DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1900 Session I, C-01

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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

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

COITTEITTS.

Page General Repobt of the Surveyor-General— Lands — i Number of Selectors and Area taken up during the year .. .. .. .. ii Land selected during the year under sections 114, 115, and 117 of " The Land Act, 1892," and section 13 of " The Land Act Amendment Act, 1895" .. .. .. .. iii Table showing Lantls of all descriptions taken up from 1889 to 1900 .. .. .. iii Table showing Land open for Selection during the Year ... .. .. .. iv Forfeitures and Surrenders .. .. iv Improved Farms .. .. .. .. v Village Settlements .. .. .. v Pastoral Runs, Small Grazing-runs, and Grazing-farms .. .. .. .. v " Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894 " vi The Agricultural Lease System .. .. vi Settlement Conditions .. .. .. vi State Forests and Plantations .. .. vi Reserves, Parks, Sanctuaries for Native Fauna, &c. .. .. .. .. .. vii Thermal Springs, Sanatoria, &c. .. .. vii Cheviot Estate .. .. .. .. ix Land for Settlements .. .. .. ix " Urewera District Native Reserves Act, 1896 " x Land for Landless Natives, South Island .. x Assistance towards Medical Men in Outlying Districts .. .. .. .. xi Native Townships Act .. .. .. xi Territorial and other Revenue .. .. xi Arrears .. .. .. .. .. xii Surveys— xii Trigonometrical and Topographical .. .. xii Rural and Suburban Surveys .. .. xiii 1 Township Surveys .. .. .. xiii Native Laud Court Surveys .. .. xiii Mining Surveys .. .. .. .. xiii Road Surveys .. .. .. .. xiii Miscellaneous Surveys .. .. .. xiv Board of Examiners for Surveyors .. .. xiv Magnetic Survey .. .. .. .. xiv Roads and Bridges— Summary of Works Constructed .. .. xiv Head Office — Report of Chief Draughtsman .. .. xvi „ Chief Clerk .. .. .. xvii Return of Co operative Labourers .. .. xix Report of Chief Accountant .. .. xx „ Auditor of Land Revenue .. .. xxi

Page Appendix No. 1— Land- settlement: Administration— Auckland .. .. .. .. .. \ Hawke's Bay .. .. .. ~ 5 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 7 Wellington .. .. .. .. 9 Nelson .. .. .. .. 13 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 15 Westland .. .. .. .. 17 Canterbury .. .. .. .. is 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 .. .. .. .. 40 Otago .. .. .. .. .. 42 Southland .. .. .. .. 44 Appendix No. 3 Road Construction and Maintenance— Auckland.. .. .. .. .. 45 Auckland Central .. .. .. .. 55 Rotorua .. .. .. .. .. 57 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 61 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 63 Wanganui .. .. .. .. 69 Wellington .. .. .. .. 74 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 84 Marlborough .. .. .. . , 87 Westland .. .. .. .. 92 Canterbury .. .. .. 94 Otago .. .. .. ~ .. 97 Southland .. .. .. .. 100 Appendix No. 4 Co-operative Work— Auckland North .. .. .. .. 104 Auckland Central .. .. .. .. 104 Rotorua .. .. .. .. .. 104 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 104 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 105 Wanganui .. .. .. .. 105 Wellington* .. .. .. .. 106

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Page Appendix No. 4—continued. Co-operative Work—continued. Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 106 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 106 Westland .. .. .. .. .. 106 Otago .. .. .. .. .. 106 Southland .. .. .. .. 107 Appendix No. 5 Improved-farm Settlements— Auckland .. .. .. .. 107 Auckland Central .. .. .. .. 107 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 108 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 108 Wanganui .. .. .. .. 109 Wellington .. .. .. .. 11l Otago .. .. .. .. 112 Southland .. .. .. .. 112 Appendix No. 6 Forestry— Report by H. J. Matthews, Chief Forester .. 114 Eweburn Nursery .. .. .. .. 114 Tapanui Nursery .. .. .. .. 115 Rotorua Nursery .. .. .. .. 116 Dusky Hill Plantation Reserve .. .. 117 Albury Estate Plantations .. .. .. 118 Whakarewarewa Plantation Reserve.. .. 118 Galatea Road (Kaingaroa Plains) Plantations.. 118 Waiotapu .. .. .. .. .. 119 Tarukenga .. .. .. * .. 119 Sanatorium Grounds, Rotorua .. .. 119 Pukeroa Hill Reserve .. .. .. 120 Street Trees, Rotorua .. .. .. 120 Kuirau Reserve .. .. .. .. 120 Rotorua Courthouse .. .. .. 120 Geyser Reserve, Whakarewarewa .. .. 120 Statement of Expenditure, Ist April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. 121 Particulars of Trees at Eweburn and other Nurseries .. .. .. .. 124 Appendix No. 7 Thermal Springs— Rotorua .. .. .. .. .. 130 Hanmer Plains .. .. .. .. 132 Appendix No. 8— Wanganui River Works— Improving Navigation of Wanganui River .. 134 Wanganui River, between Ohuraand Ongaruhe Junction .. .. .. ~ 141 Tangarakau River from the Wanganui River to Putikituna .. .. .. .. 141 Appendix No. 9 Tourist traffio between Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound .. .. .. .. .. 144 Appendix No. 10— Mount Cook Hermitage and Glaciers— .. 144 Appendix No. 11— Magnetic Survey of the Colony .. .. 145 Appendix No. 12— Explorations— The Upper Poulter .. .. .. 147 Appendix No. 13 — Sanctuaries for Wild Animals Little Barrier Island .. .. .. 149 Wellington Acclimatisation Reserve, Paraparaumu .. .. .. .. .. 149 Resolution Island .. .. .. .. 150 Appendix No. 14 : Wairarapa Lakes .. .. .. .. 154 Tables— Table I.—Summary of Lands disposed of from Foundation of Colony to 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. ..157 » 2.—Lands opened for Sale and Selection during the Year ended 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. 157 3—Summary of Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1900 .. 158 „ 4.—Analysis of Holdings .. .. 160

Page Tables— continued. Table 5. —Lands sold for Cash .. .. 161 „ 6. —Deferred-payment Lands .. .. 162 „ 7.—Perpetual - lease and Small - area Lands .. .. .. .. 163 „ B.—Occupation - with • right - of - purchase Lands .. .. .. .. 164 9. —Lease-in-perpetuity Lands .. .. 165 „ 10.—Agricultural-lease Lands .. .. 167 „ 11.—Occupation Leases under " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894" .. .. .. ..167 12.—Village Settlements .. .. 168 „ IP.—Summary of Position of Village Settlements .. .. .. .. 170 „ 14.—Special Settlements .. .. 171 15.—Homestead Lands .. .. .. 172 „ 16.—Small Grazing-runs .. .. 172 17. —Pastoral Licenses .. .. .. 174 18.—Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses .. 175 „ 19.—Gross Revenue received during the Year 1899-1900 .. .. 176 „ 20. —Lands reserved and alienated .. 178 „ 21.—Forfeitures and Surrenders.. .. 178 „ 22.—Thermal - springs District: Transactions, 1899-1900 .. .. 179 23. —Native Townships : Transactions, 1899-1900 .. .. 179 24. —Area of Bush felled to 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. 180 25.—Number of Selectors on Books of Department .. .. .. 180 „ 26.—Total Number of Crown Tenants, Area held, Rent payable and in arrear .. .. .. .. 181 27. —Endowment Lands : Transactions, 1899-1900 .. .. .. 182 „ 28.—Endowments : Revenue for the Year 182 „ 29.—Cheviot Estate : Receipts for Year .. 183 „ 30.—Cheviot Estate: Receipts from Ist April, 1893, to 31st March, 1900 .. 183 „ 81.—Cheviot Estate : Return of Outlay and Income .. .. .. 183 „ 32.—Improved-farm Settlements to 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. 184 33.—Land for Settlements Acts: Transactions, 1899-1900 .. .. I££ 34. —Land for Settlements Acts: Outlay and Income of Estates—Balancesheet .. .. .. 190 „ 35.—Comparative Statement of Selectors and Lands selected for Ten Years 197 „ 36.—Field-work executed during 1899-1900 198 37.—Crown Grants and other Titles prepared during Year .. .. 210 38.—Plans placed on Crown Grants and Titles .. .. .. .. 210 39. —Work done under Land Transfer Act 210 „ 40.—Work done for other D«par«nents .. 211 41.—Payments to Local Bodies from "Thirds" and "Fourths" .. 211 „ 42. —Balances in Looal Bodies' Deposit Account on 31st March, 1900 .. 215 „ 43.—Surveyors employed and Work on hand at 31st March, 1900 .. 217 » 44.—Government Loans to Local Bodies Acts .. .. .. ..218 „ 45.—Roadworks exeouted during 1899-1900 222 „ 46.—C0-operative Works completed during 1899-1900 .. .. .. 285 „ 47. —Statementof Special Contracts entered into from Ist April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. 286 " Process " Illustrations— Map showing Kauri-gum Reserves, Auckland .. .. .. .. Facing p. 4 View of Southern Alps and Westland Ranges from Trig. "HU " .. .. „ 40 South-west Coast, Middle Island, Sandhills Point and Puysegur Point .. „ 44 Bridges, Mangakahia and Mangatainoka „ 58 Inch Valley. Lime-works .. .. „ 96 Inch Vallev Lime-works, Engine-shed, Railway Bridge .. .. .. n 97 Plan State Forest Nursery, Eweburn .. „ 114 „ A. Amerioan Pine ;B. Larch-com-partments .. .. .. 114 „ State Forest Nursery, Tapanui .. 115 „ Rotorua .. „ 116 „ A. Whakarewarewa Plantation .. „ 116 » B. „ ■ ■ „ 116

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Page " Process " Illustrations—continued. Plan Fire-breaks between Nurse Trees Paoing p. 116 „ Dusky Hill Plantation (fire-breaks) „ 117 , A. Oak Compartments, Dusky Hill Plantation .. .. .. „ 117 B. Oregon Pine .. .. „ 117 " Break " of Transplanted Trees, Rotorua Nursery .. .. .. „ 118 Tapanui Nursery, Walnuts and Kowhai „ 118 Seed-beds, Rotorua Nursery ; Seed-beds, Tapanui Nursery .. .. „ 118 Track up Ngongotaha Mountains from Pukeroa Reserve .. .. .. „ 130 Lake Rotoiti .. .. .. , 130 Okeri Palls, near Rotorua .. .. „ 132 On the Upper and Lower Wanganui River .. .. .. .. „ 142 Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua-Te Teko Road .. „ 142 Kainaki, Wanganui River .. .. „ 142 Map of Wanganui River, to accompany Report, J. T. Stewart .. .. „ 142 Sketch-map, Wanganui River Trust .. „ 142 „ Tautete Rapid, Wanganui River .. .. „ 143

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Pag© " Process " Illustrations—continued. Sketch-map, Paparoa Rapid, Wanganui River .. .. Faoing p. 143 Map Middle Island (Magnetic Survey Report) (0. Coleridge Parr) .. .. „ 146 Map showing Explorations, by Mr. L. Cookayne .. .. .. .. „ 147 Map, Little Barrier Island (Hauturu ).. „ 148 Oelmisia bellidioides and Veronica sinifolia and Celmisia colensoii .. » 150 Nests of Shags, Anchor Island .. „ 150 A West Coast (Otago) Inlet .. „ 150 Nest of the Weka (Woodhen) .. .. „ 152 Penguins in Captivity, Resolution Island .. .. .. .. » 152 Cascade Harbour .. .. .. „ 152 Stumps of Trees cut down by Captain Cook, Pickersgill Harbour .. .. „ 152 Plan of Wairarapa Lakes .. .. „ 156 Map showing State of Public Surveys .. „ 172 „ Roads to open Crown Lands for Sale .. .. „ 172 „ Land Transactions .. „ 172

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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

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

The Secretary for Crown Lands and Surveyor-General to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 23rd June, 1900. 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, 1900. I have, &c., S. Percy Smith, Secretary for Crown Lands and Surveyor-General. The Hon. Minister of Lands.

LANDS. The operations of the department during the period under review do not present any remarkable features, whilst at the same time steady general progress in settlement is to be noticed, except in a few cases that will be specially referred to later on. The work of settlement depends directly on the amount of land available, but in this respect the colony has no large supply of " raw material " in the shape of agricultural land left. What remains is scattered in small areas, difficult of access, and requiring much capital to bring it into use. Of pastoral lands the area is greater—that is, pastoral lands which can be held in areas of 2,000 acres and upwards. Many parts of the North Island, especially the southern parts of Auckland and northern parts of Taranaki and Wellington, are alone suitable for this class of holding. It seems, therefore, probable that the preponderance of pastoral pursuits now obtaining in the North Island over the Middle Island will increase, one reason for which is that the pastoral lands can be held in smaller areas. The transactions for the year will be found summarised in the following Table A, which includes all classes of land dealt with, such as the Cheviot Estate, estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts, &c., but excludes the endowments under the administration of the department. Details under each tenure are given in the series of tables attached to this report as Appendices. Table A shows the gross dealings, without any deductions for forfeiture, surrenders, or other lapses, which are referred to later on.

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Table A. Number of New Selectors and Area taken up from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, and Total Amount of Money received during the Year.

The various tenures shown in the above table illustrate the different and numerous systems in force under the Land Acts, but the same figures may be simplified for the purpose of comparison, and in order to a comprehensive view of the whole. Thus : All classes of dealings are shown in Table B below, excepting endowments, miscellaneous, and temporary leases, particulars of which will be found in the Appendices.

Table B, being a Summary of Table A, under a few Headings.

A glance at the figures above will show that the total selections or purchases for the past period are 199 less than for the year 1899, though the area taken up is larger, due to the greater number of pastoral leases dealt with. This variation of the totals is, however, nothing abnormal, and is characteristic of the land returns for many years past. The lease-in-perpetuity tenure still takes the leading position as to number of selectors, which is owing to the fact that this system was obligatory in many cases. Where, however, the choice of tenure is left to the selector, which always occurs when lands are thrown open for so-called free selection, it will be seen that the occupation with right of purchase, which allows the tenant to obtain the freehold, is more favoured than the other system. This has been the case for the last few years. The following figures illustrate this:—

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Nature and Tenure of Lands selected. Number of Purchasers or Selectors. Area. Cash received on Past and Current Transactions. Town lands sold for cash Suburban lands sold for cash Rural lands sold for cash 261 66 147 A. B. P. 132 1 21 290 2 35 23,499 1 1 £ s. d. 20,632 18 5 Deferred payments.. Perpetual lease (cash includes money from perpetual leases made freeholds) 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) „ 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 "2 395 348 3 6 3 69 6 1 41 64 57 624 0 0 117,771 0 28 111,108 2 38 69 3 24 4 1 12 12 0 1,747 2 7 30 2 21 2 0 3 7,392 3 10 2,294 3 11 142,699 0 17 16,329 12 5 71,382 0 7 17,624 18 10 23,185 9 10 55 10 8 49 10 0 357 15 11 826 16 11 40 8 3 1,373 5 4 2,114 13 6 6,881 10 6 2,562 3 0 243 5 5 24,185 11 1 72,913 5 9 1,075 12 11 23,701 6 11 Pastoral runs Thermal springs, Eotorua Miscellaneous leases and licenses 140 3i8 1,019,831 3 4 88,747 0 33 Cheviot Estate— Cash lands Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement (lease in perpetuity) Grazing-farms Pastoral runs_ Miscellaneous Land for Settlements Acts— Lease in perpatuity village Special-settlement associations (lease in perpetuity) .. Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous Totals 17 1 10 298 11 "7 39 13 3 39 6 2 0 23 1 33 42,415 2 22 14 0 26 12,410 0 36 2,691 1 25 374 4 2 6,613 9 5 838 14 5 6,485 18 11 263 10 8 246 17 10 42,380 6 3 336 13 5 172 13 2 2,838 3 11 626 17 7 2,310 1,573,823 1 6 £346,713 6 0

1898. 1899. 1900. Number. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. Gash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Pastoral and grazing runs Occupation and agricutural leases—Mining Acts 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 1,562 497 2 398 775 204 67 Acres. 23,940 624 117,773 162,718 1,174,941 2,365 Forfeitures and surrenders .. 1,677 704 2,374,862 779,271 2,209 586 1,154,557 499,152 1,943 519 1,482,361 166,304 - 973 1,595,591 1,623 655,405 1,424 1,316,057

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No. Area. Selected for cash ... ... ... ... 95 16,510 acres. Occupation with right of purchase ... ... 395 117,771 „ Lease in perpetuity ... ... ... ... 348 111,108 „ The figures shown in Tables A and B include town, suburban, and rural lands, but scarcely give a fair idea of what may more strictly be termed " settlement"—that is, the occupation of the country in farms of various sizes, whether of ordinary Crown lands or of the estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts. To arrive at this, town, suburban, pastoral, miscellaneous, and forfeited or surrendered lands should be deducted from the sum total of new settlers, and this leaves a balance of 979 selectors who are bound by the conditions under which the lands were taken up to reside on and improve their properties. This number is about seventy less than that for the previous period, The average size of the farm selected last year (excluding town, suburban, pastoral runs, grazing-runs, small lots, and miscellaneous leases) was 223 acres, the figures for 1899 being 196 acres, and those for 1898 190 acres. Taking the lands selected under the optional clauses of the Act, where the selector is not limited to one section, but may select up to the limits defined in the Act, the average-sized selection was 292 acres, the sizes for the two previous years being 243 acres and 222 acres respectively. Transactions under the Land Acts prior to that of 1892 continue to occur, but it is merely a question of time when these classes of holdings will cease to appear on the books of the department. The following figures show the principal items : No. Area. Deferred payments, freehold completed ... ... 186 26,370 acres. Perpetual lease made freehold ... ... ... 210 72,293 „ A considerable revenue is at present derived annually from the above two sources which will gradually disappear. Last year the sum paid as balances on deferred-payment lands and on conversion of the perpetual leases into freeholds was £87,683. On the 31st March last there still remained 926 deferred-payment selectors, holding an area of 134,014 acres, the annual instalments amounting to £7,415. At the same date there were 1,429 perpetual-lease selections, covering an area of 336,183 acres, paying an annual rental of £12,550. The sums mentioned above are the gross amounts, out of which certain portions are paid to the local bodies, which payments will, of course, cease as the lands become freehold. In the case of the perpetual leases made freehold, the greater facilities for borrowing money for improvements on freehold properties are no doubt the principal factors in the conversion, and it is believed that in this way a small percentage of the moneys paid out through the Advances to Settlers Office find their way back to the Treasury in the territorial revenue. Table C, below, shows selections under a few special clauses of the Act:—

Table C. Lands selected during the Year ended 31st March, 1900, under Sections 114, 115, and 117 of "The Land Act, 1892," and Section 13 of "The Land Act Amendment Act, 1895."

Below will be found the approximate total figures showing the transactions of the department for the past ten years, which are useful for comparison. The figures shown are the gross transactions, without deductions for forfeitures or surrenders, which will be found in Table B (for the last three years).

Table D. Showing in a Compact Form the Lands of all Descriptions taken up in the Last Few Years, and the Revenue collected.

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Tenure. Under Section 114. Under Section 116. Under Section 117. Under Section 13, 1895 Act. Number. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. Cash .. Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village homestead 1 5 15 9 3 27 566 3 0 658 2 24 8 U 64 0 29 1,227 *3 20 17 167 3 15 131 *3 21 Totals 21 1,235 1 11 22 1,292 0 9 17 167 3 15 U 131 3 21

Year. Number of Selectors or Purchasers. Area taken up during the Year. Territorial Revenue. Total Revenue collected. Number of Tenants on the Boobs. Acres. £ £ 1889-90 ... 2,653 4,155,472 304,842 322,885 12,164 1890-91 ... 2,420 2,154,138 352,417 364,938 11,995 1891-92 ... 2,519 1,453,082 320,483 324,470 12,735 1892-93 3,071 1,663,339 274,399 310,523 14,261 1893-94 2,876 1,393,918 282,067 347,343 15,081 1894-95 2,547 1,015,577 338,166 375,879 15,326 1895-96 ... 2,865 2,662,344 291,673 345,331 15,683 1896-97 2,173 1,600,695 272,954 360,993 15,527 1897-98 2,058 2,451,062 263,296 359,086 16,365 1898-99 2,542 1,357,466 273,799 385,145 16,572 1899-1900 ... 2,310 1,573,823 262,228 382,943 17,191

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The Table B below will show the amount of land opened for selection during the year, the total area being considerably larger than for the previous period; but this is due to a larger quantity of pastoral land having been offered, most of which was disposed of. For optional selection, 217,438 acres were offered, and the area selected during the year, roughly, was 228,000, showing that demand keeps pace with the land offered ; indeed, and it is almost needless to repeat it, had the Crown more lands of a suitable character, all the lands the department could throw open would be selected. This class —optional selection—is the backbone of settlement, and the more land thrown open on this system the sounder and more permanent is the settlement of the country. Table E. Land thrown open for Selection or Puechase during Year ended 31st March, 1900. Acres. Optional selection ... .. ... ... ... 217,438 Cash by auction ... ... ... ... ... ... 7,922 Other leases of Crown lands and reserves ... ... ... 7,358 Village allotments ... ... ... ... ... 1,445 Pastoral runs ... ... ... ... ... ... 985,795 Small grazing-runs • ... ... ... ... ... 180,396 Lease in perpetuity only ... ... ... ... ... 52,628 Total ... ... ... 1,452,982 Native towns ... ... ... ... ... ... 366 No special features in connection with the lands thrown open this last year require notice, for, as a rule, the lands consisted of small blocks distributed over many localities. As was anticipated, a large area in the Kawhia County, which had been under survey for about twelve months, was offered to the public under the optional system, but not till just after the close of the financial year; the results, therefore, do not appear in this year's transactions. These lands are good, but somewhat distant from main lines of communication, though a considerable expenditure has taken place in providing roads throughout the block and in connecting the lands with the Main Trunk Railway. Of the 50,000 acres offered in April, nearly the whole was selected, and it is anticipated that a large additional area of over 100,000 acres will be ready for selection during the present or early next year. It is probable that during the course of the next few years this particular district will show a large amount of settlement, for the lands are of good quality, the climate fine, and stock seem to thrive. As the lands are near one of the main roads connecting Auckland with Taranaki, it seems highly probable that a few years will show a continuous line of settlement from the Waikato to New Plymouth. Not only on this particular line of communication, but also on theOhura Road, which is likewise a connecting-link between Waikato and Taranaki, a large amount of settlement is anticipated within the next few years. But this latter road must first be completed for through traffic. In this central part of the North Island, and extending to the upper branches of the Wanganui, where the soil is fair to good, the greatest extension of settlement is likely to take place. All depends on the extension of roadworks, which are urgently required. At present would-be settlers are debarred from considering this country by its inaccessibility. The preparation of lands for selection in other parts of the colony will be continued wherever the land is suitable and access obtainable; but, for reasons already given, it will generally be in small-sized blocks, and much scattered. Probably the largest continuous area to be dealt with during the ensuing year, outside Kawhia County, is at Ngapaeruru, in southern Hawke's Bay, where about 30,000 acres of fair but broken forest land will be ready in June. It is to be hoped that the arrangements connected with the Midland Bailway contract will release a considerable area in the Westland and Nelson Districts more permanent form of settlement than has been possible during the past ten years. Fobfeitubes and Sueeendees. The reasons why forfeiture becomes necessary have so often been pointed out that it seems unnecessary to repeat them. There have not been so many forfeitures during the period under consideration as for the last few years, a general decrease being shown in nearly every item, but particularly in that of .special settlements, which seems to show that those who in their eagerness to obtain land did not consider their own fitness for the undertaking are becoming weeded out, and that the remainder will probably make successful settlers. The forfeitures are 299 in number, covering an area of 97,916 acres, with an annual rental of £3,665. The figures for 1899 were—--408 ; area, 285,007 acres ; rental, £3,828 : for 1898—468 ; area, 231,288 acres ; rental, £2,910. The surrenders for the last year amounted to 269 ; area, 87,305 acres; rental, &c., £3,661 —a number which is somewhat more than for the previous period. Both forfeitures and surrenders, however, vary a good deal from year to year. The statement may be repeated, that the lands forfeited and surrendered do not remain long as idle lands; they are reoffered to the public as soon as possible, and in the majority of cases are again selected. The onus of forfeiture rests on the Land Boards, and they invariably exercise the virtue of leniency towards tenants who are in difficulties, and who show by their actions a bond fide desire to become settlers. The effects of forfeiture are often so serious that sympathy with the defaulters and the desire to give them " one more chance " is naturally to be expected, whilst at the same time the law allows of only one course, and, if properly administered, lays the Boards open to the very undeserved charge of harshness.

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The following figures, in classified form, show the reasons for forfeiture or surrender: — During the year 299 leases were forfeited and 269 leases surrendered. The reasons for forfeiture were : Non-payment of rent ... ... ... ... ... 162 leases. Contravention of Act ... ... ... ... ... 14 „ Non-compliance with conditions ... ... ... ... 81 „ Non-execution of leases ... ... . . ... ... 20 „ Various other reasons ... ... ... ... ... 22 „ 299 „ Of these, 136 sections were opened for reselection and seventy-two sections have been selected during the year. The reasons for surrender were : Because the rent was considered by tenant to be too high, and in order that a revaluation be made ... ... ... ... 198 leases. As tenants could not comply with conditions ... ... ... 14 „ As tenants no longer required the sections ... ... ... 16 „ Poor or unsuitable land ... ... ... ... ... 9 „ Insufficient money ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 „ Sections too small ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 „ Illness and other reasons ... ... ... ... ... 22 „ 269 „ During the year 206 of the sections were again offered, and 165 sections have been selected. Improved Farms. There are now in existence fifty improved-farm settlements (including additions to old ones), extending from Auckland to Southland, with a total area of 76,069 acres, originally selected by 749 settlers, averaging 101 acres each. The bulk of these settlements are in Taranaki and Wellington. On the 31st March there were 499 settlers in occupation, with 1,974 persons resident, the area occupied by the settlers above being 53,319 acres. The area within the settlements that had been felled was 24,943 acres, whilst the area grassed was 23,673. Over 7,000 head of cattle were running on the farms. The total amount paid to the selectors for clearing, grassing, &c., amounted to £64,786, whilst the value of improvements on the land was £95,394. The rent and interest received last year was £2,552. The success attending this class of settlement, so far, is very varied. In the Auckland District they do not appear to be flourishing, whilst in Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, and Wellington a large proportion of the settlements show every prospect of becoming selfsupporting, especially where dairy factories have been established. In Otago and Southland it is much the same. It can scarcely be said at present that some of the settlements have advanced beyond the experimental stage. Under favourable circumstances as to position, soil, &c., the improved-farm settlements offer to industrious settlers a chance of making homes for themselves that in liberality of conditions has never been equalled in this colony. Village Settlements. This term includes a series of small allotments which are laid out in connection with the larger farms, and are intended to provide homes for settlers who must depend for subsistence on employment obtained in the neighbourhood for part of their time. The villages form useful adjuncts to settlement operations carried on on a larger scale, by supplying labour, and at the same time admit of the formation of homes in the hands of freeholders, or as Crown tenants. As the limit of size varies from fractions of an acre to 100 acres, the wants of a numerous class are met by this system. The meed of success attending on this class of settlement is very considerable, and as it has been in force for many years it may be pronounced a success, as the statistics prove. Whilst this is quite true as a general statement, some settlements which have been injudicially chosen as to locality and quality of soil have in a great measure failed. The tenure varies from freehold to lease in perpetuity. During the last year eighty-four new selections took place, covering an area of 1,784 acres, the rental—in the case of leased lands —amounting to £lB5 per annum. Since the inception of the village-settlement scheme many years ago, 2,958 settlers have acquired the freehold of their allotments, which cover an area of 19,786 acres. The total cash received from these settlements to date is £83,550, and at the 31st March last there were, excluding the freeholders just mentioned, 1,828 settlers holding, out of which number 1,239 were resident. The Government has advanced for houses, bushfelling, grassing, &c., a sum of £25,816, and £2,917 out of that sum has been returned; the rest is carrying interest. The large sum of £153,195 represents the value of improvements on the lands. At the date of the returns there were 211 settlers in arrear with their payments, the amount owing being £1,400, whilst the forfeitures for non-compliance with conditions amounted to twenty-eight. In the north the village settlers who were placed on lands not selected by the department are gradually exchanging the tenure of their lands to lease in perpetuity, under which system, and in the circumstances of the case, there are some advantages over those of the ordinary village settlement. Pastoral Runs, Small Grazing-runs, and Grazing-farms. The dealings under the above headings last year were somewhat less in number than for the preceding period, though the area leased is larger. There were 204 runs and grazing-farms disposed of, with an area of 1,174,940 acres, the bulk of which is in Otago—i.e., the greater area—but Westland shows the greatest number, the reason for which is that the pastoral tenure is practically the only one allowable within the territory covered by the Midland Railway Proclamation,

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The small grazing-runs and grazing-farms are .included within the above figures. There were sixty-four of these selections during the year, which cover 155,109 acres. They are situated in all parts of the colony. This tenure is a somewhat favoured one, the terms being practically recurring leases of twenty-one years' duration. The total area within the colony held under these three pastoral tenures on the 31st March was 12,516,171 acres, and the number of holders was 1,574. The grazing-farm tenure is applicable to the Cheviot Estate alone ; it differs little from the small grazing-run system. " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894." Under this Act—which is intended to provide a system of settlement within the goldfields where other systems are not available—the transactions were double those of last year, sixty-four selections, containing 2,294 acres, having been taken up. The Agricultural-lease System. As also only applicable to the goldfields may be mentioned the agricultural - lease system, which is now nearly obsolete, and in a few years will disappear altogether. There are but twenty holdings of 652 acres left. The total transactions from the first initiation of the scheme amount to 1,471, with an area of 140,583 acres, all of which, excepting these 652 acres, has become freehold. Settlement Conditions. All classes of settlement where the freehold remains vested in the Crown are subject to conditions of various natures, implying ever-increasing inspection by the Crown Lands Rangers on behalf of the landlord—the Crown. When it is remembered that the Crown tenants number 16,406 (less 968 pastoral and 2,006 miscellaneous leases) it will be seen that the work of inspection, to be thorough, is a considerable undertaking. It is in the early years of tenancy that most inspection is required, for after various periods this ceases in a measure; but, nevertheless, the inspection is a work taxing the Rangers, with the occasional help of other officers, very heavily. The very great importance of close inspection in the high-price estates now being acquired cannot be insisted on too strongly. Ignorance or neglect on the part of the tenant will very soon depreciate the properties. However careful the Land Boards may be in the selection of tenants for the estates, it is impossible to avoid admitting the wrong man occasionally. Taken as a whole, the condition of leases, &c., are well complied with, as will be seen by the following figures supplied by the Commissioners

It will be seen that the largest number of the defaulters are those who have not complied with the residence clauses. There are several reasons for this, principally the want of access by roads suitable for wheeled traffic, and by which selectors can convey their families and household goods on to their lands. State Forests and Plantations. In order to keep up a continuous record of reserves made for the above and cognate purposes' it may be stated that on the 31st March, 1899, the total forest land under reserve was 1,587,846 acres. During the past year additions have been made as follows : Auckland, 66,335 acres; Hawke's Bay, 131,780 acres ; Taranaki, 52,128 acres; Wellington, 437,043 acres; Canterbury, 5,600 acres; plantations generally, 633 acres ; and for preservation of native fauna and flora, 1,439 acres; or a total addition of 694,958 acres : thus bringing up the total so reserved at the 31st March, 1900, to 2,282,804 acres. The greater part of the reserves made during the past year lie along the main backbone range of mountains of the North Island—i.e., the Tararua and Euahine Ranges, and their continuation under various names in the direction of the Bast Cape. These reserves are, in their nature, more climatic than for timber purposes, whilst they serve at the same time the very important purpose of preserving the vegetation at the head of many rivers. The importance of reserving areas of forest for timber purposes is growing yearly. It is to be feared that within a short period timber of marketable kinds will become scarce. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, supplies some figures which tend to emphasize this, and, indeed, to cause some apprehension as to the future of the kauri timber industry in the. north. An approximation of the amount of untouched kauri on Crown lands is 757,000,000 ft.; on Native lands and lands purchased or leased from the Natives, 550,000,000 ft.; to which should be added an uncertain but not very large amount on other private lands. The output of kauri for the last three years amounted to about 210,000,000 ft., 126,000,000 ft. of which were exported. These figures speak for themselves. So far as can be ascertained, the output of timber within the colony is increasingly rapidly each year. The State forests in the north again suffered through fire, but not to such an extent as in some previous years. ' In Omahuta, one of the finest State forests remaining, between five and six million feet of kauri were scorched, which will necessitate its sale before it deteriorates.

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Number of Properties inspected. Area inspected. Improvements required by Law. Improvements actually made. Settlers in default. Improvements. Non-resi-denoe. Other. Total. 5,926 Acres. 1,159,202 £369,627 £887,998 447 695 54 1,196

C.—l.

A successful sale of white-pine timber, growing on the Tokatoka Swamp, which has been drained and partly settled, took place in Auckland, when 98,000,000 ft. were disposed of at auction for £24,533, the payment being distributed over twenty-one years. The land is to be cleared systematically, and then handed back to the Land Board for settlement purposes. The conversion of this timber will give a large amount of employment. The area reserved to date under the Kauri-gum Industry Act is 205,359 acres. As to the operations carried on at the nurseries and plantations under the control of this department, reference should be made to Chief Forester Matthew's report in Appendix VI., attached hereto, which is very full of information on the subject. There are three principal nurseries—at Eweburn, at Tapanui, and at Eotorua —all of which are making good progress, notwithstanding a bad winter experienced in the South; the stock of trees, shrubs, &c., now in hand being over four millions. As time and other circumstances admit, these trees will be planted out in the plantations already started, and in others to be made, whilst the ornamental plants will be utilised for public gardens, recreation-grounds, sanatoria, &c. During the coming season it is proposed to plant out permanently, in various localities, about 400,000 trees, and also to grow a stock of plants sufficient to afforest about 400 acres per annum with, say, one million trees. The plantations are all doing well. That on the bare Kaingaroa Plain, along the road from Eotorua towards Galatea, has satisfactorily shown that certain species of exotic trees will do well in this pumiceous soil. It is a matter for consideration if this plantation should not be largely extended for the growth of timber-trees, and others be started on the same plains. The total revenue from State forests last year was £8,845, and the expenditure amounted to £4,002. Reserves, Parks, Sanctuaries for Native Fauna, etc. The reserves made for various purposes during the year 1899-1900 are summarised as follows (they include only gazetted reserves, and exclude lands merely withheld from sale, &c.) : A. r. p. Cemeteries ... ... ... ... ... ... 104 2 7 School-sites .. ... ... ... ... ... 333 2 17 Eecreation ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,008 3 3 Plantations ... ... ... ... ... ... 633 1 14 State forests ... ... ... ... ... ... 692,886 1 3 Preservation of native fauna and flora ... ... .. 1,439 0 38 Stock 4,016 0 6 Eiver-protection ... ... ... ... ... 1,682 0 0 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 370 2 1 Total ... ... ... ... ... 702,474 1 9 The above is a much larger amount than usual, which is due to the large areas set aside as forest reserves, alluded to in the preceding paragraph. The Tongariro National Park, which was set aside by legislation, is under the administration of a special Board, but no question has as yet arisen necessitating its being called together. The bridle-road made last year has rendered access to the hot springs of Ketetahi and to the mountain-top of Tongariro much easier, advantage of which has been taken by several visitors. Eed-deer were turned out at the base of the mountain some two years ago, but it is not known if any increase has taken place ; indeed, the buck became so dangerous that it had to be killed, after it had attacked and injured a Maori woman. The-Little Barrier, or Hauturu, Island, situated in Hauraki Gulf, is a reserve for the preservation of the native fauna and flora. The Auckland Institute has the charge of the island. The secretary, Mr. T. F. Cheeseman, has furnished a report, to be found in the Appendix. It will be gathered therefrom that no depredations on the native birds have taken place this last year, and that they are increasing, and a strong hope is experienced that this secluded island may be the means of preserving to the future some specimens of rare birds now extinct on the mainland. Eesolution and the adjacent islands are also reserves for the above purpose. The usual reports from the caretaker, Mr. Henry, will be found in the Appendix. A vote was taken last session for the purchase of Section 39, 164 acres, Parish of Karangahape, in order to secure to the public some fine kauri groves in a locality easily accessible from Auckland. This has been done, and the land is now Government property. Last year, 500 acres of land near Waikanae were handed over to trustees as a sanctuary for native and imported game. A small part of the property continues to be utilised as a game-farm, for the breeding of deer, pheasants, &c. The rest of the ground is being enclosed, and will be strictly preserved. Particulars will be found in the report in the Appendix as kindly furnished by the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. Thermal Springs, Sanatoria, etc. The thermal springs, the property of the colony, are very numerous, and from year to year are attracting an ever-increasing stream of visitors. It is, perhaps, scarcely appreciated by the public generally what this stream of tourists that every year visits the colony to see our scenery and natural wonders means to the people of the colony. Estimates made by people who have opportunities of gauging its volume make the sum annually spent in New Zealand by these people over £lOO,OOO in hard cash, besides the indirect contributions to the Customs revenue. The thermal springs of the country contribute in no small degree to the attractions, either as natural wonders or as health-giving waters, that allure this tourist stream to our shores. We are in the very early stages of this traffic ; its future proportions no one can foresee, but it is not at all rash to predict that, ere the first half of the twentieth century shall have passed, our annual visitors

vii

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will equal in number the present population of New Zealand. In this early stage of development it devolves on the Government to undertake the charge of many establishments in connection with the springs and scenic attractions of the country, hence are there several establishments which are carried on by the Government. Eotorua is the largest of these, and here several improvements and repairs have been made during the year, which are more particularly described in Captain Turner's report, to be found in the Appendix. There has been some trouble for two years past in connection with the level of Eotorua Lake, which in summer-time is now much lower than formerly, due directly to the action of the eruption of Tarawera in 1886, when a new outlet channel from the lake was formed, which has from time to time enlarged. The level of the lake is intimately connected with the supply and temperature of some of the hot springs, and hence it may become necessary in the near future to regulate the outflow from the lake—which, it is believed, may be done at no very great expense. The baths at the Sanatorium have been kept in repair, but the action of the acid vapours in the destruction of the material of which the buildings and all connected with them are formed is beginning to deteriorate them very much, and will soon necessitate many renewals. The whole of the pavilion buildings devoted to baths begin to have a dilapidated and out-of-date appearance, which is the contrary of inviting to the invalid. It seems certain that the buildings and baths will shortly have to be renewed in more permanent material, and a better style of bath, in accordance with modern ideas, be adopted. The drainage-works for the principal part of the town were completed last year—all but the motive-power in connection therewith—but a contract is now in progress for supplying the power, and for lighting the town, buildings, &c., by electricity. The source of power is the fall on the Taheke River, about thirteen miles from Eotorua. Mr. R. Hay, the engineer in charge, contemplates the completion of these works within a short time now. Under Mr. Matthews's direction the Sanatorium grounds and park have been very greatly improved and extended, and are at the present time really beautiful. A large bowling-green has been added to the attractions of the place, and a band rotunda is building, which the local town band will make use of weekly, or as occasion arises. The Pukeroa Park and Kuirau Eeserve have been improved by planting, path-making, and fencing. In a few years these places should prove of great attraction ; and, moreover, in the Kuirau Reserve are hot springs of great volume and heat, which in the future will, without doubt, be utilised for baths. The Whakarewarewa Eeserve has also been kept in order, and, as the trees already planted begin to show, this should form a very attractive place, situated as it is around the largest geysers we have. Taupo is another place where thermal action is exhibited on a large scale, but here the springs, &c., are mostly under lease to private individuals. During the last year arrangements have been made for re-erecting the A.C. bath, which is a very popular one with the public. At Tokaanu, south end of Taupo, where are valuable hot springs, now secured to the Government under the Native Townships Act, it is proposed during the ensuing season to erect some bathshelters. At Te Puia, near Waipiro, Waiapu County, a township has been laid out surrounding the hot springs, and not long ago it was offered for lease under the Native Townships Act, when a few allotments were taken up. Nuhaka Hot Springs, in northern Hawke's Bay, continue to attract a considerable amount of attention, and now that the accommodation-house has changed hands it is to be hoped the complaints in reference thereto will cease. This is a very pretty place, and when the baths .have had more attention given to them will increase in popularity. Now that the beautiful lake of Waikare-moana is attainable by wheeled traffic, its advantages as a recreation-ground will be more and more appreciated. To encourage this the Government have had plans prepared for an accommodation.house to be built on a charming site, but the tenders received for its construction are not considered satisfactory at present. The other large thermal-spring establishment under Government control is Hanmer, in the Middle Island, which is very largely resorted to now by those in search of health and recreation. The number of visitors increases from year to year, which has necessitated the erection of further accommodation at the Sanatorium building. Bight new baths have been added, fitted up in the modern style, and thirteen new rooms added to the accommodation-house. The natural gas which arises within the grounds has been confined and laid on to the bath-buildings and the Sanatorium, and general improvements have been made all round. Details will be found in the Appendix. The following table shows the progress of the Eotorua and Hanmer establishments during the past five years :

The above figures exclude the free baths. The visitors who stayed at the Sanatorium, Hanmer, numbered 324 : this is exclusive of the numerous visitors to the private establishment situated near the springs.

viii

1896. * 1897. 1898. 1899. 1900. Place. Number Number Number Number Number of Fees. of Fees. of Fees. of Fees. of Fees. Baths. Baths. Baths. Baths. Baths. Rotorua Hanmer 28,906 7,781 £ s. d. 502 17 0 240 4 8 33,158 9,627 £ s. d. 631 0 6 290 4 9 46,668 11,436 £ s. d. 747 0 0 354 4 7 48,868 14,540 £ s. d. 711 0 0 413 1 2 51,507 14,065 £ s. d. 914 14 0 457 17 4

C.—l.

Another of the establishments carried on by the Government is the Hermitage at Mount Cook, which is much resorted to by tourists in order to visit the glaciers and the fine alpine scenery for which this district is celebrated. With the two huts—the Ball hut and the Broderick hut—situated right on the glaciers, there is now no difficulty in viewing the remarkably fine mountain scenery of this part, which is not equalled in Australasia. From these huts, with the comfortable hostelry at the Hermitage as a base, alpine climbers can now get ready access to many peaks, some rising over 10,000 ft. above the sea. The services of an experienced alpine guide may be obtained at the Hermitage for excursions on to the mountains, and horses also for those who prefer riding part of the way. It is hoped that a contemplated alteration in the main road from Fairlie Railway-station to the Hermitage will allow of a one-day coach service between those places, instead of two as at present. Cheviot Estate. This estate continues to progress satisfactorily, as will be seen from the Commissioner's report attached. It is now six years since the estate was taken over, and it is interesting to note that whilst the value of improvements required by law is £46,590, those actually made by the 222 holders amount to £63,274, twenty of the selectors being somewhat in arrear under this head. The following figures, in the same form as those of previous years, show the state of the Cheviot Account : Cheviot Estate : Return of Outlay and Income, 31st March, 1900. Outlay. £ Balance from previous year .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 254,724 Administration and contingencies .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 51 Interest chargeable to 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. .. .. .. 8,866 Rents accrued, inoludod in last year's acoount .. .. .. .. .. 4,155 £267,796 Income. Cash—lnstalments of purohase-money of freeholds .. .. .. .. 389 „ Rents and royalties .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,411 „ Interest .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 23 Rents and interest accrued to 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. .. .. 4,093 Balance, forward .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 248,880 £267,796 The arrears of rents, &c., on the 31st March amounted to £2lB 12s. 4d., due by thirtythree settlers. The payments on account of conditional freehold purchases within the estate have ceased, so that a less return appears for this year, and, of course, this will be the same in following years. Land foe Settlement. The number of estates purchased through the Land-purchase Board and handed over to this department for disposal is somewhat in excess of that for last year, though the total area is less. Some of these estates are, however, of considerable size—nine of them covered an area of 45,059 acres. Besides the above, four sections, of an area of 318 acres, acquired under a certain section of the Act as homestead-sites for pastoral country, were also leased. The particulars as to these estates are furnished below, and in the Appendix will be found the details of all the estates acquired since the Act came into force.

Estates offered for Selection during the Year ending 31st March, 1900.

The area unselected on the 31st March seems large, but it has been considerably reduced since that date, and some portion was kept back purposely. A very unfortunate fire destroyed the grass and the surface of some reclaimed land on the Fencourt Estate just before the day of selection, and. this has prevented any one taking up that part hitherto.

ii—C, 1.

ix

Land District, and Name of Estate. Area of Estate. Number of Selectors. Number of original Applications. Area unselected, 31st March, 1900. Annual Rental payable on Lands leased. Date when offered for Selection. Auckland — Fencourt Wellington— Ohakea Te Matua Marlborough—Richmond Brook Canterbury— Tamai Takitu Pareora No. 2 Four homesteads Otago— Janefield Elderslie Totals A. B. P. 7,105 3 5 1,745 1 30 702 0 19 5,854 0 0 41 0 28 9,713 0 37 8,132 0 31 318 1 12 147 0 2 11,618 2 4 25 12 13 11 30 4 31 4 20 24 24 25 17 40 15 17 220 4 31 50 A. B. P. 2,471 1 22 363 3 9 Nil Nil 7 0 0 1,494 0 0 484 0 37 Nil 12 0 0 3,501 0 11 £ s. d. 1,142 7 10 898 11 6 527 7 4 1,313 13 4 191 0 4 931 10 4 3,495 10 0 70 0 2 256 9 0 2,981 12 4 12 March, 1900. 27 Dec., 1899. 27 Dec., 1899. 18 Aug., 1899. 26 June, 1899. 1 March, 1900. 22 March, 1900. 15 Sept., 1899. 30 March, 1900. 45,377 3 8 174 443 8,333 1 39 11,808 2 2

o.—l.

In addition to the number of selectors shown above (174), lands remaining on hand in other estates have gone off, so that the total number of selectors for the year amounted to 316, exclusive of several holders of miscellaneous leases. The total area of the estates acquired and offered for selection amounts to 289,660 acres, out of which 267,991 acres are leased, 6,278 acres being occupied by roads and reserves, and 15,390 acres were, on 31st March last, unselected, details of which will be found in the Appendices. The arrears of rent, owing by 213 selectors out of the total number of 1,630, was £7,193. On the same date, the forfeitures during the preceding twelve months for non-compliance with conditions were thirty-six, of an annual rental of £1,130 95., and there were ten surrenders, the rental being £142 9s. These forfeited or surrendered sections are of course opened again for selection as soon as possible, when they are generally reselected within a short time. As the rule, the Commissioners' reports (which will be found in the Appendix) speak favourably of the settlements as a whole. There have been drawbacks in some which have retarded their progress, whilst the settlers on others are doing very well. The total number of estates acquired, and which have been offered for selection (including the homestead-sites for runs) is sixty-nine, covering an area of 289,660 acres. These figures do not include eleven estates acquired but which had not been offered for selection at 31st March, but which will come into the returns next year. These latter have been offered since that date, and most of the area disposed of. The following statement will show the position as at 31st March last:— Cost of estates that had been offered for selection ... ... £1,413,149 Cost of roads, surveys, administration on estates offered for selection, and preliminary expenses, &c. ... ... ... 73,313 £1,486,462 The lands disposed of are let at an annual rental of ... ... £72,656 The lands unlet (exclusive of roads, unlet reserves, &c.) are valued at a rental of ... ... ... . . .. ... 3,671 £76,327 Taking the lands actually let, it will be seen that the rentals pay interest on the capital expended at the rate of 4'B per cent., or exactly the same as for the previous year. If the unlet lands are included, then the rentals would bring in a return of 5-1 per cent, on capital. It is understood that the interest paid on the money raised to purchase these estates is under four per cent., consequently they are more than paying their way, even after allowing for the arrears of rentals due, which, however, are good assets. Connected with the larger dealings under these Acts is that of village " hamlets," which are a slight modification of the village settlements under the Land Act. Only one new hamlet has been opened during the year—that of Tamai, near Christchurch, alluded to in last year's report—which was not quite so successful as had been anticipated. The following figures show the state of these hamlets as on the 31st March last: —

"The Übewera District Native Reserves Act, 1896." As the Lands Department has had much to do with the administration of this Act, some notice of the proceedings of the Commissioners may find a place here. The Commissioners are : Judge W. J. Butler, the Surveyor-General, and five Maoris, all members of the Urewera tribes. The Commissioners met at Ruatoki on the sth February, and proceeded at once to the investigation of the title to those blocks within the reserve that had had sketch-surveys made of them. The sittings continued here until the 19th May, when, owing to the weather and the very indifferent accommodation provided by the Natives in the way of a meeting-house, it was found necessary to adjourn till the summer. During the sitting the title to several blocks of land, amounting in the whole to about 70,000 acres, was completed, with the exception of a few details in connection with some of them, that will not now take very long to complete. The European Commissioners were much surprised to learn the strenuous opposition offered by counter-claimants to some of the blocks, which, if continued right through the reserve, would defer the final ascertainment of the title to a distant time ; but it is believed that this opposition of one hapu against another will not continue, the parts already dealt with being those most opposed. It is at present proposed that the Commissioners shall meet again in December ensuing, when it is hoped the Natives will have provided more decent places of meeting for the Commissioners. Lands for Landless Natives, South Island. No progress has been made during the past year in the further allocation of lands to the landless Maoris, half- and quarter-castes of the South Island, as the surveys in progress to the west of the Waiau River, Southland, have not reached a point at which this could be accom-

X

— Opened for Selection. Acres. Number of Sections. Number originally seleoted. Number held 31at March. Cost. Annual Rental. £ £ s. d. Wharenui Mar., 1897 73 73 25 26 4,994 291 14 8 Paparangi Feb., 1898 323 39 32 37 6,592 307 1 6 Pawaho April, „ 32 25 21 22 1,942 119 15 4 Tamai June, 1899 37 40 9 25 2,663' 152 2 2

0.-1.

plished; nor have the respective duties of the two Commissioners (Judge A. Mackay and the Surveyor-General) allowed of their meeting during the year to consider questions that have arisen in connection with this matter. As soon, however, as the Waiau surveys are completed, a further and large number of allocations can be made, and then the termination of this lengthy business will be near. Assistance towards the Establishment of Medical Men in Outlying Districts. Some monetary assistance has been rendered during the past year to places where the local inhabitants were numerically insufficient to support a doctor; also in the cases of some of the sanatoria. The following list shows the payments made : £ £ s. a. Te Aroha Hot Springs ... ... 50 per annum; paid 50 0 0 Preservation Inlet ... ... ... 50 „ „ 16 13 4 Waimarino district (Raetihi) ... ... 75 „ „ 22 10 0 Hanmer Plains ... ... ... ... 100 „ „ 100 0 0 Wanaka district ... ... ... ... 100 „ „ Nil. Native Townships Act. During the year only one township has been offered under the above Act—namely, that of Te Puia, near Waipiro, Waiapu County, offered on the 15th February, when ten allotments were taken up at an annual rental of £l9 2s. 6d. There are, however, all ready surveyed, and which will be offered shortly, the following townships : Araroa, Tuatini, Potaka, Parata, and Ohotu. At the present time there are sixty-six allotments let in the four townships that have been offered. These townships have scarcely been so successful as was anticipated, but in course of time, as the country round them gets settled, there will be more demand for them. Territorial and other Revenue. The amounts collected by the department under various headings are shown in the table following : £ s. a. Territorial revenue ... ... ... ... ... 262,228 13 8 Land for settlements ... ... ... ... ... 46,354 14 4 Cheviot Estate ... ... ... ... ... . . 14,822 15 5 State forests ... ... ... ... ... ... 8,845 18 10 North Island Main Trunk Railway ... ... ... 8,572 13 3 Thermal springs ... ... ... ... ... 1,075 12 11 Hanmer Sanatorium ... ... ... ... ... 875 18 5 Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth lands ... ... ... 1,693 18 5 Mount Cook Hermitage ... ... ... ... ... 534 6 4 Crown-grant fees ... ... ... ... ... 1,046 5 7 Survey and other costs recovered ... ... ... ... 2,344 13 6 Native townships ... ... ... ... ... 238 1 9 Government Loans to Local Bodies Account ... ... 15,157 15 10 Endowments ... ... ... ... ... ... 16,333 3 6 Miscellaneous receipts ... ... ... ... ... 2,818 17 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... £382,943 8 9 There was a decrease in the territorial revenue proper amounting to £11,570 13s. Bd., but of only £2,201 12s. on the total sum collected, as compared with the previous year. Even this decrease was less than had been anticipated, for, as the deferred-payment and perpetual-lease tenures work out and become freeholds, the cash received must be a decreasing quantity from year to year. The following table shows a comparison between last year's transactions and those of the previous period, so far as territorial revenue is concerned :

xi

District. 1898-99. 1899-1900. Increase. Decrease. £ s. d. £ s. a. £ s. d. £ s. a. Auckland 29,182 2 0 32,289 5 8 3,107 3 8 Taranaki 26,066 14 10 22,559 18 1 3,506 16 9 Hawke's Bay . . 17,765 18 2 23,154 16 6 5,388 18 4 Wellington ... 48,751 3 10 40,402 7 11 8,348 15 11 Marlborough 9,903 18 11 8,355 10 6 1,548 8 5 Nelson 15,553 16 2 8,864 9 4 6,689 6 10 Westland 1,313 4 10 1,259 1 0 54 3 10 Canterbury ... 54,518 13 4 54,255 19 11 262 13 5 Otago 56,525 6 3 55,187 10 2 1,337 16 1 Southland ... 14,218 9 0 15,899 14 7 1,681 5 7 273,799 7 4 262,228 13 8 10,177 7 7 21,748 1 3 262,228 13 8 10,177 7 7 Decrease 11,570 13 8 11,570 13 8

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It should be stated with respect to the large apparent decrease in Nelson District that this is due in some measure to the fact that in the past year the result of the transference of a large area of that district to Canterbury is for the first time shown. The decrease in Wellington is due to a lesser number of deferred-payment and perpetual leases made freehold. The total decrease, however, calls for little comment, for it is quite within the limit of yearly variation of revenue. The considerable amount of £21,657 18s. 6d. was held in the Beceiver of Land Bevenues' deposit accounts on the 31st March. This arose through the selection of several estates being held just before the close of the financial year, and before the deposits could be returned to the unsuccessful applicants. The amount to the credit of local bodies on account of " thirds " and " fourths " at the same date was £39,737 3s. 6d., a sum which is unnecessarily large, and is due to the failure of the local bodies to make applications to the Land Boards in time, or to the incompleteness of the schemes submitted for approval. Arrears. The usual particulars of arrears of rents, &c., will be found with the appended tables. The following summary shows the state of the arrears account for the last ten years : No. £ 31st March, 1891 ... ... ... ... 3,548 selectors owing 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 1900 ... ... ... ... 1,709 „ 16,887 Table 26 will show the selectors in arrear classified under each tenure.

SURVEYS. In accordance with the usual practice the surveys executed under the direction of the department during the past period are summarised in the table below, and further particulars will be found in the attached reports of the Chief Surveyors, and also in the tables in the appendix:— A osr per Acre. £ a. d. Minor triangulation ... ... ... ... 1,048,665 0-79 d. 3,463 7 6 Topographical surveys prior to selection ... ... 356,214 0-88 d. 1,320 9 5 Eural and suburban section surveys (1,541 sections) ... 569,909 l-15s. 32,785 11 10 Town section surveys (1,590 sections), cost per section ... 2,319 21-78s. 1,731 16 2 Native Land Court surveys (249 divisions) ... ... 163,857 6 04d. 4,129 11 1 Mining surveys (668 sections) ... ... ... 36,640 4'635. 8,484 3 2 Eoads (804 miles), per mile ... ... ... ... £ll-41 9,179 13 9 Miscellaneous surveys, inspection, &c. ... ... ... ... 8,299 18 9 Total cost of the above field-work for the year ... ... £69,394 11 8 The total cost for the year is about £9,525 greater than for the previous period, which, however, was some £5,000 less than usual. The amount of work turned out shows an increase under several headings. Trigonometrical and Topographical Surveys. The largest continuous area turned out last year under this heading lies in the Nelson District, where Messrs. Sadd and Thomson have been engaged in extending the triangulation over the rough broken country lying between the West Coast and Tasinan's Bay, of which district the maps have hitherto been incomplete. A considerable area has also been covered by Mr. Eobinson in the interior of the Nelson District, thus affording connecting points for the mining surveys. In the Wellington District, the triangulation of the interior districts around the central mountains has been brought to a close by Mr. Lowe; but the results, so far as they affect closures on to adjacent triangulations, have not yet been worked out. In Taranaki, Mr. Skeet and other surveyors have nearly completed the trigonometrical and topographical survey of Mount Egmont and its neighbourhood, which will furnish data for useful maps. In Marlborough, Mr. Buckeridge has executed about 400,000 acres of trigonometrical and topographical work, lying in very high country, a work which was necessitated by section and run surveys in that district. During this work several high peaks were visited, varying from 7,418 ft. to 9,467 ft. in elevation. In Southland, Mr. Bobertson has been engaged under contract in extending the triangulation westwards from the Waiau Biver in the direction of Preservation Inlet, in order to provide a check on the section surveys now going on in that district, which sections are to be allotted to landless Natives so soon as the surveys are ready. This triangulation is not yet completed. * The past year has also seen some extension of the topographical surveys in the older parts of the colony, which were first settled, where nothing of the kind previously existed. These surveys were undertaken by direction of the Government to meet the want of maps of a special class, and on their completion will serve many other purposes of utility.

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Extensions of the triangulation have also been made in many other places, wherever the necessities of the settlement surveys have demanded it. The triangulation of the colony has served the purpose for which it was initiated—i.e., the control of the section surveys ; but a time is approaching in which some of those parts executed near towns where property is becoming of great value will require revision. So long as the old Gunter's chain was used, the triangulation sufficed; but now that steel bands are universally used in measuring, producing very much more accurate work, it is occasionally found that the computation of the triangulation is not so exact as modern methods require. In connection with this work, and in lieu of it, in some parts, where buildings and plantations obscure the view, an extension of carefully measured standard lines along roads is required to furnish connections for the surveys executed under the Land Transfer Act. The processes should be extended gradually, a little being done each year. Rural and Suburban Section Survey. A larger area of section work was turned out last year than in the previous one, the excess being about 30,000 acres, the total being 569,909 acres, in 1,541 sections, surveyed at a cost of l - 15s per acre, which does not differ materially from the cost of former years, and compares favourably with the cost of similar work in other countries. Indeed, this must be considered as a very moderate cost, when it is taken into consideration that a large part of the area surveyed is in rough forest country, that road-lines are carefully selected so as to be within regulation grades, and in the rougher country the boundaries are run along ridges and other suitable places for fencing-lines instead of in straight lines. In the more remote parts, the surveyors have to cut many miles of pack-track to get in their stores, equipment, &c., which often takes up a great deal of time and tends to increase the cost of survey per acre. The largest continuous area surveyed last year was in Kawhia County, where over 100,000 acres were prepared for selection, by ten surveyors. Inspecting-Surveyor Cussen had charge under the Chief Surveyor of Auckland. Surveys are still progressing there ; and, as the country is good, it is anticipated that a few years will see a large amount of settlement in this locality. In Hawke's Bay, a considerable area in the Ngapaeruru district has been surveyed by Messrs Brook and Stevenson, and will shortly be offered for selection. As to the rest of the section surveys in the colony, they do not demand special notice. They consisted generally of small-sized blocks surveyed to meet the demand as it arises. Several of the estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts have been prepared and offered for selection within the current year, whilst others are in course of survey. Taken altogether, the sectional surveys of the past year do not present any very noticcable features, notwithstanding that they are of great importance to the people generally, in that they are the first step in the process of settling rural population on the lands. The experience acquired by the New Zealand survey staff in this particular branch, and the care and foresight exercised in providing systems of roads, boundaries, reserves, &c., necessary for the incoming settler, places them on a level with, if they do not exceed, any similar staff in the world. The care and judgment necessary to fully equip a country in this respect is rarely acknowledged by, or is unknown to, the general public. The patient endurance which enables our staff to bear with fortitude the hardships and solitude incident to the life in outlying countries where their duties call them are beyond all praise. Nearly the whole of the New Zealand survey staff have received their professional education in the department. Township Surveys. An area of 2,319 acres was subdivided into townships during the year, in which are comprised 1,590 sections. The positions of these towns are distributed from end to. end of the colony, and included amongst them are several Native townships situated in Native districts. These have been laid out in accordance with the provisions of " The Native Townships Act, 1896." Native Land Court Surveys. The area prepared for the operations of the Native Land Court during the past season was 163,857 acres, in 249 divisions, which represent, as a rule, the partitions ordered by the Court. Most of the surveys undertaken by the staff under this heading are the portions of blocks acquired by purchase by the Crown from the Native owners. During the year three surveyors have been engaged in defining boundaries for the Urewera Commissioners prior to the investigation of title. These latter are sketch surveys only. Under this heading may be included the survey of about 50,000 acres in Southland, intended for landless Natives; the survey has not yet been completed. Mining Surveys. This class of survey shows a larger number and a larger area than last year, which is partly accounted for by the activity m dredging matters during the past year. A total of 36,640 acres, in 668 sections, was surveyed altogether. Road Surveys. Outside the ordinary operations of road-surveying connected with the subdivision of land for settlement, there are other roads to be defined, such as cases where roads are taken under one or other of the Acts in force, the exercise of the rights reserved to the Governor under grants, &c. The mileage so surveyed last year amounted to 804, which is considerably in excess of the previous year. The average cost was £ll-41, a very moderate rate considering the circumstances. v

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Miscellaneous Sukveys, etc. A sum of £8,299 was expended in the numerous classes of work that do not exactly admit of tabular classification, but which works are in themselves of great importance. Of this description of work, field inspection, reports, engineering surveys, explorations, and odd surveys not included in other classes are the principal. Board of Examinees fob Sueveyoes. During the year six meetings of the Board were held, at which eleven new applications for certificates and for permission to sit for examination were disposed of. Two examinations have been held—in March and September—as usual, at which twenty different candidates sat, in some cases at both examinations. Eleven different certificates of authorisation have been issued, as follows: F. J. Harrop, L. Eeynolds, T. M. Grant, L. P. Webb, C. F. Dowsett, L. Hunt, J. E. Mackay, S. S. Springall, E. W. Watson, G. Eochefort and C. Kain. Magnetic Survey. As indicated in last year's report, a commencement had then been made with this important survey, and its operations have been continuous throughout the year under Mr. C. Coleridge Farr's guidance. Since the survey commenced in February, 1899, observations of the declinations (or variation), horizontal intensity, and dip, have been made at eighty-five stations, extending up the east coast of the Middle Island, and at Wellington, and thence along the north and west coasts of the Middle Island to Makawhio, south of Hokitika, from which place the chain was connected on to the East Coast station via the Haast Pass. The general results of Mr. Parr's observations are given in his report, attached. The immediate and most important object in the series of observations now completed was the determination of the best site for the permanent magnetic observatory. The observations go to prove that Christchurch is the most suitable position. The instruments for the observatory are being constructed in London under the kind supervision of Dr. Charles Chree, P.E.S., Superintendent of the Kew Observatory, and Professor A. W. Eiicker, P.E.S. It is anticipated that the instruments will arrive in the colony within a few months, and then the sooner they are in position the better, for it is a matter of considerable importance that the observatory should be in full working order by the time the British Antarctic Expedition starts, early in 1901. Some of the results, of interest to the nautical part of the public, have been published in the New Zealand Gazette; but any results for scientific purposes must await more leisure on behalf of the observer, and after the permanent observatory is in full working order.

ROADS AND BRIDGES. Prom year to year the number of items on the appropriations for roads and bridges increases. Last year they numbered 1,744, as against 1,376 the previous year. All of these items are expended by authority of the Minister of Lands, and the works mainly carried out by the officers of the Lands and Survey Department, either directly or through the local bodies. The sum voted last year was £549,725, against which contracts might be entered into, and £424,445 was the sum that could be expended, exclusive of the expenditure under the Land for Settlements Acts, which amounted to an additional £12,410. A portion of the votes for roads, &c., under the control of the Minister of Mines, amounting to £11,462, has also been expended under the direction of officers of this department. The actual expenditure under the above votes and Acts was £292,587, out of which the local bodies expended £51,014 under agreements with the Government, the specifications and plans having first been approved by officers of the department. The following is a summary of the works of construction performed, further details of which will be found in the Appendices :

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District. Constructed. Widened and Improved. Maintained. jCost, including Engineering and Bridges. Miles. Miles. Miles. £ Auckland 437 352 937 76,283 Hawke's Bay 79 5 265 33,057 Taranaki 97 18 251 28,425 Wellington 145 49 860 61,339 Nelson 18 29 284 11,947 Marlborough 87 52 33 20,372 Westland ... 7 52 118 13,564 Canterbury ... 20 5 75 7,925 Otago 28 63 75 20,679 Southland ... 75 4 47 14,655 General 5 15 100 4,341 Totals— Dray-roads 627 492 2,078 Bridle-roads 371 152 967 Totals 998 644 3,045 292,587

C.—l.

The amount of engineering surveys done during the year was 657 miles, the cost of which is included in the above. There were 143 bridges of a total length of 9,910 ft. built, besides 3,316 eulverts. Nearly the whole of the work has been done on the co-operative system. The reports of the Chief and other Surveyors on the road, bridge, and other work completed during the year will be found in the appendix, but the items of greatest interest in the way of main roads may be noted here. To the north of Auckland additions and improvements have been made to a great number of roads. The road from the railway terminus at Opanake is now open for wheeled traffic to Hokianga, and is a good deal used; but until the worst places are metalled it cannot be much used in winter. The bridge over the Mangakahia Eiver, on the road leading from Whangarei to a large area of Crown lands lying to the west of that river, has been completed, and it is hoped that this will induce a good deal of settlement in that part. It is a long bridge, consisting of six 40 ft. and one 200 ft. bow-truss spans. South of Auckland, the road from Tuakau to Eaglan has been extended, but is not yet open for wheeled traffic right through. Since the 31st March tenders have been accepted for building the bridge over the Waikato River near Tuakau, a very important work, for it opens a large and improving district, and allows of communication with markets. Further south, the KuitiAwakino Road has been extended and improved, so that vehicles can, in summer-time, be taken from the railway-station at Te Kuiti right through to New Plymouth. But there are two large bridges, besides some smaller ones, to build before the road is finished; and to make it available in winter some metalling should be done in the worst places. This is a very important line in the interests of settlement, and should be completed as soon as possible. It is equalled in importance by the Ohura Road, which when completed will also open large areas to settlement, the more so as it runs further from the coast than the above road and has good land along most of its length. At the northern end some progress has been made in extending the road, and a bridge is now building over the Mangaroa Stream, whilst at the southern end, in Taranaki District, about five miles and three-quarters have been formed in continuation of former works, or to a point fifty-five miles from Stratford. The works are now in advance of the above point, as far as the bridle-track is concerned, but to complete the whole road through about twenty-three miles have to be formed, and then the whole will be available for wheeled traffic from Stratford to Waikato. This is a work that should be pushed on. In the Rotorua district, the Rotorua-Te Teko Road, a very important line of communication, has been opened from the former place to the Tarawera River, and tenders for the bridge over the latter river have been called for. This road, when finished, and bridges built over the Rangitaiki and Whakatane Rivers, will form the main line of communication between the large settled districts in the eastern part of the Bay of Plenty and the Rotorua Railway, and will be the main mail and passenger route from Opotiki to Auckland. Vehicles may even now, with some difficulty, be driven from Opotiki; but the two bridges alluded to, the completion of part of the road near Ohiwa, and thorough repairs to the portion between Te Teko and Whakatane, are required before it can be considered a coach-road. The main road, Rotorua to Gisborne, has advanced but slowly during the year, a length of three miles and a half having been added to the Rotorua end, and five miles and three-quarters at the Waikare-moana end. This is also an important road, and should be so completed as to allow of tourist traffic through to Waikare-moana Lake, and the fine scenery the road traverses. A bridge over the Rangitaiki River on this road is now building. In the Hawke's Bay District, the Gisborne-Nuhaka Road has been extended some nine miles and a half, and will be completed this next season. This road will probably supersede the WairoaGisborne road to a large extent, whilst at the same time opening up a good deal of Crown land. On the Napier-Wairoa Road, another of the principal arteries of the country, twenty-one miles and a half of dray-road have been constructed, the terminal point being now forty-two miles from Tangoio, leaving five miles and a half of gap to complete the communication through to the Wairoa. This work should be pushed on to completion, so as to secure some return for the large sum the road has cost. On the main road, Napier to Taupo, the bridge over the Mohaka River is progressing, the cylinders being down and the superstructure in course of framing. In the Taranaki District, besides works already referred to under the Ohura Road, the MimiMokau Road, which is, in fact, a part of the main road from New Plymouth to Te Kuiti Railwaystation, has been opened so that wheeled traffic is possible right through, but until the Tongaporutu River is bridged it can never be considered a safe road. It is to be hoped that this necessary work will be put in hand during the coming year, and that the Ohura Road be pushed on to form a connection with the completed portion at the northern end. The other works in Taranaki are numerous, but call for no special mention, except perhaps to note the fact that the Purangi Bridge over the Upper Waitara River was completed during the year. The next road-district to Taranaki is Whanganui, and here the season's work has largely been maintenance and improvement of existing roads, with the extension of other lines into country recently selected, besides the general oversight of some large bridge contracts in the hands of the local bodies, such as those over the Rangitikei River at Otara, Vinegar Hill, and Bulls. A separate report on the work carried on for the improvement of the Whanganui River, by the Secretary to the Board, will be found in the Appendix. Much the same operations have been carried out in the Wellington District, where a large amount of work has been done in the extending and improvement of existing roads, and the formation of new ones to lands in process of settlement. A good deal of maintenance work has also been done in this district, which in parts present great difficulties, owing to the nature of the soil and its liability to heavy slips. The number of separate works in Wellington District is very great, rendering a large staff necessary in the road branch if every item on the appropriations is to be carried out at once.

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The works carried out in the Nelson District are detailed in the Chief Surveyor's report. They consist of road improvement and extension in many districts—useful work locally, but of not much interest outside the district. The main road from Belgrove to Westport and also that from Inangahua to Reefton has been kept in repair, and a large bridge at Mangles, on a branch of the main road, has been built. In Marlborough, a complete system of roading has been finished in the Scarborough and Richmond Brook estates, to facilitate the operations of the new settlers, and many other useful works have been in hand in Sounds County and other parts. The work of colonial interest in Marlborough is, however, that part of the main south road from Kaikoura to Conway River, and onwards to Cheviot, which will form the main line from Blenheim to Christchurch. The works at the Kahautara Bluff have proved to be difficult and tedious owing to slips, but good progress has been made, and the road should be open from Kaikoura to the Conway River directly. The great want on this main road is, however, a bridge over the Waiau River ; on the completion of that communication will be easy and certain by this important route. The main roads in Westland have been maintained in repairs and improved, notably the Hoki-tika-Christchurch and the Reefton-Hokitika-Ross roads, besides many other local roads which have also been extended and improved. In Canterbury, a good deal of work has been done in connection with roads to improve some of the estates acquired under the Land for Settlements Act. The main road from Fairlie to the Hermitage has been improved and maintained, and likewise that portion of the Hokitika-Christ-church Road within the Canterbury District (fifty-one miles). In addition, various other works connected with roads, reserves, The Hermitage, &c., have been carried out as detailed in the Chief Surveyor's report, to be found in the Appendix. Perhaps the principal work undertaken in the Otago District has been the improving of the Waikawa-Catlin's main road and the series of settlement roads in that locality, but many other works have been carried out, largely with the assistance of the local bodies. In Southland, a considerable number of separate works have been in hand, many of them directly under the local bodies. Something has been done towards opening the grand scenery of the West Coast mountains and fiords to the tourist, by the formation of the track from Milford Sound to Te Anau over McKinnon's Pass, by the erection of a hut at George Sound and the placing of boats on the little lakes along which the track leads from Lake Te Anau, and a contract is in progress for cutting a track through from Lake Manapouri to Doubtful Sound. The fine new steamer " Te Anau " has been running constantly during the season, giving great satisfaction. The small subsidised steamer on Manapouri has also been a convenience to visitors to Hot Lake. Particulars of these and other works will be found in the Chief Surveyor's report, in the Appendix.

HEAD OFFICE. Maps, Etc. Mb. F. W. Flanagan, Chief Draughtsman, reports:— The average out-turn of regular work in the drawing office for the year has been about the same as last year, notwithstanding the frequent employment of the draughtsmen on miscellaneous departmental duties, and the urgent demands on their services for varied work of every description for seventeen other departments of the service. The routine work and office maps and records have been kept up to date with regularity. The index county maps have been posted up, as a rule, on receipt of the tracings and returns from the district offices. The examination of plans and schedules of lands taken by proclamation under the Public Works Acts and Land Act for roads, .&c., has taken up a great deal of the time of one draughtsman. Due regard has been given to the necessity of issuing expeditiously land-sale poster maps and pamphlets relating to the disposal of land : to that end one and sometimes two draughtsmen have been continuously employed. The new map of the colony referred to in last year's report has been brought almost to completion. This map is constructed on the rectangular-tangential system of projection, designed by Colonel Sir Henry James, E.E. It has been drawn to the scale of eight miles to an inch, on two sheets, from the most recent trigonometrical and topographical data. From these originals, photographic reductions to the ten-mile scale will be made. The map is an admirable specimen of draughtsmanship, and reflects great credit on Mr. G. P. Wilson. One of the most important duties of the office —the publication of mile-to-the-inch district maps—has been continued as usual. Twenty-one new maps of survey districts have been printed and published, viz. : Blackhead, Pourerere (both drawn at the Head Office), Kongahu, Wai-iti, Mawhera-iti, Kawatiri, Inangahua. Oparara, Arapawa, Orieri (all drawn at the district offices), Coldstream, Fighting Hill, Mount Hutt, Ellesmere, Okain's, Mount Thomas, Rangitata (all drawn at the Head Office), Wakaia and part of Wart Hill, Wendon, Wendonside, and part of Greenvale (drawn at the district office), and Teviot (drawn at the Head Office). Mile-to-the-inch maps of the following survey districts have been revised and published as new editions, viz.: Ngatimaru, Grey and Arnold, Eangiora, and Akaroa. There is no data at the Head Office for the construction of new maps of survey districts beyond what is required for Geraldine district. Maps of the West Coast and central districts of Wellington, and the districts situated between the Rangitata and Waitaki Rivers in Canterbury, are urgently required, both for departmental and public information. Maps of the following towns, villages, &c., have been printed and published, viz. : Towns of Seddon, Picton, Te Puia, and Lochiel; Villages of Makukupara and Awakino; and Block XII., Waikawa District.

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Among miscellaneous maps which have been printed and published, the following may be noted, viz. : Sheet No. lof the Auckland four-mile and eight-mile series, printed in two colours, with the hill ranges (the same sheet has been published on the two-mile scale as a topographical map) ; preliminary maps of the Counties of Eketahuna and Akitio on the mile-to-the-inch scale; map of the reclaimed land in the City of Wellington, in colours; map of reserves in the City of Wellington, in colours; maps of Stewart Island County on the mile-to-the-inch and two-mile scales, in colours; map of the Pacific islands, in colours; county maps of New Zealand, in colours; maps (188) for "Tourist Guides," in colours; chart of circumpolar stars, in colours; map to accompany tourist pamphlet, "Wonderland." A map of the seat of war, which it was considered advisable to publish owing to the events in South Africa, was compiled and rapidly completed in three colours : 20,000 copies have been printed and sold or otherwise disposed of. As in previous years, a variety of maps, diagrams, and illustrations have been prepared and photo-lithographed for other departments. The following may be specially noted : For the Railway Department there have been printed 30,000 timetable maps in three printings, 2,600 copies of diagram in three printings, and 2,000 copies of ten "process" illustrations; for the Mines Department, 4,750 copies of diagrams in two printings, and 1,000 copies of thirty-one "process" illustrations; for the Public Works Department, 15,150 copies of maps and working drawings, and 2,150 copies of sixteen " process" illustrations; for the Marine Department, 1,350 facsimiles of ninety-three diagrams, 700 copies of sight-testing diagram in seventeen printings, 700 copies of drawing of international code of signals in four printings, and 1,600 copies of six " process " pictures ; for the Government Insurance Department, 3,600 policy headings; for the Telegraph Department, 150 copies of map showing telegraph-lines, in two printings ; for the Registrar-General, 5,000 copies of map of New Zealand in three printings, and 5,000 copies of eight diagrams in four printings ; for the Agricultural Department, 6,000 copies of produce diagram in four printings, and 6,000 copies of forty-five pages of agricultural statistics; for the Public Trust Office, 1,000 maps in two printings; for parliamentary Committees, 1,700 copies of plan to accompany Report on Fisheries, and 1,500 copies of diagram in three printings; for Defence Department, 106 silver prints; for Police Department, 48 silver prints; and for the Education Department, examination papers. The work for the Railway, Telegraph, Registrar-General, Agricultural, Public Trust, Parliamentary Committee, and Education authorities was drawn at the Head Office of this department. The work in hand includes maps of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill, which are being prepared for the special use of the military authorities. The compilation of these maps has been necessarily slow, owing to the exceptionally large amount of detail required to complete them. The preliminary map of Sheet No. 1, County of Wairarapa North, is now being proceeded with. The delay in publishing this map is caused by the numerous corrections that have been made on the proof-sheet sent to the District Office, notwithstanding the circumstance that it was compiled in the first instance from the District Office records. There are also in hand map of the Municipal District of Apia, and maps of the Islands of Savaii and Upolu, which are being prepared for the President of the Municipal District of Apia. A new index county map of Waitaki has been completed. Maps of the Counties of Wanganui and Waitotara are under compilation in the Head Office. The work in connection with the disposal of lands has been very heavy during the year. 231 land-sale maps have been prepared, and copies forwarded to the district offices for distribution. For Auckland there have been published 57 ; for Taranaki, 9 ; for Hawke's Bay, 14; for Wellington, 49 ; for Nelson, 2 ; for Marlborough, 13 ; for Westland, 2 ; for Canterbury, 24; for Otago, 25; and for Southland, 36. 123,700 copies have been printed. The pamphlets containing maps, illustrations, conditions, &c., of lands disposed of under the Land for Settlements Act, which are supplementary to the above, have been prepared with despatch. 1,500 copies of pamphlets relating to the following fifteen settlements have been published, viz. : Tamai, Richmond Brook, Starborough (Extension), Janefield, Te Matua, Ohakea, Pareoro No. 2, Aorangi, Takitu, Fencourt, Elderslie, Punaroa, Papaki, Whitehall, and Rautapiri. The demand for these pamphlets has been very great. In accordance with the usual custom, photographic reductions of land-sale maps to the mile scale have been made, and copies forwarded to the district offices for compilation of county maps, administration reports, &c. 28,960 copies have been printed. A further issue of 3,000 copies of each of the ten " Guides," describing the tourist routes in New Zealand, have been printed and extensively distributed. For this purpose 63,600 maps and 139,150 illustrations have been printed. There are now in circulation eleven of these publications. 1,000 copies of each "Guide" have been forwarded to the Agent-General; 1,000 copies of each have been distributed through the agency of the Railway Department, and 500 copies of each have been circulated by Cook and Son. Copies have also been forwarded from the Head Office to shipping companies. For Proclamations under the Public Works Acts 57 schedules and 117 plans have been examined. For the purposes of the Land Act and Land for Settlements Act, 91 schedules and 87 plans have been prepared. For Proclamations under the Loans to Local Bodies Act, 19 schedules and 19 plans have been prepared. For the purposes of the Native Land Acts, 3 schedules and 5 plans have been examined. For the purposes of the Native Townships Act, 3 schedules have been examined. 18 plans of townships for approval of His Excellency the Governor have been examined. 27 schedules of local and public Acts introduced into the House of Representatives have been examined and certified. 86 descriptions of boundaries of ridings, road districts, mining districts, registration districts, boroughs, labour districts, education reserves, &c., have been written, and the boundaries recorded on maps and records kept in the office. 125 tracings to illustrate subjects of correspondence have been made.

iii—C. 1.

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Plans and specifications of the following bridges have been drawn and printed, namely: Maruwhenua, Glenroy, Dee Creek, and Tuakau. There has been a large out-turn of work in the photo-lithographic office, the number of pulls from the three machines being over two millions—2,oB9,632 —of which 171,500 is increase over the previous year. The total number of complete copies printed was 1,170,227, the hand-presses contributing 36,075 of that number. 1,878 lithographic stones have been used. The number of subjects taken in hand and finally disposed of has been 1,249 ; number of plate transfers pulled, 86. The alterations designed to facilitate the transport of lithographic stones from the stone-grinding troughs to the various rooms will be carried out during the coming summer. 3?or sets-off, corrections, additions, touching-up, hill-drawing, tinting and etching, 664 lithographic stones have been prepared for the lithographic draughtsman. 122 photographs have been improved for photographing as "process" illustrations. 8 wash drawings of landscape and other views have been made. 5 negatives have been retouched. Number of maps, tracings, and photographs mounted, 824. In the photographic gallery Mr. Ross and assistant have been fully employed. The extradepartmental work, both of line and " process " negatives, has grown to large proportions, while the work of this department has expanded at a rapid pace. The number and measurement of line negatives taken are as follows, viz. :83 of 24in. by 24 in., 178 of 16 in. by 16 in., and 113 of 18 in. by 24 in. The number of " process " negatives taken amounted to .154 ; the number of silver prints prepared, 650. The internal arrangements of the gallery would be improved by the introduction of a reflector, as the vagaries of the weather frequently necessitate the postponement of important work. The general abstract of work done in the photo-lithographic office and the photographic gallery is given in the tabular statement below.

Lithographic Printing and Photographing.

Abstract of Lithographs printed during the Twelve Months. Copies. Head Office ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,170,227 Auckland Office ... ... ... ... ... ... 3,550 Dunedin Office ... ... ... ... ... ... 3,805 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,177,582 Correspondence. Mr. W. 8. Short, Chief Clerk reports The correspondence inwards amounted to 21,241, and outwards to 19,200, making a total of 40,441 letters and telegrams, besides parcels and letters containing printed matter, of which no

xviii

Department. Printing. Photographing. Number of C Copies pr By Machine. /omplete nted. By Hand. Number of Impressions taken. Number of Separate Printings. Number of Line Negatives. Number of " Process " Negatives. Number of Bromides. Number of Silver Prints. Lands and Survey 762,670 27,332 1,463,417 1,256 247 84 4 108 Mines 56,040 179 66,969 47 21 29 Public Works ... 44,942 5,228 108,395 298 29 20 Marine 165,225 1,540 192,715 98 34 6 Postal and Telegraph ... 4,550 16,150 6 4 Public Trust .... 700 , 1,400 4 Begistrar-General 10,000 55,000 2 3 Education 286 316 5 Agricultural and Stock ... 20,000 20 38,020 12 "ii 4 Police... 48 Railway 51,150 "60 116,410 16 "io 15 Customs 700 700 1 60 Defence 230 230 2 9 105 Government Insurance... 3,000 3,000 1 Government Printer 2,070 7,530 8 "5 Legislative 3,075 7,800 6 1 Meteorological 730 1,080 3 Premier's 10,000 "500 10,500 5 Totals 1,134,152 36,075 2,089,632 1,770 374 154 4 325

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special count is kept. This is much in excess of previous years; and as the correspondence is a fair index of the extent of the business of the department, the following summary for ten years may be interesting, as showing how the work has developed : Y , Inward Outward Total earB ' Correspondence. Correspondence. Correspondence. 1890-91 ... ... ... 9,788 5,640 15,428 1891-92 ... ... ... 10,000 8,400 18,400 1892-93 ... ... ... 12,000 10,200 22,200 1893-94 ... ... ... 16,000 12,600 28,600 1894-95 ... ... ... 16,500 ■ 14,500 31,000 1895-96 ... ... ... 15,214 13,300 28,514 1896-97 . ... ... 16,800 13,500 30,300 1897-98 .. ... ... 17,200 14,300 31,500 1898-99 ... ... ... 19,112 16,416 35,528 1899-1900 ... ... ... 21,241 19,200 40,441 Totals ... ... 153,855 128,056 281,911 Besides ordinary clerical work a good deal of legal or semi-legal business is done, such as Proclamations, Warrants, Orders in Council, and similar documents, which are prepared for the signature of His Excellency the Governor and Ministers. Those relating to the administration of Crown lands, reserves, cemeteries, domains, &c., were mainly prepared under Mr. F. T. O'Neill's direction, and amounted to 357. Those relating to roads and bridges under the Public Works and other Acts were for the most part prepared by Captain Barclay, and amounted to 222. Mr. Samuel, Clerk of Titles, dealt with 3,724 Crown grants, warrants, certificates of titles, leases, &c. In addition to ordinary routine of entering and recording correspondence, and of the special duties above mentioned, regulations were compiled and issued in respect lo timber on Crown lands and in State forests, that caused much work. Contracts for the supply of grass-seed were prepared, and tenders invited. Several large returns were compiled for Parliament. A complete set of new forms for tables for annual report was compiled and printed. Circulars were sent to all the principal sawmillers in the colony on the subject of aid to persons injured in the timber industry, and their replies compiled. There were also many other duties performed that it is not necessary to mention specially. Promissory notes for grass-seed supplied to settlers through this department on the occasion of the disastrous fires of 1898 are first deposited in the Treasury, but when they are dishonoured they are returned to this office for collection. Five hundred and thirty-two were taken, for £4,453 16s. lOd.; 232 fell due last year, for £1,675 Bs. Id., of which 130 were dishonoured, for £1,013 12s. sd. The correspondence in connection with naval and military &c. claims is still considerable, involving in many cases searches of documents many years old. I inspected the office of the Auditor of Land Revenue, and inquired into the methods of work of that office, in April, 1899. During the year I also inspected the clerical work of the Auckland, Gisborne, Napier, and Blenheim offices of the department; and I held statutory inquiries under " The Public Works Act, 1894," under commissions from His Excellency the Governor, in respect to the control and maintenance of the Taraheru and Turanganui Bridges at Gisborne, the Mudflat bridges at Havelock, and the Ashley Traffic-bridge near Bangiora. I also held an inquiry under the Governor's commission at Pleasant Point, as to the site for a proposed bridge over the Opihi River. The reports and notes of evidence in most of these cases were voluminous. The following is a summary of the returns of co-operative labourers received weekly from the various districts. It shows the average per month for each district and the average for the yea? ended the 31st March last:—

xix

£8> District. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. SI CD ® Auckland 378 436 523 577 579 638 703 664 606 531 597 519 562 Hawke's Bay 198 221 216 241 251 271 254 244 221 229 221 189 230 Taranaki 166 265 332 345 375 . 369 330 292 246 217 138 142 268 Wellington Marlborough 465 496 546 601 556 559 555 520 537 480 424 441 515 23 81 166 201 232 213 196 175 146 95 110 90 144 Nelson 10 3 20 14 27 31 24 29 47 34 42 40 27 Westland 41 46 30 26 22 16 13 13 21 29 43 48 29 Canterbury 23 24 24 17 44 43 25 26 33 20 10 10 25 Otago 78 75 81 93 109 124 115 104 109 126 123 95 103 Southland 72 55 55 63 82 63 52 45 65 94 97 111 71 1,454 1,702 1,993 2,178 2,277 2,327 2,267 2,112 2,031 1,855 1,805 1,685 1,974

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Accounts. Mr. H. J. Knowles, Chief Accountant, reports as follows : The number of vouchers authorised for payment, credit, or refund during the year was—- £ a. d. 5,375 charged to Lands and Survey vote, covering gross expenditure of ... 138,157 2 7 816 charged to Lands and Survey Miscellaneous vote, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... .. ... 11,156 9 2 278 charged to State Forests Account, covering gross expenditure of ... 4,002 9 7 5 charged to Immigration vote, covering gross expenditure 0f... ... ' 384 14 9 7,899 charged to Settlement Roads, Bridges, and other Public Works vote, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... 238,473 2 11 954 charged to Government Loans to Local Bodies Account, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... ... ... 31,399 12 10 3 charged to Cheviot Estate Account, covering gross expenditure of ... 8,917 5 6 607 charged to Land for Settlements Account, including Land for Settlements Expenses vote, covering gross expenditure of ... ... ... *374,148 6 9 67 charged to Civil Service Act, and General, covering gross expenditure of 2,376 9 4 133 charged to Refunds of Revenue, &c., covering gross refund of ... 12,486 7 9 35 charged to Refunds of Contractors' Deposits, covering gross refund of ... 429 0 3 16,172 £821,931 1 5 Details of the net expenditure will be found in the various tables on other pages. In addition, 198 credit vouchers for work done by the department, 539 applications for imprest advances, and about 1,700 outward letters, memoranda, returns, &c., have been dealt with or prepared. The very large amount of correspondence relative to the appropriations and many other matters has been considered, and the necessary action taken. A system of accounting for stores was started at the beginning of the year and kept up as regards fifteen storekeepers. The number of entries in the ledgers was 1,710. Four hundred and sixty-nine agreements (prepared in triplicate) have been issued, representing grants to local bodies of £77,315 17s. 7d.; and the payments under agreements amounted to £51,014 4s. 7d., including payments under agreements of previous years. The liabilities under all agreements with local bodies amounted to £101,978 12s. 7d. at 31st March, 1900. The following statement shows the liabilities for roads, bridges, &c., at 31st March, 1900

A detailed statement (119 pages) of the expenditure, liabilities, &c., in respect of each of the 1,858 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. t A large amount of work has been performed during the year in preparing returns for Parliament, and for departmental information, compilation of reports, statements and tables for the 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. The comparative statement following shows to some extent how the yearly increase of work in the department affects this branch :

* Includes Laud for Settlements Department charges.

XX

District. Under Agreements. To Local Bodies. " Thirds " and " Fourths" in Deposit Account. Totals. Departmental. Grand Totals. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. a. £ s. d. £ s. d. Auckland 23,645 8 9 3,699 7 10 27,344 16 7 59,688 10 9 87,033 7 4 Hawke's Bay ... 9,344 0 4 4,516 2 2 13,860 2 6 16,507 7 10 30,367 10 4 Taranaki 5,196 18 11 5,356 11 7 10,553 10 6 17,362 18 10 27,916 9 4 Wellington 14,254 2 6 18,127 11 11 32,381 14 5 47,726 16 5 80,108 10 10 Nelson 7,173 8 8 1,291 14 0 8,465 2 8 2,168 18 3 10,634 0 11 Marlborough ... 3,602 2 2 293 16 8 3,895 18 10 10,713 0 1 14,608 18 11 Westland 3,018 8 6 51 2 1 3,069 10 7 7,995 18 5 11,065 9 0 Canterbury 4,750 18 0 . 1,119 0 7 5,869 18 7 6,577 11 7' 12,447 10 2 Otago 14,618 11 11 3,770 2 7 18,388 14 6 10,897 10 3 29,286 4 9 Southland 15,478 12 10 1,511 14 1 16,990 6 11 14,166 10 4 31.156 17 3 General . . 896 0 0 896 0 0 5,932 3 10 6,828 3 10 Totals 101,978 12 7 39,737 3 6 141,715 16 1 199,737 6 7 341,453 2 8

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Audit. Mr. W. G. Euncie, Auditor of Land Revenue, reports : The receipts for the year have been as follows: £ s. d. Territorial revenue ... ... ... ... ... 262,228 13 8 Lands for settlement ... ... ... ... ... 46,354 14 4 Cheviot Estate ... ... ... ... ... ... 14,822 15 5 State forests ... ... ... ... ... ... 8,845 18 10 North Island Main Trunk Railway ... ... ... 8,572 13 3 Thermal springs ... ... ... ... ... 1,075 12 11 Hanmer Sanatorium ... ... ... ... ... 875 18 5 - Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth ... ... ... ... 1,693 18 5 Mount Cook Hermitage ... ... ... ... ... 534 6 4 Crown-grant fees ... ... ... ... ... 1,046 5 7 Survey vote ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,344 13 6 Native townships ... ... ... ... ... 238 1 9 Miscellaneous receipts ... ... ... ... ... 2,818 17 0 Government loans to local bodies ... ... ... ... 15,157 15 10 Endowments ... ... ... ... ... ... 16,333 3 6 £382,943 8 fl The decrease in cash land-sales and pastoral rents, and the gradual extinction of deferredpayment holdings, account for the falling-off in territorial revenue. In the Cheviot Estate the receipts diminish because payments due under the cash conditional purchase system are now completed. Rents are greater by £1,013 9s. 4d. The income under the Land for Settlements Act shows an increase of £7,550 4s. 2d. Upon the whole there is a decrease in the gross revenue of £2,201 12s. The following tables give comparative statements of the territorial and gross revenue for 1898-99 and 1899-1900.

Table No. 1.—Comparative Statement of Territorial Revenue.

iv—C. 1.

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Year. Number of Vouchers. Gross Amount authorised for Payment, Credit, &c. Number of Appropriations. Number of Agreements with Local Bodies prepared. Amount granted to Local Bodies. Payments to Local Bodies under Agreements. - £ £ £ 1890-91 9,810 152,775 210 80 17,782 1891-92 (9 months) 8,355 177,903 219 87 23,391 13,448 1892-93 10,676 260,498 252 108 21,568 20,388 1893-94 13,071 353,772 440 181 42,847 22,704 1894-95 14,367 420,531 592 215 52,892 45,302 1895-96 15,422 578,778 682 203 33,761 42,813 1896-97 15,689 711,660 932 248 59,712 32,419 1897-98 17,719 587,422 1,112 228 53,950 55,586 1898-99 18,620 990,063 1,498 382 74,799 47,977 1899-00 16,172 821,931 1,858 469 77,316 51,014

Land District. 1898-99. 1899-1900. Increase. Decrease. i .' 1 ' ■ S £ s. a. £ s. a. £ s. a. £ s. a. Auckland 29,182 2 0 32,289 5 8 3,107 3 8 Taranaki 26,066 14 10 22,559 18 1 3,506 16 9 Hawke's Bay 17,765 18 2 23,154 16 6 5,388 18 4 Wellington ... 48,751 3 10 40,402 7 11 8,348 15 11 Marlborough 9,903 18 11 8,355 10 6 1,548 8 5 Nelson 15,553 16 2 8,864 9 4 6,689 6 10 Westland ... 1,313 4 10 1,259 1 0 54 3 10 Canterbury ... 54,518 13 4 54,255 19 11 262 13 5 Otago 56,525 6 3 55,187 10 2 1,337 16 1 Southland ... 14,218 9 0 15,899 14 7 1,681 5 7 273,799 7 4 262,228 13 8 10,177 7 7 21,748 1 3 262,228 13 8 10,177 7 7 Decrease 11.570 13 8 11,570 13 8

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Table No. 2.—Comparative Statement of Gross Revenue, 1898-99 and 1899-1900.

The balance at credit of the various Eeceivers of Land Revenues' Deposit Account was £21,657 18s. 6d. The large amount of deposits at credit in the Deposit Account is accounted for by the fact that close to the end of the financial year several estates were opened for selection—viz., in Auckland, Fencourt; Otago, Elderslie ; and in Canterbury, Pareora No. 2—scarcely giving the Eeceivers sufficient time to return unsuccessful applicants their deposits, especially in Canterbury, where the deposits lodged amounted to £16,500 for forty sections. The balance at credit in the various Eeceivers' books due to local bodies for "thirds" and "fourths" was £39,737 3s. 6d., being a total increase upon last year of £6,313 4s. 7d. With the exception of Auckland and Canterbury, every land district shows an increase. During the past year I inspected the Eeceivers' work in the following district offices—viz., Napier, Gisborne, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Hokitika, Westport, Christchurph, New Plymouth, Dunedin, and Invercargill—and went through the Eeceivers' work in each for generally about twelve months, prepared balance-sheets of their transactions, copies of which I furnished with my report at time of audit. In the course of the audit work in the Eeceivers' offices I reported to you generally upon the state of the selectors' ledgers, and submitted for your inspection about twenty cases taken at random from each office, so as to verify the correctness of each transaction, it being quite impossible to audit every sale or lease. I beg to state that the work of the office is steadily increasing, and that everything is checked as much as possible. There were 1,318 queries sent out, which had all to be received again and dealt with; 516 memoranda written, 332 memoranda received; 1,236 Commissioners' returns and 2,396 fresh audit-cards received and checked; and 45 refund vouchers passed. According to your instructions, I am having prepared a personal and sectional index of all the cards in this office, taking in all sections that were alive on the Ist January, 1898. The personal one is finished, and the sectional one is getting towards completion.

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Nature of Receipt. 1898-99. 1899-1900. Increase. Decrease. Territorial revenue Lands for settlement Cheviot Estate ... State forests North Island Main Trunk Railway Thermal springs Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth Crown-grant fees Native townships j Miscellaneous ... [ Mount Cook Hermitage J Hanmer springs Hanmer Sanatorium Government Loans to Local Bodies Endowments Survey vote Decrease for 1899-1900 £ 8. a. 273,799 7 4 38,804 10 2 17,043 8 1 5,844 6 6 11,282 19 8 1,351 13 6 1,740 8 11 1,228 12 0 2,649 12 2 376 6 2 796 5 5 13,255 17 2 15,117 18 4 1,853 15 4 £ s. a. 262,228 13 8 46,354 14 4 14,822 15 5 8,845 18 10 8,572 13 3 1,075 12 11 1,693 18 5 1,046 5 7 238 1 9 2,818 17 0 534 6 4 875 18 5 15,157 15 10 16,333 3 6 2,344 13 6 £ s. a. 7,550 4 2 3,001 12 4 941 12 11 79 13 0 1,901 18 8 1,215 5 2 490 18 2 £ s. d. 11,570.13 8 2,22012 8 2,710 6 5 276 0 7 46 10 6 182 6 5 376 6 2 385,145 0 9 382,943 8 9 382,943 8 9 15,181 4 5 17,382 16 5 15,181 4 5 2,201 12 0 2,201 12 0

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX I.—ADMINISTRATION.

BXTEACTS FROM THE REPORTS OE THE COMMISSIONERS OE CROWN LANDS ON SETTLEMENT OPERATIONS DURING THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THE 31st MARCH, 1900. AUCKLAND. The appended summary of the land transactions in this district for the past financial year shows steady progress, though the volume of settlement has not come up to my estimate, owing to the unavoidable delay in opening for settlement the large areas of Crown lands in the Kawhia County, which I had anticipated would come within the past financial year, but instead of that they were not available for the public until April. In spite of this, some 529 selectors under the various tenures have had allotted to them 93,967 acres, exclusive of endowment lands, whilst the total revenue received has been £44,295 3s. 10d., or some £11,503 Is. 4d. over my estimate. This was chiefly owing to large sales of white-pine or kahikatea timber growing in the Tokatoka district, and of kauri timber in the Northern Wairoa and other districts.

Summary of Land Transactions during the Year 1899-1900.

I—C. 1.

i

Class of Selection. Transactions during the Year. Leasehold Area held on 31st March. 1900. T?.AVArin A received during Number. Area. Number. Area. the Year. Cash — A. B. P. A. R. p. £ s. d. Town ... 25 25 1 21 Suburban 10 24 2 30 Eural ... 77 8,338 3 27 Total cash 112 *8,388 3 38 5,079 7 1 Deferred payment... 140 16,380' 2 0 964 4 8 Perpetual lease 583 131,118 2 0 3,290 11 5 Perpetual lease, freehold 33 7,373 3 3 4,115 5 2 Occupation, right of purchase 175 39,073 0 27 1,263 238,463 2 7 3,901 19 9 Lease in perpetuity 116 +17,893 2 17 717 132,583 1 37 2,360 12 3 Lease in perpetuity under 40 17,029 0 7 131 21,870 3 36 3,270 18 1 Land for Settlements " Mining Districts Land Occu35 1,272 3 2 66 3,010 3 3 22 2 6 pation Act, 1894 " Agricultural lease 1 20 2 0 ... Village - homestead special ... ... 104 4,135 0 1 311 12 6 settlement Special - settlement associa- ... 96 16,335 1 0 267 6 1 tions Improved-farm settlements ... 1 130 0 0 58 5,558 0 10 268 6 4 Homesteads 16 1,733 0 13 Small grazing-runs 2 8,300' 0 0 11 65,508 2 0 423" 1 11 Pastoral runs 2 100 0 0 20 110,560 0 27 602 8 10 Miscellaneous leased lands for 2 9 0 2 9 160 2 31 69 5 9 settlement year to year Miscellaneous leases 10 3,517 0 6 75 14,913 3 31 2,601 10 1 Royalty on coal 27,776-7 tons 418 6 11 ( 144,687,410 su p. ft.) „ timber 100 sleepers 580 cords firewo „ a } 13,181 9 0 „ flax I 1 880 0 0) 10 tons J 16 15 0 Thermal springs ... 212 5,413 0 26 1,081 11 8 Subsidy for roads paid by 224 17 6 counties Tokatoka Tramway 75 3 4 Other sources 1,748 8 0 Total 529 93,967 1 22 3,502 767,766 0 22 44,295 3 10 * Including 89 acres sold for scrip. t Including 42 sections (3,410 acres 3 roods 19 perches) exchanged from other tenures. } Inoluding nine sections (1,371 acres 2 roods 10 perohes) reallotted during the year.

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The ordinary cash sales amount to just about the same as last year, £5,079 7s. Id., whilst the perpetual leases made freehold did not produce anything like my estimate, as the amount received from this source was only £4,115 ss. 2d., bringing the total cash sales to £9,194 12s. 3d. Deferred-payment selectors show a still further decrease of this gradually diminishing class of settlers, there being now only 140 selectors on our books, holding 16,380 acres. Twenty-four selectors have acquired the freehold of 2,521 acres during the year, whilst thirty-five selectors are in arrears with their instalments to the amount of £204. Perpetual-lease holders under the Land Act of 1885 and amendments thereof now number 583, holding 131,118 acres. Thirty - three selectors have acquired the freeheld of 7,373 acres. Twelve selectors, holding 1,207 acres, have exchanged into lease-in-perpetuity tenure. The forfeitures for non-fulfilment of settlement conditions amount to fourteen, the area so forfeited being 6,715 acres. Six selectors have also surrendered 2,372 acres. The selectors in arrears for rent number 133, owing £565 12s. 4d. Occupation with Bight of Purchase under " The Land Act, 1892."—0ne hundred and seventyfive selectors have acquired 39,073 acres, yielding an annual rental of £922 14s. 6d., with an average of 223 acres for each selector. Thirty-eight selectors have had their selections forfeited for nonfulfilment of settlement conditions, and fourteen selectors have been allowed to surrender 6,342 acres. The arrears owing for rent have increased, as 284 selectors are now owing £1,077 19s. sd. Lease in Perpetuity.—One hundred and sixteen selectors have availed themselves of this class of tenure, absorbing an area of 17,893 acres (including 42 settlers holding 3,410 acres who exchanged from other tenures), or an average of 154 acres for each selector. The forfeitures amount to eighteen, holding 3,192 acres, whilst fifteen selectors have been allowed to surrender 2,485 acres. The selectors in arrear with rent number 130, owing £709 13s. lid. Lease-in-perpetuity Lands acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts. Forty selectors have leased 7,029 acres. The total number of this class of lessees on 31st March was 131, holding a total area of 21,870 acres. The revenue received from these estates during the year amounted to £3,340 3s. lOd. " Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894."—The selections applied for under this heading show a considerable increase, as thirty-five selectors have taken up 1,273 acres within goldfield districts, the annual rental being £7O 17s. 6d.; the total selectors on our books on the 31st March being sixty-six, occupying 3,011 acres. There are practically no arrears of rental. Village-homestead Special Settlements. The number of holders in these settlements is fast decreasing as village settlers proper, as they are exchanging their title for lease in perpetuity. Twenty-four selectors were allowed to exchange during the year, the area so exchanged being 1,100 acres. The number now on the books is 104, holding 4,135 acres. Seventy-four of these selectors are in arrears of rent to the amount of £961 os. 6d. Special Settlement Associations. —There are ninety-six selectors classed as holders under this tenure, occupying 16,335 acres. Of this number, ninety-four are required to reside on their lands, but the number actually so residing is only thirty-three, holding 6,744 acres. The arrears owing for rent are only £l2 6s. 6d. Taking these special settlements in their geographical order north of Auckland, the Auckland Special Settlement contains twenty-five selectors of an area of 5,325 acres, but at present only three are resident, holding 1,000 acres. I am afraid the land is too far from a market, and of too high an altitude, to make a successful settlement. The Marlborough Special Settlement, a few miles further south, is in a slightly better position, as out of twenty-one original selectors of 4,300 acres seven are resident, holding 1,100 acres. This settlement also suffers from the drawback of being far from a market. Still further south, and lying between Dargaville and the Mangakahia Valley, is the Avoca Special Settlement, originally some 5,000 acres. It has seventeen resident selectors, occupying 2,700 acres, and, as better road-access is now being provided, it is probable that all selectors will shortly be resident. South of Auckland, and in the Bay of Plenty district, the Papamoa Nos. 1 and 2 Special Settlements have only six resident selectors between both settlements, occupying 1,000 acres. The land is not of first-class quality, and most of the selectors are living at Te Puke or Tauranga, as they state they cannot make a living on their land under present conditions. It may not be amiss to mention in this place that the original special settlement in the Matata and Eangitaiki Swamp, which was abandoned by the promoters and afterwards opened under the ordinary tenures and again partially selected, has, by judicious drainage, followed by a dry summer, been immensely improved, and is fast being covered with good pasturage. Cattle and horses can now graze over nearly the whole area to the Orini Eiver, and carts with fencing material have crossed the swamp. On some of the reclaimed sections both oats, maize, and barley have done very well, and, with further drainage-works, nearly all the original wet and dreary swamp will yield good pasture. Lands under " The Land for Settlements Act, 1894." Opounao. —Acquired in February, 1896 ; of an area of 7,604 acres. The area occupied by roads and reserves is 433 acres. Area of land unlet at present, 312 acres. There are sixty-three selectors resident, who, with families, number 228 souls, occupying an area of 6,858 acres. The number of houses erected on the several holdings is fiftysix. The total value of the improvements upon the estate amounts to £15,754, or an increase for the twelve months over last year's estimate of £3,812. This settlement has been very fairly prosperous up to the present. Last year's crop of maize taken from off it was valued at £10,000; but this year, what with a prolonged drought, commencing in the early spring, followed by a frost in February, lam afraid the returns will not be nearly so good. The erection of a proposed cheese-factory on the estate will enable settlers to take up dairy-farming instead of

2

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depending solely on the maize-crop. I understand that this year there is only 1,846 acres under maize-crop, and of this area 1,160 has been more or less injured by frost—an estimated loss of £1,160. Okauia.—Acquired in February, 1898; of an area of 5,920 acres. The area occupied by roads and reserves is 1,595 acres. There are no sections unlet, and nine selectors hold the whole available area of 4,324 acres, all being resident. The value of the improvements is £622. The bush land now under grass is fairly good, but the remainder of the estate is very medium land; the whole will be held for pasturage purposes only. Bangiatea.—Acquired in June, 1898; of an area of 4,004 acres. 90 acres are absorbed by roads and reserves. There are no sections unlet, and nineteen selectors hold all the available area of 3,914 acres, and these are all resident, the total population numbering eighty-six souls. The improvements effected by selectors since occupation amount to £2,468. The dairy factory close to the settlement has been in full swing, and whilst feed lasted the milk from some 345 cows was sent to the factory by the settlers, but the heavy drought severely affecting the light soil caused a severe shortage of feed, and want of milk almost caused the factory to be closed. Karapiro.—Acquired in October, 1898; of an area of 2,271 acres, the area occupied by roads and reserves being 68 acres. There are no sections unlet, and fifteen selectors hold all the available area of 2,202 acres. There has been no inspection by the Eanger as yet, though it is understood that all selectors are resident. The past dry season has been a poor one also for this settlement, as the settlers all depend upon the milk-factory as a means of livelihood, and the severe drought caused the milk-supply to fall off very early in the summer. Fencourt. —Acquired in March, 1900 ; of an area of 7,105 acres. Area occupied by roads and reserves, 63 acres. Area unlet to date, 2,471 acres. Twenty-five selectors have leased 4,571 acres. This settlement was only opened for selection during the month of March, and, very unfortunately, just before the day of selection a fire ran over the area of reclaimed flax and raupo swamp—some of the best of the land—and destroyed not only the grass, but the whole of the surface, and I am afraid a long time will elapse before the area so destroyed will be applied for. Inspection by Crown Bangers.-—Eanger Bayly inspected 447 selections, the total area of which was 121,444 acres. The value of the improvements required amounted to £12,080, the amount actually done being estimated at £41,192; the forest felled south of the Manukau County being roughly 5,500 acres. Eanger H. S. Wilson (in addition to his Forest Eanger duties) has inspected seventy-seven selections, of an area of 18,393 acres. These should have improvements to the value of £9,540, whilst the actual value was found to be only £8,809. This was attributable to six selectors, holding 2,805 acres, having done no improvements. They have accordingly been warned that forfeiture will follow unless the improvements are speedily carried out. 3,000 acres of forest has been cleared in the Counties of Whangarei, Mongonui, Bay of Islands, Whangaroa, Hokianga, and Hobson, and about 2,150 acres has been felled south of Auckland. Eanger D. H. Lusk has inspected some twenty-one holdings, with a total area of 4,257 acres, and found seventeen lessees resident who had fully complied with the improvement conditions. The rest of his time has been spent on forest work. Forfeitures and Surrenders.—The Land Board have very reluctantly had to deal with many cases of forfeiture during the past year, and though the total seems large it is the result and summing-up of arrears allowed to stand over in the hope that selectors could recover themselves, and either fulfil their improvement conditions or pay arrears of rent. The forfeitures number altogether seventy-three, and the surrenders thirty-eight. The analysis gives—Fourteen perpetuallease holders under " The Land Act, 1885," forfeited 6,715 acres; thirty-eight holders under the occupation-with-right-of-purchase tenure forfeited 10,080 acres; and eighteen holders under lease-in-perpetuity tenure forfeited 3,192 acres; whilst, of the surrenders which are classified under per-petual-lease tenure, six selectors forfeited 2,373 acres. Fourteen holders of occupation-with-right-of-purchase leases surrendered 6,342 acres, and fifteen lease-in-perpetuity holders surrendered 2,485 acres. Transfers. —One hundred and sixty-nine transfers have been granted during the past year, all to bond fide settlers. Forests. —During the year additional forest reserves, amounting to 65,520 acres, have been gazetted, which include areas around Pirongia, Te Aroha, and Moehau Mountains reserved for scenic purposes, and also near the East Cape, 57,700 acres of which are in this land district. All the ordinary Crown and State forests have had careful supervision. The exceedingly dry summer has been very prolific in fires. The Puhipuhi Forest suffered again, but not to as large an extent as at previous fires. The Omahuta State Forest at Hokianga was also on fire, and some 5,000,000 ft. or 6,000,000 ft. of green kauri has been scorched. In view of this the kauri-trees on a portion of this State forest are now being counted and branded, and will probably be offered by auction at an early date. A considerable amount of kauri and white-pine timber has been disposed of during the past financial year, the total cash received for the year being £13,181, and the balances still due and spread over further periods amounting to £36,421. Of the first-named sum £3,862 is credited to State forests, the largest sale, and one which created a great deal of interest, being that of the kahikatea or white-pine timber growing upon or adjacent to the Tokatoka Swamp, Northern Wairoa, amounting to nearly 98,000,000 ft. The total price was £24,533, but as the payment is spread over many years the instalment received at the sale only amounted to £1,226 13s. Bd. The balance is to be paid at the rate of one-twentieth each succeeding January. One of the principal conditions of the sale is that the white-pine is to be cut and removed from defined blocks, and these blocks of land when cleared are to be immediately handed over for settlement purposes.

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I anticipate being able to dispose of all the remaining dead and green timber in the Puhipuhi State Forest during the ensuing twelve months. Kauri-gum, Reserves under " The Kauri-gum Industry Act, 1898."—Last year I reported the area reserved as 41,257 acres. Since then additional reservations to the extent of 164,102 acres have been gazetted at the request of various local bodies. A schedule of these reserves is appended. Expenditure of "Thirds" and "Fourths" by Local Bodies.—Sixty-six local bodies have furnished schedules for approval by the Land Board, the sum so approved for expenditure on roads giving access to the sections being £3,579 16s. 7d. " The Native Townships Act, 1895.".—N0 transactions have taken place during the year, but a site for a township on the shores of Lake Botoiti, in the thermal springs district, has been selected and surveyed, and will shortly be available for lease. Other Towns.—Goldfield townships have been surveyed at Waikino, &c.. and the Government has acquired the interest of the lessees in the Paeroa Township, which is now entirely in the hands of the Crown, and, by special Proclamation, excluded from the goldfields area. Lands available for Future Settlement and Disposal.—The land open for immediate selection in the Land Guide is 212,972 acres of surveyed, and 411,806 acres of unsurveyed land. In addition to this, in the Mongonui County, the Crown possesses 50,000 acres of fairly good forest and open land, tolerably easy of access. In the Bay of Islands County there is about 38,000 acres of available Crown land, both forest and open, but the Natives still own some 152,000 acres, chiefly forest land, except about Kaikohe, where it is open and rich volcanic land, most of it broken—but fit for settlement. In the Hokianga County there is some 150,000 acres of available Crown land of good quality, nearly all covered with forest, and fit for immediate settlement. The Natives still own some 104,650 acres, almost all good land, and fit for settlement. In the Whangarei County there is about 32,400 acres of available Crown lands, mostly broken and forest-clad. The Natives still retain some 28,850 acres of land, part of it very rich. In the Otamatea County the Crown retains only about 8,150 acres, a good deal of this being alluvial swamp, and well worth draining. The Natives still own 20,000 acres, but not much of it is fit for settlement. In the Bodney and the Waitemata Counties about 10,100 acres of Crown land is left, most of it fit only for pastoral or fruit-growing purposes. The Natives still own about 14,000 acres in these two counties, some of it very good land. In the Manukau County the Crown owns some 6,400 acres of broken forest land, fit for pastoral purposes. The Natives still own about 15,000 acres, a portion of which is fairly good. In the Waikato and Raglan Counties the Crown lands amount to about 88,000 acres, all fairly good land, mostly forest, and easy of access. In the Baglan County the Natives still own the freehold of 150,000 acres, all of it good settlement land. In the Coromandel, Thames, and Ohinemuri Counties there is about 337,000 acres of available Crown land. In the last two counties a good deal of the land is swampy, and requires draining. The Natives still own 97,200 acres, much of which is very good. In Tauranga, Whakatane, and Botorua Counties the Crown owns 450,000 acres, nearly all forest-clad, and generally broken; but in the last-named county the Natives retain a very large area, the greater part of which is too broken, or too much covered with pumice or volcanic ash, to be fit for settlement. In the Kawhia and West Taupo Counties the Crown acquired from the Natives large areas of very good land, all fit for settlement and easy of access. About 300,000 acres is really first-class land, and about 1,000,000 acres is fairly good land, all being suitable for pastoral purposes, and accessible from the main trunk railway-line and Kawhia Harbour. Some 80,000 acres of good pastoral country has been subdivided into suitable sections, and some 50,000 acres was opened for settlement in April, and the greater portion selected and allotted by ballot, the Bight Hon. the Premier being present at the ballot. 35,000 acres is now being scheduled for opening early in July, and 100,000 acres is being subdivided ready for opening early next year. The roading of this heavily forested country, being a work of great magnitude and involving great care in exploration, must precede actual settlement. There is a great future before this portion of the Auckland Land District. Kauri Timber Industry.—The following is the position of this industry: The approximate quantity of kauri timber on Crown land is 757,526,000 superficial feet. The approximate quantity on Native lands and lands purchased or leased from Natives is 550,000,000 superficial feet. The approximate quantity sold by the Crown but not yet operated upon by mill-owners is 59,000,000 superficial feet. The quantity held by each company at present (purchased from the Crown) is as follows: Kauri Timber Company ... ... ... 42,000,000 superficial feet. Mitchelson and Co. ... ... ... ... 24,870,000 „ Leyland and O'Brien ... ... ... ... 13,100,000 „ Maunders and Bradley ... ... ... 11,000,000 „ The export for the last three years amounts to 126,000,000 superficial feet. The output of kauri timber of all kinds from various mills for three years amonnts to, say, 210,000,000 superficial feet. Clerical Branch. —The correspondence has been very heavy, as 44,493 letters and 2,255 telegrams have been received and despatched, whilst the parcels received and sent number 12,821.

4

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

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Lands set apart under the Kauri-gum Industry Act during Year 1899-1900 :-

Gerhard Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

HAWKE'S BAY. Land.—The total area opened for sale or selection during the year was 63,325 acres, classified as follows : Under the optional system, 15,399 acres ; leased by auction, 78 acres; village allotments, 154 acres; small grazing-runs, 47,489 acres; land for settlements, 39 acres; Native townships, 166 acres. Summary of Selections.—The total area taken up during the year was 52,450 acres, by 102 selectors, occupation with right of purchase being the favourite tenure. We have now 790 selectors on our books, an increase of twenty-three over last year, representing an annual rental of £15,038, and an area of 505,808 acres. Gash Sales. —Three sales have been made, two of them being sections in the Whetukura Village, and one rural section in the Eaukumara district. Deferred Payment.—Six licensees have acquired their freeholds over 327J acres, leaving eleven selectors now on our books, with 4,331f acres. Perpetual Lease.—Thirty-five selectors have acquired their freeholds over 19,534 acres, and two have exchanged to lease in perpetuity, leaving fifty-four tenants on our books, with 25,466J acres. Occupation with Right of Purchase. —Fifteen selectors have taken up land under this tenure, comprising an area of 6,531J acres, the land being situated chiefly in the Waiapu district. One selector has forfeited his holding, leaving 120 tenants, with 43,733f acres. Lease in Perpetuity. Twenty-six selectors have taken up 11,015f acres, situated principally in the Waiapu district, two have exchanged their holdings for other tenure, and one forfeited his section, there being now 294 tenants, holding 100,874f acres.

5

Name of Keserve. Counfcy. Area. Name of Reserve. County. Area. Hohoura Extension Mangonui .. 950 R. 0 p. 0 1 (No. 2) A. 127 B. P. 0 0 (No. 2) 25,500 0 0 (No. 3) 58 0 0 Otaia Extension „ 500 0 0 „ (No. 4) 480 1 35 (No. 2) 640 0 9 (No. 5) 307 2 18 (No. 3) „ 2,130 0 0 Taiharuru (No. 1) 103 0 0 (No. 1) 134 0 0 (No. 2) L43 0 0 (No. 5) // 95 0 0 Manaia 191 3 27 Opoe Extension „ 800 0 0 Marsden 3,600 0 0 (No. 2) » 24,350 0 0 Mata 312 0 0 (No. 4) // 176 3 24 Mangapai 168 0 0 Rotoroa Extension 16,000 0 0 Ruakaka (No. 1) 311 0 0 Tongonge Extension 1,072 0 0 „ (No. 2) 970 0 0 Ahipara n 1,200 0 0 (No. 3) 249 0 0 Puheke „ 2,000 0 0 Pohuenui 190 0 0 Puheke Extension tt • • 3,510 0 0 Uretiti 2,200 0 0 Ohia // 5,600 0 0 Waipu 2,240 0 0 Puketoetoe Extension .. „ . . 1,250 0 0 (No. 2) 290 0 0 Parapara // • • 2,200 0 0 Punakitere Hokianga 11,850 0 0 Taipa Extension // 1,050 0 0 Kai Iwi Extension (No. 1) Hobson 3,200 0 0 Totara Extension Whangaroa .. 2,200 0 0 (No. 2) 1,650 0 0 Mahinepua „ 517 3 16 Kairara 1,920 0 0 Taraire 47 1 4 Te Kopuru (No. 2) 129 3 29 Takou Extension 960 0 0 Tikinui (No. 2) 113 2 0 Pungaere Extension Bay of Islands 1,545 0 0 Tatarariki (No. 2) „ 55 3 25 Ngapipito „ 4,800 0 0 Matakohe Otamatea 381 0 0 Mangapurerua „ 1,650 0 0 Parirua n t 224 3 0 Hukerenui Extension .. „ 2,025 0 0 Mareretu (No. 1) ,, 58 2 10 Towai (No. 1) „ 800 0 0 (No. 3) </ • • 104 1 38 „ (No. 2) „ 400 0 0 „ (No. 4) n • • 13 0 0 Te Mata Extension (No.2) „ 893 3 20 (No. 5) n • • 16 0 0 Te Mata Extension Bay of Islands 3,000 0 0 (No. 6) n , , 176 0 0 andWhangarei Hakaru (No. 1) // • • 740 0 0 Jordan Wbangarei .. 705 0 0 „ (No. 2) o • • 132 0 0 Otakairangi // 3,150 0 0 „ (No. 3) n t 125 3 30 Opuawhanga „ 1,900 0 0 Kaiwaka H • • 168 0 27 Purua Extension „ 1,600 0 0 Molesworth (No. 1) // • • 850 0 0 Mangakahia Extension // 1,100 0 0 (No. 2) // 216 0 0 Ruatangata (No. 1) // 145 2 0 Wayby Rodney 1,960 0 0 (No. 2) .. n 305 0 0 Okura Waitemata .. 121 0 26 (No. 3) .. „ 668 0 0 „ (No. 2) // • • 61 1 9 (No. 4) .. n 45 0 0 Rangitopuni // • • 108 2 0 Kaitara (No. 2) ,, 960 0 0 Katikati Tauranga 1,900 0 0 Poroti 3,050 0 o Otaika Extension (No. 1) n 1,750 0 0 164,102 2 10 (No. 2) „ 1,900 0 0 Area previously reserved (see statement 41,257 0 0 Parahaki (No. 1) // 412 3 32 of last year) Parahaki (No. 2) Whangarei .. 57 0 0 Waikare (No. 1) » 140 0 0 Total reservation 205,359 2 10

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Village Settlements. —Two selections for cash, of 1 acre 2 roods 5 perches, one under the occupation with right of purchase, of 1 acre, and thirteen under lease in perpetuity, of 154 acres, have been made. One lease-in-perpetuity settler has forfeited his section of 2 roods 5 perches, leaving ninety-four selectors, holding 583f acres. Village-homestead Special Settlement. —We have two settlements, Woodville and Puketitiri. There are thirty selectors, twenty-eight of whom are residing with their families. Improvements to the value of £3,630 have been effected, the total advances to the settlers remaining unpaid being £260 2s. 3d. Special-settlement Associations.—We have four of these settlements—viz., Waipawa, Dannevirke, Liberal, and Ruahine. Of the original selectors fifty-four have acquired the freehold over 4,809 acres 3 roods 12 perches, leaving fourteen selectors now on our books, holding 3,111 acres, of an annual rental of £lOl 16s. Native Townships.—We have one Native township, at Te Puia, which was open for selection in February last; it contains 166J acres. Ten allotments were selected, of a total area of 36 acres 3 roods 17 perches, and annual rental of £l9 2s. 6d. Small Grazing-runs.—Five have been taken up during the year, of a total area of 18,481 acres, with an annual rental of £136 6s. lOd. One surrender of 672J acres has been made, leaving fiftynine tenants now on our books, holding 168,621 acres, of an annual rental of £1,679 14s. 2d. Pastoral Licenses. —No transactions have taken place during the year, and we have now sixteen selectors, holding 123,359 acres, at a total rental of £633 3s. Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses. —Four leases have issued, of a total area of 28,554 acres 2 roods 32 perches, at an annual rental of £29. We have now seventy-seven tenants, with a total area of 34,041 acres 1 rood 9 perches, of an annual rental of £534 7s. 4d. The lease chiefly comprises unoccupied Crown lands leased from year to year until required for settlement, and two leases for copper-mining. Bevenue.—The total revenue for the year was £28,741, as against £23,291 3s. lid. last year, showing a satisfactory increase of £5,449 16s. Id., and being £8,378 17s. over the estimated revenue, which is partly caused by the number of perpetual leases made freehold, no less than £14,676 3s. 7d. being received from this source. Arrears.—Twenty-one selectors were in arrears to the amount of £199 17s. lid. Considering the number of tenants now on our books—viz., 766, representing an annual rental of £15,038 — I think that this is a small amount to be in default, and creditable to the Hawke's Bay settlers. Improvements.- —We have only one Crown Lands Ranger, who is stationed at Poverty Bay, so Mr. G. Robertson, Road Inspector, Ormondville, has been employed as Ranger in addition to his other duties. Mr. Martin Smith has made 193 inspections, covering an area of 21,536 acres, and Mr. Robertson 150 inspections, covering an area of 14,123 acres, the total inspections made being 343, covering an area of 35,659 acres. The total value of improvements effected is £48,550 15s. 6d., as against £12,105 15s. 7d. required by the Land Acts, so that improvements to the value of £36,445 have been made in excess of what was necessary. Thirteen settlers are behindhand with their improvements, but not to any extent, and fifty-two will have to reside to carry out their leases. Land available for Settlement.—We have about 300,000 acres available for settlement, much of which, however, is broken forest country difficult to road. We have now under survey 60,000 acres, which will soon be open for selection, 30,000 of it being the balance of the Ngapaeruru Block, 20,000 at Nuhaka, and 10,000 at Ngatapa. General. —The past year shows a steady progress. There is a good demand for suitable country, instanced by the applications received for land in the Waiapu, 11,044 acres of broken forest country with fair soil being thrown open for selection in fourteen sections, for which we received 158 applications; and there will, I think, be a great demand for the 30,000 acres in Ngapaeruru, the difficulty being to survey country fast enough to meet the demand. The office-work continues to be heavy. We have received and recorded 1,210 applications for the land, involving an addition to our books of 102 selectors, holding 52,450 acres, while the land revenue received was £28,741 os. 6d. The number of vouchers for expenditure was 2,065, representing a total amount of £28,425 10s. 9d. There were forty-nine transfers of leases and 143 reports furnished to the Government Advances to Settlers Department, while sixteen meetings of the Land Board were held, the number of letters and telegrams received and despatched being 12,089. Mr. Jourdain, land clerk, has been removed to Wellington, he being an able officer, and having been connected with the work of the district for a number of years. His removal is to be regretted. However, Mr. Clare, who had to take his duties, has done so with zeal and ability. Lands acquired under Land for Settlements Act. There are seven settlements in Hawke's Bay under the Land for Settlements Act—viz., Raureka, Elsthorpe, Waimarie, Pouparae, Tomoana, Mahora, and Willows, of a total area of 12,957 acres —12,690 acres of which have been taken up by 158 selectors at an annual rental of £6,208 4s. Bd. Raureka.—This settlement, which was a portion of the Frimly Estate, Hastings, was opened for selection in May, 1896, and has made satisfactory progress. There are twenty selectors, holding 416J acres, at an annual rental of £543 2s. Eighteen houses have been built and sixteen selectors are residing, the total number of persons on the block being seventy-six. 142 acres is in crop, the remainder being in gardens, orchards, and grass. The improvements required under the Act are £543 125., improvements effected being £2,194 10s., which shows a satisfactory progress. Elsthorpe. —This settlement is situated in the Oero district, and was opened for selection in June, 1896. It has made steady progress, there now being forty-five selectors, holding 9,546 acres, of an annual rental of £2,307 7s. Improvements required by the Act, £2,304 55.; effected,

6

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£8,248 12s. 6d. Twenty-five houses have been built, and four whares, and thirty-six of the settlers residing. 154J acres are in crop, the remainder being in gardens, orchard, and grass. Waimarie.—A settlement in the Poverty Bay district, near G-isborne : it was open for selection in September, 1896. It contains 430-| acres, which was taken up by eighteen selectors. Sixteen selectors are now on the settlement, holding 393 acres, at an annual rental of £427 Is., and one section of 28 acres is not selected. The improvements effected to date are of a value of £1,270 16s. 6d., being £856 16s. in excess of the requirements of the Act. Eleven houses have been erected, and eleven selectors are residing. 195 acres are in crop, chiefly maize, pumpkins, and potatoes. The stock consists of 26 horses, 109 cows, and 1,068 sheep. The settlers and their families residing on the block number twenty-four. The settlement has made fair progress. Pouparae. —A settlement near Gisborne, Poverty Bay. It was opened for selection in April, 1897. It contains 338 acres, taken up by nine selectors, at an annual rental of £405 Bs. All the selectors are now in occupation, and have effected improvements to the value of £9lO 2s. 6d., being £504 14s. 6d. in excess of the requirements of the Act. The area in crop is 30 acres, the remainder being in pasture. About three miles and a half of fencing has been put up, and six houses erected. Six selectors are residing. The stock consists of 10 horses, 40 cows, and 350 sheep. The settlers and their families residing on the block number eighteen. This settlement is making fair progress. Tomoana. —A settlement near Hastings, being portion of the Primley Estate. It was opened for settlement in March, 1898, and taken up by thirteen selectors, at an annual rental of £135 2s. All the original selectors are now in occupation, and have effected improvements to the value of £2,043 17s. 6d., as against £135 required by the Act. Eleven houses have been built, and ten selectors are residing. Pifty-nine acres are in crop, the balance being in gardens, orchards, and grass. Mahora. —This settlement is also near Hastings, adjoining Eaureka and Tomoana, being also portion of the Primley Estate. It was opened for selection in March, 1899. It contains 1,134 acres, subdivided into thirty-four sections, all of which were selected. At present thirty-three selectors are in occupation, holding 1,112 acres 1 rood 35 perches, at an annual rental of £1,631 14s. 6d. They have effected improvements to the value of £3,825 Bs. 6d., as against £826 Bs. required by the Act, which shows very satisfactory progress. Twenty-one houses have been erected. Twenty-two settlers are residing on the block. Willows. —A settlement in Poverty Bay, near Gisborne. It was purchased from the Bank of New Zealand and opened for selection in March, 1899. Twenty-two selectors are now on the block, holding the whole area—viz., 775 acres 1 rood 36 perches—at an annual rental of £758 10s. 2d. The improvements effected to date are of a value of £1,020 10s., being £641 4s. Id. in excess of the requirements of the Act, which shows fair progress. The area under crop is 195 acres, chiefly of maize, pumpkins, and potatoes, the remainder being in gardens and pasture. Nine houses have been erected, and eight miles and three-quarters of fencing put up. The stock consists of 26 horses, 109 cows, and 1,068 sheep. General.—The settlements generally are making satisfactory progress. The value of improvements effected is £48,550 15s. 6d.; required by the Act, £12,105 15s. 7d.: being an excess of £36,444 19s. lid., which shows a very satisfactory progress. Eric C. Gold Smith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

TAEANAKI. The land transactions for the year ended 31st March, 1900, are shown in the subjoined summary :

7

Number Revenue Class of Selection. of Area. received during Sections. the Year. A. E. P. £ s. d. Cash 58 2,529 1 36 3,070 5 5 Deferred payment made freehold 34 5,215 3 1 3,859 15 6 Perpetual lease ... 1,910 13 6 Perpetual lease made freehold 41 11,157 1 23 10,164 12 4 Occupation with right of purchase ... 51 26,443 3 0 2,637 13 7 Lease in perpetuity 47 13,377 0 30 2,656 12 6 Village settlements— Occupation with right of purchase ... 3 6 0 Lease in perpetuity 1 23' 2 30 5 17 7 Special settlements—Lease in perpetuity 1,014 8 8 Improved-farm settlements 28 2,522" 0 11 816 16 0 Small grazing-runs 8 10,064 0 0 279 17 5 Miscellaneous leases 8 96 1 18 311 0 5 Survey-vote 59 1 9 Crown-grant fees ... 130 8 0 Pariroa Native Eeserve rents 668 19-7 Miscellaneous 54 7 0 Transfer lease and license fees 190 16 0 Totals 276 71,429 2 29 27,834 11 3

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Lands offered and disposed of during Year.—The greater portion of the lands selected this year were opened for sale during the preceding year, comprising a large area in the Taumatamahoe Block, adjacent to the Ohura Eoad, which is the future coach-road between Stratford and the railway near Kawakawa. Of fifty-four sections opened for sale in this locality on the optional and small grazing-run systems, only eight remain unapplied for, the grazing-runs being all taken up. The lands opened for sale during the year comprised ten sections, Opaku and Kapara Survey Districts, 10,025 acres, but only three sections were taken up. In what was the Mangaehu Special Settlement, thirteen sections, 6,073 acres, were opened in areas from 200 to 1,000 acres, and only one section remains unselected. These were fairly well competed for. There were twelve miscellaneous allotments, mostly forfeited sections, 3,484 acres, also opened, and nearly all of them were taken up; one section in the Ngaire Block was eagerly applied for, no fewer than 169 applications being received for it. Twelve forfeited allotments in the Whangamomona Settlement were opened under the optional system, and six of them were selected. Deferred Payment.—The freeholds acquired during the year are about the same as the previous year, the amount received from the freeholds alone being £2,847 125., the yearly decrease in the annual instalments payable being £365 15s. At the present rate it would take four years to wipe out this item from the receipts. Perpetual Lease.—Conversions from this tenure to freehold show a slight decrease, eleven less than the previous year's figures, the revenue losing £502 14s. 2d. per annum by the conversion. Optional Lease Systems.—The selections during the year under both the occupation-with-right-of-purchase and the lease-in-perpetuity tenures show a very satisfactory increase—viz., by twentytwo selectors and 17,312 acres under the former tenure, and by thirteen selectors with 4,616 acres under the latter tenure. The lease-in-perpetuity tenure still holds the lead in number of selectors by thirty-seven. There were nine forfeitures and surrenders as against five last year under the occupation-with-right-of-purchase tenure, and four under the lease-in-perpetuity as against five last year. For ninety-eight allotments, 192 applications were received for the occupation-with-right-of-purchase tenure, and 126 for the lease-in-perpetuity tenure. Village-settlement Lands.—Only one selection was made under this heading, that being for a section that had reverted to the Crown. Two selectors' interests were forfeited for non-payment of rent. Special Settlements.—These are all held under the lease-in-perpetuity tenure, and of the eighty-seven selectors holding at the 31st March, 1900, it may safely be said that they consist of persons who intend to make the selections their homes. This is apparent by the fact that there were only seven forfeitures and one surrender during the year as against forty-six last year. Residence being due in all but three instances, the coming year's operations should show who are the bond fide selectors, and I do not think many of them will be found wanting in their performance of conditions. Of the ten surrenders dealt with in last year's report, it may be said that they have returned to the books of the department as ordinary selectors under the optional tenure, some of them having taken up their sections with the right to purchase the freehold. Small Grazing-runs. —It is satisfactory to note that out of eight runs in new country put in the market, seven have been selected. Five are situate in the Taumatamahoe Block and the lands westward abutting on the Mangaowata River, and three are in the country lying some seven or eight miles south of Urenui Township. Miscellaneous Leases.—The sale of some timber on Crown lands appears in this year's returns, and the leases disposed of comprise reserves in Opunake Suburbs, Huiakama Suburbs, a stock reserve at Mangamingi which requires clearing and fencing; two extensions of expired leases, Waihi Reserve; also some yearly tenancies of town sections not sold at auction. Revenue. —The receipts are £9lO less than last year, and £5,127 over the estimated revenue for the year. There is a decrease in the receipts from the cash sources and perpetual lease made freehold. There is, however, a very substantial increase in the occupation-with-right-of-purchase and lease-in-perpetuity systems. The estimate for territorial revenue was £19,967, and the receipts show £22,577. The disbursements to Government Loans to Local Bodies Account amounted to £3,460 lis. Bd., and to North Island Main Trunk Railway Account £903 14s. 4d., and the " thirds" credited to local bodies totalled £4,576 15s. 3d. Arrears of Bent.—lt is a sign of the progress of the district that the number of selectors in arrear has decreased during the year by thirteen, and the amount owing is £204 less. Lands reserved and alienated under Acts.—The principal reservations were for State forest, there having been 52,127 acres so set aside. A recreation-ground was purchased at Eltham, the Government contributing part of the cost. Three reservations for public-school sites were made, and one resting-place for travelling stock. The areas alienated under Acts comprised closed roads and a piece of the Central Prison Reserve at Moturoa, which was granted to the New Plymouth Harbour Board as a site for dwellings of its employes. Selectors on the Books. There were 1,005 selectors remaining at the end of the year ended 31st March, 1899. From this number is deducted seventy-five conversions to freehold, one conversion to another tenure, thirty-eight forfeitures and surrenders, and twenty-two terminations and expiries of miscellaneous leases, leaving 869. Then, by adding the new selectors and conversions from other tenures, amounting to 120, there remain 989 selectors at the 31st March, 1900. In 1897 there were 191 selectors less than preceding year; in 1898, 190 less ; in 1899, 116 less; and in 1900 only sixteen less : 'thereby showing that while forfeitures and conversions to freehold have decreased the number of selectors, the number of new selectors has been steadily gaining on this annual decrease. Banger's Inspections.—The year's operations compare very favourably with previous year's work, the number of properties visited having increased by 193, and the number in default—viz., 70 out of 294—is by no means an unsatisfactory state of things when the difficulty of access to

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some of the sections is taken into consideration. Most of the defaulters were in their first or second year of tenure; there are, as a rule, very few who allow themselves to be behind when the sixth year has passed. Of those who had not complied with the conditions of personal residence it may be said that in every instance the Land Board dealt with the lessees on the merits of their own particular circumstances, and many of them complied within a few months of notice of default. It should be noted that the inspections show 170 persons resident on their holdings where only 143 are by law required to reside. In addition to the ordinary inspections the Eanger was kept very busy with inspections of a special nature. Probable Future of Crown Lands— The Rawhitiroa Block, mentioned in my last report, was made a State forest, as proposed, thereby absorbing 32,000 acres of the land that had been opened for selection. There are at present 53,481 acres remaining open for selection, all second-class land scattered over various portions of the land district. There is no great demand for these, as they are mostly rough lands, and at present not opened up by roads. With regard to new lands to be offered during the coming year, the following is a short description : 4,465 acres, Omona aud Opaku Survey Districts, inland of Hawera; second-class land. 590 acres, Block 11., Upper Waitara Survey District, on Uruti and Moki Boads; first-class land. 3,944 acres, Blocks YI. and VII., Pouatu Survey District, adjacent to Upper Whangamomona; second-class land. 4,682 acres. Blocks XII. and XIII., Mimi Survey District, and Blocks 111. and IV., Upper Waitara Survey District. 5,000 acres, Blocks X., XI., and XIV., Upper Waitara Survey District, embracing the lands adjacent to and on both sides of the Waitara Biver. 11,361 acres, Block VIII., Upper Waitara, and Block V., Pouatu Survey Districts, lying between the upper waters of the Waitara Biver and the Confiscation-line. The principal outlet for the four latter blocks will be by way of Ohura, Moki, or Okoke Boads. 1,705 acres, Block 11., Mahoe Survey District, near Whangamomona ; second-class land. 10,000 acres, Blocks VII., VIII., and XI., Omona Survey District, comprising the Whenuakura Special Settlement; second-class land. 4,600 acres, Blocks XIII. and XIV., Mahoe, and Blocks I. and 11., Taurakawa Survey Districts, Llewellyn Special Settlement; second-class land. 5,000 acres, Block 11., Pouatu, and XIV., Waro, including the Moanat-airi Special Settlement; probably some first-class but mostly second-class land—say, 51,347 acres in all. For the above-mentioned lands I anticipate a very fair demand, as inquiries already have been made as to probable date of sale. In addition there will be the under-noted lands to be put in the market during the year: 8,400 acres, forfeited sections in various parts of the district; second-class land. 6,000 acres, Opaku and Omona Survey Districts, parts of Pukekino and Kaharoa Blocks; second-class land. 8,000 acres, Block VIII., Omona, and Block V., Taurakawa Survey Districts, comprising the Moeawatea Special Settlement; second-class land —say, 22,400 acres in all. Office-work. —The letters dealt with, inwards and outwards, numbered 11,673, an increase of 1,113 over last year; notices to selectors and others, 1,980; applications for land, 452; reports to Advances to Settlers Office, 76; cheques drawn, 1,592 ; vouchers, 1,966; transfers, 99; receipts, 1,938, in duplicate; provisional titles, 120, in triplicate ; cards to auditor, 244; calculations for sections to be notified open for selection, 344; local bodies' proposals for expenditure of " thirds " and " fourths," 20, covering £3,315 18s. 9d. The clerical work appears to be steadily increasing. John Stkauchon, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WELLINGTON. Lands offered and disposed of. —Including holdings forfeited and surrendered in previous years, the area opened for selection amounted to 23,881 acres, which, added to the lands already available for selection, made up a total of 122,967 acres. The area taken up on lease or sold during the year, exclusive of 11,920 acres under temporary licenses, was 41,386 acres. The total number of applications for land was 602, and those approved 274, excluding auction-sales, conversions of tenures, leases made freehold, &c. The transactions also covered the Te Matua aud Ohaka Estates under the Land for Settlements Acts. To this system we must look to supplement our waning supply of Crown lands. The demand for holdings continues keen, especially under the improved-farm and village-homestead systems, for which unfortunately the remaining Crown lands are almost invariably unsuited.

2—C. 1.

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The transactions of all classes for the past financial year have been tabulated in the same form as in previous years, as follows

Summary of Land Transactions for 1899-1900.

The transactions included in the above statement show a general falling-off when compared with those of the preceding year, being less by 220 in number, 24,966 in area, and £10,257 in revenuejreceived. All the principal headings show considerable reductions in the number of dealings and the area dealt with, with the exception of areas selected under the small-grazing-run

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Transactions during the Year. Area under Lease at 31st March, 1900. Revenue System. received during the Year. Number. Area. Number. Area. Cash — A. B. p. A. R. P. £ s. d. Rural 6 1,582 1 2 Suburban 4 3 3 22 Town 83 28 2 25 • 93 1,614 3 9 3,307 4 1 Deferred payment 3,882 29 23 6,374 0 28 1,066 13 |*1,410 8 2 Deferred payment made 6 1 5 freehold Perpetual lease ... 2 624 0 0 141 48,468 2 6 2,800 18 7 Perpetual lease made free66 27,028 0 13 22,188 1 1 hold 8 Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity 56 17,796 3 31 542 156,424 3 34 7,422 5 54 13,933 2 30 412 116,563 0 20 4,149 12 3 Village settlement — 37 0 0 Cash 4 2 3 7 Deferred payment 0 28 Deferred payment made "7 14 freehold Perpetual lease 2 26 3 38 4 12 5 Perpetual lease made 1 "2 1 29 7 10 0 freehold Lease in perpetuity 32 1,113 3 1 357 7,227 2 16 817 19 10 Lease in perpetuity eon2 50 2 23 versions Village - homestead special 2 5 0 23 120 1,395 0 26 361 3 9 settlement (perpetual lease) Special settlement, deferred 32 3,188 0 9 payment 2,841 564 5 2 Special settlement, deferred 30 2 6 payment made freehold Farm homestead, lease in 1 2 0 3 453 83,087 2 25 4,659 17 4 perpetuity Improved farm t... 27 3,593 1 38 151 14,475 0 30 1,095 8 8 Small grazing-runs 2 601 0 0 76 72,885 3 4 1,883 0 5 Pastoral runs 21 26,791 0 0 193 7 2 Miscellaneous leases and licenses 1 41 12,120 0 34 106 40,127 3 29 ( 992 13 | *6 7 1 6 Land for settlement, lease 33 2,099 0 31 62 -2,373 2 17 944 7 9 in perpetuity Ditto, interest and repay112 11 3 ment of advances Native townships 19 142 3 27 56 277 2 6 238 1 9 Survey-fees which form part 1 0 0 payment for land Survey - fees which do not 69 11 2 form part payment for land State forests 2,458 19 6 Other sources ... 3,042 5 7 Total 478 87,469 1 2 2,554 579,687 1 8 59,835; 5 7 * Endowment. f This does not include thirty-eight balloted-for but unregistered improved-farm selections; area, 6,343 acres 2 roods. Note.—Excluding freeholds under deferred payment and perpetual lease and conversions, the new transactions are reduced to: Number, 366 ; area selected, 53,649 acres 3 roods 34 perches ; the annual rent payable thereon being £3,909 12s. 8d.

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and improved - farm - settlement conditions, miscellaneous leases, and selections on lands-for-settlement conditions, which have increased considerably. The principal deficiency in revenue is from the perpetual-lease and deferred-payment titles made freehold, perpetual-lease and farm-homestead rentals, and survey-fees; the total decrease under these headings being about £14,700. This is, however, reduced by an increase of about £5,000 under most of the other systems; the net decrease under all being £10,257. There are 2,554 selectors on the books, holding 579,687 acres, being an increase over last year's figures of eighty-two selectors, but a decrease in the net area held of 2,544 acres. The deferred-payment and perpetual-lease holdings have been considerably reduced in number by the expiry of licenses and purchase of freeholds : these systems of the former Land Acts necessarily diminish in number, and the first must shortly disappear. There were only two conversions from perpetual lease to lease in perpetuity, and these were in village settlements. The occupation-with-right-of-purchase system shows a substantial increase, but the lease-in-perpetuity holdings, rural and village, are still the most numerous. There has been an increase in the number of village-homestead-settlement holdings to 477 ; the special-settlement deferred-payment selectors were reduced by thirty, representing the number of expired licenses. The farm-homestead holdings have diminished by twenty-six, chiefly in consequence of the abandonment of sections in remote and inaccessible localities. The improved-farm tenants show an addition of twenty-seven. There is nothing noteworthy as to the other items, save that forty-one additional miscellaneous licenses for an area of 12,120 acres were issued, bringing the annual revenue under this heading to nearly £l,OOO. Cash Sales. —During the year these amounted to 35 acres 1 rood 14 perches in ninety-one village-settlement and town lots, and 1,582 acres in six rural sections, or a total of 1,617 acres 2 roods 16 perches disposed of to ninety-seven purchasers. The townships and village-settlement lands are situated in the Townships of Taihape, Levin, and Mangaweka, and the Village Settlements of Makukupara and Waitapu. The selections of rural lands comprised four sections, aggregating 1,560 acres, selected under Part 111. of "The Land Act, 1892," and two lots containing 21 acres 3 roods 29 perches disposed of without competition —one lot as land of special value, and the other for the improvement of a fencing boundary. Native Townships. —The Pipiriki and Tokaanu Townships, dealt with under " The Native Townships Act, 1895," have not been as successful as could be wished, but doubtless improvement in road-communication, the progress of settlement, and increase in population will improve the prospects. Potaka, Waikanae, and Ohutu Townships will be offered for lease this year. Forest Conservation. —In futherance of the proposals approved by the Land Board and referred to in the last report, 437,043 acres have been gazetted. Reserves. —The efforts of the officers intrusted with the duties of registering and seeing to the vesting of reserves, in terms of "The Public Beserves Act, 1881," have been successful, and the work is nearing completion. Forfeitures. —There has been a most satisfactory falling-off under this heading, which may be taken as evidence that the selectors remaining in the outlying blocks will in all probability retain and bring their holdings into profitable occupation. Surrenders. —To carry out the recommendations of the Board, twenty-two surrenders were accepted, and three exchanges were effected. Petitions and applications for surrender of 139 holdings were considered and found incapable of acceptance or approval. Arrears.—There are 216 selectors in arrear, to the extent of £2,197 18s., due to the extension of time specially allowed by the Land Board after careful consideration of the tenants' circumstances. Revenue. —The amount received was £10,257 less than that for 1898-99, principally because fewer perpetual-lease holdings were made freehold. Notwithstanding, there is a steady increase in the annual rentals under the principal and more permanent tenures of the Act of 1892. Condition and Progress of Settlement.—lt is with very great satisfaction that I have to report that with few exceptions there has been considerable development and advancement in settlement, due in the first place to the opening-up of the country by roads (mostly effected by expenditure of funds provided by the Crown), and in part by the labour and capital expended by the settlers in clearing, grassing, fencing, and otherwise improving their holdings. Regarding the west coast and inland country, 749 ordinary inspections were made by Banger Lundius, 39 for transfers, and 32 forfeited holdings were resumed. The area inspected was 147,195 acres, improved to the value of £148,478, whereas £44,389 need only have been expended by the tenants. Though only 510 selectors were under compulsion to be in residence on the holdings inspected there were 560 in all resident upon the blocks. Nevertheless, 108 were in default in this respect, and 60 as to improvements, the deficit being £2,599. The excuses—admittedly fair ones—are the remoteness and inaccessibility to the holdings, and the strained or altered circumstances of the tenants; but in some cases want of enterprise and earnestness are the deterrent causes of non-compliance. The settlements are reported as progressing favourably ; settlers' complaints are chiefly as to the want of dray-roads and better access to markets. The dairy factory and creamery at Baetihi and Ohakune respectively have been in full working-order, and have proved a great boon to the surrounding districts and settlers, where the residents complain of absentees' as a great drawback to progress. The Pohonui-a-tane and Te Kapua Blocks, comprising the Hunterville Nos. 1, 2, and 3, Sommerville, and Palmerston North Knights of Labour Associations, are occupied by a good class of settlers, who have made considerable progress, and only await the widening of the bush-tracks into dray-roads to start dairying, an industry which has proved the great factor in establishing prosperous homesteads in other districts. Successful settlements in the vicinity of the Bangiwahia and Buahine Dairy Factories are the Marton Nos. 1 and 2 Farm-homestead Associations ; and, so far as road-access makes it

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practicable, full advantage is taken of the opportunity of this money-making, if very arduous, industry. There, too, the back roads require to be widened for cart traffic. Proposals have been made to start sawmills in this locality. These would employ much labour, and they would also aid settlers by payment to them of royalty on timber utilised. The settlers in the farm-homestead blocks situated in the southern portion of this district are all doing well, and are complying in a satisfactory manner with the conditions of the Land Act. The residents in the Salisbury Block have raised loans, and the whole of the bridle-tracks have been widened for wheel traffic. This will enable the settlers to start creameries, and thereby obtain cash payments regularly by the disposal of milk, which would insure the permanence and prosperity of the district. The Awarua Block generally is reported to have been taken up by a good class of settlers, who have felled large areas of land year by year, besides effecting other improvements of considerable value. As the roads are being formed rapidly, and a bridge has been erected over the Moawhango Biver on the Torere Boad, the progress of the district should be accelerated. Steady progress is being made in the nineteen village settlements, comprising 4,071 acres, in this district, and, on the whole, the settlers appear to be doing well; but in a few instances, where the holdings are too small and situated in out-of-the-way localities remote from markets, the settlers have a hard struggle. Wherever opportunity offers small holdings under such circumstances have been grouped so as to strengthen and give the remaining settlers a better chance of attaining success. The most progressive settlements are those of Horowhenua and Levin, due in part to the splendid situation of the land. The villagers in the Makohine, Mangaweka, and Taihape Settlements find employment principally on the railvvay co-operative works, and are gradually improving their holdings. The proposed dairy factory at Taihape and a creamery at Utiku should prove a great assistance to the surrounding villagers and other settlers. Even in the far distant Baetihi Settlement the holdings are being well improved. In the Wairarapa district 817 ordinary and 228 special inspections of holdings were made by Bangers Kavanagh and Buckhurst, on which the usual reports were furnished ; also, valuations were made of numerous selections, comprising 9,460 acres, in addition to supervising the working and milling of timber on three blocks, having to check the quantities cut and estimate the amounts of royalty payable to the Crown. Out of the 817 Crown tenants' holdings inspected, there were only thirty-one defaulters as to improvements, and ninety-six as to residence. The majority of the former are believed to be bond fide settlers, and have either effected the required improvements or will do so very shortly. Begarding the non-residents, a few have complied since inspection, several are preparing to do so, and to a considerable number reasonable time has been granted by the Land Board to enable them to make arrangements to comply with the conditions of the Land Act; the small residue are reported as being unable to comply owing to their business ties and other circumstances. These latter persons in most cases are endeavouring to transfer their holdings. The value of the improvements upon the area inspected by the Banger reaches the total of £169,302, which is about £112,000 in excess of the statutory requirements. As to the whole district, a large area of bush was felled during the year, and those settlers who burned late in the season obtained good results; but, unfortunately, those who fired early failed to do so. Generally speaking, good burns were secured throughout the district, with the exception of the slopes of the Puketoi Banges, which locality is noted for the extreme humidity of its climate. Shearing operations were likewise delayed by wet weather, but on the other hand grass-seeding was carried on under most favourable conditions. The past season is stated to have been the best experienced for years in the Forty-mile Bush, where there was a prolific growth of grass, the result of which is that the stock is in good condition, high prices for the same being still maintained. A noticeable feature of the improvements which have been so rapidly carried out in the bush districts is the increasing area brought under the plough. The operations of stumping and ploughing to enlarge this area are being continued. The expansion of the dairying industry has been remarkable, the output being larger and the prices the highest hitherto obtained; the farmers generally are reported as admitting having had a good and prosperous year. There only remain twenty-four holdings, aggregating an area of 3,278 acres, under the special-settlement system of " The Land Act, 1885," in this district. All the selectors have practically complied with the conditions of the Act, and the land, which is situated in the Survey Districts of Makuri, Mangahao, Mangaone, and Tararua, is reckoned amongst the most valuable in the county. The sixteen farm-homestead blocks, comprising 186 holdings and an area of 33,154 acres, had 125 out of 171 selectors residing. The improvements on each settlement are in excess of the legal requirements, and in some instances very largely so. Except in the distant and more inaccessible settlements the holdings are, as a rule, well stocked; those which have fair access and are situated within reasonable distance of dairy factories have achieved success by giving their attention to dairying, and may be looked upon as well established with every prospect of a prosperous£future. The drawbacks of remoteness from railway and centres of settlement will gradually disappear as the road systems are extended into the heart of the country and the increase the area of cultivated land. The village settlements in every case show that a very large surplus over the amount of improvements required under the Act has been effected. The settlers are industrious, struggling working-men, with some tradesmen, small contractors, gardeners, old men, and widows, who have taken advantage of the system to secure homes. In convenient situations where other conditions are favourable the holdings are well improved, stocked, and utilised to advantage. Except in out-of-the-way positions the residential conditions have been complied with. On the whole the success of the village is assured, except in a few instances where the holdings are small and do not materially aid the selector and his family in deriving a living. Lands for Settlement. In addition to Paparangi at Johnsonville, which was settled the previous year, the Te Matua and Ohakea Settlements were opened for selection at the end of December, 1899; the whole of

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the lots in the former were at once taken up, and all but three iri Ohakea, which was formerly owned by Mr. James Bull, and is situated close to Bull's Township. lamat a loss to account for the non-disposal of these three sections, unless it be due to the lack of the class of farmers so plentiful in Otago and Canterbury, where land similar to Ohakea would be eagerly competed for. In view of the dearth of Crown lands available for settlement, we must look to the acquisition of estates throughout the old settled districts to provide, in some measure, for the ordinary requirements of the population, and also to meet those of immigrants. Paparangi.—This settlement was inspected on the 29th March last, and it was found that satisfactory progress had been made. As on previous occasions, the men were away at work, but their wives and families were at home. The people spoke hopefully of their prospects, and expressed satisfaction at having taken up land there; many did so with limited means, and now they are doing well, having nice comfortable homes with gardens, poultry, and a few cows. They have found out the advantage of living here over living in a crowded city, where everything had to be bought and rents were high. I saw as nice crops of vegetables here as are to be found anywhere. There are now 32 houses, and 131 souls residing in them, 716 chains of fencing have been erected, and I value the improvements now on the land at £2,550 19s. 6d. The stock on the estate consists of 15 horses, 67 head of cattle, and 58 pigs. The increase of stock since last year is as follows: 8 horses, 25 head of cattle, and 52 pigs. Nine new houses have been built during the year, and there are 39 more souls on the land since last report; 184 chains of fencing and other improvements, to the total value of £1,203 19s. 6d., have also been made during the past year. All settlers required to reside are doitig so; most of them are labourers working'at the freezing-works in Wellington, on road-works near the Hutt, or for other settlers. There are also carpenters, painters, bootmakers, railway porters and platelayers, commercial traveller, carters, engineers, &c. This settlement is therefore a decided success. Ohakea.—This estate was selected late in December last, and consequently no statutory inspection is due. The settlers are busy improving their holdings. Four new houses have been built, and timber is ready for others. Eight selectors are residing, and the total number of souls on the estate is 22. 328 chains of new fencing has been erected, and several of the old buildings repainted and repaired. The stock consists of 26 horses, 235 head of cattle, and 1,850 sheep. All the stock are looking well, and there is plenty of grass. Some of the settlers complained of scarcity of water during the last dry summer, but artesian water can probably be obtained. The settlers are a good class of men, experienced in farming, and I feel sure they will all do well. At present only one is dairying, but others will as soon as they have completed the necessary works for doing so. Te Matua.—This estate was also selected late in December last. There are already 9 new houses built, and 93 chains of new fencing erected. Other improvements have also been made. I value the new improvements at £639 Bs. Ten selectors are residing, and the total number of souls on the land is 37. The stock comprises 24 horses, 273 head of cattle, and 64 pigs. Six selectors are milking cows for the dairy factory, and several others are building sheds and yards preparatory to doing so. They all seem good men, with experience. Improved Farms. Periodical ballots are held of available sections amongst all the applicants whose names are recorded on the office register ; the successful candidates are duly advised, and employment is provided for a time in felling and burning off the forest, and in sowing the area in English grasses. A small advance is made for fencing in the section and erecting the necessary buildings. The settlers have also some preference for employment on such road and other Government works as may be in progress. By these means landless men out of employment, who are not in a position to take up Crown lands in the usual manner, are assisted to secure holdings and homes, and thus in time to become self-supporting. There are thirteen separate improved - farm settlements in the Wellington Land District, comprising 226 holdings and an area of 25,611 acres. There are in occupation 189 holdings, aggregating 20,818 acres. The grassed area equals 6,724 acres ; number of stock, 1,425 ; the total value of all improvements amounts to £25,062, towards which the Crown advanced £13,243 ; and the number of persons resident, including the selectors' families, is 626. Very considerable progress has been made in the earlier settlements, and work is going on in the new ones. The development of the contiguous country and the growth of the colony at large must tend to enhance the value of the improved-farm areas and confirm their permanence and prosperity. Clerical Branch. During the year the number of letters received and despatched was 53,281, being an average of over 177 per working-day. This shows a decrease of 886 as compared with last year's figures. There were 380 cheques drawn on my Imprest Account for £2,273 for wages, &c., and 929 vouchers were passed through the books for a total of £86,513. J. W. A. Marchant, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

NELSON. Many of the figures in the returns for this district are so very different from those that have appeared in the returns of previous years that it becomes necessary to explain, for the benefit of any who may have cause to compare them, that the apparent disparity is very largely due to the transfer of nearly a million and a half acres in the south-eastern part of this district to Canterbury

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and Marlborough, as was foreshadowed in last year's report. Canterbury, with the exception of 75,500 acres, has absorbed the whole, it being the country from the Hurunui River northwards to Tarndale in the Amuri, including Culverden and the Hanmer Plains. The effect of the alteration in the boundaries of the district has been to very materially alter some of the items in the returns, for the severed area includes considerably more than half a million of freehold lands that have been in past years purchased from the Crown ; a few deferred-payment and perpetual-lease holdings ; some thirty-six leases of reserves, principally at Hanmer Springs; and 660,000 acres held under pastoral license, all of which were credited to the Nelson District in last year's returns. The number of applications for land under ordinary settlement conditions granted during the year was considerably less than in the preceding one—viz., forty-nine with 12,789 acres 3 roods 31 perches, as against seventy-four representing 19,309 acres. This decrease is no more than might have been expected, for, though the extent of land now open for selection as " unsurveyed " is no less than 257,639 acres, with little exception it is rough, mountainous, wooded, and useless country so far as settlement is concerned, and, as the best parts have been picked out from time to time during a long series of years, it necessarily follows that each succeeding year selection becomes more difficult, and thus a yearly decrease in applications must be looked for, until such time as the wide stretch of country, comprising 2,800,000 acres of the middle and southern parts of the district, that has been so long locked up against settlement by the Midland Eailway difficulty is made available. The total number of granted applications of all classes, including pastoral licenses, has been 101 with 55,707 acres 2 roods 39 perches, as against 150 with 54,419 acres in the preceding year. In addition, twenty-two applications have been made for 5,230 acres of unsurveyed land, but, as the surveys have not been made, they do not appear in this year's returns. The number of tenants on the books at the present time is 1,357, who hold 480,147 acres 1 rood 8 perches, of which 338,215 acres 3 roods 32 perches represents pastoral runs. Deferred Payment.—Sixty-two licensees have acquired the freehold during the year, leaving (inclusive of endowment lands) 436, holding 45,950 acres 2 roods 2 perches, still on the books. Perpetual Lease.—Thirty-one lessees, with 7,610 acres 3 roods 3 perches, are now left, five having acquired their freeholds during the year. Optional System.—During the year forty-three selections were made, distributed amongst the several tenures as follows: Cash, eight, 1,117 acres 3 roods 30 perches; occupation with right of. purchase, ten, 720 acres 2 roods 7 perches; and lease in perpetuity, eighteen, 4,283 acres; and the holdings at the present time under the two last-mentioned tenures number 123, with 21,150 acres 1 rood 13 perches, and 115, with 30,141 acres 1 rood 11 perches, respectively. Mining Districts Land Occupation.—Six selections have been made, of an average of 12£ acres each, which brings up the number of holdings at the present time to fifty-one, comprising 1,030 acres 2 roods 1 perch. These are all restricted to the Buller Coalfields Beserve, and, as mentioned in my last report, there is no doubt that the special advantages afforded by this Act to persons in the vicinity of mining industries would have been availed of to a far greater extent had it not been for the Midland Eailway contract prohibiting the dealing with the land within the prescribed area. Village Settlement.—The only village settlement in the district is that at Mokihinui, portion of an endowment in the Buller district, which was formed in 1892. Of the original twenty-one settlers, only nine are now in occupation, the remainder having transferred their interests. The holders of sections still number twenty-one, five of whom are non-resident, and it is more than probable that for a little time to come the number of non-residents will be increased, as through the closing-down of the mines in the vicinity the men will have to go elsewhere to obtain work. The value of the improvements on the land is £1,154, or nearly £ll an acre; only £6O has been advanced to the settlers for houses, £2O of which has been repaid. Pastoral Licenses.—Fifteen, embracing 39,030 acres of rough mountain-tops, were taken up during the year. On the other hand, there were two expiries, and eleven expiries of yearly occupation licenses, amounting in all to 29,098 acres 2 roods: thus the area now held under license within the new boundaries of the district is very little altered from what it was last year. The present holdings number ninety-five, covering 338,216 acres. Endoivment Lands.—There are 280 tenants, all of whom hold lands within the Buller Coalfields and Westport Colliery Reserves, the rent and royalties therefrom becoming Westport Harbour Board revenue. They are divided up as follows: Twenty-one village-settlement holdings at Mokihinui, yearly rental, £l9 35.; fifty-one mining district land occupation leases, rental, £66 lis. ; leases of 202 sections in the business part of Westport, with a yearly rental of £790 ss. 4d. ; and six mineral leases, the royalties on coal raised therefrom yielding from £6,000 to £7,000 a year. Improvements and Residence.—Having had the temporary services of a Eanger and occasional assistance from the District Surveyors in their respective districts, we have succeeded in getting inspected the whole of the lands held under ordinary settlement conditions with the exception of a few isolated sections. The number of inspections made was 263 of very widely scattered selections, and the value of improvements made in excess of the legal requirement was found to be very considerable—viz., £18,894 9s. 6d. —an all-round improvement of Bs. 6d. on the total area of the holdings, against £3,553 14s. 6d., the statutory amount required. The defaulters in regard to improvements numbered sixteen, who have all been called upon to comply in this respect with the conditions of their leases within a limited time. In several cases it was made clear to the Board that default was due to misapprehension on the part of the lessees as to the requirements. It might be mentioned here that no improvement conditions were attached to the 436 deferred-payment leases now held which were granted under the Nelson Leasing Acts, so no inspection was required to be made of these properties.

