D.—l.

ATtaroa —A new lightning-arrester was fixed on this lighthouse. Farewell Spit.— Repairs to the bracing and stairway were effected, and the whole structure cleaned down and given three coats of paint. A number of minor repairs have been efiected at various stations, and all buildings have been properly maintained. r r J 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.— Arthur Point, Eastbourne, Wellington Harbour; Waiaro, Coromandel and J etties. -Pupuke River, Whangaroa ; Te Rawa, Pelorus Sound ; Paritu Point, Coromandel; Seal Island, Woodpecker Bay; Matiatia Bay, Waiheke Island; Westhaven Harbour; Menzies Bay, Banks Peninsula ; Lyttelton Harbour ; Bluff Harbour ; Collmgwood, Nelson ; Motuihi Island, Auckland ; Kutarere, Bay of Plenty ; Parkeston, Westhaven Inlet; Onekaka River, Golden BaJ 'Boat Sheds and Sfcufe.—Rotokakahi River, Whangape Harbour; Sloan's Beach Heme Bay Auckland Harbour ; Whakatakataka (Hobson) Bay, Auckland Harbour ; Meola Creek, Auckland Harbour. Bridge.— Kaeo River, Whangaroa. Retaininq-walls and Stop-banks.—Rewamwa Creek, Auckland Harbour Harbour Works : Moorings and Timber Dolphins.— Floating Dock, Wellington Harbour ; Blufi Harbour. Reclamation.— Mussel Bay, Otago Harbour.

SMALL FARMS SCHEME. During the year 437 cottages and farm buildings were erected in connection with this scheme on land acquired for the settlement of unemployed workers, making a total of 725 buildings erected The average cost of the cottages has been in the vicinity of £170. On the appointment of the Small Farms Board a few months ago authority was obtained for the erection of an improved type of cottage, and six alternate designs costing up to £300 each have been approved by the Board. . . ~. -, In addition to erecting cottages and farm buildings the Department is also providing road access, internal roading, water-supply, fencing, and other preliminary work on several large blocks of land recently acquired under the Act. For this work unemployed labour, including the prospective settlers, has been utilized. , The capital expenditure under the vote "Settlement of Unemployed Workers tor the financial year was £118,722.

TRAMWAYS. Auckland— -Two new tram-cars were inspected and passed as ready for service. Ten tram-cars were inspected after accidents. , New Plymouth.— -Two four-wheel bogie cars were converted to one-man control and fatted with compressed-air emergency-service brakes, and automatically air-operated folding-doors. Ihese cars were inspected and passed. n Wanqanui —One four-wheel bogie car purchased from the Takapuna Tramways and ierry Co. has been reconditioned, converted to one-man control, fitted with compressed-air emergency-service brakes, and automatically air-operated folding-doors. The car was duly inspected and passed. The whole of the Wanganui service is now a one-man-operated service. Four miles and a quarter of track from the Chief Post-office to Aramoho Park has been reconditioned. Wellington —The only works requiring the Department's inspection during the year have been three minor additions to the tramway-tracks. The work was carried out, inspected, and passed. Christchurch —During the year twelve cars were converted to one-man-operated cars and inspected and passed for service. A balloon loop, a Y loop, and a passing-loop were constructed in different parts of the track system, and passed for service. Dunedin and Invercargill.—Boih systems had no new construction or equipment calling ior inspection.

PLANT AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. Although the number of major construction works in hand by the Department shows a substantial decrease compared with previous years, nevertheless it has been necessary to maintain a large quantity of plant and mechanical equipment in commission. Such works as the Waitaki and Arapuni hydro-electric works, the Stratford Main Trunk railway and Tawa Flat Railway Deviation works, the Balclutha and Wairoa River Bridges, the Tauraroa and Motutara Island Quarries in particular have required the use of complete and up-to-date power plant. Considerable sections of main highways are under the direct control of the Public Works Department, on behalf of the Main Highways Board, for construction and maintenance. These works are fully equipped with appropriate road plant of all descriptions.

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