D.—l

The provision of increased switchboard accommodation at the Paihia, Rotorua, Tauranga, Te Awamutu, Nelson, Upper Moutere. Sefton, Timaru, Alexandra, Roxburgh, Kaitangata, Kelso, Winton, Thornbury, and Bluff telephone exchanges. The replacement of existing switchboards at the Kohukohu, Huntly, Waipiro Bay, Awakino, Woodville, and Kumara telephone exchanges. The closing of the Ohinewai and Crookston telephone exchanges and the connection of the subscribers to the Huntly and Heriot exchanges, respectively. The reconstruction or partial reconstruction of open aerial systems at a large number of telephone exchanges. The replacement at a number of exchanges of marline hangars for aerial telephone cable with galvanized steel cable rings. The installation of machine-ringing apparatus at Alexandra, Balclutha, Heriot, Otautau, Mataura, and Bluff, and additional ringing machines at Tauranga and Waimate. The installation of timing devices in a large number of public-call offices at automatic telephone exchanges. With a view to obtaining improved operation and more economical maintenance, a complete new modulating assembly has been installed at Wellington-Radio for use in connection with the short-wave radio-telephone transmitter used on the overseas radio-telephone service. The provision of this modern equipment has resulted in considerable economies in power consumption and in the cost of replacement parts required from time to time. Two new aerial systems have been erected at the Mount Crawford receiving station with beneficial results in the reception of radio-telephone speech from overseas ; and consideration is now being given to proposals for the rearrangement of the aerial systems with a view to relieving the present tower on the Tinakori Hills site of a portion of its load and, at the same time providing more efficient aerials for the several short-wave and long-wave services that now devolve upon this station. TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. The expenditure for the year ending the 31st March was £16,789, as against £13,683 for the previous year. Major works completed during the year were the erection of comfortable staff quarters at the Chateau Tongariro, extensions to the Rotorua electrical system, extensions to the lounge and the installation of private bathrooms at the Hotel Waitomo, and improvements to the accommodation at Lake House, Waikaremoana. During this financial year it is proposed to complete the road to Salt Hut, Tongariro National Park, and to proceed with additions and improvements to the tourist resorts controlled by the Government. SETTLEMENT OF UNEMPLOYED WORKERS. The development of a number of blocks for small-farms purposes has progressed satisfactorily under the control of the Public Works Department, acting on behalf of the Small Farms Board. Work has been practically completed in many instances, and the camps have been closed, further work being found elsewhere, in most cases, for the men. On an average, 1,067 men have been employed throughout the year. The total number of buildings erected was : — Number of cottages, 36 ; total cost, £12,846 ; average cost, £356. Number of farm buildings, 153 ; total cost, £5,202 ; average cost, £34.

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