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Native Land Court Surveys. —There has been nothing done this year under this head. Itoad Surveys. —s6 miles were surveyed at an average cost of £23 per mile, which, considering the rough nature of the country and the difficulties of location, is very reasonable. The chief item was a roud, supplying a long-felt want, in the Totaranui district. Other Work. —By far the largest item, some £400, represents inspections both of staff and contract surveyors' work. With but few minor exceptions satisfactory reports were received, and the class of surveys shows a marked improvement on those examined last year. Proposed Operations for 19H-15. —Next year the staff will, it is expected, be engaged in extending settlement surveys, aggregating nearly 100,000 acres, including the following blocks : liotoroa, Matakitaki East, Glenroy, Maruia East, Mokihinui, Waitakere, Otumahana, Oparara, Waimea North, Rainy liiver, Orikaka, and Braeburn Extension. Office-work. —The staff throughout the year has remained at the minimum strength, and it has only been possible by strenuous exertions to cope with absolutely necessary work. Examination of Plans. —During the year 114 plans were examined and approved, in connection with which were 403 traverse sheets. Of these plans 68 were sectional surveys, 46 were road plans, and the remainder miscellaneous. Land Transfer Branch. —ln this branch 73 plans were approved, 149 applications and transfers were dealt with, and 178 certificates of title were made out in duplicate. Miscellaneous. —There was, of course, the usual voluminous mass of miscellaneous duties which cannot be tabulated, such as attendance on the public, correspondence, searches, &c. Changes of Staff. —During the year two excellent surveyors—Messrs. Stevenson and Nelson— attracted by private practice, retired from the service; Mr. Ingram, a, very promising young draughtsman, was transferred to Hokitika; whilst Mr. L. E. Ward, who had long ably filled the office of Land Salesman, was transferred to Napier, their places being capably filled by Messrs. Baigent and Galleu. In conclusion, 1 desire to thank both held and office staff for their active and intelligent co-operation in the work of settlement. F. A. Thompson, Chief Surveyor.

MARLBOROUGH. Triangulation. —A small amount of subsidiary triangulation was done in connection with the settlement surveys of the liillersden and Lynton Downs Estates. Rural. —Under this heading an area of 98,371 acres is returned at a cost of o'sBs. per acre. Included in this acreage is the land-for-settlements estates of Hillersden and Lnytori Downs, also a small block of bush country in the Sounds district. Topographical Survey for Selection. —An area of bush country containing 5,080 acres, situated in the Opouri Valley, Wakamarina Survey District, has been returned under this head. Town and Village Surveys. —Town comprises 22 sections with an area of 15 acres, and village 5 sections with an area of 88 acres. Roads and Railways. —With the exception of one plan all the work under this heading was done by private surveyors. Cold-mining Surveys. —Only 2 plans were received, with an area of 11 acres. Native Land Court Surveys. —An area of 1,005 acres with 11 subdivisions was surveyed during the year by private surveyors at schedule rates. Other Work. —The expenditure under this heading represents the cost of transferring surveyors from other districts. Field Inspections. —lnspecting Surveyor R. P. Greville made one inspection of a prviate surveyor's work during the year. A number of other inspections are required, and are awaiting the arrival of an Inspecting Surveyor. Traverse Closures. —Twenty-three circuits with a length of 78 miles returned by the staff show a mean closing-error of 1'42 links on the meridian and 0"87 link on the perpendicular. These surveys are all in rough hilly country. Proposed Operations for 191^—15. —The settlement-work for the coming year will be mainly in the Opouri and Wakamarina Valleys. This is all forest country over which the timber has been milled. In addition there is the completion on the true meridian of topographical settlement-work carried out last year in the Opouri Valley, also a number of spotting surveys in various parts of the district. Mr. Hunt has on hand 88,000 acres of topographical settlement-work (Hillersden leasehold) which will probably be completed in May. Mr. Hodgkinson has 4 miles of road through Native land which will be completed by the middle of April, and he is then under instructions to proceed to Hawke's Bay. Office-work: Examination, of Plans, &c. —The total number of plans received in the ordinary Survey Branch was 64 with 250 traverse sheets, comprising 38 departmental plans with an area of 102,900 acres in 104 sections; 4 Native Land Court plans; 20 plans of 37J miles of road and railway, and '1 compiled plans; 401 tracings were prepared, 4 tracings for photo-lithography, and 98 diagrams placed on Crown leases, &c. The draughting staff was also occupied in completing the surveyors' plans of Hillersden and Lynton Downs Estates. Land Transfer Branch. —In this branch 46 plans and 135 traverse sheets were received, covering an area of 72,511 acres; 437 diagrams were placed on certificates of title. The past year lias been one of greatly increased activity, notably in the land-for-settle-nients work, and I must thank the staff for the loyal way in which they have carried out their duties, and for their active assistance and co-operation during the year. H. G. Price, Chief Surveyor.