' bath attached to the establishment. Territorial Eevenue. The usual particulars as to the revenue will be found in the appended Table 26, which is supplemented by the following figures and quotations from the report of the Auditor of Land Eevenue: — " The total amount of revenue which passed through the cash-books of Eeceivers during the financial year amounted to £345,331 3s. 6d., being £45,108 11s. 2d. less than the amount received during the preceding year. Of this sum, £291,673 9s. 10d. consisted of territorial revenue, being an increase of £1,673 9s. 10d. over the estimate, but £24,493 Is. lid. less than the receipts from the same sources during the preceding financial year. " The difference between the receipts on account of territorial revenue and the sum passed through the books of the Eeceivers consisted of receipts on account of Thermal Springs, State Forests, Cheviot Estate, Land for Settlements, Government Loans to Local Bodies, Ellesmere Trust, &c. " A large proportion of the decrease in revenue is, in a great measure, due to the operations of ' The Pastoral Tenants' Eelief Act, 1895,' which provided for giving relief to settlers who suffered loss in consequence of the bad weather experienced in the mountainous districts of the South Island."

Comparative Statement of the Receipts on Account of Land Revenue for the Financial Years 1894-95 and 1895-96.

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.892. 1893. 1894. .895. .896. Place. No. of Baths. Fees. No. of Baths. Pees. No. of Baths. Fees. No. of Baths. Fees. No. of Baths. Pees. ,otorua 17,521 7,311 £ s. 277 13 258 17 a. 0 8 £ s. a. £ s. 17,838 288 7 017,032 313 4 7,530 242 19 2 6,923 217 18 a. 6 5 23,196 6,306 £ a. 434 11 202 17 a. 3 6 18,906 7,781 £ s. 502 17 240 4 a. 0 8 [anmer

District. 1894-1895. 1895-1896. Surplus, 1895-1896. Deficiency, 1895-1896. Auckland Taranaki Hawke's Bay Wellington ... Marlborough Nelson Westland Canterbury ... Otago Southland £ s. 23,489 17 30,928 6 18,477 16 66,916 19 12,775 13 24,107 3 1,140 9 56,636 10 65,706 1 16,082 14 a. 4 9 9 8 2 4 8 0 0 1 £ s d. 24,799 6 2 31,928 5 9 20,938 14 6 60,537 11 4 8,993 3 7 17,026 18 10 1,042 12 10 48,287 10 1 61,215 2 9 16,904 4 0 £ s. a. 1,309 8 10 1,094 19 0 2,460 17 9 £ s. d. 6,379 8 4 3,782 9 7 7,080 4 6 97 16 10 8,348 19 11 4,490 18 3 821' 9 11 316,166 11 291,673 9 : 9 10 291,673 9 10 5,686 15 6 30,179 17 5,686 15 5 6 Net deficiency ... £24,493 1 11 £24,493 1 11

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£ b. a

Eeceipts for 1894-95 .. ... ... ... ... 316,166 11 9 Eeceipts for 1895-96 ... ... ..., ... ... 291,673 9 10 Deficiency, 1895-96 ... ... ... ... £24,493 1 11 Actual receipts, 1895-96 ... ... ... ... 291,673 9 10 Estimated revenue, 1895-96 ... ... ... ... 290,000 0 0 In excess of estimate ... ... ... ... £1,673 910 Mr. O'Hara Smith has been able to reduce the balances in the Receivers' deposit accounts from £19,952 9s. 10d. on the 31st March, 1894, to £6,703 16s. 4d. on the 31st March, 1896. These deposits are made generally with applications for lands thrown open for selection before survey, and can only be brought to charge on completion of survey and maps. It is satisfactory to see this very considerable reduction, and consequent transfer to revenue, besides the emergence from a state of some confusion into which this difficult account had got a few years ago. So far as can be predicted, the revenue for the ensuing year will show a decline, for the reductions under " The Pastoral Tenants' Eelief Act, 1895," must necessarily affect the revenue for some years to come ; moreover, the acquisition of freeholds of land held under deferred payment and perpetual lease with right of purchase have been considerable lately, and in a few years revenue from this source will die out. The number of selectors on the books of the department at the 31st March last was 15,683, against every one of whom separate accounts have to be kept, and about 10,000 properties inspected each year. Obviously these two branches alone imply a great deal of book-keeping and correspondence. Aeeeaes. As in previous years, the arrears are a great trouble to the Commissioners, but, energetic measures on their part, backed by the Land Boards, have had the effect of reducing the amount this last year. No doubt this is also partly due to other causes as well, such as the increased price for produce and the gradual extinction of certain classes of holdings on which arrears were possible. The following table is taken from that of last year's report and extended to include the period just closed: — 31st March, 1889 ... ... .. 3,862 selectors were owing £44,533 1890 ... ... ... 3,755 „ „ 52,891 1891 ... ... ... 3,548 „ „ 37,341 1892 2,612 „ „ 25,256 1893 ... ... ... 3,382 „ „ 28,875 1894 ... ... ... 3,104 „ „ 32,205 1895 ... ... ... 3,594 „ „ 37,514 1896 ... ... ... 1,673 „ „ 15,708 This shows a satisfactory diminution, both as to amount, and the number of selectors in arrears with their rents. In the Hawke's Bay district the arrears were of the trifling amount of £21 15s. 9d., owing by six selectors ; and in Marlborough only one selector, owing £5 3s. 5d., was behindhand.

SUEVEYS. The table below shows in brief form a summary of the survey work performed by the department during the year ended the 31st March last; details for each district will be found in the appendices. CosfprX, Total Cost. £ s. d. £ s. d. Minor triangulation and Topographical Survey ... 2,535,708 acres 0 0 0-86 9,176 1110 Topographical surveys, for selection purposes ... 18,500 „ 0 0 842 649 10 7 Rural and suburban section surveys (3,263 sections) 584,618 „ 0 1 5-64 43,029 11 7 Town section surveys (659 sections) ... ... 1,053 „ 12 442* 737 1 3 Native Land Court "surveys (74 divisions) ... 145,834 „ 0 0 5-57 3,387 3 8 Mining surveys (1,239 sections) ... ... 77,677 „ 0 5 7-44 21,858 15 0 Roads, &c. (590-84 miles), per mile ... ... ... 12 5 6-00 7,257 9 0 Miscellaneous surveys, inspection, &c. ... ... ... ... 7,925 8 6 Total cost of field-work completed during the twelve months ... £94,021 11 5 Of the total sum shown above, the cost of the mining surveys is deposited by the miners, the surveys being made under the direction of the department, and, in the majority of cases, by the authorised surveyors outside the Government staff. The cost of the Native Land Court surveys is made a charge on the lands affected, and is either recouped when the lands are acquired by the Crown, or the amounts remain as mortgages on the land until paid off. The main item in the above table, as in every similar one, is the cost of the section surveys made in order to place selectors in possession of their lands. This cost varies very little from year to year, but last year it was higher per acre by 2'B2d. than the average for the last six years. The average-sized section surveyed last year was 179 acres, and the cost per acre —Is. 5'64d. —cannot be looked on as heavy, in view of the

* Cost per section.

TUHOE LAND Comiled from Topographical Surveys by Messrs Philips, Foster, Baber, Clayton & Mouat

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fact that the bulk of the land dealt with was rough bush country, and in remote districts. The cost shown above is that of the completed work as it leaves the hands of the surveyors, already mapped and ready for examination and compilation. Teigonometeical and Topographical Sueveys. A noticeable feature in the transactions of the past year is the greatly increased area that has been completed under this heading. It will be seen that 2,535,708 acres have been surveyed this year as against 451,821 acres the previous year. The bulk of this work lies in the districts of Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, and Southland. In Auckland, Mr. T. K. Thompson completed the triangulation of that long stretch of country lying between Eangaunu Bay and the North Cape, into which the true meridian had never been extended before. By the completion of this work, we now have a chain of triangles from the North Cape to Stewart Island. The largest continuous area surveyed was that known as the Urewera Country, where about a million acres was triangulated, and the topographical features roughly put in. The survey was one of a very onerous character, and reflects great credit on the officers concerned, Messrs. L. Cussen, J. T. Philips, A. L. Foster, J. Mouatt, and C. Clayton, who suffered considerable hardships, owing to the very rough nature of the forest-clad country in which the work is situated, combined with the very bad weather prevailing during the last winter. The rough Native tracks through this country made transport a matter of great difficulty, to which must be added the hostile attitude of the Maoris during the earlier stages of the work. The survey has resulted, however, in supplying a fairly good topographical map of a portion of the colony of which very little had hitherto been delineated beyond the rough sketches made by travellers or military forces passing through it. A map will be found appended which gives the main features of the country. It is exceedingly rough, with few exceptions covered with forest, and generally unsuited for settlement, excepting, perhaps, a few square miles on the upper branches of the Waiau Eiver. The scenery, however, is very fine in parts, and the road now in course of construction through the heart of the country will allow of this being seen to advantage. The Urewera or Tuhoe Tribe, that occupies the country, at first offered opposition to the survey, and gave a good deal of trouble; but, on the Government showing its determination to have the work carried through, they finally ceased their opposition and allowed the work to proceed to its completion. Thus the last area of any size in the North Island has become subject to the ruling process of triangulation. InTaranaki a considerable area has been triangulated in connection with surveys in progress, and the work is being extended by Mr. Skeet to cover the remaining part of that district as yet not triangulated. A large area has also been covered in Wellington by Mr. Lowe, but, as the work is not yet mapped, it doss not appear in this year's returns. In the South Island, the falling-in of many run leases in 1896 had rendered necessary a trigonometrical and topographical survey of the greater part of the Marlborough District south of Blenheim, a work which has been in progress by Messrs. Smith, Carkeek, Gillies, Buckridge, and Hughes for some time; the work completed during the season comprising 404,000 acres, in addition to about 250,000 acres complete in the field but not yet mapped. In connection with the above work, a great deal of detail surveying of boundaries had to be done, in order that an adjustment of run boundaries may be made when the time comes for rearranging the leases. The country is extremely rough and mountainous, and a great deal of it covered with snow in winter. In Southland an extension of the triangulation westward of the Waiau Eiver has been carried on to cover the surveys which will be necessary to give effect to proposals for supplying land to the landless Maoris of the South Island ; with the same object, the Stewart Island triangulation has been pushed forward in the south-east part of that island. It is a matter of regret that more of the topographical information accumulated in the department is not published for the use of the public, as is done in other countries; but the staff of draughtsmen at the head office have their whole time occupied in other work, and, moreover, the ill-adapted building now occupied by the photo-lithographic branch would render it at present impracticable. Exploeations. Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.E., has added something to the geography of the colony during the past season, as he did in the preceeding one, but he was extremely unfortunate as to weather, and therefore was unable to carry out fully his intentions. Starting from the head of Dusky Sound, he made his way with three companions for several miles up the Mackenzie Eiver, the outlet of which into the sound had been reported by Mr. Henry, the caretaker at Eesolution Island, the previous year. The river appears to be a fine stream, navigable for boats for some miles by making portages at some of the cataracts. A lake—Lake Ida—was discovered, and a fine stream coming into the Mackenzie from the east, one of which may turn out to be that followed in the previous years' explorations, but Mr. Mackenzie does not commit himself to a positive statement on the subject. Had the weather not been so bad, and a boat available at Lake Manapouri, the party would probably have made their way through. Mr. Mackenzie has been good enough to supply an account of his journey, which, together with a map, will be found in the appendix. A couple of years ago, the Alpine Club, of London, through the Secretary of State for the Colonies, drew attention to the advisability of making periodical observations on the glaciers in different parts of the world. In this country, the approval of the Government was obtained to allow the officers of the Survey Department, as opportunity occurred, to make exact observations of the phenomena connected with our glaciers. From time to time such observations have been published in the annual report of this department, and again this year there will be found in the appendix some measurements of the Fox Glacier, on the west coast of the South Island, made by Mr. Assistant Surveyor Wilson, which show the alterations going on, and the (comparatively) rapid descent of the glacier towards its terminal face. Mr. Wilson has given his points of observation with mathematic precision, so as to render comparison in the future a matter of certainty. It will be interesting to again compare observations made of the same points in a few years hence.

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Some interesting notes will also be found in the appendix relating to the Cook Eiver district, of Westland, and the Fox Glacier, which lies at the head of that river and its branches. These notes are by Mr. C. Douglas, who was for some time engaged as an explorer for the department, and whose experiences of the wild west coast of the Middle Island render his observations of value. District Surveyor Brodrick also furnishes (in the appendix) some notes on the passes over the Southern Alps near Mount Cook, and Mr. Matheson gives an account of his passage over the mountains by a pass discovered by Mr. Brodrick in 1890, in which he (Mr. Matheson) succeeded in taking his pack-horses over the Alps. This is a pass which can probably be made passable for horses, as it is only 5,300 ft. above sea-level, as against 7,180 ft. on the pass that Mr. E. A. Fitzgerald crossed in 1895, as described in his paper read before the Royal Geographical Society in January last. Closer inspection, however, must determine whether it is possible, by a reasonable expenditure, to make a horse-track here, such as could be used by tourists : that horses can be taken over was proved by Mr. Matheson. In connection with Mr. E. A. Fitzgerald's paper above referred to, it is somewhat amusing to learn from it that he claims to have been the first to cross the Southern Alps. Mr. Brodrick crossed the Alps twice, once, a little to the north and once a little to the south of where Mr. Fitzgerald crossed ; and Messrs. Pringle passed over to the West Coast by the Scaly Pass, a little to the north of the Fitzgerald Pass. The probability is Mr. Fitzgerald confines the term " Southern Alps " to the immediate neighbourhood of Mount Cook; this, however, is not correct. It is to be regretted that Mr. Fitzgerald does not think it necessary to acknowledge the courtesy of the New Zealand Government in supplying the materials for the map which accompanies his paper. Settlement Surveys. Owing to the number of subdivisions under the Land for Settlements Act, the output of sections surveyed for settlement purposes shows an increase during the past period, though the area is less than that of the year before, the numbers being—for 1895, 3,178 sections, area 716,615 acres; for 1896, 3,263 sections, area 584,618 acres. The greater part of this area is situated in forestcovered country, frequently in difficult back districts ; the cost per acre—ls. s'64d.—is therefore not great. Much of this class of survey is undertaken by the authorised surveyors outside the Government staff, especially in cases where the survey-fees are deposited with applications for lands thrown open before survey. The permanent staff has also been augmented by the employment of several gentlemen engaged for a time and paid at a yearly rate. Great care is taken in the selection of roadlines to give access to the lands surveyed; the modern system of properly-graded roads has long superseded the primitive ridge-roads which have given so much trouble in the past. There are great difficulties in securing the best lines in a forest-clad broken country, and it often occurs that after the lands have been cleared and occupied, and when a horseman can ride in comfort over the country, that improvements in road-lines can be seen. Under these circumstances the original surveyors are often blamed by those who see the country in its cleared and settled aspect, and the difficulties the surveyors had to contend with when the country was under forest, and where every step had to be hewn out of a dense thicket, is forgotten. Perhaps one of the most marked features of the history of surveying in this country is the improvement in respect to the road-lines of later days. In the rough forest country that the department has now to deal with, the question of selecting boundaries of sections that admit of the greatest facility of fencing has to be carefully considered, and very generally now, such lines are adopted, instead of the rigid long straight lines which, though shorter, and therefore at first view costing less to fence, are in reality more expensive, owing to the difficulty of conveying material on to the line. It is to the credit of the surveyors that so little trouble arises through errors in boundaries; such cases do arise occasionally, for no human work can be perfect, but the percentage on the whole is infinitesimal. There is a considerable amount of work in hand for the ensuing season in all the districts, and some of the lands acquired of late years by the Land Purchase Department from the Maoris will be taken in hand so soon as there is a chance of getting funds to open up roads to the blocks. It has been frequently pointed out that the only lands available in the future for ordinary settlement are rough forest lands, more suitable for pastoral than agricultural purposes. Outside any lands that may be acquired under the Land for Settlements Act, the agricultural lands of the Crown are practically nil. Very roughly, the area of Crown lands left is about sixteen million acres; but the bulk of it is extremely mountainous, often snow-covered, and unfit for settlement of any kind. In this area are included the lakes of the colony. Some lands in the King-country will probably be taken in hand preparatory to settlement this year, besides some considerable areas in the interior of Wellington and Taranaki, in the North Island. In the South Island a good deal of country will probably be dealt with in southern Marlborough, where the pastoral leases are falling in, and such parts as are suitable, and can be taken up for closer settlement without depriving the runs of country necessary to work them, will be surveyed. In Canterbury there still remains to be surveyed a considerable area of lands, which were alienated some years ago, and this will be taken in hand as opportunity offers. A good deal of section-survey work will be required also in connection with the lands for landless Natives in Otago and Southland. Native Land Coubt Subveys. The area completed for the purposes of the Court was 389,596 acres, and consisted of the survey of 146 divisions to carry out the orders made. Of this amount, 145,834 acres in 74 divisions were surveyed at the cost of the Government, on the application of the Native owners, or of the Land Purchase Department, to cut off areas awarded to the Crown, the balance of the area having been surveyed under the direction of the department, by authorised surveyors, for the applicants themselves. There is a very considerable decrease in the applications for surveys under this heading, due partly to the alterations in the Native land laws, and partly to the fact that private individuals can no longer acquire lands from the Maoris at rates which will allow them to compete in ttis market with the easy terms offered to settlers by Government.

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Mining Surveys. A very noticeable feature in the survey returns of this year is the remarkable increase in surveys under this head. In 1895, the area surveyed was 4,959 acres; for the year ended 31st March last, the area is 11 fill, divided into 1,239 areas. Five-sixths of this amount is situated in the Thames District, Auckland, where the new process of extracting the precious metals from the ore has led to an extraordinary expansion of gold-mining, and a consequent rush to acquire mining areas. The whole of these surveys are made by the authorised surveyors, nominated by the miners, though all the plans have to be recorded, checked, and compiled in the Survey Office, Auckland, a work which, in addition to ordinary duties, has taxed the department considerably. The Chief Surveyor, Auckland, reports that there appears to be no diminution in the number of applications ; thirty surveyors being engaged at the present time in surveying the applications. The cost of these surveys is defrayed by the miners. There has also been an increase in this class of work in the Nelson District, but it is trifling compared with Auckland. Eoad Surveys, etc. Under this heading a slightly-increased mileage has been turned out — 5908 miles as against 542-2 miles for the previous period. These surveys are independent of the roads laid out in settlement blocks, and, as usual, consist in main or branch roads taken to give access to other lands, or are the through main roads of the country surveyed to place the titles on a proper footing. The work of legalising the formed roads in some parts of the Wellington District has been advanced during the year by the survey and record of fifty-six miles of road. This work should be almost completed during the present year. The mean cost of this class of work last year was £12 ss. 6d. per mile, a result due to much of the country being open and not very broken. Some exploration for a main road which will eventually lead in a tolerably direct line from Gisborne to Eotorua has been done, and the fact that a fair line can be obtained has been proved. Miscellaneous Work. The cost under this heading covers all classes of work done by the field staff which cannot be entered under other headings. It consists of field inspection, assisting in inspection of improvement conditions on selected lands, explorations, sundry small surveys, attendance at Native Land Courts, reports or special services, road supervision, engineering surveys, supervision of settlement operations, &c. The cost was £7,925. Board op Examiners for Surveyors. In order to assimilate the ature of the examinations for surveyors, advantage has been taken of the power given in the Land Act to appoint a general Board of Examiners to conduct the examinations hitherto held by the Chief Surveyors of each district. The Chief Surveyors still remain supervisors in eaoh centre. The regulations were gazetted sth March of this year. The Board of Examiners consists of the persons for the time being holding the respective offices of the Surveyor-General, the Dnder-Secretary for Lands, the Assistant Surveyor-General, the Inspecting Engineer Mines Department, the Chief Surveyor for the Land District of Hawke's Bay, the Chief Surveyor for the Land District of Canterbury. The Surveyor-General is chairman of the Board, and Mr. T. M. Grant, of the Head Office, has been appointed secretary. Examinations after the first one will be held in the months of March and September of each year, on dates to be fixed by the Board and notified in the New Zealand Gazette; they will take place at the principal Survey Office of each land district in which there are candidates for examination. The Board has been in communication with similar Boards in the neighbouring colonies, and, while studying the particular requirements of New Zealand, it has aimed at some uniformity, in the mode and standard of the examination papers set, with the curriculum demanded by the other Examining Boards of the Australasian Colonies. The regulations are framed to allow of men of varied surveying and engineering attainments entering the ranks of the profession; but, the technical knowledge of the land surveyor and the actual experience under the New Zealand system being insisted upon as a sine qud non, the status of the authorised surveyors in this colony is upheld and a uniformity of qualification insured. In order to conserve the interests and to do justice to surveyors who had served what might be called an "informal training," extending perhaps over many years, and also to meet the cases of those surveyors who have passed in other Australasian Colonies, the following clauses were inserted in the Eegulations :— "Upon payment of a fee of £1 Is. a certificate of competency without examination may be granted by the Board to any person who makes application therefor in writing, and satisfies the Board that he is of good character and repute, and also, — " (a.) That he is a duly-authorised surveyor under ' The Land Act, 1877 '; or " (b.) That, being the holder of a license or certificate as surveyor granted by any institute or authority outside New Zealand recognised by the Board as sufficient, he has practised as a surveyor or a surveyor's assistant in New Zealand for at least six months, and is familiar with the Survey Eegulations ; or " (c.) That he has practised as a surveyor or a surveyor's assistant in New Zealand for not less than eight years, possesses adequate practical professional knowledge and skill, and is familiar with the Survey Eegulations : " Provided that no application under this subclause (c) shall be granted after the Ist day of March, 1898." By the last paragraph it will be seen that, after a given time, such cases will no longer come under the consideration of the Board.

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The first meeting of the Board was held on Ist April, 1896, when the date of the first examination was fixed on 15th June following. The details of the marks to be allotted to subjects for examination were settled. Seven applications for certificates were disposed of, after going minutely into the merits of each case, some applicants being required to pass a " full " and some a " partial" examination. The second meeting was held on 9th June, 1896, at which time eleven applications were carefully considered and disposed of. At the examination held on the 15th June, 1896, only four candidates actually presented themselves for full examination, owing to various circumstances, and the results of this examination are not yet known. A number of the applicants for certificates are not possessed of the required amount of actual field experience, hence they are not competent to come up for examination at once. So far, there have been two certificates granted without examination, the Board being convinced of the capacity and attainments of the applicants. A complete alphabetical list, carefully revised, of all the existing authorised surveyors of the colony, giving their full names, has been compiled and published. A similar list giving the addresses of the different surveyors has also been compiled, and is kept at the Head Office. EOADS, ETC. The work done by the department under this heading may be summarised into three classes — Main roads, district roads, and improved-farm settlements. The length of main roads maintained during the year is 1,348 miles, and the net cost £27,959. The district roads are of two kinds—dray-roads and horse-roads. Of the former 345 miles were constructed, and of the latter miles, together with 101 bridges, of an aggregate span of 8,442 ft. There were also 234 miles of district dray-roads maintained or improved, and 59 miles of horseroads. Engineering surveys to enable contracts to be carried out were made of 562 miles. The mileage of construction and maintenance, and the expenditure in each land district, are:— Auckland ... 876-55 miles; £61,576 Otago ... 178-70 miles; £17,976 Hawke'sßay 125-79 „ 9,736 Southland ... 60-46 „ 18,960 Taranaki "... 274-46 „ 40,041 Wellington ... 701-53 „ 62,135 Total ... ... 247,407 Nelson ... 251-09 „ 13,930 Less recoveries ... 514 Marlborough 76-08 „ 3,986 Westland ... 125-60 „ 9,463 £246,893 Canterbury ... 224-57 „ 9,604 "— The new roads formed during the year, and which are included in the foregoing statement, are:— Auckland ... ... 220-10 miles Marlborough... ... 26-40 miles Hawke'sßay ... 23-51 „ Westland ... ... 38-41 „ Taranaki ... ... 113-34 „ Canterbury ... ... 7-18 „ Wellington ... ... 148-69 „ Otago ... ... 61-38 „ Nelson ... ... 21-10 „ Southland ... ... 5270 „ It is, of course, on these roads that the greater part of the cost is incurred. The total net expenditure on roads leading to or passing through Crown lands or lands recently alienated is £203,024. Of this sum the Lands Improvement Account was charged with £109,882. The sum of £28,343 was raised under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act; £54,588 was expended on Native lands recently acquired, £5,471 on the Cheviot Estate, and £4,740 on roads to give access to lands purchased under the Land for Settlements Acts. It is reported that 1,383,886 acres have been made partially fit for settlement by this expenditure. The work was done mainly by settlers on the lands leased or otherwise disposed of by the Crown, and on the co-operative principle. The average number of men employed during the year was 1,572, and the average rate of pay earned was 6s. l£d. per day of eight hours. Some dissatisfaction was expressed by the workmen because of alleged defective administration, and inquiries were held into the causes. The complaints resolved themselves mainly into objections to intermittent employment, and insufficient pay; other complaints were of small importance, and were readily remedied. These two are not so easy to dispose of. The working capacity of men varies as widely as 1 to 5, and there are cases of men, not habituated to hard work, earning insufficient money to pay the food of themselves and children, when other men, getting the same prices, but of strong physique, and who have been most of their lives using pick and shovel, made rates equal to those paid to the best artisans. The vast amount of real settlement that has been done under the Lands Improvement Act can only be understood by a visit to the bush after the lapse of a few years. The roads made, bush felled, grass growing, cattle and sheep (in small numbers, it is true), and the universal eagerness to go on with further improvements, are abundant evidence of the desire, and also in many instances of the capacity, of the men who had the courage to go into the roadless forest in search of a homestead. The new settlers are mostly poor men; some of them are unfit for the hard, constant work; but unless bush settlement is to fail from other causes many of them will succeed. The quantity of bush felled, burned, and grassed this year, while at the same time roads were made to open the new country, is as follows : — In Auckland ... ... 648 acres. In Hawke's Bay ... 447 acres. In Wellington... ...2,140 „ In Taranaki ... ...2,924 „ In Otago ... ... 35 „ In Southland ... ...1,437 „ The cost of this work, inclusive of roads, is £22,438, and the value placed on the land so improved is £26,984.

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The settlers are, however, in want of capital to fence and stock their grass, and, if a method of helping them to begin to be self-supporting were devised, many of them would become New Zealand's best peasantry. Without such assistance they may fail, or they may survive in penury. To a small extent the system of agisting stock prevails, and by this means fences are erected or a herd begun. The principal roads constructed during the year have been—ln the Auckland District, the Opanake-Hokianga Eoad, of which 30 miles are made 14ft. wide; the Awakino-Te Kuiti Boad, of which 1\ miles have been constructed as a cart-road ; the Galatea-Waikaremoana Eoad, 27f miles, as a cart-road ; Eangitaiki-Euatoki Eoad, 29J miles, as a bridle-road ; Eotorua-Te Teko Eoad, 19-j miles, as a cart-road. In Taranaki, the Ohura Eoad has been extended 10J miles; the Waitara-Awakino Eoad 3 miles ; the Waitotara-Eltham Eoad 6 miles. In Wellington, the Alfredton-Weber Eoad, 37 miles, is now open from end to end, and only wants one bridge and a few miles of formation to permit of coach-traffic throughout. The Mangawharariki Valley Eoad has been finished as a bridle-road from Pemberton to Mangaweka, and can be converted into a coach-road by the widening of 4 miles between Wairaki and Eangitikei Eiver, across which a bridge is now being built. The Mangaweka main road to Tokaanu has been maintained for coach-traffic, and also the Pipinki-Wai-o-uru Eoad, which is a part of the main road Napier to Pipiriki, has been maintained as a summer coach-road. A good deal of metalling still remains to be done to enable wheeled vehicles to traverse it in winter, and this will be expensive to do. In the Waimarino country, and in Te Kapua and adjacent country, roads are being made as fast as means will permit, 35£ miles having been formed during the year. In Hawke's Bay, the Waikopiro Block has been roaded to the extent of \\ miles, besides about 5 miles felled and cleared, and arrangements are being made to make a direct route to Ormondville. The road from Wairoa to Lake Waikaremoana, which is eventually to connect with the road now forming through the Urewera country, has been extended up to and some distance along the shores of the lake. In Nelson, the maintenance of the main road from the Hope to Westport and Eeefton was taken over, and nineteen bridges had to be rebuilt, besides sixteen others repaired; a large number of new culverts have replaced the open crossings; 56 miles were remetalled, besides extensive deviations and repairs. The new road from Wangapeka to Karamea was continued for about 6 miles at the Wangapeka end, and work was also begun on the western end at the Little Wanganui Eiver. In Maryborough, the works are mainly for the improvement of the means of communication between the settlements in the Sounds; of this kind of road about 27 miles were constructed during the year. In Westland, the Eeefton-Hokitika-Eoss Eoad was taken over and maintained. The Kanieri Bridge was repaired ; many culverts were renewed; a deviation of considerable extent was made at Eimu, and a large quantity of new metal spread throughout. The floods on the Hokitika-Christ-church Eoad have been rather greater than usual, and consequently the cost of maintenance has been more. A new route across the Southern Alps by Whitcombe's Pass was partly formed as a footpath for seventeen miles, leaving eleven miles to be done this year to reach the Eakaia Eiver in Canterbury. The cost of a dray-road would, however, be so great as to be out of the question at present. There are so many objects of interest to tourists and mountaineers on the track that if it is made passable for pedestrians the route would become a pleasant one for excursions in summer weather. In Canterbury, the roads in the Cheviot Estate were transferred to the newly-formed County Council, the Government contributing £3,000 to finish the roads, &c, in the manner proposed when the estate was placed in the market. In Otago, the construction of roads in the Tautuku Forest country has been continued for about fourteen miles. In Central Otago numerous short roads have been formed to permit of settlement, and the new road from Livingstone to Naseby, via Dansey's Pass, has been completed with the exception of one bridge, the erection of which is not quite finished. Eoads have also been made through the Maruwenua Estate, leased early in the year under the Land for Settlements Act. In Southland, the roads have been completed in the Lillburn district west of Waiau, but the bridge across the river at Clifden has not yet been built. Tenders were invited, but those received were considered too high. Another design will be prepared as soon as the necessary borings have been made. The roads to settled lands in the Waikawa district are being made slowly, about six miles having been formed during the year. About seven miles of road and one bridge of 106 ft. span have been formed in the Merrivale Estate, and a large number of other minor works were done throughout the district to enable settlement to proceed.

HEAD OFFICE. Maps. Mr. F. W. Flanagan, the Chief Draughtsman, reports :— In addition to the usual departmental routine work done during the year ended the 31st March, 1896, a large amount of miscellaneous urgent work, exceeding that of any previous year, had to be put in hand at once and completed in the shortest possible time. The increasing requisitions of other departments of the service in the drawing and photo-lithographing branches have caused some delay in the preparation of district and geographical maps, for although there has been no absolute cessation of this work, it requires to be carried on uninterruptedly to ensure satisfactory progress. The general work of the office has been kept up to date and very satisfactorily performed.

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The following 80-chain district sectional maps have been finally completed and published— namely, Aorere, Waitapu, Motueka, Cloudy Bay, and Takaka, all drawn in the Nelson office; Turiwhate, Leeston, Woodlands, Takitimo (second edition), Wairoa, Nukumaru, Momahaki, Omahine, North Harbour and Blueskin, Lower Harbour West, North-east Valley, Upper Harbour West, Tomahawk, Sawyer's Bay, Anderson's Bay, Portobello Bay, Otago Peninsula, and Upper Harbour East. The nine last mentioned have been also published on a scale of 40 chains to an inch on one sheet. Eighty-chain trigonometrical maps of the Districts of Puketapu, Tongoio, Pohui, and Takapau, have been compiled and published. The district maps in hand include Waikouaiti, Southbridge, and Ellesmere, and new editions of Cape Egmont, Ngaire, Opunake, Oeo, Opaku, Waitara, and Paritutu, showing surveys completed to date. Among miscellaneous maps published may be mentioned the townships of Hinds, Eiverton, and Seddonville, Greymouth Harbour (on two scales), Taieri Native Eeserves, twenty-nine maps of special settlements and improved farms, and maps of estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Act. Sheet No. 1, Wairarapa North and Pahiatua Counties, is on stone, and the geographical map of Wellington, Hawke's Bay, and Taranaki, which covers that portion of the North Island south of the 39th parallel, is almost completed. The last-mentioned map, although long delayed, is all the more valuable now that it contains the roads, blocks, and settlements which have been surveyed up to the present time. As usual this office has also been engaged in compiling, drawing, and printing maps, diagrams, &c, for other departments. For the Postal Department there have been compiled and drawn maps of the North and Middle Islands showing postal, telegraph, and telephone-stations, printed in four colours, maps showing telegraph-lines (on two scales), and a map of the Pacific islands showing proposed cable routes, in four colours; for the Education Department, illustrations and map for the New Zealand Beader, manual-instruction drawings, school-attendance certificates, and teachers' certificates ; for the Government Insurance Department, diagrams and cheques ; for the Customs Department, map of Pacific islands, in three colours, to accompany report of the Tariff Commission ; for the Registrar-General, diagrams and maps for the Year-book, in four colours ; for the Stock Department, statistical diagrams, in three colours; for the Railway Department, time-table maps, in three colours; for the Public Trustee, maps of the West Coast Settlement Eeserves ; for the Justice Department, coloured poster, illustrating a dialogue respecting insanitary surroundings, and a manual of shorthand for Maoris. The replacing of old county maps by new compilations has been continued at convenient times. Of this class of work two county maps have been completed—namely, Waikouaiti and Waihemo—and two more are well advanced towards completion—namely, Selwyn and Waitaki. The preparation of maps required for census purposes, hitherto wholly undertaken by this office, was on this occasion distributed. The Head Office prepared thirty-two maps for the enumerators, showing all the political divisions of the colony, while 917 maps for the sub-enumerators were prepared in the District Survey Offices. The work of finally revising each map was, however, done in the Head Office. The publication of land-sale poster maps has been carried on expeditiously, and particular attention has been given to a wide distribution in each of the land districts. 134,860 copies have been issued of 193 maps. Of these maps, forty-two were for Auckland, eight for Taranaki, thirtynine for Wellington, eleven for Hawke's Bay, eleven for Marlborough, six for Nelson, two for Westland, twenty-five for Canterbury, twenty-four for Otago, and twenty-five for Southland. Many of these maps have been reduced to the mile-scale, and forwarded to the District Survey Offices for compilation and correspondence purposes. 19,880 copies have been issued for these purposes. In addition to the illustrated "Grand Tour" of New Zealand, with map showing principal tourist routes, several hundred of miscellaneous pictorial publications, descriptive of the scenic attractions of this colony, have been forwarded direct to the Agent General, or indirectly by means of New Zealand residents to Great Britain, Europe, and India. Among these may be noted "Wonderland," Christmas number of Canterbury Times, and "Piordland." To further aid the tourist traffic eighteen framed groups of photographs of mountain, lake, and river scenery have been placed on board the following mail steamers: "Gothic," "Euahine," "lonic," " Tainui," "Euapehu," " Kaikoura," "Tongariro," " Eimutaka," " Alameda," and " Mariposa," and in the offices of the New Zealand Shipping Company in London, and the Union Company in San Francisco. Several more of these groups are in hand. An illustrated guide to the Hanmer Springs Sanatorium has been compiled and published and distributed. One hundred and forty-three descriptions of boundaries, and eighty-three maps, have been prepared in connection with the Land Act, Land for Settlements Act, and Loans to Local Bodies Act. Fifty-four schedules and fifty-one maps, relating to the Native Land Acts, have been revised. Sixty-one schedules and seventy-four maps, relating to the Public Works Acts, have been revised. Forty descriptions of boundaries of registration districts, drainage districts, boroughs, wards, reserves, mining districts, &c, have been prepared. Six schedules of Local Bills have been examined for the Local Bills Committee of the House of Eepresentatives. Nineteen drawings in wash of landscape scenery, and a drawing of Hanmer Plains, in seven printings, for " Hanmer Guide," have been made. For tinting, etching, sets-off, correcting, &c, 316 stones have been used. The photographic and lithographic printing sections have been fully employed during the year. These have become so interwoven with the drawing-office that pressure in the latter is correspondingly felt in the former. The extra departmental demands have been exceedingly large, and will inevitably increase owing to the growing tendency which obtains to illustrate reports by

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diagrams, maps, and " process " pictures. The want of adequate accommodation, which has been referred to in previous reports, seriously hampers the progress of work, and from every point of view it is desirable that the new printing office be completed as early as possible. The output of the litho-machines and presses,'although not as large as last year as regards the number of copies printed, represents a larger amount of work, as the subjects numbered 1,041, twenty-eight more than the previous year, and the " runs " were shorter. The number of impressions taken was 1,186,508 —of complete copies 700,403, the hand-presses supplying 48,913. Fifty-nine plate-transfers have been pulled. Printing has been executed for eighteen departments of the service as shown in detail in table appended hereto. The work of the photographic gallery has outgrown the size and arrangements of the present building, and it affords relief to know that the new gallery will shortly be available for occupation. 1,061 plates have been taken—an increase of 188 over last year. The work done will be found enumerated in the table appended hereto. Mr. Boss is now called upon to reproduce all classes of subjects from plain line-work to " process " pictures. There are sixty of these latter now in hand, forty-eight of them being extra departmental requisitions. The utility and cheapness of this class of work has now been fully proved; while, compared with the zinc process of illustration, it is superior in delicacy, softness, and artistic finish. The method employed in reproducing pictures in this department is not practised elsewhere, so far as I know—the essential difference between it and the ordinary zinc and copper blocks being that in the method practised a reversed negative is not required, and the print taken from the grained negative is transferred to a lithographic-stone, from which thousands of copies may be taken. The quality of the original, whether wash-drawing or photograph, used for our process has a very great influence in the result, as is the case in all photo-mechanical work. The best reproductions are obtained from photographs taken in the shade; bright-sunlight pictures throw dense shadows which are very difficult to reticulate. A reference to the illustrations of the Tangarakau Confluence and Eetaruke Beach, Wanganui River, in this report will show the contrast between the effects produced from light and dense shadows in the originals. During the year two 12in. by 15in. engraved screens, ruled to 100 and 133 lines to the inch respectively, have been obtained from Max Levy, Philadelphia, U.S.A. These screens allow of a greater variety of work being successfully done. The double-anastigmat wide-angle lens, which has been recently imported from England, has proved already a valuable addition to the gallery. In rapidity, and in the time and expense saved by the reduction in the number of plates used for linework where accurate fitting is required, it will soon save its cost to the department.

Lithographic Printing and Photographing from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896.

Abstract of lithographs printed during the twelve months: — Head Office ... ... ... ... ... 1,186,508 Auckland 2,400 Otago 4,050 Total ... ... ... ... 1,192,958 Maps and tracings mounted at Head Office, 820. iii—C. 1.

Printing. Number of sions tal Impresien. Photographing. Department. Number of separate Printings. By Machine. By Hand. Number of Plates. Bromide Silver Enlarge- Nikko Prints. Prints. ments. Prints. Lands and Survey Public Works Eailways Mines .... New Zealand Institute Museum Marine Postal and Telegraph... Eegistrar-General's ... Defence Premier's Education ... General Assembly Library Agricultural and Stock Customs Public Trust... Government Insurance Colonial Secretary's ... Justice 971 195 30 47 8 1 22 41 28 2 4 42 563,820 32,375 147,955 114,399 12,202 1,250 6,500 44,970 58,600 3,000 500 51,539 32,914 9,783 74 2 1,210 120 1,020 15 900 1,489 773 153 1 41 37 2 34 7 1 4 20 111 12 9 20 1 16 6 39 13 8 6 49,620 6,500 12,775 27,983 2,500 1,520 82 3 13 16 867 24 Totals 1,480 1,133,988 52,520 111 12 9 20

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COEEESPONDENCE. Mr. Shoet, the Chief Clerk, reports as follows : — jfc ?"■ The following is a summary of the work carried on in Chief Clerk's branch of the department during the twelve months ended 31st March last. | — There were received 15,214 letters and telegrams forms, plans, and other documents that are not the subject of record in this office. The outwards correspondence amounted to 13,300 letters and telegrams, and 2,474 new subjects were recorded. As compared with the year 1894-95, these figures show a slight decrease in work. This is probably accounted for by the fact that all offers of estates under the Land for Settlements Act and the correspondence thereunder were transferred to the office of the Land Purchase Inspector during the year, and the correspondence under the Act is now limited to the administration of estates actually acquired by the Government. The work in other respects has kept fully up to the average, and that involved under the operation of " The Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act, 1895," has more than made up for any deficiency in actual correspondence. A complete set of forms for annual reports by Chief Surveyors and others, and several standard forms, were revised and printed during the year. This last is an important matter tending as it does to efficiency and economy; and it is hoped that further opportunities will occur during the present year to reduce the clerical work in the various district offices of the department to one system. The number of Proclamations, Orders in Council, warrants, and notices prepared during the year was: — Under Land Act: Warrants opening land under Part 111. of the Act, 67 ; warrants for sale by auction, 23; Proclamations setting apart village-homestead land, 15; Proclamations withdrawing setting apart village-homestead land, 1; Orders in Council fixing or modifying terms and conditions for setting apart village-homestead land, 19; Proclamations setting apart village land, 2 ; Orders in Council fixing conditions for same, 2; warrants temporarily reserving land, 17; warrants permanently reserving land, 9 ; Proclamations reserving land for educational endowments, 2; miscellaneous Proclamations and warrants, 20. Land for Settlements Act: Proclamations declaring land to be Crown Land, 11; Proclamations opening land for selection, 12. Cemeteries Acts : Warrants appointing trustees, 29; Order in Council delegating Governor's powers, 1. Public Domains Acts : Orders in Council bringing recreation-ground under the Acts, 25; Orders in Council delegating powers, 45, and revoking powers, 1. Public Eeserves Act: Warrants or Orders in Council exchanging lands or changing purpose of reserves, 11; Orders in Council vesting reserves in local bodies, 20. Loans to Local Bodies Act: Proclamations, 19. Public Works and Land Acts : Proclamations and Orders in Council taking land for roads, 67 ; warrants, notices, and by-laws vesting bridges, closing roads, taking lands and regulating traffic on roads, 37 ; Commissions to settle disputes of local bodies in respect to vesting bridges, 3. Eeserves Disposal and Exchange Act, 1895 : Order in Council, 1. Miscellaneous : Orders in Council, warrants, &c, 28. The work under the Naval and Military Settlers' and Volunteers' Land Acts was limited to 514 inward and outward letters. The number of Crown grants, warrants, certificates, leases, and other documents of title from the Crown that passed through this office for authorisation by the Governor is shown in the attached schedule. On the 25th and 26th November last I held formal inquiries in Masterton, under commission from the Governor and Minister of Lands respectively, on the subject of a dispute between the Borough of Masterton and the Wairarapa North County, and also as to the widening of Perry Street, Masterton, by the Borough Council, which proposal was opposed by some of the persons interested. The work of the various officers has been well kept up during the year, and it has been performed with readiness and goodwill.

Return of Grants, Warrants, Certificates, Leases, &c., from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896.

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Provincial District. |§ a h §0 Area in Grants. "o a ill Area in Warrant. "si |l 17- « 1 T Total Area . "3 . in Grants, Are , a " 3 . -S^ Warrants § ra f nted J§ Area ln 8 5 andCer- „ *? B£ Leases, gc tificates. Natlvea - j| J 6 J J » a 6 Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington ... Nelson M arlborough Canterbury ... Westland Otago Southland ... 19 10 1 5 1 1 Acres. 1,080 31,173 60 794 "50 20 38 18 7 27 12 1 18 8 20 9 Acres. 87,297 68,938 18,013 105,668 26,378 4,617 16,601 3,465 14,892 9,064 186 120 126 257 124 6 148 3 122 188 Acres. 91,385 129,365 18,073 154,674 26,378 5,517 16,801 3,465 25,752 9,064 Acres. 17,683 78,260 78,634 20 56 2 22 10 188 6 8 64 9 1 Acres. 1,557 71 9,007 98 20 8,457 65,835 8,000 49,071 183 2 "7 4 4 460 i i 16 810 115 66 2 Total ... 33,987 53 158 354,933 1,280 480,474 175,238 366 142,299 16

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Accounts. Mr. H. J. Knowles, the Chief Accountant, reports: — The number of vouchers authorised for payment, credit, or refund was :— 5,641 charged to Consolidated Fund, covering gross expendi- £ s. d. tureof... ... ... ... ... 134,222 9 4 charged to Public Works Fund, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... 45,742 15 6 7 4icj c h ar g e d to Lands Improvement Account, covering gross '' 1 expenditure of ... .. ... ... 139,058 13 1 charged to Native Land Purchase Account, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... 57,384 10 4 848 charged to Land for Settlements Account, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... *168,467 3 4 68 charged to Cheviot Estate Account, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... 2,024 12 6 43 charged to Civil Service Act, &c, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... 1,575 12 5 1,259 charged to Eeceivers' Deposit Accounts, covering refund of ... ... ... 25,941 15 7 144 charged to refunds of revenue and contractors' deposits, covering refund 0f... ... ... ... 4,360 13 11 Totals: 15,422 £578,778 6 0 Details of the net expenditure will be found in the various tables on other pages. In addition, 166 credit vouchers and 535 applications for imprest advances have been dealt with, and about 1,500 letters, memoranda, returns, &c, have been prepared. Two hundred and three agreements, prepared in triplicate, have been issued, representing grants to local bodies of £33,761 6s. 10d., and the payments under grants amounted to £42,813 9s. sd, including payments under grants of previous years. A sixty-page statement of the expenditure, liabilities, &c, in respect of the 682 appropriations, has been issued within the department monthly (excepting two months), and the various expenditure- and authority-registers have been checked and the totals and balances arrived at. The actual number of vouchers has been largely reduced this year by amalgamation, and though the increase on the number dealt with last year is considerable, the work involved has been much heavier than is represented by the additional number. A large amount of work has been performed during the year in preparing returns for parliamentary and departmental information, supplying information as to the condition of road and other accounts, preparation of estimates, and general supervision of the accounts of the district offices. The attached comparative statement shows to some extent how the yearly increase of work in the department affects this branch : —

Statement showing Work during the past Six Years.

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Year. Number of Vouchers. Gross amount Authorised for Payment, Credit, &o. Number of Appropriations. Number of Amount Grants granted to Local to Local Bodies. Bodies. Payments to Local Bodies under Grants. 890-91 ... .891-92 (9 months) .892-93 .893-94 ... .894-95 .. .895-96 9,810 8,355 10,676 13,071 14,367 15,422 £ 152,775 177,903 260,498 353,772 420,531 578,778 210 219 252 440 592 682 80 87 108 181 215 203 £ 17,782 23,391 21,568 42,847 52,892 33,761 £ Not compiled. 13,448 20,388 22,704 45,302 42,813 * Includi is Land for Settli iments De: lartmenfc c. larges.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX No. I.—ADMINISTBATION.

EXTRACTS FEOM THE EEPORTS OF THE COMMISSIONEES OF CEOWN LANDS ON SETTLEMENT OPEBATIONS DDEING THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THE 31st MAECH, 1896. AUCKLAND. I HBBEWITH furnish a review of the land operations carried on in this district for the past year, which again brings in evidence the fact that, owing to causes which I shall presently emphasize, the area selected under every species of tenure is less than that shown in my report of last year, being only a total area of 80,301 acres, though the actual revenue received is £2,275 in excess of that received for 1894-95, whilst the separate number of items in the summary of transactions are 136 more than last year. Thus the area is less, but the settlers or selectors are more in number, with a less average area of individual holding. At the commencement I stated that I should presently emphasize the cause which in my opinion has led to the total area selected being less than in previous years. The main cause, I think, is owing to the " mining boom," which has now been in continuous operation for the past year, and large sums of money, which would have been used for settlement purposes in taking up new lands, have been diverted and invested in the goldfields. In several cases lands were applied for, and when the survey was completed and lands opened for selection, the applicants had gone into mining speculations instead, and were unwilling or uuable to select. 1 append a summary of land transactions in tabular form, as being the most effective way of grouping the selections to enable the particulars to be easily grasped :—

Summary of Land Transactions during the Year 1895-96.

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Transactions during the Year. Area held on 31st March, 1896. Revenue. received during the Year. Class of Selection. Number. Area. Number. Area. Gash — Town Suburban Eural 14 4 83 A. 81 43 8,742 B. P. 1 17 0 14 3 37 a. B. p. £ s. d. Total cash Deferred payment holders ... Perpetual-lease holders Perpetual-lease, freehold Occupation, right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Agricultural leases ... Mining district occupation licences Village homestead special settlement Lands for settlement, lease in perpetuity Special settlement — Deferred payment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Improved farm special settlement Homesteads Small grazing-runs ... Pastoral runs Miscellaneous leases Timber sold Eotorua leases Other sources 101 1 22 167 82 8,867 1 28 50 0 0 8,120 0 24 27,831 2 9 17,062 3 28 412 836 56,146" 1 37 223,027 3 37 6,355 0 7 1,814 7 7 5,158 7 5 3,896 19 2 2,293 12 6 1,936 12 1 699 383 26 17 130,936 0 1 75,298 2 6 1,575 2 27 864 1 6 17 864 1 6 13014 6 208 8,612 2 24 262 6 6 60 6,524 3 9 60 6,524 3 9 634 5 2 40 6 91 42 3,900 0 21 280 2 34 23,001 1 38 4,555 2 0 760 17 11 11 10 9 252 17 11 36 13 4,95o" 1 38 1,680 0 0 46 14 12 57 5,542 2 10 68,849 0 0 121,711 0 0 4,401 3 37 402' 1 1 123 10 10 15 2,194 1 26 2,659,089ft. 155 1 26 I 3,421 12 5 38 112 637 0 3 795 1 10 2,268 14 6 Total, areas, &c. „ timber 552 80,301 1 34 2,659,089ft. 3,061 735,865 3 10 30,518 12

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Analysis of Holdings Table upholds my statement that the lesser area does not mean a less number of selectors, as the average area held by each individual selector is still less than before, the total selectors being 432, whilst the average area held is under 153 acres by each selector. The selectors of from one to fifty acres number 136, thdse who hold from fifty-one acres to 250 acres number 219; thus showing that 366 selectors have taken up holdings of less than 250 acres, each, whilst only sixty-six selectors have taken up areas greater than the areas I have mentioned. Table of Cash Lands shows a considerable increase upon last year, and a proportionate increase of revenue. The total area so disposed of is 8,867 acres for £6,355; whilst perpetual leases, made freehold with the consent of the Land Board, amount to an area of 8,120 acres, of a capital value of £3,897. Deferred Payment Lands Table shows a considerable diminution of area held under this system, as the total now only amounts to 56,146 acres, and the forfeitures for non-fulfilment of conditions, and exchanges, amount to an area of 12,086 acres. I may add regarding this tenure that 1,040 acres have been made freehold during the year, chiefly in connection with the Advances to Settlers Act, from the Lending Board of which the purchase-money has been advanced. The table shows that seventy-four selectors are in arrear with their payments to the extent of £444. A comparison with last year's return discloses little change, as the amount then owing was £468 by seventy-eight selectors. My hope expressed, that there would be no arrears, has thus not been realised. Perpetual Leases Table. —This table shows that during the year a considerable area was forfeited for non-fulfilment of conditions, totalling to 6,504 acres, held by thirty-seven selectors; whilst the freeholds acquired with the sanction of the Land Board amount to an area of 8,120 acres. The selectors in arrear are more in number than last year, though the amount owing is less. There are 224 selectors, owing £887 12s. 10d. Occupation -with Bight of Purchase has been the favourite form of selection during the past year. These selectors number 167, for a total area of 27,831 acres. The forfeitures by the Land Board have been nine; surrenders, thirteen; whilst the selectors in arrear with rent are fiftyseven in number, owing £170. Lease in Perpetuity. —Only eighty-two selectors have taken up 17,062 acres. Under this tenure the forfeitures have been eight, and the surrenders six. " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894." —Some selections have been made in the mining districts under this Act. The lessees number seventeen, of a total area of 864 acres, or slightly over 50 acres each. Village Homestead Special Settlements. —The total selectors on the books at present amount to 208, their numbers being decreased from last year by the handing over by transfer to the boroughs of all those who are settled upon the endowment lands of Auckland and Parnell. The holders are gradually exchanging their tenure into that of lease in perpetuity. Special Settlement Associations. —During the past year the Avoca and Papamoa Associations have balloted for choice of selections, having between them thirty-six selectors of a total area of 4,950 acres. In addition to this, still unballoted for, there is the Auckland and Papamoa No. 2 Associations, of forty-five members, selecting 8,890 acres. Improved Farm Special Settlement Associations. —There are five of these settlements in this district, having a total of forty-two settlers, holding a total area of 4,556 acres. The amount advanced for houses and bushfelling during the year is £690 Bs. 9d., whilst the total amount advanced from the commencement is £2,075 13s. 3d. The value of the improvements made by the selectors is £2,395. Improvement Conditions. —The ranger, Mr. Bayly, together with Mr. H. S. Wilson, and a number of the staff surveyors, have inspected most of the lands held under improvement conditions. The total number of ranger's inspections so made for the year amount to 808. Of these, 528 inspections were made by Mr. Bayly, and the balance by Mr. H. S. Wilson and others. It is difficult to give the total area so inspected, because in some cases the holdings were only partially inspected, but a definite selection made out of these visits gives the following results : 356 sections inspected ; total area, 112,504 acres ; total value of improvements required by law to be put upon the same, £12,929; value actually effected, £33,113, a result which may be considered very satisfactory. The amount of bush fallen during this past year is reported by Eanger Bayly as being about 8,000 acres over the whole district. lam inclined to think that this estimate is considerably under the mark, as Eanger H. S. Wilson reports that in the Whangarei County alone 1,109 acres of bush was felled during the past year, and that, for the six years previous to 1895, 8,758 acres in his district has been fallen, burnt, and grassed. Therefore, I think that 12,000 acres is nearer the mark for the whole district. Timber and Forests. —The past year, and more especially the past summer, has been one of anxiety owing to the long continued drought and the prevalence of bush-fires all over the north. Eanger Wilson had great difficulty in the W T hangarei district, and a large portion of the green timber in the Puhipuhi Forest has again suffered, and is more or less killed or scorched. It seems almost impossible to preserve the kauri forests as settlement progresses. Settlers must burn their fallen bush for grassing, as their improvement conditions absolutely demand it, and the fires once started often spread for miles. Again, gumdiggers are continually burning off scrub, and fern, and swamps, and these fires likewise frequently cause devastation. Wherever the kauri is scorched or killed it should be sold at once, as it deteriorates very quickly. Under the heading of dead or scorched timber, together with some green kauri, some 2,700,000 ft. have been sold for a sum of £3,421 14s. sd. The sale of the dead timber in Puhipuhi will be brought into next year's returns. Forests. —The Crown forests in the Hauraki Mining District have had unremitting attention paid to them under the surveillance of Eanger Lusk, and we are gradually arriving at a knowledge of the amount of kauri held by the Crown in that district, and also at some knowledge as to the amount of the depredations it has suffered at the hands of timber companies in the past; one of

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these I am pleased to say is, however, now making instant reparation in the shape of money payments, when called upon to do so. I consider it absolutely necessary for some years to keep the ranger continuously at work in this district. Schemes for Expenditure of Thirds and Fourths. —Fifty-seven schedules of proposed expenditure of thirds have been received from local bodies, amounting to a total of £3,935 17s. sd. These have all been carefully checked, and the expenditure regulated in conformance with the rules laid down. It is a very thankless task trying to make the local bodies understand the necessity of giving details of proposed expenditure for the sums they thus claim; and insisting upon this is, in some cases, being looked upon as a personal affront. Land acquired under the Land for Settlements Act. —l have to report that the only estate actually purchased and subdivided has been the Opouriao, at Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, containing a total of 7,604 acres. This land, after subdivision, was opened for selection under the lease in perpetuity tenure, as follows : — A. B. P. Fifty-four rural lots of an area of ... ... ... ... 6,571 3 7 Forty-three town lots of an area of ... ... ... ... 3120 Total area so opened ... ... ... ... 6,603 1 7 The number of applications received for these, and submitted to ballot, was 783. The area actually leased (though not in all cases fully completed, and so does not agree with the printed tables) is for rural lots, fifty in number; area, 6,534 acres 3 roods 9 perches. Town lots, eleven, for an area of 8 acres. Total leased, sixty-one lots; area, 6,542 acres 3 roods 9 perches. Annual rental, £1,273 10s. 4d. Eemaining open for selection and still unlet, 840 acres. The land remaining would all have been taken up had the title been quite clear at time of lease. I expect to have none of the estate unlet within a very short time. It may not be out of place to add that the opening of this purchased estate has been a pronounced success, and this is emphasised by the fact that there were 783 applicants for sixty-one lots, showing that over seven hundred went away unsatisfied. The land was only leased in February, so that any remarks upon settlement questions will appear in next year's return. Office-ivork. —The number of selectors upon the books of the clepartment in this district amount to 3,027. Of this number, 607 selectors are now in arrears to the extent of £3,667 13s. 9d. The total correspondence in and out during the year is as follows : Letters received, 17,200; letters despatched, 37,993; telegrams received, 2,052; telegrams despatched, 3,953. The transfers granted by the Land Board are 100 in number. Lands available, for Settlement. —At the present moment, the total lands open for selection, of all classes, amount to 500,593 acres, and there is scattered over the district, either as present Crown land or almost completely purchased from Native owners, a further area of 1,677,984 acres. Of course a good deal of this is not fit for immediate settlement, but still it is available in the future, and can be all more or less utilised. And, whilst upon the subject of our waste lands, I would like to mention the advisability of commencing to plant the large areas of open pumice lands held by the Crown. Such planting should be systematically carried out from year to year. Gbehaed Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

HAWKE'S BAY. The total area of land taken up during the year is 16,353 acres, by eighty-seven selectors. Of this, 2,868 acres was a small grazing-run, 78 acres was sold for cash, and the balance on occupation with right of purchase and lease in perpetuity, the selections under the latter system slightly preponderating. Gash Sales. —The only cash purchases have been five village lots, and though a few applications were made in the case of rural lands they were unsuccessful at the ballot. In these cases the applications to purchase for cash have not been through preference as against the other tenures, but to enable the would-be purchasers to acquire sections that they could not otherwise hold, on account of their not being contiguous to existing holdings. Deferred Payments. —We began the year with eighty-five licensees, holding 13,272 acres. Thirtyone have since completed their freeholds, and one has been forfeited, leaving fifty-three still in possession of 9,559 acres. Another two years will about see the end of this class of tenure. Perpetual Lease. —This system is also fast going out, for during the year twenty-four have acquired the freehold, and one has been forfeited, which reduces this class of tenant to 184, with 82,285 acres in their occupation. The revenue from freeholds acquired has been £10,476, including scrip for £502. Occupation with Bight of Purchase and Lease in Perpetuity. —The selections of rural land under these tenures have been nearly equal, being twenty-nine and twenty-seven respectively, and the number of applications received during the year under the occupation-with-right-of-purchase system are 559, as against 516 under lease in perpetuity, so it would appear that the preference in the district is slightly in favour of the former. Village Settlements. —Under the ordinary settlement conditions there have been twenty-five selectors, who took up 50 acres, for the most part at Whetukura, the new village about three miles from Ormondville. Village-homestead Special Settlements. —■Nβ additions have been made during the year. There are only two settlements —one at Woodville and the other at Puketitiri, and they have long passed their initial and trying stage, and, as has been stated in previous reports in more detail, are pronounced successes. The value of improvements at date is £5,712, of which but £798 has been

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advanced; and interest on the latter amount, together with rent, has been extremely well paid. Only three 3electors are in arrears for the half-year ended 31st December, 1895, the total amount of rent and interest being £4 15s. 6d. > Special Settlement Associations. —There are four of these —Dannevirke, Waipawa, Liberal, and Kuahine. The two first-mentioned were taken up in 1886, and will soon bo off our books, for out of the fifty-eight selections only six remain, the others having acquired the freehold. In last year's report reference was made to the partial failure of the Liberal Association, and the reason for it. During the year the Land Board has been compelled to forfeit four more leases, and the present position is that, out of fourteen selections that were made, eleven have been forfeited or surrendered and one transferred, so that within three years from the date of selection but two of the original selectors remain, and neither of them show any disposition to take up their residence on the land, but seem desirous of parting with it. The forfeited sections have been disposed of under the ordinary settlement conditions, and are now being profitably occupied. Some improvements have been made during the year in the Euahine Settlement, which is situated on the lower slopes of the range of that name, but not so much as could have been desired. This was probably due to the want of roads, but access that will be given by the works now in progress will no doubt result in more vigour being thrown into it. The members of the association appear to be of a good stamp, being in a large measure the sons of settlers in the locality, and mostly bushmen. Small Grazing-runs.- —Forty-nine runs, containing 128,396 acres, are now in occupation, and, so far as improvements are concerned, they are very far in advance of the statutory requirements; but actual residence on the land itself is not general, the ten-mile limit being mostly availed of. Up to last year there were numerous inquiries for this class of tenure; but, though 29,224 acres have been thrown open for selection lately, at rentals averaging about 3d. an acre, none have been selected. The reason, no doubt, has been that the soil is not of the very best quality. The lands are forest-clad, somewhat rough, and access not very good. Improvements. —lmprovements throughout the district have been considerable, and the settlers have been favoured with good burns. On the 65,631 acres of holdings inspected, the value of the statutory improvements required is £41,178. On inspection, the improvements effected were found to be of a value of £76,017, and, out of 174 inspections made, only four were found to be short of the requirements. Revenue.— The revenue received during the year was £21,688, of which £10,035, or nearly half, was from perpetual leases made freehold. In addition, £359 rents from endowments has come to hand. In connection with this, the Crown tenants in this district are to be commended for the manner in which they meet their obligations. There are only six in arrear with their rent for the half-year ended 31st December last, representing the small sum of £21 15s. 9d., and I am pleased to report that in no instance has the Land Board been required to have recourse to the Law Courts for recovery of rent. Land available for Settlement. —The extent of land taken up in this district is rapidly decreasing, as will be seen from the following :In 1892-93, 49,064 acres were selected. In 1893-94, 24,355 acres, and during the last year but 16,353 acres. The cause for this is not far to seek, it being due not to a lack of would-be settlers, as applicants have been very numerous whenever a piece of good country has been offered, but to the fact that year by year there is less available Crown land of the class that is inquired after, and unless suitable country is acquired, either from some of the numerous Native blocks of land in their possession, now covered with forest and unproductive, or by purchase under the Land for Settlements Act, new settlement in this district will of necessity cease almost entirely. Abundant evidence has been supplied of the very general desire to obtain holdings whenever blocks or even isolated sections of fairly good land have been thrown open; for example, when the Waikopiro Block was offered last October, there were 1,042 applications for the forty-nine rural sections, nearly the whole of the applicants being residents of the district. At the present time there are 47,712 acres open for selection, but the whole of it is second-class forest-clad country, and little sought after, as it is quite unsuitable for persons of small means, for it must of necessity be held in large areas to be profitably occupied, and, being all forest land, would necessitate a considerable outlay and waiting before there would be any return from it. It is spread about in different localities, between Napier and Waipiro, near the East Cape, but all backlying country. However, it is a pleasure to report that the extent of country, some 423,111 acres, now held by Crown tenants is rapidly being brought under grass and cultivation, besides other extensive improvements. The settlers, as a whole, are a most industrious and energetic class, and, with a very few exceptions, give the department no trouble. The 43,010 acres thrown open for selection last year was the best of the remaining Crown land ; but only 10,000 acres of it was fit for holdings under 500 acres, and this was a purchase from the Natives that had lately been concluded. The balance was, for the most part, small grazing-runs. The visible amount of land to be offered for selection in the coming year, suitable for holdings under 640 acres, is 10,000 acres of the Elsthorpe Estate, acquired under the Land for Settlements Act, 460 acres near Hastings, recently purchased under the same Act, and 1,500 acres, the balance of the Waikopiro Native purchase. Shares have been purchased in some other Native blocks, but apparently they are not sufficiently numerous or advanced for the Crown interests to be cut out just immediately. I venture to point out the foregoing to show the necessity for the further acquirement of land, if settlement is to advance and the wants of farmers' sons who desire to strike out for themselves, and a large number of other would-be selectors, are to be met. Land acquired under the Land for Settlements Act. —Two purchases have been made, but have not yet been offered for selection. Eaureka, formerly known as Southlands, which is 427 acres

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in extent, has been surveyed into lots varying in size from 7 acres to 105 acres, and will be thrown open for selection in May. It is the best of land, which, together with its close proximity to the Town of Hastings, making it admirably fitted for small holdings for homes for labouring men and others whose occupations are in the adjacent town. The other purchase is Blsthorpe, an estate of some 10,000 acres, lying thirteen miles east of Kaikora. In this the requirements of another class of settlers will be met; for, whilst there is a small village laid off, and a few sections up to 300 acres, the bulk is in lots of from 400 to 600 acres. Portions of it are suitable for tillage, but the greater part is fine grazing country, which has been carrying over two sheep to the acre and a large number of cattle throughout the year without any artificial food. It is expected that this estate will be open for selection in June next. Thomas Humpheies, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

TAEANAKI. Lands Open for Selection. —The area open for selection on the 31st March last comprises 21,724 acres unsurveyed land, rough country, in the Opaku and Kapara Survey Districts, the balance being mostly forfeited sections scattered over other portions of the district. Lands Opened for Sale —The land opened for selection on the optional system comprised twentytwo sections in the Mangamingi Block, 4,498 acres, which the original lessees by permission of the Government and Land Board surrendered, and obtained again at reduced rentals. With three or four exceptions, the whole of the surrendered sections were taken up by the original lessees. Twenty-eight forfeited sections, mostly special settlement lands, were also opened, and the famous Ngaire Block, comprising 5,676 acres of partly bush and partly swamp-land, was put in the market. This block lies close to Eltham, the nearest point being oue mile and a half from the township, and extensive drainage works have been carried out in it by the Government, the price of the land having been increased to an average of £3 10s. per -pcre, to cover the cost of the works. The settlement of the block is progressing satisfactorily at present, and three sections, 670 acres, remain to be opened for selection. Sections in the Town of Stratford, and one in Opunake, were offered for cash by auction, while other sections in the latter township were offered in the same way for lease, but not applied for. Some of the University reserves at Waverley were surrendered, revalued, and offered for lease by auction. Summary of Lands taken up. —As will be seen, the bulk of the area returned under the above heading is made up of special settlement and improved-farm settlement lands balloted for during the year. Three selections only of unsurveyed lands were made under the lease-in-perpetuity system, one being for an addition to a present holding in order to obtain an approach to a homestead site. The selections under the optional system comprise all except one section in the Ngaire Block, which was opened for selection in October last, and in some instances keenly competed for, and the twenty-two surrendered sections in the Mangamingi Block, opened in June, 1895; only one section in the latter remains unselected; two of them were selected for cash. A few forfeited sections in the Ngatimaru district were also re-selected. Analysis of Holdings taken up. — There is a decided tendency to the lease-in-perpetuity system this year, although last year the occupation-with-right-of-purchase system was in favour. The areas inquired for are still of 200 acres or thereabouts. Gash Sales. —A very successful sale of sections in the Town of Stratford was held at Stratford in February last, forty-six sections being disposed of, mostly at upset prices. One section in Opunake was also sold. The other sales comprise two sections in the Mangamingi Block, about two acres of the Central Prison site at Moturoa, to the Taranaki Freezing Works Company at £80 per acre, and a small piece of Crown land left by a deviation of a road. Deferred-payment Lands. —The principal dealings are now the capitalisation of unpaid instalments and the acquisition of freeholds, some of the licensees taking advantage of " The Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894," to make their sections freehold. The number made freehold are only nine less than last year, the area, and money received for the same being proportionately less, the amount received being £10,637, or about £3,300 less than last year. One section of 99 acres was converted to this system from perpetual-lease, the yearly instalment being £8 16s. 10d., and one section of 100 acres converted to lease-in-perpetuity. The yearly decrease in the revenue by the acquisition of freeholds is £1,012 14s. sd. Perpetual-lease Lands. —The only dealings were the conversion of forty-four sections to freehold and five to lease in perpetuity, the area in the latter casa being 1,172 acres. The freeholds obtained are ten more than last year, and the amount received for same is £3,663 in excess. The yearly decrease in the revenue by the acquisition of freeholds is £533 Is. Bd. Occupation with Bight of Purchase. —Selections under this system were in the Ngaire and Mangamingi Blocks, also one or two forfeited sections, and do not come up to last year's figures by 2,000 acres. Until more lands are put in the market there are only forfeited sections in special settlements that are available for selection. Lease in Perpetuity. —These selections are principally in the same blocks as the foregoing. The area taken up is 1,000 acres more than last year, and the number of selections in excess is five. There were five conversions from deferred payment and perpetual lease to this tenure, the area being 1,173 acres, and these show no increase. Village Settlements on Deferred Payment. —There are now only two of these settlers on the books. Three were made freehold during the year, the amount received for same being £170 15s. Id.

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Village Homestead Settlements on Lease in Perpetuity. —Two selections in the Matapouri Settlement were made, but one has been given up as being too small, and it will be cut up into allotments with a view of offering it for cash at auction. There are now no village homestead lands in the market. Special Settlements. —The Mangaehu and Llewellyn Associations balloted for seventy-two sections, comprising 14,409 acres, on the 22nd August, 1895, and the Whenuakura Association for fifty-one sections, comprising 10,227 acres, on the 4th December, 1895. They all elected to come under the Land Act of 1892. Eight of the sections laid off were drawn in favour of the Crown, and they will be offered for selection under Part 111. of the Act. Most of the sections are not suitable for small holdings, and I anticipate a good number being thrown back on our hands, as will be seen from the surrenders in some of the older and more accessible settlements. On the Oxford Settlement only one man remains, the other twenty-one have given up their sections, and they are now open for selection in 400-acre blocks under the optional clauses of the Act of 1892. Most of the forfeited sections in the Milsom Settlement, comprising one-half of it, have been grouped in pairs and offered for selection under the optional system, but have not as yet been applied for. The rougher sections in the Tanner Settlement have been given up, those retained being nearly all on the Junction (Main) Eoad between Inglewood and the Ohura (Main) Eoad. Of the Gatton Settlement only four out of the sixteen have paid any rent, and only six have effected sufficient improvements for the second year. The want of a bridge over the Mangaehu is the reason advanced by the lastnamed settlers for non-compliance with conditions. In the case of the Moanatairi Settlement, which lies twenty-five miles inland from Tongaporutu and far in advance of ordinary settlement, no one is yet resident on the block, although five out of the fifteen have complied with the improvement conditions. The men are all miners, and very probably have gone back to the Thames. The Eltham, Terrace End, Mangaehu, Llewellyn, and Whenuakura are practically new settlements, and until the Eanger has visited them I cannot give an idea of the progress made; but the roughness of the land and difficulty of access will render rapid settlement in that direction impossible. With regard to the two blocks now under survey, I have received reports from the surveyors stating that they are too broken for 200-acre sections, only fit for subdivision in sections from 500 to 2,000 acres; the fencing-lines will be impracticable, and homestead sites can only be found in a few portions of the blocks. I have accordingly sent copies of the reports to the associations, with a suggestion that they send a deputation up to see the land, and state whether they will go on with the selections or abandon them. Small Grazing-runs. —No selections were made during the year, only one run being in the market. One run, 618 acres, was forfeited for non-residence, and land required for the Maben Eoad deviations through small runs was resumed by the Land Board. Miscellaneous Leases. —The only leases of this description were sections in the Town of Stratford let on yearly tenancy pending their being purchased at auction at the next sale. A small sum was recovered for timber taken from the Ngaire Block. Statement of Bevenue received. —The total amount received is £1,821 in excess of last year's receipts, and £2,871 in excess of the estimate. The deferred-payment and perpetual-lease systems, and land made freehold thereunder, contributed more than two-thirds of the revenue; but these items will, at the present rate, be almost if not totally, exhausted in about three years' time. The fees received for transfers, &c, and Crown-grant fees, show a large increase. The latter, of course, are governed by the number of freeholds obtained. Summary of Arrears. —The arrears of rents and instalments are still in a satisfactory state, the deferred payments being well up to date, only ten out of 310 being unpaid, and the perpetual lease being slightly less so, there being thirty-one out of 288 unpaid. The other tenures are in a fair state. Lands Reserved, &c. —These comprise the usual reservations for primary education, schools, &c.; and the area granted under Act consists of a military grant of 60 acres, not previously issued for some unknown reasons. Number of Selectors on the Books. —The total number of selectors on the books of the department in this district at the end of last year was 1,454. After allowing for the 415 new selections, and fourteen endowment leases not shown in last year's report, the number in excess is only thirtyfour. This is accountable for by the great number of freeholds acquired, and surrenders of specialsettlement sections. The number of settlers liable for payment of rent this year is 1,081, or eighty in excess of last year. Endowments. —The only lands taken up are the seven leases of the University reserve, near Waverley, which were surrendered by the original lessees, and obtained by them at auction in July last at reduced rentals. Payments to Local Bodies. —Twenty-eight proposals by local bodies for the expenditure of thirds and fourths were passed by the Land Board, representing an expenditure of £9,395 12s. Id., a large portion of this amount being authorised for payment of interest on loans raised under " The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886." Improvements. —The reports of the Crown Lands Eanger show that 396 sections, comprising 79,653 acres, were visited during the year. The required value of the improvements was £23,420, and the value put on the land was £38,353. The area in grass was 19,567 acres. Other improvements, consisting of buildings, fencing, gardens, &c, are valued at £14,030. One hundred and sixty-six selectors are resident, seventy-two are in total default, and thirty-eight in partial default. Most of these latter, and of the 230 non-residents, are in the earliest of the special settlements, only thirty-nine out of 112 being resident. There are also eighteen non-residents in the Punehu Village, which is open land, held under the occupation with-right-of-purchase system, who have been granted four years from date of selection to reside on their holdings. The latest special settlement inspected is the Gatton Block, situated on the Mangaehu Stream, about seventeen miles from Stratford. The improvements required for the second year are £687, and the value put

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on is £370. None of the sixteen selectors are resident, but four are working on the roads in the block. Six have made no improvements. Probable Future of Crown Lands. —The area of Crown lands in the district available for settlement is, roughly, 520,000 acres, of which 44,000 acres are in the market at present. The Eawhitiroa Block —35,000 acres—will be opened during the year as small grazing-runs. Portion of the Taumatamahoe Block, to the north of the Eoss Special Settlement —6,551 acres—is ready for offering in surveyed sections, and will be opened during the present bushfelling season. Other portions of the same block--about 8,000 acres —will be opened later on, as the lands are now under survey. There are also about 9,000 acres adjoining the Forest Eeserve, in the Cape and Egmont Survey Districts, at present under survey, and which can be put in the market before the end of the current financial year. About 4,000 acres of the Eata-tomokia Block, also under survey, will probably be offered for selection during the year. This land is situated in the Valley of the Ohura, about eighty-seven miles from Stratford, or fifty-five miles from Mokau Eailway-station. Four sections in the Mimi—about 2,300 acres—will be open for selection in a few months. No lands appear to be gazetted as finally purchased from the Natives during the year. In last two annual reports I have drawn attention to the urgent necessity for pushing on more rapidly the purchase by the Crown of these Native lands, and the folly of continuing to expend public money in opening up roads through such lands while still in the possession of the Natives, thereby increasing both the price to be paid and the difficulty of acquiring them at all. During the past year a bridleroad has practically been opened up and the land surveyed and settled along both sides of the Ohura (late East) Eoad right up to the northern boundary of Crown lands, and the southern boundary of the Whitianga Native Block, fifty-three miles from Stratford, beyond which, on the route of the said Ohura Eoad, lie the Maraekowhai and the Ohura Blocks, also still Native lands, on which, with the exception of, at a few points on the Wanganui Eiver, at Aorangi and Pukerimu, near Nihoniho, on the Ohura Eiver, no Natives reside. Those at the latter settlement have only come in since, and in consequence of the road-works carried on there; and were these stopped, I have no doubt they would again leave ; in fact, they state their object is to assert their claim to the lands. The time has now come when the Native blocks above-named are in the way of and seriously retarding the progress of settlement and the opening up of the country. In my opinion, power should be obtained under parliamentary sanction to arbitrarily acquire these lands for the Crown, or such portions of them as may be required for settlement, leaving ample and liberal reserves for the comfort and maintenance of all resident Native owners, the price per acre to be determined by the Native Land Court, or by arbitration, taking as a basis the unimproved value of the land as existing before the public-works expenditure took place. To this expenditure the said Natives have in no way contributed, by taxation or otherwise, and consequently have no claim to the difference between the unimproved and present value, or what has been called the unearned increment, which in such cases is clearly and fairly the property of the State. I would further point out that, in consequence of -the immense number of claimants to these blocks, and their places of residei+ce being so widely scattered over the country, purchase under the ordinary system is a matter of many years; in fact practically impossible, while the demand for settlement lands is imperative, and must, in the interests of the colony, be provided without delay. In the Mokau-Mohakatino, Taumatamahoe, Eata-tomokia, and other blocks, further surveys for settlement purposes will be undertaken and pushed on as rapidly as circumstances will permit. John Steauchon, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WELLINGTON. To enable the various land selections made in this district under the present Land Act, and the exchanges effected in the tenures of land previously taken up under " The Land Act, 1885," and the revenue derived from each, to be easily seen, I have adopted the form used by me last year, which shows at a glance the selections or exchanges made in the various tenures, the total area still held under each, and the revenue received therefrom for the year. The summary shows a falling-off in the total revenue of £6,911 as compared with last year, which is principally due to a decrease in the amount received on account of freehold titles obtained by deferred-payment and perpetual-lease selectors under " The Land Act, 1885." It is also to be noted that the deferred-payment and perpetual-lease selections are gradually being reduced from year to year, as a good number of the final payments on the former are being made, and many perpetual leases are being turned into freeholds, which, though augmenting the receipts for the time being, yet each year reduces the total amount received as instalments and rental from these holdings. The amount received from selectors of occupation with right of purchase—which so far appears the favourite form of holding, notwithstanding the 1 per cent, extra rental charged on land taken up under this system—and the amount received from land taken up under lease in perpetuity, shows a considerable increase, and will, I anticipate, be largely augmented next year, though the reduction of the rentals under lease in perpetuity to 4 per cent, from the 5 per cent, previously paid by the perpetual-lease holder will, as it really means a reduction of one-fifth of the land revenue from this source, necessarily affect the total receipts very considerably, as soon as a large area is taken up under this section of the Act.

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Lands offered during the Year. —The principal new rural lands offered during the year were three blocks in the Awarua, of an area of 43,429 acres, consisting of both first- and second-class land. The area selected is 23,205 acres. Of the sections forfeited in the different farm-homestead blocks, an area of 78,724 acres was offered. The greater portion of this area was only placed on the market during the last week of the financial year, and up to the 31st of March 30,961 acres of these forfeited sections were selected under the ordinary systems. The new village settlements, Eewa, Karewarewa, Pakihikura, and Eakautoru, were also offered. All the sections in the last-named were selected on the day of sale, and most of the sections in the other three village settlements have now been taken up. The total number of applications received during the year was 1,065, of which 310 were successful and 755 unsuccessful. The following is the number received for each system: — Cash ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... 7 Occupation with right of purchase ... ... ... ... ... 519 Lease in perpetuity ... ... ... ... ... ... 367 Village homestead, lease in perpetuity ... ... ... ... 168 Perpetual lease and deferred payment (" Land Act, 1885 ") ... ... 4 Total 1,065 This shows, so far as this district is concerned, that occupation with right of purchase is the most favoured method of applying for land, notwithstanding that 5 instead of 4 per cent, has

Transact* ins during the Year. Area held >t 31st March, 1896. Class of Selection. Revenue 3eived during the Year. Number. Area. Number. Area. 10 28 141 1,002 64 43 E. P. 3 8 2 19 3 18 A. R. P. £ s. d. ]ash, rural „ suburban ... „ town sections 179 1,111 1 5 102 22,578 0 11 3,369 9 6 Deferred-payment holders... Deferred-payment made freehold ... Perpetual-lease holders ... Perpetual lease made freehold ... Dcoupation with right of purchase liease in perpetuity Conversions to lease in perpetuity tillage settlement — Deferred payment Deferred payment made freehold Perpetual lease Perpetual lease made freehold Lease in perpetuity Conversions to village settlement, lease in perpetuity /illage - homestead special settlement Special settlement, deferred payment Special settlement, deferred payment made freehold... ?arm homestead, perpetual lease ... ?arm homestead, lease in perpetuity 28 1 6,342 120 0 11 0 0 [6,875 11 10 475 194,270 3 23 8,835 4 9 89 27,963 2 37 26,940 2 1 181 105 34,748 27,760 1 0 0 7 258 189 72,499 2 5 55,639 1 33 1,928 1 7 1,107 10 3 8 4,470 0 0 8 20 0 28 1 48 16 1 8 84 3 28 6 46 0 1 6 7 6 2 133 34 2,688 0 16 3 38 95 13 3 30 497 1 11 I 251 " 5,099 1 36 554 0 ■ 2 4 44 2 22 155 1,923 1 7 ( *364 10 6 1 1334 10 2 1 29 3 8 266 22,570 1 25 I 6,928 4 11 110 10,987 3 17 1 200 0 0 13 3,225 0 0 50 15 3 62 11,528 0 29 626 116,666 1 18 3,880 2 4 ( J36 6 3 1 §41 15 1 2,219 19 1 255 6 6 851 15 5 4,718 16 1 "mproved farm ... 101 8,674 3 2 114 9,939 0 0 Small grazing-run Pastoral leases ... Miscellaneous lease Dther sources 10 99 0 28 81 22 35 80,708 2 14 40,791 0 0 1,632 2 26 Total 1,003 137,385 0 19 2,561 627,609 3 27 69,442 18 7 * Bent. t Interest. J Occupation with right of purchase. § Lease in perpetuity.

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to be paid on the capital value of the land, an advance equal to one-fifth of the rent payable to the Crown. In other words, if the capital value of the land is fixed at £1 per acre, the applicant under this system is willing to pay Is. instead of 9'6d. per acre, or nearly 2Jd. per acre per annum, for a period of from ten to twenty-five years, for the right to become the occupier of the land in fee-simple. The total revenue collected exceeded my estimate by £8,201; but, as I explained when sending it in, a large proportion of the cash received is derived from lands taken up under " The Land Act, 1885," on perpetual-lease conditions, which are now being turned into freeholds, and it is impossible to form any reliable estimate of how many lessees are likely to do so. Thus, the total land revenue in this district can never be given with any degree of accuracy until the year's transactions are completed. Deferred-payment Lands. —There are only 102 selectors under this system now on the books, holding an area of 22,578 acres and 11 perches, the yearly instalments of which amount to £4,905 os. 9d. Twenty-eight persons completed their titles to an area of 6,342 acres and 11 perches; as against forty-two titles obtained last year, comprising an area of 8,613 acres and 17 perches. There were no forfeitures of selectors' interests under this system. Perpetual-lease Lands. —Under this heading there are 475 selectors on the books, holding an area of 194,270 acres 3 roods 23 perches, the annual rental being £9,963 18s. 10d. There were eighty-nine freehold titles acquired during the year, for an area of 27,963 acres 2 roods 37 perches ; the capital value being £26,940 2s. Id. This is a decrease of seven titles, for 18,9Q3 acres, over last year. The decrease is probably caused by the large number of these titles already made freehold ; and they will probably steadily decrease in the future. There were three forfeitures, of 1,032 acres, under this tenure during the year. The land taken up during the past year was either selected on occupation with right of purchase or under lease in perpetuity, and is as follows : — Occupation with Bight of Purchase. —One hundred and thirty-one selections were made during the year, of an area of 34,748 acres, bearing an annual rental of £2,150 2s. Bd.; and the interest of one selector, in 850 acres, was forfeited. There were only ten selectors in arrear on the 31st March, for £108 4s. 2d. Lease in Perpetuity. —One hundred and five selectors took up 27,760 acres during the year, the annual rental being £1,061 65.; and there were eight exchanges from other systems, of an area of 4,470 acres, the annual rental being £203 18s. Bd. There are now 189 selectors on the books, holding 55,639 acres, at an annual rental of £2,350. There were only ten selectors in arrear on the 31st of March, for £82 13s. 7d. The large increase in the number of the selectors in these last two returns is mainly due to the large number of farm-homestead selections which have been forfeited and reoffered for selection under the ordinary conditions of the Land Act. Village-settlement Lands under Lease m Perpetuity. —On this system, which is practically a continuation of the village-homestead special settlement system, there were 133 selections, of 2,689 acres, at an annual rental of £248 17s. sd. There were twenty-two forfeitures, of 439 acres, during the year, and the total area now held amounts to 5,099 acres, by 151 persons, the annual rental being £859 7s. Id., thirteen of these being in arrears with £68 15s. 10d. Land is readily taken up under this system in this district, and a very much larger area would be taken up if there was suitable land to offer under these conditions. Village-homestead Special Settlements.— There are 155 selectors on the books, holding 1,923 acres, at an annual rental and interest on advances of £335 15s. 4d. The interests of five lessees, in 45 acres, were forfeited during the year. A sum of £10 was advanced for a house, the total advances made to 31st March being £6,561. The arrears amounted to £337 17s. 3d., owing by sixty-six selectors. A large number of lessees under this system converted their leases to lease in perpetuity during the year. Special Settlement Associations comprise the following systems : Land selected on bhe deferredpayment conditions, under the special-settlement regulations of the sth December, 1885; farmhomestead associations, under the regulations of the 15th December, 1891 (both of which have been repealed); and special-settlement associations, under sections 162, &c, of " The Land Act, 1892." Under the first system there are still 226 selectors, in fourteen associations, holding 22,570 acres 1 rood 25 perches; and the number of selectors residing on the land is ninety, representing an area of 8,868 acres. The others are making double improvements in lieu of residence. There were 110 freehold titles acquired during the year, for 10,988 acres, and twenty-eight persons in arrear with their instalments, amounting to £215 15s. 10d. Mr. Lundius, Crown Lands Eanger on the West Coast, reports, with respect to the old deferred-payment special settlements in his district, as follows: "As all settlements formed under this tenure have been taken up more than six years, very few inspections have been made. The settlers in these settlements are nearry all doing well. In the Birmingham and AwahouPohangina Settlements there are now creameries in full working-order, and in Feilding Settlement there is a cheese-factory, erected last summer. The settlers have found out by experience that some provision has to be made for feeding the stock during the winter months, and in all settlements a good deal of stumping and breaking-up of ground has been done." Under the present farm-homestead system, thirty-six associations, held by 969 selectors, and representing an area of 196,966 acres 3 roods 10 perches, were shown in last year's return as on the books; and during the present year three further blocks, held by sixty-three selectors, of an area of 11,728 acres and 29 perches, of which the survey had been completed, were registered in the books, making a total of 1,032 selectors, for 198,694 acres 3 roods 39 perches. Of these, 393 have forfeited and surrendered their interests in 78,803 acres during the year, leaving 639 selectors still on the books, holding 119,891 acres 1 rood 18 perches. The amount received as rental during the year was £3,930 17s. 7d., and the arrears amounted to £683, owing by 127 persons. 2—C. 1.

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I am afraid a large number of men took up land in the farm-homestead associations without having sufficient means to make a start at bush-farming ; and, when they found the Land Board would not allow transfers unless the conditions under which the land was taken up had been complied with, many of them threw up their holdings without making any attempt to go on with the improvements or to settle on the land. I have no doubt, also, that the fall in the price of stock, which lessened the chance of their making a livelihood out of a small holding, deterred many who intended doing so in the first instance. But probably the greatest factor in preventing the bulk of those who have surrendered, or allowed their sections to be forfeited, from becoming settlers, arose from the fact that they had in many cases been misled by the delegates they intrusted with the selection of the various blocks taken up by the associations; and when the survey of them was completed, and each man was able to look at the land he was to occupy, they found in many instances the land was situated too far from a local market to give them a chance of making a living on a 200-acre holding. The reports of the Bangers, however, show that in most of the settlements a fair percentage of the original selectors have gone on with their improvements, and a number are already settled on the ground, and more will do so before the expiry of the four years allowed them under the Land Act for doing so. In Nos. 1 and 2, Marton Farm-homestead Associations, a determined attempt was made by the late secretary of these associations to get transfers effected by dummy mortgages ; but the Land Board held an inquiry on the spot, and, after taking evidence from all the persons concerned in the transactions, they came to the unanimous conclusion that eight of the original selectors had transferred their interests in the land—six out of the eight never having been on the ground at all —without the consent of the Land Board, in contravention of the provisions of their leases. The Board therefore forfeited their right to the land, and had it opened for selection under the ordinary conditions of the Land Act, weighted with the value of the improvements, which was returned to the persons who had been misled by the late secretary of the association into purchasing members' interests and taking possession of the land without the consent of the Land Board. This has effectually stopped the trafficking which was going on in these holdings before any improvements had besn put oh the land. Owing to the resignation of one of the Crown Lands 'Bangers, I could not get all the associations in the Forty-mile Bush and on the East Puketoi country inspected in time to bring the results down in this report; but five of them, and fourteen of those on the West Coast, were inspected, and out of the 224 holdings visited, fifty-one were behindhand with their improvements, but the others had several times the quantity required under the Act, which was £5,795, the value of improvements done amounting to £19,871. Mr. Lundius, in his report, remarks, " I think this shows a fairly good result. It shows that the settlers now remaining are bond fide ones, and, if one takes into consideration that the roads into the different blocks are not as yet very far advanced, and the settlers have to carry all their stores, &c, on their backs for miles over very rough surveylines, I think it is a very satisfactory result. I will not comment on any association in particular, but, as far as bond fide settlers are concerned, the Waimarino and Clifton No. 2 Associations are the best. The members of these associations are all good men, either small settlers or sons of settlers in the Bangitikei district, and have taken up the land with the full intention of making homes for themselves. They have had a hard time of it these last two winters, and provisions are very dear in the Waimarino district. Stores have either to be carted from Hunterville, or taken by steamer from Wanganui to Pipiriki, and carted or packed from there." The forfeited sections have been reoffered for sale under the ordinary conditions of settlement, under the Land Act of 1892 ; and up to the 31st March 148 of them had been taken up, and since then a considerable number have been applied for, so there is no doubt most of them will be eventually taken up. Inspection of Improvements. —Owing to the before-mentioned resignation of one of the Crown Lands Bangers, the inspection of holdings has fallen somewhat in arrear, and the return shows only 662 inspections as compared with 757 in the previous year, as the interregnum between the resignation of the Banger, and his successor taking up the work, happened during the summer months, when most outside work could be done. I have, however, put on two of the field surveyors, who were at work in the district, to help to overtake the arrears, which will soon be accomplished, but too late for me to review the results this year. A glance at the return of inspections made, accompanying this report, shows satisfactory results. Of land taken up under " The Land Act, 1885," 240 selections were reported on. The area required to be cultivated to comply with the conditions under which the land was taken up was 16,314 acres, and the actual area found to be done, 25,298 acres, nearly 9,000 acres in excess of the area required. In second-class land, where the value of the improvements is only taken into account, the amount required under the Act was £4,546, and the value of the improvements effected was £9,371, or a little over double the amount required. The defaulters numbered forty, the area deficient being 840 acres, and the money-value of deficient improvements being only £2,374. This shows that the systematic inspection now rigidly adhered to has made all classes of purchasers under that Act comply with the conditions under which they took up their holdings. Of land taken up under "The Land Act, 1892," 298 holdings have been visited during the year. The improvements required both for first- and second-class land under this Act are reduced to money-value. The value required by the Act to be spent on first-class land amounted to £8,037, and the value of those found on the ground amounted to £24,156, just three times the amount required. The value of improvements required on second-class land was £1,176 ; those effected were valued at £4,148, or more than three times the amount wanted. The defaulters numbered sixty-five, and the deficient improvements only amounted to £1,024, a mere bagatelle as compared with the excess improvements shown to have been effected.

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I may point out that the farm-homestead settlers, where they have gone on with their improvements, show, as far as inspected, in comparing the area taken up, relatively as much improvements made as the ordinary lease in perpetuity or the occupier with right of purchase; which is satisfactory. Taking the village settlers under the two Acts combined, as there is very little difference in the conditions under which they occupy their lands under either Act, I find 127 holdings have been visited by the Rangers. The value of the improvements required to be made amounted to £1,367, those effected amounting to £8,60-1, or over six times the amount required ; and there are only seventeen out of the 127 who appear in the defaulting list, for improvements amounting to £271. So 120 village settlers have made improvements which average, £72 apiece, the 104 reported on last year having averaged improvements valued at £76 apiece. Thus, notwithstanding the failure of village settlements in other colonies, there is no doubt that if judiciously placed in localities where the land is fairly good, and not too remote from where the men can get occasional work, these settlements can be made a great success. Crown Lands Bangers. —I regret to have to record the loss of Mr. N. J. Tone as a Crown Lands Ranger in this district. He rendered very great service to the department in that capacity. His conscientious attention to his duties, his great experience in all matters pertaining to bushsettlement work, and his well-known integrity as an officer, rendered his reports most valuable to the Land Board in dealing with settlers who were not fulfilling their engagements with the Crown by carrying out the improvements required by the Land Act under the conditions on which they were occupying the land. lam glad, however, though his services are lost to the Lands Department, as Secretary to the School Commissioners, to which position he has since been appointed, in looking after the educational reserves leased by them, they will, only in another capacity, virtually still be retained in the interests of the Crown. Mr. Kavanagh has been appointed in his place, and has now commenced his work in the Forty-mile Bush. Mr. Lundius, on the West Coast, has also been doing excellent work, and the inspections in his district are well up to date. Crown Lands Rangers have an invidious and often unpleasant duty to perform in reporting Crown tenants who have failed in carrying out the conditions of their leases, and have very onerous and responsible work in doing so; but I am very pleased to recognise the fact that the Crown Land inspections are now being most efficiently carried out in this district. Revenue. —The total amount of revenue from all sources collected during the year was £69,442 18s. 7d. This includes £1,335 13s. of endowment revenue. This is nearly £6,960 less than last year, but is £8,201 over the estimated amount, which was only £61,241. The large increase is mainly due to the excess in perpetual-lease freehold titles applied for, which were about £5,349 over the estimate. Arrears. —These amount to £4,515 Bs. 6d., owing by 417 persons, being a decrease from last year of £6,704 13s. Bd., and 749 selectors. Forfeitures. —The following table shows the forfeitures which have taken place during the year : — System. Number. Area. A. B. P. Perpetual lease ... ... ... ... ... 3 1,032 0 0 Occupation with right of purchase ... ... ... 1 850 0 0 Lease in perpetuity ... ... ... ... 4 1,587 2 0 Village homestead, on lease in perpetuity ... ... 22 439 136 Village-homestead special settlement ... ... 5 45 035 Farm-homestead special settlement, surrendered or forfeited ... ... ... ... ... 393 78,803 2 21 Small grazing-run ... ... ... ... 1 857 2 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... 429 83,615 112 In the clerical branch, the work still continues to largely increase, owing to the large amount of correspondence, &c, in connection with the settlement of members of farm-homestead associations and other selectors on their holdings ; making inquiries into the character, &c, of applicants under the Improved-farm Regulations (which alone necessitated the recording, &c, of over 2,000 letters); reports on applications for loans under the Government Advances to Settlers Act; the preparation of schedules of areas and calculation of capital values, rentals, payments under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, &c, of the various associations and other lands loaded for roads; the collection of rentals, &c.; conversions from one system to another; capitalisation; extension to fourteen years ; the various annual and other returns; &c. The selectors on settlement conditions now registered on the books number 2,501. This is a slight decrease on last year's figures, owing principally to the large number of farm-homestead sections which were either forfeited or surrendered, but were not selected during the year. The work of seeing that the selectors comply with the conditions of the Act is very great, there being sixteen different tenures under which land has been selected; and in the case of the villagehomestead lease-in-perpetuity, several of the village settlements having their own special conditions makes them more difficult to work, and renders constant care and supervision necessary to see that the various conditions are carried out. The entering of Rangers' reports, issuing of notices to selectors in arrear with their improvements, &c, and the examination of applications for freehold titles, transfers, conversions of tenure, mortgages, sub-leases, subdivisions, &c, which have been very numerous, have more than taken up the time of the clerk who looks after these duties ; and he has frequently had extra assistance to enable him to keep the work up to date, and to draft the necessary replies to be sent to the selectors, which during the year amounted in this branch alone

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to nearly 2,500. There were 662 Bangers' reports received during the year, and each of these had to be carefully checked, recorded, and analysed to see whether the selector was in arrear or otherwise with his improvements, and that the conditions for the particular purpose for which the report had been made were complied with. All defaulters had to be entered in schedules for the Land Board to deal with, and the necessary notices sent out, and followed up from time to time, to insure prompt steps being taken by the selectors to comply with the conditions of the Act. This work requires very careful supervision and intimate knowledge of all the conditions ; and continual reference has to be made to the records to see that the necessary action is taken at the right time. The work in connection with the Land Board has continued to increase very much. In several sittings the applications for land, titles, transfers, and general subjects, were so numerous as to necessitate the extension of the meeting to the following day. The outward and inward correspondence, including reports of Eangers, surveyors, and notices repayments due from selectors, &c, aggregated over 42,500 letters, &c, or an average of about 142 per day. This is an increase over last year of 6,500. There were 254 records received from other departments and dealt with; 1,168 vouchers passed through for payment, representing a sum of £20,563; and 705 cheques for wages, &c, were drawn on my imprest account, amounting to £5,933. The field staff consisted of sixteen parties and one Inspector, besides contract and Native Land Court surveyors. The office work during the year has been exceptionally heavy, owing in a great measure to the various changes of tenure allowed by the Land Acts. These necessitate, in each case, seeing that the conditions of the lease have been complied with up to the date of conversion, surrender by the lessee of the original lease, computation of new rentals and amendment of the registers, and the issue and registration of the new lease, &c, all of which entails an immense amount of work on the office before the transaction is finally completed ; and the number of applications is increasing very rapidly. In concluding my report, I have to express my thanks generally to the officers of this department for the very cordial way they have worked with me during the five years I have had the management of this office, and for their efforts to keep pace with the ever-increasing work of the department, especially to the Chief Draughtsman, who has the control and responsibility of conducting the work in my absence, and to the Chief Clerk, who has had to aid me in coping with the immense increase in the correspondence and general work in the office. That this increase is not an imaginary one the increased number of letters received and despatched shows, the number during the first year I entered on my duties as Chief Commissioner being, in 1890-91, 19,085 ; 1895--96, 42 ; 505 : showing the correspondence of the office has more than doubled during that time. This large increase of work, which is not only confined to the correspondence, has thrown much additional work on all who have the responsibility of carrying it out. John H. Bakee, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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Summary of Improvements effected on Selections in the Wellington District inspected during the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1896.

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First-class Land. Second-class Land or Small Runs. Defaulters. ' Residence. System. Area. E o c a S5 1111 ft ? re quired by Land Act. Cultivated. Improvements effected. Other provements. 4i- si ' ce c c≤ o>, Improvements effeel Otner Cultivated. p^; e . ments. :ed. Total £ § S §§»«; •; Value. 2 £a>$ .Sβ S | • Area or Amount in Arrear. J! a s c w> -^ S 8 -u CD % £ Culti- °£f Area P rove " Area - merits. Area. Value. Value. Value. noSo £■= Area. Value. Value. Country Land s unde r "The Lane I Act, 1885.' Deferred payment .. .. 6,489 0 2J 29 .. 1,248 3,162 2,819 6,722: 2,912' 9,634 1,568 672 384 874 370 1,244 2 9 173 11 18 : 38 223; Perpetual lease .. .. .. 57,874 1 35 165 .. 13,522 20,982 20,637 50,154' 2C,604 70,758 7,399 3,716 2,975 6,134 1,336 7,470 ] 27 647 2,134 : 66 99 40 350J Specialsettlementondeferredpayment 2,719 2 10 i 27 .. 1,024 3,740 1,700 3,8491 2,109 5,958 .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 10 67 6 21 22} 100s Special settlement on perpetual lease 3,200 0 0 16 .. 520 .. 142 298 95 393 .. .. .. .. .. .. ! 7 168 .. ' 4 12 25 1200 Small grazing-runs .. .. 1,459 0 0:3.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 53 158 350 525 132 657 .. .. .. 3 .. 100 485 A. R. P. 6,489 0 2 29 57,874 1 35 165 2,719 2 10 27 3,200 0 0 16 1,459 0 0 8 71,742 0 7 ! 240 £ Acres. £ Acres. 1,248 3,162 2,819 13,522 20,982 20,637 1,024 3,740 1,700 520 .. 142 £ 6,722: 50,154! 3,849i 298 2,912 9,634 2C,604 70,758 i 2,109 5,958 95 393 £ 1,568 7,399 672 3,716 Acres. 384 2,975 874 6,134 £ 370 1,336 1,244 7,470 2 27 4 7 Acres. 9 647 10 168 £ 173 11 2,134 66 67 6 .. 4 3 18 38 99 40 21 22J 12 25 .. 100 Acre: 350| 200 485 53 158 350 525 132 657 Total .. .. 71,742 0 7 | 240 .. 116,814 27,884 25,298 61,023! 25,720 86,743 9,020 !4,546 3,709 7,533 | 1,838 9,371 40 840 2,374 90 150 37J, 299 ! 16,314 27,884 25,298 | ! j 61,023 25,720 86,743 9,020 4,546 150 37J| 3,709 7,533 1,838 9,371 40 840 2,374 90 299 Country Lands under " The Land Act, 1892." { Land (S under " The Lane 1 Act, 1892." Cash .. .. .. .. 118 0 0 2 40 .. .. .. .. .. .. 43 43 10 20 31 I 51 I .. I .. .. I .. 2 .. i< 59 Lease in perpetuity .. .. 9,085 3 0 i 32 9,976 ; .. 1,418 631 1,510 1,518! 3,028 1,168 178 I 165 405 1511 556 8: .. 189 8 24 25 1284 Farm homestead lease in perpetuity 41,676 3 1 224 43,370; .. 5,259 5,062 11,205 5,763 16,968 5,424 536 842 1,930 973 2,903 51 .. 735 55 169 24j! 186 Occupation with right of purchase .. 9,854 0 18 40 8,651 .. 1,360 1,028 2,759 1,401] 4,160 2,526 419 260 535 j 103 638 6 .. 100 12 28 30.246J Total .. .. 60,734 2 19 298 62,037 .. 8,037 6,721 15,474 8,682 24,156 9,161 1,176 ' 1,277 2,890 i 1,258 i 4,148 65 .. 1,024 75 223 25j! 203| 631 5,062 1,028 6,721 1,510 1,518| 3,028 11,205 5,763 16,968 2,759 1,401] 4,160 15,474 8,682 24,156 43 43 10 20 31 I 51 1,168 178 : 165 405 151 556 5,424 536 842 1,930 973 2,903 2,526 419 260 535 j 103 638 9,161 1,176 I 1,277 2,890 ! 1,258 4,148 8 51 6 65 .. I .. 2 .. j- 59 189 8 24 25 I 284 735 55 169 24j! 186 100 12 28 30 246 : ■ I ; 1,024 75 223 25 j! 203: 4,148 65 i Village Lands under "The Land Act, 1885." Village settlement on deferred pay- I ment .. .. .. .. 61 2 20 10 53 565 56 141 279 420 .. .. .. .. .. 6 .. 211 2 8 20 $ Village homestead special settlement 399 2' 7 31 .. 209 .. 367 836 2,712 3,548 .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 7 77J 13' Total .. .. 461 0 27 41 .. 262 565 423 977 2,991 3,968 .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 .. 211 | 26 15 63§ 11; Village Lands under " The Land Act, 1892." Village homestead lease in per- I i petuity .. .. .. 1,979 0 23 83 .. 802 538 1,035 3,501 4,636 .. .. .. .. .. ..11 .. 60 45 38 541 23: Village 15,003, .. 802 15,003: .. 802 : Lands under " Th« i i i 538 1,035 3,501 538 : 1,035 3,501 32,980 78,509 40,894 3 Land 4,636 1 Act, 1892." j 18,181 5,722 4,986 11 60 1,979 0 23 83 45 38 54i: 23i 38 541 23; i-2G 35* 203j Total .. .. 1,979 0 23 83 15,003 .. 802 538 1,035 3,501 4,636 11 .. 60 45 38 ' 54J 23: 1,979 0 23 83 4,636 11 10,423 3,096 113,519 122 60 840 3,669 45 Grand total .. .. 134,916 3 36 [ 662 77,040 16,576 37,288 32,980 78.509 40,894119,503 18,181 5,722 4,986 10,423 3,096 ! 13,519 122 i 840 ! 3,669 236 420 : 35* 203134,916 3 36 16,576 37,288 119,503 236 662 77,040 203;

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NELSON. The number of selectors during the past year of settlement lands have been 109, showing a decrease from the previous year. Although the area' now open for selection amounts to 312,747 acres, it is reduced to second-class timbered and rough hillsides, fit only for grassing, and a considerable area of it consists of poor birch lands. Bach year the lands which fringe the settlements in the various valleys are being taken up by the old residents extending their holdings, and placing their sons upon them, and many thousands of acres are too hilly to allow of residence. This remark applies generally to the district extending from Collingwood to Nelson. Very little land is now available in the Sounds. The above observations apply also to the Karamea district, where it is also noticeable that few applications for land are made by new-comers settling there. From the mountainous character of the district its development is taking place more on the lines of mining than agricultural; but each year all the small areas at all available for cultivation near mining centres on the West Coast will be taken up. About three hundred and fifty applications for land in that part have been made to the Midland Eailway Company during the existence of their contract, which are yet in abeyance. It is probable that owing to the delay which has taken place a number will lapse, but there are still many inquiries made respecting them, and it is hoped that the reservation will be lifted this session, so that the applications can be dealt with. During the year previous the occupation-with-right-of-purchase tenure seemed to be preferred, but during the past year the balance of transactions has been in favour of the lease in perpetuity. The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act has given facility for settlement within the Buller Coal Eeserve, and, when the Midland reservation over the west coast districts is removed, will no doubt be largely taken advantage of. Hanmer Springs. —A few rural allotments have been sold during the year. Village-homestead Special Settlement, Mokihinui. —This is situated upon an endowment, the only settlement of the kind in the district, and has been a very successful one, containing about twenty-one settlers, making, with families, fifty-seven souls. The value of improvements made now represents a sum of £1,428. The District Surveyor reports : " The settlement shows steady improvement during the year. The bush has now been nearly all felled on the sections, and in many eases the settlers have made neat homes." Under the Nelson and Westland Coalfields Act, and amendments, 113 leases have been prepared and issued, and the whole will be completed about June next. A great difficulty has been experienced in getting in the arrears of rent due on old leases before the new ones were issued, and there is still an amount of £430 owing. The improvement conditions under " The Land Act, 1892," attached to the several tenures are being honestly carried out in the district. A few cases have occurred in which tenants have been behindhand on inspection, but these cases arose rather from a misapprehension as to the nature of the improvements than wilful neglect. The number of inspections now to be made amount to 158, and at present are undertaken by the several staff surveyors, in addition to their other duties, as there is no ranger in the district. Lands for Future Disposal. —There is no first-class land left in the district. What is remaining now is only timbered hillside land, fit for grass after being cleared. There are also no blocks of first-class agricultural land which would be available in the district for purchase under the Land for Settlements Act. The output of coal, and royalty received from mines held under Land Acts previous to " The Coal-mines Act, 1891," is as follows, viz. :—

The question of dealing with the large areas of unoccupied high back country in the Amuri has been a very difficult one. The passing of the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act last session facilitated arrangements for these areas to be included in the consolidated leases of the adjoining runs, the large additional acreage to be held rent free for the cost of rabbiting. This arrangement has been recommended by the Land Board, and included in the proposals of relief to the applicants under that Act, forwarded for the approval of the Minister. John S. Bkowning, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Mines. Output. Royalty, 6d. per Ton. Less Dead Rent. Royalty received. luller Coalfields Eeserve— Westport Coal Company Tons. 183,744 £ s. 4,593 12 d. 3 £ 620 s. d. 0 0 £ s. 3,793 12 d. 3

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MAELBOEOUGH. The area that was open for ordinary selection, under all tenures, at the beginning of the year was 140,624 acres, which, added to the area which was opened during the year—namely, 15,193 acres —made a total of 155,817 acres. Of this area, 15,858 acres have been taken up, leaving open at the end of the year 139,959 acres. As stated in previous reports, of this area 135,000 acres is situate in the western and southern parts of the district, and is composed chiefly of rugged mountain-tops, which for several months during the year are under snow, and not at all likely to be taken up. Cash Sales.—r-The area sold was 7,120 acres 3 roods, or 861 acres in excess of last year. Nearly all the purchases were made by lessees under " The Marlborough Waste Lands Act, 1867." Lease in Perpetuity. —This tenure is apparently the most popular in this district. In addition to the area taken up during the year, 12,648 acres were exchanged from pastoral and other tenures under clause 160 of the Land Act, making the total area held under this tenure 29,983 acres. Small Grazing-runs. —During the year 4,820 acres were taken up as against 5,828 acres last year, or 1,008 acres less. Five lessees, holding 3,149 acres, exchanged their leases for leases in perpetuity, leaving 33,204 acres held under this tenure, or 1,671 acres more than last year. Pastoral Licenses. —During the year, 9,193 acres were taken up, as against 370 acres last year, being an increase of 8,823 acres. On the other hand, seventeen holders, in occupation of 9,731 acres, exchanged their leases for leases in perpetuity ; and 58,283 acres were either surrendered or expired during the year. There are now twenty-nine holders less than last year, and the area held is 27,539 acres less. The rent paid during the year is only a little over one-half of last year's total, being £4,361, as against £8,240. This is accounted for partly by surrenders and expiries, and partly by the fact that some of the leases will expire in July, and therefore only five months' rent could be collected. The rent during the coming year will also show a falling-off on account of the large number of runs whose leases have been extended at greatly reduced rents. Territorial Revenue. —The total revenue collected shows a falling-off of £3,468 as compared with last year. The decrease is mainly under the head of pastoral runs, as explained above. The revenue under the other tenures compares favourably with last year's, in some cases showing a substantial increase. Arrears. —There is only one holder in arrear, the amount being £5 3s. 5d., as against eleven holders last year who were owing £227. Reserves. —An area of 843 acres was reserved during the year, viz.: 515 acres for scenic purposes ; 308 acres, for growth and preservation of timber on the summits of the ranges ; and 20 acres for public-school sites. In reference to the future settlement of Crown lands still available : As stated in my last report, until the leaseholds —the bulk of which would have fallen in on the Ist July next, but have now been extended to the 28th February —have been reclassified, only a limited area remains to be dealt with. Some of the leaseholds at the southern end of the district, such as the Green Hills and Kahautara Buns will no doubt be subdivided into fairly small areas, but it is doubtful whether this land can be put into the market within the present year, as questions of exchanges of freeholds, &c, will have to be arranged beforehand. Lands acquired lender the Land for Settlements Acts. —The only block which has been opened in this district is the Blind Eiver Estate; of which 2,628 acres were taken up during the year; which, added to the 1,854 acres taken up last year, and deducting 568 acres forfeited, leaves 3,914 acres held under lease in perpetuity. The area undisposed of on 31st March was 1,249 acres, comprising Sections 9, 11, 22, 26, 29, and 30. Although this block did not go off so well at first as was expected—chiefly owing, I think, to the very low prices ruling at that time for all kinds of produce —it has come much more into favour latterly, and we have had no complaints as to the quality of the land. On the contrary, those selectors who have had most experience and are best qualified to judge are very well satisfied with it. The Omaka Estate, lately acquired under the Land for Settlements Act, has been subdivided into fourteen sections, ranging in area from 160 to 595 acres. Judging from the nature of the land, which is nearly all first-class " agricultural," and its proximity to Blenheim, it should go off readily. I append a schedule of Crown lands available for settlement, but, as stated at the beginning of this report, 135,000 acres of this area are composed of lofty and rugged mountain-tops, which, if let at all, will have to be leased in large areas and at nominal rentals. I append also a summary of rangers' reports for the year, from which it will be seen that the value of improvements made is nearly treble of that of the requirements. Sidney Weetman,

Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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Area of Crown Lands in Marlborough available for Settlement on the 31st March, 1896. First Class valued at £1, Second Class at 10s., and Third Class at 5s. per acre.

Summary of Holdings reported on during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Value of improvements in excess of requirements = £12,703 3s.

CANTBEBUEY. Lands disposed of. —The tables give the areas of lands disposed of and also the prices. During the year 223 selections were made, comprising 65,273 acres 2 roods 39 perches; but it may be of interest to note that the cash sales were confined to a homestead site on Hunter's Hills, a strip of land at Wakanui, and a few suburban lots at Mackenzie. ■ The village-homestead lands are situated at View Hill, Euapuna, Westerfield, and Cheviot; the grazing farms at Cheviot. The lease in perpetuity selections are scattered throughout Canterbury. The land for settlement areas are those of Bpworth, Braco, Ashley Gorge, Kereta, Eoimaca, Eosebrook, Otaio, and one lot at Pareora. The farm-homestead association is that on the Patoa Block, on the Hurunui, and the pastoral runs nclude Hal don, Grassdale, Benmore, and Snowdon. The whole of the North Canterbury runs

Note. "Deferred payment " and " perpetual lease " include village-settlement and farm-homestead allotments. The greater number ot selectors who are " absent" are exempt from residence, either by having made more than double the improvements or by not having held the land for three years.

Name of Block or Locality. Qu First Class. Quality of Land. lality of Lan< Second Class. id. Third Class. Totals. Name of County within which Lands are situated. Eonga, and east side Eai Valley Pelorus, and west side Eai Valley Wakamarina Valley Head of Kenepuru Valley Tennyson Inlet Nydia Bay ... Paradise and Mud Bays Double Bay, Kenepuru Sound Kaiuma Pukaki Valley Adjoining Town of Picton Blind Eiver... Crail Bay ... North Bank of Wairau Omaka Valley Head of Wairau Valley „ Waihopai Valley „ Spray Valley Acheron and Saxton Valleys ... Awatere Valley Slopes of Kaikoura Eange, between Clarence and Awatere Valleys Wairau Eiver-bed Acres. 1,860 Acres. 6,000 43,000 Acres. Acres. 7,860 43,000 Marlborough. */ 9,000 2,600 3,200 3,800 1,300 362 2,500 1,800 1,025 9,000 2,600 3,200 3,800 1,300 362 2,500 1,800 1,025 1,249 297 12,700 12,200 47,000 12,800 - 4,200 19,100 4,000 22,800 Sounds. n it Marlborough. a 1,249 a 297 12,700 12,200 47,000 12,800 4,200 19,100 4,000 22,800 Sounds. Marlborough. a ti tt a a a 1,280 1,280 a Totals 3,109 74,884 136,080 214,073

Tenure. So •2 "8 S.2 s © Area. ... , ... . Number Number Value of Value of o f of Improvements Improvements Selector£ , Se i ectors required. made. res ident.! absent. S3i n_ 2 izi'o'S 0 )eferred payment... 'erpetual lease )ceupation with right of purchase jease in perpetuity imall grazing-runs Lβ '21 8 A. 617 2,154 978 R. P.! 0 4 2 31 2 16 £ s. d. 322 9 0 541 19 0 68 7 6 £ s. d. 753 16 0 2,174 15 0 691 10 0 5 17 6 10 4 2 10 4 3 i 45 45 14,338 34,065 3 35 0 0 5,052 18 0 644 1 0 8,522 15 6 7,190 1 0 34 83 11 12 18 13 l Totals 134 52,154 1 6 6,629 14 6 19,332 17 6 95 39 48

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between the Hurunui and Eakaia Eivers, comprising 546,520 acres, were notified for sale on the 28th February, 1896, with possession on the 7th March, 1896, but as the present licensees had applied for relief under the Pastoral Tenants' Eelief Act, the Land Board, with the approval of the Hon. the Minister of Lands, granted them extension of their licenses for periods of eight years and upwards, consequently the runs were withdrawn from sale. Revenue. —The revenue collected during the year, from all sources, amounted to £66,855 10s. 10d. When the disasters of last winter afflicted the Crown tenants it was feared that many of them would have difficulty in holding their leases and paying their rentals ; time for payment was granted to all those who required and applied for it. Making allowances for the delays caused by application under the Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act, the revenue came in more readily than was anticipated. If allowance be made for the rents due by applicants under the Pastoral Tenants' Eelief Act, the arrears on the 31st March amounted to £647 15s. 3d., due by fifty-seven selectors; but on the 14th May only twenty-five selectors owed £395 4s. lid. The amounts due would have been even less, if, as before indicated, the Land Board had not deferred stringent steps for the collection of rentals from those tenants who had applied for relief under " The Pastoral Tenants' Eelief Act, 1895," and in a number of other cases where selectors had applied for reduction of their rents, and had tendered surrenders of their leases. Before leaving the financial portion of this report I would draw attention to the value of the Crown's estate, £1,309,336 Is. 7d., which is occupied by the 1,629 lessees. I have determined this value on the basis of the rentals paid, omitting the value of coal, and a few other leases. Settlement Conditions. —The ranger's reports for the year 1895-96 have been summarised, with the results shown in Table B appended. Rural Lands. —The Waitohi Peaks farm-homestead selectors have made fair progress with their improvements; half of the holdings are fenced; they continue by permission to reside upon their village lots in a satisfactory manner. Medbury extensions on the farm-homestead system : Fair progress has been made, and the selectors are as a whole complying fairly as to residence on their original lots, and also as to the prescribed improvements for the past year. View Hill perpetual-lease and deferred-payment holdings : On these comparatively old selections but little progress has been made. This is due in the main to the poor character of the land. The selectors on the isolated and scattered holdings in the Stonyhurst, Eangiora, and Kaiapoi districts are reported to have complied with the conditions of their leases. As regards the Lake Ellesmere holdings, the Land Board has had full reports from the ranger, which disclosed that a large proportion of the holdings situated upon the shores of the lake were unoccupied, or not fully improved as required by the Land Act. Having visited the district in the winter when the lake was at its highest, in consequence of the unusually heavy rainfall, and the protracted period of southerly storms, I was enabled to inform the Board fully as to the effect of the floods upon the whole "of the holdings at Kaituna and Babbit Island, Green Park, and thence along the western shore to Taumutu. The Board went very thoroughly into the cases, in view of the fact that most of the sections were submerged for weeks ; that many of the most enterprising of the settlers were flooded out and compelled to abandon their houses temporarily, suffering loss of stock and produce, and much damage to fences and other improvements ; it was decided that the settlers were entitled to special consideration, and that the enforcement of residence and full value of improvements in the majority of cases should be waived for the time being. The ranger, states that the selectors on the scattered lots about North Eakaia and Bankside are not complying satisfactorily as to residence, as only about two-thirds of them reside on their holdings; though they have effected required value of improvements; their chief excuse being the smallness of the holdings and the poor character of the land. The selectors in the Spaxton, Mount Hutt, and Alford Forest districts are reported generally as having fairly complied as to residence and improvement conditions, though they labour under the drawback of holding light stony land in a severe and tempestuous climate. In the Hind's and North Ashburton districts, where the holdings as a rule comprise poor light land which grows very inferior crops, little progress is reported. Grievous loss was caused by the severe winter and the north-west storms at harvest time; nevertheless many of the selectors complied with the terms of their leases. The few selectors in the Ashburton and Coldstream districts are reported as having complied reasonably. On the Hind's-Bangitata Plain, where the land is also poor and stony, progress and compliance as to residence conditions have been unsatisfactory, except as regards holdings at Shepherd's Bush near Eangitata. The reports as to Anama, Mayfield, and Ashburton Gorge districts are satisfactory; but the small grazing-run holders at Alford Forest have made little progress; whilst the Peninsula selectors are reported as having complied. From the previous notes it will be seen that the majority of the settlers located upon small areas in North Canterbury labour under exceptional difficulties. Amongst these may be mentioned the inferior character of their holdings and their remoteness from centres of population. These drawbacks, combined with the scarcity of employment, the inclement winters and bad harvests, render the lives of some of the settlers a continuous struggle. Under the circumstances the Board is frequently at a loss how to deal with defaulters as to residence and improvements, and combinations by members of a family to secure a livelihood from their joint holdings. Village Settlements, North Canterbury.—Complete detail information as to each holding is contained in the tables. Mr. Ward informs me that the Medbury villagers are nearly all complying fairly, and that their circumstances ha-«e improved. The same remarks apply to the Peaks villagers. The extended holdings which have been granted under the farm-homestead system has placed these villagers on a safer and better basis. To accomplish this for the Peaks villagers the Crown purchased from the Midland Bailway Company Block 41, comprising 7,347 acres. The 3—C. 1.

