MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1895-96.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1896 Session I, H-15

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1896. NEW ZEALAND.

MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1895-96.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

My Lord, — Marine Department, Wellington, 31st July, 1896. .1 do myself the honour to transmit herewith, for your Excellency's information, the report of the Marine Department of the colony for the financial year ended the 31st March last. I have, &c, Wm. Hall-Jones, His Excellency the Bight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, &c, Minister of Marine. Governor of New Zealand.

The Secretary to the Minister of Marine. Sir, — Marine Department, Wellington, 30th May, 1896. I have the honour to make the following report on the administration of this department during the financial year ended the 31st March last: — Lighthouses. —Further tests have been made of the mineral colza oil referred to in my last report. The tests were carried out at Pencarrow Head Lighthouse, both with one of the ordinary paraffin burners altered for the purpose and with a Douglas burner obtained from Tasmania, but the results were not altogether satisfactory. Messrs. D. and C. Stevenson, of Edinburgh, who are engineers to the Northern Board of Lighthouses, have been asked to design a suitable burner, and to forward sufficient to enable the oil to be used at five lighthouses, so that it may be thoroughly tested before deciding to adopt it for use at all our lighthouses. Last session Parliament voted a further sum of £800 for repairs to lighthouses and keepers' dwellings, and this has enabled many necessary works, principally repairs to dwellings, to be executed. It has, however, been found impossible to do all the repairs that are required with the money available, and it will therefore be necessary to ask for a further vote for the purpose. The works at the southern stations have been carried out under the direction of the lighthouse artificer, and those at Tiri-Tiri, which consisted of extensive repairs to the dwellings, were executed by a party of workmen under the charge of the department's carpenter, who also had charge of the construction of a tramway from near the landing-place to the top of the hill at Pencarrow Head. A new house for the principal keeper at Nelson is now in course of erection under contract, and improved accommodation for the assistant-keeper has been provided by moving the small house hitherto occupied by him and attaching it to what has hitherto been the principal keeper's house. At the French Pass the red arc of the light has been altered so that the red and white arcs cut exactly on the buoy which marks the dangers off the Beef-barrel Eocks. The light on the beacon in the Pass has not been extinguished during the year. A sum of £81 18s. has been expended in planting native trees along the Pass side of the lighthouse reserve. Owing to the exposed position of the reserve it was found necessary to protect the trees by erecting fences round them. When the trees grow up the beauty of the lighthouse side of the Pass will be much improved. On the night of the 12th August last the assistant-keeper at Pencarrow Head was found asleep on watch. In consequence of his previous good record during a long period of service, and of the fact that he was suffering from influenza at the time, he was not dismissed from the Lighthouse Service, but his salary was reduced by £10 a year, and he was moved to a station less favourably situated. During the year two keepers resigned, and two appointments were made to fill the vacancies thus caused. It was anticipated that the new tower at Farewell Spit would have been erected during the past summer, but, owing to the contractors failing to supply the iron tower within the prescribed time, the work of erection has not yet been put in hand. The new landing on the south side of the Brothers has been completed, and has already prevented the delay of the " Hinemoa" on one occasion, when the sea was too rough to enable the stores, &c, to be landed at the ordinary landing-place on the northern side. The new landing-

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place at Godley Head has been completed, and has been found to considerably lessen the labour and danger of landing stores and oil at that station. Early in last year the department ordered the lanterns and apparatus for the proposed lighthouses at Capes Palliser and Kidnappers, and requested the Public Works Department to proceed with the erection of the tower and dwellings, &c, at the former place. The lanterns have recently arrived in the colony, and the apparatus is expected shortly, so that as soon as the necessary buildings are erected at Cape Palliser that light can be erected and exhibited. After carefully considering the question of establishing fog-signals at some of the lighthouses where fogs are most prevalent, it was decided to procure one of Slaughter's cotton-powder signals. The Agent-General in London has accordingly been instructed to procure one, and it is intended to erect it at Pencarrow Head, so as to practically test its suitability for use at our lighthouses where fogs are prevalent. The cost of. the signal in England will be £250 ; and the cartridges, of which 1,000 have been ordered, cost Is. each. The necessary building and the erection of the signal will cost about £100. The Victorian Government having revived the question of the erection of a lighthouse on the Snares, the Marine Engineer and the Nautical Adviser to the department proceeded to that place in February last, and made a further examination as to the best site. The result of their examination was that they reported that, in their opinion, the site selected in January, 1891, by the delegates who represented New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand—the colonies which agreed to contribute towards the cost of the erection and maintenance of the light—was the best one available. The Government has conveyed this opinion to the three Australian Governments mentioned, and has suggested to them that this site should be approved, and that the erection of the lighthouse should be proceeded with. It has been decided that the work of inspecting the lighthouses under the control of this department is to be performed by Captain Allman, the Nautical Adviser to the department. He has inspected those in the South Island and Cook Strait, and will visit those in the North when the " Hinemoa " makes her next northern trip. His report on the stations he has visited, and his suggestions as to new lighthouses, is appended hereto. Light Dues. —The sum of £15,562 ss. 3d. was collected for light dues during the year, as compared with £16,299 10s. Bd. for the previous year, being a decrease of £733 ss. sd. Harbours. —The work of cleaning and overhauling the buoys and attending to the beacons in most of the harbours which are under the control of the department has been performed by the " Hinemoa." That vessel has also overhauled the buoys in the Whangarei Harbour, as the local Harbour Board does not possess the necessary appliances for doing the work. The Board is to pay for the material used in the overhaul. At Bussell, Mr. Henry Stephenson, who holds the office of Signalman and Inspector of Fisheries, has been appointed Harbourmaster, in order to give him the necessary power to direct vessels and boats where to anchor, and to see that the law affecting the harbour is enforced. Mr. John Sinclair, the Harbourmaster at Port Robinson, has been appointed Wharfinger at that place. The contract with the Northern Union Steamboat Company for the use of a steamer to overhaul the buoys in Kaipara Harbour, and to perform such other harbour-work as may be required by the Harbourmaster, for £240 a year, having expired, it became necessary to make a fresh arrangement. The company was unwilling to enter into a new contract for less than £340 a year, and as there was no other steamer at Kaipara which was available to do the work the department had to agree to the company's terms, and a contract for the performance of the work during 1896 for that sum has been entered into. It would be advisable, before the end of the year, to consider the question as to whether, after the expiration of this contract, the arrangement with the company shall be renewed, or whether it would not be better for the department to procure a suitable steamlaunch of its own. The Harbourmaster considers that the latter course would be the more satisfactory one. His duties as Customs Officer and Inspector of Fisheries, as well as those of Harbourmaster, require that he should have the means of getting about the harbour more frequently than he can under the present arrangement. Probably a suitable launch driven by an oil- or gasoline-engine could be procured, and a launch of this kind could be worked very inexpensively. At the beginning of August last, Mr. James P. Low, Harbourmaster and Pilot at Nelson, who joined the Nelson Harbour staff on the 28th February, 1860, was taken ill, and was granted leave of absence until the end of September, which, on account of the state of his health, was subsequently extended until the end of December. On the expiration of his leave he was still unfit to resume duty, and, as it appeared from the report of two doctors who examined him that it was not likely that he would be again fit for active duty, the Government felt that the only course open for them was to retire him from the service on the compensation allowed by " The Civil Service Act, 1866." This was accordingly done. Mr. Low was a faithful officer during his long period of service, and the department extremely regretted that the state of his health necessitated his retirement. During his absence on leave the Westport Harbour Board courteously allowed Captain F. W. Cox, its Assistant Harbourmaster and Tugmaster, to act as Mr. Low's substitute, and on the latter's retirement he was appointed to fill the vacancy. The masters of most of the Union Steamship Company's steamers trading to Nelson having adopted the practice of taking their vessels into and out of the port without a pilot, the harbour revenue derived from pilotage suffered to such an extent as to render it necessary to raise revenue by other means in order to defray the expenses of the harbour. Accordingly it was decided to impose port charges and harbour-light dues on all vessels visiting the port, and, although the revenue derived from the new charges, combined with that received as pilotage, is not so large as that formerly received as pilotage alone, still it will be sufficient to meet the expenses of the port, as, owing to the smaller number of vessels requiring the services of a pilot, the department has been able to dispense with the services of two of the crew of the pilot boat, thereby making a saving of £240 a year. A

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permanent light has been established on the beacon on Haulashore Island, at the entrance to the harbour; and signals to indicate the depth of water at the entrance both by day and night have been established. These signals are shown by the lightkeepers from the flagstaff on the Boulderbank, near the lighthouse. Considerable changes have taken place in the entrance to Manukau Harbour, and the beacons on the North Head have been altered to suit the changes. One of the beacons has been done away with, and, pending a proper trial with two beacons instead of three, the erection of the new beacons has been deferred. The buoys have been overhauled and cleaned by the " Hinemoa." A return showing the licenses issued for the occupation of foreshore and the authorities given for the erection of wharves, &c, is appended hereto. Oyster-fisheries. —An Act to amend "The Sea-fisheries Act, 1894," was passed by Parliament during last session, and provision was made in it to remedy the two defects in the law mentioned in my last report; that is, it has been made an offence to have oysters in possession, or sell them, during the close season, although they may have been actually taken from the beds during the open season; and provision was made to empower the Governor to fix the areas of foreshore to be included in oyster-bed leases. Several applications have been received for leases of the beds in Manukau Harbour, and steps are being taken to divide them into suitable areas. As soon as this has been done, the leases will be disposed of by public auction for a period of ten years. Applications for leases of the beds at Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands have been made by settlers at those places; but as the law now stands the owners or occupiers of adjoining lands can only obtain leases of beds by being the highest bidders at auction, or being the highest tenderers, as all leases are required to be disposed of by public auction or tender. One reason which settlers give for desiring to lease the beds adjoining their holdings is that some of the licensed pickers who now use them are in the habit of stealing their stock. After careful inquiry as to the state of the beds in the North, it was decided to keep those in the Hauraki Gulf, Whangarei Harbour, and the southern subdivision of the northern oyster fishery closed for at least another season, as the oysters in them are not yet fit to be taken. The beds in the middle and northern subdivisions of the northern fishery—that is, those between the Waitangi Biver, in the Bay of Islands, and the North Cape—are therefore the only ones on the east coast of the Auckland District which are open this season ; but it is considered that these beds and those in Kaipara Harbour which have been opened will be able to meet all requirements. Last season 7,654 sacks of oysters were taken from the middle and northern subdivisions of the northern district. Of this quantity, about 4,650 sacks were exported from the colony, and the balance used for home consumption. The Inspector, who has made a careful inspection of the beds, reports that they are in very good condition. As soon as the Manukau leases are disposed of the beds in that harbour will be available for taking oysters. The following licenses to occupy foreshore for the purpose of forming artificial beds have been issued during the year: A. Maule, 48 acres, Pelorus Sound ; P. Ewing, 4 acres, Hitaua Bay, Tory Channel; Duncan and Jones, 20 acres, Orongo Bay, Bay of Islands; Lane and Brown, 20 acres, Wahapu Bay, Bay of Islands. During the year petitions were received from oyster-dealers, -pickers, and others in Auckland and Wellington, praying that the export of rock-oysters from the colony might be prohibited; but, as it appeared that this would only restrict the taking of oysters without there being any necessity for it, the request was not acceded to. On the 11th April, 1895, D. Mcßrierty and J. Williamson were each fined £1 and costs for taking oysters in Manukau Harbour, in which the beds were closed. On the 17th of the same month Ernest Peel was fined £1 and costs for taking oysters in a closed district. The boat and gear used in committing the offence, which were forfeited under the provisions of " The Sea-fisheries Act, 1894," were returned to him on his paying a further sum of £1. On the 23rd April, 1895, B. Angelo was fined £1 and costs for taking oysters in Manukau Harbour. On the 2nd December last, two days after the oyster season closed, a quantity of oysters were seized in shops in Wellington, but proceedings were not taken against the owners. It was not considered advisable to do so, as the provision of the law allowing oysters to be sold for fourteen days after the season closed, provided they were taken in the open season, was only repealed by " The Sea-fisheries Act Amendment Act, 1895." Sea-fisheries. —Bepresentations having been made to the department that it was necessary for the protection of mullet that the close season, which only applied to a portion of Kaipara Harbour, should be extended to include the whole of that harbour, this was done, after inquiry had been made into the matter. After the issue of the order prescribing the close season, it was strongly urged that there was no real necessity for it, and that, if it were kept in force, the mulletcanning industry would be very injuriously affected. Sir James Hector was therefore asked to proceed to Kaipara to make inquiry as to the necessity or otherwise for the close season. After taking evidence on the spot, he advised that the order should be revoked, and that the original close season for only a portion of the harbour should be reverted to; and his advice was given effect to. Sir James afterwards made another visit to Kaipara, and also went to other places in the North, to make further inquiries as to the necessity for a close season for mullet, and the proper period for such season. As soon as his report is received the whole matter will be dealt with. It having been reported that the Natives at Kaeo were taking undersized mullet, the Inspector of Fisheries at Russell was sent to the place to look into the-matter. He warned the Natives that they must discontinue the practice, and they promised to do so. Begulations have been made allowing the use, in the Provincial District of Canterbury, of hand whitebait nets, with an opening of nine square feet. A request was made by the Patea Harbour Board that net-fishing should be prohibited in the Patea Biver; but, after making inquiries into the matter, it was not deemed advisable to accede to this request,

