Papers Past | Parliamentary Papers | Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives | 1897 Session II | MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.)

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Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.)

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

My Lord, — Marine Department, Wellington, 12th August, 1897. I 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 Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, Minister of Marine. Governor of New Zealand.

The Secretary to the Minister of Marine. Sir, — Marine Department, Wellington, 31st May, 1897. 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. —The cost of the maintenance of the lighthouses during the year was £15,644 45., which includes the cost of erecting a new tower at Farewell Spit; but it does not include anything for the expenses of the Government steamer which periodically visits all the lighthouses with oil, stores, and provisions. The annual expenses of the steamer amount to about £7,000, and most of her time is occupied in attending to the lighthouses. Parliament having voted the sum of £400 for repairs to lighthouses and keepers' dwellings, the department has been able to carry out necessary repairs, principally to the dwellings at Dog Island, Centre Island, Puysegur Point, and Tiri Tiri. At the first-named station the second assistant keeper's house, which was too small for a married man, has been enlarged by the addition of two rooms. The work at this station, at Puysegur Point, and at Tiri Tiri was done by the department's carpenter with the assistance of local men. A portion of the repairs at Centre Island were executed by the lighthouse artificer, and the remainder by the principal keeper, who is a carpenter by trade, with the assistance of a carpenter sent from Invercargill. The lighthouse artificer also carried out some necessary works at Nugget Point, the principal of which was the renewal and improvement of the roadway across the narrow neck between the tower and the dwellings. At Nelson the new house for the principal keeper has been completed, and the house-accommodation at the station is now satisfactory. The erection of this house was carried out by the Public Works Department. At Portland Island a schoolroom has been erected, and the Hawke's Bay Education Board has established a school there. It is proposed to enlarge the second assistant keeper's house at this station during the current year, to build a workshop, and to rebuild the cart-shed, which was destroyed during a heavy gale on the 30th January last. These works, and the repairs which are required at some of the other lighthouses, will necessitate a further vote being asked for during the ensuing session of Parliament. A new tower has been erected at Farewell Spit, as the old tower was becoming unsafe from decay. The new one is an open-framed iron structure, and the height from the ground to the top of the lantern is 88 ft. The work of erection was carried out by the Public Works Department, the material being conveyed to the site by the Government steamers. In order that the light might be discontinued for as short a time as possible a new lantern was procured, and as soon as the construction of the tower was completed the lighthouse artificer proceeded Co erect it. The exhibition of the light from the old tower was discontinued on the morning of the 17th January last, and the work of taking down the machine and apparatus and erecting them in the new tower was performed so expeditiously that the light was shown again on the night of the 19th of the same month. It having been reported that the water had shoaled on the Spit end, the Nautical Adviser, took advantage of the opportunity of his being there in connection with the exhibition of the light from the new tower to take soundings. These showed that the water had shoaled two fathoms since the soundings shown on the Admiralty chart were taken. I—H. 15.

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A report has been received from Messrs. D. and C. Stevenson, of Edinburgh, engineers to the Northern Board of Lighthouses, to the effect that, after instituting a series of experiments with the view of devising burners for the consumption of mineral colza oil, they regret to say that the result is not encouraging, and that they are forced to the conclusion that the burners now in use in the colony are the best that can be devised. Under such circumstances it is not desirable to use this oil, as when it was tried with the present burners at several lighthouses the results were not satisfactory. On the 25th May, 1896, a very heavy sea washed away 130 ft. of the tramway which runs from the landing-place at Cape Maria van Diemen. This has been replaced by the keepers with fresh material sent for the purpose. The hauling-wire of the wire tramway which is stretched across from the mainland to the island for the purpose of enabling keepers to get letters and parcels sent across having broken some time ago, an attempt was made to replace it when the Government steamer " Tutanekai" was at the station in March last, but the attempt was not successful, owing to the wire carrying away. New wire will be procured, so that the work may be done when the steamer next visits the place. On the 4th September last the ketch "Champion" came into collision with the beacon from which a light is shown in the French Pass. Some damage resulted to the beacon, which was repaired the same day by the lightkeeper and his assistant. On the 16th October last a signal was made from Puysegur Point Lighthouse to a passing steamer for medical assistance, and on the steamer reporting this on her arrival at the Bluff arrangements were at once made for the harbour tug to take a doctor down. On her arrival it was found that Principal Keeper Alexander Parks was so ill that it was necessary to bring him up to the Invercargill Hospital, where he died on the 12th November. He was in the lighthouse service for twenty-three years, and was a most efficient keeper. A compassionate allowance equal to one year's salary has been granted to his widow, and his eldest son has been appointed a lightkeeper. The thanks of the department are due to the Bluff Harbour Board for their courtesy in allowing the tug to proceed to the lighthouse with the doctor. No charge was made beyond the actual cost of coal, provisions, and extra labour. The Slaughter's cotton-powder signal mentioned in my last report as having been ordered for erection at Pencarrow Head has not yet arrived from England. The delay has been caused through the patentee having designed certain improvements which he wishes to incorporate in the signal he is to supply. A very heavy thunderstorm occurred at Puysegur Point on the 16th July last, when the base of the tower was struck by lightning, but fortunately no serious damage was done. On the 16th November last the ketch " Huon Belle," when passing through Ponui Passage, ran into the lighthouse, and did considerable damage to it, which has since been repaired. The owner of the vessel paid £40 towards the cost of the repairs. The question of improving Somes Island light so that it may be a better guide to vessels entering Wellington Harbour has been under consideration, but so far no decision has been arrived at as to what would be the best thing to do in the matter. If a more powerful light is erected on Somes Island a new tower will be required, and it is estimated that the cost of this and the new light that would be required would be £2,000. The erection of the tower and other buildings at Cape Palliser is now being carried out by the Public Works Department, and the work is expected to be completed at an early date. As soon as the buildings are handed over to this department the erection of the lantern and apparatus will be proceeded with. The question of the erection of a lighthouse at the Snares by the Governments of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand was discussed at the Conference of Premiers held in Hobart in February last, and a resolution was passed leaving it to this colony to submit proposals for its construction and maintenance. A draft agreement has accordingly since been prepared and submitted to the Governments of the colonies mentioned, and on their agreeing to its terms it is proposed to proceed with the work. During the year a communication was received from the committee of Lloyds on the subject of establishing signal-stations on Stephens Island, Cape Maria van Diemen or the North Cape, and the Snares, for the purpose of signalling and reporting vessels approaching the New Zealand ports. The committee stated that it would undertake the working of such stations provided the necessary sites could be granted and telegraphic communication provided. The Government replied that there was no telegraphic communication with the North Cape, Stephens Island, and the Snares, but that the use of sites for stations would be granted, if desired, at Farewell Spit and Cape Maria van Diemen. It was at the same time suggested that the better and more economical course would be for Lloyds to contribute the salary of an additional lightkeeper, which would enable one keeper to be always kept on the look-out for vessels, and avoid the expense of a separate signalStation. The committee did not, however, agree with this suggestion, stating that there were grave objections to the same men being employed as lightkeepers and also as signalmen, and that they had instructed their agents in Wellington to prepare plans for signal-stations at Farewell Spit and Cape Maria van Diemen, and to submit them to this department for approval, so that measures might be taken to establish stations at these places. All the lighthouses have been inspected by Captain Allman, whose report is appended hereto. The sum of £15,995 ss. 4d. was collected for light dues during the year, as compared with £15,562 ss. 3d. during the previous year, being an increase of £433 os. Id. Harbours. —The buoys in most of the harbours under the control of this department have been overhauled and cleaned by the Government steamers. Bepresentations having been made that leading lights should be erected at the entrance to Hokianga Harbour, the Nautical Adviser visited the place to see what was necessary. He advised that a permanent light should be established on

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the South Head, and that two suitable lamps should be provided to be used as leading lights. It is proposed to make provision for the cost of these lights in the current year's estimates. The necessary buoys for Herekino Harbour were taken north by the " Hinemoa," but when she arrived off the place the sea was too rough for her boats to go in and lay them. They were therefore brought to Onehunga, and, as there is now no vessel trading to the port, it has been decided to defer laying them down until the necessity for them arises. Shipmasters having urged that the leading beacons at the entrance to Kaipara Harbour should be improved, and that leading lights should be established, it was decided that the Nautical Adviser should visit the place and report on what was required. After taking soundings and inspecting the present leading marks he reported that he could not recommend the alteration in the leading beacons that was desired, as it would lead vessels on to Tory Shoal, and that owing to the numerous and dangerous sandbanks, which undergo rapid changes, it would not be advisable to establish leading lights. Should it, however, be decided to erect such lights, a third-order light would be required to insure its being visible far enough seaward, and such a light would be expensive. He thought that the best way to improve the harbour would be to place a large can buoy painted black a little inside the North Spit end in about 7 fathoms water, and a large cone red buoy on the north-west side of Tory Shoal, in about 4 fathoms water. The question of making provision for these buoys will be considered when the estimates are prepared. The work of attending to the small buoys and conveying the Harbourmaster up the various branches of the harbour when necessary is still performed by the subsidised steamer, as the department has not yet seen its way to procure a steam- or oil-launch for the performance of the harbour service. The Harbourmaster at Manukau having reported changes in the banks and channels at the entrance to that harbour, the Nautical Adviser and the Harbourmaster made an examination of the entrance, and took soundings, with the result that it was found that a great change had taken place in the main channel, and that the main bank in the south channel was travelling towards the beach. There was not, however, considered to be any necessity to alter the beacons and other leading marks. Other changes have since been reported, and fresh soundings will be taken the first time a Government steamer is available for the work. Buoys have been laid down at Ngunguru for the guidance of vessels trading to the port. At Motueka Mr. H. L. Mofl'att, the local Wharfinger, has been appointed Harbourmaster, so as to give him the necessary power to enforce the observance of the provisions of the Harbours Acts and regulations in the harbour. Power was obtained by " The Harbours Act Amendment Act, 1894," to enable the Governor in Council to authorise a Harbour Board to divide its harbour rating district into electoral wards, and the New Plymouth Harbour Board, wishing to avail itself of this power, applied for an Order in Council to empower it to divide the New Plymouth Harbour rating district into six wards, so as to localise the representation on the Board. This has been done, and there is therefore one member for each of the six wards, instead of six members elected by one electorate. The Coromandel Council" has been empowered to exercise the powers of a Harbour Board in Coromandel Harbour. The desirability of prescribing a general signal for use by vessels requiring a steam-tug at night has been under consideration, and the various Harbour Boards have been consulted as to the description of signal that would be suitable. The department hopes to be able to issue the necessary Order in Council at an early date. A return showing the licenses issued for the occupation of foreshore and the authorities given for the erection of wharves is appended thereto. A sum of £1,633 17s. 3d. was collected for pilotage and port charges during the year in respect of the harbours under the control of the department. Oyster-fisheries. —When the question as to which beds in the northern districts should be opened this year was under consideration it was found that those in Whangarei Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf had not sufficiently recuperated to be in a fit state for picking. It was therefore decided to keep them closed for another year; but, as the beds in the district between the South Head of Whangaruru Harbour and the Waitangi Eiver in the Bay of Islands, which had been closed for two years, were in good condition, that district was opened, and, as the district between the Waitangi Eiver and the North Cape is still open, oysters may now be taken by licensed pickers anywhere between the North Cape and Whangaruru Harbour. The district between Tairua Harbour and Opotiki has been declared open, and the beds in Kaipara Harbour have also been opened. Most of the beds in Manukau Harbour have been leased in areas which are sufficiently large to be worth the lessees' while to cultivate and work them properly, and the leases are subject to such conditions as will prevent any person, company, or syndicate getting a monopoly of them. The department has been urged to lease the beds in the Hauraki Gulf, as being the only way to conserve the oysters, but it has not seen its way to do so, as such a course would shut out the licensed pickers. Mr. J. P. Bennett, of Waiheke Island, has been appointed an Inspector of Fisheries for the purpose of protecting the beds in the Hauraki Gulf, and his appointment has had a beneficial effect. He is paid only a small salary, but receives one-third of the fines recovered through his instrumentality. The following convictions were obtained during the year for illegally taking oysters: J. McDonald, owner and master of the cutter " Antelope," was fined £5 and costs; his vessel, which was forfeited, was returned to him on payment of a further sum of £15. Messrs. Eolton and Humphries were fined £2 and costs. J. Anderson was fined £2 and costs; the boat which was used by him,- and which was a hired one, was returned to its owner on payment of a further sum of £3 3s. J. Knox was fined 10s. and costs, and his boat was restored on payment of a further sum of £5. F. E. Davis and A. Arthur were fined—the former £4 and costs and the latter £7 and costs ; the yacht used by them, which was a hired one, was returned to the owner on payment of a further amount of £12 Is. 3d. J. Clements and Humphries were each fined £3 and costs, and their boat was returned to them on payment of £5 Bs. A. Arthur, F. E. Davis, and M. Garnaut were