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Springston villagers, though holding poor land, have all complied. The Southbridge and Sefton villagers are reported as having complied. View Hill, which suffers from the usual drawbacks of smallness of area, poor land, and remoteness from market, has made little progress ; a few of the settlers were recently granted additional areas, and those who have failed in the past to comply satisfactorily as to residence have been warned that they must comply in future; but more will be required to be done to place this settlement in a satisfactory condition. The villagers at Mayfield and Eosedale are now complying, and are in a satisfactory position. At Eakaia the ranger reports no improvement, though the villagers hold their own. The settlers on the new Euapuna village settlement have made good progress, but the same cannot be said of the Westerfield settlement, which was taken up in September, 1894. Clearwell, which was disposed of at the same time, is progressing very satisfactorily. The Alford Forest villagers have all complied, though little progress has been made on these poor out-of-the-way holdings. At Ashburton, Dromore, and Chertsey, all have complied satisfactorily. The Hind's villagers, with the disadvantages of small areas, poor land, want of employment, &c, have made little progress, but have nearly all complied with the conditions of the Land Act. Stour, for similar reasons, is in an unsatisfactory state. Eabbit Island, Green Park, Irwell, and Hart's Creek comprise a large proportion of lowlying swampy land, subject to inundation when Lake Bllesmere is exceptionally high, as it was last winter when I visited the holdings and saw the villagers' homesteads in the flood. These settlements have made fair progress, but, as might be expected, the residential conditions have not been complied with satisfactorily at Eabbit Island, Green Park, and Irwell. At Hart's Creek, where fishermen have settled, the villagers have complied and made satisfactory progress. Though the above extracts disclose shortcomings, it is only fair to say that an earnest endeavour was made by the Crown to provide small holdings and homes on the only available land at its disposal. Advantage was eagerly taken of the openings thus afforded, with the result that the families established on the North Canterbury village settlements have materially improved their positions, though many of them experience the disadvantages of occupying lots which are too small and inferior in quality, in localities remote from a market for their labour arid produce. Every effort is being made to provide them with extended holdings, but this can only be effected in many cases by transfer and amalgamation of holdings. Settlement Conditions, South Canterbury. —Mr. Banger O'Callaghan has furnished reports as to the settlements in his district, which disclose a more satisfactory state of progress, except as to certain localities. The following remarks are extracted from his report:— " A marked improvement has taken place in the financial position of many of the small settlers in South Canterbury, who hold land from the Crown of fair or good agricultural quality. The harvest this season has been one of the most profitable to the farmer that has been experienced here. The yields have been large, the quality of the grain excellent, the prices fairly good, and the market active. Some loss has been incurred through damage to the grain in stack from wet, but otherwise there has been little to complain of. There has been some improvement in the demand for labour, though there is still much to be desired on that score. During the year considerable fluctuation took place in the values of stock, but, except during the summer drought, sales have not been so difficult to effect as during the previous year. "Small Grazing-runs. — I regret to report that the lessees of these runs have had on the whole a very unprofitable year. The heavy losses incurred during the very severe winter, the expense of keeping down the r ibbits, the decreasing carrying capacity of the country, and especially the want of tillage land for providing winter sheep feed, have all tended to curtail their profits, and there are several instances in the district where returns from the leaseholders have not been sufficient to provide for the rent alone. " Wainono and Nukuroa Settlements. —I am pleased to be able to report considerable improvements during the year as regards the settlements, particularly in the Nukuroa Block, where the crops this season have been exceptionally fine. "Lands for Settlement. —The settlement under this system still continues to be most successful in South Canterbury. A few of the settlers have had some little difficulty at the start, their capital having been scarcely sufficient to meet the cost of fencing, building, cultivating, and the first year's rent. However, the returns from the land this season have in most cases been enough to put them right, and I do not anticipate any serious difficulty in the future, under ordinary circumstances, as to the settlers meeting their engagements. All the sections in these settlements are at present in occupation. There has been only one case of transfer; one case of forfeiture, the section being again leased by another tenant; one case of forfeiture (just declared) for unsatisfactory residence ; and there have been four cases of sections having been declared forfeited for delay in payment of rent, which, however, has since been paid up, or will very shortly. The great majority of the settlers are married; all are suitable tenants, with the exception of where husband and wife hold two sections. The number of souls already resident on the seven settlements is 248, which will be increased to over three hundred when the whole of the sections taken up in July and December, 1895, are built on, which I expect to be early next spring. The improvements are, with very few exceptions, all that can be desired. Every section is fenced, and several subdivided. Comfortable dwelling-houses are erected on most of them ; and gardens and planting are already, in many instances, well attended to." Village Homestead Special Settlements. —Mr. O'Callaghau, in forwarding the schedules relating to the village settlements, says: " I have the honour to report that there has not been much alteration in the position of the village-homestead settlers since the date of my last annual report. There has been a fair amount of progress in some of the settlements, notably Arundel, Orari, and Arowhenua, where the land is generally good and favourably situated; while in others, where the land is inferior and otherwise unsuitable, some tendency to stagnation is shown. This is chiefly so in the case of some of the worst of the holdings in the two Waitaki blocks and Glenavy. There has been a somewhat better demand for labour during this year than the previous one, but there

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are still a good many settlers who find a difficulty in getting regular employment, and who are consequently in rather poor circumstances ; however, generally speaking, there is undoubtedly an improvement in the financial position of the as a body." " The Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act, 1895." —The Board was engaged for forty days between the 7th November, 1895, and the 14th February, 1896, in taking evidence and pursuing inquiries in connection with the applications put in by 160 runholders and selectors. Sittings were held at Christchurch, Timaru, Fairlie, Sandhurst, and Tekapo. The appended summary of results on Table A will be considered interesting. Classification of Buns. —A Commission, consisting of the Hon. W. C. Walker, Mr. David McMillan, and the Commissioner of Crown Lands, was appointed on the 11th December, 1895, in terms of section 189 of " The Land Act, 1892," to classify the North Canterbury runs, the licenses of which will run out in March 1897. The members of the Commission, being members of the Land Board, had to abandon for the time being their inquiries under the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act, and devote their whole attention to the classification. Between the 30th December, 1895, and the 23rd January, 1896, the Commissioners inspected all the runs and completed their labour, as embodied in the report of the 24th January last, and the full and complete schedule accompanying it. Briefly, the result was that nineteen runs, comprising 546,520 acres, were declared open for sale on 28th February, 1896 : out of these, seventeen, containing 512,700 acres, were subsequently withdrawn and relet without competition to the present tenants, under " The Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act, 1895," and two were sold at auction to the present licensees; whilst thirteen blocks and runs containing 40,833 acres were recommended to be thrown open on settlement conditions by March, 1897. Lands for Settlement. —There were twenty-six properties, embracing about 14,623 acres, in the Canterbury Land District offered to the Crown during the past financial year, of which ten properties, comprising 665 acres, were situated in the vicinity of Christchurch. Diligent inquiry was also made as to all available lands in the market, with a view of bringing them under the notice of the Land-purchase Inspector : of these, the Canterbury Board recommended the purchase of a number of properties. The Eosebrook Estate, near Timaru ; the Otaio Estate, near St. Andrew's ; Eoimata and Braco, near Christchurch; Kereta and Epworth, near Temuka; Patoa, at Medbury ; and Ashlev Gorge, near Oxford, have already been opened for selection : and now Highbank, on the Eakaia Eiver, 9,119 acres, and Orakipaoa, 386 acres, at Temuka, which have been acquired by purchase from Mr. M. Ingle Browne and Messrs. Quinn and Eooney respectively, are about to be thrown open for selection. All the estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Act in this district by the Crown have, with the exception of the Midland Eailway Block 41 (Patoa), been disposed of in a very satisfactory and ready manner, and have undoubtedly supplied in a small measure a muchneeded want. I believe there exists a very considerable unsatisfied demand on the part of small graziers, farmers, artizans, labourers, and others in Canterbury for suitable-sized holdings of good land in favourable position. These people will not take-up the generally very indifferent remnants of Crown lands, and those of them who are the more enterprising, energetic, and therefore desirable to retain, must perforce migrate to other places to satisfy their natural and laudable desires. With regard to the progress of the settlements established under this system it is rather early yet to judge ; the first year's report is not due as to several of them. I append particulars of the progress made by the settlers up to the present time, which will, I think, be deemed satisfactory:— Bosebrook Estate, comprising 600 acres 1 rood 8 perches, situated about four miles inland from Timaru, and subdivided into fifteen lots ranging in area from 24 acres to 62 acres, was opened for selection on the 26th June, 1895. The whole of the lots were immediately taken up; and, as will be gathered from the Sanger's report, the villagers have made a good start, and are in a fair way to succeed. Otaio Estate, comprising 373 acres 3 roods 14 perches, situated about three-quarters of a mile from St. Andrew's, subdivided into nine lots ranging between 32 acres and 49 acres, was opened for selection on the 26th June, 1895, and was taken up immediately. The villagers have had fair crops, and, according to report, will all be in residence shortly. I have no fear as to the future of this settlement. Boimata Estate, comprising 48 acres 3 roods 37 perches, situated at Woolston, Christchurch, subdivided into twenty-six lots ranging from 1 acre to 3 acres, was opened for selection on the 14th August, 1895, and was readily disposed of. Excellent progress has been made ; the villagers have obtained good crops, and the settlement should prove a thorough success. Epworth Estate, comprising 21 acres and 3 perches, situated at Temuka, subdivided into two lots, was opened for selection on the 27th November, 1895, and immediately disposed of. The two villagers will doubtless comply by the statutory date. Braco Estate, comprising 27 acres 2 roods 4 perches, situated at Fendalton, three miles and a half from Christchurch, subdivided into fourteen lots, was opened for selection on the 27th November, 1895, and was all disposed of by the 16th January, 1896. The villagers obtained splendid crops of hay at the outset, and many of them are now busy with their improvements. Patoa Estate, comprising 7,347 acres and 38 perches, situated on the Hurunui Eiver, near Medbury, was subdivided into twenty-two lots ranging in area from 48 acres to 1,998 acres, and was disposed of partly by granting fourteen lots, containing a total of 2,803 acres and 9 perches, as extended holdings to the Waitohi Peaks villagers ; the remaining eight lots, containing 4,513 acres 3 roods 28 perches, were opened for selection on the 27th November, 1895, of which four, containing 1,926 acres 3 roods 28 perches, were disposed of. The balanpe of 2,587 acres has not been applied for ; besides which, one lot of 1,552 acres 3 roods has been surrendered. This land was secured to satisfy the demands of the Peak villagers for extensions ; and, after doing so, there remains a large area of poor, stony, scrubby land, which hangs on our hands. It is proposed to group the unselected lots and reoffer them as a small grazing-run, which should enable us to dispose of the land.

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Kereta Estate, comprising 105 acres 2 roods 16 perches, situated at Seadown, near Timaru, was opened on the 4th December, 1895, in four lots, and immediately selected. This settlement has only been started about five months, and should prove a success. Ashley Gorge Estate, comprising 1,166 acres and 24 perches, situated three miles and a half from Bast Oxford, was subdivided into twelve lots ranging from 40 acres to 313 acres, and was opened for selection on the 4th December, 1895, combined with 1,812 acres of Crown lands, and was all forthwith disposed of, except 115 acres 2 roods 2 perches which is hampered by a detached and rather inaccessible section of Crown land. A very fair beginning has already been made, and by the end of the first year I expect to see very substantial progress. Omihi, comprising 20 acres, on the road from Waipara Eailway-station to Cheviot, has not been opened for settlement. I would suggest that the area be increased, if possible, to at least 75 acres, when we should have little difficulty in disposing of the land. I submit the results of the Bangers' inspections, —

The operation of the Land for Settlements Acts in the acquisition and disposal of rural and suburban properties in Canterbury has, up to the present, proved thoroughly successful, and the large unsatisfied demand that still exists for small farms on settlement conditions proves that there is ample scope for the extension of the working of the Act within the Canterbury Land District. You are aware that I have made every effort to bring before the Land Purchase Board all available lands in the vicinity of Christchurch. Mount Cook Hermitage. —An event of the past financial year was the purchase by the Crown of the Hermitage at Mount Cook. This favourite resort of tourists and others had for some time previously, unfortunately, fallen into disfavour, owing to the inability of the enterprising owners to stand the yearly financial loss involved in maintaining the hotel and coaching service. A caretaker was put in charge in September, 1895, after the Crown had obtained possession; stores and other necessaries were supplied, and Mrs. Adamson has catered for the public requirements to the general satisfaction of visitors. I recently visited the place to make myself fully acquainted with its capabilities and requirements, and embodied my views in a general report to you, dated the 4th May, 1896. The tenor of my suggestion was to improve the present road ; provide a regular and comfortable coaching and mail service during the summer, and to place the Hermitage in capable hands. We shall then be warranted in advertising freely that the wonderful attractions of Mount Cook may be visited with facility, and with the certainty of finding good accommodation, guides, and all other accessories to render the trip thoroughly satisfactory and enjoyable. I wish to add that, much as I had read and heard as to the grandeur, beauty, and novelty of the scenery, it surpassed my expectations. Cheviot. —The returns in the tables relating to this estate speak for themselves, disclosing as they do the eminently satisfactory financial position of this acquisition. The transactions for the year were confined to cash sales of town and suburban lots, and the re-opening of the few holdings which had been forfeited by the Board, and of one new grazing-farm. The leasing of a number of small reserves and isolated scraps of the estate were successfully quitted, so that practically the unoccupied part of Cheviot is represented by the balance of the town lands and necessary reserves. The competition manifested whenever portions of the estate are available for sale or transfer, and the readiness with which prices and premiums are paid is very gratifying. lam not in a position to furnish any further statistics as to the Cheviot settlements, for the reason that there has been no complete report thereon since that of August, 1895, of which you have full particulars. I may say, however, that I have paid several visits to the estate during the year, and was more impressed each time by the solid progress made by the settlers, and also with the splendid character and capabilities of the country. I have been assured by numbers of the settlers that the crops of all descriptions produced throughout the district were excellent. It is true that the persistent and violent north-west storms shook out the wheat and oats; but the turnips and other crops are reported and appeared to me excellent. Notwithstanding the disasters of the grain-growers, the settlers, with very few exceptions, appeared well pleased and satisfied with their selections, homes, and prospect?. They have borne up bravely against the difficulties and discouragements which have beset them, chief among which may be mentioned fall in prices, the financial depression after 1893, and the destruction of their splendid grain-crops this year. They deserve to succeed, as doubtless they will. Some of the village settlers, now that the road and other works are limited, find it

Settlement. o >A p |w Number of Holders residing. Ill 3 a> Value of Improvements. Remarks. Pareora Studholme Junction .. Kapua 29 4 12 28 3 10 124 17 45 £ s. d. 1,854 11 0 220 8 0 883 13 0 All sections fenced and subdivided. All sections fenced and subdivided. All boundaries of sections fenced, and nearly all subdivided. All boundary fences erected, and many subdivided. Boundary fences complete. Rosebrook 15 9 48 1,002 12 0 Otaio Roimata Patoa The Peaks Extension.. 9 26 4 15 2, and 2 partially resident 13, and 4 building 1, and 1 building Residing on adjoining village lots 2 4 14 56 1 345 0 0 780 0 0 130 0 0 270 0 0 Seven holders have fenced. Kereta Braoo Epworth Ashley Gorge 4 14 2 11 1 16 64 0 0 215 0 0 Fencing complete. 'a 17 280 "o 0

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difficult to hold their own. The men who selected small lots of 5 acres are the worst off: those who held 20 acres of the splendid Mackenzie suburban lands, or 50 acres elsewhere, should, if once they get over the first expense and burthen of settlement, establish prosperous homes on Cheviot. There will be the inevitable failures here as elsewhere. Every care is being taken to aid those who are doing their best to improve their holdings and make them to a great extent selfsupporting. The dairy-factory was opened during the year. I regret to hear that it has not been a financial success ; doubtless, with the increase of dairy stock, this institution, so necessary to the support and prosperity of the small holders, will be worked to profit and advantage. As a body, the selectors on all systems have complied with the terms of their leases in a most satisfactory manner. The number of selections on settlement conditions is 216 ; the defaulters as to improvements are estimated to be 4; the defaulters as to residence (technically), 33, the actual defaulters being not more than 12 in number; the defaulters as to payments of rent, 6; and the latter only owe £130 7s. 3d. out of an annual payment of £14,367 11s. Bd. I question if another 84,000 acres of settlement lands in the colony can show an equally satisfactory record. The whole credit belongs to the Cheviot people. The roads and Port Robinson shipping service continued under the charge of the Government up to the 31st March last. Since that date the Cheviot County Council has taken over the whole of the roads, bridges, and the Port Eobinson landing service, under agreement with the Crown to carry out the remainder of the roads and other works without any further demand upon the Government, provided the Council received the sum of £3,000 for the completion of the road and drainage works ; the money to be paid from time to time as required. The additional works are to be executed to the satisfaction of the Crown, and the port is to be maintained and worked in an efficient and satisfactory manner, subject also to approval. It has also been decided to vest in the County Council gravel and other reserves which are essential for the welfare and enjoyment of the Cheviot settlers. This arrangement, I venture to say, is creditable both to the Government and the Council, and is a matter for congratulation to all concerned. Cheviot now stands alone, untrammelled, and free to work out its own destiny. Cheviot Roads. —The expenditure during the year on the Cheviot roads and drainage, comprising new works and maintenance, was £3,244 4s. 2d. Full particulars relating thereto are to be found in the road report and schedules elsewhere. The cost of administration was £185 18s. Port Robinson. —I have the honour to submit for your perusal the annual report of Mr. John Sinclair, the harbourmaster, and his statements of trade, receipts, and expenditure. The dues amounted to £720 ss. 3d.; the expenditure to £613 13s. od. : credit balance, £106 12s. 3d. A careful consideration of the whole question points to the conclusion that the Cheviot trade must develop ;by a fair apportionment of expenses to capital and working account, and further economies in the harbour service, it is believed that the credit balance should be ample to provide for repairs and a sinking fund for necessary renewals, &c. The chief and most satisfactory points in Mr. Sinclair's report are —(1) the facilities which the port affords for shipping ; (2) the stability and good condition of the slip and plant; and (3) the success of the groins designed by Mr. E. Stephenson Smith. The suggestions as to moorings, and extension of shed and other accommodation, are additional proofs as to the expansion of trade. The Crown was fortunate to secure the services of so capable and experienced an officer as Mr. Sinclair. Lands for further Disposal. —These comprise the generally unattractive remnants catalogued in the Land Guide : 40,833 acres, represented by the Broomfield, Loburn, Glentui, View Hill, Burnt Hill, The Point, Eakaia Gorge, Rock wood, Steventon, and part of Snowdon Runs, recommended by the Classification Commissioners to be opened on settlement conditions; the Highbank and Orakipaoa Estates, and it is to be hoped some other properties now under consideration by the Land Purchase Board. Departmental. —The business of the Canterbury Lands and Survey branches was unusually heavy, supplemented as it was by the considerable work involved in connection with the Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act; the classification of runs; inquiries and sittings of the Land Board as to application for reduction in rentals; reports and valuations of Land for Settlement estates, and Advances to Settlers work, &c. lam pleased to be able to report that the Land Office registers and records are in a satisfactory state; arrears have been greatly reduced, and, should a lull occur shortly in the press of work, 1 trust, with the assistance of my fellow-officers, to complete the transposition to the new registers of the whole of the records relating to the 1,629 selectors holding Crown property to the value of £1,309,336. I have again much pleasure in informing you that the field and also the office staff generally have performed their duties zealously and efficiently. J. W. A. Marohant, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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Table A.—Summary of Applications under "The Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act, 1895," showing Losses of Stock under the various Systems, Values, and Concessions granted.

Table B.—Summary of Crown Lands Rangers' Reports for Year ending 31st March, 1896.

Area. Bequirements of Act. How far complied with. First Class. Second Class. Cultivated Area. Value of Improvements. Area cultivated. Value of Improvements 72 Leases in perpetuity, ordinary 25 Perpetual leases „ 89 Village homestead special settlements 12 Perpetual leases, village 5 Small grazing-farins .. 3 Occupation with right of purchase 5 Deferred-payment licenses North Cai a. e. p. 14,519 2 26 2,032 2 37 - 2,298 3 24 199 1 10 2,857 3 38 188 3 23 399 0 0 'ebbuby Land Distbict. A. B. P. A. E. p. 410 0 8 326 2 20 44 3 8 79 2 16 £ s. d. 5,201 3 6 1,109 0 7 1,031 10 6 51 0 0 202 11 8 36 4 3 78 0 0 A. B. P. 233 2 0 1,456 0 0 567 3 15 199 0 0 £ s. d. 5,441 8 6 1,978 16 0 3,392 it 0 477 0 0 374 5 0 76 15 0 547 16 0 180' 0 0 211 22,496 1 38 861 0 12 ! 2,636 1 15 I 1 I 12,288 11 6 7,709 10 6 57 Leases in perpetuity, ordinary 13 Perpetual leases 85 Village homestead special settlements 2 Perpetual leases, village 3 Occupation with right of purchase 4 Small grazing-runs South Canterbury Land District. 2,660 3 12 14,522 0 0 1 2,323 1 5 656 0 0 464 1 3 1,915 3 33 .. 919 3 13 77 3 18 .. 15 0 0 176 2 0 4,450 0 0 3,700 0 0 3,826 12 11 1,972 19 1 9 14 0 52 4 0 717 15 0 1,210 0 0 1,498 2 0 4,953 1 0 1,718 1 0 6,095 0 0 164 0 0 84 16 6 1,117 5 0 16 0 0 164 18,878 0 0 1,399 0 16 11,604 1 28 6,579 5 0 2,724 2 0 14,132 3 6 101 Leases in perpetuity, ordinary 30 Small grazing-farms 80 Village homestead special settlements 211 11,948 3 24 31,226 3 0 2,262 0 15 45,437 2 39 Cheviot Estate. 10,684 17 10,970 0 0 21,654 17 2,947 5 6 5,951 2 1 384 11 11 9,282 19 6 2,947 5 6 5,951 2 1 384 11 11 9,282 19 6 13,848 0 0 8,180 1 0 3,407 13 0 25,435 14 0

■o § Total Number of Stock at Estiu '5 '■ beginning of Winter. mated ,gg! , Total Total Actual Loss of Stock. Ordinary Average Yearly Loss. Actual Excess Lose. Owner's esti- Land Board's ; Concessions granted. mate of Value , Estimate of _ _ of total Excess Value of . . "Remission Annunl Stock lost. Stock lost. Eemissionof "^^" Beductton of Kent - tax. Kent. System. II Sheep. Loss of iHorses. Cattle.: Sheep. Sheep. ,, Pel : Horses. Cattle. Cent. Shee p|cent. Sbeep. Cent. Horses - Cattle. Pastoral runs .. j 81 Small grazing-runs .. 23 Lease in perpetuity .. 28 Freeholds, &c. .. 28 Grand total .. 160 781,300 3b,485 22,305 234,75a 437 888 35 26 33 60 101 114 606 ; 1,088 343,573 9,068 6,660 64,167 341,178 43-6 ' 53 169 9,091 249 5 9 6.469 1 29-0 1 10 60,726 25-8 .. 2 'ill, 464 38-9 59 190 61,324 7-8 4,924 134 2,772 12'4 11,370 4-8 80,390 7-5 284,270, 5,485! 4,733' 50,246 : 344, 734 1 36-3 52 15-0 4 21-2: 1 21-4 158 102,665 18 9 83,333 9 3 2,870 10 0 6 2,194 1 0 1,732 15 31,291 0 2 10 1,744 4 7 1,312 11 6 754 6 4 £ s. &: £ s. d, £ s. d. 102,665 18 9 83,333 9 3 2,870 10 0 2,194 1 0 1,732 15 31,291 0 2 1,744 4 7 1,312 11 6 754 6 4 16,761 4 9 14,899 14 3 £ s. d.l £ s. d. 345 8 06,316 11 5 9 6 0 7 10 0 60 18 0 .. I 16,761 4 9 14,899 14 3 1,074,842 423,4681 320 57 174 123,365 9 1101,278 10 34,915 16 6 423 2 0!6,316 11 5

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Landing Service, Poet Eobinson. I herewith enclose statement of revenue and working-expenses, Port Eobinson Landing Service, from Ist April, 1895, till 31st March, 1896. The permanent improvement account is shown separate. The wages and working requisites account deducted from total revenue leaves a balance of £106 12s. 3d. Statement for probable cost of working for ensuing year is increased, as there will be new surf-lines, tarpaulin, and extra supply of coals required. I anticipate considerable increase in the shipment of wool, grain, and other produce. The statement of revenue is the exact totals from the inwards and outwards books of landing service. I also enclose summary of the goods, classified to show items of import and export. During the year the s.s. " Wakatu" has been here 107 times, and of that number there were only nine times we were unable to work her through the sea being too rough; six sailing-vessels came here with cargoes of timber—one took away a load of barley ; a seventh vessel came for a cargo of wheat for Auckland. During four days of the time the sailing-vessels were here, it was too rough to work, and they had to put to sea. Good outer moorings would be an advantage for sailingvessels to hold on to when the sea is rough. Our surf-line broke once, but no accident occurred. The most prevalent winds during the year have been north-west and south-west. The sea has been fairly calm for shipping purposes, except during the months of July, August, and part of September. The.slip stood the winter storms very well, the only repairs required being two bevil-pieces and some bolts renewed. I have repeatedly examined the piles. There is very little damage done to the totara piles by the teredos ; the ironbark appears to be suffering most. The outer end was nearly all renewed with totara timber three years ago; the few ironbark piles in the middle can easily be got at any time when required for renewal. I do not anticipate any expenditure on slip during ensuing year, excepting part of the groove for the boat-keel, which will require renewing and straightening. The engine and boiler have now been inspected, and also repairs completed in accordance with instructions from the Inspector of Machinery; they are now, as far as can be seen, in thoroughgoing order for another year. I may probably have to ask for an addition to the goods-shed, especially if the settlers keep their grain and wool any time at Port. I may also have to ask to have some more of the ground in front of goods-shed removed, to give more room for the wagons to turn ; it would be a decided advantage to have a roadway cut to allow the traffic to pass behind the engine-shed. The groins near the slip are a decided success in preventing the sea from scouring away the foreshore, and so saving the reclaimed ground for storage-room, which was much required. The accumulated sand and shingle has considerably stiffened the shore-end of the slip, and also helped, to a certain extent, in stopping the teredos bormg. John Sinclair, Harbourmaster.

Statement of Woeking Expenses for the Period, Ist April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. £ s. d. £ s. d. Permanent improvements— £ s. d. £ a. d. Wages— Boat guide-rollers .. 5 12 6 Harbourmaster .. .. 188 5 3 Brass for rollers .. 0 15 0 Clerk and boatmen .. .. 278 18 0 Padlock .. .. .. 010 6 Clerk and boatmen, ovortime .. 56 10 0 Angle-iron and shaping, &c. .. 312 0 Casual labour .. .. 26 17 3 Freight .. .. ..076 550 10 6 Iron for slip handrail, 1281b., and freight .. .. .. 119 5 Gauge-cock, glass, and rings .. 311 6 Actual working— Materials complete for horse - Coals .. .. .. 13 2 6 trough .. .. ..136 Oils and fat .. .. .. 4 7 10 17 11 11 Bopes .. .. .. 916 5 Cotton-waste, bag-hooks, paint, Sinclair's time prospecting for coal .. 3 8 4 twine, &c. .. .. 2 2 4 . Child's account for repairs ..346 Total working-expenses .. .. .. 613 13 0 Office stationery, books .. 4 5 0 Total revenue .. .. .. .. 720 5 3 Freight and railage .. .. 4 17 8 Canvas .. .. .. 0 6 0 Balance .. .. .. 106 12 3 42 2 3 J. Sinclair, Harbourmaster.

Poet Eobinson Landing Service, Cheviot. Imports for Year ending 31st March, 1896. —1r0n standards (22,860), 65 tons; black wire, 85 tons 14cwt.; barb-wire, 12 tons 4cwt.; posts, 1,706; stock, 27 rams; timber, 262,829 superficial feet; merchandise, 1,051 tons Bcwt.; parcels, &c, 573; passengers, 104. Exports for Year ending 31st March, 1896. —W001, 1,761 bales, 57 bags; skins, 8 bales, 102 bundles ; hides and fat, 22 sacks ; cheese, 264 crates; butter and eggs, 28 packages ; peas, grain, &c, 1,463 bags; passengers, 67.

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Statement of Trade and Revenue of the Port Robinson Landing Service for the period, 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896:—

WESTLAND. The area open for selection and opened during the year is apparently considerable, but of this the greater part is situated principally in the far south, that very few care to brave the hardships incidental to bush-clearing so far away from any important centre. The nearest point of this available area is upwards of ninety miles south of Hokitika, so that it can be readily understood why settlement is exceedingly slow and limited. Of the total area alienated under the various systems, nearly 18,000 acres have been cleared of bush and placed either under grass or cultivation ; the remainder is almost in its primitive condition. Over a great area the milling timber has been removed, but otherwise no permanent improvements have been effected. The total area taken up during the year under the various headings was 1,765 acres. The difficulties in obtaining land, to which I will further refer, have so retarded the advance of settlement that no substantial results can be shown in this direction until the restrictions have been removed. The remarkable feature of the number of selectors during the year is that eighty-two were for pastoral leases. These have been taken up principally in small areas under the 219 th clause of the Land Act. The mention of this number will indicate how anxious many are to acquire land in the district. On account of the provisions of the Midland Railway Contract, this was the only way by which settlers could take up and occupy any land, and although the tenure is brief and insecure, they were willing to hold it in any way. At the same time, they were repeatedly cautioned by the Land Board that such holdings could not be considered or the improvements protected if the land were thrown open for close settlement. Still the applicants were willing to risk this in their anxiety to secure land under any conditions. Some of these lessees have set to work and scrubbed, grassed, and fenced portions of their leases. They seemed to think that if allowed the full three years' tenure they could recoup themselves for the cost of clearing. Such enterprise is worthy of some recompense, and I would suggest that in any future permanent settlement these should be considered and an allowance made for what might be deemed permanent improvements. I would not however, favour the disposal of the land to the present holders without competition, as, apart from the fact that no permanent rights are given under the 219 th clause, these areas have been taken up in irregular forms, and altogether contrary to the Land Act and the survey regulations made thereunder. In regard to the future of Crown lands in this district, almost everything depends on the removal of the Midland Railway reservation, and as this can be a matter of apparently only a few months, the prospect of the coming year appears considerably brighter for bond fide settlement. It will take, however, some time to remove the feeling that this effectual stoppage to settlement has caused, and to introduce any outside competition for lands in this district. I have, however, strong hopes that settlement will proceed rapidly when the land is actually thrown open. Meantime the youth of the district are leaving for other localities, and the country is actually stagnating from an agricultural point of view. The question of arrears due in connection with the Grey Coal Reserve has again been brought prominently before the department, and as the Land Board held that the control previously vested in them as a Board has been transferred to another department, they refused to have anything to do with the proposed forfeiture. This, of course, necessitated action being taken by me. I, therefore, instructed the Ranger to serve each lessee who could be found that unless arrears were paid on or before the 20th day of March that forfeiture would immediately ensue. As, however, the sad Brunner disaster occurred immediately after this, and many of the lessees were then killed, nothing further has been done. I now propose that these leases be duly gazetted as cancelled, and, as control would then vest in the Mines Department, it will be for the Warden to re-lease them, if possible, to the present occupants at a reduced rental.

j Inwards. Outwards. Totals. Class of Goods. ; No. Weight. Sup. Ft. Revenue. No. Eevenue. No. Weight. Sup. Ft. Revenue. Tons cwt. 1,214 6 £ s. d. 270 0 1 160 11 9 9 3 10 20 6 9 0 13 6 2 12 0 89 2 8 £ b. a. Tons cwt. 1,214 6 £ s. d. 270 0 1 160 11 9 9 3 10 20 6 9 0 13 6 4 15 0 116 9 9 33 9 9 95 10 6 4 4 6 0 11 0 3 14 10 0 14 0 Merchandise rimber Posts .. .. Parcels stock Passengers .. Store dues .. Peas, grairj, &c. (bags) Wool Skins (bales and bundles) Hides and fat (sacks) Dheese (crates) 3utter, eggs (packages) 1,706 573 27 104 262^829 67 1,463 1,818 110 22 264 28 2 3 0 27 7 1 33 9 9 95 10 61 4 4 6! 0 11 0, 3 14 10' 0 14 0' 1,706 573i 27 171 1,468! 1/818 110 22 264 28 •■ 262,829 « I Totals .. 11,214 6 262,829 552 10 7 167 14 8 1,214 6 262,829 720 5 3

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Timber. —ln reference to the timber industry, I append an extract from Ranger Smith's report, giving briefly the position during the year. Although a good many of the mills are not at work just now, I think this stoppage is caused by the formation of a West Coast Saw-millers' Association and a consequent advance in prices, and also, I understand, by overstocking of the Bast Coast markets. So soon as these stocks are reduced and buyers become accustomed to the advanced prices, mills will recommence operations. The advance, I understand, is only about 6d. per 100 feet, and even at the present rate the profits are limited. Previously, it seemed to me, the timber was practically given away, and our forests were becoming denuded without either the State, the sawmillers, or the employes getting much out of it. In reference to timber-clearing, I would suggest that means be taken to replant any important reserves. As an example of this, I may refer to the reserve attached to the Hokitika Asylum and Gaol. All this block of 184 acres has been cleared principally for firewood purposes, and now it is lying utterly waste. The land is of poor quality, fit only for timber-growing, and, were it again planted, an asset of considerable value would eventuate to the State. It seems to me that with such a number of inmates in these institutions sufficient labour would be available for this purpose, so that the first cost of seeds and tools would be the only expenditure. D. Baeeon, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Ceown Lands Banger's Eepoet. I have to report that during the year I have carried on a general supervision of timber-cutting throughout the Westland District, and have received returns from the sawmillers showing the amount of timber cut during each quarter. The royalty due on timber cut is paid into the Warden's Courts, and it is part of my duty to inspect the receipts; in many cases it is not paid for months. I would suggest some power be given me to enforce the payments. The royalty from Crown lands is in a more satisfactory state; this I receive myself, and pay to the Receiver of Land Eevenue at Hokitika. Sleeper-cutting is still carried on, about thirty men being employed. Some of the bushmen are going in for post-cutting; this, I think, is a mistake and should not be allowed, as they use the small silver-pine. The outcome of this business means there will be none of this valuable timber left in a few years. I would propose that no silver-pine tree under 10in. should be cut in any case. This timber requires a great many years to mature, and in my opinion should be protected accordingly. A great number of temporary grazing-leases have been granted, and operations commenced by clearing, fencing, and grassing. I have warned the lessees against the destruction of heavy timber which may be on their leases. I have visited the deferred-payment and occupation-with-right-of-purchase holdings, and find the improvements done are well within the requirements of the Act, in many cases clearing being carried on to a large extent. The mills during the last three months have not been working more than half-time. About one half of the timber exported from Greymouth is cut in the Westland District. Of the seventeen mills working in this district, there are four which export timber cut from mining blocks, four from freehold, and two cut in the Nelson District; the remaining number supply the timber locally. Attached is a statement showing the number of men employed and the amount cut during the year. In some cases the returns are small, the reason is that several mills are worked by three and four men, also time lost by bad weather during the last six months. J. Smith, Crown Land Eanger.

TIMBBE CUT ON CeOWN LANDS, NELSON. Eed-pine, 2,674,940 ft., at 3d. per 100 ft.; royalty, £334 7s. 4d.. Silver-pine, 243,847 ft., at 6d.; royalty, £60 19s. 3d. Black-pine, 173,800 ft., at 6d.; royalty, £43 9s. Total royalties, £438 15s. 7d. TIMBEE CUT ON MINING BLOCKS, NELSON. Eed-pine, 558,560 ft.; royalty, £69 16s. 5d.. Silver-pine, 41,200 ft. ; royalty, £10 6s. Total royalties, £80 2s. sd. Eoyalties on above Crown lands have been collected by me, and paid to the Eeceiver of Land Eevenue at Hokitika. Eoyalties on mining blocks have been reported by me to the Receivers of Gold Eevenue. Number of sleepers cut, 19,597; equal to 457,263 ft.; value, £114 6s. 4d. Number of men employed, thirty. TIMBEE CUT ON GeEY COAL ResEEVE. Eed-pine, 453,000 ft. ; royalty, £56 12s. 6d. Silver-pine, 11,500 ft. ; royalty, £2 17s. 6d. Total royalties, £59 10s. The money has been collected on Crown lands by me, and paid to the Eeceiver of Land Revenue at Hokitika. The money on coal reserve has been collected by me, less £23 10s. TIMBEE CUT ON CkoWN LANDS, WESTLAND. 307,961 ft., at 3d. per 100 ft.; royalty, £38 9s. lid. Silver-pine, 432,847 ft., at 6d.; royalty, £108 4s. 3d. Total royalties, £146 14s. 2d. Timber cut on Mining Blocks, Westland. Blair and Stratford, 350,000 ft. red-pine, at 3d. per 100 ft., £43 155.; Malfroy, 130,800 ft., £16 75.; Westland, 748,400 ft., £93 11s. ; Taminelli, 72,735 ft., £9 Is. lid.; Andrews, 18,600 ft. silver-pine, at 6d. per 100 ft., £4 135.; McMullen, 25,336 ft. silver-pine, £6 6s. Bd.; Morris, 1,071,117 ft. red-pine, £133 17s. 10d. ; 346,182 ft. blocks, at 2d. per 100 ft., £28 16s. 7£d. ; 9,333 ft., 4—C. 1.

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silver-pine, £2 6s. 8d.; McConnon, 84,500ft. red-pine, £10 11s. 3d. ; 190,700ft. blocks, £15 17s. 10d.; Hunter and Co., 87,178ft. red-pine, £10 18s.; Eodda and Peebles, 113,600ft. red-pine, £14 4s.; sleepers, 80,600ft. silver-pine, £20 3s. Total amount of red-pine, 2,658,330ft.; blocks, 536,882ft. ; silver-pine, 133,869ft: grand total, 3,329,081ft. Total values, £410 9s. 9£d. The above quantities and royalties have been reported by me to the Eeceivers of Gold Eevenue.

Number of Mills in Westland.

In addition to the above 105,936 ft. of silver-pine has been obtained for sleepers. J. Smith, Crown Lands Sanger.

OTAGO. The most noticeable feature of the year's transactions will be found in connection with the operations under the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act of last session, with respect to which I shall, further on in this report, take an opportunity of offering some remarks and furnishing certain details, both as to the extent of those operations and their effect upon the revenue. The disposal of the Maerewhenua Estate under the Land for Settlements Act is another matter for special remark, and this will be found under a special heading. As might have been expected, the measure of relief to pastoral and other tenants, rendered necessary by the abnormal losses in stock, caused by the unusual severity of last winter, has militated against the realisation of the estimated revenue for the year, and will leave its mark on future receipts, in consequence of the reduction of rents, which, in a number of instances, has formed part of the relief granted. In accordance with what has now become customary, I insert here the following table, showing the year's transactions at a glance : —

Summary of Land Transactions, 1894-95.

Name. Address. Men employed. Number of Feet cut. E. Taminelli J. C. Malfroy Westland Company ... W. Morris (2) McConnon Brothers ... Hunter and Co. Eodda and Peebles Blair and Stratford ... J. Andrews Lawson Brothers Blair and Stratford ... Kanieri Lake Eoad Arahura Eoad Waimea Creek Kumara and Eailway-station ... Dillmanstown Kumara Stafford Kaimata Kumara Eoad Blackwater ... Greymouth ... Kokiri Kaiata Kokiri Tekinga Kokiri 4 12 12 20 6 4 4 9 3 3 7 8 10 L0 L0 8 72,735 130,800 748,400 1,426,632 275,200 87,178 113,600 350,000 18,600 Cut on freehold. it •' • Butler Brothers E. Stratford ... Baxter Brothers Nelson District. Freehold. Nelson District. Totals 130 3,223,145

Transactions during the Year. Area held at 31st March, 1896. Class of Selection. Revenue received during the Year. Number. Area. Number. Area. 284 E. P. 1 27 A. B. P. £ s. d. 517 2 0 8,029 0 5 Cash Deferred payments Deferred payments made freehold Perpetual leases... Perpetual lease made freehold 49 49,027 3 22 71 19,648 0 16 182 1 3 142 733 1 20 3 0 540 104,288 1 7 3,876 15 4 809 10 0 Occupation, with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, exchanges from other tenures Land for Settlements Act ... Land for settlements, village settlements Agricultural leases Village settlements — Deferred payment 27 3,936 0 18 90 16,609 2 26 479 16 11 85 37 12,149 15,170 3 5 2 23 ) 409 117,770 3 9 2,159 10 5 83 10 11,654 83 2 7 2 14 98 31 15,556 407 2 31 3 37 2,118 4 2 171 0 5 3 36 0 0 30 2,020 1 33 548 2 3 16 352 3 38 69 11 9 Carried forward

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Summary of Land Transactions, 1894-95— continued.

On comparing this table with that furnished last year, it will be seen that the transactions exceeded those of the previous year, both in number and area, by 120 and 2,032,051 acres 3 roods 19 perches ; but in this large area is included the runs in respect of which surrenders were accepted and new licenses issued under the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act. As regards the revenue, it will be observed that the gross receipts of the year were less than those of the previous year by There were opened for selection under the various systems of disposal: 20,910 acres under the optional system; 237 acres cash by auction, being town and suburban lands; 120 acres lease by auction ;37 acres village-homestead allotments on lease in perpetuity; 404,719 acres pastoral runs (in addition to those dealt with under the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act) ; 36,727 acres small grazin°--runs ; and 10,839 acres under the Land for Settlements Act on lease in perpetuity : total, 473,589 acres'. The following (not included in the foregoing) were also disposed of during the year: 5 552 acres under sections 114 and 115 of the Land Act, to sixty-four selectors ; 1,717 acres under the Mmm" Districts Land Occupation Act, to forty-seven selectors; and 5,252 acres were allotted under the "improved Farm-settlement Begulations, to thirty-eight selectors. In respect of all lands opened for application during the year, 2,142 applications were received, the number obtaining sections being 342. With regard to this preponderance in the number of applications in comparison with the number of sections opened for selection, I shall make a few observations under the head of the ballot system. While adverting to the extent of the year's transactions, it may be both useful and interesting to present in a simple form the total number of transfers, surrenders, and forfeitures during the year under the several classes of tenure, which has been done in the following table: —

Number of Transfers, Surrenders, and Forfeitures during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Transactions during t'. ear. .rea [arc. Glass of Selection. Bevenue received during the Year. Number. Area. Number. Area. Brought forward ... freehold Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Tillage-homestead special settlement special-settlement associations A. B. P. A. B. P. £ s. d. "l 42 3 16 43 3 974 1 0 12 2 28 79" 18 1 0 3 9 \ 9 123 2 37 90 93 1,402 1,524 2,955 0 26 2 5J 1 12 101 17 4 e. 113 1 11 1. 63 4 5 105 15 5 15 'mproved farm settlements fining Districts Land Occupation Act lomestead lands Small grazing-runs Pastoral licenses ]oal and mineral licenses, &c. Dimber-cutting ... Vliscellaneous Survey fees Dther sources 38 47 5,151 1,717 3 33 1 35 76 47 9,340 1,717 1 32 1 35 47 8 1 3 2 6 18 62 4 34,857 2,064,483 188 2 4 2 2 2 0 4 247 242 401 475,891 3,999,668 3 24 2 12 2 36 10,271 4 7 32,552 14 2 183 10 3 • 49 8 6 (1,226 6 8 230 17 8 1,062 19 1 5 74 20 175,456 0 0 2 38 304 105,669 1 8 Total Crown lands ... Dotal endowments 633 5 2,345,981 1,019 2 15 0 7 2,560. 59 4,905,581 47,714 3 33 3 17 64,870 1,418 6 9 Gross totals... 638 2,347,000 2 22 2,619 4,953,296 3 10 66,288 15

Trai isfers. Sui (including •renders exchanges). Forfei itures. itals. Tenure. Number. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. Deferred payments Perpetual lease .. Docupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity jand for Settlements Act tillage settlement perpetual lease tillage settlement, lease in perpetuity tillage - homestead special settlement Improved-farm settlements Small grazing-runs Pastoral licenses Miscellaneous 9 21 2 11 Acres. 1,687 5,236 350 3,170 6 34 2 1 1 Acres. 1,953 13,297 471 82 10 1 3 4 7 1 Acres. 320 968 1,186 1450 8 16 58 4 16 9 1 Acres. 3,960 19,501 821 4,438 1460 8 5 57 2 9 18 229 20 295 6 11 4 7,658 146,746 1,969 1 14 122 2 49 40,411 1,905,216 1,109 1 1 2 2 3 8 51 851 28,450 233 2 1 21 135 9 57 51 48,920 2,080,412 3,311 Totals .. 08 168,873 185 1,962,607 38 33,754 291 2,163,23'

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Exchanges from other tenures to lease in perpetuity still continue to be numerous, but last year the number was less than the previous one by eight, and the area by 4,904 acres; the total for the year being thirty-seven, and the area 15,170 acres 2 roods 23 perches. Revenue, 1895-96. —The estimate of gross receipts, including endowments, was £72,026 55., the amount realised being as already shown, £66,288 15s. 9d., there being a deficiency of £5,737 9s. 3d., chiefly attributable to the remissions and reductions of rent under the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act, and partially to a less area of land being brought into market than was expected. The following is the allocation of the year's revenue : — £ s. d. Gross receipts .. ... ... ... ... 66,288 15 9 Eepayments— " Thirds " and " Fourths," local bodies ... £7,119 11 10 Endowment Account ... ... ... 1,412 4 5 Land for Settlements Account ... ... 2,289 4 7 Other refunds, survey fees, &c ... 1,842 0 1 12,663 0 11 Total net revenue ... ... £53,625 14 10 Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act. —ln furnishing particulars of transactions under this Act, I have to explain that many of the applications made embraced a number of holdings of different tenures, which were dealt with by the Board as a whole; and in order to show each class of tenure separately, it has been necessary to apportion the losses and relief granted pro rata as nearly as possible. The work involved has been exceedingly great. As you are aware, two members of the Land Board beside myself went through the interior, taking at different centres the evidence of the several applicants, which was afterwards type-written for the use of the Board and the Minister when dealing with the cases. The Board held lengthy and continuous sittings, giving in each case most careful consideration with the view of determining it upon its merits. As a general principle the Board kept in view the fact that the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act waa only a measure of relief, and adopted as a general rule: the giving of what was about equal in cash value to half the net losses of stock, after allowing for average mortality. Up to 31st March last a total number of 193 applications were dealt with, which, as I have stated, embraced a much larger number of holdings. Of the 193 applicants, 183 obtained relief, three withdrew their applications, and six were declared to be not entitled to relief. There will probably be a few others, whose cases were delayed through inadvertence or through being unable to supply particulars of losses in time, that will still have to be considered. These, however, are but small cases, and will not to any great extent swell the amount of relief already granted. The subjoined table exhibits the transactions under this Act in a concrete form : —

Tabulated Summary of Transactions under "The Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act, 1895."

From the foregoing table it will be seen that the immediate loss of revenue by way of remissions of rents is £4,078 Bs. 5d., and a permanent annual reduction of £7,491 11s. 7d., the total present cash value of the relief granted being approximately estimated at £50,998 12s. sd. I have also to note that, beyond the reduction of rent and sheep tax, ninety-one pastoral licenses were surrendered, and nineteen new licenses granted in lieu thereof, at reduced rentals in most cases, for terms varying from ten to twenty-one years, together with two yearly licenses, the aggregate area being 1,580,284 acres. There were, also, thirty-seven pastoral licenses, the terms of which were extended for various periods from two to fourteen years; and three small grazing-run leases, the terms of which were extended, in one case, by six months, and in the other two by six years. The object sought in these extensions was, generally speaking, to make the terms of the extended licenses or leases coterminus with those of other lands held by the licensees or lessees. The Ballot System. —ln respect of 134 sections or allotments that were balloted for during the year, 1,934 applications were received. This, of course, includes the Maerewhenua Estate, which is also referred to under special heading on the operations under the Land for Settlements Act. And perhaps it will not be out of place if I here allude to what I think has become a serious blemish in the present ballot system. I refer to the almost unlimited number of applications which are made by whole families for a number of sections—in many cases for the same sections—with the view of securing chances at the ballot. Each member of a family of sufficient age makes the required declarations, although it is often patent enough that not more than one section is intended to be taken up; having, however, made the necessary declaration, and otherwise complied with the conditions of sale, there is no option but to entertain the applications. This multiplicity of applications is facilitated by the fact that no deposit need be made when lodging an application, the mere filling-in of a form being all that is required to give the applicant a chance at the drawing of the ballot-balls. Each applicant, too, is permitted to apply for any number of allotments up to the

Tenure. U % s a , 9 o is K Area. Estimate of Net Loss of Stock. Reduction allowed in annual Kents. Eemission of Kent allowea. Kemission of Sheep Tax. Approximate present Cash value of Belief. 'astoral runs imall grazing-runs 'erpetual lease jease in perpetuity )ocupation with right of purchase )eferred payment.. Miscellaneous 191 84 52 40 A. B. P. 3,111,953 0 2 170,495 2 30 12,785 1 22 12,721 1 26 £ s. a. 82,432 5 0 7,769 0 0 1,050 10 0 899 12 0 £ s. a. 7,089 18 8 354 3 8 20 7 11 24 12 0 £ s. a. 2,020 10 0 1,385 15 4 343 18 C 199 7 2 £ s. a. 266 0 0 15 11 0 1 19 0 14 0 £ s. a. 44,637 8 6 5,114 2 6 585 13 7 515 7 1 2 10 10 763 2 2 3,054 3 11 16,106 0 6 42 0 0 102 10 0 543 0 0 0 11 4 16 8 4 57 6 11 55 2 2 23 18 4 57 6 11 64 15 6 118 0 4 12 0 389 3,327,879 3 19 92,838 17 0 7,491 H 7 4,078 8 5 289 6 0 50,998 12 5

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area-limit of holding, notwithstanding the fact that, in many cases, such as village allotments and under the Land for Settlements Act, an applicant can only hold one allotment, whatever its size may be. It has always appeared to me that if each applicant were restricted in every case to what he is allowed to hold under the particular system, it would greatly lessen the enormous amount of labour now involved in a heavy ballot, the proportion of chances for the applicants would be the same, and there would be much time saved at the balloting. Under the present system, the allotments often fall into the hands of the least eligible; and hence a system which would in some degree tend to obviate these defects and allow the land to fall to the most suitable applicant would be very desirable. I may add that the recent disposal of the subdivisions of the Ardgowan Estate at Oamaru, of which I have furnished a special report, only lends emphasis to my remarks under this head. Milling Districts Land Occupation Act. —At the date of last year's report this system had only just come into operation, and a number of applications were then pending. As will be seen from the tables, there have been granted during the year forty-seven leases, over 1,717 acres 1 rood 35 perches. This area will be subject to adjustment on survey, as out of the forty-seven cases only six have had the land as yet surveyed; hence the small amount that appears as rental from this source ; the deposits for survey, which under the regulations are credited as rent, being held in deposit account until the surveys have been effected. I may perhaps be permitted to remark that there exists in regard to this tenure the same difficulty there was under the occupation licenses system, so far as dealing with applications for land on runs in which only small pieces of low-lying and lambing country are left. On the one hand there is the desire of granting to worthy families a small parcel of land on which to settle and make a home, and on the other the conviction that the pastoral tenant is being deprived of the most valuable pieces of his run, while he is only allowed a pro rata reduction in rent for the area taken from him ; and there is the further prospective difficulty of dealing with pastoral country which has been deprived of those portions deemed necessary for its profitable occupation for pastoral purposes. These considerations naturally enter into the question as to whether particular applications should be granted ; and refusals for the last two mentioned considerations are seldom appreciated by applicants, who at once make it cause of complaint against the administration. Arrears of Bent. —The arrears of rent, it will be observed, are much less than last year. Considering the losses sustained by many settlers through the unusual severity of the last winter, and the comparatively poor prices of nearly all the products of the soil, the rents have been paid as promptly and with almost as much regularity as could have been reasonably expected. The Eeceiver of Land Revenue informs me that practically incessant efforts are being made to collect the revenue, which he thinks should be a matter of less difficulty during the ensuing year, in view of the, generally speaking, good crops and somewhat improved prices. Settlement Conditions and Banger's Inspections. —From the Crown Lands Rangers' general reports it will be seen that satisfactory progress has been made during the year in the way of settlement generally, and that with few exceptions selectors under all systems are carrying out the conditions under which they hold their selections. In addition to a large number of reports in connection with applications under the Government Advances to Settlers Act, and on applications for land under the Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, the Rangers visited nearly one thousand holdings on settlement conditions, furnished 308 formal reports, and sixty-three statutory valuations of improvements. Much of the Rangers' time was also taken up in reporting on mining and commonage reserves, and on a large number of matters of a miscellaneous character relating to the business of the Land Board. The Ranger stationed at Queenstown has, in addition to the ordinary work of Crown Lands Ranger, executed a number of surveys, both for the Land and Survey Department and the goldfields, besides making duplicate plans of the surveys by the District Surveyor. I have, as you are aware, made application for an increase in the staff of rangers, it being found impossible for the present staff to cope with the increasing demands for systematic inspections of holdings on settlement conditions, more particularly those under the Land for Settlements Act, the inspections of which must be thorough and regular to secure proper compliance with the leasehold conditions ; and the number of such holdings is increasing daily. Sioinburn Farm-homestead Association. —Prom the special report by the Ranger on this settlement, it appears that the value of improvements affected by the members of the association is now £1,778, as against £1,202 last year. It may, I think, safely be asserted that, so far, the settlement is satisfactorily progressing. Improved-farm Settlements. —The following additional improved-farm settlements have been proclaimed and initiated in this district during the year : " Waipati," in Block XII., Tautuku Survey District, 3,000 acres; "Rimu,'' Block 11., Rimu Survey District, 1,600 acres; and " Woodland," Block 11., Woodland, 1,215 acres. The tables show the transactions in these and the formerly-proclaimed settlements, there being at the present time seventy-six selectors holding 9,340 acres 1 rood 32 perches under this system. In neither of the settlements have the rentals yet been finally arranged, as a number of improvements are still being effected at Government expense. The furthest advanced is that of " Heathfield," in Block XL, Tautuku Survey District, some of the settlers in which have paid certain sums on account of rent ; but according to the regulations the rents cannot be definitely fixed or the leases issued until all improvements at Government expense have been completed. The Land foe Settlements Act. The estates dealt with under the Act referred to are as follows :— (1.) The Te Anaraki Estate. —Area purchased, 347 acres 3 roods 18 perches ; area for selection, 344 acres 1 rood 25 perches ; opened aa a village settlement, 7th February, 1894. (2.) The Pomahaka Estate. —Area purchased, 7,462 acres 3 roods 1 perch; area for selection, 7,262 acres and 15 perches ; opened for selection, 20th February, 1894.

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(3.) The Tahawai Estate. —Area purchased, 67 acres and 38 perches; area for selection, including small piece of Crown lands, 68 acres 2 roods 14 perches; opened as a village settlement, 21st August, 1895. (4.) The Maerewhenua Estate. —Area purchased,-11,150 acres 3 roods 36 perches; area for selection, 10,913 acres 1 rood 28 perches; opened for selection, 10th September, 1895. (5.) The Puketapu Estate. —Area purchased, 509 acres and 6 perches ; area for selection, 496 acres and 36 perches ; opened for selection, 18th March, 1896. In addition to the above, I may mention the Ardgowan Estate, which was opened for selection and disposed of on the 12th instant. The area taken by Proclamation under the compulsory sections of the Act was 4,245 acres and 9 perches, and the area available for selection 4,162 acres 3 roods 4 perches, in sixty-five allotments. Special reports by the Crown Lands Banger on each estate are attached. (1.) The Te Anaraki Estate : Since the date of last year's report several allotments have been either relinquished or forfeited; but, with the exception of one small allotment of 5 acres 2 perches, all have been readily taken up again. There are therefore now thirty allotments, held by twenty-two selectors, the aggregate area in occupation being 339 acres 1 rood 23 perches, at an annual rental of £276 13s. 4d. Up to the present, residence has been effected by all but six selectors. The value of improvements effected on the land is £1,004, being an increase of £241 over the previous year. The total number of souls represented by the selectors is eighty-one, and the total area under cultivation is 195 acres. The amount of receipts in respect of this estate during the year was £153 3s. 3d. (2.) The Pomahaka Estate : I regret that I am unable to furnish as favourable report in regard to this estate as I anticipated when writing last year's report. At that date there was in occupation an area of 5,341 acres 3 roods 22 perches, by twenty-one selectors. During the year one allotment, with an area of 259 acres 3 roods 26 perches, was taken up; but during the same period six holdings were declared forfeited for non-payment of rent and non-fulfilment of conditions, over an area of 1,439 acres 2 roods 3 perches, leaving now unlet an area of 3,099 acres 3 roods 9 perches, in thirteen allotments. There are consequently only sixteen selectors on the estate, holding 4,162 acres 1 rood 14 perches, at an annual rental of £713 3s. Bd., thirteen of whom are personally residing on their sections, while two are non-resident, the other being a recent selector and not yet required to reside. It will be seen from the Ranger's report that, notwithstanding the falling-off in the area occupied, good progress has been made with improvements and cultivation, the former having increased in value by about £200, and the latter by 499 acres. The crops promised very well up to harvest time, when, unfortunately, through bad weather and high winds they were much damaged ; the yield of oats which was expected to have been from 45 to 50 bushels an acre, not being more than from 30 to 35. The rentals are in some cases somewhat in arrear; but it has been found necessary to allow time for the selectors to realise upon their crops, &c. The amount of the receipts in respect of this estate for the year was £192 13s. Id. (3.) The Tahawai Estate (Village Settlement): This small estate in the Kurow District was opened up for settlement on the 21st August, 1895, and the whole of it was disposed of to eight selectors, the total area being 68 acres 2 roods 14 perches, and the annual rental £35 14s. 4d. Four of the selectors are already on their holdings, having erected good permanent dwellings, while the total value of improvements effected to date is £453. The amount received on account; of this estate during the year was £17 17s. 2d., one half-year's rent. (4.) The Maerewhenua Estate : This estate was opened on the 10th September, the number of allotments available for selection being seventy-five, and the area as before stated, 10,913 acres 1 rood 28 perches. A very large number of applications, namely 1,117, were received on the first day, nearly the whole of the allotments being then disposed of. Up to the present time seventy allotments have been taken up by as many selectors, the aggregate area being 10,898 acres and 21 perches, at an annual rental of £3,548 Is. 4d., there only remaining for disposal five small allotments containing together 15 acres 1 rood 7 perches. Already, as will be noticed from the Banger's report attached, considerable progress has been made in the way of improvements, cultivation, and residence. The value of improvements on the land at the time of selection is estimated at £2,701 ss. 9d., the value of those already effected by the settlers £2,904 125.; making a total of £5,605 17s. 9d. An area of 318 acres was cultivated during the year, and it is expected that from 3,000 to 4,000 acres will be put in crop during the ensuing season ; while of the seventy selectors twenty-nine are at present residing on their holdings. As far as present appearances go, there is every reason to believe that this settlement will be a pronounced success. The receipts on account of this estate during the year amounted to £1,830 17s. sd. (5.) The Puketapu Estate: This small estate, near Palmerston South, was opened on the 18th March last, and the whole has been disposed of, the number of selectors being twelve, and the total area 496 acres and 36 perches. Annual rental, £189 7s. 4d. Improvements, chiefly fencing, to the value of £86 have already been effected. Amount received on account of the estate, £94 13s. Bd. With regard to the Ardgowan Estate, although disposed of after the termination of the financial year, I may, perhaps, just mention that for the sixty-four sections opened up for selection on the 12th instant, applications representing nearly 7,000 entries for the ballot-box were received. The area disposed of is 4,080 acres 3 roods 30 perches, to sixty-four selectors, at an annual rental of £1,860 Bs. ; one allotment of 81 acres 3 roods 14 perches, which is in the possession of a tenant of the late owners of the estate, having been withheld from sale in order that legal authority might be obtained for the granting of a license or lease to the said tenant, who is understood to be a desirable and deserving settler. When that is disposed of, there will be sixty-five settlers on the estate, occupying an area of 4,162 acres 3 roods 4 perches, at a total annual rental of £1,893 2s. Bd. The several reserves, five, on the estate have also been let on temporary license for grazing purposes, the area being 20 acres 3 roods 37 perches, and the annual rental £12 Is. 10d. i

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In regard to the very large number of applications for this and the Maerewhenua Estate, and the balloting therefor, I may refer you to my remarks under the heading " The Ballot System." The eagerness with which the two estates referred to were applied for is an indication of a still unsatisfied demand for land of good quality in the North Otago District, and there can be no manner of doubt that if further estates of a suitable character were acquired there they would quickly be taken up. In conclusion, I may venture to point out what is, doubtless, already patent to you—namely, the necessity of exercising a close inspection of all estates acquired and disposed of under the Land for Settlements Act, in order to insure a proper compliance with the stringent conditions under which such lands are leased and held. To do this as it should be done will, as further estates are acquired, involve, as I have already stated, more time and attention than the present staff of Rangers can consistently with their present duties give to it. The Ranger's staff must therefore be increased if the work required of it is to be efficiently performed. The Staff and its Work. —The staff has been kept very busily employed during the year, and only with the utmost exertion has it been able to keep the work from falling into arrear. My remarks of last year as to the increasing volume of departmental work are equally appropriate at the present time, and the following list will furnish some approximate idea of its scope and extent during the year just closed : Applications of various kinds, 2,279; audit-cards prepared and sent to Auditor of Land Revenue, 327 ; correspondence—letters and telegrams —inwards, 5,401; outwards, 4,036; defaulters dealt with, involving about 1,500 notices, 750; forfeitures of holdings, final, 35; holdings made freehold, 81; leases and licenses completed and sent out—in triplicate, 294 ;in duplicate, 136, equal 1,154 sheets ; meetings of Land Board, 75 ; minutes of Land Board—number of entries, including 342 ordinary applications dealt with, 1,736; notices of various kinds sent out, including those for rent, 5,000; reports on applications for Government advances, 53; returns of various kinds, 300 ; sale-plans and pamphlets distributed, 10,000; schedules of land for notification prepared, 43 ; schedules of " thirds " and " fourths " to local bodies, in duplicate, 105 ; surrenders, including exchanges, 185 ; titles, schedule in duplicate, 170 ; transfer of holdings, 68 ; transactions under Pastoral Tenants' Relief Act before mentioned ; weekly copies of cash-books, &c. I may also add that a considerable portion of the time of one of the principal officers has been taken up with goldfields work in connection with the Warden's Court for Hindon. in respect of which I have communicated with you by a separate memorandum. J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Crown Lands Rangeks' Repoets. The work of inspecting the numerous holdings under the various tenures of the Land Act has been vigorously prosecuted during the year. About eight hundred holdings held on settlement conditions were visited and inspected. Two hundred and sixty-nine reports and forty-five statutory valuations of improvements made ; besides a large number of reports in connection with applications for loans under the Advances to Settlers Act, and applications for land under the Mining Districts Land Occupation Act. Much of the Rangers' time has been taken up in reporting on mining and other reserves, commonages, &0., besides a large number of reports of a miscellaneous character in connection with the business of the Land Board. The land purchased by Government under the Land for Settlements Act for settlement purposes has also occupied much of the Rangers' time ; and I have forwarded reports of the progress of settlement on these estates, viz., Pomahaka Estate, Maerewhenua Estate, Te Anaraki, Puketapu, and Tahawai settlements ; also the Swinburn Farm Association Block, in Block VII., Swinburn District. These reports will, however, speak for themselves. The progress of settlement throughout the land district has advanced fairly well during the year, and the conditions of the Act are, with few exceptions, being complied with. The results of the different tenures have been as follows:— Deferred Payment. —This system is gradually being reduced by purchase or exchanging to lease in perpetuity. Conditions of the Act well complied with. Perpetual Lease. —Many exchanges are being made from this system to lease in perpetuity, chiefly to gain a reduction in rent. The conditions of the Act are mostly complied with, except in some cases where the land is very rough and of a poor character. Lease in Perpetuity. —This is now a favourite tenure. The improvement conditions are fairly well complied with, excepting in outlying districts where, from the want of roads, the residence conditions has not yet taken place. Occupation with Bight of Purchase. —The improvement conditions under this tenure are well complied with. Village Homesteads on Perpetual Lease, Lease in Perpetuity, dc. —This system is working very satisfactorily. The conditions generally are being complied with, and the selectors well satisfied with their holdings. Small Grazing-runs. —Land suitable for this class of settlement is much sought after by shepherds and graziers of small means, and when suitable land can be found and laid off in blocks fit to carry from 1,500 to 2,000 sheep it is eagerly taken up. The improvement conditions under this tenure are well complied with. Village Special Settlement. —This class of settlement is progressing very satisfactorily. Inmost cases the selectors are well satisfied with their lot. The conditions of the Act are well complied with. Swinburn Association Block. This settlement comprises an area of 2,955 acres, divided into fifteen sections, giving an average of 197 acres to each settler. Improvements to the value of £1,778 are now on the land, as compared with £1,202 last year. This settlement is progressing very well. The land is good, well watered, and, when the Otago Central Railway is completed to Ryan's crossing, will be close to railway

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communication. The settlers are well satisfied with their selections, and the improvement conditions are well complied with. Te Anaraki Settlement. Fair progress has been made during the year. Improvements to the value of £1,004 are now on the land, or an increase of £241 over last year; 195 acres are under cultivation, as against 167 acres last year, or an increased area of 28 acres. . Of the twenty-two settlers forming the settlement, sixteen are personally residing on their selections. Of the non-residents three are single, and are only occasionally resident; two are married, but the husband is in bad health, and cannot get on to the land, and the other is a married woman residing with her husband on the adjoining section. The progress made on the settlement should be regarded as satisfactory, situated as it is within easy distance of Oamaru by a good road and railway, and is in close proximity to dairy factory and school. Pomahaka Estate. There have been six forfeitures during the year, leaving sixteen selectors on the estate, thirteen of whom are personally residing on their sections, two non-resident, and one recently taken up. Those resident appear to be doing very well. New buildings are going up, and considerable fencing has been done ; and 1,805 acres are under cultivation, or an excess of 499 over last year. The crops on this estate were looking remarkably well during the summer and promised large returns; but the weather during harvest was very bad, very high winds having prevailed throughout the district, which proved very destructive to the crops, and, where from 45 to 50 bushels per acre was expected, only 30 to 35 bushels were obtained. A large area is also under turnips : those on the first furrow are poor, while those on the second furrow are fairly good. Puketapu Settlement. This settlement was only taken up in March last, or scarcely three months ago. As yet only one selector is residing on his land, but all the others are busy fencing in their holdings and otherwise preparing to build. Already the sum of £86 has been expended on the erection of fencing; and the settlers generally appear, from the work in progress, to be of a bond fide character. Tahawai Settlement. These selections were made on the 28th of August last, or about eight months ago; and, although the time has not expired when residence should take place, there are four of the settlers on the land, with good permanent houses. The other four have fenced in and otherwise improved their holdings, and are about to build and settle on the land. The sum of £453 has been expended in buildings and other improvements, and, although the settlement is small, there being only eight selectors, it has provided homes for a number of families who are well satisfied with their choice. Maerewhenua Estate. Selections on this estate were made on the 10th September, 1895, and, while the time of selection was late in the season for that district, many of the selectors put in small areas of oats and turnips, and, the season having been a good one, the results have been most satisfactory, oats having yielded from 30 to 40 bushels per acre, while the turnip crop is very good. Considerable activity is at the present time being displayed in the erection of buildings, fencing, ploughing, &c, and, from present appearances, I believe that from three to four thousand acres will be put in crop during the coming season. The sum of £2,904 12s. has already been expended in the erection of buildings and fencing. Of the seventy selectors on this estate, twenty-nine are at present personally residing on their selections, while forty-one are non-resident; but, from inquiries I have made, I believe many will shortly be on the land. Altogether, I think it must be regarded as very satisfactory the progress that has already been made on this settlement; and I may add that all the selectors that I have spoken to are very well pleased with their selections. Thomas Hughan, Crown Lands Eanger. I forward an approximate number of ordinary and special inspections as to surveys during the last financial year: Ordinary inspections aud reports, 39; special inspections and reports, 18, some of which include ten and five sections, with valuations; surveys of isolated sections, containing 488 acres, 9; surveyed part of the Township of Makarora, thirty-two sections (quarter-acre); put plans on mining leases (special claims and licensed holdings) with descriptions, 18 ; reports to the Warden, nearly all inspections, 15. Besides the above, I have visited and revalued all sections leased under various tenures throughout this district amounting to 14(5. Settlement has not advanced much during the past year. For the last ten years there has not been a more favourable year for crops. With the exception of those who hold land under agricultural leases, the large majority are complying with the conditions of their leases. I have also made duplicate plans of all the surveys done by the Dsitrict Surveyor during the year, as well as all office work. Geobge Mackenzie, Crown Lands Eanger.

SOUTHLAND. The demand for land during the period under review has not been at all active, only 12,859 acres having been taken up, as against 25,075 acres taken up in 1894-95, and I attribute this chiefly to the low prices of most kinds of produce, to the large area of private land for sale, and to the very unfavourable succession of seasons lately experienced here, which makes settlement on forest country very difficult when the rainfall is so continuous as to make burning almost impossible. I have laid

NEW ZEALAND SHEWING LAND TRANSACTIONS 1895-6

NEW ZEALAND SHOWING THE STATE OF THE PUBLIC SURVEYS. 1896

NEW ZEALAND SHOWING THE ROADS TO OPEN CROWN LANDS FOR SALE. SURVEYED & CONSTRUCTED DURING 1881-1896.

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some stress on forest land because it should be clearly understood that this is practically the only Crown land of good quality remaining available for ordinary settlement. The area of land opened during the year, excluding pastoral runs, wa.s 44,880 acres. I am pleased, however, to be able to report that, notwithstanding the falling-off in the area of land taken up, the gross revenue of the land district exceeds that of the previous year by £2,030 7s. Bd.; the main elements in the increase being the receipts from cash-lands and deferred-payment purchases completed, and from the State forests. Number of Selectors on Books. —Through the operation of purchases of deferred-payment and per-petual-lease holdings, and of forfeiture and surrenders, the number of tenants shows a net reduction of ten; but if selections under " The Land for Settlements Act, 1894," are counted there is a gain of twenty-nine, the totals for the years 1894-95 and 1895-96 being 1,599 and 1,628 respectively. Forfeitures, Surrenders, and Transfers. —These have been somewhat numerous, showing a total of 113, made up as follows: Forfeitures, 28; surrenders, not for the purpose of exchange, 24; transfers, 61. They are partly owing to the causes referred to above limiting the present demand for land, but chiefly to those which I pointed out in my last year's report —viz., taking up larger areas than the selectors' means warranted, and the lack of capacity and good management; the transfers in most cases being made by persons who were unable to continue to keep their holdings, and obtained transfers in order to avoid forfeiture. Time and experience alone can remedy this state of affairs; and it appears to me to be better, both for the individual and the State, that when a man has neither means nor capacity for the work of settlement he should cease to hold the land, and let some one else try it. I would here again draw attention to the necessity that exists for an amendment of the Land Act by which lessees would be allowed to surrender a portion of their holdings, as in many cases settlers who are desirous of remaining on the land they have taken up, but find that they are unable to work the whole profitably, are obliged to surrender the whole because the Land Boards have no power to accept the surrender of a portion of a holding. The exchanges from other tenures to lease in perpetuity have been but few during the period under review, numbering only twelve. Arrears. —Considering the unfavourable conditions under which selectors have worked during the past twelve months, it may be considered satisfactory that the amount of arrears represents a comparatively small sum—viz., £773, owed by 110 selectors, as against £1,811, owed by 258 selectors last year. Residence and Improvements. —The Crown Lands Eanger reports that he has visited and inspected 679 holdings during the year ending the 31st March, 1896, and that, taking the district all through, he can safely affirm that sufficient has been accomplished to afford general satisfaction. He explains the apparently large number of selectors returned as not residing by the fact that, most of the land taken up being bush-land, the selectors are allowed four years before being required to reside. The Eanger remarks that the area of bush cleared on land taken up during the year is small, being but 68 acres, but attributes it to the exceptionally wet season ; at the same time he considers the area—l,6o9 acres—cleared during the year on lands previously taken up to be satisfactory considering the inclement season. He also states that when inspecting the various holdings, he found the tenants on the whole well satisfied with their prospects of making a good living. The following table shows the result of the Eanger's inspections : —

Summary of Crown Lands Rangers' Reports, 1895-96.

Small Grazing-runs. —Holders under this tenure have not been so successful as could be desired, nor have the conditions in several cases been well carried out. The explanation is in most cases that the cost of fencing-in such large areas of inferior land is too great in proportion to the quantity of stock which these will carry in their natural state and without growing winter food. The compulsory residence has also been a stumbling-block to some persons who failed to make themselves sufficiently acquainted with the conditions, and in other cases it is known that runs were applied for for purely speculative purposes. Leases under " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894." —The change effected by this Act as compared with the occupation license under the Mining Acts, which it superseded, is one of 5—C. 1.

Tenure and Terms. Number of Selectors. Area in Acres. Partial Default. Total Default. Not Residing. Double Improvements in lieu of Residence. Living Adjoining. Residing. )eferred payment 'erpetual lease jease in perpetuity— First year Second year )ccupation with right of purchase— First year Second year imall grazing-runs ... 64 252 2, - 870 30,150 4 9 4 5 49 86 24 72 35 131 126 133 15,920 39,551 6 10 38 5 64 22 21 35 41 76 36 45 23 3,900 17,090 73,000 1 8 3 16 5 17 17 8 6 6 4 14 22 16 Grand total 679 182,481 41 68 177 167 36 335

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distinct improvement, because it gives greater fixity of tenure, and because survey is made a condition precedent, enabling the Survey Department to some extent to control the form of holdings and the road access, &c. Five "occupation leases" have been issued during the year, for an area of 350 acres, and nine others have been applied for, representing an area of 725 acres. Improved-Farm Special Settlements. —As a separate report on this system is annexed, I will not here enlarge on the prospects of these institutions further than to remark that, as these have not yet passed out of the experimental stage, I would deprecate any extension of the system until it is seen how far those now in operation are successful, because, notwithstanding all the care exercised, experience proves that many of the persons selected for these associations have proved to be quite unsuitable. If all the settlers were thrifty, industrious, and intelligent the system would be admirable, and those who possess these virtues will probably succeed, but a considerable percentage will not. " The Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act, 1895." —Under the provisions of this Act thirty-two applications were received for relief on account of the heavy losses sustained during the previous severe winter. The approximate total loss in sheep alone, so far as disclosed, amounted to 49,535, and the loss in excess of previous years, so far as stated, was 25,497 sheep. In twentytwo cases relief was granted, consisting mainly in extension of licenses, and in a few cases remission of rent or reduction of rent. That the relief afforded under the Act_ has been appreciated is evidenced by the fact that in twenty cases out of the twenty-two the relief offered has been accepted without demur. Government Advances to Settlers. —Sixty-nine selectors, principally lease-in-perpetuity holders, have obtained loans under this Act. Gold. —A considerable number of persons continue to eke out a precarious living by digging and sluicing for gold, but, though this appears to be scattered all over the district in minute quantities, it is hardly ever remunerative, and it is therefore to be regretted that so many persons should waste their time in this way rather than become permanent settlers. Coal. —The working of coal and lignite gives employment to a number of men, and the output is considerable, but owing to the abundance of the mineral in Otago and Southland competition is very keen. A vein of coal of a superior kind was struck by boring near Waikawa at a depth of 400 ft., but the work has ceased for the present owing to the want of suitable boring appliances, &c. Possibly at some future time the enterprise may be revived, as it could be worked under very favourable conditions for sea-transit. Timber. —Notwithstanding the low prices which have prevailed for some time past, the timber industry is still carried on with vigour, yet hardly, I venture to think, with judgment, and I am confirmed in this opinion after reading the remarks of Mr. Freyberg, the timber expert : for instance, notwithstanding all the mills operating in this district it is impossible to get seasoned timber for any purpose ; felling goes on all the year round, and a very large proportion of the trees felled contain nothing but sap, being in a state of immaturity. Forest-plantation. —An area of some 304 acres has been set aside for this purpose in Seaward bush. This land has already been worked by sawmillers, so that nothing but worthless bush remains on it, and it is proposed to fell and burn the underscrub as opportunity offers, and to replace this by useful forest-trees, such as oak, ash, elm, spruce, beech, &c. A belt of chains has been cleared right round the boundaries, and materials for fencing are on the ground and partially erected, but the late severe season has seriously retarded operations, so that I am afraid a very small amount of planting will be possible during the coming season. Land for Settlements Act: Merrivale Estate. —Negotiations for the purchase of 10,000 acres of this estate between the vendors and the Government were concluded towards the close of March, 1895, and possession was given on the 15th of month following, but the survey was not begun before the end of April, and, owing to the unusual inclemency of the weather, this was not completed before October. The land was opened for selection on the 18th December last, and, although a large number of sections were then applied for many times over, yet about one-fourth of these failed to find applicants, both because the season was too far advanced to admit of cultivation and because the halfyearly period was so near its end that intending selectors saw their way to save six months' payment of rent. As a set-off against this, however, it will be seen by the balance-sheet that a substantial amount was recovered for grazing, &c, during the time which elapsed between the date of purchase and that fixed for selection—viz., £622 18s. lid. At 31st March last, out of the total number of sections—viz., forty-seven—thirty-eight, aggregating 7,422 acres, had been applied for and approved by the Land Board; three, of 803 acres, have been applied for since that date; and six, of 1,572 acres, remain open for disposal, but will, I think, find selectors before the end of the current half-year. The expenditure on roads for the period under review is £1,020 Bs. 5d., for which about seven miles have been graded, formed, drained, &c, fit for ordinary summer traffic. There is a liability of £400 for a bridge over Orawia Stream, and about £500 for finishing the road system through the block. This includes the purchase and fencing of a road acquired from the owners of Merrivale proper. The selectors have already done a considerable amount of fencing, and have their places partly stocked, but only a few are yet residing on the ground, in makeshift dwellings. One of the lessees is, I understand, about to start a sawmill, which will be a convenience to those about to build. As the greater part of the estate was considerably improved before being acquired by Government, and is of very superior quality, the settlement should have a good future before it, the chief desideratum being a good class of settlers. Office-administration. —The work of the Land Office is rapidly increasing, and taxes the energies of the small staff to the utmost, necessitating a good deal of extra work after office-hours,

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The following summary will give but an approximate idea of the work done in the office. The letters, &c, received numbering over 4,600; letters, notices, &c, and posters despatched, 16,580; applications received, 354; titles scheduled, 130; vouchers passed, 749; cheques drawn, 500: making a gross total of 22,913 dealt with. The work entailed in dealing with the numerous small holders in this district being out of all proportion to the revenue received. The Land Board work also is considerable : twenty-nine meetings of the Board having been held, and over a thousand subjects dealt with. I attach a summary of Crown lands surveyed, under survey, open for application before survey, or as pastoral runs : — Southland County— Acres. Surveyed rural lands, mostly second-class open country, in areas from 20 to 1,500 acres ... ... ... ... ... 50,700 Village-homestead sections, mostly first-class land, in areas from 1 to 20 acres ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,882 Town lands ... ... ... ... ... ... 390 Small grazing-runs, four, mostly hilly, and carrying fairly good tussock and other grasses ... ... ... ... 12,235 Unsurveyed land now being prepared for settlement, mostly forest country, but with good soil ... .. ... ... 49,800 Wallace County— Surveyed rural lands, mostly second-class and partly open country, in areas from 50 to 1,900 acres ... ... ... ... 21,000 Merrivale Estate ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,375 Village-homestead sections, mostly first-class bush lands, in areas from 1 to 20 acres ... ... ... ... ... 476 Pastoral runs, nine, in high, rugged poor country ... ... 153,640 Small grazing-runs, seven, mostly hilly open country, carrying tussock and other grasses ... ... ... ... 15,420 Town lands ... ... ... ... . ... ... 130 Lake County— Surveyed rural lands, second class, in areas from 80 to 100 acres 1,500 Unsurveyed open lands now being prepared for settlement, mostly second-class land ... ... ... ... ... 3,900 Town lands ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 Fiord County— Pastoral runs, seventeen, high rugged country, chiefly on West Coast ... ... ... ... .. ... 1,029,000 Stewart Island County— Surveyed rural lands, second-class forest country, in areas varying from 30 to 300 acres ... ... ... ... ... 2,157 Unsurveyed land, but open for application, mostly second-class forest-country ' .. ... ... ... ... 143,800 Pastoral run, one, rugged poor country ... ... ... 27,700 Total ... ... ... ... 1,516,115 G. W. Williams, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

APPENDIX No. 2.—SURVEYS.

EXTEACTS FROM REPORTS OF CHIEF SURVEYORS ON THE SURVEY OPERATIONS FOR 1895-96.

AUCKLAND. I have the honour to report upon the survey operations for the year 1895-96, and you will see by the return of work executed that it has been a very arduous one. No less a number than sixteen staff and sixty-one contract surveyors have returned work; and the table of field-work for the year is the largest that has ever left this office. Triangulation and Topographicat. —The return under this iieading comprises the large area of 1,717 square miles, and gives the finishing closures of the large stretches of country, hitherto untriangulated, existing north of Auckland, from Rangaunu Bay to the North Cape, and Cape Maria Van Diemen; and south of Auckland, from Galatea and Matata across to Waikaremoana, taking in the whole of the district known as the Urewera Country. The first-named work has been completed in a very efficient manner by Mr. T. K. Thomson, assistant surveyor; and a copy of his excellent topographical map has been forwarded for attachment to this report. The Urewera work has been likewise most efficiently carried out by Messrs. J. I. Phillips and A. L. Foster, under the supervision of Mr. L. Cussen. The area covered by this work is 1,127 square miles, over a country both extremely broken and difficult of access, and carried on with the disadvantage of being done chiefly in winter time, and amidst a Native population comparatively hostile. The triangles mostly had sides of from ten to fifteen miles, and the topography was sketched in as accurately as

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possible under the circumstances. The other minor work consists of a comparatively small area by Mr. L. Cussen, at Karioi, for the purpose of checking contract surveys ; and also of an area in the Mangakahia District, by Mr. J. B. Thomson, for the purpose of check upon subdivision surveys ; whilst 273 square miles were completed by Mr. William Cussen for purpose of check upon Native Land Court subdivision surveys. Rural and Suburban. —There has been a very considerable increase upon last year's output. The total area so returned is 920 sections, for a total area of 148,488 acres, or a mean of 161 acres per section, and with a mean cost of l - 425. per acre. Of this amount, the staff have returned 776 sections, of an area of 110,581 acres, at a mean cost of T3os. per acre ; whilst contract surveyors have completed 144 sections, of a total area of 37,907 acres, at a cost of T76s. per acre. Of course the above return does not include mining contract surveys, which are dealt with in another place. Town Sections. —These are only eighty-two in number, of a total area of 91 acres, and the cost is nearly £1 4s. per acre. It comprises a re-survey by Mr. A. H. Vickerman, of the town of Port Albert; and a few additional town lots at Kohukohu and Broadwood, by Mr. H. M. Warner. Native Lands Court Surveys. —None of this class of work has been done by the staff, but authorised surveyors have completed these surveys for purposes of giving effect to Native Lands Court orders. These comprise fifty-seven blocks, containing a total of 243,009 acres, at a mean cost of about 4Jd. per acre. An additional thirty-seven blocks, containing 46,257 acres, have been surveyed, but no certificates of cost have yet been given. Of the subdivisions and areas brought to credit last year, the following balances have been paid on the Native Land Purchase and other accounts: D. Stubbing, Maraeroa, £144; E. Newmann, Parahirahi, £62 12s. Bd. ; W. Cussen, Okahukura, £423 9s. Bd.; E. Frissell, Kawhia, £298 Bs. Id. Gold-mining Surveys. —There has been an enormous increase in this class of surveys, so much so that the energies of the draughting staff have been severely taxed to keep pace with it; and the strain has been continuous, because the demand by the public for the examination and approval of plans was so urgent that our ordinary office records have fallen heavily in arrear. The total number of plans of mining surveys received has been 1,054, of a total area of 69,683 acres, or an average of a little over 66 acres per section, and surveyed at a mean cost of 5-655. per acre. In order to keep pace with the necessary recording of these class of surveys, mining block sheets, on a scale of 10 chains to the inch, have been got out for the whole of the Hauraki Mining District, and all work is entered upon them after the traverse reductions have been checked. These sheets are now being reduced to a scale of 40 chains to the inch, and will be drawn for photo-litho-graphing to a scale of one mile to an inch, as the most useful scale upon which to show the progress of mining for such an extensive district. I note no diminution of applications. At the present time over thirty authorised surveyors hold authorities for more than 20,000 acres. In order to keep pace with the checking of mining surveys, I have detached a surveyor to examine the work upon the ground, and hope to be able to keep one continually at this class of supervision for manj' months. A start was made with the survey of the Waihi goldfield township; but, owing to the illness of the surveyor, and the multitude of residence sites granted and overlapping the streets in all directions, it was temporarily abandoned ; but I hope to complete Waihi, and lay off before long a township at Waitekauri also. Roads, &c. —Some 260 miles of road have been graded and surveyed during the year, at a cost of under £10 per mile. Of this length, the staff surveyed 246 miles at a cost of £9/52 per mile; whilst the 15 miles done by authorised surveyors cost nearly £13 per mile. Before finishing my remarks on these survey returns, I would point out that the number of sections and areas of all kinds dealt with amount to a total of 2,150 sections, with a total area of 507,528 acres. Other Work. —The total expenditure under this heading is £1,454 11s. Bd. The major portion of which has been incurred by Mr. District Surveyor L. Cussen, as follows: Inspection of Native Land Court and land purchase surveys within Aotea, Eohepotae, £535 14s. 2d., and supervision of Drewera triangulation, £248 os. 10d. The next heaviest item is by Mr. Baber, who charges the incompleted survey of the Waihi goldfield township with £195; and inspection of roads, £22. Owing to the increase of building operations in the Eotorua Township, it was found necessary to lay down standard blocks along all the streets, from which the true street alignment might be maintained. This work, together with the levels of all streets, was well carried out by Mr. J. I. Phillips, and standard maps furnished at a cost of £118 3s. sd. The other items call for no comment, being ordinary expenses incurred for road supervision, &c. Work in Progress. —The work now in progress comprises some 140 miles of minor triangulation, chiefly for the purposes of checking section-survey work of rural and suburban surveys. The staff and contract surveyors have 115,445 acres in hand ; in addition to which mining surveyors hold authorities for 27,000 acres; whilst roads on hand, or to be put in hand, amount to 340 miles. In addition to the rural area on hand there will be some 17,000 acres of the Opuatia purchase to be subdivided almost immediately, and also some 10,000 acres of the Mangakahia purchase. I have shown no Native Land Court surveys on hand, because the details have not as yet officially reached the office, but it will involve the survey of about 200,000 acres, in various subdivisions, to carry out the present judgments as given. Land Transfer Work.— The number of subdivisions and plans passed for Land Transfer purposes is again very small, and shows only 425 subdivisions, for a total area of 44,523 acres. The total number of new plans received in the office numbered 158. Crown Grants, Certificates of Title, <&c. —The total number of marginal plans prepared amount to 1,657, with a total area of 748,207 acres. The total cost is £154 12s. 6d. Office, General. —The office work has increased very heavily during the past year, and the additional correspondence, vouchers, and authorities, are mostly due to the great increase in mining work. Geehaed Muellee, Chief Surveyor,

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HAWKE'S BAY. Triangulation and Topographical. —The triangulation of 300,500 acres in the Urewera Country has been completed this season, connecting the Poverty Bay circuit with that of the Bay of Plenty, across Waikaremoana, to the Mimi Settlement. Conjointly a topographical survey of this stretch of almost unknown country was made, which will afford sufficient information to enable a map to be made for the purpose of investigating the title to the land. It was, through force of circumstances, started just at the commencement of last winter, and the surveyor was very much hampered with snow and continuous wet weather, which has raised the cost much higher than it would otherwise have been. The balance of the triangulation, some 8,000 acres, was minor work, covering a block of land in the Takapau Survey District, to govern settlement surveys being carried on in that part of the country. A careful topographical survey for sketch plans for the Native Land Court of two blocks, comprising 98,000 acres, all in the direction of the East Cape, was also made. Rural and Suburban. —-The area surveyed this year was 32,236 acres, which was subdivided into sections averaging 200 acres, at a cost of Is. 10d. an acre. About half was forest country in the Motu, Hikurangi, and Takapau Survey Districts, the remaining open land in the Waikopiro Block and the Eaureka and Elsthorpe Estates, lately purchased under the Land for Settlements Act. Native Land Court. —Our work under this head has been small compared with previous years, being 3,000 acres of some subdivisional surveys of Native blocks. There have also been twentynine blocks, covering 89,126 acres, surveyed by authorised surveyors in accordance with the orders of the Court, the plans of which have been examined and approved, and in a number of cases the accuracy of the field-work tested. Boads. —34f miles of roads have been surveyed, at a cost of £10 12s. per mile, and, in consequence of there being so much road-work required in the opening-up of settlement lands, there has been a heavy call upon the department for engineering surveys, no less than 56 \ miles having been done, at an average of £10 6s. per mile. Exploration of the country between Hangaroa and Waikaremoana has been made for the purpose of ascertaining the possibility of a practicable line of road direct from Gisborne to the lake, so as to strike the contemplated through road to Galatea and on to Eotorua. Enough was aeen to make it certain that a very direct road on fairly good grades can be made. Mangatu Block was also explored for a road-line from Waipaoa Eiver to the Motu Eiver, but not with much success, as a very considerable rise has to be made to get over the water-parting on the Maunga-haumia Eange, and the country is reported to be liable to heavy slips, and a road would be expensive both to make and maintain. Miscellaneous Work. —The £289 6s. under the heading of "other work" in the table of fieldwork represents the cost of field-inspection, explorations, and obtaining material for reports for the Land Board, &c. Field Inspections.— -Our field-checks have not been, for various reasons, as frequent as I could have wished, but fourteen have been made of Land Transfer and Native block surveys by private surveyors ; and, whilst it is with much pleasure I report that the work of the great majority of the private surveyors is reliable and of a high order, there are one or two who fail to give satisfaction. In one case in particular an entirely new survey of a Native block had to be insisted upon—a costly lesson, and one that I trust will be profited by. I should explain that it was the outcome of the surveyor authorised to do the work intrusting it, without personal supervision, to an incompetent chain-man. Future Operations. —We have twenty-six square miles of triangulations and 11,400 acres of "topographical survey for selection before survey " in hand in the Motu District, also 4,600 acres for ordinary settlement in the Takapau and Makaretu Survey Districts, as well as the village and suburban lands at Elsthorpe. In addition, there are 4,760 acres of Native block surveys in hand, and eleven miles of road-survey. Thomas Humpheies, Chief Surveyor.

TAEANAKI. Minor Triangulation. —The area completed during the year (187,864 acres, at total cost of £894 4s. 4d., giving a mean cost per acre of 1-ld.) was done by the officers enumerated as necessary for breaking-down and checking purposes. Beyond the quantity returned, field-work of further areas was completed by Messrs. Sladden, Bullard, and Prentice, but these are not yet mapped. Mr. Skeet has also the completion of triangulation in the south-east of the district in hand; several new stations required, therefore, have been cleared out by the surveyors who were employed in the neighbourhood thereof at sectional work. Rural and Suburban Section Survey. —The quantity returned, 109,006 acres in 510 sections, total cost £8,565 10s. 4d., at Is. 6'Bd. per acre, or a mean area and cost per section of 213 acres and £16 15s. 10d. respectively, being well under the schedule rates, is very satisfactory, viewing the very wet weather which has uniformly prevailed the last two years. All of these surveys have been conducted in thickly-wooded, broken country, to which access at present in most cases is difficult until the roadworks in hand are completed. Messrs. Bullard and Prentice have a very considerable area completed in the field of blocks allotted to them for subdivision. Town Section Survey. —This comprised Villages of Awakino and Tongaporutu, and Township of Purangi in seventy-two allotments, a total area of 363 acres 2 roods 4 perches, and cost per allotment £2 14s. 4d., the cost of survey being enhanced by their isolated positions. Moad Surveys. —These consisted of the engineering survey of Moki and Ohura Eoads, survey of the several road deviations and extensions, and of a road through Native lands, being generally through broken and densely-forested country, in localities widely separated and difficult of access,

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Other work consisted of field-inspection of surveys, ordinary and under Land Transfer, &c.; regulations; explorations for routes for roads between and from Tongaporutu, Upper Waitara, and Whangamomona Eivers, and for lands suitable for improved-farm settlement; the periodical survey and soundings at Moturoa ; cost of cutting pack-track between Whenuakura and Moeawatea Special Settlements, primarily used to get into the country, but chiefly utilised by men employed on the Eawhitiroa roadworks; felling of bush on some hill-tops for proposed trig, surveys; a retraverse and connection with standard of an old magnetic survey of the Okahutiria Eoad necessary for exchanges, &c. Field-work in Progress.— One thousand and ninety-four square miles of trig, survey are in hand by Mr. Skeet, which will clear up anything unsatisfactory existing at present, and properly connect with the triangulation of the Wellington District. It may be desirable and necessary to measure a couple of base lines—one, say, to the east of and somewhere between Hawera and Ngaire, and another further to the north-west; and also to throw a supplementary series of triangles to the shoulders and summit of Mount Bgmont, which would complete the trig, scheme and render it still more valuable in the event of geodesieal extension and connection with the interior of the island, and with the South Island. Thirty-nine square miles are also in hand by several of the surveyors, required for checks and connections. Of rural section surveys there are at present in hand 53,000 acres, principally in areas of from 100 to 200 acres, the field-work of some 12,000 or 13,000 of which is near completion. Office Work. —The new strong-room having been completed and thoroughly dried, rearrangement of the plans, &c, will be necessary, but this labour will be recouped by the greater facilities and free space given to the records, &c, instead of the former terribly cramped condition. The " life " of the plans, &c, will be considerably extended thereby. In Land Transfer work 130 surveyors' plans were approved, comprising 524 subdivisions, a total area of 27,153 acres. Other general plans checked and passed for that department total to 1,117, comprising 785 sections and subdivisions, a total area of 49,837 acres. In this class of work there is, and has been, a very considerable increase during the last two and a half years in the survey-plans, as, during the period mentioned, more than one-third of the total quantity as from the initiation of the system has been put through. In other branches also there is a great increase, which inspection of the tables forwarded will show. A grand total of plans, &c, prepared, road and bridge drawings and tracings, ordinary tracings, plans put on certificates, grants, leases, &c, gives 5,819 as the output. The vouchers passed were 1,731, covering a total amount of £51,503 18s. 2d. Incoming and outgoing letters, 10,838. Extra draughting assistance for Crown-grant, Land Transfer, and road-record maps is absolutely necessary, and should be at once provided. Work for the Ensuing Year will consist, to a large extent, in completion of work now in hand, comprising blocks for ordinary settlement under the optional clauses of " The Land Act, 1892," improved-farm and special-settlement blocks, also the extension and completion of triangulation across the south-eastern portion of the district, thereby effecting a satisfactory connection with the Wellington system. The survey of portion of Stratford-Ongaruhe Eailway, and also of sundry roads through Native and formerly Native blocks, will also have to be attended to before the right to do so expires. John Steauchon, Chief Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. Minor Triangulation. —Notwithstanding the fact that there is no area of this class of survey appearing in the.general schedule, returnable this year, still a work of very considerable magnitude is rapidly drawing to a close. I refer to Mr. H. J. Lowe's operations, extending on the north from Tuhirangi to the Euahine, and southerly to the Upper Pohangina, and, in addition to taking in purely new country in the Pukeokahu and Euahine Survey Districts, all heavily timbered and very inaccessible, entailing heavy and arduous work to the surveyor and his men, it also covers, by a superior network of triangles, many old points hitherto but indifferently determined, and closes up the gap between the old triangulation in the Maungakaretu and Tiriraukawa Survey Districts, and Mr. W. D. B. Murray's Awarua work, over which he reported he could not extend his triangulation, the closures of which were far from satisfactory. This, when completed, will aggregate to about 500,000 acres, and I hope to have the plans deposited in the office before Mr. Lowe takes the field again for next season. I may mention that lam looking forward with no small degree of intsrest to the comparison of values, both in plane and vertical measurement, that this work, as now completed, will disclose with the combined Auckland and Hawke's Bay triangulation work on the north, the Wanganui on the south-west, and the Eangitikei-Manawatu systems towards the south and south-east. The cost of this work to 31st March last is £1,725 6s. 4d. Topographical Selection Survey. —-The completed work under this heading is confined to a block of 13,800 acres in the Waimarino country, executed by Mr. H. J. Lewis, at a cost of 89d. per acre. This price has the appearance of being somewhat high, but, in addition to the work being very inaccessible, Mr. Lewis had to work all through under considerable drawbacks, as the block was originally intended for a farm homestead settlement, but, after the survey advanced, it was found to be unsuitable for 200-acre holdings, and had to be abandoned for this class of settlement. Mr. Lewis was further interrupted by having to take over Mr. Eoad-Surveyor Murray's work at a time of the year when good headway could have been made with his own work. The roads have been traversed with theodolite, so that, when the land is afterwards sectionally surveyed, it will cost less in proportion to finish than under ordinary conditions. Sectional Surveys. —Under this heading, 78,331 acres have been surveyed in 434 sections, at an average cost of Is. 11-3 d., being about Id. higher than last year. The increased rate is accounted for partly by the work getting gradually further back and more inaccessible, and to the fact that the work has been somewhat scattered. The work of one officer was also inordinately

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high. The bulk of the surveys comprise special settlement blocks and applications in Waimarino and the new country opened up in the Awarua Block. Township Surveys. —Of this class of survey, 253 acres were subdivided into 339 allotments, at an average cost of 15s. 3d. per lot, being about 6s. less than last year's rate, the principal township being Eaetihi Extension. The rest were simply the small sections in the different village settlements surveyed during the year. Mr. Morice has been engaged in laying out a township at Pipiriki, and Mr. Biggs at Tokaanu, both of which are being laid out on Native lands, which it is proposed to lease under " The Native Townships Act, 1895." Plans of these will be published as soon as the maps have been completed. Mr. Climie has completed standard surveys in the Townships of Palmerston North and Fielding, and also laid down 5-chain standards for enabling authorised surveyors to test their measuring-tapes at both of these places, and at Wangauui and Marton. The plans of the standard surveys will be completed during the present winter, and the differences disclosed in the measurements and alignment of the streets will be then fully reported on. Road Surveys. —The total mileage amounted to 113 miles, with an average cost of £11 14s. 9d., as compared with 137 miles last year at £13 9s. The chief items were Mr. F. A. Thompson's survey of thirty-four miles in the Wairarapa Counties, and Mr. E. B. Bristed's roads, twenty-two miles, in the Wangaehu Valley and Maungakaretu, &c. Mr. Maitland has completed the traverse of the coach-road from Turangarere, via Waiouru, to Tokaanu, on Lake Taupo, a distance of fiftyeight miles, and also the formed portion of the road which branches off from the main road and extends round Lake Eoto-aira, towards the Waimarino Plains, a distance of twenty-two miles. The plans of these roads have not been sent in yet, so they cannot be brought to account. Native Land Court Surveys. —These consisted of twenty-nine subdivisions, representing a total area of 54,977 acres, at a cost of 7 - 3 d. per acre. These included the survey of the reserves and subdivisions in Waimarino by Messrs. Otway and Dalziell, with an area of 34,634 acres, and the survey by Messrs. Eichardson, Eeardon, and Co. of 19,689 acres in the Eaketapauma, in which the Crown has considerable interests. These, I may mention, only represent the surveys undertaken directly at the cost of the department, and are but a tithe of the department's output as regards Native work, as plans of 140 blocks or subdivisions have been received from private surveyors, comprising a gross area of 233,833 acres, and, combined with that done at Government expense, make a grand total of 288,810 acres. It is hardly necessary to remark that work done under this category presents many difficulties that do not crop up when surveyors are paid by and under the direct supervision of the department. Native surveys are open to all classes of men, often necessitating close field and office inspection, in addition to which questions involving authorisation and the protection of surveyors' costs by liens have to be attended to. Late examination into this class of work shows that more frequent field inspection will be necessary in order to obtain more accurate work from the surveyors undertaking it. Other Work. —Under this heading comes all work- of a miscellaneous nature that cannot be brought under the ordinary classes set out in the main schedule of the return. These total up this year to £1,799 Is. Id. The principal items are Mr. L. Smith's expenditure on inspections, explorations, valuations, &c, amounting to £790 12s. 3d.; Mr. W. D. B. Murray's outlay of £276 os. 5d., made up of salary during the time he reported himself unfit for duty, attending Native Land Court, and unfinished road-surveys (which amount I am forced this year, as I was last, to bring into this list) ; and Mr. F, A. Thompson's expenditure of £141 17s. 9d., which is chiefly for miscellaneous reports and valuations. Survey Inspections. —Mr. L. Smith has during the year made sixteen inspections of the staff surveyors' work, and six inspections of the surveys of private surveyors. Eegarding the quality of the staff work, taken altogether, with one exception, it may be considered satisfactory; and, considering the difficulties our surveyors have to contend with in the remote bush districts, far from settlement and difficult of access, the cost is not excessive. With respect to surveys executed by authorised surveyors, and requiring the approval of the department, I regret to have to report that in some instances the work was far from satisfactory, and the fact is becoming every day more apparent that close field-inspection of private surveyors' work is absolutely necessary, as without it it is found that there is a growing tendency not only to neglect the quality of the work professionally, but also that the ground-marking in some instances is not what it ought to be. The Inspecting Surveyor, in addition to testing the outside field operations for the year, has also made two important road-explorations between the east and west coasts —viz., one from Shannon to Eketahuna, and the other from Otaki to Greytown. Mr. W. D. B. Murray's sectional surveys at Taihape and Hautapu have been recast and finished, several important examinations and valuations of Crown lands completed, and a number of other miscellaneous matters investigated and attended to. Proposed Operations, 1896-97. —The value of the unfinished work and that in progress on the 31st of March, 1896, amounted to £9,672 19s. Id., and this sum has been carried forward to next year. The bulk of this is for surveys practically completed in the field, but the plans of which are not yet finished ; consequently, credit could not be given in this return, although most of them will, I hope, be in my hands before the surveyors start tbeir next season's operations. By that time, however, one-half of the financial period 1896-97 will be over, so that the work can only be treated as belonging to the new year. The outline of the work I expect to be taken up will be somewhat as follows : Mr. Lowe will complete his triangulation of the 500,000 acres now well advanced, and when finished he will be available for new work. In the Waimarino country, Mr. C. A. Mountfort will complete the Marton No. 3 Farm-homestead Block, the subdivision of the Eaetihi Native Land Court Block, and a few incomplete applications in the northern part of the Waimarino-Atuahae Block. Mr. Dalziell will finish, early in the year, the Eetaruke Buns and Kaitieke Block, and will afterwards be available for new work, and Mr. A. A. Seaton will complete the Upper Eetaruke Selection Block. Mr. Lewis

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has still in hand the Wanganui River survey for the Eiver Trust, after which he will be available for any new work that may crop up, such as roads in settled districts, &c. In the Awarua country, Messrs. McKay and Morice will complete the pegging and mapping of lands already offered and partially taken up, and Mr. Biggs has still mapping to" complete of last year's sectional work there. He has also Tokaanu Township to complete. Mr. Maitland's work at present consists chiefly of large arrears of mapping, the majority of which is road-work —Turangarere to Tokaanu, Eotoaira, &c, and Taihape Township survey. This, and other roads in that district, will probably keep him employed for the coming year. In the Wairarapa Counties, Mr. Thompson has still a good deal of road-work on hand, and this, together with other miscellaneous duties, may take up the greater portion of the year, although I have in view his undertaking the arrears of road-surveys on the West Coast, in the Eangitikei District, later on. Mr. Littlejohn, after he has finished his Bangers' inspections, will probably take up the completion of the Kaiwhata Eun surveys, the unsurveyed applications in the Kaiparoro and West Carterton Blocks, together with any other work, such as roads, &c, that may be required. Mr. A. J. Mountfort has in hand a block of land east of the Wairarapa Lake, the portions of which likely to be applied for will be got ready for application, and road-access provided. Mr. J. D. Climie will go on during the winter with the mapping of the Palmerston North and Feilding standard surveys, after which he will take up similar surveys in Petone, Lower Hutt, and Pahiatua, and possibly extend the Masterton one. This, and the laying down of standard lengths in different centres, will take up most of his time for the year. The field staff, now consisting of seven staff surveyors and eight temporary surveyors, can readily overtake all the arrears I now have in hand, and, unless further purchases are completed in Native blocks, the temporary staff will have to be further reduced, as I shall not have sufficient work to keep them all employed. Office Work. —Mr. Mackenzie, Chief Draughtsman, reports that although the miscellaneous requirements for the field staff, information for public local bodies, applicants for land, &c, are somewhat less pressing than heretofore, still the demands under this heading are great, and hard to curtail. In the general draughting-room, the following compilations have been made : Eighteen new Crown-grant maps, two 40-chain district maps, five 10-chain block-sheets, two two-mile maps showing all the triaugulation in this provincial district, and twenty tracings prepared for photolithography, being chiefly lands thrown open for application under the different systems. In addition to this, carefully-compiled tracings, to a 4-mile scale, for the geographical map of the Wellington District have been completed and sent to the head office, and 705 miscellaneous maps and tracings have been remounted or repaired. The computer, Mr. Carrington, in addition to other duties, has examined during the year 36 sectional, 59 Native, 36 road, 11 township, and 16 miscellaneous maps, or 158 in all, which were afterwards passed on for reduction and record. In the Native Land Court branch, the draughtsman in charge reports, in addition to routine work, that 474 Native Land Court titles have been prepared and recorded, 14 Native purchase deeds, 26 Native Land Court plans compiled, 48 Native Land Court blocks, representing 140 subdivisions, and containing 233,833 acres, have been received and recorded, and 30 authorities for survey issued to surveyors. Land Transfer Branch. —Mr. J. W. Davis, officer in charge of this branch, reports that there has been a slight falling-off in the number of survey-plans examined, 156 having passed through this year as against 163 last year, whilst the average for the last four years has been 192. In the miscellaneous work, however, there has been an increase—that is, in applications, mortgages, leases, &c, —1,256 having gone through, as against 1,161 last year, the other routine duties also being reported as correspondingly heavy. During the year, three 2-chain index maps have been constructed, a class of plan that is much needed, and of great service to the department and the public. Mr. Davis strongly recommends, and I fully concur, that more field inspection of Land Transfer surveys is required. In fact, in some instances there is not wanting evidence of its not only being a precaution, but an absolute necessity. John H. Bakeb, Assistant Surveyor-General.

NELSON. Minor Triangulation. —This work has been principally breaking - down in connection with surveys of land purchases in the Amuri District by Mr. Innes Barron, and in the Collingwood District by Mr. T. Sadd, amounting in all to 82,234 acres, the cost being a little over -Jd. per acre. Mr. T. Sadd has also executed about 31,710 acres of topographical survey, part of which has been over a block of land at Pakawau, of which it is proposed to throw open for selection as much as may be available, the remainder being mineral country. Bural and Suburban. —Mr. J. Montgomerie has surveyed a block of 25,254 acres in Amuri District, purchased under previous Land Acts, being rough mountainous country, at a cost of about s|d. per acre. The field-work of 19,411 acres of similar country has been completed by Mr. Innes Barron during the season, but is not yet plotted. Beside the above large block surveys, there have been ninety-one sectional surveys, containing 13,914 acres, nearly all isolated and scattered applications, in mountainous timbered country. The cost of these surveys range from Is. Id. to 3s. Bd. per acre, with a general average of Is. 7d. per acre; and the work has been done by Messrs. Sadd and Thompson, and Messrs. Young and Saxon, authorised surveyors, assisting. Town Surveys. —The only work of this class which has been done during the year has been the laying off 20 acres in -J-acre township sections at Coal Creek, near Cobden, with a view to settlement near the Point Elizabeth Coal Company's mines. Gold-mining Surveys. —Eighty-eight surveys, amounting to 4,517 acres, in holdings averaging

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51 - 3 acres, have been made, at a cost of 4s. 10-ld. per acre. The larger part of this work has been done in the Eeefton District, where in the months of October and November a rush for special claims and licensed holdings set in, mainly caused by conditional purchases of the interests of several companies in old mines which had been worked for some years past, the negotiations having been effected by Mr. Ziman on behalf of an English syndicate. These transactions have given a great impetus to prospecting for possible reefs throughout the West Coast District, and a large number of applications have been made for areas showing any indication of such existing. Mr. J. Montgomerie, District Surveyor, has made forty-four surveys, and three authorised surveyors, Messrs. McCabe, Saxon, and Eobertson, have been sent to his assistance; and, owing to the resignation of Mr. B. Preshaw, late cadet in the Eeefton office, and the large increase in office-work caused by the increased number of mining surveys, Mr. S. B. Smith, cadet in the Nelson office, has been sent there temporarily to assist the District Surveyor in the work. Messrs. Lord and Houston, authorised surveyors, have been employed in the Grey District, and Messrs. E. Young and G. B. Sinclair at the Mokihinui and Lyell, in the Buller District, Mr. Snodgrass, District Surveyor there, having his time fully taken up in attending to necessary work required on the main road, the maintenance and repairs on which includes the construction of several new bridges. Mr. C. Lewis has been employed in the Collingwood District to assist Mr. T. Sadd, District Surveyor; and one or two outlying mining surveys at the Glenroy, Matakitaki, have been made by Mr. J. D. Thompson, Assistant Surveyor. Boads. —There has been no length of road-surveys made returnable during the year. The fieldwork of about eleven miles of Gorge Creek Eoad, through lands purchased in the Amuri District, and about seventeen and a half miles of road-traverse, has been completed by Mr. Barron, and is now being plotted. Other Work. —Under this heading is included the cost of Mr. J. Snodgrass, District Surveyor's services, connected with the work of putting into good order a length of 102 miles of main road from Nelson to Westport and Eeefton, which has involved the reconstruction of several large bridges and other work, and amounts to £414 16s. 2d. The remainder of the sum under this heading represents the value of field-work completed which has yet to be plotted, and numerous inspections, reports, and miscellaneous work done by the staff. Land Transfer. —There has been a slight decrease in this class of work during the year. Proposed Future Operations. —ln the Eeefton District Mr. Montgomerie, with the assistance of authorised surveyors, will complete all mining surveys in arrear, and also current applications. An assistant staff surveyor is urgently required in the Buller District, as the District Surveyor's services are not available for surveys while engaged on road-work, and settlement surveys are required at the Karamea Survey District. This locality is an outlying part of the Buller District at present, although in the Karamea circuit. It is heavily timbered, difficult of access, and very expensive to work from Westport. For these reasons, and from the large amount of rainfall, outside surveyors now refuse to take up the survey of scattered applications for land in the Karamea circuit at the present schedule rates. We have scarcely any topographical knowledge of the country, and I consider the time has arrived when an assistant surveyor, well up in topographical work, should be stationed there. Work is also required to close the trig, work between the Karamea and Westport basis; the work from the latter base was carried up by the District Surveyor, Mr. Snodgrass, in 1885. Mr. T. Sadd, in the Collingwood District, will keep up settlement and mining surveys, and carry triangulation and topographical survey over about seventy square miles at the quartz ranges and Upper Aorere Valley as far as the Gouland Downs. Information as to the topography of this area is required for the information of the Warden in dealing with mining matters. Mr. J. D. Thompson will continue the surveys of the now scattered and isolated applications for land in the Nelson District lying between Mount Arthur Eange and the French Pass and neighbouring sounds. About 170 square miles of topographical work has yet to be done in the Percival, Alma, Severn, and Wairau Districts, left by Mr. F. S. Smith when transferred to the Marlborough District. The only information we possess of the natural features of these parts are mere sketches from old magnetic surveys. Work in the Amuri will also probably be required in defining run-boundaries for leasing, if the recommendations of the Land Board made under the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Act are approved by the Minister, for which work Mr. Barron should be available. An extension of triangulation and topo. survey has been wanted for some years, extending from the Wangapeka Saddle northerly, down the Upper Karamea Valley, and extending to the tableland lying north of Mount Arthur Eange, known as Salisbury's Open. A horse-track with dray-road grades is in course of construction down the Upper Karamea Valley, in which there is reported to be some large flats of available land, which can only be reached by this track when completed, and lying at a not greater altitude than about 800 ft. or 900 ft. above sea-level. Had a sufficient amount been voted last year to have constructed the track down this valley, there would probably have been a number of miners working there, as a large portion of the valley and surrounding country is auriferous. I would recommend that a temporary staff officer be appointed to undertake this work during the next summer season. If the Midland Eailway Company's reservation is removed during the coming session, there will be a large increase of survey work to be provided for, principally on the West Coast, as a number of applications for lands made during several years past must then be dealt with under some form of tenure, about which the applicants are constantly inquiring. John S. Bkowning, Chief Surveyor.

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MAELBOEOUGH. Triangulation with Topography. —Under this heading 100,000 acres, comprising the Hundalee Survey District, Kaikoura, have been completed by Mr. F. S. Smith, at a cost of l-sd. per acre; and 250,000 acres by Mr. Morgan Carkeek in the Awatere District, at a cost of 06d. per acre, the triangles in the former having sides about three miles, and in the latter about six miles. This leaves about 790,000 acres still in hand by these officers, of which 251,000 acres are complete in the field and partially mapped. In connection with the above, 138 miles of river and fence traverse have been executed by Mr. T. W. Hughes in the Kaikoura District, and 103 miles by Mr. D. W Gillies in the Awatere District, and partially mapped. Mr. C. W. McFarland has completed, at a cost of 15d. per acre, 54,000 acres over the mountainous, heavily-wooded country lying between the Wairau and the head waters of the Wakamarina and Pelorus Bivers. This fills up a large gap of topography hitherto unknown, and should prove valuable in opening up the country to mining pursuits, which give promise of being prosecuted with renewed vigour. I append a copy of a report from the District Surveyor upon the close of the Marlborough triangulation extended from the Kaikoura base-line on to the Nelson work—which was extended from the Hanmer Plains base-line—from which it appears that, taking a mean of five common sides, the Hamner Plains work is 1-312 links per mile too short, or the Kaikoura work is too long. In other words, either the Hanmer Plains standard is too long or the Kaikoura one is too short. Further, to quote the District Surveyor,—" The closes of the western triangulation on the Hanmer Plains makes the latter work too long by o'9B link per mile, or the standard too short. These closes being in different terms, it follows that the close between the western bases and Kaikoura is their sum —(1-312 + 098) —or Kaikoura base is 229 links per mile too long or its standard too short." But, since the Spring Creek and Kaikoura bases agree very well with each other and with the Wellington work, there is no reason to suppose that our standard is at fault. Minor Triangulation. —To govern some sectional survey at the head of Kenepuru Sound Mr. A. Simpson broke down over an area of 13,500 acres at a cost of l-6d. per acre. The country is high and heavily wooded. Topographical, for Selection. —Nothing was done under this heading. Rural and Suburban. —An area of 44,669 acres was surveyed into 110 sections, at a mean cost of 10d. per acre. This comparatively low cost is accounted for by the fact that an area of 24,978 acres is open country, the remainder being rough and heavily wooded and adjoining old surveys. Native Land Court Survey. —The total area surveyed was 8,767 acres, in 17 sections. These are all old Native reserves which about five years ago were brought before the Native Land Court, and are now being surveyed prior to the indorsement of the plans upon the "orders." Of the above area 467 acres comprise Reserve N, situate on the coast near the Amuri Bluff; the remainder are all situate on the shores of Queen Charlotte Sound. Gold-mining Survey. —No surveys have been made during the year; but a revision survey of some old claims above Deep Creek, Wakamarina, has been asked for by the Warden and authorised. It will be undertaken by Mr. McFarland very soon. Roads. —lof miles were surveyed, at a mean cost of £12-77 per mile. Other Work. —Of the sum of £129 Bs. 10d. set down under this heading, £54 Is. 6d. was the cost of making an engineering survey of part of the Kaikoura-Waiau Eoad for the Kaikoura County Council. £32 17s. 4d. was the amount of Mr. Gillies's salary while he was employed in the office during the winter. The balance is made up of inspections and reports, Kaikoura, and of roadexplorations and revision of boundaries in the Sounds. Field Inspection, &c. —l was absent from the office for thirty-three days at different periods. About half the time I was travelling through the district with Mr. McKerrow, inspecting the Hawkesbury, Starborough, Middlehirst, and Swyncombe Estates, offered to the Government under the Land for Settlements Act; also inspecting other blocks which had been applied for under the purchasing clause of " The Marlborough Waste Land Act, 1867." Whilst at Kaikoura I visited 'the District Surveyor. I have also inspected a few small surveys, and the bridle-track lately formed to the head of Port Underwood. Work for Next Year. —Next year promises to be an unusually busy one. The principal work will be the completion of the topographical surveys and maps of the country occupied by the expiring leaseholds, the majority of which have been extended to the 28th of February next. This will not afford us any too much time to get the maps out, the country reclassified and reoffered by January next, at which date, at the latest, the sales should take place. The subdivision of the Kahautara and Greenhills Euns, prior to their being thrown open for settlement, will doubtless be commenced. In connection with this, an engineering survey of what may be termed part of the Cheviot-Kaikoura Eoad is being made, and within the year it should be completed between the Conway and Kahautara Eivers. The survey of several applications under the Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, situate in the Wakamarina Valley, is nearly completed, and a plan will shortly be prepared for Parliament with the object of having the land removed from the State forest. The survey of the majority of the Native reserves referred to in last year's report has been completed, and only two or three remain now to be dealt with. I hope, therefore, before long to have the plans indorsed on the orders, and this long-standing liability disposed of. In addition to the above there will be the usual scattered settlement surveys about the Sounds, and probably the survey of the Picton-Grove Eoad. I am glad to be able to report that, owing to the recent addition to our office staff, one officer can be kept constantly at work at our record maps. Sidney Wektman, Chief Surveyor.