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Sergeant McGrath has been appointed Inspector of Fisheries at the Bluff, and Constable Sheary Inspector at Blenheim. The seal-fisheries have been closed during the year, and it has been decided to extend the close season up to the 30th June, 1897. On the 20th February last, E. Morrison was fined £1 and costs for killing a seal which he found on the road at Gore Bay. On the 15th May, 1895, Andrew Paris was fined £1 and costs for selling undersized flounders at Porirua. On the 27th July, E. Andrews and P. Garbes were prosecuted for having small bluecod in their possession in Wellington ; the former was fined £1 and costs, but the charge against the latter was dismissed, the Magistrate stating that he would give him the benefit of the doubt. On the 12th August, a fisherman named Dorris was fined £10 and costs for taking small rock-cod in the Pelorus Sound. The fish were found by the Inspector at Wellington at a smoke-house in this town. Weather Beporting. —Captain Edwin has carried out the duties of making daily weather forecasts, and of notifying such forecasts to the different parts of the colony in an efficient manner. These forecasts are of great service to shipmasters and others whose business is connected with shipping. He has also continued to perform the duties of Examiner of Masters and Mates. Government Steamers. —The " Hinemoa " has been kept fully employed during the year. She has periodically visited the lighthouses with oil and stores, and has overhauled and cleaned the buoys on the coast and in the principal harbours under the control of this department. She also searched for and discovered the rock in Poverty Bay which the s.ss. " Anglian " and " Waihora " touched, and made surveys of other reported dangers on the coast. In addition to this work, she made a special trip to the Snares in connection with the selection of a site for a lighthouse there. She made two trips to the Snares, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, and Bounty Islands, and one trip to the Kermadec Islands, to search for castaways, and to inspect the depots of provisions and clothing which the department maintains at those islands. No castaways were found, and the depots had not been touched. During the trip which was made in October last some wreckage and a considerable quantity of wool were found along the beach at the Auckland Islands. The wreckage is beheved to be a part of the French vessel " Marie Alice," which left Sydney on the 12th February, 1895, for Europe; and a portion of it has been sent by the vessel's agent here to the owners at Nantes, for the purpose of identification. During the year the "Hinemoa" steamed 27,365 miles, was 3,538 hours under steam, consumed 1,604 tons of coal, carried 2,298 tons of cargo, and cleaned, painted, and relaid 106 buoys. It must be borne in mind, in connection with the amount shown as the running-expenses of the vessel, that she carries a large quantity of cargo for other departments of the Government, a service for which no payment is made, the railways being the only department which pays for services rendered. The Government having decided that Captain Fairchild should proceed to England to bring out the new vessel which is being built at Glasgow, he left the " Hinemoa" on the Bth March last; and Captain Neale, who has for many years been first mate, was placed in command, Mr. Bollons, the second mate, taking the position vacated by him. The Stones' patent bronze propeller-blades referred to in my last year's report have been fitted on to the vessel with very satisfactory results. She has also received a general overhaul. The " Stella," which had been laid up for a considerable time, was chartered on the 4th June last by Mr. Joseph Fleming, of Auckland, for the coastal trade in the Auckland District; but, as he failed to pay the amounts due under the charter, the Government had to take possession of the vessel on the 11th November. At the time the charter was determined the sum of £119 was owing to the crew as wages, and the department had to pay this amount to clear the vessel. She was shortly afterwards sold to Messrs. Jagger and Parker and Leyland and O'Brien, of Auckland, for the sum of £1,450 ; but an allowance of £46 ss. had to be made to the purchasers for fittings which were found to be missing. On the 2nd July last the s.s. " Pilot " was sold by public auction for the sum of £470, and she is now plying in Kaipara Harbour. Coastal Surveys. —The reported rock in Poverty Bay has been surveyed and buoyed, and search has been made for the rock off the Gable End Foreland which the s.s. " Monowai " touched. A shoal patch was discovered, and a further survey will be made the next time the " Hinemoa " is in the locality, if the weather is favourable. Wrecks and Casualties. —A table showing an analysis of the casualties is appended hereto. Those on the coasts of the colony numbered thirty-seven, representing 21,060 tons, as against forty-one casualties, affecting 9,850 tons, in the previous year. The number of total wrecks within the colony, including a small steamer which was burnt and a sailing-vessel which foundered, was eight of 2,070 tons, as against thirteen vessels, of 2,049 tons, in the previous year. The number of lives lost was eight, as against 151 in the previous year. Of these, six were on or near the coasts of the colony—namely, four from the "Comet" (all hands), and one each from the s.s. " Waihi" and s.s. " Poherua." The lives lost beyond the colony were one each from the " Kathleen Hilda" and the " Coromandel." Survey of Steamers.- —I regret to have to report the death of Mr. W. M. Mowatt, the Principal Engineer Surveyor, and Principal Examiner of Engineers. He died suddenly from heart-disease on the 31st January last. He was a most capable and efficient officer, and one on whose ability and judgment the department placed great reliance. Mr. R. Duncan, who for some years past has been one of the Engineer Surveyors and Examiners of Engineers at Dunedin, has succeeded him. A report on the work done during the year is appended hereto. A request having been made for the issue of docking-certificates in the case of vessels which trade abroad, and which are docked in New Zealand during the currency of their passenger-certificates, it has been decided to grant such certificates when required by the owners at a charge of £5 in each case. In the case of a vessel which is surveyed for her passenger-certificate at the time of docking there is no necessity for a dockingcertificate, as the twelve months' passenger-certificate covers the period for which the docking-

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certificate would be in force. The proposed uniform system as regards the limits within which small restricted-limit steamers are allowed to ply has not yet been brought into operation, but it is intended to issue regulations on the subject at an early date. Proceedings were taken against the owner of the p.s. "Theodore" for running on Lake Wanaka without a certificate, and against the owner of the s.s. " Elsie " for plying in the Pelorus Sound without a certificated engineer. Fines were imposed in both cases. Examination of Masters, Mates, and Engineers. —Eighty-seven candidates passed their examinations for certificates of competency and thirty-six failed. Of those who passed, fifty-eight w 7 ere masters, mates, and engineers of sea-going vessels, and twenty-nine were masters and engineers of steamers plying within restricted limits. Seventeen certificates of service as Home-trade masters have been issued. Regulations have been made for the examination of engineers of steamships plying within restricted limits, and for marine engine-drivers. In the case of the former the examination will be more difficult than that hitherto in force for this class of certificate. The marine engine-driver's is a new class of certificate, provided for by "The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1895.' New regulations for the examination of masters and mates have been made by the Board of Trade, and it is intended to make similar regulations in this colony, to come into force on the Ist January, 1898, that being the date on which the Board of Trade rules come into operation. The examinations will be much more difficult than those at present in force. Belief of Distressed Seamen. —The sum of £165 15s. has been expended during the year on account of the relief of distressed seamen belonging to New Zealand vessels. Of this amount, £61 ss. was for the relief of the crew of the " Eillan Donan " at Noumea, and for passages to Sydney ; £4 10s. was for passages of the crew of the " Sarah Pile," and £100 was paid to the owners of the " Alastor " for loss sustained in connection with the rescue of the crew of the " Indiana." A sum of £36 19s. 6d. was expended in replenishing the depots for castaways on the outlying islands, and £13 13s. was paid for a passage to England for the late carpenter of the " Dacca," of Dundee, which amount has been refunded by the Board of Trade. The sum of £6 10s. was expended in providing passages to Sydney for the crew of the barque " Grasmere "of that port. A claim for a refund of this amount has been made against the Government of New South Wales. Wages and Effects of Deceased Seamen. —The estates of twenty deceased seamen, amounting in the aggregate to £175 55., have been dealt with during the year, and, of these, eleven were new estates. The sum of £49 14s. 7d. has been paid to relatives and other claimants. Marking Load-lines. —"The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1894," having provided that the load-lines of vessels are to be fixed in accordance with the tables framed by the Load-line Committee of the Board of Trade, Collectors of Customs have been instructed to see that this is done, and New Zealand vessels are now being marked in accordance with these tables. Deck Cargo —Begulations have been issued making provision as to the quantity of cargo and live-stock which vessels may carry on deck, and Collectors of Customs, who issue the licenses for the quantity allowed, have been instructed to see that the regulations and licenses are adhered to. In some cases friction occurred when the regulations came into force, but this is wearing off as masters and owners become accustomed to the rules. Collectors are authorised to call in expert advice as to the quantity to be allowed whenever they consider it necessary to do so ; but this is not often required, as the regulations are very full and explicit. Colonial Pilots. —Regulations have been made for the issue of licenses for colonial pilots —that is, pilots who take vessels from one port to another in the colony. Any person who prior to the Ist January, 1895, has either commanded a vessel of not less than 300 tons register, trading on the coasts of the colony, or has been engaged in piloting similar vessels trading on the coast, is entitled to a license without examination, provided that prior to the above date he held a certificate not lower than that of master, Home trade. In other cases applicants must pass the prescribed examination. Examination of Able Seamen. —Regulations have been made for the examination of candidates for certificates as able seamen, and the Examiners of Masters and Mates have been appointed the examiners of such candidates ; but so far no candidate has applied for examination. Under the Act which provides for the issue of these certificates, it is enacted that four years' service at sea before the mast qualifies a seaman for the rating of A.B. without examination, and this, combined with the fact that a man is entitled to ship in that capacity without producing certificates of discharge for the prescribed sea-service, provided he makes a statutory declaration that he is entitled to ship, is no doubt the cause of no candidates coming forward. Shipowners would, no doubt, find it to their advantage to encourage seamen to prove their competency by undergoing examination and obtaining these certificates. Fees for Engagement and Discharge of Seamen. —The fees for the engagement and discharge of seamen have been considerably reduced, and the amount which the owner or master is entitled to retain from the wages of each man as a partial recoupment of the amount he has paid has been reduced from Is. to 6d. in the case of a seaman, and from Is. 6d. to Is. in the case of an officer. Adjustment of Compasses. —" The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1895," having provided that the compasses of vessels built wholly or partly of iron are to be adjusted by adjusters licensed by the Minister of Marine, regulations have been made for the issue of licenses to adjusters, and providing that the adjustment shall be made at least once in every year. A register of licensed adjusters is to be kept by the Collector of Customs at each port, the names being arranged in alphabetical order. On an application for adjustment being made, the Collector requires the adjuster standing next in order for duty to make it. Alterations in the Law. —During the last session of Parliament an Act to further amend " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," was passed. The following are its main provisions :—■ The master of every intercolonial and Home-trade ship is required to properly exercise his crew in boat-drill at sea once in every month, and in the case of intercolonial ships at least once jn the course of each round voyage.

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Two classes of certificates of competency are to be issued for engineers of steamships plying within restricted limits; one, which is called a " river engineer's certificate," entitles the holder to serve as engineer of a steamship plying within river or extended river limits ; and the other, which is called a " marine engine-driver's certificate," entitles the holder to serve as engineer of a steamship fitted with non-condensing machinery, the area of cylinder or combined area of cylinder of propelling machinery of which does not exceed 200 circular inches, and plying only within harbours, rivers, and lakes, or other inland navigable waters. Every ship built wholly or partly of iron is to have her compass adjusted by a licensed adjuster. Authority is given for the Minister of Marine to fix the fees which the master of a vessel may deduct from the wages of his crew as a partial recoupment of the amount he has paid for their engagement and discharge. Every vessel engaged in the coastal or intercolonial trade which carries at least five certificated able seamen is allowed to substitute two boys for every ordinary seaman she is required to carry. The power of modifying the load-line rules has been transferred from the Minister of Marine to the Board of Trade. This change was required by the Imperial Government before the Queen's assent was given to "The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1894." I have, &c, W. T. Glasgow, Secretary.

The Principal Examiner of Masters and Mates to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sib,— Wellington, 12th May, 1896. I have the honour to inform you that the regulations and instructions pertaining to the examination of masters and mates have been rigidly and satisfactorily carried out by the different Examiners at the various ports. In Auckland the examinations are conducted by Captain Tilly, R.N., and Captain Robertson, Harbourmaster,' Onehunga. Captain Grey, formerly master of the Government steamer " Stella," and latterly Tide Surveyor in the Customs, Port Chalmers, was appointed Examiner for the Port of Otago in May, 1895 ; and for the convenience of shipping generally, as well as for examination purposes, the examination rooms were changed from Dunedin to Port Chalmers in the following month. The change, in my opinion, is a most desirable one, and has given general satisfaction to those interested. Since Sir Arthur Douglas, Bart., resigned from the position of Examiner at Lyttelton in June last the position was vacant up to Ist May, 1896, when Captain Marciel, late of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, was appointed Examiner. During the time there was no Examiner at Lyttelton the examinations were conducted either by Captain Grey or myself. This caused much inconvenience, as it necessitated one of us going there. At Wellington the examinations are conducted by Captain Edwin, R.N., and myself. During the present year, in addition to other examinations, two candidates were examined and passed the voluntary examination in the laws of the deviation of the compasses of iron ships. These two examinations are the first of the kind that have taken place in the colony, and they form the necessary qualification required for a licensed adjuster of compasses. Captain Bayldon, Harbourmaster at the Thames, conducts examinations for river certificates only, and according to the returns there has been a considerable falling-off in these examinations during the last twelve months. This, in my opinion, is a good sign, as it shows higher grades of certificates are preferred by mariners. In conclusion, I wish to recommend that the new regulations issued by the Board of Trade, relating to the examinations of masters and mates, which come into force on the first day of January, 1898, should be adopted in New Zealand on the same date. I have, &c, Geo. Allman, The Secretary, Marine Department. Principal Examiner of Masters and Mates.

The Inspector of Lighthouses to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir,— Wellington, 13th May, 1896. I have the honour to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I inspected the Cook Strait and southern lighthouses of New Zealand during the months of January and February last, and I also visited, in company with Mr. Hales, Engineer-in-Chief, the proposed site for a lighthouse at the Snares, and I agreed with him to recommend the location already selected by the Commissioners appointed for that purpose. The result of my inspection is that I am pleased to be able to report that, almost without exception, the lighting apparatus and towers at the several stations are in capital order and well kept; also the keepers', dwellinghouses, with the exception of a few of the old buildings, which have deteriorated through age and exposure to the elements. These buildings referred to are now being put in order, and when completed will be in good condition. At all the stations I found the keepers to be a steady, reliable body of men, attentive to their duties, and apparently fully alive to the responsibility of their position. It is also gratifying to be able to state that they expressed themselves generally as being well satisfied with the treatment accorded by the department, and in no instance was I called upon to listen to any complaint of importance.

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Concerning electric and telephone communication with the various light-stations, I have much pleasure in stating that where communication has been established it has been of great service to the shipping community, for weather-reporting purposes, and for reporting passing vessels; also it has been of considerable use for departmental purposes. I would therefore recommend that all light-stations should be connected by telephone with the nearest telegraph-station where practicable. During the year much has been done, with a view of perfecting and improving the lighting system on the coast and the harbour lights. The lighting apparatus intended, for Cape Palliser and Cape Kidnappers has arrived in Wellington, and is stored waiting the completion of their respective towers. Leading lights have been provided for Mokau Biver, and the advisability of having leading lights at Hokianga is under consideration. An iron cage has been added to the beacon off Haulashore Island, Nelson Harbour, and a more powerful light is now exhibited therefrom than hitherto; also signals to indicate the depth of water during flood-tide at the entrance of Nelson Harbour both day and night have been established, and are found to be of great service to mariners. The Harbour Boards at Napier and Gisborne have provided leading lights for the convenience and safety of shipping at their respective ports. Numerous surveys have been made of reported dangers, and buoys and beacons have been placed to mark them where required. Plans have been executed for the introduction of an auxiliary light on the Brothers, for the purpose of guiding mariners when navigating in the vicinity of Walker Rocks, off Jackson's Head ; also, at the request of the Hon. the Minister of Marine, plans were prepared for the introduction of a more suitable light for Bluff Harbour. I also reported favourably on the desirability of having Dog Island connected by cable, to enable passing vessels to be reported when the signalstation at the summit of Bluff Hill was obscured. Soundings have been taken and borings made on Hope Shoal, off Ward Island, with a view of placing a light there, to be used instead of the one at present in use at Somes Island. Some time ago. I held that the light would be better on Hope Shoal than on Somes Island. Since then the locality has been surveyed, and I have also made a further examination ; and I am now of opinion that, if the power of the light on Somes Island was increased to that of a third- or fourthorder light, it would answer the purpose admirably for which it is intended. With a view of further improving Wellington Harbour, it may be deemed necessary at some future time to light the harbour by means of gas buoys. In conclusion, I wish to make a few remarks concerning new light-stations. After the proposed lighthouse at Cape Palliser, Cape Kidnappers, and the Snares are constructed, it may be deemed necessary to add stations at other points on the New Zealand coast from time to time. These additional lights should, in my opinion, be erected in the following order, according to their importance : — Bocks Point (between Westport and Cape Farewell). —This light has almost become a necessity in view of the large number of vessels in the coal-carrying trade which pass this locality. Kiourangi Shoal, carrying 3J fathoms of water, lies about ten miles north of Bocks Point, and is about five miles off the nearest coast-line. This shoal is a source of danger to all classes of shipping, but more particularly to larger vessels with heavy draft of water making the coast of New Zealand. East Gape. —Situated between Gisborne and Auckland. This cape is the turning-point for all vessels bound to Auckland from the south part of New Zealand, and vice versd. There is at present no light on this part of the coast between Portland Island and Cuvier Island. The cape is distant 100 miles from Portland Island and 145 miles from Cuvier Island. Kaikoura Peninsula. —This lies half-way between Wellington and Lyttelton. It was close to this Peninsula that the steamer " Duke of Buckingham " stranded a few years ago. North Cape. —This cape is situated at the north-east extremity of New Zealand, and is the turning-point for all vessels coming from the westward bound to the east coast ports of the North Island, and vice versd. Cape Brett. —This lies between the Moko Hinou light and the North Cape. The Cape is distant about sixty miles from Moko Hinou light and eighty miles from the North Cape. This light would be a guide to the Bay of Islands, as well as being a good coastal light. Flat Point. —About forty-five miles north-east of Cape Palliser. There are numerous outlying dangers here in the shape of sunken rocks, on which several steamers have struck. It is off this point that the course of vessels is usually altered for north and south. Of these lights, the most pressing are Rocks Point and the East Cape. I have, &c, George Allman, The Secretary, Marine Department. Inspector of Lighthouses.

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The Principal Engineer-Surveyor of Steamers to the Secretary of the Marine Department. Office of Chief Inspector of Machinery, Wellington, Ist May, 1896. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report of steamers surveyed, and for which certificates were issued under "The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," during the financial year ended 31st March, 1896. The following table shows the number of steamers engaged in the respective trades, their tonnage, horse-power, and fees payable :—

For the 207 steamers shown above, 295 survey certificates were issued, that number of surveys having been made. The question of granting yearly certificates to steamers fitted with non-condensing machinery is worthy of consideration, as nearly all these steamers are plying on lakes or rivers where fresh water is available, or they have conveniences on board for carrying fresh water. There is therefore no good reason for having steamers fitted with non-condensing machinery surveyed twice every year, as now required. It is necessary that set times should be fixed for the examinations of marine engineers, so as to save the time both of examiners and candidates who wish to be examined. Appended is a table giving names of steamers surveyed, tons register, horse-power, nature of machinery'and'propeller, also trade in which employed. I have, &c, Robert Duncan, The Secretary, Marine Department. Principal Engineer-Surveyor.

Number. Trade in which engaged. Fees Payable.[ BegisdMnnage. Registered Nominal Horse-power. 23 56 128 Foreign Home Trade River and Extended River £ s. d. 335 0 0 407 10 0 437 10 0 19,257 10,684 3,656 4,231 3,355 2,163 207 1,180 0 0 33,597 9,749

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Return of Steamers to which Certificates of Survey were issued in New Zealand during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

2—H. 15.

9

Name of Vessel. Jj-I mi HI Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Remarks. Ahuriri Akaroa * Albany •Alert 'Alexandra Alice Aorere Argyle _ Australia Awarua •Beatrice •Bella Ben Lomond .. Birkenhead Blanche •Britannia Brunner •Canterbury Charles Edward Chelmsford Clansman •Clara ♦Clematis Corinna Coromandel Cygnet •Despatch (Auckland) Dingadee ♦Douglas Duoo Durham Eagle ♦Echo •Effort Eliza Elizabeth ♦Elsie ♦Enterprise ♦Erin ♦Ethel J. Fairy Falcon Fanny •Fingal Flora Flower of Kent ♦Freetrader Gairloch (rlenelg Grafton Hauroto ♦Help Herald Hesketh Horeke 31 43 8 73 3 49 126 260 100 8 12 33 55 18 108 333 123 70 336 5 820 67 3 393 55 26 53 138 17 28 8 5 30 4 16 45 77 80 10 12 15 16 9 40 95 24 60 24 99 4 141 25 3 6 80 20 60 30 70 3 12 Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Condensing Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Condensing Triple expansion .. Compound Screw Paddle '.'. Screw Twin-screw .. Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Twin-screw .. Screw " ' '• Sternwheel .. Screw Twin-screw.. Screw Extended river. River Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade Extended river. River. Home trade. Extended river. Home trade. Extended river.. River. Foreign trade. Extended river. River Home trade. Launch. Tug. New vessel. Launch. Extended river.. Tug. 13 Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw Paddle Screw River Extended river. River Extended river.. Launch. Fishing launch. is 61 20 32 8 30 4 16 15 5J 30 11 180 Compound Non-condensing .. Paddle '.'. Screw River. Extended river. River Home trade. Extended river. Foreign trade. Ri\er Launch. First survey. 67 22 838 Compound Condensing Compound 95 211 156 322 1,276 30 85 75 123 250 li 85 80 4 Non-condensing .. Compound Sternwheel .. Twin-screw .. Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Launch. Home trade. Non-condensing .. Compound Foreign trade. River Home trade. Launch. 370 393 Twin-screw.. Screw Launch (formerly " Miranda"). Non-condensing .. River Huia (Wellington) ♦Huia (Auckland) •Ida Invercargill ♦Invincible Iona Irene Ivy Jane Douglas .. •Janet Nicoll J. D. 0. John Anderson Kahu Kanieri •Kate .. •Katikati Katipo Kawatiri •Kawau Kennedy ♦Kina .. •Kiripaka •Kopuru ♦Koputai ♦Kotuku Lady Barkly .. 90 25 8 10 50 25 65 2i 8 22 90 28 25 40 20 5 8 1* 70 10 43 15 20 20 120 40 20 Compound Non-condensing .. Home trade. River. 12 123 50 159 Compound Home trade. Extended river. Home trade. River Launch. Non-condensing .. r 75 496 87 36 99 115 Compound Extended river. Home trade. Extended river. ■ Tug. 27 285 37 125 52 72 28 5 41 39 Non-condensing .. Condensing Compound Twin-screw .. Screw Foreign trade. Home trade. River Extended river. River Home trade. Extended river. Home trade. River. Home trade. River. Home trade River. Extended river. Launch. Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Paddle Three screws Screw Tug. * Surveyed twice, and in some cases three times,

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Return of Steamers to which Certificates of Survey were issued, &c. — continued.

