D.—l

IX

From the foregoing figures it will be observed that at the end of last £ financial year the unexpended balance of the Public Works Fund for general purposes, plus existing and proposed authorities for raising further moneys, amounted to .. .. .. .. 10,262,397 While the balance at the same date in respect to some of the more important public works, under special accounts, plus existing and proposed legislative authority to raise additional loans, amounted to .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,-529,926 Or a total of .. .. .. .. £17,792,323 RATIO OF EXPENDITURE, 1928-29. The ratios which the various classes of expenditure on works bear to the whole are indicated graphically in the diagram below.

RAILWAY-CONSTRUCTION. The expenditure as shown on graph has been much, heavier than that of the previous year, and constitutes a record. The total length of all lines under construction over which goods and passenger traffic has been run during the year is 69 miles, and these services have been of great service and benefit to the settlers who could take advantage of the railway. This is in accordance with the Department's policy of making works earn revenue at the earliest possible moment, and giving the public the advantage of the facilities as soon as can safely be done. The schedule attached is a complete statement of the work on railways now in progress and the extent to which it is anticipated the railways can be completed during the next two years. The work for the year on the several lines in course of construction is fully set out in the Engineer-in-Chief's report, and may be summarized as follows : — North Auckland Main Trunk Railway. —The construction of this line was confined to the Rangiahua Section, and the work is being pushed ahead as much as possible between Okailiau and the upper waters of the Hokianga Harbour. The country is most unstable, and has given considerable trouble with slips over the whole 14 miles. So treacherous is the country that the railway has had to be deviated in many places for an aggregate distance of 2| miles to avoid slips which developed after the ground was opened up. A quarry has been, opened up near Okaihau, bins have been erected, and crushers installed to obtain ballast for the line.

ii—D. 1.