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Survey Office, Kaikoura, 31st March, 1896. The close of the Marlborough triangulation, extended from the Kaikoura base-line on to the Nelson work, based upon the Hanmer Plains base-line, as follows: —

From the above it would appear that the Hanmer Plains work was short by a mean of 1-312 links per mile ; or the Kaikoura base-line work is too long. My annual report for 1891 bears on this question. From the foregoing tables of closes it would appear that the chain standard of the Hanmer Plains base, by close on Westland, is 1-37 links per mile too short; by close on Grey, is 0-23 links per mile too short; by close on Maruia, is 1-53 links per mile too short; by close on Reefton, is 080 links per mile too short; but, on the other hand, by close on Tarndale, is 0• 21 links per mile too long—a cheek base within the same circuit, however, measured apparently under the same conditions as the Hanmer Plains base. A mean of the foregoing (neglecting the last close as being merely an internal check) gives the result as follows : The chain standard of the Hanmer Plains base (result of four several closes) is shorter by 098 links per mile than the standards of the work to the westwards of the circuit; or, practically, the Hanmer Plains base-line is measured probably about a link per mile too long. It would appear from the consideration of the above that the recorded length of the Kaikoura base-line is too long by about 2-3 links per mile, or that all the work to the west is shown too short. I do not know what Mr. Wilson's close is between the Kaikoura base and the Spring Creek base : that might throw some light upon the subject. I find the difference of latitude and longitude between the Amuri initial station and Kaikoura wharf as follows :—

Mr. E. W. Buckeridge also calculated it in two arcs=lH —MF and MF, Kaikoura, with a difference of o'o6min. of latitude and OOlmin. in longitude—a difference of only a few feet. F. Stephenson Smith.

WESTLAND. Topographical Survey (15,000 acres). —This work has been carried out by Assistant-Surveyor Wilson, defining more particularly the features at the head of the Karangarua and Copland Rivers, which previously had been left incomplete. This and last year's work when mapped and connected will complete our knowledge of the greater portion of the features in that part of the district. If a draughtsman could be spared for this class of work a capital map could be produced of the topography of Westland, which would not only be useful for the department, but would prove exceedingly valuable to the explorer, scientist, and prospector. Mr. Roberts collected most valuable information in connection with the topographical and geological features of the whole of Westland when he carried the triangulation through this district. If this could be collated and mapped it would prove interesting, and of great value, more especially just now when there is a tendency to extend systematic prospecting further south ; and, with such a map and reference, prospecting parties would know how and where to travel to the most likely-looking mineral country. While on this subject I think it would be well if organized and subsidised parties were formed to prospect the supposed auriferous and argentiferous country in South Westland. Rural and Suburban Surveys. —The area surveyed under this class by Messrs. Murray and Wilson was 7,756 acres. Part of this was the resurvey of old works in districts where the bush had overgrown and completely eradicated the original survey marks : this, coupled with the fact that some of it had been hurriedly done in the early days of the West Coast before the country had been triangulated, practically necessitated more difficult work than new surveys. This class of revision work will occupy a very considerable time yet, and, although it may appear unprofitable, it

• The position of Isolated Hill is its direct value by triangulation from Mount Cook Observatory (vide Annual Eeport, 1883-84.)

Common Side. Length in Terms of Hanmer Plains. Length in Terms of Kaikoura Base. I—I I—E i—G \— D i-WB Eef. Links. 24175-36 29311-68 30936-56 39864-33 24148-00 Links. 24179-34 2931650 30341-65 39870 90 24151-91 Hanmer Plains work is short 1'316 links per mile. 1-315 1-316 1318 1-298

Place. Difference of Latitude. Difference of Longitude. Convergence. Latitude. Longitude. Deg.min. sec. Deg. min. sec. Deg. min. see. Deg.min. sec. 42 41 16-50 S. 42 27 56-24 42 22 34 35 42 25 03-80 Deg.min. sec. 173 01 28-2 E.+ 173 19 14-59 173 34 3789 173 43 19-91 Isolated Hill... ,Y.B. Eef. Station iangamahaeo laikoura Wharf 0 13 2026 0 05 21-89 0 02 29-45 0 17 46-39 0 15 23-31 0 08 42-02 0 12 01-67 0 10 22-84 0 05 5204

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must be done sooner or later. Of course, if more immediate work is required of the surveyors they can leave this at any time, and, as it must be done eventually, I would be glad to see it out of hand. The Poerua Block, lately acquired under the Land for Settlement Act, has been surveyed during the year, and although the plans are not yet ready the survey may be said to be complete. In connection with the field-work of the year the surveyors have had abnormably bad weather to contend with, even for the West Coast. The rainfall has not only been excessive, but has spread over a greater number of days than usual, consequently the broken time has seriously interfered with the work, and the survey-cost per acre has increased in a corresponding ratio. Town Section Survey. —The only work under this heading was the completion of the standard survey of Grey mouth by Mr. Lord. Plans of this have been received, and as soon as certain further information is furnished I will ask that a lithograph be prepared of this town. Gold-mining Surveys. —As the staff surveyors were otherwise employed, this work was given to Messrs. J. N. Smyth and J. C. Macfarlane, authorised surveyors. These surveys are principally large areas taken up as special claims by companies desirous of working the ground on an extensive scale. During the coming year mining surveys are likely to increase, as greater attention is now given to this class of investments. Road, Railway, and Water-race Surveys. —Under this heading thirteen miles of road surveys have been executed. In some cases this meant the exploration for the best lines through heavily timbered country, and complete engineering surveys and plans. In addition to the work by staff surveyors, Mr. J. N. Smyth surveyed and partly constructed a track through the Whiteombe Pass, which will be further referred to in a separate report by Mr. Smyth. In this he draws attention to the benefit likely to be gained by the construction of a horse- and stock-track through the pass. In my report of last year I drew attention to this. The more detailed survey made by Mr. Smyth has developed difficulties not anticipated when I travelled through the route. In the estimates I ask a vote for this track. Field Work in Progress, &c, and Proposed Work for Next Year. — The work now in course of completion is the Poerua Settlement Block. After the plans for this have been passed, it is proposed that both staff surveyors take up the work of revision surveys until the Midland Eailway reservation has been removed. Immediately this is done settlement surveys will have to be pushed, on vigorously, and these I fully anticipate will more than occupy the balance of the year. I am extremely anxious to see this work undertaken, in order to give a somewhat better settlementsurvey record than has been possible lately. Office Work. —Our limited office staff has been still further reduced by the death of Mr. Pfeifer, and I cannot close this brief report without placing on record the great loss the department has suffered—and this office in particular —by the removal of this able and experienced draughtsman; his intimate acquaintance with the office records, extending over fourteen years, made his services invaluable, apart from the good work he produced. A great deal of work has devolved on the draughting staff in connection with pastoral leases and 'miscellaneous work, and an attempt has been made also to overtake the arrears of certificates of title. Accompanying this I forward* valuable reports by Messrs. Douglas and Wilson, in which they give their observations on the Fox Glacier and its surroundings. Mr. Douglas gives his views on glacial action with considerable force, and advances theories somewhat at variance with that accepted by scientists. Mr. Wilson's report, with accompanying plan, is also of considerable interest, more especially in connection with the ice-flow of the glacier. Mr. Boberts had also prepared a valuable panoramic view, showing the western watershed from Elie de Beaumont to Lyttle's Peak; in this he gives the heights of the most important mountains, peaks, and the glaciersources of Cook's, Waikukupu, and Omeroa Eivers. D. Babeon, Chief Surveyor.

CANTEEBUEY. The small staff in this district was engaged the whole of the season almost wholly on rural and suburban surveys. Mr. District Surveyor Brodrick's return comprises the definition of lands on the Hunter's Hills, the bulk of which was sold for cash, or on settlement conditions, many years ago. He also surveyed the Orakipaoa Block, near Tenmka, which was purchased under the Lands for Settlement Act during the latter part of the season. He has been engaged in the subdivision of the Highbank Estate, of 9,140 acres, which is being acquired under the same Act. Besides the foregoing, Mr. Brodrick executed several minor surveys. Mr. District Surveyor McClure's area includes the Midland Eailway Company's Block 41 (Patoa Settlement), Block 77 (Mount Torlesse and Kowai Bush), and the Braco Estate, near Christchurch. Since October last he has been employed upon the survey of the Midland Eailway Blocks 42, 43, and part of 53, Horsley Downs Estate, and expects to complete the field-work of about 72,000 acres before winter. Mr. AssistantSurveyor Mathias's output includes the Waitohi Hills sections, which were disposed of on the perpetual-lease system in 1890, and several minor surveys. He also has been engaged for several months past on the survey of the Midland Eailway Block No. 54, aud part of Block No. 53, and reports that he hopes to complete the field-work by the end of the present season. Mr. J. Adam surveyed the Midland Eailway Company's Block 48 (Mount Grey); Mr. Earnie completed the plots. Mr. Farnie subdivided the Ashley Gorge and Eoimata Settlements, and executed other miscellaneous surveys on the peninsula. As usual, the whole of the field-work has been permanently marked by iron tubes, placed in safe positions at frequent intervals, as records for all time.

* See Appendix " Explorations."

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The following table, compiled from the traverse- tables, represents the character of the work:—

Traverse Closures.

The town surveys by Mr. G. Mackenzie comprised a few lots in the Makarora Valley. The duties performed under head " Other Work " include engineering and miscellaneous surveys, valuations, inspections, and the usual routine duties. Office Work. —ln all branches the arrears were considerably reduced, especially as regards the examination, reduction, and recording of working-plans, the field-plots of 1895 having been nearly all dealt with. The issue of leases was pushed on, but the arrears, though much reduced, are still too great, comprising fifty-three settlement-leases ; 150 miscellaneous licenses, which require a special form. I find that the recording of leases-in-perpetuity has not been kept up daily as it should be ; this shall be remedied at once. Certificates of title and Crown grants to the number of 102 issued, for an area of 18,226 acres ; this class of work is not in arrear. The only new plans constructed were the record maps of the Cheviot and Lowry Peaks Survey Districts, and the triangulation diagram thereof; twenty-four sale-plans relating to the Canterbury District were published by the head office, ten of which were specially drawn here. The preparation of census maps broke into routine work seriously, as it necessitated the preparation of twenty-six tracings, and the marking of 139 lithograph plans, showing 156 sub-enumerators' districts. It is proposed this year to bring all work up to date, and to renew the publication of districts, which has been in abeyance since the reduction in the draughting staff in 1891. As regards the field operations this current year, it is intended, with your approval, to complete the surveys of all the Midland Bailway Company's selections; to define all remaining unsurveyed applications, and to cut up the 40,833 acres comprised in Pastoral Buns Nos. 136, 139, 146, 150, 150 a, 151, 158, 158 a, 159, 161, 169 a, which the Classification Commissioners recommended last January as suitable for disposal on settlement conditions. Doubtless we shall have to undertake further surveys of lands to be acquired under the Land for Settlement Acts. J. W. A. Maechant, Chief Surveyor.

OTAGO. Befoee commenting on the various surveys performed, I would like to refer to the exceptional severity of the weather during the past year. In the Naseby and surrounding districts the snowstorms continued for ten weeks, and in the Catlin's District the rainfall was exceptionally heavy. For one month it rained every day. It was the worst winter we have had for field-work for many years. I mention this as being the chief reason why the " costs per acre " are higher than usual. Topographical Survey. —Mr. Calder made a topographical survey of Buns 219 c, 306, and 306 a, containing 22,220 acres. The roads and boundaries were all traversed, as it was first intended to let them as small grazing-runs, but they were subsequently let as pastoral runs. Topographical Survey for Selection. —A topographical survey was made of the Waipati Settlement (3,000 acres) by Mr. McCurdie, and of the Bimu Settlement (1,700 acres) by Mr. Edie, so that the land could be allocated to the various selectors. Rural and Suburban. —The 28,019 acres under this heading include 17,690 acres surveyed under the Land for Settlements Act. The following estates were surveyed by Mr. J. Langmuir : Tahawai, Puketapu, Maerewhenua, and Ardgowan. The Waihemo Grange Estate was surveyed by W. T. Neill. I would point out that these surveys entail many difficulties, especially the reproduction of old boundaries. In many cases the original surveys gave great trouble to reproduce the Crown-grant boundaries, and to lay off the roads so as to suit the present ones. Boundary as well as subdivisional plans had to be made. Of the remainder under this heading, 4,900 acres were situated in the Tautuku Bush, the cost of which was, as before stated, greatly increased by the severity of the winter. Mr. Calder surveyed 4,200 acres of open land in the Bock and Pillar District and adjoining country, but was greatly retarded by the snow. Town Section Survey. —Mr. Calder surveyed 140 acres within the Borough of Alexandra, and 160 acres of a village settlement in Block VII., Eock and Pillar District. Native Land Court Surveys. —During the year Mr. McCurdie completed the survey of Block IX., Tautuku, which was subdivided into six sections and five reserves. He also continued the

Name of Surveyor. <v o 11 i o 6 A a 5 si Total Error. (Links.) 2 S S Total Error per Mile. (Links.) l=5 ! qj Jh \ -3 S^ Remarks. (Nature of Country.) \ N. Brodrick ... I. H. M. McClure... j. O. Mathias I. H. Farnie 32 36 15 7 651 492 293 163 107-7 I 76 1 31-5 22-7 76-5 68-0 33-5 8-4 78-7 64-9 39-2 23-5 0-71 0-89 1-06 0-37 0-73 0-85 1-24 1-03 Mostly high hilly country. Open, high hilly country. Bough hills. Eough hills, small portion flat. Eough broken country. . Adam 16 605 50-4 42-8 55-8 0-84 110 Totals and means 106 2,204 288-3 229-2 262-1 0-79 0-90

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boundaiy survey of the large Native reserve from Tautuku Peninsula to Longbeach. The boundary survey of the Otago portion will be completed in about one month's time. Gold-mining.—You will see from the area surveyed (2,887 acres) that there has been a boom in mining, and from the number of the applications coming in it is evident that it still continues. It was found that, as the staff surveyors were engaged on settlement surveys, they could not undertake this work. Four private surveyors were engaged under the fee system to survey the various applications. Boads, Baihvays, &c. —Of the 14 miles 8 chains of roads graded, &c, last year 10 miles 28 chains were situated in the Tautuku Bush, and entailed a great deal of heavy bush-cutting. Other Work. —The amount of "other work" is not very heavy this year, the chief items being, reports to the Land Board and Classification Commissioners and attendance on the public by D. M. Calder, supervision of bushfelling and road-works on Waipati Settlement by W. D. B. McCurdie, and the running of subdivisional lines in Block 11., Woodland District, by John Edie. Proposed Operations. —As soon as Mr. Langmuir completes the grading of roads on the Ardgowan Estate, he will proceed to Maruwenua District to lay off a large number of occupation licenses. He will then be available for surveys under the Land for Settlements Act. Mr. Wilmot's absence in the Southland District has caused the work in his district to get behind, and it will take him some months to overtake the mining applications. Mr. Calder has also a large number of mining applications to lay off, and the balance of the Eweburn Buns to subdivide for settlement. Mr. McCurdie will continue the boundary survey of the large Native reserve, and finish Block XII., Tautuku. Mr. Neill will be engaged for some time grading sixteen miles of road from Berwick to Waipori. Mr. Edie will be engaged for some months on the survey of Block XIV., Bimu. A large number of the mining applications will have to be done by the authorised surveyors under the fee system. C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor.

SOUTHLAND. Minor Triangulation. —Two parties have been engaged on -and have completed areas under this class, the one being country lying to the west of Waiau Eiver, extended from former systems for the purpose of controlling the survey (now in progress) of the block set apart for Middle Island Natives; and the other an extension over the south-eastern portion of Stewart Island, where it was closed upon a former system which was initiated with the primary object of controlling mining surveys made some years ago in the neighbourhood of Port Pegasus ; the immediate object of this extension being to control isolated surveys of land applied for, and also that of a block of some 10,000 acres set apart for Middle Island Natives. Bural and Suburban.- —45,454 acres have been treated under this heading, the greater portion being hilly forest land in Hokonui, Forest Hill, Waikawa, Otara, and Invercargill Districts. Included in this total is the portion of Merrivale Estate acquired under the Land for Settlement Act—about 10,000 acres, principally open and partially-improved land. Gold-mining Surveys. —Seven applications of this class were dealt with on the usual terms of the applicants lodging the survey-fees, the part of this office being confined to inspection and approval. Roads, &c. —The transactions under this class, and apart from settlement surveys, have been slight. Other Work: —This consists of inspecting applications for isolated unsurveyed lands; cost of engineering and supervising co-operative roadworks, and surveys executed in Otago District which it is understood will appear in the returns for that district. Work done for Other Departments. —These include the usual services of the Land Transfer and Labour Departments, also two items for the Stock and Telegraph Departments. Before leaving the subject of the year's work it is necessary to point out that all kinds of outdoor duties were greatly retarded, and consequently the cost greatly increased, by the almost unbroken severity of the weather, which lasted during the entire year, and which is said to have been the worst ever recorded in Southland. Work on Hand, and Future Operations. —About 35,000 acres of forest lands are under survey for settlement purposes, and as there is but a moderate demand for this kind of land the supply is well ahead of requirements, and this has enabled me to dispense with the services of two of the temporary surveyors. A pastoral run containing about 8,000 acres in Nokomai District is to be surveyed and opened under the mining clauses of the Land Act. Three blocks, aggregating about 74,000 acres, situated in Waikawa, Alton, and Lords Eiver Districts, set aside for Middle Island landless Natives, are now under survey, and two of these blocks will probably be completed within the current year. So far as I can see at present, a further reduction of field staff will be necessary within the next few months unless more land is acquired. Office Work. —Forty-eight Land Transfer, eleven road, and forty-six plans of settlement surveys were examined and passed. Eighteen lithographic and 216 ordinary tracings were made; also about sixty maps for Census Enumerators. One district lithographic map was prepared, also one of Southland County on the one-mile scale, showing land-tenure, roads &c, up to date; 282 maps were mounted, and 1,407 diagrams placed on certificates of title, leases, licenses, &c. G. W. Williams, Chief Surveyor.

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APPENDIX No. 3.—BOADS.

EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF CHIEF SURVEYORS AND OTHERS ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MARCH, 1896.

AUCKLAND. Main Roads. Warkworth-Awanui. —This is now a good summer road from Warkworth to Ohaewai, in the Bay of Islands County, the grades throughout being good, and the worst places metalled. From Ohaewai to Awanui there are two routes available, one via Kaeo-Iwitaua and Mongonui, the other vid Okai-hau-Rangiahau and Victoria Valley. Neither of these roads are constructed, though the first is available for horse-traffic throughout; the other being only formed to Mangamuka. From here, however, connection is made with the Mongonui-Awanui Road by a branch line vid Fern Flat. Should it be determined to construct any of these roads so as to be available for wheel-traffic, it will be necessary to make several deviations to obtain better grades. The works done during the year by the various County Councils are as follows : Rodney County, about 20 chains of metalling ; Otamatea County has metalled about one mile, improved four miles and a half, and constructed one bridge ; the Bay of Islands County has reconstructed and metalled about one mile ; Whangaroa County has improved about half a mile, and the Mongonui County has completed the contracts let last year for metalling about 40 chains, and done various repairs throughout their portion. Birkenhead-Warlciuorth. —The works done during the year consist of the re-formation and metalling of about a quarter of a mile of the road, and these have been carried out under the supervision of the Rodney County Council. Hamilton Bridge. —Five 40ft. spans of this bridge have been done away with, and the embankment extended so as to replace them on the west side of the river. Several repairs have been made to the timber-work in the bridge. The works have been carried out under the supervision of the Hamilton Borough Council, who contributed £400 themselves towards the cost of the alteration. Distbict Roads. Ahipara-Herekino. —This road connects Awanui with the Herekino Village Settlement. Unfortunately, it passes mostly through Native land ; the gradients on this road are steep, and it is an expensive road to maintain. The distance from the settlement to the junction with the main Ahipara-Awanui Road is twelve miles, and the settlers complain bitterly of the difficulty they have to contend with in getting supplies during the winter months. Their food supplies are all brought from Awanui, which is eighteen miles beyond the junction, making the total distance they have to cart or pack their stores about thirty miles, and the cost of carriage in winter is often ss. per cwt., which is a very serious handicap to struggling settlers. Under the circumstances it would perhaps be advisible to widen the present bridle-track to Whangape Harbour, a distance of about seven miles, so that it can be used for wheel-traffic. The cost of so doing would be about £700, and its maintenance would not be much. There is no doubt that if sufficient inducement were offered a steamer would ply between Hokianga and Whangape Harbour, and the settlers would obtain their food supply at much less cost. During the year the roads from the junction to Herekino and in the settlement have been kept in repair, and one bridge of 50ft. span has been constructed. Mongonui Roads. —These roads have been repaired. The heavy rains of last year having destroyed several bridges and culvets, and caused many slips. The works were carried out by the Mongonui County Council. Ruatangata. —A deviation was laid out and made on this road by the Whangarei County Engineer, which has considerably improved the grades of one of the worst portions. During the year this portion has been metalled. Waipu-Marsden Point. —Under the supervision of the Whangarei County Council a portion of this road has been metalled. Totara-Whangaroa Eaeo. —The work done during the year consists of about 25 chains of metalling and the maintenance of about 46 chains of dray-roads. The work being carried out by the Whangaroa County Council. Utakura Bridge. —This bridge, which was begun last year, was not carried out as originally designed, one span of 20ft. being omitted for want of funds. The subsidy granted this year has enabled the Hokianga County Council to construct this span of 20ft. and complete the approaches, so that the bridge is now safe for traffic, Tokatoha Post Office Road.— Considerable delay was caused in the carrying out of this work, owing to the demand for compensation asked for the land, on the first line laid out, on the north side of the Tokatoka Hill. A new line has now been surveyed and constructed on the south side of the hill. To keep this road open for winter traffic it will be absolutely necessary to metal portions, a work which will probably be undertaken by the county when funds are available. Otamatea County Roads, —During the year the county has expended £100 on metalling 54 chains of road. Mauku District. —Nothing has been done this year. Awitu Road Wharf. —Plans of the proposed work at this wharf have been prepared, and tenders will shortly be called for its construction by the Road Board. Patumahoe. —With the Government grant this year the Road Board has metalled about one mile ten chains of road between Pukekohe and Waiuku.

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Gibbon's Gree.lt Bridge. —Under the control of the Hamilton Borough Council, a 4ft. brick and concrete culvert was made over Gibbon's Creek, and about 4 chains of roadway was constructed. The Council contributed £200 towards the payment of the work. Kuaotuna Cemetery Road. —This work has been "done under the supervision of the Coromandel County Council. During the year 17 chains of road were constructed. Workworth Southward. —The Eodney County Council has during the year expended £100 in metalling a portion of the road between Warkworth and Waiwera. Waikomiti-Swanson. —This is a portion of the Great North Eoad from Auckland. Works done during the year have been undertaken by the Waitemata County Council. The road is now metalled with scoria, 12 cubic yards to the chain, from Waikomiti to Swanson Creek. During the year one mile and a quarter was done. Henderson. —This road extends from Henderson Township towards Waitakerei Eanges. During the year the Waitemata County Council have been and are expending the Government grant in metalling 30 chains of the worst places with scoria. Lands Improvements Eoads. Victoria Valley to Main Road. —During the year six miles of road have been graded from the junction of the Mangatoetoe Eoad to Peria. The grades are excellent, not more than lin 17, and the country good. Cost of constructing a 12ft. wide road would be about £1,200. This road will be of great benefit to the Victoria Valley settlers, bringing them more directly into the Township of Mongonui, and saving them seven miles in length, which they have now to travel to get to the same place. Works are now at a standstill pending negotiations with the settlers through whose land the road passes. The present line from Victoria Valley to Peria is altogether useless, being one of those roads laid out in straight lines without any idea of grades. Takahue-Herekino. —This road, which will open up 7,000 acres of Crown land, will give a more direct communication between Herekino and Mongonui. Works are now in progress for the construction of a bridle-track Bft. wide. Maungataniwha.- —This is a road to open up 4,700 acres of Crown land. The land is heavily timbered, of good quality, but rather broken. During the year nine miles and a half of road have been graded and a magnetic survey made of it through the block, and one mile and three-quarters have been constructed as a bridle-track 6ft. wide. The road enters the block from the present Victoria Valley-Peria Eoad, passes through the centre of the blocks, and comes out at Peria, which is twelve miles distant from Mongonui Township. A sum of £500 was raised as a loan on this block for the purpose of roading, and £292 granted for making the roads leading into the block; but these sums will hardly be sufficient to complete the work, as the cost of construction will not be less than £100 a mile. Iwitaua-Kaeo. —This is a portion of the Great North Eoad, and has been improved out of the Government grant to the Whangaroa County'by the construction during the year of 3 chains of dray-road, and the widening and improving of another quarter of a mile. Kaeo-Waimate. —Under the supervision of the Whangaroa County Council, £200 have been expended in the construction of 30 chains and the improvement of three miles of this road, so as to make it available for wheel traffic. Herd's Point-Takahne. —This road opens up a considerable tract of Crown land suitable for pastoral and fruit-growing purposes, which is rapidly being taken up. Settlers generally express themselves well satisfied with the land. The total length of road now available for wheel-traffic is fifteen miles, from the Hokianga Eiver to Broad wood; a bridge of 125 ft. span—made up as follows : two 20ft., one 25ft., and one truss of 60ft.—is now under construction across the Mongonuiowae Eiver. This is a most important line of road, being the only connection between Eawene and Mangonui, and was formed several years ago as a bridle-track. The portion of the line as far as Broadwood will be the main road to open the country around the Whangape Harbour, and its construction as a cart-road ought to be carried out as far as the branch line towards Whangape. Considerable difficulty will be experienced in finding stone to metal the road between Hokianga Harbour and Broadwood, but beyond that there is abundance of metal to be obtained out of the Mangonuiowae Eiver, and in the rock cuttings. All work done on this road, with the exception of the bridge now under construction, has been carried out under the co-operative system. Kohukohu-Rakautapu. —This is a branch line from Kohukohu to join Herd's Point-Takahue Eoad. It is a very useful line at present, but if my suggestion for the line from Kohukohu to Motukaraka is carried out, and the road made, this line will not be much used, for, though a little shorter, the grades are too steep to permit of its being constructed into a cart-road. Works done during the year consist of the improvement of one mile and a quarter of the bridle-track and its maintenance throughout, and were carried out under the supervision of the Hokianga County Council. Waimamaku-Pakanae. —This road begins at Awapoka, on the Hokianga Harbour, and extends through Blocks IV. and VII., Hokianga Survey District, till it joins the Waimamaku Village Settlement Eoad, about five miles and a half in length. It passes through land of excellent quality, all of which in proximity to road has now been taken up. This will eventually be the main road to the harbour by which all "the settlers in the Waimamaku Valley will obtain their supplies and export their produce, and is five miles shorter to the wharf than the present road. The grades are good throughout, being not more than 1 in 15. Stone is abundant for metalling. There are a few bridges needed, and the road requires to be widened. For the conversion of the present bridletrack into a cart-road a sum of £1,000 is required. During the year only a small sum was expended in widening 63 chains and in general repairs. ■ Waimamaku-Punakitere. —This road begins at the end of the Canterbury Special Settlement Eoad in the Wamamaku Valley, runs up the valley joining the Opanake-Hokianga Eoad, at the top

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and in the Auckland Special Settlement. It traverses some of the best country in the north, all of which in proximity to the road is now taken up. It has been constructed as a bridle-track as far as the Auckland Special Settlement, and is now being continued through that block. The land being of a loamy nature, the road, without metal, becomes a bog during the winter, and is almost impassable. It will be necessary to widen and metal the worst places, and erect several bridges and culverts, so as to make it available for winter traffic. Okaihau-Victoria Valley. —This road traverses a portion of three counties, and is of a total length of about forty miles. It is one of the routes referred to in my report on the Warkworth-Awanui Eoad, and, in my opinion, ought to be the one selected as the Great North Eoad. It is made available for wheel-traffic between Okaihau and Eangiahua, from Eangiahua to Mangamuka, about eight miles; at the Victoria Valley end about three miles are constructed a bridle-track, and nine miles are yet to be constructed. During the year about 29 chains of road have been constructed and metalled, and the bridges repaired as far as possible with the money available. If this line is to be properly formed, several deviations will be required, which will considerably shorten the road. The exceedingly dry summer and extensive bush fires have destroyed and injured several bridges and culverts, so that a considerable sum is now required to do general repairs during the coming year. Hohianga Heads-Ohaewai, via Baivene. —This vote has been expended by the Hokianga County Council in metalling and general repairs. From Ohaewai to Eawene the road has fair gradients, but till lately has been allowed to get very much out of repair; it is even now almost impassable for a trap between Taheke and Eawene. As the Main Opanake-Hokianga Eoad joins this line between Taheke and Eawene, it will be absolutely necessary to do general repairs to it, so as to allow through communication between the north and south. Prom Omanaia to the Heads a new line will have to be laid out, as the present route can never be made into a cart-road without great expenditure, the grades being far too steep. The new line would start from the Eawene-Taheke Road, about five miles from Eawene, cross the Omanaia Eiver by an embankment and bridge ; thence to Oue, nearly level; thence by ascending a low range to the saddle between the Oue and Whirinaki; descending thence by easy grades into the Native settlement at Whirinaki; and from there over a low range to join Pakanae-Waimamaku Eoad: a total distance of about twelve miles, or about eight miles shorter than the present laid out line. The total cost of survey and construction would be about £1,500. Opua-Waimate. —-This bridle-track is now nearly completed from Opua to the Pakaraka-Wai-tangi Eoad. The Crown land through which it passes is second-class and rather broken; however, a considerable amount has been taken up since the line was formed. It was found advisable to make a short deviation from the original line selected, so as to avoid the construction of a large bridge and to keep the roadway clear and above all danger from floods. This necessitated negotiations with the owner of one of the sections through which the new line passes, and which are now amicably settled, so that there will be no further delay in completing the road. During the year about one mile and a half of road was formed 6ft. wide. Bamarama Valley. —This road gives access to a number of settlers who have lately taken up the land in the valley. The road is now available for horse-traffic throughout, that is, from Towai to Jordan Flat, from whence there is a fair road into Hikurangi. As the moneys voted were not sufficient, I had in some cases to build the bridges and culverts of second-class timber, or else I could not have opened the road throughout, which would have been a great hardship to the settlers. Towai-Ruapekapeka. —As stated last year, there was considerable dispute amongst the settlers themselves as to where this vote should be expended, which was settled by building a bridge over the Waipukakahau Stream, so as to let some of them out on to the Great North Eoad at Hukerenui South, and by forming one mile and a half of road from Towai towards Euapekapeka. This new road passes through a country with an abundant supply of stone, and will be of great service to the district generally in enabling the Bay of Islands County Council to obtain metal for the Great North Eoad, as otherwise it would have been an expensive undertaking to metal that part of the North Rqad. Opanahe-Mangonui Bluff. —This is a road from Opanake railway-station to the beach at Mongonui Bluff. All the land adjacent to this road is now taken up. Unfortunately, the line was originally not well selected, and without considerable deviations can never be made a cart-road. However, a new line which has been partly constructed between the Mangatu and Katui-bush settlement farms can be continued on to the beach, so that it will not be necessary to expend farther moneys on this road beyond keeping it open for horse-traffic. Opanake-Hokianga. —This road opens up a considerable quantity of Crown land, most of which along the line of road has been taken up. It will be the main West Coast Eoad. Starting from the Taheke-Bawene Eoad near Waima, it ascends to the Waoku Plateau, a height of 2,100 ft., and then follows the top of the dividing range till it descends to the valley of the Waipoua Eiver, from whence, with easy grades, it rises over the dividing range between the Waipoua and Waima Eivers, following down the latter river to Opanake, a total distance of about thirty-two miles. There are about two miles of this road not yet made, the rest has been and is being formed into a cart-road 14ft. wide. To make this road available at all times of the year it will be necessary to metal a considerable portion of it. There is abundance of metal to be got along the line, more particularly at the north end. I have found it necessary, even for horse-traffic, to metal and fascine a track 4ft. wide in several of the worst places. At the north end, for want of good timber, I have had to construct nearly all the culverts of stone. Some of the views obtained from this road are very beautiful, especially those obtained when ascending to the plateau from the Waima Valley (north end). All works have been carried out under the co-operative system (except the building of the stone culverts, which is being done by an expert mason and some men under him employed by the day), and consist of about six miles and three-quarters formed 14ft. wide. When this road is com7—C. 1.

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pleted there will be no great difficulty in driving from Opanake to Kaikohe, or even to Kawakawa, in a day. Within the last few months a track was cut connecting the two ends of the road, and I am told the traffic is now considerable, principally by Natives, who have already driven several herds of cattle through it. Mititai-Tokatoka. —The work done on this road during the year consists of about one mile and a-quarter of metalling, and was carried out under the control of the Hobson County Council. Dargaville-Aratapu. —This year the Hobson County Council have expended £100 in metalling 60 chains of road. This metal was ballast brought by timber vessels, and the county have acquired a stone-crusher for breaking it up into road metal. Bargaville-Tangiteroria. —This is a portion of the road between Dargaville and Whangarei. It has been formed 12ft. wide to within a short distance of Tangiteroria, where a punt or large . bridge will be required. During the year about two miles and a half of road and one bridge 75ft. total spans were constructed under the supervision of the Hobson County Council. Considerable damage was done by bush fires to this road during the drought. Hikurangi-Jordan Flat. —This road gives access to a number of settlers who have lately taken up lands in the Jordan Flat, and is the continuation of the Ramarama Valley Road. Beyond the expenditure of thirds by the Whangarei County Council in improving bad places nothing has been done to the road this year. Mangapai. —Under the supervision of the Whangarei County Council, about one mile of road through Mangapai has been metalled with gravel. Kaiataia. —This road is to give access to the Kaiataia settlers. During the year the Whangarei County Council have expended the grant in constructing and improving about 52 chains of road, and in erecting one bridge of 30ft. span. Arapohue. —No Government grant has been expended on the road this year by the Hobson County Council. This road extends from Mititai landing to Arapohue Settlement. It is a cartroad with good gradients. Settlers have done considerable work on the line themselves. Paparoa Valley Road. —This road is for the purpose of giving better access to the settlers in Blocks VIII. and XII., Matakohe Survey District. The expenditure of the grant is now in progress. The works to be undertaken have been laid out on the ground. Waipu Cove. —Works on this road have been carried out by the Whangarei County Council, and consist of the forming and improving of about three-quarters of a mile of dray-road. Whangarei Bridge (£1 for £1). —Plans and specifications for a swing-bridge across the Whangarei River, at the Whangarei Township were prepared for the County Council by the department. Nothing else has been done pending the approval of the Marine Department. Opuawhanga-Whananaki. —About 55 chains of road have been formed and improved near Whananaki. The work is being done under the supervision of the Whangarei County Council. Whananaki-Ngunguni. —This vote is being expended by the Whangarei County Council, and during the year about two miles of bridle-track were constructed. The road runs along the coast between Whananaki and Ngunguru, and was laid out by the department. Hikurangi. —This vote is to be expended in metalling the Great North Eoad across the Hikurangi Swamp. As the authority has only lately come to hand, no works have been begun, as it would cause considerable damage to the portions of the road over which the metal would have to be carted if the works were to be carried on during the winter months. Purua—Taheke. —During the year, under the supervision of the Whangarei County Council, about one mile and a quarter of bridle-track 6ft. wide was constructed. Tikiponga Hill-Paranui Bridge. —One mile and a quarter of this road was improved with , £100 granted to the Whangarei County Council. The road is needed for the purpose of giving better access to the settlers. Maunu-Otuhe. —Required for the purpose of giving better access to the Mangatapere settlers. A deviation was laid out by the Whangarei County Council Engineer, which improved the road considerably. This deviation has been constructed and partly metalled. During the year about one mile and a half was constructed and improved. Otuhe Forest. —This is a continuation of the Maunu-Otuhe Road. Works have been carried out under the supervision of the Whangarei County Council, and consist of the construction of 32 chains of dray-road. The timber from the Otuhe forest, which is now being felled and sawn up, is carted into Whangarei over this road. Purua-Buatangata-Mangakahia. —This road gives access to the settlers in Purua and to the Crown land lately taken up in the Kaueranga Block. The work done during the year has been about a quarter of a mile of metalling. Further moneys are required to improve the road through Purua, so as to allow of wheel-traffic to the Kaueranga Block. Mangakaramea. —Works were undertaken by the Whangarei County Council, and consist this year of the improvement of 70 chains of road. Waipu-Mareretu. —Considerable deviations were laid out on this road by the Whangarei County Engineer, so that there is now a good line of road between these two places. During the year, under supervision of the county, two miles ten chains of road were constructed about Bft. wide. Marsden Point Wharf. —Repairs to the value of £100 are being done to this wharf according to plan and specification prepared by the County Engineer, and approved of by the department. Waipu Central. —This work has been done under the control of the Whangarei County Council, and consists of about half a mile of metalling and a quarter of a mile being laid with pipeclay. Tokatokcir-Mangapai. —The small votes granted this year have been expended by the Whangarei County Council in the removal of slips and the widening of some of the worst places. Since this road was constructed and the Mangonui Bridge erected, settlers have taken up the adjacent lands, and there is a considerable amount of traffic on the road.

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Aratapu-Tatariki. —This road has been made available for wheel-traffic by the expenditure of this year's grant by the Hobson County Council; about 52 chains of road have been constructed. Te Kopuru-Tikinui. —This is a part of the Aratapu-Tataririki Eoad, and no Government moneys were expended on the road this year. Tangihua. —This is a portion of the road between Whangarei and Dargaville. The present line will be difficult to maintain, as the country through which a portion of the line runs has begun to slip. No expenditure of Government moneys was made on the road this year. Pahi-Waikiekie. —This is a portion of the road connecting Otamatea Harbour with the East Coast at Mangapai. Several deviations have been laid out and constructed. During the year two miles and a half have been converted into a cart-road, and about five miles improved. Further moneys are required to complete the widening of the road throughout. Mareretu. —This vote was expended on the construction of a road to give access to the perpetual lease holders near the Mongonui Eiver. It branches off the Pahi-Waikiekie Eoad, about six miles from Paparoa. During the year about 5 miles 9 chains were laid out and constructed. Hukatere. —This road is for the purpose of giving access to settlers in Blocks I. and 11., Hukatere Survey District. No construction works have as yet been commenced. Matakohe-Tokatoka. —The main road through the Otamatea County. During the year about four miles and a half have been improved, the previous year's grant not having been sufficient to make the new deviation properly. There are still several miles of this road to be formed. A new line was selected by the Department, but the County Council have yet to survey and settle all claims for compensation. When this is done, I would recommend that a further sum be granted to complete the formation throughout. There is a considerable amount of traffic on this road, especially cattle-driving, to supply the demand of such places as Aratapu and Te Kopuru, &c. Pahi Wharf and Road. —This grant was expanded by the Otamatea County Council, in erecting a wharf on the opposite side of the river from the township of Pahi, and in improving the road thereto. Pahi-Maungaturoto. —This road runs from the new wharf at Pahi, through the Ahi Kiwi and Pukehuia Blocks to Maungaturoto, and during the year the County Council have expended £109 in metalling 26 chains, and in improving the road generally. Kourawera District. —Works done last year were undertaken by the Upper Mahurangi Eoad Board, and consisted of two miles and a quarter being formed into a cart-road ; the final payments for the work were made at the beginning of this year. Kaukapaka-Port Albert. —Under the supervision of the Eodney County Council, £50 were expended this year in general repairs. Puhoi-Makarau. —During last year two miles of a dray-road were improved, and 15 chains metalled, under the supervision of the Ahuroa Eoad Board; final payment for which was made early this year. Ahuroa Boads. —Works were carried out under the supervision of the Eodney County Council, and consisted of the construction of a mile and a half of dray-road. This road gives access to a number of Crown tenants, and opens up about 500 acres of Crown land. Waikomiti West. —No works have been undertaken this year. The road is under the charge of the Waitemata County Council. Waikomiti Huia. —This is a road to the Manukau Heads, and is formed 10ft. wide from Brooklyn to Big Huia. When the two bridges now under construction are finished, the road will be available for light-wheel traffic so far, during the summer months. During the year three and a half miles have been constructed under the control of the Waitemata County Council. Otau. —The moneys raised on this block under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act being found insufficient to open up the lands, a further sum was granted last year, which is being expended in giving better access to the sections, and in paying compensation to the owners of the various private lands through which the roads pass. During the year seven miles and threequarters of bridle-track were constructed. Abram's Gully (Waiuku-Akaaka Swamp). —This is a portion of the road leading to the Akaaka Swamp from Waiuku. Under the supervision of the Waiuku Eoad Board about 10 chains of cutting and embankment have been made, and other works are to be undertaken shortly. Maioro Swamp. —Since the drain and bridle-track were constructed through this swamp the whole of it has been taken up. During the year one small bridge was constructed. Works are now in hand to improve the road through the swamp, so as to make it available for wheel-traffic, and give an outlet to the Maioro settlers. Te Aroha Block Drainage, Blocks IX. and Xl. —The Eesident Engineer, Public Works Department, reports that the deepening and improvement to these drains began in February, 1895, were carried on, and in Block XI. the drain was finished in June ; but in Block IX., owing to the difficulty in arranging with the owner of a section, who wanted too much compensation, the drain was delayed till April, 1896. This drain is now being made. The whole has been completed by co-opera-tive labour, about seven men have been employed, and £276 spent up to date. Rangiriri Lake Matahuru Road. —This road is for the purpose of giving better access to the sections lately taken up in the Matahuru Valley. During the year three miles were surveyed and constructed into a road 12ft. wide, and one bridge of a total length of 42ft. 6in. was made across the Matahuru Eiver. The works were carried out under the supervision of the Huntly Eoad Board. Maire-Mangapiko. —This is a portion of the Tuakau-Opuatia-Baglan Eoad, through the Eaglan County. During the year two miles were graded, and 1 mile 13 chains have been formed into a cart-road 12ft. wide. Works being carried out under the co-operative system. Tuakau-Opuatia-Kahuhuru. —When completed this will be the main road through the Eaglan County. It is constructed as a dray-road as far as the centre of Section 92, Block 111., Avvaroa

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Survey District, and further works are now in hand. When the present authority is expended there will still be about seven miles to construct, and about six miles to improve and widen before it will be available for wheel-traffic. During the about seven miles and a half of road were constructed, the works having been carried out under the co-operative system, and a contract was let for the erection of a bridge over the Opuatia Eiver. Aivaroa, Block Xl. —This road is for the purpose of giving access to sections lately taken up, and to about 2,000 acres of Crown land in Block XI. It is now being constructed as a bridle-track. During the year only half a mile has been formed by co-operative labour. Baglan—Waipa. —This vote was expended by the Baglan County Council. The works done during the year consist of the re-formation of 2 miles 52 chains of road, and the metalling of 35-| chains. Huntly-Kahuhuru. —With the exception of some steep grades at Pukemiro, this is practically a level road from Huntly to Waingaro Hot Springs. I have recommended that a grant be given for the purpose of surveying, and, if found practicable, of constructing a deviation round the base of Pukemiro Hill. All votes authorised have been expended in widening the road, raising the embankments, and repairing the bridges and culverts. The road had practically become impassable before these works were carried out. During the year two miles and a half of road were thus widened, all the works being carried out under the co-operative system. Brigmens Landing and Mercer Boad. —During the year a branch line was laid off from the Glen-murray-Churchill Eoad to this landing. As, however, the owners of the land through which the line passes are demanding compensation, I have delayed action till further provision is made for this road. Baglan-Aotea. —This is a portion of the road between Baglan and Kawhia. During the year two miles of this road were constructed. Waingaro-Ngaruawahia. —This road is now available for wheel-traffic from Ngaruawahia to the Hot Springs. About one mile has this year been widened to 12ft. by co-operative labour. Several culverts still require to be made, and some of the bridges require rebuilding. There are also some portions of it which require to be widened in order to make the road safe for traffic. Tairua-Whenuakite. —The works on this road were carrie_d out under the supervision of the Coromandel County Council, and consists of the construction of about one mile of bridle-track. Kaueranga Valley. —Under the supervision of the Thames County Council this bridle-track has been widened so as to give better access to the settlers in the Kaueranga Valley. The works done during the year consist of the construction of about one mile and three-quarters of dray-road. Improved Farm Settlements. Bush Settlement Boads, Waipoua Settlements. —During the year 1 mile 46 chains of dray-road and 3 miles 65 chains of bridle-track were constructed, inclusive of several small bridges along these settlement roads. The settlers were also employed in ballasting and doing general repairs to the Opanake-Hokianga Boad, which passes through the middle of three of these settlements. Full particulars regarding these bush settlements are given in the Land Beport. Te rau-a-moa. —About three-quarters of a mile of bridle-track have been constructed in this settlement during the year. Further particulars are given in the Land Beport. Village Settlement Boads. Waimaviaku Village Settlement. —During the year 24 chains of track were widened and made available for wheel-traffic. As often stated, the roads in this settlement are very bad; the whole country after the bush was cleared commenced slipping, and in some places portions of the road are now nearly a chain away from where they were originally constructed. Improvements and repairs are now being undertaken with the authority lately to hand. Motuharaka. —Little has been done in this settlement beyond keeping the roads open for horsetraffic. GOVEENMENT LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES. Takahue Block. —No road construction has taken place during the past year. Maungatanhvha Block. —l have already referred to the expenditure of this vote. Mangonuioioae Block. —This block is opened up by the Herd's Point-Takahue Boad at the north end, and by a branch road off it, which passes through Block IV., Whangape Survey District, and gives access to sections in the south end in Block 111., Whangape Survey District. During the year 5 miles 50 chains of this branch line were constructed, with temporary bridges and culverts. The work has been carried out under the co-operative system. The Crown lands in Block IV., through which the road runs, is of fair pastoral quality. Waipoua Block. —This block is partly opened up by the Opanake-Hokianga Boad, and the moneys raised on it under The Loans to Local Bodies Act were expended on that road. Marlborough Block. —The Opanake-Hokianga Boad passes through the middle of this block, which has been taken up by the Marlborough special settlers. The necessary engineering surveys are now being made of the by-roads so as to have the construction of these roads put in hand at once. A considerable amount of bushfelling, grass-sowing, and other improvements have been made by these settlers. Buapekapeka Block. —No moneys have been expended on the roads in this block during the year. Last year bridle-tracks were constructed so as to give access to all sections and subdivisions of the block. The land is of fair quality, but so far, only two of the sections have been taken up. Motatau.- —The loan raised on this block was expended on the Bamarama Valley Boad which passes through the centre of the block, and on which I have already reported. Opuaivhangor-Whangarei No. I. —The expenditure of the moneys raised on this land took place on the Whananaki-Ngunguru Boad, particulars regarding which have already been given,

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Tokatoka Swamp. —The total area of Crown land in this swamp is about 11,000 acres, but as the sum raised on the block under the Loans to Local Bodies Act is not sufficient to reclaim the whole of it, lam now undertaking the reclamation of about 5,000 acres at the north end. The engineering survey and scheme has been devised for the reclamation of the whole of the swamp, and the amount necessary to defray the cost of construction will be obtained from the sale of the kauri and kahikatea growing on the northern part of the swamp, which I expect will realise about £5,000. The reclamation will consist of the construction of .a stop-bank, a system of drains and self-acting outlets. During the year 64f miles of levels were taken, and co-operative labourers have now begun the earth-works, &c. Pakiri Block. —During the year four miles and a half of bridle-track were formed, giving access to and opening up this block. The works are being undertaken by co-operative labour, given to the local settlers. Tauhoa Block. —Final payment was made early this year for the construction of half a mile of road and some general repairs done under the supervision of the Rodney County Council last year. Awaroa Block. —About six miles and a half of bridle-track were constructed last year and the year before for the purpose of opening up this block. Nothing was done this year. Auckland Special Settlement Block. —The £200 raised on this block are being expended in the construction of the portion of the Waimamaku-Punikitere Boad, which runs through the block, and in making a track along the line of road giving access to sections at south side of this block. Maropui, Block 111., Kaihu. —The moneys raised under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act on this block have been given to the Hobson County Council for expenditure, but no payments have been made this year. Avoca Block. —Works to open up this block are to be carried out under the supervision of the Hobson County Council. No expenditure has taken place this year. Akaaka Sivamp. —The sum of £92 has been granted to the Waiuku Boad Board on condition that they expend the like amount on the works. A drain is now being constructed between the Purapura Block and the Crown lands lately disposed of to run into the Waikato Biver, about three miles higher up than the outlet of the Akaaka Stream, which latter is the present outlet for the drainage of this swamp. Kaimarama. —Nothing has been done this year. Works are in charge of the Coromandel County Council. Ngunguru Block. —The roads through this block, which adjoin the Ngunguru coal-mines at Kiripaka, have been graded, and two miles are now under construction by co-operative labour. Native Land Purchase Account. Kaueranga. —Seven miles of the roads through this block have been graded, and about two miles and three-quarters have been constructed by co-operative labour. Some of the land in this block is of excellent quality, and most of it has been taken up. Mangatangi Bridge. —The construction of this bridge is to be undertaken by the Whangamarino Boad Board. Their plans and specifications of the proposed structure have been prepared and approved of. Genebal. Before final payments were made of the grants to the various Counties or Boad Boards the works, with the exception of a few small contracts, were all examined by Mr. Wright, Mr. Burd, or myself. About 140 plans and specifications sent in by the Counties and Boad Boards were examined, and in most cases corrected or supplemented, and then approved of. This entailed in several instances practically the drawing out of new plans and specifications. The work carried out by the department has been under the supervision of Mr. Wright, assisted by Mr. Burd. Mr. Menzies and Mr. Breakell are permanently employed in the field assisted by others as occasion requires. Gebhaed Mueller, Chief Surveyor.

NOETH ISLAND CENTRAL. The roads in the Botorua and Taupo Districts were handed over to Mr. Beaney at the end of October last, and I presume he will furnish the usual annual report on them. Those remaining in my charge under maintenance are, the Alexandra-Kawhia Boad, forty-two miles in length. This road has been kept in only fair condition, owing to the smallness of the funds available. It requires about £500 spent on it to bring it into good order, after which, the ordinary maintenance would not be very expensive. Many of the timber culverts and the bridges are fast decaying, and their approaches are wearing away. There are several points and bends in the side cuttings, which require to be cut off or filled in, to increase the radii and enable wagons and drays to turn them conveniently and without danger. The Tawharakaiatua Bridge which crosses the Waipa Biver near Alexandra, will soon require extensive repairs. It is now fourteen or fifteen years old, and all of timber. The expenditure on this road includes £10 10s. for the reinstatement of the Oparau punt, and £20 subsidy to ferryman. Roads and Bridges in Native Districts. — Under this heading come the Kawa-Whenuahou Boad 3 miles 70 chains, and sundry tracks, including Otorohanga to Te Kopua and Te Kuiti to Totoro on the Mokau Biver, with a branch towards Awakino, The Kawa-Whenuahou Boad has been maintained as a dray-road, and the others kept in order as riding-tracks, and 4 miles 37 chains of new riding-track in forest has been made. Kuiti. — Bough bridle-track. Improvements have been made by making embankments across swamps, and putting in three good timber culverts, care bein" , taken that all the improvements are so placed as to form part of the permanent road when made. It will be necessary soon to spend a good deal on making this road from the present end of the formed

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part about two miles south of the Puniu River to Otorohanga. I believe the Crown has, in the last few years, purchased a considerable area of land near the course this road will take, which will be very much enhanced in value by the road being properly graded and bridged. In fact, the land cannot be properly opened for settlement without this-road. There is only one more bridge required, that is, across the Mangaorongo Stream. It can be built for about £300, and is really very much needed at the present time. The stream is often too deep to ford without swimming, and, being slow to subside, frequently remains deep for one or two weeks at a time. Waitomo Caves Boad (five miles long) is maintained as a dray-road. During the year the bridges crossing the Mangaokewa and Mangapu Streams have been overhauled and painted, and a culvert substituted for a plank crossing that was frequently shifted by floods. The road is now in good order. Authorities for expenditure of small sums on the Kihikihi-Waotu and Karioi Blocks X. and XI. roads, have been received, but work on them has not yet been started. Stratford-Ongaruhe Boad. —Six miles and a half more dray-road have been constructed, excepting the Ohura Bridge, making twenty-eight miles from the starting-point, at the junction with the Taumarunui-Ohakune Boad. The road has been maintained, and all slips, of which there were a large number, were cleared during the summer. The grass sown on the bush part of the road last season has grown very well, more is now being sown on the part done this year. To complete the road to twenty-eight miles, three small bridges, each consisting of three spans of 16ft., are required; the timber for two of them is now ready, and that for the other is about half ready. The building, ironwork, and approaches will cost about £150. The Ohura Eiver, beyond which the road is made two miles and a half, must also be bridged before traffic can cross in any reasonable manner. It is not fordable, except on very rare occasions, on account of the depth of water, and the soft, muddy nature of the river-bed and banks. A ferry with a punt would be difficult to work, because of the steep nature of the banks and the great rise of the river in floods, which often reaches 25ft., and sometimes 30ft.; it would also be expensive, as a ferryman would have to be subsidised to look after it. Eoughly estimated the bridge will cost £1,000. At the extreme end of the formed road is the Mangaroa Eiver, which, though not such a great obstacle as the Ohura, should also be bridged as soon as possible. There is no way of carrying on the work beyond this river without crossing it, unless it is all 'done from the south end, which would involve the immediate bridging of the Taangarakau Eiver. The cost of the Mangaroa Bridge would be about £800. When it and the Ohura are bridged, only two small bridges will be required to reach the crossing of the Taangarakau Eiver, a distance of about fifteen miles. I think that, if possible, a contract should at once be let, including both the Ohura and Mangaroa Bridges, so that the timber, which will have to be got in the vicinity, can be cut during the winter —a great advantage —and the building done next summer early. Taumarunui-Ohakune Boad. —From the Porootarao Tunnel to the junction with the StratfordOngaruhe Eoad nine miles of this has been made, and two bridges, each 50ft. in length, have been built. This section of the road is now passable for lightly-loaded drays or other vehicles, but under considerable difficulties. There is a piece at the Maramataha Eiver which is constantly being damaged by the river changing its course. At the present time the only wheel-track for about 15 chains is along the river-bed, the water in places being rather deep ; a side-cutting is required at this point, and another farther on, where the Ongaruhe Eiver has encroached on the old side-cutting. At both places some protection against the action of the rivers will also have to be made. Beyond the junction to Taumarunui the road has been maintained only as a bridle-road; but last month I had a few of the worst slips and some boggy places made good enough to allow an ordinary vehicle to pass as far as Taumarunui. There are five fords on this road—viz., three crossings of the Ongaruhe, and one each of the Maramataha and Taringamutu Eivers, all of which are good when the rivers are not flooded. Tekuiti-Awakino Boad. —On this twenty-one miles and a half of engineering survey has been done, which reaches close to the crossing of the Mangaotaki Eiver, a branch of the Mokau. So far good grades have been obtained, and, as far as possible, very steep cross slopes, and rocky country have been avoided. The survey should, I think, be carried on at once, until it passes the Karu ote Whenua Block, a distance of about ten miles ; as I understand it is intended to form an improvedfarm settlement on part of that block, the road-work should be ready in time for the employment of selectors who may need it. Of dray-road seven miles and a half has been made, a large proportion of which is in heavy side-cutting, containing from ten to twelve thousand cubic yards per mile, including a large quantity of clay-slate and papa-rock. A bridle-road to the permanent grades has been made for a length of seven miles and three-quarters, and can be widened, as funds are available, from time to time. At present the dray-road and bridle-road together are very nearly completed to fifteen miles from the starting-point at the Awakino Heads. The bridge across the Awakino River in one span of 97ft., and two of 18ft. each, and the Manganui Bridge in one span of 77ft., have been completed and open for horse-traffic for the last six months, the proper approaches, which could not be economically done until carts could be got to them, are now in hand. There will be two other bridges of about the same size required on this road—one at the inland crossing of the Awakino, and one at the crossing of the Mangaotaki. The former is not very urgent as there is a ford not very far from the road-line, but the latter will have to be built when the road construction reaches the site, as, so far as is at present known, there is no other way of crossing the river near the road-line, except on foot. This river is about ten miles in advance of the works now in hand, and should be reached during the present financial year. The ferry across the Mokau Eiver ac the Heads has been put in fair working order, but, until the present punt is replaced by a lighter and more wieldy one, it will never be a good quick ferry,

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Mokau-Awakino Boad (" Thirds"). —No new work has been done on this road, but that previously done has been maintained, and 2 miles 8 chains of engineering survey made, and contracts are now ready to let for that length, or any part of it .that the money available will cover. C. W. Huesthouse, Eoad Surveyor.

EOTORUA AND TAUPO DISTEICT. The Eotorua Eoad District was in charge of Mr. C. W. Hursthouse up to October last, when, in accordance with your instructions, I took if over. Roads Under Maintenance. Oxford-Botorua. —There are about thirty-four miles of this road at present under the charge of the department. It is in good condition, with the exception of the decking of three of the bridges, which are now being renewed. Three surface-men have been kept on it throughout the year, two miles of it having been renewed. There is still, notwithstanding the opening of the railway, regular coach traffic between here and Okoroire, and a certain amount of settlement and sawmill traffic. Maketu-Rotorua. —The length of the Government portion of this road is twenty-one miles, and three men have been kept on it a greater portion of the year. For ten or twelve miles from here it is a difficult road to keep in good condition, owing to its formation being mostly in ash or sand deposited by the Tarawera eruption, and the quantity of water that washes across it after heavy rains. Washouts of several chains in length are not unfrequent, necessitating entirely new formations, so that after considerable work the road generally is unsatisfactory in appearance. One mile and a half of it has been renewed during the year. As you are aware, the bridge at Morea over the Ohau Stream is not equal to heavy traffic, against which it will shortly be closed, and surveys and plans made for a new and more convenient structure, the present one rendering the navigation of the stream somew r hat dangerous. This road is at present the mail-coach route from here to Tauranga via Te Puke. Its maintenance for the year has cost £303 6s. 10d. Tauranga-Napier, via Taupo Boad. —The length of the portion of this road under the control of the department, extending from the Tauranga County boundary to Pohui, is 159 miles. Prom ten to twelve surface-men have been on it throughout the year, and a small carpenter's party has overhauled all the bridges, most of which between Tauranga and Taupo have been repaired, and three replaced with new ones of 90ft. span in all. A report and estimate have also been submitted to you of repairs necessary to those between Taupo and Pohui, between which places the formation should also be improved during the coming year. Thirty-four and a half miles of the road have been improved during the year. About fifty new surface culverts are necessary, as many of the original ones are completely rotten and long out of use, the water, in consequence, being carried long distances along the road, and owing to the sandy nature of the formation, doing great damage in heavy rains. Lichfield-Atiamuri Boad. —Fourteen miles of this have been maintained throughout the year by one man. Tokaanu-Taupo Boad. —The length of this road is thirty-six miles, eight of which have been entirely renewed. There have been from three to five men at work on it throughout the year. In September last the road for about eight miles was either blocked up by huge earthquake-slips in what is now known as Earthquake Valley, or cut by gaps caused by the roadway being entirely carried away by a similar cause, and the maintenance party have been fully occupied in keeping communication open from end to end. Many portions of its length have never been regularly formed, and require attention as soon as funds will allow. Owing to the opening of the Wanganui and Hunterville routes it is used much more than formerly, and it is desirable on that account to spend more money on it. Botorua-Wairoa Boad. —This is eight miles in length, and horse-road formation, used only by tourists who visit the Tarawera Mountain and ruins of Wairoa. About £100 should be spent in its improvement. Tokaanu-Ohingaiti (to Waihohonu). —The charge of this road was handed over to Mr. G. T. Murray in September last. Boads wider Survey and Construction. Bangitaiki-Buatoki-Waiotahi Boad. —During the year 30J miles of this road have been located and engineered, and 29| miles constructed by Mr. S. Crapp. The formation is 6ft. wide. It practically connects Galatea with Euatoki, Whakatane, and Opotiki for horse-traffic and stock. As soon as funds will allow, portions of its length which are now mere tracks should be made into a 6ft. road. Botorua-Galatea-Waikaremoana Boad. —Of this road thirty-six miles of location and engineering surveys have been done, 27 miles 53 chains of dray-road constructed, sixty miles of it have been maintained, and eight miles re-formed. The engineering survey by Mr. C. B. Turner extends into the Whakatane Valley. He has also explored the route through to Onepoto, on the south-eastern shores of the Lake, near to where the work from this side will connect with that from the Wairoa side now under construction and in charge of the Chief Surveyor, Napier. The route proposed leaves the Whakatane Eiver at its junction with Mimiha Stream, and up to which point the engineering survey is complete, going between the pas of Te Umuroa and Te Mimi, crosses the Euatahuna Stream, over some low hills into the Mangaorongo Valley, up which and the Kapainui Stream it winds to the saddle on the Huiarau Eange, crossing which, it follows the courses of the Orangitutaitutu and Te Hoporua-i-ine Streams to Lake Waikaremoana, following generally

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the north-eastern shores of the lake to the Anawanawa Stream, when it connects with the works above referred to. The saddle of the Huiarau Eange has an elevation of 2,800 ft., or about I,oooft. lower than the highest points of the range, and grades not steeper than 1 in 20 are likely to be obtained. The construction done during the year extends the dray-road formation from Galatea to Te Whaiti, and on to the Tarapounamu Saddle, between the Whirinaki and Whakatane Valleys. Owing to the necessity for thorough explorations and further surveys, the formation was stopped a few months ago ; but parties have since then been put on to complete portions of the work not quite finished, such as widening out the road near dangerous bluffs, and easing curves, &c. After considerable trouble, arrangements have been made with the Natives for the supply of timber at reasonable rates, and the construction of culverts will be proceeded with as soon as possible. Good fords have made over the Rangitaiki and Whirinaki Rivers, which should, however, be bridged as soon as the road is through to the coast. Mr. A. Cross is now in charge of all the construction. The road from here to Galatea was, during last winter, considerably cut up with the heavy traffic out to the works, and during the summer a party has been at work metalling and generally improving its condition. A Government store has been kept at Te Whaiti in connection with the works since their commencement, adding considerably to the work of the department. Natives, police, and survey parties have been supplied from it. As you are aware, considerable trouble has been experienced since the commencement of these works with the Natives, assuming at one time such a serious aspect that it was considered necessary to despatch forces of armed constabulary, and establish military encampments at Te Whaiti and Ruatoki. Ido not think there will be any necessity for similar action in the future, the Natives all through the Urewera Country showing a friendliness of disposition, and an anxiety to obtain work on the roads, and wl»ere ever any of your officers have been they have been received by them in a way that has left nothing to be desired. The only cause for anxiety in the future is the jealousy between the different hapus ; tact and patience will have to be exercised to overcome this, and the work will not progress so rapidly as it would were this not the case. Mr. Elsdon Best is in charge of the stores and Native matters. Approximately the total distance from Rotorua to Onepoto, will be about one hundred miles, of which seventy miles are formed for dray-traffic, about five miles for horse-traffic, and twenty-five remain to be constructed, the engineering survey of which should soon be in a forward state. Passing, as it will, along the shores of Lake Waikaremoana for some miles, the scenery along this route should compare favourably with any in the colony, passing also through a district of such great interest to those who make Natives, their history and customs, a study. This road will, doubtless, be much used by tourists and others, on its completion. Botowhero-Wairakei. —The following work has been done on this road: Engineering Surveys, 11 miles 33 chains, and dray road formation, eleven miles, which extends the road from its junction with the Rotorua-Galatea road, to the crossing of the Waikato River. Bridges and culverts are now being put in along the road and will be completed about August next. During the next year the location and surveys of this road should be extended to Wairakei vid the Ohaki Springs, with a branch-road to the Springs at Orakei-Korako and the construction put in hand. Rotorua Te I'eko lioad. —On this road the location and surveys of 37 miles 68 chains have been executed, and 19 miles 27 chains of dray-road have been formed; 6 miles 60 chains of existing drayroad have been improved, and 8 miles 67 chains maintained, which extends the surveys right through to Te Teko, and the formation to the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua. The total expenditure is £5,393 18s. This will be one of the prettiest drives in the colony, skirting as it does the shores of the Lakes Rotoiti, Rotoehu, and Rotorua, and will doubless be in years to come a great resort of tourists, in addition to which, when connected with Te Teko and Whakatane, will be much used by the settlers in those districts. Considerable patience has had to be exercised with the Natives in its construction, but no serious obstrution has occurred. Mr. E. R. Webb is now in charge of this road. Rotorua, Wharf. —Soundings have been taken and plans prepared for this, and will shortly be submitted for your approval. Taupo Domain. —A fence has been erected round the domain by the Board with the subsidy of £50 granted for that purpose. The totals of work done for the year in the district are as follows : —Engineering surveys, 115 miles 71 chains; dray-road formation, 58 miles; horse-road formation, 29 miles 40 chains; drayroads improved, 69 miles 10 chains; horse-roads improved, 21 chains; dray-road maintained, 333 miles ; horse-road maintained, 8 miles; bridges over 30ft. span constructed, 5, 170 ft. : total expenditure, £26,654 10s. 10d. Robert Reaney, Road Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. Napier-Wairoa. —The work done during the year has been to continue the formation of the dray-road from Wairoa to Mohaka, which now reaches to within two miles of the latter place, and also forming one mile and a half of dray-road at the Napier end beyond Tongoio. Included in the expenditure is the cost of engineering survey, of which there were seven miles and a half. Wairoa-Gisborne. —The Cook County Council was intrusted with the expenditure of this vote, and has received £100 on account of a 45ft. span bridge that has been re-erected. Bridge over Mohaka. —This large bridge, 660 ft. in length, on the Napier-Wairoa Eoad, was builc by the Wairoa County Council at a cost of £4,600, of which the Government contributed the sum of £500. Meanee Protection Works. —2 miles 16 chains of river protection banks were erected at a cost of £400, which will prevent any ordinary flooding of the Tutaekuri Eiver from overrunning the Meanee District. Totago-Marunga-Tauwhareparae. —This vote was originally intended for the construction of a

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road through the Marunga Block, but this was abandoned, and the money has been diverted to opening up a section of the Inland Waiapu Eoad in the locality, and 2 miles 58 chains of bridle-road have been constructed. Waimate-Tauivhareparae. —£loo was granted to the Cook County Council towards the erection of three bridges on the Inland Waiapu Road, the total cost being £200. Tolago-Arakihi. —One mile of an Bft. bridle-track has been widened to a 12ft. dray-road, at a cost of £119 ss. This was done by co-operative labour. Gisborne-Tolago Bay-Awanui. —This work was entrusted to the Cook County Council to carry out. The total charge against the vote was £309 9s. 6d., with which 28 chains on a bad hill on the coast road was metalled, eight new culverts and slips cleared, and all sharp points flattened over a length of sixteen miles. Gisborne-Opotiki. —The road is formed into a dray-road from Gisborne to the edge of the bush, some fifty miles, and in the meantime taken over by the Cook County Council. From there onwards for sixty-six miles it is a horse-track, on which five men are continually at work keeping it in order. The expenditure has been on wages and contingencies, such as horse-hire for sledges, carting timber, tools, &c. Pakarae Boad and Punt. —Of the £741 14s. 4d. spent, £200 was handed over to the Cook County Council for the punt and approaches at the Pakarae Biver on the coast road, the balance was spent by the department in clearing aDd forming about five miles of bridle-track on the Wai-mata-Tauwhareparae through route, which was all done by co-operative labour. Pouaiua Boad. —£92 15s. of the £95 vote was paid over to the Eoad Board for general repairs to the roads of the district. Waikohu Motu. —£s42 19s. Id. has passed through our books during the year, though a large portion of the work was done before the end of the last financial year. However, the above must represent the improving by widening of eighteen miles of bridle-road through the Motu-Matawai Settlement. Nuhaka. —On this work £691 has been spent in forming and clearing seven miles of bridle-road by co-operative labour, the greater part having been done at the end of last year. This work opens up a through bridle-road from Gisborne to Wairoa by way of Nuhaka, at the same time giving the settlers better access and the travelling public and visitors to the Nuhaka Springs from Gisborne a fair road to travel. Frasertow?i-Waikaremoana. —This vote was spent by the Wairoa County Council in repairing the great damage done to the road by the disastrous floods of 1894. Wairoa County Boads. —Here, again, £300 was granted to assist the same body in general repairs, notably a large bridge in the place of a large concrete culvert that was washed away. The money was well spent. Buahine Block. —£136 13s. Id. has been spent to date in felling 3 miles 10 chains of road 1 chain wide, and clearing 20ft. in the centre. The formation of the bridle-road is now being carried on. This is a special-settlement block, and the money has to be obtained under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, and the land loaded with the amount of loan. Botorua-Galatea-Waikarevioana. —From Frasertown the road had been formed and made available for wheeled traffic (though indifferent at the latter end) to within four miles and three quarters of Lake Waikaremoana. This year a bridle-road has been formed by almost continuous side-cutting throughout, over this gap, and to reach the lake, excepting in the winter season, is now an easy undertaking. The last section should be widened so as to allow buggies to be taken up to the lake. Besides this, the new road-line along the shores of the lake towards Waikare-iti has been felled and cleared about half-way, and the formation of the bridle-road for some three miles is drawing near completion. There is about half-a-mile of rock-face which had to be blasted throughout. The cost to date, £1,224 7s. 3d., includes eighteen miles of engineering survey. Aivanui-llicks Bay. —£3o6 2s. 3d. has passed through our books this year, representing 4 miles 40 chains of bridle-road formed by co-operative labour. Waikopiro Block. —The road expenditure here has been with the object of opening up the improved farm settlement block and 10,000 acres lately taken up under ordinary settlement conditions. £1,560 10s. 10d. has been expended, and the work done wholly by co-operative labour, 1 mile 31 chains of a 16ft. dray-road has been formed, and 10 miles 48 chains of road-felling 1 chain wide, with 33ft. cleared centre. Thomas Humphries, Chief Surveyor.

TAEANAKI. South Egmont Forest Beserve (Vote, £100). —The South Egmont Forest Reserve Board have opened a fair bridle-road from Manaia Eoad at Forest Eeserve Line, to Dawson's Falls, about four miles, and built a house near the Falls for the accommodation of tourists and visitors. They have also improved the walking-track from the Falls up the slope of Mount Egmont. A good deal of this has been done by voluntary labour and subscription, the sum of £47 Bs.. being also spent out of the above vote. The work has been performed under the supervision of the South Egmont Forest Eeserve Board. Mohakatino Bridge (Vote, £760). —This bridge was completed last year, and but little had to be done this year beyond protecting the approaches by fencing, and maintenance. The final payments, amounting to £402 155., came within this year's operations. Mimi Boad Metalling (Vote, £300). —This is a subsidy of £1 for £1 to Clifton County Council for gravelling part of Mimi Eoad between Main North Eoad and Uruti Stream. Some difficulty B—C. 1.

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was experienced in letting the work, as good gravel-pits could not for a time be found. An excellent bed of gravel has recently been discovered, and a contract has been let for metalling about a mile of the road and the work has been commenced. No payments on account of the contract have yet been made. Tikorangi Bridge (Vote, £200). —A plan and specification have been prepared for a draysuspension bridge of 200 ft.-span over Waitara Eiver at Tikorangi, and tenders were invited for the work. They were, however, higher than expected, and fresh tenders are now invited. Tikorangi Te Tarata (Vote, £200). —This road connects Junction Eoad near Tarata with the opan land at Tikorangi in the Waitara district, and is an outlet for the Ngatimaru settlers During the year 122 chains of bridle-road, and 110 chains of dray-road formation has been completed, including 326 lineal feet of culverts, and one small bridge. The road is now open and trafficable between Tarata and Waitara. Bridge over Purangi (Vote £400). —The necessity for a bridge of some kind over the Waitara Eiver at Purangi becomes greater as settlement increases. At present there is only a wire cable and cage, on which women and children as well as men have to cross the river, and an accident may at any time occur. The cable between supports is about 220 ft. long, and is stretched about 50ft. above the water. The only other means of crossing is by a ford, which is impassable when there is even a slight flood in the river. As the cost of a dray-bridge on piers will probably be fully £1,500, and money may not be available, I would recommend a pack suspension bridge be built, 200 ft. long by 7ft. wide, which could be constructed from £500 to £600. This would serve for the passage of pack-horses and stock, and would answer for settlement purposes for some years. As there is only an Bft. pack-track for from three miles and a half the Tarata side of Purangi on towards Ohura Eoad, about 12$ miles, a dray could not get to Purangi even were a dray-bridge constructed. If it was considered necessary within a few years' time to construct a dray-bridge, the suspension pack-bridge could be taken to pieces and removed elsewhere. Junction Road to Purangi, £1 for £1 (Vote, £1,100). —The metalling mentioned in last year's report has been continued this year, the former contract, Tarata Bridge to Mataro Eoad, five miles has been completed, and a new contract for one mile and a quarter let. Of this latter about 45 chains was completed on the 31st March, and the balance is in progress. The work is under control of Clifton County Council. Moanatairi Special Settlement (Vote, £200). —The old track from Putiki, on Tongaporutu Eiver, to Moanatairi Special Settlement, has been in part recut and improved for a distance of six miles and a quarter by the settlers, who subsidised the expenditure in work £1 for £1. The work has been discontinued for a time, whilst the settlers were improving their farms. No road work has yet been done within the settlement. Tongaporutu Ferry (Vote, £100). —As a bridge over Tongaporutu Eiver with the necessary approaches would probably cost from £2,500 to £3,000, and the traffic on the road would not for some years warrant such an expenditure, I would recommend a ferry be established there without delay. The cost of a suitable punt for dray- or coach-traffic would be comparatively light, and the subsidy to the ferryman would not be over about £30 per annum. The total cost, including interest and depreciation on plant, should not exceed £50 per annum, or less than one-third the interest on the outlay for a bridge. As the river is at times very dangerous to ford, and there is no regular ferry service at present, the travelling public suffer at times great inconvenience. Moki Road (Vote, £200). —The Clifton County Council are now forming Uruti Eoad, from Mimi Eoad to Moki Eoad, out of the above grant, which they are supplementing with a £1 for £1 subsidy. The work is well in hand, but no payments have been made during the past year. The engineering survey of Moki Eoad, which was in progress on the 31st March, 1895, and of which seven miles and a half had been done, was completed during the year, on to Ohura Eoad, in Waingarara Valley. The actual length of Moki Eoad from Druti Eoad to Ohura Eoad will be 21 miles 73 chains, but the engineering survey covered 24 miles 61 chains, as, after a portion of the work was done, round a long bend of the Waitara Eiver, it was found that by making a block-cutting, about 3 chains long, through a cliff about 100 ft. high, the road could be shortened by 59 chains 84 links. It however necessitated a new survey of part of the road, to grade up to the cliff and down again, hence the increased length of survey. A good line of road has been obtained throughout the whole length, with easy grades, though some of the work will be heavy in rock-cuttings and bridges. Care has been exercised by Mr. Scaly, the engineering surveyor, to obtain the best sites for bridges, and he has succeeded admirably, that over Waitara Eiver being exceptionally good. The road will open up some fair land in Waitara Valley and some good land in Waingarara Valley. Upper Waitara-Mangacrc (Vote, £1,000). — This expenditure is towards opening up the connection, by way of Junction Eoad, of Inglewood, Tarata, and Purangi, with Ohura Eoad, and the work in this direction for the past year included 171 chains of felling, stumping and clearing, 180 chains of Bft. bridle-road formation, 847 lineal feet of culverts, and 35 lineal feet of bridge, the expenditure being £744 10s. lid. The road is now open to within a mile and a quarter of Ohura Eoad, and further contracts are in progress for over 50 chains, leaving only about 50 chains of new work to let. The connection should be completed by about the end of June. The work is being done by the Tanner and Milsom, special settlers, for whom it was reserved, to assist them in the settlement of their lands. Ohura Road (Vote, £9,800). —The line of this road has been located through the northern end of Heao Valley, where survey from Ohura end (under Mr. C. W. Hursthouse's direction) ceased; and the engineering survey has been continued from Tangarakau Crossing—to which point it was carried last year —for a further 7 miles 45 chains, viz., to 20 chains Heao side of Paparata Saddle. The whole survey will be completed by about the end of April. Seventeen miles have been felled 1 chain wide, and stumped and cleared 33ft. wide;

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also, 4 miles 9 chains of dray-road formation (principally in heavy papa-rock) have been made, including 2,039 lineal feet of culverts, and 156 lineal feet of dray-bridges; 1,500 chains of pack-tracks and bridle-roads (including 1,057 ft. of pack-bridges) have been made to assist the improved-farm settlers, Whangamomona, in getting to their lands. Ohura Boad is now open for dray-traffic (excepting for the approaches to two bridges—Makahu and Pohokura —past which a temporary road is made) for a distance of 37-J miles from Stratford; and for horse-traffic to 51-J-----miles from Stratford. At the northern end this road is open for horse-traffic from end of dray-road at Toi-toi on Ohura Stream to Paparata Saddle, leaving a gap of about seventeen miles—including the crossing of Tangarakau Stream—over which a horse cannot yet pass. The bridging above alluded to included a 55ft.-truss over the Mangaotuku, and 40ft.-trusses over Makahu and Pohokura Streams. The expenditure for the year included also maintenance of about twenty-seven miles of road on which heavy slips occurred during last winter. The contract for metalling a further three miles and a quarter of Ohura Eoad from Toko onwards, and of which 1 mile 26 chains was completed last year, has been finished, and the road from Stratford for a distance of nine miles and a half is now in good order. Two miles of the metalling was laid of a depth of 6in. only, but the material—shell-rock—was so hard and bound so firmly that it has, up to the present, stood the extremely heavy traffic without breaking through. Indications of beds of shell-rock are found in various places up to Pohokura, and, probably, will be available for further extension of metalling. Autawa and Pita Boads (Vote, £1,448). —On Autawa Eoad 330 chains were felled, stumped, cleared, and formed as a sft. bridle-road, principally in sandstone and papa rock. Pack-bridges were made over the gullies, as culverts would have been swept away by the rush of stormwater, or by slips. On Pukemahoe Eoad 81 chains were felled, stumped, cleared, and sft. bridleroad made; and 65 chains were felled only. Anderson Boad and Bridges (Vote, £700). —378 chains of dray-road formation, including 1,320 lineal feet of culverts, have been made on this road during the year; the road being now open as a dray-road from Eltham to Mangarningi Eoad, a distance of about 11£ miles. At present there is a confusion of names on this road. From Eltham it commences as Chapman Eoad and turns off into Poti Eoad, which in turn passes into Anderson Eoad. At about 11-J- miles from Eltham it will follow Mangamingi Eoad to the crossing of Patea Eiver, and then merges into Matemateonga Eoad, which joins Bawhitiroa Eoad on Matemateonga Eange. As shown elsewhere, Eawhitiroa Eoad is now open as a bridle-road from Waitotara Eoad to within about four miles of Matemateonga Eange, a distance of 17 miles 18 chains. It is proposed to name the whole length from Eltham to Waitotara Eoad (about forty-five miles) " Eawhitiroa Eoad," and so avoid the above confusion. Mangamingi (Vote, £190.) —On Wingrove Eoad, 100 chains of bridle-road formation and 80 chains of dray-road formation, including 110 lineal feet of culverts and 22 lineal feet of bridge, has been made. A small amount of work is still in hand up to the authority we hold, but a further grant of about £150 is required to give access to each section in the block. Newall Boad (Vote, £100). —About 113 chains of this road has been felled one chain wide, and stumped and cleared 12ft. wide, at a cost of £98 10s. It is proposed to continue the felling and clearing so as to give access to the furthest section on the road, and, if possible, to further improve part of the road by draining. Carrington Boad (Vote, £100). —This road leads into Patua Block, now under sectional survey, and a deviation from the old line of road is being taken. So soon as the matter is settled, road work will be commenced. Motukawa Boad (Vote, £150). —Last year the formation of an Bft. bridle-road was completed to 6 miles 44 chains. This is now being continued as a sft. bridle-road down towards Makino Stream, the work being heavy siding in Papa-rock; 49 chains have been scrubbed and formed, including 72 lineal feet of culverts, and the remainder is in progress. No payments have yet been made. Central Patea Valley (Vote, £500). —This vote is for opening a road up Patea Eiver, to give access to small grazing runs. A deviation from Kaharoa Eoad —on the ridge between Patea and Whenuakura Eivers —to Maben Eoad in Patea Valley has been laid off, and the only expenditure incurred during the year was for compensation of land taken. The formation of this deviation and of part of Maben Eoad will shortly be put in hand. Kaimanuka and Bawhitiroa (Vote, £700). —On Waitotara Valley Eoad 140 lineal feet of culverts, and four dray-bridges 198 lineal feet, have been constructed; also 8 chains of drains cut. The expenditure also includes maintenance of 18 miles 15 chains of bridle-road. Miscellaneous (Vote, £300). — Against this vote we charge the felling 1 chain wide, and stumping and clearing 12ft. wide, of 149 chains of Makara Eoad, Huiroa District, and also the felling of 30|- acres of Uruti Township, at a cost of £139 os. 9d. Improved-farm Settlements. —Partly in connection with co-operative works on main roads, improved-farm settlements have been established as follows: Near Ohura Eoad, the Whangamomona, 110 sections; Mangaere, thirteen sections; Huiroa, nine sections; a total of 132 sections, containing 11,580 acres. Also at the northern end, the Nihoniho, nine sections taken up, equal 763 acres. Near Mimi Eoad—the Uruti, seven sections; Tongaporutu, sixteen sections; Derwent, thirteen sections; Okau, nineteen sections; a total of fifty-five sections, containing 5,518 acres. Near Anderson Eoad—the Ngaire, fourteen sections ; Poti, eight sections; and Maata, three sections ; a total of twenty-five sections, containing 288 acres. On Waitotara Valley Eoad—the Taumatatahi, four sections, 407 acres. In Awakino, Auckland District—the Tawai Settlement of twenty sections, containing 411 acres, has been placed under the charge of this office. Service-roads have been, or are being, made in connection with these settlements, viz., the Mangaere, Whangamomona, Mangere, Prospect, Kohuratahi, Prentice, Nihoniho, Campbell, Putiki, Derwent, Okau, Poti, Maata, and Eototuna; the total length of felling, stumping, and

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clearing being 1,338 chains. The expenditure of the year on improved-farm settlements was £4,182 Is. 9d. Ohoke Block (Vote, £585). —In continuation of the work reported last year, a further length of 133-J- chains of Okoke Eoad has been felled, stumped, and cleared, and 102 chains have been formed as a sft. bridle-road. On Kaka Eoad, 30 chains, and on Piko Eoad, 17 chains, have been felled, stumped, and cleared. Upper Waitara Block. —The expenditure of £63 was for payment of work done last year on Uruti Eoad. Oxford Association Block (Vote, £705). — 50 chains of felling, stumping, and clearing on Mohakau and Tunipo Ecads. Cost for year, £317 4s. Id., of which a large portion was in payment of last year's work. As the Oxford Association settlers did not take up or improve their holdings, the lands are now being offered under the ordinary settlement system, and as they are taken up road-work will be again resumed. Ngatimaru Block. —The expenditure of £173 was for the payment only of contracts completed last year on Douglas and other roads in Block IX., Ngatimaru. Lepperton Block (Vote, £431). —Work was suspended in this block, and is only now being resumed. The only work for the year was the felling, stumping, and clearing of about 20 chains of road running into the furthest section. The Mimi Eoad through the settlement is now being drained, formed, and bridged. Moanatairi Block (Vote, £300). —Very few of the settlers have attempted to improve their holdings in this block, and no application has yet been made to have the roads opened. Until some definite advance is made by the settlers interested, it would be inadvisable to spend any money on road-work within the block. Milson Block. —The expenditure of £12 was only to cover payment of work previously done. Mangaere Block (Vote, £1,000). —40 chains of road, felling, stumping, and clearing, 190 chains of sft. bridle-road formation, and 80 chains of dray-road formation, including 499 lineal feet of culverts, has been done on Akama and Mohakau roads during the past yea.r. Work on these roads is still in progress, the work being done on co-operative principles, chiefly by the settlers owning land in the block. Boss Block (Vote, £250). —The settlers in this block who have made improvements have been working on Ohura Eoad, and have only lately commenced the felling, stumping, and clearing of service-roads within the Eoss Block. No payment has yet been made on account of work done. Eltham Block (Vote, £650). —315 chains of felling, stumping and clearing, 292 chains of bridle road formation, including 477 lineal feet of culverts and 54 lineal feet of bridges, have been done during the year on Brewer and Taihore Eoads. The timber is being obtained for a 50ft. truss bridge over Mongaotuku Stream, Brewer Eoad, which will be erected in June. Mangaotuku Block (Vote, £650). —During the year 110 chains of logging, stumping, and clearing through felled bush, 92-J- chains of felling, stumping, and clearing, 88 chains of bridle road formation, and 114£ chains of dray-road, including 516 lineal feet of culverts, have been completed oil Mangaotuku Eoad leading into Gatton and Terrace End Special Settlements. Bridges are required over Mangaotuku and Mangaehu streams to give access to Terrace End Special Settlement. Mangaehu Block (Vote, £274). —Payment to Stratford County Council for work done prior to last year's report. Manganui Block (Vote, £600). —605 chains of York, Eadnor, Denbigh, Surrey, and Derby Eoads within this Block have, during the year, been felled, stumped, and cleared, at a cost of £408 os. 4d., and contracts are now in progress for draining, culverting, and forming these roads. The whole of the block is settled upon, and satisfactory improvements effected. The above work will probably be completed in June. Gatton Block (Vote, £300). —243 chains of felling, stumping, and clearing, and 147 chains of sft. bridle-road formation, including 253 lineal feet of culverts, and 48 lineal feet of bridges have been made on Mangaehu and Tututawa Eoads, and similar work is in progress. Egmont VI. Block (Vote, £200). —On Maude Korito and Hill Eoads within the above block 241 chains have been felled, stumped, and cleared in the usual manner. Arrangements are now being made for the necessary culverting and road formation. Kaitangiwhenua No. 2 (Vote, £2,300). —Eawhitiroa Eoad : In continuation of the work reported on last year, 840 chains of this road have been felled, stumped, cleared, and formed as a sft. bridleroad ; also, 1,433 lineal feet of culverts and 644 lineal feet of bridges over papa-gorges and streams have been constructed. The road is now completed and opened as a bridle-road from Waitotara Valley Eoad towards Eltham for a distance of 17 miles 18 chains. A gap exists (the work on which is in progress) of about fifteen miles to connect with the dray-road at Anderson Eoad and by it to Eltham. Opaku-Kapara Block (Vote, £645). —79 chains of Okahutiria Eoad, and 212 chains of Wera-

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weraonga Eoad have been felled, stumped, cleared, and a sft. bridle-road formed, to give access to lands now being settled in the above block. Further contracts have recently been let on these roads for similar work, and are now in progress. Mohakatino-Parininihi (Vote, £3,000), and Pukearuhe Inland to Mohakatino (Vote, £1,000).— Mimi Eoad : In continuation of the work reported on last year 442 chains of the road has been felled 1 chain wide and stumped and cleared 33ft. wide ; and '239 chains have been formed as drayroad, the formation being on steep siding in papa-rock. 615 lineal feet of culverts, and 38ft. of bridges have been constructed. A dray-bridge of 81ft. in length, over Uruti Stream, is well in hand and will be completed in April, and a bridge 50ft. long, over Mangahia Stream, is let and the timber provided. About 24 chains of large drains have been cut along the Mimi Flat (Lepperton Special Settlement), and three contracts for similar work are in progress. About three miles of draining and forming along the valley of Mimi Stream, and about four and a-half miles of formation on Tongaporutu side of main ridge are still required to open up this road for coach-traffic to Tongaporutu. This will probably be done during the coming year if funds are provided. The continuation of the coach-road to Mokau—about ten miles—will be a much less costly work than that we have done and are now doing. Ngaire (Vote, £3,500). —The work of draining Ngaire Swamps was commenced last year, and has been pushed on as rapidly as the nature of the ground would permit: chains of main drains, 13ft. wide at top by 6ft. wide at bottom by 7ft. deep ; and 606|- chains of circuit drains, Bft. wide at top by 2ft. wide at bottom by 6ft. deep, have been cut during the year, similar work being still in progress, but the main drains are nearly completed. The work is of a very laborious and trying nature, and the men engaged upon it nave been permitted to earn a slightly higher wage than ordinary. Some of the main drains, and all the circuit-drains, were closely underlain with heavy timber, requiring a liberal use of dynamite to remove it. So far as the drains have been cut they act very quickly and effectively in removing storm and ordinary surface-water; parts of the swamps which twelve months since were soft and boggy are in ordinary weather now fairly dry. Parts of the swamps have sunk, but not to a large extent, and not equally, the shrinkage being slight where heavily timbered, but great where free from timber. In no part that I have noticed has the sinking been more than 2ft. 6in. to 3ft. 6in. Two bridge-crossings, equal to 40ft. in length, have been made. Geneeal. The total number of contracts let during the year was 747, in addition to which seventythree were in progress at the commencement of the year, making a total of 820. Of these, 763 have been completed during the year, and fifty-seven are still in progress. Of the 820 contracts, 811 were co-operative, and nine only by open tender. The highest number of co-operative men employed at any one time during the year was 449 in November, 1895, the lowest number, 206, in April, 1895; the average for the year was 811. These co-operative contracts and works were spread over a large extent of country—nearly the whole of the Taranaki Provincial District —necessitating a considerable amount of travelling for Eoad Surveyor and Inspectors in laying-off and supervising the work. As for example, the Inspectors named below have, in order to supervise the works under their charge, to constantly travel over the following distances: Mr. Fuller, seventy-two miles; Mr. Nathan, sixty-seven miles; Mr. Stanners, forty-nine miles; Mr. McMillan, sixty-nine miles; Mr. Eobertson, sixty-five miles. Having to do this principally' on tracks in advance of settlement, in addition to the anxiety and care requisite in dealing with large numbers of contracts, throws a great strain upon the staff employed; one for which in many cases the payment received is not commensurate with the amount of work done and responsibility incurred. The number of vouchers prepared for payment of contracts was 1,073, and the inward and outward correspondence—including 119 special reports and estimates —in connection with roadwork and improved-farm settlement work only was 2,432. The following works are proposed for the year 1896-97: The formation and bridging Ohura Eoad onwards towards Ohura, the formation and bridging Mimi Eoad on to Mokau, the felling and formation of Moki Eoad to Moanatairi Special Settlement, the completion of Eawhitiroa Eoad to Elthain, the completion of draining Ngaire Swamps, the completion of Junction Eoad to Ohura Eoad, including bridges over Waitara Eiver at Purangi and Matau Stream; the opening-up of service roads through the various improved-farm settlements, and the further felling and grassing of these settlements; the opening-up of roads through the various special settlements. G. F. Eobinson, Eoad Surveyor.

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WELLINGTON.

Wanganui Distbict, Pipiriki-Waiouru Boad. —This is now an excellent summer road, but still almost useless for through wheel-traffic in winter. Coaches run twice weekly each way from November to May, but during the remainder of the year they cannot run regularly. There has been a very heavy traffic in wool down to the river since January. A large amount of work has been done in opening out roads and stripping faces for shell-rock breaking, which does not show in the year's returns. The new work consists of 52 chains of extra bush-felling to let in the wind and sun, 240 chains of metalling in specially bad places on the part between Pipiriki and Eaetihi, 160 lineal feet culverts, 9 chains horse-track, and maintenance. Mile-posts have been erected throughout, all numbered from Waiouru. It is proposed to continue breaking shell-rock for metalling purposes during the winter months, and spread it next summer where most required. About three miles still require to be metalled between Pipiriki and Eaetihi, and about three miles between Raetihi and Waione, before the road can be considered fit for winter traffic. 6 miles 20 chains in all are now metalled. Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Boad. —The traffic on this road becomes heavier every year, and continues throughout the winter, though at that season it is much below the summer average. The new work consists of 25ft. extension of the Makohine Bridge, in order to obviate any danger of the approaches being carried away; 144 chains metalling, 150 lineal feet culverts, mile-posts throughout, and maintenance. Through the Turangarere Bush the road has been much improved by metalling 34 chains there with broken shell-rock of extra good quality. During the coming year it is not proposed to do any new metalling, but to reinetal as much as possible of the road through the bush from Ohingaiti to Taihape. Also, it is desirable that the Puketaraca Creek, nine miles from Tokaanu, should be bridged, and about 60 chains of formation, near Tokaanu, should be done on the deviation as laid out by Mr. H. Maitland. The road at the southern end has been very much benefited by the large amount of bush-felling that has been done alongside it during the past season. Moaivhango-Te Horo Boad. —All in fair order. The only new work is the erection of a suspension-bridge, capable of carrying sheep, of 110 ft. span, across the Moawhango River. During next summer it is proposed to metal about 40 chains on the Tikirere flats, and erect side-rails on the bridges. Mangawhero-Murimotu Boad. —The work done has been maintenance only. The track is in fair order, but requires more attention than funds will allow of. The traffic returns are as follows: Travellers on horseback, 1,889; pack-horses, 1,137; cattle, 315; sheep, 1,850. The Taukora Bridge is again recommended for erection. Total expenditure, £218 9s. Id. Baetihi-Parapam Boad. —Very little has been done on this road during the year owing to want of funds : what has been done consists of 16 chains dray-road formation, 60 lineal feet culverts, and 1 mile engineering survey. The bridge across the Upper Mangawhero, 75ft. span, is now in hand ; also about a mile of bushwork at the northern end. It is proposed to complete the bridge and form some of the worst places in the 10f miles that still remain untouched, so that through traffic will be possible for horses and stock, though attended by considerable difficulty. It is also intended to clean up the lower seven miles, along which the formation has been much damaged by slips. Total expenditure, £248 ss. Bd. Baetihi-Ohura Boad. —A large amount of work has again been done on this road, comprising 121 chains bushwork, 251 chains formation, 1,166 lineal feet culverts, 32 lineal feet bridges, 2 miles engineering survey, and maintenance. All work is now practically stopped for want of funds. The Association lands, which were taken up ahead, have been abandoned, so this road is now not so urgently wanted for settlement, though, as an arterial road, it should be pushed vigorously ahead. It is proposed to complete a horse-track four miles long to the Manganuiateao Bridge site. Total expenditure for the year, £1,449 15s. Bd. Waipuna Bidge Boad. —One contract tor 45 chains bushwork and formation, including 99 lineal feet of culverts, has been completed during the year. The first two miles have been repaired. About another mile is required to be formed to allow access to the most remote settlers. Total expenditure, £181 ss. 3d. Ameku Bidge Boad (Baetihi). —The work done consists of 148 chains bushwork and 101 chains formation, with about 40 chains of bushfelling for full width of road. Middle Boad. —-The work done comprises two miles engineering survey, 103 chains bushwork, 57 chains dray-road formation, and 24 lineal feet culverts. It is proposed to form a horse-track ahead as far as the free-selection lands. Makotuku Valley Boad. —This will be an important road for tourist and settlement purposes, and is proposed to be completely formed during the coming year. It will make a very fine road, being very straight and level. The work done during the past year consists of 340 chains bushwork, 36 chains dray-road formation, 60 lineal feet culverts, 575 chains engineering survey and plans.

Tangarakau Confluence, 86 miles up Wanganui River.

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Taumaranui-Ohahune Boad. —The northern end of the road has been considerably improved : 116 chains bushwork and formation 6ft. wide has been completed, and 98 chains more nearly so. This makes the road good from the open to the Kaitjeki Eoad; beyond that to the Wanganui Biver several bridges have been repaired and the track generally improved. From Waimarino to the Makotuku Valley Eoad through the Gladstone Association two contracts for dray-road are in progress, about 60 chains bushwork being completed. From the Valley Eoad to Okahune, through Native land, some of the original bridges have been repaired. This being part of the through road and a continuation of the Valley Eoad, it should be pushed forward. Total expenditure, £1,131 2s. 3d. Tawhito-Ariki Small Grazing-nms. —The access-bridge across the Mangawhero Eiver, 63ft. span, is in progress, though only £10 has so far been paid out. Two large culverts are also being constructed. Clifton No. 1, Bangataiva. —Nearly all the sections in this Association are now accessible by horse-track. The work done comprises 234 chains bushwork, 139 chains formation, 315 lineal feet culverts, and 135 chains engineering survey. Two contracts are still in progress. Kaitieke Block. —This road is now opened out from the Taumarunui track to the open flats. The work done comprises nine miles engineering survey, 489 chains bushwork and formation 6ft. wide, 600 lineal feet bush culverts, and 17 acres of bush felled, burnt, and grassed. It is proposed to complete the horse-track as far as the Tawata turn-off, and also to clear and form part or all of the Oio Eoad. The land is now open for selection, so the main lines of road should be formed as tracks at once. Total expenditure, £1,487 ss. sd. Taihape-Paengaroa Boad. —This is to open up the Sommerville and Hautapu Blocks. The improved-farm settlers have done nearly all the work, which consists of 217 chains bushwork, 105 chains dray-road formation, 140 lineal feet culverts, and 80 chains engineering survey. About two miles more of bushwork requires to be done before the track can continue good all the year round. Expenditure, £890 12s. Mangaweka Boads. —The Cage Eoads, 62 chains long, have been scrubbed and cleared 33ft. wide. The Terrace Eoad, 45 chains, has been felled and burnt; the formation 6ft. wide is now being started. The Bridge Eoad has been repaired, and 21 chains next the township metalled. The Cemetery Eoad has been formed dray-road width for 20 chains, and partly metalled ; the remainder of it down to the river is now in progress as a bridle-track. The School Eoad is at present under construction. 38 acres of the township reserves have been sown down. Mangaweka Bridge. —The approaches previously constructed have been repaired. The cutting at the bridge is now being taken out, and the excavations for the end piers are in progress. A cement-shed is being erected. It is proposed to erect the end spans, each 40ft., at once, and postpone the cylinders and middle spans, 120 ft. each, till next summer, the material being all got ready meantime. Total expenditure, £22 Is. Mangaweka-Tekapua Boad.— This road has been partly constructed as a bridle-track at each end, as well as 40 chains in the Makohine Valley. The work done consists of 365 chains bushwork, 320 chains formation (6ft. wide), 175 lineal feet culverts, and six miles engineering survey. There are about five miles unconstructed, but several contracts have just been let, and it is hoped that the whole will be completed before next Christmas, including an under-strut bridge 60ft. span across the Makohine Gorge. Mangaonoho Boad. —This is the approach to the section from Pokiore. The work done consists of 20 chains dray-road formation and 60 chains metalling. The metal is now being blinded. Tekapua Block. —A considerable amount of work has been done in this block, and all by settlers, under the co-operative system. The work comprises 382 chains bushwork, 409 chains bridle-track formation, 60 lineal feet culverts, 11J miles engineering surveys, and plans. Five contracts are now in progress on the Whakawaireku West and Mangaweka Eoads. The roads which have been worked on during the year are Mataroawhaka Quarry, Pukemahou, and Wairepu West. The opening of the Mangaweka-Tekapua Eoad will make the block much more easily accessible. Sufficient information has been obtained for letting six miles of formation at once. Total expenditure, £1,405 os. lid. Turakina Valley Boad. —Nearly all the work has been done by the Hunterville Association settlers, and comprises 236 chains bushwork, 40 chains dray-road formation, 191 chains bridletrack formation, 300 lineal feet bridges, 35 running feet bridges, and five miles engineering survey. Two contracts are at present in progress, which when completed will take the road up to the No. 3 Association boundary. The Turakina Eiver is being crossed by a good ford. The survey is being done ahead, and when ready contracts will at once be let as far as the Karetu Eoad, and as quickly as possible this road should be continued through to Euanui. Pohonuiatane Block. —The only road inside this block yet started is the Mangamahoe Valley Eoad, and even on this very little has been done, for want of funds. The first four miles and a half lies through Native land, and this is being now pushed on by three parties of settlers. The work done consists of 116 chains of bushwork, 56 chains bridle-track formation, and four miles and a half engineering survey and plans. A fair crossing has been made at the Turakina; but a deep channel cut in papa and spanned by a 12ft. bridge is what is required. The settlers in the Hunterville Association are and have been so much hampered by the want of access that this Mangamahoe Valley Eoad should be pushed vigorously ahead. It passes through the centre of the block, opening sections on both sides, and is well located along a natural route for a road. Total expenditure, £121 16s. 3d. Momahaki Village-settlement Block. —Only maintenance has been done on the road through this

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block during the year, but the remaining part, through Mr. Howie's—s7 chains—is now being let. Expenditure, £39 6s. Otara Bridge, Rangitikei River. —The western approaches from Ohingaiti have been constructed and metalled by the Rangitikei County Council, at a cost of about £675, and the eastern approaches are at present under contract for construction and metalling by the Kiwitea Eoad Board, at a probable cost of £1,200. The Government subsidy available for the bridge, £1,092 13s. lid., is being expended in making these approaches. There is a good ford there, so with well-made approaches the erection of the bridge could well be delayed till after the completion of the Mangaweka Bridge, which is an absolute necessity. Though a cylinder bridge would have been preferable, plans and specification for a suspension-bridge have been prepared and approved of by the Government. Vinegar Hill Bridge, Rangitikei River. —This bridge, 400 ft. long, costing £6,725 Is. 10d., subsidised by the Government to the extent of £2,500, will be completed by the end of May. It has been very well constructed, and will prove a great benefit to both sides of the river. Expenditure of Government subsidy to date, £1,424. Tangarakau River. —An exploration was made of the lower end of this river last January. A separate report has been made on this subject. Wanganui River. —Subsidy, £462. For three weeks during February and March the riversteamers were not able to reach Pipiriki, on these occasions the mail being carried by canoe ; but during the rest of the year the service has been maintained with perfect regularity, two trips a week being frequently made. The tourist traffic during the summer months has now assumed considerable dimensions, and will be greatly increased when better accommodation is provided on this route. The township at Pipiriki is now being laid out, which will result in that stage being greatly improved. Wanganui River. —Subsidy, £1,000. This work is under the supervision of the Wanganui Biver Trust, the report of the Chairman of which is being forwarded separately by himself. In it will be found full particulars of the work done. G. T. Mubray.

Cbntbal and Basteen Districts. Captain Turner's report herewith gives details in connection with the year's operations. He has, as you are aware, in addition to his previous work, undertaken the Pahiatua and Bast Puketoi work, previously looked after by Mr. E. H. Beaney. His report this year shows that a very large amount of work has been supervised by him, embracing, as it does, 40J miles of dray-road and 51 miles of horse-road felled, formed, and completed, with engineering surveys of 93J- miles. The maintenance of 216 miles of other roads has also [been attended to. During the year twentyfour subsidies were granted to eight County Councils and four Eoad Boards, and [the sum of £6,420 2s. lid. was expended under their Engineers' supervision, the final payments to the local bodies being made after Captain Turner had inspected and passed the works. For this amount 18 miles 35 chains of dray-road have been formed, also 1 mile 59 chains of horse-road, and 4 miles 12 chains of metalling ; nine bridges erected, of a total length of 1,549 ft.; in addition to general repairs arising from flood and other damages. J. H. Bakee, Assistant Surveyor-General.

Te Ngaue Road. —This line, which is a dray-road, starts from the junction of the Mangawhio and Upper Waitotara Valley Eoads, near Maconochie's Bridge, and runs in a southerly direction, following generally the river-bank to the Te Ngaue Block, a distance of 73 chains. A sum of £200 has been granted to the Patea County Council for its construction, and work is now in progress. Waitotara-Omahine-Weraiveraonga Road. —A sum of £200 was granted last year to the Waito-tara-Momohaki Eoad Board for extending a dray-road up the Weraweraonga Valley, and 44 chains 12ft. wide were completed, as stated in my last annual report. Since then 1 mile 16 chains of road has been formed, including the laying of five 12in. pipe culverts, totalling in length 70ft., and twenty-two 6in. pipe culverts, in length a total of 304 ft., the total length of road completed being 1 mile 60 chains. Okutuku Road. —ln my last annual report it was stated that a sum of £100 had been granted to the Okutuku Eoad Board for the construction of this road, bat- at that time work had not been commenced. Since then 1 mile 3 chains of dray-road has been formed, which opens up the Okutuku Block. The road, for its whole length, has been cut out of sideling ground, and the work during the year consists of clearing, stumping, and forming the road 16ft. wide for dray-traffic, and the building of nine culverts Bin. by 12in., a total length of 126 ft. Kawhatau Valley Road. —According to my last annual report, it was stated that 7 miles 4 chains of this road had been engineered, and 66 chains constructed as a dray-road, and 2 miles 44 chains formed 6ft. wide for horse-traffic. Since then 28 chains of dray-road and 4 miles 20 chains of horse-road has been formed, including a truss bridge, 53ft. in length, over the Mangawharanki deviation; also, two tunnels 6ft. 6in. high by 6ft. 6in. wide, and 96ft. and 116 ft. in length respectively, driven through hard papa rock, and substituted for culverts for stream-diversion purposes ; forty-bix culverts, varying in size from 12in. by 12in. to 3ft. by 2ft., and totalling 983 ft. in length; 1,600 cubic yards of rock-excavation ; together with 53 chains of ditching and diversion. The whole of this work has been carried on in a densely-wooded country. The cost of maintaining the formed portion of the road has been particularly heavy, especially on the banks of the Eangitikei Eiver, where it passes under a cliff 230 ft. in height, and which has been continually slipping ever since the formation was completed. Thousands of tons of earth have fallen on to the roadway, and, as a matter of course, the work of removing the slips has been attended by a great amount of danger to the workmen engaged. During the coming winter it may be anticipated that these falls of earth will be frequent, and that the cost of maintenance will be considerably augmented.

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The road will afford access to the Kawhatau Block, the northern portion of Marton Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks, and the Awarua Block on the eastern side of the Bangitikei Eiver. It will also run through the Kawhatau Improved-farm Settlement. - Ngaio Boad. —This road, which is a horse-road 6ft. wide, hranches off in a north-easterly-direction from the Kawhatau Valley Boad at about 5 miles 10 chains. It passes through thick bushcountry, and has been formed on steep sideling ground to the Kawhatau Eiver, a distance of 52 chains. The continuation of this road will enter the Awarua Block and provide access thereto. Totara Boad. —This road is a branch of the Kawhatau Valley Eoad ; and, in addition to the 51 chains of bush felled 66ft. wide and stumped 16ft., according to my last report, 20 chains of horseroad has been formed, including the attendant ditches and culverts. The Totara Eoad forms a means of approach to a portion of the Kawhatau Improved-farm Settlement. Keiv Boad. —Work on this road has only recently been commenced. 40 chains of bush has been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft. wide. The road branches off from the Kawhatau Valley Eoad, and runs in a southerly direction on the northern part of the Marton No. 1 Block. Titirangi Boad. —Of this road, 10 chains, 6ft. wide, have been formed on that portion of it which lies to the north-west of the Marton No. 1 Block, leading in a northerly direction from its junction with the Lagoon Eoad. It passes along a sideling through heavy bush, 27 chains of which have been felled and cleared. Work is still in progress. Lagoon Boad. —This road is situated in the Marton No. 1 Block, one branch running in a northerly direction from its junction with the Kelpie Eoad, the other portion following a southeasterly direction until it intersects the Auputa Eoad. When my previous report was sent in, two miles of the road had been made passable. Since then a further 1 mile and 72 chains of horseroad, 6ft. wide, has been formed, and 2 miles 21 chains of bush felled and cleared ; two culverts constructed, 12in. by 18in., a total length of 32ft.; and 6,147 cubic yards of papa rock dealt with. This road can now be traversed for a distance of four miles. Kelpie Boad. —At the time my last annual report was prepared, this road, for the whole of its length, had been cleared and freed from bush, and 60 chains of it formed 6ft. wide for horse-traffic. During the past year 16 chains additional have been formed ; one culvert, 12in. by 18in., 24ft. long, has been built; 4 chains of side drains have been made, and a footbridge, 50ft. long and sft. wide, was thrown across the Mangawharariki Eiver at the ford. The length of road now open for horsetraffic is 1 mile 40 chains. In order that an approach to the river might be provided on both sides, a large quantity of rock required to be excavated. The road leads from the Pemberton Improvedfarm Settlement to the Marton Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks, and is taken through heavily - wooded country. Auputa Boad. —When last reported upon this road was nearly completed for horse-traffic : 46 chains of horse-road, 6ft. wide, have since been formed ; one culvert, I2in. by 18m., 16ft. long, built; two plain bridges, each with 15ft. spans, erected ; and 1,503 cubic yards of papa rock removed. The Auputa Eoad runs in a north-easterly direction, through the centre of the Marton Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks, extending from the Mangawharariki Eoad to the Kawhatau Eiver, a distance of 7 miles 61 chains. With the exception of 13 chains, the whole length of road passes through forest country, two miles of which were very heavily timbered. This road will afford access not only to the Marton Nos. 1 and 2 settlers, but to the eastern portion of the Awarua Block as well. Pourangaki Valley Boad. —A further 76 chains have been made passable for horse-traffic on this road, in addition to the 36 chains previously reported upon, or a total length of 1 mile and 32 chains now open. 450 cubic yards of rock were excavated. The above road passes through the eastern portion of Marton No. 2 Block, and through heavy bush. Mania Boad. —During the period this road has been rendered fit for horse-traffic a distance of 1 mile and 70 chains. For 1 mile and 10 chains of this length the road has been literally hewn out of the side of steep rock, no less than 1,419 cubic yards of rook having to be removed. In addition, the work of felling and clearing has been done through exceptionally heavy bush, altogether a very tough little piece of work. The road branches off in a north-easterly direction from the Auputa Eoad, through the Marton Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks. Te Parapara Boad. —67 chains of horse-road, 6ft. wide, have been formed during the past year ; 1 mile 18 chains of bush felled and cleared ; 1 culvert, 2ft. by 2ft., 18ft. long, constructed ; and 1,419 cubic yards of solid rock removed. The road is now passable for 2 miles and 46 chains, and goes through 107 chains of flat heavily-wooded country. It extends through the Marton Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks in an easterly and south-easterly direction, and assists in opening up the Onslow Farm-homestead Settlement. West Mangahuia Boad. —Bushfelling and clearing for a distance of 40 chains through denselytimbered flat has been completed, and the road is now passable for horse-traffic for this distance. The road strikes off in a south-westerly direction, running through parts of the Marton iMos. 1 and 2 Blocks. One log bridge, with a 12ft. opening, has been built over Stony Creek. Tap Boad. —On this roai, which branches off in a westerly direction from the main road, and runs through Marton No. 1 Block, 67 chains of bush has been felled and cleared, and the road, which is passable its whole length, goes through densely-covered flat forest country. Mangawharariki Boad. —This includes the Pukerimu Eoad, which latter forms a portion of the main line of road leading from Bangiwahia to Mangaweka. During the past year 2 miles 37 chains of dray-road 16ft. wide has been formed ; 1 mile 71 chains of horse-road has been widened from Bft. to 16ft. for dray-traffic ; 2 miles 42 chains of side-drains have been made ; twenty-two culverts of a size ranging from 12in. by 12in. to 4ft. by 3ft., and of a total length of 372 ft., constructed; two truss bridges built—one with an 84ft. span, and the other with a 50ft. span; also, three plain bridges erected, with a total length of 36ft. In addition, 50,811 cubic yards of papa rock have been removed. The work on the western portion of this road for a distance of about two miles was 9—C. 1.

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exceedingly heavy, the greater part having to be formed out of solid papa rock. When the bridge over the Rangitikei River is built the road will be the means of enabling the settlers on a large portion of the Marton Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks, Pemberton Improved-farm Settlement, and the Rangiwahia Township to readily reach the railway-station at Mangaweka. In my last annual report it was mentioned that the bridge was urgently required as a connecting-link between the Mangaweka on the one side and the Mangawharariki and Kawhatau Valley Roads on the other. In consequence of the formation of the Mangawharariki Road having reached the bridge-site, the cage which was erected last year at Clayton's Crossing has been removed to this spot, as, owing to the construction of the roads in the vicinity, access to the cage was much more easily obtained ; and, to judge by the patronage which is accorded it, a boon has been conferred upon the settlers in the surrounding districts. The Mangawharariki Road has been constructed its whole length through dense forest country. Mangarere Road. —Commencing on the eastern side of the Ra.ngitikei River, it is the means by which the settlers in the Hautapu and Hautapu No. 2 Blocks obtain communication with the Mangaweka Township, on the western side of the river, where it intersects the main road leading to the township. It is 6ft. wide, and has been engineered for a distance of three miles, which is now passable for horse-traffic. The bush has been felled and cleared for a length of 5 miles 18 chains. 750 cubic yards of solid papa rock had to be excavated, and a large proportion of the road is carried along steep sidelings. Two temporary bridges, each with a length of 56ft., have been erected. At the Rangitikei River crossing the settlers erected a cage ; but, upon it becoming unworkable, the Government took it in hand and put it into working-order. It is now used for passenger-traffic, and practically connects the Mangarere Road with the Mangaweka Township. Peka Road. —This road, which has only recently been commenced, is a horse-road 6ft. wide. 60 chains of bush has been felled and cleared, and for this distance it is available for horse-traffic. An additional 60 chains of forest felling and clearing is now under contract. The above road will give access to settlers living on the southern end of the Hautapu No. 2 Block. With the exception of a few chains, the whole length of the road passes through thickly-timbered country. Cross Road. —This road branches off from the Mangawharariki Road, and is formed 6ft. wide for a distance of 2 miles 66 chains. It passes along the southern boundary of the Pemberton Improved-farm Settlement, and throughout its whole length it passes through forest country. The road is carried along steep sidelings for 1 mile 70 chains, and is now open for horse-traffic. Some heavy excavating-work had to be done, which may be judged from the fact that 6,477 cubic yards of papa rock had to be shifted; and, in addition, culverts have been built, in size varying from 12in. by 12in. to 24in. by 24in., a total length of 160 ft. Conspicuous Road. —This road is being formed from both ends. The northern portion branches off from the Mangahuia East Road in a south-easterly direction through the Marton No. 2 Block, and leads on to the Umutoi and Onslow Farm-homestead Settlements. The southern portion leaves the main road between the Marton No. 1 and the Mangoira-Coal Creek Blocks, running in an easterly direction into the Umutoi Farm-homestead Settlement. On the former portion of the road 35 chains of horse-road 6ft. wide has been formed, 20 chains of bush felled and cleared, 645 cubic yards of rock excavated, 3 culverts built, of various sizes, from 12in. by 12in. to 18in. by 18in., a total length of 63ft. It passes through heavy birch country, and is passable for horse-traffic for a distance of 76 chains. On the latter, 35 chains 6ft. wide has been formed, 17 culverts 257 ft. in length from 6in. by Bin. to 3ft. 6in. by 2ft. constructed, 1 mile 9 chains of stumping and clearing, 8J chains of ditching, and 16ft. of corduroying. 1 mile 45 chains is now open for horse-traffic, the full-total open for traffic being 2 miles 41 chains, through dense forest country. Williams Road. —This road runs in a northerly and westerly direction towards the Mangoira Stream, and divides the Mangoira-Coal Creek Block from the Marton No. 1 Farm-homestead Settlement. During the past year 60 chains of felling and clearing have been done, 10 chains of which are available for horse-traffic. Table Flat Road. —Situated in the Pohangina Block, and is now passable for horse-traffic. When last reported upon, two miles of the road had been formed; since then fair progress has been made. 1 mile 13 chains of road have been formed Bft. and 1 mile 4 chains 6ft. wide, including 28 chains of heavy side-cutting. Six culverts have been erected, their size varying from 6in. by Bin. to 12in. by 12in., of a total length of 60ft., and 350 cubic yards of rock have been excavated. Apiti-Norseivood Road. —According to my last yearly report, 2 miles 70 chains of this road had been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft. wide. Since then 2 miles 27 chains of horse-road have been completed; twenty-two culverts constructed, having a total length of 274 ft., their sizes ranging from 6in. by Bin. to 2ft. by 2ft. 6in.; 274 ft. of solid rock have been dealt with. In order to effect a junction with the Umutoi Road, a further length of 59 chains of formation is required. The road passes through heavily-timbered country. Main Cross Road East. —This part of the road divides the Feilding Special Settlement from the Oroua-Coal Creek Block, and is the main road leading from Apiti to the Salisbury Block. 1 mile 78 chains of road Bft. in width have been formed, also 57f chains of 6ft. horse-track; 29 culverts, with a length of 381 ft., have been built, their sizes ranging from 6in..by Bin. to 18in. by 12in., and 48-J- chains of ditching has been done. 25 cubic yards of rock have been excavated, and a plain bridge with a 28ft. span has been constructed. The road is now open from Apiti, for dray-traffic, for a distance of four miles and a half, and from this onward to the Salisbury Block it has been completed, and is now passable for horse-traffic. Surveyor's Pack-track —This road, which is situated in the Oroua-Coal Creek Block, strikes off from the Main Ridge Road and runs iti an easterly direction to the Coal Creek Block. 2 miles 36 chains of bush has been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft. wide, and all overhanging trees removed. Umutoi Road No. 2. —2 miles 4 chains of bush have been felled 1 chain wide and cleared 33ft., and all overhanging trees removed. Work is still progressing. This road is situated in the

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Pohangina and Umutoi Farm-homestead Settlement Blocks, and branches off from the Table Plat Eoad in the Pohangina Block, running east and north, and giving access to the Umutoi Farmhomestead Settlement. Umutoi Road (Umutoi Block). —This starts from the Umutoi Eiver, and runs, in a northeasterly direction, through the Umutoi Farm-homestead Settlement. During the year 1 mile 53 chains of bush have been felled and cleared. Branch Road. —This line of road strikes off from the Apiti-Norsewood Eoad at a point after it rises from the Oroua-Coal Creek on to the table-land, and runs in a southerly direction. It gives access to Section 21, Block XII., Salisbury. 19 chains of bush have been felled, cleared, and stumped, and the.road is now to this extent is now available for horse-traffic. Tunipo Road. —l mile 20 chains of road have been divested of forest and cleared a similar distance, and it is now ready for the formation to be proceeded with. This road is a branch road from the Umutoi Eoad, and runs in a north-westerly direction on the northern portion of the Salisbury Block. Makoura Road. —A distance of 1 mile 60 chains, which is now under contract, remains to be done before the whole length will have been formed as a horse-road, 6ft. wide. Three miles have been finished for horse-traffic, and twenty-four culverts have been laid, a total length of 310 ft., their sizes varying from 6in. by. Bin. to 3ft. by 2ft. The above road is the continuation of the Main Cross Eoad leading from Apiti through the Salisbury Block, ultimately intersecting the Umutoi Eoad. Makiekie Road. —In my last annual report 90 chains of bush had been felled and cleared. Since then 2 miles 8 chains have been felled and cleared 6ft. wide ; 1 mile 61 chains of horseroad have been formed, and this is open for traffic ; thirteen culverts of different sizes, from 6in. by Bin. to 3ft. by 4ft., a total length of 55ft., have been built, and 65 cubic yards of papa rock have been removed. The road passes through heavy bush country, and leads into the Delaware Block. It branches off from the Makaura Eoad at the Makaura Village Eeserve, and runs in a southwesterly direction into the above block. Umutoi Road (Salisbury Block). —This road is the continuation of the Pohangina Valley Eoad. It runs in a northerly direction, and leads through the Salisbury Block. 61 chains of horse-road, 6ft. wide, have been formed ; 5 culverts built, of a total length of 86ft.; and 5 miles 30 chains of bush have been felled and cleared. Takapari Road. —This road branches off from the Pohangina Valley Eoad at the end of the plateau of the Village Eeserve, and runs in an easterly direction through the Delaware Block. 2 miles 26 chains of bush have been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft., and the formation will be continued as soon as funds are available. Pohangina Valley Road (Northern Portion). —This road runs between a portion of the southern end of the Delaware Block and Crown land, and leads down to the Pohangina Eiver, where it joins the Umutoi Eoad. During the year, 1 mile 38 chains of bush has been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft., and a horse-road 6ft. wide has been formed down the sideling to the Pohangina Eiver, leading into the Salisbury Block. Pohangina Valley Forest Reserve Road. —ln my last annual report it was stated that 1 mile 34 chains of dray-road, 14ft. wide, had been formed through this reserve, and that 30 chains of road had been metalled. Since last year a sum of £100 has been granted to the Pohangina County Council to continue the metalling, which has been gone on with, and the road through the reserve is now almost completely metalled. The bluff at the southern end of the reserve sustained serious damage during, the Easter floods last year. The flood-water completely undermined the conglomerate, and caused it to fall into the river, completely blocking traffic. A subsidy of £150 has been granted for repairs and protective works. These will prove costly, and it is feared that the amount will not be nearly sufficient. Plans have been prepared by the County Engineer for approval. Kimbolton Road. —This road is on the main line leading from Feilding to Bangiwahia, the northern end of which has been in a deplorable condition for want of metalling. A grant of £250 was made to the Kiwitea County Council to assist in gravelling, and work is now proceeding, but, as the sum named is insufficient, the upper portion of the road will doubtless be closed for wheeltraffic during the winter months. Oroua Bridge. —The site of this bridge, which is on the main line of road between Birmingham and Apiti, was laid off by the then County Engineer (Mr. Hayns) and myself. The bridge consists of two truss spans of 80ft. each, and two land spans of 20ft. each. The two end piers are built of concrete, and the centre pier is formed of iron cylinders. It is now under construction, and to the Pohangina County Council a sum of £500 was voted by the Government to assist in its construction. Pakihikura Road. —According to my last annual report it was stated that the dray-roads through the Village Eeserve had been formed. During the year a grant of £90 was made to the Kiwitea County Council to complete the erection of a bridge over the Pakihikura Stream, and it is now in course of construction. Mangatoro Valley Road. —Last year three miles and a half of dray-road had been constructed, a mile was under construction, and a gap of about two miles was left to connect with the formation from the Dannevirke end. During the year 1 mile 70 chains of bush has been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft. ; 2 miles 16 chains of road has been formed 14ft., 16ft., and 18ft. respectively in width ; thirtyseven culverts, varying in size from 9in. by 9in. to 3ft. by 3ft., a total length of 1,103 ft., have been built; 105 chains of side drains made, 1 chain of protective works erected, 2 chains of fascining done, 1 chain of creek diverted, 1,804 cubic yards of slips removed, 286 cubic yards of rock excavated, 2J chains of embankments made up, 60ft. of tunnelling driven, two platform bridges—one of 26ft., the other of 36ft.—constructed, 19 chains of metalling done, six miles of road grassed, and 3,000 willow-trees planted along the embankments. This road is now open for dray-traffic, but requires widening for a distance of about 2 chains, together with the removal of a quantity of slips.

