PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT (BY THE HON. R. SEMPLE, MINISTER OF WORKS)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1945 Session I, D-01

1945 NEW ZEALAND

PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT (BY THE HON. R. SEMPLE, MINISTER OF WORKS)

Mr. Speaker,— It is with feelings of deep thankfulness that, after nearly six years of war, I am able to present this report with the defeat of Japan as well as Germany and her satellite nations in Europe an accomplished fact. It gives me considerable satisfaction to be able to record that the Public Works Department, with which I have been associated for the greater part of the war period, was able to make a not inconsiderable contribution to that end. Apart from the individual overseas services of some 1,336 officers and approximately 3,000 workmen, many of whom attained high rank and filled important administrative and combatant posts, my Department was able to fill an important role in providing technical and specialist services which have contributed their full share in the military achievements of the New Zealand Division which have earned the Division world-wide renown. I desire to place on record on behalf of myself and their fellow-officers and fellow-workmen our great pride in their achievements. In last year's statement I referred to the appointment, pursuant to the provisions of the Ministry of Works Act, 1943, of Mr. James Fletcher as Commissioner of Works. Mr. Fletcher resigned from this position on 31st December, 1944, and Mr. E. R. McKillop, Deputy Commissioner of Works, was appointed Commissioner of Works in his stead. It is fitting here that I should pay a tribute to the work carried out by Mr. Fletcher, first as Commissioner of Defence Construction and later as Commissioner of Works. Mr. Fletcher occupied these positions in a purely honorary capacity, and his splendid services contributed in no small measure to the success of our defence-construction programme. His personal qualities, combined with a wide knowledge of the building industry, resulted in our being able to meet all commitments to the United States and our own Forces, in New Zealand and in the Pacific, for living accommodation and storage requirements, and in such a way that a very large proportion of the buildings erected to meet these needs do, even now, and will more so in the future, have a post-war civilian use. During the year under review the establishment of the Ministry of Works, the main functions of which were described in my last statement, was completed by the appointment of certain principal officers. As now constituted, it covers the whole constructional field in which the Government is interested. Throughout the year the Commissioner of Works has maintained a continuous review of all construction proposals involving the expenditure of State funds, and it has been his responsibility to see that major works projected were properly co-ordinated and related to both national and regional planning. Priorities have been assessed on the basis of essentiality and availability of materials and man-power. All proposals for construction are scrutinized from both a technical and economic point of view, and throughout its operations the Ministry of Works maintains a close liaison with the Organization for National Development, on which it is directly represented. The arrangements made ensure that very full information regarding major projects proposed to be carried out by the State or by local authorities with a Government subsidy is centred in the Commissioner's Office. The collation of this information has enabled the Government to have continuously in advance, a clear indication of developmental and constructional projects and accordingly to plan well ahead. Some indication of the extent of the works which to date have been nominated from various sources as deserving attention in the first five years of the post-war programme may be gained by the fact that the total estimated cost of projects submitted so far to the Ministry of Works exceeds £250,000,000. While it is likely that much of this total will, on scrutiny, be found to be well outside the scope of the early post-war period, the fact remains that the figure mentioned relates to works which are suggested to be of sufficient national importance to warrant consideration. The necessity, therefore, for proper selection and planning needs no further elaboration. Apart from works of an urgent character, the accumulation of deferred maintenance is an aspect which cannot be overlooked in the assignment of immediate national priorities, and due allowance is being made for a substantial proportion of the available labour and material to be set aside for this purpose. In the assignment of priorities, although obviously it will be a practical impossibility to give effect to all their recommendations, the authorities interested will be fully consulted.

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The Ministry of Works is, of course, particularly interested in such works as the State proposes to carry out. In this connection certain well-defined plans have already been prepared covering such aspects of the Government's responsibilities as are concerned with provision of State houses, hydroelectric extensions, railway improvements, highway bridges, &c., but further work is still necessary before a similar position is reached on other works now under consideration. Another responsibility attaching to the Office of the Commissioner of Works is the continuous supervision up to completion of the progress and cost of all projects financed by State aid and the elimination of any factors which might tend to retard the realization of the priority plan. Since the Ministry of Works was constituted it became evident, on account of the considerable interest which the Government itself must retain in major developmental projects in both urban and rural areas, that it was extremely difficult for local authorities to plan within their own areas without knowledge of the Government's intentions. In the past disclosure of the Government's intentions has more often, than not had the effect of appreciating the value of land included in the developmental areas, with the result that the State and local authorities have frequently had to acquire land at prices inflated by the betterment conferred by the very works for which the lands had to be acquired. To overcome this position an amendment to the Public Works Act was contained in the Finance Act (No. 3), 1944, which provides that the compensation for lands that will be affected by such proposed works and which the State or local authorities may have to acquire, shall not be inflated by the additional value created by these works. This is a new principle in dealing with land compensation, but it enables the Government's intentions to be published in sufficient detail to form the groundwork for planning in each regional area and enables the value of the land affected, which the State or local authority may wish to acquire, to be stabilized at the values existing at the time the notice was issued. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, I intend, as soon as the necessary investigations are completed and in order to facilitate the work of planning by Regional Authorities, to make known the Government's proposals in regard to major developmental works, particularly in the four main metropolitan centres. I have endeavoured to make it clear that those people who desire to build their own homes within any of the proclaimed areas will have the opportunity of doing so as soon as the development work has reached a sufficient stage of progress to ensure that the private building conforms to the general scheme and essential services are available. The Government will, in fact, be prepared to dispose of sections for this purpose, and the private owner will be given permission to connect his premises to water and sewerage systems that may be installed. It has been apparent for some time that because of the development of the Dominion, the nature of the work being undertaken by the State, in particular by the Public Works Department, was changing radically in character. The Department's organization was based largely upon road and railway construction in which the Department, up to recent years, was principally engaged. For the future the State will be faced more with the problems of building, land reclamation, soil conservation, irrigation, the provision of electric power, &c., and on this account it has been necessary to consider some measure of re-organization in the structure of the Public Works Department. The twelve district offices now existing will be amalgamated into six major districts, and to these reconstituted districts greater authority will bo delegated from. Head Office and more administrative work will be carried out from the districts themselves. It is confidently anticipated that the work of the Department will be carried out more efficiently, more economically, and with greater flexibility when these new districts are set up. Subdistrict offices will remain in the main provincial towns so long as the amount of works ahead warrants their retention. In. regard to the Head Office of the Department, this also has been reorganized with a view to defining professional responsibilities more clearly than has been, possible in the past and with a view to relieving the senior professional officers of non-technical administration, so enabling them to devote more time to professional problems which in the near future will be very considerable. It appeared also that the Department had reached a stage in its development when a further degree of specialization was necessary, and proposals are now under way to appoint officers who will specialize in certain of the more important fields of the Department's activity. Such officers will maintain continuous inspection of major undertakings and will take the place of the Inspecting Engineers who in the past were required to handle a wide variety of professional problems. As and when convenient, arrangements will be made for these officers to go abroad and attain up-to-date knowledge in such fields as hydro-electric development, harbour improvement, land reclamation, soil conservation, &c., such knowledge to be promulgated throughout the Department on their return. Specialization is the keynote also of the reorganization of the Administration and Architectural Divisions of the Department. Simultaneously steps are being taken to remove from the structure of the Public Works Department the Hydro-electric Branch and reconstitute it as a separate Department of State. The commercial activities of this Branch have in rtcent years grown to such an extent as to render the further retention of an authority principally concerned with the distribution and sale of power undesirable in a Department whose primary function is that of construction. The reorganization of the Department has been one of the first assignments of the new Commissioner of Works, who was instructed by Cabinet towards the end of last year to undertake this in conjunction with the Public Service Commissioner. FINANCE The payments and receipts in connection with the Public Works Account and other associated votes and accounts for the year 1944-45 are shown in the tabulation following. The expenditure for the year administered through the Department reached a gross total of £21,964,714, of which sum £4,760,761 was on account of the Dominion's defence programme carried out on behalf of the respective Defence Services. The amounts received as credits-in-aid show an aggregate of £4,644,115, leaving net expenditure at £17,320,599.

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Revenue collected by the Department totalled £2,598,969 for the year, and of this sum £2,438,748 represents the sale of electrical energy and miscellaneous receipts credited to the Electric Supply Account. The balance is made up of irrigation revenue and miscellaneous receipts exclusive of taxation for Main Highways purposes, which is collected by other Departments.

Summary

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Expenditure, 1944-45. Class of Work. r —— Gross, Credits. Net. Expenditure, Public Works Account £ £ £ Public Works, departmental .. .. .. .. 780,646 596,346 184,300 Railway construction .. .. .. .. .. 319,770 52,967 266,803 Housing construction .. .. .. .. .. 4,699,282 253,526 4,445,756 Public buildings .. .. .. .. .. 460,097 50,196 429,901 Education buildings .. .. .. .. .. 477,393 3,605 473,788 Lighthouses and harbour-works .. .. .. .. 8,994 850 8,14-4 Roads, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 129,494 10,959 118,535 Soil conservation and rivers control .. .. .. 102,789 61,049 41,740 Lands, miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. 44,462 140 44,322 Irrigation, water-supply, and drainage .. .. .. 544,194 210,148 334,046 Linen-flax development .. .. .. .. .. 516,04-8 584,287 Gr. 68,239 Ministry of Works .. .. .. .. .. 5,398 48 5,350 Totals, Public Works Account .. .. .. 8,088,567 1,824,121 6,264,446 Electric Supply Account — Construction .. .. .. .. .. 2,897,440 97,326 2,800,114 Working-expenses .. .. .. .. .. 738,366 22,183 716,183 3,635,806 119,509 3,516,297 Expenditure, other Votes and Accounts Main Highways' Account — Annual appropriation —■ Construction, reconstruction, and improvements .. 125,007 19,419 105,588 Maintenance, repairs, and renewals .. .. .. 1,640,886 138,364 1,502,522 Administration, plant, and miscellaneous expenditure .. 78,923 59,173 19,750 Interest, fees, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 28,947 .. 28,947 Permanent appropriations (rate subsidies, interest on transfer 230,673 .. 230,673 from Public Works Fund, &c.) Consolidated Fund— Maintenance, public buildings, roads, &c. .. .. 614,777 110,639 504,138 Plant, material, and miscellaneous services .. .. 2,760,367 2,372,890 387,477 Other accounts (expenditure by Public Works Department): 4,760,761 .. 4,760,761 Amounts not included above Totals, other votes and accounts .. .. 10,240,341 2,700,485 7,539,856 Grand total of expenditure, Public Works Account and other 21,964,714 4,644,115 17,320,599 votes and accounts, for the year ended 31st March, 1945 Clasa of Work. ! 1944-45. Receipts,* Public Works Department £ Ordinary Revenue Account— Irrigation (receipts for year) .. .. .. .. .. .. 26,719 Miscellaneous receipts for year .. .. .. .. .. .. 116,980 Electric Supply Account (sales of energy, miscellaneous receipts, &c.) : Receipts 2,438,748 for year Main Highways Account (repayment of advances, &c., and interest) : Receipts for 16,522 year Total receipts .. .. .. .. .. 2,598,969 * Excludes motor-spirits tax, regiatration fees, &e., collected by other Departments.

Public Works Other rr, > Department. Departments. °' a ' £ £ £ Gross expenditure .. .. .. 20,971,273 993,441 21,964,714 Recoveries and receipts .. .. 6,655,192 587,892 7,243,084

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Of the net expenditure of £17,320,599 previously mentioned, £13,848,124 may be regarded as having been expended from loan-moneys (£6,264,446 Public Works Account, £2,762,917 Electric Supply Account, £60,000 Main Highways Account, and £4,760,761 War Expenses Account), the balance—i.e., £3,472,475 being expended from loan recoveries, revenue, and taxation. 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, if deducted, would detract from the true portrayal of activities : — Roads, including construction and maintenance of main £ Per Cent. highways .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,233,930 = 9-09 Hydro-electric (construction and working expenses) .. 3,635,806 = 14-80 Railway construction .. .. .. .. .. 319,770 = 1-30 Housing construction .. .. .. .. .. 4,699,282 = 19-13 Public buildings, including schools .. .. .. 937,490 = 3-82 Land improvements and soil conservation .. .. 147,251 = 0-60 Irrigation, water-supply, and drainage .. .. .. 544,194 = 2-22 Linen-flax development .. .. .. .. 516,048 = 2-10 Public buildings and roads, &c. (maintenance) .. .. 614,777 = 2-50 Plant, material, and services, other Departments .. .. 2,760,367 = 11-24 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. 795,038 = 3-24 Navy, Army, Air, and Civil Defence expenditure .. .. 4,760,761 = 19-38 Revenue receipts .. .. .. .. .. 2,598,969 = 10-58 £24,563,683 = 100-00

Summary of Votes under the Control of the Minister of Works, and proposed Ways and Means of raising the Necessary Funds, Year ending 31st March, 1946

For the current financial year 1945-46 a sum of £1,596,000 will be provided from the Consolidated Fund for expenditure on the purchase of plant and on maintenance of public works and services. The expenditure on main highways (including permanent appropriations estimated at £243,818) is estimated to reach £2,333,818, of which a sum totalling £1,700,000 is expected to be raised by way of special revenue. It is estimated that revenue from the supply of electrical energy will reach a sum of £2,800,000, which will be utilized for the payment of sinking fund, interest, income-tax, &c., and operating expenses. Miscellaneous receipts (previously shown as credits-in-aid) for all votes are estimated at £1,505,350. DEFENCE WORKS The principal activities of my Department on behalf of the Services comprised constructional works arising from increased naval requirements in connection with the Pacific theatre of the war. In this respect considerable extension work at certain existing bases has been pushed forward with all expedition. With regard to Army and Air Services, the utilization of buildings and equipment no longer required in New Zealand and the Pacific has received special consideration, and, where practicable, these have been appropriated for the war or civilian needs. The Commissioner of Works has been closely associated with the Services in considering and determining the reallocation and disposal of these assets. Only a limited amount of work has been necessary for the Army and Air Force in New Zealand, and this has consisted mainly of adjusting existing camps, installations, air establishments, &c., to the modified conditions which obtain as a result of the favourable developments in the general war situation. It is now possible to reveal the extent of the work undertaken by this country on behalf of the Allied Forces in the Pacific area, the figures quoted being additional to those already disclosed in respect of constructional activities within the Dominion. Prefabricated buildings involved an expenditure of £1,300,000 and fixed installations cost £1,600,000, a total of £2,900,000.

