H.—ls.

Australian hardwood superstructure is built 80 ft. long by 10 ft. wide. A crane has also been erected. The depth of the water at the end of the jetty is 10 ft. at low-water spring tide. Great Barrier Island: Whangapara Wharf.—Plans have been approved and a contract let for the construction of the stone-walled approach. Elmslie Bay Wharf, French Pass.—Proposals for the erection of a new structure have been approved, and plans and specifications have been prepared. Waikawa Bay Wharf (near French Pass).—Surveys and tentative plans for a new structure have been completed. Portage Wharf, Kenepuru Sound.—Minor repairs to steps and decking were carried out during "the year. Tiri Tiri Fog Signal.—The necessary machinery for this plant, including air-receiver, two Dieseldriven compressor sets, shafting, piping, and diaphone signal have been delivered on the island and placed in position. The pipe-work on the engine and compressor-cooling systems, also pipes to receiver and diaphone, are now being laid out and erected. The job is in a fairly advanced state. Lighthouses. Baring Head. —A contract for the erection of the concrete tower and two cottages for the accommodation of the keepers has been completed, and, in addition, the power-house for machinery for generating the electric energy has been completed. The lantern-house has been placed in position and everything was in readiness for the electrical equipment. The power is generated at the station by means of Diesel-driven generating-sets and fed through a battery of accumulators to the light itself. All parts are in duplicate, and every precaution has been taken to safeguard any possibility of failure through a breakdown of the power-supply, damage to the light-source, or any other contingency. A considerable amount of tree-planting and breakwind construction has been carried out on the reserve. The light was actually exhibited on 18th June, 1935, when Pencarrow Light, which had been in use for years, ceased operations. Castlepoint.—A cast-iron cleaning-path around the lantern house was erected in order that the cleaning of the lantern could be carried out with greater safety. Cape Saunders Lighthouse.—Painting and repairs to the lighthouse and repairs to the two cottages and other buildings were undertaken during the period. Centre Island Lighthouse.—ln November, 1933, a quantity of ruby glass for replacement of ruby screens was purchased, and this is held in store at the island pending the visit of the Department's expert to place same in position. General. A number of applications have been received from local bodies and private individuals for approval of works involving marine interests. Among the various applications were the following Foreshore Licenses. —Onekaka River Wharf ; Kawakawa Landing-stage (Bay of Islands) ; Brown's Island (Hauraki Gulf—wharf) ; Mangarakau River (Westhaven—wharf) ; Taieri Mouth (wharf) ; Picton (Harbour—boatslip) ; Queenstown (jetty) ; Wairupe Stream (Motukaraka Wharf) ; Hokianga ; Tangowahine ; Kaipara ; Lucas Creek, Auckland ; Waikawa Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound ; Brown's Bay, Waiheke Island (wharf) ; New Brighton, Hauraki Gulf ; Ngaruawahia, Waikato River ; Motukaraka, Hokianga ; Picton. Wharves and Jetties.—Kohimarama, Auckland; Holmes' Wharf, Oamaru ; Tryphena Harbour, Great Barrier Island ; Mangarakau River, Westhaven ; Imlay Extension, Wanganui; Grader Wharf extension, Patea; Motukaraka, Hokianga Harbour; Lyttelton No. 1 reconstruction, Wellington Harbour. Boat-sheds and Skids.—Picton foreshore (Picton —footbridge) ; Evans Bay, Wellington ; Kawakawa, Bay of Islands ; Port Nelson ; Bastion Point, Auckland ; Heme Bay, Auckland ; Oaklands Road, Papakura. Bridges— Puhoi River, Rodney County ; Maungaroa Creek, Manukau County ; Orewa River, Waitemata ; Waikawau Stream, Thames ; Paremata River, Porirua Harbour ; Limeburner's Creek, Whangaroa. Retaining-walls.—Moncks Bay, Sumner ; Motueka Harbour ; Breakwater extension, Oamaru ; groynes, Tauranga Harbour ; Hokitika River. Reclamations. —Point Howard, Wellington Harbour ; Wairau Estuary, Takapuna. Outfalls. —Septic tank, New Zealand Air Forces, Hobsonville ; Evans Bay, Wellington ; Karori sewerage, Cook Strait. Harbour Board Legislation. The only legislation passed during the year and affecting Harbour Boards was as follows Bluff Harbour Board and Bluff Borough Council Empowering Act.—This Act supplemented the existing agreement between these local bodies in the matter of the water-supply to the Harbour Board wharves. Oamaru Harbour Board Empowering Act.—This Act authorized the Oamaru Harbour Board to construct a necessary extension to the existing breakwater. Lighthouse Tender. The s.s. " Matai " has efficiently carried out the work of tendering the coastal lighthouses and overhauling the buoys and beacons in harbours under the control of the Department. In addition, she made a trip to certain islands under Government administration in the Pacific on inspection and relief work after the disastrous hurricane which swept these islands early in 1935.

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