33

D.—l

Ashurst Section. —The formation and platelaying from Terrace-end Junction, Foxton-New Plymouth Eailway, to the Pohangiua Bridge, and the small piece of formation between the bridge and the Gorge section, is now under contract, and work has been commenced. The Terrace-end station has been rearranged, and a second line of rails laid to Palmerston North. Wellington-Woodville Eailway. Awapurua Bridge. —A difficulty in settling with the Maoris for some land required has delayed the completion of the contract for protective works and stream-diversion at this bridge. It is expected, however, that a settlement will be come to immediately, when the works will be pushed on. The contract for painting the bridge is nearly finished. Wiwaka Section. —This section is now practically completed, and traffic to Eketahuna, 88 miles from Wellington, will be commenced early next month. Notwithstanding bad weather and many other difficulties, the contractor pushed the work on vigorously, and has carried out the contract in a satisfactory manner. At Eketahuna the station-buildings are nearly finished, the contract including sheep- and cattle-yards. A water-supply also is being provided. Extension to Island Bay. —A reconnaissance-survey of the proposed extension to Te Aro and Island Bay has been made, several routes having been examined. Picton-Awatere Eailway. Dashivood Section.— The formation of this section was completed by the contractors in May last. There are now 8 miles of formation finished from Blenheim southwards. Westport-Ngakawau Eailway. Westport Coal-staiths. —To prevent large stones rolling into the river, and to facilitate deepening the channel, a row of piles is being driven in front of the coal-staiths. The contract should be finished at an early date. Westport-Ngakatvau Bailioay Extension. —The formation of an extension of 37 chains is nearly completed. The work has been carried out under petty contracts, and will enable a junction to be effected with the Ngakawau Coal Company's railway. Survey. —A survey has been made and plans prepared for the further extension of the line to the Mokihinui Eiver, where another company has a coal-railway. The extension will be 7 miles 11 chains in length. The line is comparatively easy, the only work of importance being the bridge over the Ngakawau Eiver. Greymouth-Brunnerton Eailway. New sidings to the extent of 103 chains have been provided at Greymouth, and the watersupply for the hydraulic cranes completed. This enables the cranes and new wharf to be used by the Eailway Department. The quay-wall along the river has been raised.to protect the railway and Town of Greymouth in high floods. Greymouth-Hokitika Eailway. New Biver Section. —Tenders for the completion of the line and platelaying between Greymouth and the Teremakau Eiver were received in April, but consideration of them was deferred. Teremakau Bridge. —Three cylinder-piers, one concrete abutment, and three spans of iron superstructure are erected. The contractors have the rest of the material on the ground, and expect to finish the bridge in July or August next. Arahura Protective Works. —These works were completed in September, at a cost of £8,000, and have proved a success. They are also an effectual protection to a large area of property besides the railway lands. Minor Works. —The filling-in of the tidal creek at Greymouth, fencing near the Teremakau Eiver, and some small additions to the Hokitika Wharf, were duly carried out. Surveys. —The land-plan survey of the railway has been finished. Hurunui-Waitaki Eailway and Branches. Springfield Branch. —The contract for the Hawkins Bridge was satisfactorily completed in June, and handed over to the East Malvern Eoad Board. Mount Somers Branch. —The bridges and platelaying on the extension of this branch to Springburn are now in hand by the Working Eailways Department for this department. Waitaki-Blufp Eailway and Branches. Dunedin Station Overbridge. —The south-eastern approach is not quite finished, the prisoners who were excavating material for the filling having been withdrawn to more urgent work. Catlin's Biver Branch. —During the winter about sixty of the "unemployed" were engaged on the formation as far as 12J miles, and some of the men who had settled on land in the neighbourhood were kept on for a few months longer. Since then the works have been closed. Biversdale-Switzers Branch. —The tenders for the Mataura Bridge received in April were postponed pending a decision as to further works to be undertaken on this branch. Edendale-Toitois Branch. —Notwithstanding that he was frequently urged on, the contractor for the Glenham section is very much behind with his contract. It is expected, however, that he will finish in a few weeks, and tenders will then be invited for laying the permanent-way. Surveys. —The land-plans for all the railways have now been finished, with the following exceptions, which will be undertaken as opportunity occurs: viz., Waiareka Junction to Ngapara, 15 miles ; Dunedin to Port Chalmers, 9 miles; Athol to Kingston, 19 miles ; and Winton to Lumsden, 30 miles. The latter is now under survey by contract, and the plans for 17 miles are ready. Surveys for a considerable number of Proclamations taking additional land were made during the year, also the survey of a short extension of the Catlin's Eiver Branch.