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tt„. Miscellaneous r „ Consolidated Special r., , , Vote ' Receipts. Loans - Fund. Revenue. lotaL £ £ £ £ £ Railway Construction .. .. 30,000 181,000 .. .. 211,000 Housing Construction .. .. 500,000 5,090,000 .. .. 5,590,000 Public Buildings .. .. .. 35,000 745,000 .. .. 780,000 Lighthouses and Harbour-works .. 350 47,000 .. .. 47,350 Roads, &c. .. .. .. 10,000 150,000 .. .. 160,000 Soil Conservation and Rivers Control 60,000 140,000 .. .. 200,000 Lands, Miscellaneous .. .. .. 44,040 .. .. 44,040 Irrigation, Water-supply, and Drainage 150,000 490,670 .. .. 640,670 Electric Supply .. .. .. 100,000 3,682,735 .. 1,217,265 5,000,000 Main Highways .. .. .. 150,000 483,818 .. 1,456,182 2,090,000 Maintenance of Public Works and 470,000 .. 1,596,000 .. 2,066,000 Services Totals .. .. .. 1,505,350 11,054,263 1,596,000 2,673,447 16,829,060

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By maintaining a close liaison with the Allied authorities in the Pacific it has been possible for New Zealand to purchase considerable quantities of construction plant and equipment no longer required in that theatre and which when reconditioned will be most useful as replacement for some of the equipment which was released by this Dominion in the early stages of the war. No less than 555 items of construction plant, valued at over £500,000, were sent overseas to the Middle East, India, the Far East, Fiji, and the Pacific generally. A. very large proportion of this machinery, of course, has been lost to the Department. Although the construction phase of defence works has passed, the services of my Department are still being utilized to a considerable degree in connection with the release of land which has been occupied by the Forces, the disposal of surplus war assets, and the settlement of legitimate claims arising from the use of land for various defence purposes throughout the Dominion. Assistance is being given regularly to the War Assets Realization Board in regard to the demolition and disposal of buildings and materials according to instructions issued from time to time by the Board. HOUSING During the past year a tremendous demand has been made of the building industry, and this demand has increased progressively during recent months. Over the last quarter applications for permits to build houses, both by private and public enterprise, have been received at the rate of approximately 900 a month, nearly 3,000 in excess of the record year, 1939. It must be borne in mind that the great bulk of our man-power of the age group twenty to thirtyfive years is still in the Armed Services, and until these men can be released and building and allied industries can be rehabilitated serious difficulties in supply are likely to occur. Obviously, therefore, the erection of houses is limited only by the availability of materials and man-power. Even when released ex-servicemen do become available it naturally takes some considerable time for them to re-adjust themselves. One of the main bottlenecks is timber supplies, and in practice it has been found that many returned servicemen are reluctant to go back into the bush. The inability of overseas countries to supply manufactured and raw materials essential to the servicing of houses also creates difficulties. On these countries we have to depend for such materials as galvanized iron, steel, non-ferrous metals, water-pipes, soil pipes, electrical materials, glass, paint ingredients, nail wire, &c., a shortage of any one of which creates serious repercussions. During the year 1,969 State houses were completed, and at the close of the year a further 3,442 houses were under construction in various parts of the Dominion. In rural areas 467 temporary and 82 permanent dwellings were in hand for farmers who had applied for rural accommodation through the Primary Production Councils. In addition, contracts for 130 houses had been arranged for returned servicemen placed on farms through the Eehabilitation Department, and these also included the provision of milking-sheds, implement-sheds, wool-sheds, and piggeries. MAIN HIGHWAYS Owing to several contributing factors it has not yet been possible to restore highways surfaces back to the high standard that existed prior to the outbreak of hostilities, but a considerable amount of resealing work is planned for the coming season, and every effort will be made to have this important work carried out. There has been a small increase in the length of bridges renewed during the year as compared with the previous year, but a comprehensive programme lies ahead and work will be put in hand and completed just as fast as skilled labour and materials become available. Plans are in course of preparation covering the improvement of several lengths of State highways adjacent to the larger centres of population, and these works will receive consideration in the post-war programme. SOIL CONSERVATION AND RIVER CONTROL During the year under review the election of members to the six Catchment Boards already constituted was held in conjunction with the 1944 local authority elections. These Boards are now devoting themselves to the immediate problems of administrative organization and of investigating the needs of their districts preparatory to formulating proposals for submission to the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council. I have emphasized on many occasions the magnitude of the task which confronts this Dominon if we are to arrest the deterioration of land through ill-conceived use and the continued exposure of areas to the destructive elements of nature. Although the problem is urgent it is very important to establish the ultimate soundness and value of remedial schemes so that once a plan has been adopted we can anticipate with confidence the progressive execution of that plan to the eventual benefit of the nation. The loss of valuable land by erosion of all kinds has been going on over the centuries, and it will be a matter of many decades in some cases before restoration of that land becomes fully accomplished. Honourable members may rest assured that the recurring problem of river flooding is receiving close attention, and it is hoped that as soon as the availability of man-power and plant will allow, comprehensive control schemes will be launched in order to deal with some at least of the major rivers. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the absence of new works in this respect does not represent inactivity, but rather should be taken as evidence that careful planning is still proceeding. The Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council has embarked upon an educative and informative programme so that the public will realize the seriousness of the country's need and the importance of the Government's policy as expressed in the legislation. Special films and publications have been sponsored by the Council, and these have already met with an encouraging reception. The keen interest being displayed by the Catchment Boards is most gratifying and indicates a commendable desire on their part to share in this great national work.

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HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT Although shortages of man-power, wartime restrictions in the use of materials, and the difficulties experienced in obtaining additional plant which has been on order for some time have all been well known to the public during recent years, the effect of the past five years of war is now brought home to our citizens with stern reality in so far as electricity supply is concerned. The development which was planned to meet the anticipated increase in demand for electricity has been retarded through the factors I have mentioned, and restrictions in the use of power have had to be imposed in order to keep the demand within the supply capacity. It had been planned that the Karapiro Scheme (90,000 kW.) in the North Island and the Tekapo Scheme (25,200 kW.) in the South Island would be completed by 1943, but, for reasons well known to all, work had to be suspended on both of these projects early in the war period. To ascertain if there was any prospect of improving the situation temporarily by utilizing suitable fuel-driven plants, the Inspecting Electrical Engineer of the Department was sent overseas to investigate the position in relation to this proposal and at the same time to explore the possibility of expediting the delivery of generating plant on order. Although he was successful in obtaining some adjustments in delivery to ensure that sections of plant might arrive in better sequence than formerly appeared likely, he was unable to obtain any general improvement in deliveries or secure any suitable alternative generating plant. Indeed, despite every effort made, the promised delivery of certain items has deteriorated since the beginning of this year. Nevertheless, despite all difficulties, the generating capacity of the national system has been increased during the war by 37 per cent., some 82,000 kW. of plant having been installed and put into commission since 1939. In addition, the Highbank Station (25,000 kW.) on the South Island system has been brought into service for the winter of 1945." At the Cobb River Scheme construction and erection of penstocks was completed, and after satisfactory test the generating plant was put on commercial load early in the year. Supply to the Golden Bay and Waimea Electric-power Boards and the Golden Bay Cement Co. was given on 6th June, 1944. The 66 kV. transmission-line to Blenheim was completed in December, and supply was given to the Marlborough Electric-power Board on Ist January, 1945. During the year contracts were let for the equipment for the next generating station on the Waikato River - Maraetai (180,000 kW.), and also for the major equipment required for the 220 kV. substations at Otahuhu and Bunnythorpe. Owing to departmental circumstances arising from the war, it has not been found possible to include an audited statement of the Electric Supply Account with this report, but the matter is now in hand, and the statement, duly audited, will be included in paper 8.-l [Pt. IV] in terms of section 57 of the Finance Act, 1932. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION Work on railway construction has not been of an extensive nature due to prevailing conditions and the approach to completion of works in hand. Satisfactory progress under present circumstances has been made with individual works. Remedial measures have been pushed forward on the Turakina and Fordell tunnels, and more than two-thirds of the work has been completed. At the same time the work of completing the deviation has been proceeded with as labour was available. At Wangaehu four spans of the bridge were launched successfully, and the overbridge and approaches were completed. Work on the South Island Main Trunk Railway is being continued as expeditiously as the plant and labour available will allow. During the year the large bridge-building programme was completed. A gap of only 2 miles 30 chains separates the two ends of the line, and the work required to join these sections comprises plate-laying and ballasting. There is still a considerable amount of work to be carried out on the tunnels and other structures before the line will be completed. However, some of that work can be carried out under traffic and need not necessarily delay the opening of the line for through traffic. In conjunction with rapid housing developments in the Hutt Valley the extension of the double track railway has made good progress and the formation has been extended from Waterloo to Taita, while other related works are in hand. ROAD CONSTRUCTION Owing to war conditions it has not been possible to undertake any comprehensive scheme of construction. Minor works have been completed and surveys and investigations of future roads, largely of a developmental nature, have been undertaken as staff was available. Unfortunately, extensive damage due to flooding has taken place in South Canterbury and Otago as the result of abnormally heavy rainfall. IRRIGATION AND WATER-SUPPLY The season has been again an unfortunate one from an irrigation point of view. Heavy rains have been experienced throughout the irrigating season and, apart from lowering the demand for water, have resulted in increased maintenance costs due to flood damage to the schemes. In Canterbury, although the schemes have suffered in a similar manner to those in Otago, the year under review has been marked by some noteworthy achievements. The Rangitata Diversion Race was completed, and for the first time water was conveyed from the Rangitata to the Rakaia River, a distance of 42 miles. At the outlet to the Rakaia the Highbank Power Station was almost completed during the year under review, and it has since been completed and opened for operation. This is a most welcome addition to the hydro-electric supply. Work on the Mayficld-Hinds Scheme, which when complete will irrigate 78,000 acres, has been resumed and will be pushed ahead as more labour becomes available.

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Regular investigations are being carried out not only on irrigation works, but also on other water-supply proposals so that adequate data may be available for considering further schemes if necessary. In these times the potential increase of food production by irrigation cannot be overstressed, and to assist in this I have arranged for the Irrigation Engineer to investigate the best and most advanced methods abroad and to study conditions generally relative to this important matter. LANDS IMPROVEMENT This important productive work also has had to be curtailed due to the shortage of man-power and plant. This has been further accentuated by having to utilize plant in repairing flood damage and on other urgent works. Reclaimed areas have been improved at Ruawai and Naumai by the raising of stop-banks. In the north, farms have been benefited by the extension of water reticulation. A limited programme of sand-dune reclamation has been undertaken, and in this field an improved organization is in course of being built up for future work. Records kept of land-clearing activities show the importance of this work, and in practically all cases where full advantage has been taken of the cleared areas considerably increased production has resulted. COAL PRODUCTION During the year my Department has assisted the Mines Department in every way possible with the production of coal from opencast mines in various parts of the country from the Waikato to Southland, and a great amount of work has been carried out with heavy plant. Access has been provided, large areas stripped of overburden, camps erected, and sidings, bins, and loading arrangements constructed. In addition, the coal itself has been excavated, and in many oases this has been done under very difficult climatic conditions. LIGHTHOUSES Little new work has been carried out during the past year. All structures and equipment have been maintained in a high state of efficiency, and, in general, living conditions have been improved by improving access, in some cases by road, in others by sea, and the modernizing of sewage disposal and water-supply services. PLANT AND MECHANICAL The period under review has been largely one of reorganization and transition from the demands of the war period to the preparation for the post-war programme of works. The zoning control system established some eighteen months ago has proved its worth, particularly in times of emergency, such as during the recent disastrous floods in South Canterbury. A considerable amount of plant is being returned from the Armed Services, and during the past year I arranged for the Chief Mechanical Engineer to visit America in order to arrange purchase of mechanical equipment and to study the latest methods of applying plant units to construction work generally. It was found that great interest was taken in the United States of America in the success of the zoning scheme now functioning in my Department. Plant has been made available as required to assist other Departments in respect of important national works of various kinds. Owing to the difficulty of importing special plant during the war period the Department has designed and successfully constructed certain equipment urgently required such as a radial cableway at Karapiro and large-capacity concrete-mixing plants. In connection with river-control projects which must feature largely in the remedial measures to be adopted in order to alleviate economic losses due to major flooding, special excavating machinery has been secured from the United States of America, where experience over many years has demonstrated their suitability and efficiency. In the process of widening, deepening, straightening, and diverting river channels, particularly of the larger waterways in the Dominion, a considerable amount of earthwork will be involved, aggregating millions of cubic yards of material, and it is recognized to be more economical to use suitable large-capacity machines for this purpose than to employ a number of relatively small units. Two special-type tower excavators of the largest capacity so far produced in the United States of America have therefore been obtained which, because of their particular features, offer valuable advantages over the equipment hitherto used in this country. By reason of their operating range and height, combined with a bucket capacity of 12 cubic yards per lift over a span of 800 ft. to 1,000 ft. and a facility in dumping and trimming material, these machines will accomplish in one process what would otherwise require a series of operations by an assembly of smaller units. A particular advantage in the height and span of the towers is that the equipment will not readily be subjected to interference from river conditions during operations. The first of these machines is now being assembled in preparation for operations on the Otaki River below the main highway and railway bridges. The head tower is 130 ft. high and the tail tower approximately 30 ft. in height. The control cabin, which is part of the head tower, is 60 ft. above ground level, and this enables the operator to direct the work with uninterrupted view. For shift-work, flood-lighting is provided. The machine is operated electrically either from an independent Diesel generating unit or from the ordinary reticulated supply where power may be available. The excavating buckets vary in size and type, so that the appropriate type can be used according to the particular needs of the locality and the nature of the material to be removed. In favourable country and under suitable conditions the output of one of these installations can be conservatively estimated at not less than 150,000 cubic yards per month based on three shift work for six days per week. A feature of these machines, is that the time cycle of a single operation is reduced very considerably below that of other methods, and apart, therefore, from its excavating capacity the time factor in operation contributes materially towards its overall efficacy and economy. This equipment is of a type and capacity not previously seen in this country, but it is confidently anticipated that in respect of performance, cost, and speed results will be achieved which will prove eminently satisfactory from every viewpoint.

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HOUSING CONSTRUCTION SERVICES In connection with the development of areas to be utilized for the construction of houses, the Public Works Department has undertaken the provision of certain service installations and street works as part of the State housing activities. This has involved a considerable amount of work, particularly in the Hutt Valley, where the service installations have been very extensive in new areas which are being developed for residential use. It was not possible at first to arrange for this portion of the work to be completed prior to the buildings being commenced, but from now on it is anticipated that these services will be available before the building activities are ready to commence. PUBLIC BUILDINGS With the virtual cessation of defence construction, activities have been concentrated on urgent civil works, included amongst which are the following : — Department of Agriculture, for which buildings have been erected in connection with animal research stations. Education Department. —A new school has been erected at Avondale, and additional accommodation provided at New Plymouth Girls' High School; Stratford Technical High School; Wellington Girls' College ; King Edward Technical College, Dunedin ; Balclutlia District High School; and Gore High School. Health Department.—New or additional hospital accommodation has been provided at Middleinore ; Palmerston North ; Nelson ; Hanmer ; Burwood ; the Soldiers' Convalescent Hospital, Rotorua ; St. Helens Hospital, Invercargill; and staff accommodation at Kawakawa, Kohukohu, and Nelson. Internal Marketing Division.—Buildings in connection with State vegetable schemes, dehydration plants, &c., were erected or extended at Pukekohe, Turuturu, Motueka, and Christchurch. Mental Hospitals Department.—New buildings erected include a male occupational block, Auckland, villas at Porirua and at Waitati, and a medical officer's residence at Porirua, while a start has been made on a large new mental hospital scheme at Lake Alice, near Marton. Police Department.—Six new police-stations have been or are being built and five police residences provided at various towns throughout the Dominion. Post and Telegraph Department.—New buildings were constructed or are under construction at Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Newmarket, New Plymouth, Aongatete, Te Kuiti, Lower Hutt, Makara, Island Bay, Seddon, Inangahua Junction, Greymouth, Balclutha, and Wanaka, and several towers have been demolished as a precaution against earthquake damage. Public Works Department.—Buildings were or are being built at Te Puke, Nelson, Hamilton, Christchurch, and Hororata for various departmental activities. Railways Department.- New buildings were erected at Blenheim and Kaikoura, the latter including complete station and other accommodation. A large reinforced-concrete goods shed at Christchurch is under construction. Rehabilitation Department has been provided with accommodation, including offices, training centres, &c., in fourteen centres. Miscellaneous.—Buildings of all designs and sizes from small stores to large warehouses, from roadmen's cottages to complete camps, offices, workshops, &c., have been erected, extended, repaired, altered, and, in addition, the continuous task of maintenance has been faithfully attended to in spite of difficulties in respect of labour and material supplies. I wish to acknowledge the continued good services of the staff and workmen of the Department throughout the past year. It is most gratifying to know that within recent months many who have been on active service overseas have returned to New Zealand and will in due course be able to take their place again with the Department in happier circumstances than they have experienced for some years. While we welcome the home-coming of prisoners of war and all who have been spared to return to our fair land, we regret the loss of every one of those who gave their lives in the cause of liberty and freedom. APPENDICES Further information relating to public works carried out during the past year is included in the attached reports by the Engineer-in-Chief, the Government Architect, the Chief Electrical Engineer, and the Director of Housing Construction. In accordance with section 24 of the Main Highways Act, 1922, the annual report of the Main Highways Board is also submitted herewith, vide Appendix E. As required by subsection (2) of section 33 of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act, 1941, I also submit with this statement the annual report of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council covering the operations of the Council for the year ended 31st March, 1945.

