8.—9.

interest taken in the workings of the Department in this district, but during the four and a half years the Branch has been established there has been a very appreciable change. The volume of new wills secured is proof of this ; and the periodical visits of the Public Trustee have had a very helpful effect. The district is rich in agricultural and pastoral lands, of which there is an enormous area. It is also rich in coal and limestone. It is true that these assets are as yet not fully developed, and it is also safe to forecast that the Branch will develop with the country. New Premises.—The new office building which has been in progress during the last two years is probably the largest and most-up-to-date building of its kind in the north. It is designed to accommodate all the Government Departments, and is almost ready for occupation. All classes of the community have expressed gratification concerning it, and it is certain that better business will follow. The comfortable accommodation provided for the staff will be much appreciated after the trials endured in the present premises and better work will result. Industry and Development.—The North Island Main Trunk Railway, which was linked up in December, 1924, has been steadily consolidated. Many improvements have been made in the timetable and an express train three times weekly now runs from Auckland to Okaihau. This gives access to a large tract of northern country never before linked up. An up-to-date rail way-station has been erected at Whangarei, and was opened for the public on the 11th March last; at the same time the official opening of the new Public Trust building took place. Further railway development is in progress towards Dargaville, and it is the hope of the Dargaville people that in the near future Whangarei and Dargaville will be connected by rail. There are many large works in progress in Whangarei, the country townships and districts. There is the bridging of the Northern Wairoa 'River at Dargaville. This bridge will bring within easy distance of Dargaville about 130,000 acres of flat land capable when developed of carrying a cow to the acre. There is the Hikurangi Swamp drainage scheme, which when completed will drain approximately 80,000 acres of first-class swamp land. There is the Kaitaia Swamp drainage scheme which will drain another 80,000 acres of first-class swamp land. The Whangarei Harbour Board is spending a large sum of money on harbour-works, which must benefit the whole district when the work is completed. With the wealth of minerals that are proved in the north industries will develop here in the future. At present there is the Portland cement works about five miles from Whangarei. It has its own coal-mine at Hikurangi, and also extensive limestone deposits. The prospects for the development of new industries in the district are good, owing to the convenient coalfields, the through railway connection, and the good harbour. It is pleasing to be able to state that the old title of the " roadless " north is slowly but surely disappearing. The local bodies and Public Works Department are pushing on with roads and bridges, and each year sees a large improvement in this direction. The Wheki Valley Road, which is the direct route to Dargaville from Whangarei, will be metalled before the winter, and the construction of the Ruakaka-Waipu Road has been commenced. Both these roads will affect the Office directly in that the former will give better access to Dargaville and the latter leads to the newly established agency at Maungaturoto. The prospects for the north are good, and there is every reason to look forward to a steady and satisfactory development of the Office in this district.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (6,075 copies), £220.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.- 1925.

Price Is 9d.]

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