Papers Past | Parliamentary Papers | Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives | 1899 Session I | DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

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1899. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

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

GO^TTEIsTTS.

Page General Report op the Surveyor-General — Lands — i Number of New Selectors and Area taken up from Ist April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Table A in detail .. .. .. ii Number of New Selectors and Area taken up from Ist April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Table B, Summary .. .. .. ii Selections under Special Glauses of Land Act. Table 0 .. .. .. .. iii Comparative Statement of Selections, 1888 to 1899. Table D .. .. .. .. iii Land thrown open for Selection. Table B .. iv Forfeitures and Surrenders .. .. iv Improved-farm Settlements .. .. iv Village Settlements .. .. .. v Pastoral and Small Grazing-runs .. .. v Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, Selections under .. .. .. .. v Revaluation of Leaseholds .. .. .. v Settlement Conditions .. .... vi State Forests and Plantations .. .. vi Reserves, Parks, Sanctuaries for Native Fauna, &c. .. .. .. .. .. vi Thermal Springs, Sanatoria, &c. .. .. . vii Naval and Military Settlers' and Volunteers' Land-claims .. .. .. .. ix Cheviot Estate .. .. .. .. ix Land for Settlements .. .. .. ix " Urewera District Native Reserve Act, 1896" x Land for Landless Natives .. .. .. xi Native Townships Act .. .. .. xi Assistance towards establishing Medical Men in Outlying Districts .. .. .. xi Territorial and other Revenue .. .. xii Comparative Statement of Territorial Revenue xii Arrears .. .. .. .. .. xii SurveysTransactions for the Year .. .. .. xiii Trigonometrical and Topographical Surveys .. xiii Rural and Suburban Section Surveys .. xiii Native Land Court Surveys .. .. xiv Mining Surveys .. .. .. .. xiv Road Surveys .. .. .. .. xiv Miscellaneous Work .. .. .. xiv Board of Examiners for Surveys .. .. xiv Magnetic Survey .. .. .. .. xiv Roads— Amounts authorised and expended .. .. xiv Table of Roadworks undertaken during Year xv Return of Co-operative and other Labourers for Year .. .. .. .. xvii Head OfficeMaps, &c... .. .. .. .. xvii Lithographic Printing and Photographing .. xix Correspondence ... .. .. .. xix

P»g» General Report op the Surveyor-General— ctd. Head Office — continued. Proclamations, Orders in Council, &0., issued xx Aooounts .. ..; .. .. .. xxi Comparative Statement of Appropriations, Expenditure, &c. .. .. .'. .. xxii Audit of Land Revenue .. .. .. xxii Comparative Statement, Territorial Revenue, 1897-98 and 1898-99 .. .. .. xxii Comparative Statement, Gross Revenue, 1897-98 and 1898-99 .. .. .. xxiii Balances at Credit, Receivers' Ordinary Deposit Account .. .. .. .. xxiii Balances in Receivers' Books of " Thirds " and " Fourths" .. .. .. .. xxiii Appendix No. 1— Land-settlement: Administration— Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 1 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 4 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 7 Wellington .. .. .. .. 9 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 1& Marlborough .. .. .. .. 18 Westland .. .. .. .. 19 Canterbury .. .. .. .. 20 Otago ... .. .. .. .. 25 Southland .. .. * .. .. 30 Appendix No. 2— Survey Operations— Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 33 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 34 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 35 Wellington .. .. .. .. 36 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 38 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 39 Westland .. .. .. .. 40 Canterbury .. .. .. .. 41 Otago .. .. .. .. .. 44 Southland .. .. .. .. 45 Appendix No. 3 — Road Construction and Maintenance — Auckland.. .. ... .. .. 46 Auckland Central .. .. .. ..52 Rotorua .. .. .. .. .. S5 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 58 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 60 Wanganui .. .. .. .. 67 Wellington .. .. .. .. 70 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 84 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 86 Westland .. ..' .. .. 88 Canterbury .. .. .. .. 90 Otago ..'' .." .. .. .. 93 Southland .. .. '.'. ■ .. 95

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Appendix No. 4— Pa ße Co-operative Work — Auckland North .. .. .. .. 98 Auckland Central .. .. .. .. 99 Rotorua .. .. .. .. .. 99 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 99 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 99 Wanganui .. .. .. .. 100 Wellington .. .. .. ..100 Marlborough .. .. .. 100 Nelson .. .. .. .. ..101 Westland .. .. .. .. ' ..- 101 Otago .. .. .. .. 101 Southland .. .. .. ..101 Appendix No. 5— Improved-farm Settlements — ' Auckland North .. •-'..' .. ..102 Auckland Central .. .. .. 102 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 103 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 103 Wanganui .. .. .. .. 104 Wellington .. .. .. .. .106 Otago .. .. .. .. ..107 Southland .. .. .. ..108 Appendix No. 6 — Forestry— Report by H. J. Matthews, Forester .. 109 Rotorua Nursery .. .. .. .. 109 Whakarewarewa Plantation .. .. 110 Plantations, cfec, Rotorua District .. .. 110 Sanatorium Grounds and Park, Rotorua .. 11l Proposed Improvements, Rotorua .. .. 112 Pukeroa Hill Reserve .. .. .. 113 Kuirau Reserve .. .. .. .. 113 Whakarewarewa Geyser Reserve .. .. 114 'Street Trees, Rotorua .. .. .. 114 Central Nursery, Eweburn .. .. .. 114 Tapanui Nursery .. .. .. .. 115 Dusky Plantation Reserve .. .. .. 116 Naseby Plantation .. .. .. 116 Seaward Bush Plantation .. .. .. 116 Expenses, Tapanui and Eweburn .. .. 116 Values of Trees, Shrubs, Improvements, &c, in Nurseries .. .. .. .. 116 Timber Industry in New Zealand .. .. 117 Forest Trees, Rotorua .. .. .. 118 Ornamental Trees, Rotorua.. .. .. 119 Forest Trees, Eweburn .. .. 120 Tapanui .. .. ..122 Appendix No. 7— Thermal Springs— Rotorua, Blue Bath .. .. .. 124 „ Rachel, Priest, and Pavilion Baths^. 124 Postmaster Bath .. .. .. 124 Spout Bath and Geysers, Whakarewarewa .. 124 Rotorua Gardens and Grounds .. .. 124 „ Recreation Reserve .. .. 125 „ Nursery and Plantations .. .. 125 , Water-supply .. .. .. 125 Wharf .. .. .. ..125 Lake .. .. .. ..125 Residences and Public Buildings .. 125 Institute and Museum .. .. 125 Drainage .. .. .. 126 Lands and Survey Paddock .. 126 „ General .. .. .. .. 126 Te Aroha Hot Springs .. .. .. 327 Hanmer Plains Hot Springs .. .. 128 Accommodation near Baths .. 128 Government Sanatorium .. 128 „ Water-service Extension .. 128 „ Gas-service .. .. 128 „ Hot-water Service .. .. 128 Baths taken .. .. 129 Appendix No. 8— Wanganui River Works— Improving Navigation of River, Report on .. 129 Appendix No. 9— Lake Te Anau— Steamer for Lake Anau .. .. .. 133 Appendix No. 10— Mount Cook Hermitage and Glaciers— Reports from Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch .. .. .. .. 133 Works at Mount Cook .. .. 134 Guide's Report .. .. .. .. 134 Appendix No. 11— Explorations— Report on Country West of Lake Te Anau .. 136

Appendix No. 12— p »g« Sanctuaries for Wild Animals — Little Barrier Island .. .. .. 137 Paraparaumu .. .. ■. •. 138 Resolution Island .. .. .. .. 138 Takahe (Notomis mantelli) .. '.. .. 141 Tables— Table I.—Summary of Lands disposed of from Foundation of Colony to 31st March, 1899 .. .. .. ..143 2.—Lands opened for Sale and Selection during the Year ended 31st March, 1899 .. .. .. ..143 3. —Summary of Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899 .. 144 „ 4.—Analysis of Holdings taken up during the Yeftr ended 31st March, 1899 .. 146 5. —Crown Lands sold for Cash during 1898-99.. .. .. ..147 6.—Deferred - payment Lands : Transactions, 1898-99.. .. 148 7. —Perpetual - lease and Small - area Lands : Transactions, 1898-99 .. 149 8. —Occupation - with - right - of- purchase Lands: Transactions, 1898-99 .. 150 „ 9. —Lease-in-perpetuity Lands : Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. 151 10.—Agricultural-lease Lands: Transactions, 1898-99.. .. 153 11.—Occupation Leases under" The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894": Transactions, 1898-99 .. 153 „ 12.—Village Lands : Transactions, 1898-99 154 13.—Summary of Position of Village Settlements at 31st March, 1899 .. 156 „ 14.—Special - settlement Associations : Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. 157 15.—Homestead Lands: Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. ..158 16.—Small Grazing-runs : Transactions, 1898-99.. .. .. ..159 17. —Pastoral Licenses : Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. ..160 18. —Miscellaneous Leases and License's : Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. 161 19.—Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1898-99 .. 162 20.—Lands reserved and alienated to 31st March, 1899 .. .. 164 21.—Forfeitures and Surrenders : Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. 164 22.—Summaryof Arrears at 31st March, 1899 165 23.—Thermal - springs District: Transactions, 1898-99.. .. 165 24.—Native Townships : Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. ..166 „ 25.—Area of Bush felled to 31st March, 1899 .. .. .. ..167 26.—Number of Selectors on Books of Department .. .. .. 167 27. —Total Number of Crown Tenants, Area held, Rent payable and in arrear .. .. .. .. 168 28.—Endowment Land : Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. ..169 „ 29.—Endowments : Revenue received for Year .. .. .. ..169 30.—Cheviot Estate : Summary of Receipts for Year .. .. ..170 ~ 31.—Cheviot Estate : Summaryof Receipts from Ist April, 1893, to 31st March, 1899 .. .. .. ..170 „ 32.—Cheviot Estate : Return of Outlay and Income at 31st March, 1899 .. 170 „ 33.—Improved-farm Settlements to 31st March, 1899 .. .. 171 34.—Land for Settlements Acts: Transactions, 1898-99 .. .. 173 35. —Land for Settlements Acts: Outlay and Income of Estates—Balancesheet .. .. .. 175 , 36. —Comparative Statement of Selectors and Lands selected for Ten Years ended 31st March, 1899 .. .. 181 „ 37.—Field-work executed during 1898-99 .. 182 38. —Surveyors employed and Work on Hand at 31st March, 1899 .. 194 „ 39. —Crown Grants and other Titles prepared during Year .. .. 194 40. —Plans placed on Grants and Titles during Year .. .. .. 194 „ 41. —Work done under Land Transfer Act during Year .. .. .. 194

Tables— continued. Page Table 42.—Work done for other Departments during Year .. .. .. 195 , 43. —Payments to Local Bodies from "Thirds" and "Fourths" during Year .. .. .. ..195 » 44.—Government Loanß to Local Bodies Acts : Transactions to 31st March, 1899 .. .. .. ..199 45.-—Roadworks executed during 1898-99.. » 46.—C0 - operative Contracts completed during 1898-99 .. .. 264 Maps— Kauri-gum Reserves, Auckland .. Facing p. 2 Standard Survey of Borough of New Brighton .. .. .. , 42 j State Forest Nursery, Rotorua .. „ 110 I Eweburn .. „ 114 Tapanui .. To follow Sketch-map of Wanganui River between Tangarakau and Ohura Rivers .. Facing p. 130 Lake Te Anau and the West Coast Sounds .. .. .. .. , 136 Islands at Sealer's Cove, Dusky Sound Following pictures after p. 138

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Maps— continued. Pa g e Map showing State of Public Surveys At end Roads to open Crown Lands .. .. , Land Transactions .. , " Process " Illustrations — Ballot for Sections, Starborough Estate Facing p. 18 Waikakahi Estate.. . 22 Waipa Bridge, Ngaruawahia .. .. „ 50 Bridge over Waikato.. .. .. . 56 Mangaweka Bridge .. .. .. „ 68 Otukou Village, Rotoaira .. .. To follow Raramai Tunnel (south end) .. .. Facing p. 86 Waiau Bridge at Clifden, Southland .. „ 98 Pavilion Bath, Rotorua .. .. . 124 Falls on Ohura River Following map after p. 130 Confluence of Ohura with Wanganui River .. .. .. .. Facing p. 132 The Hermitage, Mount Cook .. .. To follow Tasman Glacier, looking from Brodrick's Hut .. .. .. Facing p. 134 Tasman Glacier, near Brodrick's Hut .. To follow Mount Cook, from Sealey Range Stag, Three Years Old, Paraparaumu Sanctuary .. .. .. Facing p. 142 Red-deer Calves .. .. .. To follow Takahe (Notornis mantelli) .. .. Faoing p. 142

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1899 NEW ZEALAND.

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

The Seceetaey for Cbown Lands and Subveyob-Geneeab to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sic, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 21st June, 1899. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual reports on the operations of the Department of Lands and Survey for the twelve months ending the 31st March, 1899. I have, &c., S. Pebcy Smith, Secretary for Crown Lands and Survey or-General. The Hon. W. Hall-Jones, Acting Minister of Lands.

LANDS. Dueing the year an alteration has been made in the boundaries of three of the land districts, by which about 1,300,000 acres of the southern part of Nelson has been transferred to Canterbury, and about 478,000 acres in the south-west corner of Canterbury has been added to Otago. These alterations were deemed advisable in the interests of administration, and for convenience of the settlers residing in those parts. The alteration took place on the 18th January, but for purposes of record the transactions within those areas have been included within the old districts up to the 31st March. The registration districts are also to be altered to accord with the new boundaries of the land districts. The following table summarises the total transactions in ordinary Crown lands, Cheviot Estate, estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts, &c, but excludes the endowments administered by this department. The items are divided into the numerous classes there shown, to accord with special clauses of the Acts or regulations under which they are dealt with, but in many cases the differences in tenure are but slight, and the whole can be shown under a few headings, as is done in Table B. Table A shows the gross transactions; the deductions due to forfeitures, surrenders, &c, being shown later on, i—C. 1.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

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Numbee of New Selectobs and Abea taken up from Ist April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899, and Total Amount of Money received during the Year.

Table A.

The details in the above Table A may be summarised under a few headings for purposes of comparison with the transactions of previous years. The figures include the ordinary Crown lands, Land for Settlements estates, Cheviot Estate, Thermal Springs, &c, but exclude endowments, miscellaneous and temporary leases, for the latter scarcely come under the heading of ordinary settlement.

Table B.

It will be noticed that there is an increase in the number of selectors or purchasers who took up lands as compared with last year, the largest increase being under the head of cash purchasers, which is due largely to the sale of town sections. An increase is also shown in the number of selections under the occupation-with-right-of-purchase and lease-in-perpetuity systems. It will be seen that the largest number of selections are now under the lease-in-perpetuity system, one of the reasons for which is that in several of the systems this tenure is obligatory. Under the optional system (Part 111. of the Act) the following figures will show the popular choice : —

Nature and Tenure of Lands selected. Number of Purchasers or Selectors. Area. Cash received on Past and Current Transactions. Selectors. i. AX R a "p. Town lands sold for cash .. 249 135 l - 25) Suburban lands sold for cash 97 962 3 38 \ Rural lands sold for cash .. 182 35,090 2 OJ Deferred payments Perpetual lease (cash includes money from perpetual leases made freehold, £65,749 10s. 6d.) Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Agricultural lease Village settlement, cash „ deferred payment.. „ perpetual lease (cash includes money from perpetual lease made freehold, £145 15s. 7d.) „ occupation with right of purchase .. ,, lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Special-settlement associations Improved - farm special settlement (lease in perpetuity and occupation with right of purchase) Occupation leases, Mining Act Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Thermal springs, Eotorua Miscellaneous leases and licenses Cheviot Estate — Gash lands Lease in perpetuity Village - homestead special settlement (lease in perpetuity) Grazing-f arms Pastoral runs Miscellaneous Land for Settlements Acts— Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village Special-settlement associations (lease in perpetuity) .. Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous 528 1 1 458 -362 2 21 3 104 12 5 64 k. B. F. 36,188 3 23 13 0 0 640 0 0 109,949 3 30 99,262 0 3 114 1 11 29 3 6 2 0 0 2,100 1 2 133 2 36 607 1 10 4,822 3 24 £ s. d. 23,267 18 i 20,754 8 11 84,452 16 6 15,319 5 6 20,430 2 11 79 19 0 327 6 3 217 17 9 970 10 5 10 1 5 1,423 13 8 2,235 13 9 8,834 6 10 1,616 9 0 31 21 227 29 304 1,448 3 1 48,809 3 17 760,156 1 1 87 2 28 201,474 0 8 228 0 3 22,022 4 9 78,952 19 6 1,351 13 6 21,788 16 2 6 1,210 3 14 3,234 2 0 5,911 19 10 813 11 4 "6 196 0 0 6,259 14 4 262 3 8 566 9 5 313 2 60,152 3 29 15 0 2 34,446 1 4 258 12 8 170 18 4 3,011 2 9 917 15 6 19 23 28,821 3 19 1,229 1 1 Totals 2,542 1*357,466 2 25 360,136 15 2

1897. 1898. 1899. Tenure. Number. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. lash )eferred payment 'erpetual lease (ceupation with right of purchase jease in perpetuity .. 'astoral and grazing runs (ccupation and agricultural leases, Mining Acts 392 19 281 966 156 50 Acres. 28,489 9,106 59,652 139,571 1,256,706 2,830 274 2 382 782 209 28 Acres. 22,526 651 81,416 128,855 2,139,872 1,542 555 1 1 461 891 267 33 Acres. 37,427 13 640 109,951 167,178 837,786 1,562 'orfeitures and surrenders 1,864 852 1,496,354 592,035 1,677 704 2,374,862 779,271 2,209 586 1,154,557 499,152 1,012 904,319 973 1,595,591 1,623 655,405

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No. Area. Selected for cash ... ... ... ... ... 114 17,824 acres. Occupation with right of purchase ... ... ... 458 109,949 „ Lease in perpetuity ... ... ... ... 362 99,262 „ If from the total number of selectors or purchasers shown in Table B (2,209) are deducted those who took up town, suburban, and pastoral lands, together with the forfeitures and surrenders, we shall get 1,050 selectors who took up what may be called farms, and who are obliged by the conditions to reside and improve their properties. Under the deferred-payment and perpetual-lease systems of previous Acts, which allow of the acquisition of the freehold, the following transactions took place :— No. Area. Deferred payments... ... ... ... ... 365 43,818 acres. Perpetual lease ... ... ... ... ... 224 85,492 „ The above figures do not, of course, show so many new settlers, for the selections were made several years ago, but the freehold was only acquired during the past year. On the 31st March last there were still remaining 1,258 selectors holding land on the deferred-payment system, and 1,974 holding under the perpetual-lease system, with the right of purchase ; whilst those who hold their lands by lease in perpetuity numbered 5,979. The selections made under a few special clauses of the Act are as shown in the following table:—

Table C.

The average size of farms taken up last year, excluding town, suburban, pastoral runs, grazingruns, and miscellaneous, was 196 acres ; the average for 1898 being 190 acres ; for 1897, 138 acres ; and for 18961 162 acres. Under the optional system, where the size of the farm is—subject to the law-—decided by the applicant, the average size was 243 acres; that for 1898 being 222 acres, and for 1897 220 acres. The following table shows in a compact form the lands of all descriptions taken up during the last few years : —

Table D.

The above are the gross transactions, without any deductions for forfeitures or surrenders, and represent figures which are constantly fluctuating, due to the running-out of leases or the purchase of the freehold, &c. The amount of land thrown open for selection or purchase in some form or another during the period under consideration was as shown below. The total is somewhat less than for the previous year. It includes the lands surrendered or forfeited and again thrown open, and also endowments, estates acquired, &c.

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Under Section 114. Under Section 115. Under Section 117. Under Section 13 ol Act of 1895. Number. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. Cash .. Deferred payment Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village homestead Acres. i 29 1 13 6 786 18 2,214 Acres. 6 31 i 1,014 14 Acres. 99 9 Acresi 103

Year. Number of Selectors or Purchasers. Area taken up during the Year. Territorial Revenue. Total Revenue collected. Number of Tenants on the Books. 1888-89 1889-90 1890-91 1891-92 1892-93 1893-94 1894-95 1895-96 1896-97 1897-98 1898-99 2,529 2,653 2,420 2,519 3,071 2,876 2,547 2,865 2,173 2,058 2,542 Aores. 2,313,611 4,155,472 2,154,138 1,453,082 1,663,339 1,393,918 1,015,577 2,662,344 1,600,695 2,451,062 1,357,466 £ 310,061 304,842 352,417 320,483 274,399 282,067 338,166 291,673 272,954 263,296 273,799 £ Not given. 322,885 364,938 324,470 310,523 347,343 375,879 345,331 360,993 359,086 385,145 Not given. 12,164 11,995 12,735 14,261 15,081 15,326 15,683 15,527 16,365 16,572

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Table B. Acres. For Optional selection ... ... ... ... ... 366,424 Cash by auction ... ... ... ... ... 9,202 Other leases of Crown lands and reserves ... ... ... 17,412 Village allotments ... ... ... ... ... 2,937 Pastoral runs ... ... ... ... ... ... 603,220 Small grazing-runs ... ... ... ... ... 112,236 Lease in perpetuity only ... ... ... ... ... 73,669 1,185,100 There were no special features connected with the ordinary Crown lands offered last year, excepting in the case of a block thrown open near Dannevirke, where 2,342 applications were put in for 13,730 acres of broken forest country. The proximity to the railway-line no doubt was the cause of this. The opening of two large estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts (Waikakahi and Starborough) caused a good deal of inquiry, and resulted in a great many applications being received. The whole of Waikakahi, 48,248 acres, has been taken up (part of it since the 31st March), and of the 3,949 acres in Starborough unselected at the 31st March there remains on hand 1,546 acres, including the township reserve, which will be offered shortly. During the coming year the largest continuous area to be dealt with will be in Kawhia County, where about 80,000 acres are now undergoing the process of roading and survey. Some of this will be ready for selection about the begining of 1900. In Hawke's Bay some scattered lands of good quality are preparing for selection in the Waiapu County, and other blocks in Cook and Wairoa Counties. An extension of the Ngapaeruru Block (where so many applications were received last year) is also being prepared for settlement. Several blocks are being prepared for selection in the Taranaki District, and, like most of the Crown lands now dealt with, they consist of rough forest country that requires large expenditure in roading before becoming available for settlers. Several blocks of forest land of the same broken character are preparing in the Wellington District, mostly on the Upper Wanganui Biver and its branches. The fact of these blocks lying beyond the present system of roads means that they will only be taken up by degrees as the roading advances. In Marlborough some lands in the neighbourhood of Kaikoura and on the Wairau Biver are in process of survey, and will be opened during the year. These consist of country that has hitherto been held as runs, but which, it is thought, can be held in smaller holdings. In Canterbury the Crown land still remaining is very limited in area, and, unless more estates are acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts, little fresh settlement will take place there. Otago also suffers from the same want of good lands suitable for agricultural purposes ; therefore the lands to be operated on during the coming year will be more in the nature of pastoral than agricultural. In Southland the Crown still owns considerable areas of fair land, but nearly all covered with forest, much of which is of marketable value, or will become so in the near future ; it is therefore advisable to deal with the timber first before offering the lands for settlement. That there is a real dearth of good agricultural land left in the hands of the Crown is very apparent, and has been noticed in these reports for several years past. From time to time fresh lands are acquired from the Natives in the North Island, but, taking this class of land all through, there is no very large area that can be called agricultural. Most of the lands left to be dealt with in the future are more suited to occupation in considerable areas, requiring large expenditure in clearing, grassing, and roading. FOBFEITUBES AND SuEEENDEES. In the eagerness to acquire lands many selectors, without previous experience or sufficient capital, have been led into embarking in pursuits for which they are unsuited. The end of this is that the conditions under which lands are selected are not fulfilled, and the Land Boards, acting under the powers and duties conferred on them by Act, eventually have to forfeit the selection. In some cases the Boards have been unduly blamed for pressing the selectors, but it is generally forgotten that the Act imposes on the Boards certain duties in regard to the Crown lands which have to be carried out, a neglect of which implies a dereliction of duty to the State. As a matter of fact, every consideration is given to individual cases before the final step of forfeiture is taken. The number of forfeitures under all classes of land last year amounted to 432, whilst the surrenders were 154, or a total number of cases where the lands lapsed to the Crown of 586; the figures for 1898 being 852, and those for 1897, 704. The total area forfeited was 286,929 acres; the area surrendered, 212,224 acres, let formerly at a rental of £7,466. Of this considerable area, however, 318,205 acres are comprised in nineteen pastoral runs, where the holdings are large. The greatest number of forfeitures in any one class has been in the special-settlement associations, where 116 forfeitures took place. The reason for the large number of cases in this particular kind of settlement has been dwelt on at length in previous reports. In nearly all cases the forfeited and surrendered sections are taken up as soon as reopened. Details of forfeitures and surrenders under each system will be found in the Appendix. Impeoved-faem Settlements. The number of these settlements is forty-five, containing an area of 73,820 acres as proclaimed, in which number are included some extensions of previously existing settlements. They are principally in Wellington and Taranaki Districts, though others have been formed in Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Otago, and Southland. At the 31st March last there were 513 selectors holding land, and 1,854 persons resident in the settlements. Tlie area felled was 15,141 acres; area grassed, 20,814 acres; whilst the value of the improvements on the lands was £84,168, of which Government have advanced towards clearing, grassing, houses, &c, £57.329. The rent and interest paid during the year amounted to £1,616 9s.

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In the reports attached to the Appendix will be found notices of all of these settlements, from which it may be gathered that the amount of success is various, depending much on the class of land occupied, access, work available, and, more than all perhaps, on the character of the selectors themselves. In cases where dairy factories can be established, and some outside employment be obtained, there are reasons to hope that a considerable amount of success will attend this class of settlement. They have been the means of placing on land many families that could not otherwise have accomplished it. The number of forfeitures and surrenders within these settlements during the year have been as follows : Thirty-six forfeitures, covering an area of 3,079 acres; and fifteen surrenders, covering 1,480 acres. Village Settlements. Under different systems of tenure there were 142 fresh selections during the year, the area selected being 2,280 acres, nearly half the number being in the Wellington District. The number of forfeitures and surrenders amounted to sixty-five, the area affected being 1,099 acres. On the 31st March there were 1,830 settlers in occupation of 36,926 acres, the rental of which was £5,676, whilst the arrears of rent and interest amounted to £1,797. These settlements are fairly distributed throughout the colony, and have done a great deal of good in furnishing homes for settlers in places where they can obtain outside assistance in the shape of employment. In the north, where several settlements were placed near together on small farms, and where little assistance could be obtained from outside, they have not been a complete success. The want of markets near at hand, and the growing scarcity of kauri-gum, to which the settlers had to look for obtaining ready money, is telling disadvantageously on them, so that in some cases the settlers are gradually moving off to other parts. Some of those who remain who can secure additional lands will have a better chance of success. In other parts of the colony many of these villages have been a marked success. Altogether a sum of £25,863 has been advanced towards building houses, clearing, &c, of which £2,634 has been returned to the Government. Pastobal and Small Geazing-euns. Of lands taken up for pastoral purposes, the following figures show the result of the year's transactions: 267 runs, containing an area of 837,786 acres, were selected or sold at auction, nineteen of which are in the estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Act. The greatest number of these pastoral runs lie within the Westland District; they number 134, the area being 141,404 acres. Owing to the Midland Eailway proclamation, this is the only tenure under which settlement can advance at all in part of that district. It is obvious that some change must occur in the tenure whenever these lands are freed. The other cases consisted generally of runs of which the term had expired, and have been re-leased. There are small grazing-runs situated in every land district, but nearly half of them are in the Otago District, where the lands are more suited to this class of settlement. This system of settlement is also taken advantage of considerably in the Marlborough District, where the rough, broken wooded hills of the Sounds are well adapted to pastoral pursuits, but not to others to any great extent. On the 31st March the total area held under pastoral license was about 11,114,012 acres, held in 925 runs; whilst the small grazing-runs and grazing-farms numbered 602, covering an area of 1,107,808 acres. "The Mining Disteicts Land Occupation Act, 1894." The selections under this heading lie within the mining districts, and are intended to provide homes for miners working at their claims. The selections last year amounted to only thirty-one, with an area of 1,448 acres, situated principally in Otago. With these may be classed the agricultural-lease holdings—their object being the same, though the tenure is somewhat different; only two selections took place last year, covering an area of 114 acres. The total area held under these systems at the end of the year was 9,220 acres, held by 192 individuals. Bevaluation op Leaseholds. Owing to the many complaints from selectors to the effect that their selections had been overvalued, it was decided to ask the Land Boards to investigate each case, which was done by personal visitation to the properties, with the following results : — In Auckland, out of 2,881 tenants, there were thirty-four applications for relief from alleged oppressive rents. The Commission, however, actually examined forty-four selections, of 6,101 acres, and they proposed a reduction in the annual rent from £179 to £131 per annum, or a loss of revenue of £47 per annum. Of the forty-four leaseholds inspected, twenty elected to surrender and apply again under the new terms, while twenty-five declined to allow their leases to be again opened to the public. In Taranaki, out of 903 tenants, there were sixteen applicants for relief, all of whose lands were inspected by the Commission. The area included in their leases was 2,440 acres, and the Board advised a reduction from £184 to £146 per annum, or a relief of £38 per annum. This was accepted by fourteen of the tenants and refused by two. The result was that eleven holdings were again taken up, and five did not again apply for their land. In Wellington, out of 2,349 tenants, there were eighty-nine tenants who asked for revaluation, but the Commission examined in all 130 properties, and recommended a reduction from a rent of £327 per annum to £235 per annum, or a relief of £92 per annum. This was accepted by fourteen tenants and rejected by sixty-four, who refused to surrender. Out of those again opened for selection, six were taken up ; the remaining eight did not again apply for their holdings even at the reduced rent.

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In Canterbury, out of 1,583 tenants, there were forty-five applications for relief, but the Commission examined only eight, containing 23,946 acres. To these they granted a reduction of annual rent from £1,235 to £778, being a yearly relief of £457. The number of sections actually surrendered is eight, and thirty-seven declined to allow their lands to be offered to the public at the reduced rent. Of the eight surrenders, two were again applied for, one was not let, and the others have not yet been opened for selection. In Otago, out of 2,251 tenants, there were 112 applications for reduction, and the whole of the leaseholds affected were examined by the Commission. The area inspected is 63,380 acres, and the Board recommended a reduction in annual rent from £1,082 to £518, or a relief of £464 per annum. This was accepted by thirty-one tenants, who duly surrendered their leases, but eighty-one declined to do so. Those surrendered are advertised as open for selection on the 21st June. In Southland, out of 1,205 tenants, there were ninety applicants who said their rents were too high. The Commission examined all the holdings, and decided to recommend a reduction from £1,257 to £775 annum, or a relief of £482 per annum, the area affected being 33,446 acres. Those who decided to surrender were eighty-one, and eight leases were forfeited; nine refused to expose their holdings to public competition. The surrendered leases are to be again open for selection shortly. The transactions as a whole show that, out of over 11,000 tenants, there were 400 who desired relief, and they were granted it to the extent of £1,580 per annum; but up to the present time only 168 have availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them to test in an open manner the real value of their lands by letting the rest of the public have the same privilege as they had, the rent realised being £495 per annum. Settlement Conditions. The large number of properties now held on conditions of residence and improvement necessitates an increasing amount of inspection by the Crown Land Bangers, who are also frequently assisted by the survey staff in districts where the work cannot conveniently be overtaken by the former. The Commissioner's reports on this subject show that compliance with the terms of the Act is very general, and that the value of improvements made is, as a rule, in excess of what is required. The following table shows the results of inspections made :—

The acquisition of so many estates under the Land for Settlements Acts, in which the land is, as a rule, much more valuable than ordinary Crown land, and in which bad farming will soon cause a deterioration in the properties, renders inspection much more minute, and is a matter of great importance. State Foeests and Plantations. The total amount of land set aside as reserves for State forests, plantations, scenic purposes, &c, at the 31st March, 1898, was 1,175,622 acres. Since that date 412,391 acres have been added, including forests, plantations, reserves for scenic purposes, and the Patua Banges, and 167 acres have been withdrawn from reservation, making the total at the end of the year 1,587,846 acres. The bulk of the area reserved last year was in Canterbury, where 371,160 acres were set aside for preservation of the vegetation, the lands lying principally at the heads of the Bivers Makarora, Hunter, Hopkins, Dobson, Bangitata, Eakaia, Waimakariri, &c. Proposals have also been received from some of the Commissioners to set aside lands at the heads of other rivers in the colony, in order to preserve the forests, with a view of lessening the increasing damage done by floods, which are found to occur with increasing volume wherever the forest or other vegetation is destroyed on the ranges. By denuding the watersheds of the covering of vegetation, which acts as a " sponge" as it were, the waters flow away more quickly and give rise to increased floods, which are more sudden in their action, and consequently do more damage to neighbouring lands, bridges, &c. With respect to the plantation-work carried on by the department, a detailed report will be found in the Appendix, where Mr. Matthews, the Chief Forester, describes the results of the last few years' operations in full. Owing to the favourable nature of the past season, considerable success has characterized the work, but planting and transplanting is naturally a slow process, and takes some years to make any great show. In the three nurseries—at Eweburn, Tapanui, and Eotorua—there are over 3,700,000 young timber and ornamental trees planted, the earliest of which will be ready for transplanting this next season. The trees in the plantations seem to be doing well generally, though the experiment made two years ago of planting young trees in the standing bush near Mamakau Eailway-station, on the Eotorua line, has proved to be a failure. The intention was to have tried growing timber-trees for railway purposes there. The plantation on the bleak Kaingaroa Plain is more successful, and the trees are doing fairly well. At the other plantation on the same plains, near the Eangitaiki Eiver, the trees have not succeeded, but some of the grasses sown are doing fairly well; but there is much trouble through the hares, which are plentiful in that part. The other plantations in the South Island are doing well, for particulars of which see the Forester's report in the Appendix. The total revenue from State forests this last year was £5,844 6s. 6d., and the expenditure amounted to £4.044 3s. 2d. Eeseeves, Pabks, Sanctuaeies foe Native Fauna, etc. The reserves made for public purposes are summarised in the figures below. They include only those which have been gazetted, and exclude lands which have been withheld from sale or other dealings.

Number of Properties inspected. Area inspected. Improvements required by Act. Improvements actually made. Settlers in default. 3,948 958,270 acres £264,185 £590,922' 639

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VII

A. E. P. Eecreation ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,103 0 26 Primary and secondary education ... ... ... ... 7,456 0 17 School-sites ... ... ... ... ... ... 662 1 31 Forest reserves and plantations ... ... ... ... 405,092 016 Preservation of native fauna and flora, scenic and historical purposes ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,799 3 0 Water-supply, Town of Whangarei* ... ... ... 1,569 2 8 Endowment, Thames Borought ... ... ... ... 739 233 Agricultural and pastoral show-grounds, 1 &o. ... ... 138 1 36 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,818 1 21 420,379 2 28 The above total area shows a very considerable increase above the acreage reserved in later years, and is due to the large amount of land set aside in Canterbury as State forests, as referred to under the heading of " State Forests and Plantations." The lands reserved for the preservation of native fauna and flora consist of ten reserves in the Wellington Land District and one in Canterbury; they are usually of small area, but very important for the purpose intended. In the Tongariro National Park the bridle-road constructed last year from the main carriageroad that runs past Boto-a-Ira to the Kete-tahi Springs has been continued for about two miles and a half beyond those springs to the Blue Lake on top of Tongariro Mountain, so that tourists can now easily reach that place, and from there visit the various craters on the mountain. The lake is at about 6,000 ft. above sea-level. This National Park is under the administration of a Board, but no occasion has yet arisen necessitating the members being called together. The area in the reservation —62,300 acres—might be extended with advantage as the adjacent lands fall into the hands of the Crown. The exchange of land authorised under " The Eeserves Disposal and Exchange Act, 1895," by which the Patua Eanges in Taranaki became practically a public park, has been completed during the year, and this 5,500 acres of fine forest mountain has now become a national property. The secretary of the Auckland Institute has furnished'a report on Hauturu or Little Barrier Island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf, which was reserved for the preservation of the native flora and fauna: this will be found in the Appendix hereto. The object for which the reservation was made appears, so far, to be successful, in that no depredations have taken place, and that there are to be found on the island a large number of birds now extinct on the mainland. A report will also be found in the Appendix by Mr. Henry, the caretaker of Besolution Island, showing his proceedings during the year. He has succeeded in placing some additional birds on Eesolution and the other islands around there, and reports no depredations. A sum of £250 was paid for the purchase of the rare bird, the takahe, or Notornis mantelli, which was discovered near Lake Te Anau. The bird is deposited for the present in the Otago Museum. A description of it, together with a photograph, will be found in the Appendix. This is the fourth bird of this species that has been discovered in New Zealand. " The Eeserves, Endowments, and Crown and Native Lands Exchange, Sale, Disposal, and Enabling Act, 1898," section 26, authorised the handing over to trustees of 500 acres of wooded country on the slopes of the Euahine Eanges as a sanctuary for native and imported game. This has been done, and the reserve is now in charge of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, which body has expended this last year a sum of £311 12s. 3d. in further improving the reserve as a game-farm. The caretaker has now under his charge a herd of nine red-deer, and a number of pheasants are retained for breeding purposes. Seventy acres of bush have been felled and grassed, and a cottage erected for the caretaker. A report on this subject will be found in the Appendix. A vote was taken last session (No. 71, item 22) of £300 as a subsidy towards the purchase of a domain for the district of Khandallah, near Wellington. Some gentlemen interested in the question secured an area of about 31 acres at a cost of over £500, the sum mentioned above forming part of the purchase-money. Theemal Speings, Sanatoeia, etc. At Eotorua, which is the largest of the sanatoria under Government direction, improvements and extensions have been made in several directions under the supervision of Mr. Eeaney, all of which are referred to in his report, which will be found printed in the Appendix hereto. The bathaccommodation at Eotorua is now fairly large, but might be extended with advantage at Whakarewarewa, where there is an excellent supply of hot and chemical waters. The time will come when the extensive supply of thermal waters on the west side of the town, at Kuirau and its neighbourhood, will be brought into use, but at present it is deemed best to confine operations to the neighbourhood of the Pavilion, &c. The Pukeroa Park has been improved by planting and the making of additional paths, and more will be done in these directions during the present season. The Kuirau Eeserve has also been taken in hand, and some paths have been cut and planting done. This reserve is being fenced in at the present time. Additional planting will be done also at Whakarewarewa, and as much use as possible be made of native shrubs for ornamental purposes. The level of the lake itself has been unusually low during the year, and this, to a certain extent, affects the hot springs. It is possible that something may yet have to be done to control the level by works at the outlet. The wharf running out from the township into the lake has now reached a length of over 500 ft., but has yet to be extended to allow of a greater depth of water to facilitate landing from boats, steam-launches, &c.

* Reserves Disposal &c, Aot of 1898, section i. f Reserves Disposal, &c, Aot of 1898, seotion 12.

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VIII

The drainage scheme initiated last year has now been completed within the most important part of the town, but is incomplete until the erection of the necessary plant for pumping (and lighting the town) is effected. Tenders were invited for this service, but were considered too high for acceptance. The source of the power is a waterfall on the Taheke Biver, forming the outlet to Lakes Eotorua and Eotoiti. Mr. B. Hay, C.E., has had charge of these works. During the year twenty-nine town and suburban sections were selected at Eotorua, making 215 in all. These lands are held under lease by virtue of " The Thermal-springs Districts Act, 1881." There are 5,614 acres now held under this Act in the district, which amount is let at an annual rental of £1,452. With the aid of the nursery now established at Eotorua, the planting of the public reserves should be extended considerably. Trees are found to do well in the district, and will eventually pay a good interest on the money sunk in planting. It is to be regretted that some of the tourists who visit the district still continue to take away " specimens " of the deposits from the thermal springs, thereby decreasing the attraction for those who come after them. The officers in charge have strict instructions to prevent this, and, so far as lies in their power, do so. At Hanmer, in northern Canterbury, the thermal-springs establishment has been well kept up under the care of Mr. J. Eogers, but it is found that the bath-accommodation is still deficient for the number of visitors. This place increases in attractiveness from year to year —a fact which is proved by the increase of accommodation which has been supplied, due to private enterprise. At the Government Sanatorium many applicants for accommodation have been refused for want of room. Arrangements have been in progress for utilising the natural gas found there for lighting purposes, but are not yet completed. In the Appendix hereto will be found Mr. Eogers's report, giving details as to the establishment. The following table will supply information as to the progress of the two principal Government establishments at Eotorua and Hanmer :—

The Hermitage at Mount Cook is under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Eoss, and indirectly under that of the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Christchurch. The number of visitors was about the same as last year, but many of them stayed for longer average periods, advantage being taken of the huts erected near the glaciers for visiting the mountains and glaciers. A guide has been employed during the tourist season, and his services have been much in requisition by visitors. Various improvements have been made about the Hermitage itself, by the planting of trees, making seats, &c. As population increases in Australasia, this place must become more and more a place of recreation and a " play-ground," for the scenery is acknowledged on all hands to surpass anything of its kind in Australasia, while the attraction it offers to alpine climbers is equal to many wellknown mountain-ranges of Europe and America. The accommodation to be obtained at the Hermitage is very good, and the prices are reasonable. A report giving detail of this establishment will be found in the Appendix. Te Aroha Hot Springs are under the management of the Te Aroha Domain Board. The secretary of the Board has furnished an excellent report on this popular place of resort, which will be found in the Appendix. The principal event of the year was the opening of the new bathhouse, which was built from funds contributed by the Government, under the supervision of Mr. G. B. Vickerman, of the Public Works Department. A description of the building, with a picture of it, was given in last year's report of this department. Beference must be made to the report referred to for detailed information concerning the springs, from which it will be seen that a great deal has been done to increase the efficiency and attractiveness of this place, which, from its easy access by railway both from Auckland and the Thames, is always a favourite resort of those who can spare a little time for recreation. The thermal springs at Nuhaka, Hawke's Bay, are attracting more attention now that accommodation can be obtained on the spot, and, surrounded as they are by attractive sylvan scenery, the number of visitors must continue to increase, especially after the coach-road from Gisborne is open. At present the establishment is in its earliest stages, and visitors cannot expect the same comforts as are to be found at older establishments, but this will gradually mend. The accommo-dation-house is under private management. In the near future another thermal-spring district will be opened to the public at Waipiro, on the coast northwards from Gisborne. Here a township has been laid out under the Native Townships Act, which will very shortly be submitted to the public. The springs here are several in number, and have proved very efficacious in cases of rheumatism. There is a fine supply of hot water. When the carriage-road is open from the coast the place is likely to attract a considerable number of visitors.

L895. 1896. 1897. 1898. 1899. Place. Number of Baths. Fees. Number of Baths. Fees. Number of Baths. Fees. Number ol Baths. Fees. Number of Baths. Fees. lotorua [anmer .. 23,196 .. 6,306 £ 8. d. 483 11 3 202 17 6 28,906 7,781 £ a. d. 502 17 0 33,158 240 4 8 9,627 £ s. d. 631 0 6 290 4 9 £ s. d. 46,668 747 0 0 11,436 354 4 7 £ s. a. 48,868 711 0 0 14,540 '413 1 2

α-i

Naval and Militaey Settlees' and Volunteebs' Land-claims. In accordance with the recommendations contained in the report (H.-13, 1898) by Mr. Commissioner J. C. McKerrow, appointed under "The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," of the sum of £3,485 voted by Parliament last year in settlement of the 110 claims £3,425 has been expended. Vouchers were prepared for all claims as soon as possible after the money was voted ; £3,055 passed for payment prior to the 31st March last. It was found that, out of the 110 claimants recommended, seventeen were deceased persons, and there was no evidence of legal succession or probate. Under these circumstances the department moved the Treasury to take steps under the provisions of " The Public Payments without Probate Act, 1869," and after the statutory period had elapsed under the regulations of 1870 the survivors who claimed and applied were paid. Thus fifteen have been paid since the 31st March last, and two claims are still unpaid ; in one of these cases no one has made claim, and in the other there are several claimants, and it is not yet decided how the matter shall be adjusted. Cheviot Estate. The land transactions within the above estate were confined to a few miscellaneous leases, and the report of the Commissioner of Crown Lands given in the Appendix shows that the estate continues to progress satisfactorily. The value of improvements required by law amounted to £16,832, but the actual value at the time of inspection was £49,738; whilst the number of people residing on the estate was 838. The past has been a fairly prosperous year for the settlers, notwithstanding that the caterpillars had somewhat reduced the yield from the crops. The area in crop amounts to : Cereals, 4,019 acres; green and root crops, 7,374 acres ; English grasses, 11,430 acres. The dairy factory has proved a great assistance to the settlers during the year, especially to the smaller settlers near Mackenzie. The following figures show the state of the Cheviot Account at the 31st March last: — Cheviot Estate : Eetuen of Outlay and Income as at 31st March, 1899. Outlay. £ Balance from previous year .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 262,429 Administration and contingencies .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 647 Balance of interest chargeable to 31st March, 1899 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,642 Rents accrued, included in former account .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,204 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £275,922 Income. £ Cash—lnstalments of purohase-money of freehold .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,234 Rents .. '.'.' .. .. .. .. '.. .. .. .. .. 13,515 „ Interest .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 225 „ Shipping and port charges .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 69 Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,155 Balance .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 254,724 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £275,922 There were nineteen settlers in arrear with their rents at the 31st March, to the amount of £171 18s. Bd. There were no forfeitures or surrenders. Land foe Settlement. There have been fewer estates dealt with during the year ended the 31st March last than in the previous period, the number for 1899 being seven, containiug an area of 90,708 acres 1 rood 4 perches, whilst that for 1898 was fourteen, of a total area of 58,691 acres 1 rood 31 perches. The following table shows the new estates which have been handed over to this department and dealt with during the year, and the attached table shows various particulars respecting them, and also of all the estates that have been dealt with since the policy of acquiring estates from private owners was initiated in 1894.

Estates offered for Selection during the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1899.

ii—C. 1.

Land District and Name of Estate. A-of Estate. «™»£ 31st March, 1899. Date opened for Beleetion. Auckland— Eangiatea ... Karapiro Hawke's Bay— Mahora Willows Canterbury— Pawaho Waikakahi ... Marlborough— Starborough (leasehold surrendered, 1,625 ac.) 4,004 2,270 1,133 775 B. P. 0 0 3 9 3 0 1 36 17 13 I 27 16 A. R. P. 753 0 0 69 1 0 268 1 27 190 1 0 £ s. d. 564 6 2 394 15 0 1,260 1 8 573 10 4 June 22,1898. Oct. 21,1898. Mar. 22,1899. Mar. 22,1899. 52 48,248 0 18 0 21 21 139 7 0 22 6,426 2 11 108 14 6 14,838 14 10 April 5, 1898 Mar. 20,1899. 34,224 0 0 43 3,949 0 0 4,893 10 10 Mar. 13,1899. Totals ... 90,708 1 4 276* 11,663 2 20 £22,633 13 4 * The number of applioatii Willows, 90; Pawaho, 59 ; Wai ons received for tl ikakahi, 867; Sta hese estates krborough, 4< was as follows: Eangiatea, 37; Karapiro, 44; Mahora, 90; 12,

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Since the 31st March, the greater part of the area of 11,663 acres unselected at that date has been taken up. In addition to the foregoing figures there have been thirty-five* selections in the estates acquired prior to 31st March, 1898. Of the four estates at that date which showed the largest amount of unselected land, viz.: Okauia, Pomahaka, Otahu, and Beaumont (total, 12,896 acres), 7,592 acres have been selected during the year, which, together with other selections, only leaves in the hands of the Government an area of 4,759 acres.t Details of all the selections will be found in the accompanying table. The forfeitures for non-compliance with the conditions of the leases, together with surrenders, amounted to thirty, the area so forfeited being 2,643 acres, 3 roods, 20 perches, let for a rental of £463 9s. 4d. Most of the forfeited sections have been relet. The arrears of rent on the 31st March amounted to £2,938 6s. 9d., which was owing by 134 lessees, or an average of £22 per selector. The reports of the Commissioners on the different estates will be found in the Annual Beport of the Lands and Survey Department of this year, and from these it will be seen that considerable progress has been made on each estate. The effects of the dry weather of last year, together with some high winds when the crops were coming on this year, were still felt at the date of the reports, and the arrears of rent are in large measure due to those causes, which are, however, only temporary in their operation. The number of estates acquired under the Act, and which have been offered for selection, is fifty-six, containing an area of 243,947 acres (in which are included 3,112 acres of Crown land, being leases held by the former owners but now surrendered and dealt with as part of the estates). On these estates, at the 31st March last, there were 3,077 persons residing, the number of houses being 813, whilst the value of the improvements on the estates amounted to £129,133 18s. 9d. £ The total cost of the estates purchased to 31st March, 1899 = ... 1,170,305 Cost of roads, surveys, administration, and preliminary expenses ... 53,862 1,224,167 Less cost of Eichmond Brook Estate, not yet selected .. ... 21,921 £1,202,246 The lands disposed of are let at ah annual rental of ... ... £57,747 The lands unlet (exclusive of roads, unlet reserves, &c.) are valued at a rental of ... ... ... ~. ~', ... 4,503 £62,250 It will thus be seen that if the whole of the lands were let, the rentals would bring in a return of 5 - 17 per cent, on the capital invested in the estates that have been offered for selection. On the other hand, the rentals of land actually let are bringing in a return of 4-8 per cent, on the amount invested. As much of the land unlet at the 31st March has since been disposed of, the rentals at the time of writing are actually bringing in over 5 per cent, on the capital sunk in them. The sum actually payable for interest, calculated as for the 31st March, on the money raised for the purchase of these estates was £42,497 3s. 5d., as against a rental of £57,747. The construction of the branch railway or tram-line to give access to the limekilns on the Makareao Estate is in hand by the Public Works Department, and is approaching completion; whilst the work of building the kilns has also been commenced. A sum of £4,685 9s. lOd. has been expended in this work up to the 31st March. Under those clauses of the Act empowering the creation of "hamlets," the following small blocks have been offered for selection :—

The hamlets are provided to meet the wants of small settlers in the vicinity of towns, and the Act provides for the advance by Government, in certain cases, of sums to enable the selectors to build houses. The cases above seem to show that there is no very active demand for this class of settlement, for the lands are not taken up at once. "The Übeweea Disteict Native Beseeve Act, 1896." The Hon. the Native Minister administers the above Act, but, as the Lands and Survey Department has practically had the working of the Act so far, the proceedings under it may properly find a place in this report.

* To these thirty-five selections have to be added twenty-four reallotments. + At the date of writing the lands still left in these estates are : Okauia, two sections, 748 acres; Pomahaka, nil; Beaumont, seven sections, 2,180 acres ; Otahu, two sections, 435 acres.

Opened for Selection. Acres. Number of Sections. Number selected. Cost. Annual Rental. Area unlet. Wharenui Paparangi Pawaho ... Mar., 1897 ... Feb., 1898 ... April, „ 73 ■ 323 32 26 25 39 32 25 21 £ £ s. d. a. e. p. 4,994 285 2 8 2 0 0 6,592 284 11 6 12 3 20 1,942 108 14 6 7 0 22 Since ti x 31st March, 1899. Tamai... ... June, 1899 37 40 I 9 2,663 167 11 2 27 1 9

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The Commissioners appointed under the Act (the Surveyor-General, Judge W. J. Butler, and five Maori chiefs of the Urewera Tribe) met at Whakatane on the Ist February, and proceeded to consider how they might best carry out the provisions of the Act, which combine the two objects of ascertaining the ownership of the large block of land included within the boundaries described in the schedule to the Act (656,000 acres), and, secondly, of dividing the country into areas which are to serve as the basis for the local government of the tribes. It was soon found that practically there are no such things as defined hapu boundaries such as were acknowledged by the people as belonging to any given hapu to the exclusion of others. As a matter of fact, nearly the whole area is subject to overlapping claims, sometimes three or four claims one on top of the other with discordant boundaries ; and the hapus are so mixed by intermarriage that it is difficult to say to what hapu any particular individual of the tribe belongs. As the work progressed it became apparent that the title to the whole area would require investigation before any boundaries could be determined suitable for a division into districts. In order to facilitate this, the Commissioners adjourned from Whakatane to Euatoki, and from there to Te Houhi, Te Whaiti, Euatahuna, Maungapohatu, finishing up at Waimako, near Lake Waikare-moana, on the 6th April, having obtained the lists of claimants in fifty-seven blocks, and learned approximately their boundaries. This work is preliminary to what is to follow in the investigation of the title, which will take considerable time, and prior to which some sketch surveys of the most intricate and disputed boundaries will have to take place. Practically, the owners of the Urewera country are now known by name, subject to, perhaps, some few names omitted from the lists. Their number cannot, however, be stated at present, until the completion of the work of arranging them all alphabetically, and the elimination of duplicate names. The Commissioners were received most hospitably by these wild mountaineers, who are most anxious to see this great work finished. They were found to be very tractable and amenable to discipline. The Commissioners sat in any convenient place where shelter could be obtained, generally under a slight booth or the shade of a tree. It is proposed to put in hand the surveys so soon as the season allows, but it is not contemplated to do more than make such sketch surveys as will allow the Commissioners to decide boundaries in dispute. And, moreover, it is proposed to do away with many of the smaller claims, throwing them into large divisions whenever this can be accomplished. Lands foe Landless Natives, South Island. A special report has been presented to Parliament on the above subject, but, as the Lands and Survey Department has had much to do with the matter, a brief notice of the progress made may be given here. It is unnecessary to refer to the origin of the lack of land amongst the Natives of the South Island, suffice it to say that the claims of a large number of landless Natives so forced itself upon the attention of successive Governments that in December, 1893, the Cabinet decided to appoint two Commissioners (Judge A. Mackay and the Surveyor-General) to deal with the matter. Up to date the investigation has proved that there are about 4,233 persons—Maoris, half- and quarter-castes —who were more or less landless—that is, not having sufficient land to live on— whilst very many had none at all. Out of this number, 2,415 have been provided with land in five different localities in the South Island, leaving about 1,828 yet to be allocated. To meet these wants a total area to date has been withdrawn from selection and set aside, of 169,289 acres, some of which will probably prove on survey to be unsuitable; indeed, already, in the Waiau Block, 30,000 acres have turned out to be too mountainous to be used for settlement. During the coming summer about 57,600 acres will be explored and, where found suitable, surveyed prior to the allocation of land to the remainder of the people. Native Townships Act. Under the above Act, which provides for the laying-out of towns on lands owned by Maoris in places where such towns are necessary, but where the owners are not able to deal with the lands in a comprehensive manner, three towns have been laid out and offered to the public since the Act came into foree —viz., Pipiriki, Tokaanu, and Kaimakau. The latter township was laid out at Kennedy's Bay, Coromandel County, but not a single allotment was disposed of. The following shows the towns that have been proclaimed, of which Te Puia has not yet been offered, but will be shortly:— Proclaimed. First offered for Lease. Pipiriki ... ... 366 acres 2nd October, 1896 27th July, 1897 Tokaanu ... ... 490 „ 11th March, 1897 17th June, 1898 Kaimakau... ... 190 ~ 14th July, 1897 14th October, 1898 TePuia ... ... 497 ~ 13th July, 1898 In addition to the above, arrangements have been made with the Natives for the following towns: Potaka, between Mangaweka and Taihape; Tautini, at Tokomaru Bay, Cook County; Waipiro, Waiapu County ; Araroa, Kawakawa Bay, Waiapu County; and Parata, near Waikanae. Assistance towaeds the Establishment of Medical Men in Outlying Disteicts. Under Vote 71, Item 76, " Miscellaneous Services," a sum of £400 was voted last year for the above object. The results up to the 31st March are shown below. A petition was forwarded by European residents at Tolago Bay (where there is a large Native population) for aid to induce a medical man to settle in the locality, and £50 has been granted for the purpose. In response to a petition from settlers at Eaetihi a grant of £75 per annum for three years has been promised for a doctor to practise in the Waimarino district.

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An offer has been made of a subsidy of £150 per annum for a reasonable period if a suitable man can be obtained to settle at Owaka (Catlin's district), on condition that he will visit Papatowai once weekly. A subsidy of £50 has been granted to a doctor residing at Preservation Inlet, the money to be paid quarterly upon the certificate of the chairman of the medical committee of the district. Teeeitoeial and othee Eevenue. The moneys collected by the department during the year ended the 31st March last were as follows:— £ s. d. Territorial revenue ... ... ... ... ... 273,799 7 4 Government loans to local bodies (interest and sinking-fund) ... 13,255 17 2 Land for Settlements Acts ... ... ... ... 38,804 10 2 Cheviot Estate ... ... ... ... ... ... 17,043 8 1 State forests ... ... ... ... ... ... 5,844 6 6 Endowments ... ... ... ... ... ... 15,117 18 4 North Island Main Trunk Eailway lands ... ... ... 11,282 19 8 Thermal springs ... ... ... ... ... 1,351 13 6 Lake Ellesmere and Forsyth lands ... ... ... 1,740 8 11 Survey and other costs recovered ... ... ... ... 2,512 12 5 Crown-grant fees ... ... ... ... ... 1,228 12 0 Hanmer Sanatorium and baths ... ... ... ... 1,172 11 7 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,990 15 1 £385,145 0 9 In the territorial revenue there was an increase of £10,503 ss. Id., and an increase on the total sum collected of £26,058 75., largely due to the new estates offered for selection under the Land for Settlements Acts. The following table will show a comparison between the territorial revenue of last year and the previous one : —

Comparative Statement of Territorial Revenue for the Years 1897-98 and 1898-99.

The cash balances at credit in the different Eeceivers of Land Eevenue's Deposit Accounts amounted to £51,195 6s. 6d., as against £6,031 ss. 9d. at the same date the previous year. The great increase this year is due to the large amount of deposits on account of applications for the Waikakahi Estate, the selection of which only took place a few days before the close of the financial year. The balances to the credit of local bodies, derived from "thirds" and "fourths," was £33,423 18s. lid., a large sum, much of which might have been spent advantageously by the local bodies on roads, &c, had they submitted their schemes of expenditure to the Land Boards somewhat more promptly. The total amount paid to local bodies during the past year from this source was £33,099 Bs. 2d. Aeeeabs. Details under this heading will be found in the Appendix, but the following table shows a comparison for several years past. It includes all classes of lands on which rents, &c, are paid, but excludes endowments :■ — No. £ 31st March, 1890 ... ... ... ... 3,755 selectors owing 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 1897 ... ... ... ... 1,464 ;, 12,807 1898 1,546 „ 14,437 1899 1,451 „ 16,994

Land District. 1897-98. 1898-99. Increase, I Decrease. Auckland lawke's Bay Vellington ... larlborough kelson Vestland Canterbury ... Hago iouthland £ s. d. 30,889 19 2 21,407 12 5 14,512 16 1 49,284 8 4 13,689 16 7 15,134 11 4 1,159 18 1 47,503 4 6 55,286 13 10 14,427 1 11 £ s. d. 29,182 2 0 26,066 14 10 17,765 18 2 48,751 3 10 9,903 18 11 15,553 16 2 1,313 4 10 54,518 13 4 56,525 6 3 14,218 9 0 £ s. d. 4,659 2 5 3,253 2 1 419 4 10 153 6 9 7,015 8 10 1,238 12 5 £ s. a. 1,707 17 2 533 4 6 3,785 17 8 208 12 11 263,296 2 3 273,799 263,296 7 2 4 3 16,738 17 6,235 12 4 3 6,235 12 3 Net increase 10,503 5 1 10,503 5 1

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Of these arrears, the principal items are : — £_ 222 perpetual-lease selectors, owing ... ... ... ... 1,656 212 occupation-with-right-of-purchase selectors, owing .... ... 1,518 210 lease-in-perpetuity selectors, owing ... ... ... ... 1,678 122 village-homestead special selectors, owing ... ... , ... 1,528 77 special-settlement-association selectors, owing ... ... ... 750 79 improved-farm selectors, owing ... ... ... ... 541 58 small-grazing-run selectors, owing ... ... ... ... 2,228 120 miscellaneous selectors, owing... ... ... ... ... 2,889 119 lease-in-perpetuity (land-for-settlement) selectors, owing ~ ... 2,770

SUEVEYS. The transactions connected with the surveys of the colony are summarised in the table below:— "coT *««*. per Acre. £ s. d. Minor triangulation ... ... ... ... ... 708,252 0-49 d. 1,454 6 4 Topographical surveys prior to selection ... ... ... 13,758 l-07d. 61 710 Eural and suburban section surveys (1,615 sections) ... 540,485 To6s. 28,757 17 3 Town section surveys (891 sections), cost per section ... 1,079 17'08s. 761 2 9 Native Land Court surveys (319 divisions) ... ... 330,576 4-3 d. 5,933 3 9 Mining surveys (336 sections) ... ... ... ... 17,642 4-9s. 4,321 9 2 Boads (730-94 miles), per mile ... ... ... £13-61 9,947 12 2 Miscellaneous surveys, inspection, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 8,632 0 2 Total cost of the above field-work for the year ... ... £59,868 19 5 The total cost for the year is about £5,000 less than for the previous year, due principally to a smaller expenditure in mining surveys and miscellaneous work, whilst there has been an increased charge on rural and suburban section surveys. TeIGONOMETEICAL AND TOPOGEAPHICAL SUEVEYS. The largest area under triangulation during the year is shown under Mr. J. H. Lowe's name, but a considerable area in hand is not entered in the return, for the reason that the maps are not yet complete. It lies in the centre of the North Island, around the mountain groups of Buapehu, Tongariro, Kaimanawa, &c.,.and forms the connecting-link between the triangulation of Auckland, Wellington, and Hawke's Bay. Mr. Lowe has been in charge of the work, and has covered a large area of country with a network of triangles. The final results are looked forward to with considerable interest. In Taranaki Messrs. Skeet, Sladden, and Laing have made further extensions of the existing triangulation to some extent, and in Nelson a large area lying on the mountainous ranges on the west side of the district has been under survey by Messrs. Sadd, Thompson, and Eobinson, though the work is not yet mapped. Preliminary results of the above work seem to confirm the fact that the west coast south of Cape Farewell is slightly out of position on the charts, but nothing of great consequence to navigation. In Marlborough the triangulation and topographical surveys of the country around the Kaikoura Mountains has been in progress, but the maps are not yet completed. This survey will furnish data regarding a part of the colony which is very imperfectly mapped at present. EUEAL AND SUBUEBAN SECTION SUEVEYS. 3! somewhat larger acreage was prepared for settlement last year, some of the estates surveyed being of considerable area, such as in the case of Waikakahi in Canterbury, and Starborough in Marlborough. In the former case six surveyors were engaged in the work, and they completed the whole survey in a short time at a very small cost per acre. The same may be said of the Starborough subdivision. Credit is due to all the gentlemen engaged in these surveys for the celerity with which the work was finished, and the complete manner in which it was done. Most of the other work finished during the year has been in not very large areas, and generally in rough forest-country, where progress is naturally much slower. The cost per acre, therefore, throughout this class of survey is very creditable to the surveyors engaged. It amounted to l-06s. per acre, which is a trifle over the average for the previous year. It varies very little, however, from year to year, and, considering the rough nature of the country we now have to deal with as a rule, it must be considered a very low cost. Care is taken to insure good lines of road, and in rough country the boundaries of sections are generally run along ridges to secure fencing-lines. This involves a greater cost; but the advantages to the settler are very great indeed, and, as compared to the old-fashioned " chess-board " system of laying out country, is infinitely superior. Under regulations dated the 25th January, 1897, the limit of mathematical closure in surveys made with theodolite and chain (or, to be more correct, steel-band or wire—for the old Gunter's chain is now only to be seen as a curiosity) was reduced one-half, or from 8 links to 4 links per mile. It is found that, by the use of the long steel wires, now common, this limit can easily be maintained; indeed, some surveyors are not satisfied unless their closures are less than the limit. It is certain that the introduction of the steel-wire has greatly facilitated survey work, and tended to reduce the cost. In this connection it may be mentioned that Mr. C. A. Mountfort, of the Wellington District, has been very successful in checking his meridian in dense forest-country by

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solar observations. The use of the stars for this purpose has been common for many years past. Its practical introduction was due to Mr. T. Humphries, Chief Surveyor of Nelson, whose paper on the subject has been reprinted lately, and distributed far and wide. It forms the first of a series of such professional papers which it is hoped may be issued from to time, in which will be described the methods of survey most adapted to countries like this. Considerable areas are under survey for settlement purposes at the present time in all parts of the colony, the largest being in Kawhia County, where is to be found a large extent of country suitable for holdings of some size. After the roading is completed an increase of pastoral settlement will certainly take place in this part. Native Land Coubt Sueveys. A somewhat larger output of this class of survey is shown for the year just passed, the total area dealt with for Court purposes being 330,576 acres in 319 divisions or blocks, nearly the whole of which are subdivisions of larger blocks, the title to which had previously been determined by the Native Land Court. As a rule, this class of work is performed by the authorised surveyors outside the Government staff, the cost being advanced by the Government and secured on the land, or is paid for direct by the Native owners; but in all cases the surveys are official, in the sense that the work is subject to check and record by the Survey Department, necessitated by the fact that the titles have to be issued by the Crown. A very large decrease in this class of work has taken place during the last ten years, owing to the decreasing amount of land held by the Maoris. The area of papatipu, or land still held under Native customs, is now small, and much of it not of an attractive nature for settlement. Mining Sueveys. Again, as in the previous report, a considerable decrease is shown in the year's transactions. The area surveyed was 17,642 acres, in 336 sections, being approximately half the figures for the previous year. The greatest number of claims surveyed was in Otago. Eoad Sueveys. Under this heading are the roads surveyed outside the regular operations connected with the subdivision of county into farms, &c. It includes roads taken in exercise of rights reserved in the titles, and other similar cases. Altogether, 730 miles were so surveyed at a cost of £13-61 per mile. Miscellaneous Woek. The cost of inspection in the field, special reports, engineering surveys, boundary-lines not connected with current section surveys, exploration, traverse surveys not returned in other tables, and generally all work performed by the field-staff that cannot be tabulated under other headings, are included there. The total cost of such services was £8,632 Os. 2d. Boaed of Examinees foe Sueveyoes. During the year four Board meetings have been held. Twenty-three applications for certificates, and for permission to sit for examination, were disposed of. Two examinations have been held, eighteen candidates being examined. One of these, however, took part in both examinations, and five had made partial passes at previous examinations. The following are the names of candidates to whom certificates have been issued: Under Eegulation 21 (c.) —A. C. Murray-Aynsley, W. Anstey, and C. Otway; under Eegulation 9 (b) —H. F. Edgecumbe, F. J. Ledger, and F. J. Harrop ; under Eegulation 9 (c)—C. 0. McKellar and G. A. M. Luff. Two new regulations, to provide for the inclusion of mining surveys in the subjects for examination, were advertised in the Gazette of the 18th August, 1898. On the same date an additional regulation was also advertised dealing with the conditions preliminary to examination, with regard to cadets in the Public Works Department. Magnetic Suevey. At the request of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, a commencement has been made with the magnetic survey of this colony. The object aimed at is, by co-operating with similar observations in other parts of the world, to define the laws relating to magnetism. The matter is one of considerable importance to commerce and navigation, and consequently the scheme has the support of several public bodies and individuals connected therewith. The operations, so far, have consisted in observations to determine—firstly, the best site for a magnetic observatory; secondly, the establishment of positions from which the secular variation can be subsequently determined; and, thirdly, to ascertain the present position of isomagnetic lines. Mr. C. Coleridge Farr, B.Sc, has undertaken the preliminary observations, assisted by Mr. W. T. Neill, of the Survey Department. They commenced on the 15th February, and up to date have made complete determinations of the declination, dip, and horizontal intensity of magnetic force at twenty-seven stations, extending from Orepuke in Southland to Ashburton in Canterbury, including Stewart's Island. Of these stations, eight are in the immediate vicinity of Dunedin, two near Inveroargill, whilst the remainder are separated by intervals of about 20 miles, generally along the main line of railway. It is premature to speak of results at present, until the survey has further advanced, and a determination has been come to as to the best site for the fixed observatory. It is essential that this should be done before the sailing of the Antarctic Expedition in 1901. Boads. The amount authorised for expenditure for roads under the administration of the Hon. the Minister of Lands last year was £520,239, and consisted of 1,376 separate items for roads,

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bridges, &c, in various parts of the colony, a larger amount and a greater number of separate works than has ever occurred before. Whilst the above was the total amount authorised to be contracted for, the actual amount voted by Parliament for expenditure during the year was £391,461; out of this the actual amount spent to the 31st March was £265,905, to which has to be added £8,861 spent on behalf of the Mines Department, and £7,586 under the Land for Settlements Acts, making a total of £282,352. Of this sum £47,977 has been spent by local bodies under agreements with the Government, the plans and specifications of the works connected with same having to be passed by the department. At the 31st March, over and above the expenditure, the liabilities on works in hand amounted to the following: Boads and bridges (general), £299,742; land for settlements, £2,768; Mines Department, £9,42 l—making a total of £311,931. The monthly average amount of expenditure was £23,530, and varied from £19,500 to £30,600, according to the season. The number of works of the above nature are now becoming so numerous that they are a very severe tax on the officers of the department, and frequently occupy time which ought to be given to the other work of the department. The following table will show, in brief form, the nature and extent of the works undertaken by the department, further details of which will be found in the Appendix:—

During the year a total of 575 miles of engineering surveys was completed, the cost of which is included in the sums above; and, in connection with the roads, 96 bridges, of a total length of 10,588 ft., were built. Whilst the expenditure for last year is greater than for the previous one, the mileage of roads constructed is less by something over a hundred miles, the work now consisting more- and more every year of enlarging bridle-roads into cart-roads. With the exception of a few special items, all the work done by the department has been on the co-operative system. Some of the principal roads on which expenditure has taken place may be mentioned here, but fuller information as to each item will be found in the Appendix. North of Auckland a great many roads have been extended and improved, either by the department or by the local bodies, and facilities of communication for settlers increased. The road from, the Kaihu Valley Eailway northwards to Hokianga is now almost completed as a cart-road. It gives access to some of the new settlements in that part where the land is of fair quality. The Great North Eoad, running from Auckland to Mangonui, has been improved and extended, but is not yet open for cart traffic at the northern end. Some metalling has been done here and there on the above road, but the material is very scarce, and consequently expensive. The Tokatoka Swamp, which contains some good land and timber, has been improved by roads and drains, and part of the tramway intended to get out the timber has been in use for that purpose. A wharf has been built at Eaupo, and two artesian wells sunk, one of which delivers about 40,000 gallons per diem. South of Auckland the Tuakau-Kahuhuru Boad has been improved and extended ; it is the main road through Eaglan County, and passes through a country that has been settled during the last lew years. Connected with this road is the bridge over the Waikato Eiver at Tuakau, plans of which have been prepared ready for construction. With the money available, the Great South Boad has also been improved in places. The most important work in the south part of the Auckland District that has been in progress during the year is the road from Kuiti to Awakino, which runs through very good country, as a rule, and on its completion it will form a connectinglink between Auckland and Taranaki. There are about ten miles yet to make, besides some bridges to build, and then it will be possible to drive—with some difficulty, it is true, for part of the way—from Auckland to the mouth of the Mokau Eiver. In connection with the lands lately acquired by the Crown in this neighbourhood, this road should be pushed on to completion. On the west sideof the Waipa Valley, in Kawhia County, many miles of engineering survey have been

District. Constructed. Videned am Improved. Maintained. Cost. Auckland lawke's Bay ?aranaki Wellington kelson ilarlborough Vestland 'anterbury )tago Southland Hood-damages Miles. 212 118 86 123 10 68 8 10 38 38 Miles. 310 4 25 84 7 2 5 13 33 6 Miles. 1,124 279 219 635 219 24 164 50 75 4 86 £ s. d. 67,841 18 2 29,323 18 0 34,100 8 10 61,647 19 9 12,027 4 3 15,191 10 3 10,128 1 1 5,817 16 11 22,446 5 11 14,282 17 4 9,544 3 6 Totals— Dray-roads ... Bridle-roads ... 312 399 350 139 2,010 869 Totals... 711 489 2,879 282,352 4

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made to open up some 80,000 acres of good land, and since the end of the year the work of construction has been put in hand. Another important road in this district is the Ohura Eoad, which has been extended towards Stratford to a small extent, but the principal work on the northern end has been the construction of a bridge over the Ohura Eiver, which was previously a dangerous crossing. The road is now open for vehicles from Poro-o-tarao Tunnel to the Mangaroa Eiver, a distance of forty-four miles. From there onwards to Stratford a good deal of work has yet to be done, the unformed gap being about thirty-two miles. In the Eotorua Eoad District one of the most important works we have in hand is the road from Eotorua to Opotiki vid Te Teko, the opening of which will afford a large number of settlers in the latter district an easy access to Eotorua-Auckland Eailway, and which will be largely taken advantage of for stock-driving and for coach traffic. At the end of the year the unformed portion of the road between Te Teko and Eotoma Lake was in hand, and plans preparing for bridging the Tarawera Biver. On completion of this, and improvements on the part between Te Teko and Whakatane, together with a gap between Whakatane and Ohiwa now in hand by the Whakatane County Council, this road will be open Another important road, especially from the tourist's point of view, is that leading from Eotorua to Waikaremoana Lake and onwards to Gisborne. During the year that portion of the road which runs across the Kaingaroa Plains has been nearly completed, and a good deal of clearing in advance has been done near Euatahuna. There are several miles yet to make to effect a junction with the formed part at Waikare-moana. This work ought to be pushed on, and then the bridle-road from the lake should be widened out towards Hangaroa, thus allowing of wheeled traffic from Gisborne to Eotorua. Since the end of the year the bridge over the Waikato Eiver, on the road from Wai-o-tapu to Wairakei, has been completed, and this road has become the main line of communication between Eotorua and the south. It is constantly used by coaches and other vehicles, and is a much more attractive route than the old one vid Ateamuri. In the Hawke's Bay District the Eotorua-Waikare-moana Boad, referred to in the paragraph before last, has been extended for about seven miles and a half along the lake, and clearing in advance of formation has been done also. The continuation of the above road from Waikare-moana towards Gisborne has been completed as a bridle-road, though the culverts are not all in, miles having been made during the year. On the Napier-Wairoa Eoad, which is intended to give an overland outlet to the County of Wairoa, about twelve miles have been added to the work done in previous years, leaving twenty-three miles to make before communication is established. The bridge over the Opoiti Eiver, on the road from Wairoa to Gisborne, has been completed, and that over the Mohaka, on the Napier-Taupo Eoad, is in process of erection. In Taranaki a number of useful roads have been under construction, amongst which may be mentioned the main road running parallel with the coast north of Mimi, which forms a continuation of the Kuiti-Awakino Eoad referred to above, on which about three miles and three-quarters have been completed as a dray-road. The road is open for summer traffic now to Tongaporutu, a distance of 39£ miles from Waitara. It is important that this road be pushed on to a junction with the northern end of the road. The branch from the Main Ohura Eoad (Stratford to Ongaruhe), which is intended to connect with the navigable part of the Tangarakau Eiver, has been extended to within four miles of that river. Its completion will afford an outlet for produce from a considerable area of inland country by water-carriage to Wanganui. On the Main Ohura Boad itself, contracts for three additional miles of metalling were let, which will make 12| miles of metalling extending northward from Stratford. This road is now open —part cart- and part bridle-road—to near Tangarakau Eiver, a distance from Stratford of 57-J- miles. It is important, in the interests of settlement and of through traffic with Auckland, that this road be pushed on, and the gap of thirty-two miles be completed. Much w T ork has been done in the Wanganui Eoad District in the extension and maintenance of a large number of roads, some of them very important ones. On the Pipiriki-Wai-o-uru Boad the metalling has been extended about two miles and a half, covering some of the worst parts, but there is still one portion near Mangawhero which is bad in winter. This road requires metalling as far as Ohakune, in order to carry the heavy coach traffic, due to this being one of the favourite tourists routes in connection with the Wanganui Biver. On the main road from Mangaweka to Tokaanu, which is also one of the principal roads of the country, further metalling has been done, a bridge rebuilt over the Hautapu, and the whole length of road kept in repair. As the traffic is increasing rapidly on this line, the metalling should be pushed on. This road is the main thoroughfare through this part of the North Island, and passes through a district where more new settlement has taken place within the last few years than any other. The works in the Wellington Eoad District have consisted principally in what may be termed " settlement roads " rather than main roads, and a very large amount of work has been done in extension of previously formed roads and in the forming of new ones. The generally small size of the holdings in parts of this district entails a very large proportion of road to the total acreage. Much of the country is also subject to slips, which are a constant source of expense. The AlfredtonWeber Eoad is an example of this. This road is now formed as a cart-road throughout, but requires metalling in places, in order to carry the traffic of a-considerable number of settlers. For information as to the large number of roadworks carried out in this district, reference must be made to Captain Turner's report in the Appendix hereto. In addition to many useful works in connection with settlement roads in the Nelson District, the department has continued to maintain the Belgrove-Westport-Eeefton Eoad, on which many bridges have been repaired and renewed, and, in places, the road widened. The Buller Eiver is being bridged at Mangles, on a branch line from this road, but, owing to difficulties as to obtaining the timber from Australia, the progress has been slow.

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The principal work in Marlborough—in addition to numerous settlement roads—has been the continuation of the Cheviot-Kaikoura Eoad, which is now in process of formation round the Kahutara Bluff, where the works are very heavy, entailing in one place a tunnel of 56 yards in length. On completion right through this will become one of the main roads of the colony. Maintenance of existing main roads has been the principal work in the Westland District, which includes the Hokitika-Christchurch and the Beefton-Hokitika-Boss Boads, on both of which a great deal of work has been done, besides the extension and formation of short lengths of other roads, and also of bridges. In Canterbury the maintenance of part of the Hokitika-Christchurch Boad and roads leading to Mount Cook have been the principal works undertaken. Works have also been in hand in connection with some of the estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts. In Otago the works have consisted principally in the improvement of the main road Catlin'sWaikawa, and of settlement roads in that neighbourhood. It is important that the above road should be metalled throughout, as it is one of the main roads of the colony, and leads through a district where a great deal of settlement has taken place during the last few years. Of the considerable number of works carried out in Southland, either by the department or the local authorities under Government grants, the most important, from the colonial point of view, is the suspension-bridge over the Waiau Eiver, which was built by contract under Mr. Howorth's direction. The span is 366 ft., with a width of roadway of 12 ft. The cost of the bridge was £5,468, without inspection, &c, and it is a handsome structure, as will be seen from the picture given in the Appendix. It affords ready means of access to a large stretch of country on the west side of the Waiau, a river that is one of the most impassable in the country. The following is a return of the number of men employed on co-operative works during the year:—

Return of Co-operative and other Labourers employed by the Lands and Survey Department on works for the Year ended 31st March, 1899, showing Average per Month for each District, and Average for the Year ended 31st March.

HEAD OFFICE. Maps, etc. Mr. F. W. Flanagan, Chief Draughtsman, reports : — The demands on the drawing office continue to increase both in volume and variety of work. Urgent miscellaneous duties which included requisitions from other departments have occasionally taxed the full strength of- the staff. While, however, these duties and the routine duties of the office have been satisfactorily performed the publication of the 80-chain maps and the compilation of new county maps have been temporarily delayed. The new ten-mile map of the colony has been proceeded with uninterruptedly, its early publication being regarded as essential. Two, and frequently three, lithographic draughtsmen have been kept fully employed in the photo-litho. office. The demands for "process " illustrations by other departments have now reached that stage when, for the sake of economy and expedition in turning out creditable work, it should be regarded as essential that the photograph to be operated upon be one which will allow of clear reticulation, or, in other words, the photograph must not be a sunlight picture throwing dense shadows. The class of photographs operated upon have been very inferior, necessitating laborious improving in 197 instances. Under your instructions I inspected the local survey offices at Chrisfchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill during March, and reported on the draughting branches of each office. Fifteen new 80-chain maps of survey districts have been published, viz.: Makuri, Cobden, Brighton, Kaiteriteri, Maungatapu, Pakawau, Mawhera-nui, Lyndon, Waimea, and Steeples, compiled and drawn in the district survey offices, and Weber, Totara, Southbridge, Waipori, and Benger, compiled and drawn in the Head Office. New editions of 80-chain maps of the following districts have been printed and published, viz.: Wairau, Cape, Waitara, Wairaki, Winton, New Eiver, and Taringatura. The 80-chain map of Wairarapa South County, referred to in last year's report, has been prepared for publication in four sheets. This map contains fifteen survey districts, and, although primarily a county map, the data is sufficiently reliable to admit of the districts being accepted as preparatory to the issue of maps of each district separately. iii—C. 1.

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District. April. May. June. July. August. September. October. fovember. lecember. January. February. March. Average. Auckland Taranaki Hawke's Bay .. Wellington Marlborough .. Nelson Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland Nurseries 366 224 137 518 75 6 26 2 122 66 376 269 167 482 [ 71 j 36 399 309 230 508 60 '30 424 346 244 570 56 1 21 18 88 58 412 352 281 621 56 6 12 16 88 77 387 307 307 622 59 3 12 10 90 85 376 283 305 618 101 9 14 10 99 62 379 245 289 513 105 3 15 9 93 49 332 182 204 462 15 18 9 139 38 244 112 153 450 13 23 11 109 45 25 329 126 176 429 16 9 39 23 132 78 26 336 143 196 447 13 15 53 24 73 71 23 363 241 224 520 53 6 25 13 101 61 25 99 53 80 47 Totals .. 1,542 1,553 1,663 1,826 1,921 1,882 1,877 1,700 1,399 1,185 1,383 1,394 1,632 Average for the year, 1,632.

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The following 80-chain district maps are in hand and nearly completed, viz. : Oparara, French Pass, Kawatiri, Inangahua, Ellesmere, Akaroa, Hutt, Fighting Hill, Eolleston, Okain's, Pourerere, and Blackhead, and the nine districts comprised in the Counties of Wairarapa North, Eketahuna, and Akitio. The maps of towns and villages published include Toka-anu, Huiakama, Whangamomona, Taihape, Eaetihi, Mangamingi, Mangaweka, Mangawharariki, Eeefton, Morven, Opawa, Alexandra, Kelso, Banfurly, Komako, Waikouaiti, Niagara, Limehills, and Winton. The miscellaneous maps published include Kermadec Islands, tourist map of City of Auckland, and, 188, maps in three colours for the Tourist Guides. The ten-mile map of New Zealand, which has been under preparation for twelve months, is well advanced. The Middle Island portion will probably be completed in September next. The North Island sheet contains all of the data in pencil, and Mr. Wilson undertakes to finish the writing in six months. The. map 3 should be ready for photo-lithographing in April, 1900. Concurrently with the map just mentioned, the school map of New Zealand is proceeding. This map is nearly completed. It is held in abeyance at present owing to pressure of other work. A very large amount of drawing and photo-lithographing has been done as usual for other departments. There have been printed for the Mines Department 1,000 copies of fifty-one "process" illustrations for the Mines Record, 11,000 copies of map of New Zealand in three colours, 1,000 copies of Geological Map of New Zealand, and 92,300 copies of various diagrams; for the Yearbook 5,000 copies of four "process" illustrations, and 5,000 copies of six diagrams in four colours ; for the Eailway Department 2,000 copies of seven " process " illustrations, and 58,100 maps in three colours for Eailway Time-table ; for the Government Insurance Department 6,000 policy forms ; for the Telegraph Department 5,420 copies of map showing telegraph- and telephone-lines in two printings ; for the Agricultural Department 7,500 copies of statistical diagram in four printings, and 17,350 copies of agricultural statistics; for Police Commission 3,900 copies of map showing police districts of the colony in three colours ; for the Public Works Department 3,900 copies of maps of North and Middle Islands in five colours, and 2,000 copies of four "process " illustrations ; for the Marine Department 1,100 copies of sight-testing diagram in seventeen printings, 1,250 copies of international flag-signals in four printings, 1,650 copies of New Zealand wreck chart in three printings, and 1,650 copies of "process" illustrations of lighthouses; for the Public Trust Office 900 copies of West Coast settlement sections in two printings; for Bureau of Information, London, 10,000 copies of map of New Zealand in three printings; for parliamentary committees 1,425 copies of diagram showing train and steamer routes ; for Education Department examinationpapers. The compilation and drawing of the work for the railway, telegraph, agricultural, police, Pubjic Trust, parliamentary committee, and education authorities, and for the Year-book, have been performed by the draughtsmen in the Head Office. The renewal of the 80-chain index county maps has been proceeded with, but it has not been found possible to complete more than the map of Clutha County. The maps of Wanganui, Waitotara, and Waitaki Counties are in hand. The frequent additions of new and the corresponding deletion of old work, in addition to the wear-and-tear occasioned by constant daily use, have rendered many of the old county maps almost too obscure for easy reference. The work of renewal would advance at a, more rapid rate- if the compilation of 80-chain district maps were carried on with more vigour in the district offices. The publication of maps and pamphlets relating to the disposal of lands has been given precedence in the work of the office. Two hundred and seventy-one land-sale maps have been prepared, viz.: For Auckland, 71; for Hawke's Bay, 15; for Taranaki, 22; for Wellington, 36; for Marlborough, 17 ; for Nelson, 8 ; for Westland, 4; for Canterbury, 33; for Otago, 31 ; and for Southland, 34. 157,900 copies of these maps have been distributed among the district land offices. Exclusive of the above, pamphlets containing maps, illustrations, and conditions of settlement of the following estates purchased under the Land for Settlements Acts have been published, viz.: Karapiro, Starborough, Waikakahi, Eangiatea, and Pawaho. Eeprints of former published land-sale maps on the 80-chain scale to the number of 19,500 copies have been printed, owing to the urgent demands for these prints for county map and correspondence purposes. For the encouragement of tourist traffic ten " Guides " have been printed, and a first edition of 3,000 copies of each distributed from this office amongst the shipping companies, public libraries, clubs, leading hotels, and newspaper offices throughout .Australasia. Copies were also forwarded to the Agent-General, and to the Union Steam Ship Company and to the Eailway Department in New Zealand. These " Guides " contain 188 maps and 200 " process " illustrations ; 140,000 copies of the former and 85,000 copies of the latter having been printed. Copies of pamphlet on the "Thermal Springs " and " The Eesources of New Zealand " have been forwarded to the AgentGeneral. The distribution of tourist literature from the Head Office has been on-a very liberal scale. Ninety-one schedules and one hundred and forty-three plans for Proclamations under the Public Works Act have been examined. Sixty-two schedules and sixty-seven plans, for purposes of the Land Act and Land for Settlements Act, have been prepared. Twenty-six schedules and twenty-six plans for Proclamations under the Loans to Local Bodies Act have been prepared. For purposes of the Native Land Acts seven schedules and nineteen plans have been prepared. Eight plans of towns for Governor's approval have been examined. Sixty-seven schedules of local and public Bills introduced into the House of Bepresentatives have been revised and certified. Sixty-six descriptions of boundaries for other departments have been written, and the districts coloured off on maps kept for the purpose. These maps are posted up to date weekly.

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XIX

One hundred and sixty-seven tracings for correspondence and special subjects have been made. The output of the lithographic office has exceeded that of any previous year. The printingpower was supplemented by a quad crown machine early in the year, otherwise the demands on the office could not have been met. There are now three machines and four hand-presses fully employed. The total number of subjects taken in hand was 1,687, or 240 more than last year; the total number of complete copies printed was 1,142,767, or 242,956 more than last year; and the number of impressions taken was 1,918,125, or 542,484 more than last year. This indicates the heavy pressure of work throughout the year. For sets-off, corrections and additions, touching up, tinting, and etching 759 lithographic stones have been prepared. One hundred and ninety-seven photographs have been retouched and improved prior to photographing as " process " illustrations. Eight wash-drawings of landscape scenery have been made. The out-turn of work from the photographic gallery by Mr. Eoss and assistant, compared with previous years, shows a decline in the number of plates taken, although the work has increased correspondingly with that of the lithographic office. The decline is, however, only in number, for 18 in, by 24 in. and 30 in. by 30 in. plates have superseded the 12 in. by 15 in. plates, thus enabling a larger amount of work to be disposed of, and effecting considerable economy of cost and time. Details of photographing and lithographic printing done during the year are appended. With regard to the internal arrangements of the photographic gallery, the introduction of the electric light for enlargements by lantern, and a reflector, would be very desirable improvements. With the aid of the reflector negatives could be taken in any weather. Abstract of lithographs printed during the twelve months : — Copies. Head Office... ... ... ... ... . ... 1,142,767 Auckland Office ... ... ... ... ... ... 5,350 Otago Office ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,400 Total ... 1,150,517

Lithographic Printing and Photographing.

Number of subjects taken in hand and printed off, 1,687 ; number of plate-transfers pulled, 121 ; number of maps, tracings, and photographs mounted, 1,070. COEEESPONDENCE. - Mr. W. S. Shoet, Chief Clerk, reports as follows : — As compared with previous years, there has been a considerable increase in the work. This was partly due to special circumstances, such as correspondence involved in dealing with bush-fires relief, and in the administration of the very large number of road votes intrusted to the department. Apart, however, from these, the correspondence, Proclamations, and formal documents, necessarily arising in the administration of land continues to increase, and it would appear that this will probably become greater each year as more Grown land is leased to settlers under present tenures and

Prim -ing. Photographing. Department. Number of C Copies pri lomplete iuted. Number of Separate Printings. ss sg g| ssg ja*j .ePh j3-g _o S © Number of Impressions taken. By Machine. By Hand. Survey Mines Public Works ... Marine Postal Telegraph Government Printer Meteorological ... Public Trust ... Premier's Eegistrar- General Education Agricultural and Stock ... Police... Railway Government Insurance ... Customs Defence Colonial Secretary's 816,270 136,705 15,762 5,650' 34,313 840 2,339 1,398 210 362 3,706 100 1,343,158 197,063 39,943 31,698 420 12,224 6,756 100 1,700 898 25,022 400 47,512 7,200 194,728 5,009 1,000 2,294 1,000 1,677 120 237 42 4 15 ■ 7 1 6 18 7 1 13 4 28 5 1 15 1 734 57 16 3 496 4 50 23 2 6,920 1,425 "6 2 900 750 10,000 400 21,500 1,800 73,480 4,000 1,000 600 148 22 10 12 6 8 2 17 42 9 6 1,094 1,000 12 Totals 1,097,162 45,605 1,918,125 2,202 869 500 50 25

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additional lands are purchased for settlement under the Land for Settlements and other Acts. It will be seen also that many more Proclamations, Orders in Council, warrants, and other statutory documents relating to roads and bridges have been ' issued than heretofore, and this has involved increased correspondence with the locai bodies interested therein. There were 19,112 letters received and 16,416 despatched, besides numerous forms, returns, posters, and other printed and written matter. 2,745 new subjects were started in the record books, and twenty-three circulars were issued to officers of the department. The following Proclamations, Orders in Council, and warrants were issued: — Land Acts. Proclamations setting apart village-homestead lands ... ... ... 14 „ withdrawing village-homestead lands ... ... ... 1 „ setting apart village allotments ... ... . . ... 3 „ setting apart land as small grazing-runs ... ... 14 „ reserving land as educational endowments ... ... 2 ~ miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 9 Orders in Council fixing terms and conditions of village-homestead lands ... 14 „ increasing area that may be held in a village-homestead settlement ... ... ... ... ... 1 „ fixing terms and conditions for village allotments ... 3 „ altering boundaries of land districts ... ... ... 1 „ miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... 2 Warrants opening land under Part VI. ... ... ... ... 89 „ of sales of land by auction ... ... ... ... ... 40 „ temporarily reserving lands... ... ... ... ... 24 „ amending description of reserves ... ... ... ... 3 „ permanently reserving lands ... ... ... ... 14 „ miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ••• 8 State Forests Acts. Proclamations declaring land to be State forests ... ... ... 8 „ withdrawing land from State forests ... ... ... 1 Land for Settlements Act. Warrants opening lands for selection ... ... ... ... ... 5 Cemeteries Act. Warrants appointing trustees ... ... ... ... ... 42 Public Domains Act. Orders in Council bringing reserves under Act ... .. ... ... 17 „ delegating powers under Act ... ... ... ... 43 Native Townships Act. Proclamation amending description of township ... ... ... 1 Order in Council making additional regulations ... ... ... 1 Public Reserves Act. Orders in Council authorising exchange of reserves ... ... ... 2 „ changing purpose of reserves... ... ... ... 3 „ vesting reserves in local bodies ... ... ... 17 Warrants changing purposes of reserves . . ... ... ... 12 In respect to roads, bridges, and towns, the following instruments were prepared and issued: — Public Works Act. Proclamations for taking roads ... ... ... ... ... 32 „ vesting control of bridges, &c. ... ... ... ... 7 Orders in Council: Eoads declared county roads, Native land taken for roads, and sale of land ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 Warrants vesting control of roads, and vesting and authorising the construction of bridges ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 Notices of intention to take land for roads .. ... ... ... 3 Governor's warrants authorising taking and laying off roads through Native lands ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 Surveyor-General's warrants authorising taking and laying off roads through Native lands ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 By-laws regulating traffic on Government roads ... ... ... 4 Commissions revesting control and apportioning cost of maintenance of bridges among local bodies ... ... ... ... ... 5 Land Act. Proclamations opening and closing roads ... ... ... ... 51 Orders in Council resuming land for public purposes ... ... ... 2 Governor's approval of names and plans of towns ... ... ... 10

Land for Settlements Act. Proclamations closing roads ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 Government Loans to Local Bodies Acts. Proclamations setting apart loan areas ... ... ... ... 35 " Wellington Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1898." Proclamation taking land for streets and other purposes ... ... 1 " Wanganui River Trust Act, 1891." Order in Council: Power to erect jetties, &c. ... ... ... ... 1 This makes a grand total of 182 Proclamations, 128 Orders in Council, five commissions, and 286 warrants, &c, issued. There was also a good deal of correspondence and work in connection with claims under the Naval and Military Land Acts, which still continued to be made. The whole of the grass-seed issued to burnt-out settlers last year was weighed, mixed, and despatched principally under the supervision of an officer acquainted with seeds. The total quantity supplied to the settlers amounted to 270,8171b., valued at £4,453 10s. The seed was issued, to 230 settlers, who gave 532 promissory notes, amounting in all to the sum above mentioned. These promissory notes, after being signed, were forwarded to the Treasury for collection. Acting on your instructions, I personally inspected the clerical work done in the Christchurch and Dunedin branches of the department; and also held statutory inquiries under the Governor's Commission in respect to the control and maintenance of the Hurunui Greta, Lower Waiau, Apiti, Coalgate, and Glentunnel Bridges, reports upon all of which have already been furnished to you. The compilation and revision of the annual tables and report of the department, and many other returns and statements required by the General Assembly, now also require great care and time. Accounts. Mr. H. J. Knowles, Chief Accountant, reports as follows: — The number of vouchers authorised for payment, credit, or refund during the year was— £ s. d. 5,911 charged to Lands and Survey vote, covering gross expenditure of ... 133,763 15 10 834 charged to Lands and Survey, Miscellaneous, vote, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... - •• ... 16,753 6 1 302 charged to State Forests Account, covering gross expenditure of ... 4,044 3 2 3 charged to Cheviot Estate Expenses vote, covering gross expenditure of ... 113 1 7 105 charged to Land for Settlements Expenses vote, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... ... ... *3,476 18 2 7 charged to Immigration vote, covering gross expenditure of ... ... 508 11 4 9,860 charged to Settlement Eoads, Bridges, and Other Public Works vote, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... 250,421 19 5 685 charged to Government Loans to Local Bodies Account, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... ... 16,97112 3 26 charged to Cheviot Estate Account, covering gross expenditure of ... 16,383 15 5 713 charged to Land for Settlements Account, covering gross expenditure 0f... *518,412 18 1 5 charged to Unauthorised Account, Consolidated Fund, covering gross expenditure of ... .. ... ... ... 188 10 6 56 charged to Civil Service Act, and General, covering gross expenditure 0f... 1,703 14 5 94 charged to Eefunds of Eevenue, &c, covering gross refund 0f... ... 27,137 19 10 19 charged to Eefunds of Contractors' Deposits, covering gross refund of ... 182 14 6 18,620 £990,063 0 7 Details of the net expenditure will be found in the various tables on other pages. In addition, 356 credit vouchers for work done by the department, 579 applications for imprest advances, and about 1,350 outward letters, memoranda, returns, &c, have been dealt with or prepared. The correspondence has been considered, and the necessary action taken in respect of some 6,000 subjects. Three hundred and eighty-two agreements (prepared in triplicate) have been issued, representing grants to local bodies of £74,798 165.; and the payments under agreements amounted to £47,977 Is. 2d., including payments under agreements of previous years. A detailed statement (97 pages) of the expenditure, liabilities, &c, in respect of each of the 1,498 separate appropriations, and a full statement from the commencement of the position of the Government Loans to Local Bodies Account, has been issued within the department quarterly, and the various authority and expenditure registers have been balanced as between themselves, and also with the Treasury books. A large amount of work has been performed during the year in preparing returns for departmental information, compilation of reports, statements and tables for the last annual report, supplying information daily as to the condition of road and other accounts, preparation of Consolidated Fund, Public Works Fund, and other estimates under the direction of the head of the department, and general supervision of the accounts of the district offices.

* Includes Land for Settlements Department charges.

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The comparative statement below shows to some extent how the yearly increase of work in the department affects this branch: —

Audit. Mr. W. G. Euncie, Auditor of Land Eevenue, reports as follows :— I beg to state that the gross receipts for the year have been as follows :— £ s. 6. Territorial revenue ... ... ... ... ... 273,799 7 4 Government loans to local bodies (interest and principal) ... 13,255 17 2 Land for Settlements ... ... ... ... ... 38,804 10 2 Cheviot Estate ... ... ... ... ... ... 17,043 8 1 State forests ... ... .. ... ... ... 5,844 6 6 Endowments ... ... ... ... ... ... 15,117 18 4 North Island Main Trunk Eailway... ... ... ... 11,282 19 8 Thermal springs... ... ... ... ... ... 1,35113 6 Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth ... ... ... ... 1,740 8 11 Lands and Survey vote ... ... ... ... ... 1,853 15 4 Crown-grant fees .... ... ... ... ... 1,228 12 0 Hanmer Sanatorium ... ... ... ... ... 796 5 5 Hanmer baths ... ... ... ... ... ... 376 6 2 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ~. ... ... 2,649 12 2 £385,145 0 9 It is satisfactory to know that the territorial revenue exceeds last year's revenue by £10,503 ss. Id. In the comparative statement (Table 1) you will observe that there has been an increase in territorial revenue in Canterbury, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Otago, Nelson and Westland, and a falling-off in Marlborough, Wellington, and Southland in the order named, leaving an increase of £10,503 ss. Id. Besides the increase above mentioned, there has been a substantial swelling of receipts all round, notably under the heading of "Land for Settlements," seven new estates having been added during the year to the number already rent-producing. Table No. 2 is a comparative statement of the gross revenue for the years 1897-98 and 1898-99. There has been included in this year's gross revenue the receipts from the Hanmer Plains Sanatorium and baths, the increase in favour of this year's transactions being £26,058 7s.

Table No. 1.—Comparative Statement of Territorial Revenue for Years 1897-98 and 1898-99.

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Year. Number of Vouchers. Gross Amount authorised for Payment, Credit, <&o. Number of Appropriations. Number of Agreements with Local Bodies prepared. Amount granted to Local Bodies. Payments to Local Bodies under Agreements. 1890-91 1891-92 (9 months) 1892-93... 1893-94... 1894-95... 1895-96... 1896-97... 1897-98 1898-99 9,810 8,355 10,676 13,071 14,367 15,422 15,689 17,719 18,620 £ 152,775 177,903 260,498 353,772 420,531 578,778 711,660 587,422 990,063 210 219 252 440 592 682 932 1,112 1,-198 80 87 108 181 215 203 248 228 382 £ 17,782 23,391 21,568 42,847 52,892 33,761 59,712 53,950 74,799 £ Not compiled. 13,448 20,388 22,704 45,302 42,813 32,419 55,586 47,977

Land District. 1897-98. 1898-99. Increase. Decrease. mckland 'aranaki lawke's Bay Vellington ... larlborough Jelson Vestland Janterbury ... )tago Southland £ s. a. 30,889 19 2 21,407 12 5 14,512 16 1 49,284 8 4 13,689 16 7 15,134 11 4 1,159 18 1 47,503 4 6 55,286 13 10 14,427 1 11 £ s. d. 29,182 2 0 26,066 14 10 17,765 18 2 48,751 3 10 9,903 18 11 15,553 16 2 1,313 4 10 54,518 13 4 56,525. 6 3 14,218 9 0 s, s. a. £ a. d. 1,707 17 2 4,659 2 5 3,253 2 1 533* 4 6 3,785 17 8 419 4 10 153 6 9 7,015 8 10 1,238 12 5 208 12 11 263,296 2 3 273,799 263,296 7 2 4 3 16,738 17 4 6,235 12 3 6,235 12 3 Increase for 1898-99 10,503 5 1 10,503 5 1

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Table No. 2.—Comparative Statement of Gross Revenue for Years 1897-98 and 1898-99.

The balances at credit in the various Eeceivers of Land Eevenues' Ordinary Deposit Accounts were as follows :— £ s. d. Auckland ... ... ... ... ... ... 997 0 5 New Plymouth ... ... ... ... ... ... 439 11 6 Napier ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 284 3 6 Gisborne ... ... ... ... ... ... 314 14 11 Wellington . . ... ... ... ... ... 883 14 6 Blenheim ... ... ... ... ... ... 151 5 11 Nelson ... ... ... ... . ... ... 505 0 2 Ahaura ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 9 9 0 Eeefton ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 44 19 0 Westport ... ... ... ... ... ... 28 4 6 Hokitika ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 1 0 Christchurch ... ... ... ... ... ... 45,692 5 4 Dunedin ... ... ... ... ... ... 669 7 7 Inveroargill ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,145 9 2 £51,195 6 6 I need scarcely state that the reason why the amount at credit in the Christchurch Eeceiver's account is so large is on account of the disposal of the Waikakahi Estate so near to the end of the financial year, and not sufficient time elapsing to allow it being brought to its normal state by the 31st March. The balances at credit in the various Receivers' books of "thirds" and "fourths" due local bodies in the under-mentioned land districts were as follows : — £ s. d. Auckland ... ... ... ... ... ... 3,731 18 5 Taranaki ... ... ... ... ... ... 4,099 0 2 Hawke's Bay, Napier ... ... ... .. ... 4,180 19 6 Wellington * ... ... ... ... ... ... 14,096 2 6 Marlborough ... ... ... ... ... ... 150 4 0 Nelson ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,166 16 2 Westland ... ... ... ... ... ... 44 4 4 Canterbury ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,130 411 Otago ..." ... ... ... ... ... ... 3,352 1 1 Southland ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,472 7 0 £33,423 18 11 This is a total increase upon last year of amounts due local bodies of £4,203 15s. sd. With the exception of Taranaki, where the amount due has decreased, the other offices that have been notably increased are Wellington, Otago, Hawke's Bay, Southlaud, and Nelson. During the past year I inspected the following offices—viz., Wellington, New Plymouth, Christchurch, Nelson, Blenheim, Auckland, Inveroargill, and Dunedin, and went through the Eeceiver of Land Revenue's work in each office, and checked 1,383 cash-books, and prepared balance-sheets of their transactions from the date of their previous audits to time of visit, copies of which I furnished you with, also a report upon each office, on my return,

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Land District. 1897-98. 1898-99. Increase. Decrease. Territorial revenue Land for settlements ... Cheviot State forests... North Island Main Trunk Eailway Lakes Ellesmere and Porsyth ... Thermal springs Hanmer Plains baths Hanmer Sanatorium ... Survey vote ... Grown grant fees Miscellaneous £ a. d. 263,296 2 3 27,667 0 10 16,277 0 7 10,995 13 1 5,174 6 7 1,642 5 8 901 3 3 £ s. d. 273,799 7 4 38,804 10 2 17,043 8 1 5,844 6 6 11,282 19 8 1,740 8 11 1,351 13 6 376 6 2 796 5 5 1,853 15 4 1,228 12 0 2,649 12 2 £ s. d. 10,503 5 1 11,137 9 4 766 7 6 £ 8. d. 5, 151 6 7 6,108 13 1 98 3 3 450 10 3 376 6 2 796 5 5 3,744 12 5 1,109 13 2 1,870 3 7 118 18 10 779 8 7 1,890 17 1 Government loans to local bodies Endowments... 332,678 1 10,742 1 15,666 11 5 1 3 356,771 5 13,255 17 15,117 18 2 2 4 31,135 7 6 2,513 16 1 7,042 3 8 548 12 11 359,086 13 9 385,145 0 359,086 13 9 9 33,649 3 7 9,590 16 7 7,590 16 7 Increase for year 1898-99 ... I 26,058 7 0 26,058 7 0

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX No. I.—ADMINISTRATION.

EXTEACTS FEOM THE EEPOETS OF THE COMMISSIONEES OF CEOWN LANDS ON SETTLEMENT OPEEATIONS DUEING THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THE 31st MAECH, 1899. AUCKLAND. The land transactions and the progress of settlement for the past year have been very successful, as the usual summary appended below will disclose. It is true that the total area selected is not so great as last year by 17,149 acres, simply because the single pastoral run of 50,000 acres which appeared in last year's return brought up the area to a greater volume than this year ; yet bond fide settlement has progressed at a much greater rate, as the following comparisons will show, by taking settlement under the two heads of "occupation with right of purchase" and "lease in perpetuity": Occupation with right of purchase —1897-98, 186 selectors, for 31,993 acres; 1898-99, 205 selectors, for 44,189 acres. Lease in perpetuity—lB97-98, 75 selectors, for 16,355 acres ; 1898-99, 105 selectors, for 25,702 acres. Showing that 21,543 acres have been selected by forty-nine bond fide settlers in excess of last year. The revenue from all sources has exceeded the estimate by £5,000. Of course it is not equal to last year's by some £12,000, but this is entirely owing to the cessation of sales of kauri timber. Last year the revenue from this source was £15,774, whilst for the past year the total timber sales only amounted to £3,672. The ordinary revenue is therefore very much larger than last year's.

Summary of Land Transactions during the Year 1898-99.

Survey-fees not included in above received during year for—Cash, £204 12s. Bd. ; occupation with right of purohase, £422 15s. lOd.; lease in perpetuity, £297 lis. Bd.; mining distriots occupation leases, £85 10s.; total. £810 15s. 2d. I—c. 1.

Transactions during the Year. Area held on 31st March, 1899. Revenue received during the Year. Class of Selection. Number. Area. Number. Area. Cash— Town ... Suburban Rural ... 20 16 93 A. 41 574 11,025 B. P. 3 27 2 35 1 24 A. E. P. £ s. d. Total cash Deferred payment ... Perpetual lease Perpetual lease, freehold Occupation, right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity under Land for Settlements Act Mining districts occupation ... Agricultural leases Village - homestead special settlement Special - settlement associations — Deferred payment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Improved-farm settlements ... Homesteads Small grazing-runs... Pastoral runs Miscellaneous leases, lands for settlement, year-to-year lease Miscellaneous leases Timber sold (47 trees and 190 Tramway, Tokatoka Swamp... Thermal springs Coal Tanekaha bark Other sources 129 11,642 0 6 168 648 19,109 2 5 148,788 1 34 *5,588 17 3 2,096 17 8 3,724 15 4 8,378 12 0 3,123 18 11 1,714 1 3 1,499 17 5 30 205 105 36 18,547 0 24 44,188 2 29 25,702 1 28 7,927 3 19 1,141 634 98 215,855 1 19 120,368 0 30 15,493 2 7 9 555 0 0 32 7 130 1,743 0 1 625 2 7 5,334 0 2 12 14 0 404 10 10 1 134 0 38 6 2 98 57 20 10 19 7 705 1 3 100 0 0 17,635 1 0 5,428 0 10 2,221 0 13 58,061 0 0 120,460 0 27 151 2 29 111 8 10 6 5 0 70 5 0 76 14 6 "8 7 5,549' 0 0 151 2 29 437 7 6 56 10 0 14 8 6 7 525 0 26 6,269,670 ft. 71 2,174 0 6 305 15 1 3,672 3 8 151 3 11 1,351 13 6 810 12 0 5 8 6 1,906 11 2 sleepers) "29 87 2 28 47,226 tons 13-26 215 5,614 0 26 Total areas, &c. „ coal „ timber (47 trees, 190 „ bark 566 sleepers) 115,010 3 27 47,226 tons 6,269,670 ft. 13-26 tons 3,363 739,868 1 19 35,520 11 10 * Not includim £150 in scri"

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The cash sales as noted above, including perpetual leases made freehold, amount to a total of £13,967, or some £2,453 in excess of last year's receipts. Deferred-payment selectors have decreased to 168, holding 19,019 acres. Forty-eight selectors have acquired, the freehold of 5,749 acres, and the forfeitures have been three in number, of 352 acres. There are forty-one selectors in arrears for instalments, amounting to £272. Perpetual-lease selectors now only number 648, holding 148,788 acres. Thirty selectors have been allowed to acquire the freehold of 18,547 acres. Five selectors, holding 495 acres, have exchanged to other tenures. The forfeitures have been three,' for an area of 384 acres, and two surrenders accepted for 208 acres. There are 119 selectors in arrear for rent, owing £839, which is less than last year. Occupation with Right of Purchase under " Land Act, 1892." —The number of selectors and area leased is greater than for the previous year, as they number 205, holding an area of 44,189 acres, or an average of 215 acres to each selector. The forfeitures have been twenty-two, holding 6,234 acres ; the surrenders eight, for 974 acres. There are, however, 161 selectors in arrear with rent, to the amount of £883. Lease-in-perpetuity selectors also show an increase, as they number 105, leasing 25,702 acres, the average rental per acre being slightly over sd. The average area held by each selector is nearly 243 acres. The forfeitures number eleven, and the area 3,409 acres. The surrenders are nine in number, the area surrendered being 1,779 acres. Ninety-seven selectors are in arrears with rent, amounting to £458. Agricultairal-lease Lands (within Goldfields.) —There are still only seven selectors, holding 625 acres, but their leases will shortly expire. Lands held under Lease in Perpetuity acquired under Land for Settlements Acts. —The total number of selectors during the year for this improved class of land amount to thirty-six, and they have leased 7,927 acres, at an average rental of 2s. Bd. per acre. Township and other Leases under Thermal Springs Act. —Tweuty-nine more Eotorua town leases, for a total area of 87 acres, have been let during the year. There are now 215 lessees of this class of land, holding a total of town, suburban, and rural land of 5,614 acres, and paying a rental of £1,452 per annum. ''Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894." —There is an increase this year, as nine selectors have applied, and been granted a total of 555 acres. The total number of this class of selectors withiu the Hauraki Mining District is thirty-two, holding an area of 1,743 acres, and paying an annual rental of £69. Village-homestead Special Settlements. —There are only 130 selectors remaining on the books of the department, holding a total of 5,334 acres. Ninety-two are in arrears for rent and interest, amounting to £550 for rent and £869 for interest. Mr. Eanger Bayly inspected the settlements in December last, and reports as follows: "I cannot, as a whole, report much improvement under this tenure. Some few are doing fairly well, rebuilding and making good improvements, indicating in these cases perpetuity. On the other hand, a few are leaving annually. In other cases the improvements are going back, and in some instances totally disappearing, whilst those settlers who remain are gradually acquiring the abandoned sections contiguous to their holdings. These, with the larger areas, may exist. The gum, upon which so many depend as their principal source of revenue, is becoming scarcer, and has to be travelled-for a long distance. This induces many to throw up their holdings and take their families to the fields. But undoubtedly the great drawback to these settlements is the want of a local market for small produce; and were it not for casual and other public works matters would be very much worse than they are." ,-■ Special Settlements North of Auckland, consisting of the Auckland, Marlborough, and Avoca: I need only report generally this year that, being all heavy forest country, they are progressing but slowly as a whole. The four years' exemption from residence expires this year, and up to the present time very little more improvements than are actually required by law have been effected on most of the sections, and I fear that when residence becomes a necessity, or when the improvements for six years are due, not many of the original selectors will be left. There are no dairy factories or creameries established anywhere near them, nor any local market for produce except stock, and these are so low in price as to return hardly any profit to the breeder. Special Settlements South of Auckland. —Tuakau and Gordon : The selectors in these two settlements have now, with two exceptions, acquired the freehold of their lands. Both are successful, and both have now practically passed out of the category of special settlements. Papamoa Nos. 1 and 2 (near Tauranga) : I have nothing to add to my remarks of last year. The same number of settlers mentioned as resident last year are the only members on the land this year—viz., three on No. 1 and one on No. 2 Settlement. In the Papamoa No. 2 the Land Board have forfeited the holdings of four selectors for making no attempt at settlement or improvement. These four held an area of 606 acres* Inspection by Crown Rangers. —The total number of inspections made by the Bangers amount to 662, covering an area of 76,636 acres. Of these, 472 properties were inspected by Eanger Bayly, and 190 by Ranger H. S. Wilson. Improvements to the value of £26,722 should have been effected upon the 662 properties. The actual value disclosed by the inspections amounted to £72,486. Mr. Bayly reports that it is estimated that not more than 5,000 acres of bush have been felled for grassing during the past year, owing probably to the low price of cattle ; and also that farmers have been growing more cereal and root crops, and this cannot be done on land where the stumps are still standing. Another reason which may fairly be adduced is that the estates opened under the lands-for-settlement conditions have offered to settlers lands already under cultivation, thus saving them the heavy labour and expense of bushfelling.

MAP SHOWING KAURI-GUM RESERVES. AUCKLAND, N.Z.

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Forests — General. —The Crown forests have been under careful supervision during the past year, and Bangers H. S. Wilson and Maxwell report that no fires have taken place in any of the forests under their charge during the year, and gum-diggers have given very little trouble. The large area of State forests reservation, amounting to 7,225 acres, lying on the main watershed between Otamatea and Whangarei Counties, over which fires in the past had so frequently passed as practically to denude it of all timber, has been leased in suitable sections under clause 232 of " The Land Act, 1892," and is being used for grazing purposes by adjoining settlers. Owing to the several sawmill companies having heavy stocks of kauri on hand, very little timber of this kind has been disposed of either from Crown land or State forests. The total sales of timber only amount to £3,672 (against £16,566 for last year), and of this amount only £1,207 is for scorched timber from State forests; and, though the Whangarei Eailway has now been extended and opened to the Waiotu Eiver, I do not anticipate any considerable sales of dead timber out of the Puhipuhi Forest during the ensuing year. Eanger D. H. Lusk's whole time has been fully employed in connection with timber masters on Crown lands in the Hauraki Mining District. Amongst other duties he estimated the clumps of kauri timber lying between Te Aroha, Katikati, and Waihi, which turned out to be over 20,000,000 superficial feet. He also surveyed four sawmill areas under the regulations in the same district. Eanger Lusk also made a flying survey of the Te Tipi Block (Crown land), to prevent timber-cutters from encroaching. He also visited and estimated most of the kauri clumps on Crown land in the Thames County, and compiled a forest plan showing the total available amount of kauri timber on Crown land unfettered by timber leases to be about 50,000,000 superficial feet. The Eangers' services were also placed at the disposal of the Landand Income-tax Department, for purposes of giving evidence as to the value of kauri timber held by various companies and private owners. In the Hauraki district this amounted to 150,000,000 superficial feet still in private hands. Some progress has been made in the reservation of forest areas to act as " sponges " to retain the moisture, as set forth in your report of last year. An area of 7,750 acres in the Tutamoe Survey District, Hokianga County, was gazetted under this heading. Kauri-gum Beserves under " Kauri-gum Industry Act, 1898." —Immediately this Act (which was passed last session of Parliament) came into force areas in every county in which kauri-gum was known to exist were laid out on the office records, and plans and descriptions prepared for Proclamation. The total area so reserved to date amounts to 41,257 acres, and wherever necessary 1 intend to have all corners of the reserves marked and flagged within the next few months. The principal counties affected by such reservations are Mongonui, Bay of Islands, and Hokianga. Expenditure of "Thirds" and "Fourths." —Some ninety schedules have been furnished by local bodies for approval of the Land Board, and, after check, have been passed for payment, amounting to a total of £4,316. Town Areas. —Only two townships have been subdivided and offered during the past year—-vii., Mamaku, for cash sale, on the railway-line near Eotorua ; and the Township of Kaimakau, at Kennedy's Bay, under "The Native Township Act, 1895" —the last-named being for lease, but found no purchasers. Lands for Future Settlement and Disposal. —The area open for immediate selection in the Land Guide totals 598,928 acres, much of it being inferior land, which will come in for close settlement, not only in the future, but is gradually being taken up day by day as the demand occurs. In addition to this there is only about 36,000 acres in the Mongonui County available for future subdivision, the balance of Crown land being all more or less known as gum-land, and operated upon more or less by gum-diggers. In the Bay of Islands and Whangarei Counties there is under 40,000 acres of additional available land; and here I would point out that between Purua, in Whangarei County, and Kaikohe, in the Bay of Islands County, there is over 100,000 acres of unajudicated Native land (most of it of very good quality, and fit for settlement) lying waste and unused, whilst the settlers' sons around Whangarei cannot get land to settle upon. Hokianga and Hobson Counties have about 120,000 acres of Crown land still unsubdivided, and which is nearly all broken forest land, and requires to be roaded before being opened. Most of it is only fit for pastoral purposes, even when the forest is cleared. In Otamatea County the reclamation of the Tokatoka Swamp has produced very satisfactory results; but, as most of the land so drained is covered by a valuable kahikatea or white-pine forest, it is evident that this asset must be realised before the land is available for settlement. 1 am in hopes that arrangements will be concluded shortly by which this will be done, and some 10,000 acres will then be available for close settlement. The Manukau, Waikato, and Eaglan Counties have practically very little Crown land left fit for settlement. The demand in Eaglan County is unsatisfied. There is, however, the land known as the Te Akau Eun, on the West Coast, which there is some probability of being able to acquire for settlement purposes in the near future. In the Thames and Ohinemuri Counties there are some 80,000 acres of available Crown lands, the greater portion being swamp, and requiring a very extensive drainage scheme to be initiated before the lands can be settled upon. Most probably the best way would be a local Drainage Board, with full powers of rating adjoining lands benefited by the expenditure. The land most suitable for settlement in the coming and succeeding years is that recently acquired in the so-called " King-country," in Kawhia County, and to which the energies of the department are now being devoted. About 80,000 acres is now being roaded and subdivided into suitable sections, and I hope to have 20,000 opened for settlement by January, or soon after. It must be borne in mind that nearly all this land is covered with heavy forest, and is generally more or less broken by limestone formations, thus making the progress of road exploration and grading necessarily slow if anything like good grades are to be obtained. As this land is served by the Main Trunk Eailway line it should meet with a ready demand, and carry shortly a considerable population, more especially if the freight rates are reduced, as proposed. There are still very large

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areas of forest Crown lands in the Whakatane County available for selection, and most of it now open as " unsurveyed " land, so that any selector can procure the land immediately he applies. The area is 254,000 acres, but the land, though good, is very broken and difficult of access, and requires a very large expenditure for roads before being really available to would-be settlers. Lands under Land for Settlements Acts. Opouriao Estate, Whakatane. —Practically the whole area of this estate is occupied, as there are only two sections without tenants, which were surrendered, and will be selected again directly they are opened. The population now residing upon the estate numbers 199 souls. The season this year so far has been a prosperous one, and the maize yield is estimated at some 80,000 bushels. This, together with wool and other products, should give a gross return of some £8,000 from the estate for the year. At the time of Eanger Bayly's visit in February the establishment of a creamery was mooted, and, if established, will thoroughly insure the success of the settlement. Okauia Estate (5,920 acres), across the Waihou Eiver from Matamata.—l am glad to say that very few of the sections remain unselected. The area at present under lease is 3,566 acres, held by seven selectors. The area remaining unleased, but which I expect shortly to be taken up, is 1,000 acres 3 roods 30 perches, divided into three sections. The road now being formed into the estate and the repair of the main county road will probably be a further inducement to settlers to select. Rangiatea Estate (4,004 acres). —I mentioned last year that this estate had just been acquired. It was opened for selection during the year, with the result that 3,101 acres have been selected by seventeen selectors; and of the remaining 753 acres, 521 acres are just about to be taken up, which will leave only 232 acres unselected. The land, though of a light soil, has the advantage of being on the main railway-line to Te Aroha and the Thames. Karapiro Estate (2,270 acres). —This estate is also a recent purchase (near Cambridge), and directly it was opened for selection, in November, nearly every section was applied for. The area under lease is 2,111 acres, and the balance of two sections will be probably selected very shortly. There are no other estates at present under negotiation for purchase in this district. Geehaed Muelleb, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

HAWKE'S BAST. The total area open for sale or selection during the year was 48,737 acres, classified as follows : Under the optional system, 18,552 acres; cash by auction, 2 acres; lease by auction, 336 acres; village lots, 45 acres; and small runs, 29,802 acres. Summary of Selections. —The total area taken up during the year was 36,964 acres by 117 selectors, lease in perpetuity being the favourite tenure. We have now 767 selectors on our books, an increase of fifty-three over last year, representing an annual rental of £15,553, and an area of 473,130 acres. Cash Sales. —Five sales have been made, three of them being town sections in Tarawera, Frasertown, and Hampden, one suburban section at Ormondville, and one rural selection in the Tahoraiti district, while an excess of area on a previous selection was also paid for. Deferred Payments. —Nine licensees have acquired their freeholds over 1,465 acres, leaving seventeen tenants now on our books with 4,658|- acres. Perpetual Lease. —Thirty selectors have acquired their freeholds over 12,342 acres, and five have exchanged to lease in perpetuity, leaving ninety-one tenants on our books, holding 45,506 acres. Occupation with Right of Purchase. —Thirty-eight selectors have taken up land under this tenure, comprising an area of 13,122|- acres, the land being situated chiefly in the Mangatoro district. Four selectors have forfeited their holdings, leaving 105 tenants with 38,549 acres. Lease in Perpetuity. —Seventeen selectors have taken up 9,083 acres, situated principally in the Mangatoro district (Ngapaeruru Block), and the Motu district, in Poverty Bay. One selector has forfeited his holding, there now being 139 tenants, with 77,511 acres, in occupation. Village Settlements. — One selection under the occupation-with-right-of-purchase system of 1 acre, and two selections under lease in perpetuity of an area of 11 acres 1 rood 25 perches, have been made, while one section of 2 roods 27 perches was purchased for cash. Two selectors under occupation with right of purchase and two under lease in perpetuity have forfeited their holdings, containing 3J acres. Village Settlements under Section 169 of " The Land Act, 1892." —Under this heading are included sections in the villages of Buckley, Norsewood, Tiniroto, Patutahi, Havelock, Weber, Whetukura, and Motu, the total area being 194 acres, occupied by thirty-three selectors, twentytwo of whom are residing. Improvements to the value of £1,213 have been effected. Village-homestead Special Settlements. —We have two settlements, Woodville and Puketitiri. At Woodville (100 acres) there are twenty-six selectors, twenty-four of whom are residing with their families, ten being original selectors. Improvements to the value of £3,511 10s. have been effected, the total advances to the settlers remaining unpaid being £482. There has been one forfeiture during the year of a 2-acre section. Woodville is a flourishing settlement, there being twenty-six houses built, with cowsheds, gardens, orchards, &c, and at present there are 101 persons residing, all of whom are in comfortable homes. At Puketitiri there are four tenants holding 88 acres, all of whom are residing. The advances remaining unpaid amount to £40, whilst improvements to the value of £617 have been made. There have been no forfeitures or surrenders during the year.

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Special-settlement Associations. —We have four of these settlements —viz., Waipawa, Dannevirke, Liberal, and Euahine. The Waipawa and Dannevirke were first taken up in 1886, and fifty-four of the original fifty-eight selectors have now acquired their freeholds over an area of 4,810 acres. The Liberal Settlement was formed in 1891, and all the original fourteen selectors have either surrendered their leases or have transferred their interests to other settlers, and the surrendered sections have, with one exception, been taken up by other settlers. The Ruahine Settlement was formed in 1893, and contains 2,400 acres, held by twelve tenants, six of whom are residing, whilst improvements to the value of £3,121 have been effected. Until lately road-access has been difficult, owing to the want of a bridge, but now that it is built access is easy, and more settlers will reside and the settlement flourish. Improved-farm Settlements. —We have two of these settlements—Waikopiro and Akitio—only two sections of the latter, however, being in this district, most of the settlement being in the Wellington District. Waikopiro was founded in 1895, when fifteen seletcors were put on 1,771 acres, the country generally being broken forest land, with fair soil. All the settlers are residing, 806 acres having been felled and grassed, and 143 acres felled ready for burning, &c. The settlement is making fair progress, considering that up to the present it has had bad road-access, but now that a bridge is being built over the Manawatu River, if the main road is metalled during the next summer good communication will be established with Ormondville, and the settlement should advance and be flourishing. Akitio was founded in 1896, and, as before mentioned, only two selectors, holding acres, are within this land district. They have felled and grassed 69 acres, and felled 33 acres ready for grassing when burnt off. Both tenants are living on their selections. Small Grazing-runs. —-Two have been taken up during the year, of a total area of 11,619 acres, with an annual rental of £91 7s. 6d. We have now fifty-four tenants under this system, holding 150,816 acres, of an annual rental of £1,580 17s. Bd. Pastoral Licenses. —No transactions have taken place during the year, and we have now sixteen selectors on our books, holding 123,359 acres, at a total rental of £593 3s. Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses. —Four leases have been issued, of a total area of acres, at an annual rental of £31155. Under this heading we have now seventy-three tenants, with a total area of acres, at an annual rental of £505 7s. 4d. The leases chiefly comprise odd bits of Crown land let from year to year till required for settlement, and small sections leased for short periods, while two of the leases are for copper-mining. Land acquired under Land for Settlements Acts. There are seven settlements in Hawke's Bay under the Land for Settlements Acts, viz., Raureka, Elsthorpe, Waimarie, Pouparae, Tomoana, Mahora, and Willows, of a total area of 12,957 acres, of which have been taken up by 139 selectors, at an annual rental of £5,683 175., leaving 463J acres unlet and 232J acres occupied by roads and reserves. Raureka. —This settlement, which is situated near Hastings and was part of the Frimley Estate, was opened for selection in May, 1896, and has made satisfactory progress. There are twenty selectors, holding 416 acres, at an annual rental of £543 25., and seventeen of them are residing, representing eighty-four persons. The improvements required under the Act are £543 45., but these have been effected to the value of £1,821 55.; 101 acres are in crop, the remainder being in gardens, orchards, and grass. Elsthorpe. —This is a settlement in the Oero district, and was opened for selection in June, 1896. It has made great progress, there now being thirty-six selectors, holding 9,543 acres, at a rental of £2,302 13s. The improvements required to be made by the Act are £2,082 4s. 6d., but they have been effected to the value of £5,836 175.; twenty-three houses have been built, and twenty-two of the selectors are residing, there being ninety-two persons living on the estate. 233 acres are down in crop, consisting of oats, rape, potatoes, turnips, mangolds, and carrots, the remainder, with the exception of a few acres in orchards and gardens, being in grass. Waimarie. —A settlement in the Poverty Bay district near Gisborne. It was opened for selection in September, 1896, and contains eighteen selections, with an area of 425 acres 3 roods, held at a rental of £463. Improvements to the value of £1,413 18s. have been made, whilst fifteen buildings have been erected, and thirteen selectors are now residing on their sections ; two others live on adjoining land, and three have to take up residence at once. There are 140 acres under crop of maize, barley, and potatoes ; the remainder, with the exception of a few acres in orchards and gardens, being in grass. The live-stock consists of twenty-seven horses, thirty-six cows, 250 sheep, three pigs, and two goats. Seven miles of fencing have been erected, and other improvements made. This settlement is making fair progress, and during the year a grant of £185 has been expended by the Ormond Road Board in forming and metalling 1 mile 18 chains of the road through the settlement. One section forfeited last year has been taken up during the past twelve months. Pouparae. —A settlement near Gisborne, in Poverty Bay. It was opened for selection in April, 1897, and contains 338 acres, taken up by nine selectors, at an annual rental of £405 Bs. The total improvements to date are £786 155., of which £381 7s. have been effected during the past year. The area under crop is 66 acres of maize and potatoes, while a few acres are in gardens and orchards, and the balance under grass. Three miles and a quarter of fencing have been put up, and eight buildings erected. Five selectors are residing, and the stock consists of fourteen horses, ninety-nine head of cattle, 750 sheep, and twelve pigs, so that the settlement is making steady progress.

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Tomoana. —A settlement situated near Hastings and the Tomoana Freezing-works, originally part of the Frimley Estate. It contains 110 acres, and was opened for selection in March, 1898, being taken up by thirteen selectors, at an annual rental of £135 2s. Improvements have been effected to the value of £1,314 155., as against £67 6s. required by the Act, which shows very satisfactory progress. Nine houses have been built, and eight selectors are already residing, there being thirtyfour persons living on the block ; 60 acres are down in maize, potatoes, barley, oats, and mangolds, the remainder being in gardens, orchards, and grass. Mahora. —A settlement adjoining Raureka and Tomoana, being another portion of the Frimley Estate. The land was purchased from Mr. J. N. Williams, and opened for selection on the 22nd March, 1899. It contains 1,134 acres, which were subdivided into thirty-four sections from 6f to 71 acres in extent. One hundred and sixty-two applications were received, and twenty-seven sections disposed of by the end of the month, with an area of 844 acres and an annual rental of £1,260 Is. Bd. Since the 31st March the remaining sections have all been taken up. From its proximity to Hastings, and having good soil suitable for grain- or fruit-growing, this settlement should make rapid progress. Willows. —This settlement is situated near Gisborne, in Poverty Bay, and was purchased from the Bank of New Zealand. It contains 775 acres, and was opened for selection in March last. The settlement is divided into twenty-two sections, ranging in area from 20 to 71 acres, and fifty applications were received for them, sixteen allotments being selected, comprising 585 acres, with an annual rental of £573 10s. 4d., while since the 31st March all the remaining sections but one have been taken up. From its favourable position the settlement should flourish. General. —Taking the settlements generally, they are making satisfactory progress, improvements to the value of £11,173 10s. having been made against £3,358 19s. 6d. required by the Act, this being an excess of £7,814 10s. 6d. over the requirements, showing that the settlers are pushing on with energy which should lead to success. Revenue. —The total revenue this year is £23,291 3s. lid., as against £18,507 12s. 6d. last year, showing a satisfactory increase of £4,783 lis. 5d., and being £4,750 over the estimate. The increase is partly accounted for by the large blocks of Crown land put into the market, and also by the large increase of perpetual leases made freehold, no less than £9,023 ss. lOd. being received from the latter source. Arrears. —Fifteen selectors were in arrears to the amount of £161 2s. 2d., and considering the number of tenants now on our books—viz., 767 —and the low price at present obtainable for wool and all farm produce, the amount is very small, and the prompt payment of rents is creditable to the Crown tenants. Improvements. —We have had only one Eanger in the district this year, who is stationed at Poverty Bay, and have not therefore been able to have many inspections made in the Hawke's Bay portion of the district. Sixty inspections have been made, covering an area of 17,252 acres, principally in Poverty Bay. The total value of improvements effected is £12,972 ss. 6d., as against £5,765 2s. Bd. required by the Land Acts, thus showing that improvements to the value of £7,207 2s. lOd. have been made in excess of what was necessary. Eight selectors are behindhand in their improvements, but not to any extent. I have now, however, made arrangements for the Hawke's Bay portion of the district to be inspected, Mr. Mouat being detailed for this duty, and this next year will see a considerable increase in the number of holdings inspected and reported on. Land available for Settlement. —We have some 400,000 acres available for settlement, a large portion of this being broken forest country difficult to road. We have, however, 225,023 acres now under survey, which will be thrown open for selection during the year. Of this area, 30,000 acres are in the Waiapu district, 120,000 acres the Crown portion of the Tahora No. 2 Block, 20,500 acres in the Nuhaka No. 2 Block, 20,000 acres being the balance of the Ngapaeruru and Waikopiro Blocks; and 35,023 acres of the Tauwharetoi Block at Hangaroa completes the list. General.— The past year has been a very satisfactory one in this district, everything showing a steady progress. There is a good demand for suitable country, instanced by the rush we had on the Ngapaeruru sections. The portion offered for selection contained 13,730 acres of broken forest country with fair soil, subdivided into forty sections. For these we received no less than 2,342 applications, which constitutes a record for Hawke's Bay, and, I believe, for the colony. For one section we had 377 applications, and for others 263, 216, and so on, so that the balloting took a considerable time, and it was difficult to accommodate so many applicants, the Courthouse at which the ballot was held being too small to hold them. However, Mr. Jourdain and all the officers employed worked with great energy, and we were able to carry out everything to the satisfaction of the public. There has been a steady increase in office-work in all branches, we having received and recorded 2,601 applications for land, had an addition to our books of 117 selectors holding 36,964 acres, while the land revenue received was £23,291 3s. lid. The number of vouchers for expenditure was 2,064, representing a total amount of £53,279 17s. lid., and in addition vouchers to the amount of £2,590 13s. lid. were also passed through for payment of accrued revenue to local bodies. There, were fifty-three transfers of leases and sixty reports furnished to the Government Advances to Settlers Department, while seventeen meetings of the Land Board were held. The number oi letters and telegrams received was 8,833, and the number despatched was 9,325. It will be seen by this that Mr. Bull, the Eeceiver of Land Eevenue, and Mr. Jourdain, the Land Clerk, together with other officers, have had a busy time, and it has been necessary to employ temporary assistance to enable us to get through the work. Eeic C. Gold Smith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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TARANAKI. The land transactions for the year ended 31st March, 1899, are shown in the subjoined summary:—

Lands offered and disposed of during Year. —More than twice the area of land has been offered for selection this year as compared with that of the previous year, but there is only an increase of 2,000 acres in the selections, or about one-third of the area put into the market. A great portion of the land opened and as yet unselected is comprised in the Taumatamahoe Block, adjacent to the future coach-road, Stratford to Auckland. Another large area of unselected land lies at the back of Waverley. None of the small grazing-runs put in the market have been applied for. Some sixteen sections were surrendered under section 159 -of "The Land Act, 1892," and eleven of them have been reselected during the year. A very successful sale of lands for cash by public auction was held at Stratford in October last, when, out of 311 sections in the Towns of Stratford, Whangamomona, the villages and suburbs of Mangamingi, Huiakama, and a small rural section, 132 of them were sold, some at considerable advances on the upset prices. Deferred-payment Lands. —There has been a great shrinkage in the areas converted to freehold, to the extent of one-third of the previous year's transactions. The amount received from this source is £2,506, or less than half the amount received last year. One selector added 13 acres to his present holding under section 114 of the Act of 1892. Perpetual-lease Lands. —The conversions to freehold under this heading show a great increase, equal to about one-half more than last year's figures. Occupation with Right of Purchase Lands. —Although the number of selectors is not so great as last year by two, the area is more by 1,481 acres. Forfeitures and surrenders have increased by three only. Lease in Perpetuity. —There were three selectors more than last year, and a slight increase in area of 572 acres. The number of forfeitures and surrenders decreased by three. One selector divided his holding, thus bringing an additional selector on the books. Village-settlement Lands. —There have been no dealings under this heading during the year. Special Settlements. —ln this district these are all held on lease in perpetuity, the number of persons holding being 154 on the 31st March, 1898, the area being 29,654 acres 1 rood 7 perches, and the annual rental payable £1,336 16s. lOd. There were 46 forfeitures, of 9,192 acres and 2 perches, and ten surrenders, of 1,600 acres, reducing the number holding on the 31st March, 1899, to ninety-five, the area to 18,862 acres 1 rood 5 perches, and the annual rental payable to £981 17s. 6d. Forty of the forfeitures were in the Moeawatea Special Settlement, which is in Omona and Taurakawa Survey District, I found upon survey to be too rough for settlement in small areas. The ten surrenders were under section 159 of " The Land Act, 1892," the object being a reduction of

Glass of Selection. Transactions during the Year. Number. Area. Area held at 31st March, 1899. Revenue received during the Year. Area. Number. Area. Cash Deferred payment Deferred payment made freehold Perpetual lease ... Perpetual lease made freehold 85 1 33 A. B. P. 416 1 11 13 0 0 5,036 2 29 152 A. B. P. 15,546 3 35 £ s. d. 3,487 15 10 1,380 15 4 2,506 0 5 52 13,748" 0 25 158 40,324 1 33 2,480 13 1 11,956 0 5 Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village settlements — Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Special settlements—Lease in perpetuity Improved-farm settlements Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous leases Survey-fees 29 9,131 2 17 140 37,487 2 2 1,959 9 0 34 8,761 0 0 175 47,827 3 2 2,139 0 2 17 13 2 0 3 3 0 9 95 68 0 8 18,862 1 5 8 9 11 1,190 16 10 5 544 3 24 143 14 86 11,193 3 13 14,043 0 0 971 2 14 755 1 9 153 18 6 228 12 9 95 14 8 (180 10 0 16 15 171 17 5 8 W 3 0 Lease, &c, fees ... Crown-grant fees ... Totals Endowments 247 1 37,667 720 1 26 0 0 989 16 186,338 8,021 3 32 2 14 28,704 0 405 13 6 4 Gross totals 248 38,387 1 26 1,005 194,360 2 6 29,109 13 li

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rent. A commission was appointed, which visited and valued the ground and improvements, the result being a reduction in prices. Henceforth any forfeitures or surrenders under the specialsettlement system will be dealt with upon their individual merits, and will be comparatively few in number. The number of settlers required to reside is thirty-three, and the number actually resident sixty-four, which discloses a satisfactory progress in settlement made by those who have kept their sections. Forty-eight of the number resident are original holders. The rent paid during the year amounted to £1,190 16s. lOd. Miscellaneous Leases. —These comprise yearly tenancies of town lands which have not been sold at public auction, and portions of the Eltham-Opunake Railway Reserve. Revenue. —This shows an increase of £4,955 3s. 6d. on previous year's receipts, and an excess of £7,569 over the estimate, being due to an unexpected large sale of lands for cash, and perpetual leases converted to freehold. The revenue from lands selected on optional conditions has increased by £765 10s. 5d., that from special settlements by £327 13s. 3d., and from improved-farm settlements by £578 19s. lOd.; this last-mentioned increase being occasioned by all except two settlements having become rent-producing on the Ist January, 1898. The total amount creditable to territorial revenue is £26,103 17s. 5d., out of which the local bodies have been credited with £4,640 7s. The amount payable to Government Loans to Local Bodies Account is £2,248 Is. 6d., and the amount payable to North Island Main Trunk Railway Account £84 9s. 6d. Arrears. —On the 31st March, 1898, there were 106 selectors owing £949 15s. 5d., and this year the number stands at 133 selectors owing £957 14s. Bd., most of these holding under the perpetual-lease, special-settlement, and improved-farm-settlement systems ; in the latter, however, the rents have only been payable for practically one year, and a comparison cannot be made. Lands reserved and alienated under Acts. —These comprised the usual reservations for primary education, forest preservation, school-sites, &c, and the lands alienated comprised closed roads and a few reserves for Natives vested in the Public Trustee under the West Coast Settlement Reserves Act. Selectors on the Books. —There were 1,121 selectors left on the books at the close of the year ended 31st March, 1898, of which eighty-five were converted to freehold, ninety-five surrendered or forfeited, leaving 941. Twelve of these included the Tawai Improved-farm Settlement in the Auckland Land District, and now appearing under its own heading, thus further reducing the number to 929; while two special settlers transferred to present holders, leaving 927. Add to this the seventyeight selections during the year, and the result is 1,005 selectors remaining on the books on the 31st March, 1899. Endowment Lands. —The only selection was one section of the Opaku University Eeserve, which was tendered for and obtained at the upset rental of 6d. per acre per annum. Two other sections were tendered for, but the tenders were afterwards withdrawn. Ranger's Inspections. —lol properties were visited, comprising an area of 30,130 acres, for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with improvement conditions. Value of improvements required, £8,466; value of improvements made, £19,711. Out of this number only thirteen were deficient; fifty were resident and fifty-one non-resident, but residence was not due in these latter cases. There were sixty-two further inspections made to see how residence conditions were being complied with, resulting in twenty-three being found resident and thirty-nine non-resident. A great number of these have either since built on their sections or are about to build, and the Land Board has dealt with nearly every case brought under notice. Seventy-four special inspections in various parts of the district were made during the year. Probable Future of Crown Lands. — : The area open for sale or selection at the close of this year was 112,850 acres, mostly second-class land. Of this area there are some 32,000 acres in the Eawhitiroa Block, which were opened as small grazing-runs in October, 1896, and no applications have as yet been received. This land is wholly unfit for settlement, and it is intended to recommend its withdrawal for the purpose of setting it aside as a forest reserve. A large portion of the Taumatamahoe Block—some 16,000 acres —lying adjacent to the Ohura Eoad, and tapped by side-roads leading on the east side towards the Waitara River, and on the west towards the Tangarakau (a possibly navigable branch of the Wanganui River), were offered during the year, and for which there will be a fair demand as soon as they are opened up by roads. An area of 3,190 acres in the same block opened on the 3rd March, 1898, has nearly all been taken up. A block of 10,276 acres second-class sheep country in the Waitara and Upper Waitara district, and about seven to ten miles from the Urenui Township, opened in December last, has been fairly well inquired after. Out of a block of 11;073 acres in the Opaku and Kapara Survey Districts, adjoining the Wellington Land District, and from eleven to twenty miles from Waverley and Waitotara, only 3,209 acres have been selected, all of it being very rough and broken country. With the completion of the bridge over the Waitara River at Purangi may possibly come a demand for some of the 8,000 acres of forfeited sections in the Milsom, Tanner, and Oxford Special Settlements. The remaining land available for selection, some 38,500 acres, comprises second-class grazing country scattered over the land district, and for which there has been no inquiry ever since the land was opened, this period commencing with the year 1892. The following blocks are being prepared for notification : 10,025 acres second-class land, Opaku and Kapara Survey Districts ; 6,000 acres second-class land, Kapara, Taurakawa, and Omona; 10,000 acres second-class, Omona, Taurakawa, and Mahoe. Ido not anticipate much demand for these. Surveys are well advanced of 8,000 acres inland of Hawera and adjacent to the Patea River; 7,000 acres between Mokau Road and Waitara River, Mimi and Upper Waitara Survey Districts; 6,000 acres Mahoe Survey District: all second-class grazing country.

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The lands being prepared for settlement are : About 12,000 acres inland of Eltham and Hawera; about 20,000 acres adjacent to the head-waters of the Waitara Eiver, and lying mainly between the Mokau Eoad (New Plymouth to Auckland) and the Ohura (Stratford to Auckland) Eoad. These will be for the greater part found upon survey to be second-class lands. About 10,000 acres of the Maraekowhai Block, recently' purchased by the Crown from the Native owners, and to be opened by the Ohura and branch roads, are at present under survey, and will in all probability be competed for, as some of the land is of very good quality, although about sixty miles from Stratford Railway-station. I would urge, as in former years, the speedy acquisition of Native lands by the Crown, more especially in the Whitianga and the Mohakatino-Parininihi Blocks. Office-work. —The letters dealt with, inward and outward, numbered 10,660; circulars to selectors and others, about 1,250; applications for land, 228; reports to the Advances Office, 77 ; cheques drawn, 1,412 ; vouchers, 1,541; transfers, 83; a subdivision under the Amendment Act of 1895; 2,022 receipts in duplicate, 158 provisional titles in triplicate, 148 cards forwarded to Auditor, the necessary calculations for 125 sections to be notified for selection. On the whole, the year's operations in this branch show only an increase of 874 documents dealt with in comparison with the previous year. John Steauchon, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WELLINGTON. Lands offered and disposed of. —Notwithstanding the increasing scarcity of Crown lands suitable for settlement the following blocks were placed upon the market, with the results indicated:—

The foregoing were supplemented by opening for selection 40,677 acres, comprising sections scattered throughout the land district, of which 21,800 acres were disposed of. Fortunately the remnants of Crown lands available from the preceding year attracted such attention that 34,409 acres more were disposed of; aggregating 68,339 acres, nearly. To this total must be added the area of deferred payment (7,463 acres) and perpetual-lease land (35,491 acres) made freehold, constituting a grand total of 111,293 acres selected or absolutely alienated from the Crown during the financial year; exclusive of 1,143 acres converted from the perpetual-lease to the lease-in-perpetuity system, as shown in the tables, and exclusive also of forty-seven unregistered improvedfarm holdings, of an area of 5,948 acres. 2—C. 1.

Date offered. Name of Block. District. Area offered Number of Sections selected. Area disposed of to 31st March, 1899. May 25, 1898 ... Baetihi Village Settlement Makotuku ... 86 7 86 // * • • Taihape „ Ohinewairua 191 7 191 June 8, 1898 ... Hawaenga „ Hautapu 164 4 164 Nov. 22, 1898 ... Taihape Experimental Farm Block Ohinewairua 876 9 876 Nov. 23, 1898 ... Eangiwaea Block Ngamatea ... Maungakaretu } 8,657 19 5,515 Dec. 7, 1898 ... Mangaweka Village Settlement Extension Hautapu 281 6 281 Jan. 24, 1899 ... Awarua 2c No. 1 Hautapu 3,409 3 1,121 Mar. 29, 1899 ... Oraukura Ohinewairua 3,534 12 3,534 „ ... Euanui Maungakaretu 1,545 1 362 lf ... White Eock ... Kaiwaka 1,980 Totals ... 20,723 G8 12,130

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Summary of Land Transactions for 1898-99. —Following the practice of previous years, the statement below is submitted for consideration:—

Note.—Excluding freeholds under deferred payment and perpetual lease and conversions, the new transactions are reduced to: Number, 538 ; area selected, 68,338 acres 3 roods 1 perch; the annual rental payable being £3,830 15s. lOd. The chief points calling for notice in the foregoing statement are that the transactions—69B— exceed those of the previous year by 200, made up principally of town and suburban cash sales in Raetihi and Taihape, and the increase in sections on the occupation-with-right-of-purchase, lease-in-perpetuity, and village-settlement systems. The gross area dealt with shows a falling-off of about 7,000 acres compared with the year 1897-98, but the revenue collected increased by £5,621, notwithstanding the fact that 140 holdings on the deferred-payment and perpetual-lease;*systems were made freeholds. The number of settlers whose names stand on the Land Office registers is 2,472, a net increase of 111. Touching the question of annual revenue, it will be noticed that nearly onehalf, £33,680, was derived from the sale of the freeholds of deferred-payment and perpetual-lease holdings. This aid to revenue has been a feature of the transactions for several years past.

Transactions during the Year. Area under Tjease at 31st March, 1899. System. Revenue received during the Year. Number. Area. Number. Area. Cash— Eural Suburban Town 12 30 106 A. B. P. 1,984 3 13 98 0 2 33 0 7 A. B. P. £ s. a. Deferred-payment holders... Deferred payment made freehold ... ' Perpetual-lease holders Perpetual lease made freehold Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Conversions to lease in perpetuity Village settlement— Deferred payment Perpetual lease Perpetual lease made freehold Lease in perpetuity Conversions to village settlement, lease in perpetuity Village - homestead special settlement Special settlement, deferred payment Special settlement, deferred payment made freehold ... Farm homestead, lease in perpetuity 148 2,115 3 22 29 10,256 2 17} 81,601' 1 15 3,734 15 6 24 1 3,548 640 1 28 0 0 1,685 11 8 *732 19 1 203 5,201 6 11 85 35,481 3 25 31,685 5 9 120 87 32,106 24,241 3 0 2 36 j 493 369 139,876 0 3 6,752 9 2 3 1,052 0 0 106,226 3 14 3,896 17 2 7 3 14 0 28 29 1 27 4" 15 8 2 65 9 1,554 0 0 2 33 I 333 38 0 0 7 90 2 4 6,397 3 1 j +779 2 6 1 1127 7 2 1 1 3 36 120 1,440 2 26 j +280 12 1 I 1155 17 8 62 6,029 2 15 i 1,096 7 8 39 3,914 3 4 5 607 1 10 479 88,835 0 15 5,903 3 6 f +520 14 4 1 130 13 6 1,840 14 8 186 5 2 Improved farm ... 43 2,404 0 36 §124 10,881 2 32 Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Miscellaneous leases and licenses Land for settlement, lease in perpetuity Ditto, miscellaneous Native townships State forests Survey-fees which form part payment for land Survey-fees which do not form part payment for land ... Other sources 74 21 72,284 3 4 26,791 0 0 26 4,483 2 3 79 31,118 0 6 j 824 11 3 I *7 8 3 13 72 3 31 32 285 1 21 146 12 9 23 6 0 250 18 10 1,978 19 6 29 109 2 34 44 163 2 1 63 3 11 1,132 12 5 1,012 7 7 Total 698 112,435 1 AA 2,472 582,231 3 25 70,092 19 * Endowment revenue. t Bent. { Interest. § Not including 47 selections balloted for but not rei [istered.

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It is not possible to estimate with exactness for any one year the probable receipts under the deferred-payment and perpetual-lease systems ; but activity in the acquisition of the freehold may be expected during the next few years, when the right lapses, either by extinction of the system or the time-limit fixed by section 150 of " The Land Act, 1885." Other disturbing elements tending to a falling-off in revenue in future years are probable, such as failure in supply of Crown lands suitable for townships, and an expected reduction in miscellaneous receipts. Before closing this part of the report I wish to draw attention to the summary of applications received for land, which is as follows :— Number of Number of Applications Applications received. approved. Cash ... ... ... ... ... ... 27 6 Occupation with right of purchase ... ... ... 471 120 Lease in perpetuity ... ... ... ... ... 356 92 Lease in perpetuity, land for settlement ... ... ... 14 13 Village homestead, lease in perpetuity ... ... .... 128 65 Perpetual lease ... ... ... ... ... 1 1 Village homestead, perpetual lease ... ... ... 1 1 Miscellaneous licenses ... ... ... ... 37 26 Improved farms . ... ... ... ... 43 43 Native townships ... ... ... ... ... 29 29 Totals ... ... ... 1,107 396 The 120 occupation-with-right-of-purchase selections show an increase on the previous year, whilst the selections on the lease-in-perpetuity system, including all subdivisions thereof, amounted to 170. The total of 396 excludes auction cash sales, conversions, deferred-payment and perpetuallease freeholds, and consequently does not harmonize with the general table, where the figures are given as 698. This current financial year began with 99,086 acres of Crown lands available for selection, a considerable portion of which, however, is not such as to attract settlers. For the future, the Crown lands suitable in character and quality, facility of access, position, and moderate elevation for ordinary settlement purposes are not extensive. The Crown still possesses in the Wellington Land District about 831,235 acres, but after making allowance to give effect to the forest-conservation proposals I had the honour to submit for your consideration on the 13th October last, the balance will be found to embrace generally high, hilly, broken, forest, and scrub-clad country, in most instances remote from existing main lines of communication and centres of population. Moreover, these Crown lands are frequently isolated and shut in by Maori and other freehold properties, and the existence of the latter enhances the difficulties and cost of opening such Crown lands for sale, yet they as a rule benefit vastly in the process, at the cost of the country.