10

Name. &u \ti*i\ ""! Nature of Engines. J* & a U Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Eemarks. Lily Little George .. •Lyttelton •Mahinapua Mana (Wellington) Manaia Manapouri Manawatu .. •Manukau *Manuwai *Maori Mararoa *Matau *Matuku Mawhera Mere Mere * Minnie Casey .. Moa •Mokoia Moss Rose Mountaineer .. *Moutoa Murray Napier •Nautilus Neptune •Ngunguru ♦Nile .. *Noko.. No. 121No. 222 Ohau.. Ohinemuri Omapere Onslow Orowaiti "Oreti .. .. Osprey Ovalau *Paeroa Paiaka •Patiki * Pearl •Pelorus .. Penguin •Phoenix Pic ton .. Pilot .. Pioneer Piraki 'Planet Plucky Poherua Prince of Wales 20 4 39 205 51 55 1,020 111 45 75 17 1,380 50 3 340 48 109 66 90 48 32 44 54 21 15 394 502 411 73 352 16 283 138 138 767 45 10 37 9 18 517 6 7 11 5 10 13 29 749 487 12 4 80 80 25 15 300 38 15 25 8 530 40 ■8 75 3 25 33 4 8 60 5 25 30 18 18 12 20 9 100 120 92 26 80 14 70 50 70 75 16 10 22 7 12 180 6 8 13 5 9 8 40 128 21 Comp'd condensing Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Condensing Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Condensing Non-condensing .. Twin-screw .. Screw Paddle Twin-screw.. Screw Sternwheel .. Sorew Sternwheel .. Screw Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Twin-screw.. Extended river. River Home trade Extended river.. Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade. Extended river. River. Extended river. Foreign trade. River. Home trade. River. Home trade. River Home trade Extended river.. Home trade. Extended river. Launch. Tug. // Launch. New launch. Launch. Left the colony. Yacht. Compound Home trade Foreign trade. Home trade. Dredge. Screw Twin-screw.. Screw River. Home trade. Foreign trade. River. Foreign trade. Extended river. Quadruple expans'n. Compound Paddle Screw Fishing vessel. Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw River. Launch. Compound Non-condensing .. Home trade. Extended river.. Compound Non-condensing .. River Extended river. Compound Triple expansion .. Condensing Home trade Foreign trade. Home trade Tug. Queen of the South •Result (Tauranga) •Result (Napier) Richmond Ripple Rosamond •Rose Casey "Rotokino Rotomahana (Dunedin) Rotomahana (Auckland) •Scotchman •Sea Gull •Snark Southern Cross Staffa (Auckland) Staffa (Dunedin) Stella Stormbird •Sylph ..: •Tainui .. ■ ■ Takapuna (Dunedin) •Takapuna (Auckland) .. Talune Tarn O'Shanter •Tangihua .. .. Tarawera ♦Tarewai Taupo .. 121 13 18 475 40 10 23 105 7 90 109 135 450 45 10 6 10 50 20 3* 90 40 4 20 165 20 255 12 15 250 14 92 Compound Non-condensing .. Meat-freezing vessel. Extended river. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Foreign trade. River Home trade. Extended river. Foreign trade. Launch. 462 100 1,304 901 139 30 Quadruple expans'n Compound Non-condensing .. Home trade. Extended river. 12 158 40 Compound Condensing Non-condensing .. Compound Foreign trade. Extended river. River Home trade. 157 137 5 47 370 58 1,303 22 20 1,269 7 408 Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw Paddle Screw River River. Home trade. River. Foreign trade. River. Compound Foreign trade. River. Foreign trade. ♦ Surve; r ed twice, and in some cases three times.

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Return of Steamers to which Certificates of Survey were issued, &c. — continued.

Return showing the Certificates of Service issued to Masters, Mates, and Engineers during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

11

Name of Vessel. & . MS a| O BjD 111 J 1-3II Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Remarks. •Taviuni Tawhara *Te Aroha Tekapo Tekapu Theodore Thomas King .. Timaru Titiroa "Tongariro Torea Tuakau Tui Tuna Upolu Vesta "Victoria 'Victory ♦Vivid.. Waihi *Waihora *Waikato Wainui Waiotahi •Wairere Wairoa (Auckland) *Wairoa (Napier) *Wairoro Waitangi Waitapu Waitara *Waitoa Waiwera (Auckland) *Waiwera (Lyttelton) Waiwera (Henley) Wakatipu Wakatu Waverley Weka (Napier) Weka (Auckland) Wellington *Whangape *Yankee Doodle Zephyr 910 50 1,544 50 35 70 211 62 9 700 92 6 63 1,269 56 391 168 27 63 48 135 10 14 270 25 25 16 78 3 25 18 2 6* 14 120 3 50 4 14 20 250 20 95 56 80 24 20 10 5 16 12 16 8 15 7 256 30 25 20 27 90 6 12 12 Quadruple expans'n Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Quadruple expans'n Non-condensing .. Compound i Non-condensing .. Compound Screw Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Paddle Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Twin-screw .. Paddle Screw Foreign trade. River Foreign trade. Extended river. River. Extended river.. Home trade Eiver Extended river. Eiver Extended river. Foreign trade. Eiver Extended river. River Extended river. Home trade. Foreign trade. River. Home trade. Launch. Dredge. Tug. Launch. New vessel. Launch. Non-condensing .. Compound Condensing Non-condensing .. Eiver. Home trade. Extended river. Eiver 40 Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Home trade Extended river. Burnt. 27 Twin-screw .. Screw Launch. "e 1,258 95 77 53 86 279 Non-condensing .. Quadruple expans'n Compound Eiver Extended river. River Foreign trade. Home trade. Twin-screw .. Screw Twin-screw.. Screw Eiver. Home trade. River Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw 6 8 * Surveyed twice, and in some cases three times,

Eeturn of Itea: :ers ti da Jertificates o: Survey were issued, &c. — continued. Name of Vessel. p 2 1-1 =w ; Js2l Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Bemarks. •Taviuni Tawhara *Te Aroha Tekapo Tekapu Theodore Thomas King .. Timaru Titiroa "Tongariro Torea Tuakau Tui Tuna Upolu Vesta 'Victoria 'Victory ♦Vivid.. Waihi *Waihora •Waikato Wainui Waiotahi *Wairere Wairoa (Auckland) *Wairoa. (Napier) *Wairoro Waitangi Waitapu Waitara *Waitoa Waiwera (Auckland) *Waiwera (Lyttelton) Waiwera (Henley) Wakatipu Wakatu Waverley Weka (Napier) Weka (Auckland) Wellington *Whangape *Yankee Doodle Zephyr 910 50 1,544 50 35 70 211 62 9 700 92 6 63 1,269 56 391 168 27 63 48 135 10 14 270 25 25 16 78 3 25 18 2 64 14 120 3 50 4 14 20 250 20 95 56 80 24 20 10 5 16 12 16 8 15 7 256 30 25 20 27 90 6 12 12 Quadruple expans'n Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Quadruple expans'n Non-condensing .. Compound i Non-condensing .. Compound Screw Paddle ! '. Screw Paddle Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Paddle Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Paddle Screw Paddle ! '. Screw Twin-screw .. Paddle Screw Foreign trade. River Foreign trade. Extended river. River. Extended river.. Home trade Eiver Extended river. Eiver Extended river. Foreign trade. Eiver Extended river. River Extended river. Home trade. Foreign trade. River. Home trade. Launch. Dredge. Tug. Launch. New vessel. Launch. Non-condensing .. Compound Condensing Non-condensing .. Eiver. Home trade. Extended river. Eiver 40 Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Home trade Extended river. Burnt. 27 Twin-screw .. Screw Launch. "e 1,258 95 77 53 86 279 Non-condensing .. Quadruple expans'n Compound Eiver Extended river. River Foreign trade. Home trade. Twin-screw .. Screw Twin-screw.. Screw Eiver. Home trade. River Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw 6 8 * Surveyed twice, and in some cases three times. Return showing the Certificates of Service issued to Masters, Mates, and Engineers during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896. Name of Person. Rank. Class of Certificate. Date of Issue. No. Joseph Wheeler William Lang George Mayall William Turner .. James Biddick Daniel Sullivan .. William Cinnamon James Pelley George Buckley Solomon Finey Peter Kino Joseph Silveria Edwin McDonald William Williams Henry George Subritzky Alfred Subritzky .. John Mitchell Bernard Master .. Home trade 4 April, 1895 .. 29 April, „ 14 May, „ 21 May, „ ... 4 June, „ 4 June, „ 10 June, „ 10 June, „ 10 June, „ 12 June, „ 5 July, „ 7 Aug., „ .. 21 Aug., „ .. 9 Deo., „ .. 19 Deo., 19 Deo., „ .. 13 Jan., 1896 .. 2658 2659 2660 2661 2662 2663 2664 2665 2666 2667 2668 2669 2670 2671 2672 2673 2674 » • • V • •

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Return showing the Total Ordinary Expenditure of the Marine Department during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

iure oJ ixpem Dure. iaij la. Is. tram Is. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. !bad Office :— Secretary, also Secretary and Inspector of Customs Chief Clerk Clerk Cadet Nautical Adviser, &c. .. 300 0 0 220 0 0 53 17 9 400 0 0 973 17 :arbotjbs :— Manukau, — Salaries Contingencies Signalmast Repairs to Heads Wharf Repairs to Pollock Wharf Russell, — Contingencies Hokianga,— Salaries .. .. .. Contingencies Kaipara,— Salaries Subsidy to steamer for harbour-work „ Contingencies Whangarei,— Grant for wharf at Urquhart Bay Opunake,—. Salary Contingencies Foxton, — Salary Contingencies Rangitikei,— Salary Contingencies .. .. .. .... Tauranga,— Contingencies Wairau, — Salary Contingencies Picton, — Contingencies Havelock, — Contingencies Nelson, — Salaries Contingencies Riwaka, — Salary Waitapu,— Salary Maintenance of lights Contingencies Collingwood,— Salary Contingencies Mokihinui, — Contingencies Karamea, — Signalling vessels Contingencies Okarito, — Salary Contingencies Okuru, — Signalling vessels Waikawa, — Salary Contingencies 426 0 0 92 7 6 98 8 3 68 14 10 50 0 0 5 19 10 36 0 0 1 13 11 10 12 5 274 0 0 10 0 405 0 0 240 0 0 2 18 3 100 0 0 190 0 0 78 8 11 145 0 0 47 12 6 25 0 0 2 2 0 268 8 11 37 13 11 10 12 5 735 10 7 5 19 10 275 0 0 647 18 3 100 0 0 192 12 6 11 14 2 11 14 2 7 5 0 7 5 0 729 2 5 362 13 11 1,091 16 4 6 0 0 I 6 0 0 25 0 0 50 0 0 0 16 0 75 16 0 18 15 0 19 11 6 38 6 6 7 4 3 7 4 3 23 0 0 9 11 32 1 1 50 0 0 37 5 0 87 5 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 10 0 0 3 10 Mokau, — Signalman Contingencies .. Whangateau,— Grant for approach Contingencies Little Wanganui,— Signalling vessels Contingencies Gisborne, — Erection of beacons Waimakariri, — Grant for river-works Half-moon Bay,— Iron beacons 13 1 0 10 8 4 26 5 5 36 13 9 12 10 0 2 19 6 15 9 6 11 10 0 19 18 3 31 8 3 72 4 11 72 4 11 85 0 0 85 0 0 4 16 6 4 16 6

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Return showing the Total Ordinary Expenditure of the Marine Department — continued.

Return showing the Number of Notices to Mariners relating to Matters within the Colony issued by the Marine Department during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

:ure o: Ixpeni ;ure. ;ai! Is. Is. tram Is. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Habboces— continued. Whakatane,— Removal of rocks 4 4 6 4 4 6 Pension of J. Heberley 50 0 0 Buoy chain Port lights Report on Westport training-wall General harbour contingencies 57 17 8 388 7 2 50 0 0 242 2 11 50 0 0 738 7 9 Lighthouses :— Salaries of keepers Travelling-expenses of keepers Oil .. Stores and contingencies Pension of Mrs. Deck Lighthouse artificer 8,985 3 10 89 10 8 1,430 4 3 8,316 1 5 24 0 0 200 0 0 Departmental travelling-expenses 14,045 0 2 85 6 5 85 6 5 Coastal buoys and beacons 8 5 0 Sundries Charts Inquiries into wrecks and casualties Survey of unseaworthy ships Relief of distressed New Zealand seamen Relief of distressed seamen (other than New Zealand) 191 19 11 84 5 0 154 10 8 13 0 0 202 14 6 36 10 11 8 5 0 683 1 0 683 1 0 Administration of Fisheries Acts, — Protection of fish Protection of oysters 125 8 10 219 13 5 Examination of Masters and Mates, — Salaries Contingencies 128 7 8 194 9 1 345 2 3 345 2 3 322 16 9 322 16 9 Weather Reporting 300 0 0 " Stella," s.s., — Expenses 300 0 0 " Hinemoa," s.s., — Wages, stores, provisions, &c. Less amount earned by vessel 7,129 14 3 253 1 6 233 18 2 233 18 2 Cost of new propeller 6,876 12 9 49 13 10 6,926 6 7 Total £28,639 7 0

'or1 or lace. ieo' otice. ilufi Harbour Jueen Charlotte Sound .. jueen Charlotte Sound .. Vaimakariri River fapier Harbour .. lapier Harbour .. 'names River Jroiselles Harbour Jroiselles Harbour laglan Harbour 'overty Bay 'overty Bay 'overty Bay Ireymouth Harbour lanukau Harbour luckland Harbour luckland Harbour 'ort Nicholson .. Telson Harbour .. Telson Harbour .. Itewart Island itewart Island .. Lightship replaced in position. Survey of passage between Jackson's Head and beacon. Position of Pirano Shoal, off Blackwood Bay. Signal that bar is not fit for vessels outward-bound. Extension of breakwater. Position and description of leading-lights, beacons, and buoys for approaching steamer and breakwater wharves. Light on Kopu Wharf (two notices). Position of Mace Rock. Position of Hapuka Shoal (two notices). Alteration in position of beacons. Anchorage for vessels bound into Turanganui River. Position of rock on which s.s. "Anglian" and s.s. " Waihora" reported to have struck. Guides to anchorages and sailing directions. Position of wreck of barque " Thurso " (three notices). Extension of Emma Spit and South Head Beach (two notices). Dredging channel leading to Quay Street Jetty No. 2. Light on Quay Street Jetty No. 2. Position of mine-field, Mahanga Bay. Alteration in position of bar-buoy. Harbour-lights and -signals. Position of dangers off Island. Beacons on Louie Rock and May Rock, Half-moon Bay.

