E.—No. 3.

SECOND REPORT ON THE MARINE BOARD DEPARTMENT OF NEW ZEALAND.

1868-6^l

BY THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OP THE GENEItAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON. 1866.

» E.—No. 3.

General Post Office, Sib,— ■Wellington, 25th June, 1860. I have the honor to submit, for Your Excellency's information, the following Eeport on the Marine Board Department of Jfcw Zealand. I have, &c, To His Excellency Sir George Geey, X.C.8., James Patersox, Governor of New Zealand, &c, &c. Postmaster-General. REPORT. During the last Session of the General Assembly an Act was passed to amend " The Marine Board Act, 1803," in which it was provided that, upon the coming into operation of the said Amendment Act, the Marine Board, as constituted under the Act of 1863, should cease to exist. Considerable difficulty has been experienced in making arrangements for a suitable substitute for said Board. The matters placed under its control are of far too groat importance to be subjected to any management that did not make the most satisfactory provision for their constant and complete supervision. The vast interests affecting life and property involved in the efficiency of the various Lighthouses already erected on the coast, and the serious consequences that might result from the slightest derangement in the regularity of their working, called for the greatest caution in selecting the power by which their operations were to be controlled, and the safety of those engaged in the navigation of our dangerous coasts most effectually secured. And as other Lighthouses will be required to be erected ere long, it was deemed essential, not only that due provision should be made for a competent supervision of their construction, but also for the selection of the most suitable sites where their erection might prove of the greatest possible advantage. Negotiations have for some time been in progress for securing these objects, which were expected to have been completed before this time. Difficulties, however, have occurred in securing the desired assistance. These, it is hoped, will very soon be surmounted, and an arrangement completed which will give ample security for the safe and efficient superintendence of the important interests in charge of this Department. The expense of the Board as at present constituted is as follows : —President, £400 ; two "Wardens, £750; and two Engineer Surveyors, £500. Total, £1650 per annum. There will be found attached hereto a Eeport by the President of the existing Board, detailing the various matters that have come under the cognizance of the Board since July, 1865. It is satisfactory to have the assurance that the various Lighthouses are at present in excellent order. The keepers are also spoken of as doing their duty well; and where so much depends upon their good conduct, it is very pleasing to find that the present staff perform their responsible duties so entirely to the satisfaction of those who have the supervision of their conduct. Various suggestions will be found in said Eeport for providing more effectually than at present for the safe navigation of the coast. These embrace not only a more complete coastal survey than has yet been made, but also the erection of additional Lighthouses at various points where, from want of such accommodation, much inconvenience has been experienced. In addition to what is there recommended, it is proposed to apply to the Imperial Government for a full Eeport by the Hydrographic Department on the best mode of effectually lighting the whole coast, indicating those points which, upon scientific principles, are considered as best adapted for placing lights which would be serviceable for general navigation as well as for coastal purposes. Such a Eeport would be of great value, and would become a standard guide and authority in determining all such questions for the future. James Patersox, Postmaster-General. No. 1. Captain Shaep to the Hon. the Postjiastee-Geneeal. Sin, — Marine Board Office, Wellington, 4th June, 1866. In compliance with the requisition contained in your letter of the 17th April, I beg to forward herewith Eeport of the proceedings of tho Marine Board since Ist July, 1865. 1 have, &c, Chas. Shaep, To the Secretary, Postmaster-General, &c, "Wellington. President Marine Board.

3

SECOND REPORT ON THE MARINE BOARD DEPARTMENT OF NEW ZEALAND, BY THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL.