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In the matter of residence, seventy-eight were found to be defaulters, twenty-eight of whom have since been granted exemption for definite periods by the Land Board, and others have received notices to comply with the conditions. In explanation of the somewhat large proportion of defaulters it may be mentioned that, generally speaking, these lands, which are for the most part hilly country only fit for grazing, have been selected by holders of small properties on the flats a few miles distant with the intention of improving and working them in conjunction with the homestead land ; and where this has been made a plea for not residing the Board has always carefully considered the circumstances of each case, and in many instances has granted exemption. Were a little leniency not exercised in this manner it would mean crippling many a struggling resident on a restricted area; but, whilst the Board is desirous of assisting bond fide deserving cases, it is firm in its resolve to uphold the general principle of residence on selections wherever practicable. Arrears. —The arrears at the end of the year amounted to £3,193 16s. 7d., mineral leases being accountable for £3,027 15s. 6d. of it. Of the 1,357 tenants, fifty-three are in arrear with their payments, thirty-four being holders of miscellaneous leases of reserves and small occupation licenses. To narrow it down still further, and to restrict the inquiry solely to holdings under ordinary settlement conditions, which number 677, we find that only nineteen of this number are in arrear, their total indebtedness amounting to the inconsiderable sum of £32 18s. Id., which is very commendable and must be considered highly satisfactory ; and of these, four have been granted extension of time to pay in, good reasons having been adduced for the non-payment. Bevenue.—The revenue received under the several headings was £18,275 13s. 10d., and exceeded the estimate by exactly £500; but a further sum of £1,482 10s. 3d. was paid to the Receiver of Land Revenue, Hokitika, that was received by the Crown Lands Ranger of Westland as royalties on 5,737,977 ft. of timber at the extreme southern end of this district, which sum has been placed in a Suspense Account in consequence of the timber having been obtained from forests within the Midland Railway area. £9,410 9s. of the first-mentioned sum accrued from endowments, £8,198 6s. Bd. of it as royalties on 327,932 tons of coal raised at the Coalbrookdale and Granity Creek Mines, in the Buller Coalfields Reserve, it thus becoming Westport Harbour Board revenue. Timber.— The approximate quantity of timber on Crown lands, unsold, within the Nelson District is 8,000,000,000 ft. ; on Native lands, 130,000,000 ft. The quantity sold but not yet operated on (all in mining reserves) is 60,000,000 ft. The export for the last three years was as follows : 1897, 9,000,000 ft.; 1898,12,000,000 ft.; 1899, 15,500,000 ft. I desire to add that, of the estimated 8,000,000,000 ft. of timber still unsold on Crown lands, about half of it will be black- and red-birch, and it is unlikely that more than two-thirds of the total amount would be found available at the present time, on account of so much of it being scattered over rugged mountainous country. Forest fires, which do so much destruction, will materially lessen the amount that will be serviceable in years to come. Thos. Humphries, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

MARLBOROUGH. The total area open for sale or selection during the year was 198,571 acres, classified as follows: Optional system, 6,864 acres; cash by auction, 2,510 acres; lease by auction and application, 927 acres ; pastoral runs, 125,420 acres; small grazing-runs, 53,939 acres; and lease in perpetuity, 8,911 acres. Summary of Land taken up.—197,358 acres was disposed of, the number of settlers being 159, an increase on last year of 145,534 acres and of sixty-two selectors. Cash 5a1e5.—1,656 acres was sold for cash to four purchasers. Deferred Payments.—Two holdings of 214 acres were converted into freehold during the year. There are now only eight selectors under deferred payment, and four under village-settlement deferred payment, holding an area of 409 acres. Perpetual Lease.—There are eleven selectors under this system, with an area of 1,615 acres. Occupation with Bight of Purchase.—Seven new selections were taken up during the year, the area being 2,713 acres. There was one exchange to lease in perpetuity of 400 acres. There are now thirty-two selectors under this heading, with an area of 9,883 acres. Lease in Perpetuity.—Seventeen settlers selected 7,669 acres. There were also four exchanges from other tenures, comprising 2,300 acres. Total number of selectors 158, with an area of 76,324 acres. Mining Districts Land Occupation Act.—Only one transaction; area, 61 acres. Village Settlements.—There are twenty-six selectors, with an area of 434 acres. Eighteen selectors are resident; 289 acres are laid down in pasture or cultivated. The value of improvements is £1,949. Small Grazing-run5.—52,422 acres was taken up by seventeen holders. This shows an increase on last year's transactions of 47,256 acres. The total number holding under this tenure is ninety-one, the area being 120,828 acres. Pastoral Buns.—There were ten runs taken up ; area, 121,937 acres. Three runs have expired, and two were exchanged for lease in perpetuity, the total area of the five runs being 118,350 acres. The total area now held is 880,242 acres, and the number of selectors seventy-nine. Miscellaneous Leases.—Nineteen leases were issued, of an area of 1,034 acres, and there were j;wo timber licenses granted.

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Revenue.—The revenue was as follows : Territorial, £8,342 65.; non-territorial, £5,401 Is. Bd.; total, £13,713 7s. Bd., being £lO5 19s. 3d. less than last year. Arrears.—Twenty-four selectors are in arrears, the amount owing being £1,309 Bs. Id. All of these selectors but one are on the Blind River and Omaka Estates. Reserves. —831 acres was reserved for various purposes. Selectors on the Books. These now amount to 647, an increase of 142 over last year's figures. Ranger's Inspections. 278 properties were inspected. The total value of improvements required was £38,931, and the total value effected was £71,887. The number of defaulters was forty-one, all for non-residence, and four of them for lack of improvements. Since the inspections, however, the Land Board has granted several exemption from residence for a short period. Land for Future Settlement.—The areas to be opened for disposal during the coming year are as follows : Spey Block, 13,000 acres; North Bank Bun (Bell Brothers' Block), 12,000 acres; Kaiuma Block, 3,500 acres; Small Grazing-run 99, 3,582 acres; land to be sold in connection with exchanges, 13,564 acres; and a few scattered sections in Pelorus Valley and Sounds: the total area to be opened up during the year being 48,000 acres, under the following systems: Cash, 14,000 acres; small grazing-runs, 28,000 acres; lease in perpetuity, 5.600 acres; and occupation with right of purchase, 400 acres. Lands under Land for Settlements Act. Blind River Estate. —The present dry season has been the most unfavourable one known for years, and the arrears, which last year amounted to £7Ol, have increased to £1,051. Two settlers have surrendered. Although the arrears amount to £1,051, the improvements effected total £4,670. In most cases cropping has given very small returns, and the settlers find it more profitable to raise stock and sheep. There are now on the estate, approximately, three thousand sheep, twenty-nine horses, and twenty-two head of cattle. The area acquired on this estate was 5,507 acres, 234 acres of which is occupied by roads and reserves, and 275 acres is at present unlet. This gives the total area of land leased at present as 4,998 acres. There are seventeen selectors, and the annual rent now payable is £844 17s. Id. Omaka Estate. —Eight settlers were in arrear on the 31st March to the extent of £256 os. 5d., but at the time of writing only five are in arrear, to the amount of £ll5 10s. 7d. During the year 740 acres was under crop, but owing to the dry season the return is likely to be small. The settlers state that it is their intention to cultivate more European grass and root-crops, as they think the raising of stock will give them better returns. There are about 2,500 sheep, twenty head of cattle, and thirty horses on the estate at present, and the approximate value of improvements effected is £3,900. The settlers appear to be practical, industrious farmers, complaints being rare, so this settlement may be considered in a satisfactory state. The area acquired on this estate was 3,898 acres, 60 acres 1 rood of which is occupied by roads and reserves. This leaves the total area leased at date as 3,837 acres 3 roods. There are thirteen selectors, and the annual rent now payable is £589 6s. Bd. Puhipuhi Estate.—There were only 320 acres in this estate taken up during last year. There are two selecto'rs paying an annual rent of £24 10s. Starborough Estate. —The remaining portion of the rural land of this estate, comprising about 1,006 acres in twelve sections, was taken up during the year. There was very keen competition for this land, 304 applications being received from fifty-two applicants. Possession of the sections on this estate was only given to the selectors on the Ist April, 1599. Part of the Township of Seddon, comprising 116 sections, with an area of 33 acres, was disposed of to fifty-one selectors. There was very keen competition for these sections, 710 applications being received from 103 applicants. There are still about fifty sections to be disposed of during next year. The area acquired on this estate was 35,906 acres, of which 698 acres 2 roods 28 perches is occupied by roads and reserves, and 85 acres is unlet. The total area leased to date is 35,122 acres 3 roods 12 perches, and the annual rent now payable is £5,864 19s. 6d. All the holdings have improvements on them above the amount required. Thirty-three dwellinghouses (value £2,130) have been erected, 8,227 chains of substantial new fencing and other improvements (sheds, wells, yards, cultivation, &c.), to the value of £6,167, making a total value of £8,297 effected during the first year's occupation. Out of forty-three selectors required to reside, thirty-five were complying, two have leave of absence granted by the Land Board, and six are not complying. The season 1899-1900 was extraordinarily dry, and the results of cultivation poor in consequence. Grain was grown on 1898 acres, root-crops on 414 acres, and 99 acres were sown down in pasture. Stock on the estate comprised 29,391 sheep, 161 head of cattle, 154 horses, and 60 pigs. The sheep were of mixed breeds, but all were healthy, in fair condition, and the settlers had received a good clip and returns for wool sold. The cattle are mostly cows kept for home use, and the horses of the draught class. The recent broken, showery weather has freshened up the pastures, and the settlers will have good grass for their stock during the winter, the English grass sown land looking particularly well. Well-sinking has been successful on many of the sections, and any fear of not obtaining water has vanished. The population at present—including the Township of Seddon and the small divisions of Section 2 aforesaid—is 128 souls. Some of the settlers have not yet commenced to reside, and others have not brought their families with them, but I have been informed they will do so as soon as their arrangements for building dwellinghouses have been completed. Eoads were all in good order, and each section, except Section 11, Block XIII., Clifford Bay, has good access. The school has twenty-one pupils on the roll, with an average attendance of fifteen. There are two stores, post- and telephone-office, two blacksmiths' shops, an hotel and accommodation-house. The district is making satisfactory progress, and, apart from the loss occasioned by the dry season, no complaints were heard. Two settlers had

16

o.—l*

their grass burnt by fire. This land has now recovered, and is growing good grass. The settlers are of the practical, thorough class, and should make the settlement a complete success. Bichmond Brook Estate.—The whole of this estate comprises 5,854 acres, of which 5,669 was disposed of during the year in eleven holdings to eleven selectors. The selectors appear to be thriving and prosperous, and mostly all the sections are ring-fenced. The area acquired on this estate was 5,854 acres, of which 185 acres is occupied by roads and reserves, leaving 5,669 acres under lease to eleven selectors, with an annual rental of £1,305 os. 6d., and £8 12s. lOd. interest and sinking fund on buildings. Office - work.—The following figures will give an idea of the very marked increase in the amount of clerical work done during the year : There were 2,551 applications received from 816 applicants, only 159 of whom could be placed on the land. The land taken up represented an increase on last year's transactions of 145,534 acres, and 159 new settlers were added to our books. 6,182 letters were received and despatched: this does not include the issue of sale-maps. The total number of vouchers passed through the office was 1,496, of which 964, representing a sum of £20,013, were paid out of Imprest Account. 470 copies of leases were written in, and 170 cards forwarded to the Auditor. Thirty-six transfers of lands were effected. In the Receiver's branch, besides the actual revenue collected, 1,594 rent-notices were issued, and 1,464 receipts in duplicate. During the year it was found necessary to obtain extra assistance to cope with the arrears, and a temporary clerk has been occupied during the last six months continuously at this work. There still remains a considerable amount of arrears to be overtaken. C. W. Adams, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WESTLAND. Land open for Selection.—The total area which is open for selection in this district is 76,669 acres. Gash.—During the year no lands were disposed of for cash, most of the settlers preferring it under other tenures. Deferred Payment.—Under this tenure several settlers in the Tararnakau Special Settlement have made their final payments, and we fully expect that the remaining selectors will also have acquired their freehold during the coming year. Occupation with Bight of Purchase.—Four selections were made under this heading. Lease m Perpetuity.—4B2 acres were taken up under this tenure. Pastoral Buns.—The area held amounts to 759,085 acres, being an increase of 153,434: acres as compared with last year, with a corresponding increase of revenue. Of this, 24,597 acres are held by 207 lessees under the 219 th section of the Land Act, this being the only tenure possible while the Midland Railway Company's contract subsists. The removal of this restriction will lead to the conversion of the bulk of these temporary leaseholds into leaseholds under one or other of the more permanent systems. The Crown Lands Ranger has made his usual periodical inspections of the lands held under the various tenures. He has also inspected and reported to the Land Board on 107 applications made under the 219 th section of the Act. During the year he has also paid repeated visits to the different sawmills under his charge in Westland and the southern portion of the Nelson district; besides a general oversight of the many woodcutters throughout these districts. The following is a statement of the timber cut and royalties collected thereon within the Westland District:— Mining Blocks.—Red-pine, 2,090,322 ft., £4OO 14s. 7d. Grown Lands.—Silver-pine, 211,211 ft., £lO5 12s. 2d. Education Beserves. —Red-pine, 1,575,000 ft., £393 15s. About 250 men are employed in the lumber trade here. Timber.—The approximate quantity of timber at present in this district on Crown and Native lands, and the export of timber for the last three years, is as under: On Crown lands, unsold, 7,888,400,000 ft.; on Native lands, 48,000,000 ft. The export of timber for each of the last three years was—for 1897, 10,473,000 ft.; for 1898, 10,000,000 ft.; for 1899, 12,165,600 ft. Lands for Future Settlement.—We have had about 2,300 acres of agricultural land at Karangarua recently surveyed; there 'will also be some 2,000 acres in Cook Valley subdivided at an early date, together with about 1,000 acres in the Lower Waiho country, all of which will be offered to the public during the coming year. These areas are all outside of the Midland Railway reservation. Within the reservation, in anticipation of early legislation, we are cutting up some 3,000 acres at Waitaha for close settlement, and fully expect, as noted above, to effect the permanent occupation of some 17,000 acres now held under the 219 th section of the Act. Lands under the Land for Settlements Act. Poerua Estate.—This estate is slowly progressing, each holding showing considerable improvement. A great deal of preliminary work in the shape of bushfelling, fencing, and draining has been accomplished during the past year, despite the exceedingly wet and inclement season. The number of residents has increased, and a larger area grassed, with a greater quantity of stock. The roading of the estate is being gradually overtaken, and will soon enable the outlying occupants 3—o. 1.

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to progress more rapidly with their improvements. The arrears on the 31st March amount to £64 14s. lid. On the 4th April this was reduced to £2l 7s. 9d., and we expect to obtain this balance early in May. W. G. Mubbay, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

CANTERBURY. The following table shows concisely the total land transactions during the year, the number of Crown tenants and area held at the 31st March, 1900, and the revenue derived from all sources during the year, amounting to £93,667 14s. Bd. :

Table of Land Transactions, 1899-1900.

18

Transactions during the Area held on Lease at 31st Year. March, 1900. Revenue L/iBiSS oi Deieccion. received during Number. Area. Number. Area. the Year. Cash lands, Crown— A. B. P. A. B. P. £ s. d. Rural ... 12 603 3 29 ... 1,529 15 8 Town ... 21 11 1 24 397 5 0 Deferred payments — Rural ... 17 11,780 0 21 2,431 7 5 Village 10 160 1 16 245 2 3 Made freehold ... 12 1,220" 1 38 Perpetual lease— Rural ... 70 11,956 2 16 1,020 3 1 Village 50 1,051 2 3 416 0 7 Made freehold ... 12 1,644* 0 24 2,889 12 10 Occupation with right of purchase— Rural ... 13 1,410 1 5 81 9 0 Village 2 6" 2 0 6 2 10 3 12 0 Lease in perpetuity, Crown— Rural ... 2 2,560 2 0 180 73,744 0 26 4,093 3 4 Village 15 8 0 0 8 3 3 Lake Ellesmere... 57 13,943 3 39 1,348 3 8 Conversions to lease in perpetuity 16 1,558* 1 11 Village-homestead, CrownPerpetual lease ... 136 3,823 2 39 607 10 4 Lease in perpetuity 4 25* 1 38 107 4,327 3 16 414 9 1 Lake Ellesmere... 47 1,417 0 38 294 12 9 Farm homestead, Crown— Perpetual lease ... 22 2,094 1 31 149 2 2 Lease in perpetuity ... 3 211 0 26 11 0 8 Small grazing-runs, Crown ... 2 5,203* 2 0 46 103,657 3 25 5,641 7 1 Pastoral licenses— Crown lands 9 239,717 0 0 118 3,427,070 2 7 31,547 14 10 State forests 1 746 0 0 1 11 0 Miscellaneous occupation licenses — Crown lands ... i.. 69 8,396 0 33 389 77,643 3 1 2,557 12 5 Lake Ellesmere... 1 20 0 0 16 936 3 2 51 2 0 Endowment, University ... 1 1,480 2 8 129 11 0 State forests 'i 1,120 0 0 10 9,200 0 0 132 17 1 Other sources , . . 1,451 14 2 Cheviot Estate — Cash lands, town and suburban 17 13 3 39 374 4 2 Lease in perpetuity 1 6 2 0 106 23,911 0 33 6,613 9 5 Village homestead 77 2,480 1 0 838 14 5 Grazing-farms ... 39 45,691 0 9 6,485 18 11 Pastoral licenses 2 2,102 0 0 263 10 8 Miscellaneous occupation licenses ... 10 23* 1 33 66 1,656 3 37 193 11 3 Other sources ... 53 6 7 Land for settlements — Lease in perpetuity 95 14,898 2 35 642 79,542 1 17 18,541 16 3 Farm homestead 11 2,114 1 9 172 13 2 Small grazing-runs 5 10,893* 0 36 22 33,924 2 34 2,353 1 7 Miscellaneous occupation licenses ... 22 994 0 33 21 886 1 39 323 17 10 Total ... 313 288,911 2 13 2,300 3,938,976 2 17 93,668 6 11

C.—l.

Cash Lands.—The area shown under this heading is made up principally of some land on the Stonyhurst Estate, North Canterbury, which was sold in pursuance of an arrangement for the acquisition of other more suitable areas for occupation under the Land for Settlements Acts. The remainder of the area consists for the most part of small portions of unused tramway reserves, which, being now quite useless for their original purpose, were sold to the adjoining owners in whose properties they lay. Deferred Payments.—The number of holdings under this system has been diminished during the year from forty to twenty-seven, twelve holders having completed the purchase of their selections and obtained freehold titles thereto, while one holder exchanged his license for a lease in perpetuity. Perpetual Lease.-—The number of leases under this tenure has been reduced from 135 to 120. Three holders exchanged into the lease-in-perpetuity system, and twelve exercised their right of acquiring the freehold of their allotments. The conversions into freehold under both this tenure and the deferred-payment system during the period were very considerable, due, no doubt, to the favourable season experienced last year. Occupation with Bight of Purchase.—Two selections only of quarter-acre village lots took place during the year, and the number of holders remains stationary. The area held has been reduced by 203 acres, owing to the transference to the Otago District of one holding at Lake Wanaka comprising that area. Lease in Perpetuity.—Only two selections of ordinary Crown lands took place under this system during the year (the bulk of the selections on this tenure falling under the head of " Land for Settlements "), and the area held at the end of the year differs very little from that at the corresponding period last year. Village-homestead Settlements. —The new selections under this tenure numbered only four, •comprising twenty-five acres, and the total number of holdings and area held is practically the same as last year, the reinstatement of a few forfeited leases having effected a slight apparent increase. Farm Homesteads.—The area under this tenure remains practically unchanged. Small Grazing-runs.—The two new selections under this heading merely represent areas which had been previously held under the same tenure. The total number of leases and area held is reduced by two leases, comprising 9,309 acres, representing runs which remained undisposed of at the end of the year. Pastoral Licenses.—Nine runs, of an area of 239,717 acres, were leased during the year, and these, together with some runs newly added to the district by the transference from Nelson to Canterbury of the greater portion of the Amuri County, have increased the number of pastoral runholders from 103 to 118, and the area from 3,128,841 acres to 3,427,070 acres. The lands disposed of and the present position of holdings in the Cheviot Estate and the land-for-settlements estates are dealt with specially under those headings. Grown Lands opened for Selection.—-The lands offered for disposal during the year may be briefly summarised as follows : Pastoral licenses—Eight runs, comprising 231,444$ acres, situated in the Amuri, Ashley, Ashburton, and Waimate Counties. Small grazing-runs—One run of 3,208£ acres, near Hakataramea. Optional selection under Part 111. of " The Land Act, 1892 " —Eight sections, totalling 1,720 acres 2 roods 12 perches, in different parts of the district. Town lands for cash at public auction—l 74 sections in different townships, comprising an aggregate area of 43 acres 2 roods 27 perches, were offered, but only a small proportion were sold. Village homestead—Two sections, including an area of 14 acres 3 roods 38 perches, situated at Chertsey and Orari. Temporary-occupation licenses—Forty-two blocks, of an aggregate area of 2,631 acres, in various parts of the district, were offered, principally by public tender, and were let in most cases very satisfactorily. Arrears of Bents.—The arrears of rents owing at the 31st March, 1900, amounted to £1,889 14s. 5d., due by 156 selectors of all classes. This amount is, in round figures, £lO3 less than at the corresponding period last year, and, as it represents only I'BB per cent, of the total annual rent-roll of £100,500 6s. lid., the result may be considered satisfactory. Transfers, Exchanges, Forfeitures. —The transfers of lands held under settlement conditions numbered sixty-nine, representing an area of 12,208 acres. The following are the principal items:— Leases in perpetuity ... ... ... ... 41, comprising 6,100 acres. Village-homestead leases ... ... ... 19, „ 716 „ Perpetual leases ... ... ... ... 3, „ 83 „ Small grazing-runs ... ... ... ... 3, „ 4,842 „ Sixteen holdings, comprising an area of 1,558 acres, have been exchanged during the year from the deferred-payment and perpetual-lease systems to the lease-in-perpetuity tenure. The forfeitures and surrenders of Crown leases have been few in number, as,, in the majority of cases, tenants have complied satisfactorily with the requirements of their leases, both in respect of occupation and payments. The figures are as follows : A. B. P. Forfeited ... ... ... ... 9 leases, comprising 9,762 336 Surrendered ... ... ... ... 11 „ „ 7,279 117 Total ... 20 „ „ 17,042 113 Two forfeited and two surrendered small grazing-runs, comprising a total area of 14,512 acres, and one surrendered leasehold in perpetuity of 1,600 acres, represent the bulk of this area.

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The forfeitures and surrenders under the Land for Settlements Acts are referred to elsewhere. Alteration of District Boundaries. —The alteration of district boundaries referred to in last year's report, whereby practically the whole of the Amuri County, comprising an area of 1,305,390 acres, was transferred from Nelson to Canterbury, and an area of 478,000 acres at the head of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea was transferred from Canterbury to Otago, has been fully completed during the year, and the results are embodied in this year's figures. It may be remarked, however, that some inconvenience has resulted from the boundaries of the lands and deeds registration districts not having been altered at the same time, so that dealings under the Land Transfer Act, &c., have still to be registered as before. Reserves.—The area of land set apart permanently as reserves during the year was 7,664 acres 2 roods 26 perches, amongst the principal items being: Forest preservation, 5,600 acres; restingplaces for travelling stock, 900 acres 2 roods; plantations, 626 acres 3 roods 24 perches; river conservation, 217 acres; Stock Department's purposes, 202 acres 1 rood 6perches ; besides various smaller areas for recreation-grounds, cemeteries, gravel-pits, school-sites, and other public purposes. Timber Licenses.—The licenses issued to split and saw timber in bush on Crown lands were as follows: Sawmill licenses, five holders, 1,240 acres 2 roods; royalty paid, £294 12s. 7d. Hand-splitting licenses, eight holders, 1,985 acres; fees paid, £9B 15s. Of these licenses, all but one were situated in the Oxford Bush. The areas granted on splitting licenses appear large, due to the fact that the greater proportion of the timber has already been cleared, either by sawmillers or by bush-fires, and much of what remains is exceedingly difficult of access, The revenue derived from these licenses is lodged in Deposit Account, in view of the possible selection of the areas by the Midland Railway Company, within whose zone of selection they lie. Crown Lands Bangers' Beports.—The Crown Lands Rangers' reports received during the year show that, with few exceptions, Crown tenants are complying satisfactorily with the conditions and requirements of their leases. The year has been a satisfactory one for most holders throughout the district. The pastoral and small-grazing-run holders are doing particularly well, and all the larger holders of leases in perpetuity are doing satisfactorily, whilst, as regards the village holdings, they also have benefited through the good amount of work that has been obtainable by industrious men. During the year the reports for the sixth year's tenancy of the holdings around Lake Ellesmere fell due ; these showed, on the whole, a large value of improvements effected, and satisfactory permanent residence upon the drier areas. In the cases of most of the lower-lying sections, liable to annually recurring submergence, there was a considerable deficiency of improvements, which cannot profitably be placed upon such lands. During the latter portion of the year a considerable amount of the time of both Rangers was taken up with the valuation of improvements on pastoral runs, which were to change hands on the Ist March, 1900. Crown Lands for Disposal, 1900-1. —Except for such lands as may from time to time be acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts, there are practically no lands available for settlement in this district. The areas appearing in the Land Guide are generally remnants of inferior quality or remote locality, and in either case are unattractive to selectors.

The Area of Crown Lands available for Settlement, 31st March, 1900, is

20

County. System. Area (First Glass). Area (Second Class). Total Area. A. E. p. A. E. p. A. B. p. Geraldine Village lots 1 2 11 1 2 11 Ashburton Village homestead 128 2 0 ... 1 1 q q Geraldine „ 36 1 3 ... r JLDtfc o o Selwyn Eural lands under Part III., 269 0 0 " Land Act, 1892 " Ashburton Ditto 323 3 32 389 2 11 0 71/1 Q QO Geraldine ft ... ... 5 0 36 659 3 38 o 66 Mackenzie tr • • • • • • • • • 990 0 0 Waimate „ 77 0 36 If • •• Small grazing-runs 5,908 0 0 5,908 0 0 Selwyn Land for settlement 13 1 32 ... Ashburton „ ... 24 0 0 ... 126 3 13 Geraldine ir • • • 89 1 21 • •• Amuri Forty-two years' leases 108 1 21 ... 108 1 21 Totals ... 6,807 2 36 2,116 3 5 9,024 2 1

G.—l I I i

. Cheviot Estate. During the year one section of acres has been selected on lease in perpetuity, and one suburban allotment of 4 acres 3 roods 39 perches at Mackenzie has been sold for cash. Early in the year a number of Mackenzie town sections and reserves were offered for sale and lease, with fairly satisfactory results. The areas held under the different tenures on the estate are practically the seCme as last year. In respect of the holdings taken up at the first three sales in November, 1893, and January and March, 1894, the sixth year's tenancy has now expired, and reports on these have been furnished by Mr. Ward. The following table briefly summarises the results

The holders, on the whole, are complying in a very satisfactory manner. They are making the best use of their holdings, and are getting large areas of them into English-grass pasture. All the larger holders there are doing well out of sheep-farming. ; But as regards those whose holdings are not large enough to keep sufficient sheep to advantage,, these have suffered to some extent, both from the low prices ruling for grain and from the fact that the high price of .store sheep has hindered them from reaping a due amount of profit in fattening their-sheep on the rape and turnips grown. These holders also suffered badly from fr6sts coming when the corn crops at were in bloom. Of the total number of holdings which are held- under settlement conditions, all save twenty holdings have the value in improvements on them required by the Land Act; and all of the holders, save one who has left on account of illness, and one who has gone to the war, are resident at Cheviot, though in fifteen cases, where the holders are chiefly single men or women, they are more frequently resident with their relatives on adjacent sections than in the houses erected on their own holdings. The improvements effected include the present value v of cultivation and grass, which the Land Act allows, but whose value as a permanent improvement is uncertain and cannot well be estimated. The newly commenced branch line of railway from Waipara to Cheviot will, no doubt, give useful employment to many of the smaller holders on the estate during its construction, and; will, when completed, afford the settlers easy outlet for their produce, and materially enhance the value of their properties. Departmental. The Land Board has held thirty-three ordinary and special meetings during the year, and the number of statutory applications for lands offered for disposal which were considered by the Board was 458, of which 140 were granted, besides the many other matters of important business which arise to be dealt with at each sitting. Mr. D. McMillan,, who has -been, a member of the Board for many years, retired at the end of the year, in consequence of his departure on a visit to England. His varied and practical knowledge of all matters connected with the working and occupation of land, coupled with his experience of the administration of the land-laws, make his retirement a loss that will be greatly felt by all members of the Board. The following approximate figures will serve to show in part the amount of clerical work passed through the office: Letters received and despatched, including ordinary recorded correspondence and rent notices, weekly returns, &c., 22,500; about 3,000 lithographs and sale-plans distributed; 1,200 vouchers passed through the accountant's office, representing an imprest account of £6,755 and a general expenditure of about- £250,000. In the Beceiver of Land Bevenue's office, besides the ordinary year's revenue of £93,667 14s. Bd., for which 4,099 receipts were issued, a sum of £26,890 Is. 9d. was paid into, and £57,181 19s. lOd. paid out from; the Deposit Account, in addition to the moneys passed through the Local Bodies' Deposit Account,, amounting to about £3,700, all of which necessitated the preparation of numerous receipts, vouchers, notices, and other documents. Poet Bobinson Landing-service. Mr. J. Sinclair, the Harbourmaster, reports as follows: Enclosed is statement of revenue and expenditure at Port Bobinson landing-service during the year from the 31st March, 1899, to the 31st March, 1900. The revenue is less than last year. This is partly owing to the County Council having reduced the shipping charges on wheat from 6s. to ss. per ton, and also to a falling-off in some lines of import. I enclose a comparative statement showing the difference in the two periods.

21

Tenure. No. of Holders. Area. Improvements Lessees aotually resident on own Holdings. Deficient in Value of Improvements. Required. Effected. Ordinary lease in perpetuity Village homestead Grazing-farms 106 77 39 A. B. P. 23,911 0 83 2,480 1 0 45,691 0 9 £ 27,0623,750. 15,778 - £ 36-,955 7,989 18,380 92 ■r' 56 23 13 r 5 2 222 72,082 2 2 •16,590 63,274 : 171 20

o.—l.

The s.s. " Wakatu " made during the year forty-one trips from the north and forty-three from the south, and on seven occasions she had to pass on owing to stormy weather; the s.s. " Himitangi" made three trips from the north and two from the south. The schooner " Maud Graham " arrived from Lyttelton for a cargo of wheat; owing to her cable breaking she drifted ashore and became a total wreck. The sea at the time was moderately calm. During the months of July and October the landing-service was closed for repairs to slip and cargo-boat. Everything has worked satisfactorily during the year. The groyne erected for the protection of the foreshore is now finished, and the shingle is accumulating in front as intended. Working-expenses and Eevenue from 31st March, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. Working-expenses and Repairs. Revenue. 1900. £ s. d. 1900. £ s. d. Mar. 31.—Shipping wages .. .. 592 13 9 Mar. 31.—Inward revenue .. .. 667 19 8 Casual-labour wages .. .. 121 0 9 Outward revenue .. .. 492 3 0 Ropes, oils, and generalrequisites 41 4 7 Coals for engine .. .. 29 11 4 Pat for slip .. .. .. 5 5 5 Stationery and printing .. 4 4 9 Advertising .. .. .. 10 11 0 Stamps and telegrams .. 6 0 0 Insurance .. .. .. 31 6 6 Ironwork for general repairs .. 7 8 0 New mooring-ohain and cartage 17 1 9 Ironbark and ironwork for slip repairs .. .. .. 42 15 2 Diver's wages, hire of dress and pump .. .. .. 74 12 0 Repairs to boat and boiler .. 46 12 7 Balance of acoounts owing for new store .. .. .. 8 3 10 Auditor's fees .. .. 3 6 8 Wages for roadwork .. .. 37 9 0 Balance to credit.. .. 80 15 7 £1,160 2 8 £1,160 2 8

Comparative Statement showing Difference between last Year's Trade and Year just ended. Inwards.

Outwards.

Revenue.

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Period. Goods. Coals. Timber. Posts. Plour. Plour. Bran. Oatmeal. Sharps Standards. Black and Galvanised Wire. Barb-wire. Tons cwt. Tons cwt. Sks. Bags. Sks. Sks. Sks. Cwt. Cwt. 1898-1899 .. 1,291 9 428 17 365,984 1,170 936 328 135 84 58 34,410 1,365 640 1899-1900 .. 1,136 11 569 11 258,262 1,909 1,062 458 116 89 79 25,944 1,214 268 Increase Decrease 154*18 140 14 107,722 739 122 130 i9 5 21 8 i 466 "l51 372

Period. Wool. Wool. Skins. Peas. Wheat. Barley. Oats. Potatoes. Chaff. Onions. Grass-seed. Sundries. Bales. Sacks. Bales. S'ks. Sacks. Sacks. S'ks. Saoks. Sacks. Sacks. Sacks. 1898-1899 .. 2,731 16 97 71 8,811 442 28 38 72 13 32 447 1899-1900 .. 2,903 32 95 62 10,428 361 1,009 28 74 35 37 431 Inorease Decrease 172 16 2 9 1,617 *81 981 io 2 12 5 16

Period. Inwards. Outwards. Totals. £ 8. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1898-1899 735 4 7 499 15 7 1,235 0 2 1899-1900 667 19 8 492 3 0 1,160 2 8 Deorease .. 67 4 11 7 12 7 74 17 6

C.—l.

Statement of Trade and Revenue for Period 31st March, 1899, to 31st March, 1900.

The Land fob Settlements Acts. Lands offered during the Year.—The new settlements offered to the public during the year were three in number—one suburban and two rural —and are as follows : The Tamai Hamlet, being a block of suburban land situated in the Borough of Woolston, about two miles from the General Post Office, Christchurch. This block was subdivided into forty allotments, varying in size from half an acre to two acres, the rentals ranging from £3 4s. to £5 per acre per annum, and these were offered under the lease-in-perpetuity system as sites for workmen's homes. There was no rush of applicants for the sections when first opened on the 26th June, 1899, but selection has gone on steadily since, and all the larger allotments have been taken up; most of the half-acre sections, however, still remain on hand. Artisans requiring suburban homes of about half an acre in size appear still to prefer the opportunity of acquiring the freehold, the purchase of small areas being within their means; while for larger areas, which they could not purchase, the lease-in-perpetuity system is preferred. The Takitu Settlement, formerly known as the Clarkesfield Estate, comprising 9,713 acres of pastoral land on the north bank of the Waitaki Eiver, between Glenavy and Hakataramea, was purchased from Messrs. Waite and Burbury, and subdivided into five small grazing-runs, varying in size from 1,494 to 2,528 acres, at rentals ranging from Is. lOd. to 3s. 9d. per acre. Four of these runs were offered for public application on the Ist March, 1900, and although there were not many applicants—the demand for pastoral land being limited —yet all the runs were allotted at the first ballot, and, as all the applicants were of a good stamp of settler, the satisfactory occupation of the country seems assured. One run, including the homestead buildings, was withheld from application for a time. The Pareora No. 2 Settlement, comprising 8,132 acres of agricultural land situated between the Pareora and Otaio Bivers, was acquired from the New Zealand and Australian Land Company (Limited), and opened for application on the 22nd March, 1900, in thirty-two lease-in-perpetuity sections, varying in size from 93 to 603 acres, at rentals of from 7s. 3d. to lis. per acre per annum. One small section of 13 acres was offered as a reserve for temporary occupation. The fame which the Pareora Estate had acquired under its former owners, coupled with the undoubted quality of the land and its advantageous situation, created a large demand for sections, 220 different persons putting in 1,006 applications, the number of applications for each lot varying from four to sixtyeight. Every section was disposed of at the first ballot. The other lands offered during the year comprise fourteen allotments, aggregating 3,576 acres, principally forfeited or surrendered sections within previously established settlements. Included in this area were two allotments, comprising 181£ acres, in the Waikakahi Settlement, which had been withheld for a time from permanent disposal, and were now offered for three years' occupation licenses. There were also three allotments, comprising 3,030 acres (including one small grazing-run of 2,713 acres), in the Albury Settlement; two allotments, comprising 286 acres, in the Highbank Settlement; two allotments, comprising 71 acres, in the Bakitairi Settlement; and five small allotments in the suburban settlements near Christchurch. Lands for Future Disposal.—At the end of the year arrangements had been concluded for the purchase and disposal during April, 1900, of three more estates of rural land in South Canterbury. These were—(l) The Three Springs Estate, comprising 7,025 acres of agricultural and pastoral land near Fairlie, acquired from the National Mortgage and Agency Company (Limited), and renamed

23

Inwards. Outwards. Totals. Class of Goods. 3 "o • • '8 . No. Weight. ■a® £ 0) Revenue. No. CO m a Revenue. No. ijj> fif Revenue. afti S3 © IS Bfe 3 00 © 00 T. 0. £ s. d. £ 0. d T. 0. £ s. d General merchandise .. , , 838 15 189 8 4 , » . . 838 15 189 8 4 Flour, standards, &c.* 297 16 67 10 10 . , . . 297 16 67 10 10 Coals , . 569 11 99 14 6 , , . , 569 11 99 14 6 Timber 258 j 262 159 10 2 258j 262 159 10 2 Posts 1,909 7 19 1 , , 1,909 7 19 1 Parcels and sundries .. 498 21 4 0 . # 498 21 4 0 Store dues 122 11 9 # , . . 122 11 9 Passenger 0 10 0 10 Wool, in bales 2,903 145 13 0 2,903 145 13 0 Woolsacks .. 32 119 32 119 Skins, bales 95 4 15 0 95 4 15 0 Wheat, saoks # % 10j 428 260 14 0 10,428 260 14 0 Peas „ 62 1 11 0 62 1 11 0 Barley „ . . 361 8 10 9 361 8 10 9 Oats „ . , 1,009 19 3 4 1,009 28 19 3 4 Potatoes , 28 0 13 6 0 13 6 Chaff , . 74 0 18 6 74 0 18 6 Onions » , 25 0 12 6 25 0 12 6 Grass-seed 37 0 14 9 37 0 14 9 Sundries 431 . . 13 3 6 431 13 3 6 Store dues •• •• 34 11 5 •• 34 11 5 •• 1,706 2 258,262 667 19 8 12,024 492 3 0 •• •• 1,160 2 8 * Imports included in '297 tons 16 cwt. 1,062 flour-sacks, 458 flour-bags, 87 oatmeal-sacks, 79 sharps-sacks, 116 bran-sacks, 25,944 standards, 1,214 cwt. black and galvanised wire, 268 cwt. barb-wire

C.--1.

the Punaroa Settlement; (2) part of the Levels Valley Farm, comprising 1,562 acres of agricultural land between Timaru and Pleasant Point, acquired from J. Sullivan, Esq., and renamed the Papaka Settlement; (3) a small property of 113 acres of agricultural land close to Winchester, acquired from Messrs. Wade and Evans, and renamed the Eautawiri Settlement. It may be mentioned that the whole of these three properties were taken up immediately they were offered. Payments of Bents. —The total amount of arrears of rents due in respect of lands purchased under the Land for Settlements Acts is £1,285 7s. sd. owing by sixty tenants, out of a total annual rental of £34,895 Is. Id. payable by 696 holders. Of the amount in arrear, more than half is owing by settlers in the Highbank and Marawiti Settlements. Many of the holders in these settlements suffered severely, it is true, from the disastrous gale which occurred in September, 1898, and not only destroyed their newly sown crops, but carried away a good deal of the surfacesoil. There is reason, however, to believe that in most cases the settlers could have kept up their payments better than they have done, though all possible leniency has been shown to them. The above-mentioned arrears are included in the total amount referred to in the ordinary Lands Report. Forfeitures and Surrenders. —During the year, forfeitures and surrenders took place of sixteen holdings, comprising a total area of 3,767 acres 1 rood 39 perches, made up as follows: Lease in perpetuity, eleven selectors, 1,049 acres 3 roods 17 perches, forfeited; lease in perpetuity, four selectors, 4 acres 2 roods 22 perches, surrendered; small grazing-run, one selector, 2,713 acres, forfeited. In most cases the forfeitures took place by reason of the failure of the original selectors to comply with the conditions of residence and occupation, and the majority of the sections, when reoffered for disposal, are readily taken up again. Condition of Established Settlements—The reports furnished by the Crown Lands Eangers on the settlements disclose a very satisfactory extent of occupation. In the majority of cases the holders have established comfortable and permanent homes upon their sections, and their improvements are of good quality, and in value generally much in excess of requirements. The small holdings of under 50 acres in the rural settlements are still the most unsatisfactory feature noticeable in the reports: whether held by single men who only sleep at home at intervals, or by married men who are obliged to devote nearly all their energies to outside work in order to maintain their families, the holdings in either case fail to secure the satisfactory occupation and settlement which is to be desired. In some cases, matters in this respect are being improved by permitting amalgamation by transfer to adjoining holders of some of the smaller holdings, but legislative authority is needed to place such action on a satisfactory basis. The following notes, summarising the results of the Eangers' reports, and presenting in a condensed form some of the information embodied in Lands for Settlement Table, may be of interest Pareora No. 1 Settlement (near St. Andrew's). —Twenty-eight holders, of whom twenty-four reside upon their own holdings, and two others on other sections in the settlement. Number of souls, 114. Value of improvements required, £1,052 4s. Id.; effected, £1,996 Bs. 6d. These are, with only four exceptions, fully up to the value required for the sixth year, which expired in January last, and in most cases much in excess of requirements. The settlement is generally satisfactory, although many of the holdings are too small to support the holders and their families, and they have to go far to obtain employment. Studholme Junction Settlement (near Studholme Junction). —Four holders, all of whom reside in the settlement, and are doing well. Number of souls, 14. Value of improvements required, £214 7s. lOd.; effected, £357 18s. Kapua Settlement (near Waimate). —Eleven holders, nine of whom are resident and complying satisfactorily. Two of the tenants have been very unsatisfactory, although it is hoped that action taken by the Board will produce better compliance. Number of souls, 41. Value of improvements required, £914 9s. 2d.; effected, £1,065 4s. 6d. Bosebrook Settlement (near Timaru). —Fourteen holders, all of whom are residing, except one who has gone to South Africa. Number of souls, 67. Value of improvements required, £307 13s. 6d.; effected, £1,828 Us. 6d. Otaio Settlement (near St. Andrew's). —Nine holders, who are, with one exception, complying satisfactorilv. Number of souls, 30. Value of improvements required, £216 14s. Bd. ; effected, £874 14s. 6d. The Peaks and Patoa Settlements (near Hurunui). —Fifteen holders, nearly all of whom reside by permission upon other Crown holdings in the neighbourhood. Total value of improvements required, £502 7s. Id.; effected, £2,060. Boimata Suburban Settlement (near Christchurch). —Twenty-six holders, all complying, and forming a very prosperous settlement. Number of souls, 115. Value of improvements required, £553 18s.; effected, £3,594. Braco Settlement (near Christchurch).—Fourteen holders, two of whom are often away at work, but the others are complying satisfactorily. Number of souls, 41. Value of improvements required, £289 13s. 4d.; effected, £990. Kereta Settlement (near Timaru). —Four holders, all complying. Number of souls, 28. Value of improvements required, £B2 18s. ; effected, £548 ss. 6d. Epworth Settlement (near Temuka).—Two holders, man and wife, who reside on one of the sections. Number of souls, 4. Value of improvements required, £l3 lis. 2d. ; effected, £9B 16s. Ashley Gorge Settlement (near Oxford), consisting, with adjacent Crown lands, of twelve holdings, on all of which there is good fulfilment of conditions. Number of souls, 53. Value of improvements £6l7 lis. 4d.; effected, £2,208. Orakipaoa Settlement (near Temuka).' —Twenty-seven holders, of whom fifteen are in residence, ten continue to reside by permission in the neighbouring Arowhenua Village, and two are defaulters. The holdings which are resided on are satisfactory, and good improvements have

24

C.—l.

been made on them. Of the others, seven are deficient in value of improvements, which cannot be made up to the required amount without building and residence. Number of souls, 71. Value of improvements required, £690 14s. 9d. ; effected, £1,475 18s. Highbank Settlement (near Methven). —Seventy-four holders, of whom fifty-eight reside on their own sections and six on relatives' holdings in the settlement. Number of souls, 232. Value of improvements required, £3,209 ss. 2d. ; effected, £10,165 2s. The settlement is, on the whole, making good progress, although many of the sections still feel the effects of the gale of September, 1898. Less cropping is now being done, and settlers are trusting more to grazing. A proposal is being mooted for the establishment of a creamery. Waiapi and R&kitairi Settlements (near Temuka and Geraldine). —Thirty-six holders, thirtythree of whom reside on their sections, and two others (by permission) adjacent thereto. Number of souls, 142. Value of improvements required, £1,493 7s. lOd.; effected, £5,250 7s. Id. The large holdings are all doing well, and the improvements in most cases are very extensive. In the cases of the smaller holdings the lessee has to be much away at work, and both residence and improvements are less satisfactory. Otarakaro Suburban Settlement (close to Christchurch). —Seven holders, all complying satisfactorily. Number of souls, 38. Value of improvements required, £lOB ; effected, £993. Wharenui Hamlet (a workmen's homes settlement, near Christchurch). —Twenty-six holders, all of whom, with the exception of one whose residence is not yet due, are complying, Number of souls, 86. Value of improvements required, £753 6s. 2d.; effected, £l,BBO. Albury Settlement. —Seventy-one holders, sixty of whom are actually resident on their own sections, while only four can strictly be called defaulters. Number of souls, 234. Value of improvements required, £3,317 9s. Bd.; effected, £11,161 Is. 6d. The settlement is progressing very well. The improvements in most cases are of very good value, and the holdings well looked after. Marawiti Settlement (near Rakaia). —Thirteen holders, all complying. Number of souls, 65. Value of improvements required, £748 15s. lOd.; effected, £1,790 9s. Horsley Down Settlement (near Hurunui). —Twenty-five holders, twenty-three being in residence upon their own sections, and two upon adjacent lands. Number of souls, 64. Value of improvements required, £1,031 155.; effected, £3,933. Hekeao Settlement (near Mount Somers). —Twelve holders, all of whom are residing and complying satisfactorily. Number of souls, 42. Value of improvements required, £617.; effected, £2,503 ss. 6d. Pawaho Hamlet (workmen's homes settlement, at Heathcote Valley, near Christchurch). — Twenty-two holders, seventeen of whom have built houses and are residing. Number of souls, 40. Value of improvements required, £612 Is. lOd.; effected, £1,617. Tamai Hamlet (workmen's homes settlement, at Woolston, Christchurch). —In no case has the first year's tenancy yet expired, but out of the twenty-four holders fifteen have already built and resided, and others are preparing to do so. Number of souls, 40. Value of improvements effected, £B6l. Waikakahi Settlement, near Waitaki.—One hundred and twenty-six rural lease-in-perpetuity holders ; fourteen small-grazing-run holders; and twenty town lease-in-perpetuity holders in the Township of Morven. Exclusive of the last-named holders, who are not compelled to reside or effect improvements, one hundred and eleven holders are in residence upon their selections ; and six are exempt by virtue of residence upon previously selected village holdings in the vicinity, leaving twenty-three holders who have up to the present failed to comply with the requirements of their leases. The total value of improvements required on all leases is £9,505 9s. 9d., and value effected £33,012 17s. sd. The number of souls on the estate is 419. Those who have settled on their holdings have made good improvements, all of the best material. In many cases the results of the crops are very small; this was partly due to the lateness of the season, before the settlers could get to work, but in most of the cases it has been from the effects of the yarrow, which, as soon as the ground is turned over, comes away so strongly as to completely choke the grain or root crops. Many were unable to obtain sheep to stock their holdings, on account of the advance in value, but the coming year should find all with some stock on. Notwithstanding this, the buyers for the freezing-works have been surprised at the number of fat lambs and sheep bought from the tenants during the past season. The tenants, or the large majority of them, are in good spirits, and are certain of success now that the initial expenses are over, and they may look for returns on their outlay. The Morven Township has not succeeded nearly so well as the farm holdings. A fine store and butcher's shop has been built on one of the sections, and is doing a large business. Sidney Weetman, Commissioner of Crown Lands. OTAGO. The operations of the year compare favourably with those of previous years, and may upon the whole be regarded as very satisfactory. There has also been a bountiful harvest over the greater part of the district, which will result in placing a large number of settlers in a much better position financially than they found themselves in at the beginning of the year. The improved prices of sheep and wool, too, have greatly benefited the sheep-farmers. Revenue.—The gross receipts for the year, including land for settlement and endowments administered by the Land Board, have exceeded the estimate by £4,283, the estimate being £63,654 and the receipts £67,937, exclusive of moneys collected by Receivers of Gold Revenue in respect of occupation licenses and coal leases, amounting to £B2B. This result must be regarded 4—C. 1.

25

C.—l.

as eminently satisfactory in view of the fact that, for various reasons stated in my report for 1898-99, a shrinkage in revenue was expected, the shortage as between 1898-99 and 1899-1900 being only £824 lis. lOd. The gross annual rental for all classes of tenure at 31st March, 1899, was £64,822, as compared with which the actual rent received for the year was £63,576, a much more favourable comparison, I think, than can usually be made. The gross estimate for the current year is £66,058, which I have every reason to believe will be fully realised. Summary of Transactions. —The following summary of transactions during the year shows an increase of some fifty in number over the previous year, and an increase in the number of holdings and area as at 31st March, notwithstanding the very considerable number of forfeitures, surrenders, expiries, and selections made freehold.

Summary of Land Transactions, 1899-1900.

Arrears.—The total amount of arrears at the 31st March was £5,065, owing by 257 selectors, occupying an area of 66,021 acres, an increase in amount as compared with 1898-99 of £1,843 and of sixteen selectors, but a decrease in area of 27,049 acres. The greater proportion of these arrears occur under the Land for Settlements Act. The estate most in arrear is Tokarahi, which, as stated in last year's report, fell behind during the first two years through drought, and conse-

26

Transactions during Year. Leasehold Area held at 31st March, 1900. Revenue Nature of Selection, &c. received during Number. Area. Number. Area. the lear. A. E. p. A. E. p. £ s. d. Cash 110 1,116 3 5 ... . . , 1,911 19 0 Deferred payments 1* 246 3 21 66 18,767 1 11 2,354 8 8 Deferred payments made freehold 23 3,027 3 16 Perpetual leases *... 301 58,538 0 36 2,506" 14 5 Perpetual leases made freehold 10 1,161 1 12 754 10 0 Occupation with right of purchase 33 6,030 0 3 115 20,515 1 33 592 5 0 Lease in perpetuity ... 53 9,701 2 30 604 156,641 0 0 4,349 18 6 Lease in perpetuity, exchange 13 4,731 3 1 ... from other tenures Agricultural leases 3 69 3 24 19 632 1 2 55 10 8 Occupation leases (Mining Dis13 627 0 0 105 4,260 1 4 171 7 4 tricts Land Occupation Act) Village settlementDeferred payment ... 3 130 0 4 13 1 11 Perpetual lease 39 872 0 25 94 16 4 Occupation with right of pur5 3 2 28 1 4 6 chase Lease in perpetuity 4 53 1 15 128 1,921 0 4 158 1 6 Village-homestead special settle84 1,341 1 5 165 9 3 ment Special - settlement association 15 2,955 1 12 120 13 3 (lease in perpetuity) Homestead lands 3 206 2 37 Improved-farm settlement 54 7,464 1 7 15" 17 5 Small grazing-runs 20 42,722" 2 18 249 504,836 0 31 12,078 2 9 Pastoral runs 33 348,045 0 8 248 4,389,812 0 20 29,654 3 3 Coal and mineral leases f 176 10 9 Timber-cutting 13 618 0 0 L 452 66,020 3 12 55 19 6 Miscellaneous licenses 77 21,602 3 21 ) ( 793 17 1 Survey-fees ... 139 8 10 Crown-grant fees ... 153 12 5 Other sources 502 4 9 Total ordinary Crown 406 439,754 1 14 2,490 5,234,918 0 31 56,819 17 1 lands Land for settlements— Lease in perpetuity 41 8,104 2 14 296 40,486 2 6 9,298 3 8 Village lease in perpetuity ... 1 10 0 0 29 393 0 4 299 18 11 Small grazing-runs 3 3,667 1 30 337 8 4 Miscellaneous 6 214" 0 0 40 631 1 39 53 15 8 Total land for settle48 8,328 2 14 368 45,178 1 39 9,989 6 7 ments Endowments 1 12,040 0 0 48 43,561 3 35 1,128 13 8 Grand totals 455 460,122 3 28 2,906 5,323,658 2 25 67,937 17 4 * An exchange from perpetual lease.

c.-i.

quent failure of crops. The late season having proved so favourable, efforts are being made to recover the amounts due, and there seems every probability that these amounts will be received at an early date. Forfeitures and Surrenders.—The total number of forfeitures and surrenders during the year amounted to 124, with an area of 39,493 acres, as against a total the previous year of 166 holdings, and an area of 307,131 acres. In the greater number of cases of forfeited or surrendered holdings the lands have been reopened at reduced capital values, more particularly in the bush districts of Catlin's, Eimu, Tautuku, Woodland, &c. Transfers and Exchanges.—Of transfers there have been 115, with an area of 205,857 acres : exchanges to lease in perpetuity, 13; area, 4,732 acres. In 1898-99 the numbers and areas were : Transfers, 83; area, 39,902 acres : exchanges to lease in perpetuity, 17 ; area, 4,641 acres: thus showing a considerable increase in transfers during the past year, especially in the area transferred, the increase being chiefly in pastoral country under small-grazing-run leases and pastoral licenses. Land opened for Selection.—The total area of land opened for selection during the year under the several classes of tenure amounted to 406,762 acres, as against 261,932 acres during the previous year. As a matter of course, the greater portion of this area comprised land reopened after surrender, forfeiture, or expiry of lease or license. A total area of 1,362 acres was alsfo disposed of during the year under sections 114, 115, and 117 of "The Land Act, 1892," and section 13 of " The Land Act Amendment Act, 1895." I may here mention that there does not appear to be at the present time so great a demand for land as in previous years, although for good farming land, such as is offered under the Land for Settlements Act, there is still a considerable number of inquiries. No doubt the larger amount of employment provided in various ways in connection with the extraordinary and widely expanding gold-dredging industry accounts, in some measure at least, for the less eager demand for agricultural land. The wants of intending settlers have also been to a great extent met by the estates which have already been opened under the Land for Settlements Act. Land to be opened.—With the exception of any lands that may be dealt with under the Land for Settlements Act, selections during the ensuing twelve months will be almost wholly limited to lands already in the market and not yet taken up, together with such other lands as may be reopened after surrender, forfeiture, or expiry. It is estimated approximately that the following areas will be dealt with, viz.: 130,500 acres of pastoral land, the licenses of which expire in 1902; 155,500 acres of similar land, the temporary licenses of which expire in 1901; and 22,918 acres of pastoral land passed in at the last run-sale. Most of these areas will probably be again offered as pastoral runs, with a small proportion as small grazing-runs. There is also 115,848 acres of rural land at present open for selection, chiefly under the optional system, in various districts, as shown in the Land Guide. Settlement Conditions and Bangers' Reports.—The Rangers' reports show that the settlement conditions under which the Crown tenants hold their leases are being very satisfactorily complied with. In some instances, owing to the rough nature of the land leased, the conditions have not been strictly complied with. In respect, however, of the 688 properties visited, comprising a total area of 117,437 acres, the value of the improvements required to be made was £39,033, while the value of the improvements actually effected amounted to £73,106, an excess of £34,073 above requirements. Speaking generally, the position of settlers has very much improved during the last year, owing partly to the fact that the season has been a good one, and partly because the ruling prices for sheep and wool have been so high. The crops, taking them all round, will yield above the average of previous years, and though prices for cereals, &c., do not promise to be high, it is expected that the extra yields will make good the deficiency. In the bush districts of Catlin's, Woodland, Glenomaru, Eimu, and Tautuku the settlers appear to be in better spirits than they were, and the bona fide settlers in those districts have made good progress during the year. Many who took up bush sections never really intended to become permanent settlers, but such are being gradually weeded out, and selectors of a better class are taking their places. One of the most prominent grievances of the bush settler was the bad roads, but every year now sees a marked improvement in this matter, and the principal roads are now in fair order. Dairy factories are also in operation in nearly all the larger centres of settlement, and sawmilling has become a very important industry. The extension of the Catlin's Biver Eailway is still looked forward to as a desideratum for advancing settlement in the district referred to. State Forests.—The Chief Forester, Mr. Henry Matthews," has already forwarded to you full reports of his operations during the year. These will show, I think, that considerable success has so far attended the efforts made to propagate useful timber- and forest-trees, such as will in after years prove a valuable asset to the public estate, and an incalculable benefit to the community. Land for Settlements Act. The year's operations include two new estates —viz., Janefield, in the Taieri district, and Elderslie, in North Otago. Janefield. —This settlement was opened on the 15th September last, the area for selection being 143 acres 2 roods 37 perches. Of this an area of 131 acres 2 roods 37 perches has been taken up by twenty selectors at an annual rental of £256 95., leaving 12 acres at present unlet, divided into four allotments of 3 acres each. In respect of this settlement the Eanger reports that, although it is only a few months since it was opened, there are already nine houses erected thereon, with thirty souls resident; that there is timber for buildings on two other sections; and that other selectors are also about to build at an early date. Those already on the settlement are said to be well pleased with their selections, and are making substantial improvements.

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Elderslie.—The selection area of this settlement is 11,497 acres and 23 perches. It was opened on the 20th March last, and at the 31st of that month there had been taken up 7,996 acres and 12 perches by twenty-four selectors at an annual rental of £2,981 12s. 4d., including 194 acres on temporary licenses by five selectors at £l5 Is. per annum, leaving an area of 3,501 acres and 11 perches unselected at that date, the annual value of which is £1,144 17s. Up to the date of this report, however, a further area of 2,478 acres 2 roods 11 perches has been selected by four selectors at an annual rental of £Bll Bs., leaving only two allotments with a total area of 1,033 acres to be applied for. With regard to previously acquired estates I have to make the following observations, taking them in the order given in Table No. 33 : Pomahaka.—Several holdings in this settlement had to be declared forfeited during the year, owing to the lessees having failed to meet their financial obligations, a result of having started with insufficient capital or on borrowed money, and possibly, too, with deficient knowledge of farmwork. Consequently there is at present a less number of selectors in occupation than at 31st March, 1899. The number now is twenty-two, holding 5,419 acres 3 roods 5 perches, at an annual rental of £904 2s. 6d., including one temporary license over a reserve of 10 acres at £1 per annum. Since the 31st March one section of the unlet area, containing 271 acres 3 roods 28 perches, has been taken up, at £42 9s. Bd. per annum. The receipts during the year amounted to £192 17s. 4d., the total from inception being £4,324 15s. 7d.; number of houses on holdings, 17 ; number of souls resident, 52 ; value oi improvements, £4,215 13s. The present year's crops are the best obtained since the settlement started, and in many cases the oat-crop will yield from 60 to 70 bushels per acre. The land appears to improve year by year as it is cultivated, becoming more fertile. The settlement conditions as regards both residence and improvements are well complied with. Teanaraki. —Twenty-two selectors are in occupation of this small settlement of 344 acres 1 rood 30 perches, at an annual rental of £263 16s. 2d. It does not make very much progress, owing to the fact that the holdings are so small. The people are poor, depending upon casual work to enable them to maintain themselves and their families. Such work has in the past been of a very intermittent kind, but recently Mr. Meek has opened a lime-kiln on his property adjoining, which gives fairly constant employment to several of the settlers, which is a great help to them. Two of the sections that were badly infested with the Californian thistle have been let under temporary license to one of the lessees whose holding adjoins, with the view of his trying to eradicate the pest. This settler has worked up the ground and sown root-crops, and is doing his best to get rid of the weed, but it will probably take at least three years to do so. The crops generally have been good. Receipts for the year, £263 ss. 6d.; total from beginning, £1,395 os. 7d.; number of houses, 19; souls resident, 57 ; value of improvements, £1,084. Tahawai.—This, the smallest settlement under the Land for Settlements Act in this district, is still fully occupied by eight selectors, the area held being 68 acres 2 roods 14 perches, at an annual rental of £35 14s. 4d. Eeceipts for the year, £37 3s. 5d.; total from inception, £156 18s. 6d. Owing to the small water-race running through it, and the quality of the land, crops are all but a certainty. In no case is there any complaint, and the conditions are all fully complied with. Houses, 8 ; souls resident, 36 ; value of improvements, £684. Maerewhenua. —Only 30 acres of this estate is at present unlet, there being seventy-two selectors, occupying 10,906 acres 1 rood 24 perches, at an annual rental of £3,543 13s. 4d., including three miscellaneous licenses over 22 acres 3 roods 36 perches, at £3 2s. 6d. per annum. The receipts for the year were £2,985 7s. 10d., the total from inception being £13,573 7s. 3d. Of houses there are 58 ; souls resident, 225 ; and the total value of improvements is £10,340 Is. 9d. The conditions in almost every instance are being complied with, and the settlers appear to be very well satisfied. As showing the value of the land in the estimation of the people of the district, I may mention that the good-will of the lease of Allotment 29, containing 79 acres, was recently sold for £1 3s. 6d. per acre. The crops have been very heavy this year, the average yield, I should say, being about 35 bushels of wheat per acre, and about 60 of oats, a yield which must be considered highly satisfactory. Becent dry weather has slightly affected the turnips, but these are better than usual. Puketapu. —The whole of this settlement, 496 acres and 36 perches, is occupied by eleven selectors, at a rental of £lB9 os. lOd. per annum, the receipts for the year being £174 14s. Id.; total from inception, £684 12s. 7d.; number of houses, 8; souls resident, 19; value of improvements, £846 Bs. 7d. The crops have been good, and the conditions of the leases are being fairly well complied with. Ardgoivan.— On the 31st March only one small allotment on this estate was unlet (since taken up), there being at that date sixty-three selectors, holding 4,143 acres 2 roods 15 perches, at an annual rental of £1,883 10s. lOd. The sum of £1,743 Is. 7d. was received during the year, making the total from inception £6,631 18s. Bd. Fifty-one houses have been erected on the estate, there being 215 souls resident, and the value of improvements is £B,lOB 19s. Id. This is a very thriving settlement, and the settlers on it are doing very well, being generally well satisfied with their prospects, and it promises to be one of the most successful of the settlements under the Act. The crops this year are quite up to the average of past years in the district. A dairy factory is also about to be erected on the estate on a site reserved for that purpose, which will be of material benefit to the settlers. Makareao.—This estate is occupied by thirty-four selectors, the area occupied being 2,291 acres 3 roods, at an annual rental of £377 18s. Bd., including 208 acres and 31 perches held on temporary license at £l4 16s. 6d. per annum. Eeceipts for the year, £328 os. 2d.; total from the beginning, £1,201 Is.; number of houses, 15; souls resident, 50; value of improvements, £1,661 lis. 9d.

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Makareao No. 2. The portion of this estate occupied at the 31st March comprises 2,452 acres 3 roods 27 perches, held under two small-grazing-runs leases at an annual rental of £272 17s. lOd. Receipts for the year, £302 14s. 7d. ; total from inception, £599 9s. lid.; houses, 3 ; souls resident, 7; value of improvements, £l,OOl 10s. The settlement at the present time is making fairly good progress. It suffered in past years through the drought experienced generally throughout North Otago, and some of the settlers have scarcely yet recovered from its effects. The land, too, on some portions of the settlement, especially that portion known as " Sweet Water Block," is of rather poor quality, being somewhat dry, and will not stand cropping. On the southern end of the estate, more particularly on the larger holdings, the settlers appear to be doing all right. The crops are not quite up to the average of last year, although the wheat will probably average about 25 bushels and the oats about 40 to the acre. The limestone on the estate is about to be burned, the necessary works having been constructed and a branch line of railway made thereto. Momona.—This small settlement of 224 acres 15 perches is occupied by fourteen settlers at a rental of £2lO 3s. per annum. Receipts during the year, £143 2s. 3d., making the total from the beginning £541 13s. 9d.; number of houses, 14; souls resident, 51; value of improvements £1,824 12s. 6d. Very good progress has been made. Each selector now has a comfortable homestead, and his holding fully improved by fencing and subdivision into small paddocks. Unfortunately, one settler was burnt out during the year, but he is preparing to rebuild. The tenants are doing very well. There is a dairy factory adjoining, and the settlers have among them some ninety-two cows, the keeping of which they find very profitable. Tokarahi.—The area of this settlement at the 31st March was 10,707 acres 3 roods 24 perches, in seventy-six holdings, the annual rental being £4,057 14s. 6d., including 176 acres 1 rood 22 perches, held under twenty-six temporary licenses at £l5 9s. 6d. per annum. Of the 264 acres 3 roods 21 perches unlet on the 31st March, one allotment containing 260 acres 2 roods 34 perches has been taken up since, at £3O 10s. Id. per annum. Number of houses on holdings, 42 ; souls resident, 135; value of improvements, £7,600 14s. 6d. All the conditions as to improvements, &e., have been very well complied with. The crops this season have been unusually heavy, and in many cases very large yields have been obtained, as high as 96 bushels of oats and 75 bushels of barley to the acre. The average yield, I should say, will be between 35 and 40 bushels of wheat and about 60 bushels of oats per acre. The turnips and other root crops are much above the average. The settlers are beginning to understand better the climate of the district, and are gradually increasing the number of their sheep, with the view of rearing early lambs, which will enable them to obtain ready cash at the end of the year, a matter of great moment to them during harvest. Summary.—The following summary of the details hereinbefore given in respect of the several estates, and of further particulars relative to cultivation, compared with the similar summary of last year, may be of interest:— 1899-1900. 1898-99. Number of settlements ... ... 12 10 Number of selectors (including holders of temporary licenses) ... ... 368 334 Area in occupation (including temporary licenses) ... ... ... ... 45,178 a. lr. 39p. 38,938 a. 2r. 21p Average to each selector ... ... 122 a. 2r. 32p. 116 a. 2r. 13p. Total annual rent, including temporary licenses and Building Account ... £14,976 13s. 4d. £12,064 3s.' 6d Area unlet at 31st March ... ... 5,778 a. 2r. lp. 380 a. Or. 3p. Annual value of unlet area ... ... £1,563 2s. lOd. £9O Is. Bd. Receipts during the year ... ... £9,989 6s. 7d. £9,249 17s. 3d. Total receipts from inception ... ... £38,607 9s. Bd. £28,618 3s. Id Value of improvements at 31st March ... £38,119 lis. 2d. £34,639 os. 2d. Area in cultivation —Oats, 5,092 acres; wheat, 4,069 acres; barley, 633 acres ; root-crops, 3,077 acres ... ... 12,871 acres. 14,644 acres. Number of dwellinghouses ... ... 244 234 Number of souls resident ... ... 877 827 Estate to be dealt with.—Barnego: This settlement was acquired in November last, and has been laid off into allotments, the total area for selection being 7,034 acres 3 roods 5 perches, in twenty-three farms, the annual rentals ranging from Is. to £1 per acre, or an average of about 4s. an acre, including charges for buildings. The date of selection is fixed for the 15th May, and there is every prospect of the whole being taken up, as there are numerous inquiries about it. J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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SOUTHLAND. The following table will show the transactions of the past year and the position generally of revenue and settlement in this district:—

Revenue.—The revenue reached a total of £22,853, the highest for a great many years past. The estimate of gross revenue was £16,740, so that it was increased by over £6,000. Last year the total revenue was £20,894, and this was considered to be large. The increase of nearly £2,000 is therefore all the more remarkable. The items which show the largest increases are cash lands and perpetual-lease purchases. An approximate estimate of revenue from these sources must necessarily be a matter of conjecture. Other sources show slight increases and decreases. Land open for Selection. —Under this heading the land open for selection is practically of the same area as last year. The selections made during the past year were chiefly reselections of forfeited land. The blocks which have been long open for selection are the poorest of the district, and are taken up for lack of better. Reduced values and scarcity of land will, however, gradually cause these older blocks to be selected. Cash Lands. —The transactions for cash form a feature in this year's work, the substantial sum of £2,632 from fifty-two applicants having been received. Several applicants whose leasehold interests had been forfeited or surrendered for non-fulfilment of the conditions, in their desire to obtain freehold, raised the necessary funds from the Government Advances to Settlers Office or some local institution, and on reselection made freeholds of their allotments. It appears to me that the Government under the leasehold systems was the most satisfactory landlord. Applicants, however, preferred to utilise portions of their savings in this way, and borrow a small amount to make freehold. The mere payment of a portion of the amount seemed to give them a greater interest in their selections. Deferred-payment Lands. —It will be seen that the settlers under this system are decreasing somewhat rapidly now. Last year the number shown was 122, against 98 holdings remaining this year, the completed purchases reducing the area held from 23,678 to 18,978 acres. Reference was made in my last annual report to these settlers, the bulk of whom have been in occupation fourteen years. Perpetual Lease. —The number of tenants on the books of the department has decreased from 302 to 286 during the year, owing to settlers making their leaseholds into freeholds. The opportunity for carrying this into effect will, with a number, shortly expire. Many lessees were unaware they would be deprived of the privilege after the lapse of twelve years, and consequently made no preparation for it. During the year I sent circulars to all perpetual lessees pointing out the

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System. Number of Selectors. Area. Gash paid during the Year. Arrears of Rents. Number of Tenants on Books. Area held by such Tenants. Cash — Town and suburban ... Rural Perpetual lease made freehold Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Leases under " Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894 " Deferred payment Perpetual lease Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs... Miscellaneous Improved farms Timber and State forests Other sources... Total Crown Endowments ... Total ... Land for settlements — Lease in perpetuity ... Miscellaneous Grand total 42 10 11 44 99 15 i 6 27 10 A. R. P. 84 3 7 2,441 3 15 2,601 1 16 18,152 3 7 34,956 2 21 334 0 9 4,904" 3 39 40,813 0 0 7,658 2 11 1,147 1 1 £ s. d. 724 4 11 1,907 17 0 1.786 12 11 851 3 0 1,795 6 6 22 8 4 1.787 1 11 1,542 2 11 840 15 2 3,920 5 8 718 6 6 2,896" 9 5 503 11 3 £ s. d. 50 8 3 123 19 2 12 011 59 16 2 133 7 6 12 0 0 153 427 33 123 286 20 91 264 49 A. B. P. 32,987 2 30 70,609 0 14 1,622 2 15 19,461 1 23 24,122 2 27 61,825 1 12 1,283,188 0 0 38,502 0 33 5,238 1 18 265 113,095 1 6 19,296 5 6 1,844- 17 9 391 12 0 1,446 80 1,537,557 1 12 52,641 2 5 265 5 1 113,095 1 6 1,063 3 21 1,292 2 1 21,141 3 3 1,648 1 10 64 6 1 391 12 0 312 12 5 1,526 56 3 1,590,198 3 17 15,174 0 19 1,317 2 10 271 115,451 2 28 22,853 11 2 704 4 5 1,585 1,606,690 2 6

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position they were in, the result being that eleven were made freehold during the year, representing a revenue of £1,786. Occupation with Bight of Purchase.—This system seems to have grown in favour during the year, as after deducting surrenders and forfeitures there is a gain of twenty-six selectors, representing an increase in area from 22,287 acres to 32,987 acres. The revenue has not, however, increased in the same ratio. This is accounted for by the reduced prices at which surrendered or forfeited lands were offered for reselection during the year. The reduced rentals will probably induce prompt payment of rents, and a more contented tenantry. Lease in Perpetuity.■ —The gain of the occupation-with-right-of-purchase has been the loss of this system. The surrenders accepted under the revaluation already referred to gave the selectors who reselected an opportunity of again judging for themselves the relative merits of the several optional systems, the result being that cash and occupation with right of purchase were preferred to lease in perpetuity. Small Grazing-runs. —The number of settlers remain as given last year ; one section having been forfeited and another selected somewhat alters the area held. The arrears are also slightly less than formerly. At present there are indications that several of these leases may be surrendered during the coming year. In some cases this is not caused by excessive rentals, but through want of means and system in carrying on operations. These conditions can hardly be reckoned with by the department, but must be recognised in some way in favour of the settler, whose struggle in a few cases appears to be a hard one. The principal difficulty is the question of valuation for improvements; even a fair value seriously handicaps an area, and prevents selection by an outsider, while the original lessee sometimes occupies rent-free for probably a considerable time. Pastoral Buns. —There were six runs taken up during the year, two expiries, and one forfeiture, leaving ninety-one holders still on the books. The revenue maintains its steady position, the great features in this class of settlement being prompt payment and no arrears. Revenue, £3,920, as against £3,745 for previous year. Small Holdings.—The position of the village and village-homestead settlements under the various systems of tenure may be conveniently reviewed under this heading. Lease in perpetuity is the only system open to applicants except in 1-acre lots, where the applicants have their choice of the three systems. The increase in lease-in-perpetuity selections is thus only what should be expected. Steady progress is being made by these small holders, the Seaward Bush Settlement being conspicuous in this respect. There the limit in Block 111. has been increased from 10 to 20 acres. Improved road-access has contributed to the progress of this settlement. The question of increasing the limits in several settlements has engaged the attention of the Land Board, with the result that- the Government has been recommended to increase the limit in five settlements, while in three cases the land formerly village has been declared rural. The sum of £BOl has been received in revenue, and the rents in arrears show the small total of £2B. " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894."—This system has been fully taken advantage of in the vicinity of Orepuki, miners and others trying to acquire as much as possible to enable them to make a home-farm along with their mining operations. The mining population has also been greatly increased by the presence of the shale-miners and the workmen now carrying out the erection of the New Zealand Collieries, Railway, and Oil Syndicate's works. The gold-miners, having been in advance of the syndicate's employes, have secured the greater part of the best building-sites in the district, hence a difficulty has arisen in making a township for these workmen. The Shale Company's lease is under the control of the Warden; the settlement therefore of this question of residence-sites and their operation for the year will no doubt be fully dealt with by him. Two holdings under this system were forfeited by the Land Board during the year, the reason being that the holders were not residing. It was fortunate these sections reverted to the Crown, for they are in the immediate vicinity of Orepuki Township, where land is valuable, difficult to obtain, and much sought after, principally for building purposes. I propose to have these sections subdivided into allotments, and thus practically extend the present township. I hope this will relieve the demand for building-space that exists at present. Timber.—The revenue for timber has come in much better than anticipated when the estimates were made up. I then held the opinion that the new and old mills were supplied with the bulk of the timber required for the year, but the increased demand and the extra number of mills established altered this greatly. It will be seen that the revenue from this source is in excess of any return for the past eight years. Taking the receipts for this period, I find the royalties average £1,623 per annum, while the present year is £2,895. This is partly accounted for by new mills, increased royalties, and the demand which existed for building-timber during the year. The new mills referred to have sprung into existence through the increased prices arranged by the sawmillers inducing others to venture into the trade, the result being, it is now asserted, an output beyond the demand, and a consequent tendency to lower prices. These new mills having been built by men new to the business and without the connection of older established firms, a decrease in prices will tell heavily on them. As regards the number of mills in the district, and the quantity of timber approximately cut by each, the former shows an increase of six mills started, the number being now forty-eight as against forty-two for the previous year. The output has also increased in the same ratio —that is, from 35,000,000 to 40,000,000 superficial feet of timber cut for the year. I mentioned in my last annual report that the return for that year constituted a record, but this year exceeds the previous by 5,000,000 ft.

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Land under the Land for Settlements Act. Merrivale Estate.—The settlers on this estate continue to progress steadily and satisfactorily, and a gratifying state of prosperity is showing as the result of the year's work. All the sections available for permanent settlement—forty-six in number—are now held on lease in perpetuity. Of an equal number of settlers, thirty-five are residing on their sections and ten are living adjoining. The remaining one has not yet held his section for a year, so that in his case personal residence is not required at present. The area in crop this year is not so large as formerly, the distance from the nearest railway-station, and the expense and loss of time involved in carting thereto, making cropping perhaps less lucrative than stock-raising, and it is to this kind of farming settlers are beginning to turn their attention. There is thus little fear that any of the sections will become overcropped. The conditions of the Act and regulations are being well complied with. Given good seasons there is no reason why this estate should not continue to progress in the same satisfactory way as hitherto. Improvements totalling a value of £7,727 have been effected up to the present. This means an average of nearly £l7O per settler, which, considering that some of the sections are small and that others have but recently been acquired, must be considered highly satisfactory. The sum of £1,495 16s. 9d. has been paid during the year, and this brings the total amount received from inception to £6,051 6s. 4d. Otahu Estate.—One selection has been made during the year, the area being 1,292 acres 2 roods 1 perch, and the annual rental £4B 9s. Bd. The total area now held is 4,899 acres, and the area unlet 1,125 acres. Only 70 acres of the unlet area is, however, in the market at present. When the remaining 1,055 acres are opened to selection, I confidently anticipate that they will be readily taken up. This anticipation is based on the fact that numerous inquiries have been made as to the probable date of application. One holding has been forfeited during the year. The forfeiture was attributable to the fact that the lessee had placed his sons on the holding, and these were quite inexperienced in the methods of farming. The grass all over the estate is very good. The improvements effected since settlement commenced on this estate are valued at £5Ol 10s. Beaumont Estate.—Two selections have been made on this estate during the year, the area being 584 acres 2 roods 1 perch, and the annual rental £B3 7s. 4d. As, however, two holdings were forfeited during the year, the number of settlers remains the same as last year—viz., six. Of this number, four are residing on their holdings and the remaining two are living adjoining. All the settlers are complying with the provisions of the Acts and regulations. Improvements to the value of £839 have been effected up to the present, and this, I think, must be considered fairly satisfactory. D. Barron, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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APPENDIX lI.—SURVEYS.

EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORTS OF CHIEF SURVEYORS ON THE SURVEY OPERATIONS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MARCH, 1900.

AUCKLAND. The energies of the staff have chiefly been devoted to the subdivision of the large areas of Crown lands in the Kawhia County, therefore the return is small under the heading of " Minor Triangulation." The total area covered with small triangles is only 56,000 acres. Of this, Mr. R. D. Galbraith contributed 18,000 acres, being a ray-trace from major side, in connection with his Kawhia section-work, and Mr. William Cussen, authorised surveyor, was paid for 38,000 acres, also ray-trace, to check Native Land Court subdivisions, also in the Kawhia district. The 56,000 acres have cost o'36d. per acre. Rural and Suburban.—The return this year is very large, amounting to a total of 622 sections, covering an area of 184,515 acres, surveyed at a mean cost of l-295. per acre. Of this large output the staff and temporary staff contributed 398 sections, with an area of 164,603 acres, at a mean cost of l-17s. per acre —a most satisfactory result; whilst contract surveyors dealt with 224 sections, having a total area of 19,912 acres, at a mean cost of 2-255. per acre. Out of the area surveyed by the staff and temporary staff nearly 110,000 acres was dealt with within the Kawhia County, or better known as the King-country, nearly all of it being heavy forest country, and in parts very broken and difficult of access, involving the cutting of pack-tracks for many miles to allow of provisions being carried to the camps. The main arterial roads were first explored for and roughly located by Mr. L. Cussen, District Surveyor, and then gone over and approved by myself; then the Roads Branch, under Mr. Ilursthouse, graded and finally formed these selected roads. Following immediately upon the selection of the roads came the section-work, which was pushed on with all possible speed, and the large return reflects great credit on the surveyors employed. To Mr. Cussen was given the general supervision of all this work, visited from time to time by myself. lam thankful to find that nearly all the land so surveyed is of good quality, and ought to become a splendid sheep country when the forest is cleared. Four staff and six temporary staff surveyors have been employed upon this work. The temporary staff also surveyed 15,878 acres, subdivided into sixty-seven sections, being the cutting-up of the Fencourt and Whitehall Estates, acquired under the Land for Settlements Act. The cost of this subdivision was slightly under Is. per acre. Most of this work was done under my personal supervision. Town Section Surveys.—Three staff surveyors have subdivided 520 acres into 295 lots, at a cost of a little over £1 an acre, contributed as follows: Mr. Baber surveyed the Rotoiti Native Township of 150 acres; Mr. ITaszard, several small mining townships, totalling 150 acres, subdivided into 180 lots; and Mr. H. F. Edgecumbe resurveyed the Taipa Village, totalling 220 acres, and subdivided into twenty-five lots. Native Lani Court Surveys.—The area returned under this heading is again large, totalling to 100,292 acres in 125 subdivisions, at a mean cost of nearly sd. per acre. 99,162 acres of this amount was contributed by authorised surveyors, at a cost of 4'77d. per acre. The largest subdivisions were contributed by Messrs. Mountain and Newton, near Parengarenga, whose area was over 60,000 acres. Mr. D. Stubbing contributed 19,917 acres in thirty-three subdivisions, being portions of the Kinohaku East Block. The two next largest areas were surveyed respectively by Mr. J. Sims, 7,162 acres in Orahiri district, and Mr. H. M. Wilson, 5,055 acres in the Hukerenui district. At the present moment the staff have in hand in progress some 450,000 acres, of which 290,000 acres are for the Urewera Commissioners, and 160,000 are the very numerous subdivisions of the Rotomahana-Parekarenga Block to enable Crown and Native orders to issue, the plans of which are now fast approaching completion. Authorised surveyors l*ive about 51,000 acres still in hand. Gold-mining Surveys.—The return of new surveys is greater than last year, the area being for new surveys 4,028 acres, at a mean cost of a little over ss. per acre, whilst the total area dealt with, examined, and recorded amounts to 7,011 acres, shown on 101 separate plans. Roads, &c. —The return of roads graded, surveyed, checked, and recorded amounts to 382f miles, at the mean cost of under £9 per mile. Of this amount, nearly 377 miles is credited to the staff, at a mean cost of £9-79 per mile. In addition to this some forty miles of road taken by local bodies has been checked and recorded, and twenty-one miles similarly treated of roads to be closed. Over three hundred miles of roads requiring to be graded and surveyed is yet on hand. Other Work.—The sum placed under this heading amounts to £1,501 Is. 3d. Of this Mr. A. H. Yickerman, District Surveyor, accounts for £6BB 15s. 4d., expended in exploring, grading, and engineering, surveys, &c., in Kawhia County; £lOB 15s. 4d. is expended by Mr. J. B. Thomson in making Rangers' reports on settlement conditions, measuring kauri-trees, inspection of road, contracts, &c.; £46 is charged by Mr. E. P. Turner for the survey of school-sites and quarry reserves, defining boundaries, road-inspection, &c.; Mr. Andrew Wilson expends £72 10s. in road-exploration and cutting pack-tracks in the King-country ; Messrs. Seaton, Mountfort, and G. A. Jackson expend £93, £lOO, and £36 12s. 2d. respectively for the same purpose, and in the same King-country district; and £5l Is. Id. is credited to Mr. E. de C. Drury for extra road- and boundary-lines requiring defining in connection with the Fencourt Estate. Field-work in Progress, and Proposed Operations. —The staff have in hand some 281,000 acres of rural section survey, of which amount nearly 100,000 is in progress in the Kawiiia County, 5—C. 1.

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all of it covered with dense forest and difficult of access, involving the cutting of many miles of pack-tracks to enable supplies to be got to camp. The surveyors employed in this latter district are Mr. L. Cussen, engaged in inspection and road-exploration, whilst Messrs. Galbraith, H. "P. Edgecumbe, A. Wilson, Seaton, Mountfort, Allom, and G. A. Jackson are engaged on road and rural surveys. In addition to this Mr. Burd, the Road Surveyor, has Messrs. Adams and Sealy grading the roads after adoption, and getting them ready for formation. Large areas of section-work are also under survey north of Auckland by Messrs. Martin, J. B. Thomson, and Warner. A large area in the country between Rotorua and the Waikato River will be subdivided into small grazing-runs by Mr. E. P. Turner. Contract surveyors have 8,199 acres of rural surveys in progress at schedule rates. Office-work. —The office staff have been very fully employed. The large areas surveyed in the Kawhia County which required to be got ready for scheduling necessitated the laying-aside temporarily of other and not less important work, so that the arrears of plans requiring to be recorded are at present very heavy. Some 320 plans of rural section surveys have been received. Two hundred and seven plans and tracings for local bodies and Boards of Education have been dealt with, and likewise forty new Native Land Court plans. Schedules for expenditure of "thirds" and " fourths "of sixty-six local bodies have been checked and passed. Fees have been received for the sale of lithos, &c., amounting to £74. In the Crown grants and Native Land Court draughting branch Messrs. R. Ballantyne and G. Townshend, with two cadets and occasional assistance, have dealt with 1082 instruments. Thirty-two Native Land Court plans have been recorded on block-sheets, and fifteen plans for an area of 8,250 acres have been compiled. In the preparation of titles 451 plans have been dealt with, for a total area of 149,183 acres; and of Native Land Court orders, both Crown and Native, 378 plans have also been dealt with—these latter of a total area of 582,000 acres. ' Forty land-purchase deeds were prepared for the land purchase officers. The book-keeper, Mr. Kallender, and his assistants have dealt with 2,916 vouchers, covering a total expenditure of £71,259. Gebhard Muellek, Chief Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. Topographical Survey.—Nothing under this heading has been done this year. Minor Triangulation. —Mr. Brook has surveyed 47,500 acres, at a cost of o'42d. per acre, being an extension of the triangulation to govern his settlement survey of the Ngapaeruru Block. Rural and Suburban.—The area surveyed is 53,529 acres, in ninety-two sections, at an average cost of 9-7 d. per acre. This is above the average cost last year, and is caused by the sections being very scattered. Of this area, 34,799 acres is a portion of the Ngapaeruru Block, which has been roaded and cut up for settlement, and will be ready for selection in June. The surveys have been made by Messrs. Brook and Stevenson; id is generally broken forest country. "Mr. Wheeler subdivided Taurawharona Block, 2,036 acres, into two sections, and Taratu Block, 70 acres, into six sections, and surveyed a cemetery reserve of 5 acres at Te Araroa and a Native-school site at Te Herenga of 8 acres. Mr. Dalziell has roaded and subdivided 4,144 acres of Nuhaka No. 2 Block, which will soon be ready for selection; it is mixed open and forest country : he has also surveyed 16,000 acres which cannot be returned on account of the maps not beiug completed. Mr. Roddick has roaded and subdivided Whangara 0 Block, of 3,317 acres : it is mixed forest and open country ; it was subdivided into eight sections, all of which have been selected. He also surveyed Sections 1 and 2, Ngatapa, 2,200 acres, and Buns 73 and 74, of 4,974 acres. Town Section Surveys.—Under this class 458'5 acres have been surveyed into 182 allotments, at an average cost of 40'2s. an allotment. Included in this area are the two Native townships of Tuatine, 90 acres, surveyed by Mr. Hovell, and Te Araroa, 368-5 acres, surveyed by Mr. Wheeler. Native Land Court Surveys.—The area surveyed by the staff under this heading is 17,543 acres, at an average cost of 12-4 d. an acre. This is higher than last year, but the sections are small and scattered, and in some cases old work had to be picked up and corrected before the subdivisions could be surveyed. 14,410 acres of this area are Crown awards in the Poverty Bay district, surveyed by Messrs. Wheeler, Hovell, and Roddick; the remainder being small awards in the Hawke's Bay District, surveyed by Messrs. Hay and Brook. Authorised surveyors have made sixty-two surveys, of a total area of 106,856 acres, at the cost of the Native owners; so that the total area surveyed by the staff and authorised surveyors is 124,399 acres. Road Surveys. —43 miles 57 chains has been surveyed and mapped, at an average cost of £l9 10s. Bd. per mile. In addition there has been 18J miles surveyed, but the maps not being completed it cannot be returned this year, and is carried on to next year. Of the forty-three miles surveyed, six miles and a half was surveyed by Mr. Hay, at a cost of £lB 4s. 7d., being an ordinary road survey in broken country; 24-4 miles was surveyed by Mr. Brook, at an average cost of £2l a mile, being an ordinary road survey in broken country; eight miles, at an average cost of £l7 13s. lOd. a mile, was surveyed by Mr. Roddick, it being in broken, mixed, open forest country; the remainder being short lengths of road surveyed by Messrs. Wheeler and Dalziell, at an average cost of £l7 10s. and £l6 a mile. Under this heading, but which does not show in the return, are the necessary engineering surveys in connection with the co-operative roadworks, Messrs. L. Smith, H. M. Smith, James Hay, and T. B. Marshall having been employed on them; and considerable extra work is thrown on the office preparing engineering drawings, specifications, &c. Other Work.—Under this heading, in table of "Field-work," is included the cost of field inspections, reports on blocks, and miscellaneous work, which cannot be classed under any of the usual headings.

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Field-work (Inspections).—Seventeen field inspections have been made by Mr. District Surveyor L. Smith and James Hay. Mr. L. Smith has made eleven inspections in the Poverty Bay district, one of which (the Mangapoeke Block subdivisional survey) contained 45,290 acres, subdivided into eleven subdivisions ; and the remainder were inspections made by Mr. Hay of Land Transfer surveys in the Napier district. Generally the inspections show good work, but in some cases incorrect work has been disclosed, showing the necessity for inspections. Summary of Year's Operations.—During the year eight survey parties have been employed. Mr. Seay was employed surveying Native boundaries for the Urewera Commissioners, and the others surveyed 47,500 acres of minor triangulation, 53,529 acres of rural and suburban, 458 acres of town section surveys, 17,543 acres of Native Land Court surveys, and 43| miles of road surveys. A number of inspections and reports have also been made by the staff officers on Native blocks, and they have been employed on inspections of co-operative works, grading, &c. Authorised surveyors have surveyed 106,856 acres at the cost of the Native owners. Mr. Ryan has been employed surveying by contract the Native township at Waipiro, but delay in this survey was caused by a difficulty in arranging for portions of it under lease to Mr. J. N. Williams and others. There is nothing in the year's operations to call for any special mention. Proposed Operations for 1900-I.—The principal work for the coming year will be the survey and roading for settlement of Crown awards and estates purchased or taken by the Crown, extending the triangulations over portions of the district not yet minor-triangulated, and road surveys. Mr. Hay has now some ninety-eight miles of minor triangulation in hand, on completion of which he will be employed on field inspections. Messrs. Dalziell, Stevenson, and Roddick will be employed on settlement surveys. They have 26,250 acres in hand at the present time. Office-work. — Office-work in all branches shows a steady increase, 240 plans having been received, representing 24,507 acres and sixty-four miles of road. These plans have all been examined and recorded. 1,681 plans have been indorsed upon certificates of title, Court orders, leases, and Validation Court decrees, and 469 tracings made for the Land- and Income-tax Department. The Chief Draughtsman has had a large quantity of work to do in connection with co-operative roadworks, in which work he has been ably assisted by Mr. P. S. Eeaney. Eric C. Gold Smith, Chief Surveyor.

TAEANAKI. Triangulation and Topography.—The major triangulation of the district has been further delayed this year by more pressing work, but, whenever occasion offered, Mr. H. M. Skeet, District Surveyor, who has the work in hand, has been fixing stations along the seaward side of Mount Egmont. A large amount of subsidiary triangulation—66,2oo acres, costing £273 17s. 6d.—has, however, been done by Messrs. Bullard, Morpeth, and Sladden in connection with their sectional surveys. The latter, in addition to the 28,500 acres returned by him, has computed and sent in plans of 111,000 acres of triangulation covering work done by himself and Messrs. Murcott and Laing. The topographical survey of Mount Egmont has been practically completed, and the preparation of plans will be undertaken and finished during the winter months by Mr. Skeet, who also will have mounted a complete set of photographs in connection with this work. Rural and Suburban.—Under this heading will appear as completed 42,301 acres, in ninetyseven sections, at a cost of £3,606 Bs. Id., or l'7s. per acre. Some 10,000 acres of this, however, had been previously surveyed into 200-acre sections for the Whenuakura Special Settlement Association, consequently the work was merely readjustment into sections of larger area with very little road surveying, though a fair amount of ridge traversing had to be done for section boundaries. Town Section Surveys.—This work, executed by Mr. H. M. Skeet, District Surveyor, is the standard survey of Waitara Township, 827 acres, which includes the pegging of 640 quarter-acre sections and sixty sections of from 1 acre to 3 acres never previously marked on ground, also the standard survey of 260 acres of the Opunake Township. Roads, Railways, and Water-races.—Mr. Bullard, District Surveyor, has this year handed in plans of some 37J miles of road at cost of £450, or the very good average in a rough district of £l2 per mile. Other shorter lengths of road bring the total up to fifty-five miles and the average cost to £ll ss. 4d. per mile, one of the best items in the year's work. In addition to work handed in Mr. Frith has some twenty-five miles of road completed in the field and plans almost completed, but the wet weather, rough country, exploring and cutting out different trial grades will considerably increase the cost of this survey. ' Other work includes the general miscellany incidental to survey-work, and incorporated in it are several items of work done for other departments. Field-checks of survey-work have been made by myself and Messrs. Skeet and Skinner, the latter officer inspecting in the field several Land Transfer surveys. The usual bushfelling and grass-sowing areas have been surveyed in connection with the improved-farm settlements, whilst some twenty miles of road-exploration has also been charged. Field-work in Progress and proposed for Next Year. —There are several thousands of acres of land surveyed, but plans not completed to allow of entry in the present year's returns. Mr. H. M. Skeet will have topographical and trigonometrical survey of Mount Egmont to complete next season. In consequence of the growth of plantations and live hedges many of the trig, stations have become practically useless for sighting to or from ; it has therefore been decided to establish a series of standard traverses properly marked by iron tubes along some of the principal roads between Hawera and Opunake, in order to meet the requirements of the constantly increasing Land Transfer work in the southern end of the district. It is also proposed to make a standard

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survey of Hawera Town during the coming winter ; this will also be undertaken by Mr. Skeet. Mr. Bullard has a block of some 26,000 acres of sectional survey in hand, and has some seven miles of roadwork finished in field, and plans well in hand. Mr. Frith has the plans of twenty-five miles of road to complete, the field-work of which is finished, besides some twenty-five miles of road to grade and traverse in the Whakaihuwaka and Kaitangiwhenua Blocks. Mr. Morpeth has to make a theodolite survey of the Uruti Improved-farm Settlement, as the original survey was magnetic. He has a couple of small townships to lay off, and has also to cut lines and back-peg a number of sections in the old Mangaehu and Llewellyn Special Settlements, which have been taken up by selectors or are now ready for disposal. This work had not previously been done, as it was anticipated the settlements would never be taken up by the original applicants, nor in the same areas ; however, the sections have now been grouped, and many disposed of. Messrs. Watson, Murcott, Sladden, Laing, and Oldfield have sectional blocks ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 acres each to complete, and all have their work well in hand. Office-work. —The Land Transfer, Valuation, and other incidental office-work still shows a tendency to increase. All the Crown-grant record-maps have been brought up to date, and a longfelt want is supplied. The sudden death of the late Chief Draughtsman, Mr. F. E. Clarke, was a considerable drawback to the department; but this has now .happily been got over by the appointment of Mr. Pollen. Another officer whose death occurred during the year, after a long illness, was our Computer, Mr. C. B. Douglas, and the department was in consequence without the services of a Computer the greater part of the year, as his successor, Mr. Follett Carrington, did not arrive until the beginning of January last. Both the deceased officers were old and valued servants. John Steauchon, Chief Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. Topographical Survey.—The operations under this head comprised the field, the trigonometrical, and ordinary survey, observations and sketches in the field, and the preparation of plans representing the natural and artificial features of the southern part of the Hutt County. This work Mr. J. D. Climie and his assistants executed with his usual thoroughness and energy. Mr. District Surveyor Lowe's contribution of 100,000 acres covers portion of the Mangamaire and Kaimanawa districts. Messrs. T. M. Grant and P. E. Earle carried out elaborate surveys 011 the shores of the Wairarapa and Onoke Lakes, to determine the limits of the alienated areas and the character and extent of the dry land, swamps, and mud flats remaining to the Crown. As its periphery was defined, the whole lake-area has been included. Trigonometrical Survey.—Mr. District Surveyor Lowe is the only officer who completed any surveys of this class. The 200,000 acres returned embraces the Pihanga, Tokaanu, and other districts. Changes in the staff and pressure of other work have compelled the postponement of calculations and investigations which are necessary to bring out the comparison of the trigonometrical and geodetic elements as compared with the triangulations of the surrounding districts. jßural and Suburban.—The reduced out-turn in this class of survey is due in part to the dearth of Crown lands suitable for settlement, and the tax upon the staff surveyor's time in executing topographical and subdivisional surveys of land-for-settlement estates, and also to the number of long-deferred and scattered miscellaneous detail surveys, which, though tedious and costly, were necessary to redeem promises, and expedite the issue of delayed leases and titles. Though the area is 5,302 acres less than last year, there are thirty-four lots more, with a necessarily slight increase in cost. Town.—The 139 acres defined represent the Mangaweka Extension and repegging of Tokaanu Native Township. Native Land Court.—The returns of the staff show a considerable falling-off. The principal blocks surveyed are the Raketapauma, Eangiwaea, and part of Awarua, which were undertaken to define Crown purchases which were intermixed with ordinary Court orders, the former being generally simultaneously subdivided for settlement under the Land Act. During the operations advantage was taken, as usual, to lay off, survey, and legalise the future main roads on a general and comprehensive scheme suitable to the whole district and future requirements of anticipated settlement. Although the surveys of only 46,001 acres have been included in the returns, the office dealt with eighty-six plans, representing an area of 591,915 acres, including areas surveyed by licensed surveyors and those represented by plans compiled in the office, to serve as records for the Native Land Court titles. Roads and Railway.—The output is made up of roads referred to in the last paragraph and of those in public use which were defined in order that they might be laid down upon the official maps and formally dedicated to the public. Other Work. —Many duties were undertaken and services rendered by the field and office staffs which fall under this designation. Amongst them may be mentioned surveys of reserves, small selections, subdivisions, additional roads and deviations, inspections, returns, valuations, estimates, and reports for various purposes. Inspection of Surveys.—Mr. Inspector Climie was engaged most of the year upon urgent special surveys and duties, and it was only in the latter part of the season that he was enabled to actively resume technical inspections. Sixteen separate surveys, mostly for Land Transfer purposes, were checked, and, with three exceptions, the quality of the work is reported as a great improvement on that of a few years ago, the result of greater care in angular observations, and the use of long steel measuring-bands. The Inspector found that several of the surveys were inadequately connected to the triangulations. As the staff surveyors have not been available for systematic standard surveys

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in settled districts, the Inspector is giving his attention to establishing reference stations in the vicinity of his verification surveys, which will prove convenient and economical points of origin and position for surveyors engaged upon Land Transfer and other surveys. The extension of standard surveys has already been resumed by Mr. C. A. Mountfort. I made numerous inspections of Crown lands, settlements, and roads, attended various land-sales, met the settlers, and conferred with surveyors and others at various points. Miscellaneous.—The preservation of trigonometrical stations, and also of survey marks generally, is of the first importance, not only to the surveyor of the day, but also to the propertyowners and the Grown ; and consequently, since the initiation of the Otago system of survey by by the late Mr. J. T. Thomson, staff officers have been under special instructions to repair, renew, and do all that is in their power to insure the security of these essential landmarks. Special circulars and instructions have issued from time to time ; the winter season's office recess has been utilised in some instances for a systematic visitation of the stations of the local triangulations. Since resuming charge of the Wellington District special attention has been directed to this duty, especially by the resident surveyors at Manawatu and Wellington, and 181 points have already been inspected, re-marked, or repaired. As opportunity offers, the work will be prosecuted to a conclusion. Licensed surveyors have been good enough to report stations requiring attention in the settled districts where the staff surveyors are rarely found. The trig.-station register referred to in my last annual report is still in hand, and in it are recorded the results of surveyors' reports on stations. Some trig, stations on the sand-dunes along the coast from Pateato Paikakariki have been totally lost. Many marked with 2 ft. long wooden boxes in the provincial days soon disappeared. Since then the iron tubes in lengths have been screwed together and driven in drifting sand or treacherous ground. In the settled districts, especially in the agricultural localities of the colony, trig, tubes have been ploughed out or removed; whilst in closely settled localities many points have been built over or planted off. The original survey and sectional pegs have been uprooted, burnt out, or otherwise destroyed. The effect of all this has frequently been demonstrated and discussed, and special attention has been directed to the difficulties and increased cost connected with redefinition of boundaries, the marks of which are so destroyed. These disadvantages are to some extent counteracted by the fixing of reference-points marked by iron tubes at about half-mile intervals in convenient safe positions along road and other traverses. Proposals for 1900-I.—The proposals for the year comprise principally settlement surveys at Horowhenua, Eetaruke, Kaitieke, Eaketapauma, Motukawa, and near Tauakira. The Native Land Court surveys chiefly comprise orders of the Court in connection with Government land purchases, and Native orders affected thereby. The road surveys consist mainly of the survey and legalisation of roads in use and those neqessary to open up Crown lands, or to complete the road system of districts where surveys are being effected. Regarding standard surveys, it is proposed to resurvey the Towns of Pahiatua, Hutt, Petone, and the Suburbs of Wellington and Masterton. Office-work. During the year under review the routine work of the office staff and special calls have prevented much progress in overtaking arrears. There were 165 working-plans examined, reduced, recorded, and approved, and these cover an area of 273,032 acres, subdivided into 421 allotments. The examination of surveys under the Public Works Act and for legalisation of roads was also attended to. Compilations.—Nine Crown-grant and eight road record-maps were constructed; twenty-two plans for photo-lithography were prepared; and an elaborate topographical map of the Hutt County occupied the attention of one of our best draughtsmen for a considerable portion of the year. Native Land. —Sixty-five plans, representing an area of 89,612 acres, were received into the office from staff and private surveyors, and ten plans were compiled in the office to enable the Court to deal with titles relating to 437,092 acres. A close investigation was made of the whole of the liens for costs of survey, and a complete register has been prepared, which has already been found of great convenience. The total of the Crown liens in 111 blocks, containing 375 subdivisions, amounts to £11,676 10s. 7d., of which the sum of £1,033 was recovered during the year. The titles prepared comprise 671 ordinary, 18 Crown purchases, and 55 memorials of ownership and authorities for survey. The whole of the Native reserves books in the Wellington Land District have been searched, and a complete return was prepared. Reserves. —In previous reports I have alluded to the work which was in hand to decide upon and gazette the whole of the ordinary reserves in this land district. lam now able to report that the registers are complete, the reserves having all been gazetted, their purposes thereby determined, and the great bulk of those reserves which should fall under the control of the local bodies have been duly vested. The work of vesting these latter reserves will soon be brought to a conclusion. It is important to note that the State forest reserves have been increased during the year by the formal gazetting of 434,409 acres, chiefly situated in the ranges and uplands, embracing the upper portions of the watersheds of the principal rivers and streams in the Wellington Land District, thereby accomplishing one of the main objects advocated in special reports on the subject of forest conservation generally. Titles. —The preparation and issue of titles have been attended to with promptitude throughout the year, the arrears on the 31st March last being only thirty-seven. '■Thirds."—There has been an unusual accumulation of "thirds" in the hands of the Receiver of Land Revenue. This has chiefly occurred in remote districts, where the Government from the first have been carrying on roadworks, and the local bodies do not make proposals for the expenditure of the amounts available. The Land Board gave considerable attention to this

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subject during the year, and issued circulars to all the local bodies and settlers interested, indicating the manner in which the " thirds " could best be dealt with. Land Transfer Office. —There has been a steady increase of work in this branch; no less than 379 working-plans have been received, which is an increase of 162 over the average of the previous five years. The staff has been barely able to cope with the great pressure of work, and it is with great regret I have to state that it has been impossible to bring up these surveys upon compiled plans, or to reduce the arrears of mapping on the 10 and 20 chains to an inch scales, which is necessary to a proper control and utilisation of all new surveys. J. W. A. Mabchant, Chief Surveyor.

NELSON. % Minor Triangulation and Topography.—The extent of country covered by the work completed and returned this year is considerable, totalling 676,965 acres, or about 1,058 square miles. It is all rough forest country, and generally high and mountainous, a number of stations being from 3,000 ft. to 5,000 ft. above sea-level. Mr. District Surveyor Sadd returns 328,965 acres, which covers a strip of country inland of the settled district from Kahurangi Point, north of the Heaphy Eiver, on the West Coast, eastward to the dividing-range between the Motueka and Takaka Eivers. Mr. Assistant Surveyor Thomson's triangulation returned this year amounts to 191,000 acres. The country covered by the latter lies to the westward of the Motueka and Wangapeka watersheds, and includes the Mount Arthur and other mountain-ranges in the vicinity. Mr. District Surveyor Snodgrass has also triangulated 42,000 acres of the country between Mokihinui and Karamea Eivers, a distance of twenty miles, and in so doing has connected the initial station at Karamea with that of the Buller circuit, thus enabling the geodetical position of Karamea to be established, of which there had previously been only a rough approximation. Mr. W. P. Eobinson, authorised surveyor, completed under contract 115,000 acres at the back of Eeefton, over the Victoria Eange to the Maruia Valley, by which not only has a more intimate knowledge of the topography of that section of gold-bearing country been obtained, but fixed positions have been established throughout it on which to connect surveys of scattered mining claims. The average cost per acre for the whole is slightly over fd. Settlement Surveys.—Sixty-four sections, comprising 17,884 acres, have been surveyed, and in the great majority of cases they are of scattered selections before survey, involving considerable travelling, which necessarily increased the expense. With the exception of two sections of 1,340 acres, the whole of the work has been done by staff officers, at an average cost of Is. 3d. per acre. Gold-mining Surveys.— Dredging has been the cause of a considerable amount of this class of work, no less than eighty-nine claims having been surveyed, sixty-five of the number being by private surveyors, nominated by the applicants, who also paid the cost. Boad Surveys.—There has been surveyed 72f miles of road by staff officers, at a cost of £ll lis. sd. per mile. Other Work.—The sum of £1,259 ss. 9d., appearing in the return as the cost of " Other Work," represents miscellaneous duties of a varied character, such as explorations, inspection of private surveyors' work, laying off and inspection of roadwork, and office duties at the District Land and Survey Offices at Eeefton and Westport; besides, owing to there being no permanent Crown Lands Eanger in the district, the surveyors have inspected a large number of settlers' holdings, and submitted reports on various matters, at the request of the Land Board. Office-work. —A recomputation has been made, by the polygonal method, of the whole of the triangulation in the Nelson circuit, and maps of it prepared for publication. Drawings have also been made for photo-lithographing of eight survey districts, some of which will be published shortly ; the others are awaiting the completion of certain surveys within their limits, and it is deemed desirable to withhold their publication for a time on that account. 146 surveyors' maps have been received during the year, and 163, including thirty-nine deposited maps under the Land Transfer Act, have during the same period been examined, passed, and entered on blocksheets. Work for the Ensuing Year.—As a consequence of the probable early release of the land that has for so many years been locked up by the Midland Eailway difficulty, there is likely to be a great increase of work during the coming year, in both field and office, which will necessitate an augmentation of the staff. Many hundreds of applications have been made during the past few years for some of these lands, and it is more than likely that they will all be renewed as soon as the land becomes available. In anticipation of the release of these lands, it is intended to at once get parties on to open up the lands and renew the surveys made of some 11,000 or 12,000 acres of sectional work in the Tadmor district, which was executed about sixteen years ago, just prior to these lands being included in the Midland Eailway area. Besides this, a considerable number of sections in various localities will need treating in a similar manner, in addition to the survey of numerous selections of unsurveyed land that are certain to be made. In view of so much sectional work being required, the intended vigorous prosecution of the triangulation of the untriangulated parts of the district will have to stand over, and" we will have to be content this year to allow Messrs. Sadd and Thomson to complete the junction of their two series, and to finish the few outside triangles that were but partially observed when the breaking-up of the weather forced them to discontinue for the past season. A trig, and topographical survey is asked for by the Mines Department of the stretch of practically unknown country lying along the West Coast from the Buller Eiver southwards to about opposite Eeefton, which will be done this year if arrangements can possibly be made. There are 3,440 acres of mining claims at the present time in the

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hands of staff and private surveyors, and there is every prospect of a heavy demand being made upon us for this class of work for some time to come. Added to this, 3,734 acres of sectional work is in the hands of the surveyors, and surveys are required of fifty-five miles of road, some of which are long lengths of main trunk lines which have never been surveyed. Thos. Humphbies, Chief Surveyor.

MARLBOROUGH. Topographical Survey.—Although no items appear under this heading, it should be mentioned that an accurate topographical survey has been obtained of the Stronvar Run, comprising about 80,000 acres of country which was surveyed by Messrs. Carkeek and Gillies, and appears under the heading of " Rural and Suburban." Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey.—Although there is no entry under this heading in the schedule, still a large area has been surveyed in the field, as Mr. Buckeridge's survey embraces an area of 400,000 acres. The country was very high and rugged, and the stations he observed at included Mount St. Bernard, 7,418 ft., Kaitarau Peak, 8,700 ft., and Tapuaenuku, 9,467 ft. high, the latter being the highest trig, station in New Zealand. Settlement Survey.—One hundred and thirty-four rural sections, of a total area of 150,083 acres, have been surveyed, at an average cost of Bd. per acre. About 80,000 acres of this was surveyed in connection with the exchanges arranged by the Land Purchase Board. Town Sections. —One hundred and fifty-five town allotments, comprising 76 acres, were surveyed, at a cost of 10s. 6d. per allotment. These sections were chiefly in Town of Seddon, and Marlborough High School Reserve, Town of Blenheim. Gold-mining.—Ten sections containing 301 acres were surveyed by three contract surveyors at schedule rates. The average cost works out at 7'2s. per acre. Road Surveys.—This comprises about 120 miles, chiefly on Starborough Estate and round about Kaikoura ; average cost, £l3 2s. per mile. Other Work.—The chief expenditure under this head was incurred in boring for the bridge-site, Waiau-ua River, and for work connected with accounts, inspections, &c., in the charge of the Kaikoura district office. Proposed Operations for 1900-I.—As far as I can judge at present, there will not be full employment for the whole of the present field staff during the coming survey season, unless more land is acquired under the Land for Settlements Act. The District Surveyor, with the three temporary surveyors under his direction, anticipates surveying an area of 97,600 acres of settlement surveys, but this estimate includes 58,000 acres "Waipapa leasehold and 3,400 acres of Waipapa freehold, which it is not very certain will be acquired this season. If work should get slack in the Kaikoura district, I think the opportunity should be taken to carry out a standard traverse of the rich, level, and valuable lands to the north and west of the Township of Kaikoura. Combined with this, the District Surveyor makes a good suggestion—viz., that mile-posts should be erected on several of the main lines of communication leading out of Kaikoura. Mr. D. W. Gillies has sufficient work in hand in spotting settlement surveys, &c., to keep him employed for several months yet. Mr. E. W. Buckeridge has a winter's work before him in plotting the trig, and topo. plans of the work he has been doing during the past season. Mr. M. Carkeek will have his hands full for a good while to come with the 250 square miles of triangulation he has on hand. Mr. C. W. McFarland will be fully employed for the whole season in settlement surveys, adjustment of run boundaries, &c. He will also have the subdivision of Bell Brothers Block on the North Bank, seeing that he has made the previous survey of this block. Mr. A. Simpson has several settlement surveys and reserves on his list, which will keep him employed till other work turns up. Mr. H. Maitland is now engaged in cutting up some sections in the Tinline Valley, which will occupy him for some time longer. The standard survey of Blenheim and suburban sections should be put in hand as soon as a suitable surveyor can be spared for the work. Field Inspections. —During the year I made six visits to Kenepuru Sound, four to Beatrix Bay, three to Mahakipawa, three to Manaroa, two to Mahau Sound, and one each to Section 71, Omaka, Crail Bay, Tory Channel, Pelorus Sound, Titirangi, Lockmara, Starborough, Blind River, Maddox and Hodder Cutting, Waihopai and Stronvar, and Hillersden. I also attended a meeting of the Land Purchase Board in Wellington on the Ist December. Office-work. —Mr. Armstrong, Chief Draughtsman, reports as follows: Good progress has been made in an endeavour to cope with the large accumulation of arrears in the issue of leases, besides ordinary miscellaneous work. 470 copies of leases have been prepared, 676 plans placed on titles, and 250 tracings made. Eighty-eight plans have been received and examined. During the past six months a new county map of Marlborough, comprising four large plans, was compiled, but not yet checked. It is intended to issue lithographs of the Sounds and Kaikoura Counties. All the mining surveys have during the year been plotted on block-sheets up to date. A. considerable amount of work was done in connection with exchanges effected by the Land Purchase Board. For photo-lithography twenty-one sale-maps have been prepared, also lithos of the Arapawa Survey District and the Towns of Picton and Seddon. Owing to no draughtsman having been set apart for lithographic work during past years this district has been very much behind in the preparation of district maps for lithography, but now that we have a draughtsman who is employed specially at lithographic work we hope to make good progress in this direction. Lithographic maps of the Kaikoura County and also of the Sounds County are in hand, and an endeavour will be made to have them completed for publication next year. The present staff are kept fully employed in keeping the current work of the department up to date, and this year has been a very busy one, 159 new settlers having been added to our books. C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor,

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WESTLAND. Topographical, &c. —Mr. Wilson was employed for a few days in taking bearings from trigs, on McDonald Range necessary to define certain mountain-features south of Mount Cook. Mr. Smyth also finished some important topographical work in the Otira district very much needed for the completion of the maps about to be published. Mr. Douglas made a rough topographical survey of the agricultural block in the Waitaha Valley which we are about to cut up. He likewise thoroughly explored and mapped a large area of unknown coastal country between the Mikonui and Poerua Rivers, showing varieties and localities of the milling-timbers, the nature of the soils, geological features, and the probable best road-routes, &c. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey.—Mr. Wilson completed 2,000 acres on the slopes of Mount Greenland in connection with the determination of the boundaries of the Borough of Ross. Rural and Suburban.—Mr. Wilson finished the ranging of the Ross Borough boundaries. The completion of this and adjoining surveys is a matter of great satisfaction, and fully locates all existing rights, thus enabling the mining surveyors to define bordering claims without any hesitation. Mr. Wilson has also just completed the cutting-up of a block of agricultural land at Karangarua. Mr. Smyth made surveys of several isolated sections in various parts of the district. Gold-mining Surveys. —During the year 3,136 acres (forty-three special claims) have been surveyed by Surveyor Smyth and Licensed Surveyor Macfarlane, being paid the survey-fees deposited by applicants to Receiver of Gold Revenue. Mr. Smyth also completed plans, with longitudinal and cross sections, of the Hokitika and Kokatahi Rivers, involving over sixty miles of levelling. This work was undertaken on behalf of the Mines Department in connection with claims for compensation for the proclamation of these rivers. Road Surveys.—Mr. Wilson completed detailed survey of a proposed deviation of the coast road between the Oinatamatea and Karangarua Rivers. Mr. Smyth finished the surveys of deviations of the coast road at the Galway Bluff, and of the Main South Road in Waitaha Valley, and the section between the Waiho and Cook Rivers. Survey operations all over the district were frequently interrupted, and the cost greatly enhanced, by the season proving exceptionally wet, with heavily flooded rivers. Proposed Operations, 1900-1. —Mr. Wilson will be fully employed in surveys of blocks for settlement in Cook Valley, Lower Waiho, and adjoining districts. Mr. Smyth will cut up block in Waitaha Valley, and lay off sections in the Kokatahi and Taramakau districts. These officers will also make the necessary surveys for road purposes at Mikonui and other places. In view of the early uplifting of the Midland Railway reservation, the services of two additional surveyors will be required to overtake the survey of allotments in the Totara, Wanganui, and Mataroa districts. Mr. Douglas, after the early completion of his topo. survey of the Upper Wanganui basin, will proceed with the much needed delineation of the features of the coastal lands between the Poerua and Okarito Rivers. W. G. Mubbay, Chief Surveyor.

CANTEBBURY. Rural and Suburban. —Including the area carried forward from last year—viz., 5,750 acres—an area of 38,712 acres has been returned as completed. This was surveyed into 105 sections, at a mean cost of o'7s. per acre. Of this area, 16,715 acres comprise the Punaroa, Pareora (No. 2), and Papaka Settlements, acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts, and surveyed respectively by Messrs. Brodrick, McClure, and Mathias; and 101 acres acquired under the same Acts as a homestead site to Small Grazing-run No. 65, which was surveyed by Mr. Brodrick. The balance of the total area is made up of four scattered surveys by Mr. Brodrick, comprising 691 acres; three widely separated surveys by Mr. McClure, in eleven sections, comprising 6,224 acres ; four scattered surveys by Mr. Mathias, comprising 1,441 acres ; and the survey of 13,540 acres by Mr. Murray - Aynsley on contract, this being the Midland Railway Company's Block No. 69, situate on the north side of the Rakaia River, about seven miles from the Gorge Bridge. Town Section Survey.—The only survey executed under this heading was the subdivision of 37-J- acres into forty allotments, ranging in area from half an acre to 2 acres, at a cost of 18'7s. per allotment. The land is situate close to the Ferry Road, about two miles from the centre of Christchurch, and was acquired under the Land for Settlements Acts for workmen's homes, and is known as the Tamai Hamlet. Roads, Railways, and Water-races.—Mr. Brodrick made an engineering survey of six miles of roads on the Waikakahi Settlement, at a cost of £lo2—£l7 per mile; and Mr. McClure made an engineering survey of Mackworth Street, running through the Tamai Hamlet, length 0-43 of a mile, at a cost of £l3 19s. Other Work.—The sum of £470 3s. under this heading is distributed as follows : Mr. Brodrick, £236 16s. Id.; Mr. McClure, £69 10s. 2d.; Mr. Mathias, £l5l 4s. 9d.; and Mr. Murray Aynsley, £l2 12s. Mr. Brodrick prepared contracts for and supervised the construction of 5 miles 71 chains of roadwork at Waikakahi, and arranged and supervised contracts for shelter-cottages and other works on the Pukaki-Mount Cook Road, and examined works in several different parts of the district and prepared reports thereon. Mr. McClure replaced and checked the standard stones between Christchurch and Lyttelton, he inspected a survey of Block XV., Pigeon Bay District, made by Mr. E. Combes, and he surveyed a road-deviation through Section 5, Block XI., Cheviot District, besides making reportson Ashley River protective-works and other matters. Mr. Mathias made a traverse of the stream and valued the sections in the Rautawiri Settlement; took soundings and made an estimate for a jetty at Okain's Bay ; inspected a survey made by Mr. W. D. Wilkins of Block IV., Akaroa; renewed trigonometrical station on Green Hill, near Akaroa ; and prepared

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THE SOUTHERN ALPS & WESTLAND RANGES VIEW FROM TRIG: STATION "H.U." 391 FEET - NEAR GILLESPIE'S BEACH. LOOKING S.E. From a Drawing by G.J. Roberts Hokitika.

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eo-operative contracts and inspected works on Highbank and Hekeao Settlements. Mr. MurrayAynsley replaced trig-station C in the Fighting Hill district. Land Transfer Work.—The year just closed has, like its predecessors, been a busy one. There has been a slight decrease in some items, which is counterbalanced by an increase in others. The number of ordinary certificates of title issued during this year has been greater than during any year since 1885-86. 245 plans were examined and passed ; 980 deeds and other instruments passed ; 1,173 plans were drawn in duplicate, and thirty-five in triplicate, on certificates of title ; and five miscellaneous plans were drawn. In connection with Mr. E. H. Cane's transfer to the Napier office in August last Mr. Monro states, " He joined this office as a cadet in 1880, and his thorough knowledge of computation, and of all details in connection with Land Transfer work, has, I feel assured, proved of service in his present appointment. Mr. W. C. Leversedge has taken up Mr. Cane's duties, and performs them in a thoroughly satisfactory manner." Field Inspections.— Two inspections of Land Transfer surveys were made—one by Mr. McClure and the other by Mr. Mathias. I was absent from the office thirty days during the year—viz., ten at Wellington, attending meetings of the Board of Examination of Surveyors; eight in the southern part of the district with the Land Purchase Board, inspecting properties ; three at Waimate, in connection with the Takitu ballot; four on inspection of the West Coast Eoad ; and five on miscellaneous inspections. Proposed Operations for 1900-1. —'The total arrears of surveys on hand amounts to 51,031 acres. Out of this area, 13,900 acres has been completed in the field, but not mapped—viz., the Takitu Settlement, in the Elephant Hill district, 9,705 acres, surveyed by Mr. Mathias; subdivision of Pastoral Eun No. 4, in the Orari district, 4,000 acres, and Reserves Nos. 1856 and 1858, being the Otipua Lagoon, in the Patiti district, 195 acres, surveyed by Mr. Brodrick. There are also four miles and a half of standard survey in the Timaru suburbs, surveyed by Mr. Brodrick ; and six miles and a half of standard survey in the Christchurch suburbs, executed by Mr. McClure. The balance of arrears, comprising 37,131 acres, requiring survey consist of three rural sections in the Ashburton and Waimate Counties, 263 acres; thirty plantation and other reserves in the several counties, 1,461 acres; and agricultural-pastoral runs, known as Eockwood, Steventon, Burnt Hill, &c., in the Selwyn and Ashley Counties, 35,407 acres. Should there not be any surveys required of a more pressing nature, there will be, in addition to the above, the continuation of the standard surveys in the Suburbs of Christchurch and Timaru; the inspection of Land Transfer and other surveys; and the usual miscellaneous work of supervision of road, river-protective, and other contracts. Office-work— Mr. Shanks, Chief Draughtsman, reports as follows : " The past year proved a busy one as regards work in connection with lands acquired for settlement, for during the early portion we had on hand twenty surveyors' plans, delineating the subdivision of the Waikakahi Settlement, to check and compare with the surrounding surveys, &c. After completing the examination and reporting the results, the slight discrepancies were amended and omissions supplied, then the deeds for the lease-in-perpetuity sections were prepared, and nearly the whole of them are now issued, leaving on hand the Township of Morven and small grazing-run leases to prepare. We also checked the Tamai Hamlet plan, and have issued the lease-deeds for the greater number of the sections disposed of. During the latter portion of the year a large amount of work devolved upon the office owing to the acquisition by the Crown of five estates which required subdivision for settlement, viz., Takitu, PareoraNo. 2, Punaroa, Papaka, and Eautawiri. Such necessitated the preparation of numerous working-tracings for the surveyors, valuation and other schedules, besides photo-lithographic plans of the several settlements for publication. There were eleven large, sixteen small, and five road-survey plans received from the surveyors, all of which have been examined and passed, with the exception of the recently received plans of the settlements named, such having been only partially checked with a view to determine the areas accurately for the purpose of determining the true area to be paid for and leased. The unmapped work at present on the surveyors' hands are 13,900 acres and eleven miles of standard traverse survey in the Christchurch and Timaru suburbs. The former includes the survey of the Takitu Settlement, two reserves, and the subdivision survey of Eun No. 4, the plans of which will probably be finished early in May, leaving the plans of the standard work to complete during the winter months. As regards the unfinished plans of the Takitu Settlement, the areas were checked and finally determined from the pencil plots and data supplied by the surveyor. The following schedule shows the number and description of lease-deeds prepared and plans drafted thereon : 199 leases in perpetuity, prepared in quadruplicate, 796 ; four occupation with right of purchase, in triplicate, 12 ; nine miscellaneous, in triplicate, 27 ; four leases indorsed, in triplicate, 12 ; fifty-eight temporary licenses, in duplicate, 116; eleven small grazing-run leases, in duplicate, 22 ; nine pastoral-run licenses, in duplicate, 18; fifteen grazing-farm (Cheviot) leases, in duplicate, 30; one Crown grant indorsed, in duplicate, 2; eighteen copies of leases and licenses, single copies, 18: total number of deeds written, with plans thereon, 1,053. The present arrears are about 155 leases, comprising 107 leases in perpetuity, twenty small grazing-runs, and twenty-eight miscellaneous occupation licenses; included in the lease-in-perpetuity arrears are thirty-two of the Pareora No. 2 Settlement sections allotted by ballot on 30th March last. Plans were drafted on the originals of ninety-seven certificates of title in lieu of Crown grants, conveying 144 sections, containing 759 acres and 35 perches, at a cost of 3s. 6d. each, the duplicate and triplicate copies of the titles being prepared in the Land Transfer branch of this department. The indorsed Crown grant entered in the schedule of deeds prepared was for Education Eeserve No. 939, and required an amended plan and description, on account of a portion of the reserved land having been omitted in the original draft. No new record-maps were constructed, but additional work was placed on several, and 141 certificates of title were recorded, thirty-two of which were for closed roads. Tracings of sixty deposit-plans, and 291 other tracings, being 6—C. 1.

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copies of 383 certificates of title illustrating Land Transfer dealings that have taken place during the year, were prepared for the Valuation Department. Copies of the Linwood and Woolston Borough maps were also made, and a mounted lithograph of the Waikakahi Settlement supplied, defining the boundaries of the Lower Waihao Water-supply District, and the Wainono Drainage District, giving the estimated areas of the divided sections partly within and partly without the said districts. Miscellaneous draughting work consisted of completing the plans for the Defence Department delineating the roads and other topographical features within fifteen miles of Christchurch. Plans were drawn of the Tamai Hamlet, Glynn Wye Bun, Hurunui Stock and Waiau Dip Reserves for photo-lithography, besides plans of the five acquired settlements previously mentioned, and a few small tracings were made and other particulars obtained for the Land Purchase Commissioners relating to estates offered to the Crown for settlement. All the surveyors' plans, except the very recent ones, and the acquired lands have been reduced and placed on the office compiled plans, besides additions and amendments from 214 of the back plots. During the year the photo-lithographic plans of the Okain's, Fighting Hill, Hutt, Ellesmere, and Mount Thomas districts were received from the Head Office, and the following districts have been posted up to date with a view to publication : Bangitata, Geraldine, and Arowhenua. As we still have all the districts in the Geraldine, Levels, Mackenzie, and Waimate Counties except the two above mentioned to bring up to date and prepare for publication, I would suggest that another draughtsman be appointed to this office, and kept at work preparing the district plans for publication, and thus forward them to Wellington ready to be photo-lithographed. Plans and other data were received from the Nelson office relating to the lands in the Amuri County gazetted as forming part of this land district, and all plans and other documents relating to the portion severed from this district and made part of the Otago Land District were forwarded to the Dunedin office. These transfers entailed a considerable amount of work in recording and arranging in the safe the plans that were received from Nelson, which work is not finally completed, as we still have to compile an index of all the sections and reserves in the several districts. Twelve memoranda of transfer were prepared conveying to the purchasers the Opawa town sections sold by the Crown on behalf of the School Commissioners. A parliamentary return relating to the lands held by the Natives and half-castes was prepared, which caused a great deal of searching and correspondence to obtain the information asked for; and a large amount of clerical work was incurred in receiving and dealing with applications for sections in the several settlements, preparing schedules of applicants, &c., for use by members of the Land Board while the applicants were under examination; and other duties connected with the ballot, and recording of the applications, &c., took up a considerable amount of time. An exchange of draughtsmen took place between this office and the Nelson office, Mr. Styche, who was in bad health, exchanging with Mr. Dixon for six months. Mr. Styche, who has now rejoined this office, considers himself greatly benefited by the change." Sidney Weetman, Chief Surveyor.

OTAGO. Topographical Surveys. —As the Defence Department required a map showing all topographical features in detail for a radius of fifteen miles around Dunedin, it was found that the old maps did not give the necessary information in sufficient detail, therefore Mr. Neill was employed for a time on this work, and up to the present he has completed plans of 57,000 acres at a cost of Is. 2d. per acre. There are still 144,000 acres to do before a reliable defence map can be issued for military purposes. Rural and Suburban.—The total area surveyed during the year under this heading is 22,219 acres into 135 sections, at an average cost of 1.655. per acre. Of this area, 11,878 comprised the Elderslie Estate, which was surveyed by District Surveyor Langmuir and Assistant Surveyor McCurdie. This survey was intricate and laborious throughout, involving as it did an excessive amount of calculation and mapping, the intersecting railway taking up much time in adjustment of its boundaries, owing to the fact of the reserve, as originally pegged out, not having been fenced in accordance with survey. To Mr. Langmuir much credit is due for the great amount of trouble and extreme care he bestowed in adjusting this intricate piece of work. The Barnego Estate, containing 7,064 acres, was surveyed by Messrs. Wilmot and Calder, District Surveyors, and Mr. Neill, Assistant Surveyor. Credit is due to these officers for pushing the work through so expeditiously, as from the date I received instructions to the date the survey had to be completed was very limited indeed. Gold-mining Surveys.—lt will be seen from the amount of work entailed and the area put through that this has been a record year in Otago for surveys under this heading. Two hundred and sixty-four plans in duplicate have been received from the staff and private surveyors. These plans, along with leases in duplicate when for license holdings, and in triplicate for special claims, have been examined, checked, recorded on the record-maps, and entered up in the mining and index record-book, after which these licenses, along with plans and vouchers covering cost of survey, are forwarded to the Wardens at their respective offices. The total area dealt with under this heading during the year is 18,492 acres, representing 379 sections, at a cost of 4-02s. per acre. Of this area 14,881 acres into 281 sections, at a cost of 3:965. per acre, was surveyed by private surveyors; the balance, 3,611 acres into ninety-eight sections, at a cost of 4'2Bs. per acre, and returning a revenue to the department of £772 4s. Bd., which nearly covers the annual cost of either District Surveyor Wilmot or Calder. The total amount for which vouchers have been issued from this office, in connection with this work, is £3,714 9s. lOd. Road Surveys.—Under this heading only 13 miles 16 chains have been completed, at a cost of £5 18s. 3d, per mile. This work consisted principally in taking levels and preparing the engi-

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neering plans for roadworks in Elderslie Estate, and in the various settlements in Taukuku Forest. Land Transfer Work.—Forty-five plans under this heading have been received from licensed surveyors during the year, all of which have been examined and approved and recorded on recordmaps. The following named instruments of title, &c., have been examined and checked: Fortyfive applications to bring land under the Land Transfer Act, 1,342 transfers, 881 mortgages, 335 leases, 67 caveats, 240 transmissions, 458 plans on certificates (in duplicate), and 126 certificates in lieu of Crown grants, prepared in triplicate. Other Work.—Under this heading District Surveyor Langmuir's expenditure is £47 Bs. 7d., which involves repairs to trig, stations, drawing sale-plan of Elderslie Estate for photo-litho. purposes, investigating boundaries of old survey in Block VII., Moeraki District, and the survey of two bridge-sites over the Pomahaka and Maruwenua Eivers respectively. The expenditure on District Surveyor Wilmot's other works amounts to £l2B 10s. Of this sum £6O is placed against works in hand, but not completed; £l5 to the Southland office ; the balance, £53 10s., represents work done for the Warden's office, reproducing old surveys, and expenditures connected with the local office, Queenstown. District Surveyor Calder's expenditure under this heading amounts to £136 4s. 6d., of which £52 17s. is chargeable to the Mines Department for reservoir survey; £32 10s. for house-allowance in lieu of quarters ; the balance, £5O 17s. 6d., includes work done in repairs to the local office, and reports, &c., for the Land Board and Warden's Court. Assistant Surveyor McGurdie's expenditure amounts to £BB 18s., which includes resurvey of Sections 1 to 11, Block B, Otago Native Eeserve; proposed deviation on Portobello-Hooper's Inlet Eoad; laying off cemetery allotments at Heathfield, Tautuku district; moving from Tautuku to Dunedin; and adjusting boundaries of old surveys in Hillend district. Assistant Surveyor Neill's expenditure under this heading amounts to £94 15s. 5d., of which £B2 15s. 7d. is chargeable to the magnetic survey; the balance, £ll 19s. 10d., includes repairs to trig, stations, and information supplied to the Police Department. Office-work. —The Chief Draughtsman, Mr. Thompson, reports as follows: "An extra large number of special dredging-claim surveys have come to hand during the current year. As you are aware, these surveys are subject to a time-limit, within which plans, &c., must be lodged in the various Wardens' offices. And the surveyors who, by the regulations controlling these surveys, are at present allowed to be nominated by the applicants to execute the surveys invariably delay the forwarding of their plans, &c., to this office, thereby leaving very little time for the necessary examination, checking and recording the surveys. Twelve plans (in triplicate) of new roads and roads to be closed have been examined, certified to, and recorded on county and other maps. Fifteen plans (in triplicate) taking roads by Proclamation for railway purposes have been dealt with in a like manner. Maps for Defence Department on a scale of 20 chains to an inch, showing all available topographical information within a radius of fifteen miles around Dunedin, are in course of preparation by Mr. Surveyor Neill. These maps have taken precedence over and delayed completion of a map of Dunedin and suburbs, which is on a scale of 5 chains to an inch. This map has nevertheless been kept up to date as regards recent surveys and subdivisions for Land-tax Department. A Land Transfer record-map of Glenomaru district has been added to the list, which now numbers seventy-four maps of this class. A new record-map of Humboldt district has been made, as also has a supplementary record-map of part of the Maruwenua district, on which to record mining surveys. Boundary-plan, with tracing, of the Barnego Estate was prepared. Coloured lithographs showing Otago Mining District, Supreme Court Office district, also a map showing the Dunedin electorate. Diagrams have been placed on certificates of title in lieu of Crown grants and other instruments of title as follows—viz., on eighty-six single copies, on 212 in duplicate, and on 1,728 in triplicate, making a total of 2,026. Duplicate tracings of the Borough of Green Island, Milton, Mornington, and Hawksbury were prepared and forwarded to the Valuation Department. During the year one plan was drawn for photo-lithographing, and nine were drawn for stone on lithographic transfer-paper from which 1,780 impressions were pulled. 650 protractor-sheets were printed, besides 1,375 receipt-forms, &c. 610 maps were mounted, and many Land Transfer and Land Office maps and records were repaired. The number of accounts passed during the year was as follows: Forwarded to the Surveyor-General for payment, 473; paid out of Imprest Accounts, 729 : making a total of 1,202. Besides these payments, vouchers for the following surveys have been passed, viz. : Mining claims (private surveys), 175; mining claims (Government), 111; survey of Crown lands for settlement, 13 ; and under the Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 14 : making a total of 313. During the year 4,706 letters were received and despatched. Proposed Operations for 1900-I.—As arranged, Mr. Langmuir will be employed in the office during the next year in checking plans, compiling block-sheets, undertaking odd surveys, and making field inspections when necessary. Mr. Wilmoh has some twenty mining applications in hand, which are widely scattered; these, with other rural and mining surveys coming to hand, will keep him, no doubt, fully employed. Mr. Calder has a number of mining applications in hand amounting to 500 acres, also widely scattered : what with the survey of these and other rural and mining surveys coming in, he will be kept fully employed. Mr. McCurdie has now completed all surveys necessary for the present in Tautuku Forest. I now intend keeping him employed laying out deviation roads in Otago Heads Native Eeserve, so as to give access to the various allotments. Mr. Neill has on hand 144,000 acres of topographical work (required for preparing a military map) : this, with other isolated applications, will keep him fully employed. In concluding this report, I may mention that this office has lost the services of Mr. J. D. Watt, Assistant Draughtsman, who joined the Fourth Contingent about the end of this financial year, and left the colony for South Africa. John Hay, Chief Surveyor.

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SOUTHLAND. Minor Triangulation. —A contract has been entered into with Mr. J. A. Robertson to triangulate a block of country lying between The Hump and Sandhill Point on the east side and Big Eiver on the west. This will carry on the general triangulation in a westerly direction, and, with a continuation towards Puysegur, will complete the whole of the south coast to Preservation Inlet. Mr. Eobertson's contract was originally for the purpose of supplying a trigonometrical and topographical survey of another block required for landless Natives. The necessity for this work has, however, been recognised for some time, but, not being immediately required, has not been carried out. The extension of this contract for a few miles will carry out a connection with the triangulation of Preservation Inlet. Until the last year or two all this country has been practically unknown. The information likely to be obtained from Mr. Robertson's work should prove valuable, and, as he has the survey well in hand, next year's report should show the work completed. In this connection I forward a profile drawing by Mr. Deverell, showing the country between Sandhill Point and Puysegur Lighthouse. This was taken by him when lying some distance out at sea, and gives a good idea of the country now being surveyed by Messrs. Robertson, Lilliecrona, and Otway. Should it find a place in the report, it will be of considerable interest to many who have seen this portion of the coast, and illustrate the work now going on there. Rural and Suburban.—The total area surveyed is 22,057 acres. Of this, Mr. Hodgkinson has surveyed 4,051 acres. Part of this represents the uncompleted work of Nokomai district, and Block XVIII., Longwood district. Besides these, he has surveyed a township reserve into small village-settlement areas. The latter and heavy bushwork are responsible for the somewhat high cost per acre. Under this heading has also been included the completion of Mr. Robertson's contract survey of the West Waiau Landless Native Block. Last year's return showed an area of 20,732 acres, and this year's survey makes a total area of 38,629 acres laid off for the Natives. Taking into consideration the climate and country, Mr. Robertson has pushed through the work with considerable vigour; he was, however, fortunate in having unusually fine weather for that district. Surveys under the Mining Districts Land Occupation Act may also be included as rural. These have been carried out by Mr. Dundas, principally in the vicinity of Orepuki. Gold-mining Surveys.—The demand for areas under the Mining Regulations was exceedingly brisk during the year, and private surveyors, more especially in the Gore district, were kept fully employed for some time. Ninety holdings were surveyed, representing an area of 5,511 acres. The bulk of the auriferous ground in this district must now be taken up, as very few applications are being dealt with. Other Work.—The first work under this head is the revision of Blocks I. and 11., Jacob's River District. These blocks had been surveyed in the very early days, and under the system then in operation the detail pegging now required was not deemed necessary, the result being that settlers find it impossible to ascertain their boundaries, and fencing and roading has been carried out not strictly on the lines originally intended. This has necessitated a revision, and Mr. Hodgkinson has been employed in trying to remedy and adjust these surveys. In addition to these I have included under this heading the preliminary work in connection with the subdivision of the landless-Native block of 50,000 acres on Wairaurahiri, Waitutu, and Big Rivers. As you are aware, Temporary Surveyors Lilliecrona and Otway are now employed in laying off this block, and have made a start with the coastal and river traverses. As these two surveyors have had considerable experience in bush surveys, I anticipate that the section-work will be well in hand by the end of the coming year. Proposed Operations for 1900-I.—As previously referred to, Mr. Robertson will complete triangulation now under contract. Messrs. Lilliecrona and Otway will carry out the survey of landless-Native block. Mr. Hodgkinson will complete revision of Blocks I. and 11., Jacob's River District, and probably continue at this class of work. If, however, the reserve is removed from portion of Longwood district, as requested by the Land Board, he would at once commence the subdivision of this block. Office-work. —During the year 132 surveyors' plans were received, examined, and checked, and recorded on application and other maps. Mr. Deverell made three drawings for the covers of " Tourist Guides," and a map of Te Anau country for annual report. Standard drawings of one mile to the inch were made of Wendon, Wendonside, part of Wart Hill, Lillburn, Alton, and Waiau Survey Districts, and a drawing on a scale of 5 chains to an inch has just been completed of the Borough of South Invercargill. This, when published, will be of the greatest assistance to the general public, as well as being very useful for office purposes, as the drawing embraces a number of sections subdivided under the Land Transfer Act into private townships, and now compiled for the first time. Fifty-one tracings were made for photo-lithography, and 258 ordinary tracings. Two new application-maps were compiled, and also a large map for the Defence Department, showing the chief roads, farms, &c., within a radius of fifteen miles of Invercargill. 272 tracings and lithographs were mounted during the year, 2,916 diagrams were placed on Crown grants and other instruments of title, and 102 Land Transfer plans were examined and passed. D. Barron, Chief Surveyor.

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APPENDIX lII.—ROADS.

EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF CHIEF SURVEYORS AND OTHERS ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MARCH, 1900.

AUCKLAND. Kaeo-Whangaroa.—The Whangaroa County Council have widened and formed about a mile of road to a width of li ft. across a mud-flat, thus shortening and much improving the road. There yet remains about three miles of road to be widened, where at present it requires very good driving to get along with a trap. The works were carried out through the Whangaroa County Council, and consist of the formation of bridge-approaches. Beach Road at Mongonui.—Where the old wooden retaining-wall has broken down the Mongonui County Council have been renewing it, and at the same time widening the turns to improve the road. Works are still in progress. Oruru-Hikurangi.—This road gives access to a considerable area of Crown lands, and during the year about a quarter of a mile of bridle-track 8 ft. wide has been constructed. Mongonui-Taipa-Aivanui.—Th.e Mongonui County have widened and improved a considerable portion of the road between Mongonui and the bridge at Taipa, and have let a contract for general repairs from that bridge to Awanui. This road, owing to steep gradients, can never be made more than a bridle-track without a considerable number of deviations. Awanui-Hohoura Road.—General repairs, and more particularly the portions where the line crosses swamps, have been made to the road by the Mongonui County Council. Mongonui Parish-Awanui Parish. —About two miles of this road has been re-formed and part metalled, and four bridges rebuilt. There is yet, however, a considerable portion unmetalled, and consequently the maintenance is costly. Awanui-Waiharera-Kaikino Road.—The Mongonui County have improved about two miles of this road, which gives access to a considerable number of sections now taken up along the east coast. Victoria Valley to Main Road. —The total distance from Victoria Valley Post-office to the junction of this line with the Great North Road is eight miles and three-quarters. The formation has now been made throughout with the exception of the bridges and culverts, and the construction of some of these are now in hand. When the Takahue-Victoria Valley Road is made this road will be a part of the main line connecting the Whangape and Herekino Harbours with the Mongonui Harbour. Victoria Valley-Kaitaia.—Under my supervision the Mongonui County Council have expended this vote in metalling a considerable length of the road with shingle. The work was well and economically done, and there is no doubt that when the Victoria Valley to Main Road is completed a very considerable portion of the traffic will be diverted from the present Great North Road along this line. Takahue-Herekino.—This is a part of the main road between the Herekino and Mongonui Township, and was formed into a bridle-track a few years ago. During the year it has been widened in places sufficient for wheel traffic, but it will at least require another £5OO expended on it for constructing bridges and general improvements before it will be safe for winter traffic. It opens up a large area of Crown lands. Kaitaia-Ahipara.—Repairs to culverts and bridges, some metalling and road-formation, have been done to this road by the Mongonui County Council. There yet remains a considerable portion of the line which must be metalled to keep the road fit for wheel traffic during the winter. It is at present a portion of the only cart-road into the Herekino Settlement. Awanui-West Coast. —Works have been carried out under the direction of the Mongonui County Council in improving this road, about 13 chains having been formed. Mangatoetoe Road.—About a quarter of a mile of this road is being improved and metalled, the works being carried out through the Mongonui County Council. The road gives access to a good many settlers, and connects the Great North Road with the Victoria Valley to Mam Road road. Ahipara-Herekino.—ls the only dray-road into the Herekino Village Settlement, and, as it has to carry a considerable amount of traffic, it becomes almost impassable during the winter months. The road-line passes nearly all the way through Native land, and is expensive to maintain. During the year about a quarter of a mile has been improved. Takahue Village-Victoria Valley.—Mr. G. G. Menzies has made an engineering survey of this line a length of about three miles and a half, and has constructed about a mile, near the Takahue Village. The road will form the connecting-link between Herekino Village Settlement and Mongonui Township. It is easy of construction, easily metalled by gravel from river, and will require only one bridge of any size, and that not until the traffic largely increases. Oruru-Fern Flat-Mangamuka.—This is the most direct road connecting Hokianga and the Bay of Islands Counties with Mongonui. During the year the Mongonui County Council have been doing general repairs to it. The line will require to be regraded before it can be made into a cart-road, as the present grades are far too steep. Maungataniwha.—During the year a mile and a half of bridle-track has been widened to 12 ft., and two miles and a half improved. This road connects the Maungataniwha Block with the Great North Road at Peria.

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Kaeo-Waimate Road.—This is a portion of the Great North Eoad. Since the department have taken charge of the expenditure of this vote a considerable amount of work has been done, but further deviations are still required to improve the grades, and I trust to do this during the coming year. During this year the road throughout has been maintained. Whangaroa County Roads.—With this grant the County Council have made repairs to the road through the Kaeo Valley in remetalhng and clearing out water-tables under my supervision. Whangaroa Coast Road.—This road connects Whangaroa Township with the settlements to the east. The County have been and are expending the vote in improving the present track by widening; the grades are, however, steep, but the line will be used for light wheel traffic and cattle-droving, the works being under my supervision. Kaeo Parish-Mongonui Parish.—This is a portion of the Great North Road. During the year about four miles of road has been constructed between Puketotara and the Oruaiti Eiver, and some of the narrow cuttings have been widened. This now permits a buggy being driven along, but it is still a very risky undertaking, and further moneys are required to carry out the widening. Between Pupuke and Kaeo I would recommend a deviation to avoid a bad part of the line and obtain an almost level road into Kaeo, along the mud-flats. Hayter's-Morrow's.-—About 40 chains of road was constructed to give settlers access to the present road leading into Kawakawa; it will also form a portion of a line to open up further Crown lands. Hukerenui-Kaeo Parish.—About a mile and a half of road has been constructed near the Waipapa Eiver, and the road throughout has been kept in fair order. There are several deviations still required to ease the grades and improve the line, and if funds are available I propose carrying them out next year. Ruapekapeka-W aiotu Bridge.—The Bay of Islands County Council have been expending this vote in the construction of about a mile and a quarter of road, and a bridge over the Waipukakahau Stream. This line was a part of the old Great North Eoad, and is now used a good deal during winter by the travelling public. The works have been under my supervision. Motatau. —About three-quarters of a mile of bridle-track has been formed to give access to settlers in Block XII., Motatau, being a branch of the Ramarama Valley Eoad, near Towai. Ramarama Valley.—This road has been formed an average of 10 ft. wide from the Towai School to its junction with the Jordan Eoad leading into Hikurangi. To make it safe for wheel traffic several improvements are still required. All the land adjacent to this road has been taken up. Hukerenui South-Waiotu Valley. Three-quarters of a mile of this road has been constructed, which now gives a fair road for the settlers in the Waiotu Valley to the Hukerenui Eailway-station. Waipu-Hukerenui is a portion of the Great North Eoad. The grant has been mostly expended between Hukerenui and Whakapara, and the works are described under that name. Ngapipito. —When this road is formed throughout, connecting the Great North Eoad at Scoria Plat, near Kakakawa, with Kaikohe, it will take a great deal of the traffic now passing over the Great North Eoad, as it will be both a shorter road to Hokianga and a more level line. During the year one bridge and several culverts were put in, and the portion formed before widened and improved. Any further grant I propose expending in connecting the road-construc-tion towards Kaikohe. Opua-Waimate. —A considerable number of slips, owing to the formation of the ground, continued to come down at the Opua end of this road, necessitating the whole top of the hill being cut down to prevent further damage. This has made a good wide road near the railway-station, which acts as a lead for cattle whilst being shipped at the wharf. During the year the road has been maintained throughout, and a branch line made to connect the line with a road leading into Kawakawa. Waitangi-Kaikohe.—The Bay of Islands County have expended the vote in improving about 30 chains of road by re-forming and metalling under my supervision. Kaikohe-Taheke.—General repairs and metalling near the Kaikohe Township have been carried out by the Bay of Islands County Council under my supervision. Ohaeivai-Kaikohe. —With this grant about a quarter of a mile of road at the Ohaewai end of the line has been metalled. Ohaewai-Okaihau. —During the year about 58f chains were improved, the work being carried out through the Bay of Islands County Council. This road will ultimately be considered the Great North Eoad, as it runs through the centre of the Island, whilst the present Great North Eoad keeps along the coast. Utakura Road Deviation. —There was a considerable dispute among the settlers as to the best route for this line, and the matter was ultimately left for me to decide. This I have done by taking the route nearest to the present line. Works have been begun at the foot of the hill, and carried on to where the new line joins the old one, so that when the bridges and culverts required are made it can be utilised for wheel traffic during the present winter, and thus avoid some of the most dangerous parts on the present road. Herekino.—Some improvements have been made to the roads in this settlement, and the whole have been kept open for traffic. Herekino-Whangape. —Two miles and three-quarters of this road has been widened into a cart-road, and the rest of the bridle-track has been maintained. The Herekino settlers are anxious for this road to be made, as they state that the steamer will then come into Whangape Harbour for their produce. Whangape, Section 55, Block Vll.—This road was constructed so as to give access to settlers, and connect the Herekino-Takahue Eoad with the Herekino-Ahipara Eoad. Te Aivaroa North. —An engineering survey of about seventeen miles of road through this block was made. The line will open up a considerable area of Crown lands, and will connect the

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Herekino Village Settlement with the Mangonuiowae, giving a very direct line for the settlers in Herekino to the upper waters of the Hokianga Harbour. Mangonuiowae-Whangape. —This road opens up a considerable area of Crown lands, and it is the continuation of this line that opens up the Awaroa North Block. During the year about threequarters of a mile of bridle-track was made, and several bridges and culverts erected. Kohukohu-Takahue-Herd's Point.—This is a portion of the road which opens up the Mangonuiowae Valley, a considerable extent of excellent Crown land. During the year about four miles has been widened and improved. Herd's Point-Takahue.—About one mile and three-quarters of bridle-track going over the dividing-range has been widened from 4 ft. to 7 ft., and the rest of the road maintained. This is the main road connecting the Mongonui and Hokianga Counties, and is constructed as a cart-road at both ends up to the bases of the dividing-range. Kohukohu-Bakautapu Boad.—Connects the Township of Kohukohu with the Herd's PointTakahue Boad at Eakautapu. During the year about two miles and a half of bridle-track was widened into a dray-road and improved throughout. Two miles yet remain that require widening. Kohukohu-Motukaraka. —This is a road from Kohukohu along the harbour to Motukaraka Village Settlement. It has been formed into a bridle-track nearly all the way, but this year only repairs have been effected. Okaihau-Victoria Valley.—This road, which will ultimately become the Great North Eoad, traverses three counties, going as it does through the centre of the Island. It will be the most direct road to the north. During the year half a mile of bridle-track was made, several bridges, and the road maintained throughout. lam not pushing the line northward, as the land through which it passes is still in the hands of Natives, and the line will only enhance its value. Punakitere Station Boad.—During the year about a quarter of a mile of cart-road has been formed and the roads and bridges throughout the settlement repaired. Further works are necessary to make them safe for winter traffic. Waimamaku-Pakanae.—This will be the main outlet for the Waimamaku Valley settlers to the Opononi Wharf, Hokianga Harbour. About a quarter of a mile of dray-road has been constructed and several bridges and culverts erected during the past year. The settlers are most anxious for the completion of this line, as they propose erecting a cheese-factory, but are deterred from so doing on account of the present bad road to the wharf. Waimamaku.—This is one of the most thriving settlements in the north, but owing to the slippery nature of the country they are the worst roads to maintain. This year's grant has been expended in metalling and improvements. Waimamaku Settlement Boads to Head of and Waimamaku Settlement. —These roads give access to the Waimamaku Valley through the settlement, being really a continuation of the Pakanae-Waimamaku Eoad. During the year about a mile and a half of road was constructed into a cart-road, and about seven miles improved and maintained. One large slip at the top end of the settlement destroyed the road, and has put the department to considerable expense. Waimamaku-Punakitere. —This is a bridle-road that runs through the Waimamaku Valley, connecting the Waimamaku Settlement with the Auckland Special Settlement and OpanakeHokianga Eoad. It opens up a considerable area of Crown land of good quality, which would be readily taken up but that the roads are almost impassable during winter. This year's vote has been expended in metalling, 4 ft. wide, about three-quarters of a mile, widening parts of the road, and in general repairs. Though much has been done to improve the road, a great deal more is yet required to let settlement progress. Waipoua Survey District, Block Vll.—About two miles and three-quarters of bridle-track has been constructed to give access to sections lately surveyed in above-named block. Marlborough Association.—Half a mile of dray-road has been constructed, and the rest of the road running east and west through the settlement has been maintained. This settlement is situated on the Opanake-Hokianga Eoad, midway between Opanake and Taheke. Auckland Special Settlement-Mangakahia.—This road was laid out in conjunction with those to give access to the Waimatanui Block, and about half a mile was made at the Auckland Special Settlement end. Hukerenui-Whakapara.—Most of this grant has been expended in metal and repairs to bridges and culverts. The construction of the railway-line will not permit (on account of the drains they have made) of the road being straightened a distance of about 40 chains, and on this year's estimates I am asking for a sum for that purpose. Hukerenui, Block 11.-Whakapara Bailway-station.—Through the Whangarei County Council this grant has been expended in making a road connecting the bridge over the Waiotu Eiver at Hutchinson's with the Great North Eoad. Hukerenui-Waiotu.—About two miles and a quarter of dray-roads was made, through the Whangarei County Council, connecting Hukerenui Village Settlement with the present terminus of the railway and the road leading up the Waiotu Valley. Hukerenui, Blocks X. and XI.—To give better access to settlers in Block X., and a connection with the Jordan Eoad, about one mile and a half of dray-road has been constructed out of this grant, the work being undertaken by the Whangarei County Council under my supervision. Hikurangi-Jordan Boad.—This road gives access to the Jordan settlers, and makes a connection with the Eamarama Valley Eoad, the Hikurangi Settlement, and railway-station. The Whangarei County have made some embankments over the flats, and metalled some near the bridge over the Wairua Eiver towards Hikurangi, and have considerably improved the road throughout. Jordan-Hukerenui Station.—This road is a continuation of that through Hukerenui, Blocks X. and XI. Works have been carried out through the Whangarei County Council, and consist of the construction of a mile and a half of dray-road.