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Return of Masters, Mates, and Engineers to whom Certificates of Competency were issued during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

Name of Person. Bank. Lass o; !er1 iuai ;e. se.oi [ssue. Hillel Fredrik Liljeblad .. . i. Master Ordinary .. Foreign trade (renewal) Foreign trade 8 May, 1895 .. 765* William Walker Peter Sutherland Arthur Algernon Austen Louis Boy Willsam John Cranch Aron Gustaf Oberg Alec Mitford Edwin .. Harry Egerton Walley George Melville Buxton Alexander James Kerr Cross Alfred Nettlingham Lionel Campbell Hugh Worrall William Troup Stanley MoOheyne Hopkins Frederick Graham Collard Roderick McLean Niel Taylor Bobertson Maurice Charles Yore .. Harry Niel Cornwall James Francis Crawford .. —.. Oscar Jarman John McKenzie .. .. —;. George Alfred Sparks Thomas Tapin John Bae James Goulding ... Archibald Hewitley Reed Charles Thompson First Mate Second Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate „ (renewal) 11 „ 18 June, 18 „ „ .. 8 July, „ .. 11 „ „ •• 6 Sept., 10 „ „ .. 14 „ „ .. 20 „ „ .. 23 „ „ .. 16 Oct., „ .. 15 Nov., „ .. 29 „ „ .. 4 Dec, „ .. 19 „ „ .. 23 „ „ .. 4 Jan., 1896 .. 4 „ „ ■■ 24 „ „ .. 28 „ „ .. 31 „ „ .. 8 Feb., „ .. 10 „ „ .. 2 March, „ 2 „ „ .. 4 „ •• 10 „ „ .. 27 Sept., 1895 .. 576 742 768 769 770 771 772 773 580 774 740 : 459 778 779 780 700 608 781 782 783 467 784 785' 786 787 788: 789 775 First Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate Only Mate Second Mate First Mate Only Mate Edward Dorling .. .. .. Arthur Beard Edward Pearce Peter Mclntyre John Broadbent Hall James Jamieson Edward Dorling Robert McKinlay Thomas Lethaby William Francis Stewart Aron Gustaf Oberg George Henry Wood Thomas Walton Myers William Hugh Ward Thomas Frederick Meyers Frederick Henwood Maurice Charles Yore Emanuel Silva Otto Edward Peterson Godfred Carlquest .. Kenneth Stuart .. Charles Riesop Charles Stewart Wood John James Peter McDougall Harry Howard Gould Benjamin Williams Joseph Patrick Stanaway Joseph Lockie Gerhard George Mueller Arthur Beddie George McGregor Alan Ingham Milnes William Bennett Henry Upton John Paton Stephens .. .. ■ Charles McKirdy .. .. ... Percy Eden Waddington James Powell .. .. . ■ John Robert Lindsay Thomas William John Crang Bowden John William Proctor Charles Sutton George Fitzwilliam Stuart MaoLean John McPhee .. .. . • Bichmond Frederick Wilson Arthur John Ayers Frederick William Meikle Thomas Biohard Wheeler Harrhy .. Dudley Harris Samuel Godfrey Asher John Brokenshire William Frederic Meyenberg Sealy James Best James Bridgland Thomas Bradbury Arthur Norman Wakefield John Riley Scrimgeour Second Mate Foreign-going steamship only Ditto Ditto Home trade INov., „ .. 27 „ „ .. 19 April, 10 May, 5 July, „ .. 8 „ „ .. 15 „ „ .. 19 „ „ .. 19 „ „ .. 29 „ „ .. 17 Sept., „ .. 16 Oct., „ .. 13 Nov., „ .. 21 „ „ .. 19 Dec,, „ .. 23 I 31 Jan., 1896 .. 2 March, „ .. 6 „ 25 June, 1895 .. 23 Sept., „ .. 2 Oct., „ .. 9 Dec, 23 „ „ .. 23 „ „ .. 15 Jan., 1896 .. 23 „ „ .. 29 April, 1895 .. 22 May, 8 Aug., „ .. 13 „ „ .. 21 Nov., „ .. 21 „ „ .. 24 Jan., 1896 .. 24 „ „ .. 11 Feb., „ .. 29 April, 1895 .. 21 May, „ .. 29 „ „ .. 7 June, „ 10 „ „ .. 14 „ „ .. 15 July, „ 15 „ „ .. 15 „ „ .. 15 „ „ .. 7 Aug., „ .. 21 „ „ .. 3 Sept., 10 „ „ .. 3 Oct., 8 „ (/ .. 5 Nov., /, 21 „ „ .. 26 „ „ .. 9 Dec, 31 Jan., 1896 .. 776 777 5375 5376 5377 5378 5379 5380 5381 5382 5383 5384 5385 5386 5387 5388 5389 5390 5391 3251 3252 3253 3254 3255 3256 3257 3258 257 258 259 213 260 261 262 263 224 1726 1727 1728 1729 1730 1731 1732 1733 1734 1735 1736 1737 1738 1739 1740 1741 1742 1743 1744 ! 1745 1746 Mate Master Mate Master Mate Master Mate „ (renewal) Master Mate Master Mate Master River trade 2nd Class Engineer Foreign trade 1st Class Engineer 2nd Class Engineer 1st Class Engineer 2nd Glass Engineer 1st Class Engineer Engineer .. River trade // • * tt • • » •' ti • * // • • » • * rt • ' * Local.

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Return showing the Cost of Maintenance of the New Zealand Lighthouses, and the Quantity of Oil consumed at each, during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

Eetuen of Estates of Deceased Seamen received and administered in pursuance of the Provisions of "The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

Name of Lighthouse. Salaries. Gallons consumed. Value. Stores - and Contingencies. Totals. Cape Maria van Diemen.. Moko Hinou .. Tiri-Tiri .. ' .. Bean Eock .. Ponui Passage .. .. Cuvier Island Portland Island.. Napier Bluff .. .. Pencarrow Head .. Somes Island Cape Egmont Manukau Head .. Manukau South Head leading-lights Manukau North Head leading-lights Kaipara Head Brothers Tory Channel leading-lights Cape Campbell Godley Head Akaroa Head Moeraki Taiaroa Head Cape Saunders Nugget,Poinj; Waipapapa Point Dog Island Centre Island Puysegur Point.. Hokitika Cape Foulwind Farewell Spit Nelson Stephens Island French Pass & s. d. 365 16 8 379 13 6 300 0 0 160 0 0 160 0 0 360 0 0 375 4 4 20 0 0 269 14 7 156 0 0 282 10 0 253 0 9 975 883 501 88* 76 1,283 702 Gas 946 216 566 535 166 176 555 707 170 566 526 643 518 554 563 912 533 800 866 887 £, s. d. 67 0 7 60 14 2 34 8 10 5 10 0 5 4 6 88 4 2 48 5 3 13 7 9 65 0 9 14 17 0 38 18 3 36 15 7 11 8 3 12 2 0 38 3 2 48 12 2 11 13 9 38 18 3 36 3 3 44 4 2 35 12 3 38 1 9 38 14 2 62 14 0 36 12 10 55 0 0 59 10 9 60 19 7 14 15 0 35 4 0 41 2 3 17 3 9 117 19 6 8 9 2 I £ s. d. 93 7 0 143 9 1 220 9 9» 1 19 4 4 14 1 142 9 10" 148 10 0 5 0 0 245 11 10° 33 14 10 d 50 1 0 48 19 7 24 17 10 45 18 7 155 9 l e 5 12 113 0 it 253 1 3b 63 14 5 48 11 5 35 15 0 38 0 0 84 18 ll h 51 10 2 224 14 10' 240 2 3i 239 1 11 5 19 125 15 7 k 132 9 101 24 12 8 125 14 9 106 10 7 m £ s. cL 526 4 3 583 16 9 554 18 7 167 9 4 169 18 7 590 14 0 571 19 7 38 7 9 580 7 2 204 11 10 371 9 3 338 15 11 120 0 0 290 0 0 534 8 9 90 0 0 304 3 4 281 13 i 272 2 10 266 13 4 269 3 4 274 8 8 266 16 0 272 10 0 380 0 0 367 10 0 370 0 0 12 0 0 280 0 0 382 3 0 239 11 5 420 0 0 210 0 0 168 8 1 374 1 9 738 10 0 106 14 11 450 1 11 570 17 10 380 1 5 350 17 0 343 0 1 351 2 10 414 8 11 360 13 0 659 14 10 667 3 0 670 1 6 31 16 9 440 19 7 555 15 1 281 7 10 663 14 3 324 19 9 Gas 512 598 250 1,716 123 Totals 8,985 3 10 19,112 .1,341 10 10 3,282 8 8 13,609 3 4 * Kerosene. a Expense for repairs, £175 18s. Expense on Hope Shoal, £12 9a. 8d. e Bepairs M9 6s. 6d. i Bepairs, £109 3s. id. i Kepa i Tree-planting, £8118s. . lid. b Eepai :, £74 16s. 9d. lira, £116 11s. 7d. Irs, £40 13s. 5d t Fencing, £61 11 Bepai: [. c Expense incurred on tram' 6 3s. 3d. g New landing, £208 5s. rs, £34 14s. 1 Material for ne~s 'ay, £184 0s. lid. 11 Fencing. ■ tower, £82 9s,

Name of Seaman. Balance to Credit of "Estate on 31st March, 1895. Amount received. Amount paid. Balance to Credit of Estate on 31st Marcl 1896. Richard Ryan Jeorge Railey Elenry Whatling .. iY. H. Judd irthur Holmes \Iiss L. Grindrod.. Samuel Stewart .. Frank Anderson .. Robert Chesterman Robert Redmond Mrs. Lucy Fotheringham (or Lindsay) \1. Johnston Andrew Luping .. V. Jorenge tfikal Larsen Sills Thomas Tree William Cinnamon rohn McLeod Duncan Campbell i. McKechan £ s. d. 11 4 4 6 4 6 2 14 2 7 12 0 2 10 8 2 10 8 3 11 13 0 10 2 15 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. 1 10 0 6 4 6 2 14 2 7 12 0 2 10 8 2 10 8 10 6 1 9 9 "6 3 16 0 15 6 £ s. d. 9 14 4 7 5 0 3 17 0 0 6 6 0 15 6 6 5 1 0 12 0 0 11 0 0 12 0 6 2 10 82 16 5 3 0 0 0 16 10 2 16 2 7 15 5 7"8 4 6 5 1 0 12 0 0 11 0 0 12 0 6 2 10 82 16 5 3"o 0 0 16 10 2 16 2 7 15 5 Totals 51 13 3 123 11 9 49 14 7 125 10 5

16

H.—ls

Return showing the Cost of Erection of the New Zealand Coastal Lighthouses.