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Towai Boad. —This road leads from the Mangatoro Township through the northern portion of the Eising Sun Farm-homestead Settlement, and will intersect the Waihi Valley road about ten miles distant from the Township of Weber. It will also, when extended, tap the Waihi-Akitio Boad, which leads on to the Alfredton-Weber main line of road. Last year this road was under Mr. Eeaney's care, and since his last annual report was made one mile of bush has been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft., and one mile of road has been formed 6ft. wide ; twelve culverts built, in size varying from 12in. by 12in. to 18in. by 18in., a total length of 146 ft. ; 2 miles 12 chains of levelling, and 206 cubic yards formation in rock; also four miles and a half of road have been maintained, one mile and a half of this being dray-road and the remainder horse-road. Upper Makuri Boad. —This road leads from the Makuri Township to the Mangatoro Township, and during the year has been maintained for a distance of ten miles ; 601 cubic yards of slips have been disposed of, and the road has been kept in first-rate order for wheel-traffic. The Pahiatua County Council is now proceeding with the metalling of a further portion of this road. Prior to October last Mr. Eeaney was responsible for the above road. Weber Horse-road. —ln reality this road is a continuation of the Alfredton-Weber line, but at present it is only being formed 6ft. wide as a horse-road. It commences at the boundary-line between the Wellington and Hawke's Bay Provincial Districts, extends in a northerly and easterly direction until it intersects the road leading from Dannevirke to the East Coast, near the Township of Weber. 6 miles 51 chains is the length of this road ; and of this 2 miles 22 chains are completed 6ft. wide for horse-traffic. The balance, 4 miles 29 chains, is sufficiently advanced to admit of packhorses travelling over it. 3 miles 77 chains of bush has been felled 66ft. wide and cleared 33ft. ; nine culverts have been built, varying in size from 12in. by 12in. to 3ft. by 3ft., a total length of 112 ft.; and five plain bridges constructed, totalling 100 ft. in length; one crossing, 6ft. long, laid, and 2 chains of ditching done ; 337 cubic yards of rock excavated, and 612 cubic yards of slips cleared; a truss bridge with an 80ft. span is being erected over the Waihi Eiver, and one with a 50ft. span over the Table Stream. These bridges are constructed sufficiently wide and substantial for draytraffic, and will meet all requirements when the road is widened. I strongly recommend that the work of widening this section of road from 6ft. to 18ft. be carried out during the present year, and so greatly assist a large proportion of the Puketoi settlers, as well as"improve the means of communication from Eketahuna to Dannevirke via Weber. Alfredton-Weber Boad. —My report of last year stated that 18f miles from the Waitawhiti Stream had been formed up to the Pongaroa Township. This year, 6 miles 5 chains have been formed north of the township, and 5 miles 12 chains south of the boundary of the Provincial District of Hawke's Bay. Excepting the erection of five bridges and culverts which are now under construction, the road is completed up to the boundary of the Hawke's Bay Province. Only two contracts for formation remain, and these are in hand. Included in the year's work is 11 miles 17 chains of road-formation, 15ft. to 16ft. in width; 11 miles 44 chains of bush have been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft. ; 15 chains of corduroying completed ; 3 miles 21 chains ditching and outlet drains have been made; 8,506 cubic yards of rock have been excavated, also 7,624 cubic yards of slips cleared; 114 culverts, ranging in size from 12in. by 12in. to 4ft. by 4ft., have been constructed, totalling in length 2,684 ft. ; two truss bridges, one of 30ft. and one of 40ft.—a total length of 70ft. —erected ; also seven plain bridges, in length 113 ft.; and two temporary bridges, 90ft. in length. An enormous quantity of timber is used on the various roads under my charge for bridge- and culvert-building, and in connection with those just enumerated 86,163 superficial feet of timber has been supplied. The cost of maintaining this road has been exceptionally heavy, as anticipated in my last annual report, owing to the slippery nature of the ground and the precipitous country through which the line is carried. With all my experience in road-construction, country subject to such heavy slips as that met with by me on a great portion of this road has never before been encountered. In many cases the whole of the roadway has descended bodily into the region below, leaving nothing but space where the line of road originally was, reconstruction being an absolute necessity. Waihi-Akitio Boad. —From the Alfredton-Weber Eoad, at the confluence of the Makukupara and Akitio Streams, this road branches off, and runs in a westerly direction through the Pahiatua No. 1 Farm-homestead Settlement to the junction of the Waihi "Valley Eoad in the Eising Sun Block. The object of the formation of this road is to give access to the northern part of the Eising Sun Block, to the settlers on Pahiatua No. 3 Farm-homestead Settlement, and to a portion of the Akitio Improved - farm Settlement. 4 miles 37 chains of bush have been felled and cleared, and 54 chains of road have been formed 6ft. wide, and this is passable for horse-traffic. Work is now in progress. Akaroa Boad. — During the past twelve months 41-J- chains of forest has been felled and cleared. This road strikes off from the Alfredton-Weber main line opposite the Pohangina Village Settlement, extends in an easterly direction, and passes through the southern portion of the Pahiatua No. 2 Farm-homestead Settlement; to the settlers of which latter settlement it is intended to afford access. Operations have been confined, owing to a lack of funds; but the works will, it is expected, be pushed forward with greater rapidity in the near future. Manukara Boad. —4o chains of bush has been felled and cleared during the past year. This road leads off from the Alfredton-Weber main line, and, following a westerly course, divides the Pongaroa Village Settlement from a portion of the Pahiatua No. 1 Farm-homestead Settlement; and also passes through the southerly portion of the latter settlement until it intersects the Waihi Eoad. Paraengahuata Boad. —Upon this road, 1 mile 54 chains of forest has been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft. during the year. It runs in a westerly direction from the Alfredton-Weber Eoad, through the Pongaroa Village Settlement. Pongaroa-Huia Boad. —This road is a branch from the Makuri-Pongaroa Eoad, and runs north into the Pongaroa Village Settlement. 64 chains of bush have been felled and cleared,

Retaruke Reach, 104 miles up Wanganui River.

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Waihi Road. —This road starts from the Makuri-Pongaroa Road, and runs in a northerly direction, between the Pahiatua Farm-homestead Block and the Masterton Reform Block. 2 miles 20 chains of bush have been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft., also formed 6ft. wide; 15 chains of drains have been made, and 17 culverts constructed of sizes varying from 18in. by 12in. to 18in. by 24in., totalling in length 241 ft. One plain horse-bridge, 86ft. long, has also been constructed. This road was in Mr. Reaney's charge up to September, 1895. Range Road. —This road runs in a northerly direction from the junction of the Cross Road, and through the Masterton Reform Block. 53 chains of bush have been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft.>, and the road formed 6ft. wide; 10 culverts, 168 ft. in length, constructed; and 39 cubic yards of rock have been removed. Cross Road. —Branching off in a northerly and easterly direction from the Makuri-Pongaroa Road, this work taps the Range Road. One mile of bush has been felled and cleared, and one mile formed 6ft. wide ; £ chain of outlet-drains have been constructed ; also 241 ft. of oulverting, in size varying from 9in. by 9in. to 12in. by 18in. 305 cubic yards of rock were excavated. Makuri-Pongaroa Road. —Since the last annual report was furnished by Mr. Reaney, twelve miles and a half of road have been maintained, and the following work done : 3 miles 37 chains of bush felled and cleared ; 1 mile 43£ chains of road formed 16ft. wide, and 2 miles formed from 6ft. to 10ft. in width ; 11 -J- chains of corduroying done ; 1 mile 3J chains of road metalled 12ft. wide ; two platform bridges, each Bft. wide, and totalling in length 76ft., constructed ; 700 ft. of culverting built, the sizes varying from 9in. by 9in. to 3ft. by 3ft. ; 43f chains of side drains made ; 1,428 cubic yards of slips removed; 2,266 cubic yards of formation in solid rock; and six miles and a half of road sown with grass. In addition, two contracts have been let for the formation of a further length of 21 chains of road. Mahuri-Aohanga Road. —Two miles and a quarter of horse-road were formed and eight miles maintained last year by Mr. Reaney, and duly reported by him, and since then six miles and a half of 6ft. horse - track have been maintained ; 1-J- chains of widening done, also 7 chains of corduroying ; and 1,084 cubic yards of slips have been cleared. This road branches off from the Makuri-Pongaroa Road, and runs in an easterly direction until it taps the Alfredton-Weber Road at the Rakaunui Township. Aohanga-Gorge Road. —A subsidy of £800 was granted to the Akitio Road Board to assist in forming this road as a dray-road 14ft. wide ; two miles of which were completed during the previous year. This year 2 miles 20 chains additional road have been formed, making a total length of four miles and a quarter completed. Forty-five culverts, ranging in size from 10m. by 12in. to 18in. by 24in., a total length of 980 ft., have been placed; and one plain bridge, 30ft. in length, was constructed. This is an important road, leading from the East Coast to the Pongaroa Township, on the Alfredton-Weber Road, and when formed will greatly relieve the traffic on the Alfredton-Weber Road. Huia Road (Mecalickstone Block). —This road, which gives access to the northern portion of the Mecalickstone Block, branches off from the Alfredton-Weber Road, and runs through a portion of the Woodville and Kaikoura Farm-homestead Settlements. It was reported by me last year that one mile and a quarter of this road had been formed. Since then 20 chains of bush has been felled and cleared, and 1 mile 60 chains formed 6ft. wide; also, twenty culverts, varying in size from 10in. by 12in. to 2ft. by 3ft., a total length of 456 ft., have been constructed; and 111 cubic yards of rock excavated. The whole length of this line of road passes through heavy forest country. Waihoki Road (Mecalickstone Block). —At the junction of the Huia and Waikereru Roads this road strikes off, and, following generally the Waihoki Valley in a southerly direction, passes through the Mecalickstone Block. Bushfelling and clearing for two miles have been done; 67 chains of 6ft. horse-road formed ; 1 chain outlet-drains made ; five culverts constructed, 84ft. long in all, varying in size from 12in. by 12in. to 18in. by 18in.; also, 292 cubic yards of rock excavated. Waikereru Road (Mecalickstone Block). —This road is a continuation from the junction of the Huia and Waihoki Roads, and extends in an easterly and south-easterly direction, to the northern portion of the Mecalickstone Biock. 3 miles 14 chains of bush have been felled and cleared. Burling-Mecalickstone Road. —This road branches off from the Alfredton-Weber Road at Deep Creek (Falls Creek), and strikes in an easterly direction through Mr. Arthur Burling's estate, and will afford access to the southern portion of the Mecalickstone Farm-homestead Settlement. The first portion of this road runs through open country for a distance of 6 miles 46 chains, where it taps the Waihoki Road at the southern end of the Mecalickstone Farm-homestead Block. Last year 25 chains of dray-road had been formed 13ft. in width, and since then two miles of scrub and bush felling and clearing has been done, and 40 chains of seven-wire fencing erected ; also 228 cubic yards of rock excavated. The first 25 chains of this road were seriously damaged by the Easter floods, but have since been put in repair. Uteivai Road. —Two under-strut bridges, 40ft. each in length, have been constructed; also one truss bridge over the Tiraumea River, consisting of one truss span of 53ft., and two land-spans of 10ft. and 29ft. respectively. The total length of the bridges erected during the year is 194 ft. The road is situated in the Christchurch Farm-homestead Block. Otaivhao Road (Kumeroa Road Board). —This road, at the time of the last annual report, had been inspected and reported on, and £400 had been granted but no work done. Since then 1 mile 59 chains of horse-road have been formed 6ft. wide, with ten culverts, varying in size from 12in. by 12in. to 3ft. by 4ft., a total length of 118 ft.; and one Bft. flood-opening erected, with a 12ft. roadway. Makairo Road. —When reported upon last year Mr. Reaney had this road in his charge, and at that time 30 chains of it, being a connecting-link between the Upper Makuri and Mangatoro drayroads, had been widened from 6ft. to 16ft., and nine miles and a half had been maintained for horse-traffic throughout the year. Since then a bridge 13ft. wide and 34ft. long has been erected, 1,089 cubic yards of slips have been removed, and twelve miles of road maintained. With regard to

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the nine miles and a half of horse-road mentioned above, I would strongly recommend that this lengthpbe completed by being formed into a dray-road 16ft. wide. If this were done the road would fbe in uniformity with the other roads in the-district; and not only on this account, but because the road is in close proximity to the Tiraumea (Hull's Crossing) Bridge, which was recently opened with such eclat, and which is on the high road to Pahiatua and the Mangaone Eailwaystation. Makairo-Kumeroa Road. —A grant of £200 was made to the Kumeroa Boad Board for carrying out this work, but up to the present nothing has been done beyond exploring, and a report has been furnished concerning it. Tiraumea Bridge (Hull's Grossing). —A subsidy of £500 was granted to the Pahiatua County Council to aid in the construction of this bridge. In last year's annual report Mr. Eeaney, the officer then in charge of the work, stated that the plans had been approved, but the work had only just commenced. When the district was taken over by me in October last good progress had been made, and the bridge has since been completed. It is a truss bridge of one span of 108 ft. and two land-spans of 29ft. each, and affords access to Thompson's Eoad, Ngaturi, Woodville-Aohanga, and Makairo Eoads, and also to the Tiraumea Valley Eoad. Malton Block. —A sum of money was authorised for expenditure on the roads in this block, and work will shortly be proceeded with. Upper Manawatu Roads. —These roads are situated in the Hall Farm-homestead Block, and since last year, when Mr. Eeaney reported upon them, 1 mile and 13 chains of bush have been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft., and 33 chains have been felled 66ft. wide ; two miles of horse-road, 6ft. in width, have been formed ; and 271 culverts built, ranging in size from 12in. by 12in. to 2ft. by 2ft. Ballance to Manawatu Gorge Road. —Work on this road has only recently been started, and, judging from the rough nature of the country, the first half-mile is likely to prove a costly piece of work. At present there are four contracts let for forming the road from 14ft. to 16ft. in width, and in a short time contracts for providing the timber for two bridges, with 60ft. and 70ft. spans respectively, will be let. The above road extends from the Gorge Bridge in a southerly direction, towards the Township of Ballance. Pahiatua—Palmerston Road. —When reported upon last year, the sum of £24 had been expended in widening, &c, three miles of the above road to afford settlers better access to their holdings. During the past year four miles of the road have been widened to 6ft., and 255 cubic yards of slips have been cleared. This road, at the time it was taken over by the Government to put in repair, was totally unfit for traflic, and was positively unsafe. It is at the present time in fair order ; but, as it is very narrow in places, it is found to be very inconvenient for travellers, as the cattje-traffic on the road is very extensive. In order that some idea may be obtained of the extent of the cattle-traffic, it may be mentioned that, since November last, 62,500 sheep, 8,943 head of cattle, and thirty-eight horses have passed over the road, which is a 6ft. track. A great amount of extra traffic is caused upon this road owing to the bridge at the Manawatu Gorge having been swept away by the last Easter floods. This road was taken over by me from Mr. Eeaney in October last. Mangahao Bridge. — This bridge is on the main road leading from Pahiatua to Ballance and from Pahiatua to Palmerston, and consists of a laminated arch truss of 120 ft. span, with two truss spans of 46ft. each. At the time Mr. Eeaney handed it over to me, the bridge was almost completed, and has since been finished. The sum of £500 was granted to the Pahiatua County Council to assist in this undertaking. Mangatainoka Bridge. —For this structure, which is situated near Pahiatua, a sum of £1,000 as a subsidy was granted to the Pahiatua Borough Council to assist in its erection. When the work was taken over from Mr. Eeaney in October last, the bridge was well under way, and has since been completed. It is a long bridge, consisting of nine truss spans of 70ft. each and two landspans of 25ft. each, and will be the means of giving access to the railway-station, and is on the high-road to Ballance and also to Palmerston North. Mangaroma Village Settlement Roads. —The Tawera Eoad forms the western boundary of the above-named village-settlement township, the Namu Eoad cuts through the northern portion, and the Oparatai Eoad forms the eastern boundary, the three roads together constituting the villagesettlement roads. During the year one mile of road has been formed 12ft. wide, one mile of drains completed, the embankment where the creek overflowed has been made up, 1 mile 40 chains has been metalled 9ft. wide, 15 cubic yards to the chain, one mile sown with grass, and two miles and a half of roads maintained, which now afford good access to the whole settlement. Tiraumea North Road. —Since the 31st March, 1895, one mile of road has been metalled 12ft. wide, 20 chains formed 16ft. wide, and one footbridge (70ft. in length) constructed, and the whole length of the road maintained. The Pahiatua County Council has now charge of the road, which is in thorough repair. It connects the Mangarama Village Settlement with the Mangatainoka Township, and until the commencement of last October was under the control of Mr, Eeaney. Woodville-Aohanga Road. —Since last year, when Mr. Eeaney reported upon this road, 61 chains of bush have been felled 66ft. and cleared 33ft., and 61 chains of horse-road have been formed 6ft. wide; 859 cubic yards of slips have been removed; seven culverts built, ranging in size from 12in. by 12in. to 2ft. by 2ft., totalling 174 ft. in length; 824 cubic yards of formation in solid rock ; one ford over a small creek formed; and five miles and a half of road maintained. Now that the bridge over the Tiraumea Eiver at Hull's Crossing is finished, it would be of great benefit to the settlers if that portion of the road now formed as a horse-road were widened into a dray-road and metalled, as it would afford greater facilities for reaching the Mangatainoka Eailway-station from Makuri,

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Makuri Township Boads. —One mile and a half of these roads have been maintained since they were reported upon last year by Mr. Eeaney, also 51 cubic yards of slips cleared, 25 cubic yards of metal placed ready for repairing the road," and one footbridge, 50ft. in length, has been erected over the Makuri Eiver. Toritea-Mahuri Road. —This road virtually extends from the main coach-road to Makuri. The main coach-road leads from Masterton to Woodville, through Pahiatua. Since the 31st March, 1895, men have been employed metalling one mile of the road, clearing two miles and a half of overhanging scrub, removing 2,908 cubic yards of slips, widening through 100 cubic yards of limestone rock, and increasing the road in width by the removal of 412 cubic yards of solid papa , rock. Bight miles and a half of this road was metalled, 5 cubic yards to the chain, by the Pahiatua County Council at the Makuri end. The road was maintained the whole distance of seventeen miles, and is still under maintenance. It is a most important road, and a length of about ten miles of it requires to be metalled immediately, otherwise it will become impassable during the winter. Mangatainoka Bridge (Bridge Road). — This work was constructed at the time when Mr. Eeaney had charge of the Pahiatua District. It consists of a 60ft. Howe truss, and was completed but not finally passed by this department A subsidy of £150 was given to the Pahiatua County Council to assist in the erection of this bridge. Te Aupapa Road. —This road is situated between the townships of Kaitawa and Ngaturi. A sum of £200 was granted to the Pahiatua County Council, and during the year a 43ft. king-truss bridge was erected, improvements effected, and one mile of road metalled. The above work was carried out during Mr. Beaney's regime. Mangaone Valley Road. —This road, which leads from the Kaitawa Township in a southerly direction until it intersects the Eketahuna-Alfredton Eoad, was only commenced in July last, and was then taken in hand by the Government on account of the bad state of the road, and the inability of the County Council, from whom it was taken over, to do the work. Five miles have been maintained, from Kaitawa to the junction of the Pa -Valley Eoad ; 77 cubic yards of slips have been removed, and a great quantity of work done, such as opening up drains and water-tables which had become blocked up owing to the Easter floods. This road has only been under my charge since October last, prior to which time Mr. Eeaney had control. Tiraumea Valley Road. —This road, for which a sum of £200 had last year been granted for the purpose of clearing slips, general maintenance, and extension, has, during the year just gone, been maintained for a distance of ten miles. This length had previously been formed by the Pahiatua County Council 14ft. and 18ft. in width; 873 cubic yards of slips have been removed, and two bridges, 30ft. and 50ft. in length respectively, have been erected; 90ft. of culverting, varying in size from 2ft. by 2ft. to 3ft. by 3ft., have been built ; and a tunnel 24ft. long and sft. high by 3ft. in breadth has been driven, and a further length of 50ft. still remains to be driven. Five miles of this road is in a most incomplete state, and five bridges are badly needed, one to replace that washed away by the last Easter floods, and the remaining four to meet the urgent requirements of the settlers in the district. Tiraumea River Road, Pα Valley Road. —A sum of £200 was authorised to be expended on this road, but as yet no work has been done. An early start will soon, however, be made, and an exploration, with a view to commencing work, is now under contemplation. Hnkanui-Rawera Road. —This road branches off from the Eketahuna-Woodville line, and runs on to the Hukanui Eailway-station, a distance of 2 miles 50 chains. The whole length of the above road has been formed a width of 15ft., and partly metalled. Five culverts have been placed, in size varying from 12in. by 12in. to 12in. by 18in., a total length of 109 ft. The balance of the metalling will be proceeded with as soon as the weather proves suitable for the purpose. This road assists in affording access to the Kakariki, Waiwera, and Hutt Blocks. Easter Flood Damages. —A vote of £200 was passed by the Government for repairing damages to the Hawera, Central, Parkville, Mangaoronga, North, Tawataia, Pa Valley, and other roads, which the Ekatahuna Eoad Board undertook to repair and clear of slips, which work has been completed. Tiraumea Bridge (below Saunders Ford). —This work, for which a subsidy of £400 was granted to the Wairarapa North County Council to aid in its erection, is on the main line of road leading from Alfredton to Weber, and is well under way. It consists of a truss bridge of one span of 114 ft., and one land-span of 9ft. Newman-Stirling Road. —During the year 50 chains of metalling have been done ; and this, together with 1 mile 22 chains previously reported, makes a total of 1 mile 72 chains completed, and for which the Eketahuna Eoad Board received from the Government a subsidy of £300 to assist. The above road branches off from the Eketahuna-Woodville main line of road, and leads to the Stirling Farm-homestead Association Block. Mangatainoka Valley Road. —l mile 24 chains of bush, 66ft. wide, have been felled upon this road, and cleared 33ft. ; 72 chains of dray-road have been formed 12ft. wide ; and three culverts have been constructed from heart of totara, their sizes varying from 12in. by 12in. to 2ft. by 3ft., a total length of 70ft. The road leads into the Kaiparoro Block, and passes through a precipitous gorge which necessitated a great amount of rock-cutting and consequent heavy expense. Ruamahanga Bridges (Gladstone and Kokotau). —A sum of £200 was granted to the Mauriceville Eoad Board to assist in carrying out these works. Daring the floods in April, 1895, these bridges were partially destroyed, but they have now been repaired. Makakahi Valley Road. —This road leads to the Kaiparoro Block. 1 mile 33 chains of bush have been felled and cleared, and 25 chains formed 6ft. wide. Eketahuna-Parkville Road. —A sum of £500 for metalling the above road was granted to the Eketahuna Eoad Board, and 100 chains have been done, the work being still in progress. Barton's Road. —This road is situated in the Mount Baker Block, and 36 chains of it have been

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formed Bft. in width. Five culverts, varying in size from 12in. by 18in. to 12in. by 12in., of a total length of 310 ft., have been constructed. Maungatakato 80ad. —56 chains of this road have been formed 6ft. wide; five culverts erected, of various sizes ranging from 12in. by 12in. to 18in. by 12in., and totalling in length 192 ft.; and three plain bridges constructed, with spans of 18ft., 20ft., and 24ft. respectively. The road is situated in the Mount Baker Block. Mangamahoe Road. —In my last annual report it was stated that this line was to be formed into a dray-road from the end of the old formation. During the year the above was accomplished, 5 miles 31 chains having been formed, to its intersection of the Ihuraua Valley Eoad. The Government granted a subsidy of £500 to assist in this work, which included the following: Eemoval of all the second growth, and the erection of one plain bridge 54ft. in length; also the building of 111 culverts of various sizes from 10in. by 12in. to sft. by 6ft., totalling in length 2,701 ft. This road leads from the Mangamahoe Eailway-station to the intersection of the Ihuraua Valley Eoad, running through the Mount Baker Block. Dagg's Boad. —Out of a subsidy to the Mauriceville Eoad Board last year of £200, a length of 3 miles 24-J chains of dray-road, 14ft. wide, has been formed. During the year just gone, the balance of the work (12 chains) has been completed, including the placing of six culverts, lOin. by 12in., a total length of 120 ft. The road will prove of great assistance to settlers in the interior, who for a length of time have been without road-accommodation. It is situated in Blocks Nos. 111. and IV., Kopuaranga Survey District. Gleland's Boad. —This road is situated in Block VII., Kopuaranga Survey District, and during the year 2 miles 18 chains of dray-road, 14ft. wide, were formed through sideling ground ; one plain bridge, 20ft. long, and fifty-two culverts, of sizes ranging from 10in. by 12in. to 2ft. by 2ft., and totalling in length 1,528 ft., were constructed. The Mauriceville Eoad Board received a grant of £350 for the above work. Mount Holdsworth Boad. —This road starts from the confluence of the Waingawa and Mangatarere Eivers, at the termination of the Fernridge and Upper Plain Eoad, leading from Masterton, and following up the Mangatarere Valley in a south-westerly direction. 2 miles 42 chains of road have been completed 14ft. wide for dray-traffic partly through flat and partly through forest country ; thirty-three culverts have been built, of sizes varying from lOin. by 12in. to 2ft. by 2ft. 6in., totalling in length 729 ft. Grants of £300, £113, and £97 were made to the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board for the above work, and it has been done partly by ordinary and partly by co-operative contract. Mangatariri Boad. —A sum of £125 was granted to the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board for forming this road through a swamp. The work, which is now under construction, is really the formation of the approach to the Kaitangata Block. The continuation of this line through the Kaitangata Block is now being carried on under my supervision, for construction as a horse-road. A further sum has been authorised, and 3 miles 55 chains of bush have been felled and cleared, and 31 chains of road have been formed 6ft. in width. Kaiwhata Valley Boad. —This road commences at the mouth of the Kaiwhata Eiver, and extends inland. The work now being carried out is distributed over seven different portions of the road, and a sum of £150 was granted to the Wairarapa North County Council for the purpose. Wainuioru-East Coast Boad —This road is situated between Wharau and the Hautokitoki Stream, and the work is distributed over a distance of ten miles. A sum of £300 was granted to the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board for the purpose of removing slips, effecting ordinary repairs, and restoring the road where it has been washed away by the spring floods of 1894. This work was carried out during the year. Horowhenua Village Settlement Boads, Bartholomew Boad. —This road starts from the Horowhenua Beach Road and extends in a southerly direction through the Horowhenua Village Settlement to the intersection of the Hunia Eoad, a distance of 1 mile 49 chains. Throughout its whole length the road has been felled and cleared of bush, and formed as a dray-road 14ft. in width. One large culvert, 20ft. in length, 3ft. by 2ft., has been constructed. Bolton's Boad. —On this road 15£ chains of bush have been felled 1 chain wide, and cleared 33ft., and also formed 14ft. Hunia Boad. —36 chains of bushfelling and clearing have been done, and the road formed 14ft. wide. Two totara culverts, 3ft. by 2ft., and 40ft. each in length, have been built; also one pipeculvert of 9in. glazed earthenware, 26ft. in length. This road is on the southern boundary of the Horowhenua Village Settlement. Ngatiawa Boad. — chains of bush have been felled and cleared upon this road, which is situated in the Wellington Fruit-growers' Association Block. Hutt-Waikanae Boad. —Two sums, of £100 and £70 6s. 4d. respectively, were granted to the Hutt County Council for work to be done on this road, and a portion was performed, as stated in my last annual report. In connection with the first sum named, the road has been cleared of scrub, slips have been removed, and a portion widened; 17 chains were also metalled; 12 chains of the road were converted from a 4ft. to a 12ft. dray-road, and a deviation 9 chains in length made. The second sum mentioned is for the purpose of constructing a 20ft.-span bridge in the Belmont Riding, Hutt County. The length of road now open is ten miles, and, when carried through, will connect the Upper Hutt with the West Coast, crossing the Tararua Eanges. Whiteman's Valley Boad. —This road is situated in the Mungaroa Eiding, in the Hutt County. 62 chains of dray-road 12ft. wide have been formed during the past year; six 9in. and three 12in. pipe-culverts have been laid, totalling in length 126 ft. There are 62 chains of road yet to be formed. A grant of £200 was given to the Hutt County Council to assist in the above work, which is still progressing. Paikakariki-Waikanae Main Boad (Paraparaumu to Waikanae). —This section of road forms

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part of the main line between Wellington and Pahnerston North. Since the 31st March, 1895, three miles of bush have been felled and cleared, and 3 miles 56 chains of road have been formed 18ft. wide; thirty earthenware glazed culverts, varying in size from 9in. to 2ft., a total length of 960 ft., have been laid; 26 chains of side-drains made, and 240 cubic yards of rock have been excavated. Owing to the insufficiency of funds, 36 chains of this section still remain undone : provision for completing this short distance will no doubt be made in due course. The continuation of this line through the Te Horo Biding, between the Waikanae Eiver and Hadfield (a distance of four miles and a half), has been explored and reported upon by myself, and when it is formed the connecting-link on the main road from Wellington to Palmerston North will be complete, and will prove of great benefit to the settlers for stock-driving purposes, as at present cattle have to be driven, round by the sea-beach. During the year a very great quantity of work has passed through my hands. 93 miles 23 chains of engineering surveys have been made—24 miles 61 chains under Mr. E. H. Eeaney, and 68 miles 52 chains under my own supervision. 108 miles 40 chains of drayroad, and 98 miles 30 chains of horse-road has been maintained, making a total of 206 miles 70 chains. Also, 565 contracts have been let, creating employment for 1,710 men. Thirty-one bridges have been erected, totalling in length 1,970 ft.; 44 miles 40 chains of dray-road and 51 miles 10 chains of horse-road have been constructed, and 6 miles 20 chains of dray-road and 1 mile 71 chains of horse-road have been improved ; 85,171 cubic yards of rock have been excavated; 1,056 culverts of various sizes, from 6in. in diameter to sft. by sft. box-culvert, have been laid, totalling in length three miles and a quarter. There were also a great quantity of slips removed, and other work done. The clerical and draughting worK during the year increased considerably, mainly owing to the extra work entailed through Mr. Eeaney's roads having been handed over to my charge; and, notwithstanding the fact that additional assistance was granted, a deal of overtime work had to be performed. A. C. Tuener, Eoad-surveyor.

NELSON. Nelson-Havelock Road. —A grant of £100 was made to the Waimea County, and has been expended in maintenance and repairs generally between Nelson and the Wangamoa Saddle, a length of thirty miles. Belgrove-Westport-Reefton Road. —Last year has been the first since the department took over the road from the counties, and it has now been brought into good condition for tourist and other traffic. It was found that seven of the maintenance contracts had been taken too low, and had to be given up; when, by instructions, the work was carried on by day-labour. During the months of September, January, and March unusually heavy floods took place, each one of which caused a considerable amount of injury to bridges, river-banks, and road, especially to the latter, by heavy slips and washouts, causing heavy blocks, necessitating a number of extra hands being employed to open the road for wheeled traffic as speedily as could be done. The March flood was the heaviest known in the Buller Eiver for ten years previously, the damage done by which extended over a length of eighty miles, the road for several chains near the Lyell having slipped bodily into the river; while the Ohika Bridge had 10ft. depth of backwater over it. Nineteen new bridges have been constructed, from 15ft. to 130 ft. spans; and sixteen bridges, from 15ft. to 440 ft. spans, have been repaired and mainly replanked. The number of open watercourses crossing the road rendered travelling by coach very rough and disagreeable, and forty-six box-culverts have been substituted, and the surface brought up to the grade. Fifty-six miles in length have been remetalled. A deviation 9 chains in length has been made near Longford, and several others are still required, to ease some very steep grades. Portions of the road having been continually cut up in winter by carting coal to several of the river-dredges in carts with narrow tyres, it became necessary to issue a Proclamation of by-laws by the Minister of Lands regulating the traffic. At the Waitahu Bridge approaches the last flood has washed away part of the river-bank, which will require protectiveworks ; and at Larry's Creek Bridge much damage was done. In March a contract was accepted for the reconstruction of the Eeefton Bridge, to the amount of £750. Belgrove-Tophouse-Tarndale Road. —The Waimea County has expended a sum of £165 on the maintenance and repairs of twenty miles in length, £100 of which was granted by Government, and the balance came out of the county funds. Prom Tophouse to Tarndale the road is in the Amuri County, which has done nothing whatever to keep it in repair for some years, and for a distance of seventeen miles it is nearly impassable for dray-traffic. £100 has been granted, of which £58 Bs. 9d. has been expended on protection work on the Buller River to preserve the road near the slips. A new bridge is required at Hell's Gate, Wairau Gorge, which will shortly be taken in hand. Blenlieim-Kaikoura-Waiau. —A maintenance contract for the year of twenty miles in length was let for £144. In May a grant of £80 was made, and with this sum about 20 chains length of cutting into the Conway River was widened, and the roadway brought up to the level over four large culverts near the Whale's Back, a work that was much needed. Takaka Roads and Bridges. —A grant of £200 made to the Colling wood County has been expended in making deviations on the East Takaka Road, and in widening a horse-track along the east bank of the Takaka River into a dray-road, thus avoiding two crossings of the river. This work extends over a distance of five miles, and £100 is to be expended in metalling. A new bridge, of 40ft. span, has been constructed over the Gorge Creek. Ferntown-Pakawau Road. —The Collingwood County was granted £200 for this road, but work 10—C. 1,

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has been delayed pending the settlement of land-claims. The necessary plans required in taking the land for the road under the Public Works Act have been supplied to the county by the department, and the process is in transit. Lloyd's Valley Boad. —A sum of £50 has been expended by Waimea County in the formation of 40 chains of cart-road. Biwaka-Sandy Bay.—h. grant of £30 has been expended by the Biwaka Boad Board in the repairs of about three miles and a half length. Brooklyn Valley. —£so has been expended by the Eiwaka Boad Board in forming 7 chains of bridle-track and general repairs on one mile and a half of dray-road. Wakefield—Quail Valley. —A grant of £100 has been expended by the Waimea County in the formation and metalling of 52 chains of dray-road. Mangles Boad. —No work on this road has been done during the year. Bkvaka Bridge. —A grant of £500 has been made to the Waimea County for this work, which has been constructed at a total cost of £680, the difference in amount having been supplemented from county funds. The structure is 210 ft. in length, consisting of seven spans, each 30ft. 14in. wide, and is built of black-birch timber, and the work completedin a satisfactory manner for draytraffic. Biwaka Valley Boad. —A sum of £300 has been granted to the Biwaka Boad Board, and contracts are in course of preparation. Waimea West. —Contracts for this road are in preparation. Waimea County Boads. —£so was granted to the Waimea County for general repairs of flooddamages to roads throughout the county, and £150 for formation of dray-road over Dovedale Hill, 40 chains in length, 20ft. wide; and bushfelling, 66ft. wide, completed. Wakefield-Stanley Brook. —£2oo was granted to Waimea County for repairs to this road, which was destroyed by floods. This has been temporarily restored for a distance of eight miles and a half, and tenders will be shortly issued to complete the work. Dove Biver Bridge. —£2oo granted to Waimea County. Plans and specifications have been prepared for a bridge 13ft. wide, and of a proposed length of 82ft., in three spans—one of 30ft. and two of 26ft. ; and the contract will shortly be let. Quail Valley. —£loo to Waimea County has been granted. This work has not yet been undertaken. Wairoa Gorge Boad. —£lso granted. Tenders have been accepted for 32 chains of formation 14ft. wide, and widening 9 chains in length of old 6ft.-wide horse-track into a 14ft.-wide dray-road, the latter construction being mostly through rock. Canaan Boad. —£100 granted to Collingwood County. This work has been delayed pending the acquisition of land to be taken for a road through freehold properties. Mackay's Pass Boad. —£364 to Collingwood County. The work done consists of 133 chains length of formation 16ft. wide, chiefly on side-cutting, with ditching, culverts, small bridges, and metalling; 23£ chains length lowered to ease steep grades. The total cost has been £514, the Council finding £150 to complete the work, which has been satisfactorily done. Takaka-Collingiuood-Inland Boad. —£lso was granted to the Collingwood County. Plans and specifications are in hand, but delay has occurred in acquiring land for deviations from the road reserve through freehold properties. Takaka-Biwaka Boad. —£2oo was granted, supplemented by £186 10s. sd. from the Collingwood County. This road was badly damaged by slips, which have been removed, and the formation widened at several narrow parts. Water-tables cleared and extra drainage-pipes put in in lieu of culverts for a length of about six miles and a half, and the road is now in good condition. Wangapeka-Wangamii Boad. —The sum of £660 19s. lid. has been expended on this road under co-operative labour. At the Wangapeka end 5 miles 73 chains of bush-clearing 66ft. wide, stumping 12ft. wide, and formation 4ft. in solid, 6ft. wide, has been constructed. The work was let in twenty-five contracts, averaging about 20 chains in length each, and completed, and twenty men employed. On the 16th March work was commenced at the West Coast end at the Little Wanganui Biver. Five contracts similar to the above were let to twenty-four men, of the value of £328. Seddonville-Mokihinui. —£100 was granted to the Buller County, under whom a contract has been let for the widening of 70 chains length of 4ft. horse-track to Bft. width, and the work is in hand. Fairdown-Waimangaroa. —£200 granted to the Buller County. This work is being laid out by the county inspector, and tenders will be called for it as soon as the plans, &c, are prepared. Mud Flat-Karamea-Oparara. —At the beginning of the year there was left a credit balance of £331 155., and out of this sum £287 6s. 6d. has been expended in forming 65 chains of bridle-track 6ft. wide on the flat, 7ft. on sideling ground, and Bft. in breast-cuttings. The bush has been felled 66ft. wide, and the ground cleared 16ft. on each side of centre line, metalling 4ft. width and Bin. depth. The work has been done by co-operative labour. Granity Creek-Ngakawau. —£loo granted to the Buller County. Tenders for this work will shortly be out. Beefton-Maruia-Inangahua. —£300 granted to the Inangahua County. The county engineer is engaged in laying off this work. John S. Bkowning, Chief Surveyor.

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MAELBOEOUGH. Blenheim, Kaikoura, Waiau lioad. —Deviation at Ure and Flag Eivers.—This work, carried out by the Awatere Eoad Board, was designed to avoid the long, heavy stretch of sand between the above rivers. Plans were submitted to this office, and, though consideration rather showed that the best route had not been selected, it was thought that this was due to insufficiency of funds preventing the adoption of the most direct line. On several of the gradients being improved and brought within the limits of the regulations the plans were approved, and the work carried out to completion under the supervision of this office. Though the deviation in no degree shortens the distance, the substitution of a metalled road of fairly easy gradients for the toilsome sand meets with favourable notice and approval. Length of deviation, 2 miles 35 chains. Improvements on the above line of road at Lynton Downs and Kahautara have been carried out by the Kaikoura County Council, supplemented by a Government grant. Deep cuttings were made, the work generally demanded more than the average cost per chain. Length of new road, 1 mile 29 chains; expenditure (grant-in-aid), £240. Waihopai Bridge. —This structure, which was erected during the previous year, has recently been improved by bracing of the piles with iron braces, and raising the embanked approaches, the subsidence in which was partially caused by river-scour. For the protection of the riverbanks 3,000 willow-slips have been planted, and, with few exceptions, are doing well; the bridgedecking has been tarred and sanded, bolts tightened up, hand-rails painted, and other improvements made. These works tend to strengthen the bridge, and have been carried out by the Wairau Eoad Board, assisted by a grant of £100. Footbridge, Taylor River. —A bridge of 286 ft. in length, and of eleven spans, has been erected over the above river by the Wairau Eoad Board, and a grant-iu-aid of £50 was made to that body. The completion of this work is of the greatest service to residents in the Fairhall district. Blenheim-Havelock Ferry-house. —A house of six rooms, now nearing completion, is being erected between the Opawa and Wairau river-fords for the accommodation of the fords caretaker. The grant-in-aid of £200 will be supplemented by the sum of £28 by the four local public bodies interested. The immediate direction of this work was undertaken by the Wairau Eoad Board; the plans and specifications were submitted to and approved by this office, which also supervised the work. Picton-Waikawa. —Of this road 60 chains have been cleared, widened, and generally improved, and a footbridge of 40ft. span has been erected over the Waikawa Creek. The limited amount of funds available (£100) will prevent the road being metalled at present. This is much required, and, as the road is largely used as a pleasure resort by residents of Picton, it is proposed to ask for an additional sum to be placed on the estimates for this work. Mahakipawa-Kenepuru. —This road has during the year been further extended for a distance of 3 miles 56 chains, and is being continued from Mahau "Sound in the direction of Kenepuru. This line of road is one of the most important in the Sounds, putting ultimately a long stretch of tracks in Pelorus Sound, Mahau Sound, Kenepuru Sound, Manaroa, Clova, Beatrix, Crail and Hopai Bays, in connection with the Ports of Havelock and Picton and the main roads of the province. To complete the work connections will require to be made between Ohinitaha (Mahau Sound) with Te Mehia Bay, and the latter bay with Torea. Anakoa-Manaroa. —Of this line of road 4 miles 17 chains of bush have been felled and cleared, and a bridle-road formed. In connection with Manaroa-Okoha, this road will connect Manaroa, Clova, Beatrix, Forsyth, Lewis, and Anakoa Bays; and will, by way of Kenepuru-Manaroa and Mahakipawa-Kenepurn, complete communication with the arterial roads of the province. Kenepuru-Manaroa. —Plans and specifications for improving and metalling about four miles of bridle-track over the Manaroa Saddle have been prepared, and the work has been put under contract. The opening-up of roads and bridle-tracks in the Sounds district has caused an increased traffic in stock, and a great part of this has concentrated on the above line, which traverses generally through dense bush country, and it becomes during wet seasons almost impassable. Kenepuru-Anakoa. —On 63 chains of this road heavy bush has been felled and partly cleared 1 chain wide; the completion of the clearing is being held over for more favourable weather. Plans and specifications for four bridges, of a total aggregate length of 118 ft., have been prepared, and the work of their erection will be commenced at an early date. They are intended to cross creeks which are tributaries of the Kenepuru Eiver. Whatamonga-Port Underwood. —This bridle-road has been carried on for a distance of 79 chains, and a foot-bridge of 86ft. span has been erected over the Whatamonga Stream. It is proposed to complete the bridle-road over Separation Saddle and on to Ngakutu Bay. At this point, in addition to its utility to settlers of Port Underwood proper, it will prove of service to residents of Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound who may require, in any emergency, land-communication with Picton. Crail Bay. —This line of bridle-road commences at Te Mautau-a-Mahi Bay (Keneperu Sound), and crosses the intervening saddle between that bay and Wet Inlet (Crail Bay) at an elevation above H.W.M. of 610 ft. At the present date about 42 chains of this line have been formed, through, dense bush, the bush being felled and logged up 1 chain in width, and felling commenced on the upgrade. The low height of this saddle—6loft. —in comparison with that of Manaroa—97sft.—and the length of road from water to water being only about one-half, and the firmer character of the country for road-formation, will probably make this the favoured route for settlers having the option of using either road. This would relieve the road over the Manaroa Saddle, and cause a demand for the opening-up of a road around the coast from Te Mautau-a-Mahi Bay to Waitaria, to enable the settlers to have better means of communication with outside markets, by way of MahakipawaKenepuru Eoad.

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Manaroa-Okoha. —ln conjunction with the Anakoa-Manaroa Eoad (previously alluded to), this line of road will form a connection between Clova and Anakoa (or Okoha) Bays, and when completed they will be within easy communication of Titirangi. Out of a total length of twenty-five miles, 4 miles 74 chains have been completed under authority issued for Manaroa-Okoha, and 4 miles 17 chains under the authority for Anakoa-Manaroa, or a total of 9 miles 11 chains, one-half (approximate) having been cut through dense bush. In the estimates, further sums are asked to complete the line to Anakoa, also to form a branch line from the saddle, near where it passes to the north of Beatrix Bay. Along the ridge, in the direction of Kenny's Isle, for a distance of about three miles the settlers propose to complete the work at their own cost. White's Bay-Port Underwood. —Between White's Bay and Port Underwood a new bridle-track has been cut, and 50 chains of the old line have been improved. This line will shortly be further extended to join the Whatamonga-Port Underwood Road, giving settlers of the Port more direct means of communication with Picton, vid Whatamonga and Blenheim, by way of Cloudy Bay. Manaroa-Hopai. —Instructions have been issued for the formation of this bridle-road, and its length—4 miles 40 chains—has been graded. 1 mile 20 chains will be through heavy biish, the remainder of the country, with the exception of a few patches of scrub, being open and good roadmaking country. To the north of Hopai Bay the road will cross a saddle 530 ft. above high-water mark, reached from Hopai at a gradient of 1 in 11. From this saddle the gradients will be easy to Manaroa. The completion of this track is much needed for postal purposes and stock traffic by settlers. It is proposed, therefore, to place on the estimates a sum sufficient to complete the work. Nydia Bay-Havelock Road. —An extension of this road has been made and partly formed around the head of Nydia Bay, 63 chains of heavy bush having been felled and cleared, and the formation completed throughout the length of the clearing. The connection of this road with the Nelson-Havelock Eoad is now also complete. The overseer in charge of the MahakipawaKenepuru Eoad has been instructed to resume work on this line, starting in Nydia Bay, immediately he has finished the work he is now engaged on. Bonga Valley. — The grading, bushfelling, and clearing on the Valley section of the OkiwiEonga bridle-track has been completed for a distance of 2 miles 12 chains, and the width of clearing is 33ft.; and it is under contract by settlers of the district. The formation of the track is proposed to be commenced at an early date. Okkvi-Bonga. —A section of the Okiwi-Eonga bridle-track has been graded and cleared under contract, in connection with that of Eonga Valley; distance, 3 miles 73 chains. On the Okiwi side of the saddle, which is crossed at a height of about 1,550 ft. above high water-mark, the country is rather rough, and no more favourable gradient could be got after leaving the foot of the range than lin 10, and this only by a zig-zag. Though rough, a sound bridle-track might be formed, both hard and dry for the greater part of the year. This work is to be put in hand with the Eonga Valley section, communication being required by settlers at as early a date as possible, for postal and business purposes, with Havelock and Nelson, via Eonga Valley and Eai Valley Eoad. Redwood Pass Road. —lmprovements on this line have been continued during the year, consisting chiefly of widening, draining, and metalling sections on the road, measuring in the aggregate seven miles. Though this road is now in fair working order, there still remain about 80 chains which require metalling and widening to thoroughly complete the work. This road leads direct to Lower Awatere, and is of comparatively easy gradients for a mountain-road. It passes over the lowest saddle in the range, is the direct route to, and is most generally used by settlers of, Lower Awatere, Starboro', and Blind Eiver, who would appreciate further improvements on this line of road if made. The foregoing works have been carried out by the Omaka Eoad Board under the supervision of this office. Brown River Bridge. —Plans and specifications of a 45ft.-span bridge have been prepared for the use of the Pelorus Eoad Board, to whom they have been sent. Tenders have been invited for its erection under the supervision of this office, and a contract has been entered into by the Board, to whom a grant-in-aid of £200 for this work has been made. Jordan Bridge, Awatere. —This work is being undertaken by the Awatere Eoad Board, assisted by a grant-in-aid on a£l for £1 basis of £500. The bridge will be of four spans—viz., two of 30ft., one of 80ft., and one of 55ft. The monolithic concrete piers were completed in January last, and these are now well set to receive the superstructures now in course of construction. The formation of 40 chains of dray-road will be required to complete connections with the present road. Onamalutu Valley. —Re-forming, draining, culverting, and metalling of 78 chains of this road has been completed. Forty-five chains of the road were metalled with material carted from the Eiver Wairau: this has proved a distinct advantage over pit-metal obtained near the works. A grant of £200 for this road was made to the Wairau Eoad Board, subject to the usual conditions. Bartlett's Creek. —A bridle-road has been cut round the north bank of the Wairau River from Langleydale, of a width of 6ft. in the solid, and for the most part through rock. Several bluffs had to be cut away, and one showed a face-batter of 45ft. when finished. Though generally 6ft. in the solid, this width has been increased in dangerous places. For this work the Wairau Eoad Board received a grant of £200. The continuation of this road to Mount Patriarch would render access to the diggings easier in that district. Blind River Roads. —The works on these roads were carried out on co-operative lines by settlers on the estate. They comprised 53 chains of road formation, erection of a bridge of 16ft. 6in. span (timber used in its construction), 3,715 superficial feet, and five culverts, requiring 4,250 superficial feet. Additional roading is urgently required, and many settlers complain that to reach the main road they are compelled to trespass on neighbours' sections; whilst, with two or three exceptions only, all settlers on the estate do so over lands which are parts of Starboro' and Flaxbourne Estates. Sidney Weetman, Chief Surveyor.

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WBSTLAND. Beefton-Hokitika-Boss Boad. —The expenditure for the year in connection with this road has been considerable. This arose from the fact that the county had allowed the road to go out of repair before it was taken over by the Government. A considerable number of men, besides the ordinary road-men, have been employed in renewing nearly all the culverts, repairing and rebuilding small bridges, breaking and spreading metal, &c. The most extensive special works have been the deviation of portion of the road near Rimu and the erection of two bridges on the new work ; this has been carried out under the supervision of Road Inspector Rassmussen, to whom I must here give a word of praise for his competent supervision. Further reference is made to this deviation in the report on co-operative works. Another very necessary work was the repairs to the Kanieri Bridge. The late Inspector Thomson carefully went into the matter, and suggested extensive repairs estimated to cost about £800. As this amount was not available, I asked Inspector Mclntosh to make a further inspection with a view to reducing the amount. This he has done, the result being that temporary repairs have now been effected, at a cost of £142, which will render the bridge safe for some years. Another extremely costly portion of this road is the section or branch from Kumara to the railway-station. Tbe traffic on this is the heaviest in the district. Heavy loading and narrow tires necessitate the use of a great quantity of broken metal. A further expenditure in the same direction will be required for the current year in metalling the road throughout. If the road were to remain under the control of this department I would strongly recommend that broad tires be made compulsory on all heavy drays and wagons travelling along this road. Hokitika-Ghristchurch Boad. —The works carried out on this road consist of general maintenance, repairs to damages caused by floods, clearing the road of snow, and regravelling certain portions which formerly were under county control. The first has been of the usual character, but somewhat heavier than usual. The second has also been heavier than average years. The excessive rainfall and periodically frequent floods brought down slips, scoured out the creek and river-crossings, and generally did considerable damage. It has been noted that during the last twelve months the floods have been more numerous and higher than those of many previous years, while the snowfall has been deeper and more continuous than that of the last seventeen years. With vigorous work by the two men stationed there and outside assistance, the Inspector was able to keep the road clear for pack-horse and coach traffic. A special report on this road by Inspector Mclntosh is attached hereto. I might, however, point out that expenditure on improvements carried out on the main road, formerly under county control, has been fully double the ordinary cost of maintenance, and in future years should show a substantial reduction. Stafford-W aimea Boad. —Three contracts have been let and two completed on this road during the year. This work proceeds slowly, as the last year's vote was sufficient for a short distance only. Woodstock-Mahinapua Boad. —A portion of this road was carried on during the year, but the vote was insufficient to complete it. Dawson Boad. —This is being carried out under subsidised conditions. The contractor is, however, making very slow progress. The wet nature of the work and the season has told somewhat against him. Waiho Biver Bridge. —The completion of this bridge has proved a great boon to the miners living on both sides of the Waiho, and tourists can now reach the Franz Josef Glacier at all times of the year, without running any risk in fording the river. This favourite sight is being gradually brought within easy distance of Hokitika. The widening of the Main South Road is yearly being extended further south, and the short intervening gap between Mount Hercules and Okarito, when complete, will render the road available for wheel traffic to within twelve miles of this glacier. Another means of reaching this wonder-spot of South Westland is by the s.s. " Waipara," which makes two-monthly trips to Okarito, remaining sufficient time (in summer) to enable one to ride to the glacier and back. Boss to Beefton Boad. —This road was taken over by the Government in December, 1894. Evidently it has been neglected for a number of years, for the roadway was much worn. The water-tables were all filled, and did not act. A rank growth of scrub encroached on the sides. The culverts in several instances were completely decayed and dangerous ; others were partly decayed, and in need of repairs. The bridges also were not safe, and had to be repaired immediately. All this meant a press of work at once, and a considerable expenditure in order to place it in fair condition, and safe for traffic. lam glad to say that this was accomplished as speedily as possible, with due regard to economy, so that it has been in good order and safe at least since the end of October last. From Ross to Hokitika the road received a thorough overhaul. The scrub growing on the sides was cut down. The water-tables were cleaned out. Certain parts were re-formed and gravelled Other parts that were the most worn received a good coat of broken metal to the extent of 900 yards. There are still about 300 yards in reserve for future use in the incoming winter. Twenty big culverts were renewed, and six repaired with new coverings only. Seven old box-culverts have been renewed, one of these with iron pipes. The bridge over Donnelly's Greek, joining the Ross Borough boundary, ia about to be repaired with a few new stringers and planking for the deck. The timber for this work is nearly all on the ground, and the work will commence at once. A new bridge, 20ft. long, has been built in place of an old culvert that was too small to carry the flood-water at a creek two miles from Ross, at Clare's farm. Dusky's Creek Bridge and Deep Creek Bridge were much decayed, and had to be kept in temporary repair pending the completion of deviation at that place.

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Kanieri Bridge, about 821 ft. long, has received substantial repairs. The decayed cross-beams, lateral bearers, lateral braces, stays and butts to diagonals, -which were decayed, were renewed, and the whole decking overhauled and repaired with new planking where the old was too far gone. This bridge is now in good order, and will last at least ten or twelve years more, with only slight repairs to deck occasionally. A deviation of 1 mile 28 chains, with its culverts and two bridges, was made south of Rimu at Deep Creek and Dusky's farm, in order to avoid two steep hills and renewing two bridges that were in a dangerous condition. There were eight culverts made of earthenware pipes, being as cheap as timber, and more lasting. The bridge over Deep Creek is 74ft. long, and that over Dusky's Creek 44ft. long. This was a most important work, and a great improvement on the old part, which was too steep for any traffic. In order to show the necessity of this deviation, I may remark that just as it was finished one of the old bridges broke down beyond our ability to repair it. Two new huts for the surface-men were erected at convenient distances. One hut was handed over by the County Council, together with the road, so that the men are now quite comfortable. That part from Hokitika to Kumara also received substantial repairs, similar to that between Boss and Hokitika, especially from Flowery Creek on to Kumara. This, being the most worn, received in certain places a good coat of metal, to the extent of 268 yards. There are about 100 yards in reserve for winter use. Other parts received a coat of gravel Bin. thick the whole width of the road, and several places were repaired in patches. The scrub encroaching on the side was cut down, and the water-tables, side-drains, and outlet-drains were cleared out in the worst parts, where the swamp and surface-water was on a level with the road. This part of the work has improved these places very much, but there is still more of the kind required in other places as soon as circumstances will permit. The Kapitea Bridge received substantial repairs to the under-work and the decking. The decking of all the other bridges on this section also received slight repairs, namely, Little Kapitea, Waimea, Stafford, Piper's Flat, Flowery Creek, Arahura, Four-mile and Three-mile Bridges—in all, nine bridges. Four log-culverts, two box-culverts, and one pipe-culvert have been renewed ; about nine received partial repairs to their sides and coverings. Kumara Beach Road, from the Railway-station to Kumara. —This road was handed over to the department about the Ist of June. The new work which had been done by the Public Works Department was cut up very much by the heavy traffic, which increased to an extraordinary extent about this time, on account of passengers and goods per rail, two sawmills and timbersplitting along the road, so that it was difficult to aope with its maintenance. The upper portion, from the town boundary to below the racecourse, over a mile, formed some years previously, was also worn-out and in bad order. This part received a good coat of gravel, 6in. thick and 12ft. wide on the top, from the upper end to about half a mile, and the next half-mile received a coat of metal 6in. thick and 10ft. wide on the top. A further distance of about 18 chains received a coat of metal 3ft. wide under each wheel-track, omitting 4ft. in the centre where the horses travel. From the above downwards to the station the ruts were kept filled with gravel and broken mecal in certain places, until the whole turned solid by the traffic. In this manner about 550 yards of broken metal were used on this road. There are still on hand about 224 yards, which will be spread further on this winter. The result of the above is a good hard road these last three months or so, sufficient for heavy traffic in good weather, with occasional repairs, but nothing short of metalling the whole distance will be sufficient in wet weather. A log-culvert, 6ft. span, has been renewed in the old portion of this road. Ilokitika-Chnstchurch Road. —This road, from Kumara to Arthur's Pass, has received extensive repairs in gravelling. First, from McConnon's Mill to Harcourt's (about six miles), and from near the Taipo up to McDonald's, there were long stretches that were much worn, and these received a good coat of coarse gravel; and at present the horses and six men are engaged in gravelling from Kumara Town boundary on to McConnon's Mill, a distance of one mile and three-quarters, which is worn down to the formation, and much out of order. In that short section of about seven miles between Kumara and Harcourt's twenty-five log-culverts have been renewed, and five repaired with new covering only. Further on, between Taipo and Eocky Point, one log-culvert and four boxculverts were renewed. In the Otira Gorge, about half a chain of timber-work (heavy beams and uprights), on which the road was built, was broken away by a large rock and other debris that came down the face of the hill. A temporary passage was made without delay, and permanent repairs were completed in two weeks from the time it broke away. These repairs required a large quantity of heavy timber, that had to be carted a distance of three miles. The Eangiriri Crossing was raised in the bottom about 22in. higher than it was, as it was dangerous to cross it even in ordinary floods, on account of the back-water from the Teremakau Eiver. It can now be crossed safely in higher floods, as there is room for flood-water to spread over the flat, and thus leave the ford at a less depth to cross. The Wainihinihi Ford has been carried away and renewed on two occasions, and the Qtira fords have been cut up severely on three occasions, which required a considerable amount of additional labour to place them in order. Pegleg Creek Crossing, near the top of Otira Gorge, was also carried away on three occasions, and a new crossing had to be made each time. This being a rapid mountain-stream, no permanent crossing can be made, as everything would be swept away in high floods. In June and July last four separate falls of snow occurred on Arthur's Pass, which blocked the road for traffic, and caused a large amount of extra labour, as it was necessary to clear the road on each of the four occasions. The mails had to be carried through on pack-horses for about three weeks or so, on account of the larger quantity of snow on the Canterbury side,

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The bridge at Harcourt's (99ft. long), the Taipo Bridge (475 ft. long), the Wainihinihi Bridge (87ft. long), and a small bridge at Fred. George's property (22ft. long) have been redecked with, new planking of the best quality, a work that was much required, the old decking being much decayed and dangerous. These several bridges will now last for many years to come. A hut for the road-men was removed from the lower end of Beech Road and set up midway between Kumara and Harcourt's, where we also built a temporary stable. An addition of two rooms with a chimney was made to the road-man's hut below the Taipo ; also, an addition of two rooms, a verandah, and two chimneys wae made to the road-man's hut at the foot of Otira Gorge. A cottage of four rooms, with an outhouse, was built at the camp for the man stationed there, in place of the overseer's old house, which was disposed of, with other small outbuildings, to the Public Works Department for removal on constructing that part of the railway passing through the camp. In the face of much severe weather, these works were carried on diligently, and made excellent progress, and, apart from the new work being somewhat heavy for wheel traffic the first week or two, these roads were maintained in good order during the year. Whitcombe Valley Track. —The total length of the track surveyed is from a point opposite Diedrich's station, on Hokitika River-bed, to a cairn on the saddle at head of Whitcombe River =24 miles 35 chains; and from thence down the Couper Stream to Rakaia River-bed, 3-J- miles. For a distance of fifteen miles the track follows the western banks of the Hokitika and Whitcombe Rivers. At that point it crosses to Price's Flat, on the eastern side, and continues so up to the saddle. From starting-point to 17-mile peg I have roughly benched the line wherever required. Out of this distance, fifteen miles is very fairly done, and walking rendered quite comfortable. Of course, the track, being only about 2ft. in width, is only adapted for foot traffic. The cost of this 17 miles is about £21 per mile, or ss. 3d. per chain; but, deducting four miles of river-bed which required no outlay, the cost is raised to £27 10s. per mile, or, say, 7s. per chain. From the 17-mile peg to the saddle the line is only blazed, and tracks cut over the roughest of the points and wherever the immense rocks on the river-bed prevent further progress. The cost of this work came to about £4 per mile. From the saddle down the Louper I was only able to chain the route so as to connect with the trig, tube on Rakaia River-bed, near Duncan's hut. There will be no difficulty in taking a first-class stock-track down the Louper at a cost of from £30 to £40 per mile. The season throughout, from the Ist November last year, when I commenced the work, to date, has been exceptionally wet, and undoubtedly the worst experienced in Westland since 1866. The time lost during the progress of the work was thirty-four days (out of a total of 118 working-days), at an average cost of £3 per day = £102. This made a serious inroad on a small vote. The packing also was very expensive, as there was no possibility of using horses. This item alone came to £54 per ton. We had eleven heavy floods during the season, but the greatest was on the 24th March, when the river rose over 40ft. in some of the gorges, giving a good opportunity for noting the best and most secure bridge-sites for future reference. On the occasion referred to it rained continuously for fifty hours. I had also an excellent check on the aneroid readings for height of the Whitcombe Pass, as I had four separate values—the mean of these giving 4,025 ft. above sea-level. A fairly good grade for track can be obtained on the Westland ascent to the 20-mile peg ; thence to the Pass an average grade might be had of 1 in 10, and on the Canterbury fall of, say, lin 16. A good pack-track can be constructed at a reasonable cost, taking into consideration the very rough nature of the country. I estimate the cost of a sft. horse-track—clearing 16ft. in width—can be made for an average of £100 per mile, including river-beds and open country: in addition to this, provision would require to be made for bridges, to which I will again refer. As there is no ford during summer months on the whole Whitcombe or Cropp rivers which can be depended on for the passage of foot-men or sheep, it will be necessary to bridge the main stream twice—at Natural Bridge site, and again at the Lower Gorge. The estimated cost of bridges which I have scheduled is £840. Some of the smaller ones might be dispensed with, but all the creeks are impassable for sheep after a few hours' rain. I carefully watched and noted the various crossingplaces marked on the old map which was compiled from the result of a midwinter trip, and am satisfied that .during the five months I spent on the river there were only two occasions on which the river was fordable on foot at a depth of 3ft.—each period lasting only two or three days. We had to build a canoe to cross at Price's Flat, as the Natural Bridge site proved to be most unsuitable for rigging up ladders, ropes, &c. The site can be used for a suspension bridge—lo6ft. span, and clear of all floods ; solid rock on both sides. The ford can be used for cattle and horses. Good log-bridges may be used for all the small creeks, as the timber (totara and cedar) is easily procurable. A strange fact which I noted is that both these timbers have been of late years attacked with a disease in the form of a white hanging mass which envelops the tops of the highest trees and gradually kills them, working downwards. It looks as if these magnificent forests will be extinct in the course of a few years. The same thing occurs on the Canterbury side of the range. A few of the creeks-beds will require blasting in order to flatten them for horse-traffic. There are seven bad bluffs and slips on the line, the worst of which are Dick's Bluff, 80ft. in height; Brow Bluff, 60ft. to 80ft.; Chlorite Creek, and a slip of shattered rock 24 chains in length—say, 400 ft. in height, near the Natural Bridge site, at 14-J miles. These bluffs are constantly falling during rain, and no track can be maintained along the foot without some attention. I have noted all these items on the accompanying map. The principal topographical feature being taken from Mr. C. E. Douglas's reconnaisance survey of 1893, together with full notes of the character of country and elevations, the various changes of rock, with dip, strike, &c, have been noted by Mr. Douglas, and specimens in each case have been collected and carefully described by him.

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The cave camp, situated on a small river-beach at the 20-mile peg, will form the headquarters, from whence easy excursions can be made to other glaciers, and to the saddle, 2,000 ft. above, and distant only four miles and a half, from whence a glorious view can be obtained of the magnificent Arrowsmith Eange, Neave Mountain, Louper Peak, and the Eakaia Eiver-bed. Where else in New Zealand could such scenery be visited in such a space of time ? There is ample scope just here for the beginner in the alpine exploration to practice rockclimbing to a height of 8,000 ft., traversing ice- and snow-fields, and crossing the glaciers themselves. On our coast-line of two hundred miles we have at present only two roads across the Alps—the present Christchurch Eoad, and the horse-track via the Haast Pass, in the far south. What finer trip can be imagined than a ride from Hokitika to Ashburton via the Whtcombe Pass, and, by rail and coach, return by Arthur's Pass to the Coast again? There are so many objects of interest along the whole line of the Whitcombe Valley that it is difficult to particularise them all. The following appeared to me to be the most striking: The Derwent Crags, a fantastic pile of bare blue rock towering up some 500 ft. above the grassy slopes of Mount Tarleton. The Barron Cafion, perhaps the prettiest bit of scenery along the route. The Price Eiver is not very long; its principal characteristics are the cataract up its righthand branch—three leaps of about I,oooft. each —and the short cafion or gorge at its junction with the Whitcombe. A few chains through this gorge the Price is joined by the Warden Creek, a stream flowing through a veritable crack in the hills. The " Natural Bridge Site," a peculiar distribution of large boulders, which have rolled down from the adjacent mountains and lodged in the river. In dry weather the waters are forced underneath, but a flood rises 6ft. over all. The " Boulder Gates," formed of erratic boulders, one of which we measured and found to be 240 ft. by 230 ft. by 56ft. This is a size which puts the erratic at the Jura completely in the shade. I confidently look forward to this beautiful valley being one of New Zealand's greatest attractions before the lapse of many years. It only wants to be known to be appreciated. D. Bakeon, Chief Surveyor.

CANTEEBUEY. Waipara-Chrviot Road. —£2oo was authorised for the repair and shingling of this road. The work, the character of which I reported upon more fully last year, was carried out partly by contract and partly by day-labour, under the supervision of the Waipara Eoad Board. The total cost amounted to £219 15s. I found, on inspection, that the work had been satisfactorily carried out, and recommended payment of the amount authorised. Hokitika-Christchurch Road. —The expenditure on the Canterbury portion of chis road, fiftyone miles, under Mr. Hurrell, the Government Inspector, during the year, amounted to £1,869 10s. Bd. This is somewhat in excess of the average of previous years, and was due to the exceptional severity of the winter months. The snowfalls, especially, were very heavy. The snow lay deeply ■on the ground for ten weeks, blocking all wheel-traffic, despite the attempts of the Inspector, with a strong gang of men, to clear a track through the drifts on Porter's Pass and other high-lying sections of the road; but, owing to the dry, frosty weather, their efforts were only partially successful. The frosts broke up with rain in the beginning of September, followed by heavy floods, which destroyed fords, caused heavy landslips, and scoured and damaged the road from end to end. The destruction was most severe on Craigieburn, the Waimakariri, and the Bealey Valley cuttings. Since that time there have been numerous and damaging floods, and at present "the men are engaged repairing, with heavy log cribwork, a breach in the road just beyond the 48 milestone. A little further on a large slip took place quite recently, carrying away about 2 chains of the hillside ; meanwhile the wheel-traffic follows the old track in the river-bed. The employment of extra labour was found absolutely necessary to make good the breaches, slips, &c. The road throughout is now reported as being in fair condition, though the Inspector and surfacemen have had anxious and arduous work to keep it clear during the frequent storms and floods. Provision will require to be made this year for shingling the portion of the road between the 3and 20-mile pegs, long lengths of which are completely worn out. Roimata Settlement — Road- and Drain-construction. —£228 7s. 6d. was expended on the works during the year, comprising the formation of 48J chains of street 46ft. wide, and footpaths each lOft. wide; the construction of about 65 chains of open drains and 9 chains of covered drains, laid with 9in. earthenware pipes. These works were carried out partly by contract and partly by daylabour, the wage being at the rate of 6s. per day. All the sections in the settlement have fairly good drainage. A contract has recently been let for £295 19s. 4d. for metalling the street 16ft. wide, and for gravelling the footpaths, which will complete the whole of the work designed for the opening-up of this settlement. Akaroa Dairy Factories' Roads. —The £300 authorised for expenditure was expended by the Akaroa County Engineer on the roads leading to the German Bay, Wainui, Le Bon's Bay, Chorlton and Little Akaloa, and the Okain's Bay dairy factories, and the creamery at Little Eiver, as agreed upon between the directors of the factories and the Chairmen of the various Eoad Boards interested. The works, which are reported as complete, comprised benching and levelling and improving the original roads, constructing culverts and metalling ; the only new work being the formation of 42 chains through Eeserve No. 936 at Wainui. I have deferred authorising the payment of the above grant—viz., £300 —pending inspection of the works. A karoa Lighthouse Road. —£loo was authorised for expenditure on this work, particulars of which were given in last year's report. The work was inspected by me on the 21st November last, and found to have been satisfactorily carried out by the Akaroa and Wainui Boad Boards in accordance with the plans and specifications previously submitted for approval.

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Westerfield and Clearwell Village Settlements Water-supply. —£60 was authorised for expenditure. This work, which was carried out by the Ashburton County Engineer last September, affords a much-needed water-supply for all the sections in the above settlements. Hind's Village Settlement Water-supply. —£40 grant-in-aid was authorised for expenditure. This work was carried out by the Ashburton County Engineer last February, and was subsequently inspected by the Crown Lands Banger, who reported it satisfactory as giving a water-supply to the sections indicated on the plans. Boads in Reserve 1496, Ashburton. —£4s was authorised for expenditure. This work, which is now completed, comprised the improvement of 159 chains of roads, and the construction of a railway-crossing, and was carried out by the villagers under the supervision of the Wakanui Eoad Board. On inspection, the Crown Lands Ranger reported the work as having been satisfactorily completed. South Bakaia Village Settlement Boads. —£47s was authorised for expenditure. On inspecting the works, I found them to comprise shingling (15 cubic yards to the chain), 363 chains of roads, and re-forming where required, carried out by the villagers at an all-round wage of 6s. per day of eight hours, the men finding their own tools. For the plough-and-scoop work the rate for a man and horse was 9s. per day, and 12s. for two horses and man. Mayfield Village Settlement Boad. —£lo was authorised for expenditure. This work, which was carried out by the Rangitata Road Board, comprised stone-picking and filling up hollows on the road which fronts the settlement, and was reported by the Ranger as having been carried out satisfactorily. Buapuna Village Settlement Water-supply.— £75 was authorised for expenditure. The work was carried out by the Ashburton County, and comprised the construction of a water-race to provide a water-supply to each leasehold in the settlement; also, the excavation of storage-ponds. On the Ranger inspecting the works last February he found them satisfactorily constructed ; but there was no water available for the races. It appears that the adopted source of the supply is not a permanent stream, and at the period of the Ranger's inspection was practically dry. lam at present awaiting the Council's reply to my request for a report on the matter. Ilae-Hae-te-Moana Gorge Boad. —The grant-in-aid was £150, the Geraldine Road Board contributing an equal amount, which was supplemented by the thirds available from sections fronting on the road. The works which were carried on (between the 24th July and the 30th September) consisted of cuttings and the blasting of very hard bluestone rock, and were carried out by the unemployed in the district, under the supervision of the Geraldine Road Board's Overseer, at a daily wage of 4s. and ss. The co-operative system of contract, under which the work was originally intended to be performed, was found unsuitable, there being so much rockwork and the men inexperienced. The maximum number of men employed was forty-two, but there were only twentytwo at the end. The total expenditure on labour was £402 14s. Bd., and on tools, powder, dynamite, cartage, &c, £41 14s. 9d.: total, £444 9s. sd. The "road is now available for wheel-traffic for one mile and a half; but there are several points of rock which require blasting before a dray could be taken the whole length of three miles and a quarter, which is, however, available for driving stock without crossing the river-fords. Kereta Settlement Drainage-works. —A small contract, amounting to £3 2s. Bd., for clearing out 94 chains of drains in this settlement was carried out satisfactorily. Bridge over the Pukaki. —The balance of the subsidy due on this work —viz., £350 —was paid over. The structure, which is of a substantial character, has twelve 30ft. spans, or a total length of 360 ft., and is constructed, with the exception of the handrails and curb-beams, entirely of Australian ironbark. The work is a great boon to the stockowners in the back country, and available for tourists visiting Mount Cook and the Mackenzie lakes. Pukaki, Mount Cook Boad. —Hooker Bridge: £2135. 6d. was expended on this work during the year in renewing ten of the fourteen wires which were broken, and in replacing some of the woodwork which had been stripped and blown away. Though Mr. District Surveyor Brodrick reports the bridge as now being as strong as ever, he nevertheless considers the structure as being too light to resist for any great time the force of storms, and will eventually have to be strengthened by having an additional cable of at least 2in. in circumference added to each side. Fair lie—Pukaki, Pukaki-Omarama. —£6oo was authorised for expenditure. These works were carried out between the Bth October, 1895, and the 28th January, 1896, by the unemployed of Timaru, under the supervision of the Mackenzie County Engineer and Overseer. The number of men employed was twenty-nine, and the rate of pay 6s. per day. The works comprised widening the cutting at the east approach to the Fork Stream ford for a length of 3 chains ; formation of 70 chains of road! on the west side of the Fork Stream, near Balmoral Station, including the construction of two rubble culverts and 4 chains of shingling ; surfacing six miles and a half of road, from Simon's Pass to Lake Pukaki, and shingling 82 chains of west portion of same; formation of 52 chains of new road at Simon's Pass Downs, and shingling 17 chains of same, also construction of three rubble culverts; formation and shingling of 15J chains of road at west side of Pukaki Bridge ; surfacing and removing boulders from the road, Pukaki to Ohau Bridge, length four miles and a half, and repairs to approaches to Ohau Bridge, length 50 chains. I inspected the works in February last, and found them satisfactorily and economically carried out. Patoa Settlement. —White's Cutting : £50 was authorised for expenditure. This work comprises side-cutting along a steep terrace, to give the settlers access to the Hurunui River-bed; and is being carried out by six of the village settlers on the co-operative contract system, for the sum of £43 ss. 10d. I expect shortly to be advised of its completion. Pareora Settlement Boads. —£4o was authorised for expenditure. This work comprised 61-J chains flat formation, 25ft. wide, and the construction of a ford; and was carried out in a satisfactory manner by eight of the settlers, on the co-operative system, in three contracts. The 11—C. 1.

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expenditure to date is £28 10s. 6d. : I purpose expending the balance of the vote in gravelling the worst parts of the road, as soon as the formation sets. Waimate Gorge Drain. —£6l 2s. sd. authorised lor expenditure. This work, the character of which I fully reported on last year, is now satisfactorily completed, the total expenditure being £57 9s. sd. Mr. District Surveyor Brodrick, who has had the supervision of the work, made an inspection the day following a week's heavy rain, and he found the drain working well, and the settlement, instead of being flooded, as formerly, had only about 7 acres under water, which he believed would run off in another day. Lake Ellesmere Drainage-works. —£7so was authorised for expenditure by the Selwyn County Council. The portion of these works reported last year as incomplete has now been satisfactorily carried out, and the amount authorised has been paid over to the county. The total expenditure has been £820 Is. 10d., the Selwyn Council contributing £70 Is. 10d. The works comprised, restoring the canal, £550; fencing same, to prevent damage by stock, £170 lls. id. ; planting the banks with marram grass, &c, £23 2s. 10d.: the balance, £76 7s. Bd., has been expended on improvements at the mouth of the river, a ford across the canal, and in advertising and supervision. Cheviot Eoads.— Port Robinson. —An expenditure of £53 17s. was incurred for protective works and repairs to groins. Cathedral Road was maintained at a cost of £8 18s. Homestead— Waipara Road. —The " Willows " section was maintained at a cost of £19. Hurunui Flats Road. —Chiefly maintenance, costing £6. Domett Saddle. —Joe Uprichard's shingling contract, 122 chains, was completed ; and a length of 60 chains, from the Post-office to the junction of Domett Eoad, was reshingled, owing to the heavy traffic having damaged it. Expenditure, £445 Bs. 7d. McMillan s Road. —-An expenditnre of £51 lls. was incurred for maintenance, and shingling 5 chains. Homestead-Leamington Road. —The work consisted of maintenance, and shingling 292 chains, at a cost of £364 10s. Parnassus Road. —Cost £44 4s. for maintenance, and formation of 28 chains. Homestead-Port Robinson Road. —The work consisted principally of maintenance, and mining 82ft. under Sulphur Point, near Port Bobinson. Total expenditure, £692 ss. lid. Laundry Road. —Expenditure, £188 os. 6d. for maintenance, and metalling part of the road. Port Hurunui and Darrock Geeson's. —Expenditure, £298 12s. 7d. for maintenance, and shingling. East and West Waiau Eoad, expenditure, £11 17s. Elizabeth Eoad, expenditure, £28 13s. 6d. Downs Eoad, expenditure, £9 3s. for maintenance. Sinclair Road. —13 chains of shingling were done. A shingle-pit was opened on A. Mowatt's section. The expenditure amounted to £54 19s. Bd. Caverhill Road. —A track was formed to Mr. Hayes's section, and the road was maintained, at a cost of £28 Is. Campbell Road. —A small formation contract was finished, and the expenditure was £19 6s. Streets in Mackenzie Township. —These were maintained, and Eolleston Street was shingled. Expenditure, £51 4s. 3d. St. Leonard's Road was maintained at a cost of £93 3s. Tormore Road was maintained, and twenty-two culverts were constructed and placed in position, costing £163 4s. Id. Steward Road was maintained, and a ford was constructed near Spring Creek Plantation. Expenditure, £7 2s. Gerard Road. —Maintenance and laying pipes for culverts cost £104 9s. Bd. Eaiwarra Track was maintained at a cost of £14 15s. Village-homestead Drainage Scheme. — £56 12s. 4d. was spent in widening the natural channels and opening new ones where required to relieve the village settlers of flood-water in time of heavy rains. This work was done by the adjoining settlers, who agreed to execute it at one-fourth below its value. Prospecting for Coal. —£23 18s. Bd. was spent in prospecting for coal. There are good indications of coal to be found in several gullies, and detached pieces of coal have also been found. Search was made in the gullies towards the sea, between the Jed Eiver and the outlet of the Waiau Eiver. Inspector Eraser also prospected the country between Port Eobinsori and Hurunui Eiver, and found a thin seam (about 3in.) of lignite on Lot 2, Block XI., held by Mr. W. Terry. It will probably be necessary to procure a boring apparatus to thoroughly test the matter. Hurunui Bridge. —The Hurunui Bridge has been repaired at a cost of £11 Is. Plantations. —£74 Is. 4d. was expended as follows : £13 6s. for wages of caretaker; £47 os. Id. for barb-wire, &c, fencing around the plantation ; £8 15s. 6d. for cutting firewood and posts in Spring Creek Plantation by T. Lewis ; and £4 19s. 9d. for erecting bridge over Spring Creek. Jed River. —£236 ss. 7d. has been spent up to the 31st March in clearing the channel of the river. There have been 155-J chains partly cleared, starting at a point a little below Marshlaw, and extending to 22 chains above the telegraph bridge. There will be a large proportion of the above expenditure returned by the sale of willow posts and firewood to the settlers. J. W. A. Mabchant, Chief Surveyor.

OTAGO. Dunback-Swinbum. —The Government grant of £800 has been expended by the Waihemo County Council in gravelling thirteen miles and a half of the main interior road. The county also employed seven men all through the winter months breaking and spreading metal. Lawrence-Clyde. —The traffic on this road last year was very heavy, comprising daily coaches, fruit-vans, eight-horse wagons, and two large traction-engines. £350 was spent by Tuapeka County Council on repairing the worst parts of the road. The Vincent County Council spent £150 on reducing a steep grade by a heavy rock-cutting. The balance was spent on gravelling. Clyde-Queenstown. —Seven sections of the main road between Victoria Bridge and Lake Hayes have been dealt with by the Lake County Council, five being gravelled and two formed. Two stone culverts have been built and three lengthened, and in consequence the road is greatly improved.

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Queenstown Wharf, Wakatipu. —With this vote of £50, together with a vote of £70 from the Mines Department, the Borough Council were able to effect substantial repairs to the jetty, the cost to the borough amounting to £194. Bavensbourne Boad. —This road has been practically re-formed from Burkes to Sawyer's Bay— a distance of four miles. In places the road was very narrow, and it has been widened to 22ft. nearly all the way. Culverts have been lengthened, and the worst parts metalled with hand-broken bluestone. Waitati Boad. —The balance of last year's vote was expended in removing some of the sharp curves, and re-forming and metalling some of the worst portions. This road is now in very fair order from Dunedin to the Saddle. Brin's Point and Merton.— Out of this vote the Waikouaiti County Council formed the road through the Native Eeserve for a distance of 1 mile 51 chains, the formation including seventeen culverts and 6 chains oH ditching. Henley Boad. —This vote has been expended in re-forming 1 mile 20 chains of the road (to a width of 20ft.), from Henley to Berwick. It was then rollered, and 40 chains of it gravelled. Maori Kaika-Otago Heads. —With the assistance of this vote the Waikouaiti County Council metalled 75 chains of the road through the Native Reserve, using 600 yards of the best bluestone metal. Makarora-Haast Valley. —Six miles of this track have been re-formed, and the scrub cleared on each side. There are still three miles of work on hand. Makarora Valley. —This vote has been expended from Lake Wanaka up Makarora Valley, chiefly on the following works : Widening and re-forming along lake-side in rock 50 chains, improving and re-forming 85 chains, forming and gravelling 162 chains; all the foregoing being dray-road. Hamilton Bridge. —The old superstructure has been replaced by two iron arched ribbed girders similar to Ohau Bridge on road Benmore to Mackenzie country. Martin's Bay-Lake Wakatipu. —Three contracts for repairs to this track have been carried out under the supervision of Ranger McKenzie. Lake Te Anau to Sutherland Falls. —During the months of December, January, February, and March a foreman and two bushmen were employed keeping the- track clear of slips and falling trees for the tourist traffic. A fortnightly mail was carried from Te Anau to Milford. Glenorchy to Earnslaw. —On this road 53 chains of bush-felling (10ft.), formation, ditching, &c, have been carried out by the Lake County Council. Bent Burn-Glacier Burn. —The work carried out by the Lake County Council included general repairs, corduroy, pack-bridge 24ft. long, and galvanised-iron hut 20ft. by 10ft. at foot of Lake Harris Saddle. Bees Biver Boad. —l mile 41 chains of formation and gravelling have been carried out on the road by the Lake County Council. Pembroke, Matukituki. —In order to allow horsemen to get along the Matukituki River in time of flood, the Lake County Council are carrying out 24 chains of sideling cutting Bft. wide, with retaining parapet and pitching, walls, and ford. The work is still in progress. Seacliff Asylum. —This vote was expended on putting 750 yards of bluestone metal on the road from Seacliff Railway-station through Asylum Reserve to main road, a distance of 1 mile 35 chains. Teviot Small Grazing-runs. —The balance of this vote has been expended on clearing and forming 1 mile 20 chains of the track up the Knobbie's, so as to give a better access to the Teviot small grazing-runs. Beaumont.and Bankleburn. —This work was carried out by the Tuapeka County Council under the co-operative system. In all, six contracts were let, with an average of nine men per gang. The contracts extended over a distance of three miles, and were very satisfactorily carried out, and consisted of formation, 14ft. wide, with culverts and bridge-platforms where required. Tuapeka Mouth Punt. —The Tuapeka County Council have been able to erect a punt over the Clutha River at Tuapeka Mouth with this vote and a little assistance from the Clutha County Council, who provided the head-rope. This connects the Clydevale and Rankleburn with the Tuapeka West side. Although the punt is working, there are still some alterations to be carried out. Glenomaru. —Out of this vote the bridge-approaches leading to Brown's dairy factory have been completed, and the settlers in Block IX. are able to get the benefit of the factory. Compensation has also been paid to Mr. Brown for land taken. Woodland. —ln this district the following works have been carried out: —Waikoata Road": This road has been formed 10ft. wide for 1 mile 6 chains, and the bush felled for a further distance of 1 mile 6 chains. A contract is now in progress, and almost completed, for a length of 44 chains, which will leave 42 chains still to form and culvert before all the sections will have an outlet. Table-hill Road : One mile and a half of this road has been cleared and formed, leaving 50 chains still to do. Gordon's Road, Block X.: A 6ft. track has been cleared down this road for a distance of 62 chains. Shaw's Road : A contract was let for bushfelling on this road up to Waikoata Road, distance 65 chains, but no forming has been done, although very much needed. The road down Purakauiti Stream has been felled for 71 chains, but no formation has been done. Batanui Boad. —The contracts mentioned in last annual report have been completed, and the road is now passable as far as Section 2, Block 111. Nothing further has been done except breaking metal, which the County Council are spreading. Long Point. —This road has been widened out from a 6ft. track to a 10ft. road for a distance of 3 miles 38 chains, and the balance has been repaired. The bush has been felled an extra width where required. Cannibal Bay Boad. —Contracts have been completed for forming this road up to the third milepost, and the two contracts for the fourth mile will soon be finished. This will leave one mile still to do.

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Gatlin's Road. —The formation of the Catlin's Valley Eoad has been completed as far as the tenth mile-post, making a very passable 10ft. track, which is all that will be required for some time to come. The road up the Papatapu Stream has been felled for a distance of one mile. Catlin's and Tautuku. —This vote was applied to various works in the district, such as repairing main road, and a portion going towards the Catlin's Eiver Eoad ; the report of the work performed appears under each item. Tahakopa Valley. —l mile 32 chains of this road has been formed and culverted, making in all 5 miles 32 chains fit for traffic. A great amount of repairing had to be done to this road to boggy parts previously formed, and a large quantity of bush has been felled along each side of the road, which will give it a better chance to dry. Rimu, Block XIII. —The bush has been felled 1 chain wide on the roads in this block for a distance of three miles and a half, and 12 chains of formation has been done. A contract is now in progress for culverting one mile of the road, and bush-felling on Ford Eoad to admit of fencing being done on the sections. Main Catlin s-Waikawa Boad. —The traffic on this road last year was very heavy, and, owing to the exceptionally wet season, it was cut up very badly, and it has cost a great deal to keep the road fit for traffic. The bush has been felled on both sides of the road so as to allow it to dry. Where the bush was felled grass-seed was sown. The Fleming Eoad has been made out of this vote : total distance, 110 chains. This road will be greatly used by the settlers on the main road to cart goods from Tautuku Mouth; and, as the road is very low, it will require a great deal of clay put on it. Table Hill. —The Bruce County Council let five contracts for improving some of the steep grades on the roads in Blocks I. and 11., Table Hill: in all, 72 chains of road were re-formed. Glenomaru Village Settlement. —Contracts have been let for felling bush and forming roads to sections in Block 11., Glenomaru District, but none of the contracts have yet been completed. Clarendon Village Settlement. —The Bruce County Council has spent £105 in forming roads through Clarendon Village Settlement, Block VI. The work consists of bush-clearing, formation, and culverts, and extends over a distance of 68 chains. Lauder-Tiger Hill. — The contract for forming road through Eun 220g has been completed under the supervision of the Lake County Engineer, and extended over a distance of 65 chains. The work consisted of formation, culverts, ditching, gravelling, and a retaining-wall. Taupeka West. —The two contracts that were let for forming road down east bank of Clutha Eiver have been completed. The rockwork was very heavy, and only 45-J chains were completed; but from this point to Tuapeka Mouth the work will not be so heavy. Swinburn Farvi-homestead Block. —Part of the vote of £200 has been expended by the Maniototo County Council in forming the roads in Blocks IV. and VII., Swinburn District, down the Kyeburn Eiver: total distance, 2 miles 7 chains. The work consisted of formation, culverts, chipping, and gravelling. Gimmerburn Block. —ln Block VII., Gimmerburn, and Block XII., Naseby, the Maniototo County Council have carried out 7 miles 79 chains of roadwork, consisting of formation, culverts, crossings, and gravelling. All these sections now have an outlet. C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor.

SOUTHLAND. Campbelltown (Borough). —The vote of £410 has not yet been expended, but I have approved of specifications for works proposed which will appear in next annual report. Winton Drains.- —A pound-for-pound subsidy up to £50 was granted to the Winton Borough for the purpose of draining some of the streets and a number of unsold Crown sections. The borough has spent altogether £110 ss. sd. on the work, which I inspected and passed, and the sections will certainly benefit by the outlay. Black Greek Bridge and Boad. —A subsidy of £200 has just been granted to the Wallace County under the usual conditions, but no work has as yet been done. Orepuki—Waiau. —This item of £120 has been granted to the same county, and I have approved of specifications for further improvement of the main road to the lower-ferry site. Glifden Ferry-Eastern Bush (Limestone Gorge). —£3oo has been granted to the same county for gravelling the worst parts of the road between Eastern Bush and the ferry over Waiau Eiver at Clifden. The work is now is progress. Longwood. —£3oo has been authorised for the purpose of completing or improving the system of roads through these and adjoining blocks, and I invited Wallace County to undertake the work, but that body declined, and I am therefore making arrangements to get the work done under the co-operative system, employing the local settlers. Track to McLaren s Bun. —£40 was paid to Mr. McLaren in consideration of the work done by him towards opening tracks between West Waiau and his run. Grassy Creek. — £150 was granted to the Wallace County for the formation and general improvement of the dray-track between Otahu Station and Blackmount, and the work has been satisfactorily completed. Lillburn Boads, including Waiau (Clifden) Ferry. —£210 was spent on a 100 ft. bridge over Lillburn Eiver, £5 Is. 3d. on cartage, and £135 14s. 6d. on ferryman's wages and maintenance of the Clifden Ferry. Notwithstanding the complaints which have been made from time to time, the traffic returns show that 4,880 passengers, 3,327 horses, 368 cattle, 16,707 sheep, 392 drays, 154 wagons, and 481 tons of goods, &c, as having passed over this ferry. It has been inspected by an expert lately, and the Eoad Inspector reports that the present ferryman is working the boats in a

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very satisfactory manner. The house occupied by the ferryman has lately been purchased by Government, and it is intended to charge a small rent such as will cover interest on the outlay. Mossburn-Te Anau Boad. —£soo was granted to the Wallace County, which body spent about £150 additional of its own funds, principally in gravelling the worst parts of this road. I have lately inspected the work, and find it very satisfactory. The line is of some importance, as a mailcoach runs over it twice a week each way during the summer months, taking tourists to Manapouri and Te Anau Lakes, and some through to Milford Sound. Orepuki-Wairaurahiri. —The Wallace County has been authorised to expend £167 ss. 7d. on the continuation of this road westward from Orepuki, and specifications have been approved, but the works are not sufficiently forward to report on in detail at present. The work done on this road for the year ending the 31st March, 1896, is situated in Blocks XV. and XVII., Longwood District, and consisted of drainage, culverts, earthworks, and corduroying. This work had been commenced in January, 1895, and was completed in April of that year. Its object was to give access by horse-track to the lower bridge site, Waiau Eiver. The Wallace County has been authorised to spend the sum of £167 ss. 7d. on this portion of the road, and have let a contract for clearing scrub and second growth for a length of two miles. Waiau Bridge-Clifden. —£soo was voted towards this work, and £81 10s. 9d. was spent on advertising, &c. Tenders were invited, but none accepted. Lonneker's Settlement. —£150 was granted to the Wallace County Council for roads in this locality, but the money has not yet been spent. Tisbury-Waimatua. —£3oo was expended on formation and gravelling of 88 chains of this road, which will be of considerable service in giving access to the new settlements in Seaward Bush. Seaward Bush Boads. —A balance of some £155 Bs. 10d. was spent in corduroy and formation of some 9 chains in length. Clifden to Seaward Bush. —A balance of £108 14s. lid. was expended in completing a formation contract which had been let during the previous year. The works in progress on this road previous to the 31st March, 1895, were completed in April of that year. The sum of £25 10s. 10d. was expended on grubbing and clearing the road for a width of 40ft., corduroying, ditching, and culverting. The work was done through Sections 9 and 12, and fronting Sections 15 and 16, Blocks IV. and 111., Seaward Bush Township, and fronting Section 7, Borough of South Invercargill. Seaward Bush Boad, Borough, South Invercargill. —This is really portion of the road just referred to. The only work for the year was the clearing 20 chains of fence-line done in April, 1895. Block XXII., Invercargill Hundred. —The work done in this block for the year consisted in the completion of contracts unfinished on the 31st March, 1895, and comprised formation, corduroying, culverts, and ditching, on portion of by-road fronting Section 43, to give an outlet to Section 64. Waikawa-Wyndham Valley Boad. —General repairs were effected to the Wyndham Valley bridle-track during the quarter ending the 31st December, 1895, and January, 1896. The repairs included the removal of overhanging timber, cleaning out of water-tables, new ditching, fascining, removal of peat, repairs to old culverts and ten new ones. The length of this bridle-track, which was completed under Mr. Withers supervision in 1894, is 2 miles 30 chains. The track is 6ft. wide, and when the repairs were finished was left in fair travelling order. Block XIV., Oteramika Hundred. —During the year some road-work was done in this block to give easier access to Sections Bto 11. The work consisted of bushfelling and clearing, stumping, formation, and-three culverts. Details are given in the returns. The work was completed in June last. Merivale Boads. —ln order to give the Merivale settlers access to their sections, a road has been formed through the centre of the estate. This road in all probability will ultimately become the main road from Otautau to Clifden, as the gradients on it are much easier than those on the present main road. The total length of formation referred to is 3 miles 65 chains. In addition to this, branch roads (70 chains) have also been formed, giving access to sections at the lower end of the block, and an outlet at the lower ford of the Orowia River. The above formation is not continuous, portions of the road being left unformed. The total length of road opened up is 7 miles 16 chains. In connection with the roadwork 2 miles 3 chains of fencing has been erected on the road-line, and four 12ft. gates have been provided. A pile-bridge is in course of construction across the Orowia Eiver. The bridge consists of three spans, and its total length is 106 ft. It is to be built of totara timber throughout, and when completed will be a very substantial structure, fit to carry any road-traffic. Tenders were called for the erection of this bridge in February, and the work was let for the sum of £400. Small bridges are of totara and matai. Waiau Bush Boad. —The following work has been done on this road during the year ending the 31st March, 1896, viz., formation, 5 chains; fascining, 4 chains 29 links; beam bridge 20ft. long; and four log culverts. Also swampy portions of the road have been gravelled, and general repairs have been effected. This work has made the road passable for wheel-traffic from Clifden to the Waiau mouth. Mokoreta (Scrubby Hill) Block. —50 chains of fascining and formation were done, and further works are in process. Scrubby Hill Boad. —The work done on this road for the year consists of the formation of 18 chains of road through swamp at the northern corner of Section 1, Block V., Waikawa, and running into Block XIII., Mokorata District. The whole length of this piece has been fascined, and a good covering of clay (15in. deep in the centre) has been put over the fascines. Hitherto the swamp has been quite impassable in the winter, but now a good road is available. The work was not quite

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completed at the end of March. Another contract has been let for forming 25 chains of road fronting Sections 6 and 7, Block VI., Waikawa. This piece is on steep sideling ground, with a bad hill near the end. This work should be completed by-the middle of May. Should any money be still available out of the authorised expenditure of £100, there are one or two other pieces of steep sideling that want attention. Waikaiva-Otara Road. —£3,646 3s. 4d. has been spent on this work. This road is now completed from the Otara end for a distance of eight miles and three-quarters, which brings it within a few chains of the boundary of Block VIII., Waikawa. Prom the Waikawa end a length of 47 chains is completed in one portion, and there are also detached portions finished, making a total length of 1 mile 8-J chains at this end, and a total length of both ends together of 10 miles 3£ chains. The length of road formed for the year is 4 miles 73 chains. In accordance with instructions received, work on this road is gradually being stopped. As present contracts are completed no new ones are let; and it is intended to apply the balance of money raised on the security of Crown lands in the Waikawa-Otara Block on the construction of cross-roads, to give access to the many recently-occupied sections at a distance from the main roads. With this object in view, work has been begun on the cross-road from Tokanui, on the Portrose-Waikawa Eoad, to the Otara-Waikawa Eoad, and first payments will be made at the end of April. There are only three contracts in hand on the Waikawa-Otara Eoad at the Otara end : one for blinding with clay about 20 chains of fascining, and two for formation on branch road to Haldane's Estuary. At the Waikawa end two formation contracts are still in progress. It would be very desirable, if possible, to carry on the Waikawa-Otara Eoad for another two miles at the Otara end. This would give a good road (via newly-formed road round Wallace Eock) right through to Waikawa Township. At present the traffic has to leave the road at Haldane's Estuary (thus making useless one mile of existing formation, which is completed for that distance further on), and to pass through about a mile of very heavy sand. There is also a very long and steep grade to contend with at the Curio Bay Hill. A further reason for completing the road to the beach is the fact that the new site of the Pine Company's Mill (lately shifted from the Spit) is close to the road, and half-way between end of completed formation and the beach. In order to enable traffic to get from the road at Haldane's-Estuary to the estuary, I have let contracts for the formation of branch road running south from corner of Section 30, Block IX., Waikawa, and the work is now almost finished. The length of this piece is 47 chains, and it runs through very swampy ground. Large drains have been dug to get rid of the water, the material being thrown on to the centre of the road. This will drain the road to a considerable extent; but, before it is fit to carry traffic in the wet weather, it will probably require fascining in many places. About forty men have been kept regularly going on the Waikawa-Otara Eoad for the year, the average number of men per party being four. In reference to wages earned and loss of time by bad weather, I must again call attention to the fact (already mentioned in the report on farm settlements) that we have no data from which to determine the actual time worked and actual wages earned. Time is often lost when the weather is by no means so bad as to prevent work. A threatening morning may turn out a fine day, but the men seldom work at all if prevented from starting at the usual time. There is a good deal of unnecessary loss of time, and the assumption made in calculating the wages—viz., that full time is made —gives lower wages than are actually earned. For the first mile or two from the Otara end the road has been considerably cut up by firewood carts. The Otara farmers go in only on wet days, when they cannot work on their own sections, and, the road being soft, great damage is done. If authority could be given to stop this carting, except when the road is dry enough to stand it, it certainly ought to be stopped ; otherwise the road will start the winter in a bad state of repair. A surfaceman and two drays and drivers have been at work at this end of the road; but they have had corduroying to cover with clay, low banks to raise, &c, and have not been able to keep the formation in order whilst the firewood traffic is going on. Wallace Rock Road. —During the quarter ending 31st March, 1896, a road has been formed round Wallace Eock in the Waikawa Estuary. Total length formed is 10 chains. Two chains have been cut out of the solid rock, and for the rest of the distance a low bank has been raised, and protected from the action of the tides by rough stone walls. A pipe culvert, consisting of two 18in. diameter pipes side by side, and 18ft. long, has been put in to carry water of small creek entering estuary Hear approach to rock. The rock excavated was exceedingly hard and tough cemented shingle, very difficult to shoot. The material for banks had all to be stone, as any other material would have been scoured out by the tides. This road is much appreciated, and will be a great boon to the district. The road at the back of the Waikawa Township is unfinished, and not available for wheel-traffic. Even if it were, the Wallace Eock Eoad would always be taken, as the other is less direct and involves a climb of nearly 300 ft. up, and down again. To render the Wallace Eock Eoad of full advantage some further work should be done in the way of giving a crossing over Stinky Creek (where the water is very deep at high tide), and also in clearing away snags and big stones, and blasting a jutting piece of rock along the edge of the beach from the Government jetty to the estuary. About £50 would do this work, and, until it is done, though the Wallace Eock can be crossed at any state of the tide, the other places mentioned are dangerous at high water. The extra expenditure would give a uniform road right round from Waikawa Township to the open beach. The cost of the Wallace Eock Eoad has been taken from the Waikawa-Otara Block vote, and the work is included with the Waikawa-Otara Eoad. Acker's Village Settlement. —This settlement is situated in Block XX., Invercargill Hundred. Eoadworks to give access to various sections were commenced in October, 1895, and completed in

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March, 1896, £217 6s. 3d. being the amount of money expended. The work consisted of bushfelling and clearing, and cutting stumps level with the ground for a width of 16ft. 6in., ditching, culverting, and road-formation (12ft. wide). Location of workj 108f chains from boundary between Sections 116 and 115 to corner between Sections 96 and 97 ; 26 chains fronting Sections 56, 55, and 91 ; and 27-J chains fronting Section 80. A request has been made for the draining and opening of road fronting Sections 47 to 43 and 1. The holders of these sections have already access by road on their south frontages; and, if they ■want another road, they should be willing to contribute a share of the cost. About £50 would be required. A further £100 is needed for formation, drainage, &c, on back road from Section 104 to 116. The bushfelling and clearing are already done, but the road is very soft in places, full of crabholes, and impassable for traffic. Makarewa Village. —The work done in this settlement consisted of bushfelling, clearing, draining, and formation on the Orion Eoad, and extended from Section 1, Block IV., to Section 10, Block IX. It was commenced in October of last year, and should be completed by the end of the present month (April). The bush on the road was felled 66ft. wide, it was cleared 40ft. wide, and the stumps were cut off level with the ground for a width of 20ft. Moss-banks have been levelled, and the road has been well drained, the material from the ditches being thrown on to centre of the road, and spread uniformly to a width of 12ft. A notice has been posted closing this road till next spring, as traffic during the winter would render it impassable. Forest Plantation, Seaward Bush. —A block of about 300 acres has been surveyed, fencing lines cleared round it, and fencing commenced ; but the work has been much retarded by recent bad weather, which has stopped burning operations. Operations were commenced on this reserve in November, 1895, the work being done by co-operative labour. Preparatory to fencing the bush was felled 1 chain wide right round the reserve, the boundary-lines of the reserve being made the centrelines of the clearing. Inside this felling another strip 1 chain wide has been under-scrubbed, giving a width of chains cleared inside the fence-lines all round. Also, for a length of 76 chains, the scrub has been collected and put back a distance of J chain inside the fence-lines. This was done to increase the chance of a good burn. A fence (four plain and two barbed wires) has been erected along the northern boundary, and the material is being got ready for the western boundary. All the wire is on the ground. It is intended to complete the clearing and burning of scrub, to complete the fencing, to sow with grass a strip \ chain wide on each side of the fence-lines, and to proceed with the planting of useful trees. Waikawa Jetty and Goods-shed. —These premises were let for working in October last, but, as the lessee got into pecuniary troubles, his lease was cancelled, and another person was appointed for the remainder of the year. Waikaiva-Gatlin's Boad. —The work done on this road for the year consists of a piece of formation done in June, 1895, and of maintenance work in July, 1895, and December to March, 1896. The portion formed was from the junction of the Waikawa-Fortrose Eoad to the Waikawa bridge. A length of 17-60 chains was fascmed and drained, and a fair road was made over what had been a very treacherous piece of ground. The amount spent on maintenance was £56 10s. As the Waikawa-Catlm's Eoad is the means of access to the Heathfield and Waipati Settlements, and is, moreover, an important main road, the formation of which cost a large sum of money, it is greatly to be regretted that it should be allowed to fall into disrepair. If a surfaceman were permanently employed, he would save much more than his wages. A few heavy loads over the road after a little rain, and maintenance work done during the year is to a great extent undone; but, if a man was constantly watching to repair any slight damage before it went too far, much more good would be done. At the beginning of April, goods weighing fourteen or fifteen tons were lying at the Waikawa Wharf; about half the weight was flour for the Heathfield Settlement, and the other half consisted of cases of roofing-iron, ridging, spouting, kegs of nails, doors, sashes, &c, for Waipati Settlement. Given a few wet days whilst these things were being carted through, and the state of the road would be almost as bad as if no repairs had been done. If arrangements could have been made for the Waipati material to be landed at Tautuku Bay, it would have been within six miles of the settlement, and any injury to the road would have been avoided. Wilson's River Tramway. —The working of this line was relet during the year, but, owing to the collapse for the present of mining pursuits in the locality, very little business is doing there. Stewart Island Tracks. —£7o, granted by the Mines Department, was spent on improvement of the track between the head of Paterson Inlet and Mason Bay. Stewart Island Roads, £830. —Out of this item four miles of survey and 4-15 miles of bridletrack were made, and I*6 miles of bridle-track improved. Improved-farm Settlements. —£s,9B9 14s. 6d. was spent on roads in these settlements, the particulars of which will be found in the report on these settlements and in that on the working of the co-operative system. As the works carried out by the Southland County, out of funds granted by Government, are large and numerous, I have appended a report on these by Mr. Howorth, the County Engineer. These plans and specifications were all submitted to me, and the works finished have been well carried out, while others are still in progress. C. W. Williams, Chief Surveyor.

I have the honour to furnish the following report on works undertaken by the Southland County Council, out of Government grants, during the year ending 31st March, 1896 : — Reaby Retreat Road (Vote, £100). —This grant is for the purpose of extending the formation and metalling, and for repairing portions of the metalled road. The vote benefits the Croydon

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Village Settlement, and gives access to grazing-runs in the Hokonui Mountains. So far, 10 chains of formation and metalling has been finished, and it is expected that the work will be completed during the month of April. Makaretva Grove Bush (Vote, £100). —This contract provides for about 42 chains of formation and gravelling. Up to date 20 chains have been done. It is expected that the contract will be completed during April. The vote benefits to some extent Crown lands in Grove Bush, and is the main outlet for the Forest Hill district. Centre Bush to Otapiri (Vote, £100). —The County Council supplemented this grant with a vote of £50, with which 40 chains of formation and gravelling were carried out on one of the worst pieces of road in the county. This road is the outlet for a considerable area of Crown lands recently cut up between the Lora and Otapiri Gorges. Wallacetown, Spar Bush, and Waimatuhu Flat Boads (Vote, £100). —Part of this road is the outlet for bush land abandoned by sawmillers at Spar Bush, and part the main outlet for the Waimatuku Flat district, in the New Eiver and Oreti Hundreds. In addition to this vote the County Council devoted £150 of its funds to form and gravel some of the worst portions ; 32 chains were formed and gravelled out of the Government grant, and about 50 chains by the county vote. Bluff Boad (Vote, £500). —With this vote it is intended to repair about two miles of the road between Invercargill and Clifden. A contract has been let for the delivery of about 1,700 cubic yards of clean river-gravel, which will be delivered by rail and then carted to the road. This road is one on which a large number of settlers in South Invercargill and Woodend are dependent for their livelihood by the cartage of firewood from the large sawmills at Woodend, and, as the local bodies interested were unable to cope with the heavy traffic, which rendered the road impassable last winter, the department decided to assist with a grant. A start has been made with the formation, and it is expected that the work will be completed by the end of April. Campbelltown Hundred and Gampbelltown Boads (Vote, £600). —Out of this vote £400 was allotted to the County Council for the purpose of reconstructing the worst portion of the road between Greenhills and Bluff, a distance of about three miles.' A contract has been let for breaking the large boulders with which the road was originally made, and blinding the metal so broken with a light coat of gravel. The work done to date is 10 chains of metal-breaking. Girdler's Boad (Vote, £50). —This is a grant to give access to deferred-payment and perpetuallease sections in Block IV., Campbelltown Hundred. The work finished to date is 12 chains of formation, ditching, and fascining, and one 19in. stone culvert. Hillend Bush (Dipton Flat) (Vote, £320). —This vote is for the construction of the road recently surveyed through Hillend Bush, and will be of great benefit to a large number of settlers at South Hillend and Dipton Flat. It will also tend to open up the bush lands. The contract provides for about one mile and a quarter of bush-work formation and gravelling, 25 chains of which are completed at this date. Gore Bridge (Vote, £1,000). —This bridge, which is under construction, is situated immediately above the railway-bridge at Gore. It consists of six spans of 80ft. each, on concrete piers built up from the level of the rock. The superstructure is chiefly of blue-gum and ironbark timber The width of the roadway is 18ft. in the clear, to admit of vehicles passing on the bridge. The contract price is £2,519 10s., the County Council and the Gore Borough Council contributing equal amounts to make up the amount of tender. The work completed to date is 540 yards of concrete, 900 cubic yards earthwork, 25,000 ft. of timber erected, iron 12,0001b., and timber on ground 70,000 ft. It is expected that the bridge will be open for traffic in six weeks. This work is undertaken by me on behalf of the Gore Borough Council. Half-moon Bay Wharf (Vote, £150). —Plans and specifications for the extension of the old jetty have been approved by the Marine Department, and tenders are now called for the work. Half-moon Bay Tramway (Vote. £100). —Tenders are called for this work. These works are undertaken by me on behalf of the Stewart Island County Council. Gow's Greek Stock-bridge (Vote, £100). —This vote was for the completion of the approaches to the bridge, the work consisting of 36 chains of grading and gravelling. Owari Bridge, Mokoreta Valley (£1 for £1; vote, £150). —This bridge is a very substantial piece of work, the piers being of masonry set in cement mortar, and the superstructure of ironbark timber. The span is 40ft., the contract amount being £256 17s. Wyndham Bridge (subsidy, £1 for £1 up to £200).—This bridge is on the main WyndhamFortrose Eoad. The work has been carried out in a substantial and workmanlike manner, and will, with the above-mentioned bridge, last for a great number of years. The bridge consists of three spans of 40ft. each, on concrete piers, the contract amount being £639 17s. Forest Hill Tramway Boad (Vote, £100). —This road adjoins the Forest Hill Tramway, and gives access to Crown lands in the Winton Bush, and is of great benefit to new settlement. The work is finished, which consists of 32 chains of formation and gravel. The amount handed to the County Council was £84 18s. 9d., that being the balance available. Fortrose-Tokanui-Waikawa Boad (Vote, £500). —This work was let in two contracts, which provided for 140 chains of metalling some of the worst portions of the road. It will prove a great benefit during the coming winter. The work is well done, and the material of the best quality. Mataura Biver Protective-works (Vote, £200). —This vote was given to assist the County Council in protecting the banks of the Mataura Eiver above the bridge above Mataura Island. The vote provided for 800 cubic yards of rubble, which has been used in building three groins, and lining the banks with stone up to flood-level. The work so far has resisted some heavy floods without damage. Waikawa District (Vote, £1,000). —Out of this amount £500 has been handed to the County Council for the purpose of metalling two miles of the road from Niagara Township. The work is now completed in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. This work benefits the whole of the district.

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The cost of the work was £587. In addition to this contract a further contract for 40 chains of metalling has been let by the County Council for £179, which work is now proceeding. Further grants from time to time will be necessary until the main road is metalled throughout. Waimea Valley Road (Vote, £200). —This work is in hand. The formation has just been commenced. The road connects the Waimea Valley with Eiversdale Eailway-station. Quarry Hills (Vote, £100). —This vote was expended on the main road near Quarry Hills School, and proved of great benefit last winter, as 36 chains of very bad road was re-formed and metalled. Orion and Minerva Boads, Makarewa (£1 for £1). —This was a subsidy up to £25 for Makarewa Village, with which 37 chains of formation, 10 chains of gravel, and 33 chains of corduroy were completed. Forest Hill Boad (Vote, £285). —£100 of this sum was granted to the County Council for the purpose of forming and gravelling the road leading to the Forest Hill Tramway at Cubett's Crossing. The work which is completed consists of 127 chains formation and 27 chains of gravelling, and six pipe-culverts. Forest Hill-McDonald's Boad (Vote, £1,000). —£200 of this vote was granted to the County Council for the purpose of improving the approach-road to the proposed terminus of the Forest Hill Tramway and McDonald's Corner. The work is completed, which consists of 125 chains of formation and culverts, and four pipe-culverts. Waikawa-Wyndham Valley Road (Vote, £100).—The balance available is £79 18s. sd. 10 chains of formation have been done. It is proposed to form and metal 20 chains. Oteramika Boad (Vote, £100). —This was granted, on the application of the County Council, for the purpose of improving the approaches to the Seaward Bush Eailway-station. The vote has been supplemented by £150 of the Council's funds. Altogether about 80 chains of gravelling and formation has been done. Timpany's Mill to Gorge Bailway-station (Vote, £200). —This vote provides for a track to the new settlement on the Mataura Eiver, in Blocks 9 and 14, Oteramika Hundred. The work has recently been let; 10 chains of bush work and formation has been completed. Milhvood Special Settlement (Vote, £75). —This road is situated between Blocks 7 and 8, Invercargill Hundred, and gives access from the main county road. It is proposed to form and gravel and culvert the worst portions; 5 chains of formation and gravelling has been done. Invercargill Hundred (Vote, £200). —The work completed out of this vote is 48 chains of formation and gravelling and 30 chains of bush-work. The work gives access to new settlement in Blocks 20 and 21. Hedgehope-Mataura (Vote, £100) and Dunsdale (Vote, £100). —These roads all give access to the Forest Hill Tramway and the Hokonui Bush, in the Dunsdale Valley. The work which is completed consists of 101 chains of formation, 51 chains of gravel, 100 chains of clearing, and six culverts. Mabel District (Vote, £200). —This was a grant for repairing the main road to Woodlands, and branch roads, which provided for 625 cubic yards of gravel and 45 chains of new gravelling. The work is completed. Otamita Retreat Road (Vote, £150). —This road gives Mandeville as an outlet for the small grazing-runs in the Hokonui district. The work which is completed consists of 105J chains of formation and grading, twenty-one stone culverts, and two bridges. The completed works have been carried out in every case in a very satisfactory manner, and those in progress are being pushed forward so as to complete them before winter. C. H. Howoeth, County Engineer.

APPENDIX No. 4.

EXTEACTS FEOM EEPOETS OF CHIEF AND EOAD SDEVEYOES ON THE WOEKING OF THE CO-OPEEATIVE SYSTEM FOE THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st

MAECH, 1896. AUCKLAND. During the past year nearly all the works undertaken by the department, with the exception of large bridge contracts, have been carried out on the co-operative system. The works as a whole have gone on more smoothly than in previous years, and the wages earned have been more uniform, This, I think, is to a great extent due to country settlers and men well used to the work having been employed, instead of men from town who had never before used pick, shovel, or axe in many cases, and who were consequently totally unfitted for the work, and also to the fact that the men employed have, where practicable, been allowed to pick their own mates. To this same cause may be attributed the fact that the men have, on the whole, worked more amicably together than in former years. There have been 118 contracts undertaken and carried out successfully, besides several small ones not mentioned in my general report. In the latter cases, where the amounts voted were small, and consequently the contracts of little value, I did not deem it advisable to keep an overseer continually on the ground to look after the men, and so run away with a considerable portion of the money, which was actually needed for expenditure on the roads themselves; but all these contracts were carried out on the same principle as those on the larger scale, the only difference being that the men had to find all tools, tents, &c, themselves, the overseer only paying periodical visits. I have in almost all cases found this plan answer very well, the only exception being in a contract where the men engaged did not thoroughly understand the work—the party consisted of Maoris, who had previously done very little road-work, and consequently had not sufficient experience. Gebhabd Mueller, Chief Surveyor. 12—C. 1.

