C—ll

1922. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. RANGITAIKI LAND DRAINAGE. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1922, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant lo Section, 10 of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 19th June, 1922. I have the honour to submit herewith the report upon drainage operations in the Rangitaiki Plains for the year ended 31st March, 1922, pursuant to the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 19.10. The report of the Acting Chief Drainage Engineer (attached) indicates that a very considerable acceleration of operations took place during the past year. Tho businesslike statement of works and machinery shows that the reclamation of the plains is being carried out on sound lines. The accompanying statement of cash transactions and balance-sheet shows the financial transactions for the year, and the position of the account as at the 31st March last. A plan showing operations is attached. I have, &c, The lion. D. H. Guthrie, Minister of Lands. .1. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary.

REPORT OE ACTING CHIEF DRAINAGE ENGINEER. Sib,, — In accordance with the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910, I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st March, 1922. Throughout the period steady progress has been maintained, and the country has benefited accordingly. Dredging operations particularly have been well advanced, thus permitting of more intensive cultivation of the various areas not yet fully developed. The area under permanent pasture and crops is rapidly increasing, as will be judged from the following comparative returns from the two dairy factories located within the drainage area. The Tarawera Dairy Factory returns for 1920-21 were 170 tons cheese, and for the past year 280 tons cheese, besides 5 tons of whey butter ; and the amount of money paid out in buttcrfat amounts to £21,488. The Rangitaiki Factory in 1920 21, with fifty-six suppliers, turned out 131 tons butter; and in 1921-22, with 116 suppliers, produced 320 tons : this year the suppliers will receive, roughly, £42,000. A similar proportional increase is confidently expected for the coming season. The completion of these operations is now coming into view. Roadworks are now practically out of hand, and the smaller drain age-works are likewise on the verge of completion. A considerable amount of dredging is still required, but here again the works requiring further attention are rapidly decreasing, and the end can be seen. From now onward the expenditure will be largely in dredging and maintenance. Eastern District. A considerable amount of new work has been carried out in this district during the year, and the danger from floods is now greatly lessened. The 18 ft. drain on the east side of the White-pine Bush Road from Tohakawakawa Stream, southwards through Section 30, Rangitaiki Parish, lias been deepened throughout, considerably more fall being obtained in the upper reaches. A new drain, 12 ft. wide, was cut early in the period from Te Rahu outfall to the Tohakawakawa Stream, and now that Te Rahu has been deepened more fall is available, and the drain is being deepened approximately 3 ft. throughout.

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