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1925. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SWAMP DRAINAGE. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1925, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

Presented, to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 13 of the Swamp Drainage Act, 1915

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 12th June, 1925. In pursuance of section 13 of the Swamp Drainage Act, 1915, I have the honour to forward the report of the Chief Drainage Engineer covering all operations and transactions under his control. The various projects have been vigorously prosecuted, and the machinery is standing up to hard work in a satisfactory manner. Illustrative plans are also attached. I have, &c., J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary. The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands.

REPORT BY CHIEF DRAINAGE ENGINEER. Sir,- — I iiave the honour to submit ray annual report on the areas proclaimed under the Swamp Drainage Act, 1915, and amendments. Kaitaia Drainage Area (39,665 Acres), Mongonui County. The principal works carried out during the year have been the completion of the Waihoe channel, widening and deepening of the Awanui River, excavation of the Whangatane spillway, improvement and maintenance of existing drains, and excavation of new drains by hand. Rainfall records have been kept at Kaitaia, and readings taken daily showing water-level on gauges in the Awanui River. The total rainfall for the year was 48-89 in. Rain fell on 126 days, the wettest month being May, with 10-34 in., and the driest March, with 0-51 in. The highest water-level recorded at was 72-3 ft. and the lowest 53-9 ft. At the Dairy Factory Bridge the highest water-level was 80-5 ft., and the lowest 64-8 ft. Two severe floods were experienced during May, following rainfalls of 2-77 in. and 2-36 in. respectively for the preceding twenty-four hours. Large areas in the vicinity of Kaitaia, Pukepoto, and Waipapakauri were inundated, demonstrating the necessity for works now in hand, and further improvement in channels to carry the run-off following