PROVINCE OF WESTLAND GAZETTE. 21

be remedied, and that Westland, in common with the other Provinces, will get its share of population to enable it to grow into the importance which its natural resources will then command.

I had hoped by this time to be able to congratulate the Council on the completion of the Greymouth and Brunner Railway, but, owing to the natural difficulties which have been met with, this useful work has been delayed; this is retarding to a considerable extent the growth of our Coal export, which otherwise would have been very largely increased; yet it is gratifying to observe that, notwithstanding this delay, the export of Coal has been steadily increasing, the quantity exported during 1874 being 12,375 tons, while in 1873 it was 8,684 tons, and in 1872, 6,094 tons, showing that the export has more than doubled during the last three years. I have, however, every reason to believe that it will be completed now within seven months. The energy displayed by the Greymouth Coal Company in opening up the extensive Coal deposits which have been idle for so long on the Westland side of the River, must be a matter of satisfaction to all, as tending largely to add to our Exports, and increase the trade of the Province.

The works in connection with the Harbor of Greymouth have also been progressing slowly, and communications are now going on with the Minister for Public Works which I hope may lead to their more vigorous prosecution.

I am glad to be able to inform the Council that the complete surveys for the construction of the Railway between Greymouth and Hokitika are now commenced, and will be completed in time to permit appropriation being asked for at the next sitting of the General Assembly. The construction of this line will prove a material benefit and convenience to the Towns it will connect, by affording an additional outlet for the Coal from Greymouth, and the timber from Hokitika, and I regard it as the first step to that large and all important line which must ultimately connect Westland with the East Coast. The surveys in connection with this latter work are still being carried on with a view to find the most practicable route through the mountain chain, which has proved such a barrier to our more rapid progress.

The works in connection with the Waimea Water Race are being carried on as quickly as the massive nature of the material used will permit; tenders are now accepted for placing the large pipes in position, and I look for its completion within twelve months.

The Kanieri Race is now rapidly approaching completion, and I expect will be distributing water in about another six weeks.

The Government have promised that the Mikonui Race shall be surveyed before the next sitting of the General Assembly, and I am in hopes that, if the Report from this survey is confirmatory of the previous estimate of cost, Government will at all events grant a liberal subsidy towards its construction. The immense importance of this work to the Totara District is recognised by every man acquainted with the locality, and my former opinions have been still further confirmed by a recent trip through the country the Race will command. Independently of the working of the Ross Flat, I find that there is a very large extent of good sluicing country extending beyond Redman's which cannot at present be worked, but is known to be highly auriferous.