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TAEANAKI. In the Taranaki District the co-operative system has during the past year been worked largely in connection with the improved-farm settlement and-special-settlement systems, the majority of co-operative men employed occupying land under these systems of tenure. During the coming year the two systems will be worked together ; that is, improved-farm settlers chiefly will be employed on co-operative work on main roads near their holdings, excepting where it may be necessary to employ outsiders, for bridge or culvert work. On special-settlement roads, where the lands have been loaded for road-making, and the money is advanced under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, the work, so far as possible, is being done by the special settlers themselves. This system of employing only the holders of adjoining lands to make the roads, although it may be slower than by promiscuous labour, has the advantage of enabling new settlers to obtain work and earn money within reasonable distances of their homes, and thus to improve their holdings in spare times. And after the first year, by which time the settler should have a clearing, some grass, and a house, the intermittent system of part work on the roads and part time on the land could safely and profitably be brought into operation. Up to the present the intermittent system has been enforced in only a few instances—viz., where clearings were made in 1894 and houses built in 1895. A difficulty in settling Crown lands under the above system is in obtaining settlers of the right stamp, men who are sufficiently provident to save something out of their earnings to provide stock, and who possess the necessary dogged persistence to compel success under the most trying circumstances. In many cases we find that men apply for improved-farm settlement lands merely to insure a better chance of getting work. Such men will abandon the land when they are compelled to reside on it; but about a year has to elapse in each case before we can find out whether the man will make a fair settler or not. As a rule the ordinary co-operative man is not provident. If he makes low wages, he gets into debt; if fair wages, he may pay his way ; if high wages, he lives up to it. Storekeepers tell me the monthly accounts are largely swelled with such items as tinned-milk, jams, sauces, tinned-fish, &c. : expensive foods, that do not assist the man in his work, and that cannot well be provided out of 6s. per day and leave a margin for the future purchase of stock. If suitable men could be obtained —men who, like the early settlers, would live on what they could produce from the land, there is no doubt; the improved-farm settlement system would be a perfect success, as it gives men opportunities of acquiring homes for their families such as have never before been offered in New Zealand. But lam afraid not only improved-farm settlers, but also special settlers, are inclined to lean too much upon the Government and rely too little on their own exertions and abilities to succeed as a body, and that a large weeding-out will be necessary before the settlements are firmly established. This would not so much matter, but that each man who proves a failure has absorbed an amount of road-work, the loss of which handicaps his successors. Partly on this account I would recommend that no improved-farm settlement should consist of more than twenty holdings—twelve, or even ten, would be preferable—and that the settlements should be fifteen or twenty miles apart. Men who take up these lands are, in a large majority of cases, poor, or with very small means, and require assistance in work for the first three or four years, and the Government road-work in the district would in most cases be completed long before that time. The settlers would then have to rely on obtaining occasional work from their more prosperous neighbours, or from the local bodies; but where large bodies of poor men are placed in close proximity to each other, such occasional work would not be available. Excepting in a few instances, there have not been such disparities in the earnings of co-opera-tive men during the past year as in preceding years. Expert workers have made 75., and in a few instances Bs. per day, and others have made less than 4s. per day, but in the latter cases the men have been old, or indifferent workers, or have not worked regularly, or been wasteful in the use of explosives. On Ngaire Swamp works the rate earned has been higher, a concession being made on account of the trying nature of the work, the men being wet every day and covered with mud. Many have suffered from rheumatism, and others who wounded their feet or legs have had to abandon the work until healed, the swamp water preventing a cut or bruise from healing. I am satisfied that the work done by our co-operative men during the past year will compare favourably, both as to cost and quality of workmanship, with that of any local body in the district, and, as shown in the general annual report, the cost of supervision has been even lower than in past years. John Stkauchon, Chief Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. Under this system works have been carried out in ten different parts of the district, and the contracts completed during the year number ninety-two. The works have been principally the felling, clearing, and formation of roads, though eighteen contracts for bush-felling in the Waikopiro Improved-farm Settlement were completed. It will be seen that the average rate of wages earned, wet and dry, has been ss. 9d., but by the actual days worked 6s. 3d. There have been some low earnings in works at Waikopiro, which has pulled down the average of the wages there. In these particular cases it was due to the inaptitude of the men for the work. Take, for instance, a contract where the men earned 2s. Bd. a day. This contract, owing to a dispute about the price after it was completed, was valued by two independent experts who put a value on it considerably less than was paid to the men. It was the same party that, in another contract, made the minimum wages for all weathers in road work.

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Again, taking the bushfelling which only averages ss. 7d. working-days, or 4s. 7d. all weathers, the low wages earned on some of the contracts accounts for the low average, for others, who were bushmen, did exceedingly well. One party who received £1 an acre for felling up to 2ft., earned only 3s. 2d. working days, and another, who received £1 155., the maximum allowed by regulation for felling up to 4ft., made 4s. 6d. for days worked. This is not surprising, as amongst the unemployed there are necessarily some whose town life and other occupations are no training for bushfelling, to which they have, in fact, to serve an apprenticeship, but it is anticipated that they will do better at it during the coming season. I have considered it necessary to draw attention to this, otherwise it might be thought that the prices given were lower than they should have been. T. Humphries, Chief Surveyor.

NOETH ISLAND CENTEAL. As all the works previously in my charge in the Eotorua and Taupo Districts were handed over to Mr. Eeaney at the end of October, and those to be taken over from the Chief Surveyor, Auckland, have not yet come under my control, my report is confined to works on the Te Kuiti-Awakino, Taumarunui-Ohakune, and Stratford-Ongaruhe Eoads. During the year fifty-one co-operative contracts have been completed; the average amount per contract, including extras for rock, &c, has been very nearly £106. This high average is caused by the fact that the six contracts on the Stratford-Ongaruhe Eoad average over £300 each. The average amount of the remaining forty-five is £82 7s. 2d. each. The contracts completed include the construction of twenty-three miles of dray-road (unmetalled), and seven miles and three-quarters of horse-road (unmetalled), and comprise the following work : —270 acres of bushfelling, eleven miles and three-quarters of clearing and grubbing, 89,800 cubic yards of earthwork, 15,800 of rock, eight miles and a-quarter of surface-forming (drayroad), 5,700 cubic yards excavated from 150 chains of drains, building 2,144 lineal feet of culverts, and 100 lineal feet of bridges, and the sawing and hauling of 52,124 superficial feet of timber. The men employed on the works have, in general, been good workers, industrious, and wellbehaved. As might be expected under the circumstances, some undertake work of which they have had no experience, or for which they are otherwise unfit, with the result that they make but small wages, take considerably more looking after by the overseer; and the work is not so well done as in would have been by those accustomed to it. I do not, however, see how this can be completely remedied ; we do as much as possible in that direction by giving men work of a kind suitable for them, but, of course, have not always that particular kind of work to be done. As last winter was comparatively dry, and as a very large proportion of the work was sidecutting, not involving wheeling, the men lost but little time through wet weather preventing their working. The average time worked per day for the whole of the works is 736 hours, and the wage earned is 6s. 7£d. for every eight hours worked. The extremes of wages shown on the return are almost isolated cases. For instance there are only two contracts next the highest wage shown, where the earnings reached 10s. per day, and only three that reached 95.; also, there is no other case of minimum below 35., and only four below 45., namely : —3s. 6£d., 3s. 9d., 3s. IOJd., and 3s. lid.; those between 4s. and ss. are only four, namely : —4s. 9d., 4s. 4s. 11-J-d,, and 4s. llfd. The explanation of the extremes is, that in the cases of the maxima, the material to be excavated and moved turned out to be better than was expected when the work was let, that the men were very good workers, and in one case worked ten hours a day. In regard to the minima, in all the cases except one, the cause of the smallness of wage was, either inexperience or laziness on the part of the men. In the one case excepted there is no doubt the price was too low, however the men, who were good workers and experienced at the class of work, were quite willing to take it at the price, after they had looked over it. During the last six months, applications for work have been much fewer than for several years before. Taking it all through, I think the system of co-operative road works is doing very well; I would, however, suggest that, as far as possible, the men should provide their own ordinary tools, and tents. I believe that it would eventually be cheaper for them, than the custom of paying hire, and it would relieve the officers of a good deal of extra work, and remove a source from which disputes are very apt to rise ; I think it would also be cheaper for the department, as men will not be as careful of Government tools, &c, as they are of their own. In cases where the men coming on to the works have no means of obtaining them, I think the department might provide them at the price they cost delivered, and deduct the amount out of money earned after the first payment, not at the first payment, because men who could not buy them before starting work, would require all they could receive then. C. W. Huksthouse, Eoad Surveyor.

EOTOEUA. I took charge of this district in October last, and as the greater part of the co-operative work in it was done prior to that, lam unable to say much about it. Unfortunately, the officers in local charge of the works have not, with one exception, kept the usual records of average earnings, so that the table is of little value in that respect. The colums showing the numbers of contracts let as well as the cost of works should be correct, but the average earnings given are only from records kept since the Ist January. I cannot add more to my remarks of previous years than to say that I am more than ever impressed with the importance of officers, who are to'take charge of men working under this system.

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having every opportunity given them of getting the work quite ready for the men before they are sent up on to the works. I have in my mind striking examples of this necessity on several large works in this and my old district (Pahiatua), where engineers have had to locate roads in very difficult country and execute engineering surveys with about one hundred men camped on the ground waiting to commence operations. Under such circumstances, if when the road is constructed it is in its right place, it is as much the result of good fortune as of good management. Eobeet Eeanby, Eoad Surveyor.

WANGANUI. The nature of works done under this system during the year has been very varied, comprising bushfelling, grass-seed sowing, stumping, clearing, and formation of bridle-tracks and dray-roads, metalling, ditching, culverting, bridge-building, sawing, squaring, &o. On the whole the system has worked very smoothly throughout the period, though there has been a certain amount of dissatisfaction at the amount of the earnings. The work done on the improved farms has materially lessened the general average of the earnings, for such work as bushfelling, house-building is only paid for in the way of an advance, the sums given do not represent the actual values of the work done, and consequently the wages earned at bushfelling have been very low. It must also be remembered that bushfelling is mostly done at a time of the year when the weather is frequently ve"ry broken. Wherever possible, preference in the employment of men has been given to settlers, fully 60 per cent, of those employed at the present time are settlers. And those who are actually improving their sections have the preference over non-improving settlers. And in all cases, whether settlers or not, if the locality is suitable, married men are selected in preference to single men. But in many places the distances from civilisation are still so great, comparatively speaking, that men cannot take their wives and families with them; in such cases mostly single men have been employed, as it is found in practice that they settle down much more contentedly in these inacessible places. The number of contracts completed has been 175 ; the average number of men in each party being 3-0; the average wage, wet and dry, has been ss. 9Jd. a day, as against 6s. a day for the previous year. The highest earnings 10s. IOJd. a day were made on the Kaitieke Eoad, a place very remote and expensive in the matter of provisions, and for these reasons the prices were somewhat increased on that road. The lowest earnings, 2s. 1-J-d. a day, were, as in the previous year, made at bushfelling on the Taihape Improved Farm, owing principally to the inexperience of the workers. The average on roadworks has been ss. 10|d. a day all weathers, but the average earnings at bushfelling have been so low that the general average over all has been reduced by l£d. a day. The average earnings at bushfelling have been 4s. a day. There is still the same difficulty as before in getting men to work in moderate-sized parties, the general tendency is that the numerical strength of a party continually diminishes. As formerly reported, the character of the work done under this system is, as a whole, superior to that done under the ordinary system, but the expense of the same is slightly greater in most cases, owing chiefly to the increased amount of supervision and clerical work required. For ordinary labour, such as bush-work or earth-work of roads, &c, the system has proved itself to be well adapted and fairly easily and economically managed; but for works where a large and expensive plant is necessary, or where the work requires skilled artisans, such as metalling, large bridges, house-building, &c, the ordinary contract system is to be preferred. G. T. Muebay.

WELLINGTON EAST. In reporting upon the working of the co-operative contract system and in order to explain the differences between the average daily wage earned, all weathers, upon the different contracts, it may be as well to state at the outset, that it is only reasonable to suppose that the good workmen naturally gravitate in one direction until it is eventually discovered that gangs of inferior and relatively superior men are discovered throughout the various districts. It is not likely that a good workman will do more than a fair day's work when he finds himself placed beside a man who can only earn (although he may work as hard) a proportion of the amount earned by himself, the consequence being that the rate of wage is materially reduced. Good workmen, so far as they can, and naturally so, band themselves together and leave those who are incapable, or perhaps unwilling, to form parties among themselves; and it must be admitted that there are still inexperienced men in bushfelling and clearing, and in the use of the pick and shovel on the works, the former earning a fair wage, while the latter has to content himself with one much less in proportion. It is not clearly to be seen how the difficulty is to be overcome, for if the indifferent men were allowed a price at which to earn the wage I am authorised to give, viz., 65., the good men would earn a wage far in excess of the limit; and to give two prices would cause no end of dissatisfaction. The intermittent system upon which men were to be given employment may be stated as follows:—Settlers, whose wives are with them, two-thirds of their time on the work, and one-third on the land, if any held. Married men, whose families are away, half time on the works and half time on their land, if any. Single men, one-third on the road and two-thirds on their land. Nonsettlers to be treated the same as single men, otherwise they would have an advantage over the settlers. The above system was, it is presumed, intended for the purpose of giving a greater number work, at the same time to assist the struggling settlers and give them an opportunity of improving

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their holdings, and, to my mind, settlers without capital cannot succeed in bush-farming unless employment at suitable times is afforded them, especially as the cost of provisions in their isolated positions is high, owing to the difficulty of access and means of transport. Under the intermittent system it is impossible for one party to remain long together, owing to some of the party being allowed to work one-third, others one-half, and others two-thirds time; the consequence being that, when the two-thirds men are available to commence work again, the others have to stand aside, and workmen of unknown ability or otherwise have to be taken on in substitution. This, no doubt, is another cause of the disparity between the rates of wage earned all weathers, as shown in the returns. I would suggest that, if possible, settlers be employed for, say, three-fourths of the year for two or three years to come, and that at the same time the rate of wages be increased from what it is at the present time. I would also suggest that contracts for larger amounts be let; as at present, owing to contracts being limited to a small amount, the men get through, comparatively speaking, quickly, and, in consequence, are obliged to shift camp some distance to fresh work, loss of time being occasioned thereby. Intermittent workmen labour, perhaps, for a month or five weeks, and for this a number have to travel many miles from their homes, and consequently lose several days going and coining. The low rate of wage —namely, Is. 8d. —mentioned in the returns was due to an accident happening to one member of the party producing the result, the other members of the party in consequence desisting from work for a time. They were also considerably hampered with unfavourable weather. My instructions were that work was to be so estimated that the rate of wage to be earned was to approximate as nearly as possible 6s. per day of eight hours ; and, when it is taken into consideration the fact that 478 contracts, giving employment to about 1,842 men, were completed during the year, the result achieved—namely, 6s. O-J-d., all weathers, as shown in the returns, must be admitted to have approached somewhere near the mark. The difficulties with which I have had to contend, no doubt in common with other road surveyors throughout the colony, are to a great extent beyond my ability to overcome ; and consesequently, upon the introduction of the intermittent system, great discomfort, both to the overseers and myself, has been experienced. It is hard, indeed, to have to refuse men praying for continuous work from time to time, owing to the rigidity of the system obtaining, the rules of which I sincerely hope may be somewhat relaxed. A. C. Tubnee, Eoad Surveyor.

NELSON. There have been only two roads on which work has been done on the co-operative system, as follows, viz. : — 1. Wangapeka-Wanganui Boad. —At the Wangapeka end this work consists in the continuation of a horse-track with dray-road grades, commencing at an elevation of about 3,200 ft., gradually descending into the Upper Karama Valley. A great deal of very bad weather was encountered in the spring, and it was doubtful if the men employed would stay on the work, on account of the cold and wet. Twenty-five contracts were let, and twenty men were employed, and the men averaged 7s. 9d. per day for the three months and a half they were employed against 7s. 7-J-d. last year. The minimum wages earned was 4s. sd. per day, similar to last year, and the maximum was 12s. 6d. The men who made the minimum were totally unacquainted with the work, and as the supply of men was limited, and difficult to keep on the work on account of the wet and cold, the same men took several contracts successively, and were sufficiently expert to make the 12s. 6d. per day. The average number of men to each contract was three. At the West Coast end the work was not commenced until the month of March, so that no returns are available yet. Karamea Mud Flat Boad. —Four contracts were completed on this road, giving employment to twenty-four men. The minimum wages earned was 7s. 7d. per day, and the maximum 9s. 4d. The average daily wage for eight hours' work has been Bs. 7d., the current rate of wages on the coast being 9s. per day. This work is situate in a remote place, and provisions have to be packed to the work, which is the case with all co-operative work in the localities in which it has been carried on in this district. John S. Beowning, Chief Surveyor.

WESTLAND. During the year 1895-96 thirty-three road contracts on the co-operative system have been completed, the details of which are as follow : — Waimea-Stafford Boad. —A contract for a cart-bridge 100 ft. long over the Waimea Eiver was let at the close of the previous financial year, but no work was done in that year. Now the contract has been completed; and three other contracts, extending from the bridge 25 chains towards Stafford have been let, but only one 11 chains in length has been finished. The wages earned on the two contracts completed were very good ; but on bridge-work, where a certain amount of skilled labour is required, the earnings are higher than in ordinary road formation. The average daily wage earned was Bs. llfd. in all weathers. Woodstock-Mahinapua Boad. —A portion of the Woodstock-Mahinapua Eoad extending from the end of the formed and metalled road near Woodstock, a distance of 61 chains towards the Mahinapua Creek, has been formed, the bush having been felled and cleared ; and a bridge 33ft. long over Hooper's Creek has been built. Considerable difficulty in getting stuff for the formation was experienced, and for a distance of 15 chains through Silver-pine Swamp fascines had to be laid, and the filling was brought a distance of 20 chains to the nearest portion of the road. The daily average wage earned all weathers was in consequence only ss. 4d.

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Hokitika-Southward Road (Gillespie's to Karangarua). —Ten contracts were let for the forming and metalling of a horse-track between Gillespie's and the Karangarua Eiver, and one for building a horse-bridge over the Oinetawatea or Saltwater Eiver. Five of these contracts were on the north side of Cook's Eiver, and five on the south side. The total length of track made is 3 miles 78 chains, and by using it the two bluffs, one on each side of Cook's Eiver, are avoided, and a much safer crossing of the river is obtained. The daily average wage earned all weathers was Bs. Id. Hokitika Southward Road (Boss Road deviation). —A deviation from the original road near Eimu was surveyed last year to avoid some of the worst grades, and to get new bridges over Deep and Dusky Creeks, as the two old bridges were almost unsafe for traffic. The length of this deviation is 1 mile 87-J- chains ; and, besides the bushfelling, clearing, forming, and metalling, two bridges have been built, one over Deep Creek 74ft. long and one over Dusky Creek 18ft. long, and 12in. and 18in. earthenware drain-pipes have been put in where they were required. The work was done under great disadvantages, as the weather was very wet most of the time, and there was considerable difficulty in getting gravel, and the leads were long. In the bridge-building the highest daily wage earned was 11s. 4d, but in the road-formation and -metalling it was not more than 7s. 6d ; the average daily wage all weathers being 6s. 9d. Lake Mapourika Road — Wire Footbridge over the Waiho River. —A contract for the construction of a wire footbridge 288 ft. long, in a single span, was let during the year; the Government supplying the ironwork and wire, and the contractor finding the timber and labour for erecting the bridge. The amount of the contract was £210 125., and the total cost of the bridge, including cost of ironwork, wire, freight, and supervision, was £347 16s. 10d. The daily average wage earned all weathers was 7s. lid. Turnbull River Road. —Three contracts were let on this road —one for widening and gravelling a portion of the track already made and gravelled, one for making a deviation from the old track, owing to the encroachment of the river, and one for making a second deviation and clearing and forming a new piece of track to the upper crossing of the river; and a fourth contract was for building a bridge 23ft. long over Gagliardi's Creek. The daily average wage earned all weathers was Bs. 7d. Wataroa Bluff Track. —In order to avoid the danger of going round the foot of the bluff, a track was laid off at the back of the bluff, starting from the flat on the jiorth side of the Wataroa Eiver, and running out on the beach again at what is known as the Middle Beach. The length of track is a mile and a half, and the daily average wage earned, all weathers, was Bs. 7d. Fbedekick. Withee, Eoad Surveyor.

CANTEEBUEY. Cheviot Estate. Domett Drainage. —On this work £27 3s. 4d. has been expended, which comprised the cutting of two channels from the Darroch Eoad to the Hurunui, through Sections 4 and 5, Block XIX., to carry off the Domett drainage which previously was thrown on to these sections, and spread half over them in rainy weather. The work was carried out by nine of the settlers in two contracts on the co-operative system. The maximum wage earned per man per day, all weathers, was 75., and the minimum ss. 6d. Homeview Drainage. —On this work £29 9s. was expended, which comprised the opening up the natural watercourses to a width of 6ft. and a depth of 18in. for a length of 103 chains, providing thereby a much-needed outlet for the drainage of the settlement. The work was carried out in one contract on the co-operative system by three of the settlers. The maximum wage earned per man per day, all weathers, was 75., and the minimum ss. 6d. Lower Jed Works. —During the year £232 19s. 3d. was expended. The works commenced at a point 1 mile 70 chains above the Jed Bridge, and terminated about 22 chains above the Telegraph Ford Bridge, a distance of 157 chains, and comprised cutting down the willows for a width of 50 links on each side of the stream ; also clearing off and burning the undergrowth, niggerheads,&c, which obstructed the channel during floods. The works were carried out by twenty-two of the settlers in five contracts on the co-operative system. The maximum wage earned per man per day, all weathers, was 75., and the minimum 4s. Bd. The above expenditure includes the cutting and stacking of 260 cords of firewood and 7,000 posts, most of which has since been sold, the former at the rate of 10s. per cord, and the latter at 14s. per hundred.

OTAGO. DueiKg the past year all the road works in the Catlin's District have been carried out under the co-operative system, and an average of over eighty men have been employed. The average daily wage all weathers was only 4s. 2fd., but this is accounted for by the very wet weather. The average loss of time through bad weather was very heavy last year, and the average hours worked per day was only 5-66. The minimum wage earned was 2s. 2d. per day ; but these contracts were carried out by the settlers, who spent most of their time on their sections. As this system has been reported on at various times, there is no need for me to make further comment. I might mention, however, that the men are getting to understand the system better, and are making much better results. For a long time the men were handicapped for want of proper appliances for the carrying-out of their work. I have found the advisability of the department buying tools such as woodjacks, trollies, &c, and supplying them to the men at a small weekly cost. The appliances are soon paid for, and the men make better wages, C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor,

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SOUTHLAND. The co-operative system seems to have been fairly successful during the year in meeting the difficulty of finding work for the unemployed. It seems, indeed, to have almost too many attractions ; for men who once get a start on co-operative works think that, as soon as one contract is completed, another should be let to them, and they seem never to look out for other work. If there were room for all on these works, this, perhaps, need not be complained of; but, when others are vainly seeking employment, it seems only fair to give all a turn, and not to let a few lucky ones monopolize the work. There have been few complaints during the year with reference to prices paid, the men generally considering them fair. Where works have been some time in progress, a scale of prices based on contracts already let is gradually arrived at, and these prices are readily accepted by new parties, for they know that others have already worked successfully under the same terms, and they feel that if they cannot make the work pay the fault lies with themselves only. On new works there are usually initial difficulties, but the adoption, to a certain extent, of a give-and-take system generally bring these to a satisfactory conclusion. I do not think that any considerable number of men will be found complaining, unless they really feel themselves aggrieved. Often the presence of one or two agitators will disaffect, for a time, a whole body of men ; but, in the long run, the bulk of the men will not grumble much if they are fairly treated. During the year a question cropped up in connection with orders on their pay given by cooperative workmen to tradesmen. Some of the workmen wished to repudiate their orders, and at first refused to sign the paysheets if the amount of orders were kept back. This sort of thing is thoroughly dishonest, and no man capable of acting in this way has any right to employment on Government works. The order system involves a great deal of trouble and work to the Government officers, but it seems to be the only way in which the tradesmen can be protected, and so induced to make advances of goods to needy men. Storekeepers are continually suffering losses at the hands of unprincipled men on the co-operative works, and it is only right that they should be protected as far as possible. Prices are supposed to be fixed so that the wages of co-operative-labourers may be 6s. a day, for a fair day's work from an average man. Very many of these labourers are new to road-works, and quite unable to compete with men skilled at such work. Nevertheless they think that, if they do a fair day's work, they should get the specified 6s. The intermittent system has been the cause of a good deal of dissatisfaction during the year. It bears hardest on married men whose families are not resident with them. These are allowed three days' work a week, and, at 6s. a day, earn 18s., half of which is sent to t>he wife and half paid to the workman. The system may lead the men to take up land for their own interests, but upon such of them as hold no land the system presses heavily meanwhile. An objectionable feature that I have noticed in connection with the co-operative system, is the eagerness with which the men seize upon every pretext for asking payment for extras. The contracts not being let for a lump sum but at scheduled prices, if the smallest item of work is not provided for in the schedule, the men in many instances are rather too eager in demanding extra payment, out of all proportion to the work done. It is, of course, only right that extra work should receive extra pay; but the men should be ready to accept a fair amount, and not try to take advantage of an accidental omission. Only a month or two ago, a party, who were moving from one contract they had just completed to another at no great distance, wanted payment for shifting their wheelbarrows and planks to the new job. It would be well if more were done, on the lines of suggestions in last year's report, to provide appliances for the workmen. Ploughs and scoops could often be used to great advantage; drays are required for long leads; a horse can haul a trolly more economically than a gang of men, who have all to leave their work to get the trolly to the tip-head. Thus in many ways hitherto the cooperative labourer has been at a disadvantage. If these deficiencies can be made up, if care is exercised in the choice of men, if the unsteady and lazy man is dismissed as soon as his character becomes known, the cost of works under the system will be much decreased, and the chances of success will be correspondingly increased. G. W. Williams, Chief Surveyor.

APPENDIX No. S.—IMPKOVED-FAKM SETTLEMENTS.

AUCKLAND. The settlements established as improved-farm settlements are five in number. Upon those to the North of Auckland there are settled with their families some 153 adults and children, and to the South of Auckland some ten adults (the families are only just arriving on the grounds). Taking them in the order of settlement— Mangatu. —Area, 1,000 acres, in the County of Hokianga ; selected by ten persons. This settlement has now upon the ground twenty-one adults, thirty-eight children, and seventeen head of cattle. The total advances made for dwelling-house, bushfelling, &c, amount to £692 14s. lid. The present value of improvements now on the ground amount to £695, and comprise 238 acres felled and 219 acres felled and grassed. Awn tuna. —Area, 1,000 acres, in the same county; selected by ten selectors; has now upon the ground ten adults, eighteen children, and thirteen head of cattle. The total advances for dwelling-

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houses, bushfelling, &c, amount to £582 4s. 4d. The present value of improvements now on the ground amount to £602, and include 200 acres felled and 163 acres felled and grassed. Katui. —Area, 875| acres, in the same county ; selected by nine selectors; has now upon the ground twenty adults, thirty-three children, twenty-six head of cattle, and five horses. The total advances for dwelling-houses, bushfelling, &c, amount to £594 17s. 3d. The present value of improvements now on the ground amount to £758, including 219 acres felled and 183 acres felled and grassed, and eleven horses. Bangatira. —Area, 1,000 acres, also in the County of Hokianga; area allotted, 300 acres, 24 acres felled; total advances, £30 19s. sd. Total value of improvements on the ground, £40, with three settlers. Another man, with wife and four children, has just gone to the ground. These four settlements are situated beyond Opanake, eight to twelve miles from the Kaihu Eailway-station; three of them are upon the main road now open throughout to Hokianga; and one (Katui) is near the Maunganui Bluff. The land ranges from very good to fair quality, and the settlements will make much better progress, after the land is dried, sweetened, and cultivated, by being cleared of forest and opened to the sun. Of course, it must be borne in mind that such progress very much depends upon work being provided for these settlers for at least three days in the week for the next two years. I am, however, very hopeful that the expansion of the timber industry, and the extension of the Kaihu Valley Eailway for at least three miles beyond Opanake Eailway-station, will enable a good many of the settlers to find employment. Some of them are hardly fit for heavy work of this kind, and for them somewhat lighter employment must be found. The most recently established settlement is named "Te Bau-a-Moa." It is situated about fifteen miles from Pirongia (Alexandra) Township, on the main cart-road to Kawhia Harbour. Ten selectors have been allotted 1,380 acres, or an average of 138 acres for each selector. The total advances made for dwelling-houses, bushfelling, &c, to date amount to £174 17s. 4d.; and the total improvements now on the ground are valued at £300, consisting of 83 acres felled. The elevation of this settlement —some I,oooft. above sea-level—will make it somewhat cold in the winter, more particularly, too, as it is within the influence of the "West Coast winds and clouds ; but, nevertheless, it should be fairly successful, provided suitable employment can be found for the settlers for a time. G. Mueller, Chief Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. The only settlement in the district is that at Waikopiro, near Ormondville. The strength of the association when the land was allotted was fourteen, who were selected, in November, 1894, from the co-operative labourers who were then working in the locality. There was only sufficient time before the following burning season to get clearings made on seven of the sections, but this year these clearings have been increased, and a portion of the remaining sections felled, burnt, and grassed. The present position is this : 122 acres in last season's grass, and 325 acres felled this year and surface-sown —altogether 447 acres. Of the sixteen members originally belonging to the association, one has been dismissed by the Land Board, and the section reoffered under ordinary settlement conditions, and a second has surrendered, having found employment at his trade elsewhere. Eight are now resident with their families, and the remaining six are finishing the building of their houses.. Only one has as yet fenced the land that was grassed the first year, but the majority have made sundry improvements in the vicinity of their houses, in the shape of fencing small enclosures, outhouses, &c. The improvements on the sections are valued at £1,176, of which £857 has been found by the Government in paying for bushfelling, grassing, advances for houses, &c. Thomas Humphries, Chief Surveyor.

TAEANAKI. During the year all the unallotted sections in the five improved-farm settlements shown in last year's report were applied for, and, in addition to these, seven new settlements were set apart, the largest being Whangamomona, comprising 111 sections, averaging about 95 acres each, situate on the Ohura Eoad (both sides), and near the proposed line of railway from Ngaire to Auckland. All the sections in these seven settlements, with the exception of seven in the most remote one —the Niho Niho Settlement —were taken up during the year. This latter settlement is close to the Ohura Eoad, and portion of the Eata-tomokia Block. Two more settlements, the Derwent and Okau, were laid off on the Tongaporutu Eiver, one on the north side, opposite the Tongaporutu Settlement, and the other from seven miles and a half to thirteen miles from the mouth. The Huiroa Settlement is situate at the junction of the Makuri and Douglas Eoads, about eighteen miles from Stratford. The Poti and Maata Settlements are portions of the Ngaire Block, and comprise sections from 10 to 13 acres in extent. They were allotted to men at work on the Ngaire drains. Complaints are now made that the sections are too small; but they were made so on account of their proximity to Eltham. At the request of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, I laid off nineteen sections, of about 22 acres each, at Awakino, portion of Section 1, Block VII., Awakino North Survey District, all of which were applied for. Owing to funds not being available until late in the last bushfelling season practically nothing has been done there yet in that respect. My greatest fear in connection with this class of settlement is the planting of too many families close together, all of them in comparatively poor circumstances, and in the meantime wholly

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dependent on work obtainable from Government on the roads and in clearing their sections. The areas allowed to these settlers being small—generally about 100 acres each—necessitates the selection of the best available frontages for them ; consequently, no matter what care is taken in providing side- or service-roads, the future value for sale and settlement, even in large areas, of much of the back country is considerably lessened. This is a very important point to keep in view, as the success of these improved-farm settlements to a large extent depends on the speedy and almost contemporaneous settlement by men with capital of the adjoining Crown lands in larger holdings, and on which the improved-farm settlers may reasonably expect to secure a considerable amount of work, and thus enable them to exist after the Goverment roadworks and assistance cease, which must, in the natural order of things, do so in a year or two. The following gives the progress made in this district for the year:— Ngaire. —4l acres felled and grassed in 1894-95, 82 acres felled in 1895, and being grassed in 1896. Six settlers out of fourteen have built upon their holdings, and are resident with their families, and others are now building. The six families comprise twenty-five persons. No fencing has yet been erected, nor is there any stock running on the land. Poti. —66 acres were felled in 1895, and is being grassed. Four settlers out of a total of eight have built upon their holdings, and are resident; the number of persons being eighteen. There being as yet no grass, there is no stock nor fencing. Maata. —23 acres felled in 1895, and is being grassed. Two settlers out of a total of three have built houses on their holdings, and are resident, the number of persons being nine. There is as yet no fencing, nor is there any stock on the land. Huiroa. —ls3 acres felled in 1895, and is being grassed. None of the selectors are yet resident on their holdings, but some are about to build. There being as yet no grass, there is no stock on the land. Mangaere. —47 acres felled and grassed in 1894-95, and 185 acres felled in 1895, and being grassed. Six out of thirteen of the selectors have built houses on their selections, and are resident with their families; the total number of persons being twenty-nine. On the holdings there are running five horses, eighteen head of cattle, and some pigs and poultry. Others of the selectors are building, and the most of them will be resident by July next.. Uruti. —lß9 acres felled and grassed in 1894-95, and 193 acres felled in 1895, and being grassed. Of the seven selectors, six have built upon their holdings, and are resident; the total number of persons being twenty-seven. 64 chains of fencing have been erected, and there are four horses and thirteen head of cattle, besides pigs and poultry, on the land. One selector, Smale, has forfeited his holding, having obtained more suitable employment elsewhere. Tongaporutu. —44-J- acres felled and grassed in 1894-95, and 327-J felled in 1895, and being grassed. Of the sixteen settlers, five have built upon their lands, and are resident; the total number of persons being twenty-five. About 25 chains of fencing have been erected, and there are two horses, ten head of cattle, and 100 sheep on the holdings. ' Six other settlers are building, and will shortly be resident. Derwent. —197 acres felled in 1895, and is being grassed. Three settlers have built upon their holdings, and are resident; the total number of persons being eleven. As there is no grass, there is yet no fencing or stock. Okau. —29B acres felled in 1895, and is being grassed. Settlers are now preparing to build, but as yet no families are resident. As the road up the Tongaporutu River to the settlement is not yet formed no stock will be taken on to the land for a few months, access so far being by the river. Whangamompna. — 948 acres felled in 1895, and is now being grassed. None of the selectors have as yet erected houses, but some are preparing to build. No stock has as yet been taken on to the land, and the settlers, being all poor men, will have a difficulty in providing stock for their clearings. Tatimatatahi. —This settlement was at first named " Kapara," but the name was subsequently changed. On the two sections fronting the Waitotara Valley Road 15-J- acres were felled and grassed in 1894-95, and on three out of the four sections (of which the settlement consists) there were felled in 1895 40-J acres, which are now being grassed. Two settlers have built houses on their holdings, and are resident; the total number of persons being eleven. Another settler has timber on the ground for his house, and will begin building at once. The fourth settler has forfeited his claim. Upon the holdings there are three horses and ten head of cattle. Niho Niho. —sl acres were felled in 1895, and is being grassed. One selector has built upon his holding, and is resident, and three others are about to build. Until the grass is ready no stock can be taken on to the land. Tawai. —This settlement is in the Auckland Land District, and is being supervised by this office at the request of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland; but little work has been done on the settlement. Only 15 acres of felling was paid for, and this is now being grassed. Three of the selectors are resident, but no families as yet; and no stock is on the settlement. John Stkauchon, Chief Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. Seven associations under the improved-farm settlement system have balloted during the year, the total number of members being 113, and the area 9,674 acres 3 roods 2 perches; as against one association the previous year, of thirteen members, and an area of 1,247 acres. There have been eleven forfeitures during the year, and one surrender, in the new selections, the forfeitures being principally on account of the members not signing the necessary agreements, and proceeding with their selections, owing to the land drawn by them being considered unsuitable, &c. The surrender 13—C. 1.

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was on account of the serious illness of the selector. The Horopito Association, in the Waimarino Block, has been proclaimed, but only three sections have been allotted. The surveyors, however, have now reported the great portion of the land is not suitable for settlement in 100-acre sections, and it is not considered advisable to allot any more sections at present. The total amount paid to selectors under this system for improvements up to 31st March, 1896, was £4,705 19s. 5d., and the total value of improvements now on the land is assessed at £5,519 175., which includes the value of improvements paid for by Government, on which the selectors will pay interest in terms of the regulation. It is too early yet to report distinctly on the success or otherwise of these settlements, as they are still in their infancy. In only three of them—-namely, the Pemberton, Kawatau, and Taihape Settlements—is the land yet in a condition to be occupied. In the Pemberton the mistake was made—since rectified in other settlements —of felling the whole of the bush. This increases the rental payable by the settlers by the cost of the bushfelling and grass-seeding, and gives them more grass at first than they have stock to occupy, and leaves no bush for the settlers to fell in their spare time afterwards. The method now being adopted is to fell about 20 acres each season for the first two years, and grass the land felled, adding the cost to the capital-value of the land; thus leaving, say, 60 acres for each settler to fell and grass at his own cost. The 40 acres in grass should give the settler a sufficient area of cultivated grass-land to start on, and felling and grassing the balance himself lessens the rent he has to pay to the Crown. In the Pemberton Settlement, ten out of the thirteen sections are occupied in a bond fide manner, two have been forfeited since the 31st March and given to other men, and in the other case the selector is camped on a section in Wairaki Township, adjoining, and is practically occupying the section. The settlers in this settlement have, however, erected houses and fencing at their own cost valued at £767 10s., which is a sufficient guarantee that they intend to continue in occupation of the land given them. It is the only settlement in which rent is yet payable. The amount which should have been paid up to the 31st December last was £104 10s. 7d.; but of this only £69 4s. 4d. was actually received up to the 31st March, owing principally to the settlers not understanding the method prescribed by the regulations for determining the capital-value of their sections. The difficulty has now, however, been settled, and' several payments have since been received. The Kawatau and Taihape Settlements were started with men brought up from Christchurch and Timaru, many of whom have never been accustomed to or knew much about bush-work. Out of the twenty-three settlers, thirteen have built themselves houses, and two more are living on adjacent Crown land (but actually occupying their sections), and have done some fencing and made gardens for themselves, and, as they get stock, will doubtlessly be capable of paying their way, and become independent of Government work. Six are not yet residing, and the remaining two have decided not to go on with their selections. Akitio Improved Farm. —This farm comprises 2,258 acres, taken up by twenty-one settlers, and of this number, thirteen settlers occupy 1,412 acres. The drawing took place on the sth October, 1895, and since then 87£ acres of bush has been felled, burnt, and grassed. The above farm is situated in Blocks 11., 111., VI., and VII., Mount Cerberus Survey District, and Block VI., in the Weber District. Kawhatau Improved Farm. —This is situated in Blocks X. and XI., Hautapu Survey District, on the eastern side of the Eangitikei Eiver, and consists of 1,000 acres, which were taken up by twelve settlers, and during the year 248 acres of bush has been felled, burnt, and grassed, each settler felling his own forest. There is now under grass a total of 446 acres. All the settlers are living in buildings on their holdings, with the exception of two who are residing on Government land adjoining the settlement. During the year two sections were abandoned, leaving ten settlers in occupation, with sixty-four persons dependent, thus making a total of seventy-four persons in the settlement. Some of the settlers have improved their holdings by fencing, gardens, &c, while others have effected little or no improvement. Great facilities have been afforded the settlers by a dray-road having been formed during the year from Mangaweka to the settlement, and a bridge is now under construction across the Eangitikei Eiver. At present a cable and cage spans the river, by means of which supplies are obtained, and the cable which carries the cage is 5f chains in length. It may be as well to add, as showing the strides which the settlement is making, that a schoolhouse has been erected and a teacher appointed for the district, which will, without doubt, be greatly appreciated by the settlers. Pemberton Improved Farm. —This is situated in Block XV., Hautapu Survey District, facing the Eangiwahia and Mangawharariki main roads. The total area is 1,247 acres, and of this, 1,125 acres have been felled, burnt, and grassed. During the year 50 acres were felled, burnt, and grassed, and the grass-seed for this area was procured and sown by the settlers themselves. There are thirteen settlers on the farm, four single and nine married men, with a total of forty-two persons dependent upon them. A considerable amount of improvement has been made, 590 chains of fencing having been erected, together with gardens, &c.; and the stock upon the farm comprises seventy-eight head of cattle, nine horses, eleven pigs, and 547 sheep. Strenuous efforts are being made to obtain a schoolhouse for the district. Horopito Improved Farm.- —Only three settlers are on this land. 71 acres of bush have been felled, burnt, and grassed, at a cost of £159 13s. 9d. The timber on the settlement is so valuable that it would be judicious to reserve it; besides, the locality is not suitable for an improved farm. Hautapu Improved Farm. —47 acres of bush have been felled, burnt, and grassed; 47 chains scrubbing, and 20 chains bridle-track formation, besides three miles engineering survey. Three contracts are now in progress. It is proposed to complete all the roads as bridle-tracks. Total expenditure, £257 15s. Id.

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Taihape Improved Farm. —22 acres of fresh bush have been felled, burnt, and grassed, besides 148 acres of previous burn sown. The entrance-road has been finished, and the interior roads are in progress. The work done consists of 70 chains "bushwork, 46 chains dray-road, 60 lineal feet culverts, and two miles engineering survey. It is proposed to complete all the farm roads 10ft. wide. Total expenditure, £340 9s. sd. Ohutu Improved Farm. —18 acres of bush have been felled, burnt, and grassed, besides the following roadwork to provide access to the block from the Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Eoad: 43 chains bushwork, 29 chains dray-road, and 80ft.-span bridge well advanced. This entrance-road (Torere) should be pushed on to the Moawhango Eiver, a total length of eight miles. Expenditure, £416 ss. 2d. Masterton-Tenui Improved Farm. —160 acres of bush have been felled, burned, and grassed, and all the access and interior roads laid off for formation, which will shortly be commenced. Expenditure, £283 os. 6d. John H. Bakeb, Assistant Surveyor-General.

OTAGO. Heathfield Improved-farm Settlement. —This settlement contains twenty-seven sections, all of which have been allotted. Sections 29 and 30, which were occupied by single men, have been forfeited. Sections 6, 8, and 25 were abandoned by their original occupiers, but were readily taken up by better men, who have paid rent and license-fees. All the settlers are residing on their sections. There are sixteen married and eight single men. The total number of individuals on the settlement is 104 (including women and children). Houses have been built on twenty-one sections; nine of the settlers having taken advantage of advances for building, and twelve having built without aid from the Government. A substantial school-building has been erected on the schoolreserve, and another building (30ft. by 18ft.) has recently been completed, to serve as a shelter-shed for the children, and as a hall for public gatherings ; the cost of same being raised by subscription assisted by a pound-for-pound subsidy from the Education Board.* There has been no addition to the area of bush felled during the year. Total area felled is 967-|- acres, and area in grass is 749 acres leaving 218 acres still to burn. The grass on the settlement has been most abundant, and the settlers not having stock to eat it, have let the grazing at considerable profit to themselves and also to the benefit of the pastures. At present there are about five hundred head of cattle at Heathfield (including 104 owned by the settlers themselves), also ten horses and a few sheep. The money received for the grazing has enabled several of the settlers to fence their allotments and pay their rent. Some of the settlers took stock in exchange for their grass, one settler getting four cows. Few of the settlers at Heathfield had any idea of the value of good pasture, and the fact that practical farmers were ready to bring stock so far, and pay at the rate of 10s. per acre, has opened their eyes and given them a confidence of success that before was wanting. The settlers have, I understand, the promise of a shed at Tautuku Bay and one at the head of the navigation of the river, and already some snagging has been done. The settlement will thus be much more conveniently placed with regard to a market than it has been heretofore, when everything has had to be carted from Waikawa (a distance of sixteen miles) ; this improvement in its position should do much to make its present prosperity lasting; and, if the petition of the settlers to the Government for a dairy factory be granted, the settlement should then be entirely self-supporting. With reference to the progress of the settlement, I wish to point out that the improvements are almost all due to the married men ; the single men, as a rule, are thriftless, and display no energy. If the settlements are to be a success, men, married or single, who make no effort to help themselves will have to be dismissed so that room may be made for men who are really anxious to improve their sections, and gradually make themselves independent. Bents for half-year have been paid on the following sections, viz.: Nos. 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 25; and license-fees on Sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, and 25. The settlers recognise the fact that the rents asked for are moderate. Eoad-formation to give access to back sections has been proceeded with during the year. North of the main road all sections except one (Section 30) have now access by a dray-road. South of the main road a dray-road has been formed to boundary between Sections 9 and 10; and a bridle-track runs from boundary between Sections 8 and 9 to give access to Section 19. There is, however, a gap of about 8 chains fronting Section 11 still to form ; and until this is done, and a bridge constructed across the Hakihaki Creek, the greater portion of this road is not available. To render the whole of the present formation available, and to complete two short gaps in the western branch of road running north from main road, would require an expenditure of about £100; whilst to give access to all sections by a dray-road would require about £375. The other settlements proclaimed and initiated during the year are : " Waipati," in Block XII., Tautuku Survey District, 3,000 acres ; " Eimu," Block 11., Eimu Survey District, 1,600 acres ; and " Woodland," Block 11., Woodland, 1,215 acres. The table shows the transactions in these and the formerly-proclaimed settlements, there being at the present time seventy-six selectors holding 9,340 acres 1 rood 32 perches under this system. In neither of the settlements have the rentals yet been finally arranged, as a number of improvements are still being effected at Government expense.

• Heathfield is administered from Invercargill by Mr. Williams,

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Improved-farm Settlements. —A full return has been furnished on each of the improved-farm settlements by Commissioner of Crown Lands. I forward you herewith plans showing the area of bush felled on each of the settlements for roads only. Purakauiti No. 2, 23 acres; Puaho, 23-50 acres : A 10ft, road has been completed through the block for a distance of 2 miles 50 chains. Two branch roads have been felled and logged up for a mile and a quarter, and now require forming. Block 11., Woodland: Area felled, 32 acres; no roads have been formed in this block. Eimu (Block XV.): Area felled, 54-50 acres. Contracts for road-formation have been let, but none are yet completed. Waipati: Area felled, 128-58 acres. Eoad contracts are in progress, but none completed. Swinburn : All the road contracts in this settlement have now been completed, and extend over a distance of 4 miles 4 chains. The works consisted of formation, chipping, culverts, and gravelling. An outlet has now been given to all the sections in this settlement. C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor.

SOUTHLAND. Foue settlements are in operation—viz., Waikawa, Haldane, Papatotara, and Motu-rimu. Waikawa. —This settlement, situated in Block XVII., "Waikawa Survey District, is two to three miles distant from the Niagara School, and about five miles from the Port of Waikawa. The land generally is fairly good; it is, however, for the most part rough, and, except in the case of a few of the front sections, not much will be fit for the plough. Work was begun on the settlement about August, 1894. There are on the settlement sixteen sections, excluding reserves, and all have been allotted, one section of 200 acres area being held by father and son. The number of settlers resident is sixteen, all except two being married men. The total number of individuals on the settlement, including women and children, is fifty-six. Twelve good houses have been built, the settler in each case having taken advantage of the Government advance for that object. Some of the settlers have fair gardens and substantial fencing, and the progress generally is satisfactory. Two hundred and eighty-nine acres of bush were felled last winter; of this area about 177 acres were burnt, and the work of burning and sowing is still in progress. As the dry weather continued well into April the area burnt would probably be considerably increased. Last year's grass was all that could be desired. The settlers own between thirty and forty head of cattle and six horses. During the quarter ending the 31st March the settlers have been engaged on the formation of a road to give access to back sections Nos. 1 to 5, and there is now completed (except three gaps, totalling 8 chains, nearly finished) a length of 63 chains from the main road through the settlement. It is very important that this formation should be continued, and I would strongly urge that, instead of giving the settlers more work at bnshfelling during the coming winter, they should be employed upon this road, so that the back settlers, who have been hitherto at a great disadvantage in getting anything on to their sections, owing to the rough nature of the country, may have the same ready access enjoyed by those holding front sections. It seems to me preferable that this work should be done, rather than that more bush-land should be felled and sown when the settlers have already more grass than they will be able to stock for some time. It would be greatly to the advantage of the settlers to complete the road through from Section 1 across the Waikawa Eiver to the WaikawaFortrose Eoad, as they would then have a direct route to Waikawa Township instead of the present roundabout one through J. Campbell's and W. Haldane's sections. The work would cost about £300, this amount giving a ford only across the river. Haldane. —This settlement is situated in Blocks IX. and X., Waikawa Survey District, between Fortrose and Waikawa, at a distance of fourteen miles from the former, and eight miles from the latter place. The settlement consists of twenty-four sections, twenty-three of which have been allotted. Twenty of the settlers are residing on their sections—fourteen married men with their families, and six single men. There are forty-two children, and total number of individuals is seventy-six. Operations on this settlement were begun in the month of June last year. An area of 363J acres of bush has been felled, and up to the end of March 100 acres was burnt. Burning and sowing were in progress at the beginning of April, every advantage being taken of the recent good weather. The roadwork up to the end of the year consists of bushfelling and logging-up on the road leading through the settlement from the Otara-Waikawa Eoad. The whole length of the road (2 miles 32 chains) has been felled full width, and 53 chains have been logged up 40ft. wide. No formation has yet been done on this road. Whilst waiting for an opportunity to burn the bush the Haldane settlers were employed on formation of branch road running south from corner of Section 30, Survey Block IX., Waikawa Survey District, to the estuary. This work is referred to under the Waikawa-Otara Eoad. The present position of the Haldane Settlement is not so satisfactory as in the case of the Heathfield and Waikawa Settlements. Haldane is more recently established than the other two, and has not had time to overcome the initial difficulties. Progress, moreover, has been retarded by an unusually wet season. But, after making allowance for the youth of the settlement, and for the bad weather, another cause for the want of success must still be looked for. Many of the men are unaccustomed to the work of bushfelling and road-making, and consequently, though paid high prices, they do not earn good wages. Haldane is more favourably situated than either Heathfield or Waikawa, having a good road through to Fortrose; the land, too, is excellent, and when the men have acquired the right experience the settlement will succeed.

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Special attention is drawn to the timber question in connection with this settlement. The bush consists of rimu, black-pine, and totara, and is by far the most valuable bush in the district. Mr. Young reports that there is nothing to equal it from Otara to Catlin's. The cutting down of the undergrowth and smaller trees, and the burning of the same, will, in the course of a year or two, destroy all this valuable timber, unless some means can be adopted to utilise it. If a sawmill were erected there would still be the question of how the timber could be best got away. The matter is one of great importance, and should be taken into consideration without delay. Many of the Haldane settlers have for some months been working the sandhills for gold, with fair success. Probably profitable employment could be found for a number of men on the beaches for years if a permanent supply of water were obtainable. Papatotara. —The position of this settlement (which has been in existence for nineteen months) is not encouraging, and the want of success is due to the disadvantages the settlers labour under owing to the heavily-timbered sections. Here again is the question to which attention has been just called in connection with the Haldane Settlement. There is good milling-timber on the Papatotara sections, and this will be destroyed unless speedy action is taken. If a sawmill were started, what at present handicaps the settlers might be turned to their advantage. Another cause for the want of success in this settlement may probably be traced to the fact that most of the settlers are single men. There are in all sixteen settlers, on fifteen allotments, and only six are married men. In almost all cases the single men show little energy, and they seldom prove to be the sort of men that are wanted on these farms. The position of the settlement, so far from any township, has increased the difficulties with which the settlers have had to contend. The new outlet to Orepuki, which is contemplated, should be an improvement in this respect. Motu-rimu. —This settlement (being part of Block VIII., Campbelltown Hundred) is situated seven miles from Invercargill, from which place there is a good road to Woodend, within a mile of the settlement, and thence there is a tramway running right through the settlement. The tramway is the property of the New Zealand Pine Company, who give the settlers free use of it, and of trollies, &c. The land in the settlement is fairly good ; there are a few moss-banks, and the ground is swampy in parts, so that drainage will effect a great improvement. The ground is flat and level, and when the stumps are out will nearly all be ploughable. There are sixteen sections in the settlement, and eight have been allotted. There are three resident settlers. Operations were begun on this settlement in August, 1895, so that there has not been time for much progress. 44-J- acres of bush has been felled on the sections, and 34£ acres sown in grass. Most of the settlers have begun to improve their sections, three houses have been built, some clearing, in addition to that paid for by the Government, has been done, and a little fencing. No roadwork has yet been done, but it is intended during the coming winter to fell the bush for the full width of the road, and to drain the road with ditches on both sides. It will be seen that, though rents are assigned to each section, no rents have been paid, as they will not be actually due in terms of the regulations until the Ist January next. G. W. Williams, Chief Surveyor.

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IMPROVED FARM SETTLEMENTS. Return showing Position and Transactions from their commencement to the Year ending 31st March, 1896.

Names. Areas set aside. Number of Areas and Dates of Proclamations, j Allotments in each i Settlement. Number of Settlers who have been Allotted. Number of Persons Resident. Number Number /"» FeUeTand Ca " le H™ 68 Felled. r j on on brassed. AUot . I AUot . ments. ! ments. Boads Felled and Amount Paid to Selectors for Improvements: Past and Present Transactions. Value of Improvements now on the Land, including that Paid for by Government. on Allotments. or partially Formed. For Bushfelling and other Works. Total Payments. For Houses. Auckland — Mangatu Awatuna Katui Rangatira Te Rau-a-moa Hawke's Bay — Waikopiro Taranaki — Ngaire Tongaporutu Mangaere "Druti Taumatatahi Nihoniho Huiroa Derwent Poti Maata Okau Wangamomona Kohuratahi .. Tawai 2 Wellington — Horopito Hautapu Taihape Kawatau Pemberton Otuarei A. E. P. 1,000 0 0 • 1,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 1,400 0 0 1,410 0 0 Proclaimed, Gazette 1895, p. 863 „ 1895, p. 863 „ 1895, p. 863 . 1895, p. 863 Not yet proclaimed 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 3 10 59 28 53 9 10 Acres. 238 200 219 24 83 Acres. 219 163 183 17 13 26 Mis. Chs. 3 9 1 35 3 47 £ s. d. 100 0 2 68 19 0 111 0 6 £ s. d. 592 14 9 513 5 4 483 16 9 30 1!) 5 174 17 4 £ s. d. 692 14 11 582 4 4 594 17 3 30 19 5 174 17 4 £ s. d. 695 0 0 602 0 0 758 0 0 40 0 0 300 0 0 5 0 60 1,880 0 0 Proclaimed, Gazette 1895, p. 79 .. 16 16 33 447 447 16 3 5 3 70 0 0 787 16 10 857 16 10 1,176 6 10 170 1 30 2,500 0 0 482 2 13 697 0 0 430 0 0 1,406 0 0 668 1 21 1,369 0 0 108 0 0 30 0 0 1,889 2 0 10,543 0 0 4,762 0 0 411 0 0 . 1895, p. 233 . 1894, p. 1505 „ 1894, p. 30 .. . 1894, p. 30 .. . 1894, p. 1691 . 1895, p. 1248 . 1895, p. 1722 . 1896, p. 398 . 1895, p. 1053 , 1895, p. 1053 , 1896, p. 398 , 1896, p. 149 . 1896, p. 269 Not gazetted 16 18 13 7 4 16 9 13 8 3 19 111 47 19 14 16 13 7 4 9 9 13 8 3 19 111 25 25 29 27 11 1 11 18 9 123 372 232 381 66 50 153 197 66 23 298 948 123 372 232 381 66 50 153 197 66 23 298 948 101 18 13 10 5 5 4 3 0 70 0 46 2 23 1 76 0 28-56 1 8-82 2 73 4 72 28 14 7 20 0 0 40 0 0 59 0 0 20 0 0 234 16 10 647 14 11 367 15 6 667 7 0 118 7 5 89 0 8 246 17 9 332 17 3 135 17 4 45 4 11 508 6 6 1,691 14 10 263 11 5 667 14 11 407 15 6 726 7 0 138 7 5 89 0 8 246 17 9 332 17 3 135 17 4 45 4 11 508 6 6 1,691 14 10 413 11 5 717 14 11 487 15 6 840 10 0 188 7 5 89 0 8 246 17 9 332 17 3 135 17 4 45 4 11 508 6 6 1,691 14 10 i9 3 15 i-5 10 6 0 19 4 0 29 4 0 59' 4 0 2,000 0 0 1,204 0 0 200 0 0 1,000 0 0 1,260 0 0 2,000 0 0 I 800 0 0 \ 360 0 0 2,578 0 0 2,187 0 0 Proclaimed, Gazette 1894, p. 1505 . 1894, p. 1637 „ 1894, p. 1950 . 1894, p. 1637 „ 1895, p. 30 .. Not proclaimed Proclaimed, Gazette 1895, p. 1526 Not proclaimed 3 12 15 12 13 20 8 4 2410 28 11 11 12 13 20 8 4 21 28 3 7 5 8 10 5 71 47 175 550 1,125 71 47 175 550 1,125 64 42* 0 63 . 0 20 5 51 6 40 30 0 0 23 0 0 70 0 0 10 0 0 174 1 0 227 15 1 362 10 4 706 4 7 1,659 9 6 174 1 0 257 15 1 385 10 4 776 4 7 1,669 9 6 184 1 0 320 16 0 435 10 4 1,081 3 4 3,039 6 1 9 ■■ •• Masterton-Ti-nui } 4 160 160 ] 283 0 6 283 0 6 325 2 1 Akitio Ohutu Otago— Purakauiti No. 2 Puaho Waipati Woodland, Block II. .. Heathfield Southland — 1,515 1 30 1,003 0 0 3,000 0 0 1,600 0 0 1,214 2 5 2,400 0 0 Proclaimed, Gazette 1895, p. 29 .. „ 1895, p. 30.. . 1895, p. 1584 , 1895, p. 927 „ 1895, p. 927 . 1895, p. 438 10 7 23 13 9 27 10 4 15 13 9 27 ■ I 1 2 7 15 13 87 18 282 128 32 967J 87« 18 282 128 32 749 ... 4 37 0 72 2 50 4 0 2 0 10 0 0 113 13 3 416 5 2 654 5 4 610 9 4 316 16 5 16 12 6 3,121 15 5 113 13 3 416 5 2 664 5 4 610 9 4 316 16 5 16 12 6 3,206 15 5 113 13 3 416 5 2 684 5 4 674 9 4 401 16 5 16 12 6 4,155 7 5 104 500' 10 5 48 85 0 0 Waikawa Haldane Papa-totara Motu-rimu 1,768 0 27 2,200 0 0 1,480 0 0 670 0 0 f . „ 1891, p. 585 \ . . 1895, p. 1222 { „ . 1895, p. 1447 . 1895, p. 176 . 1894, p. 1618 . 1895, p. 1526 ) 16 24 15 16 17 23 16 8 56 76 14 3 491J 363J 570| 44£ 9,301| 330 359J 8.138J 40 6 3 12 1 58 9 1 68 113 0 0 110 '6 0 10 0 0 1,825 4 5 955 17 5 2,190 2 5 146 8 9 1,938 4 5 955 17 5 2,300 2 5 156 8 9 2,384 14 5 955 17 5 2,300 2 5 166 8 9 Totals 63,597 0 6 573 679 769 665 50 67 66-38 988 14 3 21,469 6 9 22,458 1 0 26,984 0 7 1 Also 100 sheep. 2 This settlement though administered in Taranaki is within the Auckland Land District. 3 Not yet balloted. 8 59 chains horse-track only. 9 2 miles 32 chains felled full width. '0 This includes two sections in Hawke's Bay Land District. 4 Also 547 sheep. 5 No work yet started. e Area felled only. 'Also a few sheep,

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APPENDIX No. 6.

EEPOETS ON THE THEEMAL SPEINGS FOE THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MAECH, 1896.

EOTORUA. Bathing Establishment. The bathing accommodation has, during the year, been improved by the completion of the Sulphur Bath (south of Priest Bath), the dressing-boxes being built and fitted up; also the putting-up of shades over the baths, as it was found to be dangerous to bathe exposed to the summer sun. These baths have been well patronised, and quite maintain their reputation as the great cure for rheumatism, &c. The construction of the ladies' swimming-bath is now being proceeded with, and when finished will render the bathing establishment complete, and capable of meeting all emergencies for several years to come, the aggregate capability of all the baths being equal to administer fifteen hundred immersion baths daily. The Priest Bath has been rather troublesome to keep in a proper state of efficiency, owing to extremely low level of the lake—at least 6in. below lowest known summer level; and if this state of things continues something will have to be done to enable the sinking of the bath deeper into the pumice bed. Since the opening of the railway we are having a wealthy class of invalids and tourists, who complain of the plainness of the accommodation provided. They say they are prepared to pay for better accommodation, and that it should be provided, the same as it is in European spas. I agree with this, and would recommend that steps be taken to provide such want. Baths. The total number of baths taken during the year has been 28,906, and the cash received £502 175.; being an increase of 5,490 baths and £68 ss. 9d. in cash over previous year. . Visitoes. I find it impossible to compute the number of visitors. The only way in which an estimate could be made is by taking the railway return, and add to it the number brought by coaches from Taupo, Tauranga, and Okoroire ; but the coach-proprietors are so jealous in guarding the secrets of their business that they will not give any information. Not being able to compute the number of visitors to such a district as this is very detrimental to the best interests of the place, and I would again urge on the Government the advisability of licensing all houses taking boarders or lodgers, and compelling them to keep a register-book of all visitors. A quarterly return of the number of persons who stayed in their respective establishments should be furnished, the same as is done in Continental spas. Gaedens and Geounds. There was no extension of the improvements in the grounds this year, as the time of the men employed was fully occupied in keeping the existing works clean and in order. Town of Eotoeua. Considerable improvements have taken place during last year. A number of shops, offices, and cottages have been erected, all of which are occupied. The several hotels, boarding-houses, &c, which I mentioned as being in course of erection in my last annual report, are now all completed. They are well appointed, and furnished with ample accommodation for a large number of visitors, and fit for the most fastidious traveller, the price varying from £4 7s. 6d. to £1 Is. per week for board and lodging. Feesh-watee Supply. The number of services now being taken from the main is sixty-eight; the aggregate revenue £82 ss. The works are in good order, and the settling-tank, so urgently required, is now approaching completion, and will much improve the quality of the water. Speings and Theemal Action. The thermal action generally has been at its normal state. The geyser " Waikite "is still quiescent, and what I said about it in my last year's report is applicable to this year. I hope, now that the Whakarewarewa Block is settled, to be able soon to try the experiment of bringing the geyser into action again. A rather important change has taken place in the Kuirau group of springs. There are several dead or inactive cold ngawhas, or water-holes, in the Tarewa East Block, some 20 chains south-west of the Kuirau Springs. These began to show sign of activity about four months ago, and increased in temperature perceptibly every day until they became very active and eventually broke out—in quite new ground—into a regular geyser action, throwing water 10ft. to 20ft. high. This lasted for about a fortnight, when one of the old ngawhas started to boil furiously, discharging a large quantity of water (about 200,000 gallons per day), at a temperature of about 200° Fahr., and this has lasted for the last two months. This new geyser had the effect of reducing the quantity of ■water discharged by the Kuirau Spring by about the same quantity, and has reduced the temperature of the Kuirau water from 160° down to 116° Fahr. This abnormal activity of the Tarewa Springs has been going on without change for the last two months, and the Maoris and Europeans who have lived in the locality for over forty years say they have never seen them active before.

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The cutting of the railway drain, which has drained the swamp, and the excessive dry season we have had, may have had something to do with this change. We have had very few earthquakes, and those very light, during the past year, and I have heard of no noticeable change taking place at Tarawera, Eotomahana, or any other thermal localities of this neighbourhood. C. Malfroy.

HANMER PLAINS. Hanmer Plains, 22nd April, 1896. During the past year the baths have been very well patronised, people coining from all parts of New Zealand in search of health, and others for pleasure, but the majority were people in search of health. We also had a number from Australia, and several from England. A great number suffering from rheumatism and sciatica benefited by the use of the baths, and some went away quite well; but in most cases patients feel the benefit after they leave the Springs. We had a number of persons also suffering from chest complaints ; in these cases the high mountain air is more beneficial to them than the baths. The inhaling of steam from the waters has also been found to effect wonderful cures; for this purpose I have placed an earthenware pipe over a hole on the top of one of the hottest pools, so that persons wishing to inhale have the full strength of the steam. Both the ladies' and gentlemen's swimming-pools have been greatly used this season, but these are mostly used by people in good health. There have been no improvements in the way of building this year. The bath-houses and cottage are in very good order, but need painting, but we could not do this while there were so many visitors about. Now the bathing season is about over, this will be the first work carried out. Laying on a water-supply pipe to the bowling-green and tennis-ground, and planting about fifty chains long by one chain wide with trees, will occupy my attention directly. This latter will complete the new plantation round the Springs. We made a few improvements in the way of planting last autumn and spring. We planted a number of herbaceous plants and bulbs of all sorts ; these have -done well, and add greatly to the beauty of the place. There was also a tennis-court laid down, which has been a great source of amusement to the young people visiting the Springs. There has been a good increase in the number of baths taken this year over the preceding one. There is one great want felt here, and that is accommodation close to the Springs for invalids. A number of people come here quite helpless, can hardly walk or stand, and they complain of the driving backwards and forwards twice a day. If there was a place of accommodation close to the Springs, there would, no doubt, be a great increase in the number of baths taken, and also in the bath revenue. It is to be hoped there will be a place here before next season. I have not kept a record of the number of visitors to the Springs, only the number of baths taken. The Springs are in the same state of action. We had two or three slight shocks of earthquake during the year. The number of baths taken for the last twelve months ending 31st March, 1896, was— 5,183 baths by ticket at Bd.; 2,267 swimming-pool baths at 6d.; 171 single baths at Is.: 160 free baths : total for the year, 7,781. The total amount of bath-fees collected was £240 4s. Bd.; this shows an increase of £37 7s. 2d. over last year, and an increase of 1,475 more baths taken than last year. The charges- at the hotel are £2 2s. and £1 55., and at the Temperance Hotel £1 17s. 6d. and £1 ss. Miss Cooke, the masseuse, has had a number of patients, especially during the last three months. She has been kept very busy, and her patients seem well satisfied with the result of the treatment. J. Eogbes, Caretaker.

Culverden, 20th April, 1896. The past six months show a large record in the tourist traffic, and at the same time a marked increase in the number of invalid visitors, as contrasted with the corresponding period of the preceding season. The increase is largely from other provinces, especially Otago and Southland; and, with the means taken to render the Sanatorium more widely known, the number will increase still further. Several medical men who have during this season visited the Springs have expressed themselves desirous of sending patients there. As a recruiting-ground for wearied business-men, Hanmer seems to gain in popularity. Rheumatic patients form a large proportion of the invalids, and but few of these have left without receiving benefit. Patients suffering from cardiac and pulmonary disorders have also benefited. The shortness of stay at Hanmer is often to be regretted. Miss Cooke, the masseuse, has been busy all the season, and her patients have expressed their satisfaction. I have been consulted during the past year by twenty-five patients, exclusive of Hanmer residents. One death occurred in May, 1895, from pneumonia, contracted at the Hanmer. This has bearing on a point that deserves to be strongly emphasized —the need of a first-class accommodation-house close to the Sanatorium. The house at Jollies Pass is two miles and a quarter, and that at Jack's Pass is one mile, from the Sanatorium. This is a grievous drawback for cripples and for recent convalescents. In wet or cold weather many visitors prefer to remain in the houses rather than run any risks. I feel sure that were there such an accommodation-house more invalids would visit the Hanmer, and there would also be winter visitors. Perhaps also greater convenience both to Mr. Rogers and to the visitors in the bathing-hours would be thus afforded. I beg respectfully to bring this point especially under your notice. Charles J. W. Little, M.8., Ch.B., Visiting Medical Officer to the Hanmer Thermal Sanatorium.

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APPENDIX No. 7.

EEPOETS ON LITTLE BAEEIEE AND EESOLUTION ISLANDS. LITTLE BARRIER ISLAND. Since the publication of last year's return, the Little Barrier Island has become in its entirety Crown property under the provisions of " The Little Barrier Island Purchase Act, 1894." This has given the Crown legal, but not quiet possession, as Tenetahi and his family still obstinately decline to remove their cattle and other belongings. Briefly to recapitulate events, it will suffice to say that as soon as legal possession had been given to the Crown the European and Native residents upon the islands were given notice to quit, and a steamer was sent down by which they had the opportunity given them of being removed with all their belongings to any place they chose. Shortly after this, Tenetahi appealed to the Stipendiary Magistrate for an extension of time to remove his stock and crops, alleging as a reason that his scow was being repaired, and he had no means of transport, and to this the Magistrate agreed. The six weeks expired in the middle of May, and during that time (the caretaker's services having been dispensed with) two of the Permanent Force were stationed upon the island as representatives of the law, and are still in residence. To show how little Tenetahi intended from the first to keep faith, he has not, up to this date, attempted to remove any of his belongings, though his vessel has long since been repaired, and I am afraid that the power of the law will again have to be evoked before a final settlement of the question is arrived at. Upon the date of last advices the Natives have partially returned to the island to look after their stock. The two men of the Torpedo Corps are also living on the island awaiting further orders, and Colonel Goring has repeatedly asked that they may be relieved of the duty. Gerhard Mueller, Chief Surveyor.

RESOLUTION ISLAND. I forward herewith for your information extract from reports which I have received from Eanger Henry, at Eesolution Island, giving particulars of his proceedings since the date of his last communication. Apparently the season has been a most unfavourable one for the prosecution of Henry's work. He states that there has been no summer in the Sound, the weather having been worse that in winter, and very stormy throughout. The rainfall he gives for December is 28'2in., and January 31-35 in. In wet and stormy weather it is, of course, impossible to move about at all in that region, or to do any work even in the bush. However, it will be seen that, whenever possible, he continued the transporting of birds from the mainland. It is to be regretted that he has now reason to believe that the ferrets have made their way down to Upper Cove, on the eastern arm of the Sound, as in fourteen days in that locality he only saw one weka and two kakapos, and heard no birds at night. I think this clearly shows that our efforts to preserve these birds from extinction have not been undertaken a day too soon. I do not know whether you will consider Henry's communications of sufficient interest to insert in the annual report. His work is of a slow and laborious nature, liable to be continually impeded by the wild and stormy weather prevailing in the Sound ; but I am certain he is doing as much as any one could accomplish with the same appliances under the same circumstances. Henry was entirely by himself for a considerable time, and as his only means of locomotion is by boat, the absence of his assistant made this a difficult and somewhat dangerous matter. lam glad to say, however, that the assistant returned by last trip of the " Hinemoa," relieving me of some amount of anxiety on Henry's account. J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

I felt quite happy after reading your last letter of the 9th July; everything seemed to be so satisfactory to you, and the news of many people taking a kindly interest in such affairs was pleasant to read. I must try and answer your inquiries : — Mountain Tussock. —The mountain tussock is the same, I think, as that which grows on the mountain tops round Te Anau, and may be common, but it was the first time I looked closely into it, and that is why I described it. I enclose a few grains of the seed. I sowed some of it last August and it did not grow, so, the first time I am on the tops I will bring down and send you a few of the plants. Fish. —I know the grayling, but have seen nothing of it here, nor have I seen any streams that I think would suit it. The water out of this dense bush is all too brown for such fish. The river that I take to be the Seaforth is the most likely place, but for the falls, and as I am now going for some days up it in a skiff, I may find out if they are there. However, they are very mysterious, and may escape observation for years. I keep a diary and mention all the fish we catch, but we need so few that I am not in so good a position to learn all about them as a professional fisherman. Groper. —One day last autumn I saw a great shoal of big groper east of Pigeon Island. The water was calm and clear, and we could see them quite plainly, but we did not offer them a bait. We often catch small ones when fishing for cod, and during last summer we got a few big ones, and saw many more; but there are very few ling. There is a little fish, mendosoma pineata, in great numbers around Pigeon Island. They are about the size and appearance of the grayling, but with fins like a moki. They are always hunting 14—C. 1.

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squid on the surface, and will take no bait. Late in the evening they come into very shallow water, but we could not catch many until a few nights ago. They will not go into a net until forced. So we set our little net closer in, and then hunted oat with a light the fish that were hidden among weeds in a few inches of water. In this way we caught five dozen in an hour, and can always get as many as we want within 50 yards of our door. They are our favourite fish at present, are easily smoked and keep well. Moki and blue cod are plentiful everywhere, but particularly so about Acheron Passage. For a short time last summer the mackerel and kingfish were here, also mullet and baracouta, but they did not stay long. Maoris. —l have not been on Maori Island since, but will be happy to spend a few days there this summer, and send you word. The sandflies do not like wind nor exposed places, and that is the only reason I can think of for their scarcity on some islands. We saw none on Maori Island, but I dare say, on a warm damp evening, they would be able to muster a few. They are not nearly so bad at our house as they were this time last year, so they do not travel far, because a mile away they are as thick as ever. I found no Maori relics except when digging, and then only a stone sinker and chisel, a big old spike-nail and a few flakes of flint for knives. It is quite common on Pigeon Island, and many other places, to find small totara trees that have been barked long ago. They are all just able to stand up, and it takes a long time to rot them in sunny places. The pieces of bark taken off are generally about 4ft. long, and 18in. to 24in. wide, and were probably used for stretching sealskins. The Australians dry all their skins on pieces of bark. The Maoris generally use thatch for their huts, and here there are plenty of gaiges* which make very fair thatch. They must have used sealskins for clothing and blankets in this climate, for I do not think they could live here in their flax mats. And I have the idea that sealskins were all the fashion in the south, and as far inland as the old pa at Te Anau, until the first sealers came and bought them all up for nails, and hooks, and old iron hoops, some of which I found at Te Anau. Then when the Maoris went for more skins they found the seals nearly all gone, and soon deserted Dusky Sound. About sixty or eighty years ago, many Maoris lived at Te Anau and Manapouri, and on the chart is marked at the head of Dusky Sound, " Many Natives in the time of Cook" ; so it is possible that they had a track through to the lakes by the Seaforth Valley, and that they came over here for sealskins, as they went further north for greenstone. I do not" think they would care to live here continually if they once got a taste of the fine weather at the lakes, with the abundance of eels and fern-root, and the wekas that swarmed there in the grassy plains until 1882, and at the old pa there were no sandflies. Sandflies. —Cook's " Voyage " has a drawing of the Maori family at Dusky, evidently dressed in sealskins, but with bare legs, and it is only recently I have been able to guess why the sandflies did not eat them. The flies are attracted by a gentle heat, and we have an effective trap made of a large tin packing-case, with a fire-tin inside and greased outside, and the flies come up and stick on it in thousands. Now, perhaps, the Maoris found out this, and simply greased themselves with seal-blubber, like many other Natives, not for ornament, but utility. Exploring. —l have just finished building a light skiff to take up the Seaforth Eiver as far as she will float, and then I will go on as far as the saddle and have a look over the hill at Mauapouri. I know that country, and can tell where I am; but I will not attempt to go down, for I might have trouble to get down the lake. Birds. —l was out two trips bird-hunting, in September and October, but was not at all lucky in boating weather, for, when I had a lot of birds I could not get away with them, and it was hard to feed the kakapos. The berries were all gone, and, though I tried every sort of leaves, some of them would eat nothing but a few tussocks that grow in solitary clumps, along the beach. Some would eat bread or raw potatoes, but others would, eat nothing, and one of them died, so I decided not to go again until there were berries, for it was not satisfactory putting them out half-starved. This only applies to our last trip. Often we put them out the same day we caught them without being one night in a cage. On the 28th September we liberated, at Crawfish Harbour, seven kakapos and five roas. There are plenty of the latter on Eesolution, but I brought these for " new blood." On the Ist October, a mile further north, near Useless Islands, we liberated four kakapos and three roas; sth October, liberated on east point of Indian Island, five kakapos and three roas (a pair and a young male); 10th October, liberated on north-west corner of Long Island, four kakapos, and, three miles further east, at Detention Cove, three kakapos. Wekas. —We had four woodhens on board for Pigeon Island, but it was easy to feed them while we were weather-bound. One of them escaped on Eesolution, and three we brought home and liberated at once, and they did not go away, but seemed to like boiled fish so well that they became quite tame in a day or two, and would come when called and eat out of our hands. Then three Pigeon Island wood-hens came up and made friends with us, though previously they never came near the house; they are now tamer than any barn-door fowl. They are intelligent and pleasant company, and perfectly harmless. lam in hopes of doing the same with the paradiseducks, for I had a pair nearly tame at Te Anau. There are several pairs about here that never come near us now, so I will try and catch some young ones and tame them inside the netting. Then we will have them all here, and I am confident that they will be in numbers in proportion to the grass. We have felled several pieces of bush—one on Parrot Island—but they will not be ready to burn until March, and generally there are too many logs to make a suitable green for the ducks, but I think I can find a few scrubby places that will do, and I will clear them when I have time. Goats. —Please do not send any goats yet; the place is not ready until after the burning and sowing. In fact it will be time enough next year. My man is leaving next steamer, and I will want some one like him. I have asked Mr. C. W. Chamberlin to send me some one. Dr. Colquhoun and Mr, Chamberlin sent me some fruit-trees,

•? Kiekie, or Freycenetia Banksii.

Summit of Whitcombe Pass.

Fox Glacier.

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and Mr. Mathews sent a lot of flower-seeds. Things grow luxuriously for a while, until one of those northerly storms comes on, and in the morning everything is blasted. The grass soon recovers, but I will have to make a clearing away in the bush for fruit-trees. 10th January: Very bad weather for a month; could not go away in the boat. Eainfall for December, 2802 inches, and wind in proportion.

Dusky Sound, 20th May, 1896. The steamer came this evening, and I have no letter written, so I have to write to-night. It has been beautiful weather lately, and I have been camping out. I only got home this afternoon from a camp on Five Fingers, where I spent three days prospecting, and tried to get across to the sea, but near the far side the scrub is awful, and all that I saw of it was very rough and bleak. I saw no ground birds but wekas, which were plentiful. There were also English thrushes and goldfinches. I made two trips to Cascade Harbour for birds, but only got a dozen kakapos, and eight roas, and one grey kiwi. I found it very awkward to haul out and launch the boat myself, so I gave it up until my man came. Then I spent a day on Maori Island, but found no tools, only burned wood and barked totaras. I spent some time about Anchor Island, and found it to be windswept on three sides, with few sheltered valleys, and not at all a good place to put birds. I saw no ground birds on it but wekas. At the lagoon there is a great rookery of sea-shags. Eiver-shags are few here, and very wild, while the others are quire tame. I did not see a single young paradise duck here this year, perhaps owing to the bad weather preventing my being out so much. Last year I saw several, and caught a fine one in the bush, and let it go again. lam getting three fine geese from Captain Neill, and will get more if you approve of it. They can have some grass here for a while, and then go wild if they like. The burning of the bush was a failure, as might be expected after such a season. However, I cleared some of it, and sowed grass to see how it will do, and so far it promises well. We will cut it up and burn a lot of it before next sowing time. About half an acre on Parrot Island burned fairly, and if I get this enlarged it will be the best place to experiment with goats. They would be more isolated, and there are less sand-flies. Bastard, or False Trumpeter, is a name for the little fish. I send you a few by parcel-post. It is only in fine weather I can smoke them successfully. I will be able to send up a good lot some day. It is only fun to catch them. If I only knew when the steamer was coming it would be easy. I need a shed for a larger boat, but cannot make out an order to-night; next time I will do so. lam not sure that a track to Manapouri is desirable in the interests of the birds. I should like to be able to go that way, but that is not important. If you should like me to spend a good deal of time at it, I will put a track through, if possible. The weather has mended here lately—fine days, no rain,, and little wind ; but there has been a very heavy sea coming into the bay. In coming out last time I saw four long deal-planks, 7ft. by 3ft.; they had been a long time in the water, but it was curious they kept together so long. They were either Baltic or Oregon pine. I am in good health, and most heartily wish you the same. Eichabd Heney.

APPENDIX No. B.—EXPLOEATIONS. *

EOUTB OVEE SOUTHEEN ALPS. Cairnbrae, 22nd March, 1896. Enclosed please find a letter written to me by Mr. D. Matheson, of the Freehold Creek, Lake Ohau, Omarama. I would draw your attention to the fact that, by cutting a short track through the bush on the Huxley Eiver, he actually succeeded in taking his pack-horses right over the pass I discovered in 1890, a report of which discovery is printed in the annual report of that year. Last year Mr. Harper reported to the Surveyor-General that he had visited my pass, which he condemned as impracticable. I doubted at the time whether he had ever been there, and now I feel certain that he was mistaken, and also that this route is an infinitely easier and better one than that discovered by Mr. FitzGerald. His pass is such a one as might be found in many places along the range, and not such as surveyors would look for or think good enough to recommend as a route : the altitude is 7,180 ft.; that of mine about 5,300 ft. It is annoying having men like Mr. FitzGerald speaking as if officers of the Survey Department could not explore, and claiming " the first crossing of the Southern Alps of New Zealand." Whitcombe and Browning both crossed long ago, to say nothing of the coach road over Arthur's Pass, and Eailway survey of the Hurunui Saddle. I have also crossed the range twice ; once over Sealey's Pass at the head of the Godley Eiver, and again into the Landsborough. I may also remark that, following my directions, the Pringles went over the Sealey Pass right down to the West Coast Township of Eohotu, and returned the same way. My instructions never included looking for routes to the West Coast; and, much against my inclination, I always turned back after going over, when I might have gone right through. T. N. Beodbick, District Surveyor.

Freehold Creek, Lake Ohau, 14th March, 1896. We met with gold in small quantities only. From Wilson's Creek right down we got gold on the surface-wash at the side of the Landsborough Eiver all the way down, but very light, and not in quantities which would be likely to be very remunerative to work in such a rough and out-of-the-way country.

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The weather, for part of the time, was very wet, so that our search for gold cannot be said to be at all exhaustive, nor do I think it at all conclusive. There were many places we were not able to visit at all, and we did not do anything in a great many places but try the extreme surface. It was impossible to minutely prospect such a large tract of country in the time at our command ; we were out for nearly a month. The district is a most interesting one, with most magnificent scenery, especially towards the head of the valley. I went up to the Otoko Pass, and lam satisfied that a good route for tourists can be got through from the head of Lake Ohau by Brodrick's Pass to the West Coast, to Paringa, where the great West Coast track runs from Wanaka to Hokitika. We got our pack-horses over Brodrick's Pass and right down to the top of the bush on the other side. The stages I would suggest for a through route, and which, so far as we could see, would not present any formidable difficulty, are : First day, from head of Lake Ohau (station) on horseback with pack-horses to foot of Brodrick's Pass, distance eighteen miles; next day, go to either top of saddle with pack-horses or take the horses to top of bush, McKenzie Creek, then lunch, and go down through the bush on foot to your old camp at the river—eight miles; third day, stay about camp and visit the Glasgow Waterfall, which we discovered on this trip. It is a magnificent fall, and within a mile and a half from Brodrick's camp, up on Mount Trent, about 1,500 ft. from the flat; I have named it the Glasgow Palls, in honour of the Governor. Fourth day, up an easy slope to the ridge of Solution Hill, thence keeping northward along the spur, drop into head of Otoko Eiver through the low saddle dividing the head of the Clark from the Otoko Eiver—distance nine miles—■ camp at head of bush, Otoko; next and fifth day, through the bush to Paringa, ten miles, then from there anywhere along the coast; return either by Wanaka, Hokitika, Otira Gorge, or return to Lake Ohau. The track over Solution Hill need not in any part be much over 5,000 ft., and there is no danger of bother from snow. I fancied, before I went over, that the Otoko Pass, as marked on the map, would present the easier route, but found the climb to the Otoko Pass very steep and difficult. It took me over five hours to reach the saddle from the flat. The other route I consider far the better one, without nearly so much climbing; the ascent from the flat to the Solution is an easy slope. There is an excellent ford opposite the camp (Brodrick's camp) where the river is divided into two streams. I crossed at this ford and found it very good. The coach-line now established between Oamarama and Pukaki would afford easy and convenient communication with any part of the eastern sea-coast. I carried a camera with me, and took some forty pictures of the scenery. I was so pleased with it; if I could get any one to accompany me, and had a week to spare, I should very much like to go the whole way to Paringa and back, as I now know exactly where I could go, and the direction, &c. I spent a good deal of time reconnoitring before I got quite into the bearing of all the district, as it is a large tract of country. We went down river for four days and up river for the same time, so that we went over a good part of the country. I should like the attention of the Government to be invited to this new route, as I feel satisfied it would be a most attractive variation of scenery for tourists, &c. The spot on the south side of the McKenzie Creek, at the head of the bush, is one where, if a shelter hut were erected, it would be very convenient for travellers, and a few stores and some blankets could be kept in it. I have also marked with a cross a spot on the north side of McKenzie Creek, where we found that a landslip had lately bared the sideh'ng to the bed-rock; and, as it is very steep, it completely bars the way on that side. It must have come down since you were down at the Landsborough. There is a track over Solution Eidge and down the Otoko Eiver. We also found a convenient deviation from the track as laid down on the map, about two miles and a half above the Huxley Junction (of right- and left-hand branches) when we crossed the river with the horses and went up the south side ; this ground is not nearly so steep, and gives good footing for the horses. I dropped on a quartz reef 3ft. thick on Mount Gow, but I could not trace any metal in it. D. Matheson.

THE FOX GLACIER. Hokitika, 31st March, 1895. As part of my section work for the year lay within a few miles of the terminal-face of the Fox Glacier, the opportunity was taken of doing some work on the glacier, in accordance with instructions received from the Surveyor-General in Circular No. 245, dated 7th April, 1894. The first work done was to fix the points of Mr. Douglas's magnetic survey, and to connect his stations at the terminal-face and along the sides of the glacier with the trigonometrical stations in Cook's Eiver Valley. Owing to the short time at my disposal, it was not possible to take this work more than three miles from the terminal-face of the glacier; but, by carrying a chained traverse up the Fox Eiver and around the terminal-face, and running a small ray-trace up the trunk of the glacier, enough observations were made to enable any surveyor working in the vicinity in after years to note any changes that may take place. Permanent cairns were fixed at prominent points, principally on the south side of the glacier, and, as these are not likely to be disturbed in any way, they will always serve for future reference. The rate of the ice-flow for a period of twenty-eight days was then determined, at a point one mile and a half from the terminal-face, and the results are shown on the attached schedule. Owing to the absence of large stones on the ice at the place fixed upon, flags had to be used; a base-line, with three stations, was fixed on the south side, and careful observations were taken to each flag from the side stations. After an interval of twenty-eight days the flags were again observed to. Each position is a mean of three results, and the motion at the six flags varies from 3in. to 13 - 4 in. per day, the lesser rate being at flag K e , close to the south side of the glacier, and the greatest movement at flag X*, on the undulating ice towards the centre. The position of the flags and direction of movement are shown on the plan of the terminal-face of the glacier. The results can be taken as an accurate indication of the winter rate of movement, the time being from the 6th July to the 3rd August. The weather during the interval was cold and frosty, with one week of

Topographical plan of FOX COUNTRY WESTLAND

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rain, ending with a heavy fall of snow. I visited the glacier again in the summer time; but, owing to the incessant bad weather and the short time at my disposal, I regret very much that I was unable to take further observations of the rate of Bow. One of the stones marked with paint at flag K 6 was found cast up amongst the debris on the south side, but no sign was found of any of the other marks. The glacier, with the exception of some half mile or so at the terminal-face, was remarkably free from debris at both visits, although the scarred faces on the hill sides show that large slips have occurred in former years. The "Victoria Glacier, on the other hand, was entirely covered with debris, some of the stones being of immense size. On my first visit, in 1894, the trunk of the glacier was very largely crevassed; but, in the summer of 1895, after an exceptionally severe winter, the crevasses were all closed except at the edges of the glacier. On the whole, very few changes were noticed during the eighteen months' interval. In July, 1894, the whole of the river rose in one stream from the southern side of the terminal-face, falling in a beautiful cascade over a ledge of ice ; but in 1895 the ledge had disappeared, and the stream boiled up from more than one opening close to the 1894 aperture. The ice had fallen away in a hollow from the south side of the terminal-face towards the centre of the glacier at a point some twenty chains back from the extreme face, and indications pointed to the formation of an ice-arch at the outlet in the near future. The Fox Glacier has a large advantage over the Franz Josef, in the natural facilities afforded to tourists for the ascent on to the clear ice, there being no difficulty, as the track up the creek-bed on the south side of the cone lands the traveller on the smooth ice some two miles from the terminal face; and from there, with the exception of a little difficulty at an ice-fall some half-mile in length, where the ice has to be left and the moraine at the side clambered over, travelling is easy to the foot of the main ice-fall, which runs along the greater part of the Chancellor Eidge, an immense rocky ridge dividing the Fox and Victoria Glaciers. The north side of the glacier is much steeper than the south side, and the old ice-lines, extending in almost unbroken lines from the terminal face to nearly the top of the main ice-fall, can be easily traced with the eye. On the south side the country is more broken by creeks and slips, and the marks can only be noticed at intervals along the side. However, on the south side, between the top end of the conical ridge at cairn X and the outlet of Boyd's Creek, the more recent morainic accumulations are very plainly marked, consisting of a series of flat ledges: first come the heapedup boulders, which are continually in motion, and are piled up on each other in an almost incomprehensible fashion ; then a ledge of settled-down ground, with little or no vegetation; then another covered with broom, akeake, and small scrub, gradually extending back to a line of large birch and rata trees. The top of the cone-ridge is covered with numerous boulders and the roots of the large ratas on the summit spread over these rocks. The side of the cone facing the glacier is a perpendicular face of rock, worn smooth by ice action and extending nearly to the top of the ridge, while the Mills Creek side is more sloping, and the bush extends down nearly to the creek-bed. One of the most interesting features of the Fox Glacier is the presence of a belt of koromiko scrub at the foot of the terminal-face. This patch is completely isolated from other vegetation on either side, and is growing on an irregular mass of piled-up debris. The belt is gradually getting smaller year by year, as the boulders fall into it from the termnial-face at the back, and the river flowing past it in front carries away a small portion occasionally. The presence of the shrubs prove that the ice does not extend for any distance under the boulders of the river-bed, as the enforced continual motion would prevent any vegetation thriving on the surface. Patches of similar character are found growing on the islands further down the Fox River. The water from the Victoria Glacier runs into the Fox Glacier on the north side, just below the foot of the main ice-fall. There are two small streams which run around a large rocky knob, heaped up with old debris from the Victoria, and join again just before running under the ice of the Fox. The trunk of this glacier is very flat, and almost entirely covered with masses of moraine. The terminal-face of the Victoria is over 900 ft. higher than the ice of the Fox at the Victoria outlet, and from the level appearance of the valley the ice travels at a much slower rate. Other features of interest are entirely covered by Mr. Douglas's report. Wμ. Wilson, Assistant Surveyor.

Schedule showing Direction and Rate of Movement of Fox Glacier for Twenty-eight days, 6th July to 3rd August, 1894.

No. of riag. Position South and West from Initial Station HI on 6th July, 1894. Position South anc West from Initial Station, 3rd Aug., 1894. f Direo- « tion of S*; Move- £• ment, £ h True i■ n Bear- . 'S ,rt ings, l-g I* 8 . I fi Pi a II Zt to 3 !*■ 1! Bemarks. S. W. 215186-2 86363-4 216135-1 85115-0 215339-8 85374-1 214935-2 85269-7 217541-7 84678-0 S. W. 215170-1 86394-5 216121-5 85151-8 215327-3 85404-8 214924-9 85301-5 217529-8 84717-9 0 / KK« K' K» 297 22 290 17 292 09 287 57 286 36 23-1 25-9 21-8 22-0 31-5 9-9 10-8 9-4 9-5 13-4 1465-0 1529'3 1506-0 1515-7 1549-0 1464-6 1527-5 1505-8 1516-2 1547-1 4-8 21-6 2-i 6-0 22>8 Fall. On lower edge of flat ice in centre. Pall. On lower edge of undulating ice. Fall. On smooth ice. Rise. On smooth ice on north side. Fall. On undulating ice toward south side. Bise. Close to south side of glacier. K« 217609-7 85842-7 217607-6 85852-9 281 38 6-9 3-0 14650 1466-1 13-2

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EEPOET ON COOK'S EIVBE DISTEICT. Cook's Bivek, as it is called by the settlers, or, to give-it its official name, the Wehaka, enters the sea about fifteen miles south of the Waiho, and drains the snowfields of Mounts Tasman, Dampier, Stokes, and Haidinger. As might be expected, it is a snow river, and runs white water nearly all the year round; even in the severest frost the river is comparatively white for a long distance below the terminus of the various glaciers which feed it. The river-bed, from the ranges to the sea, is a wide unsightly stretch of shingle flats covered with large masses of drift timber, and through which the water meanders in numberless channels. At the forks of the Fox branch, and Cook's Eiver proper, these flats are nearly two miles wide ; but for three miles from the sea they narrow considerably, in some places being not more than 20 chains wide. They are bounded on the south bank by a narrow morainic ridge, which ends in the high bluff called Malcolm's Knob, dividing Cook's Eiver from Saltwater Creek; and on the north bank, from Clearwate'r to the sea, the open and white-pine swamps extend to the foot of the drift hills, a distance of over a mile. Those hills are the commencement of the immense drift deposits'which extend from Cook's Eiver to the Waiho, rising in places to an elevation of 1,500 ft. The Fox Eivee and Glacier. This branch joins the main stream of Cook's Eivor in the middle of the open flats, nearly opposite where the track from Gillespie's Beach joins the main south road. To gain the glacier, there is no occasion to follow up the open river-bed, as this south road runs parallel with it nearly to the foot of the hills, when it can be left, and open reaches of river-bed and grass flats will take the traveller to within a few chains of the ice, where horses have to be left, and the remainder of the journey done on foot. Before long, this, no doubt, will be remedied, and a track cut up to the terminal-face, if not up to Point X, via Mills Creek. As a mere mass of ice in a valley, the Fox Glacier cannot compare for a moment with the Franz Josef, its ice-fall is inferior, and the surface of the glacier is not so broken up into picturesque pinnacles and castellated towers of ice, as is the latter. But if inferior in some respects, the Fox Glacier is decidedly superior in others ; few of the glaciers on the West Coast can show peaks like Tasman and Haidinger, and the almost precipitous north side towering up from the ice for nearly 2,000 ft. give it a finish of its own. This glacier is easy of access from civilisation, and neither skill nor knowledge of ice-travelling is required to enable any one to go up to the great ice-fall and then on to the Chancellor Eidge, where the whole of the glacier, its views and surrounding peaks can be seen as if laid down on a map. As a glacier of the first class, the Fox will always take a high position, not only for its scenery, which will attract the non-climbing tourist, but for the scientific lessons to be learned by those who take an interest in such matters ; but, before writing on this latter subject, I will first describe the place from a tourist point of view. The Fox is practically a combination of two first-class glaciers, each of them bsing fed by three or four smaller ones. The Victoria does not actually join the Fox, but terminates in an almost perpendicular cliff overhanging the main glacier; it terminates, in fact, on a ledge I,oooft. up, and about 30 chains back from the other. The climb up to it is very steep, and slightly dangerous, especially with a large party, as the rock is very rotten, and the slips are all on the move; but, as nothing much is to be gained in reaching the Victoria that way, most people will prefer proceeding by the Chancellor Eidge, and seeing both glaciers at once. In one respect the Victoria is singular in having two outlets, which leave the ice some 10 chains or 12 chains apart, and join their waters I,oooft. below. The division between them is in reality an almost perpendicular narrow ridge, trie height at the snout being about 50ft. above the ice. This glacier is also singular in that it appears to be dying out in the middle, not retreating from its terminus, as it is generally supposed glaciers do. From the terminus, for about 50 chains up the valley, the ice is almost completely covered with morainic drift. This ice slopes up to a height of 300 ft. or 400 ft., then it becomes clear, and slopes away down towards the ice-fall, fed by the neves of the main range. lam positive that the ice at the foot of the fall is nearly on a level with the terminus a mile or more down the valley. If it is really retreating this way, the result will finally be a mass of morainic drift stranded in the valley, and with a stream coming out of the ice not powerful enough to denude it away, but sufficient to form a terrace face along one side of it. This, perhaps, may account for the many mysterious masses of morainic drift wholly unconnected with the ordinary terminal moraines which are to to be found in so many of the smaller Westland valleys. Visitors to the Fox Glacier can approach the ice in two ways: either by going up the creek under point H for about 20 chains, and then taking the ice, as shown by the red lines on the map; or, better still, go up Mills Creek to point X, then take the ice at J on to the first ice-fall at point P. At this place is the only difficulty, as the traveller has to get off the ice, which becomes rugged and crevassed, and requires a little step-cutting, but not much. From thence for about 40 chains the track is along a rather loose boulder-sidling, then on to the ice again, and either across direct to the Chancellor Eidge, taking it a little below the waterfall, or by keeping up either side, or the middle, to the great ice-fall. But no one can get any further that way, as the serac ice comes close against the cliffs on both sides, and to take the fall itself is out of the question. To get on to the Chancellor Eidge, the first few hundred feet is rather stiff climbing for ordinary people, but it has to be done to get on to the T bench. The rest of the journey is easy, and, once clear of the ice-fall, any one can roam about on the neves to the foot of the real peaks of Tasman and Haidinger, or on to the wide neves of the Waikupu, and even on to Eoon, if the tourist is venturesome. He can make from there over the neves of the Waiho, via Harper's Track to the great Tasman, and thence down to the Hermitage, on the east side of the Alps; but it must be

The Spike on Copland Range, Westland,

The Sugar Loaf, looking down Fox Glacier.

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remembered that the latter journey can only be performed by Alpine climbers, with proper appliances, and even they would run extra risks in- these mountains, through the changeable nature of the climate. To those who simply wish to see the Fox Glacier without much trouble, a journey to point X is all that is required. By crossing the glacier at that place to anywhere near point M the whole of the two ice-falls and Mount Haidinger can be seen comfortably. By far the best view of the country, the glaciers, Tasman, and the Cone Eidge, is to be seen away down near the hot springs, and a far better idea of the past arid present appearance of the glacier can be seen from there than anywhere else. After clearing out the hot spring one can lie in the tepid water and watch the blocks of ice rolling down the Fox River within a few feet of him. There is no doubt that before long this spring will be as great an attraction, as the glaciers. It is situated on the south bank of the river, and about 40 chains below the terminal-face. At present it is covered with a layer of river-shingle, but its position can be found at once by the peculiar sulphurous smell coming through the shingle. The spring can be cleaned out at any time without much trouble. Old Ice-lines. The Fox Valley shows, perhaps better than any other in Westland, the old action of ice and weather denudation on the slopes of the hills. The lines are mostly well defined, both by the nature of the vegetation and the remains of the rock-ledges, showing the ice-levels at different periods. The regularity of their distances from each other, and their uniformity of grade, as shown not only in this valley but in almost every other in Westland, show that the same causes were at work on them all; and no doubt those lines of lateral moraines and rock-terraces are of nearly the same date all over the country. They are totally unlike the raised sea-beaches of the southern bluffs, which are sea formations entirely. The ice-ledges in the mountains slope for miles parallel to the flow of present or ancient glaciers ; the sea-ledges, as far as I have examined them, are independent of each other, no two being of the same height above or below sea-level, and their dip is always in line with present contour of the coast. This shows that their present position is caused by the undulating rise and fall of the land; while the ice-lines all bear some affinity to each other, in distance apart, and uniformity of slope. Take, for example, lines 1, 2, and 3 on the map of the Fox Glacier: they are at a certain distance from each other, their slopes also have certain uniformity, and the opposite lateral moraines are on the same level and slope with reference to the flow of the ice. Examine any other river where such features show, and it will be found that one rule holds good with respect to them all. In many cases they have been so destroyed by denudation as only to show faint traces ; but those traces are unmistakeable, showing that certain fixed causes were at work from the commencement of the so-called glacier period, down, no doubt, to the present time. When a glacier has travelled for many miles through mountains before it breaks through on to the flats, those lines, although keeping the same relative distance from each other, have very little slope ; but when they come through the hills and approach the sea, the slope is more rapid, as on the Franz Josef and the Fox. . . . The time which it takes for the snow high up on a neve to reach the terminus of a glacier is not yet known, so we cannot tell as yet whether a heavy snowfall, such as took place last year, and also some seventeen years ago, may not years afterwards cause a decided advance at the terminus. Several years of a tight snowfall may have a contrary effect. But the time required to produce these effects—of either advance or retreat —has yet to be determined, and that can only be done after observations have been taken extending over a series of years. In the map, the curved lines show the trend of the glacier, first on one side, then on the other. Standing at point X and looking across the ice, it has the appearance of having been ploughed by a very bad team, the furrows varying from six inches to a couple of feet. This effect is caused by the different layers of ice lying almost perpendicularly. At that place these lines, or stratifications as they may be called, are not the result of different eras of snowfall, summer and winter markings, like the rings on a tree, as some people imagine, but are simply caused by pressure. Almost every substance in nature will show the same if the required pressure and direction is given. On the glacier there are round, well-shaped holes—some of small circumference, others larger—and they often go down to unknown depths. In some cases they are perpendicular for a short distance only, then they run level for several chains, at times coming out on the surface lower down the glacier, or taking a turn away down into darkness, or gradually tapering away to nothing. One we visited was well worth seeing. Going down about 20ft., by cutting a few steps, we found it then ran on a level in a splendid arch 20ft. high and about 6ft. broad, with a flat floor of clear ice. Its walls were garnished with glittering pinnacles, ledges, and niches of clear white ice, showing now and again a beautiful blue tint. There was plenty of light inside, but of rather a weird nature, giving the whole a pantomimic effect suggestive of fairies and demons. Those holes and tunnels are caused by water melting on the glacier in the summer, which works its way down into cracks on the ice, and the peculiar "horse-collar" looking arches, so often seen on serac ice, are the remains of those tunnels. Bird Life. There is very little to be said on the subject of native birds, at least in this report—cats, weasels, and such like, have done their work; scarcely a small native bird of any kind is to be seen, though wekas and keas are still to the fore, the latter being as tame as ever. But the introduced birds, such as blackbirds, thrushes, starlings, and a number of other varieties, are spreading all over the country. Hereditary instinct appears to enable them to escape the dangers that are exterminating the native birds. There is no danger that Westland will ever want bird-life; still, very many people would prefer to see the native birds predominant, they, somehow or other, are more in keeping with their surroundings.

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Fobest Tkees, Shbubs, etc. The vegetation on both sides of the glacier is of the usual character in such places ; there are ratas, kamahi, akeake, neinei, and a few totara and other pines. If this place possesses any new botanical species, I did not see them. On the climb up to the Victoria Glacier, that dull-coloured, sage-bush-looking shrub, the incense plant, was plentiful, but edelweiss was absent. Mountain lilies and other flowers were very scarce. This last season has been a very hard one for Alpine flowers. The unusually heavy snowfall has given the grass on the hills a withered appearance at a distance, causing it to look as if fire had gone over it. On the lower moraines, near the ice, there were only a few patches of broom, mountain-flax, and a-few flowers to be seen. The next higher moraine is clothed with a dense growth of akeake, holly, ribbon-wood, &o. There are very few totaras ; generally an undergrowth of ferns, but with very little variety. Higher up, where the drift abuts against the hills, the vegetation becomes larger and more nearly approaching that which grows on spurs and gullies all over the country at the corresponding height, but still, the near vicinity of the ice is apparent in the trees, which, although large, are twisted and stunted in their barrels, like those to be seen on a sea-bluff. If it were not for the ferns, which keep their general appearance wherever they grow, any one travelling through the bush in the vicinity of a low-level glacier would imagine that he was either close to the grass line, or had suddenly got into the vegetation of a dying-out planet, the peculiar-looking neinei heightening the delusion. There is one plant that is very plentiful on the moraine near point X, that is the aniseed, not the hard-leafed mountain variety, but the soft, sweet-smelling species, which once was so plentiful on the Westland river-flats. I do not know whether this plant is of any culinary or medicinal value; it is good in soup to those who like aromatic seasoning, and the seeds may be substituted for caraways. Perhaps some genius, with an eye to money-making, may concoct a patent medicine out of it. However that may be, it is delightful lying on a sunny day on the moraine among such sweet-smelling herbs as the aniseed, incense-plant, and musk-plant, though the two latter require to be burnt to bring out their virtues. This Aniseed Flat will before long have a shelter hut; then, perhaps, a hotel built on it, as it is by far the best part of the district to camp in. Some one more-enterprising may yet build a sanitorium at the hot spring, with a summer-house on the top of the cone. Geological. There is little to be said in this report concerning the rocks, reefs, and minerals on the Fox, as they are conspicuous by their absence. Of gold there is no trace. Quartz reefs are non-existant; and the only thing seen to retrieve the Fox from utter barreness was the trace of an iron lode on the climb up to the Victoria Glacier; this is no doubt the same lode which I found in 1888 on Craig's Eange, but I could see no trace of the quartz reefs which are known to exist on the Balfour side of the range. The two cross-sections on either side of the glacier—A-B from Gillespie's Bluff to Mount Cook and , D-E from Cairn T to Mount Haidinger—will explain better than pages of writing the geological features of the country, the nature of the rocks, and their approximate dip and strike. The cone shows hard granite gniess for its whole length, and the same rock shows on the north side of the glacier, up as far as point N; the strike is north-north-east, with a very slight dip east. Above this, the rock alters to soft schists, with the same strike, but with a more decided dip east. Above them, the Torlesse slate comes in, but their exact line of junction is unknown, so that part of cross-section D-E may be considered as doubtful. The most interesting discovery made in this district was a large block of pure rock crystal, which came off Craig's Range, and its approximate position is shown on the cross-section A-B ; it was about 2ft. long and 6in. in diameter. I suffered considerable abuse for smashing it up instead of bringing it down entire. I could not see what value it would be, unless as a curiosity. Those crystals, but of smaller size, are very common on Cook's Eiver and other parts of Westland, but [they are all white. Certainly, many of the boulders on the Balfour are powdered with minute green and yellow crystals, but they are so small as to be valueless. C. Douglas.

EXPLOEATION BETWEEN DUSKY SOUND AND LAKE MANAPOURI. By T. Mackenzie, Esq., M.H.E. On the 24th January, 1896, our party left the Bluff in the s.s. " Tarawera " for the purpose of following up a river coming into Supper Cove, Dusky Sound, and exploring in that vicinity It was my intention to go through to Manapouri, but, as I could obtain no information regarding the supply of a boat on that lake to meet us, I abandoned the idea of doing so. The party comprised Messrs. Clunie Bishop, Kenneth Eoss, Andrew McFarlane and myself. The " Tarawera " dropped us at Anchor Island, and from there we rowed to Pigeon Island, six miles away. Here Mr. Eichard Henry, curator for the Acclimatisation Society, joined us. We then proceeded to Supper Cove, a distance of twenty miles, and there pitched our head-quarters camp. Here Mr. Henry showed us the supplies which he had left two months previously in case we came overland by Manapouri. The provisions were in excellent condition, but the matches were wet. Bad weather now set in, and as our time was very limited, and as we could not afford to sit idly, nor yet force our way with swags through the underwood, I decided to put in our time cutting a track. Mr. Henry kindly gave us the use of his dingey and the benefit of his assistance. Our course for the first two miles and a quarter was nearly due west. In that distance there are three cataracts on the river. The first is about 600 yards from the mouth, and is 10ft. high. The second is 2,000 yards beyond the first, and is 25ft. high. Thirteen hundred yards beyond this the third cataract occurs; but,

Terminal Face of Fox Glacier July 1894

Mounts Copland and Lyttle, from Ryan's Station in Cook Valley.

Fox River, 2 miles below Fox Glacier.

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before it is reached, the river comes through a narrow rocky gorge, difficult to pass by reason of the rocks, there being at one part a perpendicular drop of 20ft. to 30ft. where the rope is necessary. Some distance below the third cataract a-deep stream comes in on our right, up which Mr. Henry went half a mile in his boat. The main river is broad and deep, and suited for boating. Nearly opposite the deep stream another large stream joins the river, on which, a little way back, is a grand waterfall about 400 ft. high. The general direction of the river, after passing the rocky gorge, is E.N.B. for a distance of 5,500 yds., until a big swift creek is reached, which I have called the Bishop Burn, where our No. 3 camp was pitched. From Bishop Burn to the lake is 500 yds. A grand cataract occurs below the lake, 80ft. high. The lake is a mile and a half to two miles long, and is bound by rocky perpendicular cliffs at the lower end. There we had to leave the river and go over a spur about 700 ft. high, afterwards reaching the lake again by an old land-slip. A peculiar tongue - shaped piece of land runs out into the lake, and divides it into two parts; on the point there is a clump of totara trees. The lake appears to cover a partially submerged forest. All around the margin the trunks of trees are still standing. In many respects it resembles Lake Ada beyond Milford Sound. The position of the lake is northeast by south-west. 300 yds. beyond the bead of the lake the first ford was met with, which is a. good one, but care must be exercised. The river divides itself into several branches. The other side is reached 400 yds. beyond where we entered the river. 300 yds. beyond that we reach a fine river coming in on our right. After crossing it we camped. A great smashing-up has occurred at this part within the past twenty years. Millions of tons of rocky debris has been suddenly brought down, which has killed the forest, and only the great black trunks are now standing. For the next two miles we followed the right-hand side of the river. The ground was swampy, with lagoons here and there, and there is a considerable flat between the river and mountains. The river here could be forded in several places. A good camping-ground, at any rate, above flood level can also be had. Other two miles further on great cataracts are again met; the river falls about 200 ft. within a very short distance, and the sight is a very fine one. A tributary comes in from the left, the Kenneth. The course of the main river from the lake is north and south. The river at this point takes a sweep away east-north-east, turning against the north. At this part of the valley the scenery is very wild and grand, waterfalls, and cataracts, and great high mountains covered with snow. The Natuee of the Countey. The valley we followed ranged from a few hundred yards wide to about half-a-mile. The soil in the flats is exceedingly rich; that on the mountain sides is nearly all rank vegetable mould, too sour to be of any value. The flora is that peculiar to the West Coast. Birch predominates, intermixed with red-pine and rata, and, here and there, totara. On some of the flats we met with patches of ribbon-wood, which is almost invariably an indication of good soil. Broadleaf, panax, mikimiki, pepper-tree and mokomoko are frequently seen. On the open beaches near the river tutu was very plentiful, and greatly laden with fruit, clearly indicating a paucity of the kakapo birds. The ferns and mosses are well represented. The bird-life in the locality was only moderately represented. We caught five kakapos, and liberated them again. We saw only two Maori-hens, but heard no kiwi. There were a very few pigeons and kakas. Tuis, mokimokis, makomako, canaries, and robins were numerous. I saw only one saddleback, and one native thrush. We saw native ducks of every variety; they were exceedingly tame. About nine miles back we saw two rabbits. We found no traces of Natives, except some old cuttings on trees some miles back, which I had hewn out and brought on. When Captain Cook visited Dusky Sound, he found about twenty Natives at Supper Cove; and, according to Mr. Fullerton, of Port Chalmers, the fires of Natives were seen at Supper Cove when the " Acheron " was there in 1850. Eegarding our present work, and its position relative to our explorations of 1894, I regret to say that lam unable to give a definite opinion. The weather was so dreadful that we were unable to obtain a view from the higher elevations, owing to fog and snow. During the month of January 31in. of rain fell, and the early portion of February was not much better. I have plotted my work on the accompanying map. The bearings were taken by prismatic compass. The distances were paced going and coming, the track being cut the whole of the way. Owing to a thorough wetting I got, two days' observations were much obliterated, and consequently some data is slightly unreliable. I have, however, recorded our work as noted, which will serve as a safe guide to any who may go into that country. Upon the point of whether the valley we followed up is the same as that we looked down in 1894, I am unable to give a definite opinion; if our observations then taken by a common compass (our prismatic compass having been lost in crossing a river) are at all reliable, it is not. Mr. J. McKerrow, however, in his map of Lake Manapouri, indicates the river Spey taking a much more westerly direction than our small compass showed, and as that was done by reliable instruments, then the position of the valley we followed up now more nearly approaches the position of our work of 1894. In very many respects, the valleys are alike. The course of the river is the same; the junction of the main tributary is very similar; a lake occupies each valley; round wooded hills are similar. Still, lam of opinion that the valleys are not the same, and this point will not be decided until some one goes through from the Lake Manapouri to the coast, which, all being well, I hope to do next autumn. This point we could have decided had we been certain a boat would be left at the south-west arm of Manapouri. To all my requests that this should be done I received no reply; the only course, therefore, to take, consistent with safety, was to return to the Sound and await the " Hinemoa." Had we gone on to Manapouri, and found no boat, we could not then have reached the coast again until after the "Hinemoa" had sailed. Our supplies would, of course, have been exhausted, reducing us to an anxious and precarious condition. 15—C. 1.

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The river we traversed is navigable by boat for nearly ten miles. Of course the boat requires to be carried past the first three cataracts. We found no difficulty in doing so with ours. The river can then be followed, with occasional trackings, until within a short distance of the lake, when it will again require to be carried past the 60ft. cataract. There is a difficulty in launching the boat in the lake, but a party of strong men could manage that. Afterwards, four miles of good boating can be had, the only part requiring tracking being the ford. I was greatly indebted to Mr. Henry for his numerous acts of kindness and personal assistance ; also to the Union Company for the use of boat, to Captain Fairchild, and to the Survey Department. I enclose a report on geology of the country furnished to me by Mr. A. Clunie Bishop.

Deae Sib,— Boulcott Street, Wellington, 13th May, 1896. Having been asked by you for a brief description of the geological features of the country explored by us at the beginning of the year, I now beg to hand you same, and at the same time would humbly request that the readers will not be too critical of my humble observations as jotted down. From the formation of the country immediately surrounding Supper Cove, at the head of Dusky Sound, it was evident that the country was highly metamorphic, and therefore much disturbed and jumbled up ; and, after careful observation, I came to the conclusion that the country belonged to the Upper Silurian period, and the formation consisting of hornblende. I put down a hole some distance up the river, just above the first rapid. The wash consisted of water-worn hornblende and granite boulders lying on top of a false-bottom of oxydised granite conglomerate. I panned-off a dish or two of wash, and a few small garnets and some mica was all I could raise. About two miles and a-half up the river the formation suddenly changed, and the gneiss showed out distinctly on the precipitous faces, and where slips have recently come down. After crossing the big creek, I noticed that felspar came in, and the formation thus changed to mica schist. I again tried the bottom for the precious metal, but could not get a colour—only mica and garnets. Further up the river the mica-schist changes somewhat to an intermediate formation, between micaschist and slate, containing mica, felspar, quartz, &c, almost a bastard quartzite, but I could not find any trace of minerals whatever. Most of the country seems to be capped with an oxydized granite conglomerate, which makes prospecting very difficult indeed, especially when you take into consideration the roughness of the country and the density of the bush. About seven miles from Supper Cove we came to a lake, halfway along which a micaceous sandstone crops out. I did some fossicking about here, and found several large blocks of a white, highly-crystallised quartz, carrying a fair quantity of mundic, but I could not find any trace of gold. Farther on again, the country seems to get more solid, and the intermediate formation between slate and mica-schist comes in again; the wash in the river changes too, and I cannot help but think that ahead of where we got there is a slate formation, judging by the wash brought down into the main valley. I noticed that, where the large river above the lake has its junction with the main river, the wash is a mixture of granite and slate with small blocks of quartz interspersed. I cannot recommend anybody to go prospecting in this locality, as the formation is so fearfully jumbled up that nothing of a permanent nature is likely to live (if found) : that is, judging by the country gone over by us. Yours faithfully, T. Mackenzie, Esq., M.H.E., Balclutha. A. Clunib Bishop.

APPENDIX No. 9.—WANGANUI AND TANGAEAKAU EIVEES.

EBPOET ON THE WOEKS CONNECTED WITH IMPEOVEMENT OF THE WANGANUI EIVEE FOE STEAMEE TEAFFIC, UNDEETAKEN BY THE WANGANUI EIVEE TEUST AND SUBSIDISED BY GOVEENMENT. Foe the year ending 31st March, 1896, there has been expended £1,148 18s. 10d. This included the cost of a new working punt 60ft. long and 15ft. wide, built of kauri and totara timber, and fitted with derrick and winch for snagging and lifting stones and boulders, and for carrying stone to training-walls in course of construction; also the wages of the workings gangs, and the necessary plant for general work. It also includes the wages for labour with the party engaged on the survey of the river. The amount received for river dues during the year ending 31st March, 1896, was £74 17s. Id. A grant was made by the Government this year of £1,000, of which amount £600 has been received by the Trust up to 31st March. It may here be stated that the amount expended by the Wanganui Eiver Trust since its inauguration in 1891 has been £2,233 os. 7d. In April and May, 1895, work was continued at the guiding-wall at Aokura Eapid, and snags cleared out of the channel there. Stone guiding-walls were put in at Huarere Eapid, below Parikino. In the latter part of May the punts were taken up to Haumoana Eapid, between Eananaand Hiruharama. The Natives here refused to allow stone to be taken for the works, or to be placed in the proposed training-wall. On the 31st May, 1895, two of the Police Force arrived there, and next day work was started in their presence, and this continued for two days more. The Natives ceased obstructing, and gave a promise not to do so, and the work proceeded until the 10th June, when work ceased for the season, as the river had risen and continued too high for work. Early in October work was resumed, but after a few days the river rose and continued up during the rest of October and all November. Work was begun again on the 2nd December at Haumoana Eapid.

Map of Explorations WESTERN OTAGO

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One of the eel-pas, which hindered navigation, was taken out of the channel at Kauaeroa Eapid on the 4th January, 1896, the Natives consenting to this removal. The visit of the Premier to Pipiriki in November had a favourable influence on the Natives towards consenting to the removal of these obstructions in general. The training-wall at Haumoana Eapid is 620 ft. long, and contains about 750 cubic yards of stone. This wall starts from the right bank of the river, leaving there a small passage for canoes. It throws the water over to the steamer channel near the left bank, and improves a rapid which had always been a difficulty to the steamers. A training-wall at Motoa Eapid has also been put in. This is at the lower end of the island, and guides and deepens the water in the steamer-channel, which here lies near the right bank of the river. This wall is 310 ft. long and about 12ft. wide at bottom, the upper end of the wall being sunk into the shingle-bank. There are about 600 cubic yards of stone in this wall. Te Puha Eapid, between Hiruharama and Pipiriki, was always a dangerous place for steamers coming down, when the river is low, owing to the numerous large boulders and stones which were along and across the channel, and several times the steamers have been seriously damaged by striking on these. This rapid has been cleared of these boulders and stones in the channel, and a large number of snags imbedded in the shingle at bottom of channel removed. This involved a good deal of blasting and -dredging for the broken up and smaller stones, and, consequently, took a considerable time. It was a work that could only be done in very low river, and the month of March gave this opportunity. The low water of March was also taken advantage of to remove a number of snags and do other work at the channels in the lower part of the river, especially at Tupapa and Te Ahi-nei-nei Eapids, below Parikino, and at Whakaruawaka aud Oakura Rapids, a short way higher up the river. The regular Tuesday weekly trips of steamer were kept up, except for three consecutive trips when the river was exceptionally low, and the navigable channels narrowed in consequence. This was between the 10th and 25th March, 1896. On these occasions the steamer remained in the vicinity of Parikino, and canoes were sent on with passengers and mails, meeting return canoes sent down from Pipiriki. Numerous other trips, generally on Fridays, were run by the steamers to Pipiriki during the year as occasion arose. During the low river a depth of not less 2ft. continued in the cleared channels, but the widening of several of these channels, which get narrower in low river, and further guiding-walls to direct water into channels at several places, are objects to be kept in view, and carried out when low river permits of such work being done. The necessity for an additional punt is obvious, so as to take advantage of the comparatively short period of the low-river season ; and steps have been taken to have another punt got ready for next season. Above Pipiriki the importance of opening the river for steamers as far as the Manganuioteao, and prospectively further up as far as the Tangarakau junction, was considered by the Trust, and an amount of £250 was appropriated by the Trust for work as far as the Manganuioteao, with a view of improving the rapids so far as to admit of navigation when the river was somewhat above the summer level, as it was obvious that this small sum could not do more. This would, it was expected, admit of frequent trips being made when the river was not too low, and the work of improving further would be considered at a future time. A contract for the amount of £180 was let for a portion of this work. The Natives interfered with the contractor on his commencing work at Te-au-te-mutu Eapid, and two of the Police Force again went up, and the obstruction practically ceased after a short time. The thanks of the Trust are due to the officer in charge of the police at Wanganui for his prompt aid in this matter. These obstructions, however, cause loss of valuable time at a period when the river is favourable for work. It has always been the desire of the Trust in carrying out necessary works to avoid, as far as is consistent with the prosecution of works to improve the navigation, any action that might seem likely to create prejudice against the works among the Natives, and also to consider their interests as far as possible. The contractor has had to discontinue work owing to the river rising, and this work cannot be completed till next season. This contract dealt with the works on the following rapids : Upper Ngapora Eapid, a small rapid below that rapid, Mangaea Eapid, Euahinetoro Eapid, Haratira Eapid, Te-au-tapu Eapid, and Te-au-te-mutu Eapid. The necessary work on the large rapid called Paparoa, just above Pipiriki, will be undertaken by the Trust's working party when the season permits. There will also be some moderate work required, principally in snagging, between the Manganuioteao and the Tongarakau junction. A special survey of the river from Kanihinihi upwards, for which the Government Survey Department allowed the services of an experienced surveyor, Mr. H. J. Lewis, while the Eiver Trust met the expenditure for labour on survey, has been in progress during the season. It was intended to have carried this on to Pipiriki, and, if possible, seven miles further to the Mauganuioteao, but the rising of the river has compelled the work to be discontinued for the season before reaching these points. The frequent rises of the river during the late season have much delayed the progress of this work. The survey is complete with sections and levels as far as Kawana (a short way below Eanana), and a distance of about twenty-nine miles above Kanihinihi, leaving about ten miles to complete to Pipiriki, besides the further distance to the Manganuioteao. Kanihinihi is about seventeen miles above Wanganui, and the tidal influence is felt here and some distance above it. This work will show a detailed map of the river with longitudinal and cross sections, showing the slopes and depths and features of the river, and the various rapids in more detail. It will be advisable to have this survey completed to Pipiriki next season, and also to carry it on to the junction of the Eiver Manganuioteao, as several important rapids occur in the seven miles between Pipiriki and that point. Mr. Lewis now proceeds with the mapping of the survey work.