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fined—the first two £2 and costs each, and the last-named £1 and costs; the yacht used, which was a hired one, was returned to its owner on payment of £8 Is. A. Kirk and F. Messenger were fined —the former £5 and costs and the latter £3 and costs, and their boat was sold. C. Petters was fined £5 and costs, but W. Knox, who assisted in committing the offence, did not appear, and could not be found; their boat was sold. M. Garnaut and J. Wilson were fined—the former £3 and costs and the latter £5 and costs, but H. Arthur, who was one of the party, could not be found ; their boat was sold. Two Waiheke Island Natives, named Adams and Walker, were fined £5 and costs each ; their boat was returned to them on payment of a further sum of £2 18s. 6d. All these prosecutions took place at Auckland, with the exception of that of Eolton and Humphries, in which case the conviction was obtained at the Thames. The following licenses to occupy foreshore for the formation and cultivation of artificial beds were issued during the year : P. Neame, 16f acres, Mahau, Pelorus Sound; J. J. Daily, 1\ acres, Heathcote Estuary; M. Banton, 4 acres, Purau Bay, Lyttelton ; *J. S. A. Deeming and Sons, 2-J- acres, Bay of Islands. Sea-fisheries. —During the last session of Parliament the Sea-fisheries Act was amended, and provision was made enabling the Governor in Council to declare that any particular species or description of edible shell-fish and sponge-beds should be subject to the provisions of the law relating to oysters or oyster-beds. This provision was made so that there might be power to protect and regulate the use of mussel and other shellfish beds, to enable rights to be granted for the culture of shellfish, and, as regards sponge-beds, it was desired that there should be power to enable the discoverer of a sponge-bed to obtain the exclusive right to it for a limited period. Advantage has been taken of the power regarding shellfish to bring lobsters and crabs under the provisions of the Act relating to oysters, and Mr. J. J. Daily, of Sydenham, has been granted a license to occupy a portion of the foreshore and tidal land of the Heathcote Estuary for the purpose of the propagation of these Crustacea. The general fishing regulations have been consolidated and made under " The Sea-fisheries Act, 1894." Eepresentations were made to the department that net-fishing in the Wanganui Eiver was considerably diminishing the number of flounders in the river, and also that trout were caught in the nets. It was urged that the use of nets above the town bridge should be prohibited, and that a close season of four months in the year should be made for the portion of the river below that bridge. After making full inquiry into the matter, including the effect which such a prohibition and a close season would have upon the fishermen, it was decided to prohihit the use of nets in the portion of the river above the Aramoho Eailway bridge for one year, and this has accordingly been done. The question of extending the close period, will be considered during the year. Sir James Hector, who was asked to make inquiry and report as to the advisability or otherwise of a close season for mullet, having reported against the continuance of the close season which was then in force between Whangaruru and the North Cape, it has been revoked, and there is therefore now no close season for this fish in the colony, with the exception of'a small portion of Kaipara Harbour. The reports made by Sir James, and notes of the evidence taken by him, are now being printed under his supervision for presentation to Parliament. The practice of using jiggers—that is, appliances formed of pieces of metal or other substance attached to a line and placed in a river or stream for the purpose of turning whitebait into nets—having come into vogue, and such practice having proved detrimental to fair fishing by preventing persons higher up the river from getting fish in any quantity, regulations have been made prohibiting the practice. The use of herring-nets with If in. mesh in Lake Ellesmere has been authorised. The close season for seals has been extended up to the 30th June, 1898. The lessee of the Auckland Islands applied for permission to kill sea-lions on those islands on the ground that they injure the grass. As this could not be done without declaring an open season for taking the sea-lion —a species of seal—under cover of which the fur seal might be taken, the Government did not see their way to accede to his request. The principal keeper at Cape Foulwind Lighthouse, who visited the Steeples Eocks in January last, reported that he found the seals there fairly numerous, with a fair proportion of young ones. On the 27th June last W. Lewis and G. Brown were fined £2 each at Ashburton for having a seal in possession, and on the 27th August W. 0. McFie was fined £5 and costs for being in possession of a seal at Waikouaiti. Sergeant White, of Greymouth, has been appointed an Inspector of Fisheries, in place of Constable Wildermoth, who has been removed to another place. It having been found that the requirements of the law, especially as to emptying nets in the water, were not observed by some of the fishermen in Otago Harbour, it was decided to appoint a special Inspector for six months to see the law enforced, and Mr. D. H. Hastings has been selected for the position. There have been three convictions during the year for catching fish below the minimum size prescribed by the regulations—viz., May and Bruce, of Porirua, who were fined £5 and costs ;F. Becker, of Saltwater Creek, Canterbury, fined£3 and costs; and W. J. Bruce, of New Brighton, who was fined £1 and costs. In the last two cases the nets used were seized and forfeited. Weather Reporting. —Captain Edwin has continued to perform the duty of making daily weather forecasts, and circulating them throughout the colony. Many of the instruments used for weather-reporting purposes not being so reliable as they should be, especially for the most important stations, it has been decided to procure a supply of standard barometers, barographs, and thermometers from England. Examination of Masters, Mates, and Engineers. —One hundred and twenty-five candidates passed their examinations for certificates of competency, and fifty-six failed. Of those who passed eighty-nine were masters, mates, and engineers of sea-going vessels, and thirty-six were masters and engineers of steamers plying within restricted limits. Seven certificates of service were issued. New regulations for the examination of masters and mates, similar to regulations made by the

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Board of Trade, have been made, which are to come into force on the 1st January next. The necessary books and appliances for use in the examinations under these regulations have been procured from England. Captain Marciel, the Examiner at Lyttelton, resigned the position during the year, but was afterwards reappointed. The regulations regarding the examination of engineers have been consolidated and amended. This was rendered necessary by the alteration of the law made by " The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1896," which made provision for third-class certificates. The regulations also provide that the examinations of engineers are to be held at Auckland during the first week in January, May, and September; at Wellington during the first week of February, June, and October; at Christchurch during the first week of March, July, and November; and at Dunedin during the first week of April, August, and December. In cases of emergency the Examiners are to exercise their discretion as to examining candidates at other than the prescribed times. Government Steamers. —The s.s. " Tutanekai" arrived from Glasgow on the 30th September last. She left Greenock on the 24th July, and called at Madeira, St. Vincent, Capetown, Amsterdam Island, Albany, and Hobart on the way. Captain Fairchild, who went Home for the purpose, brought her out, and he speaks highly of her qualities as a sea-boat. She is to be used for attending to lighthouses, for laying and repairing telegraph-cables, and any other Government work for which she may be required. She was specially designed for cable work, but, as she is not likely to be required often for such work, her cable gear has been put in store here, as it would be in the way when the vessel is engaged on lighthouse or other duty. She is fitted with a first-class saloon, which contains twenty-four berths, and room for making up six other beds ; and she has a special cabin for lightkeepers, containing accommodation for eleven men and six women. After her arrival in the colony she was laid up until the middle of December, when she took His Excellency the Governor and party to Nelson, Westport, and West Coast Sounds, returning via the Bluff. She has since been engaged on lighthouse and harbour work, including a visit to the Kermadec Islands to inspect the depots for castaways which are established there. The " Hinemoa " was kept fully employed until the middle of December in attending to lighthouses,' overhauling and cleaning buoys, and doing other work, including making a trip to the Snares, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, and Bounty Islands to search for castaways, and to inspect the provision and clothing depots. On her return from her southern lighthouse .trip in December she was laid up, as it was decided that the " Tutanekai" was to take up her running. As it was considered that the latter vessel would perhaps be able to do all the work required in attending to lighthouses, &c, it was decided to sell the " Hinemoa," and tenders for her purchase were invited by advertisement in New Zealand, Sydney, and Melbourne ; but no offers were received. It was then decided to utilise her by visiting more frequently the sealing-grounds, and by arranging that the Government steamers should convey as much as possible of the coal, sleepers, and other material required by the railways to the port at which they were wanted, and that the other Government departments should ship their cargo by them whenever it could possibly be done. In order to make her more fit for the carriage of cargo, the forehold has been enlarged, and some necessary repairs have been effected to her machinery, &c. Captain Fairchild being now in command of the " Tutanekai," the " Hinemoa " is under the charge of Captain Neale, formerly first mate of that vessel. Coastal Surveys. —The rock off the Gable-end Foreland, touched by the s.s. " Monowai," was found by Captain Fairchild in February last. Its position is very nearly that given by the master of the " Monowai." Captain Neale surveyed the Ward and Theresa Bocks, and Weka Beef, off Stewart Island. Charts. —The charts which the department has hitherto kept for sale to masters and owners of vessels at the Customhouses at the principal ports have only been those of New Zealand and of the Polynesian Islands with which we have trade; but, as there have been several inquiries for charts of other parts of the world, it has been decided to keep a stock of those of Australia, of the Eastern Archipelago, of the China Sea, of the South Pacific Ocean, and of the east coast of South America from Bio de Janeiro to Cape Horn. These will be kept at the Customhouse at Wellington, but masters of vessels at other ports can get what they want sent to them by communicating with the Collector. Wrecks and Casualties. —A table showing the analysis of casualties to shipping is appended hereto. Those on the coasts of the colony numbered sixty, representing 22,058 tons, as against thirty-seven, affecting 21,060 tons, in the previous year. The number of total wrecks within the colony, including four sailing-vessels which are supposed to have foundered, was nine, of 1,450 tons, as against eight, of 2,070 tons, in the previous year. The number of lives lost was fifteen, as against eight in 1895-96. Of these, nine were on or near the coasts of the colony—viz., one from the ship " Westland," and four each from the " Lizzie Ellen " and " Alert " (all hands in the two last-named vessels). The lives lost beyond the colony were one each from the "Westland," " Patrician," " Pleione," " Bakaia," " Soukar," and " Dundale." Survey of Steamers. —The report of the Principal Engineer Surveyor on the work in connection with the survey of steamers is appended, hereto. A uniform system respecting the limits within which small restricted-limit steamers are allowed to ply has been brought into operation, and it is found to work very well. Under this system the different limits within which these steamers may ply are defined by regulation. Formerly the Surveyor fixed the limits in each case. The question as to revoking the regulations which require steamers plying in salt and brackish waters, and having non-condensing engines, to be surveyed half-yearly has been under consideration, but the Government has not seen its way to interfere with the regulations. Proceedings have been taken against James Bindon for acting as master of the s.s. "Horeke" without being in possession of. a certificate, and against the masters of the s.s. " Staffa" and s.s. "Mahinapua " for carrying more passengers than allowed by the vessels' certificates. A fine was imposed in each case.

