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Departmental Buildings, Ghristohurch. —As the water-supply for the buildings in Cathedral Square showed signs of failing, a new 3in. artesian well was sunk to a depth of 232 feet, with the result that a good supply of water has been obtained. Provincial Council Buildings. —The roof of the Provincial Council Chamber has been thoroughly repaired, and other portions of the roof of the buildings attended to. Industrial School, Burnham. —A new water-supply tank has been provided, windmill repaired, and extensive repairs and alterations are in hand; the work, which is done by co-operative labour, being nearly completed. Stock inspector's House, Fairlie Greek. —A contract for the erection of this house, fencing, &c, was let and is now in progress. Addington Gaol. —Alterations to the old gaol building, including an improvement in the watersupply, with a view to its use for refuge purposes, are now being carried out by co-operative labour, and are expected to be finished early this month. Otago and Southland. Seacliff Asylum. —-As the result of the joint report submitted by Mr. Napier Bell and myself, and referred to in last year's annual report, it was decided to disconnect the block forming the north wing which stands on the creeping-ground from the rest of the building which is on firm ground, and this work has been carried out at a cost of about £260. Police-stations. —The contract for the erection of the new police-station buildings at Waitahuna was completed in May, 1895 ; and considerable renovations, additions, and alterations have been carried out in the stations at Invercargill, Waikaia, Tapanui, and Milton. Post-office, Queenstown. —A contract was let for the erection of a new Post-office at Queenstown, and it was completed in August last. Post-office Bepairs, &c. —Various additions, alterations, and repairs were carried out at the Postoffices at Oamaru, Clinton, Milton, Mosgiel, andMataura; also at the Telephone Bureau, Dunedin, and Postmaster's residence, Queenstown ; and plans are in hand and are nearly ready for additions and alterations to the Post-office, Eiverton. A new fence was erected (and painted) round the reserve at the Post-office buildings, Invercargill ; the work which was let in two separate contracts, being completed in February last. New Courthouse, Arrowtown. —A contract for the erection of this building was let in May, 1895, and completed in September last. Neio Courthouse, Milton. —This is a brick building, and was erected on the co-operative principle. Work was begun in October last, and the building was finished in January, 1896. New Courthouse, St. Bathans. —The erection of this building was let by contract in November last, and completed in April last. Sundry Repairs to Courthouses. —Repairs and alterations were carried out in the following buildings —namely, Courthouse and police-buildings, Winton; Supreme Court, Invercargill; and Courthouses at Gore and Hamilton. Neiu Gaol, Dunedin. —This building is being erected on the co-operative principle. The brickwork of the centre block is completed up to roof-plate level, and the work on north and south sides of the building is built 3ft. above second-floor level. The concrete floors on first and second flats are completed, and, generally, the work is very well advanced. Departmental Buildings, Dunedin. —The offices of the Lands Department were renovated. MAEINE. Manukau Heads Wharf. —Some fender-piles were bolted to this wharf, and the wharf-decking and tram-line repaired. Whangateau Harbour Jetties. —Approach-roads were made to the jetties erected at Ti Point and Parapara Wharves by the local bodies, subsidised by Government grants. Bemoval of Bocks, Whakatane Harbour. —A contract for the removal of ten rocks in this harbour was let in March, 1896, and the work is in progress. Howick Wharf. —The erection of this wharf and approaches was put in hand in August, 1895, and completed in February last. The timber was obtained by tender and the work of erection was done by co-operative labour. The wharf is 800 ft. long and 7ft. wide. Some further work to improve the approaches to the wharf and adjoining beach is about to be put in hand. Waiulta Channel and Panmure Bridge. —At the request of the local bodies the Waiuka Channel was examined with a view to the improvement and deepening of the channel near the Mauku Wharf, and the Panmure Bridge was thoroughly examined with a view to repairs ; and reports thereon were furnished to the Boards concerned. Dredging, Nelson Harbour. —This work was completed in May, 1895, and the plant returned to the Westport Harbonr Board, from which it had been hired. The depth of water at the breastwork was finished to an average depth of 15-J-ft., equal to an average increase of sft., while in the fair-way it was increased from 7ft. to 10ft., and at the Albion Wharf was finished off to 7ft.,' or an increase of 2ft. : all from below low-water mark. The approaches to the Eailway Wharf were also lined up with timber for 90ft. to half-tide level. Lighthotise-keeper's Cottage, Nelson. —A contract for the erection of this building was let in February, 1896, and completed last month. Cape Fareivell Spit Lighthouse. —The contract for the manufacture of the wrought-iron tower for the lighthouse was finished by Messrs. A. and J. Anderson, Christchurch, last month, and arrangements for the erection of the lighthouse are now being made. The timber required for the work has been obtained by tender. Gape Palliser Lighthouse. —A contract for the manufacture of the cast-iron tower for this lighthouse was let to Messrs. Luke and Sons, Wellington, in February, 1896, and will be completed this month; and preparations are in hand for the erection of the tower, keeper's dwellings, stores, &c.