C—B

1916. NEW ZEALAND.

DRAINAGE OPERATIONS IN HAURAKI PLAINS: REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1916; 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 and Survey, Wellington, Ist May, 1916. 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. No further areas have been opened for selection since the last report, consequently the area in occupation is the same us at the 31st March, 1915 —viz., 38,994 acres —subdivided into 294 sections, exclusive of town sections. 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 1914 ... ... ... 21,467 18 2 1915 ... ... ... 20,399 10 4 1916 1 ... ... ... 18,331 10 10 Total ... ... ... ... ... .£197,972 16 1 I have recently made an inspection of the Hauraki Plains, and made myself acquainted with the nature and scope of the operations now in progress under the able direction of the Chief Drainage Engineer and his assistant, and have every reason to feel satisfied with the progress of the drainage and reclamation that has been effected and the further success that should result, as the outcome of the works now in hand. The detailed report of the Chief Drainage Engineer is attached, together with a statement of accounts. I have, &c., The Right Hon. W. F. Massey, P.0., T. N. Brodkick, Under-Secretary. Minister of Lands, Wellington.