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Wages and Effects of Deceased Seamen. —The estates of fifteen deceased seamen, amounting to £130 18s. Bd., were dealt with during the year. Of these, six were new estates. The sum of £93 9s. 6d. was paid to relatives and other claimants, and the sum of £11 lis. 2d., being the amount of unclaimed estates which had been in the hands of the department for over six years, was paid into the public account. Engagement arid Discharge of Seamen. —lt has been found necessary to exercise the greatest caution in accepting statutory declarations from men that they are entitled to ship. The law allows such declarations to be accepted in the case of seamen who have lost their discharges, and who in consequence are unable to produce documentary evidence of their qualification for the rating of able seamen or firemen as the case may be. The department has good reason to believe that men without the proper qualifications have made declarations that they were entitled to ship, and instructions have therefore been issued to Superintendents of Mercantile Marine that in all doubtful cases they are to question the men as to their knowledge of the duties of a seaman before granting a permit. The question of appointing master mariners to be Shipping Masters at the four principal ports is now under the consideration of the Government. The Collector of Customs at Wellington having found, on examining the articles of agreement of the s.s. " Mahinapua," that the master had not obtained ratification of some engagements and discharges which had taken place on board, proceedings were taken against him, and he was fined £2 and costs, the fine being small as the case was the first of the kind which had come before the Court. In July last eight of the crew of the s.s. "Eimutaka" went ashore without leave while the vessel was at Hobart on her way from London to this colony, and, as they did not return before the vessel left, the master, on arrival at Wellington, reported them as deserters, and obtained the sanction of the Superintendent to writing them off the articles as such. Subsequently, owing to representations made by the Tasmanian authorities, the owners brought them over to join the vessel at Lyttelton, but on their arrival the master claimed that the writing-off as deserters held good, and that they must ship afresh. The matter was then brought before this department, which sought the opinion of the Crown Law Officers, who advised that the men were wrongfully entered as deserters, and that the officer should not have sanctioned their being written off as such. This opinion was based on section 188 of " The Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, 1894," which provides that a master shall not discharge a seaman or apprentice, or leave him behind, unless he previously obtains the sanction of the Superintendent or Chief Officer of Customs at or near the place, which in this case was Hobart. After this opinion was obtained the department insisted upon the writing-off being treated as null and void. One case of the carriage of explosives by a passenger-steamer contrary to law came under the notice of the department. In this case the s.s. "Te Kapu " carried ten packages of powder from Napier to Wairoa. Proceedings were taken against the master, who was fined £10 and costs. The only case in which it was considered necessary to take proceedings for overloading was that of the " Eoyal Tar," which arrived at Auckland from Newcastle, New South Wales. Before the vessel left Newcastle the master was notified by the authorities that he must lighten her before proceeding to sea. He did not, however, do so, and the local Marine Board then reported the matter to this colony, and the master was prosecuted on his arrival at Auckland, and fined £25 and costs. At the request of the Port Nicholson Yacht Club an application was made to the Imperial Government for permission to fly the blue ensign of Her Majesty's fleet, and, the club having complied with certain necessary formalities, the Admiralty has acceded to the request, and the requisite warrants have been received and forwarded to the club. Alterations in the Law. —During the session of Parliament held in 1896 an Act to further amend "The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," was passed. Considerable alteration was made in the law regarding engineers of sea-going vessels. Up to the coming into operation of the Act there were only two grades of certificated sea-going engineers, and no steamship could be compelled to carry more than two engineers; but the new Act provides for three grades of certificates, and that the number of engineers to be carried in intercolonial and coasting vessels is to be regulated by the indicated horse-power and the distance between terminal ports. It also provides that engineers are to be rated as officers, and that when the conduct of any person in the engine department is likely to be called into question on an investigation into a steamship casualty one of the Assessors must be an engineer holding a first-class certificate. Intercolonial and coasting steamships registered not sooner than six months after the coming into operation of the Act are to have adequate ventilation of the engineers' room, engine-room, and stokehold; and for each engineer up to at least three a separate room is to be provided, having a separate entrance to the deck otherwise than through the engine-room. Provision is also made that the current rate of wages ruling in the colony is to be paid to seamen engaged in the colony, or who, though engaged abroad, are employed in the colony ; that in the case of seamen engaged in the colony the engagement may be determined by twenty-four hours' notice on either side at any time after the ship's arrival at her final port of discharge in the colony, consequent on the completion of a round voyage ; and that when any member of the crew of a foreign-going ship has been sent to prison for a term not exceeding one month, and the ship is about to leave the colony before the expiration of such term, the delinquent is to be put on board by the police, and kept in custody by the master until the ship has sailed. With the exception of fifteen weeks during which it was necessary to employ a temporary clerk, the whole of the very large amount of clerical work done in the head office during the past year has been overtaken by the Chief Clerk, one assistant, and a cadet, notwithstanding the addition to the work of former years. I have, &c, W. T. Glasgow, Secretary.

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The Principal Examiner of Masters and Mates to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir,— Wellington, 14th June, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that the examination of masters and mates has been carried out as formerly by the Examiners at the four principal ports in a satisfactory manner. During the year, in addition to the other examinations, four candidates were examined in and passed the voluntary examination in the laws of the deviation of the compasses of iron ships. This examination forms the necessary qualification required for licensed adjusters of compasses. There are at present nine licensed adjusters of compasses in the colony, who are distributed as follows : Three at Auckland, two at Wellington, one at Lyttelton, two at Dunedin, and one at Nelson. Several candidates have failed m the form-vision test, and recently a candidate holding a first mate's certificate omitted to state in his declaration that he had previously failed in the form-vision test in Australia, and on examination in this colony he was still found unable to pass the test. Subsequently, in accordance with the regulations, a note of the fact of this failure was written across the face of the candidate's certificate before it was returned to him.* The new Board of Trade regulations for the examination of masters and mates will come into force at the beginning of the year 1898. The examination in navigation is more difficult than it formerly was, and several new problems have been added to each grade for certificates of competency for foreign-going ships. The problems are also varied in every possible way, so as to insure that the candidate has a proper knowledge of the subject. Another important feature in the new regulations is that all examination questions in navigation are to be forwarded by the Principal Examiner in sealed packages to where they are required, and must on no account be opened by any officer other than the Examiner, and by him only at the commencement of the examination. After the examination is completed all the questions are to be again sealed up by the Examiner, and forwarded to the Principal Examiner at Wellington for his approval. During examination (or at any time) the Examiners are to take special precautions to preclude the possibility of any person having access to the examination papers. In conclusion, I may state that the new requirements of the examination will increase the work and responsibility of the Examiners generally. I have, &c, Geo. Allman, Principal Examiner of Masters and Mates. The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington.

The Inspector of Lighthouses to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir,— Wellington, 14th June, 1897. I have the honour to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I inspected the northern lighthouses of New Zealand during the months of October, November, and December last. The result of my inspection is that I found that, almost without exception, the lighting apparatus and towers at all the stations are in good order and well kept; also the keepers' dwelling-houses, with the exception of Manukau Head and Cape Maria van Diemen stations. Manukau Head station is now being put in order, and when completed will be in good condition. As regards Cape Maria van Diemen, the necessary material for effecting the most important repairs was forwarded at the beginning of the year, and I expect this work has been completed some time ago. 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. I regret to say that at a few of the stations the friendly relationship that, in my opinion, should exist amongst the keepers (with all due regard to discipline) does not exist. With a view of rectifying this matter some changes w T ill be necessary at an early date. At the various light-stations where telephone communication is established it has been of great service to the shipping community for weather-reporting purposes, and for reporting passing vessels, and to insure a greater efficiency in this branch of the service several of the telephones have been connected with and extended to the towers, so that the keepers on watch can have immediate access to them, which is a great advantage. During the year much has been done to improve the lighting system on the coast, and also in several of the harbours. Fareivell Spit. —A new iron tower has been erected at Farewell Spit in place of the old wooden tower; the latter was taken down when the new structure was completed. In September and in June the Engineer-in-Chief and I visited Cape Palliser. In the former month we finally fixed on the site for the lighthouse and the keepers' dwellings; several weeks afterwards the preparatory work for erecting the tower was begun. Much difficulty and delay were experienced in landing the necessary material, owing to frequent intervals of bad weather. When we visited the station in June the tower and dwellings were in an advanced state towards completion, and should be finished during the month; after which the work of placing the lighting apparatus in position will be gone on with, and if there are no delays there is every prospect of Cape Palliser Lighthouse being lighted and exhibited for the use of mariners about the middle of October next, 1897.

* The form-viaion test is for the purpose of ascertaining whether candidates' vision is such as to qualify them for service at sea as mates and masters. This test is the first that candidates are required to undergo, and until it is passed further examination cannot be proceeded with.

