D.—l

These numbers do not include contractors' men employed off the works, nor men employed by the Working Railways Department on works chargeable to construction. There has also been an average of 87 men employed on public buildings during the year. As shown otherwise by this report, the " unemployed " in the Middle Island were discharged altogether during the harvest months, and they have not again been taken on. In consequence of the general revival of trade, the question of providing employment for the surplus labour in the colony did not assume the large proportions that was anticipated, and the vote taken for the " unemployed " was not touched. Map.- —A map of the Middle Island, showing the authorized railways made, under construction, and not begun, is appended hereto (Enclosure No. 5). Enclosures. —The following enclosures accompany this report i — No. 1. Lengths of Railways Authorized, Constructed, and Surveyed, &c, Middle Island. „ 2. Statement of Works executed on Roads in Westland. „ 3. Annual Report on Water-races. ~ 4. Statement of Works executed on Public Buildings. „ 5. Map of Middle Island. I have, &c, W. N. Blaie, Engineer in Charge, Middle Island.

45

Employed by Contractors. Government Labour, including Surveys. Toi .jil. District. 1879-80. 1880-81. 1879-80. 1880-81. 1879-80. 1880-81. felson and Marlborough Vest-land Canterbury ... )tago louthland 85 180 285 405 200 82 162 59 231 153 15 125 260 765 10 6 131 293 602 18 100 305 545 1,170 210 88 293 352 833 171 Totals ... 1,155 687 1,175 1,050 2,330 1,737