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1928. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. RANGITAIKI LAND DRAINAGE. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1928, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

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

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 30th June, 1928. I have the honour to submit herewith the report upon drainage operations in the Rangitaiki Plains for the year ended 31st March, 1928, pursuant to the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910. The accompanying statement of accounts and balance-sheet shows the financial transactions for the year, and the position of the account as at the 31st March last. A plan of the drainage district is attached. I have, &c, J. B. Thompson, The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands. Under-Secretary for Lands.

REPORT OF CHIEF DRAINAGE ENGINEER. Sir,— In accordance with the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910, I have the honour to submit my report for the financial year ending 31st March, 192<S. At the beginning of the period the major works still requiring completion were the Tarawera River dredging, Omeheu Canal improvement, and the Kopeopeo Canal diversion. Of these, the first was carried, on to a point where completion will be assured during the coming year, whilst the Omeheu Canal widening, which was commenced late last year, was completed, towards the end of the period under review. The construction of the Kopeopeo diversion, as recommended by the Rangitaiki Royal Commission of 1925, was commenced with one Monighan dredge. Late in the period, a second Monighan was made available to assist in pushing this work on to completion as expeditiously as possible. No severe flooding was experienced on the area during the winter, and the exceptionally dry summer was of immense benefit in assisting the drying-out of the low-lying and newly drained portions of the area. This benefit has more than offset the set back to the higher and lighter country on the Plains. Another record for production was established by the Rangitaiki Plains Dairy Company, the manufacture of butter for the year totalling 1,558 tons, an increase of 258 tons over last year's figures. The Tarawera Cheese Factory manufactured 300 tons, last year's total being also 300 tons. The prospects for the coming season are encouraging, as the existing herds are being improved, whilst in addition arrangements are being made for the milking of new herds. The improvement in the price of beef, if sustained, should assist in an increase in prosperity for this district. The