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year. This is in a large measure due to the introduction of the wide tires on the
wagon wheels, and the larger quantity of metal that has been laid on since we have
again had it in hand. While speaking upon this matter, I may mention that upon my
recommendation the Government purchased from Messrs Krull & Co. the stone-
breaking machine (imported for the late contractor, at the cost of nearly £700), for
the sum of £450. I have not this season had it in use, as I have experienced great
difficulty in getting proper hammers, and it is a loss of money to use it if every-
thing is not in proper order.

The Hutt and Koro Koro bridges have been replanked, at a cost of £190.

The various rivers in these districts have been giving us very much trouble during
the last year, especially the Hutt, in the vicinity of the Bridge, and also at the Silver
Stream. The very large sum of £1511 5s. 9d. has been expended in protecting the
banks and bridges over the following rivers — Hutt, Taratahi, Abbott’s Creek,
Tauherenikau, Ruamahunga, Waihenga, Waingawa, and Waipoua. It is the most
unsatisfactory work any engineer can have to do with. I am glad to say our efforts
have been successful in every case, and I trust that during the present year very little
will require to be done. Two settlers, on the neighborhood of the Silver Stream,
subscribed the sum of £40 between them, upon the understanding that the Govern-
ment expended other £40, for the protection of the river bank near the source of the
Silver Stream, as the river had every indication of breaking through. We success-
fully stopped the overflow from the Hutt into the Silver Stream, for the sum of £37. It
will be necessary to do something more as soon as I can arrange matters.

Owing to loss of time and neglect by a late officer of this department, the
Whiteman’s Valley Road has not been commenced. The vote of the Council is
altogether inadequate; it should be at least doubled to do any good, notwithstanding
that the Road Board and settlers are willing to assist in the matter.

ROAD TO EVANS’ BAY.

This work was undertaken jointly by the Province and City of Wellington; it is
now completed. It has been carried out under the direction of the City Surveyor.

RECLAIMED LAND, WELLINGTON.

This large undertaking is being done jointly between the Provincial and General
Governments. The work was extensively advertised. The contract has been obtained
by a local firm, Messrs. Saunders & O’Malley, for the sum of £55,798 1s. I have
from past experience every confidence in the above gentlemen, and although they were
considerably below the next tender, and my estimate, I believe they will carry out the
contract to a successful issue. The plans and specifications were prepared in this
office, after consultation with Mr. Blackett, and the Engineer-in-Chief. The supply
of Jarrah timber, of which the breastwork is constructed, has been undertaken by the
Western Australian Timber Company, Limited, and will cost approximately £6500.

GENERAL WORKS.

Plans and specifications for the following works in the above districts have been
prepared, and are now ready for tenders to be called for, viz.:—Abbott’s Creek Bridge,
No. 2; Police Stations at Carterton, Greytown, and Te Aro, Wellington; Bridge over
Silver Stream, and for roads to Lowry Bay and Whiteman’s Valley.

The works carried out on the West Coast districts are as follows:—

ROAD ROUND PORIRUA HARBOR.

A contract for this has been taken by Mr. R. Lyon, for the sum of £338. It is
not yet completed.

CUTTING THROUGH SANDHILLS, FOXTON, AND MAKING NEW APPROACH TO PUNT.

A sum of £280 15s. 6d. has been expended in the formation and cutting through
the sandhills leading to the main street at Foxton. It is a very difficult matter to make
a good road through these sandhills; however, the best has been done under the
circumstances.

GRANT IN AID MOTUARA ROAD.

A grant in aid to the extent of £200 has been given for the construction of the
road, the work being executed under the direction of the Warden of the District.