Attention is proposed to be given to surveying and opening for selection the following:—

Last year's published schedules of Native lands under negotiation by the Crown include a number of blocks in the Wellington Land District. These should be handed over at as early a date as possible to the Land Department. Gash Sales. —The 1,984 acres of rural land taken up under this system comprise five selections, of 1,169 acres, opened under the optional system of the Land Act; six lots, aggregating 415 acres, being lands of special value weighted in some instances with valuable timber or improvements ; and a 400-acre lot disposed of to an aboriginal native under special legislative power. The thirty suburban lots disposed of resulted chiefly from auction sales at Eaetihi and Taihape. The same remark applies to the 106, town lots sold. Deferred Payment, Rural. —Deducting the twenty-four holdings made freehold last year, there remain on the books twenty-seven holdings of Crown lands, comprising 10,005 acres and 17 perches, and two holdings on the Wanganui Harbour Board Endowment Block, comprising 251 acres 2 roods. I have to report that there were no forfeitures, but one license was converted to the lease-in-perpetuity system (section 150, " Land Act, 1892 ").

Glass. Area. Blook. Locality. First and second ... First Acres. 25,000 680 1,120 Tauakira ... Awarua 3d No. 1 ... Ngaurekehu Kaiparoro... Kaitangata Te Mare ... Mangapapa Eetaruke and Kirikau Near Athens, Wangamii Eiver. Near Taihape. Maungakaretu Survey District. West of Bketahuna. West of Carterton. West of Mauriceville. Momohaki Survey District. On Wanganui Eiver, in Eetaruke Survey District. Kaitieke Survey District. Near Taihape. Nukumaru Survey District. Throughout the district. it • • • Second ... 10,000 J 800 25,000 First and second ... First First and second ... 25,000 922 5,000 5,000 Waimarino ' ... Oraukura ... Eangitatau Undisposed - of sections it •"

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Perpetual Lease, Rural. —The continual drain upon this system caused by purchase of the freehold has reduced the holdings to 203, the area to 81,601, and the annual rental payable to £4,534 19s. 3d. None of the lessees converted to the lease-in-perpetuity system. Occupation with Right of Purchase, Rural. —The new transactions during the past year are 120 selections, and aggregate 32,106 acres. The number (493), area (139,876 acres), and annual rental (£8,369) of the holdings on the register exceed that of any single system. Lease in Perpetuity, Rural, Village, <&c. —Total area held on the 31st March, 1899 : Number of holdings, 1,214 ; area, 201,745 acres. Annual rental payable, £11,018. Village Settlement, Deferred Payment. —The sections held on this system stand at the same figure—seven —as last year, and represent the last of the holdings in the Hunterville, Alfredton, Levin, Bunnythorpe, and Marshall Settlements, all the others having been converted to freehold. Village Settlement, Perpetual Lease. —The holdings under this system, situated in the Levin, Marshall, and Hunterville Settlements, have been reduced by two freehold purchases to three, and the area to 29 acres 1 rood 27 perches. Village. Homestead, Lease in Perpetuity. —The increase in the selections last year raised the total area held under this tenure to 6,398 acres, the number of holdings to 333, and the rental and interest payable to £843. Seven conversions from the perpetual-lease system were effected, apparently with the object of securing reduction in rental by one-fifth. Village Homestead, Perpetual Lease.- —The holdings under this system have fallen from 126 to 120, caused by seven conversions, partly counteracted by one additional selection. The following summary of the foregoing village settlements is submitted : —

This shows an increase of fifty-three holdings compared with the previous year. To expand this system more land of the quality and other necessary essentials making for success is at present lacking. Special Settlement Associations. —Deferred payment: By completion of payments on thirtynine holdings the number of selectors on the register is reduced to sixty-two, comprising 6,029 acres, returning a rental of £226 annually. Lease in perpetuity (farm homestead) : These show a fallingoff from 521 to 479 holdings, the reduction being accounted for by forty-seven forfeitures, counteracted by five fresh selections. Improved Farms. —l 24 holdings are on the register, an increase of thirty-two compared with the year 1897-98. These figures do not take into account forty-seven lots which have been balloted but not yet finally allotted. This helpful system has been utilised in the Wellington Land' District to the utmost, and would have been applied still further but for the lack of land adapted by quality and position to afford selectors reasonable prospects of success. As it is, many of the holdings fall short of the recognised requisites to afford the selectors all the advantages proposed under this system. Here, as in other walks of life, ultimate success or failure depends mainly upon the industry, capability, energy, and thrift of the individual. Small Grazing-runs. —These holdings have fallen from seventy-seven to seventy-four. The difference is accounted for by one forfeiture and two conversions to lease in perpetuity. There were no fresh selections under this system last year. The provision of " The Land Act, 1892," section 160, induced several lessees under this system to apply to the Land Board to be allowed to convert from the present twenty-one-years lease to a lease in perpetuity (999 years). It was contended in one instance that the conversion was a right, and should be granted by the Board at 4 per cent, on the original price under small-grazing-run system, and not upon a revaluation to ascertain the present unimproved value of the holding. Another question raised was the classification of such lands, which determines whether 640 acres or 2,000 acres is to be the maximum area to be included in the proposed lease under the perpetuity system. The following principles were submitted for discussion at the Land Board meetings : (1.) The conversion of a lease under the small-grazing-run system to one under the lease-in-perpetuity system is absolutely at the discretion of the Land Board. (2.) Such conversion only to be allowed in cases where the Land Board were of opinion that the lands were not likely to be required on the termination of the twenty-one-years lease for general settlement purposes, as provided by section 209 of " The Land Act, 1885." (3.) If approved, the conversion only to be allowed conditionally upon a definite revaluation to determine the present unimproved value and the future fair rental of the holding to be held under a fresh lease for 999 years. These principles and conditions are held to be equitable, and in accordance with the Land Acts, and to conserve the interests of the Crown, and consequently of the public. Pastoral Rtons.— The licenses under this system suffered a reduction—twenty-two to twenty- " one. There were no fresh leases granted during the year. The falling-off was due to one run being transferred to the control of the Auckland Land Board.

System. Holdings. Area. Annual Kent. Deferred payment ... Perpetual lease Perpetual lease, village homestead Lease in perpetuity, village homestead 7 3 120 333 A. 14 29 1,440 6,397 B. P. 0 28 1 27 2 26 3 1 £ s. a. 130 4 5 3 13 0 499 5 2 843 7 5 Totals 463 7,882 0 2 1,476 10 0

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Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses. —These were increased by twenty-six, and now comprise seventy-nine, an area of 31,118 acres and 6 perches, and brought in £831 19s. 6d. during the year. This satisfactory extension of the system is due to efforts to utilise the multitude of reserves and Crown sections scattered throughout the land district. Native Townships under the Provisions of "The Native Townships Act, 1895." — The Pipiriki Township, on the Wanganui River, was established on the 27th July, 1897. Up to the 31st March last the sections disposed of amounted to sixty-five, the area being 189 acres and 6 perches; but, owing to abandonment of leases, the number actually held is thirty-two, and the area 54 acres 3 roods 19 perches. The Tokaanu Township, situated at the south-western corner of Lake Taupo, and including the celebrated thermal springs, was opened for sale at Tokaanu on the 7th June, 1898. Of the 154 lots, of an area of 198 acres, comprising the township, forty-two lots, of a gross area of 92 acres, were disposed of; the balance was offered for sale in Wellington on the Bth of last February, but only three lots, containing 1 acre 2 roods, were quitted. The result is that the leases disposed of comprise forty-five lots, and an area of 108 acres 2 roods 22 perches. The expenses of survey and administration having been made a first charge upon the rentals reduces the annual payments to the Native owners to very small figures ; and, as there are 211 registered owners of the Pipiriki Township, holding 1,020 shares, some only owning a quarter-share, several individual dividends amount to an insignificant amount, and considerable difficulty will be experienced by the Commissioner of Crown Lands in finding the owners, and paying each his rental. A third township —that of Potaka—is about to be established. It is situated on the North Island Main Trunk Eailway, near Taihape. Forest Conservation. —The Land Board had this subject frequently under consideration, and, with the concurrence of the members, I drew up a report, compiled schedules illustrated by a plan, which were submitted for your consideration on the 13th October, 1898. The report was also laid before the Land Board. In substance it dealt with the following points : (1) The area of the Crown lands in the Wellington Land District; (2) the area of forest lands already conserved ; (3) the insufficiency of existing reservations ; (4) objects generally of forest conservation ; (5) proposed resumption or acquisition of forest lands ; (6) proposals for systematic and general conservation of forests in the Wellington District, and especially the localities and areas thereof; (7) the general objects to be kept in view ; (8) objections and difficulties to be overcome; (9) necessary precautions to be taken, &c.; (10) the financial and general aspect of the proposals. The Board were pleased to give a general approval to the whole scheme, and desire to arouse public interest in order that prompt steps may be taken to deal with the whole subject in a wise and practical manner. Forfeitures. —The Land Board, after full consideration, reluctantly forfeited the interests of 118 selectors, chiefly amongst the special settlements and the lease-in-perpetuity settlements. The principal causes were accumulation of arrears, reluctance to expend money in effecting improvements upon rough, remote, inaccessible, or unattractive holdings. Full inquiry was made in each case, the forfeiture frequently being made with the concurrence of the tenant. Surrenders. —The five surrenders comprise three cases in which the selectors, finding their selections unsuitable, were allowed to abandon them, and two reserve licenses relinquished by the holders. Arrears. —There were 131 defaulters in this respect who were indebted to the Crown for at least the preceding half-year's rent; their holdings comprise 31,260 acres, and the amount due was £1,594 os. 2d., which represents about one-nineteenth of the total annual rental. This shows relatively a more satisfactory financial position than in previous years. The chief items making up the amount fall upon the special-settlement, occupation-with-right-of-purchase, small grazing-run, lease-in-perpetuity, and perpetual-lease systems. The collection of the annual rental involves an immense amount of correspondence. By order of the Land Board notice after notice has to be sent to many of the tenants, and even threats of forfeiture have reluctantly to be resorted to before they can be induced to pay their instalments. During the past year the Board granted extensions of time to 342 tenants, owing £3,269 9s. Bd. In addition to these, a large number of applications for slight extensions of time were granted. Great trouble and inconvenience have resulted from the fact that numbers of tenants neither pay nor reply to the numerous notices issued by the Board. Revenue. —This subject has already been touched upon, but it may be of interest to mention that it is composed of the following items: Cash sales, £3,734 15s. 6d.; deferred payments made freehold, £1,067 16s. 6d.; perperual lease made freehold, £31,723 ss. 9d.; rentals, £29,172 10s. Bd.; survey-fees, £1,195 16s. 4d.; royalty on timber, £2,163 Is. 4d.; miscellaneous fees and deposits, £1,035 13s. 7d.: total, £70,092 19s. Bd. It is allotted as follows: Territorial revenue, £37,865 6s. 6d.; "thirds" and " fourths," £10,799 13s. lid.; loans to local bodies, £6,384 14s. 7d.; endowments, £740 7s. 4d.; North Island Main Trunk Eailway, £11,198 10s. 2d.; Land for Settlements Account, £169 18s. 9d.; State Forest Account, £1,978 19s. 6d.; Crown grant fees, £291 6s. 6d.; miscellaneous, £413 3s. 7d.; Native Township Account, £250 18s. lOd. : total, £70,092 19s. Bd. Condition and Progress of Settlements. —During the last financial year the Crown Lands Eangers inspected 875 holdings, comprising 185,544 acres, and report that though only improvements to the value of £44,818 were required at the hands of the selectors, the latter had expended £127,453 in bushfelling, grassing, fencing, building, &c. There were fifty-one defaulters as to improvements, and fifty-two non-residents, who were called upon to explain their non-compliance; they, however, have since complied, or will be compelled to do so. As statutory inspections were not required of numerous settlements it is only possible to report in a general manner in. such cases. Mr. Kavanagh, who is Eanger for North Wairarapa, returns 586 valuations and reports, including twenty-eight deferred - payment and perpetual-lease, twenty-eight occupation - withright -of - purchase, seventy-four lease-in-perpetuity, thirty-one farm - homestead, and fifty-nine village-homestead holdings, containing a total area of 37,345 acres. The required improvements

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amount to £13,882, whereas the value of those effected by the selectors was £29,477, showing a surplus of £15,595. There were only seven defaulters as to residence, and five as to improvements. It will thus be seen that the conditions of the Land Act in these respects have been amply complied with, except in the twelve instances noted ; especially is this the case with resident selectors, who have the incentive of improving, embellishing, and making their homes comfortable, and their holdings productive and remunerative. For the great majority of non-residents the time rapidly approaches when they should be living on their holdings. Many find this the crucial test, as they have to relinquish business and occupations in settled districts, and give up other homes. This difficulty has been the cause in the past of so many farm-homestead selectors surrendering or forfeiting their sections. Others have voluntarily taken up the abandoned holdings, and have proved by their personal occupation, improvement, and stocking thereof their thorough fitness for and earnestness in pioneer settlement. A large area of bush has been felled, especially in the Makuri and Mount Cerberus districts. The settlers generally were fortunate in securing good burns, but those on and adjacent to the Puketoi Bange were unsatisfactory. Reports to hand state that the holdings which suffered most from the " bush fires " in the summer of 1898 have a luxuriant growth of grass. The past season was wet, and unfavourable for harvesting operations, but, on the other hand, the growth of grass in the Forty-mile Bush districts has been abundant to an unprecedented degree. The output of milk is expected to be a record, and the price of stock more favourable to the settler. With regard to the special and farm-homestead settlements, Mr. Kavanagh's report divides them into two classes—viz. : (1) Those which are situated conveniently to main roads and railways and are well served and opened up by dray-roads ; and (2) settlements which are remote from centres of population, and in addition are only accessible by means of indifferent dray-roads or horse-tracks. The settlements in class 1 may be described generally as being examples of industry and thrift, supported and prospering mainly by dairying ; whilst class 2 comprises settlers struggling, under great difficulties, drawbacks, and hardships, to bring their holdings into profitable occupation, although they have not as yet received any return for their outlay. The residents on the latter complain of incomplete and indifferent roads, and the inconvenience caused by their absentee neighbours. On the subject of the village settlements in his district, Mr. Kavanagh reports satisfactory progress in Pongaroa, where the local school had to be enlarged; a public hall has also been erected. At Rakaunui also the villagers have improved their extended holdings, and a cheese-factory is contemplated. The Mangaramarama settlers, who engage in dairying, have well-improved holdings and are doing well, only one out of twenty-four being nonresident. In Mangatainoka, twenty-three out of twenty-seven are resident, and as the settlement is contiguous to creameries, railway, and good roads, it is still progressing. At Makuri thirteen villagers out of seventeen are complying satisfactorily, and are actively engaged on their holdings, adjacent farms, and- roads. The small villages of Paa Creek, Mangaone, Makairo, Upper Makuri, and Tutaekara are occupied by industrious settlers and their families, but the holdings are rather small. The most important of the villages are those at Pahiatua, comprising seventy-nine holdings and 993 acres, on which all but six selectors are resident; these settlements are splendidly situated adjacent to the railway, main roads, dairy, school, and other public institutions. They combine dairying, fruit-growing, and farming pursuits generally with their trades and other business. These villagers appear axious still to secure the freehold of their lots, and many claim the right to sublet their sections in part or whole. Mr. .Lundius, Banger for the northern and western districts, has furnished the usual annual reports and returns, showing that he made 483 inspections and special reports, comprising the following holdings : Deferred payment, 3 ; perpetual lease, 21; small grazing-runs, 2 ; lease in perpetuity, 54 ; occupation with right of purchase, 126 ; farm homestead, 70 ; village homestead, lease in perpetuity, 69 ; land for settlements, 28 ; miscellaneous, 110 : total, 483. The gross area of the holdings equal 90,703 acres, upon which the requirements of the Land Act are: Cultivations, 1,679 acres ; other improvements, £18,844 ; which have been largely exceeded owing to the industry and energy of the settlers, who have brought 11,476 acres into cultivation at a cost of £31,606, and erected houses, fencing, &c, to the value of £19,908, representing a total expenditure on improvements of £51,514, and showing a surplus over requirements of £31,323. There were only thirty-two settlers in default as to their improvements, to the extent in all of £852, whilst twenty-nine selectors had not complied with the residential conditions. It should be noted that 167 settlers were actually residing on their holdings, whereas only 104 were required by law to do so. About five-sixths of the defaulters are to be found amongst the occupation-with-right-of-purchase free selectors and the farm-homestead settlers. The Banger reports that the occupation-with-right-of-purchase and lease-in-perpetuity selectors have made good progress, especially in the Pukeokahu, Hautapu, and Kawatau-Bangitikei districts, where the settlers appear to possess sufficient capital to effect improvements. Large areas of bush were being felled, and this notwithstanding the inevitable delay which has occurred in the opening-up of these districts by roads. The lands taken up in other parts of the northern district under the above systems are reported to have been improved satisfactorily. With regard to the farm-homestead settlements, the reports indicate, as usual, that all those settlements which are remote from centres of population, and labour under the disadvantage of being only served by tracks or partly formed roads, are still in the undeveloped and unremunerative stage. Amongst settlements of this class may be mentioned the Malton, Wanganui United West, Clifton No.. 2, Marton Nos. 3 and 4. It is but right to call attention to the fact that in some of these settlements forfeited sections have been allotted to and are occupied by settlers, many of whom have made substantial improvements, and are evidently determined to establish homes in the back country. The Ranger points out, on the other hand, that the farm homesteads which have been opened up to a reasonable extent by roads, and which are situated in the vicinity of dairy factories and creameries, have made excellent progress, and are well established, supporting industrious producers. Under this category fall the Waimarino, Wanganui United East, and Clifton No. 1. A large proportion of the other

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settlements have not yet been thoroughly opened up by roads. The present access consists in the main of horse-tracks, only suitable for horse and stock traffic in the summer, and which are almost impracticable in the winter. In the face of these formidable drawbacks, some of the associations have made good progress. Amongst these may be mentioned the Hunterville, Sommerville, Palmerston North Knights of Labour, Stirling, Delaware, Pohangina, and Umutoi Blocks. In reporting on the village settlements the Eanger states that as a whole they continue to make steady progress. Notably is this the case in regard to Horowhenua and Levin, which are splendidly situated, well provided with railway and road access, and other essentials which make for success. Of the more remote settlements, the villagers in the Makohine, Mangaweka, and Eakautoru are gradually improving their holdings. Most of them have the advantage of securing employment on the co-operative railway- and road-works. The Pakihikura and Karewarewa villagers, who are far back from the settled districts, are progressing more slowly. Their holdings are far too small for such a distant locality, and they are compelled to wander about in search of work. In the case of Eewa, where the holdings are also too small, the establishment of a dairy factory will render the holdings more attractive and profitable. Mr. John McKay, the Acting Crown Lands Ranger in South Wairarapa, reports that in every instance the selectors in his district have complied amply as regards the improvement conditions of the Land Act. He states that the settlers are of a superior class, and deserve great credit for the manner in which they have overcome the difficulties of pioneer settlement. A full consideration of the Rangers' reports, confirmed by my own inspections and observations, leads to the conclusion that, under ordinarily favourable conditions previously referred to, the settlements in the Wellington District continue to make good progress, and, with the advantages following upon the establishment of dairy factories and creameries, the higher prices lately ruling for stock and wool, they have every prospect of complete success. On the other hand, those settlements which have been started upon distant, inaccessible country, much of it comprising rough forest hills of considerable altitude, subdivided as they are into small holdings, cannot be expected to be highly improved and profitably stocked and occupied until the present disadvantages and drawbacks have been overcome or remedied. The members of the Land Board have had the advantage during the past year of visiting various portions of the Wellington Land District, and were much impressed with the excellent roads provided in many of the districts. In several instances, however, they found the backcountry settlers inadequately served in this respect. It is admitted that well graded and constructed horse-roads suffice in the early days of settlement; but, when the time arrives for the stocking and actual occupation of the holdings by the settlers and their families, it is essential that at least the main road shall be a practicable dray-road. Lands for Settlement. Paparangi, near Johnsonville, acquired in terms of the Land for Settlements Act in July, 1897, is the single acquisition by the Crown in this district. The settlement comprises thirtynine sections, the area being 310 acres and 8 perches. It was thrown open for selection on the 2nd February, 1898. By the 31st March, 1898, nineteen selections, comprising 212 acres 1 rood 30 perches, had been made; thirteen lots, containing 72 acres 3 roods 31 perches, were taken up last year, making the totals thirty-two holdings and 285 acres 1 rood 21 perches. There were three forfeitures during the year ; in one case the selector is a South Island resident and never appeared; two others neglected to comply with preliminary conditions. Excluding two sections reserved for the Stock Department, there remained for disposal on the 31st March last eight lots, of an area of 23 acres 3 roods 15 perches, which are .gradually going off. The Ranger's report of the 13th March last shows satisfact6ry progress; it runs as follows : Twenty-eight sections, with a total area of 267 acres 2 roods 1 perch, have been inspected ; twenty settlers with their families (ninety-two souls in all) are residing, and eight settlers are not residing; five of the latter, however, have not held their sections a year, consequently residence is not due ; probably when it is due they will comply. There are twenty-two substantial weatherboard houses, valued at £898. The values of six of these houses are slightly below £30; but they are built in such a manner that it is quite evident that the owners intend to add to them (probably as soon as funds will permit). Twenty-two sections are ring-fenced, and three sections are almost ringfenced. A few sections are subdivided by fences. The total length of fencing erected by settlers on the estate is about 6 miles 52 chains, valued at £343 195., but, owing to the want of good posts, &c, a large portion of the fencing is below the average standard. On three sections no improvements have been effected, and I was told that the selectors do not intend to retain their holdings. At the time of inspection there were forty-two head of cattle, seven horses, and six pigs on the estate. ' Only about 5 acres have been ploughed, and the soil seems to turn up very well. Most of the settlers have dug up small patches of ground for gardens, but they find it almost useless attempting to grow vegetables, owing to the strong winds experienced here, until sheltertrees have grown up. When this is done I feel sure gardening will be a success, as the soil is good, and will gradually improve by working. The majority of the settlers are labourers possessing limited means. Some are working in Wellington, some at the Ngahauranga freezing-works, some for settlers in the district, and others again are at present in Canterbury harvesting; some are railway porters, platelayers, cabinetmakers, and there is an engineer and a commercial traveller—all leave their families on the land whilst they follow their different occupations. I may mention I only saw three of the settlers on their sections; all the others were away working; but the wives and familes were there. This shows that the seitlers are all in employment. I did not hear of any serious complaints ; they all spoke cheerfully of the future, and I think they acknowledge and appreciate the benefit of being able to secure a home in a healthy locality and at a moderate rent. My own opinion is that this

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settlement is a decided success, and next year I shall be able to furnish you with a still more satisfactory report. Clerical Branch. The Chief Clerk reports that the number of letters, &c, received and despatched during the year amounted to 54,167, or an average of about 180 per working-day. This shows an increase of 1,025 over the preceding year, when the numbers were 53,142, and an average of about 177 per day. The number of vouchers passed through the books was 1,025, amounting to £21,770 3s. 7d.; 418 cheques for £2,606 lis. were drawn on the Chief Surveyor's Imprest Account for wages, &c. There are 2,519 selectors holding land on settlement conditions now on the books. This is a slight increase of eighty-five over last year's return, when there were 2,434. J. W. A. Maechant, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

NELSON. For some years past efforts have been made by the community interested to have the southeastern part of the district, including Culverden, Waiau, and Hanmer Springs, severed, and administered from Christchurch, both as regards this department and the Deeds Registration and Land Transfer Department. The alteration, which is undoubtedly a desirable one from a settlers' standpoint, as that part of the country is served by the Christchurch railways, and all its interests lie that way, was, as far as it affected this district, made on the 18th January last; but, for departmental reasons, it was found advisable to continue to administer it from Nelson until the end of the jfinancial year, and in the annual returns to treat the districts as unaltered, which has been done. The number of tenants on the books at the present time is 1,435, who hold 1,154,577 acres and 26 perches, as against 1,660, with 1,145,826 acres 2 roods 2 perches, last year—a reduction in number, notwithstanding that there have been 163 selections of all classes, comprising 56,490 acres, during the year. The decrease in the number of tenants is attributable to so very many of the deferred-payment selectors and lessees under the Nelson Leasing Acts having acquired the freeholds during the year, together with the large number of expiries of leases under the Public Eeserves Act and licenses under the Land Act. Cash Sales. —The return shows thirty-five purchasers, of 13,820 acres and 26 perches, four of them being for town lots. The remaining thirty-one are made up of twenty-three on the optional system ; five under the old Nelson Leasing Acts, which gave the right to purchase during the period of the lease ; and three perpetual leases made freehold. It is somewhat surprising that of the fifty selections made under the optional system during the year, twenty-three were for cash, and the area purchased was the same as the lease in perpetuity and occupation with right of purchase combined. Of the 106 purchasers fer cash under the optional system since the coming into force of the Act of 1892, only nine have applied for and obtained Crown grants, these having effected the amount of improvements required by law. Deferred Payment. —At the end of last year 66,919 acres 3 roods 27 perches was held by 640 licensees, but no less than 149 of them have completed during the year, and one has forfeited; consequently the numbers have been reduced to 490, holding 51,554 acres 3 roods 25 perches ; and, as so many are on the eve of completion in the ordinary course, very few will be remaining in three years' time. In addition to the foregoing there are eight deferred-payment holders of endowment lands, with an area of 270 acres 2 roods 36 perches. The single forfeiture during the year was that of a 17-acre section which had been abandoned by the selector, who had made no improvements. Of the 498 licensees under this tenure only one is in arrear with his instalment of rent, to the amount of £3 os. 6d. Perpetual Leases. —Three have been made freehold during this year, reducing the number of holdings to thirty-eight, with a total area of 10,087 acres 3 roods 36 perches. Apparently there is no great desire on the part of the lessees to change their tenure by exchange or purchase, for there have been only five such cases since the commencement of the system. Occupation with Right of Purchase and Lease in Perpetuity. —Preference appears to have been given to the former tenure this year, for there have been twenty selections to seven of the latter. At the end of last year the holdings of each were precisely the same number, but now occupation with right of purchase leads by seventeen. During the year there has been one forfeiture of an occupation license, but in the case of leases in perpetuity there were two surrenders and three forfeitures. Mining Districts Land Occupation. —There have been eighteen selections during this year, and the total number under this tenure is forty-five, whose holdings average 21 acres. These are restricted to a narrow strip of country within the Buller Coalfields Reserve, along the coast between Granity Creek and Seddonville, at Mokihinui. It is true that of the forty-five selectors about one-third are not residing on their sections; but whilst a few, who will shortly be dealt with by the Land Board, are intentionally evading the Act in this respect, a number of the more recent selectors have not yet had time to fell and burn the forest off a sufficient area to make it safe to build. There is no doubt that the number of holdings under this tenure would have been much greater had the country in the southern part of the district, excepting the restricted area of the Buller Coalfields Eeserve, not been barred from the operations of the Act by the Midland Railway reservation.

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Village Homestead Special Settlement. —The only settlement of this character, which is at Mokihinui, has slightly retrograded during the past twelve months. In the year 1897-98 the reports showed general improvement, and I can only attribute the present want of progress to the facilities offered by the Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, which have been largely availed of in this locality, there having been as many as thirty-three selectors near Mokihinui. One less section is occupied, there are fewer souls on the land, and the improvements —owing to depreciation on about half of the holdings—have fallen in value from £1,279 to £1,175. Were the coal-mines formerly held by the Mokihinui Coal Company to resume working, this place would very likely revive again. Pastoral Runs. —The area returned as held under license —viz., 988,586 acres —is practically the same as last year, though the licenses are eight more in number, there having been sixteen new ones and eight expiries. Westport Colliery Reserve. —This includes the whole of the business part of the Town of Westport, and the revenue received as rents is paid over to the Westport Harbour Board. Last year there Were 224 tenants, but the number has been reduced to 201, with an annual rental of £791 ss. 4d. This reserve was originally cut up into town lots and taken up on twenty-one-year leases, but under the provisions of " The Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration 3-ict 1877 Amendment Act, 1893," the leases could be surrendered, and others for forty-two years substituted, excepting over such portions of the reserve as were formally set apart for railway purposes subsequent to the issue of the first leases. Full advantage has been taken of this privilege, and the present tenants, with one or two exceptions, hold on a forty-two years' term. During the year there have been twenty-nine expiries of old twenty-one-year leases, most of them within the railway reservation, and also eleven cancellations of abandoned leases, no rent having been paid on them for many year 3. Seventeen forty-two-year leases were issued, nine of which were sold at auction, the remainder in substitution of twenty-one-year leases. When the department took over the administration of the endowment two years ago the books showed considerably over £1,000 of rent in arrear. In last year's report it was stated that the arrears had been reduced to £600; they now stand at £99 ss. Residence and Improvements. —Through there being no Crown Lands Ranger attached to the district, the inspections have unavoidably been few. The staff surveyors, when opportunity offered, visited and reported on cases, but the great bulk of the holdings have not been inspected this year. Seventy-four properties were visited, and, taken as a whole, the value of the improvements effected were found to be three times the amount required by law, notwithstanding that in nine cases they were deficient. There were twenty-four cases of non-residence —several of them, however, showed good reasons for not living on the land at the time—but, in consequence of the action taken by the Land Board, this state of things has improved since the date of the inspections. Coal-mines. —The output of the Coalbrookdale and Granity Creek Coal-mines has largely increased, the amount of royalty that was paid being £7,002 19s. 10d., less dead-rent £1,358 — i.e., £5,644 19s. lOd. on 208,118 tons. The Greymouth-Point Elizabeth Company has not yet succeeded in getting to work at the mine, as a portion of the railway-bridge over the Grey River was destroyed by a flood just as the work was drawing near completion. On account of the difficulties that have attended the preliminary work —chiefly the construction of a railway from Greymouth to the mine—the Government has permitted the rent owing to date —amounting to £1,780 14s.—to stand in abeyance. At the Mokihinui Mine work is at a standstill. The company went into liquidation a short time ago, and the lease and plant were sold by auction, but £752 arrears of rent have not yet been paid. Forest Reserves. —Though no considerable extent of country has been set apart for this purpose during the year the matter has not been lost sight of, for a reserve has been made between Wangamoa and Croixelles Harbour; another is about to be proclaimed on the dividing range between Eiwaka and Takaka; and it is further intended, as soon as the necessary survey is made, to set apart about thirteen miles of the beautifully wooded range, from 3,000 ft. to 4,000 ft. high, between Maungatapu and the Rai Saddle. The timbered country in this district —for the most part birch— is estimated at about 3,000,000 acres, a large proportion of which is unfit for settlement of any kind. The extensive topographical surveys that have lately been made will afford information for making judicious selections, and it is anticipated that during the coming year large reserves will be made of otherwise useless country (except perhaps for mining), with a view of preserving the forest from destruction. Arrears. —Of the sum of £2,714 4s. sd. that appears in Table 28 as arrears due to the Crown owing by seventy-four tenants, not less than £2,532 14s. belongs to the Greymouth-Point Elizabeth Coal Company and Mokihinui Coal Leases, as previously explained. With these exceptions, there has been a general all-round reduction of arrears. As before stated, in the Westport Colliery Reserve alone about £500 has been cleared off, but of the large number of tenants under the ordinary settlement conditions there are only twenty-two in arrear, to the extent of £43. Revenue. —The revenue of the district from all sources, including royalties on timber cut on the Arnold River, which passed through the Receiver's books at Hokitika, amounted to £25,917 3s. 10d., showing an increase of £3,380 on the previous year. There will, however, be considerably less during the ensuing year, as the rents from runs and other tenures in the Amuri country, now attached to Canterbury, and one run to Marlborough, amount to £2,922 12s. 2d. Thos. Humphbies, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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MAELBOEOUGH. The total area open for sale or selection during the year was 195,865 acres, classified as follows: Optional system, 13,566 acres; cash by auction, 4,117 acres ; leases by auction and application, 335 acres; pastoral runs, 139,632 acres; small grazing-runs, 17,138 acres; and lease in perpetuity, 21,077 acres. Summary of Land taken up. —This table shows that 51,824 acres was disposed of, the number of selectors being ninety-seven. Cash Sales. —s,l4l acres was sold for cash to four purchasers, 1,014 acres being sold under the optional system, and 4,127 acres by auction. Deferred Payments. —One holding, of 72 acres, was converted into freehold during the year. There are now only ten selectors under this tenure, holding an area of 580 acres. Perpetual Leases. —This table is the same as last year. Occupation with Right of Purchase. —There were nine new selectors during the year, and the area taken up was 3,081 acres. Under this system we have now twenty-six selectors, holding an area of 7,580 acres. Lease in Perpetuity. —The area taken up this year was 7,432 acres, by twenty-five selectors. The total area now held is 66,355 acres, and the number of selectors 137. Land imder Land for Settlements Acts. Blind River Estate.— -The present season has been the most favourable since 1895-96. The Eanger reports that instead of blighted crops, parched-up pastures, and starving stock, as was the case last year, he found on his last visit that (with a few exceptions, mainly due to inferior cultivation) the grain-crops were good, the root-crops (especially onions) were promising well, and of grass there was everywhere more than the stock could consume. Since the present occupant of the accommodation-house took possession there has been a marked improvement in the conduct of the house—good meals, comfortable beds, and plenty of horse-feed can be obtained at Blenheim charges. The total value of improvements required was £596 10s., and the total value effected £4,201 15s. 6d. All the sections on the estate are now taken up. The following abstract shows the present position of the estate : Dwellings, 16; persons residing, 95; horses, 52 ; cattle, 46 ; sheep, 3,557; pigs, 67. Value of buildings, £2,010. Value of fencing, £2,191 15s. 6d. Area cultivated, 1,175 acres. Crops: Wheat—346 acres, 7,823 bushels, value £782 65.; oats— 109 acres, 972 bushels, and 83 tons chaff, value £238 18s.; barley—22l acres, 4,970 bushels, value £750; peas —117 acres, 1,889 bushels, value £379 165.; beans—2 acres, 20 bushels, value £3; potatoes—lo acres, 58 tons, value £116; onions—34f acres, 114 tons, value £456 : total, £2,726. Omaha Estate. —Notwithstanding the favourable season, the crops on this estate were light, the greatest yield being 27 bushels per acre, and the average 16-J- bushels to the acre. This seems to indicate that portions of the land were overcropped by the previous owner. The total value of improvements required was £589 6s. Bd., and the total value effected £3,987 ss. The present condition of the estate is shown in the following abstract: Dwellings, 12 ; persons residing, 55 ; horses, 52 ; cattle, 36; sheep, 2,513 ; pigs, 4. Area cultivated, 1,223J acres. Value of buildings and fencing, £3,348 15s. Crops : Wheat—43l acres, 7,377 bushels, value £737 145.; oats—2lo acres, 2,703 bushels, and 73 tons of chaff, value £348 19s. 6d.; barley—so acres, 644 bushels, value £96 125.; peas —19 acres, 216 bushels, value £43 45.; potatoes—l acre, 5 tons, value £10 : total, £1,236 9s. 6d. Sown grasses, 396 acres ; green crops, 117 acres. Puhipuhi Estate. —This estate is now merged into the Puhipuhi Block, which has recently been subdivided for settlement, and will be offered for selection in May. Starborough Estate. —This estate is situated on the south bank of the Awatere Eiver, about eighteen miles from Blenheim. Both the main coach-road and the railway now under construction pass through the estate. The total area of the estate as purchased is 35,849 acres. Of this area, 33,691 acres, in fifty allotments, was offered for disposal on the 13th March, as follows : 20,825 acres under lease in perpetuity, 12,531 acres as small grazing-runs, and 335 acres under temporary grazing licenses. 3>\ll the grazing-runs were taken up at once, as also 18,472 acres of the lease-in-perpetuity sections and 289 acres of the temporary grazing licenses. 131 acres on the estate has been set apart for the Township of Seddon, and will be offered shortly, as also will be 1,006 acres subdivided into suburban allotments, ranging from 46 acres to 169 acres. Richmond Brook Estate. —Arrangements to acquire this estate have been made, and the survey of it into sections is now in hand. It will be ready to be opened for selection shortly. Mining Districts Land Occupation Act. —There were not any new transactions this year. Village-homestead Special Settlements. —This table is also the same as last year as regards the number of holders and area held. Of the fourteen selectors, eleven are resident and three are not. Of the 234 acres held, 186 acres is laid down in pasture or cultivated. The value of improvements is £1,363, and the number of souls is sixty-two. Small Grazing-runs. —s,l66 acres was taken up this year, by four selectors. The total number now holding under this tenure is seventy-six, and the area held is 69,178 acres. Pastoral Runs. —There were nine runs taken up this year, of an aggregate area of 86,067 acres. One run was forfeited, four have expired, one was surrendered, and three exchanged for leases in perpetuity; the total area of forfeitures, expiries, and surrenders being 46,168 acres. The total area now held is 798,255 acres,-and the number of selectors seventy-five. Miscellaneous Leases. —Three of these leases were issued during the year, one being a timber license, and the other two are reserves. Revenue. —This was £1,237 less than that collected last year. Under the heading "Cash lands " £3,000 less was received than last year; consequently some of the other tenures show a

Ballot for Sections in Starborough Estate. Held in the Courthouse, Blenheim, 16th March, 1899.

Land undee Land foe Settlements Act.—(Westland.) Poerua Estate. —Most of the settlers upon this estate have made good headway in clearing and fencing portions of their holdings, and the locality now assumes a prosperous appearance ; eight settlers reside on the land. The crops of grass and turnips came on remarkably well, which will enable the settlers to fatten their stock for market. The selectors are building cottages; but, as all the material for building has to be carted from the Poerua Eailway-station, a distance of five miles, along the Bell Hill Eoad, which at present is partly a 5 ft. horse-track, the work has been delayed. This track has been widened from the railway-station to Deep Creek, and a sum is now in hand to continue the widening, which will be of great benefit to the settlers and others when completed. Most of the settlers have been employed either upon the Government road- or railwayworks in the district. Under the Land for Settlements Act an offer has been made by the Commissioners for an estate in the Kokatahi district, but up to the present no satisfactory arrangements have been come to. [To faoe page 19, G.-l

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marked increase over last year's figures. The chief increases in revenue are in the items " occupation with right of purchase," "lease in perpetuity," and " small grazing-runs." Arrears. —Twenty-five selectors are in arrears this year, as against sixteen last year, the amount owing being £824 Bs. 6d., as against £486 6s. 9d. Seven of the selectors are small-grazing-run lessees, and the others are selectors on the Blind River and Omaka Estates. Reserves. —1,051 acres was reserved this year for various purposes, and 11,636 acres was granted under Acts. These latter are lands which have been given by the Land Purchase Board in exchange for other freehold lands. Selectors on the Books. —These now amount to 505, being an increase of seventy-six over last year's figures. Lands selected under Sections 114, 115, and 117 of the Act. —Only two selections were made this year, both of them being under section 117 of the Act, the area taken up being lOf acres. Rangers' Inspections. —2s3 properties were visited during the year. The total value of improvements required was £28,137, and the total value effected was £67,478. The number of defaulters was twelve. There was only one defaulter in improvements, the others being for non-residence. Land for Future Settlement. —The areas to be opened for disposal during the coming year are as follows : 6,764 acres in the Puhipuhi Block, to be disposed of in May. The remainder of this block is now being got ready, and will be offered shortly. The area being prepared for settlement in this part of the district is about 45,000 acres. On the north bank of the Wairau a block of 20,449 acres will be offered in June, the low country under lease in perpetuity and the remainder as small grazing-runs. 2,460 acres in Cloudy Bay and Onamalutu districts is to be sold by auction for cash in April, and a small grazing-run of 3,600 acres, near the Clarence River, will be opened for selection shortly. The unsold sections in the Town of Kaikoura will be offered for sale as soon as they have been repegged. The Clarence Run, containing 123,200 acres, till recently in the occupation of the Assets Realisation Board, is at present unoccupied. Surveyors are at work exploring for a suitable road through this country, with a view to subdividing it into two or more runs. As soon as the Land Board is in possession of the reports the question of dealing with the land to the best advantage will be gone into. In addition to these areas, there will be the usual " spotting " applications in various parts of the district. C. W. Adams, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WESTLAND. Land open for Selection. —The total area which is open for selection in this district is 77,461 acres. Gash. —During the year no lands were disposed of for cash, the most of the settlers preferring it under other tenures. Deferred Payment. —Under this tenure several settlers in special settlement, Teremakau Valley, have acquired their freehold, and arrears have been reduced. Occupation ivith Right of Purchase. — One selection was made under this heading. Lease in Perpetuity. —305 acres were taken up under this tenure. Pastoral Runs. —It will be seen from tables accompanying this report that the area held as above amounts to 605,651 acres, being an increase of 94,663 acres as compared with last year, with a corresponding increase of revenue. A large proportion is under the 219 th clause of the Act, this being the only tenure possible while the Midland Railway holds possession. ' The removal of this restriction will lead to the conversion of these temporary leaseholds into freeholds or leaseholds under one or other of the more permanent systems. The Crown Lands Ranger reports that during the year he has inspected in South Westland the holdings under the various tenures, which are all doing well, and within the requirements of the Act. He has also inspected and reported to the Land Board on all applications made under the 219 th section of the Land Act. These are very much scattered, and take up a deal of his time in travelling through the country. He also reports that during the year he has visited the various sawmills under his charge in Westland and the southern portion of the Nelson District. The following is a statement of the timber cut and royalties collected thereon within the Westland District: — Mining Blocks.— Bed-pine, 725,842 ft., £90 14s. 7d.; red-pine blocks for tail-races, 306,338 ft., £25 10s. sd. : total, £116 ss. Crown Lands.— Silver-pine, 73,465 ft., £18 7s. 4d. ; silver-pine, 260,900 ft., £130 9s. ; red-pine, 40,000 ft., £10 : total, £158 16s. 4d. Education Reserves. —Eed-pine, 1,260,930 ft., £315 4s. Bd. Grey Goal Reserve (collected by Mr. Boase).—Eed-pine, 191,333 ft., £47 16s. Bd. About seventy men are employed in working the above mills. W. G. Mueeay, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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CANTERBURY. Land Transactions, 1898-99.

The above table shows concisely the total land transactions during the year, the number of Crown tenants and area held at the 31st March, 1899, and the revenue derived from all sources for the year, amounting to £93,200. Gash Lands. —It will be noticed that the sales of land for cash during the year have been very small, amounting to only 144 acres, exclusive of the 1,210 acres on the Cheviot Estate, which represent the completed alienation of six blocks sold in 1893 on five years' purchase. Deferred Payments. —The number of holdings under this system has been further reduced from fifty to forty, representing a reduction in area of about 1,400 acres. The extinction of this system, either by conversion into freehold or by exchanges to other tenures, is only a question of time. Perpetual Lease. —The number of holders under this tenure has fallen during the year from 162 to 135, and the area from 17,031 to 15,480 acres. Conversions to freehold and to lease in perpetuity account for most of the difference,

Transactions during the Year. Area held at 31st March, 1899. Class of Selection. Revenue received during the Year. Number. Area. Number. Area. Cash lands— Eural ... ... Town ... Deferred payments — Ordinary and pastoral deferred payment Village Made freehold ... Perpetual lease- — Ordinary Village Made freehold ... Occupation with right of purchase — Ordinary Village .. Lease in perpetuity— Ordinary, Crown Lake Ellesmere... Village Conversions to lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement— Perpetual lease ... Lease in perpetuity, Crown Lease in perpetuity, Lake Ellesmere Farm homesteads— Perpetual lease ... Lease in perpetuity, Crown Small grazing-runs, Crown ... Pastoral licenses— Crown... State forests Miscellaneous occupation licenses— Crown Lake Ellesmere... Endowment, University ... State forests Other sources Cheviot Estate — Rural lands for cash Lease in perpetuity Village homestead Grazing-farms ... Pastoral licenses Miscellaneous ... Land for settlements — Lease in perpetuity ■ ... Farm homestead Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous ... 6 4 *8 "7 2 2 11 1 14 11 2 A. B. P. 142 1 27 13 0 1,319 3 23 1,334 2 6 533 3 33 10 0 2,960 3 6 573 0 0 555" 2 32 131 3 0 12 0 0 25 15 82 53 14 5 146 58 18 134 100 48 23 3 48 A. 12,957 224 14,427 1,052 1,613 1 72,681 13,943 8 3,813 4,152 2,480 2,107 211 112,966 B. P. 3 12 1 33 2 8 2 23 1 39 3 0 1 11 2 5 3 11 2 39 1 18 1 0 0 11 0 26 3 25 £ s. d. 425 7 2 47 0 0 2,300 11 9 112 12 1 1,031 12 4 518 18 11 2,080 5 0 82 6 4 3 0 0 3,829 15 5 1,399 10 6 5 13 6 643 1 2 355 11 1 286 10 1 221 14 2 13 16 10 4,631 8 9 "s 5,641* 0 0 35 119,728 2 36 103 1 3,128,841 746 3 14 0 0 35,802 10 2 6 4 0 52 2 10,526 3 13 28 0 26 305 15 1 9 13 43,644 916 1,480 8,185 980 1 6 3 2 2 8 0 0 0 0 2,328 14 11 52 10 3 129 11 0 271 12 9 1,127 1 0 1 200 0 0 6 1,210 3 14 106 76 41 2 63 3,234 2 0 5,956 19 10 813 11 4 6,275 5 0 262 3 8 540 13 2 23,903 1,429 45,691 2,102 1,668 0 33 1 3 0 9 0 0 2 0 6 196' 0 0 160 15 11 25,924 3 23 16,290' 3 19 783 0 7 560 11 18 11 65,526 2,114 25,731 788 1 7 1 9 1 20 0 10 15,856 11 0 170 18 4 2,258 4 2 124 12 4 Total ... 359 188,097 0 25 3,596,391 1 22 93,200 0 0 2,107

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Occupation with Right of Purchase. —This system finds only limited favour in this district, but there has been a small increase during the year, the number of selectors having increased from fifteen to nineteen, and the area from, 1,081 to 1,615 acres. Lease in Perpetuity. —The principal increase under this head has been in respect of lands acquired under the Land for Settlements Act, which will be noticed elsewhere. With regard to other lands, the area held at 31st March shows an increase of 1,659 acres of ordinary Crown lands, the areas of Cheviot and Lake Ellesmere lands remaining practically unchanged. Village-homestead Settlements. —These show a decrease of five selectors and about 250 acres under the perpetual-lease class, nearly the whole of these having been transferred by exchanges of tenure to the lease-in-perpetuity class, which has been further increased by eleven new selections, representing 131 acres. The Lake Ellesmere leases have also been increased by two selections, comprising 12 acres. The number and area of Cheviot leaseholds under this tenure remain unchanged. Farm Homestectds. —The number of leases and area held under this system remain practically the same as last year, one lessee, whose lease had been forfeited, having been reinstated in his holding. Small Grazing-runs —Two runs, comprising 7,514 acres, have been surrendered during the year, so that, despite three new selections of 5,641 acres, the total area of Crown lands held has fallen by nearly 1,900 acres. A considerable increase of runs held under the Land for Settlements Act has resulted from the disposal of the Waikakahi Settlement. Pastoral Licenses. —Thirty-five new licenses, comprising 119,728 acres, have been disposed of during the year, but, as the majority of these were sold in advance for terms commencing on the Ist March, 1900, they do not materially increase the area held at the 31st March. Grown Lands opened for Selection. —Exclusive of lands offered for selection under the Land for Settlements Acts, the land-selections during the year present few features worthy of note, with the exception of the auction sales of pastoral licenses of runs the existing licenses of which expire on the Ist March, 1900. Under other systems the areas offered during the year consist for the most part of forfeited or surrendered holdings. The following are the principal areas placed in the market:— Under the optional system (Part 111. of "The Land Act, 1892"): Eleven lots, aggregating 6,209 acres, of which 3,600 acres were withdrawn prior to selection. The whole of the remainder, with the exception of one small lot of 20 acres, was selected, the lease-in-perpetuity system being the tenure favoured by all the applicants except one. Pastoral runs: Forty pastoral runs, of an aggregate area of 153,059 acres, were offered for lease by public auction. Four of these comprised burnt bush country on Mount Oxford; three were small grazing areas of flat land near Oxford; one run of 3,937 acres near Hakataramea, reoffered after surrender of the previous license; and the remaining thirty-two runs were reoffered for license in terms of " The Land Act, 1892," one year before the termination, on the Ist March, 1900, of the existing licenses. For the purpose of classifying these runs previous to disposal, Commissioners were appointed, who thoroughly inspected all the runs lying south of the Eakaia Eiver, those northward of that boundary having been inspected and classified as recently as 1896, so that it was not deemed necessary to revisit them. These runs were distributed over the whole of the pastoral area of Canterbury, 70,828 acres being situated between the Hurunui and Eakaia Bivers; 17,488 acres between the Eakaia and Eangitata Eivers; and 53,843 acres between the Eangitata and Waitaki Eivers. For the most favourably situated runs there was keen competition, and the rentals realised will enhance the pastoral revenue of the district. A few runs remain unsold, and will be reoffered during the ensuing year. Other lands : The other lands offered include two small grazing-runs of 5,478 acres in South Canterbury; one lease-in-perpetuity allotment of 573 acres at Lake Ellesmere; six village-home-stead lease-in-perpetuity allotments, comprising 162 acres, in various localities; nine lots, totalling about 19 acres, offered for cash sale at auction ; and sixteen lots, comprising about 227 acres, offered for temporary occupation. Arrears of Rents. —The arrears of rents due at the 31st March, 1899, amount to £1,992 4s. Bd., out of a total annual rent-roll of £91,018 18s. Bd., or about 2-19 per cent, of the total. This is an excess of £734 over the arrears returned at the corresponding period last year, the increase being principally under the small grazing-run and land-for-settlement tenures. In the latter case it is undoubtedly due to the unfavourable season experienced last year, which pressed hardly upon many of the new settlers at the very commencement of their efforts to establish new homes. Transfers, Exchanges, Forfeitures. —During the year transfers have been completed of eighty holdings occupied under settlement conditions, comprising about 17,780 acres. The principal numbers are as follows :— Lease in perpetuity ... ... ... ... 45, comprising 6,949 acres, Small grazing-runs ... ... ... ... 4, „ 8,542 „ Village-homestead leases ... ... ... 22, „ 929 „ The number of exchanges during the year has been small, comprising only fourteen holdings, having an area of 555 acres. The tenants of the Crown having generally complied very satisfactorily with the conditions of their leases in respect of residence and improvements, as well as payment of rents, but few forfeitures have occurred during the year. The figures are as follows : Leases in perpetuity, Crown— two selectors, holding 610 acres, forfeited, and two, holding 954 acres 2 roods 9 perches, surrendered ; village-settlement perpetual lease—two, holding 38 acres and 32 perches, forfeited; village homestead—two, holding 44 acres 3 roods 38 perches, forfeited; small grazing-runs—two, comprising 7,514 acres 2 roods, surrendered. Two leases in perpetuity, comprising 573 acres 1 rood 34 perches, at Lake Ellesmere, and ten leases under the Land for Settlements Acts, comprising 323 acres and

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34 perches, were also forfeited; making a total of twenty-two holdings, representing 10,058 acres 3 roods 27 perches, reverted to the Crown. The majority of these sections, when reoffered for disposal, readily find new selectors. • Revaluation of Surrendered Holdings. —In November, 1898, a commission of inquiry, consisting of three members of the Land Board and the Crown Lands Eanger, was appointed to examine and report on the cases of tenants who agreed to surrender their holdings with a view to having them revalued. Forty-five tenants who had applied for reductions were offered relief upon the terms fixed, which included the payment of all arrears on the existing leases, which were then to be surrendered, and the lands reoffered for selection after revaluation. The majority of the tenants, however, appeared indisposed to incur the risk of losing their holdings by public competition when reoffered, and seven only availed themselves of the opportunity. The holdings were very carefully inspected and revalued previous to the new disposal of the lands. Forests. —During the year an area cf 371,695 acres, comprising all the principal blocks of Crown bush land throughout the district, has been set apart as State forest reserves, and it is to be hoped that the timber on these reserves will, for scenic and climatic considerations, secure exemption from destruction. It is satisfactory to record that, owing partly to the damper season, and partly, it is hoped, to increased care by residents in bush localities, there has been an absence this year of the destructive fires which have in past seasons wrought such havoc in bush belonging both to the State and to private owners. Alteration of District Boundaries. —By an alteration of district boundaries gazetted in January last an approximate area of 1,305,390 acres, comprising the greater portion of the Amuri County, has been added to this district, whose northern boundary now touches the Conway and Clarence Eivers, and extends as far north as Lake Tennyson. An area of 478,000 acres in the south, comprising the watershed of the rivers flowing into Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, has similarly been deducted from Canterbury and added to the Otago District. As the transfers of records, &c, had not been perfected at the end of the financial year, the returns are made on the basis of the former boundaries. Crown Lands Rangers' Reports. —The reports received from Crown Lands Eangers during the year show that, except in a very small minority of cases, genuine and bond fide settlement is progressing very favourably in this district. A good season, with satisfactory yields of crops and abundance of pasturage for stock, has helped settlers to recover from the effects of the previous bad season. In cases where settlers are reported as not resident on their holdings it is usually the case that they reside with relatives, or on other properties in the neighbourhood ; or, in the case of some of the smaller holdings which are insufficient for maintenance, that they are obliged to be so much away at work that they can scarcely be classed as resident. Improvements have been generally maintained well up to, and in most cases considerably beyond, the amounts prescribed by law, although it is probable that when inspections at the end of the sixth year become due there will be found a good many who will have been unable remuneratively to effect the 30 per cent, of capital value and £1 per acre required by " The Land Act, 1892," from holders whose selections comprise land of nominally first-class quality. Especially is this likely to be the case with settlers around Lake Ellesmere, of whom, however, it may be noted that, with increased immunity from floods, there is also an increase of permanent residence on their leaseholds. The work done by the Crown Lands Eangers, whose manifold duties comprise inspecting settlement holdings, reporting on transfers, applications for leases of Crown lands, reserves, riverbeds, &c, resuming possession of forfeited holdings, inspecting pastoral runs, and watching over the preservation of bush lands, &c, can only be very imperfectly indicated in any tabular statements. There are now in Canterbury 589 leaseholds under the Land for Settlements Acts, besides the 236 leaseholds on the Cheviot Estate, and all of these require especially careful and detailed inspection to see that the special regulations as to cultivation of the lands, maintenance of buildings, &c, are properly carried out. Lands itnder Land for Settlements Acts. Lands offered during the Year. —Two estates have, during the period covered by this report, been placed on the market for selection. The Pawaho Hamlet may almost be termed a suburban settlement, being situated at Heathcote Valley, abutting on the railway-line from Christchurch to Port Lyttelton. It comprises a total area of 50 acres 1 rood 4 perches, which was opened on the sth April, 1898, under the workmen's homes regulations, in twenty-five lots, ranging from half an acre upwards. Eight of the lots, aggregating nearly 16 acres, consist principally of hill-slope, the balance being flat land. Eight lots were disposed of at the first ballot, and most of the remainder have since been taken up ; at the present time four of the hill-side sections only remain unselected. Many of the sections have been taken up by workmen employed at the Port, to whom the settlement offered a good opportunity of obtaining cultivable land on which to occupy their enforced leisure. The other estate offered is known as the Waikakahi Settlement, and is situated in South Canterbury, between the Waihao and Waitaki Eivers, consisting partly of the flat land which skirts the coast, and which is for the most part of excellent agricultural quality, and partly of low downs and hills of superior pastoral character. The property was purchased from Allan McLean, Esq., and was opened for selection on the 20th March, 1899, the area offered comprising 31,976 acres, in 126 allotments, on lease in perpetuity ; 15,318 acres, in fourteen small grazing-runs ; 313 acres, in two lots, on temporary grazing license (these lots being destined to be used for plantation purposes) ; and 25 acres, in forty-seven lots, in the Township of Morven, adjoining the Waihao Bail-way-station. 384 acres were withheld for further subdivision and disposal in the future. Seven hundred and forty-one applications were received on and before the date of opening, the bulk of these coming from all parts of Canterbury and Otago, though a few other districts were also represented. The examination of all the applicants within the limited time available entailed very

Balloting for Sections in Waikakahi Estate, Canterbury.

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heavy work on the JLand Board and its officers, the total time occupied being fifty-three hours within five days, exclusive of the time consumed in travelling from Christchurch to Ashburton, Timaru, and Waimate, at each of which places sittings of the Board were held. At the first ballot, held on the 29th and 30th March, at Waimate, 115 of the lease-in-perpetuity allotments, all of the small grazing-runs, and thirteen township sections were allotted, and the remaining lease-in-per-petuity sections have all since been selected. The applications received were, generally speaking, made by a very good stamp of settlers, and there is every reason to anticipate that the settlement will prove an unqualified success. Besides the foregoing there were offered for reselection during the year six small forfeited lots in the Otarakaro, Eoimata, Orakipaoa, and Pareora Settlements, comprising a total area of 96 acres, and one small grazing-run of 977 acres in the Peaks and Patoa Settlements. All of these have been selected. General Condition of Settlements. —The reports furnished by the Crown Lands Eangers, a few particulars from which are appended, show that, generally speaking, all of the settlements are in a very satisfactory condition, the proportion of defaulters being very small, while many of these have fulfilled in part, though not completely, the requirements of their leases. The past season has been, for nearly all of the settlements, a fruitful and prosperous one, and this has naturally helped to produce the good results recorded. The small holdings on rural settlements still furnish the principal unsatisfactory features of the reports, permanent settlement being difficult to secure on rural holdings of 30 acres downwards, while in some localities even 50 acres is too small an area. The holders of these small sections are obliged to travel far and wide to obtain employment, and though their families may remain on the section, the interests of the family and the holding must necessarily suffer from the protracted absences of the breadwinner. Taking the settlements in the order of seniority from January, 1894, downwards, the following notes may be of interest :— Pareora Settlement (near St. Andrew's). —Twenty-eight holders, of whom twenty-five are resident, while on one reselected section residence is not yet due. Improvements effected, £1,950 4s. 6d., as against £348 10s. required. Studholme Junction. —Four holders, all of whom are resident and keeping their holdings well. Improvements effected, £257 18s., as against £73 4s. 6d. required. Kapua Settlement (near Waimate). —Twelve holders, all of whom are complying. Improvements effected, £1,102 55., as against £270 4s. required. Rosebrook Settlement (near Timaru). —Fourteen holders, of whom twelve are in permanent residence. Improvements effected, £1,667 17s. 6d., as against £307 13s. 6d. required. Otaio Settlement (near St. Andrew's). —Nine holders, all of whom have complied. Improvements effected, £842 14s. 6d., as against £216 14s. Bd. required. The Peaks and Patoa Settlements (near Hurunui). —Sixteen holders, of whom four reside on their holdings and ten on other Crown leaseholds in the vicinity. Improvements effected, £1,955, as against £502 7s. Id. required. Roimata Settlement (near Christchurch). —Twenty-six holders, all fully complying. Improvements effected, £3,406, as against £553 18s. required. Braco Settlement (also near Christchurch). —Fourteen holders, twelve of whom are complying. Improvements effected, £773, as against £247 18s. 2d. required. Kereta Settlement (near Timaru). —Four settlers, all of whom have complied. Improvements effected, £523 ss. 6d., as against £72 18s. required. Epivorth Settlement (near Temuka). —Two small sections, held by a married couple, who are residing, and have improvements valued at £80, as against £6 15s. 7d. required Ashley Gorge Settlement (near Oxford). —Ten leaseholders in perpetuity and two small-grazing-run holders, of whom eleven are in permanent residence. Improvements effected, £2,405, as against £683 6s. Bd. required. Orakipaoa Settlement (near Temuka). —Twenty-seven settlers, of whom thirteen have settled on their holdings, and twelve others are specially exempted by regulation from residence while they live on their own small properties in the neighbouring township. These latter effect few improvements, and consequently bring down the average, the total improvements effected being £1,363 18s., as against £678 Is. Id. required. Highbank Settlement (between Methven and Eakaia). —Seventy-two holders, of whom fiftyseven have fully complied, the defaulters being principally holders of 10-acre lots. Improvements effected, £9,323 175., as against £3,235 14s. Id. required. This settlement, with the neighbouring one (Marawiti) was visited in September last by a very destructive north-west gale, which did considerable damage to about 2,900 acres of newly-sown crops, the majority of the sections being more or less affected. Seeds to the value of £626, to be paid for on promissory notes extending over one, two, and three years, were distributed to settlers to assist them in resowing, but the yield of many of the crops was considerably reduced. Waiapi and Rakitairi Settlements (near Temuka and Geraldine). —Thirty-six holders, of whom twenty-eight have resided and complied. The small holdings here are also unsatisfactory. Improvements effected, £4,814 10s. Id., as against £1,463 13s. 6d. required. Otarakaro Settlement (near Christchurch). —Seven holders, all complying very satisfactorily. Improvements effected, £770, as against £54 required. Wharenui Hamlet (a workmen's-homes settlement, near Christchurch). —Twenty-five selectors, of whom seventeen are in permanent residence and making good homes. Improvements effected, £1,444, as against £630 required. Albury Settlement. —Seventy-four holders, forty-eight of whom are in residence on their own holdings, and four others are exempt for the time being. Improvements effected, £9,226 13s. 6d., as against £3,555 4s. lid. required.

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Marawiti Settlement (near Eakaia). —Thirteen settlers, all of whom have built and resided. The crops on this settlement suffered, though in a less-degree, from the gale which did so much damage at Highbank. Improvements effected, £1,743 95., as against £748 15s. lOd. required. Horsley Down Settlement (near Waikari). —Twenty-five settlers, of whom twenty-four reside on their holdings, and one on another contiguous leasehold. Improvements effected, £7,508, as against £507 17s. Id. required. Hekeao Settlement (near Mount Somers). —Ten holders, of whom six have entered into residence. Improvements effected, £1,718 ss. 6d., as against £308 10s. Id. required. Of the 5-acre and 10-acre sections laid off in this settlement one only has been selected, and the holder has not complied. These sections require grouping. Pawaho Hamlet (workmen's-homes settlement, between Christchurch and Lyttelton).—ln this settlement the first year's tenancy had in no case fully expired, so that definite compliance with requirements was not enforceable. There are twenty-one holders, seven of whom are already in residence. The value of improvements already effected is £385 10s. Settlements to be offered in 1899-1900. —The Government has recently acquired a suburban block of 41 acres, named " Tamai," close to Christchurch, and this will shortly be offered on work-men's-homes conditions. Other estates are under offer and consideration, but in no case have definite arrangements been concluded. Cheviot Estate. At the end of the year 1898 Mr. Eanger Ward visited the Cheviot Estate, and has furnished a full report of the result of his inspection. Of the 236 leases which are held by 201 separate selectors under conditions requiring residence and improvements, the requirements have been complied with in all cases, so far as improvements are concerned, with the exception of two grazingfarms, where the improvements are deficient. As regards residence, there are twenty-five holders who are not actually living upon the sections in respect of which residence is due. Only one of these, however, is absent from the estate ; the others are living either on contiguous holdings or with relatives elsewhere on the estate, while a few reside most frequently where their usual employment is obtained. The total value of improvements required is £16,832 95., and the value effected is £49,738, or nearly treble the amount of requirements. The number of souls resident upon the settlement holdings is 838. The amount of arrears of rents is very small, being only £171 18s. Bd., owing by nineteen holders of all tenures, out of a total rental of £14,397 14s. od. payable by 260 lessees. There is on the part of some settlers on the estate a disposition to sell out with a view to migrating to larger holdings elsewhere, as they contend that their areas are not sufficient to enable them to marry and bring up their families suitably. The Waiau River has continued during the year to make its encroachments felt on the agricultural lands of the Waiau Flats. Unfortunately the lessees, whose title to their holdings is, for practical purposes, equal to freehold, neglected the precautions which almost any freeholder would have taken to protect his property, and which might, if adopted early enough, have saved some valuable land from destruction. The dairy factory, which has proved itself most useful and valuable, especially to the smaller settlers near Mackenzie, has been able to maintain its operations during the year, though considerably hampered by the want of an efficient water-supply. The crops on the flats this year have been to some extent damaged by caterpillars, which have reduced the yield by over 10 bushels per acre in some cases. Notwithstanding this, however, the average yield has been very good, and rape- and turnip-crops have also proved successful. The approximate total areas of crops have been as follows : Cereals, 4,019 acres; green and root crops, 7,374 acres ; English grasses, 11,430 acres. The plantations established by the former owner of Cheviot in the vicinity of Mackenzie and Domett, together with the hill-slopes near Port Robinson, which were reserved with a view to the protection of the native bush and the making of further plantations, have been placed under the control of the local Domain Boards, to be used and conserved for the enjoyment of the inhabitants of Cheviot. Some further finds of petroleum have been made during the year on a grazing-farm leasehold on the Seaward Bange to the east of Mackenzie. The analysis of the oil has yielded favourable results, and if it can be payably worked it would naturally tend to enhance the prosperity of the estate. Mr. John Sinclair, Harbourmaster at Port Eobinson, reports that the increase in the volume of trade during the year has exceeded the ratio of previous years, and a large addition to the original store has been erected by the Cheviot County Council. It is also proposed, when certain groins for the protection of reclamation-works are completed, to construct a short tram-line, with trollies, for the purpose of securing greater despatch in loading and unloading cargo. The ss. " Wakatu " made forty-three trips each from Lyttelton and Wellington, but on twelve occasions was obliged to pass on account of the sea being too rough to work her ; the steamers " Beautiful Star " and "Jane Douglas" made one trip each, and the " Dayspring," schooner, two trips. The following are a few details of the working: Eevenue, £1,731 2s. 7d.; expenditure, £1,518 2s. lid. (including £450 for additions to store) ; inwards cargo —general merchandise, 1,720 tons, besides fencing-posts and miscellaneous packages ; outwards cargo —2,731 bales wool, 16 sacks wool, 97 bales skins, 8,811 sacks wheat, 696 sacks barley, oats, potatoes, peas, &c.,and 447 miscellaneous packages. Crown Lands for Disposal, 1899-1900. —Except for lands acquired under the Land for Settlements Actg, Canterbury has practically no lands for disposal, except the generally unsatisfactory remnants of the free selection system. The Crown lands available for disposal at the 31st March, 1899, are as follows: —

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Area of Crown Lands available for Settlement, 31st March, 1899.

Departmental. —During the year thirty-five ordinary and special meetings of the Land Board have been held, and the steady increase in the number of permanent tenants tends to correspondingly enlarge the number of questions which have to be dealt with by the Board at its fortnightly meetings. The number of statutory applications lodged for lands offered for selection was 1,003, of which 216 were granted. The following approximate figures will serve to represent in part the amount of clerical work passed through the offices: Letters received and despatched, 18,350, including ordinary recorded correspondence and rent notices; about 8,500 lithographs and sale-plans distributed ; 950 vouchers dealing with an expenditure of about £18,500, and 650 cheques representing an imprest account of £5,500, were passed through the Accountant's Office. In the Eeceiver of Land Eevenue's Office, besides the revenue actually received, a sum of £57,698 12s. sd. was passed through the Deposit Account, and 4,832 receipts given for payments, &c. Sidney Weetman, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

OTAGO. Revenue. —The estimated gross amount of receipts for the year, including land for settlements, was £66,883 18s. 9d. The amount realised is £68,762 9s. 2d., there being a surplus over the estimates of £1,878 10s. sd. Divided into ordinary Crown lands, lands for settlements, and endowments, the estimated and actual receipts were as follows : Crown lands—Estimate, £53,602 ; receipts, £58,132 os. 7d.; surplus, £4,530 os. 7d. Land for settlements—Estimate, £11,901 18s. 9d.; receipts, £9,249 17s. 3d.; deficiency, £2,652 Is. 6d. Endowments—Estimate, £1,380; receipts, £1,380 lis. 4d.; surplus, lis. 4d. Totals—Estimate, £66,883 18s. 9d.; receipts, £68,762 9s. 2d. ; surplus, £1,878 10s. sd. As compared with the previous year, last year's receipts are greater by the sum of £1,010 13s. Id. Next year a shrinkage in revenue must for several reasons be expected, unless further estates are acquired under the Land for Settlements Act, as, for instance, the lessening of rental by exchanges from the perpetual-lease system to the lease-in-perpetuity system ; the lowering of the capital value in a large number of cases of surrendered and forfeited lands; and the gradually diminishing value of pastoral lands by the rabbit-pest and curtailment of wintering country. The gross annual rental of all classes of tenure at 31st March, 1898, was £67,167 10s. Bd., and at 31st March last, £64,822 10s. 5d., or £2,345 os. 3d. less at the latter than the former date. The surplus in Crown lands from last year's receipts was chiefly in cash, perpetual-lease lands made freehold, and deferred payments. The deficiency in land for settlements must be attributable to the fact that, in consequence of the previous season having been so unfavourable, many of the lessees got behind in their payments, and, though the present season has been much more favourable, many selectors had not been able to realise upon their crops in time to pay their rents before the close of the financial year. On some of the estates, too, in the northern district, even this year, many promising crops were blasted by hot winds at an early stage of their growth, so that the harvest where that has happened has been less satisfactory in its results than was at first expected. Summary of Transactions. —The following abstract of the year's transactions in tabular form is made up in the usual manner, and shows, when compared with that of the previous year, that the number of transactions are less by fifty-four, the area dealt with greater by 16,785 acres, while the total area held is shown to be less this year than last by thirty-nine selectors and 91,911 acres. This diminution is accounted for by the fact that a large number of selectors have either surrendered their holdings or allowed them to be forfeited in order that the land might be reopened at reduced rentals, there not having been sufficient time to admit of such surrendered or forfeited lands being reopened and again taken up before the close of the financial period. 4--C. 1.

County. System. Area (First Class). Area (Second Class). Total Area. Geraldine Ashburton Geraldine Waimate Selwyn I ... I Village lots .... Village homestead ... „ ... ... I t, ... ... ! Rural lands under Part III., "Land Act, 1892" A. B. P. 110 71 2 0 36 3 3 20 0 0 282 0 30 A. B. P. A. 1 128 B. P. 1 0 1 3 Ashburton Geraldine Mackenzie Waimate Selwyn Ashburton Waimate ... I Ditto ... ! Small grazing-runs .... Land for settlement 278 0 34 5 0 36 1,413 2 11 659 3 18 990 0 0 17 0 0 2,331 0 0 3,646 0 9 2,331 0 0 7 14 39 0 0 5,419 0 25 5,465 1 29 Totals 11,572 0 1 6,160 2 12 5,411 1 29

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Summary of Land Transactions, 1898-99.

Arrears. —The arrears on all classes at 31st March amounted to £3,221 7s. 3d., owing by 241 selectors or holders, occupying 93,070 acres, being an increase over the previous year of £903 7s. Id. and thirty-two selectors, but a decrease in area of 100,888 acres. The increase in the amount of arrears is chiefly in land for settlements, and the decrease in area in pastoral lands. It is expected that the greater portion of these arrears will be paid at an early date, and that, should the next season prove as favourable as the present one, the arrears next year will be very much less than they are at present. Surrenders and Forfeitures. —From the tables it will be seen that there have been no less than eighty forfeitures and eighty-eight surrenders, embracing a total area of 307,131 acres. In addition to this, the holdings have been diminished to a further extent by twenty-six deferred-payment holdings made freehold and ten perpetual leaseholds made freehold. The whole may be thus summarised: Forfeitures, 80; area, 169,671 acres 3 roods 5 perches. Surrenders, 88; area, 137,459 acres 1 rood 9 perches. Deferred payment made "freehold, 26; area, 4,495 acres and 34 perches. Perpetual lease made freehold, 10; area, 1,582 acres, and 27 perches. Totals, 204; area, 313,208 acres 1 rood 35 perches. The totals of similar transactions in 1897-98 were 162 selectors ; area, 258,723 acres. Transfers and Exchanges. —The transactions of the year also include a considerable number of transfers —viz., eighty-three, representing an area of 39,901 acres 2 roods 9 perches of all classes of tenure ; and there were seventeen conversions to leases in perpetuity, over an area of 4,641 acres 1 rood 21 perches. In 1897-98 there were seventy-five transfers, with an area of 46,150 acres, and nine exchanges to lease in perpetuity, with an area of 3,516 acres.

Transactions during Year. Area held at 31st March, 1899. Glass of Selection. Revenue received during the Year. Number. Area. Number. Area. Cash Deferred payments Deferred payments made freehold Perpetual lease Perpetual lease made freehold ... Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, exchange from other tenures Agricultural leases Occupation leases (Mining Districts Land Occupation Act) Village settlement — Deferred payment ... Perpetual lease . Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity ... Village-homestead special settle-) ment I Special - settlement association (lease in perpetuity) Homestead lands Improved-farm settlement Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Coal and mineral leases Timber-cutting Miscellaneous licenses ... Survey-fees ... Crown-grant fees Other sources Land for settlement — Lease in perpetuity (including Building Account) Village lease in perpetuity Small grazing-runs ... Miscellaneous licenses Miscellaneous receipts 96 A. B. P. 2,152 2 33 87 A. 21,617 E. P. 1 11 s s. a. 1,834 1 8 2,958 1 2 "26 4,495 0 34 10 20 367 71,680 3 27 3,059 17 6 1,525 7 6 647 13 6 1,582 0 27 2,911 2 17 "98 17,130 1 10 } 57 17 14,008 3 9 4,641 1 21 566 149,391 1 18 3,838 3 4 2 15 114. 1 11 508 3 13 20 96 637 3,806 0 6 2 30 79 19 0 180 10 1 5 42 5 187 933 3 2 36 2 33 2 28 9 13 3 73 15 8 0 19 0 7 72 3 18 129 1,958 3 4 149 12 8 (B.103 1 1 (i. 65 13 2 130 3 7 84 1,341 1 5 15 2,955 1 12 3 9 19 513 3 36 18,644 0 24 317,170 3 22 3 73 239 244 206 9,879 479,843 4,068,424 2 37 1 4 3 32 0 16 11,806 19 6 29,584 5 11 ( 189 9 4 46 11 0 (l,093 0 10 96 13 4 156 19 11 501 8 7 13 91 360 0 0 158,017 0 12 1 420 163,226 1 37 * 13 1,656 0 31 266 34,457 1 34 8,122 i 1 2 i 15 0 2 0 1 36 28 3 36 383 3,667 430 0 4 1 30 2 33 228 12 9 265 6 2 29 15 7 603 18 8 Total Crown lands ... Total endowments ... 401 4 526,865 348 2 26 2 27 2,826 53 5,032,163 45,523 1 7 2 21 67,381 17 10 1,380 11 4 Grand totals 405 527,214 1 13 2,879 5,077,686 3 28 68,762 9 '2

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Land opened for Selection. —The several classes of ordinary Crown lands opened for selection during the year comprised an area of 261,932 acres, as shown in the tables, a large portion of this being lands reopened after forfeiture, surrender, and expiry of former tenancies. In addition to this, an area of 16 acres and 25 perches was disposed of under section 114 of " The Land Act, 1892," to three selectors ; 1,045 acres 2 roods 20 perches, under section 115, to ten selectors ; and 5 acres 2 roods 16 perches, to one purchaser, under section 117 of the said Act. Land to be opened. —Eegarding the land to be opened for the future, as I have before pointed out, there is now very little Crown land left suitable for close settlement, as no further low country can be taken from existing pastoral runs without rendering them unworkable by depriving them of absolutely necessary winter country. The areas to be dealt with during the present year are approximately as follows: 136,000 acres now open for selection in various localities, as per Land Guide; 12,000 acres to be notified under the optional system, chiefly in the Clutha, Maniatoto, and Vincent Counties, nearly 8,000 acres of which are forfeited and surrendered lands to be reopened ; 40,000 acres of small grazing-runs in various localities, the greater portion being forfeited and surrendered lands to be reopened; 221,000 acres of pastora,! lands, now in hand, and to fall in during the year, in Tuapeka and Vincent Counties; and 100,000 acres of pastoral lands, the licenses over which expire in 1901, and which have to be dealt with during the current financial year; making a grand total of about 509,000 acres of ordinary Crown lands to be dealt with during the year. In my last year's report I alluded to the difficulties that were looming up in regard to the bush lands in the Catlin's, Woodland, and adjacent! districts, arising from the want of proper roadcommunication, poverty of soil, and aftergrowth of bush-fern on the cleared land. During the year a large number of holdings have fallen in by way of surrender or forfeiture, and considerable reductions have been made in capital values when reopening the same, to endeavour as far as possible to mitigate the drawbacks under which the settlers in these places are labouring. It is hoped that with these concessions, and the gradual improvement now being made in the roads, that many of the selectors will be able to struggle through, and ultimately to establish themselves in profitable and permanent occupation of their holdings. Several of the members of the Land Board, with myself, visited these districts recently, and satisfied themselves as to the difficulties referred to, and of the necessity of giving every possible assistance to the settlers. It has been suggested that the extension of the Catlin's Eailway to the Tahakopa Valley would be of immense advantage to these districts, as it would enable the settlers to dispose of much of their timber in the shape of sleepers, fencing, and building material at good value—timber that is now absolutely wasted and destroyed. In that way many of the holdings would be self-supporting while the settlers were clearing their land preparatory to grassing or cropping. The railway would doubtless be the best and surest method of opening up that part of the Otago Land District. The prospects of the Otago Central district are much more hopeful for the ensuing season than they were at this time last year, winter feed promising to be more abundant to a considerable degree, which will be of great advantage both to sheep-farmers and agriculturists. There can be no doubt also that the opening of the Otago Central Eailway as far as Ranfurly will be of considerable assistance to settlers. Swinburn Farm Homestead Block. —As compared with last year there has been a falling-off in this settlement, the result, doubtless, of the bad seasons through which the settlers have had to pass during the last two or three years. Should, however, the next season be a favourable one, it is hoped that the prospects of the settlement will improve. Ranger Atkinson reports, " The settlers od this settlement are only just beginning to slowly recover from the disastrous droughts experienced there and elsewhere for the last three years. The crops consist principally of oats and turnips, which are far above the average, and the settlers hope to recover a little lee-way and have something over and above the rent this year. Several of the original settlers were unable to tide over the past bad seasons, and sold out to others better acquainted with the district and climate." Settlement Conditions and Rangers' Reports generally. —The Rangers report that settlement on ordinary Crown lands has made very fair progress during the year; that the high prices ruling last year enabled many of the settlers to carry out much-needed improvements; that the present season promises to yield large returns; and that, although prices are expected to be low, the abundance of the harvest will compensate therefor. They also state that conditions as to residence and improvements have been, generally speaking, well complied with, the exception being on holdings of high and inferior country, in respect of which it is next to impossible to effect improvements to the full extent required by regulations. Besides the work of regular and routine inspection, the Eangers have furnished during the year some 419 special reports, 195 of these being accompanied by statutory declarations. From the tables it will also be seen that out of 728 holdings visited, covering an area of 190,111 acres, there were not more than 114 defaulters, sixty-eight of these being in respect of improvements, forty-four for non-residence, and two for other reasons. In relation also to these holdings, the value of required improvements is estimated at £41,312, the value of those actually effected being £86,100, an excess over requirements of £44,788. Eanger Mackenzie, stationed at Queenstown, reports with respect to his district that "the generally good harvest this year will enable many struggling settlers to get into a better position. A good deal has been done during the year in the way of improvements, and, on the whole, everything is in a healthier condition than last year." This may also be said to apply generally throughout the whole of this land district on the present occasion. As in previous years, Eanger Mackenzie has rendered valuable assistance in connection with surveys, in making plans for the local office, and in placing diagrams, &c, on mining titles. Martin's Bay. —l attach a report by Banger Mackenzie of a recent visit to the settlement at Martin's Bay, which may be of interest. State Forests. —A large amount of work has been done in this district during the year in connection with the State forest nurseries already established, a full report of which is being forwarded by the Forester, Mr. H. J. Matthews.

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Resolution Island. —l am forwarding a report from Mr. Henry, the Curator on Eesolution Island ; as also a number of notes and memoranda made by him on various matters relating to his special work and explorations. Lands under Land for Settlements Acts. The operations of the year have been limited to the ten estates previously acquired, no new ones having been purchased in time for disposal during the year. The Elderslie Estate, near Oamaru, arrangements for the acquirement of which have recently been made, may possibly be brought into the market before the close of the financial year now current ; but it is, of course, premature to furnish any particulars with regard thereto at the present time. Taking the estates in the order of purchase, I will briefly note a few particulars respecting their progress and present position. (1.) Pomahaka Downs Estate. —Eanger Hughan reports that very good progress has been made on this estate in the erection of buildings, fencing, and other improvements ; that the crops this season are very good, and promise to yield satisfactory returns ; and that the conditions of the leases and Act have been well complied with. Only two sections are at present unlet, one containing 319 acres and 38 perches, and the other 4 acres 2 roods 19 perches. The receipts for the year were £2,080 15s. 7d., and the present annual rental of the land let being £1,143 Os. Bd. for an area of 6,919 acres 2 roods 26 perches, held by twenty-six selectors. The total receipts from inception have been £4,135 16s. 4d. The total area under cultivation is 2,688 acres, 2,305 acres being in oats, 16 in wheat, and 367 in root-crops. Total number of dwellinghouses, 23 ; total number of persons resident, 75 ; and total value of improvements now on the land, £4,751 18s. With another successful season this estate will have become fairly prosperous. It will be seen that the payments made during the year exceeded the annual rental by £936 14s. lid. (2.) Teanaraki Estate. —Banger Atkinson reports that the settlers on this estate have had a successful year, having harvested better crops than for some years past, and that a few seasons similar to the present one would greatly improve their condition. Three sections, with a total area of 30 acres, are at present unlet, one of which has already been reopened, and the other two will be reopened at an early date. The receipts for the year were £194 17s. 5d.; total from inception, £1,131155. Id. The present annual rental is £254 4s. 6d., for an area of 314 acres 1 rood 30 perches, held by twenty persons. Value of improvements on the land, £1,117; area under cultivation, 119 acres; number of houses, 15; number of persons resident, 54. (3.) Tahawai Estate. —Eegarding this estate of 69 acres, the Eanger states that it is a very good little settlement; that the crops are always good, and that the settlers are perfectly satisfied with their sections ; this being mainly owing to the small water-race which enables the settlers to irrigate their holdings. Eeceipts for the year, £33 15s. 4d. ; total from beginning, £119 15s. Id. ; present annual rental, £35 14s. 4d.; value of improvements, £667; cultivation, 26 acres; number of houses, 8 ; persons resident, 29. (4.) Maerewhenua Estate. —Eanger Atkinson reports on this estate as follows: " With regard to this estate, everything is in much the same position as on the Tokarahi Estate. The northwest wind of November aid a considerable amount of damage by checking the growth of wheat while in the shot-blade, and the rain later on had the effect of causing a certain amount of second growth. Notwithstanding this the crop is expected to yield about 20 bushels per acre. The oat-crop is very good, as is also the turnip-crop, which, with the grass, will enable stock to winter well. A number of settlers have done well in the sale of early lambs at 10s. a head." Only three small sections of one acre each remain unoccupied on this estate, the area occupied by seventy selectors being 10,910 acres 1 rood 28 perches, and 22 acres 3 roods 22 perches of reserves under temporary licenses, at an annual rental of £3,553 65., the amount received during the year being £2,059 3s. 9d.; total receipts from commencement, £10,710 18s. Id. The total value of the improvements now on the land is £9,764 ss. 9d. ; the value of those effected by the tenants being £7,063. The cultivation this last season comprised 1,168 acres in oats, 2,354 acres in wheat, and 1,237 acres in root-crops; making a total of 4,759 acres. Fifty-nine houses have been erected, and there are 221 persons now resident. In every respect a favourable increase has been made during the year. (5.) Puketapu Estate. —The settlers on this estate are reported to be doing well. The crops of oats and wheat, as well as root-crops, are very good, and the settlers appear well satisfied with their prospects. The whole of it is occupied, at an annual rental of £189 os. lOd. for an area of 496 acres and 36 perches, held by eleven tenants. The year's receipts amounted to £159 14s. 6d., the total from commencement being £415 4s. lOd. Total value of improvements, £763 Bs. 7d.; cultivation, 119 acres ; number of houses, 8; number of persons resident, 23. (6.) Ardgowan Estate. —On this estate the selectors are reported by the Eanger to be doing remarkably well, and being very well satisfied with their holdings and prospects. The crops generally have been very good, and are expected to yield fully up to the average in both wheat and oats. A larger area than usual has been planted with potatoes, which promises excellent returns. With the exception of one section containing 19 acres and 29 perches, the lease of which was recently declared forfeited for non-compliance with conditions, the whole of the estate is let— namely, 4,143 acres 2 roods 15 perches, and a reserve of 2 acres 3 roods 8 perches—-at an annual rental of £1,894 19s. Bd., the receipts for the year being £1,257 4s. lid., and the total from inception £4,889 Bs. 7d. Value of improvements, £7,009 19s. Id.; cultivation, 1,948 acres, 691 acres being in oats, 1,024 acres in wheat, and 233 acres in root-crops; number of houses, 50; persons resident, 199. (7.) Makareao Estate. —Ranger Atkinson reports, " This estate, like those in the Oamaru and Maruwenua districts, has been greatly benefited by a favourable season. The crops of wheat are turning out well, as also the oats, while the root-crops are better than they have been for years past. The settlers generally are satisfied with their holdings." The whole of the estate is occupied

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at an annual rental of £377 18s. Bd. The receipts for the year were £248 10s. 5d., those from the commencement amounting to £873 Os. lOd. Value of improvements, £1,494 lis. 9d. ; cultivation, 548 acres ; number of houses, 15; persons resident, 55. The area in occupation, including reserves under miscellaneous license, is 2,291 acres 3 roods. (8.) Makareao Extension. —The Ranger's remarks on former estate apply to this also. The whole of the selection area of 2,570 acres 2 roods 9 perches is occupied by four tenants, at an annual rental of £296 15s. 4d., the rent paid during the year being £148 3s. lid. ; total to date, £296 15s. 4d. Value of improvements, £596 10s. ; cultivation, 196 acres; number of houses, 3 ; persons resident, 6. (9.) Momenta Estate. —This small estate, with a present selection area of 219 acres and 15 perches, is all let to fourteen tenants, at an annual rental of £210 35., including £25 ss. for Buildings Account. Ranger Hughan reports with regard to it as follows : " This is one of the best settlements for its size in Otago. Each settler has a dwellinghouse and all necessary improvements, which are far in excess of the requirements of the Act. There is a dairy factory and school adjoining the estate, and. the selectors milk about eighty cows for the factory. The tenants are well satisfied with their position." The rent paid during the year amounted to £186 12s. 10d., including £25 ss. on account of buildings, the total to date being £398 lis. 6d. Value of improvements, £1,808 12s. 6d.; cultivation, 122 acres, 64 acres being in oats, 23 acres in wheat, and 35 acres in root-crops ; number of houses, 14; persons resident, 49. (10.) Tokarahi Estate. —Ranger Atkinson reports, " On this estate the settlers generally have had a fairly successful year. The wheat-crop will yield comparatively well, although in some instances on exposed places it is very poor, having been checked by a high north-west wind at the latter end of November. The oat-crop is very good, and will yield well. The turnip-crop is exceptionally good, and will provide abundance of food for stock during the winter." Only three sections, with an area of 4 acres and 27 perches, are unoccupied on this estate, there being an area of 10,781 acres 2 roods 36 perches held by fifty-one tenants, at an annual rental of £4,101 145., including £96 Is. lOd. for buildings. There is also an aggregate area of 186 acres 3 roods 22 perches of reserves held under twenty-seven temporary licenses, at an annual rental of £16 9s. 10d., twentyfive of which licenses are held by lease-in-perpetuity tenants on the estate. The total annual rental is thus £4,118 3s. lOd. The receipts for the year amounted to £2,880 18s. 7d., the total from inception being £5,637 Is. lid. Value of improvements on the land, £6,665 14s. 6d.; cultivation, 4,119 acres, 983 acres being in oats, 2,695 acres in wheat, and 441 acres in root-crops; number of houses, 39 ; persons resident, 116. The selectors on this estate had a very unfavourable year at the commencement, and hence are somewhat behind in their payments; but given another favourable season, there is every reason for believing that they will be put in a satisfactory position. Summary. —The following summary of totals in respect of the several estates may be of interest: Number of estates, 10; number of selectors, 298; area in occupation (in addition to reserves, 390 acres 2 roods 11 perches) 38,548 acres and 10 perches; average to each selector, 129 acres 1 rood 16 perches. Annual rental, including temporary reserves and Building Account, £12,064 3s. 6d. Area unlet at 31st March last, 380 acres and 33 perches; annual rental of unlet area, £90 Is. Bd. Receipts during"the year, £9,249 17s. 3d.; receipts from inception to 31st March last, £28,608 7s. 7d. Value of improvements on 31st March last, £34,639 os. 2d. Area in cultivation —oats, 5,495 acres; wheat, 6,698 acres; root-crops, 2,451 acres: total, 14,644 acres. Number of dwellinghouses, 234 ; number of persons resident, 827. Martin's Bay Settlement. Ranger Mackenzie reports on this settlement on 17th April, 1899, as follows : I have the honour to forward report upon my recent visit to Martin's Bay Settlement. I left the Greenstone on the morning of the 20th March, and at 6 o'clock in the evening reached the Greenstone Hut, which stands about a mile after leaving the Greenstone Gorge. It is a slab hut with iron roof, erected last winter. This is always the first stage going this route, making an early start. The road is very good up the open valley ; there is not the slightest difficulty for any one going for the first time to find the best road, as there are fifty poles, put up at every point where there would be any difficulty in river-crossings or swamps, also at the entrance of the bushes. Great improvements have been made on this portion of the track—l mean from the entrance of the bush to the saddle. It used to be dangerous crossing the deep bogs, but now there is a good firm track ; indeed, the track all the way down to the head of the lake is in very good order. I then rode down the lake track to the settlement. This is the worst part of the journey, but I found little or no difficulty in getting through. One tree had fallen over it, but this was easily got round without using an axe. At the same time the track is a very rough one—so many high, steep bluffs rising up from the lakeside necessitate an abrupt ascent, rising sometimes 300 ft. or 400 ft. up a very steep grade. The track has been badly laid off, as many of these places could have been avoided altogether, or a better grade found. There is often, however, a boat at the head of the lake, and when there is none I would suggest that if a party have a guide with them he should be sent round by the lake track and bring up a boat. The party meanwhile could stay at Pyke's Creek hut, and be exploring Lake Alabaster, which is close to the Chair, the scenery around being very fine. I had a very wet day going down the lake-side, but on getting out on the white shingle-beach near the township one forgets all the hardships of the rough mountain-track. I had a very kind reception by the three settlers —Mackenzie, George, and Campbell. They are all moving along quietly. George has about 100 acres cleared and in grass. Their sheep are increasing, but they trust chiefly to their cattle, which feed in the bush, where there is plenty of feed all the year round. Their great difficulty is an outlet for their produce. Their wool has at times been left six, and sometimes eight, months on the beach. They made great complaints of the irregularity of the steamer, which is generally a month or six weeks behind the time it is supposed to be there; so that, instead of having it calling four times a year, it only makes three trips, and they are often out of provisions. One house had no sugar, and flour was getting scarce. The steamer, they said, should have been there three weeks before, but they did not know when it would come. They said a steamer calls

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every month at Jackson's Bay. I have no doubt but in time this will become a thriving settlement. I believe there are several thousand acres of as fine land-as is to be found in New Zealand, which could be easily cleared, and which is specially adapted for grass-growing. There are places where sawmills could be erected, any quantity of timber —white- and red-pins, totara, red-birch, &, c , —being procurable. The lake and river scenery is beautiful, and, from careful inquiries, I believe that steamers of two or three hundred tons could come in over the bar at any time without any danger, and this must be the outlet for the district. It is something to know that some of the best land in Otago is still open for selection. J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

SOUTHLAND. The subjoined table will show in a brief but comprehensive manner the result of the year's transactions and the several sources from which the revenue has been obtained: —

It will be seen by the above return that the revenue is greatly in excess of my last year's estimate, and fully equal to that of the previous year. Another satisfactory feature is the small percentage of arrears. . Land for Selection.— There are several blocks in this district which might be placed in the market for selection, but as these are nearly all covered with bush the Land Board is not anxious to push settlement in this class of land, where it is recognised that the future, if not the present, value of the milling timber is more than the prairie value of the land. This is applicable to nearly all the Waikawa and Otara Blocks where sawmills have not yet been cutting. Of course it is recognised that the present value of the bush is not much so long as the more easily accessible timber is sufficient to supply the market. The time, however, is fast approaching when the back blocks will have to be drawn on for supplies. It appears, therefore, well to conserve them for future disposal. This question, however, affects second-class lands only, as land fairly good, and with only a limited amount of milling timber, would pay better if utilised for immediate settlement. In the latter class I include that lying on the east side of the Waiau Eiver, in Longwood and Waiau districts. This land carries only sufficient timber for fencing and building purposes, and would consequently pay better were it felled and grassed ; in the meantime it is either State forest or forest-preservation reserve, and therefore will require parliamentary approval for the removal of the reservation. The Land Board will recommend that a block in the locality referred to be thrown open for settlement. Land open for Selection.— The land open for selection consists principally of that shown in the Land Guide, the greater part of which is inferior bush, swampy, cold, clay land. During_ the ensuing year I propose asking one of the members of the Land Board to accompany me in a thorough inspection of all the surveyed land for the purpose of reclassifying, valuing, and grouping these sections, and if possible place the lands at such a value as may secure their occupation in some way. The same remarks may also apply to township lands, the sections of which bulk largely in the Land Guide. Many of these were laid out anticipating a greater distribution of towns

System. u w JO floo 3 2 S 03 Area. Cash paid during the Year. Arrears of Bents. Number of Tenants on Books. , Area held by such Tenants. Cash— Town, suburban, and village Eural Occupation with right of purchase - Lease in perpetuity Deferred payment Perpetual lease Perpetual lease made freehold Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs... Miscellaneous* Improved farms Timber and State forests Other sources... 31 8 14 47 4 A. B. P. 49 3 12 968 2 26 1,551 2 18 5,574 0 32 1,257 3 29 £ s. d. 462 4 3 637 13 7 809 9 10 2,240 12 5 2,165 3 11 1,421 9 2 804 5 0 £ s. d. 31 6 6 234 14 3 33 8 0 84 16 8 127 413 154 302 A. R. P. 22,287 3 10 66,709 1 26 24,284 3 5 27,636 1 38 2 6 38 12 6,651 2 33 71,102 0 0 9,279 2 6 1,225 2 10 768 15 8 3,745 3 10 731 3 8 155 16 7 28 19 7 20 88 282 52 61,906 1 13 1,250 795 0 0 45,355 2 13 4,977 2 14 2,826 15 1 527 13 8 Total Crown Endowments ... 162 97,661 0 6 17,140 10 2,219 1 1 9 569 1 7 1,438 82 1,503,952 3 39 54,085 3 37 Total ... Land for settlements — Lease in perpetuity ... Miscellaneous 162 8 1 97,661 4,486 5 0 2 0 6 6 9 19,359 11 10 1,426 16 4 107 16 0 569 1 7 147 7 9 1,520 55 2 1,558,038 3 36 15,504 2 20 25 0 9 Grand total 171 102,152 2 21 20,894 4 2 716 9 4 1,577 1,573,568 2 25 * Includes licenses under Mining Districts Land Occupation Act.

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throughout the district. The present-day tendency, however, is towards large centres, hence these small and presently paper townships are and will be of little value. I have no doubt we will be in a position to make recommendations for the disposal of these also. Gash Lands. —lncluded under this heading it will be seen that thirty-nine selectors have acquired town and rural lands; thirty-one of these purchased sections principally in the townships of Winton and Limehills. The latter was one of those laid out years ago and offered at the usual township prices, but with the exception of a few sections the bulk of them remained unsold. During the year it was deemed advisable to lower the price and dispose of them as village lands at a fair upset. The result justified the action, as the greater part was then sold at satisfactory prices, and substantial improvements and cultivation will follow. The Land Board brought forward a proposal to reduce the upset price of sections in Winton from £32 to £20 per acre, but the Borough Council strongly objected to a reduction, alleging with some force that this would lead to speculation and a reduction in the value of land previously bought at a higher price. Ultimately the Board gave way, and left the price as formerly. This discussion had, however, a good advertising effect, as the great majority of unsold sections have since been disposed of. Deferred-payment Lands. —The old class of settlement is, of course, a diminishing quantity ; every year the usual number complete purchase, and within a reasonable time the revenue from this source will not amount to much. It might be noted that the bulk of those who have capitalised are practically treating their holdings as perpetual lease — i.e., continuing to pay the accruing interest without apparently a thought of completing the purchase within the period allowed. This is a question which might be dealt with in the future, as hitherto it has been deemed inadvisable by the Land Board to force a man to borrow for the purpose of completing his title. There is also the other side of the question—viz., that as long as a settler pays 5 per cent, regularly he should not be urged to complete purchase. This is the aspect most favourable to the present position. Perpetual Lease. —During the year nineteen have exchanged to lease in perpetuity. This has been done in the case of many who were unable to pay the arrears of rent and have taken advantage of the lower rate to place themselves in credit. Four have acquired the freehold, and in this they have been assisted by the Advances to Settlers Department, the better security of freehold being a factor in the amount of advance. It will be noticed that the number of settlers in arrear in this system has decreased from fifty-four last year to twenty-three in the current year, and also the arrears from £236 Os. 6d. to £84 16s. Bd. Occupation with Right of Purchase. —This system is apparently unpopular in this district. Only fourteen selections have been made during the year, as against forty-seven under lease in perpetuity. At the same time it might be mentioned that since the introduction of these two systems, omitting the area in village settlements, the numbers of selectors are 135 and 213 under occupation with right of purchase and lease in perpetuity respectively. Six forfeitures and twelve surrenders have been made during the year. Lease in Perpetuity. —As previously mentioned, the number of selectors is forty-seven, thirty of which were village-homestead allotments, the balance being rural lands. The forfeitures and surrenders have been unusually heavy, owing principally to the residence conditions being more strictly required. In some cases it was also found that on bush sections there was a tendency to cut out the timber and abandon the holding. The Land Board had therefore to prevent this by more stringently enforcing the requirements of the Act. It might also be noted that the arrears have decreased from £732 to £234. Small Grazing-runs. —This class of settlement has not been in Southland the success anticipated when inaugurated. A considerable extent of pastoral land was set aside for this settlement. Forty-two sections or runs were surveyed, but only twenty are now held, and during next year it is anticipated that a few more will be given up. This will mean that the land will revert to its original purpose for pastoral leasing in larger areas. Pastoral Runs. —During the year 71,102 acres have been taken up under this tenure. The total holding, as shown by table, represents a steady annual revenue, with which, as a rule, there is not much difficulty in the collection. The arrears, it will be noticed, are nil. Small Holdings. —ln this district there are a very large number of small settlers who hold their allotments under the various systems of village and village-homestead settlement. Including all the systems it will be found that there are 408 settlers holding 6,217 acres in about forty different villages—an average of 15 acres to each settler. Lease-in-perpetuity tenure, of course, claims by far the largest number. One of the settlements has over fifty settlers, while several possess but one single holding. The amount of work entailed in collecting small sums as rents twice every year, in Eangers' visits of inspection, and in reopening and dealing with the frequent forfeitures and surrenders in these small villages is considerable. Nevertheless the establishment of such settlements has enabled many labouring-men to secure comfortable homes. In no case is the rent-payment required nearly so great as would be demanded for a small cottage on a quarter-acre allotment in town or suburb. Besides this, living generally is much cheaper, and a settler is able to keep a cow, pigs, &c, and thus augment his income. In spare time and in the periods when work is not easily obtainable these small settlers, it was thought when these settlements were established, would apply themselves to the improvement of their holdings. The experience in this district goes to show that this has been fairly well carried out. Of course many have made failures, but this will occur in any new scheme of settlement. lam glad to state that the Eanger reports generally that these small holders have made improvements in excess of requirements, and are on the whole well contented with their prospects. " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894." —During the year only eleven applications for occupation leases under this Act were received, for an area of 539 acres. Of these, two were granted, covering an area of 150 acres; one was withdrawn, five were refused, and two held over for further consideration. It is probable that the action of the Land Board in refusing, as a rule, to grant the applications of any but those directly interested in mining has deterred others from

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making applications for leases under this Act. The leases of two selectors were forfeited for not residing upon their holdings. As residence is the only condition of occupation that is required and can be enforced under the Act, it is necessary that it should be strictly complied with. Timber. —A glance at the timber revenue will show that the year has been a particularly busy one in this industry. Many sawmill areas have been taken up; new men have entered the business, and new mills have been erected in various parts of the district. The old firms have also increased their plant, the result of all this being a decided increase in the output. I have again obtained an approximate estimate of the quantity cut during the year, and this I understand constitutes a record far in excess of any similar period since the industry started. Taking all the large and small mills, with an output of from 2,000,000 ft. to 80,000 ft., I find there are forty-two at work, cutting about 35,000,000 ft. for the year. Comparing this with the return of last year, it will be seen that there is an increase of upwards of 5,000,000 ft., which at the present price of timber represents only £10,000 in value. I need not point out what this means to the district, but will simply mention that the employes connected with sawmilling number about 573 men, besides those indirectly dependent on the industry. During the year a somewhat sharp rise in the price of timber has been decided on. This was partly owing to the excessive demand, and partly to the increased royalties under the new regulations, although it appeared to me the latter hardly justified the substantial advance in price made by the sawmillers. Those who held large areas under the old regulations will materially benefit by this, but those whose applications were granted under the new regulations to a limited extent only. I might, however, point out one distinct benefit gained by a few settlers in connection with the demand, in that they have been enabled to sell the milling timber on their land, getting cash for it, and the heavy timber cleared from their holdings. General. —The Eanger's return shows that he has made 443 inspections during the year, and so far he finds that settlers are generally complying with the conditions of their occupation. He reports also "that the improvements are fairly and satisfactorily carried out, and are considerably above the requirements of the Act, chiefly consisting of buildings, fencing, and cultivation, and the crops of wheat and oats have been abundant almost everywhere, and as I travelled through the various districts I heard very few complaints." There will always be some settlers in default. The Land Board, however, discriminates in these cases as carefully as possible between the settler with good intentions, and doing good work, and others who apparently do not intend or care to succeed with their selections. In the latter case forfeiture has in many instances been decided on. I can here make a brief mention only to the revaluations under the surrender conditions of the Act. A number, in accordance with the circular sent out, asked that surrender should be accepted. These have all been carefully gone into by the Commission appointed for the purpose, and substantial reductions have been accorded. This will be an immense benefit to the poorer parts of the district, and should, I think, give settlers more interest in their work. Lands under " The Land for Settlements Act, 1894." There are three estates in this district held under the above Act, all of which were surveyed and partly dealt with during previous years. The position of each is as follows : — Merrivale. —During the year the settlers on this estate have been busily employed in cultivating and improving their holdings. Good houses are being erected on many of the holdings; considerable areas are being again broken up, cropped, and laid down in grass paddocks, and an oat-crop has been taken off (preparatory to turnips and grass). These and other crops show an area under cultivation of about 1,487 acres. In order to assist the Eanger in regulating the future cropping of the estate I sent a surveyor to approximately measure the area under cultivation, so that it will now be an easy matter to ascertain the improvements effected, and prevent overcropping at the same time. The above does not show the only source from which settlers derive their incomes, as, in addition to this, many are still cutting the grasses which were laid down by the previous owners, and the results so far have been particularly good. The following is a quotation from the Ranger's report: " I find that the settlers on the whole are complying with the requirements of the Act in a very satisfactory manner. The past season has proved a good one ; the crops have been good and grass has been plentiful. The result of the year has been very satisfactory ; the crops on many of the selections have yielded 50 bushels of oats to the acre, and the majority of the settlers are pleased with their holdings. Considerable progress has been made during the past year in fencing, cultivation, and the erection of buildings. The improvements are considerably beyond the requirements of the Act." Although there are seven settlers in arrear with their rents, I would remark that of that number three have paid up since the close of the financial year, and I anticipate that the remaining four will pay as soon as the returns from their harvest sales come in. Otahu. —Subsequent to the 31st March, 1898, about 2,748 acres have been selected, and the new settlers have made a good start with their improvements. Several paddocks have been laid down in grass and turnips, and the results have been good; others have been broken up, and will be cropped during the ensuing season. The one settler in arrear intends paying as soon as the transfer to him can be completed, which, owing to unforeseen circumstances, has been unavoidably delayed. The Ranger reports as follows : " Satisfactory progress has been made on this estate ; the settlers are apparently well pleased with their holdings, and I feel confident that in a few years this estate will be a thorough success. So far satisfactory improvements have been made in the way of fencing and cultivation. The crops are light, owing to their being put in the ground very late in the season, but, on the whole, crops and grass look well, and time will improve the estate very much." Beaumont. —Since the 31st March, 1898, four sections have been taken up. Settlers have not been in a position to give their properties a fair trial, although what has already been done in the way of cultivation has given good results. With one exception the settlers are vigorously carrying out the necessary improvements and cultivation, and I fully anticipate that the results will induce others during the current year to take up the greater part of the estate. D. Baeeon, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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APPENDIX No. 2.—SUEVEYS.

EXTRACTS FEOM EEPOETS OF CHIEF SUEVEYOES ON THE SUEVEY OPEEATIONS FOE THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MAECH, 1899.

AUCKLAND. Minor Triangulation. —Practically very little work has been done which can be classed under this heading. A survey of 25,652 acres, at a cost of 1-lld. per acre, was carried out by Mr. J. B. Thomson, for the purpose of correcting certain known errors of closures in the old work in the Opuawhanga district, and by Mr. J. I. Philips breaking down major triangulation for the purpose of check upon his Eangitoto-Tuhua subdivision surveys, in the Tuhua district. Rural and Suburban. —The output this year again shows an increase, its total being 437 sections, for an area of 116,081 acres, an increased average area per section of 242 acres, against an average of 194 acres per section in last year's return ; whilst the mean cost per acre has dropped to l-38s. per acre, against l-58s. per acre in last year's return. The staff have contributed the major portion of the work — i.e., 97,276 acres, at a mean cost of T2Bs. per acre. Authorised surveyors at schedule rates have surveyed a total of 18,805 acres, divided amongst 122 sections, at a mean cost of nearly 2s. per acre. This class of work has been distributed amongst eighteen authorised surveyors. The total cost of the 116,081 acres was £8,014 ss. Id. Nearly the whole of the rural sections surveyed by the staff has been in broken forest country, with the exception of some 3,000 acres of open fern land in the Puniu district, by Mr. Spencer. Town Surveys. —Mr. H, D. M. Haszard is the only contributor of town-section work, which consists of the Village of Mamaku, on the highest point of the Eotorua railway-line, near Eotorua, where several sawmills have been established, and a few mining residence and business sites in the Ohinemuri district. The total area so surveyed is 140 acres, subdivided into 150 lots, at a mean cost of nearly 17s. an acre. The whole of the area so surveyed is in heavy forest. Native Land Court Surveys. —The large area of 94,106 acres has been chiefly surveyed by authorised surveyors, with the exception of 2,628 acres surveyed by Mr. Baber in the Maketu and Te Tumu districts, at Tauranga. The mean cost per acre is 7-96 d. The large surveys, containing 65,603 acres, in the so-called " King-country" have been chiefly done by Messrs. W. Cussen, J. I. Philips, and W. Hallett, to carry out the orders of the Native Land Court in the EangitotoTuhua Block. The whole area is densely covered with forest, and is very inaccessible. During the year the subdivision surveys ordered by the Native Land Court have been exceptionally numerous, and have occupied the time of three draughtsmen to check and record them. Gold-mining Surveys. —Only a total of 3,848 acres has been surveyed for the Warden's Court this year, at a mean cost of 3-775. per acre. I do not anticipate any great increase in this class of survey, as the amalgamation of claims are generally being dealt with on the plans formerly furnished. Roads, &c. —There has been a large increase in the total mileage of roads surveyed and mapped. Plans of nearly 308 miles have been lodged for record, practically the whole return being by the staff. The cost per mile was very low—a little over £10 per mile, which includes grading, and the whole length was in nearly all cases through forest country. Mr. Vickerman surveyed and explored thirty-one miles of road in the King-country at a cost of £436. Other Work. —A sum of £1,294 10s. Bd. is ranged under this heading. In addition to this amount, £1,147 9s. Id. is the cost of inspection of surveys and road - exploration in the King-country by Mr. L. Cussen, under whose general supervision the surveys now in progress in that district are being carried on. £34 18s. is the cost of inspection of county-road contracts by Mr. Baber and attendances at Native Land Court, &c. Mr. Vickerman returns £32 10s., being cost of reports upon Waitehuna-Whatawhata road-deviation, &c, Eaglan County. The sum of £450 Is. 4d. is returned by Mr. Haszard as the cost of inspection of mining surveys and general work incurred for the benefit of the Warden's Office in the Hauraki Mining District generally, and also inspecting Native Land Court surveys near Taupo, and rural surveys, Waipu. £16 is the cost of running four miles of a Native boundary by Mr. T. K. Thomson in the Muriwhenua district. £29 Bs. is the cost of timber and ranging inspections by Mr. H. A. Warner. The sum of £150 13s. 4d. is charged by Mr. J. B. Thomson for time occupied in reporting upon and estimating kauri timber on Crown grants; also reporting upon settlement work, and cost of supervising road-construction at Buapekapeka, &c. Mr. E. P. Turner returns a cost of £32 14s. 6d. for time occupied in reporting upon proposed road - deviations, &c, by local bodies in Eaglan and Manukau Counties. £68 represents the time of Mr. Wilson and his party counting and measuring kauri timber on Cown lands, and marking boundaries adjoining freeholds, to prevent encroachments. £30 is the cost of Mr. Mountfort's time for reporting upon improvements on sections for settlement purposes. £7 16s. lOd. is the cost of Mr. Laseron's time reporting upon fencing of education reserves near Whaingaroa hot springs. Inspection of Rural Surveys. —Mr. L. Cussen has given as much time as possible to inspection of surveys in this district. Mr. Haszard, in addition to mining inspection, has inspected some 6—C. 1.

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58,000 acres of Native Land Court subdivisions at Taupo, and also large areas in the Waipu Survey District, which have been from time to time done by Mr. Hannah under contract. Field-ioork in Progress. —The staff have now in hand for subdivision purposes no less than 194,000 acres. Of this, some 90,000 acres is in progress in Kawhia County, in the hands of eight staff surveyors, in addition to which three road surveyors are grading roads under Mr. Hursthouse. The county being so operated upon is nearly all broken heavy forest-clad limestone country, of good quality, but intersected with deep ravines, and with very few leading ridges, thus making the work very tedious. It is being pushed on with all possible speed, and I trust to have 15,000 to 20,000 acres ready for scheduling about December. The only other extensive rural surveys in the hands of the staff are in the Tangihua district, in the hands of Mr. Martin, and at Eotorua, in the hands of Mr. Baber. Office-work. —The office staff have been fully occupied in recording the plans of rural and Native Land Court surveys and in the ordinary routine work. It was found quite impossible to devote any time to the recompiling and completion of the many Crown grant record-maps which I reported last year were more or less perished through damp. Two more good draughtsmen could find continuous employment at this work. The only county map not yet lithographed is that of Kawhia County, which is being held back until the subdivision surveys are in a more completed state. The Native Land Court subdivision orders had accumulated, and had become heavily in arrear, owing to so many appeals having been pending; but as these are now for the most part settled, an effort has been made to overtake this work, and three and four draughtsmen have been employed checking, recording, and placing plans on the order forms of the Court. The number and area so dealt with amounts to 471 plans, totalling 782,060 acres. In addition to the above, thirty Native Land Court block plans have been compiled for Court purposes, for an area of 58,928 acres. Geehaed Muellee, Chief Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. Topographical Survey. —The only survey of this class made during the year was that of the Hatuma Estate, of 26,976 acres, made by Messrs. Murray, Armstrong, and Stevenson for the purposes of the Compensation Court. Minor Triangulation. —No work under this head has been completed, but Mr. Brook has erected and observed at eleven stations, having broken down from the major triangulation to govern his Ngapaeruru surveys, the country being heavy forest. Mr. Eoddick also did some minor work in connection with his Tahora No. 2 Block surveys. Rural and Suburban. —The area surveyed is 86,760 acres, in 120 sections, at an average cost of 6'4d. per acre. Of this area 14,408 acres are a portion of the Ngapaeruru Block, subdivided for settlement into forty-seven sections by District Surveyor Hay, and all taken up by selectors or set apart for reserves, the land being broken forest country. Another portion of the total area, comprising the Frimley and other estates, surveyed by Mr. Mouat, represents an area of 6,802 acres, all being open grass country. A portion of the Nuhaka Block, containing 27,682 acres, has been surveyed and subdivided for settlement by Mr. Dalziel: it is mixed open and forest country. A part of the Tauwharetoi Block, of 35,023 acres, has been cut up into small grazing-runs by Mr. Eoddick, the boundaries being taken on the ridges and other natural features where good fencing-lines can be obtained. This adds to the expense of the survey, but it is-a great advantage to the settler. The land was generally broken forest country. With the exception of two small sections at Dannevirke, 1,728 acres represents the subdivision for settlement of the Crown portion of the Eakautatahi Block, near Norsewood, which has been cut up into eight sections by Mr. Stevenson. It is generally forest country. Selection- and sale-maps are now being prepared for 1,118 acres, the Crown award in the Kopuaatuaki Block, situated in the Waimata district, near Gisborne. It has been roaded and surveyed by Mr. H. K. Hovell, and will be offered shortly for selection in one section. It is open, broken country. Town-section Survey. —Under this class 510f acres have been surveyed into 160 allotments, at an average cost of 25-4s. an allotment. It comprises 503 acres in the Native Township of Te Puia, which has been subdivided by District Surveyor Wheeler into 159 allotments, with all necessary reserves; and 1\ acres, being a section in the Town of Gisborne which was surveyed by Mr. Mouat. Native Land Court Surveys. —The area surveyed by the staff under this heading is 146,904 acres, at a cost of 2-32 d. per acre. Of this, 119,952 acres represents the Crown award in Tahora No. 2 Block, the field-work having been generally completed by Mr. Eoddick last year. It represents thirteen subdivisions, and is all broken forest country. The forty-nine Crown awards in the Waiapu District contain 26,952 acres, were surveyed by District Surveyor Wheeler, and is generally broken forest country. Authorised surveyors have made sixty-two surveys, of a total area of 43,973 acres, at the cost of the Native owners ; so that the total area surveyed by the staff and authorised surveyors is 190,877 acres. Road Surveys. —Seventy-one miles and a half have been surveyed and mapped, at an average cost of £25-9 a mile, and forty-three miles surveyed but not mapped, so is not returned. Of the seventy-one miles, 17-5 is ordinary road survey, made by District Surveyor Wheeler, at a cost of £15-25 per mile; twenty-eight miles is an engineering survey, by Mr. Mouat, at a cost of £26-2 per mile, being a portion of the Gisborne-Waikaremoana Eoad, and included in the cost is exploration and all necessary engineering drawings. Of the twenty-six miles returned by Mr. Stevenson, 22J miles is an engineering survey of the Norsewood-Apiti Eoad. Its cost —£36-6 per mile—is high, but the road runs over the Euahine Eanges, where very bad weather was experienced by the surveyors, and pack-tracks had to be made to get in provisions, &c.

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The cost includes seventy-six drawings of plans, cross and longitudinal sections, and the computation of quantities and preparation of specifications, &c. Of the forty-three miles which is not returned, but of which the field-work is completed, twenty-six has been surveyed by Mr. Brook, to open up a portion of the Ngapaeruru Block for settlement, and seventeen miles, by Mr. Eoddick, is a portion of the Euakituri and Gisborne-Waikaremoana Eoads. District Surveyor Llewellyn Smith has during the year completed the exploration of the Ngatapa-Euatahuna Stock-track, which he has located and cut out. It goes through some very rough forest country, where transport of provisions, &c, is difficult and expensive. Mr. Hovell has been engaged exploring for roads to give access to isolated Crown lands in Poverty Bay. Under this heading, but which do not show in the schedule of work executed, are the necessary engineering surveys in connection with the co-opera-tive road-works. Messrs. L. Smith, J. Mouat, H. M. Smith, and T. B. Marshall have been employed on them, and considerable extra work is thrown on the office in preparing specifications, keeping accounts, forwarding half-pay to wives, &c. Other Work. —Under this heading are included field-inspections and works of a miscellaneous nature which cannot be classed under any of the usual headings, and the cost of surveys of which the field-work is completed, but, not being mapped, cannot be returned, so its cost—£l,3sB 17s. 10d. —is carried forward to next year. Field-inspections. —Owing to pressure of other work, only twelve field-inspections have been made by District Surveyors L. Smith and James Hay, Mr. Smith's generally being large blocks, one of 3,974 acres. The work generally has been fairly accurate, but in some cases faulty work was found necessitating correction. Summary of Year's Operations. —Of the 86,760 acres of rural and suburban surveys returned for the year, the field-work of about 10,000 acres of the Ngapaeruru Block was completed by Mr. Hay last year and the cost brought forward. In the town-section surveys the field-work of Te Puia Native Township, of 503 acres, was completed by Mr. Wheeler last year, and its cost carried forward. Of the 715 miles of road, the field-work of twenty-six miles engineering survey of the GisborneWaikaremoana Road was completed by Mr. Mouat last year, and the field-work of twelve miles of the engineering survey of the Norsewood-Apiti Eoad by Mr. Stevenson, in both cases the cost being carried forward. Native Land Court surveys comprised 146,904 acres, and of this area the fieldwork of 119,000 acres of Tahora No. 2 Block was completed by Mr. Eoddick last year and its cost carried forward. Surveys completed in the field but not returned owing to the plans not being finished are about forty-three miles of road surveyed by Messrs. Eoddick and Brook in connection with the opening-up of Crown land for sale, while Mr. Dalziel has explored and located roads in Nuhaka No. 2 Block, and Mr. Wheeler completed the survey of four Crown awards in Native blocks in the Waiapu district, of a total area of 3,628 acres, the plans of which arc-in hand; and, in addition, Mr. Hovell has surveyed portion of Tautini Native Township at Tokomaru. Our officers during the year have also been employed inspecting co-operative works grading, and making any engineering surveys found necessary throughout the district. Proposed Operations for 1899-1900. —The principal work for the coming year will be the survey for settlement of the Crown awards surveyed during this year and other Crown lands, the total being about 190,000 acres, which will require roading and subdividing for settlement. Of this area 30,000 acres are in the Waiapu district, and are under survey by District Surveyor Wheeler; 120,000 acres, portions of Tohora No. 2 Block, to be surveyed by Mr. Eoddick; 20,500 acres of Nuhaka No. 2 Block, now under survey by Mr. Dalziel; and 20,000 acres, being part of Waikopiro and Ngapaeruru Blocks, now under survey by Messrs. Stevenson and Brook. There are likely also to be some large blocks acquired shortly, which will need roading and subdividing for settlement. District Surveyor Hay, I propose, should be employed on field-inspecting in the Hawke's Bay portion of the land district, as, up to the present, no systematic check has been carried out, and I think that it is necessary to appoint an officer to carry out this important work. If any large blocks are acquired and it is necessary to survey them for settlement within a reasonable time, more surveyors will have to be employed. Office-work. —Office-work in all its branches shows a steady increase. One hundred and ninetyfour plans, representing an area of 306,367 acres, have been received, duly examined, and recorded; 1,504 plans have been indorsed upon certificates of title, Court orders, leases, and Validation Court decrees; and 680 tracings made for the Land- and Income-tax Department. Good progress has been made in bringing our records up to date, 244 skeleton block-sheets having been prepared, and forty-three Land Transfer record-maps plotted, on which 534 surveys have been recorded. The Chief Draughtsman has had a large quantity of work to do in connection with co-operative contracts and accounts, but a draughtsman having been lately appointed to assist him in this work, he will now have more time to attend to his ordinary duties. To keep the ordinary work of the department up to date occupies all the time of the present office staff, and to bring up the back work we require another draughtsman, Mr. Percival, who was engaged on this work, having resigned. Eeic C. Gold-Smith, Chief Surveyor.

TAEANAKI. Triangulation and Topography. —H. M. Skeet, District Surveyor, who has the completion of the major triangulation of the district in hand, has this year, when doing the topographical survey of Mount Egmont, been able to get several fresh points, further checking previous work, but the systematic continuance of this work was put off in consequence of more pressing matters. A considerable amount of subsidiary triangulation (breaking-down from the major sides) has been done by Messrs. Sladden and Laing. Mr. Skeet has taken a series of photographs around the mountain in conjunction with his topographical work, and by the aid of these several matters have been more

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definitely settled in connection with the sources, &c, of rivers in the reserve. They will also be useful for illustrating " Tourist Guide," &c. Rural and Suburban.- —Under this heading will appear as completed 50,858 acres, in 105 sections, at a cost of £3,505 55., making the average price per acre Is. 4-5 d.; and, when we consider the country, &c, and difficulties of transit, the cost is an extremely low one. However, I trust in the ensuing year, with the work steadier, and an additional surveyor in place of Mr. Holt, to have more land in the market. Native Land Court Surveys. —There have only been two isolated surveys under this heading,, each necessitating a special journey, and, as their combined area amounts to 189 acres, we may consider that, at a cost of 4s. 3'3d. per acre, the work has been cheaply done. Both these sections have liens over them due to the department. Roads, Railways, and Water-races. —District Surveyor G. B. Bullard and Assistant Surveyor J. F. Frith have principally been engaged upon roads, Mr. Bullard, in addition to the four miles returned, having some thirty miles of engineering work inland from Hawera surveyed in the field, but the plans are not yet in. These roads directly serve and open up some 30,000 acres of Crown lands, a large part of which I hope to see in the market before next March. Assistant Surveyor J. F. Frith has completed the last twenty-five miles of the through road from Eltham to Pipiriki, and a further twelve miles alternative route at Wanganui end is now in hand, and should be completed soon. Other Work includes the usual miscellany incidental to survey operations. The soundings usually made by the department for the New Plymouth Harbour Board are discontinued from this year. Numerous field-checks and inspections were made of work done by our own officers, and also by Land Transfer surveyors. A survey of the reserves on Marsland Hill, Town of New Plymouth, was also made, and standard marks fixed along one or two of the roads in the old "built survey area." Measurements were taken of bush felled and of grassed areas in improvedfarm settlements. Part of the boundary-line between the Whitianga and Maraekowhai Blocks was cut. Under this head is also included the cost of some exploration and track-cutting work done by Mr. Finnerty in the early part of the year. Field-work in Progress and proposed for Next Year. —From the causes already referred to, there is a large quantity of work on hand to be completed early next year, and but for which such should have swelled the present returns. The standard survey of the Town of Waitara, and also the remainder of the sectional survey therein, has been, completed in the field. A standard survey of Opunake Town is also practically completed. A great improvement in the weather since February has allowed the Mount Egmont work to be quickly and continuously prosecuted, but previous to that month —from end of June last—the season was the worst experienced for many years. A short time longer would have enabled Messrs. Bullard, Frith, Laing, and Oldfield to have completed and mapped from 14,000 to 16,000 acres of section work. These officers, in conjunction with Messrs. Morpeth, Murcott, and Sladden, have a total of 75,000 acres in hand of that class of work. Mr. Murcott at present has in progress survey of roads along the Upper Waitara Valley, for access and opening up his block. Mr. Sladden has done his exploration of the portion of Maraekowhai Block to be subdivided, and is breaking down triangulation for connections. Office-work. —This work is on the increase, and the congestion in connection with Land Transfer record-plans, county maps, &c, still continues. Good progress in the Crown-grant recordmaps has, however, been made during the year, but not as much as I could have desired with the block maps, in consequence of diversion of officers to less valuable but absolutely necessary work. The monthly instalments of dealings to be supplied to the Land Valuation Department add another item to routine work. The preparation of forty-chain maps for reproduction by photolithography is also being gone on with. In conclusion, I beg to express the sorrow of this office at the demise of Mr. Finnerty. As with so many of our colonial staff officers, his services have been many and varied. He was originally in the Imperial Service in India and China, latterly serving there under General Gordon; in New Zealand he served in the troublous times against the Natives, later on in the service of the Armed Constabulary, and then in the Public Works and Survey Departments, and he practically died in harness. John Steauchon, Chief Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. Major and Minor Triangulation. —As indicated in last year's report, Mr. District Surveyor H. J. Lowe returned 853,000 acres triangulated, including extensive overlaps upon the Auckland and Owhaoku series, necessitated by the removal or destruction of the original station-marks. Of this area, Mr. Lowe seems entitled to claim 809,000 acres, including 200,000 acres over which he reports having sketched the topography. Being still unmapped, the latter is reserved for next season's returns. The 609,000 acres scheduled include thirty-nine subsidiary trig, stations, fixed to check ninety miles of road traverses. As the plans and elements have not yet reached this office I have not been able to have the computations and results verified. Mr. Lowe meantime reports that the closures on the Mount Eden triangulation agree to within 8 seconds in bearing, and 1 link per mile on the closing sides ; whilst the discrepancy on the Bay of Plenty series amounted to 39 seconds and 1-3 links per mile respectively. The differences on the Hawke's Bay extension amounted to 18 seconds in bearing, and ranged from 3-3 links to 1-3 links in the mile, upon five sides. The final closures between the Wanganui and Pohangina triangulations are reported to disclose a difference of 1 link per mile. For reasons already given, these comparisons can only be accepted provisionally. After verification of the observations and calculations, and analysis of the various trigonometrical

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systems involved, I will report more fully as to the results. A rough tracing already to hand shows that the whole series comprises remarkably well-conditioned triangles, and that over a large area the discrepancy in the summation of the angles in each triangle does not average 2 seconds, testifying to the care of the observer, who used a splendid 10 in. " Everest " by Troughton and Simms, but only reading to 5 seconds. The accuracy of the observations was doubtless due to some extent to the fact that for every change of zero corresponding changes on the verniers were insisted upon —a practice not sufficiently attended to by observers. The measurement of a base of verification on the Murimotu Plains is necessary to the satisfactory conclusion of the work. It is important to note that the western stations of Mr. Lowe's triangulation were planted on the summits of Euapehu (9,175 ft.), Ngauruhoe (7,504 ft.), and Tongariro (6,458 ft.). Before leaving this subject for the present I wish to draw attention to the fact that the triangulation under review covers the central area of the North Island, and consequently corresponds to the keystone in an arch, as it completes and binds together the various series emanating from the coasts—each independent of the others, originating and founded upon its own base, and governed by ascertained astronomical elements. Hence the opportunity for comparison becomes deeply interesting. Topographical Survey for Selection Purposes. —This class of work was limited to a small block inland of Carterton, and another at Hurupi, South Wairarapa. Rural and Suburban. —The out-turn of work under this heading comprises Mr. James McKay's survey of Eangiwaea Block, all forest country, completed at a low cost; 9,630 acres at Kaiwhata, East Coast, subdivided into large sections by Mr. Strachan ; Mr. Mountfort's Oraukura Block of 6,535 acres near Taihape, the cost of which was unduly increased by previous surveys which were incorporated; part of the Awarua Block, on the ranges near Mangaweka, surveyed by Mr. Morice at a reasonable rate ; and other minor areas. Especial care has, as usual, been exercised in the determination of the road routes, and in their final location. The excellent results and precision obtainable by the use of the present-day 10-chain steel bands recall to the older generation of surveyors the tedious and agonising difficulties attending the use of the old-time chain constructed of bars, swivels, and a multitude of rings. It is interesting to note that Mr. C. A. Mountfort, Assistant Surveyor, failing the necessary trig, connections, has for years past checked and corrected his traverse bearings in dense forest country by sun azimuths. His field-books are replete with examples. The results have been most satisfactory, and prove that a 5-inch theodolite can be relied upon to furnish the true bearing by this method to within a few seconds. Its facility and convenience of application as compared with star observations at night in forest country aro recommended to the profession. The late Mr. Alexander Dundas was the first in this district to commonly adopt this method. Town Sections. —The principal areas under this head embrace Mr. Dalziell's Pongaroa town and village survey, and Mr. Eeardon's contract survey of the proposed Native township at Potaka, on the North Island Main Trunk Eailway, north of Mangaweka. Native Land Court Surveys. —Though only five separate areas go to make up about 90,000 acres, it affords me much satisfaction to report that all but 5,000 acres in Eangitatau are situated in the Awarua Block ; the titles to which have, most unfortunately, been unduly delayed. Mr. Maitland is credited with 6,697 acres, Mr. Mountfort with 17,400 acres, Mr, Morice with 8,775 acres, and Mr. Biggs with 51,451 acres, executed at a low rate. The cost of the Native surveys has been kept as low as possible, for the reason that in the past the Natives have incurred considerable outlay for the survey and resurvey of their claims. In addition to the foregoing area fortytwo blocks, comprising 204 subdivisions and 30,009 acres, were surveyed by private licensed surveyors, the plans of which were examined, reduced, recorded in the office, and approved by the Chief Surveyor. Roads and Railways. —Of the 155 miles returned, about 124 miles represent roads laid off and legalised through Native lands, and roads and tracks in use proposed to be dedicated as public highways. Though this class of survey is not immediately remunerative to the department, the value of the service rendered and the gain and advantage secured to the public can hardly be overestimated. Other Work. —The sum of £985 Bs. 4d. expended under this heading includes £76 incurred by the Inspecting Surveyor, Mr. Climie, making twelve inspections of surveyors' work ; and repairs to trigonometrical stations, mainly in the Wellington and Eangitikei districts. A register of all the trigonometrical stations in the Wellington Land District is projected. Mr. Earle's survey of the lowlying lands on the east side»of the Wairarapa Lake cost £129 18s. 7d.; and £84 16s. 2d. was spent on a retraverse of the coast and horse-track between Te Awaiti and the Whangamoana, South Wairarapa, and miscellaneous detached surveys and duties. Land Transfer Surveys. —It is but seldom that the staff undertakes surveys of this nature. They are carried out by licensed surveyors, the plans being examined and passed by the local Land Transfer Branch of the Survey Department. These comprise 270 plans ; and thirty-two plans were drawn or compiled. In addition the following duties were attended to: 1,503 deeds were passed, plans were placed on 2,010 certificates of title, the cost of the office being £901 10s. Inspections. —As before stated, Mr. Inspector J. D. Climie examined and tested twelve distinct surveys. The deductions to be drawn therefrom are: That, taken as a whole, the work has been good, but in the cases of two surveyors defective surveys were disclosed. The results demonstrate the necessity of systematic inspection in order that the staff and authorised surveyors' work may conform with the regulations and departmental requirements. In consequence of arrears of mapping of surveys executed as District Surveyor, and miscellaneous small but urgent surveys and special duties placed upon him last season, Mr. Climie was prevented from pursuing his inspections of the staff and private surveyors' work, though he is now constantly engaged upon this duty. During the year I devoted 117 days to land and survey inspections, covering by railway, coach, on horseback and foot, nearly six thousand miles. The revaluation of holdings and Land Board

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inspections occupied about forty days, settlement roads twenty days, and miscellaneous inspections eight days. I spent forty-nine days visiting, inspecting, and conferring with surveyors regarding their road-work, and in two instances tested the quality of their surveys. Office: Examination of Working-plans. —Systematic and continuous attention on the part of the draughtsmen was rewarded by the following results : —Working-plans: The undermentioned were examined, reduced, and recorded on standard maps, duly approved, and filed away in the strong-room drawers : Twenty-five plans of settlement surveys, representing 168 sections and an area of 27,577 acres ; fifty-six plans Native Land Court surveys, representing 212 claims and an area of 94,909 acres ; twenty-seven miscellaneous plans, representing sixty-eight sections and an area of 4,614 acres; seven township plans, representing 290 lots and an area of 601 acres; 173 plans of roads, representing, say, 170 miles; nine railway plans, representing, say, 12 miles: total, 297 plans, representing 738 sections, 182 miles of road and railway, and an area of 12,770 acres. The arrears comprise twenty-four plans, of which fourteen are with the surveyors for amendment. The thorough revision of the whole of the Public Works road and railway survey-plans is still in progress. There are still 226 to be overhauled, though seventy of them only require formal action on the part of the respective surveyors, Eoad Boards, and other authorities. As four officers are continuously engaged upon the revision, the strain upon the office staff is severely felt. Compilations. —Eight Crown grant and seven Land Transfer record-maps were constructed; twenty-four plans were drawn for photo-lithography ; a new county map of the Waimarino district was compiled; and maps of the Belmont, Port Nicholson, and Karioi Survey Districts, on the 40-chains-to-the-inch scale, are in hand. Miscellaneous. —ln the Native Land Court draughting branch, forty-two plans, comprising 204 subdivisions and 30,009 acres, were received and recorded ; two plans, representing 7,333 acres, were compiled; 681 titles were prepared; and thirty-eight surveyors' authorities issued. The ordinary routine and special work of the office was attended to, and good progress made with the register of every section and title in the Wellington Land District ; the catalogues, illustrated by plans, of all the reserves in the district have been supplemented ; two officers continue to devote their attention to this latter duty, which it is proposed to complete this year. The Crown-grant and certificates-of-title work involved the indorsement of 3,930 plans. "Thirds" and "Fourths." —During the twelve months 182 ordinary proposals for the expenditure of " thirds" were received from the local bodies, besides eight for hypothecation of " thirds." The sum paid to the various local bodies amounted to £7,638 4s. lOd. for the following road-works: Bush-clearing, 151 chains in length; scrub-clearing, 25 chains; formation, 1,694 chains; and bridges were to absorb £266 13s. 9d., culverting £48 18s. 2d., and miscellaneous £235 14s. sd. Proposals for 1899-1900. —I find it difficult to employ the field staff on reproductive—that is, settlement —surveys, as the balance of the Crown lands in the Wellington Land District is scant, generally remote, and comprises a large proportion of rough bush land of considerable altitude. The waste unimproved Native lands' now bar the expansion of European settlement, yet the Native owners derive no benefit from their estates in their present wild unproductive state. The acquisition by the Crown of areas of freefhold properties under the Land for Settlements Acts would be a very acceptable addition to the Crown's estate in this district. It is proposed to thoroughly explore the balance of the Crown lands in the Wairarapa, and on the upper eastern slopes of the Pohangina and Eangitikei basins, in order to separate lands suitable for conversion for pastoral purposes from those which should be set aside as State forests. The other staff surveyors will similarly deal with all Crown lands intrusted to them for survey. There are several small blocks on the Hautapu, between Ngaurukehu and Potaka, which should be placed on the market, unless it be decided to keep them for sawmillers. The survey of the Tauakira Block, of 26,650 acres, should be completed this season, but it is only suitable for disposal as second-class land, in holdings of about 1,500 acres each. It is also expected that 5,000 acres of the Eangitatatau Block, on the Waitotara, will be sectionised and sold. Failing the acquisition of additional lands for settlement, several surveyors will be employed upon the north-western part of the Waimarino district, though the lands in that locality appear hitherto not to have found favour with the farmer and grazier. Mr. Biggs will complete, for Native Land Court purposes, surveys and plans of the balance of that part of the Awarua Block situated between the Hautapu and Moawhango however, Mr. Morice the portion at and near their junction. Judging by the operations of the Land Purchase Department, subdivisions of numerous blocks of Native lands will be called for. There will probably be a falling-off in the amount of road surveys, but it is anticipated that the North Island Main Trunk Eailway will require final survey and mapping. Standard surveys for Land Transfer purposes of the Hutt Borough and Wellington District will, if formally sanctioned, be put in hand. J. W. A. Maechant, Chief Surveyor.

NELSON. Triangulation and Topography. —Mention was made in last year's report of the fact of there being no triangulation or reliable topography of about 4,400 square miles of country, representing nearly half the area of the district, and that measures were being taken to rectify it. Three of the staff surveyors and one on contract have been engaged on this work, and a considerable amount has been done, notwithstanding that the country is high and mountainous, on account of which the season's work does not extend over more than five months ; but, as it has not been mapped, it cannot appear in this year's returns. In the extension of the Takaka and Motueka triangulations towards the west coast Messrs. E. T. Sadd and J. D. Thomson have completed the field-work of 360,000 acres, and Mr. Snodgrass 40,000 between Mokihinui and Karamea. Mr. W. F. Eobinson,

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a contract surveyor, has also completed the field-work of 100,000 acres from Eeefton to Maruia. In all, half a million acres of rough wooded country has been triangulated, and the mapping will be done during the coming winter months. Settlement Surveys. —Sixty-five rural sections, with an average of 135 acres, have been surveyed, at an average cost of Is. lljd. an acre. These were selections before survey, and the great bulk of them, besides being in forest country, were isolated and in distant localities, which necessitated much travelling, and added very considerably to the cost of the work. One hundred and twentyone town lots were surveyed in the Township of Millerton for the Mines Department, at a cost of£76 ss. 2d. Gold-mining Surveys. —We have only been called upon to make thirty-one surveys of mining claims, as against one hundred last year. Twenty were made by contract surveyors at schedule rates, the balance by staff officers. In addition, twenty reapplications were made, the surveys of which had previously been done, but in a few of these cases pegs had to be renewed and lines reopened. Road Surveys. —Thirty-three and a half miles were surveyed, at an average cost of £14 a mile —a slight advance on last year—and was done principally in the exercise of road rights. Other Work, represented by the sum of £1,198 19s. 9d., is a large amount of miscellaneous work that will not come under the headings of the tabulated return; for instance: Inspection of contract surveyor's work, £169 Is.; engineering suiweys, inspection of road-work, and roadexploration, £238 25.; reports for Mines Department, £11 18s.; inspection of Crown leaseholds; reports for Land Board, £95 ; and general departmental work at the district survey offices at Westport and Eeefton (at the latter place especially, which is always kept open to the public), £576 12s. lOd. Field Inspection. —l am pleased at being able to report that the surveys inspected this year— i.e., those of contract and licensed surveyors—with slight exceptions, were found to be very creditably done, and it is gratifying to find that the extensive and exhaustive inspections alluded to in last year's report have had the anticipated effect. The reason of the great improvement is that the work has been done by authorised surveyors themselves, and not by irresponsible and incompetent chainmen employed by them, as was found to be so generally the case in the past where bad work was disclosed. Office-work. —Good progress has been made in reducing the large arrears in the issue of titles, and lam pleased to say that they are nearly up to date. There have been 409 Crown grants, leases, and other titles prepared and issued, and the plans indorsed numbered 1,036. In the Land Transfer branch sixty-one deposited plans have been examined and 100 other documents passed, besides 124 plans placed on certificates of title. The press of general work in the office, increased as it has lately been by the work connected with the transfer of the south-eastern portion of the district to Canterbury, has prevented any material progress in the preparation of survey district maps for photo-lithography. There are at the present time maps of eighteen districts published, seven more are in the hands of the lithographers, and two in course of preparation. These twentyseven embrace the most closely settled parts, but to complete the districts that have any sectional work there are still twenty-five more to be compiled and drawn. A compilation of the district has been made in skeleton on a two-mile scale, and a map of it on a scale of eight miles to an inch prepared for lithography. Proposals for Ensuing Year. —Messrs. E. T. Sadd, J. Snodgrass, and J. D. Thomson, and Mr. W. F. Bobinson, contract surveyor, who have just completed the field-work of 700 square miles, will finally compute and map it on their return from the field. The three staff surveyors mentioned will continue the work of triangulation about October next, and in the meantime be engaged on sectional and road surveys. There is 4,077 acres of scattered selections in the hands of different surveyors, and twenty-eight miles of road survey, about half of which is in an advanced stage. A further twenty-five miles of road survey, inclusive of fifteen miles of the main trunk road from Nelson to Westport, which has never been surveyed, and is only very roughly sketched on the maps, will be taken in hand ; and there will be an additional survey required of some 4,000 acres of selections of unsurveyed lands that will probably be applied for in the ordinary course. Mr. D. I. Barron will be engaged early in the summer in exploring for and grading a road-line from the saddle near the sources of the Taipo Creek (a branch of the Karamea) and the Little Wanganui Biver to the settled lands on the coast, to form the connecting-link on the prospective Wangapeka-Wanganui Eoad. The former bridle-track at the Wangapeka end has reached to within three miles of the saddle mentioned, and, as road-works will be continued next summer, it is important that this work be undertaken. Mining claims with an area of 250 acres are in the hands of contract surveyors, which will be supplemented from time to time as applications are made. I hope to be in a position next summer to get a topographical survey made of the mountainous country between the Inangahua Biver and the coast, which is required as a foundation for a geological survey that it is intended to have made of that part of the country. Thos. Humpheies, Chief Surveyor.

MAELBOEOUGH. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Sitrvey. —There is no work returned under this heading this season, but a considerable amount has been done in the field, but not yet mapped. In Mr. Buckeridge's return a sum of £1,500 is carried forward, a large portion of which is represented by the triangulation of the Seaward Kaikouras. Rural and Suburban. —lls,76o acres has been laid off into 236 sections, which gives an average of 490 acres each. The average cost is under lid. The Starborough Estate amounts to more than a quarter of the whole area, and cost lOfd. per acre to survey.

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Town-section Survey. —The only item under this head is forty-six sections in the Township oi Seddon, on the Starborough Estate. Gold-mining Survey. —Eleven sections, containing 1,017 acres, were surveyed by three surveyors, at an average cost of 4-425. per acre. Road Surveys. —These comprise about thirty-three miles in length ; average cost, nearly £19 per mile. The rate per mile for most of the work is much less than this, but the extra cost of six miles of road survey round the Kahautara Bluff has caused the average to be higher than usual. Office-work. —Sale-plans of Starborough Estate (three), Township of Seddon, Puhipuhi and Pine Valley Blocks, and Small Grazing-run 99 have been compiled for lithography. Fourteen plans were plotted on block-sheets and nineteen road-plans were compiled; 418 tracings were made, and 115 plans and lithos mounted; fifty-six plans and 266 traverse sheets have been examined. In addition to the above, there is, of course, the usual miscellaneous office-work. Proposed Operations for 1899-1900. —Mr. F. Stephenson Smith, District Surveyor at Kaikoura, will be fully employed in superintending the subdivision of the Puhipuhi and other blocks for settlement and the construction of the main road round the Kahautara Bluff. Mr. D. W. Gillies will complete the survey of the Native reserve extending from the Puhipuhi Biver to the Government reserve on the south side of the Clarence; he will then assist Mr. Carkeek in the survey of the Stronvar country, &c. Mr. E. W. Buckeridge has completed the triangulation and topography of the Seaward Kaikouras, but it will take Wim four or five months to finish the plans and calculations ; this should be done without further delay, after which he will be available for any settlement surveys that may be required. Messrs. T. W. Hughes and E. H. Farnie will complete the pegging of the Puhipuhi sections to be offered next month, and will then undertake the subdivision of the rest of the Puhipuhi Block, and the reserved portion of the Waipapa and Mount Fyffe runs; they will then be available for the subdivision of the Spey country or other settlement surveys. Mr. B. J. Johnston is now engaged on the survey of the Seaward Valley Eoad, Puhipuhi Block, which will take some time longer to complete; he will then be available for the road surveys in the Kaikoura district. Mr. Carkeek is now engaged in the subdivision of Eichmond Brook Estate, after which I propose that he should complete the triangulation of a small piece of country between the Wairau Eiver and the Nelson boundary; this has been standing over for a long time, and it should be finished without delay, as at present there is no reliable check for section surveys ; Mr. Carkeek could then proceed with the survey of the Stronvar Eun. Mr. A. Simpson has now in hand the completion of the survey of the Township of Seddon, and the levelling of roads in the Starborough Block; he has also to complete his plans of Starborough, after which he will be available for surveys at Port Underwood and elsewhere. Mr. C. W. McFarland will be engaged for some time in subdividing country on the north bank of the Wairau, in the vicinity of Bartlett's Creek, after which he has some surveys to make at the head of the Onamalutu, and some isolated surveys in the Kaituna and Pelorus Valleys, and other settlement surveys as they come in. Mr. Wilson will complete his work at Eichmond Brook in a few weeks ; after which, I believe, he proceeds to England on a six months' leave of absence ; when he returns I understand he resumes work in the Westland District. Mr. H. Maitland is now surveying a scenic reserve, comprising the valley of the Brown Eiver, adjoining the boundary of the Nelson District. Field Inspections. —During the year I made eight visits to Pelorus Sound, five to Kenepuru, three to Tory Channel, four to Anakiwi and Mahakipawa, and four to Port Underwood. I visited Wellington twice on business connected with the Land Purchase Board, and once to give evidence in reference to W. Gibson's petition. I went once to Kaikoura to conduct a ballot, once to Eichmond Brook Estate, twice to Starborough Estate, once to North Bank, and once up the Eai Valley to Tennyson Inlet. C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor.

WESTLAND. Topographical, &c. —During the first three months Mr. Wilson was employed in connection with cutting the boundary-lines of the Eoss Borough. This was no easy matter, as the boundaries traversed the western slope of Mount Greenland, passing over deep ravines. The work now completed will be of good service to the Eoss Borough financially, as they are now aware upon whom to levy rates. Mr. Smyth has also completed the traverse of Deception Eiver, a large feeder of the Otira; but, with the exception of ascertaining its position on the topographical map, no settlement land of any extent nor anything in particular requiring to be noted was discovered. Mr. Douglas has explored and mapped the back country between the Waiho and Wataroa, and has also defined the topographical features of the middle basin of the latter valley. Rural and Suburban. —A block of very necessary revision surveys between Woolhouse Eoad, Donnelly's Creek, and Eoss was completed by Mr. Wilson before his leaving for Blenheim. Mr. Smyth also revised a number of section surveys up the Kokatahi Valley, and which were very much in need of revision—not that any great error ever existed in the original surveys, hut the bearings from magnetic to true are difficult to transpose upon the new blocks without a revision survey of nearly all the old boundary-lines, which have now grown up thicker than the original bush, and I should recommend that this work be proceeded with by the staff when no other pressing work is on hand. Gold-mining Surveys.- —During the year 365 acres (nine special claims) has been surveyed bySurveyor Smyth and Licensed Surveyors Lord and Macfarlane, the latter being paid the survey-fees deposited by applicants to Eeceivers of Gold Eevenue. The sum of £133 Bs. 6d. has therefore to be credited to the department for work done. Mr. Smyth has also been employed on behalf of the Mines Department in surveying and mapping the general water-race system about the Kumara

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goldfields. The levels of the Wainihinihi Water-race now in course of construction have also been checked. Cross-sections of the Hokitika and Kokatahi Eivers are now being taken from Ocean Beach to about fifteen miles up, the distance apart for the first six miles being from 20 to 30 chains, after which they are taken every 40 chains. This work is being done in connection with claims for compensation for the proclamation of the above rivers. Road Surveys. —Three deviations of the Christchurch-Hokitika Eoad have been done by Mr. Smyth—viz., Eangiriri deviation, deviations at Moraine and Peg-leg Creek. All these were very necessary, so as to make out plans and specifications for road estimates. Mr. C. E. Douglas has lately been employed in running a grade of eight miles and a half, from Price's Flat, on Pass Eiver, to Whitcombe Pass. The first four miles of country turned out to be very bad, and the heavy rain of 30th January last brought down large land-slides, which completely destroyed their line and grade, necessitating a new route for some two miles. This and the continued wet weather delayed the progress of this work very much. The last four miles of the track is over fairly good country, and will not take much to make it passable for foot-travellers. The benched track, completed last year, has suffered from the floods very much, as in places the mountain appears to have gone into the river, leaving nothing but the bare rock, which will now necessitate blasting. Proposed Operations, 1899-1900. —Mr. Smyth will complete cross-sections up Hokitika and Kokatahi Eivers, attend to mining surveys when required, survey deviations of Main South Eoad at Waitaha Eiver, and sundry other roads south of Eoss, and likewise continue revision surveys up Kokatahi Valley. Should Mr. Wilson return from Blenheim early, some of the above surveys will be handed to him. Mr. Douglas will be employed in exploring the country lying between the headwaters of Whitcombe Eiver and sources of Wanganui, Poerua, and Wataroa, and thus define the metalliferous belts in those districts. W. G. Mueeay, Chief Surveyor.

CANTEEBUEY. Topographical Survey (for Selection). —Mr. McClure surveyed 7,758 acres of the rough forest country situate on the southern slopes of Mount Oxford that was devastated by fire in January, 1898, for the purpose of defining, without extreme accuracy, the boundaries of five pastoral runs, into which it was subdivided. This was done at a cost of 0-9 d. per acre. Rural and Suburban. —lncluding the area carried forward from last year —viz., 26,875 acres— an area of 75,917 acres has been returned as completed. This was surveyed into 224 sections, at a mean cost of 7-49 d. per acre. Of this area, 48,167 acres comprise the Waikakahi Estate, situate at the extreme south-eastern corner of the district. The survey was commenced at the beginning of November, when Messrs. Brodrick, McClure, and Mathias, District Surveyors of Canterbury, and Mr. Langmuir, District Surveyor, and Messrs. McCurdie and Neill, Assistant Surveyors, of Otago, were instructed to push on the surveys with all the speed possible, in order that the work might be sufficiently advanced to admit of the land being put into the market by the middle of March. The time at their disposal was very limited, considering the large amount of detail work to be executed, and the extreme care to be exercised in the location of section boundaries, &c. ; but, notwithstanding this, they one and all worked very long hours, and with most praiseworthy zeal and energy, to get the work completed in time ; and, as you are aware, the land was open for selection on the 20th March. At the time of writing, not a single rural section remains unallotted. The subjoined table shows the result of each surveyor's work on this estate: —

Although the Morven Township area does not come strictly under this heading, I have included it, in order to show total area and cost, the latter amounting to 8-59 d. per acre. To give some idea of the amount of actual field-work executed within this short period on this estate, the subjoined figures may be considered interesting: Section traverse, 286 miles; traverse for topography, 320J miles; section lines ranged and lock-spitted, 48 miles; number of section-pegs, 3,101; number of tubes, 136; number of pegs and other points lock-spitted, 2,436 ; chipped lines, 7£ miles. I should add, in connection with the survey of this estate, that Mr. J. E. Straehan was employed for three weeks assisting Mr. Langmuir. Soon after the survey was commenced Mr. E. H. Schmidt and Mr. W. Darby, Draughtsman and Assistant Draughtsman, were despatched from this office to the estate, the former to push on the photo-lithographic plans and the latter to assist the surveyors to compute 6—C. 1.

Name. Area. Cost. Number _. o j Time in Sections. Field ' Nature of Country. T. N. Brodrick G. H. M. McClure ... L. O. Mathias J. Langmuir W. D. E. McOurdie ... W. T. Neill .. (Morven Township, by G. H. M. McClure) Acres. 9,703 7,259 7,090 12,057 6,122 5,936 51* £ s. 351 17 260 16 359 0 381 18 150 0 183 11 41 15 a. 6 4 0 9 0 4 9 23 54 31 31 7 28 111 Months. 4 3 3i 8* 2f 2i Hilly and undulating. Nearly all flat. Chiefly undulating. Plat and undulating. Hilly and undulating. Plat. Plat. 48,218^ 1,728 19 8 285

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and map their work in order to keep Mr. Schmidt supplied with data. On the whole, this arrangement worked fairly well, the whole of the estate being mapped on a 20-chain scale in three sheets, and posted to Wellington within two months and a half from the date of Mr. Schmidt's arrival on the ground. I think it may be claimed for this plan that, in point of draughtsmanship, variety of detail, and general information, it is one of the best of its kind that has been turned out by the department, and its compilation and execution within such a short time reflect great credit upon Mr. Schmidt. The balance of the area surveyed comprises an educational endowment of 23,212 acres situate in the Geraldine County, being mountainous country between the Orari and Waihi Eivers, the field-work of which was completed by Mr. Brodrick last year, but not mapped. He also surveyed some plantation reserves in the Mackenzie country, amounting to 3,663 acres, and a few scattered surveys in the low country, comprising 563 acres. Town-section Survey. —The only survey executed under this heading by the staff was that of the Township of Morven, part of the Waikakahi Estate, 51f acres, subdivided into 111 allotments by Mr. McClure, at a cost of 7.535. per allotment. Messrs. Meason and Marchant, of Timaru, redefined seventeen quarter-acre allotments and five suburban ones in the Township of Opawa, Albury, for the School Commissioners. Native Land Court Survey. —Mr. McClure subdivided part of the Kaiapoi Native reserve (54J acres) into seven subdivisions, at a cost of 3-255. per acre. Roads, Standard Survey, and Water-races. —ln connection with the Waikakahi Estate, Mr. McCurdie made an engineering survey of the Waihuna Eoad, 3-2 miles, at a cost of £8-87 per mile. During the autumn Mr. McClure executed 13J miles of standard survey in the New Brighton and Christchurch Districts, putting in sixty-eight stones. It was a very necessary work, which had been in contemplation for some years, and will, I am sure, prove of considerable service to the profession and to the office. Except in a few cases, the standard lines determine the alignment of the street or road, as the case may be, and every care was taken to secure extreme accuracy both in bearing and distance; and, in addition to this, the position of every fence and peg was fixed by offsets, very carefully set off and measured. All this necessitated a large amount of labour and patience, and occupied some time. Other Work. —The sum of £487 ss. Id. under this heading is distributed as follows: Mr. Brodrick, £156 12s. 6d.; Mr. McClure, £254 6s. 6d.; Mr. Mathias, £69 6s. 4d.; and Mr. McCurdie, £6 19s. 9d. Land Transfer. —Mr. Monro reports that in comparison with previous years the last has been a busy one : 251 plans were examined and passed ; 917 deeds and other instruments were passed ; 1,168 plans were drawn in duplicate on certificates of title, and fifteen in triplicate. Pursuant to instructions received during the year, that the original plans of towns are now to be forwarded for the approval of His Excellency the Governor, two copies were made for this purpose. Proposed Operations for 1899-1900. —Unless some of the properties lately inspected and reported on by the Land Purchase Board are acquired the area of land to be surveyed will be limited to about 41,920 acres, classified as follows : Four rural sections in the Ashburton and Waimate Counties, 348 acres ; twenty-eight plantation and other reserves in the several counties, very scattered, 2,124 acres; agricultural and pastoral runs, Eockwood, Steventon, Burnt Hill, &c, 35,407 acres ; and subdivision of Section 101, Woolston, acquired for workmen's homes, and named " Tamai " Hamlet, 41 acres. An area of 5,566 acres has been completed in the field, but not yet mapped, viz.: Agricultural pastoral runs, Broomfield and Loburn, Grey district, 5,426 acres, surveyed by Mr. McClure ; acquired land, as an addition to Small Grazing-run No. 65, Nimrod Survey District, leased to Mr. Collier, 100 acres; Eiver Conservation Eeserve 2970, in the Geraldine district, 40 Seres, and four miles and a half of standard traverse at Timaru, all surveyed by Mr. Brodrick. There will also be the usual miscellaneous work, such as replacing trig, stations ; extension of the standard survey adjacent to Christchurch, Timaru, and Temuka; supervision of the Mount Cook and other roads and drainage-works ; also a few surveys in the Amuri district. Office-ivork. —Mr. Shanks, Chief Draughtsman, reports as follows : " There were twenty-three large and twenty-one small working-plans received from the surveyors, all of which have been examined and checked with the exception of the recently received plans of the Waikakahi Estate, ■ which are now under check. The plans delineating the whole of the estate, except Mr. Mathias's, have been received ; he anticipates finishing his plans during this month, and has, accordingly, taken credit for the area in his yearly return of work, adding the estimated expense of completing them to the cost of his survey. His time was a good deal occupied during March by the proposed further drainage of the Boimata Settlement. The office-work in connection with the Waikakahi Estate was very considerable, as there was a great number of working-tracings and locality-plans to prepare for the several surveyors, searching titles in the Transfer Office relative to the ownership of sections comprising the estate and properties abutting thereon, calculating values and rentals of the sections and writing out schedules of the same, preparing photo-lithographic sale-plan of the Township of Morven, also sale-plan of the estate, delineating the topographical features and sectional subdivisions. With a view to publication, a new map of this provincial district, on a scale of four miles to an inch, was compiled by Mr. Schmidt, showing all the latest information, and defining the position of post-offices, sheep-stations, and other prominent topographical features. Plans were drafted on the originals of forty-one certificates of title in lieu of Crown grants, conveying sixty-four sections of land, containing 2,262 acres 2 roods. 19 perches, at a cost of 4s. lOd. each, the duplicate and triplicate copies being prepared in the Transfer branch of this office; four Crown grants were indorsed with amended plans and descriptions, three of them to accord with revised surveys, and the fourth, of Eural Section 4, on account of part of the section having been omitted from the plan when the grant was originally prepared. The register copies of the foregoing were also made to correspond, and one transcript of a lost grant was prepared with the required indorsements thereon, and plans were placed on seven Native Land Court titles in duplicate.

SPECIMEN PLAN OF STANDARD SURVEY BOROUGH of NEW BRIGHTON

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The following lease-deeds were prepared and plans placed thereon: Seventy-five leases in perpetuity drafted in quadruplicate, seven small grazing-runs, nine miscellaneous occupation leases in triplicate, ten pastoral-run licenses, seventy-three temporary licenses in duplicate, and 198 single copies of back leases in perpetuity for the Head Office ; making a total of 712 copies prepared, and representing 174 leases issued. The present arrears are about 192 leases in perpetuity, which is inclusive of 128 recently balloted for on the Waikakahi Estate; twenty-five small grazing-runs, including fourteen on the Waikakahi Estate ; and about thirty-three pastoral and miscellaneous : making a total of 250 in arrear, forty- two of which are written and are now having the plans placed thereon. Probably the whole of the arrears wili be worked off during the current year. Since the Ist January there have been prepared for the Valuer-General tracings of twenty-two depositplans and fifty-four other tracings, being copies of sixty-five certificates of title, illustrating transfer dealings that have taken place during the three months of the year, at an estimated cost of £7 18s. There were also prepared for the Valuation Department duplicate copies of the Kaiapoi, Eangiora, and Sydenham Borough tracings; schedule of lands defining the area of sections within and without the Eyre Eiver Conservation District, and illustrating on their plans the boundaries of the Waimakariri Water-supply District; and subdivisions at a cost of £17 16s. One record-map of the Noble district was constructed, and all the back titles, eight certificates, and one Crown grant recorded thereon. Several of the other record-maps were amended, and additional work compiled thereon, besides fifty-five certificates recorded, six of which were closed roads. The Akaroa and Okains district maps were posted up to date for the purpose of publication, work in which we are very backward, there being a few of the districts in the Ashley, Ashburton, and Selwyn Counties still unpublished, and all the districts in the Geraldine, Levels, Waimate, and Mackenzie Counties, the whole of which will require more or less attention before publication. The Geraldine County districts, being the most urgently required, are proposed to be taken first. Miscellaneous draughting and other work have comprised the preparation of photo-lithographic plans of the Oxford Bush runs and reserves on the Peninsula. A number of tracings have been made for the Land Purchase Commissioners relating to estates offered to be sold to the Crown for settlement. All the surveyors' current plans, and a large amount of extra surveys plotted upon other maps, have been reduced and recorded on the compiled maps of the office ; the survey data renewed on a few of the early plans whereon the figures were rapidly fading away. The values of the initial trig, station of each survey district were calculated from the initial station of the circuit, to enable surveyors to tabulate their work accordingly, and a great deal of other miscellaneous work was performed. In conclusion, I may remark that the office-work is in a fairly satisfactory state, the year's current work of examination and compilation of plans being up to date, leaving us with a few of the back plots that have had extra information placed on them to sort out, and record the additional work, and thus bring up the district maps for publication. The work which is seriously in arrear is the recording of leases in perpetuity issued, for comparatively few have been recorded, owing to pressure of other work which must, if possible, be kept up to date." I was absent from the office seventy-two days on various duties, such as attending at Wellington meetings of the Land Purchase Board and Surveyors' Examination Board; inspecting with other members of the Land Purchase Board several properties offered for sale; inspecting with Mr. McLachlan and Mr. Williams (Crown Lands Eanger) the Highbank and Marawiti Settlements after the severe gale which occurred on the 23rd September; also, with Messrs. McMillan, McLachlan, and Williams, reclassifying runs in South Canterbury, &c. Sidney Weetman, Chief Surveyor.

Exteacts peom a Eepoet by Me. G. H. M. McCluEe on Woek connected with Standaed Suevey near Cheistchuech, etc. Mr. McClure's nine plans of standard survey contain work done in the Borough of New Brighton and Blocks XII. and XVI., Christchurch District. He reports as follows : — "The angles were observed with a sin. theodolite, taking from eight to twelve readings at every station, and the chainages done with the standard chain with thermometers attached, with the exception of work shown on plan 24 and lines 34a to SS 38 and SS 36 to SS 37 ; which, owing to the nature of the country, I had to chain with a 5-chain wire. The standard band was stretched with a uniform tension of 141b. as shown by a spring-balance attached to one end of the chain. Three steel plates, 10in. square and yg-iu- in thickness, spiked to the ground by four steel spikes, were used to mark the chaining on. All lines were chained twice, and, if there was any difference, three times. The coefficient applied for temperature was -00000625. The standard lines are parallel to the sides of the streets and roads, except in a few cases where it was not possible to have them so. The offsets, which are shown in black on plans, vary from 19 to 50 links. This was occasioned by the nature of the ground—drift sand, lupins, and gorse —making a uniform offset impossible. The datum for heights is the Cathedral floor, 1572 ft. above spring tide, taken at Sumner bar. This information was obtained from Mr. Cuthbert, Drainage Board Engineer. If 34-28 be added to my heights, it will give the reduced levels used by the Drainage Board. Plans 21, 22, 23, showing the built-on part of New Brighton, are plotted 1 chain to the inch, the rest of the plans being 2 chains to the inch. The work is tabulated from Mount Pleasant, taking Mr. C. W. Adams's position of SS 79 as origin. The closures show the following average error per mile :On meridian, 0-25 ; on perpendicular, 0-12. The origin of my bearings was Mr. Adams's bearing 310° 26' 13" between SS 78 and SS 79, and bearing 108° 04' 53" between Trigs. W and C. Owing to the nature of much of the country—drfting sand, covered with lupins and gorse—much time was occupied in finding old pegs and in clearing and levelling standard lines, which has necessarily increased the cost of this work. The total length of standard work done is 13J miles, and number of stones put in sixty-eight, which gives an average length of 15f chains to each line."

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OTAGO.

Rural and Suburban. —The total area surveyed under this heading for the year ending the 31st March is 8,664 acres, into ninety-five sections, at an average cost of 2-03s. per acre. Mr. Langmuir was absent for five months during the year assisting the Canterbury staff in the subdivision of Waikakahi Estate ; Mr. McCurdie was absent a little over three months assisting at Waikakahi; so also was Mr. Neill absent for a little over three months assisting in subdivision of same estate. Town-section Surveys. —Only a very small area was sectionized this year—viz., 16 acres, into thirty-five sections, at an average cost of 19s. per allotment. Roads and Railways. —Under this heading the engineering plans of 34f miles of road were completed, at a cost of £10-03 per mile. This includes 25f miles of Matakanui-Bendigo Eoad, which has been estimated to cost £9,600, and if made would certainly be of great benefit to the Wanaka and Hawea settlers, as the distance to Banfurly would be shortened some twenty-three miles. Gold-mining Surveys. —One hundred and eight plans (in duplicate) have been received from the staff and licensed private surveyors. These, along with leases in duplicate when for licensed holdings, and in triplicate when for special claims, have been examined, checked, and recorded on record-maps, and entered up in the mining and index record-books. The licenses, after examination and check, have been forwarded to the several Wardens' offices at which the applications for mining areas were received —viz., at Dunedin, Lawrence, Boxburgh, Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Naseby, or Queenstown. " The Mining Act, 1898," came into force on the Ist February last, and, in consequence, many of the licenses made out under the old Act were rendered useless, and plans had to be again indorsed on license-forms under the new Act, thereby entailing a considerable amount of extra work on the draughtsman. The total area dealt with under the above heading amounts to 6,487 acres, representing 168 sections or claims, at a cost of 4-58s. per acre. Land Transfer Work. —Under this heading fifty-six plans sent in by licensed surveyors have been examined and approved, and recorded on record-maps. The following named instruments of title, &c, have been examined and checked—viz., sixty-four applications to bring land under the Land Transfer Act, ninety-eight certificates in lieu of Crown grants (in triplicate), 1,262 transfers, 884 mortgages, eighteen caveats, 285 leases, 236 transmissions, and 464 certificates prepared in duplicate. Other Works. —Under this heading are included such works attended to by the staff officers as cannot be tabulated in the ordinary manner. The total expenditure for the year has been £737 9s. 5d., which covers the cost of inspecting, reporting to Commissioner of Crown Lands and to the various Wardens, engineering plans for road-works, measuring bushfelling for grass-seed sowing, general supervision in connection with the various improved-farm settlements, and numerous other duties which need not be mentioned. Office-work. —During the year seventy-four plans from staff surveyors were examined, checked, and recorded upon the Crown grant record and Land Office maps. The important work of plotting these detached and scattered surveys upon compiled block-sheets has had to be left almost entirely in abeyance, owing to the draughtsmen's time being so fully occupied with other work, one map only of this class of work having been completed during the year—viz., Block X., Glenomaru District. Twenty-six plans (in triplicate) of new roads and roads to be closed have been examined, certified to, and recorded on county and other maps. Nine plans (in triplicate) taking lands by Proclamation for railway purposes have been similarly dealt with. Diagrams have been placed on certificates of title in lieu of Crown grants and other instruments of title as follows, viz.: On 138 single copies, on 158 in duplicate, and on 262 in triplicate, making a total of 1,240. A tracing in cloth of the topography of the Otago District north of 45° latitude, on a scale of eight miles to an inch, was prepared and forwarded to Head Office. The preparation of a map, on a scale of 5 chains to an inch, of Dunedin and suburbs is now well under way; so also is a map for the Defence Department, on a scale of 20 chains to an inch, and showing thereon the position of all roads, tracks, footpaths, and the chief topographical features of the country for fifteen miles around Dunedin. Tracings in duplicate were prepared showing the boundaries of the Dunedin Electorate, on a scale of 20 chains to an inch, for the Eegistrar of Electors' Department; also, for the same department a map on the same scale was prepared showing the boundaries within which old-age pensions were granted for the Dunedin and Port Chalmers districts. A large amount of work has been done for the Head Office of the Valuation Department, as well as for the local branch of the same department here. Duplicate tracings of the Boroughs of West Harbour, Maori Hill, St. Kilda, North-east Valley, and Eoslyn have been made and handed to the branch office here, leaving the Boroughs of Green Island, Milton, Mornington, and Hawksbury still to do. During the year one plan was drawn for photo-lithographing and five were drawn for stone on lithographic transfer-paper, from which 1,650 impressions were pulled. 500 protractor sheets were printed, besides 250 receipt forms of various kinds. 450 maps were mounted, and several of the old and worn record and Land Office maps were repaired. In July last Mr. James Bain, lithographic printer of this branch of the department, after three months' leave of absence, retired, owing to ill-health, after a service of about twenty-eight years. Proposed Operations for 1899-1900. —Mr. Langmuir has on hand 11,242 acres, being part of Elderslie Estate, near Oamaru, the cutting-up of which will keep him employed for a considerable time. Mr. Wilmot has some 300 to 400 acres of mining surveys in hand, and I anticipate he will be kept fairly employed during the year surveying rural and mining applications as they come to hand. Mr. Calder has 800 acres of agricultural surveys, and some 200 or 300 acres of mining applications to do; this, along with the mining and other applications coming to hand, will, I presume, keep him fairly well employed. Mr. Neill has been transferred temporarily to assist Mr. C. C. Farr in carrying out the magnetic survey now in hand, and, I presume, will be employed for some considerable time in connection with that work. Mr. Edie has been employed on the temporary staff, doing principally mining surveys; it was found necessary to employ him on account of Mr. Langmuir's transference to Waikakahi Estate. John Hay, Chief Surveyor.

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SOUTHLAND. Rural and Suburban. —This work embraces an area of 34,155 acres, of which 10,816 acres have been surveyed by Staff Surveyor Hodgkinson, and the balance by Temporary Surveyor Eobertson. The greater part of Mr. Hodgkinson's work has been the resurvey of inaccurate work by a surveyor referred to in my last report. This would not have been again mentioned were it not that in my proposed future work similar resurveys may have to be effected. Mr. Eobertson's work consisted of a small block for settlement, and the balance landless Native surveys. The latter is being carried out under contract and schedule rates. Mr. Eobertson is proceeding vigorously with the survey, and the estimated area of 20,732 acres has actually been completed in a period of eight months. Of course his contract embraces only the section-work, the roading and boundaries having been previously defined by Mr. Treseder. I anticipate that the contracts will be completed within six months, and the landless Natives will then have an opportunity of showing whether they will take up the somewhat difficult task of carrying out the work of settlement on this allocation. The surveys by Mr. Miller were done at schedule rates in Stewart Island, and do not call for special remarks. Gold-mining Surveys. —lt will be seen that for a small district the area of 2,551 acres surveyed shows progressive work in mining matters during the year. Although nothing startling has been developed, great hopes are expressed that the future will justify the amount expended in prospecting and surveys. The greater part of the Waiau Eiver has been laid off in dredging claims, and one dredge now being built will be the pioneer of many should the first few months prove payable to the Belmont Company. The future year must mean a great decrease in the number of this class of survey, as the greater part of the known auriferous country is now occupied. Roads, dc. —lt will be seen that very little has been done in this direction. Mr. Treseder completed some of the roads in the landless-Native block previously referred to, and under the heading of " Other work" it will be seen that a considerable mileage of coastal and other boundaries were carried out by him when Mr. Eobertson commenced work. I might here refer to the fact that Mr. Treseder applied for a change when the above work was finished, and was successful in obtaining the succession to Mr. Nelson, who was removed to Blenheim. Other Work. —The bulk of other work was carried out by Surveyor Miller. This comprised the survey and valuation of twenty-three sawmill areas, equal to an area of 3,487 acres; this apparently establishes a record for this class of work. So far as I can gather, there have not been so many applications for surveys of this class in any previous year. It might be noted that Mr. Miller has made a name as an expert valuer of timber ; his long experience has enabled him to arrive at values fair to both the department and the buyer, hence he is intrusted with this class of work. Proposed Operations for Ensuing Year. —The work on hand includes the landless-Native block, now under contract to Mr. Eobertson ; the township reserve of Clifden into suburban sections ; Block XVIII., Longwood District, for settlement; and the resurvey of some very old work, such as Limehills Township; and also one of the first-settled localities in the vicinity of Eiverton must be attended to. Difficulties with the Land Transfer registration of these titles almost require the department to make an authentic survey, so that there may be no overlapping of titles. Besurveys of isolated sections have lately come in, and as these may mean encroachment, and necessitate rectification in the future, it is deemed advisable to meet the difficulty by establishing at least some of the boundaries from which all others must depend. Office-work. —This work has to a certain extent suffered during the year by the absence of Chief Draughtsman Clare. For nearly seven months of that time he has been incapacitated through illness from carrying out his duties. From the nature of his illness, he anticipates he will be in any case unfit to take up his old position in this district, but may, in a warmer climate, have an opportunity of doing further work somewhere in New Zealand. I extremely regret the loss of Mr. Clare from the position, held with so much credit to himself and to the department. His place will be difficult to fill, as his many years' service in this office established a connection with the traditions of the past and the present of which there is no permanent record. During the year it became necessary to prepare a county map of Stewart Island for public reference and other uses in this office. I took advantage of the opportunity to prepare a lithographic drawing instead of the usual compilation, as this will enable the public to obtain copies of the map in the form of lithographic prints. It has been found difficult from time to time to explain to the would-be settler about to visit the island the localities surveyed for settlement, and, having regard to the more correct positions of the old Native surveys and those for early settlers connected by the triangulation survey covering the eastern portion of the island, I have had the topographical maps accompanying reduced and placed with trig, points on the new map, and this data alone will be of great value. The surveys for settlement of landless Natives also appear, and thus the public will shortly be able to procure, at a small cost, a valuable map of the island. Another large drawing has been completed of the Survey Districts of Waikawa and Otara, whilst additions have been made to the maps of Taringatura District and Winton and New Eiver Hundreds for republication. In addition to this, there has been a considerable amount of work necessitated by the Advances to Settlers, Property-tax, and Land Transfer Departments. There has also been the usual work, the following being a brief summary of some of the details : During the year 131 plans have been examined and passed ; 1,791 plans have been placed on Crown grants and other instruments of title ; 260 ordinary and forty-eight lithographic tracings have been prepared ; 5,144 letters, telegrams, &c, were received, and 10,045 letters, notices, &c, were despatched; 851 vouchers were passed; 5,560 posters were posted to various parts of the district; 450 provincial titles were issued, and sixtyeight titles were scheduled on warrants. * D. Baeeon, Chief Surveyor.

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APPENDIX No. 3.—EOA.D-CONSTEUCTION, ETC.

EXTEACTS FEOM EEPOETS OF CHIEF SUEVEYOES AND OTHEES ON EOAD CONSTEUCTION AND MAINTENANCE FOE THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MAECH, 1899. AUCKLAND. Ahipara-Herekino. —This is the only dray-road into the Herekino Village Settlement. It passes nearly all the way through Native land, and is an expensive road to maintain. During the year it has been maintained throughout, and about a mile and a half was widened and 12 chains metalled. Awanui-West Coast. —With this grant the Mongonui County Council have improved five miles of road, and repaired the Awanui Bridge. Kaeo-Whangaroa. —The Whangaroa County Council have with this vote constructed about a quarter of a mile of road, and are going to build a new bridge across the Waikoura Stream. Kaitaia-Ahipara. —Bepairs have been made to this road by renewing culverts and "pipeclaying " extending over about two miles, the work having been carried out by the Mongonui County Council. Mangatoetoc Road. —This is a connecting road between the Victoria Valley Main Boad and the present Great North Boad. The Mongonui County Council repaired it throughout, the work being done by co-operative labour. Maungataniwha. —The vote was expended in giving access to the Maungataniwha Block, and about two miles of bridle-track were constructed connecting it with the Great North Eoad at Peria. The bridle-track through the block itself was also improved and maintained. Mongonui County Roads. —About a mile and a half has been improved and ten miles maintained by the Mongonui County Council with this grant. Mongonui Parish-Awanui (Main Road). —A considerable length of metalling has been done, and six bridges rebuilt. All the culverts have been renewed or repaired, and the whole length—about thirty miles—has been kept in good order. There is still a considerable length of the road which should be re-formed and metalled. Takahue-Herekino Road, which connects the Takahue Village Settlement with that of Herekino, is about ten miles in length, and has been constructed into a bridle-track 8 ft. wide throughout. It opens up a considerable amount of Crown land suitable for pastoral and fruit-growing purposes, and will be a part of the main road connecting Herekino and Whangape Harbours with Mongonui. There is yet one bridge of about 60 ft. span to construct over the Uwhiroa Stream, and several fillings and embankments to be made. During this year one bridge was built and the road maintained and improved. Victoria Valley to Main Road. —The total distance from Victoria Valley Post-office to where this line will join the Great North Eoad at Peria is about eight miles and three-quarters. About seven miles have been formed into a dray-road, one mile is now under construction, and threequarters of a mile has yet to be made, and all the culverts and bridges yet to construct. When the Takahue-Victoria Valley Eoad is surveyed and made, thus joining the Herekino-Takahue Eoad with this road, it will be the main line connecting the Whangape-Herekino Harbours with Mongonui. Victoria Valley-Kaitaia. —The Mongonui County Council have expended this grant in improving about seven miles of the road by repairs to bridges and culverts, and metalling about a quarter of a mile of road. Kaeo-Waimate. —This is really a portion of the Great North Eoad. The vote was spent by the Whangaroa County Council in metalling and the construction of one bridge, the work being confined to the road through the Kaeo Valley. Kaeo Parish and Mongonui Parish (Main Road). —A considerable length of deviation had to be made on this line, and most of the vote has been and is being expended in the construction of these deviations into al4 ft. road. It is the only part of the Great North Eoad not yet available for wheel traffic. There are still several miles to construct before it will be available, but I trust with next year's grant to see the formation completed. Whangaroa Coast Road. —Specifications for works to be undertaken by the Whangaroa County Council in this road have been approved of. They consist of the construction of several small bridges, and widening embankments 30 chains long. Whangaroa County Roads. —The Whangaroa County Council have expended this grant in repairs and metalling. Hukerenui-Kaeo Parish (Main Road). —Most of this vote has been expended in improving the road between Kaeo and Waimate, so as to make it safe for wheel traffic, but there still remains a considerable length of road to both construct and improve between these two places. From Waimate to Kawakawa it is in good order, and is being looked after by the Bay of Islands County Council. From Kawakawa to Hukerenui is being improved and maintained by this department out of the grant; but I am not pushing works on this point, as there is still a considerable quantity of timber being carted over it. Main Road, Lot 2, Block XIV., Hukerenui. —The balance of this authority has been expended in improving the road, which is really a part of the Bamarama Valley Eoad.

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Opua-Waimate Road. —A considerable number of large slips occurred on this line near the Opua end. These have been removed, and the road has been maintained throughout. The authority unexpended will be spent in cutting off some sharp turns and widening portions throughout. Okaihau-Kerikeri. —About a mile of this road was constructed and improved with the grant by the Bay of Islands County Council. Nearly all the heavy traffic from Okaihau is taken on this road, Kerikeri being a place at which the smaller steamers can deliver cargo. Ramarama Valley. —This road is now, though rather narrow, available for wheel traffic throughout—that is, from Towai to Hikurangi. lam with the small balance of vote yet unexpended having some of the temporary culverts and bridges renewed. Utakura Road Deviation. —Two deviations were laid out, the first from the bottom of the hill to the top end of the Utakura Valley, the other from the top of the hill, near where present line begins to descend, and terminating well down the valley near the Utakura Bridge. As reported last year, the settlers would come to no agreement as to which route they would have constructed, and I have therefore referred the matter to the Bay of Islands and Hokianga County Councils, asking them to have the question settled, when I shall proceed with the work without further delay. Kaikohe-Taheke. —The Hokianga County Council have expended this grant chiefly in metalling between the Punakitere Post-office and the county boundary. Auckland Special Settlement, Mangakahia. —An engineering and magnetic survey of a line from the Auckland Special Settlement —or, rather, Opanake-Hokianga Eoad —to the Mangakahia Eiver, connecting with the Dargaville-Kaikohe Eoad, or better known as the Korikopuni-Kaikohe Eoad, has been made a length of about twenty-four miles, opening up the Waimatanui Block of about 20,000 acres of Crown land. Hokianga County Roads. —The Hokianga County Council have expended this grant in reconstructing and metalling about a mile of the Taheke-Bawene Eoad. Herd's Point-Takahue Road is the main road connecting Hokianga and Mongonui Counties, and it opens up a very considerable area of Crown land of fair quality. It is now formed into a cart-road for a distance of about twenty-five miles from Herd's Point to the foot of the dividingrange. The rest is still only a bridle-track, which, however, has been improved, and in places widened. The road throughout has been maintained, and is in good order. Herekino. —Most of the roads in and about the Herekino Village Settlement have been improved with this year's grant. Kohukohu-Motukaraka Road, connecting Kohukohu Wharf with the Motukaraka Village Settlement and the Herd's Point-Takahue Eoad, has been formed throughout 8 ft. wide, a length of about four miles. This year's grant has been expended in the repairs to bridges and the maintenance of the road throughout. Marlborough Association. —This settlement is situated on both sides of the Opanake-Hokianga Eoad. The expenditure of this year's grant has been made on the road running east and west through the settlement, the one running east being the line which will be the present main outlet from the Waimatanui Block. Manganuiowae Road is a continuation of the branch line from the Herd's Point-Takahue Boad to give access to the settlers in the south portion of the Manganuiowae Block. The vote is being expended in further opening up the block by bridle-tracks. Manganuiowae-Whangape. —A bridle-track has been constructed into Blocks 111. and IV., Whangape Survey District, for a distance of seven miles. The line starts from the Herd's PointTakahue Eoad, about twelve miles north of Herd's Point, and gives access to several settlers who have taken up land in the Mangonuiowae Block. It opens up a large area of Crown land, and will, when continued, be one of the main outlets towards Hokianga Harbour from the Awaroa Block lands purchased by the Government. With the money available this year I have maintained the road. Okaihau-Horeke. —The Hokianga County Council have expended this grant in metalling a portion, and in general repairs to 47 chains of this road. Okaihau-Victoria Valley. —This road traverses three counties, and ought to be considered the main north road, as it is the most direct route between Kawakawa and Awanui, and goes through the centre of the Island. It is available for wheel traffic between Okaihau and Eangiahua, and from there to Mangamuka as a bridle-track, of which I have widened and improved portions. From Mangamuka to Victoria Valley no work has been done, the land through which it would pass being still Native land. Close to the Victoria Valley the road has been made into a cart-road, giving access to the Takahue Block. During the year the road has been improved and maintained. Punakitere Settlement' Road and Punakitere Endowment.— This year's vote has been, and is being, expended in improving the road through this settlement, and the work was so divided as to give all the settlers in need of employment work. One bridge was erected and about half a mile of road metalled, besides other improvements. Taheke-Otaua. —This is a line running due south from Taheke, giving access to several sections in Block V., Punakitere Survey District. During the year a mile of road was graded and about a quarter of a mile of dray-road constructed. Waimamaku. — This is one of the best settlements in the Hokianga district, and one in which the roads are the worst to maintain. This year's grant was expended in erecting a bridge over the Waimamaku Eiver of 66 ft. span, and in metalling and general maintenance. Waimamaku-Pakanae Road will be the main outlet for the Waimamaku Settlement to the Opononi Wharf, Hokianga Harbour, and if it were completed and portions metalled would much enhance the value of the lands in the settlement. There were a considerable number of slips on the line this year, and consequently the maintenance was very costly. .About a mile and a half was widened and improved and eight miles maintained.

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Waimamaku-Punakitere. —This road runs from the Waimamaku Settlement alongside the Waimamaku Eiver up the valley to the Auckland Special Settlement, giving access to some exceedingly good land. This year's grant was expended in widening the present bridle-track into a cart-road, metalling portions of the bridle-track which were almost impassable in winter, and in general repair. Waipoua Survey District, Block Vll. —This vote is being expended in giving access to several sections lately surveyed in Block VII. About two miles and a half of bridle-track have been made. Hikurangi -Otanga. —The Whangarei County Council have during this year metalled about half a mile and made several culverts and other improvements. Hukerenui-Waiotu was for the purpose of giving access to the Waiotu Valley and adjacent settlers to the Hukerenui terminus of the Whangarei Eailway. The vote was expended by the Whangarei County in the constructing of about a mile and a quarter of dray-road and one bridge. Jordan is a continuation, or rather a part, of the Eamarama Valley-Hikurangi Eoad. The grant this year was expended by the Whangarei County Council in improving and constructing the unmade portion of the line. Kaueranga. —This year's vote was spent in constructing a road to give access to the Kaueranga Block, which was lately subdivided and sold. Kauri Mountain-Pataua. —The Whangarei County spent this year's grant in constructing about three-quarters of a mile of road by drains, culverts, and general formation. Maunu-Otuhe. —About 40 chains of metalling was done on the deviation laid out two years ago. The line was constructed for the purpose of giving better access to the Mangatepere settlers, and will be a portion of the main line connecting Whangarei with Dargaville. Mangakahia, Block IV. —ln conjunction with the vote " Kaueranga," this grant was expended in giving better access to the Kaueranga settlers, and at the same time giving access to Crown land in Block IV. Mangakaramea-Ruarangi. —The department is spending this grant in general repairs. Old North Road. —Work on this road was begun last year, and about four miles near Waipu were put in repair. Opuawhanga, Blocks XIII. and XIV.; Whangarei, Blocks 111. and IV. —For the purpose of giving access to the Crown lands in these blocks a bridle-road was constructed through the Toiroa Block No. 1., connecting with the roads lately made in the Ngunguru Block, and leading to the Ngunguru Harbour, a total length of three miles and a half. Opuawhanga-Whananaki connects Opuawhanga with the Whananaki Harbour. Beyond the removal of slips and some general repairs nothing was done this year. Parua-Taheke. —The Whangarei County Council have continued the construction of a further half-mile of road along the new line laid off last year. Purua-Ruatangata-Mangakahia. —This is the main outlet of the Kaueranga settlers, and for a considerable amount of Crown land. The Whangarei County Council have with this year's grant constructed a deviation laid out some years ago, and further improved the road by metalling and cutting down the hill and filling in the low ground adjacent to the Wairua Bridge. Ruatangata. —Metalling about one-quarter of a mile of the road has been done by the Whangarei County Council. Ruakaka North River. —The Whangarei County Council have expended this grant in re-forming about four miles of road and improving another two miles and a half. Waikiekie Parish-Hukerenui (Main Road). —From Hukerenui to Whakapara the road has been improved by clearing out water-tables and renewing culverts. From Whakapara to Whangarei Cemetery the department expended no money, and the Whangarei County Council and the Whangarei Town Board have maintained it. From Whangarei Cemetery to Waikiekie or Mangapai the road overseer and his men are now improving it. A considerable sum will shortly have to be expended in repairs to bridges which have been up for a long time and are now getting very rotten. I have not done much new metalling, but have repaired that already done, which in some places has worn or been washed completely away. Waipu Road and Wharf. —The Whangarei County Council have spent this grant in repairs to the road from Waipu to the wharf, mostly in " pipeclaying" the road and in repairs to the bridges and culverts. Whananaki Wharf. —A wharf of 115 ft. in length was constructed on the south side of the Whananaki Eiver, and has proved of great service to the settlers in the neighbourhood, the steamer from Auckland going direct to that port. Arapohue. —The balance of last year's grant was expended by the Hobson County Council in metalling about a quarter of a mile of the road from the Mitatai landing to the Arapohue Settlement. Dargaville-Aratapu. —A quarter of a mile of metalling on the road connecting these two places was done out of the grant by the Hobson County Council. Dargaville-Tangiteroria. —The Hobson County Council spent this vote in the construction of one bridge and approach, and in the widening of a mile of road. It is a portion of the road which will connect Dargaville with Whangarei. Opanake-Hokianga. —This road connects Hokianga with the terminus of the Dargaville Eailway—length, about thirty-one miles. It opens up a considerable amount of Crown lands, some of which is of excellent quality. There are three village settlements situated on the line, and two special settlements, all the sections of which abutting on the road have been taken up. The road is now almost available for wheel traffic. During the year three miles and three-quarters have been metalled, or rather ballasted, with some loose rock. Three bridges, of a total length of 105 ft., have

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been constructed, and the road maintained throughout. There are yet some stone culverts to be made at the north end, where suitable timber is not to be obtained, and where stone is plentiful. To make the road available for wheel traffic all the year round it is absolutely necessary to metal some parts. At present 1 have in these places only metalled with 6 in. spawls a track in the centre 4 ft. wide for horse traffic. Te Kopuru Wharf (£1 for £1). —The wharf, 58 ft. in length, has been made by the Hobson County Council. Te Kopuru-Tikinui. —This is a portion of the main road connecting the township on the west bank of the Wairoa Eiver. The Hobson County Council have constructed and metalled about half a mile of the road. Kaiwaka-Waipu Gorge (Main Road). —A considerable amount of work has been and is being done on this portion of the main road. It has been repaired generally throughout. Between Maungaturoto and Waipu the whole of the bridges in the gorge have been repaired, several of the dangerous corners cut away, and a mile of tlie road near Maungaturoto re-formed and metalled. There are some bridges which will at an early date require to be practically rebuilt and a considerable length of road yet to be metalled. The road through the Waipu Gorge is too narrow; it is quite impossible for two carts to pass each other except in a few places. From Maungaturoto to Hakuru the worst places have been repaired, and the old metalled portions rounded up, and, where required, renewed. Kaiivaka-Mangawai. —The Otamatea County Council have expended this grant in metalling 51 chains of the road near Kaiwaka. Mareretu. —This road gives access to a number of sections taken up near the Mongonui Eiver. During the year I constructed one bridge of 30 ft. span, and about a mile of road. Paparoa-Maungaturoto. —The balance of this vote was spent in making approaches to two bridges. I propose with this year's authority to regrade the portion of the road between McHardy's Bridge and Maungaturoto. Pahi-Waikiekie is the main road connecting Pahi with Whangarei. The Otamatea County Council have spent this grant in the widening of a mile of the road with the exception of a small cutting and filling required at the bridge over the Mongonui Eiver. The road may be considered good throughout. Raupo Wharf was erected for the purpose of giving landing facility to the settlers in the Tokatoka Swamp, and when the roads in the neighbourhood are completed it will be much used by other settlers in the district. The wharf is a very substantial structure of 216 ft. in length, and has a depth of about 10 ft. of water at low tide at the end of tee. Topini-Maungaturotu is a portion of the Great North Eoad. The grant was given for the special purpose of renewing two small bridges which were last summer destroyed by fire. This has been done. This expenditure has been carried out in conjunction with that of Hakuru-Waikiekie. Valley Rodd-Paparoa. —The balance of last year's grant was spent in doing about 6 chains of road. This year's grant will be for the purpose of constructing two bridges. Hoteo-Waiwhiu. —This gives access to settlers in the Pakiri Block. The unexpended balance of last year's grant was spent in the removal of slips. Makarau Railway-station. —The vote is for the purpose of improving the road from Clinkard's Bridge to the railway-station. Works have been and are being carried out by the Waitemata County Council, and consist in constructing a mile and three-quarters of road. Makarau Bridge, West Coast. —Tenders were called for repairs to this bridge, and accepted. The contractor begins work at an early date. Matakana Ranges. —Three miles of engineering survey were made, and six miles of bridle-track constructed, the work being carried out by a gang of local settlers. The road is required to give access to settlers in the Pakiri Block, and for opening up further Crown lands. Port Albert-Wellsford Junction. —The worst places along this line of road are being metalled, as far as can be done with the money authorised for expenditure. Puhoi-Warkworth is a portion of the Great North Eoad, and the vote is being expended in repairs to the Turntable Hill. Pakiri-Omaha (Warkworth-Pakiri). —The Eodney County Council are expending a portion of this grant in constructing 25 chains of road and putting in six pipe-culverts. Tauhoa, Blocks X. and Xl. —The road gives access to a considerable number of settlers, and is the main road between Kaipara Flats and Glorit. Five miles of engineering survey, one mile of dray-road, and one mile and three-quarters of bridle-track were constructed, the work being done by local settlers. Tauhoa. —About a quarter of a mile of what is known as the West Coast Boad, near Tauhoa, was metalled with this grant, the work being done by the Eodney County Council. Waiivera-Kaiwaka (Main Road). —Most of the bridges between these two places have been repaired, and a considerable length was re-formed and metalled. The wooden culverts in many cases have been replaced by pipes, and the road has been maintained throughout. I am now rebuilding one of the bridges near Warkworth, and am taking up the stones which were laid as metal in former times by the county, and having the same broken and relaid. There is still a considerable length of road not metalled, and which in winter becomes very much cut up. Warkworth-Kaipara Flats. —Little work has yet been done, and that chiefly repairs. I propose spending the balance of the vote in metalling a portion which the county are now forming, and which consists of a big cutting and filling. Warkworth-Wellsford. —This is a portion of the Great North Eoad, and carries a considerable amount of the traffic from the West Coast. The vote is being spent, in conjunction with the Waiwera-Hakuru vote, in metalling about a quarter of a mile of road. Warkworth Main Road to Block VII., Pakiri. —This grant will be expended in continuing 7—C. 1.

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the formation of the new road between Little Omaha and Pakiri now being made by the Eodney County Council. Warkworth-Kaipara Flat and Tauhoa. —The Eodney County Council is spending this vote in a big cutting and filling near Mr. Phillips's farm, and in the erection of a bridge over the Komowera Stream, and two stone culverts. Kaukapakapa-Port Albert. —27 chains of metalling was made on this road, near the Glorit Post-office, by the Eodney County Council. Henderson. —The Waitemata County Council are expending this grant in metalling with scoria the road through Henderson. Henderson-Swanson, Metalling. —The most of this grant was used to pay for freight and carting of 1,000 cubic yards of metal, which was spread by the Waitemata County Council near Swanson, and through the Swanson Settlement. Huia-West Coast. — The Waitemata County Council have formed and metalled about threequarters of a mile of road with scoria, and constructed a bridge of 73 ft. in length. This road gives access to the Manukau Harbour Endowment, and is much used by tourists on account of the beautiful views obtainable. Kauri Forest Track-Waitakerei. —About two miles and a quarter of bridle-track have been constructed through the State forest reserve, which has been much appreciated by sightseers. The work was carried out by the Waitemata County Council. Kumeu (Main Road)-Rewiti. —The Waitemata County Council have formed two and a half miles of this road. North Shore-Waiwera (Main Road). —The whole of this road has been put in order for a distance of twenty-eight miles. I have redecked some of the bridges and otherwise repaired them, and am now metalling and widening about half a mile of road at Okura, Wade, and Orewa. A considerable length of the road still requires to be metalled, and the bridges, like most of those on the Great North Eoad, will in a few years have practically to be rebuilt. Rewiti-Parkhurst. —A mile and a quarter of this road was constructed and a portion of it metalled through the Te Pua Block, near Helensville South. The work was carried out by the Waitemata County Council. Swanson-West Coast is a road much used by sightseers from Auckland. The Waitemata County Council have laid off several deviations, and have constructed about a mile and a half of the road, and improved another mile and a half. Waiwera Springs. —The most of this grant was expended in metalling the hill overlooking the Waiwera Hot Springs Hotel, which is a portion of the Great North Boad. The metal obtainable near Waiwera is a sandstone, and is rather soft, so I laid 9 in. of it, and 3 in. of shingle on top of that. The shingle is of a hard nature, and was obtained from Eangitoto Island. Wainui-Kaukapakapa. —Two miles and a quarter of this road have been constructed by the Waitemata County Council, giving settlers better access to the present terminus of the Helensville Bailway-line. Rangitoto Mountain (£1 for £1). —The Eangitoto Domain Board have made an excellent track, of 1 mile 50 chains in length, from the wharf to the top of Eangitoto. This track is now much used by visitors, as the view from the top of the hill is not easily surpassed. Awhitu Road and Wharf. —A mile and a half of road leading to the wharf has been constructed out of this grant by the Awhitu Eoad Board. Hunua-Ararimu. —A mile and three-quarters of deviations was laid out and surveyed, and 69 chains were constructed. Compensation for portions of deviations not yet being settled, I am delaying further expenditure. Hunua Railway-station. —A new line of road has been surveyed, and the Hunua Eoad Board are endeavouring to settle claim for compensation. The major portion of this line cannot be formed till such settlement is arrived at. Otahuhu-Bombay (Main Road). —I have put the whole road between Manurewa Eailwaystation and Bombay in order, by rounding up the metal, cleaning out water-tables and culverts, &c. Where metal was nearly worn through I renewed it, and redecked part of the different bridges where the planks were either very rotten or broken. Otau. —Seven miles and three-quarters of bridle-track have been made this year, giving access to various sections. There is still some ten miles of road that ought to be constructed, and the main road through the block ought to be widened into a dray-road. Otau Block-Ness Valley. —A mile and a half of this road, which gives access to the Otau Block, has been widened into a dray-road. Wairoa River-Otau. —About six miles and a half of a road have been made, giving to settlers on the north-west side of the Otau Block access to the Clivedon Township. Waiuku-Pukekohe. —The Waiuku Boad Board have metalled about three-quarters of a mile of this road. Awaroa, Block XI. —A mile and a half of bridle-track has been constructed. This road connects the settlers in the Awaroa No. 2 Block with the Main Tuakau-Eaglan Eoad and with the boat-landing at the Maire. Huntly-Kahuruhuru. —This road has been improved throughout, and about a mile of the road across the swamp has been raised by fillings. Several bridges and culverts have been repaired and renewed. Laiusbn's Hill. —This is a portion of the road connecting the Tuakau-Eaglan Eoad with settlers in Block VI., Awaroa and West Coast. 52 chains of very steep side-cutting along the face of what is known as Lawson's Hill were constructed. Main Road-West Coast Road. —This is a continuation of the Lawson's Hill Eoad. The work done is about three-quarters of a mile of heavy side-cutting and metalling, some very boggy portions of which were impassable during winter. Works are still being carried out, and there are yet some five miles to construct before a connection can be made with the roads formed m Block VI.

Bridge over Waipa River at Ngaruawahia. Designed by Mr. A. B. Wright.

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Mangapiko-Maire is a portion of the Eaglan-Tuakau Eoad, which runs through the centre of the Eaglan County. About three-quarters of a mile was with this grant constructed into a dray-road. Matakataka Gutting. —The Eaglan County Council expended this grant in widening the road along the side of the Matakataka Hill. It is still, however, a very boggy and dangerous road in winter. Tuakau-Opuatia-Kahuruhuru. —This is the main road through the Eaglan County. During the year three miles were constructed into a dray-road, and a mile and a half was improved by widening and metalling. The whole road — a distance of about forty-five miles — was maintained. There yet remain four bridges to be erected and about four miles and a half of road to construct. To keep the road available for winter traffic some further metalling must be done. Waingaro-Ngaruawahia. —The vote has been expended in widening and metalling, but the road is still too narrow in places to be safe for wheel traffic. There is since the erection of the Waipa Bridge a considerable traffic on this line, especially cattle-driving. It is the only buggy-road to the Waingaro Hot Springs, which is becoming a favourite resort. Blocks X. and XL, Rangiriri. —The line opens up a considerable quantity of Crown land, and gives better access to the Huntly settlers. The road being high, and traversing good ground, it is always good, and is easily maintained. A further quarter of a mile was constructed near the Puriri. Kimihia-Huntly. —The Huntly Eoad Board expended their grant in the construction of about two miles of bridle-track. Ohinewai-Matahura. —About a mile of road was constructed from the Ohinewai Bailwaystation towards Matahura, the work being carried out by the Huntly Eoad Board. Village Settlements. —Very little work has been done in these settlements during the past year. One mile of bridle-track was improved, to give better access to settlers in the Fern Flat Village. Waikoura Bridge. —The Whangaroa County at first intended to repair this bridge, but have agreed to erect a new one on a site close to the present one, which will be more economical than to repair the present bridge. Hokianga Bridge is a bridge over a small tidal stream giving access from the BaweneHokianga Boad to some sections in Block If 1., Hokianga Survey District. The work was done by the Hokianga County from plans prepared by Mr. Menzies. Wairua Bridge is a bridge consisting of two spans of 25 ft, 6 in., and one span (laminated arch) of 100 ft. It is situated about one mile above the Wairua Falls, and is needed to give access to the lands lately thrown open in the Mangakahia and Mangaru Survey Districts. Mangakahia Bridge is now being erected, and consists of six spans of 40 ft. and one span (laminated arch) of 200 ft. The Mangakahia Eiver floods very rapidly, and rises about 40 ft. There is a considerable quantity of timber felled and sent down the river to the mills on the Wairoa Eiver, consequently it was dangerous to have a pier in the middle of the river. The bridge is needed to give access to Crown lands lately thrown open in the Mangakahia and Mangaru Survey Districts. Whangarei Bridge. —The approaches to the Whangarei Swing Bridge, erected last year by the Whangarei County Council, were this year constructed out of this grant by the same body. Waipu Bridge. —The bridge and the road leading to it were repaired by the Whangarei County Council. Matakana Bridge. —This is a very substantial bridge, with concrete abutments of 34 ft. span. It was erected by the Eodney County Council, and about a quarter of a mile of road leading from it was constructed. Makarau Bridge. —This bridge, situated on the West Coast Eoad, was very much damaged by floating timber during recent floods. Tenders for its repair have been accepted. Upper Makarau Bridge. —Tenders for the erection of this bridge have been accepted ; it con sists of two 16 ft. and one 65 ft. span. Puhoi Bridge. —A bridge of a total length of 58 ft. was constructed by the Eodney County Council on the road through the Puhoi Settlement towards the West Coast. Tuakau Bridge. —Preliminary borings are now being made to ascertain the nature of the bed of the river at proposed site. Waipa Bridge has been erected close to where the punt was situated at Ngaruawahia. It consists of three spans of 40 ft. each and three spans of 120 ft. each, and cost £1,970. It has proved a great boon to the settlers on the west side of the river. Katui Improved-farm Settlement. —The road connecting this settlement with the Mangatu and the Opanake-Hokianga Eoad is now being constructed. Tokatoka Sivamp. —This marsh, miscalled "swamp," consists of about 11,000 acres, nearly all of which, when reclaimed, will be of excellent quality. During the year nearly three miles of road and drain and two miles and a quarter of drain were constructed, the spoil earth being thrown out so as to form temporary bridle-roads. All the completed drains were cleaned out and improved, and the flood-gates, where required, attended to. The railway-construction was carried on to near the boundary of the Crown land on which the kahikatea is growing. The line already laid has been, and is now, in use for haulage of timber from private sections adjacent to the line, and a total sum, so far, of £156 has been received. Pending settlement of how the Crown timber is to be disposed of no more railway-line will be laid. I have a considerable quantity of sleepers which the Eailway Department would not take, and which I obtained at a reasonable figure from the contractors. They were stacked on the line; and also the iron rails for another four miles, so that no delay will take place should the line be required, the formation for which has been and is now proceeding. Two artesian wells have been sunk—one in the Eaupo Township, giving about 40,000 gallons a day ; the other at the north end of the swamp, the flow from which is not so great. I intend sinking another at the south end of the swamp. There are still 6,000 acres of this marsh to be drained. The wharf is at the township, and has been completed, and the steamer calls there regularly. Akaaka Swamp. —The Akaaka Drainage Board have constructed another 20 chains of the eastern drain with this year's grant.

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Otawa Swamp. —The Otau Eiver and part of the drains were cleaned out by°the Waipipi Eoad Board, which has had the effect of discharging the water more rapidly off the swamp. Maioro Swamp. —About half a mile of drains were constructed to improve the road to the Maioro Settlement. Mercer Punt. —On completion of the Waipa Bridge the old punt was purchased, and, after being repaired and altered, was taken to Mercer, and is now in use. Churchill Punt. —The Eaglan County Council have expended this grant in general repairs to the punt, and in painting same. Takahue Block. —The line connecting this block with the Victoria Valley to the Main Eoad has been improved and widened. No works have been done in the block itself. Takahue- Whangape Block. —The road passing through the middle of this block, and which has been constructed into a bridle-track 8 ft. wide, connects Herekino Village Settlement with the Takahue Village Settlement. Ruapekapeka Block. —A portion of the unexpended balance of this grant was spent during last year in constructing one mile of road and improving two miles and a half of bridle-track. Pakiri District Road. —The only work done to this road was the removal of slips and improvements to 25 chains. Moiatau. —The unexpended balance of this vote was spent in improvements to the Eamarama Valley Eoad, which passes through the block. Mangakahia. —The road through a portion of this block, one mile and a half in length, connecting the Wairua and the Mangakahia bridges was constructed. The tender for erecting the Mangakahia Bridge was accepted, and works are in progress. Opuaivhanga-Whangarei No. 1 Block. —Three miles of engineering survey were made to open up this block, the line being connected to a road already made through the Ngunguru Block and carried on to the Ngunguru Harbour. The formation is being carried out by co-operative contracts, 13 chains having been formed. Waipu VI. and VII. Blocks. —Co-operative contracts are now in progress for the construction of two roads through this block, the one branching off from the Great North Eoad at the commencement of the Waipu Gorge and going in a south-easterly direction, and the other from the Coast Eoad going in a south-westerly direction. The country through which the lines pass is very broken, but is well adapted to sheep-grazing. Auckland Special Settlement the year one mile and a quarter of the road through the block connecting the Waimamaku Punakitere Boad with the north end of the OpanakeHokianga Eoad has been widened, and in places metalled. Owing to the nature of the soil this road becomes very boggy in winter, and it is absolutely necessary that more metalling be done if the road is to be made available for traffic throughout the whole year. Mangaru Block. —Nearly two miles of deviations of the road through the Avoca Settlement has been done, the road giving access to the Mangaru Block. Six miles of engineering survey in the block itself have been made, and a rough survey of a proposed new line through the Mangakirikiri Block (which would also give access to the Mangaru Block) has been done. Opanake Block. —The roads through this block, and connecting it with the Dargaville Line, are now in course of construction. Half a mile of bridle-road has been constructed. Ahuroa-Awaroa Block. —This is a portion of Block VI., Awaroa Survey District. The main line through this block is a part of the Opuatia-Lawson Hill to West Coast Eoad. During the year about one mile of bridle-road was constructed. Opuatia Nos. 1 and 3 Blocks. —Twenty-three miles and a half of engineering survey have been made through these two blocks and the adjacent Native land, which had to be traversed so as to give these blocks access to the Tuakau-Eaglan Eoad. Fifteen miles of pack-track have been made, principally through the Native land, and two contracts are now in progress for forming portions of the road in Block 1., where a track would be unsafe for horse traffic. I estimate the cost of constructing a bridle-track along the graded line at about £2,500. Opuatia No. 2 Block. —About four miles of engineering survey of the road through this block has been made. Taupiri Block. —Thirty-three bridges and culverts and three miles and a quarter of bridle-track have been constructed during the year, making a total length of five miles of bridle-road formed in the block. There are yet two miles of road to construct to complete the line as now laid out through a portion of the block. Geneeal. One hundred and seventy-one plans and specifications of works undertaken by the County Councils, Eoad Boards, or Drainage Boards have been examined and approved of. Before final payments for the various works they have in nearly all cases been examined by some officer of the department. Three hundred and fifty-four co-operative contracts were let; four contracts for large bridges of from 60 ft. to 200 ft. clear span, and three contracts for wharves. Five inspectors and four road overseers are permanently employed, and others were employed as occasion required in superintending and laying out works. The whole has been carried out under the supervision of Mr. Wright and myself, assisted by Mr. Burd and Mr. G. G. Menzies. Geehaed Muellee, Chief Surveyor.

AUCKLAND CENTBAL. Aotea Wharf Road. —No steps have as yet been taken towards laying out the £100 voted for this work, and it will probably be wise to keep it in hand until more.can be added to the sum.

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Main Road to Blocks VII. and IX., Karioi. —Under a grant to the Eaglan County the vote of £100 has been well spent, and 63 chains of dray-road very much improved. Raglan-Ruapuke. —A grant of £200 has been made to the Eaglan County under the usual agreement, £50 of which has been spent in improving one mile and a quarter of dray-road, and other work is in hand. Raglan-Waipa. —On this road the Eaglan County, under grants, have spent £200, for which 52 chains of road have been greatly improved, and 47 chains metalled 12 ft. wide. The Waitetuna Bridge has also been repaired. This is a very important road, being the chief outlet for the Eaglan district. Other works are now in hand under a further grant. Aotea-Raglan. —Under a similar grant of £54 3s. lid. the same county has constructed 16 chains of dray-road, and improved a further length of 23 chains. Waingaro-Te Mata. —£2oo has been spent by the Eaglan County, under grant, in generally improving- the road, including 1 mile 33 chains of practically new road. Waitetuna-Aotea. —Nothing but maintenance has been done during the year, as money for further extension of it was not available until quite lately. Waitetuna-Waingaro. —On this road a length of two miles and a quarter has been widened from a 9 ft. to a 12 ft. dray-road, and a bridge of 16 ft. span, with approaches, built across the Parawai Stream. Waitetuna-Kauri. —Nothing has been done to this road, as it was not worthwhile starting with the small amount available until after the last appropriation. With the sum now in hand, however, a start will soon be made, and I hope by next summer to have a bridle-track open right through. Waitetuna-Whatawhata. —The £300 voted for this has not yet been touched, and no work done on the road, which is roughly estimated to cost from £1,200 to £1,500. I understand that Mr. Vickerman, of the Auckland office, is about to make a survey of it. Alexandra-Kaivhia. —This road has been extensively repaired, and in places improved by cutting off sharp points, &c.; it is now in good order from Alexandra (Pirongia) to Te Eauamoa, excepting the Ngutunui Bridge, which requires repairing. From Te Eauamoa to Kawhia the road is now being repaired. This road will form the principal access from both Kawhia and the railway system to the lands about to be opened for settlement in the Hauturu, Whangaingatakapu, and Pirongia West Blocks. Briscoe's Section, Awakino (Road to). —I regret to say that nothing has yet been done in constructing this, owing to a question of compensation having arisen with Mr. Iredale, through whose land it is necessary to take the road. lam in hopes of arranging with him soon. Hauturu East. —Twenty-four miles of engineering survey has been made, but no roadwork clone. The land is forest and broken, but the soil of good quality; it will, I think, make a good sheep country. Kawhia Wharf. —Nothing has yet been done. The £100 voted will, I think, be hardly sufficient to buy materials of good quality for a very modest-sized wharf. Kauroa-Pakoka. —Under the supervision of the Eaglan County the grant of £100 has been well spent on 43 chains of new dray-road and the improvement of 1 mile 32 chains. Kawhia-Aotea. —This road was put in a state of good repair early last spring, but there are now some soft places on the Aotea flats, across which about seven miles of the road passes. It is, however, not a very important road at present. Mangauika Ala. —Under this heading two miles and a half of dray-road have been made from the Alexandra-Kawhia Eoad to land recently taken up on the eastern slope of Pirongia. It leads also to Crown lands. • Otorohanga-Pirongia. —Only the engineering survey of this road has been done. The work of construction is ready for letting as soon as necessary money is forthcoming. Kinohaku East. —The engineering surveys of roads to open up this land are in hand, but up to date no road-construction has been done. Pirongia West. —An additional 69 chains of narrow dray-road has been made, which makes the road open to 3 miles 69 chains from its starting-point at the Alexandra-Kawhia Eoad, and work is in hand up to four miles. This road opens up fairly good forest land in the hands of the Crown. Tokanui-Wharepapa. —Nothing has been done to this, as there does not appear to be any hurry for it, owing to so little of the Wharepuhunga Block, to which it will lead, having been selected. Te Kuiti-Awakino. —This is by far the most important and extensive of the roads under my control, the expenditure on it during the year being just about half of the whole for the district. The work latterly in hand has been very heavy side-cutting in hard limestone cliffs, requiring a great deal of drilling and blasting. The heaviest part is now done, and I anticipate a quicker progress in the future. This road will assist in opening up extensive areas of Crown lands, some of which are, I think, the best they own in this district. The road is now open for wheel traffic from Awakino Heads for twenty-five miles; from that point to 26f miles it is only partly made and in hand; from 26f miles there is another part open for similar traffic eight miles and a half long, or to miles from the Heads. From Te Kuiti going southwards a length of three miles and a half is open for wheel traffic, and beyond that the work is in hand for a length of two miles and a quarter. There is still a gap of about five miles in the survey, so that the correct length cannot be given, but it will be just about fifty miles from Te Kuiti to Awakino Heads. The following bridges on this road will have to be built in the near future, viz. : Upper Awakino, about 100 ft. long; Mangaotaki, about the same length; Mangakowhai, 54ft. long; and the Mangaparoo, Mangarama, and Mangatea, each about 25 ft. in length. Waitomo Caves Road. —This is only a short road of five miles and a quarter. At the present time a gang of four men are employed in cleaning up the water-tables and drains and making

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general repairs. This road will soon be continued into the Kinohaku and Hauturu Blocks, with the object of tapping the Crown lands there. Wharauroa. —No work has been done under this head, and no expenditure has been incurred. Paemako-Ohura. —A good punt, running on a wire rope overhead, has been put where the track crosses the Mokau Biver, which was often dangerous to ford. No other work has been done on this road, which so far is but an ungraded riding-track. Kihikihi-Otorohanga-Te Kuiti.—-There has been 2 miles 9 chains of dray-road added to that before done, and the road is now open for any kind of traffic between Kihikihi and Otorohanga. The bridge across the Mangaorongo Stream is, however, only a temporary one, and must soon be replaced with a proper structure. There is also about a mile of surface-forming to do on this section before the road can be considered as completed. On the part between Otorohanga and Te Kuiti only repairs necessary to keep it open as a riding-track have been made. I think it very desirable to make a dray-road along this part as soon as possible. Ouruwhero No. 2 and Puketarata. —The work done and charged under this head forms part of the road from Kihikihi to Otorohanga, and is included in the last paragraph, it gives access to the Puketarata Crown lands. Kihikihi-Waotu. —There has been 1 mile 63 chains of this road improved, and work under the new vote will soon be put in hand. Wharepuhunga No. I. —No work or expenditure has taken place in connection with this block, as the land offered for selection a few years ago did not go off freely. I believe there is now some settlement going on on the block, and I anticipate a request for roads. Cambridge Bridge Repairs (£1 for £1). —An agreement has just been entered into with the Waipa County to do this work, which body are now calling for tenders for the required repairs. Whatiwhatihoe Bridge. —There has been £11 spent on this, in small repairs to the deck, and in carefully inspecting the structure. It has been found that the bridge is in a very bad state, owing principally to decay, and is not safe for heavy traffic. As the £100 voted for repairs is totally inadequate for what is necessary, application has been made for a larger sum, and the repairs are delayed pending its receipt. Puniu Bridge. —This has been put in a thorough state of repair—painted, tarred, &c. Paemako (Karuoteivhenua) Improved-farm Settlement. —No roads or other public works have been executed during the year which are chargeable under this item. Te Rauamoa Improved-farm Settlement. —Like the above, no works have been in hand here in the way of roads, &c. Whatawhata Swamp (Drainage and Road). —This work has been carried out, under agreement, by the Waipa County, and consists of 88 chains of 5-by-4 swamp-drain, 40 chains drain cleaned out, 260 cubic yards of gravel or sand carted on to the road, and sundry small repairs. Stratford-Ongaruhe. —The principal work done is the erection of the Ohura Bridge, which consists of one span of 97 ft., two of 18 ft., and one of 13 ft., and the approaches to the same, consisting of about 1,200 cubic yards of embankment. Timber has also been sawn for the Mangaroa Bridge, which will be one span of 97 ft. The timber is now being hauled to the site. All the timber used in the bridges on this road is totara, except the parts requiring hard wood, where maire has been used. The remainder of the bush on the road within my district, consisting of one mile, has been felled and burnt. The road has been partially maintained, but not so thoroughly as it should have been, owing to the scarcity of money. It is now open for all kinds of traffic from the junction of the Taumarunui-Ohakune Boad to the Mangaroa Eiver, a distance of 27f miles, which makes forty-four miles south from Te Porootarao Tunnel. Short branch roads from this road will open up considerable areas of Crown land when required. Taumarunui-Ohakune. —Hitherto this name has applied to the road or track from Ohakune right to the tunnel at Te Porootarao. The part of it which is north of Taumarunui is within my district, and it requires forming and completing; also two small bridges will have to be erected. Owing to there not being money for the purpose nothing has been done on the road, either in maintenance or new work, consequently the road is not in first-rate order. Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges in Native Districts. —The riding-tracks from Te Kuiti to Otorohanga and to Te Porootarao have been repaired and maintained, and one good permanent culvert, 3 ft. by 5 ft., and 25 chains dray-road made on the former. Eepairs on the tracks from Te Kuiti to Mokau and Otorohanga to Te Kopua are just about to be staTted. Karioi Block. —A small grant for £55 was made to the Eaglan County, and has been well spent in improving 26 chains of dray-road and small improvements. Pirongia (111, IV., VI., VII., VIII.) Block.— Authority for the expenditure of £200 towards opening up roads to lands recently taken up in these blocks has just been received, and the work will be put in hand as soon as possible. Hauturu and Part Kinohaku Block. —Twenty-three miles of engineering survey has been done, but no roadworks yet started. « Kinohaku Block, Pirongia (IV., VIII.) Block, Puketarata Block, and Whangaingatakapu Black. —Nothing as yet has been spent under these headings, but preparations are being made to put the works in hand. "Thirds" and "Fourths," Kawhia County. —Under this the following works have been done, and expenditures incurred : On Briscoe's Boad 6 chains of dray-road in side-cutting has been made, at a cost of £15 135.; on Hunt's Eoad £3 12s. has been spent in preparing and setting out work now in hand; on the road from Kawhia to Harihari 50 chains of graded bridle-road has been made, mostly in bush, at a cost of £48 os. 2d.; on the Manganui Eoad 53 chains of bridle-road has been made, and five miles of bushfelling and burning done, for an expenditure of £150 14s. During the year a great deal of new country has been explored for roads ; it lies chiefly in the Hauturu and Kinohaku Blocks, between the waters of the Waipa and Mokau tributaries on the east, and the seacoast and Kawhia Harbour on the west. Nearly all is forest land of a broken nature. Over most

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of the area the soil is of good quality —the formation is clay slate, papa, and limestone. Nothing of particular interest was discovered. Mr. Adams and party report having found moa-bones in a cave, but very much decayed. Drift coal has been seen in some of the streams, but I have not heard of any seams having been seen, except the deposit long known of at Kawhia. Engineering Surveys of Boads. —ln all, during the year, complete engineering surveys have been made, plotted, and quantities taken out, of twenty-five miles, of which length two-thirds is in open country and the remainder in heavy bush. Besides this, a total length of seventy-four miles of road-line has been located, in rough bush country, by cutting, and pegging roughly the grade levels, to enable the land surveyors to follow when laying out the land for disposal. As this locating and grading is about equal to half a complete engineering survey, I have only shown half the mileage done in the tables. In connection with this work about twelve miles of pack-track, available for horses, has been made, and five to seven miles of walking, or " swag," track, which are great conveniences until the roads are made. Contingencies and Engineering. —Under this vote an expenditure of £242 4s. sd. has taken place, the chief items being the salaries of office assistant and clerk, office rent and fuel, &c, and expenses in inspecting works done under grants by local bodies. C. W. Hursthotjse, Eoad Surveyor.

EOTOEUA. Arahiwi and Mamaku Railway-station. — Bush-clearing to the extent of 2 miles 10 chains has been done. This road should be constructed on economical lines right through from the Arahiwi to the Mamaku Eailway-station, on the northern side of the railway-line, with crossroads at suitable places from the sections on the southern side of the line. The road connecting the Tirau (Oxford)-Eotorua Boad with the Mamaku Eailway-station should also be formed. This done, all settlers would have access to the railway-stations, and the traffic on the TirauEotorua Eoad would be relieved, which would enable it to be kept in better order in the winter months. The settlers about Mamaku would then have a much better chance of making a success of the settlement, and the blocks of Crown.lands at the back would be taken up more rapidly. Ngongotaha-Bishop's Section. — There has been 2 miles 15 chains of dray-road constructed beyond the Ngongotaha Mount Eoad, giving good access into Mr, Bishop's section. Okoheriki Id. —Mr. H. T. Mitchell has begun the work of location of roads on this block, which lies to the south of Mamaku, from which point the block will be opened up. Contracts will shortly be led for clearing the bush preparatory to construction of roads. £300 is available for this work. Rotorua - Ngongotaha Mount. —This road is about six miles in length from its turn off the Tauranga-Eunanga Eoad, two of which are wide enough for drays, and the remainder for horses. During the year 1 mile 60 chains of dray-road has been formed, and six miles have been maintained. The look-out tower at the top of the mountain has been destroyed, being unsafe; plans for a new tower will be submitted for your approval shortly. When funds can be spared the four miles of horse-road from the base to the top of the mountain should be widened sufficiently to allow invalids and tourists to drive up to the top. The views obtained of the surrounding district from points in the ascent as well as from the top are very fine. Rotorua-Wairoa. —For its entire length of seven miles, starting from its junction with the Maketu Eoad, this horse-road has been maintained, 10 chains of dray-road and 2 miles 61 chains of horse-road having been improved. When funds will permit it should be widened into a dray-road, and a by-road formed as far as the Okaraka Lake, estimates for which work have been forwarded to you. Rotoiti-Tarawera, via Okataina. —Nothing has been done on this work during the year. Arrangements are now being made for letting the work of clearing the bush on the road from the Eotoiti to the Okataina Lake, and making a passable horse-track along it. To construct this road right through from the Eotoiti Lake, along the shores of the Okataina, Tarawera, and Okareka Lakes, connecting with the Wairoa Eoad, would be very expensive, and I think, if a good buggyroad were constructed from the Te Teko Boad, on the shores of Eotoiti, as far as the Okatama Lake, and a branch from the Wairoa Eoad into the Okareka Lake, it would meet all requirements for many years to come. Taumata (Nos. la, 2a, 3b East, 3b West No. 1, 3c East, 3g West No. 1). —No authority has been issued under this item. Galatea-Ruatoki. — hxi authority for £100 has been issued for this work, but no action has been taken pending further instructions. Rotorua-Te Teko. —Owing to scarcity of funds, this work has not progressed much during the year. 4 miles 13 chains of engineering surveys have been executed, and twenty-seven miles of the road have been maintained, 1 mile 8 chains being improved. Arrangements are now made for the construction of the road through the swamp near Te Teko by means of large drains, and for the completion of the road from Lake Eoto-ma to the Tarawera Eiver. A section has also been taken of the Tarawera Eiver at the proposed bridge-site. About forty Natives are now at work on the Te Teko end of the road. At Tapuaeharuru a short length of road should be taken and constructed from the shore of Lake Eotoiti through the Native clearing to connect with the main road to Te Teko, to do away with the toll at present levied by the Natives on passengers and goods landed from the launches. lam at present negotiating with the Natives with the intention of submitting the matter for your approval. Rotorua-Galatea-Waikaremoana. —19 miles 65 chains of engineering survey has been done, completing this class of work right through from Eotorua to where the Mokau Eiver runs into Waikaremoana Lake; and thirty-five miles of engineering plans and quantities prepared for

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contracts. About twenty miles of dray-road has been constructed, eleven miles of dray-road has been improved, and seventy-five miles has been maintained. With the exception of a gap of about two miles on the Kaingaroa Plains, the formation of the road is now continuous from Eotorua to a point about seventy-three miles from Eotorua, and with an expenditure of about £500 on culverts, bridges, and slips the road could be opened into the head-waters of the Whakatane" Eiver within a mile of Te Umeroa Settlement, a distance of seventy-six miles from Eotorua. Having just received an authority for £500, this work will be put in hand at once. The gap on the Kaingaroa Plains should be done as soon as funds will allow, but at present the old track is available for traffic. In connection with this work a branch road has been formed, 10 ft. wide, for a distance of two miles and a half, giving access to the Te Papa totara forest, at the back of Te Whaiti, where there is a splendid supply of that timber—sufficient to meet all requirements for that part of the district. The crossing of the Eangitaiki Eiver near Galatea is very unsatisfactory, being at times dangerous. There is a very good site for a bridge, which could be built for £250, and to which the new road has been formed. A section has been taken of it, and as soon as funds are available for the road, plans of the bridge will be submitted for your approval. Owing to want of funds, all the men— Europeans and Natives —at work on this road were discharged, excepting a few surfacemen, last December. During the whole year the bulk of the work has been given to Natives, to relieve their distress consequent on the failure of the potato-crops, about twenty of the Ureweras being employed at bush-clearing near Euatahuna, about twenty of the Te Whaiti Natives on the Te Papa Eoad, and about forty Natives from Te Houhi, Galatea, and Whirinaki on the Kaingaroa Plains. A staff of six men has been employed in maintenance, and the road is now in good order throughout. A bridge is badly wanted in place of the present ford across the stream about a mile beyond the Waiotapu Eoad junction. The ford will always require attention, and in times of flood is dangerous. The bridge could be erected for about £150. Rotowhero via Waiotapu-Wairakei Road. —About four miles have been re-formed. The entire road has been maintained, and is now in good condition. Its length from the junction of the Galatea Eoad to Wairakei, including the branch roads to Ohaki and the Areatiatia Bapids, is thirty-eight miles. A bridge of 25 ft. span has been constructed over the Wairakei Stream. A 4 ft. by 3 ft. culvert has been built near Wairakei, and a 6 ft. by 4 ft. at the Waikato Bridge. Other small culverts are being constructed, so that the road will be completed right through by the time the Waikato Bridge is built. During the present season the traffic has been considerable, in spite of it being necessary to swim horses across the Waikato Eiver. A mail-coach goes each way once a week, besides many specials. The road is also a favourite with cyclists. When this road is opened one of the surfacemen can be spared from the Eotorua-Atiamuri lengths, and should be put on it. Tirau (Oxford)-Rotorua Main Road. —From its junction with the Tauranga Boad to the boundary of the Eotorua County, which is the Government portion of the road, and is nine miles in length, the road has been maintained, and is now in good order, with the exception of two culverts that require reconstructing, and for which timber has been ordered. Before next summer the scrub on the sides of the road should be cut down by contract labour, ready for burning and sowing the ground with grass-seed. This would help considerably to keep the road dry and hard in winter. Akeake. —An authority for £75 has just been issued for this work. Nothing has yet been done. Maketu Wharf. —£100 authority has just been issued. Nothing has been done. Otawa No. la, lb. —No authority has been issued for this work. Pye's Pa. —No authority has been issued for this work. Papamoa Special Settlement. —The sum of £193 has been expended by the Tauranga County Council in the formation of 3 miles 40 chains of horse-road. A further sum of £206 has been issued for expenditure to the same body. Papamoa No. 1; Papamoa Nos. 1 and 2. —Grants of £156 and £200 have just been made to the Tauranga County Council. No work has been done, as far as I know. Tauranga-Cambridge. —A grant of £100 has been made to the Tauranga County recently. Nothing has yet been done. Maketu-Rotorua. —The Government portion of this road is 22-J miles in length ; it has been maintained by a staff of three men. Six miles and a half have been re-formed, and a whare has been erected for the use of the surfaceman at the northern end. Pongakawa-Rotorua and Rotorua Road. —Five miles of engineering survey have been made, 2 miles 12 chains of dray-road has been constructed, giving settlers access to the main road from Tauranga to Whakatane. The work is now being extended. Tauranga-Runanga. —This road has been maintained in good order from the boundary of the Taura.nga County on the north to Eunanga on the south, a distance of 118 miles, by a staff of eight men. Thirty-five miles of it have been re-formed, five bridges have been repaired, twenty culverts reconstructed, and. 16 chains of drains have been cut. That portion of it through the Mangarewa Gorge has been considerably improved and made safer for traffic. Arrangements have been made for renewing some of the culverts and improving the portion between the Eangitaiki and Eunanga. Ateamuri-Orakeikorako. —In order to assist Natives about -Ateamuri, this work was put in hand in October. Eleven miles of location and engineering surveys are done, and 2 miles 54 chains of dray-road constructed. The road was laid off from Ateamuri to Orakeikorako, connecting then with the road from Wairakei. When finished it will make a very interesting drive for tourists, giving complete access to the worders of Orakeikorako. Otarewa-Waipapa Stream (Robison's Road). —No authority has as yet been issued for this work. Orakeikorako (Tracks to). —Of this road, 10 miles 28 chains have been widened from a horsetrack into a buggy-road, connecting Orakeikorako with the Wairakei Eoad. Sixteen miles of the

Bridge over the Waikato River, on the Waiotapu Road.

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road has been maintained. The grades and crossings of some of the creeks are capable of considerable improvement, and a surfaceman has been put on to keep the road open, and improve it as much as he can. Tauhara Mountain. —Not being of an urgent nature, and other work being more pressing, nothing has been done towards the construction of a road up this mountain. Tokaanu-Taupo. —This road extends from its junction with the Taupo-Napier Eoad to Tokaanu, a distance of thirty-six miles, and has been maintained in fair order. Six miles of its formation have been renewed. For some weeks, owing to want of funds, all the surfacemen had to be taken off, and since then only two men have been kept on, instead of the usual number of three. It is much to be regretted that this had to be done, the road running through country very liable to slips, and the river-crossings requiring constant attention. Several portions of the road have never been properly formed, and are very heavy. There are also four rivers crossing it which should be bridged as soon as funds are available, taking the most dangerous first, which is the TaurangaTaupo, an estimate of which has been sent to you. If, however, a comfortable and swift service of launches were established on the Taupo Lake the question of expenditure on this road beyond ordinary maintenance would become a matter of less urgency. Tokaanu Road and Wharf ".—A survey of the wharf-site has been made, and plans and estimates of the wharf have been submitted to and approved by you. The work of construction will be put in hand as soon as possible. Whakatane Wharf Repairs. —An authority of £200 has recently been issued for this work, for which I understand the Whakatane Eoad Board have submitted plans for your approval. Galatea-Te Teko. —Six miles of dray-road have been maintained, and a 30 ft. bridge has been built over the Ngatamawahine Stream. This road at present connects the Native settlement and school of Te Houhi with Galatea. As soon as funds can be spared it should be continued as a horse-road to connect with the road from the Eangitaiki Valley across the ranges to Euatoki. Matata-Te Teko. —A grant of £100 has been made quite recently to the Whakatane County Council. There has been no time to do any work yet. Nukukou-Maraetotara. —Grants of £100 and £400 have been made to the Whakatane County Council. Proposals for work on the road have recently been submitted for my approval. Otara River-Papamoa. —£300 has just been granted to the Whakatane County Council for this work. Omarumutu-Te Whaiti. —£loo has been granted to the Whakatane County Council for this work. Opotiki-Otamarakau. —The sum of £200 was granted to the same body for this work in January, 1898, but, as far as I know, nothing has yet been done. Papamoa-Omarumutu. —£150 has been spent in widening 37 chains of this road by the Whakatane County Council. Rangitaiki-Ruatoki-Waiotahi. —Thirty miles of this horse-road have been mantained, 5 miles 57 chains have been re-formed, and 1 mile 22 chains has been widened into a dray-road near Euatoki. Te Teko-Opotiki. —The portion of this road between Te Teko and Whakatane requires improving by means of drainage, re-formation, and three small bridges. A sum of £525 having been just authorised, the work will be put in hand. Waimana-Ohiwa. —Two grants of £200 each have recently been made to the Whakatane County Council, and proposals for the work have been submitted to me. Waioeka River, Waiotahi Block. —36 chains of road-formation has been done by the Whakatane County Council under a grant of £100. Another grant of £300 has just been made to the same body. Waioeka, Blocks 2, 3, 4. —A grant of £100 was made to the same body, but nothing has been done. Waimana Block. —£14 has been spent on this block in the improvement of 60 chains of horseroad and maintenance of eight miles. A grant of £485 was made to the Whakatane County Council in February last, but nothing has yet been done. Bay of Plenty, Sundry Roads. —£50 was granted to the Whakatane Coanty Council in February. Kaiti Bridge. —A sum of £200 was granted to the Tauranga County Council for this work in March. I understand plans will shortly be submitted for approval. Kaituna Stream Bridge. —£lso was granted to the Tauranga County Council in December, 1897. I could not approve of the plans that were submitted, and nothing has been done. Ruahihi Bridge (Tauranga-Cambridge). —No grant or authority has been issued for this work. Morea Bridge. —The plans for this bridge over the Ohau Channel were received in March. As the bed of the stream is very uncertain it has been decided to drive the piles by day-labour, and to let a contract for the superstructure. The bridge will consist of one 80 ft., one 20 ft., and one 12 ft. span. Tenders for the supply of piles will be called at once. Meanwhile the old bridge has been made sufficiently strong to carry light traffic. Waikato Bridge, Waiotapu. —A contract was let for this bridge, which consists of four 58 ft. spans, in July last. The contractor's time for completion of the work expired in February. All the pile-driving is done, and rapid progress is being made with the superstructure. The work should be completed about the end of April. The driving has been exceedingly hard, some of the ironbark piles being driven until they split. All the timber is of first-class quality. Otara Bridge. —This bridge, which is 360 ft. in length, is being rejoisted and redecked by the Whakatane County Council. The grant is for £100, the county finding £1 for £1. Whakatane County Bridge (Repairing and Construction). —A grant of £500 was made to the county for repairs to the Waioeka Bridge, which is 392 ft. in length, the county finding £1 for £1. Some of the piers of this bridge had sunk to such an extent by the river scouring its bed that it B—o. 1.

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appeared more like a switchback railway than a bridge. The bridge has been raised where required, and extended to a safer embankment. Taupo Domain. —The domain has been improved. It is also proposed to construct a new bath on the shore of the lake, in the site of an old bath that was made and used by the Armed Constabulary. Tokaanu Baths and Water-supply. —£500 authority has been issued for this, but nothing has as yet been done. Tauranga County, Flood-damages. —A grant of £200 has been spent by the county in repairs to damages. Waiotapu Springs. —Nothing has been done to the roads at these springs, pending the settlement of matters with the Native owners. Liclifield-Atiamuri. —The Government portion of this road is fourteen miles in length, extending from its junction with the Tauranga-Eunanga Eoad at Atiamuri towards Lichfield. 2 miles 14 chains have been re-formed, and 14 miles maintained. Waiawa Block. —A grant of £440 has been made to the Whakatane County Council, but nothing has yet been done. Taumata Block. —The sum of £428 was authorised for the construction of roads on this block in January, and the work will be put in hand shortly. Umurua Block. —£280 was authorised for expenditure in January last. The roads are being laid off, and the work of clearing the bush will be started .as soon as possible. Opotiki-East Cape. —A grant of £200 has been made to the Whakatane County Council, who have improved portions of the road, and maintained it for a distance of sixty miles. Gisborne-Opotiki. —A grant of £50 has just been made to the Whakatane County Council. Geneeal. Much of the roadwork done during the year in this district has been given to Natives at Euatoki, Galatea, Euatahuna, Ohaki, and Atiamuri, in order to relieve their distress caused by failure of the potato-crops. It has, in consequence, had to be prepared in haste, and it has at times been difficult to discriminate between deserving and undeserving cases Credit is due to the officers who carried out the work, not only for the preparation of it with despatch, but for the assistance rendered to the Natives. Throughout the district better provision should be made for the housing of the surfacemen and paddocking of their horses. Many of them are stationed in exposed situations, requiring whares instead of tents, and also paddocks. Since my arrival I have built five whares and made several reserves, but the difficulty is to get reserves where the land belongs to the Natives. lam putting the sum of £250 on my estimates for the coming year for this purpose. During the coming year several of the large bridges in the district should be painted; provision for this will also be made in my estimates. The by-laws issued for the regulation of wheel traffic throughout the district have been fairly well observed. During the year 56 miles 65 chains of engineering surveys have been made; 44 miles 52 chains of dray-road and three miles and a half of horse-road have been formed; five bridges have been constructed; 70 miles 63 chains of dray-road and ten miles of horse-road have been renewed; 412 miles 50 chains of dray-road and 51 miles 74 chains of horse-road have been maintained. The number of contracts let during the year was—Co-operative, 125 ; ordinary and agreements, 36. Eobeet 11. Eeaney, Eoad Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. Rotorua-Galatea-Waikaremoana. —7 miles 33 chains of bridle-road from 8 ft. to 14 ft. wide have been constructed, with the necessary culverts and bridges ; seventeen culverts, of a total length of 375 ft., and four bridges, of a total span of 63 ft., have been built, and fords made at the stream■crossings. It is all in forest country, and the forest has been felled a chain wide, except where the road touches the lake, the road being now completed to the Mokau Falls, 16J miles from Onepoto. Of building timber, 70,773 ft. has been sawn and 3,500 shingles split, ready for any buildings which may be required, the works all being carried out by co-operatives. The road goes over very rough, hard country, where progress is slow and the work expensive. The whole length of road from Onepoto to Mokau —16J miles —has been maintained. Opotiki-East Cape. —Assisted by a grant of £100, the Waiapu County Council has constructed 95 chains of a 5 ft. bridle-road, including forest-clearing, with eight culverts, of a total length of 48 ft., the work being carried out under the supervision of the county engineer, Mr. O'Eyan. Aivanui-Tikitiki. —The Waiapu County Council, out of a grant of £300, has widened 140 chains of the bridle-road into a 12 ft. dray-road, with culverts of a total length of 240 ft., and one bridge of 16 ft. span, while 20 chains have been metalled, the work being carried out under the supervision of the county engineer, on plans and specifications approved by the department. Whareponga-Reporua. —3 miles 25 chains of bridle-track, 6 ft. and 7 ft. wide, have been constructed, with two 18 fc. bridges and twenty-eight box-culverts, the work being carried out by the Waiapu County Council out of a grant, plans and specifications being approved by the department. Gisborne-Waimata. —The Cook County Council has expended the balance of a grant in forming and gravelling 40J chains and metalling 32 chains of the main road.

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Motu Road. —2 miles 49 chains of the Motu Eoad have been widened into al2 ft. dray-road, including bush felled and cleared 16 ft. wide and the necessary culverts, of a total length of 662 ft., the work being carried out by co-operatives working under an overseer. This is a continuation of the widening commenced last year, the road being now completed to within six miles and a half of Motu Village. Muriwai-Mahia. —The Cook County Council, from a grant, has constructed 68 chains of a drayroad and 90 chains of a 6 ft. bridle-road, the work being carried out under the supervision of the county engineer (Mr. Winter), from plans approved by the department. Tatapouri Hill. —From a grant to the Cook County Council, 68 chains of the dray-road over the hill, which was in bad repair, has been formed and metalled. Waikohu-Motu. —The Cook County Council, out of a. grant, has constructed 3 miles 32 chains of a 12 ft. dray-road, with forty-seven culverts of a total length of 742 ft., and one bridge of 24 ft. span, under the supervision of their engineer, on plans and specifications approved by the department. This road, when constructed throughout, will open up the back portions of the Motu Settlement, and also open up direct communication from Motu, vid Patutahi, to Gisborne. Gisborne-Opotiki. —Sixty-six miles of the bridle-road running through rough forest country has been maintained, five surfacemen having been at work throughout the year. New bridges and culverts have been put in, slips removed, and the road generally repaired. Owing to the rough country through which this road runs between Motu and Omaramutu, in the Bay of Plenty, it is necessary to keep a constant supervision of this portion of the road, otherwise it would be blocked by trees, slips, &c. Gisborne-Rotorua Stock-track. —The exploration and location of this road has been completed by District Surveyor L. Smijh, who also cut out the centre line, the distance being fifty-one miles so explored. It runs through very broken forest country. Fifteen miles has been felled 66 ft. wide, and the centre 30 ft. cleared, while 34 chains of formation 10 ft. wide has been constructed in places where it was too steep to otherwise pass over. At the Gisborne end co-operatives have been employed, and at the Euatahuna end Natives have been given the work, under the supervision of Mr. Eeilly. Gisborne-Waikaremoana. —This is a continuation of the road commenced last year, forty miles being now completed, 25-| of which has been done during the year. It runs through rough forest country, which has been felled 66 ft. wide, the road being formed 8 ft. wide, with necessary culverts, inlet and outlet drains, &c, and two bridges of 28 ft. span. Of building timber there has been sawn 7,116 ft., and 2,700 shingles split, and forty miles of constructed road maintained, all the work being done by co-operative labour, working at the Gisborne end. This road will be completed about the end of April, when road-communication will be completed between Waikaremoana and Gisborne, vid Hangaroa. It will be necessary for the Government to keep maintenance-men on the road after its completion. The road runs through unoccupied Native and Crown land, some of which, however, has been surveyed into small grazing-runs, and will be offered at an early date. Nuhaka-Gisborne. —Six miles of the bridle-road have been widened into a 12 ft. dray-road, including forest-clearing 16 ft. wide, with necessary culverts of a total length of 985 ft., the work being done by co-operative labour. This is a portion of the main Gisborne-Nuhaka-Wairoa Eoad, and will be of great advantage to the district when its construction is completed. Wairoa-Gisborne. —Out of the balance of a grant the Cook County Council has maintained the road, put in new culverts, and metalled 16J chains. Erasertoivn-Waikaremoana. —l mile 51 chains of an 8 ft. road has been widened into a 12 ft. dray-road by co-operative labour. This is a portion of the last three miles before arriving at the lake, it being necessary to widen the road to allow two coaches to pass. It will now be a good road. Runanga-Pohue. —Thirty-nine miles of this portion of the Napier-Taupo Eoad have been maintained, and 48 chains of the road re-formed from 14 ft. to 25 ft. wide, and metalled. One bridge, of a 16 ft. span, has been built, and five culverts, of a total length of 118 ft., put in, while 448 cubic yards of stone have been quarried and broken. The 48 chains of road re-formed is a portion of the road at Titi-o-kura where the grade was very steep, and which is now much improved It also includes the approaches to the Mohaka ford and new bridge-site. The work was done by co-operative labour. Napier-Wairoa. —Eighteen miles of engineering survey has been made by Mr. Marshall, and 12 miles 14 chains of a 14 ft., 16 ft., and 18 ft. dray-road constructed, scrub-clearing 66 ft. wide included. Two bridges of a 32 ft. span and eighty-five culverts of a total length of 1,538 ft. have been built, twenty-one stone crossings at streams made, and 67 chains metalled, all the work being done by co-operative labour. The portion completed to Tutira Lake will be handed over to the Wairoa County Council. Some portions of construction are completed beyond the lake, leaving about twenty-three miles remaining to be constructed to complete through communication with Mohaka and Wairoa, some of which, at the Matahoura and Waikare Streams, will be heavy, expensive work; but, with the exception of these two gorges, the road will not be expensive to construct, and should be pushed forward, as the completion of this road to Mohaka will give through communication between Napier and Wairoa, and will be of great advantage to a number of Crown settlers and others who at present have no road-access, except by rough bridle-tracks. The whole length of road constructed from Tongoio towards Tutira Lake is about twenty-one miles, and has been maintained during the past year. Dannevirke-Tiratu. —2 miles 57 chains of dray-road from 10 ft. to 15 ft. wide have been constructed, including forest-clearing 1 chain wide, thirteen culverts of a total length of 235 ft., and 18 chains of metalling, to give access to Crown sections lately selected in the Tiratu Block, the work being carried out by co-operative labour. Now that the road is completed, settlers have good communication with the Town of Dannevirke.

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Ormondville-Waikopiro. —From grants made to the Ormondville Town Board and Eoad Board, these bodies have constructed a 72 ft. truss bridge and formed 25 chains of a 14 ft. and 20 ft. drayroad, with four culverts, of a total length of 126 ft., the plans, &c, for bridge and works being furnished by the department. This road is a deviation of the Ormondville-Waikopiro Boad, and is a great improvement on the old road, where the grades were very bad. Ruahine Block. —One truss bridge of 58 ft. span has been erected, and four culverts of a total length of 98 ft. This completes the approach to the Euahine Settlement. Takapau-Kopua (£1 for £1). —With the assistance of the balance of a grant the Takapau Eoad Board has erected five bridges, 14 ft. wide, of a total length of 145 ft. ; constructed 2 miles 25 chains of an 18 ft. and 20 ft. dray-road, of which 1 mile 40 chains is metalled, 60 chains of forest-clearing, 66 ft. wide, being included. This completes the construction of the road, which is now open for traffic. Waikopiro. —4 miles 33J chains of a road from 4 ft. to 14 ft. wide has been constructed ; 3 miles 14 chains of forest felled 66 ft., stumped and cleared 30 ft. ; twenty-two bridges, of a total length of 388 ft., and forty-seven culverts, of a total length of 744 ft., built; and the roads throughout the settlement maintained; the work being carried out by settlers working on co-operative contracts. Before satisfactory roads can be maintained it will be necessary to metal them, and I hope to be able to metal the main road to Whetukura Village during the coming year. Elsthorpe Roads. —The Oero Eoad Board, with a grant, has constructed 17 chains of road 15 ft. wide, one stone crossing, and 64 ft. of culverting, the work being carried out on plans approved by the department. Opoiti Bridge. —Assisted by a grant of £1,500, the Wairoa County Council has built a bridge at Opoiti, in place of the one carried away by a flood some years ago. It is situated on the main Gisborne-Wairoa Boad, and is a truss bridge of a total length of 280 ft., built on concrete piers, in four spans—one of 100 ft., two of 80 ft., and one of 20 ft. The work was carried out on plans approved by the department. Mohaka Bridge. —Messrs. McGrath and Burkes tender of £6,240 was accepted to build this bridge, which replaces the one washed away in the Easter flood of 1897. It is a truss bridge of 363 ft. span, built on iron cylinders and concrete abutments. Materials have been carted on to the ground, and work on the foundations started. Manawatu Bridge, Waikopiro. —This is a truss bridge of 188 ft. span, in four spansi built on concrete piers. Messrs. Milne and Eobertson are the contractors, the price of bridge being £1,149 19s. 6d. The piers are completed, and the truss-work in progress. Ngapaeruru. —Twenty miles of road have been formed 6 ft. to 10 ft. wide, and 2 miles 50 chains of pack-track, including forest felled 1 chain wide on line of road, and the erection of twenty-two temporary bridges to give access to the block. All the work has been done by co-operatives. Waimarie. —The Ormond Town Board, out of a grant, has constructed 1 mile 18 chains of dray-road, with necessary culverts, in the Waimarie Settlement, the work being done by contract, on plans approved by the department. Genebal. The total length of roads constructed in the district during the year is 124 miles. In addition, 109 miles of dray-road and seventy miles of bridle-road have been maintained, and 52 chains of drayroad and 3 miles 14 chains of bridle-road improved. Two bridges, of 72 ft. and 58 ft. span, have been built, and fifty-five bridges under 30 ft. span, of a total length of 1,817 ft., and 280 culverts of a total length of 5,082 ft. Thirty-six miles of engineering survey have been made. The total cost of the above is £31,804. Of the 124 miles constructed, twenty miles have been made by local bodies, on plans and. specifications approved by the department; the balance of 104 miles being constructed principally by co-operatives, working under the supervision of officers of the department. Of the total constructed, 39-J miles are dray-roads constructed of an average width of 15 ft., and 84|- miles of bridleroads of an average width of 8 ft. All the bridle- and a portion of the dray-roads are in forest country, which is felled 1 chain wide in the line of road. Two hundred and twenty contracts have been prepared and executed, and 1,399 vouchers have passed through, covering an expenditure of £31,804. One Eoad Surveyor, Mr. Marshall, and seven overseers have been permanently employed, and the staff officers have generally inspected any works in progress in the neighbourhood of their surveys. Eeic C. Gold Smith, Chief Surveyor.

TAEANAKI. Junction Road, Purangi (£1 for £1). —This vote is for subsidising Clifton County Council in extending the metalling of Junction Boad to Purangi, a distance of twenty-five miles from railwayline at Inglewood. About twenty miles of this has been metalled, and the settlers around Purangi have voted for a loan under Loans to Local Bodies Act, to be assisted by Government subsidy, for completing the metalling to Purangi. About 20 chains of metal has been laid since my last report, and the work will recommence next season as soon as weather permits. Junction Road, Widening. —ln continuation of the .widening of this road from 8 ft. bridle-road to dray-road width, and which last year had been completed to Purangi, a distance of twenty-five miles from railway-line at Inglewood, a further length of two miles and a half has been widened between Purangi and Matau, and 742 lineal feet of culverts built. The work had to be discontinued through want of funds; but, in order to give the Milsom and Tanner settlers fair means of getting to Purangi and Inglewood, the widening should be continued for a further three miles at least, and eventually on to Ohura Eoad.

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Kaipikari Deviation. —Kaipikari Eoad leads from Main North Eoad, near Urenui, towards Burfoot Improved-farm Settlement, and to a large block of Crown lands lying in valleys of Urenui Eiver. The old road was in parts too steep to be serviceable, and at about a mile in from Main Eoad a deviation of nearly 60 chains has been laid off through some Native land, and will shortly be formed as a dray-road. Plans and specifications have been prepared, and the work is about to be let on co-operative system to the settlers in the vicinity. Milsom, and Milsom and Tanner. —The works in these blocks are in continuation of those done in previous years, and are for the purpose of giving the Milsom and Tanner special settlers better access to their lands. 155 chains of dray-road formation, 59 chains bridle-road formation, 63 chains felling stumping and clearing, 369 lineal feet of culverts, and 46 lineal feet of bridges comprise the works done during the year. Timber and ironwork for a truss bridge 65 ft. long to be erected on Matau Eoad North is now on the ground, and the erection will be shortly commenced. Other works to open up the lands in the settlements are required, in order to allow of the settlers using their lands to the best advantage. Mimi-Mangaroa Road (Metalling, £1 for £1). —A further contract for metalling part of Mimi Eoad between Main North Eoad and Uruti Stream, and in continuance of metalling done last year, has been let by Clifton County Council. The contract is for 80 chains, laid 12 ft. wide by 12 in. deep, of the special gravel which has made such a splendid road about Urenui. Some of the worst parts of the road between the above points will have been metalled when this contract is completed, but before coaches can run regularly between Waitara and Te Kuiti the whole of Mimi and Mokau Eoads will have to be metalled. The length of metalling done this season was 35 chains, but no payment from this vote has yet been made on account of it. Moanatairi Special Settlement. —This vote is for the purpose of improving the road leading from Putiki, on Tongaporutu Eiver, towards Greenlands Improved-farm Settlement and Moanatairi. During this year the pack-track (about seven miles) between Putiki and Greenlands has been improved and kept in order, and the Tooi Eoad is being felled and stumped, and bridle-road formed and culverted. Mokau. —This being part of the Mimi Eoad (Pukearuhe inland to Mohakatino), is included in the roadwork described under that heading. Mokau River Bridle-track. —lt was intended to make a bridle-track on north bank of Mokau Eiver to give stock-driving access to lands about ten miles up the river, but the track would be an expensive and difficult one to make, and, the lands not being occupied, the urgent necessity for it has not as yet arisen. No work has been done on it. Moki Junction, - Block 11, Upper Waitara. —This vote is for the purpose of erecting a bridge over Uruti Stream, Uruti Eoad, to give access to lands sold some four years ago, and now grassed and occupied. Plans and specifications for a bridge 64 ft. long are prepared, and contracts are let for sawing the necessary timber. The erection of the bridge will be proceeded with as soon as the material is all on the site. Moki Road. —This road branches off Uruti Eoad at about two miles from Mimi Eoad, and will give access to lands now being surveyed in Mokimakarakia and Upper Waitara Valleys. Plans and specifications for a bridge 70 ft. long over the Uruti Stream are prepared, and timber is being cut. Plans are also prepared for the formation of the road onwards, and the work is now in hand. Ngatoto. —A road running up Waitara Eiver from Purangi, leading to Crown lands still undisposed of in Upper Waitara Survey District. A bridle-road has been felled and formed about two miles up the river, and the vote is for widening and improving the worst places upon it. The work is now being proceeded with. Okoke Road. —This road, leading from Main North Eoad, near Mimi, to Waitara Biver, has been felled, and bridle-road formed nearly to its end. The Clifton County Council have taken charge of the first portion, and widened it from bridle- to dray-road width. The present vote will be used in continuing this widening onwards, and the work will shortly be let on co-operative system. Pukearuhe Inland to Mohakatino, Mimi-Mokau Road. —The portion referred to is part of the future coach-road between Waitara and Te Kuiti, and it branches off the metalled road from Waitara to Pukearuhe at about fourteen miles north of the former. With the exception of a few places blocked with slips, and the erection of one bridge over Oakura Creek, on Tongaporutu Flat, it is now available for summer traffic to Tongaporutu crossing, a distance of 39-J miles from Waitara. Beyond Tongaporutu a further four miles to Kawau is available for dray traffic, and between that and Mokau about two miles out of six has been formed. Part of the road in Lepperton Special Settlement runs along Mimi Valley, in which Mimi Stream in heavy floods rises above the formation, and the latter will have to be raised by material obtained from long drains to be dug on each side of the road. No work, excepting bridge-building and removal of slips, has been done on the road since December, when our.votes were exhausted. During the year 299 chains of dray-road was formed, part of it being through heavy cuttings in papa rock ; 137 chains of wide and deep drains were dug; 1,827 lineal feet of culverts from 1 ft. to 3 ft. clear inside have been built; and two bridges, one of 65ft. and one of 32ft., have been erected; over 2,470 cubic yards of slips, with trees and logs imbedded amongst it, have been removed. In view of the coach-road being opened through from Waitara to Te Kuiti it is very desirable a sufficient vote should be granted to complete the works on this road between Mimi and Mokau. Before, however, it will be available for winter coach traffic the whole of the Mimi Flat, the Tongaporutu Flat, and other parts of the road —in all, fully twenty miles in addition to that already done—will have to be metalled. Nineteen miles of the road has been under constant maintenance. Putiki. —The old bridle-road from Mimi Eoad to Putiki—about two miles and a half—has been widened into dray-road width, in order to give better access to Okau and Greenlands Improvedfarm Settlements and to Crown lands not yet disposed of. 157 chains of dray-road has been formed, 76j chains of drains cut, and 762 lineal feet of culverts built. Timber and ironwork for Manga-

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ongaonga Bridge, 56 ft. long, is now ready, and the erection of the bridge will soon be put in hand. Upper Waitara, Mangaere, Junction Road, Purangi to Ohura Road. —The only work done under this vote was the removal of slips and the maintenance of ten miles of road. Egmont (Metalling, £1 for £1). —The settlers on Egmont Boad between Junction Boad and Mount Egmont Forest Eeserve have raised a loan under the Loans to Local Bodies Act to metal with broken stone the unmetalled portion—about five miles—of the road. The work is now in hand, and should we have a fine autumn may be completed this season. In addition to the benefit the settlers will derive through having a good road on which they can take their milk to the dairy factory at all times of the year, the mountain house, under the control of North Egmont Forest Board, will largely gain by the advantage of possessing better road for tourist traffic, the metalled road being then completed within four miles of the house. Kent Road. —The expenditure on this road is for the benefit of settlers on Block VI., Egmont Survey District, who hold their lands on lease from the Crown. Contracts for culverts and earthwork are now in progress, and plans and specifications have been prepared and timber is being cut for a bridge, 60 ft. long, over the Mangaotukutuku Stream, The expenditure will greatly benefit the Crown tenants, who hitherto have had only a track to their farms. Koru-New Plymouth (£1 for £1). —The Oakura Eoad Board have arranged for a loan of £600 under the Loans to Local Bodies Act to metal the worst portions of Koru and New Plymouth Eoads. Tenders have been invited for the work, and it will be pushed on as quickly as the weather will permit. Maude Road. —This road also, as well as Kent Boad, leads to Block VI., Egmont, and contracts have been laid off and are in progress for improving the worst grades, putting in culverts, and widening the existing bridle-road into dray-road width. Tracks and Huts, Mount Egmont. —With the view of improving the facilities for tourists who may wish to ascend Mount Egmont, the North Egmont Domain Board, New Plymouth, are having their mountain house lined inside and painted, and have also improved the chimneys and internal accommodation. The grass paddocks have been made more accessible for visitors' horses by culverting the creeks, making roads, and opening tracks through the logs, &c. The bridle-road to the house has also been improved. .\ new caretaker has been appointed, who acts as guide to parties ascending the mountain, and keeps the house and surroundings in order. A piano has just been obtained by public subscription, and adds very much to the other attractions of the house. The East Egmont Board, Stratford, in addition to improving their mountain-track, are having an accommodation-house erected at about 4,000 ft. above the sea. The material is all on the site, and erection of building in progress. The South Egmont Board, Manaia and Kaponga, have also improved their road, have added to the conveniences of their house, and are about obtaining a piano for the use of visitors. These Boards would make other improvements to their roads and buildings, but have not funds. Were good driving-roads made thousands of persons would be induced to climb the mountain, resting at these houses, which, being at an elevation of from 3,000 ft. to 4,000 ft. above the sea, might be made most useful sanatoria. Even despite the indifferent tracks by which visitors have to travel to these houses, over two thousand people go there each year, many of whom ascend to the top of Mount Egmont. A small annual grant to each Board would enable them to gradually improve their bridle-tracks into driving-roads, and enlarge their houseaccommodation for visitors and tourists. Akama. —This refers to a road in Mangaere Block now under control of the Stratford County Council. It is proposed to expend this vote in draining and forming a swampy part of the road, and by so doing give the settlers more direct access to Huiroa, Toko, and Stratford. Huiroa. —Five chains of dray-road formation were constructed, in continuation of work done last year; also part payment of work completed last year. Kohuratahi-Tangarakan. —Kohuratahi Boad runs from Ohura Boad to Tangarakau Eiver, an affluent of Wanganui Eiver, and is intended, when completed, not only to give access to lands recently surveyed and sold in Kohuratahi Block, but also as a route by which, in connection with Wanganui Eiver, the Whangamomona and'other settlers can obtain supplies and send away produce. The road has been felled, stumped, and cleared to within two miles of Tangarakau, and formed as 8 ft. bridle-road to within four miles of that point, the work done this year being 202 chains of road-formation, 950 lineal feet of culverts, and 45 lineal feet of bridges. Mangaotuku. —This road leads from Ohura Eoad at about 13J miles from Stratford into the Gatton and Mangaehu Special-settlement Blocks. It has been felled, culverted, and formed as a 5 ft. bridle-road, and now the Stratford County Council is raising a loan of £640, under the Loans to Local Bodies Act, to widen about four miles of it to dray-road width. No work has yet been done, but all the preliminaries are arranged. Mohakau. —The Stratford County Council is draining, widening, and generally improving this road, which is felled and formed as a bridle-road, and the vote will be used to supplement their expenditure. Ohura Road, Metalling. —Tenders were accepted early in the year for metalling two miles (two separate contracts of one mile each) of the road in continuation of the nine miles and a half already done, the metal to be shell rock, laid 12 ft. wide by 8 in. deep, the contracts being £570 and £575 respectively. Owing to the wet autumn no work could be done last season, and the. wet spring prevented any progress being made until January. One contract was completed in February and the other on the 15th March. In February another mile was let at £595, and that is now nearing completion. The metalling extends now for 12-J- miles from Stratford, the worst parts of the road being clone ; other parts, where sand was available, were coated with a dry yellow sand to a depth of 12 in. or more, at an average cost of £140 per mile. This answers well for light traffic and on easy grades, but would not stand very heavy traffic, and cuts and scours away on heavier grades than 1 in 30 with the winter rains. About two miles of sanding has been done

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this season. Papa for road-metal has been tried, and a careful record has been made of the exact cost per cubic yard of burnt metal. The result has not been entirely satisfactory. We can produce a hard metal suitable for roads out of a particular class of blue papa, but the cost at the kiln ready to load into drays is about 6s. 2d. per cubic yard. We find, in addition to the brown papa, which is unsuitable for burning, there are two kinds of blue papa, one of which is also unsuitable, as it apparently is full of lime, slacks down on exposure to the atmosphere, and burns light. The other contains more sand, retains its weight when burnt, and burns hard like a stone. We first tried an excavated kiln, building the papa blocks (of an average of about a cubic foot in size) as in a brickkiln, and then fired it from below in the usual kiln manner. We found this would take less wood than laying papa and wood in alternate layers ; but the cost of excavating the kiln and getting the burnt papa out added unnecessarily to the cost of production, and then we adopted a system that could be applied on any works while in progress. A kiln is built on an open road or other suitable place —say, 8 ft. wide, 8 ft. high, by any length, say '20 ft.—of blocks of papa not larger than 12 in. nor smaller than 6 in. cube, the side-walls being roughly built, so as to stand after burning, when the inner contents are removed. An archway about 3 ft. wide and high, by which to feed wood to fire the papa, is built in the kiln, and when the whole is completed the outside walls are plastered with papa-mud to control the draught and make the fire ascend. The kiln is fired by the archway, and when burnt and the contents removed another lot of papa may be burnt within the same walls. By this means no excavated kiln is required, a minimum of wood is used, and the material is easily got at for carting on to the road. But though we tried four experiments, we could not under any circumstances reduce the cost to less than the price I have named. We have metalled about 6 chains of road with the burnt material, which looks well, but for another year we cannot tell how it will stand the heavy winter traffic. It is very necessary that a further three miles of metalling should be done on this road next season —part near first Mangaotuku Bridge, part near Strathmore, and part near Mangaere —as the traffic is yearly becoming heavier, and these parts cut up very badly in winter. Ohura Boad, Construction. —ln consequence of the wet autumn last year, and also the wet spring, we have not been able to push on road-formation as fast as was expected, in addition to which, our votes being expended, the formation-works were stopped about the middle of December. Believing the formation-work would be vigorously pushed on during last summer, we opened an 8 ft. bridle-road, on the permanent grades, over Pakaramu Bidge and to Waingarara Stream (about fifty-seven miles from Stratford), in order that parties could work on several miles of road, and obtain supplies by packhorse instead of swagging. In many cases we find this system of first opening up a good bridle-road, on the permanent grade, before the full dray-formation is cheaper than doing the full formation width at once, as m places such as deep narrow gullies we find an embankment will bind where from the angle of cross-section it should in theory slip away, and in afterwards widening the road a saving in the amount of cutting can be effected. The chief advantage, however, is that a large number of parties can work in advance of each other without in any way blocking the food-supplies. The bridle-road is now open to near Tangarakau Stream, about 57-J miles from Stratford. During the year 281 chains dray-road formation, 320 chains of 8 ft. bridle-road formation, 347 chains of felling, stumping, &c, 4,587 lineal feet of culverts from 1 ft. to 4 ft. internal diameter, and 137 lineal feet of bridges are the principal works effected. Between Whangamomona Township and the next three miles of road three"large bridges had to be erected over Whangamomona Stream. ■ One is completed (91ft. 6 in. in length), and the other two (of a total length of 198 ft. 9 in.) are well in hand, the whole of the material being on the ground, and the erection of both bridges going on concurrently. The distance from Stratford to Kawakawa is about a hundred and twelve miles. Of this, about eighty miles is formed as a coach-road —viz., thirty-two miles on the north end and forty-eight miles on the south—leaving a gap of about thirty-two miles, out of which some five miles across the Pakaramu Eidge has been formed as an 8 ft. bridle-road, and would not be expensive to widen, being all on the permanent grade. It is very desirable that the whole of the bush left standing on Ohura Road—about fifteen miles along the Tangarakau, Paparata, and Heao Valleys—should be felled this season, in order that, if it be deemed necessary, the formation-works could be pushed on rapidly, and the road opened through to the northern end. The heaviest formation-works are now done, and rapid progress could be made with the remainder if desired. The maintenance of the road from former end of metal at nine miles and a half from Stratford to Waingara, a distance of about forty-seven miles, has been a large item in our expenditure. The traffic has been very heavy, and during the winter the slips were numerous. The road had to be kept open, or the settlers—of whom there are now a large number—would have been starved out. Pembroke. —About 90 chains, of upper end of Pembroke Eoad, next Mount Bgmont Forest Eeserve, will shortly be felled, stumped, and cleared out of this vote. The work should be completed early in May. Puniwhakau. —This includes all the roads in Mangaehu Block. During the year we have felled, stumped, &c, 898 chains, formed a 5 ft. bridle-road 565 chains, including 1,304 lineal feet of culverts and 159 ft. of bridges, on Puniwhakau, Taihore, and Mangaehu Eoads. There still remain several miles of roads to open to give proper access to this block, the loading-money being totally insufficient for the purpose. The country is very broken-, the lands are in comparatively small areas (200 acres), necessitating many roads, and the roads, being generally on steep sidings, are expensive to make and keep clear of slips. Putihituna. —This road branches off Kohuratahi Eoad at 1 mile 43 chains from Ohura Eoad, and extends to Tangarakau River at a point it is expected steamers will connect with Wanganui. During the year 180 chains has -been felled, stumped, Me. ; 114 chains dray-formation made; 260 chains bridle-road; 111 lineal feet of tunnels for culverts, 6 ft. to 10 ft. in diameter, cut in hard papa rock; 169 lineal feet of ordinary culverts; and, in order to carry on the contracts in front of others,

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we had to cut 210 chains of track for swagging purposes. Very heavy slips came down in parts, and had to be removed. Taihore, Widening. —The settlers in Eltham and Terrace End Block are raising a loan under the Loans to Local Bodies Act for widening Taihore Eoad from Ohura Eoad, near Strathmore, to Mangaehu Stream. All the preliminaries are arranged, and the work, under the Stratford County Council, is expected shortly to commence. Terrace End. —The work of opening up roads in this special settlement has been proceeded with as well as funds would permit. 285 chains of felling, stumping, &c, 111 chains of sft. bridleroad formation (chiefly in papa rock), 12 chains dray-road formation, 44 lineal feet of bridges, 815 lineal feet of culverts, are the works completed during the year. A few small contracts are in hand, but a considerable amount of formation is still required to give access to each section. Mangamingi Township. —A strip of bush 2 chains wide was felled on the sunny side of Eawhitiroa Eoad, to allow the sun and wind to get at and dry the road. This has been burnt, and will shortly be sown. Ngaire. —Our work on Ngaire Swamps was practically ended last year, but the maintenance of the main drains was continued for about six months of this year. During that time 487 chains of main drains were deepened, the surrounding swamp having sunk, and 34 chains of new drains were dug. In many parts of these swamps where settlers have sown grass and stocked the land judiciously there is good pasture, and the land will soon have the appearance of ordinary grasspaddocks. In all cases the expenditure has been fully justified by the results. Tangahoe Valley. —A road-line has been surveyed (the engineering survey is also in hand) to connect Hawera more directly with Crown lands in Pukekino and Kaharoa Blocks. It leaves by Tawhiti Eoad, follows Whareroa Eoad, descends into Tangahoe Valley, and follows it up towards Confiscation Line and Pukekino Block. The Hawera County Council is arranging for the necessary transfer of private lands through which the road will pass, after which we will commence the expenditure of the vote in formation-works. Ball Road (Blocks IX., X., XIII, XIV., Carlyle and Opaku Survey Districts). —The 70 chains of metalling referred to in last year's report was completed last autumn, thus giving the settlers at Hurleyville a good winter road over the part that previously had been almost impassable. Central Patea Valley. —This vote is for felling and forming a road up Patea Eiver to give access to lands towards Eawhitiroa Eoad, but so far it has not been decided whether to connect with Ball Eoad, on west side of river, or with Kaharoa Boad, on east side, and until this is settled no expenditure can be incurred. It is, however, probable a bridge will be erected over Patea Eiver at Ball Eoad crossing, and should that be done it will determine the line of road. Kaitangiwhenua No. 2. —On Maitaiwhetu and Tahuri Eoads 286 chains of felling, stumping, &c, and 239 chains of bridle-road formation has been made. Mataimoana. — The Mataimoana Eoad has been felled'and formed as a 5 ft. bridle-road to about a quarter of a mile past Mataimoana Trig. Station, thus giving access to every settler on the road. It is proposed to fell and form the road onwards to Eidge Boad, and spend the balance of this vote in continuing the widening of the lower part of the road from bridle- to dray-road width. Nukuhau. —This is a surveyed road-line running from Mataimoana Eoad down to Whenuakura Stream, and is intended as a future connection, as the country gets settled. As no immediate necessity existed for the expenditure of the vote the work was not gone on with. Okahutiria. —The expenditure was for removal of slips and maintenance only. Okotukit. —Arrangements having been made with the owners of the land, several necessary deviations from the road-lines as originally surveyed were made, and the following works were then proceeded with : 20 chains felling, stumping, &c, 64 chains of 6 ft. bridle-road formation, 72 lineal feet of culverts. This work will shortly be continued. Waitotara Valley. —The work of continuing the widening of this road, reported on last year, has been continued, most of the work being heavy sidings in papa rock, all of which had to be blasted out. 319 chains of dray-road formation, 841 lineal ft. of culverts, 40 lineal ft. of 8 ft. tunnel in hard rock (to obviate the building of a bridge), and 4 chains of draining has been done in extending and widening the road. On the sth February there was an exceptionally heavy storm of rain in Waitotara district, 4Jin. falling in four hours. Waitotara Eiver rose to about the height of the floods of 1891, and two of the bridges on the part of road under charge of Patea County were washed away, as well as several culverts. On the portion of road under our charge some culverts were washed out, and tremendous slips came across the road from the hillsides. These are being removed, but the cost of repairs will diminish our funds for widening the road, which it was hoped would have reached Mr. Van Asch's property. This is now out of the question unless a further sum is granted for the purpose. Eltham-Waitotara. —The bridle-road east of Eukumoana Bridge, over Patea Biver, has been widened to dray-road width to near the top of Matemateaonga Bange. 509 chains of dray-road has been made, 876 lineal feet of culverts built, and 22 chains of drains cut. The road is open for wheel traffic for a distance of twenty miles inland of Eltham, and for bridle traffic through to Waitotara Eoad. Eltham-Waitotara, £1 for £1 (Metalling Rawhitiroa Road). —No new metalling has been done on this road during the year by the Hawera County Council, their work being confined to keeping the metal already laid in repair. Makuri and Akama (£1 for £1). —This vote is to assist the Stratford County Council in improving the above roads. We felled and formed them as 5 ft, bridle-roads, but the strain of heavy traffic upon them was too great, and they became impassable. The Stratford County Council is now draining and widening them to dray-road width. No payment has been made out of the vote. Contingencies and Engineering. —During the year the felling and formation of Motoroa Eoad has been completed to the last settler's holding. 72 chains of felling, stumping, &c, 137 chains of

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5 ft. bridle-road formation, and the necessary culverting have been done. It is intended to spend the balance of the vote in continuing the widening of the road from end of present dray-road. This will shortly be put in hand. Mohakatino Bridge (on Mokau Road). —The combined effects of heavy incoming tides and of outgoing floods in the river have scoured the north bank under and on each side of the bridge, endangering the end pier on north bank. Temporary repairs have been effected, and timber is now being cut for sheathing the banks, to prevent further damage. The bridge requires screwing up and painting. Purangi Bridge. —A contract was let in January, 1898, to Mr. G. Sangster, at £2,143, for the erection of this bridge. As no suitable timber was available near the site, the whole of it (nearly 100,000 superficial feet) had to be carted in from the railway-line near Inglewood. This could not be done, in consequence of the road being impassable (during winter and spring), until December last, when the contractor started work. The work is now in rapid progress, and the bridge will probably be completed and open for traffic in May. Tongaporutu Bridge. —lt was intended to establish a ferry over Tongaporutu Eiver, near where the bridge-crossing is laid off on Mimi-Mokau Eoad. Plans and specifications for a punt were prepared, and tenders were invited for the work, but these being in excess of the then vote tenders were declined. Settlers to the northward, as well as those in the vicinity, are all in favour of a bridge being erected, and petitions have been forwarded to the Government on the subject. So far no plans have been prepared, though a careful selection of the site and approaches has been made. The estimated approximate cost of the bridge is about £2,000, and of the approaches (including about 60 chains of heavy siding) £950, a total of about £3,000. The total length of bridging required is 330 ft., of which two spans should be at least 100 ft. each, and one 70ft., to allow of long, heavy logs and trees passing clear through in floods. As the piles would stand in salt water at least four hours each tide, they should be sheathed with Muntz metal to prevent the ravages of teredos. Waitara Bridge. —This is intended as a pound-for-pound subsidy to Waitara Harbour Board, to assist them in renewing the bridge, which has been erected about twenty-five years. To date, nothing has been done by the Harbour Board in. the way of preparing plans, &c, for the renewal of the bridge, and consequently no payment has been made out of this vote. Manganid Bridge. —A subsidy to Stratford County Council to assist in replacing a bridge over Manganui Eiver, on Mountain Eoad, about four miles north of Stratford, washed away during an extreme flood. The new bridge is on concrete piers; main span, 84 ft.; principal timbers, ironbark. It should therefore last fully thirty years without very heavy repairs. The subsidy was paid after I had inspected the bridge, and certified to its erection. Patea River Bridge. —Bukumoana Bridge, Bawhitiroa Boad: main span, 80ft.; total length, 125 ft. The principal timbers are of first-class totara. The bridge was built by co-operative contract, and extremely well finished. It was opened by the Eight Hon. the Premier on the 19th November last. The bridge assists in opening up a large area of Crown lands in the Kaitangiwhenua Block, and which was practically inaccessible before its erection. Punehu Bridge. —A proposed subsidy to the Waimate Boad Board towards erection of bridge over Punehu Eiver, Eltham Eoad, about eight miles from Opunake. Plans and specifications have been prepared and submitted for approval by the Waimate Eoad Board, and when passed tenders for the work will no doubt be invited. Patea River Bridge, Ball Road. —The erection of this bridge has been placed in the hands of the Patea County Council, who will contribute half its cost. So far no plans or specifications have been prepared for the work. Taivai Improved-farm Settlement. —But little work has been done on this settlement during the year, most of the settlers having abandoned their holdings. Only about nine men —five with families —are in actual occupation; the others drifted away to where work was more plentiful. During the year 24 chains of dray-road formation (including 18 lineal feet of culverting) was made, 3 acres of bush felled, 23 acres grass-seed sown, and one house erected. Burfoot-Mangapoua Improved-farm Settlement. —96 chains of felling, stumping, and clearing on Matapo Eoad, through the settlement, 14 chains bridle-road formation, 60 acres felled last year sown with grass-seed, and two houses erected comprise the works done during the past year. Contracts are now in hand for dray-road formation along sideling ground on Matapo Eoad leading to some of the farms. Derivent Improved-farm Settlement. —The works for the year include 20 chains of bridle-road formation, 26 chains of draining and forming, 64 lineal feet of culverts, 51 acres of bushfelling, and two new houses. Greenlands Improved-farm Settlement. —46 chains of felling, stumping, and clearing, 6-J acres of bushfelling, 115 acres of last year's bushfelling sown with grass-seed, and three houses erected are the principal works for the year. Tooi Eoad, leading from Putiki to Greenlands, is being felled, stumped, and formed as a bridle-road. Mangatawa Improved-farm Settlement (now cancelled as an improved-farm settlement). —The lands in this block have not yet been dealt with, and it is not now proposed to let them under the improved-farm-settlement system, but to offer them under the ordinary systems. No expenditure has been incurred during the year. Okau Improved-farm Settlement. —Only three settlers, with families, remain on the block. The works for year are 15 acres of bush felled and 50 acres of last year's felling sown with grass. Ratatomokia Improved-farm Settlement. —No roadwork has been entered upon in this block during the year, and but 30 acres of bush has been felled. Clearings made last year were sown with grass-seed. Tongaporutu Improved-farm Settlement. —No fresh felling or building has been done, but 25 acres felled last year has been sown with grass-seed. As Mimi-Mokau Eoad runs through the 9—C. 1.

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block, and there are no service roads, no roadwork is charged against the settlement. Expenditure' £8y Os. 3d., part of which was in payment of some of last year's works. Uruti Improved-farm Settlement. —Only maintenance of road. Huiroa Improved-farm Settlement. —23 chains of Douglas Eoad was first formed as an 8 ft. bridle-road, and subsequently widened to dray-road width, requiring 74 lineal feet culverts. A strip of-township land 2 chains wide, comprising 14 acres, was felled on north side of Makuri Eoad, in order to allow sun and wind to get at a swampy part of the road. Whangamomona Improved-farm Settlement. —Among the works for the year are 50 chains felling, stumping, &c, 120 chains bridle-road formation, 425 lineal feet of culverts, 460 acres of bushfelling, and the sowing of 614 acres felled last year. Maata, Poti, Ngaire Improved-farm Settlements. —One house on Maata, two houses on Poti, and one house on Ngaire have been erected during the year; also, last year's clearings were sown with grass-seed. Taumatatahi Improved-farm Settlements. —One house has been enlarged, and improvements have been made to the service-road. Patea River, Snagging.—An inspection of the river has been made, and parts to be snagged decided upon, but until the eel-weir at about nine miles and a quarter from the mouth of the river is removed any expenditure above or below that point would be of no service. All lands up to about eighteen miles along the river are well served by roads, and snagging would benefit only those who hold land higher up. But the eel-weir is a complete block to all navigation excepting small canoes, and it is so strongly built that it would have to be blown out with dynamite. Oxford Association Block. —The surrendered portion of this block has been rearranged, the areas made larger, and the land sold on the ordinary system. During the year we have felled, stumped, &c, 186 chains of roads, formed as 5 ft. bridle-road 129 chains, built 229 lineal feet of culverts, and 74 lineal feet of bridges. Similar work is still in progress. Waikiekie Block. —The work included the improvement of old bridle-road from Tongaporutu Eiver from beach to top of hill, and the replacement of old stringer bridges by new ones on Clifton Eoad. The portion of road from Tongaporutu to tunnel has already been put in hand. A contract is now in hand for formation-work, and the timber for four bridges is nearly cut. The whole work will probably be completed in May. Autawa Block. —The small expenditure under this item was for removing slips. Hurimoana Block. —This block lies to the eastward of Whangamomona Improved-farm Settlement and towards Tangarakau Eiver, Whitianga Block being its northern boundary. It is divided internally by Whitianga, Mauku, and Pukeko Boads. Up to date we have felled, stumped, &c, 340 chains of Whitianga Eoad, further felling, &c, being let and in progress. The necessary bridleroad formation is also in progress, 40 chains being completed. Makahu Block. —On Makahu Eoad we have felled, stumped, and cleared 162 chains, and on Matirangi Eoad one mile has been felled, stumped, &c. Expenditure, £153 4s. Marco Block. —On Marco Eoad 240 chains have been felled, stumped, and cleared, and work is still in progress. Mangaotuku Block.—A subsidy was granted to Stratford County Council towards widening Mangaotuku Boad, but no work has been done or expenditure incurred. Rimuputa Block.— Work is now in progress (felling, stumping, &c, on Mangaowata Boad) in this block. 240 chains have been felled, stumped, &c, and 40 chains have been formed as bridleroad. Egmont, Block Vl. —Very little has been done on this block during the year, only a few chains of dray-road formation and one culvert to give access to a settler. The balance of loading on this block will be expended during the coming year in conjunction with the work now let on Kent and Maude Eoads. Patua (Egmont, V., VII., XI.) Block. —The whole length of Carrington Eoad (the main road through the block) has been felled,, stumped, &c, and the necessary portions of Plymouth, Hurford, Pitone, Dover, Oxford, and Saunders Eoads have also been - stumped, felled, &c. The borrowed money is, excepting a few pounds, all expended, but some of the settlers have yet no access but by tracks to their farms. A considerable expenditure is still required in culverts, bridges, and earthwork to enable the settlers to beneficially occupy the land. During the year we have felled, stumped, &c, 1,134 chains of above roads. Kaupokonui Block. —The Waimate Eoad Board is spending balance of vote in continuing metalling of Auroa Eoad towards Section 4, Block VI., Kaupokonui. Moeawatea Block. —This block was first surveyed as a special settlement, but, not being occupied, a rearrangement of the sections is to be made, and when ready for sale the roading will be proceeded with. Opaku-Kapara 810ck. —33 chains of felling and clearing, and the same of bridle-road formation, on Mataimoana Eoad has been done; also, removal of slips on Mataimoana and Weraweraonga Eoads. Rangiwhakaoma Block. —The same remarks apply to this vote as to Central Patea Valley. The money is for opening up the back lands behind Patea, and until the route is decided upon no expenditure can be incurred. Rawhitiroa Block. —This block was surveyed some years since, but, the land being very rough, no applications have been received for it. A bridle-road has been formed into the block, and it would be useless to incur further expenditure until there is a prospect of settlement. Whenuakura Block. —Contracts have been let, and are in progress, for felling, stumping, &c, bridle-road formation on Mataiwhetu and Tahuri Eoads, on which 286 chains of felling, &c, and 240 chains of formation has been done during the year. Payments to Local Bodies.— Twenty-four proposals for expenditure of " thirds " and " fourths " were dealt with, and sanctioned by the Land Board, for a total amount of £5,891 19s. lid.,

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inclusive of the amount authorised for payment of interest on loans, £1,887 17s. 3d. The following is a summary of work executed by the local bodies out of " thirds " and " fourths " during the year, and the cost of same : 303 chains bushfelling and clearing, £100 16s. ; chains formation and earthwork, £978 17s. 9d. ; 357J chains metalling and gravelling, £845 135.; 87 ft. bridging, £169 4s. ; 311 chains culverts, with their intake and outfall drains, £122 Is. 5d.; 2,585 chains maintenance and repairs, £469 10s. 7d.; interest on loans, £1,504 13s. 2d.: total, £4,190 15s. lid. I am unable to show what " fourths " have been paid to the New Plymouth Harbour Board, as such payments have always been made by the Treasury without reference to me. The amount payable should be computed monthly by me, as the calculation must necessarily be on the territorial revenue, less that derived from lands within the North Island Main Trunk Eailway area. • The number of contracts let during the year was 370, in addition to twenty-six in progress at the commencement of the year. All, with the exception of forty-three, are completed. Two were by ordinary contract, one for carting supplied, one for metalling a mile of Ohura Eoad, and the remaining 351 contracts were on the co-operative system. G. F. Eobinson, Eoad Surveyor.

WANGANUI. Tangarakau Clearing. —Work was recommenced on the river on 10th January, and completed for the season on 26th March. The five miles of steamer-channel cleared during 1898 have been recleared of snags, and the remaining seven miles up to Putikituna similarly cleared. When the water is 5 ft. above low summer-level small steamers may be taken up the twelve miles if care is exercised, but the river is much too small and the fall too great to allow of steamer navigation when the river is at a lower level than this. The cost of clearing the last three miles will be entered in the expenditure for 1899-1900. Clifton. —No expenditure out of this item. Two contracts for dray-road formation are in progress on Makaranui Boad. Flood-damages, Makohine Village Settlement and Clifton Block. —This has been all expended on the Bangataua (Clifton) Block and neighbourhood. 40 chains of clearing, repairs to approaches, and renewal of Makara Bridge (30ft. span), have been effected. Hautapu Main Road. —No expenditure ; the work will be started in May. Huikumu. —The work done comprises 108 chains engineering survey, 113 chains of bridle-track formation (4 ft. wide). The track now extends to the lower flats. With the sum available it was not possible to make the track more than 4 ft. wide. Hunterville 1., 11., lll. —During the early part of the year considerable progress was made with the formation of bridle-tracks, but since August the works have been practically at a standstill through want of funds. A large amount of work in forming bridle-tracks is urgently required in this block. The work done comprises 428 chains of engineering survey, 76 chains traverses and plans of deviations, 817 chains bushwork, and 652 chains formation, besides 15 lineal feet of culverts, and maintenance of eighteen miles of formed tracks. There still remain in the block thirty-seven miles of roads to be formed into bridle-tracks. Complaints as to the want of roadaccess are very numerous. Mangawhero-Murimotu. —Forty miles of bridle-track in fairly good order. The traffic returns are as follows: Travellers on horseback, 3,785; pack-horses, 1,549; cattle, 312; sheep, 2,670 ; pigs, 100. Okahukura. —Maintenance of tracks and erection of 100 lineal feet of culverts and 20 lineal feet of bridges. Otaranoho.— One contract for 52 chains of bridle-track in hand. Pipiriki-Waiouru. —This road has been joined on to the wharf constructed at Pipiriki by the Eiver Trust, by an approach 9 chains long. The road was open for traffic all through the winter as far as Toanui, but the Mangawhero Flats were almost impassable during the winter, and were again scoured out by a heavy fresh on the 11th November, the rainfall at Eaetihi amounting to over 8 in. in three days. In order to procure shell-rock, 6,227 cubic yards of stripping were shifted, 2,384 cubic yards of shell-rock have been quarried and broken, and 197 chains of metalling have been done, thus completing the gaps at Mangaetoroa and Waipuna, and making continuous metalling from 130 chains on the Pipiriki side of Huikumu Saddle to within 20 chains of Toanui Pa, being a length of 15 miles 12 chains, besides, 6 chains of metalling has been done at the new approach, Pipiriki. The flats along the Mangawhero Eiver, that are so bad during winter, can now be avoided, by using the alternative route vid Eangataua Eoad; but to form a good road the metalling will require to be extended to Ohakune. Next season's operations should include the metalling of this part, and the worst places between Pipiriki and Huikumu. Raetihi-Ohura. —The work done comprises 108 chains of dray-road reformed, 6 chains new ditches excavated, 5 acres bushfelling, and one bridle-track bridge 30 ft. span across the Mangaone Creek. Two contracts for extension of bridle-track are now in hand. It was proposed to do about 108 chains continuous metalling between the Valley and Middle Eoads, but it had to be postponed owing to the wet weather. Raetihi-Parapara. —The lower seven miles of bridle-track have been repaired; the bush-track portion, eight miles in length, has been improved at the worst points ; and one contract is now in hand on the approaches to the Mangawhero Bridge, and others are being prepared. Raetihi Township Roads. —Three acres of bush have been felled and burnt on the side-streets. Rangiwaea. —No expenditure, but bushfelling on the roads has been arranged to be started in May. *£=> Retaruke Valley. —No expenditure, but the extension of the bridle-tracks is to be started in April,

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Turakina Valley.- —The work done comprises 261 chains of engineering survey, 202 chains of traverses of deviations, 159 chains clearing, 9 chains dray-road, 184 chains formation of bridletrack, 98 lineal feet culverts, and maintenance of 639 'chains bridle-track and 393 chains dray-road. Four contracts are now being started, which, when done, will take the formation within 60 chains of the Okaka Boad. Waimarino. —The work done comprises 26 chains clearing, 48 chains dray-road formation, and 80 lineal feet culverts on Pipipi Eoad, 23 chains dray-road formation, and 24 lineal feet culverts on the Makotuku Valley Eoad, and 32 chains clearing of bridle-track on the Middle Eoad. Four contracts are now in progress on the Makotuku Valley Eoad, which, when completed, will render this road passable for dray traffic to a point abreast of Horopito Improved Farm, six miles and a half from Baetihi. The Ameku Eoad has been widened out to 8 ft. for 70 chains, and thus rendered passable for conveyance of milk to the Baetihi Butter-factory. Besides this, 290 chains engineering survey have been done. Manganui. —Dnring the year a considerable amount of work has been done on opening up bridle-tracks on the branch roads. The work done on the following roads comprises : Mangaetoroa Eoad, 108 chains engineering survey, 88 chains bushwork, 51 chains bridle-track formation, 74 lineal feet bridges, 120 lineal feet culverts, and 14 chains ditches and outfalls; Hukuroa Eoad, 112 chains engineering survey, 106 chains bushwork, 123 chains bridle-track formation, 268 lineal feet culverts, and 8 chains ditches and outfalls; Mangateitei Boad, 120 chains engineering survey and 80 chains bushwork. Moawhango-Te Horo. —Maintenance only. Roto air a-Waimarino. —No expenditure, but eighteen miles of dray-road are now being repaired. Taumaranui-Ohakune. —On the northern end of this road 211 chains of bushwork has been completed, with three contracts still in progress. This portion of the track has been repaired throughout, but many of the bridges require complete renewal. About 6,000 superficial feet of totara has been sawn in readiness for this. It is proposed to complete the bushwork through to the open country at the Wanganui Eiver. On the southern end, from Waimarino Pa to the Valley Eoad, 10 chains of bushwork and 16 chains of formation 8 ft. wide have been done, and two bridges —total length, 42 lineal feet —have been erected. On this portion a considerable number of culverts have been put in, many of them of large opening, the total length amounting to 183 lineal feet, and 40,460 superficial feet of squared timber prepared for bridges and culverts. Engineering surveys to the extent of 286 chains have been done. Awarua. —The expenditure under this item has been scattered over a number of branch roads. The work done on the various roads is as follows : Mangaweka-Te Kapua Stock Eoad, 4f acres bushfelling on road-line; Makohine Valley South Eoad, 27 chains bushwork and 31 chains bridletrack formation ; Mangaweka, erection of tool-sheds (20ft. by 12ft.), with painting and fittings of same ; Taihape Township, 23 acres bushfelling on road-lines, 13 chains clearing on Huia Street, and 11 chains dray-road formation on Kuku Street; Puke Eoad, h\ acres bushfelling, 107 chains bushwork and bridle-track formation, with 20 lineal feet culverts; Puherua Boad, 85 chains bushwork and bridle-track formation, with 60 lineal feet culverts; Eangitikei Eoad, 28 chains bushwork; Horouta Eoad, 250 chains bushwork and 30 chains dray-road formation ; besides 290 chains engineering surveys, distributed over these roads. Gorge-Ohutu Improved-farm Settlement. —One contract of 28 chains of widening of this track into a dray-road, with 44 lineal feet of culverts, has been completed. Two other contracts of a similar nature are now in hand. Horouta. —The formation of this into a dray-road is now completed as far as the Moawhango Eiver, and is now being largely used for traffic to the Pukeokahu and Ohinewairua Blocks. The work done comprises 118 chains bushwork, 170 chains dray-road formation, and 7 chains bridletrack formation, with 88 lineal feet culverts. Kakariki Bridge Approaches. —Authority received for £1,400 subsidy, but no expenditure. Makohine Valley. —Work has only recently been started on this. It comprises 159 chains engineering survey, 40 chains bushwork, 40 chains bridle-track formation, with two contracts still in hand. Murray's Track. —The work done comprises 230 chains clearing, and 224 chains bridletrack formation, with one horse-bridge 12 ft. span, and 370 lineal feet culverts. A length of 105 chains still remains to be done to connect with old formation. Traffic at present follows a rough ridge track for this distance. Taihape-Paengaroa. —There is a large amount of traffic on this road, and the widening of it throughout is urgently required. It has been proceeded with as rapidly as possible with the available funds. It is now open roughly for dray traffic to the Namunui Creek, at 4 miles 30 chains. The total distance to Paengaroa is 6 miles 10 chains. The work done comprises 157 chains engineering survey, 81 chains dray-road formation, 250 lineal feet culverts, one bridge 24 ft. span, and maintenance. Four additional contracts are now in hand. Taihape Township Roads. —On account of the bad burning season, only a few days' work have as yet been done in burning road-lines which were felled during the winter. (See Awarua.) Te Kapua. — The Knights of Labour portion has now been fairly well roaded with bridletracks, but the Sommerville portion is still backward in that respect. The work done comprises 221 chains engineering survey, 400 chains bushwork, 332 chains bridle-track formation, and 193 lineal feet culverts, distributed over the Bongoiti, Ngauinga, and Quarry Eoads. The Mataroa Eoad inside the block is being prepared for contract. Watershed Road. —This work is only being commenced. There has been done up to date 42 chains engineering survey, 8 chains clearing, and 3 chains formation. Four contracts are being started. Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Road.— During last April and May, metalling operations were continued between Mangaweka and Utiku, 2,262 cubic yards being spread upon the road. Owing to the wet

Mangaweka Bridge.

Otukou Village, Rotoaira.

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season, operations were not recommenced till January last. Since then, 1,009 cubic yards have been spread, mostly between McGinn's (31 miles), and Torere Junction (25 miles), but some patching has been done near Mangaweka, and also near Ohingaiti. All the metalling has been done at prices per cubic yard per mile of lead. Between Taihape and Te Horo the road is much in need of metal, but it is very expensive in that quarter, on account of the long cartage, and the metal itself is not of durable quality. The Turangarere Bridge, 60 ft. span, across the Hautapu, has been erected by co-operative contract, and approaches made thereto. All the timber except the maire blocks had to be brought from Taihape. This long cartage added materially to the cost. The bridge at Mitchell's, 30 ft. span, has been understrutted. The traffic from Mangaonoho to Taihape is now so heavy that maintenance is a difficult matter. During next summer, a large amount of remetalling will again require to be done. Nine contracts metal haulage are still in progress. Waitotara River Suspension-bridge.— During February, a section of the site was taken, and general drawings for the proposed bridge made. Mangawhero (Aberfeldie). —A section of the site was taken last April, but owing to local representations, a high-level suspension-bridge is now proposed, instead of the low-level originally intended. Upper Wangaehu. —A low-level is also proposed at Mangameha, but no steps have yet been taken to have it erected. Moawhango (Horouta). —This bridge, 121 ft. span, could not be started till the opening of the Horouta Eoad in February. Since then, the abutment excavations have been taken out. A strong scaffolding, entailing some difficult and dangerous work, is being erected. The timber and ironwork are being carted on to the ground, most of the timber and all the ironwork being taken from the stock prepared for the original design of the Mangaweka Bridge. The ironwork, and about 12,000 superficial feet of totara timber, are now delivered on the site. This bridge will be a great boon to the large numbers of settlers now on the blocks east of the Moawhango Eiver. Rangitikei (Mangaweka Bridge). —The low-level bridge erected in January, 1898, after successfully standing four large freshes in the river, in which the water rose 3 ft. to 4 ft. over the decking, was finally rendered impassable by the flood of the 11th November, which rose 5 ft. over the decking. A large green tree came down, stuck on the bridge, and eventually caused three spans to be carried away. A second flood came in December, and carried away three more of the spans. The re-erection of the bridge was started in February, and will be completed, weather permitting, in about two weeks. The new design is at a level of 18 in. lower than the first one, the lengths of spans being as before. Besides the upstream strut, there is also a down-stream strut, and great care is being taken in getting these struts and the strut underneath well down into the bed of the river. I forward herewith a photo, showing the structure. The chief dimensions of the bridge are : Length, 260 ft., in nine spans of 24 ft. each, with two end-spans of 28 ft. and 16 ft. respectively ; width, 12 ft.; decking-level, 4 ft. 6 in. above summer-level; cant, 6 in. The deckinglevel is 1 ft. 6 in. lower than last year's bridge. There are five steel rails (52 lb. per yard) driven in every span, penetrating sft. lin. into the papa on an average. The extreme length of each pier is 50 ft. The timber is practically all sawn white-pine. The work was commenced on the Ist February and completed as above on the 29th April. The total cost has been: Materials, £143 os. 5d.; wages, £226 19s. 7d. = £370. Traffic across the river was carried on by means of the cage and a ford above the bridge-site until the bridge was re-erected. Rangitikei (Otara Bridge). —The design adopted for this bridge was one suspension span of 250 ft. over the main current, and a span of 100 ft. reaching on to the-western bank. Tenders were accepted by the Kiwitea County Council on the 22nd November, the amount of tender being £6,913. Some alterations were caused in the section of site by floods. Wanganui River Trust. —Mr. J. T. Stewart, secretary to the trust, is submitting a special report on the year's operations. Tongariro National Park. —During January-, February, and March the track to Ketetahi Hot Springs was repaired, and then extended for 213 chains to the Blue Lake, on the summit of Tongariro. The track has already been used by tourists. The grade from the springs upwards is 1 in 8, but with flatter grades at the zigzags, of which there are three. Mangaweka Township (drainage).—No expenditure, but it is proposed to expend this in the improvement of the suburban roads. Momahaki Village Settlement Block. —All these roads have been handed over to the local bodies except that portion (about 57 chains) through Mr. Howie's property, which is now being well repaired, and will then also be handed over. Clifton No. 2 Block. —All of this appropriation has been expended in the Eangataua portion. The Makaranui Bridge, 24 ft. span, has been completed, with 10 chains dray-road approaches thereto. The Makaranui Eoad is now being formed as a dray-road throughout, three contracts being in hand. As an alternative to that part of the Pipiriki-Waiouru Eoad, it will prove to be of great service. The Makotuku portion of this block requires a considerable amount of work being done on the Mangarewa Eoad. Gladstone Block. —On that portion of the Taumaranui Eoad going through this block, 127 chains of bushwork and 136 chains of bridle-track formation, with 100 lineal feet culverts and 7 chains outfalls, have been done. On the Pukaka Eoad, 11 chains of bushwork, and 131 chains bridle-track formation, with 48 linear feet culverts, have been done. The formation on flats is all formed 8 ft. wide, chiefly by material excavated from large ditch on upper side. In this block 8,350 ft. of timber have been squared ready for bridges and culverts. Kaitieke Block. —On the Taumaranui Eoad, passing through this block, also on the Kaitieke, Eetaruke, and Oio Eoads, maintenance has been carried on ; also four miles engineering survey of the Taumaranui Eoad,

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Manganui and Ruapehu. —All the work done out of this item is on the Makotuku Valley Boad, and comprises 6 chains bushwork, 121 chains formation 8 ft. wide from side ditches, and 109 lineal feet culverts. This is quite passable for dray traffic, and the lower half of it is largely used by milk-carts. Marlon No. 3. —Authority for £800 received, but no expenditure as yet. Hautapu Blocks (1., V., VI, IX., X.) and Tiriraukaiva (IV., VIII.). —On the Kaweka Eoad 287 chains bushwork and bridle-track formation have been done. On the Mataroa Boad the work done comprises 791 chains engineering survey, 97 chains traverses of deviations, 420 chains bushwork and bridle-track formation. On the Makohine Valley Eoad, in these blocks, 119 chains engineering survey and 81 chains bushwork and bridle-track formation have been done. Only seventeen unemployed are now left. On the Mataroa Eoad there was some very heavy cliff-work for about 20 chains; the bushwork is mostly heavy, but the formation generally is light. Ohinewairua Block. —The work done comprises the following : On the Horouta Eoad, 31 chains bushwork and 136 chains dray-road formation, with 240 lineal feet culverts, thus completing the dray-road to the Moawhango Bridge; on the Pukeokahu Boad, 189 chains engineering survey, 284 chains bushwork, and 45 chains bridle-track formation, with 24 lineal feet of culverts; on the Moawhango Valley Eoad, 130 chains of bushfelling. The felling has been burnt, and is now being prepared for formation. Pukeokahu, Blocks X., XIII.; Ohineivairua, Block XVI; and Ruahine, Block I. —The work done comprises 190 chains engineering survey, 282 chains bushwork, 16 chains dray-road formation, and 396 chains bridle-track, with 30 lineal feet culverts. Tiriraukawa Block. —No expenditure under this item. Authority applied for on 9th December last. Makohine Village Settlement. —On the road from Mangaonoho Station to the settlement 61 chains dray-road have been formed, with 80 lineal feet culverts. Temporary Bridges over the Rangitikei River (Vote 91, item 448, of 1897-98). —A punt 38 ft. by 12 ft., with the necessary gear, has been put on the river at Scott's Ferry, the Government subsidy to which was £128 Bs. lOd. Lands and Survey Office, Wanganui. —A site for this proposed building will probably be obtained at the Customhouse. Drawings are now being prepared. The office-work in connection with the year's operations has consisted of the following : 62 miles 55 chains engineering surveys plotted, with quantities ; 4 miles 55 chains traverses plotted, and plans drawn. G. T. Mueeay, Eoad* Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. Waihi-Tokaanu. —The total length of this road from the Tokaanu Biver to the church is 1 mile 18 chains, of which 31 chains is swamp, 20 chains side-cutting, the remainder being simple formation. On the 31 chains of swamp, fascines 12 ft. long have been laid, and partially covered with the material excavated from the side drains; but owing to the exhaustion of funds it has been impossible to have them sufficiently covered for anything but foot traffic. Of the whole length of road, 46 chains was covered with light manuka scrub, while the remaining 52 chains pass through open country. A cutting of 3 chains in length, 10 ft. wide, and 3 ft. deep, has been made to divert a' stream which previously discharged its waters into the swamp through which the road passes, by which diversion the stream is now taken in a direct course to the lake. An outlet drain has been cut for a chain, from the road passing through the swamp to the lake, and this, with the stream diversion just mentioned, has lowered the swamp 18 in. A contract for supplying timber for four small bridges, and delivering it to the several sites, has just been completed. The following is the tabulated record of work done: Eoad engineered, 1 mile 18 chains ; fascines laid, 31 chains : partial formation, 24 ft. wide, 31 chains ; four bridges, of a total length of 40 ft., erected; and 62 chains of drains cut. Tokaanu Township (Tawera Street). —This township is situate on the southern shore of Lake Taupo, and the street is laid off 1-J chains in width for 1 mile 12 chains, the formation being 24 ft. wide. For a distance of 54 chains the road-line is dry, and the formation has been made by excavating material from each side and throwing the same uniformly over the centre. In the swampy parts of the road fascines 12 ft. long have been placed, sixty-six to the chain, and the excavated material from the side drains cast upon them. This street passes through flat country, 38 chains of which is swamp, and 40 chains covered with light manuka scrub. The following work has been done: 1 mile 12 chains of road-line graded and pegged, 1 mile 12 chains formed 24 ft. wide, 40 chains of scrub felled and cleared, 5 culverts 96 ft. in length laid, 4,055 cubic yards of earth excavated, 1 mile 34 chains of drains cut, and 8 chains of corduroy and 47£ chains of fascines laid. The culverts, which are built of sound heart of totara, and are in first-class condition, serve to drain two of the swamps of a considerable quantity of water, but as the large swamp adjoining the lake is at present on the same level the outflow has not been very extensive. Potaka Road (Awarua Block). —This road has been felled and cleared 2 miles 47 chains, graded and pegged 2 miles 48 chains, and formed 6 ft. wide for 2 miles 14 chains. One 18 ft. bridge, 6ft. wide, has been erected, 1,565 cubic yards of slips cleared, 1,835 cubic yards of rock excavated, and three miles and. three-quarters maintained, all of which is in good order. It passes through steep bush country, and is consequently very expensive to construct. The total length open for horse traffic is 3 miles 60 chains, and further clearing and formation will be proceeded with during the coming year. This is one of the roads giving access to the Awarua Block, on the east side of the Bangitikel Eiver.

