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MANAWATU DISTRICT. (J. T. Stewabt in charge.) Only maintenance works have been carried on in this district, the part of the main road lying within the Manawatu Gorge requiring special attention. MASTEETON TOWAEDS MANAWATU GOEGE. (Alex. Muneo in charge till 31st August, 1876; J. D. Baied in charge since that date.) Opaki-Manawatu. —In last year's report this road was described as having been formed throughout between Opaki and the Manawatu crossing, 40-J- miles, of which 8i- miles had also been metalled, and other metalling contracts were then in progress. Between Opaki and Masterton a new line of road has been laid off and formed —namely, from Opaki to a point on the old main road, 3 miles 61 chains in length. A contract has also been let for metalling a portion of this, 200 chains in length, but the work is yet uncompleted. Woodville-Manawatu. —The metalling contract reported as being in progress last year has since been finished. WOBKS FOE WHICH BeOVINCIAL ApPEOPBIATIONS HAD BEEN MADE, TAKEN OVEB AND CAEEIED OUT by Geneeal Government. (J. D. Baied in charge.) Opaki-Manawatu. —Contracts for metalling the remaining portions have been let —namely, sections 8 and 9, to Messrs. Nathan and Wilkie, 16 miles 40 chains ; and sections 10 and 11 to Mr. Oakes, 11 miles 55 chains: total, 28 miles 15 chains. Sections 10 and 11 are completed, and sections 8 and 9 very nearly so, the contractors being obliged to suspend work on account of wet weather. One contract extending over 200 chains, and another for 60 chains, have also been let for re-metalling some of the older portions of the road, which had been cut up during the other metalling contracts. A portion of last year's contracts for metalling not having been completed, the contractor stating his inability to carry out the work, it has been re-let —142 chains. Very little, however, has yet been done on it. Mauricerille Road. —This branches from the Opaki—Manawatu Boad, and the work of clearing and forming it has lately been let in eight contracts, a total length of 2 miles 7383 chains. The bridges on the same road have also been let by contract —namely, two of 25 feet each and one of 33 feet. Punts. —Punts have been built to be placed at the crossings of the Mangatainoko and Manawatu Eivers, on the Opaki-Manawatu Eoad, and the wire ropes for working them have been provided, but owing to some difficulty with the Native residents some delay has taken, place in erecting the posts for the wires and getting the punts to work. It is hoped, however, that this difficulty will soon be obviated. Masterton-Alfredtown Road. —The contract for felling bush on this road has been completed, 100 chains. Bangituma Road. —On this road contracts for felling bush have also been completed, 467 chains; and 370 chains are yet in hand. Mangapakeha Road. —The contracts for felling bush on this road, 309 chains, are expected to be finished by the end of July. Three bridges have been built, 45 feet, 40 feet, and 70 feet respectively. Lower Tauherenikau Bridge. —This work is expected to be completed next month: its length is 504 feet. The western approach is also yet unfinished, but the work of forming it is being prepared for tender. Manawatu Bridge. —Near Palmerston North, 835 feet in length. It is expected that this contract will be completed about the end of July. The earthwork for the approaches is not included in the contract. Bangitikei Bridges. —Bespectively 375 feet and 690 feet in length, both on the same line of crossing. The contractor is proceeding with the delivery of the timber for the superstructure. The ironwork for the piers, Ac, has been ordered from England, but has not yet arrived. Waiohine Bridge. —On main line of road, Wairarapa, 120 feet long. This work is completed. Tauherenikau Bridge. —On same main line of road. Bepairs completed. Beclamation Contract, Wellington Harbour. —This work is progressing in a satisfactory manner; at the last measurement there were about 32 acres completed out of 48 acres 2 roods 30 perches, and the timber breastwork is nearly finished. Main Boad, Wellington-Masierion-Manawatu. —The state of repair is on the whole satisfactory. Considerable slips have occurred on the Rimutaka and in the Forty-Mile Bush, but the cost of maintenance has nevertheless been kept within the limits allowed. Bunnythorpe Boad. —Bush-felling: 224 chains have been completed on this line; also 161 chains of formation. Boads North of Fell ding. —Bush-felling: 300 chains completed; and contracts for 200 chains and 490 chains yet in hand. Moutoa Swamp. —Eoads and Drains: Two contracts for making main drain have been completed, 74 chains; and two others for 160 chains are still in progress. WEST COAST EOAD, BATEA TO BUKEAEUHE; ALSO MOUNTAIN ROAD. (O. Caebington in charge.) Pukearuhe to New Plymouth. —A bridge over the Mimi on the main line of road has been built by a party of Armed Constabulary under Captain Messenger. The bridge is 110 feet long and W\ feet wide, consisting of 4 spans of 20 feet each, and 2 of 15 feet each; the piers consist of five piles each, driven very deeply into the soft muddy bed of the river.