D.—No. 9,

10

WEST COAST ROADS

inches thick. For the remainder of the distance to Boss (6 miles 64 chains) the formation width will be 17 feet, and the metal 12 feet wide and 12 inches thick. The work involved in construction is as given below:—

The sum total of the contracts for construction, together with estimated value of 4 sections now open for tender, amounts to £12,340 4s. 3d., or at the rate of £840 per mile. The items executed are equivalent to 417 chains of road completed. A mile and a-half at Eoss end was opened for traffic on 13th May, and is being maintained by contract. It is in good order.

BEANCH EOAD. 17 M.V. — Ohristchurch Road to the Greenstone Road. The survey of this road was finished in August, 1871, and it was let by contract in 4 sections during the month of October. The last section was completed on 30th May. It is the connecting link between the Canterbury Eoad and the Trunk Eoad of the County, leaving the former at the point where it changes its N.E. course into one directly easterly towards Christchurch, and hitting the latter at a point nearly midway between Hokitika and Greymouth ; the intervening ground fortunately offering great facilties for a junction at that place. The length, as constructed, is 4 miles 65 chains. The formation width is 17 feet, and the metal 12 feet wide and 12 inches thick. The quantities were as follows: —

WATEE-EACE. Survey for Waimea District Water Supply. The survey was completed on 11th May. It is 32 miles in extent, the line in the first instance having been carried into the heart of the district, and thence to all the surrounding workings of importance. Two reservoirs, the one 48 and the other 39 acres in extent, having also been surveyed at the head. The works, as far as I am able to report upon them at present, not having yet had time to follow out of the whole of the surveyed line, will consist of — 300 chains piping, with, an average pressure of 110 feet. 200 „ fluming, averaging 17 feet in height. About 700 „ boxing or tunnelling. And the balance 1,360 „ ditching. Total as above 2,560 „ A much cheaper undertaking, however, and more likely to be remunerative, is presented by the Main Eace taken alone.

Description ov Woek. Total Quantity. Quantity Comeieted. Jlearing heavy timber „ scrub ... ... ... larthwork )rains !ulverts (76 in all) iridges (7) —one 87 feet, one 35 feet, one 57 feet, one 19 feet, and one 29 feet, plain log bridges; and two 34 feet lattice bridges letalling 'urnouts 1,159 chains 18 24,428 cubic yards 926 chains 468 lineal feet ... 650 18 14.500 370 190 295 „ „ ... 1,176 chains 85 90 290 21

Description or Woek. Total Quantity, Quantity Completed. Clearing heavy timber „ scrub Earthwork )rains )ulverts (24 in all) detailing 'urnouts 290 chains yo „ 7,223 cubic yards 445 chains 74 lineal feet 385 chains 30 290 95 7,223 445 74 385 30 The total cost was £3,598 Is., or £748 per mile. The maintenance for 12 months is at present open for ti good state throughaider. The road is in