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Mangakokeke Road (Awarua Block). —In my last report I recorded the clearing of 43 chains of this road-line, which, being level and dry, opened up communication with Sections 1 and 2 Block X., Euahine Survey District, in the Hautapu Euahine No. 2 Block, Since then nothing further has been done. Upper Kawatau Road (Awarua Block). —Not a great deal of progress has been made with this road since,my last report; what has been done being 22 chains of 6ft. formation, 11 chains of 10ft. formation, 374 cubic yards of slips cleared, and 5,030 cubic yards of rock excavated. It passes through bush country of a very broken nature, and, as the route lies along steep papa-rock cliffs, the work of formation has been exceedingly heavy. The road is in good condition, and, as soon as further expenditure is authorised, clearing and extension of formation will be proceeded with. Kawatau Valley Road. —The following is the record of work done on this road during the year : 2 miles 43 chains graded and pegged, If chains felled and cleared, 61 chains widened to 16 ft., 10 chains metalled 12 ft. wide, 9,100 cubic yards of slips cleared, 9,360 cubic yards of rodk excavated, 2 chains of embankments formed, and two miles and a half of the road sown with grassseed. One culvert, 16 in. by 18 in., and four, 12 in. by 12 in., of a total length of 123 ft., have been laid, and one 80 ft. span truss-bridge, with a 14 ft. roadway, has been erected over the Mangawharariki Eiver. The annual maintenance has extended over four miles and a half. It will be seen that a large amount of very heavy work has been done, the great damage done by the Easter floods of 1897 having been repaired. The truss-bridge across the Mangawharariki Stream is a substantial and well-built structure, and has been erected at 14 ft. higher level than that carried away by the floods. The narrow parts of the papa-cliff road have been widened to the full width of 16 ft., and, like the block-cutting deviation, has been exceptionally heavy work. As shown above, the slips have been very numerous, caused in a great measure by widening the road. The whole of the road, with the exception of a few chains of horse-road at the Kawatau end, is in very good condition, and the bridge and culverts in first-class order. The first mile of the cliff road gets into a very bad state during the wet season, and a good coating of metal is now being put on, which will undoubtedly prove a great boon to the many persons who travel this road. The total length available for horse traffic is 8 miles 10 chains, four miles and a half of which is open for wheel traffic. A further length of 2 miles 43 chains, which was felled and cleared last year, has been graded, and, as a sufficient amount has been authorised to be expended, the work will be proceeded with immediately. This very important road opens up the northern portion of the Marton Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks, and is the main artery through which that part of the Awarua Block east of the Bangitikei Eiver is furnished with supplies. Kew Road (Marton Nos. 1 and 2). —The only work done during the year has been maintaining 1 mile 48 chains of this horse-road, which has involved the removal of 305 cubic yards of slips, and the grassing of 75 chains. It is at present in good order, as are the culverts and log bridges. Titirangi Road. —This road passes through very broken forest country, and has been maintained during the year for a distance of 6 miles 65 chains. It is in very good condition, and during the coming year it is intended to push forward the clearing and formation. The following work has been done: 1 mile 31 chains of bush felled and cleared, 69 chains-formed 6ft. wide, four culverts 64 ft. in length inserted, 1,605 cubic yards of slips removed, and 3,158 cubic yards of rock excavated. ■ Kelpie Road. —The whole of this road is now open for dray traffic, and is in good condition. The culverts also are sound. As it passes through very rugged precipitous country, the cost of maintenance is necessarily very heavy. The following work has been done: Graded and pegged, 1 mile 28 chains ; widened to 16 ft., 1 mile 3 chains ; and metalled 12 ft. wide, 10 chains. Two culverts (33 ft. in length) have been laid, 495 cubic yards of slips cleared, 1,860 cubic yards of rock excavated, 69-f chains of drains cut, and the full length of two miles maintained. This road is very useful to the settlers in the neighbourhood, as, by its connection with the Lagoon Eoad, they are enabled to get their milk to the Euahine Creamery. Lagoon Road (Hautapu-Ruahine, Marton Nos. 1 and 2). —During the year 2 miles 23 chains of horse-road has been formed 6 ft. wide, and 58 chains widened to 16 ft. for dray traffic. This piece of dray-road is of immense benefit to a great number of settlers, as it enables them to cart their milk to the creamery at Euahine. The road passes through hilly forest country, and, with the culverts, is in very fair order. The further details of the annual work are as follow : Twelve 12 ft. by 12 ft., four 18 ft. by 12 ft., and two 18 ft. by 18 ft. culverts, of a total length of 390 ft., have been laid; 1,580 cubic yards of slips cleared, 3,469 cubic yards of rock excavated, 24 chains of drains cut, 1 chain of corduroy laid, and three miles of the road maintained. Auputa Road (Hautapu-Ruahine, Marton Nos. 1 and 2). —During the year 1 mile 8 chains has been widened to the full width of 16 ft., and 43 chains to 8 ft.; 7 chains have been graded and pegged ; three 12 ft. by 12 ft., two 18 ft. by 24 ft., and one 12 ft. by 18 ft. culverts have been inserted; one plain bridge, with a 12 ft. roadway, and 12ft. long, has been erected; 1,140 cubic yards of rock excavated, 800 cubic yards of slips removed, 1 mile 64 chains of drains cut, and \ chain of corduroy laid. To obviate the necessity of erecting an 80 ft. span bridge, a tunnel, 6 ft. 6 in. wide, 5 ft. 6 in. high, and 180 ft. long, is now being driven, through which the stream will be diverted. The cost of this work is estimated to be considerably less than the construction of a bridge, besides being more permanent. The widening of the road near the junction with the Mangawharariki Eoad has been of great benefit to the settlers in the vicinity, as it enables them to cart their milk to the creamery at Euahine. With the exception of a few temporary log bridges, which are in course of repair, the road, bridges, and culverts are all in good order. The full length of the road is seven miles and three-quarters, and the annual maintenance has been six miles. Mania Road (Hautapu-Ruahine, Marton Nos. 1 and 2). —This is a 4 ft. bush-track, and is maintained for a distance of two miles. It is in fair condition, and the culverts are sound. The following work has been done : 6 chains of bushfelling, 8 chains of 6 ft. formation, 336 cubic yards of slips cleared, 270 cubic yards of rock excavated, and 18 chains of drains cut. The settlers in the

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locality are extremely desirous of having this horse-road widened for dray traffic, to put them in a better position for taking their milk to the local creamery. Karewarewa Village Settlement. —Last year some felling and clearing was done here, and the road-line graded and pegged. As it passes through level and dry country, it has been available for horse traffic, and nothing further has been done. Main South Road (Hautapu-Ruahine, Marton Nos. 1 and 2). —The chief work has been the maintenance of this road 6 ft. wide in good order for three miles, besides which 10 chains have been formed 10 ft. wide, 2,890 cubic yards of slips cleared, and 1,870 cubic yards of rock excavated. Te Parapara (Hautapu-Ruahine, Marton Nos. 1 and 2). —Great activity has been shown on this road during the period under review, and, as further expenditure has now been authorised, it is proposed to metal about 75 chains of sideling which becomes impassable even for horse traffic during the winter months. Weather permitting, this work will be commenced immediately the drays have finished other urgent work. The road, with the exception of some few chains of horseroad, is in good condition ; the bad parts are being made good, and further widening will be proceeded with immediately. The actual work done has been :20 chains graded and pegged, one mile formed 8 ft. and 42 chains formed 12 ft. wide, 75 chains widened to 15 ft. and one mile and a half widened to 24 ft., 1 mile 46 chains has been metalled 12 ft. wide; six 12 in. by 12 in. culverts, 99 ft. long, have been laid ; 471 cubic yards of slips cleared, 3,690 cubic yards of rock excavated, and three miles of drains cut. The maintenance has extended over three miles. West Mangahuia (Hautapu-Ruahine, Marton Nos. 1 and 2). —1 mile 30 chains of this roadline has been graded and pegged, 1 mile 37 chains felled and cleared, 1 mile 43 chains formed 6 ft. wide, one culvert (18 in. by 18 in.) laid, 70 cubic yards of slips removed, 1,780 cubic yards of rock excavated, and maintained for two miles. The whole length of road, which passes through heavy bush country of a very broken character, is now finished, and is in very fair condition for horse traffic. Mangawharariki and Kimbolton-Wairaki.- —This road has been maintained for a distance of 12-f miles, and the whole length of the road is in very good order for dray traffic. As will be seen below, the slips on the western end have again been very numerous. About a mile and a quarter of shady sideling, which becomes almost impassable during the winter months, is now being metalled. All bridges and culverts are in good condition. The work done during the year is as follows : Slips removed, 7,280 cubic yards; rock excavated, 905 cubic yards; widening to 16ft., If chains; and metalling, 60 chains; and one culvert, 12 in. by 12 in. and 24 ft. long, inserted. 22 cubic yards of metal is put in to the chain, being 12 ft. wide and 9 in. deep. This is a very important road, as it connects Eangiwahia with Mangaweka, and will ultimately be a large tributary to the railway when the line is opened to the latter township. Mangarere Road (Hautapu). —Maintenance extending over the whole length of this horse-road (5 miles) has been the only work done during the year. It is in fair condition, and, with the exception of a few temporary log bridges which will probably require strengthening shortly, the remainder of culverts and bridges are in good order. Watershed Road (Hautapu). —This road passes through broken bush country, and is now in good order. During the year 42 chains have been graded and pegged, 42 chains felled and cleared, 42 chains formed 6 ft. wide, three 12 in. by 12 in. culverts (48 ft. long) laid, 300 cubic yards of slips removed, 1,963 cubic yards of rock excavated, and a mile and a quarter maintained. Cross Road (Hautapu). —This road, which connects the Watershed and Mangawharariki Eoads, was completed last -year, and the only work since then has been its maintenance for four miles, in the course of which 425 cubic yards of slips have been cleared and 60 cubic yards of rock excavated. The road, bridges, and culverts are in good order, and available for horse traffic. Peka Road (Hautapu No. 2). —A further instalment of 1 mile 35 chains of this 6 ft. horseroad has been constructed, which opens it for traffic for a distance of five miles. It passes through hilly country, partly cleared of bush, and, with the culverts and bridges, is in good condition. This road must ultimately be of great consequence to the surrounding settlers, in providing an outlet to Ohingaiti, when the railway is completed to that point, and the bridge erected over the Eangitikei Eiver at Otara. Onslow Block (Renfrew Road). —£500 has been authorised for expenditure on this block, but the only work yet undertaken has been the letting of a bushfelling and clearing contract; and formation will shortly be commenced. Conspicuous Road. —This 6 ft. horse-road has been maintained in good condition for two miles, and the following work has also been done : 20 chains of 6 ft. formation, 2,320 cubic yards of slips cleared, 2,160 cubic yards of rock excavated, two 12 in. by 12 in. culverts (24 ft. long) laid, and b chains of corduroy laid. Oroua Main Road (Mangoira- Coal Creek Block). —The following work has been done during the year : 2 miles 15 chains graded and pegged, 1 mile 25 chains widened from 6ft. to 14 ft., 2 chains metalled, 1,560 cubic yards of slips cleared, 3,576 cubic yards of rock excavated, 1-J chains of drains cut, and twelve 12 in. by 12 in. culverts (of a total length of 216 ft.) have been laid. The widening of this road has enabled dray traffic to be extended across the Oroua Eiver, which will prove of great benefit to settlers. The maintenance extends over two miles, and is likely to be rather costly, in consequence of the singularly rotten nature of the formation rendering it liable to slip. Kaheke Road (Mangoira-Coal Creek). — The formation promised in my last report has been carried on for 61 chains to a width of 8 ft., after being graded and pegged for that distance. A singlespan bridge 25 ft. long has been erected, twenty-two culverts laid, 652 cubic yards of rock excavated, and 6J chains of drains cut. Umutoi-Table Plat Road, Upper Pohangina Valley (Pohangina Block). —The 6 ft. formation has been extended for a further mile, 49 chains graded and pegged, widening 27 chains from 6ft. to 12 ft., metalling (10 ft. wide) 26 chains, 1 chain of drains cut, 60 cubic yards of rock excavated, 600 cubic yards of slips cleared, and thirteen culverts (of a total length of 170 ft.)

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have been laid. The total formation maintained has been 4 miles 62 chains, of which 37 chains are available for wheel traffic. Apiti-Norseivood Road. —This road is intended to connect Apiti with Norsewood, in the Hawke's Bay Province, and during the year considerable activity has been shown in that direction. The following are the details: 2 miles 9 chains of road-line graded and pegged, 5 chains felled and cleared; 18 chains widened from 6ft. to 16ft., and 1 mile 71 chains widened to 14 ft.; 7 chains metalled, 2,270 cubic yards of slips cleared, 9,236 cubic yards of rock excavated, 5 chains of drain cut, and seventeen 12 in. by 12 in. culverts laid. In the neighbourhood of Coal Creek the work has been exceptionally heavy, and, owing to the loose nature of other parts of the formation, considerable expense has been incurred in clearing slips. The maintenance has extended over 2 miles 9 chains of dray-road, the remainder being in the hands of the Pohangina County Council. Umutoi Road (Pohangina Block). —The following work has been done on this road during the year: 3 chains formed 6ft. wide, 30 chains widened from 6ft. to Bft., 5 chains metalled, two culverts (28 ft. in length) laid, 700 cubic yards of slips cleared, and 388 cubic yards of rock excavated. The road has been maintained for 2 miles 27 chains. Umutoi Road (Umutoi Block). —Nothing but maintaining 2 miles 23 chains of this horseroad has been done since my last report, in which work is included the removal of 320 cubic yards of slips. Tunipo Road (Salisbury Block). —Very little work has been done on this road, but it is now completed throughout, the distance maintained being 3 miles 25 chains. The following is a statement of the annual operations : 5 chains of road-line formed 6 ft. wide, one culvert (24 in. by 24 in., and 24 ft. "long), 732 cubic yards of slips cleared, 10 chains of rock excavated, and 1 chain of corduroy laid. Apiti Bridge (Oroua River). —In May last the sum of £275 was granted to the Pohangina County Council to defray the cost of repairs to the bridge across the Oroua Eiver at Apiti. The only work yet done has been some temporary repairs to damages caused by flood. No progresspayments have yet been made. Coal Greek North Block. —Of the £100 granted to the Pohangina County Council for the purpose of constructing a track from Coal Creek to the Main Bidge Boad, the final payment of £42 has been made. The work comprised the formation of 23 chains 12 ft. wide from the Main Eidge Eoad, and 21 chains of 6 ft. formation at the lower end. Umutoi Road, Upper Pohangina Valley (Salisbury and Delaware Blocks). —The road-line reported last year as being graded and pegged has been formed 8 ft. wide for 1 mile 52 chains, and 300 cubic yards of slips removed. The following bridges have been erected : Three 12 ft. long each, and one 22 ft. long, all with a roadway of 8 ft.; and one single span of 25 ft., with alO ft. roadway. The distance maintained has been 2 miles 12 chains. Takapari Road, Upper Pohangina Valley (Salisbury and Delaware Blocks). —There was great activity shown here during the latter part of the last financial year, which was continued for the first three months of this, since when nothing further has been done. The following are the details : 1 mile 15 chains of horse-road formation, 160 cubic yards of slips cleared, 100 cubic yards of rock excavated, fourteen culverts inserted (of a total length of 148 ft.), and one bridge 14 ft. long and 8 ft. wide has been erected. Maintenance extends over one mile. Pohangina Valley Road (Forest Reserve). —In my last report I stated that in the interests of the settlers in the valley it had been decided to open road-communication into this forest reserve, and that £150 had been granted by the Pohangina County Council for the purpose. Protective work was subsequently undertaken, which cost £50, and a further sum of £65 9s. 6d. was expended in felling and clearing a deviation of the road for 1 mile 40 chains. No further work has been done, and the grant of £150 still remains to the credit of the County Council, no progress-payment having been applied for. Kimbolton Road. —Last year some metalling was done between Beef Creek and Whare Eoad, Pemberton, the cost of which was defrayed by a grant to the Kiwitea County Council, which local body has now complete control of the road. Aorangi Bridge. —-This bridge across the Oroua Eiver at Aorangi, near Feilding, consisted originally of six spans of 60 ft. and one of 30 ft., but the latter and two of the 60 ft. spans were washed out by the Easter floods of 1897. To repair the damage it was found to be necessary to erect three 60 ft. and one 30 ft. spans, which has been done. It is a truss bridge, with al3 ft. roadway. A grant of £725 having been made to the Manchester Eoad Board on the pound-for-pound condition, the work was carried out by that body, and has passed the supervising inspection of this department. Dannevirke-Weber-Wimbledon. —Great activity was being shown when I reported last year on this road, consisting of the erection of two beam bridges (20 ft. and 24 ft. in length respectively), road-formation, river-diversion, metalling, and culverting, the Government granting a contribution of £400 to the Weber Eoad Board towards the cost, the final payment being made on the 15th August of last year. Oporae Road. —The following work has been done on this road : 18 chains of road-line felled and cleared of bush, 1 mile 33 chains formed 6 ft. wide, fourteen culverts (of a total length of 226 ft.) laid, 165 cubic yards of slips cleared, 358 cubic yards of rock excavated, 4f chains of drains cut, and 4 chains of embankments formed. The road is maintained for two miles. The formation contracts alluded to in my last report have been satisfactorily completed, and the road is now open for horse traffic to the main road at Oporae Station. This connection is of great benefit to the settlers on the Eising Sun Association Block; but to be of permanent use to them it will be necessary to bridge some deep creeks which intersect, and are quite impassable in bad weather, and to widen the road for vehicular traffic. Extensive deviations have been made in this line to procure easy gradients. 10—C. 1.

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Mangatoro Valley Road. —Only 2 chains of formation has been done on this road,-34 chains having been widened to 14 ft. 554 cubic yards of slips have been cleared away, 50 cubic yards of rock excavated, 4 chains of drains cut, and a short length of embankment formed. This road, which connects with the Hawke's Bay District, passes through hilly, flat, and undulating wooded country, and is maintained from 14 ft. to 16 ft. wide for seven miles. It is all in good repair, with the exception of a few narrow places which require widening. The 1 mile 22 chains of metalling mentioned in my last report has not been extended, there being no funds available for the purpose. All culverts are in good condition, and the two bridges in good repair. Section 183, Block IV., Aohanga (Aohanga Valley). —On the 27th January last the sum of £200 was authorised for expenditure, but, owing to the non-completion of negotiations for acquiring the land, nothing has yet been done. Section 12, Block X., Makuri. —£so was authorised for expenditure on this road in December of last year, and operations have lately been commenced. Ohinereiata Road. —This is practically a continuation of the last-mentioned road through Section 12, Block X., Makuri, and when completed will connect the Waewaepa with the Upper Makuri Eoad. £50 has been authorised for expenditure, and the work is now being proceeded with. Towai Road (Rising Sun Association). —Considerable progress has been made on this road during the year —36 chains of road-line has been graded and pegged, 28 chains of bush felled and cleared, three miles of road-formation (6ft. wide), fifty-six culverts (varying in dimensions from 12 in. by 12 in. to 24 in. by 24 in., and 745 ft. in length) have been laid, 8 chains of drains cut, and 6 chains of embankments formed. The maintenance of 4 miles 40 chains has involved the removal of 340 cubic yards of slips and the excavation of 57 cubic yards of rock. About two miles more of formation will connect with the Waihi Valley Eoad, and open communication with Coonoor and Makuri, vid Puketoi. This connection will be a great boon, and it is unfortunate that want of funds should prevent its completion, or that the same cause should operate against the maintenance ' receiving that attention the road requires. Coonoor Farm-homestead Association. —ln January last the sum of £200 was authorised for expenditure on constructive works in this farm-homestead block, and instructions have been issued to commence work. Tcwai Road (Coonoor). —Last year I had a considerable amount of work to record on this road, but during the year under review nothing has been done but general maintenance for a distance of five miles. For four miles the width varies from 14 ft. to 18 ft., the remainder being a 6 ft. horsetrack which is at present in very bad repair. The dray road is in very good order, and the culverts all in substantial condition. Upper Makuri Valley Road. —Nothing has been done on this road but general maintenance, which has not been at all expensive. It is a dray-road, from 14 ft. to 18 ft. in width, and for ten miles passes through a sideling country. I can report it as being in fairly good order, and the bridges and culverts in good condition. The Pahiatua County Council bear the cost of maintaining a part of this road. Alfredton-Weber Road. —During the period under review great activity has been shown on this road, the details of which are as follows: Eoad-survey graded and pegged, 8 chains; road-forma-tion, 16 ft. wide, 40 chains ; widening, 19 chains; and 24 chains metalling, 12 ft. wide, being about 22 cubic yards to the chain; two bridges have been erected, of 20 ft. and 30 ft. spans respectively; thirty culverts, of various dimensions, inserted, of a total length of 652 ft.; 20,047 cubic yards of slips have been removed, 1,099 cubic yards of rock excavated, 33 chains of corduroy laid, 20J chains of drains cut, 4 chains of embankments formed, and two miles and a half of road-line laid down in grass. The timber supplied for bridges and culverts totals 26,294 ft. This is a dray-road, varying in width from 14 ft. to 18 ft., and is maintained for a distance of 35 miles 23 chains. Wheel communication is now complete to Weber, and a weekly coach-service is now running between Pongaroa and Dannevirke. This may consequently be considered as a main arterial road. In some places it passes through undulating country; in others, along white-pine swamps. For about eight miles it passes along the Akitio Biver, where the sideling cuttings are a constant source of trouble, owing to the liability of the earth slipping from the papa rock. All the bridges and culverts are in very good condition, but the road in many places is in very bad repair, as, owing to the unsettled weather of the past summer, no opportunity has been given to have it properly crowned, as the large staff of surfacemen were continually employed in removing slips, clearing water-tables, and other works of maintenance, and no funds were available for employing more men. I would strongly recommend that the northern end of this road be metalled as soon as possible, as a large number of settlers are dependent upon it for the carriage of their supplies. I may here state that the burnt papa metalling has proved a decided success, as a coating of 8 in. which has been on the roadway for three years is still in good order, notwithstanding bullock-dray and other heavy traffic passing over it. An unreasonable prejudice appears to exist against the use of this material. Alfredton-Weber, Flood-damages. —ln May, 1898, the sum of £300 was granted to the Wairarapa North County Council for the purpose of prosecuting this work. About 500 cubic yards of slips have been removed, and 210 lineal feet of tunnels driven. This tunnelling embraces two drives, of 100 ft. and 110 ft. in length respectively—the former 5 ft. by' 3 ft., driven through tough blue papa ; the latter 6 ft. by 4 ft., in stratified brown rock. These tunnels are to divert the water from culverts beneath heavy embankments, which had partially collapsed through underscour of the culvert foundations. The work in the larger tunnel was attended with considerable difficulties owing to leakage through the soft porous strata met with at short intervals throughout, which necessitated timbering the whole drive at much extra cost. Both drives are lined with concrete walls, and inverts 8 in. thick, with 4-J-in. brick arched roofs set in Portland-cement mortar. Parapets, wing- walls, and aprons of concrete are provided at the inlets and outlets of each tunnel. Altogether the work has been done in a very satisfactory and sub'stantiaLmanuer. i

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Waihi Falls (Pahiatua No. 3). —Work was commenced on this road in July last, when 120 chains of engineering survey was effected. Since then 55 chains have been formed 6 ft. wide, and five culverts, of an aggregate length of 87 ft., have been laid. This road passes through rough bush country, and, besides benefiting the surrounding settlers, will probably be much used during the summer by tourists visiting the falls on the Waihi Eiver, which are very picturesque. Suspension-bridge Road. —The work on this road comprises If chains of bushfelling and clearing, 23 chains of 6 ft. formation, and the excavation of 248 cubic yards of rock. A suspensionbridge for foot-passengers and sheep traffic over the Akitio Eiver is at present under construction, and when completed will be of great convenience to the settlers on the eastern side of the river. For the benefit of those settled down the river a 6 ft. track has been cut round the papa cliff near the bridge, but it will be necessary to clear the bush and effect some side-cutting along the river before the bridge will be of any use to them. Waihi-Akitio Road (Pahiatua No. 3). —Besides the grassing of 71 chains of this road nothing has been done but maintenance, which has caused the removal of 632 cubic yards of slips, 3f chains of corduroying, 1 chain of drains, and the insertion of three culverts, of a total length of 27 ft. Some portions of the road have caused a little trouble from liability to slip, but the greater part is on sound sideling ground. The distance maintained is 4 miles 40 chains. Akitio Road (Pahiatua No. 3). —During the year 167 chains of this road has been graded and pegged, 1 chain of bush felled and cleared, 136 chains formed 6 ft. wide, 2 chains of corduroy laid, 82 chains of drains cut, 13 chains of embankment formed, and one mile of the road laid down in grass. Two bridges have been constructed, 23 ft. and 12 ft. long respectively, with a 6 ft. roadway; and forty culverts, of various dimensions, and a total length of 587 ft., have been laid. The maintenance of two miles and a half has caused the removal of 551 cubic yards of slips, and the excavation of 10 cubic yards of rock. The road connects the Mount Arthur with the Kawakawa, Waihora, and Kaituna Eoads, and, owing to passing through swamp and soft papa country, it is difficult and costly to maintain. All bridges and culverts are in excellent order, but, in consequence of lack of funds, the road itself is barely passable for horse traffic. Pukewhinau Road. —This road branches from the Alfredton-Weber Eoad, and provides access to three sections in the Akitio Improved Farm; and since last year, when I reported an engineering survey of 72 chains, 44 chains of bushfelling and clearing has been done. Mount Arthur Road (Pahiatua No. 3). —A considerable amount of work has been done on this road during the year, including 34 chains of bushfelling and clearing, 83f chains of formation 6 ft. wide, 4f chains have been widened to 6 ft., If chains of corduroying laid down, 7 chains of drains cut, 17f chains of embankment formed, and twelve culverts of the following dimensions laid: Eight 12 in. by 12 in., one 18 in. by 14 in., two 18 in. by 18 in., and one-24in. by 24 in., of an aggregate length of 192 ft. Maintenance of 2 miles 40 chains has involved the removal of 1,647 cubic yards of slips and the clearing of 283 chains of water-tables. A rough timber bridge of 40ft. span has been thrown over a creek about three-quarters of a mile from Makukupara, which, being only 6 ft. in width, is only available for horse traffic. A substantially built bridge of a 54 ft. span, with two land spans of 20 ft. each, making a total length of 94 ft., has been erected over the Makukupara Stream, to connect with the Alfredton-Weber Eoad. It is built of heart of totara on driven piles, and may be depended upon to bear all possible traffic for many years. It is now so near completion that the approaches are being filled in. This road traverses the Akitio Improved Farm, and requires about 40 chains more of construction to complete it through that settlement. It has been of great service to the settlers in enabling them to procure provisions as well as providing an outlet for their produce. The benefit would, however, be greatly increased if it could be opened for wheel traffic, as that would in all probability lead to the establishment of a creamery, to which they could then cart their milk. The whole of the road is well culverted, and is at present in fair condition, but, owing to the siding formation being mostly on papa rock, it is always subject to slip, and is consequently expensive to maintain. Kawakawa Road (Pahiatua Nos. 2 and 3). —This road intersects for some distance the Akitio Improved Farm, and has been maintained for a distance of 1 mile 40 chains. The other work done has been 47 chains of bushfelling and clearing, 65 chains of 6 ft. road formation, clearing 489 cubic yards of slips, and excavating 106 cubic yards of rock. Fifteen 12 in. by 12 in. and one 12 in. by 18 in. culverts, of an aggregate length of 162 ft., have been laid. These culverts are mostly built of hewn logs, and, being laid on a papa bottom, stand exceedingly well. The felling and clearing is now carried to the junction with the Kaituna Eoad, and the formation will be put in hand when the engineering survey is done. Waihora Road (Pahiatua Nos. 2 and 3). —This road, which passes through Pahiatua Nos. 2 and 3 and a corner of the Akitio Improved Farm, has been engineered for 143 chains, and bushfelling and clearing for 200 chains. At present there is in operation a contract for felling and clearing 60 chains further. Kaituna Road (Pahiatua No. 2). —The following work has been done during the year: 45 chains of scrubfelling and clearing, 167 chains formation 6 ft. wide, 40 chains of stumping, 6 chains of drains cut, and 14 chains of embankments formed. Thirty-three culverts, 384 ft. in length, have been laid. Maintenance has extended over three miles and a half, involving the clearing of 301 cubic yards of slips and the excavation of 49 cubic yards of rock. The culverts are in very good condition, and the road in fair order. Waipatukaka Road (Pahiatua Nos. 1 and 3). —The formation of this horse-road has been extended 49 chains, and eight culverts, of an aggregate length of 102 ft., laid. 13 chains of drains have been cut, and 2 chains of embankments formed. In maintaining 1 mile 50 chains, 54 cubic yards of slips have been removed and 43 cubic yards of rock excavated. At present there are two contracts in operation, one for supplying a large quantity of timber for culverts, and one for continuing the 6 ft. formation another 38 chains, and when completed the road will be open for

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about two miles from the Manuhara Eoad. It is intended to continue the formation to the junction with the Waihi Valley Eoad, and thus provide another outlet for the .Akitio Improved-farm settlers. Akaroa Road (Pahiatua No. 2). —78 chains of bushfelling and clearing has been done in this road during the year. In maintaining this two miles of horse-road two culverts (20 ft. long) have been laid, 177 cubic yards of slips have been cleared, and 1 mile 51 chains of embankments have been repaired. A contract just completed opens up this road as cleared to the Mangaone Eoad, but, owing to exhaustion of funds, it cannot be proceeded with just at present. As far as formed .it is in fair condition. Manuharahara Road (Pahiatua No. 1). —A considerable amount of work has been done on this road during this year—42 chains engineered, 1 mile 3 chains formed 6 ft. wide, 36 chains widened, seventeen culverts (246 ft. in length) laid, 3f chains of corduroying laid, f chain drains cut and 10 chains cleared out, and 9 chains of embankments formed and 2 miles 54 chains repaired. The work of maintaining the three miles of horse-road has necessitated the removal of 445 cubic yards of slips and the excavation of 120 cubic yards of rock. The road and culverts are in fair order. Paraengahuata Road (Pongaroa Village Settlement). —This is a horse-road 6 ft. wide, and has been maintained for 1 mile 50 chains. One 12 in. by 12 in. culvert (16 ft. long) has been laid, 70 cubic yards of slips cleared, 2f chains of corduroy laid, and 3 chains of drains cut. The road passes mostly through flat swampy land, and is in fairly good order. Huia Road (Pongaroa Village Settlement). —As will be seen in my last report, a considerable amount of work was done last year on this road. This year general maintenance and repairs have constituted the only work done. I must, however, except the sawing and hauling of timber to the site of a single-span horse-bridge over the Pongaroa Stream, the construction of which will be commenced as soon as the required ironwork is on the ground. A mile and a half of this road has been maintained during the year. Waihi Valley Road (Pahiatua No. 3). —The following work has been done on this road during the year: Bushfelling and clearing, 31f chains; formation, 6 ft. wide, 4 miles 18 chains; 396 cubic yards of slips have been removed, 428 cubic yards of rock excavated; stumping has been done for 144 chains; 36 chains of drains cut, and 21f chains of embankments formed. Thirty-six culverts have been bedded, varying in size from 12 in. by 12 in. to 18 in. by 18 in., of a total length of 602 ft.; and one bridge, of a single span of 20 ft., and 6 ft. roadway, erected. The road is maintained for a distance of six miles, and extends from the Waihi Eoad, past the Waipatukaka and WaihiAkitio Eoads, and, following the Waihi Valley, connects with the Oporae Eoad in the Hawke's Bay Province. The route is through dense bush country, and is at present just passable for horse traffic. Waihi Road. —The following work has been done : 55 chains of formation from 6 ft. to 8 ft. in width, 807 cubic yards of slips removed, 5 chains of embankments formed, and seven culverts of an aggregate length of 132 ft. inserted. This road is very liable to slip, and consequently may be costly to keep in good repair. The maintenance extends over six miles, and when about 40 chains of formation has been carried over a swamp (for which a contract is let), the settlers will be provided with access to Dannevirke vid Oporae, and to Makuri vid Pongaroa. Range Road (Masterton Reform). —This horse-road is six miles in length, and has been formed 6 ft. wide for 1 mile 4 chains, 3 miles 30 chains graded and pegged, nearly one mile felled and cleared of bush, 3 chains of embankments formed, and fifteen culverts of various dimensions laid. The maintenance has involved the removal of 261 cubic yards of slips, and the excavation of 1,386 cubic yards of rock. It passes through hilly bush country, and, as far as the formation is com.pleted, is in very good repair. It is now completed to the boundary of the Bising Sun Block, the two gaps leading in and out of gullies having recently been formed. On account of the nature of the ground this road requires constant attention. Cross Road (Masterton Reform). —This horse-road connects the Makuri-Pongaroa with the Eange Eoad, and has been maintained during the year for two miles. Makuri-Pongaroa Road. —Forty-eight culverts, of an aggregate length of 1,027 ft., and of the following dimensions, have been laid: Forty 12 in. by 12 in., two 18 in. by 24 in., three 18 in. by 18 in., one 9 in. by 9 in., and two 12 in. by 18 in. Bush has been felled and cleared for 13 chains, and scrub cleared for 3 miles 34 chains. The horse-road has been widened to a dray-road of 14 ft., 16 ft., and 18 ft. in width, for 5 miles 24 chains. The metalling, at about 18 cubic yards to the chain, has been extended by 16f chains, and one mile of metalling trimmed and restored. Besides this, 8,613 cubic yards of slips have been cleared, 9,901 cubic yards of rock excavated, 4 chains of drains cut, 13f chains of corduroy laid, 48 chains of .embankments formed, and three miles of the road sown with grass-seed. The road is eighteen ■miles in length over all, and by making a crossing over the Mangatiti Eiver, and using the temporary bridges, lof miles would be now available for dray traffic, leaving two miles and a half to be widened to reach Pongaroa. The six horse-bridges and all the culverts are substantially built, and in good condition. The cost of widening at the Makuri end has been very expensive, owing to the extensive limestone and papa-rock excavations. A contract was let some time ago to cart timber for the proposed bridge over the Mangatiti Creek, but owing to the exceptionally wet season the road until recently has been unfit for heavy traffic. A contract for sawing timber for the same bridge is nearly completed, and, as further funds are now available, contracts for supply and construction will immediately be let. This is a very important road, opening up a large area of country, and providing many settlers with the means of procuring, supplies, which for nearly eight months of the year are very costly to obtain. I would strongly recommend that improvements be pushed on vigorously, and as much metalling as possible carried out during the next season. The cheapest and best method of putting metal on this road would be, as suggested by me some time ago, by means of a temporary tram-line and trucks.

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Mangatiti Road (Pahiatua No. 4). —Since my last report the only work done on this road has been the erection of a3O ft. span truss bridge, for which 9,627 ft. of timber has been supplied. The road-line passes through hilly bush country, where the formation is heavy and very liable to slips. About one mile and three-quarters of 6 ft. formation is in very bad repair, and the culverts good. This road will connect the Makuri-Pongaroa and the Alfredton-Weber Eoads. The bridge just constructed has a single truss span of 30 ft., with a 14 ft. roadway, and will be of great benefit to the settlers, as the ford is not good. It would be of great advantage if this road were completed. It is a near cut for horsemen travelling from Eakaunui, who at present have to go a long way round, vid Pongaroa. A further reason is that there is a prospect of getting good metal, which, if the road were opened through, would be available for a considerable distance on the Alfredton-Weber Eoad. Makuri-Aohanga Road. —The following operations are recorded for the year: 5 miles 52f chains of road-line graded and pegged, two miles and a quarter felled and cleared of scrub, 1,674 cubic yards of slips cleared, 5,270 cubic yards of rock excavated, 2f chains of corduroy laid, 15 chains of embankments formed, and upwards of 19f chains of drains cut. Thirty-one culverts, of a total length of 556 ft., have been inserted, 11 chains of felled timber cleared, and 2 miles 3 chains of horse-road has been widened to 14 ft., 16 ft., and 18 ft. The road is six miles and a half in length, 2 miles 68 chains being dray-road ; 48 chains is being at present widened, and about three miles is still a horse-road. It passes through undulating bush country. All the culverts are in good order, and the two bridges are also in a substantial condition. It is intended to raise one of the latter 6 ft., to insure its safety. This road branches from the Makuri-Pongaroa Eoad about six miles from Makuri, and connects with the Alfredton-Weber Eoad near Eakaunui Village. Rakaunui Village Settlement Roads. —ln my last report I stated that upwards of 32 chains of these roads were being felled and cleared of bush. This work has been extended another llf chains; and 30} chains of road formed 6 ft. wide. Besides this, 2 chains of embankments have been formed, and 5 culverts, 56 ft. in length, have been laid. These roads are through undulating country, where all the bush has been felled. About 30 chains still remains to be formed to provide access to several occupied sections. Pongaroa School Road. —A sum of £100 has been authorised to be expended in metalling this road, which work is now being proceeded with. Aohanga Gorge Road. —The following work has been done on this road since the engineering survey of upwards of twelve miles was completed last year : Formation, two miles; scrubfelling and clearing, 1 mile 32 chains; 1,009 cubic yards of slips cleared, 2,745 cubic yards of rock excavated, 53 chains of drains cut, and 18 chains of embankments formed. Twenty-five culverts, of a total length of 723 ft., have been laid. A considerable quantity of timber has been sawn and delivered on the site of an 80 ft. bridge, the construction of which will be immediately commenced. This road, as maintained for two miles, passes through open country along the Pongaroa Stream. The banks being steep, the cuttings are consequently heavy, but, as it is mostly a sound papa formation, there should not be any great liability to slips. All culverts are constructed of totara, and are in first-class condition. The 16 ft. formation is being continued. Pongaroa Township. —The only work done by the Government in this township has been felling .10f acres of bush on sections. Mecalickstone-Aohanga (Mecalickstone Block). —Last year I reported 70 chains of this road as felled and cleared. Of this, 65 chains has now been formed 6 ft. wide, and ten culverts (138 ft. in length) inserted. 77 cubic yards of rock has been excavated, 22 chains of drains cut, and 3 chains of embankments formed The road passes through level manuka-scrub country, where the formation is easy. Kaikoura Farm-homestead Association. —£2oo has recently been authorised to be spent on constructive works on this association block, and instructions have been given to proceed with the roads. Huia Road (Woodville Block). —This road, which passes through hilly country for a distance of 3 miles 70 chains, is 6 ft. in width, and in very fair condition. Maintenance is the only work done during the year, and has involved the insertion of one 12 in. by 12 in. culvert (15 ft. long), the removal of 1,965 cubic yards of slips, the excavation of 9 cubic yards of rock, and the laying-down of 2 chains of corduroy. I would suggest that this road be widened for vehicular traffic, for the accommodation of the settlers on the line of road and on the Macalickstone Block. Waihoki Valley Road (Mecalickstone Block). —This road passes through level country, swampy in places, with very heavy bush. It is about four miles and a half long, formed to 6 ft. in width, and cannot be said to be in a very good state. The culverts and a temporary bridge are all in good order. The following is the record for the year: 8 miles 62 chains of engineering survey, 32 chains of scrubfelling and clearing, 32 chains of 6 ft. formation, 306 cubic yards of slips cleared, 36f chains of drains cut, 9 chains of embankments formed, and five culverts (of an aggregate length of 64 ft.) have been laid. Waiowaka Road (Dannevirke Centennial Block). —This road passes through very hilly country for 1 mile 32 chains, and is extremely liable to slips. Last year I reported 35 chains as cleared and. formed 6 ft. wide. This work has now been extended for another mile. There has also been thirteen culverts (134 ft. in length) laid, 720 cubic yards of slips removed, 161 cubic yards of rock excavated, 2 chains of fascines laid, and 8 chains of drains cut. All the culverts are in good condition, as is also the 30 ft. temporary bridge erected last year. Waikereru Road (Mecalickstone Block). —This road has been constructed through undulating country covered with ti-tree, is formed 6 ft. wide for the full length of 4 miles 10 chains, and cannot be said to be in very good order. The following work has been done during the year: 13 chains of fallen timber cleared, 60 chains of the road formed 6 ft. wide; eight culverts 12 in. by 12 in., and one 24in. by 36in., of a total length of 113 ft., have been inserted; 2,205 cubic yards of slips cleared, 196 cubic yards of rock excavated, 1 chain of corduroy and 2f chains of fascines laid,

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If chains of drains cut, and 6 chains of embankments formed. All culverts and the four temporary bridges erected last year are reported to be in good condition. Waiowaka Road Extension. —£2oo has been recently authorised, and plans are being prepared for further construction. Burling's-Mecalickstone. —The following work has been done : 63f chains of formation, 14 ft., 16ft., and 18ft. wide, 1 mile 4 chains widened to those widths; 1,139 cubic yards of slips cleared, 1,795 cubic yards of rock excavated, 52 ft. of tunnelling driven, 2 chains of drains cut, 21 chains of embankments formed, and five culverts (of various dimensions, and an aggregate length of 136 ft.) have been laid A large 60 ft. span truss bridge is in course of construction, for which 21,077 ft. of timber has been supplied. The tunnel mentioned above was driven to obviate the necessity of erecting a bridge near Mr. Murray's homestead, and has answered the purpose exceedingly well. Owing to the action of the weather on the papa it has been found necessary to close-timber the upper end ; but the lower end, being of a more solid nature, will not require such expenditure. Aohanga-Waiowaka. —Engineering survey will have to be undertaken before the sum of £300 lately authorised can be expended on construction. Kuivare Road. —This is a new road in the Christchurch 3Association Block, on which no work so far has been undertaken, but a contract will shortly be let for felling and clearing a section of the bush. Puketoi Road (Christchurch Association). —The operations for the year comprise engineering survey, 64 chains; bushfelling and clearing, 41f chains ; formation 6 ft. wide, 53 chains ; slips cleared, 80 cubic yards ; and 5 chains of embankments formed. Ten culverts, of various dimensions, and a total length of 140 ft., have been laid. This horse-road, passing through both flat and broken country, is felled and cleared for about 2 miles 37 chains, and is open for horse traffic over the formation of 53 chains. Uteivai.Road (Christchurch Association). —The only work done during the year has been the removal of 262 cubic yards of slips to keep the road open. This road passes through flat country, swampy in places, for a distance of four miles and a quarter, two miles of which is formed 16 ft. wide and open for wheel traffic, the remaining two miles and a quarter being a 6 ft. horse-road. The culverts, being chiefly pipes, are in good order, as also are the four bridges. The road itself, however, is in a very bad state of repair. The completion of this road right through for dray traffic would be of great benefit to the surrounding settlers, materially shortening the distance to Makuri. Christchurch Farm-homestead Association. —Instructions have been given to devote the sum of £446 14s. 7d. recently authorised to constructive works on this block. Smith's Foot-bridge (Totara Reserve). —The work reported last year as being in progress, and for which the Wairarapa North County Council received a grant of £100, is now completed. It consists of a foot suspension bridge, 2 ft. 6 in. wide, of a clear span of 140 ft., across the Tiraumea Eiver. The whole of the timber used is totara. It will be of great benefit, by giving access to the Totara Eeserve. Alfredton-Tenui Road (Contribution). —The sum of £180 was authorised for expenditure on this road, but was subsequently transferred as a contribution to the Wairarapa North County Council, who have not yet commenced operations. Makairo Road. —This road runs through flat, hilly, and undulating country, and consists of four miles and a half of dray-road, eight miles of 6 ft. horse-road, and about 40 chains at present unformed, of which 12 chains remain to be cleared. The road is in good repair, and the culverts and two bridges are in a satisfactory condition. The following is the work recorded for the year: Eoad graded and pegged, 1 mile 19 chains ; widening to 16 ft., 7 chains ; metalling (19 cubic yards to the chain), 23 chains ; slips cleared, 2,038 cubic yards; and rock excavated, 395 cubic yards. Makairo-Kumeroa Road. —This road, on which work was commenced last year and an engineering survey was completed, passes through both level and hilly country, and is constructed as a drayroad from 14 ft. to 18 ft. wide for a distance of a mile and a half, three miles as a horse-road, and for another mile the bush is felled but not yet cleared. The culverts are in very good repair. The following is the annual record of work: Scrubfelling and clearing, 40 chains; formation, 14ft., 16ft., and 18ft. wide, upwards of one mile; stumping, 67 chains; rock excavated, 404 cubic yards; drains cut, 1 mile 15} chains; slips cleared, 72 cubic yards; embankments formed, 10 chains ; and six culverts, 152 ft. long, have been laid. Waewaepa Road. —The condition on which the sum of £100 was authorised to be spent on this road—viz., that the adjacent settlers should give an equivalent in labour—not having been complied with, no work has been undertaken. Thompson's Road. —Last year I reported an engineering survey of 52 chains. Of this, 51 chains has now been formed to 14 ft., 16 ft., and 18 ft. wide, after being stumped. The other work has been the erection of a 29ft. single-span truss bridge; the insertion of eight culverts, 235 ft. in length; rock excavated, 210 cubic yards; drains cut, 45f chains; and embankments formed, 10 chains. The road passes through low-lying swampy country, and consists of two miles of drayroad, the culverts and bridges being in good condition. Malton Block. —Last year I reported upwards of three miles of road-lines cleared, on which the following further work has been done on the Woodville-Ashhurst line through the block : 1 mile 35 chains formed to a width of 6ft. ; 30 cubic yards of slips cleared; 91 cubic yards of rock excavated; 2 chains of drains cut ; and eighteen culverts (214 ft. in length) inserted. As further funds have been authorised for expenditure on construction-works in this block, the formation of two by-roads cleared last year will immediately be undertaken. Central Road, Hall Special Settlement. —The funds authorised for expenditure in this block having been exhausted, no work beyond the laying-down of 2 chains of corduroy has been done. This road runs for a mile and a half through hilly country, covered with bush and dense undergrowth. A new authority having, however, been issued, two formation contracts have recently been let.

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Cross Road, Hall Special Settlement. —Scrubfelling for 44 chains, and 41 chains of 6 ft. formation, in the course of which 2,860 cubic yards were excavated and three 12 in. by 12 in. culverts (42 ft. long) were laid, is the record of work done on this road. It is 6 ft. wide throughout, and has been in a very bad state of repair, owing to the exhaustion of funds. Further authority for expenditure having recently been issued, two contracts for 6 ft. formation have been let. Fitzherbert Bridge, Palmerston North. —Last year I had to report on the serious damage done to this bridge by the Easter floods of 1897, and the repairs—with the approximate cost —which it would be necessary to make. This work has now been completed, at a cost of about £5,510, towards which amount the Government has contributed £2,000 by way of grant. This work is of very great importance, for on the stability of this bridge the Borough of Palmerston North is dependent for its water-supply, as the aqueduct from the reservoir is supported on the joists. lam informed that the bridge was erected upwards of twenty-two years ago, and, as portions are already showing symptoms of decay, the local authorities will undoubtedly have to face the renewal of the older portion in the early future. When this becomes necessary, I would suggest the raising of the bridge some 5 ft. or 6 ft. on cylindrical piers, and the construction of 120 ft. spans in the place of the present 85 ft. By adopting these measures the trusses would be secure from floods, and the extended width of the spans would prevent all chances of timber jamming between the piers. The work, which has been very satisfactorily carried out under the supervision of the engineer to the Palmerston North Borough Council, consists of the sinking of eight cylinders 56 ft. in length and 4 ft. 6 in. in diameter, forming four piers ; one ironbark pier has been driven, and the remaining five piers materially strengthened. The approaches have been made good, and secured by sheet piles where necessary ; and the decking of the bridge has been renewed throughout. Ballance-Manawatu Gorge Road. —This road passes through both gorgy and flat country, and consists of 1 mile 48 chains of 6 ft. horse-road, the remaining 2 miles 23 chains being felled and cleared. At the Ballance end the road is in very good repair, but the gorge end is bad. The work for the year has been : Bushfelling and clearing, 3 chains ; scrubfelling and clearing, 10 chains ; formation 6 ft. wide, 15 chains; slips cleared, 98 cubic yards; rock excavated, 408 cubic yards; and three 12 in. by 12 in. culverts, 37 ft. long, have been laid. Pahiatua-Paimerston Road. —This road, passing through both hilly and flat country, for six miles is 8 ft., and the remaining distance 10 ft., in width. The only work done has been the grading of 6 miles 72 chains of the road-line. A sum of £800 has been voted for widening this road for vehicular traffic, which work will be prosecuted as far as that amount will admit. It is at present in bad order, owing chiefly to the large sheep and cattle traffic over it, to which special attention was directed by me in my report of 1895-96. Of the two bridges, it has been necessary to replace one by a new structure. Besides this work, the cost of which was defrayed out of authorised expenditure, the Pahiatua County Council has received a grant of £80, which has been devoted to the erection of a plain beam bridge of two spans 47 ft. in length, with a 14 ft. roadway. This bridge is at present in good condition, and suitable for heavy traffic. Makuri Township Roads. —There are about two miles of dray-roads in this township which are in very good repair, but the river-fords require some attention. A few necessary metalling repairs have been done to the main road, two culverts shifted, and 26 chains of fencing erected to enclose a number of township sections for use as a Government paddock. Woodville-Aohanga Road. —This road passes through hilly country, and consists of four miles of dray-road, five miles and a quarter of horse-road, and 60 chains of bush felled and cleared. The culverts are in good repair, and three traffic bridges and three horse-bridges are also in good order. A contract is in course of preparation for forming the 60 chains cleared, and another contract has been let for supplying timber for the Waitakotora Bridge, the first instalment of which is .expected shortly. The following is the annual record of work done : 26 chains of bushfelling and clearing, 146f chains of logging, 2 miles 27 chains of 6 ft. formation, 22 culverts (326 ft. in length), 1,768 cubic yards of slips cleared, 1,042 cubic yards of rock excavated, If chains of corduroy laid, and 2 chains of embankments formed. Ngaturi-Aohanga. —£3so having been recently authorised for expenditure on this road, the work of formation will be proceeded with as soon as the engineering survey is complete. Toritea-Makuri Road. —Maintenance of 17 miles 50 chains has been the work of the year, and has involved the execution of the following details : 13 timbered culverts have been replaced by 318 ft. of pipes ; metalling repairs, at 10 cubic yards to the chain, have been effected for 25 chains; 1,219 cubic yards of slips cleared, 257 cubic yards of rock excavated, and 7 chains of drains have been cleaned out. Before the winter sets in it will be necessary to incur some expenditure for maintenance metal. Kaitawa Ridge Road. —Bushfelling 1 mile 1 chain, formation 1 mile 2f chains (incurring the insertion of nine culverts, of an aggregate length of 90ft.), and maintenance of five miles and a half of this road is the recorded work for the year. 1,338 cubic yards of slips have been cleared, and 157 cubic yards of rock excavated. The road passes through hilly country, and is formed 6 ft. wide for 4 miles 20 chains, the remaining 1 mile 20 chains being available for wheel traffic. All culverts and the horse-road are in good repair, but the mile and a quarter of dray-road is at present in a bad state. The department is in no way responsible for this condition of things, as hitherto the road has been under the control of the local body. As fresh expenditure has recently been authorised the road will immediately be repaired and the formation extended. Tiraumea Valley Road. —This road, passing through level and undulating country, has been constructed for vehicular traffic for a distance of ten miles—six miles of which has been grassed this year. Of the seven bridges five are in good repair, one is very doubtful, and one is in a positively bad condition, being unfit to carry more than 1 ton. Instructions have, however, been issued for immediate repairs. No work of construction has been done on the road. In September last some surfacing was done, and 772 cubic yards of slips cleared,.but owing to scarcity of funds a thorough, state of repair could hot, be effected. A contract was let.to supply timber for the Eotoponga Bridge,

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but through the dilatoriness of the contractors the work of construction has only lately been commenced. Tiraumea River Road, Pa Valley. —This road is formed 6 ft. wide through undulating country for a distance of 1 mile 72 chains, and is at present in a very bad state. This is owing to the fact that in the early part of the season no funds were available for maintenance The only work done during the year has been an engineering survey of 1 mile 14 chains. A contract to form 31 chains to connect with the Tiraumea Valley Eoad has been let, and the work has now commenced. Pahiatua Railway-station (Repairs, £1 for £1). —A sum of £200 was granted to the Pahiatua County Council, £1 for £1, for the purpose of effecting repairs and improvements to the Station Boad and bridge at Pahiatua. After being graded and cleared the road has been widened from 14 ft. to 33 ft. for 66 chains, four culverts have been laid, and 50 chains of drains cut. The bridge over the Mangatainoka Eiver consists of seven 70 ft. truss spans, and has been sheathed with light planking to preserve the original decking from wear. When these improvements are completed a good substantial road will connect the Township of Pahiatua with the railway-station, over which considerable traffic now passes in feeding the railway. Bridge Road to Makakahi. —10 chains of metalling, 24 cubic yards to the chain; embankments, 3 chains ; fascining, 10 chains ; and maintenance of 1 mile 10 chains, are the details of the work done. Besides this, three single-span plain bridges have been erected, 10ft., 28ft., and 30ft. respectively in length ; also, one single-span truss bridge, 40 ft. long, has been constructed. These bridges have absorbed upwards of 25,000 ft. of timber. This dray-road, which has been constructed 18 ft. wide through a level country for about three miles and a half, is reported to be in very good condition. The road leads from Konini Village, on the main road, to the Makakahi Eailwaystation. Tutaekara-Nikau. —Engineering survey is at present being carried on, and when completed the work of construction will immediately commence. Nikau-Omata. —A recent authority to expend £100 on construction having been issued, instructions have been given to proceed at once with the work. McKenzie Special-settlement Block (Tutaekara Railway-station).- —Authority to expend £150 has only just been received ; consequently, nothing has yet been done. Mangatainoka (Tutaekara Crossing). —Contracts for providing the timber for this bridge have been let and the iron under-chords obtained. When completed the bridge will consist of a single 120 ft. truss span, with the under-chords resting on ironbark piers. Tutaekara Village Settlement. —On the 25th August last £75 was granted to the Pahiatua County Council for construction of Takawa Street and the road east of the main road. The roads mentioned pass through flat swampy ground, and the work'done consists of the grading, clearing, and formation of 25 chains, the insertion of four culverts (96 ft. in length), and cutting 20 chains of drains. One progress-payment has been made, leaving a balance to the credit of the local body for expenditure on further work. Hukanui-Masterton Special Settlement (Road through Native K2 Block). —This road passes through level country, densely covered- with heavy timber, which has been felled and cleared for 1 mile 54f chains. 1 mile 15 chains has been graded and pegged, and two formation contracts were prepared and let as soon as funds were available. This road will ultimately be of great service to the settlers. Mangatainoka River (Newman-Stirling). —ln January last £200 was authorised for expenditure, but no work has yet been undertaken. Plans, however, are to be prepared as soon as the sections are taken. Hukanuir-Kakariki Road (leading to Kakariki Special Settlement). —The following work has been done on this road during the year : Scrub felled and cleared, 78 chains ; formation, 14 ft., 16 ft., and 18 ft. wide, 78 chains; six culverts, of a total length of 168 ft.; 70 chains of embankments formed, 153 chains of drains cut, and 1 chain metalled at 20 cubic yards to the chain. A metalling contract has been let, which will be accounted for during the next financial period. This dray-road has been formed through level cleared country for about three miles and a half, and is in a very good state of repair. Waiwera Roads. —ln December last £240 was authorised to be expended on construction of roads in the Waiwera Block, but nothing has yet been done pending the completion of the engineering survey. Mangatainoka River (Hamua). —£300 was recently authorised to be expended on the construction of this bridge, and plans will be prepared as soon as the sections are taken. Newman-Stirling Road. —The £300 granted to the Eketahuna Eoad Board in March, 1898, has been satisfactorily expended by laying 1,602 cubic yards of metal on those parts of the road where most urgently needed, and other general repairs made. West Road (Kakariki Special Settlement). —The only work done during the year has been felling and clearing 55 chains of the road-line. The road lies through undulating and swampy country, and is so wet as to be unfit for traffic during the winter months. As, however, funds have been authorised for expenditure, it is intended to have the road graded and culverts laid to release the swamp and flood-water. Mangaone Road (Norling's), Tiraumea North. —2s chains of metalling has been done on this road by the Eketahuna Eoad Board, being the completion of work commenced during the last financial year. This has exhausted the sum of £200 granted to that local body on the 16th January, 1897. Bowen s, Hastwell. —£lso has been authorised to be expended on this, and the work of construction will commence immediately upon the completion of the engineering survey. Tawatahia Road. —£2so having been authorised for expenditure on this road, an effort was made to start the work; but it was found to be too late in the season to commence operations. Eketahuna-Alfredton Road. —The grant of £50 to the Wairarapa North County Council has

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now been expended on metalling repairs to this road between the Tawatahia and Mount Baker Boad junctions. A further sum of £50 appears on the appropriations, for which an authority will probably be shortly issued. Flat Bush. —Authority to proceed with this work having very lately been given, no action has as yet been taken. Barton's Road. —ln my last report I had to record a considerable amount of work as having been done. Since then only 8 chains of dray-road has been formed, and the 24 ft. span bridge completed, for which 5,890 ft. of timber has been supplied. This road connects Mangamahoe and district with Alfredton and Tiraumea, and is formed for dray traffic for a distance of 1 mile 4 chains ; the remaining 3 miles 15 chains being horse-roads of such grades as to admit of future widening. It passes through felled-bush country excepting for a short distance, where the standing bush keeps the road continually wet; elsewhere it is in very fair order, and the culverts in substantial condition. Lang's Section, Wairere (Dagg's Road), £1 for £1. —A sum of £250 has been granted (£1 for £1) for expenditure by the Upper Taueru Eoad Board, which local authority has been requested to submit plans and specifications for the approval of the department. Mount Baker (Tawataia Tollgate), Mangamahoe. —A recent authorisation of £200 having been made, instructions have been issued to at once proceed with the engineering survey. Mangatainoka Valley Road. —A sum of £200 was granted to the Eketahuna Eoad Board, which has been expended by that body on this road. Besides this the department, out of an authorised expenditure of £300, has done the following works: 2 chains of road-line graded and pegged, 23 chains of bush felled and cleared, 21f chains formed 14 ft. wide, 23 chains metalled, one singlespan bridge (24 ft. long) erected, eleven culverts (of an aggregate length of 181 ft.) laid, 10 cubic yards of slips cleared, 151 cubic yards of rock excavated, and 5 chains of drains cut. This road now only requires another 20 chains of formation to complete its full length. As far as it is formed it is in good order, but requires bridging and culverting in several places, which cannot be done until further expenditure is authorised, which work will now be undertaken, and £100 (recently authorised) expended. Parkville-Mangatainoka Road. —The £250 authorised for expenditure on this road has been increased by £150, all of which is at present available. The reason for operations being delayed is the inability of the local body to perfect arrangements with some of the settlers for taking the road through their holdings. Kakaamu. —The work of construction, for which the sum of £200 has recently been authorised, will be carried out by the Masterton Boad Board, subject to the supervision of the department. Bideford Road, via Mangapeka (£1 for £1). —A sum of £200 has been granted for expenditure by the Castlepoint Boad Board on the basis of £1 for £1. Plans and specifications of the work have been approved by the department, and the work will be shortly started. Mount Holdsworth Tracks. —Out of £300 authorised for expenditure, £150 was transferred by ■ grant to the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board to defray the cost of erecting a bridge across the Mangatarere Stream, in the place of the one destroyed by a bush-fire some time ago. The new structure just completed is a truss bridge of a single span of 75 ft., to support which it has been necessary to put in two concrete abutments. A further sum of £83 18s. sd. has been expended in metalling, a contract for completing one mile being nearly finished. The remaining £150 was subsequently transferred and still remains to the credit of the local body to be spent on these tracks. Ruamahanga Bridge (£1 for £1), Master ton-Gladstone Road.— This is a new bridge over the Euamahanga Eiver, about five miles from Masterton, on the Masterton-East Coast Boad, which is the main connection between the East Coast district and the Town of Masterton and Wairarapa Valley. It is a substantial structure of three main Howe trussed spans of 81 ft. centres, with approach spans at each end of 40 ft. trussed and 18 ft. beam bridges. The contract for construction was let on the 22nd December, 1897, and the work was completed on the 21st February last, at a cost of £1,940, towards which a sum of £500 was granted on the basis of £1 for £1. The operations were carried on under the direction of the engineer to the Masterton Eoad Board, and have been satisfactorily completed. Makakahi Road (Kaiparoro Block). —The following work has been done on this road during the year: 5 chains graded and pegged, 1 mile 10 chains of bush and lOf chains of scrub felled and cleared, 22f chains of road formed 6 ft. wide, three culverts (78 ft. long) laid, and 5 chains of embankments formed. This road is very serviceable to settlers up the Makakahi Valley, up which it extends as a dray-road for 30 chains, and is available for pack-horse traffic for a further four miles. Te Mara Roads. —£400 stands to credit for expenditure on the roads in this block, and the necessary works will shortly commence. Tenui Valley Road. —A sum of £200 has recently been authorised to be expended on this road, and constructive works will commence immediately upon completion of the engineering survey. Tenui Bridge and Road, Taueru Bridge. —On the 10th February last a contract was let by the Wairarapa North County Council for the construction of a bridge to replace a worn-out structure over the Tenui Eiver about three miles and a half e„ast of the Tenui Township. The full amount of contract is £886 75., towards which the Government contributes £300, none of which has yet been advanced. The bridge is situated on the main Masterton-Waimata Eoad, which connects the East Coast runs with the Wairarapa Valley. The length over all is 149 ft., and consists of one beam span of 29 ft. and two truss spans—one 81ft. and the other 39 ft. The bridge is constructed of totara superstructure with Howe trusses on single Australian ironbark piles, with totara abutments and wing-walls. Six chains of approaches have been formed 16 ft. wide, and metalled to a depth of 9 in. by 12 ft. in width. The whole work is expected to be completed by the end of July next. 11—C. 1.

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Uruti-Gastlepoint Road. —The Wairarapa North County Council last year expended £100 of a Government grant on this road between Blairlogie Homestead, on the East Coast Eoad, and the junction of the Tenui loop-line, at Birkett's. Since then £100 has been authorised for expenditure by the department, and works will commence on the completion of the engineering survey. Wingate, or Castle Hill, Road. —ln March, 1897, the sum of £180 was granted to the Wairarapa North County Council for expenditure on this road, for which a very considerable amount of work was reported by me last year. Since then—in January last—a further sum of £200 was granted to the same local body, which amount still stands to its credit for expenditure. . Alfredton-Tenui Road (Contribution). —The Wairarapa North County Council was recently granted a contribution of £180 for construction, and that local authority has been requested to forward plans and specifications for the approval of the department. Mikumiku Bridge. —This bridge was described in my last report as being under construction by the Masterton Eoad Board. It was satisfactorily completed on the 30th January last, at a total cost of £643. It has been built over the Waipoua Eiver to replace the bridge burnt by the bushfires two years ago. It is situate about ten miles north of the Town of Masterton, on the Mikumiku Eoad, which connects the pastoral district in the Mikumiku Valley with the Upper Opaki district road system. It consists of two trussed spans of 72 ft. and 46 ft. respectively, on concrete centre pier, with abutments and wing-walls of the same material. The sum of £500 was originally authorised for expenditure by the department, but in August, 1897, it was transferred to the control of the local body. Mangatariri Road (Kaitangata Block). —The activity exhibited on this road last year has been in a great measure continued, comprising a mile and a quarter of road graded and pegged, 1 mile 18 chains of bush felled and cleared, 55f chains of 6 ft. horse-road formation, 32 chains widened to 12 ft., nine small bridges (of a total length of 111 ft.) erected, ten culverts (130 ft. in length) laid, 451 cubic yards of slips removed, 7f chains of drains cut, and a mile and a half of road sown with grass-seed. This road, which crosses the Kaitangata Block in the direction of Mount Haldsworth, is available for horse traffic for five miles, and 70 chains of it is being widened for dray traffic. The work is progressing favourably, and I expect by the time the authorised funds are exhausted to have a mile and a half opened for wheels. It will be a good road, but costly to construct, owing to the very hard nature of the bluestone rock through which a great part of it has to be cut. Waingawa-Te Mara (Kaitangata Block). —This road is at present in very indifferent condition, and cannot be made available for dray traffic until a suitable bridge has been thrown across the Waingawa Eiver. The only work of importance undertaken has been the erection of a strong wire suspension-bridge, 132 ft. in length, which was completed in April of last year. This bridge is of material service to the settlers on the Mara and Kaitangata Blocks, as providing them with a ready means of egress. Waiohine Road (Kaitangata Block). —The record of work for the year is 48 chains of road-line graded and pegged, 53 chains of bush felled and cleared, 39 chains of formation 6 ft. wide, four culverts (44 ft. in length) laid, 176 cubic yards of slips removed, 1,921 cubic yards of rock excavated, and 25 chains of road-line laid down in grass. A further authorisation of £100 having recently been issued, the work on this road will be continued. Dalefield Road (Kaitangata Block). —The only work undertaken has been the formation of 9 chains of dray-road 14 ft. in width, which was completed during the autumn of last year. Taueru Bridge (Masterton-East Coast Road). —In March of last year a grant of £300 was issued to the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board to be expended, £1 for £1, on the construction of this bridge, and a further sum of £300 has recently been granted to the same local body. Acting on instructions, I inspected the river and arranged the site of the bridge ; but no work has yet been done, and consequently no payment yet made, as the Masterton residents have not yet fulfilled their promise to guarantee the sum of £300 towards the cost of erection. Kaiwhata Valley. —ln January of last year £437 was granted to the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board for the purpose of constructing a dray-road from Wharau to the Kaiwhata Eiver. The whole amount has been spent on the following works : Two miles of road-line graded and pegged, one mile formed 14 ft. wide, and 640 cubic yards of slips removed. The maintenance extends over three miles, and passes through undulating hills originally covered with scrub, which was cleared when the original track was formed. The Karaka Bay end of this road has been kept open for bullockdray traffic only; the remainder, which was formed out of accrued "thirds," was subsequently improved out of the above-mentioned grant. A further sum of £300 has been authorised for expenditure by the department on the continuation of this road, and plans are now being prepared for the immediate prosecution of the work. HurunuirO-rangi Bridge. —On the 2nd February of last year the sum of £1,600 was granted to the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board, to be expended, £1 for £1, on repairs and improvements to this bridge. Of this sum advances have been made to the local body on the satisfactory progress of the work. The bridge is 568 ft. in length, and the operations of the year include raising the old structure (four truss spans of 74 ft. each) 6 ft., and constructing two new spans of 111 ft. each, with ironbark trusses and piers, to replace that portion of the bridge which was carried away by the Easter floods of 1897. Flat Point Road.— Maintenance of twenty miles, 12 ft. wide, has been the only work undertaken by the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board, who have the control and supervision of this road. The route passes through hilly and cleared bush country, and is costly to maintain, as is shown by the removal of 2,600 cubic yards of slips. The only constructive work has been the insertion of ten culverts. £300 has been recently authorised for expenditure by the department, and operations will shortly commence. Small Grazing-run 51, Rewa Survey District. —The sum of £150 has recently been authorised to be expended, and instructions have been issued for the engineering survey to be proceeded with. Kaiwhata, Run 49. —£200 having been authorised, the road-line is now being engineered, with a view of letting the work on the co-operative system,

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Kaiwhata-Rewa Road (Kaiwhata Reserve Run, near Brancepeth). —Last year work was undertaken on this road for the purpose of providing access to the Crown runs in the Kaiwhata district, but the project has not yet been completed, 3 chains of widening and 6 chains of fencing removed being the only record for the year. The road is in very bad order, traffic being impeded owing to the want of funds. Rocky Hill, Wainuioru. —Last year £250 was expended by the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board on this road, and recently a further sum of £50 has been granted to the same local body, but so far none of it has been spent. Turner's, or Driscoll's, Road. —This road passes through part hilly and part swampy country, which was originally bush. During the year the Taratahi-Carterton Boad Board has received £150 on account of grants voted for assisting in construction, and £170 still remains to credit for further works. The expenditure is accounted for by 32 chains of formation 18 ft. wide, 78 chains 10 ft. wide, 45 chains of widening, two culverts of a total length of 46 ft., and 20 chains of drains. Craigie Lea-Douglas Road. —ln October last £150 was granted to the Taratahi-Carterton Boad Board for expenditure on this road, but so far nothing has been undertaken, owing to the negotiations for taking the necessary land not being completed. Instructions have been given to proceed with the engineering survey as soon as possible. Range Road (Featherstem Road District). —This road is situated in the Featherston Boad District, to which Eoad Board a sum of £150 was granted in December last for the purpose of widening the existing track to an 8 ft. roadway. The route lies through low hills of blue-and-white clay, partly covered with birch. No operations have yet been undertaken, but tenders have been invited, and, when accepted, the work will at once proceed. Wirokino Bridge, Manawatu (£1 for £1). —This bridge is intended to span the Manawatu Eiver near Wirokino, and the sum of £1,500 has been granted to the Foxton Borough Council, on the basis of £1 for £1, for expenditure on construction. Operations are delayed pending the arrival of plans and specifications for the approval of the department. Ohau Bridge. —As reported last year, this low-level bridge was completed, and I have since inspected and passed the work done as satisfactory. This is an experiment which, so far, has proved a success, for no flood during the year has done it any permanent injury, and after a little more experience it might be judicious to make another trial with a similar stream. The Horowhenua County Council had control of the construction, subject to the supervision of the department, for which the sum of £350 was advanced by way of grants. Akatarawa-Waikanae Road. — Last year the Hutt County Council spent £150, granted for the purpose of opening a bridle-path between Bikiorangi and the dray-road on the Hutt side of the Akatarawa Eange. A further subsidy of £100, granted in March of last year, has been expended in widening lOf chains of this road to 12 ft. A plain bridge of a single span of 22 ft. has also been erected across a sharp bight in the cliff. The work of widening has been expensive, owing to its being heavy rock-cutting round an abrupt bluff. The whole of the work has been done satisfactorily by day-labour. Paikakariki-Waikanae-Hadfield Road. —On the Ist March, 1898, the sum of £500 was granted to the Hutt County Council, and has been expended in the following works: 1 mile 72 chains of 18 ft. formation ; one bridge 10 ft., one 14 ft., and one 18 ft. long, each with a roadway of 16 ft, in width; thirteen culverts; 42 chains of outlet and 2 miles 50 chains of side-drains have been cut. The above formation commences at Kapiti Street, Paraparaumu, and extends southward for 63 chains to Howell's Crossing ; and again, commencing at the Whauroa Eoad, has been carried northerly for 1 mile 9 chains nearly to the 30-mile peg on the Wellington and Manawatu Eailwayline. This constitutes another instalment in the construction of the main north-western road-line, which will ultimately connect the City of Wellington with Palmerston North, Foxton, and the districts beyond. There still, however, remains a gap of 2 miles 13 chains to be completed within the Hutt County boundaries. Paikakariki-Paraparaumu Road. —A contract has been let to cut 105 chains of drains across the swamp crossed by this road-line, 75 chains of which is now completed. This drain has a large carrying capacity, being 7 ft. wide on top, 3 ft. wide at bottom,.with an average depth of 2 ft. 9 in. A further contract for forming 22 chains of road and cutting 44 chains of side-drains has been let, but the work has not yet started. In December last £500 was granted to the Hutt County Council for this work, but no progress-payment has yet been applied for. Mungaroa Valley. —£2oo having been granted to the Hutt County Council in January last, work was commenced on the Ist March by day-labour, and at present 57 chains of road has been graded and pegged, about 20 chains formed 12 ft. and 14 ft. wide and five pipe culverts (of a total length of 80 ft.) inserted. The formation is all sideling cutting. Whiteman's Valley Road. —ln my last report I stated that a mile of this road was in course of construction. This work has been completed, and a subsidy of £100 (£1 for £1) has been paid over to the Hutt County Council. There still remains a distance of 57 chains to be formed to connect the Upper with the Lower Whiteman's Valley. The details of the work, which has been done by day-labour, are as follow: Formation (14ft. wide), one mile; metalling (9ft. wide), 5 chains ; two bridges, 14 ft. and 12 ft. long respectively; and seven pipe- and three timber-culverts. Sections 48-56, Block V., Rimutaka Survey District. —A sum of £100 has been recently authorised for construction of this road, and operations will immediately be proceeded with upon receipt of definite instructions. Sections 236, 237, Block X., Belmont (Russell's Road).—A grant of £50 was made to the Hutt County Council towards the cost of constructing this road, which passes through Section 61, Block V., Eimutaka Survey District, and Sections 236 and 237, Block X., Belmont Survey District. A branch road has also been laid off to a subdivision of Section 236. The land, required in Section 61 has been purchased, at a cost of £10, the Council having to pay all costs of transfer, and to fence the road. The formation of 40 chains 12 ft. wide has been done by day-labour, besides

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which 67 chains has been graded and pegged. Three bridges (each 12 ft. wide, and 14 ft., 15 ft., and 19 ft. long respectively) have been erected, and three culverts (two of pipes and one of timber) have been laid. The cost of labour and material has been £52 16s. 6d., this amount being exclusive of the cost of survey and other incidental charges. Moonshine Boad. —48 chains of this road has been graded and pegged, and plans and specifications of formation will shortly be submitted by the Hutt County Council for the approval of this department. The amount granted to the local body for this purpose is £100. Korokoro Settlement Boads. —£4oo has been authorised to be expended on the construction of roads in this settlement, and an engineering survey of 2 miles 23 chains completed. Ngahauranga-Horokiwi Boad. —ln May, 1898, the sum of £100 was granted to the Hutt County Council to be expended, on the basis of £1 for £1, on improving this road for the greater convenience of the settlers on the back portion of the Paparangi Settlement. Formerly it was a horse-road, and used only by two or three settlers, but since the establishment of close settlement it has been found to be of insufficient width for the increased traffic. It has consequently been widened to 14 ft. for the full distance of 73 chains, and metalled 9 ft. wide. The improvements have been effected by day-labour. Paparangi Estate. —The completion of these roads has involved 10 chains of formation 16 ft. wide, 1 mile 62 chains of metalling 10ft. wide, and 8 chains 20ft. wide; 1,600 cubic yards of rock was excavated and utilised as road-metal. In the course of maintaining two miles of road 104 cubic yards of slips were removed. The works on this settlement being now completed, they have recently been handed over to the Hutt County Council. A. C. Tueneb, Eoad Surveyor.

NELSON. Clifton-Pohara Beach. —The Collingwood County Council has spent a part of the grant in forming 61 chains of dray-road, including ditching, fascining, embankment, stone culverts, &c. Takaka Roads and Bridges. —A credit balance of £52 14s. 6d. brought forward from last year is still unexpended, but the Collingwood County Council purposes making application for that sum to be diverted, to increase the amount now available for the Motupipi Bridge, which is found to be inadequate. Takaka-Riwaka.- —-The amount of £75 ss. was expended on maintenance of the main road between the two settlements. Aniseed Valley. —There was a grant of £200 for the construction of a road round a rocky siding to avoid two rough and dangerous fords on the Eoding Eiver. 8 chains 45 links of road, 10 ft. wide, has been made, under the supervision of the department. The cutting was very heavy, being through hard rock the whole distance, and a very bad slip had first to be cleared. There is a balance of £57 16s. 3d., which should be supplemented, so that the road now unfinished and useless may be completed. Brooklyn Valley. —This was a small grant of £50 to the Eiwaka Eoad Board, out of which about 30 chains of bridle-track has been formed 6 ft. wide ; but a large portion of the section previously constructed had to be repaired where damaged by floods. Maitai Road.—The works on this road have been carried out by the department under the co-operative system. A dray-road 10 ft. wide, on an improved grade, has been carried for a distance of 47 chains. This, with previous year's work, has carried the dray-road 1 mile 20 chains from where the bridle-track joined the old dray-road. Motueka-Waiwhero. —The sum of £73 18s. lid. was diverted from actual roadwork and expended by the Motueka Eoad Board in purchase of a necessary deviation of the road through private property. Neudorf-Dovedale. —This grant of £50 to the Eoad Board will be spent partly in new works, the remainder in maintenance. Rawson's Creek Road. —The Eiwaka Eoad Board has spent £25 7s. to date in forming a bridletrack, and the work with the balance of the grant has been completed, and is ready for final inspection. Riwaka Valley. —The Eoad Board has re-formed 35 chains of this road 14 ft. wide, which had been carried away by slips, and 75 chains have been metalled. School Hill, Ngatimoti. —The Waimea County Council has called for tenders for this work on three occasions, but, as none of the tenders received were considered eligible, it is proposed to again call for fresh ones. Wairoa Gorge. —This vote has been expended by the local body in forming 30 chains of drayroad, in extension of that already made. Wakefield-Stanley Brook. —This grant to the Waimea County Council has been expended in the formation of 95 chains of road, repairing portion of road previously constructed, and metalling 23f chains of the new road. Wangamoa. —The Suburban North Eoad Board has received an advance of £85 15s. lid. on works on hand, which consist of one mile and a half of formation, varying in width from 10 ft. to 14 ft. Takaka River Protective Works. —The river, at a point a short distance above the township, has for some years past been making serious encroachments, and protective works were imperative, so as to save the township and the adjacent farms. Had it not been stopped the probability is that it would have completely changed its course and devastated the farms in the low part of the Motupipi Valley. Three groins were erected at intervals, 27 chains of strong embankment made up, and 16 chains of fascines facing constructed. Channels were cut to direct the river into a straighter course, and divert it from the points encroached upon. There have been several exceptionally heavy

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floods in the Takaka Eiver since these works were completed in August last, and from reports they are proving very successful. Motueka River Protective Works. —Very costly and extensive works have been done through a long series of years by private enterprise, which have prevented the river leaving its natural course and forcing its way through the fertile cultivated flats. Additional work was found necessary to strengthen a weak part and continue the embankment. £200 was voted for this purpose, in addition to the £100 spent last year, £85 of which has been paid on account of works in hand. Purchase of Land for Roads. —Land for roads through properties acquired in the early days, which blocked access to the land behind, has been purchased in three instances this year, at a total cost of £100 12s. 6d. Belgrove-Westport-Reefton. —This grant of £300 to the Waimea County Council has been spent in general repairs and metalling the portion of the main coach-road through the country. Wangapeka-Wanganui. —The work this year has extended the horse-track another three miles through rugged forest country in the direction of the West Coast, and it is now within three miles of the saddle on the divide between the waters flowing eastward into Tasman Bay and those going westward to the coast between Mokihinui and Karamea. A considerable length of the track made this year had to be blasted out of the solid rock, which made it very costly. Mr. Brough, the overseer, is to be commended for the manner in which he has conducted this difficult and at times dangerous work for three seasons past without accident. The Little Wanganui takes its source close to the saddle, and it is intended to continue the bridle-road down its valley to the sea, a distance estimated at from fourteen to fifteen miles. A surveyor will be sent early in the summer to explore and grade a road-line to the coast, and make an estimate of the probable cost of forming the part that remains yet to be done. Thomas Humpheies, Chief Surveyor.

Main Eoads. Belgrove-Tophouse-Tarndale. —The work which was begun in the previous financial year was continued for a short time in this financial year, and the two protective banks—one in the Buller Eiver itself, to protect the road round the slips ; and the other to divert Speargrass Creek, and thus reduce the pressure on the protective bank in the Buller Eiver —have been completed, and the road has been made on the river-bed, instead of passing through the slip, as it used to do. Belgrove-Westport-Reefton Road. —This road has been well maintained during the year. Many bridges have been repaired or renewed, and the approaches have been improved. The principal are : The Nine-mile Bridge; the Coal Creek Bridge; the Overflow Bridge; the small bridge at Lamplough's ; the West Creek Foot-bridge; the new bridge near coal-mine (Junkers); the criblogging at Walker's Creek; two new bridges —one at Black-sand Creek and the other close by; a new span of 55 ft., trussed, with one new pier, at Larry's Creek, and approach at south end, and protective works higher up the river ; small new foot-bridge over stream at Larry's; bridge and approaches at Bell's Creek, north of Larry's Creek; and track for foot-passengers at Keily's overflow, near Westport. In several places the old crib-logging has given way, and some of the old log-culverts have broken down. Where possible the road has been widened by cutting further into the hill, instead of rebuilding the crib-logging. This has been done at Cascade Point and near Batty's Creek, and also at the Inangahua Junction. The Matiri Hill slip has required a good deal of attention the whole year. The road-deviation at Berlin's has been completed, and it was needed almost as soon as it was finished. Gravelling and metalling have been done in places. Slips Road. —Authority for work on this road was recently issued to me, but nothing has yet been done. Clarke River Road. —This authority was issued more than a year ago, but as yet I have been unable to go up to see what is required. During the greater part of this year the Grey Biver has been in partial flood, and Messrs. Delaney and Gillin, both of whom are anxious to have the work done, told me that it was useless for me to attempt to go up. Ahaura-Haupiri Road. —The sum of £200 was granted to the Grey County Council for extending this road, and about 35 chains of road have been formed and metalled, with the necessary bushfelling, ditching, and culverts. Flood-damage, Grey County. —Eepairing bridges on main road between Eeefton and Greymouth. The sum of £500 was granted to the Grey County Council for repairs to these bridges, and the work is now nearly completed. Three out of four bridges are completed, and I have certified for £365 17s. 9d. on account of work done. Bridge, Landing Creek. —This bridge and the approaches were tendered for, and the tender of Mr. James Eeynolds, of Hokitika, was accepted, the amount being £247 10s. An alteration was afterwards made which involved an extra of £24 95., making the total amount £271 19s. The bridge is 90 ft. long. The work has been satisfactorily completed, and the public appreciate the improvement. Bridge, Walker's Creek. —A contract was let to Mr. James Dixon, of Eeefton, to build this bridge and approaches for £181 14s. Bd. The contract has been satisfactorily completed, and the bridge is in use. The bridge is 60 ft. long. Improving Ford or Bridge, Granity Creek. —Nothing has been done here except in the way of ordinary maintenance. Bridge, Dee Greek. —Nothing has been done since the plan and section were prepared. Mangles Bridge. —The contract for this bridge and approaches was let to Messrs. McKechnie and Fleming, of Dunedin, for £2,965 18s., for everything except the suspension-cable, which was supplied to them. In August last the contractors began to sink the anchor-shafts and drive the tunnel, but slow progress has been made. There has been great difficulty in getting the ironbark timber, and it is not all delivered yet. The New Zealand timber is cut, and most of the ironwork

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is prepared, but not delivered at the bridge-site. The concrete is being put in for the piers, to support the trestles over which the cables are to pass. Bridge, Glenroy-Matakitaki Gorge. —Authority for £300 for this work was recently issued to me, but nothing has yet been done. Ahauru-Haupiri Boad.— An authority for £400 for the continuation of, this road has. recently been issued to me, but no work is yet done. Frederick Withbe, Eoad Surveyor.

MAELBOEOUGH. Arapawa-Te Awaiti. —For the year ending the 31st March, 3 miles 52 chains 66 links of bridletrack have been formed. Anakoa-Manaroa. —This is a continuation of Manaroa-Okoha track, and is now passable to Mr. Eedwood's homestead, at head of Anakoa Bay. The total length of track formed for the year is 3 miles 19 chains 50 links. Beatrix Bay-Kenny's Isle. —During the yea,r 3 miles 77 chains of track has been formed from junction of Manaroa-Okoha track, leading to Piripaua Neck cutting, which eventually will connect with Captain Harris's, at Ketu Bay. Grail Bay-Homewood. —l mile 40 chains of track (has been formed. Fresh contracts are now being let. Crail Bay Track. —2 miles 70 chains of track has been formed under this heading. Harmy's Bay-Pelorus Sound. —This is a track starting in Harvey's Bay going to Opouri Saddle to connect on with the Eai Valley-Opouri track. Length of track formed, 2 miles 75 chains 50 links. Hakahaka-Opihi. —-The work done during the year under this heading is a connection of line of track between White's Bay and Port Underwood. Length of tra*fck formed, 2 miles 66 chains. Kenepuru-Anakoa. —2 miles 54 chains 50 links of track has been formed from the head of Kenepuru, going up Kenepuru Valley, passing over Kenepuru Saddle, and giving settlers access to Endeavour Inlet. Kenepuru Sound. —During the year 1 mile 41 chains 75 links of horse-track has been constructed in Kenepuru Sound to connect on to tracks already formed. In addition to formation, a horse-bridge has been erected; length, 46 ft. Manaroa-Hopai. —The only work done on this track for the year was a little repairing. Manaroa-Okoha. —6 miles 26 chains 75 links of track has keen formed, which connects Okoha Bay on to Manaroa, and will eventually connect Titirangi to Manaroa. Ohinetaha-Te Mehia. —During the year 8 chains of bridle-track has been made, thus giving a connection to the portions formed ; also, four miles of track has been maintained. Piripaua Neck. —This neck connects Kenny's Isle to the mainland. It is a razor-backed ridge, 80 ft. high, and 145 ft. wide from high water to high water. Boats have been hauled over this ridge on several occasions, as the difference between going across the neck and going round Kenny's Isle is no less than seventeen miles. It has lately been lowered by an open cutting for 40 ft., and another contract has been let to lower the cutting 30 ft. more, which will then be only 10 ft. above high-water mark. This will be a great convenience, as when some rough skids are laid down it will be an easy matter to haul boats through. Robin Hood Bay-Ocean Bay. —The track from Eobin Hood Bay to Ocean Bay has been formed ; length, 5 miles 4 chains 50 links. This will enable settlers to ride from Picton to Blenheim, vid Port Underwood. Te Mehia Bay-Portage Bay. —During the year 6 miles 32f chains of track ha 3 been formed. Other work has been done as follows : Bepairing 527 chains of track, removing slips on three miles of track, and making five gates. This is a portion of the main track, Mahakipawa to Kenepuru. Torea Neck. —Work done on this track during the year has been general repairs and removal of slips. This track leads from Queen Charlotte Sound to Kenepuru Sound, vid Torea Neck. Tracks, Queen Charlotte Sound. —No work has been done on these tracks during the year beyond providing material for gates. Tory Heads-Whatamonga-Picton. —9 miles 44f chains of track has been formed during the year on the east and west shores of Onapua and Opua Bays, Tory Channel; also, providing gates and tools. Whatamonga-Port Underwood Track. —During the year the bridge on this track and the ford have been repaired. White's Bay-Port Underwood. —No work has been done during the year on this track, but a contract has been let for general repairs to track. Nydia Bay-Havelock. —Under this heading 16 chains of track has been formed during the year, which is only a small proportion of the length of line uncompleted; the new work is now in hand. Picton-Waikawa. —This vote was expended by the Picton Eoad Board in erecting a foot-bridge over the creek on the road from Picton to Waikawa; length of bridge, 64 ft. ; cost, £97 6s. The same local body have expended £34 in repairing 37 chains of road—Kaituna-Tua Marina Eoad. Tawhiunui-Rai. —This track, of which.Harvey's Bay track is a portion, will connect Brightlands and Bai Valley. Anakiivi-Grave. —2 miles 18 chains of track has been formed, twenty-two culverts built (length of each, 5 ft. = 110 ft.), and 16 chains of track improved; also two gates erected. This track will connect Anakiwi with Grove Eoad. Awatere River (Taylor-Redwood Pass). —Cutting on Awatere Eiver Eoad. Work was done by Omaka Eoad Board out of a Government grant.

Raramai Tunnel (South End).

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Blind River Road. —During the year 75 chains of dray-road has been completed on the above work, which gives settlers access to the various sections on the Blind Biver Block. Bluff Gave and Port Underwood. —This work consists of making a track to a landing at Bluff Cave, to enable the settlers to land in a boat from Ocean Bay and Eobin Hood Bay. Length of track formed, 6 chains 25 links, principally rock-cutting. Havelock-Blenheim. —Work completed under this heading represents the general repairs to Wairau traffic-bridge. The work was carried out by Spring Creek Eoad Board. Picton-Queen Charlotte Sound. —This is practically the Picton-Grove Eoad. The only work completed under this heading was the removal of a few slips, and sundry expenses at the Picton end of the road. Redwood Pass. —Improving Eedwood Pass Eoad, two miles in length. The work was carried out by Omaka Eoad Board. Starborough. —During the year 5 miles 5 chains 97 links of dray-road has been formed. The road-machine was used on this work, which considerably lessened the cost of construction. Waihopai River Protection. —Waihopai Eiver protection-works carried out by Omaka Eoad Board. Blenheim-Kaikoura-Waiau. —The work performed under this heading consists in the maintenance of above road by the Awatere Eoad Board, Kaikoura County Council, and Amuri County Council. Nelson-Havclock (and Bridges). —During the year a traffic bridge has been erected over Flat Creek, on main road Havelock to Nelson (Eai Valley). The length of bridge is 46ft., and 5 chains 58 links of approach. The work has been completed, but final payment has not yet been passed for the approaches. Havelock Mudflat Bridges. —Eepairing Mudflat bridges on Eoad Havelock to Grove. Work carried out by Pelorus Eoad Board. Omaka Bridge (Contribution). —Work carried out by Omaka Eoad Board. Erecting 5 chains stop-bank, Omaka Eiver, Eenwicktown. Wakamarina and Kaituna Bridge. — Eeflooring bridge, Wakamarina. Work carried out by Pelorus Eoad Board. Clarence Bridge. —The vote was expended in constructing protective works to the bridge. Drain, Wairau River-Gravel-pit. —Cutting drain, to protect road from being flooded, on road near Wairau Eiver, towards Havelock. Length of drain, 40 chains ; 9 ft. by 3 ft. Picton-Grove Road (Mines Department). —During the year 25 chains of dray - road has been formed and one mile of bridle - track made 6 ft. in the solid; also, nine culverts have been built. When the contracts on hand at the Grove end were completed for the formation of the dray - road it was found necessary to cease making the dray - road, as the cost of the maintenance of the work by the time the road was completed to Picton would amount to a considerable sum of money. It was therefore decided that a track 6 ft. in the solid should be made to connect with work at the Picton end. This would enable us to get the connection through quickly, and the cost of maintenance of this work would be a nominal sum—in fact, as each slip came down so it would widen the track. In many places the old track has been worked into grade, and we have for the price of our 6 ft. track a 10 ft. road. I altered the line of road in parts as surveyed, as the present work entailed too large an expenditure for the present requirements. The work is progressing satisfactorily, and about two miles will be completed about the end of April, but only one mile is shown in the returns. A further grant is applied for on this road, and we hope to have the track through to join the work at Picton end before Christmas. Before any further work is done at the Grove end it will be necessary to run a few trial grades to decide upon the line. There remains to be done, so far as grading is concerned, the unexplored portions from Shakspeare Bay to Humphries Bay. Since the New Year the road has been graded from end of work at Grove to Ngakuta Bay, and points have been fixed as far as Humphries Bay. Omaka Estate (Land for Settlements). —Work completed on the above roads during the year consisted of repairs to road caused by flood. Kaiaho Canal. —ln 1882 a channel was cut through the Kaiaho Neck, which had the effect of saving three-quarters of a mile of land-carriage to all the settlers in the upper half of Kenepuru Sound. This channel silted up a year or so afterwards, and became useless. Seventeen years' accumulation of silt and shingle has lately been removed, and two wing walls built at each end of the canal, to prevent the silt washing in again. It is now available for boats at all states of the tide, except for an hour or so before and after low water. It requires deepening another 3ft. or 4ft., when it would be available for boats at all states of the tide. A sum has been placed on the estimates for this purpose. Cheviot-Kaikoura Road. —Mr. F. S. Smith, District Surveyor, reports: The length of drayroad constructed is only 3 miles 48 chains, but a large proportion of the expenditure was incurred on work which is in an unfinished state, on the Kahautara Bluff, and cannot be returned as completed. This cost also includes the charges against maintenance of sixteen miles of road completed last year; a 46ft. span bridge, costing, without abutments, £87 6s. 4d., and three open-tender contracts, costing, with material and supervision, £1,131 7s. Id. The gross cost of the Earainai Tunnel is £980 7s. lid.; but the trucks, rails, &c, are almost as good as new. The net cost of the tunnel, without supervision, is £911 Os. 6d., or about £16 ss. per lineal yard of driving through very hard rock. The length of the Earamai tunnel is 56f lineal yards. The only other work done on roads in this district is 1 mile 22 chains up the Puhipuhi Eiver, at a total cost of £350 18s. 5d., for open-tender works. The earnings show the usual difference between good, skifful men and men unused to the work. The ec-operative system has worked very well indeed this year; we have not had one single

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instance of trouble with the men, who have worked cheerfully and well. This is in a measure due to Mr. Young's tact in managing them, and the very good class of men we have had; and I think is also in a great measure due to the fact that they have learnt by experience that we have neither the power nor desire to defraud them of their earnings. The average daily wage earned is 7 - 925. This is due greatly to the small loss through bad weather, and the superior class of men we have had. Most of the work has been rock-work in dangerous positions ; in some cases the men have to work on a rope on the face of a steep cliff, under which conditions only experts were able to work. The proposals for the next year are : To proceed with the Kahautara Bluff section of the Cheviot-Kai-koura Eoad; the construction of a road from the Waiau-Kaikoura Eoad at the Shearing Eeserve to the Greenburn; a small deviation of the Waiau-Kaikoura Eoad, also at Shearing Eeserve ; roads in the Kaitao Block ; and roads to open up the Puhipuhi Block. 0. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor.

WESTLAND. Block 112, Kokatahi (Cropp's Road). —This road and bridge over Harris Creek has now been completed as far as is considered necessary. It is now in good order for traffic, and is found of great convenience to the settlers in that locality. Cook's Valley, Karangarua. —Authority for £300 has been received, and contracts will be let shortly. Cook's River (Upper). —The sum of £139 has been expended upon this- work, in clearing, re-forming, and gravelling track. When this track on to Havelock Creek is completed a connection will be made for horse traffic between Cook Valley, Karangarua Valley, and on to Hunt's Beach. Franz Josef Glacier. —During the year the maintenance of this track has been kept up at a small cost. The balance of authority in hand will be expended.during the current year upon works in connection with huts at glacier and hot springs, with branch tracks leading thereto. Great South Road. —This is a continuation southwards of widening to alO ft. metal road. The work is now progressing favourably, under charge of Mr. Purcell. Hokitika Flat. —No work has been done during the year on this road, the authority for expenditure having only been recently received. Contracts will be let forthwith. Hunt's Beach-Makawhio. —This track, having been very imperfectly formed at first, has got into a most dilapidated state, and a party, under charge of Mr. Eitchie, is now making the necessary repairs, after which it will be handed over to the care of the Westland County Council for its future maintenance. This track is very much used, as all goods landed at Bruce Bay have to be packed over it. Haast-Blue River. —This expenditure was incurred in connection with an authority issued to the Westland County Council for repairs to this section of Main South Eoad, to which I have certified. Haast Pass Track. —This track extends from the mouth of Haast Eiver, at Ocean Beach, to top of pass, being a distance of forty miles. During the past twelve months the floods in the river have done a deal of damage to this track, parts of it in the lower flats having been completely washed away, which necessitated the formation of a new track altogether. At some of the bluffs on the route, especially that of the Clarke Bluff, the river undermined the old track, and to form a new one necessitated a deal of rock-blasting, which in that locality becomes expensive. The bridges and culverts were also attended to, so the track was never in better repair than it is at the present time, the amount spent being £345. I have to thank Mr. Stewart, of the Makarora, for his free services in looking after the upper portion of track from Bourke Junction to pass, which has been the means of saving long journeys to us on the Westland side. I may here state that for the safe guidance of strangers Mr. Adair has erected guide-signals wherever a man might have any difficulty in picking up the track, and no traveller need now have any fear of losing his way. Okuru Cemetery Road. —Authority has been granted to the Westland County Council for the sum of £100, of which nothing has been spent during the year. Paringa River Road. —The Westland County Council have this work in hand, but up to date a report on the expenditure has not been received. Staff or d-Waimea Road. —The completion of clearing and formation of this road has just been let to three co-operative parties, who are now at the work. There still remains the entire distance to be gravelled, and this, together with making good part of the original formation (which has sunk down and been otherwise destroyed by cattle), will take a sum of, say, £600 to properly finish the work. The gravel has all to be taken from the creek-bed above the upper end of the road, necessitating the laying-down of a tramway the whole distance of the road. This road when completed will be of very great service to the inhabitants of Stafford and Waimea. Turnbull River Road. —The expenditure has been for widening and gravelling. The road is subject to flood-water from Turnbull Eiver, and after floods gets very much scoured. It passes through a good farming country, and is of great benefit to the settlers. Track to Fox Glacier. —This track is now completed, at a cost of £267, and travellers can ride up on horseback to within a short distance of the glacier, whereas before the construction of the track it was almost impossible to take a horse nearer than about two miles. At the termination of track an iron shelter-hut with three compartments has been erected, and, on a push, about twelve travellers could find accommodation. Wahapo Lake-Waitangi River (Widening). —There has been expended about £300 in widening and gravelling part of the above road through the flat between north end of Lake Wahapo and the Waitangi Eiver, but there still remains about three-quarters of a mile to be Completed to river. The work was done under the control of Mr. Bell, engineer for the Westland County Council. I have inspected this work, and it is exceedingly well done.

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Whitcombe Valley Track (Kokatahi). —This is a continuation of the Hokitika Valley Eoad, and was benched out 18 in. wide last year up to Price's Flat. The sideling for about three miles below Price's Flat has suffered very much from landslips, and nearly the whole of this work will have again to be gone over, as it is almost impossible to get along in its present state. I have now a survey party, under charge of Mr. C. E. Douglas, running road-grade from Price's Flat to pass (8 mile 40 chains), and so far as they have gone the country is most difficult and bad to get through. They have been obliged several times to return and bring up a new grade to clear bluffs or badstanding country which I know existed between Price's Flat and Cave Camp; but from what I have seen of the place Ido not anticipate any difficulty in the last four miles. After the grade is run through I intend to bring the party down to clear out and make good the 18 in. benched track, as at the present time, owing to the condition of the track, provisions are very difficult to bring up. When this is done the benching 18 in. wide will be gone on with from Price's Flat to pass, a distance of eight miles and a half. The wet weather we have had for the past six months has greatly retarded this work; and even after the rain ceased it was impossible to ford some of the larger mountain-streams for at least a couple of days. The work is, however, being pushed ahead as much as possible under the circumstances. Woodstock-Mahinapua. —The work consisted of the filling-in of ruts and of new culverts, and the road is now finally completed. It is found to be of great service to the farming and mining community. I have handed it over to the Westland County Council. Waitaha-Kakapotahi. —This work is held over pending completion of survey; there has been no expenditure. Hokitika-Christchurch Road. —This road extends from Kumara Borough boundary to top of Arthur Pass, being a distance of forty-two miles; and its ordinary maintenance during the past year has in no way decreased. The extraordinary expenditure has been increased, on account of the damage done by recent floods, but more especially by those on the 30th and 31st January last, which brought down large slips, carrying away the road at different places in the Otira Gorge and above and below Kelly's Creek, along the steep sideling there. To effect the necessary repairs a considerable number of extra men had to be employed. I have also had to increase the number of maintenance-men upon the Otira sections, as the slips were too numerous for the ordinary number. The flood of January last scoured away part of the north approach to the lower gorge bridge, which dropped down about 12 in., and to secure it for the future I have had a foundation of concrete built up, which will now resist any scour. This alone will cost £120. I also contemplate building a concrete wall at the bluff beyond the upper bridge, as our timber-work at that place is continually being swept away; cost, £170. Three deviations on this road are very necessary works, which should be taken in hand so soon as funds are available. The first is at Peg-leg Creek, where the present grade is 1 in 6, the proposed grade being 1 in 13, besides doing away with a ford that gives a deal of trouble in wet weather, as it is continually getting scoured out. The second deviation is at the moraine; the present road skirts along near the top of the moraine, and the road may be carried away at any time; besides, the grade at the place is very steep, being lin 8, and by the proposed deviation the grade will be lin 14f. The third deviation is at Eangariri Flat, where the Teremakau Eiver is encroaching very fast upon the present road, and, as matters stand now, the road is under water after a small fresh in the river. The proposed deviation will be expensive, as three parts of it is along a steep rocky sideling, which cannot be avoided. The road throughout the entire distance has been exceedingly well kept, and reflects credit on Mr. Mcintosh, when the heavy traffic that has been passing along it between Jackson's Eailway-station. and beyond Kelly's Creek, by cartage of material for Midland Eailway construction, is taken into consideration. The bridges and culverts along the road are getting worse for wear, and are very much in need of a coat of tar, which work should be taken in hand at once. It is also necessary that a roadman's cottage be erected at the bottom of Otira Gorge, which would accommodate, say, ten men, as extra hands are continually required to clear slips in the gorge and snow on the pass. At present they have only the hotel to stay at, which is not suitable for labouring-men, besides being expensive. An iron stable is also necessary for holding three horses. Contingencies and Engineering. —The expenditure took place upon the Arawata and Jackson's Valley Eoad. At the crossing of Clark and Potter's Creeks one of the bridges was renewed, and, as the bridge over the other had decayed, a good ford was made, which is very suitable for all traffic on that road. Stillwater Bridge. —Of the amount authorised to the Brunner Borough Council for construction of the above work nothing has been spent. Hungerford's Bridge. —The sum of £350 has been expended upon repairing this bridge, the work having been done satisfactorily under the supervision of the engineer to the Westland County Council. Little Waitaha Bridge. —This work has not been taken in hand yet. Waitaha Bridges. —This expenditure is held over, pending survey. Teremakau Traffic-bridge. —The repairs to this bridge are proceeding under grant to Westland County Council. Westland Ferry-service. —On behalf of the Westland County Council, I have certified to the sum of £132 for assistance to carry on above service, which has been efficiently carried out over rivers and streams between the Mikonui Eiver and Arawata Eiver, a distance of 175 miles. Flood-damages to Roads and Bridges (to Account). —An amount of £725 was expended in repairs to road through Otira Gorge, rendered necessary by flood-damage on the 30th and 31st January. £277 was also expended by the Westland County Council on repairs to roads throughout the district. Stable, Paringa to Haast. —The erection of above stable at a point about half-way (the day's journey is forty miles) has supplied a great want, as, in case of being stuck up by flood, horses have now shelter for the night. 12—C. 1.

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Blue River and Turnbull River Track. —This is portion of Main South Boad, and the money has been expended in general repairs by Mr. Adair on behalf of the Westland County Council. The expenditure has principally been caused by land-slides, which take place after heavy rains on the south side of the saddle. Mahitahi-Paringa Track.— This is a portion of the Main South Eoad, and was very much in need of repairs. The track passed through some three or four miles of low swampy country, and was very much subject to scour from creeks on upper side. The repairs were done under the charge of Mr. Adair, for the Westland County Council, and I certified to the sum of £290 having been expended thereon in a satisfactory manner. Black Bridge. —A sum of money has been expended upon above bridge by the Brunner Borough Council, which I have certified to as being satisfactorily spent. There still remains a balance to credit from original vote. Poerua Estate. —The high floods of the 30th and 31st January did a deal of damage to this road through the estate, in so far as in places the formation has been washed out by an overflow of Slatey Creek. The side-drains have also been scoured to a depth of 4 ft., and in places the roadformation has been taken away to its centre, so that now traffic is almost blocked. As the settlers are now using the road for the conveyance of timber to build residences, I should recommend the road being put in order at once, and the metalling of it proceeded with, as in wet weather it is soft for wheel traffic. Makawhio to Mahitahi. —A balance of an old authority was expended in repairing one mile of above road. Greenstone-Teremakau Road. —The balance on hand from last year's vote has been expended upon this road, and it is in splendid order. The settlers can now get out with their produce to market whether the river is fordable or not. Bell Hill Road. —This road is now widened from a bridle-track to a dray-road for a distance of 1 mile 10 chains, being from Poerua Eailway-station to Deep Creek. The remaining portion, from Deep Creek to opposite Crooked Eiver Eoad, through the centre of Poerua Settlement, being a distance of 2 miles 30 chains, is most urgently required, as the settlers are now beginning to build up their homes, and they have to cart nearly all their timber from Poerua Eailway-station. Reefton-Hokitika-Ross Road. —During the past twelve months this 38 miles 31 chains of road has been kept in excellent order throughout, considering the wet season we have passed through. The raising of the Stafford Bridge with approaches has now been completed, and will do service for years to come. The Stafford protective works have withstood the different floods remarkably well, but they require a good deal of attention and extra labour, which has all to be charged to the general maintenance account. I have therefore" asked for a separate vote for this'work, which continually requires repairs on account of the quantity of tailings discharged into the creek by miners sluicing, but without those works the main road and lower part of Stafford would have been submerged at different times, and have caused a deal of damage. By the flood in January last the north approach to Arahura Bridge was swept away, and now there exists a gap of about 60 ft. between the end of the bridge and river-bank, having a depth of 25 ft. from top of decking. Since the date of the flood all traffic has been stopped by this route, and now passes over the railwaybridge, being about 30 chains further up the river. Should repairs not be effected to original trafficbridge it will be necessary to put the deviation road in proper repair, which at present is barely 9 ft. wide, and will likewise require a 9 in. coat of gravel all over, as at present it is very bare, and in places goes down upon the formation. The Paddy's Creek culvert and embankments constructed last year have answered admirably, and have given satisfaction to all. Between Hokitika and Kanieri a deal of heavy carting of stones to harbour-works was done, which cut up the road considerably, but now the carting has ceased a we have the road in fairly good order again. The bridge over the Hokitika Eiver at Kanieri has undergone a deal of repairs, and still more are necessary, as the original beams are now beginning to decay and must be replaced by new and sound timber. The bridge over Donnelly's Creek at Eoss will at once require to be strengthened, as a good many of the stringers are very much gone. About £150 is required to make this bridge safe. All the bridges and larger culverts along the whole route badly require a coat of tar for their preservation. Karangarua Bridge Approaches. —This track has now been finished; it leads to the upper fords of the river. Formerly the lower fords and lagoon had to be crossed, and these were bad, being subject to quicksands and unsafe for horse traffic, but the completion of the track now obviates this. New Road, Stafford to Awatuna. —2o chains of this road has been cleared and formed. Widening Cook's River Flat Rood.—A small sum was expended in general repairs to existing track. Construction Okuru River Ford Track. —An amount was expended in sowing grass-seed along slopes of new formation. W. G. Mueeay, Chief Surveyor.

CANTEEBUEY. Hokitika-Christchurch Road. —The cost of maintenance and repairs on this road during the year is £2,531125. lid. This is in excess of previous periods, due to the many floods which took place, one on the Ist February being an extremely severe one, causing considerable damage to the road, blocking the sideling-cuttings with large land-slips, and reducing width of same in several places in the Bealey Valley. In addition to the river scouring the road away in places, a short sidelingcutting near the 47- mile peg in the Bealey Valley had to be abandoned and the road put below it in the river-bed. During the winter the snow did not give much trouble, though a heavy fall in August blocked the road for a few days on Porter's Pass. A few men were put on to cut a road through the drift, and, being late in the season, the weather soon cleared the rest away. The

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works carried out comprised chiefly removing land-slips off sideling-cuttings ; repairing breaches in road, cutting ditches, drains, and shingling road in Starvation Gully; protecting approaches to fords at the Porter and Broken Eivers with log- and boulder-work; improving road down the Craigieburn, protecting same, and diverting a short length on to rock-cutting to avoid two fords; building scrub bank and groins, and strengthening two already put in at river-bed near 45-mile peg; rebuilding sideling-cutting scoured away by river near 49-mile peg, a length of 4 chains; and making new coach-road on flat at 51-mile peg. Log-cribbing has been built up in several places, three culverts renewed with log timber, and three replaced with drain-pipes. Two short spans of the Bealey Gorge Bridge have been lifted and replaced with new timber, and substantial additions and repairs made to the overseer's house, also to the roadman's house near the 7-mile peg. Along the road there have been several patches of shingling done, and the same is badly in want of more. A large amount of work in making fords and roads across the river-beds has been created by the loose shingle washed off the mountain-sides by recent rains accumulating in the creeks and riverbeds, which in flood-time rolls along, causing the rivers to shift about. There is plenty of work in hand to keep the extra men going for some time yet in completing the necessary repairs ; and I may here state that the usual routine work of maintenance has been duly carried out, and every care taken for the safety of the traffic on the road. Oxford Bush Roads. —Out of the £300 voted for these works, a sum has been expended on the construction of two concrete culverts on the Main Bush Eoad and one each on Sladden's and Luer's Bush Eoads. Eespecting the balance of the vote proposed last year to be expended on the erection of a girder bridge over Gammen's Creek, the Oxford Eoad Board, who are carrying out the works, report that, after repeatedly calling for tenders for its construction without success, they have, with my approval, substituted a rubble and concrete arched bridge for same, and tenders have now been called for its erection. Waipara-Cheviot Road. —Money has been expended during the year on shingling about 95 chains of the Omihi Valley portion of this road. The work was carried out by ordinary contract under the supervision of the engineer to the Waipara Eoad Board, who reported it extremely well executed and the road now in good condition. It is proposed to expend the balance of the vote in deviating, re-grading, and improving the road at the Omihi Saddle. Highbank Settlement Roads. —The only expenditure was for two water-crossings and carting and spreading forty loads of shingle, executed during last year. The Ashburton County Council have been notified that a vote of £500 has been granted them for the entire completion of these roads, after which it is intended that the Mount Hutt Eoad Board will take over their future control. The work will consist chiefly of shingling the roads already formed. Tengawai-Fraser's Road. —£25, as a pound-for-pound subsidy, was granted the Mackenzie County Council for this work, which was carried out in order to give Mr. Fraser better access to his Crown leasehold, and comprised the formation of 20 chains and shingling 11 chains of the road on the northern boundary of Section 20359, commencing at the eastern end of the construction completed last year. Fairlie-Pukaki Road. —Amount voted, £400. The works carried out comprised regrading, shingling, and removing large boulders on road Pukaki to Tekapo, about 100 chains; removing boulders and shingling of 110 chains of road between Lake Tekapo and Burkes Pass, and shingling about 30 chains of road between Burkes Pass and Silverstream. The works were carried out by the Mackenzie County Council's own men under the supervision of the county engineer, the Council supplying free the necessary horses, tools, and plant. It is proposed to expend the balance of the vote in forming and shingling a portion of the Fairlie-Pukaki Eoad between Balmoral and Wolds Station, a length of 110 chains—a very necessary work. Pukaki-Mount Cook Road. —The works carried out comprised 11 chains of light formation 18 ft. wide between Twin and Whale Creeks, also three stone fords and 32 chains of catchwater drain, besides which ten large rocks were taken out of the surface of the old road. Near Old Glentanner 8 chains of the 1894 cutting was widened, the batter sloped back at the sandy place, and 5 chains of it gravelled; 6 chains of the soft piece of cutting was gravelled, as were also 6 chains of the cutting north of Whale Creek, and 8 chains at the bay three miles south of Old Glentanner; at the latter place a 1 ft. by 1 ft. stone culvert was built with intake and outlet drains 2 chains long. At five miles down the lake, where there was a bad place, 9 chains of formation 18 ft. wide, two stone fords, one 1 ft. by 1 ft. stone culvert, and 5 chains of catchwater drain were made. The road has been in good order all the season. Several large floods have made the usual washouts at the creeks, and kept the surfacemen busy, but the traffic has not been stopped. The improvements suggested last year are still very much wanted —viz., new road round Lake Pukaki, repairs to old formation on lake, re-forming section near Jack's Creek, and clearing cuttings between Bush Creek and the rabbit-fence. Mount Cook and Glaciers (Tracks). —Money has been paid over on account of these works, which were completed and fully described last year. They are now in very fair order, but will require some little attention by next year. Clement's Road. —£250 was granted the Waimate County Council for providing access to J. E. Clement's Section 28059, and was expended as follows : On the purchase of 65 acres and 21 perches of Section 27826 ; forming 49f chains of road, and fencing same 99 chains. The work was found on inspection to be satisfactorily carried out, and the Council has conveyed the land purchased to the Crown. Nukuroa-Studholme Junction. —The work carried out comprised gravelling to a width of 12 ft. that portion of the 50-link road between the railway and Meikle's Eoad, a length of 40 chains, and the construction of 3 chains of flat formation, in addition to re-forming, breaking the large stones, and filling in the ruts of that portion of the said 50-link road gravelled last year. Nukuroa (Railway-gates). —The work is being carried out by the Working Eailways staff, and comprises removing two railway-gates, which were a great inconvenience to the settlers in the vicinity, and substituting cattle-stops tlierefor ; also, fencing, &c.

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Hooker Bridge. —This work was carried out and described last year. A board or two was stripped off this year by the heavy gales, and was repaired by the surfacemen at Birch Hill, and the change in temperature made it necessary to tighten up the cables a little with the union screws provided for that purpose. The Birch Hill sheep were driven over the bridge on to the Mount Cook spur, and this must be a great convenience, as the runholders, with such access, can make the most of the country, and are no longer dependent on the state of the fords for getting the sheep on and off what is an excellent summer feeding-ground. Rocky Gully Bridge. —Amount of vote, £50, as a pound-for-pound subsidy. The bridge is for the use of stock, and will be attached to the present railway-bridge over Eocky Gully Creek. The work will be carried out by the Working Eailways staff, that department charging the Mackenzie County Council the sum of £95 therefor. The usual wing-fences and approaches will be made by the Council, subject to approval of the Eailway Department. Tengawai Stock-bridge. —-£BO, as a pound-for-pound subsidy, was granted the Mackenzie County for this work. The bridge is attached to the existing railway-bridge over the lower Tengawai, and has a length of 154 ft., exclusive of sloping approaches 30 ft. long at each end, width 3 ft. 6 in., and was constructed by the Working Eailways staff to the order of the County Council. Selwyn Bridge. —This bridge was completed on the 4th August last, the total cost being £2,839 18s. lid., less £100 received for the old bridge, the Government vote-in-aid being £1,500 as a pound-for-pound subsidy; out of this amount £500 has been paid over, and an application for the balance dve —viz., £869 19s. 6d. —has' been forwarded. The work, which was fully described last year, was carried out by contract under the supervision of the Selwyn County from plans prepared by E. Dobson, M.I.C.E. Waimakariri-Ashley Irrigation. —Vote, £500, out of which expenditure has taken place on the following works : Eangiora district—constructing the Fernside and Eangiora Eaces, 10 miles 44f chains; South Fernside branch races (partly out of vote), 13 miles 39-chains ; and Peacock'sDavis's Eace, four miles. Mairaki district—Hurleys-Turners Eace, 1 mile 24 chains; and Winters-Elliots Eace, 1 mile 62 chains :in all a length of 31 miles 9f chains. The balance of the vote is being expended on various small loop-races in the Township of Oxford, Cooper's Creek subdivision, a total length of about a mile. The bottom width of the races is 1 ft., with flat side-slopes except where the cuttings are over 18 in. in depth, when the side-slopes are Ito 1. All depressions at gullies, &c, are crossed either by flumes or embankments, with side-banks 2f ft. wide on top, with side-slopes of If to 1. All the contracts for these races include the necessary flumes and culverts, which are of a substantial character, also fords at road-crossings, pipes, &c, and everything necessary for the efficient working of the races. In addition to the before-mentioned amount expended, £100, the balance of a previous vote of £300 was paid over on account of works in the Brown's Eock subdivision completed last year, and which were fully described at that time. Hekeao Settlement Roads. —These works, reported as in progress last year, are now drawing to a close, and I expect shortly to be notified of their completion, when all the roads within the settlement, a length of 540 chains, will have been formed and metalled. In addition to these roadworks, 305f chains of fencing, enclosing the plantation reserves within the settlement recently planted by the Ashburton County, have been erected at a cost of £172 10s., the Government paying £105 towards same; also deviating and constructing a water-race to give Sections 23, 31, 32, 33, and 34 a water-supply, at a cost of £17 2s. Bd. Albury Settlement Roads. —Contracts are in progress for the completion of these works, which will absorb the amount available—viz., £365 (Land for Settlements Account). The works comprise forming to a width of 18 ft. the road between Sections 44 and 45, the road between Sections 46 and 48, and the road between Sections 49 and 51 —in all a length of 202 chains—and shingling the same as far as the amount available will allow. The Mackenzie County are carrying out the works, under the supervision of the department. Rangitata River-mouth Protective Works (Reserve 100). —An expenditure was incurred with the object of diverting the course of the river, which during floods encroaches on the above reserve. The work carried out comprised the erection of 15 chains of fencing, in four sections, composed of 12 ft. railway-iron posts, driven 8 ft. in the ground at intervals of 22 ft., bored for twelve wires 4 in. apart; between the posts, and at intervals of 5f ft., willow-stakes were driven not less than 2 in. in thickness, and strutted with stakes of the same dimensions. All the works were carried out in one ordinary contract, the department supplying the materials. Shortly after the completion of the works they were, unfortunately, put to a very severe test by one of the heaviest floods known for years, with the result that practically half the fences have been damaged. They, however, have done good work, and prevented the destruction of more of the bank by making dead-water, and causing the silt to deposit above them, and are still affording a great deal of protection. To repair the damage would cost from £15 to £20, but £100 might be spent with great advantage in erecting additional fences, with banks at the back of them. Otarakaro Drain. —A small contract for this work was carried out by two of the settlers, and comprised the cutting of a drain through Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, and church property Eeserve 51, into the existing drain along the Clyde Boad, in order to provide an outlet for the stagnant water which accumulated during wet seasons on these sections. Pawaho Hamlet Road. — A small sum was expended during the year in the formation of the road passing through Sections 22, 23, and 24 a length of about 15f chains. The work comprised chiefly side-cutting, and was carried out under the supervision of the department, by two of the settlers, in one ordinary contract. Planting Reserves, Mackenzie County. —A considerable sum has been expended during the year on planting that portion of Eeserve 2923 adjoining and south of the block previously planted, an area of about 20 acres, and enclosing same with a wire-netting fence 42 in. wide, If in. mesh, and 16 gauge, and sunk in the ground 6 in., barb-wire above top of netting. Altogether about five

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hundred Pinus insignis, a thousand oaks, two thousand larch, five hundred Douglas spruce, five hundred Norway spruce, fifteen hundred Pinus ponderosa, and a thousand Pinus larioio have been put in. The planting was done by contract, under the supervision of the Mackenzie County ; trees to be renewed for two years, when the final payment will be made. Cheviot Dairy Factory Well. —This work was completed last winter, and promised at the time to be a success, but the flow has since fallen off considerably, so that unless some means be found for securing a better supply the factory may have to be removed to a better site. Mount Cook Hermitage (Repairs). —A small sum was expended during the year. The work carried out comprised repairing water-pipes which the action of the frost had burst, carpentering, materials, &c, and travelling-expenses of plumber from Timaru. S. Weetman, Chief Surveyor.

OTAGO. Kartigi Beach Road. —1 mile 5 chains of this road has been surfaced and gravelled, which now makes it very passable for dray traffic. Port Road-Beach, Moeraki. —l mile 18 chains of this road has been re-formed and gravelled, which now gives good access to the Township of Moeraki, and will be found of great benefit to the fishing industry of the port. Kyeburn-Livingstone Road. —This road has been improved for a distance of a little over a mile. The greater portion of the money was spent in widening some bad portions of the road at the junction of the north and south branches of the Maruwhenua. Blueskin Road. —The work done on this road consisted of spreading metal over a length of 40 chains and in removing slip; also in lengthening some culverts. Lower Harbour Road. —17f chains of sea-wall has been built, three pipe-culverts put in, and a distance of a mile and a half has been repaired by metalling worst portions. Waitati-Waikari Road. —l mile 64 chains has been re-formed, 75 chains of which has been cleared of scrub, and 28 chains metalled. Bendigo-Matakanui Road. —This road was pegged and levelled for a distance of 25 miles 30 chains, the longitudinal and co-sectional plans prepared, quantities taken out, and an estimate made of total cost of formation over the whole length. North Harbour and Blueskin Road. —This road has been formed and gravelled for a distance of 15 chains, which will be found of benefit to the settlers coming from Pine Hill to the Leith Valley. Pukereraki Station-Beach Road. —This road has been surfaced for a distance of 66 chains, and 19 chains of new road has been formed in several sections, and one stone culvert built. Ravensboume Road. —A small sum has been expended by the Borough Council on metalling and surfacing portions of this road. Normanby-Mount Cargill Road. —6f chains of this road has been regraded and re-formed, and about 120 chains of protective fences erected in the most dangerous places. Chatto Creek-Tinker's Road. —l mile 40 chains of this road has been formed and gravelled, which work has been carried out under the supervision of the Vincent County Council. Galloway Station-Ida Valley Road. —This road has been formed for a distance of three miles, including the building of ten stone culverts, and is being carried out under the supervision of the Vincent County engineer. This road will require a further grant of money, and when completed will shorten the route considerably between Alexandra and Eanfurly. McCabe's Goal-pit, Gibbston. —2o chains of this road has been constructed by the Vincent County engineer. Makarora-Haast Valley Road. —This work was laid off and carried out under the supervision of Mr. Neill, Assistant Surveyor. The improvements consist of 96 chains of new road through heavy forest which was felled 1 chain wide, formed 6 ft., with ten culverts and one pitched crossing. In connection with this road I have to thank Mr. W. G. Stewart, of Lake Wanaka, for attending to and keeping a general supervision over the whole track. Tracks, Head of Lake Wakatipu. —This work was carried out under the supervision of the Lake County engineer; it consists of forming 16 chains and improving generally about four miles and a half of the Eouteburn and Ben Lomond tracks. Albert Burn Track. —This track has been completed, and includes 37 chains of formation (6 of which was rock), and four stone culverts. Hollyford Valley Track. —lmprovements to ten miles of this track have been effected, including the erection of a hut and the enclosure of a paddock at Pyke Creek. Martin's Bay-Lake Wakatipu. —This track has been formed and improved for a distance of two miles and a quarter, for the benefit of tourist traffic. Pembroke-Mahtkituki. —This work, which was undertaken last year, is now finished, and includes 1 mile 50 chains of formation, and eight stone culverts. Anderson's Bay Road. —The Boroughs of St. Kilda, South Dunedin, and Caversham were granted a sum of £175 for this work, which was spent in metalling 50 chains of the road. Otago Peninsula, Block ll. —One mile of this road has been improved. The work includes the widening of cuttings, raising of embankment, clearing out side-drains, and giving the road a general finish from end to end. 270 cubic yards of rotten rock and 695 cubic yards of broken metal were spread over the whole length. Portobello Beach Road. —2s chains of sea-wall was built, and 25 chains of road widened and metalled, the work being carried out by the Portobello Eoad Board. Blair Taieri Roads. —This work consists of improving about a mile and a half of roads in the township, and was carried out by the Taieri County Council.

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Beaumont-Rankleburn Road. —This road has been formed for a distance of 77 chains, including 20 chains ditching, 20 chains bush-clearing, and the building of 38 lineal yards of stone culverts, and was carried out by the Tuapeka County Council. A further vote will be necessary to complete this road, which, when finished, will open through traffic from Beaumont to Clydevale. Taieri Beach Village-settlement Roads. —This road has been formed for a distance of 39 chains, including 22 chains of bush-clearing, and gives better access to several sections in Block V., Clarendon District. The work was carried out by the Bruce County Council. Catlin's, Block IV. —This work, which consisted of 29 chains of metalling, was carried out by the Clutha County Council. Water of Leiih Protective Works. — The work done by the Maori Hill Borough Council was building a solid masonry wall 3 chains in length, and removing boulders from the bed of the creek for several chains in the most dangerous places. Ophir District Water-supply. —This work is completed, and is successful in every way. Some 2,700 ft. of mains and 1,900 ft. of service-pipes have been laid, a concrete tank to contain 68,000 gallons has been built, and a windmill erected. Gimmerburn Blocks. —This work consists of the formation and gravelling of 3 miles 40 chains of road, includes the building of a 15 ft. bridge (piles and beams are of ironbark) which spans the Gimmerburn Creek. Lower Wanaka Block. —This road has been formed for a distance of 40 chains by the Vincent County Council, and included the building of two culverts. Dunback Bridge. —This is a foot suspension-bridge over the Shag Eiver, and leading to the Makareao Estate. The work was carried out by the Waihemo County Council. The structure consists of three spans, one of 176 ft. and two of 25 ft. each. Catlin's-Waikawa Main Road. —This road has been further improved during the year on several of the worst sections, covering a distance of 240 chains. The work done consisted of a short deviation, re-forming, and metalling. These improvements were effected over the thirty miles of road between Owaka and Chasland's, and will benefit greatly the rapidly increasing number who use this road, especially during the winter months. There is still a good deal of metalling wanted; but if the present progress in metalling is maintained for a season or two the gaps will disappear. With the exception of 65 chains which was done by contract, all the rest of the work was carried out by day-labour, embracing 3 miles 28 chains metalling ; four culverts, 75 ft. long; logging-up 7 chains, and 3 chains fascining. Waipati Improved-farm Settlement Road. —The roads through the block have been continued, and are now drawing to completion. A bridge is required to span the Waipati Stream, and, with this exception, all the roadwork in this block will be about finished in another month, which will leave only the section bushfelling to do. The roads in this block have been widened and formed an additional 74 chains ; and 191f acres of bush felled on sections, burnt, and grassed. Heathfield Improved-farm Settlement Road. —The road leading to Sections 27, 28, and 29 in this block has been widened and repaired for a length of 60 chains, which, with 113 acres of section bushfelling, are the only works done on this block. Many of the settlers were employed on the main road metalling, &c. Tautuku Village Settlement, Block IV. —This road, which gives access to Sections 8, 9, and 10, has been stumped and levelled down for 42 chains. Tahakopa Valley Road. —This road has been metalled for 55 chains and repaired for 160 chains in length, which work has made it fairly passable for present requirements. Rimu, Block XIII. —The centre road, being the principal road through this block, has been gravelled, in places when the formation was of a soily nature, a distance of 80 chains. A pile bridge, 95 ft. long, is now being built, by ordinary contract, over the Tahakopa Eiver, which, when finished, will be of considerable benefit to the settlers on this and adjoining block. Rimu, Block XIV.- —Bushfelling was done for a distance of 2 miles 49 chains along main road leading through the district. Rimu Improved-farm Settlement Road. —Bushfelling and logging and formation has been done on this block for a distance of 105 chains of 10 ft. wide, and 122f acres of bush felled on sections, burnt, and grassed. There are about three miles of formation and culverting still to do before access is effected to' all sections on the block. Newton Road, Block V., Woodland. —This road has been formed 14 chains along the eastern bank of the McLennan Eiver, to open up sections. Gordon Road, Block X., Woodland. —This road has been widened from a 6 ft. track for a distance of 24 chains, and a further extension of 12 chains is still wanted to give an outlet to Sections 22 and 24. Purakauiti Stream Road. —Bushfelling and logging has been done in an extension of the road for a distance of 59 chains, but the vote was not sufficient to continue the formation. Woodland, Block IX. (Purakuiti and Puaho Improved - farm Settlement). —Formation and culverting of 103f chains of 10 ft. road, and 45 chains of bushfelling and logging done, besides repairing 210 chains of road, and 27 acres of bush felled on sections, burnt, and grassed. Maitland Road, Block VIII., Woodland. —ln extending this road towards the coast, bushfelling, logging, culverting, and formation 10 ft. wide has been done for 36 chains in length. Warnock's Road. —This road was surfaced and improved for a distance of some 50 odd chains. Ratanui-Whitehead Road. —Bushfelling and logging has been done on the road for 64 chains, and formation, 10 ft. wide, 40 chains in length, and further formation is in progress. Wingfield Road, Block 1., Woodlands. —This road has been formed an additional length of 30 chains, 10 ft. wide. Scadden's Road, Block VIII, Catlin's. —The formation, 10ft. wide, has been extended 70 chains on the road. The vote being exhausted, the work was brought to a standstill. There are 20 chains of formation required to finish this road to the Catlin's Eiver, when the ford will answer for some time.

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Catlin's, Block TlL—Roads have been formed in this block 68f chains, 10 ft. wide, and bushfelling done for 100 chains. Gatherwood Road, Block 11., Catlin's. —This road has been formed 91 chains, 10 ft. wide, which used up.the vote ; about 40 chains more formation is required. Thomson's Road, Block 11., Catlin's. —This road has been formed another distance of 20 chains, 10 ft. wide, which cost rather more than at first expected, owing to hard stone being met with. Ivimey's Road, Block L, Catlin's. —This road has been felled and logged a distance of 43 chains in readiness for the formation to be gone on with. Barr's Road, Block 1., Catlin's. —This road has been formed 10 ft. wide a length of 106 chains, and work is in progress extending the formation. McKenzie Road, Block X., Glenomaru. —This road has been formed an additional length of 35 chains, 10 ft. wide, and 12 chains of bushfelling and logging done. Katea to Owaka, Block IX., Glenomaru. —This road has been formed a distance of 60 chains, 12 ft. wide, connecting with Hunt's Eoad, and giving an opening to the factory. Goldsbery's Road, Block V., Glenomaru. —This road has been formed a further distance of 42 chains, and work is in progress in forming 30 chains additional. Lake Village-settlement Road, Block VIII., Glenomaru. —This road, which has been taken through the settlement, is a deviation from the old surveyed road, which was too precipitous to be of any use to part of the settlement. The length of this new road, which has been formed 10 ft. wide, is 46 chains, and gives access to five sections which hitherto have had no outlet. Ward's Road, Block IV., Glenomaru. —This road has been formed 29 chains, 10 ft. wide, to give access to Section 41. Freston Hill Road, Block VII, Glenomaru. —This road has been formed 29 chains, 10 ft. wide, and bushfelling and logging done for a distance of 41f chains. The formation on this road will be continued when a fresh authority is available. Hunt's Road. —Some of the worst portions of this road were widened and metalled and generally surfaced over a distance of four miles. Makaraeo Estate. —On this estate two miles and a quarter of railway has been constructed, and one bridge built with twelve spans of 26ft. each, and two of 24ft. 6in., and another bridge started which is to have nine spans of 20 ft. each. All the formation-work has been practically finished, and a contract let for the excavation and building of a limekiln. Momona Estate. —On this estate the drainage outlet from the estate to the main ditch was cleaned for a distance of 6 chains, the bottom planked to a width of 3ft., and sides slabbed to a height of 2f ft., and a flood-gate was erected. Culverts. —In connection with the Catlin's works during the year 103 culverts have been built, aggregating a total length of 2,655 ft., and varying in dimensions from 12 in. by 12 in. to 3 ft. by 18 in. John Hay, Chief Surveyor.

SOUTHLAND. Mr. Falkiner reports as follows : — Te Anau-Sutherland Falls. —Nothing beyond clearing away remains of avalanches and fallen trees, and general repairs to the track, has been done between Te Anau and Beech Huts; the track from Beech Huts to Sutherland Falls has been improved and repaired, and two iron huts have been erected at the junction with the Milford Sound Track. These huts give sleeping-accommodation for eighteen people. Mr. Eothwell, with a party of men, is now forming a track from Beech Huts to the saddle, a distance of three miles, with a grade of 1 in 6. Tracks to Western Sounds. —The track is now completed from Milford Sound to Beech Huts, with the exception of a bridge over the Arthur Eiver. When this bridge is erected there will be uninterrupted foot traffic through to Te Anau, except in flood-times, when some of the small creeks are difficult to cross. Most of the old wooden bridges are becoming unsafe, and will need to be renewed. When possible, I intend to make fords for horses, with a light plank-bridge, with wire handrail, for foot-passengers. Te Anau-Wakatipu -Road. —A considerable sum has been spent on this work. 72 chains of road has been made and culverted. The work has been handed over to the Lake County Council to complete, as it is within easy access of Queenstown. Waikawa-Catlin's Road. —Tenders were called for breaking metal, and the work was done by the settlers. The remainder of the work was surfacing, repairing culverts, and removing slips at day-wages. There is a contract in hand now for carting and spreading metal. I hope next year to have the worst portions of this road permanently metalled. Clifton-Tisbury. —Two contracts —one a co-operative contract for bushfelling, logging-up, and fascining 36f chains. Tenders were called for the other contract, as we could not get men to take up the work, which consisted in cutting ditches and spreading the material on the fascines. The road is now open for dray traffic during the summer, but, like all clay roads in the bush, is impassable in winter. Inveroargill Hundred, Blocks XVII. and XX. —Four co-operative contracts were carried out. The work consisted of bushfelling, logging-up, and draining. Kingswell's Greek. —There were two small co-operative contracts, but the bulk of the money was spent in cutting a drain to carry the Kingswell Creek water, which used to overflow badly in flood-time. One mile of drain has been cut along the general course of the creek, which acts very well; the material has been roughly spread along the road-line so as to help in the future roadformation. Another section of 68 chains has been let, and when this is completed there will be very little chance of the flood-water doing any damage. It would be satisfactory if the channel could be extended from Elles Eoad on to the estuary so as to allow the flood-water to get away.

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Mokoreta, Block XlV. —One co-operative contract. The work is finished, and gives the Scrubby Hill settlers an outlet to the Waikawa-W T yndham Valley Eoad. Oteramika. —One co-operative contract. Corduroying and culverts were put in so as to give the settlers along the Mataura Eiver a way to get their cattle to and from the sections. It will be necessary to do some further work on this road, as the Mataura Eiver floods badly, and sometimes occasions a considerable loss of stock. Seaward Bush.- —Eight co-operative contracts have been carried out in bushfelling, formation, culverts, gravel, ditches, &c. Seaward Bush, McQuarrie Street. —Progress-payments have been expended on this road. The contract is forming and gravelling, and the work will be completed by the end of April. Waikawa District. —Four co-operative contracts have been carried out in surfacing, gravelling, and logging-up. Waikawa, Block Vll. —Five co-operative contracts have been completed. The work done was fascining, drains, culverts, and formation to connect the Waikawa Improved-farm Settlement with the Niagara Bridge. Waikawa-Otara Road. —All the work done was in surfacing, culverting, and repairing the present road between Otara and Six-mile, and was carried out by men on day-wages. Waikawa-Wyndham Valley Road. —Six co-operative and one open contract have been carried out, comprising two miles and three-quarters. Four miles are now open for traffic, and the bulk of the work is done. There is yet about three miles of tussock and scrub country, with gullies and creeks to cross, before a junction is made with the county road at Mokoreta. -About £750 would open the road throughout. Glifden-Redcliffe Greek. —Progress-payment has been spent on this road. One co-operative contract has been completed, but it will be necessary to put in some culverts, fascines, and formation before ordinary summer traffic can be properly maintained. Longwood (Blocks XVI. and I.). —A sum of money has been spent on this work in one open contract, which is now completed. The County Council is carrying the road further along. Longwood (Blocks XV., XVI., XVII.). —One co-operative contract for formation, culverts, bushfelling, &c, has been completed, and one open contract for the erection of a 30 ft. span bridge across the Holly Burn Creek is in course of erection. It will be necessary to carry this road about two miles further, so as to give an outlet to some of the back settlers, who have improved their sections, and are in a position to supply milk to the factory, but have not any means of access. It will take about £500 to form and culvert this road so as to be of use to these men. Longwood (Block XVIII.). —Progress-payment has been spent on this work. One open contract for bushfelling, logging-up, stumping, fascines, and ditches is now in progress. Some of the settlers in the Longwood district have requested that in future " tenders be called for in all cases," as they prefer this to the co-operative system. Manapouri-Te Anau. —One co-operative contract has been let and completed. Orawia-Glifden. —Open contract for forming and three co-operative contracts for bushfelling and logging-up. There has been a great deal of dissatisfaction about the schedule price on these co-operative contracts; but we have calculated the rate of wages from our own time, giving the contractors the benefit of all doubts. The work was principally done by the Papatotara settlers. Orepuki-Waiau. —Two open contracts for formation and gravel have been completed, but there is still a final payment due on one of them. Orepuki-Wairaurahiri Road.—Three open contracts have been let during the year. One let at the end of last year, to erect a 20 ft. span bridge and approaches across Boundary Creek, is completed, and the others, to form and gravel portions of the road, are in hand. Another contract, to form and gravel the remainder of the road up to the lower bridge site, is in hand, and is progressing well. Te Anau-George Sound Track. —The work on this track wag reported on last year, but the payments appear in this year's report. I have no further remarks to make on this work. Outfall Drains, Otatara. —One co-operative contract was carried out in ditching, felling, and logging-up. It would be advisable, if Government money is to be spent on drainage, either in Otatara or any other district, that a general drainage scheme be decided on and powers taken to force drainage through private property, but care should be taken that no water is diverted from its natural course. Roads, Preservation Inlet. —£Bo of the amount voted was handed over to the Alpha Goldmining Company as payment for work done in cutting a track along the top of the ridge from the tramway to the Alpha battery ; the remainder of the money was spent in improving and widening this track. The work was done by open contract. Orepuki-Preservation. —This track is now cut through 10 ft. wide, and is available for foot traffic. Bridges, chairs, or boats have been supplied at all the principal rivers. Portions of the track are very rough, but can be improved as the country is explored and opened up. Tracks, Cromarty. —A track has been cleared and partly formed from the Wilson's Eiver tramway to the boundary of the Te Oneroa Township. The work was let in three open contracts, and is now completed. State Forest, Seaward Bush. —Of this work 69 acres of bush have been felled, and three co-operative contracts were let and satisfactorily carried out. Mr. D. Macpherson, Wallace County engineer, reports as follows: — Avondale Saddle (Vote, £100). —There has been 31 chains of cuttings and embankments and about 125 chains of grading done. This was subsidised by the County Council to complete grading. Black Creek Bridge (Vote, £200). —-A slight deviation has been made from the original surveyed road, and a bridge 55 ft. in length has been constructed of ironbark and blue-gum, with necessary approaches. The balance of this vote will be spent next season in grading road leading to bridge.

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Heddon Bush (Vote, £100).—73 chains of gravelling has been done, 16 chains of which is not satisfactorily completed yet. Lillburn Bridge (Vote, £30). —This was all the Council got out of a grant of £260 for ClifdenLillburn Eoad. It helped to pay for the erection of a bridge which cost £72. Glifden-Redcliffe (Vote, £400). —Some 50 chains of road has been formed and gravelled, and 43 chains of cuttings and embankments are now in course of construction. Line of Hundreds (Vote, £150). —41 chains of this has been gravelled, at a cost of £182 10s. Longwood (Blocks XV., XVI., and XVII). —52 chains has been stumped and formed; 1 mile 47f chains bushfelling, stumping, and culverting, which has been completed; 24 chains forming, stumping, and gravelling is almost completed. Road leading to Run No. 23, Centre Hill District (Vote, £50). —22 chains has been ditched and formed, and a contract for gravelling has been let to absorb the grant. Mr. T. S. Miller, Campbelltown Borough engineer, reports as follows : — Point-Ocean Beach Road. —3s chains of formation, clearing, and culverts has been completed during the year, making a distance of 137 chains of formation from the Pilot-station, where the work under Government vote commenced. A further extension has been laid off, and the unexpended votes will probably complete the formation to Look-out Point. Mr. Howorth, Southland County Engineer, reports as follows :— Centre Bush Road (Vote, £100). —This vote has been expended in forming 18 chains, gravelling 31 chains, and cutting 21f chains of ditch, including an outfall-drain for the drainage of the village. The vote gives further access to Crown lands. Devereux Road, East Winton (Vote, £50). —8 chains of formation and corduroying and 25 chains of ditching have been carried out by the settlers in this district. The vote gives access to Crown lands in Winton Bush. Dipton-Balfour Road (Vote, £100). —This work, which has just been let, provides for about 1 mile of formation, with the necessary culverts. The balance of this vote should be authorised, in order that the road may be completed to the Okaiterua Bush. Forest Hill Roads (Vote, £200). —This vote is equally divided, and includes gravelling on the road adjoining Forest Hill tramway and road through Block 11., Winton Hundred. It is proposed to gravel 70 chains of the worst portions of these roads. Access is given to bush-lands in the localities. Fortrose-Tokonui Gorge Road (Vote, £300). —About 60 chains of the worst portions of the road in the gorge have been laid out, of which 20 chains are completed to date. Gore-Pukerau Road (Vote, £150). —Tenders have just been accepted for 50 chains of gravelling. Hokonui, Section 795, Road (Vote, £50). — Plans of a very necessary road - deviation have just been completed. After the necessary transfer of land is carried out the formation of 30 chains of the new road will be put in hand. Hokonui-Henderson's Road (Vote, £200). —The work has recently been let. The plans and specifications provide for about a mile of road. Invercargill Hundred, Block XV. (Vote, £100). —This work is now completed, the quantities being 200 cubic yards earthwork and 50 chains bushfelling, clearing, and grubbing. Main North Road —£1 for £1 (Vote, £600). —This work, together with that done by the County Council's contribution of £600, provided for 158 chains of trimming and metalling and three pipe-culverts. Main North Road, Winton (Vote, £300). —In order to link in all the ungravelled portions of the Great North Eoad, £150 of this vote,, together with £150 of the previous vote subsidised, was taken, and with the amount —viz., £350 —altogether 70 chains of the road were gravelled, thereby completing the work between Invercargill and Winton. Makarewa-Grove Bush Road (Vote, £250). — This work is not yet started. It is proposed to gravel 60 chains and form 120 chains. Mataura Island Dairy Factory to Pine Bush Railway-station (Vote, £250). —20 chains of ditching has been done to date. The work will, however, be pushed on during winter, it being suitable for that time of year. The road gives access to the Seaward Bush Eailway. Mokoreta, Blocks VIII. and IX.—£l for £1 (Vote, £100).—This work is still held over pending the completion of road-exchanges. Only about half the vote is expended. Tramway Road (Vote, £150). —35 chains of formation and gravelling and formation have been completed. The work was rendered expensive through the high rate of the haulage of the gravel by rail from the'county pit at Opora, the amount paid to the Eailway Department being about half the vote. Waikawa District Road (Vote, £300). —This vote has been expended in extending the metalling of the main Fortrose-Waikawa Eoad 80 chains. The vote was supplemented by a vote of £50 from the County Council. Wendon District, Section 80, Block 1., and Blocks VIII. , IX., and XIV. (Vote, £150).—The work which is completed consists of 50 chains of formation and gravel. Line of Hundreds (Vote, £100). —30 chains of formation and gravelling have been Garried out. This is one of the worst roads in winter in Southland, and further sums will be required before it is made to a passable point. Argyle Bridge (Vote, £125).— This is a light traffic bridge. The width of the roadway is 6 ft., and length 120 ft., in six spans. The timber used is heart of red-birch. The bridge is a boon to miners working in the Argyle Valley. Balfour Bridge, over Mataura River (Vote, £300 to account). —This vote partly provides for the erection of a stock-bridge. A further vote of £200 will be required to complete it. The work is in hand. 13—0, 1.

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Evan's Bridge, Otapiri (Vote, £150). —It is intended to erect a bridge of three spans of 20 ft. The work is in hand. Eyre Creek Bridge (Vote, £300). —This work is completed. It consists of a light traffic bridge of fourteen spans of 20 ft. each. The vote was supplemented by a vote of £150 from the County Council. The erection of this bridge is a great boon to the travelling public as well as to settlers in the locality. All the streams between Invercargill and the Lakes are now bridged. Garvie Burn Bridge, Hickey's Ford (Vote, £150). —A bridge consisting of three spans of 20 ft. each has been erected. Hedgehope, Titipua, and Dunsdale Bridges (Vote, £500). —These bridges are in hand. They consist of 40 ft. spans (trussed) for the Titipua and Dunsdale, and 60 ft. for the Hedgehope. They are built almost entirely of 52 lb. steel railway-rails, the exception being the flooring and some bracing. They are a new departure in bridge-building, and the cost is cheaper than that of similar bridges built entirely of timber. They have been thoroughly tested as to their stability for carrying traction-engines, the test being thoroughly satisfactory. The following bridges are also in hand and will be completed by the end of this year: Laura, Makarewa, Mimihau, Oreti, Otapiri, Forest Hill, and Winton Creek Bridges. Waiau Bridge, Clifton. —This bridge was passed by me, and opened for traffic by the Hon. J. G. Ward on the sth of April last. The work has been well carried out by Mr. William Baird, the contractor. The bridge had a thorough test as to its stability on the day of opening, it being fully loaded at one time with vehicles and pedestrians. The bridge has also been well tested as to windpressure, and, although not present, lam informed that there was no perceptible movement. The bridge is very stiff, and the movement, or wave, from a trotting horse is insignificant. The span is 366 ft., with roadway 12 ft. wide, sufficient for one line of traffic. The deflection of the cables is one-thirteenth of the span. The dead- and live-load capacity are respectively 147 and 137 tons, or a distributed load of 142 tons on each side of the bridge. The cables are galvanised steel, of which there are fourteen on each side. They are 5 in. in circumference, and have been tested by Kirkcaldy, of London, to stand a breaking-strain of 82 tons each. The total strength of the ropes works out at 2,296 tons, and, as the maximum possible strain at the towers equals 482 tons, a factor of safety of 5 is provided. As some engineers allow only 3f to 4, this should be ample, and allows of considerable increase in the live load. The roadway timbers and ironwork is designed to carry trac-tion-engines. The towers are of concrete, made of Millburn cement (Dunedin), which I consider superior to the imported article. The sand and cement found in the locality is of the very best for concrete purposes, and a thoroughly sound and satisfactory job has been made of this work. The ropes are anchored in the limestone in vertical shafts, which it was found necessary to fill with concrete to keep out the water. The timber has been carefully selected; the tranverse beams, blocks, and fillings are of ironbark; horizontal bracing of blue-gum ; and chords, flooring, and joists of heart totara. The life of the totara may be estimated at twenty-five years ; the ironbark, as far as is known, at forty to fifty years; and the ropes, ironwork, and concrete, which represent four-fifths of the cost, as permanent. The contract price for the bridge was £4,877 10s., which with extras amounting to £590 7s. made the total cost £5,468; but this does not include engineering and inspection. The scale of wages paid on the work was : Carpenters, 12s. per day; masons, 155.; labourers, Bs. to 9s. A heavy item in the cost of the work was cartage of material from Otautau Eailway-station, the distance being twenty-two miles. D. Baeeon, Chief Surveyor.

APPENDIX No. 4.

EXTEACTS FEOM EEPORTS OF CHIEF AND EOAD SUEVEYOES ON THE WOEKING OF THE CO-OPEEATIVE SYSTEM FOE THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MAECH, 1899.

AUCKLAND NOETH. Dueing the past twelve months 354 contracts have been completed on the co-operative principle on roads in this district. The work in nearly all cases has been carried out by local settlers, and it has been generally fairly well done, the men working amicably together. Where work is to be done, after preparing the plan and specifications, I put up at the nearest post-office a notice calling offers for the work, and at the same time stating the price I intend giving for the jobs, and asking settlers anxious for the work to form themselves into gangs and to apply on a fixed date. If more gangs offer than I have work for I have a ballot taken before some Justice of the Peace or responsible person, so as far as possible to prevent the appearance even of favouring. The average daily wage earned was ss. 10Jd. per day of eight hours. The total amount paid to co-operative contractors during the past year was £14,357. Geehaed Muellee, Chief Surveyor.

Bridge over the Waiau River at Clifden, Southland.

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AUCKLAND CENTEAL. The number of contracts completed is seventy-five. The average amount per contract paid in cash to contractors is £50 Is., and including explosives, tools, &c, the average amount is £58 7s. 6d. As regards the wages earned, the average for the whole district has been 6s. 2fd. per day of eight hours. The above general average wage appears to be as near right as could be expected, considering the situations of the works in regard to the base of supplies. As a rule the men have done the work well, and everything in connection with it has gone on smoothly and without friction of any kind. C. W. Huesthouse, Eoad Surveyor.

EOTOEUA. The number of contracts completed under this system during the year Was 125, of which only forty-three were undertaken by Europeans and eighty-two by Natives. The average number of men on each contract was five, and the character of work done was bushfelling, clearing, and roadformation. The average wage per day of eight hours for the whole district was Bs. When possible I inform the Labour Agent in Auckland of the nature of the work the men will have to do when they get here, that they may not expect to earn too much at the start at work they are unaccustomed to, such as bush-work or rock-work. Unfortunately, many men in town, in their natural anxiety to obtain work, persuade themselves and others that they can do much more than they really can when put to a test, and generally, instead of being satisfied with a low rate of wage until they can get experience and earn more, leave the work, condemning the system and its connections, when the fault often is at their own door. As you are aware, the Natives carry out their work in such an erratic manner that it is almost impossible to ascertain with any degree of accuracy the hours worked, time lost, or wages earned on their contracts, and no attempt has been made to keep such record. The cost of tools, inspection, and management is proportionately high, owing to the high rates of freight, and the distances and expenses of travelling in a scattered district far from its base of supplies. Eobeet H. Eeaney, Eoad Surveyor.

HikWKE'S BAY. During the year 98 miles 73 chains of road has been constructed by co-operative laboui', twenty-two miles being dray-road and 76 miles 73 chains bridle-road. Ninety-two miles were in forest country, which is cleared 1 chain wide on the line of road. Two hundred and thirteen contracts have been in operation, the maximum number employed in any week being 318, and the minimum 131, giving an average of 226 throughout the year. The average wages earned in the district is 7s. 9Jd. per day of eight hours. Generally the works have gone on smoothly, and have been carried out in a satisfactory manner. It must be expected that among a number of men, some quite inexperienced to the work, that some are disappointed in the amount that they are able to earn, but our average is satisfactory. I regret to have to report two accidents at Ngapaeruru, by which William Little and Patrick Harding were killed while employed felling and clearing forest on the roads. There is a danger in sending men into the bush who are unaccustomed to bush-work. Eeic C. Gold Smith, Chief Surveyor.

TAEANAKI. As a rule, the work done under this system has been well finished. It has all been through heavy bush, and generally on steep sideling ground underlain with papa or sandstone rock, the clearing and formation of which is usually expensive. As the work is always in advance of settlement, the cost of food supplied to the workmen is much greater than to workmen under local bodies, and men with families have to exercise rigid economy unless they earn an average of over 6s. 6d. per working-day. The average rate over all the works was 6s. 6fd. per day of eight hours. The average is certainly no more than should be earned in back districts, where the food-supply in winter (the time we do the most of our work) is from 20 per cent, to 30 per cent, higher than in settled districts. The number of co-operative contracts completed during the year was 351; average number of men on each contract, 2-82. An endeavour has been made as far as possible to raise the number of men employed on contracts to from four to six in each party, as it is found those .numbers in heavy work answer best. Very few complaints have been made by the men during the year, and those that have been made are of a trivial nature. •No loss has been incurred on tents or explosives, these being supplied to the men at a slight advance on cost; and the loss on tools is very trifling—the men purchase their own axes, grubbers, picks, shovels, &c, and pay for the use of jacks and saws; and the only plant supplied free is barrows, hand-carts, and wagons. The majority of the men on the works are improved-farm settlers and special settlers, these being always accorded the preference. G. Eobinson, Eoad Surveyor,

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WANGANUI.

The system has been applied to works of the following nature : Stumping, clearing, and forming bridle-tracks and dray-roads, sawing, squaring, culverting, bridge-building, stripping and breaking shell-rock for metal, metal cartage, bushfelling, grass-seed sowing. The number of men employed has ranged from a minimum of 155 men in December to a maximum of 250 men in August last, the average per month being 198-7. Except on the Upper Makohine Block (vote 113, item 114), where unemployed from Wellington, Wanganui, and elsewhere have been employed, nearly all those now on the works are settlers. Wherever possible the settlers on the improved-farm settlements have had first offers of any works available; but, owing to their always having so many home-duties to attend to, their time at the contracts is very irregular, and difficult to arrive at with any certainty. Still, there is no doubt that this system is suitable for them. By the ordinary contract system they would either have to work the full time which the contractor wished, thus neglecting their home-duties, or otherwise not be able to obtain work at all. The number of contracts completed has been 294. The average wage per day of eight hours for the whole district was Bs. sfd. - The metalling has nearly all been done this year at prices ranging from 2s. to 3s. 3d. per cubic yard per mile of lead, and has worked satisfactorily on the whole. The difficulty is to obtain sufficient teams in districts such as Baetihi, where horse-feed is very expensive, and the climate very wet. The distance from markets is great, and the season so short that owners of drays do not care to risk the journey unless tolerably sure of a long job, and this it is not possible to guarantee. Where teams are obtainable the system is good, but in inaccessible districts it would be better to let contracts for considerable amounts early in the season, so that a large number of drays could be taken up and push the work through in the best of the weather. Owing to long uphill leads on both the Pipiriki-Waiouru and Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Eoads the prices had to be raised to 2s. 9d. and 3s. 3d. respectively, but on the flatter or downhill leads the prices ranged from 2s. to 2s. 3d. per cubic yard per mile. The average rate per day for each team for all weathers throughout on the Pipiriki-W 7 aiouru Eoad was £1 lis. 6d., all the teams carrying If cubic yards a trip. While on the OhingaitiTokaanu Eoad the average was £1 Is. llfd., here generally only 1 cubic yard was carried, though on easy grades 1} cubic yards was occasionally loaded. In both cases there was very little broken weather during the time in which metalling operations were in progress. Taking into account the risk of broken weather and of getting horses killed, and the high price of feed, the earnings on the Pipiriki-Waiouru Eoad were not too high as compared with those on the Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Boad. The maximum number of teams employed at any one time on the two roads was eighteen. During the year there have been but few complaints from the men, partly on account of the system being better understood, and partly owing to many of the men being now experienced workmen. G. T. Mueeay, Eoad Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. There is little to add to my previous remarks on the co-operative system of contracting. Some difficulties still exist in satisfactorily associating the men, and consequently complaints come from the able and physically fit that their remuneration is not in proportion to the work they do. On the other hand, the less favoured by nature and those whose previous training has not qualified them for this kind of labour complain that the rate of pay is not sufficient for them to earn a satisfactory wage. This is a difficulty which demands patience and discrimination. If those who consider themselves aggrieved would apply to me for the rectification of their wrongs the vast majority of cases would be quickly settled. ~ - The average wage per day of eight hours was 7s. 2fd. Complaints are made by settlers who are unable to procure employment, but with the funds at my disposal I find it extremely difficult to satisfy them all. Crown settlers are considered to have a prior right to Government work, and many strive to make it continuous. Then, again, many who are not themselves settlers claim the right to employment as deputies of their fathers or brothers who are; and it is often very embarrassing to discriminate between them. A. C. Tuenee, Eoad Surveyor.

