NEW ZEALAND.
PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. 1939. BY THE Hon. R. SEMPLE, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.
WELLINGTON. BY AUTHORITY: E. V. PAUL, GOVERNMENT PRINTER. 1939-
INDEX. HON. MINISTER'S STATEMENT. FAGJS Finance Statement: Expenditure, 1938-39, Public Works Fund .. .. .. .. v j j Receipts, Public Works Department, 1938-39 .. .. .. .. .. .. v jj Summary of Votes under Control of Minister of Public Works for Year ended 31st]|March, 1940 "ix Summary of Votes under Control of Ministers other than Minister of Public Works, Year ended 31st March, 1940 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . x Main Highways . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hydro-electric Development.. .. .. . . .. .. .. x jji Railway-construction . . . . .. .. .. .. .. xv Railways : Improvements and Additions to Open Lines.. .. . . .. .. xix Settlement and other Roads .. .. .. .. .. .. .. x ; x Irrigation and Water-supply .. .. .. .. .. .. xx jj Public Buildings— New Departmental Buildings .. .. .. .. .. .. . , xxv Courthouses .. .. .. ~ .. .. .. .. ~ xxv Agricultural Buildings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . xxvi Prison Buildings .. . . .. .. .. .. .. , xxvi Police-stations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. xxvi Post and Telegraph Buildings and Land .. .. .. .. .. , . xxvii Mental Hospitals .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ xxvii Health and Hospital Institutions .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ xxviii Education Buildings .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. xxviii Establishment of Aerodromes and Subsidiary Services .. .. . . . . , . xxviii Telegraph Extension .. .. .. . . . . .. .. , t xxx Tourist and Health Resorts .. . . .. . . .. . . .. ~ xxxiii Land Improvement .. . . .. . . .. . . .. , . xxxiii Settlement of Unemployed Workers . . .. .. .. .. .. .. xxxiii Plant and Mechanical Equipment . . . . . . .. .. .. .. xxxiii Harbour-works .. ... . . .. .. . . .. .. .. xxxiv Lighthouses .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. ~ xxxv Native Land Settlement .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ xxxv GRAPHS. Graph of Receipts and Expenditure, Public Works Fund, Year 1938-39 .. .. .. viii Annual Public Works Expenditure : Loan-money .. .. .. .. .. i x Electric Supply : Percentage earned on Operating Capital after paying Net Operating Expenses xiv Net Expenditure on Road-construction, including Main Highways, for Years 1913-14 to 1938-39 xxi Irrigation Graph : Total Area for which Irrigation Water is available .. .. .. xxiv
IN DEX—continued,. TABLES. PAOH No. 1. —Total Expenditure : Summary showing Total Expenditure out of Public Works Fund 1 No. 2.-—Yearly Expenditure out of Public Works Fund (General Purposes Account), 1917-18 to 1938-39 .. .. .. •• •• •• 2-7 No. 3.- —Railway Statement showing, Expenditure on Construction of Railways to 31st March, 1939 .. .... ' ...... .. .. 8-10 No. 4. —Expenditure and Liabilities on Public Buildings out of Public Works Fund to 31st March, 1939 .. .. .. .. •• •• •• •• H No. s.—Electric Supply Account: Statement of Accounts as at 31st March, 1939 .. .. 12-19 No. 6. —Irrigation and Water-supply : Schedule of Schemes completed or under Construction at 31st March, 1939 .. .. .. .. • • ■ • • • • • 20-22 Electric Sup-ply Tables as per index on page .. .. .. .. •• ■■ 119 Main Highways Tables — No. 1.- —Maintenance of Main Highways (including Bridges) .. .. • ■ • • 131 No. 2. —Construction Work completed during the Year 1938-39 .. .. .. 132 No. 3. —Extent and Types of Work carried out since 1924 .. .. .. .. 133 No. 4.—Lengths of Main Highways metalled and surfaced since Inception of Board's Operations (9th June, 1924) . . .. . • • ■ • • • • 133 No. 5. —Annual Main Highways Accounts as at 31st March, 1939 .. .. .. 152-154 No. 6.—Length of Main Highways at 31st March, 1939 .. .. ■ ■ ■ • 155 No. 7.—Tests of Stone completed during Year ended 31st March, 1939 .. . . 155 APPENDICES. Appendix A.—Expenditure for the Year : Audited Statement of Expenditure out of Public Works Fund for the Year 1938-39 . . .. .. .. . . 23-24 Appendix B. —Annual Report on Public Works by the Engineer-in-Chief .. .. .. 25-69 Appendix C.—Annual Report on Public Buildings by the Government Architect .. .. 70-74 Appendix D. —Annual Report on Electrical Works and Water-power Schemes by the Chief Electrical Engineer .. .. .. •• •• 75-114 Appendix E. —Fifteenth Annual Report on Main Highways by the Main Highways Board .. 127-151
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1939. NEW ZEALAND.
PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT (BY THE HON. R. SEMPLE, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS).
Mr. Speaker,— Before proceeding to review, in particular, works carried out during the past year it seems desirable, in view of the widespread interest shown by a large section of the people in public works, to make a few general observations. Honourable members are aware that throughout the whole history of this Dominion public works have always been a very important factor in the process of its development and general advancement. Whatever has been achieved up to the present has been made possible to a great degree by works which have created opportunities for land settlement and production and have also provided utility services in various directions. I recognize that the responsibility of administering public-works activities calls for the careful consideration of all kinds of schemes and projects that will promote the interests of the Dominion. The policy which has been, and is being, pursued under my administration is framed to advance the well-being of all sections of the community. I have found that there is a popular belief that public works relate mostly to the construction of railways, roads, and bridges. While it is true that a large proportion of public-works expenditure is and shoidd be devoted to such works, there are many other important undertakings which form part of the Government's public-works programme. 1 refer to such activites as the erection of public buildings for State administrative purposes, departmental buildings, post-offices, policestations, courthouses, education and health institutions; the construction of national hydro-electric schemes, irrigation schemes, lighthouses, harbour-works, and aerodromes ; land-drainage, reclamation, and river-control. In addition to works under these headings, there is the constant maintenance of the various buildings and structures, and the operation of hydro-electric power and irrigation schemes. Of the works mentioned the buildings are, of course, more or less for administrative purposes, but the others have a considerable economic value. Proof of ii—D. 1.
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this is afforded by the fact that any work undertaken arises from a special need in some particular district or from a general expression of public opinion that a particular work is vitally necessary. I feel it to be my duty always to thoroughly investigate any proposal which might be brought forward, and to approve of only those projects wherein the public interests and benefits are paramount to all other considerations. Since this Government assumed office the general prosperity of the country has increased, and it naturally follows that an expansion in public works is necessary not only to keep pace with, but to stimulate and promote, development. Special attention has been given to agricultural and pastoral requirements in the way of providing better roading facilities, and in many localities settlers now have the advantage of all-weather road access by reason of extensive metalling and bridging carried out during the past three years. The reconstruction and improvement of the principal roading system of the Dominion has been advanced by a vigorous policy in respect to main highways, with the result that better transport facilities now exist for our primary industries and commercial activities. Considerable progress has also been made towards the completion of several major railway connections in both Islands which will serve large areas of settled land which hitherto have been handicapped by inadequate means of transport. The development of hydro-electric schemes has enabled the State to augment its bulk supply to meet the increasing demands for power, and has also enabled reticulation to be extended into many additional areas. For the purpose of increasing production in districts which do not enjoy sufficient rainfall, major irrigation works are in progress, and although some of these schemes will not be completed for some time yet, those which have been in operation are showing excellent results. The steadily increasing commercial air services and the requirements of defence have necessitated the construction and improvement of civil and military aerodromes, and a substantial advance has been made in the past year towards the completion of many works in this category. The erection of public buildings of all kinds has proceeded, and much-needed accommodation has been and is being provided for the various Departments of State. The mechanization of construction works has done much in the way of expediting progress and in enabling important and urgent, works to be carried out at economic costs. I am pleased to be able to record that the efficient organization and personnel of the Public Works Department has continued to function with every satisfaction, and the workmen have given of their best services in fulfilling the Government's public-works policy. In previous Statements I have referred to the question of river-control and to the necessity for introducing a comprehensive scheme for the purpose of arresting the accumulating losses of productive land through flood erosion. I had hoped to be able to introduce into the House this session a Bill to deal with the whole matter, but pressure of other work has prevented this. lam having the Bill prepared during the coming recess, and will have it ready to introduce next session. FINANCE. The payments and receipts and accumulated totals in connection with the Public Works Fund and other associated votes and accounts for the year 1938-39 are shown in the tabulation following. The gross expenditure amounted to £21,091,543, of which £5,741,099 was expended by other Government Departments; the recoveries in reduction of expenditure amounted to £4,169,654, of which £1,262,076 was recovered by other Departments; the net expenditure totalled £16,921,888, of which £4,479,023 was expended by other Departments. In addition, the Department collected £1,703,366 for the supply of electric energy, irrigation receipts, and miscellaneous revenue from other sources.
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Expenditure, 1938-39. Total Net Class of Work. E JPT£ tur f to 31st March, Gross. Recoveries. Net-. 1939. Expenditure, Public Works Fund. Railways— £ £ £ £ New construction .. .. .. .. .. 1,299,134 64,488 1,234,646 41,611,130 Improvements and additions to open lines .. .. 2,653,040 89,604 2,563,436 22,200,208 Roads.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,455,194 164,356 1,290,838 26,317,197* Public buildings .. .. .. .. .. 2,208,510 122,216 2,086,294 16,159,049f Lighthouses, harbour-works, and harbour defences .. .. 37,900 4,050 33,850 1,368,672 Tourist and health resorts .. .. .. .. 24,953 401 24,552 781,636 Telegraph extension .. .. .. .. .. 872,646 296,702 575,944 12,876,634 Departmental .. .. .. .. .. .. 547,939 331,848 216,091 3,596,632 Irrigation, water-supply, and drainage .. .. .. 283,733 119,253 164,481 1,550,381 Lands-improvement .. .. .. .. .. 241,636 1.06,959 134,677 1,251,757 Swamp land drainage .. .. .. .. .. 24,931 19,607 5,324 105,607 Settlement of unemployed workers .. .. .. 526,397 181,713 344,684 1,411,851$ Native-land settlement .. .. .. .. .. 1,166,104 672,408 493,695 1,190,412 Dairy industry loans .. .. .. .. .. 300 .. 300 46,125 Cost and discount, raising loans, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,828,307 Closed accounts (for more detail see Table 1) .. .. .. .. .. 8,120,785 Totals, General Purposes Account .. .. 11,342,417 2,173,605 9,168,812 142,416,383§ Electric Supply Account (previously Aid to Water-power Works Account) —- Construction .. .. .. .. .. 980,389 19,763 960,626 16,383,268|| Working-expenses .. .. .. .. .. 384,203 7,046 377,157 Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Account .. .. .. .. 709,7401T Totals, Public Works Fund .. .. .. 12,707,009 2,200,414 10,506,595 159,509,391 Expenditure, other Votes and Accounts. Main Highways Account — Annual appropriation— Construction, reconstruction, and improvements .. 3,040,502 223,912 2,816,589** 12,431,988ft Maintenance, repairs, and renewals .. .. .. 1,632,729 62,483 1,570,246** Administration, plant, and miscellaneous expenditure .. 411,209 31,620 379,589** Interest, fees, and loan redemptions .. .. .. 382,893 .. 382,893** Permanent appropriations (rate subsidies, interest on transfer from Public Works Fund, &c.) .. .. .. 309,963 .. 309,963** Consolidated Fund— Maintenance, public buildings, roads, &c."|J .. .. 231,408 34,887 196,521 Aerodromes and landing-grounds .. .. .. 334,766 205,169 129,597 Plant, material, and miscellaneous .. .. 1,789,317 1,411,169 378,148 Closed accounts (for details see Public Works Statement, 1933) .. .. .. 18,955,387 Employment Promotion Fund (expenditure by Public Works Department): Amounts not included above .. .. 251,747 .. 251,747 Totals, Other votes and accounts .. .. 8,384,534 1,969,240 6,415,293 31,387,375 Grand total of expenditure, Public Works Fund and other votes and accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1939 .. 21,091,543 4,169,654 16,921,888 Capital expenditure to date .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 190,896,766 * Includes £4,500 expended under section 16, subsection (1), Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1923. t Excludes expenditure on workers' dwellings totalling £319,918 transferred to State Advances Account; includes £154,488 expended under Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1936, section 32. J Includes £4,865 expended under Finance Act, 1932 (No. 2), section 6. § Does not include expenditure under Ellesmere Land Drainage Act, 1905, or £1.226,000 transferred to and included in Main Highways Construction Fund. || Total capital, excluding suspense items as per accounts in Table No. 5 If Excludes interest and loan charges. ** For annual income and expenditure accounts see Appendix E. ft As per accountsin Appendix E. Excludes transfers to Public Works Fund vote, &c. (£20,020.)
Class of Work. e «n 8 ' 1938—39. Receipts,* Public Works Department. Ordinary Revenue Account— £ Irrigation (receipts for year) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 26,140 Miscellaneous receipts for year .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21,603 Electric Supply Account (sales of energy, miscellaneous receipts, &c.): Receipts for year .. 1,622,457 Main Highways Account (repayment of advances, &c., and interest): Receipts for year .. 33,166 Total receipts .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,703,366 * Excludes motor-spirits tax, registration fees, &c.. collected bv other Departments.
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Summary.
Of the net expenditure of £16,921,888 previously mentioned, £12,234,412 may be regarded as having been expended from loan-moneys (£9,168,812 General Purposes Account, £390,000 Electric Supply Account, and £2,675,600 Main Highways Account) the balance —i.e., £4,687,476 being expended from revenue and taxation. In diagrammatic form the ratio which the various classes bear to the whole is shown below. It should be noted that the figures are gross —that is, before deducting recoveries, which include subsidies from the Employment Promotion Fund, contributions from the Consolidated Fund, and similar amounts which if deducted, would detract from, the true portrayal of activities.
Per Roads, including construction and maintenance of £ cent. main highways .. .. .. .. 7,232,490= 31-73 Hydro-electric (construction and working-expenses) .. 1,364,592= 5-99 Railway-construction, improvements, and additions .. 3,952,174= 17-34 Public buildings, including schools .. .. 1,839,790= 8-07 Settlement of unemployed workers .. .. 526,397= 2-31 Lands improvement .. .. .. .. 241,636= 1-06 Irrigation .. .. .. .. .. 283,733= 1-24 Public buildings, roads, &c. (maintenance) .. .. 231,408= 1-01 Air defence, aerodromes, and landing-grounds .. 703,4-86= 3-09 Telegraph extension .. .. .. .. 872,646= 3-83 Native-land settlement .. .. .. .. 1,166,104= 5-11 Plant, material, and services for other Departments .. 1,789,317= 7-85 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. 887,770= 3-90 Revenue receipts .. .. .. .. 1,703,366= 7-47 £22,794,909=100-00
In regard to the ways and means of the General Purposes Account of the Public Works Fund the position is as under: — Balance available Ist April, 1938 . . . . . . 153,860 Add funds received during the year — £ Finance Act (No. 2), 1936, section 2 (Public Works) .. .. 2,580,355 Finance Act, 1937, section 11 6,000,000 Finance Act, 1938, section 2 1,041,924 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 125,772 9,748,051 9,901,911 Deduct expenditure during 1938-39 — Under annual appropriations .. 9,168,812 Under permanent appropriations . . 94,225 9,263,037 Balance available 31st March, 1939 .. .. £638,874 The estimated net expenditure under the General Purposes Account for the current financial year is £13,161,000, and arrangements are being made with the Ministe' of Finance to provide the necessary funds. This is the amoun shown on the Public Works estimates, which also show an estimated net expenditure of £1,840,000 from the Electric Supply Account and £5,267,200 from the Main Highways Account, a total for all these accounts of £20,268,200.
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Public Works Other q, , , Department. Departments. 0 a ' £ £ £ Gross expenditure .. .. .. .. 15,350,444 5,741,099 21,091,543 Recoveries and receipts .. .. .. .. 4,610,944 1,262,076 5,873,020
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Summary of Votes under Control of Minister of Public Works and Proposed Ways and Means of Raising the Necessary Funds —Year ending 31st March, 1940.
For the current financial year 1939-40 a sum of £750,000 will be provided from the Consolidated Fund for expenditure on maintenance of Public Works and Services. The expenditure on Main Highways from revenue is estimated to reach £2,787,000 and from loan-moneys £2,480,200. It is estimated that approximately £141,486 revenue from the Electric Supply Account will be available after providing for sinking fund, interest, and operating-expenses for expenditure on construction works, the balance of the year's construction programme under this heading —i.e., £1,273,600 —will be raised by way of loans. The diagram below gives the annual public-works expenditure from loan-money since 1872.
Annual Public Works Expenditure (Loan Money)
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Loans. ,g>~L £ £ £ £ Departmental .. .. .. .. 210,000 .. .. 210,000 Railway-construction .. .. .. 1,230,000 .. .. 1,230,000 Public Buildings .. .. .. 1,250,000 .. .. 1,250,000 Lighthouses and Harbour-works .. . . 37,000 . . .. 37,000 Development of Tourist Resorts .. .. 35,000 .. .. 35,000 Roads .. .. .. .. 1,400,000 .. .. 1,400,000 Lands Improvement .. .. .. 330,000 .. .. 330,000 Irrigation .. .. .. .. 285,000 .. .. 285,000 Electric Supply .. .. .. 1,273,600 .. 566,400 1,840,000 Main Highways .. .. .. 2,480,200 .. 2,787,000 5,267,200 Maintenance of Public Works and Services .. 750,000 .. 750,000 Totals .. .. .. 8,530,800 750,000 3,353,400 12,634,200
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The proposed expenditure from loan-moneys and revenue for votes comprised in the Public Works Fund coming under the control of other Ministers of the Crown is set out hereunder : —
The above figures (i.e., £9,814,000), plus those shown in the summary of votes under the control of the Minister of Public Works (i.e., £12,634,200), plus permanent appropriations under Highways (i.e., £332,800), amount to £22,781,000. In the Budget an additional £1,136,000 was shown under the heading of "Financial Programme" for the following works and services not included above : Land for Settlement, £260,000; State Forests, £650,000; State Coal-mines, £45,000 ; and Iron and Steel Industry, £181,000.
MAIN HIGHWAYS. On many occasions I have emphasized the necessity of an adequate and safe highway system in order to meet the needs of modern road My endeavours have been directed towards reconstruction and improvement works where the need was most urgent, and also the continuous maintenance of highways to a reasonable standard. The highway system includes the most important arterial routes which carry concentrated traffic from feeder and settlement roads. It is most essential, therefore, that, in the interests of safety, unsatisfactory conditions be improved as soon as possible. Wherever the standard is below traffic requirements it is found that maintenance becomes uneconomic, and for this reason also reconstruction becomes necessary. For example, a macadam road under a moderate flow of traffic can be maintained at reasonable cost but, if the quantity of traffic increases, more intense and costly maintenance is required, and the point is reached when, under very dense traffic, it is practically impossible, irrespective of cost, to upkeep the macadam surface in anything like a reasonable condition. Under such circumstances it becomes necessary to provide a paved surface which does not disintegrate, and which, compared with the macadam type, can be maintained at very moderate expense. One feature of a sealed highway is that the cross-section and superelevation are stabilized and a uniform condition is retained, notwithstanding seasonal or traffic variations. On the other hand, a macadam surface quickly deteriorates under heavy traffic, and in extremely wet or dry periods the position is accentuated. On account of the semi-permanent nature of paving it is essential that before a seal-coat is applied the subgrade and foundation be reconstructed to a proper standard and the road surface carefully prepared to obtain the correct shape. Another aspect of highway sealing is that it makes a definite contribution towards greater safety on the roads. Not only is the surface safer because of the elimination of the loose top-course with its corrugations and pot-holes, but general visibility and comfort are increased through the removal of the dust nuisance.
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Vote. Loans. Consolidated Special Fund. Revenue. ___ £ £ 1 £ £ Railway Improvements and Additions to Open 3,300,000 .. 700,000 4,000,000 Lines (Minister of Railways) Education Buildings (Minister of Education) .. 900,000 .. .. 900,000 Telegraph Extension (Postmaster-General) .. 600,000 .. . . 600,000 Swamp-land Drainage (Minister of Lands) .. 14,000 .. .. 14,000 Settlement of Unemployed Workers (Minister of 695,000 .. 55,000 750,000 Lands) Native Land Settlement (Minister of Native Affairs) 675,000 400,000 275,000 1,350,000 Defence (Minister of Defence) .. .. .. 2,200,000 .. .. 2,200,000 Total .. .. .. .. .. 8,384,000 400,000 1,030,000 9,814,000
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During the past year there has been a continued increase in the growth of motor traffic as revealed by the greater number of vehicles licensed for operation and the record consumption of motor-spirits. The density of present-day traffic therefore requires that every effort be maintained in the direction of reconditioning the highways system to a standard in keeping with the needs of modern transport. Particularly does this apply to the State highways of the Dominion which carry a tremendous amount of arterial traffic. Very substantial improvements have been made since the Government assumed direct control of State highways, and the public is benefiting considerably, both directly and indirectly. For example, the development of commercial transport has been possible only because of the excellent standard of the improved highways. Under such circumstances it is not possible at present to consider any curtailment in highway activities or expenditure. Satisfactory progress has been made with the programme of works, other than actual reconstruction and surfacing, for the purpose of making main highways safer for all classes of users A considerable amount of protective fencing has been erected on hilly sections and also-.in other localities where this protection affords added safety. The erection of guide-posts has been extended throughout most districts, particularly where night traffic is appreciable and where fog conditions are common. This simple method of marking the boundary of the trafficable portion of road and indicating the variation in alignment has effected a very material improvement from the safety viewpoint. Another phase of activity in regard to safety has been the adoption of a policy of improving visibility at the junction of side roads with main highways. In this connection the co-operation of local bodies has been obtained in respect of highways under their control, and many corners have already been improved under a standard scheme of subsidy. In the course of investigating the problem of road safety it became apparent that a common hazard affecting both motorist and pedestrian arose from the lack of footpaths, especially in closely-settled localities where vehicular traffic was heavy. The matter was discussed with the Main Highways Board, and as a result financial assistance is now given from highway funds towards the construction of footpaths where circumstances require. A condition of the subsidy is that the footpath proposals must include the provision of a paved surface, as otherwise the tendency would remain for pedestrians to prefer the paved highway to any loose-top footway. Consideration is being given to the provision of separate cycle-tracks where road traffic exceeds an average of 1,600 vehicles per day. There are a number of difficulties in connection with, the construction of cycle-tracks, however, not the least of which are the limited width of existing highway reserves and the irregular or uneven surface of the land. However, the matter is being carefully investigated in order that traffic conditions affecting the cyclist, the motorist, and the pedestrian can be materially improved. The question of highway lighting was carefully considered by the New Zealand lioad Safety Council, which came to the conclusion that it would be desirable to install some modern form of lighting on those portions of highway carrying a sustained average daily traffic of 2,500 motor-vehicles or more. This recommendation was adopted, and the Main Highways Board, with the assistance of a technical advisory committee, has made extensive investigations into the various types of lighting which might prove suitable. It is hoped that in the near future it will be possible to commence the lighting installation on the two most heavily trafficked highways in the Dominion. It is pleasing to be able to record that there is evidence of practical results having been achieved from, the safety campaign in respect of main highways. While the ratio of accidents in urban areas has increased and in settlement areas has remained stationary, on main highways there has been a reduction of 18 per cent. This indicates that the general improvement of main highways has made a definite contribution towards road safety, and it is my earnest hope that still more favourable results will be obtained in the future. A detailed statement of works undertaken throughout the year under review is contained in the annual report of the Main Highways Board, which is attached to this Statement. The report discloses that the total receipts from revenue sources
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for the past financial year amounted to over £2,800,000, compared with £2,600,000 for the preceding year. With the exception of revenue from tire-tax, which was some £9,000 less than in the previous year, the receipts from other taxation levied for highways purposes reached peak figures. The total expenditure from the Main Highways Account for the last financial year on actual works, as distinct from loan and special charges, amounted to £4,369,000, as against £3,392,000 in the previous year. Construction and improvement works, including the elimination of dangerous railway-crossings, absorbed £2,878,000, maintenance involved an expenditure of £1,311,000, whilst £180,000 was spent on the renewal of bridges. In addition, interest and loan charges amounted to £439,000 and general rate subsidies paid to local authorities totalled £209,000. Last year's programme of works involved the borrowing of £2,675,600 for main highways' activities. The improvements completed included the formation and widening of lengths totalling 491 miles and the metalling of numerous sections aggregating in length 188 miles. Extensive paving operations during the past year resulted in the completion of 385 miles of initial dustless surfacing, this being the greatest amount of new sealing completed to date in any one year. The length of dustless surfaced highways at the 31st March, 1939, totalled 2,800 miles, which represents approximately 23 per cent, of the main highways system. Further progress was made in the elimination of dangerous railway-crossings, and in the period under review 40 elimination schemes were completed, as against 35 in the preceding year. As at March, 1939, a summary of the Government's programme for removing these potential dangers is as follows : Works completed at 90 crossings ; contracts let or work in hand at 30 crossings ; proposals completed or under preparation for 39 crossings. In the matter of bridging it is interesting to note that over 25,000 lineal feet of new bridging was opened to traffic during the past year, this being more than twice the aggregate in any previous period. The principal structures completed were : The Rakaia River Bridge, 5,762 ft. long ; the Whirokino Viaduct, 3,600 ft. long, and the North Rangitata Bridge, 2,122 ft. long. The bridge over the Rakaia River provides a separate structure, 24 ft. wide, for highway traffic, where in the past both road and rail traffic have been carried on a single bridge. One of the major benefits of having a separate bridge in this case is that road vehicles are no longer subject to delays through having to await the passage of rail traffic. The Whirokino Viaduct has been constructed to carry arterial highway traffic over a long stretch of road which becomes covered with water to a depth of several feet in times of major flooding. The new bridge over the north branch of the Rangitata River forms part of the major deviation in the State highways system of the South Island. The deviation, which will shorten the distance for through traffic by nearly 10 miles, was practically completed at the end of the year under review, and has since been opened to traffic. The replacement of hundreds of bridges on the main-highways system has become a matter of urgency, and every endeavour is being made to expedite design and construction work as much as possible. The maintenance of the main-highways system, including the amounts spent by the Main Highways Board and local authorities, represents an average cost per mile of £119-9, compared with £101-2 for the preceding year. However, the past year was characterized by extraordinary storms in a number of concentrated areas where the flood conditions were very severe indeed. The repairing of a certain amount of flood damage is anticipated each year in the course of maintenance operations, but in some districts the flooding was quite extraordinary. The increase in the average maintenance-cost per mile is due to the damage caused by major floods, as expenditure in that respect is equivalent to over £16 per mile over the complete highway system. The programme for the maintenance and construction of main highways for the current year is based on a continuance of activities on practically the same scale of operations as for the past year.
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HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT. The hydro-electric developments have continued to be one of the Government's most successful undertakings. The conditions attendant on the more prosperous times of the past three years have given the public more confidence and a greater sense of security, which is reflected in continually increasing demands for electric power. Largely as a result of the Government's housing policy and stimulating of local industries, the increase in the number of consumers is the greatest for any one year since 1928. The number of units generated in the Government stations shows an increase of 17-14 per cent, in the North Island and 18-97 per cent, in the South Island, whilst the operating returns of the various distributing authorities indicate an increased consumption of 13-35 per cent., as compared with 14 per cent, last year. The operation of the various existing power schemes and the financial returns received therefrom continue to be satisfactory. The gross revenue has increased to £1,688,583, and after paying operating expenses, interest, and depreciation it has been possible to make available a sum of £585,131 to the Sinking Fund Account, which is still, however, £558,076 in arrears. To meet the increasing demand for additional power in all directions the Department has been actively engaged on new work and additions to power-stations and transmission-lines and on surveys and investigations for additional works and lines. In the generating-stations the erection of the third unit (20,000 kW.) at Waikaremoana is almost complete, whilst construction work is in hand and orders have been placed for plant for an additional two units each 21,000 kW. for Arapuni, and for two units each 20,000 kW. for the new lower development at Waikaremoana. Two additional units each 15,000 kW. for the Waitaki Power-station are being delivered, and preliminary work in connection with installation is in hand, whilst orders have been placed for a 25,000 kW. unit for the new development which will be built in the Rakaia River at the termination of the Rangitata irrigation canal. Main transmission-lines inter-connecting the Lake Coleridge - Waitaki system with Southland, and with the West Coast, have been completed, as also has a second main line between Arapuni and the Bay of Plenty. Work is in hand on an additional main line between Arapuni and Auckland, a main line between Melling and Masterton, a duplication of line from Napier to Woodville, and an extension of main line north from Whangarei to Kaitaia to give supply to the new Bay of Islands Power Board. Also, during the year a substation has been built and supply given from the Government system for the first time in the Taumarunui district. In addition, survey and other investigation work has been going on continually to develop a comprehensive long period programme of construction. Operating Results. Financially the year has been a successful one, and the whole Electric Supply Account has been able to earn 8-41 per cent, on the operating capital after paying net operating-expenses. The position of the account is summarized in the following table, and the result since the State commenced operation in the electric supply business is shown in the following graph : —
Percentage earned on Operating-capital after paying Working-expenses.
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a Percentage Operat'ne- Gross Working- Net Net Balance camtal Revenue. expenses. Balance. to Operating - ' capital. £ £ £ £ PerCent. North Island system 9,208,227 1,127,132 200,438 926,694 10-064 South Island system 6,247,478 561,451 187,835 373,616 5-980 Totals .. 15,455,705 1,688,583 388,273 1,300,310 8-413 I
D.—l
Percentage earned on Operating-capital after paying Net Operating-expenses.
In the North island the Depreciation Reserve required by the State Supply of Electrical Energy Act —viz., 12| per cent, of the capital invested—-has already been reached, and an amount sufficient only to maintain this per cent, is therefore chargeable to depreciation, with a consequential credit balance of £530,170 on the year's operations. This balance has been used to reduce arrears of statutory sinking-fund provision which have been accumulated in earlier years. In the South Island the Depreciation Reserve has not yet reached the 12|-per-cent. limit mentioned above, and consequently the sum of £82,617 has this year been charged to Depreciation Reserve. After charging this amount the year's operations show a profit of £58,535. The general position to date is that the Electric Supply Account has been able to meet all operating and interest charges, has provided the statutory requirement of £1,680,732 for depreciation, and, in addition, has provided £1,091,878 towards sinking-fund requirement of £1,649,954. Also, £87,199 has been paid to General Reserve from profits made from time to time on Lake Coleridge system. In other words, the electric-supply system as a whole has paid interest and operating charges and provided £2,859,809 in reserves, of which £496,364 has already been utilized by Treasury for the paying-off of loans which formed part of the original capital. There are, however, still arrears of sinking fund, amounting to £558,076, to be met. Electric-supply Operating Accounts. (a) North Island Electric-power Supply. The Arapuni-Mangahao-Waikaremoana plants have operated satisfactorily throughout the past year, and the revenue shows an increase of £148,640 over that of the previous year. The result of the year's operations was as follows : — £ £ Capital investment at end of year . . 9,710,555 Revenue .. .. .. 1,127,132 Operating-expenses . . 200,438 Balance .. .. £926,694 The balance has been used in paying interest charges (£353,676) and £33,547 as the Department's share of the capital charges on the King's Wharf generatingplant of the Auckland Electric-power Board, also £7,228 to provide the full statutory contribution to depreciation, and £2,073 has been charged against cost of raising loans. The reserve accounts established in connection with this system show that £1,042,933 has been credited to depreciation and £741,038 to sinking fund.
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(b) South Island Electric-power Supply. The Lake Coleridge-Waitaki-Monowai-Arnold River plants have operated satisfactorily throughout the year, and the revenue shows an increase of £69,900 over that of the previous year. The year's operations resulted as under: — £ £ Capital investment at end of year . . 6,654,048 Revenue .. .. .. 561,451 Operating-expenses . . . . 187,835 Balance .. . . £373,616 The balance has been used in payment of interest (£231,060), £82,617 has been paid to depreciation, and £1,404 has been charged against cost of raising loans. General. The capital invested in the electric-supply systems operating throughout the Dominion totals £37,367,664, which includes £16,364,603 of Government expenditure. The gross revenue received for the year was £6,296,326. After paying working-costs, interest, sinking-fund (except in the case of Government expenditure on which sinking fund is payable out of profits), and depreciation charges, the net profit for the year under review was £1,126,936, as compared with £878,594 for 1938, which indicates that the electric-supply business as a whole is in a healthy condition. The average revenue received by the Government for each unit sold was 0\!58d., compared with 0-366 d. for last year. The average revenue per unit sold by all the retail supply authorities to consumers throughout the Dominion was 0-982 d. This is the first occasion on which the average revenue received has come below the penny, and is, I think, worthy of special mention. In 1925 the figure was as high as 2-12 d., and even in 1935 it was l-17d. When we realize that even in Great Britain, where the density of population is very much greater, and where even yet many sparsely-populated sections have not been supplied, the average return per unit sold was in 1938 over l-3d. in New Zealand currency, there is no question but that we can justly claim, success for our various electrical undertakings. Further details of the different electrical undertakings will be found in the report of the Chief Electrical Engineer attached as an Appendix to this Statement. RAILWAYS. Dargaville Branch Railway. —Work on this line has progressed steadily during the year. The formation and ballasting of the section between Kirikopuni and Tangowahine have been completed, and the goods and passenger service on this length has been continued in operation by the Department. Construction between Tangowahine and Dargaville has been carried on as fast as the men and staff available have allowed. Ballasting operations have been continued over a length of 4 miles, formation was completed over a further length of 3 miles, and excavation is in hand on the remaining length of 1 mile to the new site of Dargaville Station. A contract has been let for the erection of the Awakino River Bridge, the only bridge remaining to be constructed on this line. It is anticipated that the rails will be laid to Dargaville Station by next March, and the whole work will probably be completed within the ensuing twelve months. Paeroa-Pokeno Railway. —Excellent progress has been made with the construction of this railway. Owing to the changed standards of alignment and grading since the line was previously surveyed a considerable amount of time had to be spent on survey and investigations before construction could proceed on an extensive scale. A large amount of accommodation for workmen had also to be built, and plant and material assembled.
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However, with this preliminary work completed, progress has been rapid At the Paeroa end, except for a few short lengths, formation has been complete, on the first 8 miles, including all culvert work, but not the major bridges. At the Pokeno end construction is in hand over a total length of 10 miles. The major portion of the work is being done by machinery and to date about 350,000 cubic yards of material have been shifted. East Coast Main Trunk Railway: Extension to Opotiki.—lt had been intended to commence construction on the extension of this railway from Taneatua to Opotiki during the year, but plant and material from other railways were not available, and construction was postponed. Survey work has been carried on with a small party, and it is intended that construction should commence this year. Owing to the lack of sufficient plant and service material construction operations will only be on a small scale for some time, but the work will be expedited as construction plant from completed railways becomes available. Gisborne-N apier Railway.—Considerable time was lost and heavy additional expenditure incurred on this railway owing to the disastrous floods of February and May last year. Many months were occupied on clearing up slips, restoring service roads, and generally repairing the damage done by the floods. The section between Napier and Putorino suffered greater damage than most of the rest of the line, and this portion was restored by the Railways Department, assisted, where possible, by my Department. It was reopened for goods traffic in November last year. The section from Putorino to Raupunga was completed and handed over to the Railways Department for operation. At the end of June last the section from Putorino was completed and ready for operation. On Ist July, in the presence of a large attendance of people from all over the district, I officially handed over to the Honourable the Minister of Railways the Napier-Wairoa Railway and the extension to Waikokopu, thus giving the people of Wairoa and district transport facilities for which they have long waited. A rail-car service has been inaugurated by the Railways Department, and this speedy and comfortable method of travel has been well patronized since its inception. On the Grisborne-Waikokopu Section of the railway considerable time was occupied in clearing up flood damage, but since this was done good progress has been maintained. Earthwork is practically completed throughout the length, but owing to the broken nature of the country it is anticipated that a considerable amount of slip clearing will be necessary during the next year or two. Good progress has been made with tunnelling operations. The Waikoura Tunnel, 70 chains long, has been completed, the Coast Tunnel has been enlarged and concreted at each end, and in the largest tunnel, the Waiau-Tikiwhata, about 35 chains have been completed at each end, leaving a mile still to do. It is anticipated that this tunnel will be completed at the end of next year. Of the smaller tunnels, four have been completed, and the rest are well underway and will be completed in plenty of time to fit in with the rest of the construction programme. In spite of the lack of sufficient skilled men, bridge-construction has proceeded according to schedule, and unless there is delay in connection with the supply of steel-plate-girder spans and reinforcing-steel all the bridges will be completed in time to allow platelaying to proceed in accordance with the programme laid down. Twelve bridges have now been completed, seven are in an advanced stage of construction, and arrangements for the construction of the remainder are well in hand. In addition, three highway bridges and one overbridge, made necessary by the relocation of the main highway in the vicinity of the railway, have been constructed. Work has commenced on some of the station yards, and Muriwai Station has been almost completed. Fencing operations have been continued during the year, and the many and varied operations made necessary by the construction of a railway have proceeded satisfactorily.
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In spite of the many difficulties that have been encountered in the construction of this railway and the setbacks that have been occasioned by abnormal storms and floods, good progress is being made, and it should be completed during 1941. TuraJcina-OJcoia Deviation.—Very good progress has been made with this deviation, which is designed to shorten the distance and improve the grading and curvature on the Wellington - New Plymouth Railway. The majority of the grading and the formation on this section is now almost complete, while the For dell Tunnell, 72 chains in length, has been driven and lined, and in the Turakina Tunnel, which is 104 chains long, 58 chains have been completed. A start has been made with the construction of the Wangaehu and Turakina Bridges, and I anticipate that the whole section should be ready for platelaying and ballasting at the end of the current period. Palmerston North Railway Deviation. —The construction of this deviation, which was originally commenced in 1926 and closed down in 1929, was recommenced at the beginning of the year under review. The work as originally set out involved quantities in the vicinity of 1,000,000 cubic yards, and approximately half of the general excavation had been carried out when the work closed down. On the work being recommenced, however, the proposals were enlarged, and it has been decided to proceed also with the Whakarongo Deviation. The main portion of the work involves a very extensive excavation for the goods-yard and the transport of the material from there to fillings at the passenger station and general shunting yards. In addition to this, there are some eleven overbridges across the heavily trafficked roads in this vicinity, as well as a bridge over the Mangaone Stream. On account of the large amount of excavation involved in the goods-shed cutting, and the necessity for transporting it some considerable distance for fillings and overbridge approaches, it was decided to largely mechanize this work by the use of power shovels for excavation, motor-lorries for transport, and carry-all scrapers and bull-dozers where suitable for short leads and for spreading material. Good progress has been made, but it is only possible to employ a limited number of men owing to the necessity for synchronizing the excavation with the overbridge approaches and other works. Plimmerton-Paekakariki Railway Duplication.—This work, which is portion of the duplication of the railway between Wellington and Paekakariki, was commenced approximately three years ago, and the section between Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay is now practically complete. Formation generally has been heavy, and one of the features of this work has been the necessity for very extensive sub-soil drainage in order to stabilize the sub-grade. For many years past the swampy nature of this section has been a source of considerable trouble to the Railway Department, but the drainage which has now been put in will, I think, be very satisfactory. The very wet cutting at the summit near Pukerua Bay is rather an anomaly, seeing that it is the highest point on the line and was found to be the wettest and most difficult. From Pukerua Bay towards Paekakariki the duplication has been carried out to within a short distance of the first tunnel, where the double line merges into a single track extending to the north end of the last tunnel before Paekakariki, and from there the duplication continues to Paekakariki. The excavation along this section has been very heavy, the work having been carried out almost entirely by returned soldiers, who have made very excellent progress indeed. It is hoped to hand over the whole section to the Railway Department for platelaying very shortly. South Island Main Trunk Railway.—As mentioned in my last Statement, the construction of this railway has been divided into two sections, the north end extending from the existing open line at Wharanui to the Kahautara Bridge, a distance of 48 miles 70 chains, and the south end from the Kahautara Bridge to Parnassus, a distance of 29 miles 40 chains.
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During the current period a large step forward has been made, and on the northern end the section from Wharanui to the Clarence, a distance of approximately 20 miles, has, with the exception of the Blue Slip, been completed, rails have been laid, and ballasting is well in hand. Station-yards have been constructed at Kekerangu, Parikawa, and the Clarence. I hope to arrange with the Railway Department for the transport of stock over this section during the ensuing season. On the southern end construction is practically completed to the Hundalee Station, llf miles from Parnassus, rails have been laid, and ballasting is almost completed, and arrangements have already been made for the running of a limited amount of traffic over this section. Work is now being concentrated on the central section, and the majority of the grading, apart from tunnelling-work, has been finished. There is still, however, a considerable amount of tunnelling to do, but of the twelve remaining tunnels all are under construction, and on the general average are about 50 per cent, complete. The principal tunnel on this section has, of course, been that through the Amuri Bluff, where extremely difficult underground conditions have been met with, and these have necessitated an increase in the section of concrete lining in order to cope with the very heavy pressures experienced. Good progress has been made with the bridging, the principal remaining works being the construction of the Hapuku River Bridge (for which a contract has been let), the Kowhai, Kahautara, Oaro, and Okarihia Bridges. During the period the sub-structure of the Clarence Bridge was completed, and this is now ready for the erection of the steel girders, which have been delayed owing to difficulty in obtaining material. The Conway River Bridge, which is of considerable magnitude, was also completed, as well as some half a dozen smaller bridges. On account of the very steep nature of a great deal of the sea coast-line along which this railway is being constructed it has been necessary in many cases to traverse places where the line would be exposed to considerable wave action, and in these places heavy protective works are required, stone being obtained from the quarry at Goose Bay for this purpose. It is anticipated, however, that a certain proportion of very heavy concrete blocks will have to be manufactured and deposited at the toe of these banks, in order to provide the very substantial protection necessary. This will, however, be among the last works to be carried out, and can only be put in hand after the formation at these various places has been completed. It is unnecessary for me to enlarge on the natural obstacles and difficulties which have had to be overcome in the construction of this railway, as many of these have been fully detailed in my previous Statements. It is, however, satisfactory to record that the rate of progress has been well maintained and the completion of this very important project is now definitely in view. Westport-Inangahua Railway. —Steady progress was maintained on this railway during the past year. The progress was retarded and the difficulties increased by the exceptionally heavy rainfall, which amounted to 211-5 in. for the year. The bridging programme was rendered difficult on account of the shortage of carpenters, due to the heavy demand in the main centres of population for carpenters for the housing programme. This shortage was successfully overcome by employing semi-skilled .workers on co-operative contract. Modern plant was used as much as possible, but its use is considerably restricted due to the abnormal rainfalls making the ground too soft to carry the plant. During the year the two remaining tunnels were completed, and of a total of 3,605 lineal feet of bridging, 1,885 lineal feet is completed, 1,227 lineal feet is under construction, and it is anticipated that all except 275 lineal feet will be completed by the end of the year. The formation is completed, except for two gaps with a total length of 1 mile 70 chains which are in hand. A contract will shortly be let for the platelaying of the 17A mile gap between the railheads.
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RAILWAYS: IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS TO OPEN LINES. The net expenditure out of the Public Works Fund under the heading " Railways : Improvements and Additions to Open Lines " for the year ended 31st March, 1939, was £2,670,832, this sum being made up as follows : — £ Wellington new station .. .. .. .. 63,044 Wellington-Johnsonvi 1 le-Paekakariki electrification 29,966 Plimmerton-Paekakariki duplication .. .. 40,662 Scroggy Hill Deviation . . . . . . . . 7,085 Papakura-Horotiu duplication .. .. .. 138,817 Turakina-Okoia Deviation .. .. .. 124,717 Palmerston North Deviation .. .. .. 37,598 St. Leonards - Sawyer's Bay duplication . . . . 34,657 Stratford - Okahukura - Taumarunui automaticsignalling installation .. .. .. 25,315 Christchurcli new station and yard .. .. 41,179 Oamaru foreshore protection .. .. .. 10,000 Dwellings .. .. .. .. .. 140,434 Rolling-stock .. .. .. .. .. 1,336,913 Workshops buildings and plant .. .. .. 199,493 Station rearrangements and sidings . . . . 92,109 Grade easements, improvements, &c. .. .. 28,542 Overbridges .. .. .. .. .. 22,170 Road services .. .. .. .. .. 275,532 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. 22,599 £2,670,832 Good progress has been made with the additional accommodation that is being provided at the new station at Wellington and the reorganization of the yard, while the electrification of the Wellington-Paekakariki Section has advanced satisfactorily, along with the Plimmerton-Paekakariki duplication. Further progress was made during the year with the duplication works between Papakura and Horotiu and St. Leonards - Sawyer's Bay, and also with the deviations at Scroggy Hill, Turakina-Okoia, and Palmerston North. Progress was also made with various grade-easement works throughout the system. The installation of automatic signalling between Stratford, Okahukura, and Taumarunui is now nearing completion, and it is expected that this work will be completed in two or three months' time. Progress has been made with the elimination of level crossings in various localities, a number of overbridges having been brought into use during the year. The new terminal for the Department's road-passenger services at Dunedin is nearing completion, and the new building at Wellington for the road services and Stores Shipper is well in hand, During the year the road-passenger and goods services were extended considerably by the purchase of new vehicles and privatelyowned services. The programme for the building of dwellings for the staff and for the carrying-out of improvements to the existing dwellings has progressed during the year. Further activity was maintained in the construction of rolling-stock, 5 rail cars, 39 cars and vans, and 1,373 wagons being turned out, while 50 locomotives, 106 cars, 81 vans, and 3,459 wagons were under construction or on order at the close of the year. SETTLEMENT AND OTHER ROADS. When presenting my first Statement after assuming my present office I made reference to the inadequate roading facilities then existing in respect of isolated and remote settlement. It was quite evident that primary production was most advanced in those areas where reasonably good all-weather roads met the needs of farming and settlement interests. Not only did such roading serve development requirements, but it also provided economic transport for the conveyance of commodities for marketing. On the other hand, the lack of good roading meant that the development of potential areas was being seriously retarded, while the settler who was endeavouring to pioneer new territory was enormously handicapped through lack of road access,
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I expressed my intention to concentrate activities towards improving unsatisfactory conditions in respect of backblock road access because I was convinced that by so doing the general welfare of the Dominion would be further advanced. The prosperity of New Zealand is dependent upon the returns from the soil, and it is therefore essential that every encouragement be given to rural development and production. Apart from the question of the economic transport of produce, good roads bring social benefits to the people, such as education, health services, recreational, and community amenities. For the purpose of improving settlement access I invited local authorities to prepare schedules showing roads which required metalling in order to provide all - weather communication to outlying settlement. From these schedules a programme was formulated, primary consideration being given to roads classified in the first order of urgency. Grants and subsidies were allocated and with the co-operation of County Councils substantial progress has been made towards increasing the mileage of metalled feeder roads. Many of the proposals included in the programme have been completed, and, in quite a number of cases where it was anticipated that work would extend over a period of years, the metalling already carried out is in advance of the original plan. Within the past three years 2,878 miles of metalling were completed, of which 1,080 miles were completed during the past year. These figures evidence the sympathetic and practical consideration which the Government has extended to the primary industries of the Dominion in the direction of facilitating settlement and production. In addition to metalling operations, 1,596 miles of roads were formed or reconstructed during the past three years, 531 miles having been completed in the last financial year. A considerable amount of bridging and culverting was also carried out during the period under review, either by the Public Works Department or by local authorities under grants or subsidies from the Public Works Fimd. The length of bridging completed for use totalled 13,504 lineal feet, compared with 10,710 lineal feet in the previous year, while the length of culverting aggregated 66,884 ft., compared with 71,570 ft. in the previous year. The net expenditure on settlement and other roads for the year ended 31st March, 1939, amounted to £1,290,838, compared with £1,126,757 for the preceding annual period. I find it necessary to refer briefly to the financial position of County Councils, which are the local governing bodies most directly associated with rural roading problems. It is pleasing to be able to record that, generally speaking, these authorities exercise a broad outlook when reviewing roading needs in their respective territories. In some cases, however, it appears that considerations arising from the riding system of finance influence to a large extent the expenditure programme rather than the degree of urgency of work. There are indications that local-body opinion to-day is recognizing that improved transport conditions have practically eliminated purely localized interests, and that the roading schemes must be dealt with as they affect the district as a whole. Compared with other recent years, the past year was comparatively free from flood damage of any major character, and there were only a few occasions when County Councils applied for financial assistance. Several local authorities were faced with the repairing of damage sustained in the early months of the last calendar year, and for this reason were unable to devote as much attention to the metalling of settlement roads as otherwise would have been the case. In addition to roading for settlement purposes, construction work was continued throughout the past year on a number of important arterial and tourist routes, and satisfactory progress was recorded. The following is a brief description of some of the major projects under construction within the period covered by this report:— Two large works in the North Auckland and Auckland districts were completed —namely, the Brynderwyn-Waipu Deviation, which provides an alternative and more direct route for traffic between Whangarei and Auckland, and the Waitakere Scenic Drive just out of Auckland City. Good progress was made with the reconstruction of the arterial road between Rotorua and Lake Waikaremoana, the improving of the Waiouru to Tokaanu Road, and the construction of the new road connection between Taumarunui and Tokaanu. Work was well advanced in respect of the reconstruction of roads in order to improve access to Wellington. The Western Hutt Road between Melling and Silverstream, including the erection of a modern bridge over the Hutt River, was completed and opened to traffic, and, with the exception of reinforced-concrete
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bridges, which are under construction, the improvements to the HaywardsPahautanui Road were completed. The major deviation following the coastal route between Plimmerton and Paekakariki was well advanced and should be opened for traffic prior to the commencement of the Centennial celebrations. The remaining section of the Summit Road along the Port Hills at Christchurch, comprising the length between Dyer's Pass and Gebbie's Pass, was completed and opened to traffic. This portion of road has since been declared a main highway and a sealed surface provided. Work is proceeding vigorously on the extension of the Main South Road, which will open up the whole of the southern portion of Westland district. When completed this road will connect near the mouth of the Haast River with the road over the Haast Pass and form a direct traffic connection to the Otago District. The construction of the new road over the Pass is proceeding from the Otago side, and formation has been carried oiit over the main divide into the Westland district. Construction work on the road from Hollyford to Lake McKerrow was continued throughout the year. A review of the expenditure on reading generally over the last twenty-six years is illustrated by the graph hereunder
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT NET EXPENDITURE ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING MAIN HIGHWAYS FOR YEARS 1913-14 to 1938-39
iii—D. 1.
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IRRIGATION AND WATER-SUPPLY. Irrigation is considered one of the most important developmental works being carried out by the Government. In Otago there are now thirteen schemes in operation, commanding an area of 63,000 acres, of which 50,000 acres are regularly irrigated and last year the revenue received from the sales of water was £25,980, as against £24,100 the previous year. No new work was undertaken in Otago as the schemes investigated did not show sufficient promise to justify proceeding with them. This condition is due to the necessity for expansive conservation of water in dams or the high cost of pumping water to higher altitudes. In Canterbury there are two schemes in operation, commanding 17,403 acres, of which 2,491 acres were irrigated last season, and £334 revenue was obtained. The irrigating season both in Otago and Canterbury was noted for the unprecedently wet weather conditions that obtained until the middle of January, and the exceptionally dry conditions that then set in and persisted until the end of June. The effect, of this uncommon season was to delay the demand for water until the season was half oyer, thus leaving many of the irrigators unprepared for the drought that followed. This adversely affected the revenue on the schemes whiclTliupplied water on demand—namely, the Omakau Scheme in Otago and the Redcliff and Levels Schemes in Canterbury. The year's construction activity was confined to Canterbury on schemes which will derive their water-supply from the Rangitata River. It was found in Canterbury that the main rivers provided the most reliable source of water-supply on account of possessing large glaciers at their sources, which act as natural storage reservoirs which let the water down during hot north-westerly winds, when it is most required. For this reason schemes of considerable magnitude must be undertaken at one time. The area in the Ashburton County between the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers proved the most promising one to start on, and this entailed the authorization of the large supply race known as the Rangitata Diversion Race. This race is 42 miles long, and, besides supplying 1,000 cusecs of water for the irrigation of 234,000 acres of land, it is also capable of generating 30,000 horse-power of electric energy during the winter months, when the water is not required for irrigating the land. The construction of this race is being vigorously proceeded with ; eighteen large mechanical plant units are being worked three shifts each day, moving 125,000 cubic yards of excavation per month, and to date about one-half of the 3,000,000 cubic yards of earthwork contained in the work is completed. Other features of the main race construction comprise a large concrete headworks and regulator, a 12-ft.-diameter reinforced-concrete syphon 8,700 ft. long, and six 11-ft.-diameter reinforced-concrete syphons to carry the race under the Ashburton and Hinds Rivers and their tributaries. The turbine and generating set for the electric-power development have been ordered, and the race and power development is scheduled to be completed by the winter of 1941. Concurrent with the construction of the Rangitata Race, two large irrigation schemes—namely, the Mayfield-Hinds scheme 54,000 acres, and the AshburtonLyndhurst scheme 34,000 acres —are proceeding, and are scheduled to be ready when the main race is completed. These schemes also entail the removal of large
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quantities of earthwork, and work is proceeding at the rate of 25,000 cubic yards per month on each scheme. Three other schemes will follow in due course to complete the programme to be supplied from the Rangitata Race. Besides the excavation of the races, the works on the irrigation schemes in hand entail the construction of thousands of concrete structures for regulating the flow of water and providing crossings over the races, and to date about nine hundred of these structures have been built. The whole of the irrigation works are fully mechanized and 50 large-power units and their accessory plant are used on this work. This large equipment of earth-moving plant has necessitated the establishment of a large workshop at Temuka, which is used night and day on the maintenance of the plant. The machines installed in the workshop are capable of doing any repair-work at short notice, and sixty-five men are employed on this phase of the work. It has been proved that workmen who have been trained in the workshop are capable of turning out parts that are superior to the original parts, and at cheaper cost, so that an annual saving on the maintenance is estimated at £25,000. The planning and carrying out of these works will be of great assistance to Canterbury, where progress has always been retarded through the uncertainty of rainfall during the growing season, and in the past very large losses have been sustained through drought conditions causing failure of crops and limiting the stockcarrying capacity of the land to less than one sheep per acre. Experimental work carried out during the last three years has conclusively proved that, with irrigation, crop losses can be entirely avoided, and the grass pasture can be maintained to enable the land to carry six ewes per acre. Experiments in growing sugar beet and other root crops also show very promising results. The Downlands Water-supply Scheme is another developmental work being constructed in South Canterbury. The scheme is planned to supply domestic and stock water over an area of 153,000 acres situated in the Levels, Waimate, Mackenzie, and Geraldine Counties, near Timaru. The work has been in progress for eighteen months, and involves the laying of over 800 miles of water piping and the construction of several large storage reservoirs. The work is fully mechanized, the larger pipes being laid in trenches excavated by a large trenching-machine, whilst the smaller sizes are pulled into the ground by large tractors leaving them 18 in. below the ground without disturbing the surface for farming. The delivery of piping has now reached 60 per cent, of the total requirements, the intake is completed, three reservoirs have been excavated ready for concreting, and pipe-laying lias reached a stage where it is expected that 90,000 acres will receive a supply in nine months' time, other large areas following in quick succession. The following graph shows the growth of irrigation acres under Government schemes in the last twenty years : —
jii*
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TOTAL AREA FOR WHICH IRRIGATION WATER IS AVAILABLE.
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PUBLIC BUILDINGS. The net expenditure for last year in the various classes of buildings was : £ General Government buildings . . . . . . 807,644 Courthouses .. .. .. .. .. 34,868 Prison buildings and works . . . . . . 7,656 Police-stations .. .. .. .. .. 77,745 Post and Telegraph buildings .. .. .. 280,951 Mental Hospital buildings .. .. .. 128,839 Health and Hospital institutions . . . . . . 88,099 £1,425,802 New Departmental Buildings. Steady progress has been maintained in the direction of providing reasonable accommodation for Government Departments. During the year the erection of steel frames for new departmental buildings in Auckland and Wellington was completed. Preparatory to arranging contracts for the remaining construction work, tenders for these buildings were invited in due course, but as it was deemed advisable to revise the specifications in order to reduce the quantity of imported materials all offers were declined. Subsequently fresh tenders were obtained, and contracts have now been finalized in accordance with the amended conditions. The Government Life Insurance buildings in Wellington and Nelson were practically completed. The new Government Buildings at Napier and a building for the State Fire Insurance Department at Invercargill are now in occupation, and departmental buildings have been erected at Wairoa. The strengthening of the Customs Building in Wellington was completed, and the building formerly occupied by the Head Office of the Railways Department was renovated to accommodate the headquarters staff of the Defence Services. Towards the end of the year under review a disastrous fire destroyed a large building in Wellington which was within a few weeks of completion. This accommodation was being erected to house the Social Security Department, and, as the Department was to function actively at the close of the financial year, it became a matter of extreme urgency to provide other office accommodation. The Government therefore decided to proceed immediately with the erection of a new building on another site, and for this purpose an area of railway land in Aotea Quay was quickly prepared by using mechanical plant and equipment. Special arrangements were made with a firm of contractors to expedite the construction of a new fourstoried building under departmental supervision, and the completed structure was ready for occupation within a period of just over seven weeks. This was a remarkable achievement, and enabled the Government's Social Security proposals to be brought into operation in fulfilment of its original intentions. Courthouses. A steady and sustained effort is being made in connection with the programme for replacing old and unsuitable courthouses, but in this respect there is a considerable amount of work yet to be done. The new courthouse at Blenheim was completed and opened during the year. The building affords a very fine example of what is considered to be an appropriate type for our secondary courthouses. Other courthouses completed since my last statement was presented include those at Ashburton, Kaeo, and Wataroa, whilst additions and alterations of a minor nature have been made in a number of other cases, including Levin, Dargaville, and Lower Hutt. Good progress is being made towards the provision of improved facilities at Whangarei and Invercargill, where new courthouses are being built. The future programme is still a large one, and in this connection land for new buildings has been acquired at Nelson, New Plymouth, Thames, and Omakau.
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New buildings have either been approved or plans are under preparation for the replacement of existing buildings at Christchurch, Ruatoria, Thames, and Nelson. Extensive alterations are under consideration for the Auckland Magistrates' Court and the Dunedin Court buildings. It is hoped that during the current year it will be found possible to have the proposed alterations and extensions to the Supreme and Magistrates' Courts, Wellington, commenced. These are becoming increasingly necessary in order that the inadequate and congested accommodation at both Head Office and the Courts may be improved. Agriculture. In pursuance of the Government's policy of providing better and increased facilities for research the erection of new laboratory buildings at the Ruakura and Wallaceville Animal Research Stations was put in hand during the past financial year. It is anticipated that both buildings will be ready for occupation within the early future. The new laboratories embody modern ideas in lay-out, and the facilities that will be available will be appreciated by officers whose work in the past has been so greatly handicapped in this respect. The Government is appreciative of the fact that the accommodation and facilities at both stations are still somewhat inadequate, and consideration is being given to the extent and nature of the extensions that will be necessary at Ruakura to cope with the expansion of investigations at that centre, and to the provision at Wallaceville of facilities for the study of additional problems in animal diseases and nutrition. A commencement has also been made with a programme of work designed to extend and modernize the staff and trainees quarters at Flock House, which a short time ago was acquired by the Government. The work already undertaken comprises the erection of new staff quarters, and the provision of a new kitchen and dining-room, which will allow of the original Flock House building being remodelled and converted into dormitories for the trainees, whose sleeping-quarters were far from satisfactory for an institution of this kind. Prisons. There has been no particularly large expenditure during the year, as accommodation in general is at present sufficient for the needs of the Department. The programme of mechanization of industries has been continued, and progress in this direction has resulted in the saving of much time, thus enabling the available prison labour to be utilized to better advantage, vocationally as well as economically. At the Hautu Prison Camp a much-needed electric-light installation is nearing completion, and the provision of a water-supply to stock-grazing paddocks has proved of great value in lowering the losses of stock which were caused through stock having to search for a water-supply in the swamp. A water-supply for the Rangipo Prison has also been completed. The provision of new milking-plant at the; Invercargill Borstal Institution lias been satisfactorily completed, and among other completed improvements at this Institution may be mentioned the laundry and drying-room, wool-shed, and slaughterhouse. At New Plymouth a further area of land adjacent to the prison has been obtained, and this will prove of value for the grazing of stock and the growing of vegetables. The completion of further staff cottages at Paparua will give additional relief in the problem of accommodation for married staff. At the Waikeria Borstal Institution a mechanical spraying-plant for orchard purposes has been installed and is giving every satisfaction. Police-stations. The gross expenditure on police-stations during the year was £77,754, the principal items relating to the erection of the new police-station at Palmerston North, which is nearing completion, and the purchase from the Wellington City Council of additional land adjoining the site of police. headquarters in Wellington. New police-stations were erected at Newmarket, Ellerslie, St. Clair (Dunedin), Linwood, Manaia, Matainui, Pleasant Point, and Moera, and an office was provided at Tokaanu.
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Houses and land for use as police-stations were purchased at National Park, Khandallah, and Northland, while sites for police-stations were acquired at Whangarei, Mission Bay, St. Heliers Bay, Waiheke Island, Hamilton, Clive, New Plymouth, Levin, Paekakariki, and Mount Cook (Wellington). Plans are in course of preparation for a number of police buildings which are urgently required to replace structures that have outlived their usefulness. In this connection the necessary provision is being made on the estimates for the current year. Post and Telegraph Buildings and Land. During the last financial year the following post-office buildings were completed : Avondale, Devonport, Grey Lynn, Linwood, Little River, Milton, St. Albans, Sumner, and Tauranga. In addition, residences for Postmasters were erected at Cambridge, Kaipara Flats, Mangaweka, Poolburn, Waiau, and Wairoa, and a residence for the staff was provided at Te Teko. Other buildings completed were a line-depot and store building at Huntly ; a line-depot, store, and garage building at Geraldine ; a line-depot, store, garage, and workshop building at Gisborne ; a line-depot and battery building at Clyde ; line-depot, store, and garage buildings at Amberley and Milton ; and garage buildings at Devonport and Motueka. Major additions and alterations were made to post-office buildings at Newmarket, Parnell, Te Awamutu, Waimauku, Waitangi (Chatham Islands), Wakefield, and Wellesley Street (Auckland), and alterations and additions providing for improved accommodation were made to the departmental buildings at Ashliurst, Balfour, Christchurch (garage), Geraldine, Gore, Lyttelton, Mount Albert, Paekakariki, Takaka, Taradale, Te Akau, and Warkworth. Several buildings and sites no longer required were disposed of during the year. Post-office buildings at Linwood, Milton, and St. Albans were demolished to make room for new buildings. Sites and additional land for departmental purposes were acquired at twenty-four places. At the end of the financial year, the following buildings were in course of erection: Christchurch (chief post-office, first block) ; Dunedin (store and workshops) ; Gisborne (automatic telephone exchange) ; Hamilton (chief postoffice) ; Invercargill (chief post-office) ; Mount Pleasant (automatic telephone exchange) ; New Brighton (automatic telephone exchange) ; Okaihau (Postmaster's residence) ; Otorohanga (post-office and residence) ; Wanganui (chief post-office) ; Wellington (Office building and line-depot) ; Whakatane (line-depot, store, and garage). Also in progress were large additions to the chief post-office buildings at Auckland, Oamaru, and Palmerston North ; additions to the post-office buildings at Ellerslie, Huntly, Kaipara Flats, Okaihau, Opotiki, Rangiwahia, and Waiau ; and additions to the automatic-telephone-exchange building at Mount Eden and the store and garage building at Kaitaia. MENTAL HOSPITALS. The work of development and extension to Kingseat Mental Hospital has again occupied a major portion of the programme. The hospital block, boiler-house, laundry and workshops block have been completed. A Nurses' Home and two villas for male patients are at present under construction. The water-supply at Tokanui has been improved, and kitchens have been added to many wards to provide improved service. The erection of the new boiler-house at Porirua has been completed and much of the machinery has been installed. A residence for an Assistant Medical Officer has been erected, a new bakehouse and butcher's shop is in course of erection, and considerable improvements to the general roading at Porirua have been carried out. The new Nurses' Home at Ngawhatu is nearing completion and the erection of a new laundry at Templeton completed. Extensive alterations have been carried out in the main kitchen block at Sunnyside, and a new workshop block is being erected to replace the old building which was destroyed by fire.
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Two new villas are in course of construction at Hokitika, and at Auckland improvements have been made to kitchens. Such services as water-supply, telephones, drainage, and fire-fighting appliances have been renewed or extended as required. HEALTH AND HOSPITAL INSTITUTIONS. The new hospital for male patients at Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer Springs, has been practically completed, and proposals are in preparation for extensions to the boiler-house and laundry and for a new massage and bathhouse block. The contract for the erection of the new Dental Training Clinic in Wellington is nearing completion, and the erection of a hostel for dental nurses in training is receiving consideration. It is intended to provide facilities at the Mount Cook Public School, Wellington, for the medical examination of school-children. A site is to be acquired at Auckland for the purpose of erecting a modern Obstetric Hospital, and plans are being prepared for the erection of a similar hospital at Christchurch, for which a site has already been obtained. Provision is also being made for improvements at St. Helens Hospitals at Wellington and Invercargill. It is hoped that a commencement will be made this year with the erection of a new sanatorium and bathhouse at Rotorua, and plans will be formulated as soon as possible. EDUCATION. During the past year the gross expenditure of capital funds on the erection of school buildings, additions, and teachers' residences, and the purchase of sites, amounted to £746,721. This sum includes £19,643 provided by the Consolidated Fund to meet the cost of relatively minor works. The following table shows for the last four years the capital expenditure on school buildings, additions, teachers' residences and sites : —
1935-36. 1936-37. 1937-38. 1938-39. £ £ £ £ Public schools .. .. .. 87,908 162,894 331,558 467,255 Education Board offices .. .. .. .. ... 3,850 Secondary schools .. .. .. 23,516 24,092 58,924 56,819 Technical schools .. .. .. 59,350 77,836 97,740 82,568 Training colleges .. .. .. 610 6,730 1,984 27,071 Native schools .. .. .. 8,399 12,172 34,180 39,632 University colleges .. .. .. .. 3,022 39,086 58,710 Massey Agricultural College .. .. . . 525 Child-welfare institutions .. .. 221 . . 351 Special schools .. .. .. .. 2,473 312 840 School for Deaf, Sumner .. .. .. 4,841 6,295 N.Z. Institute for the Blind .. .. .. .. .. 1,000 Kindergartens . . . . .. .. .. 881 1,181 Refund portion purchase money sale of Education Board offices .. .. .. .. .. 1,500 Gross total .. .. .. .. 180,004 289,744 569,857 7-46,721 Less credits-in-aid .. .. 48,547 7,848 7,913 66,411 £131,457 £281,896 £561,994 £680,310
ESTABLISHMENT OF AERODROMES AND SUBSIDIARY SERVICES. Activities along this avenue of my Department's operations continue to develop and become more diversified and widespread. Whereas in 1935, development was practically confined to the construction of some half a dozen civil aerodromes utilizing the maximum amount of manpower, to day operations cover intensive
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development of Air Force Stations, Civil Aerodromes, Seaplane alighting areas, Seaplane base at Auckland, and all facilities relating to Air routes, both internal and overseas. In all cases the most efficient and expeditious methods of construction are being adopted and the contracting principle utilized where possible. Local Air Services: Internal Air Transport has continued to expand and consolidate its position. The only new service commencing during the year was Union Airways' extension from Auckland to Gis borne via Tauranga and Opotiki, but the rearrangement of the Auckland-Dunedin main trunk service with a through calling point at Wellington, has materially assisted to build up traffic. This steady growth of traffic and the increased importance of air transport is shown in the following table.
A feature of air service operations has been the regularity and safety that has been achieved by the operating companies, and this shows that the aerodromes and air route facilities are being developed along sound lines. The work on civil aerodrome and landing-grounds at 30th June, 1939, may be summarized as follows : — Fields licensed. . . . .. .. .. .. 59 Emergency fields available .. . . .. 10 New fields initially licensed . . .. .. 6 Fields removed from license register as not required or unsatisfactory . . . . . . . . 1 Major construction work has been in hand during the year on 21 Fields already licensed but under enlargement or improvement 16 New fields under development . . .. . . 16 Available emergency-landing grounds under improvement .. 2 New emergency-landing grounds under development .. 4 Total number of fields on which work was in hand . . 48 Fields maintained as Government emergency-landing grounds or fields in remote localities . . . . .. . . 23 Licensed fields maintained pending banding over to local authorities .. . . . . .. .. 13 A number of new fields may be expected to come into initial use this coming summer, and an extension of trunk air services and feeder services is confidently anticipated. Investigations, surveys, and construction proposals have been undertaken in connection with many other possible aerodrome-sites with a view to their development in the future either as licensed aerodromes to augment the network serving air transport needs or as emergency-landing grounds. My Department has continued to co-operate with the Post and Telegraph Department in the provision of aeradio facilities to assist the safe and efficient operation of internal air lines. Transmitting-stations have now been provided and are operating at fifteen aerodromes, two initially this year. In addition, separate aeradio-receiving and direction-finding stations are being provided at eleven centres. All station buildings have been erected, one station is operating, and the installation of equipment is in train at the remainder. A radio approach beacon has been provided at Taieri, Dunedin, and although not yet in regular use has been operating experimentally.
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Passengers. Freight. Mail. Length Distance Year ending. Air Lines flown (Miles). (Miles). Number _ Passenger- p ounds Ton -miles. Pounds. Ton-miles. miles. 30th June, 1936 (half 1,108 356,900 10,490 1,117,000 15,590 725 26,300 1,969 year) 30th June, 1937 .. 1,566 857,947 26,617 2,889,600 52,110 2,339 128,250 10,550 30th June, 1938 .. 1,669 1,662,997 58,431 6,394,803 113,192 5,607 248,680 21,551 30th June, 1939 .. 2,015 1,992,159 65,483 7,185,957 224,734 1,034 332,648 30,688
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Overseas Air Services : Flying-boats.—This is a new activity that has been given increasing attention and importance. When it was determined that the extension of the England-Australia Air Service to New Zealand would eventuate during 1939, immediate steps were taken to commence the development of the adopted flyingboat base at Mechanic's Bay, Auckland. An administration block, workshops, and technical buildings were erected, and are now occupied by technical staff. In addition, assistance is being rendered to provide berthing, mooring, and slipping facilities, while a hangar to accommodate the large flying-boats is being provided at the R.N.Z.A.F. Base, Hobsonville. To assist the safe and smooth operation of aircraft over long, open ocean spaces it has become necessary to provide entirely new aeradio facilities essentially for the purpose. A subsidiary station has already been erected and equipped at Awarua, Southland, while extensive development of the new Musick Memorial Station at East Tamaki Head, Auckland, is well in hand. At the latter station temporary buildings are being erected initially, as time will not permit the completion of the more extensive permanent buildings before the initial services commence. In anticipation of and to prepare for possible future developments of aviation in the Pacific my Department equipped and despatched an expedition into the Pacific to carry out preliminary surveys for landing-facilities. Investigatory work in this connection is proceeding. A temporary aeradio and meteorological reporting-station has been maintained and serviced at Raoul Island in the Kermadec Group, and arrangements are now finalized for proceeding immediately with the establishment of the permanent station. Royal New Zealand Air Force Establishment.—As a defence measure, special urgency has been afforded to an extensive expansion programme for the Royal New Zealand Air Force. This has necessitated the provision, at the earliest moment, of increased accommodation —both residential and technical—at existing stations and the provision of a number of entirely new stations. The existing station at Hobsonville is being developed as an aircraft-repair depot, and will eventually accommodate at least twice the personnel stationed there a year ago. The existing advanced Flying Training School at Wigram is being expanded to train some four times as many pilots and airmen as formerly; while a similar Flying Training School is now being provided at YVoodbourne, near Blenheim. The development of the new operational station at Ohakea is now well forward, and it will be occupied this coming summer and a similar station is under construction at Whenuapai, near Auckland. The construction of a wooden hangar at Taieri, Dunedin, is the commencement of a small development scheme for Territorial Air Force training purposes in that locality. General. Other avenues in relation to aviation and with which the Department is associated are : Compilation of the New Zealand Air Pilot; " Notices to Airmen affecting Aerodromes " ; plotting of aeradio direction-finding maps ; aviation strip maps ; collection and compilation of meteorological information ; air photography and surveys ; and the inspection of aerodromes for licensing purposes. TELEGRAPH EXTENSION. The expenditure on telegraph extension by the Post and Telegraph Department during the past financial year in respect of telephone, telegraph, and radio facilities throughout the Dominion amounted to £575,943, as against £312,260 for the year ended the 31st March, 1938. Further improvements to the long-distance toll service were effected during the year by the establishment of an additional three-channel carrier-telephone system between Wellington and Christchurch. The installation of this system, which is being operated over the submarine coaxial telephone cable between Wellington and Seddon and thence over one of the land-line circuits to Christchurch, has enabled the Department to increase from nine to twelve the number of inter-Island telephone
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circuits. Increased facilities were also made available between Christchurch and Dunedin by the establishment of two three-channel carrier systems which were brought into commission between those centres in December last. One of the six channels thus provided has been permanently connected through to Wellington to give a direct toll outlet between Wellington and Dunedin, and a more efficient service between these two important centres is now assured. Consequent upon the provision of this Wellington-Dunedin direct-toll circuit, the twelve telephone channels available across Cook Strait have been allocated as follows : — Wellington-Christchurch toll service .. . . . . 6 Wellington-Christchurch voice-frequency telegraph service .. 1 Wellington-Dunedin toll service .. . . . . 1 Wellington-Blenheim toll service . . . . 2 Wellington-Blenheim voice-frequency telegraph service . . ! Wellington-Nelson toll service .. .. .. 1 12 As the toll and telegraph business expands additional carrier equipment will be installed to provide further facilities over the coaxial telephone cable for inter-Island traffic. A three-channel carrier system was brought into operation between Seddon and Grreymouth during the year, and the three channels have been extended to Christchurch by way of Seddon-Christchurch circuits in order to provide temporary toll facilities between Grey mouth and Christchurch pending the rearrangement of the toll and telegraph lines via the Otira route necessitated by the enlivening of the Canterbury-Westland 66,000 volt transmission-line. Other carrier systems brought into service during the year were as follows : — Wellington - Palmerston North : One three-channel system. Wellington - New Plymouth : One three-channel system. Auckland - New Plymouth : One three-channel system. Auckland-Hamilton : One three-channel system. Hamilton-Napier : One three-channel system. Gisborne-Napier : One three-channel system. Wellington-Napier : One three-channel system. Dunedin-Invercargill: Two three-channel systems. Nelson-Takaka : One single-channel system. Dunedin-Cromwell: One single-channel system. Dunedin-Heriot: One single-channel system. Other improvements to the plant and equipment used in connection with the toll and telegraph services include the installation of toll switchboards at a number of exchanges, including important extensions to the existing equipment at Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, and Wellington, the installation of special toll-switching equipment at Lower Hutt, and the laying of a special underground cable providing 150 trunk lines between Napier and Hastings. In addition, new outlets for toll traffic were provided by the erection of additional aerial circuits between various centres. The first multi-channel voice-frequency telegraph systems to be used in New Zealand were established during the year, the initial installations comprising a three-channel system between Wellington and Christchurch and an eight-channel system between Wellington and Blenheim, while further extensions are pending. This system of utilizing carrier-speech channels for telegraphic communication makes it possible to operate up to eighteen two-way teleprinter or morse telegraph channels over one carrier-speech channel. The number of telephone connections continues to increase at a rapid rate, the net gain in subscribers during the year totalling 9,755, compared with 9,710 for the previous year. The grand total of telephone-stations in the Dominion on the 31st March was 206,216, which is 14,197 in excess of the previous year's figures.
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The following is a brief summary of the more important additions which have been made to telephone-exchange plant in order to provide for the steady demand for exchange service and to improve the standard of service for existing subscribers : — The laying or erecting of 81 miles of lead-covered cable containing 17,721 miles of wire for subscribers' circuits. The laying of 32| miles of underground cable ducts. The erection of 481 miles of pole-line and 4,795 miles of open-aerial wire for the connection of telephone-exchange subscribers' stations. The establishment of 85 public-call offices and pay-stations. The reconstruction or partial reconstruction of open-aerial systems at a large number of telephone-exchanges. The provision of additional switching-apparatus at 34 exchanges. The replacement of existing switchboards at 8 exchanges. The installation of branching multiple-switchboard equipment at the Otorohanga Exchange. The provision of an additional inter-office trunk cable between the Auckland Central, Remuera, and Devonport Exchanges. Practically the whole of the equipment for the new automatic telephone exchange at Napier has now been received, and the installation work is being proceeded with as rapidly as possible. It is expected that the cut-over of this exchange to automatic working will take place in December next. An order was placed in October last for the supply of equipment for the new automatic telephone exchange at Gisborne. The equipment is due to arrive in the Dominion towards the end of the year. The extension equipment for the St. Albans automatic exchange and the initial equipment for the two new sub-exchanges which are to be established at New Brighton and Mount Pleasant (Christchurch) have now arrived in the Dominion. Installation work is proceeding at St. Albans and will be commenced at New Brighton and Mount Pleasant at an early date. Equipment for an extension of the central exchange at Christchurch is under order and due to arrive shortly. Orders have been placed for the initial equipment for the establishment in the Auckland metropolitan area of new automatic exchanges at St. Heliers, Otahuhu, Mount Albert, and Avondale, and for extension equipment to be installed at the Devonport, Takapuna, Onehunga, Mount Eden, Remuera, Ponsonby, and Auckland Central automatic exchanges. Delivery of the equipment will be spread over a period of three years, and it is probable that eighteen months or two years will elapse before any appreciable portion of the equipment can be put into service. Extension equipment has been received for the Dunedin main exchange and for the Hamilton, Hastings, Hawera, Palmerston North, Masterton, Khandallah, and Miramar automatic exchanges, while equipment for the Whangarei, Courtenay Place, and Wellington Central exchanges is due in the near future. At Wellington Radio the erection of six steel towers is being undertaken to replace the wooden masts which were erected to support the new aerial system. On completion of this work the existing tower will be dismantled. Additional transmitting-equipment has been installed at both Wellington Radio and Awarua Radio to cope with the expanding services being provided by these stations. At Awarua Radio direction-finding equipment is being installed to assist in the navigation of aircraft in the projected trans-Tasman air-service. This will work in conjunction with similar equipment being installed at the new radio-station which is being established at East Tamaki (near Auckland) to cater adequately for the requirements of the trans-Tasman air-service in the matter of radio navigational aids. As a national memorial to the late Captain Musick and crew who perished in the " Samoan Clipper " in January, 1938, while returning to New Zealand after making the inaugural flight of the Auckland - Honolulu Air-mail Service, the site of the new station will be known as Musick Point, and the station will be named the Musick Memorial Station.
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To avoid the maintenance of two radio stations in the same district, it is proposed to transfer the services of Auckland Radio from the Chief Post Office building, Auckland, to the Musick Point Station. TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. The expenditure for the year ending 31st March last was £24,552, as compared with £23,159 for the previous year. The major portion of the expenditure during last year was incurred on extensions to the Rotorua electrical system, particularly the reticulation of the Ngakura and Horahora districts, additions to the Te Anau Hotel and Lake House, Waikaremoana. Much-needed improvements were carried out to the roads and tracks in the Rotorua district, and work in connection with the formation of the road to Scoria Flat, Tongariro National Park, was advanced. LANDS IMPROVEMENT. Under this section work was continued in connection with the improvement and control of rivers, reclamation of tidal-flats and sand-dune areas, and drainage schemes. The clearing of several rivers has been undertaken, and flooding has been minimized as a result of the removal of willow-growth and other obstructions. Some of the major works were the clearing of the Hoteo and Mangaorongo Rivers and the Taupiri Drainage Scheme in the Auckland District; the clearing of the Mokauiti and Mokau Rivers in the Taumarunui District; the Ngaruroro rivercontrol scheme in the Napier District; the Karamea River flood-control scheme in the Greymouth District; and the Ashley River flood-control scheme in the Christchurch District. The extensive works in connection with the Ashley River were completed and handed over to the Ashley River Trust for maintenance. In connection with proposed Ruawai drainage improvements, a comprehensive engineering investigation was made and a scheme designed so that the project could be considered. Investigations were also made in respect of a number of rivers in various districts, and for which schemes of control are under consideration. Reclamation operations at the Hutt River estuary were completed, 92 acres having been reclaimed. In certain districts, particularly North Auckland and Auckland, sand-dune reclamation was actively continued, large areas of marram-grass and lupin being planted or sown. Tree-planting has also been a feature of the improvement work carried out in sand-dune areas. SETTLEMENT OF UNEMPLOYED WORKERS. The development of land for small-farm settlement was continued during the year, the work being undertaken partly by the Public Works Department and partly by the Lands and Survey Department's own land-development organization. The number of men employed on the various schemes increased from the previous maximum of 1,324 to 1,646 in March, 1939. This increase was due to additional areas being taken in hand, and at the 31st March a total of 118,435 acres was under development. The figure last year was 73,000 acres. The stock carried on the new pastures laid down included 81,848 sheep, 7,227 dairy cattle, and 10,142 run cattle. The gross expenditure during the year against this vote was £526,397. PLANT AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. During the year under review the policy of utilizing mechanical equipment on public works has been continued, and further purchases have been made of various types of modern machines. Generally speaking, it can be said that the amount
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of plant now on hand is reasonably sufficient for the scale of operations in progress, but it will be necessary to ensure that replacement is effected as circumstances require. In past years obsolete and depreciated plant has been kept in use too long, presumably because of a desire to conserve capital outlay ; but it is a false economy to continue the operation of equipment which is incapable of giving efficient service. It has been my constant aim to replace, as soon as the necessity arose, any item of plant which had outlived its real usefulness, and the wisdom of this course is shown by the low-cost operation and high output of the mechanical equipment employed on public works to-day. It is only by this method that full advantage can be taken of the continued developments which are taking place year by year in the technical design and increased efficiency of manufacturing enterprises through out the world. The types of machinery which have been obtained have been selected because of their general utility value for New Zealand conditions. For example, mechanized units which have been acquired primarily for earth-moving in connection with the construction of roads, railways, aerodromes, and irrigation projects can also be operated successfully in the interests of defence, if necessary, or in the clearing of land for settlement purposes. In the event of a national emergency, therefore, the Department's mechanical equipment would be readily available to undertake promptly any special works which might be required. An illustration, in a minor way. of the value of suitable mechanical equipment in a time of urgent need was given in my last report in reference to the use of departmental plant for restoring communications immediately after the extraordinary flooding which occurred in the Hawke's Bay district in April, 1938. I have felt it my duty to afford honourable members and the public generally the opportunity of seeing for themselves just what results can be accomplished by the successful operation of efficient mechanical plant. With this objective, I have during the past year made special arrangements on several occasions to demonstrate various machines operating under normal working-conditions. The reconstruction of the Ngahauranga Gorge section of highway near Wellington to the standard which has been adopted could not have been undertaken at justifiable cost without the use of mechanical plant, and that work is typical of many other constructional schemes in progress. The efficiency of mechanized equipment depends very largely indeed upon adequate and continuous maintenance. In this connection the Department has established up-to-date servicing and repair depots throughout the country where any item of plant can be overhauled and reconditioned. An important feature has been the training of New Zealand operators for the various machines, and also the training of mechanics who attend to the servicing of the plant, both in the field and at the depots. An indication of the very satisfactory work being done at these repair-shops is seen in the fact that in many cases spare parts are being made in New Zealand at prices which compare favourably with imported spares. In addition, the time factor is of great importance, and the capacity to manufacture essential spares assists considerably towards the full-time operation of equipment. HARBOUR-WORKS. At Little Wanganui the construction of a new wharf has been deferred pending developments at Karamea Harbour. The present wharf has been built up to extend storage space for timber. At Westport the proposal formulated some years ago to increase the tidal capacity by dredging 3,000,000 cubic yards of material from the lagoon has received the approval of the Government. Tenders for a shallow-draught suction dredge have now been received and are under consideration. During the past year groyne construction and improvements have been effected at Organ's Island, and the breakwaters have received attention. Stone for both of these works was obtained from a suitable quarry at Cape Foulwind. At Waikawa, Southland, a slipway and winch for the use of local fishermen have been constructed.
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LIGHTHOUSES. The erection of radio beacon stations has progressed favourably during the past year, due to the more rapid delivery of the apparatus from England. The beacon at Cape Campbell has been completed, the one at Stephens Island almost completed, while at Cuvier and Moko Hinau Islands some heavy preliminary work has been done. Plans are under preparation for a radio beacon at Cape Reinga, near Cape Maria Van Diemen. Most of the lighthouse-stations have received attention during the year in the way of repairs and maintenance. Particular attention has been given to the installation of suitable tramways and winches to facilitate the unloading of stores, &c., at the lighthouse-stations which are somewhat inaccessible. The French Pass light which was damaged some years ago as a result of a collision by a vessel has been repaired and strengthened. This work necessitated the working of short shifts due to tidal conditions. NATIVE-LAND SETTLEMENT. The net expenditure from the Public Works Fund for the year under review was £493,695, as compared with £'254,827 for the previous year. The gross expenditure this year was £1,166,103, as against £814,135 last year. The difference between the gross expenditure and the net capital expenditure this year —viz., £672,408 —is represented by grants from the Employment Promotion Fund, £415,000, and farm receipts from Native lands in course of development and settlement totalling £257,408. With the exception of £24,972 expended under the Native Housing Act, 1935 (an additional amount of £35,011 disbursed from the Special Housing Fund is reflected in the Native Trustee's Account), the above figures represent expenditure on the development, settlement, cultivation, and improvement of Native lands, and the progress achieved in regard to these activities is indicated in the following statement, which shows the position at 31st March, 1939 : — Area gazetted for development (acres) . . . . 841,000 Area under development (acres) . . . . .. 255,000 Individual settlers established .. .. .. 1,900 Labourers employed . . . . . . . . 3,000 Dependants (excluding settlers and labourers). . . . 17,000 Houses erected to date (total) . . .. . . 1,088 Live-stock tallies — Dairy stock . . . . . . . . . . 50,500 Run sheep . . . . . . . . .. 22,500 Sheep .. .. .. .. .. 136,000 Receipts for year— £ Butterfat (Department's proportion only, 40 per cent.) .. .. .. 116,360 Wool .. .. .. ..34,324 Live-stock .. .. .. .. 91,546 Sundries .. .. .. .. 15,178 £ 257,408 The development a,nd settlement of Native lands, the construction and repair of houses for Maoris, and the promotion of employment amongst the people are measures which are directed by the Board of Native Affairs and controlled by the Native Department. A full report dealing with the operations of the Board, and the policy adopted to encourage and assist the Maori people in their establishment as self-supporting members of the community, is contained in parliamentary report G.-10.
