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The expenditure upon repairs of roads has amounted to the sum of £11,525 9s. 3d.
The vote of the Provincial Council has thus been exceeded by the sum of £1525 9s. 3d.
This large increase over vote and the expenditure of other years has not altogether been
caused by excessive slips or other exceptional circumstances, but by downright wear and
tear through the immense increase of traffic. The whole of the roads under our control
are now in first-rate repair, with the exception of a few portions of the Great North-
Western, between Bull’s and Wanganui, which will require to be re-metalled during the
next summer, the old metal being nearly worn through in places. All metalling and
supply of material required for repairs have been done by contract; the rest of the work
has been done by day labor under experienced overseers and the immediate supervision of
the District Engineers. No portion of the main road repairs are let by contract. My
experience has been altogether against the system, and this after repeated trials. The
only portion of the road upon which it has succeeded was between Ray’s and Masterton;
and here there was a very high price given for the work. The contract, when it expired,
was not renewed, so that at present we have direct charge of the whole of the main lines
of road in the Province, with the exception of the small piece which passes through the
Lethbridge Local Board District, which is still being kept in good order by the Board
under the arrangements entered into last year.

Large sums have been expended in the renewal and repairs of the various bridges
and culverts, and when the contracts now in hand are completed, the whole will be in
good order.

The sum of £1128 15s. 7d. has been expended out of the Bridge Fund Account in
protective works on the various rivers in the vicinity of bridges, with satisfactory results.

The Wellington Reclamation Works have not progressed in as satisfactory a manner
as I should have wished. The contractor has now, however, taken steps to lay down
another lead to his cutting, and is increasing his plant, so that greater progress will be
made for the future. In order to give the Government a road to the proposed site of the
new wharf, he intends to back up the breastwork first. A good face has been cut upon
the hill side from where the material is obtained, and if he only displays ordinary attention
and energy to the works, he should make a good show by next summer. It is very certain,
however, the contract cannot be completed by date fixed.

The various undertakings provided for by The Provincial Public Works Advance
Act are being carried out satisfactorily, with the exception of the works in connection
with the improvement of the Wanganui River. In anticipation of a Harbor Board being
formed, it was thought advisable not to undertake any other work than simply removing
snags. This only has been done. During my last visit to the West Coast, I fixed the
site for the proposed bridge over the Rangitikei, so as to open up the back country of the
Manchester Block, and the Crown land to the north of that block. Mr. Barton is now
making a detailed survey of the river. As soon as this is completed, the plans of the
bridge will be put in hand.

The officers of this department have been fully employed during the year, and on the
whole I have every reason to be satisfied with the manner in which their duties have been
performed.

Over 60 miles of new road lines have been laid out through bush country, independent
of constructive works.

The staff of the department consists at this date of the following officers, viz.—
Provincial Engineer and Paymaster, Assistant-Provincial Engineer and Paymaster, 3
District Engineers, 3 Assistant-Engineers, 1 cadet, and 1 draughtsman. There are also
3 Clerks of Works employed upon different contracts now in hand.

There is nothing of special interest calling for explanatory remarks. For details of
works, &c., I beg to refer your Honor to the enclosed Schedules, which have been
carefully compiled, and made as complete as possible.

I have, &c.,

J. D. BAIRD,
Provincial Engineer.

His Honor the Superintendent,
Wellington.