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Rangitikei-Manawatu block, more particularly the Hutt Small Farmers; the price to be paid is £400. Several small sums have been expended in repairing portions of the line between Scott’s and Bull’s, and on towards Wanganui, independently of the road parties. Mr. W. A. Fitzherbert is at present engaged in pegging off the line of road from the Rangitikei towards Palmerston and Foxton. During my late visit I levelled nearly six miles, which can be let at any time, as all particulars have been obtained, and it is only required to have specifications written out. It has been decided that the first 37 chains which commences at the top of side cutting, Rangitikei river, should be constructed at once. Tenders have been called for the work. When that is completed, there will be a passable road from the Small Farm block to Bull’s: before it was almost impassable. Should the Road be made through to Palmerston, a large traffic would arise, especially when the road undertaken by the General Government is completed through the gorge; it would become the through route from West Coast to Napier. The part to be formed passes through a splendid block of Government land, which would be greatly enhanced in value, and I have no doubt be readily settled upon if a road was made.

Under Mr. Hales’ supervision, a sum of £90 10s. has been expended upon the improvement of the road near Kai-Iwi.

The general repairs to the main roads have now, by your Honor’s direction been let by contract. The Great North Eastern, as far as Ray’s, was divided in eight sections, advertised, and tenders received. The lowest was from Mr. S. Brown, of Wellington, for the whole length, at £2,480 per annum. He is responsible for the entire work, with the exception of the main structure of the principle bridges. The time he has had them in hand has not yet been sufficient to enable him to properly organise his staff of roadmen and other arrangements necessary for the proper and efficient working of the contract. He is getting a stone-breaking machine from Melbourne, and the non-delivery of this has thrown him back some time; however, he had advice of its shipment by the Gothenburg next trip. From Ray’s to Masterton has not yet been let as it was thought better to complete the whole of the formation before receiving tenders for this length. It is now in course of completion.

From the Ngahauranga to Paikakariki Hotel, on the Great North Western line, was divided in four sections, and tenders received; that of Mr. Taylor, for the sum of £1,835 per annum was accepted. The same remarks are applicable to this (in a greater degree) as to the former contract; the road having only been in the contractor’s hands some few weeks. Both contracts are for a period of three years.

From Bull’s to Wanganui the tenders have not yet been considered, but it will also be let by contract.

I am decidedly of opinion that the works will be as satisfactorily performed, the roads be in better condition, and at less cost, than under the old system. We have, whenever it was possible, and are still in negotiation for the purchase of gravel reserves by the side of the main roads. Mr. Renall has purchased several in Wairarapa, and Mr. W. A. Fitzherbert is selecting sites on the Manawatu-Rangitikei Block. I cannot over-estimate the benefit which will accrue from these gravel reserves. Hitherto we have been obliged to grub for it wherever we could. Often through the difficulty of obtaining metal the surface of the road was neglected, and it got into as bad a state as if there was no formation whatever. Below I attach Schedule of roads formed during the year.

The Ferries throughout the Province have been put upon a better footing. Although I have not had much to do in the management myself, part of the work has been done through this department, and plans were prepared and the tender accepted for the construction of a new punt for the Foxton Ferry, on the Manawatu River. Mr. Mollier is the contractor, and the cost will be £140.