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1913. NEW ZEALAND.

DRAINAGE OPERATIONS IN HAURAKI PLAINS: REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1913; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

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

Sib, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 2nd June, 1913. 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 past year have been as successful as previously, and the area of land reclaimed and settled now amounts to 30,010 acres, occupied by 199 selectors, the area set apart under the Act for drainage and reclamation purposes being 90,000 acres. The total expenditure under the Act has now been as follows : — £ s. d. For the year ended 31st March, 1908 .. .. .. .. 5,070 0 0 1909 .. .. .. .. 11,672 5 6 1910 .. .. .. .. 22,235 211 1911 .. .. .. .. 32,103 14 0 1912 40,084 13 1 1913 .. .. .. .. 26,608 1 3 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £137,773 16 9 The valuations of 30,347 acres subdivided for settlement and reserves amount to £160,010, and the valuation of the areas it is proposed to open during the present year amount to an additional £17,000. During November and January I visited and inspected the works in progress and satisfied myself of the continued success of the operations, which are being carried on in a highly efficient and economical manner. The detailed report of the Land Drainage Engineer (Mr. J. B. Thompson) sets forth the varied nature of the works performed under his supervision, necessitating much technical knowledge and business ability. His staff have continued to assist him with the greatest energy and zeal. I have, &c. John Stbauchon, The Hon. W. F. Massey, Minister of Lands. Under-Secretary for Lands.

Statement op Accounts (as bequibed by Section 10 of the Haueaki Plains Act, 1908) foe the yeae ended 31st maech, 1913. Receipts. Expenditure. Ist April, 1912. £ 9. d. 31st March, 1913. £ s. d. To Balance—Cash in Public Account .. 7,521 10" 11 By Expenditure— Travelling allowances and expenses, 31st March, 1913. camp allowances, and general exTo Land-sales .. £1,245 0 0 penses of administration .. 163 3 1 Rents .. .. 5,167 19 1 Purchase and equipment of dredges Miscellaneous .. 451 16 4 and launches, maintenance, and 6,864 15 5 and working-expenses .. .. 3,514 14 11 Advances made by the New Zealand Buildings, maintenance of.. .. 9 6 9 State-guaranteed Advances Office 15,000 0 0 Drain age-works, clearing channels, building stop-banks, and all expenses incidental thereto .. 17,551 13 5 Tramways, cost of laying .. .. 794 11 8 Compensation for lands acquired .. 662 0 9 Payments on loans— Interest .. .. .. 2,748 15 8 Repayment of principal.. .. 1,163 15 0 Balance—Cash in Public Account .. 2,778 5 1 £29,386 6 4 £29,386 6 4

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