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Giles's Comer, Great North Road.—This is a road through the Hukerenui Village Settlement, being a branch from the Great North Road near the Hukerenui School, connecting with the road made through Blocks X. and XI., Hukerenui. About three-quarters of a mile of dray-road has been made through the Whangarei County Council during the past year. Tikiponga Hill.—This vote has been expended through the Whangarei County in improving the road over the hill, so as to give settlers better access to the railway-line. Helena Bay Road.—Through the Whangarei County this grant has been expended in forming a mile and a half of dray-road near its junction with the Opuawhanga-Whananaki Eoad. Kaimamaku.—About 8 chains of road at the top end of the Kaimamaku were made through the Whangarei County Council. This road will connect Whakapara Railway-station with a considerable area of Crown lands adjacent to Helena Bay. Otonga-Whananaki.—The vote was expended through the Whangarei County in improving the road from Whananaki to the Otonga Railway-station. During the year about three-quarters of a mile of dray-road was re-formed preparatory to being metalled. Otonga East Main Road is the road from Hikurangi Township to the south side of the Whananaki Harbour. This grant was expended by the County Council in re-forming and constructing some deviations. Three-quarters of a mile has so far been made. Hikurangi-Otonga is a continuation of the Otonga East Main Road. About a mile and a quarter of dray-road has been made and several small bridges and culverts have been erected. The works have been carried out through the Whangarei County Council. Opuawhangar-Whananaki is a portion of the Otonga-Whananaki Road. The Whangarei County have, with this year's vote, metalled about a quarter of a mile of the road, and rebuilt several culverts and small bridges. Opuawhanga, Blocks XIII. and XIV.; Whangarei, Blocks 111. and IF.—To give access to Crown lands in these blocks a bridle-road was constructed through the Toeroa Block No. 1, connecting with the roads lately made in the Ngunguru Block and leading to the Ngunguru Harbour. A few culverts have been put in, and the road improved. Opuaivhanga-Otonga East.—This vote was expended through the Whangarei County Council in constructing a mile and a quarter of dray-road, and in otherwise improving the present line. It connects Opuawhanga with the Hikurangi-Otonga Road, leading into the Hikurangi Township. Ngunguru-Sandy Bay.- —This line is being constructed by the Whangarei County Council, to give the settlers in the Ngunguru Block access to a boat-landing in Sandy Bay. Whareora-Taheke.—About half a mile of road has been constructed by the Whangarei County Council, to give settlers access to Ngunguru Harbour. Grahamstown-Parua Bay is a continuation of the line Whangarei-Grahamstown. During the year the Whangarei County Council have made about a mile and a quarter of dray-road. This line has been of great advantage to the Parua Bay settlers. Whangarei Heads.—The construction of this line, which is a continuation of the Grahams-town-Parua Bay Road, has been carried out by the Whangarei County Council, who have constructed about a mile of dray-road. Mangakaramea-Tangihua.-—'To give better access to the settlers about half a mile of road was metalled by the Whangarei County Council. Maunu-Maungatapere-Mangakahia.-—The new line, laid out through the Whatiri Block, to Poroti has been constructed, and the Council are now metalling same. This is a great improvement on the old road, which followed the ranges and had very bad grades. Maungakaramea-Ruarangi is the main road connecting these two parishes. The Whangarei County Council have constructed about a mile, and improved about a quarter of a mile. Ruatangata-Railway-station.—Under my supervision the Whangarei County Council have metalled about half a mile of this road, which gives access to the settlers in the Ruatangata Parish from the railway-line. Purua-Ruatangata-Mangakahia.—This is the main outlet for the Purua and Kaueranga settlers to Kamo, and opens up a considerable acreage of Crown lands. During the year the Whangarei County Council have constructed two bridges on the deviation formed last year, and improved about two miles of road. Tangihua No. 2- Tangiteroria.—This road is for the purpose of giving settlers in Tangihua No. 2 Block access to the Wairoa River at Tangiteroria. About a mile and a half of dray-road and a mile and a quarter of bridle-track were constructed by the Whangarei County Council. Whakapara-Mangapai.—The whole of this vote is being expended in remetalling portions of this road and in general repairs to culverts and watertables. Tokatoka-Mangapai. —Part of this vote was expended through the Whangarei County Council in improving and forming the road on the north side of the Mongonui River; the balance is being spent by the department in erecting bridges over the Okahu and adjacent streams. The Okahu was a continual source of danger to travellers, as it so often flooded, and therefore was difficult to cross. A considerable sum is yet required to form this road throughout. Waikiekie. —Under my supervision the Whangarei County Council have constructed half a mile of this road, which is a portion of the line between Mangapai and Pahi. Mangapai-Waikiekie.—A mile and a quarter of road from the junction of this line with the Great North Road at Mangapai has been constructed, the line having been regraded to improve the grades. This work was carried out under my supervision by the Whangarei County Council. Mareretu gives access to a considerable number of Crown tenants. About one mile and a half of cart-road has been formed. Mareretu-Finlayson's-Waipu.-—The construction of a part of this new line, which will very much shorten the distance between Paparoa and Waipu, has been carried out through the Otamatea County Council. Further works are now being carried out by the department.

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Cove Deviation.—Under my supervision the Whangarei County Council have constructed half a mile of new road along the deviation lately laid out, which will improve the coast road and make it always available for traffic, while before it was blocked when the tide was in. Waipu Boad and Wharf. —Since the alteration in the outlet of the Waipu Eiver a steamer regularly trades between Auckland and Waipu direct. The Whangarei County Council have with this grant erected a wharf adjacent to the bridge over the Waipu Eiver, on the Great North Eoad. Waipu.—About a mile and a quarter of main road from the wharf through the Waipu Township, being a portion of the Great North Eoad, has been metalled through the Whangarei County Council. Wharf Extension, Waipu. —About 10 chains of road from Waipu to wharf was formed, and the wharf extended 44 ft. Caves-McLaughlin's.—About two miles of dray-road has been constructed through the Whangarei County Council, giving better access to settlers. Three-mile Bush Repairs.—About a mile and a half of road has been repaired through the Whangarei County Council. Kaiwaka-Mangawai.—Under my supervision the Otamatea County Council has metalled about 12 chains of this road near Kaiwaka. There is a considerable amount of wheel traffic on this line. Kaiwaka-Waipu.—Several deviations have been laid out and constructed on this line, greatly improving the grades. It has been kept in good order, and metalled in bad places. To make the road safe for winter traffic, especially through the limestone country, where in winter it becomes very boggy, a considerable length of road must be metalled. Tokatoka Post-office. —A mile and a half of this road, which connects Tokatoka Post-office with the wharf, has been constructed. Matakohe-Mangonui.—Through the Matakohe Eoad Board one bridge over the Omaru Eiver has been erected, and portions of the road are being formed. It gives access to the lands lately taken up at the Mangonui Eiver, and will ultimately connect with the Mangapai-Tokatoka Eoad. Matakohe-Tokatoka.—Through the Otamatea County Council a mile and three-quarters of dray-road has been constructed between Tokatoka Post-office and the old tram-line. There yet remains a portion of this road that will require to be deviated and constructed before the road will be available for wheel traffic throughout. Hukatere.—A bridge and a considerable length of embankment were formed across the Mateotetawa tidal creek. Further works were suspended till a settlement was arrived at re compensation for land taken for road. This is the only road outlet to the settlers in the Hukatere district. Pahi-Maungaturoto.—The balance of last year's grant was expended through the Otamatea County Council in putting in culverts and fillings. Pahi-Waikiekie.—This vote is being expended by the department in completing a few unformed portions of the road and in improvements. Valley Boad-Paparoa.—A 30 ft. bridge and embankment have been constructed by the department. If this road could be continued to join the Pahi-Waikiekie Eoad it would greatly improve the line connecting Waikiekie and Paparoa, and be of immense advantage to the travelling public, as it would shorten the road between Whangarei and Maungaturoto. Paparoa-Maungaturoto.—Works are now being carried out on this road under the supervision of this department. About 20 chains of dray-road was formed and 4 chains metalled. A deviation to improve the grade has been laid out near Maungaturoto, and as soon as the Otamatea County Council secure the title the balance of the vote will be expended. A further grant is urgently required to improve this road, as it is a part of the main road through the Otamatea County. Warkworth Wharf-Courthouse.—Under my supervision the Eodney County Council have expended this vote in metalling the road through Warkworth Township—from the wharf to the Warkworth Bridge. Warkworth-Matakana.—About a quarter of a mile of road has been improved and 11 chains re-formed and metalled, the work being carried out through the Eodney County Council. Warkworth Main Boad.—Fifty chains of dray-road has been constructed and 25 chains improved. Another grant should be set aside to continue this work, to provide for wheeled traffic from Pakiri to the Port of Omaha. Topini-Warkworth.—This is a portion of the Great North Eoad, and during the year about 10 chains of road has been formed and metalled. Hoteo Valley.—The road up this valley has been constructed during the year; 31 chains was formed. Roteo-Waiwhiu is the road connecting the Waiwhiu and Pakiri Block with the Great North Eoad, half-way between the Warkworth and the Hoteo Bridge, giving access to settlers in the Pakiri Block. Nothing was done beyond the maintenance of two miles. Hoteo Valley-Mangawai.—Under my supervision the Eodney County Council have erected one 40 ft. bridge over the Waitirangi Creek, and constructed 1 mile 2 chains of dray-road, giving settlers in Hoteo Valley better access to the Port of Mangawai. A further grant should be set aside for the continuation of this road. Te Arai-Mangawai. —This is a part of the main road leading to the Port of Mangawai, and 1 requires extensive deviations to place road on a permanent level. 15 chains of dray-road has been formed, and further works will shortly be proceeded with, being of decided importance to the whole of the district adjoining. Pakiri-Omaha.—Under my supervision the Eodney County Council are metalling the worst portions of the road constructed last year, and about a quarter of a mile of cart-road along a deviation locally known as Hanby's was formed by the Eodney County Council. Matakana-Omaha.—ls chains of metalling on Matheson's Hill, a masonry culvert, with filling at Williams Stream, have been constructed through the Eodney County Council.

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Matakana Ranges.—Three miles of bridle-track have been constructed. This road gives access to Crown tenants, as well as opening up about 1,000 acres of Crown lands besides other freehold land, and should be steadily improved. "Matakana Banges-Te Aral.—About a mile and a quarter of bridle-track has been constructed. As this road will be a leading district road in the future, and will be the means of opening up a large area of both Crown and freehold lands, further grants should be set aside for its continuation. Matakana, Sections 47 to 108, &c— This road will give access to settlers and sections of Crown lands. About a quarter of a mile of dray-road has been completed. Warkworth-Matakana.—ll chains of bridle-track has been formed and 16 chains improved. Puhoi-Warkworth.—A quarter of mile of this road, which is a part of the Great North Eoad, was re-formed and metalled with stone from adjacent quarry. The metal, a hard sandstone, is the best that can be obtained in the neighbourhood, but does not wear well. Waiwera-Kaiwaka.-—This is also a portion of the Great North Eoad. Works are now being undertaken widening and metalling some of the worst places, and 4 chains has been completed. A considerable expenditure is still required on this line, as not half of it has been metalled, and without metal it cuts up very badly with the wheel traffic. Port Albert-Wellsford Junction:— This vote has been expended in metalling about 25 chains of road. Owing to the cheap steamer-fares now ruling between Warkworth and Auckland, there is considerable traffic on this road. Tazihoa, Blocks X. and Xl.—This road is for the purpose of giving access to settlers. During the year five miles was widened into a dray-road. Ahuroa-Komokoriki.—Under my supervision, the Rodney County Council have expended the grant in constructing and metalling about 10 chains of road, and building one culvert. Waiwera-Topini Bridge (Main Eoad). —Most of this grant is being expended in metalling the road near the Hoteo Bridge, and in widening narrow portions, and in general improvements. Five miles yet remain unmetalled, and as there is considerable wheel traffic between Wellsford and Warkworth the road ought both to be widened and metalled throughout, for at present it is impossible for two traps to pass. Makarau Bailway-station.—The Kaukapakapa Eoad Board have constructed about a quarter of a mile of road into a cart-road. Makarau Bridge, West Coast.—This bridge, which was damaged by floating timber, has been practically rebuilt, and two spans of 30 ft. each made into two spans of 60 ft., so as to give plenty of opening for floating of timber and rafts. Kaukapakapa-Port Albert.—-This grant has been expended in re-forming about two miles of road. Opanake-Hokianga Road.—This road is now formed throughout, and is fit for wheel traffic during the summer months, several vehicles and coaches having been through this year. To keep the road open during the winter some of the worst places must be metalled and the culverts renewed. This is the only dray-road connecting Eawene and the Hokianga Harbour with Dargaville, and opens up a large area of Crown lands. Avoca Settlement.—Half a mile of dray-road and two miles of bridle-track were made during the year to give access to this settlement and improve the roads through the settlement. Opanake-Mongonui Bluff. —The Hobson County Council constructed a mile and a half of the present bridle-track into a dray-road, rebuilt one bridge, and maintained the line throughout. Mangatu.—The money expended during the year out of this grant was spent in improvements to the Opanake-Hokianga Eoad, which runs through the centre of the settlement, works on which have already been reported upon. Mangatu Special Settlement.—This road, having good grades, will, when finished, be the main road from the railway-line to the Mongonui Bluff and West Coast. The road has been constructed, but several bridges and culverts have got to be made. Mangawhare-Opanake.—One mile of this road adjacent to the railway-line was constructed and one mile improved. This line is much used for driving stock, and is, in fact, the only road between Dargaville and the terminus of the railway. Work was carried out by the Hobson County Council. Dargaville-Kaihohe.—Under my supervision the Hobson County Council are laying out and constructing this line, which opens up a considerable area of land. The route lies midway between the Opanake-Hokianga Eoad and the Wairoa Eiver. The line has been cleared a chain wide, and during the year about half a mile was formed into a dray-road. Dargaville-Aratapu.—Ten chains of road has been metalled by the Hobson County Council out of this grant under my supervision. . Dargaville-Tangiteroria.—During the year about half a mile of cart-road was formed. Aratapu Main Read.—About a mile of this road has been improved and metalled, the work having been carried out through the Hobson County Council. Te Kopuru-Tikinui.—Three-quarters of a mile of this road has been constructed, through the Hobson County Council. The line connects the two settlements on the Wairoa Eiver. Te Kopuru-Kaipara Heads.—This is a continuation of the Te Kopuru-Tikinui Eoad towards the Kaipara Heads. Out of this grant half a mile of dray-road has been made, through the Hobson County Council. Mititair-Tokatoka.—Hali a mile of this road has been constructed, through the Hobson County Council. Further works will be carried out as soon as the necessary deviations are secured to obtain the best grades. Arapohue. —The grant has been expended, through the Hobson County Council, in metalling about half a mile of road from the Mititai Wharf towards the Arapohue Settlement. Ukahu. —About a mile and a half of bridle-track has been constructed, through the Hobson County Council, improving the main road through the Okahu Parish and in erecting two bridges.

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Great Barrier Island.—Seven miles of engineering survey was made and about two miles of bridle-track constructed by the department, giving settlers access and a road across the island to harbour at which the steamers call from Auckland. Upper Waiwera Road Extension.—A mile and a quarter of dray-road was constructed, through the Waitemata County Council, to give access to several settlers in the Upper Waiwera district, and 150 cubic yards of metal was delivered from Eangitoto. Upper Waiwera-Wade-Wainui.—3s chains of cart-road and a 35 ft. span bridge was practically rebuilt, the work being carried out through the Waitemata County Council. Waiwera Springs. The small balance of this vote was expended in improving about 13 chains of road by spreading thin layers of shingle from Eangitoto over the sandstone metal laid last year. Wade Village-Orewa.—'Some culverts and bridges were repaired, and 20 chains of road laid with 12 in. deep of pipeclay, which during winter forms a hard surface. Wade-Lucas Creek.—One bridge, two culverts, and about 40 chains of road have been made, through the Waitemata County Council. The line is much used by drovers, as otherwise the cattle being driven to Auckland would have to be ferried across the harbour. Dairy Flat-Lucas Greek.—With this grant one bridge and about a mile and three-quarters of dray-road have been constructed, through the Waitemata County Council, giving better access to the settlers at Dairy Mat. • Lucas Greek Boad.—A bridge of four spans, of a total length of 87 ft., on concrete-piers has been erected, through the Waitemata County Council, over the creek, the old bridge being unsafe for traffic. North Shore-Waiwera (Main Boad). —Several culverts were re-formed, and about half a mile of dray-road is being metalled at the Okura with stone brought from Eangitoto Island in scows. Very little of this road is metalled, so that surfacemen have to keep constantly on the road to keep it in order for wheel traffic. Great North Boad, Guthill.—This is a branch line from the Great North Eoad leading into Birkenhead. About two miles of the road was constructed, through the Waitemata County Council. Inland Road-Kaukapakapa. —This is a road branching off the West Coast Eoad at Kaukapakapa, going towards the Wade Settlement on the east coast. Works on it are being carried out through the Waitemata County Council. Wainui-Kaukapakapa Railway-station.—During the year this vote has been expended in building and repairing bridges and approaches on the road, and in improvements to their approaches. The work was carried out through the Waitemata County Council. Woodhill-Parkhurst.—The grant has been expended through the Waitemata County Council in the supply and delivery of scoria for metalling the road. Waikumete- West Coast. —Works are being carried out through the Waitemata County Council, consisting of a quarter of a mile of road-formation and in the supply and delivery of metal. This road not only gives access to settlement in the west coast, but will be one of the picturesque drives from Auckland. Henderson.—About a quarter of a mile of road has been metalled with stone obtained from the Auckland Prison, and delivered by rail at Henderson Station, the work being carried out through the Waitemata County Council. Great North Road, Whau Bridge, to Waikumete Cemetery.—There has been 600 cubic yards of metal delivered on this road, the work being carried out through the Waitemata County Council. Pollok to Wharf. —About a quarter of a mile of dray-road has been constructed along deviations, which has greatly improved the grades, the Eoad Board settling all compensation. Pollok Settlement Main Road.—Several deviations were laid out by the department to improve the grades, which were too steep for wheel traffic. During the year about a quarter of a mile of dray-road through heavy side-cutting was made, and two miles improved in places. A further sum is needed to complete the formation of the deviations laid out. Waiuku-Pukekohe.—This grant was expended through the Waiuku Eoad Board, who have metalled about 26 chains of road. Akaaka-Otau.—A road to give settlers in the Akaaka Swamp access to creamery at Otau. About a mile of road has been made by constructing a ditch on the one side and using the spoil earth in the construction of the road. The work was carried out through the Waiuku Boad Board. Akaaka Swamp. —The construction of a portion of what is known as the eastern drain was made. These works were carried out through the Akaaka Drainage Board. Patumahoe-West Mauku.—Bight chains of metalling has been laid on this road in the worst places, the work being carried out through the Mauku Eoad Board. Turanga-Maractai.—This vote was expended through the Turanga Eoad Board in forming about half a mile to improve the road through Maraetai, connecting at Turanga Creek with the line going to Howick Village. Otahuhu-Bombay, which is the Great South Eoad, has been improved throughout, and is now in fair order. lam now constructing a side road which can be utilised in summer, for at present all wheel traffic is confined to the metal. The side road will save it considerably. Manurewa-Bombay is also a part of the Great South Eoad. On this portion of the road lam also constructing a side road, which will not only save the metalled portion in summer, but will at all times be better for driving stock on. Wairoa River-Otau. —Little has been done to this line during the year beyond removal of slips.

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Otau Block-Ness Valley.—Half a mile of road has been widened into al4 ft. road. It was a portion of the road that was continually slipping and blocking traffic. Otau.—About a mile and three-quarters of bridle-track has been constructed through this block towards Manning's Valley to give access to some sections not yet taken up. Hunua BaiLway-station.—A deviation through Messrs. Garrett's and Bell's properties, about three-quarters of a mile in length, was formed into a cart-road. This will give a much better road for settlers in the Otau Block, as well as settlers near the Wairoa Biver, to the railway-station. Tuakau-Baglan.—A considerable amount of work has been done on this road, consisting of four miles and a quarter of cart-road, and three bridges of 30 ft. span. There is yet three miles and a half to form to complete the formation throughout. To keep this line open for traffic, metalling in places is absolutely necessary, and some portions will have to be widened through the Opuatia Block. As this is the main road through the county, and there is a great deal of traffic on portions of it, I would strongly recommend that further sums be granted to carry out this work. Bothwell to Section 11, Block VI., Aivaroa. —Connects Section 11 with Glen Murray Post-office. Works are now in progress to widen the road and make it available for wheel traffic. Butherford's Hill, Section 90, Block 111., Awaroa.—About a mile of this road has been improved and constructed at north end. It is a road giving a connection between the Tuakau-Baglan Boad and the settlers in the Matakitaki line, and will save them three miles in distance going to the Tuakau Ferry. The line has steep gradients, but will be used for stock-driving. Lawson's Hill is a portion of the line giving access to the lands now open in Block VI., Awaroa, and to the west coast. During the year about three-quarters of a mile was widened and improved so that a cart-road is now available from the Wairamarama Post-office to the Tuakau Ferry. The Baglan County Council spent all available " thirds "on this road. Bregmen's Landing-Mercer.—The construction of a mile and a half of road from the landing to the Churchill-West Coast Boad is nearly completed 14 ft. wide, and can now be used for wheel traffic. Huntly-Kahuhuru.—There was not much done on this road during the year; two bridges and a culvert and 30 chains of road widened into cart-road. The most important works yet to be done are the widening of the side cutting at Pukemiro and the forming of the road on the flats near the Huntly Ferry. Main Boad-West Coast Boad, in Block VI., Awaroa. —This is a continuation of the Lawson's Hill Boad from the Wairamarama Post-office to the Churchill-West Coast Boad, in Block VII., Awaroa. Only about three-quarters of a mile of this road is formed 9 ft. wide at the north end, and three miles and a half of 4 ft. 6 in. track at the south end. The road-line follows the top of a range of hills, and no bridges are required. To form the road 9 ft. wide throughout will cost about £BOO. It opens up a considerable area of Crown lands, which would be taken up if the road were formed. Awaroa, Block Xl.—During the year about half a mile of dray-road was constructed, and a bridge of 30 ft. span. The total length of line is about seven miles, and by the widening of threequarters of a mile it could be made available for cart traffic. Whangape Parish, Section 43, Boad to.—This road not only gives access to Section 43, but also to some Crown lands. This vote was expended in the metalling of a few cuttings and fillings across swamps, the line being through open country. Drays can now be taken into Section 43. Otorohaea Trig. Boad connects the Kahuhuru Valley with the Waingaro-Ngaruawahia Boad over the Otorohaea Hill, and is about five miles and a half in length, four miles of which have been widened into a cart-road, and the formation of the rest is now on hand. Further moneys ought to be granted to construct two bridges of about 30 ft. span each. Ngaruawahia-Huntly West.—An engineering survey of this road has been made some five miles in length, and one mile of bridle-track constructed. Plans have been prepared for the bridges required, and the erection of one of them will be proceeded with at an early date. Waingaro-Ngaruawahia.—Nothing has as yet been done to this road, but co-operative contracts are now let to widen portions. There is a very considerable increase of traffic on this road since the opening of the Waipa Bridge. Bombay-Bangiriri.—Several deviations were made, one mile constructed, and a mile and threequarters improved. The road is in fair order throughout, but there is very little of it metalled, consequently it is almost impassable for wheel traffic in winter. Bangiriri-Cambridge.-—From the Bangiriri Township, where the line runs parallel with the railway, the whole length has been practically re-formed, and about a mile metalled with pumice and clay. The part of the road over Tole's Hill has also been re-formed and metalled with gravel, and the road throughout has been put in order. Whangamarino Boad to Section 485.—This vote has been expended through the Huntly Boad Board in giving better access to sections, a mile and a quarter of dray-road being constructed. Bangiriri Survey District, Blocks X. and Xl.—The balance of last year's vote was expended in making 20 chains of road near Huntly. It opens up a large area of Crown lands of second-class quality, and, as it is on a plateau, it affords a good road during winter for the back settlers to get to the Huntly Ferry. Warenga Station-Warenga Settlement.—The expenditure of this grant was carried out through the Whangamarino Boad Board, who have made about a mile and a half of bridle-track. Ohinewai-Matalmra. —Two miles of road from the Ohinewai Bailway-station towards Matahura has been formed into a cart-road, the work being carried out through the Huntly Boad Board. Kimihia-Huntly Education Endowment.—About 18 chains of drain and road were constructed to give the Kimihia settlers access to Huntly by road, the works being carried out through the Huntly Boad Board.

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University Endowment, Kimihia.—A deviation was laid out and one mile and a half of drayroad has been constructed to give settlers on the west bank of the Kimihia Lake access to Huntly, work being carried out through the Huntly Road Board. Te Aroha Botorua Road, through Okauia Block.—Two bridges that were destroyed have been rebuilt, the one over the Wairere by the additions of two spans of 20 ft. each, and the Waitearik.i Stream Bridge, a new bridge of two 30 ft. and one truss of 44 ft. The work was carried out by the department, the Piako County Council and Matamata Boad Board giving a subsidy of £lOO each. With the unexpended balance I intend improving the road from Okauia towards Te Aroha. Village Settlement.—Some repairs and improvements were made to the roads in the Motukaraka and Herekino Settlement, at a cost of £3B. Waikoura Bridge (Bepairs).—This bridge was rebuilt, and consists of three spans of 25 ft. each. It is in the Kaeo-Whangaroa Boad, the work being carried out through the Whangaroa County. Totara Foreshore Bridges (Renewing).—Two bridges on the Totara Foreshore Boad were repaired, and about 16 chains of road widened and parts metalled, the vote being expended through the Whangaroa County Council. Paeroa Stream Bridge.—-A bridge over the Paeroa Stream on the Great North Boad. The vote was expended through the Bay of Islands County Council. Waikerikeri Bridge.—This bridge was erected over the Utakura Biver to give access to settlers on Block IX., Omapere, and consists of two spans of 25 ft. each. Taheke Bridge. The bridge over the Taheke Biver on the Taheke-Bawene Boad is very much out of repair. Some difficulty has been experienced in getting timber sawn for it at a reasonable price. Most of the timber is now on the ground, and the repairs will soon be under way. Waiotu Bridge-Hutchinson's.—A bridge over the Wairua Biver connecting the road through Blocks X. and XI., Hukerenui, with the Waiotu Bail way-station. It is in three spans, of a total length of 72 ft. The works were carried out through the Whangarei County Council, who also, out of the grant, formed about half a mile of road between the bridge and railway-line. Mangakahia Bridge.—The erection of this bridge is now completed; it consists of six 40 ft. spans and one of 200 ft., being a bow-truss. At the end of 1898, when the contractor had erected his temporary structure and got one tie over and the other half over, a flood came, the water rising about 32 ft. The floating logs got jammed in the temporary piers, and the whole structure was swept away. This caused delay, and extension of time was granted the contractors, who have since carried out the work most satisfactorily. Hardie's Bridge (Bepairs).—Several new piles, some stringers, and the whole of the decking have been renewed, and approaches improved. The work was carried out through the Otamatea County Council, who subsidised the amount by about £5O. The bridge is on the PaparoaMatakohe Boad. Baupo Wharf.- —This wharf is erected at the Baupo Township, on the Wairoa Biver, and is for the purpose of giving a steamer- and boat-landing to the settlers in the Tokatoka Swamp. It is about 400 ft. long, with a tee at end 40 ft. by 17 ft. Hoteo Bridge.—Bepairs were made to this bridge in renewing some of the braces, ties, and in redecking the whole length. It is on the Great North Boad, between Warkworth and Wellsford. The balance of the vote was expended in making 19 chains of embankment on to and from the bridge. Mahurangi Bridge.—The erection of this bridge is now in progress. Puhoi and Makarau Bridge (Bepairs to Two Bridges). —These two bridges have been practically rebuilt. They are situated on the road from Puhoi going due east to the railway-station. Works were carried out through Bodney County Council. Upper Makarau Bridge.—A bridge of three spans, two of 15 ft. and one of 67 ft., was erected over the Makarau Biver, on the road leading from the West Coast Boad towards Puhoi. Makarau Bridge.—This bridge, damaged by floating timber, was repaired throughout and the centre set of piers taken out, and a truss of 68 ft. put in to allow a clear space for floating logs and rafts. It is situated on the Helensville-Port Albert Boad. Matakana Wharf. —This vote was expended through the Bodney County Council, who have practically erected a new wharf at Mahurangi Heads. Mahurangi Wharf. —This vote, also expended through the Bodney County Council, in enlarging and improving the present wharf at the Warkworth Township. Owing to steamer opposition and cheap fares, there is a considerable amount of traffic at this wharf at present. Omu Wharf, situated on the Wairoa Biver, is for the purpose of giving a landing to the Avoca and other settlers. The timber for its erection was supplied gratis by the timber company interested in working the bushes near the Avoca Settlement. It is 62 ft. long, with a 25 ft. tee. Awhitu Boad Wharf.—About three-quarters of a mile of dray-road leading to this wharf from the Awhitu Settlement was constructed, the work being carried out by the Awhitu Boad Board. Tuakau Bridge.—An engineering survey of approaches to this bridge, and borings for foundations, were made; plans were also made and submitted to Head Office. Waipa Bridge.—The bridge and approaches, as described last year, were completed, and during the year the bolts were tightened up. Tokatoka Swamp (see Tokatoka Swamp, No. 2 Block). Mangakahia Biver (Snagging).—All timber has been taken out and stacked on bank to dry, so that it will be floated away by the next flood. Several groins were made, and several channels deepened for a distance of about fifteen miles. This now permits of small launches being brought up when there is sufficient water from Dargaville for some miles beyond Hunter's, and will prove a great boon to the settlers.

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Otaua Swamp (Drainage and Road). —This is to give some settlers near Bothwell access to the main road through the Otaua Swamp, and thence to the creamery. About a mile has been made, the work being carried out through the Waipipi Road Board. Mercer Punt.—These punts have now been in use some time, and give great satisfaction. During the year stockyards were erected on both sides of the river, and the approaches improved and metalled. Churchill Punt, Waikato River.—These punts have been removed from Churchill to Bangiriri, the work being carried out through the Baglan County Council. Takahue-Whangape Block.—Very little has been done to the road through this block (which is a part of the Takahue-Herekino Road) beyond general repairs. Otukai Block.—Twelve miles of engineering survey has been made to give access to and through the block. Takahue Block.-—One chain of heavy side-cutting and three culverts were made to the road leading into this block. Maungataniwha, Block VI. —A quarter of a mile of dray-road leading from the Great North Road at Peria into this block was constructed. Ruapekapeka Block.—About a quarter of a mile of dray-road was constructed to give access to some of the sections on to the old Great North Boad. Waipoua, Block VII.—A further 50 chains of bridle-track was constructed to give access to the sections lately opened for selection in this block, and two miles were maintained. Tutamoe, Block V.—Two miles of bridle-track was constructed to open up this block. The road starts from the school at the Mangatu Special Settlement, and connects with the road at the south-east corner of the Marlborough Settlement. Waimatanui Block.—Two miles and a half of dray-road has been made leading into the block; it starts from the Opanake-Hokianga Boad, north end of the Marlborough Settlement, and goes in a north-easterly direction. I have felled the bush 3 chains wide, and will grass the land after the fallen timber is burnt, as I find it impossible to keep the road in so wet a country fit for traffic unless the sun and wind can get at it to dry it. I have also maintained about two miles of road formed previously. Mangakahia, Blocks XI., XII., XV., and XVI. —Seven miles and a quarter of road available for wheel traffic has been made through this block, connecting the Wairua and Mangakahia Bridges, and thence through the best land in the block towards the Kirikopini-Dargaville Boad. With the exception of two at the far end of the line, all the sections abutting on this road have been taken up. Waipu, Blocks VI. and VII. —The road giving access to this block is from the Waipu Settlement. Seven miles and a half of new line was laid out, also deviations from existing tracks and through the block. Nine miles of road was formed, and six miles and three-quarters of old road improved. Tokatoka Sivamp, No. 2 Block.—This vote has been spent in conjunction with the Tokatoka Swamp drainage, road, and tramway. During the year ten miles and a quarter of drains was formed, the excavated material being used in forming roads. All the drains in the swamp have been cleared out and maintained. The railway-line has been maintained, and has been in constant use. 2,900,000 ft. of balk timber has been hauled from private sections. There is a considerable quantity of sleepers on the ground, and sufficient rails to lay four miles of line on hand. Two miles and a quarter of formation is ready for the extension of the line which will be shortly required, the kahikatea bush, containing 97,000,000 ft., having been sold. To cut this up a mill and wharf will be erected near Bascomb's Creek. Nine artesian wells have been sunk in the swamp. Three of these were sunk by the department, one of which, at the south end, gives a flow of 15,000 gallons per day of good water slightly impregnated with iron. I am pushing works now to complete the drain round the swamp, so as to allow of no water getting on to the swamp beyond the actual rainfall. One flood-gate has been erected, and the others maintained in good order. I have laid out the drains for No. 2 Block, and works on some of them are now being proceeded with. Maropiu (Block 111., Kaihu) Block.—About half a mile of road was formed, and the road previously formed maintained. This road gives access from Maropiu Bailway-station to sections lately taken up in Block 111., Kaihu. Maungaru Block. —The construction of roads through this block is now in hand. During the year about half a mile of bridle-track was made, giving access to the road through the Avoca Settlement. Mangakahia, Block XIII.; Maungaru, Block I.—This expenditure was also made for the purpose of opening up the Maungaru Block, and connecting the roads with the ones through the Avoca Settlement. During the year about three-quarters of a mile was constructed. Mareikura No. 1 Block. —About two miles and three-quarters of bridle-track is now being constructed to give access to the settlers in this block, connecting them with the Dargaville-Tangite-roria Boad. Opuatia No. 1 Block.—The main road for this block is from the Tuakau-Baglan Boad, and is twelve miles and a half long, through heavy bush all the way. Four miles is through Native land. From the Tuakau-Baglan Boad for a distance of one mile towards the block is available for wheel traffic. The next mile is formed, but the bridges have not been erected, and two miles and threequarters is unformed; the balance is untouched, except as a pack-track. Opuatia No. 2.—Most of this is open country, and roads are not so urgently needed as in Blocks I. and 111. The road from Bregmen's Landing to Tuakau passes through the block, and works will shortly be undertaken to improve it. Opuatia No. 3 Block adjoins Block 1., Opuatia. Half a mile of road has been formed in worst places to connect it with the track through No. 1 Block. The best outlet for this block

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connecting it with the Tuakau-Raglan Road will be another line through Native land a few miles further south than the one partly formed into Block I. Awaroa No. 2 Block.—About 30 chains of road has been constructed through the blocks connecting the Churchill-Glen Murray Road at Barton's with Awaroa Block XT. Road, which gives access to the steamer-landing, Awaroa, to which steam-launches go from Waikato. Waipa (Sections 33 to 122). —About three-quarters of a mile of road has been constructed to give better access between the sections mentioned and the road to the Kerikeri Landing. Paekotare Block.—About two miles of road was roughly formed through this block, which has been opened up by the road known as Rangiriri Blocks X. and XI. Te Aroha Domain Board.—The expenditure of this vote through the Domain Board was for general repairs to the hot-water pipes supplying the baths. TaheJce-Otaua.—Works are in progress to make 20 chains of road from the Taheke Settlement towards the Otau, and in repairs to the road already formed through the settlement. Old North Road.—The small balance on this vote was expended on constructing 3 chains of road near Waipu. Topini-Maungaturoto.—A quarter of a mile of road was formed near Kaiwaka and half a mile near Maungaturoto, this being a portion of the Great North Road. There is very little metalling done between Topini and Kaiwaka, and it is only half metalled between Kaiwaka and Maungaturoto. Further outlay is urgently needed to make the road safe for winter traffic. Warkworth-Wellsford. —A portion of the Great North Road, over which there is more traffic than any other portion of the road. The vote has been expended in maintenance. There are several places where widening is urgently required, as at present it is impossible for two vehicles to pass. Fern Flat Village Settlement.—A road connecting Fern Flat with the Great North Road through the Oruru Valley, 13 chains, has been widened, and one 50ft. bridge erected, and the road maintained throughout. Tokatoka Swamp. —A sum of money was expended in enlarging the Inspector's house. The additions consist of two rooms and a verandah. Swanson Village Settlement. —Ten chains of road were made through the settlement, to give better access to settlers. Okauia Estate Roads.—This balance was expended, in conjunction with the Te Aroha-Rotorua Road through Okauia Block, erecting a bridge over the Waitearike River of 140 ft. span. Rangiatea.—Half a mile of cart-road was made across the railway-line to connect the section with Te Aroha Main Road. Repairs to Soldiers' Graves.—The land and vicinity of the graves has been cleared, the graves tidied up, and fences repaired. Opouriao. —To give better access to settlers three-quarters of a mile of road was formed into a dray-road. General. Two hundred and twenty-eight plans and specifications of works undertaken by County Councils, Road Boards, and Drainage Boards have been checked and corrected where necessary, and in a number of cases plans and specifications were made for works by the department for these local bodies. There were 296 co-operative contracts completed during the year, and fourteen contracts were let for large bridges and wharves. Seven Inspectors and three overseers have been in continuous employment, and others were employed as occasion required, in superintending and laying out of works. Gerhard Mueller, Chief Surveyor.

AUCKLAND CENTRAL. Tuakau-Raglan.—A portion of this road has been greatly improved, 4 miles 73 chains having been widened to 14 ft., and ten pipe culverts put in, totalling 214 ft.; but further works must be undertaken on the remainder of the road before it will be in good order for wheel traffic. Raglan-Waipa.—With the £2OO granted the Raglan County Council have done some good work in widening 77 chains from 9 ft. to 18 ft., building one bridge of 12 ft. span, putting in two pipe culverts, totalling 40 ft., and metalling 27'65 chains. Waitetuna-Whatawhata.—£3oo was authorised to form the proposed new road between Waitetuna and Whatawhata, which would avoid the steep grades over the mountain on the old RaglanWaipa Road, and also shorten the distance considerably; but as the sum voted was insufficient to carry out the work, I thought it advisable to wait until more money was available; consequently nothing has been done. The engineering survey of this will be put in hand as soon as possible. Waitetuna-Kauri.—The engineering survey of this road is completed. Nothing has been done towards forming it; but I hope to put the work in hand early next spring. Waitetuna-Aotea.—This road is now open for dray traffic as far as the Pakihi Stream, and has been very much improved during the year. 7 miles 55 chains have been widened from 6 ft. to 12 ft., 18-J- chains of drains have been cut, one bridge of 27 ft. span has been erected over the Pakoka River, seven culverts, of a total length of 126 ft., have been put in, and 15 chains of metalling done. Baglan-Ruapuke. —The Raglan County Council have the authority to expend this grant, but up to the present nothing has been done, I believe, on account of claims for compensation, &c., not having been settled. Main Road to Blocks VII. and IX., Karioi.—Nothing has been done to this road, as the authority to expend the grant has not yet been received.

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Aotea-Raglan.—This is a portion of the main road between Raglan and Kawhia, and lately the Raglan County Council have done some very useful work on it by forming 2 miles 56J chains of deviations so as to avoid the fearful grades on the original road. Puniu Traffic-bridge Railway-crossing.—No work done. Te Rapa Hospital Reserve.—Nothing has been done to this, as the Waipa County Council have only lately received the authority to expend the grant. Putarurv^-Waotu.—No engineering survey has yet been made nor other work done. KihiJcihi-Otorohanga-Te Kuiti. —The portion of this road between Kihikihi and Otorohanga was open for wheel traffic last year, although not yet quite completed, but the part between Otorohanga and Te Kuiti has never been formed. This, I think, should be done as soon as possible, as it is the only piece of unformed road between Auckland and Taranaki, and the necessity for it is greatly felt by people living in the district, as well as by the travelling public. The Mangaorongo Stream Bridge will have to be constructed this year, as the temporary structure at present in use is getting very shaky. Only repairs have been done to this road during the year. Tokanui-Wharepapa.—No work has been done. Otorohanga-Pirongia.—No work has been done. Te Kuiti-Awakino (Main Road).- —This is the most important road in the district, and during the year a large amount of work has been done on it. 11 miles 40 chains has been formed 16 ft. wide, 128 chains of drains have been made, and ninety-one stone and pipe culverts put in, totalling 2,671 ft. Besides this, fifty-one miles has been maintained, and thirty-six miles greatly improved by easing sharp turns and removing large quantities of slips; 8 chains has also been metalled near Mahoenui, where the road was exceptionally bad in the winter. This road ought to be metalled throughout as soon as possible, as the traffic on it is very heavy even now, and will be much greater as the country gets settled. Two large bridges have yet to be constructed, one over the Upper Awakino about 120 ft. long, and one over the Mangaotika of the same length. There are also four smaller bridges to be built of about 22 ft. span. The road has been open for wheel traffic for about four months, but until at least the worst places are metalled it can only be used for such traffic from four to six months in each year. Paemako-Ohura. —Nothing has been done to this road except general repairs to the old Maori track, to keep it open for horse traffic. Alexandra-Kawhia. —This is a very important road about thirty-two miles long, and it passes through several thousand acres of good Crown land which will shortly be open for selection. During the year six miles has been repaired and improved, 12 chains of metalling has been done 10 ft. wide and 12 in. deep in two of the worst places on the road, between the Ngutunui Bridge and the Te Bauamoa Improved-farm Settlement. Repairs have also been done to two large bridges. Mangauika A la.—There has been 11 chains of engineering survey made, and 11 chains of 12 ft. road formed to give better access to settlers. Pirongia West.—This road opens up about 17,000 acres of Crown land of good quality, which will shortly be open for selection. 2 miles 27 chains has been constructed 10 ft. wide, 180 acres of bush has been felled along the road, and 221 ft. of stone and wood culverts have been put in. Waitomo Caves.—Five miles and a half of road between the Hangatiki Railway-station and the caves has been maintained, and the road kept open for wheel traffic. Pirongia-Kawhia Road.—Nothing has been done. Kauroa-Pakoka. This grant has been well spent by the Raglan County Council in forming 1 mile 40 chains of dray-road. Wharauroa.—Nothing has been done. Aotea Wharf Road.—The shed at the landing is nearly completed. Kawhia-Aotea.—Only general repairs have been done to keep the road open for wheel traffic. Mongonui Road, Awakino North Survey District. —The authority to expend this grant did not come to hand till late in the year, and consequently little has been done—only 1 mile 40 chains of engineering survey, and 20 chains of bridle-track formed. Briscoe's Section, Aivakino.—There has been 63 chains of engineering survey made and the formation put in hand, 15 chains of dray-road being completed. Kihikihi-Waotu.—Nothing has been done. Village Settlements. —There are no village settlements in the district, so nothing has been done. Waitetuna Bridge.—This bridge is being constructed over the Waitetuna River on the RaglanWaipa Road by the Raglan County Council. The span is 58 ft., and the plans were approved of by me some months ago. Cambridge Bridge Repairs (£1 for £1). —The Waipa County Council have expended £lOO out of the Government grant and £lOO of their own funds in repairing this bridge, which is still very unsafe, and something will have to be done to put it in thorough repair in the near future. Puniu Bridge.—This bridge is over the Puniu Stream, near Kihikihi, on the road from there to Otorohanga, and repairs have been completed. Whatiwhatihoe Bridge. —This is a large bridge over the Waipa River, near Alexandra, on the road between that place and Kawhia. Some months ago it was in a very rotten state —in fact, it was so bad that the major portion of it had to be taken to pieces and rebuilt with fresh timber. It is now in first-rate order, and should last for many years. O'Shea's Bridge, Pakoka Stream.—This has been erected, and is one span of 35 ft. Kawhia Wharf. —The £lOO voted is not sufficient to erect the wharf, so nothing has been done. Paemako (Karu-o-te-Whenua) Improved-farm Settlement.—Nothing in the shape of roadwork has been done in this settlement. Te Rauamoa Improved-farm Settlement.—The same applies to this with regard to roadwork.

56

Mr. C. E. Vickerman, D.8., Auckland, who had control of the following work, reports? as under:— Tamaki Bridge, Panmure.—During the year a sum of £2BB had been expended on reflooring the bridge. The bridge is 20 ft. wide, and the planks run longitudinally, and are 5 in. thick. The whole of the planks were taken up, the centre 12 ft. replaced with new planks,' and the sides filled in again with the best planks taken from the old ones. Also the west approach was repaired, and a dry stone wall built up to protect it. (See page 54.) Mr. J. Thompson, R. 8., Greymouth, reports on the following works done under his supervision, as follows: Clarke Biver Boad.—This work is in progress, and consists in clearing a track 12 ft. wide and forming 4 ft. The length of track is eight miles, commencing at the junction of the Clarke and Grey Bivers. The old track was first opened up on the 28th February. A co-operative party of eight men commenced work. The amount authorised is £4OO, and if we get favourable weather the track will be finished about the end of July. Gobden-Point Elizabeth Boad.—This road is along the sea-beach, commencing near Cobden. The work consisted in constructing a dray-road 2 miles 30 chains in length by forming and blinding the shingle with clay. The cost was £2OO. Work commenced on the 17th January, and finished on the 26th February, 1900. « Stillwater Boad Bridge.—This bridge replaces an old one over the Stillwater Creek on the road between Brunner and Stillwater. It consists in four 28 ft. and two 25 ft. spans ; the main piles are ironbark, the remainder of the timber being silver-pine and heart of rimu. The work was let by contract to Mr. J. E. Eees for £392 Bs. 6d. on the 21st September, 1899, and was finished on the 18th April, 1900. It is now under maintenance. (See page 92.) Mr. E. E. Ussher, D.8., Dunedin, reports on the following work done under his supervision : . Inch Valley Lime-quarry Bailway.—This work comprises a railway two miles and a half in length, commencing at Inch Valley Eailway-station, on the Palmerston-Dunback Eailway; building a lime-kiln, lime-cooler, houses for manager and employes, brick reservoir, and the erection of hauling-engine and all necessary gear. This has been in hand for a considerable time, various delays having taken place. lam pleased to say that the work was finally finished at the close o£ the present financial year. (See page 100.) [To face page 56.]

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Whatawhata Swamp (Drainage and Road). —The Waipa County Council have formed 1 mile 45 chains of dray-road out of the grant, and are still going on with the work. Tunnel, Taumaranui. —Nothing has been done to this road during the year by this department, but the Public Works Department has repaired it in several places near the tunnel, where it had been cut up by the heavy traffic for railway purposes. Mokau River Bridle-track.—The £lOO voted for this is not nearly sufficient, as it will run through very rough country, and the engineering survey is not yet made. Ohura Main Road. There has been 3 miles 6 chains of logging done, and repairs have been made extending over twenty-seven miles of the road. Several small temporary bridges have been repaired between the Mangaroa Stream and the Heao. The construction of the Mangaroa Bridge is well in hand. It consists of one span of 97 ft. and an end span of 18 ft., and all the timber and ironwork is on the ground. There is still about seven miles of this road to be constructed, including several small bridges in my district. Mokau Ferry-service. Mr. Robinson, Road Surveyor in the Taranaki District, called for tenders and had a new punt built, as it has been thought more convenient, at present, to supervise the work from the Taranaki end than from this. Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges in Native Districts.—The Native tracks throughout the district have been kept open for horse traffic, and thirteen miles of road has been improved. Kawhia Block.—There has been 2 miles 73-J- chains of 10 ft. road constructed to give access to settlers who have lately taken up land on the eastern slope of Pirongia. Pakeho Block.—About four miles of bridle-track has been constructed through the centre of this block, being a portion of the main road from the Te Rauamoa Improved-farm Settlement, on the Pirongia-Kawhia Road, to the Miroahuiao, on the Te Kuiti-Awakino Road. Hauturu and Part Kinohaku Block.—There has been 4 miles 65 chains of dray-road and 44 miles 25 chains of bridle-track constructed on this road since the middle of June, and it opens up and gives access to about 80,000 acres of Crown lands, which will very shortly be open for selection. It is nearly all forest country through which this road runs, the land being of good quality, and the formation principally limestone and papa, with here and there a little clay-slate. Kinohaku West Blocks.—Out of this grant 12 miles 58 chains of bridle-track has been formed, continuing the formation of roads towards the block, though not actually in the block itself. The land in this block is almost all covered with forest, but here and there where a clearing is met with the grass is growing most luxuriantly. The road from Mahoenui, on the Te Kuiti-Awakino Road, to Kawhia South will run through the centre of this block, and will in the near future be one of the most important in the whole district, as all the stock from lands adjacent to the road will go over it to Kawhia South as soon as there is a township there, which must necessarily be very soon. The bush has been felled from 3 to 5 chains wide on ail roads throughout the district that have been constructed through forest country within the past twelve months. This is a great advantage, as it lets the sun and wind on to the formation, and keeps the roads much drier than they otherwise would be. The cleared and burnt bush land along each road will be sown with grassseed. Engineering Surveys of Roads.—There has been 104 miles 9 chains of engineering surveys made, and quantities taken out ready for letting contracts. Contingencies and Engineering.—Under this heading £2Bl 13s. 2d. has been expended, the chief items being' salaries of office assistants, office rent, fuel, &c., and travelling-expenses while inspecting local bodies' works. T. Burd, Road Surveyor.

ROTORUA. Arahiwi and Mamaku Railway-station.—Bushfeiling to the extent of 52 chains has been done; 24 chains of formation, and two culverts 40ft. in length; surveys for 4 miles 6 chains; engineering plans, three miles; quantities, two miles. More money should be granted for this road at once, as the settlers have no road into their sections, and have great difficulty in getting in stores, and getting their produce or stock to market. Okoheriki Id.—Twenty chains surveys, graded two miles, explored three miles, and bush felled 1 mile 79 chains, done on this road. Rotorua-Ngongotaha Mount.-—This road or bridle-road has been maintained eight miles in length during the year, and 3 miles 15 chains light clearing completed. It is very necessary that this track should be widened out into a proper buggy-road; it would not cost much, and many people who cannot ride or walk would be able to drive up the hill. Rotorua-Wairoa. —This road, which was destroyed by the Tarawera eruption, has now been opened up again, enabling visitors to drive right to Wairoa. Improved, 8 miles 42 chains; cleared fern, &c., 9 miles 19 chains; two culverts, 12ft.; nine mile-posts placed in position; 79 chains drains ; and the road maintained. Maraeroa-Aturoa.- —The authority construction of this road has been received. Surveys will be made shortly. Rotorua-Te TeJco. This road is now open for wheeled traffic, nearly all the culverts being in. Engineering, surveys, plans, and quantities, 8 miles 61 chains; formation, 9 miles 70 chains improved, cleared 9 miles 47 chains; thirty-one culverts, 656 ft. ; drains, 2 miles 65 chains ; road made, 1 mile 19 chains ; four bridges rebuilt, length 56 ft.; fillings and slips, 910 cubic yards ; fascines, 1,530. A new bridge-site has been chosen in a more suitable place, a mile and three-quarters down the river, and a deviation surveyed to it. This bridge-site is 130 ft. across, and the deviation only lengthens the old surveyed road by a few chains. Plans, speci-

B—C. 1.

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fication, quantities, and estimate of bridge have been made, and tenders will shortly be called for. Most of the work has been done by Native labour, only two small contracts being let to white men. Botorua^Galatea-Waikaremoana. —On this road not much work has been done. Plans of six miles of road surveys, tracings of ten miles of longitudinal and cross-section sheets made ; maintained, 79 miles ; re-formed, 59 miles 72 chains ; three bridges painted ; ten culverts, 231 ft., put in ; fenced, 35 chains; drains, 27 chains; metalled, 25 chains; scrubbed, 4 miles 21 chains; twentysix mile-posts ; formed, 3 miles 63 chains ; graded and pegged, 3 miles 63 chains. Grass-seed has been sown along the road. The road is now open as far as Heipipi. Natives were used on the road principally, widening road, splitting, sawing, culvert-building, and various other jobs. There has been about 5,000 ft. sawn for culverts during the year, of which seven have been put in place ; length, 256 ft. Kaingaroa Plains Boad.—This road has been completed (three miles in length), but there are a few places to be seen to before it is quite fit for wheel traffic. Galatea-Buatoki. —This road has been maintained for four miles. Botoiti-Tarawera via Okataina.—This work has been delayed very much on account of the continual absence of Natives at tangis and Land Courts. The amount of work done up to the 31st March was 3 miles 71 chains of felling, 66 ft. wide, and 1 mile 30 chains of stumping, 33 ft. wide. Botowhero via Waiotapu-Wairakei.—Forty miles of road has been maintained, 14 miles 12 chains re-formed and improved, one small bridge completed, twenty-one culverts 546 ft. in length, 301 chains of drains completed. The bridge over the Waikato Biver is being painted. Tirau (Oxford)-Botorua. —Of this road 3 miles 23 chains of road has been improved; drains patched 74 chains, cut 36 chains; three culverts, length 113 ft.; metalled, 11-J chains ; maintained, 9J miles ; one water-trough. Tauranga-Bunanga.—lmproved or re-formed, 46 miles 36 chains ; cleared, 12 miles 72 chains ; three bridges, length 39 ft.; two culverts, length 48 ft. ; metalled, If miles; maintained, 123 miles. This road is kept in good order by a staff of twelve surfacemen. Paingaroa Boad.—Authority for £5O has just been issued to the Tauranga County Council. Papamoa Special Settlement and Papamoa Nos. 1 and 2.—Engineering surveys for 2 miles 15 chains, road formed 5 miles 18 chains, and ten culverts, 202 ft. in length, completed by Tauranga County Council. Maketu-Botorua. —There has been 9 miles 15 chains formed or improved, 87 chains clearing, 2 chains drains cut, one footbridge 36ft. built, four culverts 97ft. ; maintained, 23 miles; drains patched, 69 chains, by a staff of three surfacemen. Pongakawa-Botorua and Botorua Boad.—The formation of this road was done by settlers in the Pongakawa district, under the co-operative system, for a distance of 5 miles If chains. This includes clearing and felling, opening up 3,802 acres of land already cut up for selection. Akeake Boad.—Of this road 60 chains has been constructed by the Tauranga County for £6O, exhausting the vote. Pye's Pa.—Authority for £lOO for construction received by Tauranga County. Tauranga-Cambridge (Main Boad).—The money authorised for this road was spent on the Ruahihi Bridge, one span of 56 ft. Ateamuri-Orakeikorako.—Maintenance of 2 miles 54 chains of road as required. This road should have a further sum voted to it, so as to complete the road into Orakeikorako. Tracks to Orakeikorako.—There has been 4 miles 32 chains of road improved, 3 miles of drains, and 16 miles maintained. One surfaceman in charge. Tauhara Mountain.—Authority received for this work. Owing to Native trouble work has not been gone on with. Tokaanu-Taupo.—This road extends to a distance of thirty-six miles, and has been maintained throughout the year in fair condition by three surfacemen. The fords have been troublesome, requiring constant attention, but at present are all in excellent repair. The steamer now running on Lake Taupo takes off a portion of the coach traffic, but there is still a large number of travellers who use the road, especially camping-out parties, who are increasing every year. Bridges and culverts in good repair, one new culvert (12 in. by 12 in. by 18 ft.) being put in. During the year 9 miles 67 chains road has been re-formed. Tokaanu Boad and Wharf. —Twenty-three bays have been constructed, giving a total length of 470 ft., with a width of 6 ft. Steps have been erected at the approach to the wharf, and a temporary truck made. The road has just been started, and ought to be completed in a very short time. It is all through swamp, and requires good fascining. Tc Teko-Whakatane. The following is a summary of works: Eoad construction, 3 miles 13 chains; road improved, 1 mile 10 chains; drains (various sizes), Smiles 17 chains; fascines, 4,205; scrub-cutting (15ft. high), 66ft. wide, 1 mile 68 chains; two bridges, total length, 34ft.; nine culverts, 194 ft.; engineering surveys, plans, &c., 6 miles 12-65 chains. The work was executed by Natives under the co-operative system, who gave a lot of trouble, especially in obtaining fascines and in borrowing for banks, the Boad Surveyor being prevented from cutting pits outside the road traverse. Bay of Plenty (Sundry Boads).— Authority for expenditure of £5O received by Whakatane County Council. Opotiki-Otannarakau. —The grant of £2OO has been spent by the county on the construction of the Wainui Bridge, 50 ft. span, 12 ft. wide. Matata-Te Teko.—Authority expenditure of £lOO issued to Whakatane County. Bangitaiki-Buatoki-Waiotahi.—On this road, 76 chains has been formed, one bridge 12 ft. in length, three culverts 64 ft., and maintained thirty miles.

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Mangakahia Bridge

Mangatainoka Bridge.

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Nukuhau-Ma/raetotara. —The Whakatane County has spent £5OO of a grant on forming a coach-road 3 miles 4 chains 14 ft. wide, principally side-cutting, and swamp formation 20 ft. wide, with side drains. These roads are principally in open country, and the £5OO forms part of an expenditure of £909 13s. by the county on the 5 miles 30 chains of road and one 50 ft. bridge. Waimana-Ohiwa.—Formation of 3 miles 60 chains of road, 12 ft. and 15 ft. wide ; removal of 14,604 cubic yards of earth. Several culverts and bridges also put in. Pipes, carting, freight, and supervision with the above construction exhaust the vote of £4OO issued to Whakatane County. Waimana. —The Whakatane County have spent £3OO out of their vote in the construction of 2 miles 59 chains of road, chiefly through bush which has been felled 1 chain wide and formed 12 ft. Waioeka, Blocks 11., 111,, IV.—Authority for the expenditure of £lOO was issued to the Whakatane County, but no work has been done. Waioeka River-Waiotahi Block.--Authority for the expenditure of was £3OO issued to the Whakatane County. The work has not yet been commenced. Otara River-Vapamoa. —Authority for the expenditure of £3OO was issued to the Whakatane County, but they have not begun the work. Outarumutu-Te Whaiti.—-Authority for the expenditure of £lOO was issued to the Whakatane County, but no work has yet been done. Taupo-Te Aratiatia Rapids.—This work is proceeding as rapidly as possible, and with fine weather should be finished in three weeks. The distance is about nine miles. Village Settlements. —No work was required under this item. Contingencies and Engineering.—This vote is being used for travelling-expenses connected with local grants. Rotorua Wharf.—About 15,000 ft. of totara timber has been sawn, and is now being carted to the site of wharf at Rotorua. During the year an extension of the wharf was made in timber, the first part being of stone. This extension was 61 ft. in length and 8 ft. 4 in. in width. The further extension of the wharf will be carried on as soon as possible. It may be necessary to make gaps in the stone portion, so that the water and sand could have greater play, as one side is silting up. Mourea Bridge.—A tender for £775 has been accepted for the construction of this bridge, the tenderers being Messrs. Kusabs Brothers ; but owing to their inability to obtain piles the work has been somewhat delayed. During the year the old bridge, which is very unsafe, has had to be supported. Haiti Bridge.-—This bridge has been erected over the Kaiti Stream at Papamoa No. 2 Settlement, with earthwork approaches, &c., by the Tauranga County Council. Akeake Bridge. —Sixty chains clearing and road-formation 12 ft. wide has been constructed out of this vote. Kaituna Stream Bridge.—Authority to spend £l5O has been issued to the Tauranga County Council, but as the funds at disposal of county are insufficient, the work has not yet been commenced. Ruahihi Bridge ( Tauranga, Cambridge). —Authority issued to Tauranga County Council for repairs to this bridge. The money has been expended in erecting a concrete pier and in building a truss span of 56 ft. Maketu Wharf. —Authority issued to the Tauranga County Council for the construction of this wharf, but the work has not been commenced. Waikato Bridge (Waiotapu). —This bridge,-which was completed last year, is now receiving a good coat of paint. Whakatane County Bridges (£1 for £1). Authority for the expenditure of £2OO issued to the Whakatane County Council. Whakatane Wharf Repairs.—Authority for the expenditure of £350 issued to the Whakatane Road Board. Rotorua, Works at.— The service-pipes to three douche-baths have been renewed—viz., to Blue bath, once; ladies' Priest, twice; gentlemen's Priest, three times; total, six times during the year. Three shower-baths have been lined with zinc. Fixed 96 ft. culverts 12 in. by 16 in., and 80 ft. crossing-culverts 16 in. by 6 in. The Oruawhata geysers have been repaired. Galvan-ised-iron pipes in connection with works to the length of 1,873 ft. have been fixed. Two new earth-closets have been built, and forty-four notice-boards for parks, gardens, and baths made. Renewed 276 socket-, service-, and drain-pipes. Completed repairs to agent's residence. Built cottage of six rooms for Postmaster's bath attendants' residence, and fire-engine house built. This latter wants new sets of fire-hoses, reels, &c. Four new brick sumps have been built, and 400 ft. 3 in. cast-iron pipes fixed with valves and junctions. The ladies' and gentlemen's public Rachel baths have been lime-washed, and back walls of dressing-boxes painted. Fixed 710 ft. socket-pipe tail-race drains from gentlemen's and ladies' public and private Priest baths. This has raised the temperature considerably, and has allowed the water to get away freely, the water before the tail-races were put in having become cold and stagnant. Every praise should be given to Mr. Corlett for this work, who suggested and carried it out. The general maintenance of all buildings, fences, &c., has been well attended to. Rotorua Water-supply. —Formed 78 chains table drains and 17 chains mitre drains; fixed 60f chains (six wires) fencing to protect water-race. Close-boarded 132 ft. on top of fluming near road to protect same from dust. Reboxed 228 ft. fluming. Made eight concrete blocks for valveboxes, and renewed several lengths water main and supplying pipes. The fluming has been cleaned out four times, and the general repairs and weekly cleaning of settling-pits attended to. New Water-supply. —Levels were run up to a spring up the Utahina Creek about three miles from Rotorua, which would have made a grand source to supply Rotorua with water, but, unfortunately, the fall was not enough, so it had to be abandoned. A spring under Moerangi Mountain

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was next tried with good results. The analysis of the water by Mr. Skey proves that it is excellent. Engineering survey, plans, &c., have been prepared for a pipe-track a distance of 1 mile 40 chains from the present inlet to the tunnel, also sections have been made of proposed dam. The site of this dam is 34 ft. above the present reservoir, and 131 ft. above the pipe-level at the Botorua Postoffice. Iron pipes, 12 in. diameter, for the whole distance of two miles and a half to reach the present main, would cost about £8,500. Whakcireiuarewa (Baths, Paths, and Supervision). —The paths have been kept in order. The Spout baths have been repaired and reroofed with P.B. felt. Tool-shed, 10 ft. by 1 ft. by 8 ft., built. Repairs to road. Built frame-work of timber and split totara posts over steam and mud holes. Made and fixed three new spout-valves to Spout baths. Fixed 36 ft. 6 in. drain socket pipes at entrance nursery gate. Built two concrete tanks of a capacity of 4,000 gallons each for windmill at nursery. Fixed 30 ft. steel tower, with 12 ft. Star windmill and pump ; also 550 ft. of 2 in. and 1 in. galvanised-iron pipe connecting pump with tanks. Built stable, 50 ft. by 18 ft. by 14 ft., shed divided into four stalls, feed, and harness, and one workroom and loft, 50 ft. by 18 ft.; also lean-to shed, 50 ft. by 17 ft. Maintenence, &c., has been looked after. Waiotapu Springs. —A track, 1 mile 48 chains, has been made to the top of the Kakaramea Mountain, enabling visitors to ride to the top and have a fine view of the surrounding district. Papamoa Nos. 1 and 2 Special Settlement (Drainage).—Mr. C. B. Turner made an engineering survey of a proposed drain to connect settlers with the drain made by the Te Puke Drainage Board, the distance being 1 mile 49 chains, and also chained and levelled down the Board's drain for two miles, with a view of obtaining a better fall and removing obstructions, the drain being blocked up with timber. A contract for making a drain 7ft. by 4ft., averaging 4ft. deep, has been let; length, 1 mile 49 chains. Of this, 60 chains has been completed. The balance of the authority, if any, should be spent in clearing and deepening the outlet drain. Opepe Stoclc-paddock (Taupo-Napier Boad). —The stock-paddock is now completed with a ring fence of 97 chains (seven wires), including one dividing fence, and has been put in charge of the Surfaceman. Mamaku Block.—The engineering survey has been finished to within 20 chains of the Arahiwi Railway-station, a distance 4 miles 6 chains. Two miles of quantities and three miles of plans have also been done. Three contracts have been let on this road—one to complete the clearing and grubbing, and two for forming a road 14ft. wide: length of formation, 24J chains, and 52 chains of stumping and clearing. The authority is now exhausted. As this is the only road by which settlers between Mamaku and Arahiwi are supposed to get to the station, it is important that it should be completed as soon as possible; at present it is hardly fit for horse traffic. Three culverts have been put in ; length, 66 ft. Mamaku-Botorua-Tirau. —The engineering survey plans and quantities have been completed for the whole distance of 3 miles 14 chains, and the work let in six contracts. Of these, five have been completed, leaving one in hand. The work consists of clearing, stumping, and forming a 14 ft. road, with the necessary culverts. The length formed during the year is three miles, with sixteen culverts, 360 ft. The existing contract will be finished in a few weeks; this will complete the road right through. The road has been sown with grass-seed. Mangarewa-Eaharoa Block.—The authority for the expenditure of £577 on this road has been received. Mr. Webb is now engaged on the survey of it. Taumata Block. —This road, 6 miles 16 chains in length, has been surveyed, also 60 chains of plans and quantities finished. The grades are mostly lin 10, as it is through very rough and broken bush country. Four contracts have been" let, the work consisting of felling, clearing, grubbing, formation, &c.—6l chains of formation, 2 miles 17-J- chains of clearing and felling, and 42 chains of grubbing, &c. The authority is exhausted, and I would respectfully suggest more money should be voted, as it is important that the settlers should have access to their sections, as well as opening a road into sections still open for selection. Umurua Block— Engineering surveys of 1 mile 69 chains are completed. The bushfelling done consists of 31 chains 2 chains wide, and 1 mile 29 chains 1 chain wide; clearing 1 mile 60 chains 33 ft. wide, stumping 16 ft. wide. One contract still to be completed. Lichfield-Atiamuri The Government portion of this road, fourteen miles in length, extending from its junction with the Tauranga-Runanga at Atiamuri towards Lichfield, has been maintained. 3 miles 63 chains has been re-formed, and the drains and ditches looked after, by one surfaceman. " Thirds," General.—The sum of £57 has been spent on the formation of 45 chains of road, and in building one culvert 30 ft. in length in the Okoheriki and Taumata Blocks. Gisborne-Opotiki.—The Whakatane County have spent their grant of £5O on the construction of the Tahora Bridge and in forming 10 chains of dray-road. Aratiatia Bapids.—This road has been maintained for the length of two miles during the year; a few chains of rock embankment was also re-formed. Opotiki-East Gape. —The Whakatane County have spent their grant of £6O on the maintenance of sixty miles of dray-road. Okere Falls.—Longitudinal sections and cross-sections have been taken for the electric-light power, also a road formed into the falls about 30 chains in length. Bangitaiki Bridge, Galatea.—About 15,000 ft. of timber (totara) has been sawn and delivered at the bridge-site, and a co-operative contract let to Messrs. Bird and party for the construction of the bridge. It should be completed in six weeks or two months. Branch Boad from Waiotapu to Galatea Boad.—There has been 2 miles 22-36 chains graded and let. to the Maoris in co-operative contracts. Tongariro Biver Groin, Tokaanu-Taupo Boad.—For the last two years and a half this river has gradually been deviating from its course, eating away the western bank, and this threatened to cut off the approach to the bridge. To stop this a wire-netting groin chains long has been

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erected, to throw the water back to its old channel. Two outlets have also been cut on the northeast bank, and greatly helps to draw the water back to its original channel. The groin is about 5 ft. high. Taupo Lake.—Owing to the very dry season the waters of Lake Taupo fell considerably, and rocks, &c., which had never shown above water now appeared. The channel also was difficult to negotiate. Three buoys were placed in position to mark the channel, and the rocks are now being blasted out. General. The season in Rotorua has been fairly good, the majority of people coming at Christmas and Easter. Owing to dry weather the roads are all in good order, though dusty. I have inspected all the roads under my charge during the year, and also attended to county grant work, Town Board meeting, and general supervision, baths, nursery, grounds, &c. A. C. Turner, Road Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. Botorua-Galatea-Waikaremoana.—There have been 5 miles chains constructed, and of this 4 miles 40J chains is a bridle-road, and 1 mile 29 chains dray-road; culverts built, and 34,600 ft. of timber for the accommodation-house sawn ; boatshed, 24 ft. by 12 ft. bv ft. built, and the maintenance of twenty-two miles. It is all in forest country, and very hard, which accounts for the slow progress made and expense of construction. I regret to say we have had some fatal accidents on the works—which have all been carried out by co-operative labour—two men having been killed, one in a blasting accident and the other by a fall of rock. Opotiki- East Gape.—Assisted by a grant the Waiapu County Council have constructed 2 miles 14 chains under the supervision of their engineer. Kawakawa-Hicks Bay.—Grant to Waiapu County Council, who have constructed 2 miles 14 chains of bridle-road and necessary culverts. Ahomatariki.—Grant of £250 to Waiapu County Council, who have constructed 43 chains of dray-road, and removed some heavy slips off the road. Waipiro-Mata.—Grant of £3OO to Waiapu County Council, who have constructed 1 mile 23 chains of dray-road under the supervision of their engineer. Mata Valley.—A mile and a half of bridle-road has been constructed. This road will give the Mata settlers better road-access, which is much required. Waipiro-Te Puia-Hikiwai. —Grant of £5OO to the Waiapu County Council, who have constructed 3 miles 47 chains of dray-road, with necessary culverts, under the supervision of their engineer, Mr. O'Ryan. This road gives access to the Te Puia Native township and hot springs. Waipiro-Hot Springs-Tokomaru. —-Grant of £2OO to the Waiapu County Council, who have constructed 1 mile 65 chains of drav-road on the main road from Tokomaru to the Te Puia Native township and springs. Tauwhareparae Grown Lands.—Assisted by a grant of £2OO the Waiapu County Council have constructed 6 miles 52 chains of bridle-road, which will give access to Crown lands. Motu (Widening).—Two miles of the bridle-road has been widened to a 12 ft. dray-road, culverts, forest-clearing 16 ft. wide, and four miles of engineering survey. This is a continuation of the widening in hand last year, and the construction is now completed to within four miles and a half of the Motu Village. Gisborne-Opotiki (Main Boad). —Five men have been employed on general maintenance work on this road for a distance of sixty-six miles through rough forest country, where constant maintenance is necessary to keep the road open for traffic. Waikohu-Motu.—Grant of £4OO to Cook County Council, who have constructed two miles of dray-road, with necessary culverts, under the supervision of their engineer. Gisborne-Botorua (Stock). —There has been 23J miles felled 1 chain wide, and cleared on the centre 30 ft., while 1 mile 42 chains of formation 8 ft. wide has been constructed at places where it was too steep to pass over, including culverts, inspections, engineering, &c. Of the 23J miles completed during the year, 3 miles 25 chains has been done by Native labour, working at the Ruatahuna end, the balance by co-operative labour. The total length completed is 38J miles, leaving about twelve miles to construct, two miles of which, under Maungapohatu, is the worst part of the track. Tologa-Arakihi. —Grant, £lOO 10s. 2d., to Cook County Council, who have constructed 75 chains of dray-road. Tologa Hill. —Grant, £250, to Cook County Council, who have re-formed and metalled 33 chains on the main Gisborne-Tologa Bay Coast Road. Wainui. —Grant, £3OO, to Cook County Council, with which they have metalled 44-J chains of the Gisborne-Wainui Road. Gisborne-Waikaremoana Boad. —There has been 1 mile 10 chains of bridle-road constructed. This is a continuation of the road partly constructed last year. The whole length, 41f miles, is now completed, and the cost includes maintenance of the 41| miles. Frasertown-W aikaremoana.—There has been 3 miles 6 chains of the main road widened from 8 ft. to al2 ft. dray-road, with necessary culverts, by co-operative labour. This was on the hill approaching Onepoto, Waikaremoana Lake, and was very necessary work, it being difficult before for two vehicles to pass. Hangaroa-Tiniroto.—Grant to Cook County Council, who have constructed seven culverts, and placed them in position, of a total length of 120 ft,

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Nuhaka-Gisborne.—There has been 9 miles 46§ chains of dray-road constructed by co-opera-tive labour, in the cost of which is included culverts, forest-clearing (16 ft. and 66 ft. wide), inspections, and twelve miles of engineering survey. About one mile remains to be completed to complete road throughout for wheel traffic. Nuhaka No. I.—There has been chains of dray-road constructed, which will give better road-access to the settlers. Tauwliareparae-Arakihi, Watmata-Tamvhareparae. — Grants to Cook County Council, who have constructed 2 miles 71 chains of main road under the supervision of their engineer. Puatai Hill. —Grant to Cook County, who have re-formed and metalled 40 chains on the Gisborne-Tologa Bay Coast Eoad. Muriwai-Mahia.—Out of a grant the Cook County Council have constructed 1 mile 18 chains of the main Muriwai-Mahia Eoad, which will be of advantage to the settlers. Bunanga-Pohui.—Thirty-nine miles of this portion of the Napier-Taupo Eoad has been maintained, one new bridge-culvert of 8 ft. erected, and approaches made to the Mohaka Biver. Napier-Wairoa.—There has been 21 miles 50 chains of dray-road constructed, culverts built, and eighteen miles and a half of engineering survey. The total distance constructed from Tongoio is forty-two miles, the whole length of which has been maintained. There remains still five miles and a half to complete the construction to Mohaka, which should be pushed on so that the road may be open for traffic next summer. Owing to expensive rock-cuttings at Waikare Gorge, where a bridge is also necessary, it will cost about £lO,OOO to complete the road through to Mohaka; but it is an important road, being the only means of communication for a number of settlers, and should be completed. Puketitiri.—Grant to Hawke's Bay County Council, who have metalled portions of the main Napier-Puketitiri Eoad. Buahine, Buahine Block Approach.—There has been 48 chains of dray-road constructed and 11 chains metalled, which will improve the access to the Euahine Settlement. In the cost is included two bridges of 16 ft. and 17 ft. span, and two miles of engineering survey. Waikopiro.—There has been 3 miles 66 chains of bridle-road constructed by co-operative labour, the settlers being employed. Included in cost is one mile and a quarter of forest felled and cleared, ten bridges, fifty-five culverts, and maintenance. Now that a factory has been established at Whetukura Village, it is important that the roads be constructed through the Waikopiro Settlement to enable the settlers to take their milk to it. Dannevirke-W eber-Wimbledon. —Grant of £5OO to Weber Eoad Board, who have re-formed and put 1,691 cubic yards of metal on portions of the road. jHolder's.—Grant to Kumeroa Eoad Board, who have constructed 6 chains of main road and put on 637 cubic yards of metal; also made alteration to bridge and erected some fencing. Waimata (Ackroyd's) Bridge.—Grant to Cook County, who have constructed 20 chains of main road, being approaches to bridge. Waimoko Bridge.—Grant to Cook County Council, who have erected a bridge, of a total length of 140 ft., and constructed 26 chains of road, being approach to same. This bridge is situated on the coast road from Gisborne to Tologa Bay, and was urgently required. Turehau Bridge.—Grant to Cook County Council, who have erected a bridge, of a total length of 100 ft., which will be a great advantage to travellers, the crossing at Turehau Stream not being good. Te Be.inga Falls Bridge.—Grant to Wairoa County Council, who have erected a bridge over the Falls, which will be of great advantage to the Euakituri settlers. Mohaka Bridge.—The contractors for this bridge have had much difficulty in sinking the cylinders, also in obtaining suitable timber. £2,791 has been passed on account of this contract during the year. The cylinders are now down and the superstructure is being framed. Manawatu Bridge. —The erection of this bridge has been completed and its approaches. It proves a great advantage to the Waikopiro settlers. Ngapaeruru Block.—There has been 11J miles constructed, 4 miles 71 chains being a drayroad and 6 miles 27-J chains bridle-road. Included in the cost is seventeen miles of bushfelling and clearing 1 chain wide, 64 ft. of tunnelling, 3 chains of crib-logging, culverts, 96 chains of drains, timber sawn for culverts (16,709ft.),and 22 miles 46 chains of engineering surveys. The roads, which have all been constructed by co-operative labour, will give access to the settlers on the Ngapaeruru Block, and to the portion of the block soon to be opened for selection. Bridges, however, over the Mangatoro Stream are necessary before the roads can be of much value to the settlement, and I hope to soon have authority for their erection. Mahora Estate. —Two small bridges have been erected. Included in the cost is 1 mile 68 chains of survey, and 5,666 ft. of culvert timber. The two main roads in the settlement will be formed and gravelled before winter. The settlers will then have good roads throughout the settlement. Nuhaka Springs. —There has been 29 chains of bridle-road constructed to give better access to the springs. General. The total length of roads formed in the district during the year is 104 miles. In addition, 225 miles 40 chains have been maintained, and 6-J miles improved ; eighteen bridges erected, four of which are over 30 ft. span ; 262 culverts built and placed in position ; and 81,000 ft. of timber sawn for culverts and buildings. There has also been 62 miles 57 chains of engineering surveys made. Of the 104 miles formed, 25J miles have been constructed by local bodies on plans and specifications approved by the department, the balance of 78£ miles being constructed by co-operatives working under the supervision of officers of the department.

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The constructed roads, with the exception of the Napier-Wairoa, twenty-one miles, are generally in forest country, which is felled 1 chain wide on the line of road. There have been 264 contracts prepared and executed, and 1,531 vouchers have been passed through, covering an expenditure of £40,157 4s. One Road Surveyor (Mr. Marshall), three Road Inspectors, and seven Road Overseers have been permanently employed, and the staff surveyors have generally inspected any works convenient to their camps. The District Surveyor at Gisborne has generally had charge of the works in the Poverty Bay portion of the district. Eric c Gqld gMITH> chief Surveyor .

TARANAKI. Mimi-Mokau.—This name now distinguishes the main road between Urenui and Mokau River, from where it leaves the metal at North Road to Mokau Ferry. During the past year 5 miles 78 chains of engineering survey, and plans, has been made; 11 miles 72 chains of drayroad formed; 6 miles 63 chains of large drains cut; 93 chains of bushfelling, stumping, and clearing done; three bridges, totalling 174 lineal feet, erected; ninety-eight culverts of various sizes, from 1 ft. to 4 ft. square inside, and in total length 3,241 ft., made and fixed ; 5 chains has been sanded in lieu of metal; 1,110 cubic yards of papa-rock has been excavated and removed in improving! curves at sharp points on Mount Messenger ridge ; and 3,320 cubic yards of slips removed from off the road. Twenty-five miles of road has been maintained and improved. The bridge is still in course of construction over Kuatahi Creek, but will be completed in April, and a bridge is urgently needed over Tongaporutu River. With these exceptions the road is now open for dray or coach traffic during the summer months from New Plymouth to Mokau, fiftyeight miles. A small party of surfacemen is kept on the twenty-five miles under maintenance, for removing slips, dressing up the road, and putting in extra culverts for escape of storm-water. As this part of the road is a portion of the future coach-road between railway at Waitara and at Te Kuiti, I think the whole length of over a hundred miles should be distinguished by one name. I would suggest the whole be named " Mokau Road." Putiki.—This is a connecting road between Mimi-Mokau Road and Okau Improved-farm Settlement. Work for the year consisted of 30 chains engineering survey ; 22 chains dray-road formation; two culverts, 50ft. total length; erection of dray-bridge of 50ft. span, total length 55 ft., over Mangaongaonga Stream ; cutting 6 chains of large drain ; removal of 795 cubic yards of slips; and maintenance of 2 miles 19 chains of road. This road will be the main outlet for Okau Improved-farm Settlement and Mangatawa Block on one side, and Greenlands Improvedfarm Settlement with part of Putiki Block on the other side, Okau Road and Tooi Road branching off from Putiki Road at Putiki clearing. Moanatairi Special Settlement. —The felling, stumping, and clearing of 2 miles 78 chains of Tooi Road leading to Greenlands Improved-farm Settlement, also the formation of 7 chains of drayroad and 36 chains of bridle-road, have been charged to this item. The maintenance of six miles of pack-track leading to above settlement has also been charged. Uruti Boad.—This vote is being granted to Clifton County Council for the continuance of dray-road formation from Mimi-Mokau Road to settlement lands in Block 11., "Upper Waitara. The settlers interested are raising a loan to supplement the vote, and the work will shortly be proceeded with. Moki Junction.—A dray-bridge 64 ft. long, 40 ft. main span, is being erected over Uruti Stream at the entrance to settlement in Block 11., Upper Waitara, and will be completed in April. The timber and ironwork could not be carted to site of bridge before January, 1900, in consequence of bad state of road, or the bridge would have been erected at an earlier date. Moki Boad.—Where this road branches off from Uruti Road a bridge 72 ft. long has been erected over Uruti Stream, the main span of bridge (44 ft.) being of iron girders. Bridge consists of three spans, and was erected on driven piles. 1 mile 24 chains of road was felled, stumped, and cleared; 13 chains of dray-road and 75 chains of bridle-road constructed; 9 chains of drains cut; and 1 mile of road maintained. Work was suspended on the road in January last, and has not been resumed; but we hope soon again to start the work, not only from the Uruti end, to open up lands being surveyed in Waitara, Moki, and other valleys, but also at Ohura Road end, to give access to lands in Waingarara and Moanatairi districts. This road, being a main arterial one, and the outlet for a large extent of country, should be constructed as soon as possible. Mangatawa.—This block was surveyed for sale about two years since, but has not yet been offered. A road in continuation of Okau Road will be needed to give access to the block, and should be started as soon as possible. Provision is being made on the estimates for roading the block. , Mimi-Mangaroa (Metalling), £1 for £l.—Under control of Clifton County Council, who last year let a contract for metalling one mile of Mimi-Mokau Road, of which contract 35 chains was completed on the 31st March, 1899. During the past year a further length of 39 chains has been laid, the metal or gravel being put on 12 ft. wide by 12 in. deep. Specifications for the work had to be approved and the final testing and inspection made by this department. Otaraoa Boad.—Arrangements were made for expending this vote in continuing the dray-road formation of Tikorangi-Tarata Road from the Tikorangi end. The Clifton County Council, however, wished to make some deviations from present line of road, and the expenditure of the vote had to be deferred until these deviations were laid off. Settlers at Tarata end subsequently claimed that the money should be expended in opening up a portion of Otaraoa Road near larata. It is now intended to do this latter work.

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Tikorangi Road.--Engineering survey of 58 chains of this road was made, plans and specifications prepared, and tenders invited for the work; but the tenders being above the amount available, they had to be declined. It was proposed to form a road from Te Arei Eoad at Huirangi down to—and also a part on north side of—Tikorangi Suspension-bridge. If the settlers interested would supplement the vote, as is usually done on roads in other parts of the district, the work could easily be performed. Junction Road, Purangi (£1 for £1). —The Clifton County Council early in the year let a contract for metalling about three miles of the road, 12 ft. wide by 12 in. deep, the metal being the class known as Ohaero gravel, which makes a splendid road. To the 31st March about two miles was completed, the remaining mile being under progress. Specifications for the work were approved and the final inspection and testing made by this department. Junction Road (Widening).—The former bridle-road between Purangi and Matau has been widened to a 14 ft. dray-road. The work for the year includes 1 mile 54 chains of engineering survey and the same of dray-road formation ; twenty-two culverts, of total length of 561 lineal feet; and 6 chains of metalling with broken stone. Four miles and a half of dray-road has been maintained, also six miles bridle-road ; 415 cubic yards of slips removed. The formation on the 1 mile 54 chains was in parts very heavy, being in papa rock with high inside batters. About six miles of bridle-road still remains to be- widened to give coach-road access between Inglewood and Ohura Eoad. Junction Eoad is now open for dray or coach traffic from railway-line at Inglewood to Matau Eoad South, about twenty-nine miles, of which over twenty-two miles is metalled. Pukemahoe Road.—Work on this road is in continuation of that done in former years, and is still in progress. During the year 1 mile 20 chains of engineering surveys were made, 18 chains of dray-road and 57 chains of bridle-road were formed, six culverts of total length of 147 ft. constructed, and one mile of road maintained. The contracts in progress will not give access to the whole of the settlers, but, the vote being exhausted, no further work can be let. Mataro Road. —There has been 1 mile 46 chains of this road felled, stumped, and cleared along a settler's frontage, but a large amount of work is still required to give access to the block. Kaipikari Deviation.—This deviation was laid off from the road leading inland at Urenui, and which gives access to a large extent of settlement land—some sold and some still Crown lands —also to Burfoot Improved-farm Settlement. The previous road ran up a steep hill, which became dangerous in wet weather. The deviation, 56 chains in length, gives a good grade, and has been formed as a dray-road. Ten culverts (glazed pipes, 12 in. diameter), in length 244 ft., were placed in position to carry off' storm-water. Ngatoto.—The work on this road included 71 chains of dray-road formation ; one bridge, 30 ft. long ; ten culverts, 157 lineal feet; and maintenance of the road. Further work is suspended for the present, but an extension of the road is much needed to give access to Crown lands higher up Waitara Eiver. Milsom and Tanner.—These blocks include several roads, and, as our vote was but a small one, only a little work could be done, on those roads most urgently needing it. Work executed includes 40 chains dray-road formation; two dray-bridges, total length 112 ft.; one culvert, 21 ft.; and repairs to three miles of roads. Work is still in progress on Mangaoapa Eoad, in road-formation and culverts; and on Mangamairi Eoad, in dray-bridge and approaches. Koru-New Plymouth (£1 for £l). —The work was under charge of Oakura Eoad Board. A length of three miles of the road has been metalled 10 ft. wide with machine-broken river stone. Plans and specifications were first approved by this department, and three visits of inspection of the work were made before certifying to progress-payments. Egmont (Metalling), £1 for £1. —Under control of Moa Eoad Board. Three miles and a half of the road was laid, 10 ft. wide, with machine-broken river stone, in continuation of gravelling done in former years. About a mile and a half of metalling is still required to complete the work up to Mount Egmont Forest Eeserve, which when done will be a great boon not only to the settlers along the road, but also to tourists and visitors to North Egmont mountain-house. Specifications of the work were approved by this department, and a visit of inspection made before each progress-payment. Kent Road.—ln order to give better access to lands recently sold in Block VI., Egmont, the following works have been carried out on this road during the past year: 1 mile 9 chains of engineering surveys, and the same length of dray-road formation ; one dray-bridge, 60 ft. in length, constructed over Mangawarawara Stream; thirteen culverts, in length 224 ft.; and one mile of maintenance. The settlers interested now propose raising a loan, under the Loans to Local Bodies Act, to still further improve the road. Maude Road.—Work done on this road was in the nature of improving grades, so as to give better access to a portion of Block VI., Egmont. During the year the following work has been done : 39 chains reducing grades, and dray-road formation ; seven culverts, in length 120 ft. Our vote being expended, no further work could be done. Newall and Tohu Roads.—Parihaka Eoad Board having erected a dray-bridge over Teikaparua Stream, Warea-Newall Eoad, assistance was granted them by forming about 35 chains of drayroad to give access to the bridge; 40 chains of bridle-road was formed ; 20 chains felled, stumped, and cleared ; and 50 chains, frontage to sections at top end of Newall Eoad, next Mount Egmont Forest Eeserve line, felled only. Carrington Road.—About 35 chains of Upper Plymouth Eoad, leading from Carrington Eoad to Mount Egmont Forest Eeserve, has been felled, cleared, and stumped. Further work is in progress. Waiweranui. —Plans and specifications for a dray-bridge over Waitaka Stream, Parihaka Eoad, have been prepared. The necessary timber is being cut, ironwork is made, and the erection

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of the bridge will shortly be proceeded with. The bridge will give access from Kahui Eoad, which is metalled, to lands on Parihaka and Tohu Roads. Mount Egmont Tracks and Huts.—Up to the present date three separate Boards of Conservators have charge of portions of Mount Egmont Forest Reserve, each Board having control on its own side of the mountain (north, east, and south) ; the remaining (western) side will probably be placed under a Board of Opunake and Rahotu settlers, unless the Egmont National Park Bill (which has already been before Parliament) is passed. Each Board has constructed a horse-road towards the higher slopes of Mount Egmont—the North Egmont Board by way of Egmont Road (from New Plymouth and Inglewood) to its house, at an elevation of 3,200 ft. above the sea; the East Egmont Board (from Stratford) by way of Pembroke Road, to its house, about 4,000 ft. (within this Board's boundaries a new track four miles and a quarter in length, being an extension 01 Surrey Road from near Tariki Railway-station, has been cut this year under special Government grant); the South Egmont Board by way of Manaia Road (accessible from Manaia, Kaponga, and Stratford) to its house, at an elevation of nearly 3,000 ft. Last year's vote was equitably divided between these three Boards, who with it have done the following works: North Egmont—house lined, partly ceiled and painted, improvements to pathways around house, improvements to and maintenance of two miles of coach-road and two miles of bridle-road within the reserve; East Egmont Board—erection of new house, improvements and maintenance of about four miles of bridle-road to house; South Egmont Board—enlargement of house, maintenance of about four miles bridleroad. All the above Boards are trying to popularise their respective routes by improving the access to their houses, and by enlarging and improving their house-accommodation. That the routes are becoming very popular is evidenced by the fact that nearly three thousand people visited the various houses during the past season, many remaining for periods up to fourteen days, a large number of whom ascended Mount Egmont. Ohura Mam Road.—The metalling contract in progress at date of last year's report was completed in April, 1899, making the total length of metal laid from Stratford about 12£ miles. Improvements to the road by sanding—a dry yellow sand found in some of the cuttings—l2 ft. wide by not less than 12 in. deep, have been proceeded with where practicable, and the road is fairly good and trafficable for drays for a length of about thirty-eight miles, or nearly to Whangamomona Township, forty-two miles. Of course, it cuts up in parts and becomes bad in the middle of winter, but our winter contract price for carting goods the forty-two miles, at £3 9s. per ton (summer price is-£2 10s.) shows that, although metalling would be a great boon, still the road is yearly hardening and becoming better. The worst part of the road now is just beyond Whangamomona Township, and here we have failed after repeated trials to find either metal or suitable sand. About 50 chains of this part of the road will be very bad during the coming winter, and will have to be corduroyed to keep it open for traffic. The class of papa near by, or within two miles, is not suitable for burning, or it would have been tried as a substitute for metal, that already laid answering well. During the past year 5 miles 66 chains of dray-road has been made in extension of that formerly done, the road being now formed as a dray-road to the summit of Pakaranui Ridge, about fifty-five miles from Stratford (about two miles past nol'th end of Whangamomona Improved-farm Settlement). This work was of a very heavy nature, nearly 107,000 cubic yards (principally of hard papa rock) having to be excavated and removed. After the road had been formed along the ridge, at about 50 to miles from Stratford, enormous slips came across it, quite blocking it, and in parts carrying it away. These had to be removed to the extent of over 18,670 cubic yards. 2 miles 70 chains of 8 ft. bridle-road has been formed; 2 miles of felling, stumping, and clearing has been done in Tangarakau Gorge, and the work is still in progress; 162 culverts of various sizes, and in total length 4,150 ft., have been made and placed in position; three flood-openings (small bridges) have been constructed ; and two large dray-bridges of 70 ft. and 60 ft. main spans (in total length 205 ft.) have been built over Whangamomona Stream, near the township. Timber and ironwork has been prepared for a bridge over Raekohua Stream, to the north of Whangamomona Improved-farm Settlement, and at south foot of Pakaranui ridge, and the bridge will shortly be erected. Plans have been prepared for Waingarara Bridge, and are in hand for Mangapapa and Tangarakau No. 1 Bridges; these will be put under construction as funds will permit. As I have stated, the further felling, stumping, and clearing of Ohura Road through Tangarakau Gorge is being pushed on, but we have to follow close up with a bridle-road to enable the bushfellers to obtain supplies. This formation work is being done, however, on the grade line, and will simply require widening to form the future coach-road. As we have now passed actual settlement, we propose to push on with this preliminary work in order to give the earliest possible access to north end of Ohura Road at Mangaroa. Kohuratahi-Tangarakau.—Two miles of bridle-road; twenty-one culverts, iu length 390 ft. ; 18 chains of felling, stumping, and clearing; the removal of 2,370 cubic yards of slips ; and maintenance of two miles of Kohuratahi Road, has been charged against this vote. Further work appears under heading " Kohuratahi Block." Putikituna.—This road is now available and* is being used as a bridle-road from Ohura Road to Tangarakau Stream, about eight miles and a half, at the point to which it is proposed to bring steamers from Wanganui. During the year 3 miles 23 chains of dray-road has been formed; 70 chains of bridle-road ; eight culverts, 180 ft., made and fixed.; one bridge, 45 ft. long, constructed ; two tunnels excavated in rock, one 6 ft. and one 10 ft. high, to obviate bridges ; two miles and a half of dray-road and three miles and a half of bridle-road maintained. Before the road can be fully utilised for passenger or goods traffic with Wanganui it should be widened where necessary to dray-road width. In the meantime, the road is of value to settlers who have felled, grassed, and are beginning to occupy their farms. Taihore ( Widening).—The settlers on this road raised a special loan for widening it to drayroad width from Ohura Road to Puniwhakau Road, about eight miles and a quarter, their loan being subsidised by Government. To the 31st March five miles of the road has been completed, including fifty-three culverts, in total length 1,384 ft. Specifications and plans of the work were

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approved by the department, and inspections made before each progress-payment. The remaining three miles and a quarter is in progress, and will probably be completed before the winter. Terrace End.—Under this heading is included parts of Mangaehu, Taihore, Puniwhakau, Kirai, Makahu, Murcott, and other roads, portions of which have not yet been felled or formed. During the year the following works have been executed in the most urgent places: 123 chains felling, stumping, clearing; 80 chains felled only along frontages to sections ; 2 miles 63 chains of bridle-roads formed; one bridge, 50ft. in length, constructed; thirty-seven culverts, in length 608 ft., made and fixed; 368 cubic yards slips removed; and seven miles bridle-road maintained. A sum is asked for on our estimates which, if granted, will enable us to give access to many settlers by bridle-road who now have foot-tracks only. Makuri and Akama.—The settlers on Makuri Road have raised a special loan with which, together with Government subsidy, it is intended to form as dray-road the unformed parts of Makuri Road East and Akama Road West. No contracts have yet been let by Stratford County Council, under whose charge the work will be done. The votes for Akama, for Makuri Road through Township Reserve, and for Makuri Road West, will be spent by the Stratford County Council in conjunction with above. Specifications will be submitted to this department for approval, and the work will be inspected before each progress-payment is made. Mohakau.—The vote has been expended as follows : 41 chains of bridle-road formed ; two bridges constructed, in total length 50 ft.; one culvert, 24 ft. ; 41 chains of drains dug. Plans and specifications have been prepared for further work, which is now in progress. Mangaotuku.—This vote was granted to Stratford County Council to assist in widening Mangaotuku Road, from Ohura Road to Mangaehu Road, the settlers along the road having raised a loan under the Loans to Local Bodies Act to do the work. Up to the 31st March three miles of the road had been widened ; twenty-two culverts, in length 700 ft., had been made and placed in position ; and 120 chains of work was in progress. Gatton Special Settlement.—lncludes parts of Mangaehu, Mangaotuku, and Tututawa Roads. During the year 12 chains of dray-road has been formed ; 1 mile 56 chains bridle-road formed; twenty-eight culverts, of 441 ft. in length, made and fixed; 1 mile 53 chains of road felled, stumped, and cleared. Further progress is being made in similar work. Mangaehu Track (Widening).—This vote was used in removing slips and improving Mangaehu bridle-road from about end of Mangaotuku Road towards Section 1, Block 1., and Section 12, Block 11., Omona. The road had slipped away in places, rendering it dangerous' for horse traffic ; and in others holes or bogs had formed, making the road almost impassable. The repairs have improved these parts, but no doubt winter slips will again damage them. Mangaehu and Llewellyn Special Settlements.—The work on the roads included in this vote are shown under heading " Terrace End." Brewer, Kirai, and other Roads.—The settlers along these roads are raising a loan of £1,775 for widening to dray-road width Brewer Road, from Ohura Road, at Strathmore, to its intersection with Kirai Road; Kirai Road, from Ohura Road, at Mangaere, to Makahu Road ; Makahu Road to Mangaehu Road; Mangaehu Road to Pahautuhia Block. Pembroke. —The work performed out of this vote was on the upper part of Pembroke Road, below Mount Egmont Forest Reserve line. 92 chains was felled, stumped, and cleared; roots cut out and ground levelled to make dray-road; drains cut in wet or swampy places ; and three culverts, 44 ft., made and fixed. The work has not only given access to the lands abutting on the road, but has also materially assisted East Egmont Forest Board in obtaining access to their bridleroad and house. Puniwhakau.—lncludes parts of Puniwhakau, Taurakawa, Mangaehu, Murcott, and other roads. During the year 4 miles 45 chains of engineering surveys have been made ; 57 chains of road has been felled, stumped, and cleared ; 50 chains felled only (along a settler's frontage); 24 chains of bridle-road formed ; six culverts, 84 ft., made and fixed ; six miles of bridle-road maintained ; a foot suspension-bridge over Mangaehu Stream, 120 ft. span, repaired and strengthened; and also another foot suspension-bridge, also over Mangaehu Stream, at Murcott Road, 100 ft. span, in course of construction. Tututawa Road.—Settlers have raised a loan under the Loans to Local Bodies Act to widen this road to dray-road width. The Stratford County Council have let contracts for erection of a dray-bridge over Mangaotuku Stream, and for widening one mile and a half of the road. The work is in progress. Plans and specifications of the various works were submitted to this department for approval, and the works will be inspected before any payments are made from this vote. Tangahoe Valley (£1 for £1). —The Hawera County Council has taken this road through private property, but no expenditure on roadwork has been made. When formed and bridged it -will open up Crown lands in Pukekino and Kaharoa Blocks. Engineering surveys and plans have been made. Waitotara Valley.—The damage done to this road by heavy floods and slips in February, 1899, and mentioned in last year's report, has been repaired, and a wagon-road is now open from Waitotara Township, near railway-line, to Mr. Van Asch's property, a distance of 34-J miles. In addition to forming 1 mile 7 chains of dray-road, making and placing twenty-three culverts = 518 lineal feet, heavy slips had to be removed off eight miles and a half of road, culverts which had been washed away had to be replaced, and extra culverts put in where required; the road had also to be widened—in several cases against heavy batters of rock—where slips had carried it away. The whole length of road is now handed over to the Patea County Council, under whose control it will be for the future. Nukuhau.—During the past year this road has been felled, stumped, and cleared, also bridleroad formed, its whole length from Mataimoana Road to Whenuakura Valley Road, a length of 4 miles 43 chains. It is a connecting road between the high ridge at Mataimoana Road and

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Whenuakura Stream, and being on steep sidings of papa rook, the work, especially the excavation of bridle-road, was exceptionally heavy. In addition to the above vote, a large portion of the cost of the work was taken from the vote for Rangiwhakaoma Block, Nukuhau Eoad being one of the principal outlets from the block. Mataimoana.—This is an extension of Okahutiria Eoad, and work done is shown under the latter heading. Motoroa.—Part of this vote has been spent by the Department in extending the formation of Motoroa Eoad, and in opening up Omahini Bridle-road ; and part was spent by Momohaki Eoad Board in widening portions of Motoroa and Omahini roads as dray-roads. On Omahini Eoad we formed 72 chains as bridle-road, and made four culverts =56 lineal feet. On Motoroa Eoad we felled, stumped, and cleared 23 chains, and formation-works are in progress. The Momohaki Eoad Board widened 62 chains to dray-road width. Okahutiria.—There has been 1 mile 22 chains of dray-road formed; eleven culverts, 199 lineal feet, made and fixed in position ; 412 cubic yards of slips removed; and six aiiles and a half of road has been maintained. Formation of dray-road is in progress. As large clearings and a fair amount of settlement is being made on upper end of Mataimoana Eoad, and the roads leading into it, it is very desirable the road should be opened as a dray-road to its intersection with Eidge Eoad; this would also open up unsold Crown lands, which would then be readily selected and occupied. Okotuku.—This road, when opened through, will give shorter and better access betweenMataimoana Eoad and Waverley, and will probably become the main road, thus relieving Okahutiria and Kohi Eoads. During the year we have felled, stumped, and cleared 30 chains, formed as bridle-road 1 mile 3 chains, including making and fixing nine culverts, 108 lineal feet; removed 180 cubic yards of slips, and maintained the length of road opened. Contracts are now in progress, and we hope to open up the remaining two miles and a quarter to Mataimoana Eoad this season. The four miles should then be widened as a dray-road, so as to give shorter access to Waverley. Central Patea Valley (Maben Road). —The settlers interested in obtaining an outlet from their lands decided that Maben Eoad would serve them as a better outlet than Ball Eoad, and signed a memorial asking that Maben Eoad be formed. During the year 5 miles 5 chains has been formed as an 8 ft. bridle-road (about two miles of it, in parts, being along steep sidings in heavy papa or sandstone rock). Seventy-five culverts = 1,625 lineal feet, have been made and fixed; three tunnels in rock, 212 lineal feet, have been pierced; 81 chains of road was felled, stumped, and cleared ; over 2,200 cubic yards of slips were removed; and the five miles of road has been maintained. Mohakatino Bridge. —The north bank of stream both above and below the bridge was scoured away to a considerable extent by the rush of incoming tide during heavy storms, and the outgoing water in floods and ebbs, necessitating wings and groins being constructed for the security of north end of bridge. The necessary work has been done, and the bridge is now secure, but the erosion of north bank above the bridge still continues, and may in the future necessitate a series of double groins to divert the scour. Tongaporutu Bridge.—Plans and specifications for a dray-bridge over Tongaporutu Eiver have been prepared. The bridge will be in length about 330 ft., and consists of two spans of 120 ft. each and one span of 70 ft., with usual ends, &c. When this bridge is erected there will be a good main road without a break between New Plymouth and Mokau. Waitara River Bridge (£1 for £1). —The bridge over Waitara Eiver in Township of Waitara, which was erected by Government about 1872, has for the past eighteen years been under control of Waitara Harbour Board, who have expended, at various times, a total sum of about £1,400 in repairs and renewals. They also proposed expending this vote in a similar manner. The bridge in the first instance was badly designed, and cannot be kept in a satisfactory condition. I have therefore reported that ordinary repairs only should be made for about another four years, and then an entirely new bridge—preferably of iron—be built. I believe this course will be much cheaper, and certainly better, than to be continually spending money on the present structure. Tikorangi Bridge Approaches.—When the erection of Tikorangi Suspension-bridge was decided upon the settlers interested agreed to make proper approaches to it, and on the west side to build a rough stone retaining-wall. This was not, however, done, but planking was placed against the piles on which the cable-tower rested, and the approach made with sandy gravel and loam. This did not set, but was continually pressing against the piles, and would in time have endangered the safety of the bridge. A grant of £5O was made to improve the approaches. I had the planking, sand, &c., removed, and a short stringer-span of 30 ft. in length added to the bridge. This reached solid ground, and dispensed with an earth-approach against the bridge. Purangi Bridge.—This bridge, consisting of one span 121 ft., one of 60 ft., one of 40 ft., and one of 20 ft.—total length about 245 ft. —has been built during the year, and has been a great boon to Milsom and Tanner Settlers, who now have uninterrupted dray-road communication with Inglewood. The bridge has been built high enough to be clear of extreme floods, which rise over 40 ft., and should last with but ordinary repairs from twenty-five to thirty years. Beyond screwing up and painting it should require no expenditure for many years. As piles had to be driven over 30 ft. in soft papa mud to obtain a foundation for the main piers, and as double piers over 40 ft. high had to be built upon the lower piles, there was a total length of about 70 ft. of pier timber, thus making the bridge a costly structure. The timbers used are the best ironbark, totara, and kauri. Mangaehu Bridge.—To be erected over Mangaehu Stream at lower end of Puniwhakau Eoad, giving access from Taihore Eoad to Puniwhakau Eoad. Plans and specifications for the bridge—main span 80 ft., and two end spans of 30 ft. and 21ft. respectively —have been prepared, and the timber is now being cut near the site. The erection will be proceeded with as soon as the material is ready.

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Punehu Bridge. —Over Punehu Stream, Bltham Road, near Opunake. At request of Waimate Boad Board, plans and specifications for this bridge were prepared in this office. Tenders were invited, the timber to be a special class of rimu, cut from trees growing high up on slopes of Mount Bgmont. In April, 1900, a tender was accepted, and the work will be proceeded with. Patea River Bridge, Ball Boad.—Maben Boad having been chosen by settlers in Opaku and Bangiwhakaoma Blocks as their outlet, the bridge over Patea Biver was not immediately required, and a portion of this vote has been spent in improving the ford over Patea Biver, in making 30 chains of bridle-road (Ball Boad), and in improving one mile of the old bridle-track from Patea Biver up the ridge. Derwent Improved-farm Settlement. —The clearings felled in 1898 were sown with grass-seed in May, 1899, and the following works have been done on the settlement roads during the year: 1 mile 39 chains of bridle-road formation ; 1 mile 40 chains of bridle-road widened and improved ; 8 chains of drains cut, and three miles of bridle-roads maintained. Okau Improved-farm Settlement.—The formation of a good serviceable bridle-road is being proceeded with through this settlement, not only to benefit the remaining settlers, but also to give access to Mangatawa Block inland of Okau. 1 mile 63 chains of bridle-road has been formed; twenty-three culverts, 293 lineal feet, made and fixed; 18 chains of drains cut, the clearings made last year grassed, a settler's house erected, and two miles and a half of bridle-road maintained. Formation and culvert work is still in progress. Greenlands Improved-farm Settlement. —In anticipation of roadworks, 5 miles 12 chains of engineering surveys have been made; 1 mile of bridle-road formed ; two culverts constructed. Formation work is in progress. At an old survey camp in the settlement a patch of blackberry made its appearance and quickly spread over about half an acre of ground. It has been cut out and burned, and the young plants will be exterminated as they show themselves. Uruti Improved-farm Settlement. —Plans and specifications for a dray-bridge over Mimi Stream on the service road through this settlement were prepared, and the bridge is being constructed. Burfoot Improved-farm Settlement.—A bridle-road has been formed giving access to all sections in this settlement. 1 mile 71 chains has been formed; twenty-one culverts, 210 lineal feet; made and fixed ; 190 cubic yards of slips removed, and two miles of road maintained. Whangamomona Improved-farm Settlement.—During the past year 460 acres felled the previous year was sown with grass-seed, and 223 additional acres on occupied sections was felled and burned, and will be sown with grass-seed next month. On Prospect Boad (one of the service roads) 2 miles 12 chains of engineering surveys and plans was made; 2 miles 2 chains of Bft. bridle-road was formed ; thirteen culverts, 431 lineal feet, made and placed in position; and the whole length of road maintained. For Mangare Boad (another service road), plans and specifications for dray-bridge over Awahou Stream have been prepared, material is being got ready, and the bridge will shortly be erected. Within the settlement, on its service roads, 5 miles 20 chains has been maintained. Mangaere, Huiroa, Maata, Ngaire, and Poti Improved-farm Settlements. —These settlements are now self-supporting, and need no further special assistance from Government funds. The roads in connection with them are under control of local bodies, and maintained out of rates. Taumatatahi Improved-farm Settlement.—On Waitotara Valley Boad. One of our most successful settlements, held by hard-working pushing men, who are all residing on their farms, and practically independent. The short service road leading to back sections from Waitotara Boad has been put in order, and will need but little more attention. Putiki Block.— Includes Tooi, Mangaongaonga, Mangahia, and Te Beinga Boads. The felling, stumping, and clearing of Tooi Bioad (seven miles) has been completed, and a bridle-road is being formed from Putiki to Greenlands Improved-farm Settlement. Okoke Block.—Work done for the year includes 3 miles 41 chains engineering surveys on Okoke and Kaka Boads, 41 chains formation of dray-road, and four miles and a half maintenance of bridle-roads. Work was discontinued in February to release men for harvesting operations, but will shortly be resumed. Kaipikari Block. —There has been 2 miles 56 chains of Kaipikari Boad felled, stumped, and cleared, 1 mile 47 chains of bridle-road formed, and further formation is in progress. Piko Block.—lncludes part of Kaipikari Boad, also Piko, Mangapito, and Hogan Boads. Of these latter three roads 4 miles 48 chains has been felled, stumped, and cleared, and on Piko Boad 25 chains of bridle-road has been formed. Work was suspended early in February, but is now resumed. Egmont, Block VI. —Within the block 28 chains of dray-road has been formed, five culverts made, and two miles of roads maintained, in addition to works already mentioned on Kent and Maude Boads leading to this block. Patua Block. —Our funds being limited, we could attend only to the most pressing works on the roads within this block. 12 chains of dray-road and 35 chains of bridle-roads has been formed, ten culverts (220 lineal feet) made and fixed, 85 chains of felling, stumping, and clearing done. Work is in progress on Carrington Boad—formation and culverts; and on Plymouth Boad—felling, stumping, clearing, and formation. Putikituna Block. —One mile of Vera Boad in the block has been felled, stumped, and cleared, and a pack-track made along it. Plans and specifications for a dray-bridge over Whangamomona Stream, Vera Boad, have been prepared, the material is ordered, and the bridge will shortly be erected, Hurimoana Block.—ln continuation of last year's work, 3 miles 32 chains of Whitianga and Pukeko Boads has been felled, stumped, and cleared; 3 miles 60 chains of bridle-road formed; two bridges, in length 69ft., erected; forty-seven culverts—7oBft.—made and fixed; and the whole

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of road maintained. If the road could be widened to dray-road width a creamery would be built. Kohuratahi Block .—There has been 1 mile 33 chains of bridle-road formed ; fifteen culverts, in length 287 ft., constructed; and three miles of road maintained, slips removed, &c. It is now proposed to widen the road to dray-road width, in order to enable the settlers to supply a proposed creamery. Rimuputa Block.—lncludes Eimuputa, Mangaowata, Maikai, and Tahora Eoads. On these roads 2 miles 50 chains has been felled, stumped, and cleared ; four miles has been formed as bridleroad ; twenty-four culverts—424 lineal feet—made; 520 cubic yards of slips removed. Work is still in progress, but the vote is nearly expended. Marco Block.—One mile has been felled, stumped, and cleared ; one mile formed as dray-road, 1 mile 20 chains as bridle-road ; one drgy-bridge, in length 40 ft., erected; fifteen culverts made—--347 lineal feet. Work is in progress. Autaiva Block.—Our vote being nearly expended, we could only improve the parts most urgently needing it. 62 chains of bridle-road has been formed, five culverts made, and two miles and a half of bridle-road improved. Makahu Block.—lncludes Makahu, Arnold, Matirangi, and Pohokura Eoads. On these roads, during the past year, we have felled, stumped, and cleared 3 miles 20 chains ; formed 40 chains of 8 ft. wide bridle-road ; put in five culverts, 118 ft. in length ; and provided timber and ironwork for a dray-bridge over Makahu Stream, near Ohura Eoad. The bridge will shortly be erected. Formation and culverting is still in progress. Ross Block.—Tawhiwi Eoad. Slips were removed from off this road, but it is found that at one point the whole of the upper side of the road is sliding, and a deviation will be needed. Mauku Block.—Maukau Eoad branches off from Whitianga Eoad. One mile has been felled, stumped, cleared, and formed as bridle-road. Whenuakura Block.—lncludes Mataiwhetu and Tahuri Eoads, leading from Eawhitiroa Eoad down to Whenuakura Eiver. 21 chains has been felled, stumped, and cleared ; 28 chains formed as bridle-road; 380 cubic yards of slips removed, and 3 miles 60 chains of road maintained. Eoadaccess is given to all sections at present occupied. The number of contracts let during the year was 343, of which one was let by public tender for carting, the remainder being under co-operative system. In addition to these, forty-three contracts were in progress at beginning of year, or a total dealt with of 386. There remained in progress on the 31st March, 1900, thirty-five contracts, the number completed during the year being 351. In addition to these we inspected and reported on twenty-four contracts let by local bodies and subsidised by Survey Department. G. F. Eobinson, Eoad Surveyor.

WANGANUI. Tangarakau River Clearing.—The clearing of the channel, with the intention of making it passable for steamer traffic in time of moderate floods, was completed in March, 1899, but some of the outstanding accounts are included in the expenditure for 1899-1900. No work has been done during the present year. The proposal to hand oyer the charge of this work to the Wanganui Eiver Trust is under consideration. Retaruke Valley.—The bridle-track has been extended from 2 miles 54 chains below the Kaitieke Junction to 6 miles 70 chains, and one contract is almost completed to 8 miles 70 chains, taking the track up to the Tarata Creek. The part from there to the Wanganui River —7 miles 70 chains in length —has been laid out for construction, but nothing further has yet been done on it, owing to want of funds. In order to open up the large areas of Crown lands in this district it is highly desirable that this track should be completed during the coming year. When this is done goods can be conveyed up the Wanganui Eiver to the mouth of the Eetaruke and thence packed over the surrounding country. About 15 acres of light bush has been felled and sown near the Tarata Creek as a paddock for horses. Another paddock should be cleared on the flat at the mouth of the Eetaruke Eiver, and a depot for stores established there. Waimarino. —Under this item 136 chains of dray-road has been formed on the Makotuku Valley Eoad, and 26 lineal feet culverts constructed. On the Middle Eoad 18 chains has been cleared. Waimarino Road (Metalling).—Fifty chains of metalling is now being done on the co-operative cartage system on the Makotuku Valley out of this vote. The Makotuku Valley Eoad is an important one, and should be formed to the Waimarino Plains as rapidly as funds will allow. Dairy traffic now comes down it from a distance of seven miles above Raetihi. Rotoaira-Waimarino. —This road has been put into a fair state of repair from the OhingaitiTokaanu Eoad to Papakai; beyond that it is open, but rough for wheel traffic, owing to ruts and growth of tussocKs. Wanganui. —On the Hukaroa Eoad 16 chains of engineering survey has been done, and 111*6 chains of bridle-track and 16 chains dray-road formed, also 26 lineal feet culverts, during the year, which completes this road up to the end of the settlements. Only 13 chains felling roadline and maintenance have been done on the Mangaetoroa Eoad. On the Mangateitei Eoad 18 chains of Bft. formation, with 80 lineal feet of culverts, has been done. On the Eata-Maire Eoad 100 chains of heavy bush has been felled, and an 8 ft. track cleared through it. A second contract, completing the felling on this road, is in progress, but even when done it will not be passable for horse traffic without a considerable amount of ditching and culverting, owing to the swampy nature of the ground.

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Glijton.—The formation of the Makaranui Eoad has been completed, 126 chains and 40 lineal feet culverts being done during the present year, and the whole of the Makaranui-Eangataua Eoad is being metalled (see item " Pipiriki-Waiouru "). 21 chains dray-road formation has been done through the clearing on the Eangataua South Eoad. On the Lower Cross Eoad, in Clifton No. 2, 58 chains of 8 ft. formation and 89 lineal feet culverts has been done. On the Mangahouwhi Eoad 50 chains scrubbing was done. Mangawhero-Murimotu.—Forty miles of bridle-track in fairly good order, but only maintenance has been done during the year. The traffic returns are as follows : Travellers on horseback, 3,557,; pack-horses, 1,6.16; cattle, 446; sheep, 4,425; pigs, 40. Mangawhero-Mangateitei (Metalling).—No work has yet been done under this item, but if the weather permits the work will be completed during April. Pipiriki-Waiouru.—A large amount of work has already been done on this road daring the year, and much is still in hand. Last autumn 90 chains of metalling with shell-rock was done from the Huikumu metal-pits, taking the end of the metal up to 35 miles 43 chains. 70 chains of patching was done on the Mangaetoroa, Mangoihe, and Huikumu portions. During the winter, at Huikumu and Mangoihe pits, chiefly at the former, 5,948 cubic yards stripping was done, and 1,066 cubic yards shell-rock was broken, besides 143 cubic yards shell-rock at Makokako, this latter being spread over 14 chains above Tarariki Bridge. 85 cubic yards of boulders has been delivered over the fourmile section between Waipunaand Eaetihi. A 22 ft. span bridge, with approaches, has been constructed over the Makaranui Stream. 20 chains of fascines had to be laid down in the Mangawhero Plats last winter in order to allow of traffic being carried on. At Pipiriki 20 chains of service road has been constructed from the wharf to the Paparoa gravel beach ; 28 lineal feet 3 ft. by 3 ft. culvert was also constructed at the Paparoa Creek. Prom this beach the Natives at first were disinclined to allow the metal to be taken without royalty, but opposition ceased when it was announced that the Crown had a right to half the width of the river. Tenders were called for the metalling of the Pipiriki-Kaukore section, 208 chains, but no satisfactory tenders being received, and the season being far advanced, it was decided to do as much as possible of the worst parts on this section this season by co-operative cartage. About 70 chains has already been done up to the 31st March, and about 60 chains on the Pipiriki-Kaukore section is still to be metalled with rivergravel, and about 70 chains on the Touipapa section with shell-rock, if weather permits, this season. During the coming winter about a mile and a half of dray-road leading up to a large seam of shell-rock up the Makokako Stream should be formed, and sufficient shell-rock broken there to complete the metalling of the gap between Torupapa and Kaukore, a length of 185 chains. A contract was let on the 30th December to C. G. Cameron, for £854 12s. 10d., for metalling with grit 304 chains of the Eangataua-Makarauui Eoad at Toanui, and main road at Ohakune, This contract is almost completed. By this road the frequently flooded and swampy Mangawhero flats will be avoided, as well as the dairy and other settlement traffic much benefited. The telephone has been laid along this road, so that rapid communication with the coastal districts via, Mangaweka is now possible. There are numerous complaints about the state of the KarioiWaitangi section (six miles) under the care of the Upper Wangaehu Eoad Board. Baetihi Township Roads.—There has been* 121 chains of back roads felled, and 70 chains of street-lines cleared 41 ft. wide, but no stumps over 2 ft. in diameter have been grubbed out. Baetihi-Ohura. —A portion of this road down the Orautoha Creek and over the ridge to Manganui-a-te-ao Eiver is being done. The work comprises 117 chains of clearing for bridle-track, 4 chains ditching, 7 chains dray-road formation, and 182 lineal feet culverts. On the sideling across the Orautoha Creek 50 chains of bridle-track has been completed, and 36 chains additional nearly so. The metalling of the road between Makotuku Valley and Pipipi junctions, a length of 155 chains, has been completed. The material used is grit. The work was mostly done by bullock-drays at prices per cubic yard per mile of lead. On unmetalled roads, where horse-feed is so expensive, bullocks are very suitable for the work. Baetihi-Parapara.—On this road an engineering survey of 247 chains has been done to the south of the Araraua Creek, in order to make a more suitable junction with the proposed road to the Wanganui Eiver. The work done for the year comprises 169 chains bridle-track formation, 120 lineal feet culverts, and extensive repairs and widening at most dangerous parts on the southern seven miles of opened track. A further length of 114 chains is in hand. When this is completed the track will be completed throughout, except from the Tuhiariki Creek to the Mangawhero Bridge, a distance of five miles; but this part is fairly good travelling, with the exception of two very steep grades on the present track. Taumaranui-Ohahune.—The principal work beyond maintenance which has been done during the year out of this vote is the additional clearing of 73 chains on the Pukerimu-Taumaranui section, but at several bad places 10 chains has been formed from ditching and 75 lineal feet of culverts has been constructed, taking the work up to 6 miles 47 chains below Pukerimu. A contract is at present in hand at hauling out timber for the renewal of the Pukerimu and other bridges, which are now very unsafe. Considerable deviations of the original road will be required near Oio Station, owing to encroachments of the final route of the railway-line. The clearing of the bush will shortly be recommenced from Otapouri southwards. Bangiwaea.—Operations were commenced on this block during the year. A considerable length of road-lines has been felled along with the settlers' adjoining ground and burnt together, but when Crown land adjoins the roads the latter have been felled mostly 2 chains, and where flat or swampy 3 chains wide. The work done comprises 356 chains engineering surveys, 77 chains bridle-track formation on Turakina Valley Eoad, 124 lineal feet culverts, 32 chains underscrubbing, 41 chains clearing through burnt bush, 140 chains felled 2 chains wide and 60 chains felled 3 chains wide on Wangaehu Valley Eoad, besides 238 chains of road-line felled by settlers but paid for by the department.

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Otaranoho. —The track has now been, opened up as far as the small grazing-run, 102 chains bridle-track being formed during the year, and 17 chains bridle-track widened into dray-road. Hautapu Main Road.—Direct communication between the improved farm and the OhingaitiTokaanu Eoad has been established, 67 chains of dray-road having been formed and 100 lineal feet of culverts constructed during the year. Moaivhango-Te Horn. Only maintenance has been done on this road. The suspension sheep-bridge is in need of repairs, and the approaches to the ford require remetalling. Arrangements have been made for both these works. Huilcumu. —A length of 57 chains of 4 ft. bridle-track has been completed, taking the road on to the open flats comprised in the small grazing-run. This road is being explored ahead as far as the Wanganui Eiver Trust Block by an officer belonging to the Wellington District Office. Turakina Valley. —This road has now been completed as a dray-road to Mr. W. Lilburn's homestead, and as a bridle-track to Okaka Junction, and two contracts are now in progress on ahead, while four contracts, of a total length of 139 chains, still remain to take the track up to the Ruanui boundary. Another contract, ditching and banking about 40 chains of the wet flats between Karetuand Okaka Junctions, is being done. The work comprises 344 chains engineering surveys, 235 chains bridle-track partly along steep papa bluffs; 29 chains of dray-road has been done by the Eangitikei County, the department allowing the county the use of timber previously prepared for the culverts on this section. Ruanui 2a and 3a.—Work has only lately been started on this block. During the year 445 chains engineering survey has been done, and one contract for 37 chains bridle-track is now in hand. Ohingaiti-Tokaanu (Main Road). —This road has been in good order all the summer, but on the Mangaonoho-Te Horo portion, where the traffic is very heavy, it was badly cut up last winter. A large portion between Mangaweka and Taihape requires remetalling, and from Taihape upwards for about two miles is much in need of a good coat of metal. The only good metal available from Utiku upwards is from the Hautapu Eiver boulders, and this is so expensive that the soft metal found along the river-flats below Taihape has to be used. Last'autumn the part immediately above Ohingaiti got so very bad that it had to be metalled in May, 1,242 cubic yards being used on 101 chains. This season a considerable amount of remetalling has been done. On the Ohingaiti•Pouwhakarua section 760 cubic yards was put on 140 chains. On the Mangaweka-Utiku section a considerable amount has also been placed, but a great part of it consists of patching. Metalling operations, from Utiku upwards, will be continued until the wet weather sets in. One culvert 30 ft. long was put in at the top of Dean's siding, Makohine. The bridge (60 ft. span) across the Hautapu at Turangarere was completed at the end of March, 1898, and included in last year's returns, though the final payment was made during thg present year. Erom Waiouru to Tokaanu is in good order, with the exception of several places where the sand is very deep. At the Eangipo Desert the drift of sand is encroaching on the road, and measures are being taken to keep it clear. There are three bridges required on the northern section of this road, and the formation of about a mile and a half near Tokaanu is desirable. Turakina Valley Extension.—The work done consists of 44 chains bridle-track formation and 40 lineal feet culverts. The engineering survey has been done to the open country, but is included under " Euanui 2a and 3a " and " Eangiwaea." Taihape Township Roads. —On Kaka Street 8-J chains dray-road has been formed from side ditches. On Huia Street 5 chains has been cleared, 2 chains dray-road formed, and 24 lineal feet culverts constructed. Kiwi Street has been completed by the formation of 38 chains dray-road, with 130 ft. culverts. On Euru Eoad a length of 27* chains of dray-road has been made. A further length of 29 chains still remains to be done, but cannot well be completed till the railway formation is done at the intersection. There have been many requests that other streets should be formed, but these will probably have to be done by local loans. Taihape-Paengaroa. —This is an important settlement road. A considerable amount of work has been done during the year on it. The road has been open for wheel traffic since the 20th February last, although two pieces of light formation near Taihape still remain before the formation is completed throughout to proper grades. The work done comprises 176 chains dray-road formation, 515 lineal feet culverts, 24 lineal feet bridge, besides 200 chains engineering survey. The North Island Trunk Eailway is now being cleared and formed above Taihape, so the traffic along this road, already heavy, will soon become so heavy as to necessitate metalling, which will be very expensive. Weston Road.—The engineering survey of the 188 chains on this road has been done, and two contracts are now in hand for opening out the whole as a bridle-track. Gorge-Ohutu Improved-farm Settlement. —The Gorge Eoad is now available for dray traffic to the Puhirua Junction, a length of 74'80 chains having been widened during the year. Hunterville, 1, 2, 3.—A considerable amount of work has again been done on these blocks, but much is still required to open out the roads still untouched. A deviation has been made on the Panemango Eoad, saving a length of 72-6 chains in 260 chains, and going along easier slopes and better exposure. The work done comprises the following : Engineering surveys at various places over the blocks, 1,159 chains; bridle-track clearing and formation, 193 chains on the Karetu Eoad, 255 chains with 120 lineal feet culverts on the Mangamahoe Eoad, thus completing the opening-out of this road; 135 chains on the Okaka Eoad (which has been completed under item ''Pohonui-a-tane ") ; 86'3 chains on the Panemango Eoad, with 98 lineal feet culverts; the remainder of this road —six contracts covering 277'4 chains—being now in hand. On various places throughout the blocks a total length of 275 chains of road-lines has been felled by the settlers •alongside their own fellings, but paid for out of Government vote. The opening-out of bridle-track

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along the Karetu and Huia Roads and the widening of part of the Mangamahoe Eoad are being commenced. Pohonui-a-tane Block. Out of this vote 41 chains of bridle-track on the Okaka Eoad has been formed, and 207 chains bushfelling done on road-lines by settlers adjacent to their own fellings. Sommerville.-—No expenditure under this item, but a length of two miles of engineering survey for widening into dray-road is in progress. Te Kapua. —All the sections in this block have now got bridle-track access. During the year 362 chains of engineering survey has been done. On Murray's Track 72-5 chains of dray-road has been formed, with 220 lineal feet culverts, on the Paengaroa end, and 105 chains bridle-track, with 92 lineal feet culverts, on the Patukete clearing; on the Eongoiti Eoad, 37'8 chains bridle-track, with 74 lineal feet culverts, thus completing this track. On the Paengaroa-Mataroa Eoad, 132-6 chains of bridle-track, with 80 lineal feet culverts, has been formed. Three contracts are still in hand near Mataroa Trig., and one contract is still unlet. When these are completed this road will be open for horse traffic from Paengaroa to Mangaweka. Thirty chains bushfelling on road-lines has been done opposite settlers' clearings on Mataroa and Quarry Eoads. A contract for ditching and culverting the wet flats on the Wairepu West Eoad is also in hand. Awarua.—Under this heading work has been done in many scattered localities. On the Taihape-Paengaroa Eoad, 34 chains dray-road formed, with 188 lineal feet culverts, was done. On ' the Torere-Pukeokahu Eoad, 119-4 chains bridle-track has been formed, with 40 lineal feet culverts, taking this road up to junction with Matawhero Eoad. On the Mangaio Eoad, 129-3 chains bridletrack has been formed, with 20 lineal feet culverts, thus taking this road up to edge of Otuarei Stream. On the Mangapapa Eoad, near Utiku, 51-2 chains of bridle-track has been opened up, and 17-8 chains of this has been ditched and converted into a dray-road. On the Puhirua-Puke Road 59 3 chains has been formed into a bridle-track. On the Mangaweka-Te Kapua Eoad, 9-70 chains of track has been widened into a dray-road at Tansey's Creek, including the filling-in the creek itself. Some other sections of this Mangaweka-Te Kapua Road were widened into dray-road size, as described under " Upper Makohine Block," and several miles of widening are being prepared for contract. Watershed Road.—On this road, inside the Te Kapua Block, the work done comprises 42-4 chains dray-road with 160 lineal feet of culverts. This widening has been done at the worst, shady bends, between Pukemapou end Mangaone. Makohine Valley.—This is the road joining the Mataroa with the Mangaweka-Te Kapua Road, and continuing on towards Ohingaiti, and is now completed throughout as a bridle-track. The work done consists of 287 chains of bridle-track formation, much of it along steep papa sidelings, entailing considerable maintenance. At the southern end, on a flat portion, 50 chains of the road-line was felled and burnt, along with the bush felled by settlers adjoining. Murray's Track.—The engineering survey of 283 chains from Te Kumu Saddle to Mangaone has been completed, and contracts are being drawn up for widening this portion, for which there is a strong agitation among the Te Kapua settlers. Waitotara River Suspension-bridge.—Drawings and specifications for this bridge, with a clear span of 204 ft., were despatched to the Patea County Council on the 23rd August, 1899. The cables have been procured, and are at present stored in Wanganui. The contract for the preparation of the timber required was let by the county in September, but has progressed so badly that the bridge will not how be available for traffic till about next spring. Upper Wangaehu Bridge (Mangamahu).—The site was laid off on the 26th October, and drawings for a clear span of 160 ft. have been prepared. The cables have been procured, and are stored in Wanganui. A start is being made to order the necessary timber, but the present authority is not sufficient for the erection of the bridge. Wangaehu River Bridge (£1 for £1), on Mam Road.—The contract for this bridge was let on the 31st July, 1898, to J. A. Leydon, for £2.691, and was completed on the 21st October, 1899. It consists of one 37 ft., two 111 ft., one 80 ft., and one 14 ft. span, the total length being 353 ft. Mangawhero Bridge, Aberfeldie (£1 for £1). —The site of this bridge for high-level purposes was laid off on the 24th October, and the designs are now under consideration. It will probably consist of two 120 spans resting on one central double pier of ironbark piles 58 ft. high, in three tiers, and two low abutments on solid papa each side. Mangawhero Bridge, at Confluence with Wangaehu River (£1 for £1), to Account.—The contract for this bridge was let on the sth August, 1898, to R. Lyon and Son for £1,774 145., and was completed on the sth September, 1899. It consists of one 111 ft., one 40 ft., one 22 ft., and four 14 ft. spans, the total length being 229 ft., the height above low water being 37 ft. Hautapu Suspension-bridge (Ohutu).—lnstead of building this bridge the vote for the Torere Road was overdrawn to the same extent, and the vote for the bridge allowed to lapse. A length of 60 chains was metalled from the Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Junction to the Wairano Road. The site and approaches for the bridge have been laid out. Rangitikei Bridge (Mangaweka).—-The low-level bridge was completed on the 28th April, 1899. The total length is 260 ft., of which 192 ft. was included in last year's returns, leaving 68 ft. for the present return. The water has been over the bridge several times during the year, but has done no damage to the structure except leaving a certain amount of logs and rubbish jammed against the bridge, which has, after each fresh, to be cleared away. As the timber in the bridge is only of white-pine, and it has already stood for a year, and will be unsafe in eighteen months more, provided it is not destroyed in the meantime, it is highly desirable that the permanent structure should be started, as the traffic over this bridge is now heavy and constant. The drawings for the permanent design are pow prepared.

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The design shows one 242 ft. and two 72 ft. cantilever spans, and three 25 ft. land-spans, the total lpncth beinar 461 ft., and the height above the water 56 ft. . , Moawhango Bridge (Horouta).— The temporary bridge, consisting of one 70 ft. central understrut span and one 23 ft. and one 25 ft. land-spans, was started in February last and completed on the 11th May. It was decked 12 ft. wide, and has since been used for horse traffic It was made extra strong and of such a height as to serve as scaffolding for the permanent bridge. Owing the Torere Boad getting so much cut up last winter, work could not be resumed on this bridge till November 9 054 superficial feet of totara has been sawn near the site during the year, and 9,611 superficial feet'squared. All the timber and ironwork are now on the site ; the iron lower chords aie riveted and the top chords erected. It is expected that the bridge will be open for traffic m May XTpan lll?t P , with iron lower chord and timber top chord, the height above water-level em ' a jtanaitikei Bridqe (Olara). —Owing to the position, the western tower coming, according to the plans about 70 ft. into the river-bed, the design was altered from one 250 ft. suspension-span and inn f<- ion<l aran to one 324: ft suspension-span only, the contract price remaining at l3 as ZinX' ThisCjon the lith March, 1899. The.amende contra, time expires on the 23rd July, 1900. Mr. Joseph Dawson is the contractor. The four suspensiontowers are completed except the cornices; the four anchorages Me also ironwork and cables are all on the site, and also most of the timbei. The trusses are now bei 0 fram 7lanaitikei Bridae (Vinegar Hill), £1 for £1 (to Account).— The new design of this bridge consists of one 206 ft. 6 in. bow-string span, one 120 ft. truss-span, one 79 ft. truss-span and one 15 ft span The plans were passed on the 23rd February, and tenders are now being called by the Rangitikei County Com J for the erection. The matenal for bow-. rm| g.rd,, wee prepared and delivered at Wellington by the Berlin Bridge Gompany, America for £983 7s. 3d., bu fnf-il cost with expenses landed at the site amounted to £I,3JU -L-.S. iua. KaM Bridge (Approaches).-On the Marton side 141 chains of aray-road has been formed and remetalled the old Westoe Boad being utilised wherever possible and 200 lln eal feet culvertiT have been put in. On the Halcombe side a length of 51 chains of dray-road has been formed together with 52 lineal feet of culverts, and a bridge across the Eangi awa Creek consisting of three 25 ft. spans. A progress-payment was certified to on 4th August, but the works are not^neluded in this year's returns owing to the final payment not having been made. Banaitikei Bridqe, Bull's (to Account).— Plans were prepared and tenders called for a pile bridge with ten 125 ft., two 122 ft. 6 in., three 20 ft., one 10ft., and one oft. spans, total 1,570 ft., on a site a few chains above that of the original bridge, but no tenders have been accepted, and fresh tenders are now invited. At the lower site a temporary bridge of white-pine, consisting of twenty-five spans of 25 ft. each, total length 625 ft., has been erected, height of decking above "TSS.'S'ftri-Th. bridle-track to the snmmit of Tongariro was inclnd.d in laet vear's returns but several outstanding accounts are included m this year s expenditure. The proposed shelter-shed at Ketetahi has not yet been erected. There have been several tourist parties UP %anqaJdßZTr°Trust.-m. J. T. Stewart, Secretary to the Trust, is submitting a special report oSe operations carried out under his charge. The traffic, especially m passengers, has largely increased on the „ver. The .steamer, See months. * jfi belonging to Messrs. Hatrick and Co. have made 123 trips to Pipirilri during the seasorf ® dimensions new river-boat ie—Length, 100 ft.; width, 16 ft.; draught, 14 in.; and speed, twelve mrles. She will be capable ° f and Clifton Block (Flood-damages).-Under this item 50 chains of formation was formed on theWaranui Eoad, and 3-1 acres felled alongside of it to Out, of this item 14 chains on the Cage Boad was rounded up and metalled and 24 te neW offices for the Lands and K^d^Stock a DepaTment-Offices have been finally approved of, and tenders will shortly C& MtmihaM e been on maintenance. In March 1899 the last of the roads in the block were handed over to the local bodies. Kaitieke —On the Taumaranui Boad 264 chains of road was cleared out of this vote. Ihis nart of he road is now good travelling, though several bridges require renewal. On the Upper Retaruke Valley 296 chains of engineering survey has been executed, and two contracts are now Es=»o^ KM b pSr» ,o° rS W-tt t-nbi Road would verv much shorten distance for supplies. _ Marton No 3 —On the Manganui-a-te-ao Boad 33 chains of clearing has been clone giving accesf to Section 22. On the pSkekaha Boad 189 chains engineering survey and 44 chains; of bridle-track have been completed. Three other contracts are nearly so, and one more being

10—C. 1.

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started. The work done on the Baetihi-Ohura Eoad in passing through this block is included under that road. Manganui and Buapehu. —In this block 13 chains of ditching and bridle-track formation has been done at a very swampy place on the Makotuku Valley Eoad. As the balance of the loading is now available it is intended to clear the Middle Eoad throughout. Makotuku, Block 111.—No expenditure as yet, but work is being started on the cross-roads in Clifton No. 2. Oraukura Block.—There has been 245 chains engineering survey done on the Kaiangaroa Eoad towards Otuarei, and two contracts dray-road formation covering 87 chains are now well advanced. The block was only opened last August. On the Papaki Eoad beyond the improved farm there has also been 116 chains engineering survey executed. Ohinewairua.—On the Moawhango Valley Eoad 124-5 chains of bridle-track has been cleared down to the Otuarei flats from the Torere-Pukeokahu Eoad. The formation of this road past the two bad cliffs, about one mile, is urgently required. A bridge across the Otuareiawa will also soon be necessary. On the Hiwera and Valley Roads 249 chains of road-lines has been felled by the settlers adjacent to their own burns, also 21 chains on the Hotukuraeroa Eoad. On the TorerePukeokahu Eoad, 636 chains of bridle-track with 48 lineal feet culverts and 24 lineal feet bridge has been completed. 34"7 chains bridle-track has been finished on the Karangaroa Eoad across the Otuareiawa, and the four contracts taking this road to the open country are now in progress. Upper Makohine Block.—A large amount of work has been performed in this block during the year, especially on the Mataroa Eoad, which has now been completed to the boundary of the block. On the Mangaweka-Te Kapu Eoad 28 chains of heavy dray-road has been formed on the eastern approach to the Makohine Bridge, besides 41 lineal feet culverts. On the Creek Eoad one contract consisting of 31-6 chains of bridle-track has been completed, and the last one is now in hand. The Makohine Valley Road is now completed throughout as a bridle-track. Under this item the following work has been done during the year : 87'1 chains bridle-track, 57 chains felling road-lines, and 80 lineal feet culverts. On the Mataroa Eoad 313 - 8 chains of bridle-track has been completed. The men who have been working on this road are those who were sent up as unemployed in August, 1898. They have been continuously employed here since then. All the sections in this block have now got bridle-track access. The only road now requiring opening out is the Kaweka Eoad, of which the engineering survey has been done. Over the whole block during the year 536 chains of engineering survey has been completed. Pohonuiatane Block— Out of this item expenditure has been incurred in forming 72 chains of bridle-track, with 40 lineal feet culverts on the Okaka Eoad, and in felling 35 chains of frontage on the Karetu North Eoad. Tiriraukawa Block.—This is one of last year's items, but a separate authority number was available at the beginning of this year, and has been expended in forming 113 chains bridle-track on the Karetu North Eoad. Office-work.—The office-work in connection with the year's operations has consisted of the following: 81 miles 57 chains engineering surveys plotted, with quantities; 39 chains traverses plotted, and plans drawn; 1,025 vouchers dealt with and forwarded. Miscellaneous correspondence—lnwards, 1,528; outwards, 1,523. G. T. Murray, Road Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. Oporae Road.—This road has been maintained for a length of two miles, and the work of widening it from 6 ft. to 15 ft. has been done for 83 chains. Before it can be of any real benefit to the settlers as a dray-road two bridges require to be built. Awarua.—lncluded in this, which is also known as Hautapu-Euahine No. 2, are the Potaka, Upper Kawatau, Mangakokeke, and Makopua Roads. On the Potaka Eoad 97 chains of bush has been felled and cleared, a distance of 2 miles 4 chains of horse-road has been formed, and the road has been maintained for its length of 5 miles 62 chains. Portions of this road, where the sides are very precipitous, require widening to make it safer; this I propose to do. The Upper Kawatau, a horse-road of 1 mile 60 chains, has been maintained for its full length, and a distance of 52 chains has been formed. On the Mangakokeke Eoad 42 chains of bush has been felled. This is not yet cleared, and consequently not available for traffic. A length of 1 mile 40 chains of horse-road has been formed, and the road has been maintained for a distance of two miles. On the Makopua Eoad a distance of 1 mile 49 chains of bushfelling only has been done. This is not yet cleared nor open for horse traffic. It is proposed to extend all these roads as soon as the necessary engineering surveys can be done. Fitzherbert-Tokomaru.—This grant of £2OO to the Fitzherbert Eoad Board was issued on the 14th March, 1900. No work has been done on it yet. Pahiatua-Palmerston.—The work of widening out to a dray-road has been progressing during the winter months and up to recently. A few men are at work putting in culverts, for which a good supply of timber has been sawn and laid on the ground. A considerable amount of metalling has been done with the rock excavated by the contractors for construction, but there is still a considerable amount to do. Before even the lower part of the road (the Pahiatua end) is available for dray traffic a bridge will require to be built, plans for which have been prepared. During the greater part of the year an average number of forty-one men have been employed on this road; 4 miles 62 chains has been widened from 6 ft. to 16 ft. and 18 ft. ; 7 chains of metalling has been done; and 1,082 ft. of culverts has been constructed. This road forms an important line of communication between two thriving and important districts, and I would strongly urge the necessity of its completion as a metalled road at an early date.

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Pohangina. The authority received for works in this block is being used for the general maintenance of the roads in the block, and for the completion of the construction on the Umutoi Eoad, to connect with the works done by the Pohangina County Council. Almost all these roads are being made by the County Council, to whom the control of them should be handed over. Pohangina Valley Forest Reserve. —A grant of £2OO has been issued to the Pohangina County Council, but nothing has been done during the year. Malton Block.—The total amount of work done on this block was the formation of By-road No. 1 for a distance of 2&J- chains, stumping and widening 34f chains, excavating 1,120 cubic yards of rock, the construction of six culverts, and maintenance of one mile of horse-road and of 40 chains of dray-road on the Woodville-Ashhurst Road. The work will be proceeded with during the coming winter. Kawatau Valley Road.—A distance of 2 miles 58 chains of horse-road has been formed, 17 chains has been widened into a 16 ft. dray-road, and 1 mile 47 chains of dray-road has been metalled during the year. The maintenance of the road has been very heavy—6,73o cubic yards of slips of rock, &c., has been cleared —and the road is now open for traffic the full length, viz., 10 miles 60 chains (six miles of horse-road, and 4 miles 60 chains of drav-road). As I understand that two sawmills are being erected on this road, it is advisable that it should be metalled at an early date. New Road.—This road has been maintained as a horse-road for a length of 1 mile 48 chains. Hautapu.—ln this block the Cross Road, which is 4 miles 50 chains long, and the Watershed Road, which is one mile in length, have both been maintained as horse-roads. Hautapu No. 2. —Peka and Mangarere are the roads that have been dealt with, in this block. The former has been maintained as a horse-road for a distance of 6 miles 45 chains, and its length has been extended for a mile and a half. About 60 chains yet require constructing to connect it with the Mangarere Road, which latter has been maintained as a horse-road for a length of five miles and a half. I consider the maintenance of these two roads might be handed over to the local authorities. Hautapu-Ruahine.—Under this block are included West Mangahuia, Lagoon, and Main South Roads. West Mangahuia, which is a horse-road, 2 miles 60 chains in length; Lagoon Eoad, which is a dray-road for 1 mile and a horse-road for 3 miles 50 chains ; and Main South Road (or ApitiRangiwahia), which is a dray-road for 1 mile 45 chains and a horse-road for 5 miles 20 chains, have all been maintained : making the total amount of maintenance of roads in the block to be 2 miles 45 chains of dray-road, and 11 miles 50 chains of horse-road. The latter of these roads will at an early date require widening out and metalling, to enable settlers to get to the factory with their milk, and to connect the Township of Apiti with Rangiwahia. Mangawharariki (Pukerimu). —This road, which is 11J miles in length and 16 ft. wide, has been maintained during the year to its whole length. Slips at the western end have again been very heavy, 5,420 cubic yards of material having been cleared away, and 160 cubic yards of rock have been excavated. 16 chains of metalling has also been done. More metalling should be done as soon as funds will allow and weather will permit. The portion of this road from the Wairaki clearing to its junction with the Kimbolton Road should be handed over to the control of the local authority. Pemberton-Wairaki.—The expenditure under this heading was for metalling and maintenance on Pukerimu Road. Marton 1 and 2.—The roads dealt with are the East Mangahuia, Titirangi, Mania, Mangatohu, and Pourangaki Yalley, and the works done on them are as follows : Bast Mangahuia Road—The full length of this road, which is 1 mile 40 chains, has been widened out to a width of 10 ft. Titirangi Road—This road has been maintained as a horse-road for a distance of 1 mile 50 chains, and a further distance of 1 mile 2 chains has been felled and cleared of the bush; the latter part, however, is not available for traffic until formed. Mania Road has been maintained for a distance of two miles and a quarter, and a length of 24 chains of horse-road has been formed. Mangatohu Road.—On this road 20 chains of bush has been felled and cleared. Pourangaki Valley Road has been formed for a distance of 15 chains, and the road has been maintained as a horse-road for a length of 1 mile 35 chains. Mangamako (£1 for £1). —-No work has yet been done on this grant, which was issued to the Kiwitea County Council. Kelpie.—This road, which is a dray-road 16 ft. wide, has been maintained for its length of 1 mile 20 chains, 11 chains of which has been metalled. One culvert, 20 ft. long, has been constructed. Auputa Road and Bridge. —This road, which consists of six miles of a horse-road and 1 mile 20 chains of a dray-road, has been maintained for its whole length, and a distance of 73 chains' has been metalled, and 25 chains widened from 6 ft. to 10 ft. A tunnel, 6 ft. 6 in. by 5 ft. 6 in. and 257 ft. in length, has been made for the purpose of diverting the stream. The filling at this tunnel will cost quite £2OO to complete. Umutoi. —A distance of 15 chains of horse-road has been formed, and the road maintained for its length of two miles. Mcßeth's Road and Birmingham to Mcßeth's Road.—An authority of £4OO has been received for this work quite recently. It will be put in hand as soon as possible. Onslow Block. —Te Para Para Road: During the year 1 mile 65 chains of road has been widened out to a width of 12 ft., 75 chains of dray-road has been metalled, seven culverts of a total length of 128 ft. have been constructed, 730 cubic yards of slips has been cleared, and 1,480 cubic yards of rock excavated, and the road has been maintained for its length of 4 miles 70 chains. This road, which is from 12 ft. to 16 ft. wide, gives access to the Marton and Onslow Blocks. I

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thiiik it should be handed over to the control of the local body from the junction of the Mangawharariki Eoad to the junction of the Main South Eoad. Ballance-Manawatu Gorge Road.—There has been 35 chains of construction, of which 15 chains are 6 ft. wide, the remainder being a dray-road formation, done on this road during the year. 934 cubic yards of slips has been cleared, 9,369 cubic yards of rock excavated, and the road has been maintained for a length of 2 miles 11 chains, of which 1 mile 70 chains is a horse-road. The heavy cuttings and approaches to the proposed bridge of two 60 ft. spans have been completed, and all the timber and ironwork for the superstructure of the bridge have been delivered on the ground. Shafts have been sunk, and depths of foundations for the piers of the bridge have been ascertained. The work of constructing the piers will be commenced shortly. Mangaramarama Village.—A grant of £lOO has been made to the Pahiatua County Council for metalling, and also one of £lOO to the same body for the construction of the Tawera and Namu Eoads, but nothing has been done under either grant. Hall Special Settlement.—This settlement contains the Cross and Central Roads. Cross Eoad has been formed as far as it is necessary to go, and almost the whole of the Central Eoad has been formed. The works in this settlement have consisted of 3 miles 28 chains of horse-road formed, 5-J chains of road widened to a width of 16 ft., three culverts of a total length of 77 ft. constructed, 8 chains metalled, and 5 miles 20 chains of road maintained. Woodville-Aohanga.—A truss-bridge of three spans and a total length of 160 ft. has been erected on this road over the Waitakataroa Stream. The approaches have yet to be made. 6 chains of scrub-cutting and clearing has been done, and the road has been maintained for its whole length of thirteen miles—viz., four miles of dray-road and nine miles of horse-road. This latter part is not yet finished: about three-quarters of a mile has yet to be formed to admit of through traffic. I would recommend that this road be completed. As being a shorter route to Makairo and Pahiatua, it would be much used by settlers and others from the lower or Makuri end. Almost all the money voted for this road has been absorbed by the construction of the bridge. Mangatoro-Coonoor Valley.—During the year this road, which connects the Coonoor Settlement with the main road from the coast to Dannevirke, has been maintained for its length of 6 miles 40 chains. 5 chains of re-formation was done, 30 chains of the metalled, and another 30 chains of the metalled portion was repaired, and 1,029 cubic yards of slips removed. Makairo-Kumeroa.—There has been 20 chains of engineering surveys in connection with diversions of this road done, and the road has been maintained for a length of 1 mile 40 chains. The construction will be pushed on as soon as possible. Makairo Road.—A small contract of about a quarter of a mile was let for the construction of a dray-road near the Coonoor end, and completed some months ago. The other works undertaken on this road were 21 chains of bushfelling and clearing, cutting and clearing the scrub for about 520 chains, 11-J chains of metalling, 750 cubic yards of slips cleared, and 870 cubic yards of rock excavated. The road has been maintained for a length of nine miles. It is proposed to proceed with the widening of this road as soon as an officer can be spared to do the necessary surveys. Towai (Goonoor). —A small contract to finish the dray-road construction was completed. The road has been re-formed and metalled for a distance of 75 chains, 3 chains has been widened, 760 cubic yards of slips cleared, and the road has been maintained for one mile as a horse-road, and for three miles as a dray-road. Upper Makuri Valley. —The greater part of this road is under the control of the County Council, but two miles at the northern end has been under the control of the Government. A contract for metalling a portion of the road is nearly completed, and before the ensuing winter nearly all the metalling will be done, the County Council having let a contract for metalling which will nearly join the Government works. 40 chains of the road has been re-formed and 36f chains metalled, and the road has been under maintenance for ten miles. Pahiatua Railway-station (Repairs), £1 for £l.- —The work done under this grant to the Pahiatua County Council was widening the Mangahao Eoad from the railway-station to Pahiatua Borough, including clearing, draining, culverting, and extending bridge-wings, and metalling the whole distance and footpaths from the bridge to the borough, at a total cost of £204. This work was completed during the year. Eglington Road.—This road has been reported on, and the vote of £lOO will be expended in widening it into a dray-road. Ngaturi-Aohanga.— Engineering surveys of 6 miles 43 chains, and bushfelling and clearing of 2 miles 41 chains, have been done on this road. A contract has been recently let to widen the 6 ft. track to a dray-road width. The county has done all the maintenance on the dray-road at the Ngaturi end. Manuhara Road (Pahiatua No. 1). —In addition to the ordinary work of maintenance of this road for its length of four miles, 43 chains of a track 6 ft. wide has been formed, 12 chains of bush cleared, and eight culverts of a total length of 88 ft. constructed ; and 135 chains of the road was laid down in grass. About 60 chains of formation yet remains to be done to connect this with the Waihi Eoad. Nikav^Omata.—Besides the maintenance of this dray-road for a length of two miles, 3 chains of the road has been made at a part which was swept away by floods in the creek. Protective works, in the shape of a timber retaining-wall, were erected, and the embankment within was planted with willows. The retaining-wall was strongly built, and will withstand any future floods. Tutaekara-Nikau.—The principal work undertaken on this road during the year was the formation of 18 chains of a deviation of the road. 15 chains of bush has been felled and cleared; four culverts, of a total length of 64ft., constructed ; 920 cubic yards of rock excavated; and the road has been maintained as a horse-road for two miles and a dray-road for half a mile.