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APPENDICES TO THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT, 1945

APP END I X A AUDITED STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS OUT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS ACCOUNT AND ELECTRIC SUPPLY ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 1944-45

Prepared in compliance with Section 8 of the Public Works Act, 1928

Public Works Department, Wellington, 13th June, 1945. Sir, — In compliance with 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 Account and the Electric Supply Account. I have, &c., R. Semple, Minister of Works. The Controller and Auditor-General, Wellington.

Statement of Net Expenditure on all Works and Services chargeable to the Public Works Account and Electric Supply Account for the Year 1944-45

J. W. Scott, A.R.A.N.Z., Chief Accountant. W. L. Newnham, M.lnst.C.E., Permanent Head. The Statement of Expenditure charged to the Public Works Account and the Electric Supply Account has been examined and found correct.— Cyril G. Colltns, Controller and Auditor-General.

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_ Appropria- Gross nreiiH-ji in Aid • et Summarj. Expenditure. oreuita in Aia. j Expenditure. : I . Public Wobks Account £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Public Works, Departmental .. .. 130,500 728,254 6 9 591,845 8 6 136,408 18 3 Railway Construction .. .. •• 364,500 310,992 14 8 52,967 3 2 258,025 11 6 Housing Construction .. .. •• 5,500,000 4,684,243 6 3 253,299 19 7 4,430,943 6 8 Public Buildings .. .. •• 565,000 459,802 7 10 50,196 4 10 409,606 3 0 Education Buildings, &c. .. .. . • 500,000 477,392 16 2 3,604 12 9 473,788 3 5 Lighthouses and Harbour-works .. .. 28,500 8,986 4 3 850 9 0 8,135 15 3 Roads &c. .. .. •• 200,000 128,275 16 7 10,958 18 10 117,316 17 9 Soil Conservation and Rivers Control .. 50,000 101,845 19 10 61,049 4 9 40,796 15 1 Lands, Miscellaneous .. .. •• 68,600 44,458 0 9 140 0 3 44,318 0 6 Irrigation, Water-supply, and Drainage .. 500,000 539,542 8 2 210,147 14 4 329,394 13 10 Linen Flax Development .. .. .. 137,400 493,473 13 8 584,202 6 2 Cr. 90,728 12 6 Ministry of Works .. ■ • •• 7,923 5,004 6 5 48 11 2 4,955 15 3 Unauthorized expenditure: Services not .. 106,296 16 6 4,811 15 1 101,485 1 5 provided for Totals, Public Works Account .. 8,052,423 8,088,508 17 10 1,824,122 8 5 6,264,446 9 5 Electric Supply Account Electric Supply .. •• •• 4,255,500 3,595,319 1 0 114,508 19 11 3,480,810 1 1 Unauthorized expenditure: Services not .. 40,487 2 1 5,000 0 0 35,487 2 1 provided for Totals .. .. .. •• 12,307,923' 11,724,375 0 11 1,943,031 8 4 9,780,743 12 7 Note.—This statement includes only tlie expenditure on works, and does not include expenditure such as interest, sinking funds, and charges and expenses of loans.

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APPENDIX B

ANNUAL REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS BY THE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF

The Engineer-in-Chief to the Hon. the Minister op Works. Sir,: — I have the honour to submit the following report 011 the various public works completed and in progress throughout the Dominion during the year ended 31st March, 1945 : RAILWAYS Turakina-Okoia Railway Deviation.—At the beginning of the year under review investigations and establishment of services were in hand. By the end of May plans for the reconstructioiwjf the tunnels had been received on the job, and since then have been continuously implemented, while the balance of the work required to complete the deviation has been continued' as availability of labour permitted. The duration of the work has been limited to such a short period that accommodation has been largely of a more temporary nature. The remedial work has been 70 per cent, to 75 per cent, completed in the Turakina Tunnel, and 60 per cent, completed in the Fordell Tunnel. Four spans of the Wangaehu Bridge have been launched successfully, and the Wangaehu. overbridge and approaches completed. The yards and access roads at this station are nearing completion. Diesel plant has been used where possible to reduce consumption of electricity, and difficulties have been experienced with the supply of skilled labour and materials. South Island Main Trunk. —Good progress has been made during the year. All bridges have been completed. Plate-laying has been delayed somewhat through lack of sleepers. As the formation "on the Kaikoura section was practically completed last year only minor works and maintenance has been carried out. The formation of the Hundalee-Puketa section has been completed, 152,000 cubic yards being involved. This also includes trimming, plate-laying, ballasting, and fencing. Various bridges have been completed this year, notably the Kowhai River Bridge, a 500 ft. Ion" reinforced-concrete girder bridge ; the Lyell Creek Bridge, a'4sB ft. long reinforced-concrete continuous? girder bridge, with retaining wall; and the Stony Greek Bridge, a 250 ft. long reinforced-concrete girder bridge, with various necessary protection to abutments, stop-banks, and groynes. Some 1,250 ft. of culvert, ranging from 12 in. to 8 ft. by 8 ft., have been installed. Station yards are nearing completion, while sea and river protection continues. Considerable movement in the Oaro Tunnel has led to investigations to determine what strengthening of this and other tunnels is necessary, but no final decisions have yet been reached. Westport-Inangahua Railway.—Maintenance and overhaul of plant, bridges, and buildings has been carried out, and the Railways Department has now installed automatic signalling. Paeroa-I'okeno Railway.—A reinstatement survey has been commenced from both ends of this section. Hutt Valley Railway Extension. —The survey work is now well in hand for the extension, and double-track formation is complete 011 the Waterloo-Taita section, except for part of station yards Storm-water drainage, depending as it does on the Housing Department's development adjacent to the line, is not yet complete. Ballasting and platelaying on this section is about 50 per cent, complete. IRRIGATION This season has been most unfavourable to irrigation throughout, as well-distributed and heavy rainfall has been experienced both in Central Otago and Canterbury. In addition, maintenance costs have been high as the results of damage caused by the heavy rainfall and flooding. Conditions generally have been mild. ' _ Central Otago—Small extensions have been made to the Ida Valley Scheme, and the bulk of the maintenance has been repairing storm damage. The number of irrigators has fallen from 510 in 1943-44 to 443 this year, and out of a total area under irrigation of 53,000 acres, 44,053 acres were actually irrigated in the 1945 season. The financial statement has reflected the conditions, revenue being £24,700 workino--pxnpnsp« £28,441, a loss of £3,741 in the year's workings. * ' 1 Canterbury.—This year has been marked by the completion of the Rangitata diversion race and water was conveyed from the Rangitata River to Highbank, a distance of 42 miles, for the first'time in November, 1944. Minor protective works are yet to be done, but this will not affect the flow over the whole lengtk Again damage has occurred, due to extraordinary flooding. The official opening of the power-station at Highbank will probably be carried out in June. Ashburton Lyndhurst Scheme : The land is being prepared for irrigation by the border-dyke system and race reticulation covering 68,000 acres is now complete. Mayfield-Hinds Scheme : The construction on this scheme, which will cover 78,000 acres when complete, has been recommenced. Plans and detailed proposals are in hand, and 'maintenance of the scheme has been continued during the year,

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Redoliff Scheme: 60 acres only have been irrigated out of an area commanded of 4,600 acres. The revenue from four irrigators has been £60 ; expenses, £794. Levels Scheme : 800 acres have been irrigated out of an area commanded of 12,000 acres. Revenue from 23 irrigators, £133 ; expenses, £2,065. Irrigation Investigations. —The regular observation of rainfall, run off, and general meteorological phenomena has been continued. Bores have been sunk to enable records of ground-water movement to be kept. These have already proved valuable in discounting claims in regard to seepage. Further bores have been authorized over an extended area and will be sunk in the near future. CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF ROADS Construction has again only been of a minor amount, due to the general conditions limiting action oh these works. Surveys and investigations have been carried out in various areas more recently, with particular reference to access roads to timber areas in order to assist with increased timber production. Unfortunately, in many cases only timber areas will be opened by such roads. Considerable future planning is also in hand. The work done during the year comprises the following : formation, 38 miles ; metalling, 49 miles; completed bridging, 1,270 ft. ; culverts, some 2,550 ft. with 2,400 square feet of concrete ford. Maintenance to road surfaces, particularly those subjected to heavy military traffic in the past, has been carried out. The year has been marked particularly in the south by heavy rain storms and subsequent flooding. Extensive damage has resulted in South Canterbury and Otago. In South Canterbury damage to the extent of some £60,000 to roads and bridges has occurred, and twenty-three bridges have been washed away. The damage in Otago has not been so extensive in this item, but amounts to some £6,000. HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT : CONSTRUCTION WORKS Waikaremoana. —This work is continuing with the best speed that the present man-power conditions, particularly with reference to tradesmen, will permit. The service roads have been maintained, some 7,300 cubic yards of crushed metal being required for this item alone. Grouting has been continued throughout. 98 cubic yards of grout, making a total of 1,780 cubic yards, have been injected to form a curtain wall near the head gate shafts. Very extensive drilling and grouting has been carried out at the intake section and tunnels. West of headgate shafts, 28,196 ft. of drilling has been done with 3,860 cubic yards of grout injected. No. 1 headgate shaft has been excavated some 70 ft. deep with a clear diameter inside timber of 12 ft. 6 in., but at this depth difficulty was experienced with an extensive water break-through. At present remedial measures are in hand. Progress has been maintained in the twin tunnels against considerable natural difficulties and under trying conditions for the workmen. Work has proceeded twenty-four per day, mostly on a wettime basis. The country is very broken, and water has been met with at all stages of the work. 383 ft. of concrete lining in No. 1 and 388 ft. in No. 2 tunnel has been poured this year. The total lengths now lined are 530 ft. and 437 ft. respectively. Grouting ahead of the faces and behind the linings continued, 28,494 lineal feet of borehole having been drilled up to date, of which 19,500 ft. have been completed this year, and through these bores 6,700 cubic yards of grout has been placed. The evidence of the success of this grouting has been continuously found as the tunnels have been driven through the grouted area. Seven contractors' drilling-machines and one departmental one have between them drilled a total of 69,449 ft., of which 21,177 ft. was reboring, the average boring rate being approximately 2-5 ft. per minute for contractor's plant and 4-2 ft. per minute for departmental plant. The total grout used in all sections has been 9,100 cubic yards, representing 3,720 tons of cement. Apart from the above major work, work on the penstocks has been pushed ahead. Excavation is in hand, 16 concrete pedestals have been completed, and steel plate for the fabrication of the penstocks is. held. 2,712 cubic yards of concrete have been poured in the power-house foundation alone up to February, and this work should be completed by September. Good progress has been made concreting the floor slabs and walls of the tail-race. comprehensive building programme, including school buildings and permanent staff accommodation, lias been completed, except for some single quarters. Karapiro Development—The excavation of the site, totalling 570,000 cubic yards, has been completed except for minor trimming ; and consolidation grouting has been carried out in the intake section, between the penstocks and in the cut-off trench of the arch section of the dam. The two cofferdams were completed about the middle of 1944 and seepage reduced to a workable amount by grouting and sealing with swamp mould. Boring and grouting of the cut-off trench on the up-stream face of the gravity and intake section of the dam has been commenced. At the end of the period under review the main power-house structure had been constructed to the level of the cable basement floor, without any major difficulties being encountered, while the office block and unloading bay were further advanced, making a total yardage of concrete placed in the section of 16,119 cubic yards. Good progress has been made also with the intake and spillway sections, where after extra excavation 8,637 cubic yards of concrete were placed in the former section from December, 1944, to March, 1945, and 15,500 cubic yards in the latter section. In connection with the spillway section, the syphon flumes are partially completed, and the lower level bridge was completed towards the end of 1944, j *nr i The concreting of the arch section was commenced in October last, and up to the end of March, 11,198 cubic yards had been placed with two-thirds of the arch bays under construction. The outdoor station has been completed, to the level of the mezzanine and switch-room floor. The total concrete poured in all these operations was 52,578 cubic yards, with 635 tons of reinforcing steel placed. Additional concrete plant, together with a radial cable way for concreting the arch section and a 10-ton crane, are being provided for the concreting of the dam.

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The contract for the penstock steel linings was completed in July, the segments being installed by the Department with the aid of a special 5-ton cableway. The internal welding of the linings is about two-thirds complete, and the installation of the auxiliary penstocks well in hand. In the permanent village, six more permanent houses have been completed, and five more are in hand. Concrete footpaths and kerb and channelling have been laid, together with a considerable increase in temporary accommodation for workmen. Miscellaneous road and stream diversions, including bridging, are well forward, and surveys have been completed for the access roading to the new scheme at Maraetai. Road construction has commenced on the Tokoroa end of this access. The number of men employed has risen during the year from some 600 to approximately 1,000. although a considerable shortage in carpenters still exists. Lake Coleridge. The foundations of the outside transformer station have been completed and water mains installed. Highbank.—This scheme has been completed and should be ready for the official opening in June. Repairs, due to recent flood damage, have been effected. This scheme should be a welcomc addition to the present development. Waitaki.—ln order to assist with future development on this river, ten miles of access road have been constructed. Lake Tekapo. The first tunnel shield has been completed at the departmental workshops, Temuka, carted to the site, and re-erected for final testing. The fabrication of this shield of 22 ft. diameter, the first of its type to be used in New Zealand, has been a major undertaking by the workshops. Excavation and lining of the shield-erection chamber is nearing completion, together with other preliminary work. 538 precast concrete lining blocks have been manufactured. The survey for the tunnel has been finished, buildings repaired, and machinery re-installed for a fresh sUrt with the work. Cobb River Scheme. —This scheme, which went into operation towards the end of June, 1944, has been of the greatest importance to the northern end of the South Island. Tying in with several existing schemes, it has ensured an adequate supply of power in this area. Work continues with the further development of the scheme, principally on the dam-site, where investigations on the bed rock are being carried out. Shafts have been sunk and drives excavated over the site. Difficulties have been experienced with inflow of water, and this has delayed the work on one shaft. The temporary dam and intake were completed in May. A considerable amount of work has been involved in maintaining the access roads due to heavy flood damage. A permanent water-supply has been ensured by the installation of a 20,000-gallon reinforced-concrete tank and pump-house. LAND IMPROVEMENTS Due to the man-power and plant shortage, this work has been considerably curtailed. However, it apparent from the reports from various districts that land has benefited generally by the works carried out provided adequate follow-up measures have been taken by the farmer. Wliangarei.—The Ruawai and Naumai Stopbank, Otamatea County, has been raised for a distance of 6 miles, with considerable benefit to property. Much record and investigation work has been carried out in regard to water-supply schemes for Dargaville Borough, Hobson, and Otamatea Counties. Stream gaugings and rainfall data have been taken, and reservoir and dam-sites investigated. The local people are taking a fresh interest in the schemes, although some apathy is apparent in one or two areas. The augmentation oi Kaikohe town water-supply extension has been delayed by non-delivery of pumping equipment. _ The work in hand will, however, complete the scheme. The various schemes operating in this district have been maintained throughout. Kaipara Harbour.—-Reclamation : General maintenance only has been carried out. Kerepeehi Block. 13,500 ft. of water-piping has been laid in order to reticulate thirty-five farms. Sand-dune Reclamation.- -Reclamation at areas such as Kaipara Heads, Muriwai, and North \\ aikato Heads and the Hokio-Manawatu district has again been on a limited programme and has been confined largely to maintenance and improvement of existing work. Accommodation and facilities for the staff have been improved. Seedlings have been raised, marram cut and planted out, and fire-breaks established. This, with the erection of firewatching huts and a telephone system, should assist with safeguarding the work. Land clearing has been carried out in widely scattered areas, but chiefly at Ohakune, Nelson, West Coast, and Southland. Priority demands on plant have prevented more extensive work being done. Records kept of areas previously cleared have clearly shown the importance of this work and provided adequate follow-up measures are taken the results have been most encouraging. The work generally comprises stumping, logging, rooting, levelling, and ploughing with some access roading. In Southland alone some 4,600 acres have been developed since the work started, involving 55 miles of access road and 35 miles of drainage channels. In the Ohakune area a total to date of 8,600 acres have been stumped at a cost to the country of only £1 per acre, and the result of this work has been reflected in an increase in vegetable production of some 79 per cent, and Hi per cent, in sheep. Waimate.—A drainage scheme of 900 acres has recently been completed, with anticipated benefit to the area. LIGHTHOUSES AND HARBOUR WORKS Lighthouses Improvements, renovations, and maintenance of lighthouses and attached buildings have been carried out during the year, together with routine overhaul of equipment. In general, living - accommodation has been made more comfortable and access and services improved.

