B.—No. 2a,

PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

12

over the river is of a permanent nature, and will carry all existing road traffic; the railway bridge need not therefore be made suitable for road traffic. OTAGO BAILWAYS. A re-survey of the Waitaki and Moeraki line has been made by Mr. C. N. Bell, whereby a large saving will be effected in the cost of construction. No delay will take place in pushing forward this important work. A reconnaisanco survey of the Moeraki and Dunedin line has been made by Mr. Blair. A report of the results has been laid on the table. The line from Dunedin to Clutha is progressing steadily. The first section from Dunedin to the Chain Hills, which includes the Caversham tunnel and some very heavy cuttings and embankments, is approaching completion. The ten-mile section at the Clutha end has been re-let, the first contractor having failed. The remainder of the line has been let to the Messrs. Brogden, who will commence work without delay. The construction of the Invereargill and Mataura line has been let to the Messrs. Brogden, who have already entered on the work. The surveys of the Winton and Kingston line have been proceeded with. Mr. Brunton reports a good workable line along the east bank of the Oreti River, which will avoid the crossings intended by the late Mr. Paterson, who laid off about 52 miles of this line. The total length of this line is about 70 miles. Sixteen miles have been surveyed ready for contract. A proposal will be submitted to Parliament for the construction of a line from Oamaru to Waireka, on the understanding that the landowners of the district will give the land required for the line, and submit to be rated in order to guarantee the interest on the capital cost of the line. WAITAKI BEIDGE. A large part of the iron-work of the Waitaki Bridge has reached Port Chalmers, and is being conveyed to Oamaru and thence to the site. COAL BAILWAYS. Working surveys for the Coal Railways at Kawa Kawa and Brunner have been completed. BECAPITULATION. The total length of Railway in course of or under contract for construction is 247 miles, consisting of— Miles. Chains. Miles. Lines let to Messrs. Brogden (including work let to other contractors on Dunedin and Clutha Line) ... ... ... ... ... 178 Kaiapoi to Eangiora ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 15 Selwyn to Bakaia ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 21 Timaru to Washdyke ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 44 21 Works begun by Provincial Governments : — Addington to Kaiapoi ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 Kaipara Eailway ... ... ... ... ... ... 17 0 29 Branch Railways : — Eangiora to Oxford ... ... ... ... .... ... 7 0 Bolleston to Malvern ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 • 19 247 There are 132|- miles of Railway surveyed ready for contract, exclusive of Coal and Branch Railways. Miles. Auckland to Onehunga ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 Lower to Upper Hutt ... ... ... ... ... ... 1\ Nelson to Foshill ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20* Eangiora to Kowai ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 Bakaia to Ashburton ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 Moeraki to Waitaki... ... ... ... ... ... ... 40| Winton to Kingston ... ... ... ... ... ... 16 Waitara to New Plymouth ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 132J