XXXV
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View towards Wangaehu Valley.
TURAKINA-()KOIA KAILWAY DKVIATI()N.
Waipaoa River Bridge. Nine 60ft. and Six 30ft. Plate-girder Spans.
GISBORS 1-NAPIER RA lI,WAY.
A
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Waikoura Tunnel, North End. View showing Stages of Construction: Timbering in Background; Steel Formwork in Middle Distance, and Finished Lined Tunnel in Foreground.
Waiau-Tikiwhata Tunnel, South Face. View shows Timbering and Mechanical Muck-scraper.
GrISBORNE-NAPIER RAILWAY.
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Level-crossing Elimination, Overbridge, 10m. 49ch. Railway Formation in use as Temporary Road.
(US B ()RNE-N A PIER E AIL WAY.
Buller River Bridge. Six 100ft. and One 30ft. Plate-girder Spans.
WESTPORT-INANG AIIIBV RA II . WAY.
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Cascade Creek Bridge. Five 80ft. and One 40ft. Plate-girder Spans on 7½ chains Radius Curve.
Redmond Creek Bridge. Reinforced-concrete Ballasted Deck Construction. One 80ft. Arch Span and Three 40ft. Spans.
WEST PORT-IN ANGAHU A RAILWAY.
D.—l.
Hundalee Station Yard and Camp-site.
Hundalee Subway. Reinforced-concrete Ballasted Deck Construction. Three 30ft. Girder Spans, for Railway Loading.
SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.
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Conway River Bridge. Sixteen 45ft. Plate-girder Spans.
Micks Creek Bridge. Three 45ft. Reinforced-concrete Spans.
SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.
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Maungatapere Substation, Arapuni Scheme, North Auckland Section.
Henderson Substation, Arapuni Scheme.
Tahekeroa Substation, Arapuni Scheme.
NORTH ISLAND ELECTRIC-POWER SYSTEM.
D.—l.
Arnold River Scheme: Kaimata Dam, Showing Work in Hand,
New Transformer Bank, Gore Substation.
SOUTH ISLAND ELECTRIC-POWER SYSTEM.
D.—l.
Waikaremoana Main Development: No. 3 Pipe-line nearly completed.
NORTH ISLAND ELECTRIC-POWER SYSTEM.
View showing Groyne.
ASHLEY RIVER CONTROL SCHEME.
I)
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Partly-constructed Sea-wall: Storm of 14th January, 1939.
View looking North along a Length of the finished Sea-wall.
PLIMMERTON-PAEKAKARIKI ROAD.
D.—1.
Mangarakau Bridge and Embankment over tidal arm: New Road Construction.
PAKAWAU TO MANGARAKAU, NELSON DISTRICT.
Jacksons Bay Wharf: South Westland. Road-formation in Background.
D.—l.
Weir or "Drop" for Absorption of Energy and Velocity-control.
Capacity: 1,000 Cubic Feet of Water per Second.
Bench being formed by Angledozer, Surrey Hills Portion.
RANGITATA DIVERSION RACK.
TV 1.
Parshall Measuring Flume on Diversion Race; Discharge, 80 Cusecs.
LEVELS PLAIN IRRIGATION SCHEME.
Downs Water-supply Scheme, Timaru. Arch Dam and Intake Works at Tengawai Gorge.
CANTERBURY IRRIGATION SCHEM E
D.—1.
Maruia River Bridge at Williscroft. Eight 44ft. Reinforced-concrete Girder Spans, 10ft. Roadway.
SPRLN GLANDS JUNCTION TO MAT AKITAKI BO AD.
View showing Erection of the First of Six Radio Towers, ZLW Station, Mount Etako, Wellington.
POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT.
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New Government Buildings, Jean Batten Place, Auckland.
Plant Research Building, Mount Albert, Auckland.
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Social Security Building, Wellington.
Dental Clinic, Willis Street, Wellington.
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New Government Buildings, Napier.
Government Life Insurance Building, Nelson.
0
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Plant assembled for Work on levelling Flying-field.
E.N.Z.A.F. STATION, WHENUAPAI, AUCKLAND.
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Main Store No. 1.
Aerial View of Part of Wigram Aerodrome showing Housing Accommodation Area.
R.N.Z.A.F. FLYING TRAINING SCHOOL, WIGRAM.
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No. 1 Main Concrete Hangar. Front under Construction.
No. 1 Main Hangar. Administration Building in Background; Falsework being moved to Position in No. 2 Hangar.
R.N.Z.A.F. STATION, 0 HAKE A.
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Completed Hangar, R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Hobsonville.
Hangar under Construction, R.N.Z.A.F., F.T.S., Wigram.
TKM PORARY TIMBER HANGARS.
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Mechanical Rooter adapted for Construction of Mole Drains. (Inset: Detail of Mole and Mounting.)
TIM A lit' AERODROME.
Extensions under Construction.
GREYMOUTII AERODROME.
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Aerial Photo looking down Hollyford Valley.
HOLLYFORD-OKURTJ ROAD.
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TABLE No. 1. Summary showing the Total Expenditure on Public Works and other Services out of Public Works Fund (General Purposes Account) to 31st March, 1939, and the Liabilities on that Date.
I—D. 1.
1
Number J Total ! Expenditure Recoveries Total Total rr n i i i „ r , Net Exnenditure rr„„i on Account of Net Expenditure Liabilities on Net Expenditure __ , w orts- to We L Services to 31st March, 1939. ind Works. Details 31st March, 1938. 31 st March 1939 of Previous Years. 31st March, 1939. Liabilities. £ £ £ £ £ £ 3 Railways*.. .. .. 60,013,256 3,798,083 .. 63,811,339 84,866 63,896,205 Railways.* Roadsf .. .. .. .. 25,026,359 1,290,838 68 26,317,129 114,740 26,431,869 Roads.f 4 Public buildings} .. .. .. 13,978,530 2,180,518 13,331 16,145,717 193,910 16,339,627 Public buildings.} Telegraphs .. .. .. 12,300,690 575,944 .. 12,876,634 15,786 12,892,420 Telegraphs. Departmental .. .. .. 3,380,541 216,091 177 3,596,455 8,199 3,604,654 Departmental. Charges and expenses of raising loans 3,828,307 .. .. 3,828,307 .. 3,828,307 Charges and expenses of raising loans. Lighthouses, harbour- works, and har- 1,334,822 33,850 200 1,368,472 1,262 1,369,734 Lighthouses, harbour-works, and harbour bour defences defences. Irrigation and water-supply§ .. 1,385,900 164,481 32 1,550,349 26,276 1,576,625 Irrigation and water- supply .§ Lands improvement 11 .. .. 1,162,905 134,977 4,415 1,293,467 16,405 1,309,872 Lands improvement.il Tourist and health resorts .. .. 757,084 24,552 .. 781,636 2,693 784,329 Tourist and health resorts. Settlement of unemployed workers .. 1,067,167 344,684 .. 1,411,851 9,781 1,421,632 Settlement of unemployed workers.^) Swamp land drainage .. .. 100,283 5,324 2,598 103,009 80 103,089 Swamp land drainage. Native land settlement .. .. 696,717 493,695 3,387 1,187,025 54,076 1,241,101 Native land settlement. 125,032,561 9,263,037 24,208 134,271,390 528,074 134,799,464 Closed accounts :— Closed accounts :— Immigration .. .. .. 3,312,769 .. 108 3,312,661 .. 3,312,661 Immigration. Purchase of Native lands .. .. 2,054,024 .. .. 2,054,024 .. 2,054,024 Purchase of Native lands. Defence .. .. .. 1,401,040 .. 11,552 1,389,488 .. 1,389,488 Defence. | Development of mining .. .. j 830,855 .. .. 830,855 .. 830,855 Development of mining. 11 of 1877 i Aiding works on Thames goldfields 48,859 . . .. 48,859 .. 48,859 Aiding works on Thames goldfields. Plant, material, and services .. 139,344 .. 688 138,656 .. 138,656 Plant, material, and services. Interest and sinking fund .. .. 218,500 .. .. 218,500 .. 218,500 Interest and sinking fund. Rates on Native lands .. .. 68,672 .. .. 68,672 .. 68,672 Rates on Native lands. Motor transport services .. .. 33,635 .. .. 33,635 .. 33,635 Motor transport services. Thermal springs .. .. .. 14,600 .. .. 14,600 .. 14,600 Thermal springs. 10 of 1878 Coal-exploration and mine-develop- 10,835 .. .. 10,835 .. 10,835 Coal-exploration and mine-develop-ment ment. 8,133,133 .. 12,348 8,120,785 .. 8,120,785 Transfer to Main Highways Account, 1,226,000 .. j .. 1,226,000 .. 1,226,000 Transfer to Main Highways Account, Construction Fund Construction Fund. Totals .. .. .. 134,391,694 9,263,037 36,556 143,618,175 528,074 144,146,249 Totals. * Does not include expenditure on Hutt Railway and Road Improvement, Wellington-Manawatu Purchase, and Railways Improvement Accounts. Includes £150,000 paid to Midland Railway bondholders. f Includes £4,500 expended under section 16 (1), Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1923. {Includes £12,500 expended under Finance Act, 1929, section 32. Includes £154,488 expended under Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1936, section 32. § Includes £115,000 previously expended under Irrigation and Water-supply Account, 1911-12 to 1915-16 and part 1917-18, now included in Public Works Fund ; also £6,727 previously expended on irrigation under Lands Improvement now transferred to Irrigation and Water-supplv. (1 £6.727 previously expended on irrigation under this item now transferred to Irrigation and Water-supply; does not include £300,930 expended and included under Roads Class. Includes £46,125 advanced on account of Dairy Industry Loans. Includes £4,865 expended under Finance Act, 1932 (No. 2), section 6.
D.—l
TABLE No. 2. GENERAL SUMMARY. Showing Net Yearly Expenditure out of Public Works Fund (General Purposes Account), 1917-18 to 1938-39.
2
N.B. —The figures in italics, prefixed by " Cr.," are either recoveries on account of services of previous years or receipts-in-aid applied in reduction of expenditure. Total Net Expenditure. Description of Services. March, 1917. 1917-18. I 1918-19. 1919-20. 1920-21. 1921-22. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. 1925-26. 1926-27. 1927-28. £ £ £ £ £ £ j £ £ £ £ £ £ Immigration.. .. .. .. .. .. 2,338,275 3,856 Cr. 12,01$, Or. 62,561 Cr. 7,806 247,528 90,611 92,600 136,353 107,521 184,918 67,157 [CV. 140 Or. 1,267 Cr. 16 Gr. 443 Public Works, Departmental .. .. .. . 1,194,655 127,962 115,419 121,677 143,280 128,002 111.367 110,445 127,556 126,596 115,866 130,951 Gr. 2,662 Cr. 4,119 Gr. 6,2*0 Cr. 525 Gr. 131 Cr. 69 Cr. 19 Cr. 129 Cr. 35,948 Cr. 13,328 Irrigation and Water-supply .. .. .. .. ; 160,582 11,650 22,919 34,115 55,345 83,313 58.131 95,467 127,995 56,227 56,937 49,735 Cr. 18,451 Cr. 9,854 \ Cr. 31 Cr. 2,798 Railways .. .. .. .. .. .. 33,716,001 495,771 387,923 748.649 1,365,466 3,133,200 2,110,859 1,776,413 1,878,729 1,988,614 1,480,807 1,141,822 Cr. 110 Cr. 4,924 Cr.105,196 Cr. 388 Cr. 751 Gr. 3,171 Cr. 1,167 Cr.37,924 Cr. 16,875 Cr.95,647 Cr. 1,699 Payment to Midland Railway Bondholders . . . 150,000 Roads: — Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges .. .. .. 9,875,300 128,730 221,887 376,097 527,854 552,895 j 643,156 751,370 603,968 564,694 575,898 669,833 Cr. 600 Cr. 997 Cr. 603 Cr. 81 Cr. 197 i Cr. 244 Cr. 188 Cr. 231 Cr. 4,810 Cr. 981 Cr. 540 Roads to give access to Outlying Districts .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ' .. .. .. .. 33,642 Roads on Goldfields.. .. .. .. .. 1,068,847 6,912 4.186 12,465 11,050 11,264 4,850 2,867 2,755 3,934 2,230 2,330 Cr. 467 Development of Thermal Springs and Natural Scenery .. 16,023 .. .. .. .. j .. Lands Improvement Account* .. .. .. 300,930 .. .. .. .. j .. .. Total,Roads .. .. .. .. Ill,261, 100 135,042 225,076 387,959 538,823 563,962 | 647,762 754,049 606,492 563,818 577,147 704,798 Development of Mining .. .. .. .. 896,014 27 518 1,173 2,153 2,130 Cr. 98 1,363 Cr. 6,545 Cr. 1,000 Cr. 7,008 Cr. 1,606 Cr. 51, Cr. 1,785 Cr. 2,310 Cr. 1,130 Purchase of Native Lands .. .. .. .. 1,569,983 Cr. 57 •• Cr. 57 Cr. 59 Gr. 52 .. .. .. .. Cr. 535 Cr. 56 Native Lands Purchase Account .. .. .. 491, 980 Total, Land Purchases .. .. .. 2,061,963 Cr. 57 .. Cr. 57 Cr. 59 Cr. 52 .. .. .. .. Cr. 535 Cr. 56 Telegraph Extension .. .. .. .. .. 3,411,031 213,955 198,611 249,379 336,468 590,981 512,657 717,409 957,294 931,661 558,042 625,540 Cr. 11,0 82 i * Excludes expenditure subsequent to 1900 included under separate class " Lands Improvement." [Continued an page 3.
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TABLE No. 2— continued. GENERAL SUMMARY— continued. Showing Net Yearly Expenditure out of Public Works Fund (General Purposes Account), 1917-18 to 1938-39— continued.
*
3
Expenditure. Tota j Set Description of Services. ] j j . , : = ; ; ; 1928-29. 1929-30. j 1930-31. j 1931-32. 1932-33. j 1933-34. 1934-35. 1936-36. 1936-37 1937-38. 1938-39. March, 1939. £ £ £ £ £ £££££££ Immigration .. .. .. .. .. .. 50,266 41,756 33,544 5,265 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,312,661 Cr. 283 \ Cr. 210 j Cr. 583 Cr. 532 I Cr. 370 Cr. 362 Cr. 146 Cr. 144 Cr. 108 Public Works. Departmental .. .. .. .. 142,252 132,783 131,816 151,377 1 104,904 98,703 76,486 99,384 137,769 188,040 216,091 3,596,455 Cr.88,499 Gr.51,671 Cr. 16,381 Or.33,947 Cr.52,639 Cr.33,872 Cr.31,154 Cr.28,178 }Cr. 17,709 Cr 19,489 Cr. 177 Irrigation and Water-supply* .. .. .. .. 55,198 69,657 62,614 37,749 53,290 66,838 91,241 85,414 11,062 71,659 164,481 1,550,349 Cr. 8 ' Cr. 96 ! Cr. 32 Railways .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,216,277 1,812,521 1,987,196 952,388 160,853 132,111 125,600 258,011 1,019,094 2,412,990 3,798,083 63,661,339 Cr. 2,595 Cr. 1,296 Cr. 792 Cr.20,568 Cr. 9,056 Cr. 20 Cr.134,696 Cr. 461 Cr. 700 Payment to Midland Railway Bondholders .. .. .. .. .. .. .. j .. .. .. .. 150,000 Roads: — Miscellaneous Roads and Bridges .. .. .. 780,990 1,005,330 1,379,810 1,078,270 396,559 359,671 371,573 444,377 913,720 1,126,757 1,290,838 24,625,494 Cr. 330 Cr. 415 Cr. 472 Cr. 564 Cr. 1,171 Cr. 445 Cr. 471 Cr. 250 Cr. 172 Cr. 253 Cr. 68 Roads to give access to Outlying Districts .. .. 51,582 53,693 91,126 3,940 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 233,983 Roads on Goldfields .. .. .. .. .. 1,005 1,885 4,586 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,140,099 Development of Thermal Springs and Natural Scenery .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16,023 Lands Improvement Account .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ! .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 300,930 Total, Roads .. .. .. j 833,247 1,060,493 1,475,050 1,081,646 395,388 359,226 371,102 444,127 913,548 1,126,504 |l,290, 770 26,317, 129 Development of Mining .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ] .. .. .. .. .. j .. 879,714 Cr. 260 Cr. 260 Cr. 260 Cr. 50 Cr. 143 Cr. 17 Cr. 1,141 Purchase of Native Lands .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Cr. 7,123 .. .. .. .. .. 1,562,044 Native Lands Purchase Account .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 491,980 Total, Land Purchases .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Cr. 7,123 .. .. .. .. .. 2,054,024 Settlement of Unemployed Workers .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 118,723 172,109 222,309 151,345 92,016 310,665 344,684 1,411,851 Telegraph Extension .. .. .. .. .. 624,414 594,383 419,756 249,978 99,999 144,160 135,933 195,380 232,513 312,260 575,944 12,876,634 Cr. 32 * Includes £6,727 previously included under Lands Improvement class.
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TABLE No 2— continued. GENERAL SUMMARY— continued. Showing Net Yearly Expenditure out of Public Works Fund (General Purposes Account), 1917-18 to 1938-39— continued.
4
| Total Net J Expenditure. Description of Services. i ! 7 7 — j — — T~ ~~ r 1 J— j— .—- , I ' j 1 .—- March, 1917. j 1917-18. 1918-19. 1919-20. 1920-21. 1021-22. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1024-20. 1925-26. 1926-27. 1927-28. Public Buildings £ £ £ £!£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ General (including Miscellaneous) .. . .. 383,681 11,640 43,168 64,207 39,504 87,057 113,553 8,160 30,791 29,369 119,864 42,553 Cr. 15,067 I Cr. 35 Cr. 345 Cr. 429 Cr. 1,065 Parliamentary .. .. . .. .. 447,097 37,233 .. .. fCourthouses .. .. .. .. |l 21 868 1,400 4,358 2,018 2,448 5.363 7,209 1,261 7,531 j [ Gr. 13 Cr. 19 Cr. 13 Prisons .. .. .. 924,403 13,195 16,299 20,981 30,038 41,740 23,113 26,484 25,279 24,197 22,812 22,358 I I Cr. 800 Cr. 2,568 Cr. 86 Cr. 908 Cr. 524 (^Police-stations .. .. .. .. J 18,814 6,157 24,944 36,843! 22,544 6,298 12,838 18,553 16,594 7,411 5,561 Cr. 102 Gr. 13 Cr. 970 Post and Telegraph .. .. .. .. .. 1,242,750 33,525 26,072 66.543 93,364 112,906 77,211 108,395 65,917 89,865 86,052 77,194 Cr. 560 I Cr. 675 Cr. 69 Cr. 210 Gr. 453 Gr. 1,114 Cr. 834 Customs .. .. ,. .. .. .. 49,441 Quarantine Stations .. .. .. . . .. 6,255 .. .. 35.490 15,529 4,581 154 171 284 Mental Hospitals .. .. .. .. .. 832,107 26,502 14,640 18,277 27,368 41,838 13,852 26,541 68,438 77,835 68,635 51,119 Cr. 283 Cr. 3,600 Public Health .. .. .. .. 32,754 .. .. Health and Hospital Institutions .. .. .. 148,879 4,080 2,332 8,484 4,099 26,131 20,981 7,420 27,951 31,177 15,840 14,361 Cr. 1,399 Cr. 300 Gr. 310 School Buildings .. .. .. .. .. 2,488,585 63,0S2 115,656 195,500 244,722 2,469 Cr. 9,255 Cr. 368 Cr. 1,090 Cr. 905 Gr. 1,050 Cr. 7,953 Agricultural .. .. .. .. .. 54,282 5,685 4,229 7,227 9,345 1,115 514 282 3,242 7,932 4,164 2,863 Gr. 27 Cr. 171 Cr. 686 Cr. 865 Cr. 310 Workers' Dwellings .. .. .. .. .. 270,446 15,505 7,293 26,674 .. .. Total, Public Buildings .. .. .. 6,880,680 2i4,221 235,846 469,195 , 500,852 334,809 255,818 188,910 243,877 280,780 315,299 216,237 Lighthouses, Harbour- works, and Harbour-defences ••— 5,690 5,758 7 979 Lighthouses.. .. .. .. .. .. 205,369 561 1,663 253 758 16,350 3,260 4,473 2,850 Gr. 750 Harbour-works .. .. .. .. .. 388,703 2,359 3,729 3,245 4,080 2,424 6,524 6,334 423 3,717 13,263 15,891 Gr. 131 Cr. 204 Cr. 165 Harbour-defences .. .. .. .. .. 546,003 56 Cr. 1,235 Cr. 16 Total, Lighthouses, &c. .. .. ... 1,140,075 2,976 5,392 3,498 4,838 18,774 8,549 10,791 3,273 8,526 18,817 23,705 Rates on Native Lands .. .. .. .. 68,672 .. .. .. j .. .. .. .. .. .. ! [Continued on page 5.
D.—l,
TABLE No. 2— continued. GENERAL SUMMARY— continued. Showing Net Yearly Expenditure out of Public Works Fund (General Purposes Account), 1917-18 to 1938-39— continued.
5
Expenditure. Total Net Description of Services. ; | I EX ?« n Aof 16 1928-29. j 1929-30. j 1930-31. 1931-32. 1932-33. 1933-34. 1934-35. 1035-36. 1936-37. 1937-38. 1938-39. March 1939 Public Buildings :— £ £ ! £ £ £ £££££££ General (including Miscellaneous) .. .. .. 4,272 14.106* 85,204 33,189 2,107 594 30,713 39,447 57.668 258,978 790,452 2,120,110 Cr. 420 Cr. 3,156 Cr. 55 Cr. 4,231 Cr. 2,067 Cr. 1,075 Cr.14,087 Cr.125,964 Cr. 59 Cr. 201 Cr. 1,917 Parliamentary .. .. .. 35 27,142 15,723 37 .. .. .. .. 27 .. 78 527.372 i Courthouses .. .. .. .. 8,387 15,765 1 19,572 3,513 970 72 533 8,701 2.655 16,403 34,873 ' Cr. 95 Cr. 29 \Cr. 16,403 Cr. 529 Cr. 222 Cr. 255 Cr. 93 Cr. 4,278 Cr. 644 Cr. 200 Cr. 274 Judicial Prisons .. .. .. .. .. 12,573 18.814 2,504 2,621 2,026 1,018 1,605 2,123 4.621 9,476 7,656 Cr. 321 | Cr. 285 j Cr. 134 Cr. 67 j Cr. 71 Cr. 20 Cr. 2,033 I Police-stations .. .. .. .. 6,925 8,442 f 8,360 2,535 1,022 74 2,754 6,710 7,149 11,086 77,745 Cr. 605 Cr. 319 Cr. 54 Cr. 91 Cr. 80 Cr. 79 Cr. 240 Cr. 35 \ Cr. 172 Cr. 546 Cr. 197 Post and Telegraph .. .. .. .. 62,087 104,157 138,671 104,505 2,763 21,078 100,484 232,285 158 005 248,145 280,951 3,466,150 Cr. 1,980 Cr. 197 Cr. 1,391 Cr. 3,179 Cr. 4,823 Cr. 1,502 Cr. 582 Cr.2,760 Cr. 1,436 Cr.36,844 Cr. 8,166 Customs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 49,441 Quarantine Stations .. .. ,. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . • .. .. .. 62,464 Mental Hospitals .. .. .. .. .. 96,782 152,096 134,140 45,938 28,756 73,021 98,629 67,465 142,109 125,829 128,840 2,355,797 Cr. 860 Cr. 40 Cr. 177 Public Health .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 32,754 Health and Hospital Institutions .. .. .. 19,637 16,651 17,338 3,316 301 1,248 656 2,191 12,921 15,747 88.099 487,567 Cr. 1 ; Cr. 113 Cr. 150 School Buildings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 259,149 52,623 52,239 51,506 122,357 268,884 546,846 660,666 5,097,529 Cr. 2,428 Cr. 1,110 Cr. 40 Cr. 805 Cr. 217 Cr. 933 Cr. 2 Cr. 412 Cr. 187 Agricultural .. .. .. .. .. 2,80S 2,963 1,509 .. .. 48 88 85 60,9021 2,269t 111, 158J 271,704 Cr. 2,395 Cr. 1,721 Cr. 194 Cr. 1,927 Cr. 1,535 Cr. 437 Cr. 32 Cr. 115 Cr. 34 Cr. 557 Workers' Dwellingsf .. .. .. .. .. .. j .. .. .. .. Cr.319,918 Total, Public Buildings .. .. .. 205,262 354,429 403,680 443,878 81,657 145,089 Cr.48,241 347,394 712,316 1,196,542 2,167,187 16,145,717 Lighthouses, Harbour-works, and Harbour-defences :— Lighthouses .. .. .. .. .. ! 2,637 4,460 4,103 5,046 688 1,276 4.021 3,320 630 8,260 21,638 309,793 Cr. 500 , Harbour-works . .. .. .. .. 14,425 10,736 6,742 6,987 Cr. 5,277 11,988 2,581 Cr. 399 669 3,417 12,212! 513,871 | Cr. 2 Cr. 200 Cr. 200 Harbour-defences .. .. .. .. .. .. I .. j .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 544,808 ! Total, Lighthouses, &c. .. .. .. 17,062 14,696 10,845 12,033 Cr. 4,589 13,264 6,602 2,921 1,297 j 11,477 33,650 1,368,472 Hates on Native Lands .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. j .. 68,672 * Includes £12,500 expended under Finance Act, 1929, section 32. + Transferred to State Advances Account. + Includes £154,488 expended under Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1936, section 32 (Flock House purchase).
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TABLE No. 2— continued. GENERAL SUMMARY— continued. Showing Net Yearly Expenditure out of Public Works Fund (General Purposes Account), 1917-18 to 1938-39 —continued.
6
i Total Net Expenditure. _ . .. . „ I Expenditure Description of Services. 3-^ March, 1917. 1917-18. 1918-19. 1919-20. 1920-21. ; 1921-22. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. 1925-26. 1926-27. 1927-28. j - j £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Contingent Defence 1,036,977 6,714 8,809 10,187 8,701 15,586 1,702 4,931 27,133 89,670 34,014 39,986 g Cr. 922 Cr. 463 Cr. 280 Cr. 580 Gr. 33 Cr. 751 Cr. 465 ! i 1 Tourist and Health Resorts 258,509 931 1,620 6,194 19,041 17,996 5,435 27,264 12,343 43,486 31,981 36,673 Cr. 110 Cr. 81 Cr. 516 1 ands Improvement* .. .. 131,043 1,838 Cr. 4,268 \ 2,964 2,064 17,478 26,204 18,182 34,172 70,493 56,267 72,898 1 ! Cr. 19 Cr. 135 Cr. 2,574 Charges and Expenses of raising Loans .. .. 1,253,075 1 .. . • 184 174,280 62,399 311,905 241,930 297,180 155,373 100,297 . Interest and Sinking Funds .. .. .. •• 218,500 .. .. j . . Coal-exploration and Mine-development .. .. 10,835 .. .. .. .. .. .. Thermal Springs . •• •• •• 14,600 .. .. .. •• j Plant Material and Services .. .. .. •• 84,195 6,811 20,638 47,682 169,910 122,801 Cr. 4,983 Cr. 49,159 Cr. 30,956 36,930 Cr. 9,334 Cr. 17,610 ' ' ' Cr. 31 Cr. 16 Cr. 1 Cr. 855 Cr. 1,992 Cr. 8,985 I I i ' ! Motor Transport Service .. .. — •• •• •• ■■ •• •• 22,679 962 5,000 4,994 Transfer to Main Highways Account Construction Fund.. .. .. ... •• I •• j •• •• •• 226,000 400,000 200,000 Total Wavs and Means Credits .. .. .. 43,492 11,993 112,864 19,628 11,616 20,127 9,142 40,793 27,474 146,933 40,026 Grand Total— Net Expenditure .. .. 66,286,782 1,193,930 1,195,489 1,907,850 3,121,132 5,449,351 3,892,320 4,056,423 4,558,570 4,588,111 3,841,126 3,360,638 * Expenditure prior to 1901 (totalling £300,930) included under separate class "Roads." [Continued an page 7.
D.—l.
TABLE No. 2— continued. GENERAL SUMMARY —continued. Showing Net Yearly Expenditure out of Public Works Fund (General Purposes Account), 1917-18 to 1938-39 —continued.
7
Expenditure. j Total Net Description of Services. j r 6 1928-29. 1929-30. 1930-31. 1931-32. 1932-33. 1933-34. 1934-35. 1935-36. 1936-37. 1937-38 1938-39. March, 1939. go-am; -/oiy•• I »- ; | 1 F'fjJr'iihW itt '.i { I | I ' I ia*,i v f j't fi I •-»' 'ijj I. S V i J t- LContingent Defence .. .. .. .. .. 67,652 46,766 13,812 (Jr. 648 Cr. 1,325 Cr. 586 Cr. 4,039 Cr. 624 Cr. 76 Cr. 704 Cr. 64 Cr. 40 Cr. 11,552 1,389,488 Tourist and Health Resorts .. .. .. .. 39,254 20,547 60,288 87,609 14,454 13,510 12,880 13,683 16,789 23,159 24,552 781,636 Cr. 440 Cr. 1,213 Cr. 2,494 Cr. 85 Cr. 877 Cr. 21 Cr. 705 Cr. 20 Lands Improvement* .. .. .. .. .. 85,861 79,454 70,534 38,899 38,906 71,825 82,092 37,909 62,673 147,436 134,677 1,247,342 Cr. 87 Cr. 112 Cr. 1,041 Cr. 506 Cr. 248 Cr. 329 Cr. 722 Cr. 1,006 Cr. 10,366 Cr. 10,699 Cr. 4,415 Swamp Land Drainage .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,807 13,959 15,019 12,922 24,965 19,402 5,324 103,009 Cr. 297 Cr. 231 Cr. 263 Cr. 2,598 Dairy Industry Loans.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,750 30,510 4,565 300 46,125 Charges and Expenses of raising Loans .. .. .. 438,238 518,158 164,535 98,098 15,851 14 600 .. .. .. .. 3,828,307 Cr. 3,811 Interest and Sinking Funds .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 218,500 Coal-exploration and Mine-development .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,835 Thermal Springs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ,, 14,600 Plant, Material, and Services .. .. .. .. Cr. 6,551 Cr. 35,092 Cr. 42,824 Gr.103,571 Cr.45,463 1,421 Cr.10,513 22,438 J .. Cr. 688 138 656 Cr. 1,224 Cr. 360 Cr. 216 Cr. 1,338 Cr. 161 Cr. 22 Cr. 165 Cr. 418 Or. 1,642 Native Land Settlement .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 179,485 125,790 71,901 112,318 254,869 493,695 1,187,025 Cr. 52 Cr. 9,662 Gr.9,491 Gr. 3,423 Gr.25,018 Cr. 3,387 Motor Transport Service .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ., 33 635 Transfer to Main Highways Account reconstruction Fund .. .. .. .. .. 200,000 200,000 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,226,000 Total Ways and Means Credits .. .. 106,429 62,859 41,583 72,214 74,416 47,092 378,689 309,501 36,630 95,921 36,556 Grand Total— Net Expenditure .. .. 3,870,577 4,854,314f4,769,076 2,994,624 984,446 1,369,370 1,163,891 1,578,298 3,333,039 6,022,337 9,226,481 143,618,175 * Expenditure on Irrigation and Water-supply —1905—6, £22 ; 1906—7, £750 ; 190/-8, £1,554 ; 1908—9, £1,966 ; 1909—10, £2,435, now transferred to Irrigation and Water-supply. f Includes £12,500 expended under Finance Act, 1929, section 32. J Now provided for under Consolidated Fund.
D.—l.
TABLE No. 3. Expenditure on Railways to 31st March, 1939.
8
Expenditure out of Public "Work9 Fund ! Total Expenditure JPfSZSS?*, during Year 1938-39 . New Works. j Total E ™„ diture Valuation of Works Lin« of Pailwav Mileage opened for by General : by General constructed of Railway. Traffic. Government to Expenditure . , Dy general by Provinces and 31st March, 1938. ° f= -as Construction and 3,st March, 19 39. Lines. M. ch. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Kaihu Valley .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 32 179,143 14 9 .. .. .. 179,143 14 9 Opua Wharf to Whangarei and Onerahi .. .. .. 58 06 609,244 10 4 .. .. 12,798 13 5 622 043 3 9 Otiria to Ngapuhi .. .. .. .. .. 13 45 127,448 8 0 .. .. 127'448 8 0 Whangarei Branch (Kioreroa to Waiotira) .. .. .. 19 79 420,882 1 0 .. .. 205 18 9 421' 087 19 9 North Auckland Main Trunk — Ngapuhi Northwards .. .. .. .. .. 11 00 879,773 19 0 .. Or. 3,334 3 6 .. 876.439 15 6 Helensville Northwards .. .. .. .. 83 39 2,993,682 3 3 .. .. 4,376 16 9 2,998,059 0 0 North Auckland Mam Trunk to Dargaville .. .. .. .. 463,377 8 6 .. 42,119 19 0 .. 505'497 7 6 Helensville to Te Awamutu .. .. .. .. 148 67 5,940,589 2 9 .. .. 193.924 12 1 6,134!ol3 14 10 Waiuku Branch (Paerata to Waiuku) .. .. .. 12 69 208,912 9 6: .. .. 208,912 9 6 Huntly to Awaroa .. .. .. .. .. 8 75 184,379 5 0; .. .. 184!379 5 0 1 Waikokowai Branch .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,442 0 0 .. .. 3 442 0 0 Frankton to Thames .. .. .. .. .. 62 58 506,461 15 9 .. .. 14,435 16 9 12 6 Cambridge Branch (Ruakura Junction to Cambridge) .. 12 02 61,832 17 3 .. .. 817 15 10 62 650 13 1 Morrinsville to Rotorua .. .. .. .. 69 33 442,693 17 11 .. .. 4,358 0 6 447*051 18 5 Marton to Te Awamutu .. .. .. .. .. 209 69 3,139,892 6 10 .. .. 17 2 4 0 Waipa Gravel Access Branch .. .. .. .. .. 11400; .. .. ' ' 114 0 0 Raetihi Branch .. .. .. .. .. 8 50 89,452 2 1 .. .. .. 1 89,452 2 1 I ' Rotorua to Taupo .. .. .. .. .. .. 37,862 13 11 .. .. .. 13 II Paeroa to Pokeno .. .. .. .. .. .. 29,180 12 10 .. 101,270 9 6 .. 130*451 2 4 Paeroa to Tauranga .. .. .. .. .. | 50 65 1,251,495 4 0 j .. .. j 5,455 10 8 1,256'950 14 8 Tauranga to Taneatua, including Te Maunga to Maunganui j 59 17 1,497,428 2 0 : .. .. 325 2 11 11497 753 4 11 Branch Taneatua to Opotiki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. j .. 2,006 7 0 .. 2,006 7 0 I Gisborne to Motu .. .. .. .. .. 49 32 626,804 4 10 .. .. 498 16 -5 627,303 13 Gisborne to Ormond Tramway .. .. .. .. .. 4,975 1 7 1 .. ; .. 4 975 1 7 Napier to Gisborne — Gisborne Southwards .. .. .. .. .. 11 51 284,625 13 5 .. ' .. j .. 284,625 13 5 J Waikokopu Northwards .. .. .. .. | .. 1,205,429 17 6 .. I 460,039 4 1 .. 1,665'469 1 7 ' Wairoa Northwards .. .. .. .. .. .. 20,681 12 6 .. .. .. 12 6 Napier Northwards .. .. .. .. .. I 38 62 j 2,528,873 19 0 .. j 46,958 4 7: 71 12 1 15 8 ! Waikokopu Branch .. .. .. .. .. .. j 650,666 16 5 | .. ; 24,207 2 2 i .. 674,873 18 7 i Wellington to Napier — Napier to Woodville and Palmerston North .. .. 114 06 1,171,943 19 3 .. .. 12,726 13 11 1,184,670 13 2 Wellington to Woodville, including Te Aro Extension .. j 129 30 ' 3,285,514 4 4 I .. j .. 75'493 18 1 2 5 ' Featherston to Martinborough .. .. .. .. .. 399 0 0: .. .. '.. ' 399 0 0 Wellington to Waitara — j Wellington to Longburn .. .. .. .. j 83 37 : 4,185,208 18 8 .. j .. j 188,366 0 7 4,373,574 19 3 Foxton to Waitara and Moturoa .. .. .. 196 22 2,275,358 1 1 .. .. 200,872 14 9 2,476,230 15 10 Mount Egmont Branch .. .. .. .. 6 00 70,536 1 6 .. j .. I .. ' 1 6 j Moturoa to Opunake .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,105 0 0 .. j .. j .. 3'l05 0 0 I Opunake Branch (Te Roti to Opunake) .. .. .. j 22 63 447,862 16 7 .. .. 22 1 4 447 884 17 11 Manaia Branch (Kapuni to Manaia) .. .. .. .. 9,483 6 0 .. .. 9 483 6 0 Rangitikei River Quarry Line .. .. .. .. .. j 206 0 0 .. ; .. j .. ' 206 0 0 ; 1 I I I I
D.—l.
TABLE No. 3— continued. Expenditure on Railways to 31st March, 1939— continued.
9
Expenditure out of Public Works Fund MHeage opened for og=o £ 19 3S-3 9 : ,ew Works. ™«ure sSrSXMM. "'Feare 0 " 8 Construction and : "^p^y™ 5 ' surveys. Lines. M. ch. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Stratford to Okahukura .. .. .. .. .. 89 00 3,093,349 17 1 .. 75 14 0 23,919 7 3 3,117,344 18 4 Nelson to Greymouth — Nelson to Inangahua .. .. .. .. .. 64 47 721,892 14 0 .. 1,741 10 0 2 3 10 723,636 7 10 78,307 0 0 Stillwater to Inangahua .. .. .. .. 57 32 | 230,277 10 10 .. .. 7,998 18 3 238,276 9 1 279,685 0 0 Ngahere to Blackball .. .. .. .. .. 3 40 147,881 12 11 .. .. .. 147,881 12 11 Westport to Ngakawau .. .. .. .. .. 19 56 212,035 14 2 .. .. 2,532 15 1 214,568 9 3 Ngakawau to Mokihinui .. .. .. .. .. 7 12 j 33 9 6* .. .. .. 33 9 6 Mokihinui to Colliery Line ........ 3 69 f Westport to Cape Foulwind ........ 7 00 t Westport to Inangahua .. .. .. .. .. 5 74 856,180 5 0 .. 135,919 9 8 .. 992,099 14 8 Greymouth to Rewanui .. ,. .. .. .. 2 44 264,646 13 11 .. .. 428 18 10 265,075 12 9 Point Elizabeth Branch .. .. .. .. .. 8 70 74,363 10 11 .. .. .. 74,363 10 11 Greymouth to Ross and Mikonui .. .. .. .. 36 68 436,932 14 9 .. .. 8,135 16 10 I 445,068 11 7 Picton to Waipara — Pieton Southwards .. .. .. .. .. 56 06 1,242,634 7 9 .. 190,293 12 2 11,066 13 11 1,443,994 13 10 Waipara Northwards .. .. .. .. .. 44 14 1,005,473 5 11 .. 242,418 10 0 5,089 6 2 I 1,252,981 2 1 Christehurch to Greymouth — Rolleston to Bealey .. .. .. .. .. 73 07 1,012,029 5 11 .. .. 4,570 4 7 j 1,016,599 10 6 61,579 0 0 Whitecliffs Branch .. .. .. .. .. j 11 38 25,021 0 0 .. .. 77 13 11 25,098 13 11 Greymouth to Bealey .. .. .. .. .. 58 12 1,991,137 5 10 .. .. 10,996 18 1 2,002,134 3 11 263,889 0 0 Hurunui to Waitaki — Main Line (Waiau to Waitaki) .. .. .. .. 219 07 2,719,840 15 1 .. .. 102,347 9 8 2,822,188 4 9 316,135 0 0 Oxford Branch (Rangiora to Oxford West) .. .. 21 76 49,697 17 2 .. .. .. 49,697 17 2 Etreton Branch (Kaiapoi to Bennett's) .. .. .. 20 07 44,257 0 0 .. .. 1 .. 44,257 0 0 Lyttelton Branch .. .. .. .. .. I 6 26 230,708 18 4 .. .. j 356 0 10 j 231,064 19 2 340,500 0 0 Southbridge Branch (Hornby to Southbridge) .. ..I 25 31 92,263 3 4 .. .. 203 12 4 j 92,466 15 8 Little River Branch (Lincoln to Little River) .. . . 22 46 112,292 4 6 .. .. ! .. I 112,292 4 6 Rakaia to Methven .. .. .. .. .. 22 20 77,090 19 2 .. .. j 413 3 10 77,504 3 0 Ashburton to Springburn .. .. .. .. 27 29 64,025 11 3 .. .. j .. 64,025 11 3 Orari to Geraldine .. .. .. .. .. .. 321 0 0; .. .. j .. 321 00 Fairlie Branch (Washdyke Junction to Fairlie) .. .. 36 05 70,502 15 5 .. .. i .. 70,502 15 5 75,124 0 0 Waimate Branch .. .. .. .. .. 12 63 80,862 4 6 .. .. j . . 80,862 4 6 Canterbury Interior Main Line — Oxford to Malvern .. .. .. .. . . 1 1 44 46,248 0 0 .. .. .. 46,248 0 0 Whitecliffs to Rakaia .. .. .. .. .. .. 542 0 0 .. .. [ .. 542 0 0 Temuka to Rangitata .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,152 0 0 .. .. ' .. 5,152 0 0 Waitaki to Bluff — Main Line, including Port Chalmers Branch .. .. 252 71 4,286,383 16 10 .. .. 134,441 1 9 4,420,824 18 7 82,259 0 0 Duntroon Branch (Pukeuri to Kurow) .. .. .. 37 33 86,265 8 6 1 .. .. Cr. 22 0 0 86,243 8 6 37,500 0 0 Ngapara Branch (Waiareka Junction to Ngapara) .. .. 14 76 25,238 2 0) .. .. 313 6 0 j 25,551 8 0 58,009 0 0 1 I * The funds for this extension —namely, £35,501 2s. lid. —were provided by the Westport Harbour Board. T The funds for purchase of this line —namely, £15,745 —wore provided by the Harbour Board. J The funds for this line —namely, £93,450 —were provided by the Westport Harbour Board.
D.—l
TABLE No. 3— continued. Expenditure on Railways to 31st March, 1939— continued.
10
Expenditure out of Public Works Fund Total Expenditure J**™* during Tear 193S-39: New Works. Total Expenditure Valuation of Works Lines of Railway. f or Government' to Expenditure byPr^rin^nd 31st 1938. Construetlon and 3^=^. ' Lines. Waitaki to Bluff —continued. M. ch. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Livingstone Branch (Windsor to Tokarahi) .. .. 11 75 75,380 15 4 .. .. Or. 30 0 0 75,350 15 4 Waihemo Branch (Palmerston to Dunback) .. .. 8 55 32,961 8 11 .. .. .. 32,961 8 11 Eernhill Railway .. .. .. .. .. 1 60 1,330 00 .. .. .. 1,330 0 0 ' Brighton Road Branch .. .. .. .. .. 6,474 0 0 .. .. .. 6,474 0 0 12,829 0 0 Outram Branch (Mosgiel to Outram) .. .. .. 8 78 12,051 0 7 .. .. .. 12,051 0 7 29,691 0 0 Lawrence Branch .. .. .. .. .. 58 67 719,348 5 9 .. .. 4,723 19 8 724,072 5 5 Balclutha to Tuapeka Mouth .. .. .. .. .. 2,48900 .. .. .. 2,489 0 0 Catlin's River Branch (Balclutha to Tahakopa) .. .. 42 67 463,709 6 3 .. .. .. 463,709 6 3 Heriotburn Branch (Waipahi to Edievale) .. .. 26 23 124,808 4 5 .. .. .. 124,808 4 5 Waikaka Branch (McNab to Waikaka) .. .. .. 12 65 68,423 0 0 .. .. .. 68,423 0 0 Gore to Lumsden .. .. .. .. .. 36 39 112,857 18 2 .. .. .. 112,857 18 2 Edendale to Glenham .. .. .. .. .. 9 36 50,490 13 11 .. .. .. 50,490 13 11 Riversdale to Switzers .. .. .. .. .. 13 70 82,285 4 0 .. .. .. 82,285 4 0 Seaward Bush to Catlin's (Appleby to Tokanui) .. .. 32 79 185,229 5 5 .. .. .. 185,229 5 5 Otago Central (Wingatui to Cromwell) .. .. .. 147 27 1,454,692 16 5 .. .. 2,470 15 2 1,457,163 11 7 Invercargill to Kingston — Main Line .. .. .. .. .. .. 87 04 372,768 9 7 .. .. 8,293 11 9 381,062 1 4 91,937 0 0 Mararoa Branch (Lumsden to Mossburn) .. .. .. 10 40 27,508 4 4 .. .. .. 27,508 4 4 Winton to Heddon Bush .. .. .. .. .. 140 0 0 .. .. .. 140 0 0 Makarewa to Orepuki and Waiau .. .. .. .. 56 34 361,049 12 4 .. .. 1,200 4 1 362,249 16 5 37,097 0 0 Thornbury to Wairio .. .. .. .. .. 22 15 103,790 15 10 .. .. 867 17 11 104,658 13 9 23,200 0 0 Eorest Hill (Winton to Hedgehope) .. .. .. 12 40 23,337 0 0 .. .. .. 23,337 0 0 Expenses of Railway Commissions and other Expenditure not .. 10,33700 .. .. .. 10,33700 chargeable to Individual Lines Surveys of New Lines — North Island .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 31,235 10 1 .. .. .. 31,235 10 1 South Island .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,763 0 0 .. 117 9 6 .. 5,880 9 6 Rolling-stock .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12,671,131 18 11 .. .. 1,527,281 17 11 14,198.413 16 10 Motor-omnibus Service, Wellington .. .. .. .. 60,571 1 11 .. .. .. 60,571 1 11 General .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17,658 2 7 .. 24,446 7 0 .. 42,104 9 7 Depreciation provided for out of Railway Revenue and actually .. Cr. 762,612 9 4 .. .. .. Cr. 762,612 9 4 repaid to Public Works Eund Stock of Permanent-way Materials .. .. .. .. 8,942 15 9 .. .. .. 8,942 15 9 Totals.. .. .. .. .. .. 71,468,696 13 1*' .. 1,268,279 15 2j 2,618,366 19 8 75,355,343 7 11* 1,787,741 0 Of * The £10,400,000 accrued depreciation of assets referred to in section 23 (2), Government Railways Amendment Act, 1931, not deducted. f Includes value for £150,000 paid to debenture holders under the Midland Railway Petitions Settlement Act Amendment Act, 1903.
D.—L
TABLE No. 4. Expenditure on Public Buildings out of Public Works Fund to the 31st March, 1939 and the Liabilities on that Date.
11
Tn i ol Expenditure Total Liabilities on m_ fo i — E SSS t0 Ycar ended 1938 3l8t 19 M 3 r h ' 3l8t i^ rch ' t0 31 "l939 a ' Ch ' Liabmtiea. General — £ £ £ £ £ Alexandra Depot, Wellington* .. .. 8,084 .. 8,084 .. 8,084 Government House, Wellington (land and 76,691 1,079 77,770 .. 77,770 new building) Offices for public Departments! .. .. 1,036,010 453,669 1,489,679 27,938 1,517,617 Air Defence .. .. .. .. 28,157 316,883 345,040 39,901 384,941 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. 182,387 16,348 198,735 2,744 201,479 Parliament Buildings— Old buildings .. .. .. .. 76,553 .. 76,553 .. 76,553 New buildings .. .. .. .. 393,898 78 393,976 .. 393,976 Alterations to streets surrounding grounds 57,089 .. 57,089 .. 57,089 and purchase of land JudicialJ .. .. .. .. 1,557,059 117,769 1,674,828 4,610 1,679,438 Postal and telegraph|| .. .. .. 3,193,365 272,785 3,466,150 11,247 3,477,397 Customs .. .. .. .. 49,441 .. 49,441 .. 49,441 Quarantine-stations .. .. .. 62,464 .. 62,464 .. 62,464 Mental hospitals .. .. .. .. 2,226,957 128,840 2,355,797 19,975 2,375,772 Health and hospital institutions? .. .. 432,222 88,099 520,321 3,473 523,794 School buildings .. .. .. .. 4,437,050 660,479 5,097,529 78,794 5,176,323 Agricultural .. .. .. .. 161,103 111,158 272,261K 5,228 277,489 Totals .. .. .. .. 13,978,530 2,167,187 16,145,717 193,910 16,339,627 * Expenditure re Defence requirements only. Other expenditure Included In " Judicial " class. f Includes £12,500 expended under Finance Act, 1929, section 32. t Includes Courthouses, prisons, and police-stations. II Includes £134,485 for land transferred from Railway Department. § Includes £32,754 previously shown under " Public Health." II Inoludes £154,448 expended under Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1930, section 32 (Flock House purchase).
D.—1
TABLE No. 5. ELECTRIC SUPPLY ACCOUNT.—STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AT THE 31st MARCH, 1939. General Balance-sheet at 31st March, 1939, compared with Position at 31st March, 1938.
12
Liabilities. 1938—39. 1937—38. Assets. 1938—39. 1937-38. I I 1 I ! ! ! ! Aid to Water-power Works and Electric £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. North Island scheme — £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Supply Accounts — Assets as per separate balance-sheet .. .. 10,280,338 13 5 9,687,193 12 6 Debentures Stock issued — j j At per cent, interest .. .. 1,300,000 0 0 1,300,000 0 0 At 3 per cent, interest .. 3,149,372 9 6 3,149,372 9 6 At per cent, interest .. 1,449,225 0 0 1,449,225 0 0 At 3f per cent, interest .. .. 573,555 0 0 574,555 0 0 At 4 per cent, interest .. .. 1,647,600 0 0 1,647,600 0 0 At 4J per cent, interest .. .. 2,623,913 18 0 2,623,913 18 0 At 5 per cent, interest .. . • 3,159,227 13 6 3,159 ,227 13 6 South Island scheme — Debentures not yet converted .. .. 50 0 0 50 0 0 Assets as per separate balance-sheet .. 7,013,536 11 10 6,635,189 0 3 Investments, Sinking Fund .. .. 10,321 2 3 11,679 15 1 13,902,944 1 0 13,903,944 1 0 7,023,857 14 1 Consolidated Fund — 6,646,868 15 4 Interest accrued on loans to 31st March, 133,577 6 10 132,713 15 8 — 1939 Sundry creditors for interest unclaimed .. 12 0 0 133,589 6 10 10 0 0 132,723 15 8 Surveys and General .. .. .. 18,665 8 5 18,717 6 3 Temporary loan .. .. .. •• 12,000 0 0 12,000 0 0 ! . i Temporary transfers from other accounts .. .. 210,000 0 0 Interest reserve, being excess of interest .. 82,126 3 2 81,196 7 10 charged to schemes over interest actually paid on capital liability Carried forward .. .. 14,340,659 11 0 14,129,864 4 6 jj Carried forward .. .. 17,322,861 15 11 16,352,779 14 1
TABLE No. 5— continued. ELECTRIC SUPPLY ACCOUNT.—STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AT THE 31st MARCH, 1939—continued. General Balance-sheet at 31st March, 1939, as compared with Position at 31st March, 1938— continued.
D.—l
GO C 3 ■P .2 s=l a g. 4-3 PH <3 <D Ph rd <D CO <D 02 -4-3 o CO 0 O (D •5 * Ph S £ a 1 « -H 40 * 1 o Ctf <1 >H <3 -2 3 l! ° I tsj a s? I < _• • 03 K «3 § a H a EH 19 EH 0 S o^3 rr> CO p B te £-*" CO • 13 § i - 0 M • S "o f-* 42 "S <Bo ; i ® . A a r w M H .12 £ ? I ■ ' I p*,- : a? 8 = 1 >.. o ; "5 S , h a -Q o > oj «+^ ! * 3 2 rC) <£> 1 40 CQ ) a> & 2 o ? "§ a 1 ® -3 5 II 1 .5 o3 : a 5 c 3 2 1 I <Sj§ 1 -M ) Q> ' o ; 4-3 -+-> -p 4J ; ce v -a Si I -4-5 *£' I ; >>g » '43 ) Ph [>, : s-s 1 t-l I ►» <u jo ja a> +3 ) f-i ; ; o j & hh _o i "o .22
13
I i I I I Liabilities. 1938-39. 1937-38. J Assets. 1938-39. 1937-38. ; ; fr_ j I £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Brought forward .. .. .. 14,340,659 11 0 14,129 ,864 4 6 Brought forward .. .. .. 17,322,861 15 11 16,352,779 14 1 j Sundry Creditors — Balance in Electric Supply Account at the North Island scheme .. .. 100,632 17 2 86,139 11 3 end of year — South Island scheme .. .. 36,102 10 8 40,896 4 1 Cash in Public Account .. .. 7,000 5 9 44,198 7 10 Surveys and general .. .. .. 168 8 3 Imprests outstanding.. .. .. 8,926 5 2 18,856 18 2 136,735 7 10 15,926 10 11 127,204 3 7 63,0-55 6 0 Charges paid in advance — — ; North Island scheme .. .. .. 8 16 5 2 1 6 Suspense Account .. .. .. 100 4 9 266 11 9 South Island scheme .. .. 723 9 0 1,662 12 4 732 5 5 1,664 13 10 Depreciation Reserve — North Island scheme .. .. 1,042,932 14 2 1,016,184 7 5 South Island scheme .. .. 637,799 5 1 552,104 19 1 ! 1,680,731 19 3 1,568,289 6 6 Stocks —Surveys and General .. .. .. 70 0 0 104 9 8 Sinking Fund — Amount utilized for redemption of loans 496,364 8 4 315,364 8 4 Available for further redemptions .. 595,513 18 8 191,321 2 3 1,091,878 7 0 506,685 10 7 Writings-off in Suspense — j North Island scheme .. .. .. 0 12 6 143 13 11 South Island scheme .. .. J 1,021 2 7 742 8 9 j 1,021 15 1 886 2 8 General Reserve — ; South Island scheme .. .. .. 87,199 6 0 82,399 5 8 Sundry debtors for interest due hut unpaid .. •• 787 5 10 j ; Total .. .. .. .. £17,338.95S 11 7 £16,416,993 7 4 1 i Total .. .. .. .. £17,338,958 11 7 I£16,416,993 7 4 I Contingent Liability. —=1= ~~ ~ = Arrears due to Sinking Fund .. .. 558,076 9 3 1 Notes. —(a) No charge lor cost of exchange on interest payments made in London is included. (b) Owing to the interconnection of the various schemes, it has not been found practicable to show separately the accounts of these schemes as required by the State Supply of Electrical Energy Act, 1917.
D.—l,
TABLE No. 5—continued. NORTH ISLAND HYDRO-ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY. Profit and Loss Account for Year ended 31st March, 1939, compared with Year ended 31st March, 1938.
14
Gross Revenue Account. f 1 ! 1938-39. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1937-38. i To Generating-expenses, head works, and £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. By Sales of energy — £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. power-house — Wholesale .. .. .. 1,112,597 6 6 966,482 5 0 Arapuni .. .. .. 23,289 16 6 17,232 13 4 Retail .. .. .. .. 2,654 0 0 2,247 15 4 Horahora .. .. .. 3,031 19 1 4,315 5 7 1,115,251 6 6 Mangahao .. .. .. 11,115 16 4 10,172 11 3 968,730 0 4 Waikaremoana .. .. .. 11,945 12 3 14,138 6 2 Standby stations .. .. 24,424 6 4 13,468 18 4 Rents — 73,807 10 6 Cottages, &c. .. .. .. 9,798 12 3 8,261 5 5 59,327 14 8 Lines, plant, &c. .. .. 794 10 8 823 15 6 Transmission-lines — 10,593 2 11 Patrol, maintenance, &c. .. .. .. 32,330 11 5 36,728 5 4 ] Substations— 9,085 0 11 Operation and maintenance .. .. 30,853 19 8 25,988 3 11 Management and general — Miscellaneous — Salaries, office expenses, accident, sick, .. 63,446 1 5 55,500 6 3 Tests and inspection .. .. 1,286 4 7 677 4 9 and holiday pay, testing, &c. Penalties .. .. .. 10 0 1,287 4 7 677 4 g 200,438 3 0 177,544 10 2 Balance to Net Revenue Account .. .. 926,693 11 0 800,947 15 10 £1,127,131 14 0 | £978,492 6 0 £1,127,131 14 0 £978,492 6 0 Net Revenue Account. . _ - . 1938-39. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1937-38. ! ! I , I j_ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Interest for year ended 31st March, 1939 .. .. 353,675 18 3 349,816 3 5 By Balance from Gross Revenue Account .. .. 926,693 11 0 800,947 15 10 Depreciation on completed works .. .. .. 7,228 1 7 50,725 6 11 King's Wharf Station, half annual charges on capital 33,547 5 2 37,592 10 2 costs thereon Cost of raising loans and expenses .. .. .. 2,072 12 3 2,151 8 2 Balance to Profit and Loss Appropriation Account .. 530,169 13 9 360,662 7 2 £926,693 11 0 £800,947 15 10 £926,693 11 0 £800,947 15 10
D.—l
TABLE No. 5—continued. NORTH ISLAND HYDRO-ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY—continued.
15
Profit and Loss Appropriation Account for Year ended 31st March, 1939, compared with Year ended 31st March, 1938. . _ 1938-39. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1937-38. 1 T, -r, , . £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. io-Balance from previous year .. 155,175 8 4 By Balance from Net Revenue Account .. .. 530,169 13 9 360,662 7 2 Adjustment of error 1936-37 .. .. .. .. 50,548 11 1 Sinking Fund Account .. .. .. .. 530,169 13 9 154,938 7 9 £530,169 13 9 £360,662 7 2 £530,169 13 9 £360,662 7 2 Depreciation Reserve Account. rri t> i , ip £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. lo -Replacements, renewals, &c. .. .. . .. 21,127 2 3 21,443 4 6 By Balance at close of previous year .. .. .. 1,016,184 7 5 949,888 3 11 Balance to General Balance-sheet .. .. .. 1,042,932 14 2 1,016,184 7 5 Interest at 4 per cent, per annum .. .. .. 40,647 7 5 37,014 1 1 Amount set aside as per Net Revenue Account .. 7,228 1 7 50,725 6 11 £1,064,059 16 5 £1,037,627 11 11 £1,064,059 16 5 £1,037,627 11 11 Sinking Fund Accowit. i i m , £ s. d. £ s. d. £ g. d. £ s. d. lo .balance .. .. .. .. 741,037 17 0 210,868 3 3 By Balance at close of previous year .. .. .. 210,868 3 3 55,929 15 6 Profit and Loss Appropriation Account .. .. 530,169 13 9 154,938 7 9 £741,037 17 0 £210,868 3 3 £741,037 17 0 £210,868 3 3
T).—l
TABLE No. 5—continued. NORTH ISLAND HYDRO-ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY—continued. Balance-sheet at 31st March, 1939.
16
Liabilities. 1938-39. 1937-38. Assets. 1938-39. 1937-38. . — j 77 * " ~ j . ~ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. \ Headworks, power-house, machinery, &c. — £ s. d. | £ s. d. £ s. d. Depreciation Reserve 1,042,932 14 2 1,016,184 7 5 Arapuni 2 510,228 7 11 2,487,03 1 4 2 Horahora .. .. .. ■■ 312,224 10 4 310,870 14 7 Mangahao .. .. .. .. 1,298,614 4 6 1,281,862 17 3 Sinking Fund Waikaremoana .. .. .. 644, 174 16 5 358, 143 8 0 Utilized for redemption of loans. . .. 210,868 3 3 55,929 15 6 4,765,241 19 2 - — Available for further redemptions .. : 530,169 13 9 154,938 7 9 4,637,930 4 0 | 741,037 17 0 Auxiliary plants —• 210,868 3 3 Diesel Station, Penrose .. 62,189 7 8 62,189 7 8 1 Steam Station Grand Junction .. .. 8,862 4 0 8,959 2 4 Steam Station, Huntlv.. .. 10,847 1 11 10,847 1 11 Sundry creditors- 81 > 898 13 7 gJ f , Q . ~ ~ Public Works Department . . . . 26,231 12 4 19,138 15 0 81,995 11 11 Other Government Departments 2,056 19 1 1,394 15 9 I , n <a nr>a ■ . i „„, T~ Non-departmental .. .. ■ ! 72,344 5 9 65, 06 0 6 Transmission-lines .. .. .. •• l,/46,006 ±4 1 1,589,664 7 2 iNon part Substations •• 1,155,149 1 2 1,077,808 18 2 8 ,139 11 3 Office buildings, land, railway siding, harbour .. 64,256 18 8 61,461 10 4 1 100,632 17 2 facilities, &c. Writings-off in suspense .. .. .. .. 12 6 143 13 11 Temporary development, Waikaremoana .. .. _ 800 0 0 800 0 0 Charges paid in advance .. .. .. 8 16 5 2 1 6 Lower development, Waikaremoana .. .. 125,836 6 3 17,431 17 5 Head Office Account .. .. •• 8,395,725 16 2 8,373,855 15 2 Exploration and preliminary surveys .. 5,258 17 6 .. Salaries and expenses of engineers and others .. 505,689 13 0 49 3,2.0 6 7 on surveys and during construction Cost of raising loans .. .. .. .. 296,454 5 4 296,454 5 4 Interest during construction .. .. 963,962 2 3 956,627 1 4 9,710,554 11 0 9,216,414 2 3 Plant, motor-vehicles, &c. .. .. .. 70,801 0 3 57,728 16 8 Stocks .. .. .. .. 229,041 14 0 165,223 4 5 '' Sundry debtors — Public Works Department .. .. 5,431 15 5 5,871 18 7 Other Government Departments . . 6,233 17 9 6,903 4 5 Non-departmental .. .. .. 258,196 0 3 23 1,977 15 10 269,861 13 5 247,752 18 10 Payments in advance .. .. .. .. 79 14 9 74 10 4 £10,280,338 13 5 £9, 87,193 12 6 Contingent Liability. ■ £10,280,338 13 o £9,687,193 12 6 \ Arrears due to Sinking Fund .. £304, 208 14 5 | = I
D.—l.
TABLE No. 5— continued. SOUTH ISLAND HYDRO-ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY. Profit and Loss Account for Year ended 31st March, 1939, compared with Year ended 31st March, 1938
to i '
17
Gross Revenue Account. 1938-39. I 1937-38. 1938-39. 1937-38. j | j I To Generating-expenses, headworks, power- £ s. d. £ a. d. £ *. d. | By Sales of energy — £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. houses, and auxiliary plant — i Wholesale .. .. .. 454,254 12 5 387,057 15 11 Lake Coleridge .. .. .. 16,698 3 11 1 9,954 4 9 Retail .. .. .. .. 94,879 12 11 92,555 9 0 Waitaki .. .. .. .. 8,495 3 3 I 9,164 8 1 549,134 5 4 Kaimata .. .. .. .. 877 5 9 | 329 5 8 \ 479,613 4 11 Dobson .. .. .. .. 26,300 12 5 3,456 10 11 Lyttelton Diesel station .. .. .. 1,217 14 0 Bad debts recovered .. .. .. 54 6 9 192 10 10 Southland .. .. .. 15,118 7 1 j 11,198 6 8 Discounts forfeited .. .. .. .. 23 18 9 23 3 0 Purchases in bulk .. .. .. 4,140 5 5 | Rents — 71,629 17 10 | Land and buildings .. .. 3,290 2 0 2,637 11 9 35,320 10 1 Electric lines and plant, &c. .. 1,698 7 6 1,725 15 0 Transmission and distribution — j 4,988 9 6 Primary distribution .. .. 20,108 1 2 11,484 1 1 4,363 6 9 Secondary distribution .. .. 13,319 11 10 9,043 6 4 33,427 13 0 Fees for testing and repairing electrical .. 2,505 0 2 1,945 17 9 20,527 7 5 appliances and earnings of motorvehicles Substations .. .. .. .. 17,949 7 3 16,788 1 3 Plant, tools, testing, &c. .. .. .. 8,325 2 1 268 3 0 Electrical testing .. .. .. .. 448 15 11 194 2 5 Miscellaneous — Trunk telephone system .. .. .. 1,096 14 6 822 4 1 Commissions, sales of appliances, &e. .. 4,593 19 6 5,290 12 4 Management and general expenses .. .. 54,916 6 3 52,721 8 8 187,793 16 10 126,641 16 11 Balance, to Net Revenue Account .. .. 373,506 3 2 364,786 18 8 £561,300 0 0 £491,428 15 7 £561,300 0 0 £491,428 15 7 Net Revenue Account. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. l'o Interest for year ended 31st March, 1939 .. 231,059 18 11 220,171 11 6 By Balance from Gross Revenue Account .. 373,506 3 2 364,786 18 8 Depreciation on completed works .. .. 82.616 10 7 112,374 15 3 Revenue from rates, &c. .. .. .. 150 11 7 122 1 11 Cost of raising loans .. .. .. 1,404 2 0 1,362 12 11 Commission, collecting rates, &c. .. .. 41 7 7 73 5 0 Balance to Profit and Loss Appropri- .. 58,534 15 8 30,986 15 11 tion Account £373,656 14 9 £364,909 0 7 £373,656 14 9 £364,909 0 7
D.—l.
TABLE No. 5—continued. SOUTH ISLAND HYDRO-ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY—continued.
18
Profit and Loss Appropriation Account. 1938-39. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1937-38. £ s. d. I £ s. d. I £ s. d. £ s. d. To General Reserve Account (reversing debit balance, Southland 4,800 0 4 12*231 1 9 By Balance from Net Revenue Account .. .. .. 58,534 15 8 30,986 15 11 section as at 31st March, 1938) I Arrears of rates recovered .. .. .. .. 1,226 5 7 1,147 4 11 Sinking Fund Reserve Account .. .. .. .. 54,961 0 11 24,702 19 5 I Transfer from General Reserve Account .. .. .. 4,800 0 4 ! i i £59,761 1 3 £36,934 1 2 £59,761 1 3 I £36,934 1 2 Depreciation Reserve Account. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Replacements, Renewals, &c. .. .. .. .. 19,006 8 6 46,641 18 1 By Balance from previous year's statement .. .. .. 552,104 19 1 467,665 9 6 Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. 637,799 5 1 552,104 19 1 Interest at 4 per cent, per annum .. .. .. 22,084 3 11 18,706 12 5 Amount set aside as per Net Revenue Account .. .. 82,616 10 7 112,374 15 3 £656,805 13 7 £598,746 17 2 £656,805 13 7 £598,746 17 2 j General Reserve Account. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Transfer to Profit and Loss Appropriation Account, under .. 4,800 0 4 By Balance at close of previous year .. .. .. 82,399 5 8 67,703 7 6 section 13 (2) (6) of the State Supply of Electrical Energy Adjustment for excess amount transferred to Profit and Loss .. 7,264 16 9 Act, 1917 Appropriation Account, 1936-37 Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. 87,199 6 0 82,399 5 8 Profit and Loss Appropriation Account (reversing 'debit 4,800 0 4 12,231 1 9 balance, Southland section as at 31st March, 1938) £87,199 6 0 £87,199 6 0 £87,199 6 0 £87,199 6 0 Sinking Fund Reserve Account. . j — - £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. 350,840 10 0 295,817 7 4 By Balance at close of previous year .. .. .. 295,817 7 4 271,114 7 11 Interest .. .. .. .. .. 62 1 9 Amount set aside as per Profit and Loss Appropriation 54,961 0 11 24,702 19 5 Account £350,840 10 0 £295,817 7 4 £350,840 10 0 £295,817 7 4 I - -- .
D.—l.
TABLE No. 5— continued. SOUTH ISLAND HYDRO-ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY— continued. Balance-sheet at 31st March, 1939.
to *
19
| Liabilities. 1938-39. [ 1937-38. jj Assets. j 1938-39. 1937-38. I £ s d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Depreciation Reserve .. .. .. .. 637,799 5 1 5-52,104 19 1 Headworks, power-house, machinery, &c. — j £ s. d. j £ s. d. ! £ a. d. \ ' _ , Lake Coleridge .. .. .. 807,799 17 8 793,272 14 0 Keserve lund— Waitaki .. .. .. .. 1,782,888 3 10 1,768,828 16 10 Balance at close of previous year .. 82.399 5 8 74,968 4 3 Kaimata .. .. .. .. 117,376 3 8 107,022 0 5 Adjustment .. .. .. 4,800 0 4 7,431 1 5 Southland .. .. .. .. 200,017 10 0 200,578 18 6 87,199 6 0 2,908,081 15 2 82,399 5 8 2,869,702 9 9 Auxiliary plants — Dobson Diesel Station .. .. 125,548 2 4 106,322 2 3 sinking JJund—- Lyttelton Diesel Station .. .. 2,805 7 7 2,805 7 7 Amount utilized for redemption of loans 285,496 5 1 259,434 12 10 128 353 9 11 Available for further redemptions .. 65,344 4 11 36,382 14 6 ~ 109 127 9 10 ' 350,840 10 0 ' 295,817 7 4 Transmission and distribution .. .. .. 1,774,956 3 6 1,633,709 7 9 Substations .. .. .. .. .. 622,431 15 10 525,781 2 3 Sundry creditors— Offices and stores, buildings, &c. .. 19,187 8 9 27 983 12 3 Public Works Department .. .. 12,422 1 3 10,717 2 9 Trunk Telephone System .. .. 59,436 15 5 43,780 15 10 Other Government Departments .. 3,576 5 6 2,100 18 2 Exploration and preliminary surveys .. 64 5 3 7 19 6 Non-departmental .. .. .. 20,104 3 11 28,078 3 2 Salaries and expenses during construction 125,421 15 3 116,562 0 10 36,102 10 8 Interest during construction .. .. 482,498 1 11 469,157 16 8 40,896 4 1 Charges and expenses of raising loans .. 533,616 9 0 533,802 5 10 ~ 1,220,224 15 7 — Charges paid in advance .. .. 723 9 0 1,662 12 4 10 +1 „ 6,654,048 0 0 6,319,615 0 6 | Wntings-off in suspense .. .. 1,021 2 7 742 8 9 Plant, tools, &c. .. .. .. .. 126,411 10 6 115,028 6 9 „ , Stocks of material .. .. .. .. 0 10 100',494 19 2 Head Office Account .. .. .. .. 5,910,171 10 9 5,673,245 18 1 Sundry debtorsPublic Works Department .. .. 4,859 2 6 2 111 6 1 Other Government Departments .. 1,910 8 1 2,467 5 11 Non-departmental .. .. .. 110,714 7 5 95 451 2 2 117,483 18 0 100,029 14 2 Payments in advance .. . . . . 1 2 6 20 19 8 Sinking Fund investments .. .. 10,321 2 3 11,679 15 1 Contingent Liability. £7,023,857 14 1 e6.6M.868 15 4 £7,023,857 14 1 6,646,868 15 4 Arrears due to Sinking Fund .. .. £253,867 14 10 I : • I
D.—l
TABLE No. 6. IRRIGATION AND WATER-SUPPLY. Schedule of Schemes completed or under Construction.
20
T? - „ Are a I "Works authorized. Works completed. ! River charge (Maximum). Ayerage RainfaU Area for which ! | I \ Scheme. Source of Supply. /Mini from io?« commanded Irrigation: ! qi , ij a . Remarks. As per During Records available. " (Gross). Water is Main Distribu- Main Distribu- ; ,qqq mum;. D esign> 1938-39. ! available. Canals. taries. Canals. taries. , iydy ' I i I i I , I i I i : I 1 • - Canterbury — I Cusecs. Cusecs. Cusecs. Inches. Inches. Acres. Acres. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. £ Ashburton .. Rangitata River .. 1,300 1,000 .. .. J 315,0001" 1 .. 42 0 .. 17 0 .. 106,659 Under construction. Diversion race only for supplying main races of schemes marked * and also supply of electric energy. * Ashburton - Lynd- Rangitata River .. 1,300 450 .. 23-00 50-41 68,000* .. 55 0 80 0 15 65 60 72 134,466 Under construction. hurst Levels.. .. Opihi River .. 180 180 120 22-00 40-72 20,000 11,500 6 61 50 60 6 61 50 60 78,853 Completed. *Mayfield-Hinds .. Rangitata River .. 1,300 450 .. 23-00 39-54 110,000* .. 20 0 210 00 7 00 21 00 j 35,720 Under construction. Redcliff .. Waitaki River .. 3,000 55 55 21-00 38-68 7,000 4,603 3 69 13 76 3 69 13 76 ! 27,640 Completed. j Otago North — Otekaike .. Otekaike River .. 9 15 .. 21-63 35-77 1,500 j 800 14 37 3 47 14 37 3 47 3,631 Completed. Used only on (Duntroon) west side of river. Steward Settlement Waitaki River .. .. 110 .. 20-63 33-85 18,000 .. 14 60 50 31 14 60 50 31 12,115 Completed. (Steward Settlement) Otago Central — Ardgour .. Lindis River .. 35 20 19 19-53 20-66 2,000 1,364 13 0 2 40 13 0 2 40 33,700 Completed. (Tarras) Arrow River .. Arrow River .. 40 50 36 27*64 21'11 6,536 2,936 .. .. 9 18 27 60 143,028 Completed, (Arrowtown and Frankton) Bengerburn .. Bengerburn ..1 4 4 .. .. 1,000 144 2 6 .. 2 6 .. 801 Completed. Earnscleugh (Fraser Fraser River and 10 47 62 15-88 21-61 2,743 2,247 11 30 17 60 11 30 1760 65,773 Completed. River) storage dam (all races) (Earnscleugh) Hawkdun (formerly Tributaries of Manu- .. ; 60 35 24-12 27-61 10,000 8,818 66 0 101 0 66 0 90 12 71,871 Completed. Mount Ida) herikia River and (Naseby and Naseby Eweburn Reservoir Plantation) Idaburn .. Idaburn Dam .. 3 8 6 23-17 22-34 2,500 565 10 0 0 40 7 26 0 40 6,739 Main scheme completed. (M. a Creek, Blackstone Hill) I j t Includes schemes marked *.
D.—l
TABLE No. 6— continued. IRRIGATION AND WATER-SUPPLY— continued. Schedule of Schemes completed or under Construction— continued.
21
Main Canal Dis- Area Works authorized. Works completed. i River charge (Maximum). Average Ra illfall Area for which i j Exp «£ uure Scheme. Source of Supply. nSf g from iqq« commanded Irrigation qi«+ ATarph Remarks. As per Daring Records available. (Gross). Water is Main Distribu- Main Distribu- -.qqa 5 mum;. Design. 1938-39. available. Canals. taries. Canals. taries. _ i j. I t j ! 1 I Otago Central —ctd. Cusecs. Cusecs. Cusecs. Inches. Inches. Acres. Acres. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. | £ Ida Valley and Galloway — Ida Valley .. Manorburn, Pool- .. 110 83 16-81 17-40 14,000 11,729 73 0 54 0 73 0 29 50 1 a a \ J -ir r* i /r n l \ Completed. Additional bum, Moa Creek, (Moa Creek) storage furnished by Poolr* n i ° ara burn and Lower ManorCreek (Storage burn Dams. Hope's Creek Manorburn Dam) D . h rn^ 9t ,rnpfpd Galloway .. Manorburn Dam . . .. 30 24-5 14-43 15-86 3,450 2,642 10 50 10 7 10 50 10 7 command additifn^ (Galloway) Lower Manorburn Manor bur. i Creek 4 7 6-5 .. .. .. .. .. 20 .. 20^ Dam Last Chance Shingle, Coal Gorge, 8 ; 20 15-5 17-03 20-98 4,300 2,313 22 0 5 70 20 78 5 70 63,905 Butcher's Creek Dam now (Fruitlands and Butcher's Creek ; (Earnscleugh and completed will augment Earns cleugh and Conroy's Creek Roxburgh East) existing supply and serve Tops) an additional area. Manuherikia- Alex- Manuherikia River 77 100 86 15*08 16-98 7,000 4,941 23 0 46 20 23 0 46 20 257,280 Completed. ndra - Clyde (Alexandra, Ophir, No. 1 and Clyde) Omakau .. Manuherikia River ~| 3fi 65 4g r 2 0 -3 9 20-97 10,800 13,400 42 0 50 0 44 10 49 36 310,372 Completed. S mSS h < (Clyde, Ophir, and (irrigable) j 7 7 Blackstone Hill) Tarras .. Lindis River .. 35 70 33 19-53 20-66 6,000 2,675 21 70 17 55 21 70 17 55 136,804 Completed. (Tarras) Teviot River .. Teviot River and 40 80 52 18-19 20-35 5,300 3,791 20 48 14 57 20 48 14 57 79,135 Completed and serving all Lake Onslow Dam (Roxburgh East) land requiring water. General investiga- .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,869 tions, and surveys, &c. Total: Schemes completed or under construction .. .. .. .. 437,129 74,468 472 31 731 3 402 68 514 73 1,887,988
D.-l.
TABLE No. 6— continued. IRRIGATION AND WATER-SUPPLY— continued. Schedule of Schemes under Investigation.
22
Main Canals I Kxnpnriitiirp River Discharge j Average Rainfall Rainfall Area Length of Length of " * Scheme. Source of Supply. Discharge (Maximum),' from iqqq * commanded Main Distribu- t \ ]nr „K Remarks. (Minimum). as per Records available. ' (Gross). Canal. taries. iqqq + ' Design. | i iy,5y,t Canterbury J Cusec* Cusecs. Inches Inches Acres_ Miles. Miles. £ Investigations into the feasibility of irrigation in ♦Barrhill .. .. Rangitata River ... 1,300 250 23-00 50-41 o3,000* .. .. f the Canterbury Province have been in hand T . " Rangitata River .. j • ( 2o0 ?, , _ If fi'nnn* "" " I'M. fijuJ since Januar y> 1934 - Investigations include *Valetta-Tinwald .. Rangitata River .. 1,300 450 23 45-23 84,000* .. .. f24, the foUowing phenomena, viz. : Soil moisture, Investigations of other j .. j .. .. .. .. .. .. i mechanical analysis of soil, depth of ground proposed schemes J I water , evaporation, rainfall, and river-flow. Marlborough — Investigation of pro- ! .. .. .. .. 16-06 .. .. .. 5,253 Comprehensive investigation surveys of schemes posed schemes for the Wairau Valley and parts of the Wairau Plains are in hand. Otago Central — Cromwell Flat and Low- Hydro-electric develop- 29 .. 20-70 21-71 .. .. .. 3,774 Hydro-electric scheme under investigation, burn (Roaring Meg) ment of Roaring Meg (Roaring (Luggate) Power would be available for pumping irrigaand pumping from Meg) tion supplies to 8,000 acres in Upper Clutha Clutha and Kawarau Valley. Portion of this area could be supplied Rivers from Hawea River power and pumping I scheme. Maniototo (Upper Taieri) Taieri River and storage 25 500 16-92 18-01 100,000 60 .. 16,734 Modified scheme for complete irrigation of dam (Waipiata) 5,000 acres is possible without storage, or for reasonable partial irrigation of 15,000 acres. Surveys practically complete for scheme to irrigate 100,000 acres. Scandinavian .. Tributaries of Manuheri- .. j 20 30-66 .. .. .. .. .. For lands about St. Bathan's. To bear £15,000 kia River (St. Bathan's) towards cost of Falls dam, Upper Manuherikia scheme. Irrigable area, 3,000 acres. ; I Upper Clutha Valley (in- Hawea and Clutha Rivers i 580 .. 21-90 23-11 .. .. .. .. Investigations have been made for a hydroeluding Hawea Flats) (pumping) with power- (Hawea R.) (Hawea Flat, Lug- electric power development at the outlet of station at outlet of j 3,000 gate, and Tarras) Lake Hawea. Sufficient power would be Lake Hawea :(Clutha R.) available to pump water from the Hawea and Clutha Rivers to 13,700 acres in the Upper Clutha Valley. Upper Manuherikia (ex- Manuherikia River and i 36 .. 21-90 23-11 16,000 58 60 6,553 Surveys and investigations have been made for tension of Omakau storage dam at Manu- ! (at dam- (Clyde, Ophir, and the extension of the Omakau scheme (now Scheme) herikia Falls site) Blackstone Hill) under construction) to supply lands between Tiger Hill and Clyde. Irrigable area, 12,000 acres. Investigation of proposed .. I .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,254 Includes the reading of river and rain gauges. schemes Total: Schemes under investigation .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 59,252 Grand total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,947,240 % Includes expenditure from Public Works Fund, Consolidated Fund, Unemployment Fund; also administration and loan charges.
D.—l.
APPENDICES TO THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT, 1939.
APPENDIX A. AUDITED STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS OUT OP THE PUBLIC WORKS FUND FOR THE YEAR 1938-39.
Prepared in compliance with Section 8 of the Public Works Act, 1928.
Sis, — Public Works Department, Wellington, 3rd July, 1939. In compliance witli the Bth section of the Public Works Act, 1928, I enclose a statement of the expenditure during the preceding financial year on all works and services chargeable to the Public Works Fund. I have, &c., R. Sbmple, The Controller and Auditor-General, Wellington. Minister of Public Works.
Statement of Net Expenditure on all Works and Services chargeable to the Public Works Fund for the Year 1938-39.
23
Vote No. Summary. AP So°n Pm " Expenditure. Credits in Aid. Expenditure. General Purposes Account— £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 36 Public Works, Departmental .. .. 198,000 547,367 16 6 331,351 8 11 216,016 7 7 37,38 Railways .. .. .. .. 4,309,000 3,952,174 15 4 154,092 3 53,798,082 11 11 39,40 Public Buildings .. .. .. 2,420,000 2,208,509 14 5 122,215 19 10 2,086,293 14 7 41 Lighthouses and Harbour-works .. 51,000 37,899 19 5] 4,049 18 11 33,850 0 6 42 Development of Tourist Resorts .. 55,000 24,953 2 9 401 9 7 24,551 13 2 43 Roads, Bridges, and other Public Works 1,435,000 1,455,193 11 5 164,355 11 91,290,837 19 8 44 Telegraph Extension .. .. .. 750,000 872,645 18 5 296,702 6 9 575,943 11 8 45 Lands, Miscellaneous .. .. .. 187,000 241,935 13 5 106,959 0 6 134,976 12 11 46 Irrigation, Water-supply, and Drainage 140,000 283,733 10 0 119,252 10 1 164,480 19 11 47 Swamp Land Drainage .. .. 19,000 24,930 19 8 19,606 16 2 5,324 3 6 48 Settlement of Unemployed Workers .. 340,000 526,397 7 5 181,713 4 1 344,681 3 4 49 Native Land Settlement .. .. 375,000 1,166,103 10 3 672,408 2 7 493,695 7 8 Unauthorized— Services not provided for .. .. .. 571 10 8 496 16 6 74 14 2 Totals, General Purposes Account .. 10,279,000 11,342,417 9 82,173,605 9 19,168,812 0 7 Electric Supply Account— 50 Development of Water-power .. .. 1,556,000 1,364,594 10 4 26,810 1 71,337,784 8 9 Totals, Public Works Fund .. 11,835,000 12,707,012 0 02,200,415 10 810,506,596 9 4
to.—l.
APPENDIX A—continued.
Note. —This statement includes only the expenditure on works, and does not include expenditure such as interest, sinking funds, and charges and expenses of loans. J. W. Scott, A.R.A.N.Z., Chief Accountant. J. Wood, Engineer-in-Chief and Under-Secretary. The expenditure charged to the Public Works Fund has been examined and found correct subject to the remark that, as the Appropriation Act, 1938, made no provision for subdivisions in vote, " Public Buildings," the allocation of expenditure to the several subdivisions of that vote has not been checked. —J. H. Fowler, Controller and Auditor-General.
24
VoteN °| Name of Vote. Expenditure. | Credits In Aid. Expe^ tur e. Public Works Fund. General Purposes Account—■ £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 36 Public Works, Departmental .. .. 198,000 547,367 10 6 331,351 8 11 216,016 7 7 Railways—■ 37 Railway-construction .. .. 1,465,000 1,299,134 5 2 64,488 0 21,234,646 5 0 38 Railways Improvements and Additions 2,844,000 2,653,040 10 2 89,604 3 3 2,563,436 6 11 to Open Lines 39 Public Buildings .. .. .. 1,600,000 Subdivision I—Public Buildings, General .. 860,773 4 5 53,304 8 0 807,468 16 5 Subdivision II —Courthouses .. .. 34,959 18 3 92 5 8 34,867 12 7 Subdivision III—Prison Buildings and .. 8,090 5 8 434 10 10 7,655 14 10 Works Subdivision IV—Police-stations .. .. 77,753 18 0 9 0 0 77,744 18 0 Subdivision V—Postal and Telegraph .. 281,996 9 0 1,045 0 8 280,951 8 4 Subdivision VI—Mental Hospitals .. .. 129,455 12 7 615 17 11 128,839 14 8 Subdivision VII —Health and Hospital .. 88,402 11 10 303 11 9 88,099 0 1 Institutions 40 Education Buildings .. .. .. 820,000 727,077 14 8 66,411 5 0 660,666 9 8 41 Lighthouses and Harbour-works .. 51,000 37,899 19 5 4,049 18 II 33,850 0 6 42 Development of Tourist Resorts .. 55,000 24,953 2 9 401 9 7 24,551 13 2 43 Roads, Bridges, and other Public Works 1,435,000 1,455,193 11 5 164,355 11 91,290,837 19 8 44 Telegraph Extension .. .. .. 750,000 872,645 18 5 296,702 6 9 575,943 11 8 45 Lands, Miscellaneous .. .. .. 187,000 241,935 13 5 106,959 0 6 134,976 12 11 46 Irrigation, Water-supply, and Drainage .. 140,000 283,733 10 0 119,252 10 1 164,480 19 11 47 Swamp Land Drainage .. .. 19,000 24,930 19 8 19,606 16 2 5,324 3 6 48 Settlement of Unemployed Workers .. 340,000 526,397 7 5 181,713 4 1 344,684 3 4 49 Native Land Settlement .. .. 375,000 1,166,103 10 3 672,408 2 7 493,695 7 8 Unauthorized— Services not provided for .. .. .. 571 10 8 496 16 6 74 14 2 Totals, General Purposes Account .. 10,279,000 11,342,417 9 82,173,605 9 19,168,812 0 7 Electric Supply Account — 50 Development of Water-power .. .. 1,556,000 1,364,594 10 4 26,810 1 71,337,784 8 9 Totals, Public Works Fund .. 11,835,000 12,707,012 0 0 2,200,415 10 810,506,596 9 4
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APPENDIX B.
