D.—l

VII

Waimate Branch Extension. Some rock-cuttings, culverts, stream-diversions, and fencing had been carried out over the first four miles before work on this extension was suspended early in December. Otago Central. Formation-work on the extension from Clyde to Cromwell is practically completed. Rails have been laid over half the distance, and ballasting closely follows the railhead. Two small bridges have yet to be completed and a few culverts constructed, and fencing erected. Tuapeka Mouth Branch. The interrupted trial survey to locate the best route for a line to connect Tuapeka Mouth with the main system was resumed in the middle of March, but no construction-work was done on either of the suggested routes during the year. Waiau-Orawia. Bushfelling and a little formation-work were started on this extension in May, 1915, but were suspended in November following. Over one mile of earthwork was completed, and after the works were stopped the fallen bush was burnt off while weather-conditions were favourable. No further work has been done on the line. Total Appropriations cor Railway-construction. Other Railway-works. The expenditure out of the Public Works Fund under the heading " Additions to Open Lines " amounted during the pa,st financial year to £402,252. Of this sum £324,551 was spent on rolling-stock, workshops, machinery, Westinghouse-brake equipment, and the installing of a Thomas transmission car. The balance covered expenditure on improvements to station, accommodation and yards, engine-depots, wharves, tunnel-duplication, installation of telegraph, telephone, and tablet facilities, signalling and interlocking and other material, and the purchase of land required for station purposes. ROADS ON (10LDFIELDS (MINES DEPARTMENT). The total allocation under this head last year amounted to £63,511, on account of which a vote of £40,000 was taken. The expenditure during the year was £24,432, and the sum proposed to be allocated for the current year is £41,766, on account of which a vote of £30,000 is asked for. DEVELOPMENT OF MINING. The value of the mineral output for the year is less than the value of the output of the previous year. This was only to be expected, however, in view of the prohibition of the export of certain materials during the term of war. The output of coal was maintained, being 2,208,624 tons, a slight decrease as compared with the output of the previous year. In order to obtain suitable marble for the new Parliament Buildings the Department undertook, by arrangement with the contractors, the construction of a line of tramway from the seashore to a new quarry over three miles distant, and at an elevation of 1,500 ft. The line, with necessary bridges, sidings, and crossings, has been completed and is now in regular use. A new wharf at the sea end of the tramway is in. course of construction. The Government holds security for the ultimate repayment of the outlay. The expenditure under the heading of " Development of Mining " during last year was £6,602, and a vote of £6,000 is proposed to be taken this year.