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WAIHOU AND OHINEMURI RIVERS IMPROVEMENT. This work, in common with others, has been carried out as rapidly as possible, but until additional plant can be procured greater progress is impossible. Dredging. —The dredge has been employed at pumping material to form a stop-bank between Te Puke Wharf and Ngahina, and then was moved to opposite 0 m. 0 eh., on the left bank of the Tirohia-Ngararahi Cut, where a second stop-bank was completed. The two works involved the pumping of 84,000 cubic yards of material. Paeroa- Thorp's Bend, Stop-bank. —12 chains of this bank have been completed this year. Puke-Ngahina Stop-bank. —This has been completed. A five-roomed house formerly belonging to the Waihi Gold Extraction Company has been removed clear of the stop-bank site. Wright's Hill, Thorp's Stop-bank. —This has been completed. Ngahina - Komato Creek (Right Bank). —The preliminary excavation has been completed, and formation is in hand. Tirohia-Ngararahi (Left Bank). —Between 2 m. 59 eh. and 4 m. 59 eh. this stop-bank has been completed and grassed, and further formation is in progress between 1 m. and 2 m. 59 eh. Ngahina Wharf and Goods-shed Extension. —Owing to inability to secure timber work has been temporarily suspended. Tirohia-Rotokohu Drainage. —Considerable work on this has been carried out, 2f miles of drains having been completed. The road-bridge on the Paeroa - Te*Aroha Road across the Rotokolm Drain has been erected. Tidal Records. —Automatic tide-gauges are being installed at Tararu Point (Thames), Kopu, Kaimanawa Wharf (Hikutaia), and Ngahina. The precise levelling for connecting up the gauges has been completed. Surveys. —A considerable amount of surveying and levelling has been carried out. General. —Clearing of willows, &c, on the river-banks has been in hand. Several minor streamdiversions have been made.

TRAMWAYS. In accordance with the provisions of the Tramways and Public Works Acts the Department's Engineers have inspected portions of the various municipal tramways and their rolling-stock. Some of the matters dealt with by this Department are mentioned below. Auckland. —Several inspections and reports have been made. Takapuna Steam Tramways. —Sundry inspections and investigations have been called for. Christchurch (MeCormack's Bay). —The loop into the new quarry has been completed. ~ (Woolston Loop). —This loop, for the storage of trailers, has been finished. Sixteen trailer cars have been inspected and certificates given.

MARINE. Numerous inspections and reports have been made on behalf of the Marine Department, mainly in connection with harbour-works, reclamations, wharves, foreshore leases, &o. Among the various works dealt with during the year the following are selected for brief mention : — Flat Rock Beacon. —An automatic acetylene light has been erected on Flat Rock, off Kawau Island. Tiritiri Lighthouse. —Two old keepers' cottages have been dismantled and new ones erected in their stead. Wailakaruru Landing. —Leading-lights have been erected. Wanganui. —A. report has been prepared on the sea erosion at the mouth of the river, &c. Dog Island Lighthouse. —The tower has been strengthened, and various alterations have been carried out. Puysegur Point Lighthouse. —The three new cottages and outbuildings for the keepers which, were in course of erection last year have been completed. DEFENCE WORKS. Invercargill Rifle Range. —3o chains of the bank necessary to reclaim the land required have been completed, while the trestling used during construction has been extended another 14 chains. I have, &c, R. W. Holmes, Engineer-in-Chief.