ANNUAL REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS BY THE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF.
The Engineer-in-Ohief to the Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report upon the various works under my control completed and in progress throughout the Dominion during the financial year ended the 31st March, 1939. RAILWAYS. Table No. 3 (pages 8, 9, and 10) shows the expenditure on Government Railways in New Zealand up to 31st March, 1939, and also the mileage opened for traffic. Dargaville Branch Railway. The formation and ballasting of the section from Kirikopuni to Tangowahine, 0 m. to 10 m. 17 ch., has been completed. Some 5,600 cubic yards of ballast have been placed, and the section is now in good order. A goods and passenger service has been continued in operation by the Public Works Department. Between Tangowahine, 10 m. 17 ch., and Te Wharau, 14 m. 56 ch. (at which point the new work commences) 5,580 cubic yards of ballast have been placed in first or second lifts. Private crossings have been installed. On the new work commencing at Id- m. 56 ch. formation has been completed to 17 m. 35 ch., and from there to the junction with the existing Kaihu Railway at 18 m. 25 ch. earthworks are in hand. Designs for the new Dargaville Station Yard have now been completed by the Railways Department, and formation work will be begun shortly. New fences have been erected on both sides between 15 m. 12 ch. and 18 m. 20 ch. Culverts between 14 m. 56 ch. and 18 m. 25 ch. have been completed. A contract for the erection of the Awakino River Bridge at 15 m. 66 ch. has been let, and is due for completion in September next. The number of employees has remained constant at slightly over one hundred. The largest cutting is being excavated by a powered excavator on a contract basis. It is anticipated that rails will be laid to the Dargaville Station Yard, and a preliminary lift of ballast placed by March, 1940. The completion of the work, including station buildings, &c., may extend over a further twelve months. Tauraroa Quarry.—The output of crushed metal for the year was 39,257 cubic yards, distributed as follows: Public Works Department, 19,254; Railways Department, 18,164; Local bodies, 811 ; Private purchasers, 1,027. The principal use is for metal for ballasting the unopened Dargaville Branch Railway and for reballasting working railways under the control of the Railways Department. Other uses are for the maintenance and reconstruction of State highways and for metalling settlement roads. The quarry continues to fulfil a most useful function as a convenient and economical source of crushed metal. Paeroa-Pokeno Railway. The work on this railway was continued during the year, and satisfactory progress has been made with the various details of construction, which is being carried out from the Paeroa and Pokeno ends respectively. The position is as described hereunder :— Paeroa Section.— All permanent-line survey was completed from 8 m. to 19 m., thus completing the full length. Two trial lines were surveyed from 17 m. 27 ch. to 19 m. in connection with the permanent location. Formation work was commenced at om. 55 ch., the end of the Paeroa Station Yard, and completed to 7 m. 51 ch., with the exception of a gap of 40 chains at the Netherton Station Yard and a partially formed length from 2 m. to 2 m. 16 ch., being the'west approach to the Waihou Bridge. Rapid progress has recently been made on the Hauraki Plains area. The earthwork in position now
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totals 128,800 cubic yards, of which 30,000 cubic yards were placed the previous year. All culvert construction was completed for the above length. Two drag-line machines have been operated on earthwork, while the No. 1 Waihou Suction Dredge was utilized to pump sand into the Waihou Bridge approaches. A third drag-line is now to be placed on side drains in the peat area. A further forty-five married workmen's quarters, with outbuildings, were erected at Pukahu, Kerepeehi, Ngatea, and Mangatarata Camps, making a total of fifty-one, plus twenty-six single workmen's huts. The old Waihou River workshop building has been refitted for the railway works, and an annexe, 31 ft. by 41 ft., has been added. One carpenters' shop, 30 ft. by 20 ft., was erected. Pokeno Section.— Earthwork construction of this line commenced in August of last year, with one mechanical shovel, and since then the number of machines has increased to nine. Double-shift working was commenced last December, and to date a total of 321,000 cubic yards of material has been handled. The total length of formation in hand is 10 miles, of which 4 miles are nearing completion as regards earthwork. Of the 23 miles of original survey on this section it has been found necessary to make deviations on 20 miles. Of this length, 12 miles have been investigated, the new permanent line surveyed, and the plan work completed. The remaining 8 miles have been investigated, and the permanent-line survey is in hand. In the course of relocation the route has been shortened by approximately 2J miles. An additional eighty married and fifty-six single workmen's quarters, together with a recreation hall, were completed during the year. East Coast Main Trunk Railway : Extension to Opotiki. It was intended that construction on the extension of the East Coast Main Trunk Railway from Taneatua to Opotiki should commence during the year, but owing to the fact that plant and service material from other railway-works were not available, and also because the survey was hardly sufficiently advanced, construction was postponed. During the year survey-work was continued with a small party, insufficient staff being available for carrying on survey operations on a large scale. Permanent pegging was completed from 100 m. 8 ch. to 103 m. 71 ch. Cross-sections were set out and cut to 103 m. 45 ch. Permanent location and grading investigations have been completed to 105 m. 60 ch. Preliminary estimates are being compiled as the survey-work proceeds. It is anticipated that construction will be commenced in the near future. Napier-Gisborne Railway. At the beginning of the period, work on this railway was considerably handicapped by the cleaning-up of the line made necessary by the disastrous floods of February and April last year. However, with the completion of flood-damage restoration, construction work returned to normal, and, aided by a fairly dry late summer and autumn, good progress has been made on all sections. The Napier-Put orino Section was restored by the Railways Department, assisted where possible by this Department, sufficiently to carry traffic, and the goods service to Wairoa was resumed on sth December, 1938. The section between Putorino and Raupunga (13 miles in length) was completed and handed over to the Railways Department on 27th February, 1939, and at the end of the period the balance of this portion of the line as far as Waikokopu was practically ready for handing over also. Particulars of the more important items of construction carried out during the year are as follows Putorino-Wairoa Section (Length, 33 m. 12 ch.). —Between Putorino and Te Kumi 20,000 cubic yards to 30,000 cubic yards of filling were replaced in washouts, and from 12,000 cubic yards to 15,000 cubic yards of slips were removed. General flood damage to formation, track, and fences was also repaired. Two hundred lin. feet of 48 in. diameter concrete pipes were laid to act as a covered side drain from above the north portal of the Mohaka Tunnel to a point clear of slip country. Between Te Kumi and Wairoa, formation work consisted of fettling, a moderate amount of ballasting, cleaning up of cuttings, and the installation of a number of small culverts. Work on bridges was confined to the placing of guard-rails on all bridges, and the lifting of the Wairoa end span of the Wairoa River Bridge to rectify settlement which developed in the earthquake of 1931. During the period 3,646 cubic yards of ballast were placed. Cart-docks and concrete buffer-stops were constructed at Waihua and Ohinepaka Station Yards. Wairoa Station Yard. —An engine-shed, rail-car shed, engine-driver's room, latrine, and refreshment-room were completed. The station building was reconditioned and altered to suit the Railways Department's requirements, after transfer in May of this Department's office to a new building in Queen Street, Wairoa. The station platform was sealed, and cart-docks and platform gates and fences completed. A new water service was laid through the yard from the Wairoa Borough's main to the engine-sheds and the group of old permanent cottages. Installation of locomotive-watering standpipes is held over pending supply of the necessary equipment by the Railways Department. This supply used 1,800 ft. of 5 in. and 1,850 ft. of 4 in. bitumen-dipped steel pipe. Tenders were called and contracts were let for the erection of thirteen cottages on a site purchased within the Wairoa Borough. Of these, six were completed and handed over to the Railways Department
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and work on the balance was well advanced. Tenders were called for two more cottages, but 110 contracts had been let at the close of the period. A water-supply using 1,650 ft. of 4 in. bitumendipped steel pipe was laid to reticulate these cottages from the borough's mains for domestic and fire-fighting supplies. Access roads to the cottage-sites were formed and metalled. Footpaths have yet to be formed, kerbs and channels laid, and roadway and footpaths sealed. A contract was let for renovating the six existing cottages, and at the close of the period five of these were under the control of the Railways Department, although renovation was not in all cases complete. Stock-yards were completed and concrete paving laid in the smaller and most-used pens. A contract was let for the construction of a five-span overhead bridge with two step-over piers at Ohinepaka Station, and at the close of the period the bridge was completed except for a small section of hand-railing, and filling of the ramps was in hand. Wairoa-Waikokopu Section (Length 24 m. 11 ch.). —Work on this section consisted chiefly of ballasting and fettling and general cleaning up of formation. Guard-rails were placed on all bridges, and the Nuhaka River Bridge at 17 m. 47 ch. was resleepered. At 9m. 5 ch. a new 20 ft. plate-girder bridge on reinforced-concrete piled abutments was completed. A total of 4,759 cubic yards of ballast was placed. A small shelter-shed was erected at Tuhara Station Yard, and at Whakaki Station Yard two cottages were erected. At Nuhaka Station Yard stock-yards were completed and the loading-out pens paved with concrete. The whole of the platelaying in this yard was gone over and reconditioned. The goods-service between Wairoa and Waikokopu was continued throughout the year. Kopuawhara Section (Length, 11 m. 20 ch.). —On this section a total length of 40 ch. of permanent fencing was erected. It is not anticipated that any extensive work under this head will be undertaken until the coming summer. The extremely wet winter that succeeded the April flood of last year caused slipping on formation and service road up to the beginning of October, and considerable extra work was entailed, more expecially on the roads. A total of 122,500 cubic yards of material was removed, of which 40,000 cubic yards comprised the reforming and flattening of batters, more especially in the vicinity of the 24 m. peg, where considerable slipping of high cuttings occurred. The necessary length of sea-walls, 213 ft., have been completed, the greater part of this, 178 ft., being at the south end of the Opoutama Stream Bridge at 24 m. 13 ch. Waikokopu Stream Bridge at 23 m. 21 ch.—This bridge is well on the way to completion. Delay in the delivery of steel made it necessary to proceed with the construction of the embankment across the estuary before completing the bridge. Foundations at abutment A and piers B and C were not of a satisfactory nature, and pile-extensions were necessary, especially at pier B, where a length of 20 ft. was added to each pile. In span C-D the deck portion has been poured, and work is in hand building up the embankment adjacent to abutment E. Opoutama Stream, Bridge at 24 m. 13 ch. —This bridge, which was practically complete at the date of last year's report, was finished shortly thereafter, and the embankment across the estuary to the north was completed with spoil from the section between 23 m. 50 ch. and 24 m. Kopuawhara Stream Bridge at 27 m. 47 ch.—Test bores having indicated the absence of the solid bottom reported by earlier drillers, considerable amendment to pile-length became necessary. The total length of piling driven was 2,113 linear feet, an increase of 548 ft., which was the aggregate of the pile-extensions. At date, pile-driving is complete, and all piers have been cast to underside of concrete girders. Reinforcing steel has been placed in the forms for the three 45 ft. spans. It is anticipated that the bridge at 23 m. 21 ch. will be complete by the end of July and the Kopuawhara Stream Bridge by mid-August. Detailed plans of foundations of the concrete-arch viaduct at 30 m. 15 ch. have recently been completed, and a commencement has been made with the pier and arch foundations ; so far eight pierfoundations and the excavation for the northern arch abutment have been opened up. In all, 152$ ft. of shaft have been excavated. The surface spoil has been stripped from the southern hillside to facilitate excavation of abutment A and piers B, C, and D. It is anticipated that with prompt delivery of steel this bridge will be complete by October, 1 940. Final plans of bridges at 32 m. 1 ch. and 33 m. 27 ch. have not yet been completed. It is expected, however, that the construction of these bridges should be complete at approximately the same time. The shortage of carpenters has had an adverse effect on the progress of all structures, and further tradesmen are required for proper progress. The tunnel at 30 m. 9 ch., which was almost complete at date of last report, was shortly thereafter finished, the total length being 168 ft. The bottom heading of the tunnel at 30 m. 52 ch. has only recently been opened up, a length of 60 ft. out of a total of 336 ft. being driven to date. The bottom heading of the tunnel at 31 m. 40 ch. has been completed for a length of 384 ft. and a small top heading carried for the same distance, the party concentrating on breaking down and lining. This is complete for a distance of 144 ft. A complete bottom heading for the whole length of 206 ft. has been, driven in the tunnel at 32 m. 5 ch., and at date enlargement at the south portal is in progress, 50 ft. having been enlarged. Seventeen feet of wall and footing excavation were completed.
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The tunnel at 33 m. 7 ch. (length, 6 chains) was completed in December last year. The party carrying out this job had been withdrawn after the February flood and had been engaged for the ensuing six months on service roads repairs, recommencing tunnelling operations in August. Work at the south end of the long tunnel (Waiau-Tikiwhata) has been carried on continuously since the last report, and a length of 1,400 ft. has been excavated and 937 ft. of full concrete lining has been placed. The nature of the ground driven through has in general been very good, but a length, of broken water-bearing ground at 33 m. 60 oh. necessitated the immediate placing of concrete lining over a length of 231 ft. close to the face. Arrangements have been made to increase the strength of this party by the addition of a concreting shift, and it is expected that this will considerably increase the progress of this work and enable the tunnel to be completed during the early summer of 1940, which will fit in with the platelaying and bridge programmes. The Waikokopu Station Yard has been relaid in new 70 lb. track, and ballasting has recently been completed in preparation for handing over to the Railways Department. Preparation for an early start on platelaying beyond Waikokopft has been made, and all the crossing and loop materials for Opoutama Station Yard at 25 m. 70 ch. have been cut and assembled. It is expected that, by the end of 1939, track will have been laid to between 28 m. and 29 m., and to the south end of the viaduct at 30 m. 15 ch. early in 1940. It will be then possible to complete the track-laying for Opoutama Station Yard. As indicated earlier in this report, continuous work by large gangs of men was required up to early October to reform and maintain service and other roads. The dry summer helped matters considerably, as far as the service roads were concerned, but even so it has been a difficult matter to keep then in good enough order for the heavy traffic they have to carry. Wharerata Section (length, 19 in. 17-75 ch.). —The bulk of the work on this section during the year consisted of tunnelling, there being three major and four minor tunnels in course of construction. Earthwork is in the last stage of completion, only one cutting and two large fillings remaining. A considerable number of large slips have been removed. These were the result of floods followed by an exceptionally wet winter, and it is not anticipated that much further slipping will occur. Except for a number of small culverts between 19 m. and 20 m. 36 ch., which can be constructed more economically when better access is provided by the completion of the tunnels, culverting is completed. Ninety-three feet of 12 in.- and 18-in.-diameter culverts were constructed during the year. A number of completed water-drives were badly silted up during the floods. These were cleaned out, and in the case of two unlined drives at 18 m. 40 ch. and 18 m. 50 ch. lining with concrete was considered advisable. The length involved was 555 ft., and lining is completed. In the Waikoura Valley, 14 m. to 17 m. 50 ch., formation is completed except for the approach fillings to bridges. From 16 m. 5 ch. to 16 m. 75 ch. the embankment was formed with spoil from the Waikoura Tunnel at 17 m. 51 ch. At 18 m. 67 ch. and. 19 m. 51 ch. two large slips, estimated at 8,000 cubic yards and 10,000 cubic yards respectively, obliterated the completed formation. Both were successfully removed by Diesel shovels, but further signs of slipping are evident at 18 m. 67 ch. At 20 m. 27 ch., as the result of the blocking of a water-drive by a large slip during the floods, a partially completed filling, 92 ft. deep, was washed out, the loss being estimated at 12,000 cubic yards. To reduce the total quantity of filling required (60,000 cubic yards) a minor deviation of the railway was adopted. In addition, a Diesel shovel borrowed some 19,200 cubic yards from a bluff nearby. This filling is now three-fifths completed, the balance of the material required being available from the coast tunnel. In the Tikiwhata Valley, at 35 m. 73 ch., the last big rock-cutting on the section is nearing completion, spoil being used for the 105 ft. filling at 35 m. 62 ch. This filling, containing some 70,000 cubic yards, is now three-quarters completed and provides a useful dump for spoil from the WaiauTikiwhata tunnel. Between 35 m. 70 ch. and 35 m. 76 ch., 356 ft. of retaining-wall is necessary. This will not be constructed until materials can be conveyed across the filling at 35 in. 62 ch. The material excavated on the section during the year, including slips and borrow, amounted to 60,798 cubic yards. Completed earthwork now amounts to 531,048 cubic yards, or 97 per cent, of the whole quantity. Two reinforced-conerete highway bridges, each of three 45 ft. spans, have been completed over the Maraetaha River at 14 m. 70 ch. and 15 m. 15 ch. These bridges eliminate three railwaycrossings and greatly improve the road-alignment. The construction of railway bridges at 14 m. 53 ch. and 14 m. 71 ch. has been, started. The Waikoura Tunnel (length, 4,730 ft.) was successfully pierced on 12th May, 1939, the error in alignment being 1 in., and in the level three-quarters of an inch. The tunnel is curved at each end. Progress was not quite as rapid, as expected, and averaged 60 ft. of completed tunnel, including lining, per week. The ground, though generally good, was variable, and minor falls to some extent delayed progress. In the course of excavation small natural gas-vents were encountered at two or three points. The gas was tested and proved to be 96 per cent, methane. The volume was insufficient to cause any danger. 350 ft. of lining has yet to be completed, the work being carried out from the north end only. At the start of the year the bottom heading of the Coast Tunnel (length, <3,074 ft.) had been completed, and preparations made for enlarging and lining from the south end. A length of 386 ft.,
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including lining, was completed from this end, and in November the party was transferred to the north end, where some 6 chains of unstable ground required immediate attention. The tunnel here skirts the hillside on a curve, and for 405 ft. excavation was in pug, rubble, and clay. Extra-heavy concrete lining 18 in. in thickness was necessary, materials being brought through the bottom heading from the south portal. All the bad ground at the north end has now been lined, and work is once more proceeding from the south end. The excavation completed, including the bottom heading, is 49 per cent, of the total length, and 801 ft., or 26 per cent., of lining has been finished. The tunnel at 20 m. 10 ch. (length, 393 ft.) was completed in April, and, although short, proved difficult to construct, the ground being very heavy.. One bad run in the roof occurred, going right to the surface, 80 ft. above formation-level. The party were very fortunate and escaped with minor injuries to one man. Over a length of 134 ft. at the north end it was necessary to construct concrete foundations under the main sill-props to enable excavation to proceed. Progress at the north end of the Waiau-Tikiwhata tunnel (length, 9,802 ft.) has been steady but not spectacular. Difficulty of access to the portal and the very restricted working-space available have mitigated against the rapid handling of concreting and other materials. 2,130 ft. of excavation or 21-7 per cent, of the total length, has been completed, and 1,706 ft. of tunnel lined with concrete, equal to 17-4 per cent. To expedite progress a separate party will be employed on the concrete lining when men are available from the Waikoura Tunnel. It was originally estimated that this tunnel would be completed in October, 1940, but it is now probable that it will not be completed before the end of 1940. The excavation of the three short tunnels in the Tikiwhata Valley at 35 m. 40 ch., 46 ch., and 58 ch. is well advanced, 510 ft. out of a total of 980 ft. being completed. The machine-shop has been fully occupied during the year, but has been handicapped through the difficulty in, obtaining trained fitters. At the Wharerata Station Yard, 14 m. 40 ch., the goods-shed was erected to provide additional storage for cement during construction. Gisborne Section (length, 14 m. 7-35 ch.). —Work on this section is well advanced, such earthwork as remains depending largely on the completion of bridges. A special effort was made during the latter half of the year to accelerate bridge-construction, the weather conditions being very favourable for foundation work. Earthwork was completed to 12 m. 60 ch., and between 12 m. 60 ch. and 14 m. some 15 chains have been left to provide material for bridge-approach fillings. The total quantity removed amounts to 167,577 cubic yards. The deviation from 13 m. 60 ch. to 14 m. 10 ch. necessitated by the flood of February, 1938, is partly completed, and a Diesel excavator will be available for this work shortly. At 10 m. 33 ch. the diversion of the Wairekaia Stream, 9 chains long, was completed, and the stream diverted under the new highway bridge. Spoil from the diversion was used for the approach fillings to the overbridge at 10 m. 49 ch. Ninety-four chains of fencing were erected during the year, leaving 150 chains to complete the fencing of the reserve on this section. Two hundred and sixty feet of culvert, ranging from 18 in. pipe to 5 ft. by 5 ft. reinforced box, were constructed. Three additional small-pipe culverts at present in hand will complete the culverting on the section. The sixteen, bridges on this section total 2,230 ft. Eleven, totalling 1,405 ft., have been completed, while the construction of the remaining five is well advanced. The Waipaoa Bridge at 5 m. 4 ch., consisting of nine 60 ft. and six 30 ft. steel span.s on concrete piers, was completed early in the year. At 5 m. 67 ch. three 25 ft. steel spans were erected over the Wherowhero Stream. At 6 m. 55 ch. a single 25 ft.-span, bridge was completed. At 7m. 50 ch. across the Pakowhai Stream, three 25 ft. spans are in position,. The outlet to this stream is into a large swamp bordering the sea. An improved outlet channel some 40 chains long was excavated by Diesel drag-line to a tidal inlet, greatly improving the drainage of the railway in the vicinity. At 9m. 43 ch. concrete abutments for a single 25 ft. span were completed, and temporary decking fitted to carry the track pending the arrival of the steel span,. At 10 m. 34 ch. a bridge consisting of four 25 ft. spans was erected across the new diversion channel of the Wairekaia Stream. At 11 m. 27 ch. the six concrete piers for the Maraetaha Stream No. 1 Bridge, 180 ft. long, were completed, and await the arrival of the steel girders. At 12 m. 23 ch. Maraetaha No. 2 Bridge —three 60 ft. spans —all piles have been driven, and the mass foundation for the south abutment poured. At 12 m. 60 ch. Maraetaha No. 3 Bridge —one 60 ft. and three 30 ft. spans —pier B was completed, and pier C is in hand. At 13 m. 26 ch. Maraetaha No. 4 Bridge—two 60 ft. and three 45 ft. spaus —mass concrete foundations for all piers were constructed during the low-water period. At 13 m. 76 ch. Mangakotukutuku Bridge—two 60 ft. and one 40 ft. spans —abutment A and pier B were completed, and pier C and abutment I) are under construction,. In addition to the above railway-bridges a highway bridge of three 45 ft. spans across the Wairekaia Diversion, Cut at 10 m. 36 ch. was finished in time for the Christmas holiday traffic. At 10 m. 49 ch. an overbridge, consisting of four 45 ft. reinforced-concrete spans, was completed and eliminates a level-crossing for the main highway. The permanent track was laid to 11m. 25 ch. The first lift of ballast was completed to 10 m. 10 ch., an,d the second lift to 8 m. 8 ch.
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At Muriwai Station Yard all sidings have been laid, and the ballasting of the yard is practically completed. The goods-shed has been built, and is in use for the storage of construction materials. It is anticipated that during the coming year there will be no difficulty in completing work on this section of the railway. Turakina-Okoia 'Railway Deviation. This deviation, which is 10 miles 20 chains long, was commenced early in 1937, and at the date of my last report good progress had been made with the formation and 46 chains of tunnelling had been completed. The principal features of this line were the construction of the Fordell Tunnel, 72 chains in length, the Turakina Tunnel, 104 chains in length, and the building of the Wangaehu and Turakina Bridges. During the period almost the whole of the outside formation has been completed, 675 chains being now ready, of which 355 chains were built during the year. The Fordell Tunnel has been completed and lined, and at Turakina 41-25 chains of tunnel have been completed, which with the work carried out in the previous period amounts to a total of 58-25 chains, leaving 45-75 chains yet to do. There is also a small tunnel approximately 3 chains in length at the 5 m., and this will be finished in about two weeks' time. These two tunnels arc being driven through a class of country which is not commonly experienced on railway-work, and a working technique has had to be developed to suit it. That this has been done successfully is evidenced by the excellent progress made. Test piles have been driven at the Wangaehu and Turakina Bridges, and the erection of a temporary staging is in hand at the former preparatory to making a start with the regular pile-driving. The fencing of the railway boundaries and the provision of gates at private crossings are well in hand. Ten chains of road in the Matarawa Valley have been formed and metalled, and this road now gives direct access from Okoia to Fordell, while the deviation of the Ruatangata Road with a temporary level crossing is well under way. The formation of Wangaehu and Fordell Station yards has been completed, and the latter has been trimmed and is now ready for the laying of the tracks. Good progress with all works has been made during the year, and over the majority of the period favourable weather conditions enabled those on outdoor labour to benefit by increased output. The plant depot and repair-shop has had a busy time keeping the construction plant in repair, as well as making and fabricating a considerable quantity of special work. The average number of men employed on the works was 286. Palmerston North Railway Deviation. This deviation is being constructed mainly on account of the fact that the existing goods and passenger yards in Palmerston North were too small for economical and safe working, and it therefore became necessary to shift the main station and yards to the outskirts of the town. A route was selected leaving the existing main line at Longburn, thence in a northerly direction to a point opposite the western boundary of the City of Palmerston North, then running parallel to the north-western boundary of the city and joining on to the main line again near Kelvin Grove, a total distance of 7 miles 18 chains. In addition to the main deviation, a secondary deviation was necessary to connect the new line with the Napier line at Whakarongo, the length of deviation being 2 miles 11 chains. Ample provision has been made for the new goods and passenger yards, and the proposals also include the elimination of all railway level crossings, which have been such a source of serious accident in the past. This work was originally commenced in 1926, but was closed down in 1929 as the then Government considered the work was not sufficiently urgent to be undertaken at that time. The work was recommenced in June, 1938, and has been progressing steadily. The total quantity of excavation in the original proposals was approximately 1,000,000 yards, and of this approximately half had been completed when the work was closed down in 1929. The excavation completed since work was recommenced, all of which has come from the goods-yard cutting, amounts to 86,276 cubic yards. This material has been used almost entirely for filling in the goods-yard. Some of the excavation work has been carried out by manual labour, but mostly by modern machinery. The material has been transported almost entirely by lorries, which method has proved very satisfactory to date. It is anticipated, however, that during the coming year, with the longer leads and more unsuitable material, a considerable amount of the spoil will have to be moved by rail. Since the work was commenced the Railways Department have substantially amended the layout of the goods-yard, with the result that the excavation quantities have been considerably increased. The total quantity yet to be excavated is approximately 380,000 cubic yards, including work on the Whakarongo Deviation. Of this amount, approximately 290,000 cubic yards will probably be required for overbridge ramps and 50,000 cubic yards will be required to complete necessary fillings, leaving a probable balance of about 40,000 cubic yards. A total of 6,890 cubic yards of metal have been excavated for metalling service tracks for lorries on the main goods-yard excavations, forming temporary roadways where required, and metalling road-crossings. The original formation work between Longburn and Palmerston North, which had been completed previously, was trimmed right through for one track to Rangitikei Line, to enable the platelaying work to be commenced over a distance of 4 miles 33 chains. The formation of the second track was trimmed for a distance of 2 miles 10 chains, and this work is proceeding. Trimmingwork has been carried out mostly by means of graders, angle-dozers, and carryall scrapers. The yard at Longburn has also been trimmed up in readiness for platelaying, and the trimming of the Palmerston North passenger-yard is about 50 per cent, complete.
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A total of 4 miles 35 chains of 85 lb. rails was laid from Longburn to Rangitikei Line. The ballasting has been completed for the full three lifts for approximately two-thirds of this distance and two lifts for the balance. Two small steel 14 ft. span bridges were completed at 84 miles 59 chains and 86 miles 24 chains on the Pahnerston North-Longburn section. The abutments for these bridges had been completed previously. All the temporary piles for the Mangaone Stream Bridge, which consists of five 20 ft. spans, to carry five lines of track, were driven during the period. A total of seventy-seven 16 in. octagonal reinforced-concrete piles were cast and sixteen piles had been driven at the end of March, the bearing being quite satisfactory. A temporary bridge was also completed at the side of the permanent bridge in order to enable the track to be laid across so that the platelaying work would not be held up. Most of the steel for this bridge was in hand, and a commencement had been made with the bending of same. A commencement has been made with the excavation of the Kawhau Drain Culvert, which is 750 ft. in length with an 18 ft. clear span. Some of the steel has also come to hand, and 4 tons had been bent at the end of March. All the small culverts on the main deviation had been completely previously. A total of 63 chains of new fencing was completed on this deviation, and all that remains to be done now are minor adjustments to fences at the sites of all overbridges. The whole of the drains, which had been cut previously, were cleaned out and trimmed up during "the year, some of these being in a very bad state. Whakarongo Deviation. —No work had previously been carried out on this deviation. The clearing of trees, fences, &c., has been completed throughout. The fencing on both sides has also been completed, a total of 471 chains, concrete posts being used. All the small culverts have been placed, and a large 6 ft. by 5 ft. reinforced culvert at 0 miles 25 chains was also completed. Batter drains have also -been cut over the full length of cuttings. A total of 3,854 cubic yards of clay was excavated by means of carryall scraper on the section from om. 63 ch. to 2m. 10 ch. This work has since had to be discontinued, partly owing to wet weather and partly due to the fact that the machine was required on the main Palmerston North Deviation. Both deviations have been completely resurveyed and cross-sectioned and fresh quantities taken out and plans prepared where necessary. Site plans for overbridges have also been prepared for six of the existing level crossings, but to date final plans have not been completed and no work has been carried out. A commencement has been made with the construction of the Longburn Overbridge, which fits in with the new deviation, but this work is being carried out under the control of the Main Highways Board. No plans have yet been finalized for any of the station buildings, goods-sheds, engine-sheds, &c. Plimmerton-Paekakariki Railway Duplication. The duplication of the railway between Plimmerton and Paekakariki was commenced approximately three years ago as portion of a scheme to duplicate the whole main line between Wellington and Palmerston North. This section of line carries very heavy traffic to the capital city. The principal bottle neck causing congestion of trains is that between Plimmerton and Paekakariki, where the line rises from either point to Pukerua Bay. Under the present arrangements trains gather at Plimmerton on the north run and at Paekakariki for south-bound traffic. The duplication will permit several trains to be on this length at once, thereby relieving time-table restrictions. Plimmerton to Pukerua Bay Section. —The ruling gradient is approximately 1 in 66, and formerly there were numerous curves of 12 chain radius. When duplication was being carried out opportunity was taken to improve the alignment, and the minimum curvature is now 16 chains and the overall running-speed between Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay increased to 45 miles per hour. Along this length heavy earthwork was involved. The principal point of engineering interest is probably the effective manner in which the drainage of the very wet cutting near Pukerua Bay has been dealt with by subsoil drainage. It is strange that the highest point of the line should be the wettest and cause most trouble. The Railways Department has been faced with expensive maintenance over a long period, but the new system appears to have drained the road-bed most effectively. The excavation has been carried out almost entirely by returned soldiers, and the progress made is largely attributable to their excellent work. Pukerua Bay to Paekakariki Section. —From Pukerua Bay towards Paekakariki the line is duplicated by paralleling the existing formation on the east side to within a short distance of the first tunnel (No. 8). The double line here merges into a single track through a high-speed turnout and continues as a single line to the north end of No. 13 Tunnel. From here to Paekakariki a single line branches through another high-speed turnout and continues as a double track to Paekakariki Station. Extremely heavy excavation was encountered along this section. During the year 605 lineal feet of culverts were placed and approximately 149,000 cubic yards of excavation and 20 chains 70 links of fencing carried out. The average number of men employed was 110. South Island Main Trunk Railway, North End. Clarence Section (56 m. 6 ch. to 76 m. 13 ch. = 20 m. 7 ch.).—With the exception of 30 chains at the Blue Slip, formation work on this section is completed. The earthwork done during the year has been practically confined to formation of station-yards at Kekerangu, Parikawa, and Clarence
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Bridge, and formation of approaches to overbridges at 63 m. 5 ch. and 64 m. 65 ch. Formation of station-yards has been completed, involving nearly 50,000 cubic yards of earthwork, and approximately 100,000 cubic yards have been placed in the approaches to the two overbridges. The completion of these approaches has been held up pending construction of the overhead bridges, but it is hoped that these will be completed during the coming year. In December, 1938, the Blue Slip commenced to move again at the north end, where it had previously appeared that the country was more or less stable. It is estimated that upwards of 200,000 cubic yards of material will have to be removed to render this portion of the slip stable. One Diesel shovel has been employed cutting back the face since early in the present year and another shovel is being transferred from Wellington in order to speed up the work. A plan has been prepared of a comprehensive system of drainage covering the whole face of the slip, and as soon as weather permits this aspect of the work will be vigorously proceeded with. Provided no further large movements occur, it is expected to complete the work at the Blue Slip within twelve months. During the year under review a total of 24,000 cubic yards of slip material has been removed and dumped into the sea, Diesel shovels and locomotives and a tractor and carryall scoop having been employed for the purpose. Girders for all of the seven railway-bridges on this section, totalling 900 lineal feet in length, have been assembled, riveted, and placed in jjosition. All girders have been painted, and the permanent rails and sleepers laid. The overhead bridge at 64 m. 65 ch. is nearly completed, about six weeks' work being necessary* to complete. Three large and several small culverts in station-yards have been extended during the year. With the exception of several short gaps, permanent fencing has been completed during the year from 61 m. 16 ch. to 76 m. 13 ch., the total length of fence erected being 13 miles 14 chains. Telephone-line has been completed from 60 m. 40 ch. to 76 m. 13 ch., and the old line from 56 m. 6 ch. to 60 m. 40 ch. has been rebuilt to bring it up to present-day standards. Platelaying on the main line, including bridges, has been completed, and platelaying of loops and dead-ends in Kekerangu Station yard has also been completed. It is expected that the work required to complete platelaying on Clarence Section —viz., Parikawa and Clarence Bridge Station yards —will be finalized in three months' time. Ballasting, main line only, has been completed from 67 m. 40 ch. to 76 m. 13 ch., with the exception of boxing-up, which it is proposed to do immediately before handing the section over to the Railways Department. From 56 m. 6 ch. to 67 m. 40 ch. the line has been adequately maintained. Marram-grass planting to check drifting sand has been practically completed, and bare patches in areas previously planted have been replanted. A good deal of maintenance planting will be necessary for some time to come in order to preserve the areas already planted. Kailcoura Section (76 m. 13 ch. to 104 m. 54 ch.= 28 m. 41 ch.). —Formation work is approaching completion from 76 m. 13 ch. to 93 m. 20 ch. and is in hand from 93 m. 20 ch. to 99 m. A total of 130,000 cubic yards has been shifted during the year. Approaches to the Clarence River Bridge are well in hand, 55,000 cubic yards, out of a total of 80,000 cubic yards, having been placed during the year. Ten chains of masonry-rubble walls have been erected at the toes of unstable batters. Twenty-five thousand cubic yards of rock have been placed to protect the seaward batters from the effects of pounding by heavy seas, but it will be necessary to place approximately as much again to give adequate protection. Tunnelling has proceeded satisfactorily, and this is being carried out expeditiously and cheaply by means of the plant provided, which includes compressed-air drills, large fans, scrapers for loading the spoil into trucks, concrete guns and steel profiling to help in placing the concrete lining, and Diesel locomotives for transporting materials. Progress has been retarded for some distance in from all portals owing to the difficult nature of the country, which has consisted of loose rabble and boulclers. During the period under review work has proceeded on four tunnels, a total length of 1,934 lineal feet, together with eight portals, having been completed. This brings the total length of tunnelling on this section to 3,810 lineal feet, and all portals have now been completed. It is expected that all tunnelling operations on this section will be completed before the end of the present year. The substructure of the Clarence River Bridge was completed during the latter part of 1938, but completion of the superstructure is being delayed on account of the difficulty in obtaining the necessary steel for the 122 ft. truss spans. The bridge has a total length of 1,524 ft. overall, and consists of two 30 ft. end spans and twelve 122 ft. steel truss spans carried on reinforced-concrete cylinder piers and piled abutments. Up to the present it has been possible for the Railways Workshops to deliver one only of the main truss spans. The erection of the steelwork is being undertaken by the Department, and work on the construction of the necessary staging and falsework is proceeding satisfactorily. Gabion protective work at the bridge abutments has been completed, and the construction of several large regulating groynes on the south bank is well in hand. Mororimu Stream Bridge, 60 lineal feet, and Black Millar Bridge, 40 lineal feet, both in reinforced concrete, have been completed, together with approaches and protective works. A start has been made with the construction of Ohau Stream Bridge, 60 lineal feet, in reinforced concrete. Work on the Hapuku River Bridge is in hand under contract, a start being made in April last. This bridge consists of twenty-three reinforced concrete arch spans, each 67 ft. long, earth-filled, and carried on concrete piers and abutment sunk through the river shingle in timbered excavations q,nd countersunk by hand into the underlying conglomerate.
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Steady progress lias been made with culverts, a total length of 875 feet, varying in size from 12 in. to 6 ft. having been completed during the year. A start has been made with the permanent fencing of this section, .104 chains having been erected during the year at various places in order to exclude stock from the construction works. Seven miles of permanent telephone-line have been erected, and this work will be carried on to completion during the next twelve months. A crushing and screening plant with a capacity of 50 cubic yards per day was erected early this year to obtain concrete aggregates for use in tunnels, bridges, and culverts, and is in full working-order. Survey was completed from 97 m. 48 ch. to 104 m. 54 ch., including foundation tests at all bridgesites. Owing to the progress of the work, a large amount of camp-shifting has been necessary, the Shades Camp having been shifted to Clarence Bridge, and portion of Aniseed Camp to Kaikoura. A new two-roomed school has been erected at Aniseed to replace the one lost by fire in February last. A large amount of repair work has been rendered necessary to make good damage caused by two windstorms, in August of last year and February of this year, respectively. The average number of men employed on the works during the last twelve months has been approximately 360. South Island Main Trunk Railway, South End. (44 m. to 73 m. 40 ch. : Length, 29 m. 40 ch.) Since my last report very substantial progress has been made on this end of the line ; the majority of the formation work suitable for hand methods has been completed, and the construction of bridges, the completion of tunnelling, and the protection of the formation, by means of heavy stone sea-walls where the line infringes on the coast-line and crosses small embayments, constitute, apart from platelaying and ballasting, the major portion of the work yet to do. Wherever possible, men have been drafted from ordinary formation work to tunnelling, mechanized work, and skilled jobs. Tunnelling parties have been increased, as men and machinery became available, from four last June to eleven at present ; five of these parties in the shorter tunnels are working by hand methods, and the remainder have been wholly or partly mechanized. During the period the work at the south end of this railway naturally fell into two phases —firstly, the completion of all works from Parnassus at 44 m. to Hundalee Station at 55 m. 60 ch. in order that this section might be opened for traffic as early as possible, and, secondly, the vigorous prosecution of the tunnels, of which there are fifteen, between Hundalee and the Kahautara River at 73 m. 40 ch., together with the building of sea-walls and bridges. By concentrating bridge and machine gangs on the Parnassus-Hundalee portion the railhead was pushed forward from south of the Ferniehurst Station yard to Hundalee, 114- miles from Parnassus, and this point is now being used as the railhead for supplies of material to this end of the railway-works, thus enabling further concentration of headquarters at Oaro by shifting the store and workshops to that point. The Conway River Bridge at 50 m. 50 ch. was completed with the placing of the sixteen 45 ft. plate girders, and the reinforced-concrete bridges over Mick's Creek at 53 m. 40 ch. and Open Creek at 54 m. were erected. The subway crossing the railway over the Christchurch-Kaikoura Main Highway at 55 m. 47 ch. was finished by the end of the year, completing the formation to the Hundalee Station. During this time trimming and platelaying was following the formation, and the access road and 35 ft. reinforced-concrete bridge to the Ferniehurst Station yard were completed. At the Ferniehurst Station, the station goods-shed and stock-yards have been erected, the water-supply completed and the sidings laid and ballasted. The Hundalee Station yard is well in hand, the majority of the sidings and ballasting being completed. The station platform and temporary stock-yards (an extension of the permanent yards for use while this station is the railhead) are built and the permanent stock-yards are well in hand. The progress thus made enabled stock-trains to be run during the latter portion of the period between Parnassus and Hundalee. On the section between Hundalee and Kahautara, the driving of No. 1 tunnel at 60 m. 75 ch. has been done and only awaits the excavation of the portal to complete the tunnel. Earthworks are complete from here through No. 2 tunnel to about 61 m. 40 ch., where heavy sideling to the Okarahia Bridge at 61 m. 60 ch. is in hand. The pile-driving for this latter bridge of nine 45 ft. spans, some 75 ft. above ground-level, is now in hand. On the southern end of the Amuri Bluff tunnel, conditions were particularly difficult owing to the very unstable nature of the valley-floor and the slides which took place at the approaches to the portals. Men and machines were therefore concentrated on this locality in order to get under cover before winter. By adopting cut-and-cover methods and by excavating 20,000 cubic yards with shovel, drag-line, and bulldozer, 4| chains of heavily-reinforced tunnel barrel was built in the open, and this enabled the work to be proceeded with in safety after the weather broke. At the northern end of the tunnel 1,080 ft. have been driven and lined. This tunnel, which is the longest on the job, has, of course, been completely mechanized. The material through which the tunnel has been driven, particularly at the northern end, is very liable to swell, with consequent heavy pressures, and the lining has had to be strengthened very considerably to meet the difficult conditions. No 5 tunnel at 64 m. 47 ch. is in hand and 51 ft. have been completed.
3-D. 1.
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Slow progress through clayey country at the southern end of No. 6 tunnel at 67 m. 64 ch. was made at the start, but has since improved, and to date 468 ft. have been completed. No. 7 tunnel at 70 m. 1 ch. is well forward, 246 ft. being completed, as is No. 8 tunnel, where 243 ft. have been done. The four last-mentioned tunnels are being worked by bottom heading and hand methods, as their short length hardly justifies their economical mechanization. Nos. 11 and 12 tunnels are partially mechanized and are being lined from a central concrete-mixing plant between the two. Of the former, 210 ft., and of the latter, 23 ft. have been lined, while 197 ft. have been opened out, but not lined. Parties are working at both ends of No. 13 tunnel and have lined 38 ft. No. 14 tunnel, 376 ft. long, has been enlarged and lined during the year, with the exception of 15 ft. and the northern portal. No. 15 tunnel at 72 m. 50 ch. has been completely mechanized throughout, and 600 ft. have been lined. At Goose Bay, the one suitable place in the vicinity, 23,000 cubic yards of stone were quarried for the stone protection of the highway, and although a large quantity of rubble has had to be handled some of this has been profitably used on road and railway embankments. The Claverley Subway at 59 m. 63 ch., two 40 ft. reinforced-concrete spans, has been completed, and with the erection of the Limestone Creek Bridge at 57 m. 70 ch. now in hand, formation will be completed to the Stockyard Creek Bridge at 60 m. 66 ch. Generally speaking, the outstanding feature of the year on the Oaro Section has been the organizing of the various tunnelling parties and the provision and layout of the necessary plant and machinery to enable the work to be carried out expeditiously. In the early part of the year there was a shortage of experienced tunnellers, but this has been made good partly by the transfer of men from, other places and partly by the training of men who, though inexperienced last year, have developed into more useful tradesmen. The rate of progress is increasing monthly and should now keep in step with the rest of the other operations, so that the work generally can be finished to schedule. With the virtual completion of the Parnassus-Hundalee Section it was necessary to shift the machine-shop, stores, and general transport headquarters from Parnassus to Oaro. This was quite a large undertaking, but is now completed. The average number of men employed during the period was 472. Westport-Inangahua Railway. Cascade Section (5 m. 70 ch. to 8 m. 78 ch. ; length, 3 m. 8 ch.). —This section has been maintained during the year. A daily works train was run. between Westport and Cascade Creek for the purpose of transporting men, and 18,74.0 tons of coal were transported from the Cascade Coal Co.'s bins to Westport. A 5 ft. by 5 ft. reinforced-concrete culvert was constructed at 6m. 55 ch., where a washout occurred. Cascade-Inangahua Junction Section (8 m. 78 ch. to 23 m. 62 ch. (Westport chainage) and 58 m. 30 ch. to 62 m. (Stillwater chainage); length, 18 m. 34 ch.). The average number of men employed throughout the year has been 263, with a maximum of 290, and at present 240 men are employed. The work on this section has progressed as fast as conditions permitted, bridge-construction being the governing factor. The heavy rainfall, 211-5 in. per annum, has also increased the difficulties, but in spite of the natural difficulties satisfactory progress has been made. The bridge-building programme was rendered difficult to adhere to on account of the unprecedented demand for skilled tradesmen for work in the main centres of population, which prevented the Department from securing this type of labour at the usual award rates. This shortage was successfully overcome by employing semi-skilled workers on co-operative contract for bridge-building and letting private contracts for the construction of culverts. Modern plant has been used as much as possible on formation work, but its use is considerably restricted owing to the wet conditions caused by the very high rainfall which necessitated the plant being laid up or transferred to other work during the adverse operating period. Formation : The formation work, which is nearing completion, was considerably advanced during the year, the principal features being the removal of a 50,000-cubic-yard slip near Slaty Creek, the formation of a 65,000-cubic-yard bank at 20 m. to 20 m. 22 ch., and the approach to the Buller River Bridge at 63 m. 30 ch. Except for a 40,000-cubic-yard bank between 21 m. 61 ch. and 22 m., the only uncompleted formation is a length between 60 m. 30 ch. and 62 m., and this work is in hand. Tunnels : The whole of the tunnels are now completed, the two remaining tunnels at 13 m. 26 ch., and 13 m. 42 chs., of lengths of 180 ft. and 851 ft. respectively, being completed during the year. Bridges : The distinct feature of this railway is the large number of bridges required, there being twelve bridges with a total length of 3,603 ft., or 55 chains, on the 18| mile section. Of this length, 1,885 ft. are completed, 1,227 ft under construction, and it is anticipated that all except 275 ft. will be finished by the end. of the current year. The details of the bridges are as follows : — Cascade Creek Bridge (9 m. 3 ch.): Five 80 ft. and one 40 ft. steel-plate-girder spans on reinforced-concrete piers. Completed. Bridge at 10 m. 24 ch. : Three 30 ft. steel-plate-girder spans on mass-concr<- piers and 82 ft. of mass-concrete retaining-wall. Piers of retaining-wall completed, girders being fabricated. Redmond Creek Bridge (11m. 41 ch.) : One 85 ft. reinforced-concrete-arch span, three 40 ft. reinforced-concrete-girder spans on reinforced-concrete piers and foundations. Completed. Stable Creek Bridge (15 m. 51 ch.) : Ten 40 ft. and one 20 ft. reinforced-concrete-girder spans on reinforced-concrete jsiers and abutments. Eight piers and three spans are completed.
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Newman Creek Bridge (15 m. 60 ch.) : Eight 40 ft. and one 20 ft. reinforced-concrete-girder spans on reinforced-concrete piers and abutments. In hand ; four piers completed. Slaty Creek Bridge (16 m. 55 oh.) : Foundations being tested. Tracy Creek Bridge (19 m. 32 ch.) : Foundations being tested. Orikaka River Bridge (21m. 58 ch.) : Three 100 ft. steel-plate-girder spans on concrete piers founded on cylinders. In hand ; plant and materials being received and temporary trestle being erected. Welshman Creek Bridge (61 m. 70 ch.): One 100 ft. and two 25 ft. steel-plate-girder spans on concrete piers and abutments. Design completed ; work being started. Bridge at 61 m. 13 ch. : One 30 ft. steei-plate-girder span. Design completed ; girders received. Buller River Bridge (60 m. 20 ch.) : Six 100 ft., one 45 ft., and one 30 ft. steel-plate-girder spans on concrete piers founded on cylinders. Completed. Inangahua River Bridge (59 m. 20 ch.) : Nine 60 ft. steel-plate-girder spans on concrete piers. Completed. Culverts and Water-drives : Six reinforced-concrete culverts ranging in size from 2 ft. by 2 ft. to 9 ft. by 9 ft., having an aggregate length of 168 ft., were completed, and two more having a total length of 90 ft. are in hand. Pipe culverts varying in diameter from 1 ft. to 3 ft. and having an aggregate length of 210 ft. were completed. Concrete-lined water-drives 7 ft. by 8 ft. 6 in. by 142 ft. long and 4 ft. by 6 ft. by 106 ft. long have been completed. Platelaying : The platelaying material for this section is on hand, and tenders, will shortly be called for platelaying. Fencing : Two miles of fencing have been completed. IRRIGATION. CENTRAL OTACO. Operation and Maintenance op Irrigation Schemes. No new construction works were put in hand during the past year, and construction work was confined to the completion of the Manuherikia Diversion Tunnel. This tunnel is 78 chains long, and was completed and put into service last September. The work done during the year consisted of lining 180 ft. of tunnel and the dismantling and re-erection of 500 ft. of armco fluming to carry the water over an embankment section of the race at the tunnel outlet. The schemes were well maintained during the year, and the major item of maintenance was the general overhaul of the 1,980 ft. of 30 in. pipe at Chatto Creek syphon. The total area operating under an acreage basis under agreements in 44,652 acres, and the area actually irrigated was 42-881 acres, or 617 acres more than the previous season. In addition, the Omakau Scheme, which commands 13,400 acres over which water is supplied on the demand basis, provided irrigation water to 8,150 acres, or an increase of 1,150 acres over the previous season. The sales on the demand basis on the Omakau and Dunstan Schemes amounted to 5,915 acre-feet, or a reduction of 4,465 acre-feet from the previous season. This reduction was due to the demand being withheld until late in December owing to the plentiful spring rainfall. The season, which was exceptionally favourable in respect to natural rainfall until the end of December, developed into drought conditions in the New Year, and these conditions obtained without respite until the middle of April this year. The water-supply in the dams was plentiful, and reasonable supplies were maintained on all schemes except the Tarras and Bengerburn Schemes, where restriction of supplies had to be resorted to during the end of the season. The rainfall at Alexandra during the period Ist January to 15th April, 1939, was only 1-61 in., as compared with the lowest previous record of 2'74 in. over a period of nineteen years. The completed schemes, which are operated by the Department, and Steward Settlement and Otekaike Schemes, which are operated under local control, now total 63,000 acres. The following table shows the particulars of the schemes operated by the Department : —
35
q , | Area actually Area that should have Number of k e ' | irrigated. been irrigated. Irrigators. Acres. Acres. Arrow River .. .. .. 2,613 2,918 47 Ardgour .. .. .. 1,364 1,364 11 Bengerburn .. .. .. 114 144 13 Earnscleugh .. .. .. 1,972 2,190 48 Galloway .. .. .. 2,391 2,391 20 Hawkdun 8,248 8,977 66 Idaburn 565 565 8 Ida Valley .. .. .. 11,755 11,755 59 Last Chance .. .. .. 2,770 2,770 31 Manuherikia .. .. .. 4,910 4,941 75 Tarras .. .. .. 2,675 2,675 17 Teviot River .. .. .. 3,504 3,942 46 42,881 44,652 441 Omakau including Dunstan .. 8,150 .. 59 Totals .. .. 51,031 .. 500
D.—l
The financial result of the year's working is as follows : Revenue, £25,652; working-expenses, £22,533 ; profit on working, £3,119. The decrease in revenue of £1,538 on the previous year's figure of £27,190 is due chiefly to the wet early spring reducing sales on the Omakau and Dunstan Schemes and the smaller amount of extra water sold during the same period to other schemes. The total amount of rates collected during the year was £25,980, as against last year's figure of £24,100. General. —Several small investigation surveys were carried out during the year, and records were taken of the usual stream-flow, lake-levels, and meteorological data. CANTERBURY. Operation and Maintenance of Irrigation Schemes. The schemes in operation are the Redcliffs Scheme and the Levels Scheme, where water is sold on the demand basis. These schemes did not operate until February, 1939, owing to the phenomenal and unseasonal rainfall which was experienced during the spring and up till the end of January. Although a late start was made, 1,000 acres were watered in the Redcliffs Scheme and 1,500 acres in the Levels Scheme. Excellent results were obtained from this watering, and the farmers who participated had bumper crops, where their neighbours crops completely failed. The success of these farmers was recognized, and large areas of further land are now being bordered and prepared for irrigating next season. The land watered represented 14 per cent, of the total area commanded, which is nearly double that watered last season. The completed schemes in operation are shown in the following table : —
The financial result of the year's operations is as follows : Revenue, £334 ; working-expenses, £2,636. The low revenue was due to the phenomenal rainfall during the early portion of the season and the fact that it takes some time for irrigators to prepare land and crops for irrigation. Schemes under Construction. Ashburton-Lyndhurst Scheme.—Race Formation completed: For year: 15 m. 73 ch. ; 143,639 cubic yards. To date : 76 m. 57 ch. ; 379,450 cubic yards. Percentage completed : 72 per cent. Fencing : For year : 17 m. 3 ch. ; to date : 34 m. 3 ch. ; percentage completed : 74 per cent. Structures:— Percentage For year — Number. completed. Drops .. .. .. .. .. .. 148 50-1 Bridges .. .. .. .. .. ..68 49-4 Bridges and drops combined .. .. .. .. 12 88-4 Syphons .. .. .. .. .. ..64 54-7 Special structures .. .. .. .. .. 7 43-1 Turnouts .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22*5 Fence crossings .. .. .. .. ..16 26*3 Total structures completed to date .. .. .. .. 772 51 • 2 Survey : Pegging race-lines —for year, 10 m. 87 ch. ; to date, 111 m. 76 ch. Plotting race-lines— for year, 11 m. 7ch. ; to date, 95 m. 49 ch. Total length to be surveyed, 125 m. Several large Diesel powered plant units were used on this construction. The demonstration area of 36 acres has continued to yield excellent results, the average carryingcapacity for the year being 9-96 sheep per acre, the average during the growing-period being 14-1 sheep per acre. The irrigation of this area has practically eliminated the grass-grub, which badly infests the surrounding area. Mayfield-Hinds Irrigation Scheme. —Good progress has been made on this scheme, which has been designed to irrigate 54,000 acres. The race-excavation will amount to 1,000,000 cubic yards, and the total length of races will amount to 230 miles, whilst approximately two thousand structures will be required to regulate the flow of water.
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S heme Area actually Area for which Water Number of irrigated. was available. Irrigators. Acres. Acres. Redcliffs .. .. .. .. 1,080 4,603 9 Levels .. .. .. .. .. 1,411 12,800 37 Totals .. .. 2,491 17,403 46
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The work completed to date consists of 160,000 cubic yards of race-excavation and the erection of eighty structures. This latter work has been handicapped by the shortage of skilled workmen, but men are now being trained, and it is expected to increase the amount of this class of work during the current year. The work is fully mechanized, and several large Diesel-powered excavating-units are employed. Rangitata Diversion Race.—This race has a capacity of 1,000 cusecs, is 42 miles long and contains approximately 3,000,000 cubic yards of excavation. The position in regard to this excavation is as follows : — Previously excavated .. .. .. .. .. 370,000 cubic yards. Excavation for year .. .. .. .. .. 895,000 „ Total excavation to date .. .. .. .. 1,265,000 „ The average rate of excavation last year was 74,600 cubic yards per month, but the monthly rate has been progressing so that a rate of 124,000 cubic yards per month has been attained. The work is now in various stages of completion over a length of 27 miles from the intake end, eighteen high-powered mechanized excavating-units being kept fully employed. Structures : During the year the following structures were completed : — Three reinforced-concrete drops (7 ft. fall). Seven reinforced-concrete access bridges. Four reinforced-concrete road bridges. One reinforced-concrete drainage syphon. Several more structures are in hand. Accommodation : Accommodation was provided for thirty married men and fifty single men. A staff headquarters office and store were erected at Springlands. Conduits : Active preparations are being made for the construction of the reinforced conduits which are necessary to pass the race flow under the Hinds and Ashburton Rivers and their tributaries. Six of these crossings are required, and each conduit will have an internal diameter of 11 ft. Since the works were commenced it was found necessary to carry the water over a difficult position of the country by another reinforced-concrete conduit which will be 12 ft. in diameter and 132 chains long. Downs Water-supply.—Rapid progress has been made on this scheme, which has been designed to supply domestic and stock water to an area of 154,000 acres near Timaru. The total length of piping required is about 4,000,000 ft. The larger pipes are being laid in trenches excavated by a Diesel • powered trenching-machine, and the smaller sizes are being pulled into the ground by large tractors operating a mole drain attachment. The present position of the work is as follows : — Survey : Plans completed, 100,000 acres ; work located, 54,000 acres ; detailed reticulations, 30,000 acres. Pipe-supplies : 13-in. diameter main 80,000 ft. delivered ; diameter pipe to f-in. diameter pipe, 1,858,000 ft. delivered. The value of this quantity represents 60 per cent, of the total requirements. Main Pipe-line : Pipes, 13 in. diameter, have been laid for 44,000 ft. Galvanized-pipe Lines : Reticulation pipes have been laid over an area of 20,000 acres and are ready to be connected to the main. The total length of pipes laid is 420,000 ft., in sizes varying from fin. to 3| in. Intake : The intake dam and control structure on the Tengawai River is practically completed. Three storage reservoirs have been excavated, and the concrete lining of one is in hand. It is expected that about 90,000 acres will receive a supply in about nine months' time. Canterbury Irrigation Investigations. On account of shortage of suitable staff the topographical survey was suspended during the year, but this work will resume as soon as circumstances permit. Continuous stream-gauging records were obtained on all installed stations, and a new station on the Ashley River was put into operation during the year. Ground-water depth, soil moisture, and rainfall observations were continued. Evaporation, wind, humidity, and temperature readings were recorded with the following results :—
Rainfall Run-off. —Observations for rainfall run-off were recorded on six high-level automatic rain-gauges in the North Ashburton River catchment, and the outflow was measured at a recorder at the Gorge.
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0 , ,. [ Evaporations for Year Statl0n ' j ending 31st May, 1939. Wmd Mllea « e - In. Miles. Levels .. .. .. .. 30-92 9,142 Ealing .. .. .. .. 32-78 18,401 Kirwee .. .. .. .. 45-98 30,308 Blenheim.. .. .. .. 50-56 17,198 Pendarves.. .. .. .. 38-90 17,171 Methven .. .. .. .. 48-83 35,881
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Marlborough Irrigation Investigations. The topographical and tentative layout surveys were completed and estimates of cost prepared. Stream records on the Wairau Ferry Bridge station were continued, and soil moisture, evaporation, wind, and rainfall records were continued. HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT. Arapuni Scheme. Arapuni Power-house Extensions.—A considerable amount of maintenance-work in the nature of concrete lining and stone riveting was carried out in the inspection tunnels in the vicinity of the power-house and the falls. This work was closed down in October, 1938, and left in a safe condition, the men being required for works in connection with the Karapiro investigations. Near the power-house the blacksmith's shop was completed, the necessary accessories were installed, and the access road completed. The erection of precast panelling and lamp standards on the access road to the power-house was completed. Nos. 5 and 6 Units, Penstock Tunnels.—This work was commenced towards the end of April, 1939. Two hoppers were erected on the stop-log platform outside the power-house, and two runways were built on which to run trucks from the tunnel-entrances to the hoppers outside. Excavation was commenced on both tunnels early in June, the drives being started with floorlevels at 150 ft. ; these levels will be maintained until they intersect with the bottom levels of the inclined tunnels, and from this point on , the tunnels will be driven full size. To date No. 5 tunnel has been driven to a point 18 ft. up from the lower intersection angle and 204 cubic yards of material have been, excavated ; No. 6 tunnel has been driven to a point 16 ft. up from the lower intersection angle and 248 cubic yards have been excavated. Lowering of the Level of the Tail-race at the Sand Bar. —This work was commenced on the 17th April, 1939, since which date it has been carried on continuously. An endeavour is being made to drag the boulders from the bar on to the banks of the river, and results to date have been most encouraging. Approximately 800 cubic yards of boulders of various sizes have been dragged on to the bank, and there is no doubt that a much greater amount than this has been disturbed by the dragging and taken away by the river. At the present time the lower portion of the bar has not been worked over, and until this is done the full benefit of the work will not be apparent. A road has been formed, and all is in readiness to shift the machine to the opposite bank farther down stream and thus be able to haul down-stream with the help of the current, from which position the lower portion of the bar will be dragged. Karapiro Investigations. —Work was commenced on the preliminary sub-surface investigations in connection with this scheme on the 20th September, 1938. In the first instance six drives were put in and two shafts were sunk. It was then decided to employ boring-machines, and all plant obtainable was hired; boring operations commenced on 11th October and have been carried out almost continuously ever since. To date fifty-six bores have been put down to a total depth of 4,812 ft. At present only one plant is on the job, taking bores on the west bank, between the river and the top of the cliff. Another plant is engaged in boring at a site in a Tertiary deposit approximately a mile down stream from the quarry-site. The results obtained from the borings at the quarry-site, indicate generally that the support for the necessary structures is satisfactory, but that the greywacke contains fractures and cleavages which would require a comprehensive form of grouting to render the rock water-tight. Maintenance Horahora Power-station.—Repairs in the nature of protection work to the tuff comprising the foundations of the permanent weir were carried out by extending the concrete apron in places and filling up with concrete the holes worn in the tuff. The tunnel connecting the old auxiliary plant to the headrace was found to be almost in a state of collapse. This condition was remedied by the sealing of the tunnel-entrance with a concrete slab. Waikaremoana Power Scheme. No. 3 Penstock.—This penstock has been completed and is now ready for the water tests. One hundred and forty-six concrete pedestals and four anchor blocks were constructed by the Department, some 1,083 cubic yards of concrete being placed. The steel pipes were fabricated on the works and have been finally fixed in position by the contractors, the pipe-line, which is 3,580 ft. long and varies in diameter from 78 in. to 66 in., being of welded construction throughout. The pipes are at present resting in the pedestals on wooden wedges, but as soon as the pipes are filled they will be packed up with cement mortar. Expansion joints are provided in each section and the necessary manholes are fitted. At the top end the pipe has been joined to the surge-chamber and at the lower end to the rotary valve of No. 3 unit. ' After~beiiig welded in place the pipes were sand-blasted by the Department and given three'coats of special red lead. Painting on the outside has been held up owing to the fact that the bloom is not yet scaling sufficiently to permit of easy cleaning, and only about one-third of the outside area has been painted.
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No. 3 Unit. —Following the removal of the temporary wooden floor and the clearing-up of the area below, boxing and concrete work for the foundations were commenced. Seven hundred cubic yards of concrete were placed on this work up to generator-floor level, and the steel liner of the draught-tube has yet to be grouted in place. The air-outlet duct was constructed in concrete and the necessary canopy placed over the outlet end. Holding-down bolts were placed, cable ducts and drains were built, and the machines grouted in. Various concrete walls were constructed in the power-station, sections of the control-room floor are being poured in concrete, and the construction of cable ducts and shelves and the fitting of brackets in the cable tunnels are in hand. Transformer foundations were built in the outdoor station, and miscellaneous general work completed. At the surge-chamber an elevated concrete winch-platform was completed, and the placing of winches is in hand. Waikaremoana Lower Development. Work on this scheme has been mainly confined to preliminary activities and the provision of accommodation for workmen. A main access road from Tuai to the new station at Piripaua was first constructed, and then roads to the surge-chamber and the various tunnel-faces, camps &c., were commenced. Approximately 5J miles of road were constructed and metalled, including the installation of necessary culverts and the erection of five small bridges. The quarry opened at Tuai did not provide sufficient stone, but the crushing-plant has been used continuously, spalls being taken from the construction excavation, the river-bed, and the lake-shore. About 9,500 cubic yards of crushed metal were placed on the roads, and top-dressing is in progress. Camps were established at Korora and at Piripaua, but owing to the shortage of tradesmen it was necessary to have all single huts and married men's hutments made in Napier and Gisborne. The sections were assembled on the site, and so far 100 married quarters and 100 single huts have been erected. The standard combined bath and washhouse buildings have been constructed, one for every two married quarters. Cookhouses to cater for eighty-four men each were built at both camps and are in operation. Large bathhouses, the necessary latrines, and other miscellaneous buildings were constructed. Eight staff hutments were erected, and a Y.M.C.A. hut was practically completed. The following buildings have been erected and are in use: Store, fitting and blacksmith shop, joiners' shop, mill, and plumber's shop. Smaller service buildings have also been erected. Five permanent cottages, with garages, were completed at Piripaua. In Tuai Village sixteen garages were constructed, and the foundations for a new social hall are now in hand. Excavation work is in hand on both ends of the Whakamarino Canal, the spalls obtained being set apart for the pitching of the wall in front of the recreation area. Boring for grout-pipes for the Whakamarino Dam has been in progress, and about 100 lineal feet of pipes have been placed in position. The tunnel-face on the eastern side of the siphon area has been opened up and shows a sound papa face. On the western face work is still in progress, and the papa exposed to date is not suitable for a face. A party is engaged lowering the creek and opening up the necessary faces in the canyon preparatory to tunnelling. The opening-up of the tunnel-face on the side opposite to the surge-chamber is in hand. The face from No. 2 anchor block up to the penstock tunnels is being stripped, papa is available throughout the length, and the excavation of the area for No. 2 anchor block is well in hand. The 7-ft. 6-in. diameter steel pipes for the penstocks are being fabricated at Tuai by the contractor for the No. 3 penstock pipes, and this work has been practically completed. The twin pipe-line will be 7 ft. 6 in. diameter throughout, and the two penstocks will make a total length of 1,820 ft. The pipes are sand-blasted after welding, and the first coat of special red-lead paint is immediately applied. Completed pipes are stored at Tuai until the pedestals are completed and field welding can be started. The excavation of the river-diversion at Piripaua is well advanced, some 12,500 cubic yards having been removed to date. The pilot channel and berm are complete, the excavation for the drop weir being trimmed for concreting, and the final section of excavation is in progress. Between the drop weir and the bridge, the pitched stone protection walls have been completed on both sides, and work is proceeding upstream from the bridge. Owing to the depth of the papa, much more walling has been built than was originally considered necessary, and, owing to the presence of water, continuous pumping has been required. The permanent concrete bridge of two 30 ft. spans has been completed, the piers being poured into holes cut in the solid papa. The heavy-duty cattle-stop and the bridge approaches have been almost completed. The 11 kV. line has been erected and livened up, and at the Siphon, Piripaua Camp, and at Piripaua power-house, site-transformers have been installed. From these, 400 volt lines have been run and 230 volt lines supply street lights, house lighting, &c. The villages have been wired and connected with the system, and the workshops, store, &e., are also supplied with power. A high-tension telephone system has been run between the power-stations. The R.D. 6 caterpillar and the R.B. 17 shovel have been employed continuously and have given excellent service. Further plant is being assembled, and when in operation will assist towards expediting the construction programme. The workshops have been fitted out, and the usual repairs and maintenance have been carried out. Three factors have militated against speedy progress on the works. Firstly, the weather until late last year was extremely wet, the rainfall being 33 in. over the annual average, while the damage to the main highways and railways has had a decided effect on the progress of the work. Secondly, the lack
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of suitable excavating-plant has necessitated the use of hand methods and, thirdly, the difficulty in obtaining tradesmen has slowed up the whole job. The number of departmental employees on all jobs, including the pipe-line and No. 3 unit, has increased to 185. Kaim.ata Dam. During the past year work was continued on the construction of the new thrust block and apron across the full width at the toe of the dam, and also on the addition of a strengthening slab on the dam-face. In the course of the apron work it was found that serious erosion had occurred under the toe of the dam, and this had to be filled carefully. After filling with concrete, grout was forced in to ensure that no cavities remained. Fortunately, no serious floods occurred during the progress of these operations but numerous freshes caused delays lasting a few days at a time. The automatic gates for raising the level of the lake by 10 ft. were completed during the year and brought into use shortly after the close of the year under review. Prior to the winter, advantage was taken of the opportunity to close down the station temporarily for the purpose of examining and repairing the penstocks, aqueduct, and tunnel. At the same time improvements were made to the tail-race, which had filled up very considerably, and alterations were made to the surge-chamber to allow for the extra head of 10 ft. At the close of the period under review, the position is that the improvement and repair works at this station have been practically completed, the result being an increase in the capacity of the station by approximately 1,000 kV.A. CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OP ROADS AND BRIDGES. Whangaeei District. Motatau to Kaikou Road (Bay of Islands County). —As was mentioned last year, this road gives access to a large area of Native country where farming operations have been retarded very much on account of the wet nature of the access. This season 1 mile 20 chains has been metalled and two timber bridges redecked. Tutaematai to Kawhiti Road (Bay of Islands Comity). This is a new road running generally along the coast from Whangaruru Harbour below the Cape Brett Peninsula to Parekura Bay, and gives access to extensive areas of Native country. Those Europeans who are dairying on lands near Parekura Bay have never previously had any road access, and the new road, while meeting this need and encouraging the development of the Native lands, will also provide motor access to picturesque vantage points all along the coast. Keriheri Inlet Road (Bay of Islands County). —Construction work upon this road was commenced one or two seasons ago, and during the period under review new formation and metalling over a length of 4 miles 40 chains was carried out. There are a number of settlers in this locality who previously had access only by water, and the new road will assist them greatly in the more capable development and profitable management of their farms. Tapuhi to Ruapekapeka Road (Bay of Islands County). —Before new work was commenced upon this road the old access was on poor alignment and also narrow and unmetalled. The reformation, culverting, and metalling improvements which have been carried out over a distance of 3 miles 30 chains will give much improved access to good-quality lands occupied by European and Native farmers. Black Bridge to Opua Road (Bay of Islands County). —This road is important in that it gives access to the oldest historical lands in the Dominion, the Waitangi Estate, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. However, the road as it has existed up till the present has been on comparatively steep grades and in many places of a particularly winding character. With a view to facilitating the management and control of traffic during the Centennial celebrations which will take place at Waitangi next year, arrangements are being made to reconstruct the road throughout. An engineering survey has already been made, and the actual reconstruction work will be commenced almost immediately. Aratapu to Redhill Road (Hobson County).—This is a settlement road on the Tangaihi Peninsula. The development of the adjoining farming-lands has been delayed considerably owing to the fact that the road was not metalled. In order to increase production and to assist the settlers as much as possible with the profitable management of their properties, a metalling programme was commenced. During the period under review 1 mile 19 chains was reformed and 3 miles 52 chains were metalled. The road will form a connecting-link, and at present gives access to eighteen settlers. Dargaville to Pukehuia Roai (Hobson County).—Much work has been carried out upon this road of recent years, and the only improvements remaining to be done comprise the erection of two bridges. Work was commenced upon these during the period. Mangarata Bridge, Pukehuia to Arapohue Road (Hobson County).—One reinforced-concrete bridge with a span of 80 ft. was erected during the year. Redhill to Bassett's Road (Hobson County). —The work which is being carried out upon this road has the same object in view as that which is being done on the Aratapu to Redhill Road in the same sector of the county. During the year 2 miles 40 chains of metalling were completed, and this gives all-weather access to eight settlers as well as to a portion of the settlement on Bassett's Small Farm Block.
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Waima Valley Road (Hokianga County). —Work has been proceeding upon this road during the last few seasons with a view to giving access to large areas of undeveloped Native lands. Much of the area is comprised of rich river flats, and when the whole of the work has been completed the Natives in the locality who are farming their own properties will have the same opportunities of profitably developing their holdings as have settlers in other areas already provided with metalled access. Gile's Road (Hokianga County). —The work commenced in previous years was continued during the season. Formation over a distance of 44 chains was completed, making the results to date 4 miles 52 chains of formation and 2 miles 59 chains of metalling. Seven settlers have already been given metalled access, and four more will benefit in like manner when the programme in view has been completed next season. Mangamuka Stream Bridge, Iwitaua Road (Hokianga County).—One reinforced-concrete bridge 150 ft. long and with approaches totalling 24 chains was completed during the season. Previously the only means of crossing from the adjoining State highway on to Iwitaua Road was by fording the river, and this was not possible during heavy rains, but now that the new bridge has been completed the nearby settlers will no longer have any difficulty getting access to and from their properties throughout the whole of the year. Motutoa to Koutu Road (Hokianga County).—This road has been in an indifferent condition for a number of years, and as dairying activities in the locality have been increasing each season the necessity arose to consider roading improvements. Work was commenced during the season, but only a small portion was completed. The remainder will receive attention next year. Taipuha to Maungaturoto Road (Otamatea County).—This road is used extensively by settlers and others as a through connection, and as the need for a route of higher standard became apparent arrangements were made to widen the road. One mile fifty-two chains was completed during the year and, together with a section of somewhat greater length completed during the previous year, was given a base course of metal. Chadwiok's Road (Otamatea County). —Work on this new road to give access to a settler who occupies some hundreds of acres on the foreshores of the Kaipara Harbour has been considered on several occasions during the last few years. The Council has been offered subsidies to cover the cost of the access, but difficulties in connection with the acquisition of land for the road were encountered and little progress could be made. The legalization of a small section was completed without any difficulty, however, and this length, amounting to 50 chains, was formed and culverted during the year. While primarily the road is to give access to a European settler, it will also greatly facilitate the consolidation and development of a large area of Native land. Waihaua Road (Otamatea County).—As with Chadwiok's Road already described, this access will benefit one European and also the inhabitants of a Native settlement. Only a small section of 25 chains of formation and culverting was completed during the period under review, and the remainder will receive attention next season. Brynderwyn to Waipu Road (Whangarei and Otamatea Counties). —This work, which involves the construction of an entirely new road, is a deviation to avoid the longer route by way of the tortuous Waipu Gorge and was completed during the year. The season's programme comprised 3 miles 5 chains of formation and culverting and 5 miles 60 chains of metalling, together with the erection of a bridge of 80 ft. span over the Piroa. Stream, at the common boundary of the two counties. Puhipuhi Back Road (Whangarei County). —This is a settlement road giving access to many settlers in the northern sector of the county. As a result of urgent representations made by those persons using the road to get access to their properties, a special subsidy was made available during the year, and with this assistance the Council proceeded with a reconstruction and metalling programme. Improvements of this nature were completed over a distance of 5 miles 7 chains. Whangarei to Taumaterau Heads Road (Whangarei County).-—The widening and metalling of this road were commenced. Besides being a popular scenic drive, the route gives access to a large area of good dairying and grazing country, and when the metalling improvements have been completed the settlers in the district will have much greater opportunities of profitably developing and managing their holdings. Matawherohia Road (Whangaroa County). —This road gives access to three settlers on comparatively large holdings in good sheep- and cattle-grazing country. Reconstruction and metalling improvements were carried out over a distance of 3 miles 10 chains. Omaunu Block Road (Whangaroa County). —Metalling improvements were carried out upon this road during the previous season, but owing to the greater amount of traffic using the road, together with the inauguration of a school-bus service, the need arose to add an extra layer of metal over a distance of 8 miles 40 chains. Awabui to Mangonui Road (Mangonui County).—The present highway up the east coast of the North Auckland Peninsula terminates at Mangonui, and from there to Awanui the road is in status only a county road. Previously it was of very poor standard, being in many places on practically the same alignment as it was when the first bullock-wagons crossed between the two townships many years ago. With the coming of motor transport the improvement of the road became urgent, and a planned programme was commenced two or three years ago. With the exception of bridging, which will be erected in reinforced concrete, almost the whole of the work is in the final stages of completion. During its progress the work has probably been the most important of all roadingWtftks, apart from highway works, in the district. Much good dairying-land now has easier, better, and quicker access. Lake Ohia to Merita Bay Road (Mangonui County). —The present access from the Awanui to Mangonui Road to the Karikari Peninsula is by a short road to the Tokerau Beach, thcnce along
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this beach, when the tide is favourable. Little attention had been given previously to the roads serving the Native lands on the peninsula, and with a view to assisting with the consolidation and development of these areas arrangements were made to proceed with formation and metalling work. Formation and culverting were completed over a distance of 1 mile 14 chains and metalling over a distance of 2 miles 60 chains. Engineering surveys were also made with the object of locating a road which would dispense with the present necessity of traffic proceeding along the treacherous Tokerau Beach. Church Road (Mangonui County). —This is one of the settlement roads branching off the Awanui to Mangonui Road. Two or three seasons ago the western end was reconstructed and metalled, and it became apparent that similar improvements would be needed on the eastern end, by reason of through traffic using the road as a shorter access from east to west and to provide better facilities for a circuit cream-collection service. During the season under review 2 miles 20 chains were reconstructed and metalled. Waipapakauri to Tangoake Road (Mangonui County).—This road is commonly known as the " Far North Road," and traverses the northern peninsula beyond Waipapakauri. Many Native blocks are in course of being consolidated and developed, and the programme of roading improvement now receiving attention will facilitate the management of these lands. Auckland District. Coromandel to Kennedy Bay Road (Coromandel County).—The difficulties which arose last year in connection with the legalization of this road Lave continued to hinder a commencement with construction work of any magnitude. A deviation of 54 chains, the erection of a timber bridge of three 20 ft. spans, and the installation of 180 lineal feet of culverts, comprise the work completed during the season. Hot Water Beach Road (Coromandel County).—Widening and metalling work upon this road, which gives access to settlers in the south-eastern portion of the county, was continued during the year. Reformation was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 38 chains and metalling over a length of 4 miles 38 chains. Mercury Bay to Whenuakite (Purangi) Road (Coromandel County).—Reformation work was carried out this year over a distance of 2 miles 52 chains, and the metalling of the whole length, together with the installation of 158 lineal feet of culverts, was completed. Tuateawa Road (Coromandel County).—Reconstruction and metalling work was completed over the whole length of 2 miles 35 chains, together with the erection of a temporary bridge over a small stream and the installation of 242 lineal feet of culverts. Barrett's Road (Paerata) (Franklin County). —All settlers on this road have been given metalled access as a result of work carried out over a distance of 2 miles 6 chains. Donnelly's Bridge (Ramarama) (Franklin County). —An old wooden bridge almost destroyed by floods was replaced during the year with a reinforced-concrete structure of one 50 ft. span 24 ft. wide. Graham's Beach Road (Franklin County).—This road serves as access from the wharf to dairying areas in the Awhitu Peninsula, and during the year a distance of 2 miles 20 chains was formed and metalled. Graham's Beach to Big Bay Wharf Road (Franklin County). —Metalling was carried out over a distance of 2 miles to give all-weather access to settlers and to several beach cottages. Orua Bay Road (Franklin County).—Metalled access was given to five settlers and several seaside cottages as a result of metalling-work carried out over a distance of 1 mile 75 chains of this road. Otaua to Maioro Road (Franklin County).—The metalling-work commenced in previous years was continued, and an additional lerfgth of 1 mile 17 chains was completed. Two settlers have been given access, and at the same time the operation of a cream route circuit has been greatly facilitated. Port Waikato to Maioro Road (Franklin County). —Formation and metalling work was completed during the year over a distance of 2 miles 54 chains to give access to eight settlers occupying considerable areas of good dairying-lands. Waipipi to Kohekohe Top Road (Franklin County).—Reformation and metalling work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 40 chains to complete a necessary connection both for settlement access and for cream-collection. Tryphena to Kaitoke Road (Great Barrier Island County).—This is the road giving access to Claris Aerodrome. Reformation and metalling work has been in hand during the season, and a distance of 2 miles 40 chains was completed. Hamilton's Road (Hauraki Plains County).—Formation and metalling work was completed over a distance of 1 mile on this access road. Kerepehi Extension Block Roads (Hauraki Plains County).—The Land Drainage Department is attending to the formation and metalling of roads in the Kerepehi Extension Block. Orchard, West Road (Hauraki Plains County).—This is another work under the control of the Land Drainage Department, which completed heavy formation work over a distance of 1 mile of peat lands. Torehapa West Road (Hauraki Plains County).—Construction work upon this road was commenced, and 1 mile 28 chains was widened to a width of 14 ft. and another section of 1 mile to a width of 12 ft. Metalling over the whole length was also completed. Cashmore's Bridge (Manukau County). —One reinforced-concrete bridge of a span of 26 ft. 6 in., together with approaches, was completed to replace a decayed wooden structure on the Kawakawa to Orere Road.
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Clevedon to Maraetai (North Road) (Manukau County).—This is a comparatively large work involving the realignment and regrading of an important road serving an extensive dairying and agricultural area as well as being used very much by through traffic. Formation work was completed over a section of 2 miles and metalling over a distance of 6 miles. Moumoukai Hill Road (Manukau County).—Metalling operations upon this road have been completed and all settlers now have metalled access. The distance completed during the year was 1 mile 69 chains. Orere Stream Bridge (Manukau County).—One reinforced-concrete bridge of three spans and of a total length of 96 ft. was erected on this road. Otau Mountain Road (Manukau County).—Reformation and metalling work was carried out during the year over a distance of 4| miles. This completes the programme in hand upon the road and provides access to five settlers occupying grazing-country. Okauia Native School Road (Matamata County). —Formation and metalling work is being carried out over a distance of 1 mile 18 chains to give access to a new Native school and to a Native settlement. Almost the whole of the formation and 11 chains of metalling were completed during the season. Paraonui Road (Matamata County).—Formation and metalling work was completed over a distance of 3 miles 77 chains, giving all-weather access to six settlers. Puketurua Group Roads (Matamata County).—Several schemes for the metalling of all clay roads in a small settlement or in a particular block have been carried out in recent years. There are five roads in this group, and 4 miles 64 chains have been reformed and 4 miles 30 chains metalled. Waipa Bridges (Puketurua to Uraura Road) (Matamata County).—Two reinforced-concrete bridges, having spans of 30 ft. and 20 ft. respectively, were erected during the year. Waihi to Whangamata Road (Ohinemuri County).-- This road, besides giving access to a number of settlers, is a popular tourist drive during the summer months and is being improved to cope with the increased traffic. During the year a commencement was made on that section of the road within the Ohinemuri County, and light reconstruction work has been completed over the first section of 6 miles and the last section of 2 miles. Attention was given to other portions of the road wherever necessary, and arrangements were made for the supply, under contract, of 6,500 cubic yards of crushed metal. Waitewheta Stream Bridge (Harris Road) (Ohinemuri County).—Five settlers on the road to which this bridge gives access, previously crossed the Waitewheta Stream by a concrete ford, but this sustained irreparable damage during a storm of 1936. During the year a reinforced-concrete bridge 119 ft. long was erected to give permanent access. Waitold Road (Ohinemuri County). —Formation and metalling work was completed over a distance of 1 mile 53 chains of this new road. One bridge of rolled-steel joist construction was erected and 627 lineal feet of culverting installed. Haurua Road (Otorohanga County). —Metalling was completed over a distance of 1 mile 58 chains to give all-weather access to four settlers and to provide a through connection. Karaka Road (Otorohanga County).—This is one of the roads in the Arohena Settlement. Other roads within the settlement have been metalled in previous years, and during the past season similar improvement work was carried out over a distance of 2 miles 30 chains of Karaka Road. This gives alternative metalled access to the block. Mangauika Road (Otorohanga County). —Two settlers were given all-weather access as a result of metalling improvements carried out over a distance of 70 chains. The erection of a light traffic bridge 42 ft. long was also completed during the period. Tahaia Bush Road (Otorohanga County). —Reformation and metalling work was completed over a distance of 1 mile 20 chains and is still continuing. Two settlers have been given all-weather access. Tahaia Cross Road (Otorohanga County) .—Metalling has been carried out over a distance of 68 chains of this road to give all-weather access to three settlers. Kiwitahi Railway Road (Piako County).—The work commenced in previous years upon this road was continued, and a distance of 1 mile 50 chains was metalled to complete the provision of allweather access to each settler. Mellins Road Bridge (Piako County). —One bridge, 70 ft. long, of rolled-steel joist construction on timber piles was erected over the Waitoa River. Thompson's Track (Piako County). —Reconstruction work on this track was completed during the period, also an additional length of 2 miles 71 chains of formation. The first section of 1 mile 21 chains was widened to 14 ft. and three bad creek crossings were concreted. Five settlers obtain access by this track, which also gives a stock-route to the northern end of the Bay of Plenty. Klondyke Road (Raglan County).—Metalling-work was carried out over a distance of 3 miles 25 chains to give all-weather access to four settlers. Operations are being continued to meet the needs of others living farther along the road. Mangati to Te Akau Wharf Road (Raglan County).—This road was metalled several years ago, but the original work was not sufficiently strong to carry the heavy traffic. As a result, arrangements were made to add extra metal, and daring the season 2 miles 24 chains were completed. The whole programme will involve a length of 4 miles 44 chains, and operations are continuing. Sainsbury Road (Raglan County).-—Three settlers have been given all-weather access as a result of metalling-work carried out over a distance of 2 miles. Waikorea to Naike via Speedys Road (Raglan County).—The reformation and metalling commenced in previous years were continued, and 5 miles 13 chains were metalled. Additional work is being carried out, and nine settlers have already been provided with all-weather access.
