D.—l

64

At the Submarine depot a boat-shed and slip have been in progress. A concrete apron has been formed at the jetty to protect the wharf-approach from wave-action. Guard rails have been fixed on the wharf and a tram-line laid. At another fort a retaining-wall was built and filling done to provide some level ground.. A site has been cut for an electric-light emplacement. The concrete walls for an engine-shed have been partially completed, but have been stopped by slips during the winter weather. A steamer was chartered as a launch, but the service has not been continuous, and the arrangements are not satisfactory. A tender has been accepted for the erection of a drill-shed and gun-hall. A good start was made in January last, but delays have since occurred through wet weather. The building has now been closed in, and the internal work is being done. Various works were done as required for the despatch of the Eighth and Ninth Contingents. Wellington. An emplacement and magazine for a large gun are being constructed at one fort; also, at a submarine-mining station a water-service is being provided, and is well advanced. A Volunteer barracks has been built and fitted up at one fort. Bepairs to the gun-mountings in another fort are in progress. The road from Shelly Bay to Kilbirnie has been repaired as required. A contract has been let for an extension of the Shelly Bay Wharf. Canterbury. A new rifle range has been constructed at Sumner. Lyttelton. —-One searchlight has been lowered. A sea-wall has been built in front of an electric-light-engine house, and a new fire commander's station has been built by prison labour. A contract for iron shutters has been let. The repairs to Bipa Island Wharf were completed in August last. Dunedin. A considerable amount of work was done by prison labour at a gun-emplacement at one of the forts, but work was stopped, and the emplacement is to be made in another place. At another fort an emplacement for a gun has been finished, also a magazine and a rangefinder's station completed. A searchlight-emplacement is in course of construction ; the works are heavy, and will take some time to complete. Heavy slips have occurred on one of the roads leading to this fort, and have been removed. I have, &c, W. H. Hales, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Engineer-in-Chief.