14 REPORT OF THE No. 3 



Colonization Roads 



The total expenditure for colonization roads within the area where this 

 service operates . was approximately $450,000, as against $830,000 for the 

 previous year. To meet by-law requests under which the Crown spends an amount 

 equal to that voted by the township, the sum of $227,196.97 was spent, or ap- 

 proximately $42,000 less, while the construction, maintenance and repair of 

 roads and bridges, all of which is borne and expended by the Crown, cost in 

 round numbers $200,000, or over $300,000 less than in the year 1923. 



This was due in part to a portion of the territory lying north of the French 

 River having been withdrawn from direct grants and taken care of by the 

 Northern Development Vote, and in part also to restricting the spending of money 

 to only such sections as necessity demanded. 



The assistance thus granted those portions of the country where no immedi- 

 ate benefit is being derived from the Provincial Highway system is justified and 

 appreciated. 



Northern Development Branch 



The construction of roads and bridges hitherto carried on in Northern 

 Ontario, both by the Department of Public Works and the Department of Lands 

 and Forests, was, under Order-in-Council, dated the 13th March, 1924, entirely 

 assumed by the latter. 



In addition certain road and bridge building, formerly chargeable to Coloniza- 

 tion Road Vote, was carried on by the Branch. Notwithstanding these added 

 services, the expenditure of $3,296,000 throughout the year was a reduction 

 from that of the previous one by approximately $155,000, 



Trunk road construction and improvement was responsible for most of the 

 outlay although the lateral roadway^ received their share of attention and 

 new roads were cut out as far as possible to keep pace with pioneer settlement. 



Expenditures on fire relief, seed grain, agricultural implements, etc., and 

 loans to settlers were continued during the year, but most of these show con- 

 siderable decreases over previous year. It is interesting and encouraging to 

 note that with respect to loans to settlers, repayment as to principal has been 

 made to the extent of eighty-five per cent, and as to interest, ninety-one per 

 cent. 



For detailed particulars on Northern Development operations see appendix 

 No. 38. 



Accruals and Collections 



For the year the total accruals from timber and pulpwood operations were 

 $4,249,605.20, or over $540,000 greater than the preceding year; this being very 

 largely accounted for by an increase in fire charges of over $200,000, part of 

 which had been outstanding, an increase in cash deposits of $135,000 paid at 

 time of timber sales, and an increase in timber dues. 



On this account collections to the extent of $4,136,262.67 were received. 

 Land sales, leases, fees, etc., added $379,980.80, and payments under Northern 

 Development services in the way of retired loans, etc., amounted to $237,276.38, 

 making a grand total for the year of $4,753,519.93, the largest in the history of 

 the Department. When the uncertain conditions of the lumber industry are 

 considered and the apparent difficulties some of the operators are experiencing 

 in marketing their assets, it is a source of satisfaction to record such a revenue. 