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Waimaori Road (Raglan County). —Metalling-work was carried out over a distance of 4 miles 15 chains to give all-weather access to seven settlers. W aimarama to Kaawa Road (Bothwells) (Raglan County). —Additional work, comprising 68 chains of reformation and widening and 4 miles 77 chains of metalling, was completed during the year, making the total length dealt with since the commencement of the work 9 miles 56 chains. Six settlers have been given all-weather access. Waitetuna to Waipa Road (Raglan County).—The base-course metalling completed over a distance of 5 miles 31 chains during the previous year was surfaced with metal chips, and this has completed all-weather access to six settlers. Dyer's Swamp Road (Rodney County).—During the period 1 mile 40 chains of this settlement road was reformed, and metalling is now receiving attention. Levett's Bridge (Rodney County). —A wooden bridge, destroyed by floods some time ago, was replaced with a reinforced-concrete structure 105 ft. long. Run Road (Rodney County).—Metalling-work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 70 chains to give access to ten settlers. Ryan's to Hakaru Road (Rodney County). —During the year 2 miles 24 chains of this road were formed and metalled to open up a large area of good dairying-land and to provide better access for three established settlers, who had previously been working their properties under disadvantage. Takatu Road (Rodney County).—Formation and metalling work was carried out over a distance of 2 miles 24 chains to give access to two settlers. Hikutaia to Whangamata Road (Thames County). Reformation and metalling work commenced during the previous period was continued over a distance of 1 mile 65 chains. Kapakapa Estuary Bridge (Paritu to Opoutere Road) (Thames County). —Work has been commenced upon the erection of a timber bridge 40 ft. long over the Kapakapa Estuary. Previously the occupiers of five dairy-farms used to cross this estuary by fording at suitable stages of the tide. Gordonton to Motumaoho Road (Waikato County). —This work involves the claying of a peat road and metalling over a distance of 3 miles. Most of the improvements have been completed, giving all-weather access to twelve settlers and providing a through connection between Gordonton and Morrinsville. Hampton Downs Road (Waikato County).—Two miles thirteen chains of new formation and 1 mile 53 chains of metalling have been completed to give access to two settlers. Ngahinepouri Old School Road (Waipa County). —Formation, culverting, and gravelling work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 2 chains to give all-weather access to three settlers. Rotongata Road and Karaka Roads (Waipa County).—These roads are within the Arohena Settlement, and during the season reformation and metalling works over a distance of 7 miles 13 chains were completed to provide all-weather access to seven settlers. Wharepapa Road (Waipa County).—Formation and metalling work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 62 chains of this road to give access to lands in the Wharepapa Block which are now being developed for settlement. The erection of a bridge over the Puniu Stream is a portion of the programme, and work was commenced upon this structure. Wharepapa Settlement Roading (Waipa County).—New formation work over a distance of 2 miles 62 chains and metalling over a length of 54 chains, together with the erection of one small bridge, was completed during the year. The development of the lands in this settlement was previously controlled by the Waikato Land Development Society, but has now been taken over by the Department of Lands and Survey. Blaclc Bridge Road and Group (Waitemata County).—The work commenced during the previous season has been completed, a total distance of 8 miles 23 chains being formed and metalled. In addition to opening up a considerable area of country, the work has given all-weather access to eight settlers and has provided a useful connecting-link between two main highways. Waitakere Ridgway Drive (Waitemata County). —During the year construction work upon this popular scenic drive was completed. A sealed surface now exists over the total length of 15 miles 20 chains, and parking-places have been provided at various vantage points. A one-way loop road has been formed and metalled circling the summit of Pukematakeo Trig., which is one of the highest points on the drive. A commencement has been made with the clearing and burning of timber on both sides of the drive in order to lessen the fire risk to the surrounding bush. Waimumu Road (Waitemata County)' This road gives access to a number of settlers who had previously been inconvenienced during the winter months. The whole length of 1 mile 18 chains was metalled, and ten settlers now have all-weather access. Waiheke Island Roads. —A roading programme to give access to settlers and residents on this island was completed. Regrading and general improvement work was carried out over a distance of 2 miles from Surfdale Wharf to Matiatia Wharf and a similar length from Surfdale Wharf to Ostend. Tauraxga District. Copenhagen Road (Opotiki County).—This is a settlement road upon which 1 mile 70 chains of metalling was completed during the season. Omaramutu Road ( Opotiki County). —One mile seventy-seven chains of metalling was carried out on this settlement road during the year under review. Verralls Road (Opotiki County). —Metalling was completed on this road over a distance of 1 mile 21 chains. Dansey Road (Rotorua County).—Metalling improvements'carried out in previous years were extended during last year, when an additional length of two miles 26 chains was completed. Horohoro Block Access Roads (Rotorua County).—Roads to give access to the subdivisions of the Horohoro Native Block are being formed and metalled, and a length of 2 miles 31 chains received attention during the season.
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Oturoa Road (Rotorua County). —The metalling improvements commenced during previous periods were continued during the year, an additional length of 4 miles being completed. Reporoa Settlement Roads (Taupo County). —Additional improvements were required on the several roads serving sections in the Reporoa Crown Settlement, and metalling was carried out over a distance of 3 miles 4 chains. Taupo to Western Bay Road (Taupo County). —A new road is being constructed along some 6 miles of the western shore of Lake Taupo to give access to sheltered fishing-waters. Formation was carried out over a distance of 5 miles 59 chains, and 1 mile 2 chains was surfaced with pumice. Vailes Road (Taupo County).—Metalling was completed over a distance of 3 miles 43 chains of this settlement road. Whirinaki Cross Road (Taupo County).—This road gives access to holdings in a Crown settlement, and metalling was carried out during the year over a distance of 4 miles. Ohauiti to Waimapußoad (Tauranga County).—Settlers upon this road have experienced difficulties in getting access to and from their properties, and in order to facilitate access and to assist with the better development of their holdings arrangements were made to metal several miles of the road. During the period 2 miles 44 chains were completed. Soldiers (Kai.mai) Road (Tauranga County).—This is a settlement road on the Kaimai Ranges upon which 1 mile 8 chains of metalling was carried out during the season. Youngson's Road (Tauranga County).—Metalling was completed over a distance of 1 mile 13 chains on this settlement road. McCoy's Road (Wliakatane County). —Cream-collection in the district was rendered troublesome and tedious by reason of the unmetalled condition of this road, and in order to improve matters the County Council was given a subsidy to assist with the cost of metalling. Improvements of this nature were completed over a distance of 2 miles. Manawahe Settlement Roads (Whakatane County).—The several roads in this settlement give access to lands which have proved somewhat difficult and expensive to develop. However, the settlers were making progress with the management of their properties, and in order to facilitate their operations as much as possible the County Council was offered a grant to cover the cost of metalling improvements. The work was commenced, and a distance of 4 miles 62 chains was completed. Rotorua to Waikaremoana Road (Rotorua and Whakatane Counties). —The heavy work of reconstructing and metalling this road has continued and the results for the period are : Engineering surveys, 7 miles 30 chains ; heavy rock formation, 2 miles 76 chains ; metalling, 2 miles 43 chains; culverting, 1,532 lineal feet; and slips of rock and rubble, 25,479 cubic yards. Although this is a big work, no construction difficulties are being experienced, and the programme for the year has gone ahead smoothly. An average number of 105 workmen were employed during the period. Whakatane River Bridge (Whakatane County). —A new reinforced-concrete bridge, 660 ft. long, with 44 ft. spans and a roadway 10 ft. 6 in. wide, has been erected over the Whakatane River at Ruatoki to give access to a large area of Native lands. Tarawera River Bridge (Whakatane County). —One bridge 120 ft. long, together with approaches, ha been completed to give access to the Edgecumbe Block, now under development by the Lands and Survey Department. Gisborne District. Bushy Knoll Road (Cook County). —During the last several seasons a good deal of metalling has been carried out on this back-country road to give all-weather access to a large tract of grazing-country. During the period under review an additional length of 50 chains was completed. Hangaroa to Waikaremoana Road (Cook County). —This road is in the high back-country of the county. Metalling improvements have been carried out in progressive form, and the length completed during the last period was 1 mile 2 chains. Hihiroroa Road (Cook County). —This road is very similar in type to the Hangaroa to Waikaremoana Road, and during the period a length of 1 mile 21 chains of metalling was completed. Puatai Road (Cook County). —New formation work is needed on this road to give access to Native lands undergoing development, and a length of I mile 40 chains was completed during the year. Waimata to Arakihi Road (Cook County).—This is a back-country-settlement road which has been receiving attention each year. Last season additional metalling was carried out over a length of 1 mile 70 chains. Kopuapounamu Road (Matakaoa County). —This road gives access to back-country grazing-runs. Difficulty was experienced in connection with legalization, but this was finalized in sufficient time to enable a deviation of 54 chains and metalling of 1 mile to be completed during the season. Potalca to Waikura Road (Matakaoa County).-Metalling was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 69 chains on this road to give access to settlers on back-country grazing-runs. Te Araroa to East Cape Road (Matakaoa County). —Reformation and metalling work was continued during last season, and 3 miles 40 chains of metalling and 9 chains of formation were completed. Tolaga to Arakihi Road (Uawa County). —The work commenced during the previous period was extended during the year, and 2 miles 29 chains of additional metalling completed. Te Horoto Tikapa Road (Uawa County).—This is a new road under construction to give access to lands occupied and managed by Native farmers. One concrete culvert 8 ft. by 7 ft. and 48 ft. long, together with 65 chains of metalling, was completed during the year. Te Hue Road (Uawa County). —Several soldier settlers have occupied properties upon this road for many years and have continued to farm their holdings under difficulties until recently, when arrangements were made to give the County Council a grant to cover the cost of metalling the whole of the access. Work of this description was completed over a section of 1 mile 18 chains during the season.
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Tokomaru to Mata Road (Uawa County). —This road gives access to large back-country sheepstations, and the formation and metalling work commenced during previous seasons was continued. Last year 2 miles 60 chains of metalling were completed. Gisborne to Motu via Whakarau Road (Waikohu County).—Many years ago this was the old coachroad between Gisborne and Opotiki, but with the construction of other roads it is now used only as access for settlers and as a stock-route. The County Council made application for a subsidy to assist with the cost of light widening-work, together with metalling, and during the season 1 mile 19 chains received attention. Mutuera Road (Waikohu County).—Formation and metalling improvements were carried out over a distance of 1 mile 60 chains. Tarndale Road ( Waikohu County). —Formation work was commenced upon this road several years ago with the object of giving vehicular access to a number of station-owners who previously used riverbeds to get in and out from their homesteads. Three miles fourteen chains of formation were carried out during the season to complete this portion of the work, and a distance of 65 chains was metalled. Taumarunui District. Waiouru to Tokaanu Road (East Taupo County).—This road is known as the "Desert Road," and gives a shorter access from the south to Lake Taupo. With the object of completely reconstructing the road, operations have been in hand for some while, and during the period under review the work completed comprised formation, 7 miles 40 chains, and metalling 5 miles 40 chains. Kawautahi Road (Kaitieke County).—Metalling-work on this settlement road was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 60 chains. Kouturoa Road East (Kaitieke County). —With a view to giving access to timber-mills and to several back-country settlers work was continued during the year, and additional metalling over a distance of 2 miles was completed. Oio No. 2 Road (Kaitieke County).—Formation of 1 mile 51 chains and metalling of 1 mile 8 chains, together with the erection of one bridge, were completed during the year. Awaroa to Mahoe Road and Vickerman's Access (Kawliia County).—This road, which forms one of the through links between Waitomo County and the Kawhia Harbour, was metalled over a distance of 7 miles 16 chains. Rakanui Road (Kawhia County). —This a settlement road serving European and Native settlers, together with a Native school. Widening and metalling were carried out during the year over a distance of 2 miles 40 chains. Huia and Turoto Roads (Ohura County). Metalling was completed over a distance of 2 miles. Kakahi Road (Ohura County).—Work involving the metalling of 4 miles of this road was carried out during the year. Mangakara Road (Ohura County).—Metalling was completed over a distance of 2 miles 30 chains, and this connects all the gaps in the metalling between Ohura and Mangakara. Otunui Road (Taumarunui County). —Metalling of 2 miles 34 chains, together with a small amount of pipe culverting, was completed during the year. Taumarunui to Tokaanu Road (Taumarunui County).—Construction work upon this road, which will connect Taumarunui directly with Tokaanu on Lake Taupo, has proceeded satisfactorily during the period. Work completed during the year comprised: formation, 6 miles 36 chains ; metalling, 4 miles 69 chains ; and culverting, 1,500 lineal feet. Fullerton's Road (Waitomo County). —Formation improvements and metalling were carried out upon this road over a distance of 4 miles 40 chains. Mangaokewa Road (Waitomo County). —Improvements upon this road were undertaken in two sections in order to spread the benefit over the greatest number of settlers. A length of 1 mile 60 chains received attention. Mokau River Road (Waitomo County). --This is a river-bank road on the northern side of the river. Consideration has been given to the possibility of completing this road, and as a first step 2 miles 20 chains of the existing formation were metalled and 140 lineal feet of culverting installed. Taumatamaire Road (Waitomo County). —Both the County Council and the Public Works Department have attended to metalling work upon this road, and 3 miles 32 chains were completed during the year. Te Kuiti to Taumarunui Road: Te Kuiti to Kofald Section (Waitomo County).—Metalling improvements upon this settlement road were carried out by the Waitomo County Council, which completed a distance of 6 miles. Totoro Road (Waitomo County).—With a view to assisting development of a large area of Native land, arrangements were made to metal this road, and a section of 4 miles 66 chains was completed during this season. Tumu Tumu Road (Waitomo County.)— Formation of 2 miles 20 chains and metalling of 3 miles 20 chains, together with the installation of 90 lineal feet of culverting, were completed during the year. Stratford District. Hutiwai Road (Clifton County). —This settlement road was previously of narrow construction with a number of dangerous overhanging bluffs, and was unmetalled. Widening and metalling were authorized, and during the year 2 miles 34 chains were widened, 45 chains metalled, and 357 lineal feet of culverts were installed. Uruti to Ngatoto Road (Clifton County). —The settlers upon this road raised a loan several years ago to assist with the cost of formation work, and within the last few years made-an application through the County Council for additional assistance towards the cost of metalling. Work has been proceeding over several seasons, and during the period under review 2 miles 8 chains were metalled and a small amount of culverting completed.
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Parihaha Road (Egmont County). —This was one of the few remaining unformed and unmetalled roads in the county. Work was commenced in the previous year, and during the past year 22 chains of the road were formed, 2 miles 72 chains metalled, and two bridges of a total length of 68 lineal feet were erected. Bedford Road Bridges (Inglewood County).—This settlement road on the lower slopes of Mount Egmont, was formed some five or six years ago, but at that time the several mountain streams crossing the road were bridged only in a temporary manner. The cyclonic storm of February, 1936, caused severe flooding in these streams, and many of the temporary bridges, together with numbers of culverts, were completely washed out. Permanent bridges are now being erected in reinforced concrete, and the programme completed during the year consisted of four structures of a total length of 245 lineal feet. Omata and Waikare Roads (Patea County).—Both of these roads give access to lands which were settled many years ago, but neither road was metalled. Work is now being carried out, and during the season 2 miles 10 chains were completed. Mangamahoe Road (Rangitikei County). —This is a settlement road in a productive backblocks grazing district and serves a number of settlers. With the advance of transport greater facilities were necessary, and arrangements were made with the County Council covering a metalling programme over a distance of several miles. Work has been proceeding for several seasons, and during the period under review an additional length of 1 mile 23 chains was metalled. Matau Road Group (Stratford County).—Lands in the Matau and Ngatimaru districts were opened for settlement many years ago, and although access roads were formed at that time the settlers were not established sufficiently strongly to raise a loan to assist with the cost of metalling each road. Consequently little progress was made, and two or three seasons ago, in view of the urgent need of all-weather access to the settlers, arrangements were made to metal about 20 miles of access roads. These comprise the Mangaoapa, Matau, Junction, and the Matau North Roads. Work has progressed steadily and during the period under review an additional length of 9 miles 50 chains was metalled. Mangaeturoa North Road (Waimarino County).—Metalling improvements were carried out over a distance of 4 miles 38 chains, and 570 lineal feet of culverts were installed. Waimarino to Raetihi Road (Waimarino County).—The original track constructed to give access to settlers upon this road has been found of recent years to give insufficient facilities for access, and arrangements were made to widen the track to a full width road. Work of this description has been completed over a distance of 3 miles 23 chains. Rata Maire Road (Waimarino County). —This road was of similar description to many others in this county, and in view of the desirability of providing all-weather access to settlers, a grant was made to cover the cost of metalling improvements. Work of this nature was carried out during the period over a distance of 3 miles 14 chains. Mangapapa Group Roads (Whangamomona County).—The Mangapapa Road is the chief road in this group and gives access from the main highway in the Tangarakau Gorge to a plateau. The settlers using the road have occupied their grazing properties for upwards of twenty years, and their need of a metalled access grew more urgent as additional land was brought into productivity. Metalling-work was commenced during the previous period, and in the year under review an additional length of 2 miles 37 chains was completed. Moki Road (W hangamomona County).—The country adjacent to this road is generally easier in character than most other lands within the county, but there are extensive areas which have never been developed because of poor access. After considerable negotiation, a grant was given to cover the cost of metalling, and 3 miles 65 chains were widened and metalled, and 190 lineal feet of culverts installed. Napier District. Mangamaire Road (Dannevirke County).—Reconstruction and metalling are in hand upon this road. Most of the formation work involved, together with additional culverting, was completed during the year, but metalling was not commenced. This will receive attention next season. Mangatoro Stream Bridge (Fourth Crossing), Mangatoro Valley Road (Dannevirke County).— A suspension bridge consisting of one span of 150 ft. with a deck 3 ft. wide for foot traffic was erected during the year. The cables are carried over reinforced-concrete towers and are anchored to reinforced concrete blocks. Maunga Road (Dannevirke County).—During the year the County Council forwarded proposals to cover the reformation, culverting, and metalling of a distance of I mile 40 chains. By the close of the period the reformation and 220 lineal feet of culverting had been completed. Metalling was commenced, but owing to wet conditions had to be deferred. Pokokamuka Road (Dannevirke County).—Although this road was formed many years ago and not metalled the formation generally remained in comparatively good condition, but there were numbers of sharp corners which needed attention. These were widened, and a small amount of metalling was carried out. Heay's Access Road (Hawke's Bay County).-Metalling improvements were carried out over a distance of 2 miles 15 chains on this back-country settlement road to give all-weather access to settlers on comparatively large grazing properties. Napier to Taihape Road (Hawke's Bay County).—This road is coming into increasing prominence each year as a through connection from Hawke's Bay to the lower King-country at Taihape. Metalling has not yet been completed, and during the season the County Council metalled an additional length of 2 miles with the assistance of a Government subsidy. Well's Access Road, Pulcetitiri (Hawke's Bay and, Taupo Counties). —Work was carried out over a distance of 60 chains, and the portions most likely to give trouble in wet weather were metalled.
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Ireland's Road (Patangata County). —This is a settlement road on which" 55 chains of new metalling was carried out during the period. Mangatarata Road (Patangata County). —Metalling improvements were carried out over a distance of 1 mile 25 chains to give all-weather access to settlers. Mangatarata to Long Range Road (Patangata County).—This is a new road which is being formed with the object of giving a more direct access and to provide a convenient stock route. Work was commenced, and a distance of 4 miles 6 chains was formed and culverted. Wallingford to Hatuma Road (Patangata County).—Metalling was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 10 chains to give access to settlers on large grazing properties. Blackburn to Springhill Road (Waipawa County).-—The County Council arranged to metal 1 mile of this road by public contract, and the work was completed. Cook's Road (Waipawa County).—New metalling-work received attention over a distance of 80 chains on this settlement road. Makaretu Block Road (Waipawa County). —There were a number of dangerous corners upon this settlement road, and some of these were widened and the material, mostly rock, used for metalling other sections. The improvements covered a total distance of approximately 30 chains. Ardkeen Settlement Road (Wairoa County).—This road gives access to settlers who have been upon their properties for many years. All-weather access was urgently needed, and during the period the County Council arranged to metal 1 mile 54 chains with the assistance of a Government subsidy. Glenbrook and Tangoio to Mohaka Roads (Wairoa County).—These also are settlement roads, and a distance of 1 mile 20 chains of new metalling was carried out by the local body under the public contract system. Halliburton's Road (Wairoa County).—This road is a backblocks access road and was metalled over a distance of .1 mile 28 chains. Mangaone to Mangapoike Valley (Tangiwai) Road (Wairoa County). —This is an old settlement road giving access to large areas of grazing country. Metalling received attention during the year over a distance of 75 chains. Mohaka River Bridge (Willow Flat, Road), (Wairoa County). —Work was completed during the year on the suspension bridge of one span of 180 ft. 6 in. with a deck width of 8 ft. Some trouble arose as a result of floods, but additional protective measures were taken, and the whole work is now satisfactorily completed. Mohaka to Putere Road (Wairoa County).—This road gives access to a large number of backcountry grazing properties, and new metalling-work received attention over a distance of 3 miles 41 chains. Otara Stream Bridge, Mossman's Access Road (Wairoa County).—Work upon this bridge was suspended as a result of the disastrous floods of February and April, 1938, but the contract has since been completed and the structure handed over to the County Council for maintenance. It consists of one span of 100 ft. with concrete foundations, hardwood towers, and timber deck on steel stiffeningbeams. Ponui Road (Wairoa County).—New metalling was carried out over a distance of 2 miles 34 chains. Rotokakarangu Road (Wairoa County). —This is a settlement road upon which new metalling was carried out during the year over a distance of 2 miles 43 chains. Ruapapa to Waikaretaheke Road (Wairoa County). —Metalling-work has now been completed. The programme for the year consisting of 2 miles 7 chains. Willow Flat Road (Wairoa County).—This road gives access to large areas of backblocks grazing country, and during the year the County Council attended to the metalling of 3 miles 26 chains under the public contract system. Widening was carried out on the more difficult portions before metalling was commenced. Oporae to Waihi Road (Weber County). -New metalling-work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 18 chains on this road to complete the programme commenced during the previous period. Waimata Road (Weber County). —This road was formed and metalled over a distance of 1 mile 56 chains. Waipatiki Stream Bridge, Limestone Road (Weber County).—This bridge of rolled-steel-joist construction, and consisting of one span of 25 ft. with a hardwood deck 9 ft. wide between wheel-guards, was erected. Wellington District. Cunningham's Bridge (Akitio County).—-One reinforced-concrete bridge, consisting of one span of 45 ft. with a roadway 20 ft. wide, was erected during the year. Huiaiti Road (Akitio County). —New metalling-work received attention over a distance of 1 mile 34 chains. Spur Road (Akitio County). —The metalling improvements commenced in previous years were continued during the period, and an additional length of 1 mile 70 chains was completed. Waihoki Road (Akitio County).—Metalling received attention over a distance of 1 mile 60 chains on this settlement road. Tinui Pakowai Road (Castlepoint County).—This is a new road which has been constructed to give access to grazing properties. Formation was carried out during the year over a distance of 5 miles 60 chains, but bridging has yet to receive attention. Otahome Road (Castlepoint County). —Work was commenced during the j>revious period, and in the year under review the remaining length of 2 miles 50 chains was metalled. Te Mai Road (Castlepoint County).—Metalling was carried out over a distance of 1 mile on this road.
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Harman's Bridge (Elcetahuna County).—One reinforced-concrete bridge, consisting of one span of 40 ft. with a roadway 12 ft. 6 in. wide, was erected during the year. Tawhero Road (Elcetahuna County).—This is a settlement road on which 68 chains of metalling was completed during the season. Cajpe Palliser Road (Featherston County).—This road gives access to large grazing properties on the East Coast, and during the year 5 miles 4 chains of formation and 1 mile 60 chains of metalling were completed. Wainuioru Road (Featherston County).—Metalling received attention over a distance of 1 mile. Hay wards to Pahautanui Road (Hutt County).-- Reconstruction work upon this important connecting road has been almost completed with the exception of bridging. During the period 1 mile 28 chains of formation 24 ft. wide and 6 miles of sealing, together with the installation of 431 lineal feet of pipe culverts, were completed. Progress is being made with the erection of new bridges, but these will not be completed until next season. Plimmerton to Paekakariki Road (Hutt County).—Work is proceeding vigorously upon the construction of this new road, which will obviate the use of the notorious Paekakariki Hill. With the exception of a small section through a swamp, the whole of the road between Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay has been tar-sealed. Formation is well in hand along the foreshore between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki, and in some places kerbing and channelling is receiving attention. The construction of the large sea-wall is nearing completion, 76-79 chains being finished, and the remainder, 15-1 chains, in hand. Several lengths of lighter retaining and crib walls have been completed, and both overbridges—one at Pukerua Bay and one at Paekakariki—have been completed. Western Hutt Road (Hutt County).—The new ferro-concrete bridge over the Hutt River at Silverstream was completed during the year and opened to traffic. This structure consists of eight spans each of 62 ft. with a roadway 22 ft. wide and two footpaths each 4 ft. wide. Both approaches have been sealed. Work is proceeding on the Melling to Petone section of the road, but operations have been delayed to some extent pending the moving of the railway-track. Young's Bridge (Kairanga County). -A reinforced, concrete bridge, consisting of one span of 17 ft. with a roadway 24 ft. wide, was completed during the year. Mangarere Road (Kiwitea County).—New metalling over a distance of 1 mile 68 chains was completed on this road, together with the installation of 270 lineal feet of pipe culverts. Renfrew Road (Kiwitea County).—New formation, work was needed on this road to give better access to alpine sports-grounds, and during the year 47 chains of road was formed. Titirangi Road (Kiwitea County).—-The metalling of 1 mile 28 chains was completed. Waipuru Road (Kiwitea County).—This road gives access to settlers, and during the year new metalling was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 73 chains. Duffy's Road (Masterton County).—This road gives access to settled land, and 1 mile of new metalling was carried out to give access during all weathers. Homewood Road (Masterton County).—One reinforced-concrete culvert Oft. by 9ft. and 30ft. long was constructed, together with a road-deviation 10 chains in length. Kaiwhata River Bridge (Masterton County).—The old structure over this river was damaged badly as a result of floods, and proposals covering the erection of a new bridge were approved Waihora Road (Masterton County).—New formation work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 2 chains. Waingawa Camp Road Bridge (Masterton County).—One reinforced-concrete bridge consisting of three spans, each of 20 ft., with a roadway 20 ft. wide, is in course of erection. Hall's Bridge (Mauriceville County).—The erection of one reinforced-concrete bridge of one 30 ft. span with a roadway 12 ft. wide was completed. Woodville to Ashhurst Road (Oroua and Woodville Counties).—This is a new road in course of construction over the ranges immediately north of the present highway through the Manawatu Gorge. Work has been proceeding over the last two seasons, and during the year a distance of 3 miles 50 chains of new construction was completed. The existing road on the Woodville side of the ranges is also receiving attention to bring it up to a standard comparable with the new portion. Plans of the new bridge to be erected across the Pohangina River on the Palmerston North side have been prepared, and tenders will be called shortly. Makino Stream Bridge, Reid's Line (Oroua County).—One reinforced-concrete bridge consisting of one span of 40 ft. with a roadway 24 ft. wide is being erected. The work is almost completed. Bolton's Bridge (Pahiatua County).—Work is in hand upon a reinforced-concrete bridge of one 45 ft. span and two cantilever-end spans. The abutments and falsework for the main span are well advanced, Hull's Bridge (Pahiatua County).—The erection of this bridge consisting of three spans, one of 90 ft. and two of 60 ft., with a roadway 20 ft. wide, has been completed. Makairo and Waitakotorua Bridges (Pahiatua County).—Work is proceeding upon the erection of these two bridges. They are both reinforced-concrete structures each of three spans, one of 60 ft. and two of 38 ft., with a roadway 20 ft. wide. Glenbum Road (Wairara-pa South County).—Metalling of this settlement road for a distance of 2 miles 24 chains was completed. Thomdon Overbridge (Wellington City).—Work upon this overbridge was completed during the year, and the bridge was opened to traffic. Nelson District. Ure River Road (Awatere County).—Construction work upon this new road has proceeded steadily during the year and is now almost completed. Formation and metalling received attention over a distance of 2 miles 40 chains,
4—D. 1.
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Fifteen-mile Greek Bridge (Gollingvjood County).—Work on this bridge was completed. The structure is a three-span cantilever type in reinforced concrete—a total length of 100 ft. Palcawau £o Mangarakau Road (Gollingwood County).—Construction work upon this new road, serving areas of pastoral, milling, and mining country along and below the Westhaven Inlet, was practically completed during the year. Metalling during the year covered a distance of 7 miles 6 chains, and with the completion of this work all-weather access has been given to localities where previously settlers had to contend with tidal conditions. Subsequent to the construction of this road a considerable amount of coal and timber transport has developed. Paturau Road (Collingwood County).— This is really a continuation southwards of the Pakawau-Mangarakau Road to the mouth of the Paturau River. There was an old road in existence, but this crossed low-lying country and was quite often under water. The new road covers a distance of almost 3 miles 40 chains, and during the year 2 miles 20 chains were cleared and approximately 1 mile of formation was completed. Long Valley Bridge-Kaituna Valley Road (Marlborough County).—The County Council let a contract during the year for the erection of one reinforced-concrete bridge, consisting of three 40 ft. spans with a roadway 10 ft. wide. Work on a road-deviation over a distance of 1 mile 11 chains is also included in the contract, and upon completion of these improvements much more direct access will be given to settlers in the Kaituna Valley. North Bank Road, Wairau River (Bartlett's Creek to Pine Valley Stream), (Marlborough County).—• Arising from erosion which was occurring in the Wairau River consideration was given to proposals to construct stop-banks and spur groynes to protect the River Bank Road and adjoining land. Stopbanks have been constructed over a distance of 1 mile 52 chains, and nine spur groynes have been erected. Johnstone's Creek Road (Murchison County).—Reformation, widening, and metalling have been carried out for a distance of ajDproximately 26 chains to improve access to settlers. There is yet some metalling to receive attention, but the County Council will deal with this progressively as the need arises. Maruia River Footbridge (Murchison County). —A suspension footbridge of one span of 100 ft. was erected to give more convenient access to settlers on the West bank of the Maruia River and to provide a safe and convenient crossing for children on their way to school. Owen River Road (Murchison County). —The County Council let a contract covering the reformation and metalling of 37 chains of this road, together with the installation of 48 lineal feet of culverts, and this work was completed during the period. Rappahannock Road (Murchison County).—Formation and metalling received attention over a distance of 40 chains, giving improved access to backblock settlers. Portage to Torea Road (Sounds County).—During the year this road was metalled over a distance of 1 mile 20 chains. Te Mehia to Onahau Road (Sounds County). —Metalling-work on this road was completed over a distance of 1 mile 10 chains. Go-ahead Creek Bridge, Old Collingwood Inland Road (Takaka County). —One reinforced-concrete bridge consisting of one span of 35 ft., with a roadway 12 ft. wide was completed. Hidden Treasure Road, Puramahoi (Takaka County). — Metalling improvements have received attention over a distance of 1 mile 20 chains to provide improved access to outlying farms. Canaan to Takaka Road (Waimea County).—This road gives access to settlers in the high country on the Takaka Hills. Metalling was carried out during the year over a distance of 1 mile 50 chains, and 120 lineal feet of new pipe culverts were installed. Clarke Valley Road (Waimea County). —This road has been metalled over a distance of 2 miles 20 chains to give all-weather access to coal-mines and to gold-mining areas. Eves Valley Culvert (Waimea County). —One reinforced-box culvert 12 ft. by 5 ft., and 36 ft. long, together with a small amount of road improvements, was completed during the year. Orchard Creek Culvert, Tadmor-Bush End Road (Waimea County).—One reinforced-concrete culvert 12 ft. by 7 ft. and 28 ft. long, together with approach roading, was completed. Rosedale Creek Bridge (Waimea County).—Work is proceeding upon the erection of a reinforcedconcrete bridge consisting of two spans each of 30 ft. This will eliminate a ford on an important road serving a large farming area in the Motueka Valley. Upper Stanley Brook Bridge (Waimea County).—One bridge in reinforced concrete, consisting of three spans each of 42 ft. with a roadway 12 ft. wide, was completed during the year. Greymouth District. Cain's Road (Buller County). —Formation and metalling work was carried out over a distance of 60 chains on this road. Karamea to Collingwood Road.—Metalling-work upon this road has been receiving attention in annual stages, and during the year an additional length of 2 miles 24 chains between Oparara and Kohaihai was completed. Millerton Roads (Buller County). —These roads give access to a mining township, and during the year reconstruction and metalling work over a distance of 2 miles 70 chains was completed. Access Roads to Pakilii Lands (Buller County).—The Department of Lands and Survey, working in conjunction with the Cawthron Institute, is experimenting with the development of several hundred acres of pakihi lands near Sergeant's Hill. As the development of various areas are commenced access roads become necessary, and during the year under review an additional length of 30 chains was formed. Carter's Beach Domain Road (Buller County) This road gives access to subdivisions in the Township of Carter's Beach and also to the new aerodrome, A length of 2 miles 30 chains was metalled.
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Crooked River Valley Road (Grey County). —This is a new road opening up undeveloped lands, and during the year an additional length of 1 mile 70 chains was formed and metalled, and one bridge 60 ft. long was erected. Ford's Creek Bridge (Grey County).—Construction work on this timber and concrete bridge 60 ft. long was commenced during the year. Brown Grey River Bridge-Grey Valley to Maruia Road (Grey County).—Work is proceeding upon the erection of one large timber and rolled-steel-joist bridge 105 ft. long. Alexander Mine Road (Inangahua County).—During the year under review 2 miles 63 chains of now formation and metalling were completed. Two bridges, each of a span of 25 ft., in concrete and timber, together with 426 lineal feet of culverts, were also completed. Big River to Rough River Road (Inangahua County).—During the year the erection of a reinforeedconcrete bridge consisting of eleven spans and totalling 550 ft. in length was completed Maruia River Bridge - Williscroft's (Inangahua County).—This bridge is on the Matakitaki to Springlands Junction Road, which is now being improved to carry the traffic from the Nelson District through Murchison to the Lewis Pass. The structure is of reinforced concrete 360 ft. in length and has been completed. Matakitaki to Springlands Junction Road (Inangahua County).—Three culverts in reinforced concrete and of a total length of 110 lineal feet have been installed. Palmer's Road (Inangahua County) .—The existing formation on this road was widened and metalled over a distance of 1 mile 40 chains to give all-weather access to a large area of grazing country. Snowy River Road (Inangahua County).—Work was commenced during the year on a deviation over a distance of 1 mile to restore access which was destroyed during a flood. Springs Junction to Hot Springs Road (Inangahua County).--This road is a portion of the Lewis Pass Road and, upon the completion of the new highway over the pass, has been given attention to bring it up to the standard of the other new work. Widening was completed over a distance of 9 miles 45 chains and metalling over a length of 4- miles 77 chains. Station Creek Bridge - Matakitaki to Springlands Junction Road (Inangahua County).—Construction work on a reinforced-concrete bridge 120 ft. long is nearing completion. Arahura to Milltown Road (Westland County).—Widening and metalling improvements are being carried out on this road over a distance of 2 miles 20 chains, but a section of only 1 mile 45 chains was completed during the season. Gillespies Beach Road (Westland County).—This new road, giving access to Gillespies Beach, where extensive gold-dredging operations are in progress, was completed during the year. Happy Valley Road (Westland County).—New track-construction has been completed over a distance of 3 miles 22 chains to give access to good farming-land. Main South Road (Westland County). —Weheka to Bruce Bay Section : Work on this section of approximately 32 miles is now almost completed. During the year 9 miles 40 chains of formation and metalling were carried out, and the only work of this nature yet remaining on the section is in connection with the approaches to the several new bridges. The most important item now in hand is the Karangarua River Suspension Bridge, and work on this structure is proceeding steadily. The bridges over Jacobs River, Maintain River, Black Creek, Bullock Creek, and Havelock Creek have been completed, but the bridge over the Manakaiaua River is still in hand. Bruce Bay to Haast Section : Formation work is proceeding steadily on this section of road, which is now well opened up. Haast to Jackson's Bay Section: Work is also proceeding on this portion of the road, and a distance of 7 miles has already been formed, culverted, and metalled. Mananui to Mahinapua Road (Westland County).—Metalling-work is in hand over a distance of 1 mile 77 chains of road. Waiho to Glacier Road (Westland County).—Work is proceeding on the Waiho to Glacier Road, where a motor road is being formed over a distance of 2 miles 40 chains to give access to the Franz Josef Glacier. Waitangi River Bridge (Westland County).—The erection of a bridge 360 ft. long over the Waitangi River has been completed, thus giving access to a large area of good country which is now being brought under development. Weheka to Cook River Ford (Westland County).—Metalling-work has been completed over a distance of 5 miles on this road. Christchurch District. Little Akaloa to Decanter Bay Road (Akaroa County).—Extensive improvements have been completed upon this road, which gives access to the wharf at Decanter Bay. Metalling was commenced, but will not be completed until the coming season. Lewis Pass Road (Amuri County). —Construction work upon this new road has been completed with, the exception of two small bridge items. Ashburton River Bridge, Bland's (Ashburton County).—Work was completed on a timber-pile bridge 100 ft. long across the south branch of the Ashburton River to give access to grazing-lands. Mount Peel Station to Forest Creek Road (Geraldine County).—Grading and reconstruction work was carried out on a further section of 12 miles of this high country road. Additional metal is being placed, and most of the programme is completed. Paved fords have been constructed over two creeks to minimize the damage occurring with each flood. Summit Road, Dyer's Pass to Gebbie's Pass (Halswell, Heathcote, Mount Herbert, and Wairewa Counties). —The construction of this new road, which was commenced in previous years, was completed during the season. Formation and metalling over a distance of 5 miles 40 chains comprised the year's programme. This section was declared a main highway and afterwards sealed by the Main Highways Board. 4*
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Ball Hut Road (Mackenzie County).—This road, which gives access from the Hermitage to ski-ing grounds, had become more difficult to use by reason of the poor standard of the original construction. During the year complete reformation work was commenced, and a distance of 5 miles was widened to 18 ft. and metalled. All culverts were repaired and others installed where necessary. Waitohi River Bridge (Waipara County). —One new timber bridge, 120 ft. long, consisting of two timber-truss spans on pile piers was erected. Protective-work involving the construction of a groyne and a stop-bank is also receiving attention. Purau to Port Levy Road (Mount Herbert County).—Widening work is being carried out over a distance of six miles on this road, and a section of 2 miles 40 chains on the Purau side was completed. Ram/paddock Road (Kowai County).—Reformation work providing for a greater width of roadway was carried out over a section of 2 miles, and twelve culverts of a total length of 280 lineal feet were installed. Dunedin District. Lakeside to Stirling Road (Bruce County).—Gravelling-work received attention over a distance of 1 mile 20 chains of this access road. Blackburn to Mount Stuart Road (Bruce County).—Formation was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 45 chains to give a roadway 22 ft. wide, and 224 lineal feet of concrete pipes 9 in. in diameter were installed. Clutha River Bridge, Clydevale (Bruce County). —Construction work on this bridge, consisting of seven spans each of 100 ft., was completed during the year. The distance between wheel-guards is 12 ft., with the exception of the centre span, which has a roadway 18ft. wide. Popotunoa to Waipahi Road (Clutha County).—New gravelling-work was carried out over a distance of 3 miles 3 chains. Clifton Settlement Road (Clutha County).—Gravelling over a distance of 2 miles 17 chains was carried out to give access to settlers. Kaihiku River Bridge (Clutha County).—This bridge, consisting one 40 ft. span and two 30 ft. spans with a width of 8 ft. between wheel-guards, was completed during the year. Tahakopa to Wyndham Road (Clutha County). —Formation was completed over a length of 3 miles 40 chains and base-course metalling over a distance of 3 miles 70 chains. A final-coat metalling was also applied over a distance of 40 chains. Lower Shotover to Speargrass Flat Road (TMke County).—Gravellmg-work was completed over a section of 1 mile 30 chains. Mount Nicholas to Head Von River Road (Lake County).-—lmprovements, consisting of gravelling over a distance of 2 miles 2 chains, were completed during the year. Pembroke to Mount Aspiring Road (Lake County). —P>ack-country settlers had difficulty in reaching their homesteads safely by reason of unformed access across a steep bluff. Fording of the Matukituki River was necessary, and as loss of life had occurred arrangements were made to remove any danger by completing the construction of the road along the bluff. This was comparatively heavy work, but the new access was completed during the season. Kyeburn River Bridge, Nobbier (Maniototo County). —Construction work on this reinforcedconcrete bridge, consisting of four spans each of 45 ft. with a roadway 10 ft. wide, has been completed, and the formation of approach roads is now receiving attention. Maniototo to Pateroa Road (Maniototo County).- New gravelling-work over a section of 1 mile was carried out during the period. Bald Hill to Hummock Runs Road (Taieri County).—Gravelling improvements were completed over a distance of 6 miles 34 chains on the Middlemarch to Mount Stoker Section of this road to give access to back-country settlers. Outrarn to Hindon Road (Taieri County). —Gravelling-work was carried out over a distance of 3 miles 42 chains. Old Switzers Road (Tuapeka County).—New gravelling-work over a distance of 1 mile 30 chains was completed. Breakneck Road (Tuapeka County).—First-coat gravelling was carried out on 1 mile 41 chains of this settlement road, and the second coat will be applied during the coming season. Waikaia Bush Road (Tuapeka County) .—New road-construction was completed over a distance of 3 miles. Smith's Road (Tuapeka County).—New gravelling-work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 62 chains. Chapman's Gully Road (Vincent County). —Gravelling improvements received attention over a distance of 2 miles on this access road. Clutha River Bridge, Lowburn Ferry (Vincent County).—Construction of this bridge was completed during the previous year with the exception of dwarf abutments and approach roads. These two items were dealt with during the season, and the whole of the work is now completed. Crawford's Road (Vincent County). —Widening was carried out over a distance of 1 mile, and the whole length was gravelled. Makarora to Haast Road (Vincent County).—Construction work was continued vigorously during the year on this new road, which will connect the Otago district with the main south road in South Westland. During the year 4 miles 2 chains of bush-felling, 5 miles 51 chains of formation, 3 miles 20 chains of base-course metalling, and 9 miles 60 chains of top-course metalling were completed. A reinforced-concrete bridge, consisting of an arch span of 102 ft. with two land-spans each of 14 ft., is being erected over the Fish River. The footings of piers and abutments and false work for the arch have been commenced. The reinforced-concrete structure over the Makarora River and consisting of one. span of 65 ft., two of 60 ft., and two of 24 ft., with a roadway 10 ft, wide, has been completed.
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Mount Trotter to Palmerston Road (Waikoicaiti County).—New gravelling-work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 30 chains on this road to give access to settlers. Dansey's Pass Road (Waitaki County).—lmprovements consisting of new gravelling-work were carried out over a distance of 1 mile on this road. Taylor's Road (Waitaki County).—New gravelling-work received attention over a distance of 1 mile 60 chains. McLeod's Road (Waitaki County). —Gravelling-work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 8 chains. Invercargill District. Cross Road, Titipua (Southland County).—Formation and gravelling work together with 288 lineal feet of culverting, was carried out over a distance of 2 miles 12 chains on this road giving access to settlers. Dipton Flat Road (Southland County).—Gravelling improvements received attention over a distance of 72 chains. Eyre Creek Road (Southland County).—Gravelling-work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 9 chains to give all-weather access to settlers. Mataura to Clinton Road (Southland County). —During the season under review metalling received attention over a distance of 2 miles 68 chains. Oreti River Bridge, Bay Road (Southland County).—Work was commenced during the year on the erection of a new bridge over the Oreti River, and at the close of the period fifty-four piles had been driven and one abutment, together with five concrete piers, had been poured. Waikaia to Waikaka Road (Southland County). —Gravelling improvements were carried out over a distance of 64 chains of this road. Cockburn Road (Wallace County).—Formation work over a distance of 70 chains and metalling work over a distance of 80 chains were completed. Mararoa River Bridge, Mount Nicholas Access Road (Wallace County).—One new bridge of a length of 225 ft., together with approaches, was completed. Merrivale to Te Tua Road (Wallace County). —Gravelling-work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 9 chains of this road to give access to settlers. Holly ford to Okuru Road (Lake County). —Construction work on this new motor road was continued vigorously during the year. Bush-work has now been completed over a distance of 5 miles 75 chains, formation over a distance of 4 miles 72 chains, and base-course gravelling of halfwidth over a distance of 4 miles 45 chains. Lora Road (Wallace County).—Formation and gravelling-work was carried out over a distance of 1 mile 20 chains to give access to Crown lands being offered for selection. Wakapatu Native Development Road (Wallace County).—Native lands in this locality are being developed for closer settlement, and a new road is needed. Work is proceeding, and during the period under review 74 chains of bush-clearing, 77 chains of ditching, and 50 chains of formation were completed.
LANDS IMPROVEMENT. Whangarei District. Sand-dune Reclamation.—Kaitaia Area : Work commenced in July, 1938, and ended in September, little attempt was made to extend the marram coverage, all efforts being directed towards strengthening isolated weaknesses which had appeared in the 2,400 acres formerly planted at the southern end of the Ninety-mile Beach. However, marram-grass nurseries were established at half-mile intervals for a distance of 8 miles north of existing plantations to meet future needs. In the Te Kao area, besides strengthening the previous plantings, approximately 74 acres were added. Five marram nurseries were established at Houhora Heads to provide for future needs on the East Coast. Lupin was sown broadcast where and when conditions were favourable for extension. Between Ahipara and the Waipapakauri Beach Road the tree plantations were strengthened and extended in sheltered localities. Various species of pine, including some Cupressus macrocarpa, totalling 75,200 trees, were planted in approximately 110 acres. The " strike " apj>ears to be satisfactory. Kikuyu-grass as a coverage after lupin was tried with encouraging results. Te Kopuru Area.—Work in this area was carried out from the beginning of July to the end of September, 1938. Fourteen acres of marram-grass nurseries were established along 5 miles of coast-line at half-mile intervals southwards from the drifts fixed in former seasons to a point opposite Tikinui. Marram " blanking " was done on the fixed drifts as required to make good losses—a total area of 94 acres being treated. Lupin was sown as and when required, slightly over f ton of seed being used. Lupin-growth suffered from the abnormally dry season, but the marram has grown well. Altogether 13,100 trees were planted out, 10,000 being used to blank the 12 acres planted in 1937, the balance being used to extend the plantations for another 3 acres. Experiment with kikuyu-grass gave satisfactory results and justifies further planting. Ruawai Drainage Improvements.—During the year an extensive engineering investigation involving an aerial survey was made of the 20,000 acres lying within the Raupo Drainage District. From the field data obtained a comprehensive scheme of improvements to existing stop-banks, flood-gate outlets, internal drainage, &c., as well as provision of additional canals, was designed to alleviate existing unsatisfactory conditions. All details of the Department's scheme have been received in Head Office for consideration.
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Dargaville Borough and Hobson and Otamatea Counties Water-supply.—lnvestigations in connection with this scheme were completed and comprehensive proposals prepared and submitted to the Government for consideration in, regard to the question of subsidy. An outline of the scheme was placed before the local bodies concerned, and they are now considering their policy and making a canvas of the district to ascertain settlers' and industrial requirements. Investigation work this year has been limited to installation of two concrete-measuring weirs and recording of data relative to discharge in the supply-stream. Rawene Tidal Flat.■ —During the construction period last year approximately nine men were employed on this work. The stop-bank and flood-gates were completed in October, and tide-water was excluded from this 200-acre reclamation on 22nd December. Since then the work has been strengthened and maintained as required. Auckland District. Hauraki Plains East Water-supply.—This scheme, which is estimated to cost £84,000, was commenced during the year, and the laying of concrete and galvanized-pipe mains is progressing favourably. Hikutaia River (Clearing).—-Willows were removed from a length of 1 mile 50 chains with a log-hauler and stacked in readiness for burning. Hoteo River (Clearing).—This scheme was continued during the year, an additional 5 miles 26 chains being cleared of willows. This brought the completed length to nine miles, and the works were then closed down. The river is now clear of willows from the coast to a point adjacent to the Warkworth-Tauhoa, via Kaipara Flats, Main Highway and approximately 20 chains from the Hoteo Railway-station. The work has proved of great benefit to the district, besides minimizing the flooding of the main highway and railway. Mangaorongo Stream (Willow-clearing). —Preliminary arrangements for the commencement of this work were completed, and with the arrival of the necessary plant operations will shortly be in full swing. Machinery will be used on this job wherever possible. Camps for workmen are now in course of erection, and willows have been frilled and poisoned over a length of two miles. Mangatawhiri and Mangatangi Streams (River Protection). —The drainage of this area is to be investigated, and it is expected that the necessary surveys will shortly be put in hand. Morrison's Culvert.—A 4-ft. pipe culvert, 56 ft. in length, was completed, together with flood and sluice gates in the Lower Waihou River, Kaimanawa Area. Matatold Drainage Scheme: Bond's Road Area. —All breaches in the stop-banking system have been repaired and new banks formed for 31 chains. Drains totalling 52 chains were excavated and a 3 ft. culvert and floodgate installed at the main outlet to the area. Otau Drainage.—Further surveys in connection with the drainage of this district were carried out, and a report in amplification of that previously prepared is in preparation. Piako and Waitoa Rivers (Clearing Willows).—This work is being carried out by the Lands Department, and during the period lengths of 1 mile 18 chains and 3 miles 40 chains were cleared in the Piako and Waitoa Rivers (lower section) respectively. Taupiri Drainage Scheme. —This work, which is being carried out by drag-line in continuation of the major work done in previous years, was continued. A further length of 12 miles 5 chains was completed and handed over to the Taupiri Drainage Board. During the period 3 miles 60 chains of drain, involving a quantity of 37,897 cubic yards of excavation, were completed. The major portion of this length was through very heavy swamp and heavy bush, and progress has consequently been retarded. Upper Waiwera (Tahekeroa and Bayer's Roads), (Clearing). —The clearing of willows and other growth from the streams affecting these roads was commenced, and satisfactory progress has been made. The work, which covers a length of seven miles, of which 260 chains are willow-infested, will give relief from flooding to some eighteen settlers. Altogether 2 miles 8 chains have been cleared, and beneficial results are already apparent. Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement (Maintenance). —General maintenance was carried out on both these rivers within the limits of the scheme, particular attention being paid to all floodgates and outlets thereto. Some 2 miles 25 chains of berm was cleared of heavy gorse and blackberry. Whangape Stream (Clearing).—Proposals covering the widening to a bottom width of 50ft. of the length of the Whangape Stream from the Waikato River to the Lake Whangape have been submitted by the Raglan County Council and have been approved. Tenders will be invited for this work at an early date. Sand-dune Reclamation Works. —Pakiri-Te Arai ■ Mangawai Areas: Operations during the year covered mainly the maintaining of the planted areas and extending the nurseries. In addition, 700 acres of new marram-planting was undertaken and this is in a satisfactory condition. Young lupins have become established in sheltered areas, and future seed-supplies should now be assured. The marram on the dunes adjacent to the Pakiri River is already proving effective in checking drifts. South Kaipara Heads: Reclamation work in this locality has progressed very favourably, and a good cover of lupin has been established over an area of approximately 700 acres. One ton of seed was collected during the summer months, and the area was also covered with lupin-seed in pods and on branches. Fifty acres of marram were replanted and 260 acres of new work carried out. North Waikato Heads and Kariotahi: Weather conditions during the year were generally favourable, and good progress was made with this work. Two hundred acres of new marram were planted, besides blanking in damaged patches. Owing to unfavourable weather conditions at the time seed was ripening, a smaller quantity of lupin-seed than was expected was saved. However, over 7,000 lb. was saved or purchased, and this will be sufficient for next spring sowing. Seed was
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broadcast on approximately 1,000 acres, of which about 600 acres was new ground. About 512,000 trees were planted. Varieties used included Pinus radiata, P. muricata, P. pinaster, and Cupressus macrocarpa. After replacing trees lost on areas previously planted, an area of 255 acres of new ground was covered. Besides the trees planted out on this area, 70,000 were forwarded to Woodhill, making a total of 582,000 trees planted out and sent away. Of these 22,000 were obtained from Rotorua and the remainder were grown by the Department. Besides those planted out, over 307,000 seedlings were lined out, making the total trees handled for the season about 890,000. Total areas to date covered by the different operations are : Marram-grass planting, 4,240 acres ; Lupin-sowing, 2,280 acres; Tree-planting, 661 acres. A drying-room has been erected in connection with accommodation at No. 3 Camp, and sheds have been built for the protection of the trucks and other machines located on the area. Concrete water-tanks have been constructed to replace those of corrugated iron originally installed, and a hot-water system was added to the kitchen equipment at the main cookhouse. Fourteen chains of new sand-arresting fencing were erected and old fences maintained and raised. These fences are operating admirably, and a continuous foredune is now well established. Line-clearing was carried out as usual on lengths similar to last year —about 1,000 miles of old lines and 200 miles of new. Several sections of land which were privately owned and were either sand or covered with scrub have been ceded to the Crown and fenced in with the reclamation area. Woodhill-Muriwai-Helensville: Reclamation work was continued in this area during the period. Fairly favourable weather conditions were experienced, although in the dry spell encountered during the summer months some loss occurred among the newly-planted marram. The plantations, however, are healthy, and all species are making fast growth. Marram and lupin planted in the early stages of this work now cover fairly large blocks, approximately 5,000 acres. Eight hundred acres of new marram were planted and 1,200 acres replanted. The tree nursery has been enlarged and now has a capacity for 500,000 seedlings lined out. Altogether 320,000 were lined out this period, 550,000 trees were planted, and all species are in a satisfactory condition and making fast growth. Six tons of lupin-seed, of which 4J tons were sown, were collected, and 200 miles of lines cut for treeplanting. Summarized, the work carried out to date is—8,400 acres of marram and 1,965,275 trees planted, 1,552 miles of lines and 14 miles of fire breaks cut, and 12 miles of foredune fencing erected. Taumarunui District. Mokau River (Willow-clearing).—Ring-barking and poisoning of willows on tho Mokau River has now been completed from the Wairere falls to the eight-mile Junction, three miles being completed during the period under review, and making a total treatment of 21 miles 50 chains to date. The cutting and hauling over a length of 3 miles is now under way. Maintenance-work was carried out over 6 miles of river previously hauled. Mokauiti (Willow-clearing).—The remaining 1 mile of this work was completed, all willows under the original proposal having now been poisoned, cut, and stacked. Light maintenance-work is still required in several sections. Mokau River.—On a subsidy basis, the Waitomo County Council carried out maintenance in respect of willows on the Mokau River from the Awakau Road northwards for 8 miles in order to keep the river open for navigation. Napier District. Kumeti Greek Survey.—A survey of Kumeti Creek from its source in the Ruahine Range to its junction with the Manawatu River was put in hand. The survey was commenced at the junction with the Manawatu River, and the traverse was completed for a distance of 3 miles 69 chains. Cross-sections, which are being taken with the level and are up to 36 chains long, were completed to peg 3 miles 54 chains. This survey is being undertaken to enable the position with regard to the deposition of shingle to be studied. Kumeti Drain (Flood-protective Works). —During the year further deposition of shingle took place in the drain, more particularly between Weirs Nos. 1 to 5, causing flood-water to overflow the banks. Also considerable lateral erosion occurred over a length of 18 chains below Thorburn's Bridge, allowing flood-water to spread over a wide bed. Unless the lateral erosion is controlled, shoaling of the bed may ultimately cause flood-water to overflow the banks at this point also. Proposals were submitted and approved for putting in lateral erosion-control groynes below Thorburn's Bridge and extending the stop-banking between Weirs Nos. 1 to 5, as well as carrying out maintenance repairs to various weirs which were damaged by the impact of heavy timber and boulders on the steps and mats. This work is now proceeding, and to date 2,500 cubic yards of shingle and clay have been delivered for stop-banks, weirs have been repaired, and the lateral groynes below Thorburn's Bridge are in hand. Miscellaneous. —A number of surveys and investigations in connection with proposed watersupply and flood-control schemes were carried out in Southern Hawke's Bay. Ngaruroro River-control Scheme. —For the first four months of the year under review work on this scheme was delayed while the damage caused by last year's flood was being repaired. Since the commencement of the work in 1936 work had been carried out by hand-labour in conjunction with horse teams and drays, but in January last mechanically-operated scoops were started, and by the end of February three units were in operation. These machines are working in areas that cannot be worked by man-labour at a reasonable cost. Very good work has been done by this plant, and the cost has been satisfactory. Negotiations for the purchase of land required for the scheme have been carried out by the Land Purchase staff of the Public Works Department, and satisfactory settlements have been made.
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In order to dry tie land sufficiently to enable the building of stop-banks to be carried out extensive drainage operations were necessary at Puninga. The result of this has been very satisfactory, the whole of the swamp area there being now in a practically dry state. In addition to this, heavy willow plantations at Chesterhope and Puninga have been cleared. During the year approximately 11 miles of levee have been built, absorbing 379,000 cubic yards of spoil. In addition, over 50,000 cubic yards were handled in repairing flood damage, and 80,000 cubic yards were raised by the excavator from drains and borrow pits. Ten miles of fencing have been erected and 9 miles of protection belt planted. Some 75 chains of fascines have been put in and established for the purpose of maintaining channel-alignment. Wellington District. Hokio-Manawatu Rivers (Sand Dunes Reclamation). —Satisfactory progress has been made during the period. During the season 395,220 trees of various kinds were raised and planted out. One hundred and twenty acres were planted in marram-grass, as well as blanking up old work. Paraparaumu Gamp.—The useful work of draining, clearing, &c., is still being carried out by single men in this camp. Hutt River Estuary Reclamation. —Except for maintenance-work, &c., the reclamation has been completed, 92 acres being reclaimed. During the year 119,007 cubic yards were dumped, making a total of .1,042,793 cubic yards which was excavated from the river-bed and from quarries close at hand. Ahikouka River Board. —The 14 chains of new stop-bank protecting the Ahikouka Settlement has been satisfactorily constructed. Colombo Street Bridge, Masterton Borough.—A reinforced-concrete bridge of four 40 ft. spans has been lengthened by the addition of two 40 ft. spans to one end and a new approach formed. Nelson District. Awatere Water-supply to Seddon District. —This work, which has been designed mainly to serve farm lands in the Seddon area, has been under construction during the year. The headworks have been completed, 97 chains of 12 in. pipe-line and 37 chains of 10 in. pipe-line have been laid. Work on the difficult crossing of the Awatere River is in hand, 23 chains of 10 in. pipe-line having been laid and 18 chains concreted. Wai-iti River (Protective Works).—Further repairs to the Wai-iti River stop-bank in Waimea West were carried out by the farmers concerned with the assistance of Government grants made to the Waimea County Council. This work is designed to form part of the major protection scheme, the investigations for which are now complete. Waimea River. —The detailed investigation survey, covering this river and its main tributaries, the Wairoa and Wai-iti, which has been in hand during the past two years, has now been completed. The area of the plain is approximately 30 square miles, and of this area about 10 square miles is affected by flooding, including two State highways and various other roads. Plans, reports, and estimates for a comprehensive scheme of control have been prepared. This work entailed the traversing and levelling of 7 miles 71 chains of river-bank on the Wai-iti River, 6 miles 76 chains on the Wairoa River, and 8 miles 30 chains on the Waimea River, making a total length of survey of 23 miles 17 chains. In addition to this work, numerous cross sections of the river have been taken, involving approximately 3| miles of pegging and levelling. An aerial survey of the floodable area has also been made. Takaka River. —During the period a survey of this river in the Lower Takaka district was carried out by contract let by the Takaka County Council under Government subsidy. The work comprised traversing, levelling, and cross-sectioning over a distance of 3 miles 63 chains on the right bank, and for approximately 1 mile on the left bank. This survey was carried out to determine a scheme for river-control in relation to farm lands and highways. Greymouth District. Karamea River (Flood-control). —This work is nearing completion. The work done for the year included Otumahana wall 42,800 tons stone, stop-banking 50,000 cubic yards, bank-protection 25 chains, and trestle work, 1,032 ft. The diversion of the river from the Otumahana Lagoon has restored the original mouth, but an extension of Otumahana wall was necessary to confine the river-mouth to a reasonable width. The works have already considerably improved the carrying-capacity of the river, and the stop-banking has eliminated the flood menace. Oparara River (Flood-control). —Two large river cuts and 1 mile of embankment were constructed. A timber training-wall at the river entrance is nearing completion. Hokitika River (Erosion). —Further work was carried out to prevent the erosion of farming lands at Koiterangi. Arahura River (Flood-control). —The work consists of three large gabion-headed groynes and subsidiary bank-protection. Unemployed labour was used, and the work is nearing completion. Grey River (Erosion at Coal Creek Flat). —This work was necessary to prevent a disastrous erosion which threatened Coal Creek Flat and the road communications. The work is completed, and consisted of 1 mile of heavy stop-bank and. 1 mile of heavy stone river-bank revettment. Grey River (Groyne at Raupo Soldiers' Settlement). —A large groyne and stop-bank was constructed at Raupo Settlement to close a large overflow channel which threatened the destruction of this settlement.
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Christchurch District. Ashley River Trust (Flood-control Works). —This extensive work was completed during the year and handed over to the Ashley River Trust for maintenance. New Brighton (Sand-dune Fixation). —The fore dune along the New Brighton Esplanade was fixed by means of scrub fences and marram grass planting over a length of 1 mile. Unemployed labour was used for the work. Ashburton River (Flood-control). —The completed work on this scheme consists of 5 miles of floodway clearing, I \ miles of stumping, and 4 miles of stop-banking containing 21,900 cubic yards of excavation. Three tractors and accessory plant were used on this work. Opihi River (Protection Works). —This work is 92 per cent, completed ; it consists of 14,200 cubic yards of stop-banking and 700 cubic yards of rock-protection over a length of 70 chains. Broad Gully and Dog Kennel Creek (Flood Channel). —This scheme consists of 6 miles of flood channel 100 ft. wide to carry a flood-discharge from two creeks to the sea and prevent damage to crops. The work is almost completed and involved 150,000 cubic yards of mechanical plant excavation. Dtjnedin District. Call-ins River Erosion (Pounawea Domain). —Protective work is in hand at the Pounawea Domain to prevent the destruction of the beach amenities. The work is nearing completion.
SMALL-FARMS SCHEMES. Auckland District. Mangawai Kauri-gum Reserve.—Satisfactory progress was made during the year with the development of this block, in continuation of the work carried out in previous years. A considerable area has been cleared of scrub, gum-holes have been filled, and the land drained, ploughed, and grassed. To date, 637 acres are in pasture, while 155 acres have been ploughed and are in fallow. Some 500 chains of shelter-belt trees have been planted. All grass-lands are in a satisfactory condition, and at present the block is carrying 186 head of run cattle and two horses. Kaipara Harbour Mangrove Reclamation (Glorit Section), (Peterson's Block).—A further 300 acres were cleared of mangroves during the year, the whole of this area being double-disked and left to fallow. The area has also been drained by spider drains at 2-chain intervals, involving a total length of 57 miles of drains. To give access to the various sections, eight bridges, 13 ft. by 12 ft., were built over the main drain. The buffalo-grass planted on the four miles of stop-banks has made good growth, resulting in little maintenance being required to keep the banks in good order. Kaipara Harbour Mangrove Flat Reclamation (Kukutango Block), (Jordan's Block),— The dewatering of 272 acres of this area and the building of 2 miles 73 chains of stop-banks were completed during the period. Some 12 acres of mangroves were cleared by machines but the advent of wet weather necessitated the postponement of such work until conditions were more favourable. Oyster Point Section.—This area is now dewatered, stop-banking is almost completed, and three floodgates have been placed in this section. During the period an additional length of 17 chains of access road was completed, making a total length of road 3 miles 1 chain. Mill Road Block.—An area of 43-|- acres has been cleared of blackberry &c., and sown with grass, with excellent results. Forty chains of new drain were excavated and 154 chains of old drain opened up. One hundred and four chains of fencing were completed. Taumarunui District. Ngatamahine Block.—The developmental work undertaken during the year was as follows : 13 miles 30 chains of fencing, 420 acres laid down in permanent pasture, 340 acres ploughed, and 450 acres of scrub cut and burnt. A large main drain, 382 chains long, was constructed, whilst 23 chains of additional internal roading and metalling were completed. Pururu Block.—The Lands Development Branch took over this block at the end of January, 1939. The development work carried out during the year comprised 14 miles 27 chains of permanent and subdivision fencing. Three hundred acres were ploughed, of which 80 acres were put in crops and 220 acres in grass. In addition, 122 chains of drains were constructed. Piu Block.—This block was taken over by the Lands Development Branch at the end of January, 1939, prior to which date good progress had been made with the development work. During the period 100 acres were cleared and stumped, 117 chains of fencing were erected, and 120 chains of main drains excavated. Some 205 acres were sown in permanent pasture and 78 acres in crops. Roadwork was continued for a further 25 chains, and 50 chains of last year's roading were metalled. Stratford District. Makaranui Scheme.-—During the past year 590 acres were stumped and cleared in readiness for ploughing, and stumping was carried out over an area of 115 acres. The length of drains constructed totalled 826 chains, and creeks were cleared over a length of 527 chains. Old fencing, totalling 473 chains, was repaired, and 169 chains of new fencing were erected. Sixteen chains of roading were formed,
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and stock bridges aggregating 105 ft in length were constructed. Seventy acres were ploughed, 130 acres were sown in temporary pasture, 160 acres were sown in permanent pasture, and 120 acres were sown in crops. Raetihi Scheme.—The work undertaken during the year comprised 90 acres of ploughing and the erection of a 12 ft. bridge. Ohakune Scheme.—69 chains of old fencing were repaired and 98 chains of new fencing were erected. An area of 55 acres was ploughed and 154 acres were top-dressed. A total length of 1,315 ft. of waterpipe was laid, and 10 chains of drains were completed. Napier District. Ahuriri Lagoon Reclamation.—The Ahuriri Lagoon, formerly an extensive arm of the sea of some 7,500 acres in area, is now being drained and reclaimed by the Department on behalf of the Small-farms Board. The lagoon was partially drained by the uplift of the land which accompanied the disastrous earthquake of 1931, and this rendered its complete drainage possible and also desirable on account of the great prospective value of the land due to its proximity to the Town of Napier. This work was commenced in 1934, and the method adopted has been to build approximately 11 miles of stop-bank to protect the flats from inundation by flood-water from the adjoining bills. The internal drainage of the areas thus protected has to be effected by pumping, on account of their being largely below sea-level. Two pumping-stations have been erected for this purpose. One of the chief difficulties connected with the reclamation work is the removal from the soil of salt left there by the sea which once covered its surface. With a view to accomplishing this a special system, comprising some 350 miles of small drains, has been constructed. These drains have been dug in parallel lines 2 chains apart over the whole area of land. Their purpose is to carry off the salt in solution as it is leeched out of the soil, and tests which have been carried out by the Department of Agriculture indicate that the amount of salt in the ground is being steadily decreased by this means. An area of from 600 acres to 700 acres of the reclaimed land has been put down in rye-grass and barley, and the block, under the management of the Lands Department, is now carrying from seven thousand to eight thousand sheep, and approximately two hundred head of dry stock. At the beginning of the year under review, the greater part of the block was still flooded from the disastrous storm of Anzac Day, 1938. As a consequence the first few months of the year were largely occupied in dewatering the land and repairing flood damage, and this, unfortunately, caused a delay of four to five months in the progress of the work, which, however, is now practically completed. The principal items dealt with during the year have been the completion of the metalling of some 26 miles of access roads, the topping-up of 11 miles of stop-bank, and the completion of all drains. A water-supply over the whole block for stock-watering purposes has been designed and partly completed, and a further 25 miles of fencing have been erected. Apart from drainage, pumping, and general maintenance of roads and drains, a small amount of topping-up of stop-banks, the completion of the water-supply, and the completion of fencing, yet remain to be done, and it is anticipated that this work will be completed during the next few months. One hundred and eighty men have been employed during the year. IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC SCHOOL GROUNDS. Throughout the year an extensive programme was continued in connection with the Government's scheme for improving the grounds of public schools. The preparation of proposals and the execution of the works were under the control of the Public Works Department, but finance was provided by the Education Department and the Labour Department, the latter Department's contribution being met from the Employment Promotion Fund. An important feature of the year's activities was the provision of adequate play areas in many localities where previously few, if any, facilities existed for physical and recreational exercise. In addition to excavating, draining, levelling, and grading large playing-grounds, assembly areas were metalled and sealed, while at a number of schools basketball and tennis-courts were also constructed. The planting of ornamental trees and shrubs, the erection of fences, and the permanent surfacing of paths, &c., have vastly improved the school amenities in numerous localities. In the interests of the physical welfare of pupils, several swimming-baths were constructed under a special-subsidy basis granted by the Minister of Education whereby School Committees, assisted by local residents, contributed towards the cost of materials. These general improvements were carried out at several hundred schools throughout the Dominion, and the results are greatly appreciated by teachers, pupils, and parents. HARBOUR-WORKS. Awanui Harbour Dredging.—As a result of the initial dredging carried out by the Department between August and December, 1937, vessels have been enabled to work the port without interruption, and the improved conditions have brought about an increase in trade. Regular sailings are of special importance in the export of butter, and to avert any risk of interruption a small amount of redredging was carried out in August, 1938, early in the export season. The annual revenue derived from a small harbour-improvement rate has exceeded the anticipated amount, and should prove more than sufficient to meet the full cost of any further dredging or other improvement to the port which may be needed in the future.
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Mangonui Wharf. —The contract for this work was practically completed during the previous year. The principal work carried out during the current year has been the painting of the wharf shed. The wharf was formally opened by the Hon. the Minister of Public Works in February, 1939. Te Kao Wharf, Parengarenga Harbour. —A wharf in the form of a breastwork 60 ft. long has been completed in the upper reaches of the Te Kao Channel, adjacent to the remote Native settlement of Te Kao. The work included the erection of a wharf shed, 25 ft. by 20 ft., and metalled-road access thereto. Te Kopuru Wharf, Kaipara Harbour. —A contract was let in May, 1939, for the replacement of the present structure, which was in a precarious condition. Waikokopu Harbour. —The control of this harbour has been carried out by the Wairoa Harbour Board on behalf of the Public Works Department. During the year 116 vessels worked the port, and a busy year was experienced, over 8,000 tons of general cargo and 150,000 super feet of timber being brought in, while about 106,000 carcasses of mutton, lamb, pork, &c., and a considerable quantity of general export business, was handled. Maintenance-work only has been carried out during the year. Hides Bay Wharf. —The engineering survey has been completed for the repairing or renewing of the approach to this wharf, and repairs to the actual wharf structure. Plans and estimates are in hand. Homewood Wharf, Pelorus Sound.—The end span on this wharf has been raised, three new piles have been driven, redecking completed, new steps installed, and the wharf generally reconditioned. Wharves in Sounds County. —Surveys have been carried out for wharves at Ship Cove and Te Mehia in Queen Charlotte Sound and at Tennyson Inlet in Pelorus Sound. Plans of Ship Cove and Tennyson Inlet wharves have been approved, and tenders will be invited shortly for the erection of both structures. Karamea Harbour. —Repairs were carried out to the Harbourmaster's residence. Little Wanganui Harbour. —The old wharf has been redecked, and extensions to the wharf, by filling in both tees to provide additional space for stacking timber, are in hand. Okuru Harbour. —The erection of a new wharf-shed is in hand. Jackson's Bay Harbour.—The construction of the wharf 202 ft. long and 16 ft. wide in hardwood, with a trestle approach 400 ft. long, and a launch-landing, were completed. A second-hand mooringbuoy was fixed in the bay. Okarito Harbour.--Further work to open up the new entrance south of the training-wall was carried out, and was sufficiently effective to allow the port to be worked towards the end of the year, for the first time for many years. Bruce Bay. —A survey for a new wharf has been carried out Alcaroa Wharf. —Minor repairs were carried out in consequence of damage done by H.M.S. " Wakakura." Waikawa Slipway.—A slipway for the purpose of providing facilities for the overhaul of fishingvessels in the Waikawa Harbour was erected during the year, and the work was almost completed by March, 1939. Bluff Harbour : Fairchild Rock.—The Bluff Harbour Board co-operated with the Department in placing in position the automatic light and buoy at Fairchild Rock in the Bluff Harbour. Lighthouses. Cape Maria Van Dieman. —The erection of the new landing-crane to replace that damaged by a severe storm in June of last year has been completed, as has also the renewal of the cableway to the mainland, together with a new carrier and cage. Repairs to foundations of the tower were carried out during the period. Arrangements were made for the carrying-out of a survey in connection with the removal of the station to Cape Reinga, and the machinery, switchboard battery, radio-masts, &c., are on hand ready for the installation of the radio beacon and electrification. Cape Brett. —Repairs were carried out to the landing-crane during the year. Cuvier Island.—During the period, operations were commenced in connection with the electrification of the station and the provision of a radio beacon. The construction of the power-house, the installation of duplicate generating-equipment, the erection of two lattice-steel radio-beacon towers, and earth-mats, together with the electrification of the light, laying of cables, and the wiring of dwellings, were completed. The light is now functioning under electric automatic control, but owing to the non-delivery of materials, the installation of the radio-beacon equipment is not, as yet, complete. Twenty chains of access road, with the necessary culverting, were constructed, and the drainage of the residential area and the fencing of the power-house site undertaken. Moko Hinau.—The erection of a power-house in connection with the installation of a radio beacon and the electrification of the station has been completed. The power-winch was moved 50 ft. uphill to facilitate the handling of power-house materials. East Cape.—Repairs to plant at the lighthouse were carried out and an inspection and report made covering the matter of improving the difficult access to this lighthouse round the Pouretua Bluff. Several slips on the track were removed. Matakaoa Point. —An inspection and report have been made on storm damage to the access track leading to the lighthouse, but no repair work has been carried out. Portland Island.—A survey has been carried out with a view to improving tramway and road access from the landing to the lighthouse station. Stephens Island. —The three cottages occupied by the keepers have been cleaned and repainted, and sundry maintenance-work carried out to exteriors. All plumbing-work has been put into good order, baths and basins installed, and overhaul and repairs to drains effected. All interior maintenancework was carried out as required, and the buildings left in good order. The roofs of both the wireless house and signal cabin have been repaired and painted.
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The lighthouse tower, school, landing-shed, both engine houses, and dry store all received the necessary maintenance-work and were repainted. The whole of the tram-line was overhauled, new sleepers put in and repacked, and the line left in good working-order. During the period, the power-house for the electrification of the station and installation of a radio beacon were erected. Duplicate generating-equipment, switchboard, and battery were installed, the erection of two lattice-steel radio-beacon towers and an earth-mat, together with the electrification of the light, laying of cables, and wiring of dwellings, were completed. A short-wave aerial-mast was also erected. The light is now functioning under electric automatic control, but the installation of the radio beacon has been delayed pending the arrival of equipment. This equipment is now on hand, and installation work is under way. Farewell Spit.—A hardwood-timber landing-stage, fabricated at the workshop, has been erected on site on this station. Brothers Island. —A radio-telephone-communication aerial-mast and auxiliary gear, fabricated at the workshop, has been erected and an engine-shed supplied and installed. The davit for the south landing-crane has also been erected. French Pass.—A signal-mast has been fabricated at the workshop for erection at this station. Separation Point.—An acetylene automatic light has been erected at this point ready to be put into operation. A crab winch and landing-crane have been erected, and a tramway laid from the crane to the base of the steel tower. This light, with lantern and sun-valve mounted on the steel tower, is all complete with gascylinders, and only remains to be put into commission. Cape Campbell. —-The work of electrification and installation of a radio beacon was put in hand early in the period. The power-house was erected during the period 1937-38. Duplicate generatingequipment, switchboard, and battery have now been installed, and the electrification of the light, laying of cables, and wiring of dwellings all completed. Four umbrella-type aerials were erected from the tower, and an earth-mat laid round its base. The light is now functioning under electric automatic control, and the radio beacon is working to schedule. Godley Head. —During the period minor repairs were carried out to the fog-signal engines. In order to make room for Defence Department activity in the vicinity of the lighthouse it has become necessary to move the light and the keeper's dwelling. After inspection of the locality a suitable site was chosen lower down the cliff, and preliminary survey work put in hand. As it is proposed to electrify this light when it is moved, estimates have been prepared covering both its removal and electrification. These are at present under discussion with the Defence Department with a view to their participating in the cost of removal. Centre Island. —Plans and specifications were prepared for the erection of three lighthousekeepers' cottages at this station, and during the year all the necessary materials were purchased by this Department and conveyed to the Island. A contract was let in February last for the erection of the cottages, and it was anticipated that work would be in hand by the end of the period and completed by the middle of October next. Puysegur Point. —A report on the condition of the three cottages, &c., at this station was prepared in July, 1938, and the necessary authority to effect repairs was subsequently issued. The materials were conveyed to Puysegur in December, but some difficulty was experienced in getting them from the landing to the site of the work. All materials are now on the site, and renovation work is in progress. A reconnaissance survey of the access road from the landing to the lighthouse, a distance of approximately If miles, was made during the 1937-38 period, and an estimate of the work has been compiled. The construction of the road will probably be put in hand during 1939-40. Tairoa Head. —During the year a new concrete building was erected for the fog signal, and repairs and renovations were carried out to the lighthouse and dwellings. Jackson s Bay. —In connection with the proposed light at this point, a preliminary survey has been completed and tenders called for the supply of a lighthouse-tower, landing-crane, winches, and light equipment, including lens. General. A number of applications were received from local bodies and private people for approval of works involving marine interests. Among the various applications were the following Foreshore Licenses. —Mangonui Harbour ; Kaipara Harbour ; Paremata ; Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu ; Wairoa River, Kaipara Harbour ; Mercury Island ; Kohukohu, Hokianga Harbour ; Dargaville, Wairoa River, Kaipara Harbour; Dudding's Creek, Kaipara Harbour; Terakohe, Golden Bay ; Awanui River, Wharf ; Whangaroa Harbour ; Wharves and Jetties. —Lyttelton Harbour ; Graving Dock, Lyttelton Harbour; Matakana Island, Tauranga Harbour ; Hobson Wharf, Auckland Harbour; Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu ; Tauranga Harbour ; Sumpter Wharf, Oamaru Harbour ; Awanui River : Ilaulashore Island, Nelson Harbour; Boatshed, Skids, Slipways, &c. —Anderson's Bay, Otago Harbour ; Colinswood, Otago Harbour ; Karitane, Waikouaiti River (14); St. Mary's Bay, Auckland Harbour (2) ; Deborah Bay, Otago Harbour; Lower Portobello Bay, Otago Harbour; The Cove, Waverley, Otago Harbour (2) ; Picton ; Broad Bay, Otago Harbour ; Ponsonby, Auckland Harbour ; Sulphur Bay, Northcote, Auckland ; Evans Bay, Wellington Harbour ; Smith's Bay, Ross Point, Otago Harbour ; Roseneath, Sawyers Bay, Otago Harbour ;
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Breastworks and Retaining-walls. —Wakefield Quay, Nelson; Punguru, Hokianga Harbour; Export Wharf, Auckland Harbour; Evans Bay, Wellington Harbour; Milford Swimming-pool, Wairau Creek Estuary ; Helensville Creek, Kaipara Harbour; Panmure. Reclamation. —Haven Road, Nelson Harbour ; Panguru, Hokianga Harbour; Export Wharf, Auckland Harbour; Evans Bay, Wellington Harbour. General.—Extension to Breakwater, Oamaru Harbour; anchorages and mooring-sites, Waipapa and Kerikeri Rivers, Bay of Islands ; bridge, Narrows, Waikato River ; bathing-enclosure, Motueka ; filling in old bed of Waiarohia Stream, Whangarei; embankments and bridges, Western Shore, Otago Harbour ; water-main, Tauranga Harbour; beacons, Davey Bank, Bluff Harbour; bridge, Whenuakite River. ESTABLISHMENT OP AERODROMES AND LANDING-GROUNDS AND AIR-ROUTE FACILITIES. The development of aerodromes, landing-grounds, air-route facilities, and Air Force stations has in recent years become a major national undertaking, and during the period under review considerable progress has been achieved. In particular, construction and development work in connection with the expansion of the Royal New Zealand Air Force has, as a defence measure, received special attention. Civil Aerodrome Programme. In pursuance of the policy adopted some years ago, development on civil aerodromes has been concentrated to provide fields to serve the established main trunk air routes and those routes which are expected to come into operation within the next few years. However, the necessity of providing for feeder services and odd fields serving particular localities has not been lost sight of. The end of this period finds the major portion of the programme well toward completion with much improved fields now available throughout the country from all viewpoints —larger available areas, improved, surface conditions and drainage, clearer flying approaches, improved wireless facilities, and more satisfactory facilities for the handling of passengers and freight. All construction work has been undertaken by the most expeditious and economical methods, utilizing a maximum of plant, while on most of the major undertakings the work has been carried out by private contractors under the supervision of the Department and to its designs. During the period work was proceeding on a total of twenty new fields that had not previously been in use, while major improvements or extensions were in hand on eighteen existing fields and minor improvements on other grounds. The Government was also responsible for the maintenance of twenty-three landing-grounds either as Government emergency-landing grounds or as landing-grounds in remote localities, and continued maintenance after construction on thirteen fields prior to handing over to local controlling authorities. Radio Aids to Air Navigation and Transport. —Under the guidance of the Aeradio Committee and in co-operation with the Radio Section of the Post and Telegraph Department much progress has been made with the installation of radio facilities to assist the safe and efficient operation of air services. During the year the number of aeradio-transmitting stations was brought up to fifteen, an addition of two. Aeradio-receiving and direction-finding stations are being provided at eleven aerodromes and although at the end of the period only one station was operating, all other stations arc now awaiting the installation of equipment. A radio-approach beacon, to assist blind-flying approaches under conditions of bad visibility, has been installed at Taieri Aerodrome and is being operated experimentally. To provide for the new trans-Tasman Air Service an entirely separate aeradio system is required not only to facilitate air to ground and ground to air communication, but also communication between terminals and the fixing of aircraft position by radio-direction finding. A short-wave-direction-finding station has been provided at Awarua, Southland, and an up-to-date station is being constructed at East Tamaki Head, Auckland. At the latter station temporary provision is being made initially, and a transmitting-station, a receiving-station, a medium wave Adcock DF station and a shortwave Adcock DF are being provided. Designs for the permanent buildings are in hand and will be proceeded with later. The main receiving-station will be known as " the Musick Memorial Aeradio Station " in memory of the late Captain Musick, of Pan American Airways, who pioneered the air route from America to New Zealand. Trans-Tasman Terminal Base Auckland.-—ln preparation for the commencement of the TransTasman Air Service later in 1939 work was placed in hand in January, 1939, to provide an air terminal base at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, to serve the flying-boats that will be operating the service. The erection of an administration building, a workshop block, and an engine-test house were commenced and completed during the period. The assembly and installation of equipment and the placing of moorings and landing-facilities are now well forward. A hangar of sufficient dimensions to house one of the flying-boats that will be operating the service is being provided on reclaimed ground at the R.N.Z.A.F. Depot, Hobsonville. The foundations have been placed, and erection is proceeding. Royal New Zealand Air Force Establishment. Close co-operation has been maintained between this Department and the Air Department in the design and development of Air Force Stations. This year has again seen very extensive additions to the programme already adopted, and heavy and urgent demands have been made for designs and
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construction in connection with these stations. The development on Air Force stations has become a major item in the Department's activities. A large building programme has been involved, and in some cases contractors have experienced great difficulty in obtaining sufficient trained craftsmen and regular material supplies to maintain progress to the schedule laid down. Details of works carried out on R.N.Z.A.F. stations during the year are as follows :— R.N.Z.A.F. Aircraft Repair Depot, Hobsonville. —The enlargement of the flying-field was completed and the new areas sown in grass. Additional field drainage was provided, and a landing-circle and name constructed in concrete. Buildings were in course of erection as follows—Single airmen's barracks: Two additional wings added and additional messing and kitchen accommodation provided. Magazine stores : Nine bombstores and eight explosive-stores were erected, complete with earth traverses, tunnels, and service roads. Public-works office completed. Timber hangar (265 ft. by 156 ft.), completed. Equipment stores : Two completed, with further two stores in hand. Airmen's hutments : Two blocks in hand. Residences : Five residences acquired and re-erected on new sites. Guard-house : Under construction. Administration building : Under construction. Standby set, house and substation : Under construction. Aircraft repair shop: Under construction. Garages: Under construction. Seaplane hangar: Under construction. Extensive additions to existing essential services such as sewerage, storm-water drainage, electrical supply, and water-supply are being proceeded with, together with improvements and extensions to station roads. Recreation facilities provided during the year include a golf-course, tennis-courts, miniature rifle range, and N.C.O.'s club rooms. The maintenance of all buildings, services, roads, grounds, and flying-field was carried out by the Department. R.N.Z.A.F. Operation Station, Whenuapai--Development of this station commenced during the year. The grading, levelling, and drainage of the flying-field (413 acres) was commenced in January, 1939, and by 30th June, 1939, 448,763 cubic yards of spoil had been shifted, 170 acres sown down in grass, and 1,773 chains of subsoil drains placed. The whole site of the aerodrome has been cleared of trees, fences, hedges, and structures ; fourteen houses were removed from the area, and a new boundary fence erected. New roadworks were put in hand to adjust the roading system of the district and improvements to the main highway between Brigham's Creek, Whenuapai, and Hobsonville were commenced. A start has been made in the formation and metalling of the internal roads. Several miles of power-transmission lines were removed and new lines constructed clear of the aerodrome. Foundation work for two large arched-concrete hangars and the airmen's barracks was commenced and is well forward. Designs are being prepared for additional buildings and for all essential services. R.N.Z.A.F. Operation Station, Ohakea. —Progress on the development of this station, which had little more than commenced at the beginning of this period, has been satisfactory and is generally up to schedule. The contractor for the grading, levelling, and drainage of the flying-field (316 acres) made a late start, and progress is behind schedule. Most of the heavy excavation is completed, and 160 acres have been grassed and drained. The open-ring boundary drains are well forward. All internal roads, except behind the hangars, have been formed, metalled, and kerbed and channelled, but are not yet sealed. Sewerage reticulation is approximately 50 per cent, completed, while a start has been made with the septic tank and effluent-discharge main and percolating filter. Storm-water drainage is approximately 50 per cent, completed, and the power-supply main has been brought to the station, though internal reticulation is not commenced pending the arrival of the cable. A start has been made with the sinking of a 6- ft.-diameter well for the water-supply, and supply and reticulation pipes and pumps are on order. A contract has been let for the erection of a 100,000gallon water-tower. Roading, earthwork, drainage, and flood protection are in hand for the explosive area. The following buildings are in course of erection —No. 1 arched concrete hangar is almost completed. No. 2 arched concrete hangar is well in hand. Administration block is practically completed. Officers' mess and quarters arc nearing completion. Airmen's barracks : Two wings are completed and two wings are well in hand ; the central block is nearing completion except for finishing work. Residences : The foundations for some thirty houses are completed and framing is now in hand. Standby set house : Foundations are completed. Public-works depot: This building has been completed. R.N.Z.A.F. Flying Training School, Woodbourne (Blenheim). —During the period under review it was decided to proceed urgently with the provision of an advanced flying training school at the site of the old disused civil aerodrome at Woodbourne, near Blenheim. In February, 1939, a contract was let for the reconditioning, smoothing, and regrassing of 200 acres of flying-field, and this was satisfactorily carried out before winter. The erection of two large timber hangars (265 ft. by 156 ft.) was put in hand, and the framework of one hangar was completed at the end of the period. Two airmen's dormitory blocks are nearing completion, while an airmen's mess, an officer's mess, and an officers' dormitory block are well forward. Foundation and framing work have been commenced for the following buildings : Public Works depot; practice bomb store and gas building ; latrines ; fire-tender and ambulance garage ; main store ; headquarters building ; navigation and education building ; guard-house.