Return showing the Fees, &c., received under the Shipping and Seamen's Act, the Merchant Shipping Act, and for Pilotage and Port Charges, &c., during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

Return showing the Amount of Light-dues collected during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

Return showing the Amount of Pilotage, Port Charges, &c., collected during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

Name of Lighthouse. Cost of Erection. Pencarrow Head Nelson Tiri-Tiri .. Mana Island* Taiaroa Head Godley Head Dog Island Farewell Spit Nugget Point. Cape Campbell Manukau Head Cape Foulwind Brothers Portland Island Moeraki Centre Island Puysegur Point Cape Maria van Diemen Akaroa Head Cape Saunders Cape Egmontf Moko Hinou Waipapapa Point Ponui Passage} Kaipara Head French Pass Cuvier Island' Stephens Island Cost of telegraph cable to Tiri-Tiri Miscellaneous and unallocated £ S. d. 6,422 0 4 2,824 8 9 5,747 7 2 5,513 0 1 4,923 14 11 4,705 16 4 10,480 12 8 6,139 11 8 6,597 3 7 5,619 2 6 4,975 2 4 6,955 9 1 6,241 0 0 6,554 14 5 4,288 13 2 5,785 19 0 9,958 19 5 7,028 14 8 7,150 6 5 6,066 6 3 3,353 17 11 8,186 5 0 5,969 18 11 5,571 8 0 1,427 17 5 7,406 16 11 9,349 9 11 1,085 19 6 1,322 2 2 Total .. £167,651 18 6 * Light discontinued; moved to Cape Egm< I Cost of iron tower, lantern, and apparai noved from Mana Island, is not included in i J Built by Provincial Government of A :nown in Marine Department. Hit. jus, which were reads, uckland; cost not

Nature of Receipts. Amount. Shipping and Seamen's Act:— Fees for shipping and discharge of seamen, and sale of forms Survey of steamers Measurement of ships Examination of masters, mates, and engineers Light-dues Merchant Shipping Act Pilotage and port charges Sundry receipts under Harbours Acts Sea-fisheries Act Sundries £ s. d. 1,413 15 9 1,138 11 0 18 18 0 122 11 6 15,562 5 3 98 19 6 2,220 15 10 194 4 6 342 13 0 1,568 18 3 22,681 12 7 Total .. .. £

Port. Amount collected. Auckland Onehunga Whangarei Whangaroa Russell Mongonui Hokianga Kaipara Thames Coromandel Tauranga Poverty Bay Napier New Plymouth Waitara Wanganui Patea Wellington Wairau Picton .. Nelson Westport Greymouth Hokitika .. Lyttelton .. .. ■ ■ Timaru .. Oamaru Dunodin .. Bluff and Invercargill £ s. d. 4,511 16 2 69 11 4 66 16 5 3 13 1 34 12 8 0 16 3 7 6 8 147 12 3 74 4 11 22 9 9 26 5 1 257 5 11 559 12 4 98 14 0 17 2 10 99 6 ll 10 1 11 4,078 13 10 15 18 5 150 0 4 304 18 10 212 12 10 145 2 6 4 9 7 1,535 13 1 231 0 6 54 5 3 1,504 10 11 1,317 10 8 Total £15,562 5 3

Name of Port. Pilotage. Port Charges, &o. Total. Auckland* Oneliunga Hokianga Kaipara Thames* Gisborne* Wairoa* Napier* New Plymouth* Waitara* Wanganui* Patea* Fox ton Wellington* .. Wairau Nelson Hokitika* Lyttelton* Timaru* Oamaru* Dunedin* Invercargill* .. Blufi* Riverton* & s. d. 374 4 8 0 17 0 18 1 0 140 6 10 130 1 11 49 13 7 102 10 0 538 7 5 43 19 6 44 0 1 347 11 10 40 7 1 117 8 1 174 16 1 157 18 10 686 19 11 £ s. d. 2,154 2 5 68 15 3 699 5 1 7 3 4 627 16 9 2 10 0 2,233 13 10 108 10 6 62 16 1 913 6 £ s. d. 2,528 7 1 69 12 3 18 1 0 839 11 11 137 5 3 677 10 4 105 0 0 2,772 1 8 152 10 0 106 16 2 347 11 10 50 0 7 117 8 1 6,330 10 8 157 18 10 1,018 3 9 46 9 1 7,299 12 4 1,832 3 4 124 1 0 9,518 6 6 16 4 4 3,506 0 0 6 14 0 6,161 14 7 4,038 0 2 422 18 0 68 18 0 5,528 11 5 4 2 0 2,300 12 0 331 3 10 16 9 1 3,261 12 2 1,409 5 4 55 3 0 3,989 15 1 12 2 4 1,205 8 0 6 14 0 Totals .. 15,330 5 5 22,453 H 2 37,783 19 7 * Harbour Board revenue.

H:—ls.

Descriptive Return of New Zealand Coastal Lighthouses.

Return showing the Number of Masters, Mates, and Engineers examined during the Year ended the 31st March, 1896, distinguishing the Number of Successful and Unsuccessful Candidates.

3—H. 15.

17

Descriptive Eeturn of New Z< ■.aland Coastal Lighthousi IS. Name of Lighthouse. Order of Apparatus. Description. Period of Revolving Light. Colour of Light. Tower built of Dwelling! built of Date iirst lighted. Cape Maria van I Diemen Moko Hinou Tiri-Tiri 1st order dioptric 1st order dioptric 2nd Revolving Fixed Flashing Fixed 1' •■ 10" White Red, to show over Columbia Reef White White, with red arc over Flat Rock White and red White Timber Stone Iron Timber Timber 24 Mar., 1879 18 June, 1883 1 Jan., 1865 ! ■" Ponui Passage Guvier Island Portland Island \ 5th 1st 2nd Revolving 30" 30" Red, to show over Bull Rock White Timber Iron Timber 29 July, 1871 22 Sept., 1889 10 Feb., 1878 Fixed 2nd order dioptric 2nd 3rd 2nd 2nd Iron Timber 1 Jan., 1859 1 Aug., 1881 1 Sept., 1874 1 Dec, 1884 24 Sept., 1877 Penoarrow Head Cape Egmont Manukau Head Kaipara Head Brothers Flashing 10" 10" Timber Fixed Red, to show over Cook Rock White Cape Campbell Godley Head Akaroa Head Moeraki Taiaroa Head. Cape Saunders Nugget Point Waipapapa Point .. Dog Island 2nd order dioptric 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 2nd 1st 2nd 1st order catadioptric 1st order dioptric Revolving Fixed Flashing Fixed V Timber Stone TimberTimber Stone Timber 1 Aug., 1870 1 April, 1865 1 Jan., 1880 22 April, 1878 2 Jan., 1865 1 Jan., 1880 4 July, 1870 1 Jan., 1884 1 Aug., 1865 io" Revolving Fixed Flashing Revolving v Red White Stone Timber Stone TimberStone Stone Timber Stone TimberStone io" 30" Centre Island Fixed White, with rod arcs over inshore dangers White Timber Timber 16 Sept., 1878 Puysegur Point Cape Foulwind Farewell Spit 1st 2nd 2nd Flashing Revolving 10" 30" 1' White, with red arc over Spit end White, with red arc to mark limit of anchorage Red and white, with white light on beacon White .. s. succession every hall IMar., 1879 1 Sept., 1876 17 June, 1870 » ! Nelson 4th Fixed Iron 4 Aug., 1862 French Pass 6th 'i 1 Oct., 1884 Stephens Island .;. 1st Group flashing 2 flashes in quic f-minute 29 Jan., 1894 iBTUKN showing the Number of Mastbes, Mates, Year ended the 31st March, 1896, distinguishing cessful Candidates. and Engineers examined during the ihe Number of Successful and UnsucAuckland. Wellington. Lytteltc in. Dunedin. Other Places. 'otals. Class of Certificate. ■a id i =3 1 (A Cβ Cβ I O c=! ri fa : H Ph fa i 1 s I 3 <s o ft H ■ami 8 '3 13 PM ft H •B 00 Ph a s Cβ O ft tforeign - going masters and mates lome-trade masters and mates liver-steamer masters lea-going engineers liver-steamer engineers 7 9 5 2 4 2 9 13 7 17 9 3 4 3 I . 6 I .28 2 11 3 1 5 1 * 10 46 4 4 8 .8 1 .. 17 8 7 4 4 19 ! 8 8 21 31 16 ! 6 i ii 47 25 10 9 32 'i 4 11 *6 3 3 5 5 Totals 28 12 40 36 i 10 7 7 15 5 5 87 36 123 ;—H. 1

Descriptive Eeturn of New Z< ■.aland Coastal Lighthousi IS. Name of Lighthouse. Order of Apparatus. Description. Period of Revolving Light. Colour of Light. Tower built of Dwelling! built of Date iirst lighted. Cape Maria van I Diemen Moko Hinou Tiri-Tiri 1st order dioptric 1st order dioptric 2nd Revolving Fixed Flashing Fixed 1' •■ 10" White Red, to show over Columbia Reef White White, with red arc over Flat Rock White and red White Timber Stone Iron Timber Timber 24 Mar., 1879 18 June, 1883 1 Jan., 1865 ! ■" Ponui Passage Guvier Island Portland Island \ 5th 1st 2nd Revolving 30" 30" Red, to show over Bull Rock White Timber Iron Timber 29 July, 1871 22 Sept., 1889 10 Feb., 1878 Fixed 2nd order dioptric 2nd 3rd 2nd 2nd Iron Timber 1 Jan., 1859 1 Aug., 1881 1 Sept., 1874 1 Dec, 1884 24 Sept., 1877 Penoarrow Head Cape Egmont Manukau Head Kaipara Head Brothers Flashing 10" 10" Timber Fixed Red, to show over Cook Rock White Cape Campbell Godley Head Akaroa Head Moeraki Taiaroa Head. Cape Saunders Nugget Point Waipapapa Point .. Dog Island 2nd order dioptric 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 2nd 1st 2nd 1st order catadioptric 1st order dioptric Revolving Fixed Flashing Fixed V Timber Stone TimberTimber Stone Timber 1 Aug., 1870 1 April, 1865 1 Jan., 1880 22 April, 1878 2 Jan., 1865 1 Jan., 1880 4 July, 1870 1 Jan., 1884 1 Aug., 1865 io" Revolving Fixed Flashing Revolving v Red White Stone Timber Stone TimberStone Stone Timber Stone TimberStone io" 30" Centre Island Fixed White, with rod arcs over inshore dangers White Timber Timber 16 Sept., 1878 Puysegur Point Cape Foulwind Farewell Spit 1st 2nd 2nd Flashing Revolving 10" 30" 1' White, with red arc over Spit end White, with red arc to mark limit of anchorage Red and white, with white light on beacon White .. s. succession every hall IMar., 1879 1 Sept., 1876 17 June, 1870 » ! Nelson 4th Fixed Iron 4 Aug., 1862 French Pass 6th 'i 1 Oct., 1884 Stephens Island .;. 1st Group flashing 2 flashes in quic f-minute 29 Jan., 1894 iBTUKN showing the Number of Mastbes, Mates, Year ended the 31st March, 1896, distinguishing cessful Candidates. and Engineers examined during the ihe Number of Successful and UnsucAuckland. Wellington. Lytteltc in. Dunedin. Other Places. 'otals. Class of Certificate. ■a id i =3 1 (A Cβ Cβ I O c=! ri fa : H Ph fa i 1 s I 3 <s o ft H ■ami 8 '3 13 PM ft H •B 00 Ph a s Cβ O ft tforeign - going masters and mates lome-trade masters and mates liver-steamer masters lea-going engineers liver-steamer engineers 7 9 5 2 4 2 9 13 7 17 9 3 4 3 I . 6 I .28 2 11 3 1 5 1 * 10 46 4 4 8 .8 1 .. 17 8 7 4 4 19 ! 8 8 21 31 16 ! 6 i ii 47 25 10 9 32 'i 4 11 *6 3 3 5 5 Totals 28 12 40 36 i 10 7 7 15 5 5 87 36 123 ;—H. 1

H.—ls.

RETURN of Wrecks and Casualties to Shipping reported to the Marine Department, from the 1st April, 1895, to the 31st March, 1896.

18

Date of Casualty. Name of Vessel, also Age and Class Rij £ oo Number of Nature of Number Place where Casualty occurred. Wind. Decision of Court of Inquiry, &c. Name of Master ?5 PassenQ gers. Cargo. Casual ty. Lives lost. Direction. Force. i 1895. Jan. 6 Ocean, 22 years Schooner 28 Supposed foundered ; total loss Stranded; slight ! damage Koro Island, Fiji Hurricane Vessel blown to sea from anchorage during hurricane, and not since heard of; is supposed to have foundered. Vessel supposed to have touched on uncharted rock while drawing 21ft. aft, and being on usual track of vessels Vessel caught in heavy gale, during which a tremendous sea struck her, carrying away port rail, bulwarks, and six stanchions, and tarpaulins off hatches Vessel touched on patch of stone or gravel when entering roadstead A passenger named Blomfield was last seen by the mate on deck at 1.30 a.m.; but was missed on reaching Wellington, and could not be found Vessel was anchored in harbour, and, as she was making water by waves washing over her, crew endeavoured to save her by running her ashore ; but had barely got sail up when she lurched over, filled, and sank almost at once. Vessel was subsequently floated again Vessel lying at anchor off Mill Wharf, when heavy gale sprang up. Both anchors were down; but she dragged until she went on boulder-beach Damage caused through heavy weather 23 Monowai, s.s., 5 Schooner 2137 90 150 General 3 miles off land, and 4 miles south of Gableend Foreland Off Kaikoura Peninsula S.S.E. Light .. Michael Carey. years Feb. 6 Clio, 23 years .. Ketch .. 81 Cornsacks Damaged by heavy seas; partial loss S.S.W. Strong gale John Moore. March 16 Anglian, s.s., 22 years Waihi, s.s., 13 years Schooner General Stranded; no damage Loss of life only Poverty Bay Roadstead Ca jlm Philip Le Neven. 1354 54 150 April 3 Schooner 63 12 5 General 1 Cook Strait Fresh breeze W. North. . 13 Lily, 6 years .. Ketch .. Nil Foundered; partial loss Picton Harbour S.W. Gale ... Henry Berg. 14 3 Kestrel, 27 years Stranded; partial loss North side of Okiwi Bay, Croiselles Harbour Henry Ashford Featherston. „ 13 Ketch .. 51 Timber .. •• S. to S.E. Storm .. „ 13 Reliance, 20 years Ketch .. 65 Timber .. Deck swept; damage to bulwarks, and loss of deck cargo Supposed foundered ; total loss About 20 miles off Amuri Bluff S. Moderate gale Robert McQuillan. „ 13 (supposed.) Comet, 18 years Ketch .. 58 Produce Supposed 4; all hands Supposed in Cook Strait Vessel left Lyttelton for Greymouth on 11th April, and has not since been heard of; she is supposed to have foundered during heavy weather which prevailed a few days after sailing Vessel broke away from her moorings in Wellington Harbour, where she had been laid up, with no one on board, and stranded on beach. Vessel touched on uncharted rock or shoal, but sustained no damage Vessel touched lightly when coming up harbour, through insufficient water Samuel Thompson. April 15 Rowena, s.s., 22 years Schooner 74 Nil Stranded; slight damage Kaiwarra Beach, Wellington Harbour S.E. Gale .. May 3 Waihora, s.s., 12 years Aotea, s.s., 4 months Schooner General Stranded; no damage Stranded; no damage Poverty Bay Light .. Robert Neville. 1269 83 159 „ 12 Schooner 3702 50 New Zealand produce Western end of William Davie Bank, Bluff Harbour N. Moderate breeze Alexander McDougall.

