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Waihi Drainage Area (20,000 Acres), Tattranga County. All the main drains were cleaned in the autumn of 1942, but it has not so far been possible to arrange for the cleaning of all the drains this autumn owing to shortage of labour Some drain-improvement work has been deferred. During the eleven months to 28th February, 1943, a total of 29 miles 50 chains of main drains were cleaned. A pumped water-supply service has provided a continuous and ample supply for an area of 930 acres being fanned by the Department, and part of this area is served by a drainage pump. From March to 18th May, 1942, when it was requisitioned for urgent defence work, a small excavator carried out stop-bank reconstruction and channel improvements. The machine travelled down the right bank of the Pongakawa Stream, filling in gaps in the stop-bank between the Main Highway and the Waihi Estuary. 1942-43 rates struck were: Special, £750; general, £915, the respective collections being £877 and £956. Poukawa Drainage Area (15,567 Acres), Hawke's Bay. Maintenance work was carried out during the year, and I am indebted to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Napier, for the preparation and inspection of drain-cleaning cont i , etc ts. Special rates, £1,002, and general rates, £312, were struck for 1942-43. Collections on account of current rates and arrears were £340 special and £100 general. I have, &c, R. L. Innis, Chief Drainage Engineer. The Undcr-Secretary for Lands, Wellington, STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. A statement of accounts is published in parliamentary paper, 8.-l [Pt. IV].

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (478 copies), £2 15s.

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