I).—1

79

The alteration of the connection of the Molesworth Street tram-line with Lambton Quay via Charlotte Street has been made. The Moxham Avenue duplication on the Kelburne Section from Nelson Street to Goa Street intersections has been completed. During the year several new cars have been put in commission and several old ones have been reconstructed, and the accommodation increased. The number of cars in use is now up to ninety. Christchurch. —Spreydon Tramway : A new line has been constructed from Moorhouse Avenue via Windmill Road and the Crescent to Selwyn Street. Car-shed entrance : A new approach to the car-shed has been made from Moorhouse Avenue, and the car-shed has been considerably enlarged. Addington line : This has been duplicated aleng Moorhouse Avenue from Colombo Street to a little past Montreal Street, and from Park Street to Harman Street. Papanui line : A portion from Bealey Avenue to Leinster Road has been duplicated. Opawa line : A new line has been laid from Colombo Street via Wordsworth Street to join old line, and the superseded portion has been removed. Cashmere Hills line : The duplication from Moorhouse Avenue to Strickland Street, off Colombo Street, has been completed except the portion covering the railway-line. Ilackthorne Road Tramway : A new line has been laid from the old tramway terminus, Colombo Street, along the flat to Hackthorne Road, thence following this road up the hill to Dyer's Pass Road, a distance of 142| chains. New Brighton line: A new loop has been laid at Buckley's corner (near Canal Reserve) and a balloon loop at the terminus to facilitate shunting. Colombo Street North : This line has been duplicated from Armagh Street to Salisbury Street. North Beach line : This line has been extended from Bowhill Road along the sea-front to join with the New Brighton line near the pier. Moorhouse Avenue and Colombo Street: Intersection crossings have been laid allowing traffic to pass in four directions. Cathedral Square : Loops have been laid and connections made for providing loop for Sumner and New Brighton traffic in order to avoid necessity for shunting trailers. Ferry Road line : This has been duplicated from Fitzgerald Avenue to Barbour Street. Dunedin. —A portion of the St. Kilda line has been duplicated. The Anderson's Bay line from Princes Street South to Bay View Road has been duplicated. The Castle Street line from the railway-station to Albany Street has been duplicated. Invercargill. —During the year the power-house has been erected and equipped, and 5 miles 66£ chains of tramway have been constructed and opened for traffic. The balance of the system is in hand. MARINE. Hokianga. —The erection of a new residence for the boatman has been completed. The timber breastwork for protection of small area of reclamation at Kohukohu has been completed to the extent authorized. Kaipara. —Shelly Beach Beacon : The erection of the concrete pedestal to carry an automatic light to form this beacon has been completed. Tuahine Lighthouse, —The completion of the erection ~of ~a pedestal on the foreshore to carry this light was completed, and the light reinstated. Chicken Island Lighthouse. —The tracks required to give access to the light have been completed. Cabbage Buy Wharf. —The local authority has completed the construction of this wharf to plans prepared by the Department. Mercury Bay. —The Waiwawa River wharf and snagging were examined and reported on. Auckland Beaches. —The various beaches in the vicinity of Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula were examined and reported on with regard to the issue of permits for the removal of gravel for building and other purposes in and around Auckland. Auckland Naval Base. —The existing store and yard accommodation are being examined in con junction with the Defence Department, with a view to reporting upon their suitabiUtv in connection with the requirements of His Majesty's Navy when Auckland becomes its base. Matakana. —The river at this place has been examined, and a report prepared on the question of deepening the navigable channel up to the wharf. Marokopa River. —Plans have been prepared for a wharf both at the up-stream and down-stream sites. Waikato. — Onetea River: A report has been prepared upon the removal of obstructions to navigation in this river. Awakino River. — A report has been prepared on the work necessary to deepen the channel through a small papa rock reef near the entrance. Castlepoint Lighthouse. —Plans were prepared and a contract let to Messrs. Luke and Co. for the manufacture of a cast-iron tower, which work is near completion. Wellington. —Meteorological Observatory : The preparation of the site at Pipitea Point, and the erection of the building required for the new Observatory have been completed. Pakawau. —Some difficulties having arisen between the coal-mine proprietors and landowners in connection with the construction of a tramway required to convey coal to a place of shipment,