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Main Outlet Drains. At the present time, excluding all dredged outfalls and road-drains, there are 66 miles 22 chains of main outlet drains in operation, and of this 6 miles !) chains have been completed during the present year. Dredged cuts and river-diversions make up another 19 miles 69 chains, of which 4 miles 4 chains were completed this year, making a total of 86 miles 11 chains of artificial waterways in operation. As the accompanying plan will show, there is a very short total length of drains as yet untouched, and consequently the future annual return of new works will greatly decrease. The deepening of existing drains will be a big item during next year and the following one, and so will maintenauce-work until the scheme can be said to be actually complete and the various, drains settled down to their work. A distance of 34 miles 15 chains of drains has been cleaned and deepened and in places enlarged, and it is hoped to have all drains in good working-order before winter sets in. RtUD-FOBMATION. A large amount of work has been carried out in connection with road-formation within the area, but not so much as was intended, owing to dearth of labour and prior importance of keeping the drains in an efficient state. It has also been impossible for us to commence the construction of the main arterial road, which is to be located adjacent and parallel to the East Coast Railway, owing to the centre-line not yet having been finally located. This road will be pushed on with, or at least made passable for stock, as soon as possible after the line of railway is fixed across the plain. Its construction will be of immense benefit in opening up the country, and will be used by practically all the traffic up and down the East Coast. To date 43 miles 72 chains of roads have been completed, and of this total 14 miles 51 chains have been constructed during the year under review. BIUDdKS. Two three-span pile bridges have been erected during the year across the Kopeopeo outfall. The top structure of these will require dismantling and re-erecting later when the dredge backs out of the cut, but the piles will not need disturbing, as the centre span is of sufficient width to allow of its passage. Floating Plant, This consists of two Priestman dredgers, one Hammond bucket dredge, one suction plant (incomplete), two ferry pontoons, one snagging-barge, three coal-barges, one towing-pontoon, two oil-launches, and sundry small boats, punts, ifec. All of above, with the exception of one ferry pontoon and the suction dredge, are in first-class order and in constant use. Buildings. The total number of buildings on the works, including stores, workshops, &0., is seventeen. All are in fair order and sufficient for the purpose. Surveys. During the greater portion of the year a survey party has been engaged on the various land and engineering surveys necessary for the carrying-out of the works. These, principally engineering surveys, are well up to date. Summauy of Works pibfobmed. Excavation by wheel scoop teams ... ... ... ... ... 4,405 cubic yards. Excavation of canals by dredgers ... ... ... ... ... 224,740 ~ New outlet drains ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 miles 9 chains. Cleaning and deepening outlet drains ... ... ... ... 34 ~ 15 „ Roads formed ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 14 ~ 51 ~ Pile bridges built ... ... ... ... ... ... 2" Coal-pontoons built... ... ... ... ... ... 1 Towing-pontoons built ...... 1 General improvements, snagging, &c, Rangitaiki River; general maintenance and improvements. to existing works, together with many minor services too numerous to mention. Wouks Expenditure foe the Year. On account of piecework contracts and day labour of all descriptions upon drainage operations the sum of £10,550 os. sd. was paid out of Whakatane imprest. Out of special vote the sum of £2,285 17s. 9d. was paid from local imprest. General. The books in connection with the works are kept at the Thames office. Many road and' engineering survey plans and tracings were made. The Land Drainage Engineer, Mr. 0. N. Campbell, who lias local charge of works, has not spared himself to ensure the success of all works, and his resourcefulness and assiduity are deserving of commendation. Mr. G. Tuck, foreman dredgemaster, and his assistants are also deserving of praise for the manner in which theii work has been executed. I have, &0., J. B. Thompson, The Under-Heeretary for Lands, Wellington. Chief Drainage Engineer.

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