MAELBOEOUGH. During the year the Work carried out under the co-operative system has Worked satisfactorily. Theonly difference which arose was with the men who were working on the Picton roadwork; but I think there may have been some slight misunderstanding between the parties, hence the apparent difference of opinion which existed at the time. The men are now working well. It was necessary to divide the number of men and have two parties of five each instead of one contract for ten men. Not more than five men should be called upon to work in one party, and my experience is that contracts should always be arranged to allow of four men working together, and no more. For the period under review 127 contracts have been completed under the co-operative system, and the work Was of such a nature that it was particularly well adapted for the system, being heavy Work, principally on sideling ground and bush-clearing. The average wages earned for the whole of the co-operative works was 7s. 3fd. per day of eight hours. C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor.

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NELSON. The department has only had the direct control of the expenditure of three road votes; the remainder were intrusted to the various local bodies to spend. Of the three, two were small sums for the Matai and Aniseed Valley Eoads, in the vicinity of Nelson; the other, a Mines vote, for the Wangapeka-Wanganui Eoad. On the work near Nelson the men have averaged 6s. 6fd. and 6s. 3£d. a day of eight hours. The weather was very good, and comparatively little time was lost on that account. No overseer or timekeeper was required, as the sums for expenditure were so small, though the works were occasionally visited by an Inspector; consequently the rate of wages had to be calculated on the time that had elapsed between the beginning and end of each contract; so it is more than likely that an average of 7s. a day was made by the men. The co-operative works at Wangapeka have only lately been started, and though only seven contracts are returned, several others are just completed but have not yet been paid for, so they are not included in the table. An average wage of 9s. 3fd. per day of eight hours has been earned. It should, however, be explained that the men are not of the mixed class of town unemployed, many of whom are artisans and others unaccustomed to the class of work required in road-making, but bushmen and miners residing in the vicinity—the best of workmen. Besides, owing to its being an out-of-the-way place and all stores having to be packed many miles, the contracts were priced at a higher rate than usual. Thos. Humpheies, Chief Surveyor.

WESTLAND. During the year seven co-operative contracts have been completed. One is for the construction of a road-bridge, 51 ft. long, with approaches and wing-walls to protect the approaches. Three are for bushfelling and forming a dray-road with the necessary culverts and ditching, and the other three are for bushfelling, forming, and metalling a horse-track. The work has been satisfactorily performed. The average daily wage earned per man is 10s. 2fd., which includes that of bridge-builders. Feedeeick Witheb, Eoad Surveyor.

OTAGO. Under this system 140 contracts, all in the Tautuku district, were completed during the year, and the average daily wages earned per man was 6s. sfd. per day of eight hours. A considerable amount of work has to be done by day-labour in this district, such as repairing, reforming, metalling, he, which could not very well be effected under co-operation. The works have been well done under the immediate supervision of Mr. Sutton, who has not had any disputes or misunderstandings with the workmen worthy of mention during the whole year, thus putting in evidence the careful scheduling of rates for the works done under his supervision. One great drawback to all road operations in this locality is the very wet climate obtaining throughout the greater period of the year. John Hay, Chief Surveyor.

SOUTHLAND. During the year sixty-three co-operative contracts have been let, giving employment to 270 men. The average wage earned was 6s. lOd. per day of eight hours for road contracts, and ss. 9f d. for the improved-farm settlements. The work on the whole has been satisfactorily carried out. The question of keeping the actual working-hours when the Inspector is not along with the party has become a somewhat difficult problem, the tendency being to keep the time-sheet practically a full one, so as to make the earnings and prices appear low. Taking the system as a whole, apart from the above exceptions, it has worked fairly well. In some districts there has, however, been a tendency to prefer open contracts, the settlers in Longwood district requesting that this might be done. This was, however, to a certain extent the outcome of some co-operative disagreement. This is also partly the cause of a greater number of works being carried out under open contract during the past year than formerly. I might add that, with the exception of one corner of the district, there have been few demands for work except from settlers. D. Baeeon, Chief Surveyor.

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APPENDIX No. S.—IMPBOVED-FARM SETTLEMENTS.

BXTEAOTS FEOM THE BEPOBTS OF COMMISSIONEBS OF OEOWN LANDS AND OTHERS ON THE IMPEOVED - FAEM SETTLEMENTS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MAECH, 1899.

AUCKLAND NOETH. Rangatira.- —This settlement has still the three original settlers reported as resident last year, the total number of souls being eight. Forest to the extent of 87 acres has been felled, and 76 acres of it has been grassed. Several chains of fencing has been erected, and the settlement has 3f acres of garden-ground dug up. It has ten head of cattle, two horses, eight sheep, besides pigs and poultry. The total advances to date, less repayments, amount to £145 3s. 4cL, whilst the total value of improvements amount to £409 10s. Awatuna. —The four settlers previously reported are still resident, holding 405 acres. The total area of bush felled amounts to 365 acres, whilst 351 acres have been burnt and grassed. Fencing to the length of 150 chains has been erected, and 9f acres of garden-ground dug up. The settlement possesses twenty-five head of cattle, seven horses, nine pigs, and eighty head of poultry, so that practically there is no advance of any kind since, last year. The advances still outstanding amount to £818, whilst the improvements are valued at £1,293. The total number of souls is twenty. Mangatu.— lts ten original settlers are still resident, and with families number seventy-three souls. They hold 991 acres, and have felled 663 acres of forest, have burnt and grassed 517 acres. They have erected 360 chains of fencing, and have 14 acres of garden-ground. They possess eighty-one head of cattle, twenty-three horses, twenty-one pigs, and 145 head of poultry, whilst houses and outhouses are valued at £363. The total outstanding advances amount to £1,433, and the improvements are valued at £2,623. This settlement is holding its own, and shows signs of advance. Katui Settlement has this year only eight selectors, holding 775 acres, who with their families numbering fifty-five souls reside on the land. Some 408 acres of forest has been felled, and 347 acres grassed. The settlers have erected 710 chains of fencing, and have 21 acres of garden under cultivation. They own 137 head of cattle, eighteen horses, twenty-three sheep, sixteen pigs, and 340 head of poultry. The houses and outbuildings are valued at £323. The outstanding advances amount to £763, whilst the improvements are valued at £2,279, showing an equal if not superior advance to Mangatu. Geehaed Muellee, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

AUCKLAND CENTRAL. Te Rauamoa. —This settlement is all bush land; it was founded towards the end of 1895. During the past year no roadwork in connection with the settlement has been undertaken. However, the settlers have been employed a large part of their time on roadworks in the vicinity of their homes. Since last annual report an area of 132 acres of bush has been felled, and paid for under the regulations, which, makes the total felled 683 acres. Of this an area of 545 acres is now in grass, 240 acres of which has been twice sown, as the first sowing was destroyed by fire and caterpillars in the summer of 1897-98. There now remains to be sown last season's felling, amounting to 132 acres, which, when completed, will bring the area under grass up to 677 acres. The remainder of the felling is occupied by gardens, orchards, crops, &c. The following are the total estimated values of improvements to date: Felling, burning, and grassing, £1,266; cottage dwellings, £157; other buildings, £26; gardens, orchards, &c, £50; fencing, £160: total, £1,659, an increase for the year of £423. The total amount authorised as advances for building and fencing is £300, and the total amount of advances made £206 lis. lOd. The settlers have thirty horses, thirty milkingcows, sixty-nine head of other horned cattle, one sheep, seventeen pigs, and seventy-two poultry. The population consists of nineteen adults and thirty-one children, which is a decrease of six adults and five children during the year, caused' principally by two families having given up and left their holdings, only one of which has been reallotted, that to a single man who was previously a resident at the settlement in his father's family. I wish to call attention to the fact that the grassed land is not, and has never been, sufficiently stocked with cattle, and to point out that understocking is bad for the future of the pasture, as second growth and weeds soon spring up and smother the grass. Paemako (Karuotewhenua). —The section so long vacant in this settlement has been allotted, making the present total number of settlers twelve. Several of them have not yet taken their wives and families to live on the land, but have made applications to be excused from doing so

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for the present, which have been forwarded to the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Auckland to deal with. No roadworks have been required or undertaken within the settlement. The settlers have, however, been largely employed on the main road near their homes. The present estimated total value of improvements is : Burning off, clearing, and grassing, £277 ; cottage dwellings, £132 ; other buildings, £6; gardens, orchards, &c, £88; fencing, £320: total, £823. The total amount authorised as advances for building and fencing is £330, and the total amount of advances made is £298 Bs. Id. The area in grass is 370 acres ; under crop this season, 17 acres ; gardens and orchards, 4-J- acres. The stock consists of thirty horses, seventeen milking-cows, 189 head of other horned cattle, eleven pigs, and sixty-three poultry. The population is twenty adults and twenty-three children, being a decrease from last year of one adult. The grass does not take well when surfacesown after burning off the fern and scrub. Most of this has been done, and it is worse than it otherwise would be, as in most cases it is insufficiently stocked, especially in the spring, and this allows the fern, which is then sprouting, to overcome the grass. Tawai Settlement (near the mouth of the Awakino Eiver), —There are eleven selectors holding 218 acres, the number of souls being twenty-three. The total area felled and grassed in the settlement is 304 acres. The stock amounts to forty-five head of cattle, twenty-seven sheep, and fifteen horses. The areas allotted each settler were far too small for the settlement to be a permanent one, as there was little employment to be obtained outside of road-formation works. The Chief Surveyor, Taranaki, has supervised this settlement. C. W. Hubsthouse, Eoad Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. We have two of these settlements, Waikopiro and Akitio, only two sections of the latter, however, being in this district, most of the settlement being in the Wellington District. Waikopiro was founded in 1895, when fifteen selectors were put on 1,771 acres, the country generally being broken forest land with fair soil. All the settlers are residing; 806 acres have been felled and grassed, and 143 acres felled ready for burning, &c. The settlement is making fair progress considering that up to the present it has had bad road-access, but now that a bridge is being built over the Manawatu Eiver, if the main road is metalled during the next summer, good communication will be established with Ormondville, and the settlement should advance and be flourishing. Akitio was founded in 1896, and only two selectors, holding 145f acres, are within this land district, the others being in Wellington. Both tenants are living on their selections. A full report on this settlement has been given by the Chief Surveyor, Wellington. E. C. Gold Smith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

TAEANAKI. Ngaire. —l69 acres 2 roods 30 perches, in sixteen sections, all of which are held; 161 acres felled and grassed. Seventy persons on the land, and live-stock consists of 106 head of cattle and nineteen horses. One settler was assisted with a grant of £10 for the erection of his house. The settlers have made improvements at their own cost to the extent of £636. Two new settlers came into the settlement during the year. Poti. —loB acres, in eight sections, all occupied; 106 acres felled and grassed. There are forty-nine persons on the land, and live-stock consists of forty-eight head of cattle and thirteen horses. Two settlers were assisted to the extent of £50 in the erection of houses. Improvements at selectors' own cost amount to £407. Ma-ata.— 3o acres, in three sections, occupied by two families, the total number on the land being six. The live-stock consists of twelve head of cattle and two horses. One selector was assisted to the extent of £20 in the erection of his house, and the other selector increased his holding by 10 acres. Improvements at the settlers' own cost amount to £52. The area felled and grassed is 23 acres. The three settlements above mentioned are situated in the Ngaire Block, close to the Township of Eltham, and have progressed very satisfactorily during the year, and it is pleasing to add that there are no rents in arrear. Only one section was forfeited, and was taken up again during the year. Tongaporutu. —2,soo acres, in sixteen sections, of which eight are held as improved farms, while three have been taken up by persons already holding land as additions to their farms, under the ordinary conditions of the Land Act. One section was realloted during the year to one of the settlers from the Greenlands Settlement as an exchange. The population is thirty-nine, and the live-stock consists of 152 head of cattle, 123 sheep, and nine horses. One section was forfeited for abandonment. Improvements at selectors' own cost amount to £323. 307 acres have been felled and grassed. Mangaere.- —Thirteen sections, comprising 482 acres 2 roods 13 perches, situate on Ohura Eoad, of which 399 acres are felled and grassed. Eleven sections are held by ten persons, the total number on the land being forty-six. One selector increased his holding by 15 acres 1 rood 24 perches. The live-stock consists of 203 head of cattle and twenty horses, showing an increase, as does also the value of improvements done at the settlers' own cost, it having nearly doubled, representing £1,040. The rent in arrear is only 16s. 4d., by one selector. A creamery was erected in the settlement during the year, and the selectors may be said to be making good progress. Oruti. —Seven sections, comprising 697 acres, of which five are held by three persons, two of them having increased their holdings during the year. One section is vacant, the other being held under the ordinary conditions of the Land Act, There are nineteen persons on the land, the live

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stock consists of seventy-five head of cattle and three horses. Improvements at selectors' own cost are valued at £145 ss. The area felled and grassed is 502 acres. There are no rents in arrear, and I think the selectors can hold their own independently of Government aid. Taumatatahi. —Four sections, comprising 430 acres 2 roods, all occupied. Twenty-six persons resident, the live-stock belonging to them consists of fifty head of cattle, fifty-seven sheep, and seven horses. 159 acres have been felled and grassed, and the selectors have put on improvements at their own cost valued at £368. One settler was further assisted in improving his house to the extent of £15. There is no rent in arrear, and the settlement is progressing steadily. Whangamomona. —111 sections, comprising 10,543 acres, of which sixty-four are occupied, of a total area of 6,096 acres. Five are non-resident, but one of these keeps a boardinghouse in the adjoining township, while two others have been incapacitated at various times, and have obtained leave of absence. The two remaining absentees will be served with notice as defaulters. Thirtyfive of the sections are each represented by one person only. The total number of persons on the land is 168. The live-stock consists of 858 head of cattle, 250 sheep, and seventy horses, showing an increase on last year ; while the improvements effected at the settlers own cost are valued at £4,049, having nearly doubled during the year. A rearrangement of sections and applications from settlers for additions to their holdings will be dealt with during the coming year. There have been two forfeitures and one surrender. The area felled and grassed is 3,052 acres, and the felling last season amounts to 354 acres, which will shortly be sown in grass. Huiroa. —Nine sections, comprising 668 acres 1 rood 21 perches, of which seven are held; the number of persons on the land being thirty-four, and the live-stock fifty-six head of cattle and five horses. 358 acres have been felled and grassed. One of the sections was opened under the optional conditions of the Act, and taken up by an adjoining holder; the other section has partly been taken for a school-site, and the remainder of it, 29 acres, is not suitable for allotment, being cut into two, and a little swampy. The value of improvements at selectors' own cost amounts to £455, and there are no rents in arrear. This block is in the midst of settled lands, and may be considered independent of Government aid. Okau. —Nineteen sections, comprising 1,889 acres 2 roods. Four sections held, the number of persons on the settlement being twenty-two, and the live-stock seventeen head of cattle and seven horses. 650 acres have been felled and grassed, and 15 acres felled during the year. The improvements at selectors' own cost amount to £110. It is intended to rearrange the vacant sections and offer them under the optional conditions of the Land Act. This settlement is a failure, principally through the majority of the selectors being single men, who thought more of obtaining work than in making homes for themselves. Derwent. —Thirteen sections, containing 1,369 acres; nine persons holding 973 acres. One section was forfeited and one was reallotted during the year. Two of the sections formerly vacant have been taken up under the ordinary conditions of the Act by adjoining holders, and there are two sections at present vacant, which will be offered under the optional conditions. Twenty-six persons are residing on the land, the live-stock consisting of 119 head of cattle, 285 sheep, and nine horses, the sheep showing an increase. The area felled and grassed is 633 acres. Twenty-one acres were felled during the year, and the value of improvements at selectors' own cost is £464. The rent in arrear is £22 lis. 9d., by four selectors. Two selectors were assisted with £60 for the erection of their houses. Nihoniho. —Sixteen sections, comprising 1,406 acres, of which three are held, the area being 213 acres 2 roods, and the number of persons on the land fifteen. Two of the occupiers are single men, brothers, and are proving very good settlers. 119 acres were felled and grassed. 28 acres were felled during the year. The settlers found all their own seed. The live-stock consists of 102 head of cattle, forty sheep, and sixteen horses, and the value of improvements at selectors' own cost £149, having increased by £92. There are no rents in arrear. The land in this settlement is first class, but as the surrounding lands are still in the hands of Natives, and ordinary settlement is very remote, the selectors may perhaps be too far away from a market to occupy the lands beneficially. Greenlands. —Six sections, comprising 603 acres, of which two are held, the number of persons resident being nine, and the live-stock seventeen head of cattle, sixty-five sheep, and three horses. 250 acres were felled and grassed. 6f acres were felled during the year. Three grants were made towards erection of houses, the amount being £50. The value of improvements at selectors' own cost amounts to £89 10s. The land is difficult of access, and distant from ordinary settlement. Eent was due on the Ist January last, and one payment has been made. Mangapoua. —Seven sections, with an area of 702 acres, of which three are held by single men, the others being vacant, and will probably be added to the present occupiers' holdings. The area felled and grassed is 60 acres, and the value of improvements at selectors' own cost is £42. There were four forfeitures during the year. Two settlers have been assisted with £10 each in the erection of their houses. The live-stock consists of 110 head of cattle, seventeen sheep, and five horses ; and one of the settlers is now building his house. Eent is not payable until the Ist January, 1900. John Steauchon, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WANGANUI. There are still seven of these settlements in the district. The Ohutu Settlement is progressing most satisfactorily; the Hautapu, Eongoiti, Taihape, and Masterton-Tenui Settlements are making fair progress; the Otuarei Settlement has scarcely yet started. The work this year has consisted much more of fencing, buildings, and other interior, improvements than of bushfelling, as has been the case in former years. Wherever possible, the settlers have been given

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first chance of any roadworks which may have been available in their vicinities. There has been most work available in the neighbourhood of the Ohutu Settlement; but many of the settlers are now able to go on horseback considerable distances to work, on account of the improved means of communication. There have been no forfeitures during the year, and several of the sections previously forfeited have been again taken up. Horopito Improved-farm Settlement, Waimarino. —The original area was 2,000 acres, of which, however, only three sections of 100 acres each were allotted. Only two are now occupied. The section forfeited last year has not been reallotted. 97-J- chains of fence-lines have been felled round the sections. There are now on the settlement three houses, 86 acres of grass, 31 acres felled but not grassed, 3-J- acres of garden, and 103 chains of fencing. The number of souls on the farm is five, with fifty-three cattle, five horses, and thirteen pigs. The bridle-track through the settlement is at present being widened out into a dray-road. The total value of improvements on the settlement is £545 lis. 5d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amounts to £250 13s. Id. Hautapu Improved-farm Settlement, Motukawa. —Original area of 1,204 acres, of which eleven sections of about 100 acres each are taken up, and all being resided upon. Except repairs, there has been no roadwork within the settlement during the year. Seven sections are accessible by dray-road, and the remainder by bridle-tracks. The settlers have mostly been employed at roadworks in the vicinity of the settlement. A considerable area of bushfelling was done during the year—viz., 84 acres —but, owing to the wet season, there have either been bad burns or none at all. The seed sown last autumn has grown very well. The number of souls now on the farm is fiftynine, with 141 cattle, twenty-seven horses, and thirty-four pigs. The total area now in grass is 447 acres, including natural clearings and areas felled without advances. The fencing done amounts to 517 chains, and the area in gardens is llf acres. A school is about to be erected on the farm. The total value of improvements now on the farm is £1,457 6s. 9d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amounts to £644 19s. 9d. Masterton-Tenui Improved-farm Settlement, Awarua. —This settlement consists of twelve sections totalling 1,168 acres, all of which are taken up and being resided upon. The number of persons resident on the farm is fifty-seven, with 171 cattle, seventeen horses, forty-two sheep, and sixty pigs. The total area now in grass is 376 acres, including that done without advances, and 74 acres of bush have been felled this season, of which 48 acres have not been advanced upon. The sections are all accessible by dray-road. A large amount of fencing and internal improvements have been done during the year. The fencing done amounts to 616 chains, and the area in gardens is 6 acres. Most of the settlers have been employed on the railway-works in the vicinity, with occasional contracts on the roads. The only roadwork within the settlement that has been done during the year is 107 chains of bridle-track formation on the Mataroa Eoad, but this is charged against the Upper Makohine Block. This bridle-track will shortly be widened out into a dray-road for about 50 chains. The total value of improvements on the settlement is £1,821 4s, 4d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amounts to £1,049 3s. sd. Ohutu Improved-farm Settlement. —Area, 2,187 acres, divided into twenty-eight sections, of which twenty-six are taken up, and nineteen being resided upon. The number of persons resident is forty-eight, and the stock amounts to 137 cattle, thirty horses, 184 sheep, and fourteen pigs. The total area now in grass is 635 acres, and the area of bushfelling burnt, or ready for burning, is 174 acres. The length of fencing done is 563 chains, and the area in gardens is 7 acres. Fifteen sections are now accessible by dray-road, and the remainder by bridle-track. During the year the work done comprises 82-8 chains dray-road, 108-5 chains bridle-track, and 280 lineal feet culverts. Besides this, there were done 85 chains bridle-track formation along boundary of settlement, and giving improved access thereto, but chargeable against the 3Awarua vote. Some of the settlers have been employed on the railway-works, but most of them have been on roadworks in the block, or within a few miles of it. A dairy factory is proposed to be started. The total value of improvements on the settlement is £2,499 lis. 9d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amounts to £1,321 6s. 9d. Otuarei Improved-farm Settlement. —The area is 2,000 acres. It was originally divided into twenty sections, but the number of sections has been reduced to twelve by enlarging the areas. The locality is quite unsuitable for 100-acre sections, the result being that the settlement has made very slow progress. Now that the access is becoming easier, there is a fair amount of energy being shown by the settlers. The number of persons resident on the settlement is fourteen, the number of sections being taken up six, which are all being resided on. The area in grass is 50 acres, not including natural clearings, of which there are 986 acres. The area felled and ready for grassing is 35 acres. The length of fencing done is 70 chains, and the area in garden 1 acre. The numbers of stock are twenty-four cattle, five horses, 300 sheep, and two pigs. The work done on the road comprises 48 chains of bridle-track clearing and formation, and 3 miles 13 chains of engineering survey. The total value of improvements on the settlement is £227 7s. 10d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amounts to £86 Is. Id. Rongoiti Improved-farm Settlement, Te Kapua. —The area of this farm is 2,387 acres, but only eight sections, totalling 789f acres, have been allotted, and seven sections are being resided upon, the number of persons resident being sixteen. The stock consists of three cattle, eight horses, 445 sheep, and two pigs. The area in grass is 90 acres, and 41 acres additional has been felled and burnt, besides 234 acres of natural clearing. The length of fencing done is 145 chains, and the area of gardens is 4J acres. The settlers have mostly been employed on roadworks within or adjacent to the block. The roadwork done during the year comprises 110 chains engineering survey, 85 chains clearing and dray-road formation, 35-75 chains clearing only, one bridge 24 ft. span, 94 lineal feet culverts. Two of the sections are now accessible by dray-road, and three more will shortly be so. The class of settlers is good, but they are very much handicapped by the remoteness from markets, by the scarcity of employers of labour, and by the altitude of the settlement above sea-level. The 14—C. 1.

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total value of improvements on the settlement is £466 7s. 5d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amounts to £194 19s. 6d. Taihape Improved-farm Settlement. —Area, about 200 acres, divided into fourteen sections, but allotted to ten settlers,'all of whom are residing. The number of persons resident on the settlement is thirty-nine. The stock consists of thirty-seven cattle, nineteen horses, and two pigs. The area in grass is 178 acres, and area of bushfelling ready to be burnt is 23-J acres. The length of fencing erected is 437 chains, and the area in gardens 6 J acres. All the sections are accessible by dray-road. There have been 20 chains of dray-road constructed and 60 lineal feet of culverts erected during the year, and all the roads repaired. On this portion there have been 31 chains of bridle-track formed, besides five miles engineering survey done and 645 acres sown in grass. The number of stock appears small, but the settlement practically joins Taihape Township, and the settlers almost all take in horses or cattle for grazing, and grow garden produce. Some of them find constant work in the township, but most of them have been employed at roadwork. They are now, however, getting to be fairly independent. Probably they will soon have their leases issued and be transferred to the class of ordinary selectors. The total value of improvements on. the settlement is £1,012 15s. 9d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amounts to £369 3s. 9d. Adjoining this land is an area formerly known as the " State Farm," for in the year 1897 a block of 885 acres of forest land near Taihape, in the Awarua district, was set apart for that purpose, and 642 acres were felled and grassed by co-operative labour, at a cost of £1,608 6s. Id. The land was afterwards surveyed into sections of from 60 acres to 185 acres each, of which 632-J- acres were grassed, and offered for public application, when the whole was disposed of at a rent of £138 17s. Bd., seven sections being leased in perpetuity, and two with a right of purchase. There were two sections containing 9 acres 1 rood 27 perches reserved, the cost of felling and grassing which came to £23 10s. lid. The unimproved value of the land offered for sale was £1,152 10s., and the improvements effected were, as above stated, £1,608 6s. Id. A road has, however, yet to be finished across the block. . G. T. Muebay, Eoad Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. Kawatau Improved Farm. —No changes have occurred in the occupation of the twelve sections contained in this farm settlement, with the exception of one settler, who died in May last, leaving his widow in occupation. The sections are of the uniform size of 83 acres 1 rood 13 perches, one of which is completely cleared ; the energetic selector of this having 60 acres down in grass, and stocked with twelve head of cattle and 250 sheep. The only Government expenditure during the year has been incurred in providing grass-seed and sowing 8 acres of land in .the occupation of the widow mentioned above. Of the 1,000 acres contained in the settlement, 640 acres 2 roods 13 perches is cleared, and 610 acres 1 rood grassed and capable of bearing stock. Of these areas, 69 acres 1 rood 13 perches has been cleared and 132 acres 1 rood grassed at the settlers' own charge, at an estimated cost of £104 and £70 2s. 6d. respectively. Besides this, there has been 12 miles 35 chains of fencing erected, value £695 10s. ; eleven residences, £197 ; gardens and orchards, £76 10s.; and outbuildings and water-wells, £32 : making a total of £1,175 2s. 6d. as the value of improvements effected by the settlers themselves. To assist them in these improvements £230 has been advanced at different times by the Government, of which amount one advance of £10 has recently been repaid. There are twelve selectors, who, with seventy persons dependent upon them, make a total resident population of eighty-two. The live-stock amounts to 106 head of cattle, eleven horses, fifty-three pigs, and 748 sheep. The farm has a frontage of 5 miles 51 chains to the Kawatau Valley, Totara, and Titirangi Eoads, the first two being open for vehicular traffic, and the latter a horse-road 6 ft. wide. The general condition of the settlers is very satisfactory. At the same time this prosperity depends to some extent on the employment the settlers receive upon Government works, which, it is to be hoped, will continue until the establishment of a creamery and butterfactory, when there is every reason to think the settlement will be entirely self-supporting. Mangatiti Improved Farm. —Last year I had to report eighteen unoccupied sections, but now, with an additional area of 166 acres, there are only two sections, comprising 196 acres, remaining in.the hands of the Crown. There are thirty-one settlers, holding 4,086 acres 3 roods 38 perches, being an average of 131 acres 3 roods 14 perches each. Nineteen settlers reside on their holdings, who, with twenty-two dependents, make a total residential population of forty-one. During the year the Government has paid £697 for felling 474 acres of bush, and £220 Is. 7d. for laying down 495 acres 2 roods in grass. Besides this, the settlers at their own cost have cleared 84 acres, valued at £129 165., and grassed 110 acres 2 roods, at an estimated value of £58 3s. The other private improvements may be tabulated as follows: Eesidences, £184; fencing 106 chains, £76 2s. 3d."; gardens and orchards, £18 155.; sheep-yards, cowsheds, and pig-yards, £6 Bs.; other outhouses, £3; and a bridge erected by a settler to provide himself with better access, £8 : making the total value of improvements effected by the selectors at their own cost £483 14s. 3d. This with the sums paid by Government amount to an aggregate of £2,224 19s. lOd. as representing the value of all improvements on the settlement. Of the area in grass, 564 acres 2 roods is reported as being capable of bearing stock, which is represented by eighty-nine head of cattle, thirty-four horses, and a few pigs. Orders have also been given to the local sawmill for timber to erect several cottages, ranging from two to five rooms each, thus indicating the probability of an increased residential population. Another item which cannot very well appear in a tabulated report is the large number of posts and other fencing material .already on the ground awaiting erection. The general prospects of this farm are encouraging.

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Pemberton Improved-farm Settlement.- —Since my last report another section of 100 acres has been added to this farm, making the total area 1,347 acres. With the exception of the late addition, the whole of the settlement may be said to have passed its juvenile stage, inasmuch as it is now under full cultivation, only as much bush being left standing as will suffice for building and fencing material and shelter. 1,180 acres are cleared, of which 1,163 are in grass, carrying eighteen horses, 219 head of cattle, thirty pigs, and 474 sheep. There are 16 miles 25 chains of fencing erected, worth £779 ; residences valued at £545 ; while other private improvements carry the total value to the substantial sum of £1,571. The Government has expended £2,374 17s. 6d. in payment for clearing and grassing, making the total value of all improvements on the farm £3,945 17s. 6d. During the year a road has been formed to connect Cross Eoad with the main Mangawharariki Eoad, which will also provide a convenient access for several of the settlers to the Ruahine Township. This farm settlement is in a prosperous condition. Akitio Improved-farm Settlement. —There are forty-four sections in this settlement, comprising an area of 4,851 acres 1 rood, of which seven, of a total acreage of 712 acres, are at present unoccupied. During the year 427 acres have been cleared, at a cost to the Government of £591125. 6d,, and a further expenditure of £245 4s. 6d. has been incurred for grassing 477 acres 1 rood. Besides this, ten selectors have received £124 under clause 16 of the regulations in aid of house-building and other improvements, making a total expenditure by Government of £961 17s. The total operations undertaken at the expense of the Government since the inception of the settlement are represented by 1,752 acres of clearing and 1,189 acres of grassing, costing £2,643 3s. 2d. Besides this, the selectors have effected the following improvements at their own cost, to which I have attached the appraised values: Clearing 248 acres 1 rood, £337 7s. 6d.; grassing 178 acres, £92; fencing 245 chains, £220 10s. ; residences, £366 10s. ; gardens, &c, £35 10s.; outbuildings, £20; and the cost of burning off, packing, and sowing grass-seed is estimated at £118 Bs. : making the total value of private improvements £1,190 ss. 6d. The area capable of bearing stock is 1,153 acres, and on this area the settlers run sixty-eight head of cattle, twenty-eight horses, twenty-two pigs, and 1,438 sheep, showing in this item of stock an approximate increase of 100 per cent, since last return. Last year there were only ten settlers domiciled on their holdings, but now there are nine single men and fourteen married couples with their families settled on their holdings. As compared with last year, it will be seen that very material and satisfactory progress has been made. Many also who started without means, depending on road-making and Government assistance in clearing and other improvements, are now comfortably housed, have part of their sections cleared, grassed, and stocked, and in a few years' time, when the roadwork is completed, will have their holdings in such a forward state as will enable them to get a comfortable living without having to depend upon outside work. J. W. A. Maeohant, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

OTAGO. The position of the six improved-farm settlements in this, district is, with one or two exceptions, much the same as at this time last year. The exceptions are the improved condition of roads, and the establishment of the dairy factory at Heathfield for the benefit of that and the Waipati settlements. As compared with last year's returns, the present tables show the number of selectors to be reduced by three, but with a slightly increased area of 130 acres 1 rood 6 perches, some of the abandoned sections having been reallotted to the remaining settlers, the total area now held by seventy-three selectors being 9,879 acres 1 rood 4 perches. The total number of persons resident is 260, as against 200 last year. Further advances to the extent of £94 for bouses, and expenditure, of £2,706 16s. 9d. for bushfelling and other works, have been made during the year, making the total advances to 31st March last: For houses, £678 10s. 6d.; and for bushfelling, &c, £14,022 os. Id,: grand total, £14,700 10s. 7d. There has been an increase in area felled of 452 acres, of felled and grassed of 539 acres, 343 cattle and horses, and 8 miles 13 chains of roads felled and formed or -partially formed. The approximate value of improvements now on the land, including those paid for by Government, is estimated at £16,010. As the whole of these settlements are still in a state of non-completion, so far as expenditure of Government money is concerned, no rents have been definitely fixed, nor any leases issued, and accordingly they are entered in the returns as "Lands allotted but not finally registered, pending Completion of Improvements." The Chief Surveyor, Mr. Hay, who has the chief control of these settlements in the meantime, reports on them severally as follows :— Heathfield and Waipati. —The roading in connection with these settlements is now nearly completed, and the expenditure in this direction will in future be small. A little is yet required to be done on what is known as "Harris's Eoad," and the spanning of Waipati Eiver by a small bridge. There will, however, still be the usual yearly expenditure in bushfelling and grass-sowing, but these may be considered work tending to self-support. One great boon to the settlers has been the timely assistance of Mr. McNab, M.H.E., in the erection of a dairy factory at these settlements. The daily milk-supply during the best months of the season amounted to a little over 700 gallons; and when such a supply is converted into ready money it must be appreciated by the settlers, tending as it does in the direction of making the settlements self-supporting. The settlers will probably require a little further assistance yet, but this should be given in the way of work in metalling the main Catlin-Waikawa Boad. During the year an area of 304-5 acres was felled, burned, and sowed down in grass on these two settlements. Rimu (Block XV.).— This settlement is not so far advanced as Heathfield and Waipati in the way of roading, &c, not having been in existence so long. Some miles of roading and culverting still require to be done before access is given to all the sections in the block. The settlers are a very hardworking class of men, who will, with the usual assistance accorded to them, eventually

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make their holdings self-supporting. They are now hopefully looking forward to the time when they too will be running a small dairy factory. During the year 122-5 acres were felled, burnt, and sown down in grass of a permanent nature. Purakauiti and Puaho (Block IX., Woodland). —Only 27 acres of bushfelling, burning, and grass-seeding have been effected on these settlements during the year. A good many of the occupants were single men, who, as a rule, are not the most desirable class of settlers for this kind of settlement,' as when work becomes intermittent they usually leave, and the result is that the improvements which ought to be effected are neglected. A number of the rights of these'occupants will have shortly to be cancelled, after which I anticipate their places can be filled by married men. Woodland (Block II.). —A number of applicants were allotted sections in this block, but none now reside there, nor have any improvements been effected during the year; in fact, progress must and will stand in abeyance until such time as the Eatanui-Whitehead Eoad is formed and reaches the boundary of the settlement, thereby making the settlement accessible to intending settlers. J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

SOUTHLAND. Haldane Improved-farm Settlement. —This settlement comprises portions of Blocks IX. and X., Waikawa district, and is situated on the Waikawa-Otara Eoad. Access from Fortrose is good during the summer,, but from Waikawa there is as yet no formed road. 227 acres of bush was felled during the year, 209f acres was burned and grassed, and 10 acres of old felling was also burned and grassed. There are 62f acres of unburned bush on the settlement at present. 32f chains of road were completed, and 45 chains of road felled and logged up. Fencing-wire was supplied to all the settlers who applied for it, and the holdings are being fenced by degrees. Five road contracts, totalling 73f chains, are in hand and progressing favourably. The amount of money advanced for buildings was £115, and for fencing-wire £88 10s. It is expected that a dairy factory will be started next season ; if such be the case, the settlement should be self-supporting for the future. The grass does very well on most of the sections, and the cattle are in good condition. It will take about £600 to complete the unformed settlement-roads. Waikawa Improved-farm Settlement. —This settlement is portion of Block XVII., Waikawa district, and is about five miles from Waikawa Township. During the year 97f acres of bush was felled, and of this 78 acres was burned and grassed. There is 17 acres of unburned bush on the settlement. One road contract, 26 chains long, is in hand, which, when completed, will leave only about 20 chains of unformed road in the settlement, which it will be necessary to form to give access to all the sections. £29 4s. has been advanced for buildings, and £45 lis. for fencing-wire. This settlement should be able to support itself now, as there is a dairy factory in the district, with a good summer road from the settlement to the Waikawa-Fortrose Eoad. Moturimnlmproved-farm Settlement. —This settlement forms part of Block VIII., Campbelltown Hundred, close to Woodend, on the Invercargill-Bluff Eailway. During the year 30 acres of bush was felled, 15f acres was burned and sown, and £80 was advanced for buildings. No roadwork was carried out during the year. Some of the settlers are felling and selling their timber to the sawmill, and are making good wages by doing so; and, as some have substantial houses on their holdings, I do not think they should be interfered with, but care will have to be taken with those who have not got good houses. There is not much demand for work on this settlement, as the settlers find employment at the sawmills and elsewhere. Papatotara Improved-farm Settlement. —During the year 28J acres of bush was felled and burned. This settlement is very much out of the way. The settlers have been mostly employed on the Preservation Inlet Track and Orawia-Clifden Eoad. It will be seen from the remarks on the several settlements that the time has now come when the settlers should be required to pay rent. Hitherto the difficulties they had to contend with and the absence of an outlet for their produce prevented them from making a living, consequently a rental demand would have had disastrous effects. In the case of Waikawa, and shortly also at Haldane, the establishment of dairy factories will be the means of success. The other two settlements should also soon be in a position to carry on without much outside assistance. D. Babeon, Chief Surveyor.

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APPENDIX No. 6.—FOEESTEY.

EEPOET BY HENEY J. MATTHEWS, FOEESTEE. In submitting for your consideration the third annual report on the various operations carried on under my supervision, I have to express my satisfaction on the excellent work accomplished by the staff at each nursery, especially by the nurserymen in charge, who have carried out their duties with skill and energy. The past season has been a very favourable one throughout the colony for the growth of trees, and a fair measure of success has attended the various works in hand. The tree-seeds (sown during autumn and spring) have without exception germinated satisfactorily, and the resultant crops are looking healthy and vigorous. With the exception of some twenty-one thousand trees for Dusky Hill plantation and a few thousand Eucalypti for the Whakarewarewa plantation, general transferring of trees from nurseries to plantation areas will not be proceeded with until next autumn, after which the work will become an annual one. Generally speaking, it is the practice to trausfer trees at three years of age, and as the first nursery established (Eweburn) is only some two years and seven months old (during which time we have experienced two of the driest years known in the district), sufficient time has not elapsed for the growth of sturdy well-developed stock to withstand this rigorous climate. Tapanui Nursery was started during May, 1897, twenty-three months since, and Eotorua Nursery during March of last year, thirteen months ago. Preparations are now being made to grow shelter and ornamental trees and shrubs at the nurseries for transferring to sanatoria throughout the colony. This work will, of course, entail additional labour, as none but trees likely to be of commercial value as timber were cultivated until last year. • • An outbuilding, to embrace stable and implement- and feed-house, is urgently required at Eotorua, as is also a cottage for the nurseryman at Eweburn. Full details concerning the various crops at each nursery are appended in Schedules A to H herewith, and in estimating the value of trees in stock I have taken an average of ruling trade prices with 20 per cent, reduction, so that the values represented are below market rates. EOTOEUA NUESEEY. A very good season with excellent results has been experienced at this nursery. There are 888,450 one-year-old forest trees and 230,810 ornamental trees, shrubs, and hedge-plants at present growing in the nursery, all in a very healthy condition. The rainfall has been 48'50in., spread over 143 days. This may seem rather excessive, but the open, porous nature of the soil absorbs moisture very quickly, and should rain continue for even twenty-four hours it is quite possible to at once work the ground without it, being the least cloggy. The nursery (including roads and shelter plantation areas) contains, some 30, acres. This was cleared of fern and scrub during the autumn of 1898, after which the rough levelling of same was proceeded with. This work entailed considerable labour, as the surface was pf a very broken nature, the result of excavations made by old Maoris in search of fern-root. Care was taken to conserve the good soil found in the bottom of these excavations, and this was spread on portions where ridges had been reduced to give an even grade to the whole surface. Deep ploughing was then resorted to for the purpose of getting rid of the fern-roots, which were carted into heaps and burnt. Half an acre was prepared by spade for the reception of cuttings of various trees and shrubs, most of which were obtained from the Sanatorium grounds and park. Some ten thousand Oriental plane cuttings were also obtained from the street-trees in Eotorua and elsewhere. These have made remarkable growth during the season, some of them making shoots over 4 ft. in length. Several thousand Conifer cuttings, as well as native plants, were planted under hip-roofed frames, shaded with scrim. These have " struck " exceedingly well, the open, free soil and partial shade evidently supplying the necessary requirements in this direction. About half an acre was prepared and graded to an even slope for the sowing of tree-seeds, which was completed during October. With the exception of Pinus strobus (some of which often lie. dormant for one season), the whole germinated well, and have subsequently made very good growth. A water-supply has been obtained from the local service by connecting therewith 1 in. galvanised piping, and continuing same in two branches through centre of seed-bed ground, with stand-pipes for hose-connection every 100 ft. This provision will enable the work of seed-raising to be carried on without risk of failure during a dry season. The area 'intended for lining-out purposes, exclusive of roads and shelter breaks, is 10-f acres in extent, of a fairly even nature, and with a slight fall to the north. This land has been divided into breaks by 20 ft. roads at 3 chains apart, iri order to facilitate its working by plough and other implements. It was twice ploughed preparatory to being sown down with oats for horse-feed. Some 60 tons of manure was obtained from the Eotorua Town Board's depot and applied to this ground during the spring, and arrangements have now been made to have the depot removed to within the plantation enclosure. Six acres were enclosed by a light fence for horse-paddock, and this area will be surface-sown shortly.

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A tool-shed, 12 ft. by 7ft., and a nurserymen's hut,. 20ft. by 12ft., have been erected during the year. Stable-accommodation, feed-house, and implement-shed are urgently required, as at present we are indebted to Mr. Nelson, of Whakarewarewa, for this convenience. Owing to non-delivery by contractors of small-mesh wire netting to cover the seed-frames, two Maori women were employed for about six weeks (from daylight till dark) to scare small birds, yellow-hammers and native larks being the worst offenders in this respect. Arrangements have now been made for the importation of the necessary netting, so that the birds will be restrained. In addition to nursery work, Mr. Barrett, the nurseryman-in-charge, superintended operations at the Sanatorium grounds and park up to the 21st November, when Mr. J. E. Pearson was appointed to this work. The growing of bedding-out plants for Sanatorium grounds and part of the vegetables for Sanatorium use was also undertaken. Whakarewarewa Plantation Reserve (Area, 817 acres). This land has been enclosed by a substantial post-and-wire fence erected in the centre of a cleared line half a chain in width. The total length of clearing is 319 chains, much of it through very deep gullies and once steep hillsides, thus entailing considerable labour in sledging the fencing material to position, for which purpose tracks through the scrub had to be cut for a distance of a mile and a half. About 30 acres have been cleared of scrub and burnt preparatory to ploughing. Eight acres of this land has been ploughed at date of writing, and the remainder will be gone on with shortly. It is proposed to plant out permanently here several thousand Eucalypti during the coming spring. Fifty chains of old road-line were reopened for the purpose of giving easy access to the adjoining lands, and also to act as fire-breaks later on.

Record of Rainfall and Temperature at State Forest Nursery, Rotorua.

Plantations, etc., in Eotoeua Disteict. Wai-o-tapu Plantation (Area, 18 acres, in three allotments). —The quality of the trees planted here (as in all the other plantations) have been very poor—drawn-up specimens with poor roots, owing to want of frequent transplantation when in nursery rows. This seems to be the chief cause of what failures have occurred. Pinus laricio has suffered most in this respect, and what few have grown are thriving well and making excellent growth. Pinus austriaca has so far outstripped other species in regard to growth and healthy appearance. Larch is also doing well, its growth generally having been very rapid. Abies excelsa, A. menziesii and A. douglasii promise to be a decided success, having made fair growth, and are extremely healthy and vigorous. As the deciduous trees planted (ash, oak, sycamore, and chestnuts) were long spindly specimens, I had them all cut down to ground-level last spring, to induce them to break afresh so as to form a clean stem. This they have done very satisfactorily, and the growth they have made since this operation is beyond all expectations. • Galatea Road Plantations and Grass Paddock (Area, 25 acres, in four allotments). — Pinus austriaca is thriving splendidly even in these very exposed positions, while A. excelsa, A. menziesii, and larch appear to be doing well, especially along the western boundary of one plantation where the manuka scrub is sufficiently high to break the strong winds experienced from that quarter, The deciduous trees present rather a sickly appearance here, being mere whip-like rods with a tuft of foliage at the top. These were not cut down last season similar to the trees in other plantations, as it was thought desirable to see whether they would eventually become healthy and vigorous with topping. However, the excellent growth made by trees when cut down to ground-level suggests the propriety of treating these plantations in a similar manner during the ensuing spring. - It would be desirable to clear the scrub and plough, say, half a chain wide around the fence-lines on these plan-

Month. Rainfall. Number of Days Rain fell. Highest [Reading of Thermometer. I Date Lowest Reading of Thermometer. Date. 1898. Degrees. 60 62 62 60 Degrees. 22 18 23 30 April ... May June July 3-93 in. 6'32in. 3-01 in. 6-52 in. 18 13 7 14 13th 21st 5th and 7th 6th, 13th, and 14th 13th 28th 23rd 24th 31st 19th 18th 1st and 11th 21st August... September October November December 1899. 3-54 in. 1-69 in. 4-56 in. 2-37 in. 5-83 in. 10 11 12 14 13 64 69 73 86 83 26 27 35 41 41 1st 7th 2nd 25th 21st January February March ... 4-27 in. 3-70 in. 2-74 in. 13 8 10 88 84 77 1st 16th 5th 38 34 34 11th 10th 13th Total for the year ... 48-50 in. 143 days.

PLAN OF STATE FOREST NURSERY ROTORUA SHEWING POSITION OF CROPS &c. ON MARCH 1899 STARTED 1 st MARCH 1898

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tations, to prevent damage should fires occur during the dry summer weather. In the grass paddock Chewing's fescue is establishing itself fairly well, and the same may be said of cocksfoot, although this grass seems to suffer through drought. Turakenga Plantation (Area, 15 acres). —All deciduous trees with the exception of larch were cut down during spring, and they have now made excellent fresh growths. Abies douglasii and larch seem to have thriven best in this locality. Pines are making good headway, especially P. austriaca. Mamuka Plantation (Area, 6 acres). —This enclosure was made in the dense bush, and with the exception of a few larches and birch that were exposed to sunlight the remainder are either dead or dying. Whakarewarewa Plantations (Area, 21 acres, in three allotments). —All deciduous trees except larch were cut down to ground-level during spring, with good results. Conifers without exception have done well here, considering the poor quality of trees planted. The whole of these areas were prepared and sown with native tree and shrub seeds during last spring, which have germinated satisfactorily. It is intended to remove all exotic trees from these plantations shortly, and allow the native kinds to form a dense cover in keeping with the natural surroundings. Pathways will afterwards be formed through the plantations to enable visitors to view the many wonders in this valley with comfort and safety. Rangitaiki Experimental Paddock (Area, 50 acres). —The following grasses have done fairly well on this reserve : Prairie grass, Chewing's fescue, Poa pratensis, crested dogstail, white-clover, and tall fescue, the latter making by far the most headway. A mixture of the above grasses was sown during November last, and, in addition, Poa brownii, rat-tail grass, tree-lucerne, Hungarian brome grass, and two varieties of Australian salt-bush plants. Hares are becoming very plentiful in this district, and no doubt it is through their presence that many of the seedling Eucalypti and pines are eaten off as they appear through the ground. Most of the finer-leaved grasses are also eaten down close to the ground, and by this means they are prevented from seeding. The so-called Cape weed has almost taken possession of the once bare patches between the various fodderplants, growing with great luxuriance even in pure pumice. Although this is a bad weed in cultivated ground, one is tempted to welcome it in this arid region where scarcely a morsel of green herbages is visible. An experiment was made by sowing a mixture of grasses on a portion of the plain where the scanty undergowth had recently been burnt off, but as I have not visited the district since the result is not known. Sanatoeium Geounds and Pack, Eotoeua. Since these grounds were placed under the control of the Forest Branch of the Department several necessary improvements have been effected. In the early part of the year 1898 the works were carried out under the supervision of Mr. J. E. Barrett, nurseryman in charge at Whakarewarewa. The dense growth of manuka scrub and fern on either side of the main drives and walks in the park was grubbed up and burnt to a width of half a chain, Many of the trees planted along these walks were being choked by this growth, and, in the event of fire, would have been considerably endangered thereby. The total length of clearing is 274 chains. A number of unsightly trees were removed from conspicuous places in the park grounds, and all walks were kept free of weeds. Immediately inside the Hinemoa Street entrance to the Sanatorium grounds a number of Thuja gigantea, Acacias, and Callitris were removed, and a neat design of grass-plot substituted. The trees on either side of the walk leading from the entrance were trimmed where necessary, and some blue-gum stumps rooted out. The pruning of roses and other flowering-shrubs received attention, and many herbaceous plants were introduced on to the'various flower-borders on the grounds. Thirty yards of good soil were used in top-dressing the tennis-lawn, besides a quantity of grassmanure. The oval grass-plot in front of the Sanatorium building was also top-dressed, and a bed in the centre planted with annuals. Other grass-plots surrounding the building received a liberal supply of fresh soil. Owing to heavy gales threatening to uproot some of the gums alongside the Hinemoa Street fence, it was thought desirable to remove two of these trees, as serious damage would result from their falling into the grounds. In the kitchen-garden a trench 3 ft. deep was cut around most of the enclosure. This was done to sever the surface roots of the Pinus insignis, as they have a very exhausting effect upon the gardens. The whole area was filled with vegetables of various kinds, after having received a dressing of bone-dust. The fruit-trees were pruned and attended to. The fruit-trees and roses in the doctor's garden were also subjected to a vigorous pruning. The trees (Cryptomeria elegans) which form the avenue from Brent's to Eachel Bath were pruned where required, and the round grass-plot in front of bath-building top-dressed and edged off. All grass verges that required edging received attention. Walks were kept free of weeds and decaying leaves, and all unsightly objects removed from flower-borders where possible. The season was favourable to the growth of grass amongst the larger trees in the grounds, so that a deal of scythe-work was necessary to keep it down. A small area behind Blue Bath that contained a number of useless young trees, and which was also overrun with sorrel, was dug over and planted wdth dahlias, chrysanthemums, cosmos, &c. These have made a nice show for some time past. Native plants from Whakarewarewa Nursery were arranged on newly sown grass-plots with good effect. The kitchen-garden was kept stocked with vegetables, and a little time was spent in tidying up the garden about the doctor's house,

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-■' In the park some four miles and a half of drives and walks were kept tidy. The horse-hoe was used on the Queen's Drive and other wide roads, and proved a great saving of labour, as formerly this work was done with dutch hoes and spades. The scrub that had been pulled up for half a chain wide along roadways, was burnt during favourable weather, and the aftergrowth of fern kept down in the most conspicuous places. The cutting of additional tracks at Picnic Point was taken in hand, and good progress made with the work. This is a much-frequented spot by visitors and residents here, and what has been done so far seems to be greatly appreciated. Some distance to the east of this point, and close to the lake-edge, winding pathways 8 ft, wide were cut, and several fine views of the lake made accessible. Up to the present time 18 chains of these paths have been completed. Another pathway was commenced from the termination of present road to Picnic Point, and which is intended to skirt the lake for a distance of 22-J- chains, running eastward. , ; Proposed Improvements. In the Sanatorium grounds there is ample scope for improvement. The manner in which many of the large flowering-shrubs, particularly rhododendrc"" °.re encroaching upon the walks renders their removal to more suitable places a very necessary wc.rk. To keep the walks clear a deal of the growth of these plants has to be cut back annually, thus spoiling to a very great extent their natural symmetry and beauty. Although the trees are large, it is not anticipated that any difficulty will occur in their safe removal to more appropriate positions where they might be utilised to the best advantage. The various flower-beds require rearranging. The bed to the east of the Malfroy geysers, containing roses, bulbs, and herbaceous plants, requires to be made presentable. In the centre of the bed three large rhododendrons could be planted, and thus form a background for roses, dahlias, bulbs, and other herbaceous plants of a suitable character, a number of which are growing in obscure positions about the grounds. Several laurel-bushes growing alongside the plot would be better removed, as they are too large, and spoil the view from the side they occupy. In the large flower-bed to the east of fountain rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, dahlias, herbaceous plants, and bulbs should be removed. This might be done by removing the rhododendrons to the centre. The azaleas could be shifted to where required, and roses, &c, properly arranged, as in the former plot. Other large flower-beds should be treated in a similar manner to the above. A small plot near the Malfroy geysers, with several Acubas growing along the edge, requires a little alteration. Several designs cut in the grass should be sown over, and the Acubas removed to better positions, and a few dwarf-growing ornamental plants properly arranged in other places. The lawn opposite the Blue Bath contains a sulphurous patch which is always devoid of vegetation. This is a suitable place for the introduction of a little rock work. The triangular grassplot on the eastern side of Hospital building should be properly levelled up and sown with grass. Behind the Blue Bath, an area 90 ft. by 90 ft., is an excellent site for the formation of a rosarium. About 60 yards of good soil would be sufficient to renew the grounds, and if the whole area was sown in grass appropriate designs could be prepared for the reception of tea and hybrid perpetual roses. A trellis could be erected along the back of bath-building for the support of climbing varieties, and thus afford a screen to the most unsightly portion of the building. The cost of forming rosarium is estimated at £14 10s., made up as under : 60 yards of soil, £3; labour, £6 ; grass-seed, 10s.; rose-trees, £5. The formation of a bowling-green is another work which it would be advisable to put in hand at an early date. The proposed site for this has an area of 180 ft. by 180 ft., and lies in a hollow to the north-east of tennis-court. The area taken up by the bowling-green proper would be 150 ft. by 150 ft., 30 ft. being devoted to terraces, paths, and border. About 1,000 yards of soil would be required for surface-dressing and raising of border. All large shrubs not required---viz., rhododendrons, &c.—for other borders in grounds could be transferred to bowling-green enclosure. The cost of this work would be £94 10s., made up as under : 1,000 yards of soil, £50; labour, £36 ; grassseed, £4 ; pumice for paths, £4 10s. On the border leading from main entrance to Hospital towards the gardener's cottage a row of bluegums have grown to a size that makes them positively dangerous during a gale, especially if accompanied with rain. In addition to this, they cause a great nuisance by covering the path and tennislawn with dropping leaves, and the impoverishing effect of these trees is well known. The whole of these should be removed. The present paling fence might be removed and a neat wire fence substituted, and Pittosporum or other suitable hedge-plants planted the whole distance, after the border had received a good supply of fresh soil. The pathway running parallel with the border referred to should be dispensed with, and the space filled with suitable trees and shrubs. One of the greatest eyesores within the grounds is the large triangular area to the left of walk leading from Hinemoa Street entrance and alongside the doctor's residence. Some good specimens of a rare Cordyline are growing here, having been planted without the ground being levelled in any way; the grass is growing in scattered clumps, and the whole area is unsightly. It would be advisable to have this place properly top-dressed with good soil. It could then be sown in grass, and would make a nice lawn. The border at southern end of the above could be greatly improved by the removal of four Pinus insignis. It would then be possible with a little top-dressing to get grass to cover the bare surface. The old paling fence at this spot should be removed and a live one substituted. On either side of the avenue leading from Brent's to Eachel Bath the ground is hot, and it would be well to sow on it Indian doub grass for a width of 5 yards. This grass adapts itself well to positions such as these. Surrounding the Eachel Bath cooling-tanks is a very unsightly patch of ground which might be considerably improved if planted with wattles and any native shrubs that would withstand th§ sulphur-fumes ;so far, wattles seem to be the best suited for this purpose. -■ -• ■'■■■~ -

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Another unsightly piece of ground lies on the west of pathway leading from the bath caretaker's (Hall's) cottage to Eachel Spring. This might also be hidden from view (if a quantity of good soil was obtained) and planted with native shrubs. A small triangular plot near Eachel Pool, at present planted with gums, would be much better if entirely devoted to rhododendrons. These shrubs are thoroughly at home in this soil, and make a grand display in early spring. With regard to the park, it is proposed to plant either side of all principal drives and walks with native shrubs and trees. The almost entire absence from the grounds of our indigenous plants is a subject often commented upon by visitors from other countries, to whom the presence of sombre exotic pines and cypressus are of little interest. It would add much to the attractiveness of that part of the park through which tracks have been recently cut if clumps of tree and other ferns were planted. The manukau is sufficiently high to allow of their doing well when once established. The local cricket club propose taking up 5 acres in the triangular block to the north side of Queen's Drive, and converting same into a playing-ground, in which case it will be necessary to form walks leading to the ground. Pukbeoa Hill Ebsbevb. Towards the end of November last a start was made with this work. The cutting of the heavy growth of grass throughout the reserve was first taken in hand. Several tons of hay were saved, and this was carted to the Whakarewarewa Nursery. Along the course of walks intended for formation it was necessary to grub up a deal of manuka scrub ; this was done, and the making of paths and improvement of those already formed commenced. With some of the original walks a slight regrading was necessary in places, the total length of paths formed and improved being 25 chains. The main drive, 20 ft. wide, running from southern entrance in a straight line through playing enclosure and taking a turn outside northern end of same, and continuing along top to opposite Lake Hotel, then branching southwards, has a length of 53 chains. The whole width of drive was ploughed for the removal of soil to where required, and the use of nursery horses and drays were obtained for this purpose. The whole length of the drive will be completed shortly. An average of seven men were kept employed, the total expenditure in labour being £150. Further Improvements on Pukeroa Reserve (proposed). On either side of the main drive it is proposed to plant plane- and birch-trees alternately, at 31 ft. apart, the trees to be high enough in the stem to allow of a clear view being obtained of the surrounding country. The effect of such an avenue as this in a few years would be very fine. The cost of trees for this purpose should not exceed £5. It is also proposed to plant two rows of fast-growing trees on the south and west terraces for shelter purposes. This* would necessitate the removal of those already growing there, as they are unsuitable for the position. On the edge of terrace it is proposed to erect a 3 ft. fence of netting so that sheep might be grazed within the enclosure, and thus save the expense of keeping the ground in playing condition. The Conifers and deciduous trees growing round the playing-ground have been planted much too close, and thinning must be resorted to, and all dwarf-growing Eetinosporas, &c, growing in the back row should be removed to the front. The slopes of the terraces require regrading in several places, and a pathway 6 ft. wide formed on top of terrace at south-western side. The erection of W.C.s should be seen to, in order to abate the present nuisance caused by their absence. The ground around the trig, station is in a very rough state, and here it is proposed to plant clumps of shade trees with high stems, to preserve the present fine view. On the steep face to the east of trig, station is a plantation of Conifers, which present rather a dull appearance. This is an excellent place for planting native shrubs. The trees already on the ground would act as nurses for these until they would be large enough to allow of the removal of most of the Conifers. During the coming winter the playing-ground should receive a thorough top-dressing of good soil and bone-dust. The fence around the reserve should be put in order, and a number of strong garden-seats procured for placing in various parts of the ground. The cost of carrying out the above improvements would be £100. When once the reserve is in thorough order a man might be profitably employed in maintaining same—at least, his time might be employed between this work and the Kiurau Eeserve. The Kiueau Ebsbevb. A contract was let to clear off all dead manuka scrub, the result of a fire the season previous. The progress made with this work has been rather slow. A track 31 chains long was cut along Tarewa East Block boundary-line for the convenience of surveyors. An agreement was entered into with the Native owners of Tarewa East Block for the supply of posts for fencing between the two boundaries, the cost of other material and erection beingsupplied by this department. Tenders will be called for the fencing of the whole block, 114 chains being the total length of fence required. The improvements which it is proposed to carry out in the reserve consist in cutting tracks at an average width of 8 ft. to the numerous places of interest within the enclosure. Owing to the very swampy nature of the whole block it would be advisable to plant clumps of the various varieties of gums, flax, Cordylines, &c, and as many other of our native trees that are likely to establish themselves in ground of this kind. The cost of fencing, track-cutting, and planting would be £138 15s, 15—C. 1,

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Whakaebwaeewa Geysbe Beseeve. This area was placed under Mr. Pearson's charge in December last. A man has been employed for a few days occasionally in tidying up the various walks and roads. It is proposed during the coming season to prepare various spots throughout the ground for planting native shrubs. The exotic trees (principally Conifers) that are already growing in straight rows will be removed to make room for these. The manuka and other native vegetation growing about the grounds will be conserved as far as is possible, and all walks that require re-forming will be attended to. The three plantations of English trees will be gradually removed, and, with this object in view, contracts were let to Maori women in November last to clear off all fern growth. A quantity of native treeseeds were sown broadcast over the ground, and have germinated fairly well. The improvements that are contemplated throughout the geyser area might easily be performed by one man possessing a fair knowledge of plants and garden work. His duties could also comprise the looking after the geysers, springs, &c, and thus save the expense of employing one man for this work alone. A large and varied assortment of native trees, shrubs, and plants have been raised from seed, as well as some hundreds of collected specimens, and they are now in the nursery, preparatory to planting in this valley of natural wonders. In my last report I suggested that this reserve should be kept as far as possible in its natural state, and accordingly preparations have been made to improve it by the addition of the trees, &c, above mentioned. Undoubtedly, this is a place for our native trees and shrubs, which are much neglected in ordinary planting. I feel sure the result would help to teach the lesson that our native trees are as beautiful as those of any other country. Whatever is planted will be grouped or massed in as natural a manner as possible. The erection of unsightly bathing-houses as at present exist should be discontinued, and their place taken by more picturesque structures, in keeping with the natural surroundings. The Steeet Teees op Eotoeua. On examination I found them generally in a thriving condition, but in very many cases the class of trees chosen for this purpose was not of a suitable character, and insufficient attention has been paid to arrangement at the time of planting. The Oriental plane is undoubtedly the finest of all trees that have been used in street-planting here, and it would be well to confine further planting principally to this tree. The avenue in Arawa Street contains some fine specimens of the plane, and these were greatly improved by the vigorous pruning they received during winter by Mr. Barrett. If anything, they have been planted too close, and the individual trees do not show to the best advantage. Several poplars are mixed with the planes in this street, and they would be better removed, as the two do not harmonize well. In the streets more recently planted I found much to complain of. In the first place, various species have been mixed up indiscriminately, and in many instances the trees ruined by having their leading shoots cut out. The practice of arranging avenues with trees of dissimilar habits of growth, as has been done here, results in a very uneven growth of the whole. Much of the labour expended on staking the young trees might have been saved were the trees not so large when planted. It is apparent that when trees 8 ft. or 10 ft. high, with a poorly developed stem, are removed from nursery rows to exposed positions on the streets their chance of obtaining sufficient root-hold without the assistance of stakes to enable them to withstand the strong winds experienced here during summer is very slight, but in planting smaller and better-rooted specimens the results would be entirely different. The height of stem should be determined after the trees are permanently planted, and not before their removal from the nursery. Gums are not suitable for avenue purposes, being of too lofty growth, and their large surface roots are very objectionable on footpaths. Almost the same remarks apply to Pinus insignis. These are also very liable to be blown over in a strong gale. It would be well to dispense with a large number of the more recently planted trees and substitute others of a more suitable character. I have pleasure in expressing my appreciation of the excellent services rendered by Mr. T. E. Pearson, gardener-in-charge, whose skill and ability as a landscape gardener is of a very high order. Centeal Nueseey, Ewbbuen. This year has been an improvement on preceding ones with regard to rainfall and high drying winds. Last year the rainfall only amounted to 9-23 in., and this year it has reached 13-42 in., rain falling during ninety-three days ; and, although not nearly sufficient for the light open nature of the land in this district, much less watering by irrigation has been necessary. The driest month was August, with 044 in., and the wettest February, with 1-98 in. Fuller particulars as to rainfall are given below. Transplanting of one-year-old trees was commenced and completed in August, and retransplanting of two-year-old trees commenced in September, and was completed during the latter part of October. The sowing of seeds was done a month earlier than has hitherto been the custom, with excellent results, and this practice will be continued should the weather prove suitable. It has been found that if the seedlings are above ground early, before the sun has attained its full power, a much less percentage of loss is made by scorching; but, on the other hand, late spring frosts have to be provided against. Two- and three-year-old transplanted trees have made very fair growth, with the exception of those growing in salty patches here and there throughout the nursery. Most of these patches have now been removed and filled up with good soil from the adjoining road-lines. On the portion intended for lining out trees this season a dressing of lime has been applied, at the rate of 2 tons per acre. This land has also been subsoiled by plough to a depth of 16 in. The boundary-hedge of laurel is now making good progress, and will in time prove of great advantage in breaking the high winds so frequent in this district.

PLAN OF STATE FOREST NURSERY EWEBURN

PLAN OF STATE FOREST NURSERY TAPANUI SHEWING POSITION OF CROPS MARCH 31 1899.

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Full details regarding the variety, number, age, height, cost, and value of trees grown are given in the schedules herewith. Pinus austriaca has so far proved the most suitable tree for this climate, although Pinus ponderosa and Pinus benthamiana have also excellent growth, and withstood transplanting well. Larch is very slow for the first two years, but when this species gets above frostlevel it starts away vigorously. The nursery has been laid out in breaks 3 chains in width, with half-chain roads and halfchain belts left for planting as shelter. The whole of the land can thus be wrought by plough and other implements; even in the lining-out of young trees the plough is brought into requisition for turning up a couple of furrows against the trees, which are inserted in lines with ordinary bricklayers' trowels. This system of planting has been found to work admirably, both with regard to cost and the small percentage of loss occasioned by transplanting, as will be seen from the accompanying schedules. There will be 108,000 four-year-old trees ready for permanent planting in 1900, requiring an area of 40 acres. It is usual to transplant trees at three years of age to their permanent quarters, but in this district, with its scanty rainfall and extremely rigorous climate, it has been found more economical to nurse the trees for an extra season, and allow of them becoming sturdy and well rooted, before transferring them to the plantation.

Record of Rainfall and Temperature at Eweburn Nursery.

Tapanui Nuesbey. The past year has been an excellent one for tree-growth at this nursery. The stock consists of 1,822,600 trees, in excellent health, and has made good average growth. The rainfall has amounted to 36-32 in., as against 34-59 for the previous year. The nursery has been laid out in breaks, with a road running through the centre and one at each side parallel to the boundary-fence, in order to facilitate-working and planting the land with the aid of the plough and other implements. All uneven portions have been made up to an even grade with soil removed from road-lines. A hedge of Pittosporum tenuifolium has been planted around the entire boundary at 2 ft. apart. The whole of the nursery enclosure has been subsoiled by plough to a depth of 16 in. Seedsowing was completed early in September, every variety sown having germinated satisfactorily. The application of 2 tons of lime per acre during spring has had a beneficial effect in the appearance and health of the young trees. In order to cultivate the land intended for sowing next season's tree-seeds, about an acre has been cropped with carrots, turnips, and potatoes. Some 7 acres of land intended for lining out trees this season have also been cropped with oats for " chaffing," from which about 24 tons has been safely harvested. Portion of this will be sent to Eweburn and Eotorua Nurseries. Two hundred and fourteen thousand trees were transplanted from the seed-beds into nursery lines during August and September, with a very small percentage of loss. This year it is intended to transplant about a million trees, one- and two-year old. Twenty-one thousand four-year-old trees (purchased in 1897) will be transferred to Dusky Plantation Eeserve during the coming spring. Considerable expense has been necessary in covering the whole of the seed-frames with small-mesh wire netting to prevent the ravages of small birds. A substantial outbuilding was completed towards the end of December in a very satisfactory manner. The outside measurement of the building is 54 ft. by 20 ft., and included under one roof are six apartments. The main building contains men's quarters, 18ft. by 18ft., fitted with bunks, cupboards, and presses; also brick chimney and colonial oven. The cart-, van-, and implement-shed is 18ft. by lift., with concrete floor instead of timber, as in the other apartments. One side is fitted with chaff-, bran-, and oatbins, and seed-press, with spout from loft to bins. The last division is for the stable, the measurement being 18 ft. by 15 ft.

Month. EainfaU. Number of Days Eain fell. i Highest Reading of Thermometer. Date. Lowest Reading o1 Thermometer. Date. 1898. April ... May June July August ... September October November December 0-89 in. 0-96 in. 0-54 in. 0-89 in. 0'44 in. 1-64 in. 1-15 in. 0-84 in. 1-36 in. 6 8 5 9 3 8 8 10 13 Degrees. 64 66 60 52 58 71 70 81 82 13th lat 16th 5th 28th 28th 28th 30th 29th Degrees. 21 24 16 14 19 24 23 24 30 3rd 23rd 11th 25th 24th 7th 5th 15th 24th 1899. 1-34 in. 1-98 in. 1-39 in. 8 7 8 88 84 78 5th 19th 10th 27 30 18 20th 28th 13th January February March ... Total for the year ... 13-42 in. 93 days.

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Record of Rainfall and Temperature at Tapanui Nursery.

Dusky Plantation Ebseeve. This reserve is situated near Tapanui, and contains 845 acres. One man has been partially employed on the reserve during the year in draining, clearing scrub and fern, rabbiting, and preparing holes for tree-planting. During the coming spring 21,600 four-year-old trees will be transferred to this plantation. Unfortunately, a surveyed road-line runs through this property, and, although it does not give access to any lands, the public make use of the road, and the gate is continually left open and allows rabbits and stock to enter the enclosure. The entrance-gate was kept locked for some time, but the chain and padlock have been repeatedly torn off. Suevey Paddock Plantation Eeseevb, Naseby. This reserve, of 75 acres, has been leased for turnip-cropping for two seasons. No planting will be undertaken here until next year, for reasons given in Eweburn Nursery report. Seawaed Bush Plantation Eesbeve. in July, 1896, 7,400 trees were planted, consisting of ash, oak, chestnut, larch, Austrian pine, Oregon pine, Menzies spruce, larch, and totara. They were put out at 6 ft. apart, equal to 1,200 trees per acre, and occupying a little over 6 acres. The trees, especially oak, ash, and chestnuts, were too large and stunted in growth to make good specimens. Those mentioned have made rather poor growth, but the remainder have done fairly well, Babbits were severe on the ash, larch, and chestnuts for the first year, but these pests have now been exterminated. Sixty-one acres have this season been felled ready for burning, at a cost of £71 12s. 9d. There is about 10 acres or more at the southern end, which was felled in 1896, that might be planted during the coining spring with sycamore, at 8 ft. apart, and during the following year filled up with ash to 4 ft. Sycamore would be the permanent crop, and as the ash began to interfere with the sycamore they could be thinned out and sold for wheelwright's work. The ash, oak, and chestnuts should be cut down to ground-level after the heaviest frosts are over, and allow one good clean shoot to start from the base. Excellent results have followed by adopting this system in Eotorua district, where similar gnarled and crooked trees have been renovated into fresh healthy saplings during the first season's growth. A small hut for keeping tools and accommodating a couple of workmen would be a great acquisition on the reserve. Statement of Expenses incurred in respect of Tapanui and Eweburn Nuesebibs, also Dusky Hill and Naseby Suevey Paddock Plantations, since inception in May, 1897, to March, 1899.* £ s, d. Tapanui ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,199 18 11 Eweburn ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,268 7 2 Dusky Hill ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,022 13 4 Naseby Survey Paddock ... ... ... ... ... 150 15 11 Total £5,641 15 4

Statement of Values of Teees, Shbubs, Nueseey-buildings, Impeovements, Implements, &c. (exclusive of Value of Land).T Botorua Nurserv — £ s. d. £ s. d. Trees: Schedule A ... £684 7 0 B ... 361 12 4 1,045 19 4 Buildings ... ... 81 17 0 Drainage, &c. ... ... ... , ... 56 0 0 Fencing ... ... 73 15 0 Seed-frames ... ... 93 0 6 Water-supply ... ... 107 9 0 Tools, drays, horses, &c. ... ... 214 15 2 Horse-feed ... . . ... ... 50 5 0 1,723 1 0

* Eweburn Nursery and Survey Paddook were started in September, 1896, and Tapanui Nursery and Dusky Hill in May, 1897. t For details, see Schedules A to H, attached.

Month. Rainfall. Number of Days Rain fell. Highest Reading of Thermometer. Date. Lowest Reading of Thermometer. Date. 1898. Degrees. Degrees. 29 26 22 22 24 26 28 28 34 April May June July August ... September October November December 2-22 in. 2-65 in. 1-61 in. 5-25 in. 1-50 in. 2-64 in. 4-20 in. 389 in. 341 in. 12 20 13 21 10 12 18 18 16 80 68 60 52 62 70 72 86 90 4th 1st 16th 7th 28th 29th 25th 29th 7th 18th 19th 11th 31st 8th 17th 5th 15th 6th 1899. 3'08in. 3-49 in. 2'38 in. 14 7 9 86 84 86 12th 19th 17th 34 34 34 9fch 25th 13th January February March ... Total for the year ... 36-32 in. 170days.

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Statement of Values of Teees, Sheubs, <fee.— continued. Whakarewarewa Eeserve— £ s. d. £ s. d. Value of fencing, roading, clearing, &c. ... ... 297 17 10 Eweburn Nursery — Trees: Schedule C ... £425 18 9 D ... 433 16 3 E ... 212 0 9 1,071 15 9 Building ... ... 218 3 11 Water-supply ... ... 201 8 7 Fencing ... ... 211 19 0 Seed-frames ... ... 207 16 8 Tools, &c. ... ... 227 18 3 2,139 2 2 Tapanui Nursery— Trees: Schedule F ... £1,017 0 9 G ... 537 9 9 H ... 56 0 0 1,610 10 6 Building ... ... 312 17 5 Drainage ... ... 116 7 9 Fencing ... ... 204 13 4 Seed-frames ... ... 217 1 7 Tools, &c. ... ... 137 11 6 Stock-trees ... ... ... ... 626 Horse-feed, &0.... ... 99 8 6 2,704 13 1 Dusky Hill Plantation— Building ... ... ... ... 25 0 0 Fencing ... .. ... ... 269 10 10 Eoading, drainage, clearing and rabbiting... 652 10 6 Tools, &c 25 18 2 972 19 6 Naseby Survey Paddock Plantation— Fencing ... ... ... ... ... 145 1 9 Total ... ... ... ... £7,982 15 4 SUMMAEY. Total value of trees at 31st March, 1899— Eotorua Nursery ... ... ... ... 1,045 19 4 Eweburn „ ... ... ... ... 1,071 15 9 Tapanui „ ... ... ... ... 1,610 10 6 £3,728 5 7 Total number of trees, &c, at 31st March, 1899— Eotorua Nursery ..; ... ... ... ... 1,119,260 Eweburn „ ... ... ... 793,200 Tapanui „ ... ... ... ... ... 1,822,600 Total ... ... ... ... ... £3,735,060

Timber Industry in New Zealand. The following figures show approximately the extent of the timber industry:—

Distriot. Number of Sawmills. Approximate Output. Auckland Hawke's Bay Tajanaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland* Canterbury Otago Southland I 82 12 23 64 42 7 25 22 19 42 Sup. ft. 108,700,000 10,000,000 13,200,000 34,600,000 12,000,000 3,700,000 2,900,000 3,700,000 6,100,000 35,000,000 Totals ... 288 229,900,000 * See further particulars on page 19. f See further pi .rtieulars o: page 32.

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Schedule A.—One-year-old Trees.— Details of Forest-trees grown at Rotorua Nursery, 1898-99. (First Crop.)

Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Estimated Number | in Seed-beds. Average Height in Inches. Amount of Seed sown. Date of Sowing. Value Total When fit per Estimated for Thousand. Value. Transplanting When fit for Permanent Planting. Eemarks. Abies exoelsa Abies menzieaii Abies douglassi Larix europa Pinus insignia Pinus austriaoa Pinus benthamiana .. Pinus ponderosa Pinus laricio Pinus strobus Pinus abies Sequoia sempervirens Eucalypti (7 species).. Betula alba Ulmus campestris Acer pseudo-platanus Grevillea robusta Quercus pedunculata Juglans regia Spruce fir Menzies's spruce .. Oregon pine Larch Remarkable pine.. Austrian pine Bentham's pine .. Yellow pine ■ .. Corsican pine Weymouth pine .. Silver-fir Redwood Gums Birch Elm Sycamore Silky oak English oak Walnut Europe America .. Tyrol America Europe America .. Corsica America .. Europe America Australia .. Europe 40,000 50,000 88,000 250,000 500 86,000 4,000 20,000 32,000 6,750 1,000 15,00o 170,000 95,000 400 26,000 500 500 2,800 2 3 3 2 2 4 3 2 12 12 2 12 12 Lb. oz. 4 0 4 0 5 0 30 0 2 0 10 0 2 0 4 0 7 0 2 8 7 0 5 0 7 0 10 0 Cuttings 40 0 0 4 20 0 56 0 Oct., 1898 Nov.,"l898 Oct.,"l898 £ s. a. 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 2 0 0 0 10 0 0 15 0 15 0 0 10 0 5 0 0 0 15 0 2 0 0 £ s. d. 30 0 0 50 0 0 88 0 0 187 10 0 0 7 6 64 10 0 4 0 0 20 0 0 24 0 0 6 15 0 10 0 30 0 0 85 0 0 71 5 0 0 10 0 13 0 0 2 10 0 0 7 6 5 12 0 April, 1900 April" 1899 April,' 1900 April, 1902 April, 1901-02 April, 1900 April, 1901 April" 1902 I Growth very slow during first season. t Very fair growth. Badly attacked by mice. [■ Germination and growth first class. Large proportion still to germinate. April," 1899 Sept., 1899 April, 1901-02 April, 1901 I Germinated well. I Good growth. Dec.Jl898 Sept., 1898 April, 1900 April, 1899 Australia .. Europe Persia Nov.," 1898 Sept., 1898 Sept.," 1899 April, 1899 April, 1902 April, 1900 April, 1901 Germinated well. Good growth. Poor germination. 888,450 215 12 1 3 8} (average) 684 7 0

Schedule B.—Ornamental Trees and Shrubs grown at Rotorua Nursery, 1898-99. (First Crop.)

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Name. Common Name. Habitat. beed. Collected. Number obtained Gratis. Number Purchased. Total Number. Value. Total Value. Remarks. Arbutus unedo Bambusa gracilis Bambuaa variegata Bignonia radicaus Platanus orientalis Eetinospera plunosa Setinospera squarrosa Retinospera ericoides Cryptomeria elegans Gynerium argentium Castenea vesca Cerasus lauris-cerasus Cerasus luoitanioa Cytisus laburnum Cupressus lawsoniana Eloegnus japonica Phormium variegata Flaximus excelsior Juglans cinerea Rosa hybrida Yucca glorisea Hydrangea borfcensis Dantizia scabra Vilburnium opulus Philadelphus coronarius Euonymus japonieus Eugema ugni Cotomaster microphylla Chamacropo excelsa Berluris vulgaris Cordyline australis Cordyline hookerii Olianthua puniceus Sophora titraptera Pbyllocladus trichomanoides Senecio (in variety) Olearia (in variety) Veronica (in variety) Dacrydium cupressinum Hoheria populuea Alectryon excelsium Dianella intermedia Corynocarpus Icevigata Coprosma robusta Grisclina littoralio Knightia excelsa Clematis (in variety) Gaultheria (in variety) Podocarpus dacrydioides .. Various native plants Herbaceous plants Bulbs, tubers, &o... Strawberry-tree Bamboo Bamboo Trumpet-flower Plane-tree Feathery cypress .. Squarrose cypress .. Heath -like cypress Elegant cedar Pampas grass Spanish chestnut .. Laurel Portugal laurel Laburnum Lawson's cypress .. Oleaster New Zealand flax .. Ash Butternut Hybrid roses Adam's needle Hydrangea Rough dentizia Guelder rose Mock orange Spindle-tree Chilian guava Rose-box Tall fan-palm Barberry Cabbage-tree Toi Kaka-beak Kowhai Celery pine Tree-groundsel Daisy-tree Speedwell Rimu Ribbon- wood Titoki Flax-lily .. Karaka Karaum Broadleaf Rewarewa Virgin's bower Snow-berry Kahikatea Europe India America Levant Japan South America Europe Levant Portugal Europe America Japan New Zealand Europe America Garden origin America Japan Europe Japan Chili Nepaul China Europe 200 1,200 3,600 175 10,000 600 350 900 425 82 •" 275 100 84 56 220 25 250 80 25 130 90 130 125 350 175 8 25 100 200 130 90 130 10,000 600 350 900 425 125 82 1,900 1,200 350 3,600 275 200 100 175 100 8 84 56 220 25 250 80 25 612 125,000 45,000 20,000 300 120 6 47 2,700 350 18 115 30 10 8,250 375 140 290 400 50 238 204 s. d. 20 0 per 100 0 6 each 0 6 . 0 6 „ 15 0 per 100 30 0 , 30 0 . 20 0 » 30 0 „ 0 6 each 0 3 „ 7 6 per 100 10 0 . 5 0 . 3 0 „ 20 0 . 0 6 each 140 0 per 100 20 0 , 150 0 „ ! 1 0 each 0 6 . 0 6, 0 3 , 0 6 . 0 3 . 0 6 , 0 9 , 0 3 . 5 0 per 1,000 10 0 30 0 „ 0 6 each 20 0 per 100 1 0 each 0 8 „ 5 0 per 100 0 6 each 0 6 . 0 3 , 0 6,, 0 9 „ 5 0 per 100 0 3 each 0 4 , 0 4 , 0 6 „ 1 0 . 0 4 „ 0 9 . £ s. d. 2 0 0 3 5 0 2 5 0 3 5 0 75 0 0 9 0 0 5 5 0 9 0 0 6 7 6 3 2 6 10 6 7 2 6 6 0 0 0 17 6 5 8 0 2 15 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 1 15 0 2 10 0 0 8 0 2 2 0 18 0 2 15 0 0 12 6 3 2 6 2 0 0 0 18 9 7 13 0 31 5 0 22 10 0 30 0 0 7 10 0 14 0 0 6 0 1 11 4 6 15 0 8 15 0 0 9 0 18 9 0 15 0 0 7 6 20 12 6 4 13 9 2 6 8 4 16 8 10 0 0 2 10 0 3 19 4 7 13 0 Principally for street-planting. • Tall stems for grafting with weeping variety. 612 125,000 45,000 20,000 300 120 •• For hedge purposes. New Zealand I I - 6 12 35 75 170 2,625 180 "ioo 18 30 is 8 1130 io 120 60 375 140 230 400 50 238 •• - 204 •• •• 4,875 4 1875 7 6 per 100 18 5 7 208,952 15,185 361 12 4 5,919 754 230,810

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Note.—The climate in Maniototo district, being excessively arid and subject to high drying winds, necessitates double transplantation (the first time close in beds, and the second time into nursery rows), so as to insure the production of fibrous roots.

Schedule C.—One-year-old Trees.— Details of Forest-trees grown at Eweburn, Naseby, 1896-97, 1897-98, and 1898-99.

Name of Tree. Common Names. Habitat. Estimated Size Amount Date Number in of of in Seed-beds. Inches. Seed sown. Sowing. Value Total When fit \ When fit for per Estimated for : Permanent Thousand. Value. Transplanting Planting. Eemarks. Piest Geop—1896-97. Pinus austriaca Pinus larioio Pinus ponderosa Abies douglassi Abies exeelsa Larix europa Cytisus laburnum Austrian pine Corsioan pine Yellow pine Oregon pine Spruce fir Larch Laburnum Europe Corsica America 50,000 40,000 100 1,000 7,000 5,000 7,000 2 1 1 1 1 1 6 Lb. 14 18 1 4 7 21 5 Nov., 1896 m £ s. d. 10 0 10 0 15 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 0 15 0 £ s. d. 50 0 0 40 0 0 0 2 6 15 0 7 0 0 5 0 0 5 5 0 Aug., 1897 Aug.," 1898 Aug., 1900 n As these seeds were sown within one month after commencing operations at Eweburn, and before the land had time to sweeten by exposure to weather, the crop is not so strong or as healthy as might otherwise be expected. Europe Tyrol Europe 110,100 70 1 0 8j (average) 108 12 6 Second Crop—1897-98. Pinus austriaca Pinus laricio Pinus ponderosa Pinus benthamiana .. Pinus strobus Pinus insignis Abies douglassi Larix europa * Austrian pine Corsican pine Yellow pine Bentham's pine .. Weymouth pine .. Remarkable pine.. Oregon pine Larch Europe Corsica America 100,000 70,000 20,000 3,500 Nil 7,500 2,500 100,000 303,500 2 1 8 2 Lb. 14 14 5 5 5 4 7 32 Nov., 1897 £ s. d. 10 0 10 0 15 0 15 0 £ s. d. 100 0 0 70 0 0 25 0 0 4 7 6 Aug., 1898 * Aug., 1901 J Notwithstanding the excessively dry seafson, these have made good steady growth. Did not germinate until following spring. Grown for shelter purposes. \ Pair growth only. Tyrol 4 1 1 10 0 15 0 10 0 7 10 0 3 2 6 100 0 0 Aug.," 1899 86 1 2 If (average) 310 0 0 Thibd bop—189819. Pinus austriaca Pinus larioio Pinus strobus Pinus ponderosa Pinus benthamiana .. Abies douglassi Larix europa * Sorbus aucuparia Austrian pine Corsican pine Weymouth pine .. Yellow pine Bentham's pine .. Oregon pine Larch Mountain ash Europe Corsica America 72,500 45,500 68,000 51,000 4,750 50,000 82,000 7,000 ■2 1 1 1 3 1 1 4 Lb. 10 7 5 5 5 32 28 Sept., 1898 £ a. d. 10 0 10 0 15 0 15 0 15 0 15 0 10 0 15 0 £ s. d. 72 10 0 45 10 0 85 0 0 63 15 0 5 18 9 62 10 0 82 0 0 8 15 0 Aug., 1899 Aug., 1902 This crop is by far the best raised here, the two previous seasons having been extremely dry. Tyrol Europe Aug., 1900 Aug., 1899 I i 380,750 94J i 1 3 1} (average) i I 425 18 9 * This species, being of slow growth in early stages, is not fit for transplanting from seed-bedt until the second year.

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Schedule D.—Two-year-old Trees.— Details of Trees grown at Eweburn Nursery, 1897-98 and 1898-99

Area expected to be planted in 1900 with above at 4 ft. apart, 40 acres. Note.—The climate o{ Maniototo district, being excessively arid and subject to; high drying winds, necessitates double transplantation (the first time close in beds, and the second time into nursery rows), so as to insure the production of fibrous roots. j j

Schedule E.—Three-year-old Trees.— Details of Trees grown at Eweburn Nursery, 1898-99. (First Crop.)

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Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Estimated Actual Number in Percentage Height When fit for Estimated Value Total r.™rim o viov'o Number Nursery of Loss in in Permanent Number still per Estimated Seed b ds Transplanted. Lines. Transplanting Inches. Planting. in Seed-beds. Thousand. Value. Remarks. First C: ,op—1897-98. Pinus austriaca Pinus laricio Pinus ponderosa .. Abies douglassi Abies excelsa* Larix europa* Cytisus laburnum .. Austrian pine Corsioan pine Yellow pine Oregon pine Spruce fir Larch .. Laburnum Europe Corsica America 50,000 40,000 100 1,000 7,000 5,000 7,000 52,000 37,000 105 750 51,500 36,750 100 700 0-009 0-007 005 0066 3 2 ■2 2 2 9 Aug., 1900 £ s. d. & s. d. 1 10 0 J 77 5 0 1 10 0 i 55 2 6 1 15 0 ! 0 3 6 1 15 0 14 6 15 0 10 0 0 15 0 6 5 0 15 0 8 12 6 Europe Tyrol' Europe 8,000 5,000 7,000 6,900 0 014 110,100 96,855 95,950 13,000 1 9 3$ ! 158 13 0 (average) Second Ieop—1898-9! Aug., 1901 £ s. d. J£ a. d. 1 10 0 157 17 6 1 10 0 109 17 6 1 15 0 32 16 3 1 15 0 5 19 0 1 10 0 10 17 6 1 15 0 3 18 9 15 0 112 10 0 Pinus austriaca Pinus larioio Pinus ponderosa .. Pinus benthamiana Pinus insignis Abiea douglassi Larix europa* Austrian pine Corsioan pine Yellow pine Bentham's pine.. Remarkable pine Oregon pine Larch .. Europe Corsica America 100,000 70,000 20,000 3,500 7,500 2,500 100,000 105,750 74,000 19,500 3,500 8,000 2,550 105,250 73,250 18,750 3,400 7,250 2,250 0-046 001 004 0-03 0-093 0014 3 2 4 3 6 2 [Very healthy, and well rooted. Grown for shelter purposes. I Rather poor growth. Tyrol "„ 90,000 90,000 303,500 213,300 210,150 1 11 5} 433 16 6 (average) j * This species, being of slow growth in early stages, is not fit for transplanting from seed-beds until the second year. Area expected to be planted in 1901 with above at 4 ft. apart, 101 acres.

Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Number in Nursery since last Year. Number Once Transplanted. Number Number Twice in Transplanted. Nursery Bows. Percentage ! of Loss in Transplanting Height When fit for in Permanent Inches. Planting. Value per Thousand. Total Estimated Value. Eemarks. •? Pinus austriac a Pinus laricio Pinus ponderosa Abies douglassi Abies excelsa Larix europa Cytisus laburnum .. Austrian pine Corsioan pine Yellow pine Oregon pine Spruce fir Larch .. Laburnum Europe Corsica America 51,500 36,750 100 700 8,000 5,000 6,900 ■• 51,500 36,700 100 700 51,500 36,600 100 700 7,800 4,850 6,800 0-27 4 3 3 3 4 4 18 Aug., 1900 £ s. a. 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 0 2 5 0 1 15 0 1 15 0 1 15 0 £ s. d. 103 0 0 73 4 0 0 4 6 1 11 6 13 13 0 8 9 9 11 18 0 Europe Tyrol Europe 8,000 5,000 6,850 0-25 0-03 0.21 108,950 13,000 95,850 108,350 1 19 3J (average) 212 0 9

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Schedule F.—One-year-old Trees.— Details of Forest-trees grown at Tapanui Nursery, 1897-98 and 1898-99.

Second Crop—1898-99.

Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Estimated Average Amount Number Height in of in Seed-beds. IncheB. Seed sown. Date of Sowing. Value Total When fit for When fit for per Estimated Trans- Permanent Thousand. Value. planting. Planting. Bemarks. First Irop—1897-i <Juercus pedunoulata.. Fraxinus excelsior Acer pseudo-platanus Juglans regia Populus monilifera .. Sophora tetraptera .. Larix europa Abies exoelsa Abiea menzeisii Larix leptolepia Pinus austriaca Pinus larieio Pinua maritima Oordyline australis .. English oak English ash Sycamore Walnut Black Italian poplar Kowhai Larch Europe # • • Persia Europe New Zealand Tyrol 80,000 3,000 15,000 1,000 2,000 2,000 20,000 6 6 6 6 12 3 1 Lb. oz. 1,238 0 40 0 92 0 112 0 Cuttings 96 0 60 0 Sept., 1897 £ s. d. 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 10 0 2 0 0 0 15 0 2 0 0 0 15 0 £ s. d. 60 0 0 April, 1898 2 5 0 7 10 0 2 0 0 1 10 0 4 0 0 April, 1899 15 0 0 April, 1900 * * it Nov." 1897 April, 1900, 1901, 1902 Ditto Usually of uneven growth, probably only one-half each year. Will be ready for 1900 and 1901 planting. Spruce fir Menzies's spruce .. Japanese larch Austrian pine Corsican pine Cluster pine Cabbage-tree Europe America .. Japan Europe Corsica Europe New Zealand 230,000 1,500 2,000 80,000 10,000 10,000 200 1 1 1 2 9 28 0 5 0 0J 0 14 0 14 0 7 0 0 1 j> 0 15 0 10 0 1 10 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 10 0 172 10 0; Sept., 1899 110 0; 3 0 0 60 0 0! Sept., 1898 7 10 0; 7 10 0 0 4 0J 344 9 oj April, 1900 Transplants badly. For Seaward Bush Plantation. Grown for ornamental planting. 456,700 10 0 (average)

■Quercua pedunculata.. Fraxinus excelsior Acer pseudo-platanus Juglans regia .. Ulmus campestrio Betula alba .. Corylus (species) Larix europa Abies excelsa Abies douglassi Abies menzeisii Pinus abies Pinus austriaca Pinus caricio Pinus maritima Pinus strobus Pinus ponderosa Pinus benthamiana .. Cordyline australis .. Pittosporum tenui5 folium Pittosporum engeniodes Pittosporum ralphi .. Greselinia littoralis .. English oak English ash Sycamore Walnut English elm English birch Europe Persia Europe 68,500 537,000 142,500 2,000 1,400 10,000 8 5 9 9 6 2 Lb. oz. 1,000 0 588 0 300 0 105 0 20 0 10 0 £ s. d. June, 1898 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 10 0 July, 1898 - 2 0 0 Sept., 1898 115 0 ! 0 15 0 £ s. d.j 51 7 6i 402 15 o! 71 5 0| 4 0 0 1 15 0 7 10 0 April, 1899 April, 1901 April, 1901-2 ApriC 1901 Probably half in eaoh year. # - • April" 1900 Grown for planting on boundaries oi plantations. Probably half in each year. Cob. hazel and filberts Larch Spruce Oregon pine Menzies's spruce .. Silver fir Austrian pine Corsican pine Cluster pine Weymouth pine .. Yellow pine Bentham's pine .. Cabbage-tree Black mapau • • • 1,000 6 78 0 I 1 10 0 1 10 0 Tyrol Europe America .. 72,000 150,000 61,500 25,250 1,000 128,000 19,750 49,000 8,250 47,000 3,250 5,000 6,000 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 6 3 40 0 14 0 5 0 4 0 7 0 14 0 8 0 14 0 5 0 4} 0 2J 0 10 0 12 0 ! 0 15 0 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 54 0 Oi 112 10 0 61 10 0 25 5 0 10 0 96 0 0 14 16 3 36 15 0 8 5 0 47 0 0 3 5 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 Sept., 1900 Sept., 1901-2 Sept., 1901 Sept., 1901-2 Sept., 1902 Sept., 1901 Sept., 1899 Sept., 1900 Very slow growth in early stages. Europe Sept." 1899 Corsica Europe America Sept." 1900 Sept., 1899 1 Sept.'l901-2 Sept., 1901 } These are grown for hedges and ornamental planting. New Zealand Sept.! 1900 Sept., 1899 Sept.,"l901-2 White mapau Ralph's pittosporum Broadleaf 5,000 200 200 3 2 2 9 0 1 0 1 0 10 0 1 10 0 1 10 0 5 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 * Sept." 1900 . . 1,343,800 1,017 0 9 1 0 2J (average)

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Schedule H.—Four-year-old Trees.— Details of Forest-trees purchased in 1897 for Tapanui Nursery.

Schedule G.—Two-year-old Trees.— Details of Trees growing at Tapanui Nursery, 1898-99. (First Crop.)

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Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Estimated Number in previous Year's Seed-beds. Actual Number Transplanted. Number in Nursery Lines. Per Cent. of Loss in Transplanting. Height in Inches. When fit lor Permanent Planting. Estimated Number still in Seed-beds. Value per Thousand. Total Estimated Value. Remarks. Querous pedunculata.. Fraxinus excelsior Acer pseudo-platanus Juglans regia Popolus monilifera .. Sophora tetraptera .. English oak English ash Sycamore Walnut Black Italian poplar Kowhai Europe Persia Europe New Zealand 80,500 3,000 15,000 1,000 2,000 2,000 83,650 3,000 14,200 1,050 2,000 2,175 83,500 3,000 14,100 1,050 2,000 2,100 •0018 Nil •006 Nil Nil •9 9 9 9 9 18 6 April, 1900 .. •• & s. a. 15 0 15 0 10 0 2 10 0 15 0 2 10 0 £ s. d. 104 7 6 3 15 0 14 2 0 2 12 6 2 10 0 5 5 0 it • • Larix europa* Abies excelsa* Abies menzeisii* Larix lepfcolepis Pinus austriaca Pinus larioio Pinus maritima Cordyline australis .. Larch Spruce fir Menzies's spruce .. Japanese larch Austrian pine Corsican pine Cluster pine Cabbage-tree Tyrol Europe America Japan Europe Corsica Europe New Zealand 20,000 230,000 1,500 2,000 80,000 10,000 10,000 200 3 3 2 2 4 4 5 18 April, 1901-02 Sept., 1901-02 March, 1900 15,050 252,100 1,300 2,000 10 0 10 0 15 0 1 15 0 15 0 15 0 15 0 1 10 0 15 1 0 252 2 0 1 12 6 3 10 0 104 12 6 12 16 3 14 17 6 0 6 0 Being tried as an experiment foi planting on river-flats. ■• 84,700 11,500 12,000 200 83,700 10,250 11,900 200 •01 •02 •08 Nil Made splendid growth so far. For Seaward Bush plantations. Ornamental planting. I I 211,800 270,450 1 8 5j (average) 537 9 9 457, 200 214 j475 * These species, being ol slow growth in early stages, are not fit (or transplanting from seed-beds until the second year. Area expected to be planted in 1901-02 at 4 ft. apart, 84 acres.

Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Number. Cost per Thousand. Total Cost. Present Value per Thousand. Present Value. When fit for Permanent Planting. Remarks. Quercus pedunculata .. Flaxinus excelsior Flaxinus alba Acer pseuclo-platanus .. Juglans regia Larix europa Abies exoelsa Abies douglassi Pinus austriaea Abies alba English oak English ash American ash Sycamore Walnut .. Larch Spruce fir Oregon pine Austrian pine White spruce Europe Europe America Europe Persia Tyrol Europe America Europe Europe 2,800 6,600 1,200 2,000 1,500 1,600 3,000 1,000 1,000 900 £ s. d. 1 10 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 10 0 5 0 0 3 10 0 1 10 0 2 10 0 1 10 0 2 0 0 £ s. d. 4 4 0 13 4 0 2 8 0 2 0 0 7 10 0 5 12 0 4 10 0 2 10 0 1 10 0 1 16 0 £ s. d. 2 0 0 2 10 0 2 10 0 1 10 0 5 10 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 10 0 £ s. d. 5 12 0 16 10 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 8 5 0 6 8 0 6 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 0 April, 1899 \ All these trees have done well, and will be transferred ti Dusky Plantation this season. 21,600 2 5 0 (average) 45 4 0 2 15 0 average) 56 0 0

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APPENDIX No. 7.

RBPOET ON THBEMAL SPRINGS.

ROTORUA. Tlie works carried out in the Rotorua district during the year ending the 31st March last were as follow : — The Baths. Blue Bath. In addition to general maintenance, new concrete floors have been laid to the closets, urinals, and approaches to the shower-baths. A length of 85 ft. of -Jin. piping has been laid on to the urinals for flushing. A rubbie wall, with inlet- and outlet-pipes, has been built round the ejector used for emptying the bath. The present mode of emptying this bath is to get rid of about half its contents by gravitation and the remainder by means of an ejector. The practise is to empty the bath on Sunday afternoons, refilling it during the night for Monday morning; but, as a rule, on Monday morning it is not filled to within a foot of its usual level. There is sufficient fall from the bottom of the bath to the lake to empty the whole bath by gravitation in half an hour, and I think that provision should be made to enable this to be done. The Rachel, Priest, and Pavilion Baths. Including the Rachel, Priest, and Ladies' Swimming-bath; besides general maintenance of these baths, the showers attached to the public Rachel and Priest baths have all been repaired and lined with zinc. The old private Rachel baths and rooms, eight in number, have been painted, and eight new private baths have been built of concrete, with the necessary drainage, overflow, and hot- and cold-water supply pipes. The number of baths was not sufficient, but the new ones now meet the increased demand. An extra length of 220 ft. of 2 in. piping has been laid, completing the circulation of the hot Rachel water, and this has improved the supply of hot water for the douches, which before was very irregular and uncertain in temperature. The Rachel Pool has been enclosed by a neat fence, which makes it safer, and adds to the appearance of the grounds. As the old 4 in. service-pipe from the spring to the coolers and baths was badly corroded and not lcjw enough in the spring, a new line of 6 in. cast-iron socket-pipes, 400 ft. in length, was laid at a lower level, insuring a constant and greater supply of water. 275 ft. of timber outlet-drains, with valves, have been fixed to the ladies' and gentlemen's Priest baths. The level of these baths is always a few inches above that of the lake. I have therefore, by means of these drains, been able to keep a constant supply of fresh Priest water running into the baths, and much improved them in appearance, comfort, and curative power. In addition, the baths have been deepened 14 in., and much improved thereby, there now being 24 in. of water in them. In addition to the above, the Pavilion Bath building has been generally maintained. The Postmaster Bath. This has been maintained, and 30 ft. of 4 in. earthenware pipes laid in concrete to augment the supply of hot water from the Matuatanga Springs for the douches. Spout Bath and Geysers, Whakarewarewa. The Spout Bath has been attended to by the caretaker. This bath is more used each year The present bath-house is quite inadequate to requirements ; a new one should be built before next season. The caretaker has also watched the geysers, with a view to putting a stop to the practice of tourists and others placing soap in them, in order to render them more active. 113 chains of 16 ft. road and 74 chains of 8 ft. paths has been maintained. 12 ft. of retainingwall has been built. Two rooms have been added to the caretaker's cottage, which has also been fenced in. General. The number of baths taken during the year at all baths is 48,868, and the fees received for same £711. This number includes baths taken by Sanatorium patients and other free baths, of which no accurate record has been kept. The number is therefore somewhat approximate. ROTOEUA GAEDENS AND GeOUNDS. The Sanatorium gardens and grounds have been kept in good order; the paths in the latter have been extended to the Motutara Point. Although much has been done during the last three years, much remains to be done to make these gardens and grounds more attractive. For instance, the area of the gardens might be extended in an easterly direction from the tennis-lawn, and a new lawn made for bowling and croquet, leaving the present one entirely for tennis. New paths and an i

Pavilion Bath, Rotorua.

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ornamental sheet of water might be made at small cost within the extended area. The paths in the grounds might be extended still further, and some of them widened into carriage-drives. The gardens and grounds are now one of the principal attractions of Rotorua, and are worthy of further extension. At least on one night in each week during the season the gardens were illuminated, and openair concerts were held on the Sanatorium verandah. The Rotorua brass band performed on the lawn, and the geysers were in full activity. Receeation Reseeve. The Pukeroa reserves have been taken out of the hands of the Town Board, and have been improved by the formation of paths and drives. NUESEEY AND PLANTATIONS. Much good work has been done at the nursery, not only in the formation of roads and paths, water-supply, and house-building, but in the growth of young trees of all descriptions from seeds and cuttings. The technical part of the work in connection with the gardens, grounds, recreation reserves, nursery, and plantations is under the direction of Mr. Matthews. ROTOEUA WatEß-SUPPLY. The supply is obtained by gravitation from the Waitarunga Stream, at a point just below the bridge on the Galatea Road. It is conveyed, by means of fluming and a tunnel under the spur, through the Hemo Gorge to the settling-tanks on the old Taupo Road, from where it is conveyed to the township by an 8 in. cast-iron main. During the year the fluming has been kept clean and free from vegetable growth inside and outside, and the settling-tanks have been maintained in an efficient state. The number of services now supplied from the main is 103, being an increase of twelve during the last year. The revenue for the year is £104 16s. Bd. The cost of maintenance for the year is £240. All Government departments in Rotorua are supplied free of charge, there being fortyfive free services out of the total of 103. Rotoeua Whaep. This work is now completed as far as it is intended to construct it of stone. Its present length is 8 chains 16 links ; width on the top, 6 ft.; and average depth, about 3 ft., with a batter of lin 1. It is built of large blocks on the outside, the centre 4 ft. being of broken stone. The stone used is the hardest procurable in the district, and the work stands the heavy wash that it occasionally gets very well. A contract has been let for cutting and delivery of totara for constructing another 60 ft., but it will then be about 66 ft. short of the length originally intended. There is now only a depth of 18 in. of water at the end of the wharf, so that the level of the lake should be raised. The Town Board has extended Tutanekai Street up to the wharf. Rotoeua L.4ke. • The question of raising the level of the lake by means of a weir or lock at the outlet has been carefully gone into and reported on. The outlet and adjacent shores have been protected by fascines and willows. The level of the lake is now lower than it has ever been known to be, which seriously affects navigation and the utility of the wharf recently built. Residences and Public Buildings. The Government agent's residence, its gardens and grounds, have been maintained. This house has lately been occupied by bath-attendants and gardeners, and before it is reoccupied it will require considerable repairs. The medical officer's residence has been thoroughly renovated outside, and it has been otherwise repaired. - The Sanatorium building has been maintained and generally repaired. As soon as possible it should be repainted on the outside. The hot-water service should also be put in order. Repairs have been executed from time to time at the Courthouse. The road surveyor's office has been completed and occupied. The cottage of the attendant at the Pavilion Bath has been repapered and generally repaired. The gardener's cottage has been repainted and enlarged by the addition of two rooms and a porch. The offices occupied by the Town Board and the Government overseer have been reshingled and improved, and the Government workshops enlarged and improved. Rotoeua Institute and Museum. The sum of £200 has been granted to the committee of this Institute for the extension of the present building. A plan of the proposed extension has been prepared, and tenders called for the work. The old library building at Ohinemutu has been sold and removed, and the proceeds are to be used in connection with the new building.

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Rotoeua Deainage. These works, designed by Mr. Robert Hay, C.8., of Dunedin, are being carried out under his directions. The scheme was explained by Mr. Hay in last year's report. The position of the drains, collecting-tank, rising-main, carrier-drains, and filter-beds are now complete. Levels have been taken for a proposed drain from the old Township of Ohinemutu to connect with the existing system at Whakane Street. The filter-beds have been fenced in. Mr. Robert Hay reports as follows : —" The works at Rotorua for sewering the town are now, with the exception of the electric pumping installation, completed. All the principal streets where buildings have been erected have been sewered with 9 in. and 12 in. pipes, laid and bedded in concrete, and the sewage will be conveyed by gravitation to a receiving-tank, whence it will be pumped to a small tank in Hinemaru Street to the main-carrier, which will carry all drainage matter to the filter-beds, which are also completed, and have been constructed of pumice, affording an excellent medium for filtration. It is anticipated that the beds, as constructed, will effect the purpose for a numberiof years of retaining all the solids from the sewage, and allow a clear effluent to flow into the Puarenga Stream. When the population increases beyond that allowed for in the present scheme, provision has been made for an extension of the filter-beds. Considerable difficulty was experienced sinking for the foundations of the tank, and a number of hot springs were struck, and the water chiefly in evidence was similar to that of the ' Priest's Bath,' and although pumping was carried on at the rate of 2,000 gallons per minute for a number of days in succession, no diminution was apparent in any of the springs now in use at the baths. Tenders have now been invited for electric transmission of power, to pump the sewage and light the town. Power will be generated at the Okeri Falls, the outlet of the Rotorua and Rotoiti Lakes, and transmitted thirteen miles to Rotorua, and it is expected that the installation will be completed in seven or eight months." Lands and Suevey Paddock; This has been subdivided into four paddocks. A well has been sunk and two tanks erected for the supply of water. Proposals will shortly be submitted to you for improvement by ploughing and sowing. Genebal. With reference to the prospects and facilities of Rotorua as a tourist resort, doubtless in the not very distant future Rotorua will be a place of resort for thousands of tourists, invalids, and wealthy people living in Australia and New Zealand who find it imperative to visit this place, for the purpose of bathing in its waters. At the same time what is known as "the season" here is at present not a very big thing. Taking the summer just over, there were comparatively few visitors in the place until Christmas, when for about a month there were a good many. From that up to Easter there were not many. At Easter there was again a fair number for a short time. The slackness doubtless was due to a slight extent to the Auckland Exhibition, but, making all allowance for that, I think that if the expenditure by the Government for the improvement of the place be continued at its present rate it will meet all requirements. I would suggest that a sum of £1,000 should be spent in renovating and extending the present baths and bath-houses, such improvements to be part of a general plan, which could be extended and completed as funds permit; and that the water-supply should be extended, and the level of the lake adjusted, as recommended in this report. Great care should be exercised in any improvements that may be effected at the baths, as the strong nature of the waters tend to rapidly choke up and destroy pipes, cement, earthenware, and iron, so that it is necessary to arrange that all baths, pipes, valves, taps, &c, should be as simple as possible, and always accessible without pulling buildings to pieces. The old Township of Ohinemutu is being rapidly deserted by storekeepers and others, who are removing their places of business to the new township. I understand the Native leases at Ohinemutu expire in about two years' time. I would strongly urge that the Government should buy up all these sections, except those occupied by the Lake House Hotel, and make a reserve of them, which should be planted with native shrubs, leaving only the Native village, geysers, &c, as a place of interest for tourists. lam sure this would contribute both to the attractiveness and to the health of Rotorua. In order to make it more effective the Town Board should have a greater number of members, and its power increased by the granting of by-laws, unless it is intended to act merely as a Board of advice. Steps should be taken by means of metalling the streets to minimise as much as possible the terrible dust storms that make Rotorua in the summer months an undesirable place to live in. Rotorua is a place where most people come to spend money at, and they expect to be comfortable and to enjoy themselves, instead of which on many days in the middle of summer, when the greatest number of people are here, many of them cannot go out owing to the clouds of dust. I know personally of people who came to stay for weeks leaving the place on this account after staying a few days. Rotorua is well supplied with hotels, all of which are excellently managed. There are also numbers of boarding-houses, where visitors are made exceedingly comfortable at reasonable rates. In conclusion, I think that the improvement of the place during the last five years has been steady and substantial, both in the number of visitors and in the arrangements made for their accommodation by public and private enterprise. . I have, &c, Robebt H. Eeaney, Road Surveyor.

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TE AROHA HOT SPRINGS. The administration of the Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain is intrusted to the members of the Te Aroha Borough Council, who are gazetted a Domain Board ex officio, with the Mayor as chairman. The following report has been supplied by the secretary to the Board : — " The past year has been a most successful one, both in the matter of revenue and in making the place attractive to visitors. The revenue is derived from baths, hire of towels, tennis, and library charges, and any special grants which may be obtained from the Government to enable the Board to undertake any special work. The following is a summary of revenue for the financial year ending the 31st December, 1898, with the figures for 1897 also given for purposes of comparison. The figures given are exclusive of any Government grants : — 1897. 1898. Ordinary revenue— £ s. d. £ a. a. Baths ... ... ... ... ... 729 1 8 ... 769 8 4 Library ... ... ... ... ... 12 15 0 ... 10 0 6 Tennis ... ... ... ... ... 9 6 6 ... 12 13 0 Towels ... ... ... ... ... 128 4 4 ... 115 6 0 £879 7 6 £907 7 10 " This shows an increase of £28 Os. 4d. for 1898 as compared with the previous year. Still, 1898 is, so far, a record year, and the current year already shows signs of being far in excess of even those figures. The apparent discrepancy in an increase of bath receipts and a shrinkage of towelhire is accounted for by the fact that about the middle of the year the Board decided to waive the charge for towels where the most expensive baths were used, and, as these particular baths are the most popular, the shrinkage of revenue under this head was very marked. "The principal event during the past year was the public opening of the new private bathhouse, which was erected by the Government. The building was opened by the Hon. A. J. Cadman, Minister of Mines, to whose good offices and great interest in Te Aroha the Board were indebted for securing the necessary Government grant. A description of this building, giving costs, dimensions, and details, with photograph, is given in the report of the Lands and Survey Department for 1898. The work was carried out under the supervision of Mr. C. R. Vickerman, C.E. The building is the most handsome and complete of its kind south of the line, and is the subject of enthusiastic commendation from all who visit the place and use the baths. Its establishment has added considerably to the Board's revenue, as it is the most popular of the various classes of baths, of which there are six varieties. " In compliance with the suggestion of several prominent doctors in Auckland, two of the bathrooms in this building have been fitted up with stretchers, rugs, air-pillows, and head-rests, whereby rheumatic patients can practise the "pack" form of treatment. This has proved so popular that in all probability some additional rooms will be similarly fitted up. A new departure has also been made here in the way of attendants, two women having been appointed, whose duty it is to keep the whole building clean and tidy, and to attend to invalids when necessary. The buildings (and all other baths) are open continuously from 6 a.m. till 10 p.m., but the attendants so arrange the time that, although one is always there, neither of them work over eight hours per day. This addition to the staff has, of course, added considerably to the Board's expenditure ; but the appointments were an absolute necessity, if only for the better preservation of the building. Early in the year the slopes of the terraces on which the private bath-house stands were all grassed, sods for the purpose being carted from a distance. They have now consolidated, and form a solid grass surface, which has had to be mowed frequently, and is now a distinct artistic addition to the lawn. The lawn itself has been top-dressed, and a handsome band-stand has been erected, at a cost of about £80, wherein the town band, under engagement to the Board, plays for two hours on two days in the week. The cold-water swimming-bath is fenced in from public view by a high corrugated-iron fence. This, though effective, was most unsightly, and, acting on the advice of Mr. Matthews, Forester, the Board has erected a trellis-work fence all round, at the foot of which flowering creepers have been planted, and the hope is that in time these creepers will grow up and obscure the iron fence, thus presenting a more pleasing prospect to the eye. " Additional footpaths have been asphalted, and, in view of the great popularity of the tenniscourt, an extra grass-court has been fitted up. " Formerly the towels were washed outside the Domain, under contract with the Board. This system has, however, been abolished, and the towels are now washed by the female attendants. In order to facilitate this duty the Board built a large washhouse, in which there has been placed a 30-gallon copper, securely built in, and tubs, with all up-to-date appliances. "Last season Te Aroha was the resort of many large picnics from the Thames district, no fewer than six schools having arranged their annual picnics to this place at various dates. Having the copper and fireplace available, the Board kept a constant supply of hot water on hand on these occasions. This was supplied free to the excursionists, who were thus enabled to make their own tea, a privilege which was much appreciated and largely taken advantage of. " The office buildings have been repainted, and the windows have been fitted with Venetian blinds, all of which has added greatly to their general appearance. Six new seats have been put on the lawn, and all the other seats have been painted. No. 2 bath has had the wooden work taken out and concrete walls placed in its stead, adding greatly to the efficiency of the bath and the cleanliness. The building over the bath has been renovated and private dressing-rooms added, the whole being repainted,

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" The great influx of visitors last season caused a heavy drain on the supply of hot mineral water available for the baths, and, in order to obviate any possibility of a shortage, the Board decided to drive a prospecting-tunnel at a spot where they had reason to believe more hot water would be available. The cost of the proposed work was beyond the Board's means, and representations were made to the Government, and £150 was accordingly placed on the estimates for the work, which was then undertaken. The tunnel has now been driven 113 ft., and there is every indication of an ample supply of hot water being available, several good springs having been tapped in transit, some of which register 120°. When a sufficient distance has been driven the water will be confined in a concrete chamber and led to wherever it may be thought desirable. Judging from present appearances the supply, when tapped at the source, will be a copious one, and put at rest all fear as to a shortage in the future. The supply may, in fact, enable the Board to put into execution a long-contemplated project—namely, the construction of a hot-water swimmingbath. " The popularity of Te Aroha and its Domain as a pleasure and health resort has brought out prominently the urgent need for an extension of the present lawn to the Wilson Street boundary, and also the construction of a bowling-green, requests for the construction of which have been both frequent and numerous. These requests have come from tourists and visitors, people in good circumstances, and precisely the class of people who ought to be attracted and encouraged to come. While recognising the necessity for making a tourist resort like Te Aroha up to date and attractive, the cost of the proposed work (£6OO to £900) puts it out of the Board's power to undertake the improvements." .. . Mr. Charles R. Vickerman, District Engineer, Public Works Department, supplies the following additional particulars : — "During the year 1897-98 the work of constructing an 18in. sewer-pipe from the Waihou River to the boundary of the domain, two hot-water reservoirs near No. 2 bath-house, the levellingoff of the ground and erection of the new private bath-house, supplied with porcelain baths and hot mineral water, was well-nigh completed, with the exception of a few details. These were finished in April and May of last year, so that on the 24th of May, 1898, the baths were declared open for public use by Hon. Mr. Cadman. Besides completing these, an open swimming-bath has been excavated and concreted near the No. 2 hot-water reservoir, to be supplied with hot-water from the overflow from this reservoir and further water to be obtained from another adjacent spring. A concrete wall has been put round the old No. 2 bath, enlarging and improving it, and the adjacent banks have been trimmed off and left ready for grassing. Work was stopped in July, 1898; since then nothing further has been done by the Public Works Department."

HANMER PLAINS. During the past year there have been 1,943 visitors to the springs, and 14,540 baths have been taken. The bathing-accommodation has been fully taxed, and more baths are now required to meet the demands for them. If these are not provided inconvenience will be caused during the coming season. If a new bath-house with twelve more baths can be erected it would meet all requirements for some years to come. Accommodation neae the Baths. This has been greatly increased during the year. Hood's Hanmer Lodge, which has been lately erected, is a fine two-story building with first-class apartments and conveniences, and it is only a few chains from the baths. Miss I'awcett's boarding-house also is very comfortable, and is close to the baths. The Goveenment Sanatoeium. On the south side of the baths enclosure is the Sanatorium, which will comfortably accommodate eighteen persons. The building is situated about 5 chains from the baths, and is well furnished and ventilated. Owing to want of room many applications for admission received'during the year could not be granted. About nineteen hundred trees and shrubs have been planted during the year to replace some that have died. The trees in the older plantation are doing well. Nine of the old wooden baths have been taken out and were replaced by new porcelain ones, which are a great improvement. Wateb-sebvice Extension. Eighteen chains of 4 in. steel pipes has been laid from the old tank to the first fall in the water-race. This now gives a good supply of water to the Sanatorium and the bath-grounds. A drinking pavilion has also been erected for the use of those desirous of using the mineral waters. HT Gas-seevice. A gas-holder is at present in course of erection, and it will be finished shortly. When completed the gas will be used for lighting and heating the rooms in the Sanatorium. No. 1 spring is being covered ia for the purpose of collecting the gas with which the gas-holder will be filled. HOT-WATEB SEEVICE. Repairs have also been effected in connection with the hot-water-service pipes, several of which were replaced by new ones,

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Baths. The total number of baths taken for each month under the different headings are as follows:-

The total amount of bath-fees was £413 Is. 2d. This shows an increase of £67 16s. 7d. over last year, and an increase of 3,104 in the number of baths taken for the year. J. Rogees, Caretaker.

APPENDIX No. B.—WANGANUI RIVER WORKS. IMPROVING THE NAVIGATION OF THE WANGANUI RIVER. Repobt by the Wanganui Rivee Teust. For the year from the Ist April, 1898, to the 31st March, 1899, the expenditure has been £1,119 9s. This makes the total expenditure by the Wanganui River Trust since its inauguration in 1891 to 31st March, 1899, amount to £6,243 9s. 3d. amount of £135 lis. sd. has been received from river dues for the year. The amount received this year from Government and lodged at bank at Wanganui to River Trust Fund Account was £1,040 up to 31st March, 1899. The river service between Wanganui and Pipiriki has been kept up during the year without interruption by the steamers of Messrs. A. Hatrick and Co. During the early part of the year work was continued on the rapids between Pipiriki and Manganuioteao—blasting and removing papa reefs, and rocks, and boulders, and snags. To indicate the large amount of blasting required in this part, there was used here dynamite, blasting powder, and fuse to the value of £66. In the latter part of the season work was resumed where left off last year, about four miles below the Tangarakau Junction, about twenty-six miles above Pipiriki, and the clearin°- and snagging has been carried up to the Tangarakau Junction. There was a great quantity of very heavy timber-to be removed out of the channels in this part, several of the snags requiring the two punts together to lift them off the bottom. The portion of the river between Pipiriki and Tangarakau has now been all cleared and snagged, involving some very heavy work in many of the rapids. This part is now available for light steamer traffic when the water is slightly above the low summer level, or for about two-thirds of the year, and a moderate amount of work in several places, which it is intended to do first favourable opportunity, will enable it to be utilised in the same water-level as is done below Pipiriki, and when the river is somewhat higher, which it is at frequent intervals and for considerable periods, cargo traffic can be run thus far; so that now, whenever it is required, goods traffic can be taken during these periods as far as the Tangarakau Junction, the channels beino- clear of timber, rocks, and boulders. A wharf has been constructed at the landing at Pipiriki, and is of much benefit in landing and shipping cargo. It is solidly built of stonework. The bottom of the river in front of the wharf and adjacent to it has been cleared of imbedded and sunken timber, so that steamers can lie at it in the low river. A good deal of work, including 330 lineal yards in length of rough stone training-walls, has also been done between Pipiriki and Wanganui in improving the channels at several of the rapids, and in clearing timber lodged during the winter and spring freshets in a few localities, and in dredging several shingle-bars caused by these freshets. The freshets last winter and spring gave more occasion for this latter work than has hitherto been found to. occur, and although the obstruction caused by them in the channels was not serious, still it involved some labour to clear off.. It is intended to continue next season the improvement of some of the channels below Pipiriki, so as to further facilitate steamer traffic in this portion, to which, as yet, cargo traffic is confined, 17 C.—X

1898-99. Is. 8<J. 6d. Sanatorium Free Pools. Free Baths. Totals. April May June July August September October ... November December January ... February ... March 8 5 6 13 5 8 11 20 28 19 11 3 I 769 410 354 321 266 461 1,064 1,116 1,336 1,310 1,018 1,208 256 180 49 39 41 199 261 285 386 514 244 337 268 175 111 45 73 35 131 167 147 225 229 288 15 1,316 761 520 418 385 703 1,467 1,598 1,897 2,068 1,581 1,836 79 Total 137 9,624 2,791 1,894 94 14,540

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It is also intended to further improve several of the rapids between Pipiriki and Tangarakau, as already referred to. The snagging and clearing of these has already been done, but training-walls, are required in a few places to deepen the channels for the very low river periods. It is also intended to extend the improvement of the river upwards from the Tangarakau Junction towards the junction of the River Ohura. This river joins the Wanganui about lifty-two above Pipiriki, or 110 miles above Wanganui by the river. In connection with this further extension of river navigation, this distance of twenty-six miles between the Tangarakau and the Ohura was visited by the Chairman of the Trust and myself in a canoe. The river was low and clear, and favourable for observation. I append sketch-map showing the rapids in this length of river. Between these rapids are numerous reaches of favourable water of varying lengths, and the following is a general description from notes I took in going up this part of the Wanganui River. Starting from the Tangarakau Junction, where the river-clearing has already reached, and going up river, the following are some of the notes taken (the distances are approximate) :— Miles. 83£ from Wanganui by the river the Tangarakau River joins. Short, good reach. Kawakarewa Rapid: Sharp turn; runs on to papa face on right bank. Short reach. Kauaewhare Rapid : Short run; shallow on top. Good reach. Kaiaroa Rapid : Swift run ; strikes from papa face on right bank to papa face on left bank ; shingle-bed on right bank. 85 Reperepe Rapid : Swift run; channel on right bank, shingle-bed on left bank ; a Native kainga called Puketapu on right bank, just above rapid, with stream, and a point with large stones at river margin. Amongst the snags to be cleared here is a large totara, long thought to be a " taniwha," which the Natives employed in the punts will not touch. Good reach. \ Hemotuke Rapid : A moderate run. 86 Kaiwaka Rapid: Channel on right bank, shingle-bed on left bank; a long run, rather swift and wide ; at top of rapid a stream comes in on left bank. Good reach, with slight easy runs in parts. Nikotapu Rapid : Short, moderate run; a stream comes in on left bank, with large stones at a point on river margin. Long, good reach. The long, comparatively straight length of river called Otaihanga begins here, and continues upwards for about four miles. 87 Opuraha Rapid : Channel on right bank, low shingle-bed in the middle, and a run also against the left bank . This is a swift run. Good reach. 88 Pokorua : A moderate rapid. Good reach. Parikarangaranga : A moderate run in the reach. Good reach continues. Whakawatea Rapid: Channel on left bank, shingle-bed on right bank. 89 Otumape Rapid : Channel on left bank, shingle-bed on right bank. Whatakiwi Rapid : Channel on right bank, shingle-bed on left bank. Good reach. Auroa Rapid : Swift run ; channel on right bank, shingle-bed on left bank. 90 Whaokete No. 1 Rapid : Swift run; wide and rather shallow. Short reach. Whaokete No. 2 Rapid : Stiff run ; large shingle-bed on left bank, channel on right bank. Good reach. 91 The long, comparatively straight piece of river called Otaihanga ends here. Ohauora Rapid: Quick run; channel on left bank, shingle-bed on right bank. A Native kainga called Ohauora on left bank, and a stream. Arawhata Rapid : Short run; channel on right bank, large stones at river margin at a slip on left bank. Good reach. This reach is called after Tamatea, said to be one of the original arrivals in the immigration of the Maori. Otawhare Rapid : Long run ; channel on right bank, and a slip on right bank, with a stream and large stones at river margin. 92 Kakanohue Rapid : Swift run ; channel on right bank. Good reach. The hills along river-banks are lower here than in the lower part of the river, and have been more or less so since leaving the Tangarakau Junction. Ohineika Rapid : Broad run, rather shallow. Tautarakapua Rapid : Channel in middle, shingle-beds on both banks; a swift run. Good reach. 93 Paparangiora Rapid : Wide, easy run •, channel on left bank. Good reach ; a fine long reach. Raratu Rapid : Long, wide run, somewhat shallow ; channel left bank. Good reach. 94 Matapipi Rapid: Channel at top on left bank, and goes over to centre; a stream on left bank, Short reach,

WANGANUI RIVER TRUST SKETCH MAP OF PORTION OF WANGANUI RIVER BETWEEN THE JUNCTIONS WITH THE TANGARAKAU AND OHURA

Falls on the Ohura River, near its Confluence with the Wanganui River.

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Opakaua Rapid : Short, swift run ; channel on right bank. Long, good reach. A Native kianga called Tahireaka on left bank. —— Rapid : Boulder-bed on left bank, channel on right bank; shell-rock and conglomerate seams on left bank, with papa above and below them. A bluff projects out into river on the left bank, which will cause a heavy swirl in floods. 95£ Tarepokiore Rapid : This is opposite a large slip on left bank, which had come into river and left a narrow channel on right bank about half a chain wide, with swift run; a quantity of large stones at slip. Mamakutapu Rapid : Channel on left bank, shingle-bed on right bank. This is a short, rapid run. Good reach. This is a long reach; in it are two shell-rock ledges projecting out from each side opposite to each other and overhanging the water, with about a chain in width between them. This is called Whaitaiti. Te Maai Rapid : A quick, wide run. Channel on left bank at top and crosses to right bank at foot of rapid. Otuhoe Rapid : Stiff run; channel on left bank. 97 Tapuitopo Rapid : A wide run ; channel on left bank. Good reach. Ohuaitu Rapid: Swift run; channel in middle. A little above this is a shallow, moderate run. Short, good reach. 97|- A Native kainga called Kirikiriroa on left bank. This is situated at the point of a long bend of the river, with a very narrow neck behind. Kirikiriroa Rapid: Short run ; channel runs from left bank at top to right bank at foot of rapid. There is a long shingle-bed on left bank. Short, good reach. Kokiri Rapid: A small rapid, with shingle-bank on left bank ; channel towards right bank. Good reach. In this reach a bold papa bluff, beating a striking resemblance to the bow of a huge ironclad, projects out into the river from the right bank; this is called Te Reringa-o-te-koinaki, and tradition gives it that Koinaki jumped off this cliff when running from his enemies and was drowned. This is a long reach. 98 Wairingia Rapid : A long run ; channel towards left bank. Ohei Rapid : Channel towards right bank. These last two rapids are close together. Short, good reach. On the left bank in this reach there was a taniwha who, tradition says, killed Topine, an ancestor. Mangapapapa Rapid: Short run ; channel on left bank. Good reach, called Tokakura. 99 There is here a fine long reach, with bold papa faces both sides. Owairua Rapid : Channel on right bank, shingle-bed on left bank ; a long, swift run ; a Native kainga of same name on left bank. Short, deep pool. 100 Otaupea Rapid : Short, quick run; channel on left bank. Good reach. Ngararanui Rapid: Channel to left bank, shingle-bed right bank ; a short, quick run. Good reach. 101 Haukopai Rapid : Chaunel on left bank, shingle-bed right bank. 3! sharp turn here against a papa face. Long, good reach. The run in the upper part of this reach gets swifter and rather shallow. Otawa Rapid : Channel on left bank, small shingle-bcd on right bank. Kowhaiturua Rapid : A wide run; stream of same name on right bank. 102 Waikoriri Rapid : Channel on left bank ; an easy rapid. There are two large blocks of shellrock in the channel just below this rapid. Long, good reach, called Mangapapa. 103 Otahua Rapid I Broad run, rather shallow. Good reach. Taurakawa Rapid ; A crooked rapid ; channel on right bank in upper part, going over to left bank below ; a point with large stones on left bank just below. These deposits of large stones are important, as they come in for use when training-walls are required. Good reach. Kaiwhakauka Rapid : Channel on left bank, shingle-bed on right bank; swift run; a Native kainga of same name on right bank, and stream just above on left bank. Short reach. Whakatara Rapid : A long, shallow run. 104 The River Retaruke joins on left bank. This is not navigable for canoes in this low river, but when river is up a little canoes go some distance up to first falls. Makomako Rapid : A shallow run. The run extends with less current some way above the rapid. Good reach. 105 Waimanu Rapid : A slight run in the good reach. Good reach continues. The name of this long reach is Waipahihi. There is a salt spring in this reach, out of the papa face on right bank, a few feet above the summer level of river. Mangaukauka Rapid : Channel on left bank, close to stone ledge. Short, good reach.

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Otahapa Rapid: Channel on left bank, a shingle-bed on right bank ; swift run ; and a shallow, broad run with less current above the rapid. Short, good reach. 106 Waikukutea Rapid : Channel on right bank; a long run ; rather shallow. Short, good reach. Papanui Rapid : Channel towards right bank, shingle-bed on left bank; a stream of same name on right bank, with large stones at river margin. Short, good reach. Mahoronui Rapid : Swift run; channel on left bank, near stories, shingle-bed on right bank. Short reach. Mangaohutu Rapid : Channel towards left bank, shingle-bed on right bank ; a stream of same name on left bank. Good reach. 107 Te Hue Rapid : A wide run ; channel on left bank. Good reach. 108 A Native kainga called Tawhata on left bank. A small rapid near this. Taurimu Rapid : Short, swift run; channel on left bank, shingle-bed on right bank : some large stones on right bank just above rapid. Ohuraiti Rapid: Very stiff run; channel in middle ; a broad, shallow run with less current just above. Long, good reach. A good many large stones along the banks. The name of this reach is Ngatukuwaru. Onetea Rapid : A slight run in the reach. Good reach continues. A fern patch on the left bank. Kahuitara Rapid : A long, wide, swift run. Good reach. A Native kainga called Maraekowhai on right bank. 109fV The River Ohura joins on the right bank. This river falls over a papa ledge about 6 ft. high close to its junction with the Wanganui River. The name of this fall is Ratakura. There is- a second fall, 15 ft. or 20 ft. high, a short way up the Ohura, over a wide papa ledge; the name of this fall is Reinga Kokiri. The Natives haul their canoes over the low spur below the junction to above these falls, and say that then their canoes go a long way up the river. These two falls form picturesque scenes when the rivers are low. The portion of the river from the Tangarakau Junction (eighty-four miles from Wanganui) to Kirikiriroa (ninety-eight miles) is very favourable for improvement. Above this to the Ohura Junction (110 miles) there will be more work, chiefly on account of there being several broad, shallow runs. These are in general clear, but will require training-walls in places to confine the water, and thus give more depth in channels. But for the whole distance, Tangarakau to Ohura, the clearing required of snags and timber, rocks and boulders, is not excessive, and, on the whole, this twentysix miles of river is as capable of improvement as the twenty-six miles between Pipiriki and Tangarakau. The rapids are more numerous, but are not of more difficulty in their nature. In the twenty-six miles between Pipiriki and Tangarakau there are thirty-seven rapids, and in the twenty-six miles from Tangarakau to Ohura there are sixty-four rapids of more or less difficulty. The numerous good reaches between the rapids are in general clear and favourable. There is slightly more current in some of these reaches than in similar reaches in the lower part of the river, as here the general fall of the river is greater, accounting for the greater number of rapids. The river-banks are well defined with papa faces, promising permanency to the channels. These papa banks get lower as we go up the river, but continue still well defined and protective. The country also appears to get generally lower and more favourable for settlement in these upper reaches. The importance of having the river cleared and improved up to the Ohura, and beyond, is obvious in view of the survey of settlement blocks near Retaruke. It is also of importance that the roads leading to the river from these settlement blocks should be constructed, as for a long time yet the river will be the easiest means of getting cargo to and from this district. The driving of stock and horse traffic is all that will probably be able to be undertaken in the meantime over the inland roads and tracks leading to the main roads, but it is manifest that the upper part of the river will be a favourite route for tourist traffic. During the year correspondence has taken place between the River Trust and the Survey Department regarding the reserve belt of a mile wide along the river-bank at the Waimarino Block, as to how it could be utilised in portions in connection with the settlement blocks lying inland of it, while at the same time preserving all the bush-cOvered portions and the scenery along the riverbanks. Another matter referred to has been the desirability of laying out roads giving access to the river navigation from the adjacent settlement blocks wherever a favourable line of road could be CT ot to the river-banks. The opening up for settlement of the River Trust Endowment Block of 10,000 acres in the Waimarino Block has also been brought under the notice of the same department. This endowment block has been favourably reported upon as being good for grazing purposes. It is understood that these matters are now under the consideration of the Survey Department. The Chairman of the Wanganui River Trust (Mr. T. D. Cummins) visited the works in progress, and also the proposed extension of river improvement to the Ohura, and has piven much attention to the prosecution of the works. Mr. A. Marshall acted in an able manner as principal foreman on the works. John T. Stewaet, Secretary Wanganui River Trust, and in charge of Works,

Confluence of the Ohura River with the Wanganui River.

The Hermitage, Mt. Cook, Looking down the Valley.

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APPENDIX No. 9.—STEAMER FOR LAKE TE ANAU.

The following extract from the Southland Times of 3rd March, 1899, gives a report of the trial trip of the s.s.' Tawera,' subsidised by Government to run on Lake Te Anau. The subsidy promised is at the rate of £200 per annum for three years, on condition that efficient steam-communication is maintained on the lake. The steamer is to-run on two days each week to the head of the lake, doing the return trip the same day, and extra trips to the various fiords will be undertaken as may be required. "S.S. ' Taweba.' " The trial trip of the new steamer for Lake Te Anau, the s.s.' Tawera,' was made on Wednesday, under fairly favourable circumstances. The wind had been blowing a gale all the previous day, and consequently a high choppy sea was running on the lake, which was not conducive to perfect pleasure or comfort. Nevertheless, to those who did not object to a little tossing about, and an occasional ducking with spray, the voyage was most enjoyable, and of course, for the purpose of thoroughly testing the powers of the boat, the rough weather was highly suitable. Tho ' Tawera 'is a credit both to the builders, the Dunedin Foundry and Engineering Company, and to the enterprise of the proprietors, Messrs. Ross and Co. Her description is as follows : Length, 70 ft.; beam, 12 ft.; depth, 6ft. moulded; horse-power, 25 nominal, 110 indicated; steam pressure, 1101b. per square inch; Worthington pump for circulating water for condensing ; compound engine of special design ; steel boiler, tested in the presence of the Government inspector to 220 lb. hydraulic before leaving Dunedin; steel deck-houses, windows encased in brass frames. The steering gear is on deck in front of the funnel, thus facilitating the work of the man at the wheel. A speaking-tube connects with engine-room. A small dingy is hung on davits, aft, ready for immediate use should necessity arise. There are two cabins : one aft has accommodation for ten ladies, and one forward will seat, comfortably, twenty gentlemen. Both are fitted with lavatories, and are daintily picked out in lavender and white. Room is also found for a galley for cooking purposes. " Shortly before noon, with forty-five passengers on board, the 'Tawera' steamed away from the pier, and was soon ploughing through the waves in the teeth of the wind. Many times the spray dashed on to the deck, treating those on the starboard to a shower-bath, much to the amusement of the more favoured ones on the lee side. " The panorama spread out to view was one of spotless beauty. The lofty ranges, clad to the water's edge with luxuriant vegetation, on one hand, and the wild.rolling downs, with snow-capped peaks in the background, on the other, formed a picture Of exceeding richness. The tight little craft continued her way up the lake, be string bravely against waves of increasing violence, and it was deemed advisable to abandon the idea of going to the head of the lake, and to cruise up the South Arm instead. Just before reaching the nouth of the Arm a sharp squall sprang up, and swept across the lake, driving before it great sheets of spray, quite high enough to drench the decks of an Atlantic liner. Once inside the Arm, however, a comparative calm was reached, and the journey progressed more agreeably. i\.t the entrance to the fiord a most magnificent and impressive sight opened to the view. Two little islands, Dome and White Pigeon, simply masses of foliage, guarded the mouth, while on each side the high mountains, clothed with trees and shrubs from base to summit, stretched away in the distance, drawing closer and closer together, and at the extreme end Mount Maury towered up, shooting into the clouds rugged pinnacles, on whose highest points the mantle of snow glistened in the sun like burnished glass. The stately grandeur of the rugged peaks was made more profound and yet mellowed by the softer and more picturesque beauty of the less lofty hills, draped with warm native nerbage. By the time Mount Maury was reached a slight drizzle had set in and a dense mist was creeping slowly down the hills, enveloping everything in its close embrace, and leaving only a vision of spectral beauty away to the right where the Arm continued its course, becoming graduallynarrower. Since there would have been nothing to gain by proceeding further it was decided to ' about ship ' and make for home. The wind had fallen considerably, and when the wider portion of the Arm was reached the rain had been banished by genial sunshine, and the run home, with wind and wave in favour, was enjoyably accomplished at a twelve-knot speed."

APPENDIX No. 10.

MOUNT COOK HERMITAGE AND GLACIERS. EXTBACTS PBOM RepOETS BY THE CoMMISSIONEE OB 1 CbOWN LANDS, CHEISTCHUECH. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have managed the Hermitage during the past year with the assistance of a boy and two servants, and Mr. Clark has acted as guide, his services having been utilised by most of the visitors, owing to the very moderate charge now made. A substantial reduction was also made in the charge for horse-hire, which induced the visitors to avail themselves of the horses provided. Mr. Lloyd, a well-known economic writer from Chicago, on being interviewed by the Lyttelton Times on his return from the Hermitage, spoke of the management as being excellent, and also said that the place is surrounded by a dozen attractions any of which would make the fortune of a whole Swiss village, adducing Mount Cook, Sefton, De la Beche, Hochstetter, the Sealey Range, and the Tasman Glacier as instances.

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One huudred tourists stayed at the Hermitage, and a number of others visited it during the past season, and most of them stayed longer than the visitors of the previous season, the takings being considerably better than for the previous year. Two huts were provisioned early in the season, and both huts were made use of by some of the visitors, the Ball Hut being the favourite, owing to its being within easy distance of the Hermitage. Messrs. Kerr and Frayne ran the usual coach-service during the season from the beginning of November. Mr. Brodrick reports on the works at Mount Cook as follows : — Mount Cook Road. —l found the road and most of the tracks in good order. The two surfacemen, in addition to keeping the road in the usual manner, have done excellent permanent work byclearing out the old cuttings and widening the road in places where it had fallen in; they also re-erected the Hooker cage and put a foot-bridge over the Blue Lakes Stream. Road-deviation. —lf the new deviation round Lake Pukaki is to be formed this year it would be good policy to start it early and get it done in time for next season. The old road from the finger-post northwards to the lake is in bad order, and if the new one is not formed it should be attended to. + Hermitage.— Everything was in order at the Hermitage, and, so far as I could judge, the cooking was good and the provisions also. Ross has made some new garden-seats and put them in suitable places, and from other little improvements I saw I gathered that the place was being well taken care of. Huts. —Both huts are in good order, and also the tracks to them, but more furniture, blankets, mattresses, and provisions should be carried to the upper one. I have heard that some tourists who would have liked to make the trip were unable to go up because of the short supply, and the guide told me that he was kept so busy he had been unable to take all the things provided. It is not safe for him to go up alone, and I think it should be arranged for the surfacemen to make a trip with him, either this season or early next, to carry up the remainder of the furniture and some provisions. Hooker Bridge. —This bridge is in good order. About two thousand sheep were put over it last spring without doing it any harm. Trees. —Most of the trees planted are looking well, especially the laburnums and larches, but Ross did not manage to get all put in; some three or four hundred are just trenched in in the garden, where they look well, and can be planted out next year. The rabbits have decreased in the most astonishing way, and I only saw two on the reserve. The following extracts from Mr. Clark's report of his experience as guide may be of interest: — " My first journey after arrival at the Hermitage, on the 24th November last, was to Brodrick's hut. The winter had been very severe, and a great quantity of snow had fallen, particularly in the higher altitudes. On this account Mr. Ross had to this date found it impossible to provision the huts. I therefore went to ascertain if it were possible to get the pack-horses through as far as the Ball Hut, and also to find out how Brodrick's hut had stood the winter. Having packed a swag of provisions for future use, I started. I found the track clear and but slightly damaged to within three miles of the hut, but from here to the small waterfall, a quarter of a mile from the hut, all the gullies were full of snow. At the waterfall there had been an enormous snow avalanche, completely filling the valley from the top of the fall to half-way up the moraine, and the snow not being less than 30 ft. deep over the track. It being well set, I knew there would be no great difficulty in getting the horses over it. In the hut enclosure several avalanches were down, some of them 2 chains long and from 5 ft. to 15 ft. deep, but these in no way affected the progress. " Leaving the Ball Hut at daylight the following morning, I found the Tasman in the best possible order for travelling until I reached a spot opposite the Haast Glacier. From here to over the ' fall' at De la Beche the glacier was evenly graded, the snow having filled up all the hollows and crevasses ; in fact, there was no broken ice about, but it was hard going. The warm winds of the night before had softened the snow, and I sank through the light crust up to my knees at every step. However, I persevered, and succeeded in making the hut in fairly good time. " Only part of the roof and the lower end was visible, but I could at once see that it was sound, and had not been crushed nor even moved by the immense avalanche pressing down from above. The rock, which decided Mr. Brodrick to place the hut where he did, had done its work well, and, though it was now covered with snow, it proved beyond doubt that the spot had been wisely selected; in fact, I could not see another place where the hut could have safely stood. Judging from what I then saw, in my opinion there need be no fear for the safety of this hut either from storms, falling rocks, or snow avalanches. " I dug down to the handle of the door, opened it, and crawled through a couple of feet space between the top of the door and the snow. Everything was right inside, and the hut itself quite intact, but I gathered from the amount of snow which choked up the fireside that the top part the chimney had been carried away. This can be easily replaced, and should be at the earliest possible moment. "I commenced my return journey about 1 o'clock, and found the snow much softer, and therefore the " going " much harder than even in the morning. My tracks were a great help to me, and I arrived at the Ball Hut again at 4.30 p.m. Had the weather been colder I intended to stay the night and return to the Hermitage vid the Ball Pass; but, the warm winds continuing, I decided after a short rest to resume my journey down the track, and I succeeded in reaching the Hermitage at 10 o'clock the same evening. " It is to be regretted Brodrick's hut had not been provisioned when the hut was completed, and when the services of the men who had been swagging the material for building it were available, as, after this first visit of mine, my services were so fully engaged that I was quite unable to

Looking S. from Brodrick's Hut.

The Tasman Glacier, from near Brodrick's Hut.

Mount Cook, from Sealey Range.

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undertake this work. It is advisable before next season commences that the stores likely to be required, together with a few comforts in the shape of a table, seats, cooking utensils, and an oilstove, should be taken there. These are not only necessary for the use of visitors, but, in-the event of being snowed up, which is not at all improbable, as was proved on two occasions this season, we should then have no fear of running short of provisions. -\ barometer and a maximum and minimum thermometer would also be of service here. It is hardly necessary for me to point out the value of such instruments, if for no other reason than for the assistance they may be in determining whether it is safe to undertake excursions, or even to return to the Ball Hut. I almost fear what the consequences would be if a party, especially of ladies, should be overtaken by one of the severe storms or blizzards which occasionally sweep the Upper Tasman. " Three times I guided tourists across the Ball Pass. On the first occasion snow reached from the ridge" to the Hooker Glacier, and we were able to make the descent of over 3,000 ft. in less than twenty minutes, glissading the whole way down. Later on in the season, when there was considerably less snow, and what was left was covered with rocks, the journey took two hours. With a large party it would take longer. "The ridge on the Sealey Range was frequently visited, and parties were also taken on Mount Ollivier. " Trips were made to the Lendenfeld Saddle and Hochstetter Dom. "On two occasions I went to the top of the Fitzgerald Pass for the purpose of being able to report to the department on the advisability of recommending it as a route for tourists and others to the West Coast. The result of these two visits confirms me in the opinion I formed last year when crossing to the Coast, and which is given in my last report. " Perhaps the most interesting trip of the season was in company with Mr. J. J. Kinsey, Miss Kinsey, and Mr. W. C. Hill to Brodrick's hut and the head of the Tasman. This party arrived at the Hermitage prior to the commencement of the bad weather which resulted in a flood higher, so it is asserted by the old settlers, than has been experienced since the floods of 1868. In order to save time and to lessen the loads for the pack-horses, Mr. Kinsey took his stores and camera across the Hooker River and packed them high and dry under the shelter of some large rocks and shrubs, and returned to the Hermitage by means of the cage. Rain now set in and continued, making it impossible to start for the Ball Hut for six days. Even then the Hooker was crossed with considerable risk. The ford, which at no time is particularly good, had been washed away, and the river was still high. We found the banks of the river had been scoured out, leaving the post supporting the cable bare at its base, and the cage was suspended in the air, and quite useless for the purpose of crossing the river. A short time after the whole apparatus gave way, and the cage and rope dropped into the river. We also found the River Tasman, which has left the old course and now strikes the spurs off Wakefield, and the Blue Lake Stream very full of water. These rivers and the bad condition of the track about the Blue Lake made the journey to the Ball Hut a hard one. We started the following morning with heavy swags, carrying cameras and provisions. All went well' till about noon,-when, just before reaching the " fall " of the glacier, without much warning we suddenly found ourselves surrounded with a dense fog. Fortunately, we had a compass with us, and this proved of great value. The rope was brought into use, and we proceeded. The going was now positively dangerous ; the crevasses being deep and numerous the progress was slow. It was impossible to see 5 yards ahead, and we were unable to pick our way. We got out of one difficulty often to find ourselves in a worse. Between 4 and 5 o'clock I thought we had gone sufficiently far to warrant cutting in towards Malte Brun, and I was confirmed in this opinion by the sound of falling water, which I took to be the waterfall north of Brodrick's hut. Upon reaching the side of the glacier I found we were still too much to the south, and we once more returned to the centre of the Tasman and continued our journey. Eventually we tried again, and found we had struck the hill about a quarter of a mile below the spot where the track is formed. All danger was now 7 over, and we released ourselves from the rope with a great sense of relief, after having been roped together for five hours. The party remained at the hut about a week, making excursions to the head of the Tasman, and secured a complete and valuable set of photographs, some of which Mr. Kinsey has kindly offered for reproduction in the annual survey report. A heavy fall of snow took place while we were there, and delayed the return. This necessitated going on low rations; as it was, when we did leave the hut we had completely bared the larder. Miss Kinsey was thus the first lady to visit Brodrick's hut, and this should therefore be recorded. " My next journey to Brodrick's hut was with Mr. and Mrs. Fell, of Dunedin, and another lady and gentleman. This time Mr. Ross allowed Guthrie to assist in carrying the provisions. The journey up and down was made in good weather, but we had a terribly cold time at the hut, amid a howling gale with snow. " The cage across the Hooker, opposite the end of the Wakefield Spur, cannot be depended upon for any length of time. At any moment another flood may come down and scour away the banks, as it did this year. The question, therefore, of constructing a track round the Wakefield Spur will have to be considered sooner or later. " The track on the flats between the Hooker and the Blue Lake Stream is also obliterated in places by the inroads of the Tasman River, compelling tourists not using horses to take to the face of the hillside, thus making the journey to the Ball Hut far more fatiguing than it used to be. " The alpine appliances have been of service to tourists and myself, and there is sufficient to last, with care, for some years; but a small pocket-compass, a pocket aneroid registering up to 10,000 ft., and a pocket-thermometer for the use of the guide are almost indispensable. "It would be a great attraction to tourists if the Hermitage were supplied with a barograph and a complete set of meteorological instruments. The observations could be taken regularly, and forwarded to the Meteorological Department at Wellington,

SKETCH MAP of country between South Fiord of LAKE TE ANAU and the WEST COAST SOUNDS

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Esk Bum late at night, and on the following days rowed up to the north fiord of Te Anau. We found that while from McKinnon's northward native ground-game was plentiful, at the head of the south fiord neither kakapo, kiwi, roa, nor weka was to be seen or heard; no doubt the ferrets, following the rabbits, which have reached back as far as we went, have exterminated the native ground-birds. Knowing the whole of Lake Te Anau well, I think no spot on it is so suitable for a mountainhut for tourists and artists as where we camped among these lesser lakes. High, open, dry, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, it has every advantage so far as scenery is concerned, and a track could easily be cut from the lake up the Gorge Burn, which would enable a fairly active tourist—man or woman—to reach the spot in five or six hours, and it is a spot where sandflies cease from troubling and mosquitos are at rest: none of these pests visited us. I have obtained the heights stated by means of an aneroid barometer in my possession, which both on my leaving and returning agreed with the reading of one in the possession of a friend on the lake-shore.

APPENDIX No. 12.—SANCTUAEIES FOE WILD ANIMALS.

LITTLE BARRIER ISLAND. The Secretary of the Auckland Institute, in whose charge this island has been placed, reports as follows: — In a report forwarded in April, 1898, I briefly stated the progress made since the island was placed under the care of the Institute, and this it will be unnecessary to repeat here. The Curator, Mr. Shakespear, has resided on the island during the whole year. He reports that no attempt has been made to land for the purpose of molesting the birds, or any other portion of the fauna. From the hill at the back of his house a view can be obtained of the foreshore of the island, stretching from the south-east corner to the western side. When the weather is favourable he regularly examines the other portions of the island by boat. It is also satisfactory to state that there has been no further trouble with the Maoris, who seem to have abandoned their attempts to visit the island. The chief danger to the native birds in the way of enemies appears to be wild-cats. These were introduced by the Maoris many years ago, and were found to be numerous by Mr. Reischek. The Curator has been instructed to use every attempt to thin their numbers. By using poison and by trapping he has succeeded to a considerable extent, and they are now seldom seen. It is a matter for congratulation that the Norway rat has not found its way to the island. This statement has always been made by the Maoris, and has been confirmed by Mr. Shakespear, who has failed to find one during the two years he has been on the island. A small black rat, probably the true native rat, is common, but does not appear to do any harm to the birds. Bees have also not been introduced, and consequently the number of the honey-eating birds cannot be affected by their presence. The Curator has kept open a number of tracks on several portions of the island, in order to give facilities for its proper inspection and management. It is intended to cut a track to the northern side of the island as soon as a practicable route can be found. With the view of obtaining information as to the present position of the avifauna, I personally made a visit of inspection in December, 1898, remaining a week on the island. During that time I visited a considerable portion of it, ascending to the tops of the highest peaks, about 2,400 ft. in height. I everywhere found the birds to be plentiful, particularly bell-birds and tuis. White-heads and robins, which are now nearly, if not altogether, extinct on the mainland, are also plentiful. I saw several stitch-birds, but these appeared to be confined to the central portions of the island. In fact, I saw every species of land-bird mentioned by Mr. Reischek in his list printed in the " Transactions of the New Zealand Institute," with the single exception of the blue-wattled crow. It is possible that this may occur on the north side of the island, on which it was impossible to land during my visit. A curious feature of the physical structure of the island, particularly on the eastern side, is the number of deep and excessively narrow gorges, which are often mere cracks 80 ft. or 100 ft. deep by only a few feet in width. These gorges make access to certain portions of the island altogether impossible except by boat. The Curator has formed a neat garden round the house erected for him by the Government, and both it and the house have been well looked after and kept in good order and condition. The institute had hoped to have done something towards introducing the huia and other native birds, but the cost of establishing the Curator on the island and supplying him with the necessary appliances for his work have so far absorbed the balance of the annual grant remaining after payment of his salary. In future years there will be a small amount available for this work. The following is an audited statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Little Barrier Account: — £ s. a. £ s. a. Government grant for 1898 .. .. 200 0 0 Balanoe due Bank of New Zealana, 22nd PebBalance due Bank of New Zealand, 22nd February, 1898 .. .. .. 27 1 0 ruary, 1899 .. .. •• 20 18 4 Salary of Curator .. .. .. .. 150 0 0 Advance from Working Account repaid .. 34 0 0 Miscellaneous payments .. .. .. 917 4 £220 18 i £220 18 i 18—C. 1.

