41

D.—l

Auckland Reclamation. —Sections of the area to be filled in for a passenger-station and other purposes have been taken, and a survey of the ground at St. Barnabas Point, where it is proposed to obtain the material for filling in, has been made: plans and specifications are now being prepared for a contract to complete the filling of the whole area. HAWKE'S BAT DISTRICT. Napieb-Woodville. Matamau Section (4 miles 20 chains). —The work on a portion of this—namely, 69 miles 70 chains to 71 miles 31 chains—was done by the "unemployed" mentioned in last year's report; it included formation, culverts, drains, flood-openings, and permanent-way. Beyond this occurs the Mangatewainui Bridge Contract, which includes a large viaduct, and the formation of the line between 71 miles 31 chains and 72 miles 50 chains: work on this was commenced last January. The contractor is not making satisfactory progress, but steps are being taken to insure a better rate of progress, and the work being completed within contract time, which expires 29th June, 1883. The remaining piece up to Matamau, 74 miles, will be executed within the same period; and from thence to the main coach road a connecting road is being formed and metalled. Works on Opened Line. —Various traffic sidings have been extended and improved, shelter-sheds and platforms erected at various places, and some private sidings have been put in. The great extension of traffic on this line, however, renders necessary the further improvement and enlargement of several of the stations—these remarks apply particularly to Hastings and Kaikora—and plans are being prepared with the view of carrying out the necessary additions. A demand for greater facilities for loading sheep and cattle has arisen, and this will be met by erecting yards at Hastings, Kaikora, Waipukurau, Takapau, and the Spit: the work for these is in hand. Additions to rolling-stock have also been made—namely, 1 locomotive engine (Class F), 1 four-wheeled composite carriage, and 2 horseboxes. Sueveys. The survey of the alternative line mentioned in last year's report has been finished; it is a decided improvement on the original survey, and will be adopted. It extends from 74 miles 76 chains'to 85 miles; it crosses two large gullies, in which flow the Whakaruatapu and Mangatera Streams. Surveys have been made of the crossings of these, and sections of each prepared, with the view of preparing for contract the erection of the necessary viaducts, for which tenders will shortly be called. A survey of the railway boundaries has been made, and these have been pegged off from Pakipaki to the Mangaharakeke Creek, on the Ruataniwha Plains ; the remainder will be proceeded with to completion. The whole of the opened portion of the railway line has also been carefully resurveyed, chained, and pegged off, with a view to the erection of proper mile- and grade-posts. Miscellaneous Woeks. Spit Training- Wall: —This has been finished as far as the funds available would allow ; its erection, assisted by the dredging operations of the Harbour Board, has had the desired effect —namely, that of keeping a channel open alougside of the breastwork for the use of shipping. FOXTON-NEW PLYMOUTH RAILWAY.—FOXTON-PATEA SECTION. Wanganui Passenger-station Contract. —This was completed, in a satisfactory manner, on the 7th November, 1881 : it comprised, in addition to buildings formerly erected, stationmaster's office, waiting-room, ladies' waiting-room, lamp-room, and other conveniences. Other works, necessary to complete this station, have also been executed, and comprise the remainder of the sidings, making a total of 170 chains ; fencing of station-ground, 24 chains, with gates and cattle-stops ; tank stand with water-supply ; carriage-washing stand ; landing-stage for horses ; old traffic office removed to new station and erected with additional room for District Manager; pipes laid for surface-drainage ; and weighing machine, 20 tons; also verandah in front of new passenger-station, traffic offices, and porches to entrance to ticket and luggage offices, with sundry minor works. Foxton Station Contract.- —This was completed on the 22nd July, 1881, and the work has been done in a satisfactory manner. It comprises 1 mile 31 chains of main line, being a deviation of a portion of the line of railway at the Foxton terminus of the Foxton-Patea Eailway; also reclamation of new station-ground, with about 91 chains of sidings ; erection of passenger-station; water-tanks; fencing of the line and station-ground ; erection of goods-shed 120 feet by 30 feet, and a loading-stage : also lengthening of engine-shed and coal-store ; erection of cattle- and sheep-pens ; repairs to old wharf and 300 feet additional new wharf, giving altogether a total length of wharf-face of 500 feet; and sundry minor works. The trains ran into the new station 20th June, 1881, and the deviation and station-ground were handed over to Working Railways 28th November, 1881, when the maintenance term expired. Additional works have since been executed at this station: well sunk, and pump and windmill erected ; cattle-pens enlarged ; old passenger-station removed, and erected at new station as a customhouse and office for Stationmaster; approach-road to passenger-station made, metalled, and fenced complete, with gates and wickets; old tramway-shed removed from Palmerston, widened and erected as a carriage-shed ; besides various minor but necessary works. Nulcwmaru Railway-station Approach-Road.- —This contract was completed sth January, 1882. It included formation of road from main road to the railway-station, fencing the same, culverts, &c. In connection with this road, a path for passengers has since been made and gravelled. Wagon-repairing Shed Contract, East Town. —This was completed 13th March, 1882. It consists of a shed 82 feet long by 33 feet wide, and was much needed for the purpose required. Several minor improvements to sidings, water-supply, &c., have been effected. Sleeper Contract for 100,000 Sleepers, fyc. (to be cut off No. 2 Totara Eeserve). —20,332 have been delivered during the year, making a total of 46,464. Other timber for public purposes has been cut