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At Portland Island improvements have been made to the water-supply and landing facilities. The channel and swinging basin have been excavated, and a jetty constructed on the mainland for the launch servicing the island. At Manakau Heads the new concrete lighthouse has been completed. Proposals have been made for the repair of the wharf built by the Department at Westhaven Collingwood County. COAL PRODUCTION As a new venture the Department has been involved to a greater or lesser degree in the production of coal from opencast mines at Glen Afton, Glen Massey, Waitewhenua, Stockton, and Ohai. The work carried out has included opening up the sites ; access roading ; stripping coal-bearing areas ; quarrying coal; provision of plant to Mines Department and contractors ; construction of camps, screens, bins, conveyors, and loaders ; and general supervision. At Glen Afton '222,600 cubic yards of excavation has been carried out, of which 79,600 cubic yards has been done this year for the production of 18,210 tons of coal, of which 12,210 tons represents this year's output. At Glen Massey 330,260 cubic yards have been stripped for the production of 6,875 tons. At Waitewhenua 81,357 cubic yards have been stripped for 20,000 tons of coal produced. The work generally has been made difficult by bad climate conditions and heavy rain. DEFENCE WORKS Generally, the work covered under this heading has comprised the completion of works so far advanced as to warrant this course, the making safe of works which it has not been deemed necessary at this stage to complete, and general maintenance of existing works. Some new works necessary to complete a particular scheme have also been undertaken, notably for the Navy Department, where major items have been involved. Restoration work made necessary by the removal of various defence structures has been carried out, and demolition of other works is well advanced. Camps have been maintained and minor improvements made and essential services extended. Many camps have been handed over to the War Assets Realization Board for disposal, and this has necessitated the assistance of the Stores staff in regard to valuation and disposal. An internees' camp was converted for the use of Polish children evacuated to this country, and alternative accommodation provided for the previous users of the camp. Work from now on should be confined mostly to maintenance, disposal, and restoration. HOUSING SERVICES CONSTRUCTION Construction work, chiefly in the nature of levelling areas, installing services, and forming roads and footpaths, has been continued during the year for the Housing Department. This work has been done principally in the main centres of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Some idea of the amount of work in levelling and clearing done can be gauged from such a generally level district as Christchurch, where, in connection with the development of seven blocks, 21,500 cubic yards were excavated. Owing to the large building scheme under construction in the Hutt Valley, a considerable amount of work has been done in this area, and some of the more outstanding figures are given : area of land cleared, 517 acres, with 14 miles of roads formed and metalled and 46,850 square yards of sealing. There have been, in addition, 13,500 square yards of concrete footpath laid, with 1,141 chains of kerb and channelling. Storm-water sewers from 6 in. to 54 in. total 21,000 ft., with the corresponding figure for sanitary sewers, 49,000 ft. Water-supply to the area has resulted in 58,000 ft. of piping from f in. to 6 in. being laid. Miscellaneous work has included the construction of a bridge, stop-bank construction, top-soiling of various areas, and the general maintenance of services constructed to date. The Auckland figures, although on a somewhat smaller scale, are comparable : 32,000 cubic yards of material have been excavated, 12,000 cubic yards of metal used in road construction, and 17,500 gallons of bitumen and tar used in sealing work. PLANT AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT The demobilization of the home-defence units and the withdrawal of most of the New Zealand Military Forces from the Pacific, has led to the release of a fairly large quantity of assorted Public Works Department plant which has been on loan to the Armed Forces. The limitations imposed by the war on major activities of this branch have not been greatly relaxed during the year, however, but it is anticipated that from now on the increase in the demand for plant and mechanical appliances generally will show a marked increase. Most of the plant returned from the Armed Forces and generally comprising motor-vehicles, tractors, and earth-moving equipment has been in need of either complete or partial overhaul, and this work has overloaded the capacity of the departmental workshops, the staff of which has largely been depleted by the demands of the Armed Forces. In consequence of this transfer of vehicles no new vehicles have been purchased. The present equipment in use numbers approximately 7,000 items, ranging in value from £50 to £25,000, and the depreciated value totals £1,071,000. In order to procure new construction equipment and machine tools for the Department's new workshops, and to enable an up-to-date study of the latest application of mechanical equipment to construction works, arrangements were made for the Chief Mechanical Engineer to proceed to America in August, 1944. As a result two large tower excavators were among the machines purchased, these being primarily for use in river-improvement works, where very large earth-work quantities are involved. Already many of the machines purchased have arrived in New Zealand, and these will materially assist in the execution of many of the priority works now in hand.

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The activities of local bodies being largely curtailed by war conditions has resulted in a limited use of road plant and also a limited amount of assistance with the purchase of plant. The importance of establishing large, well-equipped workshops in each zone is stressed. The repair workshops already established in various localities have provided an excellent service in so far as has been possible with reduced staff and shortages of spare parts. General field inspection is being regularly carried out with the testing of units under operation, and as soon as opportunity permits this service will be expanded so that the efficiency and economical life of the plant may be maintained at a maximum. The rehabilitation of returned servicemen and disposal of war assets is likely to be an important part of this Branch's activities in the near future, and already assistance is being given to Government Departments most affected. ZONING SYSTEM OF PLANT CONTROL The new scheme of dividing the Dominion into three plant zones has now been in operation for approximately eighteen months, and with the increased control and direction of plant there has been a noticeable increase in the total effective working-hours of the plant. The system involves the rental of all the Department's plant units from one central plant organization to each individual job. All operating costs are borne by the zone, and a fixed of hire for actual working-hours is charged up each month. This system permits accurate estimating of the cost of a work. Along with this added control, a new system of plant recording covering maintenance, plant performance, and plant replacement, has been instituted, which will result in a large amount of very valuable data being available to the Department covering the replacement and operation of its mechanical fleet. This zoning system enables priority work to be given the greatest possible plant population, and in case of emergency, as in the recent flood disasters in the South Island, the transfer of necessary plant is expedited. This is the result of the exact location, condition, and mobility of all items of plant being known at all times. The system now in operation is similar in many ways to that in use in Australia, and considerable interest has also been shown in the U.S.A. in the control of what is probably the largest mechanical fleet owned by one organization. The rates have proved to be very reasonable in general, and in some cases it lias been possible to reduce them. The result of these fixed rates has been to largely stabilize plant-hire rates throughout the Dominion. STAFF The staff has as usual rendered highly efficient service throughout the year, and 1 have to thank them for their loyal support. Although our construction programme is lower than it has been for many years, the work is being carried on under greater difficulties than ever, and the resources of the Department have been severely taxed. Proposals in regard to the reorganization of the Department have added to our difficulties, but these will be overcome in due course. I am again pleased to welcome back to the Department a number of the staff who have returned to the Department after long and arduous service with the Armed Forces. The surrender of Italy brought to a conclusion a campaign in which many of our staff played a distinguished part, and their work has been recognized by a number of awards and decorations. I have, &c., W. L. Newnham, M.lnst.C.E., Engineer-in-Chief.

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APPENDIX C

ANNUAL REPORT ON BUILDTNGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT

The Government Architect to the Hon. the Minister op Works Sir,— I have the honour to submit the following report on the activities of the Architectural Branch for the year ended 31st March, 1945. With the virtual cessation of defence construction, the activities of this Branch have been concentrated 011 works of a more permanent nature. The following figures show the relation of defence works to civil works : — Capital cost of defence buildings .. .. .. .. £1,004,000 Number of men employed (average) .. .. .. .. 755 Capital cost of civil works .. .. .. .. .. £523,000 Number of men employed (average) .. .. .. .. 408 In addition, sketch plans were prepared for buildings and ancillary works of a total estimated value of £1,553,000. Wherever possible and when suitable, use has been made of buildings formerly erected for Service purposes, the records and information of the War Assets Realization Board being available for this purpose. My officers are also called on to assist with professional advice and technical investigations in connection with earthquake damage and restoration, with the Commissioner of Works, the War Assets Realization Board, the Standards Institute, the War Damage Commission, and with research work, and schemes submitted to the Local Government Loans Board for report and examination. The closest liaison is maintained with the Housing Division, the Building and the Timber Controllers, whose officers co-operate with mine in a most satisfactory manner, their services being utilized to the full in a consultant capacity. In addition to defence works, the following works were carried out Department of Agriculture.—Accommodation has been fitted up at Hamilton East for the Ruakura Animal Research Station, and a start was made with the erection of an animal research station at Manutuke, near Gisborne, whilst work was also carried out at the Upper Hutt Poultry-farm. Education Department.—At Avondale a new school has been built, a teacher's residence was built at Turangi, and a new wing was added to the New Plymouth Girls' High School. Extensions were made to the engineering block of the Stratford Technical High School, and alterations and additions were made to the hostel at the Wanganui Technical College. A woodworking class-room was erected at Te Aute College. At Massoy College additions and alterations were made to the dairy factory, the wool-store, and to the milking sheds and yards, and the addition of a laboratory effected." Two additional laying-sheds were completed. At the Wellington Girls' College an old wooden class-room was demolished, the gymnasium shifted, and a start made to build a new two-storied class-room block in reinforced concrete and brick; whilst site preparation for an intermediate school at Lower Hutt was completed. A memorial library is being built at Feilding, and earthquate damage was made good at the Wellington South School. A sectionalized school at Motueka was dismantled and re-erected at Cobb River, and at the Richmond Special School for Girls additions were made to the hospital annexe. At Lincoln College a new lodge for the Director is approaching completion ; eight new poultry-houses were built. Additions are being made to the King Edward Technical College, Dunedin, an assembly hall was built at the Balclutha District High School, and additional accommodation was provided at the Gore High School. Health Department.—Two residences for nurses were built. The Kawakawa Nurses' Home was completed and alterations and renovations made to a building -at Kohukohu for a nurses' home. A large hospital scheme is approaching completion at Middlemore, Auckland. Extensions were made to the massage block at the Soldiers' Convalescent Hospital, Rotorua, and the out-patients' block at Palmerston North Hospital was completed. At Nelson Hospital a two-story ward block was completed providing space for sixty-seven beds, and a two-story nurses' home is under construction. At Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer, a male massage block was built, additions made to the women's pavilion for a quiet room, and the women's dining-room increased by half. At Burwood a start was made with emergency ward No. 2. Alterations and additions to the St. Helens Hospital, Invercargill, are under way. Several huts were provided for T.B. cases amongst Natives. Industries and Commerce.—Alterations were made to the linen-flax factory at Washdyke, and the erection of additional buildings is in hand. Internal Marketing Division. —Extensive buildings have been erected and added to at the Pukckohe Dehydration-factory and workers' accommodation provided. Two glasshouses were erected at Mangaturere. A packing and grading shed and mess-room were built for the State vegetable-production scheme at Turuturu. At Motueka a number of buildings were erected for the dehydration-factory comprising large two-story main building, boiler-house, garage, fuel-house, and vegetable-store, and a large hostel in wood was erected from buildings transferred from an Air Force ground station. At Christchurch a dehydration-factory, including boiler-house, administration building, garage, cafeteria, and sodium store, have been erected. Justice and Prisons Department.—Additions were made to the Te Awamutu Courthouse to provide a strong-room and a Magistrate's room. A tobacco-curing barn at the Waikeria Borstal Institute is about half completed. Further buildings were erected at Arohata Borstal Institute,