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Cape Palliser Lighthouse is admirably situated for all purposes, and would make an excellent look-out station in the event of war for reporting passing vessels. In time of peace it would be equally serviceable for the same purpose if connected by telegraph. If this were done, the four corners of Cook Strait would be within hail, so to speak, of mariners. At the western entrance of the Strait Cape Farewell and Cape Egmont light-stations are connected by wire. Cape Campbell, which commands the south-eastern entrance, is also connected by wire. Next to Cape Farewell station, I think Cape Palliser is the most important station for reporting passing vessels and vessels navigating Cook Strait. Harbour Lights. —Several lights of different colours have been placed on various wharves and jetties in New Zealand by their respective Harbour Boards. Hokianga Harbour. — Since my last report I inspected the entrance to Hokianga Harbour for the purpose of reporting as to the advisability of establishing harbour lights there. lam of opinion that it would be exceedingly advantageous to shipping frequenting Hokianga to have a permanent white light placed on the South Head. I also think it would be advisable to provide leading lights for crossing the bar, and to be used only at the Harbourmaster's discretion when required. Kaipara Harbour. —The entrance of Kaipara Harbour was also inspected by me for the purpose of reporting as to the advisability of establishing leading lights for crossing Kaipara Bar. As regards establishing suitable leading lights for guiding vessels into Kaipara Harbour by night, it is, in my opinion, both difficult and expensive, for various reasons. In the first instance, there are numerous dangerous sandbanks which extend in various directions far out into the sea, and are constantly undergoing rapid changes ; so much so that the leading beacons have been changed frequently. Secondly, leading lights to be of reliable service for this purpose should be seen at sea at least ten or fifteen miles. This would necessitate the erection of two new lighthouses, at a probable cost of £2,000 each, which might at any time become absolutely useless as guiding lights if the bar changed or altered its then position. Wellington Harbour Lights. —Eegarding placing a light at the entrance of Wellington Harbour and increasing the power of the light on Somes Island, I would recommend that if it is thought necessary to place a light at the entrance of Wellington Harbour it should, in my opinion, be placed on the outer rock of Barrett's Eeef (if practicable). My reasons are obvious. Barrett's Eeef, although being the principal danger, has deep water on the south and on the east sides of it. If a second-order occulting light were placed on the outer rock vessels could pass (comparatively speaking, quite close to it on the south and on the east side, and so avoid the projecting rocky shore on the eastern side of the entrance. The cost of erecting a suitable tower, &c. (if practicable), would vary from £10,000 to £15,000. A light such as I have mentioned would be of great assistance to vessels bound in and out of Wellington Harbour by night. If a light were placed on Barrett's Eeef the light on Somes Island would not require altering. If the present light on Somes Island is to remain the only guiding light into Wellington Harbour the power of the light should be increased. If either of these suggestions were executed it would be materially in the interest of local bodies, and perhaps they might see their way to contribute towards the cost. Surveys. —Numerous surveys have been made of reported dangers by officers of the department and by officers of various Harbour Boards, and buoys and beacons have been placed to mark them where required. The Wellington Harbour Board have marked their harbour where required by the new regulation buoys. This is the only instance in the colony where the new buoys have been adopted. Pigeon Service. —A pigeon-loft has been established at Somes Island for the purpose of training carrier-pigeons for the Lighthouse Service, to be made use of at those stations where there is no telegraph communication. These pigeons, so far, have been a great success, and have conveyed several important messages from Captain Fairchild in different parts of Cook Strait, including the particulars of the loss of the " Zuleika " in Palliser Bay. Fog-signal. —The patent explosive fog-signal ordered from England some time ago should soon arrive in the colony. It will then be placed in a suitable position at Pencarrow Head. Accident. —The only accident in the Lighthouse Service that occurred during the year was caused by a small vessel colliding with the tower at Ponui Passage. The damage was not very extensive, and did not interfere with the lighting apparatus. Deaths. —The principal keeper at Puysegur Point, an old and valued servant in the department, died at Invercargill Hospital. Retirement. —Mr. F. M. Smith, the principal keeper at Cape Egmont, retired owing to illhealth. I have, &c, Geo. Allman, The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. Inspector of Lighthouses.

The Principal Engineer-Surveyor of Steamers and Chief Examiner of Engineers to the Secretary of the Marine Department. g IB . Principal Engineer-Surveyor's Office, Wellington, 14th April, 1897. I have the honour to submit my annual report of the financial year ended 31st March, 1897. During the year 271 surveys have been held, the total number of steamers surveyed being 207. A large amount of repairs and alterations to steamers have been made this year to bring them up to date, and to meet the increased requirements of trade. The carrying-out of this work has taken up much of the time of the surveyors throughout New Zealand. The question of granting yearly certificates (instead of six-monthly certificates as at present) to steamers fitted with non-condensing machinery should be again considered, as nearly all these boats ply where fresh water is available.

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The set times for examination of engineers which came into force last year have yen the greatest satisfaction. The position of engineers on steamers has been improved by the amendment to the Shipping and Seamen's Act of last session, which came into force in January, 1897. The days when all that was required of a sea-going engineer was his ability as a workman have gone. With modern machinery, the number of auxiliary fittings, including evaporators, feed-heaters, auxiliary pumpingengines, freezing, electric lighting, hydraulic appliances, and many others, his general knowledge has to be much more extensive, and the ability to cope with difficulties will bring out the most efficient man. To give the young engineer an incentive to improve his position by his theoretical as well as practical knowledge, the new third-class engineer's examination is open to him without sea-service, and, judging by the standard of those who have already passed this examination in New Zealand, I think the young New-Zealander has nothing to fear in his struggle for a place when opportunity offers. The following table shows the number of steamers engaged in the respective trades, their tonnage, horse-power, and fees payable for survey : —

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, Eobert Duncan, The Secretary, Marine Department. Principal Engineer-Surveyor.

2—H. 15.

Number. Trade in which engaged. Fees payable. Aggregate Registered Tonnage. Registered Nominal Horse-power. 23 64 120 Foreign ... Home trade Eiver and extended river 279 10 504 0 397 0 d. 0 0 0 19,557 11,633 3,626 4,234 3,899 2,146$ 207 1,180 10 0 34,816 10,279$

&.—l5.

Return of Steamers to which Certificates of Survey were issued in New Zealand during the Year ended the 31st March, 1897.

Name of Vessel. 96 O'S) EH t *-< * '1 o I 'St Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Remarks. Ahuriri 'Albany •Alexandra Amateur Aorere Argyle Antrim Awarua 'Beatrice •Bella Ben Lomond .. •Birkenhead Blanche Britannia Brunner •Canterbury Charles Edward Chelmsford Clansman Clara •Clematis Comet Corinna Coromandel Delta •Despatch- (Auckland) Dingadee •Douglas Duco •Eagle Effort •Eliza Elsie •Enterprise Erin Erskine •Ethel J. •Fairy Fanny Fingal Flora Flower of Kent Freetrader Gairloch Glenelg Goldfinch 31 8 73 17 8 30 4 16 45 30 80 10 12 15 16 9 40 95 24 60 24 99 24 4 2i 141 25 24 6 80 20 60 70 12 3 8 30 4 35 16 15 30 11 180 81 30 85 75 12 Compound Non-condensing .. Screw Extended river. River .. Launch. Paddle Screw » 49 126 36 100 8 12 33 55 18 108 333 Compound Home trade. Non-condensing .. Condensing Non-condensing .. Paddle River. Home trade Extended river. Tug. Screw Compound Non-condensing .. River. Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Twin-screw .. 123 70 336 Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Compound Home trade. Extended river.. Home trade. Launch. Screw 5 Non-condensing .. Sternwheel .. Screw River. 820 67 Compound Foreign trade. Extended river. River. Non-condensing .. Sternwheel .. Screw Twin-screw .. Screw 393 55 26 138 13 Compound Condensing Triple expansion .. Compound Home trade. Paddle Extended river .. Tug. 15 61 Non-condensing .. Screw River .. Extended river. River. Launch. Paddle Screw Dredge. 98 20 32 67 22 838 Compound River. Extended river. Home trade. Extended river. Foreign trade. River Non-condensing .. Compound Condensing Compound Launch. 95 211 156 Non-condensing .. Compound Sternwheel . . Twin-screw .. Screw Home trade. Non-condensing .. River Formerly " Macandrew." Grafton •Heathcote •Help Herald Hesketh Hirere Horeke 322 94 123 35 11 85 80 16 4 Compound Twin-screw .. Screw Home trade. River Hopper-barge. Launch. 370 393 Non-condensing .. Compound Home trade. Twin-screvv .. River. Condensing Non-condensing .. Screw Launch (formerly " Miranda"). Huia (Wellington) *Huia (Auckland) •Ida .. Invercargill Invincible •Iona .. Irene Jane Douglas .. Janet Nicoll John Anderson Kahu Kanieri Kate •Katikati Kawatiri •Kawau Kennedy •Kina Kiripaka Kopuru Koputai •Kotuku Lena Lily .. Little George .. Lyttelton Mahinapua 90 25 8 10 50 25 65 21 22 90 25 40 20 5 8 70 10 43 15 20 20 120 40 5 12 4 80 80 Compound Non-condensing .. Home trade. River. 12 123 50 159 Compound Home trade. Extended river. Home trade. River Extended river. Home trade. Extended river. Foreign trade. Home trade. River Extended river. Home trade. Extended river. Home trade. River Home trade. River. Home trade River. Extended river.. Launch. 75 496 36 99 115 Non-condensing .. Compound 27 285 37 125 52 72 28 5 41 Non- condensing .. Condensing Compound Twin-screw .. Screw Tug. Non-condensing .. Compound Non-oondensing .. Paddle . .. Three screws Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Paddle Twin-screw .. 20 4 39 205 Comp'd oondensing Non-condensing .. Compound Fishing vessel. River Home trade Launch. Tug. * Surve; 'ed twice, and in some cas es three times.

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

Name of Vessel. S.s O SO EH || jl Nature o, Engines. *%%£„ Class of Certificate. Remarks. Mana (Westport) 'Mana (Wellington) Manaia Manapouri Manawatu Manukau "Manuwai 'Maori Maori Mararoa 'Matau 'Matuku Mawhera May .. Minnie Casey .. Moa Moss Rose Mountaineer 'Napier 'Nautilus Neptune 'Ngunguru 'Nile .. 'Noko No. 121 No. 222 Ohau.. • .: Ohinemuri Omapere Onslow Opawa Orowaiti Oreti Osprey Ovalau 'Paeroa Paiaka Pareora 'Patiki Pania Pelorus Penguin Pinafore Phcenix Pilot .. Pioneer Piraki 'Planet Plucky "Poherua Progress Pukaki Pupuki Queen of the South Rakanoa 'Result (Tauranga) 'Result (Napier) Richmond Riro Riro Rosamond 'Rose Casey Rotomahana (Dunedin) Rotomahana (Auckland) 'Scotchman Sea Gull 'Snark Southern Cross 'Staffa (Auckland) Staffa (Dunedin) Stella Stormbird Sunbeam 'Sumner Sylph 'Tainui Taieri 'Takapuna (Dunedin) .. Takapuna (Auckland) .. Talune "Tangihua Tarawera 'Tarewai Taroa 51 51 55 1,020 111 45 75 17 118 1,380 50 3 340 90 25 15 300 38 15 25 8 60 530 40 3 75 3 25 33 6 60 30 18 18 12 20 9 100 120 92 26 80 14 18 70 50 70 75 16 10 71 22 11 12 180 3 6 13 5 9 8 40 128 50 110 1 40 200 10 23 105 4 90 109 450 45 10 6 10 50 20 31 90 40 8 35 4 20 155 165 20 255 15 250 14 5 Compound Paddle Screw Home trade Extended river.. Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade. Extended river. River. Extended river. Home trade. Foreign trade. River. Tug. Non-condensing .. Sternwheel .. Screw Condensing Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Sternwheel .. Screw Launch. 48 109 Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Home trade. River Condensing Compound Home trade River 66 48 32 44 54 21 15 394 502 411 73 352 16 64 283 138 138 767 45 10 355 37 27 18 517 Condensing Non-condensing .. Compound Paddle Screw Paddle '.'. Screw Twin-screw.. Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Home trade. Extended river.. Home trade Extended river. Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade. River. Home trade. Yacht. Since wrecked. Dredge. Quadruple expans'n Compound Paddle !! Screw Foreign trade. River. Foreign trade. Extended river. Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Condensing Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Paddle '.'. Screw Home trade. River. Home trade. River. Home trade. River Extended river.. River Fishing vessel. Launch. 6 11 5 10 13 29 749 200 917 Extended river. Home trade .. Foreign trade. Home trade Foreign trade. River Home trade. Foreign trade. Extended river. Tug. Compound Triple expansion .. Compound Dredge. 121 1,393 13 18 475 Non-condensing .. Compound Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Launch. 462 100 901 139 30 Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Foreign trade. River Home trade. Extended river. Foreign trade. Home trade. Extended river. Non-condensing .. 12 158 40 Compound Condensing Non-condensing .. Compound Foreign trade. Extended river. River Home trade. 157 137 Launch. Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. River. Hopper-barge. 94 5 47 1,071 370 58 1,303 20 1,269 7 Triple expansion .. Compound Non-condensing .. Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Compound Paddle !! Screw Paddle ! '. Screw Foreign trade. Home trade. River. Foreign trade. River. Foreign trade. River. Extended river.. Condensing Fishing vessel. * Surveyed twice, and in some cases three tinu IS.

