D.—l.

TRAMWAYS. Auckland. —During the year under review the Auckland Transport Board constructed three short lengths of track and overhead equipment of a total length of 13 ch. The Farmers' and Wyndham Street Extensions have been provided in connection with the inauguration of a free tram service to and from Pitt Street and the Farmers' Union Building in Hobson Street. The Sandringham Extension was for the purpose of providing improved terminal facilities. Fourteen cars were damaged as a result of accidents ; twenty, which includes the carry-over from the previous year, were repaired, inspected, and returned to service. One vehicle has been reconstructed on a streamlined basis. Two fatal accidents occurred resulting from tramcars coming into collision with pedestrians. Of one the Board was absolved from all blame, and on the other the inquest was adjourned. New Plymouth. —Progress is being made with the bonding of rails by welding, there being approximately one mile to do. One mile of trolley-wiie was renewed. No fatal accidents occurred, and there were no labour disputes. Wanganui. —The double track in Taupo Quay was completely lifted and replaced by a single track with loops at Wilson Street and Victoria Avenue. The length of line affected was 16 ch. The track in Rangiora Street was extended a further 80 ft. towards the sea to enable trams to be shunted without blocking the motor-parking area. New motors were installed in one car, and trolley-wire grips (to enable motormen to safely handle broken wires) have been issued to all cars. Wellington. —Two cars were 'inspected and certificates issued. 26 ch. of track were duplicated in Broadway, Miramar, and a certificate issued. Ohristchurch. —The Christchurch Tramway Board proposes to remove all tracks, &c., on the Linwood and Dallington route, and to replace the tram service with diesel-engined buses. The proposal has been investigated and approved. Alterations to the loop in Selwyn Street, Spreydon, have been made to provide better visibility for motormen. Dunedin. —During the year no new tramcars were placed in service and no alterations were made to existing cars. The tram-line on the Anderson's Bay route at Ross's Corner has been converted from a single line to a double track around the curve for a distance of 10 ch. No accidents necessitating special inspection of equipment occurred during the year.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS.—MAINTENANCE. The maintenance of public buildings has been carried out by the District Engineers and their staffs in accordance with proposals and reports prepared in district offices. Maintenance work is, for more ready reference, included with public-building work reported on by the Government Architect.

PUBLIC BUILDING WORKS AND ELECTRICAL OPERATIONS. For details of the public-building works and of the operations of hydro-electric enterprises, please see separate reports by the Government Architect and the Chief Electrical Engineer. J. Wood, M.lnst.C.E., Engineer-in-Chief.

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