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Good progress has been made in forming, metalling, and sealing internal roads, while a commencement has been made with sewerage reticulation, storm-water drainage, and water-supply for which a 4-ft.-diameter well, 60 ft. deep, has been completed. R.N.Z.A.F. Flying Training School, Wigram. —Again at this station proposals have been adopted for a large increase in the establishment, and consequently an accelerated building programme has been proceeded with. The station is being developed as the permanent advanced Flying Training School, and will, when completed, provide for training four times as many trainees as formerly. In consequence of the intended building programme, necessitating many alterations to the original layout, much work has been evolved in extending roads and essential services such as watersupply, sewerage, storm-water drainage, and electrical-power supply. This work has been carried out as it has become necessary. A tree-planting and landscaping programme was adopted and proceeded with in the appropriate season. Work proceeded on the provision of an air-firing and bombing range at Lake Ellesmere and is now approximately 80 per cent, completed. The following buildings were completed during the period and are now occupied : Ten residences for airmen, thirteen residences for non-commissioned officers, seven residences for officers, headquarters building, main store No. 1, oil-store, guard-house, water-tower, standby set house, sickquarters, extension to the workshop block, P.W.D. depot, additional wing to main airmen's barracks, airmen's dormitory hutment, lubricant and inflammable store, 11,000 gallon tank for bulk fuel storage. The following buildings are in the course of erection : Sergeants' mess and quarters, ration store, instructional block, officers' mess and quarters, car-shelters, timber hangar (265 ft. by 156 ft.), concrete hangars, Wigram type No. 3 and 4, main store No. 2. Designs have been prepared for other additional buildings, and erection will be commenced at an early date. Civil Aebodkomes and Landing-grounds. North Auckland District. —Engineering surveys were undertaken at the following sites : Kaikohe (two sites) Dargaville (alternative site), Parengarenga Harbour (for emergency seaplane alighting area). Construction work was in hand as follows :— Waipapakauri: 22 acres of the original field and a 35 acres extension were regraded and sown in grass to form a field of total area of 78 acres. 22 acres of low-lying area were drained by the placing of subsoil drains. The field will be available for use next summer. Kerikeri: 55 acres were graded, levelled, and sown in grass, and are now available for use. Rawene : An area of tidal flat is being reclaimed by stop-banking, and some 105 acres are being set aside for aerodrome purposes. Whangarei: An area of 113 acres at Onerahi has been graded, levelled, and sown in grass and will be available for use next summer. Other work involved included the removal and re-erection of twenty-three residences, fences, and overhead service lines ; the rearrangement of water-supply services to Onerahi Township and the provision of four new tennis-courts and the formation and metalling of 73 chains of new road, together with 148 chains of existing road. Auckland District.—Engineering surveys were undertaken at the following sites : Coromandel, Whitianga, Raglan and Rukuhia. Construction work was carried out as follows :— Mangere : Additional subsoil drains were installed. A building was erected for the radioreceiving and direction-finding station. Thames: An area of 77 acres was developed as an aerodrome and will be available for use next summer. A further 112 chains of subsoil drains were placed, and the surrounding stop-banks were raised and strengthened. 92 chains of runways 50 yards wide were formed and surfaced with shell and sand. A heavy growth of fescue was eradicated. Great Barrier (Claris Aerodrome): This field was licensed and opened for use during the year. Further marram-grass was planted to arrest sand-drift, and a shelter-shed was erected. Maintenance : The Department undertook maintenance of the Claris Aerodrome (Great Barrier Island) and of the Ngaruawahia Emergency-landing ground. Tauranga District. —Sites were investigated at Whakatane, Te Kaha, and Waihau Bay. Tauranga : The initial portion of this field was licensed and opened to traffic during the year. Work was commenced on an extension covering 130 acres, and for this 8,000 cubic yards of spoil have been shifted to date and 55 acres are ready for sowing. 125 chains of subsoil drains were placed on the original field, and an additional 1 mile of access road formed and metalled. A radio transmittingstation was provided and is operating. Opotiki: This field of 109 acres was licensed and brought into use during the year. Obstructing power and telephone lines and hedges were removed, and 2 miles 6 chains of new fences placed. Atiamuri Emergency-landing Ground: This field was graded, levelled, sown in grass, and fenced during the period. It will be available for use this coming summer. Maintenance : The Department undertook the maintenance of the following fields : Tauranga, Opotiki, Taupo, and Rotorua, as well as the Galatea Emergency-landing Ground. Minor works were also attended to. Gisborne District. —Sites were investigated at Rakuhia. Construction was undertaken as follows :— Gisborne : The western extension of 30 acres was brought into use during the year, and the southern extension of 51 acres and an area formerly occupied by the old hangar were graded, levelled, and sown in grass. A new hangar was erected by Union Airways, and a concrete apron and storm-water drainage system installed by the Department. A commencement has been made in deviating the obstructing main transmission line. A permanent radio transmission-station was provided and is operating, while the building has been erected for the receiving and direction-finding station. Opoutama Emergency-landing Ground : Following flood damage last year, this field has been reconditioned and extended, and the flying-field now covers 30 acres,
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Hawke's Bay District. —Engineering surveys have been undertaken at Wairoa. Construction work was carried out as follows :— Napier (Westshore): Building completed for radio-receiving and direction-finding station. Minor improvements effected. Hastings : An area of some 10 acres was topsoiled and sown in grass. Waipukurau : This field of 105 acres was completed during the year, and a comprehensive subsoil drainage system installed. Maintenance : The Department carried out maintenance work on Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau, and Dannevirke Aerodromes and on Mohaka Emergency-landing ground. Taumarunui District.—Te Kuiti: A great improvement to the drainage of this field was effected, and the extensions carried out last year were brought into use. Taranaki District.—New Plymouth : The balance of the levelling of the extensions was completed and portion made available for use. The existing building and facilities were moved to a new site, and the new Te Arei Road was formed and metalled. The remaining areas not yet in use will be available next summer. The building for the radio-receiving and direction-finding station was completed and the area levelled and fenced off. Stratford : It was found necessary to close this field from use, to resmooth and top-dress the surface, and to undertake further extensive subsoil drainage. This work is well forward, and the field should be available again late next summer. Hawera : Obstructing overhead telegraph-lines were removed. A 100-ft.-diameter landing-circle and a loop road to the administration area were provided. Wanganui: Improvements and extensions to the drainage system were undertaken by the Wanganui City Council. Karioi : This field was maintained by the Department, and minor improvements were effected. Wellington District. —Milson (Palmerston North) : This field was handed over to the Palmerston North City Council as Controlling Authority after minor attention to the flying-field. A building for a radio-receiving and direction-finding station was erected, and road access and power-supply provided. Feilding.—lt was found necessary to undertake further subsoil drainage on this field, and 5,212 ft. of tile drains were installed and 42 acres were mole-drained. Fifty-five acres were rolled and topdressed, and two new windsocks were installed. Masterton.- —The surface of this field having become very rough, the whole area was ploughed, smoothed by agricultural operations, and resown in grass. The field will be available again next summer. Paraparaumu Emergency-landing Ground : A contract was let, and work has commenced in grading and levelling an area of 105 acres. Rongotai (Wellington) : The erection of a large wooden hangar was completed for the Department. Proposals have been framed both for temporary improvements and the permanent enlargement of this field. An experimental direction-finding station was erected and operated. Nelson District. —Nelson : Work on this field was brought to completion during the year, involving shifting 205,000 cubic yards of spoil, making a total for the job of 805,000 cubic yards. Work extended over 107 acres, making a total of 158 acres surfaced. The field was brought into use during the year, but portion only of the area was available. Other work entailed in this development include formation and metalling of roads, stone protection of batters, culverting, open drains, 81 chains of subsoil drains, and repairs and maintenance to the existing area. A radio-receiving and direction-finding station was provided and is now operating. Blenheim: A building was erected for the radio-receiving and direction-finding station. This field was controlled and maintained by the Department. Takaka : The levelling and grassing of this field were completed. Thirty-eight acres were finished during the year, making the total area available 80 acres. A total of 113,000 cubic yards were shifted. Proposals for a drainage system were prepared. Grassmere : Emergency-landing ground—stop-banking was completed. Tophouse : Emergency-landing ground—the work of levelling this field has commenced, and to date some 25,000 cubic yards have been completed. Clarence : Emergency-landing ground—work was put in hand during the year and is nearing completion. To date 72,000 cubic yards have been shifted. Maintenance : The Department undertook the maintenance of the following fields : Nelson, Blenheim, and Motueka Aerodromes, and emergency-landing grounds at Grassmere and Kekerangu. Canterbury District. —liarewood (Christchurch) : The City Council, with monetary assistance from the Government, has completed the development of the flying-field, and is now erecting an administration building. The building for the radio-receiving and direction-finding station, was erected, and power and road access provided. Timaru : The levelling and grassing of the flying-field has been completed and a comprehensive subsoil drainage system installed. The field is being left to consolidate. Considerable work for flood protection in the way of stop-banking and stream-diversion was carried out and completed. The main outfall culvert was extended and a pump-house erected. Ashburton: Minor improvements to surface were undertaken. Maintenance : The Department undertook maintenance at Wigram and Mount Cook Aerodromes and at Conway Emergency-landing Ground. Westland District.—An engineering survey was undertaken at Karamea. Minor improvements were carried out at the following fields : Wataroa, Waiho, Weheka, Karangarua, Mahitahi, Mussel Point, and Inchbonnie. Westport: The greater portion of the original field at North Beach was top-dressed with spoil and resown. A new landing strip at Carters Beach, 900 yards by 90 yards, was developed and sown down and opened to traffic. A radio-transmitting-station was provided.
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Greymouth: Work proceeded on the extensions. All the ring-holding bank has been placed, and the dredged filling is nearing completion. A small area has been topsoiled. Hokitika : Improvements to the surface, including the metalling of runways and an extension of the subsoil drainage system, were completed. A radio-transmitting-station was brought into operation and the building erected, with power laid on for the radio-receiving and direction-finding station. Haast: The regrading and resowing of this field was completed and the ground brought into use. Upper Okuru : The cross-landing strip has been regraded and is awaiting consolidation. Jackson's Bay : A landing-strip, 500 yards by 50 yards, was formed and grassed, and the formation of a similar cross strip is nearing completion. A permanent radio-station was provided. Maintenance : The Department undertook maintenance on the following fields : (a) As fields under development—Westport and Hokitika ; (b) as fields in remote localities—lnchbonnie, Wataroa, Waiho, Weheka, Mahitahi, Haast, Upper Okuru, and Mussel Point. Otago-Southland District.—A site was investigated at Tuatapere. Waianakarua Emergency-landing Ground: This field of 67 acres was completed, sown in grass, boundary marked, and brought into use. Taieri: The bituminous apron was replaced by a concrete one, and the vicinity drained. A building for the radio-receiving and direction-finding station was erected and power laid on, while a radio beacon with two marker beacons was installed and is operating experimentally. A wooden hangar for use by the R.N.Z. Territorial Air Force is under construction, and proposals are under consideration for the extension of the aerodrome. Frankton (Queenstown) : This field of 72 acres was graded, levelled, and sown in grass. It was opened for use during the period. Gore : The whole of the field was smoothed off and rolled. Improvements were effected by deepening ditches, placing subsoil drains, and providing rabbit-proof fencing. Invercargill: A large ring-drain is nearing completion, and subsoil drainage has been commenced. A commencement has been made with extensions. The original field should be available this coming summer. Minor improvements were carried out on the following fields : Cromwell, Glenorchy, Ranfurly, and Balclutha. The Department undertook the maintenance of the following fields: Waitaki, Glenorchy, Frankton, and Waianakarua. General. Removal of Obstructions surrounding Aerodromes.—Close watch is being maintained to ensure that the air approaches to all aerodromes are being kept clear of obstructions, and steps are being taken, under existing legislation, to cause the removal of existing obstructions. Much still remains to be accomplished in this direction. " Air Pilot" and " Notices to Airmen."—The Department has continued its service to airmen in compiling amendments and additions to the Air Pilot. A new edition was published during the year. In addition, information is collected regarding the condition of all aerodromes and landing-grounds, and pilots are advised immediately by " Notices to Airmen," issued by the Air Department, of all alterations and changes, especially those affecting the safe use of any particular field. Aerial Surveys.—The Department supervises and places orders for all aerial survey work on behalf of Government Departments, and during the year many square miles of country were photographed for purposes of irrigation, drainage, river and erosion control, road location, forestry, soil survey and mapping. Meteorological Service.—Regular observations of winds and meteorological phenomena are taken at many aerodromes and analysed in conjunction with the Meteorological Section of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Meteorological and Aeradio Station, Raoul, Island, Kermadecs.—During the year the temporary aeradio station was maintained and operated on this island and the personnel served with supplies and equipment. Owing to difficulty in arranging transport, a commencement of the erection of the permanent station had to be postponed, but arrangements are now finalized for the work to be undertaken in the present year. Investigations in the Pacific.—During the year the Department was charged with making an investigation into matters pertaining to aviation among the islands of the Pacific. Preliminary surveys were undertaken and are now being followed up by engineering surveys. PLANT AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. For the period under review the mechanization of all suitable construction works throughout New Zealand was completed, and the expenditure on plant has now reached a maximum, unless further major construction works are initiated ; but even in that event some plant could be made available from some works now nearing completion. There is, of course, the necessity for replacing some items of plant that have operated over a period of only two to three years, working three shifts per day. This continuous service has had the effect of shortening the total life of the plant, necessitating gradual replacement of those items that are worn out through fair wear-and-tear. These replacements would ordinarily absorb some capital expenditure during the ensuing year, but as the Department has instituted plant-repair depots to take care of the maintenance of its modern machines, and as the maintenance efficiency of the depots throughout New Zealand develops, expenditure on replacement plant will be comparatively light. This arrangement should tend further to reduce the cost of operating the machines and obviate the need for early replacement.
5 —D. 1.
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Plant in ZJse.—The following works in New Zealand are equipped in varying degrees with suitable plant, which has been maintained in good order during the year: — (1) Railway-construction works, including tunnelling and formation. (2) Irrigation schemes : Excavating irrigation ditches and construction of dams. (3) Roads and highway construction and maintenance under Public Works and Highways votes. (4) Aerodromes: Construction of Defence and civil aerodromes and emergency-landing grounds. (5) Electric-power-supply schemes : Construction and maintenance. (6) Swamp-drainage and reclamation schemes. (7) Harbour and river improvement and control works. (8) Bridges and level-crossing elimination : Construction on highways, roads, and railways. (9) Quarrying : Supply of road-metal and railway ballast. (10) Transmission-lines : Construction of new extensions. (11) Naval Defence : Construction of magazines and naval base extensions. (12) Launch and barge transport. Major items of plant number 4,336 machines, and include Diesel crawler tractors with angledozers, carry-all scrapers, rock-rooters, hauling-winches and allied equipment, Diesel crawler excavators and drag-lines, large Diesel stationary units, Diesel road-graders, Diesel compressors, Diesel locomotives, and Diesel winches. The total horse-power of these modern units approximates 36,000 b.li.p. The brake horse-power of several classes of these units are as follows: 295 Diesel tractors (20 b.h.p. to 100 b.h.p.), 15,000 b.h.p. ; 171 Diesel graders, 6,400 b.h.p. ; 73 Diesel excavators and drag-lines, 2,500 b.h.p. ; 147 Diesel compressors, 4,600 b.h.p. ; 52 Diesel locomotives, 1,800 b.h.p. Public Works Designed Plant. —The modern Diesel road-graders, which were designed by the Department and manufactured in New Zealand, have continued to give highly efficient and economical service, and are proving to compare more than favourably with imported machines of a similar type. The contract let during the year for a further supply of these graders is nearing completion. The machines made under earlier contracts and which have now been in service for approximately three years are still giving very efficient service. The change-over from petrol-engines in some of these earlier machines to British Diesel engines has now been completed, and the wisdom of such a change is reflected in operating-costs, which have been considerably lowered, and in the increased standard of work performed. It is interesting to note here that the British Diesel engine selected is used extensively in England by many of the largest manufacturers of machinery as the power unit for a variety of other machines. This confirms that the Department's selection of this particular type of engine has been sound. In order to meet the special requirements of conditions in New Zealand the Department originated a 200-gallon mobile oil-fired bitumen sprayer for lorry-mounting, and then called tenders throughout the world for the supply of such units. The tenders obtained from overseas, however, did not fully meet specified requirements, and the best quotation for local manufacture was accepted. Actually this offer was the most competitive of those received. Some of these machines have been completed, and in operation they are proving entirely satisfactory. The design of the equipment embodies all the latest development and is in advance of those types offered by standard manufacturers overseas. Sales of Plant. —In keeping with the Department's established practice, any obsolete or worn-out items of plant are continually being disposed of by public tender. The Department's policy under its mechanization scheme of withdrawing from service any obsolete or worn-out machinery and replacing it with more modern machinery is reflected in the reduced overhead and maintenance costs. Local Bodies.—County Councils and other local bodies in New Zealand have, during the year, purchased various types of modern road machinery through the Main Highways Board, and a considerable amount of equipment has been purchased on recommendations and specifications prepared by the Public Works Department. Motor-vehicle Operations.—The increase in construction and maintenance works throughout New Zealand has necessitated a further increase in the number of motor-vehicles required to successfully supervise the large number of undertakings now in hand. The following statements outline the operations of the Public Works and Main Highways motor-vehicle fleets for the year.
Table 1.
Operating-costs for Year. The costs shown include — Running charges : Petrol, oil, grease, tires, tubes, repairs, and maintenance. Standing charges : Interest at per cent, per annum and depreciation ranging from a minimum of 12| per cent, to a maximum of 20 per cent, per annum on capital cost, this variation being governed by the type and mechanical condition of each vehicle and the conditions under which it operates; garage rent (ss. por week); registration and annual license fees.
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Motor-vehicles. At 1st July, o u n i j At 31st March, 1938 Sold. Purchased. jggg Cars ... .. .. ..212 7 1 206 Light deliveries .. .. .. .. 296 10 98 384 Trucks (30 cwt. and over) .. .. .. 156 5 44 195 664 22 143 785
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Table 2.
Table 3. —Analysis of Table 2, showing Operating-costs in various Districts (Motor-vehicle Operations, 1938-39).
Note.—All vehicles that have operated for any part of the year are included—i.e., vehicles purchased and sold during the period. Total cost includes— Running cost: Tires, tubes, fuel, lubricants, repairs, and maintenance. Standing charges : Interest, depreciation, garaging (ss. per week), registration, and license fees. Motor-vehicle Allowances.—The total amount paid to departmental officers at scale rates for use of their own motor-vehicles upon Government business comprises a large number of comparatively small sums for mileages run for the convenience of the Department where the transfer or purchase of a departmental vehicle was not warranted and the arrangement of hire was inexpedient 1 Total Allowances. Year. ' £ 1936-37.. .. .. .. .. .. 2,497 1937-38.. .. .. .. .. .. 4,564 1938-39.. .. .. .. .. .. 8,316 Motor-lorry Hire.—lt frequently happens that in the matter of transport on a number of undertakings departmental motor-trucks cannot be transferred to meet requirements and the circumstances do not warrant the purchase of new vehicles. Therefore, where reasonable, hire rates
5*
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Type of Vehicle. Total Cost. Total Mileage. p e r Mile Year 1936-37— * £ d. Gars and light deliveries (10 cwt. to 15 cwt.) .. .. 53,159 4,032,349 3-16 Trucks (1 ton and over) .. .. .. .. 17,570 770,353 5-47 70,729 4,802,702 3-53 Year 1937-38— Cars and light deliveries (10 cwt. to 15 cwt.) .. .. 76,887 5,399,170 3-42 Trucks (1 ton and over) .. .. .. .. 28,867 1,196,196 5-79 105,754 6,595,366 3-85 Year 1938-39— Cars and light deliveries (10 cwt. to 15 cwt.) .. .. 103,082 6,577,271 3-79 Trucks (1 ton and over) .. .. .. .. 41,959 1,776,869 5-67 145,041 8,354,140 4-17
Oars and Light Deliveries. Trucks (1 Ton and over). ! Number .. Total I Cost, per Nu JJl 1,er Total Cost per District. of Mileage. „ . i Mf .»' of Mileage. P t Vehicles. cost - | Mlle - Vehicles. Co8t ' MUe ' _ . £ d. £ d. Whangarei.. .. .. .. 28 329,012 5,335 3-89 7 104,270 2,322 5-34 Auckland .. .. .. .. 58 771,500 11,611 3-61 12 124,292 2,595 5-01 Tauranga .. .. .. .. 27 356,875 5,028 3-38 20 210,161 4,015 4-58 Gisborne .. .. .. .. 18 229,971 3,530 3-68 11 101,147 2,628 6-24 Taumarumii .. .. .. 16 177,982 3,355 4-52 10 92,628 2,524 6-54 Stratford .. .. .. .. 34 414,749 6,146 3-56 13 107,845 2,303 5-12 Napier .. .. .. .. 23 296,734 4,047 3-27 6 55,922 1,354 5-81 Wellington.. .. .. .. 45 425,085 6,986 3-94 10 53,404 1,621 7-28 Nelson .. .. .. .. 33 353,917 5,065 3-43 10 120,631 2,199 4-37 Greymouth .. .. .. 32 399,743 5,659 3 40 13 126,287 2,696 5-12 Christchurch .. .. .. 49 659,121 I 9,895 3-60 17 208,642 3,984 4-58 Dunedin .. .. .. .. 37 399,733 | 5,737 3-44 17 160,550 4,084 6-10 Total, general districts .. .. 400 4,814,422(72,394 3-60 146 1,465,779 32,325(5-29 Hamilton Electrical .. .. .. 53 439,772 8,274 4-51 10 56,279 1,807 7-70 Palmerston North Electrical .. .. 35 291,027 6,137 5-06 8 44,871 1,925 10-29 Christchurch Electrical .. .. 33 337,269 6,558 4-67 15 134,038 4,056 7-26 Southland Electrical.. . . .. 70 694,781 9,719 3-36 15 75,902 1,846 5-84 Total, electrical districts .. .. 191 | 1,762,849 J 30,688 4-18 48 311,090 9,634 7-43 Grand total, all districts .. .. 591 I 6,577,271 103,082 3-79 194 1,776,869 41,959 5-67 I | I
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and competitive tenders are available from local transport enterprises, motor-trucks are hired by the Department. The amounts paid to private owners of transport for the hire of motor-trucks on public works during the past three years are as follows : — Amount. V Pfl T* f 1936-37 .. .. .. .. .. 191,003 1937-38.. .. .. .. .. 440,353 1938-39 .. .. .. .. .. .. 816,889 The large increase for the last year is due to the substantial expansion of the Department's activities. Plant Repair Depots.—The Department has now installed depots at the following places : Whangarei, Auckland, Helensville, Rotorua, Taumarunui, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Greymouth, Temuka, Dunedin, InvercargiJl, and also on all major construction works. These shops provide necessary and adequate facilities for supervision and repair of plant in the field, whilst the New Zealand Government Railway Workshops are also utilized to a considerable extent. The general increase of work necessary to maintain such a large quantity of plant is being satisfactorily handled by the depots throughout New Zealand, and this is reflected in the low average cost per cubic yard from the operation of machinery on construction and maintenance works. In its depots the Department has instituted the latest methods of welding equipment for building up tracks, &c., in addition to installing other precision tools and equipment. Where spare parts are unobtainable in New Zealand, a,nd are urgently required, the Department arranges to manufacture these locally at prices which compare favourably with the imported article. The extension of the Department's activities along these lines does not enter into competition with manufacturing firms in New Zealand who are capable of undertaking such work. In general, the Department's policy is to keep the machines up to a high standard of efficiency by manufacturing either in Government depots or local workshops in preference to importing from overseas. Services for other Departments.—During the year a number of other Government Departments availed themselves of the Public Works Department's facilities in respect of mechanical matters, and in many cases the Department executed mechanical work on their behalf, such as water-supply, heating and ventilating schemes, domestic mechanical services, pumping-schemes, equipment of aerodromes, supply of machine tools and workshop equipment, electrical installations, electric lifts, tractors, and lighthouse generating-sets. The Departments concerned included Transport, Lands, Forestry, Native, Mines, Marine, State Housing, Defence, Naval, Mental Hospitals, Cook Islands, Tourist and Publicity, Agriculture, and Prisons. Inspection and Supervision.—To ensure that the Department's plant is being maintained at a high standard the inspection and supervision of all plant items is regularly carried out in the field, and to this continued supervision can be attributed in no small measure the efficiency of the plant. During the year a motor-vehicle was fitted up as a travelling laboratory and equipped with testing instruments. This has provided the latest scientific methods of testing machine efficiency in the field and has proved a big advantage. General.—The organization necessary to handle the maintenance and operation of the Department's plant has been adjusted during the year to cope with the number of machines and the increased volume of work. The Department successfully dealt with many problems which arose, and no serious defects or breakdowns occurred during the year. At the conclusion of the year under review the plant remains in excellent order for a further period of continued low cost operation.
NAVAL AND DEFENCE WORKS. During the period covered by this report further construction work has been carried out in connection with the Government's programme for naval and military defence. TRAMWAYS. Auckland.—During the year three new cars, Nos. 249, 250, and 251, were placed in service after being tested by this Department. Two new trolly-buses were inspected and passed for service for the Farmers' Trading Co., Ltd. Thirty chains of new tram-line, with sidings, were constructed in Green Lane, giving access to Alexandra Park and Epsom Showgrounds. New Plymouth.—The triangular junction at the corner of Liardet and Devon Streets, which had been left for turning cars, has now been removed, and a turning-loop installed at the Tramway Depot instead. Car No. 10 was converted for one-man control. Wellington.—Cars numbered 234, 235, 236, 237, and 238 were inspected and certificates issued. Cars 183 and 203, which had been in collision, were inspected, but no defects which might have caused the collision were discovered.
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Duplications of track between Fancourt Street and Reading Street, Karori, and between St. Mary's Street and the entrance to the Botanical Gardens, were inspected and passed for use. A private timber tramway at Otaki Forks was inspected, and requirements as to future maintenance were laid down. Christchurch.—The relaying of the track on the Riccarton route was completed during the year. Tracks have been relaid, with minor improvements, in Cathedral Square, in Colombo Street between the Square and Armagh Street, in Cashel Street from High Street to a little beyond Fitzgerald Avenue, and at the western end of Moorhouse Avenue. The Cranford Street line is being reconstructed between Bealey Avenue and Edgeware Road, a double track replacing a single track with several loops. Dunedin.—Within the period under review, two accidents, necessitating inspection, occurred, but in both cases the car equipment was found satisfactory.
DESIGNING OFFICE. The volume of work requiring attention by the Design Office has in no way diminished and, if anything, the demands on the staff have been even greater than during the preceding year. It has been possible to undertake only urgent work, and many matters of importance, but of lesser urgency, have had to be held over on account of the continued shortage of trained staff. The major proportion of the urgent work has been connected with structures and services for the Royal New Zealand Air Force Stations, and bridges for railway-lines at present under construction. Plans for a number of main-highway bridges have also been prepared, but a considerable number have bad to be deferred in the meantime to allow other work, mentioned above, to proceed. Among the railway bridges designed is the reinforced-concrete viaduct which will carry the Waikokopu-Gisborne Railway over the lower crossing of the Waiau Stream. This viaduct includes an arch span of 180 ft., the rail level being 127 ft. above the stream. Several important structures for other Departments have been designed, including a large reservoir required by the Tourist Department for Rotorua. In connection with the forthcoming Centennial Exhibition a commencement was made about the middle of the year with the preparation of models of some of the more important structures designed by the Department in recent years. The most striking of these is a representation of the Mohaka Viaduct on the Napier-Wairoa Section of railway, to a scale of quarter of an inch to a foot, giving a model 8 ft. high and 21 ft. long. The checking of the designs of bridges for roads and main highways, prepared in district offices and by local-body and consulting engineers, was carried out as usual, and, in addition, proposals for the Local Government Loans Board and the Marine and other Departments were examined and reported upon. During the year the number of proposals submitted for examination and checking totalled 4-18, compared with 330 for the previous year.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS: MAINTENANCE. The maintenance of public buildings throughout the Dominion has been carried out by the Department. More particular reference to activities in this connection is included in the annual report of the Government Architect.
PUBLIC-BUILDINGS WORKS AND ELECTRICAL OPERATIONS. Details of public-buildings works and of the operations of the State hydro-electric undertakings are contained in the separate reports, included herewith, by the Government Architect and the Chief Electrical Engineer. I have, &c., J. WOOD, M.lnst.C.E., Engineer-in-Chief.
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APPENDIX C.
ANNUAL REPORT ON BUILDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT.
The Government Architect to the Hon. the Minister op Public Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the activities of the Architectural Branch for the year ended 30th June, 1939. During the period plans were prepared for 423 buildings of an estimated total value of £1,891,459, and 291 contracts, totalling £648,829 have been let. Fifty-one other contracts to the value of £280,134 for buildings designed prior to 30th June, 1938, have also been let, making the total value of building contracts let during the year £928,963. In addition, contracts for mechanical equipment totalling £43,186 have been let. In addition to the above totals for work designed in this branch, buildings have been designed in connection with railway-construction, main-highway works, hydro-electrical works, and other activities of this Department, which are referred to in the other sections of this report, and a large amount of minor additions, alterations and repairs, and general maintenance of public buildings has been carried out by District Offices, including work in connection with fitting up accommodation and the provision of furniture and fittings for expanding office requirements for other Departments. The work of this branch continues to increase. From the beginning of this year all my staff has been brought under one roof in the temporary building in Whitmore Street, thus enabling a more efficient organization of activities to be inaugurated, but the continued shortage of competent draughtsmen has restricted the output. A wider use of local products has been possible, and designs and finishes have been evolved to enable the maximum use to be made of New Zealand materials and manufactures. Both manufacturers and merchants have responded to the changed conditions with an enthusiasm which is gratifying, and a surprising number of products formerly imported are now being made locally, and, with few exceptions, are quite up to the standard of imported articles. The prevailing shortage of skilled craftsmen is reflected in higher prices and a smaller number of tenders being received, but by proportioning the work in different areas, as far as possible, to the number of men available there have been few instances where no tenders were received. Despite the adverse conditions as to labour, the general standard of workmanship and finish has been reasonably maintained, but difficulty is being experienced in getting buildings erected up to time. Appended is a schedule of works, which includes maintenance work and minor contracts prepared in the various District Offices. Vice-regal. Auckland.—Repairs, renovations, and general maintenance were attended to. Department op Agriculture. Auckland. —At the Ruakura Farm of Instruction a dairyman's cottage was built and a laboratory building and a stock overseer's cottage are in course of erection. Alterations and extensive additions were made to the farm office. A shed, yards, and cottage were built at the Karamu Experimental Farm to enable experiments in facial eczema to be carried out. At Mount Albert Plant Research Station a large laboratory building was erected, two glasshouses arc in course of erection, and an insectary has been commenced. Renovations were undertaken at the Te Kauwhata Horticultural Station. Taumarunui.—Renovations, repairs, and additions were effected to one cottage. Tauranga. —A laboratory building, together with sheep-yards and holding-pens, were built at the Mamaku Experimental Farm. Stratford. —New dining and staff quarters were built at Flock House, Bulls. Wellington. —The new laboratory building at Wallaceville and a new dormitory block at Feilding Agricultural College are approaching completion. Nelson. —A tobacco-redrying-plant building was completed at Motueka, and alterations and maintenance repairs were carried out at three buildings. Christchurch. —Renovations and repairs were effected at throe buildings. Dunedin. —Repairs and renovations were undertaken at nine buildings. Grey mouth.—A cottage, storage shed, and milking-shed were built at Westport. Air Department. Auckland.—At the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base, Hobsonville, two wings were added to the single airmen's barracks and the messing accommodation and kitchen were added to ; twelve bomb-stores, two large equipment stores, and a timber hangar were completed ; a Public Works office
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was built, and a commencement was made to erect two additional equipment stores, a guard-house, administration building, garages, standby-set house, aircraft-repair shop, and a seaplane-hangar. To allow of building extensions three houses were shifted. Two houses were moved from Whenuapai to Hobsonville. At Mangere Aerodrome an anemometer mast and building were erected. At the trans-Tasman Air Terminal administrative buildings, workshops, and a test-house were built. A radio transmitting and receiving station was built at East Tamaki. Tauranga.—A transmitting-station and implement-shed were erected at Tauranga Aerodrome, and an anemometer-house was built at Rotorua. Gisborne. —A radio receiving-station and a transmitting-station were completed at the Gisborne Aerodrome, and an anemometer-house is in course of erection. Stratford. —An aeradio-station and an anemometer-house were built at the New Plymouth Aerodrome. Napier.—A receiving-station and a cottage for the aeradio operator were erected. Wellington.—At the Royal New Zealand Air Force Station, Ohakea, the administration block and the public-works office and depot were completed, the officers' mess and quarters and the airmen's barracks are approaching completion, a standby set-house is in course of erection, and a commencement was made with the erection of thirty-one residences. A radio receiving-station was built at Milsom Aerodrome, Palmerston North. Nelson.—An aeradio-station was completed at the Nelson Airport. At Blenheim a commencement was made with the erection of two timber hangars, airmen's dormitories, officers' and sergeants' mess and dormitories, airmen's mess, institute, headquarters, navigation and education block, workshops, main store, M.T. shed, lubricant and inflammable store, guardhouse, practice bomb store and gas building, a building containing laundry, barber's shop, tailor and cobbler shops, also a ration store, latrines, sick-quarters, and a building for fire-tender and ambulances. Christchurch. —Quarters wese fitted up in McKenzie's Building, Christchurch, for the R.N.Z.A.F. Training Squadron. At Wigram Aerodrome the following buildings were completed : Twenty-eight single-unit and one double-unit residences, guardhouse, sick-quarters, airmen's dormitory No. 5, administrative building, water-tower, standby-set house, main store No. 1, ration store, P.W.D. offices, store and garages, and alterations to workshops. The sergeants' mess, a temporary timber hangar, instructional building, four car shelters, store No. 2, gas-chamber, officers' mess and quarters, lubricant and inflammable store are approaching completion, and a start has been made with an engine-test house, hangars 3 and 4, and alterations to the airmen's kitchen. A transmitting-station was built at Harewood Aerodrome. Dunedin. —At Taieri Aerodrome an aeradio receiving-station and radio and marker beacon buildings were built, and a temporary timber hangar is in course of erection. Greymouth.—A radio transmitting-station and a receiving-station were built at Hokitika Aerodrome, and a temporary wireless building was erected at Westport. Army Department. Whangarei-Renovations and repairs were effected at two buildings. Auckland.—Three additional magazines were built at the Ngaruawahia Mobilization Base, alterations and renovations were carried out at Narrow Neck and the Artillery Yard, additions and renovations were made at North Head, minor repairs were attended to at Motutapu Island, and alterations and repairs were executed at six drill-halls. Tauranga.-—The Defence Office at Te Puke was renovated. Stratford. —Repairs and renovations were effected at two buildings. Napier.—Five buildings were repaired and renovated. Wellington. —At Fort Dorset and Palmer Head searchlight emplacements, magazines, stores, shelters, and an engine-room were constructed. At Trentham a lavatory block was built, a large ordnance store is nearly finished, a timber-store in connection with the carpenters' shop, and extensions to an ordnance store are about half-finished. Nelson. —Additions, renovations, and repairs were effected to two buildings. Christchurch.—A commencement was made with new forts at Godley Head and the fortifications at Battery Point are nearly complete. The erection of a new ordnance store was started at Burnham, and the ordnance store mentioned in last year's report was completed. Four residences for officers were also erected, and renovations and repairs were carried out at one building. Dunedin. —One building was altered and two were renovated and repaired. Greymouth.—Repairs and renovations were made to three buildings. Education Department. Whangarei. —Painting renovations were attended to at the Whangarei Boys' High School. Auckland. —Maintenance repairs and renovations were effected at four buildings. Stratford. —Extensive additions, consisting of new class-rooms, cookery-rooms, woodwork shops, &c., are being made to the Technical High Schools at Hawera and Stratford. Napier.—New class-rooms and laboratories were built at Dannevirke, and additions were made to the Hastings High School. Wellington. —The additions to the Feilding Technical High School were finished. Nelson.—Additions to Marlborough College at Blenheim are in hand, a commencement was made to erect a new Art Block at the Richmond Special School for Girls, renovations and repairs were effected at three buildings, and maintenance at one building was attended to. Christchurch.—A motor-garage and tool-shed were built at the Burwood Girls' Home, renovations and repairs were effected at six buildings, alterations made to one, and additions made to three buildings.
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Dunedin.—A detached class-room is in course of erection at the Otekaike Special School. Two buildings were renovated and repaired. Health Department. Whangarei. —Renovations were made to one cottage. Auckland. —Maintenance and renovation of ten buildings were attended to and twenty portable hutments were made for Maori tuberculosis patients. Tauranga.—Additions were made to the nurses' cottage at Murapara. Gisborne. —Twelve portable hutments were made for tuberculosis patients. Alterations and renovations were effected at one building. Stratford. —A nurse's cottage was built at Pipiriki, and office accommodation at New Plymouth was transferred. Wellington.—The new Dental Clinic is approaching completion. Christchurch. —The new Male Pavilion at the Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer, is well on the way to completion. Renovations and repairs were effected at two buildings, and additions and alterations were made to one building. Greymouth. —The annexe to the Nurses' Home and the new medical and maternity wing at the Greymouth Hospital were completed. Dunedin. —Maintenance to the St. Helens Hospital, Invercargill, was attended to. Justice Department. Whangarei. —The erection of the Whangarei Law Courts was commenced. Additions and renovations to three buildings were carried out. Auckland. —At the Waikeria Borstal Institution improvements have been carried out and a commencement made to erect two residences. Repairs and renovations were effected to twelve courthouses. Taumarunui. —Three courthouses were repaired and renovated. Tauranga.—Alterations were made to one building and renovations carried out to another. Gisborne. —Renovations and repairs were effected at one building. Stratford. —Repairs and renovations were executed at nine buildings. Napier. —Four buildings were renovated and repaired. Wellington. —Additions were made to one building. Nelson. —The new courthouse at Blenheim was completed ; renovations and repairs were effected at six buildings. Christchurch. —A new staff cottage was built at Paparua Prison and a new store built at Addington Reformatory, the old courthouse at Geraldine was fitted up as police offices. Additions and alterations were made to one building and repairs and renovations were carried out to five buildings. Dunedin. —The new courthouse at Invercargill is approaching completion and repairs and renovations were effected at seven courthouses. Greymouth. —Acoustical correction was carried out at the Greymouth courthouse, a new courthouse was erected at Wataroa, repairs were effected at Westport, and outhouses built at Reefton. Mental Hospitals. Avondale. —Repairs, renovations, and sundry alterations and additions were attended to. Kingseat. —A new hospital block, Medical Superintendent's residence, mortuary, workshops, and garages were completed ; villas 7 and 8 are approaching completion, and a commencement has been made with the erection of a Nurses' Home. Tokanui. —A new slaughterhouse and boiling-down shed, Public Works Department store, accommodation for workmen, and an apple-storage shed were built. Sundry alterations were effected, and repairs and renovations generally carried out. Porirua. —An assistant Medical Officer's residence was built and a new butchery and bakery erected. Ngawhatu. —The Nurses' Home is nearly finished, and a start was made to build three male villas. Renovations generally were attended to. Sunnyside. —Repairs and renovations were made to one building, one was altered, and additions made to two. Seacliff. —A new surgery and sick-bay were erected at F. 4 ward, and a new occupational block and hairdressing saloon erected. F. 3 wing was demolished, fire damage to F. 1 dining-room was made good, and extensive renovations and repairs generally were carried out. Hokitika. —Villas 4 and 7 are in course of erection, villa 1 was renovated internally, villa 6 painted externally, new piggery building was erected, and general maintenance carried out. National Broadcasting and Commercial Broadcasting Services. Napier. —The transmitting-station and a residence were erected and the studio fitted up at Napier. Christchurch. —For 3YA, repairs and renovations were carried out at Gebbies' Pass, a receivingstation was built at Teddington, and the studio at Christchurch reconstructed. The original studios for 3ZB were reconstructed. Dunedin. —The transmitting-station for Invercargill was completed, and studios fitted up in Invercargill. Greymouth.—The studio for 3ZR was fitted up at Greymouth. Native Department. Whangarei.-—One hundred and thirty-nine houses, eleven huts, and thirty-two milk-sheds were completed, sixty-nine houses, eighteen huts, and thirteen milk-sheds are in hand, the renovation of eleven buildings was carried out and of ten buildings is in hand.
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Auckland. —Sixty-three cottages and seventeen huts were built. New office accommodation was fitted up at Hamilton, and repairs and renovations effected to the Maori Hostel, Auckland. Taumarunui.—Twenty-two cottages were built, five are in course of erection, and repairs and renovations were carried out to twelve cottages. Tauranga. —One hundred and thirty-five cottages and two hundred and twenty-seven other buildings were erected, and fifty-two cottages and ten other buildings are in course of erection. Gisborne. —Twenty-four houses were built, six are in course of erection, one was repaired, three were renovated, and three were altered. Stratford. —One house was built. Navy Department. Auckland.—At the Naval Base, Devonport, No. 2 machine-shop was completed and No. 3 machineshop is in course of erection. A new wireless station and a fire-fighting-equipment store were built, and an aviation-spirit store is in course of erection. At Kauri Point, K2 store, office, laboratory, an ammunition store, and a proof yard were built, and a water-tower is nearing completion. Christchurch. —Alterations and renovations were carried out to the R.N.V.R. Headquarters, Christchurch. Police Department. Whangarei. —Repairs and renovations were carried out to five buildings and additions and renovations were effected at one building. Auckland.—A new police-station and residence were built at Ellerslie, and a new police-station and residence are under construction at Papakura. General maintenance, renovations, and repairs were effected at thirty-four buildings. Taumarunui. —A new police-station was built at Manunui, and a combined police-station and courthouse was erected at Tokaanu. A building was purchased at National Park and an office fitted up. Renovations and repairs were made to three buildings. Tauranga.—-A new residence was built at Katikati, and a new residence, office, &c., are being erected at Whakatane. Repairs and renovations were carried out at three buildings and alterations made to one. Gisborne.—Repairs and renovations were effected to three buildings, and additions and alterations were carried out to three. Stratford. —A new office and residence were erected at Manaia, a new office block is in course of erection at Waitara, and repairs and renovations were effected at seven buildings. Napier. —Renovations and repairs were made to six buildings. Wellington.—The new police-station at Moera was completed, and the new police-station at Palmerston North is approaching completion. Nelson.—Renovations and repairs were attended to at ten buildings. Christchurch. —New police-stations and residences were erected at Linwood and Pleasant Point, and a new garage built at Southbridge, twelve buildings were repaired and renovated, two were altered, and two were added to. Dunedin. —New police-stations were erected at St. Clair and Balclutha, and police-stations are in course of erection at Mosgiel, Roslyn, Oamaru, and Oturehua. Renovations and repairs were carried out at thirty-two buildings. Greymouth. —A new police-station was built at Wataroa, and repairs and renovations were effected at nine buildings and repairs made to seven buildings. Post and Telegraph Department. Whangarei.—A new residence for the Postmaster at Okaihau was completed, and extensive additions to the post-office are in hand. Alterations and additions were made to five buildings. Auckland.—A commencement was made with the additions to the Chief Post-office, Auckland. A commencement was made with the erection of a Postmaster's residence at Papakura, and an automatic telephone-exchange at Avondale. Additions and alterations were carried out to seven buildings, and repairs and renovations were effected at three buildings. Taumarunui. —Minor repairs and renovations were attended to. Tauranga.—New bachelors' quarters were built at Te Teko, and a new garage and line-store erected at Whakatane. Renovations were made to three buildings, and additions made to two. Gisborne.—The erection of the new automatic telephone-exchange at Gisborne is about halfcompleted. Alterations were made to the Chief Post-office, Gisborne, and renovations and repairs were carried out at three buildings. Stratford. —Extensive alterations and additions are being made to the post-office at Ohingaiti. Napier. —A new residence was built for the Postmaster at Wairoa. Repairs and renovations were effected at three buildings. Wellington.—The additions to the Palmerston North post-office are approaching completion. Additions and alterations were made to two buildings, and alterations and repairs carried out at one building. Nelson. —New garages and a lineman's shed were built at Motueka, and alterations were made to two buildings and repairs effected at one. Christchurch.—New post-offices at Belfast and Little River, a new Postmaster's residence at Waiau, new garage, store, and offices at Amberley, new telephone-exchange and new line-store and garages at Geraldine were erected ; repairs and renovations were carried out at seven buildings, additions made to three, and alterations effected at four buildings. Dunedin. —Sundry renovations and repairs were effected at the Chief Post-office, Dunedin, and alterations made to accommodate State Departments. Extensive alterations and additions to the Oamaru Post-office were completed, the erection of the new post-office at Invercargill is well under way, and a new residence was built at Pool burn. Repairs and renovations were effected at seven buildings and additions made to two. Greymouth.—Alterations, additions, renovations, and repairs were carried out to five buildings.
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Social Security Department. Taumarunui. —Offices in leased premises were fitted up. Tauranga.—Extensive alterations were made to the Royal Mail Building at Rotorua for office accommodation, and alterations made to the Government Buildings at Tauranga for a similar purpose. Gisborne. —Alterations and renovations were carried out to leased premises for office accommodation. Stratford. —Offices were fitted up at Hawera, New Plymouth, Stratford, and Wanganui. Wellington.—A new building was erected in Aotea Quay to replace the structure destroyed by fire in Aitken Street. In this connection a record was established for speed in erection ; a start was made on the 3rd February, 1939, the building was completed on the 27th March, and was in occupation on the Ist April, 1939. Christchurch. —Alterations were made to three buildings for office accommodation. Dunedin.—Extensive alterations and additions were made to the old money-order office at Oamaru, and an old disused building at Alexandra was altered and renovated for office accommodation. Renovations and alterations were carried out at Invercargill, Gore, and Riverton. Greymouth.—Offices were fitted up at Greymouth, Westport, and Hokitika. Tourist and Publicity Department. Taumarunui. —The kitchen and servery at The Chateau were remodelled. Three small sheds were built, and miscellaneous repairs and renovations were attended to. Tauranga.—Extensive alterations and renovations were carried out at the main bath building, Rotorua. Dunedin.—A lighting-plant was installed in the Milford Sound Hostel, and minor alterations elsewhere were carried out. Miscellaneous. Whangarei.—Alterations, renovations, and repairs were carried out to four buildings for the Marine Department, and renovations made to one building for the Forestry Department. Auckland.—The foundations and steel frame of the new departmental building in Jean Batten Place were completed. Additions were made to three buildings, and six cottages were erected in Ellicott's Block for the Lands Department. Tauranga.—Alterations and additions were made to four buildings, and sundry renovations and repairs were attended to. Gisborne. —Repairs and renovations were effected at one building, and three buildings were altered and added to. Stratford. —A new Public Works Office and garage were built at Taihape. Napier.—The new Government Building at Napier was completed, a plant depot and workshop was built at Napier, and departmental buildings were erected at Wairoa. Wellington.—The Government Life Insurance Building is practically completed, the foundations and steel framework of the new departmental block in Stout Street were completed, additions were made to the Public Works Department building at Rongotai, the Customs Building was strengthened, the plant depot at Hinemoa Street was completed, additions were made to the Meteorological Office at Kelburn, and additions on the roof of Parliament Buildings are in course of erection. The temporary building in Aitken Street which was nearly finished was totally destroyed by fire on the 2nd February, 1939. Two residences were purchased for Ministers of the Crown. The old museum and sundry residences in Sydney Street were demolished. Alterations, renovations, and repairs were carried out to eleven buildings and additions made to one. Nelson.—The new Government Life Insurance Building at Nelson is approaching completion, two cottages were built for the State Forest Service at Golden Downs, and kilns, store, glasshouses, and sheds were completed at Riwaka for the Scientific and Industrial Research Department. Repairs and renovations were effected at five buildings, alterations carried out at three, and maintenance attended to at four buildings. Christchurch. —A new building is being erected for the Wheat Research Institute. Additions were made to four buildings, renovations and repairs effected at twelve and alterations made to one building. The erection of " The Sign of the Takahe "is proceeding steadily. Dunedin.—At Tairoa Head a new building is being built for a fog signal, and renovations and repairs were effected to the lighthouse and dwellings. The State Fire Insurance Building at Invercargill was completed, the old Lands Department building at Dunedin was converted and renovated for other Departments. Renovations and repairs were carried out at two buildings. Greymouth. —A carpenters' workshop and garage were built at Greymouth, renovations and repairs were carried out at six buildings and alterations made to one. Generally.—The progress of buildings generally has been handicapped by the shortage of skilled tradesmen. Much alteration work has been carried out in connection with extended accommodation for other Departments. The departmental workshops have been fully occupied, and a great deal of furniture has been made by outside firms for the Department. In connection with country maintenance it has been difficult to get quotes owing to the amount of other work offering. In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation of the co-operation of the District Offices and the continued loyalty and industry of the staff. I have, &c., John T. MAIR, A.R.1.8.A., Government Architect.
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APPENDIX D.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF ELECTRICAL ENGINEER.
The Chief Electrical Engineer to the Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Sir, — I beg to report 011 the position of the development of electric power in the Dominion for the past year, as follows : — GENERATING-SCHEMES IN OPERATION. NORTH ISLAND ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM. 1. Capital Outlay. At the close of the year 1938-39 the total capital outlay was £9,264,384, representing assets in operation, and £446,171, representing assets not in operation, giving a total capital outlay of £9,710,555, and Table II gives an analysis of this amount. 2. Financial Results. The total revenue for the year amounted to £1,127,132 and working-expenses £200,438, which resulted in a gross profit of £926,694, equal to a return of 10-06 per cent, on the average capital in operation (£9,208,227). After paying interest (£353,676), depreciation (£7,228), the departmental proportion of the capital charges on King's Wharf Station (£33,547) and cost of raising loans, &c., amounting to £2,073, there was a net profit of £530,170. Comparative figures for the year ending 31st March, 1938, are as follows : Revenue, £978,492 ; working-expenses, £177,545 ; interest, £349,816 ; depreciation, £50,725 ; and King's Wharf charges, £37,593—with a net profit of £360,662. The accumulated Depreciation Reserve and Sinking Funds as at 31st March, 1939, amounted to £1,783,971. Table 1 gives full particulars of financial results as well as other relevant statistical information. 3. General. The units generated and purchased totalled 935,237,791 for the system. Units actually sold totalled 835,943,799 and units used for station auxiliaries, &c., totalled 7,997,884. The balance of 91,296,108 units represents transmission and distribution losses amounting to 9-76 per cent, of the total output. The maximum load on the system was 174,880 kW. and the annual load factor 61-05 per cent. The total connected load was 1,217,968 kW., and the demand factor or ratio of maximum load to connected load was 14-36 per cent. 4. Construction, Operation, and Maintenance. A. HAMILTON DISTRICT. (1) Construction. (a) power-stations. Arapuni.—Work on the extensions under the control of the General Branch was brought to a close in August, 1938, with the completion of a new blacksmith's shop and approach road, and the erection of precast panelling and lamp standards on the access road to the power-house. A concrete float chamber and platform for the water-level recorder in the spillway was completed, and a 5-ton stop-log gantry crane also was erected. The inclined lift was completed towards the end of the year. The Stratford 110 kV. line and No. 5 line to Penrose were changed over to the outdoor steel structure extensions in June, and the new Edgecumbe UOkY. line was connected up in January. A temporary 50 kV. 0.C.8. has been installed to control supply to the new Edgecumbe line which is being operated at 50 kV. pending the installation of 110 kV. equipment at Edgecumbe.
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Horahora. —A booster transformer was put into service on 11 kV. supply to the Cambridge area on 10th October. (6) SUBSTATIONS. Penrose. —A fourth 110/22 kV. transformer bank, of 30,000 kVA. capacity, was put into service on 7th April, 1938. Four 6666 kVA. transformers for the second synchronous condenser have been dried out and placed in position ; work is proceeding on the foundations for the new condenser. Merz Price protective equipment was installed on the two 22/50 kV. transformer banks in May. Bombay. —Six new 110 kV. 0.C.8.'s were put into service. Seven new 1000 kVA transformers fitted with automatic on-load, tap-changing equipment are being made ready for the replacement of the existing 500 kVA transformers 50/11 kV. banks. Garages were erected at four cottages. Hamilton. —Work is proceeding on the replacement of the existing 11 kV. switchgear by new ironclad switchgear and metering equipment. A garage was erected at Cottage No. 2. Takapuna.- —The existing 0.C.8.'s on the 11 kV. incoming and outgoing feeders were replaced by new truck-type 0.C.8.'s on 4th December, and two booster transformers were put into service on 20th March, 1939. Henderson.- —New truck-type 0.C.8.'s were installed in place of the existing 0.C.8.'s on the 11 kV. incoming and outgoing feeders on Bth April, 1939. Garages were erected at three cottages. Tahekeroa. —Work has commenced on the installation of a booster transformer. Mareretu. —A 50 kV. lightning arrester fitted with surge counters was installed on 29th December, and a booster transformer was put into service on 16th April, 1939. A relief operator's bach and a communal garage were erected. Maungatapere. —A new 11 kV. feeder was put into service in March, and a booster transformer was put into service on 23rd April, 1939. Two garages were erected. Kerepeehi. —A garage was erected for the relief operator, and a start was made on the installation of a booster transformer. Waikino. —Work is in progress on the building of three new cottages. A new panel was erected on the control board for the mounting of additional relays for the Paeroa 50 kV. line 0.C.8. Waihou. —A booster transformer was installed on 9th March, 1939. A garage was built for the operator. Matamata. —A booster transformer was installed on 16th March, 1939. Te Awamutu and Hangatiki.—Two garages were erected at Te Awamutu, and two at HangatikiNgongotaha. —A new 50 kV. 0.C.8. for the second 750 kVA. transformer bank, and two 11 kV. earthing transformers from Edgecumbe and Waiotahi were put into service on Ist September. The old earthing transformer is being held as a spare. The switchroom has been extended to accommodate the 11 kV. switchgear that is being taken out of service at Hamilton. Two garages and a relief operator's bach were erected. Rotoiti.—An automatic reclosing, pole mounting, 6-6 kV. 0.C.8., was installed in October. Edgecumbe. —A fourth 11 kV. feeder 0.C.8. was installed and put into service by the Bay of Plenty Power Board on Ist August, when supply was commenced to the Whakatane Borough Council. Waiotahi. —A third 11 kV. feeder 0.C.8. was installed by the Bay of Plenty Power Board in May, 1938, and is being held as a spare. A lineman's cottage and relief operator's bach were completed in September. Onaarue. —A new 2250 kVA. 110/11 kV. substation to supply the Taumarunui area was completed in April, 1939. (c) TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION LINES. Arapuni-Edgecumbe 110 kV. Line. —Pole-erection was commenced in April, 1938, and construction was practically completed by the following April. Jumpers were run to connect up the new line to the old 50 kV. line at Hamurana, and the Arapuni-Hamurana section was put into service at 50 kV. on 22nd January to provide alternative means of supply to Edgecumbe and Waiotahi substations. Arapuni-Penrose 110 kV. Tower-line No. 2. —Route plans were completed, and tower-erection was commenced in March, 1939. It is expected to have the line completed by the middle of next year. Penrose-Henderson 110 kV. Line. —The proposed line was traversed and sectioned, a schedule of towers was prepared, and railway and tidal water crossings and the joint use of towers by the Department and the Auckland Power Board were investigated. A substation-site was selected at Mount Roskill and a legal survey made. Arapuni-Stratford 110 kV. Line. —Two new linemen's cottages were completed at Tangarakau Depot in July. Arapuni-Bunnythorpe 110 kV. Line (Ongarue-Ohakune Section).—A survey party was started on the location of the proposed line in the rough bush country between Pokaka and National Park in March. Maungatapere-Kaitaia 50 IcV. Line. —Survey-work was resumed in August. The pegging of structure positions has been completed, and a start made on the cartage of poles to sites. All poles on hand at depots were sterilized with an oxy-acetylene flame. Substation-sites were selected at Kaikohe and Kaitaia and legal surveys made. Ongarue-Taumarunui 11 kV. Line.—The construction of a double-circuit line was commenced in November and was completed in April, 1939. Taumarunui-Manunui 11 kV. Line. —Route plans were completed, and poles were carted to sites. A start "was made on the erection of poles in April, 1939.
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(d) WAIKATO RIVER POWER SURVEY. Surveys and investigations were resumed in relation to further power schemes on the Waikato River, particularly with regard to a proposed dam-site at Karapiro, near Cambridge, and a project to install control gates at Taupo to control the flow of water into the Waikato River and also to increase the storage-capacity of the lake. Sub-surface investigations were made on the proposed site at Karapiro, gauges were installed at selected points of the river, and levelling was completed from Arapuni to Cambridge. Work on the Karapiro Scheme was taken over by the General Branch in November, and a survey party proceeded to Taupo, where investigations are in progress in connection with a diversion channel in the vicinity of the bridge and a diversion tunnel at Otaranga. A number of test bores have been drilled on each site, and various sections of the river, and also low-lying areas at Tokaanu, have been traversed. Proposed dam-sites were investigated at Ohakuri and Whakamaru also. (2) Operation and Maintenance. (a) POWER-STATIONS. Arapuni.—The four original generators became very dirty while construction work on the powerhouse extensions was in progress, but it was not practicable to shut down the units for complete overhaul until Nos. 7 and 8 units were available for service. No. 4 unit was dismantled in April-May before the winter loading set in, and Nos. 3, 2, and 1 units were dismantled in turn in the following summer. The ventilating-slots on each machine were found to be badly blocked with dust deposits, and a group of six-turn coils was found defective on No. 2 unit. The turbine runner on No. 1 unit was replaced by a reconditioned spare. One of the transformers in an 11/110 kV. bank was damaged by a short circuit between turns on the L.T. winding in June, and both the L.T. and H.T. windings were replaced. Heavy deposits were found on the windings, and an inspection of the other 11/110 kV. transformers showed that all but one had similar heavy deposits on the windings. This deposit has now been fairly definitely explained as an exudation of excess varnish. A total interruption to system supply was caused on 23rd April, 1938, by the breakdown of a 110 kV. 0.C.8. bushing. In addition, there were two 50 kV. C.T. bushing failures during the year. The bushings and contacts on the original 110 kV. and 50 kV. 0.C.8.'s are being replaced by equipment of a later type ; bushings have been replaced on five 110 kV. 0.C.8.'5. The maximum load on the station was 110,000 kW. and the output for the year was 585,779,100 units. Corresponding figures for the previous year were 93,200 kW. and 512,604,700 units. Horahora. —An 11 kV. C.T. failure occurred in August, and a flashovcr on an 11 kV. 0.C.8. was caused by a bird in January. The 11 kV. induction regulator was removed in September preparatory to the installation of a booster transformer. Two 50 kV. 0.C.8. bushings were replaced following low tests. One of these and another with a broken porcelain shell are being reconditioned. Penrose Diesel Plant. —The plant was given a short maintenance run each week and was put on load for two days at the end of March. (Ib) SUBSTATIONS. Penrose.—A 22 kV. single-core cable-box broke down in June, and a flashover occurred inside a 50 kV. 0.C.8. in July. The original 110 kV. 0.C.8.'s on two banks were completely dismantled, and the concrete pads were altered to take two new 0.C.8.'5. A defective 50 kV. strain insulator and eleven cracked 110 kV. pillar insulators were replaced. A 110 kV. pillar insulator that broke oft when an isolating link was operated, and two other pillar insulators that were damaged by the falling insulator were also replaced. Bombay. —The transformers in one 110/50 kV. bank were completely overhauled. Six defective 110 kV. post insulators were replaced. Alterations were made to No. 3 cottage. Hamilton.—Two 110 kV. transformer bushings that were found defective by testing, and nine cracked 110 kV. pillar insulators, were replaced. Following low tests on a number of, bushings on the four 110 kV. line 0.C.8.'s the 0.C.8.'s have been taken out of service pending further investigations. Supply to Ruakura State Farm was taken over by the Central Waikato Electric-power Board on 23rd December. Takapuna.—The 5 kVA. local service transformer was replaced by a new 25 kVA. transformer when the new 11 kV. 0.C.8.'s were installed in December. Four defective 50 kV. strain insulators were replaced. Henderson.—No. 1 11 kV. incoming feeder 0.C.8. was damaged by a flashover in June. A transformer 50 kV. bushing broke down in September, and a flashover was caused by a cat on the 50 kV. structure in December. Two four-unit strings and two five-unit strings of insulators on the 50 kV. structure were replaced on account of defective units. Tahekeroa. —A flashover on a5O kV. 0.C.8. bushing was caused by lightning in September. Mareretu.—Fatal injuries were received by a relief operator on 27th January when ho made accidental contact with the arcing horn of a 50 kV. 0.C.8. bushing. Kerepeehi.-—The insulators on a 50 kV. lightning arrester were replaced. Waikino.- —An 11 kV. C.T. failed in October, and a broken liold-on catch on a 50 kV. bus sectionalizing 0.C.8. caused a station outage in March. No. 250 kV. 0.C.8. on the incoming line tripped in February, but nothing was found to account for the tripping. Waihou. —A third overcurrent relay was installed on each of three 11 kV. outgoing feeder panels. Matamata.-—The garage was altered to provide living-quarters for the relief operator.
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Te Awamutu. —The C.T.'s on the 11 kV. incoming feeder 0.C.8. were replaced by reconditioned C.T.'s, and three defective 50 kY. insulators also were replaced. Hangatiki.—Three defective 50 kV. insulators were replaced. Ngongotaha. —The source of unusual radio interference was traced to a bank of 50/6-6 kV. transformers, and an investigation showed that a number of strands of the H.T. and L.T. leads in one of the transformers had been burned through. A 50 kV. transformer bushing was found defective during testing, and was replaced. Rotoiti. —The original 100 kVA. three-phase 50/6-6 kV. transformer damaged by lightning on 17th February, 1938, was repaired and connected up in parallel with the existing 100 kVA. transformer in May, 1939. Edgecumbe and Waiotahi. —The 50/5 C.T.'s on the 11 kV. incoming and metering 0.C.8.'s at each substation were replaced by C.T.'s of 100/5 ratio. M.aungatapere, Huntly, and Mamaku.—These substations gave satisfactory service throughout the year. 11 kV. Substations. —Metering equipment was installed on the 11 kV. side of the transformer at the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Co. substation at Frankton in October, when a new supply contract came into force. The other two 11 kY. substations at Hautapu and Grand junction gave satisfactory service throughout the year. General. —Tests were carried out on all 110 kV. and 50 kV. bushings during the year. Each bushing is being fitted with a numbered metal plate for identification purposes. (c) TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION LINES. (i) 110 kV. Arapuni-Penrose. —No trouble was experienced on the tower-line circuits, but on the wood-pole line a pole was damaged by lightning in April, flashovers occurred between the 110 kV. line and the earth-wire during a storm in May, a defective 52 ft. pole broke off at the ground-line during a gale in July, and a conductor came adrift from a string of insulators in September due to the shearing of a cotter-pin on a suspension clamp. The earth-wire was dismantled from a further 203 poles, but it has yet to be removed from about fifty poles. Arapuni-Stratford. —A pole was shattered by lightning in July, and a flashover was caused by lightning in December. (ii) 50 kV. Penrose-Takapuna. —A conductor was burned through in July when a flashover occurred between the 50 kV. line and the top earth-wire. Subsequently the top earth-wire was dismantled from a further fifteen towers. Henderson-Maungatapere. —Flashovers between the 50 kV. line and the telephone-line were caused by a telephone insulator coming adrift from a span-breaker during a storm in August, and again in January. An outage of approximately 19| hours occurred during exceptionally stormy weather in September, when a pole and two strings of suspension insulators in an inaccessible position on an exposed hill-top were shattered by lightning. Difficulty in locating the fault at night, and difficulty in transporting material to the site and in effecting repairs in the face of winds of strong-gale force, together with heavy rain, all contributed to the time required to restore the line to service. Bombay-Kerepeehi. —Lightning caused a flashover on four poles in April and on one pole in September, but no material damage was done. Two conductors were burned through by a flashover caused by a bush fire in hilly country in March. Waikino-Aoangatete.—Flashovers occurred between the 50 kV. line and the telephone-line during a storm in May, and a 42 ft. pole was damaged by a scrub fire in February. Horahora-Matamata. —The tops of tower stubs were treated with a rust-preventative, and corroded tower members were strengthened. Horahora-Hamilton and Mystery Creek-Te Awamutu. —A number of poles fitted with earth guards were converted to fiat-top type having double crossarms, and insulators, to enable the earths to be dispensed with. Te Awamutu - Hangatiki.—Outages were caused by a flashover between the 50 kV. line and the telephone-line during a storm, in August, and by a broken conductor in December. Arapuni-Ngongotaha. —An outage occurred in April, but nothing was found to account for it. An insulator on an A.B.S. was shattered by lightning in December. Ngongotaha-Edgecumbe. —A conductor was burned through by a flashover on the take-off structure at Rotoiti in April, caused by a broken binder, and an outage was caused by a broken conductor in January. Edgecumbe-Waiotahi. —The line was fouled by a haystacker in January. Kerepeehi-Waikino, Matamata-Paeroa, Ramilton-Huntly, Arapuni-Horahora, ArapuniEdgecumbe. —No trouble was experienced on any of these lines during the year. (iii) 11 kV. Horahora North and South Feeders. —Outages were caused in July by a flashover on an 11 kV. metering C.T. at Leamington due to a rat, and a flashover on an A.B.S. at Leamington when the A.B.S. was opened ; in September by the breakdown of an 11 kV. pin insulator ; and in November by a cross-arm being set alight and burned through due to a defective insulator.
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Waikino-Waihi. —A number of corroded steel-tower members were replaced by reconditioned parts. Arapuni Village. —Five new 30 ft. poles were erected for service lines. Grand Junction Tap and Ilamilton-Frankton.—These lines gave satisfactory service throughout the year. (iv) General. Maintenance.—Routine patrol and maintenance work was carried out on the various lines and access tracks, live-line testing of insulators was carried out on the 110 kY. and 50 kY. lines, poles were tested by boring, and grub-holes in poles were cleaned out and filled with compound. Insulator Replacements. —The results of live-line testing are as follows : —
Total number tested, 74,310 ; total number defective, 232 ; percentage defective, 0-312. Of the 221 defective 50 kV. pin insulators all but four were part of shipments of two makes purchased in 1920 and 1924-25 respectively, and which are being replaced whenever opportunity permits. Twenty-seven defective 50 kV. pin insulators were replaced with the use of live-line tools. In addition to the insulators listed above, twelve cracked pin insulators and one that failed in service were replaced on 11 kV. lines. Pole Replacements. —Fifty-two defective poles consisting of twenty 52 ft., one 50 ft., one 45 ft., sixteen 42 ft., three 38 ft., and eleven 25 ft. poles were replaced. Of this number, twenty-one LB. and fifteen M.A.H. poles had decayed heartwood, five 1.8. and five M.A.H. poles had decayed or extensive knot-holes, three silver-pine poles were damaged by fire, two 1.8. poles were shattered by lightning, and one 1.8. pole was replaced on account of slimness. (d) TESTING. In addition to the routine testing of instruments, meters, relays insulators, &c., installation tests were made on new equipment at Arapuni, Horahora, Penrose, Bombay, Henderson, Takapuna, Mareretu, Maungatapere, Waihou, Matamata, Ngongotaha, and Rotoiti, and a preliminary test was made on the on-load tap changing transformers and control gear for Ongarue. Tests were made on all 110 kV. and 50 kY. bushings, and check tests were made on a number of bushings with the Schering Bridge. Work carried out at Arapuni included current-meter and salt-efficiency tests on No. 7 turbine ; tests for speed of response of regulators, and open and short-circuit characteristics of Nos. 7 and 8 generators ; and pressure tests on No. 2 generator windings after the completion of repairs. (e) GENERAL. System Operation.—For normal operation Arapuni Power Station was run continuously in parallel with the Mangahao-Waikaremoana system. Assistance was given by Horahora Power Station for one load shift daily five days a week, with the exception of holidays, until 9th January, when the running-time was increased to one load shift every day to improve voltage regulation on the Waihou line. Owing to lack of rain Arapuni was called on to give a considerably increased supply over the Stratford line in February to assist the southern stations in conserving water, and Horahora runningtime was increased to twelve load shifts a week on 2nd February, and to continuous operation on sth April. The Penrose Diesel plant was put on load for two days in March, and King's Wharf steam-station was put on load on sth April and has continued to operate as required by Arapuni. The heavy loading on Arapuni, together with a decreased flow in the Waikato River, resulted in the level of water in the headrace at Arapuni being below the spillway crest for several weeks. Assistance has been given to McLaren's Falls supplying Tauranga Borough Council on five to seven days a week, as required, since July, 1938. Load. —The units generated at Arapuni, Horahora, and Penrose totalled 607,263,950, an increase of 10-8 per cent, over the total output in the previous year. Units actually sold (within the district) totalled 450,205,766 ; net supply to the southern system totalled 105,713,550 units ; and units used by auxiliaries totalled 3,370,020. The balance of 47,974,614 units represents transmission and distribution losses amounting to 7-90 per cent, of the total output. The maximum load on the generating-plants was 120,000 kW., compared with 96,856 kW. in the previous year, and the maximum load excluding supply to the southern system was 100,920 kW., compared with 84,140 kW. in the previous year. The average load factor was 57-77 per cent. The total connected load increased from 500,795 kW. to 598,707 kW., and the demand factor or ratio of maximum load to connected load, excluding supply to the southern system, was 16-86 per cent.
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—— 110 kV. Units. SO kV. Units. 50 kV. Pin. Number tested .. .. .. .. .. 49,065 11,393 13,852 Number defective by test .. .. .. .. 1 .. 187 Number defective by inspection .. .. .. 2 8 34
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Troubles on Department's System.—The following table gives an. analysis of troubles on the Department's System for the last three years :—
Circuit miles of transmission lines in operation: 11 kV., 71-14 ; 33 kV., Nil. ; 50 kV., 431-36 ; 66 kV, nil; 110 kV., 491-92. Number of substations in service: 11 kV., 3 ; 33 kV., nil; 50 kV., 17 ; 66 kV., nil; 110 kV., 3. Number of consumers : Bulk, 12 ; wholesale, 5.
B. PALMERSTON NORTH DISTRICT. 1. Construction. (a) POWER-STATIONS. Mangahao Power-house and Headworks.—During the year six new cottages with garages, one five stall, one two-stall, and two single garages, and a new boat-house at No. 1 dam were erected. A site for cottages at No. 1 dam was investigated. Two three-phase 11/11 kV. auto-transformers with auto tap-changing equipment have been ordered to replace induction regulators at present supplying the Horowhenua Electric-power board. Waikaremoana Power-house and Headworks.—New buildings erected during the year were as follows : 6 garages and 1 single men's quarters. Work has commenced on the erection of a new social-hall and on a departmental stable. The pipe-line for No. 3 unit was completed, and the erection of this unit is nearing completion. A substation was designed for the lower development at Piripaua, and erection has commenced. Air-conditioning equipment was installed to condition the air-supply to the control-room. At Piripaua five cottages with garages were erected. Tenders have been called for a 10,000 kVA. 110/50 kV. transformer bank as an alternative supply for the Gisborne-Wairoa line, and for a 1,000 kVA. 110/11 kV. transformer bank with 11 kV. structure to supply the lower development and all existing 11 kV. load. (b) SUBSTATIONS. Bunnythorpe. —The necessary increase in transformer capacity has been investigated, and orders placed for two three-phase, 7,500 kVA. tap-changing-on-load banks with one spare single-phase unit. Dannevirke. —Two new bays of steelwork have been ordered for the Woodvillc-Napier line duplication. Two private garages were built for Nos. 2 and 3 cottages. Gisborne. —At this substation one cottage, three single garages, and a single men's quarters were erected during the year. A new distribution board was installed.
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Year ending 31st March, Description. | ; 1937. j 1938. 1939. j 6-6 or 11 kV. lines— (1) Defects .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 3 (2) External causes .. .. .. .. .. 1 3 33, 50, or 66 kV. lines —■ (3) Defects .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 5 10 (4) External causes .. .. .. .. .. 4 2 3 110 kV. lines— (5) Defects .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 (6) External causes .. .. .. .. .. 3 (7) Lightning .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 11 6 (8) Storms, nature of trouble not discovered .. .. .. 1 2 (9) 5, 6-6, 11, or 22 kV. apparatus .. .. .. .. 8 12 6 (10) 33, 50, or 66 kV. apparatus .. .. .. .. 3 6 8 (11) 110 kV. apparatus .. .. .. .. .. 1 3 2 (12) Generators or synchronous motors .. .. .. .. .. 1 (13) Relays .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 (14) Control circuits and batteries .. .. .. 3 (15) Operation: Mistakes .. .. .. .. .. 4 3 8 (16) Operation: Accidents .. .. .. .. .. 2 3 2 (17) Other causes .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 4 (18) Cause unknown .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. 2 Totals .. .. . .. .. .. 56 51 59
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Hawera.—Special voltage relays were fitted to the 11 kV. switchgear. One two-stall and three single garages were erected. Khandallah.—The new 110 kV. bay w;as erected, and the 20,000 kVA. bank has arrived and is practically ready for service. The existing 11 kV. switch and operating gear was replaced by new apparatus of larger rupturing capacity. Mangamaire.—The erection of one cottage and one two-stall and four single garages is almost completed. The ground has been levelled in preparation for addition to the existing steelwork for the second transformer bank. Marton.—Preparations are in hand for the replacement of the existing transformer bank by one ex-Bunnythorpe and replacement of existing 110 kV. switchgear. Masterton.—One cottage with' single garage is under construction, and two single garages have been built. Switchgear and steelwork necessary for the Khandallah-Masterton line take-off has arrived and work of erection is proceeding. Melting.—llo kV. switchgear and steelwork for the Khandallah-Masterton line have been erected. A single men's quarters were built. Napier.—Construction consists of the building of one cottage with a garage and four single garages. New Plymouth.—Arrangements for the new substation building are in hand. A new transformer bank of 7,500 kVA. has been ordered. Opunake-Te Kiri.—Contour plans and levels for this substation are being prepared. Paraparaumu.—One two-stall private garage was erected. Stratford.—Tenders have been called for a 10,000 kVA. 110/50 kV. and a 5,000 kVA; 50/33 kV. bank to replace the existing transformers. Requirements of new steelwork and switchgear were investigated. One three stall garage and a tool-shed were constructed. Taihape.—The site for this substation has been fixed at a point one mile and a half south by road from Mataroa Railway-station. Waipawa.—Three single garages were erected. A new service board was completed and wired. .Drainage of substation land was attended to and old P.T. pads removed. A contract has been let for new 110 kV. switchgear for the Woodville-Napier line duplication. Wanganui.—Four private garages were completed and additional field drains were laid. A wellpump was installed, water-tank and stand erected, and pipes were laid, these arrangements completing the new water-supply to cottages. Woodville.—Two single garages were erected. A new control-room has been built and is being wired. Arrangements have been made with the Dannevirke Electric-power Board for the Department to give a second point of supply at Woodville. (c) PATROL DEPOTS. Akatarawa.—Two cottages, single men's quarters, and one two-stall private and one two-stall official garages have been almost completed. Kotemaori.—Two cottages, single men's quarters, and two single private and one two-stall official garages are under construction. Ruakituri.—Two cottages, single men's quarters, one stable, and two single private and one twostall official garages are under construction. (d) TRANSMISSION LINES; (i) 110 kV. Lines. Khandallah-Masterton.—Construction work on this line has started. The steelwork has been delivered and up to Ist July, 1939, 83 towers have been erected. Contracts have been let for the erection of poles for the telephone-line. Woodville—Napier Duplication.-—Survey is now completed and all field plans have been drawn. Preparation is being made to call tenders for pole-erection on the Napier-Waipawa section. Stratford-Te Kiri.—Seventeen miles of this line have now been surveyed, leaving three miles to complete this work. Bunnythorpe-Ongarue.—Survey of this line has started. One party has fixed detailed location from Ongarue to National Park and is now working in the bush section at Erua and Pokaka, and another party is quartered at Mangaonoho, near Hunterville. Tuai-Piripaua.—Survey is complete and plans have been drawn. (ii) 11 kV. Lines. Tuai-Piripaua.—This line and a telepone-line have been erected. Piripaua-Waihi.—This line, for supply of power to settlers in the Waikaretaheke Valley, has been surveyed and drawings are being prepared.
6—D. 1.
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(iii) 400 Volt Lines. Tuai-Onepoto.—A two-phase line was run from the surge chamber to the power-house for pipe-line and street lighting. Tuai Village.—Both service and street-lighting lines have been extended. Lower Development Camp 1. —The line to the camp has been completed, and house-servicing and street-lighting is proceeding. Lower Development Camp 2. —In the course of erection. Kaitawa Control Line.—Extra cable was run from the surge chambcr to the weir. Mangaore Village.—Extensions have been made to the service lines and street-lighting of this village. (e) GENERAL. Accommodation. —In general, building-construction as carried out during the year comprised work in garages as complementary to the various staff houses built the previous year. Land is being leased for single men's quarters at Wairoa, and a site has been investigated for cottages at No. 1 dam, Mangahao. Palmerston North,.—A two-stall private garage was built for the departmental cottages in Cuba Street. 2. OperationJand Maintenance. (a) power-stations. Waikaremoana. , Headworks. —Two periods of flooding occurred in the early part of the year, and high-lake levels persisted until the rainy season in July, when the level reached 2024-2 —the highest level recorded since 1922, when the recording of levels was first commenced. The rainfall for the year registered at Onepoto was 99-73 in. and the evaporation 40-33 in. During the period of high iake-levels 2 ft. of the timber bulkheads at the Kaitawa spillway were removed for the entire 100 ft. and were replaced later when the river flow decreased. Trouble was experienced due to driftwood, but was overcome by placing an extra net of 2 in. mesh across the tunnel entrance. The integrating meter for measuring waste water over the Kaitawa weir was replaced during the year. No. 3 surge-chamber gate was overhauled and painted in preparation for use on the new pipe-line. Power-house.—The cooling water header boxes were replaced on all the main transformers, and two 6,666 kVA. and two of the main 50 kV. transformers were completely overhauled. Overhaul of all 110 kV. bushings and current transformer bushings is proceeding. Explosion vents were fitted to all transformers. The erection of new 400 volt switchgear, which replaced the original equipment, was completed, and new exciters were installed on Nos. 4 and 5 auxiliary machines. Reliability of Generating-units. —The operation of the main generating-units at Tuai was satisfactory throughout the year. Minor trouble was experienced for a short period due to driftwood entering the turbines during the flood period and affecting the balance of the machines. Mangahao. Headworks.- —No serious floods occurred during the year, but heavy rain on several occasions brought down minor slips which necessitated a certain amount of work in keeping access roads clear. The total rainfall recorded at No. 1 dam was 144-47 in., rain being recorded on 221 days. Rainfall recorded at other points for the year was No. 2 dam, 129-68 in. ; No. 3 dam, 98-06 in. ; and at the power-station 48-50 in. The total amount of surplus water recorded at No. 2 dam was 8,879,000,000 cubic feet. General repairs of buildings and painting and maintenance of all apparatus has been carried out. Check Survey of Sedimentation : Upper Mangahao Basin.—This was carried out in February while the lake was at a low level. A previous check was made in 1935 for the 1933-35 period, but since this investigation intensive storms and record floods in 1936 and 1937 have occurred, uprooting considerable areas of forest in the Mangahao watershed, and materially increasing the total deposits. Results show that "this basin will be approximately half full in 194-7 if the average rate of sedimentation over the last six years is maintained in the next eight. Power-house.—Operation of all equipment in the power-station has been satisfactory during the year. Following tests on all 110 kV. bushings, one bushing was removed from the Wellington West line 0.C.8. and forwarded to Bunnythorpe for reconditioning. New llkV. switchgear of increased rupturing-capaeity, which is to replace the original switchgear, arrived at the end of the year, and a start has been made on the installation of this equipment. The ship telegraph signalling-system was dismantled in preparation for the installation of a loud-talking telephone system for communication between the control-room and other parts of the station building. Reconstruction prior to rewiring of the main control board was completed. All generator reactances were cleaned out and new breathers fitted. Two transformers of the main 110/11 kV. banks were overhauled.
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Reliability of Generating-units.—The operation of the main generating-units at Mangaore was satisfactory throughout the year, and the records of reliability as compiled for previous year's have been kept up to date. (b) SUBSTATIONS. Bunnythorpe.—Operation was satisfactory throughout the year. During the year several cracked post insulators were changed. The automatic-telephone-exchange equipment was overhauled. Dannevirlce.—One interruption of importance occurred on the 12th November, when an earthquake release clamp pulled oft in a heavy gale. A general renovation and painting of buildings was completed during the year. Gisborne. —This substation gave satisfactory operation during the year. 400 volt and telephone-line renewal work was carried out and a new distribution board installed. Hawera.—ln December a fault on Power Board bus-bars due to lightning caused an interruption, during which the main 11 kV. switch was cleaned out. Khandallah.—Modifications were made to the 11 kV. switchgear. An adjustable platform truck was made for the handling of potential transformers of various sizes. Burning was found in the amortisseur windings of the synchronous condenser and repaired. Mangamaire.—Operation was satisfactory throughout the year. In November a change over was made from No. 2 to No. 1 bank, when all No. 2 switchgear was overhauled. One 110 kV. 0.C.8. bushing was replaced. Masterton.—ln November a flashover on an 11 kV. bushing to conservator tank occurred. One H.T. and one L.T. bushing were replaced. Taps on the transformers have been altered and are now in the position for maximum volts. Marton. —One interruption occurred during the year, when a H.T. fuse blew on the 29th June due to the inability of the station battery to trip the 11 kV. switchgear. The battery was replaced. A new traverser truck was received. Melling.—This substation gave satisfactory service during the year. Napier.—An overhaul of several transformers was made. Several cracked post insulators were replaced. New Plymouth. —Operation at this substation was satisfactory during the year. Metering was altered to meet conditions of the new power contract with the New Plymouth Borough Council. Okato and Opunake. —Both substations were regularly inspected and gave satisfactory operation. In April faulty operation of reclosing-gear occurred, and was found to be due to reclosing relay resetting too soon. Papaparaumu.—This substation gave satisfactory service during the year. Stratford. —A fault occurred in February in the condenser main switch cubicle due to a mouse. All transformers and switchgear have been scraped and painted. Special earth-leakage relays were fitted. The Merz-Price potential transformers in the synchronous condenser switchgear were replaced. A ringing repeater has been installed on the high-tension telephone. Waipawa.—A new local service board was fitted up and put into service, and 0.C.8.s have been overhauled. Wairoa. —During the past year transformers were overhauled. A new 11 kV. bus was installed. Wanganui. —This substation gave satisfactory performance during the year. Woodville. —One fault occurred during July on an A.B.S. and was repaired. Four post insulators were replaced. (c) TRANSMISSION-LINES. (i) 110 kV. Mangahao-Khandallah Duplicate Lines.—Throughout the year a pole-to-pole inspection and overhaul was carried out; a number of insulator units were changed. In November a complete shutdown took place when an aeroplane damaged both east and west lines, and in January a special patrol and cleaning were carried out when salt spray trouble caused serious interruption to supply. Arrangements have been made to reinsulate the west line, MangahaoPaekakariki, to endeavour to overcome the salt trouble. On the telephone-line a general overhaul and rewiring was carried out. Between Mangaore and Otaki River the line was rewired with No. 6 copperweld on the twist system. This will eventually be carried on to Paekakariki, so that the whole line will then be copperweld. Four interruptions on the telephone-line during the year were due to break on a transposition near Orchard, broken wires at Horokiwi and Brandon Hut, and a faulty transposition near Manakau. Khandallah-Mtilling. —This line gave satisfactory service during the year. Mangahao-Bunnythorpe Duplicate Line.—This line operated satisfactorily. A pole-to-pole inspection and overhaul was carried out, and pole-capping was completed. A deviation was made in the line at the main North Trunk Railway line by Palmerston North. Further work was done on the Manawatu River protection groynes. A general overhaul and rewiring of the telephone-line was carried out, cadmium copper (with cork dampers) replacing copperweld on the Manawatu River-Bunnythorpe section. Bunnythorpe-Marton-Wanganui.—This line gave satisfactory service throughout the year. An overhaul was completed from last year and the fitting of " Armour rods " to all suspension clamps finished. Protective work was done at the Oroua River crossing. Telephone Line : Three faults occurred, two from broken crossarms near Bonny and the other from slack wires at Marton twisting. Work on the line for the year included a general overhaul and retensioning of wires.
