D.—l

From the foregoing figures it will be observed that at the end of last £ financial year the unexpended balance of the Public Works Fund for general purposes, plus existing and proposed authorities for raising further moneys, amounted to . . . . .. .. 9,587,471 While the balance at the same date in respect to some of the more important public works, under special accounts, plus existing and proposed legislative authority to raise additional loans, amounted to .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,890,888 Or a total of .. .. .. .. £21,478,359 IRRIGATION AND WATER SUPPLY. Two new schemes —Arrow and Hawkdun —were commenced. The actual area irrigated under all the Government schemes was 28,114 acres, divided among 279 settlers, as against 19,897 acres with 239 irrigators in the previous year. The graph below shows the growth of irrigation under the Government schemes for the past seven years :—

Ida Valley Scheme. —The Bonanza flume was replaced with a twin siphon ; weirs were constructed on the Upper Bonanza and German Hill Races. Manuherikia Scheme. —The third line in Chatto Creek siphon, and construction of distributary races, were completed. A demonstration plot of 10 acres for the information of intending irrigators was laid down. Eamscleugh Scheme. —A pipe-line and necessary races were completed during the year. A demonstration plot of 15 acres was laid down under the border-dyke system. Half has been sown in permanent pasture, and the remainder will be sown in lucerne.

VIII