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For further information on the state of the public works on the West Coast, I must refer to the exhaustive report of the District Engineer, Mr. J. H. Lowe, which also contains an estimate of the probable amount required for public works during the ensuing year. While agreeing generally with the estimates in the aggregate, I may state that some of the individual items may require modifications, depending, however, on the manner in which the works are carried out.

I must also refer to a special report on the Buller banks, made by me after my visit to the West Coast, in September last, to which I think it is unnecessary to add further remarks on that important subject.

I shall forward my estimate for other public works (now in preparation) as early as possible.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
JOHN BLACKETT,
Provincial Engineer.

Nelson, 18th April, 1869.

DISTRICT ENGINEER'S REPORT—NELSON SOUTH-WEST GOLDFIELDS.

TO THE PROVINCIAL SECRETARY, NELSON.

Sir,—In accordance with instructions received from His Honor the Superintendent, I have the honor to submit the following Report on the Public Works which have been executed during the past year; and, also, a description of the works which, in my opinion, are necessary for the public service during the ensuing year:—

GREY VALLEY.

Since the 1st April, 1868, a very great deal of work has been required in the maintenance of the horse tracks between Cobden and Ahaura. The tracks are for the most part on the banks of the river, and are consequently exposed to the damaging effects of freshes after every fall of rain. Almost every month the road has been blocked up in some part or other, and the traffic entirely suspended until the impediment could be removed. These stoppages have either been from slips on the terrace cuttings and gullings, or the deposit of driftwood on the tracks, or else the falling in of the banks along which the road lay. This has caused so frequently that the track has scarcely ever been clear of a road party for a month at a time; but before the date fixed on for the road to some sort of order another fresh has rendered it necessary to go over the work again.

New Work.—With the object of avoiding certain parts where the inroads of the river rendered it impossible to maintain a road anywhere near it, three pieces of new road have been formed. Five miles and a-half miles have been cut in from Coal Creek bridge to the Grey terrace; this piece was well made and thoroughly drained, and since its completion in July last, has not required any repairs. It is entirely removed from the river, and shortens the distance considerably. The next piece is near Camptown, Rejick's creek and the third between Nelson creek and the Ahaura, but the rapid rate at which the river tears down the banks about these latter parts makes it very doubtful how long the tracks may exist. Since I have had charge of the public works, I have not had any work done on these tracks more than was absolutely necessary for the safe traffic of horses, as I considered the situation quite unsuitable for any permanent roads.

AHAURA ROADS.

Owing to the encroachment of the two rivers, Grey and Ahaura, at their junction the situation of the Ahaura township has become very critical. Finding it necessary speedily to remove the Police Camp and Lock-up, a new site was sought for, and a secure place found about three miles up the Ahaura river. On this spot a township has been surveyed under the Goldfields Regulations, and roads have been made giving access thereto. These roads likewise provide for a shorter route to the diggings on the Ahaura and Orwell creek and vicinity, and are substantially formed, as well as being perfectly safe from injury in any weather.

COAST ROADS.

The votes of the Provincial Council were amply sufficient for the maintenance of these roads, which sustain a very considerable traffic, and are at present time in a very good condition, the only exception being in the case of the road over Cape Foulwind, a distance of three miles, which is of a very treacherous nature, costly to maintain, and requiring constant attention. During the earlier part of the year, a foreman was engaged in overlooking the roads in the Charleston district, but latterly the work required in maintaining them has been much diminished, and his services have been dispensed with. In the months of July and August the Razorback track was much throughout, and several new cuttings made in the gorge of the

Fox's river, greatly improving the track, by avoiding repeated crossing and recrossing of the stream, which crossing places were very far from safe when the river was rising.

ADDISON'S.

The road to Addison's Flat has been repaired in the earlier part of the year, and has since been constantly maintained in good order under a contract. The road was extended about two and a-half miles to the Shamrock lead, and another piece of about two miles length was made from Charg the Post-town's fence. Both of these new roads form parts of a projected line of road from Westport to Charleston by way of Addison's Flat. The distance intervening between the ends of the finished roads is about five miles.

CALEDONIAN.

A road was formed from Westport to the Caledonian lead in the early part of the financial year; it was completed in August, and since that time has been maintained under a monthly contract. The road was originally formed in a cheap and unsubstantial manner, and in consequence has required very constant attention to keep it in order under the heavy traffic of pack horses to which it has been subjected.

BRANCH ROADS.

An extension of the branch road to Darkie's Terrace near Charleston, was required to facilitate the supply of the new lead which was lately introduced, and a similar branch road for a like purpose has been made from the main coast road to the Candlelight Flat workings. These branch roads were constructed at the joint expense of the Government and the parties interested therein. A rush having set in to Rochfort's Terrace, near Brighton, and a large number of men having been attracted to the spot, very great anxiety was expressed by the public of Brighton for the immediate formation of a road thereto. I have blazed a line out with the object of ascertaining the best route, a road by which at the same time served the purpose of a foot track, and with great assistance to the diggers passing to and fro. I carefully inspected the line to form an estimate of the cost of a road, and to determine the most advantageous course, and reported fully thereon to the Government; but I did not at that time, nor do I now, consider any further outlay to be warranted.

BUILDINGS.

The following works have been done in the three districts of the Goldfields, under the head of buildings, repairs and fittings.

At Westport.—The new Custom-house was completed early in the year, and the building formerly used as a Custom-house was enlarged and altered to form a dwelling-house for the Postmaster.—A new building has been erected for a Telegraph office, adjoining the Post-office.—In the Gaol the cells have been provided with windows and ventilators, and the Gaol-yard enclosed with a fence of galvanised iron on a strong wooden framework. Other fencing has been put up to form yards around the Police-quarters, and Survey, and Custom-house.

At Charleston.—New buildings were built during the year for Post-office and Survey-office. During the early part of the year, a house was rented for the Warden's residence, and subsequently a house was purchased for that purpose, near the Nile bridge.

At the Grey.—It was found necessary to remove the children's camp from the Two-mile Landing, on account of the great danger of the situation in case of flood, and the principal components of the mining operations has been moved further up the river. The Court-house, Police Camp, and Lock-up was therefore removed to Camptown, a newly surveyed township at the foot of Red Jack's Creek. At this place, a Camp reserve was laid off, fenced and cleared, and the buildings have been put up on the Twelve-mile and re-erected, and the new stables have been put up on the ground at the Ahaura. A new late Commissioner's office at the Ahaura, by order of the Police Camp, it was found necessary to remove to higher ground, and the great inroads of the rivers Grey and Ahaura having rendered the site of the buildings highly dangerous. Various repairs and fittings throughout the different districts and offices on the West Coast have been executed or supplied, from time to time.

REMOVING SNAGS, &C.

Under the vote of the Provincial Council in last session, for mooring posts, anchors, and removing snags, the principal work has been required in the port of Westport.

The Buller River in every flood brings down very large and numerous snags, and they have to be removed very promptly, in order to secure the safety of shipping. The engagement of vessels for the purpose of raising snags was very expensive, to avoid which, a small schooner was purchased by the Commissioner, in July last, and fitted up with a powerful windlass and other appliances, to adapt it specially