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Ohinereiata Road.—The work done on this road has been the felling and clearing of the bush, and the formation of a dray-road 16 ft. wide for 11-t chains. The work has been done intermittently. A small contract to log up a further length of the road has been let. Toritea-Makuri.—On this road, connecting Makuri with Pahiatua, 15J chains has been widened out to 16 ft.; 2 miles 69 chains of metalling has been done, consisting principally of placing the metal in places where most required; three culverts, of a length of 60 ft., have been constructed; 1,246 cubic yards of slips cleared; 500 cubic yards of rock excavated; and the road has been maintained for a length of 17 miles 50 chains. At present the road is in good order, the surfacemen, as opportunity occurs, easing and widening it at the bends. The road will be all the better during the winter for the maintenance metal shortly to be put on. This road is partly under the control of the Pahiatua County and partly under the Government. Waewaepa Road.—A contract was recently prepared for bushfelling and logging one mile of this road, but on account of married men not being available the work was deferred, and has recently been put in hand. Tiraumea Valley Road. —A contract for formation was let on this road to join with a contract at the end of the Pa Valley Eoad, but after completing 46 chains of the work the contractors left for other work (sheep-shearing, &c.). A few chains of flat formation yet require to be done to complete the junction. This will be done during the next few months. 40 chains of the road was rounded up and metalled, and a further distance of 99 chains metalled in places most urgently needing it. 1,324 cubic yards of slips has been cleared, and 515 cubic yards of rock excavated, and the road maintained for its length of ten miles and a half. To enable the lately constructed part to be available for traffic, two bridges are required. I would recommend that a good sum of money be authorised for expenditure on this road, on account of its importance and the bridges and metalling that require yet to be done. Makuri (Section 12, Block X.). —£50 was authorised for expenditure on this road; no work has been done on it yet. Waiwera (Kopikopiko Road).- —The work of widening out this road was commenced last winter, and 33f chains of scrub-cutting and clearing was done ; also the formation of the road for the same distance as a dray-road. Two culverts of a total length of 45 ft. were constructed, and 120 cubic yards of rock excavated, and the road maintained for a length of four miles. A supply of 4,176 ft. of timber for a small bridge was sawn and carted on to the site. Further works of construction will be commenced shortly. The settlers of this block are badly in want of road-access, and the funds supplied fall far short of requirements. Kaitawa Ridge Road.—There has been 5 miles 7 chains of engineering surveys completed on this road, and the work of widening it out from a 6 ft. track to a 16 ft. dray-road was commenced last October. Nine contracts were let, the average number of men employed being twelve. 1 mile 58 chains of road has been widened, 1,880 cubic yards of rock excavated, and the road has been maintained for three miles as a horse-road and three miles as a dray-road. The work should be continued to connect with the Mount Marchant Eoad, in order to give access to the settlers at the back. Makuri Township.—The road through the township is in good repair, having been maintained for a distance of two miles. The ford at the suspension foot-bridge is in good order, having some time ago been widened out with large heavy stones, and a rough groin put in to protect the bank and straighten the current. Makuri-Aohanga Road ( Rakanui). —There is still about a mile of this road to widen out to a dray-road width, and the work will shortly be undertaken. A considerable amount of maintenance and removing slips has been undertaken. In some places the road is very bad to maintain, and will cause a good deal of expenditure in removing slips and general maintenance. The bridge on the road has not yet been raised, but I hope shortly to have this done, and the earthworks completed to the Alfredton-Weber Road. The road is in good repair, and I am arranging to get some metalling done. During the year 21 chains of scrub-cutting and 71 chains of stumping and clearing has been done, and 1 mile 77 chains has been widened from 14 ft. to 18 ft., and lOf chains has been metalled. One bridge 40 ft. long has been built, fifteen culverts of a total iength of 427 ft. constructed, 4,715 cubic yards of slips cleared, and 3,052 cubic yards of rock excavated. chains of drains has been cut, 3£ chains of corduroying done, and the road maintained for 1 mile 30 chains as a horse-road and for 4 miles 74 chains as a dray-road. Makuri-Pongaroa. —The work on this road has been varied, consisting of construction, maintenance, metalling, and procuring timber for bridges. The construction from a horse-road to a dray-road width has been completed. Timber has been sawn and nearly all delivered at sites for widening three bridges, and for the erection of the three-span bridge over the Mangatiti Stream. Metalling has been done from end of metal, Puketoi Saddle, to near the Rimu Track (about one mile), and three-quarters of a mile at the Pongaroa end. The former part is being done by wagons and tramways. This is on account of the surface of the road being rarely dry; and, considering the grade, sharp bends, and endless interruptions by having to convey settlers' goods along the tramway, the work has been done with a fair amount of expedition. The metalling at Pongaroa end was vigorously undertaken, and is completed for this year. Arrangements have been made to start in the middle, at Mangatiti Stream, and do as much as possible before the weather breaks. I have also arranged for a small trial of papa on the part near Clark's, where stone is not available, and hope to get sufficient burned to spread over the worst parts before winter sets in. The papa will be burned on the roadside in a chamber. The chamber will contain about 100 cubic yards of papa. I would recommend that metalling be prosecuted vigorously, and that the bridges be built as soon as possible. Two of the bridges have been widened to suit dray traffic. The work done On the road during the year is as follows : 80 chains of tracks to saw-pits have been cut, 3 chains

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of scrub cut arid cleared, 52 chains of road re-formed. 3 miles 10 chains widened, and 1 mile 4'l chains metalled. One small bridge 26 ft. long has been built, thirty-four culverts of a total length of 809 ft. constructed, and 57,869 ft. of timber-supplied. Besides these, 7,127 cubic yards of slips have been cleared, 9,160 cubic yards of rock excavated, 8 chains of drains cut, 12 chains of embankments made, 15J chains of corduroying done, 16 chains of fencing, 45 chains of tramrails laid, and the road has been maintained for a length of eighteen miles. Range Boad-Pongaroa (Widening).—lnstructions have been given for the engineering survey of this road, but owing to the pressure of other work it has not yet been done. Te Aupapa Road (Metalling).—A. grant of £2OO has been made to the Pahiatua County Council quite recently for metalling this road. Nothing has been done during the year. Mangamaire Road (McKenzie Special Settlement Block). —The works done on this road have been 80 chains of formation 16 ft. and 18 ft. wide, 60 chains metalling, 60 chains stumping, and 30 chains breaking metal. It was originally intended to form this road from side drains, but on account of the expense of moving the logging, and the difficulty of shifting it far enough back on account of the fencing, the road was simply re-formed at the lower end, and a coat of metal put on it in lieu of extra banking. The road is substantial, and will stand the winter traffic. Smith's Eoad was also stumped and formed for 6 chains at the same time as the Mangamaire (of which it is a branch) roadworks were in progress, and out of the same vote. Akitio Biver Boad (Mount Wolff). —The work on this road has been varied in its nature. 4 miles 25 chains of engineering surveys has been done, 65 chains of formation 6 ft. wide, and widening the road for 56 chains to a width of 15 ft. have been done. Bushfelling and clearing, 2J chains; slips cleared, 917 cubic yards ; rock excavated, 747 cubic yards ; embankments, chains; drains, 46J chains ; and stumping, 39 chains, have been done. One small bridge (15 ft. span) was removed and re-erected, and fifteen culverts of a total length of 206 ft. were constructed ; and the road was maintained for 56 chains as a dray-road and for 3 miles 64 chains as a horse-road. A bridge 60 ft. in length is required at the junction of this road with the Mount Arthur Road, and the settlers are very anxious that this should be done, as it is proposed to erect a creamery, and they could not convey their milk along the 6 ft. track. Ihakara's Beserve (Levin), Boad through.—A grant of £l5O was given to the Horowhenua County Council for constructive works on this road, and a contract for the formation (earthwork and culverts) of 139 chains was let and completed. Utewai Road (Ghristchurch Association). —Beyond maintenance of four miles no work has been undertaken on this road. I have to report that the river-bank at the bridge over the Tiraumea (north side) was considerably washed away by floods twelve months ago. Temporary protective works have been done, but work of a permanent nature will have to be undertaken to protect the road-embankment. As soon as a surveyor can be spared an engineering survey will be made, with the view of extending the formation of this as a horse-road to connect with the Makuri-Aohanga Eoad, and to widen the narrow portion of it. Puketoi Road (Ghristchurch Association). —A small contract for the stumping and formation of 18 chains of a horse-road was let and completed. Two culverts, aggregating 22 ft., were also constructed on this road, which has been maintained as a dray-road for 69 chains. Ruivare Road. —The only work that has been done on this road during the year has been the felling and clearing of 148J chains of bush. Pa Valley Road.—A small contract was let to join the Tiraumea Valley Eoad, and completed early in the year. The work done consisted of bushfelling and clearing 29 chains ; the formation of a 6 ft. road for 31 chains; three culverts were constructed, of a total length of 69 ft.; 360 cubic yards of slip cleared ; 3 chains of corduroying; 5 chains of embankments were made ; and the road maintained for a length of 2 miles 23 chains. Horo Road.— Under grant to the Horowhenua County about a mile and a half of this road has been formed, which completes the road through between these places. It will require, however, to be better drained and metalled. Alfredton-Tenui (Contribution) Main Road. —The Wairarapa North County Council received a grant of £lBO for works on this road, and this was expended in the formation of 1 mile 53 chains of a 4 ft. bridle-track, 19 chains of a dray-road 14 ft. wide, and the construction of culverts aggregating in length 390 ft. Bowen's-llastivell Road.—There has been 1 mile 41 chains of engineering surveys completed, and the road has been cleared, stumped, and formed 16 ft. wide for a distance of 28 chains. Five culverts of a total length of 119 ft. have been constructed, and 13 chains of drains have been cut, and the road maintained for one mile. Makakahi Valley Road (Kaiparoro).—On this road 56 chains of bush-clearing 20 ft. wide has been done, and the road formed to a width of 10 ft. for a distanee of 35 chains. A further distance of 3 chains 6 ft. wide has also been made, and culverts of a total length of 52 ft. have been constructed. Masterton to Eketahuna (visi, Mount Brtice). —This grant of £2OO to the Mauriceville County Council was issued quite recently. No work has been done. The necessary surveys will be made and the work put in hand as soon as possible. Mount Baker (Tawataia Toll-gate), Mangamahoe. —-During the year 300 cubic yards of rock has been excavated, 250 cubic yards of slips cleared, and the road has been stumped and formed to a width of 16 ft. for a distance of 46 chains. West Road— This work is now in progress. A contract for the formation of one mile of road 6ft. wide has been recently let. Wingate Boad.—Under the first grant of £lBO to the Wairarapa North County Council a contract for the formation of 77 chains of road was let and completed, and one culvert 14 ft. long was constructed.

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Mataikona-Pakowai Road (in Block XIII). —Instructions have been given for an engineering survey to be made for the construction of about a mile and a half of this road. It is hoped that the work will be put in hand shortly. Wainui-o-mata (from Glendonald-Wairere Road to Education Reserve, Upper Taueru District). —A grant of £lOO to the Upper Taueru Eoad Board has been issued quite recently. Nothing has vet been done: Kakaamu Road. —A grant of £2OO was made to the Masterton Eoad Board. This sum was expended in metalling 2 miles 70 chains of the road. Flat Bush Road.—A grant of £5O was given to the Wairarapa North County Council for the purpose of forming a deviation of this road to give access to section 82, and the work done consisted of felling and clearing the bush for 57 chains, the formation of 39 chains of road 10 ft. wide, and the construction of two culverts of a total length of 82 ft. Lang's Road.—On this grant of £lOO, which was recently issued to the Upper Taueru Eoad Board, no work has been done. Lang's Section (Wairere), Bagg's Road (£1 for £l).—A grant of £250 was given to the Upper Taueru Eoad Board for the construction of this road, and up to the present 2 miles 10 chains of roadformation and a small platform-bridge have been made. The work is still in progress. Barton's Road.—On this road 5 miles 66 chains of engineering surveys has been completed, and the road has been stumped and formed to a width of 16 ft. for a distance of 2 miles 10 chains. Twenty-one culverts, of a total length of 288 ft., have been constructed. 390 cubic yards of slips have been cleared, 1,290 cubic yards of rock have been excavated, and 12 chains of drains have been cut. Barton's- Mangamahoe Junction. 1 mile 61 chains of engineering survey was made, 2 miles 1 chain of dray-road constructed, and nine culverts, totalling 187 ft., were placed in. position. Dagg's Road. —A grant of £lOO was given to the Mauriceville County Council recently for works on this road ; nothing has been done. Ihurawa Road to Barton's Line (£1 for £l).—A subsidy of £l5O was recently given to the Wairarapa North County Council, but nothing has yet been done on the road. Bideford Road, via Mangapakeha (£1 for £1). —A grant of £2OO was given to the Castle Point Eoad Board. Twenty-seven culverts have been constructed, and the road was surveyed, graded, and pegged, and also formed to a width of 12 ft. for a distance of 2 miles 4 chains. Tawatahia Road.—Tenders were called for metalling this road, and only one was received, which was not accepted. I would suggest that as soon as the weather is favourable in the spring the work be done by day and co-operative labour. Waingawa Road (Te Mam). —The principal works undertaken on this road during the year have been the formation of 26 chains for a width of 12 ft. and of 13 chains 6 ft. wide. Culverts of a total length of 76 ft. have been constructed, and metalling 10 ft. wide and 8 in. deep has been done for a distance of 4 chains. East Coast Road (Masterton).— The grant for this work having only been issued quite recently, nothing has been done. Tenui Bridge and Road (Contribution). —A grant of £450 has been made to the Wairarapa North County Council, and a contract has been let for the construction of the bridge. The desirability of the site selected having been questioned, it was inspected and reported on. 6 chains of embankments have been made, and the bridge, which is of three spans and a total length of 148 ft., is nearly completed. Tenui Valley Road. —Tenders were called for metalling this road, but none were accepted. I would suggest that the work be done by co-operative contract as early as possible in the spring. In all cases when tenders were called for metalling very few were received, and I would suggest that next season all metalling should be done by settlers on the co-operative system. Uruti-Castlepoint Road. —A grant of £lOO has been made to the Wairarapa North County Council, but no work has been done. Kaiwhata Runs (Kaiwhata-Ghalmers).—This road has been formed to a width of 16 ft. for a distance of 1 mile 27 chains. Eleven culverts, of a total length of 204 ft., have been made, and 18 chains of drains have been cut, and 1 mile of dray-road maintained. Kaiwhata Run 49 Road.—The bush has been felled and cleared for a length of 4 chains, and the road has been formed to a width of 10 ft. for a distance of 88 chains. One small bridge was erected, and six culverts, of a total length of 74 ft., have been constructed ; 850 cubic yards of blue rock were excavated, and 6 chains of drains have been cut. Mangaoronga Road.—A grant of £134 has been given to the Eketahuna County Council for works on this road. 31 chains of engineering surveys have been completed, but no other work has been done. Rewa Survey District, Small Grazing-run No. 51.—Formation for a length of one mile to a width of 10 ft., culverts of a total length of 162 ft., and cutting 6 chains of drains have been the principal works undertaken on this road. This formation should be extended a distance of about two miles, so as to give access to the run. Smith's Road. —-A grant of £l3O was issued recently to the Mauriceville County Council, but no work has been done. Mangaraupi Road (Stirling Block). —This road has been formed to a width of 14 ft. for a distance of 2 chains, and three culverts of a total length of 58 ft. have been constructed. Hukamd-Masterton Special Settlement Road.—This road has been completed and sown down in grass. The work consisted of 1 mile 69| chains of road widened to a width of 16 ft.; 1 mile 54 chains has been sown down, and 1 mile 50 chains of a dray-road maintained. Towai Road (Rising Sun Association).—During the year, besides the usual work connected

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with the maintenance of the road for a length of five miles, the formation of a 6 ft. track has been made for a distance of 2 miles 11 chains. One small bridge has been erected, eleven culverts of a total length of 163 ft. have been made, chains of felling and clearing bush and scrub, and stumping 86 chains has been done. About 50 chains of formation would complete this road the whole distance. North Range Road (Rising Sun Association).—On this road 133 chains of bush has been felled and cleared only. Engineering surveys and plans are ready to start the formation as soon as money is available. The road is greatly needed by the settlers, as they now have a great difficulty in getting their produce to market, and their provisions, grass-seed, &c., in to their selections. It has been maintained for 1 mile 50 chains. Karora Road (Rising Sun Association). —The scrub has been cut and cleared for 1 mile 47 chains, as far as is necessary to give access to the sections lately taken up. The road requires forming, as it is principally through swampy country. A rough timber bridge is now being erected over the Waihi Stream, and another small bridge over a boggy creek is required. Pahiatua No. I.—The work charged to this item was done on the Manuhara Road, and consisted of maintenance. Waihora Road (Pahiatua No. 2). —The bush is now felled and cleared for the whole length of this road, connecting it with the Kaituna Eoad. The work done on it during the year has consisted of 31 chains of bushfelling and clearing, the formation of 55 chains of road 6 ft. wide, the construction of eight culverts of a total length of 78 ft., cutting drains 21 chains, and stumping for 43 chains. About two miles of formation yet requires to be done to enable settlers to get through by way of Kaituna. Pahiatua No. 3.—The work done under this item consisted of the maintenance of one mile of road. Akaroa Road (Pahiatua No. 2). —The work done on this road during the year has been the formation of 73 chains (6 ft. wide), the construction of sixteen culverts of a total length 254 ft., and the maintenance of the road for a length of 2 miles 76 chains; 4 chains of drains have also been cut, and 6 chains of embankments made. The road as far as formed has been of great benefit to the settlers, but it should be carried as far as its junction with the Waikaka Eoad, as many settlers have still to depend on the old bush-track to get to their holdings. Mangatiti Road (Pahiatua No. 4). —The formation of this road has been completed. The works done on it during the year are as follows: Scrub-cutting and clearing, 2 miles 10 chains; formation (6 ft. wide), 3 miles 3J chains; two culverts, total length 72 ft.; slips cleared, 491 cubic yards; rock excavated, 509 cubic yards; drains cut, 1J chains; embankments made, 5J chains; and maintenance for 4 miles 26 chains ; 8,019 superficial feet of timber supplied ; and 29 chains of stumping done. The bridge under construction last year was finished early this year. A few culverts have still to be put in. This track will be a great convenience to the settlers, shortening the distance greatly from Eakaunui to the Masterton Eeform Block. Range Road.—A grant of £l5O was given to the Featherston Eoad Board, and this amount was expended in widening 2 miles 40 chains of the road from 6 ft. to 10 ft. wide. Kaituna Road.—The work on this road has consisted of 57 chains of formation, 6 ft. wide; 1,076 cubic yards of slips were cleared, 315 cubic yards of rock excavated, and 41 chains of stumping done. One bridge, 36ft. in length, was erected; thirteen culverts, of a total length of 182 ft., were constructed; 5£ chains of embankments made; four miles grassed; and the road maintained for a length of six miles (6 ft. wide). The settlers at the lower end are without means of communication with their holdings, and the 6 ft. track should be continued. Range Road (Masterton Reform Association). —Beyond the maintenance of this road for three miles as a horse-road, and the clearing of 1,341 cubic yards of slips, no other work has been done. Akaroa Street Formation (Pongaroa Township).—2so cubic yards of rock were excavated for breaking into metal, and the road was metalled for 16 chains. Waipatukaka Road, near Pongaroa. —The work done on this road has been varied, consisting of stumping 3 chains, the formation of 60 chains 6ft. wide, clearing 469 cubic yards of slips, cutting 35 chains of drains, making 18-J chains of embankments, and grassing 1 mile 60 chains. Five small bridges, aggregating in length 120 ft., have been built; nine culverts, of a total length of 139 ft., have been constructed; and the road maintained as a horse-road for three miles. About two miles more of formation and the building of a 40 ft. bridge would complete it to the junction of the Waihi Eoad. It is desirable that this should be done, as travellers at present, being unable to cross at the bridge-site, have to depend upon the permission of owners of sections to pass through them. Waihi Road. —Five miles of engineering surveys have been completed on this road, and the constructive works done were as follows: 3 chains of bush were felled and cleared, 7 chains of formation 6 ft. wide, 2£ chains of corduroying, 29 chains of drains, 29 chains of embankments, 1 mile 30 chains of road grassed, 715 cubic yards of slips cleared, and a quantity of timber was sawn and hauled. One bridge, 25 ft. long, was built ; six culverts, of a total length of 54 ft., were constructed; and the road maintained as a horse-road for 6 miles 45 chains. It is intended to continue the formation of this road as soon as possible. Waihi-Akitio Road.—The work of widening this road from 6 ft. to 16 ft. is now in progress, and 42 chains have been completed. The other works done on it have consisted of maintaining 3 miles 18 chains of horse-road and 62 chains of a dray-road, constructing six culverts of a total length of 130 ft., clearing 222 cubic yards of slips, excavating 456 cubic yards of rock, stumping 10J chains, cutting 3 chains of drains, making about 2 chains of embankments, and sawing and hauling timber. If this road were widened into a dray-road through the settlement, it would prove a great boon to the many settlers whose sections front on to it.

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Akitio River Suspension-bridge Road. —During the year I have gone over the proposed line of this road across Mr. Newman's section, and agreed with him as to its direction. Instructions have been given for its survey and construction. Huia Road (Aohanga).—There has been 4 chains of formation 6 ft. wide done on this road, and 18 chains widened; 3,129 cubic yards of slips has been cleared, and the road has been maintained for a length of 3 miles 70 chains. Aohanga-Aohanga Valley (Section 183, Block IV.). —No work has been done on this road during the year. Aohanga Gorge Road.—The maintenance of this road has been very heavy : 3,852 cubic yards of slips has been cleared; 12,080 cubic yards of rock excavated ; 27 chains of bush and scrub felled and cleared; 9 chains of embankments made; 23-J- chains of drains cut; one culvert, 20 ft. long, made; one bridge, 84 ft. long, erected; 1 mile 28 chains of road was formed 16 ft. wide; 5 miles 30 chains grassed; and 3 miles 78 chains (16ft. wide) maintained. The formation was stopped in December, 1899, the money available having been expended. This last portion of the road requires to be culverted. Before the road can be of any real benefit to the settlers a bridge will require to be built over the Pongaroa Stream, to enable them to get storey, &c. Plans for this bridge are being prepared. Aohanga-Waiowaka Road.—An engineering survey of five miles has been made of this road from the Aohanga Valley to the Waiowaka Boad, and its construction is now in hand. As it will connect the Mecalickstone and Dannevirke Centennial Blocks with the road down the Aohanga Valley to the coast it should be steadily pushed on. Burling' s-Mecalickstone Road.-—-This road, with the exception of the lower half-mile near Burling's (flat ground), has been formed for a distance of about three miles, and beyond that three-quarters of a mile of 6 ft. track has been formed during the year. The works done on it during the year have consisted of 18 chains of an engineering survey, stumping and clearing 43-J chains, widening 33 chains, embankments 7 chains, cutting chains of drains, and clearing slips. Five culverts, of a total length of 162 ft., have been constructed; and one bridge, 60ft. long, has been built, and the approaches thereto formed. The road has been bad to maintain, slips being frequent, and will continue so until the hill " sets." Waikereru Road (Mecalickstone). —During the year four miles of this horse-road has been maintained, one culvert 18ft. long made, 1,504 cubic yards of slips removed, and 1J chains of road fascined. Mount Arthur Road.—This road, 6 ft. wide, has been maintained for 2 miles 40 chains, and a small amount of widening has been done. It would be advisable to continue the track for another 80 chains. This would then give a good road down to the coast, which at present necessitates crossing the Akitio Eiver twice and ascending a very steep hill. This would be avoided if the track was formed as suggested. Waiowaka Road Extension. —The work of opening up this track was commenced last December, since when 91 chains of a 6 ft. formation has been made, 30 chains widened, 337 cubic yards of slips cleared, 1,506 cubic yards of rock excavated, and 2 miles 45 chains have been maintained. The work is not finished as far as is intended, being suspended during the harvest months, but will be completed during the ensuing winter. An engineering survey for the extension of this work is now in hand. Waihoku Valley Road.—With the exception of maintaining this horse-road for 3 miles 57 chains, no other work has been done. Alfredton-Weber Road. —This road is a difficult one to keep in good repair, surfacemen being required all the year round. This is principally on account of the broken, slippery nature of the ground the road passes through. This year extensive repairs have been undertaken, some of the worst parts being shored up with timber. At present the road is in a good state of repair. A considerable amount of metalling has been done and is still going on. The metal used at Pongaroa was hard papa rock, deposited on the road immediately after breaking. Metalling has also been done near Bakaunui and Gosling's Saddle, being convenient to the quarries recently opened; and also at the Weber end, where it has been carted from the Akitio Biver bed. The bridges are in good order, excepting the decking of the lagoon bridge, for which a supply of new decking has been ordered. The principal works undertaken are as follows : Widening to a width of 16 ft., 41 chains; metalling, 2 miles chains; maintenance, 35 miles 23 chains ; slips cleared, 19,099 cubic yards; rock excavated, 2,740 cubic yards; fascining, 73 chains; clearing drains, 45 chains; embankments made, 42 chains; trimming the road (for metalling), 1 mile 53 chains; re-forming, 77 chains; building a protection-wall of 12 chains ; making four culverts, of a total length of 62 ft. ; and painting four bridges. This being a main road through a thickly populated district, I would recommend that metalling be continued vigorously, both as a means of lessening the heavy expenditure of maintenance—which is constantly recurring—and as a means of giving settlers proper access into the district. Pongaroa School Road ( Metalling).—This work is really on the Alfredton-Weber Boad, opposite the school, and is still in progress. Hukanui-Kakariki Road, (Kakariki Special Settlement). —The metalling contract on this road was nearly completed—l mile 14 chains having been done—when the weather broke for winter last year, and nothing has been done since. The completion of this work will be undertaken at once, an authority having been granted for that purpose. North Road (Wellington Special Settlement). —A grant of £lOO to the Eketahuna County Council was issued recently. Nothing has been done. Mangatainoka Valley Road.—The works done on this road during the year have been the formation, 12 ft. wide, of 34 chains ; 33 chains have been metalled to a width of 10 ft.; culverts of a total length of 180 ft. have been constructed; and one bridge (25 ft, span) has been erected, This road is now completed.

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Newman-Sterling (Main Road). —A grant of £2OO was issued to the Eketahuna County Council recently. Nothing has been done. Parkville-Mangatainoka (Main Road). —This road has been surveyed, but there is still a difficulty with some of the owners of the land through which it will have to be taken. lam waiting for the surveyor's report on it before taking further action. Kaitangata (Mangatarere and Waiohine). —The expenditure under this item is for work done on Mangatarere Eoad, and is included in the report below on that item. Waiohine Road.—The formation of this road, which is through almost solid bluerock, has been carried for a distance of 63 chains to a'width varying from 6 ft. to 8 ft. Bush-felling for a length of 36 chains (66ft. wide), and clearing for a width of 20ft., have been done; and four culverts, of a total length of 39 ft., have been constructed. Craigie Lee Road (Douglas Road). —On this road bush-clearing for 63J chains, and formation 6 ft. wide for a length of 1 mile 20 chains, have been completed ; also sixteen culverts, of a total length of 212 ft., have been constructed ; and an engineering survey of 5 miles 68 chains has been made. The work is in progress. Wharau-Kaiwhata Road.—The work on this road has consisted of the formation of one mile of dray-road, 16 ft. wide, .and maintenance for three miles. There have also been constructed thirteen culverts, of a total length of 256 ft.; and one small bridge ft., span) has been built. The present horse-track into the Kaiwhata Valley has also been maintained. Gladstone-Flat Point Road. —This road has been maintained from the Taipo Saddle to the boundary of the Crown lands towards the coast, a distance of about twelve miles, including the clearing of slips and the repairing and removing of culverts. As soon as possible the road should be metalled. Mangatarere Road.—This road, which is constructed through almost solid blue rock, has been formed 12 ft. wide for a distance of 78 chains. There has also been one small bridge (13 ft. span) erected; and five culverts, of a total length of 80 ft., have been constructed. Rocky Hill-Wainuioru Road.—An agreement for £5O was made with the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board, and tenders were invited for the work, but as nothing further had been done the agreement was withdrawn. Turner's Road. —An agreement for £l7O has been made with the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board. Plans and specifications have been prepared, and tenders were invited for the work, but as none was accepted the agreement was cancelled, and the work will be done by co-operative contracts. Mount Holdsworth Tracks.—For forming and repairing the road and tracks to Mount Holdsworth the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board received the grants of £l5O and £66 Is. 7d. The formation of a dray-road for 12£ chains and the metalling of 80 chains were done at a cost of £179 6s. Bd. Kohunui-Palliser Bay.—A grant of £lOO was recently issued to the Featherston Eoad Board. Nothing has been done. Akatarawa-Waikanae Road. —A grant of £250 was very recently issued to the Hutt County Council. Nothing has been done. Road (to 'Account). —The works on this road have been carried out under the supervision of the Hutt County Council, and have included the formation of a dray-road for a length of 82 chains, constructing three culverts of a total length of 81 ft., cutting 91 chains of drains, and making 25 chains of embankments. Whiteman's Valley Road.—A. grant of £lOO was recently issued to the Hutt County Council. Nothing has been done. Rimutaka, Sections 48 and 56, Block V.—Nothing has been done on the road to these sections. £24 has been expended on the purchase of land. Mungaroa Valley Road.—On the grants issued to the Hutt County Council they have completed the formation of a dray-road for 30 chains, and have laid twelve pipe culverts and one of timber. Reid's, Upper Hutt.—A grant of £lOO was recently issued to the Hutt County Council, and plans for work have been approved. Moonshine Road.—The works done on this road have been under the supervision of the Hutt County Council, who have constructed 10 chains of a dray-road formation, and laid six culverts, of a total length of 68 ft., at an expenditure of £lOO. Belmont Survey District to Sections 236-7, Block X.—A. dray-road, 12 ft. wide, has been constructed through Section 61 and part Section 236 to Section 237, a distance of 40 chains. Three small bridges have been built and three pipe culverts have been laid, at a total expenditure of £5O. This work has been done under the supervision of the Hutt County Council. Korokoro Settlement Roads. —The work of formation and constructing culverts on this road commenced on the 18th October, 1899. Since then seventeen contracts have been completed, one for the construction of two box culverts and sixteen for the formation of a dray-road 14 ft wide. The cuttings throughout were ex eptionally heavy, and as they were almost wholly composed of a hard, tough rock the work has consequently been very expensive. The heaviest cuttings on the road, averaging about 45 ft. in height, are located immediately over where stood Messrs. Singer, Maddox, and Co.'s factory buildings. To insure the safety of the road it was found necessary to take the batters back from £ to 1 to \ to 1, and to run the material from the excavations a considerable distance in order to allow it to fall clear of the factory buildings. These measures entailed the excavation of a larger quantity of material than had previously been taken into consideration, and thereby making the cost amount to considerably more than would have been the case if the material had been thrown over the side in the usual way. The work done has consisted of the formation of 33 chains of dray-road, making 4 chains of embankment 16 ft. wide,

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constructing two culverts of a total length of 144 ft., laying 76 ft. of pipe culverts, and excavating 10,522 cubic yards of rock. Paparangi Estate.—There were two grants, amounting to £96, given to the Hutt County Council in connection with work on this estate, and the sum of £6O was expended on metalling 26 chains of the Paparangi Eoad, and £36 was spent on forming approaches to Sections 3 and 4, clearing gorse from Section 22, and clearing slips from the road. Pongaroa Village Settlement. —The work done in this settlement has been the formation 6 ft. wide of 10-J chains of road, constructing one culvert 26 ft. long, cutting 1 chain of drain, clearing slips, and the maintenance of one mile and a half of horse-road. Bakaunui Village Settlement.—During the year the work in this settlement has consisted of forming 21 chains of a horse-road, constructing two culverts of total length of 40 ft., cutting chains of drains, clearing slips, and maintaining the road for a length of 53 chains. Apiti Bridge.—There was a grant of £275 given to the Pohangina County Council, and a portion of the money has been expended on protective works, tarring and painting the bridge, procuring eighty wire crates, and other necessary works in connection with the bridge and its protection. Ballance Bridge.—The work done consists of the purchase of ironwork and cartage of same to the bridge site. All the materials are now on the ground. Mangatainoka Bridge (Tutaekara Grossing), to Account.—The contracts for sawing timber for this bridge were completed during the past winter, and the bridge was finished in January. It consists of one span of 120 ft., the lower chord being iron. As it connects the country about Tutaekara with the railway it will be very useful to settlers in that part of the district. The right bank of the river has been protected for some distance up stream by the planting of willows. Matarua Stream Bridge (£1 for £l). —A grant of £550 has recently been issued to the Pahiatua County Council for the construction of this bridge, plans for which have been approved. Horse-shoe Bridge (Makuri Gorge Road), £1 for £1. —A grant of £lOO was made to the Pahiatua County Council for the construction of this bridge, which is on the Toritea-Makuri Eoad. At the request of the county the work has been undertaken by the department, and is in hand. Mangatainoka Biver Bridge (Hamua), to Account.—An engineering survey and plan have been made of this site, which is all I have had time to do. Akitio Bridge (to Account). —The site of this bridge has been fixed and surveyed. Plans of the bridge have been prepared, and the work will be put in hand soon. Manawatu Bridge (Wirokino), to Account (£1 for £1). —A grant of £1,500 was given to the Foxton Borough Council for this work, and the amount of Government subsidy paid to the local body for the year ending the 31st March was £559 7s. 7d. for the purchase of ironbark piles and plant. The bridge, which was designed by Mr. J. E. Fulton, C.8., under whose supervision the work is being carried out, consists of eight spans of 20 ft. each, four spans of 102 ft. each, and one swing span of 80 ft., and will be of great service in connecting the Borough of Foxton with the Township of Levin and the Manawatu Railway. Tokomaru, Ohau, Waikawa, Horowhenua, and Otaki, Bridge-construction (to Account). A grant of £2OO has been issued to the Horowhenua County Council for the construction of the "Waikawa Bridge. Nothing has been done. Otaki Bridge.—An engineering survey and plan of the site has been made. Plans of the bridge have been designed and prepared by Mr. James E. Fulton, C.E., and a tender accepted for its construction. Tiraumea No. 1 Bridge (Edwards's Grossing).—The expenditure under this item was in respect to a grant to the Wairarapa North County Council to adjust accounts in connection with the structure. Waitawhiti Bridge (Alfredton-Weber). —A grant of £250 was recently issued to the Wairarapa North County Council. Nothing has been done. Taueru Bridge (Master Coast), to Account (£1 for £1). —A grant of £3OO has been made to the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board in connection with this work. Plans, &c., have been approved by the Chief Surveyor, but at present the amount available is not sufficient to warrant the commencement of the work. As soon as arrangements are made for the balance of the money the work will be proceeded with. Mangatainoka Biver Bridge (Newman-Stirling), to Account.—-An engineering survey and plan of the site of this bridge have been made ; the site has also been fixed. Land will be required for the road on the western bank of the stream, negotiations for which are pending. Makakahi Bridge (Hamua), £1 for £1. —A grant of £3OO was recently issued to the Eketahuna County Council for the construction of this bridge, but the work has not yet been commenced. Buamahanga Bridge (Masterton-Gladstone), £1 for £1. —This bridge and its approaches have been completed, and a final grant of £250 was paid to the Masterton Eoad Board. It is a substantial structure of three main trussed spans of 81 ft. centres, with approach spans at each end of 40 ft. trussed, and 18 ft. beam-bridges. It was designed and constructed under the direction of the engineer to the Masterton Eoad Board. Buamahanga Bridge.—This bridge is known as Te Whiti Bridge. It was constructed by the Masterton Eoad Board last year, but the approaches were only completed this year. Kokatau Bridge.—Grants have been made to the Taratahi-Carterton Eoad Board for the construction of this bridge. The work is in progress. Dunham and Horner's Boad (Pemberton Improved-farm Settlement). —-The only works undertaken on this road during the year have been the construction of four culverts of a total length of 66 ft., and the maintenance of 2 miles 37 chains of road 10 ft. wide. Waihi Valley Boad (Akitio Improved-farm Settlement). —This road is completed to the junction of the Oporae Road from the junction of the Waihi and Waipatukaka Eoads. The work on it has

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consisted of bushfelling and clearing 75 chains, formation (6 ft. wide) 45f chains, ten culverts of a total length of 113 ft., stumping 19 chains, cutting 30 chains of drains, making 2 chains of embankments, grassing 4 miles 20 chains, clearing slips 534 cubic yards, excavating rocks 656 cubic yards, and the maintenance of four miles of horse-road. A suspension-bridge over the Waihi River, and also one over the Omangaru River, are asked for by the settlers, as a school is to be erected in the locality, and many children will not be able to attend unless the bridges are built. Kaivakawa Road (Akitio Improved-farm Settlement). —Two miles and a half of engineering surveys have been completed on this road. The other constructive works undertaken were the formation, 6 ft. wide, of 2 miles 26 chains ; the construction of forty culverts, of a total length of 445 ft.; cutting 11J chains of drains; making 2 chains of embankments; stumping 150 chains ; and widening the track to a width of 6 ft. for a distance of 3 miles 40 chains. This road is now completed as a horse-road, and connects with the Kaituna and Akitio Roads. Waihi Falls Road (Akitio Im-proved-farm Settlement). —The works undertaken during year the on this road were the formation, 6ft. wide, of chains; the construction of four culverts, of a total length of 53 ft.; and the maintenance of 1 mile 25 chains of horse-road. The road is now completed as far as formation is concerned. A suspension-bridge is needed over the Waihi River, which would enable settlers to get to their holdings at any time, whereas now they are prevented from doing so when the river is in a state of flood. Castle Point Landing-shed.—During the year a new shed has been built. Kawatau North Road (Hautapu-Ruahine No. 2 Block). —A distance of 1 mile 64 chains of bushfelling and clearing has been done, but it is not available for horse traffic until formed. General. —During the year ninety-six miles of engineering surveys has been made ; thirty-one miles of dray-road and thirty-six miles of bridle-road constructed ; twenty bridges of all sizes, of a total length of 909 ft., built; thirty-two miles of dray-road and seven miles of bridle-road improved ; and 202 miles of dray-road and 170 miles of bridle-road maintained. Three hundred and seventy co-operative contracts have been let and completed, thirty-eight being still in hand. In the office, engineering plans and quantities of forty-five miles of road have been prepared ; 3,536 letters have been received, and 3,464 have been despatched; and 2,320 vouchers, representing an expenditure of £40,969, have deen dealt with. Robebt H. Reaney, Road Surveyor.

NELSON. Pakawau-Tamatea.— The works executed by the Collingwood County Council out of this vote are as follows : 56 chains formation, 16ft. wide; scrub and gorse cleared 32ft. wide; two small bridges, 12 ft. and 8 ft. respectively ; three culverts, and 56 chains of metalling. Olifton-Pohara Beach.—This work was also carried out by the Collingwood County Council. Pohara-Awaroa Track.—The expenditure of this grant was intrusted to the same local body, but has not yet been started. The Council reports that tenders are to be called for almost immediately. Takaka Roads and Bridges. —No expenditure has been incurred out of this item during the year, the County Council desiring to have the amount transferred to the Motupipi Bridge. Waitapu Survey District, Block I.—The Collingwood County Council has been furnished by the department with plans of the road, and tenders will be invited at an early date. Biwaka-Takaka Hill.—-The Waimea County Council has expended the vote on general improvements to this eight miles of road. Richmond-Gollingwood (Main Road). —This item is equally divided in grants to the Waimea and Collingwood County Councils, but neither body has as yet commenced work; the latter reports having contracts drawn up, and proposes to call for tenders at once. Riwaka-Sandy Bay-Marahau.—The Riwaka Road Board has expended a portion of the vote, and purposes letting contracts immediately for the formation of 44 chains of 10 ft. dray-road. Riwaka Valley.—The Siwaka Road Board has constructed 35 chains of 14 ft. road with this grant. Brooklyn Valley.—The Riwaka Road Board has made 60 chains of 6 ft. bridle-track, in continuation of work carried out last season. Rawson's Creek Road. —50 chains of 6 ft. bridle-track, in continuation of last year's work, has been formed by the same local body. Okiwi-Ronga Track.—This work will be undertaken by the department, and arrangements are being made for carrying it out at an early date. Ronga Saddle to Whangarae and Onetea.—- This has also been taken in hand by the department, and contracts for the work are now being let. Croixelles-Elaine Bay.—l mile 28 chains of the main horse-track from the French Pass to Okiwi Bay in the Croixelles was formed 5 ft. in width, and 50 chains of this length was through bush, which was felled half a chain wide. This work was carried out by the department under the co-operative system. Works are now about to be continued. Wangamoa. —The Suburban North Road Board has constructed 15 chains of road, 10 ft. wide, and has recently let a contract for gravelling 60 chains. Motueka Valley (£1 for £1). —The Waimea County Council has this authority, but has not let any contracts so far. Tenders have been invited for 9 chains of 16 ft. formation, with catchwater drain, culverts, &c. Upper Moutere Roads. —The Upper Moutere Road Board has constructed 22 chains of 15 ft. road, and improved the grades, on branch roads known as Best's, Gardner's, and Harvey's respectively.

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School Hill, Ngatimoti. —This was a deviation of 16 chains in length, made under the supervision of the Waimea County Council, to avoid a very bad hill on the old line of road. Pokororo.—This item has been intrusted to the Waimea County Council, but nothing has so far been done. Stanley Brook-Motueka Valley.—The Waimea County Council has let contracts for the construction of 2 miles 43 chains of formation, and 43 chains of metalling, but no payments have been made on account of them. Stanley Brook Hill, through Motueka Valley, to Railway-station.—This authority has been granted to the Waimea County Council, but contracts have not yet been let. Deviation, Motueka River.—The Motueka Borough Council has the expenditure of this grant. No work commenced as yet. Dovedale-Pigeon Valley.—The Waimea County Council has recently let a contract for metalling, but no payments have been made. Woodstock-Stanley Brook.—This work is also in the hands of the Waimea County Council, but nothing has been done towards carrying it out so far. Neudorf-Dovedale. —This work consisted of clearing out 80 chains of water-tabling, reducing grades, and general improvements where needed. Tadmor-Motupiko.—The Waimea County Council endeavoured to acquire the land for this road, but negotiations failed through the large amount of compensation involved, and it is now desired to divert this vote to the construction of another road in the Tadmor Valley. Tadmcr Valley.—-The Waimea County Council has re-formed 4 miles 10 chains of this road, which was formed some sixteen years ago, and had fallen into disrepair owing to the small amount of traffic upon it, and the want of proper maintenance. This work has been undertaken in view of the probable early settlement of lands in this valley, which have until now been withdrawn from selection as being within Midland Railway area. Tadmor Ford (Motueka). —-The authority has been granted to the Waimea County Council, but nothing has so far been done, owing to the diversity of opinion as to the best scheme for improving the fordway. Fairhall Road, Tadmor.—The Waimea County Council has recently let contract for formation. Belgrove-Upper IVai-iti.—This has been intrusted to the Waimea County Council, but works not yet commenced. Belgrove-Tophouse Road.—£2oo of this grant has been devoted to general repairs and maintenance, and has been expended by the Waimea County Council. Mear's Valley, Wai-iti.—The Waimea County Council has not yet let any contracts on this. Nelson-Blenheim (Nelson End), Main Road. The Waimea County Council has expended this grant on general repairs and maintenance from Nelson to the Eai Saddle, a distance of twentyeight miles. Maitai Road. —This work has been carried out by co-operative labour, under departmental control, and 37 chains of bridle-track widened into a 12 ft. dray-road, rocky points taken off and grades reduced in places. Wairoa Gorge.—The Waimea County Council has let contract for about 30 chains of formation, and the works are nearing completion, but no payments have been made. Eve's Valley, Waimea West (£1 for £l). —This grant has only lately been made to the Waimea West Boad Board, and consequently works have not been started. Aniseed Valley.—-Nothing has been done on this road this year, but a grant has recently been made to the Stoke Boad Board, and contracts will shortly be let on co-operative system. Quail Valley.—The Waimea County Council has expended a portion of the vote on 30 chains of metalling and general repairs, and a contract of 16 chains formation is in progress. Norris Gully-Stewart's.—The Waimea County Council has this in hand, and a contract for 60 chains of dray-road formation is nearly completed, but no money has been drawn on account of it. A further half-mile is about to be let. Wakefield-Stanley Brook.—The Waimea County Council has not yet let any contracts on this road. Belgrove-Westport-Reefton (Main Road). —The Waimea County Council has expended £4OO on general repairs and maintenance on the portion of the road under its control—viz., to as far south as the Little Hope. Belgrove-Tophouse-Tarndale (Main Road). —The Waimea County Council has expended £2OO on general repairs and maintenance. French Pass.—s miles 18 chains of 5 ft. bridle-road has been formed. This forms a part of the projected through road from the French Pass to the Eai via Okiwi Bay in the Croixelles. In addition, 6 miles 75 chains has been formed out of " thirds " that have accrued from the holdings in the locality. The "bridle-road now reaches from the French Pass to near Elaine Bay in the Pelorus Sound, and the work will be continued next month. Karamea Road.—No authority issued for this work. Lyell Cemetery and Road. —This grant has been lately made to the Lyell Cemetery Trust Board, but the work has not been let yet. Crushington Road (Widening).—Authority lately granted to Inangahua County Council. Work not yet commenced. Torea Southward.—The Buller County Council has formed 45 chains of 13 ft. road, with bushclearing, drains, culverts, and metalling. A tramway, 29 chains in length and 10 ft. wide (included in the cost), had to be constructed for conveyance of metal. Boatman's (Short Track). —This authority was lately granted to the Inangahua County Council. No work yet done.

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Upper Inangahua Valley. —This authority was also granted to the Inangahua County Council. No work done. Tophouse-Wairau Gorge.—The department has expended a portion of the vote on removal of large slips in the Gorge, and general, repairs where needed, and the bridle-road is now open again for traffic. Haupiri-Hot Springs Track.—A report on the springs has been obtained, and the waters submitted for analysis, but nothing further done yet. Motupipi River Bridge.—The Collingwood County Council has recently let a contract for this work, and twenty-four piles and 5,000 superficial feet of timber delivered at the site to date. Lines Bridge, Upper Moutere (£1 for £1). —This grant was offered to the Upper Moutere Eoad Board, but, as its funds are insufficient to enable it to contribute, and the settlers interested decline to contribute, the offer cannot be availed of. Maitai Valley Bridges.—The department undertook the supervision of this work, which consisted in the erection of two bridges over the Maitai Eiver—one of 107 ft. long at a point known as Sunday Hole Ford, and another of 91 ft. long at Pole Ford. Wairoa-Brightwater Bridge (£1 for £1). —The Waimea County Council has invited tenders for the supply of timber for the renewal of this bridge, which is situated on the main trunk road, and is in a very bad state of repair. Wairoa River Bridge (£1 for £1). —This has been intrusted to the Waimea County Council, and the repairs effected to date have cost £2lO 95., half of which the local body provided. Motueka River Protection.—Authority granted to the Waimea County Council for the purpose of protecting the river-banks above the bridge on the Eiwaka side of the river. Works have not yet been started. Blackball Cemetery (Clearing and Fencing).—This work was carried out by the Grey County Council. Purchase of La?id for Roads.—Land for roads through freehold properties, to give access to back lands, has been purchased during the year. Wangapeka-Kiwi Track (Mines). —The old bridle-track up the Kiwi Creek for a distance of three miles has been improved, and about two miles of deviations made. From the Taylor Saddle two miles of bridle-track has been constructed, and beyond this seven miles and a half of swag-track made down the Taylor and Crow Creeks, enabling miners to prospect the country in that direction, which is known to be auriferous. A continuation of this track for another eleven miles down the Crow and then up the Karamea would connect with the track formed last year down the Karamea from the Wangapeka-Wanganui Eoad. Wangapeka-Little Wanganui Road (Mines). —A length of 1 mile 50 chains of this road was constructed early in the year, the bush cleared \ chain wide, and a 6 ft. track formed ; all loose rocks removed, rocky points cut away, &c. Horses can now be taken from Wangapeka to within a short distance of the source of the Little Wanganui Eiver. Mokihinui-Little Wanganui (Mines). —1 mile 66 chains of a 15 ft. road has been let in twentyone contracts, and works carried out by co-operative labour. Engineering survey of a further length of this road has been made, and additional contracts are in progress. Mr. F. Wither reports as follows upon the undermentioned works: — Belgrove-Westport-Reefton Road. The road from Eeefton to Inangahua Junction, and from Westport to Hope Junction, has been well maintained during the year, and the expenditure has been kept as low as possible. From the Eeefton Eailway-station to the Eeefton Bridge the road has been widened about 6 ft., which has greatly improved the road. Two bridges, which had been in use for a number of years, and had become too bad to repair, have been replaced by new bridges, built alongside of the old structures, and the road has been deviated to suit. These bridges are both between the Inangahua Punt and the Inangahua Junction. Between Eeefton and Cronadun the road, bridges, and culverts have been severely tested by reason of a traction-engine drawing timber from Mr. Lockington's sawmill to different parts of the district. The Waitahu Bridge, which is a fairly old structure, is in urgent need of repairs; and doubtless this has been hastened by the traction-engine being driven over it. There has been trouble during the year at Larry's Creek Bridge, where the set of the current has shifted from the north to the south approach. Some protective work has been done to try and keep the river within defined limits. During a portion of the year there was very little rain, and in consequence the Inangahua Eiver was so low that for several weeks at a time the Inangahua Punt was practically useless, and coaches and wagons had to ford the river. At other times again the river is so high, with timber coming down, that the punt cannot be used for a couple of days at a time. A good traffic-bridge is much needed at this place, so that the punt can be done away with. At the several slips have come down during the year, but traffic has not been interrupted. Between the Inangahua Junction and the Nine-mile Punt several of the old crib-loggings have given way, and slips have come down which have slightly interfered with heavy traffic, but repairs were effected as soon as possible. At the Big Ohika during a flood one of the piers of the bridge was seriously damaged, and the bridge narrowly escaped being wrecked. The damaged pier has been repaired, but the superstructure is getting in a bad state, and a new bridge will soon be required. The Nine-mile Punt, which was owned by and controlled by the Buller County Council, was handed over to this department by that body on the Ist February last. A contract which was entered into between the Buller County Council and Mr. George Grooby for working the punt has not been interfered with, and Mr. Grooby still leases the punt, paying the rental (£ll Ib. per

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month) monthly in advance to the Public Account. The contract time will expire on the Ist day of December, 1900. Although the punt and all fittings, ropes, boats, &c., were reported to be in thorough repair when Mr. Grooby signed the contract in December, 1899, yet I find that such is not the case now, and I have had to put one new flap on the punt, and the other needs renewing, and the two boats belonging to the punt need to be replaced by new boats. Timber has been obtained locally for building a temporary 80 ft", span for the Inangahua Junction Bridge while the main spans are being repaired, but the temporary trusses have not yet been erected, because the bridge-repairers, under Mr. M. M. Dixon, were called away to repair damage elsewhere caused by floods. The road from the Inangahua Junction to Hope Junction has not been damaged to any great extent by heavy rains during the year, and the expenditure has in consequence been kept low. The strength of the ordinary maintenance staff was temporarily reduced by five men in February last. Lyell Cemetery Boad.—The Lyell Cemetery Trust Board was authorised to expend this vote, but no work has been done on the road. Hampden Cemetery, Murchison Boad. —An authority for this work was issued some time ago, but it was only at the end of last financial year that the residents decided that the work was needed, and accordingly a contract for a portion of the work was let. The amount of the contract was £4O, and the work comprised in the contract has since been completed. Slips Boad.—No work has been done on this road during the year. Grey County Bridge-repairs. —The work of repairing bridges on the Greymouth-Reefton Road was put in hand in the previous financial year, and only the final payment on the contract was paid during this financial year, the work having been practically finished before the commencement of this financial year. Dee Creek Bridge.—A contract for the construction of the Dee Creek Bridge, 90 ft. long, was let to Mr. John Dixon, of Reefton, for £432. The work has been satisfactorily completed, but the bridge cannot be used until the approaches to it are made, as they were not included in the contract. These approaches are now in hand, and will be completed as soon as possible. Mangles Bridge.—The suspension-bridge over the Buller River, just below the junction of the Mangles with the Buller, was completed in the middle of March last, after considerable delay. Owing to the rock not being so solid as it appeared before any work was done, some additional supports to one of the anchorages at the norch-east end of the bridge were necessary, and a concrete retaining-wall to hold the approach to the bridge at the same end has also been built. Glenroy-Matakitaki Gorge Bridge and Boad.—A contract for the construction of a bridge consisting of a single span of 60 ft. has been let, Mr. John Dixon being the contractor, and the amount is £439. The erection of the bridge is not yet begun, but the contractor has all the totara timber for the trusses. Larry's Greek Bridge Extension.—This is comprised in the general maintenance of the Bel-grove-Westport-Reefton Road. Shortly before the end of the financial year the south approach to this bridge was damaged in a very heavy flood. Since then there have been two more floods, and the bridge has sustained further damage, the southernmost pier having been washed out. Ahaura-Haupiri Bond.—An authority to expend £4OO on the extension of this road was issued, but subsequently the work was transferred to the Public Works Department. Thos. Humphries, Chief Surveyor.

MARLBOROUGH. Piripaua, Neck Cutting.—During the year one contract has been completed.—namely, cutting this razor-backed ridge down to a further depth, making the total from surface 40 ft. Owing to the difficulty in securing the services of experienced men the work has not proceeded as anticipated. Continuous slips have occurred during the progress of the work. Since the completion of the contract a large slip took place, which will require to be removed prior to another contract being let for cutting the Neck to within 10 ft. of high-water mark. Upon the completion of this work it will, as previously stated, be a great convenience to settlers. Work completed for the year : 400 cubic yards of earth removed, and 800 cubic yards of rock excavated. Anakoa-Manaroa. —For the year 4 miles 40 chains track formed 2 ft. in the solid. This track starts from head of Anakoa Bay and goes towards Titirangi. One contract has been completed. Okoha-Titirangi.—This is a continuation of track from Anakoa Bay leading to Titirangi. Three miles of track formed 2 ft. in the solid. Two contracts have been completed for the year. Manaroa-Okoha.—This track has been repaired, and thirteen gates erected. No other work undertaken during the year. Manaroa-Hopai.—lBs chains of track improved, and foot-bridge erected over Manaroa Creek —length of bridge, 40 ft. 28J chains of track formed 2 ft. in the solid. Fairy Bay-North-west Bay.—A mile and a half of track graded. Grail Bay-Homewood.—l22-J- chains of track formed 2 ft. in the solid ; 3 miles 15 chains of track graded. Three contracts have been completed. Grail Bay Track. —-1 mile 42£ chains of track formed 2 ft. in the solid, and six gates erected. One contract completed. Wet Inlet-Grail Bay.—6 miles 39 chains of track formed 2 ft. in the solid, 97 chains of track widened, two gates erected, and 31 cubic yards of rock-cutting. Tawhitinui-Bai. —50 chains of track repaired. One contract completed. Kenepuru-Endeavour Inlet.—s9 chains of track formed 2 ft. in the solid ; also 2 miles 40 chains of track graded. One contract completed.

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Kenepuru-Manaroa. —16J chains of drains made on Manaroa Flat. No other work undertaken. Kenepuru Sound.—The vote is being expended in clearing the Kaiaho Canal from silt, also the purchase of tools, &c. The work has so far proved fairly successful, and it is intended to deepen this channel 3 ft. to enable boats to pass through it at low tide. This work is now in hand. Waitaria-Te Matau-a-Maui.-—Five miles of this track has been graded. When the track is formed it will connect with the Crail Bay, Homewood, and Hopai tracks. Arapawctr-Te Awaiti. —54 chains of track formed 2 ft. in the solid, starting from Sam's Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, to join track from Te Awaiti to Nott's Saddle. Nydia Bay-Hnvelock.—During the year 11 miles 20 chains of this track have been formed 2 ft. in the solid, thus connecting Nydia Bay with Havelock. This is an important track, and great benefits are derived by its construction. This track will require widening to 4 ft. in the solid as funds will permit. Torea Neck.—2o chains of track repaired during the year. Te Mehia Bay-Portage Bay.—3 miles 60 chains of track repaired during the year. Onahau Bay-Kenepuru Sound.—During the year two miles of this track, being a deviation of the main track from Onahau to the Grove, has been graded, but no contracts have been let on the portion graded, owing to one of the settlers refusing to allow the track to be taken through about 20 chains of his land without being compensated. This is the main outlet for the settlers in the Sounds, it being a much more direct route than via the Moetapu Saddle to the Grove. The total length of the new line referred to from Onahau Saddle to the Grove is about eight miles. When this track is made it will lessen the distance about eight miles, which is a great consideration when driving stock. Nearly half the length of the new line goes through a Native reserve, and the balance through three freeholds. Arrangements have not yet been completed with the various landowners consenting to the track being formed through their property. Until this is satisfactorily completed no money will be expended on construction. Ohinetahu-Te Mehia. —One contract for repairs and widening track has been completed during the year. Tory Heads-Whatamonga-Picton.—Two contracts have been completed, consisting of forming track 2 ft. in the solid for a length of 5 miles 63 chains, starting from the Whatamonga Saddle, to uoana Saddle on Port Underwood side. Tory Reads-Whatamonga.-—1 mile 67 - 8 chains track formed 2 ft. in the solid, from Arrowsmith Saddle towards Te Punga Saddle, Queen Charlotte Sound. Hakahaka-Opihi.- —1 mile 67'8 chains of track formed, and general repairs from end of contract on track Arrowsmith Saddle to Te Punga Saddle. Whatamonga-Port Underwood Track.—During the year 1 mile 45 chains track formed 2 ft. in the solid, also eight miles of track repaired, and 64 cubic yards of rock excavated. White's Bay-Port Underwood.—2 miles 43 chains of track formed, being a deviation from old «i.ack starting from Ocean Bay to post-office at Ocean Bay; also 2 miles 34-J- chains of track repaired. Robin Hood Bay-Ocean 8ay.—259 chains of track repaired ; purchase of ironwork for gates. Bonga Valley.—l mile 41£ chains of track re-formed, starting from the Brown River and going towards the Bonga Saddle; 410 chains of old track repaired; 18 chains of track fascined; 1 log foot-bridge built, 60 ft. span ; 10 log culverts built, and three small foot-bridges. Anikiwi-Grove.—A mile and a half of track graded. Double Bay.—Two miles of track repaired, from Moetapu Saddle to Double Bay. Mahakipawa-Moetapu.—'i miles 59-| chains of track formed 2 ft. in the solid ; grading track, three miles and a quarter. This is a new track formed from Moetapu Saddle to eventually connect with Havelock-Grove Boad. When completed it will avoid going through about 20 chains of beach, which is not negotiable at high spring tides. The whole length of the track is not formed, owing to two settlers objecting to have the track formed through their property. Up to the present time the road is not open for traffic. Picton-Queen Charlotte Sound.—During the year 24 chains of track has been formed 6 ft. in the solid, leading from the Grove towards Humphrey's Bay. This is a continuation of the bridletrack Grove to Picton. Balance of work completed under the heading of " Picton-Grove Road (Mines)." Saltwater Creek-Fulton's Gate.—l2-J- chains of road formed; 12-J chains of sea-wall built; 12-J chains of gravelling. Prior to the construction of this road the traffic was compelled to use the beach, and at high spring tides it was dangerous. This work was carried out by the Pelorus Road Board. Bluff Cove-Port Underwood.—The work completed consists of making a track 3 ft. wide in solid rock, from the beach-landing at the Cove to the point at Bluff. The work completed enables the settlers to land in a boat from Ocean Bay and Robin Hood Bay. Length of track formed, 1 chain. Pember's Boad, Pukaka.-—To give better access to the sawmilling industry at Pukaka Valley, the worst portions of the road have been fascined and gravelled : 19 chains of road fascined, and 106 chains gravelled. A further grant has been obtained for improving this road, and the work will be attended to at once. Picton-Blenheim (Mudford Flat) Main Road.—During the year a portion of the Picton Road from Tua Marina towards Para has been raised about 5 ft. above the original level. This portion of road during flood-time was a sea of water, and no traffic could proceed with any degree of safety. The work completed consists of 1,851 cubic yards of embankment, 279 cubic yards of metailing, and building two concrete culverts. The work was carried out by the Picton Road Board.

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North Bank.—6 chains of rock-cutting completed on North Bank Eoad. The work carried out by the Wairau Eoad Board. Starborough, Blind River.•—'Formation of 18 chains of road ; building culverts, and supplying timber for same. < Blind River Roads.—During the year 53 chains of road formed, giving access to Sections 26 and 29, Block XII., Clifford Bay. Since the formation of this road, which is only a temporary one, a new line has been laid off. Length of new line, 59 chains; the cost will not exceed £lOO, including pipes for culverts. The new road will be completed in about a week's time. Tophouse Road.—6 chains of dray-road formed. Work carried out by Wairau Eoad Board. Maddock's and Hodder Cutting.—9 chains of dray-road widened, Hodder Cutting. Work carried out by Awatere Eoad Board. Saxton Pass.—l3B chains road widened; purchase of 1001b. rackarock, &c. Work carried out by Wairau Eoad Board. Blenheim-Kaikoura-Waiau Main Road.—During the year the following work has been completed : Purchase of timber for bridge at Stinking Creek and Bridge No. 1, Kekerangu ; formation of 30 chains road, Cattle Creek, Lake Grassmere ; 44 chains of side-cutting, 39 chains of clearing sand from road, 98 chains of wattling, 69 chains sowing grass-seed, 5 chains of road widened, 7 chains of ordinary formation, and 4 chains of metalling. Work carried out by Awatere Eoad Board. Reserve A (Road through).—l4s chains of rqad formed and metalled. Gnbb Creek.—so chains of road formed ; 50 chains engineering survey. Work carried out by Kaikoura County Council. Kahautara Reserve (West of). —During the year 26 chains dray-road has been formed through rock and shingle, with clearing through scrub; also 4-J chains of drains made. Torea Wharf. —Contract let for erection of wharf at Torea. Work proceeding. Okaramio Creek Bridge.—Levels taken of proposed bridge, the amount voted being insufficient to complete this work. Clarence Bridge.—For protective works to bridge, 200 cubic yards of shingle has been carted, fifty bags of cement, wire plant, &c., on the ground. Works at bridge will be gone on with as soon as possible. Wairau River Overflow (£1 for £l). —For protective works and banking, 88,654 cubic yards of banking, building concrete culverts, fencing 100 chains, removing buildings. Work carried out by Lower Wairau Eoad Board. Waihopai River Protection. —During the year 412 cubic yards of boulflers, 12f chains of wattling, nine piles driven, manuka carted for river protective works. This work was carried out by the Wairau Eoad Board. Starborough Estate Roads. —The formation of roads on the Starborough Estate started in the month of June, 1899. As there was a considerable length of road to be formed, it was necessary to employ a large number of men at the commencement of the work, to give access to the various sections, to enable the settlers to cart their building and fencing material, allowing as little delay as possible in making the various lines negotiable for a horse and dray. At the commencement of the work we only undertook the heavy side-cuttings, which were particularly well adapted for the co-operative system. The rate paid per cubic yard was the market-value of the work and no more —namely, 7Jd. of an average price for the side-cuttings throughout the estate. In some instances Bd. to Is. was paid for cuttings on sidelings, but the total average did not exceed as previously stated. A considerable length of the roads were not adapted for co-operative labour, the sideling ground being too light. The men would not be able to, make wages on the light side, ling ground under lOd. to Is. per cubic yard ; and it was deemed necessary to use the road-machine-plough, and scoop, which would curtail the cost of construction. By using the road-machine the cost of the work has been considerably reduced for its entire length. I took particular care in obtaining the cost of a sideling cutting about two miles in length, for 12 ft. in the solid, and it averaged 4d. per cubic yard with the road-machine. On the flat formation, for 22 ft. wide, the average cost is about 6s. per chain. The road-machine makes much superior work to that done by pick and shovel. I have used the machine for cutting water-tables. The ground requires to be ploughed, and after that the machine is started ; the blade can be regulated to any cant or crown required. In open country, such as Starborough, a machine and a wheel-scoop will more than pay for themselves in the course of a year. The cost of a road-machine is about £7O, and a wheel-scoop about £lO. Any man with a practical knowledge of road-making can learn to work the machine within a week. 20 miles 13-J- chains of dray-road have been completed, varying in width from 10 ft. in the solid to 20 ft. and in one instance 33 ft. in the solid, to allow a team of six horses to travel round the curves with ease. On the back road at the foot of theHaldane Mountains it was not necessary to construct a dray-road ; a bridle-track on permanent grade was made 6 ft. in the solid, which will meet all requirements for many years to come. The whole of the settlers, with one exception, have access to their holdings, and appear to be satisfied with the conveniences they have obtained within so short a period. What now remains to make the roads complete is gravelling; but I do not anticipate nor do I consider it necessary to gravel all the settlement roads ; but the main roads throughout the blocks should be gravelled, and a few of the side-cuttings in the back blocks, as they are very soft in wet weather. On this estate 20 miles 13J chains of dray-road were formed; 147£ chains of track formed 6ft. in the solid ; 550 chains of drains made; earthenware pipes placed for culverts—73s of 9in., 926 of 12in., and 321 of 18in. Timber culverts of totara—One 6ft. by 4ft., 30ft. in length; one 4ft. by 3ft., 22ft. in length; one 3ft. by 2ft., 30ft. in length; two 4ft. by 3ft., 60ft. in length (each); one 4 ft. by 3 ft., 24 ft. in length.

12—0. 1.

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Richmond Brook Estate Roads. —Roading on this estate was proceeded with in conjunction with the Starborough Estate roads, and, as there were very few lines of roads throughout the block where heavy work existed, only two co-operative contracts were let. The flat formation was completed with the road-machine; '2 miles 33-| chains of road formed. Wakamarina and Eaituna Bridge.—The traffic-bridge over the Kaituna Eiver on BlenheimHavelock Eoad was redecked. Work carried out by Pelorus Road Board. Tua Marina-Kaituna.—4o chains of road formed and gravelled, from main Havelock Road, Kaituna Valley, towards Tua Marina. Work carried out by Pelorus Road Board. Also five miles of road repaired, Tua Marina-Kaituna Road. Work carried out by Picton Road Board. Omaka, Estate Roads.—79 chains of road formed, 70 chains gravelled, 6 chains road fascined ; pipes placed for culverts—l2B ft. of 12 in., 42 ft. of 9 in., 66 ft. of 18 in. Mahau Sound.—l99J chains of track formed 2 ft. in the solid. This track is on the north side of Mahau Sound, starting from Neame's and going in an easterly direction, and ending at schoolhouse. This track is formed to enable children to go to school. Picton-Grove Road (Mines). —For the year ending 31st March, 1900, the following work has been completed on above track : 92 chains 16 links track formed, 6 ft. in solid ; 2 miles 1 chain 90 links bush- and fern-clearing, 14ft. wide ; 2 chains of drains made ; earthenware pipes placed for culverts, 50 12 in. and 182 9 in.; 9 miles 20 chains of track graded. The completion of this track to Picton will be of great service to the settlers in the Sounds. It will enable them to drive stock to the freezing-works at Picton; and when the track is widened for a dray-road the Nelson coach-proprietors intend running a coach from Havelock to Picton. This is one of the most important works we have in hand. Work has been started again on this road, and the formation of a dray-road from the end of present formed road near Shakespeare Bay is being made into Shakespeare Bay. No further work can be done in completing the track to the Grove until the owners of the Ngakuta Native Reserve agree to the exchange of roads. Havelock-Mahakipawa (Mines). —The road from the mud-flat near Havelock for a distance of three miles towards the Grove has been widened, the curves on this line being very dangerous in places to drive a pair of horses. Twenty-two points have been widened, totalling 20 chains in length. Three more points are now under contract. A further grant for gravelling this road is included in this year's estimates. Mr. F. S. Smith, District Surveyor, reports as follows Cribb Greek.—This work was handed over to the Kaikoura County Council. 50 chains of road was formed and 50 chains of engineering survey done. The work has been completed, and has been well done. Kahautara-Gonway.—This is now called " Kahautara-Hawkswood," a section of the CheviotKaikoura Road. Beginning at the south end of this road, Mr. Johnston has been for many months engaged upon the borings for a bridge-site over the Waiau River near Parnassus. He has now completed it, and his report will be forwarded to you by next mail. It would have gone forward herewith, but unfortunately Mr. Johnston has been unwell for the last few days. Mr. Johnston has completed the engineering survey of the portion of this road between Hawkswood Station and the Conway-Hundalee Junction, a distance of 7 miles and 2 chains vid the Dip Creek deviation, or 7 miles 54 chains vid the county road now in use. The approximate cost to complete this road from Hawkswood to the Hundalee confluence is £4,700 for a standard width road and culverts, &c., all complete, but does not include a bridge over the Conway River, because I think it will be hardly necessary to build a bridge over the Conway until the Waiau is also bridged. The engineering survey of the portion between the end of the county road on the north bank of the Kowhai and the end of the new road on the south bank of the Kahautara has been completed the distance of 2 miles 65 chains. We have an authority in this office tt> expend £250 in improving this, but it is not to be expended until the other part round the Kahautara Bluff is completed. The Paretitaha Tunnel has been completed, except the concrete facings. The stuff' proved harder than the Raramai Tunnel. At this rate the men made 10s. a day for expert miners, and Bs. a day for labourers. There have been 74'85 chains dray-road formed, 18 chains dray-road improved, 46 lineal yards of tunnel driven, 4,400 cubic yards of sea-wall built, and 18,071 cubic yards of slips removed. The principal feature in the year's work on the Kahautara Bluff has been the enormous number of slips which have come down in unexpected places. There has been shifted in all on the Bluff 19,020 cubic yards of rock and 18,071 cubic yards of slips, or only 949 yards less slips than has been shifted for formation of the road. It is most difficult to make work come in with the estimate under such conditions ; but, notwithstanding this, I believe the Bluff will be done within the estimate given, although so largely exceeded in the amounts of slips met with and the amount of sea-wall required, the original estimate for which was £550 ; but there was washed away two or three hundred pounds' worth of work in the big gales of last winter, which caught the walls before the backing was in behind them. All the contracts are now let and in hand on the Bluff section, three in number—one of which will be completed about the end of April, and the other two about the end of May, by which time the road should be open, unless more large slips come down. We have twenty-three men now on this road : five of these are on the maintenance of the road between the Oaro and the Conway, fourteen on contracts, and four on the sea-walls ; this number, I fear, cannot be reduced at present, because when the contract which will cut out about the end of the month is available I shall have to put them at clearing up the road which has been finished, but is blocked by small slips. The road south of the Bluff to the Conway has cost £750 6s. sd. to keep in order, and we shall have to keep a few men on it for some time yet. The labour used in that work is given to the settlers living on the road. There is a portion of this road between the sixteen- and seventeen-mile

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pegs which will have to be done soon. It was not considered necessary to do this before, because there was a fairly good road along the beach and river-bed ; but, now the Natives have fenced in Native Reserve L, about 60 chains of this road is blocked, and something will have to be done to keep the road off the heavy sand. Much of the work had to be done on ropes over the face of a high bluff, and much of it under unusually trying conditions. Mr. Young has been in charge of this work, and it is due to his skill and careful supervision that the work has been done so safely and well. I am thankful to report that no serious accidents have happened this year, which is a matter for congratulation, seeing that all the work had to be done by explosives, and, as above stated, much of it in most dangerous situations. Puhipuhi Roads.-—The work under this head has been confined to the Seaward Yalley section, running from the Main North Eoad at Blue Duck Creek and then along the Seaward Valley towards the Waipapa Saddle. It is all through heavy bush. Nineteen contracts have been completed, and at present there are no contracts in hand. It is proposed to call for tenders for cooperative contracts in one-mile lengths—bushfelling, 66 ft. wide; pack-track, 4 ft. wide. The road so far has been formed 12ft. wide, with the bushfelling, 66ft. wide; the distance formed, 2 miles 72 chains. The work has not been satisfactory to us. Owing to the want of experience in this kind of work in the men we could get, it has cost more than it is really worth, and the men have, even at the high price given, not made very good wages. The men are now getting more knowledge of this class of work, and the rest of the road should be done more cheaply. It is proposed to first form a 4 ft. pack-track along the grade line of the road on this and the Puhipuhi Valley Road, so as to give the settlers access to their holdings, and then spend the balance of the vote in widening the road in the most important parts. Kaitao Block Roads.—Under this heading is 110 chains of road, mostly through a deep swamp on the Grange Road, with culverts and side ditches, and formation 20 ft. wide. This has been completed, and the contractor has made a good job of it. The other road is up the north of the lower Puhipuhi, a distance of 1 mile 27 chains. Thirteen contracts have been completed, and we have now two contracts in hand. It is proposed to complete this road out to the Puhipuhi River bed below the gorge. This road will require a good deal doing to it before it is open, in the way of removing slips, making drains, &c. Many of the men working on this road are inexperienced at this class of work, but on the whole they have done fairly well. The total cost of the repairs to the Waiau Bridge at Waiau was £5,528 18s. 6d., which includes engineering fees, £105; Inspector's pay, £l6B ss. 3d. : out of which the Government found £2,000 (Agreement No. 1780, R. 1127). This is for a completely new superstructure down to the eapsills. This bridge was built in 1882 of birch and matai, much of which was obtained locally from the Wandle Bush, and it has lasted about seventeen years ; the piles, however, were of ironbark, and apparently are still quite sound. The new superstructure is built almost entirely of ironbark (except the decking, much of which is of the old timber sawn up and used again), and should last, with reasonable care and attention, at least twenty-five years. The work was done by contract under direction of the Amuri County Council. Waiau Bridge-site at Parnassus.—The work consisted of taking sections of the river-bed, and putting down fourteen bores of a total depth of 362 ft. The time taken was seventeen weeks. The actual cost of the boring and sections was 18'735. per foot of boring. Reports, estimates, and sections have been forwarded to the Chief Surveyor. Molesivorth, Jollie's Pass Road.—-The work was done by the Amuri County Council, and consisted of clearing out water-tables and slips on Jollie's Pass, repairing Mitchell's Cutting and fords over the Clarence and Acheron Rivers, clearing out all the old cuttings, and doing general repairs to the road as far as Cameron's Ford up the Acheron River. Reserve West of Kahautara. —This is a road from the main Waiau-Kaikoura Road to the Greenburn Stream through the Shearing Reserve, and is formed to give access to the small grazing-runs. The work on this road has turned out very badly. What appeared to be clay has turned out to be chiefly hard rock or tight shingle. The work has been unsatisfactory to both us and the men employed. It is hoped that we shall be able to get this road open in May or June. Completed Work.—Chief among this class is the road through Reserve A, a deviation of the main Waiau-Kaikoura Road through the Shearing Reserve. This road is to be done partly by the Government and partly by funds supplied by the Kaikoura County Council, and has turned out the most troublesome work we have had done here. The lowest tender was accepted, and, as this was about £l4O below the estimate, the contractor has failed to complete it to my satisfaction. After trying all means in our power to get the contractor to do the work in a proper manner, I gave him notice, and took the contract from him, and I am now completing it at his expense. I hope it will be completed about the end of April. Clarence Bridge Protective-works.—There are 200 yards of shingle, fifty bags of cement, 2 tons of wire, and all plant now on the ground. This work should be taken in hand during the winter, while the river is low. General.—The weather has generally been unsuitable for roadworks during the past year. The men have worked cheerfully and well, and very little complaint has been made. The cost of supervision has been at the rate of 3-87 per cent, of the expenditure, which I think is not high, considering the scattered nature of the work and the close supervision required where so many men new to the work are employed. C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor,

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WESTLAND. Poerua Estate Boad.—The work done was in forming and gravelling about 20 chains, 14 ft. formation and 10 ft. gravel. The side drains along original road-formation fell in at a number of places, caused through scour by flood-water from Slaty Creek. These places I have secured with stakes and scrub, and brought the road up to its original formation, but it will always be subject to scour by flood-water from Slaty Greek. I have also cleared and stumped about 30 chains of Road Drainage Reserve, 33 ft. wide, which will give access to Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6, When further funds are available I intend to continue forming and metalling Crooked River Road, as it is of much benefit to the settlers on the northern portion of the estate. Hokitika-Christchurch Boad.—The maintenance of this road extends from the borough boundary of Kumara to summit of Arthur's Pass, being a distance of forty-two miles. During the year there has been a deal of local floods, which has damaged certain portions of the road considerably, chiefly in Otira Gorge and the upper river fords. The large slip below the upper hut has been a continual source of trouble, as on almost every occasion when heavy rain falls large quantities of stone and gravel slip down and cover up the road-way; and, moreover, there is no means of avoiding this, as it is the only place that the road can betaken. I have therefore continually to be getting extra labour, which increases the cost of maintenance. Last July there was a deep fall of snow on the saddle, which kept the large mail-co'aches from running for a week ; but the mails were taken through by wagonette and four horses, so that very little inconvenience to the public traffic took place. The fords have also had to be renewed after every flood, as no crossings of a permanent nature could be made on account of the large quantity of moving shingle from the mountains deposited with every flood in the river. The pier of the lower bridge in gorge, which was damaged last year, has been built up with stone in cement, and the bridge raised to its proper position and strengthened with struts in place of trestle, which was carried away by flood. A strong stone wall in cement has been built at the bluff immediately above the upper bridge to protect the road at a sharp bend from the onslaught of the river, where nothing less would stand the force, and I am glad to say that so far it has stood the test. Three new bridges are in course of construction at Rocky Point, and will shortly be completed, so when weather permits and the timber gets seasoned it will be necessary to give them three coats of tar. In my last year's report I mentioned that three deviations of the road were urgently required—viz., at Rangiriri Plat, top of moraine, and at Peg-leg Creek. Funds have not yet been available for these works, so they still remain to be completed. A three-stalled stable has been erected at the gorge, which has been found to be exceedingly useful, as the horses now are comfortably housed, instead of being out in cold nights. A cottage for the workmen has also been erected, which is found to be of great convenience, as formerly they had to live in the hotel. The general maintenance of road throughout has been exceedingly well kept, and now that the heavy cartage of material for the Midland Railway Company between Jackson's and Goat Creek is a thing of the past I will be able to make a reduction in labour along that portion of road. The above works were under the supervision of Mr. Mcintosh, and reflects credit for the manner in which they were all carried out. Kanieri Forks.—This expenditure was incurred in connection with an authority issued to the Westland County Council, being for repairs to main road between Kokitika and Lake Kanieri. The work has been faithfully done, and I have certified to the sum of £9l Bs. sd. having been expended. Hokitika Flat Boad. —This road passes through the settlement between Kokatahi and Hokitika Rivers, and was regravelled for a distance of four miles. Six new culverts were also put in, and about 16 chains of new dray-road made, the original track being 5 ft. wide. There still remains about 40 chains of dray-road to make before reaching the Hokitika River. This work is urgently required, so as to enable settlers to get their produce to market. Great South Boad (Main Boad). —This road was originally a 5 ft. bridle-track, and the sum now expended has widened it to a 10 ft. dray-road as far as Okarito, which was very much required, being part of main road from Hokitika to Okarito and glaciers. The works were under the charge of Mr. Purcell, and good progress was made during the time at work. Five miles dray-road have been improved. Whitcombe Valley Track.—The condition of this track has not proved very satisfactory. The country through which it passes is very bad standing-ground and continually on the move, so that in places where the track is made and rain sets in the 18 in. wide benched line is nowhere to be seen, and has therefore to be gone over again. The track is now benched 18 in. wide for a distance of about three miles beyond Price's Flat, and, with the exception of one or two places, it has stood fairly well. A party of six men, under charge of Mr. Fleming, is now at work benching, and will soon reach Cave Camp, from whence to top of the pass (distance, four miles) the work will get easy, especially the last two miles, which I think are comparatively easy. The wet weather experienced in that locality is very detrimental to the progress of the work, and the small mountain streams when in flood become impassable, which causes delay. The wire rope at the cage over the Hokitika River has been renewed, as the original one, which was placed there some fifteen years ago, was getting unsafe. Waitaha-Kakapotahi. —This is a deviation of the Great South Road at Waitaha River, for the purpose of carrying new line to bridge-site at the gorge, the present route being some three miles up river, where the fords are exceedingly bad and unfordable for days after flood. The deviation constructed is 12 ft. wide metal, with bush-clearing 33 ft. wide. The work was done under the supervision of Mr. Hudson. Slaty Creek-Waiho Boad. —This is part and parcel of the Great South Road, and the work of widening to a 10 ft. metal road is now being done.

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Franz Josef Glacier.—The amount expended upon the above work was in building hut, making deviation on road-approaches, and general maintenance of track in the vicinity of glacier. This road is also being widened to a 10 ft. metal road. Tracks to Fox Glacier.—Part of the original road at the bluff had slipped away and blocked traffic, necessitating a new track being made. General repairs were also done to the other portions of the track leading to the glacier, so that all is now in good order. Waiho to Cook Valley.—Mr. Smyth surveyed a deviation at Waikupakupa River, the original road having slipped away for some 20 chains. The route adopted is over all fairly good ground, and shortens the distance about 32 chains. The work of opening up original track and construction of deviation will be taken in hand at once, and when completed will be of immense benefit to the general public. Cook's Valley-Karangarua. —The amount expended upon the above works was for the extension of 4 ft. metal track. It was done under the co-operative system, and under the charge of Mr. Ritchie. This track, if continued, will open up a good deal of grazing country, and I would recommend its speedy construction, so that settlement may take place. Hunt's Beach-Makawhio.—This expenditure was for general repairs to track, and two bridges which had to get fresh decking, &c. The track is now in good repair, and is handed over to the Westland County Council for its future maintenance. Paringa River Road. —The Westland County Council has been satisfactorily improving five miles dray-road. Haast-Blue River.—General repairs over twenty miles dray-road were executed by the Westland County Council. Haast Pass Track. —General repairs have been carried out, and several new pieces of track made where the river had scoured the old track away. The track extends from Ocean Beach to the top of the pass, a distance of forty miles. Extra repairs are now being done, so that soon it will be in good order. Mr. Adair has the conduct of the work from Ocean Beach to Haast Crossing, near Bourke Junction; and from thence to the pass, Mr. Stewart, of the Makarora, kindly gives his services free in looking after that part, for which I am exceedingly obliged, as it saves us long journeys from this side. Okwrii Cemetery Road.—The Westland County Council constructed 20 chains of this track, which is now much appreciated by the settlers. Turnbull River Road. —The expenditure was for widening the present horse-track to 10 ft., and also protecting river-bank to keep scour from road. It passes through good agricultural country, and is of good service to the settlers in that locality. Taramakau Traffic-bridge.—The amount voted is being expended upon general repairs to the bridge, and is under charge of the Westland County Council. The bridge is much in need of repair. Little Waitaha Bridge.—The amount voted for this work has been expended in repairs, culverts, &c. Renewing Three Bridges at Rocky Point.—Half the amount voted has been expended to date. The bridges are being erected, and the work of completion is going on satisfactorily. Waitaha Bridge.—The amount authorised has n6w been expended in approaches and general repairs upon above works. Westland Ferry Service. —I have certified to the sum of £l5O for assistance towards the above service, which has been efficiently carried out over rivers and streams lying between Mikonui River and Arawata River, being a distance of 175 miles. The Westland County Council had the expenditure of the above sum. Bell Hill Road. —This track was originally formed 5 ft. wide. We have now widened it to a dray-road, 9 ft. wide metal, and which was very much required by the settlers on Poerua Estate, as this is the only outlet they have got, and it is urgently required to be widened on to the settlement. Track to Mount Tuhua.—This track has been cut to the summit of Mount Tuhua, and will be much used by tourists, as a splendid sight of the surrounding country can be got. The Westland County Council have also given a subsidy of £lO towards the cost of construction. Stafford-Awatuna. —The sum of £314 lis. lOd. has been expended in gravelling this road by co-operative labour. This is a very expensive road to make, as the gravel has all to be taken from one end and a tramway laid down the entire distance. To complete the work it will still take about £5OO. Hokitika Flat Road.—Authority /was granted to the Westland County Council for £5O, which has been expended in improving four miles of this road. Bridge, Goal Creek.—Authority was granted to the Grey County Council for the above work, and up to the present an expenditure of £l3O 16s. has been made, to which I have certified. The construction of the bridge is now in progress. Waitaha, Wanganui, dc.(Stock-drivers' Huts). —The expenditure was for material and erection, &c., of huts for the use of stockmen driving cattle to market, and they have been found to be exceedingly useful. I have handed them over to the care of the Westland Pastoral and Agricultural Association for their future maintenance. Maori River Road-deviation.—This was a deviation of about one mile of the Main South Road at Maori River, as the Original road was washed away. Cook River Flat Road (Widening).—The expenditure upon this work was £4 195., and which was duly executed. Donnelly's Creek Bridge Protection, Ross Borough.—The work done consisted of a breastwork, 9 chains long, of driven piles (silver-pine) sheeted with sawn timber. The work was done to protect the bridge and also southern approach, which has so far done good service.

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Reefton-Hokitika-Ross Road.—The maintenance of this road extends from Kumara to rail-way-station, and from Kumara to Hokitika and Ross at Donnelly's Creek Bridge, being a total distance of 38 miles 31 chains, which during the past twelve months has been kept in excellent order throughout, considering the extraordinarily heavy rains we have had from time to time. A large amount of heavy traffic in sleepers, sawn timber, firewood, mining machinery, and the supplies necessary for the district passed over it, which required a deal of labour in its maintenance. At Arahura the deviation from Greyhound Hotel via the railway-bridge on to junction of old road, being a distance of 77 chains, has been widened to 16 ft. on top, and gravelled with pit gravel and broken metal 12 in. deep. All the bridges and culverts along the route are in fairly good repair, but their strength will be put to test when the heavy dredging machinery passes over them. The repairs to Lower Arahura Traffic-bridge will be commenced on an early date, and already some of the timber is on the ground. At Ross, on the upper side of Donnelly's Creek Bridge, a breastwork 600 ft. long, of driven piles sheeted with sawn timber, has been constructed, which will protect the south end of the bridge and the southern embankment. At the upper end of Stafford Township a stone crate 180 ft. long, 14 ft. wide at bottom, 8 ft. at top, and 8 ft. deep was constructed, so as to protect the bridge and approach, which was in danger of being swept away. All the bridges require three coats of tar. New Road, Stafford-Awatuna. —The sum of £9B has been expended in gravelling a portion of this road, which is much required, and I would recommend its speedy completion, which will be of large benefit to the general public in this locality. Karangarua Bridge.—The expenditure upon the above work was £Bl 155., which has been judiciously expended on the approaches to the bridge. Gillespie's and Galway Bluff Track.—The track from Gillespie's to end of the above bluffs has been put in good repair, and a new track completed over the bluff, so that now travellers have not to wait for the tide as before. I have also formed a track to get past what is called the " hollow rock," .which enables the public to pass along at any state of the tide. The amount expended on above was £299 9s. lid., which includes survey-labourers' wages when at survey of deviation. Okuru Ford Track.—The sum of £146 16s. 7d. was expended upon this very necessary track, which was much required, as it now leads to a good ford over Okuru River, which saves boating at the mouth of river as formerly. Hokitika-Jackson's.—The sum of £97 9s. Id. was expended upon general maintenance of road and culverts, which is now all in good order and repair. W. G. Mubbay, Chief Surveyor.

CANTERBURY. Waipara-Cheviot Road.—A portion of the £250 voted for improving this road was expended in the formation and shingling of the deviation at the Omihi Saddle, about 35 chains in length; 20 chains of catchwater drains were also constructed, and four pipe culverts laid down. A further sum of £lOO as a pound-for-pound subsidy has been granted, and will be expended this year in renewing the Omihi Creek Bridge, situated about three miles from Waipara. The work was carried out by the Waipara Road Board. Oxford Bush Roads. —The rubble-and-concrete arched bridge over Gammten's Creek, mentioned last year, is now completed. The work was carried out by day labour, under the supervision of the engineer to the Oxford Road Board, and on inspection I found it to be substantially and well built. After commencing the work the Board decided to increase the width of the span from 18 ft. to 20 ft. on noting the volume of water carried by the creek during a heavy flood, and this, they state, has added a good deal to the cost of the work. The Board has applied for a further grant to carry out the works to completion. Culverden-Hanmer Plains Road.—Amount of vote, £lOO, out of which £6B ss. has been expended. During the year a surfaceman has been employed with horse and dray repairing creek and river crossings after every flood, filling in ruts, patching bad places with shingle, cleaning out cuttings and water-tables, also clearing away the loose rock in the rock-cutting at the Ferry Bridge. The Amuri County Council is supervising the work. Highbank Settlement Roads.—Amount of vote, £5OO, out of which a portion has been expended during the year on five contracts for metalling these roads. A total length of 474-4 chains was let to the settlers on the co-operative contract system last October, but so far only two of them —a length of 2 miles 27 chains—are completed; the others, though nearly so, are put off till after harvest. In the completed contracts the average wage earned per man per day of eight hours is Bs., exclusive of cost of horses, dray, tools, &c. Owing to the absence of all the surveyors in the southern part of the district I was glad to avail myself of Mr. March's services to arrange'for and carry out the above contracts, and the work has been carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the men appeared to be satisfied with their earnings. Arowhenua Native Road.—This work is now completed, and the amount of the vote, £5O, paid over. The work was carried out on the co-operative system by a party of four of the Natives in a very satisfactory, though intermittent, manner, and owing to this circumstance a close record of their earnings has not been kept, further than they worked 143 "days, which gives a rate of 3s. 7d. per day, after deducting amount paid for horses, dray, plough, and scoop. The work comprised about 35 chains of formation, the construction of an embankment about 3 ft. high over a gully, and the laying-down of two culverts and one ford. Pukaki-Mount Cook Road.—Altogether fifteen men were employed, nine of whom were co-operative labourers. The works carried out comprised 1 mile 15 chains of formation; ten

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Culvert-beds 20 ft. long prepared, and the stone for the culverts carted to them; five fords about Bft. wide and 20ft. broad made and gravelled; and 3 chains of gravelling done, in addition to the work of maintenance by the two surface-men. At the commencement of the season there appeared to be a great demand for work, and it was decided to commence the formation of the Pukaki Lake deviation, but the demand proved fictitious, and the workmen were not forthcoming; this resulted in a disproportionate cost for supervision, as the same amount would have kept three times the number of men going, as it was necessary to keep an overseer, carter, and blacksmith to enable those that were there to work. Finding at last there was little likelihood of getting more men, the works were stopped until a more favourable season. Fairlie-Pukaki Road.—£l7s has been expended during the year in forming and shingling 110 chains of the road between Balmoral and Wolds station. The work was carried out by open contract under the supervision of the Mackenzie County engineer, and included 100 chains of catch-water drains and three stone fords. The portion of the road shingled was formerly very bad in winter and spring, and often impassable for heavy traffic. A grant of £55 14s. 4d. has been made for further improvements, and the works will be put in hand next spring. Pukaki-Omarama Road.—£loo has been the expenditure on this road during the year, being the whole of vote together with the unexpended balance of the previous vote. The works were carried out by open contract, with the exception of 3 chains of gravelling and 7 chains of blinding done by day labour, and comprised forming two portions of the road situated on the north side of the Quail Burn, and commencing two miles therefrom, a total length of 74-J chains, and gravelling a length of 77-J chains to a width of 12ft.; the Waitaki County engineer supervising the work. A further vote of £lOO has been granted for improving this road, and the work will be put in hand next spring. Roimata Settlement Road.—The work of lowering the grade of this road in order to improve the drainage of the settlement is now completed, and was carried out in one open contract, under the supervision of the department. The Woolston Borough Council, after an .inspection of the work, expressed satisfaction with it, and will now take over its control and maintenance. Repairs to Waimakariri Bridge, Kaiapoi.—The Kaiapoi Borough Council expended £362 12s. lid. on this work, the Government vote in aid being £275. It was -carried out by open contract under the supervision of the Council, who supplied all the material. The work comprised replanking the deck with heart of black-birch, 8 in. by 4^in., laid transversely, and tarring same, also renewing all faulty timbers, bolts, &c., in addition to painting. Prior to making final payment District Surveyor Mathias inspected the work, and reported it satisfactorily carried out. Forks River Bridge.—The cost of the near approaches has been paid for, in addition to the formation of 14 chains of road 18 ft. wide, and a stone ford 20 ft. wide by 18 ft. broad, to make a better and straighter road leading to the bridge. The work was carried out in a substantial and workmanlike manner by the contractor, Mr. James Sinclair, of Oamaru, under the direction of District Surveyor Brodrick, and is built over the Fork Eiver on the Mount Cook Boad, about four miles on the west side of the Tekapo Bridge, and is a wooden pile structure 75 ft. long divided into three equal spans, is 14 ft. in width, and will be highly valued by the travelling public. Tengawai Stock-bridge. —The total cost of this work, which is now completed, was £B3 Bs. 6d., the Government vote in aid being a pound-for-pound subsidy, out of which £l2 16s. 9d. has been paid over during the year. The bridge is attached to the railway-bridge across the Tengawai Biver, and was erected by the Working Railways staff. The length of the bridge is 154 ft., exclusive of stopping approaches 30 ft. long at each end, and 3 ft. 6in. wide. The'necessary wingfences were erected by the Mackenzie Council. Canal Bridge, Ellesmere.—The total cost of this work was £278 3s. 5d., the vote in aid being £139 Is. Bd., pound-for-pound subsidy. The work was carried out by open contract, under the supervision of the Selwyn County's inspector, and crosses the canal about a mile south of the rail-way-bridge, and is distant about 60 chains from the Babbit Island Bailway-station. The following are its dimensions :'One centre span 25 ft., and two side spans 14 ft. each, clear waterway; twelve piles, 12 in. by 12 in. by 22 ft., ironbark railing 6 in. by 5 in. and 4 in. by 4 in.; kauri decking and wheel-guards Bin. by 4 in. Y.D.L. The bridge is designed to carry up to traction-engine traffic, and will be found of great convenience to the Crown tenants and settlers in the neighbourhood, also to stock-drivers, as the previously existing ford had become dangerous, owing to the scouring out of silt in the canal. Ashley Bridge Protective Works. —The Ashley Boad Board report having expended over £4OO during the year on these works, the Government grant in aid being £l5O, a pound-for-pound subsidy. The embankment erected last year was considerably damaged by one of the heaviest floods known for fourteen years; and the works carried out, in addition to repairing the same, comprised the erection of two groins run out at right angles to the embankment to the edge of the stream, and extending the embankment inland a length of 104 yards. There have been some light freshes since the works were completed, which show that the groins have had the effect of thoroughly protecting the main embankment. The works were carried out by open contract, under the supervision of the Board's engineer, and on inspection by District Surveyor McClure were found satisfactory. Waimakariri-Ashley Irrigation. —The balance of the £5OO vote mentioned last year as being expended on various small loop-races in the Township of Oxford, Cooper's Creek Subdivision. —a total length of about one mile—has now been paid over, the works having been satisfactorily carried out. Ra.ngitata Protective Works (Reserve 100.) —The amount expended during the year on these works out of the £lOO voted is £B7 18s. Bd., and comprised the construction of a new groin 8 chains in length, which is a twenty-wire willow-and-iron fence strained to composite posts of totara and iron sunk 12 ft. into the river-bed. Bailway-iron posts were sunk every 21 ft., willows every 3 ft.;

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all strutted. At the back of this is a bank 6 ft. wide on top and 24 ft. at base. The fence is 10 ft. high, and five of the wires are No. 2 galvanised strand cables —four at the bottom and one at the top ; the remainder are No. 8 galvanised wire. The bank is gorse-stopped every chain to break the current, and it is also bedded with gorse between the bank and the fence. On a recent inspection of the work it was found intact, and the willows growing as well as they are likely to do in such an exposed position. It has not suffered from the summer floods, and no more of the reserve banks have been washed away, so I think it may be considered safe and effective. I would recommend, however, that the balance of the vote be kept in hand for extension or repairs, if such become necessary. The works were supervised by District Surveyor Brodrick. Shelter Hut, Stables, &c., Mount Cook Road. —£101 10s. has been paid over on account of these works during the year, and a further sum of £129 Is. lOd. is now due. The works carried out comprised the erection of a 20 ft. by 12 ft. two-roomed building, with verandah and concrete chimney, also enclosed stable of five stalls, with forage-room and shelter-shed attached. The 10-acre paddock enclosing the buildings was fenced with six plain wires and one barb, and five hundred trees were planted round same and protected with a one-barb-wire fence. The trees are growing splendidly, but about 15 per cent, were eaten down by rabbits, otherwise there would not have been any failures. These should be renewed next spring. The hut and its appurtenances are a great comfort to travellers. It was a much-needed improvement, and the work is well finished. Studholme Junction (Cattle-stops and Removal of Gates). —These works comprised the making of four cattle-stops, the erection of 12 chains of seven plain and one barb-wire fence with wooden posts, and the erection of two large and one wicket-gate, and were carried out by the Railway Department, the Survey Department paying half the cost. The reason so much work had to be done was that the two railway-lines, the main and the Waimate branch, had to be protected. Pits for the stops had to be dug, the rails lifted, and ironbark stringers placed beneath each rail, the stringers themselves resting on bedded ironbark cross-bearers. Kapua (Waimate Gorge) Drain.—A contract was let and carried out during the year for widening and deepening this drain at a cost of £9B lis. Bd. The contractor made a good job of the work, but it has not given satisfaction to the settlers. A further vote, however, of £5O has been granted for improving the drainage, and will shortly be expended in turning a small creek near the entrance of the gorge into the drain, so as to prevent it flowing past the homestead of the lessee of Section 11. Any balance left over will be devoted to cleaning out the whole drain. Orari Domain.—£so was granted the Board for improving this reserve, and the following are the works upon which it has been expended, as reported by the Banger : The whole of the boundaryline is fenced with a good wire-and-standard fence, and also planted with macrocarpa. A belt 1 chain wide along the south, east, and west boundaries and 1 chain wide on the north boundary is planted with two and three rows of trees respectively, well assorted, and consisting of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and some walnut and cherry trees, and between the rows a nicely graded path is formed right round the reserve. A good wire-and-post-and-standard fence is erected inside the rows of trees; and one field of about 5 acres is in old grass, and another of about 6 acres in wheat and laid down with grass. There are also good entrance-gates, and as a whole it is a credit to the Domain Board and to the township. Opihi River Protective Works (Orakiparoa Settlement). —£58 16s. Id. has been expended during the year on these works. For this amount about 20 chains of the bank fronting sections 22, 23, and 24 of the settlement were protected by the erection of 14 chains of eight galvanisedwire and willow protective fence and other means. Fence was very substantial; willows sunk deep; posts at intervals were given an additional hold by driving bars of iron 7ft. or Bft. into the ground beside them, to which they were secured. Four large gorse stops supported by wire and willows were made to break the current in the worst places, while willows held by cable-wire to posts and anchored to the bottom of the river by driven bars were hung outside the fence wherever the current was strong, and a considerable number of willows were planted inside the fence. On a recent inspection the work was found intact, and has grown into such a dense impenetrable mass that it is hardly likely to suffer any damage now, and it appears to have driven the river away from the bank at the lower end, and may therefore be considered satisfactory. The balance of the money should be kept in hand to cut the willows and stack the branches behind the works next spring, or for any other purpose thought necessary. All the above works were carried out under District Surveyor Brodrick's supervision. Hokitika-Cliristchurch Road.—This road commences at the western bank of the Kowai Biver, about three miles from Springfield, extending thence to top of Arthur's Pass, a length of fifty-one miles. A considerable amount of work has been caused by the periodical floods, necessitating the employment of a number of extra men, also horse and dray hire, in repairing the damaged breaches and other work. Several landslips took place in the sideling cuttings, and 6 chains of the road near the 49-mile peg was washed away by the Bealey Biver. In addition to the usual work of maintenance, the works carried out comprised widening 6 chains of sideling cutting, and protecting same from the river by log-cribbing; protecting in the same manner several other places on the road; shingling several patches along the road, one between the 3- and 4-mile pegs being one mile in length; improving and re-forming the road between the 16- and 17-mile pegs, Cass Flat, and several other places ; renewing several culverts and cutting side drains; clearing off stuff accumulated during the winter on the sideling cuttings, and keeping the water-tables clear. At the top camp (50£ miles) a new hut has been built to accommodate six extra labourers, also new workshop for smith's work, and powder-magazine. A considerable amount of labour has been expended in the river-beds and creeks in forming roads and making fords. Several heavy falls of snow took place during the winter, causing considerable extra work in cutting a coach-road through the drifts. I inspected the road in the middle of February last, and found it then to be in a very satisfactory state. Several bare parts I noted, nevertheless, which will require shingling before winter.

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Inch Valley Lime-works—Railway from First Bridge to Limestone Rocks.

Inch Valley Lime-works—General View of Limestone Rocks, Kilns, Works, &c.

Inch Valley Lime-works —First Railway-bridge over Waihemo or Shag River.

Inch Valley Lime-works —From Engine-shed, showing Top of Kiln and general View of Railway.

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Albury Settlement Roads.—The works carried out during the year comprise forming the road Detween Sections 44 and 46 (a length of 107 chains), and shingling 71 chains; forming 25 chains of the road between Sections 46 and 48, and shingling 10 chains ; and forming the road on- south boundary of Section 51 (a length of 60 chains), and shingling 16 chains. The formation on each of these roads is 18 ft. wide by 6 in. deep. Gamp Valley and Limestone Valley Roads. Contracts have been let for improving these roads, and comprise metalling 100 chains of the Limestone Valley Eoad between its junction with the Camp Valley Eoad and the south-east corner of Section 35, also shingling 55 chains of the Camp Valley Eoad between its junction with the Limestone Valley Eoad and eastern boundary of Section 59. Fifteen cubic yards of metal and shingle to the chain are being laid. The shingle is being taken from the Tengawai Eiver bed, and the metal obtained from a quarry opened up in Section 35. Owing to the distance the material has to be carted the cost is considerable, viz., ss. per cubic yard. The works, which are under the supervision of the Mackenzie County engineer, are well advanced, and will be completed during April. Waikakahi Roads.—The works carried out comprised altogether the formation of 6 miles 61 chains of roads—6 miles 41 chains by co-operative contract, the balance by day labour. In addition to the work of formation, twenty-three fords were constructed and thirty-four culverts laid down, three of the former and one of the latter by day labour; an ironbark bridge, 20ft. wide and 20 ft. in length, on the Wallace Eoad, was erected also by day labour, the work being found unsuitable for a co-operative contract. The roads were recently inspected and found in good order, but will require a little attention here and there. It is intended to expend the balance of the vote next year in gravelling 14 chains of the road giving access to Section 2, Block V., the whole of the Morven Eoad, portion of the Wallace Eoad, and in constructing a ford on the Green Hills Eoad, and some repairs to same. The works were carried out under Mr. Brcdrick's supervision. Hekeao Settlement Roads.-—The whole of the roads, 540 chains in length, have now been formed and shingled according to the specifications prepared by the clerk to the Eangitata Eoad Board, and under whose supervision the works were carried out to my satisfaction. Their future maintenance should now be taken over by the Board, and I am in communication with them to that effect. Planting Reserves, Mackenzie County.—During the year work was done in planting portion of Eeserve 2923, situated on the southern shore of Lake Tekapo. Altogether 12,500 trees have been planted of the following varieties—viz., 1,500 Pinus laricio, 1,500 Pinus austriaca, 7,500 larch, 2,500 Pinus ponderosa, and 500 Abies douglasii. The trees were planted by contract, the contractor to renew all failures for two years, when the final payment will be made. Owing to the dry season a considerable portion of the trees last planted have died, and will require to be renewed next spring by the contractor. Pawaho Hamlet Road (Land for Settlements Account). —The work waj carried out by open contract under the supervision of the department, and comprised metalling the road formed last year a length of 15 chains. The crossings were also paved, the bank trimmed, and the water-table cleared, all of which were carried out under District Surveyor McClure's supervision. Rocky Gully Stock-bridge.—The total amount paid over by the Mackenzie County was £137 7s. lOd on a£l for £1 basis. The work, which was completed last August by the Working Eailways staff, is an attachment to the railway-bridge across Eocky Gully Creek. The bridge is 150 ft. long and 3 ft. 6 in. wide. The necessary wings and approaches were made by the county. Sidney Weetman, Chief Surveyor.

OTAGO. Herbert Main Road (£1 for £1). —This road has been widened by the Waitaki County Council for a distance of 120 chains, 14 chains of which have been regraded and gravelled, and one 12 in. pipe drain put in, 66 ft. long. Subsidy received by county, £lOO. Port Road-Beach, Moeraki.—£loo was granted to the Waitaki County Council for this road, and was expended by them in spreading gravel to various widths and depths over a mile and a half of the Lower Eoad. Ravfurly Township.—The Engineer to the Maniototo County Council reports that he has expended £3OO in forming and gravelling 108 chains of road, making 20 chains of footpaths, and laying 360 ft. of iron-pipe culverts. The amount of the grant is £2OO, but no money has yet been paid. Run 206f, Maniototo.— There is a balance of £BO out of the original grant of £3BO to the Maniototo County Council, in .1895, still owing to the county for works carried out by them in 1896. The works carried out with the vote were the gravelling of 4 miles 69 chains of the main road through the subdivision of the run, and the formalion of 74 chains of road in Block XII. Maniototo, Biock XVI.—A grant of £5O was made to the Maniototo County Council in 1896, and was expended, with a previous grant of £lOO, on the formation of 110 chains of road through the subdivision of Section 3. The county have not yet applied for the money. Upper Taieri-Rock and Pillar.—The Maniototo County Council received £5OO for works carried out by them on these roads. The work consisted of forming and gravelling about three miles and a half of road, and laying 346 ft. of iron-pipe culverts, the total cost of which was £6OO. Corner Bush-Merton Road.—Part of the vote for this road was expended by the "Waikouaiti County Council in forming 27 chains of road and repairing two small pile-bridges of 9 ft. span each. A contract has been let for absorbing the balance of the vote. Puketeraki Station-Beach.—The amount spent on this road was the balance of the vote, and the work done consisted of surfacing and slight formation for a distance of 10 chains.

13—C. 1.

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Seacliff Asylum, Native Reserve Road.—One mile of this road was re-formed, of which 52 chains were metalled. The Waikouaiti County engineer reports that the whole of the work for the vote has now been carried out. Waitaki-Waikari.—£loo has been paid to the Waikouaiti County Council for works carried out on this road. The work consisted of re-forming and clearing scrub from 2 miles 10 chains of the road, and partly metalling 75 chains. North Harbour and Blue skin, Block Xl.—This vote was expended by the Maori Hill Borough Council. The work consisted of forming and metalling a deviation-road to give better access to the ratepayers at the north end of the borough. Normanby-Mount Gargill.—This vote was expended in metalling about three miles of the main road running through the North-east Valley Borough, commencing near the Water of Leith and extending towards Mount Cargill. Pine Hill Road.-—This vote was expended by the North-east Valley Borough Council in re-forming and metalling 14 chains of this road and in putting in four culverts. Makarora-Haast Valley.—A small sum was expended, under the supervision of Mr. W. G. Stewart, in removing slips, clearing timber, and keeping channels open on the track. Hawea Lake Tracks.—This vote was expended, under the supervision of the Lake County engineer, in improving and keeping in repairs some twenty-seven miles of tracks. Galloway Station-Ida Valley.—The actual length of this road now formed is 338 chains, with twenty-seven culverts having a total length of 648 ft., and 33 chains of retaining-walls, which average some 10 ft. in height. This is an important road, and when completed will shorten the distance very materially between Wedderburn and Alexandra. Hawea Bridge, Head of Lake Wanaka.—The bridge over the Hawea has been replanked and widened 1 ft., also tarred and painted, and thoroughly renovated. Works carried out under the supervision of the Vincent County engineer. No money has yet been passed. Martin s Bay-Lake Wakatipu.—General improvements in this track along Lake McKerrow have been effected, embracing about seven miles ; slips and fallen trees cleared, several deviations made to improve grades, and two substantial huts built—one at Lake McKerrow and the other at Pyke Creek. These works were carried out under the direction of the Lake County engineer. Mount Earnslaiv Track.- —1 mile 77 chains of this track was formed 5 ft. wide, 43 chains of bush felled, 6 chains corduroyed, and four culverts put in. Work carried out by Lake County engineer. Glenkenich.—The Tuapeka County inspector reports that 118 chains of road has been formed 18 ft. wide, 59 chains of bush felled 1 chain wide, and 300 ft. of glazed-pipe culverts inserted. Beaumont-Rankleburn.—The Tuapeka County inspector reports having formed 79 chains of road 16ft. wide, and cleared it 66ft. wide; put in 686 ft. of culverts. About 75 chains of this road still require forming, which, when completed, will give through traffic between Beaumont and Upper Clydevale via, Rongahere. This is an important road, and should be pushed on with as little delay as possible. Taieri Beach Village Settlement Road.—This road was formed for a distance of 46-J- chains. The formation was 12 ft. wide with a 6 in. crown. One 24 in. culvert, of 50 ft, length, was built, and four 6in. pipe-culverts were put in, having a total length of 96ft. The work was carried out by the Bruce County Council. Taieri Beach Village Settlement to Dairy Factory.—£Bo has been expended by the Bruce County Council in forming 40 chains of this road, and work is now in progress for the balance of the vote. Akatore, Blocks 111., IV., and VIII. —£30 has been spent by the Bruce County Council in forming 31 chains of road and laying 20 ft. of 15 in. pipes and 130 ft. of 6 in. pipes. Works for the balance of the vote are now being carried out. Manukau Island-Balclutha Road (£1 for £1). —The total length of road formed under this subsidy to the Bruce County Council is 76 chains, principally side-cutting, and including 76 ft. of 9 in. pipes and 142 ft. of 6 in. pipes. Draper's Road.—This vote has now been spent by the Clutha County Council, and payment will be asked for at an early date. Glenomaru, Blocks 111., IV., V., VII., and X.—This vote was expended on the following roads—namely, Goldsberg's, Forsyth's, and Sandy Bay Boads. Goldsberg's Road has been formed a further distance of 25 chains, bush felled and logged-up for a distance of 16|- chains. This extension gives the required access to sections occupied in the neighbourhood. Forsyth's Road has been formed a distance of 16 chains from its junction with Cannibal Bay Boad. Sandy Bay Boad has been formed 21 chains, and bush felled for a further distance of 32 chains. A further extension of this road will be required in the near future. Catlin's Roads.—This vote was spent in part forming a road in Block VIII., Catlin's District, known as " Scadden's Road." The amount of formation done was 8 chains. Further formation on the same road was done with another vote. Hunt's Road.—This road has been widened, re-formed, and metalled as far as the vote would permit, and work is now in progress in metalling 42 chains. Barr's Road.—The bush has been felled for the whole length of the road, its full width, and logged up ; but no further formation has been carried out. Catlin's, Block I. —Further formation of 31 chains has been effected on the road known as Morris Saddle Road, and 61 chains of bushfelling done. This road now gives an outlet to sections previously isolated. Catlin's, Block Vlll.—This vote was spent on Scadden's Road, in Block VIII. Length of formation, 8 chains. Kaler's Road.—This road has been widened for a length of five miles, sharp curves reduced, grades reduced, a number of chains metalled, and one decayed bridge rebuilt. These works have now transformed the road into a very passable thoroughfare.

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Ratanui-Whitehead Road.—This road has been formed for another 70 chains, there still being about 50 chains of bushfelling and formation to do to give access to Block 11., Woodland. There has also been a considerable amount of work done from the Big Mill towards Batanui in claying swampy patches, which helps to give better access to the local dairy factory. Rimu, Block Xlll.—This road has been surfaced and gravelled for a distance of 40 chains, which will be a benefit to the settlers in that locality, as they propose erecting a dairy factory in the near future. Rimu, Block XlV.—Bushfelling, formation, and culverting have been carried out on this road (Caberfeidh), making a length of 105 chains of formation completed. A contract for an additional 30 chains is now in progress, which, when finished, will still leave 97 chains to be formed when funds are available. Woodlands, Blocks 1., V., VII., VIII. This vote was expended on two roads known as Batanui-Whitehead Boad and Maitland Boad. The formation done during the year was 70 chains on the former and 19 chains on the latter road. Woodland. —The work done with this vote was let in one contract and was for the formation of about 20 chains of road. Woodland, Blocks VII., VIII., X., and Xl.—This vote was expended on two roads, known as Maitland and Pillan's Boads. Maitland Boad has been formed for 19 chains, which taps the most remote section on the coast in Block VIII. Pillan's Boad, in Block X., branches off from the main Waikawa Boad towards the coast, and has been formed for a distance of 40 chains from the ocean beach, and a contract is now in progress for its continuation. Woodlands to Tahakopa.—This amount was spent with next Item in surfacing part of the Main Catlin's-Waikawa Boad. Waikawa-Catlin's Main Road. —An extension of works of a permanent character has ueeq effected on this road during the past year, in the way of re-forming and metalling, covering a length of 3 miles 20 chains; surfacing, 6 miles 20 chains; widening and bushfelling, 4 miles 17 chains ; also putting in extra culverts and repairing bridges. The works connected with these improvements have been distributed over a distance of thirty miles, and have made a very appreciable difference to the settlers in transporting their goods and material to and from a railway-station. Tautuku, Block VIII. The amount charged to this vote up to the 31st March was for timber, grass-seed, spikes, and ironwork. No formation had been done. Tautuku. —This vote was spent on the Main Catlin's-Waikawa Boad between the seventeenth and thirty-second mile, and was spent in conjunction with the vote for the main road. The work consisted of re-forming and metalling, surfacing, widening the bushfelling, putting in extra culverts, and repairing bridges. Village Settlements.—This vote was spent in finishing the formation of 40 chains of road through the Village Settlement in Block VIII., Glenomaru. ■ Maerewhenua Bridge, Button's. Plans and specifications have been prepared for the construction of this bridge. The only amounts yet charged to this vote is for advertising for tenders. Kakanui Bridge (£1 for £1). —Subsidy granted to the Waitaki County Council. This bridge was opened for traffic on the 11th October, 1899. Its total length is 546 ft., and its width inside handrails is 16 ft. There are sixteen spans, each 34 ft., carried on 17 piers, each consisting of four piles, with caps, walings, and bracing. The superstructure consists of four understrutted stringers, with posts and longitudinal planking, and gravelled roadway. The handrail is black-pine and all other timber is Australian ironbark. The bridge is designed to carry the heaviest traction-engines in use. The total cost was £2,962, of which £1,472 was granted by the Government. The work was carried out under Mr. Charles Banks, the county engineer. Pomahaka Bridge (Clydevale).—A site has been selected by Mr. Langmuir for the erection of the bridge, and a section taken in order that plans may be prepared. The amount charged to vote is for the surveyor's expenses. Taieri Bridge-Pukeura Road.—This road has been formed a distance of 51 chains along the river-bank, for an average width of 10 ft., and 128 ft. of box and pipe culverts were put in. The road was formed to give access to sections in the Taieri Native Beserve, and the work was carried out under the supervision of Foreman P. Fitzpatrick. Matau Bridge, Stirling. —£150 was spent under the Bruce County Council in renewing some of the girders and effecting general repairs to the structure. The works consisted of putting in a new girder on each of the spans and effecting general repairs. The bridge consists of five spans of 60 ft. each, and a drawbridge of 30 ft. span. The drawbridge has been removed, and a new span put in its place. The upper and lower chords of the trusses were originally of Oregon timber, and they were completely rotten. They have been replaced by ironbark girders, and the bridge is now stronger than when it was erected in 1876. The piles, which were of jarrah, are in good condition ; no decay is visible on them. Waipahi Bridge (Pomahaka Road). —The engineer to the Clutha County Council reports that the work for this vote has been completed, although no vouchers have yet been passed. The work consisted of building a new centre pier of concrete, and a new superstructure, 70 ft. by 14 ft., of two spans. The girders are of ironbark, and the other timber used is black-pine and totara. Waiwera Bridge (Dunedin-Inver car gill).—£l for £1 subsidy granted to the Clutha County Council. The county engineer reports that the bridge is practically completed. It is a timber structure of four spans, and has a total length of 80 ft. by 14 ft. in width. The piles are of ironbark, and the superstructure of black-pine. The bridge has been open for traffic since May last, but the only money yet paid the county was for timber on the ground. Tahakopa Bridge.—This bridge, which was let by ordinary tender, is of three spans of a total length of 95 ft. by 14 ft. wide. The piers consist of piles driven in, with the exception of one

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which had to be silled in concrete. This is a substantial structure, built of totara and matai. The approaches were made and gravelled by day labour. The erection of this bridge has proved a boon to settlers, who now run no risk in fording the river when in flood. Woodlands (Purakauiti No. 1) Improved-farm Settlement. Very little roadwork has been done in this settlement —just an extension of 3 chains over a deep gully to give access to Section 22. The area felled only amounted to 27-J acres, which has been burnt and grassed. liimu Improved-farm Settlement.—Eoad-formation works have been continued in this block. Two contracts have been completed, and three are now in progress ; 134 acres of bush have been felled, burnt, and sown down in grass. Heathfield Improved-farm Settlement. —Little work has been done on this settlement during the year. . Only 25 acres were felled, burnt, and sown down in grass. An unexpended balance still remains in hand, which I purpose using, if approved, in further bushfelling during the ensuing winter. Waipati Improved-farm Settlement.—During the year 18 chains of road were widened from 10 ft. to 14 ft., and 162-J- acres of bush felled, burned, and grassed. Karitane Recreation Reserve Protective Works.—The work consists of a sea-wall about 10 chains in length, which was built under the supervision of the Karitane Domain Board, and for which a progress-payment of £lB 15s. has been passed. Water of Leith Protective Works.—The sum of £145 was expended by the Maori Hill Borough Council in several small contracts. The work consisted of pointing and keying the old wall for a distance of 274 ft., removing stones from the bed of stream and building a rough retaining-wall with them, and diverting stream to cut off a bend in one place. Matau River Protective Works.—This work was carried out under a grant issued to the Inch-Clutha Eiver Board. The work consisted of the erection of 16 chains of flood-bank at Mr. James Bell's farm, Inch-Clutha. The quantity of earth contained in the bank is 4,800 cubic yards. Works are now in progress for the balance of the vote. Ptirchase of Land for Roads.—£Bs ss. Id. was expended on the purchase and fencing of a deviation-road through Sections 12 and 13, Block IV., Catlin's District, to give access to settlers, who have been for the last fifteen years compelled to carry in their provisions on their backs and trespass on their neighbours' properties. Beaumont 810ck.—64 chains of this road were gravelled with this grant by the Tuapeka County Council, commencing near Beaumont Eiver and going towards Miller's Plat. Catlin's (Blocks IV., V, VII., VIII.). —This vote was spent on two roads known as Ford's Eoad and Scadden's Eoad. Ford's Eoadis a deviation of the original, which proved to be impracticable. Its length is 44 chains, half of which has been felled and formed, the remainder being in course of construction. Scadden's Eoad has now been completed to Catlin's Eiver, where a good ford will serve the purposes of all traffic for some time to come. Manukau Island Wharf. —A grant of £25 was issued to the Manukau Island Domain Board, and with this money they extended the jetty 10 ft., and filled in the back with stonework. Lawrence-Waitahuna.—This vote was expended in gravelling the worst portions of the road between Lawrence and Waitahuna. The length of gravelling was 75 chains. Peninsula Beach Road.—This work is a continuation of that carried out few years ago by prison labour. The length formed is a little over 2 chains by 14 ft. wide, the material for which consists almost entirely of stone, which had to be quarried out of the cliff near by. Facing the harbour a sea-wall had to be built to a height of 6ft., which had to be faced with stone of suitable size to prevent the action of the water carrying away the road. This work was carried out under the supervision of Foreman P. Fitzpatrick. John Hay, Chief Surveyor.

SOUTHLAND. Mr. Falkiner reports as follows : Lake Te Anaii-Sutherland Falls. —Messrs. Soss Brothers have taken a contract to keep this track in repair for four years. The portion of the track from Te Anau to McKinnon's Pass has not been formed, but is now in course of construction. Tracks to Western Sounds.—From this vote the construction of the new through track from Te Anau to Milford is being carried out. The work is proceeding in a very satisfactory manner, 3 miles 60 chains of the roughest portion of the track having been completed during the year. The track is now formed from Milford to McKinnon's Pass, and the men are now working on the south side of the pass, where I have laid off a good grade of lin6 to Mintaro. Work is also proceeding on two other portions of the track nearer Lake Te Anau. The track should be completed by the end of 1901. With regard to bridges on the torrent and river-beds, I think that, with the exception of the Arthur Eiver, no large or expensive bridges will be required. Waikawa-Catlin's (Main Road). —This road has been surfaced and repaired during the year, and 42£ chains metalled. I spent some days looking for gravel along the road, but was not successful in finding any quantity. A contract was let for the supply of 400 cubic yards of metal, which is proceeding slowly. The work is being carried out by the Heathfield settlers. Winton, Block VIII. —65f chains have been formed and 51 chains gravelled, also 18 chains of bushfelling. There was one co-operative contract let on this work, but the men threw it up, as outside work at better pay was available. West Plains Road.— chains of road-formation from side drains was done by one co-operative contract. Waikiwi.—One co-operative contract for ditching was carried out on this road. Otatara. —One co-operative contract for drainage is in hand. Invercargill Hundred, Blocks IV., IX., X , XIV., XV, XVII., XX., XXII., XXIII.—Two co-operative and one open contract have been let on these works. The co-operative contracts are completed.

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Oteramika.—l mile 41J chains of road has been opened by co-operative labour. This work, when completed, will open up an area of fairly good land along the Mataura River. Oteramika, Timpany's Boad. Tenders have been accepted for ditching, fascining, and blinding 33 chains of this road. King swell Creek, Seaward Bush.—The drainage contracts have been completed, but some portions of the drain are through sand ridges, which necessitates timbering in the bottom. Tenders have been accepted for timbering the worst portions of the drain. Seaward Bush Township, Boad through Block lll.—One co-operative contract is in hand. Seaward Bush Township, McQuarrie Boad.—This contract is completed, and the road is in good order. Seaivard Bush, Blocks 111. and IV.—This work will be put in hand during the coming winter. Waimatua-Seaward Bush. —Contract for formation and gravel is in hand. Boxall Boad.—Contract for formation and gravel is completed. This work absorbed all the vote. Acker's Village Boad.—Drainage work. One co-operative contract is finished, and one in hand. Gampbelltown Hundred, Block VIII. —Two co-operative contracts are completed. Waikawa Main Boad (Old Waikaiva District Vote). —Seven co-operative contracts have been completed on this work, and nearly two miles of road were constructed. Repairs to Waikawa Jetty were completed by open tender. Waikawa, Block I.—This work will be put in hand during the coming winter. Waikawa, Block VII. —This road has been surfaced by wages-men. It is the main outlet from the Waikawa Improved-farm Settlement to the dairy factory. Waikawa-Otara.—Two co-operative contracts are in hand on this road, and two others ready to let; but owing to harvesting operations it was not considered advisable to put on more men. This road should be completed now, so as to give through access from Haldane to Waikawa. Waikawa-Wyndham Valley Boad.—No work has been done on this road except surfacing, but the balance of the vote will be spent during the winter. Baird's Boad, Block IX., Waikawa.—Two co-operative contracts have been completed on this road, which is now in first-class order through the Haldane Settlement. Niagara Bridge Boad, Block VII., Waikawa.—No money has been spent on this road during the year, but work can be put in hand during the winter. Te Anau-George Sound.—A hut has been erected at George Sound; boats and landing-slips have been put on Lake Alice and George Sound ; staging has been put round the bluffs on Lake Katherine ; the track up to the Saddle has been improved ; foot-bridges have been put on the creeks, and a track cut round lake. Manapouri-Flaxy Greek.—Two co-operative contracts have been in hand on this road for a considerable time, but owing to settlers leaving the roadwork to look after their own affairs, and other causes, the work is delayed. Bedcliffe-Manapouri. —One co-operative and one open contract are in hand on this road. The contracts are proceeding slowly. The work is being carried out by local men. Glifden Bridge-Papatotara.—Three co-operative contracts are in hand ditching and forming the worst portions of the road from the Lower Waiau Perry to Papatotara. Gravel is found in the drains, so that there will be a good gravelled road at very little expense. Orawia-Glifden. —The formation of this road is completed, but the road will not be of any service till it is metalled through the bush, about a mile and a half. Papatotara-Waiau Mouth.—Work on this road will be proceeded with immediately. Waiau Ferry-Papatotara.- —Approach to Lower Waiau Perry Punt. One co-operative contract has been completed. Longwood, Blocks XVI. and I.—Two co-operative contracts for fencing and one open contract for the erection of a 30 ft. span bridge were completed during the year. Longwood, Block 1., Sections 17 and 18, and Longwood, Blocks XV. to XVIII.—Pour cooperative contracts and one open contract for road-formation, to give access to back sections in different blocks, were let. Three of the co-operative contracts are still in hand. Longwood, Block XVIII.—One co-operative contract is in hand for road-formation. One contract for the erection of a 30 ft. span bridge has been completed. Longwood, blocks IV., XVI., XVII., and XVlll.—Tenders have been called for three open contracts, road-formation and gravel, about a mile and a half. Manapouri-Dusky Sound.—An open contract has been let to cut a track 10 ft. wide from Manapouri to Doubtful Sound, a distance of about thirteen miles. Two miles of the work are completed, and I expect the whole to be finished in two months. Contingencies and Engineering.—One small co-operative contract to give access to Section 30, Block IV., Longwood. Otatara Outfall Drain.—Two co-operative contracts are in hand, draining road-lines and formation. Gampbelltown Hundred, Block VIII., Outfall Drain.—Two co-operative contracts were completed, cutting drain from Seaward Moss Road to Mokotua Creek. Outfall Drain along Glifton-Tisbury Boad.—One co-operative contract is in hand. Papatotara Punt, Drummond's Ferry.—A double-boat punt, 36 ft. long, with a platform 34 ft., and a carrying capacity of 12 tons, has been put on the - Waiau River at the above-mentioned ferry. The cost of the boats, rope, and poppet-heads in position came to about £l9O. It will be necessary to make landing-stages at each side of the river, as there is a considerable rise and fall in the water-level, owing to the melting of the snow in the high country. Lower Waiau Ferry.—One co-operative contract has been let and completed during the year. It will be necessary to gravel the approaches to the punt on both sides, but that will not be a costly work, as there is gravel alongside all the way.

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Orepuki-Waiau and Orepuki-Wairaurahiri.—These votes were spent in forming and gravelling the road up the east side of the Waiau Biver to the Waiau Ferry Punt. State Forest, Seaivard Bush.—Pour co-operative contracts were completed, and acres of bush fallen, and 8 acres were logged up by day labour. The burn was not very good, owing to the wet season. Seaivard Bush.—One co-operative contract has been carried out on this road. Stewart Island Boads.—Two co-operative contracts are in progress on these roads—bushfelling, formation, and ditching. Stewart Island, Boads to Mines.—One co-operative contract is in progress on this road, cutting a bush-track 12 ft. wide. Mason's Bay Track.—Two co-operative contracts have been let on this track. One of them is completed, and the other progressing satisfactorily. The work is principally ditching, formation, and bridges. Preservation Inlet Boads. —One open contract was let for improvement and completion of present track from Kisbee to Te Oneroa. The work is completed. One co-operative contract for repairs to Wilson's Biver Tramway was also let and completed. Orepuki-Preservation Inlet. —Six co-operative and two open contracts were let and completed during the year. A deviation was cut from Wilson's River across the Kiwi Burn, which shortens the distance by eight miles. Huts have been erected at Bluecliff and Big Biver, bridges put across the big creeks, and other improvements effected. Sealers' Greek Track.—The sum of £5O was spent in repairing and improving this track, so as to allow the Sealers' Creek Mining Company to get their plant and stores along to their claim. The work was done by open tender. Mr. Howorth, Southland County engineer, reports as follows: Hokonui, Section 795.—This work is now finished. It consists of chains of side-cutting and formation, and two 9 in. stone culverts. This new road gives access to small grazing-runs. Hokonui, Henderson's Boad. —1 mile 2 chains of new road has been formed, of which 35 chains has been gravelled. Dipton-Balfour Boad.—The work included in the contracts under this head consists of 72-| chains of formation and gravelling. Centre Bush Village Boad. —30 chains of formation, gravelling, and ditching have been completed. Heddon Bush-Centre Bush Boad. —65 chains of trimming and gravelling have been completed. Mataura-Winton and Channel Boad.—Bl-J- chains of re-forming and gravelling have been completed. Forest Hill Boads. —The work carried out under this vote consists of 68 chains of formation and 'gravelling. Gore-Pukerau Boad.—sl chains of formation and gravelling completed. Oreti-Wrey's Bush Boad.—The work on this road consists of the erection of a new bridge on the Bog Burn. The length is 60 ft., in three spans of 20 ft. each. Line of Hundreds Boad.—so chains of trimming and gravelling have been completed. Otapiri Bridge, Forest Hill.—A new bridge has been erected on the Otapiri Stream, the length being 60 ft., in three spans of 20 ft. Wyndham Valley, Carie to Bew's Boad.—l mile 28 chains of new road have been formed and worst portions metalled. A further vote of £2OO will be required to complete the road. Makarewa-Grove Bush Boad.—Three miles of formation with the road-grader have been completed, of which 60 chains were gravelled. ILongbush-Makarewa, dc. {£l for £1). —Works in these villages have been completed to the extent of 59 chains of formation and gravelling. Mud-flat Boad, Waikiwi (Main North). —This vote, with a balance of £lOO not yet authorised, is to meet the cost of constructing the worst portions of the North Boad at Waikiwi. So far £lOO has been expended in metalling. Waikiwi-Gladstone Boad.—This work is a continuation of the last-mentioned work, and so far 20 chains have been re-formed and metalled. Mill and Flora Boad.—The work is now completed. It consists of 12 chains of formation, double-ditching, and two culverts. Lind's Bridge to Bailway-station. —48 chains of formation and gravelling have been completed. Waimatuku Bush Boad.—The work consists of 22 chains of formation and gravelling. Bainfield Boad.—lB chains of formation, ditching, and gravelling have been completed. Invercargill Hundred Boads.—The work carried out to date consists of chains of roadformation, ditching, and gravelling, where necessary, together with one 18 ft. span bridge and several culverts of various sizes. Waikawa-Fortrose Boad. —The most necessary portions of this road are gradually being closed in. This year another 63 chains have been re-formed and metalled. Waikawa Valley and Waikawa Main Boad.—Altogether 61 chains of very necessary portions of this road have been re-formed and metalled. Waikawa, Block VIII.-—4O chains of this road have been grubbed, formed, and culverted. Balfour Bridge.—This bridge is on the Mataura Biver, and connects Wendonside with the Waiinea line at Balfour. The length of the bridge is 280 ft. (cost about £1 16s. per foot). It is of sufficient width for dray traffic, and will carry with safety the heaviest traction-engines. The piles are of 70 lb. steel rails, two to each pile, and three piles in each row, well braced. The caps, corbels, and beams are of jarrah, which makes an exceedingly strong but light-looking structure. The work was carried out in three weeks by the County Council's bridge gang.

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Oreti Bridge.—The length of this bridge is 400 ft., in 20ft. spans. The work is completed. Winton Greek Bridge.—This bridge is in two spans of 15 ft. each. It was built to take the place of the old bridge, which was rotten. Otapiri Bridge, Evan's, and Otapiri Bridge, Forest Hill. —These bridges have been erected to take the place of the old bridges, which were rotten. The new bridges are very substantial, having iron-rail piles and ironbark superstructure. A balance of £l5O is still due to the County on Evan's Bridge. Mimihau Bridge. —This is also a new bridge, to take the place of the old structure. The same design is observed, and the work in this case, as in all other bridge-work, has been carried out by day labour. Mr. Macpherson, Wallace County engineer, reports as follows: Clifden-Bedcliffe.— This vote was expended in two contracts on formation, cuttings, culverts, and gravelling. 44 chains of bad road on Grassy Creek Flat was gravelled, and 42 chains of formation done on the Belmont Saddle, which was formerly a very bad place. Mossburn-Te Anau.—2s chains of Gorge Eoad, this side of the saddle, has been gravelled, and some 18f chains on the farther side has been formed and gravelled, and a 16 ft. stone bridge, erected over the Gorge Creek. Longwood, Blocks 15, 16, and 17.—The balance of this vote was spent in cuttings, embankments, and culverting what is known as O'Connell's Road, and gives an outlet from his Section 5, Block XVI., Longwood, for wheel traffic. Heddon Bush Boads.—This vote completed gravelling the Plantation Road as far as the Bayswater Road (about 16-J chains). The remainder was expended in assisting the Council to gravel 45 chains in continuation of this road west of Aparima River. Line of Hundreds .—This vote was spent in gravelling 17 - 6 chains west of the railway, and 16 - 6 chains about a mile west from the Aparima River. Forde's Boad ( Groper's Bush).—About 55 chains of light gravelling has been done, which more than absorbs this grant. Sunny side-Woodlands.—This vote was for sheep- and bridle-track between these two runs, which are west of the Waiau River. A track 12 ft. wide and about five miles long has been cut, and is of great advantage to Sunnyside. The balance of grant—£s Is.—has been spent in widening and improving the bush-track between Woodlands and Clifden. It is now a pleasant ride from Clifden up to Sunnyside, whence Lake Monowai, one of the most beautiful though least-known of the New Zealand lakes, is within any easy half-day's ride. Small Grazing-run 23, Centre Hill District.—22 chains of ditching, formation, and gravelling has been done. Waiau District, Blocks VIII. and X.—A bad sideling on Marshall's Road was formed, and two very high banks in Matheson's Road which had subsided were repaired. The balance of vote was expended in gravelling about 100 chains of main road through Merrivale Block. Otautau Stream Bridge.—This was renewed, at a cost of £290, by a substantial plain pile bridge, 86 ft. long, of four spans. The timber used was ironbark for under- and blue-gum for super-structure. Clifden-Bedcliffe and Bedcliffe-Manapouri.—These votes were more than absorbed by two contracts. 24 chains ditching, formation, and gravelling on Grassy Creek Flat, and 41 chains gravelling cuttings over Belmont Saddle, which is not yet finished; 12 chains cuttings and gravelling near McLee's turn-off, and 12 chains ditching, forming, and gravelling across a bad swamp above Redcliffe. These votes have made a great improvement to the Otautau-Manapouri Road. Otautau-Clifden. —Two contracts take £202 15s. of this vote: one, formation and gravelling from the mouth of Limestone Gorge to Clifden Suspension - bridge; the other from the top of the Orawia Hill towards Koromiko. A contract to absorb the rest of the vote was let for gravelling on this side of Merrivale, but was abandoned owing to the scarcity of metal. It has since been relet at a higher figure. Black Creek Bridge and Boad.—The remainder of this vote was spent in grading about a mile of road south of bridge. A pipe culvert has yet to be put in. Waiau District, Blocks VII., VIII., and X.—£2o 14s. 6d. has been spent on grading, trimming up, and widening formation on roads in these blocks, about three miles having been so improved. Tenders were called for gravelling to extent of balance of voce, but none were accepted, as the work cannot be proceeded with this season, and will most probably be done cheaper in the spring. Biverton-Golac.—2s chains of metalling and gravelling has been done at a cost of £164 9s. 7d., which completes this road as far as the turn-off from the railway. Mines Department, Colac-Bound Hill.—This vote was more than absorbed in two contracts: one of £lO5 ss. 2d. for ditching, formation, and gravelling 20 chains, starting from Colac ; the other for £149 13s. 4d., blinding the old corduroy track, replacing bridges with embankments and culverts, and metalling with stone tailings a distance of 1 mile 76 chains from Round Hill down to the Great Western Company's dredge. This latter work makes a good pack- and riding-track. Dip ton-Hamilton Burn.—Owing to a necessary road-deviation, the work on this road was much delayed. A contract has been let for £213. Double Cabbage-tree Protective Works {£l for £l). The residents contribute £5O and the Council £5O towards this. Tenders have been called for this work, which is in embankment, willowplanting, &c., and is estimated to cost £2OO, but to the 31st March no satisfactory tenders had been received. The Council have purchased the land along which most of this work extends, so as to enable material for embankment to be obtained at a less cost than otherwise. It is estimated that the difference in cost of the earthwork will exceed the price paid for the land. General.—Ninety-two contracts have been let during the year—nineteen open and seventythree co-operative. Of these, sixty-three have been completed (eleven open, and fifty-two cooperative), leaving twenty-nine of last year's contracts still in hand. D. Barkon, Chief Surveyor.

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APPENDIX IY.

EXTRACTS FBOM BEPOBTS OF CHIEF AND BOAD SUBVEYOBS ON THE WOBKING OF THE CO-OPERATIVE SYSTEM FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MARCH, 1900.

AUCKLAND NOBTH. During the past twelve months 292 co-operative contracts were let and completed. The works' with the exception of some on the Tokatoka Swamp, have been carried out by local settlers, who have worked amicably, and generally completed their contracts in a satisfactory manner. I am adhering to my plan of putting up notices at the nearest post-office or local store asking settlers anxious for employment to form themselves into gangs, and to apply for the work on a fixed date at the price stated in notice, the plans and specifications for which are exhibited for examination at the store or post-office. If more men apply than are needed a ballot is taken before a Justice of the Peace, or some responsible person, so as to avoid all appearance even of favouring. In many cases the wages earned seem low, but settlers, having ample time to do the work, only work when convenient for them to get away from their farm-work. In nearly all cases settlers provide their own tools. The average daily wage earned per working-day of eight hours was ss. lOd. Gerhard Mueller, Chief Surveyor.

AUCKLAND CENTBAL. During the year 154 contracts have been completed on the co-operative system. The average amount per contract is £95 10s. 5-Jd. The average wage earned per working-day of eight hours throughout the whole district is 7s. lid. Considering the high prices which the men had to pay for stores, &c., I do not consider this a high wage. The men have been allowed to choose their own mates in all cases where it was possible, and the works have gone on very smoothly, with very little grumbling, and on the whole the work has been well done. In some cases where high wages were made the men worked from twelve to thirteen hours per day, and a few gangs of Natives who were only working at odd times made poor wages. T. Burd, Boad Surveyor.

BOTOEUA. The number of contracts completed under this system during the year was sixty-six, of which twenty-eight were undertaken by Europeans and thirty-eight by Natives. The average number of men on each contract was 5-5, and the character of the work was bushfelling, stumping, clearing, and road-construction. The average wage per working-day of eight hours for the whole district was 6s. 3d.—that is, for the European contracts. As in previous years, no attempt has been made to keep a record of the Native earnings, as they carry out their work in such an erratic manner. In the Okoheriki Block the earnings on the road is as low as 3s. Bd. This can be accounted for in this way : The men were quite new at bushwork, and quite inexperienced. After being at the work a while they earned a better wage and were satisfied. I am happy to say there have been no complaints on the co-operative system since my arrival in the district. I regret having to report that a Native was killed near Te Whaiti, on the Rotorua-Galatea-Waikaremoana Boad. He with several others was hauling logs out. of the bush when one rolled on him and killed him. A. C. Turner, Boad Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. The number of contracts completed during the year under this system was 264, the maximum number of men employed in one week being 280, and the minimum 181, giving an average of 230 throughout the year. xhe average wages earned is Bs. Bd. per working-day of eight hours. Generally the works have gone on smoothly, and have been carried out in a satisfactory manner. Very few complaints have been made by the men during the year, and those that have been made are of a trivial nature, and generally come from men who are quite unsuited for the work. I regret to have to report that we have had three accidents, two of them being fatal, the two fatal ones being on the Waikaremoana roadworks. One of them was caused by a fall of rock, and the other occurred during blasting operations. The one on the Napier-Wairoa Road also occurred while blasting. Both casualties, in my opinion, might have been avoided had the men carried out the instructions given to provide against such accidents. Ekic C. Gold Smith, Chief Surveyor.

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TAEANAKI. I have little to add to last year's report. We have had no friction with the men during the year. Most of them are improved-farm settlers, or other settlers, who have worked intermittently with us for years (when not on their farms or employed by neighbours holding large areas). They understand the work, and can make fair wages at prices which compare favourably with outside work. Earthwork on sidings (all our work is in heavy bush country) costs from sd. to Bd. per cubic yard, according to amounts or proportion of stumps and roots and length of throw. In breast cuttings from Bd. to Is. per cubic yard, according to depth of face and length of run. For paparock we add 4d. per cubic yard to above prices. Quantities are taken out in New Plymouth office from plans, if for dray-road or 8 ft. wide bridle-road work, and from tables of quantities for various vertical angles if for 5 ft. wide bridle-road work. These quantities and tables are supplied to the various Inspectors. The men therefore get the full amount due to them : there is no guesswork. Culverts, heartwood of the best timber obtainable, and usually sawn, are paid for as follows : 12 in. by 12 in., Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. per lineal foot; 2 ft. by 2 ft., ss. to 6s. 6d. ; 3 ft. by 3 ft., 6s. to Bs. 6d., measurements clear inside. I quote the lowest and highest prices we have given, and the work includes supply (by the contractor) of all timber, nails, work, &c., in fixing and making, also in preparing bed for culvert, but should the latter be of heavy nature, such as'deep trench or excavations in rock, the contractor (that is, the party) receives extra at per cubic yard. The prices vary according to locality, difficulty of obtaining timber, extra haulage, &c. Bridge-work (we provide all material, but no plant) is paid for at from 4s. per 100 superficial feet for plain stringer bridges to Bs. 6d. per 100 superficial feet (I have again quoted extreme prices) for large and heavy trusses, requiring strong scaffolding; pile-driving at 2s. 6d. per lineal foot, contractor supplying his own plant. No especially high or low wages have been made during the year. Bridge-builders and carpenters make from Bs. to 10s. per day; the best of labourers from 7s. to Bs. 6d. per day; indifferent ones and old men as low as from 4s. to ss. 6d. The good men drift into parties as usual, and the indifferent ones have to work together, the latter being usually put on by-roads. One advantage of the co-operative system is that it enables men whom a contractor would not employ, and who could not otherwise get work, to earn an honest living, though it may be a poor one, and keeps them off charitable aid. We have discontinued supplying tents or tools to men, and are now trying to leave off supplying explosives, trusting to competition amongst storekeepers to keep down prices. The only plant we now supply is barrows, hand-carts, earth-wagons, and jacks (these the men could not supply themselves), and the annual loss on these is very trifling, certainly under Id. in the pound on our annual expenditure. The work generally is well finished. Some of it is exceptionally well done. The total number of contracts completed during the year was 313. Average wage earned per man per working-day of eight hours was 6s. lid. Greatest number of men employed, 386 in August, 1899 ; least number in February, 1900, 113 : average number, 267. G. F. Robinson, Eoad Surveyor.

WANGANUI. The number of men employed has ranged from 174 men in February to 250 men in October last, the average per month being 211-7. Except in localities where there were no settlers available or desiring work, the men employed on contracts are now practically all settlers, those occupying sections on improved-farm settlements especially having been given a large proportionate share of the work. As dairy factories are now being started in the neighbourhood of most of these settlements, it is anticipated that the settlers will gradually become independent of the necessity of so much co-operative contract-work. The number of contracts completed, including those for haulage, has been 311. The average wage per day of eight hours on ordinary co-operative contracts for the whole district has been 7s. 4d. The highest wages, lis. 5Jd., were earned by a party of experienced settlers on bridle-track formation through light bush. They were greatly aided by fires having run through the bush and burnt up much of the higher scrub. The lowest wages, 2s. 5Jd., were made by a family party of inexperienced settlers on bridle-track formation through heavy burnt bush. With the exception of one contract by open tender on the Pipiriki-Waiouru Road, all the metalling operations throughout the district have this year been carried out at cartage rates of so much per cubic yard per mile of lead. By this system the delay and expense of calling for tenders are avoided, besides which the character and cost of the work compare favourably with that done under the tender system. The prices per cubic yard per mile of lead ranged from 2s. on a downhill lead to 3s. 6d. on a long uphill lead. The average earnings per working-day of eight hours of a three-horse team has varied from £1 3s. lid. on the Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Eoad to £1 15s. 9d. on the Eaetihi-Ohura Eoad. Owing to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient horse-teams on the Eaetihi-Ohura Eoad metalling, four bullock-teams of six or eight bullocks each were employed. These drays carried from If to 2J cubic yards per trip, and earned large wages. In districts where horse-feed is expensive and the roads are mostly unmetalled the employment of bullock-teams is very satisfactory. They realise much larger earnings for their employers than do the horse-teams, and consequently should be able to perform work more economically. On the whole the operations under the co-operative system have proceeded very smoothly throughout the year. The number of applications for employment has been unusually small. G. T. Murray, Eoad Surveyor.

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WELLINGTON. Under this system 22 miles of dray-road and 33f miles of bridle-road have been formed, 20 miles of roads have been cleared of bush, a,nd nearly 10 miles of roads have been metalled. The expenditure has been £21,553, and thenumber.of contracts completed during the year was 370. The average wage per working-day of eight hours was 7s. 4d. High wages have been earned in a few instances by good men working long hours in fine weather, and low ones by poor and inexperienced workmen. The works are scattered over a large district, and are on eighty-five different roads in small parties ; this necessitates the employment of more overseers than would be required if the works were more compact, and considerably increases the cost of supervision, but is unavoidable. The number of men employed at any one time has varied from 250 to 300 during the year. In the selection of men for the work preference is always given to settlers, the married ones being taken before single men. Bobert H. Beaney, Boad Surveyor.

NELSON. Boadworks by co-operative labour have been carried on in seven distinct localities, most of them at considerable distances from centres. The contracts numbered sixty-one, with an average number of men per gang of three and a half. The average wage per man, all weathers, on the different works has been very uniform, averaging a wage of Bs. Bd. per working-day of eight hours. Good wages were made throughout, attributable chiefly to the fact that the men, with a few exceptions, were a class accustomed to hard work, being country settlers and miners. Things have worked very smoothly, and very few complaints of any kind have been made. Thos. Humphries, Chief Surveyor.

MABLBOBOUGH. The number of co-operative contracts completed for the year is 182. The average number of men on each contract is 323. The minimum wages earned was 4s. lid., and the maximum 10s. 6d., the total average for the whole district being 6s. 7d. per day of eight hours. No loss has been incurred on tents and tools, these being supplied by the men. I find it best to let the men find all their tools, with the exception of wheel-barrows and crow-bars. The co-operative system has worked very well during the year. If the work is judiciously priced, and the nature of the work allotted is adapted for ordinary labour, the cost of construction under the co-operative system can be performed at the same rate as ordinary tender, and more satisfactorily completed. C. W. Adams, Chief Surveyor.

WBSTLAND. During the financial year 1899-1900 thirteen co-operative contracts were completed. Seven of these were for bushfelling and the construction of dray-roads, with culverts, ditching, and gravelling; three were for bushfelling, forming and gravelling a horse-track ; and three were for building stock-drivers' huts, and fencing the same. The work has been well done, and the wages have been somewhat better than they were last year, although the several prices for the different classes of work are practically the same. During the time these contracts were in progress the weather was exceptionally fine and very little time was lost, and the earthwork was more easily shifted than is usually the case. The average daily wage earned per man, calculated for the working-day of eight hours, was 12s. 4d., but the weather did not allow of an average exceeding 69 hours per day, giving a wage of about 10s; 6d. per day. Frederick Wither, Boad Surveyor.

OTAGO. Nearly the whole of the roadworks undertaken and completed in this land district by the department has been carried out on the co-operative system, one exception being the building of a traffic-bridge over the Tahakopa Eiver, opposite Section 6, Block XII., Tautuku District, and on road leading to Blocks XIII. and XIV., Bimu District. This bridge is of three spans, of a total length of 95 ft. by 14 ft. wide. The piles in the piers were driven, with the exception of one pier, which had to be silled in concrete, owing to the reef cropping out near the surface. It is a substantial structure, built of totara and matai under contract, for which ordinary tenders were called. All the road-metalling was done by day-labour, when a number of horses and tip-drays had to be employed to do the carting. The works have been of the usual character, comprising 101 contracts, and giving employment to 120 men, the average earnings being 6s. lid. per working-day of eight hours. The system continues to run smoothly with settlers who are capable men, and who know they can earn a fair day's wage. Any difficulty arising is always found to emanate from the inexperienced and chronically lazy men, who shirk their share of work. However, lam pleased to report that the works during the year have been carried on in a most satisfactory and workmanlike manner. Little or no friction has taken place among the men, and this is due in a large degree to the ability and tact of Mr. Inspector Sutton. Small odd works away from Catlin's district have been done by day-labour, under the supervision of Foreman P. Fitzpatrick. John Hay, Chief Surveyor.

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SOUTHLAND. During the year eighty-two co-operative contracts have been in operation, employing 290 men. Of this number, sixty-one contracts are completed and twenty-one were still incomplete at the end of the year. The average wage per man per working-day of eight hours on outside co-operative contracts was 6s. Bd. per day. On improved-farm settlements the wages were less, being 4s. lOd. per day. It will be seen by this that the wages earned by settlement men are lower than the wages earned by outside co-operative labour, although the prices are on the same basis. This fact I put down to the settlement men living close to the work and letting their home-work interfere with the contract-work, also to their returning-time, over which there is no check. The work on the whole has been carried out in a fairly satisfactory manner, and no complications worth mentioning have occurred. There has not been much demand for work during the latter part of the year, as labourers have been scarce, and there is no reason why any man who wants work should be idle. There is very little competition for open contracts, as all the contractors are busy. I have not included the men working on the Te Anau-Milford Track in my co-operative report, as I have not classified them as co-operative contractors. D. Barron, Chief Surveyor.

APPENDIX V.—IMPROVED-FARM SETTLEMENTS.

BXTBACTS FBOM THE BEPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS AND OTHERS ON THE IMPROVED - FARM SETTLEMENTS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THE 31st MARCH, 1900.

AUCKLAND. Bangitira.—Only two resident settlers, who with their families number ten souls. Bush felled, 74 acres; grassed, 64 acres; fencing erected, 44 chains ; only an acre and three-quarters garden. Stock : Three horses, twenty-three head of cattle, three sheep, four pigs, and twenty head of poultry. Total value of improvements, £440. Awatuna. —-Four resident settlers with families numbering thirteen souls. Bush felled, 394 acres; burnt and grassed, 366 acres; fencing erected, 140 chains ; in garden, 8 acres. Horses, 6 ; cattle, 19 ; pigs, 21; sheep, 21; head of poultry, 31. Total value of improvements, £1,386. Mangatu.—Nine resident settlers with families numbering sixty-four souls. Bush felled, 674 acres; burnt and 'grassed, 644 acres; fencing erected, 449 chains; Yl\ acres of garden. Fifteen horses, 110 head of cattle, forty-five pigs, and 204 head of poultry. Total value of improvements, £3,070. Katui.—Seven resident settlers with families numbering forty-five souls. Bush felled, 393 acres; burnt and grassed, 355 acres; fencing erected, 600 chains; 16| acres in garden. Sixteen horses, 127 head of cattle, thirty-four pigs, twenty sheep, and 290 head of poultry. Total value of improvements, £2,475. I regret to have to add that these settlements are retrograding in almost every respect. Gerhard Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

AUCKLAND CENTRAL. Te Bauamoa Improved-farm Settlement, Block IX., Pirongia Survey District.—Only four of the original settlers are still remaining in the Te Bauamoa Settlement. Some have abandoned their holdings, and three have transferred their sections to others. 682 acres have been felled, burnt, and grassed, 28J acres felled, but not burnt, and 26-| acres of fern land have been laid down in grass. There are five houses and five whares on the land. The amount paid to selectors during the year for houses, bushfelling, &c., is £249 7s. 9d. ; the total payments made, past and present, amount to £1,272 Bs. 9d.; and the total value of improvements now on the land, including that paid by the Government, is £1,868 3s. 6d. The number of selectors now on the land is ten ; the number of sections in settlement is ten ; and the number of persons resident is forty-two. The number of cattle is 553. Paemako Improved-farm Settlement.—The quality of the land in this settlement is not nearly so good as that at Te Bauamoa, and I fear the outlook for the settlers will be rather gloomy when the roadworks cease. The number of settlers in occupation is 12 ; persons resident, 45. The total area in grass is 459 acres, and the number of cattle is 145. The total amount paid to settlers for improvements during the year is £42 13s. 2d., and the total payments made to selectors during the

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past and current year is £340 10s. 3d. The value of improvements now on the land, including that paid by the Government, is £l,OBO 3s. Only four of the sections are in fair order; the fences on the others are poor, and some of them are in a very neglected condition. The grass land is growing up in fern, and the latter is gradually killing the grass out. T. Bubd, Road Surveyor.

HAWKE'S BAY. We have two of these settlements—viz., Waikopiro and Akitio—only two sections of the latter 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. All the settlers are residing, there being a hundred persons now in the settlement. The original fifteen settlers have felled and grassed 1,247 acres, and have 696 head of cattle grazing. The settlement is making good progress, a dairy factory having been erected, which will be of great advantage to the settlers. E. C. Gold Smith, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

TARANAKI. Poti. —108 acres, in eight sections, all of which are occupied ; 106 acres felled and grassed. Forty-five persons on the land, and the live-stock consists of forty-nine cattle and eleven horses. Improvements at selectors' own cost amount to £419 15s. Five leases have been issued. Ngaire.—l69 acres 2 roods 30 perches, in sixteen sections, all of which are held ; 161 acres felled and grassed. There are only sixty-one persons on the land, as against seventy last year, one family having obtained a large area of land elsewhere, the section being transferred to a settler already holding. Two settlers were assisted in the erection of houses to the extent of £4O. The improvements at settlers' own cost are valued at £552 15s. The live-stock consists of seventy-six cattle and eighteen horses. Another settler and his family have left the land, and his interest will be dealt with by the Board after due notice. Thirteen settlers have received their leases. There is a school and a post-office in connection with this and the Maata Settlement. Maata.—3o acres, in three sections, occupied by two families. There are ten persons on the land. Area felled and grassed, 23 acres. Improvements at selectors' own cost, £69. One selector has had his lease issued. These three settlements are in the Ngaire Block, and close to the Township of Eltham, and, although the holdings are small, the settlers appear to be well contented with them, only one or two having represented that the sections are too small to make a living on. In these small settlements it was never expected that the allotments, which vary in size from 10 to 18 acres, should be more than a home for the family, and a centre for the settler to work from. •Tongaporutu.—2,soo acres, in sixteen sections, of which six are held as improved farms, and some of the others were taken up by residents under the optional system. One selector added 98 acres to his holding, one section was forfeited for non-payment of rent, and one was surrendered. There are thirty-three persons on the land, and the live-stock consists of fifty-four cattle, thirtyone sheep, and eleven horses. The area felled and grassed is 455 acres. Two settlers felled bush at their own cost during the year, valued at £4O, and other improvements made by them at their own cost are valued at £391 2s. One lease has been issued. There is a school, post- and telephone-office, also a store in this settlement. Derwent. —Thirteen sections, containing 1,369 acres. Seven persons are holding 737 acres. Two sections were forfeited, both for abandonment, and they will probably be applied for by adjoining occupiers. 528 acres has been felled and grassed, and improvements made at the selectors' own cost are valued at £470 15s. The population is fifteen, and the live-stock consists of 112 cattle, 175 sheep, and nine horses. One settler died during the year, and endeavours are being made by his representatives to transfer the section. On this settlement is a post- and telephone station, also a boarding-house. The selectors who now occupy holdings in this settlement will, I believe, remain; they have got over the initial difficulties, and are now fairly successful. Okau.—Nineteen sections, comprising 1,889 acres 2 roods. Four sections only are held, the number of persons on the land being twenty-one. The area felled and grassed is 460 acres, and improvements at selectors' own cost are valued at £ll5. One settler felled about 10 acres of bush this year at his own expense, and one settler was assisted with £3O in the erection of his house. The live-stock consists of forty-one cattle, fifty sheep, and eleven horses. These three settlements are all close to each other, the Tongaporutu and Derwent being on each side of the Tongaporutu Biver, near the mouth, and contiguous to the main road between Waitara and Te Kuiti Railway-stations. The Okau Settlement is on the same river, about nine miles from the mouth, and is practically a failure, as denoted by my last report. Of the other two, the back parts of the sections are rough, and in some places said to be not worth felling the bush on, as the ground consists of steep papa faces which will slip when the bush is felled. The remaining settlers appear to be holding their own, and have opportunities of acquiring additional land under the optional system when the forfeited sections are open for selection. In some instances this has been done. Uruti. ■ — Seven sections, comprising 697 acres, of which five are held by three settlers. There are nineteen persons on the land, and the live-stock consists of sixty-eight cattle and three horses. The area felled and grassed is 449 acres, and improvements at selectors' own cost are valued at £l6O. These settlers appear to be managing their own holdings very well independently of aid from the Government. There is a school, store, also a post- and telephone-office alongside. Two of them have received their leases. Settlers on this block are now practically self-supporting and in a satisfactory position.