6*
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Wanganui-Hawera-Stratford.—The reliability of this line for the year was good. Some guv fences were erected and a cage was completed at Tangahoe River. Faults on the telephone were as follows : A faulty switch at Maxwell's hut, a broken binder and a broken insulator at Tangarah.au hut, a broken wire between Patea and Waverley, and wires twisting between Dawes and Waverley due to an insulator becoming free. The line was overhauled in the Hawera section. Stratford-Pohokura. —One fault occurred in this line in a heavy north-west gale. A pole-to-pole inspection was carried out between Stratford and Quarry Road. Four faults occurred on the telephone-line—two during a storm on the 9th August, one in Pohokura hut, and the other when wires twisted between Stratford and Tahora. Bunnythorpe-Woodville. —General patrol work was carried out, and the line gave satisfactory service during the year. One interruption occurred on the telephone-line when wires became twisted at Summit hut. Woodville-Masterton. —This line also gave satisfactory service during the year. A pole-to-pole inspection was completed, and a general overhaul is proceeding. Defective insulators were changed. Arrangements have been made to reinsulate part of this line with insulators of higher form-factor to prevent trouble with salt. At the same time vibration dampers will be installed. Telephone line : No interruptions from line failures occurred during the year. A general overhaul is being done —portions of copperweld and copper sleeve joints are being cut out. A new combined section of telephone and 11 kV. Power Board line is now in service. Galvanized-iron wire was used. Napier-Waikaremoana Duplicate Line. —Satisfactory service was obtained from this line. Little damage was done to it from the floods of last April. Investigations were carried out to determine the suitability of festoon dampers for reducing line vibrations. The telephone-line suffered considerably from the floods—three poles were washed away at the Esk River. During the year two faults occurred at Kotemaori and two from branch lines at Pihanui and Putere. The line was deviated to avoid blue-gum plantation at tower 186. Woodville-Dannevirke-Waipawa-Napier.—This line operated satisfactorily throughout the year. A pole-to-pole inspection is being carried out and poles capped. Several defective insulators in the Dannevirke-Waipawa section were replaced. An overhaul of the telephone-line is also being done. Interruptions on the line were due to faults as follows : A joint pulling out in a gale, Woodville section; an insulator coming oft near Matamau and wires contacting ; line down with snow near Kopua ; wires twisted between Dannevirke and Taradale. (ii) 50 kV. Lines. Stratford-New Plymouth.—One fault occurred from a broken binder and was repaired. Besides general patrol, work has consisted of the installation of guy insulators and fences. There was one fault on the telephone-line from a broken wire. Waikaremoana-Gisborne. —A heavy gale in August caused much damage to this line, binders and guys being pulled loose, fifteen insulators were chipped, and poles were blown over. An insulator became unhooked, the crossarm was burnt off, and the pole top damaged. Two other interruptions occurred during the year when an east line conductor came adrift, the insulator top being chipped off, and when an insulator was shattered by lightning in February. Three interruptions occurred on the telephone-line. Waikaremoana-Wairoa. —This line gave satisfactory service during the year. The floods of April fortunately caused little damage to the line. A deviation was made at Piripaua to avoid the canal at the new power-station. Twenty-three poles were fitted with 12 ft. crossarms by the " live-line " gang. (iii) Distribution. 11 kV. Lines. —All lines gave satisfactory service throughout the year. An overhaul was made of the Lake House line at Tuai. 3-3 ¥V. —The Mangaore-Arapeti and Arapeti-No. 1 dam lines also operated satisfactorily during the year. 400 Volt. —Lines at both Mangaore and Tuai gave satisfactory service, and have been extended. (iv) General. (1) Lightning Storms. —Sixteen lightning storms were reported during the year, and eight of these caused disturbances on the system. Five of these caused flashovers. No. 8 0.C.8. Stratford opened up twice on earth leakage from storms north of Ongarue, and at Ruakituri lightning caused No. 8 0.C.8. Tuai and Gisborne 11 kV. switch to open. (2) Special Maintenance.• —The " live-line " gang was encamped for the major portion of the year at Bunnythorpe. During that time and early in the year the overhaul of the BunnythorpeWanganui and Bunnythorpe-Woodville lines was completed, and then an overhaul was made of the Manawatu River-Bunnythorpe section of the main line and telephone-line and of the BunnythorpeWanganui telephone-line. Other work consisted of improvements to the Manawatu and Oroua River protection groynes, deviations to the main line at the Palmerston North railway crossing and between Campbell's hut and the Manawatu River, and finally help was given to the cleaning of structures at Bunnythorpe, Woodville, Dannevirke, and Waipawa Sub-stations. In November the gang was shifted for construction work on the Khandallah-Masterton line. The other special-maintenance gang, located at Mangaore, has confined its work to the Khandallah-Mangahao and a portion of Mangahao-Bunnythorpe lines. The reconditioning of both
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telephone-lines has been the major work of the year, whilst work in the respect of checking poles for weights, guys, inspection of conductors, and the changing of insulators has been done on the Khanclallah-Mangaore line. This gang has now been transferred to the construction of KhandallahMasterton line. (3) Khandallah High-tension Testing-set.—The usual retests were made of insulators found defective by live-line testing. In addition, porosity, puncture, and flashover tests were made of sample insulator units, porosity tests of Post and Telegraph insulators, flashover tests for special strain insulators, and comparison tests were made on two types of insulators. (4) Insulator Deterioration. —Live-line testing of all insulators in service was carried out during the year, with the following results : —
Total 110 and 50 kV. strain and suspension units tested .. .. 115,937 Total defective .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 378 Percentage defective .. .. .. .. .. .. 0-326 (d) COMMUNICATION SYSTEM. The high-tension telephone equipment at the power-station and substations was periodically tested and inspected by the testing department. Most of the apparatus for the signalling-system at Mangahao Power-station has been delivered. The double-channel amplifier was satisfactorily tested in the testing laboratory. The question of obtaining seasoned timber for the new control-room desk-table will probably cause some delay in completing the final installation, involving the above signalling-system, changeover of radio receivers, and telephone-exchanges. A ring selector was added to the high-tension code exchange at Mangahao Power-station. An analysis of operation of the radio-telephone channel between Mangahao and Tuai was incorporated in a report to the Post and Telegraph Department concerning the suggested provision of an additional wave-length to cover the short day-time period during which reception is erratic. Generally, the operation of the radiophone channel has been satisfactory. (e) TESTING. Maintenance tests were carried out on all departmental revenue and statistical demand meteringequipment, indicating and graphic instruments, 110 kV.-50 kV.-ll kV. relays, batteries, and charging equipment, &c., at the two power-stations and eighteen substations. Prior to taking over 11 kY. switchgear at substations, maintenance tests were made on Power Board relays and panel equipment at Moiling, Dannovirke, Waipawa, Mangamaire, Paraparaumu, Gisborne, and Hawera. A considerable amount of repair and electrical testing-work, involving recoverable charges, was carried out for the outside supply authorities and others. Miscellaneous testing-apparatus has been manufactured locally to facilitate testing-work generally. Acceptance and installation tests were made on new equipment prior to being connected into service at the power-stations and substations. The routine six-monthly Megger tests made by the field staffs on all system apparatus were graphed and analysed, and further action taken where necessary. " Hipot " stick tests were made on practically all of the system 110 kY. and 50 kV. bushings. Eight doubtful bushings were removed from service for overhaul. The question of replacement relays has received consideration, both in connection with the system expansion and modernizing the existing protective apparatus. Additional relays were ordered, and new replacement relays were delivered for the Khandallah 11 kY. panels. A periodical load survey was made at the respective points of supply throughout the system. Owing to growth of load, higher ratio current transformers were installed at three substations, and provision made for some others. Special field tests on protective apparatus involved in certain system interruptions have been conducted and reports submitted. A large volume of miscellaneous repairs and tests involving 110 kV. liquid fuses, demand printometers, contactors, meters, instruments, and relays, &c., were made in the testing laboratory. The testing instruments and equipment have been maintained in a satisfactory state.
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Pin. Strain. Suspension. Total number tested — 110 kV. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22,915 90,016 50 kV. .. .. .. .. .. 3,399 1,812 1,194 Number defective — 110 kV. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 32 346 50 kV. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 Percentage defective —■ 110 kV. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0-1396 0-384 50 kV. .. .. .. .. .. 0-590
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(/) GENERAL. (1) Load.—The maximum load on the system was 76,250 kW., as compared with 61,120 kW. for last year and 55,160 kW. for the year ending 31st March, 1937. However, if the output of Evans Bay Power-station is included, this year's maximum demand was 85,550 kW., as compared with 71,730 kW. last year and 63,100 kW. the previous year. The total output for the year was 434,016,391 units, or 435,594,691 units including Evans Bay output. The following table gives a comparison of output and demand for the past three years :—-
The Mangahao-Waikaremoana system was operated in parallel with the Arapuni system throughout the year, and the following table gives details of the interchange of power for the past three years :—
(2) Reliability of Supply.—During the year, with the exception of the period 17th to 28th January, when there were extensive interruptions to supply due to salt-spray trouble on the MangahaoKhandallah lines, there were a total of forty faults on the Department's system which caused interruptions to consumers' supply. There were also fourteen faults on the Department's system during the same period that were cleared without interruptions to consumers. The average number of accidental interruptions to each of the twenty consumers was 4-75 and the average duration was 11-3 minutes. The total average duration to each consumer was 53-8 minutes. During the period 17th to 22nd January, 1939, inclusive, practically continuous westerly winds of gale force were experienced, and a considerable number of interruptions, due to flash-over on the main lines south of Mangahao, were caused by accumulation of salt deposit on the insulator units. During this period there were twelve major shutdowns, which resulted in a total of eighty-four interruptions of a total duration of 44 hours 15 minutes. There were also four faults caused by the same trouble that were cleared without interruptions. In view of the serious inconvenience and considerable expense caused by this trouble, a careful investigation has been made into the performance of insulators under salt-spray conditions, and it has been decided to reinsulate both Wellington lines. This, combined with the fact that probably before the end of this year the Melling-Masterton section of the main line will be completed, should reduce the possibility of future trouble from this source. With reference to prearranged interruptions, the total average duration of such interruptions to each consumer was 6 hours 3 minutes. In practically every case of both prearranged and accidental interruptions the New Plymouth Borough Council and South Taranaki Electric-power Board were able to carry all or portion of their own load. (3) General.—The load during the winter months of the year under review was very heavy, and for the year the percentage increase in maximum demand and output set new record levels for the district. Heavy loadings during the winter months, severe floods in the Hawke's Bay Province early in the year, salt-spray trouble in January of 1939, and continued dry weather resulting in low lake-levels at Mangahao and Waikaremoana have called for careful attention and considerable effort on the part of both operating and maintenance staffs in the discharge of their duties. The staff are to be complimented on the service that they gave during these times, and special mention can be made of those who worked long hours under trying conditions during the Hawke's Bay flood and the saltspray trouble.
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Year ended 31st March, 1939. 1938. 1937. System maximum demand (kW.) .. .. .. 76,250 61,120 55,160 System maximum demand, including Evans Bay Power- 85,550 71,730 63,100 station Percentage increase over previous year .. .. 19-3 13-7 14-5 System output j[units) .. '.. .. .. 434,016,391 359,173,934 305,808,079 System output, including Evans Bay output (units) .. 435,594,691 362,274,223 307,580,890 Percentage increase over previous year .. .. 20-2 17-8 12-0 Annual load factor .. .. .. .. 58-1 57-7 55-6
Year ended 31st March, 1939. 1938. 1937. From Arapuni— Maximum demand (kW.) .. .. .. .. 36,000 27,190 20,840 Units supplied .. .. .. .. .. 106,042,550 108,730,936 52,858,752 To Arapuni— Maximum demand (kW.) .. .. .. .. 15,720 13,920 6,620 Units supplied .. .. .. .. .. 329,000 53,727 98,788
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SOUTH ISLAND ELECTRIC-POWER SYSTEM. Introductory. The past year ending 31st March, 1959, was the twenty-fourth year of operation of the Lake Coleridge undertaking and the fourth complete year of operation of the Waitaki Scheme. It also represented the first year of operation since taking over the Arnold River Scheme. The first two stations mentioned, have been in parallel throughout the period, with the third station as part of the system after the completion of the West Coast lines early in March last. Actually before the West Coast lines were completed the Dobson Diesel station and the Arnold River Scheme had been running jointly to supply the West Coast load. With the completion of the transmission-line from Half-way Bush Substation to Gore on 20th December, 1938, the system has been able to combine with Monowai to supply additional power to Southland. 1. Capital Outlay. The capital outlay at 31st March was £6,654,048, of which assets to the value of £266,778 were not in operation. In Table II will be found an analysis of the capital outlay. 2. Financial Results. The total revenue for the year was £561,451, and working-expenses totalled £187,835, making a gross profit of £373,616, which equals a return of 5-98 per cent, on the average capital outlay in operation (£6,247,478). The iuterest-charge for the year was £231,060, which, together with depreciation (£82,617) and the cost of raising loans (£1,404) was met from revenue, leaving an amount of £58,535, of which £54,961 is available for arrears in Sinking Fund Account. The accumulated depreciation reserve and sinking funds at the 31st March, 1939, amounted to £988,640, and the General Reserve Fund £87,199. Table I gives full particulars of the financial results and also statistical returns of operations for the year. The detailed operating-costs given in Table 111 show that the total cost per unit generated for the year was 0-'1381d., compared with 0-1109 d. for the previous year, an increase of 24-53 per cent. The reason for this comparatively large increase was due in part to an increased expenditure of approximately £6,000 at Lake Coleridge to cover switchgear and tunnel repairs and the Dobson Diesel working-expenses of £26,300 for the 7,794,010 units generated. In Table V are given the gross financial results of the distribution of power from the combined stations, and of the local supply authorities and other consumers connected to the Government supply system. 3. General. The total units generated and purchased (including West Coast and Southland) were 326,326,230, representing an increase of 18-97 per cent, on those of last year. Of these units, 281,708,949 were sold, while 3,904,827 were otherwise accounted for. The balance of 40,712,454 units represents transmission and distribution losses and amounted to 12-48 per cent, of the units generated. The maximum system load increased from 59,380 kW. to 69,610 kW., an increase of 17-23 per cent. The average load factor (not including West Coast and Southland) was 51-5 per cent. A. CHRISTCHURCH DISTRICT. 4. Construction, Operation, and Maintenance. (1) Construction. (a) Power-stations. Lake Coleridge Power-station -—The installation of the 66 kV. switchgear, including two 66 kV. 0.C.8.'s (ex Timaru and Ashburton) which were required in connection, with the West Coast supply, was completed and the gear livened up in March last. On the 11th June of last year considerable leakage was noted at No. 1 tunnel adit, and as the flow steadily increased for the first few days a constant watch was set and was continued well into the spring. In September a well-sinking plant was engaged to put down in. bores with the intention of tapping the leakage, but, although many bores were attempted, only three reached full depth. A decision to commence grouting was reached, and work commenced late in December. The tunnel was shut down for three weeks, during which time 3 chains, commencing from the outlet end, were grouted, with successful results. The erection of six staff cottages, seven garages, and a social hall was commenced in July last, but somewhat slow progress has been made. To date, three of the cottages and the social hall have been completed. Waitaki Power-station. —The steelwork for the extension of the outdoor station was received at the station and sorted. Six main transformers and accessories for the extensions were also received. The erection of three new staff houses was commenced, and these are now well under way. Arnold Power-station.—The 33 kV. outdoor structure was replaced by a 66 kV. structure and a 3-3/66 kV. bank of transformers installed. Repairs to the dam were undertaken by the General Branch, which work has now been satisfactorily completed. Repairs were also effected to the tail-race, tunnel, surge chamber, and penstocks.
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(6) Substations. Addington Substation.- —Two new 20,000 kVA. 66/11 kV. transformer banks, which are replacing two of the three existing 12,000 kVA. banks, were received, and work is proceeding on their drying out and installation. Hororata and Point Substations.—No construction work was done. Ashburton Substation.—Four 110 kV. 0.C.8.'s were installed, in place of the existing 66 kV. 0.C.8.'5. Timaru Substation. —Six 110 kV. 0.C.8.'s were installed in place of the existing 66 kV. 0.C.8.'5. A new 7,500 kVA. 110/11 kV. transformer bank was also installed. This replaced the existing 5,300 kVA. 66/llkV. bank. Pending the shifting of the auto-transformers to Hororata, this substation has been arranged with the top bus at llOkV. and the bottom bus at 66 kV., while a temporary 66 kV. bus has been erected to allow separation of the two transmission lines to Ashburton if required. Glenavy Substation.—An induction regulator was installed to control the local supply. Oamaru Substation. — One new staff cottage was erected complete and is now in occupation. Palmerston Substation.—Work on this substation was commenced during the year, and completed as follows : Two four-pole structures in Oamaru-Dunedin line, each with line air-break and earthing-switches. Pole-structure with transformer air-break switch and 110 kV. liquid fuses ; 2,250 kVA. 110/11 kV. transformer bank with automatic tap-changing gear. 11 kV. 0.C.8. in outdoor cubicle, metering-gear, and temporary induction regulator. Supply was given through this station to the Otago Electric-power Board in May, 1939, and serves in part of their northern area, in particular to Macrae's Flat and Ranfurly. Ail the Power Board's northern supply will be drawn from this substation when their contract with the Dunedin City Council expires in 1941. Half-way Bush Substation.—The erection of a new bay of steelwork to provide for the line to Southland was completed. As well, two 110 kV. 0.C.8.'5, new control and relay panels, and a 110 kV. potential transformer were installed. Supply was given through this station to Gore on 3rd January, 1939, and, after minor adjustments, to Southland. Two new cottages were erected complete and are now in occupation. Smith's Road Substation.—This 33 kV. substation, which supplies'power to the Springs-Ellersmere Power Board, was completed during the year and livened up in December. Motukarara Substation.—This substation, also at 33 kV., was completed and livened up in February for supply to the Banks Peninsula Power Board. Southbrook Substation. —A new 0.C.8. structure was erected in connection with the 33 kV. line to North Canterbury. (c) Transmission-lines. The main transmission-line work has been in connection with the lines to the West Coast. This is detailed under section (g) below. Work was commenced on the new 33 kV. line from Southbrook to Culverden, and at the end of May, 1939, 211 poles, or 18 miles of the 50 miles, had been erected completed except for wiring. Poles were distributed at different stations along the route, and all other material is on order for the new Timaru-Ashburton 110 kV. line. (d) Telephone System. No new construction work was done, except on the West Coast, which is detailed below. (e) Test Department. 66 kV. and 11 kV. 0.C.8.'5, together with their protective equipment and control panels, were installed at Dobson and Arahura. 66/11 kV. tap-changing transformer banks were also installed at Dobson and Blackwater. Control equipment for supply to a dredge was installed at Kanieri. Two voltage regulators were installed for temporary regulation of voltage to the Grey Electricpower Board. The major breakdown of switchgear at Coleridge Power-station in June involved urgent repair and reconstruction of equipment, and this was done as expeditiously as possible. Protective equipment was installed, tested, and put into operation oil the supply to Southland and the West Coast. During the year 326 tests and reports were made and 100 drawings completed. A total of 70 repair and test orders were executed on behalf of other Government Departments and local supply authorities. (/) Survey. The location and final pegging of the Southbrook-Culverden 33 kV. line was completed. Preliminary locations of the routes for the new transmission-lines from Highbank to Hororata and the second Timaru-Ashburton lines are in hand. A 3-3 kV. line was pegged from Sumner to Godley Head, a distance of three miles, ready for erection for the Defence Department. (g) West Coast Electrification. In March, 1939, the West Coast system was paralleled with the Waitaki-Coleridge system, and, apart from minor interruptions, the two have been running together quite satisfactorily ever since.
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The bulk of the construction work has now been completed, and the year's activities have been confined to the following :— Transmission-lines.—The 66 kV. line was completed from Otira to Arahura and from Kaiata to Dobson. The latter included two and three-quarters miles of 33 kV. line converted to 66 kV. Twenty-eight miles of line were constructed between Dobson and Blackwater, and eight miles between Dobson and Arnold. The latter consisted in the most part of a 33 kV. line converted to 66 kV. Of the 11 kV. distribution lines eight miles were constructed from Arahura to the Arahura and Kanieri dredges. A short length of single-circuit line was constructed to connect the Grey Power Board's system to the site of the Ngahere Substation. Approximately two miles of double-circuit 11 kV. line was constructed from Otira Substation to the tunnel portal. Telephone-lines.—During the year a telephone-line was constructed over Arthur's Pass to Otira to form an alternative route to the line through the tunnel and to serve as a patrol-line. Another line from Jacksons to Arahura approximately thirty miles is under construction. Substations.—Dobson: This 66/11 kV. substation was completed and put into service in October. Nine panels were added to the 11 kV. switchgear and the Power Board feeders gradually changed over from Kaiata Substation, the latter now being out of service. Arahura : First livened up and went into service in November last. Since then four 66 kY. 0.C.8.'s have been erected, together with the necessary control gear and relays, and placed in service. The 5,000 kVA. synchronous condenser was erected complete and put into service in May, 1939. This completes the major work at this substation, but a good deal of work has yet to be done on the grounds. Blackwater : Construction work at this substation was completed during the year, and it was put into service in October, supplying power to the Grey Electric-power Board and the Grey River dredge. Ngahere : This substation was partially built, sufficient to permit the 66 kV. lines in and out to be connected to their proper switches. The major part of the construction work has yet to be done and this is now in hand. (h) Wigram Aerodrome. Extensive low-tension underground reticulation was carried out and is continuing to be extended A 450 kVA. transformer bank was installed for temporary supply, and work is proceeding on the necessary adjustments and testing of the switchgear. (2) Operation and Maintenance. (a) Power-stations. General. —During the year the Lake Coleridge and Waitaki stations operated in parallel satisfactorily with Waipori in parallel as required. In December Monowai was paralleled and, after satisfactory voltage adjustments, has since operated as part of the system. In March the West Coast system was paralleled with Coleridge, the Diesels at Dobson being first used, and later Arnold River Station. The two systems have operated quite satisfactorily, the Diesels now being shut down, but are ready to be brought in as required to ease the system peaks. Lake Coleridge Power-station.—A very heavy flood in the Harper River in April, 1938, caused considerable damage to the eastern end of the main diversion groyne at the Harper intake, and destroyed two of the protective groynes a short distance below the main groyne. Repair work, due to adverse conditions, has been slow, but it is now well in hand. The extremely dry conditions for the first three months of this year have made it necessary to turn the full river flow into the lake and, as well, to construct a bag dam at the gates. Now that construction has been completed at the Harper intake the maintenance staff has been reduced to three men. The Acheron diversion was in use for about five months during the year. The lake-level caused slight anxiety in May of this year, due to its fall to 1,666-525 ft. but, due to heavy rains, the level is rising again, that at the end of May being 1,666-9 ft. An explosion occurred in a section of the 6-6 kY. indoor switchgear in June. Extensive damage was caused to the control cables, excitation leads and 6-6 kY. cables, while rendering all 7,500 kW. machines inoperative. The work of repair was undertaken by the Test Department, while later the walls of the switch gallery and control-room were cleaned and distempered. No. 1 unit was shut down in August for removal and renewing of the rubber packing-rings and welding of the scored parts of the piston and sleeve and internal body of the main valve. At the same time the turbine was opened up for general inspection. No. 2 unit, which was shut down in February, was recommissioned in June of last year, after steel protecting-rings had been fitted to the runner. In December one of the guide-vanes of this unit was broken, causing severe damage to the runner blades. This was repaired by welding. Considerable trouble was experienced due to foreign matter becoming lodged in the turbine guide-vanes of Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 8 machines, several gate-operating links being broken. New bronze rings were fitted to the main gate of No. 8 unit. This unit was shut down on another occasion to reduce side clearance of gates. Waitaki Power-station. —The average monthly river-flow varied from 26,300 cusecs to 5,010 cusecs. The automatic lake-level recorders at Lakes Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo were inspected periodically. Routine maintenance-work has otherwise been carried out, both the main and the auxiliary generating-sets operating quite satisfactorily throughout.
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(b) Substations. Addington.-—At Addington a considerable amount of transformer and switcligear fitting, altering, and repairing was carried out for substations, chief of which was— A bank of 5,000 kVA. transformers was dried out for Smith's Road. A bank of 5,000 kVA. 66/33 kV. transformers for Addington was dried out and erected on pads ready for connecting up. Work is proceeding on the drying-out of two 20,000 kVA. 66/11 kV. banks for Addington. A number of 66 kV. 0.C.8.'5, ex Timaru and Ashburton, were reconditioned for use on the West Coast. The switchgear and condensers have operated satisfactorily throughout. Oamaru. —A new control battery was installed. Half-way Bush. —New blades were fitted to all 33 kV. switches due to heating troubles. Dobson. —Silting-up of the cooling-water tubes to the engines was remedied by the fitting of waterjets to clear the silt. Maintenance-work has been satisfactorily carried out on the four Diesel engines, (c) Transmission-lines. The condition of the main transmission-lines was maintained satisfactorily, the necessary inspection and replacements having been carried out. During the year there was one interruption of nine minutes to main supply at Addington Substation on 25th December, due to lightning striking the busbars at Hororata. Due to insufficient road width, a section of the 11 kV. line to Sumner was removed from the causeway and rebuilt on the seaward side. All insulators on the system were buzz-stick tested, and of a total of 112,590 tested, 623 were found to be defective. Six poles and eleven insulators were replaced under live-line conditions, the total number of defective poles replaced being 60. The charring treatment of poles for the North Canterbury line has been undertaken with satisfactory results. (d) Test Department. 0.C.8. and relay maintenance was carried out wherever possible, and the work will be back to schedule in the near future. The quarterly tests of switchgear at Addington and Timaru were conducted. All insulators removed from transmission-lines after field tests were tested prior to their being destroyed. Regular inspection of electrical installations supplied direct from our reticulation has been kept up to schedule. (e) Analysis of Trouble on System. The following table gives an analysis of troubles experienced during the year under review : —
Circuit miles of transmission line in operation at end of year: 11 kV., 92 miles 1-5 chains; 33 kV., 65 miles 50 chains ; 66 kV., 597 miles 4 chains 110 kV., 258 miles 78 chains. Number of substations in operation at end of year: 11 kV., 24; 33 kV., 3 ; 66 kV., 8 ; 110 kV., 4.
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Reference. Description. Number. 1 .. 3-3, 6-6, or 11 kV. lines : Defects .. .. .. .. .. 3 2 .. 3-3, 6-6, or 11 kV. lines : External causes .. .. .. .. 15 3 33, 50, or 66 kV. lines: Defects .. .. .. _ .. .. 5 4 33, 50, or 66 kV. lines : External causes .. .. .. .. 5 5 .. 110 kV. lines : Defects .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 6 .. 110 kV. lines : External causes 7 .. Lightning .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 8 .. Storms : Nature of trouble not discovered 9 .. 3-3, 6-6, 11, or 22 kV. apparatus .. .. .. .. .. 5 10 .. 33, 50, or 66 kV. apparatus .. .. .. .. .. 3 11 .. 110 kV. apparatus .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 12 .. Generators or synchronous condensers 13 .. Relays 14 .. Control circuits or batteries 15 .. Operation: Mistakes .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 16 .. Operation: Accidents 17 .. Other causes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 18 .. Cause unknown .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 57
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3. Rainfall and Lake-Levels, Year ending 31st March. The maximum flow at Waitaki for the year was 36,800 cusecs on 15th April, while the minimum flow was 5,100 cusecs on sth August. Lake Coleridge rainfall, was 42-08 in ; Harper rainfall was 41 in.; Waitaki rainfall was 22-10 in. Lake Coleridge lake-level at 31st March was 1,669-6 ft. B. INVERCARGILL DISTRICT. 1. Capital Outlay. The assets in operation at 31st March represented a capital outlay of £1,625,448 and £966 representing assets not in operation, giving a total capital outlay of £1,626,414. The capital outlay during the year, including that not in operation as at 31st March, was £105,714. 2. Gross Revenue. £ Domestic units sold .. .. .. .. .. .. 64,717 Commercial (business premises, motors for rural power, and street lighting).. 29,448 Industrial .. .. .. . • .. .. 29,245 Bulk for resale .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 23,035 Miscellaneous services .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,542 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £149,987 3. Consumers and Tariffs. Consumers increased by 575. Connected load increased by 5,155 kW. Consequent upon the Government taking over in October, 1936, the undertaking of the former Southland Electric-power Board, a reduction was immediately made in the retail price of electricity by reducing the high-rate units from 7d. to 6|d., meter rents were abolished, and at the same time the further imposition of land rates was remitted. In March, 1939, the Hon. the Minister of Public Works made the following pronouncements:— (1) A substantial reduction in the Department's retail electricity rates throughout the whole of Southland. The reductions commenced as from the beginning of each consumer's " guarantee " year falling after Ist March, 1939, and apply to all retail, domestic, and farm-users, and to all consumers on the then-existing standard tariff, but will not apply to bulk purchasers nor to wholesale industrial consumers operating under special contracts. (2) That the Department would abide by the award of the Arbitrator in the matter of an arbitration between the Borough of G-ore and the Minister (as successor to the Southland Electric-power Board), and authorized the payment of refunds to Gore electricity consumers on a basis which had been decided upon as fair and reasonable to all parties. 4. Construction, Operation, and Maintenance. (1) Construction, (a) Power-station and Headworks. Owing to the extremely dry summer of 1937-38 and the consequent falling in level of Lake Monowai it was found necessary to deepen the channel leading from the lake to the control gates. A drag-line excavator worked by a tractor was put into operation, and a considerable amount of blasting of old tree-stumps was found necessary. The work done on this channel made possible a greater draw-off from the lake during the low levels'reached in May and June. A petrol-driven generator set was installed in the power-house to enable the pipe-line intake gate to be raised in the event of a complete shutting-off of water to the power-house. New explosion pots and bigger tanks were fitted to all 66 kV. 0.C.8.'5. The erection of two new houses and a communal garage is nearly completed. (b) Substations. Gore Substation.—A complete new steel structure was erected at this substation, together with the necessary switchgear and protective equipment. A 15,000 kVA. 110/66 kV. autotransformer bank for linking Monowai with the Coleridge-Waitaki system was installed. An existing 2,250 kVA. 66/11 kV. bank with fixed taps was replaced with a 5,000 kVA. on-load tap-changing bank. A new workshop and electric crane were erected. Winton Substation.•—New explosion pots were fitted to the 66 kV. 0.C.8.'s at the substation. The distribution depot layout at this substation was rearranged and improved. Ohai Substation. —A complete substation was erected with 66 kV. A.B. switches and a 750 kVA. 66/11 kV. transformer bank to give supply to the coalfields in this area. 11 kV. automatic reclosing switchgear has been delivered, but has yet to be installed. Invercargill Substation.—A. start was made by the contractor with erection of three staff cottages ; one previously existent at this substation was totally destroyed by fire during the year. A new 4,500 kVA. transformer bank to run in parallel with the existing bank of the same capacity has been ordered, together with new 11 kV. switchgear.
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(c) Transmission-lines. Half-way Bush - Gore 110 hV. Line. —This line was completed and put into service on 20th December, 1938. Clean-up work is proceeding and some weights require hanging. Monowai-W inton 66 hV. Duplicate Lines. —Complete new crossings were constructed at the Aparima River for these lines. (d) Telephone System. The trunk-telephone system existent in the Waitaki-Coleridge system was extended into this district and is complete as far as Invercargill office and substation. The majority of the line is run on the Railway Department's poles, except for the Half-way Bush - Wingatui and the CrichtonWaipahi sections, which were constructed by this Department. The Invercargill-Winton section on the Railway Department's lines is under way, and material is ordered for the Winton-Monowai section, which will be across country. Test boxes and watertight phone-boxes have been installed between Half-way Bush and Invercargill. (e) Distribution. Thirty-four miles of 11 kV. lines were erected and 5 miles 32 chains removed. Fourteen miles forty chains of 3-3 kV. line were removed. Twenty-six miles of 400/230 volt lines were erected, and 20 miles 72 chains removed. Forty-five new transformers were erected of a total capacity of 746 IcVA. (2) Operation and Maintenance. (a) Power-station and Headwords. In April, 1938, a floating log caused damage to the flash boards and about half the length of the crest of the spillway weir. Continued dry weather throughout the late summer and autumn resulted in a very low level being reached with Lake Monowai, being 7 ft. 11 in. below normal on the 24th May, 1938. In the middle of April restrictions were found necessary, even though the Invercargill City steam-plant was in full operation. The restrictions were continued until the end of June and consisted generally of the daily cutting-out of 11 kV. feeders at the substations for scheduled periods. Several of the industries co-operated by working night shifts instead of during the day. Street lighting was dispensed with except on the tram routes in Invercargill, and a very fine response was received from shopkeepers to an appeal for a reduction in display lighting. The low lake-level produced a twofold effect in that not only was the unit consumption required to be kept down, but the maximum demand on the station was considerably reduced owing to the fact that the flow through the control gates was insufficient for the full capacity of the plant. Trials were made of paralleling the Waitaki-Coleridge system with the Monowai system late in December, but as voltage adjustments on the two systems were necessary it was decided that until these could be made Waitaki should carry the Gore Substation load only in this district. This was taken over by Waitaki on 4th January. Parallel running of the two systems was not accomplished until Bth May, 1939. An improvised system of frequency control at Monowai was instituted in January and proved quite satisfactory. The master clock ordered has since been delivered and is to be installed shortly. General routine maintenance of the Monowai plant has been carried out and switchgear numbering completed. (b) Substations. Complete overhauls of the 11 kV. switchgear in Winton, Gore, and Invercargill Substations have been carried out. The supply to Ohai Substation was interrupted on the Bth February when a 66 kV. bushing failed on the main bank. On the 18th two 66 kV. fuses were blown at this substation, apparently by lightning. On the 7th February the 11 kV. switchgear at Gore failed to clear a heavy feeder fault, with, fortunately, very little damage. The old 66/11 kV. bank has been connected in as a set of currentlimiting reactors pending the delivery of new 11 kV. switchgear. Improved tanks were fitted meanwhile. (c) Transmission-lines. Extensive overhaul work has been carried out on the Gore-Winton 66 kV. line, a number of poles being replaced. The Winton-Invercargill 66 kV. line was also given urgent attention in the matter of pole replacements, as three poles broke between October and January, two of them causing outages. Fires caused outages on the Winton-Gore section in October and November, and one pole required replacement as a result. The Half-way Bush - Gore 110 kV. line tripped once in January as a result of a riser working loose and falling on the line side of the Gore structure. Fire damaged the Monowai-Winton south line in May. (d) Distribution-lines. Overhaul work on a section-by-section basis has been commenced on the 11 kV. and lowtension lines. New constructions giving better wire-spacing have been adopted, and also a new method of mounting transformers. A large number of the 11 kV. fuse-bases have been replaced with a consequent reduction in the number of feeder interruptions from fuse-base faults. Regrouping of consumers is being carried out as opportunity offers to give improved voltage conditions, in most cases extra transformers being erected.
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(e) Consumers' Installations. Contracts were let to change over those consumers' installations which were on the old fused neutral system to the multiple-earthed neutral system, and this work is nearing completion. Satisfactory progress is being maintained with the re-inspection work. (f) General. Overhauling distribution transformers in the field was continued during all but the winter months, a new lorry having been delivered for this work and improved handling facilities provided. Besides being engaged on construction work the workshops staff has carried out transformer overhauls and the making up and repairing of distribution equipment. Earth-testing has been organized on a basis commensurate with the requirements of the Electrical Supply Regulations 1935. Test-work consisted of investigation into voltage complaints, checking transformer loading for the distribution department, testing of rubber gloves, relays, and over 1,500 consumers' meters. (g) Units generated and purchased. Generated at Monowai .. .. .. .. . . .. 25,597,100 Generated at Waitaki and supplied to Southland .. .. .. 1,710,570 Generated by steam (Invercargill) .. .. .. .. 2,889,484 Units obtained from other sources .. .. .. .. 1,286,916 Total.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 31,484,070 Of these, 23,694,225 were sold ; the balance, representing losses, totalled 7,789,845, or 24-74 per cent, of the total units. DESIGN OFFICE. A. Electrical Section. (a) Introductory. The year under review was one of exceptional activity in design work in connection with the various hydro-electric systems. The wider use of electricity for primary and secondary industries, domestic heating and cooking, general heating and traction, along with higher standards of artificial illumination and a continued decrease in the average price per unit, have all contributed to an accelerated growth of load in both Islands. In 1938 the peak load approached the installed generating-capacity in the South Island and exceeded it in the North Island, and as no additional generating-plant has since gone into commission it has been necessary to call on fuel-plants in the latter to assist in carrying the load this winter. The position has been somewhat accentuated by the increased demand due to the unusually cold winter, and also by depleted water-power resources following a very dry summer. (b) Hamilton District. Arapuni Power-station.—Drawings were prepared for tendering purposes for two additional generating-units and associated equipment. These units, which will be Nos. 5 and 6of the ultimate development, will each include a Francis turbine rated at 30,000 b.h.p., and an 11 kV. alternator rated 21,600 kilowatts at 0-9 power factor. Each generator will be direct coupled to a 24,000 kVA 11/110 kV. transformer bank, all switching being carried out on the 110 kV. side. The addition of these units will increase the installed generating-capacity of the station to its ultimate capacity of 146,700 kilowatts. Drawings were prepared for tendering purposes for the two 24,000 kVA. 11/110 kV. transformer banks, and for the 110 kV. switchgear and steelwork. The latter includes controlling switchgear for outgoing transmission-lines to Edgecumbe and Bunnythorpe substations in addition to switchgear for the new generators. Specification was prepared for air-conditioning equipment for the control-room, and alternative designs for the air-circulating arrangements. Belmont Substation.—The existing 50 kV. lines to Takapuna are to be extended to a new substation at Belmont to provide an additional source of supply to the Waitemata Power Board. The initial equipment for this substation will include two 5,000 kVA. 50/11 kV. transformer banks. A preliminary layout drawing of the substation was prepared, and drawing of proposed transformer banks for tendering purposes. The transformers will be fitted with automatic on-load tap-changing equipment. Bombay Substation.—Drawings were prepared for tendering purposes for one 10,000 kVA. 110/50 kV. and two 3,000 kVA. 50/11 kV. banks of transformers. The latter, which will replace existing 1,500 kVA. banks, are fitted with automatic, on-load, tap-changing equipment. Edgecumbe Substation.— An arrangement drawing, as well as a preliminary layout-drawing, was prepared for temporary supply at 50 kV. from the new 110 kV. Arapuni-Edgecumbe transmission line. Hamilton No. 1 Substation. —Floor and foundation details were prepared for the 11 kV. ironclad switchgear which is to replace existing switchgear of insufficient rupturing-capacity for presentday requirements. Hamilton No. 2 Substation. —A drawing was prepared for tendering purposes for a 10,000 kVA. 110/50 kV. bank of transformers.
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Henderson Substation.—Extensive alterations and extensions to this substation are involved as a result of the decision to supply it at 110 kV. from two new lines from Penrose. The new equipment will include one 10,000 kVA. bank of 110/50 kV. transformers, terminal switchgear for 110 kV. lines from Penrose, and 110 kV. and 50 kV. switchgear for the transformer bank, together with all necessary steelwork for switchgear and accessories. The outgoing lines to Takapuna and North Auckland respectively will continue to be supplied at 50 kV. from this substation, but provision is being made for extending the 110 kV. lines to North Auckland at a later date. Preliminary layout drawings were prepared for the extended station, and drawings and specifications for the new 110 kV. switchgear and steelwork for tendering purposes. Preliminary drawings were prepared for the 110/50 kV. transformers, and for a new transformer house for handling them. Foundation drawings were prepared for two new 3,000 kVA. banks of 50/11 kV. transformers and controlling 50 kV. switchgear and steelwork. The new transformers are fitted with automatic on-load tap-changing equipment. Huntly Substation.—Drawings were prepared for tendering purposes for additional 50 kV. switchgear and steelwork for a second 2,250 kVA. 50/11 kV. transformer bank. Kaikohe Substation. —Drawings of proposed 50 kV. switchgear and steelwork and a preliminary layout drawing of switchgear and equipment on site were prepared. The initial equipment will include 50 kV. switchgear for incoming line from Maungatapere, outgoing line to Kaitaia, and for 750 kVA. bank of 50/11 kV. transformers. Kaitaia Substation. —Drawings of proposed 50 kV. switchgear and steelwork and a preliminary layout drawing of switchgear and equipment on site were prepared. The initial equipment will include a 750 kVA. bank of transformers and terminal switchgear for the line from Kaikohe. Ongarue Substation.—Drawings were prepared showing arrangement of equipment, details of transformer foundations, and terminal structures for lines. The initial equipment includes a 2,250 kVA. 110/11 kV. transformer bank with on-load tap-changing equipment. Mount Roskill Substation. —A preliminary layout drawing of buildings and outdoor equipment on site was prepared. The initial equipment will include one 30,000 kVA. bank of 110/22 kV. transformers. Penrose Substation.—Drawings were prepared for tendering purposes for additional 110 kV. switchgear and steelwork to control two 110 kV. lines to Henderson and three additional 110 kV. lines from Arapuni. Layout, foundation, and detail drawings were prepared for the 20,000 kVA. synchronous condenser and associated equipment. A traverser truck was designed for handling the 20,000 kVA. 22/11 kV. transformer bank for the condenser. Tahekeroa Substation.—Foundation drawings were prepared for a 2,250 kVA. bank of 50/11 kV. transformers. Takapuna Substation.—Drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for new 50 kV. switchgear and steelwork to control the two 50 kV. lines from Henderson, two outgoing lines to Belmont, and two 50/11 kV. transformer banks. The existing switchgear and steelwork, which was designed for a terminal station, will be used for Belmont Substation. Oeneral. —Arrangement and foundation drawings were prepared for the boosting transformers and their switchgear cubicles which are being installed at Edgecumbe, Kerepeehi, Mareretu, Matamata, Maugatapere, Ngongotaha, Tahekeroa, Takapuna, Waihou, and Waiotahi. These boosting transformers are fitted with automatic on-load voltage-regulating equipment. (c) Paimerston North District. Mangahao Power-station.—As the load on the Horowhenua feeders is approaching the limit of the capacity of the existing induction voltage regulators these are to be replaced by boosting transformers with automatic on-load voltage-regulating equipment, each of which will have a through capacity of 3,000 kVA. A preliminary layout drawing was prepared for the boosting transformers and associated switchgear. Waikaremoana Main Development.—ln connection with the installation of the third main generating-unit, layout, foundation, and detail drawings were prepared for the generating-unit, machine auxiliaries, 11/110 kV. step-up transformer bank, 11 kV. and 110 kV. switchgear, control panels and cables. Drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for new 11 kV., 50 kV., and 110 kV. switchgear to provide for 11 kV. and 110 kV. lines to Lower Development and a 110/50 kV. transformer bank with provision for adding switchgear for future lines and generatingunits at a later date. No. 3 generating-unit has a rated capacity of 20,000 kW. at 0-9 power factor. Waikaremoana Lower Development. —This power-station, which will contain two generating-units each rated 20,000 kW. at o*9 power factor, is being arranged for supervisory control from the Main Development. To simplify the control arrangements each main unit will have its own auxiliary generating unit which will supply power for operating essential auxiliaries and also excitation for the main unit. Each unit will have its own bank of 11/110 kV. transformers and its own 110 kV. transmission-line to the Main Development, where it will be synchronized manually with the general system. Power for the staff village, lighting, and station services other than essential machine auxiliaries will be supplied by a service transformer from an 11 kV. line from the main development. Drawings and specifications for tendering purposes were prepared for main and auxiliary generatingunits, switchgear and supervisory control equipment, main transformers, 110 kV. switchgear, water rheostat, control gear and switchgear, 80-ton crane, steel windows, and motor-operated rollershutter doors, and oil-handling equipment and storage-tanks. The major part of the detail design work for the power-station building other than machine foundations was carried out. Bunnythorpe Substation. —A drawing was prepared for tendering purposes for two 7,500 kVA. banks of 110/11 kV. transformers with on-load voltage-regulating equipment to replace the present 4,500 kVA. banks.
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Khandallah Substation. —Layout and foundation drawings were prepared for the 20,000 kVA. bank of 110/11 kV. transformers, and the 110 kV. switchgear and steelwork to control this bank and the incoming transmission-line from Masterton. A layout drawing was prepared for the control and relay panels for the 110 kV. switchgear. Gisborne Substation.—A. drawing was prepared for tendering purposes for a 7,500 kVA. bank of 50/11 kV. transformers with on-load voltage-regulating equipment. A design was prepared for alterations to the traverser truck to increase its carrying-capacity to the loading of the larger transformer. Marton Substation. —The capacity of this substation is to be increased to 4,500 kVA. by the transfer of an existing bank of that capacity at Bunnythorpe and the present temporary wood-pole structure for the 110 kV. switchgear is to be replaced by a steel structure with line-sectionalizing switchgear in addition to switchgear for the transformer bank. Drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for 110 kV. switchgear and steelwork, and a traverser truck for handling the transformers was designed. Mangamaire Substation.—Drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for 110 kV. switchgear, and steelwork for a second 1,500 kVA. three-phase transformer. Masterton Substation.- —Foundation drawings were prepared for 110 kV. switchgear and steelwork for controlling the new Masterton-Melling transmission-line. New Plymouth Substation. —A drawing was prepared for tendering purposes for a 7,500 kVA. bank of 50/11 kV. transformers to be fitted with on-load voltage-regulating equipment. It is proposed to run duplicate 11 kV. cables from this bank to the New Plymouth Borough Council switchgear with quick changeover arrangements to facilitate restoration of supply in the event of a cable breakdown. Drawings and specifications were prepared for a reinforced-concrete transformer-house to handle the transformers and for a 25-ton one-motor electric crane with which the transformer-house will be equipped. Stratford Substation. —To provide for extensions of supply from this substation additional outdoor switchgear is being installed to control a second bank of 110/50 kV. transformers of 10,000 kVA. capacity, two 50 kV. lines and a 5,000 kVA. bank of 50/33 kV. transformers. One 50 kV. line will replace the present temporary switching-arrangements for the New Plymouth line, and another is for the new 50 kV. line to Opunake. Drawings were prepared for tendering purposes for the 10,000 kVA. transformer bank and control panels for the outdoor switchgear, and drawings and specifications for the outdoor switchgear. Kotemaori and Ruakituri Patrol Stations.—Detail drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for cottages, wagon-garages, and stables. Akatarawa Linemen's Depot. —Detail drawings and specifications were prepared for cottages, single men's quarters, and garages. Woodville Switching-station. —A proposed arrangement drawing was prepared for a 110/11 kV. three-phase step-down transformer to give supply to the Dannevirke Power Board at this station. Drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for a reinforced-concrete switchroom building. (d) Christehurch District. Lake Coleridge Power Station.—To meet future operating requirements the 66 kV. switchgear is to be replaced by new equipment of greater rupturing-capacity. The three large generating-units will each be permanently connected to a bank of 6-6/66 kV. step-up transformers and the smaller generating units will be connected in two groups to two other, banks of transformers. Except for paralleling small machines within a group, all switching and synchronizing will be carried out at 66 kV., thus obviating the necessity for high-rupturing duty 6-6 kV. switchgear. The whole of the new switchgear and the step-up transformers will be out of doors, thereby freeing considerable space indoors for maintenance-work and storage. Drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for the new switchgear and steelwork. Highbank Power-station. —This power-station, which will utilize surplus water from the Bangitata Irrigation Scheme, will include one main generating unit of 25,200 kW. capacity at 0-9 P.P. auxiliary gencrating-unit to supply machine auxiliaries and excitation and 28,000 kVA. bank of 11/66 kV. transformers. The village and station services other than machine auxiliaries will be supplied from a 66,000/400 V. service-transformer bank. The generating-unit will have the highest output of any installed in the Dominion to date. Initially the station will be arranged for attended operation, but provision is being made for supervisory control from Hororata at a later date. Drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for main and auxiliary generating-units," 66 kV. switchgear, low-voltage switchgear and control equipment, main and service transformer banks, water rheostat and control equipment, 90-ton crane, and oil storage and handling equipment. Waitaki Power-station.—ln connection with the installation of Nos. 3 and 4 generating-units, drawings and specifications were prepared for power and control cables, cable-boxes, outdoor distribution boxes, and control gear for headgates. Foundation drawings were prepared for 110 kV. outdoor switchgear and steelwork.
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Otira Substation. —Drawings and specifications were prepared for tendering purposes for staff cottages and garages and two-stall departmental garage. Drawings and specifications were prepared for a reinforced-concrete switchroom building. A special traverser truck with N.Z.R. standard buffer and coupling gear was designed for hauling the transformers with a locomotive. (e) Invercargill District. Invercargill Substation.—-Drawings and specifications were prepared for new 11 kV. switchgear to replace existing gear of insufficient rupturing capacity for future requirements. A drawing was prepared for tendering purposes for a new 4,500 kVA. bank of 66/11 kV. transformers. Dacre Substation. —Arrangement drawings were prepared of equipment for this substation which will supply the broadcasting station. (/) General. Drawings and specifications were prepared for rectifier chargers of the copper-oxide type for Blackwater, Culverden, Marton, Otira, Ohai, Smith's Road, Southbrook, Waipara, Wanganui, and Arnold Substations. Inspection of the completed chargers which are of local manufacture was carried out. Inspection of locally-made equipment, including distribution transformers, outdoor switchgear and metering cubicles, 230/32-volt transformers, and electric refrigerators was carried out as required. Concrete-pole Factory, Winton. —Detail drawings and specifications were prepared for pole-factory building and equipment. Further tests were carried out on sample concrete poles. Specifications were prepared, and design work for electrical equipment carried out as required, for Mechanical Branch and other Departments. A major item under this heading was design work for electrical installations for aerodromes. Registration certificates were prepared, and draughting work carried out as required, for the Wiremen's Registration Board. The plotting of operating data for the various systems, including lake-level and river-flow data, maximum loads, and weekly output for generating-stations, maximum demands and consumption of energy for Local Supply Authorities, and other major consumers was continued throughout the year. Transmission-lines. Work done includes details of structures, sag and tension charts, strength charts for structures, assembly drawings, details of special foundations for steel towers, hardware details, &c. Other work dealt with was in connection with the deviation of the 11 kV. line through the Ngahauranga Gorge, also various technical matters pertaining to power-lines generally. B. Hydraulic Section. Project work : North Island. Investigation of the whole resources of the Waikato River was completed and a comparison made of different modes of development; whether development should follow the course of the river or whether a tunnel should be used to divert the water of Lake Taupo from the North West corner of the lake due north to the junction of the Mangakino with the Waikato river. A study of the conditions favoured development round by the river. In consequence a number of sites have been selected for development and a contract has been entered into to bore and determine the suitability of the rock foundations at three sites between Arapuni and Orakei Korako. Tests by means of bores and shafts have been made at Karapiro, a few miles above Cambridge on the Waikato River, and it is expected that these will soon be far enough advanced to allow proposals to be prepared for a plant to develop 75,000 kW. to 80,000 kW. This development will submerge and absorb Horahora. In connection with the further development of Arapuni to its designed capacity it has been necessary to consider some measure of control of the flow from Lake Taupo in order that flood-water, which would normally flow to waste during the summer months, may be saved to assist in meeting the winter peak load. Proposals were prepared for control gates near Lake Taupo and for deepening the river for about three miles from the lake.
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Project Work : South Island. Exploratory excavations have been carried out at Lake Tekapo to determine the suitability of the ground for works there. A shaft was sunk near the lake, and a heading from the surge chamber site was driven. These show that the country is quite suitable for a tunnel and power-station, the first works to be constructed. Tests to determine the best location for the control dam, which will be built later, are not yet complete. Ten-year Plan. In view of the continued rapid increase in the demand for power, a schedule for the future, to include all works which should be completed or commenced during the next ten years, was prepared for both Islands. Hydraulic and Civil Engineering Design. Hydraulic and Civil Engineering design includes : — Arajmni.— Further penstocks and other works in connection with the completion of the powerstation. Removal or reduction of the sand-bar to increase the capacity of the tail-race. Waikaremoana Lower Development. —Most of the design work for this development is complete, the balance will be completed as essential data become available. Highbank.—This station has been located and the principal features worked out. Details of the headworks have yet to be designed. Tekapo.--Proposals are being prepared for the tunnel and power scheme, those for the dam will be undertaken later. Arnold River.—The surge-chamber at Arnold River was redesigned and other works carried out to improve the efficiency of the plant. In consequence, a substantial increase in power has been obtained. This will be further increased when the crest gates on the dam, raising headwater by up to 10 ft. are in operation. Monowai.—Arrangements have been made to shut this plant down in the spring for inspection and overhaul, and especially for some strengthening and sealing work in the base of the surge-tower. Waitaki.—Additional gates and screens are being obtained for the two new units to be delivered this year, and for the fifth and last unit to be procured a few years later. Hydrology. As usual, records of river-flow have been kept and recorded. The past year has generally been one of low run-offs ; notably in the case of Lake Taupo, which fell to 0-8 ft., the lowest recording since 1915. The shortage of water has been mainly responsible for the large amount of power that has been obtained from fuel-stations in the North Island. STATISTICAL TABLES. The statistical tables relating to all electric-supply authorities in the Dominion, which tables have hitherto been incorporated in this publication, are to be issued as an appendix to the reprint of the Chief Electrical Engineers' annual report. ELECTRIC-POWER BOARDS. There are now forty-five electric-power districts constituted, and forty-one Electric-power Boards (including Westland Power, Ltd., operating under delegated license) are actually carrying out the distribution and sale of electrical energy (August, 1939). The total area covered is 71,816 square miles, or 69-4 per cent, of the total area of the Dominion (103,415 square miles) ; the total population concerned is 973,900, or 59-95* per cent, of the total population (1,624,714) of the Dominion ; and the unimproved value of the land included in the electric-power districts and outer areas is £229,272,138 or 79-8 per cent, of the total unimproved value of the Dominion (£287,844,804). So far only one of the four main cities —viz., Auckland—has been included in the inner area of an electric-power district, but of the secondary centres the cities of Wanganui and Palmerston North, and the boroughs of Timaru, Napier, Hastings, Blenheim, Greymouth, Gisborne, and Oamaru are included. The advantage of Power Board organization is more obvious to rural than to urban ratepayers, and yet the above position indicates that some of the more important centres have realized that it is to their advantage generally to be associated with the country in undertaking the work of reticulation of electric power on a comprehensive scale.
* The lower percentage as shown this year compared with that of previous years is accounted for by the fact that the assistance of the Government Statistician has been invoked to supply accurate population figures from the latest census returns as a check against those hitherto scheduled as being correct.
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The total amount of the loans authorized by the forty-one districts (including Bay of Islands not yet in active operation) which have taken polls is £14,162,202. The population of the districts concerned is 911,700 (including the population of separately licensed boroughs forming part of the electricpower district and represented on the power board), so that the loans authorized amount to £15-54 per head of population, as compared with £13-74 last year. The unimproved valuation of the districts is £210,215,311, the loans authorized amounting to 6-74 per cent, of the unimproved rateable value of the lands pledged as security for the loans. The aggregate voting at the polls totalled 76,957 for and 13,942 against the respective loan proposals. The total capital outlay by the forty Boards which are in operation is £14,328,671, practically all of which is on works in service. The gross revenue from the sale of electricity by these Boards was £2,846,053. The general result is a profit over the whole business of the Power Boards of £206,880 for appropriation to reserve funds, &c., after paying working-expenses and capital charges for interest, sinking fund, and depreciation. During the last year four of the Boards struck a general rate, which was collected in two cases, and the following table gives details of the rates levied and collected:—■
Rates collected by Electric-power Boards for Year ended 31st March, 1939.
LOCAL ELECTRIC-SUPPLY SYSTEMS. Including the eight Government plants, there are now (31st March, 1939) thirty-nine public electricpower stations operating in the Dominion with forty-eight classified as standby stations. Ninety-one local electric-supply authorities are directly engaged in the retail sale of electricity, and the following table shows the proportion using Government-generated power : —
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General Rate. Availability Rate. Special Rates. Name of Board. Amount Levied. Collected. Levied. Collected. Levied. Collected. c °U® c ted. d. £ £ d. £ £ Banks Peninsula .. 0-02 and 2,284* .. .. .. .. 2,284* 0-16j Malvern .. .. y ? ¥ 1,877* .. .. .. .. 1,877* Marlborough. .. .. .. .. 82* .. .. 82* Manawatu-Oroua .. .. 9* .. .. .. 9* Otago .. .. .. 76* .. .. .. 76* Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 26* .. .. 26* Waimea .. .. 10* .. .. .. .. 10* Wairere .. .. i and 20* .. .. .. .. 20* Wairoa .. .. .. 135* .. .. .. .. 135* Totals, 1939 .. .. 4,411 .. 108 .. .. 4,519 „ 1938 .. .. 5,935 .. 153 .. .. 6,088 * Includes arrears for previous years.
Using Government Supply (65). Class of Local Authority controlling Using Electric-supply System. | Non-Government Wholly. Partial. Total. Sll PPty < 26 )- Power Board .. .. .. .. 30 (a) § 3 (b) (d) § 33 7 (c) § City Council operating own reticulation 3 (e) 2 (/) 5 1 (g) Borough Council operating own reticulation 15 (h) 5 (i) 20 8 (j) County Council operating own reticulation 2 (k) .. 2 3 (I) Town Board operating own reticulation .. 2 (m) 1 (n) 3 Company .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 (o) Private .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 (p) Tourist Department (Rotorua) .. 1 .. 1 Public Works Department, Southland .. 1 (q) .. 1 54 11 65 26 V J 91 For notes, see next page.
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§ Included in these respective areas are the following cities, boroughs, and town districts : —
■(d) South Taranaki, Taranaki, and Otago (through Public Works Department and also Dunedin City Corporation), (e) Palmerston North, Christchureh (including New Brighton Borough), Invercargill. (/) Wellington, Dunedin (including St. Kilda, Port Chalmers, West Harbour, Green Island, and Mosgiel Boroughs and Outram Town District). (g) Nelson. S (h) Bluff, Hamilton, Kaiapoi, Lyttelton, New Rangiora, Riccarton, Sumner, TaumarunuiTf, » Te Arohalf, Timaru% Whakatane^f. I, (i) Waitara, Inglewood, Stratford, Patea, Taihape. a i (j) Ohakune, Picton, Queenstown, Raetihi, Tauranga, Te Puke, Westport, Whangarei. (k) Heathcote, Waimairi. ■§ (I) Kaikoura, Murchison, Uawa. (m) Mangaweka, Manunui. $ ( n) Kaponga (through Taranaki Power Board). (o) Included boroughs (Hokitika, Kumara, Whangarei). (p) Rawene, Kohukohu. (q) Includes seven boroughs (Bluff (also scheduled under (h) ), Gore, Mataura, Riverton, South Invercargill, Tapanui, Winton), and five town districts (Edendale, Lumsden, Nightcaps, Otautau, Wyndham). U Also scheduled under (a).
Summary of Numbers of Cities, Boroughs, and Town Districts.
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(a) Taking whole Supply from Government. <»> Surely?™™' Cities (2). Boroughs (05). Town Districts (39). Boroughs (8). j Town districts Eoroughs (6) iTown Districts Auckland. Akaroa. Ngaruawahia. Bulls. Te Karaka. Balclutha. Manaia. Alexandra. Tahunanui. Wanganui. Ashburton. Northcote. Ellerslie. Te Kauwhata. Eltham. Normanby. Blenheim. Takaka. Birkenhead. Oamaru. Glen Eden. Tinwald. Hawera. Clinton. Cromwell. Brunner. Onehunga Havelook North. Tuakau. Kaitangata. Motueka. Cambridge. One Tree Hill. Helensville. Turua. Lawrence. Richmond. Carterton. Opotiki. Henderson. Waiuku. Milton. Roxburgh. Dannevirke. Opunake. Hikurangi. Warkworth. Palmerston Dargaville. Otahuhu. Howick. Waverley. South. Devonport. Otaki. Hunterville. Waikouaiti. Eastbourne. Paeroa. Johnsonville. Eketahuna. Pahiatua. Kamo. Featherston. Petone. Kihikihi. Feilding. Pukekohe. Leamington. Foxton. Runanga. Leeston. Geraldine. Shannon. Mangaweka. Gisborne. Takapuna. Manunui. Greymouth. Taumarunui. Manurewa. Greytown To Awamutu. Mercer. Hampden. Te Aroha. Ohaupo. Hastings. Te Kuiti. Onerahi. Huntly. Temuka. Ormondville. Levin. Thames. Otorohanga. Lower Hutt. Timaru. Papakura. Martinborough, Upper Hutt. Papatoetoe. Marton. Waihi. Patutahi. Masterton. Waimate. Pleasant Point. Matamata. Waipawa. Putaruru. Morrinsville. Waipukurau. Raglan. Mt. Albert. Wairoa. Rongotea. Mt. Eden. Wliakatane. Southbridge. Napier. Woodville. Taradale. New Lynn. Newmarket. New Plymouth
North Island. South Island. Cities. j Boroughs. CitieB ' J B °">«gh8- Districts. Number .. .. .. .. .. 4 68 48 4 49 14 Electricity available in .. .. 4 ! 68 42 4 46 14 Government supply availablo in .. 4 j 62 37 3 35 10 Taking whole supply from Government .. 3* 56 35 2 23 9 "* Wellington City takes practically the whole of its supply, although listed as " partial supply."
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Public electric supply is not yet available in the following boroughs and town districts (Kohukohu Town District has partial private supply):— Boroughs. Town Districts. Arrowtown (South Island). Clinton (South Island).* Kawhia (North Island).")' Naseby (South Island). Kaikohe (North Island) 4 Kohukohu (North Island). Ross (South Island). Kaitaia (North Island).J Ohura (North Island). Kawakawa (North. Island).'! Russell (North Island).:]: * To be reticulated for electric supply from Otago Power Board. f To be reticulated for electric supply from Te Awamutu Power Board. % To be reticulated for electric supply from Bay of Islands Power Board. During the year Wilson's (N.Z.) Portland Cement Co. placed /in order for an additional 1,000 kW. 2,200-volt generator for its hydro station at Wairua Falls. The unit will bring the installed capacity up to 3,000 kW. Murchison County Council and Kaikoura County Council each supplemented their respective gen era ting-capacities by the installation of a Diesel unit rated at 150 b.h.p (100 kVA.). The hydro-electric generating-stations operated by Taumarunui Borough Council and Whakatane Borough Council have been shut down and in each case bulk supply is now being obtained from the Government system. The Diesel generating-set of the Ashburton Electric-power Board went out of commission in May, 1938, due to a broken crank-shaft, and is not likely to be reinstated. The total installed capacity (excluding standby plant) is at present 279,926 kW. The proportion of installed plant as at 31st March, 1939, is as follows: — Stations. Kilowatts. Water-power (excluding 15 standby installations) .. ..34 278,841 99■ HI Steam-power (excluding standby plants at Portland (3,190 kW.), Auckland (41,460 kW.), Wanganui (500 kW.), Wellington (24,000 kW.), Invercargill (1,000 kW.), Waihi,* Huntly (1,500 kW.), Dunedin (1,875 kW.), Christchurch (1,500 kW.), Nelson (500 kW.), Hokitika (625 kW.) : totalling 76,150 kW., 10 stations) .. .. .. .. .. ..1 750 0-27 Gas - power (excluding standby plants at Palmerston North (816 kW.), Westport (210 kW.), Kaikoura (37 kW.), Taihape (75 kW.) : totalling 1,138 kW., 4 stations) .. 0 Oil-power (excluding standby plants at Penrose (3,750 kW.), Dobson (5,760 kW.), Palmerston North (2,000 kW.), Dunedin (860 kW.), Blenheim (1,356 kW r .), Hastings (1,087 kW.), Gisborne (980 kW.), Napier (400 kW.), Thames (262 kW.), Opunakc (148 kW.), Ohakune (113 kW.), Hawera (485 kW.), Oamaru (192 kW.), New Plymouth (350 kW.), Hokitika (Kanieri) (150 kW.), Hokitika (200 kW.), Motueka (110 kW.), Patea (64 kW.), Reefton (60 kW.), Queenstown (128 kW.), Murchison (80 kW.), Kohukohu (9 kW.) : totalling 18,544 kW., 22 stations) .. .. .. .. ..5 335 0-12 Totals .. .. .. .. ..39 279,926 100-00 * 1,640 kW. plant partially dismantled at present. The number of consumers supplied has increased from. 388,580 to 407,316, an increase of 18,736, or 4-83 per cent, for the year. The total population included in the various electric-supply areas is 1,490,790, or 9.1-75* per cent, of the total population of the Dominion, so that the ideal of a supply being available to every home in the Dominion is well on the way to realization. The maximum demand per head of population in the areas supplied now exceeds the allocation of 0-15 kW., or 0-2 horse-power, per head of population, the original basis of the design of the Government schemes. The units sold per head of population supplied were 744, as compared with 659 last year. The total length of transmission and distribution line in service is 25,982 route-miles, as compared with 24,407 last year, an increase of 1,575 miles, or 6-46 per cent. This fact would seem to indicate that there is a steady demand for the extension of electric lines to meet the requirements of the rural areas. The number of consumers per route-mile is 15-67, as compared with 15-92 last year.
* The lower percentage as shown this year compared, with that of previous years is accounted for by the fact that the assistance of the Government Statistician has been invoked to supply accurate population figures from the latest census returns as a check against those hitherto scheduled as being correct.
100
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The sales per route-mile of line were 42,700 units, and the gross revenue £242*. The units are greater than last year (40,100), and there is an increase in revenue as against £233 last year, due to a general reduction in selling-rates and to load-building campaigns. This increase can also be attributed to a decided improvement in the economic conditions which have prevailed during the past three years, and an examination of the table under " Growth of Load " reveals interesting figures in connection with " Electric Cooking and Electric Water-heating " for the 1925-39 period. Out of the ninety-one distributing authorities (including Public Works Department, North Island and South Island systems, and excluding Ross Borough), eighty-one showed a profit for the year amounting to £1,139,681, and ten showed a loss amounting to £12,745. The gross revenue (including bulk sales, but excluding rates) was £6,296,326, and the general result is a profit for the whole Dominion of £1,126,936 after paying working-costs (£3,232,977) and capital (interest, sinking fund, and depreciation exchange, &c.) charges (£1,936,413) at the rate of 5-18 per cent, on the total capital outlay of £37,367,664. This shows a net profit of 3-02 per cent., as compared with 2-47 per cent, last year. The business on the whole is thus a thoroughly sound and remunerative one as weli as supplying a public necessity to 91-7 per cent, of the population of the Dominion. The following table summarizes the results of the year's operations in connection with electric supply throughout the Dominion. It should be noted that the method of compilation and computation adopted for the following table is slightly different to that of years previous to 1933 : —■
Notes :— Main Stations. (a) Hydro-electric: Arapuni, Horahora, Mangahao, Waikaremoana, Coleridge, Waitaki, Monowai, Arnold River, Golden Bay, Marlborough, Opunake, Obago Central, Taranaki, Teviot, Waimea (2), Wairere, Kourarau, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Queenstown, Raetihi, Ross, Taihape, Tauranga (2), Westport, Kaponga, Murchison, Kerikeri, Kanieri, Reefton, Wairua Falls, Westland Power, Ltd. Total, 34. (b) Steam: Nelson. Total, 1 (c) Oil: Picton, Kaikoura, Uawa, Rawene, Kohukohu, Reefton. Total, 6. Standby Plant. (d) Hydro-electric: Akaroa, Fairlie, Hawera, Havelock North, New Plymouth, Oamaru, Ohakune, Patea, Picton, Raetihi, Rotorua, Taumarunui, Te Aroha, Thames Whakatane. Total, 16. (e) Steam: Huntly, Auckland, Wanganui, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Nelson, Wellington, Portland, Westland Power, Ltd. Total, 10. (/) Gas : Palmerston North, Taihape, Westport, Kaikoura. Total, 4. \g) Oil: Penrose, Dobson, Hastings, Blenheim, Opunake, Gisborne, Hawera, Kohukoliu, Motueka, Murchison, Oamaru, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Napier, New Plymouth, Ohakune, Patea, Thames, Kanieri, Reefton, Westland Power, Ltd., Queenstown. Total, 22.
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— — Water. Steam. I Gas. | Oil. Total. 1. Number of main stations .. .. No. 34(a) 1(b) .. 6(c) 41 2. Installed capacity (main plant) .. kW. 278,841 750 .. 335 279,926 3. Number of standby plants .. .. No. 15(d) 10(e) 4(f) 22(g) 51 4. Installed capacity (standby plant) .. kW. 3,684 76,150 1,138 18,544 99,516 5. Number of consumers .. .. No. 403,033 3,428 .. 855 407,316 6. Connected load .. .. .. kW. 1,892,730 11,060 .. 1,177 1,904,967 7. Units generated .. .. .. No. 1,387,664,76617,490,728 206,709 10,787,220 1,416,149,423 . y " 8. Units sold to consumers .. .. No. 1,108,836,138 9. Percentage of non-productive units % 21-70 10. Total operative capital (including distri- £ 37,367,664 buting systems and standby plant) 11. Total capital per kilowatt installed £ 98-45 (including distributing systems, &c.) 12. Annual working-costs .. £ 1,593,677"|" 13. Annual working-cost per unit under d. 0-345 section 8 14. Annual capital costs (interest, sinking £ 1,936,413 fund, and depreciation) 15. Annual capital cost per unit under d. 0-420 seotion 8 16. Annual capital costs as percentage of % 5-18 capital 17. Total annual costs (section 12 plus £ 3,530,090 section 14) 18. Total annual cost per unit under section 8 d. 0-765 19. Total annual revenue (from retail sale £ 4,536,461 of electricity) 20. Average revenue per unit (from sections d. 0-982 19 and 8) 21. Gross revenue (excluding rates and bulk £ 4,656,299 sales) 22. Net profit (section 21 less section 17) .. £ 1,126,209 23. Ratio working-costs to gross revenue % 34-22 (section 12 and section 21) * This figure is distinct from that of £238, which is compiled on revenue from sale of electricity only. t After deducting cost of power purchased in bulk.
I).—1.
BROKEN WIRES AND POLES. There were 1,517 broken wires reported by electric-supply authorities, with 126,097 miles of conductor erected. The corresponding figures for the previous year were 1,386 broken wires and 119,432 miles of conductor in use. Trees were again the principal cause of the breaks, and accounted for 27 per cent, of the total, as against 29-4 per cent, for i 938. The following table has been prepared to show the various factors which have been reported as responsible for broken wires during the past six years : —
Causes of Breakages of Wires.
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Note. —Percentages less than 1 per cent, of total are not shown. 1934. 1935. 1936. 1937. 1938. 1939. Total ; ; Reported Causes. for Six p er p er cen t_ Per cent- Per cent- Per cent- Per centears. Number, age of Number, age of Number, age of Number, age of Number, age of Number, age of Total. Total. Total. Total. Total. Total. Trees .. .. 2,949 262 27 319 27 1,341 47 370 28 255 29 402 27 Wires contacting .. 1,585 172 18 206 17 361 13 367 28 188 22 291 19 Galea .. .. 723 110 11 108 9 171 6 105 8 51 6 178 12 Binder-failure.. .. 794 128 13 154 13 163 6 105 8 79 9 165 11 Insulator-failure .. 223 13 1 4 13 52 4 40 5 101 7 Poles broken .. .. 266 39 4 34 3 89 3 36 3 19 2 49 3 Poles hit by vehicles .. 232 39 4 39 3 40 1 4.8 4 32 4 34 2 Corrosion .. .. 97 15 2 11 5 15 1 11 1 4:0 3 Short circuit .. . . 47 . . .. .. .. .. .. I •. 13 2 33 2 Roofins-iron .. .. 139 4 .. .. .. 90 3 12 8 . . 25 2 Birds " .. .. 92 9 1 13 1 11 18 1 20 2 21 1 Joint failure .. .. 140 12 1 30 2 22 29 2 28 3 19 1 Overstress .. .. 50 .. .. 4 .. 12 .. 16 1 4 .. 14 Snow .. .. 479 .. .. Ill 9 348 12 5 .. 2 .. 13 Span-breaks .. .. 13 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ■ ■ ■■ •. 13 Vibration .. .. 126 1 .. 30 3 44 2 22 2 17 2 12 Blasting .. .. 31 1 ■ ■ 7 .. 6 .. 2 .. 7 .. 8 Lightning .. .. 35 2 .. 7 .. 11 .. 7 .. 2 .. 6 Contacting earth-guard.. 28 6 .. 3 .. 7 .. 2 .. 5 .. 5 Opossums . . .. 9 1 • • • • • ■ 1 • • 1 • • I • • 5 Bad workmanship .. 85 25 3 19 2 17 6 10 1 8 Jumper-failure .. 18 1 .. 4.. 2.. 6.. 1 .. 4.. Haystacker .. .. 41 9 1 10 . . 5 .. 5 .. 5 .. 7 Radio-mast .. .. 39 5 .. 12 1 12 4 2 .. 4 Football .. .. 4 .. .. .. .. 1 •• .. .. .. .. 3 Threshing-mill .. 10 2 .. 1 .. 1 .. 3 .. .. .. 3 Crane .. .. 9 .. .. 2 .. .. .. 1 .. 3 .. 3 Kite .. .. .. 8 .. .. 3 .. 1 2 .. 2 Falling pole .. .. 3 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Loaded lorry .. .. 5 .. .. 2 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 2 Wire over line.. .. 13 7 .. 3 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 2 Falling chimney .. 2 .. .. .. .. 1 .. •. . • • • • • 1 Ladder .. .. 1 .. .. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 Scrub fire .. .. 27 1 .. 4 2 3 14 2 3 House fire .. ... 32 15 2 .. .. 2 .. 13 1 1 .. I Flood .. .. 7 .. .. 2 .. 3 2 Rifle-shot .. .. 7 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 .. 1 Landslip .. .. 7 .. .. 4 .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. 1 Aeroplane .. .. 5 2 .. .. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. 1 Ship's mast .. .. 6 .. .. .. .. 2 .. 1 .. 3 Cut by slasher .. 11 2 .. 2 .. 2 .. 4 .. 1 Earthquake .. .. 26 26 3 Tram-trolley pole .. 14 1 .. 3 .. .. '.. 7 .. 3 Failure under-ground cable 4 2 .. 2 Excessive sag .. .. 1 1 Straw blown on line .. 1 1 Contact with roof .. 6 2 .. 1 .. .. .. 3 Frost .. .. 17 11 1 .. .. 1 .. 1 .. 4 Broken by workmen .. 2 1 .. 1 Cross-arm burnt or broken 4 4 Contact with stay wire 8 I .. 3 .. I .. 3 Animals rubbing poles .. 3 2 .. .. .. 1 Fouled by excavator .. 1 1 Sea erosion .. .. 2 1 .. . . .. 1 Contact with pole .. 9 .. .. 3 .. 2 .. 4 Contact with P. and T. lines 12 .. .. 1 .. 10 .. 1 Contact with P.W.D. lines 6 .. .. .. .. 3 .. 3 Fouled by building material 15 4 .. 1 .. 8 .. 2 Storm damage to buildings 26 .. .. •. .. 19 .. 7 Unknown .. 179 31 3 37 3 17 33 2 29 3 32 2 Totals .. .. .. 973 .. 1,200 .. 2,853 .. 1,325 .. 866 .. 1,517 Total breakages reported for six years = 8,734, of which trees were responsible for 33-75 per cent.
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The 60 " causes " assigned by reporting authorities as scheduled above are many and varied. It is quite possible that different reporting authorities have different ways of expressing the same thing, as, for instance, " wires contacting " may be synonymous with " short circuit," or, to take another instance, " span breaks " with " overstress " or " joint failure." It is hoped that the publication of this table will be of some interest to supply authority engineers in general. As regards broken poles, 406 instances were reported for the year, of which 239, or 58-8 per cent., were New Zealand blue-gum. For 1938 the total number of broken poles reported was 323, and it is still evident that electricsupply authorities who experimented with New Zealand blue-gum and nondescript Australian hardwoods during the past decade are now being called upon to make replacements sooner than the anticipated life of fifteen years for poles used on distribution lines.
Actual Mileages and Sizes of Overhead Conductors in use at 31st March, 1939.
No returns of conductor mileages received from Auckland and Christchurck.
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copper. Aluminium. «~ed Ga.van.zed Copperweld . Steered Bronze bize of Total Conductors — 1 Break(8 ' W ' 6,) ' B S k " MUos. ~ Miles. |~ Miles. Mi.es. Ml.es. Break- <*«• 7/22 .. 12 3 3 7/20 .. 6,786 309 309 7/18 .. 14,264 633 633 7/17 .. 3,296 37 37 7/16 .. 26,458 266 49 .. 301 3 103 .. 8 .. 177 269 7/15 .. 110 4 259 4 7/14 13,470 74 24 8 19 .. 7 1,087 82 7/13 .. 1,210 1 .. .. 3 .. 4 163 1 7/12 .. 645 .. 152 1 11 18 .. 30 1 7/11 .. 4 73 7/10 .. 66 .. 37 51 7/9 .. 640 .. 3 .. 5 ; 7/8 2 19/18 .. 407 14 14 19/17 .. 692 7 7 19/16 .. 1,849 10 10 19/15 .. 201 2 2 19/14 .. 726 3 3 19/13 .. 3,110 19/12 .. 832 2 19/10 .. .. .. 1 37/16 .. 67 .. .. 37/15 .. 403 37/14 .. 120 37/13 .. 23 37/12 .. 77 227 66/13 .. 2 12 .. .. 2,403 119 .. .. 2 .. 86 .. 12 119 11 .. .. 3 10 .. .. 9,399 403 .. 2 112 1 222 .. 423 12 .. .. 30 .. 418 8 .. .. 13,773 190 .. .. 5,482 43 5,326 58 733 2 283 7 .. .. 759 12 290 .. 92 12 6 .. .. 288 3 .. .. 127 .. 147 .. 165 7 10 5 .. 7 4 .. .. 593 79 .. 2 2 .. .. 65 .. .. 0 .. .. 74 2/0 10 3 59 3 3/0 .. 4 399 3/12 .. 155 1 14 .. 9 1 3/11 3 3/10 .. 27 .. 3 3/9 4 3/8 4 1 1 4/16 .. 13 4/14 253 1 1 5/14 210 1 1 6/-144 .. .. 19 2 .. .. 2 7/-167 639 Miscellaneous 83 11 161 2 .. .. 2 .. 12 .. 58 .. .. .. 13 Telephone-wires 195 .. .. .. 1,060 .. 906 .. 2,915 Totals .. 103,3342,102 465 17 7,596 49 7,093 58 4,366 21 3,243 2 30 .. 2,249 > > > Grand total, 126,097 miles.
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GROWTH OP LOAD. The total connected load at end of the year under review was 1,904,967 kW., compared with 1,676,689 for 1938, an increase of 228,278 kW., or 13-6 per cent. Statistics pertaining to the increasing use of electric ranges, electric water-heaters, and milkingmachines have been collected and scheduled for some years past, and from the following table will be seen the annual growth which has taken place in each class : —
The total increase in route-miles of line for the above fourteen-year period is 334 per cent.
CONDENSED REVIEW OF ELECTRICAL PROGRESS. During the year the statistical records collected over the past fifteen years have been condensed into graph form, and the graphs below contain the following information as at the end of each financial year from 1925 to 1939 inclusive :— Graph No. I.—(a) Number of units generated ; (b) number of units sold (retail) ; (c) number of units sold per consumer (average) ; (d) number of units sold per capita (average). Graph No. 2.—(a) Number of electric water-heaters installed ; (6) number of electric ranges installed ; (c) number of electric milking-machines installed. Graph No. 3.—(a) Number of consumers per route-mile of line in operation ; (b) number of consumers supplied ; (c) number of route-miles of line in operation ; (d) total connected load, in kilowatts. Graph No. 4.—(a) Revenue received from retail sales of electricity (pounds) ; (b) total workingcosts (excluding bulk purchases) (pounds); (c) total capital charges (pounds) ; (d) total annual costs (pounds) ; (e) average revenue per unit sold (pence).
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Route- I I 1 ™ _ 1 | Electricallyv miles of „ Annual Electric Annual w . 1 Annual driven Annual ( ' ar " Line in onsumers. j [ ncreaBe _ Ranges. Increase. , a , Increase. Milking- Increase Service. j j 6a els " j | machines. Number. Per Cent. Number. Per Cent. Number. Per Cent. Number. Per Cent. 1925 .. 6,011 148,699 .. 1,526 .. .. .. 3,581 1926 .. 12,454 192,392 29"3 4,671 205"0 6,654 .. 4,856 35-8 1927 .. 14,975 228,345 18*7 9,511 104-0 14,160 113 0 6,738 38"8 1928 .. 17,063 243,795 6*8 15,766 66*0 21,513 52D 8,514 26-3 1929 .. 1 17,759 266,306 9'2 20,254 28*5 29,257 36-0 10,161 19*4 1930 19,128 284,235 6'7 25,997 28'3 37,564 28'5 11,922 17 3 1931 .. ! 19,636 300,809 5'9 29,480 13-2 42,803 13*9 13,656 14'5 1932 .. i 20,251 309,360 2-8 31,973 8*5 45,796 7-1 14,163 3*7 1933 .. 20,585 322,997 4-4 33,998 6*4 48,070 5-0 15,913 12*4 1934 .. 20,996 334,593 3'6 36,081 6-2 50,272 4'6 16,992 6*8 1935 .. 21,707 342,334 2*3 39,730 10 1 53,635 6*7 17,200 1*2 1936 .. 22,424 355,973 4-0 44,837 12'9 58,864 9'8 18,458 7*4 1937 .. 23,322 371,027 4'2 53,402 191 67,049 139 20,275 9'8 1938 .. 24,407 388,580 4-7 64,408 20-6 77,353 15.4- 22,711 12-4 1939 .. 25,982 407,316 4-8 78,702 22-4 91,711 18-6 24,851 9-4
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N.Z. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY STATISTICS.
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N.Z. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY STATISTICS.
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Gra,phNo.3
N.Z. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY STATISTICS.
107
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108
N.Z. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY STATISTICS.
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In studying the above graphs it should be remembered that they represent a composite review of the electric-supply business as a whole, and the appropriate statistics appertaining to the Public Works Department have therefore been combined with those of all the other electrical supply authorities in the Dominion. It is hoped that the publication of these graphs will continue to be of interest to the various electric-supply authorities throughout New Zealand, without whose valued co-operation in furnishing the requisite statistics each year it would not have been possible to compile the information now presented in graph form. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY AND ELECTRICAL WIRING REGULATIONS. During the past year numbers of 6-volt, 12-volt, and 18-volt portable electric-lighting plants have been installed in territories not readily accessible to public electric-supply systems. Under the Electrical Wiremen's Registration Act the services of a registered wireman are not necessary to install the wiring where the voltage does not exceed 20 volts, but this does not include exemption from the requirements of the Electrical Wiring Regulations issued under the Public Works Act, Some modification of the standard Electrical Wiring Regulations was deemed necessary in such cases, and the Regulations Advisory Committee has prepared regulations defining the requirements to be observed by persons installing such sets with a rating not exceeding 500 watts. These regulations were gazetted 011 13th January, 1938. LICENSES AND PERMITS ISSUED. The following water-power and electric-line licenses (46) and permits (12) have been issued during the period between Ist July, 1938, and 30th June, 1939 : — (1) Licenses (40) : Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric-power Board ; Ashburton Electric-power Board ; Tararua Electric-power Board ; H. Sagar, Longford ; G. B. Nichol, Clarks ; E. A. Gray, Horeke ; Waimea Electric-power Board ; J. A. McCaughan, Kingston ; J. Kelland, Omarama ; R. E. Vincent, Ohau Downs ; D. S. Musker, Uruti; T. W. McLean, Waimumu; R. H. Rhodes, St. Andrews; Heathcote County Council (amendment) ; Blackwater Mines, Waiuta ; Hume Electric-power Co. (amendment) ; Invercargill City Council; D. C. Aubrey, Pembroke ; S. de Filippi, Koiterangi; W. .1. Wallace, Ross ; Grey River Dredging Co., Ikamatua ; Kildare Consolidated Coldmining Co., Ranfurly ; Sullivan Bros., Weheka (amendment) ; M. A. Wall, Matakitaki ; Bay of Islands Electric-power Board ; Karamea Co-operative Dairy Factory Co. ; Mangonui County Council; W. E. Barker, Mount Harper ; E. A. Robson, Waiau; Westport Coal Co., Westport; T. Hurley, Tokaanu; L. Keys, Kohukohu (amendment) ; A. R. Weenink, Te Taho ; H. Holt, Puketona ; H. C. Miller, Longford ; Waitoino Electric-power Board ; P. and R. Diserens, Gowan Bridge ; Waikakaho Deep Lead, Ltd., Blenheim; A. W. Gunn, Wataroa; Wairere Electric-power Board (amendment). (2) Revocations (5) : P. R. Sargood, Pembroke ; D. H. Rutherford, Makuri; C. S. Hammond, Taihape ; F. Excell, Raurimu ; Grey Electric-power Board (Arnold River). (3) Assignment (1) : W. Patterson to G. Kellow, Reefton. (4) Permits (12) : J. Hutchinson, Otoko ; K. O. and C. E. Jones, Kongahu ; I. O. Buchanan, Hororata ; McFarlane Estate, Culverden ; L. A. Savill, Peria ; R. C. Taylor, Harapepe ; A. C. Williams, Te Parae ; M. S. Alpass, Makuri ; C. R. Brereton, Motueka ; H. Fox, Waipiro Bay ; L. Eyles, Woodstock ; J. G. Armstrong, Kaikoura. INSPECTION OF ELECTRIC LINES, ALSO PRIVATE GENERATING-PLANTS. The annual departmental inspection of the electric lines in operation was carried out in the case of supply authorities last year, and any defects or breaches of the regulations which came under notice were duly notified to the supply authorities concerned. These inspection activities of the Department undoubtedly tend towards the maintaining of a high standard, and the general willingness on the part of the supply authorities to co-operate in a general observance of the regulations governing such matters is of great assistance to this Department.
