D.—ll

2

Mile, half- and quarter-mile posts are in good condition. Existing signal arrangements are in good condition. Water-supply is abundant. Of the rolling-stock we inspected 82 per cent, of carriages and 74 per cent, of the wagons. All of these we found to be in very good condition and well maintained, and we noticed eight wagons only with tires thin from wear, but these were still in safe condition. The locomotives appear outwardly in excellent order, and as for the boilers, which are the principal item, they are inspected every year by the Government Inspector of Machinery, whose certificates were examined. Turntables are in good order, so are the weighbridges. Forty-seven per cent, of the total receipts of last year was expended in maintaining the line. The average revenue per mile was £1,119, and the expenditure £529 per mile. We have, &c, William H. Hales, Engineer-in-Chief. John Coom, M.lnst.C.E. C. Napiee Bell, M.lnst.C.E. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), 17s.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oo. Price 3d.]