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Appreciation The Council desires to express its appreciation from, overseas agencies in South Africa, India, Australia, and the United States, who are working for the same objects, and, in particular, for the varied assistance freely and readily given by the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department v of Agriculture. Mention should also be made of the keen co-operation received from other Departments of State, Catchment Boards, and local bodies. Works Bank-protection, generally, has been by far the most important single aspect of river-control and, while individually not spectacular or costly, has usually taken the form of live willow and poplar, and whole trees, relying, as far as possible, on increase in strength of the protection brought about by .natural growth. In several rivers the straightening of rivers by the cutting-out of meanders with artificial cuts has been undertaken where the meander itself was causing severe bank-erosion and bank-protection could be undertaken better on the improved alignment. Drainage and willow clearing works have continued to be undertaken extensively, but there are many large areas still to be treated. This work entails much plant and man-power, and intensification will depend upon availability of men and tools. Surveys have been made of many drainage, river, and willow clearing projects which, while economically justifiable, cannot be undertaken at present due to present shortages. The first big drag-line excavator was assembled at Otaki River during the year and has commenced straightening and stop-banking. Experience on an accessible job such as this was necessary in order to gain full information before using the machine on large jobs. One notable advance has been in soil conservation work, where a real start has been made, notably in the North Island in stabilizing moving hillsides and in ■ repair of eroding gullies and tree-planting and construction of soil saving dams of light live construction. It has in the main been undertaken in association with the property-owner, and is capable of great expansion as it is adaptable to unskilled labour and can utilize services of landoccupiers themselves. The following is a brief resume of the principal activities in the various districts during the year under review:— Auckland District TJwhiroa Stream Clearing, Herekino.—"Widening and clearing is now completed. Ruawai Drainage.—Extension of "G " Canal: 206 chains have been deepened 2 ft. and batters trimmed to restore the canal to its original width of 20 ft. Awaroa-Ruawai Stop-bank: Stone facing and repairs were carried out. Smith's Canal: Work is in hand in deepening and restoring to a width of 20 ft. Waihou and Ohmemwri Rivers Improvement Scheme.—General maintenance of flood-gates and doors. 900 chains of stop-bank have been cleared and willows ringbarked.

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