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Westpokt-Ngakawau Eailway. Extension to Mohihinui (7 miles 8 chains). —This has been divided into nine small sections, on seven of which the formation and culverts are now in hand. Three of these are let on the co-opera-tive principle to trustees on behalf of 107 workmen, who are making satisfactory progress with the works on all the sections. It is intended shortly to let the remaining two sections, and the plans for tha Ngakawau Bridge have also been prepared, ready for advertising. Surveys. —The survey for land-plans of the extension is in progress; some three miles has been completed. Geeymouth-Bbunnebton Eailway. Surveys. —From 3 miles 62 chains to 6 miles 12 chains the laud-plan survey is finished. No other work has been done on this line by the department. Gbeymouth-Hokitika Eailway. Kapitea Section (4 miles 13 chains). —x\ contract was entered into in December for the formation of this section between Kapitea and Teremakau. The cuttings are well in hand, and half of the felling and clearing has been done. Arahura Bridge Extension and Boadway. —A quantity of timber for the addition of four lift, spans to the north end of the bridge, and the planking of the whole length of the bridge so that it may be available for road traffic, is on the ground. As the tender was only accepted on the 2nd ultimo, there has not been time to make more than a start at the work. Surveys. —The field-work for the land-plans from 10 miles to north of the Teremakau Bridge is nearly finished. Catlin's Eiver Eailway. Glenomaru Section (6 miles 18 chains). —Although there has been some delay in carrying on the works on this section, which will complete the railway to McDonald's Saddle, the contractor is now pushing on the works vigourously. It is expected that the contract will be finished not more than a month or six weeks after the due date—2sth'May, 1891. Catlin's Section (40 chains). —A tunnel, 12J chains in length, through McDonald's Saddle is included in this contract, which was let in December last. Pending a decision on a proposed deviation, affecting the last 10 chains of the section, the contractor has only been able to open out the work from one end, consequently the progress made is slight. Surveys. —With the view of altering the route of the railway so as to make it more conveniently available for a larger number of the settlers in the district, and also provide a better means of access to the Crown lands now being rapidly taken up for settlement, a survey has been made of a deviation from 13 miles 40 chains to 21 miles 40 chains, near the head of Catlin's Lake. The results of the survey are now under consideration. Edendale-'Toitois Eailway. V/yndham-Gleuham Section. —The Mainai station-buildings contract was finished, and the section from Wyndham to Glenham handed over to the Eailway Commissioners ready for opening in May. Otago Gentkal Eailway. Hindon to Middle-march. —The Barewood bridges iron piers and superstructure contract was completed by Messrs. J. and A. Anderson, of Christchurch, in a most satisfactory manner, in November. The masonry and superstructure of the Middlemarcli bridges were finished in August. The platelaying has been done to Middlemarcli Station, at 40 miles, and for 2 miles beyond, to the ballast reserve. At Middlemarcli the following station-buildings are erected, viz.: combined railway, post, and telegraph station; first-class Stationmaster's house; three cottages for men ; goods-shed, 60ft. by 30ft.; engine-shed; coal-store. Sheep- and cattle-yards and a gravitation water-supply have also been provided. Everything will be ready for opening to Middlemarch next month. Middlemarcli-Ida Valley. —Working-drawings and estimates are prepared for the extension of the railway from Middlemarcli to the Ida Valley, opposite Blackstone Hill, 98} miles from Wingatui Junction, and 106|- miles from Dunedin. This portion has been divided into the following sections, viz.: Strath Taieri, 16 miles 14 chains in length, estimated to cost £80,000; Kyeburn, 16 miles 66 chains, £115,000 ; and Maniototo, 25 miles 18| chains, £105,000: the total length of the sections being 58 miles 18-J chains, estimated to cost, exclusive of rolling-stock, £300,000, or an average of £5,152 per mile. Surveys, Otago District. Land-plan Surveys.— -The contract for the land-plan survey of the Duuedin-Port Chalmers Eailway was finished in December, and the plans are now being examined in the Survey and Land Transfer Offices. Some progress has been made with the survey for land-plans of the Otago Central Eailway, and in a few months the plans will be ready for the portion of the railway constructed—viz., to 42 miles. Several small surveys for land-plans on various lines were executed during the year. Orepuhi to Waiau Biver.—A reconnaissance survey for the extension of the railway from the present terminus of the Eiverton braach at Orepuki for 12J miles to the Waiau Eiver was made, and a site suitable for either a railway- or road-bridge across the river selected about 5 miles from its mouth. SXjEEPEES. Out of 10,000 totara sleepers contracted to be delivered at Putaruru for the Auckland -Eotorua Eailway 5,000 have been delivered. Tenders were invited for 7,000 sleepers for the Makarau section of the Helensville Northwards Eailway, but none were received, and arrangements have been entered into for supplies under agreements for small numbers.