109
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The following supply authorities have notified extensions to electric lines in their respective districts during the year:— Power Boards— Power Boards—continued. Cities—continued. Ashburton. South Canterbury. Wellington. Auckland. South Tarana-ki. Boroughs—Banks Peninsula. Springs-Ellesmere. Bluff. Bay of Islands. Taranaki. Hamilton. Bay of Plenty. Tararua. Napier. Cambridge. Tauranga. New Plymouth. Central Hawke's Bay. Te Awamutu. Riccarton. Central Waikato. Teviot. Taumarunui. Dannevirke. Thames Valley. Thames. Franklin. Wairoa. Wairoa. Grey. Waitomo. Waitara. Hawke's Bay. Waimea. Town Boards— Horowhenua. Wairarapa. Kaponga. Hutt Valley. Wairere. County Councils — Malvern. Waitaki. Nil. Manawatu-Oroua. Waitemata. Companies — Marlborough. Wanganui-Rangitikei. Bruce Bay Timber Co. North Auckland. Cities— Martha Gold-mining Co. North Canterbury. Christchurch. Graham Bros., Waiho. Opunake. Dunedin. Public Works Department— Otago. Invercargill. Southland Electric Supply Otago Central. Nelson. System. Poverty Bay. Palmerston North. It is not generally known that under the Electrical Wiremen's Registration Amendment Act, 1928, it is mandatory to give notice of the installation of private electric plants, and provision is made for the inspection of these plants before same are placed in service. During the year inspections of such plants have been made as opportunity offered. ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS. During the year there were reported to the Department forty-nine electrical accidents, involving the loss of human life in seventeen instances. Corresponding figures for 1938 were thirty-eight and eight respectively. This year's electrical accidents resulted in injuries (fatal and otherwise) to the following:— Electrical employees .. .. .. .. .. .. 21 Other tradesmen .. .. .. .. .. 6 General public .. .. .. .. .. 13 Stock .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 49 The following is a summary of electrical accidents for the past seven years —viz., 1933 to 1939 : —
The following graph has been prepared to show the incidence of electrical accidents, and although such occurrences are regrettable, the curves indicate that as the risk of exposure to accident increases with the electrical development of the Dominion as represented by the erection of additional miles of reticulation and additional users are connected up, the ratio of accidents to additional risks is fortunately not increasing.
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1933. 1934. i 1935. 1936. 1937. 1938. I 1939. 42 $ I 1 i 38 5s Classification. -■ , S® Total. Fatal. Total. Fatal. Total. Fatal. Totals Fatal. | Total. Fatal. J Total. Fatal, j Total. | Fatal. Jj « Electrical employees 15 2 12 2 17 2 13 2 15 ..12 3 21 8 105 19 Otlierltradesmen .. 9 4 1.. 3.. 10 1 6 2 9 1 6 4 44 12 General public .. 7 6 19 8 17 5 20 6 23 9 16 4 13 5 115 43 Stock . .. 8 1 - 8 •• 3 „ 9 „ 41_ „ Totals .. 39 12 33 10 45 7 52 9 47 11 40 8 49 17 305 74 ; '
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ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS.
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ELECTRICAL FIRES. During the year there were 23 fires attributed to electrical causes and reported to the Department by the electrical supply authorities, as per list below. The sources of this year's electrical fires included the following - Electric irons .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Radiators .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Water-heaters boiling dry .. .. .. .. .. 1. Other electrical appliances .. .. .. .. 1 Defective installations .. .. .. .. .. 9 Defective radio installation .. .. . . .. 1 Contacts between overhead lines .. .. .. 3 Lightning .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Totals .. .. .. .. .. .. 23 The following is a summary of causes of electrical fires for the seven-yearly period, 1933-39 : —
REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL WIREMEN. Eighteen full-day meetings of the Board were held during the year ended 31st March, 1939. This is the largest number of meetings in any year since the year the Act came into operation, when thirtytwo meetings were held in order to register the wiremen who were operating at that time. The shortage of wiremen which has been noticeable for the last two or three years still continues, and has been accentuated temporarily by work undertaken in connection with the Centennial Exhibition. To assist in relieving the position several wiremen from Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and Europe arrived during the year. One hundred and fifteen wiremen were granted full registration during the year, and ninety-seven were granted limited registration. To avoid the delay caused by waiting for a meeting of the Board in those cases where a person did not have the usual opportunity to make an application, the Act was amended in 1926 to provide that an authority to carry out electrical work could be issued on the approval of two members of the Board, pending the determination of the Board with respect to the application. Fifteen of these authorities were issued during the year to wiremen who had found work before the subsequent meeting of the Board. To assist further in relieving the shortage it was decided to set up two comprehensive classes of electrical servicemen under limited registration, and this had the additional advantage of reducing the number of types of registration by grouping together several types. Both classes include— The replacement of fuse-links, The connection and replacement of flexible cords and the earthing of appliances, and one class also includes — The disconnection and reconnection of appliances and the assembly and repair of appliances. The classes of ratings in the Royal Navy to whom registration is granted were given further careful consideration, and these have been extended. Electrical artificers, leading torpedomen, and torpedogunners' mates have been eligible for some years for full registration after passing the wiremen's examination. Leading telegraphists arc now eligible for limited registration for electrical work in
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' I "ill ! 1933. 1934. 1935. 1936. 1937. 1938. 1939. Totals. j i I !_, Electric irons .. .. 4 12 8 8 7 3 5 47 Electric radiators .. 2 .. 1 2 .. 1 2 8 Other electrical appliances 2 3 6 4 6 6 1 28 Defective installations .. 4 11 7 12 3 9 9 55 Defective flexible cords .. .. . . . . .. 3 .. .. 3 Defective radio installations 1 .. .. .. 1 .. 1 3 Bedding in contact with .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. 1 lamp Contact between distribu- .. .. .. . . 1 . . 3 4 tion and service lines Lightning .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 2 Soldering-iron .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. 1 Rats .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. 2 Transformer-oil overheating . . .. . . .. 1 . . 1 Water-heating appliances .. . . .. .. .. 2 1 3 boiling dry Totals.. .. 13 26 22 27 23 24 23 158 Number of con- 322 s 997 334,593 342,334 355,973 371,027 388,580 407,316 .. sumers
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connection with, radio-sets after passing an examination for radio servicemen and one for electrical servicemen or electrical wiremen. Seamen torpedomen are now eligible for limited registration as electrical servicemen after passing the electrical servicemen's examination or that for electrical wiremen. Two years' experience as a seaman torpedoman is now accepted as being equivalent to twelve months' experience in the work of an electrical wireman. In all cases it is necessary to have a minimum of three years' experience and to have attained the age of nineteen years before registration can be granted. Consideration was also given again to the granting of registration to apprentices who had received their training in connection with electric tramways, and it has been agreed that three years of such training will be accepted as equivalent to two years' training in the work of an electrical wireman. It is interesting to note that the first limited registration in connection with the installation and maintenance of supervisory control wiring and apparatus on supply lines was granted during the year. The registration of persons whose mother-tongue is not English has presented some difficulty, but an endeavour is being made to enable these wiremen to be employed under the direct supervision of registered wiremen pending the passing of the ordinary half-yearly examination. Before being granted permission to work with a wireman a test for knowledge of English and general knowledge of electrical work has to be passed. Further consideration was given to the cases of six persons whose applications had been declined, as it appeared their experience had not been gained in accordance with the Act. Careful, investigation by the Apprenticeship Committees in the districts concerned produced sufficient information to make it possible to register five of the persons involved. Thirteen proposed contracts for adult apprentices were referred to the Registration Board by the Department of Labour to ascertain whether previous experience was satisfactory and could be counted for the purposes of registration. It was ascertained in one case that the previous experience was sufficient for registration and no further apprenticeship was necessary. A number of other cases were referred to the Board by the individuals concerned. The question of making an allowance for time served in other branches of the electrical trade was discussed and the general principle laid down that at least two years' experience in the wiring branch is necessary. Apprentices who had received five years' training chiefly in repair and maintenance work came under review. This work includes a fair proportion of wiring, but it is considered some further experience in wiring is necessary and this has been fixed at a minimum period of six months. Numerous requests for rulings on their experience were received from persons who wished to obtain registration after passing the examination. The duties of an Inspector of Electrical Wiring are important and responsible ones, and the Act stipulates that the Board must be satisfied that the person who is to be registered as an Inspector is competent to inspect and test electrical wiring work. The proposed appointment in a few cases of wiremen who had been registered as such for only a few months, others who were considered to be too young, and others who had previously had their registration certificates endorsed for defective work, resulted in the matter again coming under consideration. The conclusions arrived at were that no person should be eligible for registration as an Inspector if he had been registered as an electrical wireman for less than five years, if he was less than twenty-five years of age, or if his registration certificates had been endorsed for defective work during the previous five years. The results of the wiremen's examinations show that the candidates would benefit materially from more training at technical schools. The examiners continue to report very unsatisfactory results in the written part of the examination for electrical wiremen and point out that the results seem to indicate that the candidates made little or no effort towards technical training or a working knowledge of the regulations. Carelessness, bad writing, bad spelling, exceptionally bad sketching and setting-out of work were characteristic of a large number of papers, and generally the arithmetic was weak. The workmanship in the practical part of the wiremen's examination continues at a reasonably good standard, but care in working to given measurements was still lacking. Bending and setting is still unsatisfactory, and cutting and screwing were only of an average standard ; many candidates attempted to work with badly-worn vices and dies, and there was an excessive use of round files for cleaning the ends of conduit; the regulations lay it down that the ends of conduit shall be reamed out, not filed out. The earthing was of a fairly good standard, but some candidates failed to clean properly the earth connections, and others failed to tighten up the earthing-clips. The correct phasing of screw lamp-holders still requires more attention, although an improvement was shown. Very few candidates obtained full marks for the connecting-up of the ceiling-roses. The tightening-up of the locking-rings on lamp-holders still leaves much to be desired. The connecting of the flexible cord to the plug was very poorly carried out. Much more training in tying conductors to insulators is required, and it was evident that many candidates had never done this class of work. The stripping of the conductors was again very good, but the insufficient heating of the solder in the cable-sockets was the cause of loss of marks. The first examination for electrical servicemen was held in March, and the results are very gratifying. The examiners in the written part comment on the neat setting out, the good writing and sketching,, and the intelligent manner in which the questions were answered. The examiners in the practical part of the servicemen's examination stated that the percentage of completed exercises and the workmanship were unexpectedly high. The appliance connector in the majority of cases was satisfactorily attached to the flexible cord, but in some cases it was very badly done. Some candidates were undecided as to the use of the locks provided for the flexible cords in the accessories. Some candidates require much more training in the art of jointing and soldering. The questions in the written part deal mainly with wiring regulations, and the practical test deals mainly with the attachment of flexible cords to accessories, the earthing of appliances, and the making of joints and connections. A pass in either part of the wiremen's examination exempts a candidate from that particular part in the servicemen's examination.
B—D. 1,
113
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A further examination of Radio Inspectors and radio mechanics in connection with the reduction of interference with radio reception was held. Tables giving details of length of service, technical training, and the number of times the candidate sat have been in use by the Board for some years, and it was decided to send copies of these to the technical schools for the information of instructors in electrical work. The reports of breaches of the Act do not in many cases contain all the necessary information, although suggestions in connection with their preparation are contained on the back of the report forms and also in a letter sent to every Inspector when he is registered. To assist further in obtaining satisfactory reports a letter setting out the individual breaches of the Act and the regulations which had been reported was forwarded to each Inspector. The position in regard to luminous-discharge-tube signs and outline lighting is far from satisfactory, and was brought under the notice of the Electrical Supply Authorities. Reports were received that in some cases labourers were doing wiring, and holders of limited registration were assisting wiremen to carry out. installation work, thus working outside the limits of their registration. The employment of electricians in mines appears to have now been established on a satisfactory basis, and presumably all of these are now registered. Three requests for information as to the training of apprentices for electrical work in mines were received. In two cases the facilities available were considered insufficient, but in the other case it was agreed that an apprentice could receive satisfactory training and be able to secure registration as a wireman after passing the examination for wiremen. Provision is made in the Act for the removal of an endorsement after twelve months have elapsed from the time the endorsement was made. From the time the Act came into force in 1926 up to the end of March, 1939, 100 endorsements for defective work have been made and 51 have been removed. Only three certificates were endorsed during the current year, so that 4-8 endorsements have been on for over twelve months, and no doubt a large number of these would be removed if the holders of the certificates would make the necessary application. The Electrical Wiremens Registration Regulations 1929 were slightly amended in 1984 and again in 1935, and are now somewhat difficult to follow. It is therefore proposed to consolidate these and to have them reprinted. The opportunity to make several further necessary amendments will be availed of. A circular letter setting out the need for every care on the part of those engaged in the building trade to see that no earthing lead is damaged or disconnected during alterations and repairs to a building was printed, and copies sent to the Electrical Supply Authorities for distribution to tradesmen engaged in the building and plumbing trades. The statistics for the year ended 31st March, 1939, arc set out below (the figures in parentheses are for previous year) i— Registrations— Number. Inspectors .. .. .. .. .. 51 (60) Wiremen — Full registration . . . . .. . . 115 (120) Limited registration .. .. .. .. 97 (64) Provisional licenses .. .. .. .. 34 (20) Examinations— Wiremen's — Candidates— Written part .. .. .. .. .. 449 (379) Practical part .. .. .. .. ..311 (323) Passed— Written part .. .. .. .. ~ 110 (151) Practical part . . . . . . .. .. 164 (180) Highest marks— Written part .. .. .. .. 89 (89) Practical part .. .. .. .. 91 (91) Servicemen's— Candidates— Written part .. .. .. .. .. 108 Practical part .. .. .. .. .. 82 Passed— Written part .. .. .. .. ... 54 Practical part .. .. .. .. .. 52 Highest marks — Written part . . . . .. .. 84 Practical part .. ... .. .. .. 91 Defective work reports .. .. .. .. 17 (99) Endorsements made .. .. .. .. .. 3 (7) Endorsements removed .. .. .. .. 3 (9) Breach of Act reports .. .. .. .. .. 102 (125) Prosecutions authorized .. .. .. .. 59 (66) I have, &c., F. T. M. Kissel, B.SC., M.1.E.E., A.M.1.C.E., Chief Electrical Engineer.
114
8*
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NORTH ISLAND POWER SYSTEM. UNITS GENERATED PER WEEK.
115
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NORTH ISLAND POWER SYSTEM. MAXIMUM WEEKLY LOADS.
116
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SOUTH ISLAND POWER SYSTEM. UNITS GENERATED PER WEEK.
117
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SOUTH ISLAND POWER SYSTEM. MAXIMUM WEEKLY LOADS.
118
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INDEX TO TABLES. Year ended 31st March 1939.
119
Table No. Pago No. North Island and South Island Electric-power systems— Capital outlay and results of operation .. .. . . . . .. I 120 Analysis of capital outlay .. .. .. .. .. •. II 122 Analysis of working-costs .. .. .. .. ■ ■ ■ ■ III 122 Gross financial results of distribution, North Island system.. .. IV 123 Gross financial results of distribution, South Island system. . .. V 124 Route-miles of Public Works Department's lines in operation .. VI 125 Samoan Administration (Apia) .. .. ... .. •• VII i 126
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Table I.—Summary of Financial and Operating Statistics for North Island and South Island Electric-power Systems for the Year ending 31st March, 1939.
120
Note. —" North Island system " includes Arapuni-Horahora-Mangahao-Waikaremoana all interconnected. " South Island system " includes Lake Coleridge-Waitaki-Southland-Arnold River (Westland) all interconnected. 1938-39 I I 1938-39 | (Fifth Year). (Fifth Year). (a) Financial. (1) Capital outlay— ! £ i (4) Capital charges—continual. £ Assets in operation— Depreciation— North Island system .. .. 0,264,384 North Island system .. .. 7,228 South Island system .. .. 6,387,270 South Island system .. .. 82,617 Total assets in operation ' .. 15,651,654 Half capital charges, King's Wharf Station .. .. . . . . 33,547 Assets not in operation— —— North Island system .. .. 446,171 Total capital charges for year .. 711,605 South Island system .. .. 266,778 Total assets not in operation .. 712,940 (5) Total costs for year .. .. .. 1,090,837 Total capital outlay .. .. 16,364,603 (6) Net profit or loss for yearNorth Island system.. .. .. Cr. 530,170 South Island system.. .. .. Cr. 58,535 (2) Revenue tor year— North Island system.. .. .. 1,127,132 Total profit for year .. 588.705 South Island system.. .. .. 561,300* Total revenue for year .. 1,688,432 (7) Accumulated Depreciation Reserve— North Island system.. .. .. 1,042,933 South Island system.. .. .. 637,799 (3) Costs — Total Depreciation Reserve .. 1,680,732 Working-costs— „ North Island system ,. .. 200,438 South Island system .. .. 187,794f (8) Accumulated Sinking Fund Reserve— North Island system.. .. .. 741,038 Total working-costs for year .. 388,232 South Island system.. .. .. 350,840 Total Sinking Fund Reserve .. 1,091,878 (4) Capital charges— Arrears in Sinking Fund payments not Interest — yet appropriated .. .. .. 558,076 North Island system .. .. 353,676 . South Island system .. .. 231,060 Cost of raising loans, &c.— (9) General Reserve — North Island system .. .. 2,073 North Island system.. .. .. Nil. South Island system .. .. 1,404 South Island system.. .. .. 87,199 * Includes £151 revenue from rates. t Excludes £41 commission paid for collecting rates. (Continued on next page.)
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Table I. —Summary of Financial and Operating Statistics for North Island and South Island Electric-power Systems for the year ending 31st March, 1939 —continued.
121
Note.—" North Island system " includes Arapuni-Horahora-Mangahao-Waikaremoana all interconnected. t,! South Island system " includes Lake Coleridge-Waitaki-Southland-Arnold River (Westland) all interconnected. 1938-39 1938-39 (Fifth Year). j (Fifth Year). [ IJ (b) Operating Results. Maximum load (kilowatts) — Revenue — North Island system .. .. . • 174,880 Per kilowatt (system maximum) — £ South Island system .. .. .. 69,610 North Island system 6'47* South Island system .. .. .. 8-07* Average load (kilowatts) — Per unit generated— d. North Island system .. .. .. 106,762 North Island system .. .. .. 0-289 South Island system .. .. .. 37,450 South Island system .. .. .. 0-413 Per unit distributed— Average load factor — .. .. .. PerCent. North Island system .. .. .. 0-321 North Island system .. .. .. 01-1 South Island system .. .. .. 0-472 South Island system .. .. .. 53-8 Per unit sold — North Island system .. .. .. 0 • 324* Units output— Units. South Island system .. .. .. 0-478* North Island system .. .. .. 935,237,791 South Island system .. .. .. 326,326,230 Working-costs _ , . , , nm Tn, nm Per kilowatt (system maximum) — £ Combined 1,261,564,021 North Island system 1-15 South Island system .. .. .. 2*70 Units distributed Per unit generated— d Units sold— North Island system .. .. .. 0-0515 North Island system 835,943,799 South Island system 0-1381 South Island system .. .. .. 281,708,949 Per unit distributed— , . , . , ,_ North Island system .. .. .. 0-0570 Combined 1,117,652,748 South Island system .. .. .. 0-1578 .... „ . Per unit sold— Units unsold (station auxiliaries, &o.)— North Island system .. .. .. 0-0576 North Island system 7,997,884 South Island system 0-1600 South Island system .. .. .. 3,904,827 Combined .. .. .. 11,902,711 Capital charges - Per kilowatt (system maximum) — £ Total units distributed, North Island 843,941,683 North Island system .. .. .. 2-27 system South Island system .. .. .. 4-53 Total units distributed, South Island 285,613,776 Per unit generated d. system North Island system .. .. .. 0-1018 South Island system .. .. .. 0-2318 Per unit distributed —- Line losses North Island system .. .. .. 0 • 1128 Transmission— Units. PerCent. South Island system .. .. .. 0-i649 North Island system .. 90,424,393 9-66 Per unit sold— South Island system .. 29,904,966 9-12 North Island system 0-1139 South Island system .. .. .. 0-2683 Combined .. .. 120,329,359 Total costs — Per kilowatt (system maximum) — £ Distribution— North Island system .. .. .. 3-42 North Island system .. 871,715 0-093 South Island system .. .. .. 7-23 South Island system .. 10,807.488 3 ■ 32f Per unit generated— d. North Island system .. .. .. 0-1533 Combined .. .. 11,679,203 .. South Island system .. .. .. 0-3699 Per unit distributed—Total line losses, North 91,296,108 9-76 North Island system .. .. .. 0-1698 Island system South Island system .. .. .. 0-4227 Per unit sold— Total line losses, South 40,712,454 12-41f North Island system .. .. .. 0-1715 Island system South Island system .. .. .. 0-4283 * Based on gross revenue. For corresponding figures, based on revenue received from sale of electricity only, see Tabic XIII. t iletail distribution losses in Southland area 24-74 per cent.
IV-1
Table II.—Analysis of Capital Outlay as at 31st March, 1939.
Table III.—Operating or Working Costs for Year ended 31st March, 1939.
North Island, System. South Island System. Units generated .. .. 935,237,791 Units generated .. .. 326,326,230 Units distributed .. .. 843,941,683 Units distributed .. .. 285,613,770 Units sold .. .. 835,943,799 Units sold .. .. 281.708,949
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North Island System. South Island System (including Southland and Arnold River.) Headworks and power-stations— Headworks and power-stations— Land, fencing, and reading— £ Land, fencing, and reading— £ £ Arapuni .. .. .. .. 110,803 Coleridge .. .. .. .. 24,385 Horahora .. .. .. .. 3,208 Waitaki .. .. .. .. 48,441 Mangahao .. .. .. .. 72,130 Southland .. .. .. .. 12,226 Waikaremoana .. .. .. 67,303 Arnold River (Kaimata) .. .. 1,299 . 339,795 H ead works — Headworks— Arapuni .. .. .. .. 1,284,954 Coleridge .. .. .. .. 519,712 Horahora .. .. .. .. 151,528 Waitaki .. .. .. .. 1,076,066 Mangahao .. .. .. .. 848,914 Southland .. .. .. .. 86,770 Waikaremoana .. .. .. 148,677 Arnold River (Kaimata) .. .. 87,115 — 4,203,736 Generating-station, buildings, and village— Generating-station, buildings, and village — Arapuni .. .. .. .. 426,725 Coleridge .. .. .. .. 93,176 Horahora .. .. .. .. 61,064 Waitaki .. .. .. .. 461,766 Mangahao .. .. .. .. 180,203 Southland .. .. .. .. 41,129 Waikaremoana .. .. .. 183,865 Arnold River (Kaimata) .. .. 7,692 1,455,620 Generating plant and machinery— Generating plant and machinery— Arapuni .. .. .. .. 687,746 Coleridge .. .. .. .. 170,527 Horahora .. .. .. .. 96,425 Waitaki .. .. .. .. 196,617 Mangahao .. .. .. .. 197,367 Southland .. .. .. .. 59,892 Waikaremoana .. .. .. 244,330 Arnold River (Kaimata) .. .. 21,270 — —- 1,674,174 Auxiliary stations (three) —Penrose, Huntly, 81,899 Auxiliary station (one)—Dobson (ex Lyttelton) 128,353 Grand Junction — 210,252 Transmission and distribution— Transmission and distribution— Primary distribution— Primary distribution— 11 kV. lines .. .. .. .. 51,484 11 kV. lines .. .. .. .. 528,909 33 kV. linos .. .. .. .. .. 33 kV. lines .. .. .. .. 30,730 50 kV. lines .. .. .. .. 392,618 50 kV. lines .. 66 kV. lines .. .. .. .. .. 66 kV. lines .. .. .. .. 581,866 110 kV. lines .. .. .. .. 1,301,054 110 kV. lines .. .. .. .. 326,624 Secondary distribution . . . . .. .. Secondary distribution .. . . . • 305,644 3,518,929 Substations — Substations — 11 kV. substations .. .. .. 15,773 11 kV. substations 33 kV. substations .. . . . . . . 33 kV. substations .. . . . ■ 18.284 50 kV. substations .. .. .. 267,995 50 kV. substations 66 kV. substations .. .. .. .. 66 kV. substations .. .. .. 351,211 110 kV. substations .. .. .. 871,381 110 kV. substations .. .. .. 250,303 1,774,947 General — General — General offices, garages, stores, and other 59,825 General offices, garages, stores, and other 22,038 accommodation accommodation Telephone services .. .. .. 5,283 Telephone services .. .. .. 59,437 Explorations and preliminary surveys; 934,039 Explorations and preliminary surveys; 659,102 engineering, office, and general expenses; engineering, office, and general expenses; charges and expenses of raising loans charges and expenses of raising loans Interest during construction .. 963,962 Interest during construction .. .. 482,498 Pole factory (incomplete) .. .. 966 3,187,150 * 6,654,048 Grand totals .. .. .. 9,710,555 16,364,603
*N7\i>tVk Toinn/i South Island System (including Southland Island System. and Arnold River.) Cost per Unit. Cost per Unit. Cost. -— j Cost. —- Generated. Distributed. Sold. Genorated. Distributed. Sold. f d. d. d. £ d. d. d. (a) Headworks and power-stations 49,258 0-0127 0-0140 0-0142 40,571 0-0300 0-0343 0-0348 (b) Auxiliary stations .. .. 126 .. .. .. 26,301 0-0193 0-0221 0-0224 49,384 0-0127 0-0140 0-0142 67,052 0-0493 0-0564 0-0572 (c) Transmission and distribution — Primary distribution .. 32,330 0-0083 0-0092 0-0093 20,108 0-0148 0-0169 0-0171 Secondary distribution .. .. .. .. .. 13,320 0-0098 0-0112 0-0113 (d) Substations .. .. .. 30,854- 0-0079 0-0088 0-0089 17,949 0-0132 0-0151. 0-0153 (e) Management and general— General expenses .. .. 1,898 0-0005 0-0005 0-0005 9,871 0-0073 0-0083 0-0084 Management .. .. 61,548 0-0158 0-0175 0-0177 54,916 0-0404 0-0461 0-0468 Total costs (a) to (e) .. 176,014 0-0452 0-0500 0-0506 183,216 0-1348 0-1540 0-1561 (/) Power purchased .. .. 13,891 0-0036 0-0040 0-0040 4,140 0-0030 0-0035 0-0035 (g) Standby provision .. .. 10,533 0-0027 0-0030 0-0030 438 0-0003 0-0003 0-0004 Total costs (a) to (g) .. 200,438 0-0515 0-0570 0-0576 187,794 0-1381 0-1578 0-1600
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Table IV.—North Island Electric-power System.—Gross Financial Results of Distribution of Energy for the Year ended 31st March, 1939.
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Revenue. Expenditure. Balance. Distributing Authority. || EleSrtEnmgy. g fg S § 31 § W °Srts g ~ I S.| I I Appro . No - II ° UtUy - ; I H§ 3| Total. 2i| and Interest. o -g , g| | I S| Total. $£d Unappro . Loss. lipi ;i Bulk (lor " h< (Jna Manage- - m Ea t. g, m o- to priated. EetaU - ! Resale). s I ment - g H | h Reserves. (A) Receiving Bulk Supply direct irom Public Works Department. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £££££££ £ £ £ | £ 1. Public Works Department { 414 9,710,555 49,006 1,066,246 .. .. 11,880 1,127,132 24,424 176,014 7,228 •• •• } 596,962 530,170 .. ! .. 2. Auckland Power Board .. 61,227 3,628,550 770,193 !. !! !! 7,310 777,503 168*i42 109,135 35,453 63,486 !. 26,i33 1,238 696,837 4,360 76,306 .. 2 3. Bay of Islands Power Board .. .. 25.223 .. .. .. .. .. .. .! .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. • • • • 3 4. Bay of Plenty Power Board .. 1,994 46,673 1,231 .. 2,535 *731 5i,170 15 .651 12,794 8,624 .. 3,322 .. .. 185 40,576 10,594 .. .. 4 5. Cambridge Power Board .. 1.638 111,241 23,035 25 .. 125 246 23.431 8.968 7.011 4,101 .. 1,998 263 .. .. 22,341 .. 1,090 .. o 6. Central Hawke's Bay Power Board 2.026 186.640 27.615 .. .. 265 144 6,409 337 178 3,878 .. .. 27,937 38 49 .. t> 7. Central Waikato Power Board.. 6,556 467,621 84.289 56 .. 326 867 85,538 35,280 18,635 17,457 349 6.709 3,363 .. 256 82,049 .. 3,489 .. 7 8. Dannevirke Power Board .. 3,097 235,452 34,943 .. .. 322 195 9,630 9,339 9,341 195 3,746 678 .. .. 32,929 1,259 1,272 .. » 9. Franklin Power Board .. 4,971 354.157 67.936 .. .. 1.084 1,241 70,261 28,431 14.054 14,914 .. 5,367 986 .. 318 64,070 6,191 .. 9 10. Hamilton Borough Council .. 5,269 67,228 47.243 .. .. .. 164 47.407 16,991 10.258 1,594 .. 2,516 .. .. 62 31.421 13,924 2,062 .. 10 11. Hawke's Bay Power Board .. 8,322 477,962 91,893 20,719 .. .. 32 112,644 51,012 21,050 20,047 87 2,000 8,331 .. .. 102,527 5,810 4,307 .. 11 12. Horowhenua Power Board .. 5,511 259.138 54.479 .. .. 815 821 56,115 26.718 14.497 8,730 .. 163 6.468 .. .. .. .. 461 12 13. Hutt Valley Power Board .. 14.486 380.726 135.434 .. .. 745 1,759 137,938 16,454 4,331 1,300 4,358 .. .. 125,521 .. 12,417 .. 13 14. Manawatu-Oroua Power Board 5,654 505,935 77.540 30,240 9 394 257 108,440 51.180 21.509 21,121 180 7,841 1.382 .. .. 103,213 .. 5,227 .. 14 15. New Plymouth Borough Council 7,063 362,251 81.722 10,716 .. 2,888 1,273 96.599 38,337 11.228 500 1,435 5,442 504 .. 84,045 12,096 458 .. lj> 16. North Auckland Power Board 2.964 212,136 30,919 .. .. 4,337 999 36.255 ll|452 5,455 6,045 8,752 .. 1.009 .. 1,413 34,126 .. 2,129 .. 16 17. Opunake Power Board .. 1,228 113.456 16,234 2,800 .. 114 21 19.169 4,920 5,445 3.619 200 2,179 64 .. .. 16,427 2,385 357 .. 17 18. Poverty Bay Power Board .. 5.922 351,738 71,574 .. .. 142 1,217 72,933 20,104 26.381 2,240 12,716 .. .. .. 74,821 .. .. 1,888 18 19. Botorua (Tourist Department).. 2,814 87,520 29,763 .. .. .. 724 30,487 10,189 4,210 1,684 1,684 .. .. .. 27,629 2,858 .. .. 19 20. South Taranaki Power Board.. 3,838 240.186 49,074 2,348 .. 113 470 52.005 15,794 8,940 2.916 3,806 2,755 .. .. 48,646 2,942 417 .. 20 21. Taranaki Power Board .. 2,920 515,900 45.439 12,402 26 133 524 5.981 17,409 18,931 .. .. 9,357 .. .. 51,678 3,622 3,224 .. 21 22. Tararua Power Board .. 2,014 201,583 29,311 .. .. 863 292 30,466 7,651 7,361 768 2,179 1,861 .. .. 29,134 280 1,052 .. 22 23. Taumarunui Borough Council .. 1.160 69,702 13,414 359 .. 32 93 13,898 .. 4,864 2,099 .. 1.250 .. .. .. 8,213 4,713 972 .. 23 24. Te Awamutu Power Board .. 2.502 227,505 40.508 .. .. 66 327 40,901 14.529 11.364 7,187 .. 3,130 503 .. 180 36,893 55 3,953 .. 24 25. Thames Valley Power Board .. 9,586 883,185 132,666 8,735 .. 546 1,393 143,340 35*852 32,919 .. 6.393 11,422 .. 179 142,267 1,062 11 .. 2o 26. Wairarapa Power Board .. 5,858 380.024 63.943 4,088 .. 2,041 1,125 71,197 22.656 18.574 14,822 4,840 6,025 631 .. .. 67,548 .. 3,649 .. 26 27. Wairoa Power Board .. 512 71.012 13,711 6,094 135 .. 195 20,135 2,967 662 700 997 .. .. 20,203 .. .. 68 27 28. Waitemata Power Board .. 14,452 586,807 124,704 .. .. 555 1,710 126,969 49.556 20,722 1,774 2,708 9,274 694 2,334 119,034 7,750 185 .. 28 29. Waitomo Power Board .. 1,741 118,829 25,860 .. .. 1,035 ' 81 26,976 6Ul6 5.122 2,757 1.456 1.016 .. .. 26.976 .. .. .. 29 30. Wanganui-Rangitikei Power 11,568 580,534 128,498 2,103 .. .. 2,446 133,047 49.982 24415 6,776 2,090 10,933 .. .. 116,163 9,849 7,035 .. 30 Board 31. Wellington City Council .. 39,507 1,448,885 375,842 13,851 .. .. 6,285 395,978 140,866 140,414 20,771 5,675 4,931 .. 7,174 .. 319,831 61,782 14,365 .. 31 Sub-totals of (A) .. 236,814 23,079,432 2,783,461 1,182,013 170 19,476 44,822 4,029,942 1,099,424 912,703 794,193 87,704 151,308 84,971 34,505 41,785 | 3,206,593 681,740 144,026 2,417 .. (B) Receiving Supply through Bulk Suppiy Purchasers in Section A. (Subsidiaries.) f 1. Inglewood Borough Council (21) 447 9,335 4,602 .. .. .. .. 4.602 1 999 1.327 310 50 340 166 .. .. 4,192 410 .. | 1 2. Kaponga Town Board (21) .. 420 17.498 6,275 .. 90 260 267 6.892 1 546 2!643 585 .. 368 154 .. .. 5.296 1,506 90 .. 2 3. Mangaweka Town Board (30).. 150 5,511 1,294 .. 150 115 56 1.615 367 766 91 .. 22 .. .. .. 1,246 219 150 .. 3 4. Manunui Town Board (23) .. 182 3,166 1,078 .. .. .. .. 1,078 359 300 149 .. 105 .. .. .. 913 .. 165 .. 4 5. Napier Borough Council (11) .. 4,713 133.842 49,736 .. .. 4,142 942 20 049 14,981 5,696 1,702 1.683 .. .. .. 44,111 10,106 603 .. 5 6. PalmerstoKNorth City Council (14) 6,533 276,367 69,701 1,630 .. 865 297 30 240 9.193 7,314 5,561 3,433 .. .. .. 55,741 16,119 633 .. 6 7. Patea Borough Council, (20) .. 474 21,502 6,791 .. .. 120 .. 2 348 2.291 631 128 156 140 .. .. 5,694 1,217 .. .. 7 8. Stratford Borough Council (21) 1,219 33,604 15,353 .. .. .. 6 15!359 6,738 3.359 1,873 246 1.178 182 .. .. 13,576 1,783 .. .. 8 9. Taihape Borough Council (30).. 664 10,828 6,336 .. .. 109 86 6.531 '691 608 517 116 .. .. .. 6,040 20 471 .. 9 10. Te Aroha Borough Council (25) 780 18,648 8,023 .. .. .. 1,928 9.951 4 174 281 44 55 134 .. 172 9.580 371 .. ..10 11. Thames Borough Council (25) .. 1,245 33,438 12,998 .. .. .. 29 4,520 5.118 452 120 140 .. .. 81 10,431 1,032 1,564 .. 11 12. Wairoa Borough Council (27) .. 769 12.550 10,954 .. .. .. 48 11.002 6 094 611 .. 401 .. .. .. 9,129 700 1.173 .. 12 13. Waitara Borough Council (21). . 585 9,876 5,429 .. 480 .. 25 2,118 497 58 .. 420 .. .. 5,320 134 480 .. 13 14. Whakatane Borough Council (4) 627 39,903 9,041 .. .. 59 153 9,253 1.231 1,534 634 861 .. .. 6,745 2,508 .. .. 14 Totals.. .. .. 255,622 [23,705,500 2,991,072 1,183,643 890 25,146 48,659 4,249,410 1,181,898 968,244 814,825 96,764 160,166 86,167: 34,505 42,038 3,384,607 717,865 149,355 2,417 .. * Half capital charges King's Wharf Station, paid by Department (includedi n P.W.D. figures but shown separatelv for reference purposes). t The number appearing after the name of each subsidiary B class supplv authority refers to the A class supply authority from which it receives supply. Gross profit, £864,803 ; rates collected, £890 ; net profit, £863,913. Ratio of working-expenses to revenue = 50-60 per cent. Ratio capital charges to capital outlay = 5-03 per cent.
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Table V.—South Island Electric-power System.—Gross Financial Results of Distribution of Energy for the Year ended 31st March, 1939.
124
Revenue. Expenditure. Balance. Nlimber ; ; ; ; ; Profits. .. . .. .. of Capital From Sale of Electrical Distributing Authority. Oon- Outlay. Energy. Trading Other Paid ,or 1 costs and Depre- Sinkin" Principal Other Appro- T sumers. , Kates. Account Sources Total * Electrical SJ™"" 1 Interest. cia p"nd° Repay- Exchange. Expend!- Total. priated Unappro- Los9 ' Bulk Account. Sources. Energy. 1 I clatlon - 1 and - j ments. ture. to Re- priated. (for Resale). ! j meDC - ! I serves. (A) Receiving Bulk Supply direct from Public Works Department. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ i A £ £££|£ 1 Public Works Department .. 11,601 6,654,048 178,014 372,280 .. .. 11,157 561,451 7,372 180,463 231,060 82,617 .. .. .. 1,404 502,916 58,535 2 Ashburton Power Board .. 4,585 363,127 57,781 .. .. 712 1,088 59.581 19,256 10,783 15,755 1,332 7,838 .. .. .. 54,964 49 4,568 3. Banks Peninsula Power Board.. 1.099 104,364 14,363 .. 2,284 299 397 17,343 4,806 6.901 4,207 .. 2,223 .. .. .. 18,137 .. .. 794 4. Bluff Borough Council .. 569 6,805 5,292 .. .. .. 417 5,709 2,771 1,487 296 .. 245 .. .. .. 4.799 791 119 5 Christchurch City Council .. 32,720 941,479 282.476 13,171 .. 3,118 459 299,224 153,319 87.782 12,066 25,225 2,510 .. 1,083 .. 281,985 15,000 2,239 6. DunedinCitv Council.. .. 30,018 1,760,873 270,881 14,240 .. .. 2,286 287,407 33,087 77,504 50,871 1,650 28,218 3,555, . 194,885 92,522 7. Grey Power Board .. .. 4,551 183,642 63,429 .. .. 510 626 64,o6o 28,634 13,666 8,867 .. /, /74 210 .. .. 59,lol 2,240 3,174 .. 8. Heathcote County Council .. 988 22,938 12,072 .. .. . . 62 12,134 6,309 3,105 595 1,576 549 . . .. 12.134 9 Invercarcill City Council .. 6,629 156,389 52,393 7,372 .. .. 1,641 61,406 20,262 20.871 4,376 1.414 2,612 .. .. 49,535 11,871 10. Lyttelton Borough Council .. 1,001 13.793 8,143 .. .. 61 .. S.204 3,638 2,286 260 145 90 .. .. 6,419 1,785 11 Malvern Power Board .. 756 74,818 8,516 .. 1,877 199 194 10,786 2,498 3,854 3,174 .. 1.130 .. .. .. 10,656 .. 130 12. North Canterbury Power Board 2,906 211,509 32,705 3,916 .. 210 993 37,824 14,733 10,348 7,332 4,221 209 .. .. 36,843 330 651 13. Riccarton Borough Council .. 1,691 25,375 12,649 .. .. 396 .. 13,045 7,485 2,943 229 30 156 .. .. .. 10,843 1,148 1,054 14 South Canterbury Power Board 5,061 367,492 48,513 22,414 .. 449 2,513 73,889 37,144 10,839 12,994 3,954 6,935 .. .. .. 71,866 2,023 15. Sprinsrs-Ellesmere Power Board 2,866 168,101 34,713 .. .. 201 235 35,149 15.282 8,813 6,085 3,189 13 .. .. 33,382 .. 1,767 16. Sumner Borough Council .. 1,132 16,894 7,164 .. .. .. .. 7,164 3,791 1,900 292 421 108 .. .. .. 6,512 .. 652 17. Waitaki Power Board .. 4,661 212,124 46,306 .. .. 1,978 815 49,099 18,806 11,208 8,334 1,704 3,454 936 .. .. 44,442 3,976 681 Sub-total of (A) .. .. 112,834 11,283,771 1,135,410 433,393 4,161 8,133 22,883 1,603.980 379,193 454,753 366,793 120,068 68,640 3,980 4,638 1,404 1,399,469190,270 15,035 794 (B) Receiving Supply through Bulk-supply Purchasers in Section (A). (Subs idiaries.) * 1. K aiapoi Borough Council(12) .. 527 12,901 3,448 .. .. 211 196 3,855 1,409 1,555 275 215 156 .. .. .. 3,610 .. 245 2. Otago Power Board(6) .. 4,591 326,054 48,165 .. 76 .. .. 48,241 14,240 10,406 12,987 5,139 3,458 831 .. .. 47,061 .. 1,180 3. Rangiora Borough Council) 12).. 780 10,533 6,659 .. .. 196 79 6,934 2,507 2,681 107 751 110 .. .. .. 6,156 243 535 4. Timaru Borough Council) 14) .. 5,088 115,639 50,065 .. .. .. 71 50,136 22,414 14,395 1,970 .. 3,302 .. .. .. 42,081 5,022 3,033 5. Waimairi County Council(5) .. 3,913 71,483 26,316 34 75 .. 80 26,505 13,665 5,029 1,316 4,458 1,389 .. .. .. 25,857 573 75 Totals .. .. .. 127,733 11,820,381 1,270,063 433,427 4,312 8,540 23,309 1,739,651 433,428 488,819 383,448 130,631 77,055 4,811 4,638 1,404 1,524,234196,108 20,103 794 * The numbers appearing after the names of the subsidiary B class supply authorities refer to the A class supply authority from which main supply is received. Gross profit, £215,417 ; rates collected, £4,312 ; net profit. £211,105. Ratio working-expenses to revenue = 53-01 per cent; ratio capital charges to capital outlay = 5-09 per cent.
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Table VI.-Route-miles of Line operated by the Public Works Department, as at 31st March, 1939.
Actual Mileages and Sizes of Overhead Conductors in use in connection with above Lines.
125
NORTH ISLAND SYSTEM. Voltage .. .. 110 kV. ! 50 kV. llkV. 3kV. 1 j — 1 j — ! 1 Total Number of Circuits ..1. 2. j 1. I 2. 1. 2. 3. 4. j 1. Route1 . ——' miles, Miles .. .. 556-77 258-62 j 447-40 j 45-48 16-74 ' 33-56 | 0-18 4-55 1 6-62 1 1,369-92 SOUTH ISLAND SYSTEM. Voltage .. 110 kV. 66 kV. 33 kV. 11 kV. 6-6kV. 3 kV. L.T. Number of Total Circuits .. 1. 2. 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 1. .. Route- — miles, Miles .. 208-82 41-08 636-42 4-18 2-17 37-34 .. 1,731 -8080-6210-00 5-49 3-80 23-61570-553,355-88
North Island System. South Island System. ' V 2 g a 13 2 a 5 O i fl M « 3 0> 4> ,22 —• h (4 ■§ a £ 3 p. 9 s '3 rt '3 _■ t ?. & « g§ ! fe a & i * s §15 a o -tjhS ft 2 U •£ ft 3 o -5 m ft -e o ! -<i O O j O H O 5 <! O § ° • < • ; 1/-104.. .. .. 56 56 1/-112.. .. .. .. .. 307 307 1/-128.. .. .. .. 93 .. 93 427 427 1/-160.. .. .. 244 448 .. 692 4,031 .. .. 2,987 14 7,032 1/-176.. .. .. 757 757 1/-192., 1/0 .. 72 72 2/10 .. .. .. 12 12 3/0 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 399 .. .. 399 7/-036.. .. .. 74 74 7/-044.. 1 I 67 67 7/'052.. .. .. 3 3 7/-064.. 70 .. .. .. .. 70 278 5 .. .. 283 7/-080.. 668 .. .. .. .. 668 1,03.2 1 .. .. .. 1,023 7/-092.. .. .. 967 .. 967 7/-104.. 209 .. .. .. .. 209 191 II .. .. 202 7/-128.. .. .. 7/-135.. .. .. 567 161 728 7/-167.. .. 635 2 .. 637 4 4 7/-182.. .. .. 8 8 19/-052.. 7 .. .. . . . . 7 19/-064.. 434 434 38 j .. j 38 19/-072.. 2 2 .. | ! 19/-080.. .. .. 5 | .. ! 5 19/-092.. 2,025 2,025 1,074 j ! 1,074 19/-I04. . 630 .. .. .. .. 630 34 j .. . . .. | 34 37/-072.. 360 360 .. j .. 37/-092.. 17 17 ! 37/-102. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 227 .. 227 Totals 4,495 635 244 543 307 6,207* 9,603 178 626 2,987 26 13,420t • Includes 1,077 miles of tolephone line conductors. t Does not include 1,004 miles of telephone line conductors,
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Table VII. —Samoan Administration (Apia). —Statistics for Year ended 31st March, 1939. Installed in December, 1928.
126
Statistical. j 1935. 1936. J 1937. 1938. 1939. Installed capacity (hydro) .. 80 kW. 80 kW. 80 kW. 80 kW. 80 kW. Installed capacity (oil) .. .. .. 45 kW. 45 kW. 45 kW. 45 kW. Static head .. .. .. 192 ft. 102 ft. 192 ft. 192 ft. 192 ft. Generating voltage .. .. 2,200 volts 2,200 volts 2,200 volts 2,200 volts 2,200 volts. Supply voltage . . .. 220/110 volts 220/110 volts 220/110 volts 220/110 volts 220/110 volts. Number of consumers (domestic) .. 214 256 294 275 244 Number of consumers (commercial) 74 82 85 113 86 Units generated (hydro) .. 200,911 208,429 223,162 237,1.48 285,207 Units generated (oil) .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,757 Units sold .. .. . . 164,912 165,031 186,310 205,058 234,674 Units non-productive .. .. 17-9 per cent. 20-8 per cent. 16-51 per cent. 13-53 per cent. 20'97 per cent. Maximum load .. 70 kW. 65 kW. 74 kW. 77 kW. 79 kW. Connected load .. . . 234 kW. 238 kW. 321 kW. 337 kW. 370 kW. Average load factor .. .. 32-9 per cent. 36-4 per cent. 34-45 per cent. 35-17 per cent. 42'75 per cent. Demand factor .. . . .29-8 per cent. 27-3 per cent. 23-05 per cent. 22-85 per cent. 21'43 per cent. Route-miles of reticulation— Overhead .. .. .. 10J 10J 10£ 11£ llf Underground...... Of 6§ 6| 7 7 Financial. 1935. 1930. 1937. 1938. 19.39. £ £ £ £ £ Capita! outlay .. .. .. 21,563 23,325 23,832 22,862 24,002 Loan liability .. .. .. 13,331 12,171 10,748 7,769 6,771 Revenue from sale of electricity .. 3,548 3,755 3,982 4,641 4,899 Revenue, miscellaneous .. .. 330 317 815 719 924 Working-expenses .. .. .. 1,053 1,075 1,221 1,291 2,153 Capital charges .. .. .. 1,228 1,233 1,755 1,784 2,027 Total annual costs .. .. .. 2,281 2,308 2,976 3,075 4,180 Profit .. .. .. .. 1,597 1,764 1,821 2,285 1,643 Accumulated Depreciation Reserve .. 7,895 9,128 10,366 11,416 13,079 d. d. d. d. d. Average revenue per unit sold .. .. 5-20 5-45 5-13 5-43 5*01 Average working-cost per unit sold .. 1-53 1-57 1-57 1-51 2'20 Average total cost per unit sold .. 3-30 3-36 3-83 3-60 4-27 £ £ £ £ £ Capital outlay per £1 of revenue .. 6-35 5-73 4-97 4-27 4-90 Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Ratio-working-expenses to gross revenue 29-75 26-40 25-45 24-10 36 - 97 Ratio capital charges to capital outlay .. 5-68 5-29 7-36 7.81 8-44 Ratio net profit to capital outlay .. 7-38 7-57 7-64 1,0-0 (t-85
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APPENDIX E.
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD. The Hon. Minister of Public Works. Sir,— In accordance with the requirements of section 24 of the Main Highways Act, 1922, the Main Highways Board has the honour to submit its fifteenth annual report for presentation to Parliament. The report covers the period from Ist April, 1938, to the 31st March, 1939, though a number of matters referred to are subsequent to the latter date and are included for convenience and completeness of record. General. The present length of main highways maintained or subsidized by the Board is 12,206 miles, and particulars of expenditure for the year ended 31st March, 1939, as well as a detailed statement of the position of various works, are shown later in this report. Of the total length of main highways 3,976 miles have been classified as State highways, concerning which special reference is made in another part of the report. The total expenditure from the Main Highways Account for the financial year ended 31st March; 1939, amounted to £5,185,803, compared with £4,113,046 for the year immediately preceding. The expenditure figures for the year 1937-38 constituted a record in the Board's history up to that period, and it will be seen from the expenditure figures for the year 1938-39 that this has now been exceeded by no less a sum than £1,072,757. Major improvement works have been responsible for a largo proportion of this increase, but extensive flood-damage repairs on the East Coast of the North Island and on the West Coast of the South Island placed an added burden on the available funds, together with a large addition to the length of bridging completed. An increase in the consumption of petrol by motor-vehicles and in the registration of motorvehicles themselves indicated that the volume of traffic on main highways is still mounting up. Legislation. Section 3 of the Finance Act, 1938, empowered the Minister of Finance to borrow up to an additional amount of £1,500,000 for the purposes of construction or reconstruction of main highways. The total loan authority for highways now amounts to £9,500,000. Finance. The actual income of the Main Highways Account from revenue sources fpr the financial year 1938-39 amounted to £2,814,939. The total below shows how this amount is made up, and also the corresponding figures over the previous nine years. In addition to this amount, £2,675,600 was borrowed for main highways. The annual loan charges against the Main Highways Account increased from £338,494 for the year 1937-38 to £439,541 for the year 1938-39 : ■
127
1029-30. 1930-31. | 1931-32. | 1932-33. 1933-34. j 1934-35. 1935-36. 1930-37. 1937-38. 1938-39. ££££££££££ Transfer from Consoli- 35,000 * * * * * * * * dated Fund Proceeds of tax on 155,722 129,188 84,649 63,253 62,979 91,693 93,308 138,894 158,526 149,017 tires and tubes collected through the Customs Department Registration and license 378,135 397,139 372,224 354,216 354,444 355,990 397,606 545,763 523,853 575,170 fees of motorvehicles, &c. Motor-spirits tax .. 873,369 1,219,209 1,231,202 644,126 669,868 970,506 1,449,1251,697,9421,918,486 2,083,278 Mileage-tax .. [ •• •• •• 1,133 1,284 1,616 3,290 6,162 7,474 Totals .. 1,442,226 11,745,536 1,688,075 1,061,595 1,088,424 1,419,473 1,941,655 2,385,8892,607,027 2,814,939 ■ [ ! i L * Further transfers abolished by amending legislation.
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It will be noted that income from revenue sources for the year 1938-39 was £207,912 greater than the previous highest figure for the year immediately preceding. The receipts from Customs tax on tires and tubes show a decrease of £9,509. The registration, license fees, &c., constitute a record to date, being £51,317 in excess of last year's figure and £29,407 above the previous highest total, which was in the year 1936 37. The proceeds from the motor-spirits tax were also very much higher for the year 1938-39, being £164,792 greater than the previous year's total, and represents the largest sum which has been credited to the Main Highways Account from this source in any one year. The revenue for the year 1938-39 which was derived from the mileage-tax levied on motorvehicles using other than motor-spirits and trackless trolly-omnibuses again showed an increase, being £1,312 greater than for the year immediately preceding, and the highest for any one year to date. The following graph shows the amount of petrol on which duty was paid during the last ten calendar years, together with the number of motor-vehicles (excluding trailers) licensed at the 31st December of each year. These figures are useful as providing an index of maintenance and construction requirements arising from the actual use of motor-vehicles on the highways : —
TTie petrol-consumption shown in the graph relates to the gross amount in respect of which taxation is initially paid, and therefore actually includes a quantity of petrol on which a portion of the tax is later rebated. The rebate applies to certain internal-combustion machines, &c., which do not use the public highways. However, the proportion of petrol consumed by such machines, &c., is fairly constant, so that the graph indicates to a sufficient degree of accuracy the number of licensed motor-vehicles in relation to their usage of the roads.
128
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The following is a summary of expenditure from the Main Highways Account for the year ended 31st March, 1939 :—- Expenditure. Maintenance—■ £ £ North Island .. .. .. .. .. 908,251 South Island .. .. .. .. .. 403,089 Renewals — 1,311,340 North Island .. .. .. .. .. 146,349 South Island .. .. .. .. .. 33,689 Construction and Improvements— 180,038 North Island .. .. .. .. .. 1,750,155 South Island .. .. .. .. .. 1,128,153 2,878,308 Administration and general charges .. .. .. .. 167,564 Loan charges (including commutation of toll-gate charges and of Hutt Road fees) .. .. .. .. .. .. 439,541 Subsidy on rates .. .. .. .. .. ~ 209,012 £5,185,803 An analysis of the expenditure for 1938-39 by the Board and by local authorities on maintenance of main and State highways as distinct from renewals, construction, interest on loans, and other overhead charges is shown in the tabulation below : —•
An analysis of the actual expenditure by the Board on maintenance in each Island, as compared with the number of motor-vehicles in each Island at the 31st March, shows the following comparisons for the last ten years in percentages : —
The following table shows an analysis of expenditure for the year 1938-39 by the Board, and by local authorities on renewals in respect of main and State highways : —
9—D. 1.
129
I [ Pflrrantfltm Percentage I Local i Percentage Locai r .. i Authorities' Total. : „ ' oa f'' , s . Authorities' Contribution. I „ . Contribution ,. i Contnbution. , ™ . * Contribution to JLotai. . m 4. i to Total. ; " ' I I • , ' £ £ ! £ North Island .. .. .. 908,251 99,701 1,007,952 90-11 9-89 South Island .. .. .. 403,089 53,029 j 456,118 88-37 11-63 Total .. .. 1,311,340 152,730 1,464,070 89-57 10-43
1929-30. 1930-31. 1931-32. 1932-33. ! 1933-34. 1934-35 | 1935-36. j 1936-37. ( 1937-38. ' 1938-39. North Island — Maintenance expen- 62-30 59'23 62'31 62-84 63-80 65-44 64-80 66-82 66-46 69-26 diture Motor-vehicles .. 63-63 63-84 63-77 63-78 63-94 64-31 64-84 65-30 65-70 65-89 South Island— Maintenance expen- 37-70 40-77 37-69 37-16 36-20 34-56 35-20 33-18 33-54 30-74 diture IJotor-vehicles i. 36-37 36-16 36-23 36-22 36-06 35-69 | 35-16 34-70 34-30 34-11 Note.' —Prior to 1936-37 these percentages relate rather to expenditure from the Revenue Fund, but as from 1st April, 1936, true maintenance figures have been recorded.
j^ oea j Percentage of Percentage of Board's , ,, ... , T , , Board's Con-Local Authorities' Contribution. „ u , 0 a ' tribution to Contribution to Contribution. rn j i rr , , , Total. Total. 1 £ £ £ North Island .. .. .. 146,349 16,414 162,763 89-92 10-08 South Island .. .. .. 33,689 2,248 35,937 93-74 6-26 Totals .. .. 180,038 18,662 198,700 90-61 9-39
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An analysis of the Board's expenditure and the expenditure by local authorities for the year 1938-39 on improvements and construction shows the following position in respect of main and State highways : —■
The following tabulation shows the amounts which have been provided by the Board and the local authorities on maintenance, renewals, and construction during the last ten years in respect of the complete highways system : —
The maintenance figure in the above tabulation excludes indirect charges such as supervision and interest, but includes the cost of flood-damage restoration. It will be noted that expenditure on constructional work was approximately £750,000 greater than in the previous year, and, further, that the proportion found by local authorities still continues to diminish. The following statement shows the total expenditure by the Board in each Island on both maintenance and construction for the financial year ended 31st March, 1939, the latter including renewals. The figures take into account administration charges, but exclude interest on highways loans
Maintenance. The total maintenance expenditure by the Board and by local authorities amounted to £1,464,070, as against £1,227,555 the previous year. The increase is therefore £236,515, and the average cost per mile has risen from £101-2 in 1937-38 to £119-9 in the year under review. This is mainly accounted for by extraordinary flood damage, the repair of which came to charge almost entirely during the period.
130
t> i> Local Percentage of T P° rc ® 11 *®'g e r , l oa . n V? Authorities' Total. Board's Contri- Local Authorit.es Contribution. Contribution . j bution to Total . Cont "bution to £ £ £ North Island .. .. 1,750,155 85,556 1,835,711 95-34 4-66 South Island .. .. 1,128,153 30.141 1,158.294 97-4 2-6 Totals.. .. 2,878,308 115,697 2,994,005 96-14 3-86
1929-30. 1980-31. 1931-32. I 1932-33. ' 1933-34 1H31-35. 1935-36. 1936-37. 1B37-3S. 1938-39. i_ l £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ ££ Maintenance by Board .. 1,049,249 872,577 849,734 600,324 674,020 932,6751,190,179 900,731*1,074,112* 1,311,340* Maintenance by local autho- 375,849 317,839 215,568 168,466 187,735 226,554 284,423 196,023* 153,443* 152,730* rities Construction by Board .. 1,007,957 667,902 361,969 159,323 198,295 325,483 428,084 1,501,261t 2,318,600") 3,058,346f Construction by local autho- 203,148 150,984 94,973 43,181 55,997 57,975 78,263 103,260t 108,225f 134,359t rities Totals .. .. 2,630.2032,009,3021,522,244 971,2941,116,053 1,542,687 1,980,9492,701,275 3,654,380 4,656,775 Percentages. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Maintenance by Board .. 73-0 73-3 79-8 78-1 78'2 80'5 80-7 82-1 87-5 89-0 Maintenance by local autho- 26-4 20-7 20-2 21-9 21-8 19-5 19-3 17-9 12-5 10-4 rities Construction by Board .. 83-3 81-6 I 79-2 77-6 77-0 84-9 84-5 93-6t 95 ■ 5+ 95-8f Construction by local autho- 16-7 18-4 20-8 22-4 23'0 15-1 15-5 6-4j 4-5t 4-2f rities * These figures represent true maintenance expenditure, whereas in preceding years expenditure under the Revenue Account was shown. •('These figures and percentages relate to renewals and construction; previously renewals have been absorbed in both maintenance and construction.
Expenditure Tnfnl Percentage Expenditure on ™ of on Renewals xpen 1 ure Expenditure Maintenance. and , r i j in Construction. eac 8 an ' each Island. £ ' £ j £ | \ North Island .. .. .. 943,082 i 1,969,229 2,912,311 65-51 South Island .. .. .. 418,544 1,206,395 1,624,939 34-49 Totals .. .. 1,361,626 | 3,175,624 | 4,537,250 100-00
9*
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The cost of restoration of flood damage is as follows:— £ Gisborne District .. .. .. .. .. .. 46,100 Napier District .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 122,032 Grey mouth District .. .. .. .. .. .. 20,503 Nelson District .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,433 Local bodies' (estimated) share .. .. .. .. .. 5,000 £204,068 Charges in connection with the renewal of bridges lost on the East Coast of the North Island during the flood have still to be met, and when the total cost of the damage is assessed it will be found to be little short of the total damage during the Murchison and Napier earthquakes, when the cost of restoration of highways was £280,000. The sealing of highways, particularly the arterial routes, should result in a general reduction of maintenance-costs, and the downward trend should, before long, become evident. There are, however, several factors operating in the meantime to offset the accrued benefits. These factors may be summarized as follows : — (1) Although sealing saves the surface wear, much of the formation is still very " green " and will take a year or two in which to stabilize. In the meantime, due to the accelerated programme, more than the normal quantity of slips may be expected. (2) There is 77 per cent, of the highway system unsealed, and with the ever-increasing number of vehicles operating increased expenditure can be expected on gravelled surfaces until such time as the motor-vehicle-saturation point is reached. The proportion of motor-vehicles to population is now one to five, the number of vehicles having increased from 287,350 to 305,828 during the year. (.3) The local bodies, having been relieved of the trunk routes, are concentrating, as far as their funds will permit, on improved maintenance on the highway feeder routes, with consequent increased subsidy payments from the Board. (4) During sealing operations it is necessary to intensify maintenance where there is any delay between the time of completion of the metal surface and the application of the bituminous material, and, of course, the greater the programme in any one year, the greater will be the maintenance in this direction. A regulation providing for reduction of speeds during reconstruction is urgently required. (5) With the taking-over of the State highways, many sections on which reseals and smoothing coats were overdue were given attention. Considering the system as a whole, there has been a general all-round improvement in road surfaces. The great majority of complaints have referred to the unpleasant conditions experienced by motorists during reconstruction. Most motorists, however, recognize that these conditions are temporary and unavoidable, and that it is only a matter of exercising a little care and patience when travel comfort will be greatly increased. Too much cannot be said in deprecation of that small section of motorists who " hog " the road at all times. They are a danger to themselves and other road-users. They are most unfair to the workmen, and have no regard for the Board's equipment, their own machines, or any extra construction costs which their action might entail.
Table 1.—Maintenance of Main Highways (including Bridges).
131
Expenditure. Average per Mile per Annum. UMiway District. Ma^t " a fned. Board Total . 8 8 $? ( £ £ i S ' £ % j S g ties. 00 t— e« I lfs -*n CO I ■ <M rH (i OS CO CO S CO CO CO | CO CO I CO <N 2 OJ Jh j os o» I c» ■ cs c» os OS M. oh. £ . £ £ ££££££££££ 1. Auckland North 825 25 72,430 10,672 83,102 100-7115-1 93• 2 110-1 97-9 71-6 61-2 79-2 83-4 115-7 2. Auckland South 1,452 72 160,391 27,312 187,703 129-2126-2 119-3 181-4 141-1 124-6 106-9 145-3 175-8 214-3 3. Tauranga .. 718 33 110,308 3,749 114,057 158-8128-4 84-3 153-1 87-1 72-9 61-9 70-7 80-4 90-7 4. Gisborno .. 394 25 97,167 7,907 105,074 266-5215-2 182-9 178-1 164-9 106-4 96-3 117-3 163-5 189-5 5.Napier .. 737 66 195,282 15,441 210,723 285-6 99-6 82-4 138-9 117-7 81-4 79-3 75-9 121-2 146-7 6. King-country .. 602 25 61,946 6,126 68,072 113-0 95-3 116-5 89-2 99-7 70-8 57-1 70-0 85-8 115-7 7. Taranaki .. 473 20 53,114 4,678 57,792 122-1 94-7 104-1 123-4 102-5 83-8 84-5 125-2 136-0 172-8 8. Wanganui .. 530 25 77,093 6,229 83,322 157-1152-5 115-9 122-0 87-5 80-8 66-0 101-0 126-7 176-1 9. Wellington West 503 71 45,182 8,065 53,247 105-7102-9 121-9 164-1 124-7 106-0 110-8 149-8 179-0 224-3 10. Wellington East 504 39 35,338 9,522 44,860 88-9 89-4 108-0 175-3 181-3 114-9 91-4 128-6 141-6 159-0 Totals, North Island 6,743 01 908,251 99,701 1,007,952 149-5119-7 109-0 143-2 118-3 91-3 .81-0 104-5 124-8 155-8 11. Nelson .. 696 36 69,377 6,167 75,544 108-5 99-2 80-3 116-8 101-1 74-1 66-6 103-6 82-0 112-8 12. WestCoast .. 543 14 79,992 5,483 85,475 157-4145-5 141-8 214-5 142-6 110-8 104-1 136-7 122-4 166-8 13. Canterbury North 364 10 27,319 3,193 30,512 83-8 92-8 64-3 62-8 55-7 58-3 50-0 55-4 72-6 99-7 14. Canterbury Central 750 41 45,008 8,431 53,439 71-2 63-1 54-6 81-1 55-2 50-9 50-2 76-5 75-2 77-3 15. Canterbury South 822 58 40,811 7,130 47,941 58-3 52-6 54-0 96-7 66-9 59-3 67-0 78-7 88-0 89-6 16. Otago Central .. 843 50 49,035 7,037 56,072 66-5 53-8 49-5 70-1 75-1 50-3 46-4 52-8 36-4 73-9 17. Otago South .. 523 74 44,431 6,204 50,635 96-6 76-5'" 62-8 97-8 84-6 73-8 72-8 99-5 90-8 108-1 18. Southland .. 918 57 47,116 9,384 56,500 61-5 74-8 57-2 57-1 53-9 44-4 41-6 43-2 58-7 57-9 Totals, South Island 5,463 20 403,089 53,029 456,118 83-5 77-9 67-5 96-2 77-6 62-7 60-3 77-4 75-8 94-1 Totals, Dominion .. 12,200'21 1,311,340152,730 1,464,070 119-9101-2 90-5 122-4 100-3 78-5 70-7 92-5 103-1 128-6
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Flood Damage. The cost of flood damage is referred to above. The major flood which occurred was confined to the Napier and Gisborne districts. The greatest rainfall intensity was reached on the area to the North East of Napier, where the storm lasted for seventy-two hours, and gauged up to 32 in. Many bridges between Napier and Wairoa were swept out to sea, and nearly every culvert was lost or damaged. Landslides, starting almost from the tops of the ridges, were carried down the hillsides, often taking the roadway before them., so that sections of the highway were completely obliterated, necessitating the using of back-country roads for detours. On the lower country considerable siltation occurred. A new section of paving in the lower Esk Valley was buried under 5 ft. to 6 ft. of silt, and as a consequence a new pavement will require to be built at the higher level. The Waitangi Washout Bridge, a new reinforced-concrete structure of twenty-two 40 ft. spans, was damaged considerably. Six of the middle spans slumped as much as 6 ft. when the piers were underscoured. The extent of the scour can be gauged from the fact that the piles were all driven 40 ft. to 45 ft. below the orginal stream-bed. Repairs were effected by driving longer piles through the deck to support the superstructure at the original levels. The other bridges lost were mostly of the older types, though they still had a fair residual life. Construction, Reconstruction, Improvements, and Renewals. The expenditure on the first three items, covering construction, reconstruction, and improvements in general, was £2,878,308, compared with £2,180,327 for the previous year, while that on renewals, which mainly applies to the renewal of existing bridges and culverts over 36 square feet in area, was £180,038, as against £138,274. The principal items under this heading are particularly referred to under the districts concerned. A summary of the work completed is as follows : — Formation . . . . .. .. . . .. 490 miles 62 chains. Metalling and gravelling . . .. . . .. 187 miles 67 chains. Dustless surfacing (mileage added) .. .. .. 384 miles 49 chains. Bridges .. .. .. .. .. .. 25,561 ft. With regard to the extension of dustless surfacing, despite somewhat unfavourable weather conditions in the earlier part of the season, a record was achieved by the surfacing of 385 miles of highway, as compared with 288 miles in the previous year. The Board had, as a matter of policy, decided to give special attention to the scaling phase of its work, and it is satisfactory to note the substantial increase in the mileage completed. The total mileage of dustless surfacing is now 2,800 miles, or approximately 23 per cent, of the State and main-highway mileage. As was to be expected, however, this greater mileage of sealing appears to have had the effect of increasing the demand for more. The Board has been inundated with requests for the sealing of highways through towns and villages, and also from church authorities, School Committees, and from business people who aresuffering from the dust nuisance. The seriousness of this nuisance is recognized, and, while the Board has given preference in the matter of the sealing of the State and main highways throiigh townships, there is a limit to which sealing can be extended in a patchwork manner. Each individual request by itself may not entail a very considerable outlay, but in nearly every case the unit cost would be out of all proportion to the benefits obtained. On occasion the cost of transporting the necessary plant to an isolated section could be greater than the rest of the work. It is therefore desirable that sealing should as far as possible be taken " in a face " according to a planned programme, that those sections which are most economically justifiable be undertaken first, and that various sections should be done in reasonably long lengths in order to spread the overhead and reduce unit costs to a minimum. The bridge-construction programme has established another record, no less than 25,561 ft., or 4 miles 66 chains, of bridging having been opened for traffic during the financial year. This is more than double the length completed during any previous year. The programme included such notable bridges as the Rakaia Bridge, 5,760 ft., and the North Rangitata Bridge, 2,122 ft., in Canterbury, also the Whirokino Bridge, 3,600 ft., across the Manawatu flood-plain near Foxton.
Table 2. —Construction Work completed during Year 1938-39.
132
Tar ami Eoad - and Bi t u " Formation Gravelling _ Plant-mix minous Portland EngineerHighway District. and and , ' Bitu- Macadam Cement BrldgeB. ing Widening. Metalling. „ ,, minous (Pone- Concrete. Surveys, sealing. Suriacing tration). M. ch. M. oh. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. M. ch. Ft. M. ch. 1. Auckland North .. .. .. 23 18 21 18 6 72 .. .. .. 1,963 46 1 2. Auckland South .. .. .. 128 55 73 57 101 15 7 18 .. .. 2,232 72 26 3. Tauranga .. .. .. 36 69 24 76 4 51 .. .. .. 1,449 4 11 4. Gisborne .. .. .. 9 2 I 0 3 70 .. .. .. 481 13 6 5. Napier .. .. .. .. 24 54 23 49 16 43 2 35 .. .. 1,315 51 25 6. King-country v. .. 19 32 15 22 8 40 .. .. .. 278 36 73 7. Taranaki .. .. .. 20 59 5 7 5 4.1 0 54 2 0 .. 909 8. Wanganui .. .. .. 22 9 0 35 26 79 .. .. .. 746 22 31 9. Wellington West .. .. .. 26 40 2 9 19 12 8 1 .. .. 4,474 19 43 10. Wellington East .. .. 16 35 0 38 16 17 1 60 .. .. 268 17 43 11. Nelson .. .. .. .. 28 26 10 36 23 40 .. .. .. 528 48 57 12. West Coast .. .. 21 64 2 37 24 14 .. .. .. 1,364 50 30 13. Canterbury North .. .. 5 11 0 17 5 33 .. .. .. .. 13 11 14. Canterbury Central .. .. 5 40 2 30 10 14 10 28 .. .. 288 23 14 15. Canterbury South .. .. 8 42 1 40 12 32 13 40 .. .. 8,284 6 32 16. Otago Central .. .. .. 45 60 1 2 29 63 0 75 .. .. 375 31 30 17. Otago South 24 52 0 14 21 57 21 22 .. .. 90 18. Southland .. .. .. 23 44 1 60 20 32 0 38 .. .. 517 12 12 490 62 187 67 357 5 66 51 2 0 .. 25,561 468 45
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Table 3 below shows the extent and types of work carried out on the main highways system by the Board and local authorities each year since the Board commenced active operations in 1924-: —
Table 4.—Lengths of Main Highways metalled and surfaced since Inception of Board's Operations (9th June, 1924).
A general description of the more important highway activities in each district is given hereunder Whcmgarei District. Since the completion of the metalling of the 1,000 miles of highway some years ago in what was formerly known as " the roadless north," the Board has centred its activities principally on two main classes of improvement work —namely, the alleviation of flooding, and the renewal of the large number of obsolete one-way timber bridges in this district. The flood-embankment and deviation work has now reached a stage practically ensuring that hold-ups from this cause are obviated and the possibility of any township being isolated is very remote, both of which conditions were of frequent occurrence ; while the bridge-programme is also well advanced, twenty-five bridges being erected during the year, as well as two overbridges. The latter complete the elimination of all level crossings on the State highway between Auckland and Whangarei.
133
Formation Gravelling Tar and Road-and- Bituminous I p or^]anc j. Year. and and Bituminous « ant -. mix Macadam Bituminous Bridges. Widening. Metalling. Sealing. < 1^ a " Concrete. Concrete _ Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. Ft. 1924-25.. .. 19 63 6 .. 6 .. .. 2,434 1925-26.. ..45 88 16 45 4 6 5,168 1926-27.. .. 174 151 35 .. 38 12 16 6,408 1927-28.. .. 173 133 83 .. 34 .. 6 7,760 1928-29.. .. 224 185 122 .. 51 14 11 9,482 1929-30.. .. 173 179 133 .. 39 31 12 7,547 1930-31.. .. 130 128 95 .. 41 14 9 11,175 1931-32.. .. 139 69 129 32 9 3 4,062 1932-33.. .. 56 45 72 .. 8 .. .. 3,178 1933-34.. .. 44 28 75 .. 7 .. 1 4,988 1934-35.. .. 113 69 172 27 3 2 6,641 1935-36.. .. 152 98 245 91 2 .. .. 8,718 1936-37.. .. 272 131 184 67 3 .. .. 9,575 1937-38.. .. 329 241 282 49 .. .. .. 11,106 1938-39.. .. 491 188 357 67 2 .. .. 25,561 Totals .. 2,534 1,796 2,006 301 311 84 66 123,803
Total Type of Surface. g At close of Period ending Main 1^, u^ a f' n r „ us tless Highways. Pumice and Gravel and i Dustlesa added daring Surfacing to Clay. Macadam, j Surfacing. Year " Highways" Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. 9th June, 1924 .. 5,954 1,535 4,171 248 .. 4-2 31st March, 1925 .. 5,954 1,472 4,222 260 12 4-4 1926 .. 6,272 1,384 4,557 331 71 5-3 1927 .. 6,391 1,233 4,726 432 101 6-8 1928 .. 6,608 1,100 4,953 555 123 8-4 1929 .. 10,403 915 8,735 753 198 7-2 1930 .. 10,408 736 8,705 967 214 9-3 1931 ..' 10,419 608 8,685 1,126 159 10-8 1932 .. 10,846 539 9,009 1,298 172 12-0 1933 .. 10,878 494 9,005 1,379 81 12-7 1934 .. 10,974 466 9,047 1,461 82 13-3 1935 .. 11,557 397 9,494 1,666 205 14-4 1936 .. 12,048 390 9,715 1,943 277 16-1 1937 .. 12,114 353 9,634 2,127 184 17-6 1938 .. 12,136 332 9,389 2,415 288 19-9 1939 .. 12,206 295 9,111 2,800 385 22-9 Percentage at 31st March, 100 2-4 74-7 22-9 1939
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At the same time reconstruction and widening have made good progress, and the sealing stage has been reached on several lengths. On the Whangarei-Awanui State highway reconstruction is in hand or complete between Awanui and Kaitaia, and at Ohaeawai, Moerewa, Kawakawa-Waiomio, Waiotu-Hikurangi, and HikurangiKamo. Flood embankments at Kawakawa and Waiomio and a 65-chain deviation and bridge at Hukerenui, serving the same purpose, have been carried out. The Whangarei-Dargaville State highway has been improved by the reconstruction of Steven's Hill, and a lj-mile length on the Maungatapere Flat. This section has been sealed since the close of the year, completing a continuous sealed surface between Whangarei and Maungatapere. Reconstruction is in hand on a tortuous length in the Wheki Valley, also a 200 ft. bridge over the Awakino River. On the Dargaville-Maungaturoro State highway reconstruction of 6 miles to Mititai was completed, of which If miles have been sealed, also a mile at Ruawai. Reconstruction is in hand in the Paparoa Township, and two bridges have been erected. Forty chains at Maungaturoto Railway has been formed and metalled. On the Waipu highway the existing bitumen surfacing has been shouldered to a completed length of 4§ miles, and the section through the township to the Waipu Gorge has been reconstructed and primed. The Brynderwyn Deviation on the Birkenhcad-Maungaturoto State highway is well towards completion, and on the connecting link southward to Topuni 5| miles of formation and metalling were carried out. Many dangerous bends in the existing road have been avoided by short deviations. Two bridges were erected near the Kaiwaka Township, and three between Kaiwaka and the Pukekaroro Junction. Work on the subsidized highways has consisted principally of bridging, the most important being Lowe's Bridge, 155 ft. long, on the Waimainaku-Ohaeawai highway. Reconstruction and sealing was undertaken on a f-mile length through the Kaeo Township, and improvements are under way near Mort's Bridge, both these works being on the Waimate-Mangonui highway. On the Lake Omapere-Maungatapere highway a 3-mile length of the Te Pua section was formed and metalled. Auckland District. An extensive programme has been carried out in this district, no less than 100 miles of initial sealing having been applied, in addition to 7£ miles of plant-mix and similar coatings on reconstructed lengths and worn-out surfaces. In addition, a total length of 2,012 ft. of bridges, including four overbridges, were erected or brought to completion during the year. Reconstruction of the Birkenhead-Maungaturoto State highway between Albany and Massey Road was continued, 4 miles of sealing being applied, and the 62 ft. Dairy Flat Bridge put in hand. The 2-mile length through Warkworth was metalled and sealed ; and some improvement work carried out on the Rodney County section. On the Auckland-Helensville State highway reconstruction between Lincoln Bridge and Helensville has been continued, 6f miles of formation and metalling and 4-1- miles of sealing being carried out, and the Taiapa Bridge erected. Heavy metalled shoulders are being applied to widen the concrete pavement between the Whau Bridge and Henderson, and the approaches to the proposed overbridge at Helensville are well advanced. Reconstruction in this township is also in progress. The Auckland-Hamilton State highway has required but little attention as to the surfacing ; 2 miles of smoothing-coat were, however, applied between Mercer and Ohinewai, and 6 miles of shoulders constructed on the Bombay Deviation. On the, Hamilton - Te Kuiti highway the. Waipa County section is now completely reconstructed and surfaced, 2| miles being sealed during the year and a light seal-coat applied over 5 miles of plantmix. Widening is in hand in the Te Awamutu Borough, and a " traffic filter "is being installed at the highway intersection in the centre of the town. In the Otorohanga County the metalling and sealing of 6f miles were completed, and a further 3§ miles are under construction. The 140 ft. Mangaorongo Stream Bridge was erected. The reconstruction of the Pokeno-Paeroa highway was continued, and formation is now complete up to 18 miles. From Pokeno 6| miles of two-course metalling were carried out, and a similar length received a priming-coat. On the Hauraki Plains County length, 65 chains were reconstructed and sealed, while the existing surfacing between Ngatea and Paeroa was widened over a length of 10£ miles. Between Thames and Paeroa 4£ miles were sealed, completing this highway, and a footbridge erected at the Kaueranga River crossing. On the Paeroa-Whakatane highway construction was continued between Karangahake and Waikino, 24 chains being completed ; 3J miles were sealed, and extensive flood-damage in the Karangahake Gorge made good. Between Hamilton and Paeroa 3| miles of plant-mix smoothing-coat were laid, and the Piako overbridge, 140 ft. long, completed. The Hamilton-Rotorua highway is now completely sealed except for a short length in Cambridge. Work during the year comprised 6| miles of formation, 11| miles of metalling, and 16 miles.of sealing. The Karapiro Bridge, in Cambridge Borough, 220 ft. long, was completed, and the approach-work is in hand. The Tirau Subway, with its approaches, was completed. The highways under local-body administration are being very generally improved, many being under reconstruction for sealing. These include the Wairau, Parkhurst, Kumeu-Albany, and Henderson-Kumeu in the northern subdivision of the district.
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South of Auckland reconstruction between Papakura and Clevedon is in progress, 5|- miles being nearly ready for sealing, and a short length has been treated in the Clevedon Township ; f mile was also sealed in the Howick division of the Howick-Manurewa highway. The reconstruction and sealing of 2 miles of the Te Kauwhata - Waitakaruru highway is nearing completion. On the Drury - Waiuku - Kohekohe highway work is in progress between Runciman and Paerata, 2 miles being sealed, while between Pukekohe and Puni 5§ miles were primed, of which 2| miles received a seal-coat. Four bridges and a large culvert were constructed on this highway. On the Piako County section of the Tahuna-Ohinewai highway 4J miles were reconstructed, and a 5-mile contract is in hand on the Waikato division. On the Pukekohe - Glen Murray highway reconstruction is in hand along the river on the Franklin County section, and this Council has also some heavy work in progress on the Pukekohe-Bombay highway. Reconstruction and sealing have been carried out over 3 miles of the Waikato division of the Taupiri-Morrinsville highway, and the Taupiri overbridge completed, except for some adjustment of access at the approaches. In the Piako County 6 miles are under construction, 3 miles having been metalled during the year. On the Hamilton-Raglan section reconstruction was continued in the Raglan County, 4J- miles being sealed, and a second coat applied over 5f miles of the Waipa division. The Puniu overbridge on the Te Awamutu - Bartons Corner highway was completed, and a length of 4J miles reconstructed on the Te Awamutu - Cambridge link. The 92 ft. Mangati Bridge was erected on the Te Awamutu - Pirongia highway. The Hamilton-Tauhci highway was improved by the sealing of 40 chains and the metalling of a further length of 3J miles. The 150 ft. Kaniwhaniwha Bridge on the Horotiu-Te Rore highway was erected and its approaches completed. Ninety chains of the Frankton-Pirongia highway were sealed, and a further 4 miles are in hand. The Morrinsville-Ngarua highway is now completely surfaced, If miles being added this year. Reconstruction and sealing are in progress on the Waipa County division of the KihikihiPutaruru highway. The sealing of the Piako County length of the Te Aroha - Waharoa highway was completed, and 2f miles reconstructed and sealed on the Ngatea-Waliaroa highway, between Kiwitahi and Walton. Sealing is being widened on the Pairere-Kaimai highway, and a reconstruction contract has been let for 5f miles from Pairere Junction to Hinuera. On the Waitoa-Taupo highway work is in hand south of Tokoroa, 10| miles of formation and 4§ miles of sealing being completed. The overbridge at Hamlin's was erected, and that at Putaruru South is in progress. A contract for the reconstruction and sealing of 3 miles of the Waihi Beach highway is in hand. On the Pipiroa-Coromandel highway 3J miles were sealed in the Hauraki Plains County division, and sea-wall protective work continued in the Thames County. The 138 ft. Tapu Bridge was erected, and the sealing between Waiau Bridge and Coromandel completed. The Coromandel - Mercury Bay highway was closed by flood damage for a short period, but repairs are now complete, and 4f miles from Whitianga to Kaimarama were sealed. Tauranga District. Reconstruction of the State highways has been appreciably advanced, and the sealing programme commenced. On the Paeroa-Whakatane highway, 1 mile was sealed at Kaituna and a similar length at Whakatane, while 5 J miles were reformed between Maniatutu and Matata. The Koutu overbridge at Rotorua was completed, &c., 3 miles of heavy formation carried out at Lake Rotorua on the Rotorua-Whakatane highway, and 2| miles of metalling near Whakatane. Reconstruction was commenced between Whakatane and Taneatua, and a 60 ft. bridge erected in the Waioeka Gorge. Reconstruction was continued over § inile on the Rotorua-Taupo highway, and south of Taupo the 80 ft. Waitahanui Bridge was erected. The Rangataiki Bridge on the Taupo-Napier highway is nearing completion. Reconstruction was continued on the Waitoa-Taupo highway, 8| miles being completed and metalled. On the Tauranga-Matamata highway the reconstruction on the Kaimai Hills was continued, 3f miles being completed, 2 miles primed, and l i miles sealed. The Boulder and Beacon Creek bridges 120 ft. and 200 ft. in length respectively, were completed. The Opotiki - Te Araroa coastal route is being considerably improved, 5 miles of reconstruction and seven bridges being completed during the year. Two miles of second-coat sealing were carried out in the Mount Maunganui Township, and preparation work is in hand between Rotorua and Lake Tarawera. Gisborne District. Construction works throughout this district were retarded in the normally active pre-winter period, April to early June, by the wide-spread need for concentrating on restoration of storm damage. The 1938-39 summer and autumn were favourable in the main, however, and enabled good progress to be made with some important works.
135
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On the Whakatane-Gisborne State highway the Waikohu Deviation of approximately 1 mile, including two substantial two-way bridges, was completed. This eliminates two level crossings and provides greatly improved alignment. The renewal of the Waipaoa River Bridge at Kaitaratahi, of six 90 ft. steel-girder spans, was practically completed, and the approaches were let by contract. On the Gisborne -Te Araroa State highway the bulk of the reconstruction and sealing of 5| miles near Tatapouri was completed, leaving only a few unstable sections between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay unsealed. The Raponga Bridge, 43f miles from Gisborne, was rebuilt with substantial approaches. The old bridge was a narrow structure on bad alignment and subject to immersion in floods. Eighty-two miles from Gisborne a f-mile deviation was constructed, which removes the need for traversing the Mangakino Stream bed, a troublesome section after heavy rains. One hundred and thirty-eight miles from Gisborne on the Opotiki - Te Araroa section of the coastal route, the 300 ft. Whangaparaoa River Bridge was practically completed at the end of the year. On the Gisborne to Wairoa via Morere Highway, a decided improvement was made in the reconstruction of the Mangakaiwharangi No. 2 Bridge to two-lane standard and on improved alignment. This bridge is designed to pass the highway traffic under the railway bridge which is about to be built. Substantial progress was made with the renewal of the Mangakaiwharangi Bridge No. 1, which will eliminate a very awkward bridge approach and obviate another level crossing on the new railway. On the Gisborne-Napier, via Hangaroa, State highway, steady progress was made last summer with reconstruction and preparation for sealing, the lengths concerned being 2 miles at Waeranga-o-kuri, and 3 miles south of Hangaroa Turnoff. A considerable amount of work was done in reconstructing and preparing lengths for sealing on the other highways radiating from Gisborne. Napier District. As a result of the record flood in April, 1938, in which the Napier-Gisborne and Napier-Taupo State Highways were completely blocked by slips, and most of the bridges up to Wairoa destroyed, construction works in this district were considerably set back. Restoration measures have on some sections necessitated the formation of a new road on the surface of the silt-deposit, and relocation and regrading on many other lengths. The Taupo-Napier highway has been put into fair order again, and reconstruction work continued.On the Runanga deviation If miles have been formed, and f mile widened on the lengths north and south of Baker's Deviation. This deviation, which comprised a major pumice cutting, was completely destroyed by the storm, and the original route has been temporarily reverted to. Between Eskdale and the Mohaka Bridge extensive cuts and fills have been completed, a length of 4 miles being improved or deviated. The Eskdale section was entirely reinstated at a higher level on the silt-bed, and the Esk Valley route widened up to Te Pohue. The State highway to Wairoa, on which the damage was particularly heavy, is still under restoration, though by means of deviations, slip-removal, and temporary bridging it was made available for traffic in about a month after the flood. The old route was fully restored before Christmas, though several permanent bridges are still to be erected. The reconstruction programme has been resumed, work being in hand between Tangoio and Te Ngaru Bridge, and beyond Waikare. McKenzie's Deviation on the latter section has been completed, effecting a major improvement, and Begley's Deviation is nearing completion. On the Napier - Palmerston North highway the principal item of damage was the scouring-out and subsidence of several spans of the Waitangi Washout Bridge, recently erected. Repair-work, including heavy pile-driving, was put in hand, and the bridge completely restored in September, 1938. The surfacing between Napier and Pakipaki also required extensive renewal. The principal construction works on this highway have comprised level-crossing eliminations, of which two were dealt with by the 1 f-mile Maharahara Deviation, two by overbridges at Waipukurau and Mangamanaia, while another at Papatawa is well in hand. The reconstruction of obsolete lengths of original sealing has been undertaken, the principal being in Waipawa and Woodville Boroughs, a 2-mile length near Matamau, and 3f miles near Tahoraiti. Five stream-bridges'were erected, three of which were on level-crossing-deviation works. A length of 1 mile on the Woodville-Masterton highway has been reformed, and a new sealing-coat applied. Various country highways were damaged by the flood, chiefly in regard to surfacing, though some bridges also suffered. Sealing was carried out over 1| miles of the Otane - Tuki Tuki, 2 miles of the Waipawa-Tikokino, and 1| miles of the Waipawa - Onga Onga highways. On the Dannevirke-Waipukurau highway, 2£ miles of sealing are in hand in the Waipukurau County, and 90 chains were completed in the Patangata division, also 50 chains of reconstruction in the Dannevirke County. Three miles and three-quarters of plant-mix smoothing-coat were applied over a deteriorated" length of sealing on the Hastings-Maraekakaho highway. On the Waipawa-Pourerere highway, 1J miles were sealed in the Waipawa County, and the Patangata County completed a 2|-mile length. On the Woodville-Tamaki highway, If miles were sealed, and two small bridges erected. Several shorter lengths on other highways were also sealed by the local bodies concerned. The Whakatu Overbridge on the Farndon - Paki Paki highway was completed.
