35

D.—l

Geneeal. Creosoted Sleepers Contract. —A contract has been let for the supply of 150,000 sleepers creosoted according to specifications. Messrs. Campbell, the contractors, have imported the necessary plant, which they are erecting near Woodend Eailway-station. They hope to begin creosoting about the Ist May. Surveys. —A preliminary survey of a railway extension from Lawrence to Eoxburgh was begun on the 15th instant, and good progress is being made. It will take fully three months to complete the whole distance—about thirty-five miles. The survey of the extension of the Seaward Bush Railway was begun on the sth January, and a distance of about 20J miles, reaching to the Mataura Eiver, has been surveyed. It is expected that the remainder, about nine miles, will take about four to six weeks. This will carry it to a point where it will meet the Edendale-Toi-tois Branch, at the Waimahaka Creek. Enclosures. This report is accompanied by the following enclosures (page 43): — 1. Maps of the North and Middle Islands showing the railways open, those in progress, and those proposed. 2. Diagram showing mileage of railways opened each year. 3. Statement showing lengths of railways authorized, constructed, and surveyed. 4. Eeport on the Wanganui Eiver : Snagging and improvement, &c. I have, &c, John Blackett, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Engineer-in-Chief.