C—B

1917. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: DRAINAGE OPERATIONS IN HAURAKI PLAINS. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1917, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly purmamt to Section 10 of the Haurahi Plains Act, 1908.

Sin, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist June, 1917. I have the honour to submit herewith the report on the drainage operations in the Hauraki Plains for the past year, in accordance with the provisions of the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908. No areas have been opened for selection during the last year or two, and the land in occupation is 38,994 acres, subdivided into 294 sections, exclusive of town sections, valued at £243,851. Further areas will be available at an early date. The total expenditure under the Act has now been as follows : — £ . For the rear ended 31st March, 1908 ... ... ... 5,070 0 0 1909 ... ... ... 11,672 5 6 1910 ... ... ... 22,235 2 11 1911 ... ... * ... 32,103 14 0 1912 ... ... ... 40,084 13 1 1913 ... ... ... 26,608 1 3 1914 ... ... ... 21,467 18 2 ' 1915 ... ... ... 20,399 10 4 1916 ... ... 18.331 10 10 1917 ... ... ... 18,405 17 10 Total ... ... ... ... ... £216,378 13 11 Drainage and reclamation operations were steadily carried out during the year with the depleted staff under the control of the Chief Drainage Engineer, and satisfactory progress has been made. Unusually heavy rain was experienced, but every effort was made to cope with the consequent flooding. The detailed report of the Chief Drainage Engineer is attached, together with a statement of accounts. I have, i.e., The Right Hon. W. P. Massey, P.C., T. N. Buodiuck, Under-Secretary. Minister of Lands.

I—C. 8.