C—B

Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND.

DRAINAGE OPERATIONS IN HAURAKI PLAINS: REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1912; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 10 of the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908.

Sir. — Department of Lands, Wellington. Ist June, ]!)12. I have the honour to submit herewith the report on the drainage operations in the Hauraki Plains for the past year, in accordance with the provisions of the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908. The operations for the twelve months have been as successful as previously, and the area of land reclaimed and settled amounts to 27,470 acres. The total area of land surveyed for settlement purposes, or reserved for public purposes, totals 30,159 acres, of which 8,050 acres were surveyed during the year. Valuations of the 30,159 acres disclose an estimated value of £151,383. Areas of Native land aggregating 1,027 acres were acquired during the year, and subdivided in connection with the general scheme of settlement. About 3,500 acres will be available for settlement during the current year. The area set apart under the Act for drainage and reclamation purposes is 93,000 acres. The cost of operations during the year amounted to £40,C84, and the total expenditure under the Act has been as follows :— £ s. d. Kor the year ended 31st March, 1908 .. .. .. 5,070 0 0 1909 .. .. .. 11,672 5 6 1910 .. .. .. 22,235 2 11 1911 .. .. .. 32,103 14 0 1912 .. .. .. 40,084 13 1 Total .. .. .. .. £111,165 15 6 A heavy gale in February last, coincident with high spring tides, tested the stop-banks in a very severe manner, but the result was eminently satisfactory, no damage worth mentioning being occasioned. I must not omit to state that the retirement of Mr. William C. Kensington, 1.5.0., Undersecretary for Lands, at the close of the year, has removed a gentleman whose interest in the drainage and reclamation works has been of the keenest. To him belongs much of the credit that attaches to the Department for the successful carrying-out of the operations. He initiated the scheme, selected the officers who have been in personal charge of operations, periodically inspected the works, and in every way did his utmost to give effect to the wishes and directions of the Government in the matter. The Land Drainage Engineer, his assistant, and all the members of his staff, have again manifested their great interest in the works under their control. They are deserving of much credit for their efforts. The report of the Land Drainage Engineer (Mr. J. B. Thompson), attached, sets forth the operations in detail. The works have been very successful and viewed with interest by many visitors during the year. 1 hope at an early date to visit and inspect the works in progress, and to satisfy myself as to the continued satisfactory progress. I have, &c. John Strauohon, Under-Secretarv for Lands. The Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, F.R.G.S., Minister of Lands.

I—C. 8.