E.—No 3,

Enclosure in No. 1. Maeine Boabd op New Zealand, At^tsvaTj Eepoet. , Lighthouses. Since my last Eeport, dated 4th June, 1865, the lighthouse at Dog Island then in course of erection has been finished. The light was exhibited for the first time on the sth of August, thus completing all the works of that character undertaken by the Marino Board, viz., Tiri Tiri, Mana, Godley Head, Tairoa's Head, and Dog Island, in a period of about fourteen months, Shipmasters and other persons visiting our ports speak favourably of the benefit derived from these coastal guides, which enable those in charge to conduct vessels, even during the most gloomy weather, with comparative safety into our harbours. Forming a judgment upon the residence of more than twenty-four years at the sea ports in this Colony, aided by nearly half a century of nautical experience, I can with confidence assert that the few lighthouses already placed on the coast of New Zealand have afforded advantages to the maritime interests which cannot be over estimated, not a single casualty having occurred to shipping within the limit of their range during the past year. Considering the staff of lighthouse keepers are (with one exception) new to their duties, and have had but trifling instruction previous to entering upon their offices, it is a matter of congratulation to find that no accident has happened to prevent the lights being permanently exhibited from the date of first illuminating. The few repairs that are occasionally required to keep the optical apparatus in working order there has hitherto been no difficulty in getting executed in this Colony. A first order lantern and dioptric apparatus ordered by the Provincial Government of Otago, and originally intended for Cape Saunders, has not yet, owing to the dearth of funds at the disposal of the Board, been made use of. Further information obtained from shipmasters has caused the Board to think that the " Nuggets," south of Cape Saunders, would for the purposes of navigation be a far better position, both for directing vessels on their course, going either north or south, as also pointing out a safe place of anchoring during the height of south-west gales which prevail with great violence on that part of the coast. The increasing amount of traffic from Cook's Strait, and Nelson in particular, to the Ports of Hokitika and the Grey, renders it imperatively necessary to place a light near the extremity of Cape Farewell Spit, the low character of which, together with the shoal extending some miles to the southeast, presents more than ordinary dangers to navigation in that locality. The Marine Board on previous occasions have directed the attention of Government to this urgent want, and both merchants and master mariners, interested in the commerce carried on to the Gold Coast, have frequently indorsed the Board's opinion. Should the apparatus intended for Cape Saunders not be required at the South, it might (if suitable) with great propriety be placed on such site as might bo determined at Farewell Spit, thus saving an immediate outlay of about three thousand pounds (£3,000), and by bringing the apparatus into early use obviate that danger which may probably arise from the want of constant care and inspection. A light due, levied on vessels entering the Strait from the westward, or passing round Cape Farewell to the Gold Coast, would, I believe, more than defray the expense of maintaining a lighthouse establishment. Mr. Ayliner, who was deputed by the Government to survey Farewell Spit, aud report upon the most suitable site for the erection of a lighthouse, seemed to think some difficulty of an engineering nature might be experienced in forming a foundation for such a structure, owing to the continual moving of the sand. He therefore suggested a floating light. On this matter, for several reasons, 1 entertain a different opinion : 1. There is no secure place of anchorage for a vessel where the light would be of service. 2. The elevation of a floating light would be insufficient to be visible when approached from the south-west. 3. It would be liable to removal or entire loss, and might therefore lead vessels attempting to make it into danger. 4. The cost of maintenance of a floating light would be greater than a shore establishment. For the foregoing reasons I am decidedly of opinion that a lighthouse on Bushend, Farewell Spit, has a preference. At the southern entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound (Tory Channel), a light of the third or fourth order is also much needed, the navigable water being narrow, and dangerous after nightfall. The traffic through tiiis passage is not so great as during the gold manni at Havelock ; but even now all the subsidized mail vessels calling at I'icton, and many other steamers, invariably proceed by that route, it being a saving of many miles in distance. The value and usefulness of a light where proposed will be evident, both as affording facilities to commerce, and lessening the very great risk encountered in attempting the passage of Tory Channel when the dangers arc not visible. There arc other headlands where lights would be of service, were the Government disposed to incur the expense of their erection. It has been suggested that, during the long winter nights, the Panama boats might have their passage expedited by lights being placed at Capes Egmont and Palliser, those two points forming the north-east and north-west extremity of Cook's Strait. Of the two, Palliser is of the most importance, as being near the terminus of a long oceau run, when the fuel on board the vessel will be short, and consequently every hour saved of moment. The very exposed position of lighthouses and keepers' dwellings generally, has caused some of the latter to sustain damage during the severe storms of the past year. At Godley Head, the roof, although of a substantial character and slated, was so much shaken as to render repairs necessary. At Tairoa Head, the violence of the wind carried stones to a considerable height, breaking windows, and nearly blowing in the sashes. Precautionary measures have been taken to guard against such damage arising in future. At Dog Island, during a severe gale which occurred in April last, the tide rose four feet higher