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The works proposed next season will include further clearing and widening and training of several of the channels along the course of navigation, also the large work of opening the channel along the left bank of the river at the important rapid of Matahiwi; also stone guiding-walls at upper part of Motoa Eapid, and at Karatia Eapid, and other places ; also the prosecution of clearing and improving rapids above Pipiriki, as already referred to. The desirability of utilising, as far as practicable, some of the lands vested in the Trust along the upper course of the river, by leasing, with due provision to guard the preservation of the trees and vegetation on the slopes next the river for scenery, has been brought under the notice of the Survey Department, who have acknowledged the importance of the matter. John T. Stewart, Chairman Wanganui Eiver Trust.

THE NAVIGATION OP TANGAEAKAU EIVEE. Pursuant to your instructions, I proceeded on the 20th January to Wanganui by train, and on the following day to Pipiriki, fifty-six miles and a half up the Wanganui, by steamer. On Wednesday, the 22nd January, a party, consisting of Mr. Willis, M.H.E.; Mr. Hatrick, of the Wanganui Steam Packet Company ; Mr. G. T. Murray, Government Eoad Surveyor; and myself, started by canoe up Wanganui Eiver from Pipiriki, and on Friday, at 11 a.m., arrived at Putikituna, a stream and Native settlement about thirteen miles up Tangarakau Stream, returning to Pipiriki by noon on Saturday, Wanganui at 8 p.m. on the same day, and I returned to New Plymouth on Monday, the 27th January. In order to show the availability for water-carriage of Tangarakau Stream, even at present, our canoe was over 50ft. long by 4ft. Bin. beam, and was capable of carrying over 3 tons of cargo, and our party consisted of eight men, including the four canoe-men. The Wanganui Eiver was about 2ft. 6in. above low summer level, and presumably Tangarakau would also be higher than usual; but, from my knowledge of the upper, part of the stream, I should not think it -would be more than lft. above the summer level. Mr. J . T. Stewart, late Eesident Engineer, Wanganui, and now Chairman of Wanganui Eiver Trust Board, was a passenger in the steamer to Pipiriki, and kindly gave me valuable information as to the work done in the past and that now in progress in snagging and improving the Wanganui between the town and Pipiriki; and Mr. Murray, E.S., who for a time had charge of the improvement works, confirmed these statements ; and during my visit I compared what had already been done below Pipiriki with what I saw was required above that point. This information, together with what I saw in coming down the river from Tawata in May, 1894, when the river was at very low level, and my 'observation of the Wanganui and Tangarakau during the present inspection, enabled me to form a fairly correct estimate as to whether these streams could be made available at a moderate cost for the purpose of advancing settlement in the eastern part of the northern portion of the Taumatamahoe Block. Although my instructions bore reference principally of the availability of Tangarakau Stream for navigation, this report would not be complete did I not show whether any insuperable difficulties existed between Pipiriki—the point to which the Wanganui steamers regularly trade—and Tangarakau ; and, to put the results of my observations and inquiries in a few words, I may say that, judging by the ease with which the steamer " Wairere" performed the journey from Wanganui to Pipiriki on the 21st January, doing the trip, including many stoppages, and with forty-seven passengers and an average cargo on board, in eight hours and a quarter, and. the return journey the same day in four hours and three-quarters, and comparing the river below Pipiriki with that above, I see no reason why, after a moderate expenditure in snagging the worst rapids, the same steamer could not easily trade to Tangarakau Stream ; nor why a light steam-launch, capable of carrying, say, 8 or 10 tons, could not, after the stream had been snagged, work between the mouth of Tangarakau and the Kohuratahi Stream, which is within about a mile of the corner of Kohuratahi Improved-farm Settlement, and about five miles from Ohura Eoad, in the middle of Wangamomona Improved-farm Settlement. From Pipiriki to Tangarakau, about twenty-nine miles, there are forty-two rapids, caused chiefly by snags; but of these only three are of much consequence, and two only present much difficulty. These three are within the first seven miles above Pipiriki, and will have to be improved before steamers can trade beyond that point. Were these improved there would be no difficulty in ordinary flood-time in the " Wairere " steamer reaching Tangarakau, but snags would have to be removed from many other rapids before the river would be available, when at its lowest summer level, for navigation. None of the rapids above Pipiriki present greater difficulties than did those below prior to their improvement, and the cost of improvement of the upper portion would be light in comparison with that already incurred in the lower. The average fall of Wanganui Eiver between Tangarakau and Pipiriki is about 3ft. to the mile, the total fall being about 85ft. to 90ft.; but fully one-third of this is in the first nine miles, between Pipiriki and Manganui-o-te-ao, a stream coming in from the left bank (east), the upper part of the river consisting of long reaches of fairly deep and still water. Tangarakau is a stream averaging about 70ft. wide, has a good easy entrance from Wanganui Eiver, with deep, still water, which continues for nearly three-quarters of a mile, and has an average fall above this of about sft. to the mile, the fall being fairly regular and interrupted only by small rapids caused by snags. These snags are evidently the remains of large land-slips from the cliffs, brought down by the great flood in February, 1891; the appearance of the timber in the snags and the new growth on the slips favouring this surmise.

Ngaporo, 62 miles up Wanganui River.

The Drop Scene, 61 miles up Wanganui River.

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Between the mouth of the stream and the Putikituna (a branch stream and large Native clearing), the point to which we attained, there are sixty-four of these rapids caused by slips, but at only one —Marchemo, about seven miles and a quarter up stream—had we any great difficulty in forcing our big canoe onwards. And I am satisfied that a moderate expenditure in cutting a passage through the timber in the slips would result in opening a way by which a steam-launch carrying up to about 8 or 10 tons could travel at all times. Above each of these blocks of timber in the stream the water was invariably deep, showing that the lowering of the surface necessarily following on the cutting away the logs would not injuriously affect its usefulness for navigation. The stream scarcely altered in size or appearance so far as we went, and I believe, from my knowledge of its size and appearance twenty miles higher up, at Ohura Boad, it would continue to be available, after snagging, for navigation for several miles beyond the point we reached. Our intention was to have gone on to Kohuratahi Stream (the nearest point to Kohuratahi Improved-farm Settlement and Ohura Eoad), about two miles and a half past the clearing to which we arrived; but, as the time of some of the party was limited, and as a large block of snags filled up the stream at the clearing, we decided to take the canoe no further. Mr. Murray and I, however, went on past the block of snags, and found the stream beyond was deep and still, similar in character to that we had passed, and we are both of opinion it continues much the same for miles. All that is required to make it available to, say, Kohuratahi Stream is to cut a channel 25ft. to 31ft. wide through the blocks of timber, dragging the timber so cut away to the sides and securing it with wire to prevent its being floated back in floods. The work should be done in March and April, when the stream is at its lowest, and the cost would probably not exceed £500. This represents but a trifling sum for permanently opening nearly sixteen miles of the stream, and thereby assisting the settlement of a large area of inland country; and the only further maintenance necessary would be the removal of timber or debris occasionally brought down from slips after extreme rains and floods. Taking into account the heavy cost per mile for metalling the Ohura Eoad, and the slight probability for many years to come of the metal being extended from the present end— about nine miles from Stratford—to Mangamomona Valley, I would strongly recommend that this second roadway or outlet (Tangarakau Stream and Wanganui Biver) be opened at once, the more particularly as the estimated cost is so small, while the advantages it possesses are very great, the steamers being most available in winter, when the road—where not metalled —is almost impassable. The middle of Whangamomona Improved-farm Settlement, and of Kohuratahi Inproved-farm Settlement, is about fifty miles from Stratford, and without a metalled road the distance would render the cost of transit of produce prohibitive, and so endanger the success of the settlement; but transit by water would considerably reduce this cost, and give the settlers an alternative outlet, one available at times when the other would be closed. The £500 above mentioned does not include the cost of improving Wanganui Eiver between Pipiriki and Tangarakau. The Wanganui Eiver Trust Board propose to at once spend upon this work a sum of between £300 and £500 of the funds they have in hand, but a further amount will certainly be required to complete the work. The opening of the river above Pipiriki will not only benefit the lands in Taumatamahoe Block, but also in Mangapukaka, Eaoraomoaku, and Oratawa Blocks, which are Crown lands, and it also may be of service to the lands further up the river, even to Ohura Stream. When passing up and down Wanganui and Tangarakau we had a look at the Whangamomona Stream (a tributary of Wanganui), and Heao Stream (a tributary of Tangarakau). Neither of the streams seemed of value for water-carriage, being choked with snags, and possessing too little water. I presume that in opening up Kohuratahi Improved-farm Settlement, the Whititangi and Kohuratahi Eoads will be made to their junction, in the interest of the settlement. An extension of Kohuratahi Eoad to Tangarakau Stream-—about one mile—will not add much to the expense, and will give the settlement access to navigable waters. G. T. Eobinson, Eoad Surveyor.

Wanganui, April, 1896. The Wanganui Eiver was about 2ft. 6in. above low summer level, and the Tangarakau Eiver about lft. 6in. above the same. As on the lower Wanganui Eiver, the upper river from Pipiriki to Tangarakau, a distance of thirty miles, is roughly described as a series of rapids formed by shingle-bars, with intervening pools of water, frequently of considerable lengths and depths. Immediately above Pipiriki there are several rapids in the first five miles, on which the rise is very great, but above that the rapids have mostly easy currents and fair depths of water. This good water certainly extends as far as the Tangarakau, and is reported to be nearly as good up to the Ohura Eiver confluence, a further distance of twenty-six miles. The river varies from 3 chains to 6 chains in width, and, as a rule, is bounded on both sides by solid papa banks, in many places, and for miles at a stretch, rising into high cliffs, forming perfect gorges. The Tangarakau Eiver as far as Putikituna, a distance of fourteen miles, consists of bars and pools, as on the main river—with this difference : that on the Tangarakau Eiver the rapids on these bars are all caused by the channel being blocked up by snags, more or less closely packed. These snags, or accumulation of timber, have slipped down from the adjoining cliffs. Almost invariably where traces of a slip can be detected on the steep hillsides, there an accumulation of timber is found in the river, causing a rapid. The snags are usually only of moderate-sized timber. By their appearance, most of them seem to have come down in the great flood of 1891. The lengths of these bars measure up to 5 chains, though as a rule they are not over half a chain long.

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The Tangarakau runs in a narrow gorge nearly all the way to Putikituna, the adjoining hills being about l,oooffc. high, covered with light, mixed forest, with no timber of any commercial value. The banks of the river are almost throughout of solid papa, frequently rising perpendicularly to considerable heights. So narrow is the gorge in places that the trees on the opposite sides meet overhead. The width of the water varies from 40ft. to 80ft. A steamer 100 ft. long could not turn in the first six miles. Between the rapids there are stretches of fine deep, still water. As far as Putikituna the river maintains a very even character. The difficulties did not appear to become materially greater as the river was ascended. The valley of the river is so narrow, the hillsides so steep and useless for settlement purposes, that a strip at least 20 chains wide should certainly be reserved along each side. If these strips were felled, the sidelings are so steep that an immense amount of timber would fall into the river, and render it practically useless for any sort of navigation. It is to be remarked that on the Tangarakau Eiver, as far as Putikituna, there is not a single rapid caused by a solid "papa" bar. The only obstructions on these bars besides snags are lumps of "papa." There is no rock of any description except papa on this river as far as Putikituna.

The Wanganui Eiver will, no doubt, eventually be made navigable as far as the Ohura Eiver; beyond this the rise in the river becomes much too rapid. From Pipiriki to Manganui-a-te-ao the river will cost a large sum of money to make really good, but a very moderate amount would improve it so much that steamers of the " Wairere " class could get up at times when the river was in moderate freshes. From Manganui-a-te-ao to Tangarakau the river, as a rule, is exceptionally good, and could be made passable for steamers all the year round at a small cost. Wire ropes will be necessary at at least six places between Pipiriki a,nd Manganui-a-te-ao for warping the steamers up the rapids, as the rises at these places are much too great to be surmounted by ordinary steaming. The Wanganui Eiver Trust is at present improving some of these rapids. They propose spending about £500 on the river above Pipiriki, to allow steamers to ascend occasionally when there are freshes. This amount will probably be sufficient, but to make the river passable for regular weekly trips throughout the year it will take about £200 from Pipiriki to Manganui-a-te-ao, and probably about £500 from Manganui-a-te-ao to Tangarakau. From information received from reliable sources, the amount necessary to allow of steamer navigation from Tangarakau to Ohura would not be large. The cost of opening the river from Pipiriki to Ohura is so trifling compared with the enormous area of land benefited by this improvement that I am of opinion that this work should be done during the next four years : but all the first two years' operations should be confined to the first seven and worst miles. The area of land benefited by this proposed improvement comprises the whole of the Maraekowhai, Whitianga, Taumatamahoe, Aratawa, Haoraomoaku, Maungapukatea, Eetaruke, Kirikau Blocks, besides a large portion of Waimarino Block—probably half a million acres directly benefited, and as much more indirectly. As to the Tangarakau Eiver, I consider that it should be improved sufficiently to allow of safe and uninterrupted canoe traffic, by clearing a channel 10ft. in width through all the accumulations of timber. The fall per mile in the river is so large, and the quantity of water so small, that if a channel were cleared wide enough to allow of steamer traffic, the water-level would simply be dropped so much that fresh clearing would be necessary, and at best the river would only be passable in freshes ; at other times canoe traffic would be quicker and cheaper. The river is certainly very suitable for canoe traffic, and would probably repay the cost of clearing for a considerable distance above Putikituna, but as far as that would suffice for some time. To properly clear a 10ft. channel would probably cost about £500. To clear a channel fit for a small steamer would take about three times this amount. The work would require to be done in January, February, and March, or somewhat longer if the season continues dry, but this should be postponed until the Wanganui Eiver is made fairly passable for steamer traffic to the Tangarakau, and then it should be done by Government subsidy to the Wanganui Eiver Trust, as they already have a complete snagging plant. G. T. MUBBATf.

Distance in Miles. Number of Rapids. Total Rise in Peet. Average Rise per Mile. Widths. 'rom Wanganui to Pipiriki ... ,, Pipiriki to Tangarakau ... ,, Tangarakau to Putikituna confluence 56 30 14 48 53 65 110 91 83 Ft. in. 2 0 3 0 5 9 4 to 10 chains. 3 to 6 40 to 30 feet.

Tieke, 70 miles up Wanganui River.

Buttresses near Wangamoana, 80 miles up Wanganui River.

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Table 2. —Lands opened for Sale and Selection during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Table 1. —Summary of Lands disposed of from Foundation of the Colony, with Total Cash received, &c., to 31st March, 1896.

District. Total Area sold. Total Area granted or reserved under Acts. Total Area sold or otherwise finally disposed of from the Foundation of the Colony. Total Cash received. Total Area open for Selection on 31st March, 1896. Total Area remaining for future Disposal, exclusive of Area in preceding Column and of Native Lands. Auckland Hawke'a Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Canterbury .. Westland Otago Southland .. A. E. P. 1,818,542 1 28 1,320,699 2 7 315,360 1 25 1,934,025 0 30 1,187,298 0 26 806,480 2 7 3,110,725 3 35 59,110 1 27 2,065,015 2 35 1,543,004 3 38 A. R. P. 3,099,352 0 5 240,942 0 9 579,325 2 14 815,995 3 9 250,003 0 4 180,773 3 8 755,610 1 27 101,714 1 21 591,420 1 20 589,781 1 15 A. B. P. 4,917,894 1 33 1,561,641 2 16 894,685 3 39 2,750,020 3 39 1,437,301 0 30 987,254 1 15 3,866,336 1 22 160,824 3 8 2,656,436 0 15 2,132,786 1 13 £ s. d. 677,710 6 5 640,140 11 5 720,448 13 11 1,186,377 16 6 461,879 5 1 288,138 5 6 6,232,654 16 7 70,069 17 9 2,149,222 18 5 1,851,375 12 3 A. E. P. 500,593 0 0 47,712 0 17 44,825 0 2 134,406 1 1 312,747 0 0 150,851 0 0 17,619 0 0 77,677 0 0 77,400 0 0+ 1,516,115 0 0]| A. B. P. 1,667,984 0 0 393,257 1 5 476,115 0 0 803,087 3 0* 5,150,000 0 Of 130,720 0 0 1,529,584 2 11 331,379 2 4 5,529,293 3 32§ 605,753 0 0 Totals 7,204,918 3 12 21,365,182 0 30 14,278,018 3 10 2,879,945 1 20 16,617,175 0 12 14,160,263 1 18 * Includes 64,000 acres barren hill-tops. + Includes barren mountain-tops. { Exclusive of pastoral runs. § Includes 3,504,000 acres of barren mountain-tops, lakes, &c. II Includes 1,210,340 acres open as pastoral runs.

District. Optional System. Cash by Auction. Lease by Auction and Application. Village Homestead. Village Lots. Pastoral Buns. Small Euns. Lease in Perpetuity. Totals. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Westland Otago Southland A. 91,233 13,723 17,982 132,508 33,280 2,072 1,725 522 20,910 15,630 A. 3,429 15 99 674 A. 8,000 A. A. is A. A. 33,224 29,224 A. 7,117 A. 143,003 43,010 25,291 134,109 62,302 15,193 93,056 522 473,589 364,400 7,210 118 29,022 322 2,096 33 "804 5 ■KlO6 20 183 2 511 71,020 5482 10,545 ■K 465 "237 230 "l20 18,932 37 290 404,719 319,520 36[727 9,798 Totals .. 65,820 1,347 22 795,770 114,902 35,219 1,354,475 329,585 11,810 * Land (or Settlements Act.

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Table 3. — Return showing Area of Bush felled on Lands sold or leased by the Crown up to 31st March, 1896.

On Lands t&ken On lands taken District. up during the up in previous Total. past Year. Years. District. On Lands t&ken up during the past Year. On lands taken up in previous Years. I A. B. P. 8,000 0 0 500 0 0 630 0 0 700 0 0 2,500' 0 0 i A. B. P. 10,000 0 0 •40,461 0 0 130,000 0 0 221,000 0 0 56,000 0 0 Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Westland Otago Southland A. B. P. A. B. P. A. B. P. Auckland .. .. .. .. 8,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 18,000 0 0 Information only as to lands taken up in past two years. Hawke's Bay.. .. .. .. 500 0 0 "40,461 0 0 40,961 0 0 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 630 0 0 130,000 0 0 130,630 0 0 Wellington .. .. .. .. 700 0 0 221,000 0 0 221,700 0 0 Partial information only. Nelson .. .. .. .. .. .. .. No data. Marlborough .. .. .. .. 2,500 0 0 56,000 0 0 58,500 0 0 Canterbury Westland .. .. .. .. 225 0 0 17,463 0 0 17,688 0 0 Otago .. .. .. .. 325 0 0 17,964 0 0 18,289 0 0 .„„-.,., , .. ■ j Southland .. .. .. 68 0 0 1,609 0 0 1,677 0 0 Amount felled during the year only obtained. Tnt.ol= io qao n r\ aqv n n .raw A.A.& n o 225 0 0 325 0 0 68 0 0 I 17,463 0 0 17,964 0 0 1,609 0 0 Totals .. Totals .. .. .. ia,948 0 0 494,497 0 0 507,445 0 O * On lands held under settlement conditions. The total area of bush felled on all land sold by the Crown in the district since foundation of colony is 255,651 acres. 12,948 0 0 494,497 0 0 507,445 0 0 * On lands held under sett tlement c condit Table 4. —Summary of Table 4.— Summaey of Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1896 (exclusive of Pastoral Euns and Miscellaneous Leases). Lands take — — ; i _ , Revenue iwol EX tm geS -c ei ™ df ° f r Area taken up , Fo S re8> Total Area ™£™ Sales, Rents, during , Surrendergj Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Marlborough. Canterbury. Westland. Otago. Southland, j taken up Tenures '-. on Previous Years and E iries 'during Year. ,,„."„ the Lands se- to 31st t 3 f t during the fl dudng March , 1895 . | the Year. Taranaki. Wellington. Total Area Southland, j taken up during Year. Exchanges from Other Tenures during the Year. Revenue received for Sales, Rents, &c, on Lands selected during the Year. Total Area held Revenue on 31st received March, 1896 : during Year Past and ' on Previous Current TransacTransactions. ; tions. Total Area made Freehold to Date. I Nelson. Marlborough. For Details see Auckland. Hav Hawke's Bay. wke's Bay.; , Taranaki. Wellington. N kelson. Marl Cantsrbury. Westland. Otago. ' Table 6—Cash lands A. r. p. 8,867 1 28 A. B. P. 8,867 1 28 A. R. P. 72 1 0 A. R. P. 72 1 0 A. r. p. a. r. p. a. ) 339 1 39 1,111 1 5 7,9 A. R. P. A. R. P. 339 1 39 1,111 1 5 A. E. P. 7,908 0 10 R. p. 308 0 10 3 7,: 7,120 3 0 A B. P. 346 2 11 A. B. P. 284 1 27 1 ii A. R. P. A. R. P. 253 2 8 26,443 3 8 A. B. P. £ s. d. 18,205 1 2 A. R. P. 12,961,804 3 2 A. R. P. A. B. P. 170 0 35 £ s. a. 541 1 0 A. It. P. 12,988,078 1 15 A. R. P. 140 0 0 7— Deferred payments 4 455 2 8 155 2 8 455 2 8 99 0 0 81 12 10 1,284,829 0 11 257,360 1 30 331,928 0 39 44,628 2 9 696,094 8 30 8 —Perpetual lease and small areas 9 —Occupation with ! right of purchase „ 10 —Lease in perpetuity : 50 0 0 27,831 2 9 5, 17,062 3 28 7, 50 0 0 i,769 1 0 ',593 0 2 120 0 0 4 ) 4,758 1 12 34,748 1 0 4,5 I 8,724 0 0 27,760 0 7 6,0 120 0 0 466 2 16 166 2 16 560 0 5 D30 1 1 8 5 l l,: 142 1 20 648 1 18 1,427 1 9 2,018 3 9 84,967 3 9 6,385 3 12; 89,144 0 18 32 14 4 1,326,205 1 34 333,743 0 38 746,403 0 27 69,311 3 1 247,486 1 18 27,831 2 9 5,769 1 0 4,758 1 12 34,748 1 0 4,560 0 5 30 0 0 1,315 1 36 3,936 0 18 2,777 0 11 237,834 2 22 25,209 1 28 297,593 0 3 4,367 17 1 17,062 3 28 7,593 0 2 8,724 0 0 27,760 0 7 6,030 1 1 1,259 2 0 1,868 3 3 310 0 0 12,149 3 5 56,794 1 30 3,240 8 9 404,976 3 4 32,687 3 24 518,227 1 28 7,917 10 10 11 —Agricultural lease 36 0 0 36 0 0 1 " 0 15 11 285,953 3 6 143,677 1 27 3,596 0 20 547 6 4 138,716 0 39 12 —Occupation Lease under " The Mining District Land Occupation Act, 1894 " „ 13— Village settlement, cash „ 14 —Village settlement, deferred payment 15 —Village settlement, perpetual lease 16 —Village settlement, occupation with right of purchase 17 —Village settlement, lease in perpetuity „ 18—Village - homestead special settlement „ 19 —Special-settlement associations „ 20— Improved Farm Special-settlements 21 —Homestead 864 1 6 864 1 6 4,950 1 38 1,680 0 0 6 0 6 2 13 42 2 19 1 20 3 38 2,688 3 38 44 2 22 24,636 0 0 11,757 3 37 17.370 3 5 1 1,247 0 0 1 717 1 35 349 2 18' 2,931 1 19 412 7 6 2,931 1 19 1 6,969 8 18 6 0 6 0 10 3 0 12 9 1 18 106 4 6 6,960 2 0 14,840 0 17 2,246 0 15 1,963 2 20 937 11 1 10,630 1 22 6,822 2 3 1,291 3 11 4,748 2 3 1,190 9 8 782 0 29 2 13 2 13 0 6 11 24 1 26 0 10 26 1 29 6 8 3 42 2 19 20 3 38 2,688 3 38 1 2 11 123 2 37 402 0 1 3,279 3 24 497 1 Hi 187 0 10 6,747 3 2 1,113 1 34 9,411 2 3 709 4 9 5£9 0 10 633 2 32 34 13 9! 34,402 1 39 14,282 3 19 20,753 1 12 2,275 19 6 44 2 22 4,950 1 38 24,636 0 0 11,757 3 37 & 3 18 41,434 1 13 336 7 11 375,964 3 31 121,193 0 10| 231,378 0 16 12,575 2 3 04,828 0 18 1,680 0 0 17.370 3 5 1 1,247 0 0 5,251 3 33 2,798 1 3 28,348 0 1 78 1 i' 13,970 0 20 3,166 0 2lj 39,152 0 0 47 8 1 89,489 0 34 8,981 1 9 5,984 1 34 74,523 1 81 „ 22 —Small grazing-rnns 2. 2,868 0 0 !,868 0 0 ) '.. 4,! 4,820 0 0 1,012 0 0 34,857 2 4 43,557 2 4 628 16 lo! 1,210,108 0 26 !304,967 1 7 948,698 1 23 19,110 0 9 Totals .. ..I 61,306 2 29 16 61,306 2 29 16,353 1 31 i,353 1 30 155,849 2 14 79,478 0 2919,4 55,849 2 14 79,478 0 29 19,420 2 0 420 2 0 0 13,: 13,230 1 0 3,9(6 0 13 58,499 1 19 12,859 1 36 322,671 0 6 57,390 3 1 26,071 13 6! 18,260,934 2 37 1,250,090 3 283,162,795 2 36: 164,165 5 5 14,228,109 8 20 Cheviot Estate — Cash lands Lease in perpetuity Village - homestead special settlements Grazing farms Land for Settlements Acts — Lease in perpetuity „ „ (village) Special settlement associations Small grazing-runs 6,524 3 9 .. ! 2,1 1,765 1 36 ISO 2 23 1,155 3 0 159 2 29 130 2 23 1,125 3 0 159 2 29 893 9 8 ; 131 4 111 44 5 8' 6,546 3 Oj 23,968 2 17 2,578 0 0 0 2 0 1,054 3 O 23,439 2 17 301 0 15 1 2,436 2 14 5,541 1 11 698 0 4 6,676 3 29 i 2,556 0 0 2,536 0 0 7,422 1 20 32,080 1 20 83 2 14 2,803 0 9 154 14 1 43,628 2 d 1,286 0 0| 44,878 2 0 5,285 14 2 6,524 3 9 2,628 0 0 3,850 2 24 11,654 2 7 83 2 14 4,193 19 51 24 5 11 101 10 10; 15 13 4! 8,704 0 34 344 1 25 3,986 1 13: 36,798 1 1 20 0 2 407 3 37 2,803 0 9 781 18 4 146 14 6 2,803' 0 9 313 1 3 313 1 3 313 1 3 Grand totals .. £ 67,831 1 38 16 67,831 1 38 16,353 1 30 1,353 1 30 155,849 2 14 79,478 0 2919,4 55,849 2 14: 79,478 0 29 1 120 2 0 0 15, i 57,390 3 11 31,630 17 4! 18,346,705 0 39J 1,257,339 2188,278,872 3 37| 176,618 14 8 14,234,786 8 9 19,420 2 0 15,858 1 0 14,827 0 21 1,765 1 36 70,237 2 0| 20,281 3 16 361,903 1 24 i l 16—C. 1. Not e.—For anal lysis of holding ;s, see Table 5.

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Table 5.— Analysis of Holdings taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

.verage igs o: lectors. Description of Land. No. of Selectors. No. of Selectors under 1 Acre. Selectc c 1 Acre ors e. t. t , c , , , No. of Selectors No. of Selectors el . n ,~ 1 to 50 Acre, ***> No. of Selectors 251 to 500 Acres. No. of Selectors 501 to 1,000 Acres. No. of Selectors 1,001 Acres and upwards. lash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase liease in perpetuity Vgricultural lease lecupation Lease under " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894 " tillage settlement, cash tillage settlement, occupation with right of purchase tillage settlement, lease in perpetuity Tillage-homestead special settlement Special-settlement associations Improved farm special settlements Small grazing-runs i'astoral runs Miscellaneous leases and licenses 462 6 7 431 415 3 69 222 1 "l 160 53 2 4 2 4 66 275 57 248 3 ' 53 15 17 1 66 86 6 21 19 4 3 4 16 3 183 11 224 315 30 15d 189 14 3 7 6 88 2 168 8 5 1 219 48 267 4 26 51 101 26 3 1 8 10 12 i 4 5 14 65 17 Total 2,520 282 694 1,174 203 60 107 Cheviot Estate— Cash Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Grazing farms Miscellaneous leases and licenses Iiand fob Settlements Acts — Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village Special Settlement Associations 14 6 8 2 16 4 10 1 8 11 "a 3 "l "2 275 10 14 1 123 10 85 14 48 17 1 Grand totals 108 2,865 287 857 1,279 255 2,865 79 i 108 Table 6.— Retubn of Ceown Lands sold for Cash during the Year ended 31st March, 1896. Area disposed of. Area disposed of. — ; Average Price per Acre. Consideration received. iwn. Suburban. Rural. Total. Suburban. Rural. District. I . Number of Purchasers. Number | | Number Area. of Pur- , Area. I of Purchasers, i j chasers. Number | \ Number Number of Pur- , Area. of Pur- Area. of Pur- Area. Town. Suburban. ! Rural. chasers, j i chasers. chasers. Area. i Cash. Scrip. Total. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Westland Otago Southland 14 5 43 141 A. B. P. A. B. P. 81 1 17 4 43 0 14 83 3 3 0 .. .. excess area 16 3 30 .. .. 4 43 3 18 28 64 2 19 10 31 6 2 2 2 1 13 20 39 1 15 I 21 14 3 33 6 35 0 0 10 a. B. p. a. r. p. a. r. p. ! £ s. d. £ s. d. i £ s. d. 4 43 0 14 83 8,742 3 37 101 8,867 1 28 j 3 1 048 2 5 648 0 12 11-06 f6 excess area 68 2 0 5 72 1 0 J15 4 0 .. 0 5 11 4 322 2 9 47 339 1 39 !67 6 3 .. 2 4 3-4 1 28 64 2 19 10 1,002 3 8 179 \ 1,111 1 5 154 13 5 10 13 7 1 16 0 4 31 7,908 0 10 31 7,908 0 10 .. .. 0 7 0 {2 6 7,120 3 0 6 7,120 8 0 .. .. 0 7 8 §2 2 *346 2 11 2 346 2 11 .. .. 12 6-2 2 140 0 0 2 140 0 0 .. .. 0 10. 0 20 39 1 15 I 21 242 2 39 49 284 1 27 20 18 2-7 5 18 11 0 19 3-3 6 35 0 0 i 10 203 2 15 40 253 2 8 |23 17 0 3 2 0 0 14 0 A. R. p. 8,742 3 37 68 2 0 322 2 9 1,002 3 8 7,908 0 10 7,120 3 0 *346 2 11 140 0 0 242 2 39 203 2 15 £ s. d. j 2 5 6-48 10 13 ' 7 5 1811 3 2 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. i £ s. d. £ s. d. 0 12 11-06 f6,355 0 7 .. 6,355 0 7 0 5 11 97 7 6 .. 97 7 6 2 4 3-4 1,791 3 1 .. 1,791 3 1 1 16 0 4,675 2 6 226 10 0 4,901 12 6 0 7 0 {2,771 9 0 I .. 2,771 9 0 0 7 8 §2,748 12 0 .. 2,748 12 0 1 2 6-2 398 15 8 .. 398 15 8 0 10. 0 ||35 0 0 .. 35 0 0 0 19 3-3 517 2 0 .. 517 2 0 0 14 0 727 10 10 .. 727 10 10 6, 1, 4, 2, ■1, £ ,3 ,7 ,6 ,7 ,7 8 II 6 7 £ s. d. | £ s. d. £ 355 0 7 .. 6, 97 7 6 791 3 1 .. 1, 375 2 6 226 10 0 4,' 771 9 0 I .. 2, 748 12 0 .. 2, 398 15 8 .. ; ||36 0 0 517 2 0 .. j 727 10 10 £ s. ,355 ( 97 \ ,791 I ,901 1J ,771 S ,748 IS 398 If 35 ( 517 i 727 1C a 24 Totals 235 163 0 31 i 58 182 0 8 j is 280a. 1b. Up. excess area. t Si ! . 58 182 0 8 169 26,098 2 9 462 26,443 3 8... .. .. 2C 169 26,098 2 9 169 Survev 20,117 3 2 | 226 10 0 0, ,1 117 3 2 | 226 10 0 20,: 20,343 13 ,343 li * Includi Up. excess area. \ Survey-fees, £336 lis. 8d. { Survey-fees, £162 8s. § Survey-fees, £27 5s. t Survey-fees, £336 lis. 8d. I! I! Survey-fees, £22. § Survey-fees, £27 5s. I! Survey-fees, £22.

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Table 7. — Return of Deferred-payment Lands—Transations during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Taken up during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders, and Exchanges during the Year. „.,,.,,. ,, Total Area held on 31st March, Amount received during Capitalised during the 1896, including the Year ended * ear - Capitalised Holdings. 31st March, 1896. Freehold acquired during the Year. Made Freehold from Electors in Arrear on 31 at Commencement of System M ' c h 896 to 31st March, 1896. March, l«9b. District. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Westland .. Otago Southland.. "g . I "g CO ° j u S Yearlv g o Yearly g o J> t Area. Instalments -° g Area. Instalments -5 g Area. S3 payable. 5-3 payable. § -3 |g3 ! M * W a B. p. £ s. d. A. b. p. £ s. d. £ s. d. 8 1,644 3 29 86 2 6 10 1,205 2 17 1 22 0 9 8 5 6 .. 1 100 0 0 2 790 0 0 *6 455' 2 8 22 16 0 5 283 0 24 16 2 0 .. | '" .. '.'. '■'. 1 266"0 22 12 165 1 30 14 12 4 .. 1 320 0 0 16 12 2 6 1,953 0 21 3 254 2 1 12 5 4 2 513 1 11 Yearly Instalments payable. £ s. d. 54 10 8 1 5' 8 8 1 57 13 8 ! 1411 0 69*14 2 14 5 6 . I v . I ..g . j 2 I Yearly Si o Yearly In- Q year's On Past 2 -b . t 7 } . g« . stalments m m ■2 o Area. ' Interest -2 o Area. . T „f aTOO f' Trans- Transfi cd ,, fl <d and interest t . .• §■3 payable. §-3 payable ' aotlons - actions. £ CQ J2J CQ f J O co » o •a o S.2 rj CD % V1 O co C s-s 4 I •a a Area. * 3.2 1 | Area. O & Jo 2 CD ° S Total Amount ° B i cd realised -S Area - exclusive of ! g S Area " Amount. gjg Interest. || 6 £ s. d. 54 10 8 5 8 8 57 13 8 8 3 44 7 a. r. p. £ s. d. 1,310 1 24 24 8 10| 412 355 0 0 6 5 7 53 6,631 1 35 221 19 41 310 2,045 0 0 53 4 4 *102 {921 20 269 2 28 10 16 10 39 15 2,689 2 25 32 0 0 182 195 A. B. P. £ s. d.l 56,146 1 37 4,997 13 5 9,559 2 6 551 13 6 41,220 2 25 3,308 0 8 22,578 0 11 4,695 0 9 96,276 2 39 5,679 9 9 1,865 3 4 98 18 1 17,346 3 0 1,462 8 6 1,579 2 34 109 14 6 49,027 3 22 2,121 5 1 36,326 2 21 1'246 12 8 £ s. d. £ s. d. 1,814 7 7 2,158 17 0 8 16 1014,025 16 5 |6,875 11 10 22 16 0 5,425 16 7 223 5 10 1,940 7 4 87 1 3 8,029 0 5 4,047 18 6 8 31 102 28 94 5 12 7 71 45 A. B. P. 1,040 2 12 3,690 3 12 12,508 0 23 6,342 0 11 9,721 3 26 598 0 13 931 1 14 252 1 29 19,648 0 16 7,553 1 16 88 754 1,041 600 690 30 83 69 950 1,133 A. B. P. £ s. d. 11,968 3 30 10,012 12 6 75,922 0 27 79,548 0 1 115,845 2 22189,353 3 1 115,532 2 2124,568 8 8 1 55,125 1 22 53,185 12 9| 2,772 2 26 2,319 11 8 10,454 0 4 25,572 14 9 2,928 0 3 2,826 7 3 146,756 0 17jl89,174 11 5 158,789 1 371225,166 5 10 A. B. P. 74 6,984 0 38 10 2,321 0 0 16 3,849 1 36 11 1,237 2 9 10 2,719 0 34 9 1,507 3 3 £ s. d. 444 10 10 109 14 11 372 1 11 159 7 3 42 12 7 30 0 7 1411 0 3 6914 2 14 5 6 5 Totals .. 6 455 2 8 22 16 0J 30 2,690 0 13 153 19 10 22 4,828 0 31 455 2 8 22 16 o] 30 2,690 0 13 153 19 10 22 4,828 0 31 216 3 8 . 216 3 8 70 ) 13,301 0 32J348 14 112,249 331,928 0 39 24,270 10 11 3112 10 44,628 2 9 403 J62, 286 3 12 5,438 696,094 3 301901,727 7 6 13018,619 1 01,158 14 1 125 9s. 6d. f Includes endowments, £1,335 13s. J Includes eleven holders of endowment lands : area, 478 acres and 19 perches; yearly rental, £57 7s. 6d. 13,301 0 32 J348 14 112,249 403 '62,286 3 12 5,438 * Includes ten holders of endowment lands : area, 1,650 acres 3 roods ten holders of endowment lands : area, 1,650 acres 3 roods 8 perches; yearly rental, £2! Table 8.—: Table 8. —Eetuen of Perpetuai>l .ease and Small-aeea Lands. —Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1896. 1 'aken up during the Previous Transactions to 31st Exchanges to otl Year. March, 1895. during the co ° co Annual "S o Annual g g Area. Rental jS Area. Rental ■= t> Area, payable. &-f payable. g~ cq jqco lier Tenures Year. Forfeiti during thi " Surrenders Total Area held on 31st March, Amount received during Freeholds Made Freehold from Selectors: „" -, Ull °"" 0, - D the Year ended acquired during Commencement of System -\\„ x eYear. during the Year. 1896. 31gt March) 18g6 _ \ h e Year. to 31st March, 1896. ires i Year. 1 Area held on 31st March, 1896. Amount received during) Freeholds the Year ended acquired during C 31st March, 1896. the Year. Made Freehold from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1896. Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1896. District. _; I CO cc On Year's On Past "g g "go Trans- Trans- j "S Area. c actions. actions. "&% £; -3 ! m cc On Year's Transactions. On Past Transactions. to Total •g o Amount o Area. realised, £ -2 exclusive of co Interest. (4-1 *-< o o o Area. Amount. *3 CQ A. B. P. £ S. d. 224 44,701 1 33 887 12 10 2 420 2 0 8 5 3 31i 9,082 0 0: 254 9 2 112 49,366 2 25 2,270 18 3 2! 526 3 32 10 14 10 "3' 1,254 1 18 48 1 5 2| 270 18 16 13 6 71 17,132 1 3 474 0 3 1 24 1 3,767 2 24 90 14 2 W E o <1> Annual Rental. DO ° -8 q "5 Area. m Annual Rental. CO *o o co Area. co Annual j*° | Rental. \ 2. «> Im cd m Area. Annual Rental. i A. R. P. 50 0 0 I £ s. d. a. a. p.: £ s. d. 3 6 31,108 279,982 1 7, 6,685 15 6 I 375 167,136 3 9i 6,405 11 3 I 544 130,467 1 5' 6,523 7 0 7 10 o! 889 341,418 1 2116,675 5 9 3 10 0 ; 44 12,139 3 24l 295 5 6 19 3,358 1 29 105 19 4 262 87,355 2 8 5,950 0 7 17 1,363 0 28 70 5 8 7 2 0 958 225,457 3 111,407 4 7 30 15 0 302 77,525 3 22 2,943 15 11 a. r. p.: 2,891 1 35 : £ s. d. 74 3 6 A. e. p. 37 6,504 2 3 1 736 0 0 6 2,558 0 35 3 1,032 0 0 £ s. d. 181 11 4 38 19 0 101 0 8 60 7 0 £ s. d. 1 £ s. d. 2,235 3 37 47 5 4 a. r. p. 223,027 3 37 82,285 3 15 70,918 0 6 194,270 3 23 12,191 2 0 1,926 0 39 19,787 2 27 692 1 32 104,288 1 7 37,014 1 1 £ s. d. 3,196 13 11 3,123 10 7 3,443 2 9 9,963 18 10 294 0 0 56 0 1 1,385 5 4 33 12 10 3,483 17 8 1,431 17 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. a. b. p. : *8 15 0 9,046 11 7 22 8,120 0 24: 59 13,419 12 6 24 12,394 3 3137 3,790 3 6 44 112,149 0 34;136 3 15 035,771 11 10 89 27,963 2 37339 5 10 0 194 17 6 1 194 0 0| 1 57 19 8 .. ! .. 1 1,645 10 11 6 746 0 19 24 33 6 7 .. .. 4 3 11 0 3,873 4 4 3 733 3 0' 28 11 3 4 1,478 4 8 12 2,199 0 17 27 £ s. d. *8 15 0 £ s. d. 9,046 11 7 13,419 12 6 3,790 3 6 35,771 11 10 194 17 6 57 19 8 1,645 10 11 33 6 7 3,873 4 4 1,478 4 8 a. B. p. £ s. d. 59 16,903 1 35 8,178 1 9 Il37 60,415 1 13 49,163 19 6 ;136 34,978 0 2231,167 17 11 339 120,485 0 14114,307 3 11 1 194 0 0 97 0 0 1 300 0 0 82 10 0 24 2,322 2 16 3,657 6 2 4 370 2 36 370 14 6 : 28 5,930 3 13, 4,354 7 6 i 27 5,586 0 29 4,808 16 9 Amckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Westland Otago Southland 1 i 1 120 0 0 466 2 16 14 5 3 1 1,172 3 5 1,562 0 0 221 0 0 68 11 10 94 15 8 5 10 6 1 142 0 0 3 203 0 16 1 50 0 0 3 967 3 30 8 2,807 0 11 37 1 6 3 1 3 1 3 8 5 13 8 20 6 2 2 10 0 34 15 10 107 5 2 8 i 408 0 0 20 8 0 .. 836 184 288 475 43 12 116 7 540 176 3 15 0 5 10 0 31 14,879 3 25 886 15 11 1 3 142"l 20 648 1 13 33 10 13,126* 2 21 3,281 3 22 455 ±7 4 139 14 8 l 170 3 0! 8 11 0 311 0 11 3 4 Totals 7 1,427 1 9 52 3 34,5181,326,205 1 3457,062 11 1 97 37,135 2 28 1,725 9 5 88 15,000 3 15 552 8 10 10 2,814 2 37j 76 4 4| 2,677 746,403 0 27 26,411 19 0 32 14 4 69,311 3 1 201 ;64,500 3 14j756 247,486 1 18216,187 18 0 471126,522 0 234,061 9 I 1 17— C. 1. * Survey fees. 0

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Table 9. — Return of Occupation-with-Bight-of-Pubchase Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st, March, 1896.

District. 6 g CQ Taken up c Area. luring the Ye: Average Upset Rent per Acre. ,r. Previous Transactions to 31st March, 1895. CO j "g o I Annual o Area. Rental & -3 payable. CQ j Fori CO O O CQ Eeitures durini Area. the Year. Surrenders durin; ° -2 q o Area. K -3 CQ the Year. Toti B0 o o CQ al Area held on 31st March, 1896. Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1896. n j.u i-iT- i On Past On the Year s m m J ,. TransacTransactions. tions. Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1896. 03 °° ! 6 "S i Area. Amount. &3 M CD CO Annual Rental payable. Annual Rental. Annual Rental. . Annual Area - Rental. Annual Rental. Auckland .. .. 167 27,831 2 9 0 5-83 676 10 3 561 108,Of Hawke's Bay .. .. 29 5,769 1 0 15 413 4 10 31 20,8? Taranaki .. .. 24 4,758 1 12 2 6-02 539 19 2 56 15,5( Wellington .. .. 131 34,748 1 0 1 2J 2,150 2 8 133 41,1! Nelson .. .. 25 4,560 0 5 0 4| 80 8 0 37 6,5! Marlborough .. .. 1 30 0 0 0 6 0 15 0 8 9', Canterbury .. .... .. .. .. 21 3 5i Westland .. .. 8 1,315 1 36 0 6 33 10 0 20 2^51 Otago .. .. 27 3,936 0 18 0 9-41 154 8 0 73 14,2! Southland .. .. 19 2,018 3 9 0 8 74 6 8 82 24 3! A. B. P. 167 27,831 2 9 29 5,769 1 0 24 4,758 1 12 131 34,748 1 0 25 4,560 0 5 1 30 0 0 *8 1,315 1 36 27 3,936 0 18 19 2,018 3 9 s. d. 0 5-83 1 5 2 6-02 1 24 0 4J 0 6 £ s. d. 676 10 3 413 4 10 539 19 2 2,150 2 8 80 8 0 0 15 0 561 31 56 133 37 8 21 20 73 82 A. B. P. 108,081 0 32 20,856 2 0 15,560 3 13 41,129 1 5 6,524 3 38 979 1 13 3,542 3 32 2,574 0 17 14,227 0 8 24,358 1 24 £ s. d. 2,732 0 6 729 9 6 861 19 10 2,328 10 4 105 18 1 30 9 0 293 15 10 64 19 0 634 16 6 890 13 0 9 3 5 1 1 *5 *2 A. E. P. 1,404 1 19 2,665 0 0 1,726 0 0 850 0 0 247 2 0 £ s. d. 38 17 0 71 11 6 105 7 2 42 10 0 3 14 0 13 *2 A. B. P. 3,080 3 29 655 "o 0 £ s. d. 89 7 8 42 8 10 699 55 72 258 61 9 12 23 90 94 A. E. P. £ S. 130,936 0 1 3,265 14 22,840 1 0 1,022 8 17,098 0 25 1,230 2 72,499 2 5 4,283 6 10,837 2 3 182 11 1,009 1 13 31 4 1,035 0 32 82 14 2,779 2 7 70 2 16,609 2 26 709 2 21,947 3 11 820 3 £ s. d. 3,265 14 1 1,022 8 10 1,230 2 10 4,283 6 4 182 11 10 31 4 0 82 14 2 70 2 0 709 2 6 820 3 2 £ s. d. £ s. d. *1,109 3 5 1,184 9 1 192 4 11 576 15 10 300 2 5 557 5 8 1,021 2 9 906 18 10 28 11 6 31 5 6 6 0 0 11 0 4 74 10 3 16 6 38 12 6 82 12 4 397 4 7 35 17 1 589 14 6 A. R. P. £ s. d. 57 8,689 2 8 170 1 8 1 1,075 0 0 8 15 0 6 3,610 0 0 132 8 11 10 3,023 3 29 108 4 2 3 423 2 0 3 18 3 230 1 15 2 17 6 11 2,366 1 13 65 3 0 14 4,834 2 2 176 17 1 0 6 0 9-41 0 8 33 10 0 154 8 0 74 6 8 1,110 "o 6 28**7 0 2 4 471 "l 30 1,113 1 24 43 1 8 35 6 2 2,636**1 9 82**5 2 Totals .. .. 431 84,967 3 9 .. 4,123 4 7 1,022 237,8, 4,123 4 7 1,022 237,834 2 22 8,672 11 7 20 10,639 0 34 372 11 10 21 5,320 3 3 210 4 4 4 4 1,373 297,593 0 3 11,697 9 9 2,777 0 11 4,367 17 1 105 24,253 0 27 667 9 0 1,373 * Includes survey-fees, £879 18s. * Inclui Table 1 ■etuity Lands taken up during the Yea: r ended 31st March, 1896. ). —Eetuen of Lease-in-Pee: Taken up during the Year. Exchanges from other Tenures r during the Year. Previous Transactions to 31st March, 1895. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrende: during the "5 cs Total Area held on 31st March, Amount received during Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, fear. 1896. the Year ended 31st 18g6 • March, 1896. Distri0t - |f CD § CD" "g o g>p-j 5 Annual "g g Annual Q - g Area. g < Rental o Area. Rental g 3 S»S payable. jzj3 payable. CQ S . i A. B. p. s. d. £ s. d. , A. B. P. £ s. d. Auckland .. 8217,062 3 28 0 5-541 394 6 4 > 28 4,095 112 91 110 Hawke's Bay 27 7,593 0 2 0 11J | 359 12 10 .. Taranaki .. 36 8,724 0 0 1 ll' 765 0 4 5 1,173 3 5 55 4 8 Wellington .. 105 27,760 0 7 0 9,! 1,061 6 0 8 4,470 0 0 203 18 8 Nelson .. 28 6,030 1 1 0 3£ 85 4 5 1 221 0 0 5 10 6 Marlborough 12 1,259 2 0 0 6 30 16 6 21 12,648 1 16 245 15 10 Canterbury .. 12 1,868 3 3 1 44 128 5 10 34 15,220 0 21 743 10 8 Westland ..3 310 0 0 0 4-8 6 4 0.. Otago .. 8512,149 3 5 0 7-94! 403 12 2:37 15,170 2 23 423 3 8 Southland .. 25 6,385 3 12 0 7 198 11 10 i 12 3,795 0 33 124 12 10 I .1 CO I ■g o ' Annual "5 | Area. Rental £•3 payable. °3 . Annual °i 6 § Arca - Rental. ° j S "3 "a cq a DO O O 0 ?-* cD CQ Area. CO cO a i "o o j i On On Past "" S Annual ° H . Annual ,, v , m ° 2 . Rental. 6 8 Area " Rental. Year s Transac- d o Area. Amount. !zj "3 Transactions. tions. jjj — CQ j CQ ; 00 •4-. *-l Annual ° 2 \ . Annual Rental. og Acea " Rental. CQ j On the Year's Transactions. I i I A. B. P. 4,095 1 12 1,173 3 5 4,470 0 0 221 0 0 12,648 1 16 15,220 0 21 15,170 2 23 3,795 0 33 £ s. d. j 91 1 10 !296 71 55 4 8 71 203 18 8 82 5 10 6 : 29 245 15 10 34 743 10 8 102 4 423 3 8 298 124 12 10 168 A. E. P. | £ s. d. '296 60,375 0 11 1,380 13 11 71 46,751 2 15 I 1,314 4 9 71 23,237 3 37 I 984 7 2 82 27,253 1 7 i 1,212 13 5 29 5,590 0 23 j 87 9 3 34 16,075 2 38 | 328 15 4 102 66,041 0 15 : 3,311 7 10 4 280 0 0 5 12 0 298 94,194 0 31 , 3,033 6 1 168 65,177 2 27 2,161 16 6 a. u. p. £ s. [d. 8 1,988 2 32 46 7 0 6 6 1,868 0 0 119 17 8 2 4 1,587 2 0 69 14 2 2 2 331 3 3 6 12 8 .. A. B. P. 1,004 3 14 840 "o 0 2,256 1 21 £ s. d. A. b. p. I £ s. d. 27 18 4 383 : 75,298 2 6 . 1,721 15 11 94 53,453 0 7 1,639 10 3 52 1 10 100 28,966 3 2 1,556 1 0 57 14 6 189 55,639 1 33 I 2,350 9 5 .. 55 11,118 2 0 ! 155 19 10 67 29,983 2 14 605 7 8 95 14 0 142 i 75,858 3 13 3,852 5 10 5 430 0 0 8 12 0 3 14 0 409 ! 117,770 3 9 3,724 13 1 37 6 2 192 j 69,712 3 24 2,340 1 10 £ s. d. •1,203 14 4 148 0 0 453 13 4 573 0 10 47 8 8 365 8 8 60 12 10 1 10 0 234 13 0 152 7 6 £ s. d. •1,203 14 4 148 0 0 453 13 4 573 0 10 47 8 8 365 8 8 60 12 10 1 10 0 234 13 0 152 7 6 £ s. d. 732 17 9 1,092 0 9 459 1 0 534 9 5 9 9 4 16 7 11 1,657 0 7 A. R. P. 38 6,766 0 33 5 2,181 0 0 10 3,108 0 34 4 555 3 0 17 ! 14,078 3 38 £ s. d. 135 13 1 52 1 0 82 13 7 6 4 5 2 3,220 0 0 140 16 8 1 2 160 0 0 3 4 0... 4 1,186 0 11 42 12 10 1 3 2,182 0 1 53 14 2 4 1,740* 0 0 81 3 9 1,460 1 21 1,924 17 5 1,491 6 8 40 i 12,812 1 11 24 ; 10,918 3 23 503 8 6 215**7 2 318 19 8 Totals ..41589,144 0 18 .. j 3,433 0 3 146 56,7 56,794 1 30 1,892 18 8 1155 794 1 30 1,1 ,892 18 I 8 115, 5 4 404,976 3 4 |13,820 6 3 34,976 3 i Il8 ,820 6 3 81 12,524 0 7 482 19 2 16 7,383 1 25 274 8 10 [1,636 | 518,227 1 28 17,954 16 10 3,240 8 9 7,917 10 10 : 138 ; 50,421 1 19 1,314 7 5 Under ti md for Sett, lements Acts. 60 6,524 3 9 1,268 10 4 634 5 2 15 3,914 0 0 730 19 11 289 3 11 22 3 8 124 3,380 1 21 1,723 0 8 741 11 6 590 8 8 1 98 15,556 2 31 4,450 12 4 1,948 18 2 169 6 0 14 1 3,696 0 34 38 7,422 1 20 1,160 14 580 0 8 Luckland .. 60 ; 6,524 3 9,3 1,268 10 4 .. darlborough 9 2,628 0 0 j 3 7 468 10 0 .. lanterbury .. 85 J 3,850 2 24 ! 5 10-4 1,131 2 4 .. )tago .. 88 11,654 2 7 6 59 3,782 10 10 .. Southland .. 38 7,422 1 20 j 8 1J 1,160 14 .. 7 45 22 r i I 1,854 0 0 1,288 3 5 5,561 1 29 355 7 7 740 6 4 927 0 0 1 e 6 568 0 0 1,759 0 8 1,439 3 0 92 17 8 .. 148 8 0 .. 227 19 10 60 6,524 8 9 15 3,914 0 0 124 3,380 1 21 98 15,556 2 31 38 7,422 1 20 816 9 395 6 2 Total .. 275 32,080 1 20 j 7,810 14 10 74 74 8,704 0 34 2,022 13 11 13 8,704 0 34 2,022 13 11 18 3,766 3 8 469 5 6 .. '■ 469 5 6 .. I 335 36,798 1 1 9,333 4 7 4,193 19 5 781 18 4 ! 15 3,696 0 34 404 2 11 • Incli ides suivey-fa is, £439 14s. lOd.

c.—x

125

Table 11. —Return of Agricultural-lease Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

18—C. 1.

Taken up during the Year. Surrenders, and Expiries during the Year. Total Area held on 31st . March, 1896. Amounts received during the Year ended 31st March, 1896. Made Freehold from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1896. Selectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1896. District. «8 co sk "o a S.2 Area. a! •z;CQ Area. *i 4 ill V sJJ J? O CO Area. Total Amount realised. -a o BJS Area. A ount. £ s. d. A. B. p. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. a. £ s. d. £ s. d. £' s. d. A. B. P. A. It. P. A. E. P. A. B. P. A. E. P. Auckland 26 1,575 2 27 113 13 6 C7 i 1,739 2 10 590 5 0 17 850 0 0 193 15 0 Westland 32 279 0 15 488 12 11 ■■ Otago .. 3 36 0 0 12 0 0 1 11 10 20 2,296 0 1 193 19 9J 30 2,020 1 33 187 15 2 0 15 11 547 6 i 1,314 130,127 1 J 130,681 2 6 19 3,152 3 6 1,406 6 6 Southland 50 6,570 1 5 6,570 5 0 '• Totals ! 1 56 3,596 0 20 301 8 8 36 4,002 3 6 1,600 1 6 3 36 0 012 0 0 1 11 10 20 2,296 0 1 193 19 9 15 11 [547 6 4 1,463. 138,716 0 39 138,330 5 5|

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126

Table 12. —Occupation Leases under "The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894," taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Table 13. —Return of Village-Settlement Lands disposed of for Cash during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Tab in up during thi Year. Total Area held on 31st March, 1896. Amount received during the Year. District. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Kental. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. On the Year's Transactions. A. B. p. £ s. d. a. B. p. £ s. d. £ s. d. luckland .. 17 864 1 6 41 9 0 IT 864 1 6 41 9 0 *130 14 6 )tago 47 1,717 1 35 90 17 3 47 1,717 1 35 90 17 3 f231 13 0 louthland .. 5 349 2 18 14 5 0 5 349 2 18 14 5 0 J50 0 0 412 7 6 Totals 69 2,931 1 19 146 11 3 69 2,931 1 19 146 11 3 * Includes £126 15s. survey-fees. t Includes 228 10s. Cd. survey-fees. J Surver -fees.

Amount realised during the Year 1895-96. Total Area made from Commencement 31st March, ?reehold af System to .896. District. No. of Selectors. Area. No. of Selectors. Area. Total Amount realised. Jawke's Bay ?aranaki Vellington larlborough Janterbury Kago iouthland 9 A. B. P. 6 0 6 £ s. d. 70 0 0 246 308 262 9 166 101 557 A. B. P. 632 0 23 853 0 9 451 0 29 22 1 11 1,208 0 1 886 2 5 2,916 2 20 £ a. d. 4,112 11 10 6,935 10 9 3,276 3 5 75 16 10 5,481 17 4 1,736 17 2 8,903 1 6 1 o"i o s"o o ■6 3 - 0 12 28"4 6 Totals 1C 9 1 18 106 4 6 1,649 6,969 3 18 30,521 18 10

α-i

127

Table 14. —Return of Village-settlement Deferred-Payment Lands: Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Forfeitures during the Year. Total Area held on 31st March, 1896. Amount received on Past Transactions Made Freehold during the Year. Freeholds acquired from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1896. Selectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1896. District. during the Year ended 31st March, 1896. "3 » 3 CD Area. Zβ H P j= C3 jq c3 I—( ° s Area. 'S P j= I— I si Area. Amount realised. 8° j= "S Area. Amount realised. ja o B2 Area. Amount. Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland - A. B. P. £ s. d. 10 2 8 5 29 16 A. E. P. 216 0 20 54 2 17 20 0 28 43 1 20 447 2 4 352 3 38 828 3 13 £ s. d. 37 7 5 16 9 6 136 4 5 9 4 8 106 18 8 87 16 2 128 3 0 £ s. d. 10 4 10 189 10 7 48 16' 1 9 4 8 309 10 2 69 11 9 300 13 0 8 3 8 A. B. P. 67 2 3 86 3 17 84 3 28 £ s. d. 93 10 0 295 16 5 266 3 9 100 118 101 A. B. P. 976 1 22 2,234 3 19 950 2 8' £ s. d. 2,332 0 9 10,480 6 10 3,684 5 4 - i I A. B. P. l"a 20 £ s. d. o'l6 C 1 10 0 2 0 0 I 13 ! 15 45 3 34 42 3 16 261 1 22 426 6 1 78 2 2 458 5 4 502 87 223 2,269 2 7' 845 2 28 3,353 1 18 19,680 14 10 2,177 11 1 8,045 6 0 3 1 3 54 0 23 13 3 26 30 0 20 3 13 1C 1 15 C 1 16 4 i 45 0 25 1 9 101 Totals 2 54 589 2 0 1,618 3 9 10,630 1 22 46,400 4 10 I 8 99 3 9 46 0 25 3 9 10 124 1,963 2 20: 522 3 10l 937 11 1 1,131 8 1

C—l

128

Table 15.— Return of Village-settlement Perpetual-lease Land Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders, and Exchanges during the Year. Total Area held on 31st March, 1896. Made Freehold during the Year. Freeholds acquired from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1896. Selectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1896. District. Pit r s Area. Annual Kent. 12; CO Area. Annual Rent. il 3 cc Area. 43 il Area. Amount realised. O to ■3 "3 Area. Amount realised. Area. Amount. \—\ I a. k. p.] £ s. a. A. R. P. £ s. a. A. R. P. 70 3 20 46 0 1 10 0 0 1,615 1 9 974 0 12 2,032 1 1 £ s. d. 6 9 6 6 4 4 15 0 543 14 4 92 2 2 252 12 0 £ s. d. 73 10 3 102 0 9 15 0 696 18 7 79 18 1 236 17 0 A. H. P. 25 3 21 34 0 16 £ s. d. 61 15 0 95 13 3 A. R. P. 75 3 21 278 0 32 £ s. d. 164 17 6 910 16 4 A. B. P. £ s. d. Hawke's Bay Wellington Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland •• 27 5 .. 560 0 9 335 18 2 7 3 15! 0 8 0 61 3 23 7 9 2 638 3 7343 15 4 '2 41 0 14 20 11 0 4 6 1 88 43 135 3 2 20"l 19 5 22 9 6 5 237 1 21 144 0 18 46 2 17 513 0 5 212 0 0 162 2 3 1 16 14 121 11 352 0 16 138 0 39 206 3 23 2 13 6 198 16 1C 7 14 S 18 3 1C i 10 0 0 2 10 o! 2 89"3 9: Totals 33 3 51 0 l3 I 23 1 0 ■ 277 ! : 1 :4,748 2 3| 36 i 709 2 9 227 8 7 902 7 4 1,190 9 8 80 1 16 246 12 0 47 782 0 29 1,962 16 6

129

C.—1

Table 16 —Return of Village-settlement Lands disposed of on Occupation with Eight of Purchase during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Village Sections taken up during the Year. Forfeitures d Yeai luring the Total Area held on 31st Maroh, 1896. Amount received during the Year ] Selectors in Arrear on ended 31st March, 1896. 31st March, 1896. t*. District. O M | s ° Area. *0 en Annual jg -2 Rental. g 8 Area. Annual Rental. a co Area. Annual Rental. Qnpa8t 11 xears Trang _ Transac- „„ + - g © tions. act,ons - 11 Area. Amount. Area. Amount. Hawke's Bay .. .. 3 Taranaki Canterbury Otago .. .. .... Southland A. E. P. 3 2 13 £ s. d. a. r. p. 0 17 6 .. '.'. i o i o £ s. d. 0 *8 0 8 17 4 3 4 A. e. p. 7 0 1 13 1 0 10 0 1 2 28 3 2 0 £ s. d. 2 2 6 4 1 0 1 12 0 0 13 0 2 15 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. 0 6 11 12 6.. 3 12 0 .. 14 0.. 0 3 9 1 0 6 0 1 0 6 11 : 6 8 3 2 I a. e. p. | £ s. d. 0 2 0 I 0 *i 6 1 0 0 \ 0 10 0 Total .. .. 3 3 2 13 0 17 6 I 1 0 10| 0 8 0 36 26 1 29 11 3 6 1 2 0 I 0 11 6 Table 17. —Beturn of Vi: ,lage-settlement Lands disposed of on Lease in Perpetcity during the Year ended 31st March, 1896. Ta :en up during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year, j Surrenders during the Year. Total Area held on 31st March, Am0Unt fln r f-|- i A ™ d during : Selectors in Arrear on 31st 1896. A , 0 , f»i 1, iqoc March, 1896. ended 31st March, 1896. District. t-i 3 o aj I 9 o Area. I 'Annual Rent ■ payable. O M * g "J -i-3 -a o Area. Annual Rent. Area. Annual Rent. ■ij Area. On ° ™ . 1 x» 1 it , i On Past w o Annual Rent' the Years Xrans i> PayaWe - ' a T c«o n ns. , «-* || Area. Amount. I A. E. P. 27 1 26 439' 1 36 229 "l 14 74 0 13 £ s. d. a. B. p. 2 15 10 .. 1 2 3 38 131 8 10 .. 2014 10 '2 8"3 12 8 15 4 8 132 2 18 £ s. d. a. E. p. 28 ! 88 0 12 0 7 4 9 i 88 3 3 251 5,099 1 36 6 I 149 0 35 24 ! 9 8 11 1 2 2 90 i 1,402 0 26 1 14 7 0142 : 2,574 0 0| £ s. d. 33 5 2 8 15 10 859 7 1 20 11 4 10 7 2 119 9 4j 239 0 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. a. e. p. 6 17 0 25 15 6 .. 0 18 1! 5 6 11 .. 152 3 ll 401 17 1 13 427 0 3 I 17 2 6 .. 0 18 5; 8 16 3 .. 4 2 7 97 14 9 15 227 3 2 22 1 8 152 11 9 8 187 3 12 Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington* Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland .. .. 13 -■ I 2 .. 133 .. 3 .. 9 .. 23 A. E. P. 42 2 19 20 3 38 2,688 3 38 A. R. P. £ s. d. £ s. d. 8 2 8 1 16 2 248 17 5 A. E. P. £ s. d. A. E. P. £ s. d. A. E. P. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. A. E. P. £ s. d. .. 13 42 2 19 8 2 8 3 3 27 1 26 2 15 10 .. 28 : 88 0 12 33 5 2 6 17 0 25 15 6 .. .. 2 .. 133 2, 20 3 38 ;,688 3 38 1 16 2 .. 248 17 5 22 22 439' 1 36 1 131 8 10 .. 2 3 38 0 7 4 9 j 251 ] 5 88 3 3 5,099 1 36 8 15 10 859 7 1 0 18 1! 5 6 11 .. 152 3 ll 401 17 1 13 427 0 3 68 15 10 1 2 11 123 2 37 402 0 1 1 18 8 6 18 2 33 16 6 6 j 149 0 35J 20 11 4 I 17 2 6 .. 3 .. 9 .. 23 1 2 11 123 2 37 402 0 1 1 18 8 .. 6 18 2 13 33 16 6 5 is 5 229 "l 14 74 0 IS 20'l4 10 '2 8 15 4 8 8"3 12 132 2 18 24 ! 1 2 2 90 , 1 14 7 0142 : 2 9 3 11 1,402 0 26 2,574 0 0 10 7 2 119 9 4j 239 0 0 0 18 5! 8 16 3 .. 4 2 7: 97 14 9 15 227 3 2 22 1 8: 152 11 9 8 187 3 12 10 15 2 13 7 3 Totals .. 183 .. 183 3, 3,279 3 24 ,279 3 24 301 9 7 43 ! 301 0 7 13 770 1 9 770 1 9 1G3 14 10 11 163 14 10 11 144 1 28 144 1 28 15 16 6 15 16 6550 9 550 9,411 2 3 1,290 15 llj 9,411 2 3 1 ! 1,290 15 llj 187 0 10 ! 709 4 9 36 842 2 17 187 0 10 ! 709 4 9 36 842 2 17 92 18 3 Otago .. 10 .. 10 83 2 14 48 11 10 1 10 0 2 Under Lc 9 2 o| 1 Under Lands for Settlements Acts. ands for Se 10 0 0, ettlements Acts. 8 11 8 31 ! 407 3 37 312 7 8J 24 5 111 146 14 6 9 144 1 12 75 19 9 * Exchanged from other tenures, 479 acres 1 rood 11 perches. Table 18. —Beturn of Selectors under the Village-homestead Special-settlement Begulations for the Year ended 31st March, 1896. District. Taken up during the Year. d J^Tea, 1 i Area **£? A ™ ra « e 3 |1 allotted, toeath *"" | Area - Rentol - §3 Selector. P erAore - S ren< u CD a 3 !5 ixchanges and Surlers during the Year. I Total Area held on 31st March, 1896. "3 tc ■ ** CD ° ■9 "5 Area. Rental, including : Interest on Advances. Amount advanced to Selectors during the Year. For BushFor felling Total Houses, and other Advances. Works. Total Amoi and Past anc mt advanced to Selectors Payments made remaining unpaid : by Selectors during Current Transactions. the Year. For Bush-felling Total R j j t t and other Advances. Works. Total Payments made by Selectors « i from Commencement of System. M Rent. Interest. g lectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1896. A wrtnnt Value of Improvements now on the Land. Area. Rental. Amount. Area. Amount. For Houses. Bent. Interest. . A. E. P. A. E. P. £ S. d. A. E. P.' £ S. d. .uckland .... .. .. .. 10 375 Oil 15 8 6 lawke's Bay .. .. .. .. | .. Vellington.. 4 1 44 2 22|11 0 25J0 2 7J 5 45 0 35, 11 8 8 larlborough .. Janterbury.. 7 I 589 0 10 84 0 24 0 1 1-4 14 505 1 16 57 15 10 Itago .. .. I .. .. .. 1 7 2 19 0 10 0 louthland .. 3 30 A. E. P. £. s. d. 146 0 0 5 12 6 497"l 11 74' 2 e A. E. P. , 208 8,612 2 24 81 203 2 20 i 155 1,923 1 7 14 236 0 5 I 218 7,616 1 39 ! 93 1,524 2 5 1 61 636 2 32 £ s. d. 704 2 5 76 7 4 335 15 4 23 5 6 875 4 0 190 19 2 156 13 4 £ s. d.| £ s. d. £ s. d. 10 0 o| .. 10 0 0 £ s. d. 5,644 8 1 540 0 0 2,890 0 0 85 0 0 2,460 0 0 1,100 0 0 756 0 0 £ s. d. 7,385 12 6 258 15 9 3,670 19 11 18 15 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ u. d. 13,030 0 7 143 13 Si 118 13 3 •798 15 9 33 11 5 39 11 10 6,560 19 11 364 10 6 334 10 2 103 15 0 17 0 0 4 6 6 2,460 0 0 769 4 2 118 10 0 1,541 5 0 113 1 11 63 4 5 1,106 2 2 128 9 0 62 6 10 £ s. d. 2,559 14 10 334 19 6 2,229 12 9 161 7 6 5,317 1 9 697 12 5 879 17 6 £ s. d. 1,588 8 6 178 342 7 7 8 1,759 0 6 66 37 1 4 .. 875 15 0 9 442 10 0 14 376 1 11 5 7,502 3 14 11 0 6; 000 1 21 371 1 21 25S 0 37 41 0 2 £ s. d. £ s. d. 613 19 1 972 12 7 1 19 8 2 15 10 161 11 0 176 5 9 30 8 2 4 0 0 16 8 11 13 18 3 3 17. 1 2 17 4 £ s. d. 20,365 0 0 5,712 0 0 28,297 0 0 1,507 19 6 15,800 8 0 0,781 0 0 8,715 0 0 3 1 1 150 0 0 17 0 C 48 2 38 3 13 I 4 1 12! 1 4 i 44l' 5 0 350 2 2 Totals .. 11 633 2 32 30 933 1 1 84 13 0 38 8 346 I , , — 846 1 21 101 12 10 78020,753 1 12 2,362 7 1 10 0 0] 10 0 013,475 8 1 12,125 10 4 25,600 18 51,569 10 3 741 3 0 12,180 6 3 5,421 4 10 275 9,081 3 21 828 4 5 1,172 9 87,178 7 6 * The sum of £78 previously advanced has been repaid by selectors during the 'ear. 19—G. 1.

Table 19. —Return of Special-settlement Associations under Section 163 of "The Land Act, 1885," and Part IV. of "The Land Act, 1892," for the Year ending 31st March, 1896.

District and Survey Distriot. Names of Special Settlements. 1 Original Tenure. Old Transactions. $ i * ci Original -Sfg 9 fgS Area O o £j O3 & of Block. ;-s| « -si" o \ A 6 2 I I* \i * a New Selections taken up during the Year. „ , Made Freehold. r " Total — -. j Amount I -3 . , Amount received on From Commence. •S .5 o a ,'t received : Current and Duri ntr the Year ment o£ s y stem g .SPE« „,,. , Are \ Price during the j Previous g ' to 31st March, I Ssg No. Area. T ° t | 1 1 A " a °\ m ± P« Year. Transactions 1896. S "Si" 0fBl0ck - Acre. to 31st o ° co £ in the , T u 1( , M 0 o g Block. March, 1896. No I Area No Area fc _5 I I jar. Total Made Freehold. Past and Current Transactions. Total Area held, 11 st M«.™h 1 ftflfi ■ No. of Selectors required to , Forfeitures and Exchanges reside and actually residing, \ during the Year, and Area. o 3 00 o o Area. Amount, o o Area. Amount. CC CO 1. a. u. p. £ s. d. A. b. P. £ s. d. ! fl2 1,010 0 t 89 18 7 0 3 150 0 0 7 10 0 J Selectors in Arrear, Surrenders during the Year. 31st March, 1896: Interest on Advances and Rent. w |1 Area. No. N required , „■ u . actually reside. residin «- Area. Area. Amount. Auckland— Wairere .. .. .. Gordon Onewhero .. .. .. Tuakau Waoku .. .. .. Canterbury Matata and Rangitaiki .. North Island Land Association, Whakatane Waipoua .. .. .. Marlborough Hobson .. .. .. Avoca Tauranga .. .. .. Papamoa Hawke's Bay— Norsewood .. .. .. Waipawa . .. .. .. Dannevirke „ .. .. .. Liberal Ruataniwha, Wakarara, and Ruahine Makaretu Taranaki— Ngatimaru .. .. .. Milsom „ .. .. .. Tanner .. Oxford Mimi .. .. .. Lepperton Omona .. .. .. Gatton Omona and Ngatimaru .. Terrace End Ngatimaru .. .. .'. Eltham Waro and Pouatu .. ,. Moanatairi Ngatimaru .. .. .. Ross Omona and Ngatimaru .. Mangaehu Taurakawa and Mahoe .. Llewellyn Taurakawa and Omona .. Whenuakura Wellington— Makuri .. .. .. Woodville-Tiraumea Apiti .. .. .. I Feilding Makuri and Mangahao ,. ■ Pahiatua-Puketoi Mangahao ,. .. .. I Woodville-Mangahao .. Mangaone, Tararua .. .. 1 Wellington „ .. .. Parkville Pohangina .. .. .. Awahou-Pohangina Apiti .. .. .. Birmingham Apiti and Ongo .. .. Sandon Mangahao .. .. .. Masterton-Mangahao .. „ .. .. .. Woodville-Mangatainoka „ .. .. .. Masterton-Hawera „ .. .. .. j Pemberton Mangahao and Mangaone .. Hutt Mangahao .. .. .. McKenzie Ohinewairua, Maungakaretu, Sommerville and Tiriraukawa Makotuku .. .. .. Waimarino Umutoi and Pohangina .. Delaware Mangahao and Tararua .. 1 Kakariki Apiti and Umutoi .. .. Salisbury Makotuku and Karioi .. Clifton No. 1 .. Tiriraukawa.. .. ., Palmerston North Knights of Labour Mount Cerberus and Makuri .. J Coonoor Mangaone .. .. .. 1 Pioneer Mount Cerberus and Makuri .. ' Masterton Reform Tararua .. .. .. : Stirling Mount Cerberus .. .. Pahiatua No. 1 .J No. 2 .. I „ No. 3 Aohanga, Mount Cerberus, Ma- „ No. 4 kuri, and Puketoi Puketoi .. .. .. Christchurch Umutoi .. .. .. Pohangina Mangahao .. .. .. Palmerston North Forest Reserve Makotuku .. .. .. Clifton No. 2 .. Karioi and Makotuku .. Wanganui United Mangahao and Tararua .. Waiwera Kaitawa .. .. .. Wellington Fruit-growers Hautapu .. .. .. Marton No. 1 .. „ No. 2 .. Umutoi .. .. .. Umutoi Mangahao .. .. .. Hall Aohanga .. .. .. Danevirke Centennial .. Tiriraukawa .. .. .. Hunterville No. 3 Puketoi .. .. .. Kaikoura „ .. .. .. Mekalickstone .. Woodville No. 2 Umutoi .. .. .. Onslow Makotuku and Manganui .. Marton No. 4 .. Titiraukawa .. .. .. Hunterville No. 1 No. 2 Mount Cerberus .. .. Rising Sun Waimarino .. .. .. Gladstone Gorge .. .. .. Malton Canterbury— Waitohi and Waipara .. Medbury Hinds .. .. .. Hinds Deferred payment .. Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity a. r. r. 3,320 1 38 33 3,032 3 18 30 717 0 0 15 20,000 0 0 41 A. E. P. A. B. P. A. B. P. £ S. d. £ s. d. £ S. d. A. E. P. A. E. P. 2 18 .. .. .. .. 226 11 3 ) ( 2 204 3 0 2 204 3 0 20 .. .. .. .. .. 534 6 8 3,056 16 5 8 900 3 19 10 1,112 1 4 6 .. .. .. .. .. 1.1. 10 9 j {.. 30 .. .. .. .. .. *763 10 8 .. I: A. E. P. 204 3 0 900 3 19 2 10 2 10 A. E. P. 204 3 0 1,112 1 4 A. b. p. 20 2,002 3 29 20 1,897 0 32 6 280 2 34 30 13,501 0 0 20 20 20 20 6 6 S w a m p 25 25 24 12 A. E. P. A. R. P. 2,002 3 29 .. 1,897 0 32 .. 280 2 34 1 50 0 0 £ s. d. 1 210 0 3 4,550 0 0 25 3,221 1 39 33 1,899 1 32 25 2,800 0 0 14 2,400 0 0 12 25 .. .. .. .. .. *326 5 0.. 24 3,661 3 38 3,661 3 38151 1 13 0 12 6 .. "303 19 4 .. 12 1,288 2 0 1,300 0 0107 1 20 0 14 7 '31 5 0 *168 15 0 .. 25 4,550 0 0 24 3,661 3 38 12 1,288 2 0 Nil 2 4,550 0 0.. 3,661 3 38 .. 1,288 2 0.. 152 3 10 .. 4 806' 0 0 Deferred payment .. 18 13 1 18 4 .. .. .. .. .. I <; nS8 17 il i 402 1 10 31 3 ' 068 2 29 13 6 .. .. .. .. .. I 22b 10 J 5 ' 088 17 i \6 435 136 21 1,588 113 1 -.. .. .. .. .. .. 30 5 0 30 5 0 .. {i 402 1 10 435 1 36 31 21 31 21 3,068 2 29 1,588 1 13 2 152 3 10 4 311 0 19 3 ! 600 0 0 12 2,400 0 0 Lease in perpetuity 58 0 0 0 .. 13 11 1 7 4 Nil u .. Perpetual lease 6,700 0 0 35 5,200 0 0 26 4,000 0 0 22 2,800 0 0 14 3,800 0 0 19 9,535 0 0 48 2,800 0 0 14 2,948 2 22 15 1,912 0 0 12 2 1 1 1 12 .. .. .. .. Ill 0 3 139 15 0 .. 1 11 .. .. .. .. 154 15 0 175 11 4 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 12 14 0 20 6 5 .. 2 7 .. .. .. .. .. 99 10 7 155 5 3 .. 4 .. .. .. .. .. 23 0 2 23 0 2 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 3 9 9 3 9.. .. .. .. .. 19 0 0 19 0 0 .. .. .. 1 17 3,295 0 0 19 3,600 0 0 1 200 0 0 12 2,275 0 0 16 3,200 0 0 43 8,535 0 0 12 2,400 0 0 15 2,948 2 22 12 1,912 0 0 48 9,615 0 0 23 4,594 0 0 51 10,227 0 0 2,400 0 0.. 2,200 0 0.. 200 0 0 .. 1,380 0 0.. 800 0 0 .. 10 2,098 0 0 111 3 6 8 1,500 0 0 53 4 4 3 600 0 0 40 13 4 ; 9 1,800 0 0 95 16 3 15 2,700 0 0 139 6 01 .. 1 190 0 0 11 1 81 4 800 0 0 24 4 1 2 400 0 Oi 16 0 Oj .. 5 1,000 0 0 35 0 0! 37 7,400 0 0 180 10 0 2 400 0 0 21 0 0 8 1,600 0 0 42 10 0 10 3 IS 1 2 5 2 i Lease in perpetuity i Perpetual Lease 49 9,815 0 0,10,641 0 01200 0 0 0 17 3 23 j 4,594 0 0 4,594 0 0200 0 0 0 18 9 51 10,227 0 011,025 0 0200 0 0 0 15 0 1 200 0 0 500!] .. '.'. i Deferred payment .. 5,006 1 8 50 9,259 3 13 91 5,080 3 0 50 5,327 1 15 52 9,537 2 36 96 5,112 0 21 50 6,494 2 28 61 8,790 0 0 87 5,339 3 10 53 4,996 2 33 63 4,560 0 0 46 3,074 3 32 32 7,048 0 34 70 4,276 2 19 39 1,448 3 10 14 8,000 0 0 37 22 51 13 20 00 26 21 63 19 32 28 IK 2S 18 22 2 .. .. .. .. .. 167 17 3 5,115 2 4 5 500 0 0 43 4,402 3 24 51 4 .. .. .. .. .. 420 15 10 8,269 15 3 11 1,127 0 0 76 7.823 131 13 1 .. .. .. .. .. 350 16 1 4,541 0 6 9 888 1 0 37 3,881 3 32 20 3 .. .. .. .. .. 17116 9 4,937 16 6 5 504 0 0 44 4,747 3 15 30 5 .. .. .. .. .. 855 17 5 7,589 19 4 13 1,303 1 1 45 4,694 3 7 26 6 .. .. .. .. .. 419 2 7 5,44119 4 4 347 131 28 2,826 2 35 21 3 .. .. .. .. .. 464 8 4 5,560 10 6 674 2 0 39 4,322 3 6 33 10 .. .. .. .. 423 8 2 8,999 9 3 9 965 0 0 65 6,632 2 0 19 8 .. .. .. .. .. 460 16 3 4,618 6 8 7 716 2 0 26 2,644 2 0 32 3 .. .. .. .. .. 247 11 9 4,529 17 4 9 769 0 28 56 3,598 3 31 28 1 .. .. .. .. .. 290 9 0 6,393 13 8 4 403 3 0 43 4,266 2 0 18 .. .. .. .. .. .. 756 8 1 3,639 17 7 9 905 2 32 19 1,828 2 32 28 8 .. .. .. .. .. 399 19 9 5,560 8 8 9 834 3 24 51 5,139 1 28 18 4 1 29 3 8 .. 29 3 8 1 11 5 1,498 17 8 5,126 2 3f 10 1,048 1 21 18 2,043 0 11 4 .. .. .. .. .. 204 18 3 406 6 8 .. 1 4 .. .. .. . . .. 150 7 5 239 12 4 .. 6 .. .. .. .. .. 191 0 4 323 11 5 .. .. .. , .. .. .. .. .. 16 0 0 .. .. I .. .. .. .. .. 81 14 0 257 6 0| .. 2 7 1 200 0 0 .. 200 0 0 1 6 0 248 12 0 431 0 9 .. 6 .. .. •• .. .. 99 11 8 218 4 0 . .. ..I 8 .. .. .. .. .. 221 18 4 362 4 10 .. 2 5 .. .. .. .. .. 64 12 10 196 12 11 .. 10 .. .. .. .. 24 1 0 139 14 4 .. . No. rep orts .. .. .. .. 168 5 10 210 5 4 .. 1 7 .. .. .. .. .. 89 18 0 191 5 5 .. 1 No. rep orts .. .. .. .. 322 1 1 362 3 1 .. 169 7 9 185 15 0 .. 119 17 11 125 15 11 .. 27 17 2 38 11 2 .. 2 5 1 200 00 .. 200 00176 59 03 59 03.. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. 44 0 1 120 3 1 .. 3 1 .. .. .. .. 16 18 4 199 0 5 .. 5 11 9 5 13 4 6 9 7 9 4 9 9 10 500 0 0 1,127 0 0 888 1 0 504 0 0 1,303 1 1 347 1 31 674 2 0 965 0 0 716 2 0 769 0 28 403 3 0 905 2 32 834 3 24 1,048 1 21 43 76 87 11 45 28 89 65 26 56 43 19 51 18 43 76 37 44 45 28 39 65 26 56 43 19 51 18 4,402 3 24 7.823 1 31 3,881 3 32 4,747 3 15 4,694 3 7 2,826 2 35 4,322 3 6 6,632 2 0 2,644 2 0 3,598 3 31 4,266 2 0 1,828 2 32 5,139 1 28 2,043 0 11 6 602 0 0 14 1,428 0 22 8 812 3 0 6 536 2 0 49 4,785 2 4 22 2,235 2 33 15 1,556 0 22 20 2,057 2 0 25 2,495 1 10 5 - 430 2 32 3 293 2 0 11 1,064 1 0 19 1,908 3 6 23 2,363 2 16 14 1,448 3 10 15 3,000 0 0 3 9 1 5 11 8 4 17 13 4 1 300 0 0 1 .. 909 0 4 .. I 101 2 0 1 101 1 0 499 0 0 .. 1,037 3 34 .. 871 3 25 .. 440 0 38 .. 1,694 10.. 1,297 2 0.. 272 0 6 .. 100 0 0 .. 101 5 0 3 '■'■ '■'. '.'. .'. .. '.'. 4 386 2 23 2812 11 7 557 0 28 37 16 3 2 239 3 38 12 0 6 2 200 0 0: 16' 0 0 Perpetual lease 7,200 0 0 34 3,000 0 0 14 5,000 0 0 24 11,000 0 0 49 4,650 0 0 22 11,000 0 0 57 3,000 0 0 14 3,700 0 0 13 10,000 0 0 49 4,800 0 0 24 11,000 0 0 54 8,400 0 0 40 7,600 0 0 36 5,000 0 0 22 6,000 0 0 25 6,600 0 0 28 4,000 0 0 15 1,950 0 0 10 10,000 0 0 43 3,900 0 0 20 2,620 0 0 27 10,000 0 0 49 10,000 0 0 42 3,400 0 0 11 3,200 0 0 17 9,700 0 0 38 8,000 0 0 30 2,600 0 0 12 6,000 0 0 28 5,990 0 0 22 11,000 0 0 12 10,000 0 0 40 10,000 0 0 43 10,000 0 0 41 i 28 5,600 0 0 3 600 0 0 19 3,800 0 0 36 7,200 0 0 20 4,283 3 22 29 5,660 0 0 10 4 14 4 Nil 4 7 960 0 30 .. 384 1 16 .. 404 3 7j .. : 798 0 0 12 [ 2,391 0 0 I 1,250 0 0 5 1,152 0 33 1 2 400 0 0 1 200 0 0 1,620 0 0 6 1,195 0 0 1 1,352 0 0 2 353 0 0 1,445 0 0 17 3,540 0 0 4 1,240 0 0 1 100 0 0 1,923 0 0.. ■ts .. 18 3,732 0 0 £ 1,400 0 0 3 600 0 0 ts .. 11 2,375 0 0 £ 17 3,963 0 0 £ 21 4,192 3 28 £ 12 2,598 0 0 ;: 3,08615 0 1 28 0 0 0 10 3 7 675 0 0 89 12 3 3 276 1 32 23 8 5 2 191 3 24 11 15 3 13 316 1 8 17 10 9 3 2 400 0 0 475 0 0: 1 198 0 0 4 19 0 1 .. .. .. I 9 1,850 0 0 46 4 6 ) 2 400 0 0 495 0 0| 3 600 0 0 16 0 0 ) 3 600 0 0 850 0 0l 3 600 0 0 20 8 0 3 2 400 0 ol 525 0 0i 12 2,400 0 0 62 18 0 3 .. .. .. 3 702 0 0 16 7 2 3 6 900 0 0 900 0 0 ! 4 600 0 0 22 5 0 2 2 • • , I 8 6 8 1,483 17 11 505 0 0 300 0 0 1.443 0 0 391 5 0 4,867 10 0 2 .3 2 6 2 13 2,700 0 0 13 2,323 0 0 21 4,050 0 0 17 3,380 0 0 40 i 7,315 0 0 21 3,937 0 0 12 2,303 0 0 7 1,156 0 0 5 10 No repor 7 „ No repor 162 10 0 ) .. .. .. 3 550 0 0 15 10 7 2 400 0 0; 12 3 6 ) 3 700 0 0 937 10 0 10 1,850 0 O 1 50 15 0 ) 3 600 0 0| 695 0 0 6 1,180 0 0 35 13 5 ) 2 520 0 0 ; 715 0 0 11 2,132 0 0 55 3 5 i '3 600 0 0 825 0 0 8 1,598 0 0 47 12 7 ! .. .. .. 5 834 0 0 22 14 10 i! 1 I 278 O 0 451 15 0 4 578 0 0 16 0 7 i 1 5,181 10 0 760 0 0 3,220 0 0 5,242 7 6 5,447 18 2j 3,607 10 6' 2 1 3 11 2,200 0 0 12 1,970 0 0 12 2,395 2 0 5 "., 3 1,250 0 0 8 1,600 0 0 i 10 1,672 0 0 1 600 3 0 2 401 2 0 150 0 0 2 450 0 0 1,022 0 0 23 4,615 0 0 £ ts 3 600 0 0 1,018 1 24 1 200 0 0 1,800 0 0 7 1,400 0 0 1 1,200 0 0 8 3,600 0 0 £ 5 : 1,000 0 0 1 ts .. 2 ! 379 0 0 34 6,738 0 0 £ 400 0 0 10 2,000 0 0 i ts 5 1,005 0 0 1 11 1,954 0 0 2 11 2,260 0 0 3 7 1,405 0 0 1 2,640 0 0 1,923 17 0 562 3 0 ); 4 800 O 0 1,237 10 0 3 600 0 0 23 7 6 ) 5 756 0 0 911 11 0 1 150 0 0 3 4 6 ) .. 6 1 1 1 .. .. .. .. .. 40 18 0 73 0 6 .. 4 .. .. .. .. .. 149 15 4 149 15 4 .. . No. rep orts .. .. .. .. 52 10 6 107 3 2 .. 6 5 .. .. .. .. .. 86 11 6 578 18 11 .. 1 9 .. .. .. .. .. 381 10 4 496 8 8 .. 1 5 .. .. .. .. .. 174 18 0 301 10 6 .. .. .. .. .. 36 0 0 41 0 0 .. . No. rep orts .. .. .. .. 201 15 11 207 13 2 .. .. .. .. .. 10 7 0 10 7 0 .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 60 15 6 89 16 0 .. 1 No. rep orts .. .. .. .. 12 0 0 48 0 0 .. 101 17 0 106 6 6 .. 1 „ „ .. .. .. .. 67 10 0 127 13 0 .. .. .. .. .. 11 10 0 11 10 0 .. .. .. .. .. 18 0 0 18 0 0 .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 85 4 6 85 4 6 .. .. .. .. .. 70 0 0 70 0 0 .. 32 7,370 0 011,000 0 0230 1 10 1 2 4 65 11 9 65 11 9 .. 17 2,750 0 0 8,500 0 0-161 3 2J1 0 9 12 1,208 0 29 1,200 0 0100 2 0 7* 1 2 .. .. .. .. .. 213 3 5 213 3 5 .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 67 6 8 67 14 4 .. ! '.. 14 2,803 0 9 }t2,892 3 27192 3 17-8}18 8-l| 10i i0 10 101 10 10 '.'. '.'. '.'. '.'. 5 10 .. .. .. .. 105 15 5 116 12 6 .. 8 1,350 0 0 13 2,644 0 0 16 3,100 0 0 27 2,620 1 37 33 6,600 0 0 16 3,196 2 0 5 1,000 0 0 13 2,400 0 0 1 200 0 0 9 1,800 0 0 4 800 0 0 12 2,300 0 0 10 1,830 0 0 4 I 800 0 0 35 7,000 0 0 20 4,000 0 0 18 3,400 0 0 25 5,770 0 0 16 2,650 0 0 11 1,108 0 29 1 5 „ No repor 9 9 6 „ No repor 618 15 0 5,578 12 6 795 0 0 275 0 01 1,965 0 0 5,160 0 0: 1,000 0 0 708 10 0 5,460 5 0 2,350 0 0 1,256 12 6 2,039 0 0 3,207 10 0 1,078 15 0 ) .. .. .. 3 550 0 0 15 12 6 > 4 820 0 0 981 9 0 4 773 0 0 17 2 9 ) 1 200 0 0 265 0 0 2 400 0 0 12 8 0 >| .. .. .. ) 5 1,000 O 0 1,350 5 0 6j 1,001 0 16 41 8 10 1, 3 600 0 0 735 0 0 4 800 0 0 25 12 0 I 1 i 200 0 0: 250 0 0 1 200 0 0 3 0 0 I 1 200 0 0| 225 0 0 1 180 0 0 0 6 0 13 600 0 0: 450 0 0 .. 13 600 0 0 760 0 0 4 800 0 0 20 11 6 '• .. ■■ .. 1 200 0 0 6 0 0 13 453 0 0 516 5 0 4 ' 900 0 0 18 10 6 I .. .. .. . . i i "., 2 „ No repor i "„ 2 400 0 0 12 2,400 0 0 2 11 2,200 0 0 2 ts 5 1,200 0 0 1 400 0 0 .. ; ts 737 2 0 2 460 0 0 103 1 33 3 133 3 7 2,775 0 0 2,775 0 0 1,225 0 0 I .. .. .. .. II 20000 150 001 200 00 3 10 0 5 1,000 0 0 950 0 0 .. I 3 600 0 0 625 0 0 4 ! 600 0 0 19 0 0 1 6 1,205 0 0 1,380 12 6 1 200 0 0 5 0 0 12 200 O 0: 475 0 0 .. 1 100 0 0 100 0 0 .. Lease in perpetuity 32 17 12 No repor 2 „ No repor 1 [Perpetual lease) \ under Part IV. i I Land Act, 1885 j Lease in perpetuity) under Part IV., I Land Act, 1892 J Lease in perpetuity 2,192 1 8 14 830 2 38 18 1 12 1,726 1 8 15 696 3 31 §2 3 §2 2 25 12 8 9 4 2 1 270 0 0 14 17 0 4 193 0 0 6 10 0 Waitohi .. .. .. The Peaks (Crown Land)) „ (Land f o r - Otago— Settlement) J Swinburn .. .. .. Swinburn 1 14 1 89 3 18 14 ; 2,803 0 9 2,955 1 12 15 5 15 2,955 1 12 ||14 14 11.. 2,754 2 32 .. Totals 97,776 9 6130 1411,279 0 26 2,376 488 :J07 44,237 1 22 54,814 3 25 12,839 7 12,931 1 64,828 0 18 1,349 234,181 0 25 103 357 52,951 2 32 316 65,422 2 79,289 15 11 120 22,670 0 018,618 12 0238 ! 41,070 2 9 1,404 6 6 Assi iciation Blocks SELECTED, lUt NOT BALLOTED for by thl Members. Auckland— Auckland .. .. Lease in perpetuity .. 38:6,600 0 0 9,000 0 0 PapamoaNo. 2 .. „ .. .. 12 2,290 0 0 2,290 0 0 Taranaki— Moeawatea .. .. Perpetual lease .. .. .. .. .. 55 11,000 0 011,448 0 0 Kaitangawhenua .. „ .. .. .. ., .. 55 11,000 0 011,464 0 0 Wellington— Marton No. 3 .. .. , .. .. 41: Not fixed 10,000 0 0 Totals ■• •• Total .. .. :..,.. .. 196 30,890 0 044,202 0 0 Note.—This return shows the position of all associations to whom land has been granted up to the 31st March. " Survey-fees. t This area is ex< Crown lands portion. § Other tenants residing on adjoining land. || One selector resides on adjoining land. 1 In Wellington District tho capital 200 0 0 190 3 13 200 0 0 200 0 0 *78 10 5, *480 10 5 •143 2 6 *143 2 6 i .. 221 12 ll' 623 12 11 elusive 01 reserves, 12 value of the forfeited acres : viz., gravel-pit, 2 acres ; dip, 10 acres ; tol lands is given £79,093 4s. Id., the annual rental 1 ;al, 12 acres. \ Average price >eing £3,163 14s. 6d. ** In Well j of tho 2,892 acres 3 roods 27 1 lington District the capital vali erohes, upon which 5 per cent, is charged on Land ie of the surrendered lands is given £18,231 17s. 6d. for Settlemer ., the annual i its portion, and 4 p rental being £729 £ )er cent, on is. 6d.

C—1

130

131

a—i

Table 20.—Return of Improved-Farm Special-Settlement Associations, under Regulations issued in pursuance of "The Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Act, 1894," for the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

J District. .« ° » u u Co O •il a 3 CD ;ands allotted during previous Years. I " j Average Average Area Area improved allotted. | to each j Rental Selector. I per Acre. : Lands allotted during Year ended .. Y Lands allotted during Year ended 31 March, 1896, but not registered Forfeitures 31st March, 1896. in office books, as full improve- , du " n S ments not completed. ' ne Year. Average ° « Average Average .. , improved J> | Area Area to improved Number Rental g g allotted. each Rental I of Area allottet1 - No. Area, per Acre. =| Selector. per Acre. ! Seleot °rs- , T £ , s - f ,„ A - B - *• -*-• B. p. £ s. d. a. B. P. A. B. P. (Incomplete) 13 1,680 0 0 129 0 35 (Incomplete) 1 100 0 0 •217. 17,370 3 5 80 0 0 , .. .. 32 2,319 2 0 13 1,247 0 0 95 3 27 0 3 4* 113 9,674 3 2 11 899 1 29 38 5,251 3 33 138 0 33 (Incomplete) .. 1 51 0 21 34i 2,798 1 3 69 3 29 Surrenders during the Year. No. Area. 1 *0 to sl -2 o a jj Total Area held on 31st Amount paid to Selectors March, 1896. for Improvements during the Year. I For For BushArea. Rental. Houses, f f™g „ Tota \ and other Payments. WorKs. Total Amount paid to Selectors for Improvements: Past and Current Transactions. „ For BushHouses : fellin S ' Total j. ' and other Payments. ® c - Works. Rent paid by Selectors during the Year. Rent paid by Selectors during the Year. Selectors in Arrear on Value of Rent paid j 31st March, 1896. Improvements by Selectors | now on the from | j Land, Commence- including that ment Paid for System. No. Area. Amount, by Government. < i i mckland .. 29 lawke's Bay .. 16 ?aranaki .. 34 Vellington Hago .. 40 iouthland .. 30 A. r. p. 1 £ s. d. 2,875 2 0 99 0 25 1,865 0 0 116 2 10 2,143 1 29 73 3 14 4,139 2 20 103 i 38 2,946 2 11 98 2 35 A. R. P. A. R. P. 421 4,555 2 0 141 1,615 0 0 ?12i 16,649 0 34 114, 9,939 0 0 76 9,340 1 32 64 '■ 5,744 3 14 £ s. d. (Incomplete) £ s. d. 1 221 2 10 70 0 0 110 17 7 113 0 0 35 0 0 ! 158 0 0 £ s. d. 469 5 11 504 4 9 4,446 15 9 1,154 16 6 1,973 13 7 3,484 6 6 £ s. d. 690 8 9 574 4 9 4,557 13 4 1,267 16 6 2,008 13 7 3,642 6 6 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 279 19 8 1,795 13 7 2,075 13 3 70 0 0 787 16 10 857 16 10 177 14 7 5,105 4 11 5,282 19 6 133 0 0 3,942 19 5 4,075 19 5 95 0 0 4,719 19 0 4,814 19 0 233 0 0 5,117 13 0| 5,350 13 0 £ s. d. £ s. a. 78 1 4 47 8 1 £ s. d. a. B. p. £ s. d. £ 8. d. ... 2,395 (I 0 1,176 6 10 5,757 .2 6 78 1 4 6 457 0 035 6 3 5,915 17 3 47 8 1 .. .. .. 5,932 11 0 5,807 3 0 i 6 1 150 0 0 445 2 0 83 1 13 78 1 4 47 8 1 149 1 13,970 0 20 315 28,348 0 1 113 988 14 3 21,469 6 9| 22,458 1 0 125 9 5 125 9 5 6 457 0 0 35 6 3 26,984 0 7 9,674 3 2 45| 3,370 0 10 678 3 19 5221 47,844 0 0 (Incomplete) 708 0 5 11,033 3 0 12,741 3 5 20—C. 1, * Includes one in the Au< :kland District: 19 selectors, 411 acres 3 rood;

0.—1

132

Table 22. —Return of Small Grazing-Runs taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Taken up during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Total Area held on J Amount received dul . ing Surrenders during the Year. •'Is* ™l c Z'™™J ' the Year Arrears on 31st March, 1896. Past and Current ende(J 31gt March 1896 Transactions. Table 21. —Keturn of Homestead Lands—Transactions ended 31st March, 1896. .uring the Year District. °™ I I I (=! || %£££ J ** Made Freehold since Commencement of System to 31st March, 1896. BE <X> <L ►Q»3 IS CD <U gw. Area. Average Area. Q) aj i cf^S Annual Rental payable. : u CD j g i Area. h Annual Rental. . i H CD A a 3 Area. Total Area held on 31st Forfeitures March, 1896: during the Year. Past and Current Transactions. A. R. P. A. R. P. S. d; 2,868 0 0 2,868 0 0 0 6} 4,820 0 0 482 0 0 0 3 A. R. I p. A. R. I p. s. d. £ s. d. A. E. P. £ s. < a. R. p. £ s. d. a. B. p. £ s. d. £ s. d. A. R. p. £ s. d. District. £ s. d. A. R. P. .uckland Vestland itago .. **-• . ■ «-, . O cfl O CO S-2 . 2° ■2 « Area. * o Area. a.2 QS 3 CD 3 CD A R P A R P 1 75 0 0 46 5,542 2 10 1 40 0 0 4 401 3 24 O IT. a o •5 ° 3 CD O IT. Auckland.. - 2 8,231 0 0 56 5 56 5 0 1 14 68,849 0 0 .. 402 1 1 5 28,065 0 0 93 5 7 . - i •2 o Area. Hawke's Bay i i 1 2,868 0 0 2,868 0 C 0 0 6J 77 0 0 j 49 128,396 2 18 j 38 10 0 1,440 MS., t71 0 38 0 18 11 | 14 13,942 0 0 | .. 179 19 7 \ 2 2,784 0 0 17 6 9 rj CD Taranaki .. i .. i i .. 1 618 0 0 7 14 7 14 6 t71 0 38 419 38 17 A. E. P. 419 70,629 1 0 38 1,440 0 0 17 2,454 0 31 Wellington Marlborough Canterbury .. ; 10 " i l 10 1 * *1,325 1 3 1,325 13 2 0 34,857 2 4 1,935 1 26 0 5-89 4,820 0 "1,325 1 0 3 482 0 C 1,325 1 £ 0 0 3 3 2 0 57 17 i 132 10 8 1 857 2 0 2 I 5,981 0 0 21 8 1 347 16 21 8 10 347 16 0 5 5 5 5 3,337 2 8 85 13 7 I 81 80,708 2 14 .. 2,219 19 1 j 15 14,943 3 22 272 11 9 3,149 0 0 39 7 3 61 j 33,204 2 25 j 48 4 i j 322 13 0 j 1 827 0 0 5 3 5 41 j 90,076 3 15! {66 5 4 4,231 7 6 2 2,142 113 52 12 2 40,411 0 2 1,397 19 4 247 1475,891 2 12 491 10 6 9,779 14 1 \ 26 '• 44,192 3 11 660 10 11 21 57,942 122 .. 533 12 3 ' 6 j 12,847 1 7 104 4 11 3,337 2 8 3,149 0 0 Totals 1 75 0 0 I 51 5,984 1 34 474 474 74,523 1 31 474 Otago .. 18 18 3 14,857 2 i 1,935 1 26 16 0 5-89 856 7 2 2 I 851 0 0 27 9 27 9 4 1-1 14 40,411 0 2 Southland i i i 1 I 3,483 3 17 43 11 43 11 0 Totals * .. 30 Includes 43,870 3 7 1,123 15 2 9 20,022 1 17 504 4 8 24 46,968 3 8 nnual rent bein : 1,523 19 1 528 949,011 2 26 644 10 2 19,110 0 9 57 jl05,802 1 13 1,205 15 6 £31 6s. 8d. t Taken for roads. J £15 13s. 4d., Land for Settlements Act. * Includes 313 acres 1 rood 3 perches acquired um dor the Land for Settlements Act, thi proportion of ;lic Table 23— Numb umber and Aeea of Pastoral Licenses fo 3EK and ii- the Year ended 31st March, 1896. District. Taken up during tin No. of . Holders. Area - b Year. Exchange* Annual Rental. „ N ,°; of Holders. to other Tenures. I Forfeitures during the Year. Number. I Area. 1 Expiries during the Year. Surrende: Number. ! Area. Number. I :s during the Year, g the Yea ar, Total Area held on 31st March, 1891 l 31st March, 1896. Holders in Arrear on 31st March, 1896. L .. . . I i (Rent paid during the Year. Hold. No. le: Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. Holders. Area, approximately. HoTdhfs. *„.„-„ nnlA Aii^inft Average (Rent paid during Nq> i Area Amount. Holdings. the Year. A. R. P. XJ-UlUlllgQ. UUD icrai. i A. R. P. £ s. d. A. R. P. a. r. p. A. r. p. A. R. P. 40,486 0 0 14,105 0 0 45,000 0 0 1,905,215 2 36 38,294 0 0 12 15 22 120 86 i 95 143 242 i 93 I A. E. P. A. R. P. 121,711 0 0 10,142 2 13 116,081 2 0 7,738 3 2 40,791 0 0 1,854 0 22 558,793 0 0 4,656 0 0 1,011,477 0 0 ' 11,761 0 0 2,990,508 0 0 '■■ 31,479 0 5 554,288 2 0 i 3,876 0 0 3,999,668 2 36 16,527 2 9 1,260,986 0 0 j 13,559 0 0 A. R. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. 10,142 2 13 123 10 10 2 54,788 0 0 66 4 6 £ b. a. 123 10 10 707 0 10 255 6 6 4,750 7 2 4,361 11 4 33,260 7 10 618 19 3 32,552 14 2 3,436 10 9 Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Westland Otago Southland 2 2,600 0 0 6 9,193 0 0 8*2 22,524 2 0 62 2,064,483 2 2 4 11,170 0 0 116 0 60 5 7 17 9,731 0 0 c oo cnA o r\ 6 b 38,tm H U "l2 12 15,360 0 0 2 28,450 0 0 38,694 2 0 '.'. 15,360 0 0 3 2 1 28,450 0 0 7 8 2 3 53,909 0 0 23 2 40,200 0 0 1 2,600 0 0 4 7 67,058 2 18 122 8 16,620 0 0 0 7,738 3 2 707 0 10 1,854 0 22 255 6 6 4,656 0 0 4,750 7 2 5 18,396 0 0 129 2 8 1 i rr/il f\ f\ A 0*>1 11 A 11,761 0 0 4,361 11 4 31,479 0 5 33,260 7 10 1 54,400 0 0 212 10 0 3,876 0 0 618 19 3 11 113,000 0 0 138 0 0 16,527 2 9 32,552 14 2 5 82,265 2 32 187 13 6 13,559 0 0 3,436 10 9 1 20,000 0 0 7 10 0 2 5 1 11 5 1 164 2 6 16,674 2 6 1 82 4 2 2 Totals 156 | 2,109,971 0 2 156 2,109,971 0 2 16,935 10 9 17 9,731 0 0 20 82,504 2 0 21 180,387 2 18 I 157 2,043,100 2 36 828 i 10,654,304 2 36 80,066 8 8 25 342,849 2 32 741 0 8

21—C. 1.

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Table 24. — Return of Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses, not otherwise enumerated, issued during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

Table 25. —Statement showing Position of Village Special-settlements as at 31st March, 1896.

133

Object for which leased. Total Total Amount reAnnual ooiveddnring Rental, *c. March, 1896. Total Area in Occupation on 31st March, 1896. Lessees in Arrear on 31st March, 1896. Miscellaneous. District. Coal and Mineral. Timber-cutting. Flax-cutting. Total Area. 6 Annual Rental. d Area. Amount received. 0 Area. Amount received. d Area. Annual Rental payable. No. Area. Annual Rental. 6 Amount. Area. A. R. P. 842 3 0 £ s. d. 118 0 0 9 1} A. B. P. £ s. d. 1,344 17 11 1 10 0 41 4 7 A. B. P. £ s. d. tio 2 13 10 1 5 38 2 74 12 A. B. P. 1,351 2 26 30 0 0 5 1 19 99 0 28 50 0 0 306 2 4 10,529 0 14 4 2 25 175,456 2 38 1,155 0 27 £ s. d. 51 7 8 2 9 0 15 14 6 29 10 0 10 0 42 10 6 242 18 7 0 10 0 1,159 2 3 32 14 9 A. R. p. 2,194 1 26 30 0 0 5 1 19 99 0 28 50 0 0 617 2 4 10,529 0 14 4 2 25 175,665 0 38 1,274 1 16 £ s. d. 1,544 5 7 2 9 0 15 14 6 29 10 0 3 0 0 45 0 6 242 18 7 0 10 0 1,184 10 5 49 12 3 £ s. d. 3,421 12 5 375 13 7 227 1 6 702 14 3 2,704 17 0 761 12 3 1,300 13 1 56 10 3 1,563 5 4 1,075 9 6 57 60 85 35 295 54 222 33 304 258 A. B. P. 4,401 3 37 4,830 0 39 943 1 15 1,632 2 26 41,045 1 9 37,150 0 0 51,209 2 7 135 0 27 105,669 1 8 63,240 2 31 £ s. d. 431 10 2 423 12 10 297 18 11 362 13 7 2,749 10 9 773 7 2 1,583 13 4 40 19 9 1,333 15 9 880 4 6 £ s. d. Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough .. Canterbury Westland Otago Southland 5 2 §5 0 0 §1,829 0 0 109" 0 0 ;•■! 3 202 0 0 2 10 0 •• 18 12 32 "l 44 3 10 66 13 9 423 4 6 10 0 4 3 188"2 0 119 0 29 16 5 6 16 17 6 5 200 0 49 8 6 14 1 40* 7 7 3 15 0 .. •• Totals .. — 12 18 1,463 0 0 1,437 1 0 3 1,403 1,150 1 29 151 3 0 202 0 0 2 10 0 167 188,988 1 21 1,577 17 3 .. 190, 469 3 10 3,117 10 10 12,189 9 2 810,258 0 39 8,877 6 9 78 579 4 8 * 2,659,089ft. kauri timber. t Including five forest sections, Rotorua. } Timber-cutting lease for few months only. § Not included in the total area.

District. Number of Original Settlers. Original Settlers Number of Present Settlers. Total Acreage originally taken up. Total Acreage now remaining. Total Acreage laid down in Pasture or Cultivated. Total Advances to Settlers up to 31st March, 1896. Interest which should have been paid back by Settlers to 31st March, 1896. Total Interest actually paid to 31st March, 1896. Arrears of Interest on 31st March, 1896. Further Advances for which Government will be liable. Value of Dwellinghouses, Outbuildings, and Fencing now on the Ground. remaining. Nonresident. Resident. Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Wellington Marlborough Canterbury! Otago Southland 461 34 487 22 388 164 105 179 12 310 10 263 73 61 144 29 232 10 270 93 55 35 | 2 78 4 87 " 6 Acres. 21,229 236 8,227 342 |12,373 2,712 1,046 Acres. 9,484 194 7,023 236 11,422 1,525 638 Acres. 4,117 190 3,020 171 6,187 8C4 465 13,030 f799 6,561 104 112,590 1,541 1,106 2,526 345 1,938 38 887 456 379 £• 1,554 342 1,761 38 883 442 376 £• 972 3 177 r £* 20,365 4,546 {19,518 703 22,088 6,781 8,715 4 14 3 Totals 1,661 908 11,954 25,731 6,569 ! 82,716 833 212 46,165 30,522 5,396 1,173 * To nearest £. + Exclusive of £78 which has been repaid to Government during the year. J Exi settlements in the Cheviot Estate and Lake Ellesmere Endowment. || Does not include sections i * £200 of this amount has been repaid Government. ;lusive of six villages, for which no reports have been i 'orfeited and subsequently selected under the Village jbtained. § Includes Village Speeial-:-homestead Special-settlement System.

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Table 26. —Return of Territorial Revenue received during the Year ending 31st March, 1896.

134

System. Auckland. Hawke's Bay Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. ■Marlborough. Canterbury. Westland. Otago. Southland. Totals. Cash lands Perpetual lease made freehold Village-settlement perpetual-lease made freehold Deferred payment Deferred payment, pastoral Perpetual lease and small areas Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Agricultural lease Occupation lease under " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894 " Village-settlement, cash Village-settlement, deferred payment Village-settlement, perpetual lease Village-settlement, occupation with right oi purchase Village-settlement, lease in perpetuity.. Village-homestead special settlement Special-settlement association, deferred payment Special-settlement association, perpetual lease .. Special-settlement association, lease in perpetuity Improved farm special settlement Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Coal and mineral leases Prospectors' mining leases Timber licenses and other leases Flax-cutting.. Miscellaneous leases Transfer, lease, and license-fees, &c. Bents of reserves Miscellaneous Crown-grant fees State forests Survey liens on Native lands Survey Fees, — Amounts which do not form part-payment for land Amounts which do form part-payment for land £ s. d. 6,018 8 11 i 3,896 19 2 £ s. 3. 97 7 6 9,973 1G 7 61 15 0 2,104 10 8 54 6 4 3,445 15 11 769 0 9 1,240 0 9 £ s. d. 1,791 3 1 10,822 14 7 £ s. d. 3,369 9 6 126,940 2 1 95 13 3 5,539 18 10 £ s. d. 2,609 1 0 97 0 0 £ s. d. 2,721 7 0 £ s. d. 390 5 8 1,151 9 9 £ s. d. 13 0 0 £ s. d. 517 2 0 809 10 0 £ s. d. 727 10 10 2,222 13 5 89 3 9 3,829 9 0 218 9 6 1,489 8 0 625 11 7 1,643 14 2 £ s. d. 18,254 15 6 55,914 5 7 246 12 0 41,123 7 11 2,200 14 8 28,524 4 7 6,265 0 3 10,718 4 9 548 2 3 7 2 0 j 1,814 7 7 14,034 13 3 5,448 12 7 223' 5 10 1,041 0 8 899 6 8 1,645 10 11 74 10 3 1,717 13 5 87 1 3 7,000 8 3 1,028 12 2 3,876 15 4 479 17 2 2,159 10 5 548 2 3 3 2 6 I 5,149 12 5 1,413 14 6 1,496 17 3 3,790 3 6 657 8 1 912 14 4 8,835 4 9 1,928 1 7 1,107 10 3 200 7 6 59 17 0 56 18 0 57 19 8 17 0 4 381 16 2 33 6 7 39 19 0 1 10 0 3 19 6 . " I ■• I 70 0 0 10 4 10 11 15 3 19 5 189 10 7 48 16 1 6 7 6 94 8 15 0 8 0 0 309 10 2 696 18 7j 14 0i 69 11 9 79 18 1 0 3 9 28 4 6 300 13 0 ; 236 17 0 0 6 0 106 4 6 937 11 1 1,033 1 5 6 15 2 3 12 0 262 6 6 760 17 11 11 10 9 32 12 6 73 3 3 226 10 1 6 5 0 554 0 2 699 0 8 6,928 4 11 50 15 3 3,880 2 4 78 1 4 2,219 19 1 255 6 6 17 2 6 21 6 6 9 14 8 887 14 2 101 17 4 176 6 4 174 13 5! 190 15 10i 896 5 7 2,310 13 3 7,915 12 11 342 16 1 4,448 2 8 125 9 5 19,738 17 7 80,066 8 8 1,127 13 10 91 0 0 2,963 17 3 2 10 0 2,589 7 5 2,533 12 3 4,880 5 5 3,769 11 7 1,430 19 7 2,101 11 6 937 3 3 80' 5 0 429' 3 9 280 10 1 2 16 2 105 15 5 47 8 1 10,271 4 7 32,552 14 2 183 10 3 5 0 0 49 8 6 " 402* 1 1 123 10 10 591 13 6 67 0 0 2,421 6 1 1,479' 4 2 707 0 10 179 19 7 4,750 7 2 123 9 6 10 0 0 12 9 370 17 4 4,361 11 4 4,281 19 6 33,260 7 10 95 17 1 8 0 0 1 10 0 •• 618' 19 3! 533 12 3 3,436 10 9 133 3 6 6 0 0 92 15 0 1 10 0 4l' 4 7 4' 0 0 347 10 0 •• 8 0 4 2 10 0 13 5 3 64 7 0 737 16 8 144 18 1 18 2 6 341 12 10 455 18 8 70 0 0 1,536 4 3 173 14 2 80 5 0 347 7 1 197 13 S| 28 6 6 157 11 2 95 4 9 51 16 10 208 6 0 134 0 1 104 4 7 218 16 11 74 9 3 501 11 3 283 18 10 851 15 5 433 0 2 489 9 6 127 4 7 1,298 0 5 32 18 1 120 0 0 297 6 6 1,300 13 1 344 3 6 59 15 2 25 0 0 102 18 0 31 10 3 ; 43 17 0 3 0 0 1,226 6 8 365 15 0 73 13 7 411 6 8 181 17 6 25 6 4 20 0 0 212 12 0 922 6 0 142 12 10 127 8 5 1,996 0 2 937 3 3 1,708 0 9 472 0 10 1,945 8 4 104 16 6 5 16 8 165 10 2 148 3 6 4,549 16 9 336 11 8 215 18 4 191 15 0 96 18 0 27 5 0 8 10 0 22 0 0 65 7 6 114 16 4 1,079 1 10 Totals 29,136 13 4 309,786 18 6 21,688 12 5 33,991 15 1 68,107 5 7 15,616 12 7 9,199 1 2 48,780 4 6 1,022 1 4; 62,581 1 9 19,663 10 9

135

0,-1

Table 28. —Statement of the Number of Selectors on the Books of the Lands and Survey Department on the 31st March, 1896.

Table 27. — Return of Lands Reserved, Alienated by Act, Scrip, &c.

