H.—ls

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Motueka. —Various soundings and observations are being made in connection with projected harbour improvements. haramea. —Numerous surveys and reports have been made regarding transfer of marine leases, erosion at Otumahana overflow, extension of training-wall, Ac. Sundry minor improvements to the wharf and tramway are in hand. Little Wanganui. —Minor repairs to the wharf have been carried out. Cape Foidwind Lighthouse. —A ventilating-cowl similar to those at other lighthouses has been manufactured and will be erected shortly. II estport. —Inspections have been made and reports prepared in connection with sea-enoroaoh-nieul to leeward of the eastern breakwater and erosion at Orowaiti overflow. Lake Kanieri. —A question of compensation arising out of the construction of a weir at flic lake-outlet has been adjusted. Hokitika. —A report and recommendation were submitted with regard to some damage sustained by the south training-wall. Okanto. —The question of repairs to protective works at this place was investigated and reported upon. Okuru. —Steps have been taken to repair the jetty, which had been damaged by floods. Kaikoura. —A recommendation was made regarding the control of the foreshore opposite the town. Pigeon Bay. —A report was prepared in connection with the removal of sand from the beach at Holmes Bay. Akaroa Lighthouse. —A ventilating-cowl has been manufactured similar to those which have been'found necessary elsewhere. Moeraki Lighthouse. —A similar cowl is being provided for this lighthouse. Dog Island Lighthouse. —Complete plans have been prepared for the strengthening of the lighthouse-tower, and an officer will proceed to the island within the next few days to take charge of the work. Fuysegur Point Lighthouse. —All materials for the two new cottages have been transported to the site, and the erection of the buildings is well in hand. Considerable difficulties have been experienced in this matter owing to the inaccessibility of the place. General. —Little new work has been put in hand during the year, in view of the scarcity and high cost of material and labour. The same causes have operated in the case of local authorities' and private works. The proposals submitted for approval have been dealt with as indicated below. Wharves. —Hokianga: Te Tio Wharf, Mangamuka Creek, approved for temporary use; Orira River, two private wharves approved. Tutukaka : Site for wharf approved. Kaipara : Pukehuia Cream-wharf, Northern Wairoa River, approved. Auckland: East Tamaki, private jetty approved; North Head Defence Wharf, plans recorded; Lincoln Creek Bridge landing approved. Port Charles: Wharf approved subject, to amendments. Waihou River: Ngahina Wharf extensions approved. Waikato River: Mercer, Waikato Shipping Company's wharf approved. Whakatanc : Freezing-works wharf approved; Whale Island loading-jetty under consideration. Raglan: Protective works at Launch Wharf approved. Island Bay: Diving-pier approved. Pelorus Sound: Te Rawa, private wharf approved. Westport : Crane Wharf extension approved. Chatham Islands: Waitangi West, jetty and freezing-works site approved. Te Waewae Bay : Mussel Beach, wharf and breakwater approved. Reclamations. —Whangarei : Reclamation for freezing-works site approved, subject to legislation being passed. Boat-sheds, Skids, dec. —Picton : Boat-slip approved. Kaikoura : Boat-slip approved. Foreshore Leases. —Auckland: Kohimara.ma, special arrangements made re use of Flying School lease. Pelorus Sound: Hulwer, woolshed-site approved. Avon River: Application for large area for saltworks referred to Lyttelton Harbour Board. Bridges. —Whangarei : Guiding-wings at opening span of railway-bridge approved. Kaipara : Site for bridge over Northern Wairoa River at Dargaville approved, subject to conditions re opening span. Auckland : Wairau ('reek Footbridge, Takapuna, approved. Harbour-works. —Kaipara : Breastwork to increase depth of water at Helensville Wharf approved. Gisborne : Deflecting groynes approved. Miscellaneous. —Doubtless Bay : Whakaiitu River, tide-gate approved; Rangiawhia Peninsula, removal of stone from foreshore approved conditionally. Whangaroa : Wairakan Stream, timber - biionis approved. Whangarei : Suggestions made re Harbour Hoard Vesting Bill; Waihoihoi River, timber-booms approved. Kaipara: Dargaville sewage outfall site, recommended. Great Barrier Island : Tryphena, foreshore road approved. Orewa River : Telegraph-line crossing approved. Auckland: Little Shoal Hay, sea-wall approved; Karainurainu Island, boundaries of leases defined. Waihou River: Kopu Ferry approved. Tauranga : Removal of road-metal from Signal Hill approved. Wanganui : Castlecliff, closing of Wharf Street approved. Wellington : Sinclair Head, removal of stones from foreshore approved; Island Bay, removal of shingle approved, subject to limitations. West Haven : Private tramway-crossing arranged for. Westport: Dredge " Eileen Ward," navigating bridge approved. Lake Ellesrnere : Netting limits approved, and plan and schedule prepared defining same. Timaru : Oyster-bed, exclusive license approved. Green Island, &c. : Removal of guano and erection of jetties at Green Island, White Island, and Taieri Island approved. Titiroa Stream : Lock-gate approved. Invercargill : Removal of shells from foreshore near Clifton Railway-station approved. R. W. Holmes, The Secretary, Marine Department. Marine Engineer.