9

D.—l

In addition to these, the Government have advices of 150 more immigrants (principally single women) having left Plymouth on the 31st August last. The total number of immigrants of all classes introduced by the Colonial Government since the inauguration of the immigration scheme is 110,833. With the exception of a small number of single women, whom the AgentGeneral caused to be specially selected, the whole of the immigrants who have arrived in the colony since April, 1882, have been nominated; but since the 12th March last even nominated immigration (except for single women) has been suspended. A number of the persons, part of whose passages were provided by their friends, were suddenly told that they could not be brought out. The hardship to which these persons have been subjected has been so forcibly represented to the Government, and their right of complaint is so clear, that instructions have been given that in all cases where the nomination-money has been already paid passages are to be provided for the persons nominated. TELEGEAPH EXTENSION. The work done towards extension of telegraph lines during the past year has consisted of 100 miles of new lines, with wire complete, and 89 miles of additional wire, erected partly on the new lines and partly on lines previously existing. The total length of telegraph lines now existing in the colony is 4,074 miles, carrying 10,037 miles of wire, and in addition to this the transmitting capacity of the wire is increased by 2,820 miles which is duplexed. The extensions at present contemplated amount to 142 miles of line. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. In the North Island the principal works which were in hand during the year were the new gaol at Auckland, and the convict prison, Mount Cook, Wellington, at both of which good progress has been made. The post and telegraph offices in Wellington have also been completed and opened during the last year. In the Middle Island the principal buildings completed were the lunatic asylums at Sunnyside, Canterbury; and Seacliff, Otago. The total expenditure on public buildings in both Islands during the year amounted to £164,376, and the liabilities at end of March last were £41,753. LIGHTHOUSES AND HABBOUB WOBKS. At Kaipara a lighthouse has been erected on the North Head, and is now very near completion. The training-wall erected in the Aorere Biver, at Collingwood, has been completed, and has fully answered the purpose intended. The French Pass Lighthouse and the necessary buildings are now complete, and the Pass was lighted on the Ist October. At Jackson's Head a substantial beacon has been erected on the reef lying nearest to the Head, which it is expected will prove to be of service in marking the width of the channel. At Westport the small river training-wall on the northern side is well advanced. A survey is in progress of a line of railway to Cape Foulwind, which has been suggested as a means of bringing stone to the breakwater. At Greymouth the southern breakwater was continued at the usual rate of progress till May last, when the works were suspended in consequence of the vote being exhausted. **_ As shown by the statements furnished by the Engineers, the harbour works at Greymouth are proving of great benefit to the port. When the Harbour J3ills now before Parliament become law further provision for these harbours will be unnecessary. 2—D. 1.