Deferred Payment. Perpetual Lease. Occupation with 1 iight of Purchase. Lease in Perpetuity. CO i Occupati under " Tl Districts L pation Ac ion-lease he Mining jand Occuct, 1894." -4-3 O Cβ H +3 .4-3 co £ SO u —! O 3 g it 111 Village Settlement Lease in Perpetuity. Village Homestead Special Settlement. Specialsettlement Associations. fe CD Small Grazing-runs do" ft "§ Pastoral. Miscellaneous. 5 District. Oh ;- co 2 i O e8 2 % O Cβ ft od I O CD <D . 1 ! 5 Is 2 § ffl d^ efg^ — X on 2§ H- J |3 2 § 2 to o S CD 5 o a =d CO 2 i SCO O c3 TO CD a o= OH "a CD SCO O C3 N O o 0 ■<3 CD O Ct o c c≤ ±J Total Auckland Hawke's Ba} 7 .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marl borough .. Canterbury Westland Otago Southland 412, 53 310 92] 910j 20 39 15 182 195 1 10 11 836 184; 288 475 43 lid 540! 1761 11 I 16 i ■• •• •■ 699 55 72 258 61 9 12 23 90 94 4 .. •• 383 i 94 100 189 55 67 142 5 409 192 .. 60 '.'. 'is 105 124 98 38 9 , 26 ..... 60 :: I 6 30 7 J .. 88 56 17 •■ 14 " io 2 8 I 29 4 6 1 88 8 17 4 28 9 251 6 24 •' 208 31 ; 155 14 218 • • 88 1 21 51 137 21 269 865 45 110 •41 42 14 14 49 212 14 13 81 61 41 6 .. 3 I 29 13 V. 3 25 29 i 12 15 22 120 86 95 143 242 93 2 I M 46 I 1 1 57 60 85 35 295 54 221 33 304 258 •• 78 •■ 14 14 15 10 2 •• i 3,02' 64f 1,50! 2,50: 1,5* 35( 1,62! 23' 2,611 1,62! .. 42j 1 4 7 2:1 18 ! 53 i 47 5 10 54 43 135 3 4 90 142 31 9 93 61 15 76 247 64 21 •• 4 •• Tota's i2,677| 1 i 1 1,373 1 ! 1 105 335 69 14 124 277 36 550 1 31 I I 1 1 1,349! 196 421 J 528 828 2 i I 9l 51 1,402 1 78 1 1" 1 1 1 2.223 1 58 98 4 1,636 780 I 88 ! 73 55 I I il 15,61 * Balloted for but not :ompleted.

During the Year ending 31st March, 1896. Total Area reserved, granted under Acts, &c, from the Foundation of the Colony to the 31st March, 1896. District. Avon jTrnnt-pfl Area g rante<3 undeflctl I in satisfaction or bcnp. Area reserved for Various Purposes. Total Area alienated during the Year. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Canterbury .. Westland .. Otago Southland .. A. B. p. 9,472 1 7 .. ! 8,880 0 0 : .. j 6,835 2 39 .. ; 33,120 1 25 76 3 20 843 0 0 ... I 630 1 2 88 1 16 , 143 0 8 54 2 28 A. B. P. 63,457 2 1 60 0 0 181 0 3 9,801 3 11 A. B. P. A. B. P. 72,929 3 8 8,880 0 0 6,895 2 39 33,301 1 28 9,878 2 31 843 0 0 8,871 1 0 859 0 27 593 2 9 54 2 28 A. E. p. 3,099,352 0 5 240,942 0 9 579,325 2 14 815,995 3 9 250,003 0 4 180,773 3 8 755,610 1 27 101,714 1 21 591,420 1 20 589,781 1 15 8,074 3 38 820 3 11 450 2 1 166 0 0 Totals.. .. 60,094 2 25 60,094 2 25 82,846 2 25 166 0 0 143,107 1 10 7,204,918 3 12

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136

Table 29. —Summary of Arrears due to the Crown on the 31st March, 1896.

Table 30. —Statement showing the Total Number of Crown Tenants, with Area selected or held, the Yearly Rent payable, and Rent in Arrear on 31st March, 1896.

System. O w E.2 Area. On Year's On Past Transactions. Transactions. Amount. Total. Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Agricultural lease Occupation lease under " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894 " Village settlements on deferred payment Village settlements on perpetual lease Village settlements on occupation with right of purchase Village settlements on lease in perpetuity .. Village-homestead special settlements: Interest on advances, and rents Special-settlement associations Improved (arms Small grazing-ruBS Pastoral runs Miscellaneous (not otherwise specified) 130 471 105 138 36 A. B. P. 18,619 1 0 126,522 0 23 24,253 0 27 50,421 1 19 4,002 3 6 £ s. d. £ s. d. 1,158 14 1 4,061 9 8 667 9 0 1,314 7 5 1,600 1 6 £ a. d. 1,158 14 1 4,061 9 8 667 9 0 1,314 7 5 1,600 1 6 8 36 2 99 3 9 709 2 9 12 0 8 12 227 8 7 0 11 6 8 12 227 8 7 0 11 6 36 275 842 2 17 9,081 3 21 92 18 8 2,000 14 2 92 18 3 2,000 14 2 238 6 57 25 78 41,070 3 24 457 0 0 105,802 1 13 342,849 2 32 11,327 2 25 736,061 2 25 39 18 0 35 6 3 1,364 8 6 1,205 15 6 741 0 8 579 4 8 1,404 6 (5 35 6 3 1,205 15 6 741 0 8 579 4 8 Total 1,641 75 4 3 15,022 4 8 15,097 8 11 •Choviot Estate— Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlements Grazing farms Miscellaneous 4 2 1 1 817 3 35 103 2 32 966 2 0 77 2 20 57 17 8 18 8 6 49 8 10 4 12 3 57 17 8 18 8 6 49 8 10 4 12 3 Land for Settlements Acts — Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village 15 9 3,696 1 34 144 1 12 404 2 11 75 19 9 404 2 11 75 19 9 Totals 1,673 741,868 0 38 75 4 3 15,632 14 7 15,707 18 10

Tenures. Total Number of Total Area held by such Tenants. Total Total Amount Yearly Rental of such Rents or or Payments Payments in payable. arrear. Tenants. Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase .. Lease in perpetuity Agricultural lease Homestead Mining Districts Land Occupation Act Village settlements — Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase.. Lease in perpetuity Village homestead special settlements— Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Special settlements — Deferred payment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Improved farm settlements Small grazing-rans.. Pastoral runs Miscellaneous leases 2,249 2,677 1,373 1,636 56 51 69 124 277 36 550 A. B. P. 331,928 0 39 746,403 0 27 297,593 0 3 518,227 1 28 3,596 0 20 5,984 1 34 2,931 1 19 1,963 2 20 4,748 2 3 26 1 29 9,411 2 3 £ s. d. 24,270 16 11 26,411 19 0 11,697 9 9 17,954 16 10 301 8 8 146 11 3 522 3 10 902 7 4 11 3 6 1,290 15 11 £ s. d. 1,158 14 1 4,061 'J 8 667 9 0 1,314 7 5 1,600 1 6 8 12 227 8 7 0 11 6 92 18 3 701 79 17,910 1 13 2,842 3 39 2,093 17 7 268 9 6 1,995 18 8 4 15 6 272 46 1,017 421 528 8-28 1,403 14,393 26,984 1 35 5,928 3 33 198,514 2 28 39,152 0 0 949,011 2 20 10,654,304 2 30 310,258 0 39 2,605 5 8 343 17 2 9,464 10 2 I 209 1 2* 23,213 2 9 81,911 14 6 8,877 0 9 2S3 7 11 65 1 0 1,055 17 7 35 6 3* 1,205 15 6 741 0 8 579 4 8 Total 14,127,671 3 30 212,4'.)6 18 3 15,097 8 11 Cheviot Estate— Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlements Grazing farms Pastoral runs Miscellaneous Lands for Settlement Acts— Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village Special settlements, lease in perpetuity Small grazing-runs 105 88 29 2 78 23,439 2 17 2,436 2 14 44,878 2 0 2,102 0 0 4,008 1 27 6,144 7 4 861 15 2 6,405 16 0 262 3 8 693 9 6 57 17 8 18 8 G 49 8 10 4 12 3 335 81 14 36,798 1 1 407 3 37 2,803 0 9 313 1 3 9,332 14 7 312 7 8 20L 16 6 31 6 8 404 2 11 75 19 'J Totals 15,075 14,244,859 2 18 236,742 15 4 15,707 18 10 * Not yet fixi id, except fi ir Wellington District,

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137

Table 31, Endowments. —Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

_ . T , Village Homestead T . r, Cash Lands. Lands Lease in Perp District. Kndowments, &c. °S Armlml g ll Area. Am , I ° Area. Instal- | Area. Su realised. a a> _ _._ 9 §g; gi; ments. 3 | h£| »"» * A. R. P. £ s. d. A. E. P. £ s. d. A. E. P. Auckland Museum .. ..9 |235 1 18 359 2 6 .. Auckland University .. .. .. I .. .. .. .. .. 5 547 0 0 Auckland Rotorua Leases .. .... Taranaki .. University .. Nelson .. Westport Harbour Board.... Canterbury Ellesmere .. .. 3 33 1 16 7 8 4 3 1,077 1 0 WeBtland.. Midland Railway Reserva- 1 737 0 0 663 9 6 .. tion Westland.. University .. .... Otago .. High Schools .. .. 2 328 3 17 Otago .. School Commissioners .... .. .. .. .. .. 1 320 0 0 Otago .. Clutha Trust .. .... Village Homestead Lands. Lease in Per] letuity. Annual Rental. £ s. d. 11 *2 8 Occupation w: of Purch B a 1 5 Area. A. B. p. 249 1 0 524 2 0 ith Right lase. Annual Rental. £ s. d. 7 15 8 13 2 6 Small Grazing-iuns. a Area Annual Area - Rental. (H s s 3 % A. E. P. £ s. d. i 611* 0 0 :5 5 6 Oct "t; u CD .2 a 3 :upation Lici le Mining Di Iccupation A Area. A. E. P. 178 "o 6 senses under listricts Land 5 Let, 1894." ° CO Annual jj> a Rental. Q g •A £ s. d. '.'. 38 7 14 9 6 .. 3 ft! ° CO U CD CD CD X> cc a CO CD 5 iscellaneous Area. A. B. P. Leases. Annual Rental. £ s. d. 155 "l 26 4,832 0 0 221 *5 0 155 2 10 39 17 2 U 8 h 6 501**2 16 21 12 4 16 0 0 7 1 2 3 30 60 2 17 14 0 0 15 0 0 '.'. i 309**2 13 7 17 6 Totals .. .. • .. .. 10 972 1 181,022 12 0 3 33 1 6 7 8 4 11 12,273 0 17 .. ■ .. .. 10 972 1 181,022 12 0 3 33 1 6 7 8 4 11 i2,273 0 17 88 12 2 6 773 3 0 1,022 12 0 3 33 1 6 7 8 4 11 2,273 0 17 I 88 12 2 773 3 0 20 18 2 1 611 0 0 15 5 6 14 11 178 0 6 14 9 6 57 5,862 0 22421 7 10 i III Table 32, Endowments. —Eetuen of Revenue received during t the Yea ,r endec d 31st M Larch, 1896. Auckland. Hawke's Bay. Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Hawke's Bay. Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Canterbury. Westland. Otago. Southland. Total. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Cash lands .. .. .. .. 294 2 6 .. .. .. 19 8 0 Perpetual lease made freehold .. .. 65 0 0 Deferred payments .. .. .. 15 9 0 .. .. 1,335 13 0 1,232 12 7 Deferred payments, pastoral Perpetual lease and small areas .. .. 38 19 10 186 7 4 .. .. 100 3 3 Occupation with right of purchase .. 18 10 5 .. .. .. 28 11 6 Lease in perpetuity .. .. .. 25 6 2 42 11 6 .. .. 28 7 3 Occupation lease, Mining Act .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 11 0 Village-homestead special settlements .. .. .. .. .. 12 14 0 Village leaso in perpetuity Small grazing-runs .. .. .. 85 0 8 130 11 5 Pastoral runs .. .. .. .. 25 11 0 Coal and mineral leases .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,331 12 3 Timber licenses and other leases .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 17 0 Miscellaneous leases .. .. .. 19 0 0 Rents of reserves .. .. .. .. .. 264 13 1 .. 10 0 0 Rotorua leases .. .. .. .. 795 1 10 State forests Totals .. .. .. 1,382 1 5 359 10 3 264 13 1 1,335 13 0 6,794 16 10 £ s. d. 186* 7 4 42*11 6 130*11 5 £ s. d. 264 13 1 £ s. d. 1,335 13 0 £ s. d. 19 8 0 1,232*12 7 100 3 3 28 11 6 28 7 3 8 11 0 12 14 0 £ s. d. 1,363 13 6 243* 1 5 £ s. d. 663 9 6 £ s. d. 163 18 9 172 5 0 263* 5 5 215 6 18 13 8 434 3 0 340 10 10 £ s. d. 1,052* 3 9 568 10 1 5 0 0 30 15 8 149*16 1 195 9 7 £ s. d. 1,140 18 9 237 5 0 3,635 18 4 1,157 5 11 52 1 11 1,493 9 7 8 11 0 255 15 5 18 13 8 799 11 2 561 11 5 5,331 12 3 22 17 0 41 17 6 584 15 5 795 1 10 530 5 4 5,33112 3 22 17 0 10 0 0 235 19 10 74* 2 6 22 17 6 530* 5 4* 6,794 16 10 1,842 14 9 1,267 17 4 1,418 9 8 2,001 15 2 16,667 11 6 * .£390 lis. lid. collected in the Nelson District. 22—C 1.

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Table 33. —Report on the Condition and Settlement of all Lands acquired under "The Land for Settlements Act, 1894," on the 31st March, 1896

Name of Estate. Area purchased. T No. of Selectors. sen up during tl ie Year. 7al Annual Rent No. of payable. Selectori. :en up in previous Years. Forfeitures during the Year. „ , ., I Area of Land Rent and other . 0 „. m)i . a on Estates - Payments ,-,„ Ro X opened for I] i » . w -, received during and y^;°!„ eB Selection unlet Area Annual Rent No. of . Annual Rent the Year. ana Reserves. on 31st March, Alea - payable. Selectors. Alea - Annual Rent. 189g a. E. p. j £ s. d. a. r. p. £ s. d. £ s. d. a. e. p. a. b. p. 635 6 2 239 0 31 840 0 0 Value of Improvements to 31st March, 1896. W g 3° . O to CD.S to o d 2w o c3 3o . 3 to <D.Jh MO = 2w 5 to <s j3 CD o 5P Land opened I W «£ for o o Selection. 6 a Arrears of Rent on :31st March, 1896. vm4 Total 2 Receipts %$&g from M & 2 5o Inception <g <$ «-h to ■ a" I 31st March, »" g ! 1896. Area. Auckland— Opouriao Hawke's Bay— Raureka Marlborough— Blind River Canterbury— Pareora Studholme Junction .. Kapua Rosebrook Otaio Patoa Roimata Kereta Braco Epworth Ashley Gorge Omihi Orakipaoa Otago— Pomahaka Teanaraki Village Settlement Tahawai Village Settlement Maerewhenua Puketapu Makareao Southland — Merrivale Westland — Poerua A. E. P. «7,604 0 0 60 A. E. P. 6,524 3 9 £ s. d. 1,268 10 4 £ s. d. a Feb. 12, 1896 ! £ s. d. £ s. d. 635 6 2 1427 2 0 t5,507 0 0 620 2 13 107 2 17 574 1 05 600 1 8 376 2 30 b 7,347 0 38 48 3 37 §105 2 29 1127 2 4 21 0 3 1,166 0 24 20 0 0 t384 0 31 9 1 15 9 18 26 4 14 2 10 2,628 0 0 24 3 19 600 1 8 367 0 33 4,729 3 37 44 2 23 105 2 29 27 2 4 21 0 3 ••1,045 3 0 468 10 0 15 9 8 307 13 6 216 14 8 270 10 2 138 10 0 82 18 0 72 8 4 13 11 2 246 10 0 7 29 4 32 1,854 0 0 370 7 7 1* 568 0 0 92 17 8 326 7 7 344 0 0 1,249 0 0 611 3 15 390 18 6 1* 24 3 19 15 9 8 366 2 1 8 2 38 .. 1 104 2 8 73 4 6 .. .. .. 42 15 5 3 0 9 572 1 22 270 3 4 1 50 0 0 22 10 0 189 6 0 1 3 23 50 0 0 294 9 9 .. .. 1 152 6 8 9 1 37 1 1,552 3 0 47 11 0 135 17 8 29 2 1 4,139 3 0 77 1 9 4 1 14 44 17 0 36 4 2 6 15 7 148 1 4 8 0 4 112 1 20 20 0 0 a 602 10 0 1,854 11 0 220 8 0 883 13 0 1,002 12 0 345 0 0 360 0 0 780 0 0 64 0 0 215 0 0 a 40 124 17 45 | 48 14 » 1 56 3 16 17 8 Jan. 16,1895 23 Jan. 18, 1894 2 Jan. 18, 1894 10 Jan. 24, 1894 9 June 26, 1895 2 June 26, 1895 1 Nov. 27, 1895 10 Aug. 14, 1895 2 Dec. 4, 1895 3 Nov. 27, 1895 Nov. 27, 1895 Dec, 4,1895 8 16 9 639 6 3 765 17 10 115 19 11 428 5 2 294 9 9 152 6 8 135 17 8 77 1 9 44 17 0 36 4 2 6 15 7 148 1 4 i 280 0 0 a 7,462 3 1 1 259 3 26 47 2 2 22 5,561 1 29 927 0 0 6 1,439 2 3 227 19 10 192 13 1 200 2 20 3,096 2 20 1 1,967 0 0 41 13 Feb. 20, 1894 395 6 2 14 842 0 2 347 3 18 2 15 0 0 12 17 6 22 344 1 25 281 9 6 2 20 2 0 17 13 8 153 3 3 3 3 31 5 0 2 1 1,004 0 0 81 13 Feb. 7, 1894 75 19 9 9 348 10 10 69 0 19 11,150 3 36 509 0 6 +2,367 3 31 8 70 12 ||68 2 14 10,898 0 21 496 0 30 35 14 4 3,545 1 4 190 7 4 17 17 2 0 2 5 .. 1,832 10 3 237 2 8 15 1 7 £ 94 13 8 12 3 10 453 0 0 2,904 12 0 86 0 0 19 120 1 4 Aug. 21, 1895 33 Sept. 18, 1895 .. Mar. 18, 1896 17 17 2 1,832 10 3 94 13 8 •9,998 0 0 I 38 7,422 1 20 1,160 1 4 1,199 16 1 199 2 20 2,376 0 0 a Dec. 18, 1895 1,199 16 1 t3,230 1 6 a Totals 60,074 2 36 | I 299 Jt35,280 0 2 8,092 9 10 9,048 2 19 2,319 3 5 12 3,655 2 22 424 1 10 5,946 4 8 1,323 1 17 11,884 0 9 13,022 S 0 643 133 480 2 8 I 24 7,815 17 5 Remarks: » Not time t t Opened for selection since 31st March, but purchasei ** Inclu :o show any progre d before. J 48 ides 313a. lr. 3p. Ie1 iss of settle] 7 acres sun t with othei nent. b This includes The Peaks Farrn-hi •endered leasehold included in the estate. • Crown lands as a small grazing run. {t >mestead Settle] § Difference of Includes lands 1 nent. °Re 13 perches disc] aken up and fo :sidence and im] losed on survey, rfeited during tl trovements not due till December, || A small area of Crown land ie year, which are not shown in tal , 1896. * Forf< included in this, ble attached to C Ited section relet. 11 Difference of 4 perches dii iclosed on survey.

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Table 35.—Cheviot Estate as at 31st March, 1896.— Return of Outlay and Income.

Table 34. —Cheviot Estate.— Return of Lands disposed of and Moneys received during the Year ended 31st March, 1896.

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139

Cash. Lease in Perpetuity. Village-homestead Special Setlements (Lease in Perpetuity). Grazing-farms (T r enty-one Y< sars . Leases). Grf ,zing Licenses. £ o Area. I 31 Amount received during year. as Area. Amount "o Annual au^ iv £ d ar g° Ee »*f a pSfand ' 11 payable. l eurYetfi STransactions. £ Area. Annual Eental payable. Amount received during Tear, past and current Transactioss. Area. Annual Eental payable. Amount *o received g during Year, 1 o5 past and j •2 § current i p , © Transactions. ! iz; 33 Area. Annual Rental payable. Amount received during Year, past and current Transactions. Miscellaneous Eeceipts. A. R. P. * I 3 3 22 +9 76 0 30 + 1 150 0 11 £ s. d. I 893 9 8 A. B. P. 1,125 3 0 £ s. a. £ s. d. 316 3 10 5,672 6 10 8 A. B. P. 159 2 29 £ s. d. 57 19 8 £ s. d. §738 11 0 A. B. P. 2,536 0 0 I £ s. d. £ s. a. 309 8 2 5,440 8 3 16 A. B. P. 741 1 32 £ s. d. 43 9 1 £ s. d. 404 15 11 £ s. d. 1,389 15 7 "Town. fSuburban. JEural. §£3 15s. also paid as interest.

Outlay — Income — Balance from previous Year Eoad-construotion Cheese Factory Landing-service, administration, and contingencies Interest paid and accrued from 18th April, 1895, to 18th April, 1896 £ 274,107 4,391 900 1,080 8,866 From Freehold, &c, disposed of Eents on account of Lands disposed of, paid and accrued, to 30th June, 1896 ... Eents paid in advance Interest Shipping and port charges Balance £ 1,048 15,635 11 194 730 271,726 £289,344 £289,344

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140

Table 36. —Comparative Statement of Selectors and Lands selected under Settlement Conditions for the Ten Years ended 31st March, 1896.

Year ending 31st Cash. Deferred Payment. Perpetual Lease. Lease in Perpetuity. Occupation with Eight of Purchase. Agricultural Lease. Occupation Leases.* Tillage Settlement: Cash. Village Settlement: Deferred Payment. Village Settlement: Perpetual Lease. Villagehomestead Special Settlement. Specialsettlement Associations. Homestead. Small Grazing-runs and Grazing-farms. Year end ing 31st No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. ; Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. Acres. 50,527 i Acres. Acres. 455 43,873 Acres. 105,857 Acres. 32,633 Acres. 50,329 Acres. Acres. 475 Acres. Acres. 227 Acres. 585 Acres. Acres. 28,700 Acres. 6,977 1887 426 557 272 14 65 112 896 49 68 1887 1888 554 28,229 319 41,100 367 72,401 IS 1,222 68 66 147 1,316 309 9,451 309 31,740 28 4,220 83 156,482 1888 1889 613 68,498 397 54,419 768 204,749 11 150 143 664 99 1,182 36 622 24 345 209 19,905 11 1,050 81 161,652 1889 1890 543 46,922 304 41,376 756 236,905 1 53 159 656 75 782 76 1,729 20 270 46 4,970 2 71 19 1,751 35 60,310 1890 1891 573 100,014 258 34,091 788 288,917 -i 551 87 210 51 369 56 954 10 350 9 945 43 86,161 1891 1892 492 40,501 223 40,467 824 282,547 2 90 89 429 23 182 59 893 140 2,213 13 1,922 838 157,381 290 68,852 8 1,010 80 159,464 1892 1893 552 36,326 169 21,084 385 122,557 126 55,320 161 54,271 4 193 75 528 29 390 I 164 2,635 33 493 1 38 39 92,926 1893 1894f 497 34,998 96 12,669 17 3,854 612 179,993 461 108,133 398 75,477 431 84,968 5 365 3 2 §208 §3,953 118 2,549 142 252,693 1894f 1895f 392 38,694 47 5,453 3 1,203 372 91,799 2 44 23 23 {30 {23 §232 §4,050 60 2,742 262 51,345 60 117,845 1895f 1886t 476 26,574 6 456 7 1,427 696 122,350 3 36 09 2,931 16 9 {3 {2 §193 §3,364 19 794 238 44,237 ||315 ;!28,348 32 46,407 1896t * Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894. t Inclusive oJ Cheviot Estate, and lands disposed of under " The Land for Settlements Acts. II Improved Farms. J Village settlement, occupation with right ol purchase. § Village settlement, lease in perpetuity.

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Table 37.—Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased under the Land for Settlements Acts, 1892 and 1894. (Continued from Table AE of 1894-95.)

Outlay. Encomi Name of Estate. Date of Purchase. Amount. Amount. Particulars. Particulars. £ s. d. 1,356 14 1 11 13 7 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Balance £ s. a. Studholme Junction 27 July, 1893 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1890 54 14 8 73 4 6 1,349 17 10 Total 1,423 2 4 Total 1,423 2 4 'areora 16 Aug., 1893 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 7,338 13 6 29 9 7 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Balance 294 14 6 396 18 6 7,265 19 1 Total 7,602 17 7 Total 7,662 17 7 'omahaka.. 10 Oct., 1893 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 21,765 2 7 681 8 6 897 17 3 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, snd accrued from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance .. Balance 650 3 9 23 11 1 22,670 13 6 Total 23,344 8 4 Total .. 23,344 8 lapua 11 Nov., 1893 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 4,781 9 4 67 10 8 Rent3 on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Balance 193 19 2 206 16 6 4,836 2 8 Total 5,042 19 2 Total 5,042 19 Teaneraki.. 31 Jan., 1894 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 5,567 8 3 8 5 3 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance .. Balance 223 0 G 281 9 0 1 5,517 3 Total 5,798 14 0 Total 5,798 14 Blind River 20 Aug., 1894 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 15,525 6 7 1,023 19 6 661 19 5 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance .. Balance 383 18 134 17 16,692 9 Total Total 17,211 5 17,211 5 6 15 Feb., 1895 Balance from previous year Additional purchase money Incidental expenses Interest from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Balance Rosebrook.. 6,037 14 0 38 10 11 69 11 3 245 16 8 307 13 6,083 19 Total 6,391 12 10 Total 6,391 12 li Otaio 25 Feb., 1895 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 4,210 2 2 43 9 3 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued from 1st July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 Balance 170 2 10 228 14 4,194 19 Total 4,423 14 3 Total 4,423 14 Merrivale .. 17 Apl., 1895 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 17th April, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 24,995 0 0 1,182 12 1 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance .. Balance 1,458 3 7 160 16 7 25,820 17 2 1,262 5 3 Total 27,439 17 4 Total .. 27,439 17 4 Tahawai .. 25 Apl., 1895 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 25th April, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 622 1 4 10 19 4 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance .. Balance 35 7 2 0 3 7 627 9 3 29 19 4 Total Total 663 0 663 0 0

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Table 37. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c.— continued

lay. Income. Name of Estate. Date ol purchase. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Patoa, ana 3 May, 1895 Peak's Farm Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 3rd May, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 £ s. d. 6,612 10 3 80 3 6 Bents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance .. Balance £ s. d. 310 19 7 270 10 2 0 15 7 6,732 7 7 Boimata .. 29June,1895 Total 7,003 13 4 Total 7,003 13 4 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 29th June, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 2,200 6 7 228 7 6 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Balance 97 13 7 140 5 9 2,386 1 11 Kereta .. 24 July, 1895 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 24th July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 2,526 7 8 1,584 0 0 31 7 0 Total Bents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance Balance 2,526 7 8 60 10 10 82 18 0 3 8 0 1,589 11 10 Maerewhenua 27 July, 1895 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 27th July, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 66,905 17 0 2,583 5 8 1,675 17 10 Total Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance Balance 1,675 17 10 2,581 11 5 3,563 15 10 20 13 3 68,486 5 0 Btaco .. 5 Aug., 1895 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 5th August, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 72,070 14 1 1,375 0 0 23 3 0 Total Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Balance 72,070 14 1 50 11 3 72 8 4 1,376 5 11 Ashley Gorge 9 Aug., 1895 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 9th August, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 1,448 14 3 4,855 19 6 224 6 9 Total Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Balance 1,448 14 3 181 10 0 246 10 0 5,015 6 3 Epworth .. 14 Aug., 1895 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 14th August, 1895, to 30th June, 1896 5,261 16 3 Total Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Balance 5,261 16 3 252 4 6 9 15 1 9 4 4 13 11 2 257 12 9 Total 271 3 11 Total 271 8 11 Puketapu .. 18 Nov., 1895 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 18th Nov., 1895, to 30th June, 1896 3,308 14 10 176 0 4 Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid in advance Balance 85 18 6 94 13 8 3,476 0 0 Omihi S.R. 16 Jan., 1896 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 16th Jan., 1896, to 30th June, 1896 3,570 13 8 240 0 0 7 9 8 Total Balance 3,570 13 8 251 19 8 4 10 0 Total Poerua .. 3 Feb., 1896 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 3rd Feb., 1896, to 30th June, 1896 3,634 1 6 109 11 3 251 19 8 Balance 3,804 7 1 251 19 8 60 14 4 Total Baureka .. 9 Mar., 1896 Total 3,804 7 1 3,804 7 1 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 9th March, 1896, to 30th June, 1896 10,248 0 0 12 12 1 Balance 10,387 13 4 127 1 3 Total Total .. 10,387 13 4 10,387 13

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Table 37. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c. — continued.

Table 37.-

Statement

Land for Settlements Account.

Table 38. —Showing the total number of the Applications made, and the Relief granted, under "The Pastoral Tenants Relief Act, 1895."

Relief Granted.

Outlay. Income. Name of Estate. Date of Purchase. Amount. Amount. Particulars. Particulars. Opouriao .. 20 Mar., 1896 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 20th March, 189G, to 30th June, 1896 £ s. d. 24,200 0 0 729 9 0 Rents paid in advance Balance £ s. d. 635 6 2 24,572 16 1 278 13 3 Total Total .. 25,208 2 3 25,208 2 3 •rakipaoa .. 20 Mar., 1896 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest from 20th March, 1896, to 30th June, 1896 7,683 17 6 61 1 5 Balance 7,831 10 5 86 11 6 Total .. Total 7,831 10 5 7,831 10 5

Outlay. Income. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Dβ. Purchase-moneys Roads, and incidental expenses of estates paid for Incidental expenses of estates not yet paid for Incidental expenses in respect of offers declined or not yet accepted Land-purchase Inspector's salary Interest paid and accrued to 30th June, 1896 £ s. d. 220,309 3 0 11,109 14 6 703 0 4 Cr. Rents on account of lands disposed of, paid, and accrued to 30th June, 1896 Rents paid in advance Balance & s. d. 10,272 19 3 1,275 17 7 234,049 12 6 677 19 8 796 13 4 12,001 18 6 245,598 9 4 Total Total 245,598 9 4

Districts. Number of Tenants dealt with. Area of Euns. Losses in Sheep. Number of Cases in which Belief has been granted. Stock Depastured in 1895. Stock Lost in excess of Average. Estimated Value of such loss. Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland .. Westland .. 6 4 160 193 32 10 A. E. P. 516,797 0 0 157,044 0 0 2,470,323 3 39 3,327,879 3 19 728,752 0 0 112,000 0 0 128,053 52,046 1,074,842 967,894 115,617 6,398 35,6£6 5,066 344,734 286,176 25,497 2,430 £ s. a. 10,271 U 0 1,150 5 0 101,278 10 3 89,528 i 0 7,134 6 8 2,198 0 0 6 4 112 183 29 10 Totals 405 7,312,796 3 18 2,344,850 699,559 211,560 19 11 344

Extej islol of 'enure. Eemissiou of Eent due. Eeduotion of future Eent per Annum. Eemission of Sheep-tax. New Lease, 21 Years. CO i si i l> CO h aDistricts. J Gl ua I 11 CO i 3 DO 01 3 9 H 1O E 0 ■m g 3 o 1 CI £ s. a. 1,281 18 0 379 5 5 4,915 16 6 4,078 8 5 309 18 10 94 10 0 £ s. d. 2,027 7 8 £ s. d. Jelson .. ilarlborough Janterbury )tago louthland Vestland 33 10 0 423 2 0 289 6 0 23 0 0 3 14 0 6 '■ " 6,316 11 5 7,491 11 7 547 11 3 1 6 1 3 1 "e i 1 1 18 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 6 1 1 1 4 15 2 i 1 1 1 Totals 3 1 1 2 2 9 3 15 2 11,059 17 2 16,383 1 11 772 12 0 10 21}

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Table 39.— Showing Surveyors employed and Work on Hand on 1st April, 1896.

Table 40. — Crown Grants, Certificates of Title, Leases, and other Instruments of Title from the Crown prepared on examined from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896.

Table 41. —Plans placed on Crown Grants and other Instruments of Title from the Crown from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896.

Table 42. —Work done under the Land Transfer Act, &c., from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896.

144

Surveyors employed. Work on Hand. Chief Surveyors. Staff. Temporary. District. Tri , " Settle- Native BoaSs, rn/™™ lng - ment. Blocks, &o. &c. Towu ' Mining and Mineral Leases. G. Mueller T. Humphries J. Strauchon J. H. Baker J. S. Browning .. S. Weetman D. Barron J. W. A. Marchant C. W. Adams G. W. Williams .. 14 3 4 7 5 3 2 3 5 3 15 2 8 8 4 4 Auckland Hawko's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. Sq. Mis 140 20 1,113 781 440 1,230 Acres. 115,445 16,000 53,000 179,423 3,100 3,253 19,589 213,484 14,006 40,907 Acres. 4, 760 Miles. 340 11 81 229 Acres. "ico Acres. 27,000 14 j 188 1,258 4,310 26 316 6,464 1 1 3 980 3,000 78,784 16 1,374 Totals 49 44 104,987 3,730 058,207 1,019 2,398 34,838

Number. District. Cost. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. Total Copies. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland .. 11 3 20 43 2 119 11 37 94 406 92 106 632 -68 1,304 276 333 2,137 246 74 220 1,056 2,329 687 £ s. d. 65 0 0 12 0 0 12 18 6 100 0 0 12 6 0 7 11 0 26 17 10 136 5 8 31 10 0 30 0 0 17 833 60 5 352 221 179 30 Totals 81 1,199 2,061 8,662 434 9 0

Number. District. Cost. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. Total Copies. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury Otago Southland .. 102 13 433 15 161 200 2 119 165 12 119 19 368 360 138 134 420 134 44 26 98 62 111 1,504 814 419 1,931 747 156 318 332 1,040 333 £ s. a. 100 0 0 55 9 6 57 19 11 106 16 0 242 2 0 61 0 7 46 9 9 34 4 4 182 0 0 30 0 0 a 118 Totals 683 1,165 1,527 7,594 916 2 1

Deeds and other Instruments passed. No. of Plans placed on Certificates of Title. Miscel* laneous Plans, &o. District. No. of Plans passed. Cost. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. Luckland .. lawke's Bay ]aranaki Wellington .. kelson ■larlborough Vestland Janterbury .. )tago louthland 141 86 1,247 15G 13 14 114 139 33 48 122 39 1,256 G7 i GO 290 221 1,440 79 37 25 900 426 194 51 146 3 18 55 £ s. d. 450 0 0 182 13 0 310 14 10 678 12 0 225 14 0 15 19 6 25 8 7 701 4 0 246 4 3 90 0 0 577 3,047 1 21 19 118 8 4 12 Totals .. 1,991 5,108 52 3,612 363 92 2,926 10 2

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Table 43. —Summary of Work done for other Departments and for Local Bodies from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896.

Table No.44. Showing Payments to Local Bodies during the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1896, from "Thirds" of Deferred-payment and Perpetual-lease and other Lands, and "Fourths" of Small Grazing-runs.

Statements showing Payments to Local Bodies during the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1896, from "Thirds" of Deferred-payment and Perpetual-lease and other Lands, and "Fourths" of Small Grazing-runs.

145

District. Amount. District. Amount. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough £ s. d. 984 12 0 381 5 9 386 2 10 607 9 5 Brought forward Westland Canterbury Otago Southland £ s. d. 2,379 8 7 306 7 3 758 11 5 339 13 11 232 19 0 19 18 7 Carried forward Total .. 2,379 8 7 £4,017 0 2

Districts. H ai "Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetuallease Lands, &c. " Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. Length, Li icality, o e o lescription, i by Waste and Particuli Lands Boan irs of Work ai i 1. ithorised 13* Bridges. Culverts. Maintenance. Auckland .. Hawke'sBay Taranaki .. Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury* Otago Southland 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 £ s. d. £ s. d. 3,790 19 10 144 17 7 2,521 3 2 : 283 5 8 9,376 16 10 18 15 3 ! 12,924 15 0 579 9 9 I 1,521 9 1 92 12 7 27 1 2 151 11 7 1,934 3 6 840 11 2 3,167 18 72,684 3 2 3,363 13 6 237 16 4 £ s. d. 3,935 17 5 2,804 8 10 9,395 12 1 13,504 4 9 1,521 9 1 119 13 9 151 11 7 2,774 14 8 5,852 1 9 3,601 9 10 Oh. 1104 195 498 519 385J Ch. 957 83 524 80 130 60 Ch. 3,361 1,760 2,053 4,284 888$ 88 I I £ s. d. 131 14 8 490 9 6 327 8 3 331 5 0 85 8 10 15 11 1 £ s. d. 152 15 4 80 17 4 81 19 1 157 4 4 47 16 6 £ s. d. 1,073 5 2 283 6 3 1,212 18 2 676 11 8 570 16 4 1 35 11 8 151 11 7 377 18 2 2,713 15 9 405 0 2 £ s. d. 5 10 120 0 0 361 150 435 64 320 .. 6,451 2,349 2,015 182 17 6 492 17 5 1 148 12 10 55 16 10 416 10 3 232 13 0 209 10 0 Totals .. 38,845 3 84,816 0 1 43,661 3 9 3212J 2,653 23244J2206 5 11225 12 8 7,500 14 11 334 11 * Also £140 8s. Id. for water-races.

Local Bodies. "Thirds," Deferrodpayinent and Perpetuallease Lands. "Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. If |f if B * o o a Length, Locality, Description, authorised by Wasti and Particuli > Lands Boan irs of Work 1 Culverts. Maintenance. £ s. d. 10,5 17 0 500 9 6 20 5 9 109 12 9 21 7 0 209 1 1 17 7 10 485 15 10 103 12 7 10 0 0 214 14 8 69 8 2 291 3 0 16 5 5 15 13 5 0 8 1 5 4 9 22 14 10 0 15 10 141 5 3 STA £ s. d. 3 7 10 102 16 1 .TEMENT No. £ s. d. 109 4 10 603 5 7* 20 5 9 109 12 9t 21 7 0 209 1 1 17 7 10 485 15 10 103 12 7 10 0 0 253 8 4 69 8 2 291 3 0 16 5 5 15 13 5 0 8 1 5 4 9 22 14 10 0 15 10 141 5 3 1.—. Ch. /UC] Ch. :lan: Ch. 110 £ s. d. 10 8 10 £ s. d. £ s. a. 40 10 4 Bay of Islands C.C. Kawhia C.C. Mangonui C.C. Manukau C.C. Ohineinuri C.C. Otamatea C.C. Piako C.C. Raglan C.C. Rodney C.C. Rotorua C.C. Tauranga C.C. Waitemata C.C. Whangarei C.C. Whangaroa C.C. .. Ahuroa R.B. AlbertlandN'thR.B. S'th R.B. Awitu R.B. East TamakiR.B... Gordon Special Settlement R.B. Hikurangi R.B. Huntly R.B. HunuaR.B. Katikati R.B. Kaukapakapa R.B. Komokoriki R.B. .. Maraetai R.B. Matakohe R.B. MaungakarameaR. B. Maunu R.B. Omaha R.B. Onewhero R.B. Opaheke R.B. Opotiki R.B.{ Otonga R.B. 3813 8 176 366 110 6 84 7 a 153 58 31 160 90 69 '4 io 9 40 240 27 483 55 155 4 310 i 5 36 4 15 3 7 7 4 48 11 2 2 10 5 10 0 0 7 '6 9 0 6 2 5 14 3 30 10 9 5 17 5 28 10 8 3 2 8 0 2 2 20"5 9 57"5 1 90 10 8 70 17 10 143 19 0 58 7 5 75 6 4 14 0 5 8 16 0 3 IO 5 15 9 ' 506 1 12 7 54 6 6 3 6 6 2 13 9 19 15 6 2 12 0 3 6 8 26 18 6 2 4 5 27 8 7 30 0 7 325 17 0 6 2 6 153 13 5 5 15 1 12 7 54 6 6 3 6 6 2 13 9 19 15 6 2 12 0 3 6 8 26 18 6 2 4 5 27 8 7 30 0 7 325 17 0 6 2 6 153 13 5 5 15 5 21 49 2 30 "5 6 i6 72 2 11 4 2 12 0 15 2 5 0 8 9 112 1 12 7 50 0 7 119 2 13 9 2 18 0 5 0 4 2 4 5 27 8 7 3 13 53 5 9 5 0 3 38 16 1 17 9 io 92 i(3 13 31 219 5 149 17 2 0 0 3 6 3 36 9 5 io 1 a a 0 16 8 0 13 3 * This amount lias bi iot yet out. I Cost >en spent by Mr. Hursthouse of taking road under Public particulars not Works Act, £5 Is, to hand. t To bo expended by department; contracts

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146

Table No. 44 — continued.

Note "Total Payments " include payments under hypothecation and ordinary revenue certificates for which no proposals are made' by tlie local bodies, so that the amounts in tliis column do not represent the cost of the works in the following columns.

iongl tcality, luthor. , Description, and Particulars oi ■ised by Waste Lands Board. Or] Local Bodies. " Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetuallease Lauds. "Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. Culverts. JgJ^ Si Bridges. Otonga East R.B. .. Parua R.B. Pirongia R.B. Pokeno R.B. PuhoiR.B Pukekohe East R.B. Ruarangi R.B. Tauhoa R.B. Tβ Puke R.B. Tuhikaramea R.B. Up'r Mahurangi R.B. Waikiekie R.B. .. Waipipi R.B. Wairoa R.B. Waitoa R.B. Waiuku R.B. Whakatane R.B. .. Whangamarino R.B. Whangaparaoa R.B. Wharehine R.B. .. Whareora R.B. STi £ s. d. 21 17 11 4 0 4 11 6 10 7 9 0 29 15 9 11 1 7 3 14 1 24 1 11 43 8 7 0 13 5 102 15 7 14 14 4 52 15 8 27 15 4 244 9 4 48 16 10 6 19 0 103 5 9 4 13 0 0 6 4 0 16 7 .TEMENT £ s. d. 0. 1.—A.UC] £ s. d. 21 17 11 4 0 4 11 6 10 7 9 0 29 15 9 11 1 7 3 14 1 24 1 11 43 8 7 0 13 5 102 15 7 14 14 4 52 15 8 27 15 4 244 9 4 48 16 10 6 19 0 103 5 9 4 13 0 0 6 4 0 16 7 :lan: Oh: 2 30 10 3 14 26 )— co Ch. 11 itinui Ch. 17 5 18 26 8 40 6 15 72 6 103 80 101 67 132 62 15 89 7 -. £ s. d. 8 3 4 £ s. d. 0 17 11 3 0 0 5 18 7 £ s. d. 5 11 4 3"4 9 20 9 3 15 9 4 16 5 50 20 9 3 10 7 io"i 11 2 I 50 2 0 0 10 0 0 13 2 3 218 183 13 9 18 9 8 9 2 ii 6 10 14 10 32*7 5 18 6 016 7 Totals 3,790 19 10 144 17 7 3,935 17 1104 957 3361 131 14 8 152 15 4 1,073 5 2 statem: 141 13 6 46 3 11 32 17 7 7 0 0 !NT No. 2.—: 352 13 8 383 5 2 49 13 3 245 8 3 212 17 5 913 5 7 18 L5 6 72 0 0 53 17 0 128 10 3 33 7 5 112 17 11 42 0 9 187 2 10 2 2 8 1 11 2 :aw: :e'S SAY. 297 238 Wairoa O.C. Cook C.C Waiapu C.C. Hawke's Bay C.C. .. Waipawa C.G. Weber R.B. Waikohu R.B. Kumeroa R.B. Waimata R.B. Patutahi R.B. Woodville R.B. Maharahara R.B. .. Norsewood R.B. Ruataniwha R.B. .. Mangaatua R.B. .. Ormond R.B. 211 0 2 337 1 3 16 15 8 238 8 3 212 17 5 887 3 11 126 10 7 40 14 2 16 14 2 47 16 3 40 110 33 485 148 325 4 0 0 85 6 4 11 16 0 26 i 8 13 15 6 25 149 19 10 17 0 2 3 0 0 115 5 6 13 15 6 72 0 0 38 3 6 128 10 3 33 7 5 112 17 11 42 0 9 187 2 10 2 2 8 1 11 2 15 13 6 20 10 40 21 15 1 20 28 180 58 17 8 9 17 2 2 5 3 19 10 6 22 10 3 0 15 2 22 14 1 3 6 10 6 19 4 2 2 8 65 15 1 8 0 7 '2 Totals 2,521 3 2 283 5 8 2,804 8 10 I 195 h:>, 1760 490 9 6 80 17 4 283 6 3 STATE [ENT No. 3, 347 5 1 285 10 1 954 4 11 1,556 13 9 14 13 9 1,173 12 7 3,427 6 11 992 0 10 70 8 11 33 5 6 540 9 9 •TA] 42 ;ana: :i. 57 /[anganui E.B. 'aranaki C.C. /ToaR.B. Jlifton CO. itratford T.B. Vaimate R.B. lawera C.G. Itratford O.C. 'atea East R.B. .. Vaiwakaiho R.B. .. 'arihaka R.B. 347 5 1 285 10 1 952 12 8 1,556 13 9 14 13 9 1,173 12 7 3,426 11 11 992 0 10 54 0 11 33 5 6 540 9 9 1 12 8 0 15 0 54 286 30 49 30 87 85 319 486 7 294 426 149 196 15 104 83 19 4 26 12 0 211 8 2 5 8 9 14 1 2 4 19 9 2 2 9 4 6 6 36 11 5 285 10 1 167 8 4 13 8 1 557 12 2 111 9 7 16 8 0 19 18 24 298 1 17 6 18 0 0 77 9 11 Totals 9,376 16 10 18 15 3 9,395 12 1 498 524 2053 327 8 3 81 19 1 1,212 18 2 statem: 3NT No. 4.— ■el: iING , ?ON. Eketahuna R.B. .. Peatherston R.B. .. Kiwitea CO.* Kumeroa R.B. Mangawhero R.B. .. Masterton R.B. Maurioeville R.B. .. Motoroa R.B. Okotuku R.B. Pahiatua C.C. Pohangina CO. Rangitikei C.C. Te Horo R.B. [R.B. Taratahi - Carterton Upper Taueru R.B. „ WangaehuR.B. Wairarapa North C.G. (Alfredton) Wairarapa North C.G. (Whareamea) Waitotara CO. .. Waitot'ra-Momahaki R.B. Wirokino R.B. Manawatu R.B. .. 1,300 9 2 547 14 9 2,627 2 1 12 17 0 1,300 9 2 547 14 9 2,650 8 1 12 17 0 9 18 0 416 1 0 936 8 11 298 6 11 37 14 5 3,848 11 10 548 13 6 531 14 4 80 4 10 131 14 10 28 17 4 551 18 10 457 9 1 57 80 I 200 j 485 730 8 81 11 9 I 23 6 0 126 10 0 0 9 18 0 9 18 0 416 1 0 845 12 11 298 6 11 37 14 5 3,848 11 10 548 13 6 437 2 0 80 4 10 69 3 0 17 5 1 424 4 0 457 9 1 90 16 0 94 12 4 6 148 17 34 340 18 1302 60 382 30 82 135 90 2 40 8 2 209 5 1 77 15 3 16 2 11 41l'*6 8 62 11 10 11 12 3 127 14 10 3 5 4 2O"'O 0 73 104 71 14 2 60 14 2 92"l 0 34 15 5 25 7 4 60 2 9 21 7 8 7 149 14 3 387 4 2 133 11 2 283 5 5 387 4 2 160 115 5117 3 36 11 8 347 17 11 36 11 8 347 17 11 "b 29 44 1 12 8 Totals 12,924 15 0 579 9 9 13,504 4 9 519 SO ; 4,284 331 5 0 157 4 4 676 11 8 * Cost of taking road under Public Works Act, £120.

147

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Table No. 44— continued.

STATEMENT No. 8.—CANTERBURY.

24—C. 1.

jengl locality autho] , Description, :ised by Wastt and Particuli a Lands Boan ,rs o: i r orl L Local Bodies. " Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetuallease Lauds. '"Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. s>3 3d as Si O Bridges. Culverts. Maintenance. stat: ,MENT No. i.—NI ;lso: i. Suburban North E.B. Stoke E.B. Waimea West R.B. Dovedale E.B. Upper MoutereE.B. Eiwaka E.B. Motueka R.B. TakakaR.B. Collingwood R.B. .. Waimea C.C. Buller C.C. Inangahua C.C. Grey C.C. Amuri C.C. Cheviot C.C. £ s. d. 25 3 10 93 13 8 0 19 5 60 18 3 50 13 2 60 12 0 17 2 4 322 10 11 149 6 10 482 14 3 105 8 7 74 3 6 41 17 8 6 18 8 29 6 0 £ s. d. '£ s. d. 25 13 10 93 13 8 0 19 5 60 18 3 50 13 2 60 12 0 17 2 4 322 10 11 149 6 10 482 14 3 105 8 7 74 3 6 41 17 8 6 18 8 29 6 0 Chs. Chs. Cha. 17 10 £ s. d. 2 10 0 £ s. d. 4 '6 0 £ s. d. 10 0 4 12 7 0 48 72 52 30 I 8 20 6 0 11 13 6 6 8 8 20 9 6 10 19 6 10 18 0 105 15 9 20 0 0 159 11 8 91 8 7 74 1 6 41 17 8 6 18 2 130J 215 40 130 128J 50 506 32 10 0 7 11 6 10 0 0 0 11 6 14 0 0 Totals 85 10 8 47 16 6 I 570 16 4 1,521 9 1 1,521 9 1 385$ 130 888J statem: INT No. 6.—: [ar: lORi lUGI 14 14 10 16 15 i I 116 0 I 2 5 6* 35 11 8 'ioton R.B. •elorua E.B. 20 2 5 57 7 1 10 3 6 1G 17 8 30 5 11 74 4 9 60 80 15 11 1 laikoura C.C. 15 3 1 15 3 1 8 Totals 15 11 1 92 12 7 27 1 2 119 13 9 60 88 *Eiver protection. STATE :ENT No. 7.—WEi itla: D. /estland C.C.* rrey C.C.f 96 15 10 54 15 9 96 15 10 54 15 9 96 15 10 54 15 9 Totals 151 11 7 151 11 7 151 11 7 ♦ General repairs over a number of roads and tracks. + Repairing about three miles, Greenstone-Teremakau Track.

Length, Locality, Description, and Particulars of Work authorised by the Waste Lands Board. Local Bodies. " Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetuallease Lands. "Fourths," Small Grazing-runs. Total Payments. I t Bridges. Q 3 Cost of taking Boad Maintenance. pubHc Works Act. » o o d Sh h o I £ s. d. 17 9 8 28 1 11 87 1 1 0 10 5 39 19 0 162 17 2 13 4 8 3 6 54 4 2 34 6 6 12 8 158 8 11 9 5 9 27 15 11 8 5 0 161 16 7 57 6 7 314 13 0 2 2 5 149 13 0 433 3 3 9 3 4 149 3 6 18 6 10 £ s. d. £ s. d. 17 9 8 28 1 11 87 1 1 0 10 5 39 19 0 162 17 2 13 4 8 3 6 54 4 2 34 6 6 12 8 206 16 7 9 5 9 27 15 11 30 0 0 161 16 7 57 6 7 338 17 9 2 2 5 149 13 0 433 3 3 9 3 4 478 11 1 435 3 0 Chs. Ohs. £ s. d £ s. d £ s. d. 17 9 8 £ s. a. £ s. d. Anama R.B. Arowhenua T.B. Ashburton C.C. Coldstream E.B. East Malvern E.B. Geraldine B.B. Geraldine T.B. Hampstead T.B. Le Bons Bay K.B. Levels C.C. Longbeach B.B... Mackenzie C.C. Mount Hutt E.B. Mount Peel E.B. Mount Somers E.B. Oxford E.B. Eakaia E.B. Eangitata E.B. Springs B.B. Temuka E.B. Upper Ashburton E.B. .. Vincent C.C. Waimate C.C. Waipara E.B. 30 21 k 5 87 1 1 204 299 4 14 6 6 10 0 0 12 6 38 1 3 42 13 4 15 16 48 7 8 188 207 23 0 12 0 5 18 0 21 17 4 4 10 0 0 10 8 137 10 11 0 12 3 52 18 3 209 10 o 10 0 10 21 15 0 147 2 1 2 6 2 24 4 9 205 13 149 182 3,968 15 63 347 5 560 355 8 0 0 6 0 0 0 5 0 2 5 0 35 14 8 14 1 9 24 10 0 16 io 0 16 8 0 16 10 0 it 329 7 7 416 16 2 55 19 11 Totals 1,934 3 6 840 11 2 2,774 14 8 435 6,451 182 17 6 55 16 10 377 18 2 209 10 0 140 8 1 I

148

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Table No. 44— continued.

Length, Locality, Description, and Particulars of Work authorised by Waste Lands Board. Local Bodies. "Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetuallease Lands. " Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. d S3 '3 F , fi d Bridges. Cu'verts. J^, sta: £ s. d. 690 7 10 328 4 4 171 7 7 319 5 5 670 15 5 235 8 5 30 18 4 2 12 0 233 15 11 'EMENT No. £ s. d. 974 0 0 1,000 5 5 574 7 1 592 8 1 818 11 6 280 16 7 782 19 8 43 8 9 648 0 1 105 17 7 8 14 10 22 12 2 ).—O 1 Chs. PAGO, Chs. £ s. d. 561 15 10 36 3 5 52 14 10 227 7 1 818 11 6 192 14 0 324 19 3 20 10 6 382 1 4 72 17 11 1 7 11 22 12 2 'aieri C.C. laniototo C.C. r incent C.C. Vaitaki C.C. Vaihemo C.C. Vaikouaiti C.C. ilutha C.C. Sruce C.C. 'uapekaC.O. iake C.C. It. Stuart R.B. Salmoral R.B. L rrowtown B.C. £ s. d. 283 12 2 672 1 1 402 19 6 273 2 8 147 16 1 45 8 2 752 1 4 40 16 9 414 4 2 105 17 7 7 6 11 22 12 2 Chs. 545 511 462 227 £ s. d. 120 0 0 2 0 0 140 11 8 220 7 8 £ s. d. 13 0 0 213 14 5 10 0 0 345 16 3 61 144 158 21 189 75 17 0 4 11 113 16 0 0 130 16 1 3 0 0 23 12 5 6 7 4 8 ii li 1 7 11 Totals 3,167 18 7 2,684 3 2 5,852 1 9 361 64 2,349 492 17 5 416 10 3 2,713 15 9 Southland CO. .. 1,350 5 9 statem: 5 2 0 INT No. 10.1,355 7 9 ■SOU' 91 CHLi 1601 160 lND. 522 f. 351G. 626 31 1110 0 0 66 17 6 82 1 0 39 1 3 Wallace C.C.J Jake CO. § Jtewart Island C.C. R.B. .. Cnapdale R.B. )teramika R.B. Puturau R.B. (Vaimumu R.B. (Vyndham R.B. Sandhurst R.B. (now merged in Southland County) i. Invercargill Boro' >oro Borough rliverton Borough .. Hataura T.B. 1,437 18 4 55 8 2 17 17 4 46 14 9 132 16 10 142 5 3 52 13 5 12 15 2 26 18 2 224 5 8 8 8 8 1,662 4 0 55 8 2 17 17 4 46 14 9 132 16 10 142 5 3 61 2 1 12 15 2 26 18 2 28 25 25 106 101 120 10 92J 3 0 0 41 5 10 15 9 6 12 0 0 119 18 6 2 10 0 1 10 6 9 3 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 1 10 0 3 0 0 210 18 1 7 9 6 13 6 10 62 14 9 15 17 0 14 0 0 2 0 0 25 16 6 17 11 11 28 3 0 39 11 0 0 17 6 1 16 11 17 11 11 28 3 0 39 11 0 0 17 6 1 16 11 6 25 4 10 0 6 3 10 16 0 1 16 5 Totals 3,363 13 6 237 16 4 3,601 9 10 150 320 2015 148 12 10 232 13 0 405 0 2 * F means formatu :hains drains, 5,394 cul Also 9 chains gravellir n. + G mi tic yards graveli ians gravellii ling, 8 chains ig. ; This ; fascining, 16J county, in additioi chains corduroying to above, did 552 chains tussocking, 136 and 280 chains stumping and logging.

149

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896.

0 a PneinBBri.is i Expenditure from Surlevlmade ' lst A P ril - 1895 ' to oUrVcyB lllcLCie t Q 1 it * -i l one Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April, : f,, s o i,,ii,r Sh 1M6 rities issued out of Marcn, 18Bb. th(J Item named ;oads constructed. Imp] ■oved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. road. accessible. Eema,rk3. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridleroad. 93 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1G 17 IS 19 20 21 22 24 Main Roads. Warkworth-Awanui — Mongonui County Whangaroa County Bay of Islands County.. Whangarei County .. .. Otamatea County Rodney County Birkenhead-Warkworth Hamilton Bridge Whatawhata Bridge .. .. Oxford-Rotorua Maketu-Rotorua Tauranga-Napier, via Taupo Tokaanu-Taupo Napier-Wairoa .. .. Wairoa-Gisborne Bridge over Mohaka Paikakariki-Waikanae Nelson-Havelock, and bridges Belgrove-Westport-Reefton Reefton-Hokitika-Ross .. Belgrove-Tophouse-Tarndale Blenheim-Kaikoura-Waiau Kaituna-Tuamarina Waihopai Bridge Hokitika-Christchurch .. Dunback-Swinburn Lawrence-Clyde .. .. Clyde-Queenstown Miscellaneous and engineering .. M. ch. 740 £ s. d. 767 0 0 200 0 0 626 0 0 687 10 0 400 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 469 10 0 303 6 10 2,091 19 3 297 14 0 1,417 5 3 200 0 0 500 0 0 1,153 7 11 500 0 0 6,902 2 11 3,427 8 4 197 8 9 720 0 0 150 0 0 100 0 0 4,690 8 6 800 0 0 500 0 0 250 0 0 8 10 M. ch. 0 40 l' 0 1 2 0 19 0 1J ■■ 3' 7 M. ch. •• I No. - - I •• *3 1 Length. Ft. 90 '45 660 M. ch. 2 0 0 38 4 40 0 20 0 19 2 0 1 31 42 43 8 0 M. ch. M.ch. 12 0 1 12 34 0 21 0 173 0 36 0 M. Ch. Acres. 26]000 25,000 Metalling. [work done 1894-95. Metalling. Most of Work done 1894-95. Metalling. 1 bridge 30ft. Most of work done Metalled. [1894-95. Metalled. Five spans of bridge were replaced b}' an embankment. 016 3 - 56 '9 720* 2' 0 48 0 155 0 42 0 20 0 20 0 19 0 * Average. The bridges range from 30ft. to 130ft. i'29 0 20 1 0 103' 0 Four bridges under 30ft. Bracing bridge and raising embankment. 13 40 2 16 40,000 16,000 23,000 14 0 Total Vote No. 93 .. 7 56 10 74J I -iri 27,959 2 9 .. 1,515 80 27 698 12 124,000 04 1 2 8 4 •j Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges. Auckland — Aliipara-Herekino Mongonui roads Ruatangata .. .. Waipu-Marsden Point.. Totara-Whangaroa-Kaeo 0 63 50 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 200 0 0 0 3 6 - 2O 0 20 1 50 0 20 10 0 10 0 Repairs. Metalling. Metalling. Metalling. 025 046 Carried forward 1 0 63 550 0 0 0 43 50 0 45 20 46

150

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

6 I C S Narae of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Engineering Surveys made froin 1st April, • 1895, to 31st March, 1896. 31st March, 1896, , charged to Autho- n Th-Mla Bridges rities issued out of ~* a 7 +lJi* constructed over the Item named. roaa- tracK ' 30ft. Span. Koads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Improved. Dray- JJridleroad. road. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. .Remarks. Brought forward Miscellaneous Roads and Bbidges — contd. Auckland —continued. Utakura Bridge Tokatoka Post-office Otamatea County Roads Mauku District Awhitu Eoad Wharf Patumahoe Gibbon's Creek Bridge (Hamilton) Eangiriri to Railway Station Wairangi to Railway Station Waikare Lake to Onewhero Waitomo Caves Road .. Kuaotunu Cemetery Road Pukaingataru Road .. :. Rotorua-Wairoa Rotorua Wharf Rotorua Water Supply Works at Rotorua .. .. Taupo Domain Warkworth southwards Waikomiti-Swanson Henderson Roads and Bridges in Native districts M. ch. 0 63 £ s. a. 550 0 0 M. ch. 0 43 M. ch. No. 1 Length. Ft. 50 M. ch. 0 45 M. ch. M. ch. 20 46 M. ch. Acres. 94 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2G 27 6'40 60 0 0 163 3 3 100 0 0 50 0 0 6'60 6*54 i^500 Bridge complete. Metalling work done 1894-65. 50 0 0 250 0 0 1 10 Metalling. One 4ft. brick and concrete culvert. Work done 1894-95. 6' 4 28 17 3 100 0 0 32 8 0 26 14 0 017 0 TO 5 0 ■• Plans prepared. 6*21 8' 0 0 10 16 2 0 450 16 6 50 0 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 15 0 " 150 Fencing , and improving. i'ao 0 30 Metalling. Metalling. Nofyetpaid for. 168 9 0 i" 37 120 370 i6" o Totals, Auckland 1 33 2,696 10 0 4 1 4 37 1 50 17 29 1 41 29 36 18 0 1,650 ! 2 miles 16 chains of river bank. Hawke's Bay — Meanee Protective Works 1 I I [ 91 28 400 0 0 94 29 30 Taranaki — South Egmont Forest Reserve Ohura 47 8 0 3,337 1 2 4 0 See Vote 116, Item 116, .. .. Totals, Taranaki 3,384 9 2 4 0 41, 42, and 43. 94 Wellington — Ballance-Manawatu Gorge Eketahuna County Roads (flood damages) Not yet paid for. 31 32 4 71 0 7 5 Totals, Wellington .. 4 71 0 7 5

151

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

i s> E Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Roads constructed. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. road. accessible. Remarks. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Miscellaneous Roads and Beidges — eontd. M. ch. £ s. a. M. ch. M. ch. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 94 33 34 35 3G 37 38 39 Nelson — Takaka Eoads and Bridges Fern town-Pakawau Lloyd's, Valley Road .. Riwaka-Sandy Bay Brooklyn Valley Wakefield-Quail Valley Mangles 184 5 6 150 0 0 30 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 5 0 6 - 4O 1 40 340 1 0 052 6' 7 0 - 39i Totals, Nelson 6 12 0 7 1 0 39J 4 40 514 5 6 40 94 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Marlborough — Footbridge, Taylor River Blenheim-Havelock Ferry-house Robin Hood Bay-Ocean Bay Tory Heads, Whatamonga and Picton Torea Neck Pieton-Waikawa Mahakipawa-Kenepuru 50 0 0 0 12 4 •• 1 286 •• •• 2~13 6 199 19 10 •i 40 060 I •• i 3 - 56 I 1J600 I ■• Totals, Marlborough 3 56 1,600 253 5 8 326 0 60 • • •■ Contributed towards working expenses. See Vote 116, Item 257. Work done in 1894-95. General repairs th'oughout the county. General repairs th'oughout the county. •• Westland — Stafford- Waimea Westland Ferry Service I 94 47 4S 459 8 9 100 0 0 0 11 1 100 500 I 19 50 51 Great South Road Kanieri Forks-Kanieri Lake Grey County Roads (flood damages) 1,000 0 0 126 0 4 265 0 0 52 Westland County Roads 260 0 0 Totals, Westland 1 100 2,210 9 1 0 11 •• 500 64 53 54 55 Canterbury — Akaroa Heads, Lighthouse Road Roads to Co-operative Dairy Factories, Akaroa Pareora Bridge 30 10 0 6*42 Work done 1894-95. Not yet paid for. 2 72 .. .. • • Totals, Canterbury .. .. 30 10 0 0 42 .. 2 72

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152

Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to Eoads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area C* Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. road. accessible. Bemark3. 9 & a o Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Dray- j Bridleroad. I track. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, road. 94 5G 57 58 59 CO 61 63 61 Miscellaneous Koads and Bmdges — ctmtd. Otago — Queenstown Wharf, Wakatipn Lake Wanaka Wharves .. .. Eavensbourne Eoad .. .. .. Normanby-Mount Cargill .. Waitati Road Brinn's Point and Merton Henley Eoad Maori Kaika Eoad, Otago Heads Cargill Street, Caversham M. ch. £ s. d. 50 0 0 1,179 11 4 77 13 11 250 0 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 M. Ch. M. ch. No. Length. Ft. I I I M. ch. i' 0 M. ch. M. ch. 5' 0 M. ch. Acres. Land sold. 151 Native land. 120 0 75 *360 Native land. •• I Totals, Otago I • 5 0 360 1,807 5 3 1 51 6 15 •■ I •• Work done, 1894-95. Cutting 48 chains o) drains. Not yet paid for. 94 65 66 Southland — Campbelltown Winton Drains 1 5 410 0 0 50 0 0 0 31 •• 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 SO Reaby Retreat Makarewa-Grove Bush Centre Bush-Otapiri .. Wallaoetown, Spar Bush, and Waimatuku Flat Blufi Eoad Campbelltown Hundred and Campbelltown .. Girdlers Road Hillend Bush (Dipton Flat) Black Creek Bridge and Road Gore Bridge Orepuki-Waiau Heddon Bush Half-moon Bay Wharf Half-moon Bay Tramway 0 10 0 20 0 40 0 40 0 10 0 10 0 27 1 20 0 10 0 20 0 40 0 32 0 12 0 25 6'io o io 1 500' 0 0 'i 400 200' 0 0 1 0 0 23J • • •• I I •• .. • • .. •■ •• Totals, Southland 4 22 i 1,160 0 0 3 334 4C0 0 20 ■• Grants in Aid — Miscellaneous I I 1 94 SI •■ 62 83 S4 General — Works unprovided for Cheviot Cheese Factory (subsidy) Cheviot Roads 2 8 226 19 7 700 0 0 3,691 5 5 0 52J 0 40 [Dairy Company, Advanced to Cheviot Metalled, and 4 milea 9 chains of ;drains cut. One bridge 30ft. 028 612 86 62 •• .. •• Totals, Grants in Aid.. .. 2 8 4,618 5 0 0 28 6 12 0 524 87 22 ■• Total Vote No. 94 .. 6 12 54 17,075 7 1 16 214 8 20 916 33 27J 6 734 126 18 18 0 4,110 * Eepairs to bridges and culverts. One new bridge and 4 chains protection-wall.

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

153

6 6 i 1 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Engineering E f s f A *VT 189?to Surveys made Jg t A fi£i£ B && ?m5to££t ' charged to 1895, to 31st iu . d t j March, 1896. the Bem name(J ?o r aT S" consSover road. tracK. 80ft Span] Roads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. road. accessible. Remarks. Length. Ft. 95 Local Bodies. Payments of "Thirds" and "Fourths ".to Local Bodies under " The Land Act, 1892," to be recouped out of North Island Main Trunk Eailway Loan Application Deposit Account M. ch. & s. d. M. ch. M. ch. No. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 116 168 3 0 Lands Impbovbment Account. Auckland — Victoria Valley Main Eoad Takahue-Herekino Maungataniwha Iwitaua-Kaeo Kaeo-Waimate Herd's Point, Takahue Kohukohu-Rakautapu Waimamaku-Pakanae Waimamaku-Punakitere Okaihau-Victoria Valley Hokianga Heads-Ohaeawai via Eawene Ngapipito Road Opua-Waimate Ramarama Valley Towai-Ruapekapeka Opanaki-Mongonui BluS Opanaki-Hokianga Mititai-Tokatoka] Dargaville-Aratapu Dargaville-Tangiteroria Hikurangi-Jordan Plat Mangapai Kaitara Arapohue Valley Road, Paparoa Waipu Cove Whangarei Bridge (£1 for £1) Opuawhanga-Whananaki Whananaki-Ngunguru Hikurangi Parua-Taheke •• •• •• •• For work done 1894-95. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 6 0 37 0 0 •• •• 7,000 4,700 See also Item 375, Vote 116. 9*40 183 7 9 100 0 0 200 0 0 691 12 2 90 0 0 142 11 6 99 13 6 70 1 0 826 3 0 71 9 10 4 14 0 181 1 4 150 0 0 0 3 0 30 0 44J 1 60 - • 0 18 3 0 4 0 6"l4 - - 063 i'l5 .. e o 3,000 3,000 2,000 2,000 7,000 Manganuiowae Bridge in hand. 6'292 i' o •• . i 6' 0 27 0 040 1 60 0 2 1 37 1 60 1 42 sf o 4,000 See Item 377, Vote 116. Metalling. Metalled. 2,058 19 5 150 0 0 100 0 0 700 0 0 658 126 0 60 90 ]000 400 2~42 - 'i '75 •• i^500 I I i' 2 0 52 - 020 •• 10 i000 Not yet paid for. Not yet paid for. One bridge 30ft. i'40 - 020 i 36 040 2 1000 Not yet paid for. 118' 3 0 200 0 0 2 10 055 6*20 5,000 106' 0 0 ■ • 1*30 •• Carried forward 11 1 2 14 0 150,600 19 20 6,274 15 9 13 24J Ill 16 59 1 15 27 34

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154

Table No. 45.-Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

j Engineering 010* ( Surveys made £ ! fc Name of Wort, according to Item on Appropriations. I from 1st April, o ; g 1895, to 31st o » March, 1896. > ft ' Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to iJist ftiarcn, ioyo, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. ;oads cons itructed. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Impr( 'ed. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridleroad. M. oh. 19 20 £ s. d. 6,274 15 9 M. ch. 13 24J M. ch. 11 1 No. 2 Length. Ft. Ill M. ch. 16 59 M. ch. 1 15 M. ch. 27 34 M. ch. 14 0 Acres. 150,600 Brought forward 116 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 40 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 50 57 58 59 60 01 G2 03 64 65 G6 67 Lands Improvement Account — continued. Auckland —continued. Tikiponga Hill-Paranui Bridge Maunu-Otohe Otohe Forest Parua-Ruatangata-Mangakahia Maungakaramea Waipu-Mareretu Marsden Point Wharf Waipu Central Tokatoka-Mangapai Aratapu-Tatariki Te Kopuru-Tikinui Tangihua Pahi-Waikiekie Mareretu Hukatere Matakohe-Tokatoka Pahi Wharf and Road Pahi-Maungaturotu Kourawera District Kaukapakapa-Port Albert Puhoi-Makarau Ahuroa Roads Waikomiti West . Waikomiti-Huia Otau Abraham's Gully (Waiuku Maioro Swamp) .. Maioro Swamp Miranda Road .. .. Te Aroha and Waitoa Drains Whangamarino Parish Wairangi-Matahuru Rangiriri Lake, Matahuru Road Matahuru Mangapiko and Maire Tuakau Punt Tuakau-Opuatia-Kahuruhuru I 5' 9 100 0 0 196 8 3 100 0 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 300 0 0 44 13 10 150 0 0 251 14 10 554 17 2 178 18 4 114 0 0 100 0 0 372 17 9 50 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 0 31 0 32 0 18 2*10 - 6'52 2*31 5 9 •• •• •• 1 20 1 20 0 7 6'70 6'56 6' 5 4*48 0 26 4 0 10 0 4' 0 100,100 30,000 10,000 900 1,200 300 Not yet paid for. Metalling. Repairs to wharf. 1 Wharf, &c. Metalling. Work done 1894-95. i'40 1. 400 120 500 Work done 1894-95. 166 160 0 0 403 18 7 50 0 0 •137 17 1 107 0 8 t214 9 6 338 I 1 .. 7 68 1 6 10 2,000 * F. W. Manning's compensation £261 5s. included in the £403 18s. 7d. 0*38 i '40 - - - 3' 0 206' 0 0 3' 0 i '42} 2 0 145' 2 1 113 See also Vote-117, item 28. - 500' 0 0 736 Carried forward 31 15 11,161 5 10 41 52J 18 69 4 192} 40 10 1 15 31 34 14 0 296,120 * Bridi jes over drains. tDee; >eninj and ;enerall; iXD] >rovini drainaj :e.

155

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Suevey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

25 C—l

*jj Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. frcmWt "Aprfl, -g § 1895, to 3ist £ j a March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 18?6, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land T-* _ . RrirlcrAQ rendered Dray- Bridle- con ,«£"A7, „_._ Dray- Bridle- Dray- Bridle- more road. track. COn 3 S o ft UC spa n ° ver road. road. road. road. accessible. Roads constructed. Remarks. Brought forward M. ch. 31 15 £ s. a. 11,161 5 10 M. ch. 41 52£ M. eh. 18 69 No. 4 Length. Ft. 192J M. ch. 40 10 M. ch. 1 15 M. oh. 31 34 M. ch. 14 0 Acres. 296,120 116 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 SO 81 83 81 So Lands Improvement Account — continued. Auckland —continued. Awaroa (XI.) .. Raglan-Waipa Huntly-Kahuruhuru Brigmen's Landing and Mercer Road Aotea-Eaglan Waingaro-Ngaruawhia Waitetuna-Aotea Tairua-Whenuakite Kauaeranga Valley Pye's Pa Arahiwi and Mamaku Railway-station Kihikihi-Otorohanga-Te Kuiti Alexandra-Kawhia Wharauroa Waiotahi Bridge Sundry Roads, Bay of Plenty Purchase of Roads Miscellaneous and Engineering .. Oruru-Hikurangi Manganuiowae Marlborough Association Tauhoa Waipu North Grahamstown Paparoa Land for Settlements —Opouriao Estate l' 0 i' 5 15 13 3 300 0 0 135 4 9 17 6 0 125 7 5 32 14 11 73'lO 0 200 0 0 712 4 63 5 8 2 52 2 76 3 - 16 •• I •• I 15S 0 40 i' 0 0 41 063 0 77£ 42' 0 25* 0 2,000 7,000 2 miles' road partly constructed. 500 0 0 275 0 0 1 140 1 358 18 9 •■ Repairs and maintenance to road and bridges. •■ 120 4 0 See the loan Item 376, Vote 116. •■ ■• See also Vote 116, Item 393. ■• 329 15 0 0 25 .. •• 1 1 1 Totals, Auckland 33 20 13,711 6 8 6 305,020 52 39J 20 29 363-6 42 58 1 15 73 34 39 0 S6 S3 89 90 91 92 Hawke's Bay — Mata Valley Tokomaru-Huiarua Tauwhareparae-Crown Lands Tologa-Marunga-Tauwhareparae Waimata-Tauwhareparae Tologa-Arakihi Gisborne via Tologa Bay-Awanui.. 91 13 4 100 0 0 119 5 0 309 9 6 2 58 •• .. 30]000 •• 1 40 3 66 I 20,000 i' o •0 28 tl6' 0 10,000 .. Carried forward 1 40 620 7 10 3 i 2 58 0G 1 28 10 0 60,000 * Metalling. + General repairs.

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156

Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

■c, . • „ Expenditure from Engineering . * »,-,,.;, 1Rn = tn 6 6 Surveys made JSt fiSrohMW 55 55 Same of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April, chareed to Autho I I Ma?ch°l 3 896 rities issued out of £ ;8 March, 189b. the Item named. -oads constructed. Improved. Maintained. i Area of Crown l^and rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Dray- Bridleroad, road. M. ch. 1 40 £ s. a. 620 7 10 M. ch. M. ch. 2 58 No. 3 Length. Ft. 66 M. ch. 1 28 M. ch. M. Ch. 10 0 M. ch. Acres. 60,000 Brought forward 116 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 Lands Impbovement Account — continued. Saivke's Bay —continued. Gisborne-Opotiki Opotiki-East Cape Pakarae Road and Punt Pouawa Eoad Board .. Waikohu-Motu Muriwai-Mahia Nuhaka Nuhaka-Gisborne Frasertown-Waikaremoana Wairoa County Eoacls (flood damages) Ormondville-Waikopiro Miscellaneous and Engineering .. 12 44 578 4 8 300 0 0 782 9 4 92 15 0 542 19 1 50 0 0 691 0 3 •• 4 - 75 ■• •• - ■• 18* 0 *2 0 1 66 0 13,000 8,000 Work done in 1894-95. Pnnt and approaches in addition. Work done 1894-95. 233 7 0 14,000 t259 16 5 f300 0 0 I 1 I 60 I I " 9^000 See also Vote 117, Item 22. 4 10 0 Totals Hawke's Bay .. 14 53 4 126 1 28 I 18 0 12 0 66 0 104,000 Work done 1894-95. 16 37 4,222 2 7 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 Taranaki — Mohakatino Bridge Mimi-JIangaroa Tikorangi Bridge, £1 for £1 Tikorangi-Te Tarata Bridge over Purangi Junction Eoad to Purangi, £1 for £1 Moanatairi Special Settlement Tongapurutu Perry Moki Eoad Upper Waitara-Mangaere Huiroa Township (bushfelling) Stratford-Ongaruhe (Ohura) 625 18 9 11 16 2 152 0 2 2 7 6 536 10 3 69 8 6 1 30 1 42 I * * ji" 5 6*20 0 30 Preparing plans. Work principally done 1894-95. - 17 21 661 1 1 Payment was made out of Survey Vote. 2 20 i 35 8 40 7 45 3,976' 5 6 10 48 17 0 h 256 {i'74 18 60 52 0 See also Vote 94, Item 30, and Vote 117, Items 41, 42, and 43. See also Item 416 under Government Loans to Local Bodies. 117 118 119 120 121 122 Autawa and Pita Eoads Anderson's Eoad and Bridges Mangamingi Huiroa Eoads Newall Eoad Carrington Eoad 400 0 0 242 12 0 59 10 8 4 58 1 0 5 11 5 40 1 20 100* 0 0 1*33 .. Carried forward 24 66 o 6,837 10 7 19 9 27 13 291 2 79 25 0 52 30 14 0 * General re] iairs. tEe] lairii dam; ;ebflooa. Metallim

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157

Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

Fnffinenrinfr i Expenditure from o c I . ™, *&*■ y< « Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April, . "if* , Vj iu ' op «-*—«• , »j t ' charged to Autnoo S March 18% rities issued out of > j a March, 189b. the Item named. Roads constructed. Improved. Maini iained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Brought forward M. eh. 24 66 £ s. d. 6,837 10 7 M. ch. 19 9 M. ch. 27 13 No. 6 Length. Ft. 291 M. ch. 2 79 M. ch. 25 0 M. ch. 52 30 M. ch. 14 0 Acres. 116 123 124 125 413 421 126 Lands Impbovement Account — continued. Taranaki —continued. Motukawa Central Patea Valley .. Kaimanuka-Rawhitiroa Mangaotuku Waiweranui Miscellaneous and Engineering 141 0 0 185 15 2 124 2 0 "i 198 Iβ' 15 Compensation. i'34 i' 8 130 139* 0 9 169 Totals Taranaki 24 66 7,427 8 6 22 32 28 21 2 79 26 30 52 30 32 15 To open up lands in Taranaki District. 10 489 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 Wellington — Okotuku Ngaio Road Waitotara Omahine Taumaranui-Ohakune.. Watershed and Murray's Hunterville, 1, 2, 3 Turakina Valley Road .. Raetihi-Ohura Pipiriki-Waiouru Waimarino .. Ohirjgaiti-Tokaanu Rangitikei Bridge (Mangaweka) .. Taihape-Paengaroa Vinegar Hill Road Rangitikei Bridge, Vinegar Hill (£1 for £1) .. Rangitikei Bridge, Otara (£1 for £1) Oroua Bridge Cpper Manawatu Roads Mangoira-Coal Creek Oroua-Coal Creek Conspicuous Road Pakihikura Road Kelpie Road Mangawharariki Pohangina Forest Mill and Tram.. 236 1 40 5 0 2 0 6 io 100 0 0 200 0 0 1,131 2 3 772 12 9 121 16 3 83 1 0 1,449 15 8 2,500 17 10 498 1 0 1,713 14 8 8 4 7 890 12 0 200 0 0 1,424 0 0 1 3 1 16 8 79 040 3 11 1 45 156 1 36 2 31 6" 9 1 12 1 32 *3' 0 •1 64 8* 0 3 0 8 40 41 0 88 0 1 0 1 45 79 0 5' 0 0 20 5 0 •■ 50,000 1 50,000 20,000 100,000 50,000 5,000 See Te Kapua, item 432. Not yet paid for. See the loan Item 427, Vote 116. Not yet paid for. ■• *0 60 By County. 400ft. total length. 1 240 6 18 205 14 8 377 11 11 2 200 2 0 1 45 229* 7 11 2*55 0 35 5*20 i^800 Not yet paid. 217 13 1 3,919 1 11 2*37 6 16 1 2 '50 134 171 6 0 7 20 Carried forward 21 69 101 60 276,800 16,043 7 6 18 71 12 10 656 7 35 157 5 * Metalling.

158

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Return No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

o ® Name of Work according to Item 00 Appropriations. Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. loads cons itructed. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Improved. Maintained. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. M. ch. 21 69 £' s. d. 1,6043 7 6 M. eh. 18 71 M. oh. 12 10 No. 7 Length. Ft. 656 M. ch. 7 35 M. oh. M. ch. 157 5 M. ch. 101 60 Acres. 276,800 Brought forward 116 Lands Improvement Account — continued. 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 183 184 185 186 Wellington— continued. Pohangina Valley Forest Reserve.. Pembroke-Wairaki (Pukerimu) Otawhao Road Woodville-Aohanga Makairo-Kumeroa Mangatoro Township Tiraumea North Tiraumea Valley Road Mangatoro Valley Waewaepa, £1 for £1 .. Mangahao Bridge Mangatainoko Bridge (subsidy) Tiraumea Bridge (subsidy), Hull's Crossing .. Mangatainoko on Bridge Road Te Aupapa Road and Makuri Bridge Upper Makuri Valley Road Makuri Township (unsold) Makairo Road Towai Road Tiraumea River Road-Pa Valley Road Makuri-Aohanga Road Mangaone Valley Alfredton-Weber Rising Sun Association MauricevlHe Roads (storm damages) North Wairarapa (flood damages), £1 for £1 .. Bowen's Road-Hastwell Eketahuna-Alfredton .. Kaikoura Association Masterton Reform Association Christchurch Association Coonoor Association Cleland's Road Eketahuna-Parkville 1 46 275 0 0 405 1 5 200 0 0 389 17 11 •• •• •• 1 71 •■ •• 1,150 Metalling mostly done, 1894-95. 6 7 1 59 0 61 540 34 2 6 381 14 5 214 3 1 1,777 19 2 0 20 1 2 1 70 80 36 i 0 1 0 10 0 7 0 "l00 Felling. Metalling. 216 619 Metalling. 420 0 0 900 0 0 238 10 0 96 10 0 200 0 0 406 19 0 42 2 10 196 14 11 245 18 3 1 1 1 1 1 212 70 166 60 43 1 0 •• I 27 0 1 40 12 0 •• I •• I I i Metalling. 1 1 50 34 755 i' 0 86 4*40 6*700 1 bridge, 30ft. 535 1,237 7 1 49 17 1 9,930 11 11 2 20 2 20 1 640 19*60 11 17 053 '4 ieo 7 0 31 0 7 0 10,000 I - 788 9 8 131 0 0 350 0 0 2'18 *3 194 2 0 2 20 2,500 Carried forward 1 9 54 ! 255 45 ! 127 40 ! 297,250 62 32 34,955 6 9 37 2 18 43 26 1,917 1 71

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Suevey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

159

Engineering d i o Surveys made J 2 ! j Kame of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April, Z S 1895, to 31st £ 2. March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April. 1895, to 31st March, 1896, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. ioads con: itructed. Improved. Maintl ,ined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. M. ch. 62 32 £ s. a. 34,955 6 9 M. oh. 37 2 M. ch. 18 43 No. 26 Length. Ft. 1917 M. ch. 9 54 M. oh. 1 71 M. ch. 255 45 M. ch. 127 40 Acres. 297,250 Brought forward 116 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 Lands Improvement Account — continued. Wellington —continued. Newman-Stirling Barton's Eoad-Waiwere Pori Road .. Mangamahoe Road Burling's-Mecali ckstone Mount Baker (Pioneer) Makuri-Pongaroa Hukanui-Hawera, £1 for 10s. Mangaramarama 100 0 0 292 2 S 500 0 0 217 19 0 144 7 8 1,039 3 11 250 0 0 3 18 012 531 0 17 036 •■ 1 54 0 50 400 Metalling. Bepairirjg flood -[damages. 1 43 2 50 1 0 i'12 3 0 •• 2 76 24 0 4^700 .. 1*40 2*40 Not yet paid for. Metalling. 1 Compensation. 196 197 198 199 200 Mangaoronga Road Mount Marchant Road, £1 for £1.. Mount Holdsworth Road Kaiwhata Valley Wainuioru-East Coast 50 0 0 510 0 0 366 12 5 300 0 0 2 - 42 2 1000 Fencing. Eepairing flood - damages. Repairs to Bridges. 201 202 203 Ruamahanga Bridge Waiohine Bridge Wellington Fruit-growers' Association 150 0 0 79' 8 11 53J chains, bushfelling and clearing. Not yet paid for. Work principally done 1894-95. Completion of bridge. 204 205 Whiteman's Valley Waikanae-Hutt 228 13 8 0 62 0 12 206 207 Waitangi Bridge (Chathams) Miscellaneous and engineering Meealickstone 65 7 3 440 1 0 76 6 4 Pahiatua-Palmerston .. Hautapu 52' 0 8 9 0 See the loan, Vote 116, Item 182. Not yet paid for. See the lean, Vote 116, Item 435. Totals, Wellington 23 11 29 39,870 11 11 51 31 2,047 11 64 1 71 258 5 160 40 304,350 116 208 209 Nelson — Riwaka Bridge Riwaka Valley 500 0 0 1 210 •• .. Carried forward 500 0 0 210

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160

Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

J . Engineering e 1K jf£ 6 6 Surveys made J™ -J ' i ibok fc * Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April, „!,„,.„ t? to i,,tw?' I § Mareh 1896 rities issued out of > £ Marcn, lBJb. the Item named _ ;oads cons itructed. Impr( »ved. Maini ;ained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. ISomarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. M. ch. £ s. d. 500 0 0 M. oh. M. ch. No. 1 Length. Ft. 210 M. oh. M. eh, M. oh. M. ch. Acres. Brought forward .. 116 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 Miscellaneous Eoads and Eoads to open up Lands — Continued. Nelson —continued. Waimea West Waimea County Eoads Wakefield-Stanley Brook Dove River Bridge Quail Valley Wairoa Gorge Canaan Road Maekay Pass .. .. Takaka-Collingwood Inland Eoad Takaka-Riwaka .. .. Whangapeka-Wanganui Seddonville-Mokihinui Pairdown-Waimangaroa Mud Flat-Karamea-Oparara Granity Greek-Ngakawau Ahaura-Haupiri Reefton-Maruia-Inangahua Hanmer Miscellaneous and Engineering .. 150 0 0 364* 0 0 1 53 [ "■ Repairing flood - damages in various parti of the county. 3O6" 0 0 657 10 11 640 573 28T , ' 6 6 6'65 126 14 6 3 3 0 Totals, Nelson I 2,388 14 11 8 13 6 58 1 '210 •• •• •• 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 Marlborough — Double Bay Anakoa-Manaroa Kenepuru-Manaroa Kenepuru-Anakoa Whatamonga-Port Underwood Tracks, Queen Charlotte Sound Crail Bay Track Manaroa— Okoha .. .. .. White's Bay, Port Underwood Manaroa-Hopai Arapawa-Tawhiti Nydia Bay-Havelook - - - I 10 5 8 200 0 0 i'lO 0 98 12 1 2 6 0 197 15 7 45 19 6 4 17 079 0 42 4 74 1 1 i *86 I •• I 2,250 3,650 5,900 - 6'5O - - 67 1 8 1°25 •• 3,800 .. .. Carried forward • • i 626 10 6 12 78 86 0 50 15,600

161

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

Fnmnepriiii? Expenditure from ■kngineeimg u April, 1895, to 6 o Surveys made ~, t ,f r 'y, -.one izi & Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from let April, charced to, Autho I g Mafch°1896 ritles issued out of £ S Maich, JjJb. the Item named. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Roads constructed. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- Dray- Bridle- more road. road. road. road. accessible. Iiomarks. M. oh. £ s. d. 626 10 6 M. ch. M. ch. 12 78 No. 1 Length. Ft. 86 M. ch. M. ch 0 50 M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 15,600 116 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 Brought forward Miscellaneous Roads and Roads to open up Lands — continued. Marlborough —continued. Ronga Valley Okiwi-Ronga Redwood-Pass Road Brown River Bridge Jordan Bridge, Awatere Onamalutu Valley Bartlett's Greek Tawhiunui-Rai Miscellaneous and Engineering Land for Settlements — Blind River Estate - - 65 3 6 50 0 0 800 0 0 400 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 2 12 3 73 •■ f 0 In progress; four spans. Two 30ft., one 80ft., and one 55ft. 6" 78 "900 17,000 1 59 12*15 9 One bridge under 30ft. 408 4 2 0 53 Totals, Marlborough 2,762 13 11 0 53 20 62 1 86 7 78 0 50 33,500 tuiu uuivens. 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 Westland — Greenstone-Teremakau Woodstock-Mahinapua Whitcombe Valley Track Dawson's Road Lake Mapourika Turnbull River Road Haast Pass Track Hokitika Southwards Wataroa Bluff-Okarito Track Okarito River Bridge Lower Arahura Bridge, repairs Mount Howe Track Block 112, Kokatahi Kokatahi Miscellaneous and Engineering 2 8 11 389 14 3 244 17 0 49 5 3 189 11 6 283 15 10 765 5 8 2,141 2 0 247 4 4 0 61 6 - 78 1*27* 27 75 1 70 3 78 1 40J i 1 '3 '33 288 246 0 19 45 0 6,000 500 200 1,000 i'000 500 Wire foot-bridge. Widened and metalled. See also Vote 94, Item 49. 37' 11 9 .. Totals, Westland 4,350 16 6 3 6J' 35 23J 5 567 0 19 45 0 9,200 265 266 267 268 Canterbury — Waipara-Cheviot Oxford Bush Road Extension Reserve 1496, Ashburton Haehaetemoana 200 0 0 45 0 0 150 0 0 •• 5 0 2 0 i'40 160 Carried forward 395 0 0 I 1 40 1 60 .. 7 0 I -• I

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162

Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

6 & Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. M Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Roads com itructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Dray- Bridleroad, road. M. eh. £ s. d. 395 0 0 M. ch. 1 40 M. ch. 1 60 No. Length. Ft. M. ch. 7 0 M. ch. Brought forward Lands Impbovement Account — continued. Canterbury —con tinued. Pukaki-Mount Cook .. Fairlie-Pukaki Cliff Road .. Tengawai, £1 for £1 .. Contribution to erection of Pukaki Bridge, £ for £ Pukaki-Omarama Miscellaneous and Engineering Land for settlements — Pareora Estate Roimata Cheviot Estate Account M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 116 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 21 3 6 250 0 0 1 42 643 Repairs to Hooker Bridge. 350 0 0 250 0 0 016 i 360 s'io I I 28 10 6 178 19 6 1,779 9 2 0 61 0 49 See also Vote 94, Item 84. 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 Totals, Canterbury Otago — Livingstone-Kyeburn .. Makarora-Haast Valley Makarora Vallev Lower Hawea and Lower Wanaka Roughridge-Poolburn-Tuapeka Ophir District Water-supply Lindis Pass Road Kyeburn District Run 206a, Naseby .. .. ., Run 206f, Maniototo Hamilton Bridge Capburn Bridge Block XI., Maniototo Block XVI., Maniototo Upper Taieri and Rock and Pillar Martin's Bay-Lake Wakatipu Lake Te Anau-Sutherland Falls Track Glenorchy-Earnslaw Dart River Road Bent Burn-Glacier Burn Rees River Road Pembroke-Matukituki.. Connecting Road, Block IX., Moeraki Seacliff Asylum Road .. 3 1 3,253 2 8 2,090 5 4 150 0 0 400 0 0 300' 0 0 4 48 2 50 3'57 1 60 6 0 i i 360 100 18 53 •• I 28,000 Three spans of bridge in progress, 118ft. I I I •• I I I •• 25 0 0 265 5 6 100 0 0 \ . 6* 0 20' 0 26^000 Tourist country. 053 43,000 100 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 1 41 5' 0 33,000 Tourist country. 6'24 200' 0 0 i 35 "360 .. .. .. Carried forward 3 1 i 3,696 10 10 7 68 6 77 100 1 35 6 0 25 0 130,360

163

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

26—C. 1.

Engineering Surveys made Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to Eoads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of ■ Crown Land rendered Dray- I Bridle- more road. I road. accessible. o > I* ! 1-1 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. ?o r aT S" consSdover road. tract. 30ft gpan Dray- Bridleroad, road. Remarks. Brought forward Lands Improvement Vccoont — continued. Otago —continued. Taieri Mouth Punt Maungatua and Waipori Blocks XII., XIII., XV., Maungatua Blair-Taieri Teviot Small Grazing-runs Beaumont and Rankleburn Tuapeka Mouth Punt Glenomaru Woodlands M. ch. 3 1 £ s. d. 3,696 10 10 M. ch. 7 68 M. ch. 6 77 No. 1 Length. Ft. 100 M. ch. 1 35 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 31 0 Acres. 130,360 116 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 88 4 10 900 0 8 200 0 0 220 19 9 1,206 5 3 3" 0 1 20 7470 13,900 £143 7s. 6d.Vpaid for compensation for land. Land sold. Land sold. 668 2 46 i' 6 2*38 5^000 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 Ratanui Road Long Point Road Hunt's Road Cannibal Bay Road Catlin's Roads Catlin's and Tautuku Tahaukupu Rimu Tautuku Rimu, Block XIV. Wingfield Road, Ratanui Waikawa-Catlin's Table Hill Water of Leith Protective Works Purchase of Roads Miscellaneous and Engineering Land for Settlements — Maerewhenua Estate Puketapu Makareao 99 10 5 190 1 0 202 13 3 327 12 6 160 13 10 329 2 2 240 17 9 0 55 i' 0 2 40 i'32 0 12 3 - 38 i' 0 340 5 .32 Moo 1,300 1,000 See also next item. See also Item 313, Vote 116. 371 2 3 150 0 0 1 30 • 1 0 72 25' 0 i^200 . 20 0 0 131 16 6 10 44 3 1 2 40 2,682 5 11 155 6 3 10 44 1 41 2,800 496 Not yet paid for. Totals, Otago 25 74 11,963 3 2 8 17 100 11 31 2 38 30 32 31 0 164,526 Not yet paid for. 32 52 1 325 326 327 328 329 330 Southland — Clifton Ferry-Eastern Bush (Limestone Gorge) Longwood (XVI.-I.) Track to McLaren's Run Grassy Creek Lilburn Roads Mossburn-Te Anau Road 9 0 2* 0 •• - 150 0 0 326 19 10 500 0 0 8 45 150 6 0 •■ ■• ■■ .. •• •• 3,000 6,000 Not yet paid for. i ioo 2,000 048 I ! Carried forward 11 0 976 19 10 10 63 6 0 1 i-r 100 11,000 .. I I .. I I .. I

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164

Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896.— continued.

I 6 S Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Fn<Tineerine Expenditure from made lst April - 1895 ' to from 31st March ' 1896 ' 1WH to Mrf charged to Authoiw' v. i oS "ties issued out of March, 1806. the Mem named . Dray- Bridleroad, track. Boads constructed. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Improved. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Kemarks. M. oh. 11 0 £ s. d. 976 19 10 M. ch. 10 63 M. ch. 0 0 No. 1 Length. Ft. 100 M. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 11,000 Brought forward 116 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 Lands Impkovement Account — continued. Southland —continued. Gow's Creek Stock Bridge Riverton and Colac Bay Orepuki-Wairaurahiri Waiau Bridge, Clifden Lonaker's Settlement Owari Bridge, Mokoreta Valley, £1 for £1 Forest Hill Tramway Road Fortrose-Tokanui-Waikawa Tisbury-Waimatua Makarewa Bridge Seaward Bush Roads Clifton to Seaward Bush Mataura River Protective Works Waikawa District Wyndham Road Bridge, £1 for £1 Waimea Valley Road 0 36 032 2 0 100 0 0 • 579 14 10 81 10 9 128 9 6 100 0 0 500 0 0 299 13 0 332 19 2 155 8 10* 108 14 lit 200 0 0 500 0 0 200 0 0 0 36 6' 9 032 1 40 1*60 [1894-95. Work principally done Advertising tenders. i 8 i^ooo 6' 7 0 4 1 93 •• 50 2"o 2 33 •• 800 cubic yards rubble deposited. 1 120 .. •■ 120 .. .. Formation just started not yet paid for. Spent on Fortrose-Po-kaanu-Waikawa Road. Not yet paid for. 347 Quarry Hills 0 36 100 0 0 0 36 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 Orion and Minerva Roads, Makarewa, £1 foi 61 Forest Hill Road Forest Hill-Macdonald Road Campbelltown Waikawa- Wyndham Valley Road Oteramika Road Timpany's Hill to Gorge Railway-station, Oteramika Millwood Special Settlement Invercargiil Hundred Hedgehope, Mataura 0 27 2 0 2 0 284 18 9 697 4 8 300 0 0 0 19 0 0 50 1 47 1 45 1 100 0 20 0 53 1 40 0 10 0 10 0 10 •• Work done in 1894-95. Not yet paid for. Not yet paid for. Not yet paid for. •• i'.ooo 355 356 357 0 27 0 78 2 40 0 5 0 48 1 21 200 Not yet paid for. Not yet paid fer. Includes Item 359. Not yet paid for. Not yet paid for. See Item 357. Not yet paid for. Not yet paid for. 358 359 Mabel District Dunsdale 0 45 0 45 ■■■ 360 361 Otamita Retreat Purchase of Roads 1 25 1 25 Carried forward 29 79 13,350 5,646 13 3 21 38 6 0 353 4 6 * £146 odd was spent by C. S. in 1894-95. t £100 odd was spent by C. S. in 1894-95.

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

165

d o 0 I Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to charged to Authorities issued out of ' the Item named. ?oaT Sroad. tract. 3Mt gpftn _ Boads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Improved. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bern arks. Brough t forward Lands Improvement Account — continued. Southland —continued. Stewart Island Roads Miscellaneous and Engineering Land for Settlement, Merrivale Estate M. ch. 29 79 £ s. d. 5,646 13 3 M. ch. 21 38 M. ch. 6 0 No. 4 Length. Ft. 353 M. ch. 4 6 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 13,350 116 362 363 4 0 813 14 3 99 14 0 956 14 6 4 12 1 50 800 9 16 4 55 9,198 Work done, 1894-95. Totals, Southland 43 15 7,516 16 0 4 23,948 26 13 10 12 353 4 6 1 50 Lands Improvement Account —Grants in Aid — Co-operative Works for Unemployed I 364 365 366 Advances to Co-operative Workmen Improved Farm Settlements 20 76 440 1 5 177 10 0 17,787 8 8 li" 3 23 16 I I 1 80 1 20 6'75 14^440 See also Item 193, Vote 116. Advanced for dwellings. 654 acres felled; 3 miles 5 chains felled on road. Totals, Grants-in-aid 20 76 18,405 0 1 14 3 23 16 1 SO 1 20 0 75 14,440 Lands Improvement Account —Village Settlements. I Roads — Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Nelson Canterbury Otago Southland 378 14 9 0 4 General repairs. 367 368 36'J 370 371 372 373 0 24 •• •• •■ 108 15 11 i 0 n 70 0 0 114 16 0 291 5 7 068 160 7,352 ■• Totals, Village Settlements 529 18 5 2 12 0 4 1 60 I .. I I .- .. 7,352 Lands Improvement Account — Government Loans to Local Bodies. 1 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 Atickland — Takahua Block Maungataniwha Block Manganuiowae Block Waipoua Block Marlborough Block .. Ruapekapeka Block Motatau Block Opuawhanga-Whangarei No 1 Block 77 9 0 309 19 9 554 6 11 4,700 2,000 •• 550 See Item 3, Vote 116. See Opanaki-Hokianga, Item 17, Vote 116. 18,000 Carried forward 24,700 ■ • 941 15 8 5 50

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166

Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

d j o £ ' z Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. s a Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. ;oads com itructed. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. road. accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. M. oh. £ s. d. 941 15 8 M. ch. M. ch. 5 50 No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 24,700 , Brought forward 116 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 Lands Improvement Account — Government Loans to Local Bodies — continued. Auckland —continued. Tokatoka Swamp Block Pakiri Block Tauhoa Block Ahuroa Block Auckland Special Settlement Maropui (Block III., Kaihu) Block Avoca Block Ahaaka Swamp Block Taupiri Block Kaimarama Block Waiotahi Block Waimana Waiawa Block Mangaokahu Block Ngunguru Block Takahue —Whangape Karioi —Alexanddra 64 54 I 430 15 5 358 0 0 100 0 0 4~37 I •• I •• •• I 11,000 4 ",000 Work done 1894-95. Work done 1894-95. Work done 1894-95. i^000 1,936 19 4 5*57 9 40 Not yet paid for. Totals, Auckland 74 14 40,700 3,767 10 5 5 57 10 7 .. Hawke's Bay — Hikurangi Block Waiau Block .. Ruakituri Block Pohui Block Ruahine Block Umutaoroa Block Tauwharetoi Block Wakarara Block ! £50 was paid in April. 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 5 40 100 0 0 40 3 6 121 4 11 136 13 1 •• 4,800 Work done 1894-95. Felling and clearing onl; of 3 miles 10 chains. 9 10 I •• .. Totals, Hawke's Bay 1 5 40 407 2 6 4,800 Taranaki — Okoke Block Upper Waitara Block 270 12 4 63 8 6 Work completed ii 1894-95. 403 404 1 69 Carried forward 334 0 10 1 69

167

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

! j Engineering ' Roads constructed. 6 0 Surveys made if« t March 1896 £ I « , Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. ! from 1st April, pharewl to Autho Bridseq 1 I : 22£wm comSSdover •S S I Malcn ' ibJb - the Item named. roacl - tracK - 30ft. Span. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- Dray- Briale- more road. road. road. road. accessible. Be in arks. Length. M. ch. £ s. d. M. oh. M. ch. No. Ft. Brought forward .. .. .. 334 0 10 .. 1 69 Lands Improvement Account —Government M. ch. M. ch.j M. ch. 1 69 No. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. oh. Moh. Aores. 116 Loans to Local bodies — continued. Taranaki —continued. L16 405 Oxford Association Block .. .. .. 317 14 1 .. 0 50 '. .. 406 Ngatimaru Block .. .. .. .. 172 17 7 407 Lepperton Block .. .. .. .. 14 10 0 i 0 20 .. 408 Moanatairi Block 409 Milsom Block .. .. .. .. 9 14 6 410 Mangaere Block .. .. .. .. 724 0 8 10 2 30 411 Ross Block .. .. .. .. .. I 412 Eltham Block .. .. .. .. 659 6 7 ; .. 3 52 a i n n _*i Ti -trier 413 See after Item 125 414 Mangaehu Block .. .. .. .. 273 10 6 415 Manganui Block .. .. .. .. 408 0 4 ... 7 45 416 Autawa Block .. .. .. .. 793 0 1 I 417 Gatton Block .. .. .. .. f>0 6 6 .. 3 8 1 48 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 Brought forward Lands Improvement Account — Government Loans to Local Bodies — continued. Taranaki —continued. Oxford Association Block Ngatimaru Block Lepperton Block Moanatairi Block inisom Block Mangaere Block Ross Block Eltham Block See after Item 125 Mangaehu Block Manganui Block Autawa Block Gatton Block Terrace End Rangawhakaoma Block Kaupokonui Block See after Item 125 Patua (Egmont V., VII., XI.) Block Egmont (VI.) Block .. Kaitangiwhenua No. 2 Block Kaitangiwhenua No. 3 Block Opaku-Kapara Block .. Puniwhakau Block Toro (Section 23, Block IV., Huiroa) Block .. .. 0 50 0 20 .. 2 30 8 52 7 45 •• ■• .. i ■• .. •• .. .. 1 •• 5 0 5 0 • • [1894-95. Part of work done in Work done in 1894-95. Work done in 1894-95. 1 3 3 1 48 See item 117, for work done. _ ** *' ■' ** i diR Terra.™ F.nr] i ilB Terrace .Bind 419 Rangawhakaoma Block .. .. 420 Kaupokonui Block I •• I 491 Rbo offer Them 1 Qfi 421 See after Item 125 .. • • 422 Patua (Egmont V., VII., XI.) Block .. .. .. .. 423 Egmont (VI.) Block .. .. .. .. 199 18 7 .. 3 1.. Ant XT' _ 1±. • __1 "KT_ n T>1 1_ \ B 1 424 Kaitangiwhenua No. 2 Block .. .. ) n nntf o ., ,„ , n in QAA 425 Kaitangiwhenua No. 3 Block .. .. " 2,825 3 1 .. 10 40 10 644 } 10 40 10 644 17 18 426 Opaku-Kapara Block .. .. .. .. 564 14 2 .. 3 51 3 51 Puniwhakau Block Toro (Section 23, Block IV., Huiroa) Block .. Totals, Taranaki .. .. .. 7,357 3 6 1 0 j 36 41 11 692 Totals, Taranaki 7,357 3 6 36 41 11 692 I 27 18 • • Wellington — Waimarino No. 2 Block 1,984 3 9 6 63 1 13 8 52 427 12 3 1 13 6 63 9,000 See also Item 136, Vote 116. See also Item 430, Vote 116," Wanganui," not yet paid for. 428 Clifton Block 1 55 2 74 2 74 4 64 429 430 431 Kaitieke Block Wanganui Block Wanganui and Ruapehu Block 9 0 1,487 5 5 532 12 3 6 9 6 9 •• 6 9 50,000 See Item 428, Vote 116, "Clifton." Carried forward I ! 1 13 19 45 59,000 22 58 4,004 1 5 1 13 15 66 15 66 .. .. .. ..

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168

Table No. 45.—Statement showing Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

o I a Engineering Surveys made Name d \\ c*k according to Item on Appropriations. from let April, 189S, to 31st March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. -oads cons structed. Iinpn ived. Main I ;ained. Area of Crown T^and rendered more accessible. Hemarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. M.ch. 22 58 £ s. d. 4,004 1 5 M.ch. 1 13 M. oh. 15 66 No. Length. Ft. M. oh. M. oh. M. ch. 1 13 M.ch. 19 45 Brought forward Lands Improvement Account — Goveenment Loans to Local Bodies — continued. Wellington —continued. Te Kapua Block, Sommerville and Palmerston North Knights of Labour Kawatau Hautapu-Ruahine Hautapu Block Hautapu No. 2 .. Mangoira Coal Creek Malton Salisbury and Delaware Pohangina Umutoi Momohaki Village-settlement Hall Association Block Kaiparoro Block Kakariki Block Stirling Block .. .. .-. Mecalickstone Block Coonoor Block Kaitangata Block Te Ngaue Block Puketoi-Aohanga Block Dannevirke-Centennial Block Acres. 59,000 116 432 11 40 1,405 0 11 5 9 16 0 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 182 6 42 2 60 4 55 13 37 1 70 0 65 1,251 0 4 377 11 5 578 15 5 112 12 3 2,346 16 0 218 14 10 23 13 3 39 6 0 124 0 2 .924 4 9 6 66 2 67 1 70 1 25J li'u 1 4 2 .. 112 8 - 70 1 0 11 60 4,200 200 1,500 400 1 mile 46 chains bushfelling and clearing. 2 0 1 17 1 63 1 30 2,000 559 6 9 t 247 5' 0 i^000 031 4^800 Not yet paid for. 85* 4 11 See Vote 116, Item 191. i • • , Totals, Wellington 65 57 12,050 8 5 1 13 52 46J 2 112 2 76 62 15 73,100 Canterbury — Ruapuna Block 447 Totals^Canterbury ■• 448 449 450 451 452 453 454 Otago — Domet and Maruwenua Block Catlins' Block Tahaukapu Block Waikoikoi Township Block Glenomaru (3, 4, 5, 7, and 10) Block Tiger Hill Block Lauder Tiger Hill Block .. I I .. I I I I - i - 150* 0 0 0 65 i|830 .. .. • • Carried forward ! : 150 0 0 0 65 1,830

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1896— continued.

169

PnfiinAArinc Expenditure from o≤ Surveys made g* SSihlfSK fc ■ fc Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April, charged to Autho1 I March° 1896 rities issued out of £ I s Maicn, 18Jb. the Item named. T-,,,.,- vtrirtlo Bridges road" track constructed over ioaa. tracK. 30ft Span Eoads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, road. Improved. Maintained. Area of . Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. road. accessible. Remarks. M. ch £ s. d. 150 0 0 M. ch. 0 65 M. ch. No. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 116 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 Brought forward Lands Improvement Account —Government Loaks to Local Bodies — continued. Otago —continued. Lower Wanaka Block Teviot Block Beaumont Block Tuapeka West Block Swinburn Farm Homestead Block Swinburn No. 2 Block Maniotofco Block .. Maniototo No. 2 Block Naseby No. 2 Block Blackstone-Giminerburn Block Maniototo No. 3 Block Lander-Blackstone Block Gimmerburn Block 107 15 0 100 0 0 * 6 454 2 7 .. ■• ■• 1,830 "800 2,910 I 406" 0 0 7'79 6,500 Totals, Otago » 757 15 0 11 36J 12,040 468 469 470 471 472 473 Southland — Lillburn, Monowai, and Alton Block Mokoreta Block Waikawa-Otara Block.. Oteramika Block Invercargill (XXIII.) Block Ackers' Village Block Hokonui and Forest Hill Block •• I •• 5 0 • 83 11 5 3,646 3 4 87 10 8 I •• 4"73 0 50 •• I 1,000 15,000 2,000 Work done, 1894-95. About one-fourth of the work done, 1894-95. 1 * 185 6 3 2 2 "2OO • • .. ■ • Totals, Southland 5 0 4,002 11 8 7 45 18,200 Totals, Vote 116 352 10 138,225 1 10 225 46J: 291 61 76 5,585 6 104 16 52 14 430.12 463 8 1,102,082 Native Land Purchase Account. Surveys Auckland — Kaueranga Papamoa No. 1 Otawa Nos. Iα and Iβ .. Rangitaikei-Ruatoki-Waiotahi Taumata Nos. Iα, 2a, 3b East, 3b West No. 1, 3c East A, 3c West No. 1 I i 117 4 2,358 3 8 5 6 7 8 9 7 40 24 4 0 2 67 ■• 30 40 4,539 12 3 317 16 0 29*40 3 13 . •• 1 bridge, 30ft. Carried forward 38 0 7,239 15 11 35 40 •• ••

170

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Suevey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

Engineering 6 d Surveys made f< fc Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April, v a 1895, to 31st o » March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. :oads com itructed. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Impr< >ved. Maini ied. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. M. ch. 38 0 £ s. d. 7,239 15 11 M. ch. M.ch. 35 40 No. Length. Ft. M.ch. M.ch. M.ch. M.ch. Acres. Brought forward 117 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 23 29 Native Land Purchase Account — continued. Auckland —continued. Wharepunga No. 1 (Taurewa Nos. 2a and 3 {OkahukuraNos. 8b, 8g, and 8h .. | Okahukura No. 8m Te Kumi Hauturu East Manganika A, Iα Ouruwhero No. 2 and Puketarata Whakarewarewa Tβ Kuiti —Awakino Karu-o-te-Whenua, &o. Pirongia West Kinehaku East Eotorua —Galatea —Waikaremoana Okohereki Id .. Rotowhero via Waiotapu to Wairakei Kotorua-Te Teko Opuatia Mangatangi Bridge Tuakau-Opuatia-Kahuruhuru Tuakau Punt 21 44 5,28o' 6 1 7 46 767 a 213 ■" - I 5 0 5* 0 I I 3f>" 0 11,405 13 3 2753 463 8*36 60* 0* See also.Vote 116, Item 101. « • .3 11 33 37 68 1,751 18 6 4,709 18 3 11 0 19 27 i 50 6*60 9 0 i 698 6 2 See also Item 67, Vote 116. 30 31 32 33 34 35 Hawke's Bay — Awanui Hick's Bay Waikopiro Ngapaeruru Okahuatiu-Tauwharetoi towards Galatea Opoiti Bridge Moawhango —Te Horo 625 306 2 3 1,500 10 10 1 31 4 40 10 miles 48 chainsjbushfelling and clearing 1 chain wide in addition.' --C.JS Not yet paid for. 6 9 8 i iio 5' 0 I 36 37 38 39 40 Taranaki — Mohakatino Parininihi Pukearuhe inland to Mohakatino Tauranga No. 1, &e. Ohura South K No. 5, and L Ngaire 3,864 17 10 675 4 1 8 0 5 42 - •• •• 9 0 7 0 See also next item. See preceding item. 6,69213 10 See Vote 116, Item 116. 14 miles 33 chains of drains cut. Carried forward 69 77 58 12 i 4 I 1 I 373 15 16 88 0 12 0 151 10 44,191 16 8 • • .. * Hi miles bush fellinj and clearinj 1 chain wide

171

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27—C. 1.

Tab le No. 45.-Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

c CD C Engineering Expenditure from S Surveys made lst April, 1895, to f\ Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. from 1st April slst Mar ch, 1896, | 1895, to 31st ' charged to Autho- £ March, 1896. rities issued out of t ~' the Item named. Roads constructed. Impi >ved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. road. accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Brought forward M. ch. 151 10 £ s. d. 44,191 16 8 M. ch. 69 77 M. ch. 58 12 No. 4 Length. Ft. 373 M. ch. 15 16 M. ch. M. ch. 88 0 M. ch. 12 0 Acres. 41 42 43 Native Land Purchase Account— continued, Tarandki —continued. Maraekowhai Taumatamahoe Ohura 2,765 2 8 2,992 0 0 700 0 0 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Wellington — Wanganui River Trust Ruanui 2a and 3a Wanganui River Steamer Subsidy \ \ Awarua Kawatau Valley Road Horowhenua 11b Mangaonoho Mangapapa Rangiwaea Raetihi —Parapara Mangawhero-Murumotu See Vote 116, Item 116. See Vote 116, Item 116. See Vote 116, Item 116. 600 0 0 100,000 7 79 5 8 0 20 375 0 0 4,234 2 0 420 13 10 34 2 0 0 48 2 20 0 20 10 39 1 53 031 1 60 5 - 67 20,600 Metalled. £89 paid in April, 1896. 6 60 060 248' 5 8 218 9 1 6 16 3' 0 2 0 40 0 20 j000 1 54 General — New purchases 167 1 0 Totals, Vote 117 164 37 56,946 12 11 73 21 68 51 426 16 27 93 40 59 67 140,600

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172

Table No. 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896—continued.

Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Expenditure from 1st April, 1895, to ;oads cons itructed. Imprc ►ved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. 6 o c H Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. charged to Authorities issued out of the.Item named. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. SUMMARY. 93 94 116 117 Auckland District — Main Roads Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges Lands Improvement Account Native Lands Purchase Account Land for Settlement M. ch. 3 41 107 34 144 65 6,443 0 0 2,923 9 7 21,076 16 5 30,802 17 2 329 15 0 M. ch. 2 62* 4 4 59 61J 65 46 0 25 M. ch. 4 37 35 5 48 10 No. 3 1 6 3 Length. Ft. 90 50 363-6 263 M. ch. 61 31 17 29 42 58 15 16 M. ch. 2 13 J 1 15 M. ch. 227 12 27 76 73 34 74 0 M. ch. 18 0 39 0 5 0 Acres. i^650 348,720 I •• Totals, Auckland 255 60 87 52 13 ■ 766-6 350,370 61,576 0 3 132 38§ 136 54 3 28Jj 454 42 62 0 93 94 116 117 Hawke's Bay District — Main Roads Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges Lands Improvement Account Native Lands Purchase Account 7 40 2,117 5 3 400 0 0 5,275 17 0 1,943 2 9 3 7 2 705 45,000 21 77 6 25 131 14*53 4 40 4 1 126 110 i'28 Iβ' 0 12 0 5 0 66' 0 108,800 Totals, Hawke's Bay 35 62 7 9,736 5 0 4 38 19 13 941 1 28 18 0 17 0 66 0 153,800 94 116 117 Taranaki District — Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges Lands Improvement Account Native Lands Purchase Account 24 66 3,384 9 2 18,966 13 9 17,689 18 5 4 0 26 30 23 32 3 0 81 40 £ 42 21 1,181 2*79 52'30 9 0 59 33 7 0 •• Totals, Taranaki 24 6G I 40,041 1 4 26 32 87 2 21 1,181 2 79 30 30 61 30 66 33 93 94 95 116 117 Wellington District — Main Roads Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges Local Bodies' " Thirds " .. Lands Improvement Account Native Lands Purchase Account 0 16 4 71 1,153 7 11 0 7 5 168 3 0 54,302 15 0 6,510 12 7 3 56 •• I 137 45 13 27 54 39 3 24 76*71$ 10 39 32 1 2,239 53 11 64 1 11 i'71 261 '76 5 40 222 55 47 67 140,600 Totals, Wellington 155 79 62,135 5 11 33 61 39 87 30J 2,292 12 75 1 71 267 36 270 42 518,050 93 94 116 Nelson District — Main Roads Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges Lands Improvement Account 11,027 0 0 514 5 6 2,388 14 11 e>'i2 8 13 6' 7 6 58 9 1 1 720 40 210 2 0 0 39J 223 0 4 40 Totals, Nelson 11 • • 13,930 0 5 14 25 6 65 970 2 39J 227 40

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Table No. 45.—Statement showing Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1896— continued.

173

C 6 ! Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Engineering Expenditure from Surveys made 1st April 1895, to from 1st April, "st, «?«*; 1««. 1895 to 31st charged to AuthoMarch, 1896. "ties issued out of tue Item named. Dray- Bridle- Bridges road. track constructed over 30ft. Span. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of ! Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- Dray- Bridle- more road. road. road. road. accessible. Remarks. 93 91 116 SUMMARY— continued. Marlborough District — Main Roads Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges .. Lands Improvement Account Laud for Settlements M. oh. £ s. d. 970 0 0 253 5 8 2,354 9 9 408 4 2 M. oh. 1 29 M. ch. 3 56 20 62 No. 2 1 Length Ft. 326 86 M, ch. 1 20 M. ch. 6*60 0 50 M. ch. 39 0 M. ch. Acres. i',600 33,500 6*53 778 Totals, Marlborough •• 93 94 116 3,985 19 7 3 39 0 35,100 2 2 24 38 412 9 18 1 30 •• Westland District — Main Roads Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges Lands Improvement Account 2,901 8 7 2,210 9 1 4,350 16 6 0 11 3 6J 42 0 •• 1 5 100 567 •• 35'23 J 6'19 45 0 "5OO 9,200 Totals, Westland 6 1 667 1 93 94 116 9,462 14 2 3 174 35 23J 0 19 42 0 45 0 9,700 Canterbury District — Main Roads Main Roads and Bridges Lands Improvement Account Land for Settlements Cheviot Estate Account 1,788 19 11 4,421 15 5 1,406 3 6 207 10 0 1,779 9 2 0 70 3 18 1 30 i 60 i 360 9 4 18 53 •• 103 0 86 62 1 .. • • •■ 93 54 116 Totals, Canterbury 9,603 18 0 5 38 1 60 360 27 57 189 62 Otago District — Main Roads Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges .. Lands Improvement Account Land for Settlements 13 29 16 5 1,558 1 0 1,807 5 3 11,773 5 7 2,837 12 2 1 51 39 45J 12 5 1 15 56 6 15 12 51 14 0 5 0 30 32 79,000 360 184,062 3,296 8 17 1 100 2*38 31 0 94 116 Totals, Otago 29 34 17,976 4 0 53 21$ 8 17 1 100 34 42 2 38 49 32 31 0 266,718 Southland District — Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges .. Lands Improvement Account Land for Settlements 4 22 46 79 9 16 1,160 0 0 16,843 13 3 956 14 6 3 33J 33 71 4 55 1 4 400 353 0 20 5 66 10*71 i'50 40,350 9,798 Totals, Southland 60 37 5 18,960 7 9 41 79J 10 71 753 6 6 1 50 50,148 Less recoveries (not located) I 514 3 10 •• Grand Totals 1 101 562 18 246,893 12 7 345 11J 368 52 8442-6 234 17£ 59 n\ 1,348 2 540 75 1383 886

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Table No. 46.—STATEMENT showing Contracts completed under the Co-operative System, from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896, in the several Land Districts.

