11

H.—ls

Nuggets Landing. —Some rocks which interfered considerably with the landing of the fishingboats in the small bay to the north of Nugget Point have been removed, and, in order to afford some slight protection"and to cause the sand to collect on the beach and cover up the point of rocks upwards from low-water mark, a small breakwater has been built, consisting of rock and concrete blocks. The cost of the whole work was limited to £400. I have just learnt that the construction of this breakwater has had the desired effect, and that the local fishermen are pleased with and are deriving great benefit from the work. They are looking forward to a further grant to enable an opening in the reef to be blocked on the south side of the channel, in order to break the force of a cross-sea, which causes considerable danger. Buoys. —Drawings were prepared and contract let for the manufacture of a bell-buoy for Tauranga and for several similar mark-buoys. The work was duly completed. Godley Head Fog-signal. —The erection of the fog-signal imported from England was carried out during the year. The work necessary consisted of the construction of a track down the face of the cliff, the preparation of the site for the signal, the sinking of the well for the drivingweights, and the construction of a magazine for the gun-cotton explosives used. Tautuku Harbour. —An inspection was made with a view to devising some means of facilitating the shipment of timber, and a report is in course of preparation. Karamea Harbour. —Reports on works for the improvement of this harbour have been prepared, and a contract is being prepared for the extension of the shed on the wharf. Paratutae Wharf, Manukau Heads. —Plans are in course of preparation for a new structure to improve the wharfage accommodation at this place. Kaikoura Wharf. —The erection of this wharf, which is being carried out by the County Council, has by request been inspected from time to time. Matakana Harbour. —This harbour has been inspected, and a report prepared upon the silting which has occurred. Motueka Harbour. —A scheme for providing accommodation for shipping by the construction of a small wharf and small amount of dredging was prepared for the information of the Harbour Board. Holyford River. —A contract was prepared for the removal of some rocks which interfered with navigation at the entrance of the harbour, and let. The contractor, however, considerably underestimated the difficulties, and had to be relieved of the work. Arrangements are now being made for the carrying-out of the work by Mr. McLeod, who so successfully removed the rocks in the Kaipara River. Okarito Harbour. —A report was prepared upon a proposal to block the Western Channel, and a further report was prepared upon the harbour-works generally. Collingwood Harbour. —An inspection was made of this harbour, and a site for a new wharf reported upon Pakawau. —The site of proposed tramway across the mud-flats was inspected, and the proposal reported on. Brighton River, —The navigable part of this river was inspected, and reports furnished upon the fords, and proposed removal of rocks and construction of tide-gates. Port Chalmers. —A pinnacle rock in front of one of the wharves was examined, and the practicability of its removal reported upon. Ijeigh Wharf. —Plans for the construction of a new wharf have been prepared. Amokura Wharf, Wellington. —Plans of a small jetty and landing-store for the convenience of the "Amokura" training-ship were prepared, together with estimate of the cost of construction. Beacons, West Wanganui. —Plans of these beacons submitted by local authorities were approved of. Puerua River. —The site of proposed tide-gates was inspected, and their construction by the local authority approved of. Westport Harbour. —Plans of proposed cut in the West Breakwater were approved of for the purpose of facilitating the launching of the s.s. " Taviuni." Preservation Inlet Wharf. —The site of proposed wharf was inspected. As required by the provisions of the Harbours Act, the following plans were examined and approved of: — Wharves. Herald Island. Rattray Street, Dunedin. Half-moon Bay. Dannaher Bros., Hokianga. Horseshoe Bay. Pine Island. Golden Bay. Jetties, Dunedin. Uretara River. Wairangi. Kaiapoi River. Union Steamship Company, Port Chalmers. Whangarei. Wairupe. Dominion Canning Company, Helensville. Devonport, Bond Bros.' Extension. Takapuna Tramway Company. Moehau. Motukaraka. Matata. Wanganui Railway. Onawi. Waikawa. • Omokoroa. Niagara. Elmslie's Bay. Tongaporutu. Whangarei. Rona Bay. Tauranga. Timaru. . Matakohe. Pelorus. Dredge Wharf, Otago Heads. Lyttelton. Bluff, Oyster.