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A number of foundations for new machines and for reparation machines from Germany were put down during the year. A reclaimed area of 25 acres at Ngataringa Bay is in process of being grassed. A 50,000-gallon reservoir has been erected at Tamaki, also a pumphouse and pumps thus completing the installation of the new 6 in. fire-fighting service. MISCELLANEOUS WORKS Auckland Harbour Bridge.—The precise engineering survey of the bridge-site, the preparation of plans, and the collecting of tidal data, &c, were completed early in the year. The plans have been taken to the United Kingdom by a departmental representative (Mr. Packwood), whose mission is to collaborate with Messrs. Freeman, Fox, and Partners. This firm of consultants has practically finalized a preliminary bridge Field-work during the year consisted of foundation investigations required by the designers. A total of twenty-five bores has been put down. Civic Square, Auckland. —The comprehensive agreement has been signed by the Auckland City Council and the Government, and the outline development plan submitted by the Technical Advisory Committee has been approved by the participants in the scheme. The Technical Advisory Committee did not meet during the year. Teachers' Training College, Ardmore.— What was previously Ardmore Aerodrome is now a teachers' training college. Services such as roads, sewerage, drainage, &c, have been provided for twenty-one houses being built by the Housing Construction Division. The facilities at Ardmore received wide publicity when used to accommodate the Empire Games teams. Two concrete swimming-pools were constructed, together with four additional basketball-courts. Another athletic field, necessitating 41A chains of 4 in. tile drains, was also provided. IYA Transmitter Site, Henderson.— An area of 10 acres has been cleared of gorse by a double rotary hoe. Gracefield and Seaview Stores.— At the area occupied by the Central Plant Zone and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, 8,240 square yards have been sealed. At the Hutt Park Road stores an area of 3,100 square vards has been prepared and primed ready for sealing. Maintenance of access roads and surrounding areas has also been carried out. Mental Hospitals.—Side by side with the building programmes, the Department has been busy on engineering services required at new mental hospitals under construction. This work includes the provision of reservoirs, sewage-treatment plants drainage, roadmg, water reticulation, &c. The centres of activities during the year were Lake Alice in the North Island and Cherry Farm in the South. Schoolgrounds.—¥la,ymg-aTea,s, &c, have been constructed at a number of schools and colleges. PLANT AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT Owing to the continued necessity for conserving overseas funds, as much new construction equipment as possible has been obtained from local sources. Existing plant has been reconditioned and kept in use, even though in some cases this has meant retaining units beyond their economical life. The equipment at present in use comprises some 9,800 items. ir .^ e P artmental transport is still below strength, particularly cars and light trucks Vehicles have accordingly to be hired from outside sources.

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