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and the various local bodies under subsidy from the Public Works Fund, and, in addition, approximately 714 miles were metalled. The figures for the previous year were 242 miles reformed and/or formed and 578 miles metalled. The benefit to the country, and particularly to the farming community, of this commendable achievement cannot be overestimated, and doubtless the provision of essential all-weather access has encouraged and assisted numerous settlers in outlying districts to carry on during the period of low prices of primary products, besides making their environment more congenial through not having to negotiate almost impassable clay roads in winter. The rise and fall of expenditure over the last twenty years is illustrated by graph hereunder.

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT. Results for the year under review continue to show increased activity in the electrical supply business of the Department which, to date, represents the capital investment of £12,903,410. The outstanding event of the year was the completion of Waitaki Powerstation, which added a further 30,000 kw. of active generating capacity to the South Island System, with provision for the installation of an additional 45,000 kw. as demands for power increase. This station was officially opened by Lord Bledisloe on 27th October, 1934, and was placed in commercial operation as from Ist January, 1935. The 110 kv. transmission line from Waitaki to Dunedin was also completed, and Dunedin City Corporation, has commenced taking supply under its contract with the Department. This contract has already demonstrated its value to Dunedin on the occasion of a recent interruption to the major supply from Waipori,

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT NET EXPENDITURE ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING MAIN HIGHWAYS FOR YEARS 1913-14 to 1934-35

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