D—l

The following table shows an analysis of expenditure for the year 1949-50 by the Board and by local authorities on bridge renewals in respect of main and State highways :

An analysis of the Board's expenditure and the expenditure by local authorities for the year 1949-50 on improvements and construction shows the following position in respect of main and State highways :

PROGRESS REPORT A general description of the more important highway activities carried out in each district is as follows : Whangarei District Work has been directed largely towards extending surface sealing, particularly over lengths of highway requiring minimum preparation, and good progress has been made. A prolonged drought since early December has enabled all forms of construction and sealing work to proceed without hindrance. Major reconstruction completed totalled 4 miles 24 chains, while less heavy work was carried out over 19 miles 72 chains. Of this length 7 miles 39 chains were sealed, while the sealing of a further 6 miles 46 chains of reconstruction carried out last year was also completed. Thirteen miles of maintenance sealing were completed. Tenders have been let for the supply of considerable quantities of metal for foundation and base-course work, and the delivery and laying of this is proceeding. Steady progress has been made with the bridge renewal-programme, and new 24 ft. concrete structures totalling 485 ft. were completed. A further 350 ft. are in hand, while eight small timber bridges were replaced with pipe culverts. Three further bridges were renewed with concrete box culverts.

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— Board's Contribution. Local Authorities' Contribution. Total. Percentage of Board's Contribution to Total. Percentage of Local Authorities' Contribution to Total. North Island South Island £ 338,795 97,655 £ 16,329 506 £ 355,124 98,161 95-4 99-48 4-6 0-52 Totals 436,450 16,835 453,285 96-29 3-71

— Board's Contribution. Local Authorities' Contribution. Total. Percentage of Board's Contribution to Total. Percentage of Local Authorities' Contribution to Total. North Island South Island £ 1,539,344 707,392 £ 85,522 41,626 £ 1,624,866 749,018 94-74 94-44 5-26 5-56 Totals 2,246,736 127,148 2,373,884 94-64 5-36