H—ls.

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, 1897.

Name of Vessel. 03 u a ® Z. £ o no £H 5 rS Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Remarks. Taupo Taniwha Taviuni •Te Aroha Te Anau Tekapo Tekapu Terranora Theodore Thomas King .. Timaru Tongariro Torea Tuakau •Tui •Tuna •Upolu Victoria 'Victory Vivid Waihi •Waikato Wainui Waiotahi •Wairere Waipara Wairoa (Auckland) Wairoa (Napier) •Wairoro •Waitara •Waitoa •Waiwera (Lyttelton) Waiwera (Henley) Waimarie Wakatipu Wakatu Wareatea Waverley Weka (Napier) Wellington Westland •Whangape •Yankee Doodle Zephyr 408 910 50 1,028 1,544 50 199 35 70 211 62 9 92 16 135 14 250 270 25 94 25 16 78 25 18 2 61 14 120 50 4 14 20 20 95 56 80 30 24 20 10 12 16 15 7 48 256 30 70 25 20 90 64 6 12 12 Compound Non-condensing .. Quadruple expans'n Non-condensing .. Compound Screw Paddle Screw Foreign trade. River Foreign trade. River. Foreign trade. Dredge. Condensing Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw Twin-screw .. Paddle Screw Extended river. Home trade. River. Extended river.. Home trade River. Extended river. River Tug. Launch. 700 92 6 63 56 391 168 27 70 63 48 Compound Quadruple expans'n Non-condensing .. Twin-screw.. Screw Paddle Screw Extended river. Foreign trade. Extended river. River Extended river. Home trade. River. Home trade. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Paddle ;! Screw Twin-screw .. Paddle Twin-screw.. Screw Non-condensing .. River. Home trade. Compound Condensing Non-condensing .. Extended river. River. Extended river. 27 6 Compound Twin-screw .. Screw u 159 1,258 95 288 77 53 279 35 Non-condensing .. Compound Quadruple expans'n Compound River. Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade. Twin-screw .. Screw 6 8 Condensing Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw Paddle Screw River Tug. Launch. * Surveyed twice, and in some cases three times,

Name of Person. Rank. Class of Certificate. Date of Issue. No. Robert Clark Samuel Westrupp .. George Henry Short Master .. Home trade (renewal) Home and foreign trade Home trade 26 Aug., 1896 .. 28 Aug., 8 Oct., „ .. 2675 2676 2677 Edward Ross Campbell Wesley Hare Robert Johnson William Vereker Bindon Mate Master .. 27 Nov., „ .. 11 Dec, „ 7 Jan., 1897 .. 30 Jan., „ .. 2678 2679 2680 2681

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Return showing the Total Ordinary Expenditure of the Marine Department during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1897.

;ureo: Ixpent ire. :ai: Is. is. fran< is. [bad Office :— Secretary, also Secretary and Inspector of Customs Chief Clerk .... Clerk Cadet .. Nautical Adviser, &c. £. s. d. 300 0 0 230 0 0 74 6 2 400 0 0 £ s. d. £ a. d. 1,004 6 2 [abboubs :— Manukau,— Salaries Wharf .. Contingencies .. Russell, — Contingencies Maraetai, — Wharf .. Whakatane, — Removal of rocks Tauranga,— Contingencies Hokianga,— Salaries .. Clearing willows from Taheke River Contingencies Kaipara,— Salaries Subsidy to steamer for harbour-work Contingencies 426 0 0 100 0 0 105 8 4 5 19 0 145 9 0 2 18 6 631 8 4 5 19 0 2 18 6 3 2 0 145 9 0 3 2 0 274 0 0 100 0 0 30 18 5 404 18 5 405 0 0 340 0 0 35 4 5 Mokau — Salary .. Contingencies Opunake, — Salary .. .. .. Contingencies Foxton, — Salary Contingencies Rangitikei,— Salary Wairau, — Salary .. .. .. .. Removing snags Contingencies Havelock, — Contingencies Nelson, — Salaries .. . Contingencies Motueka, — Salary Riwaka, — Salary Contingencies Waitapu,— Salary Maintenance of leading lights Contingencies .. .. .. Collingwood,— Salary Contingencies Little Wanganui,— Contingencies Mokihinui, — Contingencies Karamea, — Signalling vessels Construction of stop-bank .. Contingencies Okarito, — Salary Cutting channel through bar Contingencies Okuru, — Contingencies Waikawa, — Salary Waikouaiti, — Improving harbour Decanter Bay,— Grant for wharf Stewart Island, — Grant for wharf .. 780 4 5 18 15 0 7 13 1 26 8 1 25 0 0 11 7 1 36 7 1 190 0 0 64 4 8 254 4 8 18 0 0 18 0 0 145 0 0 30 6 6 9 17 10 185 4 4 1 2 6 12 6 524 0 0 108 1 4 632 1 4 3 6 8 3 6 8 5 0 0 2 3 0 7 3 0 31 5 0 37 10 0 9 12 0 78 7 0 31 5 0 9 15 0 41 0 0 7 10 0 7 10 0 25 0 0 25 0 0 14 10 0 4 15 1 29 18 10 49 3 11 50 0 0 20 0 0 39 14 0 109 14 0 8 11 4 8 11 4 10 0 0 10 0 0 75 0 0 75 0 0 150 0 0 150 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0

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

Return 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, 1897.

Nature of Expenditure. Details. Totals. Grand Totals. £ ! s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Haeboubs— continued. Pension of J. Heberley 50 0 0 50 0 0 Buoy chain and general contingencies 222 11 8 222 11 8 4,164 15 3 Lighthouses :— Salaries of keepers Travelling-expenses of keepers Oil Stores and contingencies New tower, Farewell Spit Lighthouse artificer Pension of Mrs. Deck 9,006 19 4 35 10 8 1,335 9 3 2,871 10 8 2,301 1 2 200 0 0 24 0 0 15,774 11 1 Departmental travelling-expenses Coastal buoys Sundries Charts Inquiries into wrecks and casualties Relief of distressed New Zealand seamen Relief of distressed seamen (other than New Zealand) 74 5 0 41 6 3 263 11 9 62 8 0 163 2 0 32 5 9 3 16 6 15,774 11 1 640 15 3 Administration of " The Sea-fisheries Act, 1894 " — Protection of fish Protection of oysters and lease of beds 99 2 1 361 0 8 640 15 3 Examination-of Masters and Mates, — Salaries Contingencies 163 2 0 159 2 9 460 2 9 460 2 9 Weather Forecasts, — Salary Contingencies 322 4 9 322 4 9 300 0 0 10 12 6 Government Steamers, — S.s. "Hinemoa," — Wages, stores, provisions, &c. S.s. " Tutanekai," — Building of vessel and cost of bringing her to colony (balance of cost) Wages, stores, provisions, &c, since arrival in colony.. 310 12 6 310 12 0 4,940 6 9 29,621 16 10 36,050 11 6 1,488 7 11 36,050 11 6 Less amount of credits to vote 58,727 19 3 552 12 2 Total £58,175 7 1

Name of Seaman. Balance to Credit of Estate on 31st March, 1896. Amount received. Balance to Credit of Amount paid. Estate on 31st March 1897. £ s. d. 4 14 9 4 8 7 2 7 10 16 17 10 6 5 1 82 16 5 0 16 10 7 15 5 4 15 11 £ s. d. £ s. d. 4 14 9 4 8 7 2 7 10 9 9 6 6 5 1 £ s. d. rohn Rissler ames Glass ohn McKay rrank Anderson .. tlrs. Lucy Fotheringham .. illis Thomas Tree ohn McLeod L McKichan £arl Kavander .. Jharles Henry Clears J. H. Keyworth .. 1. Littlewood Phomas Hogan .. Srnest Williams Patrick Casey . . # 3 8 1 10 8 6 13 7 1 11 5 4 21 12 6 7 8 4 86 4 6 4*15 11 8 19 7 8 0 0 1 3 10 13 7 8 2 7 2 0 11 6 8 19 7 8 0 0 13 7 8 2 7 2 0 11 6 13 10 Totals 130 18 8 61 13 5 93 9 6 99 12 7

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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, 1897.

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, 1897.

Oil. Stores Name of Lighthouse. Salaries. Gallons consumed. Value. and Contingencies. Totals. Cape Maria van Diemen Moko Hinou Tiri-Tiri Bean Rock 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 Point Waipapapa Point Dog Island Centre Island Puysegur Point Hokitika Cape Foulwind Farewell Spit Nelson Stephens Island French Pass £ s. d. 379 13 11 383 6 8 300 0 0 200 0 0 160 0 0 362 13 4 369 3 11 20 0 0 250 0 0 156 0 0 316 13 4 260 0 0 1,005 831 488 88 75 1,270 753 Gas 935 218 573 537 170 146 549 677 169 554 511 641 516 552 648 905 530 782 868 874 Gas 572 556 252 1,733 122 £ s. d. 75 7 6 62 6 6 36 12 0 7 18 4 5 12 6 95 5 0 56 9 6 12 17 3 70 2 6 16 7 0 42 19 6 40 5 6 12 15 0 10 19 0 41 3 6 50 15 6 12 13 0 41-11 0 38 6 6 48 1 6 38 14 0 41 8 0 48 12 0 67 17 6 39 15 0 58 17 3 65 2 0 65 11 0 17 15 0 42 18 0 41 14 0 18 18 0 129 19 6 9 3 0 £ s. d. 121 17 4 109 4 3 59 6 11* 47 8 11 73 9 11» 100 15 6 148 1 5" 18 0 65 13 5 58 14 10 123 13 7 45 3 0 £ s. d. 576 18 9 554 17 5 395 18 11 255 7 3 239 2 5 558 13 10 573 14 10 34 5 3 385 15 11 231 1 10 483 6 5 345 8 6 120 0 0 290 0 0 534 0 8 90 0 0 300 0 0 290 0 0 270 0 0 265 0 0 270 0 0 280 0 0 260 0 0 263 6 8 374 18 4 370 0 0 354 17 9 9 0 0 294 16 9 380 0 0 244 15 0 378 13 0 210 0 0 } 31 10 3 175 4 3 75 8 0 81 0 0 6 13 2 76 6 4 36 16 0 36 6 7 46 8 0 27 5 0 41 0 2 102 18 7° 50 3 4 146 4 1« 260 11 9 e 312 18 0« 0 9 6 65 0 0 2,387 13 5s 309 7 l h 115 8 0 8 7 6 406 11 6 665 16 2 109 6 8 417 17 4 365 2 6 354 8 1 350 2 0 338 13 0 369 12 2 430 16 1 353 5 0 579 19 8 695 13 9 733 6 9 27 4 6 402 14 9 2,809 7 5 573 0 1 624 0 6 227 10 6 Totals 9,006 19 4 19,100 1,464 12 10 5,172 11 10 15,644 4 0 * Repairs, £17 3s. lOd. a Repairs, £51 2s. i> Sc e Repairs, £127 16s. lid. ' Repairs, Note. —This return does not include the cost c moolroom, £28 8s. 8d. ° Repi £110 8s. 7d. g New tower, £2, )f the periodical visits made with oil, stores, and provision! airs, £52 16s. 9d. ,301 Is. 2d. li Ni to the lighthoui d Enlarging hous 2w house, £274 8s. ■ ses by the Govern se, £30 10s. lOd. 4d. iment steamer s.

