D.—l

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Hamilton-Cambridge Railway. Tamahere Contract (4 miles 55 chains of formation). —This commences at a point on the Waikato-Thames Railway four miles from Hamilton. The contract time, five months, expired on the 14th September, 1882, and there is still a considerable quantity of -work to be done. It is expected, however, that it will be completed so that the permanent-way may be laid immediately after the Hamilton Railway Bridge is so far completed that railway material may be taken over it. Hautapu Contract (5 miles 68 chains of formation). —This joins the Tamahere contract, and is making good progress, A short time will suffice to complete it. Cambridge Section (1 mile 33 chains), reaching from end of Hautapu Contract into the Township of Cambridge to the Terminus.—Surveys have been made, and working plans and sections prepared. Tenders will shortly be called for the work of formation. These three contracts make up the Cambridge Branch Railway, 11 miles 76 chains in length. HAWKE'S BAY DISTRICT. Napier-Woodville. Mangatewainui Bridge Contract (71 miles 31 chains to 72 miles 50 chains). —This has so far proceeded satisfactorily, but a scarcity of labour has been felt. It is expected that the bridge itself will be completed during April, but the earthworks are not so far advanced, and, in view of a threatened wet season, it may be September before they can be completed. The bridge-work has been well executed. The contract time expires 29th June, 1883. Matamau Section (Formation Contracts). —These extend southwards from the end of the Mangatewainui contract, 72 miles 50 chains to 73 miles 73 chains, and were let in short lengths, by public tender, the time of completion to be the 30th June next. Whakaruatapu and Mangatera Bridges Contract. —This includes two viaducts, and the formation work from 76 miles 31 chains to 77 miles 15 chains. The contract time expires on the 23rd May next, but it is probable that the work will not be finished before September, owing principally to difficulties met with in the foundations of the bridges, and in obtaining timber. Tahoraite Contract (73 miles 73 chains to 81 miles 55 chains). —This has been surveyed and prepared for contract, and will be advertised for public tender during the month of April. It terminates near Tahoraite, at a place very convenient for access to the main road, and will include all formation-work, excepting that connected with the Whakaruatapu and Maugatera Bridges contract, which is situated within the limits of the Tahoraite contract. The time for the completion of this contract "will be about the end of December, 1883, when arrangements will be made for proceeding at once with the laying of the permanent-way, and other works, so that the section from Makatoko (the present terminus of the line) to Tahoraite, 11J miles, may be opened as speedily as possible. Works on opened Lines. —The principal of these has been the enlargement and re-arrange-ment of Hastings Station-ground, and the erection of a new and commodious passenger-station, with verandah and new platforms. This is now a most complete and convenient station. The old station-building has been re-erected at Te Aute as an addition to the buildings at that place. Sheep and cattle yards have been erected at Hastings, Waipukurau, and Takapau, and have been found very useful. A new office, very much required, has been built at Napier for the District Manager. The smith's shop, Napier, has been enlarged, and a boiler shop erected, also a spring and tire furnace and three extra smiths' fires. The siding accommodation has been much extended and improved at various stations, and the water-supplies where required have also been made more liberal and satisfactory. The rolling-stock has been augmented by the erection of fifteen new double-story sheep-trucks, and preparations are being made for other additions, the ironwork for which it is expected will shortly arrive in New Zealand. Awapurua Bridge Contract. —This includes the erection of the bridge, with the necessary approaches, over the Manawatu River, about 4 miles south of Woodville. It comprises twelve spans of 80 feet each, and some smaller end-spans. A survey has been made of the site, borings taken for foundations, and plans prepared for public tender. The work has been advertised, and tenders will be received up to the 20th April. For convenience this work is described and will be carried on as part of the Napier-Wood-ville Section. Surveys. The line beyond Tahoraite southwards towards Woodville has been pegged off for 11 miles, and the remaining 4 miles will shortly be taken in hand, with the view of preparing a contract for this 15 miles of formation.