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PARAPARAUMU. The Wellington Acclimatisation Society, in whose care this reserve is at present placed, has through its secretary, reported as under : — " A sum of £455 has been expended by the society during the past two years in the erection of suitable buildings, fences, avairies, &c, on the reserve, and in felling, clearing, and grassing parts of the reserve for imported birds and red deer; and the society has already placed the gamefarm in rough going order. " To enable the society to keep deer on the reserve, and to protect the reserve properly, a fence is urgently required along the eastern and western boundaries of it, and a strip of bush inside the line of fence, 3 chains in width, should be felled this winter and grassed later On. This latter, when fenced, would lead the deer on to the lower spurs of the main range of hills, which run down to and form the back of the reserve. Owing to the heavy timber between their present place of confinement and the range of hills referred to, the deer have wandered on to the open country and made towards the township, and much of our caretaker's time is occupied in keeping them back. The society has now in confinement five of last year's deer and four of this season's capture, forming a herd of nine healthy young deer. "In the avairies of the society are twenty-one pheasants, and two small coveys of Virginian quail have been liberated on cleared portions of the reserve. " The society has already spent more on the land than its means allow, and still employs a caretaker at £100 a year. As this reserve is intended to be used not only as a mere local institution, but can be utilised to supply useful forms of game-birds to all the societies in the North Island; and as it has been granted as a central breeding-place for native and imported game, the society suggests that the expense of fencing this reserve might be borne by the colony, and a sum placed on the estimates for that purpose." The following extract bearing on this matter is taken from the annual report of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society:— " Following upon the plan of operations agreed on last year, the work of felling the bush and grassing a further portion of the land—containing 40 acres —has been carried on and completed, the total area now cleared and grassed being 70 acres. A cottage has been erected for the caretaker; wire pens or aviaries capable of holding 100 pheasants have been erected, in which there are now some twenty-one birds. A paddock of 5 acres has been securely fenced in, while a cow-shed has been built, as has also a shelter-shed for the {.our young deer. The latter were reared at the farm, and are still there, all of them doing exceedingly well. " Closely connected with the farm, and worked as part of it, is an enclosure of some 5 or 6 acres, forming part of the forest reserve, and upon which last year's deer (five in number) are at present held. Several wire pens for the pheasants have also been erected upon this piece of ground, the caretaker being of opinion that the locality would be a better wintering place for the birds. " With the exception of fencing the outer boundary, the heavy outlay at the game-farm has now been completed, and it is considered that for the future all that will be required will be an annual expenditure sufficient to pay the caretaker's salary and a comparatively small amount for the actual up-keep."

RESOLUTION ISLAND. Mr. Henry, writing from Resolution Island, on the 3rd October, 1898, states as follows: — "The steamer was here when I closed my last letter to you on the 9th August. I may have mentioned that Mr. Gordon heard shots fired towards Anchor Island an evening or two before, and as it had been dead calm since then a schooner could not have got away. I suggested to Captain Bollans that I would go with him in the morning to Sealers' Cove in expectation of finding poachers there, and showing that there was some interest in their doings. The captain readily agreed, and I went down, but there was no one there. However, it was very kind of him, and his action shows that his sympathies are in the right direction. Next morning there was a nice west wind and I sailed for Cascade Cove, and had a look into Pickersgill, but found no sign of any one, nor of recent wood-cutting. When I had finished the little boat to go aboard the sloop I packed supplies and cages, and went to Sealers' Cove on the 23rd August to wait for a fine time to go to Preservation, but it was the 4th September before I could trust it. I went with a light east wind and a quiet sea, but the wind soon died away and left me rolling about outside. I tried to pull in again in the evening, but a current prevented me, and I had to stop out all night. Next morning there was a big swell from the south-west, and when the wind came I sailed into Dusky again. During my ten days wait at Luncheon Cove I went in the dinghy to the falls and to Wales Point, and caught four kakapos and four grey kiwis, and put them on Resolution, near Fixed Head; and after my sea-trip I caught six kakapos, and brought them home with me on thelllth September. I intended them for Five Fingers, but there was too much surf to land them, so I kept them two days, but they would not eat well, and I took them towards Goose Cove, where I* let them all out in one place, and they went all right. I took two native thrushes to Fixed Head on the 28th August, but the next morning one of them was back at my tent. I knew it by a broken feather in its tail. I think both came back, so I need not bother with them. They are friendly little things, and quite easily caught with a piece of wire-netting. They cannot understand it, and try to get through it time after time. I think they are wanderers, for I never saw them at that camp before, and it was very curious that they flew across the sound to get back to the camp as if it was their home. One has also come to the house on Pigeon Island, and seems inclined to remain, though for four years we never saw one on Pigeon Island. I feed it often, and it has half a mind to sit on my hand, it is so tame. It can shell damp oats like a sparrow, but where it learnt I do not know.

Stag, three years old, in Paraparaumu Sanctuary. Bred by Wellington Acclimatisation Society.

Red-deer Calves, four months old, in Paraparaumu Sanctuary. Reared by Wellington Acclimatisation Society.

SHOWING ISLANDS AT SEALER'S COVE

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Crows I cannot catch ; they do not stay long enough, but hop away through the scrub, and I may not see them again for days. But I saw some on Resolution, and perhaps there are plenty in favourite places. They can fly nearly as well as a thrush, so it might not be of much use to bring them over. I have my boat " Putangi " ready, and will go to Stevens Cove, on the north end of Resolution Island, on the first fair wind and fine day. On the 28th September the Greymouth steamer " Pareora " came in out of the storm, and when she came under the lee of Pigeon Island I went off to her, thinking she might want a pilot, and to take some letters ; but the captain said he knew the place and that he was not coming into Facile, so I bade him good-by and came ashore because my dinghy was getting knocked about and my letters and stamps all wet. They went to Goose Cove and anchored. It was a very stormy night. Next day when it was quiet they came into Facile and whistled for me, and I went out. There was a heavy sea outside, and they were not going till evening, so I had a fine time with the kindly captain and crew. They gave me late papers and some fresh meat; also a lot of oysters, which I put on a sandy bottom in 10 fathoms. They might live and grow a patch. I was thankful for the steamer's visit; it made me lively. On the sth November, 1898, Mr. Henry writes as follows : — I think my last report was sent in November, 1897. From the Ist of that month I was at home tending roas for the Agricultural Department, expecting the steamer every day until the 11th December, when she came, and I sent them away. On the 16th we sailed for Green Point, which we thought was our best place for kakapos, and hunted two days, but could find none. The ground, which was not too steep to climb, was all Schefflera scrub, and too early for the fruit. I did not know that the birds left a place so completely. Probably they were enticed away by other food that I do not understand ; I think it is the seeds of moss, but they chew it so perfectly that I cannot identify it. They have special milling-grooves in their upper beak that I have not noticed in other parrots. Then we tried the north side of the sound under Mount Pender, but we only got one, which we put on Cooper Island, where there are a few native kakapos and grey kiwi living. On the 26th December, 1897, we went to Cascade Harbour, where we heard the first of the male kakapos drumming for their breeding season, after a silence and an interval of two years. We caught a few, which were very fat, though there was no fruit of any sort, only blossoms. I killed one, but did not find out what they were eating. Its crop was full of green pulp. The country was all moss, which bears a tiny green seed, but where we failed to find them there was none of this moss. We spent most of January in Wet Jacket trying to get better acquainted with the drummers. Met the s.s. " Waikare" there, and arranged with the captain to send birds to the Dunedin Society on his second trip. Promised him a kiwi and a kakapo for the entertainment of his passengers, and met him with the birds at the appointed place, but, to my astonishment, the steamer sailed past and would not take them, and it was long after that I heard the captain had been killed, and his officers may not have known of the appointment. However, we put the birds on Resolution, and it was all in our work. Twice afterwards I caught those birds to send by the " Hinemoa." In March she did not anchor, but sent a boat ashore, and was away again so soon that I had no time to get them aboard. On the 24th June she only looked in the Heads, and did not come up at all, and at that time I had them in cages and tended them for five weeks. In August, under Captain Bollans, she stayed all night, and I had a fine chance, but did not expect her then, and had none ready. I had spent some time sounding a track from Safe Passage to near Fixed Head in a straight line. It is all deep, but in two places on the west rocks come up steep from 30 to 16 fathoms, which made me sound it closely, using a 20-fathom line, mostly without bottom. It is a distance of four miles to save a round of ten miles when the steamer goes that way, which she did last time. On the 13th February we climbed Mount Sparman, and had a hunt on the grass, but no sign of strange birds were found, though there were plenty of roa and kakapo tracks up there; and on the 29th March we went up again, and searched over what grass was accessible, which was not much, for the tops are very steep and rough. The kakapos must get grass-seed somewhere —though we saw none up there—for they all know how to shell oats like a sparrow, or, at least, soon learn to do so. In May I camped some time in Sealers' Cove, on Anchor Island, which is what Captain Cook called Luncheon Cove, but it is a mile eastward of the Luncheon Cove of the modern charts. It is a beautiful little land-locked harbour with 2 fathoms at the entrance and 3 fathoms inside at dead low water. There are several good passages into it among a maze of islands, but it would always need a pilot, for there are over forty islets within the radius of a mile. (See sketch.) The peninsula forming the harbour was the site of an old Maori village, and had since been occupied by whalers and sealers. It is by far the best site in Dusky Sound either for a seal-farm or a fishing-village, because it is sunny and sheltered, and close to the best fishing-ground, and the last haunts of the seals; it is also central, and very near to the sea, so that it will be an important place in the distant future, though the land is barren and the weather very bad. It has another great advantage over all else here—there are no sandflies there, or, at least, there were none in May last; and that alone is enough. That is why I ceased to put roas there, because from experience I think there is some relationship between roas and sandflies, and, fortunately, I had only liberated two males on Anchor Island. On an island close by. I found two little Maori huts still standing, one of them with a tree growing out of its ridge and the roots down along the roof like rafters. It is built and floored with fern-tree stems, and is probably eighty or a hundred years old, and dry enough now for a night's camping-place.

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In March I took our big boat up on the slip, and was lucky to have a spell of fine dry weather to give her a very useful painting, so that she is now in good order. In April I camped a week at Goose Cove, and crossed Five Finger Peninsula twice, but saw nothing of interest except that it appeared to me to be about twice as wide as it is shown on the map, and I was surprised at its height. I forgot my aneroid, but I am confident that one of its parallel ridges is at least 1,000 ft. high over Goose Cove. Due west there are great cliffs at the sea, and south-west the creek empties through a deep canon, so that I could not follow it right out to the sea. In August I built a little boat to go below in our sloop, for sometimes it may be too rough to tow a dinghy. In September I went to Wales Point and to the falls for birds, and got a few. Camped a while at Piekersgill Harbour, and found that Captain Cook's clearing is quite easily distinguished— no doubt about it—up on the hill over Astronomer Point, where no woodcutter would go while there was plenty of fuel on the beach. In October I went up Acheron Passage and out to Breaksea Island, but had the usual bad weather, and was most of my time weatherbound. On the 28th September the s.s. " Pareora " called in out of the storm —my first visitor of that sort—so that I had a holiday afternoon with the kindly captain and crew. On the 13th November I went to Anchor Island, and found that in some parts of it there are sandflies, but at the cove there was not enough to be any trouble. Spent until the 28th bringing over a few birds (six kakapos and three kiwis), but there were gales eve»y other day, and I could not do much either in the bush or on the water. Came home on the 28th, bringing four kakapos and one roa. During the year 1898 I put out twenty-four kiwis, six roas, and sixty-four kakapos on Resolution Island; two roas, three kiwis, and eleven kakapos on Anchor Island ; and one kakapo on Cooper Island : making a grand total of 572 birds put out altogether. Of course, I might have put out more birds last year, but I had the idea that the islands were fairly stocked and that I might not be doing much good by putting out more. I hunted on Resolution one day to see how my immigrants were likely to thrive, and found two kakapos fat and heavy, two miles away from where I had liberated them ; and one of the drummers that we liberated within hearing of our homestead kept singing away vigorously till the very last of the season, so that he must have been content with his new place. Great shoals of anchovies came in here about the 26th February. At first I was glad to see them, but later on I thought them a nuisance, because all our " mendos " disappeared, and I blamed the anchovies for eating their food, the shrimp-like whale-food, for it almost disappeared some months earlier than usual. The last of the anchovies I saw on the sth August, when we got a groper that had made a meal of them. While they were here cod were fairly plentiful and fat, but lately they are scarce and quite thin. Thus there are variations in the crops both on sea and land, and visitations of pests also. It was only for a short time that the shoals were dense enough for profitable netting ; after that they seemed to scatter everywhere. I saw no baracouta, nor mullet, nor mackerel this year. By the newspapers I got from the steamer " Pareora " I saw that some one had caught another takahe, which I never expected, for I thought they were all dead. There may be a small family of them yet, and the man that caught this last one should know the value of a pair of live ones to save the race. A breeding pair would be worth a couple of thousand pounds. Since 1889 I have used a muzzle on my dog when hunting for birds, eggs, or skins, and during that time a muzzled dog has never stopped or caught a weka, though they were always plentiful. At Te Anau my dogs would try to catch them, but here I have broken them of the habit altogether. My present dog will not take a bird in its mouth, because I have checked it severely for punching the birds with the muzzle. Again, the muzzle is a great hindrance to a dog in tracking a running bird, and the jangling bell would frighten away a good runner, and several times my dogs have run tracks that I did not understand ; so therefore I have had no chance of catching a takahe. If it is a good runner and a shy bird I would have to train my dog to catch and carry wekas and all the other birds, which would mean wholesale murder here, and perhaps all for nothing. This suggests the idea of having two dogs—one for live birds and a retriever to hunt and carry dead ones; but I could not keep two dogs, because it is horrible cruelty to tie up a dog in the daylight to be eaten with sandflies ; they can manage the sandflies when at liberty, but not on a chain. When I did tie up a dog, to have a fresh hunter for next day, I found him stupid and useless, with a swelled head from the swarms of flies that gathered round him after a long time in one place; whereas if he could move every now and then through the scrub he would hardly have any flies. On the Bth October I went in " Putangi " for the north end of Resolution, intending to camp inside Gilbert Islands; but it was calm, and too far for me to pull in a day, for I wanted to be there in time to choose a camp and fix a tent, and I did not get up till the morning of the 11th, when there was too much swell for me to land out there, so I came back and camped in Occasional Cove, at the upper end of the passage. I went out to Breaksea Island on the 15th, but could not effect a landing ; it would need a boat's crew, even on a fine day. It is a big and high island, apparently all bush except a little peninsula on the south-east corner, where I heard there were seals ; but I saw no sign of them, though they might be there, for it is a wild and rough place. I heard that they only come there at dark, and go into the water at daylight, so it was only a forlorn hope for me to get a sight of one. However, I wanted to see the place. But it needs a man to be built and trained for this job, and to go with suitable company. It is curious that I never get sight of a seal here, except a dead one, though we got so near as to see the wave made by one swimming under water. It was near Sealers' Cove one calm evening, when we saw a track like that of a very big fish coming straight to us; but it had a jerky row-boat motion, made by the flippers

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of the seal. When it came near enough to ccc our boat it went down, and we saw no more"of it; but even that was important, to show that they still come in there, though only the very shy and wildest survive. A sacred breeding-place is all that seals want to become plentiful again; but how to grant it is the difficulty, for the tame ones would be very easy victims. However, we took the migratory geese, that were the wildest creatures on earth, and taught them to be content on the town common with the boys and dogs. We do not want half that from seals, though they are more valuable and worth more care, and probably have never been fairly tried yet: and there was never a better time and place to try them than now and here. This is a long digression from my trip up the passage. However, we had the usual bad weather for five days, and came home on the 21st, bringing three kakapos for Dusky Cove and two roas for a little island at Whidby Point, to go to Dunedin. The roas do well on an island, but the kakapos do badly. 29th November : Eeturned yesterday, after a trip to Pickersgill and Sealers' Cove, where I put out six kakapos and three kiwis, because I found there are sandflies on some parts of Anchor Island, and even out on one of the seal islands. I give up the problem why they are about in some places. Brought home four kakapos and one roa. I could not get kiwis when I wanted them. Had a stormy time some days, and wet. Was out since the 12th.

TAKAHE. Notornis Mantelli. Amongst the fossil bones collected in the North Island in 1848 by Mr. Walter Mantell, were parts of a skeleton, which was recognised by Professor Owen as a distinct genus of Rallidae, and named Notornis mantelli. There are two specimens in the British Museum, one captured alive in 1849 by a party of sealers in Duck Cove, Resolution Island, the other caught by Maoris on Secretary Island, and obtained by Mr. Mantell. The third specimen wa3 found in 1881 on the Te Anau Downs, between the Mararoa and Upokororo Rivers, on the eastern side of Lake Te Anau, by a rabbiter, whose dogs caught it alive. It was sold in London, and is now in the Dresden Museum. The fourth specimen, which is shown in the photograph, was caught by Mr. Ross, also at Lake Te Anau, in September, 1898. It was purchased by the Hon. John Mackenzie, Minister of Lands, for the New Zealand Government, through the Chief Surveyor at Inveroargill, and is in the meantime deposited in the Dunedin Museum. The measurements of the bird are: Greatest height from the ground, 20in. ; the extreme length, tip to tail straight, 18 in.; girth, 20 in.; length of legs, 7 in.; length of back, 9 in.; and neck, 2Jin.; total length of bird measured along curves, 22 in.; length of wing from the flexure, 9-J-in.; length of the tail, 4 in.; length from posterior edge of frontal plate to tip of upper mandible, 3 in.; length from gape of mouth along edge of lower mandible, 2 in.; length of the tarsus, 3J in. ; length of middle toe and claw, 3| in.; and length of hind toe and claw, The bird is a young female. The eggs were quite small, none of them in the ovary being more than £ in. in diameter. That pointed to the bird being immature, probably three or four years old. The bird lived in holes under trees. Sir Walter Buller's description of the 1881 specimen, with which the bird captured last year agrees, is as follows : — " The bill is somewhat shorter than the head, greatly compressed on the sides, and much arched above, the culmen having a convex or rounded aspect, with a uniform width of f in. from above the nostrils to within J in. of the tip, when it rapidly diminishes, terminating in a rounded point. Where it merges into the frontal shield the culmen is -f in. in width. There is only the slightest indication of pectination. The cutting edges of' both mandibles are sharp to the touch. The horny covering of the bill rises on the forehead to a line with the posterior angle of the eye, forming a depressed frontal shield. Nostrils oval, placed in a depression near the base of the bill, and forming an oblique opening. Wings short, rounded, and slightly concave; ample in appearance, useless for purposes of flight, but armed below the carpal joint with a sharp spur or claw. " On examining the wing-feathers they are found to be feeble and pliant, the outer webs being almost as broad as the inner. The tail-feathers are likewise soft and pliant, with disunited filaments, much worn at the tips. The tarsi are long, strong, and well-proportioned to the bird; longer than the toes (exclusive of claws), rounded in form, and armed in front with fourteen more or less broad, regular, traverse scutellse, forming an effective shield; on the middle toe there are twenty-three transverse scales, all very regular, but narrowed at the joints ; on the inner toe fifteen, and on the outer toe twenty-one. "On the hind toe there are five scales. The claws are strong, thick, not much arched, rather sharp on the edges, but with blunted points, especially on the hind toe. The palate is deeply grooved. " Head and upper part of neck very dark blue, changing according to the light into brownishblack on the crown and nape, brighter on the cheeks and sides, and passing into dark purplish-blue on the lower part of the neck; the whole of the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts rich olive-green, varied more or less, and particularly on the shoulders, with dull verditer-green, the feathers shading off into that colour at the tips, the general olive hue, however, predominating towards the sides of the body ; fore-neck, breasts, sides of the body, and inner portion of flanks beautiful purplish-blue ; the lengthened pectoral plumes which overlap the sides and the outer portion of flanks vivid purplishblue, mixed and varied, especially on the former, with verditer green; abdomen, thighs, and vent dull indigo, or bluish-black, more or less mixed with brown; under tail-coverts pure white. The general upper surface of the wings is a rich mixture of blue and verditer-green, very difficult to

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express exactly in words, the combination having something of the effect, in certain lights, of lapis lazuli. " On the frontal plate, and along the basil edges of both mandibles, light-red, fading outwards. The tarsi and toes brilliant red. Claws dull brown, lighter towards the tips. " The texture and general appearance of the plumage on the head, neck, and underparts generally is very similar to that of the pukeko (Porphyrio melanonotus), although the latter bird lacks the produced bright-coloured pectoral plumes which overlap the sides of the body, under the wings, in Notornis. The plumage of the back is very long and thick, but at the same time soft and somewhat silky to the touch, being evidently adapted to haunts where the bird is constantly subject to drippings from wet herbage. On moving this plumage with the hand it is found that the basal portion, comprising more than two-thirds of the feathers, is of a uniform blackish-brown, whereas the basal plumage on the other parts of the body is dark grey. The plumage of the head and neck is short and close, as in Porphyrio, the feathers having a soft texture. The whole of the upper surface has a slight sheen upon it (amounting almost to a glint on the tips of the shoulder-plumage), and the bright hues of colour on the back and wings change slightly under different lights. "The plumage covering the flanks and overlapping the thighs is dense and long, while its brilliant blue and green colours contrast strongly with the olive plumage of the back and rump. When looked at in front, with the wings closed in against the body, the purplish vivid blue already described is very conspicuous. "The carpal spur is shaped like the claw of the hind toe, but is less arched; it is nearly one-eight of an inch thick at the base, and is dark-brown, fading into horn-colour at the tip. " Like many other New Zealand forms of an earlier period, the Notornis is the prototype of a well-known genus of swamp-hens. It is, in fact, to all appearance a huge pukeko (Porphyrio) with feeble or aborted wings and abbreviated toes, the feet resembling those of Tribonyx —a bird incapable of flight, but admirably adapted for running. Similar, no doubt, was the relation borne by the powerful Aptornis to our present wood-hen (Ocydromus), but in that case the prototype has disappeared, leaving only its fossil bones for the study of the scientist, and its place in nature to be filled by its existing diminutive representatives."

Takahe (Notornis mantelli).

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143

Table 1.— Summary of Lands disposed of from Foundation of the Colony, with Total Cash received for the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Table 2. —Lands opened for Sale and Selection during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

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, 1899. Total Area remaining for future Disposal, exclusive of Area in preceding Column and > of Native Lands. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. A. B. p. 1.972.453 2 38 1.358.454 0 20 370,673 1 22 2,074,526 1 6 1,312,262 2 4 833,329 0 14 61,196 3 0 3,117,980 1 38 2,098,807 0 10 1,561,619 1 22 A. B. P. 3,257,501 1 25 241,843 0 39 598,539 2 19 847,264 0 32 197,378 0 4 205,291 3 37 102,411 2 39 1,189,382 2 3 593,197 1 31 590,403 3 16 A. B. P. 5,229,955 0 23 1,600,297 1 19 969,213 0 1 2,921,790 1 38 1,509,640 2 8 1,038,621 0 11 163,608 1 39 4,307,363 0 1 2,692,004 2 1 2,152,023 0 38 £ s. d. 760,330 11 10 670,777 4 9 785,751 8 4 2,320,784 16 0 509,602 4 11 302,443 5 1 70,332 2 1 6,252,400 6 4 2,179,356 12 4 1,868,552 17 9 A. B. P. 598,928 0 0 27,774 1 0 112,850 3 32 99,086 1 28 290,402 0 0 8,270 0 0 77,461 0 0 12,025 0 0 136,247 0 3 1,504,861 0 0 2,639,160 0 0 367,051 0 0 588,700 0 0 728,454 3 39 5,129,919 0 0 522,435 0 0 330,567 0 12 955,035 2 23 5,328,859 1 2 535,000 0 0 Totals 7,823,214 0 5 14,761,302 3 14 22,584,516 3 19 15,720,331 9 5 2,867,905 2 23 17,125,181 3 36

District. Optional System. Cash by. Auction. Lease by Auction and Application. Village Allotments. Pastoral Buns. Small Buns. Lease in Perpetuity only. Native Towns. Totals. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Acres. 146,507 18,552 55,531 59,373 2,285 13,566 760 2,609 44,158 23,083 Acres. 3,570 2 380 717 4,117 Acres. 9,214 336 155 309 335 Acres. 60 45 24 1,444 5 Acres. Acres. 611 29,802 12,871 Acres. 11,305 Acres. 20 Acres. 171,287 48,737 68,806 65,619 3,692 195,865 760 210,313 261,932 158,307 i 1,185,318 3,732 198 139,632 17,138 21^077 19 265 127 539 6 1524 163 242 954 153,060 190,755 119,773 21,774 25,150 3,802 32,149 1,362 4,044 Totals .. 366,424 9,202 17,412 2,937 603,220 112,236 73,669 218

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Table 3. —Summary of Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899 (exclusive of Pastoral Runs and Miscellaneous Leases).

144

For Details see Auckland. Hawke's Bay. Taranaki. Wellington, i Nelson. Marlborough. Westland. Canterbury. Otago. Southland. Total Area taken up during Year. Table 5—Cash lands A. R. P. 11,642 0 6 A. B. P.; 930 1 15 a. B. p. 416 1 11 A. B. P.i 2,115 3 22 A. B. P. 12,656 1 23 A. B. P. 5,141 2 27 A. B. P. A. B. P. 144 0 27^ a. a. p. 2,152 2 33 A. R. P. 989 1 19 A. B. P. 36,188 3 23 6 - Deferred payment I 13 0 0 13 0 0 7—Perpetual lease and small areas .. 640 0 0 640 0 0 8—Occupation with right of purchase.. 44,188 2 29 13,122 2 0 9,131 2 17 32,106 3 0! 3,274 3 36 3,081 0 0 47 1 0 533 3 33 2,911 2 17 1,551 2 18 109,949 3 30 9—Lease in perpetuity 25,702 1 28 9,083 0 0 8,761 0 0 24,241 2 36 j 1,653 2 18 I 7,432 3 0 305 0 0 2,960 3 6; 14,008 3 9 5,112 3 26 99,262 0 3 « 10 —Agricultural leases I i 114 1 11 114 1 11 .11 — Occupation lease under "Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894 " • 12—Village settlement, cash .. 555 0 0 ! 508 3 13 384 3 28 1,448 3 1 0 2 27 29 0 19 29 3 6 « 12 —Village settlement, deferred payment „ 12 —Village settlement, perpetual lease I I i I 12 —Village settlement, occupation with right of purchase » 12 —Village settlement, lease in perpetuity „ 12 —Village - homestead special settlement „ 14 —Special-settlement associations 10 0 i i 10 0 2 0 0 11 1 25 1,554 2 33J i 72 3 18 461 1 6 2,100 1 2 1 3 36J __ 131 3 0 133 2 36 607 1 10J I _ 607 1 10 „ 33 —Improved-farm special settlement .. 134 0 38 544 3 24 2,404 0 36! ! i I 513 3 36 1,225 2 10 4,822 3 24 - 15 —Homestead „ 16 —Small grazing-runs 11,619 0 0 i 1,088 0 0 5,166 0 0 5,641 0 0 18,644 0 24 6,651 2 33 48,809 3 17 304,122 3 3 Totals 82,222 1 21 34,767 3 27 18,866 3 12 63,672 2 13 18,672 3 37 20,821 1 27 352 1 0 9,412 2 26 38,927 1 1 16,406 1 39 Cheviot Estate. Table 5—Cash lands • 9—Lease in perpetuity 12 —Village-homestead speoial settlement 16—Grazing-farms Land fob Settlements Acts. •• .. .. 1,210 3 14 1 ■• 1,210 3 14 9—Lease in perpetuity (7,927 3 19 t *10 0 0 1,429 1 4 *25 0 35 1 - 72 3 31 118,472 0 0 ( '148 0 0 25,138 1 38 *786 1 25 629 3 22 *l,026 1 9 *15 0 2 4,250 2 6 •236 0 0 J 6,0152 3 29 12 —Lease in perpetuity (village) 14 —Special-settlement associations .. « 16—Small grazing-runs •• •■ .. •• i .. 12,531 0 0 16,290' 3 19 15 0 2 I 28,821 3 19 ■• .. Grand totals 90,160 1 o| 36,222 1 26 18,866 3 12 63,745 2 i 20,893 0 5| 1394,323 1 27 118,672 3 37] 51,972 1 27 352 1 01 52,839 1 40,598 1 34l * Beallotted.

145

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Table 3.— Summary of Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899— continued.

19—C 1.

Tenures. Exchanges from other Tenures during the Year. Area taken up during Previous Years to 31st March, 1898. Total Exchanges to 31st March, 1899. Total Forfeitures to 31st March, 1899. Total Surrenders to 31st Maroh, 1899. Total Expiries to 31st March, 1899. Total Area held on 31st March, 1899: Past and Current Transactions. Total Area made Freehold to Date. Obdinary Ceown Lawds. Table 5—Cash lands .. A. B. P. A. K. P. 13,094,974 2 0 A. K. P. A. B. P. A. B. P. A. K. P. a. k. p. A. R. P. 13,131,163 1 23 6—Deferred payment .. 1,275,100 2 4 65,130 2 15 181,503 3 16 82,273 0 29 966 3 26 160,939 3 13 834,299 0 25 7—Perpetual lease .. 1,334,352 3 29 184,034 3 8 144,213 0 29 98,442 0 4 440,088 2 27 468,214 1 1 . 8—Occupation with right of purchase.. 463,642 0 14 839 2 24 45,123 3 15 22,798 3 28 504,829 2 17 . 9—Lease in perpetuity 17,987 1 4 737,368 1 27 79,626 3 22 43,779 1 14 731,211 1 38 , 10 —Agricultural lease 288,571 1 11 43,204 3 28 18,645 3 17 4,193 3 31 80,794 3 14 1,262 2 33 140,583 1 19 . 11—Occupation lease under "Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894 " „ 12 —Village settlement, cash .. 7,033 1 6 408 0 5 116 0 5 7,957 3 37 6,974 3 24 7,004 2 30 , 12 —Village settlement, deferred payment . 12—Village settlement, perpetual lease - 14,841 0 11 202 0 36 1,981 3 21 111 1 23 1,085 3 23 11,459 2 28 6,822 1 3 719 2 17 1,261 0 6 30 0 0 3,762 3 8 1,048 3 12 . 12 —Village settlement, occupation with right of purchase . 12—Village settlement, lease in perpetuity , 12 —Village - homestead special settlement „ 14 —Special-settlement associations .. 32 0 20 5 2 0 28 2 20 90 2 4 13,531 1 36 3,149 3 20 527 2 39 12,044 2 23 35,326 2 9 5,332* 1 23 11,327 0 29 1,691 3 23 17,108 3 10 445,925 2 21 617 1 8 145,387 0 9 75,364 0 12 140,552 0 26 84,£12 1 16 . 33 —Improved-farm special settlement.. 65,313 2 9 12,931 2 6 6,978 1 36 50,226 1 31 » 15 —Homestead 89,489 0 34 144 1 9 8,912 0 0 2,427 3 10 78,005 0 15 . 16—Small grazing-runs 1,458,572 0 0 14,011 1 1 163,710 0 2 309,472 1 26 1,020,188 0 28 Totals 18,077 3 8 19,337,871 3 18 314,092 3 0 Cheviot Estate. Table 5—Cash lands 9—Lease in perpetuity . 12 —Village-homestead special settlements 16—Grazing-farms 809,420 0 6 604,691 1 30 81,761 3 0 3,093,715 2 24 14,756,390 3 9 5,466 1 21 25,223 1 33 2,803 2 38 0 2 0 1,320 1 0 323 1 38 23,903 0 33 2,480 1 0 6,676 2 35 46,977 0 9 1,286 0 0 45,691 0 9 Land fob Settlements Acts. , 9—Lease in perpetuity . 12 —Lease in perpetuity (village) . 14 —Special-settlement associations .. . 16 —Small grazing-runs 123,186 1 2 505 0 24 2,799 0 9 13,107 3 31 7,995 2 18 83 1 18 684 3 0 1,886 2 1 21 0 16 173,457 0 12 415 2 32 2,114 1 9 41,929 3 10 .. Grand totals 18,077 3 8| 19,557,940 3 25 314,092 3 0 821,114 0 0 606,599 0 7 81,761 3 3,383,707 0 9 ! 14,763,067 2 i

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146

Table 4. —Analysis of Holdings taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Average Holdings of Selectors. Tenure. No. of Selectors. No. of Selectors N °-° £ *fe*» 1 to 50 Acre, *\%£> No. of Selectors under 1 Acre. No. of Selectors 251 to 500 Acres. No. of Selectors 501 to 1,000 Acres. No. of Selectors 1,001 Acres and upwards. Cash 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 settlement, cash Village settlement, occupation with right of purchase Village settlement, lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Special-settlement associations Improved-farm special settlement Small grazing-runs .. .. .. .. Pastoral runs Thermal springs, Rotorua Miscellaneous leases and licenses 528 1 1 458 362 2 31 3 104 12 5 64 21 227 29 304 252 3 "ii 2 3 7 190 1 51 43 1 21 10 1 88 5 2 47 55 257 183 1 10 13 17 105 81 9 1 42 42 5 3 .10 3 17 1 74 3 27 "l 17 16 64 "9 47 45 20 161 60 8 "6 "22 Total Cheviot Estate— Cash Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Grazing-farms Miscellaneous Land fob Settlements Acts — ■ Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous 2,173 334 686 674 241 118 120 1 3 2 5 "l 313 2 19 23 15 108 2 90 69 29 2 15 1 15 "6 1 4 Grand totals 137 2,542 350 817 774 313 151

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147

Table 5. —Return of Crown Lands sold for Cash during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Area disposed of. Average Price per Acre. Consideration received. Town. Suburban. Rural. Total. Number of Purchasers. Area. Number of Purchasers. Area. Number of Purchasers. Area. Number of Purchasers. Area. Town. Suburban. Rural. Cash. Scrip. Total. A. B. P. A. B. P. A. B. P. A. E. p. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Auckland ■ 20 41 3 27 16 574 2 35 93 11,025 1 24 129 11,642 0 6 5 2 5-7 0 9 9-8 0 10 1 5,588 17 3 150 0 0 5,738 17 3 Hawke's Bay 3 118 1 0 3 29 1 928 0 18 5 930 1 15 23 16 11 10 0 0 0 5 11 309 10 0 309 10 0 Taranaki 69 37 3 4 10 156 0 3 6 222 2 4 85 416 1 11 81 17 6 3 11 4-5 9 1.0 5 3,487 15 10 3,487 15 10 Wellington 106 33 0 7 30 98 0 2 I 12 1,984 3 13 148 2,115 3 22 ,39 13 2 6 17 10 0 17 9 I 3,734 15 6 3,734 15 6 Nelson 4 2 0 0 28 12,654 1 23 32 12,656 1 23 20 0 0 0 5 9 3,633 1 4 3,633 1 4 Marlborough 4 5,141 2 27 4 5,141 2 27 0 13 9 3,424 18 0 3,424 18 0 Westland Canterbury 4 1 3 0 I 6 142 1 27 10 144 0 27 26 17 1 2 19 0 472 7 2 472 7 2 Ofcago 36 14 1 19 36 115 3 16 i 24 2,022 1 38 96 2,152 2 33 36 12 3 . 2 17 1 0 9 8 1,834 1 8 1,834 1 8 I Southland 7 3 10 4 17 1 33 8 968 2 26 19 989 1 19 33 7 8 2 18 0 13 2 782 11 7 782 11 7 Totals 23,417 18 4 249 135 1 25 97 962 3 38 182 35,090 2 0 528 36,188 3 23 23,267 18 4 150 0 0 Cheviot. Canterbury •• I I I I I 6 I 1,210 3 14 J 6 I 1,210 3 14 I I I 2 13 5 I 3,234 2 0| I 3,234 2

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Table 6. — Return of Deferred-payment Lands—Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Note.—Taken up during year: Taranaki, one selector, 13 acres. * Includes two selectors holding 251 acres 2 roods of endowment lands at a yearly rental of £48 0s. 8d. t Inoludes eight selectors holding 270 acres 2 roods 36 perches of endowment lands at a yearly rental of £31 10s.

Fori ieitures durii ig the Year. Exchanges during the Year. Capitalised during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1899, including Capitalised Holdings. District. O to -< o CD .g. ■2 ° 9,2 3 CD Area. Yearly Instalments payable. o oi * O CD S -2 u s.2 3 CD a co Area. Yearly! ! Instalments payable. **H o m 8 ° •2 ° rj CD a co Area. Yearly Instalments payable. ° CO X a CD O ■Jo 3 CD JZjCB Area. Yearly Instalments and Interest payable. I mckland lawke's Bay .. 'aranaki Vellington kelson rlarlborough .. Vestland Janterbury )tago iouthland 3 1 A. B. P. 352 2 32 17 6 0 £ s. d. 25 17 0 0 17 0 1 1 A. R. P. 3 2 0 320 6 0 £ s. d. 0 12 6 24 0 8 11 2 A. B. P. 2,253' 1 35 375 0 0 £ s. d. 41 16 8 6 18 8 168 17 152 *29 f498 10 11 25 87 122 A. R. P. 19,109 2 5 4,658 2 31 15,546 3 35 10,256 2 17 51,554 3 25 579 3 38 979 3 28 12,957 3 12 21,617 1 11 23,678 0 11 £ s. d. 844 11 2 209 0 8 1,231 11 7 3,645 2 2 2,936 16 5 39 10 4 61 9 0 1,022 19 6 828 0 2 742 11 8 8 669 1 26 19 12 10 4 1,115 3 0 24 "9 6 i 290 6 32 9 15 2 Totals .. 5 992 3 26 3,744 0 35 11,561 12 65' 3 24 36 2 44 6 0 17 73 4 li 1,119 160,939 3 13 acqi Pre uirc she lehold ;d during Year. Mi lomn to ide P lence: 31st 1 reehold from nent of Systi March, 1899. [electors in An 31st March, :ar on 399. District. Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899. o m gS CD 43 ,0 O 3 CD Area. **H O M » o CD 9 ■2 O s.s rj CD rH 02 Area. Total Amount realised, exclusive of Interest. O uj " o CD ■2? rj CD gco. Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough .. Westland Canterbury Otago Southland £ s. d. 2,096 17 8 523 7 10 3,886 15 9 1,685 11 8 5,124 15 3 77 15 10 21 15 10 " 2,300 11 9 2,958 1 2 2,078 16 2 48 9 33 24 149 1 2 7 26 19 A. E. P. 5,749 0 13 1,465 0 20 5,036 2 29 3,548 1 28 13,903 1 5 72 0 0 297 0 6 1,316 3 23 4,495 0 34 3,622 1 34 182 790 1,200 671 1,113 40 87 97 1,053 1,203 A. B. P. 22.822 1 4 80.823 0 2 141,532 1 12 1126,943 3 36 I 97,750 1 0 \ 4,058 1 32 3,506 1 5 i 14,837 1 32 1171,222 0 12 1170,803 0 10 £ s. d. 18,018 10 8 85,865 12 9 222,594 18 0 139,720 11 4 80,436 16 7 3,127 17 4 3,232 7 4 34,601 11 9 210,242 12 8 235,981 17 1 41 1 5 1 A. B. P. 4,118 1 25 38 0 8 855 0 0 54 "3 0 £ s. d. 272 7 5 15 6 36 13 11 3 0 6 5 717"3 28 108 16 1 12 7 6,080"0 25 1,104 3 30 136 6 3 32 5 4 Totals ; 20,754 8 11 318 39,506 0 32 6,436 834,299 0 25 1,033,822 15 6 72 12,969 0 36 590 9 0

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Table 7.—Return of Perpetual-lease and Small-area Lands.—Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

! Taken up during the Year. Exchanges to other Tenures during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. District ■ •si o o 02 Area. Annual Eental payable. CD Area. Annual Eental. 73 CD Area. Annual Rental. ** to Annual Rental. Area. Auckland i Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland A. K. P. £ s. d.j a. e. p. 494 3 12 1,666 3 0 £ s. d. 14 6 8 61 1 6l A. E. P.j 383 3 0 £ s. a. 9 13 9 £ s. d. 7 4 0 5 5 3 2 A. E. P. 207 3 0 .. .. I *i 640 0 0 25 17 •■'" ' - 2 494' 2 0 23**6 2 ■ •• •• i ■• I - ! i .. I •• I ! 4 13 19 158 0 36: 3,554 1 18 5,634 2 33 13 16 6 I 131 14 2 225 6 2 .. I 20 2 2,818 0 15 359 1 33 108 14 4 11 9 4 18 ■' I .. i 3,398' 0 10] J 13015 0 •• •• I Totals 11,508 3 19 446 5 0 27 3,605 3 10 137 19 0 640 0 0 25 17 4 46 4,055 3 8 153 3 7 20 Freeholds acquired during the Year. Made Freehold from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1899. Net Area held on 31st 1899. arch, Se] .ectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1899. District. *. a o o Total Amount realised, exclusive of Interest. "S3 CD Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899. 0 -8 Area. Area. Area. Annual Rental. Area. Amount. \ Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 30 30 52 85 3 A. E. P. 118,547 0 24 146J 12,341 3 2 2151 [13,748 0 25 262 35,481 3 25 594 I 1,163 3 3 5 ! l! 6l ! 1,284 2 6, 34 1,582 0 27| 56 j 1,257 3 29; 43 85,407 1 211362; A. E. P. >! 57,508 2 27 > 91,827 0 2 ! 64,052 2 35 227,925 3 21 • 2,071 3 3 [ 300 0 0 482 3 20 I 3,875 2 15 10,593 0 25 9,576 2 13 £ s. d. 26,236 15 1 72,357 18 9 57,985 7 1 206,834 17 10 622 11 0 82 10 0 482 17 2 6,138 1 0 8,417 12 0 7,792 16 1 386,951 6 0 648 91 158 203 38 11 7 82 367 130 A. K. P. 148,788 1 34 45,506 0 5 40,324 1 33 81,601 1 15 10,087 3 36 1,796 2 7 580 1 8 14,427 2 8 71,680 3 27 25,295 0 14 ■ £ s. d. 3,713 0 9 1,792 4 8 1,974 7 1 4,534 19 3 263 10 3 52 2 3 28 0 4 1,021 2 2 2,764 17 2 953 19 10 £ s. d. 3,724 15 4 1,797 7 8 2,480 13 1 5,201 6 11 282 15 8 51 16 10 22 8 10 1,031 12 4 3.059 17 6 1,050 11 10 119 2 26 4 2 2 5 49 13 A. e. P. 26,326 2 2 970 0 0 8,667 2 37 2,730 0 0 417 1 0 £ s. d. 838 19 5 29 12 9 257 9 8 131 7 5 6 13 9 6 10 4 270 1 8 564 0 19 9,236 3 3 3,416 0 1 26 15 10 22 16 9 273 6 9 68 18 10 Totals 1220 468,214 1 i; . 1,735 18,703 6 0 440,088 2 27 17,098 3 9 222 52,598 2 30 1,656 1 2 * Eeallotment.

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Table 8.—Return of Occupation-with-right-of-purchase Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

150

Forfeitures during the Year. Taken up during the Year. District. at 02 Annual Rental payable. •3 o 02 Area. Average Upset Rent per Acre. Area. Annual Rental. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 205 S8 29 120 20 9 1 2 20 14 A. B. P. 44,188 2 29 13,122 2 0 9,131 2 17 32,106 3 0 3,274 3 36 3,081 0 0 47 1 0 533 3 33 2,911 2 17 1,551 2 18 i s. d. 0 5-90 1 1-66 1 1-53 1 3 0 4 1 1 0 8 0 7-5 0 5-6 0 866 £ s. d. 1,091 2 4 753 14 0 420 15 4 2,009 2 4 58 12 8 165 10 0 0 12 0 16 13 10 68 7 6 56 1 0 22 4 4 20 1 A. E. P, 6,234 0 5 1,233 0 17 814 2 0 4,568 0 0 132 0 0 £ s. d. 178 9 4 42 7 2 29 13 8 302 10 8 2 9 6 8 6 1,454 0 35 999 0 22 59 0 10 41 0 10 Totals 458 109,949 3 30 0 1013 4,640 11 0 65 15,434 3 39 655 12 0 Surrenders during the Year. Exchanges during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1899. Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899. Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1899. District. Area. Annual Rental. On the Year's ° n Past Transactions. y^f 0 " og 125-3 Area. Annual Rental. at CO Area. Annual Rental. CO *o c 11 CO Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough.. Westland Canterbury .. OtagQ Southland 8 "l 1 A. B. P. 974 0 37 239*0 0 200 0 0 £ s. d. 23 5 8 10 18 2 H IS 0 - 1 A. B. P. 39 2 24 I I £ s. d. 1 10 0 • • - 1,141 ! I 105 140 493 117 26 24 14 98 I 123 A. B. P. i 215,855 1 19 38,549 1 0 37,487 2 2 139,876 0 3 21,589 1 12 7,580 1 13 2,864 1 13 1,613 1 39 17,130 1 10 22,283 2 26 504,829 2 17 £ s. d. 5,499 2 5 1,928 6 6 2,226 13 6 8,368 14 0 369 16 8 363 11 10 70 14 10 103 7 4 630 0 2 849 7 2 £ s. d. 496 11 3 369 18 9 287 3 2 1,407 11 0 21 7 5 82 15 0 0 6 0 8 6 11 37 15 7 28 0 6 £ s. d. 2,627 7 8 1,051 12 8 1,672 5 10 5,344 18 2 173 13 2 184 3 1 61 10 10 73 19 5 609 17 11 780 1 2 161 1 11 13 5 A. B. P. 31,973 0 17 1,347 0 0 4,390 1 0 4,792 3 15 1,437 3 14 £ s. d. 883 13 4 19 7 3 149 0 1 371 10 7 29 11 9 "2 220 "2 17 4 3 0 .. 3 1 8 9 329 3 17 203 0 34 990 2 12 1,601 3 5 6 12 6 11 4 5 17 2 2 30 4 0 2 1,701 "l 22 1,297 1 27 4,632 2 23 79' 5 8 48 16 0 - •• Totals .. 22 181 3 6 1 1 39 2 24 ; 10 0 i ! 2,281 20,409 14 5 2,739 15 7 12,579 9 11 212 47,066 1 34 1,518 6 1 A

151

α-i

Table 9. — Return of Lease-in-Perpetuity Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Taken up during the Year. Exchanges from other Tenures during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. District. No. of Selectors. Area. Average Upset Rent per Acre. Annual Rental payable. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental payable. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland . .. Canterbury Otago Southland 105 17 34 87 7 25 2 11 57 17 A. B. P. 25,702 1 28 9,083 0 0 8,761 0 0 24,241 2 36 1,653 2 18 7,432 3 0 305 0 0 2,980 3 6 14,008 3 9 5,112 3 26 s. d. 0 5-4 0 9 0 106 0 9f 0 3 0 7-4 0 3-7 0 8-5 0 5-04 0 54 £ s. a. I 540 3 4 340 9 6 • 369 16 6 I 965 18 8 I 23 5 6 227 18 0 4 14 0 105 10 2 299 10 0 115 4 0 38 5 3 3 A. K. P. 1,745 0 34 1,666 3 0 1,052 0 0 2,989 0 0 £ s. d. 112 15 2 50 14 6 4518 8 51 5 6 11 1 3 16 3 A. B. P. 3,409 1 1 900 0 0 1,671 2 30 4,123 0 0 457 1 22 £ s. d. 74 8 6 20 14 0 50 11 2 197" 0 0 7 7 6 •• 8 17 19 258 0 36 4,641 1 21 5,634 2 33 38 4 10 138 14 6 180 13 0 2 13 22 610 0 0 2,715 2 16 10,632 2 20 41 13 0 92 17 6 377 1.6 0 Total 362 99,262 0 3 0 723 2,992 9 8 93 17,987 1 4 618 6 2 71 14,519 2 9 862 7 8 ! I he.viot Estate — Canterbury __ i •■ •• •• •• lands for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Marlborough Westiand Canterbury Otago Southland . I 36 i 7,927 3 19 43 ; 1,429 1 4 13 72 3 31 36 I 18,472 0 0 2 8-5 25 6 24 7 4 0-5 1,075 9 0 1,833 12 0 89 14 4 3,733 5 10 I Landi 2 1 s reallotted duri I 10 0 0 25 0 35 ing Year. 9 10 0 27 3 0 2 227 3 31 19 5 4 .. 149 i 25,138 1 38 5 629 3 22 7 4,250 2 6 8 11-4 2 10 2 0 11,462 4 8 89 9 6 440 16 4 1 1 148" 0 0 786 1 25 J 1,026 1 9 236 0 0 27 2 8 142 9 4 199 4 6 18 6 0 1 2 10 2 3 148 0 0 385 3 0 323 0 34 332 3 9 479 1 20 27 2 8 43 6 4 129 i 2 64 17 6 51 15 2 Totals 289 57,921 0 0 18,724 11 8 i . 24 ' 2,231 3 29 423 15 6 20 1,897 0 14 335 11 2 57,921 0 0 6 4-9

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152

Table 9.—Return of Lease-in-perpetuity Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899— continued.

Surrenders during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1899. Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899. Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1899. District. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Eental. On the Year's Transactions. On Past Transactions. No. of Selectors. Area. Amount. A. S. P. 1,779 0 1 £ s. d. 42 15 8 634 139 175 369 100 137 11 146 566 213 A. R. P. 120,368 0 30 77,511 1 38 47,827 3 2 106,226 3 14 26,149 2 9 66,355 0 23 1,255 0 0 72,681 1 11 149,391 1 18 63,444 3 13 £ s. d. 2,834 15 2 2,420 1 9 2,430 11 4 4,489 17 11 371 4 2 1,415 10 8 25 7 0 3,882 3 9 4,468 9 5 2,121 10 6 £ s. d. 224 18 8 116 0 8 206 16 6 743 9 10 13 12 8 152 4 9 0 10 0 53 14 5 148 17 1 55 8 1 £ s. d. 1,489 2 7 1,791 5 4 1,932 3 8 3,153 7 4 314 4 4 670 2 4 6 8 0 3,776 1 0 3,689 6 3 1,892 9 5 97 A. B. P. 21,336 2 21 £ a. d. 458 10 5 Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson .. Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 9 2 1 2 942 0 0 250 0 0 178 3 31 •• 38 8 8 15 0 0 2 5 2 .. 12 15 2 2,888 0 0 4,443 2 0 282 3 0 116 6 6 136 6 11 6 19 2 28 954 2 9 6,554 0 23 49 17 0 228 18 2 16 49 19 6,501 2 5 16,002 2 16 6,152 0 17 218 7 1 518 9 6 223 15 7 •• •• Totals .. 10,658 2 24 1,677 17 9 44 377 4 8 2,490 731,211 1 38 23,903 0 33 24,459 11 8 6,426 2 8 1,715 12 8 18,714 10 3 210 57,607 0 19 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury Lands for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Marlborough ,. Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 1 •■ 12 0 0 •• 6 0 0 I 106 98 130 32 67 16 560 266 55 15,493 2 7 12,228 -0 3 285 1 21 27,472 3 0 2,489 0 0 65,526 1 7 34,457 1 34 15,504 2 20 2,459 15 4 5,654 10 0 284 11 6 5,211 3 5 195 14 6 24,325 9 10 11,335 12 0 2,008 0 2 1 539 19 6 923 18 7 68 15 1 1,880 4 3 5,911 19 10 959 17 11 3,477 0 2 77 17 8 930 8 10 182 7 11 10,011 10 3 7,936 8 5 1,197 5 2 6 13 4 1 18 1 36 38 8 1,041 2 0 1,398 0 39 130 1 27 11 3 7 5,173 3 0 87 0 0 3,417 0 0 5,728 0 35 1,886 2 0 98 14 4 74 16 6 5 6 2 798 13 11 3 10 8 541 5 10 1,100 10 4 147 7 9 105" 12 0 - ■■ •■ 5,845 0 9 185 15 8 229 11 2 "* 379"2 6 73 '9 10 Totals .. 391 2 6 79 9 10 1,224 9,673 5 0 24,772 16 4 173,457 0 12 51,474 16 9 119 17,832 3 28 2,770 5 6

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Table 11 .-Occupation Leases under "The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894," taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Table 10.—Return of Agricultural-lease Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

20—C. 1.

153

District. Taken up during the Year. Expiries during the Year. Net Area heli March, 1 i on 31st .899. Amounts received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899. Made Freehold from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1899. Selectors in Arrear on 31at March, 1899. "J M Or, O sl«8 3 4; <s *g IArea. .4. Area. CM Total Amount realised. O w Area. Area. Amount. A. B. P. A. B. P. £. s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. & s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. Auckland 625 2 27 67 2,750 0 0 590 5 0 Westland 32 279 0 15 488 12 1 Otago 2 114 1 11 57 0 28 7 3 6 1 85 2 0 10 15 0 20 637 0 6 33 7 3 3 11 9 76 7 3 1,322 130,983 3 39 131,240 12 6 9 359 1 28 11 4 9 Southland 1 .. 50 6,570 1 5 6,570 5 0 Totals .. 2 114 111 57 0 28 7 3 6 85 2 0 10 15 0; 27 1262 2 33 33 7 31 3 11 9 76 7 3 1,471 140,583 1 19 |138,889 14 7 359 1 28 11 4 9

• Tab in up during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March> 1899. Amount received during the Year. Selectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1899. Districts. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. On the Year's Transactions. On Past Transactions. No. of Selectors. Area. Amount. A. B. p. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. £ s. d. Auckland 555 0 0 23 2 0 A. E. P. 1,743 0 1 69 5 6 £ s. a. £ s. d. ! A. H. P. £ s. d. 9 i I 32 12 14 0 Marlborough 17 1,072 0 0 28 5 10 28 11 2 Otago 15 508 3 13 19 11 8 151 2 5* 18 2 1 96 3,806 2 30 151 19 5 13 0 6 167 9 7 1 332 2 20 14 5' 7 Southland 7 384 3 28 28 3 6 2 J 200 0 0 ! I 5 0 0 20 58 18 2 6 5 0 1,336 1 6 • 31 Totals 1,448 3 1 70 17 2 351 2 5 23 2 7 j 165 7,957 3 37 208 14 9 4 332 2 20 14 5 7 308 8 11 19 5 6 * Adjust) ent of surveys-

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154

Table No. 12. —Return of Village Land Transactions during the Year ended the 31st March, 1899.

Taken up during the Year. Exchanges to other Tenures during the Year. Made Freehold during Year. Made Freehold from Commencement. I a> 02 Area. Annual Rental. I O Area. Annual Eental. xa 3 ~J1 Area 13 2 s J 02 Area. Total Cash received. Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash .. .. * Deferred payment Occupation with right ox purchase Lease in perpetuity Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferredjpayment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in peipetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash .. .. Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity .. .. Village-homestead special settlement ' .. Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement £ s. d. £ a. d. 127 6 2 £ s. d. j ▲. B. p. £ e. d. Auckland Hawke's Bay A. E. P. o' - 2 27 31 A. B. P. 1,207 0 38 A. B. P. 4,137 11 10 2,680 14 1 293 18 1 i - 1 25 3 20 •• 45 '5 7 249 107 9 634 0 13 1,183 0 10 146 3 1 1 2 10 0 11 1 25 0 7 6 1 14 8 Taranaki 308 120 853" 0 9 2,289 2 36 6,935 10 9 10,907 12 11 ft • • • • ff ' • WeJlirigton .. 262 102 25 451 0 29 956 2 8 294 3 6 3,276 3 5 3,714 5 4 962 1 11 223 ii 8 0 10 2 *2 9 0 0 38 0 0 V • • » • 65 1,554 2 33 1 3 36 Marlborough .. " 9 22' 1 11 75 16 10 •• I I Canterbury 2 2 80 0 0 20 0 0 12 13 6 12 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 50 0 0 49 1 8 62 10 0 166 513 13 1,208 0 1 2,411 1 21 290 1 21 5,481 17 4 20,498 14 10 645 10 5 2 10 0 1 12 0 •• 11 131 3 0 48 6 0 •• ! •■ Otago 103 i 100 7 889 2 19 1,042 2 2 184 1 37 1,756 3 5 2,709 0 7 247 0 0 7 72"3 18 5 3 6 Southland 20 29 0 19 •■ 1 3 40 i 30 116 ii 2 579 245 11 2,946 1 28 3,576 1 31 1S2 1 27 9,230 10 3 8,660 11 5 334 6 0 •• - 30 461 "l 6 44 1 2 - - •• j * * Totals 140 35 8 128 1 10 311 8 5 2,928 82,547 9 5 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury I 2,265 3 4 325 6 8 1,307 0 38 151 19 8 I 1 _| 19,513 0 30 Lease in perpetuity • • ■ • •• •• •■ ■■ Land for Settlements Acti Hawke'e Bay Otago i— Lease in perpetuity 2 *15"o 2 J 13 5 4 •■ Totals 15 0 2 .. 13 5 4 .. • • .- .. * Reallotted.

155

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Table No. 12. — Return of Village Land Transactions during the Year ended the 31st March, 1899 — continued.

Forfeitures during the Tear. Surrenders durinj the Year. Net Area hela 31st March, 1899. Arrears on 31st March, 1899. Amount received during the Year. •si IX! Area. Annual Bental. ■si Area. Annual Kental. ax Area. Total Annual Bental No. payable. Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase .. Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Occupation with right.of .. Lease in perpetuity Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special^settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right orpurohase .. Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase .. Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase .. Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement) £ s. d. 404 10 10 10 0 0 6 A. B. P. 251 3 25 £ s. d. 7 6 9 A. B. P. £ S. d. 130 A. B. P. 5,334 0 2 £ s. d. 407 6 6 92 A. B. P. 3,964 3 29 £ s. d. 1,419 4 4 •■ - "3 9 1 32 2 14 10 V • • 12 9 1 11 3 39 3 8 58 12 8 2 2 1 2 0 0 1 1 14 1 3 39 0 12 6 0 16 0 0 18 10 " .. __ 7 33 30 5 2 8 194 3 31 188 0 37 2 0 0 41 2 4 65 0 0 2 9"o 7 2' 3 1 Taranaki .. ! 3'3 0 8 9 11 _ 17 9 13' 2 0 68 0 8 42 6 7 5 0 3 1 2"3 0 2 3 35 010 6 0 14 4 • ! Wellington '.'. •• 4 15 8 906 9 8 436 9 9 ii 93 3 30 17 0 8 •• 7 3 333 120 14 0 28 29 1 27 6,397 3 1 1,440 2 26 130 4 5 3 13 0 843 7 5 499 5 2 11 13 330 3 22 199 0 27 si' 0 5 67 9 7 Maryborough 9 4 8 15 0 21 9 4 22 13 6 5 1 7 14 43 1 20 10 0 0 151 2 35 234 0 24 9 4 8 1 5 0; 21 11 4 22 13 6 •■ I I I I 1 Canterbury •■ I - I I •• •• ! 112 12 1 518 18 11 3 0 0 5 13 6 998 12 3 2 38 0 32 19 2 0 15 53 5 18 234 224 1 33 1,052 2 23 13 0 8 3 11 7,966 0 17 64 1 0 247 2 8 2 16 0 9 12 959 16 2 9 5 0 0 137 2 12 6' 4 0 35 14 0 M ' • *2 44 3 38 16 16 0 " 6 240 1 24 22 8 11 9 13 3 73 15 8 0 19 0 149 12 8 168 14 3 317 6 3 86 7 9 224 16 10 18 2 292 14 11 146 0 6 2 2 39 2 17 52 0 20 I * * 2 "2 8 3 0 4 9 197 3 2 1 10 1 4 5 42 5 129 84 187 2 36 933 2 33 3 2 28 1,958 3 4 1,341 1 5 17 11 0 90 7 2 0 19 0 161 4 10 171 17 10; " 1 2 2 0 0 161 0 17 23 3 36 0 3 0 9 17 5 6 18 0 Southland 32 115 4 200 57 H ' • ' 4 14 3 55 0 25 246 S 25 28 0 32 8 10 10 ! 26 3 10 5 8 0 "i 10 1 32 0 16 10 606 2 34 1,737 0 5 4 0 24 3,264 2 13 604 1 19 25 14 2 219 7 2 2 13 2 301 19 8 148 19 0 2 10 6 28 1 10 86 3 5 2 0 0 201 3 22 56 2 3 12 8 5 9 6 12 6 10 18 8 10 8 4 m • • Totals 5,039 7 8 I 51 856 1 17 107 18 • 5 10 208 0 34 10 18 2 1,717 175 Cheviot Estate— Canterbury .. 34,030 3 4 4,484 5 8] 5,455 1 9 1,645 9 I 1 I I I I Lease in perpetuity 813 11 4 76 I 2,480 1 0 874 0 4 10 227 0 35 55 1 8 ■• Land for Settleme; Hawke's Bay .. Otago ■ts Acts — Lease in perpetuity 29 19 6 228 12 9 1 3 0 10 35 0 0 10 0 10 0 31 8 4 9 28 32 2 28 383 0 4 29 7 0 289 18 10 135 3 35 97* 8 4 tr • • • • .. Totals 258 12 3 4 35 1 0 31 18 4 37 415 2 32 319 5 10 10 135 3 35 97 8 4

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156

Table No. 13. —Summary of Position of Village Settlements at 31st March, 1899.

Amounts Advanced to Settlers. District. Annual Rental or Instalments, including Interest on Advances. Amount of Number of Settlers in Occupation. Area occupied. idvances whio! have been repaid to 31st March, 1899. of Interest paid to 31st March, 1899. Arrears of Interest on 31st Maroh, 1899. For Houses. For Bush felling, Grassing, &c. Total. Acres. £ £ £ £ £ £ Auckland 130 5,334 407 5,644 7,386 13,03 325 2,077 859 Hawke's Bay 82 431 140 580 297 877 354 426 1 Taranaki 26 81 11 Wellington .. 463 7,881 1,476 2,944 3,671 6,615 1,458 2,680 44 Marlborough 27 439 55 85 19 104 15 51 Canterbury .. 401 11,734 2,157 2,590 2,590 420 1,236 4 Otago 293 4,809 732 1,101 440 1,541 25 639 4 Southland .. 408 6,217 699 756 350 1,106 37 520 4 Totals 1,830 36,926 5,677 13,700 12,163 25,863 2,634 7,629 916

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Table 14. —Return of Special Settlement Associations, under Section 163 of "The Land Act, 1885," and Part IV. of "The Land Act, 1892," for the Year ended 31st March, 1899, not included in the Special Returns.

157

Taken up during the Year. Made Freehold. Total Amount received on Current and Previous Transactions to 31st March, 1899. No. of Selectors required to reside and actually residing, and Area. District. Capital Value per Acre. Amount received during the Year. During the Year. From Commencement of System No. Area. 1899. No. Actually residing. No. Area. No. Area. reside. No. Area. a. R. r. £ s. d. £ s. d. 187 18 10 90 5 5 1,190 16 10 6,999 11 2 235 11 0 130 3 7 £ s. d. 6,475 16 10 5,303 19 0 3,129 0 8 109,518 9 0 875 17 2 458 4 8 A. B. P. 201 2 0 152 3 10 46j 54 A. B. P. 4,511 3 22 4,809 3 12 A. B. P. 5,960 2 0 1,200 0 0 13,108 0 0 66,167 3 6 660 3 11 2,391 2 16 Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki.. Wellington Canterbury Otago "5 607 "l 10 6 14 0 2 2 39 3,9li' 3 4 753 75,290 2 22 21 14 33 412 4* 12 29 6 64 347 5 11 -• Totals 5 I 607 1 10 6 14 0 8,834 6 10 125,761 7 4 43 4,269 0 14 853 84,612 1 16 496 462 89,488 2 3! Under Land for Settlements Acts — Canterbury 575 13 8 t 170 18 4 )_ I Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. Net Area held, 31st March, 1899 : Past and Current Transactions. Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1899. District. 01 Area. si Area. Amount. "8.1 CO Area. Amount. Amount. o o 03 Area. Annual Rental. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Canterbury Otago 23 A. B. P. 9,811 2 0 £ s. d. 226 13 4 A. B. P. £ s. d. 106 18 95 541 26 15 A. B. p. 18,440 2 3 3,111 0 19 18,862 1 5 94,864 2 30 2,318 0 37 2,955 1 12 £ s. d. 499 9 2 115 18 2 981 17 6 5,473 9 5 159 18 8 127 5 6 A. E. p. 50 0 0 £ s. d. 14 10 0 •• 1 46 47 9,192* 0 2 8,680 0 0 240 5 6 414 15 6 io 1,600 0 0 114 13 10 25 45 3 3 4,589 3 29 9,470 2 36 137 2 0 566 1 10 200 9 3 507 17 9 5 2 11 22 2 3 Totals 116 27,683 2 2 881 14 4 10 1,600 0 0 7,357 18 5 77 14,814 1 35 750 2 3 114 13 10 801 140,552 0 26 — Under Land for Settlements Acts — Canterbury 11 2,114 1 9 162 7 8 Remainder of Selec ;tors reside on ad; joining lands t Selectors reside in adji )inin( lands

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158

Table 15. — Return of Homestead Lands: Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Table 16. — Return of Small Grazing-runs taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Porfeitu: es during the Fear. Net Arei Mar Past a Trai a held on 31st :oh, 1899: md Current asactions. Made F: tl :eehold during ie Year. Made Freehold since Commencement of System to 31st March, 1899. District. No. of Selectors. Area. No. of . Selectors. Area. No. of Selectors. Area. No. of SeleotorsJ Area. Auckland .. Westland .. Otago 1 A. B. P. 75 0 0 20 A. B. P. 2,221 0 13 5 A. B. P. 563 0 0 444 39 18 A. H. P. 73,875 2 37 1,480 0 0 2,649 1 18 ,8 206 ' 2 37 Totals .. 75 0 0 23 2,427 3 10 563 0 0 501 78,005 0 15

Taken up during the Year. 'orfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. Diitrict. CD CD P Area. Average Area. <O CD s> Pq h Annual Rent payable. I 'A Area. Annual Bental. a 0 A Area. Annual Eental. ■Auokland .. Hawke's Bay iTaranaki ■ Wellington.. Nelson Marlborough Canterbury.. Otago Southland .. 2 1 4 3 9 2 A. B. P. 11,619' 0 0 1,088 0 0 5,166 0 0 5,641 0 0 18,644 0 24 6,651 2 33 A. B. P. 5,809' 2 0 1,088 0 0 1,291 0 0 1,880 1 13 2,071 2 11 3,325 3 16 s. d. 0 1-85 0 2-25 0 2-5 0 8-1 0 4'19 0 2-5 £ s. d. 91 "l 6 10 0 0 51 19 10 191 2 4 325 11 8 68 14 8 2 1 A. B. P. 5,011 0 0 2,547 2 18 £ s. a. 81 5 6 2 63 14 0 '.'. .. "a 726 9 217 A. B. P. 5,777 0 0 £ s. d. 73 4 .6 27,363' 0 10 •241 0 0 7,514 2 0 28,716 0 4 2,560 3 26 3 0 2 458 7 2 812 19 8 32 0 4 18 Totals .. 21 871 8 822 48,809 3 17 2,324 1 5 738 16 0 21 34,921 2 28 44,809 1 30 1,379 11 10 Cheviot Es Canterbury— Grazingfarms .. tate. [Land for Settlements Acts. Marlborough 4 12,531 0 0 3,133 0 Oil 9 Canterbury.. 15 16,290 3 19 1,086 0 9l4 3-8 Otago .... 1,126 3 6 3,519 15 4 Totals .. 19 28,821 3 19 222 0 8: i 4,645 18 10 I * Portion of a holding.

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159

Table 16. — Return of Small Grazing-runs taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.— continued.

Exchanges tc Tenures dv the Yea d other iring .r. Net Area held on 1899: Past and Transacts 31st March, I Current ons. Amount reci the" ended 31st ] dved during fear .larch, 1899. Arrears on 31s 1899 it March, District. Area. Annual Bental. I Area. Annual Rental. On the Year's Transactions. On Past Transactions. Area. Amount. A. B. P. £ s. a. A. B. P. 58,061 0 0 150,815 2 18 14,043 0 0 72,284 3 4 1,088 0 0 69,178 2 16 112,966 3 25 479,843 3 32 61,906 1 13 £ s. d. 449 15 11 1,580 17 8 169 5 1 1,956 13 10 10 0 0 1,098 10 0 5,322 13 6 11,526 11 8 799 10 0 £ s. a. £ s. d. 437 7 6 1,393 10 5 153 18 6 1,840 14 8 A. B. P. 32,270 0 0 £ s. d. 100 16 9 Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. 2 732 0 0 27 16 0 10 54 14 74 1 76 48 239 20 45 13 9 5 0 0 28 5 8 159 8 8 162 15 10 34 7 4 910 10 4 4,472 0 1 11,644 3 8 734 8 4 1 6 7 3 29 7 1,547 3 20 7,467 1 0 3,173 0 0 12,517 2 0 51,439 2 14 13,930 1 28 9 13 6 160 8 10 25 14 7 813 12 3 962 5 8 155 16 7 Totals .. 2 5361,020,188 0 28 5 _ 8 ! 2,228 8 2 732 0 0 27 16 0 22,913 17 8 435 11 3 21,586 13 6 1122,345 2 22 Cheviot Estt lanterbury— Grazingfarms .. >te. Ul 45,691 0 9| 6,587 14 8 6,259 14 4 1 60 0 3 7 10 0 Land for Settlements Acts. Marlborough Canterbury .... Otago .... 4 18 3 12,531 0 0 25,731 1 20 3,667 1 30 1,126 3 6 487 12 5 3,894 14 2 1,783 9 7 401 18 10 474*14 7 265 6 2 2 5,035' 2 13 57 4 3 Totals .. 25 41,929 3 10 5,422 16 6 2,271 2 0 740 0 9 5,035 2 13 57 4 3

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Table 17.— Number and Area of Pastoral Licenses for the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

160

Taken -ip during the Year. Exchanges to other Tenures during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Expiries during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. District. No. of Holders. No. of Holders. ■ I ■ Number. Area. No. of Holders. Area. Area. Annual EentalArea. Number. Area. A. K. P. 5,549 0 0 £ s. d. 70 C 0 a. B. p. A. B. P. 2 A. B. P. 27,043 0 0 A. R. P. Auckland .. Hawke's BayWellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. 8 16 134 35 19 6 19,134 0 23 86,067 0 0 141,404 2 0 119,728 2 36 317,170 3 22 71,102 0 0 57 13 4 486 7 6 363 4 2 5,539 11 2 1,071 18 8 163 13 2 •• 3 2,989 0 0 1 930 0 0 .. 8 4 86 2 12 8 19,603 0 0 39,679 0 0 41,740 2 0 368 1 34 215,710 1 9 55,664 0 0 399,808 1 3 1 1 2,570 0 0 5,000 0 0 8 4 134,485 3 18 37,953 0 0 173,368 3 18 2 1 96,347 0 0 40,600 0 0 Totals 3 2,989 0 0 —IT 122 227 760,156 1 1 7,752 8 0 144,517 0 0 Net Area held on 31st March, 1899. Holders in Arrear on 31st March, 1899. District. Lfc paid durinj the Year. Number of Holders. Area, approximately. Average Holdings. Number. Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Nelson Marlborough .. Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland 19 16 21 114 75 242 104 244 88 A. B. P. 120,460 0 27 123,359 2 0 26,791 0 0 988,586 1 32 798,255 0 0 605,651 0 36 3,129,587 3 14 4,068,424 0 16 1,250,795 0 0 A. R. P. 6,340 0 0 7,710 0 0 1,275 3 1 8,672 0 0 10,643 0 0 2,502 2 30 30,377 0 16 16,673 3 19 14,213 0 0 £ s. d. 95 10 0* 608 2 11 186 5 2 3,833 14 10 4,132 7 10 958 14 10 35,808 14 2f 29,584 5 11 3,745 3 10 3 A. B. P. 31,038 0 0 •• £ a. d. 105 4 0 22 68,513 0 0 86 5 0 i 413* 2 32 12~ 0 0 Totals 26 99,964 2 32 923 11,111,910 1 5 12,038 0 0 78,952 19 6 203 9 0 Cheviot Estate — Canterbury • • 2,102 0 0 I 1,051 0 0 I ••I 2 I 262 3 8 I I ■edit itai ;e F. ;s Aci 4s. credit

161

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Table 18. — Return of Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses, not otherwise enumerated, during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

21—0. 1.

Objects for which leased. Total Amount re- j ceived duringl the Year ended 31st March, 1899. Total Area in Occupation on 31st March, 1899. Lessees in Arreai on 31st March, 1899. District. Coal and Mineral. Timber-cutting, &o. Flax-cutting. Miscellaneous. Total Area. Total Annual Eental. ■ 6 Area. Annual Rental. d Area. Amount received. o Area. Amount received. o Area. Annual Bental. No. Area. Annual Eental. d Amount. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Tavanaki .. Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury.. Otago Southland .. 2 A. E. P. 87 2 0 s. s. a. 821 17 0* A. B. P. £ s. a. 1,983 0 8f A. B. P. £ s. a. 5 4 8 ■20 GO 2 ■2 51 91 30 A. P.. P. 437 3 26 336 1 37 15 3 0! 4,483' 2 3 15,957 1 36 1,016 2 17 34 0 0! 10,506 3 13 158,017 0 12 6,094 2 18 £ s. a. +58 18 6: 31 15 Oi 24 i 0: 143 1 2 204 12 io; 76 10 0' 0 18 0! 389 5 1 481 18 0 71 1 5 A. E. P. I 525 1 26 336 1 37 <: 15 3 0 i| 4,483 2 3 lj 16,880 3 2 • : 1,199 2 17 34 0 0 10,726 3 13 1158,377 0 12 >\ 8,894 2 18 £ s. aJ 64 15 0; 31 15 a 24 4 0; 143 1 2| 204 12 10i 76 10 0| 0 18 0 396 15 1 508 3 a 73 1 5| £ s. d. 4,899 5 9 474 9 8 228 12 9 831 19 6 10,110 16 1 562 19 4 41 10 0 2,534 13 5 1,379 11 0j 724 IS 8 71 73 86 75 295 50 68 327 420! 262 a. B. P. 2,174 0 6 5,486 2 17 971 2 14 31,102 0 16 42,821 0 31 28,866 0 27 281 0 34 52,809 1 6 163,226 1 37 44,019 1 7 £ s. a. 933 7 0 505 7 4 319 7 4 679 12 2 1,085 10 11§ 449 8 8 66 9 3 1,957 11 10 1,180 4 4 • 711 2 2 £ s. d. •■ .. •• I 21 3 54 71 9 4 14 12 2 2,657 3 2j| 112 0 I 923 1 6 183 0 0 - •■ ■' - 2 13 220 0 0 360 0 0 56 4 2 46 11 0 12 10 4 16 34 5 0 75 9 6 7 2 6 28 19 7 .. .. 2,800 0 0J 2 0 0 I I •• 1 ■■ "• Totals .. 2 87 2 0 821 17 0 22J 1,686 1 6 2,087 7 10 ] 2,800 0 0 2 0 0 279 196,900 1 2 1,482 4 0:201,474 0 8 1,523.15 6 21,788 16 2 1,727 |371,757 3 35 7,888 1 0 120 2;889 1 3 Cheviot. Canterbury.. I.. I I" II 6; 196 0 01 26 1 1! 196 0 0 26 1 1 256 8 8 63 1,668 2 0 247 13 1 21 3 15 0 Lands j Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Marlborough Canterbury.. Otago Southland .. • Settlem, ent. ■ ■ •• ! • - •• I 7 I 3 11 i! i 151 2 29| 289' 0 oj 783 0 7 0 1 36 5 0 9 i 29 10 6 151 2 29 34 1 61 289 0 0 218 9 01 783 0 7 0 5 0, 0 1 36 0 16 3', 5 0 9 I 283 2 3 1,229 1 1 I 29 10 6' 14 8 6 10 0 34 1 6 33 12 3 218 9 Oj 65 9 10 0 5 o! 29 15 7 44 12 3 7 1 5 11 36 2 151 2 29 3 0 0 399 0 0 788 0 10 430 2 33 25 0 9 29 10 6 j ..[ 10 0.. 51 14 0 .. 152 1 5 3 36 13 10 81 274 6 ol llj ;•• 12 18 8 4 6 0 ! ■■ , I 1 _ !•-{ ! . . i 23 ! I I 1,229 1 lj ! 282 6 0 187 18 5 62 1,797 2 1 •• I Totals .. i •• • • •• • ■ ■• 17 4 8 i • Includes royalty on 47,226 tons. t Payment for 47 trees—6,269,670 sup. ft., and 190 sleepers. J Includes £5 8s. 6(1. as payment for 13J tons of batk. U This includes the rent in abeyance of the Greymouth-Elizabeth Coal Company, £1,780 14s., and £752 —rent in arrear by the Mokihiriui Coal Company. § £5,600 also expected from royalties.

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162

Table 19. —Return of Gross Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899, compiled from Tables supplied by Commissioners of Crown Lands.

System. Auckland; lHawke's Bay Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Marlborough. Westland. Canterbury. Otago. Southland. Totals. Gash lands .. Perpetual lease made freehold Village settlement perpetual lease made freehold Deferred payment, rural 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 of 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, and sale of timber! Flax-cutting.. .. , ... .. Miscellaneous leases .. .. .. Transfer, lease, and license fees, &o. .. Bents of reserves .. .. .. .. i Miscellaneous Crown-grant fees State forests .. ,. .. .. j Survey liens on Native lands .. .. .. j Survey fees which do not form part payment of j land Survey fees which do form part payment of land £ a. a. 5,588 17 3 8,378 12 0 £ s. d. 309 10 0 9,023 5 10 45 5 7 469 1 6 54 6 4 1,797 7 8 1,421 11 5 1,907 6 0 £ s. d. 3,487 15 10 11,956 0 5 £ s. d. 3,734 15 6 31,685 5 9 38 0 0 1,685 11 8 £ s. d. 3,633 1 4 358 19 0 £ s. d. 3,424 18 0 £ s. d. j £ s. d. 472 7 2 ; 2,017 15 0 62 10 0 I 1,559 17 11 740 13 10 I 1,031 12 4 I 82 6 4 I 3,829 15 5 ■ . £ s. d.\ 1,834 1 8; 1,525 7 6: £ s. d. 782 11 7 804 5 0 £ a. a. 23,267 18 4 65,749 10 6 145 15 7 19,592 10 9 1,161 18 2 18,703 6 0 15,319 5 6 20,430 2 11 79 19 0 228 0 3 2,096 17 8 3,886 15 9 5,124 15 3 77 15 10 21*15 10 2,809 12 8 148 8 6 3,059 17 6 647 13 6 3,838 3 4 79 19 0 180 10 1 1,860 6 8 218 9 6 1,050 11 10 808 1 8 1,947 17 6 3,724 15 4 3,123 18 11 1,714 1 3 2,480 13 1 1,959 9 0 2,139 0 2 5,201 6 11 6,752 9 2 3,896 17 2 282 15 8 195 0 7 327 17 0 51 16 10 266 18 1 822 7 1 22 8 10 61 16 10 6 18 0 1214 0 2811 2 " ., 6 5 0 10 0 0 9" 4 8 1 5 o| - 112 12 1 518 18 11 3 0 0 317 6 3 86 7 9 224 16 10 l' 8 2 327 6 3 217 17 9 824 14 10 10 1 5 12 9 1 11 3 3 3 0 415 8 9 13 3 73 15 8 0 19 0 404 10 10 111 8 10 6 5 0 70 5 0 76 14 6 437 7 6 56 10 0 821 17 0 39 3 8 58 12 8 38 18 1 8 9 11 906 9 8 436 9 9 1,096 7 8 21 9 4 22 13 6 5 13 6 998 12 3 149 12 8 168 14 3 292 14 11 146 0 6 1,423 13 8 2,235 13 9 1,246 14 7 227 19 2 7,359 13 1 1,616 9 0 22,022 4 9 78,907 15 6 1,344 1 4 30 10 0 3,391 16 10 .. .. 221 14 2 13 16 10 51 7 4 233 4 11 1,439 4 2 608 2 11 37 17 6 1,190 16 101 755 1 9 153 18 6| 5,903 3 6 551 7 10 1,840 14 8 186 5 2 5 0 0 3,833 14 10 94 3 0 10 0 0 20 14 6 938" 16 0 4,132 7 10 i 4,631 8 9 35,802 10 2 83 6 0 11 10 0 22 10 0 130 3 7i 11,806 19 6 29,584 5 11 189 9 4 7 0 0 46 11 0 768 15 8 3,745 3 10 117 8 6 '■ 958' 14 10 2,524 16 ,6 2 0 0 1 12 0 2 0 0 184 1 10 36 10 2 " 553 0 10 : 261 15 1 439 13 0 44 0 0 1,723 7 9 223 14 2 1,246 17 2 269 16 11 152 18 0 166 15 3 304 17 3 60 II 6 81 16 3 180 10 0 145 4 6 2,254 2 11 171 17 5 229 11 4 241 14 6 410 18 1 311 8 3 291 6 6 1,978 19 6 165 18 4 1,132 12 5| 393 9 2 146 5 0 1,490 10 2 44 5 6 203 4 9 15 0 10 23 5 6 80 16 0 488 2 10 10 17 6 10 2 9 ii' o o 154 8 0 27 10 0 45 1 0 350 3 0 2,038 1 6 173 7 S 51 8 3j 1,093* 0 101 210 0 0 6 15 0 233 18 9 156 19 11 43 14 10 2 0 0 6 0 0 169 4 0 599 10 2 143 10 8 67 6 9 2,273 14 3 17 0 10 2,372 15 1 2,125 11 6 5,417 7 6 5,244 17 0 1,236 12 0 5,543 5 9 165 18 4 1,505 18 1 •■ 25 6 9 95 14 8 li' 2 4 6817 8 24 12 0 147 12 3 •• 63 3 11 249 8 2 72 1 4 384 13 5 Carried forward .. .. i 33,114 5 6: 18,503 18 6 30,952 2 0 68,931 14 9 !l6,424 6 3 10,462 18 11 1,312 13 4 54,904 8 6 58,132 0 7 17,140 10 1 309,878 18 5

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163

Table 19.— Return of Gross Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899, compiled from Tables supplied by Commissioners of Crown Lands— continued.

System. Auckland. Hawke's Bay. Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Marlborough. Westland. Canterbury. Otago. Southland. Totals. I £ s. d. J33,114 5 6 £ s. d. 18,503 18 6 £ s. d. 30,952 2 0 £ s. d. 68,931 14 9 £ s. d. 16,424 6 3 £ s. d. 10,462 18 11 £ s. d. 1,312 13 4 £ s. d. 54,904 8 6 £ s. d. 58,132 0 7 £ s. d. 17,140 10 1 £ s. d. 309,878 18 5 Brought forward Land for Settlements Acts — Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village Special settlements Pastoral runs Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous 1,499 17 5 4,400 18 9 29 19 6 i - 146 12 9 2,810 13 I 182 7 11 15,856 11 0 170 18 4 65 9 10 2,258 4 2 42 10 11 8,122 4 1 228 12 9 - 1,426 16 4 34,446 1 '. 258 12 ; 170 18 i 65 9 l< 3,011 2 < 852 5 i 28 5 5 1310 0 23' 6 0 487' 12 5 88 2 6 265' 6 2 564 10 7 92 0 3 Totals 1,528 2 10 4,444 8 3 182 7 11 18,393 14 3 9,180 13 7 169 18 9 3,386 8 0| 1,518 16 7 38,804 10 Cheviot Estate — Cash sales .. .. Lease in perpetuity Village homesteads Grazing-farms Pastoral runs Miscellaneous leases Miscellaneous ■• •• •• I •• ■• .. •■ ■- __ 3,234 2 0 5,911 19 10 813 11 4 6,259 14 4 262 3 8 256 8 8 310 0 9 •• •• 3,234 2 ( 5,911 19 1( 813 11 '. 6,259 14 ■ 262 3 I 256 8 i 310 0 ! ■• - ■• Totals I I I I 17,048 0 7 •• • • • ■; • • • • •• 17,048 0 Endowment lands Thermal Springs Districts Act: Rents .. " Native Townships Act, 1895 " Hanmer Sanatorium and bath fees 1,904 5 9 1,351 13 6 342 17 2 405 13 4 740 7 4 250 18 10 8,193 0 10 "■ 1,469 18 1 277 6 9 ■• 1,324 8 10 2,219 1 9 16,876 19 II 1,351 13 I 250 18 II 1,172 11 ' I 1,17211 7; 1 tt I Grand totals 31,357 15 4 70,092 19 8 25,789 18 8 13,849 6 11 2,964 19 4 90,623 10 1 68,637 3 0 20,878 8 16 37,898 7 7 : 23,291 3 11 385,383 12 l: The total of the figures su] ipliea by the Auditor of Li id Revenue in his report is £385,145 0s. 9d.

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Table 20. —Return of Lands Reserved and Alienated under Acts, or for Scrip.

Table 21. —Forfeitures and Surrenders during the Year ending 31st March, 1899, showing under each Tenure the Number of Selectors who have Forfeited and Surrendered their Holdings, and the Area and Rental of such Holdings.

164

District. [ring t' he ear em 5 arc. h, Total Area Keserved, Granted under Acts, &c, from the Foundation of the Colony to the 31st March, 1899. Area Reserved for various Purposes. Area Granted under Acts. Area Granted in satisfaction of Scrip. Total Area Alienated during the Year. luekland .. ETawke's Bay Paranaki Wellington.. kelson Marlborough iVestland .. 3anterbury.. )tago Southland .'. A. B. P. 13,749 3 7 099 2 26 15,818 1 25 14,015 0 14 1,986 0 14 1,051 1 21 A. E. P. 60 2 29 4,937 3 20 A. B. P. 289 0 0 A. It. P. 14,038 3 7 G99 2 26 35,879 0 14 18,952 3 34 1,986 0 14 12,687 3 21 A. B. P. 3,257,501 1 25 241,843 0 39 598,539 2 19 8.47,264 0 32 197,378 0 4 205,291 3 37 102,411 2 39 1,189,382 2 3 593,197 1 31 590,403 3 16 11,636 2 0 372,489 1 12 152 0 1 417 3 28 36S' 2 3 494 0 11 90' 2 7 372,948 1 22 640 0 12 417 3 28 Totals.. 420,379 2 28 7,823,?iU 0 5 17,497 2 23 379 2 7 438,256 3 18

'or! ei mres. urreii' lers. Tenure. Number. Area. Annual Rental. Number. Area. Annual Rental. Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Agricultural lease Mining Districts Occupation Act.. Village settlement — Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity.. Homestead special settlement .. Special-settlement associations .. i Improved-farm special settlements Homestead Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs 5 27 65 71 A. B. P. 659 3 24 4,055 3 8 15,434 3 39 24,519 2 9 £ s. d. 30 9 2 153 3 7 G55 12 0 862 7 8 20 a A. R. p. 8,005 3 10 4,632 2 23 10,658 2 24 £ s. d. 137 19 0 181 3 6 377 4 8 2 351 2 5 23 2 7 6 2 93* 1 17 2 0 0 27 12 10 0 12 6 29 14 110 36 1 21 13 381 3 6 379 0 34 27,683 2 2 3,079 3 27 75 0 0 34,921 2 28 173,368 3 18 40 3 2 33 9 11 88 L 14 4 134 11 11 10 ib 15 208 0 34 1,600 0 0 1,480 2 20 10 18 2 114 13 10 14 12 4 871 8 8 101 16 10 22 5 44,809 1 30 141,517 0 0 1,379 11 10 958 3 6 Totals .. 408 285,007 0 17 a,828 5 2 148 211,512 1 21 3,174 6 10 Land for Settlements Acts— Lease in perpetuity .. Village lease in perpetuity Small grazing-runs .. Pastoral runs 20 4 1,897 0 14 35 1 0 35 11 2 331 18 4 5 391 2 6 79 9 10 i 32o' 0 0 16 10 0 Totals .. 286,939 1 31 3,270 6 8 432 4,195 14 8 154 212,223 3 27 Native Townships. 72 8 0 Wellington 12 136 2 27

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165

Table 22. —Summary of Arrears due to the Crown on 31st March, 1899.

Table 23.—Return of Land taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899, within the Thermal Springs District.

Tenure. Area. Amount in Arrear. Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Agricultural lease Mining Districts Land Occupation Act 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 Special-settlement associations Improved farms Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs .. Miscellaneous (not otherwise specified) 72 222 212 210 9 i 2 13 7 31 122 77 79 58 26 120 A. E. P. 12,969 0 36 52,598 2 30 47,066 1 34 57,607 0 19 359 1 28 332 2 20 83 1 10 224 1 17 6 3 0 696 3 16 4,494 0 6 14,814 1 35 6,956 1 6 122,315 2 22 99,964 2 32 11,859 1 10 £ s. a. 590 9 0 1,656 1 2 1,518 6 1 1,677 17 9 11 4 9 14 5 7 1 6 8 41 3 6 1 16 0 72 10 10 1,528 12 3 750 2 2 541 8 5 2,228 8 2 203 9 0 2,889 1 3 Totals.. 1,264 432,329 1 1 13,726 2 7 Cheviot Estate— • Lease in perpetuity .. .. .. Village-homestead special settlement Grazing-farms Miscellaneous 6 10 1 2 1,041 2 0 227 0 35 60 0 3 11 1 4 105 12 0 55 1 8 7 10 0 3 15 0 Land for Settlements Acts— Lease in perpetuity .. .. .. Village lease in perpetuity .. .. Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous Thermal Springs, Eotorua 119 10 2 11 26 17,832 3 28 135 3 35 5,035 2 13 102 0 22 926 2 4 2,770 5 6 97 8 4 57 4 3 17 4 8 153 6 11 Grand totals 1,451 457,702 1 25 16,993 10 11

Total Area held on 81st March, 1898. Amounts received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899. Sol sctors in Arn March, li iar on 31st !98. Tab in up during the Year. Land District. Locality. Area. Yearly Rent payable. •2 ° Area. I Yearly j Rent payi able. I l| ►5 co Area. Amount. Auckland Rotorua 29 A. E. p. 87 2 28 £ s. d 139 5 0 215 A. B. P. 5,614 0 26 £ s. d. 1,452 18 0 £ s. d. 1,351 13 6 A. B. P. 926 2 4 £ s. 6. 153 6 11 3(3

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166

Table 24. — Return of Lands disposed of under "The Native Townships Act, 1895," for the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

I Taken up during the Year. Total Area held on 31st March, 1899. Forfeitures during the Year. Name of Township. Date of Area of I ? Township. Date when open* for Sale. Rent paid Land District. No. Area. I Rent payable. during Year. Proclamation No. Area. Rent payable. No. Area. Annual Rent. A. R. p. 190 0 0 A. E. P. £ s. d. Kaimakau 14 Oct., 1898 A. B. P. £ 8. a. a. b. p. £ s. d. £ 8. d. Auckland 14 July, 1897 .. Hawke's Bay Te Puia .. 13 July, 1898 497 0 0 Not opened.. •■ j j Wellington Pipiriki .. 2 Oct., 1896 366 0 0 27 July, 1897 1 0 12 0 10 2 16 54 3 19 ! 75 16 2 12 136 2 27 72 8 0 60 16 6 Tokaanu .. 11 Mar., 1897 490 0 0 17 June, 1898 28 J 108 2 22 210 6 0 28 108 2 22 210 6 0 190 2 4 Totals , 1,543 0 0 29 109 2 34 ! 210 16 2 44 163 2 1 286 2 2 12 I 136 2 27 % 250 18 10 72 8 0

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Table 25. — Return showing the Area of Bush felled on Lands sold or leased by the Crown from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1899.

Table 26.— Statement of the Number of Selectors on the Books of the Lands and Survey Department on the 31st March, 1899.

167

District. Felled during the Year on Lands taken up during the Year 1897-98. Felled during the Year on Lands taken up in Previous Years. Total felled at 31st March, 1898. Total felled at 31et March, 1899. Auckland Hawke'a Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough .. Westland Canterbury Otago Southland A. B. P. (No report) 1,000 0 0 1,500 0 0 2,420 0 0 (No data) 440 0 0 A. B. P. 5,500 0 0 15,000 0 0 12,225 0 0 33,522 0 0 A. B. P. 43,500 0 0 30,150 0 0 187,775 0 0 482,401 0 0 A. B. p. 49,000 0 0 46,150 0 0 201,500 0 0 518,343 0 0 2,07<)' 0 0 800 0 0 64,050 0 0 20,605 0 0 66,560 0 0 21,405 0 0 io6' o o 63 0 0 100 0 0 570 0 0 19,177 0 0 4,135 0 0 19,377 0 0 4,768 0 0 Totals 5,523 0 0 69,787 0 0 851,793 0 0 927,103 0 0

Defe: Payn :red ient. Perpe Leas fcual Oocups with Ki Purch ition ght of iase. Le Per ■asc petuity Occupati g under " Tl $ Districts I. i-3 patioii Ac 1 3 & g^ on Lease he Mining land Occn;t, 1894." a c oi a) a a o 2 II ki lit CO eS^ » &° bo Vil m< in: lage Sel snt, Le; Perpetu ;tle;ity. se. i: District. EC T3 a o . a xji h O cS c a o QQ & <e o a a Xβ & a O Cβ o .2-3 > OJ O 02 s 11 a o> . a .8 & a O 03 a c I" xo iM a) a XL S a Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough .. Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 168 17 152 27 490 10 11 25 87 122 '2 8 648 91 158 203 38 11 7 82 367 130 9 20 1,141 105 140 493 117 26 24 14 98 123 7 634 139 175 369 100 137 11 146 566 213 98 130 32 67 16 560 i 266 55 11 1 7 I 32 • I •• 17 * 45 "» ■? 5 3 1 7 17 33 9 333 "7 9 2 13 15 40 106 58 9 19 20 96 20 15 5 32 53 42 115 5 5 4 18 129 200 - 28 1 ,. h i '' \ 106 1,224 98 27 165 45 67 38 37 1 Totals ,109 25 1,735 84 281 2,491 214 729 Villi stes Se iage-1 ad S; ittler lomeiccial lent. sei Assi Spec ;tlei }bia :ialment .tions. Impi farm i Settle: •oved3pecif menti > Gri Small ),zing-ri 6 P 16 Pasfcori a. Misei ittiei District. Xβ 13 S^ 1 o J '> Xβ O 49 a i-s O C3 II . TO I o O -I 5Z5.S bo > CO o O © . ins. O n^ I a S "2 J o o II. ia-§ §s S r/j ,11 i c EC to « fi'S .11 o o .as . a* CO la CO ■ IgS 3 DC a IP)* cog ■5S c o EH DQ & O H (D > iz; Total. a o o Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marl borough Westland Canterbury Otago .. Southland 130 30 120 H < , 1 20 106 18 95 541 17 140 124 57 "3 47 10 54 14 74 1 76 '* 8 ! .. 3 .. 19 16 21 1U 75 242 104 244 88 20 71 73 86 75 295 50 68 327 420 262 7 1 5 16 4 207 215 44 I " I 3,399 767 1,005 I 2,519 1,435 505 379 : 2,107 2,879 1,577 I 234 84 57 76 48 26 15 ; ii 1 [ .. I 73 52 48 239 20 1 . • : 41 13 ; .. 4 ! .. 2 4 4 1 - 3: 63 11 36 2 16 3 1 "•! •• 669 1 76! rsr 801 11 281 232 536 J 25 28 ; 41 j ;923 2 8 23 63 62 247 215 44 16,572 Totals 1,72' ! ! I I j

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168

Table 27. —Statement showing the Total Number of Crown Tenants, with Area selected or held, the Yearly Rent payable, and Rent in Arrear on 31st March, 1899.

Tenures. Total Number of Tenants. Total Area held by such Tenants. Total Yearly Rental or Instalment payable. Total Amount of such Rents or Payments in Arrear. 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 associations Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Improved-farm special settlements .. Small grazing-runs.. Pastoral runs Miscellaneous leases 1,119 1,735 2,281 2,490 27 23 165 A. E. P. 160,939 3 13 440,088 2 27 504,829 2 17 731,211 1 38 1,262 2 33 2,427 3 10 7,957 3 37 & s. d. 11,561 12 8 17,098 3 9 20,409 14 5 24,459 11 8 33 7 3 £ s. d. 590 9 0 1,656 1 2 1,518 6 1 1,677 17 9 11 4 9 308' 8 11 14 5 7 67 214 38 729 1,085 3 23 3,762 3 8 28 2 20 12,044 2 23 249 10 1 561 15 0 12 10 8 1,385 11 9 16 8 41 3 6 1 16 0 72 10 10 569 100 12,956 1 32 4,152 1 18 1,878 9 0 396 9 2 1,528 12 3 72 25 704 513 536 923 1,727 7,045 3 37 2,207 0 11 131,299 0 18 50,226 1 31 1,020,188 0 28 ! 11,111,910 1 5 371,757 3 35 405 1 2 151 1 10 6,801 15 5 2,284 3 4 22,913 17 8 74,050 0 1 7,888 1 0 19 12 11 730 9 3 541 8 5 2,228 8 2 203 9 0 2,889 1 3 Totals 14,037 14,577,383 3 24 192,849 4 10 13,726 2 7 Cheviot Estate— Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Grazing-farms Pastoral runs Miscellaneous .. .. 106 76 41 2 63 23,903 0 33 2,480 1 0 45,691 0 9 2,102 0 0 1,668 2 0 6,426 2 8 874 0 4 6,587 14 8 262 3 8 247 13 1 105 12 0 55 1 8 7 10 0 3 15 0 Land fob Settlements Acts~Lease in perpetuity .. Lease-in perpetuity, village Special-settlement associations Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous .. 1,224 ! 37 i 11 i 25 62 173,457 0 12 415 2 32 2,114 1 9 41,929 3 10 1,797 2 1 51,474 16 9 319 5 10 162 7 8 5,422 16 6 274 6 0 2,770 5 6 97 8 4 67 4 3 17 4 8 Thebmal-Spbings (Kotohua) 215 5,614 0 26 1,452 18 0 153 6 11 Grand totals 15,899 14,878,557 1 36 266,353 10 0 16,993 10 11

169

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Table 29.—Endowments: Return of Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Table 28.—Endowments: Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

22—C. 1

Cash Lands. Village-homestead Lands. Lease in Perpetuity. Perpetual Lease. Occupation Leases under Mining Act. Miscellaneous Leases. District. Endowments, &c. o a! Jj Area. Amount realised. O m Area. Annual Instalments. CD a I" Area. Annual Rental. I Area. Annual Rental. -Q a Area. Annual Rental. <4-< a CO fArea. Annual Rental. \. B P. £ s. d. A. H. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. 272 2 28 £ s. d. 2 16 10 A. B. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. a. B. p. & s. d. Auckland .. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Nelson Canterbury .. Otago Otago Southland .. University Museum Education University Westport Harbour Ellesmere School Commissioners.. High Schools Education '2 438 6 2 288 0 0 2 12 0 0 3 7 2 i 1 4 573 0 0 285 2 31 35 17 0 10 0 2 •■ *3 .. • • -415 1 3 25 15 6 18 638 i 14 .. 34 4 6 1 17 2 ' 720 0 0 2 2 34 28 0 26 18 0 0 81 18 4 4 14 6 '3 62 '3 36 6 6 10 2 507 1 5 660 18 4 '4 967 2 16 37 13 8 •• •• Totals 4 945 1 7 I 948 18 4 i ! 5 I 74 3 36 86 7 8 3 415 1 3 25 15 6 18 638 1 14 34 4 6 20 750 3 20 104 12 10 9 14 0 10 2,098 3 35

Tenure. Auckland. Hawke's Bay. Taranaki. I Wellington. Nelson. Westland. j Canterbury. Otago. Southland. Totals. I £ s. d. I £ s. d. £ s. d. . & s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Cash lands Perpetual lease made freehold Deferred payments Perpetual lease and small areas Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement .. Village lease in perpetuity Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Coal and mineral leases Timber licenses and royalties Miscellaneous leases Rents of reserves .. .. • • • 288"o 0 . 43 9 5 9 2 9 36 15 1 , - •■ 170 15 4 35"9 7 •• 732 19 1 3016 0 32"2 9 9 8 6 ! I i 347'l4 1 191 17 4 75"6 10 "13 13 3 354 6 6 341 10 10 660 18 4 435 16 9 " 570 12 11 5 10 0 126 5 10 948 18 4 1,547 5 11 976 15 0 46 15 6 273 17 4 9 8 6 13 13 3 725 1 7 636 12 8 7,004 9 10 2,912 15 3 7 12 6 1,774 4- 2 144 6 9 25 11 0 , 1 10 0 * 1,352 0 9 3 10 0 j 7612 3 7,002 19 10 42 1 5 1,458 13 1 6 4 0 149 16 1 263 6 10 60"0 0 6 15 0 405 13 4 4 2 6 3 5 9 1,075 12 4 11 5 0 271 12 9 .. Totals .. I 1,904 5 9 i 342 17 2 405 13 4 740 7 4 8,193 0 10 i 1,469 18 1 277 16 9 ■ 1,324 8 10 16,877 9 10 2,219 1 9

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170

Table No. 30. —Summary of Cheviot Estate Receipts for the Year ended 31st March, 1899.

Table No. 31. —Summary of Cheviot Estate Receipts from 1st April, 1893, to 31st March, 1899.

Table 32. —Cheviot Estate : Beturn of Outlay and Income as at 31st March, 1899. Outlay. £ Balance from previous year .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . • .. 262,429 Administration and contingencies .. .. .. .. .. • • .. .. .. 647 Balance of interest chargeable to 31st March, 1899 .. .. ... ... .. .. . ,■ 6,642 Rents accrued, included in former accounts.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,204 ; : . Total .. .. .. ..' .. : .. .. .. £275,922 . Income. £ Cash —Instalments of purchase-money of freehold .. .. .. - .. .. .. .. 3,234 Rents .. .. .. -. .. •• •• ■■ ■■ •■ •■ 13,515 ;.- Interest .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ■• •• ■■ •• 225 Shipping and port charges .. .. .. .. .. •. .-. •. . • 69 Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. .. .. .. .. •• .. ■■ .. 4,155 Balance .. .. .. .. .. -. •• •• •• * • •• •• 254,724 Total .. .. ... .. .. .'-. •■ ■• £275,922 i

3ash sales, cash conditional £ s. d. £ s. d. 3,234 2 0 ilents, lease in perpetuity „ grazing-farms „ miscellaneous pastoral leases 6,725 11 2 6,259 14 4 518 12 4 13,503 17 10 interest, cash, conditional advance to Cheviot Dairy-factory Company 179 16 10 45 0 0 224 16 10 69 8 8 11 2 9 ?ort Robinson landing-service rimber-outting licenses.. Recoveries, fire insuranoe premium „ advertising 0 10 0 4 2 6 17,043 8 1 4 12 6 £17,048 0 7

Particulars. 1893-94. 1894-95. 1895-96. 1896-97. 1897-98. 1898-99. Total. Proceeds fire insurance policies.. jash sales, land „ sundries Leases in perpetuity .. Jrazing-farms Miscellaneous pastoral leases .. Interest on cash, conditional .. [nterest, Cheviot Dairy-factory Company ?ort Robinson landing-service .. fencing adjoining Homestead Reserve Cimber - cutting licenses and royalty £ a. d. 1,400 0 0 4,595 5 8 11 5 10 3,349 9 8 1,842 10 1 6,922 8 1 100 0 0 £ s. d. 26,613 16 7 166 12 8 5,142 8 4 3,637 1 1 1,058 3 1 370 9 3 £ s. d. 903 9 8 144 17 6 6,410 17 10 5,440 8 3 687 17 7 194 11 10 £ s. d. 336 2 0 100 11 6 6,793 13 11 6,311 13 1 688 16 3 188 6 6 45 0 0 £ s. d. 838 12 0 20 18 3 7,236 3 8 6,355 1 7 789 0 6 185 16 6 45 0 0 £ s. d. 3,234 2 0 6,725 11 2 6,259 14 4 518 12 4 179 16 10 45 0 0 £ b. d. 1,400 0 0 36,521 7 11 444 5 9 35,658 4 7 29,846 8 5 10,664 17 10 1,219 0 11 135 0 0 301 18 1 1,050 12 8 0 7 6 730 11 7 869 4 10 806 8 1 69 8 8 3,828 3 11 0 7 6 110 11 2 9 12 3 9 Recoveries — Passage-money, tools, &c. Cheviot rabbit-fence Share fencing Harbour Reserve Rebate fire insurance premiums Cement sold Advertising 18,522 17 5 38,040 12 2 14,512 14 3 15,333 8 1 16,277 0 7 17,043 8 1 119,730 0 7 367 7 5 86 8 9 7 10 0 10 9 10 9 15 6 137 9 3 611 10 9 7 10 0 2 13 0 56 15 10 34 3 6 4 2 6 2 13 0 56"5 10 34 3 6 o'io o 4 2 6 120,446 16 2 18,890 4 10 38,134 10 11 14,613 13 5 15,345 16 7 16,414 9 li 17,048 0 7

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IMPROVED-FARM SETTLEMENTS. Table 33. — Return showing Position and Transactions in Improved-farm Settlements from their Commencement to 31st March, 1899.

Names. Areas. Dates of Gazette Proclamation. Number of Sections in each Settlement. Number of Settlers remaining in Occupation on 31 Mar., '99. Number of Persons resident. Area occupied. Area felled Number of Areas Cattle grassed. ] on Allotments. Roads felled and formed, Amount paid to Selectors for Past and Present Trai Improvements: isaotions. Eent and byS( 'nterest paid slectors. Value of Improvements now on the Land, including that paid for by Government. formed during the Tear. For Houses. For Bushfelling and other Works. Total Payments. During the Tear ending 31 Mar., '99. [ From Comimencement of System. Auckland — Te Rau-a-moa Paemako Mangatu Awatuna Katui Rangatira Tahawai Acres. 1,410 1,412 1,100 1,000 1,000 1,000 411 1896, p. 655 1897, p. 5 1895, p. 863 1895, p. 863 1895, p. 863 1895, p. 863 1896, p. 1541 10 13 10 10 10 10 19 9 12 10 4 8 3 11 50 43 73 20 55 8 23 A. E. P. 1,294 2 32 1,443 2 38 991 0 0 405 0 0 775 0 0 300 0 0 218 2 20 Acres. 683 663J 365 408J 87 3 Acres. ! 534|j 370 517 351 347 76 304 130 161 104 32 155 12 60 Mis. ch. 7 0 4 40 8 4 2 60 3 8 £ s. d. 205 14 0 297 17 1 184 8 3 122 2 11 165 11 4 45 18 4 82 10 0 £ s. d. 775 1 8 1,179 17 9 634 5 11 555 15 6 124 18 0 473 2 7 £ s. d. 980 15 8 297 17 1 1,364 6 0 ■756 8 10 721 6 10 170 16 4 555 12 7 £ s. d. 12 10 2 26 7 8 £ s. d. 12 10 2 58 5 3 6 12 0 34 11 3 £ s. d. 1,612 0 0 890 5 0 2,623 0 0 1,293 10 0 2,279 17 6 409 10 0 866 2 7 34 11 3 3 '5 5 I 3"5 5 Totals 7,333 82 57 272 5,428 0 10 2,209| 2,499| 654 25 32 1,104 1 11 3,743 1 5 4,847 3 4 76 14 6 115 4 1 9,974 5 1 Hawke's Bay — Waikopiro .. Akitio 1,771 145 1895, p. 79 1896, p. 655 15 2 15 2 79 7 1,771 0 0 145 2 0 143 33 806 69 149 5 3 129 14 4 20 0 0 1,551 17 4 145 6 11 1,681 11 8 165 6 11 233 4 11 373 19 9 3,285 0 0 200 0 0 Totals 1,916 17 17 86 1,916 2 0 176 875 149 ] 5 3 149 14 4 1,697 4 3 1,846 18 7 233 4 11 373 19 9 3,485 0 0 Taranaki — Ngaire Tongaporutu Mangaere Uruti Taumatatahi Whangamomona Poti Maata Huiroa Okau Derwent Nihoniho Greenlands .. KCangapona .. Mangatawa .. 170 2,500 482 697 430 10,543 108 30 668 1,889 1,369 1,406 603 702 2,978 1895, p. 233 1894, p. 1505 1895, p. 30 1895, p. 30 1894, p. 1691 1896, p. 149 1895, p. 1053 1895, p. 1053 1894, p. 1722 1896, p. 398 1896, p. 398 1895, p. 1248 1896, p. 1542 1897, p. 1983 1896, p. 1629 16 16 13 7 4 111 8 3 9 19 13 16 6 7 29 16 8 10 3 4 64 8 2 7 4 9 3 2 3 70 39 46 19 26 168 49 6 34 22 26 15 9 3 169 2 30 786 2 0 444 1 2 497 0 0 430 2 0 6,096 0 0 108 0 0 30 0 0 549 1 21 393 0 0 973 0 0 213 2 0 203 0 0 300 0 0 '354 161 307 399 502 159 3,052 106 23 358 650 633 119 250 60 106 152 203 75 50 858 48 I 12 56 17 119 102 17 110 0 34 0 70 0 42 0 46 11 14 0 28 1 51 0 56 5 18 5 8 11 63 3 7 2 5 222 10 0 200 0 0 132 10 0 59 0 0 70 0 0 767 10 0 120 0 0 50 0 0 93 10 0 107 10 0 192 10 0 311 7 9 922 13 11 574 2 0 817 7 0 259 12 2 5,413 14 9 173 15 3 58 1 8 587 3 0 1,003 4 6 1,110 3 6 203 1 11 629 0 3 286 5 6 533 17 9 1,122 13 11 706 12 0 876 7 0 329 12 2 6,181 4 9 293 15 3 108 1 8 680 13 0 1,110 14 0 1,302 13 6 203 1 11 679 0 3 306 5 6 51 4 8 62 1 6 75 6 2 53 9 7 31 16 5 304 11 4 33 3 9 7 14 7 34 4 11 23 12 7 57 0 9 16 8 6 4 7 0 80 19 7 62 7 6 114 17 8 86 7 7 52 0 1 313 6 10 45 16 1 9 2 1 56 12 0 23 12 7 65 6 2 16 8 6 4 7 0 1,170 0 1,445 0 1,645 0 1,020 0 700 0 10,230 0 700 0 160 0 1,135 0 1,220 0 1,765 0 355 0 770 0 350 0 15 21 28 50 0 0 20 0 0 •• • Totals 24,575 277 143 532 11,193 3 13 424J 6,779 1,925 43 42 2,085 0 0 12,349 12 8 14,434 12 8 755 1 9 931 3 8 22,665 0 [ Wellington — \ Pemberton .. Kawatau Hautapu Masterton-Tenui 1,260 200 1,000 1,204 800 368 f 2,433 \ 2,324 I 204 (1895, p. 30 ]1897. p. 1631 1894, p. 1637 1894, p. 1637 11896, p. 1526 (1896, p. 1629 1896, p. 655 1897, p. 6 1898, p. 1397 j u 12 12 I 42 113.) 12 11 61 82 59 fl,247 0 0 1 200 0 0 999 3 36 1,057 0 0 j- 1,151 649J 387 1,163 610J 303 741 918 202 ■ 6 37 5 51 4 50 170 0 0 230 0 0 180 0 0 1,717 9 6 959 14 6 632 7 0 1,887 9 6 1,189 14 6 812 7 0 159 12 0 86 11 6 43 6 0 656 4 3 140 18 5 43 6 0 3,945 17 2,340 3 1,457 6 12 57 1,163 0 0 450 376 290 1 0 170 0 0 602 0 11 772 0 11 78 0 4 111 6 1 1,821 4 Akitio f 36 1 2 I « (3,810 2 0 N 204 0 0 I 1,752 1,189 1,556 18 40 170 0 0 2,307 16 3 2,477 16 3 71 17 1 75 4 5 3,722 18

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172

IMPROVED -FARM SETTLEMENTS. Table 33. —Return showing Position and Transactions in Improved-farm Settlements from their Commencement to 31st March, 1899— continued.

Names. Areas. Dates of Gazette Proclamation. Number Sections in each Settlement. Number of Settlers remaining in Occupation on 31 Mar., '99. Number of Persons resident. Area occupied. Area felled. Areas grassed. Number Boads felled Amount paid to Selectors for Improvements : of and formed Past and Present Transactions. Cattle or partially On fOimed , mfnt. d « he For Houses. | F °S||r g j Pa^ ts . Bent and Interest paid by Selectors. Value of Improvements now on the Land, including that paid for by Government. During the Year ending 31 Mar, 99. From Commencement of System. Wellington — continued. Horopito Otaihape Ohutu Otuarei Acres. 2,000 200 2,187 2,000 (2,189 1 198 4,379 ■I 100 I 100 1894, )•. 1505 1894, p. 1950 1896, p. 631 1896, p. 631 1896, p. 1511 1897, p. 2082 1897, p. 8 1897, p. 1901 1898, p. 1322 12 10 28 7 2 10 28 6 5 39 48 14 A. K. P. 200 0 0 i 204 1 10 ! 2,199 3 26 i 1,170 0 0 '• Acres. 117 201| 809J 85 Acres. 86 178 635J 50 71 78 365 331 Mis. ch. 1 38 2 16 7 23 2 0 £ s. d. 50 0 0 238 0 0 142 0 0 30 0 0 £ s. d. 244 18 4 405 12 0 1,036 5 0 111 6 9 £ s. d. 294 18 4 643 12 0 1,178 5 0 141 6 9 £ s. d. 19 5 2 43 5 10 35 4 1 £ s. d. 22 16 0 68 11 8 35 4 1 £ d. 545 11 5 1,012 15 9 2,499 11 9 227 7 10 Bongoiti .. .. [ 33 8 16 789 2 0 1314 90 458 4 37 77 10 0 193 17 11 271 7 11 9 19 2 9 19 2 466 7 5 Mangatiti 29 41 3,585 3 38 ] 1.096J 576 132 20 50 20 0 0 1,690 9 0 1,710 9 0 4 6 8 4 6 8 2,214 7 4 Totals .. 23.J46 548 16,831 0 30 6,830| 5,256| 1,477 10 0 1,167 16 9 20,253 11 10 207 171 5,142 74 22 9,901 17 2 11,379 7 2 551 7 10 : Otago — Purakauiti No. 2 Puaho Waipiti BAmu Woodlands Heathfield 1,515 1,003 3,000 1,600 1,214 2,400 10,732 1895, p. 29 1895, p 30 1895, p. 1584 1895, p. 927 1895, p. 927 1895, p. 438 12 7 22 16 9 27 12 17 13 17 19 4 84 58 1,515 1 30 857 2 20 2,649 1 8 1,538 1 1 1,207 1 35 2,111 0 30 322 ! Ill 952 I 437 32 1,221 322 111 952 437 32 1,221 30 354 150 4 78 1 46 6 14 8 22 0 25 5 57 78 1 2 20 0 0 192 13 2 178 14 8 1,738 12 11 494 5 4 4,346 1 5 2,497 16 2 39 14 6 4,905 9 9 1,816 14 1 514 5 4 4,538 14 7 2,676 10 10 39 14 6 5,114 11 3 ■■ i •• - 2,150 0 550 0 5,000 0 3,000 0 60 0 5,250 0 95 339 209 1 6 92"8 2 Totals 73 260 9,879 1 4 3,075 3,075 873 27 2 678 10 6 14,022 0 1 14,700 10 7 92 8 2 16,010 0 93 Southland — (1891,p 585 J 1895, p. 1222 (1895, p. 1445 1895, p. 176 1894, p. 618 1895, p. 1526 Waikawa 1,768 } 16 j 9 51 1,196 0 11 695J 678J 174 4 42 197 15 0 3,298 4 7 3,495 19 7 3,994 8 : Haldane Papatotara Moturimu 2,200 1,480 670 24 15 14 22 10 11 78 38 54 2,241 2 7 1,058 3 16 481 0 20 966J 614|| 149|[ I 2,425^ 903f 607J 139* 199 80 48 3 58f 1 75 342 0 0 65 0 0 170 0 0 3,315 11 5 2,387 11 1 344 2 0 3,657 11 5 2,452 11 1 514 2 0 4,158 0 2,577 9 1,050 3 •• • • Totals .. 6,118 ~^r 221 4,977 2 14 2,328| 501 10 15| 774 15 0 9,345 9 1 10,120 4 1 11,780 2 \ Grand totals 73,820 745 513 1,854 i 50,226 1 31 I 15.141J 20.814J 9,244 185 36| 6,269 11 9 51,059 4 8 57,328 16 5 1,616 9 0 2,680 12 5 84,167 19

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173

Table 34. —Return of Lands disposed of under the Land for Settlements Acts for the Year which ended 31st March, 1899.

* Note.— When the numbers in occupation and the amount of improvements are not given the leaseholds have not been inspected or the quantities are nil. t Old closed roads and small areas of Crown lands added. ; E7 17s. 9d. additional received, but not credited to estate; will be adjusted following year. § £46 5s. 3d, excess credit in this estate; will be adjusted following year. || This was resumed along with run No. 126, Marlborough, and 240 acres we::e relet in May, 1899. Estate acquired but not dealt with at 31st March., 1899. Marlborough— Acres. Bichmond Brook .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,158 Canterbury— 23-C. 1. RS ' 2632

Date when Ax _____ 3^ Land opened ____fi o Surplus or Selection. Deficiency. Area of Land Unlet, including Land Forfeited, Surrendered, or Resumed and not Relet, and also Land not yet offered for Selection. few oions and Addition during the Year. lings Total Lands Leased at Date. Yearly Value of Unlet Land Iccupled Land. .rrears on 31st March, 1899. Total Receipts from Inception to 31st March, 1899. Name of Estate. Area occupied by Roads and Reserves unlet. Rent and other Payments received during the Year. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rent payable. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rent now payable. 31st March, 1899. No. of Houses ' l 0 ',-^?"' 3 Value of „„ on Holdings. , r H 0 ?a m g° n Improvements. No - Are Rent in Arrear. Auckland — Opouriao Okauia Bangiatea Karapiro Hawke's Bay— Baureka Elsthorpe Waimarie Bouparae Mahora Tomoana Willows Wellington— Paparangi Marlborough— Blind Biver Leasehold surrendered Omaka Puhipuhi Starborough, part Flaxbourne, and Exchange Crown Leasehold surrend'd Canterbury — Pareora.. Studholme Junction Kapua Bosebrook Otaio Patoa The Peaks Boimata Kereta Braco Epworth Ashley Gorge Omihi Valley Orakipaoa Highbank Otarakaro Wharenui Bakitairi Waiapi Horsley Down Albury B.S. 36469, Cannington .. (B.S. 1862) Marawiti Hekeao Waikakahi Pawaho Otago— Pomahakat Teanarakif Tahawaif Maerewhenuaf Puketapu Ardgowanf Makareaof Makareao Extension! Momonaf Tokarahif Southland — Merrivale Otahu Beaumontf Westland — Poerua Feb. 12, 1896 Feb. 21, 1898 June 22, 1898 Oct. 21, 1898 A. R. P. 7,604 0 0 5,920 0 0 4,004 0 0 2,270 3 9 A. B. P. 264 2 0 1,606 2 0 149 3 0 90 1 30 A. B. P. 384 1 21 747 2 0 753 0 0 69 1 0 1 5 17 13 A. E. P. 0 2 0 2,715 0 0 3,101 1 0 2,111 0 19 £ s. d. 10 0 115 7 10 564 6 2 394 15 0 64 7 17 13 A. B. P. 6,955 0 19 3,566 0 0 3,101 1 0 2,111 0 19 £ s. d. 1,390 15 8 135 3 10 564 6 2 394 15 0 £ s. d. 45 11 2 149 14 0 147 16 0 19 12 0 56 199 * £ s. d. 11,942 0 0 13 A. R. P. 1,398 0 39 £ s. d. 98 14 4 £ s. d. 931 11 6 49 19 5 348 13 10 {197 18 1 £ s. d 3,379 15 7 59 17 5 348 13 10 J197 18 1 May 6, 1896 June 24, 1896 Sept. 9, 1896 April 21, 1897 Mar. 22, 1899 Mar. 2, 1898 Mar. 22, 1899 427 2 0 9,740 0 0 430 1 30 337 3 4 1,133 3 0 111 3 38 775 1 36 11 1 2 192 0 20 4 2 16 1 1 32 21 1 5 1 3 35 4 3 20 844 0 8 20 36 18 9 27 13 16 416 0 38 9,543 0 0 425 3 14 336 1 12 844 0 8 110 0 3 585 0 36 543 2 0 2,302 13 0 463 0 0 405 8 0 1,260 1 8 135 2 0 573 10 4 5 16 0 17 23 15 8 84 92 60 27 1,821 5 0 5,836 17 0 1,413 18 0 786 15 0 2 "2 112 1 1 18 0 26 64 15 6 10 1 0 561 8 6 2,218 6 6 424 14 6 346 3 0 546 11 7 60 9 0 286 15 2 1,420 19 5 6,665 4 0 998 1 6 635 19 0 546 11 7 128 0 0 286 15 2 268' 1 27 27 ,1,260 1 8 371 11 0 9 34 1,314 15 0 190 1 0 16 585 0 36 573 10 4 184 19 10 Feb. 28,1898 322 3 32 24 2 31 12 3 20 13 72 3 31 89 14 4 32 285 1 21 284 11 6 22 10 0 23 92 1,347 0 0 1 11 3 7 5 6 2 169 18 9 312 0 10 j Jan. 16,1895 June 24, 1896 Feb. 25, 1897 i Mar. 13,1899 5,020 0 0 487 0 0 3,898 0 0 320 0 0 344 0 0 } 19 5,163 0 0 888 10 11 16 95 4,201 15 6 14 4,114 0 0 701 5 9 §712 9 0 §2,170 0 6 60 1 0 320' 0 0 13 3,837 3 0 589 6 8 16 10 0 12 55 3,348 15 0 4 1,059 0 0 97 8 2 294 7 11 8 5 0 1,405 4 7 33 0 0 34,224 0 0 1,625 0 0 608 0 0 3,949 0 0 t 43 31,292 0 0 4,893 10 10 43 31,292 0 0 4,893 10 10 928 10 4 3 215 0 0 2,371 6 1 2,371 6 1 Jan. 18, 1894 Jan. 18, 1894 Jan. 24, 1894 June 26, 1895 June 26, 1895 Nov. 27, 1895 Aug. 1, 1895 Aug. 14, 1895 Dec. 4, 1895 Nov. 27, 1895 Nov. 27, 1895 Dec. 4, 1895 Dec. 29, 1897 June 22, 1896 June 24, 1896 Mar. 24, 1897 Mar. 24, 1897 Mar. 22, 1897 Mar. 22, 1897 May 31, 1897 April 12, 1897 April 12, 1897 620 2 13 109 0 7 574 1 22 " 600 1 8 373 3 14 4,535 3 14 2,811 0 9 48 3 37 105 2 29 27 2 4 21 0 3 1,165 3 6 20 0 0 384 0 31 9,121 3 8 39 3 9 73 1 10 3,526 1 16 1,124 2 36 3,982 3 35 19,539 1 24 26 2 24 8 2 38 4 1 39 2 0 0 6 2 21 17 3 26 12 0 0 4 1 14 293 0 0 14 13 0 28 4 12 14 9 4 12 26 4 14 2 10 611 3 15 104 2 8 572 1 22 600 1 8 367 0 33 4,517 3 28 2,799 0 9 44 2 23 105 2 29 27 2 4 21 0 3 1,161 1 2 396 18 6 73 4 6 270 3 4 307 13 6 216 14 8 170 16 6 196 12 6 138 10 0 82 18 0 72 8 4 13 11 2 258 1 0 26 3 12 14 9 2 1 26 4 13 1 11 105 13 40 63 25 5 1 115 27 36 4 46 1,950 4 6 257 18 0 1,102 5 0 1,667 17 6 842 14 6 813 0 0 1,142 0 0 3,406 0 0 523 5 6 773 0 0 80 0 0 2,405 0 0 6 4 2 3 143 3 9 181 1 29 106 3 9 135 2 17 46 1 7 97 9 4 25 18 3 41 15 9 348 0 3 68 1 1 213 8 6 230 7 0 188 17 8 I 579 5 8 149 2 0 72 18 0 80 6 6 6 15 7 279 9 10 1,743 0 1 353 10 3 1,154 8 10 1,064 6 2 738 4 6 517 10 4 609 18 1 492 13 6 280 3 0 232 19 5 34 17 11 900 15 6 4 2 4 20 0 0 13 5 0 86* 3 3C 3' 3 22 10 0 0 2 0 0 188 2 0 3 o' 2 4 3315 0 27 72 7 25 21 15 25 74 1 384 0 31 9,024 3 18 39 3 9 71 1 10 3,333 3 34 1,124 2 36 3,946 1 19 19,190 2 24 20 0 0 397 10 8 3,039 3 4 111 18 0 285 2 8 1,009 7 6 518 19 10 1,072 3 0 3,434 2 0 3 7 4 5 0 0 612 0 52 8 2 13 62 7 18 15 15 24 49 70 214 35 66 68 55 76 184 1,363 18 0 9,323 17 0 770 0 0 1,444 0 0 2,535 10 6 2,278 19 7 7,508 0 0 9,226 13 6 2 5 2 2 2 34 1 20 342 1 38 12 2 31 17 0 0 453 3 0 8 10 9 44 17 2 11 3 5 10 13 10 60 12 1 372 0 1 2,326 3 11 92 14 8 233 19 2 728 14 11 487 16 2 1,088 12 6 2,510 19 1 3 7 4 1,137 3 7 8,668 13 5 161 16 5 465 2 6 1,787 6 10 1,006 16 0 2,515 10 0 5,500 18 2 5 10 36 2 16 128 3 2 219' 3 38 6 2 24 37 3 2 11 11 10 ii 7,016 2 20 256 15 6 May 7, 1897 Mar. 9, 1898 Mar. 20, 1899 April 5, 1898 2,028 2 33 2,254 2 11 48,248 0 21 52 0 18 2 0 0 68 1 26 744 3 19 1 3 14 30 0 0 6,426 2 11 7 0 22 1 139 21 10 0 0 41,076 2 31 43 0 22 3 0 0 14,838 14 10 108 14 6 13 10 139 21 2,026 2 33 2,156 0 25 41,076 2 31 43 0 22 748 15 10 617 0 2 14,838 14 10 108 14 6 9 0 0 1,922 6 10 6 10 4 13 5 64 24 1,743 9 0 1,718 5 6 1 25 0 0 5 6 3 494 12 5 313 0 1 7,434 9 5 90 12 5 1,239 14 3 620 0 2 7,434 9 5 90 12 5 '7 14 385 10 0 1 7 0 22 2 4 10 Feb. 20, 1894 Feb. 7, 1894 Aug. 21, 1895 Sept. 10, 1895 Mar. 18, 1896 May 12, 1896 June 26, 1896 April 14, 1897 May 10, 1897 May 11, 1897 7,478 2 2 351 0 39 70 1 35 11,163 3 31 509 0 6 4,268 3 28 2,383 0 4 2,573 3 6 224 0 15 11,259 2 36 234 3 39 6 3 9 1 3 21 250 2 3 12 3 10 106 0 24 259 1 3 3 0 37 5 0 0 473 3 13 323 3 17 30 0 0 2 626 3 2 86 7 0 26 20 8 70 11 63 31 4 14 51 6,919 2 26 314 1 30 68 2 14 10,910 1 28 496 0 36 4,143 2 15 2,123 3 1 2,570 2 9 219 0 15 10,781 2 36 1,375 7 8 267 9 10 35 14 4 3,550 4 0 213 16 0 1,894 19 8 378 19 6 296 15 4 210 3 0 4,114 5 2 48 13 0 27 5 0 23 15 8 59 8 50 15 3 14 39 75 54 29 221' 23 199 55 6 49 116 4,751 18 0 1,117 0 0 667 0 0 9,764 5 9 763 8 7 7,009 19 1 1,494 11 9 596 10 0 1,808 12 6 6,665 14 6 6 10 1,436 0 28 135 3 35 126 3 4 97 8 4 2,080 6 10 194 17 5 33 15 4 1,990 8 10 159 14 6 1,257 4 11 4,131 18 3 1,131 15 1 119 15 1 10,587 19 5 509 18 6 4,888 17 1 873 0 10 296 15 4 398 11 6 5,679 12 0 30 0 0 15 0 "0 948 0 0 295 15 4 19 0 29 9 11 10 1 15 33' 0 6 578 2 1 11 4 0 102 4 4 j 396 14 4 4 0 27 "s 3 0 20 32 6 3 16 10 *i 10 6 0 37 2,726 1 3 013 0 564 10 4 186 12 10 2,880 18 7 Dec. 18, 1895 Nov. 4, 1897 Jan. 26, 1898 9,998 0 0 6,044 0 29 4,322 3 20 543 2 20 128 2 25 21 1 5 479 1 20 1,668 1 36 2,019 0 3 4 2,748' 1 3 1,502 1 3 23010 4 210 6 0 42 6 6 8,975 0 0 4,247 0 8 2,282 2 12 1,362 7 8 306 5 2 339 7 4 51 15 2 100 7 10 229 10 0 33 2 4 132 5 10 6,422 0 0 318 15 0 433 0 0 7 1 1,332 1 0 554 1 0 140 19 3 6 18 6 1,171 10 10 201 6 6 145 19 3 4,549 19 7 264 3 11 210 9 11 June 26, 1896 3,230 1 6 101 3 6 639 2 0 16 2,489 0 0 195 14 6 75 0 8 8 15 1,836 15 0 1 87 0 0 3 10 8 182 7 11 558 12 1 Totals 243,947 2 8 6,664 2 17 18,796 3 35 311 87,031 3 19 23,421 10 2 1,304 1218,485 3 36 57,747,. 18 5 4,503 3 0 813 3,077 1129,133 18 9 23,027 3 18 134 2,938 6 9 38,804 10 2 93,916 7 l:

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Table 35. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased under the Land for Settlements Acts, 1892 and 1894. (Continued from Table No. 40 of 1897-98.)

24—C. 1.

Outlay. income. Name of Estate. Date of Purchase. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. itudholme Junction 27 July, 1893 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 £ s. d. 1,413 12 9 0 8 0 Bents paid Rents accrued to 31st. March, 1899 £ s. d 68 1 1 12 12 I 7 8 10 38 19 8 Balance 1,379 15 11 Total 1,460 9 3 Total 1,460 9 'areora 16 Aug., 1893 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31et Maroh, 1899 7,101 3 0 1 10 1 Rents paid Rents accru<d to 31st March, 1899 348 0 3 201 3 1 156 16 0 196 0 6 Balance 6,906 6 3 Total 7,455 9 7 Total 7,455 9 'omahaka.. 10 Oct., 1893 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st Maroh, 1899 23,197 4 11 152 9 8 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 2,0S0 6 li 576 13 i 1,555 14 7 657 14 11 Balance 22,906 3 ! Total 25,563 4 1 Total 25,563 4 11 Nov., 1893 Balance from previous year Rents accrued, included in former account In tereRt to 31st March, 1899 4,709 7 9 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. Balance 213 8 i apua 65 12 0 128 1 5 140 3 l< 4,549 8 l< Total 4,903 1 2 Total 4,903 1 'e Anaraki.. 31 Jan., 1894 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, inoluded in former aocounts Interest to 31st March, 1899 5,357 9 7 36 3 4 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. 194 17 219 1 177 11 2 149 10 3 Balance 5,306 15 Total 5,720 14 4 Total 5,720 14 ■ 712 9 I 20 Aug., 1894 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 ilind River 16,586 5 5 7 6 0 1,098 2 ! 985 10 5 459 15 10 Balance 16,228 5 1 Total 18,038 17 8 5,891 3 9 0 9 0 Total 18,038 17 losebrook .. 15 Feb., 1895 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, inoluded in former account Interest to 31st Maroh ,;1899 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 230 7 149 13 89 19 8 162 16 11 Balance .. .. 5,764 9 Total 6,144 9 4 Total 6,144 9 itaio 25 Feb., 1895 Balance from previous year Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 4,129 3 3 112 17 2 113 16 9 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 Balance 188 17 140 14 4,026 5 17 Apl., 1895 Total 4,355 17 2 Total 4,355 17 errivale .. Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31stMarch, 1899 26,928 10 2 5 6 6 Rents paid Bents accrued to 31st March, 1899 1,171 10 li 583 3 i 879 15 11 756 1 6 Balance 26,814 19 l^ Total 28,569 14 1 Total 28,569 14 Balance from previous year Rents acorued, included in former accounts Interest to31stMarch,1899 600 2 1 Rents paid Rents" accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. Balance 33 15 'ahawai .. 25 Apl., 1895 20 9 5 17 0 10 4 0 599 17 Total 637 12 4 Total '.. 637 12 'atoa, and Peak's Farm 3 May, 1895 Balance from previous year Rents accrued, inoluded in former accounts Interest to 31st March, 1899 6,689 17 7 415 18 8 189 8 4 Rents paid Rents aoorued to 31st March, 1899 .. Balance 579 5 23__9 6,692 9 Total .. Total 7,295 4 7,295 i 7

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176

Table 35. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c. — continued

Outlay. Income. Name of Estate. Date of Purchase. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. ,oimata .. 29 June, 1895 Balance from previous-year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31st March, 1899 £ s. d. 2,685 0 7 3 14 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 £ s. d. 149 2 0 5 5 6 77 5 9 75 17 5 Balance 2,687 10 5 Total 2,841 17 11 Total 2,841 17 11 !ereta 24 July, 1895 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31st March, 1899 1,537 15 11 0 9 0 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 72 18 0 10 0 0 41 9 0 43 11 2 Balance 1,540 7 1 Total 1,623 5 1 Total 1,623 5 1 iaerewhenua 27 July, 1895 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to31st March, 1899 66,225 16 6 3 4 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 1,990 8 10 1,860 11 2 2,063 7 10 1,874 12 4 Balance 66,316 0 10 Total 70,167 0 10 Total 70,167 0 10 iraco 5 Aug., 1895 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31st March, 1899 1,355 4 0 6 8 3 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st Maroh, 1899 80 6 6 6 16 52 11 3 38 11 6 Balance 1,366 7 0 Total 1,452 15 0 Total 1,452 15 0 .shley Gorge 9 Aug., 1895 Balance from previous year Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31st March, 1899 4,892 3 8 141 6 4 137 11 10 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 Balance 279 9 10 21 8 10 4,870 3 2 14 Aug., 1895 Total 5,171 1 10 Total 5,171 1 10 ipworth .. Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31st March, 1899 254 5 0 0 9 0 6 15 7 7 4 3 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 6 15 7 6 15 7 Balance 255 2 8 Total 268 13 10 Total 268 13 10 'uketapu .. 18 Nov., 1895 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31st Maroh, 1899 3,518 0 9 6 14 9 8 6 2 97 8 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 159 14 6 16 13 8 Balance 3,454 1 8 Total 3,630 9 10 Total 3,630 9 10 imihi S.R. 16 Jan., 1896 Balance from previous year Interest to 31st March, 1899 288 19 5 7 19 10 Balance 296 19 3 'oerua 3 Feb., 1896 Total 296 19 3 Total 296 19 3 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses ., Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 4,587 9 8 319 10 0 46 8 6 135 17 0 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. 182 7 11 39 3 11 Balance 4,867 13 4 Total 5,089 5 2 Total 5,089 5 2 laureka .. 9 Mar., 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 10,231 9 10 0 10 7 255 0 6 282 2 0 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 561 8 6 236 14 0 Balance 9,971 0 5 Total 10,769 2 11 Total 10,769 2 11 ipouriao .. 20 Mar., 1896 Balance from previous year Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31 st Maroh, 1899 24,136 7 7 1,207 19 1 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 Balance 931 11 6 616 16 3 24,490 8 11 694 10 0 Total .. 26,038 16 8 Total 26,038 16 8

177

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Table 35.— Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c.— continued.

lay. [ncome. Name of Estate. Date of Purchase. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. £ s. d. 7,628 1 10 1 10 0 £ s. d, 372 0 1 irakipaoa .. 20 Mar., 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents aocrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 Renta paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 49 1 r i 30 3 3 210 8 8 Balance 7,449 2 3 Total 7,870 3 9 Total 7,870 3 9 20 Apl., 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 10,912 13 10 32 7 9 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 294 7 11 imaka 362 15 5 67 16 8 301 14 9 Balance 10,657 9 8 Total 11,314 13 0 Total 11,314 13 ilsthorpe .. 21 Apl., 1896 27 Nov., 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31stMarch, 1899 43,664 2 1 201 17 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 2,218 6 327 16 323 1 0 1,211 12 8 Balance 42,854 10 Total .. 45,400 12 11 Total 45,400 12 l: akareao .. 12 May, 1896 14 Dec, 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents aocrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 14,401 1 0 4,685 9 10 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 396 14 ■ 422 7 li 158 5 8 526 10 0 Balance 18,952 4 Total 19,771 6 6 Total 19,771 6 6 iighbank .. 18 May, 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents aocrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 58,338 18 5 4 12 6 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 2,326 3 11 997 8 4 242 16 7 1,607 6 4 Balance 56,870 1 7 Total 60,193 13 10 Total 60,193 13 li .rdgowan .. 23 May, 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 37,799 6 7 20 6 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 1,257 4 l: 822 3 : 207 7 7 1,043 0 8 39,070 1 0 Balance 36,990 12 j Total Total 39,070 1 aimarie .. 21 July, 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 8,658 15 3 101 2 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31sfc March, 1899 424 14 65 1 40 7 6 241 10 3 Balance 8,551 19 Total 9,041 15 2 Total 9,041 15 itarakaro .. 4 Sept., 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st Maroh, 1899 2,091 4 5 5 13 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 92 14 45 5 40 17 7 58 0 0 Balance 2,057 3 Total 2,195 3 3 Total 2,195 3 3 harenui .. 28 Oct., 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st Mareh, 1899 4,983 1 6 63 11 8 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 233 19 2 36 15 8 3 17 5 139 2 9 Balance 4,918 18 6 Total 5,189 13 4 Total 5,189 13 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 2,523 6 7 16 12 3 70 0 6 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. Balance 60 9 'omoana .. 31 Dec, 1896 19 12 2,529 18 Total 2,609 19 4 Total 2,609 19 1 Jan,, 1897 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 20,133 11 3 1 14 4 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. 1,088 12 iorsley Down 22 15 6 555 2 7 6 16 19,617 15 Balance Total .. 20,713 3 8 Total 20,713 3

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178

Table 35. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates Purchased, &c. — continued.

Outlay. Income. Name of-Estate. Date of Purchase. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. 'ouparae . ■ £ s. d. £ s. d. 346 3 0 31 Jan., 1897 Balance from previous year less error of 10s. Interest to 31st March, 1899 7,905 16 8 217 19 8 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. Balance 58 15 0 7,718 18 4 Total 8,123 16 4 Total ... 8,123 16 4 Rakitairi ... 31 Mar., 1897 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former acoount Interest to31stMarch, 1899 19,487 9 7 1 16 0 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 728 14 11 4 19 9 537 9 1 315 13 10 Balance 18,987 5 8 Total 20,031 14 5 Total 20,031 14 5 Waiapi 31 Mar., 1897 Balance from previous year Kents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 9,530 8 6 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 Balance 487 16 2 27 5 11 263 10 2 31 3 8 9,302 4 9 Total 9,821 4 7 Total 9,821 4 7 Albury 31 Mar., 1897 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Bents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 65,652 12 1 181 3 3 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. 2,510 19 1 477 0 2 1,815 19 6 1,162 15 9 Balance 64,453 0 2 Total 68,126 15 0 Total 68,126 15 0 'uhipuhi .. 14 Apl., 1897 Balance from previous year Interest to 31st March, 1899 312 7 1 8 12 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. Balance 8 5 0 8 5 0 304 9 3 26 Apl., 1897 Total Total 320 19 3 320 19 3 [ornona .. Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 .. 3,571 19 10 51 10 0 186 12 10 2 13 0 99 18 0 26 5 10 Balance 3,513 2 2 Total 3,726 0 10 Total 3,726 0 10 'okarahi .. 26 Apl., 1897 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to31stMarch,1899 78,224 7 6 82 15 0 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 2,880 18 7 2,592 8 0 1,378 12 7 2,158 4 11 Balance .. .. 76,370 13 5 Total 81,844 0 0 Total 81,844 0 0 irawhiti.. 26Apl., 1897 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents accrued, included in former account Interest to 31st March, 1899 14,324 17 2 0 15 0 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 494 12 5 257 17 5 3 14 0 394 19 1 Balance 13,971 15 5 Total 14,724 5 3 Total 14,724 5 3 lannington 5 June, 1897 Balance from previous year Interest to 31st March, 1899 64 17 7 1 15 9 Rents paid Balance 3 7 4 63 6 0 'apavangi .. 23 July, 1897 Total 66 13 4 Total 66 13 4 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 4,684 0 6 1,919 9 2 182 1 3 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 Balance 169 18 9 34 11 5 6,581 0 9 4 Aug., 1897 Total 6,785 10 11 Total 6,785 10 11 italiu t Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 8,106 17 2 322 18 7 232 8 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to 31sr, March, 1899 Balance 201 6 6 44 15 11 8,416 1 6 Total 8,662 3 11 Total 8,662 3 11 ieaumont.. 9 Dec, 1897 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 Rents accrued, included in former aocount Rents paid Rents accrued to 31st March, 1899 10,639 13 5 18 3 8 294 18 9 145 19 3 124 8 1 40 0 0 Balance 10,722 8 6 Total Total 10,992 15 10 10,992 15 10

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Table 35. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c.— continued.

lay. income. Name i Date ol Purof estates. 1 chase. Amount. Amount. Particulars. Particulars. 'a.walio 3 Mar., 1898 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 £ a. d. 1,858 0 7 105 5 8 54 2 7 Rents paid Bents accrued to March, 1899 .. Balance 31st £ s. d 90 12 E 15 12 i 1,911 3 i 8 Mar., 1898 Total 2,017 8 10 Total .. 2,017 8 ll ekeao Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 10,605 11 5 679 14 4 311 2 8 Bents paid Rents accrued to March, 1899 .. Balance 31st 313 0 6 0 11,277 8 Total 11,596 8 5 Total .. 11,596 8 ikauia 23 Mar., 1898 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st Maroh, 1899 4,177 8 7 590 5 2 131 8 11 Bents paid Rents accrued to March, 1899 .. Balance 31st 49 19 9 18 4,839 5 Total 4,899 2 8 Total .. 4,899 2 Bangiatea .. 24 Mar. ,1898 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 14,146 4 11 190 4 10 395 5 2 Rents paid Rents accrued to March, 1899 .. Balance Sl'si 348 13 V 157 1 ' 14,225 19 i Karapiro .. 27 Oot., 1898 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 14,731 14 11 8,364 4 6 79 12 0 98 17 1 Total .. Rents paid 14,731 14 l: 197 18 Balance 8,344 15 R.S. 2682 .. 18 Nov., 1898 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st Maroh, 1899 8,542 13 7 105 0 0 4 13 0 12 6 Total .. 8,542 13 Balance 110 15 Starborough 27 Mar., 1899 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 110 15 6 99,350 0 0 1,355 4 6 30 8 6 Total .. Rents paid 2,371 6 1 110 15 Balance 98,364 6 11 Waikakahi 27 Mar., 1899 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 100,735 13 0 323,456 17 1 1,693 10 9 98 4 9 Total .. Bents paid 7,434 9 5 100,735 13 Balanoe 317,814 3 2 Mahora 27 Mar., 1899 Total 325,248 12 7 Total .. 325,248 12 7 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 31,178 2 6 112 15 10 9 9 0 Bents paid 546 11 7 Balance 30,753 15 9 Willows 27 Mar., 1899 Total Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 14,734 10 0 23 4 9 4 9 1 31,300 7 4 Total .. Rents paid 31,300 7 4 286 15 2 Balance 14,475 8 8 Tamai 27 Mar, 1899 Total 14,762 3 10 Total .. 14,762 3 10 Purchase-money Interest to 31st March, 1899 2,662 11 3 0 16 1 Balance 2,663 7 4 Eiohmond Brook 27 Mar., 1899 Total Purohase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1899 2,663 7 4 21,921 10 0 37 19 0 6 9 0 Total .. 2,663 7 4 Balance 21,965 18 0 Total 21,965 18 0 Total .. 21,965 18 0

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180

Table 35 — continued. —Land for Settlements Account.

Outlay. Income. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Dβ. Balance from previous year, less error of 10s. Purchase-moneys Roads, and other incidental expenses of estates paid for at 31st March, 1899 .. Incidental expenses of estates not paid for at 31st March, 1899, including £27 9s. deducted in 1897-98 account, and deduoting £2 7s. 2d. erroneously included in 1897-98 account.. Miscellaneous expenses incidental to estates declined or not yet accepted .. Land-purchase Inspector's salary Rents accrued, included in former accounts Interest to 31st March, 1899 £ s. d. 690,536 17 8 501,772 15 4 Cβ. Eents paid Bents accrued to 31st March, 1899 £ s. d, 38,804 10 2 13,969 3 2 13,129 18 1 58 8 4 2,676 18 2 800 0 0 Balance 12,197 13 0 19,578 13 5 1,187,977 10 Total Total 1,240,751 4 1,240,751 4 0

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SELECTORS AND LAND SELECTED. Table No. 36. —Comparative Statement of Selectors and Lands selected under Settlement Conditions for the Ten Years ended 31st March, 1899.

181

Year ending 31st March, Gash. Deferred Payment. Perpetual Lease. Lease srpetuity. Occupation with Eight o Purchase. Agricultural Lease. Occupation Leases.* in Pi No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. Acres. 46,922 Acres. 41,376 Acrei 236,91 )5 Acres. Acres. Acres. 53 Acres. 1890 543 304 756 1 1891 573 100,014 258 34,091 788 288,9: .7 4 551 1892 492 40,501 223 40,467 824 282,5? 2 90 1893 552 36,326 169 21,084 385 122,5i 126 55,320 161 54,271 4 193 1894f 497 34,998 96 12,669 17 3,8i i4 612 179,993 461 108,133 5 365 1895t 392 38,694 47 5,453 3 1,21 >3 372 91,799 398 75,477 2 44 1896t 476 26,574 6 456 7 1,4! 17 696 122,350 431 84,968 3 36 69 2,931 1897t 388 28,485 19 9,1( 659 104,927 277 59,648 2 13 48 2,817 1898f 272 22,525 2 6i 599 117,938 380 81,414 5 258 23 1,285 1899t 534 37,400 1 13 1 6i 675 159,415 458 109,950 2 114 31 1,449 Year ending 31st March, Village Settlement: Cash. Vii SettL Dei Pay llage ement: Eerred 'ment. Vill Settle: Perpi Le£ [age ment: etual ise. Villi home Spe Settle agesstead icial iment. Speci settlen Associai ialnent tions. Homestead. Smi rrazin; an razingall g-runs Ld -farms. Totals. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. ■ Area. 1890 159 Acres. 656 75 Acres. 782 76 Acres. 1,729 20 Acres. 270 46 Acres. 4,970 19 Acres. 1,751 35 Acres. 60,340 2,034 Acres. 395,754 1891 87 210 51 369 56 954 10 350 2 71 9 945 43 86,161 1,881 512,634 1892 89 429 23 182 59 893 140 2,213 13 1,922 8 1,010 80 159,464 1,953 529,720 1893 75 528 29 390 (164 1 §2 2,636) §4/ §3,953 33 493 838 157,381 1 38 39 92,926 2,578 544,153 1894f 3 2 }5 11 §208 118 2,549 290 68,852 142 252,693 2,454 668,064 1895f 23 23 {30 J 23 §232 §4,050 60 2,742 262 51,345 1107 119,731 60 117,845 1,988 398,497 1896t 16 9 J3 }2 §193 §3,364 19 794 238 44,237 |315 |28,348 32 46,407 2,504 361,904 1897t 4 4 t* 14 §102 §1,317 18 360 142 28,084 i|45 ||4,882 27 68,934 1,735 308,581 1898t 2 1 J2 {2 §92 §1,426 9 42 5 442 1177 119,007 71 149,458 1,539 384,449 1899f 21 30 {3 {2 §106 §2,115 12 134 5 607 ||64 114,823 40 77,632 1,953 394,324 * " Minii Village se1 ng Disti ;tlemeni :icts Lan ;, occupal d Occupation At iion with right ol :t, 1894." : purchase. + Inclusive § Villi of Chevii ige settlei >t Esta lent, l< bte, and la ease in pel Lnds dit rpetuit sposed of under tl ;y. || Impro' ie Land for Settlements Acts fed farms.

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182

Table 37.— SUMMARY OF RETURNS of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899.

* Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Topographical Survey for Selections before Survey under "The LandAct,1892." Detention by Native Opposition or other Causes. District. Rural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Survey. Eoads, Eailways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyors and Parties from Acres. ag o Acres a® Acres. ■sg Is o Acres. 11 i| Acres. © • Acres. 4 ¥ Miles. OortpCost. Cost. .st April, 189S to 31st March, 1899. d. d. s. s. d. s. £ £ s. a. £ s. d. £ s. A. Auckland 25,652 1-11 116,081 I 437 1-38 140 150 16-75 94,106 166 7-96 3,848 56 3-77 316-88 10-20 1,294 10 8 13,390 0 0 Hawke's Bay 86,760 120 0-52 510| 160 25-54 146,904 62 2-32 71-50 25-91 1,154 12 2 5,179 10 6 Taranaki 73,600 1-51 50,858 105 1-38 I 189 4 51-37 32-44 22-20 501 5 9 6,166 0 8 Wellington 609,000 0-34 6,000 1-28 41,501 142 J 1-7 279J 246 20-01 89,323 80 3-59 154-75 12-12 10 0 0 985 8 4 7,042 6 10 Marlborough 115,760 236 0-9 I » 46 100 1,017 11 4-42 32-92 18-88 1,105 4 4 6,558 15 8 Nelson .. 8,817 65 i 1-96 32 121 12-6 2,996 31 4-9 33-44 14-03 1,198 19 9 4,066 1 5 Westland .. 1,972 45 ! 2-18 743 22 9-12 29-00 8-29 251 1 1 866 8 6 Canterbury Otago ■' 7,758 0-9 75,917 224 ! 95 0-62 2-03 89 16 133 j 35 7-7 19-0 54J 7 38-97 23-95 26-20 487 5 1 2,414 0 8 8,664 6,487 168 4-58 ■ 34-37 1003 737 9 5 3,058 12 10 Southland 34,155 146 1-08 2,5514 48 ■ 6-32 1-69 19-52 646 3 7 2,149 14 0 Means and totals ■ "I 708,252 0-49 13,758 1-07 540,485 1,615 1-06 1,079 891 17-08 330, 576 J 319 17.642J 4-90 730-94 13-61 10 0 0 4-3 336 8,362 0 2 50,891 11 1 * Total cost does not include mining and rural surveys by contract surveyors paid out of deposits, nor Native Land Court surve: ■sb; contract surve; ■ors.

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183

Table 37. — RETURN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. LAND DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND.

25—C. 1.

Surveyor and District. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Eural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Eoads, Kailways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1897, to 31st March, 1899. Remarks. Acres. o<! Acres. to o<! Acres. Is |1 Acres. 02.6 ag g°i ° Acres. No. of Sections. o<! o Cost per Mile. Cost. Staff Surveyors. L. Cussen. Great Barrier, King Country, &c. J. Baber. Rotorua, &c... G. A. Martin. Whangarei, &c. .. A. H. Vickerman. Karioi, &o. .. d. s. 8. d. S. £ £ s. d. & s. d. 1,187 8 7* H. D. M. Hazard. Ohinemuri, &c. - 13,270 14,077 4,716 1,398 •• 11 32 14 11 Ill 1-11 1-45 1-83 140 150 16-75 •• 2,628 • • - 6 •■ I 10-00 • • 10-50 8-25 29-50 15-00 15-60 8-66 34 18 0 468 8 8 450 1 4 652 19 9 969 1 7 834 3 2 812 11 4 Gold-mining inspection; road explorations, King country ; inspection and supervision. Generally forest and open ; reports, &c. All broken forest land. Broken country. " Other work " is roadengineering surveys, King country, reports, &c. " Other work " is chiefly inspection of Native Land Court surveys, mining and other surveys. " Other work " is four miles Native boundary Resurveying old boundaries. Generally open land. Road-engineering surveys. T. K. Thompson. Muriwhenua, &c. R. S. Galbraith. Onewhero H. F. Edgecumbe. Kaeo A. B. Wright. Various 2,550 6,288 133 25 20 8 3-25 1-73 1-57 4-50 8-00 2-37 10005 7-00 14-87 12-63 6-50 16 0 0 5 0 0 1 10 0 722 4 6 738 9 8 353 10 9 Temporary Staff. W. C. Spencer. King Country H. A. Warner. Hokianga, &c. .. J. B. Thompson. Opuawhanga, &c. 0-98 3,278 12,977 6,893 17 2 44 0-83 0-58 1-70 ■■ 29-69 3-25 2-00 8-82 11-75 10-00 29'*8 0 150 13 4 634 1 5 673 16 6 871 13 0 All open land. Heavy bush. Chiefly heavy forest, broken land. "Other work" is road inspections, kauri reports, &c. Chiefly open country. Broken country, heavy forest. " Other work " is defining State forest boundary, kauri reports, &c. Broken, bush, and open country. Roads, Awakino district; rough bush country Generally forest land. " Other work " : Education Reserves fencing and reports. 17^000 E. P. Turner. Raugiriri, &c. A. Wilson. Tutamoe, &c. 2,415 8,658 27 34 1-92 1-30 •• 18-51 17-25 10-31 12-29 32 14 6 68 0 0 675 9 9 795 3 1 A. A. Seaton. Onewhero A. J. Mountfort. Awakino E. W. Laseron. Ngaruawahia .. •• 13,723 53 1-24 " •• 8-50 38-75 17-00 10-74 15-48 13-90 30 0 0 7 16 10 739 1 0 887 9 3 739 17 8 6,900 17 1-43 •• I •• .. - Means and Totals.. 17,000 0-981 97,276 315 1-28 140 150 16-75 2,628 6 10-00 — 298-12 10-14 1,294 10 8 12,287 1 0 •• Contract Surveyors. E. F. Adams. Thames .. P. Bedlington. Coromandel, &c. Clare and Palmer. Ohinemuri .. Wm. Cussen. King Country O. M. Creagh. Rotorua, &c. 737 1,804 41,207 2 11 15 21-02 9-42 6-27 231 577 195 40 4 8 2 1 1-99 6-05 1-84 11-50 242 19 11 Forest country. Open and forest. Broken forest country. 3,343 "6 1-30 1-17 15-81 18 "l5 •■ * ■ i • • -•

184

α-i.

Table 37.— RETURN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND— continued.

Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Rural and Sul iurban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Eoads, Eailways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from Surveyor and District. Eemarks. i Acres. 8 . o<! ■si Acres. -43 i 03 8 . Acres. 31 £5 *5 Acres. u - £ a® O<* Acres. No. of Section. 8 . o<! to 1 Cost per Mile. Cost. be April, .loai to 31st March, 1899. 3 Contract Surveyors —continued. R. Campbell. Kerikeri .. T. C. Denniston. Thames E. de 0. Drury. Wharekawa J. Drammond. Thames E. Fairburn. Maramarua J. Goodhall. Whitianga Harrison and Poster. Kerikeri, &o. W. F. Hammond. Awhitu P. J. Hosking. Maungaru N. P. J. Haszard. Ohinemuri .. J. Hannah. Waipu, &o. W. Hallett. Hauturu .. R. 0. Jordan. Ohinemuri L. Jackson. Ohinemuri N. Kenny. Ohinemuri A. M. and P. V. Kelly. Opaheke, &c. Newton and Mountain. Thames A. B. Morrow. Pitzroy .. R. Neumann. Waoku, &c. W. C. O'Neill. Mangonui C. 0. Ofcway. Atiamuri P. Pavitt. Tβ Aroha J. I. Philips. Ongaruhe J. Reilly. Coromandel P. B. Sewell. Opotiki .. D. Stubbing. Thames .. L. Simpson. Tβ Tumu .. J. Simms. Thames I. Stephens. Hokianga A. Templer. Thames H. M. Wilson. Waiwera, &c. •■ a. 1,922 l^963 223 647 495 1,388 26 1,056 108 255 1,274 5 13 4 2 11 5 1 14 2 3 2 s. 1-48 165 3-45 1-56 2-02 1-53 4-61 1-71 3-24 3-11 1-10 __ s. 87 1,278 65 520 7 1190 '300 6,179 555 95 20 1,000 8 8 1 36 "l 5 3 3 6 3 1 d. 35-72 5-80 56-66 15-00 12*69 *9*89 5-21 8-65 24-00 78 00 10-00 "86 •• 40 968 333 1 1 1 1 14 *5 s. 0-31 5-75 3-52 3*17 •• I •• I 3*87 £ ! - - ., .. 1 U-18 - i £ s. d. £ s. d. 203*12 6 6 14 1 50 8 4 43 0 1 59 2 2 Open land. Forest and open. Open land. Porest and open land. Open land. All forest. Open land. All forest. Forest and open land. « » Open land. Porest and open land. 104 99 2 1 6-69 3-00 Broken forest and open. •• ! 2,026 2,365 2*64 2-31 •• 4-41 1*2-26 110 15 0 211 7 0 13 15 Porest and open. All open. 5*140 "5 4*99 9*00 1 8-00 9*94 8^652 1-38 "io5 450 2 5 3*80 3-05 .. 18*217 26 6*91 72 194 39 2 3 2 4-15 1-75 7-66 i>81 8**1 0 All broken heavy forest. Forest. 167 2 2*98 *76 '"2 44'-05 '307 1 3-64 Open land. •• 1 90 170 6,748 3 2 19 36-00 20-00 15-15 200 2 3*45 .. I •■ 363 7 1-43 5 10 Forest and open. 992 17 a>43 143"2 4 .. •• Means and Totals.. 8,652 1-38 18,805 116,081 122 1-87 91,478 94,106 160 1 7-90 3,848 56 3-77 18-76 11-23 Grand Means and Totals .. 25,652 1-11 437 1-38 150 16-75 166 3,848 3-77 316-88 10-20: 1,102 19 0 13,390 0 0* 140 7-a6 56 1,294 10 8 * Total cost does not include mining surveys and rural surveys by contract surveyors paid from deposits, nor Native Land Court surve'

185

o.—l

LAND DISTRICT OF HAWKE'S BAY.

Staff Surveyors. Llewellyn Smith. Poverty Bay .. 819 7 8 78 1 10 District Surveyor and Land Officer, Gisborne. " Other work " includes field inspections, exploration and location of roads, survey of boundaries of sections, and general departmental duties, &c. Forest country. " Other work " includes field inspections, attending Native Land Court, road surveys, &c. Forest country. "Other work" includes work in connection with Native Land Purchase Department. " Other work" includes survey of Native claims, inspections, &c. Forest country. Ngapaeruru plans unfinished. Surveys in hand oarried forward to next year. James Hay. Hawke's Bay 79 4 3 747 12 7 14,408 47 1-86 •• William J. Wheeler. Poverty Bay 503J 159 24-6 26,952! 49| 3-5 17-5 15-25 54 0 0 806 6 8 John Mouat. Hawke's Bay 6,802 3S 0-45 i 187-0 28 26-2 111 12 8 377 16 0 Thomas Brook. Hawke's Bay .. " 669 3 9 •• P. Dalziel. Poverty Bay 27,682 15 0-18 320 19 0 Temporary Staff. John Eoddick. Poverty Bay 35,023 0-14 119952! 13 2-06 839 7 2 Forest country. " Other work" includes Native Land Court surveys and road surveys. " Other work " includes engineering surveys, From January, 1899. " Other work" includes survey of Native township, exploring for roads, &c. J. Stevenson. Hawke's Bay 1,728 10 2-60 26 32-75 34 5 8 j 573 18 1 j H. K. Hovell. Poverty Bay 1,117 1 1-05 56 2 4 57 5 5 Means and Totals.. j I. 86,760| — 160 i 2-32 25-91 1,154 12 2 |5,179 10 6 120 0-52 510|! 25-54 146904 I 62 I • • -. -. 71-5

G.—l.

Table 37.— RETURN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF TARANAKI.

186

Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Eural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Eoads, Eailways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost ot Surveyor and Party from Surveyor and District, Eemarks. Acres. Si O Q ft© Acres. -go 02 ° Acres. 'S S o o Acres. « n +§J o o O o<3 _© Cost per Mile. Cost. to 31st March, 1899. Staff Surveyors. H. M. Skeet (District Surveyor). Awakino, Paritutu, Waitara, Egmont, Cape, Kaupokonui, Opunake, Mimi, Mahoe, Pouatu, Upper Waitara a. s. 8. 147 d. 40-0i S. £ £ s. d. 22 1 0 £ s. d. 729 14 3 Cadet assisting. Field-work of remainder of town section and whole of standard survey, Waitara Township, completed, but plans not finished. Topographical and trigonometrical survey of Mount Egmont and ranges in hand. Other work : Sundry inspection surveys, &c. Native land survey was in the Land District of Auckland, in isolated situation. Cadet assisting. Subdivision of block of rural land, 30,000 acres, in hand. Exploring for and laying-out road routes to open up back country ; engineering surveys thereof. Broken, densely bushed country. Thirty miles engineering survey of roads completed in field, but plans and sections not finished. Trig, work connection o£ block also completed, but not mapped ; and 7,000 acres sectionally subdivided, also almost completed. Exploration for and survey of Pipiriki-Pokeka Eoad completed; very rough densely bushed country. Eoad Burvey, a short deviation in an expensive locality. Officer on leave of absence five months being replaced part of that time by Temporary Assistant Surveyor Oldfield and party, cost of which, £136 14s. 2d., will be added to this offioer's work on completion. Country operated upon extremely rough and dense bush, exceptionally difficult to road. Various Land Transfer surveys, inspections, and checks. Section surveys, some isolated rural and suburban, and revisions of old work; also placed standards along Waihi and Tikorangi Eoads. Periodical harbour surveys, inspection, &c. Section survey in very broken heavily bushed country. Another block well in hand. Gγ. H. Bullard (District Surveyor). Cape Egmont, Paritutu, Hawera, Ngaire, Opaku 226 12-5 768 13 10 J. F. Frith (Assistant Surveyor). Taurakawa, Kapara, Tua, and Omara W. T. Morpeth (Assistant Surveyor). Mimi and Upper Waitara 8,420 1-33 25 25-0 664 13 9 10,765 1-77 0-5 28-2 33 12 01 388 5 10 W. H. Skinner (Office Surveyor). Carlyle, Paritutu, Waitara, Omata, Kaupokonui, Wairau 89 11 8-75 80 12 3 320 18 3 Temporary Staff. W. H. Murcott (Assistant Surveyor). Upper Waitara 647 16 6 6,935 1-25

C.—l

187

Percy Holt (Assistant Surveyor). Opaku and Kapara i-7f • • Broken bush country. Eoad survey was a small deviation; Native land survey an isolated section. This officer voluntarily resigned and left the department in December, 1898, and no successor has yet been appointed to fill the vacancy. Broken bush country. Preliminary explorations, tracks, &c, for subdivision of part Maraekowhai Block well in hand. Other work, measuring areas of bush felled at Whangamomona. Broken bush country. Cost of work was very much enhanced by breakdown of Mr. Finnerty's health, which finally culminated in that officer's death. Mr. Sladden was then instructed to carry on and complete the work in hand by Mr. Finnerty; but on Mr. Morpeth's return Mr. Oldfield was enabled to be put to this, taking over the debit for cost of unfinished work on block, £150. Broken bush country. Section subdivision of his block almost completed in field, but plans not well advanced. Broken bush country at present expensive district. Mr. Oldfield temporarily took on Mr. Morpsth's block until that officer's return from leave of absence. He was then transferred to Mr. Finnerty's block, as above mentioned. His expense for progress work on Mr. Morpeth's block, £136 14s. 2d., will eventually be debited against same. The balance between such amount and the total cost for year shown, £108 18s. 10d., added to the £150 above referred to, are charges against Mr. Finnerty's block. L. C- Sladden (Assistant Surveyor). Pouatu and Mahoe 8,500 0-75 8,742 34 1-47 2-75 9-5 35 9 6 750 10 0 Charles Finnerty (Assistant Surveyor). Mahoe 11,500 329 11 0 457 5 0 3-0 1,833 16 William Laing (Assistant Surveyor). Upper Waitara and Pouatu 40,000 1-5 657 12 4 Thomas Oldfield (Assistant Surveyor). Upper Waitara and Mahoe 175 14 2 Means and totals .. 73,600 1-51 50,898 105 1-88 •• •• 189 4 51-87 • • 32 44 22-2 501 5 9 *6,166 0 8 ■ •• Minor Triangulation. la: T> DISTEICT OF WELLINGTON. 3". D. CHmie. General .. 22 10-21 224 3 8 664 18 11 Mr. Olimie's work has comprised chiefly inspection duties and miscellaneous surveys, &c. He has unfinished work on hand costing £208 16s. 6d. to end of year. Sectional work rendered unusually expensive by the high altitude of the country and continuous wet weather. Mr. Lowe has the field-work completed of an additional area of 200,000 acres of minor triangulation, including topography, on which £583 6s. has been spent to 31st March, 1899. F. A. Thompson. Pohangina, Belmont, Nukumaru 2,619 5-27 5,000 4-63 152 11 7 680 15 11 H. J. Lowe 609,000 6 11 0 839 14 4 0.34 * Against this total for fieH-work there are credits for work done for other departments, &c, of £1,491 5a. Id. •

o.—l.

Table 37.—Return of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF WELLINGTON— continued.

188

Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Eural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Boads, Railways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from .4- A ~,,;i ion Surveyor and District. Remarks. Acres. 4= £} Acres. |j |j Acres, 'g 2 °3 qj DO O . Acres. «-,p *. g o o o a o i Cost per Mile. so April, i.oyi to 31st March, 1899. Cost. a. s. s. 27-70 a. s. £ 14-03 & s. a. 20 5 0 £ s. a. 300 0 3 P. A. Dalziell. Kaitieke, Aohanga, Mount Cerebus, &o. 167 126! 22-25 Return is for seven months only. Transferred to Hawke's Bay. Mr. Dalziell left work in Waimarino incomplete, on which £613 17s. has been expended, and is carried forward. Mostly heavy forest country. Has unfinished road and Native Land Court surveys on hand on which £431 14s. 2d. has been expended. Return is for seven months only. Transferred to Marlborough. Mostly heavy forest country. Rough forest and scrub country. James McKay. Ngamatea, Maungakaretu, &o. 11,369 40! 1-19 1-25 16-40 665 10 0 H. Maitland. Hautapu, Ohinewairua, &e. 885 11 2-50 6,697 11! 44 5 0 347 15 2 13-59 15 37-35 J. R. Strachan. Rewa, Kaiwhata, &o. C. A. Mountfort. Ohinewairua, Hautapu * 9,630 1-26 72 11 5 497 2 10 10 6,535| 38 2-29 17,400 2 2'61 54 12 4 569 5 4 Mr. Mountfort has unfinished railway and other surveys on hand on which £241 9s. 7d. has been expended. Sectional work includes previous expenditure by Mr. Maitland of £261 10s. 3d. Chiefly hilly forest country. Mr. Lewis has the sectional survey of Tauakira Block well in hand, containing 26,650 acres. On this survey and the roads approaching it, &c, an expenditure of £1,545 17s. 7d. has been incurred. Broken forest country. Other work " includes £129 18s. 7d., Wairarapa Lake foreshore survey, and £84 16s. 2d. for the survey of 15 miles of coast survey, East Coast. Mr. Earle has unfinished road, topographical, and miscellaneous surveys on hand on which £259 14s. 3d. has been expended. Heavy forest country. The road and " Other work" duties comprised isolated road deviations and small surveys, necessitating a large amount of travelling. Open and forest country in the AwaruaBlock. H. J. Lewis. Tauakira, Mangawhero, Waipakura 19 14 8 587 17 10 529 10 0 P. -E. Earle. Kaiwaka, Makuri Tararua, Wairarapa t.. 2,227! 1-14 10-00 40 5-64 247 1 9 J. M. Moriee. Hautapu 6,279; 24! 1-60 8,775 13 5-97 4-25 15-82 126 16 11 578 1 3 H. J. Biggs. Ohinewaima, Pukeokahu 1,957! " 590 7 0 11 0-83 51,451 53 2-11 32 7-19 Means and totals .. 609,000 0-34 142 26-9 89,323 80 3-59 136-75 12-00 41,501! 1-70 169J 132 ! -. 968 13 4 6,850 18 10 * Also topographical survey, 3,000 acres; cost, l-35d. per acre. + Also topographical survey, 3,000 acres; cost, T27d. per acre.

189

α-i

LAND DISTRICT OF MARLBOROUGH.

Contract Surveys. C. W. Keardon. Makotuku, Hautapu H. J. Wylde. Eangitoto G. L. B. Scott. Bangito.to 110 114 12-24 i 3-5 7-5 7 8-19 14-41 1405 •"" 28 13 0 89 5 0 73 10 0 •■ •• fl6 15 0 fErection of new trig, station on Somes Island. Means and Totals I i 1 18 I 13-06 fl6 15 0 985 8 4 • • 110 114 12-24 .. 191 8 0 Grand Means and Totals .. 609,000 41,501 142 1-7 154-75 12-12 7,042 6 10 0-34 279J 246 20-1 89,323 so: 3-59 -• • • ..

E. S. Smith, T. W. Hughes, E. H. Farnie, and E. J. Johnston. Htmdalee, Greenburn, Kaitarau, and Mt. Fyffe D. W. Gillies. Puhipuhi and Kaitarau Wm. Wilson. Clifford Bay, Blue Mountain, Taylor Pass, and Cape Campbell E. W. Buckeridge. Whernside and Puhipubi 48,832 12,280| I 7,244 1,788 74 21! 0-81 0-67 0-9 1-66 21 5-92 49-56 I 13-05 417 11 9 544 15 4 23 2 9 2,605 2 4 i 656 9 11 424 0 4 743 5 6 I Settlement surveys, grazing-runs, &c, Kaikoura District. Nearly all open country ; steep rough hills. "Other work" consists of inspections, &c, incidental to the supervision of settlement surveys. Waipapa Eeserve ; nearly all open country. " Other work " consists of £400 worth of field-work in connection with the area returned by Mr. F. S. Smith, and traverse of eighteen miles of Eiver Clarence. Starborough Estate. All open country ; flat, downs, and low hills. Transferred from Westland in July. Survey of road through Woodbank and Shades Runs. Was engaged most of the year on toiangulation and topography of Seaward Kaikourae. Settlement surveys, Pelorus Sound. All heavy bush and rough hills. Transferred from Wellington District in August. Starborough Estate. All open country ; flats, downs, and low hills. Transferred from Wellington in June. Bough broken country, rising to 4,000 ft. Onefourth bush, remainder open. Starborough Estate. All open country ; flat, downs, and low hills; also 1,500 acres of heavy bush in the Sounds. " Other work " consists of incomplete section survey at Kaiuma handed over to Mr. Maitland. H. Maitland. Wakamarina, &c. 52 16 2 11 455 0 4 M. Carkeek. Clifford Bay, Blue Mountain, Taylor Pass, and Cape Campbell C. W. McFarland. Onamalutu, Mt. Olympus, and Pine Valley A. Simpson. Clifford Bay, Blue Mountain, Taylor Pass, and Cape Campbell 12,280 21: 0-9 422 5 8 16,967 23 0-75 348 6 6-24 "" 625 13 6 12,327 26' 0-9 12 46 10 6 9 103 11 7 626 18 1 Contract Surveyors. A. P. Seymour. Gore and Linkwater E. F. Goulter. Wakamarina, Arapawa, and Hodder 2,197! 716 6 5 1-32 19 ■" 101 •• 3 8-97 Settlement surveys in the Sounds, mostly open country. Settlement surveys in the Sounds, and in the Awatere Valley; half open, half heavy bush. Settlement surveys, Pelorus Sound. Nearly all heavy bush. Mining surveys consist of dredging claims, Mahakipawa. A. D. Wilson. Linkwater 1,129 1-52 568 2 2-26 Means and totals 0-9 1,017 I 32-92 18-88 115,760 ! 236 12 46! 10 .- I •• 11 4-42 6,558 15 8*1 1,105 4 4 * Total cost does not include mining or ruial surveys by contract surveyors, paid out of deposits.

C.—l

190

Table 37. — Return of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF NELSON.

Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Bural and Suburban. Town Section Surrey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys, Boads, Bailways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from Remarks. Surveyor and District. Acres. * S3 o< 5 Acres. •» g o< Acres. Acres. **p P Acres. No. of ft £ Sections, g^ g Cost :3 per S Mile. Cost. 31; April, AOyO, to 31st March, 1899. Staff Surveyors. J. A. Montgomerie. Beefton, Waitahu, Waiwhero, &c. d. s. d. s. 4-79 £ 19'27 £ s. d. 546 10 1 £ s. d. 695 15 1 -V . 167 4-75 In charge at Beeffcon District Office. " Other work " includes £73 11s. for inspections of surveys and settlement holdings, and general cost of local survey office. Cadet assisting. " Other work " includes inspection of roadworks, surveys, and settlement holdings; 180,000 acres trig, and topo. field-work completed. All high mountainous wooded country. "Other work" includes inspection of roadworks, surveys, and settlement holdings, and general cost of local survey office. Cadet assisting. 40,000 acres trig, and topo. field-work completed. Heavily timbered country throughout in all classes of survey. 180,000 acres trig, and topo. field-work completed. Very high mountainous wooded country. Sectional work all in forest. 25,000 acres of sectional work completed in field, but not mapped. The sectional work was widely scattered, and high oost caused by necessarily heavy travelling-expenses. " Other work " : Engineering surveys and inspections. B. T. Sadd. Aorere, Waitapu, Takaka, &c. 3,948 0-97 99 104 15 0 793 13 9 17 4-26 17-50 13-35 J. Snodgrass. Kawatiri, Ngakawau, Mokihinui, &c. 228 16 11 729 18 7 933 12 3-02 32 121 12-6 109 8'47 J. V). Thomson. Mount Arthur, Wangapeka, Leslie, &o. 666 5 10 1,896 15 1-74 5-25 10-0 43 16 5 T>. Innes Barron. Waimea, Wakapuaka, French Pass, Wangamoa, Ac. 952 4-55 5-94 15-41 275 1 4 770 7 10 1,198 19 9 3,656 1 1 i Contract Surveyors. W. F. Bobinson. Reefton, Burnett, Waitahu, &o. J. H. Jennings. Wakapohi, Gouland, &c. ■■ 7,729 49 1-85 32 121 12-6 375 6 5-72 33-44 1403 I i . Recoveries by fees, £513 2s. 10d. I 160 0 0 100,000 acres trig, and topo. completed in field. Preliminary survey of block for landless Natives at Heaphy Biver, including pegging out 16J miles of roads. I I I " 250 0 4 J. B. Saxon. Oparara, Kongahu, Tutaki, &o. K. A. Young. Tutaki, Lyell, Ngakawau, &o. H. W. Young. Cobden, Waiwhero, &e. J. 0. McCabe. Waiwhero, &o. .. W. G. Houston. Mawheranui E. J. Lord. Waiwhero .. J. H. Sohadick. Inangahua 1,088* 16 2-72 211 3 7-88 ! \ • • 1,467 7 3.35 Mining : 25 sections = 2,641 acres, at 4s. 9-ld., £626 8s. 9d. Paid by fees. 317 6 799 - •• '■ •• 408 30 100 88 6 1 1 1 5-24 12-48 5-43 4-37 - •• ! I •• • ■ .. / Means and totals ,. 8,817 65 1-96 32 121 12-6 ! ! 2,996 31 4-9 33-44 •• •• 14-03 1,198 19 9 4,066 1 5 * Bural: 16 sections = 1,088 acres, at 2s. 8'7d. Paid b; fees.

191

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LAND DISTRICT OF CANTERBURY.

LAND DISTRICT OF WESTLAND.

26—0. 1

Staff Surveyor. W. Wileon. Totara District 1,086! ■> ' s. 2-53 a. s. £ £ s. d. £ s. a. 68 i 2, 258 1 6 (April toJuly) Mr. Wilson was transferred to Blenheim on 6th July to assist in survey of subdivision* of the Starborough Estate, and up to the present has not returned. Fixing boundaries of Borough of Ross. The average rate per acre and mile shows high. This is caused principally by the continued wet season which we have had in Westland. "Other work": Long and cross sections, check levels, &c. Temporary Staff. J. N. Smyth. Waimea, Kanieri, and Turiwhate Districts : 936 1* 1-8 365 9-43] 29 8-29 i 182 16 11 608 7 0 Authorised Surveyors. J. C. Macfarlane. Waimea, Kanieri, Waiho, and Totara Districts E. J. Lord. Arnold District 275 8 8-4 •• Means and totals 45 2-18 103 5 992 251 1 l| *866 8 6 • 1,972 • ■ ■• .. .. 743 2a 9-1! 29 8-29 * Total does not include mijiing surveys by contract surveyors paid out of deposits.

Staff Surveyors. T. N. Brodrick. Four Peaks, Pareora, Orari," Burke, Mackenzie, Tekapo, Pukaki, Otaio, Waitaki 37,141 Si,' 0-48 156 12 6 592 16 4 9,703 acres, part of the Waikakahi Estate, flat and undulating country; the balance mountainous, up to 5,000 ft. above sea-level. Fieldwork of 140 acres and 4J miles of standard traverse completed but not mapped. Cadet assisting. " Other work " comprises inspection and supervision of roads, &o. 7,259 acres, part of the Waikakahi Estate, flat and undulating country. Topographical, rough and hilly bush land. Cadet assisting. " Other work " includes cost oi unmapped field-work of 5,426 acres, further subdivision of E.R. 119, road supervision, and general office-work. 7,090 acres, part of the Waikakahi Estate, flat and undulating country; the balance very soattered surveys. " Other work " comprises inspection and reporting on water-races, engineering surveys, roadsupervision, and general office-work. Part oi the Waikakahi Estate, flat and undulating country. Temporarily engaged in this district for five months. Part of the Waikakahi Estate, hilly and undulating country. Temporarily engaged in this district for three months. " Othei work" consists of reporting on Elephant Hill Stream storm-water, and survey ol road connection. Part of the Waikakahi Estate, flat country. Temporarily engaged in this district for three months and one week. Assisting Mr. Langmuir with traverse work on the Waikakahi Estate. Temporarily engaged in this district for three weeks. Cost, £47 5s. 5d., included in Mr. Langmuir's cost of work, Be-marking 17 quarter-acre sections and 5 blooks of the Town of Opawa. d. H. M. McClure. Oxford, Upper Ashley, Sumner, Christchurch, Racgiora, Waitaki* 7,259 54! 072 51* 111 7-53 54J 38-97 13-25 42-75 254 6 6 567 2 i L. O. Mathias. Alford, Asbburton, Bangiora, Waitaki 7,402 531 1-52 7-50 4-33 69 6 4 493 14 2 J. Langmuir. Waitaki, Elephant Hill 381 18 9 12,057 311 063 W. D. B. McCurdie. Elephant Hill 6,122 0-49 3-21 8-87 6 19 9 185 7 9 W. T. Neill. Waitaki .. 183 11 4 5,936 2,-, 0-62 J. B. Strachan. Elephant Hill .. Contract Surveyors. Messrs. Meason and Marchant .. 9 10 a •• 37j 89 22 8-64 •• ■• ■ ". ■• •• •■ •• •• •• Means and totals 75,917 224 0-62 133 54J 7 38-97 • • •• ■• 23-95 26-2 487 5 1 2,414 0 8 .. .. 7-7 * Aleo topographical survey of 7,758 acres; cos 0'90d. per acre.

192

a—i.

Table 37.—Return of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899— continued. OTAGO LAND DISTRICT.

Note.— Of the mining surveys. 110 sections, having an area of 4,255 acres, were surveyed by the staff surveyors at an average cost of 4-58s. per acre ; and 58 sections, having an area of 2,232 acres, were surveyed by private survey cost of 4-595. The total amount received by private surveyors for mining surveys made during the year was £51 lis. 6d

Surveyor and District. Minor Triangulai and Topograph Survey tion lioal Rural ai td Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Iiand Court Survey. Gold-mining Sun >T«Eoads, Railways, and Water-races. Total Cost Other Work. o f Surveyor and Party from I r Remarks. Acres. u O Acres. °.S a« a Acres. fc.2 °^ Acres. CO 6 o CD . o Acres. No. of Sections. o i Cost per Mile. Cost. to 31st March, 1899. '8. d. s. 4-06 d. s. 5-70 £ £ s. d. 143 2 9 £ s. d. 426 10 11 John Langmuir. Tuapeka, Waipori, Waitahuna, Otago Peninsula, and Silver Peak E. H. Wilmot. Queenstown, Cromwell, Nevis, Fraser, Tarras, Kawarau, Shotover, and Wanaka 1,166 333 12 17 250 87'0 1,631 424 46 14 5-52 87 12 4 I 670 18 10 Eural surveys were mostly small sections on rough country. Mining surveys complicated. This officer working on Waikakahi Estate from 1st November to end of year. " Other work " : Inspecting, supervision road-works, &c. Spotting surveys, very much scattered, entailing a great amount of travelling. " Other work ": Inspections for Warden's Court and reports, &c. Mining sections, scattered. Inspections and reports for Warden's Court. T>. M. Galder. Naseby, Lauder, Tiger Hill, Blaokstone, Gimmerburn, and Maniototo W. D. E. MoCurdie. Tautuku, Woodland, Catlin'a, Eimu, Glenomaru, and Awamoko 5,063 i3 1-76 i 900 J •23 5-25 115 1 3 732 10 6 1,851 205 8 10-23 I 9-0 10-56 226 6 0 593 17 6 Eural sections in dense bush and wet climate. Other works scattered, entailing much travelling. This officer working for Canterbury from 5th November to 15th February. "Other work": Eedefining boundaries, &o. This officer working for Canterbury at Waikakahi from 26th October to end of January, and joined Mr. Farr in connection with magnetic survey on 13th February. Surveys scattered. This officer joined service on 8th November, and the fees received more than cover cost of party. 13! 31 W. T. Neill. Lauder and Wakefield 25-37 9-85 146 5 1 454 8 0 1 I John Edie. Cairnhill, Frassr, Whiteeomb, Leaning Eook, Teviot, Beaumont, and Tuapeka 251! 2-59 1,300 17 2-59 19 2 0 180 7 1 Fee system. N. M. Kirkcaldy H. Park H. W. Eeid B. Hay L. D. Macgeorge G. M. Barr John Gumine John Edie L. 0. Beal J. W. Johnston - •■ ■■ i - '■ I •• ! i ■■ ■■ ! •• - i I •• .. j •• I 630 ! 527 J 250 ' 204 j 181 168 164 50 45 13J 6,487 i 17 11 7 3 1 4-07! 4-11 4-61 3-66 5-07 4-79 4-67 6-98 8-71 28-15 ■■ I I •• •• " • ■■ ! I •■ I ■• ■■ I - Means and totals .. 8,664 95 2-03 16 35 190 ! 168 4-58 34-37 1003 737 9 5 3,058 12 10* ■- .. .. * Total does not include mining surveys by contract surveyors, iaid out of deposits.

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193

LAND DISTRICT OF SOUTHLAND.

Alfred Hodgkinson (Assistant Surveyor) J. H. Treseder (Temporary Surveyor) 3. S. Miller (Authorised Surveyor) 10,816 4o: 1-4 ■" 16 1 •• 019 1-5 15-8 20-0 3 14 11 285 16 8 701 3 6 I 433 10 6 8,246 acres bush country; resurvey, 2,570 acres open country. " Other work ": Inspection of fencing on Beaumont Estate. All bush country ; 20 miles of coast traverse, &c. Left the field at the end of August. "Other work": 3,487 acres sawmill areas surveyed and valued. " Other work ": School site and coal area. 707 11 2-2 218 3 7-3 346 12 0 H. E. Dundas (Authorised Surveyor) ' • I ! 1,126 16 6-13| 10 0 0 i James ; Blaikie (Authorised Surveyor) 432 I 14 5-56 . , Mining surveys. •■ 3. A. Eobertson (Authorised Surveyor) Thure Likiecrona (Authorised Surveyor) 3. W. Johnston (Authorised Surveyor) 22,632 95 0-9 __ I " 1,015 0 0 Contract work, Landless Native Block, and 1,900 acres settlement surveys. Mining surveys. " 569 9 7-16 • • I 190J 5 52 • ■• Mining surveys. Means and totals .. 34,155 146: 1-08 2,551 J 48 6-32J 1-69 19-52 646 3 7 2,149 14 0* .. .. ■• .. I I .. * Total: does not include mining and other surveys by contract surveyors paid out of deposits.

C.—l.

Table 38. —Showing Surveyors employed and the Work on Hand at 31st March, 1899.

Table 39. —Crown Grants, Certificates of Title, Leases, and other Instruments o Title from the Crown prepared or examined, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899.

Table 40.— Plans placed on Crown Grants and other Instruments of Title from the Crown, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899.

Table 41. —Work done under the Land Transfer Act, &c., from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899.

194

Surveyors employed. Work in Hand. Chief Surveyors. staff. T rr District. Trig. Settlement. «ic E r- *«■ jHSSr 1 #J G. Mueller J. Strauehon E. Gold-Smith .. J. W. A. Marchant C. W. Adams T. Humphries W. G. Murray .. S. Weetman J. Hay .. D. Barron 7 4 6 5 5 5 1 3 5 1 10 4 3 5 6 3 1 Auckland Taranaki Hawke's Bay Wellington .. Marlborough Nelson Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. Sq. Ml. 273 312 950 1,105 Acres. 194,408 91,000 183,728 202,750 109,000 4,077 16,900 47,486 15,013 25,496 Acres. 39,700 75,100 9,800 Miles. 134| 42 10 223 70 53 15 Acres. 40 900 350 140 Acres. 250 1 1 'k "n 832 Totals 2,640 889,858 124,600 42 34 551 1.432J 1,082

Number. District. Cost. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. In Quadruple. Total Copies. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. 497 22 37 60 3 315 138 35 123 32 195 88 178 65 75 ■ 421 74 100 428 243 41 6 133 335 38 195 149 6 2,690 222 300 1,972 1,036 247 411 890 1,499 300 £ s. d. 134 0 0 18 15 0 5 19 1 109 12 6 47 14 4 12 7 0 49 15 0 66 15 0 82 0 0 10 2 0 14 Totals .. 791 1,819 364 9,567 " 1,072 536 19 11

Number. Cost. District. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. In Quadruple. Total Copies. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland 585 577 37 35 3 314 138 400 438 128 7 24 123 46 65 138 158 65 358 155 131 153 243 195 6 91 262 68 164 169 6 3,191 721 407 1,760 1,036 712 151 863 1,240 734 £ s. d. 215 4 0 58 2 0 82 9 6 112 13 6 87 11 8 74 14 10 31 3 0 120 18 0 167 0 0 110 0 0 Totals .. 2,089 1,192 1,662 339 10,815 1,059 16 6

Deeds and other Instruments passed. Number of Plans placed on Certificates of Title. Miscellaneous Plans, &c. Cost. District. No. of Plans passed. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. £ s. d. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 175 101 114 270 61 6 251 73 51 51 1,054 1,503 100 917 "67 376 245 1,941 124 46 1,168 32 464 313 "l50 15 2 98 139 32 17 1 2 1 235 13 11 337 6 4 901 10 0 79 16 0 12 7 7 758 3 0 19 4 0 245 5 6 190 10 0 2,749 23 2 17 Totals .. 1,153 6,346 ■ 86 4,709 404 53 2,779 16 4

195

α-i

Table 42. —Summary of Work done for other Departments, and for Local Bodies, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899.

Table 43. —Summary showing Payments to Local Bodies during the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1899, from "Thirds" of Deferred-payment, Perpetual-lease, and Lease-in-perpetuity Lands, and "Fourths" of Small Grazing-runs.

Nora.—Amount authorised for interest on loans : Taranaki, £1,887 17s. 3d. Pledged interest on loans : Hawke's Bay, £610 10s. 3d.

Statements showing Payments to Local Bodies during the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1899, from "Thirds" of Deferred-payment, Perpetual-lease, and Lease-in-perpetuity Lands, and "Fourths" of Small Grazing-runs.

District. Cost. District. Cost. Head Office Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson & s. d. 922 1 5 1,170 2 6 402 15 1 1,837 7 1 2,377 17 3 126 16 6 Brought forward Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland £ s. d. 6,836 19 10 15 1 3 724 5 8 854 8 11 376 2 0 194 19 6 Carried forward 6,836 19 10 Total .. 9,001 17 2

District. si SI CO " Thirds," Deferredpayment a-nd leased Lands. " Fourths," Small Grazingrnns. Total Payments. 11 ml Lenj ih, L< . so O icality, J o fa leseription, i by Waste and Particuli Lands Boar< brs of Work authorised i t. i Bridges. Culverts. Maintenance. £ s. d. 4,143 16 2 2,181 3 11 5,860 14 2 7,143 0 7 1,385 ■■ 3 8 185 9 11 28 14 3 2,430 15 0 3,106 6 4 1,685 11 8 £ s. a. 132 1 2 409 10 0 31 5 9 495 4 3 £ s. d. 4,275 17 i 2,590 13 11 5,891 19 11 7,638 4 10 1,385 3 8i 274 6 10 28 14 3 3,674 6 7 5,465 15 9 1,874 5 1 Oh. i 1,357 169 127 151 214 115 Ch. 838 250 93 25 10 185 Ch. 2,479 1,200 1,813| 1,694 652 72 £ b. a. 177 710 19819 8 105 2 9 26613 9 £ s. a. 12410 8 17 0 0 213 6 4 4818 2 £ s. d. 1,037 4 11 617 17 2 1,155 5 3 235 14 5 596 17 1 147 2 6 28 14 3 649 3 6 2,410 19 5 223 3 6 £ s. d. Auckland .. Hawke'sBa,y Taranaki .. Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury Otago Southland I 3 4 5 6 7 .8 9 10 88'16 11 15 6 0 1,243 11 7 2,359 9 5 188 13 5 105 27 31J 67 296 1,168 2,452 1,022 J 23918 1 204 9 1 116 1 0 4217 9 40510 3 22212 5 Totals .. 4,948 12 6 33,099 8 2 2,265 28,150 15 8 1795J 12553J 1,30812 2 1,07415 7 7,102 2 0j 15 0 0

Lei igth, Localit; autho: ■, Description, and Particulars of Work 'ised by Waste Lands Board. Local Bodies. "Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetual-lease Lands. "Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. as o i] Bridges. i STi 'EMENT No . 1.—. -U0] :lan] £ s. d. 139 19 7 99 18 2 59 12 7 227 11 2 888 1 1 62 16 8 157 2 6 4 7 5 878 6 3 68 7 11 186 13 5 £ s. d. 1 13 11 £ s. d. 141 13 6 99 18 2 59 12 7 227 11 2 950 15 1 62 16 8 157 2 6 4 7 5 878 6 3 68 7 11 238 2 4 Oh. Oh, 101 I 0h. 128 £ s. d. 4 0 2 £ s. d. 12 0 6 £ s. d. 22 19 3 99 18 2 Bay of Islands G.G. Ooromandel 0.0. .. Hobson CO. Hokianga CO. Kawhia CO. Mangonui CO. Otamatea CO. Piako O.C. Eaglan 0.0. Rodney CO. Tauranga 0.0. 62 14 0 ■ • •• 380 400 14 90 146 18 248 82 164 109 86 181, 15 796 84 29 14 16 0 2 17 1 6 14 5 7 4 10 5 6 7 34 7 30 16 0 17 5 7 233 18 64 34 59 10 3 5 7 7 23 11 9 19 'i 2 6 4 10 101 18 1 9 11 5 171 5 3 51 '8 11

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196

Table 43. —Showing Payments to Local Bodies, &c.— continued.

Nora.—Out of the above " Total Payments " the following amounts have been pledged for mterest on loans : Kumeroa R. 8., £124 os. 10d.; Hawke's Bay CO., £33 45.; Woodville R. 8., £168 13s. lid.; Waimata R. 8., £59 3s. 3d.: Cook CC. £141 18s. lOd.; Waipawa CC, £83 9s. 5d.: total, £610 10s. 3d.

Leni (th, Locality, Description, and Particulars of Work authorised by Waste Lands Board. Local Bodies. "Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetuallease Lands. " Fourths," Small Grazingruiis. Total Payments. I si If Bridges - Culverts - te'SSce. bo A? C ST. .TEMENT o. l.—auc: :lan: )— c> itinuei Whangarei C.C. .. WaitemataC.C. .. Whakafcane C.C. .. Whangaroa C.C. Awitu E.B. Ahuroa E.B. AlbertlandN'thR.B. S'th E.B. Cambridge R.B. Gordon Special Settlement Humia K.B. Komokoriki R.B. .. Kaukapakapa E.B. Kirikiriroa E.B. .. Maunu R.B. Matakohe R.B. Mangatawhiri R.B. Mauku E.B. Mangawai E.B. Maraetai E.B. Maungakaramea E.B. Onewhero E.B. Oruru E.B. Opotiki E.B. Omaha E.B. Opaheke E.B. Otonga R.B. Otonga East E.B. .. Puhoi E.B. Pukekohe East E.B. Parua R.B. Pukeno E.B. Euarangi E.B. Tauhoa E.B. Tuhekaramea E.B. Upper Mahurangi E.B. Waitoa E.B. Waipipi E.B. Whakatane E.B. .. Wharehine E.B. .. Whangamarino R.B. Waipu North R.B... Whangaparaoa E.B. Wahoa R.B. Whareora R.B. £ s. d. 326 11 7 57 7 7 30 14 6 15 9 2 20 16 5 15 15 7 3 8 1 2 16 1 0 6 3 44 4 7 S, s. d. £ s. d. 326 11 7 57 7 7 46 18 10 15 9 2 20 16 5 15 15 7 3 8 1 2 16 1 0 6 3 44 4 7 Ch. , 31 Ch. 37 Oh. 223 40 £ s. d. 13 9 8 £ s. d. 8 7 7 1 9 11 £ s. d. 134 4 0 36 16 0 46 18 10 8 4 2 9 4 4 8 0 7 16 i 4 7 28 3 5 8 6 14 11 4 3 0 14 0 13 1 0 10 11 0 6 3 15 19 7 68 4 15 1 2 6 4 19 16 1 2 12 5 38 10 3 32 19 3 13 2 0 23 19 8 5 12 5 0 6 8 4 15 4 15 1 2 6 4 19 16 1 2 12 5 38 10 3 32 19 3 13 2 0 23 19 8 5 12 5 0 6 8 4 15 5 0 13 9 2 6 4 0 14 3 2 12 5 10 2 1 6 2 3 40 15 5 3 51 24 45 12 23 16 4 5 2 11 10 0 10 0 4 10 9 17 0 10 0 0"6 8 1 14 1 61 13 7 86 7 8 131 7 9 24 17 7 8 7 1 10 0 11 32 4 10 28 16 2 2 14 10 10 10 4 10 8 4 6 5 11 23 2 5 0 6 8 55 12 9 61 13 7 86 7 8 131 7 9 24 17 7 8 7 1 10 0 11 32 4 10 28 16 2 2 14 10 10 10 4 16 8 4 6 5 11 23 2 5 0 6 8 55 12 9 7 6 17 5 57 17 50 97 10 8 18 1 '5 4 6 8 10 5 12 5 2 6 3 9 5 5 23 18 5 18 8 3 52 2 7 5 17 9 1 15 11 1 19 5 10 17 3 i 6 11 2 6 20 12 13 4 5 4 18 3 26 214 10 4 4 10 10 12 3 7 1 "i 2 6 0 0 12 34 25 6 5 9 1 19 11 0 6 8 16 19 4 54 4 8 0 10 4 94 17 0 9 17 4 11 9 7 0 6 4 64 16 5 7 16 6 4 0 7 7 0 4 12 0 94 17 0 9 17 4 11 9 7 0 6 4 64 16 5 7 16 6 4 0 7 7 0 4 12 0 7 38 5 40 2 0 6 4 11 19 10 1 11 4 94 17 0 9 17 4 613 5 10 5 10 0 3 5 2 4 12 0 Totals 4,143 16 2 132 1 2 4,275 17 4 1357 838 2479 177 7 10 124 10 8 1,037 4 11 statem: !NT No. 2.—I JAWE le's : !AY. lumeroa R.B. Forsewood R.B. •rmond R.B. 'atutahi R.B. [awke's Bay C.C. .. foodville R.B. Paikohu R.B. Vaimata R.B. feber R.B. look C.C V'airoa C.C. Vaipawa C.C. i'aiapu C.C. 145 6 10 20 11 2 4 14 28 3 4 342 8 10 168 13 11 sa'i 5 803 3 8 257 11 9 208 12 4 158 17 2 11 12 2 11 '7 0 59 3 3 139 li 6 170 7 8 29 0 7 145 6 10 20 11 2 4 14 28 3 4 342 8 10 168 13 11 11 7 0 91 4 8 803 3 8 397 3 3 379 0 0 158 17 2 40 12 9 10 7 4 16 0 17 6 7 4 14 28 3 4 20 0 0 " 200 133 16 0 •• •• 80 240 343 110 384 96 60 41 6 0 12 0 0 11 7 0 32 1 5 186 6 10 168 8 0 90 0 0 43 14 6 11 12 2 89 19 8 0 4 9 8 3 0 0 2 0 0 Totals 169 250 1200 198 19 8 17 0 0 617 17 2 2,181 3 11 409 10 0 2,590 13 11

197

α-i"

Table 43 .— Showing Payments to Local Bodies, &c. — continued.

locality, Description, authorised by Wasti md Particulars of Work Lands Board. Local Bodies. lease Lands. j luns - I Total Payments. I AS i SS i M.S I ° I! o'-d Bridges. a Culverts. Maintenance. STATE [ENT No. 3.--TAR ;anai I. Moa B.B. Parihaka R.B. Waiwakaiho R.B. .. Stratford C.C. Hawera C.C. Waimate R.B. Manganui R.B. Taranaki C.C. Patea West R.B. .. Clifton CO. Patea East R.B. .. Egmont R.B. 1,112 14 8 390 5 1 74 18 0 1,063 13 8 1,321 15 9 717 8 1 325 18 0 42 3 2 6 6 6 803 7 10 0 15 5 1,112 14 8 390 5 1 74 18 0 1,063 13 8 1,322 11 2 717 8 1 325 18 0 42 3 2 27 1 0 803 7 10 9 15 10 2 3 5 7 34 I 90 455J 86J 66| 205J 662 109 6 37 16 7 2 3 5 16 15 10 30 15 10 28 10 10 0 18 9 27 19 2 88 2 7 11 10 0 205 16 4 123 1 8 401 19 11 109 1 11 84 11 8 0 16 i 42 3 2 5 4 11 180 5 11 34 *5 1 8 1 10 20 14 6 37 19 200 4 9 15 10 3 6 0 0 25 *9 2 2 3 5 2"3 5 Totals 5,860 14 2 5,891 19 11 127 93 31 5 9 1813J 105 2 9 213 6 4 1,155 5 3 N.B.—A] lount authoi •ised for interei it on li oans, £1,88' 17s. 3d. I £ s. d. 670 18 1 246 17 4 839 14 6 16 8 120 12 4 492 12 9 13 16 8 1,891 4 4 24 9 2 842 0 7 356 0 6 151 19 6 statem: 3NT No. 4.—^ /ell: iING , : ?ON. £ s. d. £ s. d. [ 670 18 1 246 17 4 847 6 3 16 8 127 19 11 501 7 3 13 16 8 1,891 4 4 24 9 2 899 19 7 416 15 10 171 5 10 Oh. Oh. Oh. j 88 £ s. d. Sketahuna R.B. .. I'eatlierston R.B. .. Ciwitea C.C. lanawatu R.B. lasterton R.B. Tauriceville R.B. .. lotoroa R.B. 'ahiatna C.C. ■aj;ea C.C 'ohaiigina CO. tangitikei O.C. 'aratahi - Carterton R.B. 'e Horo R.B. Jpper Taueru R.B. Jpper Wangaehu R.B. Vairarapa North C.C. Vaitotara C.C. Vaitot'ra-Momabaki R.B. Virokino £ s. d. 14 6 8 £ s. d. 7 11 9 7 7 7 8 14 6 40 32 11 2 12 6 210 5 13 16 8 88 16 4 3 12 0 25 443 206 *5 6 9 19 0 57 19 0 60 15 4 19 6 4 100 436 31 237 6 7 4 19 4 5 4 14 0 54 11 9 25 17 6 635 7 4 17 8 8 113 8 3 54 11 9 43 6 2 748 15 7 H! 2 27 240 20 10 6 5o"l 2 359 5 1 38 18 7 398 3 8 67 29 18 5 22 0 0 41 17 11 192 19 9 105 15 11 163 14 3 356 14 0 105 15 11 40 14 13 6 117 10 10 117 10 10 40 Totals 7,143 0 7 495 4 3 7,638 4 10 151 25 1694 266 13 9 48 18 2 235 14 5 Note.—The "! upon loans, and do n< Public Works Act: I fotal Payment )t therefore rej 'ohangina O.C 3" include tl iresent the c< ,£15. ie sums paid uj 1st of the work nder hypothecation certificate! : in the following columns. C s in reductio, !ost of taking a of interest ; road under STAT] 5MENT No. 5, .—NELSON. Suburban North B.B. Stoke R.B. Waimea West R.B. Dovedale R.B. Upper Moutere R.B. Motueka R.B. Riwaka R.B. Takaka R.B. Collingwood R.B. .. Waimea CO. Buller CO. Inangahua CO. Grey CO. Cheviot C.C. Amuri CO. 15 10 2 43 14 4 7 7 6 28 7 1 47 12 2 12 5 1 50 17 2 180 10 7 168 14 6 543 9 2 102 17 10 j 72 0 4 74 1 0 29 6 0 8 10 9 15 10 2 43 14 4 7 7 6 28 7 1 47 12 2 i 12 5 1 ', 50 17 2 180 10 7 168 14 6 543 9 2 102 17 10 72 0 4 74 1 0 29 6 0 ! 8 10 9 .... 10 i .. : .. 30 .. ! 10 8J .... 26 ..110 .. I .. 20 10 .. 35 200 I .. 89 4 : .. 165 .. •• 149J e'io o 1 11 4 12 8 7 98 12 7 26 12 1 191 12 7 102 17 10 72 0 4 74 1 0 :: i :: a :: 8*10 9 Totals 1,385 3 8 1,385 3 8 __!_ 'J_ i'_ '_' 214 J 10 652 596 17 1 Wairau R.B. Pelorus R.D. Picton R.D. Kaikoura C.C. 6 8 3 69 7 11 8 13 11 100 19 10 statem: 13 4 0 46 5 7 9 10 2 19 17 2 INT No. 6.—: 19 12 3 115 13 6 18 4 1 120 17 0 har: 82 .-BOB' 50 135 'UGH. 9 I 37 I 10 16 42 17 1 11 2 8 93 2 9 33 Totals 185 9 11 88 16 11 274 6 10 115 185 72 147 2 6 Westland C.C. .. 28 14 3 STATEMENT No. 7.—WE ITLA. T>. I 28 14 3 I .. ■ ■ I 28 14 3

o.—l

198

Table 43 .— Showing Payments to Local Bodies, &c. — continued.

Note.-- Cost of taking road under Public Works Act: Upper Ashburton B.B., credited to account, £72 16s. lOd.

ing; joca! lity, •escription, and Particulars o: by Waste Lands Board. 'or] aui iorise< Local Bodies. " Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetuallease Lands. "Fourths," Small Grazing-runs. Total Payments. g r <£ 3" o 02 a o "+j cS a rH o Eh CO <D •a m to r-( CD > CD O o3 a © '3 I CD £> s r-i _ CD •a o . trj CD a S §M STATE :ENT No. 8.--Gi JTEE 1BUBY. Anama B.B. Arowhenua T.B. Ashburton C.C. Coldstream B.B. Ellesmere B.B. Geraldine B.B. Geraldine T.B. Hampstead T.B. Kowai B.B. Le Bon's Bay B.B. Levels C.C. Longbeaoh B.B. Mackenzie C.C. Mandeville-Bangiora B.B. Mount Hutt B.B. Mount Peel B.B. Mount Somers B.B. Oxford B.B. Port Levy B.B. Bakaia B.B. Bangitata B.B. South Bakaia B.B. Springs B.B. Temuka B.B. Upper Ashburton B.B. .. Vincent C.C. Waimate C.C. Waipara B.B. Wakanui B.B. .. £ s. d. 27 18 8 11 11 2 10 15 2 50 13 4 75 6 11 235 14 5 0 10 8 2 18 0 4 13 8 3 0 8 43 5 2 2 8 8 272 19 9 0 13 4 24 12 4 168 2 6 5 12 372 6 1 0 14 6 25 6 7 436 13 7 13 17 7 2 18 2 82 5 0 101 9 8 1 9 11 304 9 1 110 9 7 32 9 8 £ s. d. 133 19 4 £ s. d. I 27 18 8 11 11 2 10 15 2 56 13 4 75 6 11 235 14 5 0 10 8 2 18 0 4 13 8 3 0 8 43 5 2 2 8 8 406 19 1 0 13 4 24 12 4 168 2 6 25 4 9 404 9 4 0 14 6 25 6 7 460 18 3 13 17 7 2 18 2 82 5 0 101 9 8 1 9 11 810 3 9 637 15 8 32 9 8 Ch. Ch. is 98 5 i35 £ s. d. 100 6 0 13 2 9 £ s. d. •• i '6 o o ii o 11 13 3 . £ s. d. : 35 5 8 •• 22 5 0 )117 16 6 0 10 8 ) 4 2 2 55 0 6 2 8 8 ! 42 18 1 15 0 34 5 0 11 3 9 0 16 0 ' 14 13 0 0 14 6 25 6 7 36 8 10 4 10 6 2 9 6 5 19 9 18 12 10 £ s. d. 10 15 2 75 i 2 £ s. d. 27 18 8 56 ±3 4 43 4 11 2*18 0 1U 3 91 3 6 20 "3 7 32 3 3 iij 20 "74 150 121 i/5 4 4 ii n 6 11 7 0 4 0 35 3 5 12 7 0 310 10 3 24 "4 8 186 io io o 10 i2 9 353 ±8 5 0 "8 8 1824 9 ±8 9 10 42 334 5 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 505 i4 8 527 6 1 82 18 0 20 9 2 109 3 10 j 694"5 9 188 14 7 •• ] Totals 2,430 15 0 ll, 243 11 7 3,674 6 7 31J ll,168 239 18 1 42 17 9J649 3 6 106 11 10 1,819 0 9

Lei igth, Locality, Description, authorised by Waste and Particulf i Lands Boari its of Work i Local Bodies. '• Thirds," Deferredpayment and Perpetuallease Lands. 'Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. | . db ml ■a 3 s.fi ca a o Bridges. Culverts. Maintenance. STATEMENT No. 9.—O' 'AGC Taieri C.C. Maniototo C.C. Vincent C.C. WaitakiC.C. Waihemo C.C. Waikouaiti C.C. .. [ CluthaC.C. Bruce C.C. Tuapeka C.C. Lake C.C* .. Mount Stuart B.B. Balmoral B.B. £ s. d. 264 0 7 987 2 10 356 8 4 271 6 1 172 11 0 60 1 5 605 13 1 19 18 10 365 9 4 314 10 £ s. d. £ s. d. 535 9 8 799 10 3 365 10 11 1,352 13 9 204 18 2 561 6 6 197 0 4 468 6 5 500 5 5 672 16 5 277 15 2 337 16 7 24 10 9 ; 630 3 10 28 10 11 48 9 9 219 15 6 ; 585 4 10 Ch. Ch. 50 Ch. 440 1180 271 108 £ s. d. 51 18 3 42 17 8 £ s. d. 26 9 4 229 11 1 £ s. d. 382 16 11 199 8 10 13 15 1 270 1 3 628 1 8 101 7 11 295 8 5 25 5 4 482 19 5 ■ 105 1 5 11 178 64 68 116 39 10 4 39 14 3 7 16 7 18 13 0 130 3 1 0 13 9 22 12 0 5 i2 7 512 7 3 14 10 27 7 19 9 3 14 10 9 • • J2,359 9 5 5,359 9 5 j 5,465 15 9 I ! 105 2,410 19 5 Totals 3,106 6 4 67 [2452 204 9 1 405 10 3 •In ial body has fi died to submit >ropos; bis for expenc liture. Southland C.C. .. Wallace C.C. Stewart Island C.C. Invercargill B.B. .. Knapdale B.B. Oteramika B.B. Otaraia B.B. Stewart Island CO. 797 11 7 652 14 0 8 6 7 57 5 0 12 6 9 151 3 4 0 19 8 5 4 9 STATEM] SNT No. 10.--SOU' PHLi LND. 5 2 0 183 11 5 802 13 7 836 5 5 8 6 7 57 5 0 12 6 9 151 3 4 0 19 8 5 4 9 27 36 237 649 116 1 0 25 0 0 182 6 9 20 0 0 172 12 1 260 30 42 64J 10 0 0 2 15 0 2 10 8 15 0 0 9 11 9 5 0 0 0 19 8 5 "4 9 Totals .. 1 1,685 11 8 1,685 11 8 188 13 5 1,874 5 1 27 296 [102241 116 1 0 227 17 2 223 3 2

c—l.

Table 44.— Statement 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.

27—C. 1.

199

Name of Block. Area of Block. I Page; I Gazetted. Date. TTr t Estimated Valua- r JS. r i c d 9 to Cost tionol opXunsuch P r °P osea Block. OP Si"?b to be Block. borrowed. Surveyor-General's Eeport. T April 1, 1898. 189fli Expenditu: re. Total to March 81, 1899. No. 1891-92. Ahuroa East Puketoi Mangamingi Manganuiowae Mareretu Maruwhenua Maruwhenua (part) Maungataniwha Motatau Motu Mount Baker Nortb-east Puketoi Oroua-Ooal Greek Takahue Tauhoa, Sections 184 to 201 .. Acres. 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 23 15 23 15 479 336 479 336 479 336 18 Mar., 1892 18 Feb., "„ 18 Mar., „ 18 Feb., " 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 1 6,837 2,000 4,950 £ 432 19,375 4,286 500 395 2,000 5,000 484 596 2,475 2,487 3,990 1,050 115 380 1,000 6,809 2,000 4,950 £ s. d. 65 2 0 2"9 0 £ s. d. 497 2 5 19,375 0 0 4,286 0 0 500 0 0 395 0 0 2,000 0 0 5,000 0 0 483 10 0 598 10 7 2,475 0 0 2,487 0 0 3,990 0 0 1,050 0 0 139 13 6 380 0 0 1,000 0 0 6,808 15 7 2,000 0 0 4,950 0 0 23 15 479 336 18 Mar., "„ 18 Feb., „ 24"3 6 Waimarino 20,900 16,880 Waoku Woodlands, Blocks II., V., VI., VIII. 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 .. 920 916 12 1 Akaaka Swamp Glenomaru, Blocks III., IV., V., VII., IX., X. Hautapu-Ruahine Huiroa Kaimanuka Kakariki Liberal Lillburn, Monowai, and Alton Longwood, Blocks XVI. and I. Maioro Swamp Mangaehu Milsom Mokoreta Momahaki Ngatimaru, Blocks V., IX. .. Nuhaka Opuawhanga No. 1 .. Otau Oxford Paterson, 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 I 13 \ 102 77 78 77 ( 13 ■ 102 13 23 1273 1606 246 1297 1273 413 1388 1389 1529 1365 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 Deo., 1892 6 Oct., 1892 10 Oct., 6 Oct., 23 Feb., 1893 29 Dec., 1892 2,093 946 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 1,200 158 917 237 6,767 2,093 2,665 1,562 400 8,000 1,400 225 301 1,750 493 156 1,940 568 265 2,350 813 158 • 152 15 6 237 0 0 6,919 18 7 2,093 0 0 2,665 0 0 1,562 0 0 I 400 0 0 8,000 0 0 1,400 0 0 225 0 0 301 0 0 ■ 1,750 0 0 492 13 2 156 0 0 I 1,940 0 0 568 0 0 265 0 0 2,350 0 0 1,146 10 3 158 0 0 333 6 6 Rankleburn, Block VI. 544 I 409 136 136 136 0 0 Ruapekapeka Tanner Tautuku, Block I. .. 11,900 5,200 3,850 4,462 5,950 2,800 500 1,780 555 432 1,780 555 42 13 6 474 13 4 1,780 0 0 555 0 0 Tuapeka West, Blocks I., II., III., IV., VII., VIII. I 2,545 ■ 1,681 367 367 367 0 0 Upper Waitara Waiau Waikawa .. Waikawa-Otara Waimate Reserve No. 1126 .. Waimate Reserve No. 1128 .. Waimate Reserve No. 1178 .. Waiwera Woodlands, Blocks VII., X., XI. * 840 8,831 6,000 31,000 634 516 157 3,900 1,693 72 411 1273 23 Feb., 1893 30 Mar., „ 15 Sept., 1892 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 1,460 307 126 837 1,500 7,750 300 25 25 1,460 307 126 0 0 837 i 6 1,500 0 0 7,749 12 5 300 0 0 25 0 0 25 0 0 1,460 0 0 307 0 0 23 74 413 1297 30 Mar., 1893 22 Sept., 1892 1893-94. 4,725 196 25 6,293 3,182 2,775 7,432 2,325 6,500 777 455 18,020 4,600 6,253 4,306 4,770 1,790 2,817 23 Mar., 1893 23 Feb., 10 Aug., 24 Nov., 1892 21 Sept., 1893 20 Oct., 1892 27 April, 1893 6 Aug., „ 22 Sept., „ 7 S.-pt., „ 2 Feb., „ 12 Jan., 1 May, 21 Sept., „ 11 Nov., 1892 31 Mar., 18 May, 1893 23 Feb., 4,276 196 80 5,469 1,580 2,998 12,845 1,163 8,204 485 341 10,455 2,300 2,031 3,655 6,678 1,610 2,256 472,332 Road-works 1,153 50 25 1,573 318 966 4,144 233 2,031 58 114 2,793 500 625 538 1,193 288 675 947 50 25 1,567 318 899 4,144 232 2,030 58 Hi 2,595 476 120 538 1,192 200 675 2 19 6 950 3 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 1,567 0 0 318 0 0 966 0 0 4,144 0 0 232 0 0 2,030 0 0 58 0 0 114 0 0 2,795 1 3 476 5 6 120 1 8 538 0 0 1,192 0 0 200 0 0 675 0 0 Autawa Catlin's, Block II. .. Glenomaru, Block VI. Hautapu, Blocks XI., XIV., XV. Kaimarama Lepperton Mangaere .. Mangaokahu Mangoira-Coal Greek Nuhaka No. 2 .. Omnhine, Block I. .. Opuku Kapara Opuawlianga-Whangarei No. 1 Oteramika Pohui Stirling Swinburn .. Tahaukupu 21 13 62 92 71 83 30 54 74 68 8 4 34 71 90 28 40 13 393 246 1211 1567 1372 1383 526 1047 1297 1324 152 26 57L 1377 1521 539 656 245 67"0 5 130 2 5 Carried forward 127,413 123164 820 12 4 123,984 7 10 593,494

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Table 44. —Statement showing the Blocks of Land which have been proclaimed under "The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Act, 1891," &c. — continued.

200

Gazetted. Surveyor-General's leport. Expenditu: ■e. Name of Block. Area of Block. No. Page. Date. XT i „ Works Mon of required to Estimated Cost proposed to be borrowed. To Mar. 31, 1898. April 1, 1898, to March 31, 1899. Tota to March 3 1899. Brought forward Acres. 593,494 472,332 £ 127,413 123164 £ s. d. 820 12 I £ s. a. 123,984 7 10 1893-94. 3,993 2,650 9,200 9,404 1,461 58,200 2,625 19 35 45 68 49 74 72 339 573 860 1324 939 1419 1274 16 Mar., 1893 4 May, „ 8 June, „ 7 Sept., „ 22 June, 5 Oct., 15 Sept., 1892 4,592 1,000 3,910 4,975 956 29,100 8,565 Road-works 998 325 920 1,175 100 5,800 1,313 998 325 176 1,169 28 5,795 1,313 998 0 0 325 0 0 506 4 0 1,169 0 0 28 7 1 5,799 5 5 1,313 0 0 Tararua Tauhoa-Komokoriki Taupiri Tauwharetoi Umutaoroa.. Waipoua Wellington Fruit-growers' Association Woodville a> 330 0 0 i"l 0 H 254 49 939 22 June, 1893 286 25 25 25 0 0 1894-95. 1,683 8,682 3,175 6,856 1,403 11,000 26 July, 1894 29 Mar., „ 16 Mar., 1893 24 Aug., 1894 15 Sept., 1892 16 Mar., 1893 1,721 6,152 4,871 8,860 1,840 6,600 Boad-worka 303 400 794 1,694 308 1,375 5 19 4 350 0 0 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 Okokc Pakiri Palmerston North KnightR of Labour Pohonuiatane Ruahine Salisbury and Delaware Sommerville Waiotahi .. Wanganui 57 24 19 05 72 19 1163 481 340 1272 1273 340 421 1,032 794 1,714 400 1,375 19 7 3 14 2 3 309 0 11 750 0 0 794 0 0 1,713 15 10 321 16 9 1,375 0 0 3,809 28,723 3,368 277 6,010 824 13,893 2,950 10,995 24 481 29 Mar., 1894 3,608 22,112 1,250 245 4,954 6,311 9,577 1,106 12,222 476 3,361 101 104 1,503 1,360 2,369 369 2,749 400 300 400 0 0 300 0 0 101 0 0 100 0 0 1,503 0 0 1,310 17 8 1,550 2 0 369 0 0 2,749 0 0 34 24 19 7 51 21 28 714 481 339 131 1049 387 539 10 May, 29 Mar., 16 Mar., 1893 25 Jan., 1894 5 July, 23 Mar., 1893 31 Mar., 1892 100 1,503 1,311 1,541 369 2,749 101 "o 0 9"9 0 28,000 4,800 13,399 8,566 6,050 6,222 19 61 28 57 19 340 1291 539 1162 340 16 Mar., 1893 16 Aug., 1894 31 Mar., 1892 26 July, 1894 16 Mar., 1893 28,000 2,225 14,272 9,085 2,269 6,046 600 840 3,348 2,142 756 1,556 600 822 3,348 2,142 751 1,388 2 6 10 600 0 0 824 1 9 3,348 0 0 2,142 0 0 750 13 9 1,556 0 0 167 10 10 1895-96. 351 3,668 22,535 15,081 4,650 11,041 12,301 3,200 3,800 702 1,834 24,748 6,215 4,081 5,233 10,023 3,150 3,860 I 619 Boad-works 220 458 3,233 1,886 1,163 2,616 1,974 800 950 217 458 200 216 16 3 458 0 0 200 0 0 Ackers Avoca Blackstone-Gimmerburn Beaumont Clifton No. 1 Dannevirke Centennial Domet and Maerewhenua Eltham Gatton Glenomaru, Blocks III., IV., V., VII., X. Hikurangi No. 2 68 24 10 57 28 19 30 19 19 13 42 82 r; 60 89 27 12 1327 482 233 1113 539 340 524 340 7 Sept., 1893 29 Mar., 1894 7 Feb., 1895 20 July, 1893 31 Mar., 1892 16 Mar., 1893 27 April, „ 16 Mar., , 1,163 135 1,163* 0 0 316 17 11 181 *8 6 800 950 800* 0 0 950 0 0 Hokonui Kaiparoro .. Kaitangata.. Kaitangiwhenua No. 2 Kaitieke Karioi-Alexandra Kaupokonui Kawhatau Llewellyn Mai ton Farm Homestead Manganui and Ruapehu Manganui-Egmont Maniototo No. 2 Maniototo No. 3 Naseby, No. 2 Ngunguru .. Pohangiaa .. Puketoi-Aohanga .. Puniwhakau .. .. Rangiwhakaoma Ross J 1,040 4,148 3,223 9,392 4,785 46,045 45,500 13,300 230 5,700 4,594 1,028 7,350 2,833 6,916 6,295 2,444 6,125 4,722 1,277 10,695 13,650 1,912 10 62 94 5 80 46 72 10 12 10 46 28 92 19 72 34 246 783 1663 459 149 1245 1863 510 283 (269) [270 j 1215 1951 94 1637 958 1510 233 284 234 973 539 1933 340 1501 760 (939) (955f 1640 1528 1393 1864 1245 1399 23 Feb., I 25 May, 1895 16 Nov., 1894 7 Mar., 1895 30 Jan., 1896 15 Aug., 1895 15 Dec, 5 April, 1894 14 Feb., 1895 13 Feb., 1896 10 Aug., 1893 21 Dec, 1894 23 Jan., 1896 8 Oct., 1894 21 June, 4 Oct., 7 Feb., 1895 14 Feb., „ 7 Feb., 1895 20 June, 31 Mar., 1892 19 Deo., 1895 16 Mar., 1893 4 Oct., 1894 9 May, 1895 3,240 I 1,607 6,414 3,871 27,627 41,700 4,987 230 6,588 3,445 944 6,337 3,597 5,911 6,001 2,038 3,210 4,250 1,027 7,604 5,487 2,564 179 520 603 1,174 656 5,765 11,375 1,662 58 1,425 861 302 1,838 894 907 1,282 313 772 1,181 319 1,926 1,707 478 131 496 79 1,167 656 5,756 2,751 1,662 34 861 302 220 894 300 0 5 0 6 12 10 7 6 10 109*16 0 400 io 3 276 " 3 7 130 15 4 196 i 5 85 2 10 1,174 0 0 656 0 0 5,756 0 0 2,861 5 0 1,661 14 6 34 7 6 1,261 9 3 302 0 0 496 3 6 894 0 0 300 0 0 661 1,181 305 930 812 0 995 13 3 661 9 9 1,181 0 0 313 6 5 1,926 0 0 421 42l' 0 0 Ruakituri 4,855 46 21 June, 1894 4,624 364 354 353 15 2 Buapuna Swinburn No. 2 847 80 8 Nov., 26 Oct., 1893 28 Sept.. 5 Deo.,' 1895 15 Aug., 5 Sept., „ 1,270 106 75 75 0 0 Takahue and Wliangape Terrace End Tokatoka 4,540 12,200 11,118 11,080 1 72 89 60 66 J 3,830 4,270 8,950 5,923 227 1,800 2,173 2,890 1,505 2,173 2,887 224 18 10 1,730 6 6 2,173 0 0 2,887 3 7 Carried forward 1176437 917,053 222,496 184915 4,036 15 11 188,951.10 11 C

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Table 44. —Statement showing the Blocks of Land which have been proclaimed under "The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Act, 1891," &c.— continued.

201

Ga: :etted. Surveyor-General's ;eport. Expenditure. Name of Block. Area of Block. No. Page. Date. Vain a Works tion of squired to Block. ope ££P k suoh Estimated Cost proposed to be borrowed. To Mar. 31, 1898. April 1, Total 1898, to to March 31, March 31, 1899. 1899. Brought forward Acres. 1176437 £ 917,053 £ 222,496 £ 184915 £ s. d. 4,035 15 11 £ s. d. 188,951 10 11 1895-96. 627 2,200 20,000 15,986 508 19 28 5 46 16 466 539 94 973 342 19 Mar., 1896 31 Mar., 1892 27 Jan., 1896 20 June, 1895 1 Mar., 1894 Road-works Toro Umutoi Waiawa Waimana .. .. Whakarara, Section 14, Block XII. Woodland, Block IX. 627 1,675 8,000 5,994 406 115 550 2,500 2,000 38 550 200 2,000 550 0 0 200 0 0 2,000 0 0 „ 2,936 12 284 14 Feb., 1895 3,628 538 1896-97. Auckland Speoial Settlement Catlin's, Blocks IV., V., VII., VIII. Gladstone Karioi Parish Mangataniwha No. 2 Maropiu .. .. Ohinewairua Patua .. ...... Eawhitiroa.. .. 8,995 8,580 7,597 550 1,220 5,350 7,462 9,692 32,746 78 68 24 33 47 24 11 24 1 1665 1426 482 665 955 667 22 667 5 24 Oct., , 1895 12 Sept., „ 28 Mar., 1894 3 May, 18 June, 1896 11 Mar., 1897 28 Jan., „ 11 Mar., „ 7 Jan., „ 3,698 4,228 5,822 206 487 2,675 7,491 6,542 8,186 Road-works 899 1,057 1,899 55 120 535 1,865 1,636 2,046 f 218 1 218 367 1,338 630 317 534 268 6 0 383 11 11 857 17 2 55 0 0 898 0 1 700 3 1 1,391 14 6 55 0 0 200 211 431 4 1,012 0 3 1,025 7 9 200 0 0 1,223 8 0 1,456 5 1 3 11 11 Te Mara .. .. . .- 18,700 56 1092 13 July, 1893 1,376 I 392 18 5 2 410 9 9 Tβ Ngaue .. Whenuakura 1,470 11,000 54 19 1106 340 16 July, 1896 16 Mar., 1893 1,286 6,600 200 4619 1 200 0 0 46 19 1 1897-98. 38,329 f 30 197 90 I 773 2081 1901) 1902 j 773 1361 494 668 494 495 1901 1698 1 April, 1897 18 Nov., „ 1 25,704 5,996 1,503 14 0 7,500 0 0 Hundalee Road-works 12,852* Huiarua 7,750 21 Oct., „ 2,695 1,000 Kaiparoro No. 2 Makahu Maungaru .. Moeawatea.. .. Paekotare Taumata Waikawa, Block II... Waikiekie 400 6,551 4,368 11,000 890 3,423 307 600 30 66 20 24 20 20 90 78 1 April, „ 27 Aug., 1896 24 Mar., 1898 11 Mar., 1897 24 Mar., 1898 150 6,180 2,184 6,243 356 2,188 746 600 50 1,648 460 1,560 80 428 186 150 50 153 - 4 0 111 4 8 13 6 50 0 0 153 4 0 111 4 8 13 6 21 Oct., 1897 15 Oct., 1896 1898-99. Awaroa No. 2 Hautapu-Ruahine No. 2 Hauturu .. .. . .'< Hurimoana Kaipikari Kauaeranga Kawhia .. .. Kaikokopu Kohuratahi Kohumaru .. .. Mamaku Mangakahia Mareikura No. 1 Mareikura No. 2 Makotuku, Block III. Marco Marton No. 3. Naseby, Maniototo, and Gimmerburn Ngapaeruru Okohiriki Onslow Otukai Opanake .. .. .. Opuatea No. 1 .. .. Opuatea No. 2 .. Opuatea No. 3 Puhipuhi Puriri Pukeokahu.. Rimuputa Te Purua Tokatoka .. 4,050 17,170 71,953 3,190 4,273 3,556 4,927 7,397 3,548 4,880 7,684 10,223 950 584 1,550 6,467 8,816 5,277 20 87 1 79 91 70 16 79 83 24 20 77 79 28 13 19 79 495 1841 1 1774 1775 2021 1498 435 1774 1846 564 495 1716 1773 539 382 *to 1774 24 Mar., 1898 28 Nov., 1895 5 Jan., 1899 3 Nov., 1898 20 Dec, 27 Sept., „ 23 Feb., 1899 3 Nov., 1898 17 Nov., „ 7 April, „ 24 Mar., 27 Oct., 3 Nov., „ 31 Mar., 1892 16 Feb., 1899 16 Mar., 1893 3 Nov., 1898 2,775 11,382 36,000 2,981 2,136 1,770 2,819 2,774 3,019 1,700 3,842 4,548 493 292 1,768 4,040 7,788 3,677 Road-works 400 4,292 10,000 797 582 445 616 739 738 600 700 2,000 120 70 388 1,027 2,204 910 81 3 3 229 0 7 234 10 0 752"a 6 233'l4 0 81 3 3 229 0 7 234 10 0 752 5 6 233 14 0 37,599 15,500 2,405 9,600 2,508 5,720 8,030 4,337 24,800 1,856 11,379 5,609 8,600 12,096 86 91 34 83 24 9 83 1914 2021 640 1845 563 254 1847 1846 2022 1 Dec, „ 20 Dec, 28 April, 1892 17 Nov., 1898 7 April, „ 2 Feb., 1899 17 Nov., 1898 18,799 6,200 1,327 3,360 1,254 2,288 2,735 1,976 16,675 791 11,957 3,228 3,440 20,825 5,000 1,550 601 1,000 100 858 1,000 600 4,169 186 2,844 799 1,000 3,000 2,901 5 6 31 18 5 92 2 11 66 19 0 29 3 7 95 1 5 2,901 5 6 8118 5 92 2 11 66 19 0 29 3 7 95 1 5 91 20 Dec, 10 77 83 28 283 1715 1846 911 13 Feb., 1896 27 Oct., 1898 17 Nov., „ 26 May, 300 0 0 3o6" 0 0 Upper Makohine Umurua Wairnatanui Waipu 14,201 4,866 20,000 6,350 24 24 20 65 564 7 April, „ 15,851 2,433 8,000 2,540 Drains and roads Road-worka 3,550 480 3,000 790 2,348 17 8 2,348 17 8 496 1398 24 Mar., 1 Sept., „ 103 1 0 103' 1 0 Totals 196631f 16,971 12 3 213,601 17 5 1767425 1250509 316,059 ♦ Since reduced to £7,500. t These fl| ires ;ive the totals to the ni jareet ionnd fo: the r ear e: irthij 31st March, 1898.

202

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Table 45.—*Summary of 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, 1899.

c 6 o 5 Land Districts. S P Expenditure from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering loads com Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. itructed. Imp] ived. Maim iained. rendered more accessible. Area of Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. & £ s. d. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. No. Length. Ft. M. oh. M. ch. M. oh. M. ch. Acres. I Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington „ (Mines) 141,323 67,107 1 3 223 45 132 23 79 63 36 3,189 237 53 72 61 832 64 208 23 418,428 50,775 29,255 3 0 87 51 39 43| 78 62J 5 474 0 52 3 14 209 0 70 0 242,886 56,899 34,100 8 10 46 2 29 56 56 50 17 1,211 20 65 3 60 125 30 93 70 173,300 107,532 61,604 6 9 129 1 28 11 95 20 6 688 32 51 50 78*. 295 19 339 54 707,525 14,027 8,170 8 4 5 53* 0 51 1 15 1 60 111 0 0 23 7,000 8,853 3,716 14 5 3 30 4 378J 4 30 108 0 Marlborough 24,038 14,861 16 0 11 4| 55 18 4 202 2 37 20 0 4 0 205,540 (Mines) .. 750 329 14 3 0 25 1 0 ■• Westland ' 15,639 6,585 11 7 10 22 2 22 3 30 1 30 1 69 2 55 44 0 50 5 1,500 j (Mines) j 4,400 i I 3,216 18 8 1 30 1 20 60 31 4 0 Canterbury I 14,948 5,777 16 11 32 9J 6 19| 3 53 3 1,007 12 51 50 0 Otago 47,136 22,421 5 11 28 30 29 79 I 7 54 1 360 29 45 3 65 44 41 30 33 388,000 Southland 39,590; 12,627 10 10 17 74 25 4|! 6 33 5 851 5 56 3 58 199,550 (Mines) 5,300 1,597 4 6 0 40 5 45 61,000 General 15,918 10,980 2 9 0 25 i 0 23 14 2,198 0 21 105 60 69 0 2,000 i | Amount authorised by the House .. 547,128 j i Expenditure limited by the House to 410,875 i Grand totals 282,352 4 0 574 74J 312 374, 398 72J 96 10,588 % 349 44 139 14J 2,009 63 869 48 2,406,729 * Details on following pages.

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Table 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, 1899.

203

0 o> d a Or Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. It Expenditure from 1st April. 1898. to 31st March, 1S99, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Surveys made Roads com itruoted. Impr< ived Main t< •ined. Area of rendered more accessible. Bemar Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Settlement Roads, Bridges, and Other Works. AUCKLAND. 200 100 £ s. d. 150 6 8 75 0 0 M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. 0 22 No. Length. Ft. M. oh. 1 23 5 0 M. ch. M. ch. 30 0 M. ch. Acres. 91 1 2 Ahipara-Herekino Awanui-West Coast 3 5 Herekino-Whangape Kaeo-Whangaroa Kaitaia-Ahipara Mangatoetoe .. Mongonui-Taipa-Awanui Maungataniwha Moiigonui County roads Mangonui Parish-Awanui (Main Eoad) Oruru-Hikurangi Takahue Village-Victoria Valley Takahue-Herekino Victoria Valley-Main Eoad Victoria Valley-Kaitaia.. 300 200 200 50 250 400 200 800 91 150 400 800 250 175 10 0 125 0 0 50 0 0 0 26 2 0 4 40 5 0 Also repairs to Awanui Bridge. Work done by Mongonui County. Whangaroa County have work in hand. Also renewing culverts, &c, by Mongonui County. Mongonui County did work by co-operative labour. Work done by Mongonui County. Authority issued. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 245 1. 0 200 0 0 411 1 3 1 20 1 77 2 60 1 40 5 30 615 10' 0 30 0 9 0 4] 764 1,000 95 15 0 504 2 0 150 0 0 5 40 0 9 3 75 1 36 0 54 1 37 7' 0 8* 0 6 0 7J296 300 16 I Kaeo-Waimate 117 100 0 0 0 14 1 52 3 62 Mongonui County have also done repairs to bridge and culverts. Work done by Whangaroa County. 17 18 > Kaeo Parish-Mangonui Parish (Main Koad) I Whangaroa Coast Road .. 400 100 299 19 6 0 2 1 50 4 43 20 0 Whangaroa County have work in hand. Authorised; not issued. Also repairs and metaling by Whangaroa County. Authority issued. 19 20 ! Whangaroa-Kaeo (widening, bridging, &o.) ; Whangaroa County roads SCO 200 100 0 0 020 21 22 23 24 25 J Hayter's-Morrow's Hukerenui South-Waiotu Valley Hukerenui-Kaeo Parish (Main Eoad) Main Road, Lot 2, Block XIV., Hukerenui S.D. Main North Eoad-Waiotu Block 50 200 800 21 225 109 14 0 588 13 6 21 3 1 225 8 0 015 0 18 i lo 976 25' 0 i' o Grant to Bay of Islands County. Authorised and issued. 26 27 28 Motatau Ngatipipo Opua-Waimate 50 300 240 7516 6 040 9' 0 ir Carried forward .. 7,394 3,702 10 6 6 40 6 39 2 19 238 33 45 20 15 129 0 23 0 13,360

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204

Table 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, 1899— continued.

ISIaine of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from CjeJ 1st April, 1898. r,o g_§ 31st March. 1899, c 'o charged to Authojjn rities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering iurveys tnade ?o r aT S- consSover road. traej£. 30 ft. Span. Koads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Bemarke. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Okaihau-Kerikeri & 7,394 £ s d. 3,702 10 6 M. ch. 6 40 M. ch. 6 39 M. ch. 2 19 No. 6 Length. Ft. 238 M. ch. 33 45 M. ch. 20 15 M. ch. 129 0 M. ch. 23 0 Acres. 13,360 ■29 100 100 0 0 0 38 0 42 •• 200 Work done by Bay of Islands County. ■ Grant to Bay of Islands County. Ditto. 30 Ohaeawai-Okaihau 100 31 32 S3 34 35 Ohaeawai-Kaikohe Pungaere Settlement-Kerikeri Ruapekapeka-Waiotu-Bridge Ramarama Valley Road through .Native land near Waihou 150 150 300 200 40 3 0 0 40 0 0 I •- i •• 020 2 1000 m 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Towai-Ru apekapeka TJtakura Road deviation .. .. Waitangi-Kaikohe Kaikohe-Tabeke .. .. Auokland Special Settlement-Mangakahia Hokianga County roads Herd's Point-Takahue .. Herekino .. .. .. Kohukohu-Takahue-Herd's Point .. Kohukohu-Rakautapu .. Kohukohu-Motukaraka Mar] borough Association Manganuio/vvae Manganuiovvae-Whangape Maungaru-Mangakahia 52 500 100 200! 300 200 450 200 200 400 200 300 200 300 200 51 14 0 27 0 0 102 2 4 238 10 11 200 0 0 295 17 2 91 9 0 i'l2 0 3 •• 1 28 I .. I -•• Work don* by Bayjof Islands County. Ditto. Work under action. Grant to Bay of Islands County. Hokianga County have work in hand. Hokianga County have also metalled Ta-heke-Rawene Road. Authority issued. 24~ 0 i' 8 1 0 - 20,000 6 - 57 8*73 2 55 •• 13 0 3 0 9* 0 3'OOO .. - I .. I 125 17 8 227 14 5 74 13 8 33 9 7 0 42 0 30 0 58] ■" " - 4 0 11 2 0 7 7 0 2'OOO 4,000 Also repairs to^bridges. Also opening up block by bridle-tracks. Grant to Hokianga County. Ditto. .. .. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 53 59 60 61 Omanaia- Hokianga Heads Omanaia-Rawene Okaihau-Horeke Okaihau-Victoria Valley Punakitere Settlement roads Te Awaroa North Taheke-Otau .. Waimamaku Settlement Waimamaku .. .. ■ Waimamaku-Pakanae .. .'. - Waimamaku-Punakitere 300 100 45 300 400 200 100 400 300 200 365 45 0 0 71 16 9 246 14 10 93 16 6 i" 0 6*43 6 - 2O .„ "l "82 47* 0 370 6 25 .. ■ 15* 0 Work done by Hokianga County. Authorised. 191 2 10 245 7 7 364 10 3 0 17 0 40 1 9 1 "66 3 - 0 8 0 Authority issued 2**33 ". i' 9 3*78 7' 0 "800 2,000 .. •• Carried forward 14,946 6,572 7 7 10 56 7 38 8 336 98 76 24 38 156 0 76 29 47,360 .36 14 ■ , .

205

Table 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, 1899— continued.

s a ► s Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from O_; 1st April, 1898, to Sβ 31st March. 1899, g "o charged to Autho3 **" rities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Dray- Bridleroad, track. Eoads constructed. Bridges constructed over 30 £t. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Maintained. Bemarka. 14,946! & s. d. i] 6,572 7 7 M. ch. 36 14 M. ch. 10 56 M. ch. 7 38 No. 8 Length. Ft. 336 M ch. 98 76 M. ch. 24 38 M. ch. 156 0 M. ch. 76 29 Acres. 47,360 Brought forward Settlement Eoads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Waipoua Survey District, Part Block VII. 300 I 264 7 11 2 33 91 62 2,000 Whangarei County have this work in hand. 1 Authority issued. Grant to Whangarei County. Authorised, not issued. Grant to Whangarei County. Ditto. Whangarei County hav« done the work. Ditto. Authority not issued. 63 64 Whangape, Section 55, Block VII. .. Caves-McLaughlin's 200 iooj I - i 65 66 67 68 Gile's Corner-Great North Road Grahamstown-Parua Bay 70 200 i I I Hikurangi-Jordan Hikurangi-Otonga 200 250 I 250 0 0 . 0 73 i'400 69 70 71 Hukerenui- Waiotu Hukerenui, Blocks X., XI. Hukerenui, Block II. -Whakapara Railway-station Jordan-Hukerenui Station (Bridge Boad) Jordan Kauaeranga .. Kaimamaku Kauri Mountain-Pataua.. Maungakaramea-Tangihua 200 160 1 200! 150 200 126 200: 1001 150 I 150 11 6 1 17 1 32 800 72 73 74 75 76 77 i I •• Grant to Whangarei County. i 200 0 0 126 0 0 i 200 0 0 100 0 0 6'29 1 22 220 0 63 i 30 046 0 34 4'60 2 '6 5' 0 2'000 500 •• Grant to Whangarei County. Ditto. ' 78 79 80 81 Maunu-Maungatapere-Mangakahia Maunu-Otuhe Mangakahia, Block IV. .. Marsden Point to Waipu.. 300i 200| 200i IOO: 199 10 11 200 0.0 6 - 4O 2 3 ■: I I i 33 0 15 0 3 2' 0 2,000 500 ••' i Grant to Whangarei County. Culverts and general repairs. Grant to Whangarei County. Whangarei County have done the work. Grants to Whangarei and Ocamatea Counties. Grant to Whangarei County. .. •• •• 82 Maurigakaramea-Ruarangi 55 50 15 6 i 83 Mangapai-Waikiekie 300 ! 84 Mangapai 200; 200 0 0 ■ 85 Mareretu-Finlayson's-Waipu 200 •■ 86 87 88 Old North Road Opuawhanga-Otonga East Opuawhanga, Blocks XIII., XIV., Whangarei, Blocks III., IV. 40 100 40 15 0 0 4 •■ 300 133 4 0 3 40 2,000 Carried forward .. .. '. 19,7471 8,687 12 5 36 14 14 65 17 60 ii 58,560 431 101 7 29 18 160 0 81 29 I

206

α-i

Table 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, 1899— continued.

0 0 i a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. « • E l X s riw5 re i898°S Engineering So charged to Autho- fr ?£L f £ P f '■ 4» rities issued out of S, £° ?L S * the Item named. March, .899. Engineering Roads constructed. ?oaf i ttlck" consSSefover [ roaa - Hack. 30 ft Span _ Eoads constructed. Improved. Maintained. i ray- j Bridleoad. I track. Area of I Crown Land I rendered !- I more I accessible. i ! I 1 Remarks. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Dray- i road. ] Bridle- I track. I ' 1 j Brought forward Settlement Eoads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Opuawhanga-Whananaki £ 19,747 £ s. d. 8,687 12 5 M. ch. 36 14 M. ch. 14 65 M. oh. 17 60 No. 11 Length. Ft. 431 M. ch. 101 7 M. ch. 29 18 M. ch. 160 0 I. ch. M. el JO 0 81 2! M. ch. 81 29 h. Acres. !9 58,560 91 89 I 90 Purua-Tabeke 160 100 52 16 7 100 0 0 0 44 200 300 Culverts, removal of slips, &c. Whangarei County have work in hand. Work done by Whangarei County. Ditto. 91 Purua-Ruatangata-Mangakahia 300 200 9 8 1 12 3,000 92 93 ■ 94 Ruatangata .. Huakaka-North River Three-mile Bush (repairing) 100 300 150 100 0 0 300 0 0 0 22 3 76 2 51 500 500 Grant to Whangarei County. Ditto. Authority issued. •• 95 96 97 98 99 Tangihua No. 2-Tangiteroria Tangi teroria-Mangakahia Tokatoka-Mangapai .. .. '.. Waikiekie Parish-Hukerenui (Main Road) Waipu 200 100 200 400 200 283 1C 11 0 1 7~ 24 22' 0 in r\ 100 101 102 I 103 104 105 Waipu Road and Wharf .. Waipu-Mareretu Whananaki Wharf Wharf Extension, Waipu Avoca Special Settlement Arapohue 250 150 137 50 300 150 200 0 0 129 10 0 •• I j 1 115* 3 7 22 0 I ■■ I Authorised; but not issued. Work done by Whangarei County. Grant to Otamatea County. * Wharf. Authority not issued. Authority issued. Work done by Hobson County. Ditto. Grant to Hobslin County. Ditto. .. I .. 50 0 0 6 25 ■• s 106 107 ! Dargaville-Aratapu Dargaville-Kaikohe 100 500 50 0 0 0 20 .. A 108 109 110 Dargavilie-Tangiteroria .. Mangawliare-Opanaki Mangatu Special Settlement via Mongonui BluffWest Coast Maungaiarna Special Settlement 300 250 300 200 0 0 " ♦ 1 30 1 0 1 •• Authority issued. 111 100 Authorised; not yet issued. Crant to Hobson County. Ditto. 112 113 114 115 Mititai-Tokatoka Opanaki-Hokianga Opanaki-Mongonui Bluff Opanaki-Mongonui Bluff-West Coast 200 1,500 100 50 1,022 2 11 3*69 3 105 32' 0 32' 0 I " 20 ]000 I Carried forward 16 14 0 j 81 2 81 29 29 83,060 26,394 11,376 8 6 36 14 25 14 17 60 681 115 9 29 18 214 0

α-i

207

Table 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, 1899— continued.

28—C. 1

d o" 5 S Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from vnpinrR-nnf 1st April, 1898, to male It charged to fr ?2i i 1 &s&f 11 ' 4 > rities issued out of i™M° the Item named. Marcn, is»a. Eoaas- constructed. TSrirtlo- Bridgee, til v constructed over tract 30 ft. Span. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered ray- Bridle- more oad. track. accessible. Bemarfib. Drayroad. Drayroad. Briaietrack. Drayload. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Omu Wharf (Avoca) £ 26,394 £■ s. d. 11,376 8 6 M. ch. 36 14 >M. ch. 25 14 M. ch. 17 60 No. 16 Length. Et. .681 M. ch. 115 9 M. ch. 29 18 M. ch. 214 0 M. ch. 81 29 Acres. 83,060 91 116 75 Authorised, but not issued. Grant, Hobson County 117 118 119 Okahu .. .. ".. Scarrott's Wharf, £1 for £1 Te Kopuru Wharf, £1 for £1 300 50 100 < 100 0 0, i 1 '58* Wharf. Work done by Hobson County. Grant, Hobson County. Authority issued. Work done by Hobson County. Grant, Hobson County. Kaiwaka-WaipuGorge. Authority issued. Work done by Otamatea County. Grant to Otamatea County. Grant to Matakohe Road Board. Grant to Otamatea County. Making approaches to two Bridges. Work done by Otamatea County. Ditto. * Wharf. Authority issued. 120 121 122 Tβ Kopuru-Kaipara Heads ;. Tangihua .. .. .. • i. Te Kopuru-Tikinui 100 50 200 197 2 0 047 ... 2*000 123 124 125 126 127 128 Tikinui Roads-Kopuru .. : :. Hakura-Waikiekie Parish (Main Road) Hukatfire .. .. :. .. Kaiwaka-Mangawai Mareretu Matakohe 100 800 300 200 195 100 397 1 11 1 47 I 1 55 I 20' 0 150* 0 0 95 0 2 6 51 077 1 *30 1*21 "200 129 Matakohe-Mongonui .. .. 300 I ■■" 130 llatakohe-Tokatoka .. ■ •.. 200 ' 131 Paparoa-Maungaturoto .. ■ .. 200 0 2 132 Pahi-Maungaturoto 120 88 16 0 133 134 135 136 137 138 Pahi-Waikiekie .. .. .. Raupo Wharf Tokatoka Post-office .. ■.. .. Topini-Maungaturoto .. Valley Road-Paparoa .. .. Ahuroa-Komokoriki 150 250 IOO! 50 100 100 87 17 4 12 0 0 78 6 7 5 0 1 12 1 62 6 0 -1 *216 12 0 11*000 139 140 141 142 143 Dairy Flat-Lucas Creek .. Hoteo-Waiwhiu Hoteo Vallev Hoteo Valley- Te Arai Ka:ikapakapa-Port Albert .,-'■ 200 16 100 100 2501 4 13 0 Grant to Wiiangarei County. Grant, Rodney County. Removal of slips. Grant, Rodney County. __ 100 0 0 Work done by Rodney County. Grant, Rodney County. 144 Mahurangi Wharf 260 Carried forward 12,623 12 5 19 985 116 64 30 39 31,160 36 14 36 75 18 57 246 0 81 29 96,260

o.—lr

Table 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, 1899— continued.

208

o d a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. r> Expenditure from b™i—-s™ 1st April, 1898, to Engineering 31st March. 1899, Surveys made charged to AutW fr °™ *«* April, rities issued out of I 898 ' £° ?*£* the Item named. Maroh ' 1899 - Boads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bemarks, Drayroad. ■Rviflle Bridges *;„„!, constructed over tracK. 30 ft Span _ Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Beidges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Makarau-Kailway-station 31,460 £ s. d. 12,623 12 5 M. ch. 36 14 M. ch. 36 75 M. ch. 18 57 No. 19 Length. Ft. 985 M. ch. 116 64 M. ch. 30 39 M. ch. 246 0 M. ch. 81 29 Acres. 96,260 91 145 146 Makarau Bridge-West Coast 150 200 119 15 10 1 60 Wferk done by Waitemata County. Tender accepted, work begins at an early date. Grant, Rodney County. Authority issued. Grant, Rodney County, 147 148 149 150 151 152 Matakana-Otn aha Matakana Ranges-Te Arai Matakana Wharf (Mahurangi Heads) Matakana flanges Port Albert-Wellsford Junction Puhoi-Warkworth .. 100 150 100 200 100 50 55 3 2 49 15 5 3 12 6 3 0 6* 0 - 2^000 6' 6 i 0 Repairs to Turntable Hill. Work done by Rodney County. Ditto. Authority issued. 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 Pakiri-Omaha (Warkworth-Pakiri) Tauhoa, Blocks X. and XL Tauhoa .. .. Te Arai-Mangawhai .. Waiwera-Hakuru (Main Road) Warkworth to Kaipara Flats Warkworth-Mafcakana Warkworth-Wellsford .. Warkworth Wharf-Courthouse Warkworth-Main Road .. 300 400 100 100 800 50 100 50 100 150 98 2 5 156 5 9 93 0 0 5' 0 0 26 1 1 0 18 i 66 0 25 3' 0 2,000 2,500 1,500 369 8 5 8 0 4 1*61 i' 0 0 40 36' 0 22' 0 3 6*25 Grant, Rodney County. 4 7 1 i' 0 Rodney County have work in hand. Work done by Rodney County. (Grant, Rodney County. Work done by Rodney County. Grant to Otamatea County. Authority issued. Grant to Waitemata County. Ditto. 163 Warkworth-Kaipara Flat end Tauhoa I 300 129 10 4 1 32 164 165 Helen3ville-Port Albert .. Kaukapakapa-Port Albert 150 150 0 27 i^500 166 Hoteo Valley-Mangawai 100 1,000 167 168 Great Barrier Island roads Great North Road (Cut Hill) 100 250 169 Great North Road, from Whau Bridge-Wai-komiti Cemetery Henderson 300 * 170 150 100 0 0 0 20 Work done by Waitemata County. Grant to Waitemata County. 171 Henderson-West Coast 100 Carried forward 36,260 20 13,832 13 11 44 14 41 19 28 23 1,017 118 24 30 64 281 0 81 29 106,760 •

C—l.

Table 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, 1899— continued.

209

6 I t-4 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from 1st April, 1898, to § J 31st March, 1899, a o charged to Autho<j > rities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Dray- Bridleroad, track. Boads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Henderson-Swanson (metalling) £ 36,260 s s. a. 13,832 13 11 M. ch. 44 14 M. ch. 41 19 M. ch. 28 23 No. 20 Length. Ft. 1,017 M. ch. 118 24 M. ch. 30 64 M. oh. 281 0 M. ch. 81 29 Acres. 106,760 91 172 150 150 0 0 0 60 - \ 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 Huia-West Coast Inland Road-Kaukapakapa Kauri Forest Track, Waitakerei Kumeu Main Road-Rewiti Lucas Creek Road North Shore-Waiwera (Main Road) Rewiti-Parkhutst 250 100 400 150 200 800 150 250 0 0 400 0 0 150 0 0 560' 15 3 150 0 0 0 65 2 49 2 37 1 20 2 29 1 73 t t ■■ 1 Work done by Waitemata County. Ditto. Grant to Waitemata County. Work done by Waitemata County. Ditto. Grant to HWaitemata County. Work done by Waitemata County. Ditto. Grant to Waitemata County. Ditto. 6 34 28' 0 180 181 Swanson-West Coast *« V. Upper Waiwera Road extension 300' lOQJ 200 0 0 0 30 1 40 1 30 . 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 Upper Waiwera-Wade-Wainui West Coast Road-Waitangi WoodMl-Parkhurst Wade Village-Orewa Wade-Lucas Creek Waiwera Springs Wainui-Kaukapakapa .. 100 100 100 50 100 134 150 •- 1/ 101 10 1 150 0 0 014 2 20 6 31 Work done by Waitemata County. Grant to Waitemata County. Ditto. Work done by Waitemata County. Work done by Rangitoto Domain Board. Work done by Awhitu Road Board. Authorised; but not issued. Ditto. Work in progress. Authorised, and issued. Grant to Otahuhu Road Board. 189 Wainui-Kaukapakapa Railway-station 200 190 191 Waikomiti West Waikomiti-Huia 150 110 110 0 0 192 193 194 Rangitoto Mountain, £1 for £1 Akaaka-Otaua Awhitu Road and Wharf 20 100 295 20 0 0 180*11 11 1 46 1 50 600 195 196 197 198 199 200 Hunua Road Hunua-Ararimu Hunua-Main Road Hunua-Railway-station .. Mataitai-Clevedon ' Otahuhu Wharf 300 258 200 400 100 100 143 0 10 34 16 0 160 6*69 6'10 Carried for.ward 54 39 32 12 22 107,360 41,827 16,433 8 0 45 74 1,120 119 9 32 34 309 0 81 29

C—l

210

Table 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, 1899— continued.

s Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. 3-2 Expenditure from 1st April, 1898. to 31st March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Boads constructed. Briaie- Bridges trark constructed over traeK.. 30 ft. Span. Improved. Mainti .ined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. o Drayroad. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bbidses, etc.— continued. Auckland —continued. Otahuhu-Bombay (Main Road) Otau Otau Block .. .. [[ Patumahoe-West Mauku (metalling')' '.'. Panmure Wharf (repairs) ! Pollok to Wharf .. '.'. , Pollok Settlement Main Road Turanga-Maraetai .. .. [\ Wairoa River-Otau Wftiuku-Pukekohe .. .. [\ 41,827 £ s. d. 16,433 8 0 M. ch. 45 74 M. ch. 54 39 M. ch. 32 12 No. 22 Length. Ft. 1,120 M. ch. 119 9 M. ch. 32 34 M. eh. 309 0 M. ch. 81 29 Acres. 107,360 01 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 450 500 200 100 lOOi lOOi 1501 200 315 350 389 5 7 6 10 0 50 0 0 1 40 1 40 7 60 •• [ 2l" 0 5^000 Repairs to roaxls, bridges, and culverts. See Vote 91, Item 211. Work in progress. Authority not issued. Authorised, and issued. ■• I - 297' 3 10 80 0 0 0 59 6*30 f 0 SIX 212 S13 Great South Road, Otahuhu-Cambridge Awaroa (Block XI.) Aotea Wharf Roa.d/ 200 400 100 600 12 4 114 18 3 Work done by Waiuku Road Board. See Vote 91, Item 201. i'32 25 0 4^000 Further funds required for this work. Authorised; not issued. 214 215 216 Bregmen's Landing-Tuakau .. ., Bregmen'a Landing and Mercer Huntly-Kahuruhuru 150| 100 1 2001 i" 1 9 150 19 0 i" 0 20 0 '• i 6' 44 2^000 Also bridges and culverts repaired. 217 218 219 Lawson's Hill.. Main Road-Pukekawa Main Road-West Coast Road through Block VI., Awaroa < Main Roads to Blocks VII. and IX.,' Karioi Mangapiko-Maire Matakataka Cutting Ngaruawahia-Huntly West Onewhero (Sections 128, 129) Otorohea Trig. Road .. .. Raglan-Ruapuke .. 1 250 100 250 169 0 8 1*46' 11 2 0 52 6'65 Authorised; not issued. Work still in progress. 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 100 50 100 200 55 200 200 100 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 50 16 9 0 52 0 73 0 63 6,000 Work done by Raglan County. Ditto. Work in progress. 56' 0 0 i'26 Raglan County has work in hand. Ditto. Authority issued. 227 228 229 230 231 Raglan-Waipa Rutherford's Hill, Section 90, Block III., Awaroa Tuakau-Raglan Tuakau-Opuatia-Kahuruhuru Aotea-Raglan.. 400 100 500 1,200 200 200 0 0 l,023'l9 8 75 3 11 3'. 2 0 16 0 52 1 40 0 23 2^000 45' 0 Also metalling. Raglan County has work in hand. Ditto. 232 Waingaro-Te Mata .. .. 300 200 0 0 1 33 Carried forward >. ... ,, !. 49,647 22 20,289 10 11 47 34 62 78 41 24 1,120 150 6 39 28 354 0 130 29 126,360

211

A—i

Table 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, 1899— continued.

s a > S Name ot Work according to Item on f Appropriations. Expenditure from 'a-; 1st April, 1898. to go 31st Starch, 1899, § o charged to Autho- > rities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Eoads constructed. TSrirlle Bridges t" „{? constructed orer tracjs. 30 {t g _ Improved. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Urown Land rendered more accessible. Bemarks. Drayroad. Drayroad. Briaietr&ck. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc.— continued. Auckland —continued. Waingaro-Ngaruawahia .. Waitetuna-Aotea Waitetuna-Waingaro 49,647 & s. d. 20,289 10 11 M. oh. 47 34 M. oh. 62 78 M. oh. 41 24 No. 22 Length. Ft. 1,120 M. eh, 150 6 M. oh. 39 28 M. oh. 354 0 M. ch. 130 29 Acres. 126,360 91 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 Waite tuna-Kauri Waitetuna-Whatawhata.. Blocks X. and XI., Rangiriri S.D. .. Kimihia-Huntly, Education Endowment 300 500 300 300 300 60 100 310 12 9 22 18 6 199 7 10 37 17 0 75 0 0 9' 0 017 \» . 1 70 2 20 i 0 9 0 ii' 0 8,500 8,000 6,000 3^000 Also metalling. Works in progress. Also 16 ft. bridge 'over Parawai Stream. Work will soon b« started on this road. Survey not yet completed. Work done by Huntly Road Board. Ditto. Authority|issued. Grant to Huntly Road Board. Ditto. Authorised; not issued. 170 240 241 242 Ohinewai-Matabura Rangiriri-Cambridge (Main Raod) Road to Section 485, Whangamarino 200 350 100 98 5 1 1 0 3,000 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 University Endowment, Kimihia Waerenga Station-Waerenga Settlement Waipuna Valley Road and Whangamarino Parish Bombay-Rangiriri (Main Road) Arahiwi and Mamaku Railway-station Ngongotaha-Bishop's Seotion Okoheriki Id .. Rotorua-Ngongotaha Mount Rotorua Wharf Rotorua-Wairoa Rotoiti-Tarawera, via Okataina 100 100 100 200J 365 100 300 100 400 300 300 •• •• 142 13 10 99 17 1 .. 210 2 15 6' 4 - •■ m Authority issued. Location of roads proceeding, ii 8ch. 16 Iks. of wharf constructed to date. Contracts will£ shortly be let. Authority not yet issued. 34 12 3 174 8 1 87 16 9 47 7 4 160 6'10 2*61 6* 0 r 0 254 Taumata Nos. Iα, 2a, 3b East; 3b West No. 1; 3c East; 3q West No. 1 Galatea-Ruatoki .. 182 255 100 Waiting further instructions. About 40 Natives working on Te Teko end of road. Also bridge, 25 ft. span, constructed. Authority issued Also reconstruction of culverts. 256 257 Rotorua-Te Teko Rotorua-Galatea-Waikaremoana 1,000 8,000 320 1 1 12,229 8 6 4 13 19 65 19 56 733 1 8 11 60 27 0 75 0 liiooo ■ 258 Ratowhero, r,i& Waiotapu-Wairakei 1,000 436 19 3 3 67 38 0 259 260 Te Aroha-Rotorua Road, through Okauia, Block Tirau (Oxford)-Rotorua (Main Road) 300 591 244 9 0 2*39 •v 9' 0 __ Carried forward „,. 65,695 34,851 5 3 80 32 89 76 50 47 22 1,120 173 44 42 9 516 0 154 29 165,860

A—i

212

Table 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, 1899— continued.

o d a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from a« 1st April, 1898. to gS 31st March, 1899, a o charged to Autho•Sj > rities issued out of the Item named. trom 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Surveys made Dray- Bridle- Bridges roar! constructed over road. track. 30 ft. Span. Boads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bemarka. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Alexandra-Kawhia Briscoe's Section, Awakino (road to) £ 65,695 £ b. a. 34,851 5 3 M. ch. 80 32 M. ch. 89 76 M. ch.l 50 47 No. 22 Length. Ft. 1,120 M. ch. 173 ii M. ch, 42 9 M. ch. 516 0 M. ch. 154 29 Acres. 165,860 91 261 262 450 100 227 18 11 0 30 33 0 20,000 Works in progress. Compensation not yet settled. Road- work not begun. Nothing yet done, funds hardly sufficient. Work ;done by Raglan County. 263 264 Hauturu East Kawhia Wharf 500 100 495 9 0 24 0 265 266 267 268 Kauroa-Pakoka Kawhia-Aotea Mangauika A Iα Otorohanga-Pirongia 200 110 280 200 100 0 0 104 19 9 254 17 11 200 0 0 0 43 •• 1 32 14* 0 4 33 2,000 1137 2 37 5,'OOO 2,000 269 Kinohaku East 5Ool Waiting further funds for construction. Engineering survey in hand. 270 271 272 273 274 Pirongia West Tokanui-Wharepapa Tβ Kuiti-Awakino Waitomo Caves % Wharauroa-Ohura 1,500 300 6,000 40 100 137 10 0 5,546' 7 1 7 0 0 69 9' 2 iio i 34 36' 0 5 30 20,000 12,000 10,000 32,000 No work started, so little of the land having been selected. Work not yet commenced. Punt and ferry approaches. Work done, and included in last year's report, but not then charged. Request for roads not yet made. Authority just issued. 275 276 277 278 Paemako-Ohura .. Kihikihi-Otorohanga-Te Kuiti .. .. Ouruwhero No. 2 and Puketarata .. Kihikihi-Waotu 3 .. 400 300 38 200 92 1 11 47 12 9 37 14 6 49 19 6 2 9 Iβ' 0 3! 000 "' 1*63 279 Wharepuhunga No. 1 745 280 281 282 283 284 Ake-ake Maketu Wharf .. .. " Otawa Nos. Iα and Iβ Pye's Pa .. .. .. \\ Papamoa Special Settlement 75 100 200 100 400 I No authority issued. 100 0 0 175 4 6 3*40 Tauranga County has work in hand. Ditto. 285 286 287 288 Papamoa No. 1 Papamoa Nos. 1 and 2 .. Tauranga-Cam bridge Maketu-Rotorua 200 200 100 600 - 4li' 2 8 042 771 22"'40 Dalbeth's Road in- .. • • Carried forward 79,733 23 42,832 3 9 122 69 105 38 55 17 1,154 185 0 42 9 641 23 154 29 271,860

q.—l.

Table 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, 1899— continued.

213

s a > s Kame of Work according to Item on Appropriations. I-β §5 Expenditure from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Surveys made Dray- Bridleroad, track. Koads constructed. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Improved. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Pongakawa-Rotorua and Roturoa Road Tauranga-Runanga Ateamuri-Orakei-Korako Otarewa-Waipapa Stream (Robison's Road) Orakei-Korako(tracks to) Taubara Mountain Tokaanu-Taupo £ 79,733 £ s. d. 42,832 3 9 M. ch. 122 69 M. ch. 105 38 M. ch. 55 17 No. 23 Length. Ft. 1,154 M. oh. 185 0 M. ch. 42 9 M. oh. 641 23 M. ch. 154 29 Acres. 271,860 200 2,000 450 200 300 100 700 72 2 4 1,821 4 4 243 14 0 5 1 2 12 36' 56 132' 0 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 233 3 10 11 1 10 28 2 54 10*28 0 43 16* 0 Lichfield-Te Atiamuri Section included. Authority not yet issued. Not being urgent, nothing has yet been done. Plans approved, work will now go on. Plans submitted for approval. Whakatane County have work in hand. Ditto. 395 16 7 e\ 0 36' 0 296 297 298 299 300 Tokaanu Road and Wharf Waihi-Tokaanu Whakatane Wharf (repairs) Galatea-Te Teko Matata-Te Teko 300 200 200 160 200 172 0 10 159 9 7 100 0 0 0 9 1 18 6*31 i "30 0 31 4 0 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 Nukuhou-Maraetotara Otara River-Papamoa Omarumutu-Te Whaiti .. Opotiki-Otamamaku Paparaoa-Omarumutu .. Ran gi taiki-Ruatoki- Waiotahi Te Teko-Opotiki , Waikaremoana-Ruatahuna Waimana-Ohiwa 500 300 100 200 150 430 700 500 200 150 0 0 308 19 4 6*24 6*37 1 22 ff Constructed by Whakatane County. 5 57 36' 0 310 311 312 313 314 Waioeka River-Waiotahi Block Waioeka (Blocks II., III., IV.) Waimana Waiotahi Bay of Plenty —Sundry roads 300 750 500 500 100 50' 0 0 14 7 0 150 0 0 0 36 0 60 8 0 Authority issued. Whakatane County have work in hand. Ditto. Grant to Whakatane County. Ditto. £150 granted to Whakatane County. £50 granted to Whakatane County. Fern Flat, &c. Rent of office, salary, and travelling expenses, &c, Central District. Grant to Whangaroa County. 315 316 Village Settlements Contingencies and Engineering 450 1,109 Or. 7 9 4 936 16 8 0 78 Totara Foreshore bridges (renewing) 317 100 •• •• Carried forward 91,632 228 19 49 44 829 54 192 29 271,860 47,639 18 3 156 70 123 18 55 17 24 1,184

α-i

214

Table 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, 1899— continued.

I S= Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Exfenditure from t? „„;„,,,-„•,,,, S' let Anril, 1898. to J^$™ e J£™L g% 31st March. 1899, ,?""*£!^rfj So charged to Autho- fr ?mfi to Slit |> rities issued out of i^ 0 ig|J the Item named. Marcti, 1898. sarl^l-sggr' Boads constructed. Imprc >ved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridle- £ 91,632 £ s. d. 47,639 18 3 M. ch. 156 70 M. ch. 123 18 M. ch. 55 17 No. 24 Length. Ft. 1,184 M. ch. 228 19 M. ch. 49 44 M. ch. 829 54 M. ch. 192 29 Acres. 271,860 Brought forward Settlement Eoads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Waikouva Bridge (repairs) 200 100 0 0 1 188 91 318 319 320 321 322 Paeroa Stream Bridge ".. Waitangi Bridge Waikerikeri Bridge Hokianga Bridge 100 200 160 40 m 13 o 0 9 Being erected by Whangaroa County. Grant to Bay of Islands County. Ditto. Authority issued. Work done by Hokianga County. Authorised, not issued. Under construction. 4o' 0 0 'i 30 323 324 325 326 Talieke Bridge Mangakahia Bridge (to account) Wairua Eiver Bridge Whangarei Bridge 100 800 77 100 384 13 6 75 19 0 100 0 0 1 ioi 8^000 014 Approaches to bridge, work done by Whangarei County. Grant to Whangarei County. Authority not issued. Bridge being repaired by Whangarei County. Authority not issued. 32*7 Waiotu Bridge (Hutchinson's) 100 328 329 Wairoa, Tangiteroria Bridge (to account) Waipu Bridge (damage by floods) 400 100 106' o o 330 331 332 333 334 Wairoa Bridge (Dargaville) Hardie's Bridge (repairs) Mangawai Bridge (to account) Hoteo Bridge Matakana Bridge .. . 300 150 300 160 125 •• I "" Grant, Rodney County. Authority not issued. Erected by Rodney County. Temporary repairs to bridge, tenders accepted. Grant, Rodney County. Constructed by Rodney County. Tenders for erection accepted. Grant, Rodney County. Work done by Public Works Department. Grant to Avondale Road Board. 125' 0 0 020 i > 335 Makarau Bridge 350 Cr. 156 1 4 " 336 337 Mahurangi Bridge (Warkworih) Puhoi Bridge 400 200 109 10 8 1 58 338 Upper Makarau Bridge .. 200 339 340 Puhoi-Makarau (repairs, two bridges Orakei Bridge (repairs) 150 500 472 10 1 341 Oakley Creek Bridge, £1 for £1 400 - Carried forward 97,244 123 38 55 31 29 1,645 228,28 49,161 4 6 156 70 49 44 829 54 192 29 279,860

Table 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, 1899— continued.

C—l.

29—0 .1.

215

o d S5 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. E §3 a o Expenditure from 1st April, 1898. to 31st March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898. to 31st March, 1899. Engineering road. track. 30It Span _ Roads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. ImproTed. Maintained. Area of ___ Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Remarks. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Mangere Bridge £ 97,244 £ s. a. 49,161 4 6 M. ch. 156 70 M. ch. 123 38 M. ch. 55 31 No. 29 Length. PC. 1,645 M. ch. 228 28 M. ch. 49 44 M. ch. 829 54 M. ch. 192 29 Acres. 279,860 91 342 105 106 5 6 Work done by Public Works Department. Ditto. Partly done by Public Works Department. Trial borings are being made at proposed site. Authorised to Eaglan 8,500 County. Waipa County has work in hand. Small repairs and expenses in inspecting bridge. General repairs, screwing up trusses, paintand tarring, Authorised to Tauranga County. Grant to Tauranga County. Not yet authorised. Work will be started shortly Partly constructed. Government subsidised Whakatane County £1 for £1. Whakatane County has work in hand. Government subsidised County £1 for £1. Work in progress. 343 344 Mauku Bridge (Drury-Waiuku) Tamaki Bridge (Panmure) ... 4 1,300 269* 3 1 •• 345 Tuakau Bridge (to account) 500 42 19 1 ' 346 347 348 Waitetuna Bridge Waipa Bridge (Ngaruawahia) Cambridge Bridge (repairs) £1 for £1 200 1,582 100 912 17 6 i 480 j '■ 349 Whatiwhatihoe Bridge .. 100 13 14 11 . ! 350 Puniu Bridge lOOj 43 1 0 .. 351 Kaiti Bridge 200 352 Kaituna Stream Bridge 150 ■ : 353 354 Euahihi Bridge (Tauranga-Cambridge) Morea Bridge 200 900 h' 2 7 6' 4 .. 355 356 Waikato Bridge (Waiotapu) (to account) Otara Bridge .. 1,500 100 817 0 10 100 0 0 1 1 240 360 •• i 357 Whakatane County Bridge, £1 for £1 20ffl " "' 358 359 360 361 362 Whakatane County Bridge (repairing and constructing) Awatuna Improved-farm Settlement Katui Improved-farm Settlement Mangatu Improved-farm Settlement Rangatira (Opanaki-Hokianga) Improved-farm Settlement 500 512| 600 300 980 500 0 0 94 14 1 439 17 5 281 1 3 168 14 11 260 068 2 392 ■• 716 I ••' •• i •■ I Work in progress. "■■•J - Carried forward .. 107377 I 52,957 16 8 34 3,117 56 60 829 54 192 29 288,360 159 54 124 26 55 31 228 28

o.—l

216

Table 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, 1899— continued.

6 6 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. ■4J Exrjenditure from 1st April, 1898. to Slst March. 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Koads constructed. Bridle- Bridges n-0/.t constructed over tracK. 30 ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bbidgis, btc. — continued. Auckland —continued. Paemako (Karu-o-te-Whenua) Improved - farm Settlement Terauamoa Improved-farm Settlement £ 107377 £ s. d. 62,957 16 8 M. ch. 159 54 M. ch. 124 26 M. ch. 55 31 No. 34 Length. Ft. 3,117 M. ch. 228 28 M. ch. 56 60 M. ch. 829 54 M. ch. 192 29 Acres. 288,360 9] 363 1,150] 310 1 6 126 acres sown in grass. 364 600 545 1 5 131 acres of bush felled, 298 acres sown in grass. Grant to Whangarei County. Authority issued. 365 Ngunguru Perry 100 89 0 0 366 367 368 Waipu River, £1 for £1 (deepening) Tokatoka Swamp (drainage, road, and tramway) Aka-aka Swamp (drainage and road) 100 3,000 150 2,668* 3 5 50 0 0 5*71 2*73 2*27 7 17 10 0 6*000 369 370 371 372 373 374 I 375 376 ] 377 378 Otaua Swamp (drainage and road) .. Maioro Swamp (drainage and road) Churohhill Punt on Waikato Mercer Punt .. Whatawhata Swamp (drainage and road) Tβ Aroha Sanatorium, Hot Springs, and Domain Te Aroha and Waiioa drains Taupo Domain (plantation, paths, &o.) Tokaanu Baths and Water-supply Tauranga County, flood-damagea 100 23 200 200 100 1,600 243 400 500 10 50 0 0 23 2 0 100 0 0 80 2 6 75 0 0 1,372 17 2 100* Q 0 i' 4 0 36 3,000 20ch. drains construoted by the Akaaka Drainage Board. 2m. 16ch. tiver cleared by Waipipi Road Board. Repairs to punt on Waikato River by Raglan County. Placing punt on Waikato River. Work done by Public Works Department. Authority issued. Planting, ploughing, and generally improving Domain Grounds. Work authorised. Work done by Tauranga County. General maintenance to all Government buildings, baths, and publio property, fencing, sinking wells, supplying tanks, cutting and planting willows, &o. General maintenance to all pipe-services, making additions, Asc. Waiting settlement with the Natives. •• 379 Rotorua (works at) (to account) 7,0001 5,567 6 7 - Rotorua Water-supply 244 4 3 380 5001 381 382 Waiotapu Springs (improvement) Whakarewarewa (baths, paths, and supervision) 500 200 167 13 6 6*74 1*23 6*74 ■• •• Amount authorised by the House (Auckland) .. Expenditure limited by the House to Total 124053 90,080! ■• 64,236' 18 4 165*45 127*19 87 58 34 3,117 236*49 58 10 830*77 203 23 297,360 ..

217

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

> s Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from c_< 1st April, 1898. to go 31st March. 1899, a o charged to Autho- > rities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Survevs made Roads constructed. Improved. 5ST taack' "uSover °»r Bridleroad, track. 30 ft. Span. road - tr&ck - Roads constructed. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. ■Remarks. Length. Ft. I 1 I £ s. d. M. ch. M.ch. M.ch. No. M.ch. M.ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. M. ch. M.ch. ' Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. HAWKE'S BAY. 200 0 0 91 j 383 Opotiki-TCast Cape 500 I 1 15 60 0 Work done by the Wftiapu and Whakatane Counties. Authority issued to Waiapu County. Work done by Waiapu County. Authority issued to Waiapu County. Authority issued. 384 Ahomatariki .. 250 . i 385 Awanui-Tikitiki 300 300 0 0 1 60 0 20 386 Kawakawa-Hick's Bay .. 150 387 388 389 Mata Valley Pukeamaru Tauwharaeparae to Crown lands 200 250 200 I 390 391 392 Tauwhareparae-Tokamaru Waihuka 150 243 I i Authority issued to Waiapu County. Ditto. Authority issued to Wairoa and Cook Counties. Authority issued . to Waiapu County. Ditto. Waipiro Hot Springs-Tokomaru 200 i 393 394 395 396 397 Waipiro-Te.Puia-Hikiwai Waipiro Hot Springs-Tologa Bay Waipiro-Mata Whakaangiangi Whareponga-Keporua 500 500 300 250 300 ••■ ir 300' 0 0 4 45 Work done by Waiapu County. Work done by Cook County. Authority issued to Cook County. 398 Gisborne-Waimata (metalling) 275 275 0 0 0 40J 0 32 399 Hangaroa-Tiniroto 500 400 401 *02 Motu Motu Koad (widening) .. Muriwai-Mahia 300 1,000 425 559*19 11 125 5 0 3 40 0 68 40,000 1 10 Work done by Cook County. 403 404 Pakarae Road and Punt Puatai Hill 40 300 I •• ! Authority issued to Carried forward 7,133 1,760 4 11 3 40 5 57i! 6 70 0 52 60 0 40,000 I i

o.—l

218

Table 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, 1899— continued.

f>. 2 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from OJ 1st April. 1898. to go 31st March. 1S99, a o charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Roads cor Surveys marie Irotn 1st April, 1898, to 31st Dray- BridleMarch, 1899. road. track. Eoads com itructed. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Maintained. Remarks. £ 7,133 £ s. d. 1,760 4 11 M. ch. 3 40 M. ch. 5 57J M. ch. 6 70 No. Length. Ft. M. ch. 0 52 M. ch. M. ch. 60 0 M. ch. Acres. 40,000 Brought forward Settlement Koads, Bf.idues, etc. — continued. Hawke's Bay —continued. Tatapouri Hill 300 300 0 0 91 405 0 67| Work done by Cook County. Authority issued to Cook County. Authority issued to Te Arai Road Board. Authority issued to Cook County. Partly issued to Cook County. Authorised to Cook County. 406 Tauwhareparae-Arakihi .. 300 407 Te Arai .. .. 150 408 Tologa-Anaura 200 109 Tologa-Arakihi 231 410 Tologa Hill .. 250 411 412 Waiapu Inland Waikoha-Motu 300 1,750 1,192 19 1 3 32 Also forty - seven culverts, 742 ft., and bridge, 24 ft. ; work done by Cook County. Authority issued to Cook County. Ditto. Also £50 granted to Whakatane^ounty. 413 Waimata-Tauwhareparae 300 414 415 Wainui .. .. .. Gisborne-Opotikj 300 800 598 10 0 16 0 50 0 '■ I 416 417 Gisborne-Rotorna Stock .. Gisborne, via Tologa Bay-Hicks Bay 1,500 800 945' 3 2 200 0 0 51 0 15 37| 64,000 418 Gisborne-Waikaremoana 6,000 5,959 11 0 25 58J 40 0 54,000 Authori ty issued to Cook and Waiapu Counties. Also two bridges, each 28 ft., 7,116 ft. timber sawn, and 2,700 shingles split. 419 420 421 Nubaka No. 1 Nuhaka-Gisborne Wairoa-Gisborne 400 2,000 500 95 6 6 1,263 9 3 309 15 0 3 58 7 33 1 77 I I .. 10,500 10,500 0 16^ .. .. •• •• 39* 0 Also 985 ft. culverts. Cook County has work in hand. Not yet paid for. 422 423 424 Frasertown-Waikaremoana Nuliaka Springs Kunanga-Pohue .. ., 500 500 3,500 511 10 1,631 18 4 1 51 0 48 .. -■ .. 39" 0 10,000 Also one bridge, 16 ft.; five culverts, 118 ft. ; and 448 cubic yards stone quarried and broken. ■■ I Carried forward ' 189,000 27,714 14,262 9 1 65 51 18 34 50 3ij .. 0 52 194 0 50 0

219

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

6 6 S5 15' Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from £_; 1st April. 1898. to go 3)st March. 1S99, § o charged to Autho- •** rities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering iurvevs made Dray- Bridle- eons n™ t g e a S OTel . road. track. 30 ft. Span. Koads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Remarks. 27,714 £ s. d. 14,262 9 1 M. ch. 65 51 M. ch. 18 34 M. ch 50 3| No. Length. Ft. M. ch. 0 52 M. ch. M. ch. 194 0 M. ch. 50 0 Acres. 189,000 91 425 426 Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Hawke's Bay —continued. Upper and Lower Mohaka Napier- Wairoa lOOj 5,000j 5,576' 8 11 18 0 12 14 2 64 15' 0 Authority not issued. Also 1,538 ft. culverts built, 21 stone crossings made, and 67 ch. metalling. Authority issued to Hawke's Bay County. Authority issued to Dannevirke Road Board. Also 235 ft. culverts, and 16 ch. metalling. Authority issued to KumeroaRoad Board. See also Vote 91, Item . 580. Bushfelling, and slips cleared. Ormondville Town and Eoad Boards have work in hand. Worked in conjunction with Ruahine Block Approach. Also 98 ft. culverts. Also five bridges, 145 ft., and 60 ch. fcrestclearing included, work done by the Takapau Road Board. Also twenty-two bridges, 388 ft., and fortyseven culverts, 744 ft., built. Authority not issued. Grant to Weber Eoad Board. Oero Road Board have work in hand. Authority not issued. Authority issued to • • 427 Puketitiri .. .. .. 250 428 Dannevirke-Tamaki 100 429 Dannevirke-Tiratu 500 626 10 9 2 57 430 Holder's .. .. 100 431 Norsewood-Apiti (see also Wellington District) 350 111 12 10 4 0 432 Oporae .. .. 600 613 0 4 1 53 433 Ormondville-Waikopiro 800J 534 3 0 0 25 1 72 1,700 434 Ruahine .. .. 250! 435 436 Ruahine Block (approach) Takapau-ICopua, £1 for,£l 700 147 447 13 2 147 2 6 0 47 3.65 1 58 2,400 437 j Waikopiro .. ... 800 1,006 4 9 4 33 i 3 14 20 0 1,746 I 438 , VVhakarara Road and Bridge . Dannevirke-Weber- Wimbledon 150 300 125 18 9 •• I 440 Elthorpe roads .. .. , 250 0 17 441 442 Contingencies and Engineering Waim'ata Bridge (Ackroyd's) 200 100 - .. I Carried forward j 138,411 56 9J 4 23,451 4 1 87 51 38 9 194 ■ 0 52 3 14 209 0 70 0 194,846

G.—l.

Table 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, 1899— continued.

220

c I 0 S M Kame of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Is Expenditure from 1st April. 1898. to 31st March, 1899, cnarged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surreys made from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Hoads com itructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of „__ Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Bern irks. Bridges constructed orer 30 It. Span. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Hawke's Bay —continued. Turehau Bridge £ 38,411 £ s. d. 23,451 4 1 M. ch. 87 51 M. ch. 38 9 M. ch. 56 9J No. 4 Length. Ft. 194 M. ch. 0 52 M. ch. 3 14 M. ch. 209 0 M. ch. 70 0 Acres. 194,846 91 443 300 444 445 446 447 448 449 Waimoko Bridge .. .. Opoiti Bridge (to account) .. Makaroro Bridge and approaches Nuhaka Bridge (to account) Te Reinga Palls Bridge Mohaka Bridge (to account) .. 500 1,000 400 600 300 2,500 1,500* 0 0 45 10 0 1 280 Authority issued to Cook County. Ditto. Wairoa County did construction. Authority issued to Waipawa County. Authority issued to Wairoa County. Tender accepted, foundations started, and material on the ground. Tender accepted, the piers and truss-work in progress. Manawatu Bridge (Waikopiro) 610 10 4 450 1,500 451 Waikopiro Improved-farm Settlement 1,000 441 13 6 Amount authorised by the House (Hawke's Bay) Expenditure limited by the House to Total 146,511 133,773 26,048' 17 11 87*51 38~ 9 56' 9 J *5 474 6 52 314 209' 0 76' 0 •• I 194*846 . 91 452 453 454 TARANAKI. Junction Road-Pnrangi (£1 for £1) Junction Road (widening) Kaipikari deviation 750 800 250 800' 0 0 2 31 2* 41 0 45 6 0 1,500 Work in progress by Clifton County. Specifications being prepared to let work the co-operative system. 455 456 457 458 459 Milsom Milsom and Tanner Mimi-Mangaroa Road, metalling (£1 for £1) .. Moanatairi Special Settlement Mokau 150 230 750 260 300 150 0 0 215 9 7 0 40 2 19 i 75 0 59 0 63 1 46 0 60 2 0 7 0 1,000 1,000 Work in progress by Clifton County. Spent with Vote 91, Item 465 No work has yet been done. Work in progress. Timber being cut for 70 ft. bridge. Work being proceeded with. 52 4 7 809 8 3 3 0 460 Mokau River Bridle-traek 100 461 462 Moki Junction-Block II., Upper Waitara Moki Road 100 400 2,000 10,000 " 463 Ngatoto 100 2,500 Carried forward J 4,190 4 36 18,000 2,027 2 5 5 10 1 42 46 0 45 3 60 8 0 7 0

C.-l

Table 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, 1899— continued.

221

J d I Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. h Expenditure from 1st April, 1898. to 31st March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering surveys made Roads com itructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Urown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bbidqes, etc. — continued. Taranaki —continued. 4,19( £ s. d. 2,027 2 5 M. oh. 5 10 M. ch. 4 36 M. ch. 1 42 No. 1 Length. Ft. 46 M. ch. 0 45 M. ch. 3 60 M. ch. 8 0 M. ch. 7 0 Acres. 18,000 91 464 Okoke Eoad .. 30( Work being done partly by Clifton County and partly by Cooperative labour. 465 466 467 468 469 Pukearuhe inland to Mohakatino (Mimi) Putiki Upper Waitara-Mangaere Ureti Township .. .. .. Egmont (metalling), £1 for £1 2,500 700 53 107 400 2,799 0 0 430 8 7 44 7 0 220 2 59 1 77 •• 2 97 5 30 21 0 1 7"0 10 0 2 1500 Also removal of slips. No work done. Work in hand by the local body. Contracts for culverts and earthworks in - .. 470 I Kent Road .. 150 471 Koru-New Plymouth, £1 for £1 300 progress. Oakura Road Board have work in hand. Contract laid off and in progress. No work done this year. 472 Maude Road 100 I . 473 474 475 476 Nβwall and Tohu Roads .. Waiweranui Tracks and huts, Mount Egmont Akama 150 150 300 200 158 3 0 7 0 10 0 i 477 478 479 480 Gatton Special Settlement Huiroa Kohuratahi-Tangarakau.. Mangaehu and Llewellyn Special-settlements .. 300 36 1,000 300 6 5 To be used in draining and forming swampy part of road. Nothing done this year. 31 16 8 523 0 5 146 5 3 242 i 45 4' 0 5 1000 2,000 481 482 Mangaotuku .. Mohakau 200 100! - See also Vote 91, Item 486. No work done, but preliminaries arranged. Work in hand by Stratford County. Metalling. Work should be completed in May. 483 484 Ohura (contribution) Pembroke 4,000 lOffl 1,118 16 11 5 0 2 0 485 486 487 Puniwhakau .. .. .. Putikituna .. Stratford-Ongaruhe 200 1,500 12,000 165 14 11 1,497 4 0 12,613 15 7 8 20 4 0 134 3 46 7 5 3 20 4 0 4 S 159 283 68 40 6 40 3 40 5,000 3,000 33,000 Also approaches and timber for Mangaroa Bridge. Carried forward .. .. 29,336 14 17 18 29 11 68,500 21,555 H 9 19 50 630 17 75 3 60 101 30 41 0

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222

Table 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, 1899— continued.

o » Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from T?««i««« w *«« *■ • iS Anrii 1SQK tr, Engineering «* &%£E23? Sn°Sot ?o r aT telST consSfover roaa. track. 30 ft. Span. Eoads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bemark3. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Taranaki —continued. Taihore (widening), £1 for £1 (to account) Terrace End .. Wingrove .. .. ... Mangamingi Township .. Brought forward ient Roads, Bridges, etc. — contini £ £ s. d. . M. oh. .. 29,336 21,555 14 9 19 50 tied. £ 29,336 . M. ch. 19 50 M. ch. 14 17 M. oh. 18 29 No. 11 Length. Ft. 630 M. eh. 17 75 M. ch. 3 60 M. ch. 101 30 M. ch. 41 0 Acres. 68,500 91 488 489 490 49X Taranaki —continued, (widening), £1 for £1 (to account) End .. ..500 ... .. 1,000 946 ill 9 30 500 1,000 50 60 9 30 0 12 131 1 44 .. 7 60 2^500 Stratford County will do this work. Work not yet in hand. Felling strip of bush near Rawhitiroa Rd. Deepening and clearing drain. Mileage included] in Item 504. Hawera County arranging for road through private lands. Metal. re .. .. ... lingi Township 60 9 7 5 492 Ngaire .. .. .. 300 299 3 4 : 1,500 493 Rawhitiroa Road .. roa Road .. .. ..500) 500l 494 Tangahoe Valley .... 300J j Dβ Valley .... ..300] 495 Ball Road (Blocks IX., X., XIII., XIV., Carlyle and Opaku S.D.), contribution Central Patea Valley Kaitangiwhenua No. 2 .. Mataimoana iad (Blocks IX., X., XIII., XIV., Car ipaku S.D.K contribution rlyle 985 981 5 0 985 0 70 6,000 496 497 498 'UHiKU. O.J--'. I, UUIiliilUUuIUIl Patea Valley [iwhenua No. 2 .. ..400 98 129 2 4 400 98 300 279 7^000 For felling and forming road up Patea River. To oontinue work already iu hand. No work done this year. oana .. ..300 499 500 501 Motoroa I Nukuhau ■ Okahutiria b ,u iria •• d ..100 33 15 15 0 40ffl ioo| 33 650 Removal of slips and maintenance. 6 ft. formation. 502 j 503 504 505 506 I Okotuku Waitotara Valley Eltham-Waitotara Eltham-Waitotara, £1 for £1 i ,ra Valley -Waitotara 200 109 7 8 .. 2,100 1,720 14 3 4 40 300 1,270 17 1 6 22 inn 200 2,100 300 400 4 40 6 22 379 6 29 0 64 2 0 9' 0 9 0 7 20 1,800 20,000 8,000 Hawera County has work in hand. To assist Stratford County in improving these roads. Requires painting, &c. Not completed. Insufficient funds, no work done. To assist Waitara Harbour Board in renewing the bridge. -Waitotara, £1 tor £1 .. 4UUJ .. • nr\r\\ i 200 Makuri and Akaka, £1 for £1 and Akaka, £1 for £1 200! 507 508 509 510 i Contingencies and Engineering I Mohakatino Bridge .. .. I Purangi Bridge (to account) J Tongaporutu Bridge (to account) eneies and Engineering ■tino Bridge i Bridge (to account) .. .. " 300 213 11 8 2 0 ..38 .. 1,500 555 7 10 • 300 38 1,500 250 2 0 1 57 1 244 10* 0 2^500 arutu Bridge (to account) ..250 511 I Waitara River Bridge (to account), £1 for £1 .. i River Bridge (to account), £1 for £1 1 .. 500 500] 512 513 Manganui Bridge Patea River Bridge (to account) iui Bridge liver Bridge (to account) .. 200 200 0 0 .. 500 498 14 8 1 1 94 125 20,000 Carried forward Carried forward .. 40,850! 28,505 5 11 j 41 62 \ 40,850] 41 62 24 57 25 20 15 1,137 20 65 3 60 119 30 72 50 137,800

Table 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, 1899— continued.

©»**!»

30—C. 1

223

|:I Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. h J* E m e lprn re i898°™ Engineering Roads cor «n at Ma l ftOQ burveye made the Item named. March, 1899. road. track. Roads constructed. Bridgee constructed over 30 ft. Span. Impr< ived. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Taranaki —oontinued. Punehu Bridge £ 40,850 £ s. d. 28,505 5 11 M. ch. 41 62 M. ch. 24 57 M.ch. 25 20 No. 15 Length. Ft. 1,137 M. ch. 20 65 M. ch. 3 60 M.ch. 119 30 M.ch. 72 50 Acres. 137,800 91 514 500 Waimate Road Board have charge of this work. Patea County will contribute half cost, and carry out the work. 3 acres bush felled, 23 acres sown, and house erected. Houses, road - felling, bush-felling, &c. 51 acres bush felled, and two houses erected. Three houses, bushfelling, culverts, &c, and 115 acres grass 515 Patea River Bridge (Ball Road) (to account), £1 for £1 250 516 Tawai Improved-farm Settlement 226 68 6 7 517 Burfoot (Mangapoua) Improved-farm Settlement 350 180 15 4 0 24 0 45 518 Derwent Improved-farm Settlement .. 400 237 15 3 0 26 0 20 3 0 519 Greenland Improved- farm Settlement 500 374 4 2 520 Mangatawa Improved-farm Settlement 200 sown. Cancelled as an improved - farm settlement. Bush-felling, grassing, &c. Ditto. Part of Putiki Road charged to this. Bushfelling, grassing, &c. 521 Okau Improved-farm Settlement 285 30 18 0 3 0 522 523 Ratatomokia Improved-farm Settlement Tongaporutu Improved-farm Settlement 178 500 43 16 0 96 0 4 524 525 526 527 Uruti Improved-farm Settlement Huiroa Improved-farm Settlement .. Mangaere Improved-farm Settlement Whangamomona Improved-farm Settlement .. 260 200 169 800 7 18 4 124 15 1 10 8 3 941 2 4 023 0 70 Bushfelling, 14 acres. 140 425 ft. culverts, 460 acres felled, 614 acres sown. Erection of house. Erection of house, grassing, &c. Erection of two houses, 528 52S) Maata Improved- farm Settlement .. Ngaere Improved-farm Settlement 143 300 20 0 0 45 1 0 530 Poti Improved-farm Settlement 1 100 56 10 6 ! Carried forward 46,231 30,742 17 1 41 62 25 50 27 45 15 1 137 20 65 3 60 119 30 79 40 137,800

α-i

224

Table 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, 1899— continued.

d d £ S > C Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. -J Expenditure from 1st April. 1898. to Engineering mart* Roads constructed. Impr< ived. Mainti jned. Area of Crown Land rendered ■ more accessible. g≤ I 8 31st March. 1R99, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898. To3lRt March, 1899. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Bri constru 30 ft. ■idges jc'*e<i over i. Span. Drayroad. BrWletr&ek. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Remarks. 46,231 £ s. d. 30,742 17 1 M. eh. 41 62 M. ch. 25 50 M. ch. 27 45 No. 15 Length. Ft. 1,137 M. ch. 20 65 M. ch. 3 60 M. ch. 119 30 M. ch. 79 40 Acres. 137,800 91 531 Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Taranaki —continued. Taumatatahi (Waitotata) Improved-farm Settlement Tongaporutu I\»rry Tangarakau Eiver (clearing), to account 150 43 16 3 0 30 Erection of house. 532 S33 534 Patea River (snagging) 250 2C0 60 7510 3 i 0 " __ - - See also Item 510. Clearing steamer channel. No expenditure will be incurred until eelweir is removed. Amount authorised by the House (Taranaki) .. Expenditure limited by the House to Total .. 40,891 34,049 30,862' 3 7 41 62 29 - 50 27 45 15 1437 26' 65 360 119 30 79 70 - 137^800 1 ! 1 Nothing done this year. '535 536 537 WELLINGTON. Rotoaira— Tokaanu Clifton .. .. 100 175 200 I •■ •• •• 206 2 11 - Work in progress on the Makaianui Road. Repairs to Makara Bridge, &O. Work will be started in May. 15 lineal ft. of culverts. 538 Flood-damages, Makohine Village Settlement, C ifton Block Huntapu-JIain Road .. -■■".. .. Hutlsumu Hunrerville I., II., JIT. .. Mangawlipro-llurimotu .. Okaliukura Sμ 200 115 10 0 0 40 .. 1,000 539 540 541 042 543 150 250 1,300 350 112 220 11 7 1,257 1 11 151 17: 8 88 12 6 128 5 28 i'33 8 12 6*20 1 68 20 18 40 0 6 0 2,000 5,000 20,000 10,000 544 545 546 547 548 549 Otaranoho .. .. Pipiriki-Waiouru Raetihi-Ohura Iii-Parapara Raetihi Township roads .. Rangiwaea .. .. .. 200 3,000 600 600 100 500 22 13 0 2,183 2 8 149 10 3 38 13 5 5 5 0 1,300 50,000 50,000 20,000 3 20 lineal ft. bridges and 100 lineal ft. culverts. Contract m hand. 6- 9 6' 9 •• 2 37 1 20 41 40 I 8 30 2 74 6*10 10 30 I .. Road lines. Work to be started in May. Work to be started in April, Nothing done this year. 48 Hn. fc. of culverts. 104 lin.ft. of culverts. 388 lin. ft. of culverts. 550 Retaruke Valley 200 551 552 553 554 555 . 556 557 Ruanui 2a and 3a Turakina Valley Waimarino Wanganui .. Moawhanga-Te Horo Rotoaira-Waimarino Taumaranui-Ohakune 200 800 500 400 250 100 841 662 13 6 316 8 8 400 0 0 47 19 3 3 21 3 50 '4 20 6' 9 1 61 2 24 0 32 3 34 4 73 4 61 5 40 18 0 6 0 8 0 16 32 3 34 5,000 20,000 5,000 10,000 20,000 20,000 239,303 811 12 6 3 46 016 261 42 30 Now under repair. 183 lin. ft. of culverts, 42 lin. ft. of bridges. Carried forward .. ~ .. 11,128 2 15 18 76 57 41 40 50 58 148 62 6,677 14 10 21 42 • •

c—i.

Table 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, 1899— continued.

225

I I Name of Work According to Item on Appropriations. § o Expenditure from 1st April, 1898. to disc jjaarcn, may, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering .oads constructed. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Improved. Mainti ined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bemarka. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. & 11,128 £ s. d. 6,677 14 10 M. oh. 21 42 M. eh. 2 15 M. ch.j 18 76 No. Length. Ft. M. oh. 3 57 M. oh. 41 40 M. ch. 50 58 M. ch. 148 62 Acres. 239,303 Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. Taurewa-Okahukura Awarua .. .. 300 3,000| 057 5*30 356 1921 50,000 No work done this year. 80 lin. ft. of culverts, felling, clearing slips, grassing, &c. 44 lin. ft. of culverts. 88 lin. ft. of culverts. Authority issued for work. 170 lin. ft. of culverts. 24 lin. ft. of bridge and 250 lin. ft. of culverts. 193 lin. ft. of culverts. 558 559 1 88O' 9 3 6 18 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 Gorge-Ohutu Improved-farm settlement Horouta Kakariki Bridge (approaches) Makohine Valley Murray's Track ..- Taihape-Paengaroa .. Taihape Township road3 Tekapua Watershed Road Ohingaiti-Tokaa,nu .. Pahiatua-Palmerston (to account) Main Boad, Mangoira-Goal Greek Malton .. .. .. 200; 500 1,400 500 400! I 400 200 700 300j 2,0001 800 486 400 131 10 2 494 10 0 0 28 2 10 0 7 0 28 2 10 6' 7 143 17 0 400 5 0 397 14 2 16 0 685 10 0 36 14 3 2,225 12 2 142 5 6 486 7 0 148 6 8 1*79 040 2 70 .. 0 40 2 70 3 20 5,000 5,000 5,000 i 77 1 1 .. 3' 1 2 61 5' 0 ■• 27 0 5,000 6' 3 1 i 60 • • 3 0 ! ! ■• 93 10 100,000 Remetalled. 6 72 1 15 •■ 1 12 2 S\000 1,200 Slips cleared. Culverts, slips, &c, scrubfelling and clearing. Metalling culverts, slips, &c. Grant to Pohangina County Council, work done last year. Culverts, slips, &o. Authority not yet issued. Slips, &c. Slips cleared. Slips, &c. Bushfelliog and clearing, slips, &c. * Metalling 7 ch. •Metalling 11 ch. Culverts, slips, &c. Slips cleared, &c. Scrubfelling and clearing, culverts, &o. Bushfelling and clearing, slips. J 135 573 Pohangina .. ... .. .. .. 242 235 17 5 i 0 3 0 30 1,500 574 Pohangina Valley Forest Reserve .. .. j 150 575 576 577 578 579 580 Salisbury and Delaware Totara Reserve (road deviation) Tunipo Road-Apiti, Norsewood Umutoi-Table Plat Upper Pohangina Valley .. .. Norsewood-Apiti (see also Hawke's Bay District) 200 200! 1351 100 402 1,115 194 7 0 1 0 200 1 15 132 17 6 72 6 0 400 0 2 1,099 18 7 049 i 45 •• I 0 5 1 0 1 52 ■ 0 26 2 16* 2 0 3 25 3 46 2 12 i',150 * • 581 Auputa Road and Bridge : 300 0 7 0 37 1 8* 4 0 582 583 Conspicuous Road Hautapu .. .. .. ' - .'."' _.J ' 701 ; 300 1 698 17 1 176 11 8 0 33 0 42 0 33 0 42 0 4 2 40 1,800 6,300 •• . ' 6,900 584 1 Hautapu No. 2 500 136 17 6 1 30 1 35 Carried forward .. • • • 6 34 ; 41 0 155 3 220 23 431,353 27,059 16,999 14 11 47 10 1 GO 8 41 44 72

c.-i

226

Table 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, 1899— continued.

o - ■ o I I _ Name of Work according to Item on Appropriation*. Expenditure from 1st April. 1898. to Engineering Surreys made loads constructed. Impr< ived. Mainti ,ined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. aisi jviarcn. charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Drayroad. Bridle Bridges , lu , constructed orer tuck. 30 ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bemarke. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, ktc. — continued. Wellington —continued. Hautapu-Kuahine £ 27,059 £ s. d. 16,999 14 11 M. ch. 47 10 M. ch. 6 34 M. ch. 41 0 No. 1 Length. Ft,. 60 M. ch. 8 41 M. ch. 4 72 M. ch. 155 3 M. ch. 220 23 Acres. 431,353 i,oob| 1,013 7 2 1 50 0 10 4 51 2 38 14 0 20,000 Bushfelling and" clearing culverts, slips. Bushfelling and olearing,slips, &c. 'Metalling 10 ch. •Metalling 10ch. Slips, &c. Slips. * Metalling 30 ch. Widening 1 J ch., metalling lm/28ch., and slips. Included in HautapuRuahine, 91/585. Included in Awarua, 91/559. Bushfelling and clearing. Culverts, slips, &o. Slips cleared. Scrubfelling and clearing, slips, bridge. * Metalling, bridges, fascining, &c. Slips, &a. Scrubfelling and clearing ; road grassed. Slips, <fec. Work authorised (vide 91/642). Repairs and fencing in Government paddock. * Metalling 23 ch., widening 7 ch. Slips. Scrubfelling, slipa. •Widening. Slips, fencing. 585 586 Kawatau Valley Road 2,750J 1,678 H 9 2 43 1 80 0 10* 2 40 587 Kelpie lopi 17 8 10 1 28 0 23 *0 60 1 20 588 589 590 Kew Kimbolton Mangawharariki 50 820 1,500 553 10 11 916 0 6 0 13 1 46* 129J Y 0 1 48 591 Marton, 1 and 2 350 259 0 3 592 Ngaio 129 127 3 2 593 Onslow iod 1 j i •• I 594 595 596 Pemberton-Wairaki (Pukerimu) Umutoi .. Ballanoe-Manawatu Gorge 70 500 32 3 0 53 5 11 144 17 3 015 .. I 4 0 3* 0 2' 0 2',200 597 Bridge Road to Makakahi 404 403 14 4 0 10* 10 598 599 Coonoor Farm-homestead Association Hall Special Settlement 185* 18 0 1 19 0 45 4 50 S , ! 175 600 601 Kaitawa Ridge Road Makuri, Section 12, Block X. 700 5ffl 212 3 11 . 1 2 5 0 602 Makuri Township 60 13 8 9 603 Makairo .. .. .. .. 300 330 18 0 0 30* 605 Makairo-Kumeroa .. .. .. Mangatoro Valley .. .. ..' 600 300 257 11 9 256 18 0 1 1 0 2 041* 7 0 Carried forward 37,895 456,728 ; 23,455 19 5 | 53 70 8 5 47 31 140 17 76 47 62J 180 3 244 11

227

C—l

Table 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, Ac., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1899— continued.

o' 6 o ® Name of Work according te Item on Appropriations. 3* Expenditure from 1st April, 1898. to 31st March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Boads constructed. Bridges constructed over 80 ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Hemarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. £ 37,895 £ s. d. 23,455 19 5 M. ch. 53 70 M.ch. 8 5 M.ch. 47 31 No. 2 Length. Pt. 140 M.ch. 17 76 M.ch. 47 62J M.ch. 180 3 M.ch 244 11 Acres. 456,728 Brought forward .. 91 606 607 608 609 610 Settlement Boads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. McKenzie Special Settlement Block (Tutaekara Bailway-station) Ngaturi-Aohanga ». Nikau-Omata Ohinereiata Boad Pahiatua-Bailway-station (repairs), £1 for £1 .. 150 350 100 50 300 Authority issued. • - m Work authorised. Work in hand by Pahiatua County Council; repairs to Station Boad. Authority issued. Bridges, &c. Slips. * Metalling 10 ch., repairs 5ch.; also, slips. Slips. Slips. Authority issued. Authority issued (vide detailed reports). Bushfelling slips, &o. * Widening. Bushfelling, slips, tunnelling, &o. Metalling 1 m. 20 oh. Widening, bush and scrub felling, slips, road grassed. Authority issued. 96* 0 0 611 612 613 614 Tautaekara-Nikau Thompson's Tiraumea Valley .. Toritea-Makuri 100 196 400 300 362 6 4 125 2 8 206 3 10 6 51 •• •■ •• 6* 0 7 45* 615 616 617 618 Towai Upper Makuri Valley Upper Tiraumea Valley .. Waewaepa (£1 for £1) .. 100! 200 250 100 99 0 3 117 9 2 •• I 4 40 3 0 6,700 = ! ] 1 1 I .. : 619 620 Woodville-Aohanga .. .. Mukuri-Aohanga (Bakanui) .. 800 1,401 564 6 1 1,382 15 5 6 .35 052 1 57 2 76' 4 0 6 40 4 0 621 j Makuri-Pongaroa 3,000 3,210 4 9 7 27 4,700 Waiwera .. .. .. Boad through Ihakara's Beaerve (Levin) Waikanae-Te Horo j 622 623 624 240 150 400 Grant to Horowhenua County Council; authority not yet received. Grant to Taratahi-Car-terton Boad Board. •• Mount Holdsworth T*aoks 75 625 ■600 233 1-8 5 1 Carried forward 47,082 3 29,853 6 4 60 25 9 27 49 8 215 28 19 47 624 211 48 248 11 468,128

228

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

o o I I Name of Work according to Item on ■ i Appropriations. Expenditure from t:™ 1st April, 1898. to go 31st March. 1899, § o charged to Autho- *■ rities issued out of the Item named. from let April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering ?oaT ttack" consSucfed'over road. Oracle. 30 ft. Span. Boads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Bemarks. r .■ . . . .. Brought forward .. < . . • < Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. Alfredton-Tenui (contribution) 47,082 £ s. d. 29,853 6 4 M. eh. 60 25 M. oh. 9 27 M. ch. 49 8 No. 3 Length. Ft. 215 M. ch. 28 19 M. ch. 47 62J M. ch. 211 48 M. ch. 248 11 Acres. 468,128 180! Grant to Wairarapa North County Council; authority just issued. Scrub- felling and clearing, also slips, sawing timber, tunnelling, &c. Authority issued. Bridge (24 ft.) erected. Authority issued. 91 626 Aohanga-Gorge .. .. .. 1,217 16 11 2 1 2 0 627 1,400 628 629 630 631 632 Aohanga-Waiowaka.. . Barton's Road Barton's Road-Mangamahoe Junction Barton's Read-McQuarrie's Boundary Barton's Road-Wairere 300 97 200 150 50 96 19 2 ■ ■ ; I . • - : ■ 50' 0 0 Grant to Mauriceville Road Board; work done last year. Grant to Castlepoint Road Board; authority just issued. Authority issued. Supply of timbar, slips, &c. Bushfelling and clearing, and slips. Grant to Taratahi-Car-terton Road Board: work in abeyance pending consent of settlers to land being taken for road. Grant to Taratahi-Car-terton Road Board. 'Widening. Grant to Wairarapa North County Counoil; authority for £50 issued; metalling 112 cubic yards. Authority issued. 633 Bideford Road, vid Mangapeka, £1 for £1 200 634 635 Bowen's-Hastwell Burling's-Mecftlickstone 150 750 742 3 3 818 071 2 0 636 Ohriafcchurch Association 75ffl 221 9 10 0 64 0 53 5,400 637 Graigie Lee (Douglas Road) .. 150 638 Driscoll's Road .. .., • 100 100 0 0 1 30 0 45* 639 Eketahuna-Alfredton lOCfl 50 0 0 640 Plat Bush .. ..... .. .. .. 5( Carried forward 51,709 32,331 15 6 69 27 13 49 49 61 215 28 19 48 27f 215 48 248 11 473,528 ■ " --■■..!

