E.-l

35

c.

ANNUAL REPORT ON RAILWAYS IN THE NORTH ISLAND BY THE ENGINEER IN CHARGE. The Engineer in Charge, North Island, to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Sir,— Public Works Office, Wellington, 31st March, 1880. I have the honor to forward annual report on railway works executed during the period extending from 30th June, 1879, to 31st March, 1880. The expenditure on railways in the North Island up to the 31st March, £ s. d. 1880, was, exclusive of preliminary surveys ... ... ... 3,174,820 9 5 The amount of contracts let and other liabilities ... ... ... 423,894 7 4 Total expenditure and liabilities ... ... ..." ... £3,598,714 16 9

The table below shows the lengths of the lines and the number of miles opened for traffic in the North Island, with expenditure and liabilities; and the second table, at end of this report, gives a list of railways and all contracts completed or in progress, with the times of completion, &c. The number of miles opened for traffic during the last nine months is 24 miles 22 chains.

AUCKLAND DISTEICT. Kawakawa Eajlway, The Taumarere Contract has been let. It comprises one mile of formation, and includes the Kawakawa Bridge, which, next to the terminal wharf, is the most important work on the line1. Delay took place in properly testing the ground for this bridge, the result of the borings being to show the existence of a very deep and soft stratum of mud underlying the surface crust, which involved the adoption of foundations of an exceptional character, and a general rearrangement of the first designs for the bridge, which had been prepared. Tlie contractor has begun work on this contract. It is hoped that the remainder of the line —about 4J miles—may be got ready for contract soon. The survey of the lower end of the line involves great consideration, and offers many difficulties, particularly in the proper location of the proposed deep-water wharf, the design for which structure, and coal-loading arrangements generally, will demand careful study. Whangaeei-Kamo Eailway. The Kamo Contract (2 miles 55 chains) is still unfinished, and is five months behind time. The contractor has displayed a singular want of energy in carrying on the work, and, in spite of all urging on the part of the Engineer, it wid probably be the end of May before he has quite completed it. The summit cutting proved to be a difficult piece of work, the lower 5 feet of it being a soft clay containing much water; but proper drains have been introduced, and the work now promises to stand well. The Whangarei Contract (includes 2 miles 50 chains formation and 5 miles 25 chains permanent w ray) has been lately let, and the contractor is making good progress. The works of the Kamo Contract, over which a portion of his contract extends, are ready for him so far as he can use them. The survey plans for the remainder of the line to a shipping-place have been received, but the contract plans are not yet prepared. The exact point and depth of water to which the line shall be extended is yet to be determined, and instructions are required on this head before the work is prepared for tender. Kaipara-AVaikato Eailway. Helensville Contract. —The second contract for the wharf and permanent way has been satisfactorily completed, and the wharf is now a substantial, sound structure. The station-buildings at this terminus are now being built, and are expected to be completed by 19th July next, the end of the time allowed under the contract,

EName of Railway. Expended to 31st March, 1880. Liabilities on 31st March, 1880. Length. Open for Traffic. North Island. £ s. d. 28,413 19 1 3,434 19 7 1,031,470 19 6 27,330 13 5 £ s. d. 10,106 2 5 28,015 6 9 126,711 8 10 59,458 1 8 M. Ch. 8 28 8 0 146 45 62 1 125 0 220 60 67 40 217 40 M. Ch. 2 68 Kawakawa tVhangarei-Kamo Kaipara- Waikato ... ... . Waikato-Thames .... Waikato-Taranaki tVellington--Napier Vellington-Foxton Foxton-New Plymouth 121 78 I 1 1,151,730 0 3 29,098 13 10 903,341 3 9 90,969 3 1 11,135 13 11 97,498 10 8 109 3 128 41 Total 3,174,820 9 5 423,894 7 4 855 54 363 3: