C.—ll

Session 11. 1918. NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: RANGITAIKI LAND DRAINAGE. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1918, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 10 of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist June, 1918. I have the honour to submit herewith the report upon drainage operations in the Rangitaiki Plains for the year ended 31st March, 1918, pursuant to the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910. The report of the Chief Drainage Engineer, Mr. J. B. Thompson, is attached hereto, from which it will be seen that good progress has been made with the works during the year, although the scarcity of labour restricted the scope of operations. The accompanying statement of accounts shows the financial transactions for the year, and the position of the account as at the 31st March last. The total expenditure in connection with the operations under the Act is £126,928. I have, &c, The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister of Lands. T. N. Brodrick, Under-Secretary.

REPORT OF CHIEF DRAINAGE ENGINEER. Sir,— In accordance with the provisions of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910, I have the honour to submit my report on the drainage operations for the year ended 31st March, 1918. Good progress has been made with the various works during the year, but lack of labour has again restricted operations, and many necessary works have for this reason remained untouched. It is hoped in the coming year that the employment of Jugo-Slavs will help to ease the situation. Dredges. The three dredges have been busily engaged during the year in carrying out the various outfall drains. During the year under review a total of 320,614 cubic yards of spoil have been excavated, at a total cost of £4,973 18s. 5d., or an average cost of 3-72 d. per cubic yard. This includes all