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19

May 22 i Spray, 31 years Schooner 50 4 Timber.. Stranded; partial loss Sprung a leak 1 mile from end of breakwater, Gisborne Lat. 46° 54' S., long. 158° 59'W., on voyage from Kaipara to Glasgow E.S.E. Strong gale Heavy gale Vessel dragged her anchors during heavy gale John Urquhart. ■ June 23 George Thompson, 30 years Barque.. 1128 19 1 Timber.. S.E. Vessel being old, though repaired and passed in Sydney for this voyage, and having a considerable weight of deck cargo, appears to have been unable to stand the head-reaching and straining in severe gales and heavy seas met with, and sprung a leak. Cargo also shifted in 'tween decks, and pumping appliances out of order. Master put back to Wellington for repairs Casualty caused through there being insufficient water on the bar Master reported that he discovered ship leaking. On arrival at Greymouth and discharging cargo, it was found that three rivets had been started in water-ballast tank; hence the leakage Vessel caught in cyclonic storm, with heavy confused seas, which broke on board, damaging deck-fittings, drowning eight horses, and getting down into saloon, damaging cargo. Deck-cargo of 80 cases acids and 20 drums oil jettisoned to prevent serious accident to ship and cargo During the gale vessel lost several sails and sustained other damage about deck Frederick John Fletcher. 23 North Beach, Awakino River 3 miles off Charleston, West Coast, South Island William Turner. July 4 Manukau, s.s., 15 years Mawhera, s.s., 14 years Ketch .. Schooner 45 340 4 24 4 General General Stranded; partial loss Sprung a slight leak Ca lm Hugh McLean. 21 Anglian, s.s., 22 years Schooner General, and 13 horses Lat. 33° 40' S., long. 160° 25'E., on voyage from Sydney to Auckland Whole gale Philip Le Neven. 1354 53 75 Damage by heavy seas; partial loss N. to N.E. 21 Frank Guy, 24 years Timber.. Loss of sails and damage about deck Lat. 33° 37' S., long. 162° 53'E., on voyage from Mercury Bay to Sydney Lat. 35° 36' S., long. 23° E., on voyage from Rangoon to Rio de Janeiro Sunken rock at entrance to Ngunguru River On bar of Grey River Robert Sopwith. Schooner 191 1 ' N.E. Storm .. .25,26 Lurline, 18 years, Lloyd's 100 Al Barque.. 761 1G Rice Damaged by heavy seas S.W. Monsoon Parts of rigging and steering-gear carried away, and cargo damaged by seas shipped and by bursting of closet-pipe. Caused by heavy seas and unsettled weather Casualty caused through fairway beacons becoming obscured by heavy squall of rain Vessel going down river, in tow of tug Westland, touched on bar. The tow-rope broke, and vessel drifted on rocks on north tiphead. Master blamed for accepting advice of Harbourmaster to put to sea without verifying soundings, and ordered to pay £12 towards costs of inquiry Vessel considerably damaged by heavy seas breaking on board during heavy westerly gale John Laws. 31 Kiripaka, s.s., 1 year Thurso, 31 years Schooner Coal .. Stranded; partial loss Stranded; total loss Moderate breeze Light .. John Frederick Hansen. William Stannard. 72. 7 Aug. 7 Barque.. 490 12 Timber.. S.E. 15 Borrowdale, 27 Struck by heavy seas; partial loss Collision with wharf; no damage Propeller-shaft broken Fire on board; partial loss Lat. 43° 30' S., long. 35° E. Alfred Edward Bolderston. years Ship 1197 23 General W. Whole gale 25 Hauroto, s.s., 13 years, Al Lloyd's Hesketh, s.s., 12 years Rimutaka, s.s., 9 years Schooner 1276 51 97 General No. 2 Wharf, Lyttelton N. In coming into wharf vessel would not answer her helm; struck and damaged wharf, but sustained no damage herself Port shaft broke, owing to a flaw not visible on the surface No direct evidence how fire originated ; but a strong presumption is that it was caused by use of naked lights contrary to orders Andrew Anderson. 28 Schooner 393 Coal .. Off Kaikoura Peninsula E. Light .. John Christian. 18 Sept. 6 Barque.. 2859 '105 237 General Lat. 5° S., long. 4° 50' W., on voyage from London to Wellington S.E. Moderate Herbert Edward Greenstreet.

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20

RETURN of Wrecks and Casualties to Shipping reported to the Marine Department— continued.

Date of Name of Vessel, Casualty. Age a a n 7 class . Rig. Q S, ' Number of Nature of Number Place where Casualty occurred. Direction. ind. nd. . Force. Decision of Court of Inquiry, &c. Name of Master. O O SB ■i it Passengers. Cargo. Casualty. Lives lost. 1895. Sept. 6 Zeno, 19 years Barquentine 390 11 Coal .. Foundered; total loss Lat. 34° 51' S., long. 155° 47' E., on voyage from Newcastle, N.S.W., to Wellington Buffalo Harbour, East London, South Africa Ca Im Vessel sprung a leak when struck by heavy sea on 3rd September, 1895, and foundered notwithstanding pumps kept going. All hands saved by ship's boats On vessel leaving East London her windlass was carried away while heaving anchor. Master was compelled to slip anchor, leaving it with some 45 fathoms of chain at bottom of harbour. Steamer fouled moorings of dredger when leaving river. Vessel lightly touched a shallow patch amidst deep water when approaching landing. Thomas Angel Fry. 10 Gene vie M. Tucker, 25 years Barque Timber Loss of windlass, chain, and anchor N.W. Moderate Ferdinand Holm 499 12 19 Brunner, s.s., 8 years „ 24 : Australia, s.s., 11 years Schooner Coal and general General Loss of one pro-peller-blade Stranded; slight damaged Buller River, Westport James Ramsay. 333 22 38 N. Schooner 283 26 10 Gordon's Landing, six miles south of Cape Kidnappers Rangitoto Reef, entrance to Auckland Harbour S.E. Light .. John Gibb. 28 I Christina, 21 years Schooner 59 Coal .. Stranded; total loss N.E. Moderate Vessel, while under full sail, went on reef in hazy weather, about 3.30 a.m. No one was on deck but the helmsman, and no look-out was kept. Casualty caused by stress of weather and heavy labouring of vessel with dead-weight cargo. John Sylva. Oct. 12 Weathersfield, 31 years Barque 1047 20 Cement & railway iron Loss of spars and sails Lafc. 40° 39' S., long. 63° 27' E.; on voyage from London to Wellington 300 or 400 yards inside Outer Rock, Barrett's Reef, entrance to Port Nicholson W.S.W. Gale .. Joseph William Holdcroft. 21 Wakatipu, s.s., 19 years Schooner General Collision ; boat damaged S. Light .. Vessels had never been clear of each other from time they passed Point Gordon. " Wakatipu" ported her helm after passing entrance to Chaffer's Passage, and continued to be overtaking ship up to time of collision. It was "Flora's" duty to hold on her course, and the "Wakatipu" to keep clear. Master of " Wakatipu" ordered to pay costs of inquiry, amounting to £29 10s. His certificate was returned to him. Casualty unavoidable; a heavy wave filling the ship suddenly, smashing up saloon, and other damage. Cargo shifted during heavy gale, causing considerable list, on account of which vessel put into Auckland, discharged cargo, went into dock, restowed cargo, and resumed her voyage. The second mate, Ellis Thomas Tree, was washed overboard by heavy sea and lost /Alexander Stuart Ewan. < 1258 45 91 21 Flora, s.s., 13 years 24 Pleione, 19 years, i *100 Al Lloyds Schooner 838 38 73 General Collision; trifling damage Damage by heavy sea; partial loss Sprung a leak; partial loss Lat. 45° S., long. 60° E.; on voyage from Liverpool to Wellington Pacific Ocean; on voyage from Oregon, U.S.A., to Liverpool .William Waller. Alfred Haynes Sergent. Ship .. 1092 27 1 General N.W. Storm .. „ 24 Rathdown, 5 years Ship .. 2058 29 Wheat & salmon Gales .. M. Morrissey. Nov. 3 Kathleen Hilda, 4 years Barque Coal .. Loss of life only Lat. 32° 20' S., long. 154° 35' E.; on voyage from Newcastle, N.S.W., to Auckland. Strong .. M. McKenzie. 520 S.E. •

21

H.—ls

Nov. 15 Jessie Nicoll, 23 Schooner 93 Timber .. Stranded; partial loss Bar of Hokitika River •• While vessel being towed out of river a heavy roller came just as she was on the bar, and, after lifting her, rolled away, causing her to bump heavily Vessel stranded through poor tide, and being too early on it Kedge-anchor lost in being used keeping vessel from drifting ashore. Boats, which had been launched in readiness to save life, lost through inability to hoist them aboard again when wind freshened and sea made Master committed grave error of judgment in not using lead when standing in towards Oamaru light. Master's certificate suspended for three months, and he was ordered to pay costs of inquiry ; but, after considering circumstances and evidence taken at inquiry, His Excellency the Governor reduced period of suspension from three months to one month Lower-hold port-hole left open, and, being unnoticed, water flowed into and filled aftercompartment, necessitating beaching of vessel Master guilty of errors of judgment in not laying course sufficiently to the south, and in not calling all hands and devoting his attention to the steering. Mate not free from blame for altering ship's course without orders. Master ordered to pay £17 5s., costs of inquiry Vessel put into Lyttelton for assistance on 27th December with cargo heated Christian T. J. Andersen. years 26 Penguin, s.s., 32 years Weathersfield, 31 years Schooner General Stranded; no damage Loss of boats and anchor Entrance to Inner Harbour, Nelson Off Stephen's Island, Cook Strait S.E. Fresh ' breeze Gentle breeze Walter Manning. 517 37 23 30 Barque .. 1047 20 Cement & railway iron S.W. Joseph William Holdcroft. Dec. 8 Fifeshire, s.s., 8 Schooner Frozen mutton Stranded; partial loss Cape Wanbrow, f mile south of Oamaru light lm John Wilson. 2425 47 Ca ; years - 16 Vessel filled and beached South Head, Kaipara Harbour Osprey, p.s., 9 years Pole .. 138 45 General Ca lm Thomas Rawson. 25 Grasmere, 30 Barque.. 424 12 Coal .. Stranded; total loss Tom's Rock, near Sinclair Head, Cook Strait N.W. Fresh breeze Samuel Morison. years 25 Hollinwood, 7 years Cargo heated On voyage from Newcastle, N.S.W., to San Francisco On Warang Bank, west coast of Africa, on voyage from London to Auckland W. H. Kidd. 4-masted barque 2606 33 Coal .. 1896. 3661 General Stranded; slight damage Moderate George William Banks. Jan. 5 Rakaia, s.s., 1 year, 100 Al Brigantine 56 Casualty caused by negligence on part of master in wrongly marking ship's position on chart, and on part of second officer in not checking position so marked. Master ordered to pay £5 5s. costs, and second mate £2 2s. Vessel hove-to under three lower topsails in heavy gale; wind increased to hurricane force and carried away all the topsails, and the lower foretopsail-yard also broke adrift. Vessel put into Port Chalmers to refit Casualty caused by accident through stress of weather, without any neglect or default on the part of master or any of the crew 6 Lake Superior, 26 years Ship 1274 23 Wool and general Loss of sails and yard Lat. 49° 5' S., long. 167° 42' E., on voyage from Kingston, S.A., to London N.W. Hurricane Philip Charles Langlois. 8 Halcione, 27 years, *A1 Barque.. 843 20 General Stranded; total loss Fitzroy Bay, f mile south of Pencarrow Head, entrance to Port Nicholson 20 miles outside Newcastle Heads, on voyage from Newcastle, N.S.W., to Wellington Shifting N.W. to S.W. Squall .. Herbert Wild Boorman. 21 Coromandel, 20 years, Al Lloyd's Barque .. Coal .. Loss of life only 1 Fresh breeze The second mate, James Jones, was washed off from back ropes and bowsprit shrouds through ship plunging in head sea, and was lost Lewis Williams. 849 16

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22

RETURN of Wrecks and Casualties to Shipping reported to the Marine Department— continued.