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Burfoot. —The road-works done in this settlement will be found detailed in Appendix lII. Roads. The settlement has not been a great success ; it might succeed better were the areas enlarged. It is fairly near Urenui, and adjoins a settled district. Greenlands. 603 acres in six sections, of which three are held, the remainder being vacant. One section was taken up during the year by a son of one of the holders; in fact, the settlement is represented by the father and two sons, the number on the land being seven. The live-stock is thirty-three cattle and three horses. The area felled and grassed is 226 acres, the improvements at selectors' own cost being £63. This settlement is at present difficult of access, being remote from the main line of communication, and in advance of ordinary settlement. Mangapoua.—7o2 acres, in seven sections, of which three are held, two by single men. There are three persons on the land, and the live-stock consists of 127 sheep and three horses. One selector has felled about 9 acres of bush, the Government having felled and grassed 68 acres. The total value of improvements at selectors' own cost is £5O 10s. One settler was assisted with £lO in the erection of his house. The settlers remaining have only just commenced to pay rent, and their compliance up to a few months ago has been indifferent. Huiroa.—66B acres 1 rood 21 perches, in nine sections, of which seven are held under the regulations, and one has been forfeited, and one has been reallotted under the ordinary tenure. The number of persons on the land is forty-one, the live-stock consisting of 139 cattle and fourteen horses. The area felled and grassed is 358 acres, and the improvements effected at the selectors' own cost are valued at £528. The settlement being situated on Douglas and Makuri Roads, surrounded by lands that were already taken up and occupied, may be considered to be independent of Government aid. It is only about fifteen miles from Stratford Railway-station, and is provided with a school, store, and post-office. Mangaere.—Thirteen sections, comprising 482 acres 2 roods 13 perches, situate about twentyone miles from Stratford. The settlement has the advantage of being surrounded by previously settled and improved lands. The area felled and grassed by Government is 399 acres, and in addition the settlers have felled about 70 acres at their own cost, the total value of improvements effected being £1,015 12s. There are eleven sections held by ten persons, one forfeited section having been taken up under the optional conditions, and one made into a village site. The number of persons on the land is fifty-three, the live-stock being 249 cattle and twenty-eight horses. The settlement has a school, dairy factory, store, smithy, post-office, and is making good progress. Whangamomona.—-10,543 acres in 111 sections, of which seventy-nine are held by fifty-six persons, thirty of these being single men. The total number on the settlement is 176, and the livestock consists of 1,318 cattle, 660 sheep, and eighty horses. The area felled and grassed is 3,406 acres, the area felled last season and ready for grassing being 148 acres, and the improvements at the selectors' own cost are valued at £3,849 15s. Forty-four of the selectors felled bush at their own expense, the fact of a dairy factory having been erected and opened during the year being a great incentive for the felling and grassing of as much of their land as possible. Creameries are to be established on some of the by-roads in connection with the factory, and settlers are rapidly providing themselves with cows. In a short time this should enable them to be self-supporting. As outlined in my last report, the Land Board visited this settlement and heard applications for additional holdings, the result being that twenty-three settlers took up vacant sections adjoining them, and three others were allowed to exchange their sections for more suitable ones. There were five forfeitures and six surrenders during the year. This settlement is traversed by the Ohura Road from forty-one to fifty-three miles from Stratford Railway-station, and the fact of large blocks on each side of this road having been taken up by persons with capital should materially assist the progress of the settlement, which is already provided with two stores, a boarding-house, two schools, and two post-offices. A coach service is the present means of communication. Taumatatahi.—43o acres 2 roods, in four sections, all of which are occupied. There are twentyseven persons on the land, and the live-stock consists of sixty-five cattle, twenty-four sheep, and ten horses. 159 acres has been felled and grassed, and 17 acres was felled last season. The improvements at the selectors' own cost are valued at £497. This settlement is situate on the Waitotara Valley Road, some thirty-two miles from Waitotara, and, being in the vicinity of previously occupied holdings, is progressing very well. There is a half-time school in connection with the settlement. Nihoniho.—l,4o6 acres, in sixteen sections, of which three are occupied, two by single men and one by a married man with a family of nine. The total number of persons on the land is thirteen, the live-stock consisting of 154 cattle, twelve sheep, and sixteen horses. In order to increase their grazing-area the settlers have been allowed the use of grass on the adjoining forfeited sections upon payment of an adequate rental. The area felled at Government expense is 147 acres. The settlers have found their own grass-seed, and made other improvements to the value of £278, which may be said to be a satisfactory compliance on the part of the resident settlers. The land in this settlement is first-class, but being remote at present from the ordinary channels of communication, and the surrounding lands being held by Natives, the selectors cannot possibly derive the full benefit from their holdings. John Stbauchon, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

WANGANUI. Horopito.—There are now only two settlers resident on this farm. The area of bushfelling done during the year amounts to 28T acres; 4£ acres was sown in grass-seed, and 14 acres of the remainder is to be sown by seed supplied by the Government; the balance is being sown privately. There is now dray-road communication with Raetihi, 37£ chains along the frontage of the farm

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having been formed during the year. This settlement has been unsuccessful on account of the light quality of the soil and want of means among the settlers. The number of souls on the farm is five, with fifty-seven cattle, seven horses, and seven pigs. The total area in grass is 98 acres. The length of fencing is 124 chains, and the area in gardens is 3J acres. The total value of improvements in the settlement is £638 16s. Bd., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amount to £286 13s. 4d. Hautapu.—The vacant Section 7 has been divided among the adjoining holders. All the eleven sections are now being resided upon and improved. By an accident in a railwav-tunnel one settler (J. Gardiner) was unfortunately killed, but the section has again been taken up. In April, 1899, 70 acres was sown in grass, and 45 acres was felled last spring, only 11 acres of which has, however, yet been sown. A considerable amount of improvements in the way of fencing, gardens, &c., has been done. No roadwork beyond maintenance has been done on the farm during the year, but improved access has been afforded to it by the completion of the TaihapePaengaroa Road, and the joining of the Pongaroa Eoad with the Ohingaiti-Tokaanu Eoad. The number of souls on the farm is fifty-four, with 136 cattle, twenty-nine horses, one sheep, and 127 pigs. The total area in grass is 425 acres. The length of fencing is 630 chains, and the area of gardens 19-J- acres. The total value of improvements in the settlement is £1,709 Bs. Id., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amount to £747 2s. lOd. Otuarei.—The original 100-acre sections have now been consolidated into twelve 200-acre sections, all of which are being held and improved, though several of them, having only been lately settled upon, are as yet but slightly improved. With the enlarged areas and improved access, the settlement promises to be more successful. Last autumn 10 acres was sown, and 18 acres has been felled last spring but not yet sown. All the sections are now accessible by formed bridletracks. The roadwork done comprises 135 chains of engineering survey, 165-J chains of bridletrack on the Torere-Pukeokahu Eoad, 98"8 chains of bridle-track with 96 lineal feet of culverts, 74 chains of dray-road formation, and 65 chains of bridle-track have been made passable for horse traffic between the isolated portions of dray-road on the Kaiangaroa Eoad. A temporary bridge, suitable for horse traffic and also for scaffolding for the permanent bridge, has been erected across the Otuareiawa Creek, on the Kaiangaroa Eoad. The number of souls on the farm is fourteen, with twenty-seven cattle, eleven horses, 364 sheep, and eleven pigs. The total area in grass is 86 acres. The length of fencing is 76 chains, and the area in gardens 4-J acres. The total value of improvements in the settlement is £330 3s. 9d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amount to £125 4s. 6d. Rongoiti.—All the eight sections of the farm are being held and resided upon, and satisfactory improvements are being made in the way of dwellings, gardens, fencing, &c. Last autumn 50 acres was sown, and last spring 40 acres of bush was felled, but none is yet sown. Most of the settlers have been employed at roadworks when not on their farms. All the sections except Nos. 1, la, 3a have dray-road access. The Kakariki Eoad, shortly to be formed, will afford these sections access also. The roadwork done comprises 64 chains dray-road formation and 94 lineal feet of culverts on the Taihape-Paengaroa Eoad. The works on the main trunk railway adjoining the farm will greatly assist the settlers. The number of souls on the farm is fourteen, with eleven cattle, twenty-two horses, one sheep, and twenty-five pigs. The totai area in grass is 140 acres, the length of fencing 207 chains, and the area in gardens 3J acres. The total value of improvements in the settlement is £6lB 25., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amount to £292 ss. 6d. Taihape. —All the twelve sections in the farm are being held, resided upon, and considerably improved. All the sections are now in grass except parts left for reserves. No further advances under the improved-farm settlement system are now required on this farm. Some of the settlers are finding steady employment on the adjacent railway-works. There has only been maintenance of the road in the farm itself, but on the Pukenaua and Puke-naua-Mataroa Eoads, payments on which have come out of the authority for this farm, 63 chains of bridle-track has been formed and 46 lineal feet of culverts constructed; 69 chains of engineering survey was also executed on the Pukenaua Eoad. The number of souls on the farm is forty-three, with seventy-six cattle, twenty-two horses, one sheep, and twenty-five pigs. The total area in grass is 200J acres, the length of fencing 499 chains, and the area in gardens 7f acres. The total value of improvements in the settlement is £1,091 9s. 5d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amount to £426 17s. sd. Oraukura.—This settlement of ten sections was only allotted on the 11th August, 1899. The sections range in area from 139 to 205 acres. Three of them are already being resided upon, and improvements have been made on seven sections. There has been 80 acres of bush felled, and it will be sown soon. This settlement is very advantageously situated, and is mostly superior land. Five sections have already dray-access by the Ohingaiti-Tokaanu main road, and the Papaki Eoad now in course of formation as a bridle-track will afford the remainder access sufficient for a start. By cutting along a sideling below the main road, inside the river reserve, the Papaki Eoad has been considerably shortened, and a good ford secured. Two hundred chains of engineering survey has been executed. The number of souls residing on the farm is four. Ohutu.—Twenty-two out of the twenty-eight sections comprised in the farm are being resided upon and vigorously improved. The remaining sections have either been recently allotted, or the drawers have been allowed temporary exemption from residence. Several settlers are inclined to be absent too frequently, and consequently are not progressing with their improvements. The proposed creamery on the Wairano Eoad has given a stimulus to this settlement. The factory is to be at Taihape, and other creameries will probably be established adjacent to the other improved farms in the district. The railway-works also provide work for many of the settlers. There was 174 acres sown last autumn, and 262 acres felled last spring. All the sections, except

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No. 11 (R. Little), have now drav-road access, and bridle-track access is available to that one. The roadwork done consists of 47 chains of engineering survey ; 43'4 chains of dray-road formation, with 20 lineal feet of culverts, on the Gorge Road, and 122-6 chains of dray-road formation, with 96lineal feet of culverts, on the Puhirua Road. A large papa cut, 34ft. long, 6 ft. deep, and 4 ft. wide, was also constructed on the Puhirua Road. On the Puhirua West Road 66 chains of road-line was felled adjacent to settlers' fellings. The number of souls on the farm is fifty-eight, with 280 cattle, thirty-eight horses, and fifty pigs. The total area in grass is 1,027 acres, the length of fencing 941 chains, and the area of gardens 8f acres. The total value of improvements on the settlement is £3,252 ss. lid., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amount to £1,730 12s. 2d. Masterton-Tenui.—All the twelve sections in this farm are being held, resided upon, and improved. They are now mostly well stocked. One settler (J. McConville) accidentally shot himself, but the section is being carried on by a relatve of his. There has not been any bushfelling for Government advances this year, but about 68 acres has been felled privately. The roadwork consists of 54 6 chains of dray-road formation, with 72 lineal feet of culverts, on the Mataroa Road. All the sections have now dray-road access. The position of this farm will make it reasonably successful, though all the sections are mostly very rough. The number of souls on the farm is sixty-two, with 120 cattle, twenty horses, 246 sheep, and seventyfour pigs. The total area in grass is 518 acres, the length of fencing 820 chains, and the area in gardens 6 acres. The total value of improvements in the settlement is £2,106 13s. 3d., of which those effected at the settlers' own unaided expense amount to £1,265 13s. 2d. Sommerville.—This farm, consisting of eight 200-acre sections, was allotted last September. Five of the settlers are already residing, and are erecting dwellings, making gardens, fencing, &c. The situation and character of the country are both against the success of this farm. All the sections have bridle-track access. The number of souls resident on the farm is five. G. T. Mukray, Road Surveyor.

WELLINGTON. Mangatiti.—This settlement contains an area of 4,875 acres, and is divided into thirty-six sections, of which four, with a total acreage of 491 acres, are at present unoccupied. During the year 370 acres of bush has been felled and cleared, at a cost to the Government of £528 10s., and 319 acres has been grassed, towards which the sum of £ll2 7s. has been advanced for the payment of grassing and supplying grass-seed. The total area felled in the settlement is 1,350 acres 2 roods, and the area grassed is 1,039 acres 2 roods. The amount of money advanced by the Government towards these improvements is £2,395 lis. 5d., and the total advances made to the settlers towards housebuilding is £ll6, making the total amount of Government advances on the settlement £2,511 lis. sd. The settlers themselves have effected improvements in the way of house-building, making gardens and orchards, fencing, &c., to the value of £791 lis. 9d., making the total of the improvements £3,303 3s. 2d. Including the thirty-two selectors of the sections, there are residing in the settlement ninety-six persons, and the stock consists of 105 head of cattle, 40 horses, 245 sheep, and 24 pigs. Akitio.—This settlement, which contains an area of 4,794 acres, is divided into forty-three sections, of which four, with a total acreage of 412 acres, are at present unoccupied. During the year 449 acres of bush has been felled, and 87 acres grassed, towards which the Government has expended the sum of £207 ss. The total area felled in this settlement is 2,203 acres 2 roods, and the area grassed is 1,284 acres 2 roods. The amount of Government money advanced on these improvements is £2,819 15s. 5d., and the amount advanced to the settlers for house-building £274, thus making the total advanced by the Government for improvements of all kinds £3,093 15s. sd. Besides these the settlers themselves have effected improvements, such as fencing, felling, building, outhouses, &c., to the total estimated value of £1,590 os. 6d., the total value of all improvements on the settlement being £4,678 14s. sd. Including the thirty-nine selectors, there are ]OB persons resident on the settlement, and the stock on it consists of 142 head of cattle, 49 horses, 70 pigs, and 2,789 sheep. As there was a very favourable season for burning this year, advantage was taken of it to burn not only the bush felled last season, but also that which was felled during the previous year, which, owing to the inclemency of the weather, would not burn. When the area thus burned is grassed the numbers of the stock will be greatly added to. Kawatau. —In this settlement there are twelve sections, having a total area of 999 acres 3 roods 36 perches, the uniform size of each section being 83 acres 1 rood 13 perches. During the year two of these sections have changed hands, Section 11 having been transferred from Mrs. J. Rumble to Joseph Wright, and Section 13 from Thomas Kennedy to Eli Caselberg. Nine acres of bush has been felled, burned, and grassed on two sections, and there has been no advance made to any settler during the year. The total area felled and grassed in the settlement is 658 acres 2 roods 13 perches, and the amount paid by the Government towards this was £1,165 Is., and the amount advanced to the settlers for the purpose of house-building was £220, making the total amount of Government moneys advanced £1,385 Is. Besides this, the settlers themselves have effected improvements—fencing, gardens, out-buildings, &c.—to the value of £1,485 Bs. 6d., making a total value of all improvements of £2,870 9s. 6d. Including the

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selectors there are ninety-one persons residing on the settlement, and the stock consists of 132 head of cattle, 18 horses, 44 pigs, and 557 sheep. All improvements are effected on this settlement that I can recommend. Pemberton.—During the year another section of 100 acres has been added to this settlement, making its total area 1,447 acres. This is divided into fifteen sections, varying in size from 29 acres to 150 acres. Of the total area of 1,447 acres, 1,193 acres has been cleared at a cost to the Government of £1,775 10s., and 1,222 acres has been grassed at a cost of £652 2s. 10d., making the total amount of money advanced towards these improvements £2,427 12s. lOd. The settlers themselves have considerably improved their holdings by fencing, making gardens, building houses and out-buildings, and the estimated value of these improvements is £1,779 lis. 6d., thus making a total value of all improvements on the farm of £4,208 Is. lOd. Including the fifteen selectors there are seventy-two persons resident upon the farm, and the stock consists of 333 head of cattle, 16 horses, 88 pigs, and 293 sheep. All improvements are effected on this settlement, excepting on the last two sections which have been added to it. E. H. Reaney, Eoad Surveyor.

OTAGO. The improved-farm settlements, as regards the number of settlers and area in occupation, show a slight falling-off, the number remaining being fifty-four, and the area held 7,464 acres, as against seventy-three settlers and 9,879 acres in the previous year. At the same time, the number of persons resident shows an increase of twenty. In some cases sections were abandoned, and reallotted either to adjoining holders or to new selectors. The total amount advanced to these settlers for houses, bushfelling, &c., has been increased by £1,349 165., making the total to date £16,072 6s. 7d. The total area of bush land felled and grassed is 3,425 acres, and the total number of cattle belonging to settlers 1,126. These settlements being still in a stale of incompletion, no final arrangement has yet been made in the matter of fixing rents and issuing leases ; but as all expenditure contemplated by Government will shortly cease in respect of two or more of them, steps will be taken at an early date to issue titles and collect rents, when it is hoped they will become self-supporting. The local Inspector reports on these settlements as follows : •Heathfield. —-With the exception of a further increase of stock of 108 head of cattle, there is very little to report on this block in the way of improvements. About 30 acres of bushfelling and grassing has been effected during the year. Nearly all the settlers are milk-suppliers to the local factory, and most of them have had work on the main roads adjacent to the settlement during part of the year. The bushfelling should, I think, be extended in this settlement to give anything like a fair amount of grass for stock. Waipati.—A moderate amount of progress has been made on this settlement. The area of bushfelling has been increased on each holding, the total for the year being 163 acres felled and grassed, with an increase of forty-three head of stock. The settlement is moving steadily ahead, and is helping to keep a cheese-factory going during the season. There being no roadwork on the block the settlers are perforce obliged to seek employment outside for a part of the year at present, but the need for this will doubtless be gradually diminished as the settlement advances, until each settler will find remunerative employment on his own selection. Further expenditure is still needed for bushfelling and grass-seed, as well as for repairs "to the roads through the settlement. Bimu.—The improvements are advancing at a very fair rate on this block. An additional area of 134 acres has been felled and grassed, and there has been an increase of fifty-one head of stock for the year. The settlers are kept fully employed on this settlement bushfelling on their selections during winter, and on road-formation work in summer. The settlement is too far from a factory to do any dairying, but in course of time, when more fully stocked, will be able to supply a dairy of its own, and with the support of the adjoining block should do very well. Puaho and Purakauiti.—These two settlements, which are situated on the same block, have made comparatively little headway. They were handicapped in the first instance by being allotted to unsuitable men. There are eight sections still unoccupied. The improvements for the year are 30 acres of bush felled and grassed, with an increase of fifty-one head of stock. J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

SOUTHLAND. Waihawa.—The area under settlement is 1,684 acres 1 rood 27 perches, divided into sixteen sections. Twelve of these sections are occupied by eight settlers. There was 20 acres of maiden bush, and 10 acres of old felling which had not been burned, felled and burned during the year,

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♦ and 16 acres of old felling was burned, leaving 20 acres of unburned bush on the settlement. There was 36 acres sown down in grass, making a total of 714-J- acres of grass on the settlement. I notice in some places that the second growth is destroying the grass. The reasons for that are, in the first place, a bad burn ; secondly, the ground has not been logged up; and, thirdly, the grass was not eaten off when it was young, but was let go to seed. A number of the old settlers have left the settlement, and their sections have been applied for by the adjoining settler. There is a tendency on the part of the settlers to overstock in the summer with milking-cows for which they have no feed in the winter. They have done very well this season out of the dairy factory, but lam afraid the winter will be very severe on their stock. This settlement ought to be self-supporting now. Haldane.—The area under settlement is 2,306 acres 2 roods 22 perches, divided into twentyfive sections. Twenty-two of these sections are occupied by twenty settlers. There was 171f acres of maiden bush felled and burned, and 35 acres of old felling burned during the year, and 237-J- acres sown down in grass. There is still 3&| acres of old felling unburned. The grass is doing very well on some of the sections, but on the unoccupied sections the undergrowth is coming up. There is every prospect of a dairy factory being built before next season, and to give all the settlers access to it will need about a mile of road. When this road is made the settlement ought to be selfsupporting. It will take about £5OO to complete the roads on this settlement. Moturimu.—The area under settlement is 657 acres 3 roods 16 perches, divided into fourteen sections. Ten of these sections are occupied by nine settlers. There was 10J acres of bush felled and 13 acres sown down in grass. There is 18 acres of old felling unburned. There is practically no demand for work from this settlement, as most of the settlers get outside work, and are evidently inclined to make permanent homes. Papatotara. —The area under settlement is 1,458 acres 3 roods 8 perches, divided into sixteen sections held by twelve settlers, of whom ten are resident; the others have not yet taken possession. There was 16f acres of bush felled during the year, 7J acres of old felling burned, and 24£ acres sown down in grass. Second growth is taking possession in portions of this settlement, partly on the unoccupied sections and partly on portions which never should have been felled. The settlers have been employed during the year on co-operative works, and in some cases have done good work on their sections. One settler threshed out cocksfoot-seed to the value of £25, and there is no reason why others cannot do the same. General.—Some effort will now be made to get rent from the settlers, and they should be required to do a certain amount of work on their sections every year. The tendency on all the settlements is to do nothing without getting paid for it. There are several sections which are in a worse state than they were four years ago. The occupiers leave home to do co-operative and other work, and the section is neglected. I would not recommend that any bushfelling be done this year, but that any settler who felled any bush should be supplied with seed. D. Babkon, Chief Surveyor.

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APPENDIX No. 6.—FORESTRY.

BEPOBT BY HBNBY J. MATTHEWS, CHIEF FOBEBTEB. Du&ing the year 1,669,471 forest and ornamental trees and shrubs have been added to the stock, which now totals 4,387,660. In addition to this number, 40,600 trees have been transferred to various plantations. The exceptionally severe winter was responsible for the loss of a considerable number of trees in the seedling stage at all the nurseries, through being lifted out of the ground by the action of frost. At Eweburn Nursery some three-year-old trees which had been recently transplanted were also lifted by frost, but the total loss amounts to a very small percentage of the entire stock. The lowest readings of the thermometer at the nurseries were : Eweburn, 5° Fahr.; Tapanui, 14° Fahr. ; Botorua, 21° Fahr. The growth of nursery stock has been fairly good at all the nurseries, particularly at Botorua and Tapanui, although the seedlings at the latter place have not made quite so much growth as usual owing to a continuous sunless summer. During the ensuing year it is proposed to plant out permanently in plantations 80,000 trees from Eweburn Nursery, 170,000 from Tapanui Nursery, and 150,000 from Botorua Nursery—in all, 400,000 trees. The number, however, may be considerably reduced or increased, as much depends on the weather during the planting season, and also on the state of the labour-market, especially in the South, where some difficulty has been experienced during the past year in obtaining men suitable for this class of work, In the Botorua district Natives have been employed at tree-planting with considerable success. They are easily taught, careful, and painstaking, and the majority of those employed take a thorough interest in their work. During the year twelve permanent working-plans (in triplicate) have been made for the planting of various combinations of trees to suit the different soils and situations at the several plantations. Plans and specifications were prepared for outbuildings at Botorua Nursery, nurseryman's cottage at Eweburn Nursery, and a band rotunda for the Sanatorium grounds, Botorua. Special reports have been made on reserves under the control of the Wanaka Islands Domain Board, plantations on Albury Estate and Seaward Bush, extension and improvements of Haniner Springs grounds, improvement of Taupo Domain, Wedderburn Nursery, Hot Springs Beserve, Tokaanu, stock reserves at Opepe and Bununga, and working-plans furnished for planting by the Mackenzie County Council, and Naseby Domain Board. Two hundred and forty specimens of trees, shrubs, and grasses have been received and identified for officers and correspondents. Full details, giving the names, numbers, size, and values of all trees, &c., in stock, are appended in schedules herewith. Statements of expenditure and values from commencement of operations in September, 1896; plans of nurseries, showing location of crops and other information; photographs of Tapanui and Botorua Nurseries ; reports on the maintenance of and improvements to Sanatorium grounds and park, Botorua, Pukeroa Hill Beserve, Kuirau Hot Spring Beserve, Whakarewarewa Geyser Beserve, and the street trees in Town of Botorua are also appended. Central Nubsbey, Ewebukn. This year has been a record one for intense cold and rainfall, the latter being 19-21 in., against an average of 13-32 in. for previous years. The winter was by far the most severe yet experienced in the district—no less than 27° of frost being registered during July. The driest month was June, with 00-36 in. falling on one day; and the wettest, December, with 3-43 in., falling on thirteen days. Several thousand three-year-old trees which had been transplanted during the autumn were thrown out of the ground, and perished by intense frost, but the only other trees that suffered were the tops of Pinus insignis showing through the snow, and the young growth on laurel hedges which was cut back to the old wood. These, however, have started into growth again, and are evidently none the worse of their prolonged freezing. Transplanting of seedlings was commenced in September, and completed towards the end of November, with a very small percentage of loss, owing to the favourable showery weather which followed. These have all made good healthy growth so far: those doing best being Pinus austriaca, Pinus ponderosa, Pinus strobus, and Abies douglassi. This applies also to the threeand four-year-old trees. This year's seedling trees are a fine healthy crop, with the exception of larch, which is very " patchy." The four-year-old trees have made good growth this season, and they have been prepared for transferring to the plantation area, by being "raised" with the spade, and tramped back again, a process which tends to reduce the risk of failure by transplantation. The value of nursery stock has increased during the year from £1,071 15s. 9d. to £1,725 lis., including this year's crop, which is £274 ss. All spare ground has been utilised for growing horse-feed, such as oats for chaff, clover hay, carrots, &c. Such crops have a beneficial effect in preparing the land for the more valuable treecrops to follow, especially with the addition of a moderate application of lime, and a system of deep cultivation. Shelter-breaks have been planted on the exposed sides of the nursery and adjoining paddocks, consisting chiefly of Pinus insignis, birch, mountain ash, and laburnum, and this work will be extended during the year. As a temporary sheltea? fa? the protection of seed-beds, a fence of

] 14

PLAN OF STATE FOREST NURSERY EWEBURN

PLAN B, LARCH COMPARTMENTS SURVEY PADDOCK PLANTATION

PLAN OF STATE FOREST NURSERY TAPANUI

C.—l.

manuka scrub has been erected on the western boundary of same, until the permanent hedge is sufficiently high for the purpose. A substantial and comfortable four-roomed cottage has been erected of sun-dried bricks for the nurseryman-in-charge; also a shed of galvanised iron for housing drays and farm implements, which was much required. Details are appended under Schedules A, A l , A 2 , and A 3 , giving numbers, ages, heights, and values of all trees ; also plan of nursery, showing location of crops. The following is the record of rainfall and temperature for the year :

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

Tapanui Nueseky. Eain fell during .169 days, with a total of 37-49 in. for the year, against 170 days and 36-32 in. for the previous year. The greatest heat experienced was on the 11th January, when 98° was registered, and the greatest cold on the 25th July, when the thermotneter indicated 14°, or 18° of frost. Generally speaking, the season has not been a good one for the growth of nursery stock, especially seedlings, although two-year-old trees, such as ash, oak, scyamore, and larch, have done very fairly. The frost of July was very severe on seedling larch and spruce fir by lifting them out of the ground in large blocks. The " lining-out" of seedling trees into nursery rows was commenced during May, but on account of heavy and continued frosts setting in this work had to be discontinued, and it was not until the middle of August that a start could again be made. A fairly open spring followed, and 434,000 trees were transplanted by the middle of October. This year's seedling crops promise i:emarkably well so far, but the real test is during heavy frosts, after which the sturdiest plants only survive. Perhaps the most interesting crop of the season is several long rows of the native kowhai, so well known as a durable fencing-timber. Many of these treelets have grown to a height of 15 in. from the seed during the five months they have been above ground, although their average height is from 6 in. to 12 in. The number has been estimated at 7,500, but on transplanting them during the coming spring it will more likely be quite 10,000. The value of nursery stock has increased from £1,610 10s. 6d. to £2,780 7s. 3d., including this year's crop, which is valued at £571 Bs. 3d. Trees sent to the plantation during the year are not included in the above. All spare patches of ground not occupied by tree-crops have been thoroughly worked and cropped with oats, clover, hay, and carrots, for horse-feed. At the upper end of the nursery a small dam has been constructed to store water in case of a dry season being experienced, and 1 in. galvanised-iron pipes (with stand-pipes every chain) laid therefrom to the edge of seed-bed ground. All the roads (except main one in centre of nursery) have been graded, crowned, and sown down with grass, so as to reduce the cost of maintenance. The drive leading to stable-yard and around buildings has been gravelled and rolled smooth with a heavy roller, and before the winter sets in the main road through centre of nursery will be similarly dealt with. Ground has been prepared on either side of main drive, and permanent stock trees planted thereon for the purpose of " layering " or obtaining an annual supply of cuttings from. Eight acres on the south side of nursery has been enclosed by a rabbit-proof fence for a horsepaddock. Owing to the wet summer the keeping-down of weeds has been done almost entirely by handweeding, as it was impossible to use the hoe while the land was damp and cloggy. During a fairly dry summer the cost of this work would be considerably less than that of the past year. Ten tons of chaff was sent to Eweburn Nursery, and carrots to the value of £8 12s. sold. Full details of the variety, number, and value of all trees in stock are given under Schedules B, 81,B 1 , 82,B 2 , 83.B 3 .

115

Month. Bainfall. Number of Days Rain fell. Lowest Beading of Thermometer. Date. Highest Reading of Thermometer. Date. 1899. April ... May ... June ... July ... August September October November December 1900. January February March... 0 83 in. 1-54 in. 0-36 in. 0-89 in. 162 in. 2-32 in. 0'58 in. 1-79 in. 3-44 in. 1-91 in. 2-83 in. 1-10 in. 8 9 1 3 2 7 6 11 13 9 9 5 Degrees. 13 14 16 5 7 21 21 25 26 27 29 27 3rd 29th 9th 26th 8th 28th 6th 4th 8th 8th 3rd 20th Degrees. 66 54 58 56 52 63 69 80 82 84 87 82 1st 7th 21st 24th 31st 14th 17th 19th 3rd 30th 7th 22nd Total 19-21 in. 83 days.

C.-l.

Statements of expenditure and estimated values, and plan showing location of crops, are attached. The following is the record of rainfall and temperature for the year:—

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

Rotortja Nursery. The work which has entailed the most labour during the year has been the transplanting from the seed-beds of all young forest and ornamental trees which were sufficiently advanced to allow of the work being carried out with safety. In the first place, three 20 ft. roads were formed through the lining-out ground, at 3 chains apart, the total length of roading being 37 chains. The good soil therefrom was useful in levelling up the worst of the hollows throughout the ground, and all abrupt " rises " were reduced, so that transplanting could proceed without difficulty. This was commenced in June and completed in September, and during the progress of the work two Native women were employed in removing fern-roots, which were turned up by the plough in large quantities. Owing to the very severe frosts experienced in July it was found necessary to go over the whole of the smaller transplanted trees and tread them more firmly into the soil before the drying spring winds could do them any injury. On either side of the road leading* into the nursery from the main entrance gate a border half a chain in width was ploughed up and formed. One side has been filled with choice native plants in great variety, and these have made wonderful growth throughout last summer. The other border has been planted with exotic trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants and bulbs, and these also have done well. As a background to these borders a belt of Conifers, comprising larch, spruce, and pines, half a chain in width, was planted. These trees were removed from plantations in close proximity to the nursery, and with the exception of larch, which were rather large, have done well. The hill below the nurseryman's cottage and sharp angles of each lining-out "break" were also planted with the same kinds of trees. The triangular piece of ground on the flat below the nurseryman's cottage —an area of a quarter of an acre—was trenched, levelled, and laid out as a rosery. It contains 280 plants, and the varieties are the finest obtainable in the colony. They have grown and flowered profusely throughout the summer. The cost of these has been defrayed by the nurseryman-in-charge. An avenue of birch-trees was planted along the lower edge of the seed-bed ground, and this will afford good shelter from the north winds, as the trees grow up. At the lower edge of the lining-out ground a row of the same trees has also been planted for shelter purposes. An area of 6 acres to the east of the lining-out ground was ploughed up and sown with oats in the spring for horse-feed. The yield (which was light) has been cut and stacked for winter use. A large quantity of forest- and ornamental-tree seeds were sown in the spring, and with very few exceptions the germination has been most satisfactory, and the growth equally so. It is worthy of note that the dressing of lime given to the ground has had a very beneficial effect upon the young seedlings. The watering of seed-beds has been greatly facilitated since the erection of a windmill and supply-reservoir over 100 ft. above the seed-beds. No scarcity of water is now experienced, and the pressure is satisfactory. The stable buildings, which include tool- and implement-sheds, workshop,' &c., are rapidly approaching completion, and will be much appreciated during the coming winter. The nurseryman's cottage, tool-shed, and fence, and gates at main entrance were all painted, and the implements have been kept in good repair. The horses are in good condition, having received good treatment at the hands of the Native ploughman. The value of trees has increased during the year from £1,045 19s. 4d. to £2,412 ss. Id., including this year's crop, which is valued at £852 19s. 3d. .

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Month. Rainfall. dumber of Days Rain fell. Highest Reading of Thermometer. Date. Lowest Reading of Thermometer. Date. 1899. April ... May ... June ... July ... August September October November December 1900. January February March... 3'42 in. 3-88 in. 1-24 in. 5-30 in. 1*51 in. 2-29 in. 2-63 in. 2-94 in. 5-89 in. 2-58 in. 2-95 in. 2-86 in. 21 16 9 16 8 14 16 12 15 15 15 12 Degrees. 70 58 48 50 56 72 72 86 84 98 88 80 1st 4th 12th 17th 28th 14th 9th 19th 10th 11th 26th 1st Degrees. 31 24 24 14 22 24 24 26 30 30 30 30 28 th 30th 4th 25th 5th 28th 6th 4th 19th 26th 5th 25th Total 37-49 in. 169 days.

PLAN OF STATE FOREST NURSERY ROTORUA

PLAN A, REDWOOD (SEQUOIA SEMPERVIRENS) COMPARTMENTS WHAKAREWAREWA PLANTATION

PLAN B, AMERICAN-PINE COMPARTMENTS WHAKAREWAREWA PLANTATION

PLAN OF FIRE-BREAKS (98 Ft. WIDE) BETWEEN NURSE TREES WHAKAREWAREWA PLANTATION

PLAN OF FIRE-BREAKS (100 LINKS WIDE) DUSKY HILL PLANTATION

PLAN A, OAK COMPARTMENTS DUSKY HILL PLANTATION

PLAN B, OREGON PINE (ABIES DOUGLASSI) COMPARTMENTS DUSKY HILL PLANTATION

C.—l.

The nursery has been visited by a large number of people during the summer, and without exception the comment has been of an encouraging description, the growth of trees generally being rather better than might have been expected during the summer just past. The Oalifornian redwood has so far proved the most rapid grower of all exotic coniferous timber-trees. Statements of expenditure and estimated values to date are attached, and details of all trees in stock will be found under Schedule C ; also plan of nursery, showing location of crops, &c. The following is the rainfall and temperature for the year:—

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

Dusky Hill Plantation Reserve (Area, 845 acres; Altitude, 500 ft. to 1,000 ft.). During September and October last 17,600 trees (details of which are given in Schedule B 3 ) were transferred to this plantation from the Tapanui Nursery. The "pits" for their reception, having been prepared during the previous autumn, were in the best possible condition for planting. These pits are made from 9 in. to 15 in. square, depending on the size of the transplants, and a fuli spade in depth. If the bottom is hard and impervious to water, the subsoil is further loosened up with a sinking-bar, thus giving the trees every possible chance of success. The soil from the pits is laid on one side of the hole, and the weathering influences of the atmosphere quickly reduces it to the finest state of pulverisation, so essential for the future well-being of the tree. On the alluvial flats adjoining the Pomahaka River, and in deep, sheltered, moist gullies, Abies douglassi (Oregon pine) was planted as the principal ultimate crop at 16 ft. apart, equal to 170 trees per acre, with English ash as the secondary crop at 16 ft. by 8 ft. apart, equal to 510 trees per acre, and filled up to 4ft. apart over all with larch as "nurses." On steep hillsides and undulating lands where the soil is somewhat heavy and moist, with a stiff clay subsoil —frequently mixed with stones —English oak has been used as the principal ultimate crop, with English ash or sycamore as secondary crops, the former in the more moist localities, and the latter towards the tops of ridges. The "nurse" trees for planting between these, not being sufficiently grown when the above were planted, will be put out this season. On the exposed edges of the plantation spruce fir have been planted as a shelter-belt. This tree, being of a close, compact habit of growth, is particularly useful in affording protection to the more valuable trees. Roughly formed 12 ft. roads for giving access to various parts of the reserve have been maide in the centre of 66 ft. wide fire-breaks—a very necessary provision to prevent the spread of fire from one compartment to another. These fire-breaks have been made (where possible) on the crowns of dividing-ridges and leading spurs, and, with a view of utilising the land, two rows of walnuts have been planted 20 ft. from the centre of roads at 18 ft. apart. On either side of these two rows of walnuts, cob, hazel, or filbert nuts will be planted at 9 ft. apart. All the above trees being deciduous, there is little danger of fire spreading from one to another, as in the case of most coniferous trees. The " nurse " trees tor further planting on this reserve will be chiefly Pinus austriaca and Pinus laricio, preference being given to these varieties for the following reasons : (1) Perfect hardihood, and the great amount of shelter they afford to less hardy species; (2) their success when planted in almost any position or variety of soil, from high-water mark to altitudes of several thousand feet; (3) their known value as durable timbers, especially where subject to being wet and dry alternately, such as sleepers, posts, &c.; (4) the low cost of seed, and the ease with which they can be raised and transplanted with a very small percentage of loss; (5) when thinning out is necessary the "stump" never sprouts again (as with deciduous trees), whereby a considerable annual expense is saved in having no stool-shoots to suppress. The whole of the trees planted out during the year have done remarkably well, owing to tho favourable moist spring and summer experienced.

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Month. Rainfall. Number of Days Rain fell. Highest Reading of Thermometer. Date. Lowest Reading of Thermometer. Date. 1899. Degrees. Degrees. April ... 2-12 in. 15 71 1st and 2nd 33 16th May ... 7-67 in. 14 65 7 th 23 18th June ... 3-34 in. 8 67 4th 24 25th July ... 5-18 in. 15 57 18th 21 16th August 3-10 in. 11 64 19th 28 7th September 2-19 in. 12 70 9th 29 12th. October 4-86 in. 22 74 28th 32 14th November 4-29 in 14 81 9th 35 8th December 1-65 in. 8 88 28th 36 18th 1900. January 1-74 in. 5 93 31st 32 6th February 2-40 in. 10 90 1st 31 12th March... 127 in. 9 84 20th 42 1.1th and 12th Total 39-81 in 143 days.

6.—1.

Eabbits have been so well kept in check that not more than a dozen trees have been barked. The enclosure has been poisoned twice during the year, and a man has been employed ferreting, trapping, and digging out, as well as keeping the young trees free of rank weed-growth, repairing fence-lines, and attending to water-tables and culverts during wet weather. For next year's planting 71,900 pits have already been made up to the 31st March, at a cost of £1 12s. 6d. per thousand. Thirty acres of land has been ploughed, disked, harrowed, sown with oats (for horse-feed), and rolled, resulting in a very fair crop, which is now being harvested. One hundred and eight chains of ditching and some 32 chains of 4 ft. horse-tracks has been roughly formed to give access to some deep valleys where pitting operations are now in progress. Next season's work will consist of the preparation of pits for further planting, the extension of oak and Oregon-pine plantations, larch, and walnut, black Italian poplar compartments, and trial allotments of the native kowhai (Sophora tetraptera), which gives promise of considerable success as a timber-tree for alluvial lands and river-flats. Details of the numbers and varieties of trees to be planted during the ensuing year are given in Schedule 82.B 2 . The total expenditure and estimate of values are also attached hereto. Albuby Estate Plantations, South Cantebbuby. There are two flourishing plantations on this estate reserved as State forests. The larger one of the two (about 47 acres) is chiefly of Pinus insignis, now from 50 ft. to 60 ft. in height. They have been planted at about Bft. apart, and, as the trees are now getting "drawn" through close confinement, they are being thinned out to about 16 ft. apart, and the timber sold for fencing and fuel. Three men are employed at this work, and good progress has so far been made. It is anticipated that the sale of timber will more than defray the cost of thinning. The timber of Pinus insignis has lately come into use in Canterbury District for fruit-cases, weatherboards, &c., for which it seems eminently adapted. Butter-boxes have also been made of it, with good results, the highly resinous nature of the wood seemingly having no injurious effect on the butter. The other plantation, of 13 acres, is on a limestone bluff, and has been planted half with the celebrated yellow-pine of America {Pinus ponderosa) and the other half with Oregon pine (Abies douglassi). Both these species have made excellent growth, and are now fully 30 ft. in height, with an average diameter of 12 in. at 3 ft. from the ground. They have been planted at 16 ft. apart, without " nurse " trees between them to prevent the excessive growth of side-branches at the expense of the whole. The timber will consequently be only of second-class value, on account of its knotty character. The necessity for close planting cannot be too closely urged when the production of first-class timber, free of knots and other defects, is the desired object. All the dead branches to a height of 6 ft. have been carefully sawn off close to the butt, in order to minimise the chances of fire spreading along the ground. Statement of expenditure is attached hereto. Plantation Besebve, Whakabewabewa (Area, 817 Acres). In June two contracts were let to parties of Natives to dig 68,000 holes at 6 ft. apart at £1 per thousand, for the planting of gums in spring. The work was completed satisfactorily, and in September and October 23,000 gums, in six varieties, were planted. Of these, about 10 per cent, failed to grow; the balance have made a good start, and particularly good growth is noticeable in Eucalyptus globulus. The fern-growth' was cut away in summer, and not allowed to smother the young trees. Twenty-six acres of heavy manuka land was cleared, at a total cost of £l4 lis., and a block of about 50 acres, covered with fern and manuka, was cleared by being first rolled down with a heavy Cambridge roller, drawn by bullocks, and then burnt, the manuka-stumps being cut down close to the ground to allow of holes being dug for tree-planting. Fire-breaks were marked off, and a co-operative contract let to a party of Natives to dig 50,000 holes at 5 ft. apart. This work is now proceeding. Here it is intended to plant Oalifornian redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) at 20 ft. apart, with sycamore as a secondary crop, and Pinus austriaca or Pinus laricio as " nurses." The light, open, free, pumice lands seem eminently adapted for the redwood, whose rate of growth is only exceeded by the fast-growing Pinus insignis. Several specimens quite 20 ft. in height are growing on Pukeroa Hill, in Botorua, and these are in good health, and give promise of considerable success as timber-trees. It is also proposed to extend the Eucalypti plantation during the coming spring by about 30 acres. The fire-breaks will be planted with walnuts, chestnuts, hazel, and filbert nuts, similar to those described under Dusky Hill Plantation report. The total expenditure and estimates of values are attached hereto. The Plantations on the Galatea Boad (Kaiangaboa Plains), and at Waiotapu and Tubakenga. Kaiangaroa Plains. Upon the whole, the coniferous trees have made splendid growth here. Abies excelsa is adapting itself well to this locality —over 12 in. of new growth was noticeable in many instances. Abies memiesii is also thriving well, and does not appear to suffer in the least from the exposure. Pinus tiiricio has made excellent growth, and Pinus austriaca appears to be the very hardiest of all the Conifers here, and is growing quite as well as if on heavier sheltered land. The English larch are very healthy throughout, although they have suffered from strong winds through being planted too far apart.

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Rotorua Nursery—a " Break " of Transplanted Trees.

Tapanui Nursery —Walnuts and Kowhai, 10,000 of each.

Tapanui Nursery—the Seed-beds.

Rotorua Nursery—the Seed-beds.

C.—l.

The deciduous trees are not a success, being mostly all sickly in appearance, and tb, > growth very stunted. In the grass paddock Chewing's fescue and cocksfoot have got well established, and form quite excellent feed. Waiotapu. Abies excelsa, Abies menziesii, and Abies douglassi are thriving splendidly here ; many of them have made over 18 in. of growth this season. Larch have also made wonderful growth, but havo suffered from wind in the same manner as those at Kaiangaroa. Pinus austriaca and Pinus laricio seem quite at home here, having made fine growth this season. Sycamore and ash are not looking well. Oaks are healthy-looking; also Spanish chestnuts, Tarukenga. At this plantation the whole of the Conifers —viz., Abies excelsa, Abies menziesri, Abies douglassi, Pinus austriaca, and larch—have made excellent growth. The larch are particularly good, and thoroughly established. The English ash have made fine growth on the northern aspect, where the soil seems of a heavier nature than elsewhere, and Spanish chestnuts have done well throughout. As the fern is rather high in places within this enclosure, it would be advisable to have some of it cleared away, and the ploughing of a fire-break is urgently needed, for a number of fires have recently occurred in this locality. Sanatorium Grounds and Pabk, Rotobua. Several necessary alterations and improvements have been effected during the year, particularly in places in close proximity to the Hospital buildings, and which come most frequently under the eye of visitors. Alongside the walk leading from the Hinemoa Street entrance to the Hospital on the south side were a number of very unsightly Conifers, whose removal was necessary in order that the whole plot might be trenched, levelled, and sown with grass. These trees were accordingly removed, and the improvements referred to carried out, and a number of light and graceful deciduous trees were substituted for those dispensed with. Close to this same entrance-gate is a neat design in grass, which was getting rather disfigured in one portion owing to the presence of sulphur in the soil. This burnt-up portion has been made the site of a neat rockery, and planted with suitable alpines and annuals, and these have given a nice display of bloom throughout the summer. A sulphurous patch in the grass, close to the Blue Bath, was also improved by the erection of a fair-sized rockery. The most important undertaking during the year has been the formation of a bowling-green, 180 ft. by 180 ft. (including terrace-walks and flower-border). The site is close to the tennis-lawn on the eastern side, and, as the ground was in a very rough state (being formerly used as a rubbish depot), the labour involved in trenching and levelling was considerable, A vast quantity of petrified rock was removed in trenching (which was carried out to an average depth of 4: ft.) to allow of water percolating to the sandy strata beneath. Nine hundred and thirty yards of soil was required to raise the ground to the proper level. Nothing more than the formation of the green was accomplished iii the spring, and during the summer months tho surface has been well worked with the horse-hoe, and all weeds and roots raked off and burnt. The grass-seed sown has germinated very evenly throughout. The extension of water-pipes from the corner of Blue Bath to the green will allow of the convenient watering of the same during dry weather. A rough and unsightly piece of ground at the southern end of the bowling-green site, and upon which a clump of Pinus insignis was growing, was taken in hand and thoroughly renovated. The trees were removed, the ground dug up and the whole sown with grass, and ornamental trees of different kinds were planted at proper distances apart. The centre of this plot was selected for the band rotunda, now in course of erection. Behind the Blue Bath buildings an area 90 ft. by 90 ft. was trenched, levelled, and laid out as a roserv. It contains a hundred and twenty plants, which include all known varieties of sterling merit. The display of bloom from these all through the summer has been very fine. Ihe large rhododendrons which were overgrowing the paths in front of the Hospital were removed to the bowling-green border, and have since done extremely well, notwithstanding their large size. Several large gum-trees growing near the gardener's cottage were taken down, as there was a danger of their falling on the house. Although some of these trees were 2 ft. in diameter at their base they had very little root-hold, and the wisdom of having them removed from this locality was beyond question. Due attention was paid to the various flower-borders, and a fine show of bloom has been apparent throughout the spring and summer. Much has been done in the way of renovating trees that have been encroached upon by their neighbours to such an extent that many are past recovery through untimely thinning. The old adage " Plant thick, but thin quick " has not been observed in former years, and consequently many fine specimens have been ruined, growth and development retarded, and the work of recovery slow and unsatisfactory. The blame for this should largely be laid on the public, who from a sentiment —the growth of ignorance of the necessities of the case—loudly cry out against the " v*»"dal " who would dare to cut down a tree. In the general formation of the grounds many changes and improvements have been effected, and further additions contemplated in the near future, which should still further increase its attractions. In selecting sites for new groups of ornamental trees care has been taken that the trees, when fully developed, will not interfere with the fine view of the lake as seen from the bowlinggreen or its immediate vicinity. Here and there the native scrub has been removed in order to

119

o.—l.

afford an uninterrupted view of some twelve miles of the lake, beyond which rise bold precipitous cliffa, backed by undulating bush-clad hills. In the park the cutting of additional tracks through the high manuka scrub at the northern end near the lake was completed, the total length of these paths being 50 chains. A quantity of tree and other ferns were procured from Ngongataha Mountain, and planted in recesses close to the edge of paths, the manuka affording ample shade and protection for them, but a disastrous fire which broke out on the 31st January completely destroyed them. The person who started the fire could not be discovered, although the police had the matter in hand. Valuable assistance in suppressing the flames was rendered by the Town Board employes, nursery-hands, and the Survey Office staff, besides a number of private individuals. Eoads and walks were kept free from weeds, and fern-growth along the edges of same was cut down and burnt. On either side of the Queen's Drive small plots were prepared and filled with narcissus and other bulbs, which bloomed freely in spring. Pukeboa Hill Resebve. The formation of the main drive was completed during the earlier part of the year. This has an easy grade throughout, as all deep hollows along the course of same were made up to a proper level, necessitating a good deal of carting. On either side of this drive English birch and Oriental plane-trees were planted alternately at 16 ft. apart for the purpose of forming an avenue. The object in planting these trees at this close distance is to make a show as rapidly as possible, and as they become too crowded every second tree can be removed. Strong stakes were put to each tree to prevent damage from winds. Twenty chains of 6 ft. walks was formed, chiefly on the east and north sides of the hill, to give visitors easier access to the most prominent points. The walks were kept free of weeds, and the washouts after rain attended to. Noxious weeds were kept down, and fences kept in good repair. A light wire fence was erected on the outside of the newly planted trees to guard against injury from horses, and 2 chains of fence were erected along the front of site lately occupied by Mrs. Morrison's boardinghouse. Proposed Improvements. It is intended to adhere to last year's suggestions and carry them out in detail, with one or two additions—viz., the main drive and other paths should receive a coating of pumice, which would improve their appearance considerably, and tend to keep weeds in check. Near the site of the old Palace Hotel a little grading is necessary in places on the hillside, where it is intended to plant native shrubs of various kinds. The same is also required near the site of the boardinghouse recently burnt down. It is proposed to shift the gate near the point a chain further along the road (to the centre of where the boardinghouse stood), and form a 20 ft. road from it to the main drive at the top of the hill, a distance of about i. chains. This will allow of traps entering the reserve at one end and leaving at the other. Street Teees, Rotobua. Upon the completion of the grading of Eurera Street, holes were prepared on either side, at 30 ft. apart, for the planting of Oriental planes and English birch-trees, the total number planted in this street being sixty-six. Each tree was secured with a strong manuka stake, and good growth has been made during the summer, but a number have been considerably knocked about by horses. Hinemoa Street was also planted from Tutanekai to Fenton Streets on either side, and a few were planted along the same street as far as Hinemaru Street, these latter occupying places that were taken up by unsuitable kinds. The newly planted trees on the street number forty-one, making a total for the two streets of 107. The pruning of plane-trees in Arawa and other streets, where large specimens were growing, was attended to during the winter, the prunings being sent to Whakarewarewa Nursery for propagation. The smaller trees on the various streets were dug round and fastened to stakes where necessary. Kuikau Resebve. A contract was let to clear a line of scrub half a chain in width and erect a fence around this reserve, the total length being 127 chains, at a cost (including line-clearing) of 4s. per chain. The fence is of a substantial character, and its erection was carried out in an efficient manner. Ninety chains of 6 ft. paths were lined off and formed, every place of interest being opened up to visitors by this means. The most of the paths received a light coating of fine silica, a quantity of which was found close at hand. A 10 ft. gate was erected on the southern boundary to allow of a dray entering when necessary, and three turnstiles have been placed in convenient places to gain access to the grounds. It is proposed to plant several thousand native trees and shrubs here during the coming year. Eotobua Cotjbthouse. The grounds surrounding the Eotorua Courthouse were in anything but a presentable state in the earlier part of the year. The work was taken in hand during the winter, and 122 yards of soil was obtained, which raised the ground to a proper level before grass-seed could be sown. Eighteen yards of pumice was spread over the walks, on either side of which grass verges were laid down, the turf for these being procured from Pukeroa Hill. Grass-seed was sown in spring after the surface had received a dressing of lime. This prominent corner of the town has had quite an altered appearance during the past summer. Geyseb Reserve, Whakabewabewa. The roads and , walks throughout this reserve have been kept in a very creditable condition during the year, and the caretaker has prevented breaches of the regulations as far as possible.

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At the junction of the road to the nursery and geyser reserve a rather dangerous depression occurred right in the centre of the road. The retaining-wall began to give way just here, and as a means of coping with the difficulty the whole wall was broken down and a new one built, very heavy timber being used as a foundation for the rock which now forms the wall. Drain-pipes were put in to carry off steam from the hole in the centre to the side of the road, and the hole filled in, making it safe for traffic. A substantial gate, turnstile, and short picket-fence were erected at the entrance to the reserve. This gate has been kept locked to prevent vehicles entering the ground, which are unsafe for such. Along several of the walks the banks were sloped off to allow of the planting of native shrubs, which will be carried out during the coming winter.

Statement of Expenditure from Ist April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. Eweburn Nursery. £ s. a. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... ... ... 2,268 7 2 Nurseryman's cottage (material) ... ... ... ... 197 0 1 „ (labour) ... ... ... ... 51 12 6 „ (railage) ... ... ... ... 35 4 5 Implement-shed, labour and material ... ... ... 38 16 11 Outbuildings, flooring and lining ... ... ... ... 32 11 3 Water-supply, extension ... ... ... ... ... 17 4 4 Fencing, nursery extension ... ... ... 106 7 6 Fencing, material in stock ... ... ... ... ... 21 14 6 Tools, implements, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 38 1 11 Seed-frames, repairs and materials ... ... ... ... 33 510 Fuel, cartage and railage ... ... ... ... ... 1589 Subsoiling land (nursery) ... ... ... ... ... 800 Horse-feed, growing ... ... ... ... ... 21 2 6 Horse-feed, transferred from Tapanui Nursery ... ... 25 0 0 Manures, lime, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ... 21 13 5 Seeds, tree ... ... ... ... ... ... 22 11 5 Horse-shoeing and repairs ... ... , ... ... ... 5 19 1 Maintenance of nursery and improvements ... ... ... 98 11 0 Tree-growing (four crops) ... ... ... ... ... 356 12 8 Supervision ... ... ... ... ... ... 90 2 4 £3,505 7 7 Tapanui Nursery. £ a. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... ... ... 2,199 18 11 Water-supply ... ... ... ... ... ... 49 9 2 Fencing, horse-paddock ... ... ... ... ... 33 0 5 Seed-frames, tarring and material ... ... ... ... 30 16 10 Horses (two), implements, tools, &c. ... ... ... 118 10 1 Manures, lime, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 14 11 10 Horse-feed, growing ... ... ... ... ... 40 15 0 Seeds, tree .. ... ... ... ... ... 61 4 3 Stock-trees ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 5 8 Horse-shoeing and repairs ... ... ... ... ... 8 16 6 Maintenance, roading and formation ... ... ... 93 7 7 Tree-growing (three crops) ... ... ... ... ... 630 4 0 Supervision ... ... ... ... ... ... 80 1 2 £3,372 1 5 Rotorua Nursery. & a. a. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... ... ... 1,425 9 1 New water-supply, windmill, &c. ... ... ... ... 104 11 1 New outbuildings (expenditure to date) ... ... ... 173 15 10 Fencing, gates, &c. ... ... ... ... 23 0 4 Seed-frames ... ... ... ... ... ... 54 17 4 Tools, implements, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 46 7 9 Horse-feed ... ... ... ... ... ... 52 14 11 Horse-feed, growing ... ... ... ... ... 11 18 9 Seeds, tree ... ... ... ... ... ... 78 4 4 Stock-trees ... ... ... ... ... ... 37 1 4 Horse-shoeing and repairs ... ... ... ... ... 15 17 1 Manure, lime, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 22 6 5 Maintenance of nursery and improvements ... ... ... 98 2 0 Tree-growing, Schedules C, C 1 ... ... ... ... 304 8 4 Tree-growing, Schedules C a , C ! ... ... ... ... 229 12 9 Supervision ... ... ... ... ... ... 80 2 0 £2,758 9 4

16—C. 1.

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Dusky Hill Plantation. £ s. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... ... ... 1,022 13 4 Digging 89,500 pits for trees, at £1 15s. per thousand ... ... 156 12 6 Planting 17,600 trees ... ... ... ... ... 42 16 0 Tending trees, weeding, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 7 22 32 chains horse-track, at 7s. ... ... ... ... 11 4 0 108 chains 3ft. by 3ft. drains at 3s. 6d. ... ... ... 18 18 0 Rabbiting, repairs to fences and roads ... . . ... 44 3 4 Erecting fence for horse-paddock ... ... ... ... 260 Clearing and burning scrub ... ... ... ... ... 900 Carting trees from nursery ... ... ... ... ... 250 Putting in oat-crop ... ... ... ... ... 19 19 11 Turnip-and rape-seed ... ... ... ... ... 047 Rabbit-poison ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 11 8 Fencing material, tools, &c.... ... ... ... ... 439 Trees transferred from nursery, Schedule B 8 ... ... ... 70 411 Supervision -.. ... ... ... ... ... 24 1 2 £1,437 6 4 Naseby Survey Paddock Plantation. £ s. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... ... ... 145 1 9 Supervision, Ist April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900 ... ... 4 0 0 £149 1 9 Albury Estate Plantation. s. a. d. Railway-fares ... ... ... .. . . ... 1 15 8 Tools ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 604 Railage on tools ... ... ... ... ... ... 045 Labour ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 28 13 0 Supervision ... ... ... ... ... ... 600 £42 13 5 Whakarewarewa Plantation. „ , £ s. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... ... ... 349 210 Digging 68,675 pits for trees, at £1 per thousand ... ... 68 13 6 Planting 23,000 Eucalypti ... ... ... ... ... 43 10 0 Tending trees, weeding, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 10 9 3 Clearing, grubbing, and burning 74 acres ... ... ... 93 10 0 Ploughing, harrowing, and rolling 6 acres ... ... ... 12 10 11 Horse-feed ... ... ... ... ... ... 303 Nurseryman's wages, proportion of ... ... ... ... 19 10 0 Supervision ... ... ... ... ... ... 14 0 6 £614 7 3

Statement of Values for Year ended 31st March, 1900. Eweburn Nursery. £ s. <3. £ s. d. £ s. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... 2,139 22 Less value of trees at 31st March, 1899 ... ... ... 1,071 15 9 Less horse-feed used ... ... 33 12 6 ■ 1,105 8 3 1,033 13 11 Trees, as per Schedule A ... ... ... ... ... 274 5 0 A 1 ... ... ... ... ... .660 0 0 A 2 ... ... ... ... ... 395 5 0 A" ... ... ... ... 396 1 0 Nurseryman's cottage ... ... ... ... ... 271 12 0 Buildings, stable, &c. ... ... ... ... .. 71 8 2 Water-supply ... ... ... ... ... ... 17 4 4 Fencing ... ... ... .. ... ... ... 128 2 0 Seed-frames ... ... ... ... ... ... 33 5 10 Tools, implements, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 38 1 11 Horse-feed in stock ... ... ... ... ... 44 0 0 £3,362 19 2

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Tapanui Nursery. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... 2,704 13 1 Less value of trees, 31st March, 1899 ... ... ... 1,610 10 6 Less value of horse-feed used, sold, or left over... ... 99 8 6 1,709 19 0 994 14 1 Trees, as per Schedule B ... ... ... ... ... 571 8 3 B ! 1,470 10 0 B 2 738 9 0 n „ 88,B 8 , sent to plantation ... ... ... 70 4 11 Water-supply ... ... ... ... 49 9 2 Fencing ... ... ... ... ••• ••• 33 0 5 Seed-frames ... ... ... ... ••• 30 16 10 Tools, implements, and horses ... ... ... ... 118 10 1 Horse-feed sent to Eweburn Nursery... ... ... ... 25 0 0 „ left from last year ... ... ... ... 1500 „ in stock... ... ... ... ... ... 40 0 0 Stock-trees ... ... ... ... ••• ••• 11 5 8 Carrots sold ... ... ... ... ... 8 12 0 £4,177 0 5 Rotorua Nursery. ( £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... 1,723 1 0 Less value of trees ... ... 1,045 19 4 Less horse-feed used ... ... 50 5 0 1,096 4 4 626 16 8 Trees, as per Schedule C ... ... ... ■• • ... 528 7 6 C 1 ... ... ... ••• ••• 962 4 9 C' 2 ... ... ... ... ••• 597 1 1 " „ C 3 ... ... ... ... ••• 324 11 9 Stock-trees ... ... •■ ■ •■ • •■ ■ •• • ,37 1 4 Trees sent to plantation (23,000) ... ... ... ... 23 0 0 Water-supply ... ... ••• ••• ••• 104 11 1 Buildings... ... ... ••• ••• ••• 173 15 10 Fencing ... ... ... •• • •• • •• • •• ■ 23 0 4 Seed-frames ... ... ••• ••• ••• 54 17 4 Tools, implements, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 46 7 9 Horse-feed in stock ... ... ... ••• ••• 35 5 0 £3,537 0 5 Dusky Hill Plantation. £ s. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ... ••• 972 19 6 Trees planted as per Schedule B" ... ... ... ••• 153 4 1 n ■ 4 ft 4Fencing ... ... ••• ••• •• on k Tools ... ... Value of 71,900 pits made for next year ... ... ... 125 16 6 Improved value by roading, draining, &c. ... 85 1 7 Oat-crop, 25 tons at £1 10s. ... ... 37 10 0 £1,381 1 5 Naseby Survey Paddock. £ s. d. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ■■■ ... 145 1 9 (No improvements this year.) Whakarewarewa Plantation. £ s. a. Amount at 31st March, 1899 ... ■ ••• ••• 297 17 10 Value of 20,700 Eucalypti planted ... ... ... 103 19 3 Value of 45,675 pits made for next year ... ... ... 45 13 b Improved value by clearing, ploughing, &c. ... ••• 165 11 8 £613 2 3

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Summary (from Ist September, 1896, to 31st March, 1900). Expenditure. £ s. d. Eweburn Nursery ... ... ... ... ... 3,505 7 7 Tapanui Nursery ... ... ... ... ... 3,372 1 5 Eotorua Nursery ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,758 9 4 Dusky Hill Plantation ... ... ... ... ... 1,437 6 4 Naseby Survey Paddock Plantation ... ... ... ... 149 1 9 Albury Estate plantations ... ... ... ... 42 13 5 Whakarewarewa Plantation ... .. ... ... 614 7 3 Supervision of other reserves, sanatoria, &c. ... ... ... 125 2 4 Total ... ... ... ... ...£12,004 9 5 Values of Improvements, Trees, dc. £ s . d. Eweburn Nursery ... ... ... ... ... 3,362 19 2 Tapanui Nursery ... ... ... ... ... ... 4,177 0 5 Eotorua Nursery ... ... ... ... ... ... 3,537 0 5 Dusky Hill Plantation ... ... ... ... ... 1,381 1 5 Naseby Survey Paddock Plantation ... ... ... ... 145 1 9 Albury Estate plantations ... ... ... ... ... 42 13 5 Whakarewarewa Plantation ... ... ... ... 613 2 3 Total ... ... ... ... £13,258 18 10 Number of Trees grown. Eweburn Nursery ... ... ... ... ... 850,100 Tapanui Nursery... ... ... ... ... ... 1,955,850 Rotorua Nursery ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,581,710 Dusky Hill Plantation ... ... ... ... ... 17,600 Whakarewarewa Plantation ... ... ... ... 23,000 Total ... ... ... ... ... 4,428,260 Values of Trees grown. £ s . a. Eweburn Nursery ... ... ... ... ... 1,725 11 0 Tapanui Nursery .. ... ... ... ... ... 2,780 7 3 Rotorua Nursery ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,412 5 1 Dusky Hill Plantation ... ... ... ... ... 70 4 11 Whakarewarewa Plantation ... ... ... ... 23 0 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... £7,011 8 3

Schedule A.—One-year-old Trees.—Details of Trees grown at Eweburn Nursery, 1899-1900. (Fourth Crop.)*

Schedule A1. —Two-year-old Trees. —Details of Trees grown at Eweburn Nursery, 1898-99. (Third Crop.)*

124

Name of Tree. Common Name. IHabitat. Estimated Number in Seed-beds. Size in Inches. Amount of Seed sown. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Bemarks. Pinus austriaca Pinus larioio Pinus ponderosa Pinus benthamiana .. Pinus strobus Pinus insignis Larix europea Abies douglassi Gytisus laburnum Sorbus auouparia Total Austrian pine Gorsioan pine Yellow pine Bentham's pine .. Weymouth pine .. Remarkable pine Larch Oregon pine Laburnum Mountain ash .. Europe .. Corsica .. America .. Tyrol America .. Europe 150,000 15,000 30,000 1,500 4,000 50,000 45,000 5,000 4,000 15,000 2 1 2 3 2 4 1 2 6 4 Lb. 14 8 7 2J 5 6 40 2 2 26 £ s. d. 0 15 0 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 0 15 0 10 0 15 0 15 0 1 10 0 £ s. d. 112 10 0 11 5 0 30 0 0 1 10 0 4 0 0 37 10 0 45 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 22 10 0 For shelter purposes. 319,500 274 5 0 * With the exception of larch, all this crop will be transplanted into close lines in September, 1900.

Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Number in Nursery Lines. Size in Inches. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Remarks. austriaca Pinus laricio Pinus ponderosa Pinus strobus Pinus benthamiana .. Abies douglassi Larix europea Sorbus auouparia Total Austrian pine Corsioan pine Yellow pine Weymouth pine .. Bentham's pine Oregon pine Larch Mountain ash Europe Corsica America Tyrol .. Europe 89,000 29,000 25,000 34,000 1,500 45,000 75,000 6,500 4 3 3 3 8 i 3 12 £ s. d. 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 0 2 5 0 2 5 0 2 5 0 2 5 0 2 15 0 £ s. d. 178 0 0 58 0 0 56 5 0 76 10 0 3 7 6 101 5 0 168 15 0 17 17 6 Still in seed-beds. 305,000 660 0 0 * With the exception of larch, all this crop were transplanted into close lines in September, 1899.

a—i.

Schedule A 2 .—Three -year- old Trees.-Details of Trees grown at Eweburn Nursery, 1897-98. (Second Crop.)*

Schedule A3.—Four-year-old Trees. — Details of Trees grown at Eweburn Nursery, 1896-97. (First Crop.)*

Schedule B.—One-year-old Trees.—Details of Trees grown at Tapanui Nursery, 1899-1900. (Third Crop.)

125

(Second Crop.)* Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Number in Nursery Lines. Size in Inches. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Remarks. Pinus austriaca Pinus larioio Pinus ponderosa Pinus benthamiana .. Pinus insignis Larix europea Total Austrian pine Corsioan pine Yellow pine Bentha,m's pine Remarkable pine .. Larch Europe Corsica America Tyrol .. 46,500 20,000 16,000 3,000 2,000 40,000 4 3 9 6 12 3 £ s. d. 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 5 0 3 5 0 2 0 0 3 5 0 & s. a. 139 10 0 60 0 0 52 0 0 9 15 0 4 0 0 130 0 0 For shelter purposes around nursery. 127,500 395 5 0 * This crop will be transferred to plantation in September, 1901.

(First Crop.)* Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Number in Nursery Lines. Size in Inches. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Remarks. Pinus austriaca Pinus larieio Pinus ponderosa Abies exoelsa Larix europea Cytisus laburnum Total Austrian pine Corsioan pine Yellow pine Spruce fir Laroh Laburnum Europe Corsica America Europe Tyrol .. Europe 51,000 36,000 100 3,000 1,500 6,500 9 6 9 8 10 18 £ s. d. 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 5 0 4 0 0 4 5 0 4 10 0 £ s. d. 204 0 0 144 0 0 0 8 6 12 0 0 6 7 6 29 5 0 98,100 396 1 0 * Most of these trees will be transferred to plantation in September, 1900.

Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Estimated Number in Seed-beds. Height in Inches. Amount of Seed sown. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Bemarks. Quercus pedunculata.. Fraxinus excelsior Betula alba Cytisus laburnum Castanea vulgaris Juglans regia Sophora tetraptera .. Populus monilifera .. Salix (varieties) Larix europea Pinus austriaca Pinus larieio Pinus maritima Pinus ponderosa Pinus benthamiaca .. Pinus strobus Pinus insignis Abies exoelsa Abies menziesii' Cupressus torulosa Cupressus lawsoniana Ligustrum lucidum .. Cytisus (5 varieties) .. Berberis vulgaris Ghamterops exoelsa .. Gotoueaster simmondsii Griselinia littoralis .. Arbutus menziesii Cordyline aUstralis .. Gordyline hooberii Melioytus lanceolatus Pittosporum (3 var.) .. Total English oak English ash English birch .. Laburnum Spanish chestnut Walnut Kowhai Black poplar Willow.. Larch Austrian pine Corsican pine Cluster pine Yellow pine Bentham's pine.. Weymouth pine.. Remarkable pine Spruce fir Menzies's spruce Twisted cypress.. Lawson's cypress Privet Ornamental laburnums Barberry Fan-palm Applewort Broadleaf Madrona Cabbage-tree Toi Hinahina Mapau Europe ... NewZe'ln'd Europe .. Tyrol Europe .. Corsica .. Europe .. America .. Europe .. America .. Nepaul America .. China Europe .. England .. China Nepaul .. New Ze'l'nd America .. New Ze'l'nd 45,000 32,000 9,000 10,000 2,500 7,500 7,500 750 1,200 75,000 75,000 25,000 42,000 25,000 3,000 10,000 20,000 150,000 75,000 500 500 10,000 2,000 5,000 1,000 1,500 3,000 250 3,000 100 750 9,000 6 4 2 12 6 7 6 24 24 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 1 1 2 1 4 9 3 2 5 2 1 4 2 2 3 Lb. 400 98 7 7 150 200 60 Cuttings " 40 10 7 14 7 5 5 6 14 6} 1 0J 20 01 10 5 2 4 04 2 0i 1 15 £ 8. d. 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 15 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 115 0 1 15 0 10 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 10 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 15 0 2 5 0 0 15 0 7 10 0 2 0 0 1 10 0 5 0 0 0 15 0 10 0 0 2 0 0 0 15 0 £ s. d. 33 15 0 24 0 0 6 15 0 12 10 0 4 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 16 3 2 2 0 75 0 0 56 5 0 18 15' 0 21 0 0 25 0 0 3 0 0 10 0 0 15 0 0 112 10 0 75 0 0 10 0 10 0 7 10 0 4 10 0 3 15 0 7 10 0 3 0 0 4 10 0 15 0 2 5 0 10 0 1 10 0 6 15 0 | Strong sturdy plants. j Very robust growth. Eine ; well rooted. No sign of any disease this year. Good sturdy stuff. 1 Promises to be a success j in this district. For shelter purposes. Ornamental trees, shrubs, - and hedge plants, chiefly for domains. - 651,550 .571 8 3

C.—l.

Schedule B 1. —Two-year-old Trees.—Details of Trees grown at Tapanui Nursery, 1898-99. (Second Crop.)

Schedule B 2 .—Theee-year-old Trees.—Details of Trees grown at Tapanui Nursery, 1897-98. (First Crop.)

Schedule B 3 .—Trees transferred to Dusky Plantation, 1899.

126

(Second Crop.) Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Number in Seed-beds Number in Nursery Lines. Size in Inches. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Remarks. Quercus peduneulata .. Fraxinus excelsior Acer pseudo-plantanus Juglans regia Ulmus campestris Betula alba Larix europea Abies excelsa Abies douglassi Pinus austriaca Pinus laricio Pinus maritima Pinus strobus Pinus ponderosa Pinus benthamiana .. Gordyline australis Pittosporum tenuifolium Pittosporum eugenoides Pittosporum ralphii .. Griselinia littoralis Total English oak .. English ash .. Scyamore W alnut English elm .. English birch .. Larch Spruce fir Oregon pine .. Austrian pine .. Corsican pine .. Cluster pine .. Weymouth pine Yellow pine .. Bentham's pine Cabbage-tree .. Black mapau .. White mapau.. Ralph's pittosporum Broadleaf Europe Persia Europe Tyrol Europe America .. Europe Corsica Europe America .. New Zealand 460,000 1^500 75,000 45,000 15^000 5,000 25,000 58,000 40,000 178,000 1,000 800 000 75 ,'000 33^000 5,000 6,000 5,000 200 500 9 6 15 12 9 4 9 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 12 9 9 8 4 & s. d. 2 0 0 £1 & £2 1 15 0 3 5 0 2 10 0 10 0 2 5 0 10 0 15 0 2 0 0 10 0 1 15 0 15 0 15 0 2 5 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 10 0 2 15 0 & s. d. 116 0 0 540 0 0 311 10 0 3 5 0 2 0 0 1 10 0 67 10 0 75 0 0 56 5 0 150 0 0 15 0 0 57 15 0 6 5 0 31 5 0 3 7 6 10 0 0 12 0 0 10 0 0 0 10 0 17 6 Very fine rooted plants. Those in seed-beds will be lined out this season. Pine straight stuff; good roots. Badly attaoked with grub. Good robust growth. Attacked with grub. These are for ornamental - planting, hedges, and fire-breaks. 626,500 434,000 1,470 10 0 1,060,500

(First Crop;) Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Number in Nursery Lines. Height in Inches. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Remarks. Quercus pedunculata .. Fraxinus excelsior Acer pseudo-plantanus .. Juglans regia Sophora tetraptera Populus monilifera Larix europea Abies excelsa Abies menziesii Larix leptolepsis Pinus austriaca Pinus laricio Pinus maritima Abies alba Total English oak .. English ash .. Sycamore Walnut Kowhai Black poplar .. Larch Spruce fir Menzies's spruce Japanese larch Austrian pine .. Corsican pine .. Cluster pine .. White spruce .. Europe Persia New Zealand Europe Tyrol Europe America Japan Europe Corsica Europe 59,500 13,000 17,000 2,400 1,750 2,000 20,000 61,000 750 2,500 51,000 4,000 7,000 1,500 15 20 24 12 9 36 12 4 4 8 8 7 18 12 £ p. d. 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 15 0 4 5 0 4 5 0 4 0 0 3 5 0 3 0 0 3 5 0 3 15 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 15 0 3 0 0 £ s. d. 178 10 0 39 0 0 46 15 0 10 4 0 7 8 9 8 0 0 65 0 0 183 0 0 2 8 9 9 7 6 153 0 0 12 0 0 19 5 0 4 10 0 | Fine, clean, straight stems. Very slow growth during the first few years. Good healthy growth. Chiefly for nurses. Promises well; stood intense cold during winter. Very sturdy, well - developed plants. | For nurses. 243,400 738 9 0

Value Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Number. — per Total Value. Remarks Thousand. £ s. d. £ S. d. Quercus pedunculata .. English oak .. Europe 800 24 4 0 0 3 4 0 \ Fraxinus excelsior English ash .. // 4 • 9,125 24 4 0 0 36 10 0 These trees have done well Acer pseudo-plantanus .. Sycamore Persia 4,125 80 3 15 0 15 9 4 1. since being planted out perJuglans regia .. Walnut 225 24 5 5 0 1 3 7 V manently, the loss in transLarix europea Larch Tyrol 1,500 24 4 5 0 6 7 6 planting not being more than Abies excelsa Spruce fir Europe 925 30 4 0 0 3 14 0 1 per oent. Abies douglassi Oregon pine .. America 900 24 4 5 0 3 16 6 Total 17,600 70 4 11

C—l,

Schedule C. —One-year-old Trees.—Details of Forest-trees grown at Rotorua Nursery, 1899-1900.

Schedule C1. —Two-year-old Trees.—Details of Forest-trees grown at Rotorua Nursery, 1898-99. (First Crop.)

127

(Second Crop.) Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Estimated Number in Seed-beds. Average Height in Inches. Amount of Seed sown. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Remarks. Abies excelsa Abies menziesii Abies douglassi Cupressus macrocarpa Larix europea Pinus insignis Pinus austriaoa Pinus laricio Pinus benthamiana .. Pinus ponderosa Pinus strobus Sequoia sempervirens Sophora tetraptera .. Acer pseudo-plantanus Betula alba Cytisus laburnum Eucalypti (5 species).. Juglans regia Juglans nigra Total Spruce fir Menzies's spruce Oregon pine .. Macrocarpa .. Larch Remarkable pine Austrian pine.. Gorsican pine.. Bentham's pine Yellow pine .. Weymouth pine Redwood Kowhai Scyamore English birch.. Laburnum Gums English walnut American walnut Europe Amerioa .. Tyrol America .. Europe Corsica America .. New Zealand Europe Australia .. Persia America .. 150,000 50,000 2,500 3,500 90,000 10,000 120,000 25,000 6,000 30,000 4,000 10,000 12,000 11,000 25,000 20,000 30,000 3,000 100 1 1 2 8 2 6 3 2 3 2 2 4 6 9 9 4 6 6 4 Lb. 18 5 2 1 32 6 10 7 5 7 2 6 20 26 10 15 9 150 6 £ s. d. 0 15 0 10 0 1 0 0 0 15 0 10 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 10 0 0 15 0 15 0 0 10 0 2 0 0 2 10 0 £ s. d. 112 10 0 50 0 0 2 10 0 2 12 6 90 0 0 7 10 0 90 0 0 18 15 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 4 0 0 20 0 0 24 0 0 5 10 0 18 15 0 25 0 0 15 0 0 6 0 0 0 5 0 1 Good growth for this ) species. Very good growth. j- Good sturdy plants. | Very strong & healthy. Do not all germinate first season. Germination fair; good growth. Promises well. Steady and even growth throughout. | Good growth. Strong and healthy. Pair growth. 602,100 528 7 6

(First Crop.) Name of Tree. Common Name. Habitat. Estimated Number in Seed-beds. I Number transplanted in Nursery. Size Value in I per Inches.' Thousand. I Total Value. Remarks. Abies exoelsa Abies menziesii Abies douglassi Larix europea Spruce fir Menzies's spruce Oregon pine Larch Europe.. America Tyrol .. 36,000 35,000 80,000 200,000 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 s. 0 5 5 5 d. 0 0 0 0 £ 36 43 100 250 s. 0 15 0 0 d. 0 0 0 0 Growth too slow for transplanting the first - year, and extreme heat of summer causes a , good few deaths. Pinus insignis Remarkable pine America 150 200 12] 1 2 0 0 0 0 [ 0 11 0 Pinus austriaoa Pinus larioio Austrian pine Corsican pine Europe.. Corsica.. 14,000 124,500 18,500 4 4 ( 2 1 9 0 0 n 0 0 0 249 0 [■51 0 0 0 Very even ; good growth. Pinus bentbamiana .. Pinus ponderosa Pinus strobus Bentham's pine.. Yellow pine Weymouth pine.. America 20,000 6,750 3,500 7 3 3 2 1 1 5 5 5 0 0 0 7 25 8 17 0 8 6 0 9 Have done well so far. Acer pseudo-plantamis Betula alba Grevillea robusta Sycamore English birch Silky oak Europe.. Australia 8,500 85,000 450 17,000 12 1 12 18 0 1 1 10 15 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 | 36 85 9 2 0 0 6 0 0 | Pine sturdy plants. Sequoia sempervirens Juglans regia Redwood Walnut America Persia .. 3,000 2,000 11,500 650 12 f 10 1 3 3 2 3 0 15 5 5 0 0 0 0 1 52 f 6 2 12 6 6 Splendid growth, and well rooted. Ulmus campestris English elm Europe.. 150 250 18] 1 9, 10 10 0 0 1 ° 17 0 Raised from outtings. Querous pedunoulata.. English oak » 450 18 2 0 0 0 18 0 Not suitable for the district. Total 491,000 176,550 962 4 9 667,550

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Schedule C 2 .—Two-year-old Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, etc. —Grown at Rotorua Nursery, 1899-1900. (First Crop.)

128

(First Crop.) Number Number in Nursery Lines. Size Value Name. Common Name. Habitat. in in per Total Value. Remarks. Seed-beds. Inches. Hundred. £ s. d. £ s. d. Bambusa gracilis Bamboo India 130 36 3 15 0 4 17 6 [ Grows with great Bambusa variegata Bamboo u 90 36 3 15 0 3 7 G j" vigour here. Bignonia radicans Trumpet-flower .. America 130 18 3 15 0 i 17 6 Berberis vulgaris.. Barberry Europe 125]000 18 0 1 0 62 10 0 Eor hedge purCryptomeria elegans Elegant cedar Japan 300 12 2 10 0 7 10 0 poses; does well. Cupressus lawsoniana Lawson's cypress.. America 1,800 12 0 5 0 4 10 0 Does well here. Oastanea vesoa Spanish chestnut.. Europe 50 10 0 6 6 0 3 3 Cy tisus laburnum Laburnum 400 30 0 5 0 1 0 0 Oerasus lusitanica Portugal laurel .. Portugal 1^200 8 0 12 6 7 10 0 | Sturdy growth. Cerasus lauro-oerasus Common laurel .. Levant 1,900 8 0 15 0 14 5 0 Cotoneaster miorophylla .. Rose box Nepaul "25 25 3 15 0 0 18 9 Chamaerops excelsa Ean-palm China 600 6 1 15 0 10 10 0 Well adapted for Cordyline australis Cabbage-tree New Zealand 25,000 19|000 15 1/6 and 4/56 15 0 pumice soil. Cordyline hookerii Toi 8,000 12,000 8 4/- and 6/6 55 0 0 Very fine plants. Coprosma luoida.. Karamu 300 10 0 5 0 0 15 0 Clianthus puniceus Glory pea 300 8 3 15 0 11 5 0 Mostly in pots ; Clematis (native species) .. Clematis 400 18 3 15 0 15 0 0 transpl'nt badly. Dianella intermedia Elax-lily 10 18 0 1 0* 0 10 0 Dacrydium cupressinum .. Rimu 25 12 0 0 9* 0 18 9 Deutzia scabra Rough deutzia Japan 50 18 3 15 0 1 17 6 Elaegnus japonica Oleaster // 233 10 1 5 0 2 18 3 Euonymus japonica Spindle-tree // 250 10 2 10 0 6 5 0 Eugenia ugni Chilian guava Chili 100 12 2 10 0 2 10 0 Eraxinus excelsior English ash Europe 100 12f 3 0 0 3 0 0 Tall stems for Griselinia littoralis Broadleaf New Zealand 133 10 0 3 6 0 4 8 grafting with Gaultheria (varieties) Snowberry „ "50 12 5 0 0 2 10 0 weeping vaGynerium argenteum Pampass grass South America 125 36 3 15 0 4 13 9 riety. Hoheria populnea Ribbonwood New Zealand 100 12 2 10 0 2 10 0 Hydrangea hortensis Hydrangea Japan 75 12 3 15 0 2 16 3 Juglans cinerea Butternut America 150 18 2 10 0 3 15 0 Phyllocladus trichomanoides Celery pine New Zealand 6 18 0 1 0* 0 6 0 Philadelphus coronarius .. Mock orange Europe 25 15 3 15 0 0 18 9 Plantanus orientalis Plane-tree Levant 7,825 30 . 2 10 0 195 12 6 Splendid straight stuff for streetPhormium tenax (varieties) Native flax New Zealand 200 36 3 15 0 7 10 0 planting. Podocarpus dacrydioides .. Kahikatea „ 150 8 2 10 0 3 15 0 Collected plants. Pyrus aucuparia Rowan-tree Europe 500 12 1 5 0 6 5 0 Does well here. Pittosporum (varieties) Matipo New Zealand 2,000 12 0 4 0 4 0 0 Retinospera plumosa Feathery cypress.. Japan 500 12 2 5 0 11 5 0 ) Good healthy j" growth. Retinospera squarrosa Squarrose cypress » 250 12 2 5 0 5 12 6 Retinospera ericoides Heath-like cypress // 775 12 1 15 0 13 11 3 Rosa hybrida 1. Hybrid roses Garden origin 100 15 3 10 0 3 10 0 Sophora tetraptera Kowhai New Zealand 120 9 0 4 6 0 5 5 Senecio (varieties) Leatherleaf „ 50 18 0 1 0* 2 10 0 | Soil rather light Veronica (varieties) Koromiko „ 200 15 3 15 0 7 10 0 j for these. Viburnum opulus Guelder rose Europe 200 12 2 10 0 5 0 0 Yucca gloriosa Adam's needle Amerioa 8 24 0 1 6* 0 12 0 Various native plants 204 12 0 1 0* 10 4 0 Mostly collected plants in pots. Herbaoeous plants, bulbs, 4,700 0 10 0 23 10 0 Obtained gratis. tubers, &c Total 162,836 52,903 597 1 1 215,789 * Each. 1 Feet.

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Schedule C 3 .— One-year-old Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, etc. —Grown at Rotorua Nursery, 1899-1900. (Second Crop.)

17—C. 1.

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(Second Crop.) Name. Common Name. Habitat. Estimated Number "Value per Hundred. Total Value. Remarks, raised. • £ s. d. £ s. d. Aralia sieboldtii .. Angelica-tree Japan 7,000 0 5 0 17 10 0 Does well in this district. Aesculus hippocastanum .. Horse-chestnut Asia 260 1 0 0 2 12 0 Arbutus menziesii Madrona America 100 0 10 0 0 10 0 Very handsome ; rare tree. Benthamia fragifera Indian strawberry-tree India 250 1 0 0 2 10 0 Carpodetus serratus Putaputaweta New Zealand 2,000 0 5 0 5 0 0 Clianthus puniceus Glory pea „ 800 0 10 0 4 0 0 Chamacrops excelsa Pan-palm China 1,000 0 15 0 7 10 0 Celmisia (varieties) Cotton plant.. New Zealand 300 3 0 0 9 0 0 Soil rather light and dry in summer for these. Cordyline indivisa Toi „ 7,500 0 10 0 37 10 0 Fine healthy plants. Cordyline australis Cabbage-tree.. „ 10,000 0 1 6 7 10 0 Goprosma luoida.. Karamu „ 300 1 5 0 3 15 0 Clematis ligustrifolia Virgin's bower Europe ' .. 750 0 10 0 3 15 0 Cotoneaster simmondsii .. Rose box India 2,000 0 4 0 4 0 0 Handsome berry-bearing shrub. Castanea vesca Spanish ohestnut Europe 1,000 0 4 0 2 0 0 Callistemon rigidus Bottle-brush Australia 200 1 0 0 2 0 0 Cryptomeria elegans Elegant cedar Lawson's cypress Japan 500 1 10 0 7 10 0 Does well here. Cupressus lawsoniana America 10,000 0 4 0 20 0 0 Cupressus torulosa Twisted cypress Nepaul 3,500 0 4 0 7 0 0 Cytisus (varieties) Ornamental laburnums Europe 750 0 4 6 1 13 9 Very ornamental. Dacrydum bidwilii Mountain pine New Zealand 12 0 1 0* 0 12 0 ) Dacrydium westlandicum Westland pine „ 24 0 1 0* 1 4 0 [■ Collected plants. Dracophlyllum (varieties).. Inaka „ 200 2 0 0 4 0 0 J Escallonia macrantha Chilian gum box Chili 200 1 10 0 3 0 0 Fourcroya gigantea Giant lily Mexico 100 1 10 0 1 10 0 Prom seed. Griselinia littoralis Broadleaf New Zealand 1,500 0 3 0 2 5 0 Gaultheria oppositifolia .. Snowberry „ 75 0 1 0* 3 15 0 Perhaps the finest floweringshrub in New Zealand. Libocedrus doniana Kawaka 50 2 10 0 1 5 0 Ligustrum lucidum Privet Japan 10,000 0 1 6 7 10 0 For hedge purposes. Myrtus cullata Myrtle New Zealand 50 1 10 0 0 15 0 Metrosideros buchananii .. Buchanan's rata 50 5 0 0 2 10 0 Yellow-flowered. Metrosideros lucida Rata (southern) „ 200 2 10 0 5 0 0 Very hardy, bright - scarlet flowers. Melioytus lanceolatus Hinahina „ 2,500 0 4 0 5 0 0 Handsome shrub. Olearia (varieties) Daisy-tree „ 350 1 5 0 4 7 6 Pittosporum buchananii .. Buchanan's pittosporum „ 10,000 0 1 6 7 10 0 ] Pittosporum craasifolium.. Pittosporum tenui folium .. Thick-leaved pittosporum Matipo 2,500 10,000 0 0 4 1 0 6 5 7 0 10 0 0 I For hedge purposes chiefly. Picea magnifica Magnificent fir America 75 1 0 0 0 15 0 ) Pioea nordmanniana Nordmann's fir Crimea 400 0 15 0 3 0 0 Germination fair, growth good. Populus tremula Aspen Britain 1,200 0 10 0 6 0 0 | From cuttings. Plantanus orientalis Plane-tree Levant 2,700 0 15 0 20 5 0 Piptanthus nepalensie Evergreen laburnum.. Nepaul 250 1 0 0 2 10 0 Pimelia (varieties) Tough bark New Zealand 25 0 0 9* 0 18 9 Phyllocladus triohomanoides Celery pine 200 3 15 0 7 10 0 • Collected plants. Quintinia serrata Kumarahou „ 125 3 15 0 4 3 9 Retinospera leptoclada Japan 100 1 10 0 1 10 0 Retinospera eriooides Heath-like cypress » 750 1 0 0 7 10 0 -From cuttings. Retinospera plumosa i. Plumed cypress 500 1 10 0 7 10 0 Retinospera squarrosa Squarrose cypress 200 1 10 0 3 0 0 Raphiolepsis indioa Indian hawthorn India 1,000 0 10 0 5 0 0 ; Rosa hybrida Hybrid roses.. Garden origin 350 2 10 0 8 15 0 From outtings, for Sanatorium grounds. Seneeio (varieties) Spartium junceum Leatherleaf New Zealand 75 2 10 0 1 17 6 Spanish broom Spain 1,000 0 5 0 2 10 0 Very good growth. Sophora (var. grandiflorum) Larged-flowered Kowhai New Zealand 500 0 8 0 2 0 0 Veronica (varieties) Korimiko „ 350 3 15 0 13 2 6 Includes rimu, rewarewa, matai, Various native plants „ 500 3 15 0 18 15 0 totara, &c. Total 96,321 324 11 9 * Bach.

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APPENDIX VII.—THERMAL SPRINGS.

E O T O E D A. The Baths. The following are the works carried out in connection with the baths at Eotorua during the year ending the 31st March, 1900. Before enumerating the work done, it perhaps would be as well to note the different causes leading to the undertaking of some of the works. The Pavilion baths include ten ladies' and ten gentlemen's private baths, one gentlemen's and one ladies' public baths, also one ladies' swimming-bath, and they are all supplied with water from the Eachel cauldron. Priest Baths. The Priest baths are also in the same block of buildings. These baths comprise two public and two private baths for ladies, and three public and two private baths for gentlemen. The waters supplying all of these baths rise from the underground springs, but are governed by the rise and fall of Eotorua Lake. There being a breach in the natural embankment dividing the lake from the Ohau Channel, the waters of Lake Eotorua flow very rapidly through it, so that during the last few years the outflow has been so great as to gradually lower the lake-level to such an extent that in January, 1898, the waters in the Priest baths fell below the level of the tail-race, and, there being no outflow, the waters became stagnant and low in temperature. In the May following a new timber tail-race was put down from the public baths at as low a level as could be got into the lake at the time. This had the result of giving a good circulation to and increasing the temperature of the water in the baths from 86° to 106°. In the December following, the lake-level still falling, there was only 10 in. of water to bathe in in the public Priest baths. The bottom of the baths was dug out, and a depth of 23 in. of water got to bathe in. In February last the waters of the lake had gradually lowered to such a level that there was again only 9 in. to 10 in. of water in the public Priest baths, and no circulation, as the level of the baths had fallen below the timber tail-race put down in May, 1898. This again necessitated a further sinking of the public Priest baths, and another tail-race being put down at an 18 in. lower level than that fixed in May, which at once gave a fresh circulation of the waters and a rise in the temperature, which the baths required. The sheath piling has been strengthened, and 280 ft. of glazed socket-pipe tail-race put in. The private Priest baths had not been deepened and treated as the public ones, so that the waters which, rose in them became cold and percolated below the sheath piling (dividing them from the public Priest baths) into the public Priest baths, which reduced the temperature and also necessitated tail-race drains to them, which was carried out; but these private baths could not be sunk lower or to the required depth, on account of the sheath piling round them not being driven deep enough. This further piling should be done, as till then the private baths are of little use. To keep down the inflow of cold water from the private baths into the public Priest baths an ejector has to be continually at work. The private Priest baths have been cleared out, and 430 ft. of glazed socket-pipe tail-race laid down from them into the lake. The douche-baths in connection with the ladies' and gentlemen's Priest baths have been renewed with pipes and valves, and the general repairs and maintenance attended to. The buildings enclosing the Priest baths are constructed of wood, and are considerably destroyed by the acid vapours rising from the hot water. In contemplation of the erection of new buildings, only the most urgent works required to keep the baths in use should be done. Rachel Baths. The iron supply-pipes from the Eachel cauldron to the ladies' swimming, douche, public and private Eachel baths have been renewed in places, and kept in good order. The floors around the public baths have been reconcreted, and the iron supply-pipes (inside the building) have been boxed in. This secures the valves from being tampered with, and forms a comfortable seat. The inside walls and roofs of these baths have been cleaned and lime-washed, and the dressing-boxes (back walls) painted. Bepairs have had to be done to both the ladies' and gentlemen's public Eachel baths, the ground-plates of which are rotten. The buildings enclosing the private Eachel baths, waiting-rooms, offices, and ladies' swimmingbath are in fair condition, with the exception of part of the roofs, which require renewing. If the building were thoroughly well painted inside and outside it would keep in good condition for some years. Blue Bath. The cement work of the bath has been repaired. Underneath the Blue bath is a cave with strong sulphur vapours. These vapours are led by pipes into what is called the Sulphur Vapour bath. The action of the vapours on the cement decomposes it, and cracks the floor and walls causing leakage. This leakage stops the working of the Sulphur Vapour bath. It will have tc be reconstructed before next season. There is sufficient fall from the bottom of the bath to the lake to empty the bath by gravitation, instead of by gravitation and ejector combined, and this should be attended to before next season.

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Lake Roto-Ma.

Track up Ngongotaha Mountain from Pukeroa Reserve.

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Three new brick sumps have been built to receive the hot water from the Oruawhata Spring or Malfroy Geyser, which supplies the bath. From these sumps 3 in. cast-iron pipes with valves have been carried to supply the swimming- and douche-baths. 400 ft. of 3 in. cast-iron pipes have been carried from a sump by the doctor's residence, where it branches by glazed socket-pipes leading to coolmg-tanks, as well as supplying the doctor's private bath. Oruawhata Spring and Malfroy Geyser Owing to the action of the acid waters the concrete on the floor covering the spring perished and cracked. 30 cubic yards of cement was used in repairing it, and since this has been done there is an abundant supply of water for the Blue bath. The buildings and fences around the Blue bath should be renewed, as they are out of date and place with their new artistic surroundings. Postmaster Baths. The buildings erected around these baths should be improved. The maintenance and general repairs have been attended to. Fixing cast-iron pipes in place of the glazed socket-pipes on the lower level requires to be done. These pipes supply the hot water to the douche-baths, and are constantly bursting, although bedded in cement concrete, and require constant attention. The waters supplying the baths are plentiful, and keep steadily to the required temperature. Spout Baths, Whakarewarewa. These baths have been reroofed with P. and B. felt, all doors repaired, rehung, and secured with new locks. These baths are greatly patronised by the public, and until lately no charge was made for their use. On account of this, bathers, although prizing the waters, abuse the privileges allowed to them. They leave the baths in a dirty state, and on more than one occasion the doors have been burst open before a bather would trouble to call for a key at the caretaker's. Even when they got beys some forgot to return them, causing endless trouble. The caretaker cannot be always at the baths, as he has other duties to attend to. Number of Baths. The number of baths taken during the year at all baths was 51,507, or 2,639 more than last year. No record of baths at Whakarewarewa was taken, or of free baths by Sanatorium patients. The greatest number of baths was taken in January, 8,419, and the least number in August, 1,463. Agent's Residence, Botorua. During the year this residence was thoroughly fumigated, painted, papered, &e. The place had got into disrepair, and it was very necessary that it should be renovated. Other Buildings. A cottage of six rooms for the attendant at the Postmaster bath was built; also a new fireengine shed. New closets at the baths are now being put in. Sanatorium Buildings. Drain-pipes, sewage-tank, valves, and ejectors, &c., have been repaired ; pigeon-holes and filecases, and table made for surgery ; new batteries fixed to electric bells ; nest of drawers and shelving fitted up in surgery (which entailed a great amount of work); twenty-eight glazed notice frames made (for doctor's fees and the periods for opening baths). A great amount of small jobs were done which cannot be enumerated or are too numerous to mention. A new observatory was made for the doctor for his meteorological instruments. General maintenance was well looked after. Removal and Re-erection op Library at Rotorua. The old library from Ohinemutu was shifted down to near the post-office and an addition made to it. This is now called the Victoria Institute, and is a good serviceable building. The work has cost £255. Horse Paddock. During the year this paddock has been ploughed, rolled, sown, &c. Two iron tanks have been erected, and general maintenance attended to. Doctor's Paddock. This paddock has been cleared, ploughed, rolled, and sown. 32 chains of fencing has als been erected, and general maintenance attended to. New Outlet, Lake Rotorua. Owing to the water in the lake (Rotorua) having fallen so low as to affect the baths in Rotorua, and impede boat-traffic into Rotoiti Lake, a scheme was proposed to close the present outlet and cut a new one through a rocky bluff and into the old Ohau Channel. The engineering survey of this has been done, and also of the eastern shore of the lake, a total distance of 1 mile 11-30 chains. Plans, quantities, tracings, and estimate have been compiled.

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Rotorua Water-supply. Engineering survey plans, &c., have been prepared of the above to a distance of 1 mile 40 chains from the present inlet to the tunnel; also sections have been made of a proposed dam. This gives a rise of 34 ft. above the present reservoir, and a total of 131 ft. above the pipe-level at the Rotorua Post-office. Taupo Domain (Plantation, Baths, etc.). A timber contract for 6,350 superficial feet for A.C. bath will be completed in a few days. It is proposed to call for tenders for conveying timber, - clearing site, and re-erecting A.C. bath, also laying out and planting domain. Tokaanu Baths and Water-supply. The authority for the expenditure of £5OO on this work has been received. It is proposed to erect two bathing-sheds as soon as possible, which will meet all present requirements. A. C. Turner, Road Surveyor.

SEWERAGE AND ELECTRIC LIGHTING AT ROTORUA. The drainage-works, including collecting-tank, town sewers, outfall sewer, filter-beds, are all completed and ready for the connections as soon as the pumping-plant and power are available. A contract was let to the Brush Electrical Engineering Company for generating electrical power for the purpose of driving the pumps and lighting the streets and buildings in Rotorua. The streets, public buildings, gardens, Sanatorium, and baths will be supplied with lamps and lighted from the mains by the Government. All private buildings, hotels, &c., will be supplied with the necessary current from the mains on a scale of charges, the proprietors of the buildings finding their own lamps and fixings. The power is generated at the Okeri Falls on the Kaituna Eiver, at the outlet of the Rotoiti Lake, where a very large supply of water is available for driving the turbines at a low level, the actual distance of the tail-water of the turbines from the inlet at the head of the Burning being only about 160 ft., and thus the upkeep of the usual waterraces required for the conveyance of water for power purposes is rendered unnecessary. Two Waverley single-discharge turbines, capable of developing 100-horse power each, and fitted with King's patent high-speed centrifugal automatic governor, are employed to drive the two dynamos, and the electrical current thus generated is conveyed by overhead copper wires to Eotorua, a distance of thirteen miles. The dynamos are of Morley's patent inductor alternator type, single.phase, with all the necessary fittings and switch-boards. The work of excavating the site for the dynamo-house is now being carried out, and tenders have been invited for the necessary housing—viz., generator-house at Okere Ealls (timber framing, covered with galvanised iron), house for electrician in charge of plant at Okere Falls (timber), and pump and motor-house at Rotorua (brick). The contractors' representative is now on the ground superintending the erection of the line and the wiring of the public buildings, while the turbines, dynamos, motors, and pump are expected to arrive shortly from England and Australia, and the whole work should be in runningorder in four months. R. Hay, Engineer in Charge.

HANMEE PLAINS. During the past year there has been a steady increase of visitors, and in the number of baths taken, as compared with last year. 2,046 people visited the baths, and 15,891 baths were taken, showing 103 more visitors and 1,357 more baths taken than last year. There have been a great many improvements made during the year in the baths, Sanatorium, and grounds. The additions consisted of the erection of a new bath-house, reconstruction of the Men's Pool enclosure, and the erection of a gas-holder. Gas-collectors have been put in several springs to collect the gas for the gas-holder. Nos. 1 and 8 tanks have been re-covered with 2 in. totara planks. A wash-house and men's cottage, with store-room attached, have been built, and a 10 ft. path to Pavilion has been made, and with this increase of bath accommodation we should now be able to supply four hundred baths daily. Impkovements and New Wokk. The gas-holder is 16 ft. diameter and 7 ft. high ; it is capable of holding 1,800 ft. of gas. This is collected from five springs, and is carried in pipes to the gas-holder, where it is stored for the lighting-up of the Sanatorium and cottage and bath-houses. Gas-stoves and a large cooking-range have been put in the Sanatorium, so that cooking is now done with natural gas from the springs; and the rooms are heated from the same source. This will be a saving in fuel and labour. A drinking-pavilion has been erected over No. 3 spring, 21 ft. by 16 ft., with fount and pump, and seats have been arranged around the building. This place is very much used by the people drinking the mineral water. The old enclosure around the men's swimming-pool and dressing-sheds has been removed, and a new enclosure made, with twelve new dressing-rooms ; a concrete floor has been laid around the top of the pool, and awnings have been erected to keep the sun off the bathers in hot weather. This pool is very much used by the public and Sanatorium visitors. A wash-house and store-room at the back of cottage have been built 22 ft. by 12 ft., and two 18-gallon boilers have been set, and wash-tubs with water laid on from the main race to

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Okeri Falls—Power-station for Electric Lighting, Rotorua.

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wash-house have been provided. This will now make the washing of the towels more convenient than it has been in the past. The two-roomed cottage for the gardener is 22 ft. by 12 ft. It has been put up on No. 4 section. This section is intended for a fruit and vegetable garden and plantation for the Sanatorium. The new bath-house is 52 ft. by 22 ft., with eleven rooms, eight of which are fitted up for bath-rooms. There are five porcelain baths, two iron enamelled baths, and one Turkish bath, and each has a hot and cold shower attached. The hot water is pumped by a Pelton wheel to a tank in the roof of the bath-house for the hot showers at a temperature of 110°, and the heat supplied for the Turkish baths is from the natural gas of the springs. All provision is being made for the working of these baths. The addition to the Sanatorium consists of thirteen rooms for the accommodation of secondclass patients. There are nine bedrooms, dining-room, a large sitting-room, larder, store-room, and lumber-room. This was a house that was very much wanted. A great number of applications for accommodation were refused last year through want of room, and the time is not far distant when more second-class accommodation will have to be provided. The Sanatorium is under the management of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald and family, and they have given every satisfaction to the people who have stayed there. There have been 600 ft. of 4 in. drainpipes laid to a creek at the back of the Sanatorium for drainage and sewage, a complete system of drainage being established. Garden and Geounds. These are now in good order. Some of the lawns, bowling- and tennis-grounds will require top-dressing this spring. There has been no tree-planting done this year. The young trees in the new plantation will require attention next season in the way of pruning and cleaning. They have done well considering the poor nature of the soil. The heavy frosts of last winter damaged the macrocarpa fence, and some of the trees in the springs grounds. New Work now on Hand. Grubbing, clearing, fencing, and subsoil-ploughing Water-race Reserve from the Springs to Dog Creek, 50 chains by 3 chains, for plantation. Also, grubbing and clearing No. 4 Section (10 acres) for orchard and garden and plantation. This is a good piece of land, and well adapted for a garden for the Sanatorium. A new asphalt tennis-court, on the west side of the springs enclosure, is being laid down. Gas is being laid on to the three bath-houses, and garden-seats will be placed about the grounds.

Baths. The total numbers of baths taken for each month during 1899-1900, under the different headings, were as follows :–

This shows an increase of 1,351 in the number of baths taken last year, and £44 16s. 2d. more in bath-fees, which proves that the baths are getting more popular each year. J. Rogers, Caretaker.

SANATORIUM. The number of guests who visited the Sanatorium during the year was 324, consisting of 149 first-class, 108 second-class, fifteen children under thirteen years of age, and seven children under three years of age. The amount of money taken and paid in to the Public Account was £922 19s. lid. This, together with £lO due to the Sanatorium for free accommodation, amounted to £932 19s. lid . The expenses were as follows: Meat, £lll 13s. 9d.; bread and grocery, £267 9s. 2d.; fruit and vegetables, £43 65.; carriage of goods, £55 ss. 5d.; salary and wages, £245 9s. 9d.; horses,

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— Is. 8d. 6d. Sanatorium Free Pools. Free Baths. Totals. Bath-fees for each Month. 1899. £ 8. d. April 17 1,312 332 216 1,877 52 2 6 May 2 338 188 103 631 17 11 2 June 3 233 56 29 321 10 8 10 July 6 225 13 10 254 6 8 4 August 10 265 4 10 289 10 19 8 September... 8 393 51 71 523 15 0 0 October 7 927 222 174 1,330 38 11 2 November... 17 1,109 259 248 1,633 46 5 10 December ... 14 1,235 564 148 54 2,015 60 4 10 1900. January ... 26 1,908 775 205 27 2,941 85 12 0 February ... 6 1,288 297 130 102 1,823 52 14 10 March 10 1,554 391 249 50 2,254 61 17 2 Total 126 10,787 3,152 1,593 233 15,891 £457 17 4

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dray, and harness, £9l 7s. ; firewood, £42 6s. 3d.; hardware, furniture, &c., £lOB 3s. Bd.: total, £965 Is. This appears to show a loss of £32 Is. Id. ; but from the £965 Is. should be deducted the cost of the horses, dray, harness, furniture, &c., £199 10s. Bd., which still remain, thus showing a profit of £167 9s. 7d. towards the payment of interest and sinking fund on the capital invested in the buildings and land. Remarks. The grounds round the Sanatorium have been kept in good order all the season, and are now looking well. Natural gas is burnt all through the building, and gas-stoves are also to be placed in the rooms. Two horses and a spring-dray have been purchased, and are very useful. Additions have been built to the Sanatorium during the summer, and these are now ready to accommodate twelve second-class visitors, leaving the front of the building entirely for first-class visitors. D. McDonald, Caretaker.

APPENDIX VIII.—"WANGANUI EIYEE WOBKS.

IMPROVING THE NAVIGATION OF THE WANGANUI RIVER. Report by the Wanganui River Trust. For the year from the Ist April, 1899, to the 31st March, 1900, the expenditure has been £1,691 19s. 2d. This makes the total expenditure by the Wanganui River Trust since its inauguration in 1891 to the 31st March, 1900, amount to £7,935 Bs. sd. An amount of £135 2s. sd. has been received from river dues for the year. The amount received this year from Government and lodged at bank at Wanganui to the River Trust Fund Account up to the 31st March, 1900, was £1,250. A 4-horse-power oil-motor winch was got from San Francisco for use of the works, at a cost of £l5O delivered at Wanganui. This has been fitted on to one of the punts, and has given satisfaction, and has been found to effect a great saving of labour and time on the works. The river service bi-weekly between Wanganui and Pipiriki has been kept up during the year by the steamers of Messrs. A. Hatrick and Co., additional trips being also made as required for traffic. The small steamer has also frequently made a short trip with tourists, in the mornings of the sailing-days, for about six miles above Pipiriki (where the scenery is exceptionally fine) before she started downwards to Wanganui. The river was exceptionally low for some time, especially in the month of February ; but their smallest steamer, the " Ohura" (77 ft. long by 12 ft. beam, twin turbine screws), kept up the service regularly notwithstanding. The larger boats of this company —the " Manuwai," 105 ft. long by 18 ft. beam, stern wheel, and the " Wairere," 95ft. long by 14ft. beam, side wheels—ran frequently when the water was somewhat higher. There was a large tourist traffic in the season, and this traffic is evidently on the increase. The principal work during the year has been between Pipiriki and the Tangarakau junction. A portion of the papa reef on the Lower Paparoa Rapid, just above Pipiriki, has been blasted and removed to widen the channel here ; also snags lodged in some of the rapids above this removed; and at Mangaio Rapid the channel widened by blasting and removing a large rock and some boulders on the right bank. A very large inbedded rata snag was also taken out here, 50 ft. long and 7 ft. diameter, requiring two punts to lift it. A large amount of work has been done on the Upper Ngaporo Rapid, putting in guiding-walls and dredging and taking boulders out of channel. A training-wall was put in at the rapid just below the Manganui-o-te-ao junction. At Arawhata Rapid a new channel was opened up on the left bank and boulders taken out, and the channel on right bank blocked, so as to turn more water into new channel. At Puahue Rapid a training-wall was put in to confine water to channel. A papa reef was blasted out and removed from channel at Tieke. Four hundred and fifty lineal feet of training-walls were put in this year in the part of river referred to above Pipiriki. The portion of the river Pipiriki to Tangarakau Junction is now good for summer levels for steamers of the " Ohura " class when a small addition is made to wall at Ngaporo and trainingwalls completed at Otaiko and Opopo Rapids, and from the channels being now cleared is also safe for the large steamers when the water is 1 ft. to 2 ft. above summer level. Above the Tangarakau Junction one punt was at work in the latter part of the year, and cleared the channels of timber and snags to Reperepe Rapid, about a mile and a half above the junction, there being a large amount of timber in this part. At Pipiriki Wharf a concrete facing was put on top of a portion at outer end to give a clean landing for goods. Below Pipiriki the punts and derricks were during the winter put in repair by the foreman of works.

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A large number of boulders were taken out at Motoa Rapid, and also at Kaiwaka Rapid ; a protective stone wall was put along right bank at Ruapirau Rapid to conserve the channel. A considerable number of snags and boulders were taken out of rapids and channels further down to improve the low-water navigation. The greater part of the work of opening out a new and improved channel on the left bank of river at the Upokopoito Rapid has been done. 525 lineal feet of protective and training walls have been put in the portion of river referred to below Pipiriki during the year. Mr. Allan Marshall has acted as foreman of works for the River Trust during the year in au efficient manner. The river from Wanganui up to Pipiriki and onwards to the Tangarakau Junction, eighty-four miles from Wanganui (with the slight exception of the completion of the few works before mentioned as unfinished above Pipiriki), is now fairly equable in state in the low levels of river, and is available for the lighter steamers carrying passengers and some cargo at all times, and for the larger steamers when the river is 1 ft. to 2 ft. or over above the low summer level, which it is for a great part of the year, both continuously for considerable periods, and at intervals for shorter periods during the drier season. To improve the river for the larger steamers to go up with cargo at the very low levels of water would be a large undertaking, but it is evident that to meet increasing traffic, as required in the low levels of r ver, more boats of the description of the " Ohura " (now running successfully in low river), or boats of a similar class specially designed for such states of river, could be put on for cargo or passengers as required, as well as arranging for the bulk of the heavy-cargo traffic to go when the larger boats can run, which they can now do when the river is much lower than they could some years ago. It will be well, however, while maintaining the channels, to keep improving from time to time this portion of the river so as to facilitate more the low-season traffic. A great improvement has in this manner been effected during the last few years. The operations of the River Trust have been necessarily limited by the means at their disposal from year to year. There is a fine new steamer from the works of Messrs. Yarrow, at London, now being put together at Wanganui for the up-river trade by the Wanganui Settlers' River Steamship Company (Limited). Her dimensions are 100 ft. long by 16ft. beam, with side paddle-wheels. In view of increasing traffic it would be advisable to provide a second small wharf at Pipiriki, at a sufficient distance above the present wharf to allow for clearance for steamers lying at the wharves there. The utilising of the clearing of the Wanganui by opening up roads leading to the river on both sides from suitable places where settlement is going on has before been referred to. The opening up of light navigation in tributaries, such as the Tangarakau River, will also feed and utilise the river traffic. There is also a prospect of settlement at the Retaruke River, on the left bank of the Wanganui River, 104 miles above Wanganui, for which the river traffic would be of great value ; and further up the Ohura Valley, on the right bank, as the improvement and clearing of the river proceeds up to there. In last year's report this was mentioned as being quite feasible, and of no unusual difficulty to accomplish. While the settlements need direct road-communication with main centres such as Wanganui, still the river will serve a belt of country along both sides of its course economically, more especially for carriage of goods and produce, while as a tourist route it will always be important. The Chairman, Mr. T. D. Cummins, with two of the members of the River Trust and myself, went up the river in a canoe from the junction of the Ohura (which is 110 miles from Wanganui) as far as Taumaranui, at the junction of the Ongaruhe River, where the North Island Main Central Railway route passes. This is about 136 miles by the river from Wanganui. I append a schedule note of observations made on the rapids and river during this expedition. Generally the river is capable of improvement in a similar manner to the portions already reported upon. The rise of the river course is more, and the rapids more numerous. It will be observed that in the upper river from the Ohura Junction to a few miles below Taumaranui there has been noted a general freedom (except in a few instances as mentioned) from lodged timber and snags in the river. This is different from the portion of the river which has already been cleared, from the Tangarakau Junction down to the tidal waters, where a very great deal of heavy timber and snags, ■ the accumulation of ages, has been cleared out all along the river course to get a clear channel. The work in the upper part now referred to will in a great measure consist of stonework, in blasting and removing large boulders and rocks, and in putting in training-walls of rough stone where required to direct and confine the water into the channels. There is a general abundance of stone available for this purpose in the vicinity of the works required, except in the few miles below Taumaranui, where the stone required will have to be brought from some distance. In these last few miles also the channels will require special attention, and will in some places be more liable to shift. The gorgy, confined character of the river continues from below upwards to about 123 miles from Wanganui ; and the general stability of the banks, owing to the papa formation on both sides, continues for some miles further up, and for the few miles remaining up to Taumaranui more care will be required to train the channels in the shallows. It may therefore be said that the river can be improved so as to be passable for suitable small light-draught steamers in summer levels up to Taumaranui, and the larger steamers will be able to go up safely after the river has been cleared in the channels whenever the water is 1 ft. 6 in. to 2 ft. above summer-level. At many of the rapids in this part of the river the steamers will require the aid of ropes worked by their small steam-winches, as they now do in the lower parts of the river. The good reaches, so favourable a feature of the river throughout, it will be observed continue to occur between the rapids in this upper part of the river, and altogether the Wanganui River will eventually, when improved, give a valuable highway for settlement and tourist-

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traffic purposes up to the railway-line at Taumaranui. The advantages for a tourist route of being able to join the railway and go onwards without going over the river again in returning, or otherwise by rail to Taumaranui and down the river, are obvious. The Ongaruhe is reported to be favourable for improving for light navigation for a considerable way above its junction with the Wanganui. The landing-place for Taumaranui will be a short way up the Ongaruhe from the junction. The Chairman of the River Trust has during the year given a large amount of time and attention to the works in progress, and also to exploration for future operations of the Trust. The soundings given are those taken on the shallows, the water at Pipiriki being at the time about 8 in. above summer level. It may be remarked that a fall in the level of water in the broad reaches between the rapids does not always imply an equal less depth of water on the rapids, as there the channels as the river falls become narrower and the water is thus more confined, and where this does not occur naturally it has been the object of the training-walls to assist in confining the water, while so acting in low levels of river only. I have prepared a map showing the Wanganui Eiver watershed, giving names of rapids along its course, which I forward herewith. Notes taken between the Junction of the Ohura River and Taumaranui, at the -Junction op the Ongaruhe Eiver (starting from the Ohura Junction and going up River. Mileage is from Wanganui by the River, and is approximate). Miles. 109|- River Ohura joins on right bank. Ohinemanuhiri: Slight run ; good water left bank. Good reach. Some stones on right bank. Te Kapara Rapid : Slight run ; small creek (Te Kapara) on left bank. Tutaeahua Rapid : Swift run ; channel right bank, shingle-bed left bank ; bare papa faces on right bank ; good water. Good reach. A Native kainga called Kakahi on right bank. Kakahi Rapid: Channel on right bank ; the shingle-bed on left bank keeps water over to channel; good water. Good reach. This is a fine reach. 111 Awamate No. 2 Rapid (1 ft. 9 in. water on shallow): Will require a training-wall to confine water; a stream on left bank called Awamate. Awamate No. 1 Rapid : About 10 chains above No. 2. Very swift run, with good drop ; good water; channel in centre at top, and turns sharp to right bank at foot against papa face; a shingle-bed on left bank at foot; some snags to take out. Good reach. Short. Rua-nga-rahu Rapid (1 ft. 8 in. -1 ft. 9 in.) : A swift run, extends across river ; rather shallow ; will require a training-wall; a quantity of stone on right bank. Good reach. A fairly long reach; stones on right bank; a Native kainga called Pehimahaki on left bank. 112 Te Puha Rapid : Runs against left bank; bold papa bluffs on left bank just below rapid; shingle-bed right bank ; some stones to clear out; a swift, long run ; good water; snags to clear out on left bank at top. Good reach. A Native kainga called Te Puha on left bank, at lower end of reach. A moderate run in the reach; good water, called Whakapiri. Good reach continues. Kokakoriki Rapid: Swift run; channel on left bank at papa face; some snags to clear; a moderate run some way above rapid. Good reach. A short way up reach a waterfall over two papa ledges is on left bank, called Kokakoriki; stones on left bank, bold papa face on right bank. Kirikau Rapid (2 ft.) : Shingle-bed on right bank just below rapid, channel on left bank; a swift run ; may require a short training-wall. Good reach. Since we left the Ohura Junction the river is very clear from lodged timber or snags. At head of this reach a long shingle-bed on right bank, and some stones on left bank. 113 Kairakau No. 2 Rapid : Swift run; goes from papa bluff on right bank towards papa face on left bank below; some snags to clear on left bank; the shingle-bed on right bank keeps water over and gives good water in channel. Good reach. Short. Kairakau No. 1 Rapid (1 ft. 6 in.-2 ft.): Channel in middle; swift run; a training-wall required to confine water; some boulders to clear on right bank; stones on right bank above rapid. Good reach. A stream on right bank. Owhawhe Rapid : Shingle-bed on left bank, stones on right bank; a swift run ; good water ; channel on right bank. Good reach. Otuiti Rapid : Channel against papa on left bank; good water. Good reach. A stream called Otuiti falls on right bank over two papa ledges. This is a picturesque fall. He Repu Rapid (Ift. 6in.-lft. 9in.) : Broad, shallow run; moderate current; will want a training-wall to confine water. The shallow run extends some way above rapid, and will here also want a training-wall. Good reach.

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Miles. 114 Whakapaenoa Rapid (Ift. 9in.): Swift run; channel on right bank against papa; a small shingle-bed on left bank ; will want a training-wall; some boulders to take out of channel. Short reach. Te Auroa Eapid : A long run ; will want a training-wall. A long, shallow reach ; will want training-wall continued up from top of the rapid wall. 115 Te Euawhakainga Eapid : A Native kainga of same name on left bank; a rapid run ; good water ; shingle-bed on right bank ; a shallow run above will want a training-wall; a large stream called Te Euawhakainga on left bank, a shingle-bed on right bank. A moderate run occurs here, with channel on left bank. Good reach. Te Ohu Eapid : Moderate run ; channel on left bank, small shingle-bed on right bank ; will require a training-wall. Good reach, with slight current; some stones on left bank; a stream, Te Ohu, comes in on left bank, falling over a papa ledge; a Native kainga called Te Ohu on left bank. There is a large rock in the river towards the left bank called Tokapihipihi. This rock is—or, rather, was, in the "good old times" —a " taniwha." A papa ledge opposite this narrows the river. This is a fine long reach ; some stones on both banks in parts of this reach. Tokapihepihe Eapid : Euns from left bank at top to right bank at foot; good water; shinglebed on right bank at top ; papa ledge on right bank below ; a swift run with a good fall; a run extends above to next rapid. Otutekawa Eapid (2 ft.): A shingle-bed on left bank below it. This is a swift run with a good drop. Short reach, with slight current and shingle-bed on right bank. The river all along here has generally papa faces or banks on both sides. Poukaria Eapid: Strong run; the current runs from right bank at top to left bank below ; channel on left bank, and shingle-bed on right bank; a lot of snags lying close to left bank ; a few snags to take out here ; good water; a Native kainga called Ohata on left bank above this rapid. Short reach, with slight current; then a small run in this reach, which continues some way up to next rapid. 116 Arataua Eapid (1 ft. 9 in.-2 ft.): A rock in middle to move ; channel on right bank, a shinglebed on left bank ; a training-wall required here for low river ; a swift run; a shallow run above will want a training-wall. Owhata Eapid (1 ft. 9 in.-2 ft.) : Swift run ; a shingle-bed on left bank extends below rapid ; remains of old eel-pas here ; a small stream called Oringaputanga on left bank; the current curves over from left bank above to the right bank below; some snags on right bank to clear; channel on right bank, with sharp turn; a shallow bar on top will want a training-wall; at top of rapid a Native kainga called Oringaputanga on right bank. A moderate run with large shingle-bed on right bank continues to the next rapid. 117 Koiro Eapid : Channel on left bank, shingle-bed on right bank ; swift run; good water; some papa reef on bottom to blast out, and boulders to clear out; a Native kainga called Koiro on right bank. Good reach. Name of this reach Koiro; the best water is on left bank ; slight current; the river continues very clear from lodged timber and snags. We camped a night at Koiro. There is cultivation and fruit-trees. We observed, however, the fruit-trees to be worn-out and neglected, and the fruit of little account ; and the same at other settlements we visited. If a number of young fruit-trees of good kinds were distributed among these settlements it would benefit them much, and the places are well sheltered and adapted for fruit-growing if attended to. Whatanuku Eapid (Ift. 6in.-lft. 9in.): Moderate run; stones on right bank, channel on left bank ; small shingle-bed above on right bank ; will want a training-wall. Good reach. Name of reach Waikirikiri; some stones on right bank, also at a point on left bank which narrows the river. The occurrence of stones along the banks at different places is noted on account of their value in construction of training-walls. At top of this reach the river narrows and runs in a narrow channel about 50 ft. wide with a thick papa ledge on right bank, coming well into river-bed, and covered in freshets. The name of this narrow run is Waiwhakata. This "narrow," runs for about 10 chains up to foot of the Paparoa Eapid. There is a very large quantity of large stones or boulders on the left bank. A swift run commences just below the rapid. Paparoa Eapid: See diagram No. 1. This channel runs betwefen a broad papa ledge on right bank and a rocky islet which has another channel between it and left bank. There is a waterfall on right bank at lower part of rapid, falling over a papa face. There is a good deal of work to be done here. It is proposed to widen channel AA in diagram by clearing some of the boulders off edge of islet, and also by blasting and removing a strip of the papa ledge on right bank, taking 6 ft. to 10 ft. wide off and about 15 ft. wide at the lower end. This will give a 35 ft. channel, length of cutting about 80 yards; also block top of the other channel which goes towards the left bank above the islet by filling up gaps at CC between the boulders now there, which already partially block this channel. There is a large amount of stone and 18—C. 1.

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Miles. boulders available lor this. There is good water in proposed channel, and it is fairly straight. The bottom at Bto be cleared.of stones and boulders. 118 Good reach. A fine reach; stones on left bank, papa face on right bank; towards top of reach more current, which extends to next rapid. Tiwhapaua Rapid : A strong run ; a shingle-bed on left bank in lower part; channel in middle ; papa ledge on right bank ; good water ; stones on left bank. Good reach. A Native kainga called Whenuatere on left bank; a small stream on left bank of same name. 119 Ohinepueru Rapid : A long run; a large stone in channel to move ; channel on right bank, a shingle-bed on left bank ; good water ; some boulders to clear out. This is a long rapid, with rise and swift run at upper end ; stones on left bank, a papa face on right bank ; may want a training-wall for low river. A Native kainga called Nukunuku on right bank; a shingle-bed on right bank. A moderate current continues up to next rapid, with stones on left bank. Komako Rapid : Channel on left bank ; a rapid run ; shingle-bed on right bank, a papa ledge on left bank; good water; some boulders to take out. Good reach. A fine long reach, called Taurakaua; river about 150 ft. wide; very little current. Taurakawau Rapid (1 ft. 9 in.-2 ft.): A swift run; a stone and papa reef point on righ bank, channel on left bank, but goes over to right bank below. Will want trainingwalls. 120 Good reach. Pohue Rapid : Channel on right bank ; good water ; a moderate short run. Good reach. Not much current; a fine reach ; river about 150 ft. wide ; a Native kainga called Teoteo on right bank ; the current increases somewhat in upper part of reach. 121 Oturoi Rapid (1 ft. 6 in.-2 ft.): A long run, moderate current; some rocks in channel, but room between them and left bank; a shingle-bed on right bank, channel on left bank; will require a training-wall. A short way above we come to the next rapid. Te-au-Kopae Rapid (1 ft. 6 in.-lft. 9 in.): A shingle-bed on right bank at lower part; a quick run to papa face on left bank; will want training-walls. Short reach. Slight current. Waiari Rapid: Channel on right bank and a shingle-bed on left bank; a short quick run; stones on right bank at papa face ; some large boulders to move on right bank, also in channel at top ; good water, the channel being well confined naturally ; a native kainga, called Aramatia, on left bank. Good reach. A stream on right bank over a papa ledge called Rakura. The Natives say a good road-line from here to the upper part of the Ohura Yalley ; at present it is only a Native track. This is a fine long reach ; papa both sides ; river about 150 ft. wide ; slight current. 122 Omarutihoni Rapid (2 ft. 3 in.): Papa both banks; a stream, called Omarutihoni, on right bank comes in over a papa ledge ; close above this there is the next rapid. Taupiri Rapid (2 ft.): Moderate run ; channel on left bank; and some 10 chains further up the next rapid. Mihi-a-te-haururu No. 3 Rapid : Rather swift and shallow. Good reach. River about 120 ft. wide; papa both sides; land on river-banks getting lower; slight current. Mihi-a-te-haururu No. 2 Rapid : Moderate run; good water. Good reach. Slight current. This is a fine reach, with papa on both banks ; some large boulders in river under water, some of which will require to be removed. 123 Mihi-a-te-haururu No. 1 Rapid (1 ft. 9 in.-—2 ft.) : This is main rapid of this name ; a small shingle-bed on left bank ; two very large boulders in upper end, but not in channel; a long broad run; fairly swift, papa both banks ; a shingle-bed on right bank at upper end : will want training-walls ; plenty of stones on left bank above rapid; an old kainga on right bank just above rapid. Good reach, with quick bend; a very large boulder at point on right bank, but not in channel; a papa point on right bank at top of reach, with papa ledge above. Ohinepane Rapid: A stiff run against papa ledge on right bank, a shingle-bed on left bank ; good water; some boulders to clear out in channel and in run above rapid; then a short moderate run, with papa on both banks, between this and next rapid. Otunui Rapid: Papa ledges on both banks narrow the river, the one on left bank just below the rapid and the one on right bank at the lower part of rapid; channel on right bank against papa; good water; stone can be got here out of a hard reef or ledge on right bank. Heavy solid papa banks here, and these continue down river; above this the papa is not so solid, and shows frequently thin stratified layers ; a large stream called Otunui comes in on right bank over papa ledge; a moderate run in river opposite this creek, with channel on right bank; good water; fern hills show a little way up this stream. Marekura No. 2 Rapid : A papa ledge on left bank some way up rapid ; some snags on right bank; a long run ; good water; then a short run between this and next rapid. Marekura No. 1 Rapid : A papa ledge on left bank at water-level confines water to right bank ; papa on both banks; a small papa reef to blast out of channel, also some large boulders near top to come out, and some large boulders just above rapid require blasting and removing out of channel.

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Miles. 124 Reach. Slight current; river about 150 ft. wide; papa both banks; some boulders in this reach to blast out. Matawhero Rapid (2 ft. 3 in.) : This is a long rapid with several distinct runs in it, and a good current between them ; swift runs ; large boulders to blast and clear out; a stream called Matawhero on right bank. The river is wide here, with shingle island towards left bank and shallow channel inside of it along a high papa face with numerous thin strata. The channel is on right bank along papa and low bank. There is a stiff run at top of the island close to right bank in good water. The shingle island throws water to right bank. Good reach. Draws in upper part into a moderate run, with papa on both banks up to next rapid. Te Rata Rapid : Large boulders in river ; moderate run ; a good many of these boulders to blast and clear out; good water ; fer'n-hills on left bank. A reach, with slight run ; goes on to next rapid. 125 Muia-te-namu No. 2 Rapid (Ift. 9in.-2ft.): A smart run all across river; river about 180 ft. wide; papa both banks. The feature of little lodged timber or snags continues. Muia-te-namu No. 1 Rapid (Ift. 6in.-lft. 9in.): A rapid run all across river, and a moderate run continues some way above rapid ; a training-wall required ; channel on right bank along papa bank. Reach. Slight current; papa face on right bank; a large stream called Te Maire on left bank; fern hills; native kainga called Te Maire on left bank. Te Maire Rapid (Ift. 9 in.-2 ft.): A broad run; channel on right bank; some boulders to clear out; a training-wall required ; then a short moderate run, with some boulders to clear out, extends to the next rapid. Motutara No. 2 Rapid : Good water; large boulders in river ; a moderate run ; a Native kainga called Motutara on right bank; some boulders to blast and clear out of channel; papa both banks at edge of water; a long run; river about 180 ft. wide. The Natives say that a horse-road goes from right bank here to Taumaranui. A stream called Motutara on right bank. Motutara No. 1 Rapid : Moderate run ; some large boulders to clear out. 126 Reach. Slight current; river about 180 ft. wide. Onetapo Rapid (2 ft.-2 ft. 10 in.): Moderate run ; channel goes from middle over to left bank ; a shingle-bed on left bank between this and the next rapid; the river-bed in floods is wide here, extending over shingle-beds ; channel along right bank ; fern hills both sides ; a very large boulder at upper end of shingle-bed on the left bank. Pouwhakamaru Rapid : A swift run, with good drop at top ; a few snags to take out at top ; some boulders to clear out of channel; a papa ledge on left bank above rapid. Good reach, with bend in river. Powhakarua Rapid (1 ft. 8 in.-l ft. 9 in.) : Channel on right bank at papa ; a rapid run, with good drop at top ; channel on right bank against papa; a small shingle-bed on left bank just below; papa both sides of river ; training-walls required here; then a short moderate run, with shingle-bed on right bank, extends to the next rapid. Manawanawa Rapid, 1 ft. 8 in.-2 ft. : A swift run, broad and shallow on top; training-walls required ; a shingle-bed on left bank at top of rapid; some boulders to clear out. Reach. A moderately long reach ; shingle-bed on left bank; the best water on right bank. 127 Te Whakarae Rapid : Open country both sides ; papa on right bank ; a very strong run, with good drop on top; channel in centre and runs to right bank ; good water. This is a very stiff rapid ; some boulders to blast and clear out of channel. Good reach, with bend of river; small stream on right bank; some large boulders in river in this reach; some of these to be blasted and cleared out; fern hills both sides. Kohatupiko Rapid : A number of large boulders in this rapid ; a moderate run ; channel on right bank against papa; a good many large boulders to blast and clear out of channel; good water; papa at water's level both sides. A good deal of work here. Good reach. Some large boulders to blast and clear out; papa both sides of river; the river about 200 ft. wide; slight current; this is a good long reach; open country both sides; in upper part many large boulders in river towards left bank; a small stream on left bank; a moderate run in upper part of reach, some large boulders to clear out; small shingle-bed on right bank. This run continues for a few chains to the next rapid. 128 Omarukiha Rapid: Large boulders on right bank just below rapid; a point with large boulders on right bank ; a papa reef on left bank in water at lower end; a papa reef with large boulders on right bank at rapid; a strong run; good water; river narrows to about 150 ft.; then a short run, with moderate current, and papa reef on right bank. Omaka No. 2 Rapid: At a quick bend of river ; a long, swift, rather shallow run; shingle-bed on left bank at foot of rapid; shingle-bed on right bank just above rapid; the channel is in centre and curved; good water; some boulders to clear out; a papa reef on left bank near top —this reef keeps water over to channel; a moderate run for some way above rapid. Omaka No. 1 Rapid : A papa reef on left bank keeps water over to channel; good water; a

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Miles. rock in lower end to blast and remove ; two channels here divided by a shingle island with willows; papa both sides of river; the best channel is on left bank. Very strong run and crooked, but fairly straight in worst parts. The papa reef on left bank extends well out at water-level, and in upper part of rapid narrows the channel, so would require here to blast off some of the reef to widen channel. There is also a papa reef on upper crown of rapid. An old Native kainga called Omaka on right bank just above rapid. Good reach. Slight current; river about 200 ft. wide; lower open country both banks; a small stream on left bank. Hikumutu Rapid (2 ft. 3 in.): Moderate run; a few boulders to remove; a broad run; channel towards right bank. Good reach. High papa face on right bank, with thin stratified layers. 129 Te Kuri-tangi-hua Rapid (1 ft. 8 in.) : A long rapid; some boulders in lower part of rapid to blast and clear out; small stream on left bank; papa on left bank; channel on left bank ; a training-wall required here, the upper part being shallow; boulders to clear out at top and above rapid; stones on left bank above. Short reach. Eiver about 200 ft. wide ; slight current; high papa face on left bank, with thin stratified layers. Raparua No. 2 Rapid (Ift. Bin.—2ft.): Shingle-bed on right bank below rapid; a broad swift run; will want a training-wall; then a short moderate run, with papa face, on right bank. Raparua No. 1 Rapid (2 ft.) : A broad run ; moderate current; will require a training-wall. Te Horo-a-Poroaki Rapid (1 ft. 6 in.-2 ft.) : Shallow on top ; channel on left bank; will want a training-wall to confine water; a large stream on left bank, called Kumutu. 130 Good reach. Moderate run ; papa on left bank ; this merges into a good long reach with slight current; some stone on left bank; papa shows on both banks in places at water-level along this reach. Makokomiko Rapid (1 ft. 6 in.-l ft. 9 in.): Papa on right bank at water-level; some large boulders on left bank at lower end ; some boulders to blast and remove ; papa on left bank; a long rapid; a large stream called Makokomiko comes in on left bank ; a training-wall required here. Good reach. Slight current. Pataaua Rapid (1 ft. 6 in.-2 ft.): A long run; some large boulders to blast and clear; a broad shallow run ; swift current; vail require a training-wall; then a moderate run for some distance above, with some large boulders to clear out; a small stream on right bank at top of this run. Wairere Rapid: Swift run; a lot of large boulders; some of these require to be blasted and cleared out; shingle-bed on right bank, papa face on left bank, with thin strata. A short way above is the next rapid, Tauteti. 131 Tauteti Rapid : See diagram No. 2. This is a difficult rapid for navigation, having a strong current and sharp turn; clear boulders out of fall at A, and take out some snags at Bto give more room, and some boulders at side of swift run CC. There are large boulders towards right bank, just above rapid. Short reach. Some boulders to remove out of channel. 132 To Whenua Rapid (1 ft. 9 in.-2 ft.) : A long rapid ; first run a swift run, good water; second run a swift run, very broken and rough ; many boulders to clear out of channel. This is a difficult rapid, and a good deal of work to be done ; training-walls required to confine water; a papa ledge on left bank below rapid. The river-bed in floods very wide here, extending in a deep bend towards right bank. Good reach. Not very long ; bold papa face on right bank. Waitapu Rapid (2 ft. 6 in.) : A wide moderate run ; channel on right bank ; a stream called Pohaka on right bank at the upper end of the high papa face. Whakatorino Rapid (1 ft. 8 in.-2 ft. 6 in.): This is the main rapid of this name ; channel on right bank ; a shingle- and boulder-bed on left bank, which throws water over to right bank; good water; a long swift run with a good drop at top; a small papa ledge juts out from right bank at top and wants cutting off; a training-wall required here; plenty of stone above on left bank; a few boulders to clear out. A moderate run for a few chains, and then next rapid. 133 Pokaka Rapid (1 ft. 8 in.-l ft. 9 in.) : A number of large boulders on left bank, and in river towards left bank; a small coarse shingle-bed on right bank at lower end ; a long swift run; a number of large boulders to clear out of channel; channel towards middle ; a training-wall required. Reach of moderate length. Some large boulders to blast and remove ; slight current. Kokirae Rapid (1 ft. 9 in.) : Very large boulders on left bank ; a long swift run ; a number of large boulders to blast and remove out of channel; a coarse shingle-bed and boulders on right bank; a straight run ; will require a training-wall. The general absence of lodged timber and snags continues noticeable in the river. 134 Good reach. Moderate length ; some boulders to blast and clear out; a stream on left bank called Ohinekoieie. Ohinekoieie Rapid (2 ft.-2 ft. 6 in.): A number of large boulders all across river; channel towards right bank ; a good deal of work here blasting and clearing out boulders from channel; straight run, moderate current ; then a moderate run for about 10 chains between this and next rapid; a shingle-bed on left bank on upper part; papa face with thin strata or layers on right bank.

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Miles. Paehou Rapid (2 ft.) : A swift run, straight; a papa reef in river off the right bank; trainingwalls required. Short reach. Slight current. Te Miro No. 2 Rapid (2 ft.): The current runs towards right bank ; a short swift run ; a broad run ; coarse shingle-bed on left bank; a training-wall required; a small stream on right bank. Reach (1 ft. 6 in.-2 ft.). Slight current; rather shallow, and will require training-walls to confine water in channel; some boulders to clear out; papa at water-level both sides in upper part. This reach is about a quarter of a mile long. Te Miro No. 1 Rapid (Ift. 6 in.-2 ft.) : This is the main Te Miro Rapid ; papa ledges on right bank below rapid ; a small shingle-bed in middle at lower end, and shinglebed on left bank ; a crooked run towards right bank, with sharp turn ; some timber and snags to clear out on right bank in channel; a swift run with good drop at top, probably good water when cleared ; a stream, called Te Miro, on right bank ; stones to take out of channel at top. Short reach. Moderate current; shingle-bed on left bank; the river-bed at floods is wide here, extending over shingle-beds on left bank. Tunatahi Rapid (2 ft.) : A stony bank on left bank; a short swift run with drop at top; channel on right bank; good water; some stones to take out; low bank on right bank, high papa face with thin layers or strata on left bank; then a short moderate run to next rapid. 135 Otukorehe No. 2 Rapid (1 ft. 10 in.-2 ft.) : A long swift run ; shingle-bed on left bank ; low bank on right bank, with shingle at water-level; river widens here ; channel against right bank ; then a short moderate run to next rapid. Otukorehe No. 1 Rapid (1 ft. Bin.-2 ft.): Shingle-beds on both sides, a long run; swift, broad and shallow at top; will require training-walls ; then a short moderate run. The river about here is not so confined naturally as lower down, and the channels will be more liable to shift at times. Pongahuru No. 2 Rapid (2 ft.—2 ft. 6 in.): A swift run; some boulders to clear out; will require training-walls. Pongahuru No. 1 Rapid (Ift.-2 ft.): The river-bed at flood-time is wide here ; training-walls required here ; some boulders to take out of channel. The stone for training-walls about here will have to be brought from some distance. Reach. High papa face on right bank with thin strata; channel towards right bank ; shingle-bed on left bank ; moderate current; a stream on right bank where the high face ends ; then a slight run. The river-bed here is wide at flood-levels ; some timber to take out of channel; large wide shingle-beds on left bank; in upper part papa at water-level on right bank. This is here overlaid with pumice. 136 A small rapid. Short run; good water towards right bank ; a few snags to clear out; then junction of the Ongaruhe River on right bank; a papa point here on right bank, and extensive shingle-beds on left bank. The Wanganui falls over a shingle bar. There is a good channel up the Ongaruhe for some way to the landing-place. An important Native kainga called Taumaranui is situated in the fork between the two rivers, and its situation will give it more importance when the river is improved to there, and the railway construction reaches it.

Wanganui River between Ohura and Ongaruhe Junctions. The following is an extract from the report of the foreman of works for the Trust, Mr. A. Marshall, who accompanied the chairman and secretary in this portion of river : " I beg to lay before your Board report on length of river twenty-six miles and a half from the mouth of the Ohura to Taumaranui. I was very much surprised to see that part of the river with such good water, and very little labour and small cost to make the first twenty-two miles good for steam navigation, having stone along the river-banks handy for running training-walls to confine the water on the shallows ; also I was surprised to see so very little timber in the river. The last four miles nearing Taumaranui are very short of stones for wall purposes. Comparing the upper part of the river—that is, from Tangarakau to Taumaranui, fifty-three miles—it would not cost per mile what it has from Raorikia to Tangarakau, sixty-nine miles. In reference to the upper part of river from Ohura up, the main work is running training-walls to confine the water on the shallows." ■Note by Secretary.—Raorikia is about fifteen miles from Wanganui, within the tidal influence, and is the commencement of the Wanganui River Trust District.

Tangarakau River fkom the Wanganui River to Putihituna. Prom the report of the Survey Department, the work which has already been done on this river between its junction with the Wanganui and Putikituna (an estimated distance of twelve miles) has been the clearing of a canoe-channel for low river, and the clearing of a steamerchannel for periods when the water in river is 5 ft. above summer-level. The timber has been cut away to meet these requirements. The heavier snags and timber below the levels required for latter steamer-channel still remain. We easily came down the canoe-channel in a good-sized canoe, but the heavier snags and

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timber left in rendered the canoe-channel in some parts necessarily winding and with some sharp turns, which would be inconvenient for a specially built canoe or steam-launch. To get more time during the year in which steamer traffic can be carried on (i.e., a channel passable when the water-level is lower—say, at 2ft. over summer level), and to straighten the crooked parts of the present canoe-channel so as to suit it for a steam-launch or specially-built canoe, it will be necessary to take out all the heavy snags and timber in the channel. It is now proposed that this should be effected by the use of the punts of the Wanganui Eiver Trust, which are fitted with derricks and winches for lifting heavy snags and timber. These punts are 60 ft. long and 15 ft. wide. The channel to be cleared for a width of 20 ft. to 25 ft. for steamer-channel, and a narrower low-level channel improved for canoe-channel of 8 ft. to .10 ft. wide. Accompanied by the chairman, Mr. T. D. Cummins, and two of the members of the Wanganui Eiver Trust, I went down the Tangarakau, from Putikituna to the Wanganui River, on the 7th April. The river was not at its lowest level, but was sufficiently low for observation, and the water was clear, the Wanganui River at Pipiriki at the time being 9 in. above summer level, and, although the two rivers may not quite coincide in their respective levels relative to summer level, yet approximately this would be the case. This portion of the Tangarakau presents a series of quiet reaches with good deep water, and intervening between these reaches a series of runs or rapids, some of which are very slight, and some have considerable runs. I observed fifty-five of these runs or rapids, and among them occur shallow bars with stones, and in some instances papa reefs, on them. I observed thirty-five of these bars, with depths over them varying from Ift. to 2 ft. These bars are not of much width across (up and down stream), and their improvement for canoe-channel would not involve a great deal of work. The river is of a fairly uniform width, varying from 55 ft. to a chain wide, and somewhat over a chain wide in parts. It has good papa banks, and there is a pool at Putikituna convenient for a landing-place and for turning the boats. The first work would be the clearing of all timber and snags, and, where necessary, stones, blocks of papa, &c., out of a channel with the punt to a width of from 20 ft. to 25 ft., and the slight deepening, if required, of some of the bars to allow the punt to pass over. This may be done when there is a moderate amount of water in the river. Afterwards, when the river is quite low, the channel so cleared to be gone over again, and the canoe-channel improved over the bars which have been mentioned to a less width, of, say, 8 ft. to 10 ft., the flow of water at low levels being thus confined to a narrow channel. Thus, both operations being completed, there would be a channel available for such a light-draught steamer as the " Ohura " (77 ft. long and 12 ft. beam) when the water is 2 ft. over summer level (which frequently occurs for considerable periods together, and for shorter times at intervals during the year) ; and likewise a channel between the above and ordinary summer level for a specially built canoe or launch of light draught, fitted with steam or other motor and stern-wheel. It would not be prudent to open a steamer-channel through the bars described, the passage over these being confined to the narrower canoe-channel so as to concentrate the flow of water at low levels in a narrower space. Altogether there are a large number of snags and much heavy timber to be cleared out, besides some stones and papa in the wider channel, and there is also the improvement across the bars mentioned for the narrower canoe-channel. The deposit of snags and timber along both sides of the river appears old and not liable to move, being waterlogged and partially silted up in parts. The timber and snags removed out of the channel would be placed in the intervals among this, and at as low a level as possible, and being waterlogged would assimilate to the condition described, and be not very liable to shift. Very few new or recent snags or timber were observed among the old deposits, so that there would not seem to be a liability of much fresh timber being deposited. In the case of heavy floods, which occur periodically at considerable intervals, such as took place in 1891, 1897, a certain amount of fresh timber might be lodged and require removal, but in ordinary years, from all appearances, the maintenance of the channel should be moderate. The reservation of a width of land along both banks here, and also above Putikituna, to preserve the bush would be of much advantage. The foreman of works for the Wanganui River Trust (Mr. Allan Marshall) was not with us on the 7th April when coming down the Tangarakau from Putikituna to the Wanganui, but he was since instructed to go over this part of the Tangarakau, and did so on the 17th April, and has reported. It is necessarily difficult to estimate the cost of such an irregular work, subject to so many contingencies, such as interruptions by weather, rises of river, &c. The approximate estimate for this work may be stated at £l,OOO to £1,400. The Wanganui River is now available for steamer-traffic as far upas the Tangarakau Junction, and it would appear reasonable that the Wanganui River Trust should include in its operations the opening-up of this portion of the Tangarakau, and also of other tributaries where feasible, so as to utilise in a greater degree the work done in the Wanganui itself. I consider the Tangarakau up to Putikituna capable of improvement in the manner described, and that it would be a most valuable aid to the Wanganui river traffic. There is a contingency that in times of drought, and when the bush is more denuded over the drainage area of the TangarakaH, that the water for a limited period may occasionally be scanty for the low-level channel, but this would not affect the advantage of the steamer higher-level channel or the canoe-channel in ordinary summer levels, and the importance of this as a branch line of traffic would remain, even though in any year the traffic might occasionally for short periods be limited to a light Native canoe.

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On the Upper Wanganui River.

On the Lower Wanganui River.

Lake Roto-Iti, Rotorua-Te Teko Road.

Koinaki, 98 Miles from Wanganui, on the Wanganui River.

WANGANUI RIVER TRUST

WANGANUI RIVER Map to accompany Report by John.T.Stewart

WANGANUI RIVER Sketch of Tautete Rapid 131 MILES FROM WANGANUI

WANGANUI RIVER Sketch of Paparoa Rapid 118 MILES FROM WANGANUI

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Mr. Marshall's report is as follows: On Tuesday morning, the 17th, I left the mouth of the river and proceeded for Putikituna, on my way up taking soundings on all the rapids, also taking particular notice of the amount of work required, such as blasting out papa reefs and dredging and clearing out timber to make a channel for a small steamer ; the snagging and clearing of a channel 25 ft. wide; the rapids or bars to be deepened to a depth of 18in. and 20 ft. wide (this depth when water 18 in. below the mark on Pipiriki gauge) ; for a low summer-level channel 12 in. in depth by 8 ft. wide for canoepassage. You will note that the water on the 17th on gauge at mouth of Tangarakau was just the same as when we passed down on the 14th, which on that date on the Pipiriki gauge was 24 in. below the mark, while the water in the Tangarakau would be 14 in. to 15 in. above summer level. In regard to the Tangarakau River there is not the slightest doubt that it can be made a suitable channel to run a small steamer eight months in the year. Regarding the rapids in the Tangarakau, it would be best to complete the deepening and lowering rapids in the summer when the water is low, and also warm for men working, as there will be a lot of waterwork. The snagging can be best done while there is water in the river. Notes taken at Tangarakau River. Prom the mouth to first rapid, four days' work clearing out snags. Rapid. Water. Pt. in. 1 2 0 Two days' work clearing out timber. 22 6 Two days' work snagging on rapid, also in reach above. 3 3 0 One day's work clearing out timber. 4 3 6 Clear of timber. 5 13 Fall, 4 in. Four days'work clearing out timber, and also dredging. 6 2 6 Fall, 11 in. Three days' work snagging. 7 3 0 Three days' work snagging. 8 Good Two days' work snagging ; also two days' work in reach above. 9 3 0 Named Pananehu. Two days' work snagging on rapid, also in reach above. 10 2 6 Two days' work snagging. 11 Good At the totara log, three days' work clearing out channel. 12 2 0 Short bar to be dredged; also snagging to be done, two days' work ; also in reach above, two days' work. 13 3 0 Two days' work clearing out timber. 14 3 0 Two days' work snagging. 15 2 0 Fall, 10 in. Two days'work clearing out timber, also small boulders. 16 3 0 Two days' work snagging; also, two days' work clearing out timber in reach above. 17 3 0 Two days' work snagging. 18 Good Five days' work clearing out timber. 19 2 0 Five days' work clearing away timber. 20 2 3 One day's work. 21 3 0 Four days' work clearing out timber. 22 3 0 Fall, 24 in.; length of rapid, 4 chains. Five days' work clearing out timber. 23 3 0 Three days' work on rapid snagging; also in reach above, four days' work. 24 2 0 This rapid is named Ruru-te-Koukou: papa bottom, requires blasting out. Three days' work. 25 2 6 One day's work clearing timber out of channel. 26 3 0 Clear of timber. In reach above, four days' work. 27 2 0 Short bar, fall 15in. ; length of rapid, 40ft. This rapid requires lowering; it has a papa bottom. Six days' work blasting and clearing away. 28 Good Two days' work clearing out timber. 29 2 6 Two days' work clearing out timber. 30 2 6 In present channel there is a flat papa ledge 40 ft. by 80 ft. At the present time there is 9 in. water on the reef; at low summer level this reef is out of the water. This reef requires 15 ft. to 20 ft. blasted away. Name, Oheao. Time, six days' work. 31 2 6 Short bar. Three days' work clearing out bed of river. 32 2 6 Fall, 15 in.; short bar ; requires dredging. Three days'work; in reach above, two days' work snagging. 33 3 0 Two days' work snagging. 34 2 0 At head. This rapid is Marohemo; fall, 22 in.; length of rapid about 4 chains. Six days' work snagging and dredging head ; three days' work snagging in reach above. 35 Good Few boulders to be cleared out, also point to cut off at left-hand side of river. One day's work. 36 2 0 Fall, 17 in. ; short bar, requires lowering by dredging. Four days'work ; also four days' work in reach above. The above rapid is called Te Marangai; also stream on left-hand side of river. 37 Good One day's work cutting off point on right-hand side of river. 38 3 0 One day's work clearing out timber. One day's work in reach above, snagging. 39 2 0 Fall, 9 in.; short bar ; bed of river loose papa. Two days' work. 40 3 6 Fall, 12 in. ; width of present channel, 12 ft. One day's work cutting off point in reach above ; one half-day's work snagging.

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Rapid. Water. Ft. in. 41 3 0 At this rapid there is an eel-pa just below the Native kainga called Pohuepapa. One day's work to widen the channel; reach above, one day's work snagging. 42 2 0 Loose papa bottom. Three days'work clearing out same ; in reach above, two days' work clearing out timber. 43 3 0 Three days' work clearing out boulders. 44 2 0 Eight days' work clearing timber, also dredging bed of river, also snagging short reach above. 45 3 0 Three days' work clearing timber. Putikituna landing. Note by Secretary.—The water at Tangarakau on the 17th was at a different level to what it was on the 7th April. The summer level of Wanganui River is 36 in. below the mark at Pipiriki, although at times water has fallen to in. below the mark referred to. John T. Stewart, Secretary Wanganui River Trust, with Charge of Works. Wanganui River Trust, Wanganui, 25th April, 1900.

APPENDIX IX.

REPORT BY D. AND J. ROSS ON THE TOURIST TRAFFIC BETWEEN LAKE TE ANAU AND MILFORD SOUND. We have the honour to report that the season 1899-1900 has, on the whole, been a fairly successful one so far as tourist traffic is concerned. The new steamer on Lake Te Anau runs punctually, and is thus giving confidence to people visiting the district. The improvement of the track, and the fact of food and blankets being kept in the huts and supplied at a reasonable figure, seem to be an inducement to an increasing number of tourists to make the overland trip from the head of the lake to Milford Sound. The number of persons who went across to the sound this season amounted to thirty-seven, while some ten or twelve visited the Sutherland Falls without going on to the sound. The average time occupied for the return trip is a week. In time of great hurry it is done in four days. Among the visitors this season there were a good many people from Britain, who appear to have gone back very well satisfied. Given ordinary conditions, we believe next season will see still greater numbers making the trip. When the track is formed right through the whole matter will be greatly simplified. At present the part from Mid Camp to Mintaro proves most exhausting to tourists. The remarks of most visitors are in praise of the scenery. Many of them say the almost tropical vegetation along the track in the valleys and the grand alpine scenery overhead make an almost unique combination which is very pleasing in its effect.

APPENDIX X.

MOUNT COOK HERMITAGE AND GLACIERS. Extracts from Report by Commissioner op Crown Lands. The Hermitage was never in better order than it has been this season. Mr. Riddle, the builder, succeeded in putting the water-pipes in excellent working-order; and the lining and flooring of the verandah is a great improvement. The staff carried out their duties efficiently and satisfactorily, and no complaints were made respecting the conduct of any of them. Altogether there were ninety-eight visitors during the season—about the same number as last year—their chief objective being the Ball Hut. A few, however, ventured as far as the upper hut (Brodrick's), and they were loud in their praise of the magnificent scenery they saw, and were very well pleased with the accommodation at the huts. Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Ross and their party remained there quite a long time, and there is little doubt it will become—as it deserves to be —one of the most noted tourist resorts in New Zealand. There were three special trips made under the guidance of Clark—one to the West Coast, one over the Ball Pass, and one to the Hochstetter Dom, De la Beche, and over the Sealey Range to some peaks on the other side. Mr. Brodrick, accompanied by Mr. F. Rolleston, visited the upper hut, and found no difficulty in going to it from the Hermitage in one day and returning the next, so it is not so far away after all. Of course, they rode to the Ball Hut and had dinner there before going on, the walk from the Ball Hut taking them just four hours. At the beginning of February we lost the services of the guide, Clark, who was induced to accompany a touring party to the icefields of Europe. He was an excellent guide, and gave satis-

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faction to all who employed him. Smith, his successor, has all the qualities of a first-rate guide, and, although he has done no climbing this year, he has given every satisfaction to the parties he accompanied to the Ball Hut and Tasman Glacier. The caretaker, Mr. Ross, reports having had a very severe winter. The horses and cattle, however, got through it all right, though one of the latter fell over the rocks and got killed. Owing to the summer frosts the vegetable-garden was a failure; 900 trees were planted, 63 chains of new fence erected, and 8 chains of a new track to the top of Mount Rayen formed. The Hooper and Sealey tracks were also repaired with the assistance of the guide, Clark. The road from Fairlie to the Hermitage is in first-class order for a country road. The improvements by new formations during the past few years, and the work done by the surfacemen, have made it much easier and faster than it used to be. The coach, without changing horses, now averages eight miles an hour on it, and when the lake-deviation is finished it will be much faster still; and there is no reason why the coach-proprietors, Messrs. Kerr and Frayne, with the excellent plant they have, should not run a one day's service from Fairlie to the Hermitage, which is what is required to make the place popular. It would be worth while to make an effort to form the deviation before next January, with a view to encourage Messrs. Kerr and Frayne to run right through. It should not be forgotten that when the coaching company made the journey in one day the road was infinitely rougher, and there were no bridges over the Pukaki or Forks Rivers, which caused much delay. lam sure it could be done now in twelve hours.

APPENDIX XI.

REPORT ON THE MAGNETIC SURVEY OF THE COLONY, BY C. COLERIDGE FARR, ESQ., B.SC., Assoc. M.I.G.E. The observations in connection with this have been continued. The instruments used have been those lent by the Kew Observatory Committee of the Royal Society of London, originally to Mr. P. Baracchi, F.R.A.S., Government Astronomer for the Colony of Victoria, and now to the New Zealand Government for a period of two years, subject to certain conditions regarding repairs in the event of breakage. They consist of a Kew magnetometer by Jones, marked " N.A.8.C.," and a Barrow dip circle, No. 30, and are provided with certificates of comparison with the standard instruments at the Kew Observatory. The actual observational work has been done by me, with the assistance of Mr. W. T. Neill in the first twenty stations, and of Mr. H. F. Skey, B.Sc., late Senior Scholar in Physics in the University of New Zealand, for the remainder, sixty-five. The stations —eighty-five in all—are distributed along the coasts of the South Island at approximately equal distances, with one at Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island, and four on the shores of Port Nicholson. Beyond these four the survey has not yet been extended to the North Island. The actual positions of the stations are as follows : Orepuki, Riverton, Invercargill (two), Bluff, Stewart Island, Edendale, Gore, Clinton, Owaka, Balclutha, Milton, Henley, Mosgiel, Dunedin (two), Port Chalmers (two), Cape Saunders, Warrington, Palmerston, Hampden, Oamaru, Studholme, Timaru, Orari, Ashburton, fiurnham, Christchurch (four), Akaroa (three), Lyttelton, Rangiora, Waipara, Culverden, Waiau, Conway, Kaikoura, Clarence, Kekerangu, Flaxbourne, Seddon, Blenheim (two), Havelock, Picton (two), Te Awaiti, Wellington (four), Endeavour Inlet, French Pass, Wakapuaka, Nelson (three), Motueka, Upper Takaka, Waitapu, Collingwood, Puponga, Farewell Spit, Karamea, Little Wanganui, Westport, Grevmouth, Hokitika, Ross, Hende's Ferry, Okarito, Gillespie's Beach, Makawhio, Haast River, Makarora, Pembroke, Queenstown, Kingston, Lumsden. At each of these complete determinations of the declination (known also as the variation), the horizontal intensity of the earth's magnetic field, and the dip, have been made. These three quantities are necessary and sufficient for full knowledge of the magnetic conditions of any spot at the time of observation. For the determination of the declination the direction of true north has invariably been obtained from solar observations on the spot, for which the Kew type of instrument is designed. The values obtained have from time to time, as opportunity offered, been compared with the trigonometrical bearings of the triangulation of the colony with concordant results, and as a very general rule, with few exceptions, the north point has been determined by both morning and afternoon observation. The direction of magnetic north has been derived from a magnet marked " V," which is part of the Kew equipment. This magnet can be read to 10 seconds of arc. The horizontal intensity has been derived from the usual method of vibration and deflection. Two determinations of the period of vibration of the magnet Vat the same place and time rarely differ by more than 0-0002 of a second. This quantity (known generally as H), freed from the effects of disturbances, is much needed for a recalculation of the Gaussian constants, from which the equal variation charts are constructed. For the dip, the usual method which eliminates all systematic error has been used. It involves the employment of two needles, and requires 144 vernier readings. Permanent Observatory. These observations have shown that Christchurch is a suitable site for the permanent instruments, which are shortly expected to arrive in the colony. They consist of a unifilar magnetograph for the determination of variation in the declination; a bifilar magnetograph for variations

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in horizontal force, and a balance for vertical force, together with a set of absolute instruments. The absolute instruments lent by the Kew Committee will then be available for a continuation of the survey, while those expected to arrive will be used at the permanent base station. The construction of these instruments has been ' left under the supervision of Dr. Charles Chree, Sc.D., F.R.S., Superintendent of Kew Observatory, and Professor A. W. Biicker, M.A., F.E.S. Dr. Chree will make all necessary comparisons with his own instruments before shipment. When installed they will constitute the fourth and most southern magnetic observatory south of the equator, the others being at Batavia, Mauritius, and Melbourne. Magnetic Disturbances. So far as observations have yet been made they have been confined to the coastal region, and no attempt whatever has been made to elucidate the characteristics of the abnormalities which have been discovered. No observations have been made with this object in view. What has been learned with regard to them has been the result of an attempt to form a skeleton picture of the isomagnetic lines traversing the South Island, for which purpose the stations have been spaced at approximately equal distances from each other. In the systematic investigation of disturbances the stations will be placed where they are most required. Of several disturbances which have been revealed, those in the Bluff and Nelson districts appear to be most pronounced. Others exist in the Otago Peninsula and Banks Peninsula; indeed the region between these two volcanic harbours is magnetically irregular. A possible explanation of this would be the existence of volcanic rocks at no very great depth below the surface of the Canterbury Plains. There is also a disturbance between Okarito and Gillespie's Beach on the West Coast. Bluff Disturbance. This has been previously noticed by Mr. J. T. Thomson, and is referred to by Captain Creak in his " Challenger " report as a possible danger to shipping. Its range is very large, extending, as it does, over the whole of southern Southland and south-western Otago, and being also pronouncedly felt at Stewart Island. The most marked features in the recent observations in this district are the abnormally high horizontal force at the Bluff, and the steep force gradient between the Bluff and Invercargill on the one hand, and the Bluff and Stewart Island on, the other. At the Bluff the intensity is 0-2188; at Invercargill, 0-2003; and at Stewart Island, 0-2016. In an undisturbed district such differences as these would only occur by proceeding in a southerly direction for between 170 and 200 miles. Though at the particular spot selected for the station at the Bluff the declination is only slightly under the normal undisturbed value (viz., 16° 30' E., normal value about 16° 57' E.), at Stewart Island it is affected to the extent of 3° (observed value, 14° E.; normal, 17° 1' E.) In a district so magnetic a very slight alteration of position will certainly produce great differences in the values of the magnetic quantities, possibly far exceeding those noted, and it may therefore be well to point out the risk which attaches to the assumption that in this harbour the declination has at all a constant value. Nelson Disturbance. The whole of the northern portion of the South Island is affected by this disturbance. The position of maximum intensity, however, appears to be a line running roughly in a northerly direction, passing, probably, between Nelson and Motueka, and to the west of Wakapuaka and the French Pass. On the east and west its effects are felt certainly as far as Seddon and Karamea, while of its range in a north and south direction nothing is yet known save that it is very marked at Nelson and the French Pass. It affects all the magnetic quantities over these limits. It is very improbable that the actual position of maximum intensity has yet been found ;it causes, however, a variation from the undisturbed value of the declination of about 1° at the French Pass and 2J° at Wakapuaka ; at these places the declinations are 16° 7' E. and 17° 31' E. respectively. At Motueka, on the other side of the line of maximum intensity, the declination is 14° 57' E. These variations are explicable on the assumption of a ridge-line of matter magnetised with a north pole along it, and lying in the position indicated. On one side, the east, the declinations are greater, and on the west they are smaller than the normal undisturbed values. This ridge-line does not appear to coincide in position with the visible mineral outcrop on the Dun Mountain. The range in an easterly and westerly direction points to a large body of magnetic rocks, and from the gradual manner in which its influence is felt on approaching Tasman Bay from either direction, it would seem that these rocks approach most nearly to the surface at that point, becoming more and more deeply seated on recession from Nelson. These opinions are liable to much modification on further investigation. Secular Change. During the years from 1848 to 1855 Captain J. L. Stokes, of the " Acheron," and Commander B. Drury, of the " Pandora," observed the declination and dip at same places on the coast. Their observations are recorded on old charts of the coast, and are also to be found in the " New Zealand Pilot" for 1859. Captain Stokes found the declination at Port Nicholson to be 15° E. In 1874 the "Challenger" visited Port Nicholson, and found the declination to be 15° E., showing apparently that New Zealand is in a portion of the globe where little or no secular variation in the declination is in progress, and this result is explicitly stated in the latest equal variation chart published (1892). Port Nicholson was visited with the present instruments in December, 1899, and the declination was found to be at least 15° 36' E. The chart at present in use amongst mariners gives 15° 5' E. A corresponding difference is noticeable between the chart values and those under consideration in other districts, while near the larger disturbances the difference is more or less, according to the nature of the disturbance. Thus in Otago Harbour the chart supplied

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Map of the MIDDLE ISLAND NEW ZEALAND

Map Shewing Explorations by M r. L.Cockayne of the Sources of the Poulter and the Hawdon Rivers Canterbury

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to mariners gives the declination 16° 20' E.; observations recently made indicate an average of at least 16° 55' E. At Picton, where the Nelson disturbance can be felt, the chart assigns a value of 15° E.; an observation near Picton, on the mainland, and in a position carefully chosen so as to be free from the effect of iron, gave the mean declination for the day as 15° 47' E.. and at Mabel Island it was 15° 44' E., with the instruments now in the colony. Towards the centre of the disturbance the differences are much more pronounced than this. A comparison of a single determination of the horizontal intensity made by the observers on the "Challenger" in Port Nicholson with one made in December last, and also a comparison of the values found for the dip in this harbour in 1850 by Captain Stokes, in 1874 by the " Challenger," and in 1899, appears to indicate that the south magnetic pole is moving in a northerly direction.