4

REPORT OE THE

E.—No. 3.

than had been previously known since the lighthouse keepers have been stationed there. I am glad to say that, although the lofty tower sensibly vibrated, no damage is reported to have been sustained on that occasion. , The light dues for the past year have very nearly reached the amount estimated. Auckland and Otago only, showing a slight deficiency. At the former, probably arising from a diminution in the shipping traffic, owing to the smaller amount of Commissariat supplies being required for Her Majesty's Troops; and the latter, from the gradual decrease of gold found in that Province. On the whole, however, the receipts, while not overtaxing commerce, may be considered satisfactory,— providing a sufficient fund to defray all the expenses of the department, and a small rate of interest on outlay. Survey and Inspection of Steam Vessels. This branch of the establishment has been greatly reduced during the past year. It formerly comprised three Inspectors and two Engineer Surveyors. The present working staff is one Inspector (Captain Johnson), who receives salary as Admiralty Mail Agent; and two Engineer Surveyors (Messrs. Nancarrow and Hamilton), who perform the duties of acting Inspectors also when required, Warden and Inspector Robertson having resigned, and Warden and Inspector Kennedy being lent to command the Government steamer " St. Kilda," in which capacity, I understand, his services on the East Coast and elsewhere, have been most useful. The number of steam vessels trading on the seaboard and rivers of New Zealand, coming under the immediate inspection of this department, are thirty-seven (37), having low pressure engines, and twenty, high pressure; the former, requiring to be surveyed at an interval of six months, and the latter, every third month: thus making in. all, about one hundred and fifty-four (154) services. Besides which, many steamers, having Australian certificates, running to this Colony, undergo cursory supervision. When it is considered that these vessels find employment at ports extending from Auckland to Bluff Harbour, and both on the East and West Coast, where the inspecting officers, in the performance of their duties, have to visit them, it will be perceived that the labor, with the present limited staft", ia by no means light. It affords me great pleasure to state that Messrs. Nancarrow and Hamilton, upon whom most of the duty of survey has devolved, have shown themselves both efficient and assiduous in the double capacity of Engineer Surveyors and acting Inspectors. The assistance they have rendered in superintending repairs of lighthouse apparatus, has also been of great service. From Captain Gibson, Port Officer at Lyttelton, who is deputed by Government to supervise Marine Board duties at Canterbury, I have ever received willing and valuable assistance. It has been reported to me that at the ports of Hokitika and the Grey, small steam-vessels fitted only to ply with safety within the rivers, and having certificates bearing on the face of them the limit to which they may lawfully proceed, are in the habit of plying beyond the distance which in the judgment of the surveying officers is considered safe. The Steam Navigation Act, while enacting that vessels shall be certificated for river or sea service, fails to provide for the enforcement of any penalty for violating the conditions of their certificates, unless in cases where they have to clear the Customs, which does not apply to vessels in question. It is quite necessary the Act should be amended in this particular, or a bye-law be made to check the evil, otherwise from the character of the vessels, they being of the smallest and most inferior class, some accident, attended by loss of life, is almost certain to occur. As I predicted in my last report, numerous casualties to vessels trading to Hokitika, the Grey, and other ports on the West Coast, have taken place. The very nature of the rivers renders losses almost inevitable, so long as recklessness is induced by the temptation of large profits, from the passenger or other trade, to the gold country. These bar ports can only be entered by vessels of burthen during fine weather and under skilful management. It is generally when such considerations are ignored that most of the accidents happen. Surveys. My attention has been frequently directed to the incomplete nature of the surveys of the West Coast of the Middle Island, which since the discovery of the gold fields has been much traversed. Several outlying dangers arc said to have been discovered, not laid down m the Admiralty charts, which do not profess to give more than a cursory or running survey, northward of Milford Haven. The great and increasing importance of the trade renders it highly necessary that an accurate and minute marine survey should be made of the coast between the Grey River and Milford Haven. This service would bo most satisfactorily performed by the Admiralty Surveying Staff, some of whom are now employed in the Australian Colony, it being very difficult to obtain reliable and qualified persons, whose charts would bear the stamp of authority, from any other department. Buoys and Beacons. There are several buoys and beacons beyond the limits of ports, which have been placed, from time to time, by local authorities, and others recently sanctioned by Government, which require a certain amount of expenditure to keep in serviceable condition. Hitherto no vote of appropriation has been made for this especial service ; delays consequently arise in making references to obtain the means wherewith to effect repairs, &c, when needed, thereby exposing shipping for a much longer period to the dangers which these marks are intended to lead them clear of, than under other circumstances might be necessary. Appended are Returns of Steam Vessels Surveyed, Certificates issued to Masters and Engineers, Pilot's Licenses granted, and Light Dues collected since 1st July, 18G5. I have, &c, Marine Board Office, Wellington, Ciias. Siiabp, 1st June, 18G6. President Marine Board. 2