Date of Casualty. Name of Vessel, also Age and Class. Efi g Number of Cargo. Nature of Natl iure of Casualty. 1 Number ol Lives lost. Place where Casualty occurred. "Wind. jog [ **"»• "Wind. Decision of Court of Inquiry, &c. Name of Master . Sot Passen- ~ 1896. Jan. 28 Waitapu, s.s., 9 years Schooner 40 Wool .. Stranded; partial loss Bar of Patea River N.W. Light .. Vessel caught while on bar in a heavy breaker, causing her stern to strike heavily, carrying away rudder, rudder-post, and shoe Vessel was on slip undergoing repairs, which were nearly completed. Fire was discovered about 2 a.m.; but evidence failed to disclose its origin While steaming full speed, thrust - shaft of starboard engine was found to have broken right off Accident caused by propeller striking sunken snag Vessel missed stays when trying to go about, and afterwards dragged her anchors and went ashore. The immediate cause of the casualty was the breaking of the jib-sheet at a critical moment Vessel lost two propeller-blades; put back to Auckland (1,671 miles), went into dock, and put on four new blades John Edward Westrup. Feb. 8 Waitapu, s.s., 9 years Schooner 40 Nil Fire on board ; total loss On Patent Slip, Evans Bay, Wellington Ca lm John Edward Westrup. 14 Mahinapua, s.s., 14 years Schooner 239 25 28 General Thrust-shaft broken Off Stephen's Island, Cook Strait Ca lm William J. Newton. 17 Neptune, s.s., 13 years Reliance, 21 Schooner 44 8 General Broken shaft; lost propeller Stranded; total loss Dillon's Point, Wairau River Hind's Point, Wellington Harbour ; about one mile N.N.E. from Pencarrow Light Ca lm Samuel Clark. 28 years Ketch .. 65 4 Railway iron N.W. Strong gale FrithjofWilhelm Hultgren. March 10 Buteshire, s.s., 3 years Schooner 3636 05 10 Frozen meat and N.Z. produce Railway iron Loss of propel-ler-blades Lat. 50° 5' S.; long. 153° 26' W. John Cuthbert. . 19 John Bell, 11 years Schooner Stranded ; total loss Rock near Cape Terawhiti N. Strong .. Loss of vessel mainly due to gross negligence on part of mate, and master wrong in going below without giving more definite instructions. Master ordered to pay £8 8s. costs, and mate to pay balance, £2 lis., and his certificate suspended for six months An A.B. named Karl Kavander, while engaged aloft making fast the maintrysail, fell on to the deck about 8 a.m., and died from the effect of the injuries received about 5 p.m. same day, in Oamaru Hospital Henry Williams. 91 Poherua, s.s., 6 years Schooner General Loss of life only Off Moeraki .. James V. Bentley. 25 749

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Return showing the Orders in Council which have been issued during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

23

late of Order. Purpose of Order. 1895— April 8 17 25 25 29 May 6 13 21 Approves plans of J. H. Williams's wharf, Hawtrey Bay, Wellington. Prescribes minimum size or weight at which fish may be taken. Revokes Order in Council licensing F. Killick to occupy foreshore, New Brighton. Extends time for election of chairman of Thames Harbour Board. Approves plans of proposed groins in Waimakariri River. Prescribes life-saving appliances for ships. Approves dredging operations above Merchandise Wharf, Westport. Approves of Westport Harbour Board constructing water-service at Waimangaroa for Westport-Moki-hinui Railway. Vests management of Akaroa wharves in Akaroa Borough Council. Approves plans of drainage outfalls at Petone. Prescribes dues and rates for Otamatea County Wharf at Pahi. Approves plans of R. and J. Mitchelson's booms, Wairoa River, Kaipara. Licenses R. and J. Mitchelson to occupy foreshore, Wairoa River, as site for booms. Amends regulations fixing fees for licenses as colonial pilots. Approves plans of Northern Steamship Company's wharf and store, Ohiwa River. Licenses Northern Steamship Company to occupy foreshore, Ohiwa River, as site for wharf. Approves plan of passenger-steamers' wharf at Napier Breakwater. Approves plan of landing-place at Papakura, and authorises Edgar C. Jones to construct work. Extends close season for seals. Appoints members of Greymouth Harbour Board. Appoints members of Westport Harbour Board. Prohibits use of whitebait-nets as set-nets in Waimakariri River. Revokes Order in Council licensing J. Darrow to occupy foreshore, Kirikiri River. Revokes Order in Council licensing Union Sash and Door Company (Limited) to occupy foreshore, Waikahikatea River, Kaipara. Approves plans of Urquhart's Bay wharf, Whangarei. Approves plan of E. R. Cardno's booms, Waima River, Hokianga. Licenses E. R. Cardno to occupy foreshore, Waima River, as site for booms. Prescribes close season for mullet in Kaipara Harbour. Vests management of Tea Point Wharf, Whangateau, in Omaha Road Board. Approves plans of Mrs. J. A. Cooper's wharf, Collingwood. Licenses Mrs. J. A. Cooper to occupy foreshore, Gollingwood, as site for wharf. Declares land to be vested in Wellington City Corporation. Approves plans of J. P. Pratt's boatshed, Clyde Quay, Wellington. Approves plans of landing-stage for yachts, Sumner. Approves plans of deep-water berth, Main Eastern Wharf, Bluff Harbour. Approves plan of W. Grant's wharf, Collingwood. Licenses William Grant to occupy foreshore, Collingwood, as site for wharf. Approves plan of J. Walker and Co.'s wharf, Collingwood. Licenses J. Walker and Co. to occupy foreshore, Collingwood, as site for wharf. Revokes approval of dredging in Buller River. Approves 50ft. extension of lower western training-wall, Buller River. Makes regulations as to whitebait-fishing. Approves plan of A. E. Harding's wharf, Wairoa River, Kaipara. Licenses A. E. Harding to occupy foreshore, Wairoa River, as site for wharf. Approves plans of J. H. Williams's wharf additions, Hawtrey Bay, Wellington. Fixes port charges and harbour-light dues for Nelson. Appoints J. Sinclair to be person authorised to detain goods landed at Port Robinson until payment of expenses. Approves plans of Mrs. B. Drake's dwelling, Purakanui. Licenses Mrs. E. Drake to occupy foreshore, Purakanui, as site for dwelling. Amends regulations for colonial pilots' licenses. Vests management of Aratapu Wharf in Kauri Timber Company. Vests management of Coromandel Wharf in Coromandel County Council, and fixes dues, &c, for same. Consents to Timaru Harbour Board leasing Sections 1 to 12, reclaimed land. Makes regulations for examination of able seamen. Fixes port charges and harbour-light dues for Nelson. Revokes close season for mullet in Kaipara Harbour, and prescribes close season for part thereof. Approves plans of Greymouth-Point Elizabeth Railway Company's bridge over Grey River. Appoints examiners of able seamen. Vests management of Mongonui Mill Wharf in Kauri Timber Company. Approves further extension of lower western training-wall and dredging channel, Westporfc. Approves plan of J. B. Topp's landing-stage and boatshed, Kilbirnie. Approves plans of Kauri Timber Company's wharves, Te Kopuru, Kaipara. Licenses Kauri Timber Company to occupy foreshore, Kaipara, as site for wharves. Approves plan of Harrison, Naismith, and Co.'s fish-cleaning sheds and tramway, Half-moon Bay. Licenses Harrison, Naismith, and Co. to occupy foreshore, Half-moon Bay, as site for fish-cleaning sheds and tramway. Approves of Westport Harbour Board constructing goods-shed at Waimangaroa Railway-station. Fixes dues and rates for Little Omaha and Tea Point Wharves, Whangateau Harbour. Fixes dues and rates for Kauri Timber Company's wharf at Aratapu. Approves plans of Ngunguru Coal Company's wharves at Ngunguru. Licenses Ngunguru Coal Company to occupy foreshore, Ngunguru, as site for wharves. Approves plan of R. Scollay's fish-cleaning shed, Half-moon Bay. Licenses R. Scollay to occupy foreshore, Half-moon Bay, as site for fish-cleaning shed. Approves plans of Buchanan and Heron's wharf, Dargaville, Kaipara. Licenses Buchanan and Heron to occupy foreshore, Kaipara, as site for wharf. Approves plan of Waiuku Road Board's wharf, Okoheko Point, Manukau. Licenses Waiuku Road Board to occupy foreshore, Manukau, as site for wharf. Fixes dues and rates for Kauri Timber Company's wharves, Te Kopuru. Appoints John Hughes member of Westport Harbour Board. Approves plans of wharf extension, Half-moon Bay, and of wharf at Horse shoe Bay, Stewart Island. Approves plan of small steamers' berth at Westport. Validates election of chairman of Thames Harbour Board. Approves plans of Leyland, O'Brien, and Co.'s booms, Wharekawa River. Licenses Leyland, O'Brien, and Co. to occupy foreshore, Wharekawa River, as site for booms. Approves of Westport Harbour Board constructing waiting-room at Granity Creek Railway-station. Approves further extension of lower western training-wall, and of dredging, Westport. Approves plans of bridge above Town Wharf, Whangarei, and authorises erection of same. Approves plan of Nathan and Gorman's proposed wharf, Evans' Bay. Prescribes close season for oysters in Manukau Harbour. 28 28 28 June 4 4 ., 4 11 11 18 18 25 July 16 23 30 30 30 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 2 , . 9 9 9 9 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 23 23 23 23 23 Oct. - 14 14 14 19 19 19 Nov. 4 4 4 26 26 26 28 Dec. 14 14 14 21 21 21 21 21 1896— Jan. 10 10 25 25 25 Feb. 3 3 17 17 17 17 17 20 28 28 March 12 12 12 12 12 25 25 525

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24

SUMMARY of Casualties to Shipping and Seamen reported to the Marine Department during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1896.

Casualties on or near the Coasts of the Colony. Casualties outside tile Colony. Sailing-vessels. of Casualties reported. Steamers. Total within Colony. Steamers. Sailing-vesi :els. Total outside Colony. Nature of Casualties. ■*H CO 6 o EH =w o o O o eg ; 6 m o i! hi o o ta o- . °1 a o 6 o tag o K& 6 » 0) o ■si it Strandings, — Total wrecks Partial loss Slight damage No damage 4 4 4 2,582 2,632 6,842 ■• 6 3 1,972 194 •• 6 7 4 4 1,972 2,776 2,632 6,842 1 ••'• 3,661 •■ ■• 1 •• 3,661 •■ 6 7 5 4 I 1,972 2,776 6,293 6,842 •• i •• Total strandings I 12 12,056 9 2,166 2i: j.3,661 1 3,661 22 14,222 17,883 Founderings, — Total loss Partial loss .. .. ! ; ! i ' 1 1 58 14 4 1 1 i j 58 14 4 •• 2 418 2 418 3 1 476 14 4 Total founderings 2 72 4 2 72 4 2 418 i 2 418 4 490 ■■ 4; Collisions, — Slight damage No damage i : 2 1 2,096 1,276 3,372 2 1 2,096 1,270 I ■■ 2 1 2,096 ■ 1,276 ■■ Total collisions 3 I ! 3 j I 3,372 3 3,372 : i "■ Fires, — Total loss Partial loss I I 1 1 40 x ! 40 1 2,859 "l 2,606 2,606 2 5,465 5,465 1 2 40 I 5,465 * • •• •• Total fires 1 40 40 2,859 1 2 i 3 5,505 ■■ 1 Miscellaneous, including damage by heavy seas to hull and cargo, leaks, loss of sails, &c, and breakdown of machinery 1 |. I 1 ! I 1,349 16,817 812 3 i 1,193 1 I 2,542 2 4,990 9 9,247 12,271 1,369 11 14,237 16,779 5 8 i I 19 I •• •• •• Total casualties to shipping .. Loss of life only 21 2 *2 1 14 3,431 4 I I 35 2 20,248 812 4 2 4 11,510 , ■ 12 2 2 16 2 I 23,781 1,369 - 2 51 4 44,029 2,181 4 4 i Total number of casualties reported J I 23 17,629 14 3,431 4 37 6 4 11,510 14 13,640 2 18 25,150 2 55 46,210 ; 21,060 I Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (exclusive of plan) 1,575 copies, £24 11s. 9d. Price 9d.\ By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. —1896.