D— 1.

SWAMP LAND DRAINAGE. In the Hikurangi Drainage Area, Whangarei County, no work was carried out during the year, and the only expenditure incurred was in connection with the overhaul and disposal of plant not now required. In the Hauraki Plains Drainage Area the new works comprised the construction of 33 miles 63 chains of new drains and the deepening and widening of 23 miles 2 chains of*existing drains. In addition, maintenance-work was carried out on the existing drains. Full details of the work carried out in the various Swamp Land Drainage Areas will be found in the report of the Chief Drainage Engineer contained in the Land and Survey Department's annual report. PLANT AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. As mentioned in my last Statement, the amount of plant; on hand was reasonably sufficient for the scale of operations in progress, but further purchases would be necessary for replacements. During the year under review only moderate purchases were therefore effected. I have also indicated previously that the types of machinery obtained were selected because of their utility value. The wisdom of this policy has been proved by the use of considerable construction plant on urgent defence works since the outbreak of war. Particular attention has been given to the adequate maintenance of all mechanical equipment, and although most of the machines have been subjected to severe strain during the latter part of the year a high standard of efficiency has been maintained. The local manufacture of spare parts has been continued with most satisfactory results as regards both quality and cost in comparison with overseas supplies. HARBOURS. Work in connection with the wharf and equipment at Jackson's Bay on the West Coast has been carried out by the Public Works Department, and a survey has been made of the site for a proposed wharf at Bruce Bay. LIGHTHOUSES, Further progress has been made with the erection of radio-beacon stations and the electrification of lights, but delivery of material from abroad has necessarily held up the work. At Cape Reinga a commencement has been made with the construction of an access road ; the site for the buildings has been surveyed, and all arrangements made for the dismantling of the station at Cape Maria and re-establishment at Cape Reinga as soon as the road access is put through. At Baring Head the lead batteries have been replaced by NIFE batteries. At Puysegur Point a commencement has been made with the access road, and preliminary surveys have been carried out. The Stephens Island beacon is now in operation and is working satisfactorily, and a wireless telephone has been installed. The Cape Campbell beacon, completed last year, is functioning satisfactorily. At Cuvier Island the light has been electrified and the heavy work completed for power-station, &c. The radio-beacon equipment has been received but is not yet installed owing to competent radio engineers being engaged on defence matters. The position in regard to Mo'ko Hinau beacon station is identical with that at Cuvier. At the Brothers Lighthouse a wireless-telephone set has been installed complete with masts and aerials, and an oil-engine winch completed. At Centre Island three dwellings have been completed during the year and are occupied. A wireless telephone has been purchased and is ready for installation when convenient to Awarua. A wireless telephone for Dog Island has been purchased and is ready for installation. At Godley Head a survey has been completed for removing the light to a lower position. The light and buoy have been installed at Fairchild Rock, while the equipment necessary for automatic lights at False Head and Jackson's Bay is on order. The material has also been ordered for an automatic light at Tutukaka Heads.

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