H—ls

18

Bean Bock Lighthouse. —An automatic apparatus to replace the present one has been procured. Matakana. —The river at this place has been examined and a report prepared on the question of deepening the navigable channel up to the wharf. Turanga Creek Wharf. —Plans have been prepared with a view to inviting tenders for the erection of this structure. Mayor Island. —The title to the ownership of the island has been inspected and reported on. Instructions have been issued to have inspection made of the shingle beaches on the island in connection with the question of allowing the removal of gravel, but up to the present an opportunity has not occurred to have the inspection made. Whakatane Harbour. —Inspection of this harbour was made by myself. A survey has been made, and a report on the works necessary to improve the entrance is in course of preparation. Opotiki Harbour. —This harbour has been similarly inspected, a small amount of survey made, and a report is in course of preparation. Marakopa River. —Plans were prepared for a wharf on what is known as the up-stream site. These are now being modified to suit the down-stream site, and will shortly be completed, when instructions will be required as to putting the work of erection in hand. Onetehia Biver, Waikato. —A report has been prepared upon the removal of obstructions to navigation in this river. Waikato Biver. —A private ferry over this river, at Rangiriri, recently installed, has been inspected and reported as satisfactory. Awakino Biver .—A report has been prepared upon the work necessary to deepen the channel through a small papa-rock reef near the entrance. Gisborne Harbour. —A report was prepared upon the works necessary to prevent wave-action between the moles at the entrance to the river, and plans and specifications were prepared for the Harbour Board for the purpose of having the work recommended carried out, which took the form of an extension of the eastern breakwater. The Board has since let the contract for the work. A further report upon the whole question of harbour accommodation at Gisborne was prepared, as it was found that both questions were so intimately connected that the former could not be dealt with effectively without taking the latter into consideration. Wanganui Harbour. —At the instance of the Harbour Board, and in connection with the proposal to obtain a Bill authorizing the raising of moneys for the carrying-out of extensive harbourworks, a report was prepared. This report required close investigation, and occupied a considerable time in its preparation. Castle Point Lighthouse. —The works in connection with the establishment of a new lighthouse at Castle Point are in the following position : A survey has been made of the land required, and steps are now being taken to obtain a title by proclamation; negotiations in connection with the compensation to be paid are being undertaken by the Public Works Department and Land Purchase Officer; the whole of the materials required for the dwellings, signal-station, and outbuildings have been procured, and nearly all have been conveyed to Castle Point; the erection of the dwellings is now about three-quarters completed; the apparatus, &c, is on hand in readiness to forward to its destination; a contract has been let to Messrs. Luke and Co. for the manufacture of the cast-iron tower, but unfortunately they are very much behind with the work. It is not likely that it will be completed by the time the contract expires. This is likely to cause considerable delay. Foxton. —Proposals for harbour-works at this place were examined and reported on. A drawing of a small hand-scoop dredge was prepared and supplied to the Harbour Board for the purpose of maintaining the depth in the river along the face of the wharf. Gape Palliser Lighthouse. —A report was prepared on the advisability of constructing approach steps to the tower to enable the keepers to avoid passing over the ground rendered dangerous by stones falling from the cliff's above. Wellington. —The Yacht Club shed at Thorndon was examined and valued with a view to its purchase by the Department for use in connection with the training-ship " Amokura." Marine yard : The new site for the Marine yard has been fenced, and a temporary coal-shod has been erected to hold about 150 tons of coal as a reserve for the use of G.s. " Hinemoa." Meteorological Observatory : Plans of the building required in connection with this observatory have been prepared. Queen Charlotte Sound. —The question of constructing a tunnel at the head of the Onahau Inlet as a means of communication with the Pelorus Sound by motor-boat and other small craft has been shortly reported on, and tidal observations have been made with a view to preparing plans for having the construction of the tunnel carried out. Nelson Lighthouse. —The assistant keeper's house requiring repairs, instructions have been issued to the Resident Engineer, Nelson, to examine and report on same, with estimate of cost of carrying them out. Nelson Harbour Works. —Some inconvenience being experienced through the formation of a bar at each end of the new entrance-channel, a report was prepared at the instance of the Harbour Board advising that dredging be carried out in order to maintain the depth of water required. Pakawau. —Some difficulties having arisen between the coal-mine proprietors and landowners in connection with the construction of a tramway required to convey coal to a place of shipment the Superintending Engineer, Mr. C. R. AHckerman, proceeded to Pakawau, examined the place' made full inquiries into the position, and reported fully upon the same. Little Wanganui Wharf. —Plans for a small extension of this wharf have been prepared. Karamea. —Training-wall : The second contract for the erection of an extension of this wall has been completed. A third contract has been let for a further extension, and the work is now in hand. It is anticipated that when the third extension is completed the river will be maintained