C—ls.

1908. NEW ZEALAND.

WANGANUI RIVER TRUST (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE); WITH MAPS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

WANGANUI RIVER TRUST. Members.—T. D. Cummins (Chairman, Government nominee); J. T. Hogan, M.P., Wanganui; Walter Svmes, M.P., Patea; W. Ritchie, Chairman, Waitotara County Council; D. Mason, Chairman, Wanganui Count}- Council; J. H. Keesing, President, Wanganui Chamber of Commerce; C. E. Mackay, Mayor; W. G. Bassett, T. B. Williams, and J. T. Stewart, C.E., members elected by the ratepayers of Wanganui. Report. Sir,— Wanganui, 10th July, 1908. I have pleasure in reporting on the work performed by the Wanganui River Trust for the year ended 31st March, 1908. The conditions of the river have been favourable to the work in hand, and a very considerable amount has been handled, resulting in much improvement to the navigation of the upper reaches. 1 am pleased to be able to report that the traffic from Taumarunui down-stream has been maintained without interruption. A very large number of tourists and settlers have been carried down-stream, and the facilities for the conveyance of goods to the settlers on both banks of the river have been largely taken advantage of, and have undoubtedly assisted settlement of lands abutting on the river. During the year a special committee was set up to report on the lands that should be reserved for scenic purposes, also to report on suitable areas that were not of so much consequence in that respect, but could be utilised by the Wanganui River Trust Domain Board for leasing, and producing a revenue for maintaining the navigation. You have already received the report by Mr. J. T. Stewart, and I enclose witli this a copy of a report Furnished by Mr. 11. Lundius, Crown Lands Ranger, to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington. I trust that ere long these reports will be given effect to. that the scenery will be fully preserved, and that the areas suitable for leasing and producing revenue will be offered for tender. The improvement-works have mainly consisted of the construction of walls and groins for deepening shallow places, and improving the rapids. The length <>( the c pleted walls this year is 9,506 ft., of an average width of 5 ft. and depth of 3 ft. 9 in. As well as the work above referred to, many vagrant snags have lx-en removed, also boulders and papa reefs that have appeared through scour consequent on the construction of the walls and groins. The cost of the work has been £2,509. Below Pipiriki maintenance of the river-channel has received full'attention by removal of snags and boulders and repairing walls. In conclusion, I would urge that, although the condition of the river for navigation purposes has been very considerably improved, there is yet much to be done to assist matters in the low condition of the river in the summer months, when steamer traffic is at its greatest. I sincerely trust that the sum already requisitioned to be placed on the estimates for this very necessary work will have due consideration. I am, <$re, T. D. Cummins, Chairman, Wanganui River Trust. W. C. Kensington, Esq., Under-Secretary, Lands Department, Wellington,