extending over a length of 1565 yards had side channels placed thereon at an expenditure of £168.5.11 by which the surface drainage has been materially improved and the district much benefited.
The Total expenditure on account of drains for the year amounted to £230.10.3½.
Roads. The Road from Mandeville Street to the Aberdeen Road and on to the Naval Street commenced in September, 1853, under Report and Estimate No. 21 of 1853 was not completely finished at the close of the year, for during
the Summer I found it impracticable to carry on the work in consequence of the failure of some retaining walls and drains, I accordingly thought it desirable to suspend the works that the material might have time to consolidate; on the termination of the rains the work was proceeded with, but the Contractor being unable to finish the work to my satisfaction the Balance unpaid was retained as a fine for non-completion in time, and authority given to me to expend it in the completion of the Service as well as to devote the balance due on the Estimate to the further improvement of the drainage