5

PRESIDENT OE MARINE BOARD.

E.—No. 3,

LIST of STEAM VESSELS surveyed in NEW ZEALAND, since 1st July, 1865.

6

REPORT OE THE

Xaine of Vessel. Nature of Machinery. Remarks. Wellington Lord Ashley Phcebe Airedale Claud Hamilton ... Auckland ... Prince Alfred Ahuriri Ladv Bird ... Rangatira ... Wanganui ... Queen Storm Bird Favorite Taranaki ... Wonga Wonga Wallaby Kennedy ... Lyttelton ... Nelson Omeo Thane Bruce Lioness Challenge ... Ballarat Southland ... Star of the South ... Geelong T7" Low pressure. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. High, pressure Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto Ditto. Ditto Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Low pressure Ditto "Wrecked at the Grey. Stranded at the Grey, now undergoing repairs. Stranded at Okarita, and since repaired. Stranded at Chalky Inlet, and since repaired. Keera Egmont Moa Tasmania! Maid ... Prince Alfred Beautiful Star Eleanor Wrecked at the Grey. Yarra Persevere ... Polly Hopkins Maid of the Yarra Lady of the Lake ... Und William Miskin ... Betsy Douglas Golden Ago Enterprise... Tairoa Peninsula ... Waipara Mulloeh BToyelty Gazelle Waitemata... Waipa Maori Chief Gymnotus ... New Zealand "Wrecked at Hokitika. AYrecked at the Grey. Stranded at Sunnier Bar, and since repaired. \ "Wrecked at Hokitika. Wrecked at Hokitika. Samson Steam Kits trading to New Zealand, having occasionally inspected b; ustralian Certificates, which have been Surveying Officers. Tararua, Otago, Albion, Smith Australian, Barwon, Alhambra, Gothenburg, Hero, Rangitoto, Lady Darling, Aldimra, City of Hobart, Star of the Evening. Marine Board Office, Wellington, 1st June, 18GG. Chas. Siiahp, 'sident Marine B

ft—No. 3.

STATEMENT of PERSONS to whom CERTIFICATES of Qualification have been issued since 1st July, 1865.

7

PRESIDENT OF MARINE BOARD.

