D.—2

8

has been rearranged, and the building shifted to a new site further south. A coaling-crane has been erected at Gore. A new road was formed over the sand-drift near Ocean Beach, and handed over to the local body. A large extension was made in the Bluff station-yard to meet the increased traffic. The ground was reclaimed from the sea, protected with stone pitching, and three new sidings laid. Addition was also made to the station-offices. A new transit-shed has been erected on the wharf at Greymouth. An addition to the Nelson Station offices has been completed. A car- and wagon-repairing shop has been erected at Picton. Home signals have been provided at Sentry Hill, Palmerston North, and Greymouth. The signals at Christchurch and at Ashburton have been rearranged, and south distant signal provided at Clinton. New water-services have been provided at Matahiwi, Eltham, Belfast, Babbit Island, and at 18m. 60ch. on the Westport Section. A steam-pump has been erected at Palmerston South, and the water-services at Stratford, Hinds, Kurow, Gore, Biversdale, and Biverton improved. Stockyards have been provided at Makotuku, Oamaru, Kartigi, Orepuki, and Wright's Bush. A platform has been erected at the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association's show-grounds near Petone, and another at School-road Station, on the Eyreton Branch; and loading-banks provided at Hamilton East, Sefton, Springston, St. Andrews, Waihao, and Waitaki South. Additional siding accommodation has been provided at Morningside, Te Boti, Danevirke, Masterton, Eketahuna, Christchurch, Southbrook, Burnham, Ladbrooks, Winchester, Pelichet Bay, Invercargill, Colac, Croydon, and Spring Grove. New houses have been erected for Stationmasters at Ashurst, Waiareka, and Mataura, and for driver at Belgrove. Eleven unoccupied houses have been removed to new sites, where they were required for occupation, and twenty-six houses have been added to. New Gonstritction. —A number of works commenced in the previous year were completed under the vote for additions to open lines, among which were the extension of Picton Wharf, improvement of grades between Halcombe and Eeilding, and between Clarendon and Milburn, cattle-loading wharf Onehunga, Wyndham goods-shed, and Petone Workshops additions. Lake Ellesmere. —This lake was let out in July, 1892. It closed again in September, 1892. Expenditure. —The cost of maintenance "for the year amounted to £262,510 35., or equal to £139-86 par mile. The increase over preceding year is chiefly in the item of permanent-way materials — i.e., new rails and sleepers. The next item of increased expense is in bridge renewals. Track surfacing is also higher than in previous years. All these increases of expenditure are due to the increase of traffic over the roads. Private Sidings. —During the year there were five new siding rights granted and nineteen old grants renewed. These have an aggregate rental of £575 per annum. Leases. —There were 187 new leases registered during the year. At 31st March, 1893, there were 909 current leases on the register, with an aggregate rental of £10,860 per annum. I have, &c, The New Zealand Bailway Commissioners. J. Henby Lowe, Chief Engineer.