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and telegraph-office, Hokitika ; repairs to courthouse, Jackson's Bay ; fencing at powder magazine, Greymouth. Canterbury. Sunny side Asylum. —The contract for the main portion of the central block, with the exception of a few small extras, is now complete, and the building will shortly be handed over to the Asylum authorities. The work has been well done. Old Government Buildings, Christckurch. —New Venetian blinds have been put up in the deeds office, and the walls distempered. Gaoler's Cottage, Lyttelton. —This contract was completed in August, and a smaller contract for laying on gas and water in September. Sundry repairs have been executed at the policestations, Christchurch and Philipstown, and the courthouses, Waimate and Ashburton, as well as Addington Gaol, and other public offices. Post and Telegraph Office, Bangiora. — The contract for the erection of this building, which is of brick, was completed in October. Otago. Bepairs and Fittings to Public Buildings. —The following are the various works undertaken and completed: Courthouses —Bepairs and fittings at Wyndham; accommodation for female prisoners, Supreme Court, Dunedin ; repairs at Balclutha and Lawrence ; cellar for storing papers at Dunedin ; furniture and fittings for Official Assignee, Dunedin. Police-stations—Piepairs and alterations at Waitahuna, Oamaru, Macrae's, Palmerston, Clyde, Ophir, Cromwell, Arrowtown, and Alexandra South. Customs—lmprovement of long-room and repairs, Dunedin. Post and telegraphs —Repairs, additions, and alterations at Eiverton, Arrowtown, Dunedin, Naseby. Gaols —Laying on gas to Gaoler's quarters, Dunedin. Seacliff Asylum. —Various small works have been carried out during the year in the way of maintenance and improvement, and provision is being made for asphalting the various airingcourts at the back. The condition of a portion of this building has been made the subject of inquiry by a Eoyal Commission, and their report has been received. The recommendations made by the Commissioners are now under consideration. I have, &c, John Blackett. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. Engineer-in-Chief,

APPENDIX K. ANNUAL REPORT ON LIGHTHOUSE WOEKS, ETC., BY THE MAEINE ENGINEER. The Marine Engineer to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir, — Marine Department, 31st March, 1888. I have the honour to report that no works of any magnitude or importance have been carried out during the year. Drawings and specifications have been prepared for a cast-iron tower for the light proposed to be placed on Cuvier Island, and it is intended shortly to call for tenders for its construction. On the acceptance of a tender for the tower steps will be taken to commence work on the island, in preparing sites for the tower and dwellings, &c, making roads, and in erecting houses and stores, &c. It is expected that this work may be begun about the end of July. I have, &c, ( John Blackett, The Secretary, Marine Department. Marine Engineer.