Name. Nature of Qualification. Vessel. Date of Issue. R.. S. Lowe ... b\ C. Kreeft Fohn Elmsly Lewis Anderson Charles McLean Henry White Dharles Marshall ... Alexander Parquhar rohn Walker U. B. Macmeehan ... Richard Hilleinon ... rohn Christian W. H. Meikleham ... Uharles Hodge John McDougaJI ... William Scott William Bendall rohn Dawson Samuel Hatfield Edward J. Carter ... Franklin West Jharles Boyd r. S. Morrison Robert Pope Dharles Balme fames Nesbit fhomas Thomson ... W. H. Williams ... jreorge Buchanan ... idam Clark W.S.Lamb lames Butter Dhomas Nutt rohn Patterson David Robertson Jharles Wallace Samuel Erdis 3-eorge Crole UfredBach Edward Willcox Peter Morrison James Barr ... William Melville ... William Brown Archibald Donald ... rohn Isbester Daniel Moore lifted Price... 3-eorge Gibson John Carruthers Master Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Engineer Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Dittp Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Wanganui ... Lady Bird ... Pride of the Yarra New Zealand Eleanor Ballaarat ... Novelty Prince Alfred Nelson Uno Lady of the Lake ... Moa Airedale Star of the South ... Waitemata ... Lyttelton ... Star of the South ... Peninsula ... Enterprise ... Omeo New Zealand Betsy Douglas Southland ... Beautiful Star Prince Alfred Peninsula ... Maid of the Yarra.., Yirra Uno... Lady of the Lake ... Wonga Wonga Lord Ashley South Australian ... Maori Chief Star of the Evening Waipara Wonga Wonga William Miskin Enterprise ... Lioness Thane Ahuriri Keera Blue Nose ... Prince Alfred Lady Bird ... Enterprise ... Woodpecker Challenge ... Claud Hamilton ... 17th July, 1865. 18th July, 1865. 23rd July, 1865. 29th July, 1865. 5th August, 1865. 10th August, 1805. 19th August, 1805. 19th August, 1865. 22nd September, 1865. 10th October, 1865. 10th October, 1S05. 7th November, 1865. 13th November, 1865. 5th November, 1865. 4th January, I860. 5th Pebruary, I860, 11th April, 1806. 14th April, 1860. 3rd May, 1866. 14th July, 1865. 29th July, 1865. 29th July, 1865. 2 tth August, 1865. 21th August, 1805. 28th August, 1865. 1 4 th Sejitomber, 1865. 23rd September, 1865. 4th October, 1805. 4th October, 1865. 4th October, 1865. 16th October, 1865. 25th October, 1865. 31st October, 1865. 6th November, 1865. 14th November, 1865. 30th November, 1865. 20th December, 1865. 1st January, 1800. 19th January, 1800. 20th January, 1866. 20th January, 1800. 11th Pebruary, 1866. 14th Pebruarv, 1806. 19th Pebruary, 1806. 21st March, 1860. 14th April, 1866. 19th April, 1866. 19th April, 1860. 19th April, 1800. 11th May. 1866. Marine Board Office, Wellington, Chas. Sharp, 1st June, 1866. President Marine Board. Statement of Moneys received by Officers of the Marine Board as Pees for the Survey of Stean Vessels, ,and the Examination of Masters and Engineers, from 1st July, 1865, to 31s! March, 1806. Purpose. Amount. Remarks. Survey of Steam Vessels at the several Ports ... £ s. d. 362 5 0 These amounts have been paid into the Treasuries at Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, and Otago. Examination of Masters and Engineers at the several ports ... 45 3 0 Total £ 407 8 0 Marine Board Office, AVellington, 7th June, 1866. Chas. Sharp, President Marine Board.

E.— No. 3.

LIST of PERSONS to whom PILOT LICENSES have been granted since 1st July, 1865.