Port or Place. Subject of Notice. Vestport Harbour Vhangaparoa Bay itewart Island .. kaipara Harbour [aipara Harbour Vanganui River lamaru Harbour 1 arewell Spit lape Palliser As to stranded barque " Coromandel " two notices). As to position of rock (two notices). Particulars regarding Ward Rock. Signals at pilot-station to indicate state of bar. Shoaling of water in Galatea Channel. Dredging operations. Position of buoy to mark dredge-moorings. Notification that light is to be shown from new tower. Preliminary notice of exhibition of.

H.-JLS

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

Return showing the Fees, &c., received under the Shipping and Seamen's Acts, the Merchant Shipping Act, and for Pilotage and Port Charges, &c., during the Year ended the 31st March, 1897.

Return showing the Amount of Light-dues collected during the Year ended the 31st March, 1897.

Return showing the Amount of Pilotage, Port Charges, &c., collected during the Year ended the 31st March, 1897.

Name of Lighthouse. Cost of Erection. 'encarrow Head kelson ?iri-Tiri /[ana Island* ?aiaroa Head lodley Head )og Island farewell Spit Tugget Point !ape Campbell lanukau Head 'ape Foulwind Jrothers 'ortland Island loeraki !entre Island 'uysegur Point 'ape Maria van Diemen ikaroa Head Jape Saunders 'ape Egmontf loko Hinou Vaipapapa Point .. 'onui Passage} Caipara Head french Pass iuvier Island itephens Island lost of telegraph cable to Tiri-Tiri liscellaneous 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 Egmont. t Cost of iron tower, lantern, and apparatus, which were renoved from Mana Island, is not included in this. J Built by Provincial Government of Auckland; cost not ;nown in Marine Department.

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 Dunedin Bluff and Invercargill £ s. d. 4,686 3 11 75 19 6 72 1 3 4 2 1 41 3 2 0 9 5 5 17 7 139 19 5 87 10 1 41 19 9 20 12 3 294 1 1 463 14 3 102 10 2 36 4 5 85 2 2 6 3 5 3,936 3 7 12 14 11 169 7 8 312 13 3 325 19 9 187 0 4 5 0 6 1,688 4 8 247 9 10 157 2 4 1,522 17 6 1,266 17 1 Total £15,995 5 4

Name of Port. Pilotage. Port Charges, Total _ Auckland* Onehunga Hokianga Kaipa»ra ». Thames* Gisborne* Wairoa' Napier* New Plymouth* Waitara* Wanganui* Patea* Foxton Wellington* .. Wairau Nelson Hokitika* Lyttelton* Timaru* Oamaru* Dunedin* Invercargill* .. Bluff* Riverton* £ s. d. 537 0 9 £ s. d. 2,639 10 3 69 3 0 £ s. d. 3,176 11 0 69 3 0 31 15 3 111 12 2 109 0 ± 634 14 10 114 13 0 3,432 19 4 , : . 92 18 1 159 17 6 392 9 3 34 8 7 133 14 9 6,527 16 1 126 11 0 1,161 1 1 t42 10 8 7,132 0 4 2,192 10 9 tl,436 0 0 10,156 19 2 14 9 8 3,026 4 10 5 4 0 31 15 3 111 12 2 99 19 0 61 19 4 108 16 6 478 4 3 37 11 9 74 16 7 392 9 3 24 8 4 133 14 9 342 12 9 126 11 0 471 15 8 9 14 572 15 6 5 16 6 2,954 15 1 55 6 4 85 Oil 10 0 3 6,185' 3 4 3,873' 8 6 556 8 5 689 5 5 42 10 8 3,258 11 10 1,636 2 4 1,436 0 0 4,336 11 8 14 9 8 999 12 8 5 4 0 5,820' 7 6 2,02612 2 Totals .. 40,315 4 8 15,310 3 11! |25,005 0 9 * Harbour Board revenue. + Tonnage rate on cargo.

Nature of Receipts. - Amount. (hipping and Seamen's Acts :— 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 'ilotage and port charges lundry receipts under Harbours Acts Sea-fisheries Act .. • ■ Sundries £ s. d. 1,390 13 6 1,097 0 0 28 15 0 169 5 0 15,995 5 4 118 14 6 1,633 17 3 202 13 0 253 13 9 116 4 4 Total .... ... £ 21,006 1 8

H.—ls.

Return showing the Orders in Council which have been issued during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1897.

Return showing the Number of Masters, Mates, and Engineers examined during the Year ended the 31st March, 1897, distinguishing the Number of Successful and Unsuccessful Candidates.

3—H. 15.

lETURN S. owing t •rders in Council which have been issued during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1897. Date of Order. Purpose of Order. 1896April 9 9 May 6 20 20 28 28 June 2 9 15 15 15 15 15 26 July 13 27 27 Aug. 10 10 10 10 . 24 31 Sept. 7 7 7 " 7 14 21 Oct. 12 12 12 26 26 Nov. 16 16 16 16 Dec. 12 12 12 12 12 21 21 21 1897— Jan. 11 11 20 Feb. 1/5 15 15 22 March 15 15 15 Approves of plans of McKay and Menzies' wharf, Decanter Bay. Licenses McKay and Menzies to occupy foreshore for wharf site, Decanter Bay. Divides New Plymouth Rating District into electoral wards. Approves of plans of county wharf at Bredin's Landing, Paparoa, Kaipara. Licenses Otamatea County Council to occupy wharf site at Bredin's Landing. Approves of plans of Kauri Timber Company's booms, Waikahikatea Channel, Kaipara. Licenses Kauri Timber Company to occupy site for booms, Waikahikatea Channel. Extends close season for seals. Approves of Westport Harbour Board constructing additional railway-siding. Revokes vesting of Waiuku Wharf in Waipipi Road Board. Vests management of Waiuku Wharf in Waiuku Road Board. Approves of rilling-in approach to lower Western Training-wall, Westport, with stone. Approves of Hokianga County Council reclaiming alongside Kohukohu Wharf. Approves of plans of Municipal Baths at Thorndon, Wellington. Appoints a member of Westport Harbour Board. Approves of plans of bridge over Waihou River, Thames. Approves of plans of Quay Street Jetty No. 3, Auckland. Prescribes dues and rates for use of Waitapu Wharf. Makes regulations as to whitebait fishing in Westland County. Approves of Westport Harbour Board procuring twenty-five hopper wagons. Approves of Westport Harbour Board connecting coal-staiths with weighbridge by telephone. Approves of plans of Ferry Jetty off Waterloo Quay, Wellington. Approves of Thames Harbour Board licensing J. W. Walker to occupy foreshore for mining. Approves of plans of coal-loading wharf and siding at Westport. Approves of additions to Thorndon Yacht Club shed, Wellington. Approves of Westport Harbour Board erecting running shed in station yard. Approves of Westport Harbour Board erecting waiting-room, Waimangaroa Station. ' Approves of plans of extension of Merchandise Wharf, Westport. Approves of plans of further extension of lower Western Training-wall, Westport. Declares Coromandel County Council shall be Harbour Board for Coromandel Harbour. Approves of plans of protective works on river near Blenheim. Makes regulations as to herring-nets used in Lake Ellesmere. Vests management of Motueka Wharf in Waimea County Council. Varies close season for oysters in Manukau. Approves of plan of addition to Purua Jetty, Lyttelton. Approves of plan of W. Hayes's boat- and landing-shed, Whangaroa. Licenses W. Hayes to occupy foreshore for shed site, Whangaroa. Approves Westport Harbour Board procuring hopper wagons. Prohibits use of jiggers in whitebait fishing. Revokes license to E. R. Cardno to occupy site for booms in Waima River. Approves of plans of Morning Star Gold-mining Company's wharf, Preservation Inlet. Licenses Morning Star Gold-mining Company to use foreshore for wharf site. Approves of erection of Harbour Board offices on foreshore at Bluff. Revokes close season for mullet in Bay of Islands. Declares lobsters and crabs subject to provisions of Act as to artificial beds. Makes sea-fishing regulations. Approves of plans of H. Palmer's oyster storage ground, Wellington. * Grants compassionate allowance to widow of late Lightkeeper Parks. Approves of further extension of lower Western Training-wall, and dredging, Westport. Approves of Westport Harbour Board procuring railway plant. Approves of plan of J. Smyth and Co.'s tramway on foreshore at Kennedy Bay. Licenses J. Smyth and Co. to occupy foreshore for tramway at Kennedy Bay. Vests management of a wharf in Auckland Harbour in Kauri Timber Company. Approves of plans of additions to Northcote Ferry Jetty, Auckland Harbour. Licenses J. Hartley and others to occupy foreshore at Kohukohu for recreation ground. Approves of plans of extension of Horseshoe Bay Wharf. Approves of plans of extension of Goods Wharf, Thames. Eetuen showing the Number of I Year ended the 31st March, 18' cessful Candidates. Masters, Mates, and 97, distinguishing the Engineers examined during the Tumber of Successful and UnsucAuckland. Wellingl ;on. Lyttelti in. inedi in. Other Places. 'otali Class of Certificate. I 5 3 <s <e o Pμ h h ■e' 1 '3 ft ■3 o Iβ rrf S 5 d '3 i o •6 1 •a ft EH ft 'd ft 3 o 1 Ph I ft B ?oreign - going masters and mates Home-trade masters and mates itiver-steamer masters sea-going engineers .. iiver-steamer engineers Marine engine-drivers 9 5 14 17 8 25 2 2 11 18 35 m 61 4 4 6 2 11 3 7 1 7 11 7 2 12 4 2 28 4 2 2 6 2 34 5 2 2 2 9 2 8 8 46 12 16 5 7 9 8 1 13 15 55 20 17 6 1 7 1 1 1 1 8 2 1 3 1 1 1 4 2 2 2 4 2 "s 1 Totals 36 17 53 57 17 11 4 15 11 13 24 10 5 15 125 181 74 56 —H. 15

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Descriptive Return of New Zealand Coastal Lighthouses.