229

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

d o s a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. ■*» 13 r> Expenditure from 31st March. 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering ?o r aT ttack' <=ons«uct g ed B oyer road. track. 30 ft. Span. Roads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Drav- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. £ 51,709 £ s. d. 32,331 15 6 M. ch. 69 27 M. ch. 13 49 M. ch. 49 61 No. 3 Length. Ft. 215 M. ch. 28 19 M. ch. 48 274 M. ch. 215 48 . ch. 5 48 L. 3 M. ch. 248 11 Acres. 473,528 Brought forward .. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. 268 11 9 297 6 1 1 55 3 70 Slips, &o. Bushfelling and clearing. Authority issued. Bush- and scmbfelling and clearing. •Widening. Also fencing removed. Authority issued; engineering being proceded with. Authority issued. •Metalling. Bushfelling and clearing, &o. Authority issued. Grant to Upper Taueru Road Board ; authority just issued. . : , Authority not yet issued. Grant [o Eketahuna Road Board; work done last year. Work authorised ; authority not yet issued. Grant to Castlepoint Road Board ; authority not yet received. *Metalling23eh. Bushfelling, slips, &c. BnshfelHng and clearing, slips. Slips. Authority issued. 91 641 642 Huia Hukunui-Masterton Special Settlement 328 300 ■• •■ j •• •• J 643 644 Kakaamu .. Kaiparoro .. 200 300 217~ 7 9 6'35 6'32 2^000 645 Kaiwhata-Bewa 50 33 13 6 I 0 3* 7,100 646 Kaiwhata Bun 49 200 4 3 0 647 648 Kuware Kakariki Special Settlement .. 130 400 287 2 3 6 78 6 25* 4 1800 619 650 Kaikoura Farm Homestead Settlement Roads.. Lang's Seotion, Wairere (Dagg's Road), £lfor£l 200 250 ■ 1 I 651 Mangamahoe-Panemango 150 652 Mangaone (Norling's) 61 61 6 6 653 Mangaoronga .. 5 0 0 r 71 654 Mangaparapara, £1 for £1 100 • • 655 Mangatainoko Valley 400 397 11 0 0 2 0 22 0 23* 656 Masterton Reform Association 500 284 19 6 3 30 I 1 11 10,000 657 658 Mecalickstone • Mount Baker (Tawataia tollgate), Mangamahoe 500 200 299 1 3 0 60 6,100 Carried forward 14 69 52 4 3 j 215 503,528 j 56,0491 34,487 18 1 74 69 28 67 48 30J j 215 48 252 1 I

C.—l.

Table 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, 1899— continued.

230

s a o • Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. e __: a o Expenditure from 1«* l«*.:i ICflO 31et March. 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Dray- Bridleroad, track. Boads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improred. 1 Maintained. ray- Bridleoad. track. Area of 3rownLand rendered more accessible. Bexn&rka. Bridges constructed oyer 30 ft. Span. Drayroad. £ 56,049 £ s. d. 34,487 18 1 M. ch. 74 69 M. ch. 14 69 M. ch. 52 4 No. 3 Length. Ft. 215 M. ch. 28 67 M. ch. 48 30J M. ch. 215 48 M. ch. 252 1 Acres. 503,528 Brought forward Settlement Boads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. Newman-Stirling 300 300 0 0 Grant to Eketahuna Road Board. Work done last year: final payment this period. * Widening. Slips, &c. Bushfelling and olearing, also stumping 40 ch. Slips, small bridge, and 9,627 ft. timber sawn. Authority issued. Waiting for local body to arrange for right-of-way. 91 ,659 Pahiatua No. 1 Pahiatua No. 2 498 6 11 597 0 5 0 42 1 3 2 32 0 36* 3 0 5 40 : 660 ;661 500 600 •■ ;662 663 Pahiatua No. 3 Pahiatua No. 4 651 300 651 6 4 242 3 3 4 40 i •• 145 ;664 :665 PonRaroa Sohool Road (metalling) .. Parkville-Mangatainoka 100 400 " I .. 666 667 668 Pa Valley Eoad .. • • Puketoi-Aohanga .. • • • • Rising Sun Association .. ..>•.. 400 116 800 28 17 0 50 15 0 778 19 11 1 20 6'60 Removal of fenoing. Bushfelling, clearing, slips, 4 small bridges. Included in 91/642. Authority issued. 6 36 o' 0 440 8 1400 669 670 671 672 673 '674 675 Road to Native lann , , K. No. 2 Section 183, Block IV., Aohanea-Aohanga Valley Small-grazing Run 51, Rewa Survey District .. Tawatahia Road Tβ Mara .. .. .. Ti-nni Valley .. Uruti-Castlepoint 150 200 150 250 400 200 100 56 13 0 ■ " . - 6' 3 i* 132 I * Wire suspension. Authority issued. Authority issued. Work to be done by Wairarapa N. Co. Council. * Widening. Slips. Slips. Road grassed 71 chains. Authority issued. Scrubfelling and olearing, slips. Vide 91/060. Vide 91/648. .. 676 677 .. 300 200 267 15 6 24 1 11 0 52 ! 0 3* 6 0 4 40 Waihi Waihi-Akitio .. .. ! 67R 679 Waiowaka Road extension Waihoki Valley 200 150 5 18 0 32 680 681 Waipatnkaka, near Pongaroa West Road .. 300 150 I .. •■ Carried forward 62,966 14 69 64 6 4 511,928 37,983 17 4 82 25 347 28 67 48 69J 216 28 277 6

231

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Table 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, Ac., under the Control of the Department of Lands and Survey, for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1899— continued.

31—C. 1

d I Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. 52 Expenditure from _ In April. 1898. to Engineering 31st March. 1899, burveys made charged to fr ?™ .^J" 1 ' rities issued out of i* ,98 ' £° f'" the Item named. March, 1899. Roads constructed. [>ads constructed. Impro-red. ?™J" Bridletiaci,. 30 ft. Span. road - track - Main lined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Hero arks. Drayroad. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. Wingate Road £ 62,966 £ s. a. 37,983 17 4 M. oh. 82 25 M. ch. 14 69 M. ch. 64 6 No. 4 Length. ■ Ft. 347 M. ch. 28 67 M. ch. 48 69£ M. ch. 216 28 M. ch. 277 6 Acres. 511,928 91 682 380 683 684 6S5 686 687 688 Alfredton-Weber Kaiwhara Valley Cameron's- Pah aoa Plat Point Road • • .. " (rladstone-Flat Point Kaitangata (Mangaterere and Waiohine) 3,000 500 200 1 250[ 700 3,051' r 2 3 437 0 10 250 0 0 464 1 9 0 8 2 0 1*50 0 52 1 0 055 0 43 6 40* 35 23 3 0 26' 0 10,000 M00 Grant to Wairarapa N. Co. Council. Work completert last year, awaiting final inspection. Widening, metalling. 22,351 cubic yd. slips. 200 ch. road grassed. Oue bridge 30 ft. span. One land span 20 ft. Grant to Taratahi-Car-terton Road Board. Authority issued. Grant to Taratahi-Car-terton Road Board. 2,600 cubic yd. slips. Authority issued. Road gras«ed 120 ch. •Widening. Bush and scrub clearing, slips. Ten small bridges. Authority issued. Grant to Featherston Road Board. Authority just issued. Grant to Taratahi-Car-terton Road Board. Authority just issued. Grant to Taratahi Carterton Road Board. Vide 91/638. Authority just received. Slips, road gras3ed, bushfelling and clearing. Authority issued. 689 690 Mangatarere Range 150 150 ■■ 691 Rooky Hill-Wainuioru 50 692 Turner's Road-Wainuioru 220 50 0 0 693 Waiohine 119 16 11 2 40 0 41 300 694 Wharau-Kawhata 300J •■ Carried forward ■ .. 59,466 42,355 19 1 16 41 65 22 4 88 43 .347 28 67 49 72£ 274 51 277 6 526,728

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232

Table 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, 1899-continued.

I Xtee 6f 'Work according to Item on Appropriations. I Expenditure from c*j 1st April. 1898. to g S 31st March. 1899, g o j charged to AuthoJJ5 > \ rities issued out of the Item n&rned. Engineering Boade constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Surveys made Crown Land from 1st April, I rendered 1898. to31st Dray- I Bridle- ,„„.„.,,„%„„„,. Dray- Bridle- Dray- Bridle- more March, 1899. road. track. 3a Jt Span road ' track ' roa(L track, accessible. Engineering riurvevs made Boads constructed. Remarks. Brought forward .. ..I SEtfrrjsftEST BoAfis. B&idges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. Akatarawa-Waikanae £ i i9,466J 150J 50 400 : 200: £ s. a. 42,355 19 1 100 0 0 M.ch. 88 43 M.ch. 16 41 M. ch. No, 65 22 4 Length. 347 M.ch. 28 07 M.ch. J 49 72J; M.ch. 274 51 M.ch. 277 6 l.ch. 7 6 Acres, j 526,728 ! 91 695 0 10* 1 50 : Grant to Hutt County Council. Bridge 22 ft. * Widening. Grant to Hutt County Council. : Authority issued, i Grant to Hutt County Council. 1 Grant to Hutt County ! Council. Grant to Hutt County Council. * Wideni ing, 73 ch. metalling. Grant to Hutt County Council. Work done last 3>ea,r: Three small bridges. ! Grant to Hutt County Council. 75ch. drains. ; Slips cleared ; kerbing footpaths. i Authority issued. ! Grant to Hutt County Council. * Metalling. Outside district. Grant to Pahiatua County Council. Equipment allowance; travelling expenses, &c. Section of site taken, and drawings for bridge made. High-level suspension now proposed. No work done last year. 20,000 Works now in hand; timber, ironwork, scaffolding for 121 ft. 696 Belmont S.D. to Sections 233, 237, Block X .. 0 67 0 40 697 698 Korokord Settlement Roada Mungaroa Valley 2 22 0 57 0 20 ! 699 Moonshine 100 0 48 I 0 73* 700 Ngahaurangai-Hdr'okiwi .. 100: 100 0 0 701 Paekakariki-Waikanae-Hadfield .. .. I 5oo! 500 0 0 1 72 I .. . .. i i 702 j Paekakariki-Paraparamu {to account) 500! .. i " I 703 Paparangi Estate Road .. .. 36J 36J ! 1 69 0 10 .. 1 70 ■i 2 0 704 705 Sections 48 and 56, Block V., Rimutaka Whiteman's Valley .. .. '.'. ion; 100: 100j 100: ico' © « i' 0 6' 3* .. I 0 3* 706 707 Chatham Islands Roads .. Village Stttlements .. .. .. 100 650 650| 1 10 0 561 12 0 6' 6 - 030 '.'. I 708 Contingencies and Engineering 836 830 150 13 7 709 Waitotara River Suspension Bridge ISO 130 710 Mangawhero Low-level Bridge (Aberfeldie) 200 200 '" 711 712 Upper Wangaehu Bridge Moawhaugo Bridge (Horouta) 250 1,000 250 1,000 435 Q 5 I ( Carried forward .. .. 74.882J 65 52 4 4 span. 44,304 15 1 94 72 20 23 347 Sβ 57 j 30 78£| 27S SI 278 56 546,728 \

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

233

d 6 Name of 'vVork according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from. 1st Aptil. 1898. to, Engineering Surveys made ;oads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of ; Crown Land rendered [ inore accessible. Bernards. r> charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Drayroad. track. 30ft idges acted over r. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Drayroad. Bridletrack. 74,8821 £ 8. d. ! 44,304 15 1 I M.ch. 94 72 M.ch. 20 23 M. eh. 65 52 No. 4 4 Length 347 I M.ch. 30 57 M.ch. 50 78i M. ch. 276 51 M.ch. 278 56 Aores. 546,728 91 713 Brought forward .. ...', Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. Onepuehu Railway Bridge, approaches (to ao- i count) Wangaebu River Bridge, £1 for £1 .. Rangitikei River Bridge (Mangaweka) Rangitikei Bridge (Otara), £1 for£l (to account) 5001 500] 1,000] 1.500J 275; j j 1.500J 45213 5 1,000 0 0 - No work done this year. : 714 j 715 716 ! 1 1 1 1 192 : 50^000 k i •• ■' 1 Work in charge witea County. 717 ' 718 : Bangitikei Bridge (Vinegar Hill), £1 for £1 (to account) Fitzherbert, £1 for £1 (to account) .. .. I I • • ■! •• I j j Grant to Palmerston North Borough Council. Authority not yet issued. Grant to Pohaviguia County Council. No work done. Grant to Foxton Borough Council. Autbority just received. Authority not yet issued. 719 720 Lower Gerge (to account o£ contribution) .. ; Apiti .. .. .. .. ! I 1 • •• j .i : •I 721 J j - : ! Manawatu, Wirokino, £1 for £1 (to account) .. ; .1 .. ■ j J i 1.000300 I 70 0 0 ; ! 8 I 1 722 723 Otaki Bridge (to account) .. .. j Ballance (to account) .. .. .. 1 Ohau Low Level .. ., .. 1 i m lokomaru, Ohau, Horowhenua, W'dikawa, and! Otaki (construction), (to account) Mangatainoka (Tutaekara Crossing), £1 for £1 .. i Maogatainoka River (Hamua), (to account) Mangatainoka River (Newman - Stirling), (to account) Mikimiki .. .. .. .. j ■ . ; I ! Gramt to Horowhenua County Council. Ditto. 280 0 0 i I 1 S I i 726 i 727 i 728 3oo; 3 12 0 I 0 6 I 300! 300i 20Oj : i •• Authority issued. 3UU| •• fcA 500 500 353 8 4 ! j ;l Grant to Masterton Road Boai?d. Weik done last year. Authority issued. Grant to Wairarapa North County Council. Work done last year. 729 ■■ i i 730 731 Makuri-Pongaroa Bridges v (tQ account) .. ; Smith's Footbridge, Tofeara Reserve.. .. j ! 400 j 100 iocj 100J 92 19 4 8 •• ii . ■• -i i i j _ Carried forward .. .. > 86,877 46,557 8 2 •94 7J8 20 23 65 52 5 539 30 57 50 78J 276 '51 278 56 S96.728

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

234

d o Name of Work according to Item an Appropriations. .11 R l£ a ASriHlMi e £ Engineering Eoads constructed. S/Ch Surveys made charged to Autho- ?Sa~£« ■ rtvav m-iriin Bridges rities issued out of if??' I J" 7» I constructed over the Item named. ( March, 1899. road. track. 30 ft. Span. Eoads constructed. Dray- Brialeroad. track. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land! rendered ! Dray- ! Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Maintained. Bain arks. Brought forward .. Settlemekt Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Wellington —continued. Taueru (Masterton, Bast Coast), £1 for £1 (to account) £ 86,877 £ s. d. 46,557 8 2 M. ch. 94 78 M. ch. 20 23 M. oh. 65 52 No. 5 Length. Ft. 539 M. ch. 30 57 M. ch. 50 78J M. ch. 276 51 M. ch. 278 56 Acres. 596,728 300 91 732 Grant to Taratah't-Gar-terton Road Board. commence shortly. J Grant to Wairarapa North County ;Counoil. Authority not yet issued. 733 Tenui Bridge and Road (contribution) 45W 0 6 149 0 6 734 735 736 737 Tiraumea No. 1 (Edward's Crossing) Waipoua River .. ■ .. ..: Jackson's Creek Bridge, East Coast, Main Road Ruarnahanga (£1 for £1), Masterton-Gladstone Road 100 200 200 500 ■■ ■• 500 0 0 Grant to Masterton Koad Board. Work done last year. Authority not yet issued. Bush-felling. 84 acres bushfelling. 738 739 740 741 742 743 Sutherland's Bridge (subsidy) Horopito Improved-farm Settlement Hautapu Improved- farm Settlement Manga weka .. Masterton-Tenui Improved-farm Settlement .. Ohutu Improved-farm Settlement .. 50 250 300 1,000 300 960 82 16 4 307 15 10 •• 2*35 138 2 15 97 15416 4 972 0 9 i 2 128 368 1 27 3 35 27 acres bushfelling. 149 acres bushfelling, 280 lin. ft. culverts. 35 acres bushfelling. 24 lin. ft. bridge, 94 lin. ft. culverts, 18 acres bushfelling. 645 acres sown, 23J acres bushfelling. Sowing grass - seed on section. 17 acres bushfelling, four plain bridges. 158 ch. bushfelliog on roads, 474 acres felled on farm. 427 acres bush felled on farm. Drawings in hand. See special report by Mr. J. T. Stewart. Proposed to be expended on suburban roads. Authority not yet received. 744 745 Otuarei Improved-farm Settlement .. Rongoiti Improved-farm Settlement 520 400 213 2 6 380 1 9 8 13 1 30 i 5 1 9 i*45 1 9 746 Taihape Improved-farm Settlement 500 891 3 6 5 0 0 20 0 31 1 65 0 31 747 Kawatau .. .. .. 245 12 14 0 5,700 748 Pemberton .. .. .. 400 310 10 4 1 56 1 57 749 Mangatiti 500 1,166 12 4 0 11 750 Akitio 600 1,776 17 1 2 0 751 752 753 754 Lands and Survey Office, Wanganui Wanganni River Trust .. Tongariro National Park Mangaweka Township (drainage) 300 1,000 200 50 1,000 0 0 326 5 5 0 7 8 253 253 9*53 • • I I 755 :Shippiog-shed, Aohanga, East Coast Wanganui River Steamer Subsidy .. 200 Gr. 87* 10 0* ■• •• " Amount authorised by the House (Wellington).. ! Expenditure limited by the House to Total 96,402 70,002 54,515 2 0 109 1 24 33 73 13 6 688 30 63 50'78ij 286 24 298 24 602,525 J ■• * Omitted to be transferred to Vote 71.

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235

Table 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, 1899— continued.

d a t— < Name oi Work according to Item on Appropriations. £ • I 'Tsf AtoHsosTo Engineering Roads constructed. §■3 : 31st Slari-h 1889 Surreyemade ___ * I the Item named. March, 1899. road, j track. 3On Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Remarks. idges icted over Span. Drayroad. Briaietrack. £ £ g. d. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M.ch. M.ch. M. ch. A. ch. Acres. Settlement Roads, Bridsks, btc. — continued. NELSON. Clif ton-Pohara Beach .. .. ' .. 59 9 6 0 61 Work done by Collingwood County. Work done last year. I Grant to Collingwood County. Ditto. 2,000 91 756 j 100| 757 758 Mount Arthur tracks .. .. .. Pakawau-Tamatea lira 300 101 3 9 •• 759 760 761 762 Takaka roads and bridges Takaka-Riwaka Aniseed Valley Brooklyn Valley 53 75 200 50| 75 5 0 142 3 9 19 15 0 6 8J 140 060 160 •• i i 0 23 0 23 ! I Riwaka Road Board has work in band. Balance on work re1,000 turned last year. 1,000 This was expended in purchase of land required for line of road. iGrant to Waimea County. I Work being carried out by Road Board. I Grant to Waimea County. Ditto. Riwaka Road Board have this in hand. 1 Ditto. 2,000 ; j Waimea County have this in hand. J Ditto. J Grant to UpperMoutere Road Board. Work in hand by Local Body. 1,000 ! Work done by Waimea i County. ! Protecting road round Slips and diverting Bulier River. 7,000 763 764 765 Little Sydney and branch track Maitai Road (subsidy) Motueka-Waiwhero Valley 10 300 74 9 3 10 100 1 0 73 18 11 6*47 766 Nelson-Blenheinm (Nelson end) .. .. ! 150| 1 ... 767 Neudorf-Dovedale .. .. .. ] 50 0 d5 1 6 768 Norris's Gully to Stewart's 150J 769 770 Quail Valley Eawson's Creek (Riwaka) 50 50 25* 7 0 6*51 , , 771 772 ! 773 Riwaka-Sandy Bay-Marahau Riwaka Valley School Hill-Ngatimoti 100 100 100 80* 0 0 6'35 0 34 774 I 775 776 Tadmor-Motupiko Tadmor Valley Upper Moutere roads 300l 500 50 777 ! Wairoa Gorge 100 50 0 0 0 30 778 779 780 Wakefield-Stanley Brook Wangamoa Belgrove-Tophouse-Tarndale .. .. | 100 100 j 400 100 0 0 85 15 11 164 4 10 1 15 1 52 0 23 Carried forward .. .. I 3,572 1,086 8 6 5 18J 0 51 •• 1 15 1 60 3 0 I

236

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

S 3 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. " • E S e Icrn re i898 rO » Engineering Eoads cot S2 ffiESOS &?• Dray- Bridle- * the Item nfmed March, 1899. road. track. Roads com 30 ft. Span. road - track - ;ructed. Improved. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of jrown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. £ 3,572 £ s. d. 1,086 8 6 M. ch. M.ch. 5 18i M. ch. 0 51 No. Length Ft. M. ch. 1 15 M. ch. 1 60 M.ch. 3 0 M. ch. 0 23 Acres. 7,000 Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Ne Ison —continued. Riwaka-Takaka Hill 91 781 782 Belgrove-Westport-Reefton 100 3,500 4,533 6 7 108 0 Grant to Waimea County. See also Vote 92, Item 139. Authority issued. 783 784 785 786 787 788 789 790 791 792 793 I 794 i 795 Croixelles-Elaine Bay French Pass, Admiralty Bay, and Croixelles tracks Lyell Cemetery Road Torea southwards Hampden Cemefcery-Muronison Slips Road Culverden-Hanmer Plains : .. Tophouse-Wairau Gorge Waiau River Road (round south side) £1 for £1 Ahaura-Haupiri Village Settlements Contingencies and Engineering Motupipi River Bridge .. .. .. I 100 200 75 150 50 100 100 100 150 200 200 170 300! Authority notyet issued. Authority issued. Authority issued, no work done. ; Nothing done. - - 175 10 0 035 . . * Work done by Grey County. Purchase of land., ! Grant to Collingwood County. I Work in progress. Grant to Waimea County. Ditto. Work in progress by Amuri County. Three groins erected; 27 ch. of strong embankment made, and 16 ch. faeines constructed, &c. See report on Roads. 62' 0 0 796 797 Maitai Valley Bridge Wairoa, Brightwater Bridge 200 250 I 798 : 799 S00 801 Wairoa River Bridge, £1 for £1 Lower Waiau Bridge, repairs (to account) Blackball Cemetery (clearing and fencing) Takaka River protective works 250 1,500 60 500 1,006' 0 0 5o6' 0 6 802 803 Motueka River protection Hanmar: new bath and other buiidinga; improvement and maintenance of bath-houses and grounds 200 2,000 85 0 0 728 3 3 •• Amount authorised by the House (Nelson) Expenditure limited by the House to Total 14,027 10,185 8,17b' 8 i " " 5 53| 6 51 115 1 60 111 0 •• 6'23 7,000 j ..

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

237

d 6 S la o ® Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from S_! ! In April. 1808. to g» 31st March. 1899, I o i charged to Autho- > \ rities issued out of the Item named. Engineering SurveyB marie 1 from 1st April, 1898, to 31st DrayMarch, 1899. ' road. Roads constructed. ,. rl , e " construe: ed over track. ; 3Q lt . Span . Imprt ived, Maint; iined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible, j Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. j £ & s. d. M. ch. M. eh M. ch. I No. Length Ft. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 91 804 805 806 807 808 809 810 811 : 812 I 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. : MARLBOROUGH. Arapawa-Te Awaiti .. .. .. ' 160! Anakoa-ManaiOa .. .. .. I 200: Beatrice Bav-Kenny's Me .. .. i 15<X Crail Bay-Homewood .. .. .. 200i Crail Bay Track .. .. .. 300 Fairy Bay-North-west Bay .. .. 20i Harvey's Bay-Pelorus Sound .. .. 150] Hakahaka-Opihi .. .. .. 100| Kenepuru-Aiiakoa .. .. .. 4001 Kenepuru-Endeavour Inlet .. .. 150 Kenepuru Sound .. .. .. 200 Manaroa-Hopai .. .. .. 501 Manaroa-Okoha .. .. .. 400J Okoha-Titirangi .. .. .. 200| Ohinetalia-Te Mehia .. .. .. 50 Onaliau Bay-Kenepiu'u Sound .. .. 150 Piripaua Keck Cutting .. .. .. 100! 96 13 3 175 9 3 116 16 6 33 5 0 117 3 3 138 14 10 56 2 0 365 2 10 3 52J 3 194| 3 77 . 1 40 ; 2 70 2 75i 2 66 2 59J| 5,000 3,000 3,000 1,800 1,000 340 Authority issued. Authority issued. 124 18 0 1 11 6 344 5 0 1414 i 46 6 26|| ! Authority issued. 33' 2 0 6' 8 4' 0 : Authority issued. Gutting through ridge 80 ft. high ; work in progress. 821 822 I 823 Robin Hood Bay-Ocean Bay .. .. 200 , Tennyson Inlet .. .. .. 100j Te Mehia Bay-Portage Bay .. .. 300 107 9 3 5 4J 1(000 j 1,000 ; 824 825 826 S27 Toirea Neck .. .. .. .. 50 ! Torea Bay Wharf and Road .. .. 100 Tracks, Queen Charlotte Sound .. ..200 Tory Heads-Whatamonga-Picton .. ., 400 s 217 7 10 14 3 6 3 13 6 302 6 9 6 - 32J .. ] 9 - 44J " * "600 j 4,000 I ! Removing slips and making gates, i General repairs and removal of slips. \ Authority issued. j Ironwork for gates. i Also providing gates and tools. ' Authority issued. : Settlers object to road. Repairs to biidge. Contract let for general i repairs. i New work now in hand. Work done by Picton Road Board. 828 829 830 831 Waitaria-Te Mav.han-a-maiu .. .. : 200; Wet Inlet-Crail Bay .. .. ..j 150! Whatamnnga-Port Underwood Track .. 100 White's Bay-Port Underwood .. .. 150 Nydia Bay-Havelock .. .. .. 300 Pi'cton-Waikawa .. .. .. 100 tt 7 6 0 14 6 500 ! 4,000 4,000 i 832 833 28 2 0 97 6 0 0 16 "i 64 037 tg I 834 ■ 835 ■ Tawhiunui-Rai .. .. .. 200 Anakiwi-Grove .. ., .. 200 Carried forward .. .. 5,730 40 1 2 68 9 3 2 - 18 1*500 Also 22 culverts and 2 2,497 4 8 55 11: 110 0 37 4 0 30,740 i

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238

Table 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, 1899— continued.

£ B Name of WorU according to Item on Appropriations. S • I E l X sf ABrn re i89 f 8°S I Engineering = "i ' SlBt ffarch is4 Surveys made >• ritiee issued out of ,"L 98 -£° f'|J the Item named. | March, 1899. Dray- Bridleroad. . track. Soads con: structed. Improved. Mainti .ined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Dray- I Bridleroad. : track. Drayroaij. Bridletrack. Remarks. I Brought forward .. .. 5,730 Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Marlborongh —continued. Awarere River ( I'aylor-Redwood Pass) .. 100 Blind River Road .. .. .. 300 Bluff Cove and Port Underwood .. .. 100 Double Bay .. .. .. ,. 10 Grove wharf and shed .. .. .. ]2 Havelock-Blenheim .. .. .. 200 Haddocks and Hodder Cutting .. .. IOOJ Mahakipawa-Moetapu .. .. .. 100] Moleaworth-Jollie's Pass .. .. 200 North Bank .. .. .. .. 200 £ s. d. 2,497 4 8 M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. 55 11| No. 2 Length Ft. 110 M. ch. 0 37 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 4 0 Acres. 30,740 91 836 837 838 I 839 ! 840 [ 841 842 ! 843 I 844 I 845 100 0 0 439 8 0 24 16 2 075 Omaka Koad Board, cutting on Awater Eiver Road. Authority issued. 6' 61 6 10 0 190 13 0 Spring Creek Road Board. Repairs to Wairau River Bridge Authority issued. • ■ 15,000 30,000 •• ! Work about to be commenced. Work proceeding. I 846 i 847 1 848 i 849 Pember's Road-Pukaka .. .. .. lOOj Pioton-Blenueim (Mudford Flat) .. .. 200 Picton-Queen Charlotte Sound .. .. 300 Redwood Pasa .. .. .. 300! 173 - 1 5 300 0 0 1 .. 600 Removal of slips, &c. Omaka Road Board, cutting on Awatere River Road. Work to be started shortly. Work to be started at once. ■• i 2 0 I 850 River-conservation, Omaka Ford .. .. 100 I 851 Ronga Valley .. .. .. .. 250 1 " 5,000 i 852 853 854 855 856 Saltwater Creek-Fulton's Gate .. .. 150j Saxon Pass .. .. .. .. 100 Starborough .. .. .. .. 400 Tophouse Road .. .. .. 100 Three Bridges Flat-Kekerangu (to account) .. 30oj 284 5 8 £i" 6 I " 1,000 15,000 Work proceeding. 20,000 12,000 Work proceeding. Awatere Road Board. Forming road, building four culverts, erecling bridge. Work proceeding. 857 858 859 Tuarnarina-Boulder Bank .. .. 50 Tuamarina-Kaituna .. .. .. 150 Waihopai River protection .. .. 100 50 150 100 ■• 20 I000 •• Omaka Road Board has work in hand. Woik to be started at once. 860 861 862 Okiwi-R'.nga.. .. .. .. 150 Blenheim-Kaikoura-Waiau '.. .. 1,500 Nelson-Havelock (and bridges) .. .. 500 150 1,500 500 522 10 0 425 15 6 4 0 3,000 6' 5 i 46 "500 .. Carried forward .. ..11,802 11,802 4,958 4 5 6 6 55 18 3 156 2 37 4 0 4 0 152,840

239

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

32-0. 1.

i 6 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. the Hem named, j *•*<!". !»»■ road. track. 30 ft. Span. Roads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. ImprOYed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. 11,802 £ s. d. 4,958 4 5 M. ob. I M. oh. M. ch. 6 6 1 55 18 No. 3 Length. Ft. 156 M.ch. 2 37 M.ch. M.ch. 4 0 M.ch. 4 0 Acres. 152,840 Brought forward <iJ 863 864 865 866 867 868 869 870 871 Settlement Eoads, Bbidges, etc.— continued. Marlborough —continued. Conway Reserve Accommodation-houee Road .. Giibb Creek .. Hapuka and Puhipuhi Rivers Kahautara- Conway (Hundalee) Road through Reserve " A " Reserve west of Kahautara Contingencies and engineering Awatere Bridge, Limestone Gorge (to account).. Awatere Railway and Traffic Bridge (Lands contribution, to account) Havelock-Mudflat Bridge 200 100' 350 5,550 270 300 200 200, 500' 350 18 5 7,381 1 4 40 19 11 1 22 '.'. 3 48 i 46 16 0 5,000 35,000 1,700 Included with Item 866. m Under consideration. Contract lot. i 872 55| 55 0 0 1,000 1 1 Bridge repairs, Pelorus Road Board. Work to be started at once. Omaka Road Board; erecting 5 oh. stopbank, Omaka RiverRenwick Town. Authority issued. Amount voted insufficient. Ditto. Authority issued. Repairing bridge at Wakamarina. Pelorus Road Board has work in hand. Protective-works. Cutting drain 40 ch. in length, 9ft. x 3ft. Clearing 170 acres, stumping 40 acres, banking 24,966 yds.; work done by Lower Wairau River Board. •■ : •• 873 Maher's Flat Bridge and Road 100 133 33 5 9 1 874 Omaka Bridge (contribution) I I 875 876 Omaka-Tyntesfield Bridge, £1 for £1 Okaramio Creek Bridge 100' lOOi I I 5,000 877" 878 879 Rocky Creek Bridge Wairau River Bridge Wakamarina and Kailuna Bridge ioo| 100 1501 - - 5,000 Clarence Bridge . -. Drain, Wairau River-Gravel-pit ! 880 881 200 100 1,000 70 IS S 39 13 0 400 0 0 882 Wairau River overflow subsidy, £1 for £1 ! Amount authorised by the House (Maryborough) Expenditure limited by the House to Total 1 21,610| 15,692 13,329 18 3 10 76 ■• 55'l8 'I \ 202 2*37 26' 0 i' 0 205^540

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

240

6 6 a I 3 Kame of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from „• • „ a~ 1st April, 1898, to (;„„„,,.,?. 31st March, 1899, nlt^rf] §o charged to Autho- %> ! rities issued out of K°g the Item named. March, .89S. ;oads con* itructed. Impri iYed. Mainti ined. Area of Crown band rendered more accessible. RemarliG. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. WESTLAND. 91 8S3 ; Clarke River Road 884. Greenstone-Teremakau 885 Block 112, Kokatahi (Oropp's Road) 886 \ Cook's Valley-Karangahua ,, 887 Cook's River (Upper) 888 Dawson's Road .. ., 889 ' Pranz Josef Glacier B20 i Great South Road 891 i Hokitika Plat 892 Hunt's Beach-Makawhio 893 . Haast-Blue River 894 ; Haast Pass Track 895 , Ka-nieri Porks-Kanieri Lake 896 \ Okurn Cemetery Road .. 1 £ & s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Length. Pt. M. en. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. ! 91 150J 131 170 5001 150 51 340 2,700 250 150 110 500 I 60 ! 100! 11 19 0 148 2 6 Cr. 0 12 4 138 11 3 0 10 0 77 19 5 i 1,597 2 7 I •' I I I I "• I 6*20 •• '* 30 0 29 2'40 6 40 .. "500 I Travelling-expenses,yto. Contracts will be let soon. Authority recently received. •• I .. I •• 9' 3 0 345 0 9 .. i 35 0 10 40 0 0 15 I - Grant to Westland County. Ditto. ! 897 . Paringa River Road j 898 I Stafford-Wairnea I 899 Turnbull River Road 900 Tracks to Pox Glacier 901 Wahapo Lake-Waitangi River (widening) 902 Whitcornbe Valley Track (Kokatahi) j 903 Woodstoek-Mahinapua I 904 Waitaha-Kakapotahi ! 905 Hokitika-Christchurch .. ; 900 Contingencies and engineering 50 400 300 360 300j 800! 2001 300 5,000i IOO! 66 5 1 157 11 9 267 3 6 299 10 9 282 3 10 90 16 11 S - 40 0 30 .. I 3 10 I •- 060 060 1 40 4" 0 *500 500 Work done by Westland County. 907 i Greenstone Bridge 908 I Stillwater Bridge 909 Hungerford's Bridge (repairs) 910 Lower Arahura Bridge 911 : Little Waitaha Bridge 912 Otira River (wire footbridge) 913 Waitaha bridges I 1 500 150 350 50 150 350 200 .. *2,238- 5 1 34 10 0 ■ 1 62 •■ •• ! ! •• ! - • ■ .. 42" 0 0 40 l" 0 Waiting completion of survey. Expended on ArawataJackson's Valley and Makawhio-Mahitahi Roads. Grant to Brunner Boro'. Westland County did this work. Not yet taken in hand. 350 0 0 ! •■ 1 .. 1 I 914 Teremakau Traffic Bridge 915 Waitaha, Wanganui, &c. (stock-drivers' huts) .. 916 : Westland ferry service 151 100 150 I 5 3 6 I 150 0 0 '■ Expenditure held over pending survey. Work being done by Westland County. Assistance t Westland County; over 175 miles of road. 15,328 11,127 l_ Amount authorised by the House (Westland .. Expenditure limited by the House to Tota i t6,269' 6 7 10'22 0 30 3" 30 ■M 30 i'69 2 - 55 44* 0 50' 5 i^500 1 1 I I • See also Vote 91, Item 905, Canterbury, and Vote 92, Item 19 t Portion of Item 905 in Can aterbury District.

241

Q.--1

Table 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, 1899— continued.

I 6 6 s a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from c« 1st April, 1S98. to g © ' 31st March, 1899, g "o charged to Autho- .§ > rities issued out of the item named. Engineering Surveys made from 1st Aoril, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. ;oads constructed. sads constructed. Improved. S" coBsS r uct g ed S over ' taje? track. 30 ft Span _ road, i track. Mainfii ined. rendered more accessible. Area of Keiuajrfes. Drayroad. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Settlement Roads, Bridges, &c. — continued. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. £ s. d. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. No. M. ch. M. ch. CANTERBURY. 2,414 8 10* 166 15 0 50 0 91 917 Hokitika-Christchurch Oxford Bush Road Extension 300 Construction of. 4 concrete culverts by the Oxford Road Board. Omihi Valley, portion of road. Grant to Waipara Road Board. Water-courses constructed and shingle spread. [ Work on Fraser's Road by Mackenzie County. Grant to Mackenzie County. Also removing boulders and shingling. Grant to Waitaki County. Also culverts and drains. i 918 Waipara-Cheviot 250 100 0 0 1 15 919 920 921 Foster's Cutting, Greta, Cheviot Ashburt m Reserve 1496 Highbank .. 150 55 500) 6' 2 922 923 Arowhenua Native Road Tengawai, £1 for £1 .. 50 70 25 0 0 6'20 6 li 924 Camp Valley 250 .. 925 Fairlie-Pukaki 400 205 14 4 I 3 0 i 926 Pukaki-Omarama .. 100 927928 929 I 930 931 932 933 934 935 936 Pukaki-Mount Cook Mount Cook and glaciers (tracks) Mount Cook Hermitage Road Clement/s Road Kapua Village Settlement drain Nukuroa-Studbolme Junction Nnkuroa (railway-gates) Village Settlements .. Contingencies and engineering Miscellaneous roads and bridges 800 450i 500| 100 188 38 50 200 500 458 7 1 223 18 6 22 18 10 91 12 2 0 20 6 49 % 0 3 3 53 .. 0 33 i'lO Grant to Waimate County. Or. 50' 0 0 82 8 10 Work done by Railway Department. •• . 1 937 I 938 Ashley Bridge protective works Waimakariri Bridge (Kaiapoi) 150 275 .»■ [ Authorised, but not issued. Ditto. Grant to Kaiapoi Borough Council. Authorised, but not issued. Ditto. 939 Rangitata Light-traffic Bridge (to account) 500 940 Opihi Bridge (to account) 300 Carried forward 6,426 1 12J 3 53 1 3,740 18 7 5 71 50 0 • • I * See also Vote 91, Item 905, and Vote 92, Item 195, Westland.

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242

Table 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, 1899— continued.

s a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. 5-2 Expenditure from 1st April, 1898. to charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, t>.;i o ., 1898, to 31st Dray- Bridle- „„„.„"„£!?„.«,. March, 1899. rod. track. < ™g£%g£« Engineering surveys made Boads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. £ 5,426 £ s. d. 3,740 18 7 M. ch. M. ch. 1 12£ M. ch. 3 53 I I Length. I No. ! Ft. M. ch. 5 71 M. ch. M. ch. 50 0 M. ch. Acres. 91 941 943 943 Brought forward.. Settlement Roads, Beidges, etc. — contimied. Canterbury —continued. Porks River Bridge (Mount Cook Road) (to account) Hooker Bridge Rocky Gully Bridge £1 for £1 600 120 50 113 6 9 47 10 0 .. :: I .. ! Authorised, not issued. Repairs only. Work being done by Railway Department and Mackenzie County. Ditto. Authority issued. Grant, Selwyn County. Constructed by Selwyn County. Authority issued. Authorised, but not issued. Water-races constructed by local body. Authorised, but not issued. Ditto. Willow-stakes and wire fencing put in. Grant, Cheviot County. Authority issued. Authorised, but not issued. Grant to Orari Domain Board. Grant to Geraldine County. Authorised, but not issued. Grant to McKenzie County. Authorised. ' 1 150 Tengawai Stock Bridge £1 for £1 Canal Bridge, Ellesmere Kowai Bridge, £1 for £1 (to account) Selwyn Bridge (construction), £1 for £1 28 17 6 " 1 154 i 'l 703 944 946 947 80 150 600 1,500 \ 500' 0 0 i •• I 948 949 Ashley Gorge drain .. Waimakariri-Ashley irrigation (Moeraki Downs Sub-district Waimakariri-Ashley irrigation 50 1,189 100 0 0 . .. ! 950 500 463 7 6 32 9j .. • • 951 Canterbury Colliery Tramway 1,200 952 953 Ruapuna water-supply Rangitata River-mouth protective works (Reserve 100) Port Robinson (groins) Roimata Settlement drains Arundel water-supply lOOi 55| 70 9 4 . 954 955 906 200 100 100 4 2 6 ■ i ■ 957 Orari Domain 50 958 Orari River protective works 200| .. i " 959 Opihi River protective works 200 f f 960 Lake Pukaki (planting) 50! 961 962 963 Mount Cook Road (stable and shelter-shed) Kapua (Waimate Gorge drain) Studholme Junction cattle-stops 250 100 38 •• •■ [ Amount authorised by the House (Canterbury). . Expenditure limited by the House to .. Total 13,908 10,099 5,06812 2 92' 9i i i2j 353 3 1,007 5*71 5'71 56' 0 • • 1,007

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

243

d 6 5 a o 2 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. 7* WM! Boads constructed. ® oist jvia,] on. loyw, * i + a :i $Z charged to fr ?S 8 *o sift ' Drav Bridle Brid 6 eB 2<* ' rities issued out of if't't ,l|o J" +™~l constructed over * j the Item named. March, 1899. road. track. 30 ft. Span. Roads constructed. Improved. Mainti jned. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Length. Ft. Sbttlbhtnt Roads, Beidgbs, &c. — continued. £ s. d. M. oh. M. eh. M. eh. No. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. OTAGO. 91 964 Herbert, main road, £1 for £1 100 Grant to Waitaki County. •• 965 966 967 968 969 970 971 972 973 Kartigi Road Maruwhenua, Section 4, Block VIII. Port Road-Beach, Moeraki Upper Waitaki (Ahuriri or Otematata Pass) (to account) Waianakarua Slate-quarry (road to) .. Livingston e-Kyeburn Dnnback-Swinburn Komaka Township .. Kyeburn-Naseby 300 8 300 400 200 150 300 100 150 145 4 0 6 9 3 200 0 0 35 18 0 1 18 i 1 5 10,000 Authorised, but not issued. Ditto. I t I Work not commenced. Authority issued. Grant to Maniototo County; no work done. Ditto. 974 975 976 977 978 979 Maniototo, Block XI. Maniototo, Block XVI. Run 219 Runs 225e and 225t to 225z Run 206p, Maniototo Runs 204, 204a, Upper Taieri and Rock and Pillar (to account) Rut) 206a, Naseby .. Ranfurly Township Upper Taieri Rock and Pillar 100 50 150 200 80 400 ;; " Grant to Maniototo County; balance still standing. Grant to Maniototo County; no work done. Ditto. Authority issued. Grant to Maniototo County. Removing slips, &c, and metalling. Grant to Waikouaiti County. Ditto. 17J chains sea-wall built, and two pipeculverts put in. Also 120 chains protective fences erected. Work done by Maori Hill Borough. 980 981 982 200 200 500: I 983 Blueskin, £1 10s. for £1 105 105 0 0 0 40 984 Briim's Point, Cemetery Road 25| 985 986 Corner Bush-Merton Lower Harbour Road IOO! 150 150 0 0 1 40 9S7 Normanby-Mount Cargill 100 100 0 0 0 15 1 40 988 North Harbour and Blueskin, Block XI. 50 I 0 15 Carried forward 4,418 1 1 742 11 3 2 38 •• •• 4 5 I 0 55 10,000

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244

Table 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, 1899— continued.

6 ! o 5 ! S Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. r> I Expenditure from ! 1st April. 1898. to j 31st March, 1899, charged to Autho- ; rities issued out of ! the Item named. : Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Boads constructed. Improved. Mainti ined. Area of j Crown Laud rendered more accessible. ! Bemaifes. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bi constn 3011 ;. Span. road - teaok - Drayroad. Bridletrack. i Brought forward.. S kttlement Roads, Bbidges, btc. — continued. Otago —con tinued. n 4,418! £ s. d. 742 11 3 M. oh. M. oh. 2 38 M. oh. No. Length. Ft. M. oh. 4 5 M. oh. M. oh. 0 55 M. eh. Acres. 10,000 91 989 Pine Hill .. 100| 990 J 991 I 992 Puketiraki Station-Beach Ravensbourne Seaclifi Asylum Reserve-Native Reserve 40| 80| 200 50 0 0 75 0 0 0 19 0 66 0 25 Grant to North-east Valley Borough. Also one stone culvert built. Work done by Borough Council. Grant to Waikouaiti County; plans approved. Ditto. i 993 I 994 995 [ Waitati-Waikari Waitati— Waikari end) Bendigo-Matakanui.. 200 150 600 200 0 0 I 88 6 7 25 30 1 64 1 8 100,000 Grant to Vincent County. Work done by Vincent County. Authorised, but not issued. Also ten stone culverts bo ilt, work being dorj e by Vincent County. Grant to Vincent County. Work done by Vincent County. Grant to Vincent County. Work done by Lake County. Also four stone culverts. Authority issued. Work done by Lake County. Also erection of two iron huts. In charge of C. S. Southland. Also eight stone culverts. Work in charge of C. S. Southland. 996 Chatto Greek-Tinker's 300 300 0 0 1 40 25,000 997 Oi'ornwell-Hawea-Lindis Pass 3Oo! 998 J Galloway Station-Ida Valley .. .. ... 800J 500 0 0 3 3 50,000 999 Lauder District, Blocks III., IV., V., and VI. .. 250| 1000 1001 1002 MoCabe's Coalpit-Gibbston .. Makarora-Haast Valley Tracks, &c.,. Hawea Lake 50J 350 150 50 0 0 201 11 0 0 20 i'l6 100,000 1003 ! i Tracks, head of Lake Wakatipu 405J ! 150 0 0 0 16 4 33 20,000 1004 1005 1006 Albert Burn Track .. Ben Lomond Run Hollyford Valley 200 400 41! 175 0 0 0 37 41 0 0 10* 0 10,000 1007 Lake Te Anau-Sutherland Palls 250J 166 11 4 16 0 jl008 1009 Martin's Bay-Lake Wakatipu Pembroke-Matukituki 160 300| 65 0 0 100 0 0 1 50 2 22 10,000 50,000 1010 Tracks to Western Sounds 3,395 2,664 2 10 5,569 3 0 3 0 4 0 Carried forward 18,189 375,000 28 30 9 10 7 54 6 55 0 37 2 8 30 33

245

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

I 1 t> i \~t Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from £_: 1st April, 1898. to g a> 31st March. 1899, § o : charged to Autho- *" ; rities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. ;oads corii structed. Impn iTed. Mainti ,ined. rendered more accessible. Area of Remarka Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. 13,139 £ s. d. 5,369 3 0 M. oh. 28 30 M. oh. 9 10 M. ch. 7 54 No. Length. Ft. M. ch. 6 55 M. oh. 0 37 M. oh. 2 8 M. oh. 30 33 Acres. 375,000 Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, &o. — continued. Otago. —continued. Lake Te Anau-Wakatipu 1,000 0 72 91 1011 599 13 9 Work in charge of C/S., Southland. Metalling by local bodies. Also 965 cubic yards re ck and metal spread. Also 25 ch. of eea-wall built. Work done by Portobello Road Board. Authority issued. Work done by Taieri County. Authorised, but not issued. Ditto. Also 20 ch. clearing a,nd ditching, and 38 lineal yards stone culverts, work done by Tuapeka County. Grant to Tiuapeka County. Ditto. 1012 Anderson's Bay Eoad 200 175 0 0 0 50 1013 Otago Peninsula (B. II., from Section 60, through 71, &o. Peninsula Beach Road, Portobello 365 348 3 10 0 79 0 79 1014 380 188 4 3 0 25 0 25 i 1015 1016 Peninsular Beach Road (prison labour) Blair Taieri 221 100J 100 0 0 1*35 ! Maungatua and Waipori 400 1018 1019 Taieri Bridge-Pukekura Beaumont and Rankleburn .. 200 800! 223 6 7 _. o"77 ■ Glerikenich .. .. .. t 11020 i 230 I io-.il : j 1022 j 1023 1024 1025 11026 Rankleburn, Block III. Waitahuna-Lawrence Waitahuna-Waipori Taieri Beach, V.S. Roads 150 150 200J 1501 . . I __ o"39 n> Also 22 ch. bush-clear-ing, work done by Bruce County. • • Barr's Road .. .. Gatlin's Roads 300 100 118 18 11 43 4 10 1 26 Spent with balance of Item 1030. 1027 1028 1029 Gatlin's, Block I. Gatlin's, Blocks I., II., IV. .. Gatlin's' Block IV. .. 600 200 90 14 7 5 200 0 0 90 0 0 •" I 1 "l0 0 12 •• Metalling, work done ■ by Clutha County. See also item 1026. Grant to Clutha Comity. •• 6'29 !l030 1031 Catlin's, Block VIII. Gatlin's and Taut uku ■ 247 80 215 10 10 0 70 " Carried forward 19,302 7,885 13 5 28 30 14 64 7 54 J 375,000 •■ i 9 46 0 37 4 31 30 33

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

246

J s Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from ! v ne j_ pprin _ 1st April, 1898. to g≤ 3lBt March ISM, £»rve,. made a o cnarsed to Autno- 1O n O „_ Q1 % |° rities issued out of 0 the Item named. Marcfc, 1899. Drayroad. Boads constructed. Bridletrack. Bri. ionstrui 30 It. idges ;cted over Span. Impr< •ed. Drayroad. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bridletrack. I .1 Length. Ft. Brought forward.. Settlement Boads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. Otago. —continued. 19,302 £ s. d. 7,885 13 5 M. ch. 28 30 M. ch. 14 64 M. ch. 7 54 No. M. ch. 9 46 M. ch. 0 37 M. ch. 4 31 M. ch. 30 33 Acres. 375,000 91 1032 1033 1034 1035 1036 1037 1038 Catherwood'a Glenomaru Glenomaru, Block IV. Glenomaru, Blocks III., IV.. V., VII., X. Hunt's Road Kaitia Dairy Factory, Owaka Kaler's Boad (felling) 188 245 500 400 200 85 200 188 1 10 224 11 2 93 12 7 176 11 2 87 19 0 84 12 5 0 30 1 10 0 29 i 0 i 0 0 60 1039 1040 Manuka Island-Balclutha Mouat's Saddle 200 200 Authorised, but not issued. Grant to Bruoe County. Authorised, but not issued. 1041 1042 Owaka-Catlin's Lake Pomahaka-Clutha .. 160 ioo| 160 0 0 100 0 0 0 46 Grant to Clutha County. 1043 1044 1045 1046 1047 1048 1049 1050 1051 1052 1053 Purakauiti Stream Rimu, Block XIV. Rimu, Block XIII. .. Ratanui-Whitehead Tahaukupu Tautuku Tautuku, Block VIII. Woodlands-Tabakopu Woodlands .. Wai'nock's Boad Balclutha-Pukepito, £1 for £1 (along Clutha River) Leithen Bush Track.. 56 500 200J 300 400 600 250 100 500i 44 150^ 35 12 0 149 16 0 200 5 9 152 18 11 396 5 0 46 5 4 396 2 2 27 2 1 0 64 i o 0 43 1 0 1 26 0 50 0 59 2 49 3 40 » .. Authority issued. 0 72 1054 200 3,000! 200 6 0 2,670 0 7 8 28 30 0 Authorised, but not issued. Grant to Southland County. Metalling, also 73 ft. culverts, and 7 ch. logging and 3 ch. fascening. 1055 Waikawa-Oatlin's •% 250 540! 500; 182 6 3 100 0 0 0 42 1056 1057 !1058 Village Settlements Contingencies and Engineering Kakanui, Bridge £1 for £1 •• •• - •• Authority partlyissued. Grant to Waitaki County. Authority issued. Grant to Maniototo 1059 il060 Maerewhenua Bridge (to acoount) .. .. Taieri River Bridge (Kokonga), to account 300 250 - Carried forward 7 54 23 33 3 65 (Jounty. 29,920 13,557 15 8 28 30 20 17 .. •• 41 71 30 33 375,000

Table 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, 1899— continued.

c.-i.

33—C. 1

247

d 6 I 5 i Kame of Work according to Item on Appropriations. S.2 Expenditure from 1st April. 1888. to 31st March. 1S99, charged to AuthoI rities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Boads cor Suryeys made from 1st April, 1898, to 31'st Dray- BridleM»rch, 1899. road. trick. Hoads oonstructecl. Impr< ived. Maintained. Area of ., Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Reru ark s. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridletrack. £ 29,920 £ s. d. 13,557 15 8 M. oh. 28 30 M. ch. 20 17 M. ch. 7 54 No. Length. Ft. M. ch. 23 33 M. ch. 3 65 M. ch, 41 71 M. oh. 30 33 Acres. 375,000 Brought forward Sextlement Roads, Bbidgbs, etc. — continued. 91 Otago —continued. 1061 1062 11063 1064 1065 1066 Kyeburn Bridge (to account) Taieri River Bridge (Hyde) Bridge over Tahakopa, Block XIII., Rimu j Matau Bridge (contribution) .. ! Matau Bridge (Kaitangata),£l for £1 (to account) I Pomahaka Bridge (Clydevale) 250 250 400 150 500 500 4 0 0 Ditto. Authority issued. Grant to Bruce County. ■ ■ Anthorised but not issued. ,•:■"■ Grant to'£i Clutha County. Ditto. 1067 Waipahi Bridge (Pomahaka Road) 100 1068 1069 1070 1071 WaiweraBridge (subsidy) (Dunedin-Invercargill), £1 for £1 Heathfield (Chasland's) Improved-farm Settlement Rimu Improved-farm Settlement Woodlands (Purakauiti No. 1) Improved- farm Settlement Woodlands B 2 Improved-farm Settlement Waipati Improved-farm Settlement Water of Leith protective-works 400 650 700 1,223 521 6 6 857 11 3 382 11 8 0 25 1 23 0 60 3 28 0 45 250 Also 113 acres bus-h-felling. 1072 1073 1,100 913 295 1,07517 4 150 0 0 0 74 6 29 Authority issued. 1075 Ophir District water-supply 300! 300 0 0 3 chains solid masonry wall built, and removing boulders from bed of creek in dangerous places. Work done by Maori Hill Borough. -- Concrete tank buiifc, pipes laid and windmill erected by Vincent County. Grant to Queenstown Borough. Grant to Inch Clutha <■ River and Road Board. Queenstown Breakwater (repairs) (to account) 1076 400! L077 Matau River protective works (Inch-Clutha) 200 Amount authorised by the House (Otago) Expenditure limited by the House to .. Total ... 38,251 27,776 16,849* 2 5 28*30 22 59 7 54 28*35 3*65 44 41 30*33 375*000 ■■ i

248

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

I I 2 12 Name of Work according to Ifcern on Appropriations. Exrcenditure from -ci •„ ■ ■S • i«r Am-il ircn t» Engineering JJM ritiefissuedoutof S^to-flst \j J the Itam named. | Harcn, .899. Engineering load. J track, j so ft. Span. .] road - Eoads constructed. Improved. Bridletrack. Mainti road. ,ined. Area of Crown Land rendered . more accessible. Remarks. Bridletrack. I- f t Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc, — continued. SOUTHLAND, 91 *107S • Ackers Village Boacl .W>79 '■■ Baird's Road, Block IX., Waikawa ,1080 ! Bluff Road .. £ £ s. d. I M. oh. M. oh. M. oh. No. Length. •■ Ft. M. ch. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 150 200! 200| \ Authority issued. ■■ •• 200 0 0 •■ Grant to Southland County. Grant to Campbelltown Borough. Authority issued. Grant to Campbelltown Borough. I 1081 } Bluff Boad-Campbelltown .. 150 , 100 34 1082 BoxallRoad 1083 Oompbelltown .. .. .. .. I - I 1084 Campbelltown Hundred, Block VIII. 1085 1 Ganipbeiltown Point.. .. 100 250 o"75 0 35 01 2,000 Campbelltown Borough have work in hand. Work in hand by Southland County. Ditto. 246 18 6 ■ 0 31 , ,1086 Centre Busli 100 •• J ... 1087 Centre Bush-Otapiri .1088 Centre Bush Village.. .. .. 1089 Clark's Road, Greenhills 1C90 Ciifton-Tisbury .. .. .. .. 150 100 50 100 i * * .1 •• I •• ., "I "200 300 ■ 5519 1 36J ch. bushfelling, logging up, fascining, blinding, and 14 ch. drains. Southland County have work in hand. Ditto. I ■ • I " 200 ! 1091 I Devereaux-East Winton .. .. |lO91 50 0 25 1092 Dipton-Balfour .. .. ' .. .. 1098 Forest Hill .. ' .. .. 1084 Forest Hill-MoDonald 1092 1098 1094 300 500 997' 300' 0 0 3 2 •• "' 1,500 200 - ..: •• Public "Works Department have charge of this work. Southland Couutyhave work in hand. Ditto. Authorised but not issued. Grant to Southland County I Authorised, but not issued. ■ •■■- • 0 70 16,000 1095 Fortrose-Tokanui G-olge 1095 300 ■• I - • 1090 Gore-Pukerau .. .. .. 11097 Graham Road 1096 11097 150 200 , ■ ■- ' : 1098 Hokonui, Section 795 1038 501 •• 1099 : Hokonui-Forest Hill 1099 200 .. Carried forward .. 5 3 20,400 4,431 802 17 7 0 75 I : " 0 1

249

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Table 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, 1899— continued.

o 0 2 S Name oi Work according to Item on'' Appropriations. is J 1 Expenditure froni 1st April, 1898. to 31st March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Iteni named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering Surveys made .oads constructed. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Impri >ved. Mainti jned. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bemarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. £ 4,431 £ s. d. 802 17 7 M. ch. 0 75 M. ch. 5 3 M. ch. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. 0 1 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Aores. 20,400 Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Southland —continued. Hokonui-Henderson's Road ; 200 I 91 1100 1101 1102 1103 1104 Invercargill Hundred Invercargill Hundred, Blocks IX., X. Invercargill Hundred, Blocks XIV., XV, Invercirgill Hundred, Block XV. 50 300 200 100 50 0 0 J " - 240 Grant to Southland County. Ditto. Authority issued. - I 99* 15 0 0 71J - 200 Work done by Southland County. 84 chains bushfall in 71 chains fascines, 10J chains ditch. Authorised, but not issued. Ditto. Authority issued. 80 chains drain, including road partly formed. This is amalgamated ■with Item No. 1109. Authority issued. Grant to Southland County. Ditto. 1105 Invercargill Hundred, Blocks XVII., XX. 200 144 19 9 0 16J 0 28 1 1106 Invercargill Hundred, Block XXII. 300 60 1107 1108 1109 Invercargill Hundred, Block XXIII. Kent Road .. .. .. Kingswell Greek 100 100 200 400 97' 9 2 6'68 1 0 1110 Kingsvvell Creek-Seaward Bush, £1 for £1 300 190 3 6 1111 1112 Kingswell Creek-Seaward Bush Lind's Bridge to Railway-station 300 200 I I 1113 Longbush, Makarewa, Myross, and Wallacetown Township, £1 for £1 Mabel District .. .. Maclean's Road-Seaward Bush Main North Road, £1 for £1 .. 200 1114 1115 1116 200 70 600 200 0 0 0 3 6 200 Authority issued. Grant to Southland County. Ditto. 6*58 I I •• •• I I1117 1118 1119 1120 . 1121 1122 1123 Main North Road, Winton .. Makarewa-Grove Bush Mataura Island Dairy Factory-Pine Bush Rail-way-station Mataura-Winton and Channel Mill and Flora Eoad Mill Road-Makarewa (Block X., Sections 32, 33) J Mokoreta, Blocks VIII. and IX., £1 for £1 300 250 250 200 50 200 100 2 10 -. •• I "• •• 300 m ■• 200* 0 0 120 - 1,500 i !u24 Mokoreta, Block XIV. 150 116 18 1 0 15 m Grant to Southland County. 130 ch. chipping, culveits, &o. .. Carried forward 9,551 1,902 6 7 -- -. 0 1 I •• I 1 63 11 34 0 28 •• •• 23,300

C.T-I.

Table 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, 1899— continued.

250

c 6 s Name of Work according to Item Oα Appropriatione. Rrnenditure from ™__.„*-_ =__ 1st Anril. 1898. to s ? n |™f " n | B = 2 31st Slarch, 1899, S>uiT«ye made §0 charged to Autho- "KE. 1 !^ 11, j| > rities issued out of "98' £° ?*" J the Item named. «»rcn, 1SS3. Engineering Roads constructed, road. track. , 3a ft. Span. Roads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, tr^ck. Improved. i Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Remarks. 9,551 £ s. d. 1,902 6 7 M. ch. 1 63 M. ch. 11 34 M. eh. 0 28 No. Liength. Ft. M. ch. 0 1 M. ch. M. ch. ■M. ch. Acres. 23,300 Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. Southland. —continued. 'Jl 1125 1126 Moturimu Murphy's Road, £1 for £1 80j 100 200 Authority issued. Grant to Southland County. Ditto. Authority issued. Authorised, but not issued. Ditto. Corduroying and culverts. Grant to Southland County. Bushfelling and logging 1127 1128 1129 Myross Bush Naigara Bridge Road (Block VII.), Waikawa .. Neil's Road to termination of Seaward Bush Railway Otapiri Bridge-Forest Hill District .. Ofceramika .. 100 100 100 100 0 0 " .. 1130 1131 ISO 300| 44 15 10 0 1 045 1,500 J 1132 Otatara 100; I 1133 Seaward Bush 250; 246 14 11 0 33J 100 1134 1135 1136 1137 Seaward Bush Township, McQuarrie Road Seaward Downs .. .. .. Toetoes, Block X. .. .. .. .. Tramway Road 200! 200 200! 150: 33 11 0 0 35 0 24 "5OO up. Authority issued. 150' 0 0 6' 35 Grant to Southland County. Bushfelling, &c, grant to Southland County. Bushfelling, ditching, &e. Authorised, but not issued. Ditto. 1138 Waikawa District l,800J 476 13 4 1 18 1 58 2,000 1139 Waikawa, Block VII. 210; 116 3 11 0 27J 1140 Waikawa, Block VIII. 200' " 2,000 I Ill41 1142 1143 1144 1145 1146 Waikawa, Blocks X.. XI, XII, XIII, Waikawa-Otara Waikawa- Wyndham Valley .. .. Waikiwi Waimahaka-Block VII., Mokoreta Waimatuku Bush 600; 800j l,000j 20 150 150 267 10 1 843 0 10 5' 0 •• 2 - 63 •• .. 540 2" 0 •' I 10,000 5,000 2,000 Authority issued. 106' 0 0 .. •• •• Grant to Southland County. Authorised, but not issued. Grant to Southland County. Authority issued. Authorised, but not issued. •• I J1147 Winton Hundred, Block VIII. 250| 4,000 1148 1149 1150 Wendon District, Section 80, Block I., and Main Road, Blocks VIII., IX. and XIV. Wyndham Valley (Garie to Bews) Heddon Bush-Centre Bush .. 150 200 200 0 40 • • Carried forward 17,311 0 73 50,600 4,280 16 6 7 18 16 35J .. 5 41 3 58 ..

G.—l,

Table 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, 1899— continued.

251

! d ! d Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. 4" Expenditure from 1st April, 1888. to 31st March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering .oade con! itructed. Impr< ivea. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Eemarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Bri constru 30 ft. idgee icted over . Span. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. 17,311 £ s. d. 4,280 16 6 M. oh. 7 18 M. oh. 16 35J M. oh. 0 73 No. Length. Ft. M. oh. 5 41 M. eh. M. oh. 3 58 M. ch. Acres. 50,600 "' -"Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. Southland —continued. Line of Hundreds .. .. .. .. 350 0 71 91 1151 Wallace and Southland counties have work in hand. Work done by Southland County. Work done by Wallace County. Authorised, but not issued. Chipping, drains, &c, Wallace County have Work in hand. Grant to Wallace County. Ditto. 1152 Wallacetown-Spar Bush and Waimatuku Flat.. 300 200 0 0 1153 Avondale Saddle 100 100 0 0 0 31 1154 Olifden Bridge-Papatotara 250| 1155 Clifden-Redclifie Creek 400 59 10 0 0 63 0 15 1156 Clifden-Otautau (Main Road) 250J 1157 1158 1159 1160 1161 Dipton-Hamilton Burn horde's Road (Groper's Bush) Heddon Bush Road .. .. ... Lillburn Longwood (XVI. and I.) 200 100 150 69 450: 47 11 5 61 15 4 0 73 i 30 • , m 6" 50 Busbfelliag, logging-up and stumping. Bushfelling, logging-up and stumping. Wallace County have work in hand. 82 ch. bushfelling, log-ging-up and stumping. 1162 Longwood (XV., XVI., XVII.) 600| 399 6 0 1 29 1,000 1163 Longwood (XVIII.) 200; 16 6 2,800 1164 1165 1166 Manapouri-Te Anau Manapouri-Flaxy Creek Mossburn-Te Anau 220 200 300 165 13 0 061 0 6 2,000 5,000 14,000 Authority issued. Grant to Wallace County. 123 ch. bushfelling, log-ging-up and stumping. 1167 Orawia-Clifden 600 172 12 0 2 50 0 42J 1,900 1168 1169 1170 1171 Orepuki-Waiau Orepuki-Wairaurahiri Redclifi-Manapouri .. Riverton-Colao 500 700 250 200 74 3 6 334 13 7 5 8 0 017 0 45J 0 74 Wallace County have Carried forward 23,700 24 40J -d 5,902 15 10 10 66 0 73 30 5 56 3 58 77,300

C.—l

252

Table 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, 1899— continued.

d 6 SB fc Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. II Expenditure from 1st April, 1898, 10 Slst March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Engineering ,oads cons Bridges constructed over SO ft. Span. :ructed. Impn ived. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Urown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Briaietrack. Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. — continued. Southland —continued. Small grazing-run 23.. 23,7001 £ s. d. 5,902 15 10 M. oh. 10 66 M. oh. 24 40J M. ch. 0 73 No. 1 Length. Ft. 30 M. ch. 5 56 M. ch. M. oh. 3 58 M. ch. Acres. 77,300 91 1172 1173 1174 1175 1176 1177 Sunnyside-Woodlands Sheep-track Te Anau-George Sound .... I Waiau District, Blocks VIII. and X. .. Maiia,pouri-Dusky Sound Half-moon Bay Wharf 50] 60! 500 250 760 100 335 16 9 5 40 Wallace County have work in hand. Ditto. .Foot-tracks. Authority issued. •• s 100,000 I Grant to Stewart Island County. Ditto. ! Authorised and. partly issued. 54 chains, Section 15, Block VII., Waikawa ; 32 chains, Section 1, Block XVII., Waikawa. Grant to Southland County. j Ditto. Duplicate vote not authorised. Grant to Southland County Ditto. I 1178 1179 I Stewart Island Wharf Village Settlements .. .. ... 100 300J •■ ! ! 1180 I _ Contingencies and Engineering ... 300 106 10 4 1 6 ■ 120 1181 I Argyle Bridge 125; 1 1182 1183 Balfour Bridge (over Mataura Eiver) (to account) Evans' Bridge (Otapiri) 300! 150 1184 j Eyre Creek Bridge .. .. .. 300 300 0 0 ] 280 1185 1186 11187 1188 1189 (1190 1191 1192 1193 Garvie Burn Bridge (Hickey's Ford) .. Hedgehope, Titipua, and Dunsdale bridges Laura Creek Bridge I Makarewa Bridge Mirnihau Bridge (near Wyndham) ... Oreti Bridge (Wray's Bush Road) (to account) .. Otapiri Bridge (Evans's) Otapiri Bridge (Forest Hill) .. Waikaia River Bridge, £1 for £3 150] oOOl 50i 100! . 200 250i 150 150 800 .. i " ■ ' ' "200 1194 1195 Waikawa Bridge Winton Creek, S. 9, Bridge (Winton Hundred) .. 250| 50| 250 0 0 •• • ,. 600 Authorised but not issued. Work done last year by Southland County. Grant to Southland County. Ditto. 1196 Winton Creek Bridge 50 ■ •• Carried forward |29,195] 6,895 2 11 11 72 24 40J 6 33 430 5 56 3 58 178,100

253

C—l

Table 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, 1899— continued.

15 ! la o i « Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. g« ; 31st March, 1S99, ,{%£?% j Si fflSEte rSSft&F" B™y- I BridleEoads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Bridges constructed over SO ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridletraok. Drayroad. Bridletrack. l__ __J __L^__ ... Brought forward Settlement Eoads, Bkidges, etc. — continued. Southland —continued. j Black Creek Bridge and Road £ 29,195 £ s. d. 6,895 2 11 M. ch. .11 72 M. ch. 24 40J M. ch. 6 33 No. 3 Length. . Ft. 430 -M. ch. 5 56 . M. ch. ..M. ch. 3 58 -M. ch. Acres. 178,100 91 11197 1198 |1199 |1200 1201 1202 i Fairfax Bridge (to account) .. ... I Mararoa Bridge Otautau Stream Bridge .. .. . .. I Waiau Bridge (Clifden) (to account) .. ■ Haldane Improved-farm Settlement .. 200 300 250 200 3,000 1,800 122 10 0 2 6 0 0 17 0 2J 1 55 .. Work in hand by Wallace County. Ditto. a 3,673'l7 3 1,247 5 1 6' 73 * 0 32§ "" i 366 I I 6*000 Special report. 227 acres bushfelling, £115 for buildings, £88 10s. for fencingwire. 97£ acres bushfelling, buildings, and fenc-ing-wire.' £8W- ! ! fC 30 acres bushfelling, and buildings. 28 J acres bushfelling. I 341 6 8 0 9 1203 j Waikawa Improved-farm Settlement 700 •0 32 i 1204 Moturimu Improved-farm Settlement.. 400 128 18 4 1205 I Papatotara (Waiau River) Improved-farm Settlement. I Makarewa-Hedgehope Flood-channel 400 63 10 5 .1206 300! Grant to Makarewa River Board. Authorised, but not issued. Trial levels, bushfelling, logging, stomping, fascining and ditching. Grant to Southland County. Authorised, and partly issued. 1207 ! Outfall drain, Block VIII., Campbelltown Hundred. ; Outfall drainage, Otatara 50 74 3 6 11208 250 4 40 .. 1209 : Aparima protective works, £1 for £1 .. 100 1210 Lower Waiau Ferry 2Oo| 53 18 5 j Amount authorised by the House (Southland) .. Expenditure limited by the House to V. Total 37,345 27,118 •• •• 12,602*18 7 17*74 25 4| 6 33 5 851 5*56 3-'58 184,100 1211 GENERAL. Advances to co-operative workmen for dwellinghouses. Co-operative work for unemployed —viz., roads, drains, passages, tools, stores, tents, &c. 240 1212 1.168J ________ I I Carried forward 1,408 - I • • • •

α-i

254

Table 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, 1899— continued.

6 6 s a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from •β-j 1st April. 1898. to = » 31st March, 1899, a "S charged to Atrthoi rities issued out of i the Item named. Engineering Surveys made from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Boada constructed. Bridie- Bridges t _.. t constructed OTer tract. 30 ft. Span. Improve< Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bemaxte. Drayroad. Drayroad. Bridletrack. 1,408 £ s. d. M. oh. M. Ch. M. ch. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. eh. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 91 1213 Brought forward Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. — continued. General —continued. Flood-damages to roads and bridges (to account) 8,000 9,544 3 6 13 2,138 70 0 10 0 Blue River and Turnbull River track, £80; and other work done by Westland, Marlborough, Nelson, Wellington, and Hawke's Bay Counties. 2,000 I Also culverts 3' by 5' made. Erection of stable between Paringa and Haast; also grant tc Pohingina County. i Land purchases in Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Nelson, Canterbury and Southland districts. Work will shortly be started. 1214 1215 Improved farms not specifically appropriated — viz., for felling, clearing, building, fencing, grassing, tools, explosives, &c. Miscellaneous roads and bridges in Native districts Miscellaneous roads and material 500 200 163 5 3 0 25 30 0 10 0 34 0 1216 600 79 3 10 0 23 0 21 1217 Purchase of land for roads 1,580 691 9 2 1218 1219 1220 1221 Roads to new purchases (Native lands) Schools in outlying districts Village settlements : Roads, buildings, fencing, felling, clearing, &c. Works not specifically appropriated —viz., roads, bridges, and drains Wire rope for bridges Advances to improved-farm settlers for buildings, gardens, fences, &e. Refund of Revenue credited'to Vote 91 in 500 150 200 580 25 0 0 480 9 0 t # « 1 60 5 60 •• 15 0 Mahitahi-Paringa Road, Westland : .. County; Black Bridge, Brunnei Borough Council; and grants to Mongonui and Whangarei , Counties. 1222 1223 1,000 1,200 Or. 3 8 0 error. 15,918 11,559 Amount authorised by the House (General) Expenditure limited by the House to .. Total lO,98o' 2 9 025 023 14 2,198 6 21 105 60 69* 0 2J000 I i !

34—0. 1.

C—l

Table 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, 1899— continued.

255

s a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. ft Expenditure from let April. 1898. to 31st March, 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1898, to 31 it March, 1899. Engineering Dray- Bridleroad, track. Koade com itructed. Bridget comtructed oyer SO ft. Span. ImproTsd. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Bemarka Drayroad. Bridletrack. Length. Ft. M. ch. Government Loans to Local Bodies. — Roads ETC., TO OPEN UP CKOWN LaNDS. S . d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. M. oh. M. oh. M. ch. Acres. AUCKLAND. 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kohnmaru Block Maungataniwha Block Maungataniwha (II., III.) Block Maungataniwha (VI.) Block Otukai Block .. Bangaunu (XII., XIII.); Takahue (III., IV.) Block Takahue Block Takahue (IX., X., XIV.) Block Takahue-Wtiangape Block 200 16 200 120 200 200 7 8 9 184 500 295 24 3 6 0 26 2,000 12,000 12,000 224 18 10 1 42 3 17 Connects Herekino and Takahue Village Settlements. 10 Punakitere (XIV., XV.) Block; Tutamoe (I., II.) Block Tutamoe (V.) Block Waipoua Block Waipoua (VII.) Block .. Hukerenui (I., II.); Kawakawa (XIII.) Block .. Ruapekapeka Block .. Kauaeranga Block MaDgaru (IV., VIII.) Block Motatau Block MaDgakahia (XI., XII., XV., XVI.) Block Ngunguru Block Opuawhanga (XIII., XIV.) Block .. OpuawhatigaWhangarei No. 1 Block Opuawhanga (No. l) Block Waipu (VI., X) Block .. Waipu (VI., VII.) Block .. 500 103 1 0 20,000 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 200 5 200 200 68 200 300 4 2,000 110 200 24 235 200 300 410 i' 0 3,000 - .. 1 •• I 42' 13 6 29 0 752 5 6 140 i' 2 - 240 010 3J0OO ojooo 3,500 Bridge being erected. 3 0 013 1,1 2J000 i'40 3 0 6! 350 Work done by co-opera-tive contracts. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Auckland Special Settlement Block.. Mangakahia (XIII.); Mangaru (I.) Block Maropiu (Block III., Kaihu) Block .. Maungaru (VII., VIII.) Block Maungaru BlocK Mareikura (I.) Block Mareikura (II.) Block 269 200 335 100 460 120 70 268 6 0 0 40 0 58 5 0 2,000 3,000 5,350 ■• 111' 4 8 7*77 - 4 1368 Carried forward 8,215 2 42 1 81,568 .1,533 3 0 10 77 2 13 42 0 58 9 13 1 0 5 0 ■

α-i

256

Table 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, 1899— continued.

6 6 S S K&me of Work according to Item on Appropriations. » K l X S ? e iSn r< i898 O « KngineeriDg Boads constructed. 31st itarch 1R99 Surveys marie charged to AuthV 11, Drav Bridle Bridges rities issued ont of i i ,iSo J Bridle- constructed OTel . the Item named. March, 1899. road. tract. 30 ft. Span. Eoads constructed. Impr< tved. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. rendered more accessible. Area of Remarks. Drayroad. Bridletrack. ' Ft. 42 Brought forward Government Loans to Local Bodies. —Boads, etc., to open up Crown Lands. — contd. Auckland —continued. Opanake RWk I'utemoe (XIII., XIV ); Kaitiri (III., VII.) Block Tokatokn Swamp Block .. Tokatoka Swamp (No. 2) Block AhuiOH, Bo k .. j. Tautrc.a Block Awaroa (No. 2) Block K-ohnrutuirn Block Karioi Block .. .. 8,215 £ s. d. 1,533 3 0 M. ch. 10 77 M. ch. 2 13 M. ch. 2 42 No. 1 M. ch. 0 58 M. ch. 9 13 M. ch. 1 0 M. ch. 5 0 Acres. 81,568 113 33 ■ 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 92 2 11 0 38 2,500 100 200 3 1,000 68 69 200 300 55 65* 2 0 6*70 •• 2,000 - 55* 0 0 026 •■ ! Work done by Kaglan County. 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 Newcastle (IX., X., XI.) Block) Opuatia (No. ]) Block .. Opuatia (No 2) Block Opuatia (No. 8) Blnck .. .. Oi.ewliero (XII., XVI.); Maramarua (IX., XIII') Block \ > I Onewhero (X , XIII.. XIV.) Block .. Pirongia (III., IV., VI , VII., V11I.) Block Paekotare HI ck Ranginri (IX., X.) Block Te Puma Block .. .. [J Wnipa ISectione 33 to 122) Block .. .. Pnriri BlockTaupiri B ock Tahora Bluck.. 300 300 300 200 100 200 200 .80 180 200 100 190 420 100 66 19 0 29 3 7 95 1 5 10 0 4 0 10 0 8* 0 8* 0 5,700 8,000 4,300 2,000 Work in progress. 1* 3 6 - 56 330* 0 0 320 5' 0 5*000 Authorised; not yet issued. Grant to Whakatane County. Waiawa Block 500 I " i 57 58 59 Mamakn Block Okohiriki Block Tauruata Block 200 300 578 0 67 0 67 Authority not i?sued. Authorised"; work will be started shortly. Bush being cleared and roads laid off. 60 Umurua Block 280 61 62 Kaikokupu Block Hauturu and part Kinohaku Blocks 300 500 229* 0 7 23* 3 20 1000 - Road works will be started shortly. Carried forward 15,738 1 131,068 2,496 16 0 58 0 3 0 22 52 42 1 4 14 51 1 67 5 0

C.—l

257

Table 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, 1899— continued.

6 ! o fc is Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from CrA 1st April. 1898. to = a 31st March. 1899, c ~o charged to Autho- > rities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1698. to 31st March, 1899. Engineering surveys made ;oads constructed. Bridle- Bridges "Ti.ni- constructed over tract. , 30 tt Span _ ImproTed. Maint: ined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. KemuTks. Drayroad. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. 15,738 £ s. d. 2,496 16 0 M. oh. 58 0 M. ch. 3 0 M. ch. 22 52 No. 1 Length. Ft. 42 M. ch. 1 i M. ch. 14 51 M. ch. 1 67 M. ch. 5 0 Acres. 131,068 113 Brought forward GoVEBNMENT LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES. —ROADS, etc., to open up Crown Lands — continued. Auckland —continued. Kinohaku Block 63 5001 I Road worka will be started shortly. Ditto. 64 65 66 Pirongia (IV., VIII.) Block Puketarata Block Whangaingatakapu Blocks 100 259 300 Total, Auckland 16,,8971 2,496 16 0 58 0 3 0 22 52 I 1 i-2 1 4 14 51 1 67 5 0 ! 131,068 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 HAWKE'S BAY. Hikurangi Block Huirarua Block Waikohu-Matawai and Motu Block Ruakitnri Block Waiau Block .. Ruahine Block Umutaoroa Block Whakarara Block Ngapaeruru Block 24 500 1,000 10 300 18 72 38 2,000 3,962 0 5 0 •• •• •■ I ■ •• I I •• ■' ■' 2 6 10 I .. • • I See Vote 91, Item 434. I •• I .. I .. •• I 2,901 5 6 J I I 1 22'53 I I J 48,040 48,040 Total, Hawke's Bay 2,903 17 4 . 22 53 .. .. I 76 77 78 79 80 > 81 82 83 84 85 86 I 87 I S8 I 89 TARANAKI. Kaipikari Block Lepperton Block Mokau Block .. Moanatairi Block Okoke Block Oxford Association Block I Ohura South (K, No. 5, and L) Block j Tauranga (No. 1 and G) Blook Waikiekie Block Maraekowhai Block J Autawa Block j Hurirnoana Block .. .. Kohurutahi Block .. .. ... Lewellyn Block 300 67 300| 3001 500 387 300 l,000| 150i 300 206 300i 2001 67' 0 5 . £>' 0 •• See Vote 91, Item 465. 9 9 0 333 6 6 i 49 2 74 3* 0 1,500 2 19 6 234 10 0 4 20 3 0 ! 4,500 4' 20 Carried forward 4,610 647 5 5 6 0 6,000 4 20 5 69 74 6 0

o.—l

258

Table 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, 1899— continued.

a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. S3 Expenditure from 31st March. 1899, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. from let April, 1898, to 31 «t March, 1899. Engineering Dray- Bridleroad, track. Koads constructed. Bridget constructed orer 38 ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, track. ImproTsd. j ' Maintained. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarta. I Brought forward GOVEBNMEKT LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES. —ROADS ETC., TO OPEN UP pBOWN LANDS — COntd. Taranaki —continued. Makahu Block Marco Block Mangaotuku Block Puniwhakau Block Boss Block Rimuputa Block Egmont (VI.) Block Patua (Egmont V., VII , XI.) Block Kaupokonui Block Moeawafcea Block Opaku-Kapara Block Rangiwhakaoma Block .. Rawhitiroa Block Wlienuakura Block 4,61 50 30 99. 30 111 70, 2; 30 20 30 80 50 4,610 £ s. d. 647 5 5 M. ch. 4 20 M. ch. M.ch, 5 69 No. 2 Length. Ft. 74 M. ch. M. Ch. M.ch. 6 0 M.ch. 6 0 Acres. 6,000 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 500 300 300 995 57 300 118 705 23 300 200 300 800 500 153 4 0 233 14 0 3 2 3 0 3,000 2,500 •• •• 995 13 3 130 See Vote 91, Item 485. 3' 0 5\000 5 19 4 1,025 7 9 6' 6 14 14 8JOO0 130' 2 5 4 6*50 8^500 46' 19 1 2,500 Work shown undet Vote 91, Item 497. Total, Taranaki 10,00; 10,008 3,238 5 3 4 20 0 6 2.9 5 2 74 6 0 14 0 ■ 35,500 WELLINGTON. Momahaki Village Settlement Block Te Ngaue Block Te Ngaue (No. 2) Block Clifton (No. 2) Block Gladstone Block Kaitieke Block Manganui and Ruapehu Block .Marton (No. 3) Block Waimarino (No. 2) Block Wanganui Block Hautapu (Blocks I., V., VI., IX., X.); and Tiriraukawa (Blocks IV., VIII.) Hautapu (Block VIII.); and Ruahine (Blooks V., IX., X.) Ohinewairua Block Pukeokahu Block Pukeokahu (Blocks X., XIII.); Ohinewairua (Block XVI.); Hautapu (Block IV.); Ruahine (Block I.) 5i 16' 28i 181 861 701 30< 80( 2! 16' 2,40( 30( 1,48! 40( 30( I I I I 1 I 1 I 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 50 167 286 186 866 700 300 800 28 167 2,400 I 857 17 2 109 16 0 276 3 7 i' 0 0 10 141 327 0 57 2*50 2 2 4 30 10 77 9 49 5] 000 30,000 24 lin. feet bridge. 148 lin. feet of culverts. 100 lin. feet of culverts. •• 167 10 10 2,348 17 8 9 71 964 857 60,000 40 lin. f eet of culverts. I 115 300 81 3 3 1 0 1 0 Bushfelling & clearing. 116 117 118 1,489 400 300 1,012 0 3 2 29 1 56 0 45 3 30 0 61 5,000 264 lin..feet of culverts. 300' 0 0 2 30 016 476 •• 016 476 5,000 8,439 5,153 8 9 105,000 Carried forward 8,43! 18 50 3 48 19 52 .. 8 75 40 30

259

C—l.

Table 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, 1899— continued.

• s Name of Work according to Item om Appropriation s. Expenditure from f««-«.«^^ Cm 1st April, 1898, to n™,..-,,!. 1% 31st March, 1899, l^tJ"7' t *?*„?, §0 charged to Autho- i£L ?«' Ap * ' |» rities issued out of ™%*° ?>* the Item named. March, 1899. Engineering ?™f- 8£*JT consSuctld'orer road. track. 30 ft. Span. Roads constructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Maintained. Area of . Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remajta. 8,439 £ a. d. 5,153 8 9 M. ch. 18 50 M.ch. 3 48 M. ch. 19 52 No. Length. Ft. M. oh. M. ch. M.ch. 8 75 M.ch. 40 30 Acres. 105,000 13 119 120 121 122 123 Brought forward Government Loans to Local Bodies. —Roads, ETC., TO OPEN UP CROWN LANDS — COtltd. Wellington —continued. 119 Tiriraukawa Block 120 Hautapu (No. 2) Block 121 Hautapu-Ruahine Block 122 Kawatau Block 123 i OnslowBlock.. 200 19 163 564 200 19' 7 3 152 15 6 400 10 3 31 18 5 130 1 35 •• •• i' 0 Bushfelling & clearing. Ditto. Slips. Included in 91/585. Included in 91/586. 7 acres bushfelling on road-line. Scrubfelling and clearing. Slips. Included in 91/644. Included in 91/635. Included in 91/673. 124 Dannevirke Centennial Block 124 365 181 8 6 1 0 125 126 127 125 Kaiparoro Block 126 Puketoi-Aohanga Block 127 Te Mara Block 7 14 43 7 6 10 8 12 0 18 5 2 •• Total, Wellington 5,973 12 8 105,000 10,014 20 0 3 48 22 7 •■ 8 75 41 30 I I ■- 128 129 130 131 MARLBOROUGH. 128 ! Pine Valley Block 129 Hundalee Block 130 Kaitao Block .. . 131 Puhipuhi Block 200| 1,500 400 300 . 1,503 14 0 6' 8f •• •■ - • - •• Also Vote 91, Item 866. j I .. .. I I •• I .. I •• Total, Marlborough .. 2,400 1,503 14 0 0 8} 1 I •• . 1 CANTERBURY. 132 Broomfield Block 133 Ruapuna Block 300! 31} I .. •• •• Total, Canterbury 331 • • •• •• •■ •■ ••■ OTAGO. 134 i Blackatone-Gimmerburn Block .. '.. 135 I Gimmerbum Block 136 ! Lauder-Blackstone Block 137 ! Maniototo (No. 2) Block .. 138 j Maniototo (No. 3) Block 139 ! Naaeby (No. 2) Block i 300 350 76 200 200 313 350 0 0 340 •■ .. i ■■ 5\000 Also a 15 ft. bridge on ironbark piles. " .. Carried forward .. •.. 1,439 350 0 0 I 3 40 1 5,000 •■ ! .. .. ..

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260

Table 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, 1899— continued.

Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Fixnenditure from j -& ■ „ i« April, 1898. Io ; =Sf ™ e " D j: i Koads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. a 43 go I 31st March. 1899, i g o j charged to Autho- > I rities issued out of ! the Item named. ] Surveys made from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899. Dray Bridleroad. track. 30 ft. Span. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Dray- Bridleroad. ! track. 1,439| £ s. d. 350 0 0 M. eh. M. ch. 3 40 M. ch. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 5,000 113 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 Brought forward Government Loans to Local Bodies. —Roads, etc., to open up Ceown Lands — contd. Otago —continued. Naseby (Blocks I., VI., VII., VIII.); Maniototo ■ (Blocks I., XVIII.) ; Gimmerburn (Block I.) ; Block Swinburn Farm Homestead Block Catlin's Blocks (IV., V., VII., VIII.) Glenomaru (III., IV., V., VII., X.) .. Beaumont Block Teviot Block .. Lauder-Tiger Hill Block Tiger Hill Block Lower Wanaka Block 400i 88 740 48! 400 166 700 65 101 383 11 11 i o iio 3,000 Work done on Block 7, Catlin's. i ■ 101 0 0 0'40 5,000 Work done by Vincen; County. Total, Otago 4,147 834 11 11 5 0 •■ 1 10 13,000 149 150 151 152 153 SOUTHLAND. Hokonui and Forest Hill Block Invercargill Hundred (XXIII.) Block Mokoreta Block Oteramika Block Waikawa (II.) Block 524 92 1,075 400 150 6 12 10 14 2 3 I I I •■ i " 2,000 I 1,000 ! 7,400 5,000 50 '■ I i •• .. Total, Southland 2,241 20 15 1 15,450 •• ■• Total, Vote 113 .. 50,000 I 16,971 12 3 82 20 11 62| 95 70 3 116 2 14 14 51 16 62 60 30 348,058 Land for Settlements. Auckland — Okauia Settlement llangiatea Settlement 336 18 5 36 8 6 1 71 0 13 1 30 Total, Auckland 373 2 4 1 •• Also 2 cattle-stops on Railway. 373 6 11 30 Hawkes Bay — Raureka Settlement Elsthorpe Settlement • 0 10 7 201 17 2 0 17 j •• •• Also 3oh. embankment, 1 stone crossing, and 64 ft. culverts. Also 2,150 o. yds. gravel, 2 box - culverts, and grubbing 40 stumps. - Waimarie Settlement 100 0 0 1 17f Total, Hawkes Bay 302| 302 7 9 1 34| •■ .. • • ..

261

n i v j, x

Table 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, 1899— continued.

!S la S S Kame of Work according to Item on Appropriations. r> Expenditure from i- n ,i n .™ n , 1st April. 1898. to male .list Marcn. lhyu, * „ ,~ +■ a « -i charged to Autho- '^Sg 1 ?* o^" 1 ' - rities issued out of falp the Item named. March, 1899. Engineering *oads com itructed. Dray- Bridleroad, track. Improved. Mainti ■ined. Area of Crown Land rendered more accessible. Remarks. Drayroftd. Bridletrack. Bridgee constructed over 30 ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Length. Ft. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. I M. oh. M. eh. M. ch. M. oh. Acres. Wellington — Paparangi Settlement;.. 1,115 12 1 0 10 I •• 1 68 Metalling ; also 1,600 o. yds. rock excavated, and 104 c. yds. slips removed. Total, Wellington 1,116 1,115 12 1 0 10 •• i •• 1 68 .. Marlborough — Omaka Settlement Work in progress. 28 3 9 •■ Total, Marlborough 28 28 3 9 I .. Westland — Poema Settlement " " ! 316 316 5 0 1 72 i 1 72 I i '' i I Including heavy sidedrains, bush - clearing, and metalling. Total, Westland 316 5 0 •• •• •• Canterbury — Studholrne Junction Settlement .. Highhank Settlement .. Albury Settlement .. Otarakara Settlement Wharenui Settlement .. Hekeao Settlement Pawaho Settlement 0 8 0 4 0 0 180 2 3 2 7 6 40 0 0 476 7 0 6 0 0 2 42 ' *. • .. •• - .. Cutting drains. Drainage. Two houses constructed. •• 230 0 15J 660 • ■ .. .. Total, Canterbury 709 709 4 9 6 60 .. Otago — Makareao Settlement Tokorahi Settlement .. 4,663 2 1 34 9 6 •2 20 •• i •• 360 I i •■ I ! I J I '■ 'Railway ; work done by Public Works De partment. Inspection and advertising. 6 ch. of drainage-works planked and slabbed, &e. M/imona Settlement 40 0 0 •• Total, Otago 4,738 4,737 11 7 2 20 1 360 •• Southland — Otahu Settlement Drainage-works. 3 17 2 •• r Total, Southland 4 3 17 2 .. •• •• •• Total, Land for Settlements Account .. 7,586 12 68 2 390 8 48 7,586 9 0 •• .. •• ••

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262

Table 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, 1899— continued.

p a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from ___. 1st April. 1898. to Engineering 31st March. 1899, Surrey, made charged to Autho- 1 " A P ? ' rities issued out of i** ,8 ' 1° ?i" the Item named. March ' 1899 ' Dray- Bridleroad, track. Roads com itructed. Dray- Briaieroad. track. Improved. Maintained. Area of >own Land rendered more accessible. Bridges constructed OTer 30 ft. Span. Drayroad. Bridletraok. Remarks. woek done for mlnes department — Roads, and other Works, on Goldfields and Mineral Lands — Marlborough — Pieton-Grove £ s. d. M. Ch. M. ch. M. oh. Length. Ft. No. M. ch. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. 329 14 3 0 25 92 74 750 1 0 Amount authorised by the House (Marlborough) Expenditure limited by the House to Total 750 459 •• •■ 6 ft. wide in solid rock also 9 culverts built. t 329 14 3 6 25 i' o I •■ •• •• 94 104 127 128 131 132 133 134 135 Nelson — Tableland Horse-track Wangapeka-Wanganui Karamea, Mud flat Road Moldhinui-Litile River Road Bridge, Landing Creek Bridge, Walker's Greek Improving Ford or Bridge, Granity Creek .. Bridge, Dee Creek Mangles Bridge I 22 450 250 500 300 200 300 300 3,300 21 13 10 492 9 3 - Work done last year. 3 30 289 16 6 214 12 2 i 1 90 60 And approaches. 811 7 9 1 • 173J And approaches, ir course of construotion. See also Vote 91, Item 782. Additional span, with approaches and protective works. 139 Belgrove-Westport-Reef ton 1,500 1,464 6 9 108 0 149 151 169 170 173 180 Bridge, Glenroy-Matakitaki Gorge Larry 's Creek Bridge Extension Green stone-Teremakau Bell Hill Boad Bridge, Coal Creek Ahaura-Haupiri 300 350 81 200 400 400 101 11 1 121 7 9 199 9 4 1 1 55 3 20 1 10 I ■• •• •• Amount authorised by the House (Nelson) Expenditure limited by the House to Total 8,853 5,425 I •• •• •• •• 3,716' 14 5 3 30 4 378J 4*30 108' 0 • ■ 92 181 187 189 191 192 195 203 204 Westland— Reefton-Hokitika-Ross Karangarua Bridge Approaches New Road, Stafford-Awatuna Widening Ccok's River-flat Road Construction Okuru River Ford Track Hokitika-Jaokson'a .. .. .. Gillespie's Bluff Track Gal way Bluff Track 2,500 450 300 250 100 500 150 150 2,262 19 4 346 1 6 201 0 10 3 4 0 12 2 402 10 10 •• •• i 30 1 20 •• 38 31 4' 0 •• .. .. ■■ 22' 0 •■ - -. .. Amount authorised by the House (Westland) .. Expenditure limited by the House to Total 4,400 2,696 3,216*18 8 i'30 i'2O 60 31 i' 0 •• .. ..

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263

Table 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, 1899— continued.

35—0. 1.

s a Kame of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expendirure from i= ,j 1st April, 1898. to go 31st March. 1S99, c o charged to Autho- ■^ > rities issued out of the Item named. from 1st April, 1S98. to 31st March, 1899. En^ineerirjg ,oads constructed. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Improved. Maintained. Area of Crown Land rendered Dray- Bridle- more road. track. accessible. Bernards. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Drayroad. Bridletrack. Length. Ft. £ £ b. d. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. No. M. eh. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. Acres. Work done foe Mines Department — contd. Roads and other Works on Goldfields, etc — .continued. Southland — Oiepuki, Block I., Longwood *250 0 0 92 224 250 0 40 Work done by Wallaoe County. Work partly done by Alpha Gold-mining Company. Also 35 m. 12 oh. foottrack. 225 Roads, Preservation Inlet 500 239 15 8 2 56 1,000 226 227 228 229 230 233 236 Orepuki-Preservation Inlet Tracks, Cromarty Alpha Track Roads, Stewart Island Sewart Inland, road to mines .. Clifden Bridge Mason's Bay Track 2,000 400 200 150 150 1,500 150 778 1 2 207 5 0 0 79 1 70 60,000 122 2 8 " See also Vote 91. Amount authorised by the House (Southland) .. Expenditure limited by the House to Total 5,300 3,248 1,597 4 6 040 5 45 ■■ •• 61',000 • • .. Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total, Works done for Mines Department out of Vote 92 19,303 11,828 8,860 11 10 2*15 1115 '.'& 3784 - 4*30 168' 31 i 0 61 ] 000 •• * Paid direct to Wallace County through Mines Department.

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Table 46.— Summary of Statement showing Contracts completed under the Co-operative System from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1899, in the several Land Districts

Note.—For other work pee detailed statements concerning each district. The rates of earning are calculated at per working day of eight hours. In previous years the earnings were computed for every working day, whether the men were actually at work or not.

m 1. (D O a *o Character of Work done. So Actual Cost. Name of Bond or Work. 1! •5 SI U CO a c g n tb I Keg > D.> si 6 k Hi Pi o 2 o I Auckland — Chief Surveyor C. W. Hursthouse.. 354 75 2-5 306 M. eh. 32 1 13 41 JT. ch. 22 77 1 26 M. eh. 16 26 SI. ch. - 7 51-25 & s. d. 0 5 10J 0 6 2| 8-1 70 £ s. d. 13,127 9 11 3,753 16 8 £ s. d. 1,229 5 9 661 16 4 £ s. d. 14,356 15 8 4,415 13 0 E. H. Reaney .. 125 3-3 43 61 7 74 0 8 0 8-1 5,048 10 4 993 16 1 6,042 6 5 Taranalu — Chief Surveyor 351 31 28 25 34 5 65 39 5 0 0 6 6j 8-2 24,301 0 3 1,494 12 4 25,795 12 7 Hawke's Bay — Chief Surveyor 213 4-97 22 0-8 76 72-4 92 13-3 1 48-5 0 7 9| 7-3 18,902 18 3 2,617 2 9 21,520 1 0 WellingtonChief Surveyor 334 3-06 9 55 43 70 23 62-5 5 65 0 7 4| 7-1 17,435 18 7 1,823 0 11 19,258 19 6 Ditto (improved-farm settlements) .. G. T. Murray G7 294 2-5 2-4 1 50 12 69 0 23 51 56 1 59-5 * 5 37 0 6 3J 0 8 5J 7-4 71 1,627 17 5 12,854 0 2 162 15 9 1,792 7 3 1,790 13 2 14,646 7 5 Marlhorough — Chief Surveyor .. , 127 16-8 9 79-55 64 541 0 7 3j 80 9,008 0 10 1,660 1 4 10,668 8 2 Kelson — Chief Surveyor 4-3 0 55-5 2 13 2 13 0 7 11 80 297 12 5 59 11 6 357 3 11 13 Westland— Chief Surveyor 41 0 26 1 9 1 34-25 1 11-25 0 10 2jS 6-4 598 19 6 169 9 8 768 9 2 Otago — Chief Surveyor 37 10 43 13 9 1 19 0 6 5} 7-0 4,503 12 2 450 7 2 4,953 19 4 140 Southland — Chief Surveyor Ditto (iruproved-farm settlements) .. 53 10 3-96 64 4 63 0 41-75 11 32 39 78-5 0 55 0 6 10 0 5 9J 7-2 61 4,596 4 7 856 15 0 1,350 17 2 726 12 4 5,947 1 9 1,583 7 4 132,104 18 5 ' Totals and averages 5,168 3 96 76 19051-6 309 68-81 264 64-05 !7 72 0 6 10} 116,913 2 1 15,191 16 4 * 362-2 acres.

265

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Table 46.— Statement showing Contracts completed under Co-operative System from April 1, 1898, to March 31, 1899, in the several Land Districts.

eai 'or! ay oi eii tours. !n previous year3 ;e ei mni compui :or every worl :ini ay, w we: ;ual wo: Name of Koad or Work. 8% oga o 1| SI Kg °a a = .S 11 Chari .cter of Work done. I ! Other Work. £0 m I- U Wag Si < oil Actual Cost. §"§3 Is «a M. ch. 1 61 AUCT :land. Chief Surveyor — Waiwera-Hakuru (main road) Kaeo Parish-Mongonui (main road) Waikiekie Parish-Hukerenui (main road) Hukerenui-Kaeo Parish (main road) Mongonui Parish-Awanui (main road) Kaiwaka-Waipu Gorge (main road) .. Waingaro-Ngaruawania Maioro Swamp Victoria Valley Main Road Herd's Point-Takahue Maungataniwha district Takahue Block Euapekapeka Waimamaku-Pakanae Katui Paparoa-Maungaturoto Opua-Waimate Takahue-Herekino Block XI., Awaroa .. Kaueranga ... Taupiri Block Auckland Special Settlement Village Settlement .. Marlborough Lawson's Hill Mangapiko-Maire Main road, Lot 2, Block XIV., Hukerenui Ahipara-Herekino .. Hunua-Railway-station Tokatoka Swamp Opanake-Hokianga Herekino .. .. Block VII., Waipoua Survey District Point Albert-Welsford Junction Blocks XII E. and XIV., Opuawhanga; Blocks III. and IV., Whangarei M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 0 34 0 2 0 10 0 15£ 0 4 0 29 0 76 M. ch. 1 30 4 45 7 25 9 76 5 30 1 55 1 70 £ s. d. 0 6 1 0 6 0) 0 6 1 0 5 11 0 4 11J 0 6 34 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 6 01 0 5 0 0 5 10* 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 5 6 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 5 6 0 5 104 0 6 6* 0 6 0 0 5 6 0 5 8 0 5 10 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 5 3 0 5 8 0 7 0J 0 6 8 0 5 4J 0 5 10 0 6 0 0 6 0 £ s. d. 298 14 0 273 18 6 269 6 1 519 18 7 397 13 10 337 0 1 273 9 9 20 10 6 480 18 3 257 11 10 209 14 6 26 3 6 39 2 2 235 8 2 513 14 10 13 0 0 69 6 6 106 15 0 107 11 7 120 5 8 346 3 3 235 16 6 32 3 6 94 2 5 166 2 8 50 0 0 19 13 7 131 11 8 16 15 6 2,587 12 9 904 18 2 91 9 0 261 14 11 49 15 5 252 19 0 £ b. d. 6 2 1 37 11 0 19 6 4 110 17 10 101 10 3 24 18 6 34 16 0 2 11 6 47 13 0 19 6 10 15 6 6 £ s. d. 304 16 1 311 9 6 278 12 5 630 16 5 499 4 1 361 18 7 308 5 9 23 2 0 528 11 3 276 18 8 225 1 0 26 3 6 42 13 6 245 7 7 528 2 5 13 0 0 69 6 6 118 15 0 116 15 9 126 0 0 367 1 1 240 11 4 32 3 6 94 2 5 171 2 5 50 0 0 21 3 1 137 11 8 18 12 0 2,282 8 5 1,080 17 1 91 9 0 269 2 5 49 15 5 269 15 3 9 10 11 7 11 16 13 12 18 7 1 1 25 11 1 3 2 4 3 6 2 2 1 1 16 30 10 16 16 2 11 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 2 4 2 2 2 6 1-5 2 2 3 3 4 3 4 5 1-5 4 3 5 4 1-5 4 5 3 1-5 2 3 4 - 0 15 1 20 1 47 3"75 0 57 040 o"2 0 9 6*36 i' 0 1 77 i' 2 i'32 - 040 1 0 •• 0 O^ 6 77 8 73 6 15 0 26 2 40 1 9 8 16 040 0 54 8 8 8 8 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 3 11 4 9 19 5 14 7 7 12 0 0 9 4 2 5 14 4 20 17 10 4 14 10 046 040 320 0 2J 2 0 5 0 0 58 0 78 0 42 •" i 0 30 0 52 0 52 0 18 0 12 0 10 2 72 3 69 • • 1 - 0 17 - 0 12 i"o 1 23 419 9 19 6 6 0 0 1 16 6 303 15 8 175 18 11 2*27 078 0 2 13" 8 Briflginp, 105 ft. 2 m. 55 ch. - 233 4*7 6 - o"e Bridge 3*40 I 16 16 S .. ..

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266

Table 46. —Statement showing Contracts completed under Co-operative System from April 1, 1898, to March 31, 1899, in the several Land Districts.— ctd.

NoTEi— The rates of earning are calculated at per working-day of eight hours* In previous yeara tl ie earnings were compu! :or every wor! :ing-i .ay, w! :etl er ie men were asi ;ual iy al WO] Name of Road at Work. it"S r If a> ° to <a Kg a Character of Work done. at .S-8 IIS Wag III 6 a l|g s Actual Cost. -111 O 3 Other Work. AT! 'CKLAND— conti irated. £ s. d. 185 16 0 93 16 6 535 14 1 340 16 9 893 15 11 84 12 9 129 8 0 131 6 6 314 3 4 532 18 5 Chief Surveyor — Block IV., Maungakahia Taheke-Otaua Great South Road .. Waimamaku-Punakitere Tuakau-Opuatia-Kahuhuru Blocks XI., XII., XV., and XVI., Itaungakahia Takahue-Whangape Kohukoh u-M o tukaraka Punakitere Settlement North Shore-Waiwera 5 2 9 17 12 4 2 4 2 9 4 5 4 1-5 4 4 2 4 5 3 M. ch. 2 3 0 20 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 0 3 0 20 0 57 0 62J 0 40 3ch. lm. £ s. d. 0 5 8 0 6 0 0 6 11 0 5 9 0 5 8 0 5 10 0 6 0 0 6 2 0 5 7 0 5 9 8 I 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 £ s. d. 14 4 »0 54 7 7 23 13 6 100 5 1 7 10 0 £ s. d. 200 0 0 93 16 6 590 1 8 364 10 3 994 1 0 92 2 9 129 8 0 131 6 6 317 4 10 543 9 1 1 9 3 2 1 40 2'33 3 m. 78 ch. 1 m. 40 ch. 317 .. Bridge 143 2 37 0 20J 7 51J 3 m. 70 ch. 34 ch. 316 10 10 8 Totals and averages 2-5 32 1 22 77 0 5 10| 8-1 1 13,127 9 11 1,229 5 9 14,356 15 8 354 0. W. Hursthouse— Waitetuna-Waingaro Alexandra-Kawhia .. 5 4 3-2 2-75 Widening, 2 m. 28 ch. 0 4 3J 0 5 3 67 7-8 114 1 2 70 18 3 4 5 6 2 13 5 118 6 8 73 6 8 Clearing 7 36 Briscoe's Eoad (" thirds ") .. Mangauika A Iα Te Kuiti-Awakino .. Kihikilii-Otorohanga-Te Kuiti Te Rauamoa Improved-farm Settlement Stratford-Ongaruhe Manganui Road (" thirds ") .. Harihari-Kawhia (" thirds ") 4. 1 3 40 1 10 2 8 1 3 4 3-6 4 1 4 2-5 2 2 72 8 50 1 79 0 6 3 - 68 •• Logging, 1 m. Felling, 131J acres 0 5 5j 0 5 2} 0 7 5 0 6 7| 0 4 11 0 5 8J 0 4 9 0 7 0 7-6 73 7 7-3 7-2 7-7 5-4 6-9 14 0 0 132 11 10 2,810 15 7 87 3 10 180 9 2 167 5 8 134 7 0 42 9 2 2 0 0 10 8 3 587 17 6 2 18 9 22 2 4 19 16 7 6 8 0 3 6 0 16 0 0 143 0 1 3,398 18 1 90 2 7 202 11 6 187 2 3 140 15 0 45 15 2 0 50 0 50 i 2 4 0 Totals and averages 75 36 13 41 0 6 2J ' 3,753 16 8 661 16 4 4,415 13 0 1 26 16 26 R. H. Reaney — Rotorua-Galatea-Waikaremoana — Europeans Natives Te Papa Road — Natives .. .. .. .. .. Kangitaiki-Euatoki-Waiotahi — 35 62 3 ) 3 1 19 56 7 46 0 8 0J 8-2 4,220 7 3 897 2 8 5,117 9 11 4 10ft. track to bush 17 ch. 43 6 8 43 6 8 .. 124 10 5 I 29 5 0 153 15 5

267

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Aramwi-Mamaku — Europeans Mamaku-Rotorua-Oxford — Europeans Matata-Te Teko— Natives .. Orakeikorako — Natives .. Atiamuri-Orakeikorako — Natives 5 3 3 * 4 5 2 10 0 67 6 64 0 28 0 6 3 0 5 3 8 8 226 0 9 103 3 4 61 11 10 0 8 11 .. 6 5 4 226 9 8 103 3 4 67 17 2 6 5 10 28 136 14 6 37 12 0 J 174 6 6 3 6 2 54 132 15 7 23 2 2 j 155 17 9 Totals and averages .. 12D 3-3 43 61 7 74 0 8 0 8-1 5,048 10 4 I 993 16 1 6,042 6 5 •• I I I I 1 I . I I I 2 41 0 59 TAB ;anaki. Culverts, 742 ft. .. ..06 5J Bridge, 46 ft.; culverts, 322 ft. 0 6 6 Culverts, 47 ft. .. .. 0 6 10J Drains, 12ch.; culverts, 1,065 ft. 0 6 5i lm. 57 eh.; culverts, 1,827 ft.; 0 6 6" two bridges. 77ch.; culverts, 762ft. .. 0 6 3J Culverts, 1,304 ft.; four bridges 0 6 6 Culverts and tunnels, 280 ft. .. 0 6 4 Tracks, 14m,; culverts, 0 6 2 4,500ft.; two bridges Culverts, 586 ft.; one bridge.. 0 6 2 Bushfelling, 1]J acres .. 0 6 9 Drains, 6 m. 55 ch. .. ..069 0 6 0 Culverts, 72 ft. .. ..060 Drains, 6ch.; culverts, 841ft. 0 6 8| 22 ch.; culverts, 876 ft. ..061 Bushfelling, 3 acres; two houses 0 5 6 erected Two houses erected .. ..058 36 acres ; two houses erected .. 0 6 2 6J acres; three houses erected 0 6 1 15 acres; grassing last year's 0 6 3J clearings 28 acres .. .. ..064 Removal of slips .. ..063 14 acres .. .. .. 0/ 6 3 460 acres; also sowing last 0 6 4! year's clearings Culverts, 229 ft; two bridges.. 0 6 4} 0 6 3 0 6 8 0 6 1 0 6 3 0 5 7 0 6 2 Removal of slips, &c. .. 0 6 9 9 8 8-5 8-25 8 767 0 3 138 14 6 192 17 3 743 11 7 2,605 18 5 32 19 9 11 5 6 22 12 4 80 17 9 196 3 3 Junction Road .. .. Milsom .. .. Milsom and Tanner Mokau .. Pukearuhe inland to Mohakatino 18 7 4 1-1 39 4 2-5 4 3 2-8 1 75 1 62 3 54 0 63 0 14 0 51 •• ! 800 0 0 150 0 0 215 9 7 824 9 4 2,802 1 8 Putiki Puniwhakau Putikituna Stratford-Ongaruhe 11 18 11 39 2-72 3 5 1 77 1 34 3 41 7 5 3 20 6 0 8 18 2 20 4 0 8 8 8 8 441 15 9 1,009 17 6 1,433 16 10 8,509 11 6 46 7 0 40 19 10 63 7 2 313 1 4 488 2 9 1,050 17 & 1,497 4 0 8,822 12 10 5 0 Terrace End Mangamingi Township Ngaire Kaitangiwhenua No. 2 Okotuku Waitatara Valley Elfcham-Waitotara .. Tawai Improved-farm Settlement 25 1 4 4 2 36 26 2 i 2'5 i 2 1 2 3 I 2-5 I 2-48! 1 0 12 1 31 8 65 8 8 8 8-6 7-75 8-25 7-9 8 851 0 11 9 7 5 226 17 4 100 13 0 I 93 15 8 I 1,710 11 5 1,221 0 6 77 6 7 60 13 0 911 13 11 9 7 5 247 2 4 115 16 4 109 7 8 1,827 6 7 1,270 17 1 78 6 7 3 79 6 29 0 24 2~79 0 64 3 46 i I 20 5 0 j 15 3 4 15 12 0 116 15 2 49 16 7 10 0 0 52 Burfoot Derwent ... Greenlands Okau " 4 2 1 •• •• 0 45 1 6 2~47 8 8 8 7 170 12 9 146 5 2 375 19 10 30 18 0 19 4 0 37 2 6 23 9 4 189 16 9 183 7 8 399 9 2 30 18 0 - 1 •• I ■• Batatomokia Tongaporutu Huiroa Whangamomona 2 2 3 28 2 3 2 2 033 0 18 0 22 0 18 1 40 0 42 - I 8-5 I 8 Q 8 43 16 0 72 16 3 77 11 1 1,013 4 7 16 4 0 17 4 0 64 4 0 43 16 0 89 0 3 94 15 1 1,077 8 7 • • Oxford Association Block Hurimoana Block Makahu Block Marco Block Bimuputa Block Egmonfc Block VI. .. Patua Block Opaku-Kapara 6 10 3 3 3 ! 1 ! 22 2 ! 2-5 4 5 I r 1 49 4 20 3 0 •• 2 26 6 20 3 2 3 0 3 0 8-5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 311 1 8 425 16 1 143 19 1 219 12 0 112 18 6 5 19 4 873 16 0 142 17 6 22 4 10 29 4 3 9 1 3 I 19 6 0 14 2 0 10 0 121 11 9 13 15 5 333 6 6 455 0 4 153 0 4 238 18 0 127 0 6 6 19 4 995 7 9 156 12 11 o"6 0 33 14 14 0 33 •• • • •■ Totals and averages .. - 351 I I 31 0 6 6* 1 J24.301 0 3 28 25 34 5 65 39 5 0 8-2 1,494 12 4 25,795 12 7

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Table 46.—Statement showing Contracts completed under Co-operative System from April 1, 1898, to March 31, 1899, in the several Land Districts.— ctd.

268

OTB. —' ie ral ;es oi earning are cal ioul at per worl ingday of eigl it hours. In previous years the earnings were computed for every working-day, whethor the men were actually at work or not. Name of Road or Work. I/, n r O «5 oS Kg °3 a .=3 B Cbal ■acter of Work dona. 3 If Sis S3 Si J 8* ill Actual Cost. MnDg) o C.E « 3 Other Work. HAWI :e's bay. £ s. d. 0 7 2J Chief Surveyor- — Botorua-G alatea-Waikaremoana 16 5-7 M. oh. M. ch. 9 73 M. ch. 12 37 M. ch| .. [ Pour bridges, 63ft.; thirteen culverts, 268 ft.; 3,500 shingles ; 70,773 eq. ft. of sawn ; ten fords constructed .. j Pack-track, 6m.; bridges, 78ft.; culverts, 806 ft.; twenty-eight stone crossings; fascining, 36 ft. ; 7,116 sq. ft. timber sawn ; 2,700 shingles split 0 24-5 One bridge, 16 f c.; five culverts, 118 ft.; metalling, 448 0. yd. of stone 0 67 Two bridges, 32 ft.; eighty-five culverts, 1,538 ft.; twenty-one open stone crossings; removing 8,655 c. yd. of slips and 700 c. yd. of rook 0 18 Thirteen culverts, 235ft.; 3-65ch. embankments, with ditches 0 19 One bridge, 58 ft.; four culverts, 98 ft. ; metalling, 342 c. yd. of quarried stone. Twenty- two bridges, 388ft.; forty-seven culverts, 744 ft. 7-38 £ s. d. 4,284 12 2 £ s. d. 388 17 1 £ s. d. 4,673 9 3 Gisborne-Waikaremoana 28 41-5 28 61-33 0 8 10J 4,552 5 2 469 2 11 5,021 8 1 ■39. 4-95 7-28 Bunanga-Pohni 0 7 7J 154 6 7 20 5 0 174 11 7 i 0 23 0 24-5 7-6 Napier-Wairoa 49 5 12 20-3 2 61 0 67 I 0 8 5 7-44 3,591 17 10 528 11 3 4,120 9 1 Dannevirke-Tiratu 1 0 5 9j 501 18 10 111 5 9 613 4 7 9 6-8 1 10 3 66 0 18 7-24 Buahine Block and Buahine approach 4 5-75 0 47 0 58-5 0 19 0 5 11 6-76 295 7 8 42 17 3 338 4 11 Waikopiro 14 3-3 9 95 1 52-6 0 6 8| 707 587 13 8 138 14 4 726 8 0 Waikopiro Improved-farm Settlement Elsthorpe .. .. .. .. 13 2 1-08 2-5 0 17 176-4 ao. One culvert, 20 ft. by 12 in. by 12 in.; two culverts, 44 ft. by 24 in. by 24 in. 0 7 4| .0 9 0 6-72 6-56 235 17 1 36 19 6 49 11 11 7 18 9 285 9 0 44 18 3 Ngapaeruru Motu Boad (widening) 35 4 6-25 5-7 19 73-75 21 20-18 2 8-5 0 6 6J 0 8 7J 7-75 7-3 2,460 15 5 402 1 11 254 9 3 69 9 5 2,715 4 8 471 11 i Nuhaka No. 1 Nuhaka-Gisborne .. Gisborne-Botorua (stock-traok) 1 13 4 5-4 2 ' 8-5 5 85 3 58-5 5 35 Culverts, 698 ft.; slips, 511 c. yd.; and engineering survey Engineering survey included .. Slips removed, 421 c. yd.; culverts, 898 ft.; and engineering survey Pack-track, 3 m.; formation, 34ch.; culverts, 41ft.; bush felled 66 ft. wide, stumped and cleared 33 ft. wide; and survey 0 5 11 0 8 1J 8-1 7-3 93 11 6 852 12 5 9 14 6 170 7 5 103 6 0 1,022 19 10 11 5-3 9 34-7 9 34-7 0 8 8 7-7 852 18 6 355 17 11 1,208 16 5 Totals and averages .. 4-97 76 72-4 92 13-3 213 22 0-8 1 48-5 0 7 9£ 7-3 18,902 18 3 2,617 2 9 21,520 1 0

269

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Chief Surveyor — Waihi-Tokaanu Tokaanu Township .. Potnka Upper Kawatau Kawatau Valley Ticirangi • • 9 19 15 3 14 4 4 347 225 3 2-33 3 0 31 1 12 oil 214 0 22 •• 2*47 " Rook excavated, 1.835 o. yd. .. Rock excavated, 4,680 c. yd. .. Rock excavated, 9,360 o. yd. .. Rock excavated, 2,360 c. yd.; widening, 61 ch. Rock excavated, 708 c. yd. Rock excavated, 1,860 c. yd.; drains cut, 69 ch. 0 6 9£ 0 7 24 0 6 10J 0 8 4 0 6 8£ 6-25 7 7-33 7-20 7-16 7-33 141 16 6 309 9 4 434 14 3 221 16 5 723 11 0 126 19 6 14 10 7 38 5 0 47 19 9 46 19 11 78 15 1 18 16 6 156 7 1 347 14 4 482 14 0 268 16 i 802 6 1 145 16 0 6' 14 1 31 o'io 0 56 Titirnngi-Kew Kelpie .. .. 1 7 2 2 0 23 0 13 o io 0 8 0 0 7 Of 7-33 6-60 17 14 0 123 6 5 1 15 5 12 17 10 19 9 5 136 4 8 Kaheke .. Lagoon 3 5 5 2 0 61 2 23 Rock excavated, 3,469 o. yd.; widening, 58 ch. Rock excavated, 1,140 c. yd.; widening, 1 m. 3 ch. Rock excavated, 1,770 c. yd. .. Rock excavated, 1,780 c. yd. .. 0 8 0 6 8 7 7-20 112 10 6 116 10 3 11 10 0 11 13 0 124 0 6 128 3 3 Auputa 10 2 0 37 0 11 0 6 2AJ 7-20 209 3 5 22 6 3 231 9 8 Main South West Mangahuia Mangawharariki Walerthed Mania Cross (Hall Block) .. Pcka Conspicuous Oroua Main 2 4 2 4 1 2 5 2 5 2 2 2 3 1 4 2-25 2 3-25 0 10 143 0 42 0 44 1 35 0 53 1*37 0 42 0 6 0 44 0 70 1*28 Rock excavated, 1,963 c. yd. .. Rock excavated, 2,860 o. yd. .. 0 7 5J 0 6 10* 0 7 4 0 7 4£ 0 6 0 0 7 5J 0 6 9$ 0 8 8J 0 7 9J 650 7-33 5-25 7 8 7-81 7-25 650 38 3 3 183 11 10 69 5 2 71 6 8 4 4 0 181 19 4 131 6 1 82 1 2 329 16 1 3 16 3 19 17 2 12 9 6 12 12 10 0 8 5 18 3 11 14 19 11 8 4 1 ■ 32 19 7 41 19 6 203 9 0 81 14 8 83 19 6 ' 4 12 6 200 3 3 146 6 0 90 5 3 362 15 8 Rock excavated, 5,740 c. yd. Rock excavated, 3.438 c. yd.; widening, 1 m. 25 ch. Rock excavated, 600 c. yd. Table Flat Api ti-Norsewood Tunipo Takapari Upper Pohangina Valley Uniutoi (Pohangina) Oparae Towai .. Alfreclt-in-Weber Wailii Falls Akitio .. Pukewliinau Mount Arthur Kawakawa Wailiora .. .. Knituna Akaroa Mamibaraliara .. Wailn Valley Waihi Rat'ge (Masterton Reform) .. Mnkuri-Pongaroa .. Mnkuri— Aolianga .. .. Rakaumii Vilage Settlement Pougaroa Township 4 15 1 3 2 1 2 4 12 1 5 1 7 2 3 4 1 2 8 1 3 20 3 10 1 1 3 225 2 250 2-50 2 3-50 3-75 2-73 2 2-40 2 2-28 2-50 2 4 4 5 3 5 3 4-53 2 4-50 3 2 0 51 1 0 0 5 1 15 1 52 0 3 1 33 3 0 6 63 2 5 1 3 0 65 0 5 0 18 0 28 0 1 0 44 0 34 0 47 2 39 0 2 0 78 0 26 0 7 o"5 035 Rock excavated, 11,522 c. yd... •• - Rock excavated, 358 c. yd. Rock excavated, 22,851 c. yd... | •• Two bridges widened 0 8 4 0 9 3£ 0 7 94 0 7 4f 0 6 8 0 7 64 0 8 0 0 7 4 0 8 4 0 8 7 0 8 0 0 8 0 0 10 4 0 7 11J 0 7 ll| 0 7 6J 0 8 8 0 6 7 0 7 11J 0 6 11 0 6 104 0 6 34 0 8 2 0 7 04 0 7 104 0 6 0 6-50 6-75 7-50 6 7 6 774 741 7-62 8 7-65 7-74 7-64 7-53 755 6-79 8 8 7-53 8 7-27 740 5-54 7 6 7 42 ( 112 10 6 ( 73 14 11 590 14 5 71 14 9 120 3 5 42 10 4 57 16 8 341 7 2 362 9 6 704 17 5 51 15 11 315 11 10 36 6 0 266 1 7 125 1 6 156 6 3 287 4 8 60 12 1 169 8 9 499 15 7 175 1 8 244 6 11 1,870 11 5 195 18 2 1,053 1 0 47 14 6 15 15 0 I 18 12 6 59 1 5 7 6 0 12 i 3 8 5 1 6 3 7 34 2 9 42 3 2 70 8 11 5 19 31 11 1 3 12 6 26 13 1 12 10 1 15 13 0 28 14 6 6 7 1 16 18 9 49 18 7 17 10 1 24 8 7 187 1 1 19 11 9 105 6 1 4 15 6 1 11 6 204 17 11 649 15 10 79 0 9 132 7 8 50 15 5 64 0 3 375 9 11 404 12 8 775 6 4 56 17 8 347 2 11 39 18 6 292 14 8 137 11 7 171 19 3 315 19 2 66 19 2 186 7 6 549 14 2 192 11 9 268 15 6 2,057 12 6 215 9 11 1,158 7 1 52 10 0 17 6 6 2 32 Stumping, 40 ch. 1 3 4 42 0 51 1 11 0 31 Widening, 36 ch. Stamping, 1 m. 64 ch. 0 79 0 10 022 Widening, 6 m. 7 ch... 0*52 0 11 Widening, 2 m. 76 ch. 6 30 Bushfelling, 10 J acres on sections .. I

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270

Table 46. —Statement showing Contracts completed under Co-operative System from April 1, 1898, to March 31, 1899, in the several Land Districts.— ctd.

OTE. —' e rat ;es ol earning are cal cu atei at per worl ing 1 ay oj eigl ours. In previous years the earnings were compute' :or every woi ing- 1 .ay, wi bet! :r t: 1C men were ao; ,ual ly ai worl or nol n Character of Work done. |=3 Actual Cost. Name of Road or Work. a < O w ■ag its o a «t-l ■" i! Hi 2 •a a © a $ Other Work. SIS If So o a ob o a J! 2 a-g ft&l o WELLINGTC 3N — con tinned. Chief Surveyor — continued. Aolianga-Gorge '.. Waiboki Valley Waiowaka Waikereru Burling's-Mecalickstone M. oh. 2 1 M. ob. I Acres. M. ch. I 14,420 ft. timber hauled & s. d. 0 10 8J 0 5 4 0 6 0| 0 6 3J 0 9 If £ s. d. 951 7 2 72 7 8 83 1 9 121 18 7 690 16 2 £ s. d. 95 2 8 7 4 9 9 6 2 12 3 3 69 1 7 £ s. d. 1,046 9 10 79 12 5 92 7 11 134 1 10 759 17 9 12 1 2 10 387 5 5 5 3 75 0 32 10 0 60 •• 7-51 619 6 7*35 6-63 0 71 Widening, lm. 4ch.; timber supplied for bridge, 21,077 ft. Puketoi Makairo Makai ro-Kumeroa .. .. Thompson's Woodville-Asbhurst Ballanee—Manawatu Gorge .. Woodville-Aohanga Kaitawa Ridge Bridge Road to Makakabi Hukanui-Masterton Special Settlement Mangatainoka Valley.. Hukanui-Kakariki West Barton's Dalefield .. .. Makakahi Valley Mangatariri Waingawa 2 1 3 3 2 1 6 2 3 5 2 2 3 1 5 12 2 4 3 3 3 5 2 5 4 5 5 3 5 3 2 2 3 2 2 0 53 0 42 0 23 0 6 6) 0 7 104 0 9 2} 0 7 2 0 7 1\ 0 8 0J 0 6 11J 0 7 3J 0 7 0 0 6 10J 0 8 0" 0 5 9^ 0 7 8 0 6 4 0 6 8| 0 7 10J 7 7-88 7-80 7-62 7-44 7-52 7 6-44 5-8H 7 7-25 7'55 5-76 625 7-25 7 6-80 7 127 2 10 27 13 5 235 5 6 204 10 9 120 9 11 36 5 6 423 14 9 131 11 0 310 0 8 290 12 0 184 1 6 219 3 6 50 4 6 74 3 9 5 0 0 203 14 8 379 0 11 17 5 0 12 14 3 2 15 4 23 8 6 20 9 1 12 1 0 3 12 7 42 7 6 13 3 1 31 0 1 29 1 2 18 2 2 21 18 4 5 0 5 7 8 4 0 10 0 20 7 5 39 18 1 1 14 6 139 17 1 30 8 9 258 14 0 224 19 10 132 10 11 39 18 1 466 2 3 144 14 1 341 0 9 319 13 2 202 3 8 241 1 10 55 4 11 81 12 1 5 10 0 224 2 1 418 19 0 18 19 6 1 1 0 51 .. .. .. [ 0 15 1 35 Sorubfelling, &c, 1 m. 35 oh. .. •■ 2~27 166 0 76 0 76 o'io Pour small bridges erected 0 21 0 78 1 54 0 23 023 0 25 I: 6"55 i Sorubfelling, &c, 78 cliains .. o"8 0 9 •■ 5,890 ft. timber sawn 0 32 1 10 0 55 1 18 0 3 I Widening, 40 eh. Wire suspension-bridge, 132 ft., erected. Waiohine .. Aurora (Paparangi) 4 13 3 2 0 10 0 41 0 53 1 70 0 6 64 0 6 6J 7-25 7-50 254 19 4 543 10 8 25 9 11 54 7 1 280 9 3 597 17 9 Totals and averages .. 334 306 9 55 43 70 23 62| 5 65 0 7 4| 7-1 Akitio Improved-farm Settlement 29 1-93 780 17,435 18 7 615 5 8 1,823 0 11 61 10 7 19,258 19 6 Mangatiti Improved-farm Settlement Pemberton Improved-farm Settlement .. 28 10 3 3 1 50 0 23 0 H 1 58 Bush felled, 427 acres; rook excavated, 248 o. yd. Bush felled, 465 acres Bush felled, 17 acres; rock excavated, 196 o. yd. 0 5 10£ 0 6 6J 0 6 5J 721 6-87 801 11 2 211 0 7 80 3 1 21 2 1 676 16 3 881 14 3 232 2 8 Totals and averages 67 1 50 0 23 1 59J 0 6 3} 7-4 2-5 1,627 17 5 162 15 9 1,790 13 2 Totals and averages .. 401 3-06 11 25 44 13 25 42 7-14 5 65 0 7 2J 19,063 16 0 1,985 16 8 !l,049 12 8

■271

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36—C. 1.

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272

Table 46. —Statement showing Contracts completed under Co-operative System from April 1, 1898, to March 31, 1899, in the several Land Districts.— ctd.

Notb.— T] .e rates of earning are calculated at per working-day of eight hours. In previous years the earnings were computei :or every worl :ing-i ay, w etl .e men were aai ;uaJ y ai worl or no1 4 I "o Character of Work done. AM Sag Actual Cost. Name of Bond or Work. a 1 3 Is ■a" a> o its nig ■a if •=3 I O Other Work. OS'S J3 111 111 pi H » -a «M to O C0 o 1 o MARLB( iroug: E. 'hief Surveyor — Arapawa-Te Awaiti Anakoa-Manaroa Beatrice Bay-Kenny's Isle .. Crail Bay-Homewood Crail Bay Track Harvey's Bay, Pelorus Sound Hakahaka-Opihi Kenepuru-Anakoa Kenepuru Sound Manaroa-Hopai Manaroa-Okoba .. .. Ohinetaha-Te Mehia Piripaua Neck Cutting Robin Hood Bay-Ocean Bay Te Mehia Bay-Postage Bay 1 M. ch. M. ch.l 3 52-66 3 19-50 3 77 1 40 2 70 2 75-50 2 66 2 54-50 1 41-75 I M. ch. M.ch. & s. d. 0 6 6 £ s. d. 96 6 9 119 6 11 74 11 6 33 5 0 107 4 9 138 14 10 56 2 0 208 13 6 111 6 2 5 10 0 262 15 1 16 0 0 25 0 0 107 2 6 174 2 0 £ s. d. 0 6 6 21 13 10 22 18 0 £ s. d. 96 13 3 141 0 9 97 9 6 33 5 0 115 4 9 148 0 0 56 2 0 250 11 2 132 18 0 9 15 6 379 5 0 35 19 0 25 0 0 107 9 3 220 7 10 5 6 4 3 10 2 3 4 4 1 8 3 1 2 5 3 3 3 3 3 4 2 4 3 1 1 2 3 2 0 8 10 0 6 0 0 7 3 0 7 4 0 7 2 0 7 4 8 8 8 . 8 8 8 8 8 0 0 9 5 2 41 17 8 21 11 10 4 5 6 116 9 11 19 19 0 6 26-75 0 8 0 6 1} 0 6 6 8 8 •• 5 '4-50 6 32-50 Open cutting .. 0 7 1 0 6 6 8 8 0 6 9 46 5 10 Repairing track, 527 chains; clearing slips on three miles track; making seven gates Removing slips Torea Neck Tracks, Queen Charlotte Sound Tory Heads-WhatamoDga-Picton Whatamonga-Port Underwood White's Bay-Port Underwood Nydia Bay-Havelock 's 2" .. ■• 9 44-50 •• I 0 67 0 7 0 8 8 13 10 6 3 13 6 214 10 9 2 2 0 0 13 0 40 1 0 3 3 6 2 4 0 14 3 6 3 13 6 254 11 9 • 5 5 6 2 4 0 28 2 0 I Repairs to bridge and ford 1 2 0 16 " Clearing slips and forming 16 chains road 28"2 0 Tawhiunui-Rai Anikiwi-Grove 1 2 3 1 2 18 Twenty - two culverts, 110 ft.; two gates; tracks improved, 16 ch. 0 7 0 0 6 6 8 8 39 11 2 68 5 9 10 19 6 0 3 6 50 10 8 68 9 3 Blind River Road Blufi Cove-Port Underwood Picton-Queen Charlotte Sound Starborough Nelson-Havelock and Bridges 2 1 2 0 75 0 6-25 Removing slips, and survey .. 0 7 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 0 8 0 8 8 8 8 394 11 11 22 0 0 20 14 1 253 4 10 257 10 0 44 16 1 2 16 2 7 9 1 50 14 7 13 5 6 439 8 0 24 16 2 28 3 2 303 19 5 270 15 6 "i 1 5 5-97 0 5-58 Traffic-bridge over Plat Creek, 46ft. Drain-cutting, 40 ch. Seven culverts : five 12 in. by 12 in., 30 ft. and 22 ft.; one 8 in. by 8 in., 22 ft. ; one 18 in. by 12 in., 30 ft. Drain-Wairau River Gravel-pit Picton-Grove Road 1 2 4 11 0 25 1 0 0 8 0 0 6 1 8 8 98 3 0 342 1 10 61 0 5 98 3 0 403 2 3 •• ..

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273

Omaka Estate Kaiaho Canal Gheviot-Kaikoura Boad 46 42 3 48 Four stone and sixteen wooden culverts, one bridge, eight fords, Baramai Tunnel and sea-wall 0 80 0 7 11 8" 8 18 17 0 69 6 1 5,626 1 5 26 8 11 1,071 0 4 31 2 9 95 15 0 6,697 1 9 Totals and averages 0 7 3J 9,008 6 10 127 16-8 9 79-55 64 5-41 1,660 1 4 10,668 8 2 Chief Surveyor — Maitai Boad NEL! 3ON. 2 5-5 I 0 47 0 6 6f 8 86 0 5 12 9 1 98 9 6 Aniseed Valley Boad Wangapeka-Wanganui 4 7 6 3 0 8-5 213 2 - 18 0 6 3| 0 9 3J 8 8 101 5 0 110 7 0 9 10 9 37 11 8 110 15 9 147 18 8 Totals and averages 13 4-3 0 55-5 2 13 2 18 0 7 11 297 12 5 59 11 6 357 3 11 Chief Surveyor— Boad to Block 112, Kokatahi StaSord-Awatuna Eoad WES^ 'LAND. 1 3 5 4 0 3 0 23 0 2'25 0 23 0 2-25i Boad-bridge, 51 ft. .. Ditching, 32 ch. ; three logculverts Three log - culverts, two level crossings 0 11 4| 0 9 4 6-4 5-9 111 10 0 195 9 6 36 12 6 76 7 2 148 2 6 271 16 8 Karangarua Iraok Extension (Karangarua Bridge) 3 4 1 9 1 9 1 9 0 10 5J 6-9 292 0 0 56 10 0 348 10 0 Totals and averages 4-1 111-25 0 10 2J 6-4 768 9 2 0 26 1 9 134-25 598 19 6 169 9 8 OT, GO. 34 1 2 32 14 4 23 5 11 8 19 2 19 14 0 20 12 6 4 19 9 16 9 9 14 8 10 32 15 0 23 12 3 7 14 7 5 14 10 3 11 3 26 4 8 2 16 8 14 8 9 Chief Surveyor — Main Catlin's-Waikawa Road Waipati roads Waipati sections Heathfield roads Heathfield sections Tahakopa Valley Boad Tautuku, Block IV., Village Settlement Boad Rimu, Block XIII., Village Settlement Boad .. Bimu, Block XIV., Village Settlement Boad .. Rimu, Block XV., Village Settlement Boad .. Bimu, Block XV. (sections) Woodland District, Gordon Road Woodland District, Newtown Boad Purakauiti Stream Road Woodlands, Block IX., road Woodlands, Block IX., sections Woodlands, Block VIII., Maitland 10 6 16 3 14 3 2 4. 5 6 13 1 1 3 6 5 3 24 3-66 0 4 0 74 0 19 0 29 0 56 Bepairs to bridges 0 6 2J 0 6 5| 7-42 7-35 340 11 11 327 3 7 232 18 9 89 11 6 197 0 0 206 4 9 49 17 6 164 1-7 6 144 8 0 327 10 2 236 2 5 77 6 2 57 8 8 35 12 0 262 6 10 28 7 0 144 7 11 374 13 1 359 17 11 256 4 8 98 10 8 216 14 0 326 17 3 54 17 3 181 7 3 158 16 10 360 5 2 259 14 8 85 0 9 63 3 6 39 3 3 288 11 6 31 3 8 158 16 8 3 Bush felled, 191J acres • .. 0 6' 2J 7-'33 6-66 3-5 6 6 6-2 0 43 Bush felled, 113 acres 0 7 Of 0 7 5 0 6 2| 0 6 8 0 6 4| 7-57 7-35 7-55 7-5 7-46 Sturnping and levelling, 46 ch. Stumping, 20ch.; gravel, 32ch. 1 25 249 3 28 Bush felled, 122 acres 7-34 7-44 6-76 6-94 5 5 2 35 0 24 0 14 0 14-5 0 59 0 45 0 6 0 0 6 0| 0 5 10| O 6 % 1 23-5 Bush felled, 27 acres.. 3' 0 36 0 36 0 5 10J 7 : 31

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274

Table 46. —Statement showing Contracts Completed under Co-operative System from April 1, 1898, to March 31, 1899, in the several Land Districts.— ctd.

OTE. —' e ral ;es ol earning are cal ou per worl g-day ol rig! [Ours. n previous years tl le earnings were compm lor every wor] :ing-< ay, w er io men were ad ;usl .yal worl or no! CJ -- a o o S5 O Character of Work done. S 9 . Actual Cost. Name of Boad or Work. |a CD & > hi CJ)° rH C O B o 3 2 a a.£ — cd CO £ a Other Work. .S"S ©■— to a o Wag CD *J= grlrS o a 00 rH O o:5 <A o cc O ■\_ o M.ch. OTAGO--contini '.led. Chief Surveyor — continued, Batanui-Whitehead Boad Wingfield Boad Catlin's, Block VIII., Scadden's Catlin's, Block VII. Catherwood Boad Barr's Boad Catlin's, Block II., Thomson's Catlin's, Block I., Ivimey's .. Glenomaru, Block X., McKenzie's Katea to Owaka Dairy Farm Glenomaru, Block VIII., Village Settlement Boad Glenomaru, Block V., Goldsberry Boad Glenomaru, Block IV., Ward's Boad Glenomaru, Block VII., Freston Hill Boad , M. eh. , I M. ch. I 1 11-5 1 M. ch. | £ s. d. 0 6 9 0 6 1J 0 6 Of 0 6 0 0 6 Of 0 5 Hi 0 5 14 O 6 2j 0 8 0 0 6 0 0 6 2J 0 5 10 £ s. d. 126 13 6 19 5 0 240 16 11 184 10 2 129 6 2 122 4 4 117 14 4 35 5 6 83 7 10 21 15 0 182 11 6 95 15 2 80 0 3 142 11 10 £ s. d. 12 13 4 1 18 6 24 1 8 18 9 0 12 18 8 12 4 5 11 15 6 3 10 7 8 6 9 2 3 6 18 5 2 9 11 6 8 0 0 14 5 2 £ s. d. 139 6 10 21 3 6 264 18 7 202 19 2 142 4 10 134 8 9 129 9 10 38 16 1 91 14 7 23 18 6 200 16 8 105 6 8 88 0 3 156 17 0 4 2 6 6 5 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 3 3-5 2 3 2-66 3 6 3 2-5 3 4 6 4-5 4 2-66 0 12 0 70 0 68-5 1 11 0 71 0 20 Stumping, 12 ch. 7-77 8-0 7-2 7-4 7-0 7-65 7-4 7-45 7-09 7-2 76 7-0 7-37 7-0 1 20 0 13 0 18 0 58 0 12 0 35 0 60 0 46 0 31 0 29 0 29 035-5 0*41-5 •• Totals and averages 140 3-7 10 43 13 9 1 19 7-0 4,953 19 4 0 6 54 4,503 12 2 450 7 2 Chief Surveyor — Tracks to western sounds Lake Te Anau-Wakatipu 1 4 40 3-5 4 0 southlan: Pipe-culverts, 148 lin. ft.; logculvert, 72 lin. ft. Log-culvert, 16 lin. ft. Pipe-culvert, 20 lin. ft. Fascining, 364ch.; pipe-culvert, 16 lin. ft. Log-culverts, 58 lin. ft.; ditching, 1014 oh.; fascining, 71 ch. Chipping, 130 ch.; fascining, llj ch.; ditching, 8 ch.; logculvert, 256 lin. ft.; bridge, 13 lin. ft. Corduroy, 14J ch.; ditching, 11 ch.; log-culverts, 80 lin. ft. Ditching, 13 ch.; fascining, 25J ch.; corduroy, 3Jch.; logculvert, 71 lin. ft. 0 11 0| 0 8 3J 7'33 7-33 1,301 7 5 388 15 8 669 3 5 191 18 11 1,970 10 10 580 14 7 0 72 Waikawa-Catlin's Boad Waikawa-Oatlin's Boad Clif ton-Tisbury 'i 1 2* 2 036-5 '.'. 0 6 0 0 5 IIJ 8 7-33 31 4 0 17 16 3 27 7 6 14 10 9 5 15 7 0 2 3 45 14 9 23 11 10 27 9 9 Invercargill Hundred, Blocks XVII. and XX. .. 4 2 0 16-5 0 28 14 0 6 9 7-36 124 6 0 4 14 9 129 0 9 Mokoreta, Block XIV.; 1 3 0 15 0 5 3J 6-46 99 15 7 17 2 6 116 18 1 Oteramika 1 2 0 1 0 45 0 6 3J 42 4 8 2 11 2 44 15 10 7-14 Seaward Bush 8 3 0 33-25 0 65-5 0 6 IIJ 7-5 234 5 7 12 7 1 246 12 8

275

C—l

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37—C. 1

Waikawa District .. 2 0 18 0 10 Log-culverts, 204 lin. ft.; pipeculvertsi, 20 lin. ft.; surfacing and repairing, 1 m. 58 ch. Stumping, 32 ch.; log-culvert, 761in.ft.; log-bridge, 10 lin. ft. I Surfacing and repairing, 5J miles I Surfacing and repairing, 10 ch. Surfacing and repairing, 2 m.; pipe-culvert, 444 lin. ft.; logculverts, 272 lin. ft.; wateropenings, 108 lin. ft. Fascining, 1 ch.; stumping, 115 ch. ; fencing, 103 ch. ; log-culverts, 138 lin. ft. Log-culverts, 32 lin. ft. Pipe-culverts, 156 lin. ft. Foot - track ; suspension footbridges, 120 lin. ft.; one boat, 18 ft. Ditching, 50 ch. Foot - track; ten foot - bridges, 550 lin. ft. 7-5 79 15 9 16 18 4 96 14 1 Waikawa, Block VII. 3 0 27-25 I 0 6 Of 7 131 5 7 11 16 0 143 1 7 5 Waikawa-Otara 0 6 0 8 173 5 6 37 9 6 210 15 0 Waikawa-Otara-Wallace-Rock Road Waikawa- Wyndham Valley 6 4-17 2 1 0 7 6J 6-81 595 9 4 181 3 2 776 12 6 Longwood, XV., XVI., XVII. 0 33 0 18-5 0 6 9 6-33 191 3 2 27 15 1 218 18 3 8 Manapouri-Te Anau Orawia-Clifden Te Anau-George Sound 1 3 1 4 3 6 0 6 5 40 1 43 0 7 2$ 0 4 0 0 8 0 7 8 8 12 0 0 101 10 6 221 11 11 0 15 0 3 4 6 69 0 5 12 15 0 104 15 0 290 12 4 Outfall, drainage, Otatara Orepuki to Preservation Inlet 1 7 3 3-86 0 79 0 49 35 12 0 4 2J 0 7 8f 7-5 7-66 65 12 6 696 1 0 8 11 0 65 11 8 74 3 6 761 12 8 State Forest, Seaward Bush 3 2-33 69 acres 0 6 8 7 61 6 8 10 6 1 71 12 9 Totals and averages 0 6 10 53 3-96 i ! 4 63 11 32 [ 39 78-5 & 69 ac. .. .. 7-2 4,596 4 7 1,350 17 2 5,947 I , 9 Improved-farm Settlements — Haldane Improved-farm Settlement roads 4-5 0 32-75 Haldane Improved-farm Settlement sections .. Waikawa Improved-farm Settlement roads Waikawa Improved-farm Settlement sections .. Moturimu Improved-farm Settlement sections Papatotara Improved-farm Settlement sections I I I 19 ! 5 8 6 4 0 9 45 ch. 227 ac. 10 ch. 97-5 ac. 30 ac. 28-25 ac. Ditching, 2ch.; pipe-culverts, 0 7 6J 134 lin. ft.; log - culverts, 54 lin. ft.; road maintained, 2 m. 0 5 3J Surfacing and repairing, 3 m.. ,054 .: 0 5 10| 0 3 10| 0 3 4*1 7-3 7-66 7-li 7-66 8 4-73 265 15 7 J 340 10 0 35 2 9 138 7 6 32 5 9 44 13 5 , 45 4 6 395 19 4 9 8 0 156 6 10 100 16 8 18 17 0 311 0 1 736 9 4 44 10 9 294 14 4 133 2 5 63 10 5 ! •• Totals and averages .. io ; i I 6-4 0 41-75 61 856 15 0 726 12 4 1,583 7 4 55 ch. & 382-75ac 0 5 94 * Inexperienced men.

NEW ZEALAND SHOWING THE STATE OF THE PUBLIC SURVEYS 1899.

NEW ZEALAND SHOWING THE ROADS TO OPEN CROWN LANDS FOR SALE. SURVEYED & CONSTRUCTED DURING 1881-1899.

NEW ZEALAND SHEWING LAND TRANSACTIONS 1898-9.

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DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON)., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, C-01

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DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, C-01

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DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, C-01

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Pages 1-20 of 329

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Bibliographic details

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DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, C-01

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, C-01

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)