D.—l

XX

loans for roads, 10 per cent. ; estimated amount to complete all roads (apart from legal unformed roads) as metalled roads, 37-| per cent. ; and value of undeveloped Crown and Native land, 37| per cent. These alterations had the desired effect, and the amended system has been put into operation this year, it being confidently anticipated that the year's experience will prove the soundness of and justification for the alteration. The expenditure on the renewal of bridges was slightly more during the year than it was in 1927-28, with the result that many more old worn-out structures in various parts of the Dominion were replaced. The damage caused to roads generally by floods was considerably less, but, nevertheless, a fairly large sum was expended, chiefly on minor repairs.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: NET EXPENDITURE ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING MAIN HIGHWAYS FOR YEARS 1913-14 TO 1928-29.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS. At Wellington a new fire-alarm system was installed at the Public Works Store at Pipitea Point. Additions were made to the photographic gallery and steel windows provided in the composing and Hansard rooms of the Government Printing Office. At Wanganui Public Works Office extensive alterations were carried out. In the Taumarunui district a three-stalled brick motor-garage was erected at the Public Works Office. A landing reserve was provided and a departmental building erected at Taupo for the Taupo fisheries. At Whangarei alterations were made to the existing garage at the Public Works Office and necessary machinery installed. The capital expenditure on departmental buildings was £4,307. Courthouses. A building has been acquired at Whangarei and fitted up as a Courthouse. Extensive alterations and additions were made to the Hastings Courthouse. At Foxton a new building was erected. Repairs and renovations have been carried out to a number of Courthouses throughout the Dominion. The capital expenditure last year on Courthouses was £8,387.