C—8.

1919. N EW ZEAL AN D.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: DRAINAGE OPERATIONS IN HAURAKI PLAINS. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1919, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

Presented, to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 10 of the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 14th July, 1919. 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. The total aroa thrown open for selection to date is 37/151 acres, valued at £227,830. It in hoped to increase these figures at an early date. The total expenditure under the Act has now been as follows: — £ s. d. For the year ended 31st March. 1908 ... ... ... 5,070 0 0 19(1!) ... ... 11,672 5 6 1910 ... ... ... 22,235 2 II 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 ... ... ... 15,331 10 10 1917 ... ... ... 18,405 17 10 . 1918 ... ... ... 26,5.88 19 7 1919 ... ... ... 31,575 II 8 Total ... ... ... ... ... .£274,543 5 2 The detailed report of the Chief Drainage Engineer is attached, together with a statement of accounts and balance-sheet. I have, &c., T. N. Brodriok, Under-Secretary. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister of Lands.

REPORT OF CHIEF DRAINAGE ENGINEER. Sir, —• I beg to submit my report on the drainage operations on the Hauraki Plains for the year ended 31st March, 1919. A great advance in the prosperity of the plains has been experienced during the past year. Many sales of land have been recorded at very much advanced prices, as much as £80 per acre being realized. The grazing has increased not only in cattle, but also in sheep. The value of stock sold in the Ngatea, Patetonga, and Waitakaruru yards amounts to ,£71,440, and the fact that a large amount of .the plains stock-dealing is also done at Turua and Hikutaia yards must be taken into consideration, The trade on the plains portion of the Piako River is increasing; rapidly, and altogether this trade for the year on this river amounted to 3,740 tons. The total value of cream produced from the area during the year was £79,390.

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