Auckland, 12 Dec. 68. Sir, I have the Honor to report the arrival of the S. S. S. Kilda at Auckland on Sunday at 1 P.M. being a fair passage of 72 hours including two hours at Hicks Bay and two at Tauranga the passage to Tauranga was 47 hours, from the latter to Auckland 28 hours owing to a N. W. Gale, landed passengers on the Wharf the following morning and steamed into the stream, blowing a heavy N. W. Gale, unable to go on the slip Thursday hove on to slip but when about half way up a link of the chain broke, consequently away went the ship and craddle into the water fortunately the ship is not hurt but the craddle is broken and the lower end is four feet off the ways. We tried to heave her off but failed so concluded to clean and paint in her present position and will be finished by tomorrow tide about 5 P.M. Mr. Nicoll the slip owner does not think we will get off till Monday mornings tide. As soon as I get afloat your Honor may be sure I will not lose any time. The Hon. Mr. Richmond instructed me by letter just before leaving Napier to call at all the ports on the coast on my return. I omitted to state owing to a Southeaster springing up after passing Tologa Bay I was unable to enter at Tuporoa or Waiapu but hope to do so on my return. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, W. G. Cellem.