S a o Character of Work done. "3 PS • oi 1§3 S ft .8* a Actual Cost. Name of Eoaa or Work. a o ft r ° a ■a If ■S3 3 1 O o "a g as a 3 SSI 3 Cβ CO O l a I. SI " a B ill > o)Q K a w 5^ O Q ga 0J04S ■ss-Ii o Remarks. ucklan: I I L*. Chief Surveyor — Opanake-Hokianga Road.. Herd's Point-Takalrae Road 17 5 4-3 34 M. ch. 6 58 0 44J M. ch. M. ch.| 6 58 2 66 M. ch. 1 42J M. ch. •1 3 t488ft. £ s. d. 0 4 4J 0 6 0 £ s. d. 0 7 2J 0 6 9J £ s. d. 0 5 lOf 0 6 4 8 8 Days. 15J 45 £ s. d. 1,982 18 9 647 0 0 £ s. d. 391 14 1 134 4 4 £ s. d. 2,374 12 10 781 4 4 Waimamaku-Punakitere Rd Waimamaku-Pakanae Rd. Ngapipito Valley Road Ramarama Valley Road .. Raglan-Tuakau Road Whaingaroa-Ngaruawahia Huntly-Kahuhuru Road .. Okaihau Victoria Valley Rd. Otau Block Roads Taumata Block Roads Waipoua Bush Settlement Paparoa-Waikiekie Road.. Tokatoka Post-office Road Raglan-Aotea Road Matakohe-Tokatoka Road Kaueranga Block Roads .. Mongonuiowae Block Roads Pakiri Block Roads Maungataniwha Block Rds. Mareretu Road 2 3 1 3 16 2 2 1 4 4 21 2 3 4 3 6 7 3 7 5 5 6 5 5 4 5 7 5 5 3-4 5 5 3-7 4-2 4 5-2 4 5-6 3 0 63 1 0 1 0 0 5 9 0 4 6 0 6 6 0 5 10 0 4 11 0 5 6J 0 5 10J 0 6 0 0 4 7 0 4 54 0 6 0 0 6 4 0 5 3 0 5 7J 0 5 10| 0 5 11 0 4 9£ 0 6 0 0 9 6 0 4 9 0 6 6 0 6 5 0 6 8 0 6 0J 0 6 9 0 5 10§ 0 8 6 0 6 6 0 6 4J 0 6 6" 0 6 4 0 5 - 8J 0 6 4 0 6 6 0 6 6J 0 9 4 0 6 6 0 6 6 0 7 7J 0 4 7i 0 6 6 0 6 1J 0 5 9 0 6 9 0 5 10J 0 6 6 0 5 10| 0 5 7 0 6 3 0 6 4 0 5 6 0 6 0 0 6 3 0 6 4J 0 6 9J 0 5 9 0 6 3 9 8 8 8 8 8 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 17 87 0 0 141 17 0 41 7 0 77 9 4 965 14 2 35 2 8 56 19 10 50 2 9 124 18 9 213 9 6 1,106 19 8 133 17 6 179 10 0 53 2 0 231 3 7 90 14 4 445 18 6 350 10 0 186 0 0 442 15 3 12 13 6 0 14 6 10 13 10 10 3 11 201 4 7 7 4 0 32 5 1 3 8 3 15 11 11 86 19 7 203 16 7 5 7 0 4 11 6 10 2 6 8 8 0 34 13 6 10 10 9 99 13 6 142 11 6 52 0 10 87 13 3 1,166 18 9 42 6 8 i 89 4 11 53 11 0 140 10 8 300 9 1 1,310 16 3 ! 139 4 6 184 1 6 . 63 4 6 239 11 7 125 7 10 456 9 3 358 0 0 198 17 0 474 10 2 Mongonui - 0 - wae Bridge ; half completed. Men worked 10 hours per day to earn 9s. 6d. 6' 2 1 60 160 7 0 J58ft.6in. 7 36 0 2 47 0 30 {44ft. 5.4 1 Opuatia Bridge in hand. £32 5s. Id. includes cost of pipes, freight, &c. To earn 8s. 6d. men worked 12 hours, and were part of time erecting bridges. ' 7 68 3 10 3 65 1 48 3 10 5 31 {30ft. {30ft. tl,122ft. 1 46 0 53 0 60 2 40 4 48 3-4 9' 2 67 5 50 4 37 1 60 0 67 3 Includes cost of Bng. Survey. 7-6 5 £7 10s. compensation. 5"9 1217 0 31 14 11 Total and Averages .. 118 4-3 34 52 32 19 30 20 8 7,644 10 7 1,228 19 4 8,880 19 11 1 42J See below 0 4 4j| 0 9 6 0 5 11± E. H. Reaney — Rangitaiki-Ruatoki-Waio- I tahi Road Rotoma- Galatea-Waikare-moana Road Rotowhero-Wairakei Road Rotoma-Te Teko Road .. ! 65 7 32 40 15 20 !l 323ft. 1329ft. ||2,606ft. 0 3 9 0 8 8 1 0 6 2J 8 12 4,126 9 10 679 15 6 4,806 5 4 a Worked long hours. 93 5 27 53 12 41£ **0 71 0 4 5 "0 11 4 0 7 6 7-5 7-5 8,321 12 6 2,045 9 1 10,367 1 7 20 52 4-7 4-8 11 33 19 27 2 1 ||140ft. |]282ft. 15,544ft. 0 3 2 0 6 1 "0 11 10 "0 12 2 0 7 8 0 8 1 8-72 9 5 1,118 11 1 3,644 14 2 494 19 11 673 12 11 1,613 11 0 4,318 7 1 j a Worked long hours. a Worked long hours. Totals and Averages .. 230 5-7 0 12 2 79 21,105 5 0 58 33 32 40 29 62J See below. See below 0 3 2 0 7 3 17,211 7 7 3,893 17 5 * Pascining, 1 mile 3 chains. t Culverts, 1,610ft. J Bridj ;in; ;, 162ft. 6in. Bridi ;e-rei iairs. M Culverts, 3,351ft. 11 Drains, 5,873ft. ** Metallin; [, 71 chains.

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UCKLAND AND TAR AN A: I. C. W. Hursthouse — Te Kuiti-Awakino 38 7 46 7 67 8 15 »4 67 •318ft. tl518ft. 0 3 6J "0 10 6* I 0 6 6J 7-53 A3,072 0 5 664 11 2 3,736 11 7 0 Horse -road widened to drayroad. b Party very inexperienced. 0 Worked ten hours a day in summer. d Work estimated to be clay, but proved to be pumice earth, which is much easier to shift. e Maori party, did not work hard. Taumarurmi-Ohakune tlOO lin. ft. •276ft. t3300ft. •1550ft. t5082ft. 0 5 0 «0 12 2 0 7 0 A 514 7 11 134 11 11 648 19 10 5 8 79 7-6 Stratford-Ongaruhe 8 6 39 3 46 0 2 10 0 8 0! I 0 6 71 1 7-07 h 1,902 13 1 195 11 9 2,098 4 10 6 Totals and averages .. 51 4-6 23 4 See below. 0 2 10 0 12 2 I 0 6 11 6,483 16 3 7 67 11 61 7 4 5,489 1 5 994 14 10 * Culverts, 2,144ft. t Drains, 9,900ft. } Bridging, 100ft. TARANAKI. Chief Surveyor — Tikorangi-Tarata Moanatairi Special Settlement Upper Waitara (Mangaere) Ohura Road Antawa and Pukemahoe Roads Anderson Road Mangamingi Newall Road Okoke Block Mangaere Block Eltham Block .. Mangaotuku Block Manganui Block Gatton Block Egmont VI. Block Rawhibiroa Road Opaku-Kaipara Block Mimi Road Ngaere Swamp .. 2 1 30 146 14 23 2 2 7 15 11 3 8 10 6 37 4 67 87 3 3 1-8 3-12 3 2-5 2 3 2-7 3 2-6 2 3 3 2-1 2-8 3-5 2-74 3-34 1 30 4"9 4*58 1 0 10 1 42 6 20 2 20 5 11 1 20 1 33 1 22 2 30 3 52 1 8 7 45 1 67 3 1 10 40 3 51 2 11 17 0 5 11 2 20 0 40 8 75 2 42 2 42 3 3 "18 60 M) 65 0 5 6 0 2 11 0 4 8 0 3 11 0 4 3 0 5 10 0 3 6 0 5 8 0 5 9| 0 4 111 0 5 6 0 6 2 0 4 9 0 4 If 0 5 8 0 3 5 0 3 10$ 0 6 4 0 4 4 0 6 9 0 7 6J 0 7 4 0 8 2J 0 7 0J 0 6 4 0 6 6 0 6 7 0 7 9 0 6 2 0 6 10 0 7 2 0 6 5 0 9 6 0 7 2 0 7 3J 0 9 9$ 0 5 11 0 4 4 0 5 10 0 6 Of 0 5 9 0 6 11 0 6 9 0 6 0J 0 5 0" 0 6 1 O 6 5} 0 5 6J 0 6 2 0 6 5 0 5 7 0 6 7 0 6 3 0 5 8 0 7 0$ 8 8 8 8 8 S 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 5 6 7 399 6 5 4 9 3 6 2-5 10 6 9 10 3-6 4 2-61 4 135 7 8 26 4 6 684 5 5 9,139 1 2 1,169 7 1 1,474 6 8 103 14 9 92 1 2 297 3 4 673 6 2 643 3 1 120 0 0 401 7 4 390 8 4 194 8 9 2,889 1 4 202 4 2 4,253 17 4 5,086 10 11 12 14 6 60"4 6 1,049 15 6 90 10 0 32 5 0 3 14 0 5 8 10 12 2 0 24 2 6 17 13 6 4 2 0 10 3 0 36 9 0 10 3 4 185 6 0 15 0 0 289 9 3 480 1 5 148 2 2 26 4 6 744 9 11 10,188 1G 8 1,259 17 1 1,506 11 8 107 8 9 97 10 0 309 5 4 697 8 8 660 16 7 124 2 0 411 10 4 426 17 4 204 12 1 3,074 7 4 217 4 2 4,543 6 7 5,566 12 4 » Pack Track. h Felled only. i 1*34 10 40 3 51 5 42 279 • 1,584ft. •76,098ft. •• ,475, 2-9 16 50 58 57 See below. 0 2 11 0 9 9J 0 6 2£, i , « 27,975 19 2 2,339 4 4 130,315 3 6 52 62 I Whangamomona Improved Farm Settlement Mangaere Improved Farm Settlement Huiroalmpd.FarmSetTmt. Nihoniho Improved Farm Settlement TJruti - Tongaporutu -Der-went-Okau Special Farm Settlements Special Farm Settlements Taumatatahi Improved Farm Settlement 84 12 9 11 1-42 1 1 2 0 32 0 56 4 72 2 23 949 acres 185 acres 153 acres 51 acres 0 4 4 0 6 1 0 5 11 0 4 6 0 7 4 0 6 5 0 6 7 0 8 4 0 6 0J 0 6 2 0 6 3 0 6 4£ 8 8 8 8 2-15 4 5 3-6 1,523 15 5 226 16 6 264 5 11 326 9 8 104 16 6 10 5 0 8 6 0 24 10 0 1,628 11 11 237 1 6 272 11 11 350 19 8 88 2 5 59 1,015 acres 0 2 11$ 0 6 6 0 5 1 8 2-5 1,694 10 0 74 13 11 1,769 3 11 23 1 1 37 173 acres 0 4 3 0 7 6 0 6 2 8 5 431 0 7 16 3 6 447 4 1 7 1 0 46 51 acres 0 6 3 0 7 1 0 6 7| 8 2-7 161 12 8 7 10 0 169 2 8 234 1-6 0 32 0 56 14 77 See below. 0 2 11$ 0 8 4 0 5 8J 8 4,628 10 9 246 4 11 4,874 15 8 Totals and averages .. 709 8 35,189 19 2 2-5 17 2 53 38 73 54 See below. 0 2 11 0 9 9J 0 6 lj 32,604 9 11 2,585 9 3 * Drains, 77,682ft. t Buehfelling, 2,577 acres, and 65 chains road-line. t Pack-track, 18 miles 60 chains.

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Table No. 46.—STATEMENT showing Contracts completed under the Co-operative System from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896, in the Several Land Districts— contd.

;er of W< :k done. g O c3 13 — 1! ■38 Actual Cost. Hsdb of Eoad or Work si it SPS ■4 "o "to ft g> g> IS o I s ! ■ a 3 2 S Ml pa os 3 fe j 3 111 Hi I'll 111 sill o c Bemarks. S 1 S3 HAWKE'S BAY. Chief Surveyor — Inland Waiapu .. Tologa-Arakihi .. Waimata-Arakihi Waimata-Tauwhareparae Tapuwai Cutting Nuhaka.. Galatea-Waikaremoana .. Napier-Wairoa Waikopiro Boads Ruahine Special Settlement M. eh. M. ch. 2 58 1 0 1 73 2 61 M. ch. M. ch. £ s. d. 0 12 0 0 4 6 0 4 3 0 5 4J 0 8 1 0 7 10 0 6 2 0 4 7 0 2 3 0 5 10 £ s. a. 0 12 1 0 5 6 0 7 2 0 5 10J 0 8 1 0 10 6 0 6 10J 0 8 0 0 10 0 0 9 7 £ s. d. 0 12 04 0 5 0 0 5 lOJ 0 5 74 0 8 1 0 9 2 0 6 9 0 6 1 0 4 10 0 7 2 £ s. a. 221 0 3 99 6 0 109 9 8 168 2 3 46 3 0 209 3 0 322 7 3 845 16 9 1,000 1 10 162 13 3 £ s. d. 40 15 0 39 19 11 43 1 1 49 7 9 4 10 6 57 2 8 64 6 2 197 10 0 148 8 4 15 5 4 £ s. a. 261 15 3 139 5 11 152 10 9 217 10 0 50 13 6 266 5 8 386 13 5 1,043 6 9 1,148 10 2 177 18 7 2 2 3 2 1 3 j 3 18 ! 36 4 5 5 4 5 5 6 0 4fi 2*33 4 63 •■ I •• I 9 8 8 8 7 8 Nil Nil •06 ■06 Nil •1 •01 •06 •12 Nil - 270 1 2 1 21J 10 0J 3 10J . a 3,576e.yds a Slips. ■■ Waikopiro Improved Farm Settlement 74 18 4-7 3 76| 15 48 14 32J 3,576 o.yds 0 2 3 0 12 1 0 6 0 6f ■18 3,184 3 3 660 6 9 3,844 10 0 I b 341f acres 0 2 7 0 7 9 0 4 7 506 2 9 49 9 6 555 12 3 b Bushfelling. i Totals and Averages .. 92 4-4 3 76f 15 48 -( *3,576c.yd3 t341f acres Jo 2 3 0 12 1 0 5 9 ! 7-3 3,690 6 0 709 16 3 4,400 2 3 j 14 32J * Bushfelling. t Slips. WELLINGTON. Assistant Surveyor-General — A. C. TurnerAlfred ton-Weber Makukupara Akitio Weber Horse- track Waihi-Akitio Utewai Bakanui Village Settlement Huia-Pongaroa Waikereru Waihi 41 28 22 16 5 10 1 f 4 6 0 3 19 1 38 2 22 0 54 5 65 3 40 1 73 4 29 3 63 0 4 0 0 4 llj 0 4 3 0 4 1 0 3 4J 0 4 0 0 7 6 0 10 1 0 10 6J 0 10 2| 0 8 3 0 7 9 0 8 9 0 7 6 0 6 8 0 7 0 0 7 2| 0 6 9 0 6 0 0 6 5J 0 7 6 8 8 3f 5 2 3 Nil 2 2,808 10 11 1,723 0 2 1,024 18 2 717 0 8 255 15 5 483 3 11 24 6 6 86 18 0 2,895 8 1 1,723 0 2 1,024 18 2 717 0 8 255 15 5 483 3 11 24 10 0 032 0 3 6 2 2 3 4 4 0 64 3 14 1 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 5 3 0 6 10 0 6 7 0 7 6 0 6 1 0 6 34 0 6 Of 74 8 1 Nil 7 34 14 0 95 8 0 216 18 2 2 2 0 36 16 0 95 8 0 226 10 0 0 71 9 11 10

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Range Manuhara Huia .. Burlings-Mecaliokstone Paraengahuata Waihoki Akaroa Cross Road Wellington Fruitgrowers' Association Paikakariki-Waikanae .. Horowhenua Village Settlement Maungataka to (Mount Baker Block) Barton's Road.. Mangatariri Makakahi Kawatau Valley Road .. Kew .. Ngaio Mangawharariki Mangarere Peka .. Cross .. Pukerimu Auputa Mania Te Para Para Lagoon Pourangaki Valley West Mangahuia Conspicuous Kelpie Tap .. Apiti-Norsewood Road .. Apiti-Norsewood Branch Makaura Makiekie Main Cross Road East .. Surveyor's Pack-track .. Umutoi Tunipo Table Flat Conspicuous Tap .. Woodville-Hohanga Towai Ballance to Gorge Makuri-Pongaroa Makuri-Aohanga Mangatoro Valley 2 1 5 5 3 4 1 2 1 3 5i 4 038 1*55 023 0 40 0 71 2 0 1 49 2 79 0 42 1 0 0 52 •• 0 5 9 0 4 8 0 4 8 0 5 9 0 6 0 0 4 10 0 6 0 0 6 3 0 5 9 0 6 0 0 6 10 0 7 5 0 8 2 0 4 10 0 7 6 0 6 3 0 5 9 0 5 3§ 0 6 8 0 7 6J 0 4 10 0 6 9 6 6 3 Nil Nil 8 8 8 8 7 Nil 7 7 1 11 64 1 24 0 0 338 15 11 189 7 5 123 8 6 188 2 0 38 12 9 164 2 6 44 12 6 16 1 9 3 16 0 11 0 5 17 0 24 0 0 354 17 8 192 8 11 123 19 6 193 19 0 38 12 9 164 2 6 44 12 6 078 19 10 4 3 56 2 20 3 0 2 20 0 3 10i 0 4 11 0 7 8 0 6 4 0 5 3f 0 5 2 7 7 1 1 896 17 6 332 10 3 896 17 6 332 10 3 4 3 0 56 0 4 5J 0 8 6 0 4 7 64 14 197 1 2 197 1 2 1 8 1 43 1 3 45 14 1 15 13 5 7 7 12 3 1 2 5 2 3 1 5 6 5 2 7 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 5 1 12 4 5 3 2 3 3} 4 5 2 2 4 2 3 3 2 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 7 6 4 6 3 5,1 0 36 0 31 0 25 4 20 3 55 1 33 4 78 0 40 0 52 1 35 5 18 0 60 0 4 7 0 3 6^ 0 5 9 0 3 4 0 7 4 0 6 7 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 6 7 0 4 10 0 4 9 0 4 2 0 4 6 0 3 101 0 4 11J 0 4 2J 0 6 2 0 3 10f 0 4 0 0 3 11 0 5 0 0 5 8 0 5 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 5 2 0 18* 0 4 2 0 6 4 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 3 5f 0 5 4J 0 6 4J 0 4 If 0 7 1 0 5 0 0 4 7 0 6 4 0 5 9 0 10 8 0 7 4 0 8 7 0 9 4 0 7 5 0 6 7 0 6 4J 0 6 9J 0 5 0 0 4 llf 0 6 71 0 6 0 0 6 2 0 4 4J 0 7 0 0 5 6§ 0 7 2 0 5 8 0 6 6 0 6 10 0 9 8 0 6 0 0 5 4 0 5 8 0 7 4 0 6 8 0 5 0 0 3 5| 0 5 41 0 6 4J 0 7 1 0 8 2 0 4 7 0 4 3J 0 5 9 0 6 4} 0 7 4 0 7 7 0 5 10 0 6 3 0 6 7 0 4 7} 0 5 3 0 4 3 0 4 5 0 4 2| 0 5 3J 0 4 11 0 6 2 0 4 If 0 5 4^ 0 4 9 0 6 2 0 5 8 0 5 7 0 5 3 0 6 10 0 5 7 0 4 5} 0 4 11 0 6 10 0 5 8 0 5 0 0 3 5f 0 5 4J 0 6 4J 0 5 0 0 7 1 0 6 2J 64 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 5 6 6 5 6 64 54 5 6 64 54 8 7 14 4 125 12 0 202 9 3 22 10 0 1,512 17 6 25 16 0 42 5 0 2,696 3 3 59 8 0 26 8 0 318 1 11 392 1 2 105 13 10 53 3 5 138 11 9 221 15 0 74 17 10 29 11 0 51 8 0 106 17 8 54 5 2 159 15 10 15 16 6 234 13 10 311 5 10 198 16 3 101 8 0 446 19 3 81 3 0 67 2 10 117 11 3 47 3 9 99 18 3 96 15 6 31 15 0 472 0 10 89 8 6 936 11 11 125 12 0 202 9 3 22 10 0 1,512 17 6 25 16 0 42 5 0 2,858 12 9 63 18 0 26 8 0 344 0 8 429 18 7 1]5 9 0 57 4 11 149 12 9 241 1 0 81 6 6 31 17 0 55 3 0 115 9 2 59 18 0 159 15 10 15 16 0 234 13 10 311 5 10 198 16 3 101 8 0 446 19 3 81 3 0 67 2 10 117 11 3 47 3 9 104 3 3 96 15 10 31 15 0 548 15 5 92 14 9 936 11 11 028 0"4 2*37 052 2 5 162 9 6 4 10 0 3"o 266 6 5 4 3 6 5 4 2 9 5 5' 94hrs. 34hrs. 70hrs. 94 hrs. 34hrs. 87hra. 42 hrs. 68 hrs. 18 hrs. 127 „ 160 „ 20 hrs. 8 25 18 9 37 17 5 9 15 2 4 16 11 1 0 19 6 0 6 8 8 2 6 0 3 15 0 8 11 6 5 12 10 171 0 46 1 3 0 67 1 71 0 30 0 35 1 19 2 21 0 76 0 40 0 20 0 3 0 67 035 0 16 .. 1 49 0 20 2 16 1 22 2 20 020 318 2 50 7 34 1 27 0 29 1 44 0 10 0 25 0 40 0 54 0 60£ 0 25 0 40 0 46 1 40 4 5 0 155 l"3J I? 4 7614 7 3 6 3 2*55 2*43 019 * O wing partly to an accident to one of the »art; ana the others did not work well.

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178

Table No. 46.—STATEMENT showing Contracts completed under the Co-operative System from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896, in the several Land Districts- continued.

Character of "W< >rk done. god lill O Qi Actual Cost. ■J2 te- J Name of Eoad or Work. JI 11 » ft as SI is 13 1 ■a o |l§ i Si S a 1s OS 1— I Q oB ft 8 "si's . gag tj Remarks. WELL! NGTON— ■continued. Asst. Surveyor-General — contd. A. C. Turner — continued. Mangarama V.S. Upper Manawatu Roads North Tiraumea Mangatainoka Valley .. I M. ch.l M. ch. M. oh. M. ch.l £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. j £ b. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1 6 3 10 7 6 0 4£ 2 - 68 165 •5,3461. ft. 0 5 1 0 6 0 0 4 8 0 4 6 0 5 1 0 8 11 0 7 10 0 9 2 0 5 1 0 6 10A 0 6 4| 0 7 0 6 7 7 11 4 86 0 0 448 6 0 112 15 5 471 17 0 86 0 0 448 6 0 112 15 5 489 7 3 022 0 67 l'23i 90 63} 1 0 17 io 3 Akitio Improved Farm Pemberton Improved Farm Kawatau Improved Farm .. 454 38 27 301 ! 38 53 2 26J *5,3461. ft. 0 18 0 10 8 i ! 0 6 1J 7 i ! 120,938 9 9 108 5 0 75 0 0 372 0 0 530 0 0 21,468 9 9 : , 0 3 0 0 4 11 i ii 2 11 2 2 874 acres I 50 „ !256 „ .. 0 6 7 0 5 8 0 10 0 0 4 3J 0 4 4 0 4 11} 0 4 8J 8 8 8 10 17 10 108 5 0 85 17 10 372 0 0 .. •■ .. 24 20 3934 ac. 0 2 6J 0 10 0 8 555 5 0 10 17 10 566 2 10 Totals and averages .. 478 3-7 27 30J 38 53 i 90m. 63|ohs. and 3934 acres. 2 264 •5,3461. ft. 0 18 0 10 8' 0 6 0J U 21,493 14 9 540 17 10 22,034 12 7 0. T. Murray— Raetihi-Okura Road Makotuku Valley Road.. Middle Road Ameku Ridge Road Waipuna Road Rangataua Road Huikumu Road Raetihi Parapara Road.. Pipiriki-Waiouru Road.. Taumaranui-Ohakune Road Kaitieke Road 24 9 4 5 2 9 10 2 3 6 3 3 2 3J 3 11 0 36 0 57 0"4 3 64 0 46 1 21 0 45 4 33 1 41 4 20 1 23 1 68 0 54 2 74 f32ft. }1200c.yds. 0 4 0 0 3 7| 0 4 6| 0 3 7 0 4 10 0 4 2J 0 3 74 0 5 0| 0 4 2J 0 3 ?| 0 9 73 0 6 44 0 6 0" 0 5 0 0 6 9} 0 8 4 0 6 US 0 6 4 0 7 04 0 6 7 0 5 114 0 5 2} 0 4 0J 0 5 04 0 6 2* 0 9 2} 0 6 6} 0 6 5 8 S 8 S 8 8 8 8 8 8 1 1 1 1,792 5 4 552 11 4 302 9 9 237 11 0 85 4 6 440 15 9 418 14 0 95 7 3 146 2 0 468 0 0 207 8 3 52 15 0 23 15 2 16 4 0 7 16 0 63 12 0 158 18 0 15 12 0 61 19 0 56 1 10 1,999 13 7 605 6 4 326 4 11 253 15 0 93 0 6 504 7 9 577 12 0 110 19 3 208 1 0 524 1 10 0 16 0 52 1 56 1 56 10 3A 6 9 6 9 & 17 ac. 0 6 3} 0 10 10} 0 8 4 9 1 950 9 0 350 18 11 1,301 7 11 Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Road Taihape-Paengaroa Mataroa Road Torere Road 4 20 1 4 4 24 l - 25 2 - 57 0 54 J364 o. yds. 0 6 lj 0 2 34 0 5 9§ 0 4 0| 0 9 2} 0 7 7} 0 5 9J 0 6 Ql 0 6 9 0 4 101 0 5 6 8 8 8 S b i i 167 5 3 676 4 0 63 10 0 184 18 0 53 4 0 56 19 3 5 4 0 85 10 11 220 9 3 733 3 3 68 14 0 270 8 11 0 29 * Drains.

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28—C 1.

Mangaweka Road Mangaonoho Road Wairepu Road.. Mangaweka-Makohine Road Quarry Road Pukemapou Road Turakina Valley Road .. Mangamahoe Road Platform Road Taihape Farm 13 3 3 0 20 0 20 1 0 62 1 58 4 00 1 27 1*58 4 45 0 5 6i| 0 7 7 0 7 74 0 7 74 0 4 4 0 6 2 0 4 If! 0 7 l p ; 0 5 11 0 7 74 0 5 2J 0 6 1 8 8 8 8 8 8 83 15 9 28 10 0 364 9 0 676 5 7 12 17 7 3 10 0 62 0 0 40 0 6 96 13 4 32 0 0 426 9 0 716 6 1 5 4 12 1 2 j 1 i 3 Si 3 3 3 040 1 13 0 77 2 31 0 56 0 20 1 27 1 0 2 76 1 36 0 70 0 3 3J| 0 7 9J 0 3 9}: 0 6 0 0 4 2| 0 10 i 0 7 4§ 0 10 6J 0 5 74 0 5 74 0 3 2 ! 0 8 7£ 0 5 04 0 5 0} 0 6 5 0 8 9| 0 5 74 0 4 54 8 8 8 8 8 8 1 8 1 8 192 2 0 277 14 6 660 4 0 110 3 6 19 4 0 180 16 2 34 0 0 49 0 0 187 15 0 24 13 0 13 0 0 79 9 0 226 2 0 326 14 6 847 19 0 134 16 6 32 4 0 260 5 2 046 I. 163 ! 31 7 64 30 31 i 39 47 .- »1,564c. yds 0 2 3i 0 10 10| t321.ft. 0 5 104 8 9,174 11 8 1,722 3 5 10,896 15 1 Horopito Improved Farm Ohutu Improved Farm .. Taihape Improved Farm Hautapu Improved Farm Masterton-Tenui Improved Farm 1 2 1 i 3 3 3 2 2 71 acres 18 „ 22 „ 47 „ 160 „ 0 5 6 0 5 6 0 2 5J 0 4 7 0 2 14 0 2 14 0 3 64 0 5 6 0 3 4p 3 104 0 5 6 0 3 34 0 2 lj 0 4 4J 0 3 10 I 8 8 8 8 8 1 i i i 124 5 0 23 13 6 30 16 0 80 13 7 179 4 3 20 14 0 6 10 0 13 4 0 67 7 11 54 2 10 144 19 0 30 3 6 44 0 0 148 1 6 233 7 1 12 2-3 8 438 12 4 -. 335 0 2 1J 0 5 6 0 4 0 J 161 18 9 600 11 1 Total and Averages 175 8 I 0 5 9} 1 8 9,613 4 0 7 64 39 47 &335ac. See below. 0 2 1 J 0 10 10f 1,884 2 2 11,497 6 2 * Broken metal, 1,564 cubic yards. t Bridging, 32ft. NELSON. ihief Surveyor — Karamea Mud Flat Oparara Road 1 1 1 1 6 6 5 2 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 5-4 0 20 0 20 ! 0 20 0 5-4 0 20 I 0 20 0 20 0 5-4 0 7 7 0 8 10 0 9 2 0 8 5 0 7 9 0 9 0 0 9 4 0 8 7 0 7 8 0 8 11 0 9 3 0 8 6 8 8 8 8 3 3 3 3 64 5 6 80 1 5 83 19 7 30 0 0 2 0 0 24 15 6 22 0 0 23 17 6 18 1 0 19 15 0 22 14 2 21 3 1 9 10 0 10 1 8 10 3 0 10 14 0 21 8 0 23 15 0 22 3 0 16 2 0 16 2 0 22 12 0 18 0 0 16 8 0 17 6 0 23 1 0 24 4 3 21 0 0 20 10 0 14 3 0 6 15 0 8 5 0 9 0 0 3 0 0 . 71 0 6 88 6 5 92 19 7 33 0 0 2 0 0 28 15 6 26 0 0 27 17 6 22 1 0 23 15 0 26 14 2 25 3 1 13 10 0 14 1 8 14 3 0 14 14 0 25 8 0 27 15 0 26 3 0 20 2 0 20 2 0 26 12 0 22 0 0 20 8 0 21 6 0 27 1 0 28 4 3 25 0 0 24 10 0 18 3 0 i t Wangapeka-Wanganui 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 4 2 2 4 4 3 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 10 0 10 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 13 0 20 ; 0 20 ! 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 10 0 10 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 13 I .. ■■ 0 11 4 0 8 3 0 10 5 0 8 0 0 6 8 0 7 10 0 9 6 0 9 0 0 5 6 0 6 7 0 5 2 0 4 5 0 7 10 0 7 4 0 7 4 0 6 2 0 7 6 0 8 8 0 4 7 0 5 5 0 6 1 0 9 7 0 6 2 0 7 3 0 6 10 0-12 6 0 9 5 0 10 5 0 8 0 0 6 8 0 7 10 0 9 6 0 9 0 0 8 0 0 10 3 0 6 4 0 5 3 0 8 10 0 7 7 0 7 7 0 6 8 0 7 8 0 8 8 0 5 5 0 7 3 0 7 3 0 10 5 0 7 10 0 8 1 0 10 7 0 11 11 0 8 10 0 10 5 0 8 0 0 6 8 0 7 10 0 9 6 0 9 0 0 6 9 0 8 5 0 5 9 0 4 10 0 8 4 0 7 6 0 7 6 0 6 5 0 7 7 0 8 8 0 5 0 0 6 4 0 6 8 0 10 0 0 7 0 0 7 8 0 8 8 8 8 8 8 8' 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 2 2 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 Clearing slips. .. •■ •• " •• ■' •• '■ .. 3 3 2 4 2 1 1 1 1 •• .. - I 2 3 5 1 5 6 5 Totals and averages .. 29 35 6 58-4 1 6 58-4 j I J 0 65-4 4-5 I 0 12 6 I 0 7 Hi 8 729 15 8 • • •• .. 127 0 0 856 15 8

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180

Table No. 46.—STATEMENT showing Contracts completed under the Co-operative System from 1st April, 1894, to 31st March, 1895, in the several Land Districts.- continued.

CO Z> o 3 "o Character of Work done. T3 β^i O © Actual Cost. Name of Road or Work. •si r ana CO Ed i! If s I O o CD i3 ilij S SSgS all go. . 53 S s <! Or-; 3.9 S o a ill <e o*> PL, oil I o 1 Remarks. MA' .LBOROUGH. Chief Surveyor, — Blind River M. ch. 1 14 0 55 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. oh. I £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 0 5 6j 0 5 6J 0 5 6J 61 4|dys. i ' See below I £ s. d. 107 11 2 £ s. d. 136 12 3 £ s. d. cost of timber, £91 244 3 5 j 13s. 6d.; smith's work, &c. ( £6 6s. 9d. : total £98 Os. 3d. * Bridging, 16 ft. 6 in. + Culverts 118 ft., and 8,,230 super, ft. timber. WESTLANI 3. Chief Surveyor, — Waimea-Staflord Road Per cent. 18-75 ( a Worked long hours for 12s. 358 10 2 J b Final payment of survey of ( road, £15, is included. c Cost of survey, £42 18 ; purchase of land, £10; tramway, 433 19 11 rails, and trucks included, £44 12s. d A tramway laid. 0 11 •• 0 11 100 ft. long* 0 7 0 ' 0 12 1" 0 8 11J 6-5 308 18 8 49 11 6 b Woodstock-Mahinapuia Road 0 61 0 61 33 ft.* 3,696 1. ffc.t 15ch.J 64 ch.« 0 4 73 0'6 0 0 5 4 64 20-00 278 16 1 155 3 10° Hokitika - Southward Road (Gillespie's to Karangarua) 11 3 78 3 78 3 78 172 ft.* 22' 5,8081. ft. f 103 ch. + 92 ft.* lS"pipes,128ft. 12" „ 154ft. 5,940 1. ft.f 288 ft.* 0 5 4; 0 12 Oe 0 8 1 7-2 10-00 1,157 6 0 145 18 9 e 12s. earned at bridge at Oine1,303 4 9 - tamatea Creek. f Level crossings. Hokitika - Southward Road (Ross Road deviation) 9 6 1 27J 1 27J 1 27J-J 0 4 3 0 11 4e 0 6 9 5-9 26'25 1,340 11 3 220 6 2 h I fells. 4d. earned at bridge over 1,560 17 5 i Deep Creek. h Includes purchase of land, £20. Lake Mapourika Road (wire footbridge over Waiho River) 4 \ 0 7 2 0 8 8| j 0 7 11 ! : 6-6 17-50 210 12 0 137 4 10 s 347 16 10 I * Includes cost of ironwork and wire, £42 8s. 2d. Turnbnll River Road 4 3 JO 19 1 70 1 70 0 19 J 23 ft.* 1§ 0 6 6 0 11 3 0 8 7j 6-0 [ 25-00 249 7 6 18 10 10 267 18 4 |i Widening. 250 0 0 k Includes exploring or track £25 3s. 4d. Watarou-Bluff Track 3 4 1 40J 1 40J; 0 7 7 0 9 7 0 8 7 6-6 17-50 184 9 0 65 11 0 k ' Totals and averages .. 33 5 2 38J 7 28J 9 48 5 Ui j [ See below ■ 0 7 4jj 0 4 3 0 12 1 6-4 3,730 0 6 792 6 11 4,522 7 5 * Bridging, 708 ft. t Drains, 15,444 1. ft. I Fascines, 118 chs. lverts, 0. Tramway laid, 64 chs. Level ossini IB, 22. Pi] ies laid, 282ft.

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Shief Surveyor — Jed River Domett Drainage Homeview Pareora Settlement Roads Waimate Gorge Drain 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 3 3 2 2 12 3 3 3 2 ■■ 0 45J 0 91 0 8 0 11 * 0 5 11 0 5 7 0 4 8 0 4 9 0 5 4J 0 5 6 0 5 6 0 7 0 0 6 6 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 6 6 0 7 0 0 7 0 0 4 9 0 4 6 0 3 6 0 3 6 0 4 2 0 4 6 0 4 6 0 6 0 0 6 0 6| 4 6| 6| 21 M 2J g 101 I 22 13 9 38 12 6 5 0 0 7 14 0 126 15 4 27 3 4 29 9 0 24 17 0 3 19 0 32 3 8 232 19 3 The Inspector reports that tht earnings of the men on the Jec River mill seem very small but the majority of them were new to the class of work, anc some of them old, and not able to earn wages at the curreni rate that was paid. t4,554 1.ft. t6.7981.ft. 56 12 4 0 624 11 ■' 24 17 0 3 19 0 Totals and averages .. I 0 73J 0 7 0 0 4 5 I 64 I 13 3-5 1 75J til,3521. ft. 0 4 8 318 7 7 .. 286 3 11 * Firewood and posts. t Drains. OTAGO. Chief Surveyor — Woodland's, Block IX. Catlins Valley Main Catlins, Waikawa .. Fleming Papatowai Rimu Block XIII. Tahakopa Valley Long Point Ratanui Catlins River Diversion .. Table Hill (Woodlands) Waikoata „ Sharp & Gordans Shaw's „ McDonald's, Block VII. (Woodlands) Horan's, Block X. (Woodlands) Cannibal Bay Rimu Block XV. 12 17 3 5 2 5 9 13 5 1 6 6 4 2 1 3-41 3 1 3-40 275 255 2-27 1-84 2-60 3 4 3-16 250 2-50 1 1 32 0 54 2 50 2 55 l"8 1 26 1 0 1 6 0 62 1 17J 1 1 1 1 71 0 38 10J acres 3 4J 0 10 3 3 0 25 2 37 2 12 0 62 0 65 0 27 0 2 8 0 2 7| 0 3 0 0 3 1 0 3 11 0 4 34 0 3 7I 1 0 2 3! 0 2 10J 0 5 1 0 2 6f 0 2 84 0 2 2 0 4 74 0 3 8 0 5 11J 0 5 6 0 5 2J 0 ,5 2| 0 5 11 0 5 5| 0 7 4f 0 6 44 0 5 llj 0 5 1 0 6 6| 0 6 4J 0 5 7 0 4 9| 0 3 8 0 4 4} 0 3 10J 0 3 3J 0 3 ll| 0 4 9J 0 4 104 0 4 5 0 4 5J 0 4 5| 0 5 1 0 4 If 0 4 34 0 3 if 0 4 74 0 3 8 5 5-54 6-87 607 7 5-57 5-77 5-22 29-31 20 6 11-65 7-61 19-41 21-31 17-30 682 12 3 656 7 9 23 12 9 256 10 11 28 17 6 135 17 6 237 19 7 232 2 6 192 2 4 15 5 0 319 1 7 313 6 11 76 5 6 36 7 6 2 0 6 68 5 2 65 12 9 2 7 3 25 16 1 2 17 9 13 11 9 23 15 11$ 23 4 3 19 4 3 1 10 6 31 18 2 31 6 8 7 12 6J 3 12 9 0 4 0 750 17 5 722 0 6 26 0 0 282 4 0 31 15 3 149 9 3 261 15 64 255 6 9 211 6 7 16 15 6 350 19 9 344 13 7 83 18 0J 40 0 3 2 4 6 10ft. road. 10ft. road. ' Scrubbing only. Clearing survey paddock. Road widened to 10ft. 10ft. road. 6ft. track. Scrubbing only. 4 1-50 I I 0 71 0 5 0 0 6 0 1 0 5 0J 706 4-33 56 11 3 5 13 2 62 4 5 5 2 280 5 0 75 2 1 0 4 44 0 4 5J 0 5 9| 0 4 9§ 0 4 64 0 4 7J 6-31 1321 199 6 2 145 1 6 19 18 7J 14 10 2 219 4 94 159 11 8 10ft. road. Totals and averages .. 102 2-74 2 6 5-8 1 11 42 20 45 0 2 2 0 7 4| 0 4 2} 3,609 9 0 360 18 94 3,970 7 94

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Table No. 46.—STATEMENT showing Contracts completed under the Co-operative System from 1st April, 1894, to 31st March, 1895, in the several Land Districts.- continued.

182

S .28 o Character of Work done. t3 as T3 C^) IS r>. -OS * - Actual Cost. Name of Road or Work. If 0 IPS £§ I! .5-9 •5° n 2 ■i ■5 o fill 9 ill. hit a III III SB S III B l -a «S|Sf o c Kemarks. SOUTHLAND. Ohief Surveyor — M. ch. M. ch. M. ch M. ch. M. ch. 1 72ch. * 86ch. 3 ft. 4 137 1. ft. 5 82 1. ft. i 18ch. £ s. a. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Waikawa-Otata Road 42 4 4 73 2 67 1 0 2 9* 0 9 7 0 5 7i 2,870 1 8 865 1 5 3,735 3 1 Includes £5313s. id. for Wallace Hock Koad. Minimum wage was earned by a man working by himself, and - just out of the Hospital. Maximum was earned by a party, who, having got an outside contract, worked early and late to complete co-op, contract. Scrubby Hill Road, Block V., Waikawa District 1 2 0 18 0 6 1J 0 6 3| 0 6 2j 26 10 11 0 6 0 26 16 11 Waikawa-Catlin's Road .. .. j 1 17-6ch.) 0 3-5ch. 1 35ch. I 8 1101. ft. J ?55ch. 3 12 1. ft. 5 24 1. ft. ) 9 51ch. i 6 lm.47ch. 8 2m.3ch. [ 4 1,6671. ft. 51001. ft. J i4m.29ch.\ ,; 8ch. 3 89 1. ft. f 5 20 1. ft. J 10120 c. yds. \ "0-76ch. I 6 79ch. f 3 1481. ft. J 9 0-25ch. ) 6 0-75ch. I 8 291. ft. J 12 24ch. " l-75ch. 6 l-25ch. s 18 1. ft. 0 6 0 "112 3 0 1 10 0 113 13 0 I a Of this, £55 was spent in surfacing I and general repairs. Work done by v day-labour. Waikawa- Wyndb am Valley Road 1 2 .. 0 6 0 0 7 0 0 6 6^ 18 16 0 2 0 0 20 16 0 Work consisted of general repairs to 2J miles bridle-track. Roads, Block XVI., Oteramika Hundred 4 0 25 0 55 0 5 9J 0 T 0 0 6 4| 87 10 -8 3 0 0 90 10 0 Merrivale Roads 12 i 55 0 5 3J 0 6 4J 0 5 9} 2 893 0 2 243 18 8 1,136 18 10 Total length of Road opened up, 7 miles 16 chains. Waiau Bush Road 0 5 0 6 2 0 7 6 0 6 10 124 1 8 124 1 8 Swampy parts gravelled. Orepuki-Wairaurahiri Road 2 81 15 3 31 7 0 113 2 3 Earthwork consisted of filling up small gullies. Roads, Block XXII., Invercargill Hundred 2 0 325 0 5 0 5 17 6 2 11 3 8 8 9 Clifton to Seaward Bush Road 2 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 5 6 25 10 10 25 10 10

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Chief Surveyor — continued — Road, Seaward Bush, Borough of S. Invercargill 1 i 3 20eh. 0 4 6 3 0 0 5 10 8 8 10 8 Acker's Village Settlement Makarewa Township Roads State Forest Reserve, Seaward Bush 3 2 0 3833 1 28-25 ■I 14 2m. 2oh. 1 e42ch. \ 3 48 1. ft. J «lm.62ch. 6 lra.29£ch. L 4 721. ft. J 16 22 acres \ I 15 22 acres i 13 76ch. :- ■575 posts b i 8 52ch. J 5 261. ft. ) 8 2861. ft. I ;«i44i. ft. f 3 245 1. ft. » 102 1. ft.) • 38 1. ft. \ ! 6 lm.58ch.) 0 3 4 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 7 0 0 7 1J 0 6 6 0 5 2 0 4 6| 0 3 10 169 1 3 228 2 7 83 13 8 48 5 0 29 17- 1 62 7 10 217 6 3 257 19 8 146 1 6 139ch. felled, Ich. cleared £ch. and stumped 20ft. wide, 23ch, felled Jch. wide. *>Fencing. With reference tc minimum wage the price was subsequently raised. Waikawa Roads 0 2 9i 0 7 7J 0 4 9J 339 15 9 116 13 0 456 8 9 10 3-5 1 20 1 75 c 53Jchs. felled and cleared, remainder felled only. Worked all weathers. Heathfield Roads Haldane Roads 18 6 4 4-3 2 55 0 59 4 7 2 32= " 0 2 6 0 2 9 0 8 1 0 5 3 0 5 1 0 4 1 857 10 5 116 4 7 125 2 1 66 1 9 982 12 6 182 6 4 •• I Papatotara Roads 19 2 1 43 " 0 3 6 0 7 3J 0 5 4} 488 5 0 110 9 8 598 14 8 128 3-33 17 43-83 0 59 11 76 0 12 0 9 7 0 5 5 6,531 0 11 1,714 1 5 8,245 2 4 Waikawa Improved Farm ■( 16 289 ac. ) 17 177 ac. J 16 363J acres 16 292J ac. 1 17 136J ac. } 16 44Jac. I " 34| ac. } 415 11 5 100 acres burnt. ' 19 1 I 415 11 5 Haldane ,. 21 1 .. ■ 533 2 0 533 2 0 •• ■' Papatotara „ Moturimu „ j 15 7 1 1 •I 0 3 6 0 2 1 0-6 0 0 6 4i 0 4 9 0 4 2J 575 19 0 61 1 6 40 8 575 19 0 101 10 0 Worked all weathers. 62 1 0 2 1 0 6 4£ 0 4 7 t 1,626 2 5 Totals and averages .. •• 1,585 13 11 40 8 6 190 242 17 48-83 0 59 11 76 See below. 8,116 14 10 1,754 9 11 9,871 4 9 • • 0 12 0 9 7 0 5 4 .. .. 1 Fascining, lm. 47-89ch. 2 Blindii 10 Earthwork, 120 o. yd. xl C 6m. 69ch. and 22ac. 16 Bush i ]g fasci lordurofelled, £ nes, 86cl ying, 2-71 )89ac. i. 3 Culverts, 1,860 1. ft. * Pipes, 2,05 ich. 12 Grubbing and levelling, 24ch. 17 Grass sown, 3471 ac. !0 1. ft. 5 ] 13 Clearii Sridges 290 1. ft. 6 Drains, 6m. 7-15 ch. 7 Stumping, 55ch. 8 Fencing, 2m. 53ch. 9 Stream diversion, 51ch. ig fencing-lines, lm. 16ch. "Bushfelling, clearing, and stumping, 3m. 64ch. 15 Bushfelling and clearing,

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184

Table No. 46.—STATEMENT showing Contracts completed under the Co-operative System from 1st April, 1894, to 31st March, 1895, in the several Land Districts.- continued.

Name of Road or Work. 1 ■of si a "o Si Character of Work done. •a E3 o o t3 as IP.9 as S ■a as pil eg a a≤ IS III •4 gp.. O 3 ~ — "* S S 6a III Actual Cost. i Remarks. to MMAEY. Auckland — Chief Surveyor .. 118 4-3 M. ch. 34 52 M. ch. 32 19 M. ch. 30 20 11. ch. ( 142JJ lm. 3ch.' ) 1,610ft. 2 \ 162Jft. s J 3,351ft. 2 ) 5,873ft, 4 \ 71ch-.» J 2,144ft. 2 ) 9,900ft.* L 100ft. 8 ) £ s. d. 0 4 4| £ s. d. 0 9 6 £ s. d. 0 5 114 8 £ s. d. 7,644 10 7 £ s. d. 1,228 19 4 & s. d. 8,880 19 11 R. H. Reaney 230 57 58 33 32 40 29 62* 0 3 2 0 12 2 0 7 3 7-9 17,211 7 7 3,893 17 5 21,105 5 0 Includes bridge - repairs. Men worked ten hours per day tc earn 9s. 6d. Includes cost ol pipes, freight, &c, and alsc £7 10s. compensation. C. W. Hursthouse 51 4-6 23 4 7 67 11 61 0 2 10 0 12 2 0 6 7£ 7-4 5,489 1 5 994 14 10 6,483 16 3 Minimum wage earned by Maoris, who did not work hard. Maximum was earned on work estimated to be clay, but proved tc be pumice-earth, which is much easier to shift. Taranaki — Chief Surveyor 2-9 16 50 52 62 58 57 "{ Pack-track \ 18m. GOch. I 65ch.° f 77,6821.ft.*J 2,577ac. 6 8 27,975 19 2 2,339 4 4 30,315 3 6 475 i 0 2 11 0 9 9J 0 6 2J Chief Surveyor (Improved Farm Settlements) 234 « 0 32 0 56 14 77 0 2 11J 0 8 .4 0 5 8J 8 4,628 10 9 246 4 11 1 4,874 15 8 i I Pack-track \ 18m.60ch. 77,6821.ft.H 2 577 ac, & 65ch. of road-line.6 / i I Taranaki totals and averages 709 ', 2-5 17 2 53 38 73 54 0 2 11 0 9 9J 0 6 IJ 8 32,604 9 11 2,585 9 3 35,189 19 2 Hawke's Bay — Chief Surveyor "■■ ( Slips j 3,576c.yds.J 341Jac.6 Slips. \ 3,576c.vds. L 341fac.« j I 74 4-7 3 76| 15 48 14 32J 0 2 3 0 12 1 0 6 0 7-8 3,184 3 3 660 6 9 3,844 10 0 Chief Surveyor (Improved Farm Settlements) 18 3-0 0 2 7 0 7 9 0 4 7 66 506 2 9 49 9 6 555 12 3 I I i I Hawke's Bay totals and averages ! 92 4-4 3 76f 15 48 14 32£ ( 0 2 3 0 12 1 0 5 9 7-3 3,690 6 0 I 709 16 3 4,400 2 3 Wellington — Assistant Surveyor-General A. C. Turner Improved Farm Settlements 454 3-8 27 30J 38 53 90 63| 2 26i 5,3461.ft> 0 18 0 10 8 0 6 IJ 7-2 20,938 9 9 530 0 0 I 21,468 9 9 Minimum wage earned by a party, one of whom had sustained an accident, and the others did not work well. 24 20 393iac.e 0 2 ej 0 10 0 0 4 8| 8 555 5 0 10 17 10 I 566 2 10 Totals and averages 3-7 2 264 I 5,3461.ft. 4 I 393.Jac.« j 0 6 04 7-3 i 22,034 12 7 478 27 304 38 53 90 63| 0 18 0 10 8 21,493 14 9 540 17 10

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Total " Other Work " for Southland :—' lm. 47-89ch. la 86ch. 2 1,8601.ft. 8 290 1. ft. *> 2,020 1. ft. * 36,310 1. ft. '» 55ch. » 2m. 53ch. » 51ch. '"120 c. yds. " 276 oh. "»347fch. is 24ch. « lm. 16ch. " 3m. 64ch. lc 6m. 69ch., and 22ac. 6 989ac.

" Other Work " Grand Totals :—! Fascining, 4m. 8-89ch. 2 Culverts, 9,083 1. ft. « Bridges, 1,3091. ft. 4 Drains, 161,9071. ft. 5 Metalling, 71ch. Pack-track, 18m. 60ch. » Bushfelling, 4,636Jac, and 65ch. road-line. ' Broken metal, 1,564 c. yds. 10 Earth-slips, 3,696 c. yds. Timber, 8,230 s. ft. Tramway laid, 64ch. Level crossings, 22. 3a Pipes laid, 2,3021. ft. l 8 Blinding fascines, 86ch. 7a Stumping, 55ch. 8 Fencing, 2m. 53ch. 9 Stream diversion, 51ch. v Corduroying, 2'76ch. vl Grass sown, 347|ac. 13 Grubbing and levelling, 24cb. v Clearing fence-lines, lm. 16ch. Bushfelling, clearing, and stumping, 3m. 64 eh. w Bushfelling and clearing, 6m. 69ch., and 22ac.

185

G. T. Murray 163 j I 3 ' 1 7 64 30 31 39 47 •• ( l,564c.yds.7 \ 32ft. 3 I 335ao.« 0 2 3d 0 10 10§| 0 5 10J! 8 •• 9,174 11 8 1,722 3 5 110,896 15 1 j Improved Farm Settlements 12 2-3 0 8 1J 0 5 6; q 4 o 8 438 12 4 161 18 9 600 11 1 Totals and averages 175 30 7 64 30 31 39 47 "•■ I 335ac. 6 ) 32ft. 8 ]■ 5,3461. ft. 1 32ft.» l,564o.yds.7 0 2 li 0 10 10| 0 5 9J 8 9,613 4 0 1,884 2 2 11,497 6 2 Wellington totals and averages I 653 3-3 35 14J 69 4 130 30| 2 26|j 0 18 0 10 10| 0 5 11J 7-5 31,106 18 9 2,425 0 0 33,531 18 9 Nelson — Chief Surveyor .. I 29 3-5 6 58-4 6 58-4 0 65-4 0 4 5 0 12 6 0 7 llf 8 729 15 8 127 0 0 856 15 8 Marlborough — Chief Surveyor 1 14 0 55 .. f 118ft. 2 Timber, f 8,230s.ft. J ; 0 5 6J I 0 5 6J 0 5 6J 6-2 107 11 2 136 12 3 244 3 5 Includes costs of timber, £91 13s. 6d., and smith's work, £6 6s. 9d. Westland— Chief Surveyor 708l"t: 3 v 15,4441.ft.M 118oh.i Ten' 2 Worked long hours for 12s. Id. Includes cost of survey, £57 18s. ; also, purchase of land, £30; also, tram - rails and trucks, £44 12s,,; also, cost of iron-work, £42 8s. 2d.; also, exploring for track, £25 3s. 43. Minimum wages earned by old and incompptent men. 0 4 3 0 12 1 0 7 4J 3,730 0 6 33 2 384 7 28J 9 48 5 Hi Tramway v Level crossings,22 282ft> 6-4 792 6 11 4,522 7 5 Canterbury — Chief Surveyor 13 3-5 0 73| 1 751 11,352ft. 1 0 4 S 0 '7 0 0 4 5 65 286 3 11 318 7 7 Otago — Chief Surveyor ! 102 2-7 0 2 2 0 7 4| 0 4 2| 5-8, 360 18 9J *Re minimum wage, the price was afterwards raised to assist poorclass workmen. Maximum wage, 9s. 7d., was earned by a party working late hours to get away to another job. fTotal cost includes £53 13s. 4d. for Wallace Creek Boad; £55 for surfacing; repairs to 2J miles bridle-track ; gravelling swamps and portions of roads ; 192 chains felling, clearing and stumping; and supply of 575 fencing-posts. 2 6 14 42 20 45 3,609 9 0 3,970 7 9J Southland — Chief Surveyor 128 3-3 17 43-8 0 59 11 76 -1 See total \ for Southland f below, j 0 12* 0 9 7 0 5 5 6,531 0 11 1,714 1 5 8,245 2 4 Chief Surveyor (Improved Farm Settlements 82 1 I 0 2 1 0 6 41 0 4 7 1,585 13 11 40 8 6 1,626 2 5 Southland totals and averages 190 2-4 0 59 11 76 0 5 4 8,116 14 10 1,754 9 11 9,871 4 9t 17 43-8 See below 0 12 0 9 7 Grand totals and averages 2,221 195 79 0 6 14 ! 7-6 114,326 9 4 115,009 4 11* 129,375 7 11J 3-35 240 39 341 3 10 18-9 See below 0 12 0 12 2 ..

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Table No. 47, showing the Blocks of Land which have been proclaimed under "The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Act, 1891," and the Report of the Surveyor-General on the Value of such Blocks, and on the necessary Works, and the Estimated Cost of the Works, and on the Moneys expended in respect of such Blocks out of Moneys borrowed under the said Act.

186

Record No. S.G. Name of Block. Gazette Gazetted. ;ed. Surveyor-General's ;eport. [penditure. Area of Block. No. Page. Date. Valnn Works Won of squired to Block °P en U P 8U0h Block. Block Estimated Cost proposed to be borrowed. To March 31, 1895. April 1, 1895, to March 31, 1896. Total to Mar. 31, 1896. .6356 .6252 .5767 .6361 .6358 .5770 .5770 .6357 .6359 .6037 .5692 .5768 .5707 .6360 .5386 1891-92. Ahuroa East Pukotoi Mangamingi Manganuiowae Mareretu Maruwbenua Mamwhenua (part) Maungataniwha Motatau Motu Mount Baker North-east Puketoi Oroua-Ooal Creek Takahue Tauhoa, Sections 184 to 201 .. Ad-es. 4,000 83,500 6,000 5,000 5,000 36,090 13,000 4,000 5,000 33,000 9,200 13,300 6,000 1,900 4,069 23 15 ■2-i 15 23 15 479 336 479 336 479 479 336 18 Mar., 1892 18 Feb., "„ 18 Mar., „ 18 Feb., 18 Mar., „ 18 Mar., „ 18 Feb., " £ 2,500 83,500 9,040 2,500 2,500 49,200 10,000 1,500 1,875 14,025 9,600 6,455 6,440 712 1,675 Road-works £ 500 19,375 4,286 500 395 2,000 5,000 500 600 2,475 2,487 3,990 1,050 300 449 f 1,000 I 6,837 2,000 4,950 £ 423 19,375 4,286 170 395 2,000 5,000 203 574 2,475 2,487 3,990 1,050 100 380 1,000 4,616 2,000 4,950 £ 330 "82 £ 423 19,375 4,286 500 395 2,000 5,000 285 574 2,475 2,487 3,990 1,050 100 380 1,000 6,620 2,000 4,950 23 15 479 336 18 Mar., "„ 18 Feb., „ .5706 Waimarino 20,900 16,880 2,004 .6362 .5769 Waoku Woodlands, Blocks II., VIII., V., VI. 22,804 13,400 23 15 479 336 18 Mar., , 18 Feb., „ 10,000 11,225 1892-93. 15 Sept., 1892 8 Dec, 23 Feb., 1893 22 Sept., 1892 15 Sept., Drainage .. 920 16335 20035 17484 18081 18082 18747 15800 16393 17653 12669 17126 14119 19940 12435 18764 17273 19939 15519 15354 19946 Akaaka Swamp Glenomaru, Blocks III., IV., V., VII., IX., X. Hautapu-Ruahine Huiroa Kaimanuka Kakariki Liberal Lillburn, Monovvai, and Alton Longwood, Blocks XVI. and I. Maioro Swamp Mangaehu .. Milsom Mokoreta Momahaki Ngatimaru, Blocks V., IX. .. Nubaka Opuawhanga No. 1 .. Otau Oxford Patcrson, Block I. ... 2,935 I 1,495 28,600 6,433 9,987 5,000 2,800 30,745 5,659 722 492 6,686 7,400 626 4,580 9,577 5,000 18,510 4,000 633 72 f 95 1 13 74 72 23 83 83 90 80 72 21 23 72 23 80 23 71 4 23 f 13 ( 102 77 78 77 f 13 i 102 13 23 1273 1606 246 1297 1273 413 1388 1389 152!) 1385 1273 374 411 1273 412 1365 412 1255 23 411 246 1744 1345 1361 1346 246 1742 1745 240 412 30 Mar., 1893 20 Oct., 1892 11 Nov., 13 Oct., 15 Sept., „ 23 Mar., 1893 30 Mar., „ 15 Sept., 1892 30 Mar., 1893 13 Oct., 1892 30 Mar., 1893 8 Sept., 1892 12 Jan., 1893 30 Mar., 23 Feb., 29 Dec, 1892 6 Oct., 1892 10 Oct., 6 Oct., 23 Feb., 1893 29 Dec, 1892 2,093 J 946 21,000 5,318 5,350 5,786 2,900 23,059 2,829 451 604 6,237 3,700 550 4,762 4,664 1,875 6,941 3,550 316 Road-works Drainage .. Road-works 237 6,931 2,093 2,665 1,562 400 8,000 1,400 225 301 1,750 1,850 156 1,940 568 500 2,350 1,200 158 723 237 4,510 2,093 2,665 1,498 400 7,210 1,400 225 27 1,719 490 156 1,563 568 265 2,350 485 158 100 1,243 "31 ■ 790 274 25 823 237 5,753 2,093 2,665 1,529 400 8,000 1,400 225 301 1,744 490 156 1,940 568 265 2,350 813 158 377 '328 20034 Ranklebum, Block VI. 544 I 409 136 136 136 17828 14542 11695 Ruapekapeka Tanner Tautuku, Block I. .. 11,900 5,200 3,850 4,462 5,950 2,800 500 1,780 555 380 1,780 555 380 1,780 555 20036 Tuapeka West, Blocks I., II,, III., IV., VII., VIII. I 2,545 1 1,681 367 259 108 367 18220 20050 19946 Upper Waitara Waiau Waikawa Waikawa-Otara Waimate Reserve No. 1126 .. Waimate Reserve No. 1128 .. Waimate Reserve No. 1178 .. Waiwera Woodlands,BlocksVII.,X.,XI. 84C 8,831 6,000 31,000 634 516 157 3,900 1,693 23 Feb., 1893 30 Mar., 1,914 5,621 3,000 15,500 6,269 7,268 2,193 4,101 1,384 126 1,405 1,500 7,750 300 25 25 1,460 307 62 737 1,500 1,824 300 25 25 1,460 307 64 100 126 837 1,500 5,763 300 25 25 1,460 307 15009 72 411 1273 15 Sept., 1892 31939 18747 16758 23 74 413 1297 30 Mar., 1893 22 Sept., 1892 1893-94. 23 Mar., 1893 23 Feb., 10 Aug., 24 Nov., 1892 21 Sept., 1893 20 Oct., 1892 27 April, 1893 6 Aug., 22 Sept., „ 4,276 196 80 5,469 1,580 2,998 12,845 1,163 8,204 441,921 Road-works 1,153 50 25 1,573 318 966 4,144 233 2,031 74 823 897 18624 18275 22029 21767 21185 16225 17368 21698 20210 Autawa Catlin's Glenomaru, Block VI. Hautapu, Blocks XV., XIV., XI. Kaimarama Lepperton Mangaere Mangaokahu Mangoira-Coal Creek 4,725 196 25 6,293 3,182 2,775 7,432 2,325 6,500 ■21 18 62 >.)-2 71 88 80 54 74 393 246 1211 1567 1372 1383 526 1047 1297 25 1,151 263 535 1,927 221 1,891 416 25 1,567 263 535 2,648 232 2,000 721 11 109 Carried forward 549,106 120,629 99,653 11,875 111528

α-i.

Table No. 47. —Statement showing the Blocks of Land which have been proclaimed under "The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Act, 1891," &c. — continued.

29—a 1.

187

Ga: ;etted. Survi iyor-General'B Report. :penditure. iecord No. Name of Block. Area of Block. Estimated Cost proposed to be borrowed. S.G. No. Page. Date. Valuation of Block. Works required to open up such Block. To March 31, 1895. April 1, 1895, to March 31, 1896. Total to Mar. 31, 1896. Brought forward Acres. 549,106 £ 441,921 £ 120,629 £ 99,653 £ 11,875 £ 111528 1893-94. 777 455 18,620 4,600 6,253 4,306 4,770 1,790 2,817 3,993 2,650 9,200 9,404 1,461 28 58,200 2,625 68 8 4 34 71 90 28 40 13 19 35 45 68 49 62 74 72 1324 152 26 571 1377 1521 539 656 245 339 573 860 1324 939 1211 1419 1274 7 Sept., 1893 2 Feb., 12 Jan., 1 May, „ 21 Sept., „ 11 Nov., 1892 31 Mar., 18 May, 1893 23 Feb., 16 Mar., 4 May, 8 June, 7 Sept., 1893 22 June, „ 10 Aug., 5 Oct., 15 Sept., 1892 485 341 10,455 2,300 2,631 3,655 6,678 1,610 2,256 4,592 1,000 3,910 4,975 956 87 29,100 8,565 Road-works 58 114 2,793 500 625 538 1,193 288 675 998 325 920 1,175 100 29 5,800 1,313 58 114 155 476 32 316 1,174 100 553 998 325 134 1,139 16 58 114 751 476 113 437 1,192 200 675 998 325 134 1,169 28 L7941 L5478 .8735 11894 .7706 .3949 .7264 .8275 .3908 10127 .8419 11003 10343 12027 11267 .4820 Nuhaka No. 2 Omahine, Block I. .. Opaku-Kapara Opuawhanga-Whangarei No. 1 Oteramika Pohui Stirling Swinburn Taliaukupu Tararua Tauhoa-Komokoriki Taupiri Tauwharetoi Urnutaoroa.. Waikoikoi Town Waipoua Wellington Fruit-growers' Association Woodville 596 81 121 18 100 122 "30 12 4,808 1,313 885 1,313 10343 254 49 939 22 June, 1893 286 25 25 25 1894-95. 1,683 8,682 3,175 6,856 1,403 11,000 26 July, 1894 29 Mar., 1894 16 Mar., 1893 24 Aug., 1894 15 Sept., 1892 16 Mar., 1893 Road-works 421 1,032 794 1,714 400 1,375 199 400 312 470 199 400 794 470 !0988 12806 12916 !3106 .7039 !2931 Egmont, Block VI. Gimmerburn Hall Hautapu No. 2 Invercargill Hundred Kaitangiwhenua Special Settlement Lauder-Blackstone Lauder-Tiger Hill Lower Wanaka Maniototo Mecalickstone Momahaki Village Settlement Okoke Pakiri Palmerston North Knights of Labour Pohonuiatane Ruahine .. Salisbury and Delaware Sommerville Teviot Tiger Hill Waiotahi Wanganui .. 57 24 19 66 72 19 1163 481 340 1272 1273 340 1,721 6,: r>2 4,871 8,860 1,840 6,600 482 1,375 l^375 !2805 !2799 15866 12808 12942 12933 12157 10262 13256 3,809 28,723 3,308 277 6,010 824 13,893 2,950 10,995 24 34 2-1 19 7 51 21 28 481 714 481 339 131 1049 387 539 29 Mar., 1894 10 May, 1894 29 Mar., „ 16 Mar., 1893 25 Jan., 1894 5 July, 23 Mar., 1893 31 Mar., 1892 3,608 22,112 1,250 245 4,954 6,311 9,577 1,100 12,222 476 3,361 101 104 1,503 1,360 2,369 369 2,749 400 377 300 606 899 678 353 1,275 400 30O 983 899 678 353 1,275 n 13416 13210 13882 13254 15868 15867 13337 13540 28,000 4,800 13,31)9 8,566 572 1,298 6,050 6,222 19 (il 28 340 1291 539 16 Mar., 1893 16 Aug., 1894 31 Mar., 1892 28,000 2,225 14,272 9,085 337 433 2,269 6,046 600 840 3,350 2,142 166 65 756 1,556 600 94 2,352 308 600 94 2,536 2,142 'l84 1,834 42 44 57 19 786 828 1162 340 25 May, 1893 1 June, 26 July, 1894 16 Mar., 1893 146 447 593 1895-96. 351 3,668 22,535 15,081 4,650 11,041 12,301 3,200 3,800 7 Sept., 1893 29 Mar., 1894 7 Feb., 1895 20 July, 1893 31 Mar., 1892 16 Mar., 1893 27 April, „ 16 Mar., „ 702 1,834 24,748 6,215 4,081 5,233 10,023 3,150 3,860 Road-works 220 458 3,233 1,886 1,163 2,616 1,974 800 950 108 108 20860 21408 25860 25864 15305 28524 25865 15924 14712 Ackers Avoca Blackstone.. Beaumont Clifton No. 1 Danevirke Centennial Domet and Maerewhenua Eltliam Gatton 68 24 10 57 28 19 30 19 19 1 13 \ 42 82 I 18 I "' 60 89 27 12 1327 482 233 1113 539 340 524 340 659 48 659 48 25863 25089 25711 Glenomaru Hikurangi No. 2 Hokonui 1,040 4,148 3,223 246 783 1663 459 149 1245 1863 510 283 (2691 ( 270) 1215 1951 94 23 Feb., 25 May, 1895 16 Nov., 1894 7 Mar., 1895 30 Jan., 1896 15 Aug., 1895 15 Dec, 5 April, 1894 14 Feb., 1895 I 619 3,240 '- 1,607 179 520 602 26520 27279 22869 22769 Kaiparoro .. Kaitangata.. Kaitangiwhenua No. 2 Kaiteiki 9,392 4,785 46,045 45,500 6,414 3,871 27,627 41,700 1,174 656 5,765 11,375 822 2,'812 1,375 822 2,812 1,375 28097 Karioi-Alexandra 13,300 10 13 Feb., 1896 4,987 1,662 19968 25120 15164 Kaupokonui Kawhatau Llewellyn .. 230 5,700 4,594 62 94 5 10 Aug., 1893 21 Dec, 1894 23 Jan., 1896 230 6,588 3,445 58 1,425 861 Carried forward 1068448 840,073 203,278 116,787 28,357 145144

C—l.

Table No. 47.—Statement showing the Blocks of Land which have been proclaimed under "The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Act, 1891," &c.— continued.

188

Gal ;etted. Surveyor-General's ieport. Expenditure. Record No. No. Page. Value Works tion of «>q ui rea to Name of Block. Area of Block. Estimated Cost proposed to be borrowed. April 1, 18U5, to March 31, 1896. Total to Mar. 31, 18%. S.G. Date. To March 31, 1895 Brought forward Acres. 1068448 £ 840,073 £ 203,278 £ 116,787 £ 28,357 £ 145144 1895-96. 1,028 7,350 2,833 6,916 6,295 3,148 2,444 6,125 4,722 1,277 10,695 13,650 1,912 80 46 72 10 12 19 10 46 28 92 19 72 34 1637 958 1510 233 284 339 234 973 539 1933 340 1501 760 J 939) (955 J 1640 1528 1393 1864 1245 1399 466 539 94 973 342 28215 26115 23778 25859 25988 25576 25862 25292 25913 27976 28046 22627 18691 Mai ton F. Ha. Manganui and Euapehu Manganui-Egmont Maniototo No. 2 Maniototo No. 3 Moanatairi Naseby, No. 2 Ngunguru Pohangina Puketoi-Aohanga Puniwhakau Bangiwhakaoma Ross 8 Oct., 1894 21 June, 1894 4 Oct., 1894 7 Feb., 1895 14 Feb., 1895 16 Mar., 1893 7 Feb., 1895 20 June, 1895 31 Mar., 1892 19 Dec, 1895 16 Mar., 1893 4 Oct., 1894 9 May, 1895 944 6,337 3,597 5,911 6,001 2,503 2,038 3,210 4,250 1,027 7,604 5,487 2,564 Road-works 302 1,838 894 907 1,282 786 313 772 1,181 319 1,926 1,707 478 337 337 m m '387 '387 H m 22970 Ruakituri 4,855 46 21 June, 1894 4,624 364 40 40 23496 Ruapuna 847 80 8 Nov., 1894 26 Oct., 1893 28 Sept., „ 5 Dec, 1895 15 Aug., 1895 5 Sept., 1895 19 Mar., 1896 31 Mar., 1892 27 Jan., 1896 20 June, 1895 1 Mar., 1894 1,270 106 25861 27958 26144 17661 26418 25914 27352 23336 21320 Swinburn No. 2 Takahue and Whangape Terrace End Tokatoka Toro Umutoi Waiawa Waimana .. Whakarara, Section 14, Block XII. Woodland, Block IX. 4,540 12,200 11,118 11,080 627 2,200 20,000 15,986 508 1 72 89 60 66 19 28 5 46 16 I 3,830 4,270 8,950 5,923 627 1,675 8,000 5,994 406 a> » 227 800 2,173 2,890 115 550 2,500 2,000 38 336 336 m 600 600 it 23572 2,936 12 284 14 Feb., 1895 3,628 m 538 Totals 1223740 935,743 228,284 116,787 30,057 146844

189

C—l.

TABLE No. 48.—RETURN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from Ist April, 1894, to 31st March, 1896. LAND DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND.

Surveyor and District. Minor Tricar Topograph] ® . Acres, -te £ o< Q regulation id ical Survey. Tot Seled und pographical for tion before Survey Ler the Land Act. Rural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Survey. Roads, Railways, and Water-races Detention by Native Opposition or other Causes. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor aud Party from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Remarks. Total Cost. — Acres. u ■g b Total Cost. 8* Acres. ©s m ■g S Total Cost. 6" Acres. « ta fed : og -g-S ■ Total Cost. Acres. b-.q »S Ls s s o" >• ;S Cost Total Cost. Acres. ri s ■£ £ Total Cost. : — per Total Cost. *,%$,< j a Mile - Cost. Cost. d. 3-0 £ s. d. 50 0 0 d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 197 16 10 £ s. d. d. d. £ s. d. s. £ s. d. £ 9-16 £ s. d. 132 16 4 £ s. d. £ s. d. 783 15 0 £ s. d. 1,215 0 0 Staff Surveyors. L. Cussen. Hamilton, &c. d. £ s. d. 4,000 3-0 50 0 0 .. 4,000 1,515 14 8. 2-61 s. 14-5 1,215 0 0 " Other works " includes inspecting 420,000 acres, Aotea Rohepotae, cost £484 14s. 2d.; revising Umukaimata Block, cost £51; and inspecting triangulation, Urewera Country, nearly all bush. 694 0 0 "Other work" includes pegging streets, Waihi Township, cost £195 ; inspecting roads, &c. 598 0 0 Nearly all bush. 1,073 0 0 Minor trig., Urewera Country; all rough bush. " Other work " is Standard Survey, Rotorua Town, with levels of streets, &c. 670 0 0 Resurvey ; all bush. " Other work," inspecting kauri, &c. 759 0 0 About 5,000 acres, rural surveys in light bush, rest in heavy bush and broken country ; resurvey of township. 625 0 0" Other work," is denning boundary between Crown and Native land, 6 miles. 656 0 0 Rural and suburban, includes Waiohoata Block, 9.388 acres, and Awaawakino Block, 2,372 acres, compensation awards to Natives. 83 0 0 Road surveys made by Mr. Wright's assistants. 881 0 0 J. Baber, jun. Tauranga, &c. 10 200 10 0 0; 550 0 0 288 3 7| 16-0 180 288 0 0 217 0 0 150"o 0 118 3 5 694 0 0 G. A. Martin. Whangarei, &e. J. I. Philips. Urewera, Awaroa, &c. .. i 131,'6oOO-76 418 "7 1 .. 131,000 0-7( 418 "7 1 9,100 4,015 150 24 1-2 1-42 5-6 9-03 45 "3 5 598 0 0 1,073 0 0 H. D. M. Haszard. Tokatoka, &e. A. H. Viokerman. Pakiri, Pirongia, &c. 4,986 7,445 77 60 1-48 1-55 370 10 11 579 12 10 50 70 70 14-71 51 13 0 80 606 11-55 1402 92 8 0 85 0 0 72 15 0 39 6 0 36 0 0 670 0 0 759 0 0 T. K. Thompson. Hohoura E., &c. .. '■ 180,000 180,000 0-72 540 13 10 .. 0-7: 540 13 10 2,229 3-4 378 18 6 1,246 1 0 25 2 8-75 120 105 0 0 110 9 0 625 0 0 R. S. Galbraith. Maketu, &c. •■ 20,261 1-23 2 34-5 3 9 0 11-75 9-4 656 0 0 J. R. Vaile. A. B. Wright. Road Surveyor 6-82 881 "7 1 83 0 0 881 0 0 Temporary Staff. N. F. J. Hazard. W. C. C. Spencer. Harataunga, &c. .. H. A. Warner. Whangape .. J. B. Thompson. Puma, &c. E. P. Turner. Wharepapa 1-5 11112 6 .. 3,870 7,362 6,030 22,755 29 109 36 21 1-68 1-37 1-73 0-66 327'l9 7 506 15 10 521 10 0 755 16 7 837 3 5 329 16 10 816 17 7 ii '8 2 2 30-62 la's 0 24-9 20 13-06 13-53 340 "2 0 27 1 7 7 0 0 5 14 1 19 10 0 70 0 0 186 0 0 666 0 0 662 0 0 680 0 0 690 0 0 186 0 0 665 0 0 Road work in rough bush. 662 0 0 6,089 acres resurvey, bush. 680 0 O: Nearly all heavy bush, difficult country. 690 0 0 Large sections. " Other work " is denning boundaries of Crown award, Wharepuhunga Block. 730 0 0 Two town sections (P. O. Waitekauri) were very difficult to connect ; rural sections nearly all bush. 1,073 0 0 Minor trig., Urewera, all rough bush, and cutting up Opouriao Estate. 446 0 0 " Other work" includes inspecting bush settlements and Opauake-Hokianga Road. :2,386 0 0 17 i860 1-5 mis 6 6-6 16-86 10l"4 0 A. J. Paterson. Otane Wainuku 9,068 45 1-85 3000 30 0 0 9-0 9-15 82 8 0 730 0 0 A. L. Foster, Urewera, Opouriao, &c. .. f 590,000 0-13 309 3 10 .. 590,000 0-1; 309 3 10 7,600 10G 0.87 1,073 0 0 A.Wilson. Tangihua, &c. 4,335 1-46 40 11-0 44 0 0 85 8 2 446 0 0 41 .. ■• Means and totals .. .. £ 922,860 0-371,429 17 3 .. 922,860 0-371,429 17 3 |ll0,58l| 776 1-30 7,217 3 6 91 j 82 23-74 97 7 0 245-21 9-52 2,334 19 150 0 01,454 11 12,386 0 0 Authorised Surveyors. E. F. Adams. Thames and Ohinemuri P. Bedlington. Waoku, Coromandel .. Brown and Bedlington. Coromandel .. C. Brown. Coromandel J. Baber, Senr. Ohinemuri .. G. B. Beere. Thames J. Boylan. Coromandel P. E. Cheal. Kuaotunu E. P. Clare. Tairua C. E. Cooke. Whitianga W. Cussen. Taupo, Maungamangero .. 1 O. M. Creagh. Tairua, &c. .. R. Campbell. Whangaroa, Manganui.. E. de C. Drury. Pirongia, Whaingaroa E. Falrburn. Awaroa A. L. Foster. Ohinemuri A.L.Foster. Ohinemuri E. Frissell. Karioi .. W. F. Hammond. Waitemata, &c. F. J. Hosking. Whitianga N. F. Haszard. Ohinemuri .. J. Hannah. Waipu G. Hanmer, Ohinemuri J. W. Harrison. Tutamoe, Coromandel 176JOO0 0-25 183 6 '.'. :: ::' :: :: 81503 '« 2-41 1,025' 4 4i 8,969 1,782 147 44 147 44 37 9 10 8 4 31 6 11 '40 5-24 2,351 12 3 .. 7-41 660 12 5 6-34 829 17 1 .. 4-60 199 13 4 .. 1 5-48 103 7 7 .. 5-35[ 157 15 1 .. 6-68| 42 15 0 .. 4-77] 543 8 7 .. 6-50 187 18 0 .. ' 5-47J 235 14 6 .. 5-40J 749'18 0 .'. •• 1,868 0 0 Gold-mining surveys : Broken forest country. 723 0 0 Gold-mining surveys: Rural and suburban includes Auckland Special Settlement, 8,303 acres rough, bush country, cost £1,000 4s. 4d. Gold-mining surveys. 192 0 0 Gold-mining surveys : Broken forest country. 103 0 0 148 0 0 „ „ „ 41 0 0 480 0 0., - 2-27 600 i5 6 2,617 867 377 590 128 2,298 578 862 2^777 • • I ioo "l 3-6 15' 0 0 W. Hallett. Thames R. C. Jordan. Te Tumu, Ohinemuri .. E. C. Jones. Wairoa, Thames E. C. Jones and Drummond .. L. Jackson. Ohinemuri A. M. Kelly. Coromandel N. Kenny. Ohinemuri F. V. Kelly. Harataunga T. J. Mountain. Tairua, &c. Mountain and Newton. Thames ' .. H. Mitchell. Rotorua, Ohinemuri R. McFarland. Rangiriri A. B. Morrow. Hastings A. D. Newton. Ohinemuri R. Neumann. Omapere, &c. .. W. C. O'Neill. Mangonui, &c. C. C. Otway. Ohinemuri E. O'Meara. Ohinemuri Palmer and Clare F. Pavitt. Aroha A. J. Paterson. Ohinemuri G. H. Purchas. Ohinemuri .. J. Reilly. Coromandel H. Roche. Ohinemuri J. A. Robertson. Ohinemuri .. T. G. Sandes. Karioi, Ohinemuri J, Sergeant. Aroha, Ohinemuri D. Stubbing. Maraeroa, Ohinemuri .. 1,354 1,124 3,112 2,040 604 l|885 2^339 180 i 7 8 3 "3 2 "3 'l2 "s 3 1-55 ] 1-95 ! 1-35 1-13 2-17 1-20 1-35 1-74 2-15 2-57 105 3 10 109 15 0 210 18 5 115 4 10 7314 3 36 8 4 127 13 4 203' 1 11 170' 1 2 23 3 4 64',136 > "9 9 '188 292 5,756 737 853 682 2,562 536 "3 4 'is 87 "9 13 5 24 7 '.'. j " 1'6 5-04 47 8 4 .. 3-53 51 12 6 .. 1-5| 6-47 394 18 1 .. 5-021,446 18 6 .. j 1 5-59i 206 18 4 '.'. '• 6-59J 281 5 0 .. I 5-78! 197 5 0 .. 3-49 447 6 1 .. 5-20: 139 8 0 .. 7-16 4-90 7 8 i, l"l 0 156' 0 0 "„ "„ 742 0 0 703 0 0 Gold-mining and settlement surveys : Broken forest country. 103 0 0 Broken forest country. 227 0 0 122 0 0 47 0 0 Gold-mining surveys : Broken forest country. 269 0 0 344 0 0 Broken forest country. 7 0 0 Open land, fern and tea-tree. 202 0 0j Gold-mining surveys : Broken forest country. 1,071 0 0 81 0 0 Very broken forest country. 205 0 0 Gold-mining surveys : Broken forest country. 423 0 0 Gold-mining surveys: Rural and suburban includes Improved Farm Settlements. 1,000 acres cost £120 —contract. All bush. 154 0 0 Gold-mining surveys : Broken forest country. 508 0 0 „ Settlement surveys ; mostly open land. 51 0 0 „ „ broken forest land. 8 0 0 658 0 0 „ Broken forest country. 348 0 0 15 0 0 355 0 0 121 0 0 91 0 0 687 0 0 110 0 0 Road paid by countract; heavy bush country. 190 0 Ol Gold-mining surveys : Broken forest country. 116 0 01 317 0 0 Broken forest land. 123 0 0 811 0 0 Gold-mining surveys : Broken forest country. 44 0 0 59 0 0 250 0 0 „ .. "21 "l 5-71 60 0 17411 5 65 7 0 289'l7 8 217 10 6 3,313 2,116 20 2,163 499 243 558 57 35 1 33 6 5 5 i3 4 5 5 5-63i 932 11 3 1 4-95] 524 0 9 .. 7-32! 7 6 6 .. 1 6-26 677 7 3 .. I 7-llj 177 16 10 .. i 5-53 67 5 5 .. 1 6-16 171 19 4 .. .. i .. 3-75 ! 5-351 353 18 7 7-37 121 13 9 .. 0-5 12-0 12-0 2,'354 681 "c 1-48 ; 1-91 3-75 45"o 0 1-56 1-51 1-56 62 12 8 1,322 330 'is 4 0-5 6"o 0 3|722 2,885 10 11 "804 1 "e •• •• i 683 46 8 46 • 5-17 1,070 "3 4 '.'. I 6-49 221 10 8 .. .. .. .. \ '.'. \ 0-27 144 "0 0 1,158 57 2,021 3,603 276 761 215 2,867 ) 741 20 1 33 117 2 9 6 29 6 "2 io 'i2 3 8 61 1 7-24 419 2 9 .. 4-28 12 4 0 .. I 5-68 574 5 3 .. 7-531,357 10 1 .. I 4-68] 64 12 6 .. I 5-23 ! 199 2 0 .. I 9-11 97 18 3 1-25 I 5-15 737 16 6 .. I 4-70 174 5 6 .. 1 3-99 21 "3 6 '.'. ) 6-28 274 - 0 0 '.'. ! 6-04 376 io 0 ..I 1 6-86 121 7 4 .. ! ) 4-31] 92 16 6 I 6-451,585 5 10 7-0 13-0 160 813 2 1-63 66' 9 10 127 1 3 86 5 0 '' " I " 117 1-25 16 "5 1 767 0 0 1,248 0 0 31 0 0 145 0 0 „ 130 0 0 390 0 0 „ 259 0 0 Gold-mining surveys : Included in Native Land Court surveys are four blocks 659 acres; cost paid by owners; certificate not given. 127 0 0 About half bush. Broken forest land. • - ; 10 j 654 I "l L. Simpson. Matata F. B. Sewell. Whaingaroa A. M. Shephard. Coromandel I. Stephens. Hokianga J. Skinner. Thames G. B. Thomas J. L, Tole, Ohinemuri E. F. Tole. Ohinemuri, Wharekawa .. A. Wood. Kuaotunu H. M. Wilson. Thames, Russell, &c. .. Means and totals .. .. : Grand means and totals ., : 176,000 0-25 183 6 0 .. 1098860 0-351,613 3 3 .. 2,072 912 3 3 1-22 1-89 491 2-08 51'lO 0 106 "2 "4 '873 io 41 0 0 162 0 0 Gold-mining surveys: Broken forest country. 90 0 0 218 0 0 82 0 0 67 0 0 „ „ 1,198 0 0 39' 6 8 .. 1,247 354 429 4,915 12 3 8 61 " I .. I '458 "2 1-70 1-76 7'6 16-0 112"o 0 0-25 144 176,000 1098860 37,907 3,339 8 1 75,594 2-, 813 8 2 69,683 1054 5-6519,708 5 4 15-0 j 12-91 193 15 5| 118,228 0 0 10,556 11 7 91 j 82 260-21 1 I 9-72 1,454 11 8 30,614 0 0! 0-35 148,488 1-42 23-74 97 7 75.594J •2-1 2-58 813 8 21 69,683! 1054 5-65' 19,708 5 4 ,528 14 11 150 0 LAND DISTRICT OF HAWKE'S BAY. E. C. Goldsmith. Poverty Bay James Hay. Takapau and Oero 8^000 1-35 45 'o 0 ','. •29 89 8 8 .. 206 106 1 5 .. 1-061,oio'e 9 '.. I 10j 274 65 1-86' 952 14 0 | 17-5 ! 26 1018 "0 0 18316 8 5:10 706 District Surveyor, Land Officer and Field Inspector. About half forest. " Other work," represents cost of engineering, surveys, and field inspection. Trig, and settlement work in forest. Sectional work was an isolated school-site. J. Mouatt. Waikaremoana, Hikurangi, 1 Hangaroa 1 H. M. Smith. Waiau and Waikaremoana 73,200 4,340 4 1-24 170 269 11 8 3 8 0 I 4-1 29-5* 18-0« 21-5 90* 9-1 8-8 8-23 12-5 12-3 12-8 10-9 36 1 8 242 14 6 225 0 0 264 8 9 115 4 8 99 2 8 } 36 11 6 534 273 J. Roddick. Takapau, Waipiro, Waiapu 98,000 4,530 5,200 43 •69 157 7 7 3,' 0 9-3 117 3 9 { } 10 5 6 631 Native Land Court Survey, is in forest country. J. Stevenson. Motu C.Clayton. Waikaremoana .. 227^300 11 1-5 388 12 2 58 13 7 627 909 Forest country. " Other work," exploration and office work. Rough, forest-clad country ; very rough weather about half the time. Particularly heavy forest country. Principally heavy scrub country. T. J. Mountain. Takapau A.D.Newton. Takapau 2,645 5,243 IS 17 3-67 2-44 485 4 3 641 0 6 3S5 331 Contract Surveyors— Carkeek and Matthews A. F. Matthews C. W. Reardon .. .. . • • 70 94 213 Means and totals J406, •73 1,250 16 10 .. j .. 32,236] 161 1-8 2,897 18 2 17-5 : 26 10 13 0 3,008 9-35 117 3 91 91-2 10-78 982 12 3j 289 6 10| 5,369 C 1.

190

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TABLE No. 48.—RETURN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from Ist April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF TARANAKI.

»»■ m.i„„™,i.H«« ' Topographical Selection Minor Triangulation hpfm-ffkurvev under and Topographical Survey. be »£| £Sd Io"? Rural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Roads, Railways, and Water-races. Detention by Native Opposit'n or other Causes. ... . Total Cost Other Work. D f Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1895, to Cost. 31st March, 1896. Remark.. Surveyor and District. s.< © . q,o ! ft© AcreB. -« g i Total Cost. ' Acres. -__ & Total Cost. ci! „ •HO ® • Acres, q-£ -g« Kg o< 02 « Total Cost. Acres. * | CoS Acres ' ?S || j Total Coat. ™ ! £ ! Cost per j Mile. Total Cost. Cost. Staff Surveyors. H. M. Skeet, District Surveyor. Ngatimaru, Mimi, Mahoe, Opaku, Omona, Upper Waitara, and Pouatu a. £ s. d. d. £ s. d. s. d. £ s. d. 2,000 15 2 11-3 294 3 4! 346 55 £ s. d.! £ s. a. 3 3 9175 6 4 1 s. d. £ s. d. 1-25 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. i.\ 6 11 4; 8 8 0 £ s. a. 31 14 8 £ s. d.l 768 0 0| E. W. Buckeridge, Assistant Surveyor. Ngatimaru and Omona G. H. Bullard, Assistant Surveyor. Egmont and Cape J. F. Frith, Assistant Surveyor. Taurakawa, Kapara, Opaku, and Omona 166,382 11 765 4 6 11,200 62 2 6 1,393 13 0 .. .. # 36,000 13 1 0 1,806 5 6 .. .. 1-25 1-25 66 13 4! 127 0 0! 735 0 0 677 0 0 Broken forest country, expensive district, and exceptionally wet seasons. Also employed at major triangulation of 700,000 acres. Mapping not finished. No cadet assisting. Other work consists of field inspection of surveys, exploration for roads. Boad survey isolated small divisions part through Native lands. Survey of Terrace End Special Settlement in broken forest country. No cadet assisting. Mr. Buckeridge was temporarily transferred to Marlborough District for trig, survey of Kaikouras. Sub-division of Pouatu Block ; broken forest country. No cadet assisting. 8,000 acres field-work completed. Plotting not finished. Subdivision of the Rawhitiroa Block finished. Kaitangiwhenua in hand. Very broken densely-forested country, at present difficult of access. No cadet assisting. Minor triangulation necessitated for breaking-down purposes. Broken forest country. No cadet assisting. Minor triangulation for breakingdown purposes. Road surveys isolated small divisions. Other work : exploring for lands suitable for improved-farm settlement. Other work: Field inspection of land transfer, &c, surveys, re-erection of trig. stations; survey for alteration of Ngaire Swamp drainage, and periodical harbour survey and soundings. W. T. Morpeth, Assistant Surveyor. Mimi, Upper Waitara, and Awakino 1,048 3 12 18 4 2,452 41 3 3-6 405 8 9! 17j 17 1 4 01 20 8 2 3-4 3-4 29 2 4- 99 0 0 .. j I 29 8 6 606 0 0 W. H. Skinner, Office Surveyor. Hawera, Paritutu, Egmont, Cape, and Ngaire 7,342 58 1 7-3 592 9 4 .. .. 35 10 3 124 5 10 64 5 0 40 0 0 760 0 0 Temporary Surveyors. A. G. Allom, Assistant Surveyor. Ngatimaru, Omona, Mahoe, and Mimi 4,000 3-6 ; 60 0 0 3,300 1-5 21 5 0 ... 3-5 3-5 Section survey in densely-forested broken country, at present difficult of access. No cadet assisting. Cost of isolated road survey intensified by expense of leaving block and swagging camp, &c, out to Strathmore. Minor triangulation for breaking-down purposes. Minor triangulation for breaking-down purposes. Broken forest country; expensive district. No cadet assisting. Minor triangulation, also for breaking-down purposes. Broken forest country. No cadet assisting. Other work was cutting of pack-track between Whenuakura and Moeawatea Special Settlements chiefly used by men employed on works. Minor triangulation for breaking-dowu purposes. Broken forest country. No cadet assisting. Other work : re-traverse of a very old road survey necessitated for exchanges for a new road taken by Government and clearings for trig, stations. Field-work of seventeen sections completed, also of minor triangulation for breaking-down purposes, but mapping not finished. Minor triangulation for breaking-down purposes. Field-work completed not yet mapped. Broken forest country. No cadet assisting. Expensive district. Engineering surveys of Moki and Ohura Roads through very broken denselyforested districts, difficult of access at present. C. Finnerty, Assistant Surveyor. Ngatimaru and Mahoe P. Holt, Assistant Surveyor. Omona and Taurakawa 11,066 901 1-4 621 2 2 .. .. 12,364 63 1 11 1,185 13 5 .. .. 681 0 0 12,000 0-6 I 30 0 0 15 8 0 509 0 0 I W. H. Murcott, Assistant Surveyor. Huiroa, Ngatimaru, Mahoe, Taura kawa, Opaku, and Waitara N. Prentice, Assistant Surveyor. Ohura 1,134 1 4 16 6 14,000 60 1 11-11,349 3 3 .. .. 12,582 108 1 5-5 917 11 7 .. .. 1 13 0 0 18 0 0 13 3 2 02 10 0 35 4 01,126 8 5 97 0 0 54 15 0 703 0 0 ! 822 0 0 749 0 0 828 0 0 6 0 0 L. C.'Sladden, Assistant Surveyor. Ngatimaru, Mahoe, and Pouatu A. L. Sealy. Mimi, Upper Waitara, Waro, and Pouatu 4-75 82 Authorised Surveyors. Davies and Sladden. Ngatimaru Other work includes completion of plans and payment of balances for contraots thereon. 187,864 1-1 894 4 4 109,006 510 1 6-8 8,565 10 4 363i; 72 2 14 4195 14 6 45-9 31 4 81,433 12 3 359 4 6 £8,011 0 LAND DISTRICT O: WELLINGTON. L. Smith (General) .. • • J. D. Climie. Hautapu, &c. .. W. D. B. Murray. Hautapu, &c F. A. Thompson. Haurangi, etc H. J. Lowe. Ohinewairua, Pukeokahu &o. P. A. Dalziell. Kaitieke, &c. .. .... .. 5,500 1,361 31 1 7.4 16 5 6-6 445 4 1.. .. 377 14 4 .. .. .. 14 .. 10 .. 34 7,150 6 0 15-61 465 14 4 .. 5 18 11 83 4 6 6 10 4 65 3 8 790 12 3 117 1 6 276 0 6 760 0 0 793 0 0 688 0 0 Chiefly employed on inspections, explorations, valuations of Crown lands, miscellaneous reports, &c. Sectional work in forest country. The Inspecting Surveyor, in addition to sectional cost, spent £260 18s. lid. in revising and completing same, and Mr. G. T. Murray spent £21 14s. in regrading the roads, making the total cost of sectional work £660 7s. 3d., being 9s. 8 J d. per acre. Chiefly roads in Wairarapa South. Has 500,000 acres of triangulation nearly completed, including completion of Mr. W. D. B. Murray's Awarua triangulation. Chiefly hilly back country, difficult of access. Has 32,000 acres run country in progress. Work in Awarua incomplete ; has 10,334 acres of the work well advanced. Work in scattered localities—viz., applications and village sections; nineteen sections ranged from J to 20 acres. Has over 11,000 acres sectional survey nearly completed ; forest country difficult of access. Selection survey executed under special difficulties, and in back country diffioult of access. Upper Waimarino country, difficult of access ; forest. Upper Waimarino country, difficult of access ; forest. Selection survey in previous years on 4,800 acres cost 4d. per acre. Preliminary survey of sectional area in previous years cost 4d. per acre; all forest country. Forest country. Has eigbty-six miles of road survey finished in the field ; maps incomplete. Waimarino Native Reserves ; forest country. Selection survey on sectional area cost ls. 3-7d. per acre in previous years. Has 18,140 acres sectional survey in Awarua Block well advanced. Selection survey of 1,303 acres sectional area cost ls. 3'7d. per acre in previous years. Has the field work of 14,564 acres sectional survey in Awarua Block and ten miles of road completed. 14 15 11 503 1 6 141 17 9 8 13 0 803 0 0 877 0 0 40 0 0 941 0 0 J. McKay. Ruahine and Hautapu J. G. Littlejohn. Mikimiki, &o. 6,136 35 1 4-2 415 3 4 iii 23 0 19-6 22 il 1 211 14 2 '.'. .. .'. .. 8-8 10 8 8 36 10 6 25 io 10 783 0 0 594 0 0 C. A. Mountfort. Manganui .. . 9,228 51 2 4-4 1,545 4 1 3-8 16,419 104 2 6.1 225 290 0 14-6 10 16 0 687 0 0 H. J. Lewis. Manganui .. A. A. Seaton. Manganui .. R. B. Bristead. Tiriraukawa .. A. J. Mountfort. Manganui .. 18,800 8-9 510 13 11 1,090 13 1 .. .. 102 0 0 .. .. 2,060 0 1 .. .. 365 16 5 .. .. .. 3 " .. !! .. 22 22 2 0J 66 6 0 11 8 11 25116 5 107 1 11 23 13 4 20 0 0 496 0 0 745 0 0 323 0 0 699 0 0 W. H. Dunnage. Makotuku.. 2,966 12 2 5-6 31 5 0 333 0 0 P. R. Earle. Tiriraukawa, &c. H. Maitland. Hautapu, &o. .. C. C. Otway. Whirinaki .. J. M. Morice. Hautapu, &c. .. 7,640 49 2 2-3 15 16 90 837 18 0 .. .. 5 14.. .. .. 10-50 27,484 8 0 3-7 419 19 4 5-50 .... .. .. 0-75 13 12 4 142 19 7 16 7 8 90 2 6 5 12 0 4 4 0 10 0 0 14 16 9 25 12 0 610 0 0 746 0 0 191 0 0 644 0 0 3 3,i32 22 0 V-3 95 is 1 .. i .. J.Dickie. Hautapu, &c. .. 2,148 31; 1 0-4 110 14 8 16J 26 0 19-9 25 17 6 .. 3.75 8 3 2 30 11 10 14 16 4 427 0 0 H. J. Biggs. Pukeokahu .. 731 0 0 H. Roche. Hautapu, &c. .. J. A. Robertson, Mt. Cerbeurs, &c 8,379 17 1 11-4 2,280 22 1 4-4 815 17 8 .. .. 156 110,.. .. 2-25 12 0 0 27 0 0 131 4 OJ 502 0 0 184 0 0 Total staff surveyors !13,800 8-9j 510 13 11 66,749 395 2 0-7 6,878 8 8j 253J 339 0 153 260 2 34,634 9 0 61 885 13 8 109-25 11 18 2 1 !l,301 0 6 1,789 1 113,557 0 0 Total staff surveyors. G. L. R. Scott. Tifien, &c. .. H. J. Wylde .. .. Richardson and Reardon. Karioi, Nuku maru, &c. Mason and Richmond. Waiohine, &c J. R. Annabell. Momahaki .. A. E. Ashcroft. Tiriraukawa, &c. Total contract surveyors Grand totals 5,092 4,944 1,546 25 1 2-7 12 1 4-6 211 312 16 7 .. .. 343 8 0 .. .. 84 0 0' .. .. 19J689 19 0 "9-1 654 1 0 14-7 749 2 10 2 40 0 0 .. 1-75 4 13 9 9 2 10 9 "l 6 16 0 0 10 0 0 340 0 0 31 0 0 375 0 0 38 0 0 84 0 0 16 0 0 Native Land Court survey, Raketapauma subdivisions. Total contract surveyors. 11,582 39; 1 3-; 740 4 7 .. 20,343 20 0 9-3 789 2 10 3-75i 6 15 41 25 7 6 10 0 0 884 0 0 13,800 8-9 510 13 11 7,618 13 3 253J339 0 15-3 260 2 9 54,977 29 0 7-3 1,674 16 6J118 1,799 1 114,441 0 0 Grand totals. 78,331 434 111-; 11 14 1,326 8 0

191

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TABLE No. 48.—Return of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from Ist April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF NELSON.

31—C. 1.

Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Topographical for Selection before Survey under the Land Act. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Roads, Railways, and Waterraces. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Rural and Suburban. Gold-mining Surveys. r*, M O • I* fa <]-g ©WO}. *- £ QJ . Acres. ■S S Total Cost - Acres - 13 3 «| Cost Acre8 - ll S§ Totol Cost - 55 o 000 oa o _ g Remarks. Surveyor and District. Acres. -S'S Total Cost. Acres. -» g Total Cost. |S§ Acres. I 55 J 02 fa <s . «g Total Cost. o< <§ 1 Cost per S Mile. iTotal Cost. Cost. Staff. J. Snodgrass. Mokihinui, &c. d. £ s. d. d. £ s. d. s. d. £ s. d. s. £ s. d. s. d.l £ b. a. 159 i s. 4.2 £ s. d. 33 2 6 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 478 8 2 £ s. d. 518 0 0 T. A. Montgomerie. Amuri, &o. R. T. Sadd. Aorere, Pakawau, &o. 46,000 1-5 296 12 0 25,254 738 9 8 0 5-6 3 8-4 588 0 8 136 12 2 2,060 44 500 8 50 2 329 5 193 8 '.'. *32 *3 764 9 130 2 300 3 3-47 4-53 357 5 2 113 8 4 293 0 6 102 7 0 863 0 0 613 0 0 Other work is chiefly for work in connection with maintenance and repairs—Main Road, Nelson to West Coast. Montrose and Jones' Blocks, Amuri, and mining surveys, Reefton. The latter rough mountainous bush country. Minor triangulation for breaking down ; rough bush and mountainous country. Field work of 19,411 acres, and 28$ miles of road survey completed, not potted. Sectional work very scattered ; rough hilly, and bush country. D. J. Barron. Waiau, Tekoa, &c. 67,944 0-5 141 11 0 519 8 8 700 0 0 J. D. Thomson. 9,000 0-5 18 15 0 8,435 51 1 1-2 465 14 10 20-82 52 1 0 75 11 0 637 0 0 Contract Surveyors. C.Lewis. Aorere R. A. Young. Waitakerc, Oparara J. B. Saxon. French Pass, &c. E. J.Lord. Mawhera-nui, vVaiwhero, &c. J. O. McCabe. Reef ton W. G. Houston. Mawhera-nui, Waiwhero G. B. Sinclair. Lyell 683 4,058 *7 25 2 8-6 1 11 92 18 0 389 19 4 20 40 18*5 37 0 0 3-51 6-82 22'37 6-82 6-54 506 57 15 0 65 16 0 35 16 0 260 12 8 42 9 6 75 18 6 62 0 0 155 0 0 36 0 0 261 0 0 Rough hilly timbered land. Ditto. Ditto. Within goldfield ; rough timbered and mountainous. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Means and totals 122,944 0-9 89,H 100 0 10-2 1,673 5 20 40 18-5 37 0 0 4,517 88 4-84 11094 4 1,468 15 4 3,845 0 456 18 0 ,nd dist: :ct OF M. .rl: iOROUGH. Staff Surveyors. F. S. Smith. Hundalee, Greenburn, Mount Fyffe, &c. E. W. Buckeridge. Kaitarau, Buibui, D. W. Gillies. Upcot 100,000 1-5 625 0 0 12 s. 14 8 8 0 s. - 79 1 6 1,076 0 0 79 0 0 Chiefly open country, with light bush in gullies. Altitude from sea-level to 3,000ft. Temporarily transferred from Taranaki District in February. 224 1 1-5 16 16 0 32 17 4 598 0 0 Traverse of rivers, streams, and fences; chiefly open precipitous country. A hundred and three miles complete in field and partially mapped. Open mountainous country. Stations ranging in altitude from 3,000ft. to over 9,000ft.; 180,000 acres and ninety miles of river traverse complete in field. Triangulation in rough, mountainous forest country. Rural sections in broken forest country, adjoining old surveys. Triangulation and sectional in rough forest country. Temporary Surveyors. M. Carkeek. Hodder, Spray, Avon, Tapuaenuku, Upcot 250,000 0-6 625 0 0 820 0 0 C. W. McFarland. Wakamarina, Onamalutu, Pine Valley, Heringa, &o. A, Simpson. Orieri, Linkwater, Gore, Tennyson, &e. T.W.Hughes. Hundalee, &c. 54,000 337 10 0 4,500 42 1-25 281 5 0; 4 9 0 0 36 0 0 689 0 0 1-5 13,500 1-6 90 0 0 6,736 21 1-35 d. 3-46 454 13 7 6-75 15 0 0 101 5 0 17 10 01 718 0 0 14,706 1 212 0 0| .. 812 0 0 Ferniehurst Block; chiefly open broken country; about a hundred miles of traverse complete in field. Native reserves ; light bush, but heavy cutting; also several miles of coast traverse. R. J. Johnston, Hundalee, &c. 467 1 1-5 35 0 6 - 222 0 0 Contract Surveyors. A. D. Wilson. Arapawa, Gore, Linkwater, Wakamarina R. F. Goulter. Avon and Linkwater .. 3,457 10,272 10 18 s. 1-56 d. 8 s. 1-19 269 6 10 342 9 4 4,175 1,515 10 1 1-33 d. 10 s. 1-21 277 1 4 63 2 6 639 0 0 212 0 0 Broken forest country. Nearly all open country, adjoining old surveys. A. P. Seymour. Arapawa, Gore, Linkwater 4,762 14 284 1 0 2,610 158 7 9 497 0 0 Broken forest country. Totals and means 417,500 1 0-96 1,677 10 0 44,669 110 0-84 1,868 19 11 8,767 17 ! 1-22 533 12 1 10-75 12-77 137 5 0 129 8 10 6,362 0 0 LAND DII 1TRICT O: iSTLAN Staff Surveyor. W. G. Murray, District Surveyor W. Wilson, Assistant Surveyor .. 15,000 2-1 128 8 0 s. d. 3 1-3 624 5 1 152 10 7 39 16 5 4,014 72; 38 6 2 30 10 1-4 823 0 0 Check survey of sludge - channel (No. 5), Kumara, £35 3s. 2d.; also £3 3s., subdivision University Reserve No. 27 for mining purposes. Authorised Surveyors. E. J. Lord J.N.Smyth.. J. 0. Macfarlane 3,742 (3 3-5 615 9 8 55 0 0 6 19 1*6 55 13 0 127 12 6 804 0 0 163 0 0 Balance owing on account of standard survey, Borough of Greymouth. Wild, rugged district; heavily timbered ; within a goldfield. Mountainous, densely-wooded country; within a goldfield. 304 17 3 7-4 8 350 1 4 19 3 6 6-8 7 14 0 114 18 6 | 26 14 17 8-3 387 0 0 I 450 0 0 115 0 0 Means and totals .. .. 15,000 2-1 128 8 0 8,060 145 3 2-5 1,294 14 9J 358 610-2 160 18 8 89 15 5 2-7 595 3 7 167 8 11 2,355 0 0 LAND DISTRIC :terbury. Staff Surveyors. T, N. Brodriok. Waimate, Opihi, Otaio, Nimrod, Patiti, Corwar G, H. M. McClure. Waitohi, Waipara, Kowai, Christchuroh 11,256 15,886 25 77 s. d. 0 10-6 0 9 496 18 9 601 3 0 H 2 18 4-9 6 11 5 486 13 5 464 IS 1 741 0 0 698 0 0, Very high and rough country; portion nearly 5,000ft. above the sea-level; stream boundaries difficult and rough to traverse. 7,700 acres flat, open country ; balance rough, procipitous bush and open country, ranging from 1,000ft. to 4,000ft. above sealevel. 163 acres small, scattered sections; the balance rough, hilly country, ranging from 1,000ft. to 3,000ft. above sea-level. Hilly land in the Makaroa Valley. L. 0. Mathias. Four Peaks, Opihi, Geraldine, Wakanui G, Mackenzie. Wilkin 11,293 25 0 8-6 402 12 11 2 3 7 5 6 14 10 347 1 10 612 0 0 8 32 17 10-5 28 12 0 I 37 4 0 4 0 0| Temporary Staff Surveyors. J. Adam. Grey, Eangiora 8,930 24 0 10-8 402 19 5 151 0 0 Bough, hilly pastoral country; field-work completed 31st May, 1895, at a cost of £352 10s. 3d., when the surveyor left the service ; mapping, done by Mr. Farnie, cost £50 9s. 2d. Includes subdivision surveys of the Roimata and Ashley Gorge Settlements, and scattered revision surveys in rough, hilly country partly covered with bush. •• •• E. H. Farnie. Pigeon Bay, Okain's, Akaroa, Christchurch, Upper Ashley, Oxford, Waikari 3,822 2 8-4 515 16 4 65 0 4 549 0 0 Totals 51,187 217 0 11-8 2,419 10 5 32 17 10-5 28 12 0 H |3 2 7-7 j 13 6 31,400 14 8 2,755 0

0.-1

192

TABLE No. 48.—Return of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from Ist April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896— continued LAND DISTRICT OF OTAGO.

Minor Tria an Topographs tngulation id cal Survey. Top Select] unde )Ographical for ion before Survey )r the Land Act. Rural and Sul >urban. Tovn Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Survey. Roads, Railways, and Water- ( races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1895, 0ost - 31st March, 1896. Surveyor and District. Acres. fa eg o Total Cost. Acres. fa a> . o< o Total Cost. to B fa p « fa a . 3 . CC Hi Q.C0 ». a « fa Total Cost. £ s. d. A. B. P. 914 12 5 I. CQ 0> fa o < t xa g . ! fa *.g»S a; 8 g ■ »j AS S-S Total Cost. g vfl s g Total Cost. 3 °3 oo o £ s. d. £ s. d. so " I fa :q «3 Total Cost. a 8 s j £ £ s. d. 1-5 12-67 19 0 0 £ s. d. 12 16 5 14 18 0 104 14 3 £ 910 322 935 Remarks Staff Surveyors. J. Langmuir d. £ s. d. d. £ s. d.l 1*15,510 193 s. 1-18 68 31-0 105 5 0 s. £ s. d. 139 s. 4-09 £ s. d. 28 9 6 * Of this area, 15,427 acres was under the Land for Settlements Act, being subdivision of Tahawai, Maerewhenua, Puketapu, and Ardgowan Estates. The old surveys were very defective, the boundary of the Oamaru Borough water-race gave considerable trouble. Cadet assisting. Surveys chiefly in the Cromwell and Wakefield districts. Absent in Southland District from April till October. t Subdivision of the Eweburn runs. J These surveys were scattered all over the district. Severe snowstorms to contend with for ten weeks. No cadet. All work situated in the Tautuku Bush, a very wet and expensive district. No cadet assisting. § Block IX., Tautuku, was subdivided into 11 sections, but only a boundary survey was made of the large Native reserve. |j Subdivision of the Waihemo Grange Estate. Surveys were very much scattered, and the travelling expensive. E. H. Wilmot 730 13 1-69 61 17 1 477 6-45 153 15 4 10 D. M. Calder +22,220 1-5 138 17 6 f4,200 58 1-66 350 0 0 300 J377 11 6 113 2 0 W. D. R. MoCurdie 3,000 7-14 89 5 0 2,700 14 2-58 348 19 4 3,488 § 1-42 248 3 2 3-5 10-5 36 15 0 2-25 1-77 4 0 0 6-85 8-7 59 11 10 80 14 0 824 W. T. Neill .. George Mackenzie Temporary Surveyor. John Edie. Catlin's Contract Surveyor. G. M. Barr. Taieri Native Reserve Fee System. L. D. Macgeorge L. 0. Beal, Jun. J. Cunningham R. Hay 1,700 7 49 11 8 ||2,443 236 2,200 19 4-1 4 1-08 2-14 2-9 131 16 6 25 5 0 319 0 0 30 200 3 2| 7-1 2.28 10 13 0 22 0 6 7 7 2 5 0 0 75 19 5 279 83 437 150 72 117 86 75 All work situated in the Rimu District. Winter very wet. Country heavily timbered. 289 647 180 548 13 25 6 12 5-03 5-4 9-53 487 72 14 0 175 1 0 85 16 0 133 10 0 Applications situated in the Fraser and Leaning Rock Districts. Applications chiefly in the Benger District. All applications in the Nenthorn District. Applications chiefly in Waipouri District. Means and totals 22,220 1-5 138 17 6 4,700 7-09 138 16 8 28,019 345 1-54 2,151 10 4 85 5-5 14.1 8-46 119 6 10 300 68 31-0 105 5 0 3,488 1-42 248 3 2 2,887 795 1 4 301 9 3 4,290 .ND ist: ;ICT IF sout: LAND John Hay, District Surveyor. Forest Hill and Hokonui A. Hodgkinson, Assistant Surveyor. Waikawa F. R. Duncan, Assistant Surveyor. Waikawa and Otara H. R. Dundas, Assistant Surveyor. Stewart Island, Lord's River, Pegasus and Mason Districts N. L. Falkiner, Assistant Surveyor. Waikawa D. McPherson, Assistant Surveyor. Seaward Bush and Invercargill Hundred J. H. Treseder, Assistant Surveyor. Hauroto, Lillburn, Rowallan, and Alton Districts E. H. Wilmot, District Surveyor. Waiau (Merrivale Estate) 6,981 42 s. 2-08 727 3 9 i i 8 12 3 865 0 0 Hilly forest country. 814 0 0 Hilly forest country. 15 90 0 0 129 12 3 405 0 0 Hilly forest country. 5,080 31 1-66 423 6 8 7,269 36 2-1 764 16 11 6 15 90 0 0 145,000 245 1,478 17 3 .. 15 0 0 .. 100 2 9-46 47 6 0 28 12 6 695 0 0 Hilly forest country. Sectional surveys isolated. 4-14 22 10 0 .. • 790 0 0 Hilly forest country. 657 0 0 Flat forest country. 933 0 0 Hilly forest country. 4,500 ■8 5,346 22 1-83 490 1 0 5-43 4-14 22 10 0 7,155 103 178 638 11 0 i 115,340 3.17 1,522 16 8 .. 10,401 61 0-98 513 5 9 149 0 0 6 11-44 1 85 5 0 .. 15 0 0 .. 8-5 8-5 8 10 0 238 10 5 497 0 0 Portion of the Merrivale Estate, acquired under the Lands for Settlement Act. One-fourth forest; remainder, open improved land. 117 0 0 Fees paid by applicant. 356 0 0 Sawmill areas. Fees paid by licensees. 53 0 0 Applications for unsurveyed land. Fees paid by applicants, but credited to the price or rent of land. 9-73 121 0 0 405 7 56,182 0 0 8 10 0 J. Blaikie, Authorised Surveyor. Preservation District T. S. Miller, Authorised Surveyor. Longwood, Invercargill, and Oteramika Districts J. W. Spence, Authorised Surveyor. Longwood District 2,403 14 2-18 262 16 3 83 0 0 1 3-61 719 3-2 115 10 6 10 Means and totals 264,841 2-73 3,016 13 11 7 8-6 100 5 0 12-43 45,454 321 1-75 3,982 17 10 232 0 0 •• L_ SUMMAEY. EETUEN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1896. Minor | Topographical I Detention Triangulation ; Survey for Se- v.iIva I,»n,l (Innrt Roads, Railways, by Native I „. . , „ . and | lection before Rural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. at v i,:;™ Gold-mining Survey. and Opposition Other Work lotal Cost Topographical survey under ouivey. Water-races. or other „ of Survey. I the Land Act. Causes. Surveyor District. _j _ and Party 8. S_ .gS !„• Sg lg g d 1st April' 1895, Acres. -ggi Acres. |g Acres. j| |g Acres. S| || Acres. Zr |g Acres. °| || Miles., C °J_P er Cost Cost. I 31st March, O O ZfflO Q-uO„ fii O i ana o o a o z° «3 do o A & 8 1896 - I "" < fc I I Head Office. d. d. s. s. £ £ s . d. £ s. d. £ Auckland .. .. 1,098,860 0-35 .. .. 148,488! 920 l-42s. 91 82 23-74175,594 22 2'58d. 69,6831054 565 260-21 9-72 150 0 0 1 454 11 8 30 614 Hawke's Bay .. .. 406,500 0-73 .. .. 32,236 : 161 l-8s. 17-5 26 10-0 j 3,008 6 9-35d ! .. 91-2 1078 289 6 10 5*369 Taranaki .. .. 187,864 1-1 .. .. 109,006 510 18-8d. 363-5 72 54-33 45-9 31-23 359 4 6 8*011 Wellington .. 13,800 89 78,331! 434 23-3d. 253-25 339 15-3 54,977 29 7.3d 113 11-73 .. 1,799 1 1 u'441 Nelson .. .. 122,944 0-9 .. .. 39,168: 100 10-2d. 20 40 18-5 4,517 88 4-84 .. .. .. 1468 15 i 3'845 Marlborough .. .. 417,500 0-96 .. .. 44,669| 110 0'84s 8,767 17 l'22s 10-75 12-77 .. 129 8 10 6'362 Westland .. .. 15,000 2-1 .. .. 8,060 145 3'21s 358 5 685 39 15-26 .. 167 8 11 2'355 Canterbury .. 51,1871 217 ll-3d. 8 32 17-87 425 313 .. I 1,400 14 8 2'755 Otago .. .. 22,200 1-5 4,700 .7-09 28.019 1 345 l-54s. 300 68 31-0 3,488 .. l-42s. 2,887 85 5-5 14-1 8-46 .. 301 9 3 4*290 Southland .. .. 264,840 2-73! ..- 1 .. 45,454 ! 321 l-75s .. .. 232 7 8-6 12-43 9-73 .. 405 7 5 6*182 Means and totals .. 2,535,708 0-86 18,500 8-42 584,618 3,263 l-47s. 1,053-25 659 22-37,145,834 74j 5'57d. 77,6771239 5-62 590-84 12-28 150 0 ol 7,775 8 6 84,224 l-47s. 1,053-25 659 22-37.145,834 74j 5-57d. 77,6771239 5-62 590-84 12-28 150 0 0 7,775 8 6 84,224 By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—1896.