99

in several directions to meet the increased requirements.

COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

Road by Pigeon Valley into Motueka Valley.—The amount voted for this road has been judiciously expended in repairing the old bridges in that part of the road lying in Pigeon-valley, or in replacing them with new ones, and converting it into cart traffic, and in generally repairing the other parts of the road most requiring it. It is proposed to improve the portion of this road lying between Stanley-brook and Motueka-valley, and convert it into a dray-road, so as to give the settlers in Stanley-brook an outlet to some main road. It is reported to me that this could be done at a moderate expense, and I think it is deserving of attention, either on the present line, or on another which has been suggested as offering better gradients over the range.

Roads into Dove Dale.—The sum voted under this head was apportioned to the different districts interested—one portion to the Motueka Road Board, another to the Pangatotara Road Board, with instructions as to the manner of expenditure, as far as could be given. Another portion was spent in improving the horse-road from Thorpe, in Dovedale, to the Motueka-valley, by what is called "Sunday-valley."

Except in the latter case, I believe the sums distributed were not considered sufficient, considering the great lengths of road to be kept up, and I believe a further amount could be spent with great advantage to the districts interested.

Roads between Wai-iti, Motueka-valley, Motupiko, Tadmor, and Wangapeka.—Repairs and improvements have been executed under this head, on the road over Spooner's Range, and on the road in the Tadmor-valley, and over the range as far as the Wangapeka Plains.

The dray-road has also been extended up the Tadmor for upwards of half a-mile. Other repairs on these lines of road are still needed, as the sum voted, being spread over such a length of line, will not effect substantial or extensive improvement. Some necessary formal alterations of roads have been effected in the Motupiko district.

Waimea Bridge.—The contract for the erection of this bridge has been let to Messrs. Bray and Lloyd, and the work is now in active progress. They are now driving the piles in the second pier, and are framing together the fourth truss, or span.

The bulk of the timber for this work was cut and delivered on the site during the winter months; and the iron work was also delivered on the ground preparatory to calling for tenders for its erection; the contract for which includes the timber for the approaches. The work is progressing, so far, very satisfactorily. The piles are being well and firmly driven, and the framing well fitted together.

Cart-Bridges, Wai-iti.—Plans and specifications have been prepared for a cart-bridge over the Wai-iti, on what is called "White's line," leading to a newly-opened line of road, past Tomlinson's, in Waimea-west; and tenders for the work have been advertised for. The river at the site selected runs in two channels, in floods; the lesser channel ordinarily being dry, or nearly so.

I propose to bridge only the large channel, and raise a low embankment, or dam, across the smaller, as has been done at the Wairoa.

I believe the want of a good cart-bridge is much felt where the Main South road crosses the same river, the Wai-iti. The site, however, is not at all favourable on the line of road, and the cost would be considerable to divert the road to where a good and unchanging site could be obtained, viz., near to the hills, east of the present road.

I should recommend that the locality be well examined and surveyed, with the object of designing and erecting a bridge where most convenient.

Horse-Bridge, Motueka River.—No expenditure has been made under this head, and no survey has been made of the river, for the purpose of determining the site. It may, however, now be made the subject of early attention.

A foot-bridge has been erected across an overflow of the Motueka River, at Edelsten's Ferry-house, on the Riwaka side, and will, I doubt not, prove to be a great convenience to foot passengers crossing the ferry.

Motueka Jetty repairs, and Store-house.—The store-house has been erected, and the repairs have been completed. It has been found necessary to add six chafing-piles on the southern side of the jetty, to allow steamers to lie alongside without damage to themselves or the jetty. This work has been let, and will shortly be finished.

Hurunui Bridge.—This work, which had been placed by agreement in the hands of the Canterbury Government for execution, has, according to the last accounts, been destroyed during its erection by a very heavy flood, leaving only the wrought iron piles, more or less bent, in the standing in the river bed. It is now proposed by the Canterbury Government to adopt another site, and increase the sum necessary for its erection in consequence to £8,000, the original amount having been £6,000. From what I remember of the locality proposed for the new site, that is, a mile and a quarter below the first one at Hastie's. I do not think favourably of it, although on one side (the south) a high bank could be obtained to start from, but there is a quantity of lowlying flooded land on the other side; and on both a considerable expenditure would be required for road-making.

The fault of the first erection appears to have been that it was too low, so that the flood lifted or tore it bodily from the piles.

Main South Road—Wai-iti to Hammer Plain.—A considerable amount of work has been bestowed along this line of road, which in common with others during the past year has suffered severely from floods.

I despatched a party under an overseer, to that portion of it beyond the top-house, after a severe flood, with instructions to repair damages, and to work their way gradually along it.

This they did, repairing as they went, considerably beyond Tarndale; they thus, to insure a supply of provisions, went at once as far as the junction of the Acheron and Clarence, working backwards to where they left off. On their return I found it necessary to send them at once to the long valley beyond M'Farlane's, where a terrific flood had torn the road to pieces and rendered it nearly impassable; they are at yet work on this part.

Waimea-west Pound and Look-up.—Both the pound and lock-up have been erected adjoining each other, in a substantial and workmanlike manner by the contractor, Mr. Jos. Price; the situation seems well selected for the purpose.

East Takaka Road and Bridle Track.—The proposed improvements have been executed on this road.

Cross Road from East Takaka to the Waitapu Junction.—This work, which was placed in the hands of the Takaka Road Board, has, I understand, been completed and opened for some time. I have not, however, had any special report on it. It will be a great convenience to the district.