Name of Lighthouse. Order of Apparatus. Period Description. ofI \7 g olv - Light. Colour of Light. Tower built of [Dwellings built of Date first lighted. Cape Maria van I Diemen 1st order dioptric Revolving Fixed 1' White Red, to show over Columbia Reef White White, with red arc over Flat Rock White and red White Timber Timber 24 Mar., 1879 1st order dioptric 2nd Flashing Fixed 10" Stone Iron Timber 18 June, 1883 1 Jan., 1865 Moko Hinou Tiri-Tiri.. Ponui Passage Cuyier Island 5th 1st 2nd Revolving 30" 30" Timber Iron Timber 29 July, 1871 22 Sept., 1889 10 Feb., 1878 Portland Island Fixed Red, to show over Bull Rock White Pencarrow Head .. Cape Egmont Manukau Head Kaipara Head Brothers .. \ 2nd order dioptric 2nd 3rd 2nd 2nd Iron Timber 1 Jan., 1859 1 Aug., 1881 1 Sept., 1874 1 Dec, 1884 24 Sept., 1877 Timber Flashing 10" 10" Fixed Red, to show over Cook Rock White Timber 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 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 Revolving Fixed Flashing Revolving V io" i' Red '.'. '.'. White Stone Timber Stone Timber Stone Stone Timber Stone Timber Stone Timber Stone io" 30" Centre Island Fixed White, with red arcs over inshore danTimber Timber 16 Sept., 1878 Puysegur Point Cape Foulwind Farewell Spit 1st 2nd 2nd Flashing Revolving 10" 30" 1' gers White 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 1 Mar., 1879 1 Sept., 1876 17 June, 1870 Nelson 4th Fixed Iron 4 Aug., 1862 French Pass 6th 1 Oct., 1884 Stephens Island 1st Group flashing Revolving * 29 Jan., 1894 Cape Palliser 2nd t White Now building. * Two flashes in between flashes. [uick succession every half minute. t Flashing twice every half-minute, with interval of three seconds

H.—ls.

Return of Masters, Mates, and Engineers to whom Certificates of Competency were issued during the Year ended the 31st March, 1897.

Name of Person. Rank. Class of Certificate. Date of Issue. No. George Napier Lindsay Joseph Parker Herbert Jordan Robert Crawford Samuel Holt Robert Adolphus Forbes Anderson Herbert Platts John Murray Drewette Charles Edwards Hargraves Carl Gustaf Moberg Mathias Olsen Henry Watts William Gustav Dieley William Fretwell Robert Geoffrey Cross Edwin Percy Dent Wright Edwin Percy Dent Wright James Theodore Wilson David Todd Peter John Ewing Richard McAvoy Henry Arthur Rutter Arthur Howell John Dawson Patrick Darragh Herbert Slocombe William Ludwig Gustav Reed Gerald Thomas Trevor Hull William Norton .Dutton .. Walter Andrew Tulloch William Gilmer George Allen Murdoch Morrison William Rundal Ponsonby Charles Roy Herbert Burtram Wade William Mollison.. John Johnson Charles Frederick William August Greenberg William McPherson Gabriel Gabrielsen Robert Albert Grone Charles Nelson William John Carey Neil McArthur Frederick Irving Peter Mclntyre Hugh McGilvray Theodore William Haultain William Mulgrew Frederick William Meikle Thomas Garnaut .. Gustaf Pelier Solvender Alexander McDonald Richard Henwood Vercoe John Harrison Alfred Henry Pook Thomas Robertson Anderson John James Cormack Edward Wrigley Charles William Richmond Suisted William Carson James Darling Charles Stewart Crawford Archibald Campbell Edgar Percival Turner John Finlayson Frank Smith James Bambery Percy William Hambleton Thomas Wetherilt William David Jones .. .. ., Ambrose Hughey Port Arthur Leslie Turner James Adam Glasgow James Blackwood .. ., Ernest Morrison Joshua Fowler William Wright Hugh Alexander Calder Maurice Manthel.. Thomas Bell Jones Sinclair John Buchanan Hay George Richard Skinner William Hay First Mate Master Ordinary .. First Mate Second Mate Foreign trade 7 April, 1896 .. 24 „ „ . . 24 „ „ .. 16 May, „ .. 16 „ „ .. 10 June, „ 11 „ „ .. 11 „ 6 July, „ 14 „ „ .. 6 Aug., „ .. 10 „ „ .. 13 „ „ .. 26 „ „ .. 22 Sept., „ .. 8 Oct., „ .. 12 „ „ .. 12 „ „ .. 16 „ „ .. 19 „ „ .. 22 „ „ . . 6 Nov., 17 „ „ .. 27 „ „ .. 27 „ „ .. 27 „ „ .. 22 Dec, „ .. 22 „ „ .. 13 Jan., 1897 .. 19 „ „ .. 19 „ „ -. 2 Feb 19 „ „ .. 27 „ „ .. 1 April, 1896 .. 7 „ „ .. 6 May, „ .. 22 „ „ .. 10 June, „ 28 Aug., „ .. 13 Oct., „ 7 Nov., „ .. 11 Dec, „ .. 22 „ „ .. 22 „ „ .. 19 Jan., 1897 .. 26 „ „ .. 26 „ „ .. 6 May, 1896 .. 26 Sept., , .. 12 Oct 19 » ,, .. 27 Nov., „ .. 11 Dec 19 Jan., 1897 .. 29 March, „ .. 1 April, 1896 .. 16 May, „ .. 26 June, „ 11 Sept., „ .. 23 „ „ .. 8 Oct 8 „ „ .. 7 Nov., „ .. 7 „ „ .. 24 Dec, „ .. 21 Jan., 1897 .. lFeb., „ .. 1 . » .. 1 „ „ ■■ 1 , . .. 1 » „ •• 1 » „ ■■ 1 » „ .. 1 „ . .. 2 „ „ .. 10 „ „ ., 10 „ „ ., 10 „ „ .. 13 , „ .. 13 „ „ .. 13 „ , .. 13 „ „ .. 13 „ „ ,, 698 689 790 791 792 793 794 795 718 796 797 798 799 800 801 802 548 803 804 584 620 805 735 806 807 808 809 810 762 632 811 812 813 814 5392 5360 5393 5394 5395 5396 5397 5398 5399 5400 5401 5S76 5402 5403 3259 3260 3261 3262 3263 3264 3265 3266 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 First Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate First Mate „ (renewal) Master Ordinary .. Only Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate First Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate First Mate Master Ordinary .. Second Mate Master Home trade Mate Master „ (renewal) River trade 1st Class Engineer Foreign trade 2nd Class Engineer 1st Class Engineer 2nd Class Engineer 3rd Class Engineer 1st Class Engineer 3rd Class Engineer n // . •

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Return of Masters, Mates, and Engineers to whom Certificates of Competency were issued during the Year ended the 31st March, 1897— continued.

Name of Person. Rank. Class of Certificate. Date of Issue. No. Reginald Edward Smallbone Thomas Telfer Thomas Moore Murray Carl Hausmann James Sydney Faulkner .. John Young Charles Mclntyre Archibald Coubrough Joseph Healy Norman Arnott Douglas Grant Stevenson .. Henry Augustus Levestam William Reid Henry Wilson Roy Ernest Seldon Pyke Godfrey Land Foster Daniel Henry Edmonds Edward Augustus Johnston Frederick McDowall Gilbert Cunningham Edward King James Brown William John McManus .. Walter Joseph Newtown .. James Sydney Faulkner .. Robert William Davidson .. George Hardin David Burns William Munro Watt Alfred George Skiiton David Scott Robertson Frederick Grimwood John Leak James George Harp William Munro Watt William Fincher Coutts .. William Coates Arthur Ernest Bennett Joseph O'Connell William Smith Harry Graham Lever John O'Donohue George Washington Moore Thomas Jefferson McGowan Samuel Ho wan John Benjamin Charles Dore 3rd Class Engineer 2nd Class Engineer 3rd Class Engineer Engineer Foreign trade River trade 13 Feb., 1897 .. 13 „ „ .. 13 „ , .. 13 „ „ .. 13 „ „ .. 27 „ ' „ .. 27 „ „ .. 4 March, „ 5 » ... 5 „ ■• 8 „ •• 10 „ „ .. 22 „ „ .. 22 „ 25 24 April, 1896 .. 26 June, 1 July, „ .. 1 „ „ ■■ 1 „ 30 „ „ •■ 13 Aug., „ .. 21 „ „ .. 23 Oct., „ .. 11 Dec, „ .. 11 „ „ ■■ 24 „ „ .. 19 Jan., 1897 .. 10 Feb., „ .. 22 March, „ 24 April, 1896 .. 24 „ „ .. 26 June, „ 11 July, „ .. 11 „ „ •• 16 „ „ .. 16 „ „ .. 10 Aug., „ .. 13 „ „ .- 21 . „ .. 10 Sept., „ .. 15 „ . .. 15 „ , ... 22 Nov., 17 „ . .. 27 „ „ .. 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 1747 1748 1749 1750 1751 1752 1753 1754 1755 1756 1757 1758 1759 1760 1761 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Marine Engine-driver

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SUMMARY of Casualties to Shipping and Seamen reported to the Marine Department during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1897.

Casualties on or near the Coasts of the Colony. Casualties outside the Colony. Steamers. of Casualties reported. Steamers. Sailing-vessels. Total within Colony. Sailing-vessels. Total outside Colony. Nature of Casualties. © a o EH SB o — o J h3 0Q • co • co O co O cm O . co co . co o . CO O © O CD so a a o to O CD 55 .S CO . CO «M 00 ="3 > q-l CO CD on a o EH - CO O co > © a a o EH cm CO - CO O co > tp CO 0 1 © • CO O co a M c Strandings, — Total wrecks Partial loss Slight damage No damage 4 5 5 6 161 3,301 862 1,679 •■ 1 3 6 4 338 1,265 432 423 •• 5 8 11 10 499 4,566 1,294 2,102 •• •• •• •• ■■ 5 8 11 10 499 4,566 1,294 2,102 I I I 6,003 2,458 1 ! I I ! ! I I 8,461 Total strandings 20 .. 14 34 8,461 i 34 Founderings, — Total loss Partial loss i i 1 "l9 4 951 8 4 1 951 19 8 l 1,213 1 1 1,213 i 5 1 2,164 19 - - Total founuerings 1 4 951 I 8 5 970 8 l I 1,213 i 1 1 1,213 i 6 2,183 19 ■• Collisions, — Partial loss Slight damage No damage 1 2 2 2,642 2,708 454 2 1 1 524 3 3 3 3,166 2,708 454 •• 3 3 3 3,166 2,708 454 •■ Total collisions.. 5 5,804 4 524 '• 9 6,328 i •• .. 9 6,328 - Fires, — Partial loss Slight damage I ! I 1 2 45 3,341 3,386 1 2 45 3,341 3,386 1 3,071 ; M 3,071 •• 2 2 3,116 3,341 •• •• •• •• • Total fires 3 3 1 3,071 j : 1 3,071 4 | 6,457 •• •■ 1 : i I ! Miscellaneous, including damage by heavy seas to hull and cargo, leaks, loss of masts, sails, <fco.„ and breakdown of machinery 1,564 3 233 I 8 I I I 1,797 I 2 I 853 2 853 I 10 1 I I 2,650 5 ■• •• •• •• Total casualties to shipping Loss of life only 34 16,776 25 1 4,166 1,116 ; 8 1 ! 59 1 20,942 1,116 8 1 1 1 3,071 3,660 l 3 4 2,066 4,587 1 4 4 5 5,137 8,247 — 1 5 63 6 26,079 9,363 Total number of casualties reported 34 16,776 26 5,282 9 60 9 6,731 l 7 6,653 5 9 13,384 6 69 22,058 35,442

S.—ls

RETURN of Wrecks and Casualties to Shipping reported to the Marine Department from the 1st April, 1896, to the 31st March, 1897.

