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Session 11. 1921. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: RANGITAIKI LAND DRAINAGE. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1921, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

Presented to both Houses of the (lan nil Assembly pursuant to Section 10 of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 10th June, 1921. I have the honour to submit herewith the report upon drainage operations in the Rangitaiki Plains for the year ended 31st March, 1921, pursuant to the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910. The report of the Chief Drainage Engineer, Mr. J. B. Thompson, is attached hereto, from which it will be seen that very great progress has been made with the works during the year, and that most of the land already drained has been subdivided and settled with satisfactory results. The accompanying statement of cash transactions and balance-sheet shows the financial transactions for the year, and the position of the account as at the 31st March last. I have, &c., The Hon. T). H. Guthrie, Minister of Lands. T. N. Brc-drick, Under-Secretary.

REPORT OF CHIEF DRAINAGE ENGINEER. Sir — In accordance with the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910, T have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 31st .March, 1921. The year has been one of very great progress indeed. All over the Rangitaiki Swamp, and wherever large holdings have been subdivided, great improvements have been made, as shown in the improved returns in both dairy factories located in the drainage area. Plenty of fall is available, and many of the farmers have taken advantage of same to deepen their private drains. A great amount of timber has been met with, making the work much more costly; hut unless this timber is disposed of the fall cannot he made use of. One new Priestman dredge is now in operation in the Tarawcra [liver, and is doing splendid work. So far it has had considerable quantities of timber to contend with, but is easily able to cope with same. The other new I'ricstman will start operations in April in Section 10!) drain. When the up-to-date machinery purchased recently in America is in operation- which will be very shortly—all the main drains will have ample fall. Eastern District. The drainage in this disrtict has been pushed alone satisfactorily during the year. Outfalls cut the previous year from the Tohakatoa Kawa Stream southwards through Section 30 to the south boundary of Section 38 have been widened and deepened, that on the western side being now fully 14ft. wide, and on the eastern side (which is only partially constructed) about 18ft. wide. All spoil from these drains has been thrown into the centre of the road, and this, with some extra material carted, has made a very good road. Although the Otarere drain was widened last year, it was found necessary to deepen the same drain this year owing to so much silt from the hills lodging in the bed of the stream. The Eastern drain has been deepened from the Kopeopeo to McLean's Road, and the tide now rises at McLean's Road fully (i in. Nearly all the spoil from Ibis and adjoining drains has been used in forming roads adjacent thereto. Ft- is proposed to take up fall through the sandy ridge, and scoops are being utilized in tbis very necessary work. The Western drain has been deepened and widened from Feist's Road bo McCracken's Road, and the result is a splendid drain, giving all the adjoining settlers ample fall. Putiki drain has been cut through the lagoon near the Kopeopeo cut. and has b i cleaned to the southern boundary of Section 75. Owing to more fall being available by dredging operations,