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1910. NEW ZEALAND

WANGANUI RIVER TRUST (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE).

Pres nted to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

WANGANUI BIVEB TRUST. Members, T. D. Cummins (Government nominee), Chairman; J. T. Stewart, \V. (i. Bassett, elected by the ratepayers of Wanganui : Win. Ritchie, Chairman, Waitotara County Council; D. Mason. Chairman, Wanganui County Council; C. E. Mackay, Mayor of Wanganui: T. 15. Williams, Chairman, chamber of Commerce (also elected by ratepayers); ■). T. Eogan, M.l.. Wanganui; G. V. Pearce, M.P., Patea. Report. Sir, — Wanganui, 15th June, 1910. I now band you report ol work performed by the Wanganui River Trust for the year ended 31st March, 1910. Owing to the late period ai which the subsidy was granted, through the late session of Parliament last pear, active operations were not commenced so early as has been usual. Still, a very satisfactory amount of work has been accomplished, and it is pleasing to be able to say that the river channel between Wanganui and Taumarunui is fast approaching the condition aimed at when the improvement works were first projected above the Tangarakau Junction. During the last year the traffic lias been fully maintained without interruption by Messrs. llatrick and Oo.'s steamers. The tourist traffic down stream has been fully as large as al anj previous season, ami the river dues on goods carried from Taumarunui have very considerably increased, showing that the river as a highway has been largely taken advantage of by settlers for carrying then- goods and produce. A wharf has lieen constructed al the mouth of the Aim Ahu Stream Eor the convenience of the settleTS in Tβ Tiihi and adjacent Crown Lands, and a landing-place also al Tβ Aukopae. for llie settlers residing in the Ohura district ; both of these landings being on the right hank of the river. In the early part of the working season it was found necessary to undertake some work in the, vicinity of Taumarunui thai was never anticipated by the Trust. The Maniopoto-Tuwharetoa Maori Land Hoard constructed certain groins for the protection of ihe esplanade at Taumarunui Township, above the junction with the Ongarue Stream, which had tEe effect of deflecting the greater volume of the water discharged by the Wanganui River in such a wa) as in make inoperative a very considerable quantity of the improvement-works on the river, and affecting ii for about a distance of .< mile and a quarter from Taumarunui. This matter received prompt attention, which has proved most satisfactory. During the year the following works have been completed or were approaching completion : Wharf and landing at Ahu Ahu. 1 >anding at Tβ Aukopae. Blocking vagrant channel above confluence of Wanganui and Ongarue Rivers. Dimensions of wall, 291 ft. by 6 ft. 6 in. by -I ft., and 275 ft. by 4 ft. by 3 ft. 9 in. Rapids Nos. 28 and 29, Ahuaroa and Koatupiko : Removing, by blasting, large boulders, &c. Rapid No. 33. Pouwhakamaru : Wall (not measured) estimated 300 ft. by I ft. 6 in. by 3 ft. Rapid No. 96, To Hui: Blasting out and removing large boulders, and clearing channel of obstructions. Rapid No. 101, Otahapa : Wall, 264 ft. by 4 ft. by 2 ft. Rapid No. 104, Mako Mako : Wall, 91ft. by 5 ft. by 2 ft. 9 in.; and aprons (I wo), 193 ft. by 3 ft. 6 in. by 2 ft. Rapid No. 108, Otahua : Wall, 576 ft. by 8 ft. by 2 ft. 6 in. Rapids Nos. 159 and 160, Ngaporo : Additions to previous wall, 337 ft. by 7 ft. by 5 ft.; and apron, 150 ft. by 3 ft. by 2 ft.