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D.—l

MARINE. As usual, the Department's district officers have made numerous inspections and reports, on behalf of the Marine Department, in connection with wharves, landings, harbour-works, reclamations, foreshore leases, &c, particularly in the Whangarei and Auckland districts. In addition the Department has carried out sundry works, including the following : — Kohukohu Beclamation, Hokianga. —The work of restoring the damaged retaining-wall and raising the height of the reclamation has been completed. Harbourmaster's House, liawene, Hohianga, —Some additional excavation has been carried out, and a drainage system, has been installed. Tauranga Harbour. —The Department carried out a little dredging in the channel leading to the town wharves, but the only plant available proved unsuitable, and the work was discontinued. Wairoa (H. 8.), —A marine survey of the Wairoa roadstead was carried out, and a suitable plan supplied to facilitate the working of this port by the deep-sea vessels which will call for meat from the new freezing-works. Hokitika Lighthouse. —The lighthouse was repaired and painted. Gape Foulwind Lighthouse. —A new outbuilding was erected. Avon Biver. —Levels and soundings were taken in connection with a proposed reclamation at New Brighton. Puysegur Point Lighthouse. —Timber has been, obtained and joinery manufactured for three new cottages. The work of erection will be commenced early in the spring.

DEFENCE WORKS. Sundry buildings have been erected, and existing works have been maintained and improved. A. considerable amount of maintenance work and some new construction were carried out during the early part of the year at the military camps. These have since been taken over entirely by the Defence Department. I have, &c, R. W. Holmes, M.lnst, C.E., The Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Engineer-in-Chief.