C—B

4

1913. The metal procured front the Kauaeranga Creek by the Department's steamer and punts amounts to 4,929 cubic yards, while outside supplies totalled 1,557 cubic yards. This shows a reduction over last year's supply of 1,669 cubic yards, which is accounted for by lost time occasioned by the epidemic. The following is a schedule of roads metalled during the year :—- Metalled M. eh. Hopai-Hopai Road .... ... ... ... ... 0 55 Ngatea-Pipiroa Road ... ... ... ... ... 0 58 Kopuarahi Road ... ... ... ... ... 1 67 Shelled or gravelled Ngarua, Patetonga, Waitakaruru, ore. ... ... ... 1 62 Total ' ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 2 The coining year's operations will be as follows: Waitakaruru-Pipiroa Road (continuation); Ngatea-Pipiroa Road (continuation); McKerchar's Road; Kerepehi-Kopuarahi Road (continuation); Awaiti Road. Artesian Boring Plant. The number of bores sunk during the year was four, making a lotal to date of 142. The cost of the year's operations was £220 ss. Bd., making a total expenditure to date of £3,647 14s. 6d., practically the whole of which amount is recoverable. A schedule of the bores sunk is attached. Floating Plant. One new small launch has been added to the floating plant, and one transferred to Waihi Swamp. A new metal pontoon is being laid down, but construction has been delayed owing to timberscarcity. The list of plant is at, present three Priestman grab dredges, one steamer, six oillaunches, five large pontoons (one, not lit for towing), and two small pontoons. All of this plant has been thoroughly overhauled and is in good order. Buildings. During the year a new wharf and shed were built at Patetonga landing; also goods-shed and agent's cottage at Patetonga. A cottage was built at Pipiroa for the concrete foreman; one double hut and a single hut together with drying-shed at Ngarua; one double hut at Waitakaruru; two double huts and one single at Hopai. The workmen pay a small weekly rental for occupation of huts. The total number of buildings of all descriptions is now fifty-four. Formed Roads. New road-formation during the year comprised I mile 49 chains, but a large amount of work was done in grading and re-forming existing roads. In particular the roads in the peat country had to be treated with extra thickness of spoil, varying from 1 ft. to 3 ft. A distance of 10 miles 79 chains was completed during the year. In addition to this 6 miles 20 chains was disked. Drains in Operation. The total length of drains constructed to date is 364 miles 39 chains, although, as mentioned in previous reports, some of these drains an- now discarded. The total length of new drains cut during the year was 19 miles 78 chains, showing a large increase over the previous year's total. This was anticipated last year, as it was presumed with the Jugo-Slav labour available much more could be done than in previous years. Valuations. These remain the same as last year, the total area to date thrown open for selection being 37,451 acres, valued at £227,830. The Crown land which will be opened in the near future will show an increase on these figures. Flax Leases. The total revenue received during the year was £225 19s. 3d. If has been found impossible so far to open up any areas for flax leases, but now that more normal conditions are at hand it, is hoped to be able to shortly get the necessary survey put in hand. Works Expenditure for the Year. The total amount expended during the year, including wages, supplies, repairs, &c, amounted to £26,561. The sum of £33,010 18s. 6(1. was paid out of local Imprest Account in paynienl of Hauraki Plains expenditure and the special votes for maintenance and metalling. Day labour totalled £13,888 10s. 7d., and piecework contracts £2,274 9s,