8

ItEPORT OP THE

Name. Place. Date of Issue. Thomas Cross John Atto Scott Lancelot Holmes John Gibson ... Thomas Coulson William G. Cellum .Alexander Reid Toha Rahurahu NeilMcGill ... Poveaux Straits Port of Wellington Ditto Port of New Plymouth ... Port of Grey mouth Port of Napier Sumner Bar and Heathcote Wairoa, Hawke's Hay Hokitika, West Coast 29th September, 1805. 29th November, 1865. 4th December, 1865. 18th December, 1865. L6th December, 1805. 18th December, 1805. 19th January, 1866. 9th February, 1800. 18th April, 1866. Marine Board Office, AVellington, Chas. Sharp. 1st June, 1866. President Marine Board. Statement of Light Dues collected at the Ports of \"i:\v Zealand from the 1st July, 1865, to the 31st March, 1866. Ports. Amount. Remarks. Auckland Wellington Lyttelton Otago Nelson Bluff Harbour Invercargill Riverton Picton Havelock Akaroa Tiinaru Wanganui ... £ s. d. 1,112 0 11 053 16 10 884 7 5 1,102 12 0 710 9 3 319 10 5 35 2 6 5 11 9 94 17 3 7 15 4 25 2 10 2 4 8 25 1 4 i "} Light dues, collected from the 5th August, > 1805, when Dog Island Light was first ex- ) hibited. £5,308 12 (i Amount collected during nine months. Marine Board Office, Wellington, Chas. Sharp, 1st June, 1866. President Marine Board. Statement of Expenditure incurred on account of Marine Board Department, including Maintenance of Lighthouses and Survey of Steam Vessels, from 1st July, 1865, to 31st March, 1800. Salaries of Officers, including Inspector of Steamers and Engineer Surveyor. Salaries of Lightkeepers. Cost of Oil for Lighthouses. Freight, &c, on Oil. Sundry Bopairs to Lighthouses. Tnivi'lling Expenses for Officers of Contingencies. l!o;u-d, and Surveyors of Steam Vessels. Total. £ s. d. £ 1693 s. d. 6 8 £ 726 s. d. 0 0 £ 190 s. d. 7 0| £ 132 s. d. 9 10 I I £ s. d. 1 71 17 6' £ • s. d. 219 15 10 £ 4162 s. d. 0 10 1078 10 0 Remarks. —The officers at present receiving salary, are the President and Master Warden, and two Engineer Surveyors, who also act as Inspectors. Warden and Inspector Robertson resigned on the 30th November, 1865, and Warden and Inspector Kennedy has been employed on special-service, in command of Government steam vessel " St. Kilda," from the same date. The travelling expenses are almost wholly incurred by officers on survey duty, the ports from which steam vessels ply having to be visited for that purpose every three months. Cn.uiLEs Sharp, Marine Board Office, Wellington, President Marine Board. 25th June, 1866.

E.—No. 3

RETURN of WRECKS on which Inquiries have been held under the Inquiry into Wrecks Act, from 1st July, 1865, to the 30th June, 1866.

No. 2. Copt of a Letter from Mr. Atlhee to Captain Sharp. Report on site for lAghthowe at Cape Farewell. Sib,— Nelson, 28th December, 1865. I have the honor to report that in accordance with the instructions contained in your letter of the 6th instant (223-65), I left Wellington on the 9th instant, arriving at Nelson on Sunday, the 10th. I immediately placed myself in communication with the Provincial Secretary, who kindly afforded me all the assistance in his power. Owing to a prevalent head wind, it was decided that the boat and crew which had been placed at my disposal should be towed as far as possible by the first steamer proceeding toward the Sand-spit. The s.s. Wallaby left Nelson on Thursday, the 15th, and by her the boat was towed to Separation Point, and sailed thence to the Sand-spit. Up to Wednesday, the 21st, I was engaged in examining the spit, taking bearings, and the elevations of the highest points, &c, &c. I returned to Nelson on Friday, the 23rd, having been absent eight days, a greater part of which were occupied by the passage, on account of baffling winds. On arriving at the Sand-spit I at once commenced to search for a site for the lighthouse, examining the entire portion from a!sout the centre of the spit to the outer extremity. I took the levels of some of the highest portions, and sunk shafts in two or three places, in order to ascertain the nature of the ground. I also took bearings from the centre of the spit, and from the spot marked in the chart as " Bushend Point," which is the outer end of the spit at high water. A day also was spent in taking soundings in the vicinity of Spitend. By these bearings and soundings I found that Bushend Point is correctly laid down on the chart, but that the bank which runs under water from the point has extended towards the south-east, the depth of four and a half fathoms where given on the chart has now decreased to two and a half. 3