APPENDIX XII.—EXPLORATIONS.

THE UPPER POULTER, BY ME. L. COCKAYNE. The source-branches of the Eiver Poulter, the most important tributary of the Waimakariri, were examined by Mr. G. Dobson during the autumn of 1865, with the object of finding a route to the West Coast over the Dividing Eange suitable for a coach-road. Unfortunately, the record of his interesting journey was not published, so far as I can ascertain, and his work is dismissed in a few lines in the " Eeport of the Exploration of the Dividing Eange between the Valleys of the Waimakariri and the Teremakau," by Mr. E. Dobson, C.E., published in the Journal of Proceedings of the Provincial Council of the Province of Canterbury for 1865. Appended to the above report is a map showing the Upper Poulter, and also a sectional map of the Dividing Eange, showing the various passes. Sir Julius von Haast also, in March, 1867, explored the Poulter Eiver, and an account of his journey is to be found in his "Geology of Canterbury and Westland " ; but as he only examined the east branch, now known locally as " Cox's Poulter," and did not explore the main river above its junction with the above-named tributary, his work does not concern us here. A series of papers which I am writing on the economical botany of the plants of the Waimakariri Eiver basin led me during the month of January last to follow to their sources most of the principal source-branches of the Eiver Poulter. Through the kindness of Mr. T. Douglas, manager of Mount White Station, and of Mr. E. G. Staveley, manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, I, my son, and our impedimenta were taken with pack-horses up the main branch of the river to where it divides into a right- and a left-hand branch, at a distance of some fifteen miles from the Poulter Bridge. Here we camped in the forest at the foot of Green Hill, on the right-hand bank of the river. Up to this point, and for a distance of four miles up both branches, the country, so far as the river-bed and its flats are concerned, is well known, since it is regularly mustered for sheep; but of the country beyond these points we found that nothing was known locally, since the rivers become gorges not practicable for horsemen. Proceeding up the right-hand or western branch, at a distance of two miles from our camp a large creek, unnamed on the map, but which I will designate the Minchin, flows into the Poulter from the north. We decided to follow this creek and determine if it were the Poulter branch which flowed out of Lake Minchin, a lake marked on the map, but which, so far as the Mount White people were concerned, had only been seen once or twice from the distant summit of Woolshed Hill. At first the River Minchin contained no water whatsoever—a quite common occurrence in wide shingly rivers—but after proceeding for about a quarter of a mile the water appeared, and very soon the river became a foaming torrent and its bed filled with large boulders. At the summit of the moraine the river becomes much less turbulent, and flows peacefully through the forest, many fine shrubs overhanging the water. At this point we left the river and pushed through the forest for about five minutes, when suddenly the wonderfully beautiful Lake Minchin burst into view. I have seen many lovely spots in the New Zealand mountains, but this lake, I really think, is the most beautiful of all. It lay solitary at our feet, its surface a mass of white-tipped waves; on its two sides mountains covered with green forest, pierced in many places by grey rock, rose wall-like for several thousands of feet; and for background was a huge two-peaked hill, snow-capped and storm-swept. A fine waterfall fell in three leaps some 200 ft. or 300 ft. from the mountain on our left, and in the foreground, in the lake itself, were two little islands, exquisite with their covering of green Veronicas and whiteleaved Olearias. Although the lake as a whole is extremely deep, yet up to these islands it is quite shallow, so we waded through the water first to one and then to the other, and so to a sheltered bay, where the water was quite calm, and whence perhaps the finest view of the scenery may be obtained. In size Lake Minchin is rather more than a mile long and about three-quarters of a mile broad. We passed round the lake with some little difficulty, having in places to walk on ledges of rock 2 ft. or more below the surface of the water. At the north end of the lake is a gravelly flat about a mile in length, and evidently once a part of the lake itself. Here, although the altitude is only 2,428 ft. above sea-level, grow most luxuriantly a considerable variety of subalpine plants, amongst which the mountain-lily (Ranunculus lyallii), the large mountain-daisy (iGelmisia coriacea), and a Spaniard with flower-stems more than 6 ft. in height, and leaves marked with a bright-yellow midrib ( Aciphylla colensoi, var. conspicua), were especially striking. Some of the Celmisia blooms were 4-25 in. in diameter, and their leaves 1 ft. 6 in. long. Through the middle of this flat the river flows, and at the northern end divides into two branches, the most easterly of which rises in a high saddle, leading evidently into the left-hand branch of the main Poulter, while

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the other much larger stream, which we followed, issues from a rock-bound gorge. The scenery in this gorge is of extreme grandeur. On both sides the walls are of quite precipitous rock, that on the left rising sheer in places for 1,000 ft. or more, and that on the right to more than 100 ft., giving a low estimate. In the bed of the stream the boulders are immense, and the stream, filling in places the bed from side to side, runs like a mill-race. The gorge is perhaps half a mile in length. Its sombreness is relieved by many plants growing in crevices of the cliffs, of which Celmisia beUidioides and Veronica linifolia were sheets of bloom. Just as we thought we were well through the gorge, the river falling in two cataracts 20 ft. in height on either side of a huge rock completely blocked our passage. Here the cliff on the right could be climbed by a good climber, aided by the shrubs growing thereon, and the broader bed of the river entered, up which the saddle, not more than two miles distant, seen by us from the summit of Green Hill, could be reached. Following the western branch of the Poulter from the entrance of the Eiver Minchin, the river-bed continues wide for about a mile and a half. Here it receives a creek (tributary No. 1) coming out of a gorge on the right, and a little further on a second creek (tributary No. 2) enters the river, which may come from a saddle in the Dividing Eange. About half a mile further on a third creek, much smaller than the two former, and having its source in Worsley Pass, issues from an extremely narrow rock-bound gorge. At this point, four miles from our camp in a westerly direction, the main river turns abruptly to the north, narrowing very much—indeed, becoming rock-bound in places. The scenery of this river is very fine, the mountains being wild and rugged. Just where the beech forest gives place to subalpine scrub the valley widens out considerably, being surrounded by high, steep, and precipitous mountains, from which numerous streams, waterfalls, and cascades descend. The surface of the valley, for about three-fifths of its extent, is covered with meadow-plants and subalpine scrub, while the remainder is covered with stony debris, most of it of large size. Here, moreover, the vegetation is altogether in its virgin condition, and so of extreme scientific interest and importance ; while, strange to say, although westerly winds blow almost constantly and with great fury, offering every facility for the transport of seeds adapted for wind-carriage from Westland, I did not observe a single introduced plant of any kind; and the same remark applies to all the country we traversed where sheep and fires have never been. Where sheep penetrate there are weeds to be found in abundance, but past that point they do not seem to go. The left-hand branch of the river meanders over a wide bed for a distance of four miles. At four miles the river divides into two branches, one flowing north-east and the other north-west, the former rising in a saddle which I should fancy must lead into one of the Hurunui branches, while the latter we followed up through its gorge right to the Dividing Eange. This gorge is very similar to the one last described, though hardly so rough. It is especially noteworthy on account of the character of the forest through which it passes : this, although composed of the usual mountain-beech, contains an undergrowth of an essentially western character, many typical Westland subalpine shrubs occurring in large quantities, and being of great luxuriance of growth, especially Olearia lacunosa, with its curious long narrow leaves not unlike those of a lanfcewood, and the remarkable heath Dracophyllum traversii. The gorge continues about two miles or rather more, when it opens out into a steep narrow valley, where the stream divides into three branches, one branch coming from a saddle on the north-west, the middle branch from a high saddle lying north-north-west, and the other branch going in a north-easterly direction, whose source could not be determined for mist. The saddle at the north-west branch has an altitude of 4,200 ft. It is quite a narrow ridge, with waterholes on the top of the customary subalpine character, out of which a stream flowed in a westerly direction, and falling rapidly down the western slope; but it was altogether too misty to get a clear view of the surroundings. For wealth of vegetation the slopes of this saddle surpassed anything I have ever seen in New Zealand. The large herbaceous Senecio (S. scorzonerioides) was in full bloom, a sheet of white covering the hillside and dazzling the eyes as does a snowfield. Here, too, was the huge buttercup (Ranunculus traversii), a plant seldom recorded—soft-yellow in colour, with kidney-shaped leaves, and having twenty or thirty blooms on a stout stem 1 ft. or more in height. To get a view of the surrounding country, and also to study the vertical distribution of the plants, we made an ascent of Green Hill, taking a direct course right through the forest. From this mountain we were enabled to look right over Worsley Pass, which lies, as stated before, exactly as shown on Dobson's map. The level part of the saddle will be perhaps from a mile and a half to. two miles long. Mount Hunt rises in a gentle slope as its southern boundary, while the mountain on the north is very much steeper. Previously to this we had partially ascended Worsley Pass, but had given up the attempt owing to the very dense nature of the dwarf forest clothing its slopes. I should estimate its height at 3,000 ft., or perhaps a little less. Dobson's height (assumed), 2,880 ft., seems too little. The vegetation of Green Hill is essentially of a western character, and is extremely luxuriant, sheep having never been pastured thereon. The forests of the. Upper Poulter clothe all the mountain-slopes up to the forest limit, and consist mainly of the mountain-beech ( Fagus differtioides). In the forest gullies and on their sides the tooth - leaved beech ( F. fusca) forms colonies of considerable size, and the silver-beech (F. menziesii), a species now recorded for the first time in the Waimakariri Eiver basin, occurs in a few localities, notably on the Poulter Mountains (the name I propose for the large range on the left-hand side of the Poulter), and on Junction Hill, which name I propose for the lofty mountain at the junction of the right and left Poulter branches. The effect of the prevailing winds (westerly) can be well seen where the forest is exposed to their influence. In such places the beech never attains to its full growth, but becomes at best a low-growing, thick-stemmed tree, a shrub only a few feet in height; or it may be replaced altogether by tussock and shrubs of scrubby growth.

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Little Barrier Island [Hauturu]

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APPENDIX XIII.—SANCTUARIES FOR WILD ANIMALS.

LITTLE BARRIER ISLAND. The secretary of the Auckland Institute reports as under : The Curator, Mr. R. H. Shakespear, has resided on the island for the whole of the year. In accordance with his instructions he has kept all tracks and paths open, so that the portion of the island accessible from his house can be quickly and efficiently inspected. The northern part of the island can only be reached by water, and this he has regularly visited by boat, so as to make it quite certain that collectors or others had not established themselves there. He reports that the only attempt to interfere with the island occurred in October last. On the 17th of that month he was returning by boat from one of his periodical visits to the north end of the island when he noticed a light in a little nook on the western shore. The surf was too heavy to allow him to land at that time, but during the night the weather moderated, and he was able to land at daylight the following morning, finding two men asleep in their boat, which was pulled up among the trees. They proved to be two Swedes named Sandvig and Solam, who had crossed over from Whangarei Heads with the intention of concealing themselves on the island for the purpose of digging kaurigum. They had been at work for two or three days, and had obtained a small amount of gum. Mr. Shakespear immediately ordered them off the island, and watched them until they were out of sight. He reported the matter to the Institute, by whom the facts of the case were communicated to Mr. Mueller, the Commissioner of Crown Lands. I understand that Mr. Mueller made attempts to find the men, with the view of bringing an action against them, but they appear to have left the district. It is in every way important that such visits as the above should be at once checked, and the parties proceeded against, otherwise there will be great risk of the vegetation being destroyed by fire, and the island rendered unsuitable as a reserve for the indigenous avifauna. And if the visits of gum-diggers were tolerated, they would sooner or later be made the means of collectors reaching the island. In addition to his work of patrolling the island, the Curator has been careful to destroy wild cats whenever opportunities presented themselves. These appear to be the only vermin likely to interfere with the birds. He has also kept the house and other buildings in an excellent state of repair, and has done a good deal in the way of planting, gardening, &c. It is the opinion of the Curator that the native birds have considerably increased since he arrived on the island. In the spring great numbers of bell-birds and white-heads visit the flat near his house for the purpose of breeding, and very many nests indeed were observed, some of them being built within his garden, almost close to the house. The stitch-birds are mainly seen in the central part of the island, near the base of the higher peaks, but these also occasionally visit the flat. During his spare time the Curator has made a rough map of the interior of the island, which has been communicated to the Survey Department at Auckland. It shows the chief peaks and ridges, and the course of the streams. On the whole, there seems to be every prospect of the indigenous birds surviving in no small number, on the Little Barrier, providing that the present system of keeping a resident Curator is maintained.

WELLINGTON ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY'S RESERVE NEAR PARAPARAUMU. Mr. Leonard G. Reid, pro Hon. Secretary of the society, makes the following report: — Including caretaker's salary, grassing land, and clearing same, &c., the total amount expended by the Wellington Acclimatisation Society on the Game Farm Reserve above-mentioned for the year ending 31st March last was £l6-5 10s. lOd. In addition to this the west and north-west boundary-lines have been felled for a width of 3 chains and burnt, at a cost to the department of £7O. Grass-seed has been sown on the greater portion of the ground, and the boundary-lmes are now ready for fencing. The grass-seed sown on the seventy acres already cleared has taken remarkably well, and there has been abundance of feed on the reserve, which the deer have constantly frequented. With the concurrence of the Acclimatisation Society the caretaker was permitted to house the pheasants upon the five or six acres of forest reserve about a mile and a half from the Game Farm. Though every attention was given to the birds the number of infertile eggs laid was abnormally large, due probably to the age of the hen-birds. The caretaker raised thirty-two birds, which were liberated by him within the enclosure. He states that the birds come regularly to be fed, and is of opinion that much better results will be obtained from the eggs of such birds next season than can possibly be got from those in runs. Both lots of deer liberated are thriving, and as they have already begun to breed there seems little doubt that they are well established in this locality. The trout liberated in the stream forming the western boundary of the reserve are doing well, and fish up to 3 lb. in weight have been taken there this season.

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RESOLUTION ISLAND. The following letters, notes, and memoranda were received from Mr. Richard Henry, Curator Resolution Island, 4th December, 1899. I was out for several crips about Resolution to see how the imported birds were getting on, but, of course, I could only see the cuttings that the kakapos make, because I cannot let my dog hunt. I have now taught my dog not to hunt unless I put the muzzle on him. I saw one kakapo in good condition, and often heard one; also grey kiwi. I have not hunted for any more on the mainland. Lately we made a good track through the dense scrub on Mount Forbes, which is east of Duck Cove, and we camped there near the top to listen and look for strangers, because there is a great extent of that sort of scrub, which is impenetrable without a bill-hook. It is a place that men will always do their best to avoid, and where hundreds of Notornis might escape notice for generations. We have just spent ten days there, and came home yesterday without seeing or hearing the slightest trace of strangers. All through October was very bad weather, there being over 22 in. of rain, and wind in proportion. I have often heard stories about the weka and common fowl intercrossing, and I read about it in the Transactions, vol. ix., page 341, so I brought with me from Dunedin a bantam rooster and two hens to see if they would interbreed. When I let them out of the box the weka that was at my heel set on them as he would one of his own kind that he wanted to frighten, but the fowls took no notice of him. With all the weka's reputation for fighting and bloodthirstiness, one of these little hens will hunt him away from the food, and if he is any way slow about going will pluck a mouthful of feathers out of him. I think the rooster got about one kick at each of them when he first came, but he can never get near enough now, though he has long legs. When the hens began to lay the wekas would steal every egg they could, and always tear up the nest, so that it would look more like a bundle of straw. This is important, because it shows that the weka's hereditary knowledge is more of duck-eggs than of fowls', for I think it is only ducks and geese that cover their eggs, and if it was not for wekas and rats there might be great flocks of teal here. By giving one of the hens a nest up on posts she brought out seven chickens, which I put in a wirenet enclosure, and the eagerness of the wekas to get at them when they first saw them was very instructive. If it were not for the netting the seven chickens would have all gone in about seven minutes; as it is they have taken four of them, one of them while we were looking on. They are so swift and artful that there is no use chasing them. The male and female weka hatch in turns and pair for life, and if a male weka took a hen for a mate there would be other troubles, I think, when the chickens arrived. I suppose there is no place where wekas are so tame and plentiful, and I will keep the little fowls as long as convenient for the experiments.

Pigeon Island, Ist January, 1900. We have just returned from our trip to Fanny Bay, after spending thirteen days there. About two miles is a fair half-day's march in the bush; and off the ridge I could see six or eight miles of valley without any features of interest or any object, so my perseverance was not strong enough for that track. I thought we might see more from the mountain-top in a glance than we would in that valley in weeks. There was a fairly isolated mountain east of the mouth of the river, which we decided to climb. The ridge we crossed was 600 ft. high, and all broken ground that has slipped and slid about in all directions, with no water on the surface. In going up the north face we passed great holes as big as a house and over 50 ft. deep, where we could hear an underground creek, but could see no water, nor could we get a drink anywhere. Before starting up the ridge we had come a mile and a half along the lake, which was a miserable mud-hole, full of snags like Lake Ada, and apparently formed about the same date, perhaps by an earthquake that started those great landslips. The mountain we were going to climb is marked " Mount Edgecomb " on the map, and between its steep spurs and the mouth of the river is nearly half a mile of a flat covered with very tall trees—kamai and silver-birch ; yet around the beaches of this flat great logs and snags are sticking up among the stones. One little beach is covered with hard slate broken like roadmetal, so that it cannot be very old. The body of Edgecomb is basalt, with isolated patches of slate around it, and right on its very top we saw a lump of slate lying on the basaltic rock, so that there have been great changes here, or, at least, the evidence is more remarkable than usual. The mountain is very steep, and we had a lot of trouble to find a possible way up it without running risks, for the slips are ready to run again any day. On the 20th we reached 2,800 ft., but could get no water, and it was so hot among the rocks we had to give it up for that day and come down. On the 23rd, after two days' spell, it being a promising morning, we started up again, taking a billy of water; but just as we got on top clouds came over, and we were in a fog and could see nothing. Luckily we marked our track up the stones with the Celmesia-leaves, and we thanked our stars for doing so, for it began to rain, and we could not see 20 yards, and would have had great trouble to find our way down to the bush. From below the top looks like slate with white scars like lodes of quartz, but the bluish colour is caused by a lichen growing on the basalt, and the white streaks are recent slips or breaks. On Mount Forbes we saw where lightning had recently struck the ridge, throwing up the earth in all directions, and cutting a race down the east side 2 ft. wide and 2 ft. deep, which suggested a waterspout, but the loose earth and tussocks were thrown out on each side and not much weather-worn, so that it must have been lightning. There were also many old scars. Here on Mount Edgecomb were also evidences of fearful lightning strokes. A stone, 20 ft. high, near the top had its side knocked off, and there was a hole below it where the rock was all crumbled into sand. We lost our view of the valley south and east, so I intended to go up again if a clear day offered. We stayed till the 28th, spending all the dry time prospecting around the beaches of the bay and up the

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Celmisia Colensii, Poulter River, Canterbury.

Celmisia bellidioides and Veronica linifolia, Poulter River, Canterbury.

Nests of Shags, Anchor Island.

A West Coast (Otago) Inlet.

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gullies, but could not raise a colour of anything, but took specimens of rocks. All dull weather and clouded tops, so we left on the 28th, but soon had to take shelter from the gusty winds, which we cannot deal with in a sailing-boat, and it took us three days to get home. While at Fanny Bay we did not hear a single roa, kakapo, or kiwi, and but two woodhens, but we saw a party of grey-ducks on the lake and a good many black-teal in pairs. There were swans, of course, and two pairs of paradise ducks at our tent quite tame, so that they were evidently natives of this lonely place. When we came into the backwater there were a pair of swans with five young ones, but the silly old ones took them away out in the bay and lost two. Several days after, when we were going round the bay, we turned the three young ones back into the shallow water, and they seemed to feed away quite contentedly, but in another day or two they had disappeared, and I went to some trouble to find out what became of them. If a hawk or gull had eaten them I should have seen some of the feathers along the beach or rushes, for the wind was all the time in shore, but not a sign could I find, so I think it must have been a groper that ate them. We saw one groper nearly big enough to swallow an old swan, and he followed our boat in a cheeky sort of way, and continued to do so after I had given him a prick with the spear that left plain white marks on him. In Doctor's Cove the water is quite shallow and clear, and fish so plentiful that we would not take blue-cod while we were weather-bound there. We had thrown in a lot of mendos' heads, and a big cod packed them away until he was full to the neck, and held a head in his mouth for safe-keeping, and then he lay on the bottom near some heads that he could not eat and drove away any small fish that came to nibble at them. So it seems a blue-cod has an idea of keeping a store for himself. However, his watch did not last long, for I saw him hurry into the weeds, and then a groper came along and shovelled up the heads. A blue-cod does not care a straw for a shark ; he will almost rub shoulders with him for food ; but evidently he has a great respect for a groper. The mendos are here again this year. There were none last year, and it is now two years since I caught any. They are the little fish of which I sent you a few once. There were also plenty of moki in good condition, and very good to eat, though they are often indifferent, and as a rule very variable in quality.

6th January. Heard the kakapos drumming after two years' silence, but on 16th December we heard some drumming on Resolution from our house. On the 10th we had three roas, four kiwi, and one kakapo, and sailed for Anchor Island because the steamer could easily pass us by. On the 13th, at 5 a.m., she sailed away, and we went hunting that day but caught nothing. The birds are scarce in Cascade now and hard to find, we have taken so many out of it. Though we could hear them at night, they are in the steep and difficult places where we cannot walk. So we came home on the 14th, anchored for an hour in Pickersgill Harbour, and took some photos of Captain Cook's old clearing. It was a good big patch on the sunny side of Observation Point, 50ft. above the sea. It probably took a dozen men a week or two to clear it, so that lam confident no one else would spend so much labour there. There were plenty of fish in Cascade, so that the amateur fishermen had great fun while they stayed ; blue-cod, tarakihi, and crayfish were the principal ones, but there were great shoals of small fish, either young barracouta or garfish, but I could not catch one. The red whale-feed had just come in, and we saw a school of dog-fish there and also at Luncheon Cove, which I never saw before in a company. They were swimming about in shallow water, apparently amusing themselves, but probably they had been out and had had a feed of whale-food. I always thought they were predaceous hunters, but we saw moki feeding on the bottom and taking no notice of the dogfish even when almost rubbing past them. However, when I speared a moki and the dog-fish got the scent of the blood they all livened up and raced round looking for it, but even then the other moki were not the least afraid, so I am satisfied that they do not hunt moki unless they are injured. There were two blue-sharks (Notidanus) that came to our boat every evening. One had many white spots on its back, but the other had not, though the same sort of shark. This latter one seemed to be friendly and would take a fish-head off the spear in a polite and gentle way, so that we called him our pet. There were many crayfish crawling about on the bottom, 7 ft. or 8 ft. deep, and when one of them would get on a fish-head this shark would roll it over with his nose and take the head and without hurting the crayfish, though it looked so dangerous. When we accidently caught a common grey-shark and threw it in shallow water this notidanus always came and ate it as if it was part of his business to do so ; starting at the belly, he left only the head, tail, and part of the back, and no other fisb came near it. I speared a red-gurnet there and saw it using its legs to crawl along the bottom.

4th February. Sailed for Wet Jacket, but a strong head wind sent us for shelter into Earshell Cove, three miles south of our place. I had promised to sound the entrances to Waihopai Harbour for the captain, so we stayed there part of the next day. When we came in the beach was covered with gulls, and we found it was a seam of stranded mysis that had attracted them. The red whale-food was also in the harbour, and a big mob of cowfish hunting and snorting in about five different voices; they were helter-skelter after fish until one of them saw us and gave the alarm, and in about two minutes they were all out of sight round the island. It is wonderful how they can communicate with each other at such a distance under water, and that when they are all rushing about as busy as possible. The evening of the sth we got to Oke Island, and next day I went across to the copper-mine hut to try and get some thrushes, but not one would come near me, though last time I was there I could have caught half a dozen. Then we went hunting, and

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brought away six kakapos, one of which died through being too long with the dog before I could reach it, but the others were not hurt, and I have them on Parrot Island at present, intending to put them in cages for Dunedin when I expect the steamer, the middle of next month. I could find no nest in Wet Jacket, and the kakapos were not fat. On the 13th we went to Pickersgill, and hunted two days in fine dry bush, but got nothing but two kiwi. That place is played out for hunting birds, and my only reason for going there and the Cascade so often is because it is the only anchorage on that south coast till we get to Fanny Bay, which is no good for us. So we went to the east side of the Cascade, and hunted two days for two roas and two kakapos, which we brought away on the 17th. This is the 22nd, and the last few days have been wet and rough, but we have lately had good weather on the whole, w T hich makes this a pleasant place.

About Seals. When at the Bluff some time since Mr. John Parker, an old identity, gave me the following information : In about 1847 the Natives sealing on the West Coast used to think seventy or eighty skins a good season's work, but after that they increased, so that in 1867 or 1868, they used to get six or seven hundred in a season. Of course, they would increase now if left alone, but there is no use protecting them, because there is a Hobartown whaler down at the Auckland Islands now (15th September, 1899) as well as the exploring ship the " Southern Cross," which is pretending to be after the south pole. Tame seals? —Yes; we had one on the barque " Celestial " for three months. It would crawl around between the dead-eyes and the rigging, and make pretence to jump overboard with its fore flippers out, but would hold on with its hind ones, and would drink tea in any quantity. We used to just chuck him bits of fish. At Okarito there was a fellow used to hawk one round for show. Gilroy had pet hair-seals several times. Dusky Sound was the principal place for seals. To the northward of West Cape is a harbour for boats to pull out—not to lie in a gale. Ahiweka is its name (ahi, fire, and tveka, woodhen), but the sailors' name is " Knife and Steel River." There is a sunken rock off Gulshes Head, 51 yards towards Coal Island. This side of Martin's Bay there is a boat-harbour to pull out, with not much surf. A couple of miles eastward of Dea's Cove is a better anchorage in 16 fathoms, safe from north winds. " Bawa-te-huia "(a name for Resolution) means the meeting of a large quantity or numbers. Nancy's Sound was called after Captain Groner's daughter. He had a big knock-down of seals there, but Ido not remember his vessel's name. When Howell had the new "Amazon" and Gilroy was mate, they had an accident off the west point of " Crayfish." There is a big rock there, and they anchored too near it, and swung round and knocked her rudder off. They took her into Crayfish, put her ashore, and Gilroy made a gudgeon out of the stock of a small anchor. The "Amazon" (old " Korari") was a two-boat ship, and would have about sixteen or seventeen hands. The narrows going into Luncheon Cove we called Pinch-gut, because the yards caught in the enuke. Kokina is the Maori name of Blind Cove, now marked " Luncheon Cove "on the charts. We always knew the other as " Luncheon Cove." It was the biggest of the outward islands, where it was said the Lascars were put and the skeletons seen. Just out of Luncheon is an island where we used to skin the seals on a big flat rock. " Storehouse Island "it was called. It seems the " Otago " was also called the " Kirody," which was a nickname meaning lingeater. There were clearly two vessels called the "Amazon," and, perhaps, the "Otago" was renamed when she changed hands. Kanaka Bill seems also to have been called Paramatta, so that there is the usual room for confusion, as in the, case of the two "Endeavours," and the two Luncheon Coves.

Notes on Fish. Pigeon Island, 11th March. We have always a great visitation of fish and birds here about the end of February, and this year it has been the same, excepting that it has occurred a few days later. On the 4th March at our house we could hear the noise made by the mutton-birds plunging into the water after some small fish, but I did not find out what fish they were. I have no way of catching the little fish except by shooting a bird. I tried to shoot a mutton-bird with a bullet but did not get one. The red whale-food was in then, also the transparent mysis, and it was the latter the little fish were after on the surface. There were also cuttlefish, because I got some in a shark a few days before, but I never see a live one swimming about. I suppose they keep down in deep water. The cowfish I killed some time ago had just eaten twenty or thirty ; that was on the 27th February. All the fish and birds are very fond of them. On the 28th of last February a big cuttlefish or squid was floating dead near our boat-shed. Its body was about 2 ft. long and 2 ft. across its tail-fins. The birds had eaten the arms of its head, but otherwise it was not torn by fish. Generally when I throw a few fish-heads in the water here a shark will be up for them in about ten minutes, but nobody seemed to want this dainty squid just now, though the sound is so full of fish, and this had at least five miles to come from the ocean. I expect the explanation is that there are millions of them outside and that the fish have more than they can manage. This one would weigh about 101b., so that it would have taken a sperm-whale to eat many of them. Last evening—2oth March—down on the sandy beach, when my back was turned, I heard something rattle on the sand, and the dog ran down and stood barking in the shallow water. Then I saw a garfish jump high and rush about as if in agony. Presently it jumped out on the beach, and danced around with the greatest energy. A gull that I feed flew dose over my head. I took up the little fish, which was about a foot long, and, while I was trying to hold it and look

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Nest of the Weka (Woodhen).

Penguins in Captivity, Resolution Island.

In Cascade Harbour.

Stumps of Trees cut down by Captain Cook, Pickersgill Harbour.

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at it, another one came and acted in the same manner. Then, a little way behind me, the gull went down, and I just had time to turn and see it swallow one. The gull kept hovering overhead, and had much the best chance of seeing the silvery sides of the fish as they twisted and turned about, and it made several attempts to catch one in the water, but the fish was too quick for it, and I stood by and got another one. Several more gulls came and hovered high up. Perhaps they saw by the actions of the first one what sort of game was on hand, and came up for a share. Every now and then one of them would pounce down on the far side of the bay and swallow its prize instantly, to save it from several others that tried for it, and in one case two of them took a half each, because they are thin tender little fish. Thus, it will be seen that it was only by accident that I saw one of those suicidal garfish. When I went home I held a post mortem on nine, and they seemed to be beautifully perfect, without a speck on them. When I opened them all the blood appeared to be in a cavity of the body, and the straight intestine gorged to the vent, apparently with excrement. Somehow it suggested to me phosphorus-poisoning, because I have dissected hundreds of poisoned rabbits in which the lateral intestine appeared to have been paralysed, the liver whitish, and the heart and large vessels full of blood, but I never saw blood in the cavity of the body. The sea is often aflame with phosphorescence, and under some mysterious circumstances little creatures might collect it in a form and quantity that would poison the fish. We may get a dose of it ourselves, sometimes, even from the trumpeter. The night before a barracouta came ashore on Boatshed Beach, where the water is deep, but unfortunately I did not open it, but left it to the wekas and gulls. However, when I saw it, it was a beautiful fish without a mark on it, and I do not believe that any fish comes ashore by accident. If they had not sense enough to avoid that they would be often left by the tide. Neither did barracouta drive those garfish ashore, because the water was so shallow that I could have seen them within twenty yards of me. About a hundred thousand horse-mackerel came ashore at Cascade Harbour two years ago, and long ago I saw kahawai strewed along Taranaki Beach, and could get no explanation, even from Maoris, of why they came ashore. Some wiseacre pakeha told me they were driven ashore by the storm, but that was a very thin fish-story, because all a fish has to do is to go down a few feet to be out of the storm. I heard that a hundred and fifty black-fish—small whales—went ashore at Ruapuke about twenty years ago, and another lot in the northern sounds, and sometimes we hear of several whales being stranded. Even the little mysis, which are like a small shrimp, go ashore here in tons, but they always sicken first and come to the surface, and any chance breeze sends them ashore, where the tide leaves them for the gulls and wekas; and sometimes they make the beach smell high. And we must not forget the frost-fish, that seems to come ashore every winter. Of course, my idea of poison may be all wrong, but when a body is puzzled it is pardonable to go fishing for an explanation. An angler that has used earthworms at night will have noticed the phosphoresence oozing out of their bodies. Well, in Australia long ago I used to have young magpies that would hold their mouths open for food, and I found after dear experience that if I dropped in a lot of live earthworms my pets generally died; and here in feeding roas I notice that they always worry a big worm and rub it about on the ground, perhaps to get that phosphoresence out of it. And the phosphorus may be the worms' defence, because they always ooze it out when in trouble. There is no end to the curiosities of defence : that pf the skunk, for instance, and even the squid, which squirts a cloud of black ink that may be very offensive to fish. The mud-turtle on the Murray oozes an offensive odour from under its shell, so that no white man can eat it, though it is good eating, it being a standjng joke for the darkies how the turtle tricks the white-fellows.

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APPENDIX XIY.

WAIEAEAPA LAKES. The completion of the marginal survey of the above lakes by Messrs. P. E. Earle and T. M. Grant enables me to furnish you with the following statement of areas made by those gentlemen, the whole being illustrated by the attached plan. The chief points brought out by Mr. Grant's report are as follows 1. The absence of Crown lands suitable for homestead-sites or for depasturing stock when the lakes are in flood. 2. That the Crown land outside the freehold boundaries surrounding the lakes is unsuited for settlement until the level of the waters is permanently lowered. 3. That the swamps and flats exposed during the summer months comprise rich soil, capable of conversion into good pasture-lands. The lakes are at their lowest level for about two months in the summer, and at their ordinary level for about six months in each year. The area of swamps and grassed mud-flats still vested in the Crown is 2,671 acres, and it is probably worth £5,800. A simple system of drainage could be carried out to convert the greater portion of the lakearea into pasture-land if a new channel were cut for the Euamahanga Eiver, so that it might discharge its waters direct into the Onoke Lake, instead of, as at present, into the Wairarapa Lake. The area of the Wairarapa Lake which is capable of reclamation in this way is about 19,300 acres. The diversion of the Euamahanga would also result in a permanent outlet being maintained through the shingle-bank at Okorewa, leading to the further reclamation of 2,450 acres of the Onoke Lake. The value of these two areas of such reclaimed land is probably £261,000. To render Messrs. Earle and Grant's surveys complete, and to afford reliable information for any proposed scheme of drainage, embankment, and reclamation, a series of levels should be taken.

Summary. Crown Lands on Margins of Wairarapa Lakes exposed at Time of Survey (exclusive of bare Mud-flats).

Acres. Acres. Total area of lakes and land covered at highest flood 49,680 Area of lakes at ordinary summer level — Upper Lake ... ... ... ... ... 18,226 Lower Lake ... ... ... ... ... 1,840 Total ... ... ... ... ... 20,066 Area of lakes at lowest summer tevel- — Upper Lake ... ... ... ... ... 16,134 Lower Lake ... ... ... ... ... 1,145 Total ... ... ... ... ... 17,279 Areas of lakes and land bounded by freeholds and included in certificate of title issued to Eaniera and others by the Native Land Court — Upper Lake ... ... ... ... ... 21,854 Lower Lake ... ... ... ... ... 2,066 Eiver and sandspit ... ... ... ... ... 670 Total ... ... ... ... ... 24,590 J. W. A. Mabchant, Wellington, 23rd January, 1900. Chief Surveyor.

Extracts feom the Eepoet of Me. T. M. Geant on Waibaeapa Lake Mabginal Suevey. I peoceeded to pole out all exposed mud-flats on the shores of the Wairarapa and Onoke Lakes, with the exception of that portion of the margin of the Wairarapa Lake previously surveyed by Mr. Earle. Starting from the head of the Wairarapa Lake at old peg near Lake Trig (which is apparently buried under gravel deposit), the poles were driven on the margin as far as Lucena Trig. Proceeding down the western side of the lake, and working on the water's edge, the shore seemed a permanent bank from Lucena as far as Bockett's Creek. Here a narrow mud-bank seemed to lie beyond the permanent bank, and it was poled out; but a later inspection modified this opinion; and, in any case, the flat was so narrow that it was unworthy of notice, and I did not peg or

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Class. Upper Lake. Lower Lake. Totals. Acres. Acres. Acres. First 241-5 29-5 271 Second 1,178 524 1,702 Third 698 698 Totals ... 2,117-5 553-5 2,671

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connect it. Still proceeding along the margin, one or two doubtful pieces of land on flat swampy shores were poled out, and then, upon reaching Allsop's Bay, the entire bay was poled out. Beyond the poled margin (in an easterly direction), and until the channel of the Euamahanga is reached, it is quite evident that no accretion has been made to the bank—and, in fact, a compass traverse disclosed the fact that the old banks had been considerably washed away. The eastern lake margin, lying between the river exit-channel and " The Narrows," is high permanent bank; but continuing in a northerly direction, as far as the river entrance-channel, a considerable flat was poled out. This being the limit of my work upon the Wairarapa Lake, I proceeded thence to Onoke Lake, camping at Kiriwai, and poled out in a similar manner the whole lake, and also some distance up the river-banks. Ihis poling-out was accomplished under considerable difficulty, but the result of my investigation shows that below the water-margin which I have pegged out the bottoms of the two lakes are mud, traversable on foot at time of survey, and presenting during midsummer a hard, dry surface, suitable for vehicular traffic at any part, with the exception of an occasional creek with a soft channel, or an obstruction in the form of a wire fence running far out into the shallow waters of the lakes. This is a very favourable feature in the light of probable future drainage operations. In all cases I availed myself of the best procurable local knowledge to define the flood-limit in cases where the drift-deposit was not sufficiently marked. I have marked upon the plan of Onoke Lake the approximate lowest summer-water limit as collected from the best local authorities. This is shown by a broken red line, and is maintained on an average for about two months at midsummer. From the same sources I have procured the position of the approximate ordinary summer-water limit, which is maintained on an average for about six months in the -year. There are no ordinary low-water and high-water levels in this lake. Fluctuations are frequent, owing to various causes. The cause of exposure of mud-banks is the small supply of water brought down by the Euamahanga Eiver at dry seasons. The greatest exposure generally occurs at midsummer, although it has happened at other times. When the lake is at lowest summer level, the water on the eastern shore recedes for about 20 chains from surveyed margin, and on the western shore recedes from about 90 chains on the south to about 60 chains opposite Ponui Hill. This exposes a large area of mud-bank and leaves the Euamahanga Eiver flowing in a channel about 10 chains wide and about 12 ft. deep in a fairly direct course to the exit at Okorewa. The ordinary summer level is approximately defined on plan by a firm red line. For the six months during which this is maintained the water on the east side of the lake recedes about 4 chains from the surveyed margin. On the west side the water recedes from the surveyed margin for about 1 chain from Kiriwai to opposite Sheep Hill. Then it skirts the island and extends to the bank of the Euamahanga Eiver at pipe 21, leaving a dry expanse to the west and north-west of this line. The banks, which are exposed at a dry season, and which lie inside the surveyed margin (i.e., on the lake side) are quite devoid of verdure. They are a firm mud composed of alluvial deposit, and are traversable in all directions on foot or on horseback, except where intersected by an occasional creek with a soft bottom. The swamps on the margin of the lake which have been reclaimed by drainage become rich pasture lands. The water-margins of the swampy land, especially on the west side of the lake, are thickly covered with rushes. With some system of drainage these are not hard to get rid of, and unless the ground be kept very wet they soon disappear. The exposed mud-banks which are to be seen during midsummer are capable of becoming fertile pasture land, if some method of restraining the waters from flooding them were adopted. With regard to the utilisation of the land lying on the lake side of the Crown-grant boundaries at Onoke Lake : The land on the margins, as well as on the bottom of the lake, is composed of excellent soil, and would be a most valuable estate were some scheme of drainage put into effect and the water kept off the shallows of the lake and the low marginal lands. On the west side the high land, which is the retreating-ground for stock during the wet season, has been entirely bought up. Were the western marginal lands leased or sold to any one other than the proprietor of the adjoining high land, the new occupier would be without retreat for stock in flood-time. Access to the Western Lake Eoad would be insufficient retreat, because paddock accommodation for stock might at any time be required for some weeks. The absence of any homestead-site is therefore adverse to profitable occupation. The wind blows very strong from the south-east and north-west especially, and the marginal lands in the hands of the Crown on the western side offer no shelter. The corner of the road at Sheep Hill appears to be the best point from which to give roadaccess to the flat. Were the flats drained, roads could be laid off from the present road at any spur south of Ponui Hill, but the swamp opposite that hill, and northwards towards Battery, is in many places too soft and treacherous for road-making. From the Euamahanga Eiver to Kiriwai the Crown-grant boundary is unfenced, and the road is also unfenced for about two miles north of Battery Hill to the coast. On the east side of the lake the aspect of affairs is somewhat different. Here the same possibilities of fine pasturage exist as on the other side, were proper drainage effected. Here also access-roads could be run from the Ferry Eoad, at almost any point, to give entrance to the marginal lands. The land is not nearly so wet as on the eastern margin, and, although natural shelter on it is wanting, it could be grown readily. There is also a good retreating-ground, which, although apparently flat, has a sufficient rise to entirely remove the danger of stock being drowned. Any of this land, drained or reclaimed, although fit to grow almost anything, can only be used for root-crops or pasturage purposes, on account of the heavy winds, which would not allow the safe garnering of seed-crops. I may say that there are no ultra-marginal lands on the upper lake lying beyond the extreme flood-limit (excepting an area of less than an acre at head of Allsop's Bay), nor any lands which could be used for settlement purposes without a system of drainage being adopted previous to occupation. At the head of the lake there are 50 acres lying outside the Crown grant boundary

155

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—that portion lying to the west of Lagoon Creek being first-class land, and comprising 23 acres, and that part lying to the east of the creek (27 acres), poorer land, being a gravelly ridge lightly grassed. The total marginal acreage of this place is probably too small to warrant any action being taken to utilise it ; but a good road-line may readily be formed leaving Lake Trig and skirting the northern margin of the lake. Proceeding south, there are no new ultra-marginal lands to be found until we reach marginal peg No. XX. From this point to the river-channel there are 149 acres lying outside Crown grant limits. This margin is of a very wet, swampy nature, and quite useless without "some system of efficient drainage. The water-edge hereabouts has not been altered to any great extent since the survey of the freeholds, and where alteration has taken place on the west side it has been almost entirely in the direction of encroachment of the lake margin. The loss of land at the exit of the Euamahanga from the lake on its right bank is also noticeable. Were the danger of flood averted, there is a small homestead-site at the extreme head of Allsop's Bay. The exceptional flood of May last placed 12 in. of water above the surface of the ground at the whare shown on plan. It is a good location otherwise, fairly protected from weather, and could be given good road-access from the Western Lake Eoad. The lands pegged out by me on the east side of the lake include, as the plan shows, 153 acres of hard, bare mud-flats (composed of fertile alluvium), which a rise of 18in. of water would wholly cover; there are also 250 acres covered with toi, rushes, and grass, all subject to inundations during heavy floods, and upon which no drainage has been effected. This is first-class land, and no doubt it would be turned into rich pasturage if no danger of floods existed. At present no residence could with safety be erected upon it, as the Euamahanga Eiver in a heavy flood overflows its banks at this place. The mud-bank and the drift-wood forming upon the right bank of the river entrance, as shown approximately on plan, cause the waters of the swollen river to more readily find their way over the flat lands to the south. Summarising, therefore, as regards the Wairarapa Lake ultra-marginal lands, there is practically no area available for present settlement. I have marked on the plans the approximate lowest summer and ordinary summer levels, the former being maintained for about two months in the year, and the latter for about six months. The Euamahanga Eiver, before entering the Wairarapa Lake, takes a turn to the northwest. The mud-bank which is forming to the north of the river, and extends about halfway across the lake, has a twofold effect : it deflects the flood-water across the land to the south, and prevents the lake-waters to the north of the bank from rapidly receding. A glance at the plan will suggest that a comparatively inexpensive cutting diverting the river by way of one of the lagoons, as shown by lines on the plan, would, I believe, give good results. This cut need not be of large dimensions, the scour of the river, aided by the increased velocity due to the shortened route, being capable of performing the necessary enlargement of channel. The land being flat, the expense would be but trifling. The Euamahanga Eiver is sluggish and easily handled. The old channel into the lake at point of diversion would be blocked up, and the lake would no longer receive contributions of mud, driftwood, and flood-waters from the river. This channel-diversion would not only relieve the Wairarapa marginal swamp-lands of water, but it would also remove the possibility of a flood, and would lay bare a large area of land very fertile. The Tauherenikau is the only river of any size which would require to find its way along the lake basin to the Euamahanga Eiver channel. If 20 chains width were allowed for its channel and the remainder of the basin well drained, an area of 19,300 acres of pasture would result. The lowering of the lake-waters would raise the value of the land at the head of the lake from almost nil to, say, £l5 per acre. After reaching " The Narrows" the Tauherenikau channel should be confined to limits shown on plan, thus reclaiming in Allsop's Bay alone an area of 830 acres. As the utilising of Onoke Lake basin forms part of the general scheme, the waters of the river should be confined to the channel of lowest summer level and guided directly to the natural outlet at Okorewa, as shown on plan. This would have the same beneficial results as are mentioned regarding the Wairarapa Lake, the area of land which would thus be reclaimed at Onoke Lake being 2,450 acres. The nature of the soil at the bottom of lakes, the proximity of Crown forests, and the shallowness of the waters, all combine to render feasible a scheme of this kind, whether carried out wholly or in part. Were all these improvements effected, and the land assessed at the moderate overall value of £l2 per acre, the value of the total estate would be about £261,000. Even if such a scheme in its entirety were not adopted at present, a work which should be put in hand is the channel-diversion. When the Wairarapa Lake no longer receives the Euamahanga Eiver waters, the basin will present such an extent of mud-flats as would render the task of designing reclamation easy. Moreover, the low-water aspect would indicate the best route for the Tauherenikau channel. The periodical blocking of the lake at Okorewa, which immediately affects the margins, is caused by southerly swells or boisterous southerly weather, not necessarily severe, damming up the channel. The Onoke Lake, being so shallow, has no channel-exit proper, and its egress to the sea is easily obstructed. The spit is composed wholly of fine gravel. Were the channel-deviation made the velocity of the river-water would be increased, and if, when reaching the Onoke Lake, the river, instead of spreading itself over the flats, were confined to its channel, it would be almost impossible to stop the continuance of its outflow, more especially as the narrowest and lowest part of the spit is at Okorewa.

156

PLAN OF THE WAIRARAPA LAKES

C.-l.

Table 1.—Summary of Lands absolutely disposed of from the Foundation of the Colony, with Total Cash received to the 31st March, 1900.

Table 2,—Lands opened for Sale and Selection during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

21—C. 1.

157

District. Optional System. Cash by Auction. Lease by Auction and Application. Village Allotments. Pastoral Buns. Small Grazing-runs. Lease in Perpetuity only. Native Towns. Totals. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals Acres. 77,393 15,399 24,954 15,651 1,738 6,864 1,721 26,106 47,612 Acres. 3,303 312 157 2 ] 510 44 653 943 Acres. 1,910 78 76 144 43 927 2 j 826 4 1,350 Acres. 154 1,079 15 197 Acres. 197,700 231,445 321,749 109,481 Acres. 5,727 47,489 1,103 53^939 14,102 44,361 13,675 Acres. 9,671 39 3 5,547 8,911 8,894 13,692 5,871 Acres. 166 200 Acres. 98,004 63,325 25,345 23,881 1,781 198,571 197,700 259,047 406,762 178,932 217,438 7,922 7,358 1,445 985,795 180,396 52,628 366 1,453,348

District. Total Area sold and held in Freehold. Total Area granted or reserved under Acts. Total Area sold or otherwise finally disposed of from the Foundation of the Colony. Total Cash received to the 31st March, 1900, exclusive of Rents. Total Area disposed of on Leasehold Tenures of a Permanent Character. Total Area open for Selection on 31st March, 1900. 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 Totals A. B. P. 1,917,567 1 10 1,378,583 0 28 389,576 0 2 2,109,912 2 7 442,686 1 26 835,199 2 38 59,940 1 0 3,587,611 1 28 2,107,233 3 1 1,571,097 3 24 A. B. P. 3,400,436 1 31 373,733 3 15 650,773 1 28 1,286,176 0 5 834,277 3 7 206,122 3 10 106,596 3 23 1,176,030 2 36 695,150 2 4 591,074 2 21 5,318,003 3 1 1,752,317 0 3 1,040,349 1 30 3,396,088 2 12 1,276,964 0 33 1,041,322 2 8 166,537 0 23 4,763,642 0 24 2,802,384 1 5 2,162,172 2 5 £ s. d. 771,783 10 4 685,953 19 6 805,044 19 3 2,354,705 2 11 421,191 14 4 303,655 4 11 70,332 2 1 6,442,721 7 9 2,191,164 1 11 1,876,667 11 5 A. B. P. 636,718 0 27 348,642 3 15 213,628 0 25 512,490 3 13 105,940 3 29 260,108 2 6 8,730 3 2 401,892 1 6 823,632" 0 39 231,041 0 38 A. B. P. 624,832 0 0 25,797 1 0 53,481 2 21 97,710 0 0 288,619 0 0 4,313 0 0 76,669 0 0 9,020 0 0 115,847 3 36 1,537,213 0 0 A. B. P. 2,461,900 0 0 339,583 1 9 567,000 0 0 345,123 1 28 3,864,416 3 7 451,792 0 0 329,774 3 19 1,397,714 3 4 5,893,327 0 0 531,000 0 0 *14,399,408 2 4 9,320,373 0 20 *23,719,781 2 24 15,923,219 14 5 3,542,826 0 0 2,833,502 3 17 16,181,632 0 27 * These figures include an area of 336,810 acres, being lands repurchased for settlement; and, as the land had been previously sold by the Crown, the moneys received from such sale appear in Column 4.

C. —l.

Table 3.—Summary of Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1900 (exclusive of Pastoral Runs and Miscellaneous Leases).

158

For Details see H3 CD 3 B 6 CO Auckland. Hawke's Bay. Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Marlborough. Westland. Canterbury. Otago. Southland. Total Area taken up during Year. Table 5—Cash lands A. 8,388 B. P. 3 38 A. 266 B. 0 P. 0 A. 2,529 B. P. 1 36 A. 1,614 B. P. 3 9 A. 5,207 B. 2 p. 30 A. 1,656 B. P. 2 24 A. B. P. A. 615 B 1 p. 13 A. 1,116 E. 3 p. 5 A. 2,526 B. 2 p. 22 A. 23,922 B. P. 1 17 6—Deferred payment 7—Perpetual lease and small areas .. 624 0 0 624 0 0 „ 8 -Occupation with right of purchase 39,073 0 27 6,531 0 26,443 3 0 17,796 3 31 720 2 7 2,713 0 0 309 2 33 6,030 0 3 18,152 3 7 117,771 0 28 9—Lease in perpetuity 14,482 2 38 10,550 3 8 13,377 0 30 13,933 2 30 4,283 1 2 7,669 0 0 2,560 2 0 9,701 2 30 34,549 3 20 111,108 2 38 10 —Agricultural leases 69 3 24 69 3 24 11 —Occupation lease under " Minirig Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894" 12 —Village settlement, cash 1,272 3 2 1 2 5 2 3 7 61 0 0 627 0 0 334 0 9 2,294 4 3 11 1 12 12 —Village settlement, deferred payment 12 —Village settlement, perpetual lease 12 —Village settlement, occupation with right of purchase 12—Village settlement, lease in perpetuity 12 —Village - homestead special settlement 14-Special-settlement associations .. 1 150 0 0 0 0 23 2 30 1,118 5 2 3 1 0 23 0 3 0 25 2 1 0 38 53 1 15 406 3 1 1 1,747 30 2 2 0 2 7 2 21 0 3 » 32 —Improved-farm special settlement.. •130 0 0 2,522 0 11 3,593 1 38 1,147 1 1 7,392 3 10 „ 15 —Homestead 16 —Small grazing-runs 8,300 0 0 18,481 0 0 10,064 0 0 601 0 0 52,422 0 0 5,203 2 0 42,722 2 18 4,904 3 39 142,699 0 17 Totals 71,647 2 25 35,981 2 13 54,960 0 27 39,287 2 22 10,211 1 39 64,521 2 24 309 2 33 8,405 1 11 60,321 1 15 62,022 1 19 407,668 3 28 Cheviot Estate. Table 5 -Cash lands „ 9—Lease in perpetuity 12 —Village-homestead special settlement 16 —Grazing-farms 13 6 3 2 39 0 13 6 3 39 2 0 Land fob Settlements Acts. 5,657 *1,371 „ 9—Lease in perpetuity .. j 1 37 2 10 | 464 3 22 2,099 0 31 8,272 3 12 482 2 0 14,898 2 35 8,104 2 14 1,063 3 21 42,415 2 22 12 —Lease in perpetuity (village) » 14 —Special-settlement associations 10 —Small grazing-runs 4 0 26 1,517* 0 0 10,893 0 36 10 0 0 14 12,410 0 26 0 36 Grand totals 78,676 2 32 36,450 2 21 54,960 0 27 41,386 3 13 10,211 1 39 74,311 1 36 792 0 33 34,217 3 1 68,435 3 29 63,086 1 0 462,529 1 31 * Reallotments.

159

C.—l

Table 3.—Summary of Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1900— continued.

rji Exchanges Total Area held eg from Area taken up Total Total Total Total on 31st S TfinnrAB other during Exchanges Forfeitures Surrenders Expiries March, 1900: Total Area n loIlurGo. r- 1 32 Tenures Previous Years to to 31st March, to 31st to 31st to 31st Past and made Freehold *■4 o during the 31st March, 1899. 1900. March, 1900. Maroh, 1900. March, 1900. Current to Date. Year. Transactions. Ordinary Crown Lands. A. B. P. A. R. P. A. B. P. A. B. p. A. B. P. A. B. p. A. B. P. A. B. P. Table 5—Cash lands 12,719,368 0 37 12,743,290 2 14 6—Deferred payment 246 3 21 1,275,245 2 4 65,602 2 1 181,839 0 0 32,399 3 26 966 3 26 134,014 2 31 860,669 1 21 7—Perpetual lease and small areas .. 1,332,103 1 12 192,432 3 32 156,410 3 1 107,191 3 39 336,183 2 8 540,508 0 12 8—Occupation with right of purchase 573,592 0 4 1,282 2 4 61,679 3 39 40,236 1 30 588,164 0 39 9—Lease in perpetuity 12,783 2 36 854,596 0 38 94,811 3 32 81,192 3 6 802,483 3 34 10 —Agricultural lease 288,685 2 22 43,204 3 28 18,645 3 17 4,193 3 31 81,474 2 29 652 3 2 140,583 1 19 1 1—Occupation lease under " Mining 8,482 0 7 629 0 31 121 0 5 10,026 2 22 Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894 " „ 12 —Village settlement, cash 7,004 2 30 7,009 0 2 12 —Village settlement, deferred pay14,647 3 6 223 2 6 1,853 3 12 58 0 35 821 0 26 11,691 0 7 ment 12 —Village settlement, perpetual lease 6,822 1 3 887 3 13 1,103 0 14 47 1 20 3,697 2 31 1,086 1 5 12 —Village settlement, occupation with 34 0 20 6 10 29 1 20 right of purchase 12 —Village settlement, please in perpe50 2 23 15,721 2 37 3,570 1 17 669 1 31 13,280 0 19 tuity 12 —Village - homestead special settle20 0 0 35,460 1 5 6,503 0 7 11,266 0 17 1,701 3 23 16,039 3 19 ment 14—Special-settlement associations .. 446,532 3 31 617 1 8 149,047 0 4 80,362 3 35 128,348 2 2 88,159 0 25 n 32 —Improved-farm special settlement.. 61,805 1 22 14,471 0 27 7,751 1 36 46,975 2 9 15 —Homestead 89,489 0 34 144 1 9 8,912 0 0 1,939 3 10 78,493 0 15 16 —Small grazing-runs 1,507,381 3 17 15,635 3 1 186,225 2 10 319,908 2 8 4,952 3 11 1,123,358 1 4 Totals 13,101 1 0 19,236,973 1 9 326,390 1 20 881,704 1 30 684,748 0 5 87,394 1 26 3,206,016 0 36 14,471,490 0 0 Cheviot Estate. Table 5—Cash lands 6,677 0 35 0 2 0 6,690 34 9—Lease in perpetuity 25,224 3 33 1,320 1 0 23,911 0 33 12 —Village-homestead special settle2,803 2 38 323 1 38 2,480 1 0 ment 16 —Grazing-farms 46,977 0 9 1,286 0 0 45,691 0 9 Land fob Settlements Acts. 9—Lease ill perpetuity 173,628 1 6 5,082 1 21 417 3 10 210,543 2 37 12 —Lease in perpetuity (village) 519 1 20 83 1 18 21 0 16 429 0 12 „ 14 —Special-settlement associations 2,799 0 9 684 3 0 2,114 1 9 16--Small grazing-runs 41,942 3 28 2,713 0 0 51,640 0 24 Grand totals 13,101 1 0 19,537,545 3 27 326,390 1 20 893,198 0 27 685,186 3 31 87,394 1 26 3,542,826 0 0 14,478,180 2 34

C.—l.

Table 4. —Analysis of Holdings taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

160

Average Holdings of Selectors. Tenure. No. of Selectors. No. of Selectors under 1 Acre. No. of Selectors 1 to 50 Acres. No. of Selectors 51 to 250 Acres. No. of Selectors 251 to 500 Acres. No. of Selectors 501 to 1,000 Acres. No. of Selectors 1,001 Acres and upwards. Ordinary Crown Lands — Cash lands 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 .. .. 77 77 Small grazing-runs .. .. Pastoral runs .. .. - [ Miscellaneous leases and -77 " 474 2 395 348 3 64 6 3 69 6 1 41 57 140 318 254 *5 "5 2 2 2 52 148 73 46 3 54 1 1 55 4 1 2 20 166 46 163 146 io 12 '39 26 69 14 2 99 102 "4 14 13 11 '37 35 io 17 4 1 is 19 43 63 14 Total 7. 1,927 322 574 511 248 114 158 Cheviot Estate — Cash lands Lease in perpetuity Small grazing-runs .. .. .. .... Miscellaneous 17 1 io 14 " 8 3 1 "2 Land for Settlements Acts — Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. ■> 298 11 7 39 51 10 "2 108 1 23 75 "l 10 41 "2 23 1 6 1 Grand totals 2,310 407 712 597 291 138 165

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Table 5.—Return of Crown Lands sold for Cash during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

161

Area disposed of. Average Price per Acre. "* Consideration received. District. 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. R. P. A. E. P. A. B. p. A. B. P. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Auckland 25 25 1 21 10 24 2 30 77 8,338 3 27 112 8,388 3 38 13 6 0 6 6 3 (0 10 5-8* > \0 10 0-9 J 5,079 7 1 50 0 0 5,129 7 1 Hawke's Bay .. • • 1 266 0 0 1 266 0 0 • • 0 8 1 107 1 3 107 1 3 Taranaki 46 33 0 1 5 118 3 19 7 2,377 2 16 58 2,529 1 36 38 14 11 3 19 9 JO 16 10 } 13 4 3 ) 3,070 5 5 3,070 5 5 Wellington 83 28 2 25 4 3 3 22 6 1,582 1 2 93 1,614 3 9 41 2 5 44 1 8 (1 3 5 I [3 10 11 J 3,307 4 1 3,307 4 1 Kelson 10 5,207 2 30 10 5,207 2 30 (0 5 21 10 5 7 } 1,424 16 10 1,424 16 10 Marlborough .. 5t 1,656 2 24 5t 1,656 2 24 0 14 2 1,173 2 2 1,173 2 2 Canterbury 21 11 1 24 12 603 3 29 33 615 1 13 34 16 11 fl 12 9 1 [2 11 0 } 1,927 0 8 1,927 0 8 Otago 56 16 2 12 35 75 3 15 19 1,024 1 18 110 1,116 3 5 47 16 8 6 3 4 fO 11 10 ) tl 14 11 | 1,911 19 0 1,911 19 0 Southland 30 17 1 18 12 67 1 29 10 2,441 3 15 52 2,526 2 22 32 3 0 2 9 6 (0 15 7 ) tO 17 0 J 2,632 1 11 2,632 1 11 Totals 261 1 132 1 21 66 290 2 35 147 23,499 1 1 474 23,922 1 17 " 20,632 18 5 50 0 0 20,682 18 5 Cheviot Estate — j Canterbury .. 16 9 0 0 1 4 3 39 17 13 3 39 37 19 5 6 10 0 374 4 2 •• 374 4 2 * Where two average prices are given, the first is for lands selected when an option made two purchases at different times. was given to acquire them under other tenures, and the seoond when no such option was given. t One holder

C.—l.

Table 6. —Return of Deferred-payment Lands : Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

162

District. Surrenders during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Exchanges during the Year. Capitalised during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900, including Capitalised Holdings. No. Area. Yearly Instalments payable. No. Area. Yearly Instalments payable. No. Area. Yearly Instalments payable. No. Area. Yearly Instalments payable. No. Area. Yearly Instalments and Interest payable. Auckland .. .. .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals i 126 2 37 5 18 0 2 A. E. P. 328 2 24 £ s. d. 9 19 0 4 i A. R. P. 207 3 0 132 '6 26 £ s. d. 9 14 2 15 8 18 1 2 1 A. R. P. 2,585* 2 11 111 0 0 376' 3 39 72 0 0 £ s. d. 55 14 4 2 19 10 27 12 4 1 10 2 140 11 118 *23 f436 9 8 17 66 98 A. R. p. 16,380 2 0 4,331 2 0 10,331 0 34 6,374 0 28 45,950 2 2 370 3 38 749 3 28 11,780 0 21 18,767 1 11 18,978 1 29 £ s. d. 694 0 6 195 18 4 848 19 3 987 8 0 2,547 5 5 31 13 7 41 1 0 892 18 10 656 8 10 520 3 2 l 126 2 37 5 18 0 2 328 2 24 9 19 0 5 339 3 26 11 17 0 22 3,145 2 10 87 16 8 926 134,014 2 31 7,415 16 11 District. Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1900. Freehold acquired during the Year. Made Freehold from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1900. Selectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1900. M— 1 O CO * o <D R -2 o 3 <2 3 <d £02 Area. O 03 * O <D _g o g <2 3 CD 0 Area. Total Amount realised, exclusive of Interest. M-l O co u g CD ° B .2 3 CD Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals £ s. d. 964 4 8 438 8 1 3,859 15 6 1,066 13 2 3,392 9 6 74 9 10 56 5 9 2,431 7 5 2,354 8 8 1,691 9 10 24 6 34 6 62 1 3 8 21 21 A. B. P. 2,521 1 5 327 0 31 5,215 3 1 3,882 1 29 5,G04 1 23 209 0 0 223 2 0 1,177 2 31 2,970 0 24 4,238 3 12 206 796 1,234 677 1,175 41 90 105 1,074 1,224 A. R. p. 25,343 2 9 81,150 0 33 146,748 0 13 130,826 1 25 103,354 2 23 4,267 1 32 3,729 3 5 16,015 0 23 174,192 0 36 175,041 3 22 £ s. d. 19,599 11 4 86,246 12 8 228,653 11 2 144,656 0 8 85,942 12 0 3,166 15 0 3,453 19 5 37,568 11 8 213,018 14 0 239,438 7 7 35 2 2 1 3 1 4 4 A. R. p. 4,130 3 7 127 3 20 321 0 0 128 2 0 507 3 28 300 0 0 1,981 3 5 628 2 30 £ s. d. 204 2 7 6 19 6 16 11 6 7 18 5 10611 3 8 7 7 30 11 3 10 5 9 16,329 12 5 186 26,370 0 36 6,622 860,669 1 21 1,061,744 15 6 52 8,126 2 10 391 7 10 * Includes one selector holding 107 acres of -endowment lands at a yearl rental of £Ll 7s. 5d. I Includes five selectors holding 241 acres 1 rood 1 perch of endowment lands at a yearly rental of £2318s.

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Table 7.—Return of Perpetual-lease and Small-area Lands : Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

163

Distriot. Taken up during the Year. Exchanges to other Tenures during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. CO O °-g o © £"3 co Area. Annual Rental payable. 02 o o . •+= CD CO Area. Annual Rental. CO I °° A 0 1 Area. 0 0 1 CO 1 Annual Rental. to M-l U 0 0 co Area. Annual Rental. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals A. B. P. 624 0 0 £ s. d. 28 *7 0 12 2 1 19 1 1,207 2' 38 505 0 0 130 0 0 1,248* 3 5 4,948 2 22 177 0 17 £ s. d. 35 0 4 43 7 6 6 10 0 80 17 10 193 18 8 7 15 0 14 3 i 16 A. E. P. 6,715 2 33 2,020 0 19 238' 2 20 3,223 0 20 £ s. d 137 2 C 5912 2 14 18 119 11 8 6 4 22 4 A. B. P. 2,372 3 0 1,628 0 0 3,823 3 5 925 1 30 £ s. d. 62 17 2 .. 87 5 10 148 12 2 30 8 2 2 624 0 0 28 7 0 38 8,217 1 2 367 9 4 34 12,197 2 12 331 4 5 36 8,749 3 35 329 3 i Distriot. Freeholds acquired during the Year. Made Freehold from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1900. Net Area held on 31st March,1900. Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1900 (exclusive of Amount from Perpetual Leases made Freehold). Selectors in Arrear, .31st March, 1900. CO «4_| J-J °S ! J co Area. tc ° -2 • o O d) *© CO Area. Total Amount realised, exclusive of Interest. CO H-4 £ 00 ■ 0 O m ZD Area. Annual Rental. 10 <4-. £ °3 6 § 'q CO Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals .. .. 33 35 41 66 5 10 9 11 A. B. P. 7,373 3 3 19,534 1 12 11,157 1 23 27,028 0 13 1,828 1 32 1,623 1 8 1,147 0 24 2,601 1 16 179 250 303 660 10 1 6 44 65 54 A. B. P. 64,882 1 30 111,361 1 14 75,210 0 18 254,953 3 34 3,900 0 35 300 0 0 482 3 20 5,498 3 23 11,740 1 9 12,177 3 29 £ s. d. 30,352 0 3 87,034 2 4 68,149 19 5 229,022 18 11 1,261 10 6 82 10 0 482 17 2 8,982 2 2 9,158 2 0 9,579 9 0 583 54 116 141 31 11 7 70 301 115 A. B. P 131,118 2 0 25,466 2 33 29,037 0 10 48,468 2 7,610 3 3 1,615 2 25 580 1 8 11,956 2 16 58,538 0 36 21,791 0 31 £ s. d. 3,290 18 1 1,091 9 11 1,465 2 11 2,509 1 5 134 12 9 52 2 3 28 0 4 880 19 4 2,265 14 0 831 19 8 £ s. d. 3,290 11 5 1,333 9 7 1,910 13 6 2,800 18 7 140 18 7 52 2 4 33 7 8 1,020 3 1 2,506 14 5 1,167 9 0 133 2 9 6 2 3 2 18 10 A. B. P. 28,921 3 14 692 0 0 4,059 0 0 5,772 2 0 417 1 0 370' 1 8 175 1 18 5,266 2 27 2,652 1 14 £ s. d. 565 12 4 14 0 0 122 9 10 212 9 8 8 17 4 21 13 6 21 15 10 110 6 7 46 15 11 210 72,293 3 111572 540,508 0 12 444,105 11 9 1,429 336,183 2 8 12,550 0 8 14.256 8 2 185 48,327 1 1 1,124 1 0

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Table 8.—Return of Occu pation-with-right-of-purchase Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

164

District. Taken up during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. CO M-. £ o ° i! w Area. Average Bent per Acre. Annual Rental payable. CO M-l >-t o o fi co Area. Annual Rental. 03 H-t f-l ° .2 ll co Area. Annual Rental. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 175 15 51 56 10 7 4 33 44 A. E. P. 39,073 0 27 6,531 1 0 26,443 3 0 17,796 3 31 720 2 7 2,713 0 0 309 2 33 6,030 0 3 18,152 3 7 s. d. 0 5-6 0 10 1 0-4 1 2 0 3-5 1 1 0 5-3 0 5 0 5 £ s. d. 922 14 6 274 0 10 1,125 12 4 1,024 10 0 13 1 8 148 3 4 6 9 6 126 19 2 393 12 6 38 1 5 7 1 4 6 A. R. P. 10,080 0 3 1,347 0 0 2,473 0 0 1,248 0 0 58 2 24 648'' 2 38 700 2 39 £ s. d. 266 6 0 38 14 6 106 12 2 78 12 4 1 9 6 25 0 0 23 8 8 14 4 3 13 12 A. R. p. 6,342 0 16 1,033' 0 0 1,100 3 22 10 0 0* 2,199 1 16 6,752 0 28 £ s. d. 162 16 8 46 "l 19 15 2 0 5 0 100 "2 6 278 15 8 Totals 395 117,771 0 28 4,035 3 10 62 16,556 0 24 540 3 2 46 17,437 2 2 607 16 8 District. Exchanges during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1900. Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1900. K lu f-t o O o* © w Area. Annual Rental. 02 o o 0 r-i (Q CC Area. Annual Rental. On the Year's Transactions. On Past Transactions. CO o O . O O £■3 03 CO Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals 1 'i * * A. R. P. 42 3 20 400 0 0 £ s. d. 2 13 10 27 10 0 1,263 120 182 542 123 32 28 13 115 149 A. R. P. 238,463 2 7 43,733 2 0 60,425 1 2 156,424 3 34 21,150 1 13 9,883 1 13 3,174 0 6 1,410 1 5 20,515 1 33 32,983 2 6 £ s. d. 5,990 0 5 1,672 10 2 3,199 12 0 9,314 11 8 361 13 8 484 5 2 77 4 4 96 5 0 638 19 2 940 15 4 £ s. d. 430 10 9 110 1 7 562 16 2 699 2 1 54 19 0 155 19 1 3 4 9 81 7 11 196 15 11 £ s. d. 3,471 9 0 1,236 3 10 2,074 17 5 6,723 3 7 177 18 6 356 3 6 47 10 9 81 9 0 510 17 1 650 8 11 284 2 16 30 3 6 1 7 6 A. R. p. 42,041 2 16 841 0 0 5,874 1 0 9,366 1 12 565 0 11 729 3 17 46 8 28 1,332 3 18 1,767 2 36 £ s. d. 1,077 19 5 14 7 8 147 7 10 418 15 5 6 17 9 15 3 10 14 1 6 29 9 10 50 8 3 2 442 3 20 30 3 10 2,567 588,164 0 39 22,775 16 11 2,294 17 3 15,330 1 7 355 62,565 2 18 1,774 11 6 * Only a portion of a holding.

C.—l.

Table 9.—Return of Lease-in-Perpetuity Lands : Transactions to 31st March, 1900.

22—C. 1.

165

District. Taken up during the Year. Exchanges from other Tenures during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. No. of Selectors. Area. Average Bent per Acre. Annual Bental payable. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental payable. No. of Selectors. Area. Annual Bental. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland Total Cheviot Estate — Canterbury Lands for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals 74 13 47 54 18 17 2 53 70 A. B. P. 14,482 2 38 10,550 3 8 13,377 0 30 13,933 2 30 4,283 1 2 7,669 0 0 2,560 2 0 9,701 2 30 34,549 3 20 s. d. 0 4-8 0 6-4 0 10-7 1 0'25 0 2-75 0 9-5 0 8-1 0 5-7 0 5 £ s. d. 295 4 4 281 4 2 549 11 4 711 19 6 57 15 11 301 18 10 87 1 10 235 2 8 704 6 6 42 2 1 "i 12 13 2 A. B. P. 3,410 3 19 505 0 0 130 0 0 2,300' 0 0 1,396 3 13 4,731 3 1 309 1 3 £, s. d. 146 0 2 34 14 0 5 4 0 60 0 0 144 14 4 151 10 6 8 19 0 18 3 8 3 14 9 A. B. P. 3,192 2 33 1,175 0 0 2,599 1 24 291 2 0 3,720' 2 16 4,205 3 11 £ s. d. 83 11 2 40 9 6 93 16 10 3 10 0 119 i.9 0 127 8 2 348 111,108 2 38 3,224 5 1 76 12,783 2 36 551 2 0 55 15,185 0 4 468 14 8 1 6 2 0 5 1-5 1 13 4 . . 31 13 33 f 27 I 51 2 95 41 S 5,657 1 37 464 3 22 2,099 0 31 8,239 3 28 32 3 24 482 2 0 14,898 2 35 8,104 2 14 1,063 3 21 4 9-8 24 0 14 0 4 11 59 11 2 6 7 6-8 7 7-5 2 6 1,362 18 10 564 5 10 1,469 4 6 2,019 17 8 133 10 4 60 6 4 5,642 15 0 3,252 19 6 135 2 6 Lane 9 1 ; s reallotted dur 1,371 2 10 mg Year. 236 13 4 6 1 3 ii 10 3 606 2 0 5 0 0 10 3 35 1,049' 3 17 2,016 2 27 1,394 1 22 91 12 6 5 12 0 20 15 8 327 19 8 350 17 6 197 2 10 298 41,044 0 12 14,641 0 6 9 1,371 2 10 236 13 4 34 5,083 1 21 994 0 2

C.—l,

Table 9. —Return of Lease-in-Perpetuity Lands : Transactions to 31st March, 1900— continued.

166

District. Surrenders during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Amount received during the Year ended 31st March, 1900. Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1900. 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. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki W ellington N elson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals Cheviot Estate — Canterbury Lands for Settlements — Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals 15 1 1 3 i 18 70 A. E. P. 2,485 2 17 343 2 0 222 2 0 998 0 0 1,600' 0 0 3,691 1 9 27,027 2 26 £ s. d. 89 7 2 17 4 0 6 18 0 55 10 4 80 0 0 145 9 10 942 9 8 717 153 219 412 115 158 11 180 604 206 A. B. P. 132,583 1 37 88,223 3 6 59,937 1 32 116,563 0 20 30,141 1 11 76,324 0 23 1,255 0 0 73,744 0 26 156,641 0 0 67,070 1 39 £ s. d. 3,103 1 4 2,684 1 11 2,937 19 2 5,052 10 3 425 10 1 1,777 9 4 25 7 0 4,040 3 4 4,596 1 7 1,764 18 2 £ s. d. 141 16 4 144 8 7 274 15 8 515 4 8 268 1 5 349 0 0 124* 8 2 118 3 10 352 3 3 £ s. d. 2,218 15 11 2,005 1 10 2,381 16 10 3,634 7 7 274 12 10 1,059 17 6 6 13 0 3,968 15 2 4,231 14 8 1,115 12 7 130 16 24 1 11 44 17 22,477 012 4,412 1 0 5,848 1 10 104 0 25 3,928' 0 36 11,366 1 11 5,690 0 12 £ s. d. 709 13 11 107 13 9 245 19 11 2 6 9 160 6 9 277 14 9 110 6 5 109 36,368 2 12 1,33619 0 2,775 802,483 3 34 26,407 2 2 2,288 1 11 20,897 7 11 243 53,826 1 26 1,614 2 3 106 23,911 0 33 6,428 1 8 0 16 8 6,612 12 9 5 732 0 0 116 10 11 1 2 2 I 1 45 0 18 34 0 35 275* 0 0 4" 2 22 58 3 15 15 15 6 37 19 0 61 6 4 15 10 0 11 19 0 131 141 62 143 18 642 296 56 21,870 3 36 12,654 0 10 2,373 2 17 35,470 2 12 2,971 2 0 79,542 1 17 40,486 2 6 15,174 0 19 3,951 19 6 6,183 18 8 1,733 0 4 7,303 5 1 256 0 10 29,671 18 8 14,225 15 0 1,945 19 10 734 1 11 459 14 6 739 2 6 1,173 7 5 30 3 2 3,176 32 8 1,645 10 11 67 11 3 2,536 16 2 4,178 9 6 317 16 6 2,632 10 5 92 18 7 15,362 7 5 7,652 12 9 1,580 10 7 2 3 5 22 9 56 74 11 496 0 0 152 0 36 28 0 36 6,562 2 0 1,290 1 0 5,449 3 1 13,726 2 26 4,529 1 13 40 10 1 78 9 0 25 8 10 1,300 4 3 64 14 11 1,238 18 9 3,915 11 9 312 12 5 10 417 3 10 142 9 10 1,489 210,543 2 37 65,271 17 11 8,026 4 4 34,354 1 11 182 32,234 3 32 6,976 10 0

C.—l.

Table 11.—Occupation Leases under "The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894": Transactions to 31st March, 1900.

Table 10.—Return of Agricultural-lease Lands : Transactions to 31st March, 1900.

167

Taken up during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Amount received during the Year. Selectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1900. District. Number of | Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. Number of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. Number of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. Number of Selectors. Area. Annual Rental. On the Year's Transactions. On Past Transactions. Number of Selectors. Area. Amount. A. B. p. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ 8. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. a. £ s. d. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. Auckland 35 1,272 3 2 70 17 6 1 5 0 0 10 0 66 3,010 3 3 139 3 0 3 0 0 19 2 6 i 60 2 6 3 14 6 Marlborough 1 61 0 0 1 10 6 18 1,133 0 0 29 16 4 0 15 3 26 12 0 1 58 0 0 1 13 10 Otago 13 627 0 0 19 14 4 -- • - 4 173 1 26 7 19 0 105 4,260 1 4 163 14 9 14 2 6 157 4 10 4 264 1 1 19 16 5 Southland 15 334 0 9 63 10 2 2 47 3 0 13 5 10 33 1,622 2 15 109 2 6 7 12 6 14 15 10 Totals .. 64 2,5494 3 11 155 12 6 1 5 0 0 0 0 6 221 0 26 21 4 10 222 10,026 2 22 441 16 7 25 10 3 217 15 2 9 382 3 7 25 4 9

Taken up during the Year. Expiries during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Amounts received during the Year ended 31st March, 1900. Made Freehold from Commencement of System to 31st March, 1900. Selectors in Arraar on Slet March, 1900. District. Number of Selectors. Area taken up. Average to each Selector. Yearly Rental payable. Number of Selectors. Area. Yearly Rental. Number of Selectors. Area. Yearly Rental payable. On the Year's Transactions. On Past Transactions. Number of Selectors. Area. Total Amount realised. Number of Selectors. Area. Amount. A. R. P. A. B. P. £ s. d. A. E. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. A. R. P. £ s. d. A. R. P. £ s. d. Auckland 6 605 0 27 1 20 2 0 • • 67 2,750 0 0 590 5 0 Westland 32 279 0 15 488 12 1 • • • • Otago 3 69 3 24 23 1 8 2 3 6 4 74 2 28 2 8 6 19 632 1 2 33 2 3 1 12 3 53 18 5 1,322 130,983 3 39 131,240 12 6 11 576 3 37 26 10 7 Southland •• 50 6,570 1 5 6,570 5 0 •- Totals 3 69 3 24 23 1 8 2 3 6 10 679 3 15 2 8 6 20 652 3 2 33 2 3 1 12 3 53 18 5 1,471 140,583 1 19 138,889 14 7 11 576 3 37 26 10 7

C.—l.

Table 12.—Return of Village Settlements during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

168

District. Tenure. Taken up during the Year. Exchanges to other Tenures during the Year. Made Freehold during Year. Made Freehold from Commencement. 00 U o o o 5C Area. Annual Rental. u o -W c © 02 Area. Annual Rental. GQ fH o -M O © CG Area. Amount realised. CO 5-< o o © co Area. Total Cash received. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Marlborough Canterbury .. Otago Southland Cheviot Estate — . Canterbury Land for Settlements Acts Hawke's Bay Otago 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 purchase Lease in perpetuity Gash 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 of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Gash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Gash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Totals Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity Totals 2 1 3 1 4 32 2 29 A. R, p. 12 5 10 0 150 0 0 23 ' 2 30 2 3 7 1,113 3 3 5 0 23 0 2 0 25 1 38 53 1 15 406'' 3 1 £ s. d. 0 5 0 5 10 0 1 18 0 124 12 10 1 11 0 0 16 0 9 6 0 2 3 10 39 8 0 24 i 9 A. R. p. 1,100 0 1 20' 0 0 21 "l 10 138 0 36 30 0 0 £ s. d. 86 2 8 1 12 0 10 *7 10 87 4 2 1 17 6 *7 1 1 •• "i 2 2 1 6 A. R. P. 14 0 28 2 1 29 5 0 0 42 3 7 20 3 16 57 2 32 14 0 28 111 2 32 £ s. d. 75 0 0 7 10 0 18 15 0 457 1.4 1 74 5 0 87 0 0 14 0 0 239 8 4 251 107 9 308 120 266 109 26 "9 1 166 517 15 i.03 102 8 579 251 11 A. B. P. 635 2 18 1,183 0 10 146 3 1 853 0 9 2,289 2 36 453' 3 36 970 2 36 297 0 35 22' 1 11 5 0 0 1,208 0 1 2,454 0 28 311 0 37 889* 2 19 1,100 0 34 198 2 25 2,946' 1 28 3,688 0 23 132 1 27 £ s. d. 4,149 1 10 2,680 14 1 293 18 1 6,93510 9 10,907 12 11 3,313* 3 5 3,789 5 4 969 11 11 75 16 10 5,481 17 4 20,956 8 11 719 15 5 1,756 3 5 2,796 0 7 261 0 0 9,230 10 3 8,899 19 9 334 6 0 84 1,784 0 0 185 10 8 36 1,309 2 7 187 4 2 18 268 3 12 973 12 5 2,958 19,786 1 14 83,550 16 10 10 1 4 0 26 10 0 0 4 10 0 9 18 •• 11 14 0 26 13 11 8 "

C.—l.

Table 12.—Return of Village Settlements during the Year ended 31st March, 1900— continued.

169

District. Tenure. Amount received during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Arrears on 31st March, 1900. 01 h 0 0 1 cc Area. Annual Rental. C O r ® cc Area. Annual Rental. » 1 u 0 0 1 Area. 0 IK ! Total Annual Renta] pa3'able. Mo. Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki W ell'ington Marlborough Canterbury // » 1 Otago Southland Cheviot Estate — Canterbury .. Land for Settlemen Hawke's Bay.. Otago 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 purchase .. Lease in perpetuity Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Village-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Lease in perpetuity Viilage-homestead special settlement Cash Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase .. , Lease in perpetuity ViUage-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 Totals Lease in perpetuity ts Acls — Lease in perpetuity Totals £ s. d. 311 12 6 12 10 0 28 "7 7 34 1 2 70 19 9 3 6 0 5 17 7 37 0 0 412 5 817 19 10 361 3 9 319 8 15 0 21 11 4 23 2 6 245'' 2 3 416 0 7 3 12 0 8 3 3 1,021 19 5 13 1 11 94 16 4 14 6 158 1 6 16-5 9 3 9512 1 214 7 7 3 18 2 327 10 8 160 6 4 2 i 1 1 6 1 A. B. P. 99 0 0 0 2 5 0 3 0 2 3 35 324 1 9 0 3 11 42 3 33 12 0 8 49 i 29 9 3 28 £ s. d. 7 13 4 0 6 0 0 4 6 0 7 2 26 9 0 112 2 16 0 0 15 10 6 i 10 2 14 6 :: 2 Af B. P. 10 1 0 10 0 0 17 1 20 48 0 22 83 1 10 £ s. d. 0 16 6 3 10 0 0 15 0 2 5 4 3 15 10 104 3 "8 26 30 16 9 "2 357 120 "4 1 7 14 io 50 6 15 243 3 39 5 128 84 25 115 4 221 56 A. R. P. 4,135 0 1 9 1 32 6 2 8 344 1 26 188 0 37 12 3 0 88 3 3 26' 3 38 7,227 2 16 1,395 0 26 38' 1 20 10 0 0 151 2 35 234 0 24 160' 1 16 1,051 2 3 2 10 8 0 0 8,151 2 15 130 0 4 872 0 25 3 2 28 1,921 0 4 1,341 1 5 482' 3 34 1,737 0 5 4 0 24 3,538 2 15 594 1 31 £ s. d. 311 10 6 2 14 10 2 0 0 43 17 4 64 12 0 318 0 8 15 10 3 5 6 946 1 1 490 2 2 7 7 2 15 0 21 11 4 22 13 6 43 14 4 261 17 8 3 12 0 8 0 0 976 8 2 .. 11 6 8 87 0 8 0 19 0 158 7 4 171 17 10 22 2 4 219 7 2 2 13 2 331 2 8 146 4 6 74 *3 1 28 24 2 11 6 2 7 12 2 A. R. P. 3,051 2 36 3 0 0 18 0 0 604 "2 30 271 2 33 178 3 19 262 "3 27 69 1 14 144 "l 1 159 1 23 38 "l 7 177 1 28 230 "3 10 26 3 36 £ s. d. 961 0 6 0 15 0 0 14 5 83 18 7 118 11 0 30 0 1 17 14 11 3 12 7 1 11 7 2 0 1 15 2 9 11 5 13 12 9 3 8 10 4,666 14 11 28 542 2 38 48 9 4 7 169 0 12 11 2 8 1,705 33,868 0 35 4,374 7 9 190 5,237 1 24 1,258 7 9 838 14 5 77 2,480 1 0 873 0 4 12 272 2 29 52 6 2 36 14 6 299 18 11 17 29 36 0 8 393 0 4 24 6 0 299 0 6 9 141 2 39 89 17 9 336 13 5 46 429 0 12 ! 323 6 6 1 9 141 2 39 89 17 9

d.—i.

Table 13.—Summary of Position of Village Settlements at 31st March, 1900.

170

Number of Settlers in Occupation. Area laid down in Pasture or cultivated. Annual Rental or Instalments, including Interest on Advances. Amounts advanced to Settlers up to 31st March, 1900. Amount of Advances Total Amount Value of Improvements now on the Land. Arrears of District. Resident. Non-resident. Area occupied. For Houses. For Bushfelling, Grassing, &c. Total. which have been repaid to 31st March, 1900. of Interest paid to 31st March, 1900. Interest on 31st March, 1900. A. E. P. A. B. p. £ s. d. £ g. d. £ a. d. £ s. d. £ 8. d. £ s. d. £ £ s. d. Auckland* .. 65 39 4,135 0 1 4,135 0 0 313 10 6 5,644 8 1 7,385 12 6 13,030 0 7t 325 7 6 2,234 12 4 21.765J 558 12 3 Hawke's Bay 67 17 569 1 37 315 0 0 145 3 4 580 0 0 296 15 9 876 15 9 354 9 0 451 3 11 6,284 Taranaki * 20 5 101 2 3 92 2 3 12 13 10 935 Wellington .. 399 80 8,649 3 0 6,039 0 0 1,439 8 9 2,944 0 0 3,670 19 11 6,614 19 11 1,594 0 2 2,910 16 3 51,922 81 6 11 Marlborough 18 8 434 0 39 289 0 0 52 17 0 85 0 0 18 15 0 103 15 0 15 0 0 55 7 4 1,949 Canterbury .. 230 94 9,373 2 34 7,246 0 9 1,293 12 2 2,460 0 0 2,460 0 0 490 0 0 1,310 10 0 23,231 15 0 Otago 206 82 4,661 0 30 2,216 1 6 728 12 0 1,101 5 0 440 0 0 1,541 5 0 25 2 6 701 3 6 14,678 3 15 0 Southland .. 177 244 6,357 0 29 3,150 0 0 721 9 10 736 0 0 333 17 2 1,069 17 2 42 16 3 570 0 5 24,535 1 13 1 Totals .. 1,182 569 34,282 0 13 23,482 3 18 4,707 7 5 13,550 13 1 12,146 0 4 25,696 13 5 2,846 15 5 8,233 13 9 145,299 646 12^3 Cheviot EstateCanterbury 57 20 2,480 1 0 1,944 2 3 873 0 4 120 0 0 120 0 0 70 0 0 27 5 0 7,896 * Exclusive of 98 selectors, holding 4,312 acres, who are included in Table 9. t This includes £5,153 5s. 9d. advanced to the 98 selectors transferred to Table 9. 4,312 acres in Table 9. 1 £11,000 of this represents the improvements on the

o.—l.

Table 14.—Return of Special-settlement Associations, under Section 163 of "The Land Act, 1885," and Part IV. of "The Land Act, 1892," to 31st March, 1900, not included in the Special Returns.

171

District. Taken up during the Year. Amount received during the Year. Total Amount received on Current and Previous Transactions to 31st March, 1900. Made Freehold. No. of Selectors required to reside and actually residing, and Area. 03 U o o a 3 CO o o 5 Area. Capital Value per Acre. During the Year. Prom Commencement of System to 31st March, 1900. No. required to reside. Actually residing. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Canterbury Otago Totals Under Land for Settlements Acts — Canterbury 1 A. E. P. 2 0 3 £ s. d. 12 6 £ s. d. 267 6 1 94 17 2 1,014 8 8 5,224 2 6 160 2 10 120 13 3 £ s. d. 6,743 2 11 194 9 7 4,143 9 4 114,742 11 6 1,035 0 0 585 13 0 6 30 A. B. P. 705 1 3 2,841 2 6 52 54 783 A. K. P. 5,217 0 25 4,809 3 12 78,132 0 28 94 14 84 415 4* 12 33 6 70 298 5 11 A. E. r. 6,744 0 0 1,200 0 0 14,568 2 0 56,527 3 23 660 3 11 2,391 2 16 1 2 0 3 12 6 6,881 10 6 127,444 6 4 36 3,546 3 9 889 88,159 0 25 623 423 82,092 3 10 172 13 2 748 6 5 t t District. Forfeitures during t lie Year. Amount. Surrenders during the Year. t c lz Net Area held, 31st March, 1900. Selectors in Arrear, 31st March, 1900. CO f-i O O il 03 Area. CO O o ca Area. Amount, CO u 0 -+3 ° £ © GO Area. Annual Rental. cn O O . -4J 03 w Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Canterbury Otago Totals Under Land for Settlements Acts— Canterbury 7 12 1 A. R. P. 1,297 1 15 2,350 0 0 37 2 0 £ s. d. 66* 7 4 133 14 0 3 8 10 2 i 15 A. B. P. 400 0 0 199' 1 30 3,399 1 33 £ s. d. 9 4 0 6 19 4 303 11 6 96 14 87 485 25 15 16,335 *1 0 3,111 0 19 17,365 2 0 86,275 2 34 2,305 2 17 2,955 1 12 £ s. d. 320 7 4 101 16 0 908 10 10 4,804 14 3 158 4 0 127 5 6 1 3 19 56 2 2 A. B. P. 345 0 0 3,486* 0 0 11,067 2 17 94 2 0 361 0 0 £ s. d. 12 6 6 126 13 3 649 8 3 3 4 9 8 4 8 20 3,684 3 15 203 10 2 18 3,998 3 23 319 14 10 722 128,348 2 2 6,420 17 11 82 15,354 0 17 799 17 5 | 11 2,114 1 9 162 7 8 * Remainder of selectors reside on adjoining lands. 1 Selectors reside on adjoining lands.

C.~ 1.

Table 15.—Return of Homestead Lands : Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

Table 16. —Return of Small Grazing-runs taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

172

District. Net Area held on 31st March, 3900. Past and Current Transactions. Made Freehold during the Year. Made Freehold since Commencement of System. No. of . Selectors. rea " No. of Selectors. Area. No. of Selectors. Area. Auckland Westland Otago Totals I A. B. P. 16 | 1,733 0 13 3 206 2 37 4 A. E. P. 488 0 0 us 39 18 A. B. P. 74,363 2 37 1,480 0 0 2,649 1 18 19 1,939 3 10 4 488 0 0 505 78,493 0 15

• District. Taken up during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. H U 0) (1) Area. Average Area. <u o3 tiC-u S 3 S 5 > PH f-i * a Annual Rent payable. J-j <V rQ a 3 Area. Annual Rental. U O) £> a a 25 Area. Annual Rental. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington .. Nelson Marlborough Canterbury.. Otago Southland .. Totals .. 2 5 8 2 17 2 20 1 A. R. P. 8,300 0 0 18,481 0 0 10,064 0 0 601 0 0 52,422' 0 0 5,203 2 0 42,722 2 18 4,904 3 39 A. B. P. 4,150 0 0 3,696 0 0 1,258 0 0 300 2 0 3,084 0 0 2,601 3 0 2,136 0 24 4,904 3 39 s. d. 0 1-9 0 1-7 0 3-5 1 4-5 0 2-5 1 1 0 5-3 0 2 £ s. d. 66 0 0 136 6 10 150 3 6 41 6 6 537 13 0 283 6 4 902 10 6 40 17 6 '2 6 1 A. E. P. 9,309' 0 0 8,220 2 8 4,986 0 0 £ s. d. 355 15 2 236 4 6 62 6 6 1 2 *4 A. B. P. 675 "2 22 5,203" 2 0 9,509 3 11 £ s. d. 8 9 0 382 16 8 362 12 10 57 142,699 0 17 2,503 2 0 0 3-5 2,158 4 2 9 22,515 2 8 654 6 2 7 15,388 3 33 753 18 6 Cheviot Estate. Canterbury— Grazing-| farms .. j .. I .. | .. .. Land f Marlborough Canterbury.. Otago Totals .. or >S 2 5 ettlements 1 1,517 0 0 10,893 0 36 cts. 758 0 0 2 0 2,178 2 231 10'7 151 14 0 1,033 5 2 1 2,713 0 0135 13 0.. 1 7 12,410 0 36 1,772 3 22 •• 1,184 19 2 1 2,713 0 0135 13 0 f * Includes two expiries.

NEW ZEALAND SHOWING THE STATE OF THE PUBLIC SURVEYS 1900.

NEW ZEALAND SHOWING THE ROADS TO OPEN CROWN LANDS FOR SALE, SURVEYED & CONSTRUCTED DURING 1881-1900.

NEW ZEALAND SHEWING LAND TRANSACTIONS 1899-00.

C.—l.

Table 16. —Return of Small Grazing-runs taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1900 —continued.

23-0. 1.

173

District. Exchanges to other Tenures during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Annual Rental. Number of Holders. Area. Annual Rental. Number. Area. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland Totals 1 2' A. B. P. 852 2 0 772 0 0 £ a. d. 5 12 0 913 0 11 59 22 76 1 91 46 249 20 A. E. P. 65,508 2 0 168,620 3 36 1 24,107 0 0 72,885 3 4 1,088 0 0 120,828 2 16 103,657 3 25 504,836 0 31 61,825 1 12 £ s. d. 510 3 11 1,679 14 2 319 8 7 1,998 0 4 10 0 0 1,626 10 0 4,867 8 0 11,830 4 10 778 1 0 3 1,624 2 0 15 5 0 575 1,123,358 1 4 23,619 10 10 Cheviot Estate. Canterbury— Grazing-farms Land for Settler) Marlborough Canterbury Otago Totals •• lents Acts. •• 39 6 22 3 45,691 0 9 14,048 0 0 33,924 2 34 3,667 1 30 | 6,587 14 8 1,277 17 6 4,791 19 2 401 18 10 31 51,640 0 24 6,471 15 6 District. Amount received during the Year. Arrears on 31st March, 1900. On the Year's Tfensactions. On Past Transactions. Number. Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Canterbury Otago Southland Totals £ s. d. 33 0 0 30 13 8 75 1 9 20 13 3 354 19 9 141 13 2 452 10 9 20 8 9 £ s. d. 390 1 11 1,445 13 1 204 15 8 1,862 7 2 5 0 0 1,202 19 10 5,499 13 11 11,625 12 0 820 6 5 4 3 2 8 1 21 4 A. R. P. 22,320 0 0 10,899 2 22 2,761 3 20 8,731 3 24 800 '0 0 25,522 0 30 8,708 2 8 £ s. d. 69 16 5 44 0 9 26 19 9 147 0 11 28 11 2 401 11 6 133 7 6 1,129 1 1 23,056 10 0 43 79,744 0 24 851 8 0 Cheviot Estate. Grazing-farms Land for Settlen Marlborough . Canterbury Otago Totals 1 tents Acts. 147 14 0 516 12 7 6,485 18 11 1,836 9 0 337 8 4 1 1 i 1 I 60 0 3 2,071 0 15 1,214 2 23 15 0 0 30 4 6 64 10 6 664 6 7 2,173 17 4 2 3,285 2 38 94 15 0 1

C.—l.

Table 17.—Number and Area of Pastoral Licenses for the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

174

District. Taken up during the Year. Exchanges to other Tenures during the Year. Forfeitures during the Year. Expiries during the Year. Surrenders during the Year. No. of Holders. Area. Annual Rental. No. of Holders. Area. Number. Area. Number. Area. No. of Holders. Area. Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 2 15 10 65 9 33 6 A. E. P. 100 0 0 39,030 0 0 121,937 0 0 230,189 2 36 239,717 0 0 348,045 0 8 40,813 0 0 £ s. d. 3 15 0 58 0 0 704 5 6 324 16 0 1,645 10 6 2,153 10 0 118 12 2 2 A. R. P. 1,050 0 0 1 1 2 1 A. R. P. 10,000 0 0 1,514 2 0* 1,302 1 17 170 0 0 13 % 29 37 35 2 A. R. P. 29,028 2 0 117,300 0 0 75,240 2 36 477,284 2 0 361,228 2 27 8,250 0 0 1 A. R. P. 626 0 0 Totals 140 1,019,831 3 4 5,008 9 2 2 1,050 0 0 5 12,986 3 17 119 1,068,332 1 23 1 626 0 0 District. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Annual Rental. Rent paid during the Year. Holders in Arrear on 31st March, 1900. Number of Holders. Area, approximately. Average Holdings. Number. Area. Amount. Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals 20 16 21 95 79 277 119 248 91 A. R. P. 110,560 0 27 123,359 2 0 26,791 0 0 338,215 3 32 880,242 0 0 759,085 2 36 3,427,816 2 7 4,389,812 0 20 1,283,188 0 0 A. R. P. 5,528 6 0 7,710 0 0 1,275 3 1 3,560 0 0 11,142 0 0 2,740 1 21 28,805 0 0 17,700 3 16 14,101 0 0 £ s. d. 322 3 10 633 3 0 186 5 2 976 19 7 4,159 2 11 1,165 18 8 34,317 2 2 29,436 4 8 3,810 15 2 £ s. d. 602 8 10 713 13 0 193 7 2 929 2 6 4,397 8 11 955 1 7 31,549 5 10f 29,654 3 3 3,920 5 8 3 33 A. R. P. 21,654 0 0 56,795* 0 0 £ s. d. 53 14 0 73 7 3 966 11,339,071 0 2 11,738 0 0 75,007 15 2 72,914 16 9 36 78,449 0 0 127 1 3 heviot Estate — Canterbury .. .. .. | 2 | 2,102 0 0 j 1,051 0 0 | 262 3 8 | 263 10 8 | | .. | * Includes area resumed. + Includes £1 lis. for State forest lands held under pastoral license

c.—i

Table 18.—Return of Miscellaneous Leases and Licenses, not otherwise enumerated, during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

175

District. Objects for which leased. Total Area leased during the Year. Total Annual Rental of the Lands leased during the Year. Total Amount received during the Year. Total Area in Occupation on 31st March, 1900. Lessees in Arrear on 31st March, 1900. Coal and Mineral. Timber-cutting, &c. Flax-cutting. Miscellaneous. a Area. Annual Rental. o 55 Area. Amount received. o & Area. Amount received. o & Area. Annual Rental. o £ Area. Annual Rental. o Amount. Auckland .. Hawke's Bay Taranaki .. Wellington.. Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury.. Otago Southland .. Totals .. 6 1 7 A. R. P. 975 3 27 10 0 22 £ s. d. 418 6 11* 15 0 1 2 3 13 19 A. R. P. 200"0 0 46 0 0 435'' 2 0 618 0 0 £ s. d. 13181 9 Of 1 9 9 5 12 6 15 0 0 24 9 0 i A. R. P. 350 0 0 £ s. d. 16 15 0} 5 0 0 10 3 8 40 36 19 5 67 77 26 A. R. P. 3,517 0 6 28,544 2 10 96 1 18 11,920 0 34 3,881 3 23 1,033 3 35 101 1 20 9,080 2 33 21,602 3 21 7,308 2 11 £ s. d. 84 10 0 27 15 0 51 8 0 161 13 11 47 0 0 223 4 0 3 0 0 530 10 3 170 8 11 73 5 7 A. R. P. 4,492 3 33 28,554 2 32 96 1 18 12,120 0 34 3,881 3 23 1,079 3 35 101 1 20 9,516 0 33 22,220 3 21 7,658 2 11 £ s. d. 84 10 0 29 0 0 51 8 0 161 13 11 47 0 0 223 4 0 3 0 0 545 10 3 185 8 11 78 5 7 £ s. d. 15,218 1 0 522 11 6 311 0 5 999 0 7 1,133 19 4 646 18 8 44 4 6 3,080 17 1 1,026 7 4 718 6 6 75 77 72 106 276 68 72 399 452 264 A. R. P. 14,913 3 31 34,041 1 9 887 1 17 40,127 3 29 23,209 2 25 29,915 1 0 381 2 14 86,843 3 1 66,020 3 12 38,502 0 33 £ s. d. 762 2 5 534 7 4 324 3 2 811 8 3 1,040 2 4 662 12 4 68 9 3 2,796 13 11 838 2 1 674 2 6 "n 22 6 2 23 19 2 6 £ s. d. 29 *7 3 71 13 3 22 17 11 8 0 0 49 10 9 72 2 11 3 12 6 12 0 0 986 0 9 419 11 11 1,299 2 0 13228 0 3 l 350 0 0 21 15 0 291 87,087 2 11 1,372 15 8 89,723 0 20 1,409 0 8 23,701 6 11 1,861 334,843 3 11 8,512 3 7 87 269 4 7 Cheviot Canterbury.. 10 23 1 33 24 10 9 23 1 33 24 10 9 208 14 7 66 1,656 3 37 244 10 10 15 34 15 3 Land f Auckland .. Marlborough Canterbury.. Otago Southland .. Totals .. or Settleme llts. .. .. - 9 1 22 6 1 160 2 31 30 0 0 994 0 33 214 0 0 1,292 2 1 37 10 6 4 10 0 382 16 15 11 0 48 9 8 160 2 31 30 0 0 994 0 33 214 0 0 1,292 2 1 37 10 6 4 10 0 382 16 15 11 0 48 9 8 69 5 9 115 12 3 239 0 6 53 15 8 27 11 1 9 6 21 40 3 160 2 31 429 0 0 886 1 39 631 1 39 1,317 2 10 37 10 6 56 4 0 268 15 7 49 19 0 51 15 11 i 3 14 7'io 0 16 4 2 7 13 * •• " •• •• 39 2,691 1 25 488 17 6 2,691 1 25 488 17 6 505 5 3 79 3,425 0 39 464 5 0 18 30 15 5 * Amount received as royalty on 27,776 tons. t Payment for 144,687,410 sup. ft. of timber, 100 sleepers, and 580 cords firewood. \ Payment for 10 tons of flax.

C.—l.

Table 19.—Return of Gross Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

176

_ . o - - > System. | Auckland. Bay Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Marlborough Westland. Canterbury. Otago. Southland. Totals. Obdinaey Cbown Lands. £ s. d £ s. d. £ s. d £ s. d £ s. d £ s. d £ s. d £ s. d. £ s. d £ s. d £ s. d. Gash lands 5,079 7 1 107 1 3 3,070 5 5 3,307 4 1 1,424 16 10 1,173 2 2 1,927 0 8 1,911 19 0 2,632 1 11 1 20,632 18 5 Perpetual lease made freehold 4,115 5 2 14,676 3 7 10,164 12 4 22,188 1 1 638 19 6 2,815 7 10 740 10 0 1,786 12 11 57,125 12 5 Village-settlement perpetual lease made freehold 7 10 0 , , 74 5 0 14 0 0 95 15 0 Deferred payment, rural 964' 4 8 362 16 9 3,85915 6 1,066 13 2 3,392' 9 6 74* 9 10 56 5 9 1,690 13 7 2,047 18 0 1,51514 3 15,031 1 0 Deferred payment, pastoral 75 11 4 740 13 10 306 10 8 175 15 7 1,298 11 5 Perpetual lease and small areas 3,290 11 5 1,333 9 7 1,91013 6 2,80018 7 140 18 7 52' 2 4 33' 7 8 1,020 3 1 2,506 14 5 1,167 9 0 14,256 8 2 Occupation with right of purchase 3,901 19 9 1,346 5 5 2,637 13 7 7,422 5 8 232 17 6 512 2 7 50 15 6 81 9 0 592 5 0 847 4 10 17,624 18 10 Lease in perpetuity 2,360 12 3 2,149 10 5 2,656 12 6 4,149 12 6 542 14 3 1,408 17 6 6 13 0 4,093 3 4 4,349 18 6 1,467 15 10 23,185 9 10 Agricultural lease 55 10 8 55 10 8 Occupation lease under " The Mining Districts 22* 2 6 , , 27' 7 3 171 7 4 22' 8 4 243 5 5 Land Occupation Act, 1894 " Village settlement, cash 12 10 0 37 0 0 , , 49 10 0 Village settlement, deferred payment 3 19 8 245* 2 3 13' 1 11 95 12 1 357 15 11 Village settlement, perpetual lease 412 5 15 0 416 0 7 94 16 4 214 7 7 731 1 11 Village settlement, occupation with right oi pur28' 7 7 3 6 0 3 12 0 14 6 3 18 2 40 8 3 chase v '""ge settlement, lease in perpetuity 34 1 2 5 17 7 817 19 10 21 11 4 8 3 3 158 1 6 327 10 8 1,373 5 4 Village-homestead special settlement 31112 6 70 19 9 361 3 9 23 2 6 1,021 19 5 165 9 3 160 6 4 2,114 13 6 Special-settlement association, deferred payment 145 10 2 12 9 1 564 5 2 149' 2 2 722 4 5 Special-settlement association, perpetual lease .. 17 0 0 4,659 17 4 120 13 3 166 2 2 Special-settlement association, lease in perpetuity 104 15 11 82* 8 1 1,014 8 8 11 0 8 5,993 3 11 Improved-farm special settlement 268 6 4 365 14 7 816 16 0 1,095 8 8 15 17 5 2,562 3 0 Small grazing-runs 423 1 11 1,476 6 9 279 17 5 1,883 0 5 5 0 0 1,55719 7 5,64l' 7 1 12,078 2 9 840 "l5 2 24,185 11 1 Pastoral runs 602 8 10 713 13 0 193 7 2 929 2 6 4,397 8 11 955* 1 7 31,547 14 10 29,654 3 3 3,920 5 8 72,913 5 9 Coal and mineral leases 462 18 9 59 16 0 92 14 8 176 10 9 63 5 3 855 5 5 Prospectors' mining leases 3 0 0 5 18 0 27 7 0 634 16 8 36 5 0 Timber licenses and other leases, and sale of 10,384' 6 8 19 9 113' 4 9 85 8 2 84' 6 6 55 19 6 11,359 12 0 timber Flax-cutting.. 72 15 0 ., 13 8 11 7 0 0 93 3 11 Miscellaneous leases 246 3 5 522 11 6 125' 0 2 466' 1 0 290 6 4 48 12 11 20' 0 0 744 16 3 2,463 11 7 Transfer, lease, and license fees, &c. 462 17 0 164 17 6 190 16 0 273 18 6 187 4 6 132 10 0 94 17 0 296*18 0 254 7 0 226 0 0 2,284 5 6 Bents of reserves 103 8 6 . . 184 10 6 413 7 4 780 17 0 500 10 4 24 4 6 2,458 19 9 6 11 0 648 1 3 5,120 10 2 Miscellaneous 657 16 11 21 16 7 723 6 7 1,526 4 1 33 15 0 12 11 6 72 0 6 930 6 3 220 10 9 77 4 3 4,275 12 5 Crown-grant fees 187 9 8 60 8 11 130 8 0 209 2 11 86 13 8 11 0 2 10 0 107 1 5 153 12 5 102 7 0 1,049 4 2 State forests 3,948 8 8 2,458 19 6 134 8 1 42 9 10 2,261 12 9 8,845 18 10 Survey liens on Native land .. 256 19 0 82' 9 8 1,033 0 1 1,372 8 9 Survey fees which do not form part payment of 44 8 10 59 1 9 69 11 2 31 5 6 117' 8 6 24 0 0 94' 0 0 439 15 9 land Survey fees which do form part payment of land 7 19 0 49 13 4 10 0 115 8 10 4 0 0 178 1 2 Carried forward 38,442 9 11 23,749 5 10 27,834 11 3 57,123 8 11 8,865 4 10 10,056 9 0 1,314 5 6 55,630 13 3 56,819 17 1 19,296 5 6 299,132 11 1

C.—l

Table 19.—Return of Gross Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1900— continued.

177

• System. Auckland. Hawke's Bay. Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Marlborough. Wcstland. Canterbury. Otago. Southland. Totals. Brought forward Land fob Settlements. Lease in perpetuity Lease in perpetuity, village Special-settlement associations Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs.. Miscellaneous Total Cheviot Estate. Cash sales Lease in perpetuity Village homesteads Grazing- farms Pastoral runs.. Miscellaneous leases Miscellaneous Total Endowment lands Thermal Springs Districts Act: Rents .. " Native Townships Act, 1895 " Hanmer Sanatorium and bath fees Grand total £ s. d. 38,442 9 11 £ s. d. 23,749 5 10 £ s. d. 27,834 11 3 £ s. d. 57,123 8 11 £ s. d. 8,865 4 10 £ s. d. 10,056 9 0 £ s. d. 1,314 5 6 £ s. d. 55,630 13 3 £ s. d. 56,819 17 1 £ s. d. 19,296 5 6 £ s. d. 299,112 11 1 3,270 18 1 69 5 9 4,638 4 0 36 14 6 1,056 19 0 3,805 17 10 147 14 0 115* 12 3 123 1 9 18,539 0 1 172 13 2 2,353 1 7 323 17 10 9,298 3 8 299 18 11 337 8 4 5315 8 1,648 1 10 64' 6 1 42,380 6 3 336 13 5 172 13 2 2,838 3 11 626 17 7 3,340 3 10 4,674 18 6 1,056 19 0 4,069 4 1 123 1 9 21,388 12 8 9,989 6 7 1,712 7 11 46,354 14 4 ' | 374 4 2 6,613 9 5 838 14 5 6,485 18 11 263 10 8 193 11 3 53 6 7 374 4 2 6,613 9 5 838 14 5 6,485 18 11 263 10 8 193 11 3 53 6 7 " •• 14,822 15 5 14,822 15 5 1,430 18 5 1,075 12 11 319 8 6 364 11 0 1,416 15 11 238' 1 9 9,410 9 0 1,932 5 4 1,823 9 5 1,31912 1 1,128 13 8 1,844 17 9 19,671 9 0 1,075 12 11 238 1 9 1,319 12 1 44,279 5 1 28,743 12 10 28,199 2 3 59,835 5 7 18,275 13 10 14,125 13 1 3,369 12 7 94,985 2 10 67,937 17 22,863 11 2 382,614 16 7

o.—l.

Table 20. —Return of Lands reserved and alienated under Acts, or for Scrip.

Table 21. —Forfeitures and Surrenders during the Year ending 31st March, 1900, showing under each Tenure the number of Selectors who have forfeited and surrendered their Holdings, and the Area and Rental of such Holdings.

178

District. During the Year ended 31st March, 1900. Total Area reserved, granted under Acts, &c., from the' Foundation of the Colony to the 31st March, 1900. Area reserved for various Purposes. Area granted under Acts. Area granted in Satisfaction of Scrip. Total Area alienated during the Year. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals A. B. P. 68,306 0 9 131,890 2 16 52,192 3 0 438,169 0 32 109 3 7 830 3 13 2,628 2 0 7,664 2 26 11 0 21 670 3 5 A. B. P. 4l' 0 9 742 2 21 16 2 24 10 0 0 189 1 17 A. B. P. 265 1 0 A. B. P. 68,571 1 9 131,890 2 16 52,233 3 9 438,911 3 13 109 3 7 830 3 13 2,705 0 24 7,674 2 26 200 1 38 670 3 5 A. B. P. 3,400,436 1 31 373,733 3 15 650,773 1 28 1,286,176 0 5 834,277 3 7 206,122 3 10 106,596 3 23 1,176,030 2 36 695,150 2 4 591,074 2 21 702,474 1 9 1,059 2 31 265 1 0 703,799 1 0 9,320,373 0 20

Tenure. Forfeitures. Surrenders. No. Area. Annual Rental. No. Area. Annual Rental. Ordinary Crown Lands. Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Mining Districts Occupation Act.. Village Settlement, — Deferred payment Perpetual lease Occupation with right of purchase Lease in perpetuity Homestead special settlement .. Special-settlement associations .. Improved-farm special settlements Small grazing-runs Pastoral runs Thermal Springs Miscellaneous Totals Lands for Settlements Acts. Lease in perpetuity Small grazing-runs Miscellaneous Totals 2 34 62 54 6 1 1 23 3 20 17 9 5 8 23 A. R. P. 328 2 24 12,197 2 12 16,556 0 24 15,185 0 4 221 0 26 12 0 8 0 3 0 421 0 2 108 3 28 3,684 3 15 1,539 2 21 22,515 2 8 12,986 3 17 201 0 0 4,149 3 0 £ s. d. 9 19 0 331 4 2 540 3 2 468 14 8 21 4 10 0 15 10 0 4 6 37 1 2 10 7 10 203 10 2 60 10 10 654 6 2 67 8 4 17 6 8 111 17 1 1 36 46 109 1 "i 5 1 18 8 7 1 25 A. R. p. 126 2 37 8,749 3 35 17,437 2 2 36,368 2 12 5 0 0 17 1 20 141 2 32 10 0 0 3,998 3 23 773 0 0 15,388 3 33 626 0 0 3,243' 3 23 £ s. d. 5 18 0 329 3 4 607 16 8 1,336 19 0 10 0 015 0 6 17 8 3 10 0 319 14 10 33 18 6 753 18 6 13 0 0 105'19 4 263 34 1 1 90,108 3 29 5,083 1 21 2,713 0 0 10 2 0 2,534 14 5 994 0 2 135 13 0 0 15 10 259 10 86,887 2 17 417 3 10 3,518 10 10 142 9 10 299 97,915 3 10 3,665 3 5 269 87,305 1 27 3,661 *0 8

C.—l.

Table 22. —Return of Transactions during the Year ended 31st March, 1900, within the Thermal-springs District.

Table 23. —Return of Lands disposed of under "The Native Townships Act, 1895," for the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

179

Land District. Locality. Forfeitures during the Year. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Amount received during the Year. Selectors in Arrear on 31st March, 1900. Number of Selectors. Area. Yearly Rent payable. Number of Selectors. Area. Yearly Rent payable. Number of Selectors. Area. Amount. A. B. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. £ s. d. A. E. P. £ s. d. Auckland Rotorua 3 201 0 0 17 6 8 212 5,413 0 26 1,435 11 4 1,081 11 8 42 483 0 4 254 1 8 district

Land District. Name of Township. Date of Proolama Area of Township. Date when opened for Sale. Taken up during the Year. iion. Proclaimed. Offered. No. Area. Rent payable. Auckland Kaimakau 14 July, 1897 A. E. P 190 0 0 A. B. 25 0 p. 0 14 Oct., 1898 A. B. p. £ s. d. Hawke's Bay Te Puia .. Amended Araroa 10 Nov., 1897 13 July, 1898 4 Oct., 1899 497 0 0 383 0 0 166 1 t 32 15 Feb., 1900 Not offered .. 10 36 3 17 19 2 6 Tuatini 14 Sept., 1899 90 0 0 Not offered Wellington Pipiriki 2 Oct., 1896 366 0 0 255 0 0 27 July, 1897 14 126 2 14 43 12 0 Tokaanu .. 11 Mar., 1897 490 0 0 198 0 0 17 June, 1898 5 16 1 13 18 0 0 Potaka 28 July, 1899 138 0 0 Not offered Parata 29 Aug., 1899 49 0 18 Not offered Totals 2203 0 18 644 1 32 29 179 3 i 80 14 6 Land District. Net Area held on 31st March, 1900. Forfeitures during the Year. Rent paid during Year. No. Area. Rent payable. No. Area. Annual Rent. Auckland • A B. P. £ s. d. A. B. P. £ s. d. JS s. d. Hawke's Bay 10 36 3 17 19 2 6 Wellington 29 178 3 24 114 13 2 1 2 2 9 4 15 0 * 90 10 0 ,, 27 9 2 22 213 6 0 7 26 1 13 15 0 0 147 11 9 Totals 66 314 1 23 347 1 8 8 28 3 22 19 15 0 238 1 9

C.—l.

Table 24. —Return showing the Area of Bush felled from 1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 1900.

Table 25. —Statement of the Number of Selectors on the Books of the Lands and Survey Department on 31st March, 1900.

180

Felled during the Felled during the I \ ! i. Year on Lands taken Year on Lands taken Total felled Total felled District. up during up in at 31st March, 1899. at 31st March, 1900. the Year 1899-1900. Previous Years. A. B. P. A. B. P. A. B. P. A. E. P. Auckland 390 0 0 5,150 0 0 49,000 0 0 54,540 0 0 Hawke's Bay 2,900 0 0 14,000 0 0 46,150 0 0 63,050 0 0 Taranaki 2,000 0 0 3,500 0 0 201,500 0 0 207,000 0 0 Wellington 3,350 0 0 26,640 0 0 518,343 0 0 548,333 0 0 Nelson (No data) (No data) Marlborough 630 0 0 2,300 0 0 66,560 0 0 69,490 0 0 Westland 100 0 0 5,265 0 0 21,405 0 0 26,770 0 0 Canterbury Otago 100' 0 0 1,179 0 0 19,377 0 0 20,656 0 0 Southland 39 0 0 430 0 0 4,768 0 0 5,237 0 0 Totals 9,509 0 0 58,464 0 0 927,103 0 0 995,076 0 0

District. Deferred Payment. Perpetual Lease. Occupation with Right of Purchase. in Lease Perpetuity. Agricultural Lease. Occupation Lease under " The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894." Village Settlement, Deferred Payment. Village Settlement, Perpetual Lease. Village Settlement, Occupation with Bight of Purchase. Village Settlement, Lease in Perpetuity. CO •d 9 1 u O +3 3 a> . a cq fl rtf £ d O c3 ■d J d M 03 _ «d a a fe c3 o -4-3 03 • 9r§ S3 w - 'O a o & c3 O j n M o "S 05 • n H 03 d S3 o 6 -4-3 o eg • rH -1-3 > 02 03 M Q o "S •8 2 • a-s a .2-3 08 53 < h-] "o 02 d 03 • a * s o Co "S'-l 8 03 1 1 u o "3 03 • a^ II ■gd H CO T3 d a £ <* 0 CO 0 « £ © • a 02 P -W W 03 CQ 4= d 03 . d co S'd d O cS T3 J d M H Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough .. Westland Canterbury Otago Southland 140 11 118 22 431 9 8 17 66 98 i 5 *2 11 583 54 116 141 31 11 7 70 301 115 9 20 15 38 1,263 120 182 542 123 32 28 13 115 149 7 1 717 153 219 412 115 158 11 180 604 206 106 131 141 '<32 143 18 642 296 56 12 1 57 9 21 1 19 66 18 105 33 3 i io 3 25 2 1 50 39 115 *8 16 6 5 4 *26 9 357 7 is 128 221 17 29 4 Totals 920 19 1,429 82 2,567 8 2,775 106 1,489 100 20 222 51 45 207 39 763 46 4 District. Village-home-stead 'Special Settlement. Special- . settlement Associations Improvedfarm Special Settlements. Small Grazing-runs. 03 •• "c3 1! V o 'OD'S _d 03 'N <3 O S-t O Pastoral. ns cB o CO 03 S o CO Miscellaneous. W 00 .a a* m g "3 5 03 -a EH 0Q a & 0 E-l 0 Ua C5 iz; Total. 02 d *d £ C3 Q 03 o c3 •rH -4-J > CO 2* o -*3 a 0) . cj OJ « rc5 £ S3 O c3 •d ij d M H 03 T3 . a d cS M o m o d CD • C3 03 -all w -4J © 'E. a o O *6 <D p £-1 o 0 /; -+3 £i « CUD © a § 1 >-1 n O ZD S ° o © . d ® ° 1^ -+■3 d ® . 3 ,3 S "d d rS ® a* H 03 "d o M u O <D .2 J > co © Ec3 O -1-3 a 03 • g-s II w 03 d rt c3 o ci -4-3 -4-3 O c3 •PH 40 > 02 0 CO O G 03 . rO S| ca B <1 >—1 a) CO -tJ S3 03 . d M a 2 O c6 rd ij H Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago .. Southland Totals 104 30 120 14 243 84 56 1 96 14 87 485 25 15 ii 58 17 132 151 *64 49 73 38 11 59 22 76 1 91 46 249 20 6 22 3 8 3 13 4 20 16 21 95 79 277 119 248 91 *2 4 16 3 75 77 72 106 276 68 72 399 452 264 66 9 6 21 40 3 16 208 "3 17 2 1 212 io 56 3,612 780 989 2,592 1,357 647 424 2,300 2,905 1,585 651 77 69 722 li 461 111 575 31 28 39 966 2 6 19 1,861 66 79 24* 212 66 17,191

a,—l.

Table 26. —Statement showing the Total Number of Crown Tenants, with Area selected or held, the Yearly Rent payable, and the Number of Selectors in Arrear, with Amount owing, on 31st March, 1900.

24—C. 1.

181

Total Number of Total Total Selectors and Amount Number Total Area held by Yearly Rental of Rents or 1 enures. of such Tenants. or Instalment Payments in Arrear. Tenants. payable. No. Amount. Obdinaby Cbown Lands. A. B. P. £ s. d. £ s. d. Deferred payment 926* 134,014 2 31 7,415 16 11 52 391 7 10 Perpetual lease 1,429 336,183 2 8 12,550 0 8 185 1,124 1 0 Occupation with right of purchase 2,567 588,164 0 39 22,775 16 11 355 1,774 11 6 Lease in perpetuity 2,775 802,483 3 34 26,407 2 "2 243 1,614 2 3 Agricultural lease 20 652 3 2 33 2 3 11 26 10 7 Homestead 19 1,939 3 10 ' Mining Districts Land Occupation Act 222 10,026 2 22 441 16 7 "9 25' 4 9 Village settlements — Deferred payment 45 821 0 26 87 5 4 2 1 15 2 Perpetual lease 207 3,697 2 31 572 16 0 18 42 12 8 Occupation with right of purchase.. 39 29 1 20 13 2 2 3 0 15 0 Lease in perpetuity 763 13,280 0 19 1,517 15 7 52 105 7 8 Village-homestead special settlements— Perpetual lease 518 11,574 3 23 1,713 18 8 1,102 7 3 Lease in perpetuity 133 4,464 3 36 469 10 0 115 5 10 0 Special-settlement associations— Deferred payment 32 3,188 0 9 105 8 4 i f Perpetual lease 24 2,194 1 31 149 7 2 82 J 5 14 9 Lease in perpetuity 666 122,966 0 2 6,166 2 5 ) ( 794 2 8 Improved-farm special settlements .. 461 46,975 2 9 2,518 15 2f 130 960 7 3 Small grazing-runs 575 1,123,358 1 4 23,619 10 10 43 851 8 0 Pastoral runs 966 11,339,071 0 2 75,007 15 2 36 127 1 3 Miscellaneous leases 1,861 334,843 3 11 8,512 3 7 87 269 4 7 Totals 14,248 14,879,931 0 9 190,077 5 11 1,423 9,222 4 2 Cheviot Estate. Lease in perpetuity.. 106 23,911 0 33 6,428 1 8 5 116 10 11 Village-homestead special settlement 77 2,480 1 0 873 0 4 12 52 6 2 Grazing-farms 39 45,691 0 9 6,587 14 8 1 15 0 0 Pastoral runs 2 2,102 0 0 262 3 8 Miscellaneous 66 1,656 3 37 244 10 10 15 3415 3 Land fob Settlements Acts. Lease in perpetuity 1,489 210,543 2 37 65,271 17 11 182 6,976 10 0 Lease in perpetuity, village 46 429 0 12 323 6 6 9 89 17 9 Special-settlement associations 11 2,114 1 9 162 7 8 Small grazing-runs 31 51,640 0 24 6,471 15 6 2 94 15 0 Miscellaneous 79 3,425 0 39 464 5 0 18 30 15 5 Thebmal Spbings (Eotobda) 212 5,413 0 26 1,435 11 4 42 254 1 8 Grand totals 16,406 15,229,338 0 35 278,602 1 0 1,709 16,886 16 4 * Includes one endowment in Wellington : area, 107 acres ; of an annual rental of £11 7s. 5d.; and five holdings of endowment land in Nelson; area, 241 acres 1 roods 1 perch; annual rental, £23 18s. t Annual rental has not been fixed in a number of cases.

C.—l.

Table 28.—Endowments : Return of Revenue received during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

Table 27.—Endowments : Lands taken up during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

182

Cash Lands. Village-homestead Lands. Lease in Perpetuity. Pastoral Runs. Occupation Leases under Mining Act. Miscellaneous Leases. District. Endowments, &c. Number of ; Purchasers, j Area. Amount realised. *4 S 3 Area. Annual Instalments. >-4 <D r-Q a s & Area. Annual Rental. U O r& a 3 £ Area. Annual Rental. © a 5 £ Area. Annual Rental. <x> a 3 £ Area. Annual Rental. Auckland Auckland Nelson Otago University Museum Westport Harbour Clutha Trust Board '2 ,v. R P. 0 3 0 £ s. d. 12 '6 0 1 A. R. P. 5 3 25 £ s. d. 1 5 1 A. B. P. 100 0 0 £ s. d. 2 0 0 1 A. B. P. 12,040 0 0 £ s. d. 150 10 0 6 A. B. P. 75 0 0 £ s. d. 6 5 0 1 A. B. P. 0 0 16 £ s. d. 2 0 0 Totals • 2 0 3 0 12 0 0 1 5 3 25 15 0 1 100 0 0 2 0 0 1 12,040 0 0 150 10 0 6 75 0 0 6 5 0 1 0 0 16 2 0 0 In Auckland 155,000 superficial feet of timber was sold from university endowments, for which the sum of £37 lis. was received.

Tenure. Auckland. Hawke's Bay. Taranaki. Wellington. Nelson. Westland. Canterbury. Otago. Southland. Totals. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Cash lands 11 10 6 702 18 3 11 10 6 Deferred payments 1,410 8 5 21 3 0 33 4 4 2,167 14 0 Perpetual lease and small areas 5816 2 117 10 3 204 15 4 476 19 1 858 0 10 Occupation with right of purchase 12 1 3 1,348 3 8 79 5 9 11 10 0 23 11 3 Lease in perpetuity 28 7 2 42 11 6 14 15 6 129 1 10 1,627 9 11 Village-homestead special settlement 294 12 9 11 4 10 309 8 3 Village lease in perpetuity 254 6 9 11 4 10 Small grazing-runs 115 6 10 149 6 9 339 15 6 858 15 10 Pastoral runs 27 11 0 411 0 5 263 6 10 701 18 3 Goal and mineral leases 1,458 ' 0 0 1,458 0 0 Coal royalties 6,840 6 8 6,840 6 8 Timber licenses and royalties 1,126 14 0 1,588 2 5 49 7 6 6 15 0 2,714 16 5 Miscellaneous leases 45 11 6 10 0 0 4 7 6 116 1 6 Rents of reserves 5 0 0 364 11 0 2 0 0 1,036 3 10 344'' 2 11 180 13 0 1,932 10 9 Mining Districts Land Occupation Aot 40 0 0 40 0 0 Totals 1,430 18 5 319 8 6 364 11 0 1,416 15 11 9,410 9 0 1,932 5 4 1,823 9 5 1,128 13 8 1,844 17 9 19,671 9 0

C.— 1.

Table No. 29. —Summary of Cheviot Estate Receipts for the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

Table No. 30 .—Summary of Cheviot Estate Receipts from the 1st April, 1893, to 31st March, 1900.

Table 31. —Cheviot Estate : Return of Outlay and Income as at 31st March, 1900. Outlay. £ Balance from previous year .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 254,724 Administration and contingencies .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 51 Interest chargeable to 31st March, 1900 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8,86G Rents accrued, included in last year's accounts .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,155 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £267,796 • Income. . £ Cash—lnstalments of purchase-money of freehold .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 389 „ Rents and royalties.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,411 „ Interest .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 23 Rents and interost accrued to 31st Maroh, 1900 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,093 Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. •• .. •. 248,880 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £267,796

183

£ s. d. £ s. d. Cash sales, land 374 4 2 „ sundries 15 1 0 . 389 5 2 Rents, lease in perpetuity 7,452 3 10 grazing-farms 6,485 18 11 miscellaneous pastoral leases 455 14 11 14,393 17 8 Interest on advance to Cheviot Dairy Factory Company 22 10 0 Timber-outting royalties 17 2 7 £14,822 15 5

Particulars. 1893-94. 1894-95. 1895-96. 1896-97. 1897-98. 1898-99. j 1899-1900. Total. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d, Proceeds fire insurance 1,400 0 0 , . 4 . 1,400 0 0 policies Gash sales, land 4,595 5 8 26,613 16 7 903 9 8 336 2 0 838 12 0 3,234 2 0 374 4 36,895 12 1 sundries .. 11 5 10 166 12 8 144 17 6 100 11 6 20 18 3 15 1 0 459 6 9 Leases in perpetuity .. 3,349 9 8 5,142 8 4 6,410 17 10 6,793 13 11 7,236 3 8 6,725 11 2 7,452 3 10 43,110 8 5 Grazing-farms 1,842 10 1 3,637 1 1 5,440 8 3 6,311 13 1 6,355 1 7 6,259 14 6,485 18 11 36,332 7 4 Miscellaneous pastoral 6,922 8 1 1,058 3 1 687 17 7 688 16 3 789 0 6 518 12 4 455 14 11 11,120 12 9 leases Interest on cash, condi100 0 0 370 9 3 194 11 10 188 6 6 185 16 6 179 16 10 1,219 0 11 tional sales Interest on advance to 45 0 0 45 0 0 45 0 0 22 10 0 157 10 0 Cheviot Dairy Factory P.A*Y1 no V> TT L/ouipany Port Robinson landing301 18 1 1,050 12 8 730 11 7 869 4 10 806 8 1 69 8 8 3.828 3 11 service Fencing adjoining 0 7 6 . , 0 7 6 Homestead Reserve Timber-cutting licenses 1 1 0 11 2 9 17 2 7 29 6 4 ana roytnoy 18,522 17 5 38,040 12 2 14,512 14 3 15,333 8 1 16,277 0 7 17,043 8 1 14,822 15 5 134,552 16 0 Recoveries — Passage-money, tools, St ft 367 7 5 86 8 9 10 9 10 9 15 6 137 9 3 611 10 9 Co C. Cheviot rabbit-fence.. 7 10 0 7 10 0 Share fencing Harbour 2 13 0 2 13 0 Reserve Rebate fire insurance 56 5 10 0 10 0 56 15 10 premiums Cement sold 34 3 6 34 3 6 Advertising 4 2 6 4 2 6 Totals .. .. J 18,890 4 10 38,134 10 11 14,613 13 5 15,345 16 7 16,414 9 10 17,048 0 7 14,822 15 5 135,269 11 7

C.—l.

IMPROVED-FARM SETTLEMENTS. Table 32.—Return showing Position, and Transactions in Improved-farm Settlements from their Commencement to 31st March, 1900.

184

• Names. Areas. Dates of Gazette Proclamation. Number of Sections in each Settlement. Number of Settlers remaining in Occupation on 31 Mar., '00. Number of Persons resident. Area occupied. Area felled. Areas grassed. Number of Cattle on Allotments. Roads felled and formed or partially formed during the Year. Amount paid to Selectors for Improvements: Past and Present Transactions. Rent and Interest paid by Selectors. Value of Improvements now on the Land, including that paid for by Government. For Houses. For Bushfelling and other Works. Total Payments. During the Year ending 31 Mar., '00. From Commencement of System. Auckland — Rau-a-moa Paemako Mangatu Awatuna Katui Rangatira Tahawai Totals Hawke's Bay — Waikopiro Akitio Totals Taranaki — Ngaire Tongaporutu Mangaere Uruti, T? x aumatatahi Whangamomona Poti Maata Huiroa Okau .. ,. Derwent Nikoniho Greenlands .. .. Mangapoua .. ,. Totals .. Wellington — Pemberton Kawatau Hautapu Masterton-Tenui Akitio 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 1895, p. 79 1896, p. 655 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 f1895, p. 30 (1897, p. 1631 1894, p. 1637 1894, p. 1637 (1896, p. 1526 11896, p. 1629 (1896, p. 655 j 1897, p. 6 (.1898, p. 1397 10 13 10 10 10 10 19 10 12 10 4 8 3 11 42 45 64 13 45 10 17 A. E. P. 1,424 2 32 1,443 2 38 991 0 0 405 0 0 775 0 0 300 0 0 218 2 20 Acres. 729 674 394 393 74 Acres. 710 459 644 366 35-5 64 553 145 110 19 127 23 30 Mis. ch. £ s. d. 237 16 2 337 8 0 184 8 3 122 2 11 165 11 4 45 18 4 102 10 0 £ s. d. 1,651 5 5 372 6 8 1,460 17 2 989 0 2 891 4 0 124 18 0 500 9 5 £ s. d. 1,889 1 7 709 14 8 1,645 5 5 1,111 3 1 1,056 15 4 170 16 4 602 19 5 £ S. d. 102 15 4 39 4 3 28 17 2 27 7 2 54 18 4 1 10 0 13 14 1 £ s. d. 102 15 4 51 14 5 87 2 5 33 19 2 89 9 7 1 10 0 16 19 6 £ s. d. 1,868 3 6 1,080 3 0 3,070 7 0 1,386 6 0 2,475 5 0 440 12 0 1,268 12 7 7,333 82 58 236 5,558 0 10 2,264 2,598 1,007 1,195 15 0 5,990 0 10 7,185 15 10 268 6 4 383 10 5 11,589 9 1 1,880 145 15 2 15 2 100 7 1,771 0 0 145 2 0 1,247 102 1,247 102 696 160 1 5 129 14 4 20 0 0 1,644 4 3 145 6 11 1,773 18 7 165 6 11 346 10 11 19 3 8 720 10 8 19 3 8 4,338 12 6 2,025 17 17 107 1,916 2 0 1,349 1,349 856 1 5 149 14 4 1,789 11 2 1,939 5 6 365 14 7 739 14 4 4,338 12 6 170 2,500 482 697 430 10,543 108 30 668 1,889 1,369 1,406 603 702 16 16 13 7 4 111 8 3 9 19 13 16 6 7 16 6 10 3 4 56 8 2 7 4 7 3 3 3 61 33 53 19 27 176 45 10 41 21 15 13 7 3 169 2 30. 684 2 0 444 1 2 497 0 0 430 2 0 7,463 1 11 108 0 0 30 0 0 549 1 21 393 0 0 737 0 0 213 2 0 303 0 0 300 0 0 161 455 399 449 176 3,554 106 23 358 460 528 147 226 68 161 455 399 449 159 3,406 106 23 358 460 528 147 226 68 76 54 249 68 65 1,318 49 22 139 41 112 154 33 0 60 0 16 5 40 1 63 2 79 1 0 1 71 262 10 0 200 0 0 132 10 0 59 0 0 92 2 0 767 10 0 120 0 0 50 0 0 93 10 0 137 10 0 192 10 0 50 0 0 30 0 0 311 7 9 922 13 11 574 2 0 817 7 0 259 12 2 5,778 18 11 173 15 3 58 1 8 587 3 0 1,010 1 6 1,123 11 5 203 1 11 629 0 3 286 5 6 573 17 9 1,122 13 11 706 12 0 876 7 0 351 14 2 6,546 8 11 293 15 3 108 1 8 680 13 0 1,147 11 6 1,316 1 5 203 1 11 679 0 3 316 5 6 44 6 4 55 13 11 42 16 9 51 11 6 24 2 7 381 9 0 38 12 1 7 18 10 40 17 0 26 0 9 80 1 1 13 16 8 9 2 0 0 7 6 125 5 11 118 1 5 157 14 5, 137 19 1 76 2 8 694 15 10 84 8 2 17 0 11 97 9 0 49 13 4 145 7 3 30 5 2 13 9 0 0-7 6 1,126 12 9 1,553 15 11 1,722 4 0 1,036 7 0 848 14 2 10,396 3 11 713 10 3 177 1 8 1,208 13 0 1,262 11 6 1,786 16 5 481 1 11 742 0 3 366 15 6 21,59* 248 132 524 12,323 0 24 7,110 6,94-5 2,380 14 9 2,187 2 0 12,735 2 3 14,922 4 3 816 16 0 1,747 19 8 23,422 8 3 1,460 1,000 1,204 1,168 5,206 | 15 12 12 | 12 | 42 13 12 11 12 36 72 91 54 62 108 1,247 0 0 999 3 36 1,057 0 0 1,163 0 0 3,810 2 0 1,193 659 459 518 2,203 1,222 659 425 518 1,284 333 132 136 120 142 0 54 4 23 170 0 0 230 0 0 225 0 0 220 0 0 274 0 0 1,763 19 6 959 14 6 736 19 3 621 0 1 2,345 15 5 1,933 19 6 1,189 14 6 961 19 3 841 0 1 2,819 15 5 223 16 7 111 19 0 114 10 0 92 4 6 184 16 8 880 0 10 252 17 5 157 16 0 203 10 7 260 1 1 4,208 1 10 2.870 9 6 1,709 2 1 2,106 13 a 4,678 14 5

c.—i.

IMPROVED-FARM SETTLEMENTS. Table 32.—Return showing Position and Transactions in Improved-farm Settlements from their Commencement to 31st March, 1900— continued.

185

Name of Settlement. Areas. Dates of Gazette Proclamation. Number of Sections in each Settlement. Number of Settlers remaining in Occupation on 31 Mar., '00. Number of Persons resident. Area occupied. Area felled. Areas grassed. Number of Cattle on Allotments. Roads felled and formed or partially formed during the Year. Amount paid to Selectors for Improvements: Past and Present Transactions. Kent and Interest paid by Selectors. Value of Improvements now on the Land, including that paid for by Government. For Houses. For Bushfelling and other Works. Total Payments. During the Year ending 31 Mar., '00. From Commencement of System. W ellington —continued. Horopito Otaihape Ohutu Otuarei Rongoiti Mangatiti 3*6 o Oraukura o 0 Sommerville .. ■a -.3 » Part of Ohutu.. C0> "u 4-3 if * 1 •, • S £.2 g „ Akitio .. » Mangatiti %f « Otuarei a-gSg Totals .. ja — Otago — Purakauiti No. 2 Puaho Waipati Rimu, Block XV. Woodland, Block II. .. Heathfield Totals Southland — Haldane Waikawa Papatotara Moturimu Totals Grand totals Acres. 2,000 200 2,881 1,700 2,388 5,638 1,819 1,600 .1 1 1894, p. 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 24 May, 1899 24 May, 1899 1895, p, 29 1895, p. 30 1895, p. 1584 1895, p. 972 1895, p. 972 1895, p. 438 1895, p. 176 1891, p -585 1895, p. 1222 1895, p. 1445 1894, p. 1618 1895, p. 1526 12 10 34 10 1 24 39 10 8 2 10 28 2 5 20 10 8 5 3 5 7 5 43 58 14 14 96 4 5 A. E. P. 200 0 0 204 1 10 2,199 3 26 400 0 0 492 2 0 2,700 3 38 1,819 0 0 1,600 0 0 579 0 0 245 2 0 800 0 0 1,300 0 0 Acres. 133 200 1,071 105 180 1,350 80 Acres. 98 200 1,027 86 140 1,039 26 57 76 280 27 11 105 6 Mis. ch. 0 37 2 72 5 3 0 64 0 10 £ s. d. 60 0 0 259 0 0 222 0 0 60 0 0 77 10 0 116 0 0 £ s. d. 292 3 4 405 12 0 1,299 18 10 144 19 3 253 6 6 2,218 19 0 87 5 0 £ s. d. 352 3 4 664 12 0 1,521 18 10 204 19 3 330 16 6 2,334 19 0 87 5 0 £ s. d. 11 12 0 69 8 3 144 18 2 35 10 6 106 13 0 £. s. d. 34 8 0 137 19 11 180 2 3 45 9 8 110 19 8 £ s. d. 638 16 8 1,091 9 5 3,252 5 11 330 3 9 618 0 3,303 3 2 155 0 100 0 0 28,264 240 189 626 20,818 2 30 8,151 6,724 1,425 14 23 1,913 10 0 11,129 12 8 13,253 2 8 1,085 8 8 2,263 5 5 25,062 2 0 1,515 1,003 3,000 1,600 1,214 2,400 12 7 22 16 9 27 8 2 15 13 16 22 4 86 65 103 968 2 0 388 1 20 2,491 1 20 1,538 1 1 2,077 3 6 341 121 1,114 571 32 1,246 341 121 1,114 571 32 1,246 75 6 397 201 447 0 4 0 18 1 77 78 1 2 20 0 0 192 13 2 178 14 8 231 1 6 1,857 15 1 514 13 9 4,872 1 7 3,116 8 5 39 14 6 4,971 2 9 1,935 16 3 534 13 9 5,064 14 9 3,295 3 1 39 14 6 5,202 4 3 10 1 5 5 16 0 10 1 5 98 4 2 2,300 0 0 600 0 0 5,550 0 0 3,700 0 0 60 0 0 5,750 0 0 10,732 93 54 280 7,464 1 7 3,425 3,425 1,126 2 19 700 10 6 15,371 16 1 16,072 6 7 15 17 5 108 5 7 17,960 0 0 2,200 1,768 1,480 670 24 1 IB f 15 14 20 8 12 9 71 47 43 40 2,035 2 28 1,282 2 32 1,458 3 8 461 0 30 1,138 715± 631J 159f 1,141J 714 J 624* 152J 281 215 78 40 0 64 0 16 354 16 0 220 0 6 65 0 0 180 0 0 4,198 0 8 3,542 1 8 2,483 1 0 369 9 11 4,552 16 8 3,762 2 2 2,549 1 0 549 9 11 5,018 14 8 4,134 9 8 2,788 9 6 1,080 0 5 6,118 69 49 201 5,238 1 18 2,644§ 23.673J 614 1 0 819 16 6 10,592 13 3 11,413 9 9 13,021 14 3 76,069 749 499 1,974 53,319 0 9 24,943| 7,408 32 56 6,967 8 4 57,608 16 3 64,786 4 7 2,552 3 0 5,242 15 5 95,394 6 1

c.—i.

Table 33 (Part I.)—Return of Lands disposed of under the Land for Settlements Acts for the Year which ended 31st March, 1900.

186

Date when Area acquired, including ascertained Surplus or Deficiency. Area occupied Area of Land unlet, including Land forfeited, New Selections and Addition to Holdings during the Year. Total Lands leased at Date. Name of Estate. Land opened by Roads surrendered, or for and Reserves resumed and not relet, Selection. unlet and also Land not yet No. of Area. Annual Rent No. of Area. Annual Rent offered for Selection. Selectors. payable. Selectors. now payable. Auckland — A. K. P. A. B. p. A. B. P. A. p. £ s. d. A. B. p. £ s. d. Opouriao Feb. 12 1896.. 7,604 0 0 433 2 20 312 1 0 63 6,858 0 20 1,388 13 8 Okauia Feb. 21 1898.. 5,920 0 0 1,595 2 0 2 758 2 0 151 14 0 9 4,324 2 0 286 17 10 Rangiatea June 22 1898.. 4,004 0 0 89 3 0 2 217 2 0 35 1 6 19 3,914 1 0 712 8 2 Karapiro Oct. 21 1898.. 2,270 3 9 68 1 30 2 109 3 0 33 15 6 15 2,202 4,571 1 19 421 12 0 Fencourt Mar. 12 1900.. 7,105 3 5 62 2 26 2,471 1 22 25 4,571 2 37 1,142 7 10 25 2 37 1,142 7 10 Hawke'a Bay — Raureka May 6 1896.. 427 2 0 11 1 2 20 416 0 38 543 2 0 Elsthorpe June 24 1896.. 9,740 0 0 192 0 20 110 io '4 1 26 4 10 0 45 9,546 2 20 2,307 7 0 Waimarie Sept. 9 1896.. 430 2 10 4 2 16 33 0 0 1 5 0 0 5 12 0 16 392 3 34 427 1 0 Pouparae April 21 1897.. 337 3 4 1 1 32 9 336 1 12 405 8 0 Tomoana Mar. 3 1898.. 111 3 38 1 3 35 i 6 0 35 7 12 0 13 110 0 3 135 2 0 Mahora Mar. 22 1899.. 1,133 3 0 21 1 5 6 268 0 35 371 11 0 33 1,112 1 35 1,631 14 6 Willows Mar. 22 1899.. 775 1 36 6 190 0 32 185 2 10 22 775 1 36 758 10 2 Wellington — Paparangi Sept. 28 1898.. 322 3 32 24 2 31 8 23 3 15 43 5 8 37 298 1 1 307 1 6 Ohakea Dec. 27 1899.. 1,745 1 30 8 1 24 363' 3 9 12 1,373 0 37 898 11 6 12 1,373 0 37 898 11 6 Te Matua Dec. 27 1899.. 702 0 19 13 702 0 19 527 7 4 13 702 0 19 527 7 4 Marlborough — Blind River. Jan. 16 1895.. 5,507 0 0 234 0 0 275 0 0 17 4,998 0 0 844 17 1 Omaka June 24 1896.. 3,898 0 0 60 1 0 13 3,837 3 0 589 6 8 Puhipuhi Feb. 25 1897.. 320 0 0 2 320 0 0 24 10 0 2 320 0 0 24 10 0 Sfcarborough Mar. 13 1899.. 35,906 0 0 698 0 28 85' 0 0 68 3,830 3 12 971 8 8 112 35,122 3 12 5,864 19 6 Richmond Brook Aug. 18 1899.. 5,854 0 0 185 0 0 11 5,669 0 0 1,313 13 4 11 5,669 0 0 1,313 13 4 Westland — Poerua Settlement June 26 1896.. 3,230 1 6 101 3 6 157 0 0 2 482 2 0 60 6 4 18 2,971 2 0 256 0 10 Canterbury— Pareora Jan. 18 1894.. 620 2 13 8 2 38 28 611 3 15 396 18 6 Studholme Junction Jan. 18 1894.. 109 0 7 4 1 39 4 104 2 8 73 4 6 Kapua Mar. 24 1894.. 574 1 22 2 0 0 37* 1 29 11 534 3 33 253 3 4 Rosebrook June 26 1895.. 600 1 8 14 600 1 8 307 13 6 Otaio June 26 1895.. 373 3 14 6 2 21 9 367 0 33 216 14 8 Patoa Nov. 27 1895.. 4,535 3 14 17 3 26 4 4,517 3 28 170 16 6 The Peaks Aug. 1 1895.. 2,811 0 9 12 0 0 11 2,799 0 9 196 12 6 Roimata Aug. 8 1895.. 48 3 27 3 2 31 26 45 0 36 140 5 9 Kereta Dec. 4 1895.. 105 2 29 4 105 2 29 82 18 0 Braco Nov. 27 1895.. 27 2 4 14 27 2 i 72 8 4 Epworth Nov. 27 1895.. 21 0 3 2 21 0 3 13 11 2 Ashley Gorge Dec. 4 1895.. 1,165 3 6 2 4 10 1,161 1 2 258 1 0 Omihi Valley June 28 1899.. 20 C 0 20 0 0 13 5 0 1 20 0 0 13 5 0 Orakipaoa June 22 1896.. 384 0 31 27 384 0 31 397 10 8 Highbank June 24 1896.. 9,121 3 8 3 30 572 3 0 107 6 & 74 9,034 3 18 3,041 18 4 Otarakaro Mar. 24 1897.. 39 3 9 7 39 3 9 111 18 0 Wharenui Mar. 24 1897.. 73 1 10 2 '4 2 0 14 17 0 26 73 1 10 291 14 8 Rakitairi Mar. 22 1897.. 3,526 1 26 *3 3 22 3 91 0 33 34 17 4 21 3,522 2 4 1,061 19 2 Carried forward 121,506 3 29 3,945 3 6 3,736 0 20 180 19,221 2 1 5,946 15 6 817 113,825 0 3 27,887 5 6

o.—l.

187

Brought forward 121,506 3 29 3,945 3 6 3,736 0 20 180 19,221 2 1 5,946 15 6 817 113,825 0 3 27,887 5 6 Waiapi Mar. 22, 1897.. 1,124 2 36 15 1,124 2 36 518 19 10 Horsley Down Mav 31,1897.. 3,982 3 35 31 2 16 25 3,951 1 19 1,072 13 0 Albury April 12, 1897.. 19,539 1 24 138 1 0 405 0 27 7 3,261 0 0 287 2 6 71 18,995 3 37 3,319 8 2 R.S. 1862 Oct. 21,1897.. 20 0 0 . 1 20 6 0 0 3 7 4 Pt. R.S. 2682 June 29, 1899.. 6 2 4 i 6 2 4 11 11 10 1 2 4 11 11 10 R.S. 25375, 29737, and 29738 June 29, 1899.. 154 3 2 l 154 3 2 25 14 0 1 154 3 2 25 14 0 R.S. 13991, 18212, 20669, Deo. 14,1899.. 98 3 30 i 98 3 30 17 15 6 1 98 3 30 17 15 6 31675, 33005, and 33006 R.S. 34598, Pt. 34597 and Deo. 30, 1899.. 58 0 16 l 58 0 16 14 18 10 1 58 0 16 14 18 10 Pt. 27673 Marawiti May 7,1897.. 2,028 2 33 2 0 0 13 2,026 2 33 748 15 10 Hekeao Mar. 9,1898.. 2,254 2 11 68 1 26 3 35 0 0 10 10 0 12 2,186 0 25 626 0 2 Pawaho April 5,1898.. 52 0 18 1 3 14 3 1 12 6 9 3 14 10 11 6 22 46 3 32 119 15 4 Waikakahi Tamai Mar. 20, 1899.. 48,262 2 34 234 0 21 6 3 0 28 6,659 1 33 1,864 10 10 163 48,021 3 13 16,736 5 2 June 26, 1899.. 41 0 28 3 2 32 7 0 0 30 39 3 36 191 0 4 25 30 1 36 152 2 2 Takitu Mar. 1,1900.. 9,713 0 37 39 0 1 1,494 484 0 0 4 8,180 0 36 931 10 4 4 8,180 0 36 931 10 4 Pareora No. 2 Otago — Mar. 22, 1900.. 8,132 0 31 54 0 14 0 37 31 7,593 3 20 3,495 10 0 31 7,593 3 20 3,495 10 0 Pomahaka Teanaraki Feb. 20,1894.. 7,478 2 2 224 3 39 1,833 2 38 1 169 3 5 29 14 2 22 5,419 3 5 904 2 6 Feb. 7,1894.. 351 0 39 6 3 9 2 30 0 0 9 11 8 22 344 1 30 263 16 2 Tahawai Aug. 31, .1895.. 70 1 35 1 3 21 8 68 2 14 35 14 4 Maerewhenua Sept. 10, 1895.. 11,163 3 31 227 2 7 30' 0 0 1 0 5 0 72 10,906 1 24 3,543 13 4 Puketapu Mar. 18,1896.. 509 0 6 12 3 10 11 496 0 36 189 0 10 Ardgowan May 12,1896.. 4,268 3 28 106 0 24 19 0 29 63 4,143 2 15 1,883 10 377 18 10 8 Makareao Jane 26, 1896.. 2,383 0 4 91 1 4 34 2,291 2,452 3 0 Makareao Extension April 14, 1897.. 2,573 3 6 3 0 37 117 2 22 2 3 27 272 17 10 Momona Tokarahi Janefield Elderslie Southland — May 10,1897.. 224 0 15 5 0 0 14 219 0 15 210 3 0 May 11,1897.. 11,259 2 36 286 3 31 264' 3 21 76 10,707 3 24 4,057 14 6 Sent. 15, 1899.. 147 0 2 3 1 5 12 0 0 20 131 2 37 256 9 0 20 131 2 37 256 9 0 Mar. 30, 1900.. 11,618 2 4 121 1 21 3,501 0 11 24 7,996 0 12 2,981 12 4 24 7,996 0 12 2,981 12 4 Merrivale Otahu Beaumont Deo. 18,1895.. 9,998 0 0 523 2 20 3 479 1 20 51 15 2 47 9,474 1 20 1,416 12 10 Nov. 4,1897.. 6,153 0 34 128 2 25 1,125 0 0 1 1,292 2 1 48 9 8 5 4,899 2 9 280 0 2 Jan. 26,1898.. 4,484 0 4 16 0 36 2,350 0 8 2 584 2 1 83 7 4 7 2,117 3 0 301 2 9 Totals 289,660 2 14 6,278 2 19 15,390 0 25 347 56,003 0 28 16,268 15 6 1,630 267,991 3 10" 72,656 2 1

Table 33 (Part II.)—Return of Lands disposed of under the Land for Settlements Acts for the Year which ended 31st March, 1900.

C.-l.