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Menial Hospitals Department. —At Auckland a new male occupational block, No. 3, was erected and equipped, sundry farm buildings.and an occupational workshop completed ; the erection of an occupational class-room was commenced. Work has commenced on the new Lake Alice scheme, near Marton, tenders being accepted for two villas each accommodating fifty patients, eight staff cottages, and the water-tower ; a Public Works Department office, cookhouse, and two-men huts have been erected. At Porirua three single-story villas in timber have been built, and the erection of another two, each of two-stories and of reinforced concrete, commenced. The female wing of the old building was demolished and a start made to demolish the male wing and the east ward. A house for the Medical Officer is under construction. A small substation is being erected at Sunnyside, and at Waitati a new villa is in course of erection. Parapets and other faulty work were removed at Seacliff. Mines Department. —Public Works Department workmen's huts have been erected at Waitewhena State Mine, and miners' camps have been erected at Wilton Collieries, Glen Massey, and at Renown Collieries, Rotowera. Native Department.—Eight cottages were built in the Whangarei district. Police Department.*--A motor-garage was built at Birkenhead, the office and cells block at Eltham was shifted to a new site and renovated, and accommodation for women was provided at the Auckland Station. New stations were built at Te Kaha and Ashhurst, a new station completed at Oxford, and new stations are under construction at Westport and Kerepeehi. Alterations and additions were made to the stations at Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, and Waikouaiti, and at Geraldine extensive renovations and repairs were carried out. At Dunedin a new block is being erected at the rear of the central station. Earthquake damage has been made good at the Headquarters Building, Wellington. At LowerHutt the residence was shifted and additional accommodation was provided. New residences were built at Te Aroha, Westport, and Riversdale. Post and Telegraph Department.—A new post-office was erected at Kaitaia, and a new post-office at Kaikohe is in course of erection. A reinforced-concrete garage was built at Newmarket, and the aeradio buildings at New Plymouth were extended. A new post-office is under construction at Te Kuiti. In Wellington, earthquake damage was made good at Te Aro and the General Post Office, in the latter case involving the removal of the statuary. The new post-office at Lower Hutt was completed, the radio station at Makara was also finished, and a commencement made to build a new telephone exchange at Island Bay and a carrier telegraph building at Seddon. A new post-office was built at Inangahua Junction, and an aeradio station at Greymouth. The tower at Greymouth Post-office is in course of demolition, and the tower at Kaiapoi was demolished. At Balclutha a new line-store and garage was built and will be used as a temporary office during the erection of the new post-office. A new post-office was built at Wanaka. The Invercargill clock-tower was removed, and the tower at the Bluff is being demolished. Public Works Department.—A store, workshop, and switch-house were erected at Te Puke Substation. A reinforced-concrete office block and garage for the Hydro-electric Division were built at Nelson, a large administration building for that Division is being erected at Hamilton, and a switchroom, workshop, and store is under construction at Aongatete. An extensive plant depot is under construction in Christchurch. A garage was built at Hororata Substation, and several cottages for surfacemen and others erected at various localities. Railways Department.—At Blenheim a new office and extensive additions to the goods-shed were completed. At Kaikoura the new railway-station, goods-shed, engine-shed, residences, and other buildings were erected. The erection of the new goods-shed, a large reinforced-concrete structure, at Christchurch is well advanced. Rehabilitation Department.—Offices were fitted up at Whangarei, Kaikohe, Napier, New Plymouth, Hawera. Wanganui, Greymouth, and Westport. Trade-training schools were fitted up at Kaikohe, Auckland, Gisborne, Petone, Blenheim, and Westport, whilst at Auckland and Dunedin disabled servicemen's training centres were completed, and at Christchurch the building is well advanced; at Auckland special arrangements for blind ex-servicemen have been made with separate accommodation. Scientific and Industrial Research Department. —Buildings were erected at Palmerston North for the Grasslands Division. Tourist and Publicity Department.—Fire damage at Mount Cook was made good, extensive alterations were carried out to provide staff accommodation, and general improvements effected. Miscellaneous. —At Pahiatua a complete camp has been remodelled to accommodate the Polish refugees. A large store has been erected at Aotea Quay for the Ministry of Supply. Extensive camp accommodation was fitted up at Avondale, Tamaki, and Waikaraka Park for various groups of workers. Wool-stores have been provided at Sylvia Park, and additional buildings in Wellington were built for the Social Security Department. Accommodation has been provided and furnished in various localities for the Land and Income Tax Department. The old buildings known as Bellamy's were demolished and a new restaurant block was erected, the law-draughting block was reconstructed, and additional accommodation provided for the Prime Minister's Department. General maintenance was attended to and alterations and additions were carried out where required. In conclusion, I wish to put on record my appreciation of the continued loyalty and efficient service of my staff and the co-operation of the staff's of other Divisions and Departments and of the master builders and their organizations. I have, &c., R. A. Patterson, F.N.Z.1.A., F.1.A.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 op Works Sir, — In conformity with the provisions of section 15 of the State Supply of Energy Act, 1917, T have to report on the development of electric power in the Dominion for the year ended 31st March, 1945, as follows :— In spite of the limitations imposed by the scarcity of man-power and materials, some progress was made with further construction, and the capital outlay on the development of electric supply at the close of the year 1944-45 was £26,277,759, an increase of £2,667,408. The restrictions upon the use of electricity in the North Island, to which I referred in my report last year, are still in force, but nevertheless the consumption of electrical energy exceeded the allocations of power given to the electric supply authorities. Fortunately there were no serious difficulties in meeting the demand, mainly due to the exceptionally good hydraulic conditions at Waikaremoana. For the coming year, however, there is little doubt that the electric-supply position in the North Island will become more difficult. By June we should have a further 20,000 kW. generating-unit operating at Arapuni, but unless water-supplies at the hydro stations are as good as they were last year, the loss in power output from the Waikaremoana stations will be no more than overtaken by the added output from Arapuni. The metering of electric hot-water services, which is one of the means whereby waste of electrical energy can be obviated, has been pushed ahead by the electric supply authorities as fast as man-power and materials allowed, and by the end of March some 75 per cent, of the total number installed in the North Island had been metered. As a further means of conserving power the Government and the electric supply authorities jointly subsidize consumers' costs in having thermostats fitted to waterheaters which were installed before July, 1943, when the Electric Water-heating Order was gazetted. North Island Electric-power System 1. Capital Outlay.—Total expenditure to 31st March, 1945, was £16,859,146, of which £3,266,982 was not yet in operation. Details will appear in parliamentary paper 8.-l [Pt. IV] when audited. 2. Financial Results.— As was the case last financial year, the effect of the various restrictions is now apparent in the revenue returns. Owing to shortage of staff due to the war, the final results of operation are not yet available. 3. System Operation.—Owing to the excellent hydraulic conditions there was no marked shortage of power and generally little trouble was experienced. At King's Wharf Station 34,576 tons of coal were consumed, and at the end of the year 7,957 tons remained in stock. The maximum half-hour load on the system was 292,900 kW. (last year, 272,200 kW.), and occurred between 1730 and 1800 hours on Tuesday, 4th July, 1944, an increase of 7-6 per cent, on last year. The highest Saturday load was 258,200 kW. (235,500 kW. last year), between 1730 and 1800 hours on Saturday, 10th June, 1944. The frequency was low over this peak, however, and the assessed peak for the period is 266,000 kW. The highest Sunday load was 233,900 kW. (last year, 224,000 kW.), between 1130 and 1200 hours on Sunday, 23rd July, 1944. The greatest weekly generation was 32,534,000 units (last year 30,810,000), for the week ended 27th. August, 1944, an increase of 5-3 per cent. The maximum daily output was 4,946,000 units (last year, 4,681,000), on Tuesday, 22nd August, 1944 ; the greatest Saturday, 4,400,000 units (last year, 4,289,000), on Saturday, Bth July ; and the greatest Sunday, 3,946,000 units (last year, 3,801,000), on Sunday, 6th August. The total system generation for the year was 1,532,000,000 units. 4. Construction. —Power-stations : Arapuni: The work of erecting No. 6 turbine and generator was continued, and it is expected that this unit will be in service in the 1945 winter. Karapi.ro : Steady progress was maintained with the excavation and concreting of dam and power-house, erection of penstocks and outdoor station. Some of the plant for permanent installation has arrived, but delivery dates have been again put back on account of war priorities taking precedence with the British manufacturers. The erection of new houses was completed. Maraetai: Tenders for the generating plant and major equipment for this station have now been accepted, the contracts being awarded to British, American, and Canadian manufacturers. Waikaremoana (Upper) : Some of the equipment for permanent installation has arrived. Substations : A new substation at Te Puke to give supply to the Tauranga Power Board's southern area of supply was completed, whilst a commencement was made on the erection of a new station at Aongatete. The transformer capacity was increased at Bunnythorpe, Gisborne, Tahekeroa, Maungatapere, Kaitaia, Belmont, Hamilton, Huntly, Matamata, Wairoa, and Ngongotaha to keep pace with the growing demand. New cottages were erected at Takapuna, Edgecumbe, Hamilton (4), Ngongotaha, and Waihou. Contracts were placed with British, American, Canadian, and New Zealand manufacturers for the major equipment required at the proposed 220 kV. substations at Otahuhu and Bunnythorpe. These stations are planned to interconnect the future generating-stations on the Waikato River with the present system. The Central Park Station was almost completed, and supply to the Wellington City Council will probably commence in May, 1945.

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Transmission-lines: The second 110 kV. line between Arapuni and Ongarue and the 50 kV. line between Edgecumbe and Te Puke were completed. The erection of the 110 kV. lines between Hamilton and Waihou and Karapiro and Hamilton, and the 50 kV. lines between Arapuni and Maraetai and Bombay and Waiuku, is proceeding. Good progress is being made with the survey of the permanent route of the 110 kV. line from Bunnythorpe to Tuai, and a contract was let for the supply of the steel towers required. Reconnaissance surveys have been made of the northern portion of the Otahuhu-Whakamaru-Bunnythorpe 220 kV. line. 5. Maintenance. —The usual high standard of supply was maintained, despite the many difficulties brought about by wartime conditions. As in previous years, lightning was again responsible for a number of transmission interruptions. 6. Organization.—With a view of increasing efficiency and keeping closer contact with distributing authorities, the two existing districts Hamilton and Palmerston North were reduced in size by the establishment of separate administrative organizations at Auckland and Napier. South Island Electric-power System 1. Capital Outlay.—The capital expenditure on the South Island system (which now includes Cobb Scheme) totalled £9,418,613 at the end of this year, as compared with £8,759,647 at the 31st March, 1944. Details will appear in parliamentary paper 8.-l [Pt. IV] when audited. 2. Financial Results.—A steady increase in revenue comparable to previous years has been maintained, but final figures are not yet available. 3. System Operation. —The maximum demand on the Department's stations increased by 14-4 per cent., from 103,070 kW. last year to 117,890 kW., and the system maximum demand—i.e., with Waipori Station interconnected —was 134,684 kW., an increase of 10-5 per cent. As a precautionary measure against overload at peaks, auxiliary stations were operated during June and July. From sth to 12th December and also on 22nd January it was again necessary to call on the standby stations owing to the failure of Nos. 3 and 4 units at Waitaki. The failure of No. 3 unit was the result of lightning. The maximum flow recorded in the Waitaki River was 57,747 cusecs, on 22nd February. At Lake Coleridge the levels ranged between 1,67145 ft. and 1,673-95 ft. 4. Construction.—Poiver-stations : Highbank : The stator and other equipment in replacement of that lost at sea in 1940 did not arrive here until late in the year. Consequently this station was not ready for service as anticipated. Work is now well advanced and the unit will be ready for commercial load in time for the winter demand. Tekapo : The electrical reticulation system was rebuilt and extended preparatory to the resumption of civil construction. Orders were placed for the generating plant and major items of equipment for this station. Coleridge : The erection of the new outdoor structure was commenced. Substations : The installation of auto-transformers and the erection of a synchronous condenser at Hororata was completed, thus bringing the reconstruction and reorganization of this station to a conclusion. Five cottages for operating and maintenance staff were erected at Addington. Regulating transformer control panels were installed at Winton. Transmission-lines : The survey of the Gore-Invercargill 66 kV. line was completed, plans prepared, and structures located. 5. Operation and Maintenance.—The supply to consumers was not as free from interruption as in previous years,.but nevertheless its reliability and continuity was still of a very high standard. Repairs were effected to Nos. 3 and 4 units at Waitaki, and No. 5 unit at Coleridge was restored into service in August. At Monowai the damage to the control-panel wiring and switchboard instruments caused by the failure of an ironclad machine feeder 0.C.8. when in service was expeditiously attended to. 6. Retail Supply (Southland). —Total sales to all consumers increased by 2,168,270 kilowatt hours, or 6-2 per cent. Supply over new rural extensions was made available during the year to 220 new consumers, with connected load of 3,100 kW. The following table gives a comparison of unit sales and costs to domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers over the years 1936-37, 1943-44, and 1944-45 : —

The term " commercial" includes shops, street lighting, milking-motors, and other rural power, &c.

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1936-37. 1943-44. 1944-45. _ Units. Unit, Costper Costper d. d. d. Domestic .. .. 5,739,138 2-70 8,493,215 2-04 9,152,261 2-00 Commercial .. .. 1,961,202 3-03 4,756,578 1-79 5,201,659 1-68 Industrial .. .. 8,112,392 0-92 8,144,322 1-00 8,369,773 1-00

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7. Cobb River Scheme. —Construction and erection of penstocks was completed, and after satisfactory test the generating plant was put on commercial load early in the year. Supply to the Golden Bay and Waimea Electric-power Boards and the Golden Bay Cement Co. was given on 6th June, 1944. The 66 kV. transmission-line to Blenheim was completed in December, and supply was given to the Marlborough Electric-power Board on Ist January, 1945. The system maximum demand was 5,400 kW., and occurred at 1930 hours on 28th January. The system output was 19,540,739 units, and transmission and distribution losses were 5-3 per cent. The generating plant required considerable attention for the first six months of service, but all other power-station and substation equipment and all transmission-lines operated satisfactorily and only the normal amount of maintenance work was necessary. A survey party has commenced work on a reconnaissance survey to explore the best route for connecting the Cobb Scheme with the South Island network via the West Coast. Registration of Electrical Wiremen Examinations were held for electrical wiremen, electrical servicemen, radio servicemen, radio transmitters, cinematograph operators, and luminous-discharge-tube servicemen. Special examinations were again held in the Pacific and Middle East areas for members of the Armed Forces. Credit tables dealing with electrical experience obtained by electrical apprentices and other personnel whilst in the Armed Forces were prepared and distributed, and have proved valuable in enabling a uniform assessment of credit to be granted, irrespective of in which Service the experience has been obtained. For the September, 1944, examinations, 625 candidates sat, which constituted a record, the previous highest number being 600 candidates in September, 1929. During the year the Registration Board assumed full control of the actual conduct of the examinations, this work having previously been carried out by the Education Department. Consideration of the experience of prospective rehabilitation trainees has figured largely in the business of the Board during the year, and will continue to do so as demobilization proceeds. Design Office Structural Section Further preliminary planning was carried out for Tekapo and Maraetai Power-stations on receipt of tender data and drawings from the contractors for the machinery. Other design work for powerstations included control-room alterations at Waikaremoana Main Station, structural alterations at Lake Coleridge to suit new outdoor station, and two-stall and seven-stall concrete garages at Cobb River. The latter, which are for rental to the operating staff, are very necessary in view of the isolation and the unfavourable climatic conditions. Switch-room buildings were designed for Greytown, Marton, Pahautanui, Upper Hutt, and Waiuku Substations, and a new workshop building for Mangamaire Substation. Plans were prepared for a workshop at Nelson Depot, and for a furnace-room at Hamilton administrative building. Drawings and specifications were prepared for a new hostel at Highbank and for additional staff quarters at Bombay and Dobson. Other staff accommodations was designed by the Housing Department. Electrical Section The requirements of lightning-arresters for all districts were investigated and essential data for specifications was prepared. The cable requirements for all districts were scheduled for the annual bulk order for cable. The metering procedure at all power-stations was investigated, and a uniform metering scheme developed for all installations. Numerous short-circuit calculations were carried out in connection with inductive interference calculations and investigations of circuit-breaker rupturing duties. Inspection of locally manufactured transformers was made at various times. Preliminary designs were prepared for 220 kV. switching structures sufficient to determine the quantity and type of equipment required for Maraetai, Whakamaru, Otahuhu, and Bunnythorpe. Drawings of the various items of equipment were prepared for specification purposes. A preliminary structure layout was prepared for Otahuhu Substation to determine the amount of land required. Preliminary layouts were also prepared to confirm the suitability of a site at Haywards for a future 220 kV. substation in the Wellington area. The equipment required for 220 kV. transmission made it necessary to investigate transport problems. Arrangements were made with the Railways Department for the construction of a special well-type wagon capable of carrying a load 20 ft. long by 10 ft. 6 in. wide by 12 ft. high and weighing 40 tons. Essential specification data was prepared for the ordering of a well-type road trailer of similar capacity. In the case of equipment for the new substation at Bunnythorpe it will be necessary to use road transport from Wellington to Paekakariki and rail transport between there and Bunnythorpe, because the loads are too large for some of the railway tunnels and too heavy for the road bridges at the Waikanae, Otaki, and Ohau Rivers. With the large amount of design and construction work in view in the near future it was felt that some form of standardization was necessary, and a considerable amount of time and effort was expanded in compiling a folder of over sixty standard drawings. These drawings refer mainly to the details of construction wiring and layout of equipment inside the substation building and have already had considerable application.

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Communications. Considerable work has been done in planning for future facilities required bv the expansion of the power system. Drawings and specifications were prepared for the supply of carrier-telephone equipment. Specifications were prepared for the supply of power-line carrier equipment for communication telemetering, and relay protection. Specifications have also been prepared for the supply of automatictelephone networks for installation at Waikaremoana and Karapiro. Design work has been completed on. standard equipment units which will be fitted into standard substation cubicles. These units will care for the switching and protection of the lines and also cover the relays, filters, and associated equipment connected with the installation. Preliminary consideration was given to the future requirements of channels for telegraphy, telemetering, remote indication, and supervisory control, particularly in connection with the needs of future system operation. Hydraulic Section Work on the Karapiro Dam and structures is virtually complete. General features and dimensions of the Maraetai Dam and associated structures are being worked out. I=s Details of the Waikaremoana Upper development and lake control have been carried 011 and proposals developed as conditions become apparent. The Cobb penstock and distribution system were completed and tested before going into service. Work on Highbank was completed in time for the station to operate during the winter. Details of Fekapo intake, tunnel, and other works are now being prepared. Investigation and Project Planning.—Work on the Waikato has been concentrated on the Maraetai project, where detailed surveys have been made on the banks and in the river. Foundations have been examined by bores, shafts, and drives, and tested for strength and other physical and chemical properties. An extensive search was made for sand and stone suitable for concrete aggregate and many tests have been made to determine their suitability. ' Studies have been made of minor schemes below the three major developments at Waikaremoana. hi the South Island studies _have continued in the upper Clarence River, at Black Jack's point 011 the Waitaki- River, and in the" Clutha River above Roxburgh. Reports are being obtained on the geological structure of those areas and of the quality of the foundation rocks. Some progress has also been made in testing foundations for the Cobb River dam. I have, &c., F. T. M. Kissbl, B.SC., M.1.E.E., A.M.1.C.E., Chief Electrical Engineer.

APPENDIX E

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD

The Hon. Minister of Works, Wellington. Sir, — In accordance with requirements of section 24 of the Main Highways Act, 1922, the Main Highways Board has the honour to submit its twenty-first annual report for presentation to Parliament. The report covers the period Ist April, 1944, to 31st March, 1945. General.—As was the case last year, the shortage in the supply of metal chips has held up sealing work in several localities, and until more crushing-plants are in operation throughout the country it seems inevitable that there must be a continuing lag in the sealing programme. The length of maintenance sealing carried out during the year was 152| miles, but it is very much below requirements, and unless some early improvement can be shown it is possible that sealed highways will be reverting to macadam roads. The length of new sealing completed was 33| miles, which is 6f miles less than that carried out the previous year; and 2,239 lin. ft. of bridges were erected, which is an increase of 607 ft. over the previous year, but 23,322 ft. less than the Board's peak year of 1938-39. A large programme of bridge renewals lies ahead, but sufficient skilled labour is not at present available, and it appears that this factor will be a delaying influence over the next few years. Local bodies are experiencing great difficulty in obtaining suitable timber for the repair of the smaller bridges, and this also is causing some concern. The adequate maintenance of highways under local-body control is only being carried on under the greatest of difficulties through the lack of suitable plant, chiefly graders. Some improvement in the import position covering this type of plant would bo of assistance to practically all local authorities, who, generally speaking, have been unable to obtain any new plant since the commencement of hostilities and are consequently compelled to use old plant that has long since proved uneconomic. It is anticipated that the revenue position for the year will show an improvement over last year's figure, but the Board is concerned over the amount of outstanding interest due to the Consolidated Fund and which now amounts to £897,580.

