D.—l.

X

derived from only about half the available area, while working-expenses as for the whole were incurred, the results are satisfactory. The revenue received amounted to £4,620, while the working - expenses amounted to £2,130, leaving a balance over working-expenses amounting to £2,490, which shows a considerable increase over the receipts of the preceding year. All the other schemes in hand are practically completed, or will be by the commencement of the next irrigation season : with the exception of one scheme, all irrigators requiring water were supplied during last season. The actual area irrigated under all the Government schemes was 19,897 acres, divided among 239 settlers, as against 14,667 acres in the previous year, with 200 settlers. The graph below shows the growth of irrigation under the Government schemes for the past six years :—

The Ida Valley scheme has been further extended, and three miles of race between Moa Creek and Poolburn Weir has been enlarged; the Syndicate race extended half a mile, and distributary races constructed. Improvements to the Upper Bonanza Race have been carried out, and the Bonanza Flume replacement is in hand. The distribution races in connection with the Galloway scheme were completed. The Manuherikia scheme was practically completed, and will serve all parts of the area connected next season. The erection of the pipe-line authorized in connection with the extension of the Earnscleugh scheme was put in hand, while considerable work on the main race and distributary races was carried out. The Last Chance scheme will be finished next season with the exception of distributary races to some Crown land not yet open for settlement. The Tarras scheme was nearly completed during last year. The Teviot River scheme is practically completed, and will be finished before next irrigation season. In connection with the Hawkdun scheme, repairs to Eweburn Reservoir are in hand, and further investigations in connection with the distribution are being made. A survey has been made of the Upper Manuherikia dam area, and plans are now in course of preparation. Plans of the Roaring Meg survey are being prepared, and a survey is in hand for the Luggateburn scheme to serve Crown land in the Clutha Valley. A scheme for the Miller's Flat district to be served from the Minzionburn has been surveyed and the details are now being worked out. Survey