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The Brothers. —A new landing-place and crane at the south-east end of the island, have been provided, and a place has been prepared for the erection of a small building to hold an auxiliary light. Somes Island Light. —A survey has been made with a view to carry out a proposal to remove the light on Somes Island to a more effective position and the matter is under consideration. Gape Kidnappers Lighthouse. —Plans and specifications have been prepared for the construction of a cylindrical cast-iron tower for this lighthouse. It will be erected on a concrete base, and the total height from the ground will be 56ft. Snares Lighthouse. —The Snares Islands were visited by the Nautical Adviser (Captain Allman) and myself, with the object of selecting a site for the proposed lighthouse there; and our report thereon has been submitted to the Government. Sticking Point lieclamation, Lyttelton. —Work at this reclamation was commenced in May, 1895, and about 3 chains of substantial stone breastwork has been put in. Good stone is being obtained from the hill under Sumner Boad adjoining the reclamation. Excepting the crane-driver, who is a paid employe, the work is being done by prison-labour. Miscellaneous. —A large number of plans and specifications relating to proposals submitted by Harbour Boards and other governing bodies, m connection with wharves, training-walls, bridges, breakwaters, and other harbour ani riverworks, have been examined and reported on during the year. HABBOUB DEFENCES. Auckland. —The city water has been laid on to the forts at Takapuna and North Head, and a considerable amount of work has been done at the various forts; a force of twenty-eight prisoners, with two instructing and three discipline warders, being employed on the works during the greater part of the year. Wellington. —The metalling of the road from Kilbirnie to the forts was completed by co-opera-tive labour in July, 1895, and a road between Port Ballance and Fort Gordon has been made by the prisoners. The construction of the Gardens Battery was put in hand in January, 1896, and the works which are being carried out by co-operative labour are well advanced. An average of eighteen men has been employed. A motor-house has been constructed at Fort Ballance chiefly by prison-labour, and various repairs and alterations have been carried out at the forts generally during the year. Lyttelton. —The buildings at Bipa Island and Erskine Point are undergoing repairs, and some additional accommodation is being provided for the members of the Permanent Force, prison-labour being utilised as far as possible in carrying out these and maintenance-works. Otago. —The jetty at Deborah Bay has been lengthened and strengthened. The work was done by contract and completed in September last. A jetty has also been built at Taiaroa Heads, 300 ft. in length, of rock-filling with pitched face. A blacksmith's shop has also been erected here for sharpening tools, and the parade ground has been levelled and the reserve fenced in; these works and some repairs and painting being carried out by prison-labour. The jetty at Harrington Point has been strengthened, and a 7in. gun has been mounted on the reclaimed ground, Dunedin. STOBES AND SEEVICES. Stores Supply Contract, 1896. —Tenders were invited for the supply and delivery of general ironmongery, builders' and furnishing ironmongery, and other stores for the Public Works and other Government Departments for the year, and tenders were accepted as follows : —

Cdntracts were also entered into for the supply of coal and firewood in the various districts for Government Buildings, and in Wellington the usual contracts were let for furniture and fittings, chimney-sweeping, removal of rubbish, and window-cleaning. ENLOSTJBES. This report is accompanied by the following enclosures, viz. : — 1. Statement showing lengths of railways authorised, constructed, surveyed, &c. 2. Diagram showing mileage of railway opened each year. 3. Maps of the North and Middle Islands, showing railways opened and in progress. I have, &c, William H. Hales, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Engineer-in-Chief.

Class of Supplies. Auckland. Wellington. Christchurch. Dunedin. Invercargill. General ironmongery 3uilders' and furnishing ironmongery •hip chandlery .. T. and S. Morrin Briscoe, Macneil, and Co. and Co. Ditto .. .. Cameron and Christie Ashby, Bergh, and Co. Ditto A. Briscoe and Co. Walter Guthrie and Co. Ditto. E. Porter and Co. Briscoe, Macneil, and Co. Ditto .. John Edmond .. ron and steel Paints, oils, &c. .. T. and S. Morrin and Co. Nil. i P. Hutson and Co. J. J. Craig .. j Briscoe, Macneil, and Go. B. Porter and Co. Ditto Ashby, Borgli, and Co. Edward Keeceand Sons Nil. A. Briscoe and Co. jement and lime Nil. Nil. drainpipes Ashby, Bergh, and Co. John Edmond .. A. Briscoe and Co. Walter Guthrie and Co. John Edmond. Cents John Edmond ..