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Personnel.—lt is with deep regret that the Board has to record the death of Mr. F. R. Flatman on the 3rd June, 1945. Mr. Flatman, who was one of the members representing the New Zealand Counties' Association, was appointed to the Board 011 28th July, 1942, and brought to the Board a wide knowledge of county administration. Works.—The principal works carried out in the various districts during the year are as follows :—- In the Whangarei district nine bridge renewals, totalling 597 ft. in length, were completed. These comprised one bridge on the Whangarei-Awanui State Highway, five on Pakaraka-Awanui via Mangonui Highway, two on Hikurangi Marua Highway, and one on the Kaikohe-Maungatapere Highway. In addition, bridges totalling 1,875 ft. in length were under construction at the close of the period, and of these, 1,098 ft. were almost completed. Maintenance sealing was completed over 7\ miles of existing paved surfaces, and a programme of systematic grading and metalling was carried out to maintain the unsurfaced highways in good order. In the Auckland district principal attention has been given to upkeep of sealed surfaces, and some 18 miles of maintenance sealing was completed during the year. In addition, almost 9 miles of reconstruction was completed ready for surfacing and 11 miles reconstructed and sealed. The development and application of soil-testing methods to highway bases due for reconstruction has given excellent results. Work on bridge renewals in this district during the year has been slight owing to the continuing diversion of design and construction staff to urgent defence works. New bridges completed totalled 46 ft., and 158 ft. was in hand at close of period. Although a considerable length of maintenance sealing was contemplated during the year in the Tauranga district, available supplies of sealing chips permitted the completion of only 6 miles. On the Whakatane-Gisborne State Highway placing of 1,000 cubic yards of rock and willow protection was necessitated by a large washout in Waimana Gorge. In the Gisborne district advantage was taken of a long spell of dry weather to concentrate on the repairs of flood damage caused the previous year. This work was principally river protection and metalling, 19,500 cubic yards of metal being spread on State highways and 9,000 on main highways. Some 600 ft. of pipe culvert was installed and 1-| miles of resealing work completed. Early in the period extensive flood damage occurred in the Napier district, affecting particularly the Napier- Gisborne via Hangaroa and Napier-Taupo State Highways. This necessitated removal of some 80,000 cubic yards of slips and spreading of 7,000 cubic yards of metal. During the year 4f- miles of maintenance sealing and § mile of new sealing was completed and 4 miles of State highway reconstructed in readiness for sealing. One bridge renewal was put in hand during the year on the Taupo-Napier State highway and major repairs carried out on two large main-highway bridges. In the Taumarunui district the principal work was maintenance of metalled highways. This absorbed some 20,000 cubic yards of metal on both State and main highways. A 12-mile section of the Piopio-Tatu Main Highway was widened and strengthened extensively to give improved access to the opencast coal-mining operations in that vicinity. During the year 2| miles of maintenance sealing was completed and 2J miles of the Te Kuiti - New Plymouth State Highway was reconstructed and sealed. In the Taranaki district 19| miles of maintenance sealing was completed during the year, some 14 miles of this being on State highways. Approximately 4,000 cubic yards of metal was spread to maintain the metalled sections of State highways and over 3,000 cubic yards used to strengthen shoulders on existing sealed surfaces. Some flood damage was sustained during December on State highways, and this has been made good. An increase of 4J miles in the sealed lengths of highway in Wanganui district was achieved by the sealing of 3 miles on National Park-Wanganui State Highway and by the existence of 1-| miles of sealing on the newly declared Waiouru-Tokaanu Main Highway. In addition, 16f miles of maintenance sealing was carried out, and one bridge replacement completed —viz., Torupapa River Bridge on the Pipiriki Raetihi-Ohakune Main Highway, length, 152 ft. In Wellington districts attention has been given mainly to holding existing sealed surfaces. Some 44 miles of maintenance sealing has been completed during the year. Of this, approximately half is on State highways. A length of 2 miles of the Porirua - Titahi Bay Main Highway, which was badly damaged by military traffic, was reconstructed ready for sealing, and 5| miles of the Foxton-Shannon Main Highway, which carried detour traffic during construction of the Whirokino Bridge, was metalled. Bridges completed during the year totalled 1,056 ft., and included the 590 ft. Whirokino Bridge over the Manawatu River on the Wauganui-Levin State Highway, as well as the Ruamahanga River Bridge of 332 ft. on the Martinborough-Masterton Main Highway. Several large concrete-box culverts were constructed to replace small bridges due for renewal, and at close of the period bridges totalling 440 ft. in length were under construction. During the year in the Nelson district the renewal of two bridges was completed. They are the Clark River Bridge (80 ft.) and the Coal Creek Bridge (45 ft.), both on the Nelson-Westport State Highway, and the combined length of approaches constructed amounts to 25 chains. In addition, a temporary bridge was built to replace Jubilee Bridge, near Motueka, on Richmond Collingwood State Highway, which collapsed when struck by a truck, and considerable repairs were carried out to one pier of the Wairau River Bridge on the Blenheim-Nelson State Highway. Six miles of maintenance sealing was completed during the year, all on State highways, and some 19,000 cubic yards of maintenance metal spread in all. On the Renwicktown-Summerlands Main Highway 8J miles of new sealing was completed. On the Picton-Christchurch State Highway reconstruction of 2J miles near Spring Creek was commenced, portion of the base course being laid.

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Considerable flood-damage restoration at Woodhen Bend on the Nelson-Westport Highway was carried out. The year was one of the most consistently wet periods recorded in the West Coast district, and this occasioned considerable flood damage and some deterioration of highways. A length of 3-J miles of maintenance sealing and 64 chains of new sealing was carried out, the latter on the Greymouth-Waiho State Highway. Four bridges of total length 195 ft. have been completed, as well as bridge and culvert approaches for these and for previously completed structures. Two further bridges are now under construction. In North Canterbury 90 chains of the Picton-Christchurch State Highway and 3|- miles of the Hawarden-Heathstock Main Highway were resealed, and a contract for a further 5 miles of this work near Kaikoura has been awarded. Replacement of a small bridge on the Picton-Christchurch Highway at Tin Hut Creek by twinpipe culverts is in hand. At Kaiapoi, on the same highway, construction of a 160 ft. bridge over the north branch of the Waimakariri was about one-third completed at close of the period. Near this site preparatory work for erection of the projected overbridge has been in hand. In the Mid-Canterbury district some eight miles of maintenance sealing was completed during the year. On the main south highway between Winchester and Temuka two deviations totalling 40 chains in length were formed and metalled. Maintenance sealing in the South Canterbury district totalled 49 chains for the year. Considerable flood damage was sustained by highways in South Canterbury and Otago districts towards the close of the period. In Central and South Otago districts a total length of approximately 9 miles of maintenance sealing was completed during the year, despite the interference of flood conditions with the sealing season. On St. Bathan's Loop Highway replacement of a timber bridge with a 40 ft. concrete structure was put in hand, and on the Milton-Queenstown State Highway the construction of f mile of concrete footpath was completed adjacent to Roxborough. In Southland district 4f miles of maintenance sealing has been carried out in Gore and Bluff Boroughs lengths of State highways. On the Queenstown-Invercargill State Highway between Branxholm and Burtons Corner 2| miles of new sealing was completed, and four small concrete bridge renewals of a total length of 68 ft., together with 30 chains of approaches. General maintenance and a steady programme of metalling has been maintained as permitted by man-power, &c. Contacts with Local Bodies and Automobile Associations. —During the latter part of the financial year covered by this report the Board visited the North Auckland, Auckland, and Tauranga Highways Districts for the purpose of inspecting the highways and conferring with local bodies and motoring interests. This was the first tour of inspection made by the Board since the commencement of the war in Europe, and it can be said that, chiefly speaking, the Board found the condition of highways better than they expected, and, although maintenance had not been kept up to first-class standard in several localities, it was fairly reasonable under the circumstances. During the conferences with local authorities the Board was unable to agree to recommend the declaration of additional highways at the present time, but promised to review all applications just as soon as the Board's financial position allowed it to accept additional responsibilities. The Board is grateful for the co-operation given by local authorities and automobile associations during the difficult years of the European war, and looks forward to continuation of the same good relations in the future. Magnetic Truck, —During the year this machine has been in operation clearing aerodromes and military camps in the North Island ; also sweeping main highways when travelling between the various defence depots. The machine is also hired when requested to local authorities and private concerns for the same purpose—that is, to pick up all puncture-producing materials. During the year the weight of puncture-producing articles picked up on defence works was 8,842 lb., on highways 8,386 lb. (over a distance of 2,887 miles), and on local-body and private areas, 6,505 lb. The average weight of material picked up on highways in the North Island for the year has therefore been 2-95 lb. per mile, as compared with the previous years average (for both the North and South Islands) of 1-43 lb. per mile. Since September, 1944, there has been a trailer-type magnet operating in the South Island. The weight of puncture-producing articles picked up to 31st March, 1945, on defence areas was 580-lb., on highways 1,767 lb. (over a distance* of 2,038 miles), and on local-body and private areas 980 lb. The average weight of material picked up on highways in the South Island for the period mentioned above has therefore been -867 lb. per mile. Sign-posting. —The amount expended by the Board during the year in subsidizing the erection and maintenance of road signs by the Automobile Association of New Zealand was £2,888. Examination for Foremen and Overseers of Road Construction. —The eighteenth examination for Foremen and Overseers of Road Construction was held on the 6th December, 1944, when 16 candidates presented themselves for examination. Thirteen papers on general road construction and maintenance and 9 papers on tar, bituminous, and concrete-road construction were returned. Seven, candidates were successful in passing Paper No. 1, while 6 candidates passed Paper No. 2. One candidate passed the full examination, and a further 3 who had previously secured a partial pass completed the examination. The 8 candidates who were successful in one paper only were credited with a partial pass. The Board appreciates the valuable assistance given by the Public Works Department in matters relating to highways administration, and extends its sincere thanks to the officers concerned. Signed on behalf of the Main Highways Board : W. L. Newnham, M.lnst.C.E., Chairman.

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MAIN HIGHWAYS ACCOUNT Statement showing Particulars of Net Expenditure on Construction, Renewals, Maintenance, etc., for the Year ended 31st March, 1945, and Total to Date

15

of Renewals of Main Highways. Maintenance. Repairs, &c., of Main Highways. Totals. Total since _ Total since Total since Total for Year Inception of Main Total for Total since Total for Inception of Main Total for Inception of Main 1944-45. Highways Act, 1922, Year 1944-45. 1/4/36 to 31/S/45. Year 1944-45. Highways Act, 1922, Year 1944-45. Highways Act, 1922, to 31/3/45. to 31/3/45. to 31/3/45. Highway District— £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ S°- 1 " •• •• •■ ! 8 > 754 1,420,256 51,914 228,448 91,700 1,246,511 152,368 2,895,215 £°- 2 .. .. .. 47,863 2,838,858 5,771 178,050 156,612 2,283,722 j 210,246 5,300,630 5°- 3 •• •• •• -• 6,347 932,649 626 67,710 128,055 1,397,267 i 135,028 2,397,626 S°- 4 " •• •• •• Or. 9 637,750 98 81,331 59,054 964,589 i 59,143 1,683,670 5 •• •• •• •• 10,556 831,854 5,801 72,451 108,155 1,437,562 124,512 2,341,867 6 •• •• 8,679 810,180 170 24,890 61,799 962,104 \ 70,648 1,797,174 5°- I '■ ■■ ■■ •• 1,236 916,823 58 37,308 55,717 893,238 57,011 1,847,369 £°- 8 •• •• •• •• 3,405 975,791 17,444 53,798 73,599 1,004,573 94,448 2,034,162 £°- 9 •• •• •• •• 2,034 1,467,647 35,265 101,366 71,260 1,102,143 108,559 2,671,156 lvo - 10 •• •• •• •• 325 424,892 13,145 84,106 37,403 805,333 50,873 1,314,331 Totals for North Island .. .. 89,190 11,256,700 130,292 929,458 843,354 12,097,042 1,062,836 24,283,200 i* '• •• ■■ -• 9. 494 1,018,617 6,203 i 24,518 76,773 j 1,019,383 ! 92,470 2,062,518 £°" }2 •• •• •• 9,536 1,064,478 ' 13,533 ! 117,996 109,470 1,603,161 \ 132,539 ! 2,785,635 •' '• '• •' 7 ' 112 348,686 2,638 7,584 32,117 454,731 41,867 811,001 £°- J 4 " •• •• 3.025 854,858 9,469 16,004 41,317 | 664,520 j 53,811 1,535,382 •• •• •• J ' 668 553,675 2,942 15,039 39,228 j 729,357 \ 43,838 1,298,071 tt°' M! •' •• •• 944 879,434 162 13,425 47,500 j 618,916 48,606 1,511,775 ™°-\l 699 835,394 661 i 14,993 36,954 545,341 38,314 1,395,728 - No - 18 •• •• •• •• j 2,440 1,018,897 3,420 42,092 45,430 727,393 51,290 1,788,382 Totals for South Island .. .. 34,918 j 6,574,039 39,028 | 251,651 428,789 6,362,802 502,735 13,188,492 Totals for Dominion .. .. 124,108 17,830,739 169,320 1,181,109 1,272,143 18,459,844 1,565,571 37,471,692

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MAIN HIGHWAYS ACCOUNT— continued Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1945, and Total to Date

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— ~~ ~ Total since To ? al slnce EXPENDITURE. ! Act INC0ME ' Yearmfis. to 31/3/45. to / /* £ £ Loans raised under Main Highways Act, 1922, and National Development £ £ s „ .. -a™—., *». <~ »» ".«.«« :: :: :: 60 '°" ) statement) Consolidated Fund —Public Debt Repayment Account .. .. .. 55,720 Administration— _ -I.--, tra wlins exnenses £ Receipts under section 15, Finance Act, 1923, from Public Works Fund, .. 1,226,000 Administration expenses (mcludmg * General Purposes Account (at 4 per cent, interest) office rents, printing, stationery, postages, and miscellaneous 1 472 530 60,000 14,337,251 expenses) .. •• n fVh P MainHicrhwavs ' Revenue transferred from the Consolidated Fund .. .. •• 1,773,286 33,399,642 Fees and travelling-expenses of members of the Mam Highways , Interest from investments .. .. .. •• •• •• •• ! 218,444 other than Government mem ers .. .. ' ■■ > Interest from local authorities on plant purchased on their behalf .. 408 39,249 Miscellaneous expenses taiKp, transnort of Interest on advances to local authorities .. .. •. • • 855 46,477 Advertising, maps, rent of halls, traffic tallies, transport ol Miscellaneous receipts •• -• •• 5.005 30,697 samples, depreciation offurmture &c'relatives of deceased " ' Transfer from ConsoHdated Fund (section 14, Main Highways Act, 1922) .. 210,000 Compassionate grants to widows and relatives of deceased Rent of and tolls from ferries •• 2,082 Compensation under section 3, Public Works Amendment ' excess of expenditure over income, carried to General 536,878 701,833 Act, 1925 .. .. •• •• •• •• •• g'887 Exchange on remittances .. .. •• •• •• ' Grant to Transport Department towards Traffic inspection .. .. •• Petrological laboratorv and other experimental work, expenses of.. .. •• •• 682 •• 17,071 Total administration .. •• ■■ 64,837 1,576,324 Loan charges — Charges and expenses of raising loans, management charges of Consolidated Stock on account of Construction Fund, &c. .. .. •• 88,U8U Interest on amount appropriated out of Public Works Fund and paid into Main Highways Account Construction Fund .. 49,040 •• 88i,lM Interest on loans, recoupment to Consolidated Fund (section 4, Finance Act, 1919) 467,278 .. HA'fd* Transfer to reserve for redemption of main highway securities.. .. •• Payment to local authorities in commutation of toll-gate charges (Finance Act, 1925, section 20) .. .. •• -- 1,518 •• 37,798 Payment to Wellington City Council in commutation of fees chargeable in respect of motor-vehicles using Hutt Road (Hutt Road Act, 1939, section 6) .. ..12,501 •• 397,421 Total loan charges .. •.. •• 530,337 6,273,110 Subsidies, &c., in respect of other than main highways Municipal Corporations (Municipal Corporations Act, 1933, section 71) •• 32,395 -- 439,463 County Councils and other local authorities (Finance Act, 1930, section 37) 183,292 .. 2,061,388 Subsidies to County Councils for rebate to ratepayers (Fmance Act (No. 4), 1931, section 45) .. ... .. .. ... •• iH6,8\)6 Subsidy on rates levied on farming land (Finance Act (No. 3), 1934, section 28) .. •• •• •• " 366,887 Maintenance and construction of roads giving access to outlying areas (Finance Act (No. 3), 1931) . ■ • ■ - • - • • ■ ' Total subsidies .. .. 215,687 3,664,549 £2,376,432 £48,985,675 £2,376,432 £48,985,675

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MAIN HIGHWAYS ACCOUNT— continued General Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1945

J. W. Scott, A.R.A.N.Z., Cliief Accountant, Public Works Department. W. L. Newxham, M.lnst.C.E., 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.— Cyril G. Collins, Controller and Auditor-General.