9

PRESIDENT OP MARINE BOARD.

Name of Vessel. Tonnage. Description. Wit ether insured. Nature of casualty. Where casualty occurred. Pilot Sir Francis Drake... Au Revoir ... Alabama ... Vernon Montezuma New Zealand Titania Start Effort Not stated 158 52-100 138 337 3-95 891 Not stated 56 41-100 Not stated 32 25 35 Cutter Schooner Brigantine Americanbarque Ship ... Brigantine Paddle steamer Screw steamer Paddle steamer Schooner do. do. Not stated do. Insured £1,600 Not stated do. do! do. do. do. Total loss do. Stranded Total loss Damaged Total loss do. do. West Wanganui, Nelson. Hokitika. Port Waikato. Port Hutt, Chatham Islands. At sea. Hokitika. do. do. Waitara. Awanui River. Tauranga Nui. Melville Cove, Queen Charlotte's Sound. Plat Point, Cook's Strait. Gem Insured Not insured do. Damaged Total ioss do. do. /Vugusta Midas 26 do. do. do. Christina Thompson Swan Leonidas ... Mount Alexander... 85 36 111 72 76 149 do. Cutter Brigantine Schooner Paddle steamer Three - masted schooner do. Insured Not insured Insured do. Not insured do. do. do. Stranded Total loss do. Stranded Grevmouth. do. Hokitika. do. do. do. Samson John Bullock Maria Emerald Isle Maid of the Yarra Star of the South ... 161 22 111 117 Schooner Screw steamer do. Insured Partly insured Not stated Insured £5,000 do. Total loss do. Stranded do. Port Underwood. Hokitika. Chalky Inlet, West Coast. Eleanor Catherine .. Wonga Wonga 5S 153 40 do. Barque Screw steamer Not stated do. Insuredfor twothirds Insured £700 Not stated Total loss do. do. Greymouth. Chatham Islands. Greymouth. Maria Wilbam 161 62 Schooner do. do. Stranded Hokitika. do. G. Elk lecretary, G< jtt Eliott, ;neral Post Office.