188

Yearly Value Occupied Land. Amount advanced to Selectors for Arrears on 31st Maveh. 190(1 Total of Unlet Land Duuaings, cKC. Kent and other Receipts Name of Estate. at 31st March, 1900. Payments received during the Year.* from Inception to 31st March, 1900. No. of Houses on Holdings. No. of Souls resident on Holdings. Value of Improvements: During previous Years. During Year. Total. No. Area. Rent in Arrear. Auckland — £ s. d. £ s. d. s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. A. R. p. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Opouriao 48 16 2 56 228 15,754 0 0 2 496 0 0 40 10 1 1,585 19 8 4,965 15 3 Okauia .. 14 1,339 0 0 85 4 2 245 1 7 Rangiatea 2 86 2,468 13 0 686 7 10 1,305 570 1 8 Karapiro 1 Not yet inspected. 372 16 5 14 6 Pen Court 630 8 2 11 „ „ 509 15 9 509 15 9 Hawke's Bay Raureka 18 76 2,194 10 0 2 142 2 36 73 19 6 467 6 6 1,888 8.775 5 11 Elathorpe 2 2 0 . 25 119 8,248 12 6 2,110 0 0 4 0 Waimarie 30 7 0 12 11 1,270 16 6 1 9 2 0 5 5 0 378 8 6 1,376 10 0 975 1 fi Pouparae 6 6 910 2 6 339 2 6 Tomoana 11 59 2,043 17 6 124 19 0 252 19 0 Mahora .. 21 93 3,825 8 6 802 0 2 1,348 11 9 Willows.. 9 8 1,020 10 0 453 1 10 739 17 0 Wellington — Paparangi 225 15 6 32 131 2,550 19 6 288 0 0 116 0 0 404 0 0 5 28 0 36 25 8 10 304 16 6 616 17 4 Ohakea 7 22 869 5 0 475 6 9 475 fi 9 Te Matua 11 37 639 8 0 276 15 9 276 15 9 Marlborough — Blind River 47 13 3 17 83 4,670 1 0 15 4,358 0 0 1,051 13 10 513 12 1 2.683 12 7 Omaka 11 47 3,904 7 4 8 2,304 2 0 256 0 5 430 8 4 1,835 12 11 Puhipuhi 17 15 0 50 15 0 Starborough 2 5 0 33 128 8,297 0 0 2,378 15 0 4,750 728 1 1 Richmond Brook 728 13 8 13 8 Westland — Poerua 14 14 4 8 29 2,274 0 0 9 1,290 1 0 64 14 11 123 1 9 681 13 10 Canterbury — Pareora 26 114 1,996 8 6 2 54 3 38 17 6 6 448 5 8 2,191 5 9 Studholme Junction 17 0 0 3 14 357 IS 0 73 4 6 426 14 9 Kapua 11 41 1,065 4 6 4 194 0 0 102 10 10 216 17 10 1,371 6 8 Rosebrook 14 67 1,828 11 6 3 139 0 3 34 3 11 330 6 2 1,394 12 4 Otaio 9 30 874 14 6 273 18 6 1,012 688 3 0 Patoa 1 1 1,047 0 0 170 16 6 6 10 The Peaks 2 4 1,013 0 0 204 1 10 813 19 11 Roimata 26 115 3,594 0 0 144 0 6 636 14 0 Kereta 4 28 548 5 6 2 55 1 29 1314 0 57 10 0 337 13 0 Braco 14 41 • 990 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 75 18 4 308 17 9 Ep worth 1 4 98 16 0 13 11 0 48 8 11 Ashley Gorge 10 53 2,208 0 0 2 115 2 2 5 15 6 252 5 6 1,153 1 0 Omihi Valley 15 13 5 0 13 5 0 Orakipaoa 71 1,475 18 0 3 48* 1 39 22 3 11 386 18 10 1,524 2 5 Highbank 62 232 10,165 2 0 23 2,709 0 2 591 7 8 2,500 16 6 11,169 9 11 Otarakaro 7 38 993 0 0 4 23 2 31 41 11 2 81 10 2 243 6 7 Wharenui 25 86 1,880 0 0 160 0 0 160 ' 0 0 1 22 0 0 9 17 10 303 15 8 768 18 2 Rakitairi 19 76 2,837 7 0 2 616 2 0 88 7 4 1,092 15 1 2,880 1 11 Carried forward 1,019 1 5 540 2,191 95,253 16 10 458 0 0 116 0 0 574 0 0 88 12,607 3 16 2,444 10 3 19,904 4 9 51,764 14 9

C.—l.

Estates acquired but not dealt with at 31st March, 1900. Auckland— Acres. Whitehall 8 980 Wellington— Aorangi ~ .. .. .. .. .. ! 785 Marlborough— North Bank 13 000 Canterbury— Papaka 1,561 Punaroa .. .. .. .. .. 7 025 Rautawiri ..... 110 E-5.36228 ; ;; ;; ;; 100 Otago— Barnego .. .. .. .. __ 7,019

25—C. 1

189

Brought forward Waiapi Horsley Down Albury R.S. 1862 1,019 119 1 11 5 8 540 15 24 63 2,191 66 64 234 95,253 2,413 3,933 11,161 16 0 0 1 10 1 0 6 458 0 0 116 0 0 574 0 0 88 1 8 12,607 10 3,005 3 0 0 16 i 39 2,444 4 193 10 5 io 3 2 3 19,904 4 522 3 1,079 8 3,256 19 9 5 10 0 51,764 14 9 1,528 19 5 3,594 18 10 8,757 17 2 Pt. 2682 3 7 4 8 8 4 R.S. 25375, 29737, and 29738 11 11 10 11 11 10 R.S. 13991, 18212, 20669, 25 14 0 25 14 0 31675, 33005, and 33006 ' 8 17 9 8 17 9 R.S. 34598, Pt. 34597 and Pt. 27673 7 9 5 7 9 5 Marawiti Hekeao Pawaho Waikakahi Tamai Takitu 5 33 33 319 4 14 6 5 10 0 0 10 8 13 12 17 109 15 65 42 40 419 40 1,790 2,503 1,617 33,012 861 9 5 0 17 0 0 6 0 5 0 45 0 0 50 120 0 0 0 0 95 120 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 570 15 4 2 0 3 23 0 6 132 0 27 13 15 4 6 0 10 581 16 512 14 92 8 6,342 3 90 9 11 8 3 10 5 1,821 11 2 1,132 14 10 183 0 8 13,776 13 3 90 9 5 Pareora No. 2 204 10 465 15 2 465 15 2 Ofcago — 1,747 15 3 1,747 15 3 Pomakaka Teanaraki Tahawai 288 11 2 17 19 8 52 57 36 4,215 13 1,084 0 RR-t n 0 0 o 16 9 3,909 141 3 2 32 39 651 89 14 17 9 9 192 17 263 5 4 6 4,324 15 7 1,395 0 7 Maerewhenua Puketapu 10 8 2 58 8 225 19 10,340 846 1 8 9 7 11 2,678 2 21 765 7 5 37 3 2,985 7 174 14 1,743 1 328 0 5 10 156 18 6 13,573 7 3 Ardgowan Makareao Makareao Extension 9 23 11 17 10 6 51 15 3 215 50 7 8,108 1,661 1,001 1,824 7,600 752 19 11 10 12 14 0 1 9 0 6 6 o 7 14 471 1,580 2 1 4 32 138 137 4 9 7 4 1 7 2 684 12 7 6,631 18 8 1,201 1 0 Momona Tokaralii Janefield 66 19 1 16 2 0 14 42 9 51 335 30 2 39 21 6,383 2 1 37 8 12 2,281 10 16 9 8 302 14 143 2 2,194 6 7 3 2 599 9 11 541 13 9 7,873 18 2 Elderslie 1.147 17 0 134 4 0 134 4 0 Southland — 1,490 9 8 1,490 9 8 Merrivale Otahu 106 12 10 35 4 147 4 7,727 501 839 0 10 0 0 0 0 475 0 0 50 0 0 525 0 0 5 892 3 20 97 0 1 1,495 16 9 6,045 16 4 Beaumont 268 10 10 4 8 2 4 2,108 1,528 1 0 3 30 77 137 17 14 10 6 136 14 79 16 8 6 400 18 7 290 6 5 Totals 3,676 0 11 1,095 4,197 199,732 11 6 978 0 0 336 0 0 1,314 0 0 213 35,930 0 34 7,192 12 8 46,354 14 4 140,271 2 3 ;

C— 1.

Table 34, —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased under the Land for Settlements Acts, 1892 and 1894. (Continued from Table No. 35 of 1898-99.)

190

Name of Estate. Date of Purchase. Outlay. Income. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Studholme Junction Pareora Pomahaka.. Kapua Te Anaraki.. Blind River Rose brook .. Otaio Merrivale .. Tahawai .. Patoa, and Peak's Farm 27 July, 1893 16 Aug., 1893 10 Oct., 1893 11 Nov., 1893 81 Jan., 1894 20 Aug., 1894 15 Feb., 1895 25 Feb., 1895 17 Apl., 1895 25 A pi., 1895 3 May, 1895 Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &e., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to31stMarch, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &o., unp'd, included in account of last yea,r .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of Inst year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, (Sc., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to March ,1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total £ s. d. 1,379 15 11 12 12 3 49 10 1 Rents. &c., paid since 31st M arch, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents. &c.. paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &,c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 .. Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &o., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &e., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total £ s. d. 73 4 6 12 12 3 1,356 1 6 1,441 18 3 1,441 18 3 6,906 6 3 201 3 1 247 6 8 448 5 8 149 15 11 6,756 14 5 7,354 16 0 7,354 16 0 22,906 3 9 19 16 2 576 13 6 822 15 10 192 17 4 1,272 6 11 22,810 5 0 24,325 9 3 24,325 9 3 4,549 8 10 140 3 10 163 5 7 216 17 10 197 14 8 4,438 5 9 4,852 18 3 4,852 18 3 5,306 15 4 2 1 11 219 1 7 190 10 7 263 5 6 223 19 5 5,231 4 6 5,718 9 5 5,718 9 5 16,228 5 11 2 12 6 1,098 2 9 582 10 4 513 12 1 1,490 14 i 15,907 5 1 17,911 11 6 17,911 11 6 5,764 9 1 149 13 3 206 17 6 330 6 2 127 0 7 5,663 13 1 6,120 19 10 6,120 19 10 4,026 5 4 140 14 2 144 10 0 273 18 6 / 83 10 4 3,954 0 8 4,311 9 6 4,311 9 6 26,814 19 10 9 12 583 3 5 962 15 10 1,495 16 9 567 13 0 26,306 10 6 28,370 0 3 28,370 0 3 599 17 0 4 0 0 21 10 5 37 3 5 2 3 9 586 0 3 625 7 5 625 7 5 6,692 9 7 23 9 4 240 3 9 374 18 4 16 o; o 6,565 4 4 6,956 2 8 6,956 2.6.8

C— 1.

Table 34.—Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c.—continued.

191

Name of Estate. i Date of Purchase. Outlay. Income. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Roimata .. Kereta Maerewhenua Braco Ashley Gorge Epworth .. Puketapu .. Omihi S.R. Poerua Raureka .. Opouriao .. 29 June, 1895 29 June, 1895 27 July, 1895 5 Aug., 1895 9 Aug., 1895 14 Aug., 1895 18 Nov., 1895 16 Jan., 1896 3 Feb., 1896 9 Mar., 1896 20 Mar., 1896 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st Maf ch, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c.. unp'd, included in account of la*t year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of Ust year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Interest to 31st March, 1900 To.tai Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, <5cc., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to31st March, 19C0 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, inolnded in account of last year .. Interest to 31 st March, 1900 Total £ s. d. 2,687 10 5 3 10 0 5 5 6 96 11 7 Rents, &o., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c , unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &e., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total • Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &e., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total . < Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &e., paid since 31st March, 1899 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st Maroh, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total .. .. £ s. d. 144 0 6 1 10 9 2,647 6 3 2,792 17 6 2,792 17 6 1,540 7 1 10 0 0 55 5 7 57 10 0 35 8 0 1,512 14 8 1,605 12 8 1,605 12 8 66,316 0 10 1 14 8 1,860 11 2 2,380 4 7 2,985 7 10 2,408 13 11 65,164 9 6 70,558 11 3 70,558 11 3 1,366 7 0 6 16 49 0 9 75 18 4 2 11 6 1,342 19 5 1,421 9 3 1,421 9 3 4,870 3 2 21 8 10 174 15 10 252 5 6 27 4 4 4,786 18 0 5,066 7 10 5,066 7 10 255 2 8 6 15 7 9 3 1 13 11 0 6 15 9 250 14 7 271 1 4 271 1 4 3,454 1 8 16 13 8 123 19 4 174 14 1 30 19 1 3,389 1 6 3,594 14 8 8,594 14 8 296 19 3 10 13 2 13 5 0 294 7 5 307 12 5 307 12 5 4,867 13 4 36 10 10 39 3 11 176 0 1 123 1 9 172 3 0 4,824 3 5 5,119 8 2 5,119 8 2 9,971 0 5 1 10 10 236 14 0 357 18 8 467 6 6 812 ,9 6 9,787 7 6 10,567 3 6 10,567 3 .6 24,490 8 11 154 15 6 616 16 3 884 10 0 1,585 19 8 480 3 9 24,080 7 3 26,146 10 8 26,146 10 8

C. —1.

Table 34. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c.—continued.

192

Name of Estate. Date of Purchase. Outlay. Income. Particulars. | Amount. Particulars. Amount. Orakipaoa .. Omaka Elsthorpe .. Makareao .. Highbank .. Ardgowan .. Waimarie .. Otarakaro .. Wharenui .. Tomoana .. i Horsley Down 20 Mar., 1896 20 Apl., 1896 21 Apl., 1896 27 Nov., 1896 12 May, 1896 14 Dee., 1896 18 May, 1896 23 May, 1896 * 21 July, 1896 4 Sept., 1896 28 Oct., 1896 31 Dec., 1896 1 Jan., 1897 Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 % Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Bents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to31stMarch, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &o., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &e., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from, previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &o., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total £ s. d. 7,449 2 1 49 1 7 267 6 10 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st Maroh, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid sinoe 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents. &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid sinoe 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 3ist March, 1900 .. Balance Total £ s. d. 386 18 10 57 5 4 7,321 6 4 7,765 10 6 7,765 10 6 10,657 9 8 248 5 4 362 15 5 391 8 0 430 8 4 521 13 9 10,707 16 4 11,659 18 5 11,659 18 5 42,854 10 5 ■327 16 0 1,538 12 4 2,110 0 0 524 12 0 42,086 7 4 44,720 19 4 44,720 19 4 18,952 i 4 6,572 5 4 422 7 10 916 1 1 630 14 9 466 0 3 25,766 3 7 26,862 18 7 26,862 18 7 56,870 1 7 3 2 0 997 8 4 2,041 2 8 2,500 16 6 1,500 12 3 55,910 5 10 59,911 14 7 59,911 14 7 36,990 12 5 13 14 8 . 822 3 8 1,328 1 1 1,743 1 7 963 17 11 36,447 12 4 39,154 11 10 39,154 11 10 8,551 19 2 86 1, 3 65 1 6 310 0 2 378 8 6 149 13 0 8,485 0 7 9,013 2 1 9,013 2 1 2,057 3 3 45 5 4 73 16 8 81 10 2 75 13 1 2,019 2 0 2,176 5 3 2,176 5 3 4,918 18 6 1 5 10 36 15 8 176 11 7 303 15 8 37 3 11 4,792 12 0 5,133 11 7 5,133 11 7 2,529 18 4 1 13 9 19 12 0 90 17 2 124 19 0 33 11 0 2,483 11 3 2,642 1 3 2,642 1 3 19,617 15 2 6 16 0 703 13 2 1,079 8 10 0 0 2 19,248 15 4 20,328 4 4 20,328 4 4

C.—l.

Table 34.—Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c,.—continued.

193

Name of Estate. Date of Purchase. Outlay. Income. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Pouparae .. Rakitairi .. Waiapi Albury Puhipuhi .. Momona .. Tokarahi .. Marawhiti.. Cannington Paparangi .. Otahu 31 Jan., 1897 31 Mar., 1897 31 Mar., 1897 31 Mar., 1897 14 Apl., 1897 26 Apl., 1897 26 Apl., 1897 26 Apl., 1897 5 June, 1897 23 July, 1897 4 Aug., 1897 Balance from previous year Bents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Bents, &o., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Bents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Bents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Bents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31stMaroh, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Bents, &c., unp'd, included in acoount of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Bents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total £ s. d. 7,718 18 4 58 15 0 277 0 7 Rents, &c., paid sinoe 31st March, 1899 Bents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st Maroh, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid sinoe 31st Maroh, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balanoe Total Bents, &c., paid sinoe 31st March, 1899 Bents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 .. Balance Total Rents, &c„ paid since 31st March, 1899 Balance Total Bents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 .. Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Bents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Bents, &c., paid sinoe 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total £ s. d. 339 2 6 125 0 6 7,590 10 11 8,054 3 11 8,054 3 11 18,987 5 8 110 315 13 10 681 9 6 1,092 15 1 318 6 10 18,574 8 1 19,985 10 0 19,985 10 0 9,302 4 9 31 3 8 333 9 1 522 3 5 28 0 1 9,116 13 2 9,666 17 6 9,666 17 6 64,453 0 2 726 2 3 1,162 15 9 2,349 4 6 3,256 19 0 1,186 19 5 66,247 4 3 68,691 2 8 68,691 2 8 304 9 3 8 5 0 11 5 0 17 15 0 306 4 3 323 19 3 323 19 3 3,513 2 2 26 -5 10 126 1 8 143 2 3 93 9 9 3,428 17 8 3,665 9 8 3,665 9 8 76,370 13 5 14 8 9 2,592 8 0 2,741 10 5 2,194 6 2 4,366 19 5 75,157 15 0 81,719 0 7 81,719 0 7 13,971 15 5 257 17 5 501 8 8 581 16 11 424 16 4 13,724 8 3 14,731 1 6 14,731 1 6 63 6 0 2 5 5 3 7 4 3 7 4 58 16 9 65 11 5 65 11 5 6,581 0 9 168 13 6 34 11 5 242 4 6 304 16 6 66 5 7 6,655 8 1 7,026 10 2 7,026 10 2 8,416 1 6 2 13 6 44 15 11 302 2 10 136 14 8 253 6 7 8,375 12 6 8,765 13 9 8,765 13 9

C.—l.

Table 34. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c. —continued.

194

; Name | Date of Purof Estate. I chase. 1 Outlay. Income. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Beaumont.. Pawaho Hekeao Okauia Rangiatea .. Karapiro .. R.S. 2682 .. Starborough Waikakahi Mahora Willows 9 Dec., 1897 3 Mar., 1898 8 Mar., 1898 23 Mar., 1898 24 Mar., 1898 27 Oct., 1898 18 Nov., 1898 27 Mar., 1899 4 Oct., „ 27 Mar., 1899 27 Mar., 1899 27 Mar., 1899 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses R;nts, &o., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &e., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rants, &o., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of list year .. Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Rents, &c., unp'd, included in account of last year .. Interest to 31stMarch, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Purchase-money (addit'ni) Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 j Total £ s. d. 10,722 8 6 2 12 0 124 8 1 384 19 2 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &e., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March. 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st Mnrcli, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 .. Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Balance Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance Total R»nts, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rfnts, &o.. unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Refund of purchase-money Balance Total £ s. d. 79 16 6 304 0 8 10,850 10 7 11,234 6 9 11,234 6 9 1,911 3 8 82 15 9 15 12 9 71 10 11 92 8 3 43 0 6 1,945 14 4 2,081 3 1 2,081 3 1 11,277 8 4 153 7 6 6 0 0 410 4 10 512 14 8 117 0 6 11,217 5 6 11,847 0 8 11,847 0 8 4,839 5 3 88 4 2 9 18 0 176 16 10 185 4 2 38 14 6 4,890 5 7 5,114 4 3 5,114 4 3 14,225 19 6 63 11 6 157 1 7 512 16 9 686 7 10 167 5 5 14,105 16 1 14,959 9 4 14,959 9 4 8,344 15 6 35 2 9 300 11 11 372 16 5 51 8 6 8,256 5 3 8,680 10 2 8,680 10 2 110 15 6 3 19 6 11 11 10 103 3 2 114 15 0 114 15 0 98,364 6 11 1,212 0 0 4,182 9 2 3,703 11 7 2,378 15 0 771 0 7 104,312 12 1 107,462 7 8 107,462 7 8 317,814 3 2 1,411 19 1 11,451 11 9 6,342 3 10 3,006 9 5 142 14 6 321,186 6 3 330,677 14 0 330,677 14 0 30,753 15 9 136 19 5 1,118 12 10 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance • 80& 0 2 247 19 11 30,959 10 11 32,009 11 0 , Total Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 .. Balance Total 32,009 11 0 14,475 8 8 51 19 10 521 7 7 453 1 10 18 13 2 14,577 1 1 35,048 16 1 15,048 16 1

a—l.

Table 34. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &c.—continued.

195

1 Outlay. Income. of Estate. chase. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. Tamai • 27 Mar., 1899 Balance from previous year Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 2,663 7 98 7 99 2 d. 4 5 8 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance £ s. 90 9 18 4 2,752 3 d. 5 7 5 Total 2,860 17 5 Total 2,860 17 5 Richmond Brook > 27 Mar., 1899 14 June, „ Balance from previous year Purchase-money (addit'nl) Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 21,965 18 1,968 17 469 15 861 8 0 0 0 8 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Balance 728 13 24,537 3 8 0 Total 25,265 16 8 Total 25,265 16 8 R.S. 36469.. 26 Apr., 1899 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 502 19 4 4 16 18 7 0 1 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Balance 25 14 498 7 0 8 Total 524 1 8 Total 524 1 8 R.S. 36228 (Homestead) 24 July, 1899 Purchase-money Incidental exp-nses Interest to 31sc March, 1900 227 0 13 0 5 18 3 8 0 Balance 245 18 11 Total 245 18 11 Total 245 18 11 Janefield .. 27 July, 1899 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 4,888 3 108 16 121 7 4 1 3 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1S99 Balance 134 4 4,984 2 0 8 Total 5,118 6 8 Total 5,118 6 8 R.S. 36231.. 29 Sept., 1899 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 346 5 3 3 6 5 7 0 9 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Balance 8 17 346 16 9 7 Total 355 14 4 Total 355 14 4 R.S. 36056/7 29 Sept.,1899 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 290 10 3 3 5 5 0 0 4 Rents, <fco„ paid since 31st March, 1899 Balance 7 9 291 8 5 11 Total 298 18 4 Total 298 18 4 Te Matua .. 27 Dec., 1899 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to31scMarch, 1900 10,531 15 251 14 99 13 8 7 4 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Balance 276 15 9 10,606 7 10 Total 10,883 3 7 Total 10,883 3 7 Rautawiri .. 27 Dec., 1899 Purchase-money Incidental expenses In terest to 31st March, 1900 2,560 7 2 16 23 13 2 8 9 Balance 2,586 17 7 Total 2,586 17 7 Total 2,586 17 7 Ohakea 13 Jan., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 17,393 2 207 1 133 5 2 11 2 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance 475 6 0 0 17,258 1 9 9 9 Total 17,733 9 3 Total 17,733 9 3 Aorangi 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 25,355 0 307 7 12 12 0 11 5 Balance 25,675 0 4 Total 25,675 0 4 Total 25,675 0 4 Fen court .. 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 31,981 10 411 11 15 18 0 2 6 Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 .. Balance 509 15 31,899 3 9 11 Total 32,408 19 8 Total 32,408 19 8 Whitehall 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Inc dental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 6,735 "3 247 14 3 8 9 9 8 Balance 6,986 7 2 Total 6,986 7 2 Total 6,986 7 2

c.—i.

Table 34. —Statement showing Outlay and Income of Estates purchased, &C.—continued.

Land for Settlements Account. SUMMARY.

196

Name Date of PurOutlay. Income. ~T~ of Estate. chase. Particulars. Amouut. Particulars. Amount. Takitu 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 £ s. 23,032 14 146 6 11 7 d. 0 6 11 Bents, &c., paid sinoe 31st March, 1899 Balance • £ s. 465 15 22,724 13 d. 2 3 Total 23,190 8 5 Total 23,190 8 5 PareoraNo. 2 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 70,953 3 86 8 34 18 0 9 7 Bents, &c., paid March, 1899 Balance since 31st 1,747 15 69,326 15 3 . 1 Total 71,074 10 4 Total 71,074 10 4 Elderelie .. 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 79,758 18 875 10 39 12 4 0 10 Bents, &c., paid March, 1899 Balance since 31st 1.490 9 79,183 11 * 8 6 Total 80,674 1 2 Total 80,674 1 2 Punaroa .. 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 31,613 15 64 2 15 11 4 3 4 Balance 31,693 8 11 Total 31,693 8 11 Total 31,693 8 11 Papaka 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 17,962 11 50 1 8 17 4 5 2 Balance 18,021 9 11 Total 18,021 9 11 Total 18,021 9 11 Barnego .. 26 Mar., 1900 Purchase-money Incidental expenses Interest to 31st March, 1900 26,323 2 166 11 13 0 0 8 6 Balance 26,502 13 11 26,502 13 11 Total . .. 26,502 13 11

Outlay. Iucoiiie. Particulars. Amount. Particulars. Amount. 1 Dr. Balance from previous year Purchase-moneys Roads, and other incidental expenses of estates paid for at 31st Marsh, 1900 .. Miscellaneous expenses incidental to estates declined or not yet accepted, &c. Land-purchase Inspector's salary Rents, &c., unpaid, included in former accounts Interest to 31st March, 1900 Total £ s. d. 1,187,977 10 8 353,494 4 0 17,797 18 8 1,832 14 7 800 0 0 13,969 3 2 43,540 1 6 Or. Rents, &c., paid since 31st March, 1899 Rents, &c., unpaid at 31st March, 1900 Balance £ s. d. 46,354 14 4 23,602 3 9 1,549,454 14 S 1,619,411 12 7 Total 1,619,411 12 7

C.—l

SELECTORS AND LAND SELECTED. Table No. 35. —Comparative Statement of Selectors and Lands selected under Settlement Conditions for the Ten Years ended 31st March, 1900.

e 26—C. 1,

197

Year ending 31st March, Cash. Deferred Payment. Perpetual Lease. Lease in Perpetuity. Occupation with Right of Purchase. Agricultural Lease. Occupation Leases.* No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. | Area. 1891 573 Acres. 100,014 258 Acres. 34,091 788 Acres. 288,917 Acres. Acres. 4 Acres. 551 Acres. 1892 492 40,501 223 40,467 824 282,547 2 90 1893 552 36,326 169 21,084 385 122,557 126 55,320 161 54,271 4 193 1894f 497 34,998 96 12,669 17 3,854 612 179,9< 33 461 108,133 5 365 1895f 392 38,694 47 5,453 3 1,263 372 91,799 398 75,477 2 44 1896f 476 26,574 6 456 7 1,427 696 122,350 431 84,968 3 36 69 2,931 18971 388 28,485 19 9,106 659 104,927 277 59,648 2 13 48 2,817 1898f 272 22,525 2 651 599 117,938 380 81,414 258 23 1,285 1899f 534 37,400 1 13 1 640 675 159,415 458 109,950 2 114 31 1,449 1900f 491 23,936 2 624 656 153,531 395 117,771 3 70 64 2,295 Year ending 31st March, Village Settlement: Cash. Village Settlement: Deferred Payment. Village Settlement: Perpetual Lease. Villagehomestead Special Settlement, Specialsettlement Associations. Homestead. Small Grazing-runs and Grazing-fanns. Totals. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area, No. Area. No. 1 Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. 1891 87 Acres. 210 51 Acres. 369 56 Acres. 954 10 Acres. 350 Acres. 2 71 9 Acres. 945 43 Acres. 86,161 1,881 Acres. 512,634 1892 89 429 23 182 59 893 140 2,213 13 1,922 8 1,010 80 159,464 I 1,953 529,720 1893 75 528 29 390 j 164 1 P 2,636) §4 33 493 8( !8 157,381 1 38 39 92,926 2,578 544,153 1894f 3 2 15 11 §208 §3,953 118 2,549 290 68,852 142 252,693 2,454 668,064 1895f 23 23 {30 {23 §232 4,050 60 2,742 262 51,345 1|107 ||9,731 60 117,845 1,988 396,497 1896t 16 9 13 12 §193 3,364 19 794 238 44,237 ||315 ||28,348 32 46,407 2,504 361,904 18971 4 4 ti 14 §102 1,317 18 360 142 28,084 l!45 ||4,882 27 68,934 1,735 308,581 1898f 2 1 12 12 §92 §1,426 9 42 5 442 ||77 ||9,007 71 149,458 ' 1,539 384,449 1899f 21 30 13 12 §106 ,( 2,115 12 134 5 607 ||64 ||4,823 40 77,632 1,953 394,324 1900f 6 4 13 12 §80 1,762 6 31 1 2 [|41 ■' 1)7,393 64 155,109 1,812 462,530 ♦"Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894." t Inclusive of Cheviot Estate, and lands disposed of under the Laud for Settlements Acts. I Village settlement, occupation with right of purchase. § Village settlement, lease in perpetuity. !j Improved farms,

o.—l.

Table 36.—SUMMARY OF RETURNS of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900.

198

District. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Rural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Survey. Roads, Railways, and Water-races. Detention by Native Opposition or other Causes. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyors and Parties from Acres. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Allotments. Cost per Allotment. Acres. No. of Sees, or Divs. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. Miles. Cost per Mile. Cost. Cost. 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. d. s. s. d. s. £ £ a. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Auckland 56,000 0-36 184,515 622 1-29 520-0 295 20-72 100,292-00 125 5-02 4,028 57 5-25 382-64 8-98 7 8 4 1,501 1 3 17,079 5 2 Hawke's Bay 47,500 0-42 53,529 92 0-81 458-5 182 40-19 17,543-75 58 13-20 43-57 19-53 135 3 2 5,514 4 3 Taranaki 66,200 0-99 42,301 97 1-70 1,087-0 700 2019 ., 55 00 11-54 619 11 7 5,982 5 9 "Wellington ] 200,000 ( *290,000 rH co co o 6 36,199 176 1-80 138-9 218 21-50 46,001-00 62 5-34 61-80 16*56 1,156 7 2 7,692 8 8 Marlborough 150,083 134 0-66 760 155 10-57 20-75 4 456-00 301 10 7-20 120-05 13-21 1,083 12 4 6,810 11 4 Nelson 676,965 0-83 17,884 64 1-26 5,172 89 6-02 72-75 11-57 1,259 5 9 3,909 10 11 Westland j 2,000 I *9,214 1-22 ) 0-62 J 2,410 12 2-43 •• 3,136 43 506 42-50 13 05 165 6 6 864 6 7 Canterbury 38,712 105 0-70 37-5 40 18-71 10-93 14-72 470 3 0 1,897 8 11 Otago ( \ *57,000 •• 1 1-18 J 22,219 135 1-65 •• 18,492 379 4-02 13-20 5-86 548 10 0 3,395 18 10 Southland 22,057 104 2'04 •• 5,511 90 4-54 1-62 6-30 1,360 18 0 3,066 15 10 Means and totals f 1,048,665 ( *356,214 0-79 ) 0-88 J 569,909 1,541 1-15 2,318-9 1590 21-78 163,857-50 249 6-04 36,640 668 4-63 804-06 11-41 7 8 4 8,299 18 9 56,212 16 3t * Topographical survey. + Total cost does not include mining and other surveys by contract surveyors, which were paid out of deposits.

C.—l.

Table 36.—RETURN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. LAND DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND.

199

Surveyor and District. Minor Triangulation and Topographies Survey. Kural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Roads, Railways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost oi Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. Remarks. Acres. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Allotments. Cost per Allotment. Acres. No. of Sees, or Divs. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. CO © 9 Cost per Mile. Cost. Staff Surveyors. d. s. s. a. s. £ £ s. d. £ s. d. L. Cussen. King Country 80-00 8-33 1,105 14 0 Heavy forest, broken country. Inspection and supervision 120,000 acres King-country J. Baber. Rotorua, &c. settlement surveys. 729 5 2-00 150 90 20-00 31-00 1400 35 12 0 723 17 0 Forest and open. G. A. Martin. Whangarei, &o. .. 12,715 50 1-12 , . 50 0 0 899 13 10 Chiefly forest. A. H. Vickerman. King Country, 1,600 7 1-47 '5-50 7-27 688 15 4 846 15 4 Heavy forest, broken country. " Other work " &o. is principally road engineering, &c. H. D. M. Haszard. Ohinemuri, &o. 2,189 9 1-50 150 180 18-68 20-75 14-00 789 2 11 Chiefly open. T. K. Thompson. King Country.. 3,900 6 3-00 639 15 4 Heavy forest, broken country. R. S. Galbraith. King Country .. 18 j000 0-51 13,735 16 1-62 3-00 13-70 44 0 0 808 15 5 » // H, F. Edgecumbe. King Country, 29,630 67 0-40 220 25 38-17 43-40 1-95 3 10 0 657 17 7 Heavy forest, broken country; 23,880 acres &a. gum reserves ; open country. A.B.Wright. Various.. 112-00 6-50 728 0 0 Engineering surveys only. Roads, &c. Temporary Staff. , W. C. Spencer. King Country .. 10,823 15 1-22 849 16 3 Heavy forest, broken country. H.A.Warner. Mangamuka, &c... 8,477 18 1-28 17-50 10-39 5 0 0 624 17 6 Forest and open. J. B. Thompson. Russell, &c. 4,922 29 1-81 1,130 18 27-38 5-00 12-00 108 15 4 790 3 5 Forest and open. " Other work " is timber E. P.Turner. Tarawera, &c. reports, roads, &c. 2,221 18 2-01 43-72 12-66 46 0 0 780 15 0 Forest and open ; 56,000 acres Court awards Rotomahana - Parekarangi in progress. Cadet H. Mitchell assisting. (Cost of detention by Native opposition or other causes, £7 8s. 4d. included.) A. Wilson. King Country 9,9S2 22 1-51 600 12-00 72 10 0 782 5 0 Heavy forest, broken country. " Other work " is road explorations, &c. A. A. Seaton. King Country 14,266 20 1-16 93 0 0 754 18 0 Ditto. A. J. Mountforfc. King Country .. 18,425 29 106 9-00 15-00 100 0 0 878 9 8 Ditto. A. G. Allom. King Country 625 10 5 Heavy forest. In progress ; about 18,000 out of 23,000 acres complete in field. G. A. Jackson. King Country 9,301 10 1-87 36 12 599 17 6 Heavy forest. E. W. Laseron. Newcastle 5,910 10 1-99 121 17 10 690 1 10 Chiefly heavy forest, broken country. " Other work" is road benching, &c. E. de C. Drury. Cambridge, &c... 2,648 24 1-50 201 3 2 Open country. Fencourt Estate, under Land for Settlements Act. W. H. Charlesworth. Cambridge, 4,530 13 0-71 191 13 8 Open country. Part Fencourt Estate, under &e. Land for Settlements Act.

a—l.

Table 36.—RETURN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1900— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF AUCKL AN D— continued.

200

Surveyor ancl District. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Rural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Roads, Bailways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. Remarks. Acres. U © • ag %< o Acres. oi °J o"-« £ 0 CO u ® . c. ® 3 0 < 0 Acres. ri CO -4J Sg §5 Acres. M 8g co.£ •so 0 0 z U © • 0.® *3 0^ 0 Acres. No. of Section. u ® . a 0 S; o<! O CO O S Cost per Mile. Cost. Temporary Staff — con fcinued. P. J. Hosking. Cambridge, &c. .. 0. M. Creagh. Urewera L. Simpson. Urewera » d. 8,700 30 s. 0-56 s. d. •• s. £ B. d. £ s. d. 248 8 11 237 12 7 207 16 0 Open country. Whitehall Estate, under Land for Settlements Act. Broken forest country. Surveys under Urewera Commission. In progress from October, 1899. Ditto. Means and totals 18,000 0-51 164,603 398 1-17 520 295 2072 1,130 18 27-38 376-87 9-79 1,405 12 8 15,663 0 4 Contract Surveyors. Adams and Harding. Thames P. Bedlington. Purua .. J. Boylan. Tairua P. E. Cheal. Thames .. Clare and Palmer. Ohinemuri .. Wm. Cussen. Tairua, Kawhia .. 0. M. Creagh. Coromandel R.Campbell. Whangaroa, &c. E. de C. Drury. Waikato E. Fairburn. Maramarua W. L. Forster. Ohinemuri. Harrison and Poster. Awaroa, &c. W. F. Hammond. Waipipi, &o. .. F. J. Hosking. Maungaru, Ac. .. N. F. J. Haszard. Ohinemuri .. J.Hannah. Waipu, &c. R. C. Jordan. Tauranga L. Jackson. Ohinemuri N Kenny. Ohinemuri A M. and F. V. Kelly. Manukau, 38 j 000 0-25 .. •• 160 152 150 100 3,559 2,668 145 957 1,902 127 332 313 242 "70 291 3 1 2 1 10 46 1 4 25 1 11 3 1 2 2 3 31 2-49 3-16 3-00 1-53 1-79 1-66 1-56 222 1-66 4-85 2-70 2-66 4-28 196 51 244 4 2,614 24 916 253 "26 "22 176 2 14 2 2 3 4 1 "2 1 2 41-19 33-40 360-00 300 40-00 9-18 24-84 2308 32 73 17-70 572 "37 200 100 296 618 659 248 386 7 1 "2 1 "3 6 "9 "e 7 4-54 6-00 1-79 3-85 4-25 8-20 9-io 3-52 100 8-31 800 51 1 1 20 "5 0 139 14 8 180 3 2 95 "'8 6 107 0 10 15 17 6 10 io 0 16 13 4 Forest and open. Open. Open. Gold-mining survey, paid for privately. Forest and open. Open. Broken forest country. 133 acres gold-mining survey, in addition, paid for privately. Forest. Grold-mining survey, paid for privately. Forest and open. In addition, 530 acres Native Land Court survey, paid for privately. Chiefly open. " Other work " is isolated road and boundary surveys. Open. Forest and open. " Other work " is isolated boundary line. Open. Forest and open. Open. Forest and open. &c. Mountain and Newton. Parengarenga, &c. •• •• 60,031 9 300 294 3 504 •• •• Chiefly open.

C.—l.

LAND DISTRICT OF HAWKE'S BAY.

201

H. Mitchell. Rotorua .. D. W. McArthur. Ohinemuri R. Neumann. Kawakawa, &c. .. W. G. O'Neill. Mangonui, &o. C. C. Otway. Waiheke F. Pavitt. Te Aroha 3. Reilly. Ooromandel F. B. Sewell. Whakatane D. Stubbing. Orahiri, <fec. L. Simpson. Maketu J. Simms. Orahiri, &c. G. B. Thomas. Coromandel P. Ward. Matakohe, &e. H. M. Wilson. Waitemata, &c. .. Means and totals Grand means and totals 13 1,262 2,708 56 793 70 1,598 2,244 2 11 36 2 6 1 27 26 0-92 2-34 304 5'27 1-94 2-50 2-92 2-34 11 6 351 2,035 261 19,917 3 7,162 5,055 1 2 1 14 1 33 1 11 1 109-09 480-00 2000 11-79 16-00 '6-89 560 00 842 2-77 206 125 147 60 424 "5 3 2 1 6 8-62 •• .. 2-76 5-89 1-25 10-00 24* 2 6 6912 11 289 7 1 213 9 8 278 7 2 Open. Forest and open. ' Chiefly open. " Other work" is 3-1 miles isolated boundary line. Chiefly open. Open. Forest and open. Chiefly heavy forest. Open. Forest and open. Gold-mining survey, paid for privately. Ditto. Chiefly heavy forest. Forest and open. 38,000 0-25 19,912 224 2-25 99,162 107 4.77 4,028 57 5-25 5-77 8-62 95 8 7 1,416 4 10 56,000 0-36 184,515 622 1-29 520 295 20-72 100292 * 125 5-02 4,028 t 57 5-25 382-64 8-98 1,501 1 3 17,079 5 * Also one section, 530 acres (Native Land Court survey), paid for privately. t Also five sections, 344 acres (gold-mining surveys), paid for privately. does not include mining and other surveys by contract surveyors, paid out of deposits.

Llewellyn Smith. Poverty Bay .. 1 d. 805 17 7 District Surveyor and Land Officer, Giaborne. General Lands and Survey departmental work, field inspections, boundary surveys, &c. Forest country. " Other work " includes field inspections, &c. £153 3s. 2d. is carried forward, being cost of road surveys, plans of which are not completed. Forest country. " Other work" includes attending Native Land Courts. Transferred to Wellington, January, 1900. Forest country. £623 17s. lOd. is carried forward, being cost of field-work, plans of which are not completed. £245 8s. lid. was brought forward from last year. Forest country. £967 4s. 4d. brought forward from former years. Forest country. £81 0s. 2d. is carried forward, being cost of field-work, plans of which are not oompleted. £61 14s. Id. brought forward from last year. Forest country. £312 12s. is carried forward, being work completed in field but not mapped. £122 14s. is brought forward from last year. In " other work " is included inspection and reports on blooks of Native land. James Hay. Hawke's Bay W. J. Wheeler. Poverty Bay P. A. Dalziel. Poverty Bay. Thomas Brook. Hawke's Bay Temporary Staff. J, Stevenson. Hawke's Bay J. Roddick. Poverty Bay 47,500 0-42 j 66 2,120 4,144 21,899 12,908 12,392 e 10 23 20 23 13 265-30 7-90 1980 8-38 13-50 3-96 368-5 106 36-89 913 5,044 J 2,220 6,559 2 43 3 4 28-80 15-50 20-06 5-20 .. 6-66 1-50 2-50 24-41 8-50 18-23 17-51 16-00 21-01 17-69 66 11 10 0 0 8 2 0 539 17 657 4 756 8 690 2 716 11 712 2 7 11 11 3 9 9

Table 36.—RETURN of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 1900— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF HAWKE'S BAY—continued.

LAND DISTRICT OF TARANAKI.

202

C.—l.

Surveyor and District. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Rurai and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Roads, Railways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. Remarks. Acres. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Allotments. Cost per Allotment. Acres. No. of Sees, or Divs. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Section. Cost per Acre. Miles. Cost per Mile. Cost. Staff Surveyors —continued. H. K. Hovell. Poverty Bay R. C. L. Reay. Urewera Means and totals d. d. 900 76 s. 44-80 2,807 6 d. 17-40 s. £ £ s. d. 50 10 0 £ s. d. 440 12 6 195 6 0 Open and forest country. <( Other work " includes reports on blocks, cross sections of roads, and report on roads, &c., brought forward from last year : £62 Is. Id. Forest country. Boundary surveys for the Urewera District Reserve Commission. 47,500 0-42 53,529 92 9-70 458-5 182 40-19 17543| 58 13-20 43-57 19-53 135 3 2 5,514 4 3

Staff Surveyors. s. Boads. H. M. Skeet (District Surveyor). 1,087 700 20 19 4 2-49 400 19 11 770 14 3 Cadet assisting for six months; road work Waitara, Paritutu, Egmont, was running road to Mountain House by Cape, Kaupokonui, Opunake, Mocadet. Standard survey of Opunake, 260 mohaki, Omara, Ngaire, Ngatiacres, and Waitara, 827 acres, completed ; maru, Waro, Mimi, Pouatu, the latter includes pegging of 640 quarterOhura, Tangitu. acre sections, and sixty sections of from 1 to 3 acres. " Other work" includes exploring 20 miles, and grading 14 miles of road from Pipiriki; and inspection, report on, and plans of North Island Main Trunk Railway routes. Mr. Skeet also has topographical and trigonometrical survey of Mount Egmont well in hand. G. H. Bullard (District Surveyor). 10,100 1-50 6,000 20 2-25 37J 1200 714 6 8 Cadet assisting for six months. Broken rough Opaku, Hawera, Omona, Ngaire, bush country, with large amount of trackKapara. cutting necessary. Mr. Bullard has 7 miles of road completed in the field, and plans being plotted; 2,000 acres of rural and suburban land plotted in pencil, and a further 2,000 acres completed in the field. J. F. Frith (Assistant Surveyor). .. 725 17 8 Mr. Frith has been running roads from PipiMomohaki, Omara riki, and has 25 miles oompleted in the field, tut the plans are not quite finished^ the district is very difficult to road.

C.—l.

203

W T. Morpeth (Assistant Surveyor). Mimi and Upper Waitara R.W.Watson (Assistant Surveyor). Waitara, Omona, Taurakawa 27,600 .. 0 80 7,720 15 2 08 5 15-00 4-45 45 5 0 694 173 14 13 6 2 No cadet assisting ; hilly country covered with dense bush ; Mr. Morpeth on leave part ol preceding year, and the cost of his locum tenens, £136 14s. 2d., charged against the block. " Other work " includes measuring areas of grass in improved-farm settlements and re defining boundary of an old Native block. Mr. Watson, who has only had four months' work, surveyed 3J miles of road approaches to Tikorangi Bridge, and is at present readjusting the old Moeawatea Special Settlement into suitable areas for selection. W. H. Skinner (Assistant Surveyor). Ngaire, Carlyle, Kaupokonui, Paritutu, Hawera, Egmont, Omona, Waitara Additional Surveyors. W. H. Murcott (Assistant Surveyor). Upper Waitara, Ngatimaru, Huiroa L. 0. Sladden (Assistant Surveyor). Mahoe, Waro, Pouatu, Ngatimaru, Upper Waitara W. Laing (Assistant Surveyor). Pouatu T. Oldfield (Assistant Surveyor). Mahoe, Pouatu, Ohura, Omona 28,500 1-00 95 479 4,109 10,666 13,232 8 6 12 12 24 3-34 100 2-25 1-60 1-16 \ 4 3f 26-72 1200 86 60 26 10 9 6 1 9 10 142 682 659 745 673 9 8 11 9 0 4 11 0 8 7 Various Land Transfer surveys, inspections, and checks ; seotion surveys, some isolated rural and suburban, and revisions of old work ; deviations of Kaipikari and Cowling Roads ; survey Marsland Hill Reserve, &o. Theodolite survey of improved-farm settlement ; in addition to this, Mr. Murcott has section survey of a large block of 30,000 acres well in hand. Broken bush country; Mr. Sladden has a considerable amount of work well forward, but plans not yet in. "Other work" includes recomputations and plans of 111,000 acres of minor and subsidiary triangulation survey of dairy factory site, and measuring areas of bush felled, Whangamomona. This block is rough broken bush country, very inaccessible at present; has also the field-work of another 4,000 acres well in hand. Mr. Oldfield completed Mr. Finnerty's unfinished work, on which there was a debit of £150; 10,351 acres of total section survey was a readjustment of the old Whenuakura Speoial Settlement, and no roading was necessary. "Other work" includes office checking, <fcc., of plans when not in field. Means and totals 66,200 0-99 42,301 97 1-70 1,087 700 20-19 55 11-54 619 11 7 *5,982 5 9 * Against this total for field-work there are credits for work done for other departments, <fcc., of £502 7s

o.—l.

Table 36.—Return of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900—continued. LAND DISTRICT OF WELLINGTON.

204

Surveyor and District. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Eural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Roads, Railways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. Remarks. Acres. Cost per Acre. Acres. ! No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. Acres, i No. of Allotments. Cost per Allotment. Acres. No. of Sees, or Divs. Cost per Acre. Acres No. of Section. Cost per Acre. m | Cost a ; per g 1 Mile. Cost. Staff. J. D. Climie. General, Port Nicholson, Pencarrow P. A. Thompson. Wangaehu, Waiopehu, &c. H. J. Lowe. Kaitieke, Retaruke, &c. W. J. Wheeler. Whirinaki, Earete J. McKay. Maungakaretu, Karioi, &c. J. R. Strachan. Kaitieke, Manganui, <fec. T. M. Grant. Wairarapa, &c. Temporary. P. R. Earle. Tiffen, Otahoua, Onoke, &c. J. M. Morice. Hautapu, Ruahine &o. *160,000! 1 +200,000 *100,000 *16,300 *13,700 d. 0-73 0-81 016 3-33 3-3S 1,802 1 445 170 1,740 862 40 4 1 IS 6 s. 4-45 1-60 250 2-12 2-3C 32-65 68-00 65 10S s. 15 00 25-81 11,122 6,92C 15 12 a. 4-97 5-88 .. *• s. 12-00 24-50 0-30 £ 32-12 12-47 30- 4C £ s. d. 465 1 5 134 4 0 .18 11 6 106 5 6 19 4 5 141 14 2 84 16 1C £ s. d. 669 18 11 747 7 10 894 9 5 175 4 0 673 17 0 767 13 3 268 14 10 582 3 9 657 4 0 Inspecting Surveyor and miscellaneous duties, " Other work" included, £106 12s. lOd. Trig, repairs, Korokoro Village Settlement survey, £106 19s. 5d. The topographical survey comprised detail 40 chains survey and plan of the country between Porirua and Palliser Bay, prepared for the Defence Department. " Other work " includes miscellaneous surveys, trig, repairs, &e. Trig, and topographical surveys are the balance of last year's triangulation. Has settlement surveys of 50,000 acres on hand in the Retaruke and Kaitieke Blocks, on which £675 9s. 6d. has been expended this season. Three months only in district. Has Wanganui River Trust Endowment Block in hand, comprising 10,000 acres in the Upper Wanganui District. Survey comprised open and forest hilly country. Has on hand settlement survey of about 46,000 acres in the Kaitieke Biock, Upper Waimarino, on which £808 15s< has been expended. Mr. Grant made a complete survey of the foreshore of the Wairarapa Lake. " Other work " consisting of isolated surveys, back pegging, and small road deviations, chiefly in the Wairarapa Counties. Topographical survey comprises Wairarapa Lake and margin. Had a number of isolated surveys to undertake, involving muoh shifting of oamp. * Topographical survey. + Minor triangulation.

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27—C. 1

205

H. 3, Biggs. Ohinewairua, &c. .. 0. A. Mon n ifort. Ohinewairua, Hautapu, etc. H. J. Lewis. Tauakira, Nukumaru, &o. Means and totals Authorised Surveyors. W. H. Dunnage. Chatham Islands H. J. Wylde. Rangitikei, ICairanga, &c. G. L. Ii. Scott. Rangicoto C. W. Reardon. Ikitara T. M. Drumtnond. Wainuioru .. C. B. Martin. Kaitawa A. P. Rawson. Otahoua Means and totals Grand means and totals .. 560 2,961 26,659 2 59 43 038 258 154 13,396 29 6-25 7 00 4-50 14-46 10-48 80 18 4 48 18 1 9 12 0 641 0 10 680 15 9 643 8 0 The completed surveys were in the Awarua Block. Has completed field-work of 10,300 acres, selection survey in the Motukavra Block, on which £469 Is. 7d. has been expended. Has unfinished work to the value of £303 8b. 5d. on hand, including £258 15s. 5d. spent on land survey of portion North Island Main Trunk Railway-line, field-work of which is completed. Sectional work comprises survey of Tauakira Block, high and broken forest country. Road surveys, Chatham Islands. Pinal payment for Rangitikei roads and miscellaneous surveys. Pinal payment, R mgitikei road surveys. Taonui and Maritawa Blocks. Survey of road access, Section 302, Block XIV., Wainuioru. Parata Township, Wa'kanae. Survey of Biairlogie Road. *200,000 0-81 36,199 176 1-80 100-65 174 21-77 31,438 56 5-72 48-30 17 58 1,059 1 3 7,401 17 7 38-25 44 20 45 14,563 6 4-52 7-00 2-50 4-00 17-34 10-00 7-00 14 10 6 45 15 5 24 10 0 12 10 0 135 19 0 44 12 1 24 10 0 12 10 0 45 0 0 28 0 0 38-25 44 2045 14,563 6 4-52 1350 25-10 97 5 11 290 11 1 to o © © o o 0-81 36,199 176 1-80 138-90 218 21-50 46,001 62 5-34 61-80 16-56 1,156 7 2 7,692 8 8f * Also topographical survey, 290,000 acres ; cost, 0'84d. f Total cost does not include surveys by contract surveyors. LAND DISTRICT OP MARLBOROUGH. S. Smith, T. W. Hughes, E. H. Parnie, and R. J. Johnston. Mt. Pyffe, Puhipuhi, and iCaitarau D. W. Gillies. Whcrnside, Mt. Olympus, &o. E. W. Buckeridge. Tone, Greenburn W. Wilson. Taylor Pass, Blue Mountain H. Maitland. Wakamarina 37?T53 46,777 3,177 6,830 ' 31 17 6 21 d. 13-00 4-25 800 2200 3 •• 3 40-00 20| 4 s. 38 27-80 3300 10-25 33-50 5-75 5-00 910 18 8 84 9 0 38 12 8 49 12 0 2,736 2 10 670 9 6 626 10 6 74 16 10 836 0 10 Settlement surveys. Mostly high, broken country, nearly all bush. " Other work " consists of boring Waiau River-bed for bridge-site, inspections, reports, and expenses incidental to extensive road-works. Kekerangu, Stronvar, and Hillersden exchanges. Very large seotions, nearly all open. " Other work " consists of cutting back lines of Native reserve " A." Mostly engaged on trig, and topo. survey of South Marlborough. About 400,000 acres in hand. Part Richmond Brook Estate. Only six weeks in the district. Transferred to Westland. Settlement surveys in heavy bush. " Other work" consists of estimating timber on sawmill areas,

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Table 36.-Return of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900—continued. LAND DISTRICT OF MARLBOROUGH— continued.

206

Surveyor and District. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Rural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. « Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Roads, Railways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. Remarks. 1 Acres. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Allotments. Cost per Allotment. Acres. No. of Sees, or Divs. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Sections. Cost per | Acre. 03 <0 3 Cost per Mile. Cost. M. Carkeek. Mt. Olympus -C. W. McFarland. Onamalutu, Pine Valley A. Simpson. Clifford Bay Contract Surveyors. A. D. Wilson. Pine Valley, Mt. Olympus A. P. Seymour, Mt. Olympus R. P. Goulter. Wakamarina Means and totals d. 42,727 11,759 1,060 16 30 13 d. 3-75 1300 18-00 20 53 20 132 s. 10*00 10-00 s. 89 188 24 5 4 1 s. 7-7 6 6 100 1-00 48-00 £ 12-00 8-37 £ s. d £ s. d. 634 13 6 598 17 10 632 19 6 Sfcronvar and Hillereden exchanges, and part Richmond Brook Estate. Open country, and very large sections. Settlement surveys. Mostly in very high country; nearly all bush. Small farms, Starborough Estate. Also engineering survey of roads on the estate. Special river claims, Top Valley Creek. Special claims, Top Valley. Special river claim, Pelorus River. 150,083 134 7-90 76 155 10-57 20J 4 38 301 10 7-2 120-05 13 21 1,083 12 6,810 11 4* Total cost does not include mining surveys by contract surveyors, which were paid for out of deposits. LAND DISTRICT OP NELSON. Staff Surveyors. J. A. Montgomerie. Reef ton, Ahaura, &c. R. T. Sadd. Waitapu, Totaranui, Ac. J. Snodgrass. Mokihinui, Waitakere, &c. J. D. Thomson. Motupiko, Gordon, &c. D. Innes Barron. French Pass, Waimea. 0. Kain. Wakapuaka, Wai-iti, &c. 328,965 42,000 191,000 0-52 310 0-83 800 675 10,498 2,669 1,872 8 8 26 9 10 R. 1-68 2-52 0-78 2-25 1-77 450 350 428 6 11 7 6-3 5-2 7-11 21-50 1-75 f 3-00 112-50 6-10 ( 8.00 ]20-00 12 94 10-40 22-00 12-86 6-00 10-50 9-42 551 18 11 313 8 9 | 264 1 8 83 2 1 | 26 8 8 20 5 8 678 6 1 678 12 3 717 15 5 788 7 3 543 13 2 171 15 9 In charge, District Office, Reefton. Inspection, &o. " Other work " includes inspection of surveys and road-works, exploration, and 15 miles road-survey completed in field. " Other work " includes road and settlement inspections and exploration. Trig, work in forest. Settlement surveys, principally open. Forest. Transferred to Rotorua, 13th September, 1899. Forest. 561,965 10-82 16,514 61 1-25 .. 1 .. 1,228 24 6-25 72-75 11-57 1,259 5 9 3,578 9 11

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207

Contract Surveyors. W. F. Robinson. Buller J. Sehadick. Buller G. G. Sandison. Aorere.. J. O'McCabe. Grey H. W. Young. Grey E. I. Lord. Grey J. S. Browning. Upper Buller .. J. H. Jennings. Karamea F. J. Ledger. Nelson Means and totals .. 115,000 0-88 30 1,340 1 2 7-33 1-30 1,565 457 393 697 296 380 156 31 10 8 4 5 5 2 6 70 670 6 80 5-40 5-90 2-90 5'00 I 320 0 0 11 1 0 Mining : 64 sections = 3,922 acres at 15-96s. = £1,173 18s. 3d. * Cost: 5'95s. mean. 676,965 0-83 17,884 64 1-26 5,172 89 6-02 7275 11-57 1,259 5 9 3,909 10 11* * Total cost does not include other surveys by contract surveyors. LAND DISTRICT OF WESTLAND. Staff Surveyor. W. Wilson. Totara, Gillespie's, and Karangarua Temporary Staff. J. N. Smyth. Otira, Waitaha, Waiho, and Gillespie's Authorised Surveyors. E. I. Lord. Greymouth, Arnold, and Waimea J. C. Macfarlane. Kanieri, Waimea, Mabinapua, and Totara Means and totals .. ' I *2,000 fl,000 f8,214 1-22 2-94 0-34 1,907 503 8 4 2-15 3-49 50 486 2,600 1 6 36 3-53 5-10 510 2.0 40-5 33-25 12-06 149 12 6 15 14 0 294 0 7 570 6 0 This only includes five months' work, Mr. Wilson having been transferred from Marlborough District in November. The road survey was enhanced owing to cost of shifting camp to and from locality. Very swampy and densely timbered country, Very inclement season. Scattered sections. Rough, heavily timbered country. Season more than usually wet; rivers high, frequently interrupting the work. *2,000 f9,214 1-22 0-62 | 2,410 12 2-43 •• 3,136 43 5-06 42-5 13-05 165 6 6 864 6 7{ Minor triangulation. + Topographical survey. I Total cost does not include mining and other surveys by contract surveyors, paid for out of deposits. LAND DISTRICT OF CANTERBURY. Staff Surveyors. T. N. Brodrick. Tengawai, Nimroa, Burke, Geraldine, Patiti, Orari, Waitaki, Tekapo 7,819 ! 23 0-66 600 17-00 236 16 1 594 0 3 Hilly country. 7,027 acres of the area comprise the Punaroa Settlement; the balance scattered surveys in the Mackenzie Country. Cadet assisting for seven months. " Other work " includes supervising construction of roads, drainage and river-protective works, &c.

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Table 36.—Return of Field-work executed by the Staff and Contract Surveyors, from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900— continued. LAND DISTRICT OF CANTERBURY— continued.

208

Surveyor and District. Minor Triangulation and Topographical Survey. Rural and Suburban. Town Section Survey. Native Land Court Survey. Gold-mining Surveys. Roads, Railways, and Water-races. Other Work. Total Cost of Surveyor and Party from Remarks. Acres. Cost per Acre. Aores. No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Allotments. Cost per Allotment. Acres. No. of Sees, or Divs. Cost per Acre. Acres. No. of Sections. Cost per Acre. Miles. Cost per Mile. Cost. to 31st March, 1900. G. H. M. McClure. Christchurch, Grey, Otaio, Lyndon, Waiau, Tekoa L. 0. Mathias. Ashburton, Spaxton, Halswell, Elephant Hill, Pareora, Alford Contract Surveyor. A. 0. Murray-Aynsley. Fighting Hill, Coleridge Means and totals d. 14,350 8,003 13,540 50 29 3 s. 1 05 1-08 0-25 37J 40 s. 18-71 d. s. 0-43 4-50 £ 32-30 1000 & s. d. 69 10 2 151 4 9 12 12 0 £ s. d. 581 3 6 596 12 8 125 12 6 Flat, undulating, high rough open and bush lands. 8,126 aores of the area comprise Pareora No. 2 Settlement; the balance pastoral runs and survey in the Amuri County. Cadet assisting. " Other work " inoludes inspection and road-deviation surveys, replacing standard stones, &c. Flat and undulating lands. 1,562 acres of the area comprise the Papaka Settlement, the balance lease in perpetuities, and reserves, &o. " Other work " includes survey and valuation, Rautawiri Settlement; inspection of roads and transfer surveys, completing Waikakahi Settlement plans, &c. Midland Railway Company's Block No. 69, hilly and mountainous country. "Other work," replacing a trig, station. 38,712 105 0-70 37J 40 18-71 10-93 14-72 470 3 0 1,897 8 11 LAND DISTRICT OF OTAGO. J. Langmuir. Oamaru to Pomahaka E. H. Wilmot. Queenstown to Cromwell and Balclutha D. M. Calder. Cromwell to Naseby and Balclutha W. D. R. MeCurdie. Tautuku to Oamaru W. T. Neill. Dunedin, Peninsula, and Balclutha Mining Surveys made by Private Surveyors for Fees deposited by the Applicants. John Edie Robert Hay H. R. Dundas John Cumine *57,000 1-18 7,543 2,446 4,484 6,220 1,526 26 18 46 27 18 1-36 1-26 2-18 1-66 2-10 • .. .. 2,911 700 81 17 4-10 5-00 11-20 2-00 6-22 4-22 47 8 7 128 10 0 136 4 6 88 18 0 147 8 11 564 9 3 832 12 6 756 17 10 614 4 3 535 13 5 92 1 7 3,611 98 4-28 5,128 2,702 1,445 1,743 91 46 22 33 3-92 3-28 4-49 3-23

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209

L. I). Macgeorge N. M. Kirkcaldy John Reid and Sons Matthew Begg John Cunningham G. M. Barr T. C. Dennison L. H. Reynolds.. James Blaikie R. G. Baxter Means and totals .. •• .. 999 650 684 665 204 202 110 193 76 80 23 16 14 15 10 3 3 2 2 1 3-69 5-60 5-03 3-91 6-16 4-35 6-69 3-44 4-64 4-24 *57,000 1.18 22,219 135 1-65 18,492 379 4-02 13-20 5-90 548 10 0 3,395 18 10f * Topographical survey for Defence map. + Total cost does not include mining surveys by contract surveyors, paid out of deposits. LAND DISTRICT OF SOUTHLAND. Staff. A. Hodgkinson. Nokomai, Waiau, Longwood A. Hodgkinson. Jacob's River .. E. H. Wilmot. Kingston Temporary. T. Lilliecrona. Fiord County C. Otway. Fiord County N. L. Falkiner. Waiau.. Authorised. T. Lilliecrona. Longwood, Takitimo, Oteramika J. Blaikie. Chafcton, Nokomai, Hokonui, Lindhurst, Wyndham, Wakaia, Tuturau, Waimumu J. W. Johnston. Chatton, Hokonui, Lindhurst, Wakaia, Eyre, Nokomai, Wendon H. R. Ducdas. Longwood H. R. Dundas. Longwood T. S. Miller, Longwood T. S. Miller. Oteramika, Aparima, Lindhurst, New River, Jacob's River, Taringatura T. S. Miller. Oteramika, Longwood, Wendon J. Edie. Chatton Contract. J. A. Robertson. Rowallen, Alton J. A. Robertson. Fiord County .. J. A. Robertson. Longwood Means and totals .. 4,051 109 17,897 42 & 6 56 2-80 6-85 1-85 95 1,034 2,471 1,190 100 376 145 100 "l 13 44 20 1 8 2 1 4-35 5-90 3'93 4-00 6-43 6-53 3-50 4-10 1-12 0-50 5-4 8-4 250 11 0 167 5 3 163 7 9 172 19 0 269 5 0 337 10 0 804 18 2 167 5 3 163 7 9 6 2 0 1,925 2 3 Includes 318 acres, subdivision of Township Reserve. Revision survey. Coast and river traverse in connection with survey of block forjandless Natives. Cost to date. Special dredging-olaims. Special dredging-olaims. Occupation licenses under Mining Distriots Land Occupation Act. Special dredging-claim. Survey of coal-lease at Orepuki, 1,260 acres. Sawmill areas, 2,582 acres. Speoial dredging-claims. Survey of block for landless Natives. Triangulation and topography; about 45,000 acres completed. Special dredging-claim. 22,057 104 2-04 .. j .. 5,511 90 4-54 1-62 6-3 1,360 18 0 3,066 15 10* * Total does not include mining and other surveys by contract surveyors paid out of deposits.

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Table 37.—Crown Grants, Certificates of Title, and other Instruments of Title from the Crown prepared or examined, from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900.

Table 38.—Plans on Crown Grants and other Instruments of Title from the Crown, from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900.

Table 39. —Work done under the Land Transfer Act, &c., from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900.

210

District. Number. Cost. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. In Quadruple. Total Copies. £ s. d. Auckland 16 85 567 1,887 135 0 0 Hawke's Bay 21 1 107 344 30 0 .0 Taranaki 9 20 120 409 20 14 5 Wellington 11 41 373 160 1,852 105 0 0 Nelson 59 16 19 242 15 0 0 Marlborough 25 16 93 470 30 14 6 Westland 5 109 26 301 41 15 0 Canterbury 217 94 216 863 78 19 6 Otago . . 155 390 .. 1,480 74 0 0 Southland 25 45 110 625 40 0 0 Totals 279 614 1,876 382 8,473 571 3 5

Number. District. Cost. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. In Quadruple. Total Copies. £ s. d. Auckland 142 407 534 199 3,354 189 15 0 Hawke's Bay 28 188 106 722 103 13 6 Taranaki 84 252 50 3 4 W ellington 296 48 155 202 1,665 110 0 0 Nelson 6 199 100 15 764 187 16 0 Marlborough 75 46 97 676 117 3 10 Westland 5 84 25 251 61 10 0 Canterbury 314 121 216 1,204 180 12 0 Otago 86 212 1,728 5,694 190 0 0 Southland 262 223 137 116 1,583 86 17 0 Totals 1,139 1,557 3,132 629 16,165 1,277 10 8

» Deeds Number of Plans placed on Certificates No. of and of Title. MiscelPlans other Inlaneous Cost. jjisinci. Plans passed. struments passed. Singly. In Duplicate. In Triplicate. &c. £ s. d. Auckland 218 Hawke's Bay 99 469 " 7 264 io 1 Taranaki 136 1,290 4 411 108 343 6 5 Wellington 379 1,611 96 1,806 3 36 956 13 0 Nelson 34 90 101 81 60 9 11 Marlborough 10 58 24 15 2 10 Westland 205 5 61 55 8 0 Canterbury 245 980 1,173 35 5 764 10 10 Otago 45 2,910 10 455 126 6 255 0 0 Southland 102 285 392 183 228 0 0 Totals 1,473 7,166 115 4,926 486 128 2,943 1 1

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Table 40.— Summary of Work done for other Departments and for Local Bodies from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900.

Table 41.— Summary showing Payments to Local Bodies during the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1900, from " Thirds " of Deferred-payment, Perpetual-lease, and Lease-in-perpetuity Lands, and " Fourths " of Small Grazin-runs.

Statement showing Payments to Local Bodies during the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1900, from "Thirds" of Deferred-payment, Perpetual-lease, Leae-in-perpetuity Lands, and "Fourths" of Small Grazing-runs.

•211

District in which Work was executed. Cost. District in which Work was executed. Cost. Head Office Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson Carried forward £ s. d. 1,032 8 4 1,108 9 1 548 18 0 758 3 3 5,402 9 0 123 9 1 Brought forward Marlborough Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Total £ s. d. 8,973 16 9 29 16 10 784 3 9 811 5 9 443 1 3 270 16 10 8,973 16 9 11,313 1 2

District. For Details see Statements below. "Thirds," Deferredpayment and Leased Lands. " Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. Length, Locality, Description, and Particulars of Work authorised by Lands Board. ■ l! > •=.s CO jJ 2 M® o • 60 a G 5? a £ a a o +3 tS o fo Bridges. Culverts. Maintenance. 1^" JJ 2-4 00 oflSit 111 Auckland .. Hawke'sBay Taranaki*.. Wellington Nelson Marlborough Westland .. Canterbury! Otago Southland Totals .. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 £ s. d 3,455 12 11 2,763 2 0 3,286 7 3 4,026 18 10 1,093 19 1 348 17 7 42 2 11 2,496 11 3 2,S70 5 9 1,817 17 6 £ s. a. 12-1 3 8 328 5 1 29 11 6 411 19 4 193 12 3 1,091 17 7 2,768 9 6 172 18 6 £ s. d. 3,579 16 7 3,091 7 1 3,315 18 9 4,438 18 2 1,093 19 1 542 9 10 42 2 11 3,588 8 10 5,638 15 3 1,990 16 0 Ch. 591 72 9| 235 684 4 88 105 Ch. 868 315 2 18 95 60J 155 Ch. 2,228 1,2264 979 929 846 165 1,046\ 3,659 1,381 £ s. d 21511 2 58 811 3613 7 3910 4 1,13911 11 90 4 2 142 8 6 £ B. d. 162 19 5 11815 8 5416 5 25 2 0 3* 8 5 5518 3 359 211 155 0 1 £ s. d. 1,142 5 5 776 0 7 659 14 6 308 17 3 551 17 6 427 4 1 42 2 11 1,335 0 0 2,927 1 4 143 15 7 £ s. d. 835 15 2 22,201 15 1 5,120 17 5 27,322 12 61788J 1513J 12460 1,722 8 7 935 3 2 8,313 19 2835 15 2 1 1 * Interest on loans, £957 Os. 9d. + Water-races, £140 Is. 8d. Unexpended (Canterbury), £2,129 5s. 7d.

Local Bodies. " Thirds," Deferredpayment and Leased Lands. "Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. Bushclearing. tr 1 Scrub- g; | clearing. j ocality, Description, and Particula authorised by Lands Board. a i ° o £ ! Bridges. Culverts. rs of Work Maintenance. STATEMENT No. 1.—AUCKLAND. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Ch. Ch. Ch. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Bay of Islands C.C. 144 10 10 2 5 3 146 16 1 27 130 63 2 9 11 82 12 4 East Taupo C.C. .. 2 5 8 62 7 6 64 13 2* Hobson C.C. 126 17 10 126 17 10 35 78 4 2 7 27 11 11 Kawbia C.C. 207 11 5 30 18 8 238 10 1* Mariukau C.C. 161 0 9 161 0 9 150 39 2 0 Mangonui C.C. 74 12 4 74 12 4 42 18 13 12 8 31 6 9 Otamatea C.C. 168 3 5 168 3 5 78 174 165 0 8 2 71 13 11 Piako C.C. 15 17 8 15 17 8 18 4 4 2 Raglan C.C. 610 9 10 610 9 10 172 104 318 33 4 3 34 2 10 205 11 6 Rodney C.C. 107 17 8 107 17 8 39 28 62 44 4 1 1 18 6 16 13 9 Rotorua C.C. 55 11 5 55 11 5 3 6 43 4 4 Tauranga C.C. 56 5 6 28 12 3 84 17 9 13 15 19 10 42 18 4 Thames C.C. 15 10 0 15 10 0 50 8 0 0 15 0 Whangarei C.C. 347 16 8 347 16 8 122 64 386 17 7 7 8 19 11 99 3 10 Waitemata C.C. 103 4 2 103 4 2 44 62 3 12 10 60 16 4 Whangaroa C.C. .. 14 0 3 14 0 3 6 11 7 11 West Taupo C.C. .. 16 10 4 16 10 4* Spent by Road Surveyor; no particulars supplied.

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Table 41. —Showing Payments to Local Bodies, &c.—continued.

212

Local Bodies. •' Thirds," Deferredpayment and Leased Lands. " Fourths," Small Grazingruiis. Total Payments. Length, Locality, Description, and Particulars of Work authorised by Lands Board. 60 Jl-S ai t-i ° . DO •°.s a a sg COa i.2 o ti a Bridges. Culverts. Maintenance. Wftipa C.G. Awkitu R.B. Ahuroa R.B. Albertland N'fch R.B. „ S'th R.B. Drtiry R.B. Gordon Special Settlement Honua R.B. Hikurangi R.B. Huntly R.B. Kirikiriroa R.B. Kaukapakapa R.B. Katikati R.B. Maunu R.B. Mercer R B. Malakolie R.B. Matakana WtstR.B. Mauku R.B. Mangawai R.B. Maraetai R.B. Maungakaramea R.B. Mainene R.B. Onewhero R.B. Oruru R B. Opotiki R.B. Otonga East R.B. .. Omaha R.B. Opaheke R.B. Otonga R.B. Puhoi R.B. Parua R.B. Pukekohe East R.B. Pukeatua R.B. Pukeno R.B. Pollok Settlement R.B. Ruarangi R.B. Tauhoa R.B. Te Puke R.B. Tuhikaramea R.B. Tamaki East R.B. Upper Mahurangi R.B. WaitoaR.B. Waipipi R.B. Whareora R.B. Waipu North R.B... Whangaparaoa R.B. Waiuku R.B. Waikiek'e R.B. .. Whangamarino R.B. Totals Waipawa G.C. Hawke's Bay 0.0. Cook C.G. Wairoa G.C. Waiapu G.C. Norsewood R.B. Kumeroa R.B. Ormond R.B. Woodville R.B. .. Waikohu R.B. Waimata R.B. Patutabi R.B. Weber R.B. Ngatapa R.B. Te Arai R.B. Totals STA £ s. d. 9 17 0 11 11 8 28 0 9 2 12 1 3 0 4 0 14 3 68 18 3 9 9 5 3 8 5 105 11 3 21 0 8 17 1 4 10 8 3 15 11 7 8 0 2 46 0 6 23 2 11 18 2 1 10 9 5 0 13 4 1 16 3 5 18 2 52 11 5 7 5 9 82 11 7 26 1 10 38 11 11 15 3 9 2 2 7 29 9 5 12 19 8 13 16 4 8 17 5 17 0 10 0 9 2 5 14 4 31 7 9 53 6 3 0 6 8 3 19 2 115 8 3 136 6 10 19 8 10 5 8 8 9 19 10 1 11 0 37 1 8 13 15 9 64 16 10 TEMENT £ s. d. No. 1.—AUCI £ s, d. 9 17 0 1.1 11 8 28 0 9 2 12 1 3 0 4 0 14 3 68 18 3 9 9 5 3 8 5 105 11 3 21 0 8 17 1 4 10 8 3 15 11 7 8 0 2 46 6 6 23 2 11 18 2 1 10 9 5 0 13 4 1 16 3 5 18 2 52 11 5 7 5 9 82 11 7 26 1 10 38 11 11 15 3 9 2 2 7 29 9 5 12 19 8 13 16 4 8 17 5 17 0 10 0 9 2 5 14 4 31 7 9 53 6 3 0 6 8 3 19 2 115 8 3 136 6 10 19 8 10 5 8 8 9 19 10 1 11 0 37 1 3 13 15 9 64 16 10 LLAN Gh. 21 12 D—co Ob. 48 13 20 20 15 20 ntinue Ch. 65 8 i 1 97 4 99 23 3 12 45 *4 6 10 22 3 55 13 17 2 14 47 2 20 3 2 37 60 3 5 1 4 68 34 99 d. £ s. d. 4 12 10 0 11 6 12 2 6 19 10 9 7 12 3 4 3 1 0 13 9 £ s. d. 2 0 10 9 10 2 0 14 8 0 6 3 6 io 0 2 'o 8 13 7 8 14 5 2 11 9 6 7 2 2 2 7 12 ii 2 18 0 1 0 10 1 11 0 6 7 6 £ s. d. 9 2 4 28 0 9 2 12 1 2 2 6 3 8 5 7 11 21 0 8 3 16 6 10 2 0 10 0 9 9 4 4 23 2 11 14 16 3 0 13 4 1 18 3 1216 6 5 0 4 20 13 0 7 7 0 5 16 15 5 4 10 7 7 3 5 9 6 8 11 53 6 3 0 6 8 3 19 2 19 13 6 132 7 8 12 3 10 1 19 5 7 0 0 2 3 5 10 10 5 3,455 12 11 124 3 8 3,579 16 7 591 868 2228 215 11 2 163 16 5 1,142 5 5 921 14 0 107 14 1 313 14 7 215 4 1 34 16 6 13 0 9 108 5 7 7 17 4 15 0 3 5 6 3 15 0 257 13 1 682 6 5 58 2 6 34 7 7 STATEM1 3 5 0 44 5 0 183 6 7 32 19 5 8 19 0 31 12 4 23 17 9 5NT No. 2.—I 921 14 0 110 19 1 357 19 7 398 10 8 67 15 11 13 0 9 108 5 7 7 17 4 15 0 12 4 6 35 7 4 257 13 1 706 4 2 58 2 6 34 7 7 IAWE 22 50 :e's 315 BAY. 323J 80 17 281 3 205 301 16 1 12 0 37 16 5 •16 0 6 3 0 0 2 14 1 24 15 0 61 1 6 18 10 1 7 15 0 4 0 0 35*15 0 195 17 11 117 2 10 67 15 11 5 3 8 14 2 1 14 4 518 0 42 0 5 261 7 11 29 12 6 2,763 2 0 328 5 1 3,091 7 1 72 315 1226J 58 .8 11 118 15 8 776 0 7

C.—l.

Table 41. —Showing Payments to Local Bodies, &c. —continued.

28—C. 1.

213

Local Bodies. 1 " Thirds," Deferredpayment and Leased Lands. " Fourths," Small Grazingruns. Total Payments. Length, Locality, Description, and Particulars of Work authorised by Lands Board. . so •fl.S 3 <8 O , CD a a S 'B •g 3 IE ,2 O d u ° oB &j c3 a Bridges. Culverts. Maintenance. Clifton 0.0. Oaknra EB. Egmont R.B. WaimateR. B. Manganui R.B. Moa R.B. Waiwakaiho R.B. .. Okato R.B. Stratford 0.0. Parihaka R.B. Hawera C.C. Patea East R.B. .. Patea West R.B. .. Totals Castlepoint R.B. .. Eketahuna C.C. Featherston R.B. .. Kiwitea C.C. Kumeroa R.B. Mangawhero R.B... Masterton R.B. Maurioevillfe R.B. .. Pahiatua C.C. Patea C.O. Pohangina C.C. Rangitikei C.C. Taratahi - Carterton R.B. Te Horo R.B. Upper Taueru R.B. Upper Wangaehu R.B. Wairarapa North C.C. Waitotara C.C. Waitot'ra-Momabaki R.B. Wirokino R.B. Totals £ s. d. 418 5 8 25 5 3 4 6 10 262 9 0 421 10 6 867 11 11 9 10 9 10 5 4 470 9 0 58 12 3 718 3 11 2 5 2 17 11 8 STATE £ s. d. 1 5 10 17 4 2 11 1 6 MENT No. 3. £ s. d. 418 5 8 25 5 3 4 6 10 262 9 0 421 10 6 867 11 11 9 10 9 10 5 4 470 9 0 58 12 3 719 9 9 19 9 4 28 13 2 —TAI Oh. 'k 2 2 IAN A Cb. KI. Ch. 50 200 2 21 20 251} 7 9 3 1 309} 58 47 £ S. d. 2 1 10 34 11 9 £ s. d. 3 6 4 3 17 8 10 18 7 36 13 10 £ s. d. 13 12 7 20 8 9 126 12 6 114 18 9 342'13 6 20 10 3 19 5 2 113 0 3,286 7 3 29 11 6 3,315 18 9 n 2 979 "36 13 7 54 16 5 659 14 6 £ s. d. 60 0 5 761 5 1 69 10 6 509 17 11 19 5 6 74 16 5 222 8 1 234 2 0 517 8 7 61 7 1 332 8 11 185 9 9 61 0 2 96 18 4 8 12 7 160 8 5 399 11 7 167 19 6 84 8 0 * Also STATEM £ s. d. 4 10 2 48 9 1 14 12 6 8 12 0 93 6 2 46 17 7 5 16 1 148 10 0 23 17 9 17 8 0 interest on loa ENT No. 4.— £ s. d. 60 0 5 761 5 1 69 10 6 514 8 1 19 5 6 123 5 6 222 8 1 248 14 6 517 8 7 61 7 1 341 0 11 278 15 11 107 17 9 96 18 4 14 8 8 308 18 5 423 9 4 17 8 0 167 19 6 84 8 0 ns) £9 iVELI Oh. 30 160 40 5 57 0s. jING r Ch. 3 is 9d. roN. Ch. 15 224 50 13 80 8.3 4 60 55 73 47 20 40 60 40 30 35 £ s. d. 8 6 0 10 8 10 15 2 19 8 6 £ s. d. 25 2 0 £ s. d. 12 4 0 0 11 4 70 1 4 5612 9 15 6 4 10 2 5 68 6 10 42 14 11 32 i7 4 4,026 18 10 411 19 4 4,438 18 2 235 18 929 39 10 4 25 2 0 308 17 3 Note.—A consids rates upon loans. Cheviot C.C. Sounds C.C. Waimea West R.B. Upper Moutere R.B. Motueka R.B. Riwaka R.B. TakakaR.B. Collingwood R.B. .. Buller C.C. Inangahua C.C. Grey C.C. Totals Wairau R.B. Pelorus R.B. Pioton R. B. Kaikoura C.C. Totals irable proportic 34 0 6 300 0 0 5 10 9 50 17 1 15 2 8 92 2 2 187 9 0 197 6 4 71 2 7 111 0 9 29' 7 3 )n of the tot STATJ al payments 111 jMENT No. 5 34 0 6 300 0 0 5 10 9 50 17 1 15 2 8 92 2 2 187 9 0 197 6 4 71 2 7 111 0 9 29 7 3 ive be —NE 499 "i 160 21 en ma LSOJs de un r. 555 135 18 78 10 30 20 der hypothe ;ation in lie a of special 5 10 9 6 6 11 157 0 0 180 0 0 62 11 10 111 0 9 29 7 3 1,093 19 1 1,093 19 1 684 846 551 17 6 43 9 10 42 6 9 25 4 4 237 16 8 STATEM 31 14 1 18 1 4 11 8 11 132 7 11 ENT No. 6.—I 75 3 11 60 8 1 36 13 3 370 4 7 ilARL *4 BORC 95 )UGH 68 30 18 49 3 8 5 22 8 3 45 17 0 23 12 6 335 6 4 348 17 7 193 12 3 542 9 10 4 95 165 3 8 5 427 4 1 Westland C.C. .. STATEMENT No. 7.—WESTLAND. 42 2 11 | .. | 42 2 11 I | | | .. I .. 1 42 2 11

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Table 41. —Showing Payments to Local Bodies, &c. —continued.

214

Length, Locality, Description, and Particulars of Work authorised by Lands Board. Local Bodies. " Thirds," Deferredpayment and Leased Lands. "Fourths," Small Grazing-runs. Total Payments. •i E3 . h DO S. a CO-->8 « 7 ® •So CO 3 « a o 03 a h o &1 ot © 00 oi H a > 3 0 © 0 a © a '3 S3 05 9 O d © 6 "0 <D . © a 3 P STATEMENT No. 8. —CANTERBURY. Anama R.B. ABhburton C.C. Coldstream R.B. Ellesmere R.B. Geraldine R.B. .. Geraldine T.B. Hampstead T.B. Kowai R.B. Be Bon's Bay R.B. Bevels C.C. Bongbeach R.B. Mackenzie C.C. Mount Hutt R.B. Mount Peel R.B. Mount Somers R.B. Oxford R.B. Rakaia R.B. Rangitata R.B. South Rakaia R.B. Springs R.B. Temuka R.B. Temuka B.C. Upper Ashburton R.B. .. Waimate C.C. Waipara R.B. Wakanui R.B. £ 26 23 77 3 249 0 3 8 10 50 1 412 30 168 4 194 33 ■549 54 2 64 13 114 278 65 54 s. 5 16 0 5 18 8 11 5 12 12 2 0 13 12 18 14 8 5 1 18 4 10 10 14 9 9 d. 3 1 10 9 6 0 10 4 5 11 8 9 2 8 4 10 11 10 4 2 0 9 1 0 8 2 £ 149 25 38 24 577 277 s. d. 6 10 3 8 8 2 4 8 "l 8 12 7 £ 26 23 77 3 249 0 3 8 10 50 1 561 30 168 30 233 33 573 54 2 64 13 114 855 343 54 s. 5 16 0 5 18 8 11 5 12 12 2 7 13 12 2 3 8 10 1 18 4 10 10 15 2 9 d. 3 1 10 9 6 0 10* 4 5 11 8 7 2* 8 0 0 lit 6 4 2 0 9 1 8 3 2 Ch. Ch. 25 62| '44 44J 8 115J ioo 343 146 98 60 £ 15 3 5 56 658 78 320 s. 19 7 5 ie ie 17 10 d. 0 0 7 4 1 6 5 £ 26 19 9 s. is 15 7 d. 0 9 6 £ s. 3 8 14 i2 170 13 0 8 8 5 0 5 52 19 265 14 12 12 0 12 95 4 251 17 4 14 3 4 1 4 54 n 75 12 318 14 d. 9 2 6 0 4 0 7 0 6 0 9 6 0 6 0 10 0 7 £ 23 28 85 2 s. ie 17 d. 1 0 7 0 £ s. 22 16 17 9 3 ii 744"i7 30 13 99 3 27 7 637 i6 117 11 373 9 54 9 d. 6 8 10 7 a 10 0 3 2 5 2 Totals 2,496 11 3 1,091 17 7 3,588 8 10 1,0464 1139 11 11 55 18 3 1335 0 0 140 1 8 2,129 5 7 * Unexpended. I Credited to account.

Local Bodies. "Thirds," Deferredpayment and Leased Lands. " Fourths," Small Grazingruns. | Length, Locality, Description, and Particulars of Work authorised by Lands Board. Total Payments. , tab a a CO •{■* s s o i si 0 g"B II o a c 3 o Bridges. Culverts. Maintenance. Taieri C.C. Maniototo O.C. Vincent C.C. Waifcaki C.C. Waihemo C.C. Waikouaiti C.C. .. Clutha C.C. Bruce C.C. Tuapeka C.C. Mount Stuart R.B. Balmoral R.B. Totals £ s. d. 229 10 0 1,111 8 4 298 15 2 316 0 1 184 7 9 31 0 3 448 6 2 9 15 5 238 10 0 0 15 2 1 17 5 STAT £ s. a. 762 9 9 483 5 8 241 15 2 118 4 9 441 10 2 373 0 7 6 19 2 13 19 3 325 18 4 16 8 EMENT No. £ s. d. 991 19 9 1,594 14 0 540 10 4 434 4 10 625 17 11 404 0 10 455 5 4 23 14 8 564 8 4 2 1 10 1 17 5 9.—O Ch. rAGO Ch. 52 'k Oh. 338 2333 2654 154 278 72 334 185 £ s. d. 62 17 0 9 12 9 6 6 6 3 19 1 7 8 10 £ s. d. 50 1 9 223 0 9 13 10 5 71 12 0 0 18 0 £ s. d. 582 17 4 170 6 9 540 10 4 228 11 3 626 10 5 86 1 2 342 7 9 10 10 10 335 6 3 2 1 10 1 17 5 2,870 5 9 2,768 9 6 5,638 15 3 88 604 3669 90 4 2 359 2 11 2,927 1 4 Southland C.C. Stewart Island C.C. Wallace C.C. South In vercargill B. Invercargill R.B. .. Knapdale R.B. Totals £ s. d. 983 16 2 15 6 9 663 2 7 41 13 2 58 8 lit 55 9 11 STATEM £ s. d. 2 11 0 170 7 6 ENT No. 10.- £ B. d. 986 7 2 15 6 9 833 10 1 41 13 2 58 8 llf 55 9 11 -SOU Ch. 105 THIji Ch, 40* 105 10 LND. Ch. 210* 1145 7 19 £ s. d. 75 0 0* 67 8 6 £ s. d. 80 0 0* 72 14 8 2 5 5 £ s. d. 50 0 0* 15 6 9 64 19 4 5 0 0 8 9 6 1,817 17 6 172 18 6 1,990 16 0 105 155 1381 142 8 6 155 0 1 143 15 7 * These include works done out of " Thirds " paid to Invercargill "Road Board, the two bodies being under one control. 1 Included in Southland County Council.

C.—l.

Table 42. —Summary showing Amounts to the Credit of Local Bodies in the Deposit Account on 31st March, 1900, in respect to " Thirds " of Deferred-payment, Perpetuallease, and Lease-in-perpetuity Lands, and " Fourths " of Small Grazing-runs.

STATEMENT OP BALANCES IN LOCAL BODIES' DEPOSIT ACCOUNT AS AT 31st MARCH, 1900, Statement A. —Auckland Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Mangonui County Council .. .. 91 10 11 48. Pokeno Road Board .. .. 118 10 2. Oruru Road Board .. .. .. 18 15 10 49. Pukekohe East „ .. .. 13 9 7 3. Whangaroa County Council .. .. 3 15 4 50. Tamaki „ .. .. 2 7 6 4. Bay of Islands „ .. .. 312 11 10 51. Waipipi „ .. .. 65 7 1 5. Hokianga „ .. .. 407 8 3 52. Wairoa „ .. .. 67 2 5 6. Hobson „ .. .. 57 0 4 53. Waiuku „ .. .. 18 2 11 7. Whangarei „ .. .. 252 1 0 54. Great Barrier Island.. .. .. 11 11 10 8. Kaikurangi Road Board .. .. 1 3 0 55. Coromandel County Council .. .. 65 19 11 9. Maungakaramea „ .. .. 311 11 56. Thames „ .. .. 23 11 1 10. Maunu „ .. .. 11 13 6 57. Ohinemuri „ .. .. 94 3 0 11. Otonga „ .. .. 8 10 8 58. Piako „ .. .. 41 4 2 12. Otonga East „ .. .. 26 6 6 59. Waitoa Road Board .. .. 112 17 1 13. Parua „ .. .. 8 12 0 60. Kirikiriroa „ .. .. 7 18 1 14. Ruarangi „ .. .. 10 1 4 61. Whangamarina „ .. .. 79 3 0 15. Waikiekie „ .. .. 15 1 0 62. Huntly „ .. .. 12 7 10 16. Waipu North „ .. .. 4 10 11 63. Waipa County Council .. .. 10 18 4 17. Whareora „ .. .. 2 9 1 64. Newcastle Road Board .. .. 16 14 2 18. Otamatea County Council .. .. 99 17 6 65. Tuhikaramea „ .. .. 0 3 4 19. Mangawai Road Board .. .. 10 10 4 66. Rangiaohia „ .. .. 24 15 3 20. Matakohe „ .. .. 23 0 11 67. Raglan County Council .. .. 439 3 0 21. Rodney County Council .. .. 31 6 3 68. Onewhero Road Board .. 42 16 7 22. Albertland North Road Board .. 1 13 0 69. Kawhia County Council .. .. 287 10 2 23. Albertland South „ .. 5 6 1 70. West Taupo County .. .. .. 18 7 24. Ahuroa „ .. 4 1 2 71. East Taupo County .. .. .. 5 5 0 25. Komokoriki „ .. 3 10 7 72. Rotorua County .. .. .. 61 9 7 26. Mainene „ .. 5 4 1 73. Tauranga County Council .. .. 162 7 6 27. Matakana West „ 10 15 0 74. Katikati Road Board .. .. 0 12 3 28. Omaha „ .. 28 2 4 75. Te Puke „ .. 34 9 2 29. Puhoi „ .. 20 9 0 76. Te Puna „ .. 15 5 5 30. Tauhoa „ 11 14 0 77. Whakatane County Counoil .. .. 145 11 7 31. Wharehine „ .. 0 6 3 78. Opotiki „ .. .. 4 8 10 32. Waitemata County Counoil .. .. 55 7 3 79. Opotiki Road Board .. .. 35 12 7 33. Kaukapakapa Road Board .. .. 18 13 2 80. Whakatane „ .. .. 49 14 8 34. Pukeatua „ .. .. 2 15 11 81. Various amountß collected prior to 1893 35. Whangaparoa „ .. .. 15 10 0 not posted in accounts .. .. 29 13 1 36. Waiheke Island .. .. .. 0 16 8 37. Drury Road Board .. .. .. 0 4 9 £3,699 7 10 38. Upper Mahurangi Road Board .. 69 11 11 89. Awitu „ 10 15 8 Amount in Receiver-General's 40. Hunua „ .. 7 2 5 Deposit Account .. .. £3,620 11 3 £ s. d. 41. Karaka „ .. 418 4 Amount in bank .. .. 56 11 1 42. Maraetai „ .. 0 13 4 3,677 2 4 43. Mauku „ .. 0 17 8 Amount transferred to Public Acoount in 44. Maungatawhiri „ .. 316 0 error on account of Manukau County .. 22 5 6 45. Mercer „ .. 6 14 5 46. Opaheke „ .. 6 14 4 £3,699 7 10 47. Paparata „ .. 18 12 8 ir<

215

District. For Details see Statements below. Amount in "Receiver-General's Deposit Account. Amount in Bank. Total. Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Marlborough Nelson Westland Canterbury Otago Southland Totals A B 0 D E F G H 1 K £ s. d. 3,642 16 9 4,384 14 5 5,298 0 0 18,100 0 0 225 0 0 1,250 0 0 1,093 10 11 3,738 12 3 1,498 0 0 £ s. d. 56 11 1 131 7 9 58 11 7 27 11 11 68 16 8 41 14 0 51 2 1 25 9 8 31 10 4 13 14 1 £ s. d. 3,699 7 10 4,516 2 2 5,356 11 7 18,127 11 11 293 16 8 1,291 14 0 51 2 1 1,119 0 7 3,770 2 7 1,511 14 1 39,230 14 4 506 9 2 39,737 3 6

C.—l.

Table 42 —continued. STATEMENT OP BALANCES IN LOCAL BODIES' DEPOSIT ACCOUNT —continued. Statement B. —Hawke's Bat Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Waiapu County Council .. .. 118 13 7 14. Ormondville Town Board .. .. 15 3 2. Cook „ .. . • 223 12 1 15. Kumeroa Road Board .. .. 88 11 8 3. Waikohu Road Board .. .. 29 18 0 16. Woodville „ .. .. 63 1 6 4. Ngatapa „ .. .. 564 10 5 17. Mangaatua „ .. .. 4 411 5. Waimata , .. 26 3 1 6. Ormond „ .. •• 25 17 2 £4,516 22 7. Patutahi „ .. 52 9 3 8. Te Arai „ .. 64 5 2 Amount in Receiver-General's Deposit Ac- £ s. d. 9. Wairoa County Council .. .. 369 510 count .. .. .. .. 4,384 14 5 10. Hawke's Bay County Council .. 62 12 5 Amount in bank .. .. .. 131 7 9 11. Waipawa „ ■■ 2,345 12 8 12. Norsewood Road Board .. .. 74 12 11 £4,516 22 13. Weber . .. .. 401 6 3 -

Statement G.—Taranaki Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Clifton County Council .. .. 1,698 5 8 14. Patea East Road Board .. .. 28 8 6 2. Taranaki „ .. .. 518 4 15. Patea West » .. .. 42 18 1 3. Egmont Road Board .. .. 18 14 2 16. Wairoa „ .. • • 67 910 4. Moa „ .... 112 13 3 5. Oakura „ .. 45 18 1 £5,356 11 7 6. Okato „ .. 67 15 8 7. Pariliaka „ .. • • 464 4 9 8. Waiwakaiho Road Board .. .. 37 14 5 Amount in Receiver-General's Deposit Ac- £ s. d. 9. Stratford County Council .. .. 1,836 0 9 count .. .. .. .. 5, 298 0 0 10. Manganui Road Board .. .. 136 17 11 Amount in bank .. .. .. 58 11 7 11. Hawera County Council .. .. 335 4 4 12. Waimate Road Board .. .. 43 2 6 £5,356 11 7 13. Patea County Council .. .. 415 5 4

Statement D.—Wellington Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Motoroa Road Board .. .. 7 1 0 19. Masterton Road Board .. .. 212 12 1 2. Waitotara County Counoil .. .. 108 12 0 20. Mauriceville County Council .. 164 3 10 3. Waitotara-Momohaki Road Board .. 148 16 4 21. Taueru (Upper) Road Board.. .. 5 7 0 4. Mang&whero „ .. 1,300 9 5 22. Akiteo County Council .. .. 2,959 10 10 5. Wangaebu (Upper) Road Board .. 587 18 0 23. Eketahuna „ .. .. 451 510 6. Wanganui County Council .. .. 238 12 0 24. Featherston Road Board .. 145 3 7 7. Rangitikei „ .. .. 4,088 4 5 25. Taratahi-Carterton „ .. 423 510 8. Eitzherbert Road Board .. .. 157 13 2 26. Hutt County Council .. .. 121 14 7 9. Pohangina County Council .. .. 1,118 18 8 10. Kiwitea „ .. .. 2,828 12 8 £18,127 1111 11. Manawatu Road Board .. .. 0 5 4 12. Te Horo „ .. .. 65 3 9 13. Wirokino „ .. .. 19 9 6 Amount in Receiver - General's Deposit £ s. d. 14. Hawke's Bay „ .. •• 79 14 6 Account .. .. .. .. 18,100 0 0 15. Kumeroa „ .. .. 96 14 7 Amount in bank .. .. .. 27 11 11 16. Pahiatua County Council .. 2,135 10 8 17. Wairarapa North „ .. 658 12 8 £18,127 11 11 18. Castlepoint Road Board .. .. 3 19 8 ~~

Statement E.— Marlborough Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Sounds County Council .. .. 68 19 4 Amount in Receiver-General's Deposit Ac2. Pelorus Road Board .. .. .. 52 8 3 count .. .. .. .. 225 0 0 3. Picton „ .. .. .. 5 310 Amount in bank.. .. .. .. 68 16 8 4. Wairau „ .. .. 27 16 3 5. Kaikoura County Council .. .. 109 9 0 £293 16 8 £293 16 8

Statement P.—Nelson Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Collingwood Eoad Board .. .. 53 0 5 17. Stoke Road Board.. .. .. 48 11 8 2. Takak* „ .. .. 77 18 5 18. Motupiko „ .. .. .. 23 13 6 3. S'Hinds County .. .. ~ 205 8 4 19. Tadmor „ .. .. .. 145 2 6 4. Waimea County Council .. .. 115 13 11 20. Buller County Council .. .. 41 4 0 5. Riwaka Road Board .. .. 42 19 9 21. Inangahua „ .. .. 39 18 5 6. Motueka „ .. • • 2 3 11 22. Grey „ .. .. 23 5 6 7. Pokororo „ .. 35 8 5 8. „ .. .. 129 6 3 £1,291 14 0 9. Lower Moutere „ .. .. 18 611 1 10. Upper Moutere „ .. .. 14 16 9 11. Dovedale „ .. .. 86 0 9 Amount in Receiver-General's Deposit Ac- £ s. d. 12. Spring Grove „ .. .. 9 610 count .. .. .. .. 1,250 0 0 13. Waimea West „ .. .. 4 17 Amount in bank .. .. .. 41 14 0 14. Waimea (outlying) County Council 44 12 11 15. Stanley Brook Road Board .. .. 81 10 4 £1,291 14 0 16. Suburban North „ .. .. 49 2 11 ~

216

C.—l.

Table 42 —continued. STATEMENT OE BALANCES IN LOCAL BODIES' DEPOSIT ACCOUNT —continued. Statement G.—Westland Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Grey County Council .. .. .. 5 11 Amount in Receiver-General's Deposit Account 2. Westland „ .. .. 46 1 0 Amount in bank .. .. .. .. 51 2 1 £5l 2 1 £5l 2 1

Statement H.—Canterbury Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Cheviot County Council .. .. 66 9 6 18. Wakanui Road Board .. .. 45 3 8 2. Kowai Road Board .. .. .. 0 7 8 19. Geraldine „ .. 94 2 1 3. Mandeville-Rangiora Road Board .. 0 6 8 20. „ „ .. .. 0 3 4 4. Oxford Road Board .. .. .. 21 3 1 21. Mount Peel „ .. .. 35 8 10 5. Waipara „ .. .. .. 131 2 7 22. Temuka „ .. 18 7 6 6. Selwyn County Council .. .. .. 23. Arowhenua, Town Board .. .. 2 17 4 7. Ellesmere Road Board .. .. 611 11 24. Mackenzie County Council .. .. 130 18 6 8. Rakaia * .. .. 21 15 9 25. Waimate „ .. .. 351 13 3 9. Springs „ .. .. 19 1 10. Anama „ .. .. 6 15 4 £1,119 0 7 11. Upper Ashbnrton Road Board .. 38 8 9 ========= 12. Hampstead Town Board .. .. 0 9 8 Amount in Receiver-General's Deposit Ac- £ s. d. 13. Coldstream Road Board .. .. 4 19 6 count .. .. .. .. 1,093 10 11 14. Mount Hutt „ .. .. 0 14 *4 Amount in bank .. .. .. 25 9 8 15. Mount Somers „ .. .. 11 13 11 16. Rangitata „ .. ..126 16 11 £1,119 0 7 17. South Rakaia „ .. .. 115

Statement I.—Otago Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Waitaki County Council .. .. 181 15 8 Amount in Receiver-General's Deposit Ac2. Waihemo » .. .. 356 19 7 count .. .. .. ..3,738 12 3 3. Waikouaiti „ .. .. 180 14 5 Amount in bank .. .. .. 31 10 4 4. Taieri „ .. .. 559 11 11 5. Bruce „ .. .. 49 16 8 6. Balmoral Road Board .. .. 3 14 10 7. Mount Stuart „ .. .. 14 10 1 8. Clutha County Council .. .. 380 1 6 9. Tuapeka „ .. .. 370 9 4 10. Maniototo „ .. .. 1,023 6 11 11. Vincent „ .. .. 413 15 3 12. Lake „ .. .. 235 6 5 £3,770 2 7 £3,770 2 7

Statement K.—Southland Land District. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Lake County Council .. .. 135 9 5 Amount in Receiver-General's Deposit Ac2. Wallace „ .. .. 589 9 0 count .. .. .. .. 1,498 0 0 3. Southland „ .. .. 440 4 5 Amount in bank .. .. .. 13 14 1 4. Gore Borough Council .. .. 25 7 1 5. Knapdale Road Board .. .. 32 15 11 6. Tuturau „ .. .. 42 14 7 7. Oteramika „ .. .. 162 5 11 8. Invercargill „ .. .. 46 12 0 9. South Invercargill Borough Council .. 21 0 9 10. Stewart Island County Council .. 15 15 0 £1,511 14 1 £1,511 14 1

Table 43. —Showing Surveyors employed and the Work on Hand at 31st March, 1900.

217

Surveyors employed. Work on Hand. Chief Surveyors. Staff. Temporary. District. Trig. Settlement. Native Blocks, &c. Boads, &c. Town. Mining and Mineral Leases. G. Mueller J. Strauchon E. Goldsmith J. W. A. Marcliant G. W. Adams T.'Humphries W. G. Murray S. Weetman J. Hay D. Barron 9 5 3 6 4 5 1 3 5 1 11 4 3 5 6 5 1 3 Auckland Taranaki Hawke's Bay Wellington .. Marlborough Nelson Westland Canterbury .. Otago Southland .. Sq. Ml. 12,000 173,000 98 1,000 1,343 144,000 78 Acres. 281,483 119,000 26,000 189,900 118,500 23,734 7,000 51,031 200 4,000 Acres. 450,000 250 90,512 10,800 50 j 000 Miles. 123 57 19 356 27 55 7 8 Acres. 400 270 14 *71 Acres. 3,440 1,300 Totals 42 38 331,519 820,848 601,562 652 755 4,740

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.

218

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. Gazetted. Surveyor-General's Report. Expenditure. Name of Block. Valua . Works Estimated Aprili, Total No. Page. Date. tion of such P™?? 8 . 6 ' 1 March31, March 31, JjiOOK. ■Rlnek loJJ. 1000 1300 J3i°ck. borrowed. * iJUU ' 1891-92. Acres. £ £ £ £ a. d. £ s. d. Ahuroa .. .. .. 4,000 23 479 18 Mar., 1892 2,500 Road-works 500 497 .. 497 2 5 EastPuketoi .. .. 83,500 „ „ „ 83,500 „ 19,375 19,375 .. 19,375 0 0 Mangamingi .. .. 6,000 15 336 18 Feb., „ 9,040 „ 4,286 4,286 .. 4,286 0 0 Manganuiowae .. .. 5,000 23 479 18 Mar., „ 2,500 „ 500 500 .. 500 0 0 Mareretu .. .. .. 5,000 „ „ „ „ 2,500 „ 395 395 .. 395 0 0 Maruwbonua .. .. 36,090 „ „ „ „ 49,200 „ 2,000 2,000 .. 2,000 0 0 Maruwhenua (part) .. 13,000 15 336 18 Feb., „ ' 10,000 „ 5,000 5,000 .. 5,000 0 0 Maungataniwha .. .. 4,000 23 479 18 Mar., „ 1,500 „ 500 483 2 11 0 486 1 0 Motatau .. .. 5,000 „ „ „ „ 1,875 „ 600 598 .. 598 10 7 Motu .. .. .. 33,000 „ „ „ „ 14,025 „ 2,475 2,475 .. 2,475 0 0 Mount Baker .. .. 9,200 15 336 18 Feb., „ 9,600 „ 2,487 2,487 .. 2,487 0 0 North-east Puketoi .. .. 13,300 „ „ „ „ 6,455 „ 3,990 3,990 .. 3,990 0 0 Oroua-Coal Greek .. .. 6,000 „ „ „ „ 6,440 „ 1,050 1,050 .. 1,050 0 0 Takahue .. .. •• 1,900 23 479 18 Mar., „ ' 712 „ 300 140 45 7 6 185 1 0 Tauhoa, Sections 184 to 201 .. 4,069 15 336 18 Feb., „ 1,675 „ 449 380 .. 380 0 0 ... . . onom in «an J i' 000 MOO •• 1,000 0 0 Waimarmo .. .. 20,900 „ „ „ „ 16,880 „ | 6,837 6,809 .. 6,808 15 7 Waoku .. .. .. 22,804 23 479 18 Mar., „ 10,000 „ 2,000 2,000 .. 2,000 0 0 Woodlands, Blocks II., V., VI., 13,400 15 336 18 Feb., „ 11,225 „ 4,950 4,950 .. 4,950 0 0 VIII. 1892-93. Akaaka Swamp .. .. 2,935 72 1273 15 Sept., 1892 2,093 Drainage .. 920 917 .. 916 12 1 Glenomaru, Blocks III., IV., } . .qp. f 95 1606 8 Dec., , ) x> nqf 7 wr) rk<3 937 937 237 0 0 V VII , IX., X. J- 1,495 | lg 24g 23 Feb., 1893 J 161 2,61 " Hautapu-Raahine .. .. 28,600 74 1297 22 Sept., 1892 21,000 „ 6,931 6,920 5 10 0 6,925 8 7 Huiroa .. .. •• 6,433 72 1273 15 Sept., „ 5,318 „ 2,093 2,093 .. 2,093 0 0 Kaimanuka .. •• 9,987 „ „ „ „ 5,350 „ 2,665 2,665 .. 2,665 0 0 Kakariki .. .. .. 5,000 23 413 30 Mar., 1893 5,786 „ 1,562 1,562 .. 1,562 0 0 Liberal .. .. •• 2,800 83 1388 20 Oct., 1892 2,900 „ 400 400 .. 400 0 0 Lillburn, Monowai, and Alton 30,745 83 1389 „ „ 23,059 „ 8,000 8,000 .. 8,000 0 0 Longwood, Blocks XVI. and I. 5,659 90 1529 11 Nov., „ 2,829 „ 1,400 1,400 .. 1,400 0 0 Maioro Swamp .. . • 722 80 1365 13 Oct., „ 451 Drainage .. 225 225 .. 225 0 0 Mangaehu .." .. •• 492 72 1273 15 Sept., „ 604 Road-works 301 301 .. 301 0 0 Milsom .. .. •• 6,686 21 374 23 Mar., 1893 6,237 „ 1,750 1,750 .. 1,750 0 0 Mokoreta .. .. .. 7,400 23 411 30 Mar., „ 3,700 „ 1,850 493 .. 492 13 2 Momahaki .. .. 626 72 1273 15 Sept., 1892 550 „ 156 156 .. 156 0 0 Ngatimaru, Blocks V., IX. .. 4,580 23 412 30 Mar., 1893 4,762 „ 1,940 1,940 .. 1,940 0 0 Nlihaka .. .. ..9,577 80 1365 13 Oct., 1892 4,664 „ 568 568 .. 568 0 0 Opuawhanga No. 1 .. .. 5,000 23 412 30 Mar., 1893 1,875 „ 500 265 13 18 0 278 18 0 Otau .. .. ■■ 18,510 71 1255 8 Sept., 1892 6,941 „ 2,350 2,350 .. 2,350 0 0 Oxford .. .. 4,000 4 23 12 Jan., 1893 3,550 „ 1,200 1,146 7 7 9 1,153 18 0 Paterson, Block I. .. -. 633 23 411 30 Mar., „ 316 „ 158 158 .. 158 0 0 Rankleburn, Block VI. -. 544 j 29 Dec" 1892 } 409 " 136 186 " 136 0 0 Ruapekapeka .. 11,900 77 1345 6 Oct.,' 1892 4,462 „ 500 475 20 0 0 494 13 4 Tanner .. .. .. 5,200 78 1361 lOOct., „ 5,950 „ .1,780 1,780 .. 1,780 0 0 Tautuku, Block I. .. ■■ 3,850 77 1346 6 Oct., „ 2,800 „ 555 555 .. 555 0 0 , .... , , T rr i (13 246 23 Feb., 1893 Tuapeka West, Blocks 1., 11., I 2,545 \ 102 1742 29 Dec., 1892 L 1,681 „ I 367 367 .. 367 0 0 III., IV., Vll., Vlll. ) ] 1745 Upper Waitara .. .. 840 13 240 23 Feb., 1893 1,914 „ 126 126 .. 126 0 0 Waiau .. •• 8,831 23 412 30 Mar., „ 5,621 „ 1,405 837 .. 837 4 6 Waikawa .. .. .. 6,000 „ „ „ „ 3,000 „ 1,500 1,500 .. 1,500 0 0 Waikawa-Otara .. .. 31,000 „ 411 „ „ 15,500 „ 7,750 7,750 .. 7,749 12 5 Waimate Reserve No. 1126 .. 634 72 1273 15 Sept., 1892 6,269 „ 300 300 .. 300 0 0 Waimate Reserve No. 1128 .. 516 „ „ „ „ 7,268 „ 25 25 .. 25 0 0 Waimate Reserve No. 1178 .. 157 „ „ „ „ 2,193 „ 25 25 .. 25 0 0 Waiwera . .. .. 3,900 23 413 30 Mar., 1893 4,101 „ 1,460 1,460 .. 1,460 0 0 Woodlands,Blocks VII.,X.,XI. 1,693 74 1297 22 Sept., 1892 1,384 „ 307 307 .. 307 0 0 1893-94. Autawa .. .. 4,725 21 393 23 Mar., 1893 4,276 Road-works 1,153 950 81 15 0 1,031 18 0 Catlin's, Block II. .. .. 196 13 246 23 Feb., „ 196 „ 50 50 .. 50 0 0 Glenomaru, Block IV. .. 25 62 1211 10 Aug.', „ 80 „ 25 25 .. 25 0 0 Hautapu,BlocksXI.,XIV.,XV. 6,293 92 1567 24 Nov., 1892 5,469 1,573 1,567 .. 1,567 0 0 Kaimarama .. .. 3,182 71 1372 21 Sept., 1893 1,580 „ 318 319 .. 318 0 0 Lepperton .. .. .. 2,775 83 1383 20 Oct., 1892 2,998 „ 966 966 .. 966 0 0 Mangaere . .. •• 7,432 30 526 27 April, 1893 12,845 „ 4,144 4,144 .. 4,144 0 0 Mangaokahu .. .. 2,325 54 1047 6 Aug., „ 1,163 „ 233 232 .. 232 0 0 Mangoira-Ooal Greek .. 6,500 74 1297 22 Sept., „ 8,204 „ 2,031 2,030 .. 2,030 0 0 Nuhaka No. 2 .. .. 777 68 1324 7 Sept., „ 485 „ 58 58 .. 58 0 0 Carried forward .. 549,883 .. .. .. 442,406 .. 120,687 117,944 176 9 3 118,120 8 8 * The figures give the totals to the nearest pound for the year ending 31st March, 1899.

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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.

219

" - Gazetted. Surveyor-General's Report. Expenditure. Name of Blook. Area of Block. No. Page. Date. Valuation of Block. Works required to open up such Block. Estimated Cost proposed to be borrowed. To Mar. 31, 1899. April 1, 1899, to March 31, 1900. Total to March 31, 1900. Brought forward Acres. 549,883 £ 442,406 £ 120,687 £ 117,944 £ 176 s. 9 d. 3 £ s. 118,120 8 d. 8 1893-94. Omahine, Block I. .. Opaku-Kapara Opuawhanga-Whangarei No. 1 Ofceramika .. Pohui Stirling Swinburn .. Tahaukupu Tararua Tauhoa-Komokoriki.. Taupiri Tauwharetoi Umutaoroa.. Waipoua Wellington Fruit-growers' Association Woodville .. 455 18,620 4,600 6,253 4,306 4,770 1,790 2,817 3,993 2,650 9,200 9,404 1,461 58,200 2,625 254 8 4 34 71 90 28' 40 13 19 35 45 68 49 74 72 49 152 26 571 1377 1521 539 656 245 339 573 860 1324 939 1419 1274 939 2 Feb., 12 Jan., 1 May, 21 Sept., 11 Nov., 31 Mar., 18 May, 23 Feb., 16 Mar., 4 May, 8 June, 7 Sept., 22 June, 5 Oct., 15 Sept., 22 June, 1893 1892 1893 1892 1893 341 10,455 2,300 2,631 3,655 6,678 1,610 2,256 4,592 1,000 3,910 4,975 956 29,100 8,565 286 Road-works 114 2,793 500 625 538 1,193 288 675 998 325 920 1,175 100 5,800 1,313 25 114 2,725 476 120 538 1,192 200 675 998 325 506 1,169 28 5,799 1,313 25 67 46 18 12 9 1 114 0 2,793 0 476 5 120 1 538 0 1,192 0 200 0 675 0 998 0 325 0 552 16 1,169 0 28 7 5,799 5 1,313 0 25 0 0 0 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 0 0 1894-95. Egmont, Block VI. Gimmerburn Hall Hautapu No. 2 Invercargill Hundred Kaitangiwhenua Special Settlement Lauder-Blackstone Lauder-Tiger Hill Lower Wanaka Maniototo Mecalickstone Momahaki Village Settlement Okoke Pakiri Palmerston North Knights of Labour Polionuiatane Ruahine Salisbury and Delaware Sommerville W aiotahi Wanganui 1,683 8,682 3,175 6,856 1,403 11,000 3,809 28,723 3,368 277 6,010 824 13,893 2,950 10,995 28,000 4,800 13,399 8,566 6,050 6,222 57 24 19 65 72 19 24 34 24 19 7 51 21 26 19 61 28 57 19 1163 481 340 1272 1273 340 481 714 481 339 131 1049 387 539 340 1291 539 1162 340 26 July, 29 Mar., 16 Mar., 24 Aug., 15 Sept., 16 Mar., 29 Mar., 10 May, 29 Mar., 16 Mar., 25 Jan., 5 July, 23 Mar., 31 Mar., 16 Mar., 16 Aug., 31 Mar., 26 July, 16 Mar., 1894 1893 1894 1892 1893 1894 1893 1894 1893 1892 1893 1894 1892 1894 1893 1,721 6,152 4,871 8,860 1,840 6,600 3,608 22,112 1,250 245 4,954 6,311 9,577 1,106 12,222 28,000 2,225 14,272 9,085 2,269 6,046 Road-works 421 1,032 794 1,714 400 1,375 476 1,000 101 104 1,503 1,360 2,369 369 2,749 600 840 3,348 2,142 756 1,556 309 750 794 1,714 322 1,375 400 300 101 100 1,503 1,311 1,550 369 2,749 600 824 3,348 2,142 750 1,556 11 7 18 355 0 14 11 3 0 0 3 3 320 0 11 750 0 0 794 0 0 1,713 15 10 321 16 9 1,375 0 0 400 0 0 300 0 0 101 0 0 100 0 0 1,503 0 0 1,318 11 8 1,568 13 3 369 0 0 2,749 0 0 955 3 3 824 1 9 3,348 0 0 2,142 0 0 750 13 9 1,556 0 0 1895-96. Ackers Avoca Blackstone-Gimmerburn Beaumont Clifton No. 1 Dannevirke Centennial Eltham Gatton Glenomaru, Blocks III., IV., V., VII., X. Hikurangi No. 2 Hokonui Kaiparoro .. Kaitangata.. Kaitangiwhenua No. 2 Kaitieke 351 3,668 22,535 15,081 4,650 11,041 3,200 3,800 j 1,040 4,148 3,223 9,392 4,785 46,045 45,500 68 24 10 57 28 19 19 19 ( 13 | 42 82 ( '? 60 89 27 12 1327 482 233 1113 539 340 340 246 783 1663 459 149 1245 1863 510 283 7 Sept., 29 Mar., 7 Feb., 20 July, 31 Mar., 16 Mar., 16 Mar., 23 Feb., 25 May, 16 Nov., 7 Mar., 30 Jan., 15 Aug., 15 Dec., 5 April, 14 Feb., 1893 1894 1895 1893 1892 1893 1895 1894 1895 1896 1895 1894 1895 702 1,834 24,748 6,215 4,081 5,233 3,150 3,860 j 619 3,240 | 1,607 6,414 3,871 27,627 41,700 Road-works 220 458 500 1,886 1,163 2,616 800 950 179 520 603 1,174 656 5,765 11,375 216 458 200 1,168 317 800 950 131 495 85 1,174 656 5,756 2,861 100 184 1 652 0 19 1 3 0 0 0 6 216 16 458 0 200 0 100 0 1,163 0 501 16 800 0 950 0 130 15 497 5 85 7 1,174 0 656 0 5,756 0 3,513 8 3 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 4 5 10 0 0 0 6 Karioi- Alexandra 13,300 10 (269) 2701 13 Feb., 1896 4,987 1,662 1,662 1,661 14 6 Kaupokonui Kawhatau Llewellyn Malton Farm Homestead Manganui and B-uapehu Manganui-Bgmont Maniototo No. 2 Maniototo No. 3 Naseby, No. 2 Ngunguru 230 5,700 4,594 1,028 7,350 2,833 6,916 6,295 2,444 6,125 62 94 5 80 46 72 10 12 10 46 1215 1951 94 1637 958 1510 233 284 234 973 10 Aug., 21 Dec., 23 Jan., 8 Oct., 21 June, 4 Oct., 7 Feb., 14 Feb., 7 Feb., 20 June, 1893 1894 1896 1894 1895 1895 230 6,588 3,445 944 6,337 3,597 5,911 6,001 2,038 3,210 58 1,425 861 302 1,838 894 907 300 313 772 34 1,262 302 496 894 300 661 23 105 23 3 12 17 is 16 6 1 5 4 58 0 1,367 6 302 0 519 19 894 0 300 0 665 6 0 4 0 11 0 0 1 Carried forward 1,087,240 857,231 201,275 177,888 1,778 14 5 179,669 18 8

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

220

Name of Block. Area of Block. Gazetted. Surveyor-General's Report. Expenditure. No. Page. Date. Valuation of Block. Works required to open up such Block. Estimated Cost proposed to be borrowed. To Mar. 31, 1899. April 1, 18U9, to March 31, 1900. Total to March 31, 1900. Brought forward 1895-96. Pohangina .. Puketoi-Aohanga Puniwhakau Rangiwhakaoma Ross Ruakituri Ruapuna .. Swinburn No. 2 Takahue and Whangape Terrace End Tolcatoka Umutoi Waiawa Waimana Whakarara, Section 14, Block XII. Woodland, Block IX. 1896-97. Auckland Special Settlement Oatlin's, Blocks IV., V., VII., VIII. Gladstone Karioi Parish Mangataniwha No. 2 Maropiu Ohinewairua Patua Rawhitiroa.. Te Mara Te Ngaue .. Whenuakura 1897-98. Hundalee Huiarua Kaiparoro No. 2 Makahu Maungaru Paekotare Taumata Waikawa, Block II... Waikiekie .. 1898-99. Awaroa No. 2 Hautapu-Ruahine No. 2 Hauturu Hurimoana Kaipikari Kauaeranga Kawhia Kaikokopu Kohuratahi Kohumaru .. Mamaku Mangakahia MareikuraNo. 1 Mareikura No. 2 Makotuku, Block III. Marco Marton No. 3 Naseby, Maniototo, and Gimmerburn Ngapaeruru Okohiriki Onslow Otukai Carried forward Acres. 1,087,240 4,722 1,277 10,695 13,650 1,912 4,855 847 4,540 12,200 11,118 11,080 2,200 20,000 15,986 508 2,936 8,995 8,580 7,597 550 1,220 5,350 7,462 9,692 32,746 18,700 1,470 11,000 38,329 7,750 400 6,551 4,368 890 3,423 307 600 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 37,599 15,500 2,405 9,600 28 92 19 72 34 46 80 i » t 72 89 60 66 28 5 46 16 12 78 68 24 33 47 24 11 24 1 56 54 19 f 30 1 97 90 { 30 66 20 20 20 90 78 20 87 1 79 91 70 16 79 83 24 20 77 79 28 13 19 79 86 91 34 83 539 1933 340 1501 760 (939) (955) 1640 1528 1393 1864 1245 1399 539 94 973 342 284 1665 1426 482 665 955 667 22 667 5 1092 1106 340 773 2081 19011 1902 | 773 1361 494 494 495 1901 1698 495 1841 1 1774 1775 2021 1498 435 1774 1846 564 495 1716 1773 539 382 340 1774 1914 2021 640 1845 31 Mar., 1892 19 Dec., 1895 16 Mar., 1893 4 Oct., 1894 9 Way, 1895 21 June, 1894 8 Nov., 26 Oct., 1893 28 Sept., 5 Dec., 1895 15 Aug., „ 5 Sept., „ 31 Mar., 1892 27 Jan., 1896 20 June, 1895 1 Mar., 1894 14 Feb., 1895 24 Oct., 1895 12 Sept., 28 Mar,, 1894 3 May, „ 18 June, 1896 11 Mar., 1897 28 Jan., „ 11 Mar., „ 7 Jan., „ 13 July, 1893 16 July, 1896 16 Mar., 1893 1 April, 1897 18 Nov., „ 21 Oct., „ 1 April, „ 27 Aug., 1896 24 Mar., 1898 21 Oct., 1897 15 Oct., 1896 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 1 Dec., „ 20 Dec., „ 28 April, 1892 17 Nov., 1898 £ 857,231 4,250 1,027 7,604 5,487 2,564 4,624 1,270 | 3,830 4,270 8,950 5,923 I,675 8,000 5,994 406 3,628 3,698 4,228 5,822 206 487 2,675 7,491 6,542 8,186 1,376 1,286 6,600 | 25,704 2,695 150 6,180 2,184 356 2,188 746 600 2,775 II,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 18,799 6,200 1,327 3,360 Road-works Road-works Road-works Road-works £ 201,275 1,181 319 1,926 1,421 478 364 106 227 1,800 2,173 2,890 550 2,500 2,000 38 538 899 1,057 1,899 55 120 535 1,865 1,636 46 f 218 ( 218 367 500 12,852 1,000 50 1,468 460 80 428 186 150 400 4,292 10,000 797 582 445 616 739 738 600 700 2,000 120 70 350 1,027 2,204 910 5,000 1,550 601 1,000 £ 177,888 1,181 314 1,926 421 354 75 1,731 2,173 2,887 550 200 2,000 898 700 1,392 55 200 1,224 1,456 4 411 200 47 7,500 50 153 111 2 81 229 235 753 234 2,901 32 £ s. d. 1,778 14 5 5 13 7 1,333*14 5 16 19 0 18 12 0 1,647 19 9 66 10 1 15 "o 0 417 "7 0 43 5 1 17 3 6 15916 10 311 "5 6 35 4 0 74 11 0 253 17 4 137 "7 10 66 12 11 803 19 2 9,770 12 0 552 5 9 320 4 10 273 18 9 121 13 0 222 "4 9 579 15 3 26 3 0 116 11 2 63 4 5 417 3 11 9*4 11 354 11 4 79 4 0 £ s. d. 179,669 13 8 1,181 0 0 319 0 0 1,926 0 0 1,333 14 5 437 19 0 353 15 2 75 0 0 1,748 18 6 2,173 0 0 4,535 3 4 550 0 0 200 0 0 2,000 0 0 898 0 1 766 13 2 1,391 14 6 55 0 0 15 0 0 200 0 0 1,640 15 0 1.499 10 2 3 11 11 427 13 3 200 0 0 206 15 11 7.500 0 0 50 0 0 464 9 6 146 8 8 75 14 6 253 17 4 137 7 10 66 12 11 885 2 5 9,999 12 7 786 15 9 320 4 10 273 18 9 121 13 0 222 4 9 1,332 1 9 26 3 0 116 11 2 296 18 5 417 3 11 2,901 5 6 9 4 11 386 9 9 79 4 0 1,613,345 1139623 280,616 210,567 20,110 10 6 230,677 8 4

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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.

29—C. 1.

221

Name of Block. Area of Block. Gazetted. Surveyor-General 1 :-; Report. Expenditure. No. Page. Date. Valuation of Block. Works required to open up such Block. Estimated Cost proposed to to borrowed. To Mar. 31, 1899. April 1, 1899, to Mar. 81, 1900. Total to March 31, 1900. Acres. £ £ £ £ 8. d. £ s. d. Brought forward 1613345 1139623 280,616 210,567 20,110 10 6 230,677 8 4 1898-99. Opanake 2', 508 24 563 7 April, 1898 1,254 Road-works 100 92 6 18 1 99 0 0 Opuatea No. 1 5,720 9 254 2 Feb., 1899 2,288 858 67 179 13 2 246 12 2 Opuatea No. 2 8,030 83 1847 17 Nov., 1898 2,735 1,000 29 164 0 6 193 i 1 Opuatea No. 3 4,337 „ 1846 1,976 600 95 110 4 11 205 6 4 Puhipuhi 24,800 91 2022 20 Dec., n 16,675 4,169 1,497 L2 6 1,497 12 6 Puriri 1,856 „ „ 791 186 Pukeokahu 11,379 10 283 13 Feb., 1896 11,957 2,844 300 300' 0 0 Rimuputa .. 5,609 77 1715 27 Oct., 1898 3,228 799 666' 0 1 666 0 1 Te Purua 8,600 83 1846 17 Nov., /t 3,440 1,000 Tokatoka 12,09o 28 911 26 May, // 20,825 Drains and 3,000 roads Upper Makohine 14,201 24 564 7 April, n 15,851 Road-works 3,550 2,349 666 17 11 3,015 15 7 Umurua 4,866 24 „ n 2,433 480 297 9 11 297 9 11 Waimatanui 20,000 20 496 24 Mar., „ 8,000 3,000 103 654 12 9 757 13 9 Waipu 6,350 65 1398 1 Sept., » 2,540 790 436 19 5 436 19 5 .1899-1900. Kaitao 9,436 30 729 6 April, 1899 8,175 Road-works 2,500 1,110 17 11 1,110 17 11 Kinohaku West 80,000 100 2198 1 Dec., 32,000 10,000 986 3 7 986 3 7 Mataro 1,846 42 953 18 May, t/ 668 330 Mauku 1,893 91 2031 2 Nov.. r/ 1,135 284 90 0 0 90' 0 0 Mangakahia No. 2 .. 1,108 91 2032 2 Nov., „ 670 111 Mangorewa Kaharoa.. 24,100 91 2032 2 Nov., „ 6,200 2,800 35 3 4 35' 3 4 Ngapaeruru No. 2 31,000 20 548 15 Mar., 1900 18,000 3,000 3,953 17 0 3,953 17 0 Oraukura 4,456 78 1803 21 Sept., 1899 6,691 1,114 57 8 0 57 8 0 Pakeho 9,969 91 2032 2 Nov., 1,800 1,800 Piko 10,276 43 1009 25 May, 6,928 1,784 183 5 0 183 5 0 Pine Valley 20,449 68 1477 10 Aug., 1900 7,650 1,912 Pirongia West 17,625 14 361 15 Feb., 11,308 2,203 Poarangi 3,835 14 361 15 Feb., 2,419 550 Putikituna 4,229 14 360 15 Feb., u 2,663 789 191 18 3 191.' 18 3 Puketarata 5,347 1 1 4 Jan., 2,177 535 Puketarata No. 2 3,026 104 2261 14 Deo., 1899 1,486 378 Putiki 6,595 64 1358 27 July, n 3,620 1,144 Tangihua % Totals 4,650 104 2261 14 Dec., '■ 2,106 466 1983517 1349312 334,692 213,602 31,399 12 10 245,001 15 3

o.—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, 1900.

222

6 © Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. ■*» u Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. 6D a . •s ® © ® § Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Bemarks. o > •S * qcc Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. - 97 1 2 3 4 5 6 Settlement Roads, Bridges, and other Works. AUCKLAND. Kaeo-Whangaroa (main road) Beach Road at Mangomii Oruru-Hikurangi .. Mangonui-Taipa-Awanui Awanui - Hohoura Road (formation and bridging) Taipa-Awanui Road (formation and bridgln g) Awanui-Waiharera-Kaikino Road (formation and bridging) Mangonui Parish-Awanui (main road) Victoria Valley-Main Road Victoria Valley-Kaitaia .. Connecting Main Road at Peria with Victoria Vailey Road (bridging), to account Fairburn's Road (metalling) Takahue-Herekino Kaitaia-Ahipara Awanui-West Coast Mangatoetoe Road (widening and metalling) Ahipara-Herekino Takahue Village-Victoria Valley Oruru-Fern FJat-Mangamuka (widening, formation, and bridging) Maungataniwha Kaeo-Waimate Whangaroa County roads Whangaroa Coast Road Otoroa, Road to Matawherohia-Kaeo Kaso Parish-Mangonui Parish (main road) Kaeo-Whangaroa Road (widening, bridging, and metalling) Kaeo-Waimate Road through Woodville to Matauri £ 500 100 140 350 100 100 £ s. d. 24 10 0 50 0 0 48 18 4 300 0 0 50 0 0 M. ch. M. ch. 0 43 0 5 M. oh. 0 28 No. Length. Ft. No. .3 13 4 Length. Ft. 42 298 64 M. ch. 1 2 0 7 0 61 0 10 M. ch. M. ch. 2 0 M. ch. Whangaroa County. Mongonui County. Also one 14 ft. bridge, and 12 ch. clearing. Mongonui County. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 200 600 600 200 150 400 300 75 100 50 200 150 50 155 200 300 200 100 100 500 300 150 100 0 0 583 1 5 345 8 3 150 0 0 273 18 0 75 0 0 25 0 0 25 0 0 22 0 0 58 15 9 25 0 0 74 4 0 17 3 9 100 0 0 100 0 0 31010 2 300 0 0 3*40 1 75 1 31 i' 44 0 8J 1 48 0 10 O. 1 4 1 5 4 44 4 120 8 10 7 2 8 3 1 i 35 112 160 90 32 "72 36 12 "20 630 2 0 1 53 0 1 0 13 0 25 0 20 1 3 0 1 35 0 2 0 3' 0 0 30 2 48 15 0 29 0 0 15 Culverts, pipes and wood. Mongonui County ; pipe culverts. Wood and stone culverts. Mongonui County; culverts and pipes. Mongonui County. Whangaroa County. Whangaroa County; wood culvert. Whangaroa County. Pipe and wood culverts. Whangaroa County; repairs to bridge-approaches. Whangaroa County.

C.—l.

223

29 Hayter's-Morrow's .. 50 50 5 6 0 40 0 40 * 30 Bussell to WhaDgaruru (formation and 100 Bay of Islands County. bridging) 31 Owae Settlement to Kawakawa 35 32 Hukerenui-Kaeo Parish (main road) 500 457 13 6 1 50 24 396 465 13* 0 Pipe and wood culverts. 33 Waimate-Hukerenui 200 34 Buapekapeka- Kawakawa (formation, 100 | Bay of Islands County. widening, arid metalling) 35 Buapekapeka-Waiotu Bridge 300 300 0 0 1 23 1 58 5 60 Bay of Islands County wooden culverts. 36 Motatau 50 24 10 6 0 63 1 14 0 63 Pipe culvert. 37 Waipapa-Kaipiro Stream (road between) .. 100 .. . • 38 Bamarama Valley 300 173 13 0 1 70 2 60 3 60 • Pipe and wood culverts. 39 Towai-Bamarama (Wyat's Junction), for50 mation and metalling 40 Junction Bamarama Boad, Section 49 to 100 , Section 23, in Block V., Hukerenui District (formation and bridging) 41 Old Great North Boad, Section 112, Parish 50 , , Bay of Islands County. of Buapekapeka 42 Banganui to Puketotara 150 43 Waiotu Valley-Hukerenui (Galbraith's), 200 „ formation and bridging 44 Hukerenui South-Waiotu Valley 90 82 14 9 0 59 3 36 45 Ngapipito 300 104 8 8 1 "30 9 100 6 0 Wood culverts. 46 Whangae-Opua Boad 60 47 Opua-Waimate 200 164' 3 6 0 64 6 0 7 0 48 Waitangi-Kaikohe .. 100 100 0 0 0 29 Bay of Islands County. 49 Grfat North Boad —Waitangi to Wairoa 75 (formation) 50 Kaikohe-Taheke 150 97 17 8 0 14 51 Ohaeawai-Kaikohe 250 73 0 0 0 16 52 Ohaeawai-Okaihau 200 100 0 0 0 35 32 i 53 Ohaeawai-Waitangi (metalling) 100 54 U takura Road deviation 573 97 12 9 i 25 55 Okaihau-Kerikeri 200 56 Okaihau, Victoria Valley from junction 150 Okaihau-Obaeawai to Hokianga boundary 57 Pungaere Settlement-Kerikeri 150 ., . 58 Herekino 150 83 12 0 0 64 3 "58 1 0 Wood culverts. 59 Herekino-Whangape 300 185 13 7 2 63 2 46 1 40 r/ 60 Whangape, Section 55, Block VII. 200 186 11 4 1 3 8 66 3 0 „ 61 Te Awaroa North 200 157 1 6 17 0 62 Manganuiowae- Whangape 300 199 5 5 069 1 "40 16 160 3' 0 „ 63 Manganuiowae 200 0 12 0 Bepairs. 64 Waiho-Omawhero Boad 250 65 Kohukohu-Takahue-Herd's Point 200 170 9 10 0 21 5 "62 359 9' 0 Wood oulverts. 66 Herd's Point-Takahue 200 54 1 8 i 62 5 64 4' 0 i' 0 Stone culverts. 67 Kaikohu-Bawene (metalling and bridging) 250 68 Kohukohu-Rakautapu 500 329' 9 9 2 45 6 64 i 51 3' 0 Wood culverts. 69 Kohukohu-Motukaraka 150 26 5 3 010 620 70 Motukaraka Village Settlement to Kohu200 kohu-Bakatapu Boad 71 Okaihau-Victoria Valley '300 123 5 6 0 42 7 139 2 12 2 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, 1900— continued.

224

Expenditure be a . '2 5 o o — * from 1st April, 1899, to Slst Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. fc a? 53 a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. o 2 March, 1900, charged to Au- © £? Remarks. a 2 .2 o P> © -M ■ < thorities issued out of the Item named. GD 3 a 22 H Drayroad. Bridleroad, Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. - Length. Length. Auckland —continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. PC. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 72 73 Okaihau-Horeke Omapere S.D., Blocks IX. and X. 200 100 •• • •• Hokianga County. 74 Punakitere Settlement roads .. 153 143 9 6 0 23 1 16 0 38 4' 0 Wood culvert. 75 Omanaia-Rawene ,. 100 Hokianga County. 76 Omanaia- Hokianga Heads 300 ,, 77 Maunganui Bluff-Katui- Kai-iwi (main road) 200 78 Waimamaku-Pakanae 250 218 0 3 0 26 7 140 1 65 2 0 79 Wairnamaku 116 104 18 10 0 10 0 30 80 Wairnamaku Settlement, Road to head of 200 See Vote 97, Item 81. 81 Wairnamaku Settlement 500 490 2 2 1 30 3 29 i 66 5 0 82 Waimamaku-Punakitere 200 92 16 4 0 6 3 52 1 1 3 0 Wood culverts. 83 Waipoua S.D., part Block VII. 150 106 16 7 2 68 0 50 "60 240 2' 0 84 Marlborough Association .. 72 69 15 5 0 42 3 85 Auckland 150 86 Auckland Special Settlement-Mangakahia 61 40 11 3 0 41' Hokianga County. 87 Maungaru-Mangakahia 200 88 Hulcerenui-Whakapara (main road) 300 0 65 1 "32 3 "42 i 52 16 0 Pipe and wood culverts; see also Item 12,3. 89 Hukeronui, Block Il.-Whakapara Railway200 200 0 o 1 0 40 1 18 0 40 Whangarei County wood station culvert. 90 Hukerenui-Waiotu 100 100 0 0 i 2 26 Whangarei County. 91 Hukerenui, Blocks X., XI. 160 160 1 7 1 42 5 "74 1 46 Whangarei County; wood culverts. 92 Hikurangi-Jordan .. 400 340 0 o ! 3 60 10 Ditto. 93 Jordan-Hukerenui Station (Bridge Road) 150 ISO 0 0 ; 3 24 1 30 13 75 Whangarei County. 94 Braigh Giles's Corner-Great North Road 100 I "42 95 70 70 0 0 : 0 63 3 96 Tikiponga Hill 100 75 0 0 0 70 0 17 Whangarei County; wood 97 Helena Bay Road 50 37 10 0 0 20 3 "54 0 15 ' culverts. 98 Whananaki, Helena Bay-Whakapara Rail-way-Station 150 Whangarei County. 99 McPhee's Bay-Otonga East 100 » 100 Kaimamaku 50 0 8 0 8 « 101 Otonga-Whananaki 50 37 10 0 0 55 0 4 „ 102 Otonga East Main Road 100 75 0 0 0 58 i "l4 0 31 Whangarei County ; stone culvert. 103 Hikurangi-Otonga .. 200 150 0 0 1 27 ., 18 354 Ditto. 104 Opuawhanga-Whananaki 250 249 8 0 0 31 "l 32 1 16 0 5 Whangarei Co.; wood culvert , *

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225

105 Opuawhanga, Blocks XIII., XIV. ; Whangarei, Blocks III., IV. 167 176 11 0 6 180 3 24 1 0 Whangarei County; wood culverts. 106 Opuawhanga-Otonga East 100 100 0 0 1 14 1 30 3 45 1 8 Ditto. 107 Kiripaka-Coal-mines 100 Whangarei County. 108 Ngunguru-Sandy Bay 100 0 10 6' 2 „ 109 Whareora-Taheke .. 100 60 0 0 0 30 24 0 25 Whangarei Co.; wood oulvt. 110 Purua-Taheke 100 Whangarei County. 111 Grahamstossn-Parua Bay 400 310 19 6 1 28 1 "30 „ 112 Wbangarei Heads .. 100 100 0 0 0 73 '54 Whangarei County; wood 118 MangakahiaNo. 2, Blocks XI., XII., Mangakabia 110 culverts. 114 Maur.gatapere-Tangiteroria 200 115 Maungakaramea-Tangihua 150 70 0 0 0 36 010 Whangarei County. 116 Maunu-Maungatapere-Mangakabia 500 300 0 0 0 42 i 18 0 32 Whangarei County; wood culvert. 117 Maungakaramea-Ruarangi 230 200 0 0 1 0 . % 0 22 Whangarei County. 118 Ruatangata-Railway-station .. 200 0 43 0 43 u 119 Purua-Ruatangata-Mangakahia 300 294 6 8 "2 "60 1 18 2 7 Whangarei County; wood culvert. 120 Tangihua, Maungatapere, and Maungakaramea 100 Whangarei County. 121 Tangihua No. 2-Tangiteroria .. 200 200 0 0 1 45 1 35 1 36 8 160 „ 122 Tangittroria-Maungahia 100 Hobson County. 123 Waipu-Hukerenui (mam road) 300 303 4 8 See also Item 88. 124 Great North Bead (Whangarei-Otaika) 100 125 Whakapara-Mangapai (main road) 300 1*31 6 0 126 Mangapai-Waipu .. 300 127 Ruakaka-North River 100 2 4 3 0 3 Whangarei County. 128 Waipu-Maungaturoto 300 129 Marsden Point-Waipu 200 100 •o 0 Whangarei County; paid last year. 130 Tokatoka-Mangapai 700 6 19 9 2 129 Work in charge of department and Whangarei County. 131 Waikiekie 100 0 38 Whangarei County. 132 Mangapai-Waikiekie 300 300 0 0 1 26 10 200 Whangarei County ; pipe 133 Mangapai 200 culverts. 134 Mareretu-Finlayson's-Waipu .. 200 200 0 0 120 3 "90 '7 126 •• Otamatea and Whangarei Counties; wood culverts. 135 Cove deviation 100 64 0 0 0 46 Whangarei County. 136 Waipu Road and Wharf 50 50 0 0 Whangarei County; wharf, 40 ft. by 12 ft., with T 137 Waipu 200 200 0 0 1 25 0 25 15 210 , , Whangarei County ; pipe culverts. 138 Caves-McLaughlin's 200 200 0 0 2 1 6 120 0 2 Whangarei County ; pipe and wood culverts. 139 Waipu-Mareretu 300 Whangarei County. 140 East Branch 100 , , „ 141 Three-mile Bush (repairing) 150 150 0 0 056 1 30 „ 142 Hunter's Road 100 „ 143 Iiaiwaka-Mangawai 50 50 0 0 0 12 012 Otamatea County. 144 Kaiwaka-Waipu (main road) 600 593 7 1 2 77 , . 18 340 1 44 12' 0 Pipe and wood culverts. 145 North Albert Land-Mangawai 100 1 14 0 10 Rodney County. 14G Topini-Warkworfch 300 41 12 3 . 0 60

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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, 1900— continued.

226

• Expenditure o 6 4-J £ r-t from 1st Aoril, 1899, to 31st '2 s. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. S5 ID £ s Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. §2 March, 1900, charged to Aua > Remarks. £ 9 o > +3 V-i < > thorities issued out of the Item named. to 3 a JI w Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Auckland —continued. | Length. Length. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 147 Tokatoka Post-office 100 100 0 0 1 27 148 Mareretu 200 100 3 6 1 27 Dept. and Otamatea Co. 149 Mareretu-Waipu .. 100 150 Omam-Parai 200 151 Omaru Parish 230 152 Matakohe-Mangonui 600 294 7 0 23 0 1 46 9 180" Matakobe Road Board; pipe culverts. 153 Matakohe-Tokatoka 300 200 0 0 1 57 8 128 Otamatea County; pipe and wood culverts. 154 Matakobe 100 Otamatea County. 155 Hukatere 300 85 10 6 1 37 156 Maungaturoto-Wh akapirau 100 157 Maungaturoto-Waikiekie 100 158 Pahi-Maungaturoto 29 29 4 0 -<r. „ 159 Pahi-Waikiekie 62 050 160 Valley Road-Paparoa 200 0 10 0 0 5 1 30 161 Paparoa-Maungaturoto 200 41 17 2 0 20 0 4 162 Pahi-Paparoa 200 163 Warkworth Wharf-Courthouse 100 100 0 0 0 15 Rodney County. 164 Warkworfch-Main Road 146 121 10 6 C -50 100 025 165 Hoteo Valley-Te Arai 100 50 0 0 166 Hoteo Valley-Wangaripo 100 167 Hoteo Valley 100 0 31 168 Hoteo-Waiwhiu 100 11 7 0 2 0 109 Hoteo Valley-Mangawaf 100 100 0 0 i' 2 1 "40 i 170 Te Aria-Mangawai 300 0 15 i 171 Pakiri-Omaha (Warkworth-Pakiri) 210 50 0 0 0 20 rr 172 Matakana-Oraaha 200 // 173 Matakana Ranges 200 137 4 7 3 6 174 Matakana Ranges-Te Arai 250 143 0 6 1 20 175 Maiakana-Whangaripo 50 176 Matakana, Section 47 to Sections 108, 109, 112, 113 300 0 22 177 Warkworth-Matakana 100 50 0 0 0 11 0 16 Rodney County ; see de178 Kaukapakapa-Warkworth .. .. 100 • tailed report. 179 Ahuroa 150 Rodney County. 180 Puhoi-Warkworth .. 50 44 11 4 0 20 181 Waiwera-Kaiwaka 650 652 13 1 0 5 4 0 182 Port Albert-Wellsford Junction 100 50 4 7 0 28 183 Taiihoa, Blocks X. and XI. 400 194 16 11 5 21

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227

184 Kaipara Flat-Tauhoa 275 .. I .. Rodney County, and Upper 185 East of Kaipara to Crown tenants in Blocks 200 Mahurangi Road Board. XI., XII. Department and Rodney 186 Warkworth-Kaipara Flats 117 County. 187 Ahuroa-Komokoriki 100 65 0 0 0 10 1 15 Rodney Co.; wood culvert. Rodney County. 188 Upper Waiwera-Puhoi 100 189 Puhoi Paiisb, Section 47 to Sections 108, 109,112, and 113 ; Seotion6 to Section 80 200 190 Puhoi-Wainui 100 191 Waiwera-Topini Bridge (main road) 100 0 45 33 0 192 Puhoi-Komokoriki (traffic road) 200 Kaukapakapa Road Board. 193 Makarau Railway-station 30 30 4 o 0 24 194 Makarau Railway-station and West Coast through Olinkard's (deviation) 200 195 Makarau Railway-station-West Coast Road 100 196 Sections 90 and 74a, Road between 100 197 Makarau Bridge-West Coast .. 300 200 0 0 See Item 429. 198 Helensville-Port Albert 300 Rodney County. 199 Kaukapakapa-Port Albert 200 150 0 0 2 0 .. - 4 40 Rodney Co.; wood culverts. 200 Opanaki-Hokianga 400 800 10 0 6 31 1 30 12 44 8'53 24 20 Wood and stone culverts. 201 Avoca Special Settlement 400 188 9 8 0 40 43 430 2 9 4 6 Wood culverts. 202 Marlborough Settlement-Whangarei Wilking's Road, near Kaihu Lusk's Road 200 Hobson County. 203 100 204 200 „ 205 Opanaki-Mongonui Bluff 150 150 0 0 143 1 33 2 "30 0 52 0 55 „ 206 Kaiku-Maunganui Bluff 100 Wood culverts. 207 Mangatu Special Settlement vid Mongonui Bluff-West Coast 400 295 0 9 i 65 2 "40 208 Mangawhare-Opanaki 250 1 0 1 30 1 0 Hobson County. 209 Dargaville-Kaikohe 700 500 0 0 8 - 0 133 15 230 3' 5 „ 210 Uargaville-Tangiteroria 100 100 0 0 0 45 2 42 Hobson Co.; pipe culverts. 211 Dargaville-Aratapu 50 50 0 0 0 10 0 10 Hobson County. 212 Dargaville-Whangarei 100 0*76 213 Aratapu Main Road (metalling) 250 214 Aratapu-Opanaki 100 0' 6 215 Te Kopuru-Tikinui 300 100 0 0 050 „ 216 Te Kopuru-ICaipara Heads 100 100 0 0 0 40 .. 217 Tangihua 100 218 Maungaru Special Settlement.. 100 219 Maungaru Settlement 100 220 Maunganui Bluff-West Coast 100 221 Mititai-Tokatoka 400 200 0 0 0 40 0 5 222 Arapohue 300 100 0 0 0 41 „ 223 Arapohue-Kohekohe 100 jt 224 Okahu 200 300 0 0 1 50 1 ' 35 0' 2 „ 225 Great Barrier Island roads 330 100 0 0 7 0 1 71 0 23 226 Upper Waiwera Road extension 100 100 0 0 1 57 .. • • Waitemata County. 227 Upper Waiwera-Wade-Wainui 100 100 0 0 0 35 1 35 1 20 Waitemata County ; wood culvert. 228 Upper Waiwera-Parakakau 100 Waitemata County. 229 Waiwera Springs .. 30 3 18 0 0 13 i 0 „ 230 Wade Village-Orewa 50 50 0 0 "2 "76 „ 231 Wade-Lucas Creek 100 100 0 0 040 1 30 2 36 „

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, 1900— continued.

228

Expenditure C . ■a s • o o +J from 1st April, 1899. to 31st Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. 5? S5 Name of Work according to Item on 5 T; §2 March, 1900, 2: Remarks. g Appropriations. charged to Aua ** •w S P •S * O i> -S w thorities issued out of tlie Item named. to 3 a a0 m Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Dravroad. Bridleroad. C J 0 Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc.— contd. Length. Length. Auckland —continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 232 Wade-Dairy Flat 100 233 Dairy Fiat-Lucas Creek 200 100 0 0 1 55 1 "30 1 *20 Waitemata County; wood culvert. 234 Lucas Creek Road 200 200 0 0 1 87 Waitemata County. 235 North Shore-Waiwera (main road) 400 257 10 11 0 12 2 24 0 20 15 0 236 Great North Road (Cut Hill), main road .. 250 100 0 0 2 7 0 17 „ 237 Makarau Railway-station-Kaukapakapa .. 200 238 West Coa.st Road-Waitangi 200 „ 239 Inland Road-Kaukapakapa 100 75' 0 0 6' 6 i 12 Waitemata County; wood culvert. 240 Wainui-Kaukapakapa Railway-station .. 250 100 0 0 0 22 3 30 2 40 Wood culverts. 241 Whangaripo Valley Road 150 242 Whangaripo Valley Road to Wayby Road.. 100 Rodney County. 243 Woodhill-Parkhurst 200 100 0 0 0 35 Waitemata County. 244 Museum Endowment Block Road-Wood-hill Creamery 60 245 Swanson-West Coast 100 246 New Lynn-Huia Road 100 247 Waikumete-Huia 100 248 Waikumete West 150 100' 0 0 020 249 Kelly's Bridge to Waikumete Railwaystation (building bridges and metalling) 200 250 Waikumete-West Coast Road .. 200 251 Henderson-West Coast 100 252 Henderson 50 50' 0 0 0 21 253 Great North Road, Whau Bridge to Waikumete Cemetery (main road) 300 280 0 0 254 Pollok to Wharf 100 77 13 7 0 23 2 50 Pipe culverts. 255 Pollok Settlement (main road) 150 125 1 5 0 22 2 50 0 2 N 256 Howick Culvert (near wharf) 50 Howick Road Board. 257 Waiau Pa 100 258 Lower Road (Waiuku-Awhitu) 50 259 Waiuku-Awhitu 100 260 Waiuku-Pukekohe 270 200' 0 0 0 26 Waiuku Road Board. 261 Waiuku-East Pukekohe 150 Pukekohe East Road Board. 262 Waiuku Village-Otaua 50 263 Ness Valley (main road) 100 264 Karaka-Paerata Railway-station (railwaycrossing) 30 265 Aka Aka-Otaua 100 100 0 0 0 10 Waiuku Road Board.

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30—C. 1.

229

266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 Aka Aka-Puni Patumahce-West Mauku (metalling) Turanga-Maraetai Paparoa-Turanga Paparoa Road-Howick (road and culvert).. Otahuhu-Bombay (main road) Papatoetoe-Manurewa Manurewa-Bombay Wairoa River-Otau Otau Block-Ness Valley Otau Otau Creamery, Bothwell Akeake-Otau Bridge Mataitai-Clevedon Hunua Road Hunua Main Road Hunua Railway-station Hunu a-Ararimu Road to Tuakau Punt Tuakau-Raglan Main Road-Pukekawa Bothwell Bridge to Barton Kelsey's to Port Waikato Wairamarama-Onewhero Bothwell to Section 11, Block VI., Awarua Rutherford's Hill (Section 90, Block III., Awaroa) Rangiriri-Glen Murray LawBon's Hill Bregmen's Landing and Mercer Bregmen's Landing-Toakau Huntley West-Churchill Churchill-Huntly Huntly-Kahuruhuru Main Road-West Coast Road, through Block VI., Awaroa Awaroa (Block XI.) Whangape Parish, Section 43, Road to .. Otorohaea Trig. Road Ngaruawahia-Huntly West Raglan-Waipa Wai te tuna-Whatawhata Waingaro-Ngaruawahia Waitetuna-Kauri Waitetuna-Aotea Raglan-Ruapuke Main Road to Blocks VII. and IX., Karioi Aotea-Raglan Bombay-Rangiriri (main road) 50 50 350 100 100 200 150 150 18 200 200 50 100 200 300 300 400 115 50 700 100 100 100 200 200 100 40' 6 150 17 247* 7 8 0 3 0 193 10 108 8 102 10 1,036* 0 96*17 0 6 0 3 0 0 3 11 1 2 0* 8 0 39 0*40 0*68 4*22 0*52 1*56 "3 *90 *216 '*48 *202 *258 '*60 3*66 15*20 0*10 0 3 5* 5 0*35 0* 2 49 0 2*40 Mauku Road Board. Turanga Road Board. Paparoa Road Board. Howick Road .Board. Wood culverts. Waipipi Road Board. Pipe culverts. Hunua Road Board and Department. Pukekohe East Road Board. Pipe culverts. Raglan County. Pipes. 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 100 81 100 150 100 100 200 300 400 20 500 350 200 300 100 200 500 200 100 125 200 65* 5 78 0 37 17 243 13 197 6 300*12 50 14 200 0 2* 3 320*12 193 15 8 0 3 4 10 1 3 0 5 4 8 140 " * 0*40 7 55 5 0 0*25 0 70 0 30 0 70 0 30 4 5 2 *56 J 1 0 i 1 1 30 1 3 "i *6 2 *7 12 6 '*25 66 *15 '*27 40 126 240 150 0*35 0*62 0 10 0*77 7*55 1 56 28* 0 7*55 4* 0 6* 0 Raglan County. Pipe culvert. Pipe culverts ; Raglan Co.; 27'65 ch. metalling done. Authority received, but insufficient to carry out work. Wood culverts; 15chains metalling done. Raglan County. Pipe culverts ; Raglan Co.; 2 m. 56Jch. foriSing deviations from old road. Pipe culverts.

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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, 1900— continued.

230

G £ ® O P* Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899. to 31st March. 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Boads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Rem.rka Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. —contd. Length. Length. Auckland —continued. £ £ s. d. M.^jh. M. ch, M. oh. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 313 Miranda Wharf to Section 46, Block I., 100 ,, Piako 314 Rangiriri-Cambridge (main road) 400 239 4 0 3 43 315 Wangamarino Road to Section 485 100 100 0 0 117 12 240 Huntly Road Board ; wood culverts. 316 Rangiriri S.D., Blocks X. and XI. 130 22 4 6 0 20 2 60 .. Pipe culverts. 817 Waipuna Valley Road and Whangamarino 200 Whangamarino Road Parish Board. 318 Waerenga Station-Waerenga Settlement.. 100 100 0 0 1 43 Ditto. 319 Obinewai-Matahura 200 101 14 11 2 17 . . Huntly Road Board. 320 Kimihia-Huntly, Education Endowment 25 25 0 0 0 18 "40 Huntly Road Board ; wood 321 Huntly-University Reserves .. ... 50 culverts. 322 Huntly to University Endowment 150 323 University Endowment, Kimihia 100 100* 0 0 3 44 "40 6' 1 Ditto. 324 Puniu Traffic-bridge, Railway-orossing 250 325 Te Rapa-Hospital Reserve 50 Waipa County. 326 Arakiwi and Mamaku Railway-station 250 222* 6 2 4 6 0*24 3 "40 Wood culverts; bushwork done, 52 ch.; quantities, 2m; Eng. plans, 3 m. 327 Okoheriki Id 300 300 0 0 0 20 Bush felled, lm. 79 oh. ; graded, 2 m.; explored, 328 Rotorua-NgongoSaha Mount .. 100 4 15 0 8 0 3 m. 329 Botorua-Wairoa 250 223 6 1 "2 "l2 842 8 42 Clearing, 739 ch.; mile-posts 330 Maraeroa-Aturoa 300 No. 9. 331 Rotorua-Te Teko (main road) 700 1,014 9 0 ill 970 31 656 Wood culverts; clearing, 9 m. 47 ch. 332 Rotorua- Galatea - Waikaremoana (main 4,000 6,073 6 0 3 63 5 12 4 40J 50 1,048 59 72 78 60 22 0 Bridges —painted, 3; decked, road) 16 ft. ; fencing, 35 ch. ; drains, 27 ch.; metalled, 25 ch. 333 Galatea-Ruatoki 100 4 0 Included with Item 379. 334 Rotoiti-Tarawera, via Okataina 300 191 18 9 . . Felling, 3 m. 71 ch. ; clearing, 1 m. 30 ch. 335 Rotowhero, vid Waiotapu-Wairakei 600 634 8 6 1 21 546 14 12 44 0 Wood culverts. 336 Taumata, Nos. 1a, 2a, 3b East; 3b West 182 No. 1; 3o East; 3a West No. 1 337 Te Aroha-Rotorua Road, through Okauia 300 163 5 6 0 10 1 100 1 0 Block 338 Puataruru-Waotu 100 Piako County. 1 339 ! Tirau (Oxford)-Rotorua (main road) 450 464 16 6 3*23 3 ii3 9 20 Wood, culverts.

C.—l.