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The Frasertown - Lake House highway was completely blocked by slips for some time, a period of six months elapsing before normal conditions were restored. Special attention has been given to metalling and the strengthening of bridges to carry the .heavy loading in connection with the Tuai Power-house plant extension. On the Rotorua-Waikaremoana highway reconstruction has proceeded, 1J miles being widened and a considerable length metalled. Taumarunui District. The difficulties associated with road-construction in heavy steep papa country have in earlier years retarded the full development of the arterial highways in this district by comparison with others, but of recent years good progress has been made, and during the period covered by the report a considerable amount of construction has been carried out. At the end of the year a total length of 22 miles was under contract for sealing. On the Hamilton -Te Kuiti length, 2 miles were formed and metalled, and between Te Kuiti and Pio Pio 5f miles were advanced to the sealing-stage, while farther south a length of 1 mile was reconstructed. Between Te Kuiti and Taumarunui, 5-|- miles were formed and metalled. Contracts for sealing 6§ miles on this section and a similar length south of Taumarunui are in hand. In the Manunui Township 2f miles have been sealed. Top-course metalling was undertaken over 15 miles of the National Park - Taupo highway. The subway at Short Street, which eliminates the level crossing in the Taumarunui Borough has been practically completed, and the overbridge at the Spiral is well advanced towards completion. The 9-mile unmetalled length of the Pio Pio - Tatu highway is under construction, formation being more than half-completed and 1 mile metalled. Improvement-work is also in progress on the Caves - Lemon Point, Stratford-Taumarunui, and other secondary highways ; a number of short bridges have been erected, and some heavy river-protection work is in hand between Manunui and Piriaka. Stratford District. On the arterial highway the improvement of the Mount Messenger section is in hand, and the Mimi Valley, Mangainaeho, and Pa Hill Deviations have been continued. Preliminary work on the Mangamaeho-Uruti section has been commenced. Reconstruction is in progress between Waitara and New Plymouth, 4 miles having been formed and 1 mile sealed. This length, by reason of its situation, is regarded as one of the most necessary works in the district. Reconstruction is also in progress between New Plymouth and Hawera, and the numerous open railway crossings on this section are being rapidly eliminated, the three standard methods, by deviation, subway, and overbridge, being all in evidence. A new bridge, 150 ft. in length, was erected over the Waiwakaiho River, and one of 105 ft. over the Kahouri Stream is well advanced. South of Hawera the 6j-mile length down to Mokoia has been reconstructed and sealed, and the 150 ft. Manawapou Bridge at the district boundary erected. On the Opunake coastal highway a 50-chain deviation is in hand, by means of a cutting through the Oakura Hill, and a similar length has been reconstructed and sealed near the Okato Township. The 112 ft. Okahu Stream bridge was erected. A further 4 miles have been metalled on the Stratford-Taumarunui highway, and further work is in hand, the upper end of this highway being the only unmetalled length in the district. Subsidiary highways are receiving a good deal of attention by the respective County Councils, chiefly by way of widening and improving existing pavement, and, in some cases, extension of sealing. Wanganui District. State highways in this district have shown very active progress during the year particularly on those leading inland. Reconstruction was continued on the National Park - Wanganui (P&rapara) highway, 7£ miles being formed and metalled and a sealing programme of the same length entered upon, 2£ miles of first-coat being completed. It is proposed to commence improvements on the Waimarino County section this year. On the Taihape route a length of 20 miles, on which the original metalling had been extensively reconditioned and added to, received a first-coat of tar, while 6| miles of construction and 8| miles of metalling were carried out. Three bridges were erected, as well as the Vinegar Hill overbridge, the approaches to which, including a small stream bridge, have yet to be formed as part of the reconstruction of this section. The Cliff Road subway was completed, and the Greatford overbridge approaches are nearing completion. On the Hawera - Wanganui highway 70 chains on the Whenuakura Hill were reconstructed, 52 chains sealed on the Waitotara Hill, and 4| miles of second-coat applied between Maxwell and Kai Iwi. The Kai Iwi overbridge was completed, and the relocation of the hill section just north of Wanganui put in hand. On the Turakiiia-Cliff Road highway the 2-mile length between Marton and Cliff Road was reconstructed and sealed, and the Bonny (lien overbridge erected. The Wellington Road subway in Marton was also completed. Between Raetihi and Ohakune a 2-mile length was reconstructed and sealed by the Waimarino County, and contracts a,re in hand for two short bridges in Ohakune Borough. On the Rapanui highway, leading to Kai Iwi Beach, the Waitotara County Council has let a contract for reconstructing and sealing a 5-mile length. The Wanganui River (left-bank) highway was improved over a further If miles at the Pipiriki end, and several lengths were sealed on secondary highways in Patea and Wanganui Counties.
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Wellington West District. The State highways in this district have been improved mainly by isolated works of considerable magnitude. Chief among these is the Whirokino Deviation, with its f-mile bridge, which is now complete and in use by traffic, removing the bugbear of flood interruptions on this highway, which is one of the most important in the Dominion. Its remaining associated work, the new bridge over the Manawatu River itself, will be undertaken in the near future, and will be of great value from the aspect of safety and convenience of traffic. Even more impressive, though not yet complete, are the Ngahauranga Gorge reconstruction and the Paekakariki Hill alternative sea-level road, though the latter is not yet declared a main highway and is not financed by the Board, but it will, of course, become part of the arterial route to the north. The Ngahauranga Gorge work will provide an adequate four-lane approach to the capital, saving incidentally J mile in distance. In its length of If miles is involved 520,000 ciibic yards of rock-excava-tion, of which 336,000 cubic yards had been completed at the end of the year ; the balance is now almost accounted for, as well as a very large amount of creek-diversion by tuunelling, culverting, &c., and the actual roadwork is well in hand. Extensive reconstruction is being undertaken to modernize the 3|-mile Ngahauranga - Petone section of the Hutt Road, as one of the principal works of the current year. Overbridges were completed at the Manukau and Paraparaumu level railway-crossings, the approaches to the Porirua overbridge were surfaced, and plans are in hand for eliminations at Ohau, Waikanae, and McKay's, north of Paekakariki. The Foxton Borough section, which was in bad condition, was reconstructed, and 6f miles of smoothing-coat applied on the Horowhenua County section. On the Napier - Palmerston North highway the Manawatu Gorge section is under reconstruction, with the object of obtaining the maximum possible traffic-width ; and 1| miles near Palmerston North have been rebuilt and primed. The 368 ft. Awahuri Bridge on the Sanson - Palmerston North highway was completed, and the Ashhurst overbridge on the Greatford-Ashhurst highway put in hand, together with IJ miles of approach roads. Reconstruction was continued between Palmerston North and Shannon, and the standard of this section has been materially improved ; the sealing of some portions has already been undertaken. A contract has been let for the Longburn overbridge and the work commenced. Improvements, including in most cases sealing, have been carried out on many of the subsidized highways, including the Foxton Beach, Foxton-Shannon, Ashhurst-Pohangina, Longburn-Rongotea, Te Horo - Waihoanga, and Upper Hutt - Waikanae highways. Wellington East District. On the State Highway between Woodville and Upper Hutt the principal works have been the completion of the Eketahuna subway (except for approach metalling) and the construction of a |-mile deviation in Feathorston Borough. Work was commenced on the improvement of the Greytown Borough section, and some curve-easing and. smoothing-coat work carried out north of Carterton. The decking of the 1,200 ft. Ngawapurua combined road-rail bridge near Woodville is being brought up flush with the rails, greatly facilitating highway traffic. On the Pahiatua-Akitio highway the widening of 5 miles of the tortuous Makuri Gorge is in hand, miles being completed. Widening was also undertaken over 1J miles of the Eketahuna-Alfredton highway, two bridges constructed, and 2| miles reconstructed and sealed on the Eketahuna-Nireaha highw&y. On the Masterton-Castlepoint highway, IJ miles were sealed, and the 2-mile Weraiti Deviation on the Masterton-Stronvar highway practically completed, as well as 90 chains of reconstruction and sealing. On the Martinborough-Masterton highway 3 miles of similar work were carried out. The 170 ft. Wainuioru Bridge on the Tupurupuru -Te Wharau highway is nearing completion. In the Featherston County, 6 miles were sealed on the Martinborough - Lake Ferry highway and 3J miles reconstructed on the Featherston - Pigeon Bush highway, half of which was primed. Shorter lengths on other highways were also improved. Nelson District. The programme of works instituted on the inception of the State highway system is now showing appreciable results, particularly in the district adjacent to Blenheim and in the Moutere" area. A total length of 23| miles has received a sealing-coat. Reconstruction has been in progress on the Elevation - Para, Spring Creek - Blenheim, and Blenheim-Dashwood sections, 3| miles being sealed during the year, also | mile in Picton Borough. The deviation eliminating the Spring Creek and Tuamarina railway-crossings, which includes the 960 ft. Wairau Bridge and a bridge over Spring Creek, is in hand, and two railway-crossings at Riverlands have been dealt with by means of a |-mile deviation. Farther south, the Mirza Creek Bridge was built, and sealing carried out in Seddon Township. Reconstruction has been commenced on the Lion's Back section, and a contract has been let for the 300 ft. Kekerangu Bridge. On the Blenheim-Nelson highway 6i miles were sealed between Blenheim and Renwicktown, and reconstruction is practically completed up to Kaituna. The major improvements on the Wangamoa Hill and Valley sections have been continued, a further 2|- miles being completed. On the Richmond-Collingwood highway the Appleby overbridge of three 30 ft. spans was completed, and the sealing of 9f miles between Upper Moutere and Motueka carried out. At the Riwaka Bridge a flood-opening of two 20 ft. spans was constructed in the approach-bank, which was also raised and widened. On the Moutere Hill 3J miles were reconstructed, and the improvement of the 16-mile Takaka Hill section practically completed. Reconstruction work is in hand between Takaka and Onekaka.
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Between Kohatu and Korere, on the Nelson-Westport highway, If miles are being reconstructed the work including the elimination of two open fords by large culverts. Widening and improvements to grade and location were continued on the Hope Saddle-Eight Mile length, 3| miles being accounted for. Sealing is being carried out in the Murchison Township, and retaining-walls erected to widen points in the Buller Gorge. Reconstruction between Kawatiri and Owen Junction is in hand. Over 10 miles of protective fencing has been erected on this and the other State highways in this district. On the County highways considerable progress has been made, including the reconstruction for sealing of 2 miles on the Spring Creek - Raranga, 1| miles on each of the Picton-Havelock and Blenheim Aerodrome, and 1 mile on the Renwicktown-Hope Junction highway, the sealing-coat having been applied on the latter. The 210 ft. Hodder River suspension bridge was completed and the 250 ft. Taylor River Bridge is in hand. Grey mouth District. On the Nelson-Westport State highway widening and improvements have been continued on the Buller Gorge section, and also on the Pakihi section near Westport. At Inangahua Junction a length of 1 mile has been sealed, also two short lengths through the railway-construction camps at Tiroroa and Blackwater. On the Inangahua-Greymouth State highway improvements were continued northwards from Greymouth to Ahaura. This work involves several important deviations to eliminate narrow and tortuous descents into gullies, two of which have been completed. Formation on the deviation at Nelson Creek, which will reduce the distance between Greymouth and Reefton by 1 mile, is nearing completion, and the construction of a 200 ft. bridge over Nelson Creek is in hand. At Callaghan's, formation is well in hand, and a contract has been let for a 60 ft. bridge over the Creek. The improvements between Stillwater and Ngahere were completed during the year, and the length prepared for sealing. Sealing was completed over 2 miles through the Ikamatua Settlement, between the school and the Big Grey Bridge, 29 chains through Ahaura, and two shorter lengths farther south. One mile of protective fencing was erected. On the Greymouth-Weheka State highway improvements have been continued southwards from Hokitika, and work is in hand on a length of 7-|- miles south of the Kanieri Bridge. Of this length, 5J miles of formation have been completed, and 1 mile 6 chains sealed. Further improvements have been carried out near the Kokatahi Track north of Ross ; a 70-chain deviation has been completed in Ross Borough, to eliminate the steep and narrow road over Mont d'Or Hill; 2J miles through Hari Hari have been widened; and a deviation is under construction near Wataroa, where the highway is threatened with erosion by the Wataroa River. The 51-cha/in South Beach Deviation, Greymouth, which eliminates two level railway-crossings, was sealed ; and a deviation, including a 40 ft. bridge over the Nelson Creek and an overbridge, to eliminate a railway-crossing of bad visibility, is well in hand. The overbridge at Kaihinu was completed, the approaches sealed, and the approaches to the New River Bridge were also sealed. Near Weheka a bridge of two 50 ft. spans, with approaches and protective works, has been constructed over the Hare Mare Stream, disposing of the last remaining bad ford on this highway. On the Arthur's Pass- Kumara Junction highway the year's work has been principally connected with bridging. A bridge of six 44 ft. spans was erected over Rough Creek in Arthur's Pass Township, two large culverts with improved approaches were constructed at O'Neill's and Nelly's Creeks, and a further culvert is in hand. Between Kumara and Kumara Junction 3|- miles were sealed. Widening and regrading have been carried out on several lengths between Westport and Ngakawau. A 30 ft. bridge over Kiwi Creek was erected and the construction of a 360 ft. bridge at Ngakawau in place of the combined bridge is in hand. The approaches to the Waimangaroa Overbridge were completed, and a 1 mile deviation between Waimangaroa and Birchfield to eliminate two crossings was completed. The formation of a deviation at Kongahu, to remove the highway from damage by foreshore erosion, was completed. On the Westport-Creymouth coast highway widening and straightening have been continued between Charleston and Punakaiki. At Barrytown considerable trouble has been experienced as a result of continued beach-erosion, and the rock-facing has proved insufficient to protect the highway. Plans have been prepared for a 2J-mile deviation inland from the beach. Between Greymouth and Runanga, the Camp overbridge and approaches have been completed, the Cobden overbridge has also been completed and opened for traffic, while the approaches, which are in use, are nearing completion. The highway from this overbridge to Runanga has been sealed for a length of 3J miles. Between Reefton and Maruia heavy floods in April practically destroyed the highway over a length of 10 miles. Restoration work occupied several months, and improvements have been continued, nearly 12 miles being completed except for top-course metalling. Three bridges are under construction, a water-drive has been completed, and a considerable amount of protective work carried out. The Westland County Council has sealed a total length of 2|- miles on secondary highways.
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Canterbury District. Improvements to the State highway in the northern portion of the district are being carried out in conjunction with the construction of the South Island Main Trunk Railway, which in many places will necessitate new alignment. This is particularly so at Goose Bay, where the highway is being deviated across the bay, with the railway following the old road-line. North of Kaikoura new bridges and deviations have been arranged for. Between Oaro and Parnassus 1 mile of widening, &c., has been carried out. In the Cheviot and Waipara Counties the State highway is being reconstructed, the grades being eased where necessary and curves formed to a minimum, radius of 10 chains. During the year 3| miles were completed., and it is expected that 8 miles, which includes the Cheviot and Parnassus Townships, will be sealed during the current year. On the inland route between Waipara and Kaikoura, the Weka Pass Deviation, which eliminates a steep hill and several bad corners, has been completed ready for sealing, and a contract has been let for an 80 ft. bridge. The township sections at Rotherham, Waiau, and Hanmer were sealed. On the arterial route to the West Coast, plant-mix paving has been continued to Kirwee and completed in Darfield Township. At Porter's Pass a section of 4 miles has been widened and the alignment improved. On the Lake Lyndon side of the pass considerable deviation from the former alignment has been made, and the highway round Lake Pearson has been realigned and widened. Contracts for two bridges over the Craigieburn Stream have been let. Between Cass and the Waimakariri River widening and curve improvement have been completed for 11 miles. Contracts were let for plant-mix paving of the Summit Highway from Evans Pass to Dyer's Pass, and for sealing the extension to Gebbies' Pass. This work was finished in May last, and Canterbury now has a sealed scenic drive of 18 miles along the crest of the Port Hills. The highway from the Kiwi to Governor's Bay was also paved. Between Lyttelton and Governor's Bay the widening and realignment have been completed and the section is being metalled. Reconstruction of the highway to Akaroa is proceeding, and during the year work has been carried on between Birdling's Flat and Little River along Lake Forsyth. Considerable improvement to the alignment has been made, mainly by large fills running across swampy sections near the lake. A contract has been let for sealing the section from Motukarara to Kaituna and in the Little River Township. In Akaroa County 29 chains of widening and 7 chains of deviation were completed on the Duvauchelle - Robinson's Bay section. The overbridge at Prebbleton has been completed, thus eliminating a dangerous railway-crossing on the highway to Southbridge. Sealing has been extended in Ellesmere County, and the contract in hand will give a full-length sealed highway from Christchurch. Plans for the overbridge at Sockburn are nearly completed, and land has been acquired. To obviate stock having to use the overbridge, arrangements have been made for the erection of a separate overbridge for stock and a by-pass. Further work on the State highway to Timaru was the completion of the Rakaia Bridge, 5,762 ft. long, which replaces the old combined road-rail bridge erected in 1873. A contract was also arranged for the Rakaia overbridge, which is just north of the river bridge. Work has proceeded steadily on the Rangitata Deviation, which includes bridges over the two branches of the river, new road-formation, and 21 miles of metalling and sealing. The 2,122 ft. bridge over the north branch was completed, and the .1,042 ft. bridge over the south branch was well advanced at the end of the year. This has since been completed and the deviation opened to traffic. The deviation has been planned to obviate open railway crossings, and the new road follows on the east side of the railway, the only overbridge required being at Winchester. Plans for the overbridge have been prepared, and sealing contracts are in hand for 16 miles. Bridging and sealing have been completed on the State highway in Waimate County, and extensive repairs carried out to the wooden bridge over the Waihao River. The sealing of the Pleasant Point - Cave section and of the Albury and Fairlie Township section on the arterial highway to Cromwell has been completed. A contract has been let for a deviation and bridging at Albury to eliminate the three narrow timber bridges. Otago District. With the reconstruction carried out on the Timaru-Dunedin highway during the past year the requirements of present-day traffic are steadily being provided for. The whole length from the Waitaki River to Dunedin is now sealed, with the exception of the approaches to the overbridge at Palmerston. Several further improvements are contemplated, notably a deviation at Maheno to eliminate a level railway-crossing and. a length subject to flooding, and an overbridge at Waikouaiti. A number of bridges also remain to be renewed. During the year contracts were let for the renewal of the 100 ft. Kakaho Bridge north of Hampden, and the 95 ft. Kuri-iti Bridge in Hampden Borough. Work on the first named was well advanced by the end of the year. The 7£-mile length between Hillgrove and Shag Point was completed and sealed, and the final coat applied on the Palmerston-Merton section of 12| miles. The Palmerston level crossing was eliminated by an overbridge of four 50 ft. spans, and a 72 ft. bridge erected over the Pleasant River. On the Timaru-Cromwell highway the Lindis Pass - Tarras construction is being carried out in two sections —namely, Lindis Downs where a 7-mile deviation is in progress, and at Lindis Pass where a length of 25 miles leading over the pass is being improved.
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A total of 9J miles of formation were completed during the year, making the total 21| miles to date, on the greater part of which the base-course has been laid. The remaining work is of a lighter nature, and the formation will be to a great extent carried out with the power-grader. A length of " dust-laying seal " has been applied to the main highway in front of the Cromwell Hospital. On the Milton-Queenstown highway 2| miles between Alexandra and Clyde have been prepared and sealed, and sealing was also carried out in the Clyde and Alexandra Townships. At Muttontown Gully, where a deviation is to be constructed, 2J miles have been left unsealed. The 12|-mile Clyde-Cromwell section has been reconstructed and sealed, the work including the erection of the 95 ft. Leaning Rock Creek Bridge. A footpath is being constructed between Cromwell Railway-station and Cromwell. From Cromwell to the Hospital Turnoff, H miles have also been primed and sealed. From the Hospital Turnoff to Queenstown, a length of 36§ miles of reconstruction is in hand. Improvements were started at the Cromwell end of the Kawarau Gorge, and by the end of the year the greater part of the Gorge section had been completed except for the top-course metal. A J-mile length of " dust-laying seal " was applied in the Queenstown Borough. On the Queenstown-Invercargill highway, improvements between Frankton and Kingston consist of widening the lOf-mile section between Lumber Box and Staircase Creeks. Five miles of formation have been completed. Contracts were let for a further section of the Pukeuri-Kurow highway between Horse Gully Road and Bortons. Work was commenced on a7§ mile length, and at the end of the year 6 miles of metalling had been completed and 2J miles primed. Reconstruction of the Leith Valley highway by means of a deviation through Pigeon Flat has been continued. The whole length of 5A miles has been fenced and culverted, and formation is well advanced, 3f miles being completed. Between Kyeburn and Middlemarch the construction of a 35-chain deviation, to eliminate two level railway crossings near Kokonga, has been commenced. The Hawea - Haast Pass highway is being widened and improved over a length of 3 miles along the lakeside section. The reconstruction of the county section of the Port Chalmers - Aramoana highway, 5f miles in length, is in progress, 21 miles being completed. Renewal of the seawall is the main feature of the work, and the widening is being carried out by re-erecting the wall farther out in the harbour. On the Dunedin-Gore State highway satisfactory progress was made with the reconstruction between Milton and Clinton, the J-mile deviation between Lovells Flat and Balclutha being completed, also a further length of 12 miles between Balclutha and Clinton. This formation included three deviations aggregating 2 miles of new formation, on straight alignment avoiding several tortuous sections of the existing highway. Curves have been eased to a minimum radius of 10 chains. Between Clinton and Waipahi the approaches to the Wairuna overbridge have been commenced, using spoil from railway-works in the vicinity. Two short bridges were erected at Kaihiku. Sealing carried out during the year comprised miles between Milton and Balclutha, which completes this section, and a further length of 2 miles immediately south of Balclutha. In addition, 2i miles received a priming-coat. In Green Island Borough the shoulders were widened to the kerb-line and primed through the business area. Bituminous plant-mix smoothing-coats were laid over lengths totalling 15 miles between Green Island and Milburn. On the Milton-Queenstown highway a 3-mile length from Clarksville towards Glenore was reconstructed and sealed. Improvements on the length between Mount Stuart and Round Hill were continued, and good progress made in difficult country. Formation is practically complete to Round Hill, a total length of 5f miles of formation and 1| miles of metalling being completed. A f-mile length in Lawrence Borough was reshaped and sealed, thus completing the borough section. In Roxburgh 1| miles of preparation and sealing were carried out. On the Middlemarch highway the reconstruction and sealing of 7| miles between Mosgiel and West Taieri Church, commenced the previous year, were completed. Reconstruction of the Dunedin - Duke's Road Highway, leading to the Taieri Aerodrome, was continued during the year and the work substantially completed, 1|- miles of formation, 3 miles of base-course, and 2 miles of two-course metalling being accounted for. The priming and sealing is expected to be finished during the current year. Short lengths were prepared and sealed on several of the lesser highways in this district, and a smoothing-coat applied on a 6-mile section between Collingwood and Portobello. Southland District. The reconstruction and sealing of the main arterial route from Dunedin to Invercargill has proceeded throughout the year, 17 miles having been sealed and an additional 25 miles prepared for next season, when it is expected that all unsealed gaps will be completed. The deviation between Pukerau and McTSfab, to eliminate flooding, has been completed except for one bridge, and reconstruction to the county boundary north of Pukerau is also completed. The Otikerama overbridge near Pukerau is under construction. Reconstruction between Brydone and Dacre has been completed, and a seal-coat applied between Dacre and Kennington. Reconstruction between Invercargill and Bluff has been continued and 5-| miles sealed, and a contract has been let for an overbridge at Greenhills.
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On the Queenstown-Invercargill State highway the Lowther Deviation, which eliminates two level railway crossings, has been completed by the erection of 110 ft. of bridging, and a length of 6| miles was reconstructed on the Caroline-Dipton-Benmore section. Sealing was applied in Lumsden Township and Winton Borough. Flood-alleviation works at Miindeville on the Gore-Lumsden highway are in progress. On the Lumsden - Te Anau - Milford Sound highway, work has proceeded at the Holfyford end, including the Homer Tunnel in which, in spite of the four months' interruption by winter conditions, the heading was advanced by 1,216 ft., leaving 1,587 ft. to complete. On the approach road, construction work is nearing completion. One mile of formation, 3|- miles of gravelling, and 85 ft. of bridging were carried out during the year. At the Milford End 50 chains of bush-clearing, 1| miles of formation, 142 ft. of bridging, and 2J miles of base-course have been completed. This work is in a forward state, and access by good track to the tunnel-portal should be possible by the time the heading is through. Much useful work was carried out on comparatively short sections of county highways, one of the principal items being the reconstruction and sealing of If miles of the North Invercargill - Waikiwi highway. Elimination of Level Bailway Crossings. During the past year £258,484 was spent on the elimination of level railway crossings, bringing the total to date to £654,699. The following table shows the progress to 31st March, 1939, as compared with progress to 31st March. 1938 As at As at 31st March, 1938. 31st March, 1939. Work completed .. .. .. .. .. 50 90 Contracts let and/or work in hand .. 56 30 Proposals completed . . .. . . . . 5 4 Proposals in hand .. .. .. 42 35 Surveys, &c., in hand . . . . . . 38 26 Investigated and deferred .. .. .. . . .. 28 35 219 220 The programme is proceeding at a rate which bears a reasonable relation to the Board's expenditure as a whole, though more progress might have been made had extra design and field staff been available and supplies of reinforcing steel been more readily obtainable. Some of the eliminations of lesser importance have been undertaken somewhat ahead of their turn simply because plans of structures already completed have been readily adapted to meet the particular case. On the other hand, a few eliminations of first importance call for special treatment and are still awaiting survey and design. Amongst these might be mentioned the Waikanae and Ohau ovcrbridges in the Wellington district. Both of these overbridges are close to stream-crossings, and in each case comprehensive design is required. In the case of the Waikanae railway-crossing, further surveys and investigation work are in hand in order that alternative solutions eliminating this crossing can be considered. State Highways. During the period the major reconstruction activities have been on the State highways, though the Board has indicated to local authorities that it is prepared to meet all of the reasonable requirements of secondary or feeder highways in order that, as far as possible, the improvement of the system as a whole will synchronize. There has been an inclination on the part of some to suggest that too large a proportion of the funds available is being spent on the State system. However, there is no gainsaying the fact that the routes which now form the State system did have first call on county finance while they were under the control of the counties, and the Board could not, under any set of circumstances, allow feeder routes to take preference over the main arteries which are carrying by far the greater bulk of the traffic. As the trunk routes are completed, the funds will, it is anticipated, admit of an accelerated programme on the secondary routes, though it must be borne in mind that the scope of the improvements to these routes must always be considered in relation to the traffic densities and general requirements. Visit of Inspection to the South Island and Contact with Local Bodies and Automobile Associations. In accordance with the Board's usual practice, contact has been maintained with local bodies and automobile associations interested in the control of main highways, and during the year tours of inspection were made to the southern portion of the South Island during the latter part of January and early February, and the northern part of the same Island was inspected towards the end of April. Opportunity was taken to inspect major works in progress, and several programmes for future improvements were considered in conference, in addition to which local problems brought forward by the different local-body and automobile association representatives were discussed and the Board's general policy outlined.
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It was gratifying to the Board to find during its recent tour that the general standard of maintenance on the highways traversed was very good indeed. The replacing of one-way bridges on the principal main highways as part of the Board's programme and the magnitude and urgency of this work was very evident to the Board during recent inspections. This question will continue to be dealt with as fast as design can be arranged and finance made available. The Board found evidence throughout its tours of continued good will and co-operation between the Board, the local authorities, and the motor organizations. Almost universally the last mentioned kept in close touch with the Board's representatives on highway matters of local import, and their views as representative of the road-users are often of great assistance. Of particular gratification were the expressions from both local bodies and motorists of the high esteem in which the Board's representatives (the District Engineers of the Public Works Department) are held, and of the assistance and advice received from their officers. In the course of the tours several important outstanding matters were the subject of discussions, and decisions finally arrived at of a satisfactory nature. Measures to promote Road Safety. The Board has continued to give active assistance and co-operation to the New Zealand Road Safety Council with regard to measures calculated to make the highways system as safe as possible. It is significant that while the percentage of accidents in urban areas has increased and on settlement roads has remained stationary that on highways has shown a reduction of 18J per cent. The prime consideration for promoting road safety is the geometrical layout. This aspect requires careful consideration to see that curves are properly transitioned and bear a suitable relationship to adjacent sections of highways. For instance, a 7-chain-minimum-radius curve joining two long flat tangents would be positively more dangerous than, say, a 3-chain-minimum-radius curve in rough topography. The same conditions apply to vertical curves at the junctions of different gradients. All the other amenities, such as adequate paving width, shoulder width, superelevation, &c., are given due attention. During the period some £12,179 has been spent on guard-fences. It has been estimated that 4 per cent, of the total length, or 500 miles, of guard-fencing is required on the highway system, and this is proceeding regularly as the more dangerous sections are reconstructed and placed on their permanent alignment. On certain sections in rough country where (esthetic considerations do not weigh, strong sheep-proof fences have been erected on the edge of the formation to serve the dual purpose of farm and guard fence. From the farmers' point of view this type often provides the only suitable fencing-line. The painting of white lines to demarcate the traffic lanes, the placing of direction signs, and the printing of short, simple warning-notices on the pavement itself, are being energetically continued by the maintenance organizations. Standard drawings and specifications for the guard-fences have been distributed ; but, as regards the white-posting of highways, the topographical and other conditions vary so widely throughout New Zealand that no hard-and-fast rules can be laid down. The clear definition of road-edges at curves is very valuable, but as an aid to night-driving, particularly under foggy conditions or when passing opposing vehicles, white posts also should be placed along straight sections of road. On curves, posts serve the double purpose of showing that a curve exists, and both by day and. by night they indicate the radius or sharpness of the alignment. The motorist may not be conscious of this latter fact, but there is no doubt that a suitably defined curve does give a driver a mental picture of the speed at which that section of road can be negotiated. White posts and white lines are being extended as rapidly as funds permit. During the year the Board took the opportunity of testing out a new method of advising motorists as to road edge and alignment. In this case the carriage-way is defined by a system of special reflectors mounted on posts. The reflectors are moulded from a kind of clear synthetic resin, and for the limited period of observation proved very effective. As a more extended and comprehensive test, sufficient of these markers for some 18 miles of highway have been ordered. Special consideration has been given to the construction of footpaths adjacent to boroughs or where the conditions are of an urban character. One of the essential requirements is that footpaths should be sealed in order to ensure their use. The Board also considered the question of cycle-tracks and has adopted as a general rule the policy of constructing such tracks where the motor-vehicle density has reached sixteen hundred on the average day. In this connection, however, many difficulties are presenting themselves, not the least of which is the inadequacy of the 66-ft.-wide road reserve to make room for the segregation of the various roadusers. The greatest densities of traffic occur on the sections adjacent to the major centres, where it is necessary to face up to the world-wide problem of the high cost of providing extra width of right-of-way.
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Improving Visibility at Corners and Intersections. Collisions at intersections are found to be one of the most prolific sources of traffic accidents, and special subsidies have been made available for the improvement to corner visibility. Generally the rates of subsidy have been fixed as follows :— Improvement at Junction of Subsidy rate. State highway with main highway .. .. .. .. £6 for £1. State highway with county road .. .. .. .. .. £2 for £1. Main highway with main highway .. .. .. . . £3 for £1. Main highway with county road .. .. .. . . .. £1 for £1. Already proposals have been submitted in some of the most urgent cases not only for the taking of the land, but also for the setting-back of the fences and reconstructing the road at the intersection on easier curvature. In other cases the acquisition of the land has been proceeded with in anticipation of the actual improvement work being carried out as funds allow or circumstances require. Lighting on Main Highways. As indicated in last report, an Advisory Committee on Highway Lighting was set up to recommend the system of lighting that should be adopted on the several sections of highway which carry an average of more than 2,500 vehicles per diem. The Hutt Road between the Thorndon Ramp and Petone has been given prior claim, firstly, because it has the greatest density of traffic ; secondly, because the work of providing a dual carriageway is already in hand ; and, thirdly, because the extra traffic incidental to the Centennial Exhibition demands that special precautions be taken to avoid night accidents to the many visitors who may not be familiar with the routes approaching Wellington. When considering the system that should be adopted, the Advisory Committee was somewhat restricted in its deliberations on account of the confusion that might be caused to the navigation lights of the harbour and the signal lights of the railway, which parallels the road, if gaseous-discharge lamps of the sodium or mercury type were adopted. Attention was therefore confined to the incandescent types, from which a satisfactory system has been evolved, when considered from the point of view of pavement brightness, glare, variation of light intensity, and general economy. The greatest difficulty encountered in the design of the system was met when the committee reached the point of considering the details of installation. There are already three pole-lines along the road— the Railway telegraph-line on the eastern boundary, the Post and Telegraph line some 20 ft. therefrom, and the power-line supplying the Hutt Valley Power Board on the western side of the road. It is proposed to suspend a staggered system of lighting between the telegraph poles on the one side of the carriage-way and the power-poles on the other, but before the power-lines can be interfered with it will be necessary to clear three feeders from the arms on one side of the power-poles and arrange alternate supply to the Power Board through the Melling Substation. The material required for the installation has now been ordered, and it is hoped to have it in operation before the end of the year. The committee will now be in a position to consider the lighting of that section of No. 7 State Highway between Auckland and Papakura, though it would appear that the correct procedure would be to install the lighting system in stages as the widening work proposed is carried out. In view of the importance of this matter the Board has purchased a Luckiesh and Moss visibility meter, also a street-lighting photometer, in order that values can be ascertained under varying conditions. Signposting, Centre-line Marking, etc. A £3 for £1 subsidy was provided on the cost of signposting carried out on main highways by Automobile Associations during the year ended 31st March, 1939, as in previous years, involving an expenditure of £4,277 from the Main Highways Account. Up to the date mentioned the amount contributed by the Board towards this work totalled £22,896. Where the Board or local authorities erected signs required by regulation, or for traffic safety, the expenditure incurred was treated as ordinary maintenance, as also was the cost of centre-line marking. Residential Accommodation for Regular Maintenance-men. During the past year further progress has been made in the provision of up-to-date accommodation for maintenance-men engaged on State highways under the direct control of the Board. Standard designs of cottages for single and married employees have been adopted for general use throughout the Dominion, but if local conditions warrant a departure from these designs buildings more suitable to the location are erected. As far as practicable, married surfacemen are located in centres where schooling facilities are available for their families, and single men in the more remote localities. Proposals for additional accommodation are under consideration, and arrangements are in train for the acquisition of suitable building-sites.
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State Highways Depots. For the efficient organization of maintenance gangs on State highways careful consideration has been given to the establishment of depots at suitable locations on the highway system. To provide for the housing of road-graders, lorries, maintenance tar-sealing plant, and other machinery buildings and multiple garages have been erected and fitted with the necessary tools and equipment to enable minor plant repairs to be undertaken on the spot. Stores of fuel oil, motor-spirits, and spare parts are also kept in stock to obviate any delay in the operation of the plant, this being most essential in those districts where dustless paving has not yet been, provided and where constant grading is necessary to maintain roads in correct shape. Temporary depot buildings are being provided in some districts until such time as planned sealing programmes have been completed, when permanent depots will be established in localities most suitable for the effective maintenance of highways under the control of the Board. Beautification of Highways. Continued public interest is being shown in the beautification of highways, and the Board is deeply interested in any amenity of this nature which will add to the enjoyment of road-users generally. There is ample evidence before the Board to show that there is a number of interested societies and local bodies who are keen, to proceed with the work, but in most cases some financial assistance is desired, and if the scheme is to be carried out to the best advantage co-ordination of effort is essential. Approval has already been given in a number of cases to the planting of trees along suitable stretches of road reserves after the Board has first satisfied itself that the growth of these trees would not constitute a future danger to the travelling public. The many urgent improvement works still requiring attention on highways do not permit of any of the Board's funds being made available for the beautification of the countryside at the present time, but as soon as the Board feels it is in a position to do so careful consideration will be given to the appointment of an expert officer to the Board's staff with the necessary knowledge and administrative ability to be responsible for the proper co-ordination, of all work proposed by beautifying societies, local bodies, and other bodies interested and desirous of improving the appearanec of our highways. If the scheme is to be a success, the Board realizes that such an appointment is necessary in the interests of efficiency and uniformity, and in order that any work proposed may be considered in relation to a comprehensive plan. Advances to Local Authorities. In many instances during last financial year local authorities found that they were unable to raise loans from outside sources for the purpose of financing their share of the cost of urgent and desirable works required on main highways. Taking advantage of the powers conferred upon it by special legislation, the Board advanced to local bodies, on short-term loans, the amounts required in such cases. The number of loan agreements entered into during the year was fifteen, the amount advanced being £26,497, as compared with twenty-one agreements totalling £28,801 19s. 3d. for the year 1937-38. The total principal advanced up to 31st March, 1939, was £296,089 Bs. lid., the amount outstanding at the date mentioned being £106,461 2s. Id. Plant. The facilities provided by the Board to enable local authorities to acquire plant under the hirepurchase system were taken advantage of to a greater extent than formerly, the purchases for 1938-39 under this heading amounting to £46,835. This showed increases of £10,420 and £31,141 for the years 1937-38 and 1936-37 respectively. Since the inception of the scheme, plant to the value of £288,168 has been purchased, of which amount £67,058 was outstanding at 31st March, 1939. The items purchased during the year under the hire-purchase system were : Graders, 15 ; trucks, 15 ; tractors, 2 ; excavators, 2 ; crusher, 1. In addition to the above, the Board, for its own use, purchased the following items of plant: Graders, 49 ; tractors, 43 ; motor-lorries, 31 ; power-control winches, 23 ; angle-dozers, 17 ; crushers, 17 ; compressors, 17 ; road-rollers, 14 ; road-sweepers, 11 ; pump and engine, 10 ; concrete-vibrators, 7 ; excavators, 7 ; bitumen-sprayers, 6 ; concrete-mixers, 6 ; snow-ploughs, 5 ; road-planers, 5 ; machine rock-drills, 5 ; electric-motors, 4 ; scarifiers, 4 ; winch and oil-engines, 4 ; metal screens, 3 ; oil-engines, 3 ; power motors, 3 ; scrapers (carry-all), 3 ; trailers, 3 ; road-markers, 2 ; bull-dozer, 1 ; conveyor, 1 ; generator set (50 kW.), 1 ; lathe, 1 ; motor-car, 1 ; steam-hammer, 1 ; pile driving monkey, 1 ; revolving scraper, 1. Testing of Highway Materials. Owing to delay in delivery of the equipment no tests have yet been made with the Los Angeles abrasion machine. However, the machine has now arrived, and it is hoped to commence testing at an early date. Since the samples of rock and stone submitted during the year could not be tested for wear in the Los Angeles machine, the Petrological Laboratory examined the samples microscopically and 10 —D, 1.
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conducted tlie usual tests for abrasion, hardness, toughness, absorption, and, in some cases, for crushingstrength. These tests not only served as a check on the quality of aggregates supplied by contractors, but also, in conjunction with geological reports, have been of considerable aid to field engineers in their selection of quarry-sites. A large number of soil tests was carried out and research continued in regard to base- and top-course materials, subgrade soils, sealing-chips, and concrete aggregates. As a result of research and experiments, many aggregates and soils which in the past have been looked upon as being unsatisfactory roading-materials can now be treated to provide satisfactory service as subgrades or as metal crusts. Laboratory work often indicates methods of blending and " humouring " by which satisfactory stable aggregates can be produced from what would otherwise be unstable ingredients. Many districts have been supplied with equipment for testing and analysing materials, and the other districts will be supplied with similar equipment from time to time in order that the routine examination of their local materials can be undertaken. This would leave the central laboratory more freedom to undertake check tests and research work. An interesting investigation was conducted during the year with the object of developing methods of improving the adhesion between bituminous binders and certain mineral aggregates which in the past have not been satisfactory in this respect. It was found in the case of some aggregates that a thin coating of cement-wash greatly decreased the tendency for sealing-chips to " whip-off " under traffic. Some cheaper method was sought, with the result that a marked improvement in adhesion was often obtained by pretreating the aggregate with a very low percentage of certain light distillates, and, in some cases, satisfactory and still cheaper results were achieved by adding the distillate to the bituminous binder. Further research is being continued in this direction. In addition to carrying out a large number of routine identification tests of bituminous materials, the Dominion Analyst has conducted during the year other important examinations on behalf of the Board. A very fine piece of new apparatus by which the ductility of bituminous materials will be determined with the minimum of personal control was recently purchased and is about to be put into operation. It is expected that this machine will play an important role in the examination of sealingbinders. Another interesting and valuable piece of equipment for ascertaining the lability index of emulsions has been built and assembled by the laboratory staff. This will allow of a number of determinations at the one time and will go far to eliminate the personal factor. The purchase of other equipment for the testing of soils is being arranged. In connection with the fluxing and cutting-back of asphaltic products it has been found that with a particular base material the percentage of flux oil or cutting distillate is inversely proportional to the logarithm of the viscosity of the mixture. In other words, the plot of the percentage of flux or light distillate against the logarithm of the viscosity is a straight line. A knowledge of this relationship allows of a proportioning forecast of considerabe precision. Given two points on a semilogarithmic graph the amount of a particular light distillate to be added to an asphalt or a road oil to produce a certain desired viscosity is readily determined. It is also probable that supplementary graphic methods could be applied to the manipulation of two fluxes simultaneously, but so far this has not been attempted. The Board's technical staff and the Dominion Analyst have been closely co-operating in an effort to develop tests which will be an indication of the durability of asphaltic binders. This problem is exercising the minds of roading authorities throughout the world. As far as the usual thin bituminous carpets laid in New Zealand are concerned it would appear that soft binders which possess low susceptibility to temperature change, and which retain their ductility, are to be desired. Based upon a certain amount of preliminary investigation and results, a series of tests will shortly be undertaken, which, it is hoped, will be an indication of weathering and loss of ductility in service. With the new and improved methods of extracting oils and light distillates from the crude product of the oil-well, with possible injury to the residual constituents which are depended on for roading purposes, and considering the new and various sources from which our asphaltic binders are supplied to-day, the urgent need for durability tests will be appreciated. The stage has been reached where the service of thin bituminous carpets depends upon the " life " of the binder, and not upon the mineral aggregate, hence the importance of ensuring that only the best asphaltic materials are being used. Highway Engineering and Design. The past year has been a period of considerable progress in design and construction methods, and of accelerated activity in a programme of widespread improvement to the highways of New Zealand. Every effort has been made to provide an adequate system of road communication with all practicable facilities for the free, orderly, and safe flow of traffic. The Board is faced with the building of new highways to meet the demand of present-day and future traffic, and with the adaptation of existing roads to meet modern conditions. This means that highway engineering standards must often be based upon compromise between many factors, but a thorough knowledge of certain principles and highway requirements is essential before a reasonable adjustment between the large number of factors involved can be reached. With this in mind the Board continues to pursue an energetic policy of research and investigation into the many problems which remain to be solved.
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PROPOSED LAY-OUT JUNCTION
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The development of road transport lias been so rapid that, even with the comparatively sparse population of New Zealand, the traffic density in some instances has become such that two-lane roads will no longer meet requirements. The Hutt Road, with its eight thousand vehicles per day, with peaks of twelve thousand, and the Ngahauranga Gorge Road, both adjacent to Wellington, are in the category where two lanes are no longer adequate. These roads are being realigned and reconstructed as four-lane highways with central dividingstrips, separate ways for pedestrians, stock, and cyclists, and with parking-space clear of the carriageways, which is essential if the road is not to be narrowed to a two-lane standard by stationary vehicles. When these works are completed within the next few months two important sections of highway will have become adequate for their traffic densities with the maximum of safety. Statistics from overseas countries conclusively demonstrate that the physically divided multiple-lane type of highway, in which each track is confined to traffic proceeding in one direction only, and in which parking-space is provided clear of the carriage-ways, not only improves the traffic-flow and increases the capacity, but also very definitely reduces the dangers of motoring. The State highways approaching Auckland and Christchurch are now being designed as divided multiple-lane highways to provide segregation of different classes of traffic, and an extra outlet to the north of Dunedin is under construction. Road and street intersections give much cause for serious thought. They not only cause serious interruptions in the free flow of traffic, but they are also critical and potential danger-points. Separation of the road grades by subways and overbridges is the satisfactory and ultimate solution of the problem, but the high cost of this method of treatment generally precludes its adoption. In the meantime it is the Board's aim to provide adequate sight-distances at intersections and junctions in rural areas ; and, where traffic intensities are greater, the " roundabout " or the " channelized " type of trafficfilter which regulates traffic flow, and will provide a measure of protection which is not present with wide open spaces where uncontrolled operation of vehicles causes much confusion. In these latter types of layout the area of conflict between different streams of traffic is much too large, and is consequently a prolific source of accidents. In towns and built-up areas, where speeds are restricted to 30 miles per hour, minimum sightdistances at intersections of 120 ft., with a preference for 150 ft., should be provided. Allowing only half a second reaction time, the stopping-distance of a car at 30 miles per hour on an average wet bituminous surface, with a coefficient of friction of 0-3, is approximately 120 ft. In business portions of a town such sight-distances will usually be quite impracticable, but, owing to the density of traffic, speeds in shopping and commercial localities will necessarily be much below 30 miles per hour, and stoppingdistances will be correspondingly less. On rural highways, where 60 miles per hour may obtain, the stopping-distance on the average wet bituminous surface may be 7 chains, so that sight-distances of at least 500 ft. should be the aim. The " roundabout " type of intersection, the merit of which lies in the " interweaving " capacity of the units of converging traffic-streams at a moderate speed, is generally much less costly than the overbridge or " clover-leaf" treatment, but even the " roundabout " occupies a large area of land the acquisition of which is often impracticable. Representations are occasionally made to the Board that a small circular island " roundabout " should be installed at intersections, but small circular islands do not serve the functions of a " roundabout," which must primarily be large enough in diameter to provide sufficient space for a vehicle to gradually weave through the traffic into its proper outgoing lane. In the case of a properly designed " roundabout" there is no direct right-angle crossing of opposing lanes of traffic. With the small circular island, however, there is insufficient space to make the gradual interweaving movement and, compared with the plain intersection, the points of conflict may be increased. At " channelized " intersections traffic is segregated into directional lanes by the installation of islands which clearly indicate the channels for the movement of vehicles in every desired direction, It is a first essential that the design should be simple and that motorists should be guided into their correct paths without hesitation or doubt. Well maintained and readily visible directional signs, particularly on the pavement itself, are often necessarily a part of the " channelized " system, but such signs must bo quite clear in meaning and carefully placed. The junction of the Hutt Road and Ngahauranga Gorge Road, both of which are multiple lane highways with a central dividing strip, is being laid out on the " channelized " principle so that, if necessary, at a future date a modified " clover-leaf " layout can be adopted. The dividing strips are gradually widened out until a width of at least 20 ft. is attained at the intersection. The traffic-lanes are then, as it were, cut through the widened strips to form islands separating the various paths in such a way that vehicles make a direct crossing of traffic moving in one direction only. The islands of 20 ft. width allow space for pausing or taking refuge before moving on to the next stream of traffic. No general rules can be laid down to ensure an ideal condition for all road junctions and intersections. Each particular crossing has its own problems and requirements and must be considered accordingly, but there are certain first principles which should be the basis of any treatment. There should be adequate sight-distance at plain intersections for speeds which arc likely to obtain, and at the more important crossings the layout should be, firstly, so simple that even strangers have no doubt as to the path to be followed, and, secondly, such that the points and areas of conflict are reduced to a minimum. Another aspect of geometrical layout to which the Board has given special study and consideration is the treatment of horizontal curves. In the interest of the safety and the comfort of motorists, and the unhampered flow of traffic, new roads must be laid out with curves and superelevations to suit present and future traffic requirements, and old obsolete roads must be brought up to a similar standard.
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It is realized that for present-day speeds it is of prime importance that horizontal curves should be laid out as properly designed transitions, so that at constant speed there is uniform rate of application of centrifugal force with no shock or impact as the vehicle passes from the straight to the curve. Under the speeds which have obtained until recently the design of curves was not of the same significance, but for even average present-day rates of road-travel, curve layout is of vital importance in the interests of safety. With an, appreciation of the advantages of properly designed transition curves, the Board has prepared and distributed tables and instructions for the setting-out of horizontal curves along these lines. While there is general agreement among roading authorities of the world as to the necessity for transition curves to meet the requirements of modern traffic, there is some difference of opinion as to the constants which should be used. The Board has adopted a rate of change of radial acceleration (rate of change of direction) of 1-5 ft. per second per second in a second, and a limiting value for the centrifugal ratio of of J. The maximum superelevation remains at in. per foot of width or J which has been the maximum value used in connection with circular arcs. It will be noted that the superelevation is 50 per cent, of the centrifugal ratio. The above constants or approximations thereto are the rule in many overseas countries. These values obtain irrespective of speed, but as a result of investigation and experience by the Board it would seem that there could with advantage be some modification of these constants. For instance, the testing of curves for speed-values has indicated that the rate of change of radial acceleration can be increased, and a greater value for the centrifugal ratio can be allowed at the lower speeds, of about 30 miles per hour, with a graduated decrease in, the values of the constants until, at the higher speeds, the rate of change of radial acceleration should not exceed 1 ft. per second 3 , and the side-friction or that portion of the centrifugal ratio not balanced by superelevation should not exceed 0-1. Further investigation is being conducted along these lines. Except for an increasing use of a light type of sealing, which, in general, is applied direct on the macadam or gravel surface, the past year has produced little change in the design and technique of construction of metal crusts or bituminous carpets. Initial bituminous surfacing, for the greater part, has consisted of a prime coat of light tar or asphaltic M.C.j followed by a road-oil seal, while the smoothing of rough but sound bituminous pavements has been accomplished chiefly by a densely graded road- or plant-mix. Several miles of drag-seal were laid during the past season, some with ordinary power-graders and some with graders fitted with the drag-seal attachment as developed by the Victorian Country Roads Board. Brag-seal surfacing laid early in the season is in better condition than later season work. It seems obvious that this type of treatment, perhaps more than other types, requires a period of warm weather after laying to allow of kneading and compaction by traffic before the binder hardens too much. A tendency towards ravelling was caused by stone fragments too large for the thickness of the carpet, and by segregation of the different sizes of aggregate during mixing. The best results were achieved with uniform size chips all passing a in. round screen when the compacted depth of the course was from f in. to § in. With further experience it is expected that improved results will be obtained, and that this class of Surfacing will fill a useful place in the field of bituminous treatments. As an outcome of experimental work and experience over the past three or four years the Board has developed a new light type of sealing to be known as " dust-laying seal-coat," which will provide dustless surfacing on the less heavily loaded highways at a cost well below that for the usual priming followed by road-oil sealing. In the past road-oil seal-coats could be successfully applied direct to the roller-compacted waterbound macadam type of metal course, but the more recently introduced smooth-riding densely graded stabilized top-course, with its comparatively small area of clean stone surface and large proportion of dusty particles, has required a prime-coat treatment to ensure the proper adherence of the road-oil seals. The new " dust-laying seal-coat " serves the functions of a primer, and at the same time retains a ductile binder to hold the mineral aggregate cover-coat. To some extent these conditions have been achieved with No. 1 tar, and more recently with asphaltic M.C. 3 , but these materials, especially tar, developed too hard a residue which often led to loss of chips, and sometimes starring and cracking during the cold winter months. It has been found that the road-oils of either the medium or the heavy grade as defined in the Board's Standard Specifications, when cut back to the initial viscosity and approximate distillation range of M.C.j, will not give rise to a spongy mat lying unattached to the metal surface, but will slowly penetrate into the top-course and leave a ductile residue to hold the chips. Under some conditions a very light application of a thin primer at the rate of gallon to gallon per square yard just an hour or two ahead of the dust-laying seal-coat may be desirable, but such very light priming will be much less costly than the standard prime-coat applied prior to road-oil sealing. The light prime or " dust-killing " treatment will be necessary only when the top-course is deficient in stone fragments. In determining the quantity of cutback road-oil to ensure the adherence of the chips, allowance must be made for evaporation and for absorption by the underlying metal crust. As it is not practicable to apply these cutback products at a much heavier rate than J gallon per square yard it will be realized that, after evaporation and absorption losses, there will remain only sufficient' binder to hold a small chip. The average least dimension of the cover-coat aggregate should be between 0-25 in. and 0-40 in. Dust-laying sealing will therefore utilize that product of the crusher which is too small for road-oil sealing.
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For average New Zealand summer temperatures, road-oil cutback to the initial viscosity of M.C. a should be used, for midsummer work in the hotter districts the consistency of the cutback should he that of M.C. 4 , while an M.C. 2 viscosity will be more satisfactory for surfacing in cool weather, or when only a very small chip is obtainable.. The various grades of dust-laying seal-coat binders will be known as " Soft Residue M.C.j," " Soft Residue M.C. a ," and " Soft Residue M.C. 4 ." In other words, the viscosities and distillations will be those of the respective M.C. products, but the residue from distillation will be much softer with a penetration at 77° F. of not less than 300, and a float test at 122° F, of not less than 150 seconds. Except for some attention to drainage, gravel or macadam roads which have been reasonably well maintained may require very little preparation prior to the application of a dust-laying seal-coat. There are instances where little beyond the sweeping of the surface is necessary, or where a short period of intensive grading and planing during suitable weather or in conjunction with sprinkling will be all that is required. In other cases, where the road is out of shape, some scarifying with the addition of a few yards of new metal per chain will often bring the road to a satisfactory condition. " Dust-laying seal-coat" surfacing is not intended to supersede the tar prime-coat followed by the road-oil seal for the more important highways, but, if properly laid, dust-laying seal will provide many years of service without further treatment on highways of lower traffic intensities. Even where conditions warrant the prime-coat and road-oil seal, side-road intersections and turn-outs, private entrances, and haunches of highways through townships can often with advantage be treated simply with this lighter class of surfacing. By this procedure the large 1 in. to f in. chips are all retained for the construction of the bituminous carpet on the important highway. Some form of light or temporary seal is frequently required to serve in the meantime on roads which will be deviated or realigned in four or five years' time. The dust-laying seal will meet these conditions. This position frequently obtains at the approaches to old bridges. Many village roads might be given a dust-laying seal-coat after the minimum of preparation. Even in the case of some of the State highways this lighter treatment will often meet requirements. During the year orders were placed for the supply of New-Zealand-manufactured oil-fired bitumen-sprayers which can be transported by and readily operated from ordinary lorries. It is intended that these items of plant should be used for maintenance, priming, and small construction works which cannot be satisfactorily undertaken by contract. The rapid heating and definite temperature control, together with the general utility of these sprayers, places them much in advance of such machines previously used by the Board. Within the limits of practicability the Board's constant aim is to keep design, construction, and maintenance standards in pace with transport requirements, or, to use the words which have been quoted in other places, every endeavour is made to make roads fit the traffic rather than try to fit the traffic to the roads. Standard Specifications. As indicated in the previous annual report, standard specifications covering the following classes of work have now been printed and bound in the form of a loose-leaf book entitled " Book of Instructions and Standard Specifications " : — M.H.B. 42 : Construction of Formation. M.H.B. 43 : Construction of Base-course. M.H.B. 44 : Top-course Construction. M.H.B. 45 : Tar Priming-coat. M.H.B. 46 : Road-oil Sealing-coat. In addition, a pamphlet, M.H.B. 42a, " Notes on Formation," has been incorporated in the Book of Instructions, and provides a useful guide to present-day practice. With the object of having these specifications adopted for works financed either wholly or in part from the Main Highways Account, a complimentary copy of the bound book was forwarded to each local authority in New Zealand with a request that the relative specification be included in any proposals for the undertaking of work on main highways. Bulletin No. 2, which has until recently been regarded as the Board's text-book on highway construction and maintenance, has been considerably superseded by the foregoing specifications and notes. The distribution of the specifications has brought many appreciative references from roading authorities throughout New Zealand. A further specification and descriptive notes for a light type of sealing, to be known as a " Dustlaying seal-coat," are now being printed. As opportunity offers it is intended to prepare and issue further instructions covering highway work, all of which will be distributed for incorporation in the Book of Instructions and Standard Specifications. Copies of the individual specifications are available to local authorities at a small cost from the Government Printer for inclusion in contract documents. Operations of Magnetic Truck. During-the year the Board's magnetic truck, which is utilized for clearing main highways of iron or steel puncture-producing articles, operated chiefly in the South Island. The length of road actually cleared during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1939, was 2,084 miles, compared with 4,427 miles for the previous financial year ; the weight of material picked
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up by the magnet was 4,7421b., as against 3,7831b., for the previous year. The reduced mileage travelled for the period as against that travelled for the previous year is accounted for by the fact that during part of the year the truck was undergoing repairs. The average yield per mile was 2-28 lb., the corresponding figure for 1937-38 being 0-85 lb. Examination for Foremen and Overseers op Road-construction. Sixty-five candidates presented themselves at the thirteenth examination for Foremen and Overseers of Road-construction held on the Ist November, 1938. Fifty-nine papers on general road construction and maintenance, and twenty-one papers on tar, bituminous, and concrete road-construction were returned. Seventeen candidates were successful in passing Paper No. 1, while eight candidates passed Paper No. 2. Two candidates passed the full examination, and a further six, who had previously secured a partial pass, completed the examination. The fifteen candidates who were successful in one paper only were credited with a partial pass. Certificates of Competency have been awarded to all those candidates who passed or completed the examination, the recipients being Messrs. N. Annabel), F. H. Bedford, H. H. Cherry, F. J. Clark, C. D. Fairweather, W. S. Henderson, H. C. Poison, and R. L. Yarr. Declarations, Revocations, and Adjustments op Main Highways. The usual annual review of main highways was made during the year, recommendations being submitted by District Highways Councils for the declaration of 518 miles of roads as additional main highways and for the revocation of 23 miles of existing main highways. However, in view of the fact that the funds available were fully required for the maintenance and improvement of the existing highways system, the Board was not able to recommend any general increase in the mileage of main highways. Several alterations were effected, these adjustments being found necessary due to changes in local circumstances. The following are the lengths of main highways declared and revoked during the year ended 31st March, 1939, including formal adjustments : — Main Highways declared. No. 1 Highways District— Miles. Oh. Ruawai Wharf . . .. . . .. .. 0 16 No. 2 Highways District- — Te Awamutu - Pirongia - Ngutunui .. .. .. 18 58 Te Awamutu - Cambridge .. .. .. .. ..15 Waitakere Scenic Drive .. .. .. .. 7 29 Cambridge - Roto-o-rangi .. .. .. .. ..28 Mangere Aerodrome .. .. .. .. .. 2 54 Mangere-Otahuhu .. .. .. .. .. .. 174 No. 6 Highways District— Mangatupoto-Ohura .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 40 Morero . . . . .. . . .. .. 0 36 No. 9 Highways District — Pohangina Valley - Apiti .. . . .. .. 0 18 No. 11 Highways District — Murchison - Lewis Pass' .. .. .. .. .. 22 63 Nelson Aerodrome .. . . . . .. .. ..10 No. 12 Highways District— Inangahua Junction - Waiho . . . . .. .. 0 46 No. 13 Highways District— Reefton - Hanmer Junction .. .. .. .. 30 26 No. 14 Highways District— Harewood Aerodrome .. .. .. .. .. 4 25 No. 15 Highways District— Geraldine-Fairlie .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 1 Winchester - Hanging Rock . . . . . . .. ..150 Pleasant Point - Hanging Rock .. . . . . .. 5 37 No. 16 Highways District— Timaru-Queenstown .. .. .. .. .. .. 776 Waipiata Sanatorium .. .. .. .. .. 1 26 No. 17 Highways District — Dunedin - Harrington Point .. .. .. .. ..01 No. 18 Highways District — Invercargill-Bluff .. .. .. .. .. 1 60 Queenstown-Invercargill .. .. .. .. .. 58 57 235 36
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Main Highways revoked. No. 2 Highways District- — Miles. Ch. Te Awamutu - Pirongia .. .. .. .. ..91 Pirongia - Junction Kawhia Road .. .. .. .. 9 60 Waikumete - West Coast .. .. .. .. 0 22 Te Awamutu - Cambridge .. .. .. .. 14 68 No. 6 Highways District— Okahukura-Ohura . . .. .. .. .. ..22 0 No. 9 Highways District — Pohangina Valley-Apiti .. .. .. .. .. 0 46 No. 12 Highways District' — Inangahua Junction - Waiho .. .. . . . . 0 46 No. 14 Highways District — Christchurch - Russley Road Junction via Burnside Road .. .. 4 65 No. 15 Highways District — Geraldine-Fairlie via Cattle Valley .. .. .. 28 56 Gapes Valley Road .. .. .. .. .. ..80 Gapes Valley - Pleasant Point .. .. .. .. 10 67 No. 16 Highways District— Timaru-Queenstown .. .. .. .. .. 6 40 No. 18 Highways District— Queenstown-Invercargill .. .. .. .. .. 49 37 Gore -Te Anau .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 20 Invercargill-Bluff .. . . . . .. .. 1 60 168 28 The Board acknowledges the continued co-operation of the Public Works Department in matters relating to main highways administration and records its appreciation of the valuable services rendered by officers of the Department in carrying out an extended programme during the period under review. The accompanying tables contain statistical information relative to finance, lengths of highways, and results of stone testing carried out during the year. Signed on behalf of the Main Highways Board, J. Wood, M.lnst.C.E., Chairman.
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152
TABLE 5.—MAIN HIGHWAYS ACCOUNT. Statement showing Particulars of Net Expenditure on Construction, Renewals, Maintenance, &c., for the Year ended 31st March, 1939, and Total to Date.
Improvement of Renewals of Main Highways. Maintenance, Repairs, &c. of Main Highways. Totals. Total since Total since j Total since Total for Inception of Main Total for Total since Total for Inception of Main Total for Inception of Main Year 1938-39. Highways Act, 1922, Tear 1938-39. 1/4/36 to 31/3/39. Year 1938-39. Highways Act, 1922, Year 1938-39. Highwavs Act, 1922, to 31/3/39. to 31/3/39. to 31/3/39. Highway District — £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. (1. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. No. 1 .. .. .. .. 212,564 1 7 1,105,654 19 3 35,979 14 0 56,445 19 11 72,429 14 11 821,54113 8 320,973 10 6 1,983,642 12 10 No. 2 .. .. .. .. 500,860 3 6 1,994,052 18 0 41,383 17 9 93,174 9 10 160,390 14 7 1,479,932 15 2 702,634 15 10 3,567,160 3 0 No. 3 .. .. .. .. 226,397 15 9 588,740 10 7 7,042 14 8 15,692 17 2 110,307 16 11 722,304 2 9 343,748 7 4 1,326,737 10 6 No. 4 .. .. .. 46,015 13 11 539,055 9 9 25,800 12 9 59,417 11 1 97,167 11 9 591,691 3 2 168,983 18 5 1,190,164 4 0 No. 5 .. .. .. .. 104,691 19 11 556,254 7 6 3,669 1 3 19,259 6 7 195,282 1 6 933,826 7 2 303,643 2 8 1,509,340 1 3 No. 6 .. .. .. .. 119,073 8 6 563,481 8 3 9,420 13 0 15,379 13 5 61,946 1 0 569,830 19 7 190,440 2 6 1,148,692 1 3 No. 7 .. .. .. .. 156,588 19 6 658,834 6 7 2,819 9 9 15,069 8 .9 53,114 13 9 581,714 7 2 212,523 3 0 1,255,618 2 6 No. 8 .. .. .. .. 129,754 14 1 545,297 9 9 8,654 11 4 11,814 9 9 77,093 1 1 578,713 110 215,502 6 6 1,135,825 1 4 No. 9 .. .. .. .. 216,940 18 11 1,063,658 3 0 3,646 13 1 9,135 14 6 45,18117 1 685,066 9 10 265,769 9 1 1,757,860 7 4 No. 10 .. .. .. .. 37,267 7 7 366,611 7 4 7,93115 6 21,460 12 4 35,337 14 3 580,603 14 4 80,536 17 4 968,675 14 0 Totals for North Island .. 1,750,155 3 3 7,981,641 0 0 146,349 3 1 316,850 3 4 908,251 6 10 : 7,545,224 14 8 2,804,755 13 2 15,843,715 18 0 No. 11 .. .. .. .. 225,866 12 10 650,225 6 7 3,114 17 10 5,664 4 8 69,376 14 4- 629,331 15 10 - 298,358 5 0 1,285,221 7 1 No. 12 .. .. .. .. 188,976 6 0 687,518 4 1 11,004 11 2 66,208 4 11 79,992 4 4 1,031,256 8 7 279,973 1 6 1,784,982 17 7 No. 13 .. .. .. .. 28,986 6 8 223,810 17 4 .. 192 6 4 27,318 11 8 274,593 19 3 56,304 18 4 498,597 2 11 No. 14 .. .. .. .. 83,321 7 3 617,870 0 10 1,143 2 0 3,309 10 7 45,008 2 2 446,866 3 9 129,472 11 5 1,068,045 15 2 No. 15 .. .. .. .. 111,174 2 8 388,968 8 11 2,531 19 0 2,543 15 8 40,810 12 0 527,084 0 9 154,516 13 8 918,596 5 4 No. 16 .. .. .. .. 147,234 3 2 576,033 6 8 3,961 0 1 7,538 14 5 49,035 11 4 - 386,002 0 6 200,230 14 -7 969,574 1 7 No. 17 .. .. .. 138,377 8 0 652,586 17 11 608 7 0 3,857 6 10 44,431 6 9 376,222 6 0 183,417 1 9 1,032,666 10 9 No. 18 .. .. .. 204,216 13 0 653,333 9 0 11,325 12 0 18,55113 3 47,115 12 2 445,364 16 3 262,657 17 2 1,117,249 18 6 Totals for South Island .. 1,128,152 19 7 4,450,346 11 4 33,689 9 1 107,865 16 8 403,088 14 9 4,116,721 10 11 1,564,931 3 5 8,674,933 18 11 Totals for Dominion .. 2,878,308 2 10 12,431,987 11 4 180,038 12 2 424,716 0 0 1,311,340 1 7 11,661,946 5 7 4,369,686 16 7 24,518 ,649 16 11
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TABLE 5.—MAIN HIGHWAYS ACCOU NT- continued. Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1939, and Total to Date.
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153
Total since j ; Total since i« i' ill - 1- t \i - |" i * I > 1/ Total for Inception of Main i rurnvtif Total for Inception of Msln txi'b . Year 1938-39. Highways Act, 1922, |j ' Year 1938-39. Highways Act, 1922. to 31/3/39. j | to 31/3/39. £ s. d. | £ s. d. (| Loans raised under Main Highways Act, 1922 — Net expenditure on construction, renewals, maintenance, &c. (see separate 4,369,686 16 7 j24,518,649 16 11 ! Stock and Debentures issued — £ s. d. £ s. d. statement) At 3 per cent, interest .. .. .. .. .. 1,625,600 0 0 3,644,225 0 0 Administration — At 3J per cent, interest . . .. . . . .. .. 685, 305 0 0 Administration expenses (including salaries, travelling- At 3f per cent, interest .. .. .. .. .. .. 190,895 0 0 expenses, office rents, printing, stationery, postages, and £ s. d. At 4 per cent, interest .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,289,720 0 0 miscellaneous expenses) .. .. .. .. 159,031 19 6 .. 788,387 5 2 At 4J per cent, interest .. .. .. .. .. .. 542,004 10 10 Fees and travelling - expenses of members of the main Treasury bills — Highways Board other than Government members .. 1,137 2 3 .. 18,265 3 5 j At 1J per cent, interest .. .. .. .. .. 25,000 0 0 25,000 0 0 Miscellaneous expenses — At 2 per cent, interest .. .. .. .. .. 100,000 0 0 100,000 0 0 Advertising, maps, rent of halls, traffic tallies, transport At 4 per cent, interest .. .. .. .. .. 925,000 0 0 925,000 0 0 of samples, depreciation of furniture, &c. .. .. 322 14 5 .. 6,040 5 2 Securities redeemed, Loans Redemption Account .. .. .. .. 902,645 0 0 Compassionate grants to widows and relatives of Consolidated Fund —Public Debt Repayment Account .. .. .. 55,720 0 0 deceased employees .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,000 0 0 ; — Compensation under section 3, Public Works Amend- 2,675,600 0 0 8,360,514 10 10 ment Act, 1925 .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,015 1 6 Receipts under section 15, Finance Act, 1923, from Public Works Fund, Exchange on remittances .. .. .. .. 1,590 5 10 .. 7,860 0 10 General Purposes Account (at 5 per cent, interest) .. .. .. .. 1,226,000 0 0 Grant to Transport Department towards Traffic Income from — inspection .. .. .. .. .. 5,000 0 0 .. 22,906 0 5 Motor-registration licenses, fees, and fines (section 24, £ s. d. Petrological laboratory and other experimental work, Motor-vehicles Act, 1924) .. .. .. 610,846 5 7 Expenses of .. .. .. .. .. 481 10 2 .. 11,164 10 4 Less Commission on collection by Post and Telegraph Department — £ s. d. Total administration .. .. .. 167,563 12 2 859,638 6 10 Motor-registration fees and licenses 23,351 10 0 Loan charges — Fees for registration of change of Charges and expenses of raising loans, management charges ownership .. .. .. 12,324 6 0 of Consolidated Stock on account of Construction Fund, 35,675 16 0 &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 664 3 7 .. 69,635 7 4 575,170 9 7 5,377,534 5 0 Interest on amount appropriated out of Public Works Fund Interest from investments.. .. .. .. .. .. 54 15 10 216,507 0 0 and paid into Main Highways Account Construction Interest from local authorities on plant purchased on their behalf .. 2,764 5 1 27,166 6 11 Fund .. .. .. .. .. .. 61,300 0 0 551,700 0 0 Interest on advances to local authorities .. .. .. .. 3,603 13 2 33,672 6 9 Interest on loans, recoupment to Consolidated Fund Mileage Tax (Finance Act, 1931-32 (No. 2), section 19) .. .. 7,474 8 0 20,959 4 9 (section 4, Finance Act, 1919) .. .. .. 200,952 4 3 .. 1,312,252 9 0 Miscellaneous receipts .. .. .. .. .. .. 972 18 8 3,236 6 10 Transfer to reserve for redemption of main highway • Motor-spirits tax (section 9, Motor-spirits Taxation Act, 1927) .. 2,083,277 11 8 13,617,985 14 3 securities .. .. .. 150,601 0 0 843,795 0 0* Tire-duty (sections 13 and 14, Main Highways Act, 1922) .. .. 149,016 9 9 2,367,679 1 1 Payment to local authorities in commutation of toll-gate Transfer from Consolidated Fund (section 14, Main Highways Act, 1922) j .. 210,000 0 0 charges (Finance Act, 1925, section 20) .. .. 1,488 0 11 .. 28,692 6 8 Rent of and tolls from ferries .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,081 10 6 Payment to Wellington City Council in commutation of fees chargeable in respect of motor-vehicles using Hutt Road (Finance Act, 1927 (No. 2), section 33) .. 24,535 12 2 .. 255,121 19 7 Total loan charges .. .. .. 439,541 0 11 3,061,197 2 7 Subsidies, &c., in respect of other than main highways — Municipal Corporations (Municipal Corporations Act, 1933, section 71) .. .. .. .. .. 33,328 12 11 .. 243,809 19 2 County Councils and other local authorities (Finance Act, 1930, section 37) .. .. .. .. 175,764 8 11 .. 1,482,406 7 9 Subsidies to County Councils for rebate to ratepayers (Finance Act (No. 4), 1931, section 45) .. .. .. .. 253,892 12 1 Subsidy on rates levied on farming land (Finance Act (No. 3), 1934, section 28) .. .. .. .. Cr. 81 8 0 .. 364,502 11 9 Maintenance and construction of roads giving access to outlying areas (Finance Act (No. 3), 1931) .. .. .. .. 45,918 8 8 Total subsidies .. .. .. 209,011 13 10 2,390,529 19 5 Balance, being excess of income over expenditure, carried to general balance-sheet .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 312,131 8 3 633,321 1 2 5,497,934 11 9 31.463,336 6 11 5,497,934 11 9 31,463,336 6 11 ■ — * Excludes £60,408 10s. 7d. interest credited. Note. —No charge for the cost of exchange on interest payments made in London is included in the accounts.
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TABLE 5.—MAIN HIGHWAYS ACCOUNT— continued. General Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1939.
Notes.—(a) No liability is included for interest on loans redeemed out of Public Debt Repayment Account. (6) The two funds, previously known as "Construction" and "Revenue," were amalgamated as from Ist April, 1936, and are now termed the "Main Highways Account," in accordance with section 3, Finance Act (No. 2), 1935. J. W. Scott, A.R.A.N.Z., Chief Accountant, Public Works Department. J. Wood Chairman, Main Highways Board. I hereby certify that the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance-sheet have been duly examined and compared with the relative books and documents submitted for audit and correctly state the position as disclosed thereby, subject to the departmental notes enfaced thereon.— J. H. Fowler, Controller and Auditor-General.
154
LIABILITIES. Total. ASSETS. Total. £ s. d. £ s. d. Cash in Public Account — £ s. d. £ s. d. Excess of income over expenditure for 1938-39 .. .. .. .. 312,131 8 3 At call .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 164,788 6 0 Add Balance at 31/3/38 .. .. .. .. .. .. 321,189 12 11 Sundry debtors — 633,321 1 2 Public Works Department .. .. .. .. .. 12,351 10 11 Sundry creditors — Other Government Departments .. .. .. .. .. 2,353 1 11 Public Works Department .. .. .. .. .. 47,295 13 1 Non-departmental .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,876 5 6 Other Government Departments .. .. .. .. .. 8,944 4 3 22,580 18 4 Non-departmental .. .. .. .. .. .. 342,278 5 4 Advances to local authorities (Main Highways Amendment Act, 1926, 398,518 2 8 section 2) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 106,461 2 1 Interest accrued on loans .. .. .. .. .. 47,189 1 11 Motor-registration fees in hands of Postal Department .. .. .. .. 464 10 8 Reserves for redemption of securities .. . .. .. .. 1,558 10 7 Interest due and accrued .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,979 11 4 Writings-off in Suspense .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,223 2 10 Buildings and land .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42,709 0 0 Stocks of materials, tools, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 242,610 7 3 || Furniture, fittings, &c. — Expenditure to 31/3/39 .. .. .. .. .. .. 917 13 10 Less depreciation to 31/3/39 .. .. .. .. .. 550 14 5 366 19 5 j Plant and equipment — For Main Highways Board — Expenditure to 31/3/39 .. .. .. .. .. 542,390 8 5 Less depreciation charged to works .. .. .. 113,380 10 9 429,009 17 8 Purchased for local authorities — Expenditure to 31/3/39 .. .. .. .. .. 288,841 IS 7 Less repayments of principal .. .. .. .. .. 221,784 5 7 67,057 13 0 j Amount transferred to Loans Redemption Account .. .. .. 904,203 10 7 Less amount utilized for redemption of securities .. .. .. 902,645 0 0 1,558 10 7 j! Stocks Deficits Account .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,223 2 10 1,082,809 19 2 jl,082, 809 19 2
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Table 6.—Lengths of Highways at 31st March, 1939.
Table 7. —Tests of Stone completed during the Year ended 31st March, 1939.
A pproximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,052 copies, including maps and graphs), £420,
By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 939.
Price 4s. 9d.
155
Type of Surface. Number and Name of 1 Titnl Highway District. _ . Dustless. Macadam. | P>™ice or Clay. Miles Ch. Miles Ch. Miles Ch. Miles Ch. 1. Auckland North .. 49 68 775 37 .. 825 25 2. Auckland South .. 604 50 842 50 5 52 1,452 72 3. Tauranga .. .. 92 24 363 52 262 37 718 33 4. Gisborne .. .. 86 64 307 41 .. 394 25 5. Napier .. .. .. 221 6 516 60 .. 737 66 6. King-country .. .. 37 12 553 18 11 75 602 25 7. Taranaki .. .. 342 0 124 10 7 10 473 20 8. Wanganui .. .. 151 18 378 24- 0 63 530 25 9. Wellington West .. 252 70 251 1 .. 503 71 10. Wellington East .. 160 43 343 76 .. 504 39 Totals, North Island .. 1,998 35 4,456 49 287 77 6,743 1 11. Nelson .. .. .. 76 52 612 23 7 41 696 36 12. West Coast .. .. 57 66 485 28 .. 543 14 13. Canterbury North *. 55 50 308 40 .. 364 10 14. Canterbury Central .. 195 71 554- 50 .. 750 41 15. Canterbury South .. 149 71 672 67 .. 822 58 16. Otago Central .. .. 118 34 725 16 .. 843 50 17. Otago South .. .. 84 71 439 3 .. 523 74 18. Southland .. .. 62 21 856 36 .. 918 57 Totals, South Island .. 801 36 4,654 23 7 41 5,463 20 Totals, Dominion .. 2,799 71 9,110 72 295 38 12,206 21 I Summary. State highways .. .. 1,679 27 2,121 16 1 175 21 3,975 64 Main highways .. .. - 1,120 44 6,989 56 120 17 8,230 37 Total .. .. 2,799 71 9,110 72 ' 295 38 12,206 21
a> c> j r tS *£ Abrasion. 9 o t> o . , •pi O l> M O • m *15 - i I No. Locality. 03 gg s g>S js S •§ a Geological Classification. •»J= = -s® so a s §t &-S" ,£® K g go. 1 o. |"S -""o i ' 336 Penrose, Auckland .. .. 183-37 0-50 2-34 17-10 18-33 15-0 Basalt. 337 Kauaeranga, Thames .. 162-45 0-60 3-84 10-41 18-95 23-5 Hypersthene andosite. 338 Mangaokewa Stream, Te Kuiti 168-90 0-30 .. .. 18-58 38-5 Argillite. 339 Raglan County Quarry, Section 166-00 0- 70 .. .. 15-50 23-0 Argillite. j Part 209, Block V, Alexandra I Survey District 340 Waiau Stream, Waitara .. 169-25 2-00 3-45 11-60 .. .. Sandy marl. 341 Turiwiri, Dargaville, Section 28, 173-70 0-30 3-66 10-90 18-77 17-0 Diabase. Block XIV, Maungaru Survey District 342 Taipa, Section 1 and Crown 159-30 3-00 3-66 10-76 19-31 17-0 Hornblende andesite. Grant 93, Block IV, Mangonui Survey District 343 Waitara Beach .. .. 162-20 3-10 4-46 8-95 .. .. Hornblende andesite. 344 Rosy Bay, Waikaremoana .. 157-31 2-90 3-78 10-60 .. .. Argillite. 345 Page's, 2 miles 67 chains, Fraser- 167-30 2-28 4-40 9-00 .. .. „ town - Lake House Main Highway 346 Cyprian, 2 miles 6 chains, Fraser- 161-68 1-50 3-62 11-00 .. .. „ town - Lake House Main Highway
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Brynderwyn Deviation. Opening Ceremony at Piroa Bridge on 26th September, 1938.
Dairy Flat Bridge and Deviation, eliminating old One-way Bridge and Two Right-angled Bends.
B IRK EX 11EAD-MAUNGATUROTO STATE 111 (ill WA V.
1 —Main Highways.
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New Alignment near Harrisville Road Junction, with Old Route on Left.
PUKEKOHE-BOMBAY MAIN HIGHWAY.
Koutu Overbridge (Rotorua) Two 40ft. and One 41ft. Spans, 24ft. Roadway.
HAMILTON-ROTORUA STATE HIGHWAY.
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Raukokore River Bridge, Fifteen 44ft. Spans, 10ft. 6in. Roadway, with Passing-place at Centre of Bridge. Handrails not yet placed.
OPOTIKI -TE ARAROA MAIN HIGHWAY
Kaimai Deviation, Section of Sealed Roadway; Old Route on Left.
MAT AM AT A-T AURAN GA MAIN HIGHWAY.
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Manawapou Stream Bridge. One 50ft. and Two 49ft. Spans, 24ft. Roadway.
Highway Beautification. Plot of Dahlias planted on Old Roadway by the Waitotara County Council.
HA WEE A-W AN G ANUi STATE HIGHWAY.
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Section of Bitumen-sealing on Reconstructed Length.
NATIONAL PARK-WANGAN* STATE HIGHWAY.
Reconstruction and Re-alignment at Vinegar Hill.
HOROPITO-BULLS, VIA TAIHAPE, ST ATM HIGHWAY.
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Aerial View from North End.
View from South End. Whirokino Reinforced Concrete Trestle Bridge erected over Manawatu River Flood Overflow. Ninety 40ft. Spans, 24ft. Roadway.
WANGANUI-LEVIN STATE HIGHWAY.
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Wellington Road Subway, Marton, looking South.
CURL'S BRIDGE-UPPER TUTAENUI MAIN HIGHWAY.
Paraparaumu Overbridge. Two 40ft. and One 50ft. Concrete Spans, with 24ft. Roadway, and One 4ft. Footway.
LEVIX-1 *( )R lIU'A S r rATE HI (iH WAY.
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Silverstream Bridge over the Hutt River connecting with Wellington-Napier, via Wairarapa, Main Highway. Eight 62ft. Spans, 22ft. Roadway, Two 4ft. Footways.
WESTERN HUTT MAIN HIGHWAY.
Ngahauranga Gorge Reconstruction. Dotted Line indicates Amended Alignment with Old Route shown on Left.
WELLINGTON - TAW A FLAT MAIN HIGHWAY.
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View of the Main Cutting looking towards Johnsonville. Final Alignment of this Section is on a 15-chain-radius Curve. Batters on Left will be 145ft. and 160ft.
Excavating and Hauling Equipment in Operation.
NGAHAURANGA GORGE ROAD. WELLINGTON-TAW A El AT MAIN HIGHWAY.
2—Main Highways.
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Caterpillar Tractor operating Rock Rooter in Trench for Creek-diversion.
Caterpillar Tractor operating Carryall Scraper on Excavation of Trench for Base of Twin 6-ft.-diameter Concrete Pipes.
NG AHAURANGA GORGE ROAD. WELLING TON-TAWA FLAT MAIN HIGHWAY.
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Moutere Hill Improvements, showing Amended Alignment.
Appleby Overbridge and Approaches. Three 30ft. Reinforced-concrete Girder Spans, 24ft. Roadway.
RICHMOND-COLLING \Y< )OD STATE HIGHWAY.
3—Main Highways,
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Hodder River Bridge. One 210ft. Suspension Span and Two 17ft. Approach Spans, with Concrete Deck, 10ft. Roadway.
DASHWOOD-UPCOT MAIN HIGHWAY.
Ohika-iti River Bridge, Buller Gorge. Two 30ft. and Two 45ft. Spans, 20ft. Roadway.
NELSON-WE STPORT STATE HIGHWAY.
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Rakaia River Bridge. New Highway Bridge (Left) of One Hundred and Forty-four 40ft. Spans with 24ft. Roadway; combined Road and Railway Bridge (Centre); Piers of New Railway Bridge (Right).
CHRISTCHUR CH-TI'MARU STATE HIGHWAY.
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Aerial Photograph of Prebbleton Overbridge, of Four 50ft. and Two 30ft. Spans, 24ft. Roadway, 4ft. Footway.
SOCKBTJRN - SOUTHBRIDGE - RAKAIA HUTS MAIN HIGHWAY.
Clutha River Bridge at Clydevale, Seven 100ft. Spans, 12ft. Roadway. Access across River was previously accomplished by Punt, the Landing-stages being seen on the Near Side of the Bridge.
WAIWERA-CLYDEVALE MAIN HIGHWAY.
1) 1
Public Works Map SHOWING THE RAILWAYS SOUTH ISLAND OF New Zealand 1939
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Public Works Map SHOWING THE RAILWAYS NORTH ISLAND OF New Zealand 1939
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1939-I.2.2.3.1
Bibliographic details
PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. 1939. BY THE Hon. R. SEMPLE, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, D-01
Word Count
119,091PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. 1939. BY THE Hon. R. SEMPLE, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, D-01
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