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Several proposals for major schemes for river and flood control have been completed, but construction is temporarily held up due to consideration of finance and restricted availability of man-power and materials. Fortunately, with the exception of Clutha River (although even it was not as serious as the previous year), no major flood damage occurred during the year. It is also pleasing to report a notable advance in soil-conservation work where a real start has been made, more particularly in the North Island, in the stabilizing Of moving hillsides and the repair of eroding gullies by tree-planting and construction of soil-saving dams of light live types. During the year the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act was amended. The principal amendment reconstituted the Council to give increased representation to both local bodies and interested Government Departments. Other amendments were made to overcome certain administrative difficulties which arose as a result of experience gained in the practical application of the Act, and it is anticipated that additional amendments will be required as opportunity offers to enable the Act to be more effectively administered. I trust that the day is not far distant when conditions will permit the construction of the more important of the major schemes for river and flood control, and with their completion we will be further on the road in our efforts to obviate the wanton destruction of land by uncontrolled rivers. COAL-PRODUCTION The Public Works Department has again made a substantial contribution to opencast mining operations. In some cases the Department's heavy plant is used for shifting overburden only, the Mines Department and private owners arranging for the coal-extraction. In other cases the Department undertakes shifting and also coalwinning and delivery into wagons. Again, as at Stockton, for instance, the Department's repair and maintenance facilities are used to keep the Mines Department plant in working-order. « Most opencast mines are in isolated wet localities where the use and repair of heavy earth-moving plant entails very great effort by Public Works staff and men, and I wish to place on record my personal appreciation of their work. LIGHTHOUSES AND HARBOUR-WORKS Maintenance and miscellaneous works have been carried out. PLANT AND MECHANICAL The magnitude of the Government's post-war developmental programme demands new construction machinery in addition to that purchased early last year from the American Services in the Pacific. However, the existing world-wide shortage in this direction is reflected in our inability to proceed with certain major projects as speedily as desired. The Public Works Department's Construction Engineer, Mr. C. E. K. Alecock, who is at present visiting the United States for the purpose of investigating major construction methods in North America, is also making inquiries regarding new types of construction plant. Difficulty is also being experienced owing to the shortage of skilled staff, and the non-availability from overseas of spare parts, which has necessitated the manufacture of replacements locally, causing delay at times in the overhaul of heavy machinery.

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