0.—4,

2

Kaitaia Drainage Area (39,665 Acres). Good progress has been made on the above works despite the very wet weather experienced and difficulties caused through scarcity of suitable labour due to war conditions. During the latter part of the year several floods followed in quick succession, the holding-capacity of the Tongonge Lake being heavily taxed, and. flood-waters spread everywhere over the low-lying areas. Bullock teams have been engaged during the year in clearing the Kaitaia River of snags, willows, and other obstructions, the total distance cleared being seven miles, including clearing of numerous projected diversions. These diversions (of which there are about thirty between Kaitaia and Awanui) will shorten the river-course by about five miles. Since the willows and snags have been removed the floods have not overflowed the banks nearly so much as previously, and adjoining landowners are very pleased with the result of the work so far attained. It is unfortunate that the Priestman dredger on order from England cannot be delivered early on account of war exigencies, as much greater progress could then be made. A pontoon to carry the machinery is now in course of construction, and land-plan surveys are also under way. The expenditure on works during the year was £3,843 7s. 3d. I have, &c, J. B. Thompson, The Under-Secretary for Lands, Wellington. Chief Drainage Engineer.

Statement op Accounts for Year ended 31st March, 1917. Rhohipts. Expbndittorb. New Zealand Loans Act, 1908 : — : £. s. d. Expenditure under Section 4of the Swamp Drainage Ac!, Swamp Drainage Act, 1915, — 1915, and Section !J5 of the Reserves and other Land* Debentures issued .. .. 11,000 0 0 Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, Villi. 1917, 31st March. Kaitaia :— Drainage-works and other £ s. d, £ s. d. expenses incidental thereto .. .. 3,258 II 10 Equipment and maintenance of. dredges, wages of dredgemasters, &c. 84 (i 0 Travelling-expenses, &o. 80 14 9 Material .. .. 9 4 0 Office upkeep .. .. 8 18 10 Bank overdraft, Kaitaia Drainage Hoard .. 404 11 10 3*843 7 :i Poukawa: — Drainage-works and expenses incidental thereto.. .. .. 1,093 S 1 Equipment and maintenance of dredges, wages of dredgemasters, &c. 264 0 11 Travelling-expenses .. 106 17 5 Materials .. .. 7:1 18 I 1,538 4 6 Waihi :— Drainage-works and expenses incidental thereto .. .. .. 854 15 11 Equipment and maintenance of dredges, wages of dredgemasters, &c. 327 8 8 Travelling-expenses .. 010 0 — 1,182 14 7 6,564 6 4 New Zealand Loans Act, 1908 :— Swamp Drainage Act, 1915, — Charges and expenses .. .. 0 7 0 Balance at end of year: — Cash in Public Account .. .. 4,435 6 8 £11,000 0 0 £11,000 0 0 Loan Account. 1917, 31st March. 1916, Ist April. £ H s. d. Debentures issued under the New Zealand £ s. d. To Balance .. .. .. .. 11,000 0 0 Loans Act, 1908 :— Swamp Drainage Act, 1915 .. .. 11,000 0 0 £11,000 0 0 £11,000 0 0

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