D—l

CONCLUSION I submit with my statement the annual report of the Commissioner of Works (Appendix B) and the annual reports of the Engineer-in-Chief (Appendix C), the Government Architect (Appendix F), and the Director of Housing Construction (Appendix G). In addition, as required by section 24 of the Main Highways Act, 1922, I submit the annual report of the Main Highways Board (Appendix D) and also, in accordance with section 33, subsection (2), of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act, 1941, the annual report of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council (Appendix E) for the year ended 31st March, 1949. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would like to make special mention of the work of Mr. McKillop during his overseas visit and results achieved, and of Mr. Langbein, who assumed the position of Commissioner of Works during Mr. McKillop's absence. I also extend to all the staff and workmen thanks for their co-operation and loyal service during the year. The Government is well aware of the necessity for the greatest possible acceleration of work on numerous important State projects, and to achieve this objective will do everything within its power to ensure the use of all available resources in the best interests of the Dominion. R. SEMPLE, Minister of Works.

14