_>.—1

IV

hake. An alternative line to avoid this tunnel has been laid out, but it interferes so largely with existing roads, water-races, and other mining works and conveniences that it is questionable if any economy would result from its adoption. Considering the pressing demands for the completion of the lines of railway already authorised, I do not think the colony should undertake the construction of this work, especially as there is, I understand, a probability of its being undertaken by private enterprise, in terms of the existing law. Nobth Island Main Teunk. The construction of the Ohinemoa Section, at the north "end of this line, has been proceeded with. Along a portion of the route the country has turned out to be of a very treacherous nature, and will require to be carefully dealt with to avoid heavy slips and subsidences. The works were visited by the Engineer-in-Chief during last winter, and a careful inspection made of the strata, and suitable instructions given to the officers in local charge. The ground proved so bad that work had to be suspended in some places during the wettest portion of the winter, but has now been resumed, and will be pushed on vigorously during the summer months. At the southern end of the line formation has been in hand between Mangaweka and Kaikoura, and the foundations and abutments of the Makohine Viaduct have been completed. This latter work is of an exceptionally heavy character, the massive concrete bases for the principal piers, consisting of four huge monoliths, weighing collectively over 10,000 tons, while the total quantity of concrete in the structure exceeds 12,000 tons. The engineering workshop for the preparation of the ironwork has been erected, and provided with suitable machinery, and the work of shaping, planing, drilling, &c, of the iron is now in hand, and the erection of the piers will be commenced when a sufficient .quantity of the material is turned out from the workshop. Owing to the prolonged engineers' strike, the execution of the order for the workshop machinery in Great Britain was delayed for a considerable time. This had the effect of retarding our work considerably, and is very much to be regretted, as several miles of formation beyond the viaduct are ready to receive the rails, and delay in the construction of this work delays the opening of the line to Ohingaiti and Mangaweka. Another large viaduct is required for the Mangaweka Creek, and instructions have been issued for the designs for this to be prepared. The survey of the portion of this line not already definitely located is being pushed on vigorously, two survey parties being engaged on the work, one at each end of the line. It is found impossible to carry on operations of this nature in this country in the winter-time, so that both parties had to discontinue field-work in June or July last; but instructions have been issued that work in the field is to be resumed at the earliest practicable moment, and I have no doubt that the survey will be completed before next winter. When the survey is finished, a reliable estimate of the cost of completing the railway can be placed before honourable members. In both Auckland and Taranaki the agitation for the deviation to Stratford continues, and adds to the difficulties of the situation. The railway, however, requires to be constructed for another twelve miles at the northern end before it reaches the point of divergence of the two routes ; while at the southern end the completion of the Makohine Viaduct will take nearly two years, and as far as the line has gone at this end, and for some miles ahead, it opens up good country, capable of carrying a large population. In the interval, after investigation as to the extent and capabilities of the land from a settlement point of view, it is reasonable to expect that a sound public opinion will be formed, and by a moderate give-and-take policy a safe conclusion as to t the route which the line should ultimately follow will be arrived at. In the meantime the position will not be prejudiced by the expenditure of the money proposed to be voted this year. The expenditure on the North Island Main Trunk Bailway last year amounted to £45,385, and liabilities existed at the close of the year to the amount of £12,275. This year we ask for a vote of £40,000,