D.—l.

To avoid the maintenance of two radio stations in the same district, it is proposed to transfer the services of Auckland Radio from the Chief Post Office building, Auckland, to the Musick Point Station. TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. The expenditure for the year ending 31st March last was £24,552, as compared with £23,159 for the previous year. The major portion of the expenditure during last year was incurred on extensions to the Rotorua electrical system, particularly the reticulation of the Ngakura and Horahora districts, additions to the Te Anau Hotel and Lake House, Waikaremoana. Much-needed improvements were carried out to the roads and tracks in the Rotorua district, and work in connection with the formation of the road to Scoria Flat, Tongariro National Park, was advanced. LANDS IMPROVEMENT. Under this section work was continued in connection with the improvement and control of rivers, reclamation of tidal-flats and sand-dune areas, and drainage schemes. The clearing of several rivers has been undertaken, and flooding has been minimized as a result of the removal of willow-growth and other obstructions. Some of the major works were the clearing of the Hoteo and Mangaorongo Rivers and the Taupiri Drainage Scheme in the Auckland District; the clearing of the Mokauiti and Mokau Rivers in the Taumarunui District; the Ngaruroro rivercontrol scheme in the Napier District; the Karamea River flood-control scheme in the Greymouth District; and the Ashley River flood-control scheme in the Christchurch District. The extensive works in connection with the Ashley River were completed and handed over to the Ashley River Trust for maintenance. In connection with proposed Ruawai drainage improvements, a comprehensive engineering investigation was made and a scheme designed so that the project could be considered. Investigations were also made in respect of a number of rivers in various districts, and for which schemes of control are under consideration. Reclamation operations at the Hutt River estuary were completed, 92 acres having been reclaimed. In certain districts, particularly North Auckland and Auckland, sand-dune reclamation was actively continued, large areas of marram-grass and lupin being planted or sown. Tree-planting has also been a feature of the improvement work carried out in sand-dune areas. SETTLEMENT OF UNEMPLOYED WORKERS. The development of land for small-farm settlement was continued during the year, the work being undertaken partly by the Public Works Department and partly by the Lands and Survey Department's own land-development organization. The number of men employed on the various schemes increased from the previous maximum of 1,324 to 1,646 in March, 1939. This increase was due to additional areas being taken in hand, and at the 31st March a total of 118,435 acres was under development. The figure last year was 73,000 acres. The stock carried on the new pastures laid down included 81,848 sheep, 7,227 dairy cattle, and 10,142 run cattle. The gross expenditure during the year against this vote was £526,397. PLANT AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. During the year under review the policy of utilizing mechanical equipment on public works has been continued, and further purchases have been made of various types of modern machines. Generally speaking, it can be said that the amount

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