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ocmpleted and opened for traffic, and minor improvements made elsewhere. All the oars were altered to comply with the Tramways Amendment Act, 1913, except that the end bulkheads of twenty-six cars have yet to be cut through. Auckland. —The Kingsland duplication (New North Road) was inspected and passed for traffic. Ten new cars have been put in commission, air-brake equipment being fitted. The company has been granted permission to couple certain cars. Automatic point-controllers have been installed at the junctions. MARINE. Karori Rock Beacon. —A beacon is being erected on Karori Rock, in reinforced concrete, and will be illuminated by a powerful automatic acetylene light of the Aga type. The construction has been very much hampered by bad weather, but the base has now been built up to the level of the highest point of the rock. Kohukohu Launch-landing. —A pontoon launch-landing was completed at Kohukoliu Wharf early in the year, and is working satisfactorily. Parapara Bridge (Mangonui County). —This bridge was raised so as to enable navigation to be carried on at all sates of the tide. Taheke River. —ln order to improve the navigation of this river about 600 cubic yards of rocks which fouled the fairway have been removed, and willows overlying the banks at dangerous spots have been cut out. It is also proposed to deepen the river in places, but this cannot be done until the water is lower. The work already done has been very beneficial to navigation. Kohukohu Reclamation. —Plans have been prepared and tenders invited for the construction of a retaining-wall to reclaim a marine reserve. Nelson Lighthouse. —Plans have been prepared in connection with a proposal to instal an automatic light at Nelson. Nuggets Boat-landing. —Concrete blocks have been made in connection with the extension of the breakwater at the Fishermen's Landing. Moeraki. —A new boat-slip is practically completed. Karamea Harbour. —A contract for repairing and strengthening the existing training-wall was let recently, and the work is in progress. A tender has just been accepted for the construction of a further length (160 ft.) of training-wall, being a further instalment of the scheme outlined some years ago. This extension will absorb all the funds available at present, and will no doubt be beneficial, but it is very desirable that the whole scheme should be carried out as rapidly as possible. Repairs are being carried out at the existing wharf, and steps are being taken to provide new quarters for the Harbourmaster. Hokitika Sea-encroachment. —For some time past there has been a gradual encroachment by the sea at the back of Revell Street, Hokitika, and this reached a very acute stage during April last. At the request of the Borough Council the Government provided financial assistance, and prepared a scheme of groyne-work which is now being carried out. Considerable progress has been made with the work, in spite of great difficulties due to heavy weather, and the results already attained arc sufficient to show that the work is on the correct lines. Every effort is being made to complete the work at the earliest possible date. Somes Island Lighthouse. —Some repairs, &c, have been carried out at the keeper's cottage, and plans have been prepared for a new cottage for the caretaker. Marine Store, Pipitea Point. —This new building has been completed, under contract. Government Steamers. —Sundry repairs and renovations have been carried out. Channel Island Light-beacon. —The pedestal for this beacon was completed last year, and a track to the top of the island has been formed for 26 chains, also the anchorage and landing-platform on the small island. Ponui Passage Lighthouse. —ln July, 1913, a scow collided with the lighthouse, but little damage was done. It is proposed to convert this light to the automatic principle, and drawings are in course of preparation. Mokohinou Lighthouse. —Some additions to the keepers' houses have been carried out. Beacon Reach Light-buoy. —Tenders have been invited for the construction of a light-buoy for Beacon Reach, Northern Wairoa River. Kaipara River Beacon. —A new beacon has been erected to replace that which collapsed in January last. Motuihi Wharf. —Sundry repairs have been carried out. Rangiriri Wharf. —Plans and specifications for a wharf at Rangiriri have been submitted by the Waikato County Council. Warkworth Wharf and Shed. —This work was completed last year by the Rodney County Council. Silverdale Wharf. —This wharf has been erected by the Waitemata County Council under Government subsidy. Waikato River. —During the year a number of snags have been removed from the main channel, and some willow groynes constructed. The work has proved beneficial, and is being continued. Miscellaneous. —Proposals submitted by local authorities have been examined, and various surveys made and reports furnished by the district officers of the Department. DEFENCE WORKS. Various repairs and improvements have been made in connection with the Defence works throughout the Dominion. CONTRACTS, A complete schedule of contracts entered into during the year for the construction of works, and also for the supply of materials and the performance of various services, is given in Appendix C. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Public Works. R. W. Holmes, Engineer-in-Chief.