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LIABILITIES. Total. ASSETS. Total. | £ £ £ £ Consolidated Fund: Interest due .. .. .. .. .. .. 897,580 Cash in Public Account — Sundry creditors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 171,110 At call .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,968 Sundry debtors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29,281 Advances to local authorities (Main Highways Amendment Act, 1926, .. 19,594 section 2) Motor-registration fees in hands of Postal Department .. .. .. .. 11 *366 Interest due and accrued .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 523 Buildings and land .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 88,539 Stocks of materials, tools, &c. .. .. .. .. .. j .. 133,704 Furniture, fittings, &c. — Expenditure to 31/3/45 .. .. .. .. .. .. 927 Less depreciation to 31/3/45 .. .. .. .. .. 754 ' 173 Plant and equipment — For Main Highways Board — Expenditure to 31/3/45 .. .. .. .. .. 654,113 Less depreciation charged to works .. .. .. .. 588,571 ! 65,542 Purchased for local authorities — Expenditure to 31/3/45 .. .. .. .. .. 367,935 Less repayments of principal .. .. .. .. .. 354,768 13,167 Excess of expenditure over income for 1944-45 .. .. .. 536,878 Balance at 31st March, 1944 .. .. .. .. .. 164,955 701,833 £1,068,690 | 1 £1,068,690 1 | = Notes. —(a) No liability is included for interest on loans redeemed out of Public Debt Repayment Account. (5) The two funds, previously known as " Construction " and " Revenue," were amalgamated as from 1st April, 1936, and are now termed the " Main Highways Account," in accordance with section 3, Finance Act (No. 2), 1935.

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APPENDIX F THIRD ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SOIL CONSERVATION AND RIVERS CONTROL COUNCIL The Hon. Minister op Works. Sir, — In accordance with the requirements of section 33 of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act, 1941, the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council has the honour to submit its third annual report for presentation to Parliament. The report covers the period Ist April, 1944, to 31st March, 1945. General The Council mot on seven occasions during the year, and as was the case last year it is necessary to report that the restriction imposed by wartime conditions has limited constructional activities to works of particular urgency and to the maintenance of existing works. Details of the more important of these works and of the Council's general activities are referred to under their respective headings. Catchment Boards The election of members for the six catchment districts referred to in the last report was held in conjunction with the 1944 local-authority elections, the first meetings of the Boards being held shortly afterwards, and were attended by representatives of the Council. These Boards have since been busily engaged in preliminary administrative detail and in making a thorough reconnaissance of their respective districts. As is the case in most new activities, some administrative difficulties have arisen, and the Council has decided to hold a conference of delegates from all Boards and to discuss these difficulties and also policy questions bearing on future activities. The conference is to be held shortly. Catchment Districts The following catchment districts were constituted during the year in terms of section 34 of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act:—• Rangitikei, comprising generally the whole of the area embracing the catchments of the Rangitikei, Turakina, and Wangaehu Rivers. Poverty Bay, comprising generally the area bounded in the north by the northern watershed of the Waiapu River and including the catchments of all rivers to the south down to and including the watershed of the Maraetaha River. Westland, comprising the whole of the counties of Grey and Westland, together with that part of the Inangahua County which drains into the Grey River. Southland, comprising generally the area draining into the sea from east of Waikawa Harbour to the west coast and including the whole of the catchments of the Mataura; Oreti, Aparima, and Waiau Rivers and extending to the west to include all Fiord County. The following is a complete list of the districts which have been constituted :—

The Council's proposals for the setting-up of catchment districts throughout New Zealand provide for not more than twenty-four districts. The most urgent areas are being dealt with first, and it may be some years before all the districts are constituted. Soil Conservation Districts Regulations have been issued covering the administration of soil conservation districts, which may be constituted in terms of section 13 of the Act. No districts have as yet been declared, but investigations are proceeding into the matter of the selection of suitable areas. For the most part these will be the more sparsely populated areas where there are no large river catchments and where Catchment Board control is not warranted.

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Area Capital Population Name. (approxi- Valuation (approxi- Headquarters of Board, mate). (approximate). mate). Square Miles. £ Kangitikei .. .. 2,756 16,200,000 26,470 Marton. Manawatu .-. .. 2,680 40,000,000 75,800 Palmerston North. Hawke'sBay .. .. 3,070 28,550,000 57,800 Napier. Wairarapa .. .. 2,230 17,770,000 26,250 Masterton. Poverty Bay .. .. 2,097 15,100,000 31,500 Gisborne. Nelson .. .. 2,4-60 9,515,000 30,570 Nelson. Westland .. .. 6,254 4,525,000 26,820 Not fixed. North Canterbury .. 4,290 56,700,000 162,750 Christchurch. South Canterbury .. 4,326 29,500,000 61,850 Timaru. Southland .. 11,000 27,300,000 71,850 Not fixed.

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Soil Conservation Reserves Soil conservation reserves are areas which require to be under the direct ownership and control of the Council for the purpose of undertaking soil conservation measures or for demonstration or research projects. They are acquired under section 16 of the Act, and it is proposed to select areas in the different districts which are typical of the various erosion problems and to carry out, as trained staff and equipment can be made available, investigations into the technique of remedial work. The undermentioned areas are being dealt with at the present time, while suitable sites for other areas are being investigated. Ruatoria.—Action is in hand to acquire an area of approximately 1,500 acres of badly eroding country behind Ruatoria Township. Control works are necessary to check erosion, which has already imperilled portion of the township and communication. The area will also be very suitable for experimental work. Ihungia.—An area of badly eroded country inland from Te Puia Springs being acquired in conjunction with the Main Highways Board for experimental work and for planting as a protective work for the highway. Waikoau - Te Ngaru.—An area of about 1,000 acres adjoining the Napier-Wairoa State Highway 20 miles north of Napier. Erosion on the steep hillsides has been most spectacular and has caused heavy damage to highway, which has been repeatedly blocked to traffic. The area is typical of the hill country in the district, and results from preventive measures will bo watched with interest. Work of planting this area in conjunction with Main Highways Board is about to begin. It is proposed to plant blocks of various species of trees, particularly macrocarpa, Oregon, and robinia. The work will have a considerable protective and economic value, besides its experimental value. are still proceeding for the acquisition of property. In the meantime an aerial survey of the whole area has been made. Wither Hills.—This locality is two miles south of Blenheim and exhibits very severe sheet and gully erosion and a very large part of the original cover and fertility has been lost. An area of 400 acres of this hill country only 2 miles from Blenheim has been acquired and closed to grazing. Differential planting has been carried out with various trees, grasses, and plants. Wangamoa.—This reserve is located in the Wangamoa Valley between Nelson and Havelock, being an area of poor and partly farmed bush country adjoining State forest. No operations have yet been possible. Research and Experimental Work There can of necessity be very little activity in the field of research work, due to the lack of trained personnel and the impossibility of obtaining the necessary equipment. However, in association with Departments and the district committees, a certain amount of preliminary planning is being done. The Council has assisted in the establishment of plots in the high country of the South Island for vegetative trials in erosion control. The Council also imported grasses for trial in these areas. A small amount of kudzu seed, the plant which has gained a high reputation in America, was imported and plants successfully raised in Whangarei and Gisborne for distribution throughout New Zealand later. Similarly, one thousand rooted cuttings of shipmast locust (Robinia pseudoaccicia erectissima) were imported and distributed for trial in protection against sheet and gully erosion. The Council is taking considerable interest in the operations being carried out on the Molesworth Station, situated in the headwaters of the Awatere Valley, Marlborough. This property, although not managed in any way by the Council, being under the control of the Lands and Survey Department, is virtually a vast experimental area in the management of high country. The Council has initiated a number of important river surveys enumerated under the heading " Works," but in this instance also the work is limited by available staff. Research work is planned and will be put into operation as soon as opportunity offers on the reserves referred to in the previous section. Educational and Publicity Work The Council's programme of educational and publicity work was inaugurated with the distribution to farmers, local authorities, schools, libraries, banks, stock and station agents, and other organizations of a bulletin, " The Menace of Soil Erosion, in New Zealand," published by the Council. The demand created was such that a reprint has been necessary. Three bulletins kindly made available by the Department of Scientific and Industrial " Research dealing with the depletion of vegetation and the extent of soil erosion in New Zealand were made available to secondary schools and agricultural colleges. There is an encouraging demand from schools for literature on the subject, due, no doubt, to the greater prominence of social studies and agriculture in the curricula of these schools. Three further bulletins have been prepared, but have been delayed by the demands on the existing printing facilities. The Council has also published a book, " Soil Erosion in New Zealand," by K. B. Cumberland, Lecturer in Geography, Canterbury University College. This work is a valuable survey of the problem of soil erosion in New Zealand and is very fully illustrated with photographs and maps. This is the first major publication on the subject as it affects New Zealand, and is the correlation of information drawn from many sources, and these, combined with the author's very keen observations, make the work a very valuable one. Four film strips illustrating the various aspects of soil erosion and conservation, emphasizing the value of the prevention of fire and the control of grazing, were prepared and released to Catchment Boards, schools, and colleges for lecture and teaching purposes. Further film strips are proposed, and. to cater for these an extensive library of photographs is being built up. The importance of sound films has been evidenced by the interest displayed in the showing of a number of American films on conservation and river subjects. Arrangements are in hand to prepare several New Zealand films. To enable these to be shown to those most concerned a mobile movie projection unit is proposed.

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Several agricultural and pastoral shows were visited during the year and enlarged photographs of local erosion were exhibited and talkie films screened. A practical demonstration by a working model which illustrates the varying rates of soil and water loss under different conditions of cover was the subject of considerable interest. During the year numerous requests were received for publications, photographs, film strips, screening of films, and lectures, and were complied with. The public interest evinced is encouraging and the Council is building its facilities to meet future demands. Inspection During the year the Council had the opportunity of visiting the Otago, Southland, and Wairarapa districts. Works The following is a brief resume of the principal activities in the various districts :— Whangarei District.—ln the scheme for the relief of flooding at Pokapu the road and railway bridges over the new channel are completed, and the channel is complete except for deepening at bridge-sites. Auckland District. —The stop-bank work to protect the Matatoki Drainage Area, in Thames County, is well advanced, and arrangements have been made for proceeding with the Wharepoa Drainage Area. Tauranga District. —Heavy stone protection along the Whakatane River near Whakatane Borough was authorized during the year, but it has been impossible to do any of the work due to shortage of labour. Protection on the right bank higher up using willow mattress work is partly completed. Heavy protection work above the Ruatoki Bridge is well in hand. An engineering survey to prepare a scheme for the control of the Whakatane River was commenced during the year. Taumarunui District. —The stop-banking work protecting Taumarunui Borough was completed. Arrangements have been made to let a contract for 9 chains of concrete protective work. Gisborne District.—The Waipaoa River improvement work was put in hand. The mouth of this river has travelled 2| miles south along the coast and the work involves the construction of a cut-off groyne and pilot channel to form a new mouth to shorten the course. A double-pile permeable groyne 800 ft. in length is well advanced and pilot channel has been cut in readiness for development by a flood. Two small works brought about by the heavy flood of March, 1944, the repair of the Waipaoa Settlement stop-bank, and drainage-works to dewater Torries Lagoon were completed. Napier District.—No construction works were carried out, but a number of important surveys were completed. These include the extensive survey of the Tukituki River, the survey of the Manawatu River near Woodville, and the surveys of the Lower Esk and Pakuratahi Valleys for flood control. Wanganui District.—ln the Rangitikei River the development of a heavy meander in the lower reaches caused heavy erosion on the right bank in the vicinity of Flock House. Two diversion cuts totalling 130 chains in length were constructed by bulldozers through coarse gravel-beds with a view to full diversion of river to an improved centre-line. The initial development of the cats has been satisfactory. Wellington District.—Manawatu River : The major work has been the completion of the Whirokino Cut, which shortened river by 5| miles. The pilot cut involved about 400,000 cubic yards of excavation. The cut has developed splendidly and has already improved flood and drainage conditions in the lower river. A further cut comprising 30,000 cubic yards of sand and shingle is being excavated by bulldozer to improve the alignment of the river at Walker's Road, a point about 1 mile above the Longburn Bridge : an extensive survey is in hand between Palmerston North and Ashhurst. Development works have also been undertaken by the Manawatu-Oroua River Board. These represent the construction of a new flood-gate at Koputaroa and the setting-back of low stop-banks in the lower river. The excavation of Tapunga No. 2 Cut is well advanced in line with the excellent development of No. 1 Cut upstream. Further cuts at Holden's No. 1 and a pilot cut at Koputaroa were completed. Puklowski's Cut, on the Oroua River, is in hand. A considerable amount of heavy bank protection was carried out by the Makerua Drainage Board. Otaki River: Further repair to bank protective works were carried out near racecourse, also a survey of lower river in readiness for the heavy channel excavation planned for next year. Waikawa Stream: The mouth of this stream had moved for some miles south along the coast. A narrow channel was excavated by bulldozers across the coastal sand-spit and has scoured very successfully, reducing the course by miles. Ruamahunga River : Heavy repair works have been carried out on Ruamahunga River and tributaries. These include heavy gabions on the Waiohine River, earthquake repairs to Kahautara River Board's stop-banks, and routine repair work near Masterton. Hutt River : A survey is well advanced for the preparation of a comprehensive scheme for flood control of river up to the Taita Gorge. Nelson District.—Wairoa River : A survey for flood control is in hand at Brightwater and clearingwork has been completed in several places. Motueka River : The first instalment of protective work against erosion on the right bank has been carried out over a Wgth of 5 chains using heavy stone from Takaka Hill. The work required to be particularly massive, as it provides security for Motueka Borough. Farther upstream 120 chains of clearing-works were carried out in the Glen Rae Stream. Riwaka River : Willow-clearing has been carried out and also repairs to the stop-bank. Takaka River : A major stream diversion is in hand in vicinity of Takaka to develop a straight course away from a point where erosion is acute. The work is*Bs per cent, complete, representing over 20,000 cubic yards. Greymouth District.—Oparara River : Further stone protection has been carried out to check bank erosion, and the extension of the stone mole to straighten mouth is in hand. Karamea River : Stone-work protection was completed at Hird's and Simpson's, together with miscellaneous small works.

