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1914 NEW ZEALAND.

RANGITAIKI LAND DRAINAGE: REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1914; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 10 of the Bangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910.

Si R) — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 2nd June, 1914. I have the honour to submit herewith the report upon the drainage operations in the Kangitaiki Plains for the year ended 31st March, 1914, pursuant to the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910. The total area affected by the Act is 87,100 acres, the greater part of which is either freehold, leasehold, or Native land. The excavation of the Rangitaiki River diversion was vigorously prosecuted by the Department throughout the year, and in May of this year the new outlet was successfully opened. So far as is known at present the cut has proved most satisfactory, and will be of immense benefit to the drainage of the plains. The expenditure to date has been as follows : — £ s. d. For the year ended 31st March, 1912 ... ... ... 12,140 0 0 1913 ... ... ... 15,203 0 0 1914 ... ... ... 17,873 3 6 Total ... ... ... ... £45,216 3 6 In the attached report the Land Drainage Engineer (Mr. J. B. Thompson) sets forth details of the operations throughout the year, which have been carried out under the able supervision of his assistant (Mr. 0. N. Campbell). The greatest credit is due to all members of the Land Drainage Branch who assisted in the operations on the Rangitaiki Plains during the past twelve months. I hope to visit the works at an early date. The accompanying statement of accounts shows the expenditure for the year. I have, &c, Jas. Mackenzie, The Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Minister of Lands. Under-Secretary for Lands.