H.—lsa

4

New Steamers. Thirty-three steamers have been added to our books during the year, and comprise some very fine vessels, notably the " Aparima," and "Moeraki." The first one is a fine specimen of the modern cargo-boat with limited passenger accommodation, and the latter an up-to-date passenger steamer. The names of these vessels are as follows : " Anna," " Aotea," " Aparima," " Balmain," " Claymore," " Emma Sims," " Gosford," "Gypsy," " Huia," " Kapiti," " Kapui," " Karoro," "Kotahi," "Lily," "Little Jack," " Mahuta," " Mascotte," "May Howard," " Meremere," "Moeraki," " Mokau," " Nambucca," "Narcissus," " Nene," " Parera," "Phantom," " Euru," " Tarakihi," " Tasman," " Tuiwiki," " Wave," " Whati," and " Yho." Survey op Steamers Eeturn. Table No. 18 gives a return of steamers surveyed in New Zealand during the year ended the 31st March, 1903, including the names of steamers, tons register, horse-power, nature of machinery, and propeller. The number of steamers surveyed was 238, the number of surveys made being 257. The fees payable in respect of such surveys amounted to £1,588 10s. Eeturns. Appended are the returns in detail, numbered from 1 to 20. (1.) Number and class of boilers inspected, and fees payable on these ; the machinery inspected, and the fees payable thereon ; and the classes and numbers of engine-drivers' certificates issued, and the fees payable therefor. (2.) Eeturn of defects found on inspection of boilers. (3.) Eeturn of notices given to repair boilers. (4.) Eeturn of notices given to fence dangerous parts of machinery. (5.) Eeturn of accidents which were not fatal. (6.) Eeturn of accidents which proved fatal. (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), and (16). Names of all persons to whom land stationary certificates of service and competency have been granted during the year. (17.) List of persons passed for marine engineers' certificates, with fees paid, during the year. (18.) Eeturn as to vessels surveyed during the year. (19.) Eeturn of vessels surveyed for seaworthiness, &c, during the year. (20.) Eeturn showing sums earned or received and amount expended during the financial year, for inspection of machinery, examination of engineers and engine-drivers, and survey of steamers. Eobert Duncan, Chief Inspector of Machinery, Principal Engineer Surveyor of Steamers, and Chief Examiner of Marine Engineers and Land Engine-drivers.