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Little Wanganui: Heavy clearing was carried out in stream-bed following extensive flood-damage work involved the clearing of trees, rubbish, and accretions of shingle by bulldozer and has effected considerable improvement. Taramakau River : A commencement was made with the construction of a stop-bank and protective stronghead, but progress has been severely interrupted by floods. Hokitika River : Near Camelback a scheme of works has been carried out to prevent the river breaking into a new course. The scheme provides for a high cut-off stop-bank protected by massive concrete and gabion stronghead. Work has been, interrupted by floods, but is nearly complete. Poerua River : A commencement has been made with heavy stone protection along a length of 20 chains to prevent river invading the Hari Hari Settlement. Christehurch District.—A very severe flood occurred towards the end of February, 1945, causing heavy damage, especially in the Ashley and Orari Rivers and in the Timaru district. Repair work is continuing. Ashburton River : Further work has been carried out clearing heavy willow from stream-bed and erecting stop-banks. To date 2,300 acres have been cleared in floodway and stop-banks built for 20| miles, and a substantial portion of the work has been handed over to the Ashburton County for maintenance. The effectiveness of the work was well demonstrated in the recent floods. Ashley River : A channel diversion was carried out in lower reaches to straighten river on a new centre-line, and heavy development on this line occurred during the February flood. A considerable number of surveys were carried out, notably in connection with Lake Ellesmere drainage, improvements to the Kowhai River at Kaikoura, and Russels Flat drainage in Tawera County. Dunedin District.—Taieri River : Repair works occasioned by the flood of 1944 were partly completed when the further heavy February floods occurred. The main control works were not damaged, but further repairs will be necessary in East Taieri. The widening and deepening of Lee Creek has been continued. A comprehensive survey of the Taieri River scheme is in hand. Clutha River : The farming area and the river-control works in the vicinity of Balclutha were very severely damaged in the February flood of 105,000 cusecs. This was by no means a record, but inundation was extensive in all areas and severe breaches occurred in every stop-bank system and an especially large one at Stirling. This breach was repaired with great difficulty because of the high river, swift current, and loose material of river-bank. A considerable time must elapse before repair works can be completed. Further works have become necessary as a result of the flood, especially heavy stone protection of caving river-banks. A complete survey of the river has been commenced with a view to preparing a comprehensive control scheme. Pourakino River : A further 40 chains of snagging was completed. Oreti River : A survey has been initiated for preparation of a control scheme and 32 miles of river surveyed. The Council places on record its appreciation of the services rendered during the year by its small but efficient staff. Signed on behalf of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council. W. L. Newnham, M.lnst.C.E., Chairman.

APPENDIX G

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING CONSTRUCTION

The Director of Housing Construction to the Hon. the Minister of Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the Department's activities for the year ended 31st March, 1945 :— (1) General. —The past year has probably been even more difficult than its predecessors for the Department and contractors engaged on housing work, as shortage of materials and fittings—for instance, timber, bricks, interior linings, stores, &c. —has considerably delayed the completion of houses which in normal times would have been finished and occupied. In addition, the more or less sudden transfer of building organizations to housing work at the conclusion of the main defence programme generally unbalanced the allied trades, so that, although the actual building work could in most cases proceed, sub-trades were not in a position to carry works to completion as expeditiously as desired. Furthermore, the sharp increase in building operations necessitated the simultaneous prosecution of engineering development and house-construction, with resultant interference and delays. Despite these difficulties, however, 1,969 houses were completed during the year, much more than doubling the previous year's total of 880. (2) Building Construction.—(a) The majority of houses being erected by the Department are of standard wooden construction sheathed with timber, asbestos-cement sheets, brick veneer, or plaster, with tile or asbestos roofing. The difficulty in the supply of materials and labour has restricted to a large extent the potentialities of prefabrication, but every endeavour has been made to assist the contractors to enable them to erect houses with a minimum of delay consistent with sound building practice.

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(Ib) With a view to conserving timber, many types of construction have been investigated, mainly using concrete or concrete products. In every case where schemes have been submitted to the Department, careful consideration and investigation have been given to their practicability and potentialities. Excluding flats, 89 units utilizing concrete or concrete products are under construction, and 180 are in the process of negotiation. Experiments are also being carried out with various types of boxing for concrete construction. Of the various types of concrete construction, concrete-bearing wall construction comprises the largest proportion. Other types of construction being investigated include concrete blocks, cavity concrete with tile or concrete roofs, interlocking panels of pumice concrete, sawdust-cement panels, concrete blocks with reinforced-concrete frame, reinforced pumice-concrete panels and concrete frame, and " No Fines " concrete. The use of concrete floors and concrete roofs is being investigated and experimental houses erected as a result of research, and it is hoped that the usual difficulties associated with the use of these materials in house construction will be overcome. The use of Oamaru and other suitable building stone is being subjected to test to ascertain the potentialities of its greater use in small house construction. Waterproof plywood has been developed and has become a factor in the building industry. Several houses in this material are to be erected in the Auckland district. (c) Several schemes for the development of large blocks of flats in the four main centres have been prepared during the past year, there being two blocks totalling 61 units in Auckland ; ten blocks totalling 78 units in Wellington, Petone, and Lower Hutt; and eight blocks comprising 330 units are either ready for tendering or in an advanced stage of designing in Auckland and Wellington. (3) Purchase of Land.—So far as depleted staff would permit, the Department has continued its active policy of purchasing land in advance of immediate building capacity, in readiness for the accelerated programme of house-building when the materials and labour problems ease. Very few serviced sections are now available for acquisition in the main centres, and the Department has had to concentrate more on larger blocks for subdivision and development. During the year land was purchased sufficient for 2,145 building-sites, bringing the cumulative total to 42,061. The Department is holding land for 25,000 houses, including sections on which building is proceeding, but much of this land is still undeveloped. (4) Land Development.—Steady progress has been maintained in the planning of land acquired for development preparatory to the'commencement of the engineering and building construction work. Several large projects have been treated, notably areas in Lower Hutt at Taita (1,600 houses), Mount Roskill, Auckland (1,100 houses), Caversham, Dunedin (320 houses), and Tamaki, Auckland (8,000 houses), the last named in broad outline only. These schemes are more or less complete entities and entail the planning of all residential amenities, including shops, community centres, recreation reserves, schools, &c. The actual development of the land has been prosecuted to the utmost extent permitted by the prevailing shortage of qualified engineering staff and of labour and materials. The work comprises the construction of streets, sewers, and water reticulation, levelling of sections, and provision of paths, fences, and hedges. During the year 21 miles of streets have been constructed to a stage approaching completion, together with storm-water drainage, sewerage, and water supply. (5) Standards. —The Department is maintaining the standards of living accommodation adopted at its inception. From time to time minor alterations have been made to designs as dictated by materials available and expressed desires of public opinion, but, despite rising costs, the standard provided still conforms to the policy of improving the people's housing. (6) Housing Improvement.—The Housing Improvement Bill, designed to prevent the growth of slums and to improve housing conditions in areas where the standard of buildings is not satisfactory, was introduced into Parliament last year and passed its first reading. It has now been circulated to all bodies which would be responsible for its administration for their information and comment. The Bill has received general approval, and some useful suggestions have been forthcoming from the local authorities. These will be given consideration before the Bill is re-introduced for its second reading during this session of Parliament. (7) Rural Housing.—(a) With a view to maintaining and increasing primary production, the Department, in collaboration with Primary Production Councils and the State Advances Corporation, undertook the provision of both temporary and permanent rural housing for farm workers under the Rural Housing Emergency Scheme, 1944. Costs are temporarily met out of the Housing Construction vote with a subsidy from the War Expenses Account. This scheme includes temporary accommodation utilizing surplus Army huts on farms where the conditions do not warrant or pending the erection of permanent dwellings. Hutments, which may be hired or purchased outright, are supplied to the fanner complete and ready for occupation. The permanent accommodation comprises two standard designs with the usual amenities to be found in to-day's modern house, and with provision for additional rooms at a later date. These dwellings may be purchased for cash or finance may be arranged by the applicant through the State Advances Corporation. The period for application was extended from the 30th November, 1944, until the 31st March, 1945, for the benefit of the farming community, and at the closing date a total of 467 temporary and 82 permanent dwellings has been approved, with a number of applications still under action. Despite obvious difficulties in arranging erection in rural districts, the Department, by affording the scheme first priority in man-power and materials and by negotiating group contracts wherever possible, is concentrating its resources on providing this accommodation at the earliest possible date, thus considerably assisting the Dominion's drive for increased food production as part of its contribution towards the common issue of the Allied Nations. (b) The Department has also undertaken the erection of farm houses in connection with the Land Settlement Scheme operated through the Department of Lands and Survey.

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Approximately thirty special designs of houses adapted to varying site conditions and accommodation requirements have been prepared in close collaboration with the Department of Lands and Survey. Farm buildings, including milk-sheds, implement-sheds, piggeries, and wool-sheds, are included in this scheme, and these also have been the subject of research to establish practical standards for the purposes of this scheme. In some cases work in connection with this scheme has taken the form of extensive alteration, subdivision, and removal of existing buildings. Every endeavour has been made to make the maximum use of present buildings, even to the extent that, when nothing else can be done with them, the demolished materials are used as far as is practicable for new houses or sheds. So far work has been undertaken in connection with nearly forty land blocks, in most cases involving subdivision, making a total of approximately one hundred and thirty holdings. Contracts have been let or completed for over fifty farm houses. Preparatory work for building contracts is in hand for approximately eighty further farms. Most of the farms are dairy propositions, and in nearly every case a milking-shed and an implement-shed are required in addition to the house. (8) Man-power.--The man-power position in the building industry has improved to some extent, the total labour force employed directly by the Department and contractors at 31st March being 3,645, as against 3,170 a year ago. It is anticipated that this number will be considerably increased as men in the Armed Forces are released, but, due to the unbalance in the allied building trades, it may be some time before the increased man-power will take full effect. (9) Expenditure. —The cumulative net expenditure up to 31st March, 1945, for the purchase and servicing of land, and the erection of joinery-factories and houses, including all administrative charges, amounted to £28,390,700, while liabilities and commitments amounted to a further £5,956,900. The net expenditure for the year under review was £4,445,600. The total cost of administration of the Department (exclusive of interest charges) from its inauguration to date was £785,000, or 2-86 per cent, of the net expenditure (excluding administrative costs and interest). The percentage for the year ended 3'lst March, 1945, was 2-96. (10) Building Control.—■ With the full implementation of what is virtually a normal peacetime building programme, the work of the building control organization has considerably increased during the year, and its duties have become more involved and difficult due to shortage of materials. Applications for building permits are progressively increasing in number, and the gap between supply and demand has widened, for, although the labour force in the industry has increased to some extent, the material supply position in a number of major building commodities continues to deteriorate. It is quite evident that for the present there can be no relaxation of control. During the year some 25,000 building applications have been approved, amounting in value to approximately £15,000,000. In addition, thousands of applications concerning the release of controlled materials have been dealt with. With the decline in the supply position this phase of the work is naturally growing in volume and intensity. (11) Carpentry Training Schools. —The Auxiliary Workers Training Emergency Regulations 1941 provided for the establishment of schools for the training of adult workers, orginally under the control of the Labour Department, but since early in 1944 administered by the Rehabilitation Department. The first school was established at Miramar, Wellington, and eleven are now in operation throughout New Zealand. After the trainees have the necessary standard of efficiency the Housing Construction Department arranges contracts with the Rehabilitation Department for the labour involved in groups of State houses. Dp to 31st March, 1945, sixty-four contracts have been let in nine towns, involving 419 houses, of which 106 have been completed. The scheme is proving very successful and is being extended to other towns. In addition to active house-building, the trainees are also manufacturing certain joinery in their schools, and the Housing Construction Department specifies the use of these items by housing contractors when suitable and available. (12) Statistics. —-The cumulative progress of the Department over the successive years since its inception as at 31st March is as follows :—

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1937-38. 1938-39. j 1939-40. 1940-41.* 1941-42.» 1942-43.* 1943-44.* 1944-45* Units. TJnits. Units. Units. Units. Units. Units. Units. (a) Houses advertised .. .. 3,172 6,698 11,071 14,084 17,029 17,443 20,910 24,581 (J) Contracts let .. .. 2,507 6,188 10,353 13,647 16,522 16,799 19,487 22,349 (c) Houses under construction .. 1,560 2,326 2,847 2,444 2,033 1,209 2,078 3,442 (d) Houses completed and handed 399 3,064 6,459 10,425 13,633 14,892 15,722 17,741 over for occupation Towns. Towns, Towns. Towns. Towns. Towns. Towns. Towns. (e) Towns and localities work con- 70 106 121 137 141 146 153 184 ducted in Contractors, Contractors. Contractors. Contractors. Contractors. Contractors. Contractors. Contractors. /) Principal contractors engaged.. 145 240 291 326 345 346 406 506 (ig) Payments— ££££££££ Land and services .. 298,500 890,600 1,638,900 2,549,100 3,086,400 3,665,500 4,212,300 4,934,000 Dwellings-construction— Housing Department .. 1,053,600 4,311,400 8,567,200 13,075,300 16,376,500 17,316,200 18,326,200 21,690,600 Other Government Depart- .. .. 26,700 128,400 191,400 325,200 523,700 678,600 ments Joinery-factories, including 48,900 50,500 52,600 49,400 45,900 46,700 46,700 45,700 machinery Vehicles, plant, and equip- 2,600 6,200 12,900 17,200 19,100 21,600 23,100 30,600 ment Interest during construction 6,600 21,000 31,000 52,200 93,500 117,600 154,000 226,200 Administration .. .. 66,200 166,400 281,300 406,400 539,800 685,700 659,100 785,000 1,476,400 5,446,100 10,610,600 16,278,000 20,352,600 22,178,500 23,945,100 28,390,700 * Work retarded due to the temporary diversion of contractors and the Department's organization to defence works.

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(13) Building for other Departments. —In the statistics quoted above it will be seen that the Department has been increasingly engaged on the building of dwellings for other State Departments. Numerous other building projects entrusted to the Housing Construction Department include community centres, halls, and portable and temporary class-rooms. Some houses have been erected from the component parts which were originally manufactured for Army occupation in the Pacific area, and army huts, cookhouses, &c., have been used to accommodate single men in forestry camps. During the year work for other Departments accounted for an expenditure of £198,500, involving eighteen Departments who have availed themselves of the Housing Construction Department's organization and facilities. (14) Proposals for Ensuing Year.—lt is confidently anticipated that materials and labour will become available in increasing quantities, and the Department will take the fullest advantage of the improved position to accelerate its housing programme. Provision, for a total expenditure of £5,590,000 has been made in the current year's estimates, and the envisaged programme provides for the completion of 3,500 house units. The State Advances Corporation continues to offer building loans to those desiring to erect houses for themselves, and during the past financial year has granted 1,070 building loans totalling £1,254,810, exclusive of loans granted to local authorities under Part 111 of the Housing Act, 1919, amounting to £294,800. (15) Staff Accommodation. —The appointment of the extra staff necessary to implement the policy of decentralization is delayed in all centres by the lack of adequate office accommodation. In Auckland and Wellington particularly even the present staffs are working in conditions of serious congestion. (16) Administration. —The Department is still experiencing great staffing difficulties as many of its trained officers are still serving with the Forces, and much of the work has had to be entrusted to wartime appointees and personnel directed to housing by the National Service Department. The position is, however, steadily improving. The total staff of the Department at 31st March, 1945, was 586, of whom 82 were absent with the Forces. Under the Ministry of Works Act, 1943, the erection of dwellings and other works undertaken for the purposes of Part I of the Housing Act, 1919, together with setting-apart, reservation, acquisition, development or improvement of land, or any other work for the purpose of the said Part I, is administered by the Minister of Works, and any moneys required for any purpose hitherto paid out of the Housing Account may now be paid out of that account, or, subject to appropriation by Parliament, out of the Public Works Account. The Housing Construction Department's inclusion within the framework of the Ministry of Works is in process of implementation, and the resultant co-operation between the various Divisions in this Ministry will, it is confidently hoped, result in increased efficiency and economy. (17) Post-war Developments. —Just as soon as the man-power and material position will permit the Department will resume the house-building programme which was interrupted by the war, and several major developments are under investigation. Every effort is therefore being made to complete as far as possible the necessary planning, designing, and preliminary land-development, but this effort is being hampered by the prevailing shortage of qualified technical and clerical staff and, to some extent, also of labour for engineering works. In conclusion, I have pleasure in recording that, despite staffing and accommodation difficulties, loyal and efficient service has been rendered by all members of the staff, and relations with building organizations and the public generally have been excellent. I have, &c., 6. W. Albebtson, A.M.1.C.E., Director of Housing Construction.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (641 copies), £75.

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