E.—No. 3,

The portion of the Sand-spit above water is entirely composed of loose fine sand, which lias formed into a number of hills, the highest of which is about eighty feet above high water mark. The small plateaus of level ground at the foot of these sand hills are, in some places, two or three feet above the water level; and in others as much below it. The sand hils are constantly shifting their position, and some of them bear a low straggling scrub. During the strong winds the sand is borne to seaward in dense clouds. Bushend Point is the last of these sand hills, the general elevations of which are about ten feet above high water. The test shafts which were sunk showed nothing but fine sand, but no great depth was arrived at, as they were soon flooded with water; but I believe that had it been possible to continue the sinkings, the same sort of sand would have been found to a great depth. On account of the peculiar nature of the sand hills which compose the Farewell Spit, I am of opinion that it is impossible to establish a lighthouse on any part of the spit which is at all elevated above high water mark. The permanency of the high sand is not to be depended on for a single day. The nearest point where any elevation could be obtained is on Cape Farewell, where the land is very high. If a light were established there it would serve chiefly as a mark for making Cook's Strait, on account of the great range it would have. Ido not believe that any iron tower would be required, but only a good stone foundation to carry the lantern. The light should be white, of the first order, revolving, to distinguish it from the neighbouring Mana and Nelson lights. The prime cost would be about six thousand pounds. I also directed my attention to the practibility of establishing a lightship off Spitend; and I consider that this would be the best .and most efficient means of protecting shipping from the dangers of the Sandspit. There is excellent holding ground and good shelter for a lightship to ride in security just inside Spitend. A double white light would be required, as- it might be mistaken for Nelson or Mana light, and a sufficient elevation could be obtained to make the light visible from a ship's deck at a distance of twelve miles. The light could be established in a comparatively short time, as the ship might be built in the Colony, and the light apparatus can be obtained from Sydney. I believe the entire prime cost of such a lightship would not exceed four thousand pounds, and the yearly expense of maintenance would be about the same as of a first-class lighthouse. I have, &c, The President, Marine Board, "Wellington. E. Atlmeb, C.E. No. 3. Copt of a Letter from Mr. G. Eliott Eliott to Mr. E. Atlmee. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 19th January, 1566. AVith reference to your Eeport upon the proposed light at Cape Farewell, dated 28th December last, forwarded to this department by the Marine Board, I am directed to inform you that the Government is not prepared to sanction at present the establishment of a lightship at Cape Farewell without further information, as it is considered that it would be attended with great risk and expense. Be good enough to state in what manner a lighthouse could be best constructed at Bushend, in the event of the Government deciding to erect one there. I have, &c, G. Eliott Eliott, B. Aylmer, Esq., Auckland. Secretary. No. 4. Copt of a Letter from Mr. C. Atlher to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal. Sic,— Marine Board Office, Auckland, Ist March, 1866. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (H.-66-G), informing me ,that my Eeport upon the Capo Farewell Sand-spit had been received, and directing me to state in what manner I consider a lighthouse could be best constructed at Bushend. I presume that at present the general principles only of the plan I would recommend are required, therefore I shall not now enter into details. Taking into consideration the very peculiar nature of the Sand-spit (as fully described in my first Eeport), I am of opinion that the foundations should bo either cast or wrought iron screw piles —the former would, perhaps, be preferable—which should be screwed into the sand to a depth of not less than twenty-five or thirty feet. These piles to be of the ordinary description, but having very broad screw heads, in order that the weight of the superstructure may be spread over as great an area as possible. On the top of these piles should be firmly bolted an entablature of cast iron segments or beams, fitted with planed fitting strips, key-ways, and bolt holes, for securing the first tier of tower plates. The tower to be, say, sixty feet high, fifteen feet six inches diameter at the base, tajjering to ten feet six inches at the top, and to be of cast iron flanged plates, bolted together with planed joints caulked with rust. The total height from the ground to the vane would be about ninety-two feet. All the internal fittings, such as floor girders, stairs, floor plates, and the outer balcony to be of wrought iron, and as light as possible. The entrance door of the tower should be on the second floor, approached by a ladder ; the first or ground floor to bo used as a store. The lantern to be of the most approved modern construction, the astrigals and horizontal pieces to be of gun-metal, the former to be fixed diagonally, and the whole roofed with sheet copper outside and wrought iron inside. The iitriit apparatus to be dioptric, revolving, of the second order.

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REPORT OP THE

E.—No. 3,

Assuming the height of the tower to be sixty feet, the centre of the light, or the focal plane, will bo about ten feet more; and supposing the ground to be ten feet above higli water mark, we have the focal plane eighty feet above high water, which, with the usual allowance for the height of the deck of a ship, will give the light a radius of sixteen English miles in clear weather. The keepers' dwellings should be erected of wood, at a convenient distance from the lighthouse. I shall be happy to furnish further particulars of this plan, with rough specification, estimate, weight, &c, &c, should such be required. I have, &c., The Hon. Postmaster-General, "Wellington. E. Aylmeb, C.E. =============== •

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PRESIDENT OF MARINE BOARD.