D.—l

XXXI

CONCLUSION. Shortly, to summarize, I have endeavoured to instil into my staff, from whom 1 have had the most loyal co-operation, the fundamental principle that the taxpayer must receive the very best value for the money spent, that all projects must be considered on an economic basis, and that in that consideration not only the requirements of the day are to be considered, but the ever expanding wants of this vigorous young country. Also, while seeing that only good work is done, and done economically, I have endeavoured to avoid any possibility of it being suggested that lowpriced work was to be obtained at the expense of fair and reasonable treatment of the employees. I have always found the staff eager to assist me, and in all cases anxious to carry out the policy defined for their guidance by the Government. I am satisfied that the works which have been brought into being during this year will serve a useful purpose long after those responsible for their conception and construction have passed away. As appendices to this Statement honourable members will find full details of the principal works carried out by the Department in the reports of the Engineer-in-Chief, Government Architect,' Chief Electrical Engineer, and Main Highways Board respectively.