H.—ls.

Ivydale Ramp. —A complete survey and investigation of this proposal has been carried out. Whitianga Wharf. —A contract for the erection of this wharf was let by the Coromandel County Council during the year, and the structure was almost completed at the end of the period. This wharf is of hardwood construction with turpentine-pile foundation, and is provided with a wharf-shed and also a cattle-run. General. A number of applications have been received from local bodies and private individuals for the approval of works involving marine interests. Among the various applications were the following : — Foreshore Licenses. —Taipa Village, Mangonui; Opononi, Hokianga, Kopuku Landing, Maramarua Survey District; Kaimanawa, Waihou River ; Uwhiroa Creek ; Pounawea, Otago ; Tikinui, Wairoa River ; Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island ; Motukaraka, Hokianga Harbour ; Dargaville, Wairoa River; Rawene, Hokianga Harbour; Horeke, Waihou River, Hokianga Harbour; Port Craig, Buckland's Beach, Tamaki; Paremata ; Perrymead, Heathcote River ; Seal Island, Woodpecker Bay ; Narrows, Hokianga Harbour ; Tamaki Strait; Mapua, Waimea River ; Aoroa, Wairoa River, Kaipara Harbour ; Mercury Bay, Coromandel; Paradise Estate, Northern Wairoa ; Te Hapua, Parengarenga Harbour ; Whangarei Harbour ; Mapuna, Northern Wairoa River ; Taikata Creek, Auckland Harbour. Wharves and Jetties. —Tikinui, Wairoa River ; Pitt Island, Chathams ; Seal Island, Woodpecker Bay; Huntly; Taupiri, Hamilton; Mercury Bay, Coromandel; Oyster Wharf, BlufE Harbour; Miranda, Xhames : Mercer; Whangarei Harbour; Thorndon Breastwork, Wellington; Hataitai, Wellington. Boat Sheds and Skids. —Lowry Bay, Wellington Harbour ; Evans Bay, Wellington ; Jervois Quay, Wellington ; Whakatakataka Bay, Auckland Harbour ; Worser Bay, Wellington. Bridges. —Radly Street, Princes Street, Sheldon Street, Heathcote River, Christchurch. Retaining-walls and Stop-banks. —Kohimarama, Auckland Harbour ; Blockhouse Bay, Manukau Harbour; Mahurangi River; Rangaunu Bay, Awanui, Wharewharekauri, Hokianga Harbour; Horahora River ; Waihou River, Hokianga Harbour ; Waima River, Hokianga Harbour ; Oruru River, Mangonui Harbour ; Whangaroa Harbour ; Onehunga, Manukau Harbour. Transmission-lines. —Lake Rotoiti ; Churchill, Waikato River ; Taupiri, Waikato River. River-improvement. —Waimakariri River. Harbour-works. —Otago Harbour ; Quarantine Island, Motueka Harbour ; New Plymouth : Miranda, Thames. Reclamations. —St. Mary's Bay, Auckland Harbour ; Wairoa River, Kaipara, Onepoto Basin, Shoal Bay, Auckland Harbour ; Blockhouse Bay, Auckland Harbour ; Paihia, Bay of Islands ; Bluff Harbour ; Taruheru River, Gisborne. Lighthouses. During the past year there has been less activity in the installation of new lights and the improvement of existing ones due to the reduction in available finance, and several works which it was anticipated would be put in hand have had to stand over. Akaroa : Peninsula — East Head. —The apparatus for this light, which consists of an automatic open-flame flashing signal with a 75-litre burner in an 800 mm. catadioptric lens was received and duly erected. The light, which is fitted with a sun valve for automatic operation, should be of great assistance to shipmasters trading between southern and northern ports, and will supplement the Godley Head light, which is being altered to a more modern type. Oodley Head. —The necessary apparatus for converting this lighthouse from a fixed to a flashing characteristic has been received and the work of installation is in hand. The range of this light is being slightly reduced since, with the installation of the light on East Head, that on Godley Head becomes more or less a harbour light. Baring Head. —This light, which is situated about three miles seaward of Pencarrow, is intended to take the place of the high-level light at the latter place, and, being on a distinctive headland, is more truly a coastal light. The necessary land has been acquired, an access road has been formed, and a bridge built across the Wainuiomata Stream. Arrangements were being made to order the apparatus and let a contract for the tower and necessary buildings, keepers' houses, &c, but it has been decided to defer the work until financial conditions improve. In the meantime shelter-belts and fencing are being completed. Jackson's Head. — The range of this light, which is an automatic acetylene one, has been increased by providing a new burner which is twice the candle-power of the original. Kahurangi Point. —The lens at this station, which was recently damaged by a secondary earthquake, was sent home to England for repair, and has now been reinstated. It was anticipated that a new keeper's house would have been erected this year, but that also has had to stand over. The Brothers. —Extensive repairs were carried out at this station, new foundations being put under the tower, a new crane and tramway erected, and all buildings given a thorough overhaul. A number of minor repairs have been effected at various stations, and the buildings, &c, have been well maintained at all stations during the period. Lighthouse Tendee " Matai." This vessel has been engaged for the whole year on her ordinary work of tendering the lighthouses, and has functioned in an extremely satisfactory manner. A comparison of her running and maintenance costs, as compared with those of her predecessor, for a full year shows a substantial reduction in the vicinity of £3,500. While part of this saving is due to the statutory reduction in wages, the general economical result is most satisfactory.

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