H.—ls

21

Mutuihi, Wharf. —Repairs required to this structure have been duly reported upon. Mahurangi. —An examination of the river has been made, and dredging necessary to improve the approach to the wharf has been reported upon and recommended. Auckland. —Kawakawa Bay, Sandspit District : A report has been prepared on the erection of a wharf at this place. Naval base : A conference has been held with officers of the Defence Department regarding requirements by the Defence Department, and a report duly furnished. Meola and Motion's Creeks : The construction of a road crossing over these creeks has been reported on. Hobson Bay : Complaints regarding the sewage outfall have been inquired into and duly reported on. Turanga Creek Wharf : Plans and specifications for this structure have been prepared, a contract let, and the work has been completed. Bean Rock Lighthouse. —The automatic light apparatus has been installed in position and the characteristic of the light changed to occulting. The light has been handed over to the control of the Auckland Harbour Board. Manukau Harbour. —The roadiug of an endowment block was reported on; the construction of the roads entrusted to the local authority, and duly completed. Waikato River. —Investigations are now in hand with a view to reporting upon conservation works required in tins river between Mercer and the sea for the purpose of deepening the navigable channel. Ngaruawahia. —A report was prepared on the question of the removal of an old wharf at this place. Waihou River. —The removal of the Te Puke Wharf to a position lower down the river below the bridge under construction, connecting the Netherton Settlement with Paeroa, has been investigated. A survey of a suitable site has been made, and plans of a new wharf partially completed. Marakopa. —A site for a new wharf was surveyed, and drawings of a suitable structure prepared. Tauranga. —Wairoa River : This river was inspected for a considerable distance for the purpose of reporting upon the removal of snags and sandbars so as to improve navigation. Judea : A proposal having been made by the inhabitants for the reclamation of a tidal swamp at this place, the locality was inspected and the whole question carefully considered, and an adverse report prepared, in view of the detrimental effect on the tidal scour at entrance to the Tauranga Harbour. Whakatane. —A survey of this harbour was made, plans prepared, and also a report as to works required to improve the entrance, so as to provide a permanent entrance channel instead of the present shifting one. Opotiki Harbour. —A survey was made and a report prepared of works required to improve the entrance. Ohiwa. —A survey has been made and a report prepared upon the construction id' a wharf at Kutarere, together with approach road and dredging of the channel leading thereto. Mohaka. —The entrance to this river was inspected, and a report prepared upon improving the channel immediately inside the bar. Flat Point Lighthouse. —A report has been prepared on the erection of a lighthouse at this place, furnished with an automatic light. Au estimate of cost of carrying the work out has also been prepared. Awakino River. —The channel near the entrance to this river has been improved by a slight deepening through a sandstone bar. Raglan. —The erection of a new wharf has been reported on. East Gape Lighthouse. —Plan of a boat-shed to be erected on the mainland for the sheltering of the boat used by the mailman has been prepared. Castle Point Lighthouse. —The lighthouse and dwellings, the construction of which were in hand last year, have been completed, together with all the rest of the works, and the light was exhibited first on the 12th January, 1913. In. addition to the lighthouse work proper, a foot suspension bridge lias been erected over the Whakataki River, to enable the keepers' children to obtain access to the local school. Wellington. —Marine Stores : Plans have been prepared for the erection of a new store ia the new yard, the present yard having to be vacated through the land being required by the Itailway Department. Tenders will shortly be invited for its erection. Meteorological Observatory: The erection of a new observing-station at Pipitea Point has been completed during the year. Queen Charlotte Sound. —Grove Wharf : Repairs have been effected. Pelorus Sound. —Paradise Bay Wharf has been examined and reported on. Beef-barrels. —An estimate has been prepared for a bell buoy to be placed on the above Beefbarrel Rocks as a warning. A report has also been furnished, with estimate of cost, on erecting a beacon on Ok-uri Point, on the mainland, for the purpose of acting as a leading-light past these rocks.