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APPENDIX D Sir. — Stores Manager's Office, Wellington, 30th June, 1900. I have the honour to report that the value of stores on hand on the 31st March, 1900, at the various depots amounted to £109,303 9s. 4d., as against £109,934 15s. 3d. on the 31sfc March, 1899. The stock is in good order, has been carefully and systematically inspected, and is value for the amount stated. I have &c. Geoege Felton, The General Manager, New Zealand Eailways. Stores Manager. 0

APPENDIX E. REPORT ON CONDITION OP THE MIDLAND RAILWAYS. Sm, — Chief Engineer's Office, Wellington, 28th June, 1900. I have the honour to submit the following report on the maintenance of the Midland Railways : — Jackson and Reefton Lines. —These have been maintained in fair order. No relaying has been required or carried out, but the ballasting is somewhat in arrear, and this work must be overtaken during the current year. A considerable sum has been expended on protective works on the bank of the Big Grey River, at 16-J miles on Reefton line, and on the bank of the Poerua Creek from 21 miles to 24 miles on Jackson line. Several bridge-piers and abutments on both lines have been protected by stone facing against scour by floods. Although this railway on the West Coast is subject to heavy floods, the damage done last year was not excessive. The protective works erected at the various river-crossings have had a most beneficial effect. Springfield Section. —This has been maintained in good order, and no special works have been done or required. Motupiko Section. —The track has been maintained in fair condition, but the ballasting, as on the West Coast section, has been allowed to fall into arrear. During the winter months the cuttings on the Spooner's Range grade gave a good deal of trouble, as the boulders loosened by the frost came down in large quantities and took much time to remove. I have, &c, The General Manager, New Zealand Railways. John Coom, Chief Engineer.

i Sic, — Locomotive Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 7th May, 1900. I have the honour to report upon the Midland Eailway for the year ending the 31st March, 1900 :— Locomotives. —During the year two Class Lα locomotives were thoroughly overhauled, two received heavy and one light repairs, whilst two were painted and varnished to standard. Four Class Lα locomotives received light boiler repairs. Carriages. —Three carriages received a thorough overhaul and one heavy repairs. Three carriages were painted and varnished to standard. Brake-vans. —Two brake-vans received a thorough overhaul and one light repairs. Two brake-vans were painted and varnished. Wagons. —Nineteen wagons received heavy and fifteen light repairs, whilst forty-one wagons were painted. Tarpaulins. —Forty-one tarpaulins were repaired. I have, &c, T. F. Bothebam, Locomotive Superintendent.

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