231

340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 Kikikihi-Otorohanga-Te Kuiti Tokanui-Wharepapa Otorohanga-Pirongia Te Kuiti-Awakino (main road) Paemako-Obura Alexandra-Kawhia Mangauika A Ia Pirongia West Waitomo Caves Pirongia- Kawhia Road Kauroa-Pakoka Wharauroa .. .. Aotea Wharf Road Kawhia-Aotea Monganui Road, Awakino North Survey District Briscoe's Section, Awakino, Road to Tekaukua Block (4 miles from Tekumi Saddle) Tauranga-Runanga (main road) Otawa Nos. 7a. and 1b Paengaroa Road Papamoa Special Settlement Papamoa Nos. 1 and 2 Maketu-Rotorua Pongakawa-Rotorua and Rotorua Road .. Oropi Settlement Road Ake Ake Pye's Pa' ■ Tauranga-Cambridge (main road) Ateamuri-Orakei-korako Orakei-korako, Tracks to Tauhara Mountain Tokaanu-Taupo Tokaanu Road and Wharf Waihi-Tokaanu Otarewa-Waipapa Stream, Robison's Road Te Teko-Whakatane or Opotiki Bay of Plenty (sundry roads) .. • Opotiki-Otamarakau 300 300 200 7,000 308 450 200 500 40 200 200 100 100 105 300 100 250 1,000 200 50 225 . 400 300 200 10 75 100 100 206 100 100 500 800 28 200 700 100 200 0 6 4,293 16 0 13 189 8 18 16 838 3 30 2 100 0 1 2 1,319 9 224 15 356 8 371 2 134 7 60' 0 100 0 4 0 109 1 443 16 357 12 27 19 873 4 200 0 6 2 6 8 10 2 11 0 9 3 6 10 7 9 0 0 3 0 3 4 2 3 0 5 0 0 11 2 27 1 40 0 63 2 15 6 13 11 40 Oil 2 27 1 40 0 15 5 18 9 15 5 11 60 0 432 3 13 0 20 3 1 1 1 1 30 36 "56 34 50 2 10 4 2," 671 221 "50 48 202 97 36 6 50 0 0 19 67 I 17 51 32 6 5 1 4 137 23 2 16 36 0 0 0 0 40 40 0 0 0 54 0 0 15 0 Road from Te Kuiti to Otorohanga still unformed, and should be constructed immediately. Authority received, but other works more pressing. 8 chains metalling. Repairs to two bridges; 12 ch. metalling done. Stone and wood culverts , and 180 acres bush felled. Raglan County. Shed partly erected. Work done, but not yet charged. Ditto. Wood culverts. Tauranga County. Tauranga County; work done last year. Wood oulverts. Grant, Tauranga County. Grant, Tauranga County; Ruahihi Bridge. Work not yet started. Wharf constructed as far as funds will go. Under charge of Chief Surveyor, Wellington. Waiapu and Whakatane Counties. Wainui Bridge; Whakatane County. Whakatane County. 378 379 380 381 382 383 Matata-Te Teko Rangitaiki-Rua'oki-Waiotahi.. Opouriao Settlement, Roads in Nukuhou-Maraetotara Ruatuna-Ohiwa (road and wharf) Waimana-Ohiwa .. 100 150 50 500 100 400 105 - 1 500 0 400 0 6 0 0 0 76 2 4 360 "64 30' 0

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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, 1900— continued.

232

o fci <D i Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. ll Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to Slst March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. ac a . •r! to ® m ® > Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. O > a* .5 sen H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. 97 I ' 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Auckland —continued. Waimana Waiotahi Waioeka (Blocks II., III., IV.) Waioeka River-Waiotahi Block Otara River-Papamoa Omarumutu-Te Whaiti Taupo-Te Aratiatia Rapids Waikaremoana-Ruatahuna (main road) .. Hourourangi-Taumatawahine.. Coromandel-Mania Mania-Waikawau Thames-Waikawau Kihikihi-Waotu Wharepuhanga No. 1 Village Settlements Contingencies and engineering Victoria Valley River Bridge at Hobson's Farm Wa'ikoura Bridge (repairs) Totara Foreshore Bridges (renewing) Paeroa Scream Bridge Waikerikeri Bridge Waitangi Bridge (to account) Taheke Bridge .. Punaketere Settlement Bridge over Otaua River Wairere Creek Bridge (Horeke Settlement) Waiotu Bridge (Hutchinson's) Whangarei Heads Wharf Wharf extension, Waipu Cemetery Wharf extension £ 500 400 700 300 300 100 100 1,000 19 1,000 1,000 500 200 745 450 1,000 100 £ s. d. 350 0 0 5 6 3 159' 1 9 385 8 7 M. ch. M. ch. 2 59 0 23 M. ch. No. *1 Length. Ft. "50 No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. oh. *4 0 M. ch. Whakatane County. Metalling and improving; see also Vote 119. Whakatane County; £100. Whakatane County. Work proceeding. In charge of Chief Surveyor, Napier. Coromandel County. Bridge, 24 ft. ; 76 c. yd. filling; 40c. yd.stonebroken. Office rent; pay of Assistant at Te Kuiti; and expenses in connection with Local Bodies Grants, &o. Mongonui County. 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 100 200 100 160 300 200 100 100 100 100 50 50 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 130 2 0 i 3 3 100' 0 0 50' 0 0 010 0 1 0 52 1 1 1 1 1 75 30 30 51 "72 8 i '4 126 "l5 "70 0*25 010 Whangaroa County. Bay of Islands County. Contract in hand; repairs. Whangarei County ; wood culverts. Whangarei County. Whangarei County; wharf lengthened. Whangarei County. * Fern Flat Village Settlement; also IB ch. dray-road. Swanson Village Settlement; 10 ch. dray-road. •

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413 t Mangakahia Bridge (to aocount) 1,600 86 13 7 1 440 414 Waiotama Bridge (Maungatapere to Tangiteroria) 200 • • •' • • • • •• • • • • • • 415 Wairoa Bridge, Tangiteroria (to account).. 400 *200 Hobson County. 416 Hardie's Bridge (repairs) 150 150' 0 0 1 Otamatea County. 417 Ruapo Wharf 338 284 7 3 See Tokatoka Swamp No. 2. 418 Slater's Bridge (Paparoa) 200 419 Mangawai Bridge (to account) 300 Rodney County. 420 Hoteo Bridge 160 79 3 2 019 421 Mahurangi Bridge (Warkworth) 400 7 5 10 Contract in hand. 422 North Albert-Te Arai (bridges) 50 Rodney County. 423 Gleneden Bridge (Warkworth-Matakana) 150 „ 424 Muddy Mouth Greek Bridge 150 «• < 425 Puhoi Bridge 90 010 0 0 5 Dept. and Rodney Couny. 426 Puhoi and Makarau Bridges (repairs to two bridges) 150 104 9 0 1 "60 Rodney County. 427 Hoteo Bridge (West Coast Road), repairs.. 200 428 Upper Makarau Bridge 200 200' 0 0 1 "97 429 Makarau Bridge 340 311 4 8 • • mt 1 126 430 Warkworth Wharf (£1 for £1) 50 431 Matakana Wharf (Mahurangi Heads) 200 100' 0 0 Rodney County ; wharf reerected. 432 Mahurangi Wharf 260 260 0 0 Rodney County; wharf, 42 ft. by 12 ft. 433 Tangiteroria Bridge (to account), £1 for £1 300 Hobson County. 434 Omu Wharf (Avoca) 75 7011 6 Wharf, 62 ft.; and T. 25 ft. 435 Okahu River Bridge 200 Hobson County. 436 Whangaparoa Wharf 75 Waitemata County. 437 Oakley Creek Bridge (£1 for £1) 400 Avondale Road Board. 438 Orakei Bridge (repairs) 27 Work in charge of Public Works Department. 439 Whau Bridge (£1 for £1) 200 Waitemata County. 440 Awhitu Road Wharf 114 28 11 0 0 55 0 55 Awhitu Road Board. 441 Panmure Wharf (repairs) 100 > 442 Otahuhu Wharf 100 Otahuhu Road Board. 443 Tarnaki Bridge (Panmure) 700 288' 3 3 In charge of Public Works 444 Miranda Wharf 100 Department. 445 Tuakau Bridge (to account) - 500 206 10 10 2 0 Boring for foundations, &o. 446 Waipa Bridge (Ngaruawahia) .. 209 46 11 6 447 Waitetuna Bridge 200 58 ft. bridge partly com448 Hamilton Traffic- bridge (£1 for £1) 200 pleted by Raglan County. 449 Cambridge Bridge (repairs), £1 for£l 300 99 14 10 Repairs partly done by Waipa County. 450 Puniu Bridge 60 24 2 10 Repairs to deck. 451 Rotorua Wharf 400 260 18 7 Timber cut, and nearly all carted to site. 452 More a Bridge 800 42 5 4 Tender let for construction of bridge. 453 Whatiwhatihoe Bridge 600 810 7 0 Bridge repaired throughout. 454 O'Shea's Bridge, Pakoka Stream 10 1 "35 Completed, but not yet 455 Kawhia Wharf 100 oharged. 456 Kaiti Bridge 230 200* 0 0 1 "40 Executed by Tauranga Co. 457 Ake Ake Bridge 100 458 Kaituna Stream Bridge 150 Tauranga County.

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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, 1900— continued.

234

o f5 <D 6 S5 a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. a-o Expenditure from 1st April, 1899. to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Ofi .2 Efl ® s? 11 g Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. o i> 0} at 3 a A H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. 97 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. —contd. Auckland —continued. Ruahihi Bridge (Tauranga-Cambridge) .. Maketu Wharf Waikato Bridge, Waiotapu (to account) .. Wbakatane County bridges (£1 for £1) Whakatane Wharf (repairs) Mangatu Improved- farm Settlement Awatuna Improved-farm Settlement Rangatira (Opanaki-Hokianga) Improvedfarm Settlement Katui Improved-farm Settlement Paemako (Karu-o-te-Whenua) Improvedfarm Settlement Terauamoa Improved-farm Settlement .. Waipu River (deepening), £1 for £1 Tokatoka Swamp (drainage, road, and tramway) Raupo Wharf (water-supply) Mangakahia River (snagging) £ 200 100 1,133 200 250 169 567 812 318 839 500 200 1,500 60 100 £ s. d. 200 0 0 1,145 2 3 131 12 4 50 6 6 183 11 10 209 12 10 54 17 11 155 12 0 5218 11 M. cb. M. ch. M. ch. 0 8 No. 1 1 Length. Ft. 56 232 No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Tauranga County; erecting 1 span and concrete pier. Tauranga County. Also for painting. Whakatane County. n See also Item 200. Advances for buildings, fencing, &c. 287 acres of bush felled; advances for buildings, &c. See Vote 119, Item No. 31; also additions to house. Number of river - beds cleaned. Hobson County. Waipipi Road Board. Aka Aka Drainage Board; 40 ch. drains. Aka Aka Road Board. Erection of cattle - yards,, and of punt, new rope, &c.; Raglan Co.; removing punt to new site ; new approaches, &c. Waipa County. General maintenance to all Govt, buildings, baths, and public property. Maintenance; renewed ser-vice-pipes ; additions, &o. General maintenance. 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482 483 484 Aratapu-Mitatai Perry-service, Wairoa River (subsidy) Tatariki Swamp (drainage), £1 for £1 Otaua Swamp (drainage and road) Aka Aka Swamp (drainage and road) Aka Aka Swamp (£1 for £1, Eastern drain) Mercer Punt Churchill Punt on Waikato River Whatawhata Swamp (drainage and road).. Rotorua, Works at (to account) Rotorua Water-supply Whakarewarewa (baths, paths, and supervision) 25 100 50 100 50 120 100 150 5,000 700 200 50 0 0 52 ,10 0 46 14 7 100 0 0 25 0 0 5,286 11 6 289 3 10 166 4 1 15' 0 1 40 0' 2 15 0 • " i" 8 2' 0 1 45 •• ••

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235

485 Waiotapu Springs 486 Ta Aroha and Waitoa Drains 487 Te Aroha Sanatorium-Hot Springs and Domain 488 Tauranga County (flood damages) 489 Papamoa Nos. 1 aud 2, Special Settlement (drainage) 490 Taupo Domain (plantation, baths, &c.) .. 491 Opepe Stock-paddock, Taupo-Napier Road (fencing, &c.) 492 Tokaanu Baths and Water-supply Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Auckland HAWKE'S BAY. 493 Opotiki-East Cape (main road) 494 Kawakawa-Hick's Bay 495 Pukeamaru 496 Whakaangiangi 497 Ahomatariki 498 Awanui-Tikitiki-Kawakawa 499 Whareponga-Reporua 500 Waipiro-Mata 501 Mata Valley 502 Waihuka 503 Waipiro-Te Puia-Hikiwai 504 Waipiro Hot Springs-Tokomaru 505 Waipiro Hot Springs-Tologa Bay 506 Waipu-Kawakawa 507 Tauwhareparae-Crown lands 508 Tauwhareparae-Tokamaru 509 Gisborne via Tologa Bay-Hick's Bay (main road) 510 Motu Road (widening) 511 Gisborne-Opotiki (main road) .. 512 Waikohu-Motu 513 Pakarae Road and Punt 514 Gisborne-Rotorua (stock), main road 200 243 700 10 125 300 250 500 14 14 6 171 6 0 9 3 6 . 52 2 1 3*49 .. 060 1 48 •• •• •• 1 48 Ohinemuri Co., Lands and Survey Department, and Public Works Department have work in hand. Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain Board; repairs to hot-water pipes, &c. Tauranga County. Also drains, and repairs to Ruakihi Bridge; Tauranga County. Contract for timber for baths let; Taupo Domain Board. Including a dividing-fence (97 ch. fencing, 7 wires). Work done last year by Waiapu Co. on 27 m.; the other 60 m. being in Opotiki Co., on which maintenance has been done. Waiapu County. Waiapu County ; 2,200 c. yd. slips removed. Waiapu County. Waiapu and Cook Counties. Dept. and Wbakatane Co.; Tahora Bridge. Cook County. 17 m. 61 oh. bush felled and cleared ; and culverts. 123187 92304 59,903' 10 4 99 53 294 62 J 32' 3J 69 3| 378 795 14°811 287*40J 22'54 821 '64 109 49 400 250 250 250 250 500 150 300 200 243 1,000 200 500 500 200 150 800 1,500 800 1,500 40 1,500 100 0 0 150 0 0 300' 0 0 117 18 8 200 0 0 793 1 4 563 3 9 400 0 0 1,959' 0 5 4 0 043 i 23 3 47 1 65 O'IO 2 0 2 14 140 6'52 142 1 " "36 31 6 19 50 21 6 310 120 402 l|il8 438 701 104 411 2 0§ 60 0 18* 0 48* 0

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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, 1930— continued.

236

6 c o is a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. W) a . S >. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. o V t— 1 '3)3 ACQ m Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. 97 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Haiuke's Bay —continued. Tologa-Anaura Tologa-Arakihi Tologa Hill Waiapu inland (main road) Pakarae.. Tauwhareparae-Arakihi Waimata-Tauwhareparae Puatai Hill Wainui Te Arai Ruakituri Valley to connect with Gisborne Gisborne-Waikaremoana (main road) £ 200 231 300 500 200 300 800 300 300 3p0 500 2,000 £ s. d. 100 10 2 250 0 0 199 19 10 300 0 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 1,06517 11 M. ch. M. ch. 075 0 33 2 71 0 40 0 Hi M. ch. 0 6 No. Length. Ft. No. 4 6 Length. Ft. ioo 32 64 ' *81 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Cook County. Department and Cook Co. Cook County. Worked in conjunction with W aimata-Tauwhareparae by Cook County. Cook County, Te Arai Road Board. Maintenance, including pay527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 541 542 543 544 545 Frasertown-Waikaremoana Hangaroa-Tiniroto Wairoa-Gisborne (main road) Nuhaka-Gisborne .. Nuhaka No. 1 Muriwai-Mahia Nuhaka Springs Nuhaka Springs-Boat Harbour Springs-Waikokupu Tunanui-Mahia Wairoa-Mahia Upper and Lower Mohaka (£1 for £1) Runanga-Pohui (main road) Napier-Wairoa (main road) Puketitiri Whakarara Road and Bridge Ruahine Ruahine Block approach Norsewood-Apiti (see also Wellington District) Ormondville-Waikopiro 500 1,000 500 2,500 305 300 500 300 200 300 200 100 2,300 5,000 250 200 400 252 250 623 13 5 250 0 0 2,149' 16 3 42 0 9 199 15 0 62 1 0 1,226 14 7 9,222 11 11 250 0 0 294 13 7 267 5 3 12 0 051 18 49 2' 3 9*461 0 55J 1 18 21 50 0 48 029 1 7 *5 54 "2 20 120 1,011 40 "io6 1,010 * *36 3 6 0 11 4 0 40* 0 36 0 ments on work returned last year. Cook County. Wairoa and Cook Counties. Cook County. Wairoa Road Board. Wairoa County. 24,576 cub. yd. slips cleared. 2,835J cub. yd. metalled by Hawke's Bay County. See Ruahine Blk. approach. Metalling 11 chains. 546 400 46 5 6 • • • • Work returned in March 547 Waikopiro 750 904 6 11 •• •• 3 66 55 1,025 4 40 24 0 last Includes 1J m. of bush, 10 bridges, 55 culverts; 1,173 c. yd. slips removed.

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31—C. 1.

237

548 Dannevirke-Tamaki 100 • Dannevirke Road Board. 549 Dannevirke-Tiratu 200 . , 550 Dannevirke-Weber-Wimbledon 500 500 0 0 •• 1,691 c. yd. metal put on by Weber Road Board. 551 Holders 100 100 0 0 0 6 Includes alteration to bridge, and 637 c. yd. of metalling by Kumeroa Road Board. 552 Tahukaratu Bridge and Road (to connect with main road) 200 -• Weber Road Board. 553 Oporae 600 436 4 5 1 73 1 3 1 0 1 3 1 0 Under charge of Chief Sur554 Manawatu Bridge to Whetukura School 250 0 16 0 , , veyor, Wellington. (metalling) 555 Elsthorpe 250 Oero Road Board. 556 Contingencies and engineering Waimata (Ackroyd's) Bridge 200 557 100 67 10 0 0 20 Cook County. 558 Waimoku Bridge 500 500 0 0 0 26 1 140 n 559 Turehau Bridge 300 300 0 0 0 0J 1 100 n 560 Te Reinga Palls Bridge 300 300 0 0 0 23 1 40 Wairoa County. 561 Nuhaka Bridge (to account) 600 ( 562 Mohaka Bridge (to account) 6,500 2,76114 9 * * Cylinders down ; framing of superstructure; material on ground. 563 Makaroro Bridge (and approaches) 400 Waipawa County. 564 Manawatu Bridge (Waikopiro) 1,140 897 13 11 1 188 565 Makotuku Bridge (to account), £1 for £1 .. 250 tt ■ 566 Tahikarite Bridge (near Weber) 200 Patangata County. 567 Waikopiro Improved-farm Settlement 600 437 0 4 Worked in conjunction with 568 Pouparae Settlement (drainage) 100 •• •• Waikopiro Block. Amount authorised by the House — 47,311 Expenditure limited by the House to 35,450 •• -- Total —Hawke's Bay 28,939 15 8 39 16 50 28J 17 9 5 504 267 7,249 5 17* 163 43 73 0 TARANAKI. 569 Tunnel Taumaranui 250 In charge of Road Surveyor, Te Kuiti. 570 Mokau River Bridle-traok 100 -- No work done or survey made. 571 Mimi-Mokau 3,000 4,955 0 1 5 78 11 72 3 174 98 3,241 0 5 24 18 3,320 c. yd. slips removed ; 93 ch. felling, stumping, and olearing; also 1,110 c. yd. rock easing points ; 6m. 63ch. drains (large) cut. 572 Putiki .. 300 231 11 6 0 30 0 22 •• 1 55 2 50 2 19 795 c. yd. slips removed; 6 ch. drains. 573 Moanatairi Speoial Settlement 208 199 10 3 0 7 0 36 6 0 2-78 m. Tooi Road felled and grassed, stumped, and cleared. 574 Uruti Road 200 •• • • -• •• •• No work done; under Clifton County.

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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, 1900— continued.

238

Expenditure o o from 1st April, 1899. to 3lst a . 'S ? Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. fc 55 Name of Work according to Item on i! March, 1900, & S Remarks. 3 Appropriations. charged to Au■2 *■« o > " thorities issue4 out of the Item named. a Ji Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Eoads, Bbidges, etc. —contd. Length. Length. Taranaki —continued. £ £ s. d. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 575 Moki Junction, Block II., Upper Waitara 200 74 14 9 0 20 . . .. Bridge over Uruti Stream in progress ; timber and ironwork paid for. 576 Moki Road 500 312 2 7 0 13 0 75 1 72 1 0 260 c. yd. slip3 removed; 9 ch. draining and forming ; 1 m. 24 oh. of felling, stumping, and clearing. 577 Mangatawa 200 No work done. 578 Mimi-Mangaroa Road (metalling), £1 for £1 750 17o" 9 1 0*20 J Clifton County. 579 Otaroa Road 160 580 Ureti Township 107 * * * " 581 Tikorangi Road 100 0 58 Tenders invited for work, but declined; price too high. 582 Okoke Road 300 3 18 0 1 0 •• Works stopped before any contracts completed, in 4 consequence of reduction; see also Okoke Block, Vote 119, Item 84. 583 Junction Road, Purangi (£l*for'£l) 750 •• •• 2 0 Under charge of Clifton Co.; 1 m. in progress. 584 Junction Road (widening) 800 738 15 9 1 54 1 54 22 561 0 6 4 40 6 0 415 c. yd. slips removed; work very heavy; suspended through want of funds. 585 Pukemahoe Road 100 1 20 0 18 0 57 .. 6 147 ,. 1 0 Work in progress. 586 Mataro Road 200 •• . •• •• Felling 1 m. 46 ch.; charged to Kaipikari Blook. 587 Kaipikari deviation 250 259 16 0 0 56 0 56 10 244 0 56 Completed. 588 Ngatoto.. 200 112 0 1 1 30 0 71 .. 1 "30 10 157 1 0 Work in progress. 589 Milsom and Tanner 200 122 19 7 0 40 . , 2 112 1 21 3 0 590 Douglas and Tunipo Roads (£1 for £1), to account 300 •• *• Stratford County have work in hand. 591 Koru-Plymouth (£1 for £1) i .. 300 300 0 0 3 0 Oakura Road Board ; 12 ft. t wide, 7 in. deep. 592 Egmont (metalling), £1 for £1.. 400 400 0 0 . ., 3 40 Moa Road Board ; 12 ft. wide, 8 in. deep. 593 Kent Road 150 109 8 10 1 9 1 9 " 1 60 13 224 * * 1 0 • Work in progress : improving access to Block VI., Egmont.

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239

594 595 596 Maude Road Newall and Tohu Roads Carrington Road 100 150 100 78 19 10 46 2 6 0 45 0 35 0 39 0 35 0 40 7 120 •• •• 1 0 Improving access to Block VI., Egmont. 20 chains felled, stumped, and cleared ; 5 a. = 50 ch. felled. 35 chains felled, stumped, and cleared ; work in pro597 Upper Carrington Road (through Patua Block) Pitone Road (£1 for £1) .. Waiweranui .. .. 300 .. .. gress. Work in progress. 598 599 200 150 3 5 3 0 12 -- •• •• •• -• •• •• Survey of road made. For Waitaha Bridge, Parihaka Road; timber being cut. 4J miles 7 ft. track, Surrey Road. No work done ; Road Board cannot provide subsidy. 2 miles felled, stumped, and cleared ; work in progress ; slips removed, 18,670 c. yd.; Taranaki end. 3 m. 6 ch. logging done; 4 temporary bridges erected; Mangaroa Bridge in hand ; Auckland end. 18 ch., Kohuratabi, felled, stumped, and cleared; slips removed, 2,370 c. yd. Also two tunnels in rock very heavy exoavations in rock. Stratford County; balance in progress, 260 eh.; cost, £2,514. Also 8 acres = 80 ch. roads felled ; also 123 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared; also slips, 368 c. yd. Stratford County. Stratford County ; loan carried, £900. Stratford County. 41 chains draining. Under Stratford County; still in progress, 120 ch.; cost, £800. 1 m. 53 oh. felled and 600 601 602 603 604 Mount Egmont (tracks and huts) Patua Road (£1 for £1) Ohura Main Road .. Kohuratahi-Tangarakau Putikituna 500 200 8,000 « 600 800 50 0 0 7,747 16 10 512 18 10 653 8 9 5 20 1 10 5 66 3 23 2 70 2 0 0 70 2 1 205 45 162 21 8 4,150 390 ' 180 3 20 •• 71 0 2 40 12 0 2 0 3 40 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 Taihore (widening), £1 for £1 (to account) Terrace End Akama .. .. .. • ... Makuri and Akama (£1 for £1) Makuri Road through Township Reserve .. Makuri Road West Mohakau Mangaotuku 1,000 300 300 200 100 100 250 300 500 0 0 138 8 11 99*18 0 200 0 0 1 56 ' * i 68 5 0 3' 0 2 63 0 41 1 2 50 "50 53 37 i 22 1,384 608 "24 700 •• 8 0 7 0 613 Gatton. Special Settlement 300 271 0 10 1 56 0 12 1 56 28 441 10 0 614 615 Mangaehu Track (widening) Mangaehu and Llewellyn Special Settlement 100 200 187 19 5 0 60 3 60 oleared. Also removal 245 c. yd. slips. See Terrace End —Vote 97, Items 606 and 618.

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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, 1900— continued.

240

i Vote No. o' £ a <v Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899. to 31st March. 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Koads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Le"figth. Length. Taranaki —continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch.* M. ch. 97 616 Brewer, Kirai, Makahu, Mangaehu, Mur300 Stratford County ; loan eott (to account) being raised, £1,775. 617 Pembroke ., 100 65 9 0 1 12 1 12 3 44 • • 1 12 Completed. 618 Puniwhakau 200 34 5 1 4 45 .. 0 24 6 84 , , 6 0 57 ch. felled, stumped, and and cleared; 50 ch. felled; 619 part charged toMangaehu Wingrove 50 and Llewellyn. 620 Tututawa Road 300 Stratford County ; 1J miles widening; also bridge over Mangaotuku Stream has been let. 621 Hurimoana Road 60 , . ,, Work in progress. 622 Mangamingi Township 51 a. = 25 ch. road felled. 623 Rawhitiroa Road 500 Nothing done. 624 Tangahoe Valley (£1 tor £1) .. 600 , , .. .. Work not yet commenced ; waiting for road to be handed over by Hawera County. 625 Eltham-Waitotara (£1 for £1) 400* ., ,. No work done. 626 Waitotara Valley 800 628' 8 7 i 7 23 518 8*39 Slips removed and culverts repaired or renewed on 8J miles of road. 627 Nukuhau 100 100 0 0 4 43 .. 4 43 .. 4 43 224 c. yd. slips removed; 345 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared. 628. Mataimoana 300 297 6 5 • • Work shown, Vote 97, Item 629 Motoroa 575 175 0 0 0 53 0 62 0 72 .. 4 56 DOU. 23 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared ; Momohaki Road Board. 630 Okahutiria 100 17 13 9 1 18 1 22 11 199 6 40 412 c. yd. slips removed. 631 Okutuku 300 90 12 4 i 3 9 108 . . 1 3 30 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared; 180 c. yd. slips removed. 632 Central Patea Valley 400 426 10 4 5 5 75 1,625 5 0 2,222 o. yd. slips removed 3 tunnels, 212 ft.; bridle road, 8 ft. wide ; 81 ch. 633 Ball Road 300 ,. felled, stumped, and cleared. 634 Contingencies and Engineering 300 ..

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241

635 Mohakatino Bridge 38 16 18 6 . t . , ,, , # New wings ; north pier protected from sea and floods. 636 Tongoporutu Bridge (to account) 500 Plans and specifications prepared and forwarded Waitara River Bridge (£1 for £1), to acto Wellington. 637 500 No work done; report forcount warded to Wellington. 638 Tikorangi Bridge (approaches) 50 35 18 0 1 30 Bridge lengthened 30ft.,and 639 Purangi Bridge (to account) approach improved. 1,700 1,634 5 8 0 6 1 245 Bridge, approaches, and metalling. 640 Mangaehu Bridge (to account) 300 0 20 * • ■ Plan prepared. 641 Punehu Bridge (to account) 500 2 5 0 0 20 Plans and specifications prepared; tenders invited, not yet accepted. 642 Patea River Bridge, Oxford (Ball Road) .. 250 49 16 0 0 30 , m Also improved ford, and on« 643 Ratatomokia Improved-farm Settlement .. 134 mile of bridle-track. 644 Tongoporutu Improved-farm Settlement . . 410 404 7 3 Expended on Mimi-Mokau Road —Vote 97, Item 571. 645 Derwent Improved-farm Settlement 161 64 11 0 2 18 k 1 39 •• 1 40 3 0 Also 8 oh. of drains; 36 ch. 646 Okau Improved-farm Settlement 254 49 12 5 1 78 \ 1 63 23 393 2 40 grassed. 18 ch. draining ; one house \ erected; 15 ac. grassed. 647 Greenlands Improved-farm Settlement .. 126 90 18 10 5 12 1 0 2 36 Grubbing out blackberries. 648 Uruti Improved-farm Settlement 260 114 13 5 2 42 0 60 i 20 Bridge in progress; timber and ironwork paid for. 649 Burfoot (Mangapoua) Improved - farm 190 173 11 1 0 23 1 71 21 210 2 0 190 c. yd. slips removed; 650 Settlement 12 acres grassed. Whangamomona Improved-farm Settle800 768 18 0 2 12 2 2 13 431 3 20 5 20 Formation Prospect Road ; ment improvements, Mangaere and Whangamomona Roads; also 460 acres * grassed, and 223 acres 651 Mangaere Improved-farm Settlement 179 133 13 0 0 52 felled. Sanding Ohura Road ; and grass- seed for roads. 652 Huiroa Improved-farm Settlement 75 ' 3 18 4 .. . . Work now in progress; roadMaata Improved-farm Settlement formation. 658 123 0 5 0 Premium on house. 654 Ngaire Improved-farm Settlement 255 49 9 0 0 60 One house erected. 655 Poti Improved-farm Settlement 73 656 Taumatatahi (Waitotara) Improved-farm 106 20 19 0 016 *2 "36 Service -road improved; Settlement grass-seed for clearing. 657 Tawai Improved-farm Settlement 158 10 19 7 One house erected. 658 Mokau Ferry-service 200 5 12 8 659 Tangarakau River, clearing (to account) .. 150 77 16 0 3' 0 , . Clearing steamer-channel. 660 Patea River (snagging) 60 •• Nothing done. Amount authorised by the House 37,563 Expenditure limited by the House to 28,146 Total —Taranaki •• 24,023 18 11 51*51 43*22 34*40 "l7 M28 695 16 [424 12 63 J 5*40 115*32 103*38

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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, 1900— continued.

242

Expenditure d o *3 S rri from 1st April, 1899, to 31st a . •r 1 aa Roads constructed: Improved. Maintained. <0 & a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. o -2 March, 1900, charged to Au2 > Remarks .5 * o > © thorities issued out of the Item named. CO 3 G 0Q W Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. —contd. Length. Length. M. ch. WELLINGTON. £ £ s. a. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 661 662 Otoia District Makotuku Valley .. 200 200 •• 663 Upper Waitotara Valley 110 440 1 9 .. See Vote 97, Item 626, Taranaki. 664 Puao Road (£1 for £ 1) 250 . . .. Waitotara-Momahaki Road Board. 665 Retaruke Valley 500 348 17 5 14 9 4 16 8 70 5,600 ft. of sawn totara. 666 Kaitieke-Tawata 250 667 Waimarino 400 205 0 1 1 56 018 i 26 6*37 14 74 668 Waimarino Road (metalling) .. 300 669 Rotoaira-Waimarino 100 99~ 9 4 18 0 670 Wanganui 500 313 10 4 016 0 34 252 "5 i.06 0 34 6 6 6T1 Clifton .. 300 160 5 1 1 69 1 28 6 129 4 31 3 71 672 Mangawhero-Murimotu 200 189 16 9 40 0 673 Mangawhero-Mangatiti (metalling) 200 674 Pipiriki-Ohakune 400 .. 675 Pipiriki-Waiouru (main road).. 3,000 1,887' 0 11 0 20 0 20 i "28 1 24 41 60 5,948 c. yd. stripping; 1,209 c. yd. shell rock broken; 676 Raetihi Township roads 100 65 1 0 0 70 0 70 677 Raetihi-Obura (main road) 1,000 750 587 8 10 0*50 6' 7 2 7 9 182 i 75 837 2 17 70 ch. metal patching; 678 Raetihi-Parapara .. 630 0 1 3 7 2 9 10 120 2 74 12 39 20ch. fascines ; lm. 24 ch. / new metalling. 679 Taumaranui-Oh akun e 400 38 16 0 0 10 0 73 4 75 *22 10 42 20 *16 m. in Auckland District. 680 Rangiwaea 500 369 14 6 4'36 1 70 6 124 438 ch. of road-lines felled. 681 Otaranoho 300 146 0 6 017 1 22 017 157 682 Hautapu Main Road 150 147 8 6 0*26 0 67 5 ioo 0 67 683 Moawhanga-Te Horo (main road.) 300 73 10 0 5 40 684 Huikumu 130 29 16 5 0 57 0 20 225 685 Turakina Valley 800 665 18 3 4 24 2 75 6 120 10 75 686 Ruanui 2a and 3a .. ; 200 40 6 0 5 45 687 Ohingaiti-Tokaanu (main road) 2,000 1,342 4 7 i 30 4 31 93* 10 3,175 c. yd. of metal patch688 Turakina Valley Extension 400 044 2 40 0 44 ing. 689 Taihape Township roads 200 145 11 10 050 i 0 7 154 i' 0 690 Taihape-Paengaroa 800 759 19 10 2 40 2 16 25 515 5 50 0 50 691 Weston Road 200 2 28 692 Gorge-Ohutu Improved-farm Settlement.. 170 68* 9 10 0 75 1 23 693 Hunterville, I., II., III. 1,200 1,186 1 1 14 39 829 18 218 28'47 275 ch. of road-lines felled. 694 Pohonuiotane Block 300 2 12 , . 0 41 207 ch. of road-lines felled. 695 Sommerville 250 . . 696 Tekapua 1,000 730" 14 0 4 42 0 73 3 35 31 466 073 29*42

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243

697 Awarua 1,500 1,108 18 3 10 41 0 61 8 36 17 281 4 37 29 47 Road Surveyors Murray and 698 Watershed Road .. 263 258 2 3 . . 0 42 8 160 0 42 Reaney. 699 Makohine Valley 250 1,207 5 8 2 53 3 47 50 ch. road-lines felled. 700 Murray's Track 400 16 12 0 3 43 701 Manawatu Gorge to Fitzherbert Road 60 702 Fitzherbert-Tokomaru 200 Fitzherbert Road Board. 703 Pahiatua-Palmerston (to account) 1,250 2,729 10 9 i 13 38 1 jo82 4*69 840 7 ch. metalling; 4 m. 62 ch. 704 Apiti-Rangiwahia * improving; wood culverts. 100 Authority received. 705 Norsewood-Apiti (see also Hawke's Bay) .. 500 73*14 7 Work done last year. 706 Coal Creek Bridge and Road (Pohangina 500 "Valley to Makiekie Road), £1 for £1 707 Umutoi-Table Plat 100 82 14 0 708 Umutoi Survey District 200 709 Main Road, Mangoira-Coal Creek (main 500 0 13 road) 710 Oroua-Coal Creek Road (£1 for £1) 200 711 Pohangina 200 47 17 0 Bushfelling on Umutoi Road, &c. 712 Pohangina Valley Forest Reserve 150 Pohangina County. 713 Pohangina-Woodville 100 . , 714 Woodville, Malton Block 50 Authority received ; work Malton detained for winter. 715 400 204 3 0 0 29 6 63 0 35 0 40 1 40 Woodville- Ashhurst Road and By-road No. 1; 34fch. widened to dray - road 716 Kawatau Valley Road width; culverts wood. 1,500 1,106 18 4 0 37 2 58 9 90 1 47 0 17 4 60 6 0 Culverts wood ; 17 chains of 717 Kew 50 7 7 0 . . ,, 1 48 bridle-road widened. 718 Hautapu 123 36 9 10 2 "40 5 50 Mangarere, Cross, and Watershed Roads Hautapu No. 2 culverts wood. 719 500 281 15 0 1 60. 1 41 14 144 . . 12 15 Mangarere and Peka Roads; t culverts wood. 720 Hautapu-Ruahine 600 14 6 0 .. 1 20 . , 2 45 11 50 Lagoon, Main South, and West Mangahuia Roads; Mangawharariki culvert wood. 721 1,000 739 7 9 .. . . 0 16 11 40 16 ohains metalling. 722 Pemberton-Wairaki (Pukerimu) 38 67 0 1 .. . . .. . # 0 3 .. 4 0 3 chains metalling. 723 Marton, 1 and 2 750 575 10 10 3 3 0 24 4 110 1 40 5'50 East Mangahuia, Titirangi, Mania, Mangatohu, and Pourangaki Valley Roads, 1 m. 40 ch. widened from 724 Onslow 6 ft. to 10 ft.; culverts 200 . , wood. 725 Mangamoko (£1 for £1) 200 . . ., Kiwitea County. 726 Kelpie 200 46* 1 6 011 120 11 chains metalling. 727 Lagoon Road 100 .. .. Included under HautapuRuahine —Vote 97, Item 728 Lagoon Road (widening) 50 720. 729 Auputa Road and Bridge 500 330 9 1 ,, # # 0 73 0 25 120 6 0 73 chains metalling; 25 730 Conspicuous Road 100 2 3 8 ,. . . .. . , , , . . chains widening from 6 ft. 731 Umutoi 165 86 16 5 015 0 15 •• 2' 0 to 16 ft.

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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, 1900— continued.

244

Expenditure G o from 1st Aoril, 1S99. to 3ist •r 1 co Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. S5 <0 Y, a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. tZ ~ o ® March. 19 0. charged to Ausi Rem.rks. •S o © thorities issued out of the Item named. an 3 S3 cG H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. ! Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Wellington —continued. Length. Length. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 732 Mania Road 200 3 7 6 Included under Marton, 1 733 McBeth's Road, and Birmingham to 400 and 2—Vote 97, Item 723. McBeth's Road 734 Kimbolton 500 i541 16 3 See Te Para Para Road, 735 Thompson's V 133 0 12 6 Onslow Block. 736 Ballance-Manawatu Gorge 500 1,026 2 3 035 0 11 2 0 737 Mangaramarama Village (metalling) 100 Pahiatua County. 738 Hall Special Settlement 800 676 14 4 3*28 *77 6'13 J 5 20 Central and Cross Roads, 5£. ch widened to 16 ft.; 739 Woodville-Aohanga 550 966 2 9 1 160 4 0 9 0 8 ch. metalled ; culverts wood. 740 Mangatoro-Coonoor Valley 300 78 1 1 0 5 0 60 6 40 30 ch. metalled; 30 ch. 741 Makairo-Kumeroa 360 103 3 3 0 20 1 40 metalling repaired. 742 Makairo 150 75 15 6 0 21 0 13 J 1 40 740 Widening, 2 ch.; metalling, 11J ch. 743 Makairo-Coonoor Road 300 4 0 0 Work detained for winter. 744 Kumeroa-Coonoor 100 . . 745 Coonoor Farm Homestead Association 350 209 12 2 Work done on Makairo Road, Vote 97, Item 742. 746 Towai 100 139 16 9 0 75 0 78 3 0 1 0 75 ch. re-formation; 75ch. Upper Makuri Valley metalling; 3ch. widening. 747 300 62 8 5 0 40 0 365 10 0 40 ch. re-formation; 36J ch. metalling. 748 Mangaramarama Village Settlement 100 Pahiatua County. 749 Pahiatua Railway-station (repairs), £1 for 204 o o o CM Pahiatua County; widen£1 ing, &c., of Mangahao Road from Railway-sta-tion to Pahiatua Bo750 Eglington Road (Kaitawa District) 100 9 • • rough. 751 Ngaturi-Aohanga 500 307 19 0 6 43 201 chains bushfelling. 752 Manuhara (widening) 200 . , See Pahiatua No. 1—Vote 753 Waiakiaki (formation) 200 97, Item 821. 754 Nikau-Omata 100 66 15 11 0 3 0 3 2 0 3 chains metalling. 755 Tutaekara-Nikau 200 104 10 1 027 0 18 4 64 0 3 0 40 2 0 3 ch. metalling ; oulverts 756 Mangahao-Tutaekara 150 wood. 757 Ohinereiata Road 50 10 13 0 o'lij 6'lli .. 758 Upper Tiraumea Valley 400 269 5 8 Work included with Tiraumea Valley return —Vote 97, Item 761. 759 Toritea-Makuri 400 575 9 11 0 15J .. .. .. 2 69 .. 2 m. 69 ch. metalling.

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760 Waewaepa 100 No married men available. 761 Tiraumea Valley 400 212* 2 8 046 159 10*40 40 chains metal rounded up ; 99 chains metalled. 762 Makuri, Section 12, Block X. .. 50 763 Waiwera 500 261 8 9 i 0 0*33f 2 '45 2 0 2 0 Kopikopiko Road included; culverts wood. 764 Kaitawa Ridge Road 500 767 4 0 5 7 1 58 3 0 3 0 1 m. 58 eh. road widened. 765 Makuri Township 100 18 16 8 041 2 0 41 chains metalling repairs. 766 Makuri-Aohanga (Rakaunui) 1,000 1,103 0 3 1 "40 15 427 2 7§ 4 74 i'30 1 m. 77 ch. road widened; 10J ch, road metalled; culverts wood. 767 Makuri-Pongaroa 2,500 2,366 10 2 0 52 34 809 4 334 18 0 3 m. 10 ch. road widened; ft 1 mile 33J chains road W metalled; culverts wood. 768 Range Road-Pongaroa (widening) 200 1 6 10 No constructive work done; waiting for survey. 769 Te Aupapa Road (metalling) 200 Pahiatua County. 770 McKenzie Special-settlement Block (Tutae150 4710 9 i'234 1 6 060 Mangamaire and Smith's kara Railway-station) Road ; 60 eh. metalling. 771 Akitio River Road (Mount Woolf) 500 248 13 2 4 25 0 65 3 68 0 56 0 56 3 64 Culverts wood. 772 Ihakara's Reserve (Levin), Road through 150 74 7 0 1 59 Horowhenua County. 773 Gladstone 150 774 Waikanae-Te Horo (main road) 500 „ 775 Christchurch Association 550 192 16 10 0 18 "2 22 2*69 2* 0 Utewai and Puketoi Roads; culverts wood. 776 Kunare 200 136 13 10 148J chains bushfelling. 777 Pa Valley 371 200 12 4 2 37 0 31 3 69 2*23 Culverts wood. 778 Eketahuna-Alfredton (main road) 50 779 Alfredton-Tenui (contribution), main road 180 180* 0 0 0 19 i 53 4 390 Wairarapa North County; culverts wood. 780 Bowen's-Hastwell 150 58 19 0 1 41 0 28 5 119 1 0 Culverts wood. 781 Kaiparoro 83 82 12 3 0 38 3 52 „ 782 Between Masterton to Eketahuna (via 200 No work done. Mount Bruce) 783 Mangamahoe 200 784 Mount Baker (Tawataia Tollgate), Manga400 212' 0 0 0 46 mahoe 785 West Road 150 Work in progress. 786 Wingate Road .. .. .. 380 180* 0 0 077 i *14 Wairarapa North County ; 787 Mataikona-Pakowai Road (in Block XIII.) 150 wood culvert. 788 Wainui-o-mata (from Glendonald-Wairere 100 Upper Taueru Road Board. Road to Education Reserve, Upper Taueru District) 789 Kakaamu 200 200 0 0 2 70 Masterton Road Board; 2 m. 70 ch. metalling. 790 Plat Bush 50 0 39 2 82 Wairarapa North County ; wood culverts. 791 Lang's 100 Upper Taueru Road Board. 792 Lang's Section (Wairere), Dagg's Road (£1 250 100' 0 0 210 V for £1) 793 Barton's 550 79 18 3 4 5 0 9 12 101 Wood culverts. 794 Barton's-Mangamahoe Junction 500 500 0 0 1 61 2 1 9 181 795 Barton's-McQuarrie's Boundary 150 150 0 0 Work included under Bar1 ton's —Vote 97, Item 793.

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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, 1900— continued.

246

1 Expenditure o 6 . O qA from 1st April, 1899, to Blst a . '2 £. . Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. £ © £ a Name oi Work according to Item on Appropriations. 5 © O March, 1900, charged to Au- © „ © £ Remarks. o $ 4-< thorities issued out of the Item named. MS a: n W Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 It. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Wellington—continued. Length. Length. £ £ e. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 796 797 Dagg's Eoad Ihurawa Road to Barton's Line (£1 for £1) 100 150 Maurieeville County. Wairarapa North County. 798 Bideford Road, via Mangapakeha (£1 for £1) 200 100' 0 0 2~ 4 2' 4 27 Castle Point Road Board ; wood culverts. 799 Tawatahia 250 1 13 1 ■ No work done ; advertising tenders. 800 Te Maru 400 120 11 0 0 26 0 13 5 76 0 4 4 chains metalling; wood culverts. 801 East Coast Road-Masterton 200 802 Tenui Bridge and Road (contribution) 450 "l 148 "V Wairarapa North County; work nearly oompleted. 803 Tinui Valley 200 18 5 6 1 17 Advertising tenders. 804 Spur Road (Waikawa to King Creek) 300 805 Uruti-Castlepoint .. 100 Wairarapa North County. 806 Ruamahanga Ford and Road 200 807 Kaiwhata Runs (Kaiwhata-Chalmers) 200 40 2 11 i' 0 127 ii 204 i 0 Wood culverts. 808 Kaiwhata- Chalmers Road (extension to Section 394) 50 R. No. 99; settlers could not agree; land withheld that was promised for road. 809 Kaiwhata Valley 150 ,. See Item 810. 810 Kaiwhata Run 49 .. 200 173' 14 2 3 72 i 8 6 "74 Wood culverts. 811 Kaiwhata-Rewa 116 74 4 0 Work included in.Kaiwhata Runs —Vote 97,. Item 807. 812 Mangaoronga 200 0 31 Bketahuna County. 813 Mangaparapara (£1 for £1) 100 814 Rewa Survey District, Small - grazing 150 142 3 10 5 21 i 0 8 i62 Wood culverts. ft Run 51 815 Smith's Road 130 •• Included under Vote 97, Item 770 ; Maurieeville Utewai Road County. „ 816 500 Included under Vote 97, Item 775. 817 Mangaraupi and Mangaroa No. 2 Roads .. 300 See Stirling Block roads — 818 Wangaehu Road (£1 for £1) 250 .. Vote 97, Item 851. 819 Hukanui-Masterton Special Settlement .. 153 102 12 1 i'69J 015 i'50 820 Rising Sun Association 600 411 10 1 2 36 211 ii i63 8*17 Towai, North Range, and Karoro Roads ; wood culverts. 821 ! Pahiatua No. 1 204 422 18 0 0 43 8 88 4 0 Manuhara Road; wood culverts.

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822 Pahiatua No. 2 .. 203 419 5 6 0 23 2 25 1 36 37 512 9 46 Waihora, Akaroa, and Kaituna Roads ; wood culverts. 823 Pahiatua No. 3 200 25 11 0 Maintenance of roads. 824 Pahiatua No. 4 300 212 14 10 3 3 2 "72 4*26 Mangatiti Road ; wood culverts. 825 Range Road .. ,. 150 150 0 0 2 40 Grant to Featherston Road Board ; road widened from 6 ft. to 10 ft. 826 Kaituna.. .. .. .. 100 21 5 0 See under Pahiatua No. 2 — Vote 97, Item 822. 827 Masterton Reform Aasooiation 350 148 3 9 3 0 Range Road. 828 Akaroa Street Formation (Pongaroa Town100 Work in progress. ship) 829 Pongaroa School Road (metalling) 100 56 18 1 „ 830 Pongaroa- Aohanga 200 0 5 0 Same as Item 840. 831 Waipatukaka, near Pongaroa 300 269 14 6 060 "2 ' *85 9 139 3 0 Wood culverts. 832 Waihi 450 77 6 8 5 0 0 7 6 54 6 45 u 833 Waihi-Akitio 500 239 11 3 4 63J 6 130 0 38 4' 0 38 chains road widened ; 834 Pongaroa-Akitio Landing (£1 for £1) 300 wood culverts. 835 Kaikoura Farm Homestead Settlement roads 200 197' 9 10 Work included in Pahiatua No. 4 on Mangatiti Road *—Vote 97, Item 824. 836 Akitio River Suspension-bridge Road 175 5 0 11 Bridge-site; Eng. Surveys 837 Puketoi-Aohanga 100 0 838 Huia 500 186 14 1 6' 4 018 3 70 18 chains widened. 839 Aohanga - Aohanga Valley, Section 183, Block IV. 200 Settlers do not agree re fencing. 840 Aohanga Gorge 2,000 2,001 2 5 1 28 1 84 1 20 3 78 Wood culvert. 841 Aohanga-Waiowaka 500 33 13 0 5 0 842 Burlings-Mecalickstone 800 774 17 1 0 18 0 69 1 "60 5 162 0 33J 3 34 0 40 Wood culverts. 843 Mecalickstone 250 195 7 10 • 1 18 4 42 Mecalicksto ne-Aohanga and Waikereru Roads; wood culvert. 844 Mount Arthur Road 100 Included under Akitio Im845 Waiowaka Road Extension 200 161 17 6 1 11 030 2'45 proved Farm —Vote 97, 846 Waihoku Valley 300 48 8 0 3 57 Item 953. 847 Alfredton-Weber (main road) 2,000 2,782 15 8 0 42 4 62 2 57i 29' 20 41 oh. road widened ; 2 m. 16J eh. metalled; wood culverts. 848 Pakowai-Mataikona Settlement roads 200 Authority received; instructions given to survey. 849 Native Land K No. 2, Road to 93 1 1 0 Expended in pegging off road. 850 Kakariki Special Settlement 113 138 19 8 1 14 1 m. 14 oh. road metalled. 851 Stirling Block roads .. 300 i 17 0' 2 3 58 Mangaraupi Road. 852 Hutt Special Settlement 50 853 Wellington No. 2 and Parkville Special Settlement 400 $ 854 North Road, Wellington Special Settlement 100 Eketahuna County. 855 Mangatainoka Valley 250 213' 8 5 0 34 1 32 ii 180 6'33 33 ch. metalling; jwood culverts. 856 Newman-Stirling (main road) 200 Eketahuna County. 857 Kaipororo South-Parkville 200 f' 1 1

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Table 45.—Statement showing the Expenditure and Work done on Roads, &c., under the Control of the Department op Lands and Survey for the Twelve Months ended the 31st March, 1900— continued.

248

Expenditure o o +3 £3 from 1st April, 1899, to Blst a . Koads constructed. Improved. Maintained. <s £5 g Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. S3 S-8 March, 1900, charged to Au- % Remarks. •S o > -M thorities issued out of the Item named. aco K Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. —contd. Length. Length. Wellington —continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. cb. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 858 Parkville-Mangatainoka (main road) 400 69 0 11 2 31 Wood culverts; 1 chain metalling. 859 Kaitangata (Mangatarere and Waiohine) Maugatarere Road 234 232 1 4 078 5 "80 6' 1 860 Waiohine 180 246 14 11 0 63 4 .39 Culverts^wood. 861 Craigie Lee (Douglas Road) 250 57 1 4 5*68 1 20 16 212 862 Wharau-Kawhata 550 276 18 4 3 57 i' 0 13 256 3 0 a 863 Admiral.. 100 864 Naakonui to Clifton Grove and Summer "Hill 150 865 Gladstone-Flat Point 400 274 16 2 12 0 866 Gladstone-East Coast 100 867 Ahiamhe 25 868 Mangatarere Valley 150 Waiting surveys made. 869 Cameron's-Pahaoa 200 870 Whatarangi Track 200 871 Te Awaite-Pine Bush Corner 150 872 Mangatarere 150 149' 9 0 See under Vote 97, Item 859. 873 Rocky Hill-Wainuioru 100 Taratahi- Carterton Road Board; tenders now invited for the work. 874 Turner's Road-Wainuiora 170 Ditto. 875 Waiohine Valley 200 5 6 0 Waiting for survey ofgsite. 876 Woodside- Waiohine 50 877 Martinborough-Gladstone (£1 for £1) 100 878 Gladstone-Longbush (£1 for £1) 100 879 Rocky Hill 150 Taratahi - Carterton Road 880 Mount Holdsworth tracks 400 179' 6 8 0*12J i' 0 Board. 881 Kohunui-Palliser Bay 100 Featherston'Road Board. 882 883 Norfolk Road, towards Mount Holdsworth Akataraw a-Waikanae 100 250 Hutt County. 884 Paikakariki-Paranaraumu (to account) .. 1,000 406' 0 0 i' 2 3 ' *81 Hutt County; culverts wood. 885 Whiteman's Valley 100 Hutt County. 886 Rimutaka, Sections 48 and 56, Block V. .. 100 24' 0 0 £24 expended on the purchase of land. 887 Mungaroa Valley 300 200 0 0 0 30 • % Hutt Co.; 12 pipe culverts laid, and one of timber, 16 ft. by 3 ft. by 2 ft. 888 Reid's, Upper Hutt 100 % . Hutt County.

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889 Moonshine 200 100 0 0 0 10 t , 6 68 Hutt Go. ; culverts wood. 890 Belmont Survey District to Sections 236-7, 50 50 0 0 0 40 , , ,, ... Hutt County. Blook X. 891 Korokoro Settlement roads 800 401 13 10 0 33 , , 2 144 . , Also 76 ft. of pipe culverts. 892 893 Paparangi Estate Chatham Island roads 96 100 96 163 0 15 0 9 0*26 26 ch. metalling ; advances to settlers of £86, the balance representing expenses in valuations of improvements, &c. Authority issued to S.M., Chatham Islands. 894 895 Village Settlements Contingencies and engineering 800 700 266 252 18 12 6 0 0 31* 3 66 2 13 Pongaroa and Rakanui Village Settlements; wood culverts. Expenses in connection with local bodies ; office Waitotara River Suspension-bridge requisites. 896 150 204 ft. suspension - span ; contract for materials in hand ; Patea County. 897 Upper Wangaehu Bridge (Mangamahu) .. 250 34 11 3 160 fc. suspension - span ; survey of site; supply of cables. 898 Wangaeliu River Bridge (£1 for £1), on 1,500 1 353 Completed 31st Oct., 1899; main road t contract, with extras, £3,048 16s. 8d.; Wanganui County. 899 Mangawhero Bridge (Aberfeldie), £1 for £1 500 240 ft., in two spans; survey of site ; Wanganui Co. 900 Mangawhero Bridge (at junction of rivers), £1 for £1 (to account) 500 1 229 Completed 5th August, 1899 ; contract, with 901 Potaka Crossing Suspension-bridge 200 extras, £1,896 12s. 9d. 902 Pourangaki Suspension-bridge 200 . . 903 Hautapu Suspension-bridge (Ohutu) 200 Access road metalled instead. 904 Rangitikei Bridge (Mangaweka) 500 173 14 3 1 68 Completion of low-level 905 Mangawharariki Bridge 250 bridge, 260 ft. total length. 906 Moawhango Bridge (Horouta) 565 556 18 11 120 ft. truss almost completed. 907 Rangitikei Bridge (Otara), £1 for £1 (to 1,000 494 9 3 324 ft. suspension-bridge, account) £6,913; towers and anchorage completed ; Department and Kiwi tea Co. 908 Rangitikei Bridge (Vinegar Hill), £1 for £1 1,000 660 6 5 Supply ironwork, 206 ft. (to account) 6 in., bowstring ; Rangitikei County. 909 Kakariki Bridge (approaches) 1,400 ., 192 chains formation and • H. metalling ; 252 lin. ft. culverts ; 75 f c. bridge ; Ha ngitikei County. 910 Rangitikei Bridge (Bull's), to account 3,000 339 7 3 625 ft. temporary bridge 911 Lower Gorge Bridge (to account of contri1,500 erected by Department. bution) 912 Apiti Bridge 275 142 7 10 Pohangina County.

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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, 1900— continued.

250

Vote No. Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st. March, 19007 charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks*. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bbidges, etc. —contd. Length. Length. - Wellington —continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. cb. 97 913 Pohangina River Traffic -bridge (£1 for £1), 1,000 to account 914 Ballance Bridge (to account) 300 167 6 4 .. Expended on ironwork and cartage of same for the H bridge. 915 Mangatainoka Bridge (Tutaekara Crossing), 600 849 5 6 1 120 _ .. * Bridge completed. to account 916 Mangatainoka River Bridge 250 ! 917 Upper Makuri Bridge (£1 for £1) 200 918 Matarua -Stream Bridge (£1 for £1) 550 Pahiatua County. 919 Horse-shoe Bridge (Makuri Gorge Road), 100 Cr. 100 0 0 Material ordered; delayed £1 for £1 by arrangements with local Boards. 920 Mangatainoka River Bridge (Hamua), to 300 9 19 0 0 10 Bridge - site ; engineering account survey. 921 Mangahae Bridge .. 250 ,, 922 Te Apipa Bridge (to abcount), £1 for £1 .. 250 923 Akitio Bridge (to account) 300 7 4 0 Survey made ; delayed by SI land arrangements. 924 Manavvatu Bridge (Wirokino), to account 1,500 559 7 7 • • * * Foxton Borough. (£1 for £1) 925 Tokomaru, Ohau, Waikawa, Horowhenua, 270 Horowhenua County; £200 and Otaki, bridge construction (to acBridge. count) 926 Otaki Bridge (to account) 3,000 152 3 10 0 23 ; Surveys, plans, and apecifi1 cations, &c., and advertising tenders. 927 Waikanae Bridge 750 ! Horowhenua County. 928 Tiraumea No. 1 Bridge (Edward's Crossing) 100 100 0 0 1 Wairarapa North County ; to discharge outstanding liability. 929 Waitawhiti Bridge (Alfredton- Weber) 250 Wairarapa North County. 930 Waipoua River Bridge 200 931 Mikimiki Bridge 147 Masterton Road Board. 932 Taueru Bridge (Masterton-East Coast), £1 300 Taratahi - Carterton Road for £1 (to account) Board ; plans, &c., approved by Chief Surveyor; • sufficient money not yet available for work to be 33 Smith's Footbridge (Totara Reserve) 7 1 proceeded with.

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934 Makuri-Pongaroa Bridges (to account) 400 400 0 0 . . Same as Vote 97, Item 767. 935 Mangatainoka River Bridge (Newman - 200 12 8 0 0 44J Delayed by arrangements Stirling), to account in hand. 936 Mangatainoka Bridge (Stirling), to account 350 Eketahuna County. 937 Makakahi Bridge (Hamua), £1 for £1 300 ,, .. 938 Ruamabanga Bridge (£1 for £1) —Master60 60' 0 0 Masterton Road Board ; ap-ton-Gladstone Road proaches to bridge. 939 Jackson's Greek- Bridge, East Coast Main 200 Road 940 Pahaoa Bridge (Sutherland's), subsidy 300 Featherston Road Board. 941 ICokatau Bridge (£1 for £1) 250 Tenders invited, and the work will be proceeded with as soon as legal formalities are settled; Taratahi-Carterton Road Board. 942 Ruamahariga Bridge (Masterton - Glad250 250 0 0 ., Masterton Road Board ; Te stone), £1 for £1 Whiti Bridge; work done last year. 943 Horopito Improved-farm Settlement 300 156 19 10 0 37 0 37 1 0 38 acres bushfelling. 944 Hautapu Improved-farm Settlement 300 123 15 0 2 35 2 15 45 acres bushfelling. 945 Oiuarei Improved-farm Settlement 500 526 6 1 1 55 0*74 i' 9 4 96 0 74 5 18 18 acres bushfelling. 946 Rongoiti Improved-farm Settlement 500 370 10 3 0 64 4 94 1 45 40 acres bushfelling. 947 Taihape Improved-farm Settlement 500 190 14 8 059 , , 0 63 2 46 1 65 1 14 948 Oraukura Improved-farm Settlement 510 64 2 0 2 40 80 acres bushfelliug. 949 Ohutu Improved-farm Settlement 600 573 0 3 0 47 2' 6 7 150 574 i'29 262 ac. bushfelling ; 66 oh. road-line felled. 950 Masterton - Tenui Improved-farm Settlement 350 155 1 5 0 54 0 54 3 72 0 54 0 53 68 acres bushfelling. 951 Kawatau Improved-farm Settlement 250 952 Pemberton Improved-farm Settlement 200 257* 17 7 . . "i 66 2*37 Culverts wood. 953 Akitio Improved-farm Settlement 800 1,392 10 5 2 35 3 38 66 719 12 65 954 Mangatiti Improved-farm Settlement 800 910 19- 6 ., 0 10 0 10 370 acres bushfelling, 319 acres grassing, and advances to settlers for 955 Tongariro National Park 50 34 5 8 9 53 housebuilding, &c. 956 Wanganui River Trust 2,000 1,250 0 0 See report by Mr. J. T. 957 Makohine Village Settlement, Clifton Block 100 84 10 0 0 50 • • Stewart. (flood-damages) Metalling Cage Road. 958 Mangaweka Township (drainage) 50 49 12 4 .. 1 24 0 14 959 Marton Domain (subsidy £1 for £1) 100 Marton Borough. 960 Wanganui Lands and Survey Office 300 Drawings prepared. 961 Castlepoint landing-shed 185 165' 0 0 Building new shed, and nn.in hi vi 0 Amount authorised by the House 112731 . . Expenditure limited by the House to 84,470 Total —Wellington 57,147' 6 4 163*24 46 6j 80'61 J 13 1,' 415 642 11 i336 39' 79 8 12J 405 48 414 54

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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, 1900— continued.

252

Vote No. — | Item No. I Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. | Settlement Boads, Bbidges, etc.— contd. 1 NELSON. Length. Length. £ £ s. d. M. oh. M.ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. oh. M.ch. M.ch. M. ch. 97 962 Pakawau-Tamatea.. 300 226 6 0 0 56 5 96 Collingwood County; pipe culverts. 963 Clifton-Pohara Beach 41 40 10 6 0 66 4 72 Collingwood County; culverts, stone and concrete. 964 Pohara-Awaroa Track 300 .. Collingwood County proposes calling tenders shortly. 965 Takaka roads and bridges.... 53 Collingwood County desires that this amount be transferred to Motupipi Bridge. 966 Waitapu Survey:District (Block XI.) 200 i Collingwood County; tenders to be invited shortly. 967 Biwaka-Takaka Hill 100 100 0 0 8 0 Waimea County. 968 Bichmond-Collingwood (main road) 200 Divided between Waimea and Collingwood Counties. 969 Riwaka-Sandy Bay-Marahau 200 100 0 0 0 35 7 120 Riwaka Road Board. 970 Biwaka Valley 20 20 0 0 0 35 Expenditure was intrusted to Riwaka Road Board. 971 Brooklyn Valley 30 30 5 0 0 60 Ditto. 972 Bawson's Creek (Biwaka) 25 24 13 0 0 50 » 978 Okiwi Bay-Bonga Track 200 974 Ronga Saddle to Whangarae and Onetea.. 80 Contracts are now being let 975 Croixelles-Elaine Bay 300 88* 9 5 1*28 l' 28 '' for this work. 976 Wangamoa 75 14 4 1 6'15 SuburbanNorth Boad Board has this in hand. 977 Motueka Valley (£1 for £1) 200 .. Waimea County; tenders invited for this work. 978 Upper Moutere roads 50 50 0 0 0 22 ITpper Moutere Boad Board. 979 School Hill-Ngatimoti 100 100 0 0 0 16 Waimea County. 980 Pokororo 50 Waimea County; no Works finished yet. 981 Stanley Brook-Motueka Valley 500 Ditto. 982 Stanley Brook Hill through Motueka 250 „ Valley to Bailway-station | 983 Deviation, Motueka Biver, to keep it under 100 .. In hands of Motueka Bobridge (£1 for £1) rough. 984 Dovedale-Pigeon Valley 100 Waimea County has this 1 / work in hand.

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985 Woodstock-Stanley Brook 250 .. | .. Waimea County also, but no work started. 986 Neudorf-Dovedale 50 50 0 0 1 16 ! Waimea County. 987 Tadmor-Motupiko 300 , , , , , # Waimea County; diffieulties as to compensation have delayed this. 988 Tadmor Valley 900 363 6 3 4 10 ; Waimea County ; includes the repairs to several bridges. 989 Tadmor Ford (Motueka) 100 Waimea County; scheme ' for improvement not yet decided. 990 Fairhall Road, Tadmor 50 •• •• Waimea County ; contracts laf 991 Belgrove-Upper Wai-iti 200 100. Waimea County; no works yet arranged for. 992 Belgrove-Tophouse Road 300 20 0 Waimea County ; £200 worth of work done. 993 Mear's Valley-Wai-iti 200 • • Waimea County ; no works yet arranged for. 994 Nelson-Blenheim (Nelson end), main road 350 150 0 0 28 0 Waimea County. 995 Maitai Road (subsidy) 200 200 11 11 037 037 Works done by co-operative labour under supervision of department. 996 Wairoa Gorge 150 .. .. Waimea County; works in progress. 997 Eves Valley, Waimea West (£1 for £1) 100 Waimea West Road Board ; no works commenced yet. 998 Aniseed Valley 158 Stoke Road Board ; works to commence shortly. 999 Quail Valley 100 50 0 0 0 30 Waimea County; contraots in progress. 1000 Norris's Gully-Stewart's 250 " Waimea County ; J mile road-formation in progress. 1001 Wakefield-Stanley Brook 100 " Waimea County; works not started. 1002 Belgrove-Westport-Reefton (main road) .. 4,000 3,878 5 5 148 0 Waimea County; under the supervision of Mr. Wither, Road Surveyor. See also Vote 98, Item 162. 1003 Belgrove-Tophouse-Tarndale (main road) 240 200 0 0 10 0 Waimea County. 1004 French Pass-Admiralty Bay and Croixelles 400 200 0 0 20' 0 5*18 Work done by co-operative tracks » labour under depart1005 Karamea Road 250 , , , , , . mental supervision. 1006 Lyell Cemetery and Road 100 , , • • Cemetery Board Trustees; authority lately issued. 1007 Crushington Road (widening) 250 Inangahua County; work in progress. 1008 lorea, southwards 150 150 0 0 0 45 5 100 Buller County ; culverts wood. 1009 Hampden Oemetery-Murchison 50 , , i Work in hand. 1010 Slips Road 150 fe" No work done this year.

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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, 1900— continued.

254

o fc <D 6 % a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. +3 grd £ ® O Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Ofi a . 81 Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Bemarks. O > © s 4* •S GC 3 a H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. 97 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 1016 1017 1018 1019 1020 1021 1022 1023 1024 1025, 1026 1027 1028 Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Nelson— con tinued. Boatman's (short track) Upper Inangahua Valley Tophouse-Wairau Gorge Hanpirl Hot Springs Track Cobden-Point Elizabeth Village settlements Contingencies and engineering Motupipi River Bridge (to account) Graham River Bridge Lines Bridge, Upper Moutere (£1 for £1).. Maitai Valley Bridge Wairoa, Brightwater Bridge (to account), (£1 for £1) Wairoa River Bridge (£1 for £1) Inangahua Bridge at Reefton (repairs) Grey County bridges (repairs, flood) Motueka River protection Blackball Cemetery (clearing and fencing) Maruia Hot Springs £ 150 250 100 100 200 200 250 400 75 100 200 500 375 200 1-50 115 60 200 £ s. d. 63 2 8 198' 14 9 Cr. 10 0 0 200 0 0 105 4 6 60 0 0 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. 2 Length. Ft. 198 No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. 1 0 M. ch. M. ch. Inangahua County-; >no payments made. Inangahua County; only lately authorised. Removing several bad slips and reinstating track. Transferred to Public Works Department. Collingwood County ; contract let. Upper Moutere Road Board; has been abandoned, the Board failing to raise their proportion. Under supervision of the Department. Waimea County. Repairs to bridge. Grey County. Waimea County ; works not yet commenced. Grey County. Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Nelson 16,447 12,324 6,65313 6 21*65 3*28 «'' 7 76 "2 198 21 388 24'35 1 0 176' 0 1029 1030 1031 1032 1033 1034 MARLBOROUGH. Richmond Bay, Kenny's Isle Piripaua Neck Cutting Okoha-Titirangi Manaroa-Okoha Manaroa-Hopai ISO 100 25 300 135 110 11 8 0 23 12 6 24 10 9 124 8 1 55 14 6 42 11 2 4*40 3 0 0*28 J 1 40 2 0 2 25 3' 0 400 cubic yd. earthwork; 800 c. yd. rock-cutting. Also 4 miles 73£ chains track graded. Making thirteen gates; clearing slips, &c.

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1035 Fairy Bay-North-west Bay 80 10 3 0 1 1 m. 40 cli. track graded. 1036 Grail Bay-Homewood 167 159 17 9 1 424; 3 m. 15 oh. track graded. 1037 Grail Bay Track 200 177 4 11 1 424; 4 0 And six gates ereoted. 1038 Wet Inlet-Crail Bay 150 120 10 3 6 39 0 97 Two gates erected; and 1039 Tawhiunui-Rai 500 17 2 6 0 50 31 chains rock-cu ting. 1040 Tennyson Inlet 100 Work not yet commenced. 1041 Harvey Bay, Pelorus Sound .. 110 li' 5 2 Inspection of track. 1042 Kenepuru-Anakoa .. 200 2 5 1 Purchase of tools. 1043 Kenepuru-Endeavour Inlet 150 62 16 6 0 59 2 m. 40 ch. track graded. 1044 Kenepuru-Manaroa 100 2 0 0 3' 0 16J chains drains made. 1045 Kenepuru Sound 110 28 3 8 Clearing out Kaiaho Canal. 1046 Waitaria-Te Matau-a-Maui 200 36 12 3 Grading 5 miles of track. 1047 Arapawa-Te Awaiti 150 24 7 0 0 54 1048 Nydia Bay-Havelock 500 308 16 0 11 20 '2 "16 13 561 Five footbridges erected, and five gates erected. 1049 Nydia Bay, via Kaiumu Saddle, Track from 150 ... Work in hand. 1050 Torea Bay Road 100 Work will be started 1051 Torea Neck 50 418 0 0' 20 shortly. 1052 Double Bay-iEorea 150 2 0 1053 Te Mehia Bay-Portage Bay 100 35*15 6 3 60 1054 Onabau Bay-Kenepuru Sound 150 6 13 0 .. 2 miles graded. 1055 Ohinetaha-Te Mehia 60 3 15 0 0 3 .. 1056 Tory Heads-Whatamonga-Picton 200 97 12 6 5 63 3 0 And making gates. 1057 Tory Heads-Whatamo.iga 100 76 1 0 1 67| And repairing track. 1058 Hakahaka-Opibi 44 40 10 0 1 78 And 20 ft. rock-cutting. 1059 Tracks, Queen Charlotte Sound 200 1060 Picton-Waikawa 100 0 5 0 Horse-hire. 1061 Whatamonga-Porfc Underwood Track 100 85 16 6 i'45 8' 0 And 64 c. yd. rock-cutting. 1062 White's Bay-Port Underwood 150 113 7 9 243 2 344 1063 Robin Hood Bay-Ocean Bay 100 92 10 7 3 19 Purchase of ironwork for 1064 Okiwi-Ronga 150 gates, £5 15s. 7d. 1065 Ronga Valley 250 122' 16 11 0 781 "2 ioo 10 "80 510 18 cb. track faseined; two log foot-bridges, 24 ft. and 18 ft. 1066 Nelson-Havelock (bridges and main road) 500 122 7 0 Approaches to Flat Creek Bridge; work completed but not paid for. 1067 Ariikiwi-Grove 150 12 16 6 Inspection and grading. 1068 Onahau-Anakiwi Track 200 ., Track being graded. 1069 Double Bay 50 9~ 4 6 2 0 1070 North side of Pelorus River and Pelorus 200 Work to be proceeded with. Sound to Nelson and main road 1071 Fulton's-Grove (forming and metalling) .. 100 Contract let by Pelorus Road Board. 1072 Mahakipawa-Moetapu 100 100 0 0 2 594 1 20 And 3 m. 2 ch. graded. 1073 Picton-Queen Charlotte Sound 127 32 10 0 0 24 Picton-Grove Road. 1074 Saltwater Creek-Fulton's Gate 150 150 0 0 6'124 124 ch. gravelling ; 124 ch. sea-wall built; Pelorus Boad Board. 1075 Havelock to Grove - 200 Pelorus Road Board have work in hand. 1076 BlufE Gove and Port Underwood 75 68 10 0 0 1 1 chain rock-cutting. 1077 Port Underwood-Fighting Bay 100 1078 Pember's Road-Pukaka 100 100' 0 0 019 *i 26 * Gravelling.

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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, 1900— continued.

256

Vote No. Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Iioads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Length. Length. Marlborough —continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 1079 Pember-Pukaka Valley 100 1080 Pember's Road-White's Bay 200 1081 Picton-Blenheim (Mudford Plat), main 200 200 0 0 6' 7 *2 *55 *6' 7 Concrete culverts; "'gravelroad ling; work carried out by Picton Road Board. 1082 Spring Creek (main road) 200 Contract let by Spring Creek 1083 Tuamarina-Boulder Bank 50 Road Board for gravel1084 Wairau Native Reserve to Pilot Station .. 100 ling main road. 1085 Maher's Plat Bridge and Road 100 Work to be undertaken as 1086 early as possible. Wairau River-Gravel-pit Drain 60 59 19 0 Inspection and management. 1087 North Bank 200 200 0 0 0 6 6 chains rock-cutting; Wairau Road Board. 1088 Redwood Pass 300 Work to be undertaken by Omaka Road Board. 1089 Ugbrooke Plat 200 Ditto. 1090 Starborough-Blind River 120 8012 1 0 18 o 60 Wood culverts; ordinary contract. 1091 Blind River Road 200 15 15 0 0 59 0 53 Ordinary contract, 1092 Cemetery-gate to Blarieh 300 1093 Blarich to Jordan (reserve cutting) 100 1094 Tophouse Road 150 100 0 0 0 6 Work done by ordinary contract under Wairau Road • Board. 1095 Maddocks and Hodder Gutting 250 144 6 11 0 9 This cutting consists of solid rock; work carried out by ordinary contract under Awatere Road Board. 1096 Three Bridges Flat-Kekerangu (to account) 300 288 17 10 Work being undertaken by . Awatere Road Board. 1097 Molesworth-Jollie's Pass 200 50 0 0 Ditto. 1098 Saxton Pass , 100 100 0 0 1 58 Purchase of rackarock, fuse, &c.; work done by ordinary contract under Awa- « 1 tere Road Board. 1099 Blenheim-Kaikoura-Waiau (main road) .. 1,500 542 8 1 0 81 0 5 Purchase of timber for bridges at Stinking Creek and No. 1 Kekerangu; 4 ch. metalling; 39 ch. clearing sand from road; 98 ch. wattling; 68 ch. 1 sowing grass-seed.

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1100 Reserve A, Road through 270 486 15 5 1 65 1 65 7 160 Main road; done by open tender, Kaikoura County finding portion of funds ; six drain-pipe culverts, and one concrete bridge 1101 Hapuka and Puhipuhi Rivers.. 400 culvert. 1102 Kaikoura-Cheviot Road between Kahau250 2*49 Charged against survey tara and Kowhai Rivera (main road) vote; authority received, * and work will be commenced shortly on completion of road round Kahautara Bluff. 1103 Ka'hautara-Hawkswood 7,000 7,235 14 5 9 47* 0 74§ 18 0 * Charged against survey vote; this survey is of Hundalee - Hawks wood portion up Conway River. 1104 Cribb Creek 100 100 0 0 0 50 0 50 .. Kaikoura County carried 1105 Kahautara, Reserve west of 200 172 8 11 1 38 0 26 ,. ,. through this work. 1106 Conway Reserve (Accommodation-house H.p (jarvpl 200 1107 IvCSCl YCI Contingencies and engineering 250 12 2 5 .. 1108 Torea Bay Wharf and Shed 150 7 4 0 Contract let for building wharf; maintenance, &c., advertising, and engineer1109 Rocky Creek Bridge 100 ing. Work not started; levels 1110 Dangerous Creek Bridge 250 taken for proposed bridge. 1111 Okaramio Creek Bridge 250 8 5 0 Levels taken for proposed bridge site. 1112 Doctor's Stream Bridge (Renwicktown150 Wairau Road Board have Wairau Valley Road) completed this work; not yet paid for. 1113 Wairau River Bridge 100 For general repairs to Wairau River Bridge, under the supervision of the Spring Creek Road Board. 1114 Omaka Bridge (contribution) .. 100 Work not yet undertaken by Road Board. 1115 Omaka-Tyntesfield Bridge (£1 for £1) 200 Ditto. 1116 Awatere Railway Traffic-bridge (lands con500 • tribution to account) 1117 Clarence Bridge 250 104 2 1 200 c. yd. shingle; 50 bags cement ; wire, &c.; all 1118 Blue Duck Creek, Irongate, Aniseed, and 500 material is on the ground. Obau Creeks (bridges) 1119 Kiaho Canal (deepening) and Kenepuru 70 0 5 0 Purchase of tools for deepCanal Track (maintenance) ening canal; work to be undertaken immediately. 1120 Grrove Wharf and Shed 30 Wharf to be repaired. 1121 Wairau River overflow (subsidy), (£1 for£l) 1,600 J,250 0 0 38,654 c.yd. banking; building concrete culvert; fencing 100 ch.; removing buildings; advertising, &c. ; work undertaken by Lower Wairau Road , Board.

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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, 1900— continued.

258

o S5 e o f o !5 a Kame of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899. to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. 97 1122 1123 1124 1125 1126 1127 1128 1129 1130 1131 1132 1133 1134 1135 1136 1137 Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Marlborough —continued. River conservation (Omaka Ford) Waihopai River protection Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Marlborough WESTLAND. Clark River Road .. Westbrook-Biue Biufi Brunner-Blackball Hokonui S.D., Block XXII. (pack-track) .. Lake Brunner Road (widening) Bell Hill Road Poerua Estate Road Grey Valley-Teremakau (main'road) Mitchells-Inchbonnie Greenstone-Teremakau Hokitika-Cbristchurch (main road) South Boundary Road Kokatahi Road Lower Kokatahi School to Kokatahi River £ 100 100 £ 8. d. 100 0 0 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Length. Ft. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Work to be undertaken by Lower Wairau Road Board. Carting 412 lin. yd. boulders; 12fch. wattling; driving 9 piles ; carting manuka for river-protection work; done by Wairau Road Board, Work in charge of Public Works Department. Authority issued to Brunner Borough; waiting for survey. Authority reoeived; waiting for survey. Road widened to 10 ft.; metal. Original track widened to a dray - road 10 ft. wide ; metal. Authority received ; will commence work at once. Authority received; waiting for survey. Work done previous year. Repairs, &c.; maintenance; for other part of expenditure see under Canterbury. Authority issued to Westland Co.; tenders being called for the work. Authority issued to Westland Co.; waiting survey 25,993 19,477 13,77715 0 16 68 8 9J 45*75^ 3 140 25 391 325 46 54§ 18* 0 13 0 150 200 300 100 200 150 150 400 200 120 6,000 20 500 100 37 5 5 199 6 0 2 14 0 69 14 0 3,101 7 7 * •• 1 0 0 40 42' 0

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1138 \ Kokatahi River to Main Flat Road 300 Authority received ; will be 1139 Block CX1I., Kokatahi 22 ,, . , ,. taken in band at once. 1140 Cropp's Road (extension, Block CXIII.) .. 300 Authority received; waiting for survey. 1141 Kanieri Porks 100 2 0 Authority issued to West 1142 Woodsfcock-Mahinapua 109 land Go.; works in hand. 1143 Dawson's Road 51 Authority issued to Westland Co.; will be put in 1144 Hokitika Flat Road 300 295 13 7 .. 4 0 hand early. 1145 Camelback-Hokitika River 300 Authority issued to Westland County. 1146 Donohue's-Mikonui 300 \. Authority received; waiting for survey. 1147 Browning's Pass Track 100 17 12 6 1 0 Authority issued to Westland County ; being expended. 1148 Matthias Pass Track 250 Authority received ; will be 1149 Great South Road (main road) 2,000 1,053* 3 10 5* 0 put in hand shortly. 1150 Whitcombe Valley Track 700 533 1 8 5* 0 Works in progress. 1151 Waitahi-Kakapotahi 500 92 3 11 3*60 0 14 .. 6 120 Log culverts. 1152 Waitaba-Wanganui, &c. 250 95 8 0 . . Erection of huts for use of stockmen; Westland Co. has work in progress. 1153 Mikonui-Wacganui River 300 ., Authority issued to Westland County; work in progress. 1154 Slaty Creek-Waiho Road 250 7 13 0 0 40 This road is being widened to 10 ft. metal, and is part of Main South Road. L155 Franz Josef Glacier 262 203 15 0 .. - 0 60 Road widened to 10 ft.; 1156 Tracks, Fox Glacier 100 11 19 0 6 0 metal. 1157 Waiho to Cook Valley 400 ., Clearing original road-line, and making new survey of deviation at Waikupakupa. 1158 Cook Valley-Karangarua 800 295 4 2 U 51 10 100 Log culverts. 1159 Hunt's Beach Makawhio 150 144 16 7 3* 0 1160 Okuru Track 120 . , Authority received ; works will be taken in hand shortly. 1161 Parlnga River Board 100 50 0 0 5 0 Authority issued to Westland County; works are 1162 Blue River to Sea-beach 320 now completed. 1163 Haast-Blue River 250 100*10 0 . . ., 20* 0 .. Authority issued to Westland County. 1164 Haas t Pass Track .. 450 175 5 4 ., 2 0 Authority received; expenditure is between Bourke 1165 Okuru Cemetery RoadJ 100 100 0 0 0 20 1 10 River and top of saddle. 1166 Turnbull River Road 400 124 11 6 0*10 ,, Authority received. 1167 Lake Mary deviation (Jaokson's Track) .. 150 1168 Jackson's Valley Road 250 Authority received; will be 1169 Contingencies and engineering 100 16 0 8 , . • * taken in hand shortly. 1170 Black Bridge .. .. 36 ! " '•

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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, 1900— continued.

260

o S5 o 65 a <D -W W Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. +3 11 Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. 00 a . "1 g. I® Roads coustructed. Improved. Maintained. Kemarks. o > •S * Cud 3 a <£ a Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. 97 1171 1172 1173 1174 1175 1176 1177 1178 1179 1180 1181 1182 1183 1184 1185 1186 1187 Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Westland —continued. Stillwater Bridge Greenstone Bridge ,, Teremakau Traffic-bridge Lower Arahura Bridge Arahura Bridge (approaches) Murray's Creek Bridge Little Waitaha Bridge Renewing three bridges at Rocky Point .. Waitaha Bridge Hapuka Creek Bridge Lower Awatere Track (bridges) Teremakau overflow, Sandy Creek Fencing Cobden Cemetery Dillmanstown Road (drainage) Okura River Storage-shed Westland Perry-service Big Wanganui and Wataroa Rivers, Punts at £ 500 500 150 51 200 250 150 400 200 60 120 200 50 100 50 150 600 £ s. d. 363 16 3 145 16 6 30 18 7 200 0 0 150 0 0 M. ch. M. oh. 0 20 0 24 M. ch. No. Length. Ft. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Work in charge of Public Works Department. Authority issued to Westland Co.; now being expended on bridge repairs. Authority issued to Westland County; will shortly be expended. Authority received; work will begin when plans, &c., are prepared. See Item 1151. Authority received; bridges are being erected. And approaches ; see Item 1151. Authority' received ;■ work will be taken in hand early. Authority received; I propose leaving this expenditure over for the present; river has filled up overflow channel at river. Authority received; work will be taken in hand at once. Authority issued to Westland County; work put in hand. Authority issued to Westland County ; amount expended. Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Westland 22,441 16,815 10,163 3 10 3 60 0 58 5 71 17 230 41 70 7 0 42 0 2 0 4

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CANTERBURY. 1134 Hokitika-Christchurch 2,565 15 3 51 0 For other part of expendi1188 Waipara-Cheviot (£1 for £1), main road .. ture see under Westland. 250 150 0 0 0 35 .. 4 88 Waipara Road Board carried out works; pipe culverts. Concrete culvert; Oxford 1189 Oxford Bush Road Extension 133 133 5 0 1 20 1190 Waiau River Road (£1 for £1), Glenwye .. Road Board carried out 150 . work. 1191 1192 Culverden-Hanmer Plains (main road) .. Hanmer roads 350 100 68 5 0 • 24* 0 Amuri County supervising the work. 1193 Poster's Cutting, Greta, Cheviot (main 150 Present vote not sufficient road to carry through the work. Work will shortly be put in hand by the Cheviot 1194 Cheviot County roads 1,000 1195 Highbank 500 327 0 0 « 2 27 County. Work approaching completion. No work asked for at present. Waiting proposals from the Sumner Road Board. 1196 Ashburton Reserve 1496 55 1197 Lyttelton-Christehurch Road (£1 for £1).. 150 1198 Arowhenua Native Road 50 50 0 0 0 40 2 60 Pipe culverts; work com1199 Tengawai (£1 for £1) • pleted by Native labour. 45 Not yet applied for. Further work was not re1200 Mount Cook and glaciers (tracks) 250 1201 Mount Cook Hermitage Road 477 quired this year. Work in abeyance. Also concrete culvert-beds made ; work in abeyance 1202 Pukaki-Mount Cook 800 278 14 8 1 15 1203 Fairlie-Pukaki (main road) for the season. 250 175 0 0 1 30 Waiting proposals from the Mackenzie County re ex1204 Pukaki-Omarama 200 100 0 0 0 74 0 3 pending balance. Works supervised by the Waitaki County; waiting proposals from the Mackenzie County re expend1205 Pairlie-Mount Cook 300 ing balance of vote. Amount required for im1206 1207 Clement's Road Skevington's Road 250 250 250 0 0 proving road. Work completed and reported last year. 1208 Road-formation, Otaio Settlement 25 1209 1210 Nukuroa-Studhclme Junction Bealey Glaciers 96 200 Further work not required at present. Work completed. 1211 Roimata Settlement roads and drains 300 237' 8 5 0 48 1212 Village settlements 50 Or. 146 11 3 1213 Miscellaneous roads and bridges 500 1214 Contingencies and engineering 200 26' 6 4 Inspection of County works; balance required for future expenses.

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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, 1900— continued.

262

d £ Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. CO □ . § Sj a Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. o > .3 CD 3 aoQ H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Dravroad. Bridleroad. 1 97 1215 1216 1217 1218 1219 Settlement Roads, Bkidges, etc. —contd. Canterbury —continued. Waimakariri Bridge, Kaiapoi Waiau Bridge, Parnassus (to account) Waiau Perry Bridge, Waiau (repairs) Hurunui Bridge (repairs) Rangitata Light-traffic Bridge (to account), £1 for £1 Forks River Bridge, Mount Cook Road (to account) Tengawai Stock-bridge (£1 for £1) Te Moana River Bridge (£1 for £1) Waihi River Bridge (between Orari and Geraldine) Kowai Bridge, Leithfield (£1 for £1) Opihi Bridge (to account) Kowai Bridge (£1 for £1), to account Canal Bridge, Ellesmere Selwyn Bridge (£1 for £1), construction .. Ashley Gorge Drain Ashley Bridge protective works Waimakariri- Ashley irrigation (conditionally to the Board) Waimakariri-Ashley irrigation Hanmer new baths and other buildings (improvements and maintenance, &c.) £ 275 2,000 1,000 ' 150 500 £ s. d. 275 0 0 204 15 5 1,000 0 0 3 5 11 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Length. Ft. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Repairs only; work completed. Under construction by Head Office. Work done by Amuri County under supervision of the. District Surveyor, Kaikoura. Amuri County will do this. 1220 600 488 3 0 1 75 Work completed. 1221 1222 1223 1224 1225 1226 1227 1228 1229 1230 1231 1232 1233 51 300 200 300 300 600 150 1,000 50 150 1,089 37 1,672 12 16 9 869 19 6 150 0 0 36 12 6 1,100 10 2 1 1 154 53 Work completed by Mackenzie County. Geraldine Road Board have work in hand. Waiting decision whether to be traffic- or only stockbridge. Site of work not decided. Selwyn County considers it a local work, and should be built by Road Board. Work completed by Selwyn County, but payment not yet made. Work completed during 1898 and 1899. Work now in progress by contract. Work completed by Ashley Road Board. Work completed, but not paid for. About 1 mile of small loop water-races in the Township of Oxford. Work arranged for by the Head Office (see report).

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1234 Waiau River protective works 1235 Port Robinson (groins) 1236 Ruapuna Water-supply 1237 Rangitata River-mouth protective works (Reserve 100) ;1238 Mount Cook Road (stable and shelter-shed) [1239 Lake Pukaki (planting) 1240 [ Studholme Junction (oattle-stopa and removal of gates) 1241 Kapua (Waimate Gorge drain) 1242 Arundel Water-supply 1243 Orari Domain .. .. .. 1244 Orari River protective works 1245 Opihi River protective works 1246 Woolston, Lin wood (purchase of land for recreation-ground), £1 for £1 Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Canterbury OTAGO. 1247 Upper Waitaki .Ahuriri or Otematata Pass), to account 1248 Livingstone-Kyeburn 1249 Herbert, main road (£1 for £1) 1250 Waianakarua Slate-quarry, Road to 1251 Port Road-Beaeh, Moeraki .. , 1252 Moeraki, Block XIV. 1253 Kartigi Road 1254 Dunback-Swinburn (Hyde) 1255 Run 109 1256 Waihemo, BlockWIII. 1257 Ranfurly Township 1258 Kyeburn-Naseby (main road) 1259 Run 219 100 196 100 100 250 50 38 150 100 50 200 200 1,000 87*18 8 101 10 0 21 4 3 98 11 8 50 0 0 5816 1 * • * \ •• i •• •• » •• •• •• Work completed; balance required in case repairs are necessary. Work completed. Vote will be spent by Mackenzie County this coming planting season. Work completed. Balance of vote required to deviate stream and further improvements. Work in abeyance pending decision re better means of obtaining supply. Work completed by Orari Domain Board. Grant to Geraldine County. Work completed at present, but further protection may be required. * Maniototo andjWaitaki Cos. have work in hand. Waitaki County. a it Maniototo and Waihemo Counties. Waihemo County. The amount expended by Maniototo County is £300; also includes 20 ch. of footpaths, and iron piping for culverts. Plans being prepared by the Maniototo County Engineer for these roads. Ditto. 20,039 15,015 6,20212 1 434 •• 3 '282 7 168 2*78 •• 75* 0 400 120 130 200 150 200 255 400 150 100 200 200 150 100 0 0 100' 0 0 •• 1 28 •• 360 1 40 1*40 •• -• ••

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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, 1900— continued.

264

Expenditure o o from 1st April. 1899. to 31st a . '£ ? Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. % Name of Work according to Item on March, 1900, © >?> © ® -J-J s Appropriations. O 1° charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. p Remarks. o i> 0 -tJ *Sb 3 axi H Drayroad. Bridleroad, Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Length. Length. 97 1260 1261 Otago —continued. £ £ s. a. M. ch. M. ch. M. oh. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 4 69 M. ch. Runs 225e, 225t to 225z Runs 206f, Maniototo . , 200 80 0 74 Maniototo County; chipping and clearing scrub. £80, balance of grant for £380, is now owing to the Maniototo County for 1262 Run 206a, Naseby work done since 1896. 200 Maniototo County; no work 1263 Komako Township 100 yet done. Maniototo County; plans 1264 Maniototo, Block XI. 100 approved. Ditto. 1265 Maniototo, Block XVI, 50 i*30 •• Grant expended sinoe 1896, with a previous grant of £100, by the Maniototo 1266 Upper Taieri, Rock and Pillar County, but not yet paid. 500 500 0 0 3 3 346 3 45 Work carried out by Maniototo Co. at a cost of £600 ; culverts are of iron pipe. 1267 Runs 204, 204a. Upper Taieri, Rock and Pillar (to account) 400 Maniototo County; plans are now being prepared for contracts. 1268 Waikouaiti, Block VI. 150 Waikouaiti County. 1269 Corner Bush-Merton 100 0*27 The contract for the balance of this vote is now being carried out under the Waikouaiti County. 1270 Corner Bush, Puketiraki 50 ., Waikouaiti County. 1271 Puketiraki Station-Beach 10 10 0 10 Completion of work done in Puketiraki (N.R.), repairing and forming previous year. 1272 50 Waikouaiti County. old road 1273 Puketiraki-Seacliff (formation) 50 1274 Seaclifi Asylum Reserve, Native reserve .. 200 116 4 0 0*52 0 30 Completed and carried out Warrington roads (metalling) by Waikouaiti County. 1275 150 Waikouaiti County. 1276 Kilmog, main road 200 1277 Waitati-Waikari (£1 for £1) 150 ., 1278 Waitati-Waikari (Waitati end), main road 150 100 0 0 - 2*10 6*75 Work carried out by Waikouaiti County. 1279 Purakanui Native Reserve-Railway-statiou 150 •• -• .. Waikouaiti County.

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1280 Hayward's Point Road (Purakanui) 150 Waikouaiti County. 1281 North Harbour and Blueskin, Block XI. .. 125 50 0 0 0 10 .. Work carried out by Maori Hill Borough. 1282 North Harbour and Blueskin, Block VIII. 150 Maori Hill Borough. 1283 Section 21, Block VIII., North Harbour and Blueskin 50 1284 Lower Harbour Road 150 Waikouaiti County. 1285 Brinn's Point-Cemetery Road.. 25 „ 1286 Normanby-Mount Cargill 100 100 0 0 3* 0 Work carried out by Northeast Valley Borough. 1287 Signal Hill Road 50 North-east Valley Borough; plans approved. 1288 Pine Hill Road 100 100 0 0 4 80 0 14 • • 0 14 Work carried out by Northeast Valley Borough ; culverts were of stone. 1289 Henderson's Road (£1 for £1) 50 .. Maori Hill Borough. 1290 Makarora-Haast Valley 250 22 15 10 •• A small sum was expended removing slips. 1291 Hawea Lake tracks 200 150 0 0 27 0 Works carried out by Lake Co.; improvements consist of grading, side-cut-ting, and bush-clearing. 1292 Hawea-Lindis Pass 300 Vincent County. 1293 Bendigo-Matakanui 600 ., The Engineer, Vincent County, reports that no work has yet been done, as the sum voted is so small in comparison with the total estimated cost of the work. 1294 Lauder District, Blocks III., IV., V., VI. .. 250 . # Vincent County; a contract has been let for part of road, and work is now proceeding. 1295 Galloway Station-Ida Valley .. 300 300 0 0 1 13 9 225 Work carried out by Vincent Co.; stone culverts. 1296 Alexandra-Clyde-Ophir (main road) 250 Vincent Co.; a contract has it been let, but work has 1297 Head Lake Wanaka Road to Wilkin Valley 100 not yet been commenced. 1298 Hawea Bridge-Head Lake Wanaka 100 *. ., The Engineer, Vincent Co., reports that the bridge over the Hawea River has been replanked, and widened 1 ft. 1299 Glendhu Road 100 . ., Lake County. 1300 Martin's Bay-Lake Wakatipu.. 100 95 0 0 ., 7* 0 Work carried out by Lake County. 1301 Mount Earnslaw Track 150 1 77 60 .. Ditto. 1302 Rees Valley Road 100 ., Lake County. 1303 Pembroke-Matukituki 250 •• •• •• Lake County; engineering survey made. 1304 Lake Te Anau-Sutherland Falls 150 199 4 3 80 0 In charge of Chief Surveyor, Invercargill. 1305 Tracks to Western Sounds 2,200 2,901 19 1 2 0 3 60 Ditto.

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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, 1900— continued.

266

Expenditure o 6 from 1st April, 1899, to 31st a . •g g, Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. 55 S5 a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. S'C §2 March, 1900, charged to AuRemarks. a 2 •2 *4 o > o •*a t thorities issued out of the Item named. u> 5 acq H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc.— contd. Length. L ength. Otago— continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 1306 Lake Wakatipu, Tracks head of 260' .. .. Lake County; engineering 8 survey made. 1307 Te Anau to Wakatipu 600 629 11 4 1 42 128 In charge of Chief Surveyor, Invercargill. 1308 Queenstown-Glenorchy .. 300 Lake County. 1309 Cardrona Valley Road 150 „ 1310 Cardrona Coalpit Road 100 „ 1311 Cardrona Nursery Road 150 „ 1312 MeCabe's Coalpit-Gibbston 50 Lake County; no work yet 1313 Albert Burn Track 25 done. 1314 Ben Lomond Run .. 400 1315 Kingston-Queenstown (Staircase) 100 1316 Lake Te Anau-Sutherland Falls, Milford 500 See Vote 97, Item 1304. Sound 1317 Peninsula Beach Road, Portobello 600 51 8 3 0 2 0 1 Portobello Road Board has let a contract. 1318 Portobello-Hooper's Inlet 300 .. Portobello Road Bbard is taking the necessary 1319 Otago Peninsula (Block II., from Section 17 steps to acquire the 60 through 71, &c.) Anderson's Bay Road V land required for road 1320 25 deviation. 1321 Main South Read, Dunedin to Mosgiel (main road) 200 •• Caversham Borough; specifications approved. 1322 Teviot (Block XVIII.) 200 * .. 1323 Rae's Junction-Heriot 100 1324 Tuapeka West (Block VIII.), Waitahuna West (Block I.) 200 1325 Glenkenich 230 120 0 0 1 84 6 300 Work carried out by Tuapeka Co.; culverts of 9 in. 75 glazed pipes. 1326 Beaumont and Rankleburn 600 250 0 0 0 59 3 ., Ditto. 1327 Rankleburn, Block III. 200 . . . # 1328 Rankleburn Creek, towards Clydevale 150 .. 1329 Rankleburn Distriot, Block III., between Tapanui and Pomahaka Settlement 100 . • 1330 Taieri Beach V.S. roads 150 150 0 0 •• •• •« Work carried out by Bruce County. 1331 Taierif Beach Village-settlement to dairyfactory 150 0 40 " " Ditto.

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1332 Centre Road, Ineh-Clutha (metalling). £1 150 .. .. .. .. .. Bruce Co.; work held over for £1 till spring, as metal cannot be carted in the meantime. 1333 Clarendon, Block VI. 150 .. . , A contract has been let by the Bruce Co. ; further work held over till a de1334 Akatore to Fortification 150 viation has been arranged. 1335 Akatore, Blocks I. and II. 50 . . 0 4 Bruoe County ; work now in hand. 1336 Akatore, Blocks III., VIII., and IX. 75 Ditto. 1337 Akatore, Blocks III., IV., and VIII. 60 60 0 0 0 31 6 150 Work carried out by Bruce Co.; culverts are of 6 in. « and 15 in. earthenware 1338 Manuka Islarid-Balclutha (£1 for £1) 350 200 0 0 0 76 8 218 pipes. Work carried out by Bruce Co.; culverts are of 6 in. and 9 in. earthenware 1339 Kaitangata-Wangaloa 150 pipes. Bruce County; work held over till spring. 1340 Draper's, Road to .. 30 t Clutha County. 1341 Glenomaru, Block II. 100 1342 Glenomaru, Block III. 60 1343 Glenomaru, Blocks III., IV., V., VII., X. 230 194 15 10 0 62 335 0 48 Forsyth's, Goldsbery's, and \ Sandy Bay Roads; log culverts. 1344 Glenomaru, Block IV. 410 Spent with previous item. 1345 Glenomaru, Blocks IV., V., VI., X. 500 1346 Glenomaru, Blocks VII., VIII., IX. 200 1347 Hunt's Road 250 99' 18 5 i' 0 1348 Glenomaru 20 1349 Catlin's, Blocks I., II., VII. 250 1350 Catlin's, Blocks I., II., IV. 500 1351 Catlin's, Blocks II., VIII. 300 1352 Catlin's roads 60 2414 0 See also Vote 119, Item 142. 1353 Barr's Road 300 168 15 8 2 40 Bush felled and logged whole length of road. 1354 Catlin's, Block I. .. 586 243 4 7 0 31 166 0 61 Log culverts; Clutha Co. has work in hand. 1355 Catlin's, Block VIII. 32 23 12 6 0 8 Scadden's Road. 1356 Owaka-Catlin's Lake 200 1357 Owaka-Clinton (£1 for £1) 100 Clutha County. 1358 Catlin's and Tautuku 80 1359 Kaler's Road 300 171 19 6 5 0 1360 Warnock's Road 150 1361 Mouat's Saddle .. .. .. 300 1362 Ratanui-Whitehead 600 60" 5 1 0 70 1363 Purakauiti Stream 120 1 16 0 1364 Rimu, Block XIII. 60 .. 0 40 Work consisted of gravelRimu, Block XIV. ling. 1365 500 240 10 3 1 25 221 Contract now in progress for an additional 30 ch.; 1366 Woodlands 104 76 16 9 .. 0 20 .. log culverts.

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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, 1900— continued.

268

Vote No. o & a Name of Work according -to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899. to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering } Surveys. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. » © ■+■> t-H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —eontd. Ijength. Length. Otago —continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 1367 Woodlands, Blocks I., V., VI., VIII. 600 146 10 1 . . 1 15 Ratanui-Whitehead Road 76 ch.; Maitland Road, 19 ch. 1368 Woodlands, Blocks VII., VIII., X., XI. .. 500 217 6 11 0 59 268 Maitland Road, Block VIII. ; Pillan's Road, Block X.; log culverts. 1369 Woodlands-Tahakopu 100 35 8 4 173 Spent with Item 1370. 1370 Waikawa-Catlin's (main road) 2,000 1,437 1 2 7* 59* 35*40 Otago — 7 m. 17 ch. improved, 29 m. 40 ch. maintained; Southland — 42J ch. improved, 6 m. maintained. 1371 Tautuku, Block VIII. 250 14 5 2 1 17 Expended on purchase of grass-seed, timber, spikes, and ironwork. 1372 Tautuku 600 600 0 0 Spent on that part of main road going through Tautuku District; see Item 1373 Contingencies and engineering 500 0 12 8 1370. 1374 Village settlements.. 67 38 18 5 Amounts required to finish work on roads for which authority was exhausted 1375 Maerewhenua Bridge, Hutton's (to account) 400 10 15 3 were charged to this vote. 1376 Kakanui Bridge (£1 for £1) 1,500 1,472 0 0 1 546 The bridge was opened for 1377 Taieri River Bridge.. 250 traffic on 11th October, 1378 Manuherikia Bridge (to account) 500 1899; built by Waitaki 1379 Kyeburn Bridge (to account) 250 County. 1380 Makorara Bridge at Sawmills 80 1381 Alexandra Bridge (over Clutha) 250 1382 Queenstown (repairs to wharf) 200 1383 Taieri Bridge-Pukekura 400 46' 3 2 0*51 128 1384 Akatore River Bridge 150 Bruce County. 1385 Matau Bridge (Kaitangata), £1 for £1 (to n.f>pnnn f,\ 500 » 1386 HiUuUUilUI Matau Bridge (Stirling), contribution 150 150 0 0 Repairs to a 330 ft. bridge, erected in 1876; work 1387 Pomahaka Bridge (Clydevale) 500 2 15 7 carried out by Bruce Co. 1388 Waipahi Bridge (Pomahaka Road) 100 Clutha County. 1389 Waiwera Bridge (Dunedin - Invercargill), 400 143" 5 0 Grant issued to Clutha £1 for £1 County; timber, &c., on the ground.

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1390 Tahakopu Bridge .. .. . 396 396 0 0 1 95 : Bridge completed; is a substantial structure of three 1391 Tahakopu River Bridge (approaches) 100 60 6 6 .. spans. Approaches completed. 1392 Waipati Bridge .. .. 100 1393 Woodlands (Purakauiti, No 1) Improved600 150 0 2 0 3 "32 i Bash felled, 274 acres; all farm Settlement burned and grassed; log 1394 Woodlands (B. 2) Improved-farm Settle500 culverts. ment 1395 Rimu Improved-farm Settlement 500 617 1 2 0 70 272 Bush felled, 134 acres, which has been nearly all burned and grassed. 1396 Heathfield Improved-farm Settlement 500 68 13 11 Bushfelling, 25 acres. 1397 Waipati Improved-farm Settlement 500 478 9 8 018 Bush felled, 162£ a.; mostly burned and grassed. 1398 Karitane Recreation Reserve (protective 80 Karitane Domain Board; reworks) moving 500 c. yd. of clay. 1399 Water of Leith protective works 145 145 0 0 Expended by the Maori Hill Borough in several small contracts ; the work consisted of pointing and keying the old wall for a distance of 274 ft., removing stones from bed of stream, and building a rough retaining -wall with them. 1400 Ocean Beach (protective works) 100 Ocean Beach Domain Board. 1401 Queenstown Breakwater (repairs), to ac400 Queenstown Borough. count 1402 Matau River (protective works), Inch206 100 0 0 ! .. Expended by the InchClutha Glutha River and Road Hnpvfl in prpfhiricr 1R nii AJUtuiU 111 L ICvuXlJc XU wll. Amount authorised by the House 39,747 of flood-bank containing Expenditure limited by the House to 29,783 4,800 c. yd. of earth; Total —Otago 13,943 5 4 2 0 21, 3 5 57 2 641 55 3,554 27 68J 34 0 44 68 30 0 works are still in progress. SOUTHLAND. 1403 Wendon District 350 150 0 0 j Southland County; work • shown last year. 1404 Waikaia District, Blocks IX. and X. 100 Southland County. 1405 Wendon and Greenvale Blocks 200 1406 Hokonui, Section 795 50 0 36J 40 1407 Hokonui-Henderson's Road 200 1 2 1408 Hokonui-Porest Hill 200 1409 Balfour-Cattle Plat 100 1410 Dipton-Balfour (£1 for £1) 300 100' 0 0 0 72 .. 1411 Ourtin's Road, Arinandale 100 .. .. j Wallace County. 1412 Centre Bush 100 100 0 0 Southland County. 1413 Centre Bush-Otapiri 200 .! 1414 Centre Bush Village 100 0 30 1 1415 Heddon Bush-Centre Bush 200 0 65 1 Wallace County.

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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, 1900— continued.

270

Vote No. o 55 S 9 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. i Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899. to 3ist March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —conta. Length. Length. • Southland continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Fd. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 1416 Devereaux-East Winton 50 50 0 0 Southland County; work done last year. 1417 Win ton-Bays water 150 V* Wallace County. 1418 Mataura- Winton and Channel 200 1 14 Southland County. 1419 Forest Hill 400 0 68 1420 Forest Hill-McDouald 997 Authority cancelled. 1421 Gore-Pukerau 150 0 51 Southland County. 1422 Graham Road 200 1423 Mataura to Dunsdale 200 / 1424 Wairakiki to Mataura 400 1425 Oreti-Wray's Bush Road 200 1 60 1426 Wairio-Wray's Bush 100 Wallace County. 1427 Winton, Block VIII. 250 22* 4 4 0*65 J 18 chains bushfelling and Main North Road (£1 for £1) stumping; 51 ch. gravel. 1428 600 600 0 0 Southland County. 1429 Main North Road (Winton) 800 300 0 0 1430 Line of Hundreds 500 250 0 0 i' 4J Southland and Wallace Counties. 1431 Line of Hundreds (Southland end) 150 Southland County. 1432 West Plains Road 50 1815 0 0*37£ Formation from side Otapiri Bridge-Forest Hill District ditches ; 75 ch. ditches. 1433 150 150 0 0 1 60 Southland County. 1434 Wyndham Valley (Corie to Bews) 200 1 28 1435 Mabel District 200 1436 Makarewa—Grove Bush 300 3' 0 1437 Grove Bush and Mill Road District 100 1438 Longbush-Makarewa, Myross, and Wallace200 0 77 town Township (£1 for £1) 1439 Makarewa 100 1440 Wallacetown-Spar Bush and Waimatuku 100 0 59 FJat 1441 Mudflat Road-Waikiwi 100 0 10 1442 Waikiwi 100 20' 0 0 18£ ch. ditching bj depart ment; and £80 grant to 1443 Waiki wi-Gladstone Southland Courty. 200 0 20 Southland County. 1444 Main North Road, Waikiwi (£1 for £1) 200 1445 Mill and Flora Road 50 012 1446 Mill Road-Makarewa, Block X., Sections 50 32 and -33

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1447 | Mokoreta, Blocks VII. and IX. (£1 for £1) 100 j Southland County. 1448 Mokoreta, Block XIV. 100 i 15 10 6 .. 1 1449 Linds Bridge to Railway-station 200 ! 200 0 0 0 48 » 1450 Waimatuku Bush 200 • • 0 22 1451 Murphy's Boad (£1 for £1) 100 - 1452 Myross Bush 100 1453 Otatara .. .. .. 100 Work in hand; drainage. 1454 Old Oteramika Boad, Blocks I., II., Inver200 Southland County. cargill Hundred (£1 for£l) 0 18 1455 Bainfield Road 100 1456 Inveroargill Hundred, Blocks IV., IX., X., 1,000 232*18 8 016 2 54 j 4 74 6 in. pipe culverts ; 64f ch. XIV., XV., XVII., XX., XXII., XXIII. j j bushfelling; 81 ch. stumping and clearing; and 50Jch. drains. 1457 Oteramika 300 118 19 3 1 41£ 4 64 191 ch. drains ; one 12 ft. bridge ; 6J corduroying; 641in. ft. wood culverts. 1458 Oteramika (£1 forv£l) 200 Southland County. 1459 Oteram.ika-Timpany Road 150 Tenders called. 1460 Kent Road 8'BW ■ 100 Southland County. 1461 Kingsweil Creek, Seaward Bush 520 323' 11 8 2 "48 0' 28 78 ch. drains, 6 ft. wide; five bridges, 80 lin. ft. ; 48 ft. pipe culverts. 1462 Seaward Bush Township, road through Block III. 100 4 10 0 0 26 0 2 • Work in hand. 1463 Watson Road 100 Southland County. 1464 Neil's Road, to termination of Seaward Bush Railway 200 • 1465 Seaward Bush Township, McQuarrie's Road 200 165 16 6 0 11 1 44 44 ft. pipe culverts; 23ch. gravel. 1466 Seaward Downs 200 Southland County. , 1467 Toe-toes, Block X. .. 200 1468 Seaward Bush, Blocks III., IV. 200 1469 Seaward Bush Road (near Clifton 100 1470 Waimatua (Seaward Bush) 200 Work in hand. 1471 Clifton-Tisbury 100 39 1 3 1472 Boxall Road 100 0 20 20 chains gravel. 1473 Millar's Road (£1 for £1) 100 100 0 0 . . Southland County. 1474 Ackers Village Road Maclean's Road, Seaward Bush 150 20. 14 3 0 51 20 chains drains. 1475 70 1476 Mataura Island Dairy Factory-Pine Bush Railway- station 250 250 0 0 Southland County. 1477 Mataura Island, Titiroa Siding (£1 for £1) 200 1478 Bluff Road (£1 for £1) 100 „ 1479 Blufi Road 100 1480 Bluff Road to Campbelltown 160 Campbelltown Borough. 1481 Clark's Road-Greenhills 50 50 0 0 Southland County. 1482 Campbelltown Hundred, Block VIII. 1C0 99 10 7 0' 49 3 "52 Three wood culverts; 4 ch. gravel: 25 ch. fascines ; 49 ch. drains. 1483 Campbelltown 133 100 0 0 5 acres drained and levelled 1484 Campbelltown Point 250 0 40 I .. by Campbelltown Bo1485 Waimahaka, Block VII., Mokoreta 150 1 rough. 1486 One-tree Point to Waimatua (£1 for £1) .. 200

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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, 1900— continued.

272

j Vote No. | Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March. 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc.— contd. ■ Length. Length. Southland —continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 1487 Toe-fcoes, Section 2, Block X. .. 100 1488 Waikawa, Fortrose.. 500 0 63 Southland County. 1489 Mokoreta, Block VII. 100 .. 1490 Waikawa Valley 200 0*61 ,, « 1491 Waikawa Main Road 1,300 554 1 11 1 32 1 71 19 554 i 0 Three wood culverts, 48 ft.; sixteen pipe culverts, 506 ft.; 179 ch. bushfelling; 10 ch. metal; and repairing Waikawa Jetty. 1492 Waikawa, Block I. .. 150 • * .. No men available. 1493 Waikawa, Block VII. 150 77 7 7 j i' 0 1494 Waikawa, Block VIII. 200 0 40 Southland County. 1495 Waikawa, Blocks IX., XI., X., XIII. 600 1496 Waikawa District Main Road.. 200 „ 1497 Waikawa-Otara 800 98' 17 0 020 *86 5*40 Three pipe culverts, 86 lin. 1498 Otara to Haldane Post-office .. 200 ft. ; 27 chains stumping. 1499 Waikawa-Wyndham Valley 500 147 15 11 4* 0 Eleven pipe culverts, 208 lin. 1500 Baird's Road, Block IX., Waikawa '200 186 15 11 i'37 i'37 *208 1501 Naigaro Bridge Road (Block VII.), Wai100 ft.; If chains metalling. kawa ■ 1502 Moturimu 80 ! 1503 Te Anau-George Sound 300 278* 8 8 6* 0 One house 16 ft. by 13 ft.; 1504 Sutherland to Gorge Road 250 . . two boats; three slips ; 1505 Manapouri-Te Anau 54 7 18 4 four foot-bridges. 1506 Manapouri-Plaxy Creek 350 68 2 0 0 61 i "20 82 ch. drains ; one log culvert, 20 lin. ft.; 3/£ ch. 1507 Mossburn-Manapouri 200 fascining. 1508 Mossburn-Te Anau.. 400 300' 0 0 0 43 i 16 One stono culvert, 16 lin. ft. ; Wallace County. 1509 Redcliff-Manapouri 350 2 3 0 0 12 3 90 Two contracts in hand by Lands and Survey Dept.; Wallace County. 1510 Dipton-Hamilton Run 200 Wallace County. 1511 Glifden-Manapouri 100 ., 1512 Small Grazing-run 23 50 50 0 0 022 » 1513 Snnnyside-WoodlaDds Sheep track 60 60 0 0 5* 0 1514 Lillburn.. 21 1 1515 Clifden Bridge-Papatotara 250 9' 1 0 3'28 .. j I Three co- operative contracts in hand. 1516 Glifden-Redcliff Greek 341 215 8 0 1 42 1 7 228 ! Wallace County.

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273

1517 1518 Clifden-Otautau (main road) Main road, Otautau-difden, viA Lumsden Gorge Orawia-Clifden Wairio-Mount Linton and Birohwood Road Heddon Bush Road Heddon Bush (Bayswater)-Otautau Road (£1 for £1) Aparima Schoolbonse Road to Line of Hundreds (£1 for £1) Line of Hundreds, West of Aparima River Lower Opio Bridge to Line of Hundreds (£1 for £1) Avondale Saddle Paratotara-Waiau Mouth Wftiau District, Blocks VII., VIII., X., Roads to open up back sections in Waiau District, Blocks VIII. and X. Waiau Ferry-Papatotara Limestone Gorge to Merton Greek, Main road top of Ford's Road (Groper's Bush) Longwood (XVI. and I.) Longwood, Block I.. Sections 17 and 18, and Longwood (XV., XVI., XVII., and XVIII.) Lorgwood (XVIII.) Longwood, Blocks IV., XVI., XVII., and XVIII. Black Creek Bridge and Road Riverton-Orepuki .. Riverton-Colac Wakapatu-Ruahine Te Anau-Milford Te Anau-Wakatipu Manapouri-Doubtful Manapouri-Dusky Sound Port William-Horse-shoe Bay Half-moon Bay Wharf Stewart Island Wharf Patrrson's Inlet-Mason Bay Village settlements Contingencies and engineering Garvie Burn Bridge Argvle Bridge Waikaia Bridge (£1 for £3) Balfour Bridge (over Mataura River), balance Oreti Bridge (Wray's Bush Road), to account (£1 for £1J 400 150 84 5 0 1 1 .. 2 46 Wallace County. 1519 1520 1521 1522 1523 1524 1525 1526 1527 1528 1529 1530 1531 1532 1533 1534 1535 1536 1537 1538 1539 1540 1541 1542 1543 1544 1545 1546 1547 1548 1549 1550 1551 1552 1553 1554 1555 5 17 200 150 250 200 100 150 100 200 150 350 200 250 150 388 400 200 600 77 200 400 100 250 300 300 760 250 100 100 200 300 500 150 125 300 500 500 507 7 120 12 73 17 38 12 50 0 391 7 204 8 198 13 50 18 46' 14 150 0 125 0 500 0 5 6 9 10 0 10 0 6 4 5 0 0 0 i*3i 0 37 2 8 040 3 0 2 62J 0 13| 0 55 0 43 0 11 1 0 0 25 3 35 0 10 2 0 1 1 1 1 1 "30 30 60 280 400 20 6 15 27 2 624 400 310 432 "40 Twenty pipe culverts, lin. ft.; 110 oh. stumping. Wallace. County. 8 ch. bushfelling ; 8 ch. stumping; 6J ch. drains. Wallace County. 83 ch. wire fencing. 2 ch. bushfeliing and stumping; one log culvert, 20 lin. ft. Fifteen log culverts, 310 lin. ft.; 44 ch. drains. Tenders called for three contracts. Wallace County. Stewart Island County. Two bridges, 22 lin. ft.; 1 ch. drains. Southland County; work done previous year. Ditto. Southland County.

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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, 1900— continued.

274

r 1 Expenditure o o S's S-2 ' from 1st April, 1899, to 31st p . •s« Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. 55 ® S5 a Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. March, 1900, charged to Aua> Remarks. s s .5 o > o W 1 thorities issued out of the Item named. or>3 QCO H Drayroad. Bridle- j road. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Settlement Roads, Bridges, etc. —contd. Length. Length. Southland —continued. £ £ s. a M. eh. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 97 1556 1557 Hedgehope, Titipua, and Dunsdale Bridges Winton Creek bridges, Section 9 (Winton 500 50 500 0 0 50 0 0 3 1 140 30 Southland County. Hundred) 30 1558 Winton Greek Bridge 50 50 0 0 1 1559 Oreti Bridge, Dipton (to account) 500 1560 Otapiri Bridge (Evans) 150 1 60 „ 1561 Otapiri Bridge (Forest Hill) 150 150 0 0 1 60 1562 Otapiri Bridge at Dodd's 150 1563 Mimihau Bridge (near Wyndham) 200 200 0 0 "l ioo 1564 Hedgehope Bridge (Bushy Park Road) Mokoreta Bridge at McPherson's Ford 75 1565 400 Under action by department. 1566 Makarewa Bridge 100 Southland County. 1567 Laura' Creek Bridge 50 1568 Wire-rope suspension-bridge, between Te Anau and Garvie's Accommodation-house 200 1569 Mararoa Bridge 270 0 16 6 Wallace County. 1570 Waiau Bridge, Clifden 1,203 1,203 12 9 Chief Surveyor, supervision; work shown last year. 1571 Otautau Stream Bridge jT- * .. 200 200 0 0 1 86 Wallace County. 1572 Fairfax Bridge (to account)! 500 1573 Waikawa Improved-farm Settlement 850 270 10 3 0 16 3 52 3' 0 Three log culverts, 52 lin. ft. ; 16 ch. bushfelling and stumping ; 20 a. bushfelling, and 10 a. retelling ; and 36 a. burnt and sown in grass on sections. 1574 . Haldane Improved farm Settlement % 1,200 859 2 1 « 0 64 5 176 2 14 Five pipe culverts, 176 lin. ft.; 45ch. bushfelling; 77£ch. stumping ; 171J a. bushfelling ; and 237J a. burnt and sown in grass on sections; 66ch. wire fencing. 1575 Moturimu Improved-farm Settlement 500 37 0 1 ■ - 10J a. bushfelling, and 13 a. burnt and sown in grass Papatotara Improved-fari# Settlement .. on sections. 1576 336 92 7 8 1 14 0 19 16|a. bushfelling, and 17Ja. burnt and sown in grass on sections ; one log culvert, 14 lin. ft.; 19 oh. 1577 Makarewa-Hedgehope Flood-channel 300 corduroying.

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275

1578 1579 1580 1581 1582 Otatara Outfall-drain Campbelltown Hundred (Block VIII.) Out-fall-drain Outfall-drain along Clifton, Tisbury, and Scots Streets, Seaward Bush Wairaki Ttrrace (side-cutting down) Jacob's River (protective works near Etal Creek) Papatotara Punt, Drummond's Perry Lower Waiau Perry Aparima protective works (£1 for £1) 200 50 100 50 100 114 17 4 49 16 11 4 62 0 26 2 36 92 ch. drain ; two pipe culverts, 36 ft. 69Jch. drains; 5ch. bushfelling ; 148 lin. ft. wood boxing. 40 ch. drain ; also one contract on hand. Wallace County. 1583 1584 1585 200 200 100 180 8 6 182 12 1 0 39 0 10| 2 40 Building and fitting up a double -boat punt, and wire rope, &c. Two log culverts, 40 lin. ft.; 8J ch. drains ; 16 ch, bushfelling and stumping. Wallace County. Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Southland 44,637 33,446 12,21913 1 14*28 47*38 13 0 16 1 j 426 146 3,694 i *18 16*54 97 1586 1587 1588 1589 1590 1591 1592 1593 1594 1595 1596 1597 GENERAL. Advances to co-operative workmen for dwellinghouses Co-operative work for unemployed —viz., roads, drains, passages, tools, stores, tents, &c. PJood-damages to roads and bridges (to account) Improved-farms not specially appropriated —viz., for felling, clearing, building, fencing, grassing, tools, explosives, &c. Miscellaneous roads and bridges in Native districts Miscellaneous roads and material Purchase of land for, or to be exchanged for land for, roads 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, &o. 240 600 4,418 500 400 121 500 200 200 500 750 200 1,200 5 0 0 480 18 4 2,487 11 1 76 6 7 6 16 4 296 3 10 667 2 7 320 10 11 0 11 |0 20 *4 f69 » t4 72 J1 60 13 0 100 0 Wellington District. Purchase of rackarock for general use. Kakariki Bridge, redecking ; Mount Arthur and Waihi-Akitio, and Alfred-ton-Weber Roads, in Wellington ; Grey Co.; damages Westland. Auckland District. Huntly Road Board. Head Office; Auckland, Nelson, Otago, and Southland Districts. Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, Otago, and Southland Districts. Por general use. Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —General 9,629 7,215 4,340* 9 8 0*31 4*69 *4 *72 1 60 13* 0 •• 100* 0 Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Vote 97 .. 499,725 374,445 237,315' 3 9 412* 45 520* 1 247 62J 130 9,112 2674 58 |317 448*75 138* 1J 1878*69 845*61 * Mount Tuhua Track. t Transfer from Vote 119, Item 47. Taheke-Otaua Road.

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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, 1900— continued.

276

o <0 Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. £•0 o2 Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. OS a . S £• Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Rom .rial. o > •S ct 3 am H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Work Done for Mines Department. — Roads and Other Works on Goldfields and Mineral Lands. £ £ 8. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Length. Ft. No. Length. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. 98 80 81 Marlborough — Picton Grove .. Havelock-Mahakipawa .. 800 200 367 4 6 2 2 0 1 12 23 460 0 20 Clearing 31 ch. bush, 127 ch. fern, 3 ch. manuka ; 2 ch. ditching; 9 m. 20 ch. track graded. Widened ; work being proceeded with. Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Marlborough 1,000 699 369 6 6 i 12 23 460 0' 20 • 98 1 114 119 137 157 158 162 169 171 Nelson — Seddonville (tracks to police-station) .. Wangapeka-Kiwi Creek Track Wangapeka-Little Wanganui Road .. Mokihinui-Little Wanganui Dee Creek Bridge Mangles Bridge Belgrove-WeRtpyrt-Reefton Glenroy-Matakitaki Gorge Bridge and Road Larry's Creek Bridge extension 38 200 500 850 400 2,800 1,000 500 248 37 19 2 181 2 9 372 13 8 1,435 10 4 403 10 0 2,372 13 8 298 14 5 16 14 0 174 14 2 15 40 i 66 3 0 1 50 1 1 1 90 173 _ "60 4' 0 108' 0 Also 7J miles of swag-traok. See also Vote 97, Item 1002. Contract let; material being obtained. Approaches repaired and banks protected. Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Nelson 6,536 4,572 5,29312 2 15' 40 i 66 450 3 323 4' 0 108' 0 98 202 204 207 210 212 213 216 222 Westland— Reefton-Hokitika-Ross Road Kokatahi Road Karangarua Bridge New Road, Stafford-Awatuna Cook River Plat Roal (widening) Okuru Ford Track Hoki tika- Jackson 's Gillespie's Bluff Track 2,500 55 100 200 100 150 100 150 1,896 9 0 81 15 0 437 17 7 146 16 7 97 9 1 151 14 1 0 19J 0 40 i 40 3' 0 38 31 36' 0 Road maintained in good order. General repairs to approaches. Road maintained.

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36—C. 1.

277

223 Galway Bluff Track 226 Maori River Road deviation 232 Repairing Bridge, Donnelley's Creek .. Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Westland Southland —• 98 1 Sealers' Creek (improving track) 258 Preservation Inlet roads 259 Orepuki to Preservation Inlet 260 Cromarty tracks 261 Alpha Track .. .. 262 Stewart Island roads 263 Stewart Island, road to mines 264 Mason's Bay Track 267 Clifden Bridge Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total —Southland Amount authorised by the House Expenditure limited by the House to Total work done for Mines Department Govebnment Loans to Local, Bodies Account. — Roads, etc., to open up Ceown Lands. AUCKLAND. 119 1 Kohumaru Block 2 Takahue-Whangape Block 3 Otukai Block 4 Rangaunu (XII., XIII.), Takahue (III., IV.) Blocks 5 Takahue (IX., X., XIV.) Block 6 Takahue Block 7 Maungataniwha (VI.) Block 8 Maungataniwha Block 9 Hukerenui (I., II.), Kawaka (XIII.) Blocks 10 Ruapekapeka Block 11 Parabaki (Block XII.), Russell Survey District 150 150 200 134 14 10 149 19 6 267 11 5 3 40 * * 060 1 40 .. j .. Deviation completed. Work completed. Nineteen log bridges, 228 lin. ft. 60 ch. fascining and blinding ; repairing 5J miles of tramway. Suspension foot-bridge; two huts erected; nine log bridges ; 135 ch. gravel; 85J ch. fascining; 17 ch. stumping; 76 ch. drains ; 21ch. corduroying; 158ch. gravel; 85J ch. fascining; 17 ch. stumping. 18 ch. bushfelling; 25 ch. stumping ; 7 ch. drains ; one box culvert, 20 lin. ft. 34 oh. bushfelling and stumping. 79f ch. stream - diversion, 6 ft. wide. See also Vote 97, Iteml570. 3,855 2,696 3,364' 7 1 3*40 6'l9i l'20 1 40 1 "40 3 0 74'31 50 300 1,500 200 200 150 150 150 1,400 49 12 8 187 1 6 1,180 8 8 9 13 9 12 0 1 12 0 4 7 6 993 0 4 2 7 0 27 0 70 10 16J 0 79 j 1 66 7 1 146 20 1 50 1 40 30 0 4,100 2,869 2,43415 11 2'34 12' 6| "l "66 166 3 10 30' 0 15,491 10,836 11,462' 1 8 19' 0 4'394 19 8J "5 429 32 666 320 7 10 182 '31 30' 0 400 70 200 200 500 160 120 16 200 25 200 18 12 0 79 4 0 45' 7 6 15 0 0 2 11 0 20 0 0 12' 0 6' 4 6' 1 0 20 0 3 029 •• 2 3 "36 * 60 3' 0

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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, 1900— continued.

278

Vote No. Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Govebnment Loans to Local Bodies Length. Length. Account. —Roads, etc.—continued. £ £ s. d. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Auckland —continued. 119 12 Wairau (Block XIII.), Waoku 100 .. 13 Pakanae (Block VII.), Hokianga 200 Transfer to Vote 97, Item 83. 14 Waipoua (VII.) Block 200 15 Tutamoe (V.) Block 200 2' 0 2' 0 Transfer to Itom 16. 16 Waimatanui Block 200 654 12 9 248 3 "30 5' 5 17 Kauaeranga Block 200 18 Owai (Blockl.), Opuawhanga (Block VIII.), 400 Hukerenui, Kaimamaku, River Road Extension Blocks 19 Opuawhanga (No. I) Block 235 20 Opuawhanga-Whangarei (No. 1) Block .. 24 1318 0 21 Opuawhanga (XIII., XIV.) Block 200 22 Ngunguru Block 111 316 4 23 Mangakabia No. 2 (Block VI., IX.), Manga400 kahia Block 24 Mangakahia (XI., XII., XV., XVI.) Block 1,248 579 15 3 7 20 290 7 39 Wood culverts. 25 Whatitiri Block 700 26 Mangaru (IV., VIII.) Block 300 27 Tangihua Block 300 28 Tangihua (Block VI., VIII.), Maungaru 500 Blopk 29 Waipu (VI., X.) Block 200 "36 30 Waipu (VI., VII.) Block 790 436 19 8 740 9 10 3 665 31 Tokatoka Swamp (No. 2 Block) 2,500 1,647 19 9 10 23 2 45 14 63 Sluice-gates; artesian wells; 32 Tauboa Block 70 wharf repairs, &c. 33 Tutamoe (XIII., XIV.), Kaitiri (III., VII.) 200 Blocks 34 Opanake Block 8 6 18 1 0 30 35 Maropiu (B. III., Kaihu) Block 335 0*35 i' 6 36 Maungaru Block 349 35* 4 0 0 40 37 Maungakahia (XIII.), Maungaru (I.) Blocks 200 0 55 010 Included with Item 36. 38 Mareikura (I.) Block 120 26' 3 0 ► 2*63 39 Mareikura (II.) Block 70 40 Onewhero (X., XIII., XIV.) Block 500 41 Onewhero (XII., XVI.), Maramarua (IX., 300 XIII.) Blocks 42 Opuatia (No. 1) Block 330 179 13 2 2 20 1 42 43 Opuatia (No. 2) Block 371 164 0 6 20' 0 0 19 0*30 44 Opuatia (No. 3) Blook 305 110 4 11 2' 7 060

0,-1.

279

45 Rangiriri (IX., X.) Block 300 46 Awaroa (No. 2) Block 300 6612 11 0 30 47 Waipa (Sections 33 to 122) Block 100 See Vote 97, Item 1595. 48 Newcastle (IX., X., XI.) Block 300 49 Kohuruhuru Block.. 200 50 Karioi Parish Block 150 51 Kawhia Block 300 273' 18 9 2°73J 10 acres bush felled. 52 Puriri Block 186 53 Puroa Block 200 54 Te Puroa Block 200 55 Paekotare Block 79 74' 11 0 i 64 3 "36 0 12 56 Taupiri Block 90 46 12 1 57 Mamaku Block 200 222 4 9 4 6 3 24 J 19 426 Mamaku - Rotorua - Oxford Road ; bushwork, 80 ch. 58 Mangorewa-Kaharoa Block 577 35 3 4 . Engineering survey at once; 59 Okohereki Block 550 9 4 11 fencing-wire to Natives. 60 Taumata Block 428 253 17 4 6 16 0 61 Felling, 177Jch. ; clearing, 61 Kaikokupu Block .. 300 42 oh. 62 Umurua Block 480 297' 9 11 i 69 Cleared and felled, 1 mile 60 chains. 63 Puketarata Block 700 Work to be put in hand as soon as possible. 64 Pakehio Block 400 Ditto. 65 Pirongia West Blocks 1,500 * 66 Whangaingatakapu Blocks 300 67 Hauturu and part Kinohaku Block 3,000 9,770 12 0 86 13 465 44'25 76 l|769 Wood culverts; 1,169 acres 68 Kinohaku Block 2,000 of bush felled. 69 Kinohaku West Block 300 986' 3 7 12 58 55 1 j 123 15 acres of bush felled. 70 Waiawa Blook 500 71 Tahora Block 100 Total —Auckland 27,997 16,076 10 3 137 64 44 40 64 25 168 3,851 34 64 6 41 3 30 2 0 HAWKE'S BAY. 119 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 Hikurangi Block Huirarua Block Waikohu, Matawai, and Motu Blocks Ruakituri Block Waiau Block Whakarara Block Ruahine Block Umutaoroa Block .. 24 200 400 10 200 38 16 72 1 1 0 1 0 - 80 Ngapaeruru Block 2,099 3,95317 0 22 46 i 71 6'274 1,126 i' 0 25 0 Total —Hawke's Bay 3,059 3,954 18 0 23 46 4 71 6 27 J 1,126 4 0 25 0 TARANAKI. 119 81 Tauranga (No. 1 and C) Block 400 82 Waikiekie Block 150 137' 7 10 i 20 0 29 0*20 "4 120 3 "42 4' 0 83 Putiki Block 344 Contracts commencing. 84 Okoke Block 491 1811 3 2 41 0 41 •• 4'20 Work in progress when men reduced in February.

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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, 1900— continued.

280

Expenditure o o S rri from 1st April, 1899, to 31st a . 'S S Eoads constructed. Improved. Maintained. £ © & 1 Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. March. 1900, charged to Aus © — ■ Bemarke. a p .2 * o K" t— t < thorities issued out of the Item named. W> 3 aco H Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Government Loans to Local Bodies Length. Length. Account. —Roads, etc. —continued. £ £ s. d. M. eh. M. ch. M. ch. No. Ft. No. Ft. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Taranaki —continued. 119 85 Kaipikari Block 382 320 4 10 1 47 1 47 2 m. 56 ch. felled, stumped and cleared ; 1 m. 6 ch., Mataro Road, felled, 86 Mataro Block 260 1 50 stumped, and cleared. 87 88 Piko Block Oxford Association Block 384 53 183* 5 0 7 7 9 1 41 0' 25 4 m. 48 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared. 89 Egmont (VI.) Block 112 11 0 0 028 0' 28 5 63 2 0 90 Patua (Egmont, V., VII., XI.) Block 44 43 5 1 0 12 0 35 10 220 1 40 35 ch. felled, stumped, and % oleared ; 50 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared, Oxford Road. 91 Putikituna Block ,. .. ,, 500 191 18 3 Felling, stumping, and clearing, 1 mile, VeraRd ; see Vote 97, Item 604. 92 Hurimoana Block . .. .. 363 552 5 9 3 60 3 60 2 69 47 708 3 60 3 m. 32 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared. 93 Kohuratalii Block 300 121 13 0 1 33 15 287 ,, 3 0 Removal of slips, &c. 94 Rimuputa Block 300 666 0 1 4 50 4 0 24 424 4 0 2 m. 50 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared; 520 c. yd. slips removed. 95 Marco Block 300 63 4 5 1 0 1 0 1 20 1 40 15 347 1 0 Also 1 mile felled, stumped, 96 Autawa Block 203 81 15 0 0 62 5 51 2 40 and cleared. 97 98 Makahu Block Ross Block 343 57 311 5 6 16 19 0 2' 0 0 40 5 118 2 0 3 m. 20 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared; bridge being erected; timber and iron paid for. 350 c. yd. slips removed. 99 Mauku Block 280 90 0 0 i' 0 1 0 1 mile felled, stumped, and 100 Llewellyn Block 200 cleared. 101 Kaupokonui Block 23 2312 6 0 40 On Auroa Road. 102 Whenuakura Block 253 159 16 10 0 28 1° 3 60 21 ch. felled, stumped, and cleared; 380 0. yd. slips 103 Opaku-Kapara Block 68 67 18 9 removed. 104 Rangiwhakaoma Block 500 1,333 14 5 Spent on Nukuhau, Whenuakura, Okahutiria and Maben Roads. Total —Taranaki 6,310 4,401 5 3 20 17 2 70 15 50 7 229 129 2,260 1 0 31 60

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281

WELLINGTON. 105 Te Ngaue Block 106 Momohaki Village-settlement Block 107 Kaitieke Block 108 Waimarino (No 2) Block 109 Marton (No. 3) Block 110 Manganui and Ruapehu Block 111 Gladstone Block 112 Makotuku (III.) Block 113 Tauakira Block 114 Oraukura Block 115 Pukeokahu Block 116 Ohinewairua Block. 117 Hautapu-Ruahine No. 2 Block 118 Upper Hakohine Block 119 Pohonui-Otane Block 120 Kawatau Block 121 Hautapu-Buahine Block 122 Onslow Block 123 Te Mara Block .. .. 124 Dannevirke-Centennial Block 125 Puketoi-Aobanga Block Total—Wellington MARLBOROUGH. 126 Pine Valley Block 127 Puhipuhi Block 128 Kaitao Block Total —Marlborough .. SJf CANTERBURY. 129 Broomfield Block 130 Ruapuna Block Total —Canterbury OTAGO. 131 Lauder-Blackstone Block 132 Naseby, Block II. .. 167 49 550 28 600 24 300 200 250 300 SOO 642 500 500 200 164 11 300 26 300 6 714 0 652 3 6 417* 3 11 23 16 5 11611 2 57' 8 0 417 7 0 803 19 2 666 17 11 355 3 3 108 17 1 5 10 0 354 11 4 17 3 6 184 19 0 5 13 7 3 56 2 29 4' 8 637 0 55 3 1 1 25 5' 0 1 48 020 013 0 28 1 65 324 0 77 2* 42 5 32 2 25 i'10 2 9 1 3 2 7 9 "50 184 48 61 40 128 "98 075 057 0 20 2 15 330 12*73 0*77 323 14 9 i' 40 270 chains road-line felled. Kawatau North Road ; work included in Awarua Block —Vote 97, Item 697. 35 ch. road-line felled; also 1 m. 33 ch. Tiriraukawa Block. See Marton 1 and 2 (Titirangi Road). Te Para Para Road ; wood culverts; 75 ch. metalling. Spur Road ; wood culverts. McLeod's Road. * Charged against Survey vote; culverts are earthenware. * Charged against Survey vote ; two wood culverts, remainder of earthenware. Work has been done by the Maniototo County; not yet paid for. £85 has been expended to date by the Maniototo Co. 5,917 4,191 18 10 28 19 2 46 15 50 36 609 0 75 6 42 32 62 500 1,000 1,000 1,49712 6 1,110 17 11 937* 4 43* 272 2 57 14 11 224 220 2 22 2,500 2,608 10 5 14 0 5 49 25 444 2 22 300 31 331 76 313 • •

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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, 1900— continued.

282

Vote No. Item No. Name of Work according to Item on Appropriations. Amount voted. Expenditure from 1st April, 1899. to 31st March. 1900, charged to Authorities issued out of the Item named. Engineering Surveys. Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Remarks. Drayroad. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 ft. Span. Culverts. Dray- ; Bridleroad. 1 road. I Drayroad. Bridleroad. 119 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 Government Loans to Local Bodies Account. —Roads, etc. —continued. Otago —continued. Naseby, Blocks I., VI., VII., VIII.; Maniototo, Blocks I., XVIII.; Gimmerburn, Block I. Blackstone-Gimmerburn Block Gimmerburn Block Maniototo (No. 2) Block Maniototo (No. 3) Block Swinbuin Farm-homestead Block Lauder- Tiger Hill Block Beaumont Block Glenomaru (III., IV., V., VII., X.) Block.. Gatlin's (IV., V., VII., VIII.) Block Total —Otago SOUTHLAND. Invercargill Hundred (XXIII.) Block Oteramika Block Mokoreta Block Waikawa (II.) Block Hokonui and Forest Hill Block Total— Southland Total —Vote 119 .. £ 200 200 282 200 200 88 300 200 50 357 & s. a. 100' 0 0 66' 10 1 M. ch. M. ch. 066 M. oh. * s No. Length. Ft. No. Length. Ft. ' 98 M. oh. 064 M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Plans have been prepared by the Engineer to the Maniototo Co., but have yet to be submitted for approval. Maniototo Co.; plans are being prepared for contracts; but urgent small works are being done by day-labour. Maniototo Co. ; no works have yet been done, the Engineer awaiting instructions. £150 has been expended up to date by the Maniototo Co. in four contracts, but no payments applied for. Work carrried out by Tuapeka County. Ford Road, Block IV; Scadden's Road, Block VIII.; log culverts. 2,466 166 10 1 0 66 98 0 54 •• 78 200 675 150 317 • • • 1,420 50,000 31,399 12 10 223 66 61 22 101 72J 7 229 358 8,388 36 43 6 41 17 14 91 42

a—i.

283

Ejand for Settlements. Auckland — Opouriao Settlement .. Okauia Settlement Rangiatea Settlement 150 9 9 88 4 2 63 11 6 •• 0 60 0 6 0 40 1 140 •• Total —Auckland 302 302 5 5 1 26 1 140 Hawke's Bay — Raureka Settlement Waimarie Settlement Mahora Settlement 1 0 10 85 0 0 76 8 7 1 68 Two small bridges erected; 5,666 ft. timber on ground. Total —Hawke'a Bay 162 162 9 5 1 68 Marlborough — Omaka Settlement Starborough Settlement Richmond Brook Settlement 248 5 4 3,222 16 8 145 5 1 0 79 20 13 2 33J 1 68 12 206 236 4,190 0 *70 •• 6 chains road fascined; 'gravelled. 200 pipe and six wood culverts ; also 550 chains drains made. Total —Marlborough 3,616 3,616 7 1 23 45J 1 68 218 4,426 0 70 Westland — Poerua Settlement 36 10 10 Timber, wages, travellingexpenses. Total —Westland 37 36 10 10 Canterbury — Albury Settlement Hekeao Settlement Pawaho Settlement Waikakahi Settlement 684 17 9 153 7 6 22 12 3 861 15 4 2 32 - 6 60 6 61 34 1 i 020 1 75 0 15 Mackenzie County. Rangitata Road Board. Pipe culverts. Total —Canterbury 1,723 1,722 12 10 15 73 34 1,020 2 10 Otago — Makareao Settlement 6,568 19 10 2J miles railway done by Public Works Department. Total— Otago 6,569 6,568 19 10 Southland — Otahu Settlement 0 10 0 Travelling- expenses. Total —Southland 1 0 10 0 Total —Land for Settlements Account .. 12,410 12,409 15 5 1 68 40 64J 1 68 1 140 252 5,446 3 0

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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, 1900.

284

Roads constructed. Improved. Maintained. Land District. Amount ■voted. Expenditure. Engineering Surveys. Dray-road. Bridleroad. Bridges constructed over 30 It. Span. Culverts. Dray-road. Bridleroad. Dray-road. Bridleroad. Auckland £ 151,486 £ s. 76,282 6 d. 0 M. ch. 237 37 M. ch. 340 48J M. ch. 96 28* No. 70 Length. Ft. 3,518 No. 963 Length. Ft. 18,662 M. ch. 322 24* M. ch. 29 15 M. ch. 825 14 M. ch. Ill 49 Hawke's Bay 50,532 33,057 3 1 64 50 55 19£ 23 36* 5 504 267 8,375 5 17* 167 43 98 0 Taranaki 43,873 28,425 4 2 71 68 46 12 50 10 24 1,357 824 18,684 12 63* 5 40 116 32 135 18 Wellington 118,648 61,339 5 2 191 43 48 52J 96 31* 13 1,415 678 ' 11,945 40 74 8 12J 412 10 447 36 Nelson 16,447 6,653 13 6 21 65 3 28 7 76 2 198 21 388 24 35 1 0 176 0 (Mines) .. .. .» 6,536 5,293 12 2 15 40 1 66 4 50 3 323 4 0 108 0 Marlborough 32,109 20,002 12 6 30 68 37 28f 47 63* 3 140 268 5,261 4 15 46 54f 20 22 13 0 „ (Mines) 1,000 369 6 6 1 12 23 460 , 0 20 Westland 22,478 10,199 14 8 3 60 0 58 5 71 17 230 41 70 7 0 42 0 2 0 (Mines) 3,855 3,364 7 1 3 40 0 19* 1 20 1 40 1 40 3 0 74 31 Canterbury 22,093 7,925 4 11 20 27 3 282 41 1,188 5 8 75 0 Otago 48,782 20,678 15 3 2 0 21 69 5 57 2 641 55 3,6-52 28 52* 34 0 44 68 30 0 Southland 46,058 12,220 3 1 14 28 47 38 13 0 16 1,426 146 3,694 1 18 16 54 „ (Mines) 4,100 2,434 15 11 2 34 12 6£ 1 66 8 166 3 10 30 0 General 9,629 4,340 9 8 0 31 4 69 4 72 1 60 13 0 •• 100 0 Amount authorised by the House 565,216 Expenditure limited by the House to 447,691 •• Grand totals 292,586 13 8 657 19 626 47 370 51J 143 9,910 3,316 72,817 491 58 151 52J 2,078 34 967 23

Table 46.—Summary of Statement showing Contracts completed under the Co-operative System from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, in the several Land Districts.

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37—C. 1.

285

tn o Character of Work done. 82 &.3> fCS" 0) c3 - Actual Cost. «3 % >■ O cS £Q 2* 5 ® o • Name of Road or Work. u . "g'O o2 ® H ti y, o . -T3 O CD c6 o o 'O 03 ® 13 a & Sfa 5P« S ° 'a >> - OS'S o a O o o° -w © o.® a -a O > fl m O Remarks. 2a © & «M •+=> o CG C3.2 H &D HI a g 01 > CD o s o a a a a S5 © ss > <1 "S)° fl © c3 J ° W r§ ,a o O "3 © •go a B .2 0) a B • <©•3 co h. z U o o gfSK ■< s ® -£'-3 sis a Is Pi *2!! w aa ■£ a *,5 OHH§ o Is o R AucklandM. ch. M. eh. M. eh. M. ch. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Chief Surveyor 292 31 61 5 11 30 9 77 1 76-5 0 5 10 6-6 7,609 19 7 767 8 6 8,377 8 1 Includes cost of 2 m. ditching, bridge and culvert repairs, carting metal, putting in pipes, and price of bridge timber. 154 C. W. Hursthouse and T. Burd 51 17 48 56 67 3 1,421 ac. 0 7 11 6-8 14,710 11 4 1,227 18 0 15,938 9 4 Includes cost of 6 m. ch. road-widening and 3,251 lin. ft. culverts. A. 0. Turner 66 5 - 5 21 12-5 11 63 0 6 3 8-0 2,996 5 7 1,458 2 4 4,454 7 11 Cost of management includes maintenance and Taranaki — 313 surveys. Chief Surveyor 34 34 25 50 10 43 33 2 41 0 6 11 7-8 24,694 10 9 2,973 10 11 27,668 1 8 Includes cost of 7 m. 64 ch. drains and 350 cub. yd. Hawke's Bay — slips. Includes cost of 6,303 lin. ft. culverts, 4m. 9ch. Chief Surveyor 259 4-7 42 79-1 15 38 84 61-2 0 13 0 8 8 7-0 19,680 6 4 2,120 5 7 21,800 11 11 road-widening, 3 m. 61 ch. drains, 26,518 cub. yd. Ditto (improved-farm settlements) .. 5 2-0 0 7 8 6-3 92 6 11 92 6 11 slips, 14 bridges, 81,026 sup. ft. timber sawn, Wellington — Chief Surveyor 62 ft. retaining-wall, and 1 boatshed. 339 3-1 22 5-5 33 58 20 23-5 9 76-5 0 7 4 7-1 18,618 16 10 2,083 0 2 20,701 17 0 Includes cost of 1,377 lin. ft. culverts, 1 m. 40 ch. Ditto (improved-farm settlements) .. 31 1-7 553 acrt-s 0 6 2 7-1 769 17 5 81 7 0 851 4 5 road-widening, 12 ch. drains, 10 bridges, and 23,301 sup. ft. timber sawn. /Includes cost of 3,604 lin. ft. culverts, 2 bridges, G. T. Murray 216 2-8 12 68 56 34 18 79 0 7 4 68 9,574 2 1 1,229 9 1 10,803 11 2 34,219 sup. ft. timber sawn, 357 acres bush Ditto (improved-farm settlements) .. 52 2-4 4 75 4 72 0 66 0 6 6 6-5 2,069 19 2 178 6 10 2,248 6 0 -| felled, 18 m. 50 ch. cutting, 1,209 cub. yd.rockj cutting, 9,611 sup. ft. squared timber, and 96 Ditto (metal-oartage) 43 1-5 8 40 1 7 5 7-5 1,130 13 7 109 3 5 1,239 17 0 V acres grass-sown. Marlborough— 182 Chief Surveyor 3-3 29 36-3 54 65 4 8 09 1 26 0 6 7 8-0 14,605 17 9 2,253 12 3 16,859 10 0 Includes cost of 4,648 ft. pipes, 544 ft. wood culverts, 2 stone culverts, 5 m. 17 ch. road-widen-ing, 8 m. 73 ch. drains, 1,200 cub. yd. slips, 21 gates made, 5 bridges, 4,400 cub. yd. seawall, 35 m. 19 ch. road-repairs, 374 cub. yd. rock-cut-ting, 30 m. 13 ch. grading, 2 m. 25 eh. clearing Canterbury — 17 track, and 37 ch. fascining. Chief Surveyor 5-5 7 74 2 33 0 7 6 6-7 933 12 5 229 0 9 1,162 13 2 Includes cost of 45 culverts, 2 m. 77 ch. drains, Nelson — and 21 fords. Chief Surveyor 61 35 2 30-6 18 11 15 58-1 0 8 8 7-3 2,480 7 1 406 16 1 2,887 3 2 Includes cost of 8 ft. culverts, lm. 15 ch. drains, Westland — 13 and 7 m. 40 ch. of track. Chief Surveyor 4-0 0 77-5 0 51 1 48-5 1 45 0 12 4 6-9 1,096 19 8 347 2 10 1,444 2 6 Includes cost of 17 log culverts, 116 ch. ditching, 5 level crossings, and 2 stcckdrivers' huts ; also Otago — 101 some necessary skilled labour. Chief Surveyor 3'6 6 18 9 18-2 1 6-5 0 6 11 7-2 3,433 13 6 412 0 9 3,845 14 3 Includes cost of 1,597 ft. log culverts, 1,343 cub. yd. Southland — metal, 1,576 rails and sleepers, 61 ch. logging, 44 and 350 acres bushfelling. Chief Surveyor 3-2 6 62-1 1 67-5 5 45-2 0 6 8 7'4 1,526 7 11 252 11 3 1,778 19 2 Includes cost of 7 m. 63 ch. ditching, 3 m. 47 ch. stumping, 680ft. pipe culverts, 133 ft. bridges, 264 ft. culverts, 27 ch. fascining, 28 ch. corduroying, lm. 3 oh. wire fencing, 5m. 10ch. reDitto (improved-farm settlements) .. 17 pairing tramway. 4-2 0 59 0 57 5 228'6 ao. 0 4 10 7-1 715 14 7 266 17 2 982 11 9 57 ch. stumping, 19 ch. corduroying, 50ft. culverts, 176 ft. pipe culverts, 66 ch. wire fencing. Totals and averages 2,205 3-5 27135-6 304 24 2 230 71-1 29 37-5 0 7 4 7-2 126,740 2 6 16,396 12 11 143,136 15 5 2202'6 ae.

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Table No. 47.—Statement of Special Contracts entered into from 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900.

286

Appropriations. "5 S.2 Contractor. Nature of Work to Date of ConContract Price. Contract Date of Completion. Remarks. Vote. Item. Name of Item. 11 Name- and Address. be performed. tract. Auckland. £ e. d. 97 428 429 155 482 197 452 421 482 Upper Makarau Bridge Makarau Bridge Hukatere Road Works at Rotorua Makarau-West Coast .. .. ... Morea Bridge Mahurangi Bridge Works at Rotorua 18 17a 21 9 17 1 20 Cochrane, D. L., Auckland Watson, Alexander, Ponsonby Stewart, Kenneth, Waipu Sloane, T. H., Rotorua Watson, Alexander, Ponsonby Kusabs Brothers, Rotorua James and Co., Devonport The Brush Electrical Engineering Company, Sydney. N.S.W. Bridge Cottage Road repairs Bridge Electric - lighting plant 5 April, 1899 29 April, „ 15 June, „ 23 Aug., 20 Mar., 1 Nov., 5 Jan., 1900 283 9 0 156 12 7 115 0 0 165 0 0 189 17 0 775 0 0 362 3 3 8,488 4 0 5 July, 1899 29 July, ., 15 Sept., „ 13 Oct., 20 May, 1 April, 1900 5 May, „ Hawse's Bay. 97 562 | Mohaka Bridge .. .. • •• McGrath and Burke, Wellington Bridge 6 Jan., 1899 | 6,240 0 0 20 June, 1900 Taranaki. 97 658 Mokau Punt 264 ] Piokett and Grayling, New Plymouth .. 1 Punt.. I 3 Jan., 1900 172 0 0 14 Mar., 1900 Wellington. 97 961 675 936 926 Castlepoint Landing Pipiriki-Waiouru Mangatainoka Bridge Otaki Bridge.. 37 Russell, James, Wellington Cameron, C. G., Wanganui Latham, George, Napier Price, Edward James Tamlyn, Wellington, assigned to Chas. Francis Pulley, Perth, W.A. Nelson. Building Metalling Bridge 28 Oct., 1899 29 Dec., „ 27 Sept. „ 4 Dec., 165 0 0 854 12 10 279 13 0 4,500 0 0 1 Dec., 1899 7 April, 1900 27 Dec., 1899 4 Mar., 1901 97 98 1 1021 1 1021 169 1 157 Maitai Valley Bridge Glenroy-Matakitaki Gorge, Bridge, and Road.. Dee Creek Bridge 13 : 14 Hill, Charles, Nelson Dixon, J. D., Reefton Dixon, John, Reeffcon Mablborough. Bridge 13 Mar., 1899 13 Mar., „ 19 Jan., 1900 7 Oct., 1899 54 9 6 55 4 0 439 16 0 432 0 0 — June, 1899 •— June, „ 5 Aug., 1900 7 Mar., „ For Mines Department 97 j 1100 Reserve A (road through) | 101 | Boyd, John, Kaikoura Formation and metalling 30 May, 1899 507 8 4 30 Sept., 1899 | Canterbury. 97 1220 1238 1211 Porks River Bridge Mount Cook Road, &c. Roimata Settlement, &c. 1 1 1 Sinclair, James, Oamaru Riddle, John, Pairlie Cooksley and Mildren, Opawa Bridge Buildings Formation 1 April, 1899 14 April, 29 July, 444 0 0 195 5 0 228 6 8 31 Oct., 1899 26 May, — Sept., „ 72 14 Contract and schedule survey 1 Murray-Aynsley, A., Christchurch Survey Midland Railway, Block LX1X. 15 Nov., 0 0 3 15 Mar., 1900 * Per acre

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By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1900.

Approximate Oost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (2,400 copies), £304 5».

Price ss.]

287

Otago. 97 1390 / Tahakopa Bridge 1 1 McPhee, William, Owaka Southland. Bridge 22 Feb., 1899 302 13 0 22 June, 1899 97 98 97 98 1461 258 1519 1370 1573 1 Kingswell Creek Preservation Inlet roads Orawia-Clifden Waikawa-Catlin's Waikawa Improved-farm Settlement Saalers' Creek (improving track) 6 8 5 . . 9 . i 58 Ryan, Richard, Seaward Bush Nelson, Charles, Te Oneroa Baird, William, East Invercargill Robson and Haldane, Niagara Gallagher, James, Tokanui.. Nelson, Charles, Te Oneroa Drains Formation Cartir.g Stumping, &c. .. Log bridges 18 April, 1899 12 June, „ 13 Mar., , 11 Feb., „ 22 Feb., „ 23 Oct., 271 78 434 82 156 49 15 0 19 18 12 12 0 0 4 10 0 8 18 Oct., 1899 12 Aug., „ 13 June, » 8 April, „ 7 June, „ For Mines Department. For Mines Department. 72 15 15 Surveys, Landless Natives' . ! 3 2 Robertson, J. A., Invercargill Land survey 27 April, „ 625 954 0 0 0 0 27 Nov., 1900 50,000 acres. 20,446 acres. 97 98 97 1370 1427 1370 259 1574 1583 1509 1456 1544 1534 1472 1470 1583 Waikawa-Catlin's Winton Hundred, Block VIII. Waikawa-Catlin's Orepuki-Preservation Inlet Haldane Improved- farm Settlement Papatotara Punt, &c. Redclifi-Manapouri Invercargill Hundred, Block XXII. Manapouri-Dusky Sound Longwood, 15, 16, 17, 18 Boxall Road Waimatua Papatotara Punt, Drummond's Perry . : 64 61 . ; 64 . 59 . 65 . 72 . i 41 70 . 77 . 1 79 . 92 . 100 . i 22 Wier, Haldane, and Robson, Waikawa McGill, W. P., Gladstone Eirkland, William, Chasland's Bates, Charles, Invercargill N.Z. Loan and Agency Company West, William, Orepuki Barber and Scobie, Manapouri McMahon, Timothy, S. Invercargill Gedney, J. W., Makarewa O'Connell, M., Orepuki Gibson, Thomas, Seaward Bush McKenzie, Murdo, Invercargill West, William, Clifden General. Metalling Formation Metalling Cutting track Grass-seed Poppet-heads Formation Cutting track Earthwork Carting gravel .. Formation, &c. .. Punt 11 Dec., „ 11 Dec., „ 11 Jan., 1900 16 Nov., 1899 12 Dec., „ 11 Dec., „ 5 Feb., 1900 8 Feb., „ 9 Feb., „ 16 Feb., „ 1 Mar., „ 19 Mar., „ 17 July, 1899 96 188 98 80 154 35 80 99 241 123 22 53 110 13 9 6 0 19 0 2 19 13 19 10 19 10 4 0 8 0 3 0 10 0 4 2 0 2 0 11 Feb., „ 30 Jan., „ 15 Mar., „ 31 Dec.', 1899 31 Mar., 1900 7 April, „ 9 June, 17 May, „ 28 Mar., „ 16 April, „ 19 Oct., 1899 Contract cancelled. ForiMines Department. North Isla,nd Districts, excepting Auckland Murray, Roberts, and Co., Wellington.. Grass-seed 19 April, 1899* 524 17 5 Delivered as required *Date of acceptance of tender. Note. —Contracts entered into by local bodies are not included.