D.—l

II

The hydro-electric works at Horahora have been purchased from the Waihi Gold-mining Company on satisfactory terms. The amount of power which can now be developed is 8,000 horse-power. A maximum of 3,325 horsepower has to be supplied to the vendors, leaving 4,675 horse-power available for distribution throughout the surrounding districts. The present available supply of power can be increased by erecting two more turbines, and steps will be taken, to give effect to this as soon as practicable. Statutory provision for the full cost of establishing these works will be made this session. ' Provision will also be made for the completion of plans for the erection of hydro-electric works at Waikaremoana, and the survey of transmission-lines therefrom to Grisborne and Napier and thence to Wairarapa. The intention is, as soon as labour and funds are available, that the works at Waikaremoana should be commenced. An equal sum will also be provided for elaborating schemes for the South Island, and, similarly, it is intended when labour and funds are- available that such schemes will be set in operation. It would not be just that all parts of the Dominion, other than those proposed to be served by the Mangahao, Arapuni, Lake Coleridge, and Horahora plants, should have to await the completion of those schemes before having their respective districts provided for. In view, however, of the difficulty in procuring labour, it would be manifestly improper to pretend that such large new schemes as Waikaremoana and whatever may be decided on for the South Island could be undertaken at present. The following table shows briefly the particulars of expenditure during the financial year ended 31st March, 1919, also the total expenditure in respect to each class of work from the date of the'inauguration of the Public Works policy to the 31st March last :—

EXPENDITURE.

Expenditure. Class of Work. Expenditure for Year ended 31st March, 1919. Total Expenditure to 31st March, 1919. Railways — New construction Additions to open lines ... Roads ... Public buildings ... Immigration Purchase of Native lands ... Lighthouses, harbour-works, and harbour-defences Tourist and health resorts... Telegraph-extension Development of mining Defence-works (general) ... Departmental Electric-power supply and development Irrigation and water-supply Payment to Midland Railway bondholders ... Lands-improvement Minor works and services ... Plant, material, and stores Cost and discount, raising loans, &c. £ 296,020 91,903 226,073 235,846 Cr. 12,018 5,392 1,620 198,611 518 8,809 1 15,419 9,254 13,665 £ 25,763,061 9,831,601 1.1,621,216 7,330,748 2,330,110 2,061,906 1,148,443 261,060 3,823,599 889,014 1,051,578 1,431,254 9,254 160,720 150,000 135,340 312,607 111,614 1,253,073 Cr. 4,268 20,038 Wellington-IIutt Railway and Road Improvement f Railway Account ( Road ... Railways Improvement Account ... Railways Improvement Authorization Aet 1914 Account Loans to Local Bodies Account—Roads to open up Crown lands Opening up Crown Lands for Settlement Account—Roads to open up Crown lands Land for Settlements Account—Roads to open up Crown lands National Endowment Account—Roads to open up endowment lands Aid to Water-power Works and Electric Supply Account Irrigation and Water-supply Account Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Account... Telegraph Extension Account 1,207,482 39,375 69,676,198 228,374 101,658 641,275 516,447 697,408 206,626 51,355 261,030 53,401 24,794 412,312 27,402 92,019 Totals 1,350,408 72,886,748