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ENCLOSUEES. This report is accompanied by the following enclosures :— 1. Statement showing lengths of railway authorised, constructed, and surveyed. 2. Diagrams showing mileage of railways open each year. . 3. Maps of the North and Middle Islands, showing railways opened and in progress. I have, &c, m , William H. Hales, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Acting Engineer-in-Chief.

T . _ . Wellington, 31st May, 1891. It is with deep regret that I record the death, on the 4th instant, of the head of the department Mr. William Newsham Blair, Engineer-in-Chief and Under-Secretary for Public Works. The late Mr Blair was associated with the department from the inauguration of the public works policy, and was concerned in the carrying-out of many of the largest and most important public works of the colony, throughout which his professional ability, high personal character, and scientific attainments were well known and respected. William H. Hales.