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EL—l5

Matata.- A report was prepared with regard to the silting alleged to have taken place in consequence of the diversion of the Bangitaiki River in connection with the land-drainage scheme. Hicks Bay. —A proposal to erect a breakwater at Hicks Bay was reported upon. Waiwawa River.- Complaints having been made regarding the condition of the river, owing to timber-driving, the matter was investigated and reported upon. Waipa River. —ln order to obtain data with a view to improving the navigation of the, Waipa River, gauges were erected at several places and connected with a line of levels, and the height of water' in the liver has since been observed regularly. Kawhia.- A report has been obtained in connection with a proposed ferro-concrete wharf extension. Castle Point Lighthouse. —Suggestions have been made regarding the renewal of the roofs of the houses at Castle Point, where the present roofing-material has proved unsatisfactory. Karori Rock Beacon.- The erection of this beacon has been continued under great difficulties, due to the very exposed position of the rock. It is only when the sea is smooth that it is possible to do any work, the concrete being mixed on shore and carried by boat to the rock. Up to the present the base has been constructed, and the tower carried up to a height of about 20 ft. above it, or 45 ft. above water-level. The lighting-apparatus has been obtained, and can be fitted up as soon as the tower is completed, which should be in about two months' time, provided reasonably fine weather is experienced. Karamea. —The repairs to the wharf, which were in hand at date of last report, have since been completed. Plans have been prepared for additions to the wharf-shed. The contract for repairs to the training-wall is still in hand, as is also the contract for extension, both having been seriously affected by floods, which, have also necessitated extensive modifications and additions to the contracts. The extension of the training-wall having narrowed the channel, a number of residents, with the assistance of the Department, attempted to improve the entrance by diverting the river. Their efforts, combined with an opportune flood, resulted in the formation of a new outlet through a sandspit, which has so far proved quite satisfactory. Westport. —A report was furnished in connection with harbour-works at this port. Kaikoura. —A proposal to provide better shelter for fishing-boats was reported upon. Greymouth. —Sundry matters relating to harbour improvements have been dealt with. Godley Head Lighthouse. —A report was supplied with reference to improvements in the watersupply. Bruce Bay Landing. —Some further information has been obtained with regard to improved landing facilities at Bruce Bay, South Westland, and plans, &c, are being prepared. Pelorus Sound — Kenepuru Arm — Waitaria Wharf. —This new structure was completed in August last. Wai/makariri River. —Further reports and estimates have been furnished in connection with the proposed training-wall to fix the outlet of this river. Moerahi. —The repairs to launch-slip, which were in hand at date of last report, have since been completed. Cape Saunders Lighthouse.- A new winch has been provided for the landing-crane. Otago Harbour.- Sundry matters in connection with reclamation-works, &c, have been reported upon. Taieri River. —A new jetty, in reinforced concrete, is being erected on the northern side of the river, near its mouth, and a report and estimate was prepared in connection with repairs to the existing jetty on the southern side, at Taieri Mouth Township. Nuggets Boat-landing .— The mole protecting the fishermen's landing has been extended a short distance, the new work consisting of concrete blocks. A further sum is available and will be expended in a similar manner. Dog Island lAghthouse. —The lightning-conductor has been renewed. Ruapuke Island. —A proposal to construct a wharf is being investigated. R. W. Holmes, Marine Engineer. The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. The Chief Inspector of Machinery to the Secretary of the Marine and Inspection of Machinery Department. Sir,— Customhouse Building, Wellington, 27th May, 1915. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report on the operations and work of the Inspectors of Machinery and the Ships during the twelve months which ended on the 31st March, 1915. The work connected with the surveys of steamers, of sailing-vessels, and of oil-launches i. r ; practically up to date. The launch-surveying has now assumed large proportions all over New Zealand and has engaged the attention of two Surveyors of Ships during the year. The land-boiler inspections and the machinery inspections include hydraulic and electric lifts for the carriage of both passengers and cargo. All oil and gas engines and electric motors have been inspected in all parts of New Zealand. In most of the country districts this year, owing to the weather-conditions, which have been good, a great number of new machinery inspections have been made in the more remoto'parts of the various districts. In the North Auckland district it will, I think, be advisable to open a new district office soon, either in Dargaville or Whangarei. The ship-surveys are getting very numerous in the Kaipara, Hokianga, Whangarei, and Bay of Islands, and the land machinery in and around those centres is, owing to new land-settlement, increasing very rapidly.

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