This had the effect of retarding our work considerably, and is very much to be regret ted, as several miles of formation beyond the Viaduct are ready to receive the r.iils and the delay in construction of this work delays the opening of the line to Ohingaiti and Mangaweka. Another large viaduct is re quired for the Mongaweka creek, and in structions have been issued for the designs for this to be prepared. The survey of the portion of this line not already definitely lo cated is being pushed on vigorously. It is found impossible to earrj’ on operations of this nature in this country in the winter time, so that both parties had to discontinue field work for June and July last, but work in the field is to be resumed at the earliest practicable moment. When the survey is finished a reliable estimate of the cost of completing the railway can be placed before honorable Taranaki the agitation for the deviation to Stratford continues, and adds to the diffi culties of the situation. The railway, how ever, requires to be constructed for another tweive miles at the northern end before it reaches the point of divergence of the two routes, while at the southern end the com pletion of the Mokohine viaduct will take nearly two years, and as far as the line has gone at this end and for some miles ahead it opens up good country, capable of carry ing a large population. In the interval, after investigation as to the extent‘and capabili ties of the land from a settlement point of view it is reasonable to expect that a sound public opinion will be formed, and by a moderate give and lake policy a safe conclu > sion as to the route which the lino should ultimately follow will be arrived at. In the meantime the position will not be prejudiced by the expenditure of the money proposed to be voted this year 1 The expenditure on the North Island Main Trunk Railway last year amounted to £45,485, andjliabilities ex isted at the close of the year to the amount of £12,275; this year we ask for a vote of £40,000. WELLINGTON-WOODVILLE, The survey of a new Rimutaka route is not yet complete, but even as far as it has gone it has fully justified the hope of finding a more favorable lino. 