Date of Name of Vessel, Casualty. Age Rig. ©?„ Number of Nature of Number of Lives lost. Place where Casualty occurred. Wind. Decision of Court of Inquiry, &c. Name of Master. | Passenw gers. | Cargo. Casualty. Direction. Force. 1896. April 8 Queen of the South, s.s., 19 years Schooner 121 12 General Collision; no damage 3 miles off Napier Breakwater N. Light .. The steamer struck fishing-vessel " Girola," and carried away her bowsprit. Casualty caused through the " Girola" having no lights up Vessel grounded on South Spit on entering the river Stranding partly due to unreadiness of tugmaster to put way on vessel after he gave orders to cast off headlines, and to unhandiness of tug's crew; also to absence of arrangements for signalling from tug to pilot in charge of ship. The ultimate cause of stranding was due to order given by pilot to port the helm, and to slacking-up of towline immediately after, ship being then in a critical position. Harbour Board blamed for inefficiency of crew of tug and for want of more careful supervision over their employes. Master to blame in entirely trusting to advice given by pilot, and for not using every means to secure his vessel immediately after stranding. Costs of inquiry, amounting to £9017s., ordered to be paid as follows : Captain Leech, pilot, two-fourths; Captain Nolan, tugmaster, one-fourth ; and Westport Harbour Board, one-fourth Casualty caused by striking a snag off Patea, on passage from Waitara to Wanganui After getting vessel off from stranding at Westport, she was brought to Wellington in a leaky condition by Captain Bendall, who beached her near the Railway Wharf, and, as tide fell next day, she capsized. Captain Bendall blamed for beaching ship without communicating with harbour authorities, and ordered to pay £15 17s., costs of inquiry Casualty caused through heavy gale and terrific seas Edward John Harvey. 12 Waipara, s.s., 33 years Coromandel, 21 years, 100 Al Schooner General Stranded; partial loss Stranded; partial loss South Spit, Okarito River Eastern side of Buller River, Westport W.N.W. Nicholson Wood. 62 8 . 15 Barque.. 848 16 Coal .. N. Strong breeze Lewis Williams. 25 Marramarra, s.s., 12 years Coromandel, 21 years, 100 Al Lugger.. 45 5 Coal Stranded; slight damage Capsized; total loss 3 miles off Patea N.W. Gale .lames Reardon. May 3 Barque.. 848 16 Coal Near Railway Wharf, Wellington Harbour William Bendall. 12 Ocean Rover, 12 Loss of masts, spars, sails, &c. About 25 miles east of Cape Brett, on voyage from Lyttelton to Noumea S.W. side of Ruakaka River, near Whangarei On voyage from London to Auckland, lat. 48° 49' S., long. 114° 55' E. John Johnson. years Schooner 139 Wheat .. S.E. to N.E. Whole gale 13 Norah, 14 years Schooner Ballast.. Stranded; no damage Fire on board; partial loss. N.E. Fresh gale Casualty caused through large raft of logs being moored across channel, which prevented vessel going up river for safety and shelter Fire broke out in No. 5 hold, and was extinguished in about five hours. Supposed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion among some bales of oiled canvas Edward McDonald. 48 3 18 Waikato, s.s., 4 years, 100 Al Lloyd's Schooner 3071 50 General John William. Croucher.

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.ay Ruahine, s.s., 4 years, Al Lloyd's Schooner 196 1102 20 General Fire on board; slight damage Alongside Queen's Wharf, Wellington Charcoal insulation round cool-chamber found to be on fire, but no evidence to show how fire originated Vessel lost through fault of master, who seems only to have guessed his distance from land when setting course at 4 o'clock, and without making any allowance for currents. The log was not used, and the compasses were unreliable. He was to blame also for leaving no one in charge after altering course at a quarter to 7. Master's certificate was suspended for four months, and he was ordered to pay costs of inquiry. His second mate's certificate was returned to him Casualty oaused through trying to cross bar rather early on tide, but there would not have been daylight at high-water Master committed error of judgment in not keeping nearer to the Brothers, and was guilty of default in not verifying his distance from the Brothers. Master's certificate suspended for three months, and he was ordered to pay £12 3s., costs of inquiry. On the 10th August, 1896, His Excellency the Governor, after considering the circumstances of the case and evidence taken at inquiry, remitted the unexpired term of the suspension Vessel went ashore when attempting to enter river with bad bar and fresh in river Casualty caused through master misjudging his distance owing to hazy weather Tail-shaft broke off without warning on foreside of boss of propeller John Bone. 29 Marramarra, s.s., 12 years Schooner 45 1 Bricks .. Stranded; total loss Oeo Point, West Coast, North Island, Cook Strait N.W. Light .. James Reardon. General Entrance of Mataura River June 2 Napier, s.s., 26 years Schooner 48 Stranded; no damage S.W. Light .. Henry Matheson. 4 Ohau, s.s;, 12 years Schooner 411 Ballast . Stranded; partial loss Cook Rock, off Brothers Lighthouse, Cook Strait Ca lm Felix Black. 21 9 Picton, s.s., 15 years Herald, s.s., 12 years Penguin, s.s., 32 years Cutter .. Beach inside bar, Karamea River Patiti Reef, Timaru .. 7 4 4 General Stranded; total loss Stranded; no damage Breaking of pro-peller-shaft S.W. Moderate Robert Johnson. 12 Schooner 370 20 General Variable Light .. Frederick Jones. 25 Schooner 517 36 21 General Off Jules Island, Croixelles Harbour, Blind Bay 300 yards northward to entrance of Jacob's River, Riverton S.E. Light .. Walter Manning. "uly 1 Cavalier, 1 year Ketch .. 36 Ballast.. Stranded; slight damage S.W. Fresh breeze Casualty caused through vessel missing stays and loss of staysail, becoming unmanageable. The anchor was let go, but she dragged it and went ashore Vessel put into Port Chalmers to refit and to restow cargo, having met with succession of heavy gales, with high and following seas. Her cargo got adrift, choking the pumps and straining the vessel Vessel struck jetty on the port bow, carrying away two pile-heads. There was a heavy easterly swell on as the vessel was coming in, and, as she was touching the bottom, she would not answer her helm, and was thrown against the jetty Casualty caused by set of strong current in river bringing the " Brunner," which was leaving the wharf for the staiths to load, into contact with the "Mary Winkelman" William McKillop. 2 Deva, 23 years, 100 Al Barque.. 761 18 Lead-ore Vessel strained through cargo shifting Tasman Sea, on voyage from Port Pirie, S.A., to Newcastle-on-Tyne S.W. Gale .. J. Anderson. Anglian, s.s., 23 years Schooner General Collision with jetty ; slight damage Screw-pile Jetty, Inner Harbour, Lyttelton Ligii .. Charles Ernest Hood. 8 1354 50 Variable 11 Brunner, s.s., 8 years Mary Winkelman, 15 years Schooner 333 22 Nil Collision; no damage Collision; partial loss ) Coal - staiths, Buller River, Westport Ca lm i James Ramsay. 11 Barquentine 482 11 Coal (KristBenneche.

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

Date of Name of Vessel, Casualty. Age and clag3> Rig. fe §> ! Number of ,ture of Number Lives lost. Place where Casualty occurred. Direction. r ind. Decision of Court of Inquiry, &c. Name of Master. he a © o PhH | Passeng gers. Cargo. Casualty. Force. 1896. July 17 Morning Light, 11 years Schooner 92 Coal .. Vessel dismasted Long. 166°2'E.,lat. 38° 41' S., on voyage from Bulli,N.S.W.,toLyttelton Bar at entrance to Wairau River S.W. Hard gale Vessel dismasted during hard gale with heavy seas, and came under jury-rig into Nelson for repairs William Rennie. 25 Waihi, s.s., 14 years Schooner 63 13 General Stranded; slight damage E. Light .. Vessel was caught by strong current and heavy sea while crossing bar, and, losing steerageway, was cast ashore Casualty caused through both vessels not carrying lights. Certificates of both masters suspended for fourteen days William George North. 28 Anatuero Cutter .. 2 General I Collision; no damage Collision; slight damage Stranded; slight damage I About 4 miles N.W. of Nelson Lighthouse, Blind Bay S.W. Light .. I Gabriel Gabriel- | son. 1 Samuel WestI rupp. George Lambert. 28 Argus, 42 years Ketch .. " 3 Timber.. E. Aug. 7 Wainui, s.s., 10 years Schooner 391 26 25 General Entrance to Grey River Light .. Vessel touched on breakwater when entering river. Casualty caused through rudderchains parting at critical time When s.s. "Rangatira" was lying at her berth at wharf, the s.s. " Anglian " swept down upon her by the tide, damaging her propeller, and starting gear in engine-room, &c Vessel was at anchor when gale sprang up. Both anchors were down, but the chains parted, and she went ashore An A.B. named Frederick H. Crouch, while engaged aloft securing sail, fell on to the deck, and died from the injuries received 9 Anglian, s.s., 23 years Rangatira, s.s.,6 years Dolly Varden, 22 years Schooner 1354 50 63 General Collision; slight damage Collision ; partial loss Stranded; slight damage I I East end of Queen Street Wharf, Auckland Harbour Charles Ernest Hood. George Burton. Daniel Morrison. 9 Schooner 2642 46 General i N.E. Moderate gale 10 Cutter .. 20 3 Ballast.. | Centre of Horseshoe Bay, Stewart Island 10 Westland, 18 years, Al Lloyds Ship .. 1116 26 1 General Loss of life only 1 Lat. 88° 8' S., long. 12° 23' E., on voyage from Liverpool to Wellington About 10 miles outside Coromandel Harbour, Hauraki Gulf S. Gale .. Richard Kelly. 20 Gipsy, 21 years Cutter .. 27 Coal .. Vessel dismasted N.N.W. to W. Fresh breeze A sudden change of wind threw mainsail over, causing jibing, and the force of the sail going over broke the mast about 7 ft. from the top, where there was a flaw, only discovered after the accident Fire caused through crown of boiler getting red-hot and setting fire to deck. The shortness of water in boiler was owing to carelessness of the engineer, George Tee, whose certificate was suspended for three months, and he was ordered to pay costs of inquiry, not to exceed £10 Vessel touched slightly on half-tide wall when leaving Westport, through steering badly Vessel was being towed out by boat, but tide, being strong, set her to leeward of the Arrow Rock. Anchor was let go, but it-dragged, and vessel went on rocks, but floated off in the evening Christian Jensen. 20 Manukau, s.s., 16 years Ketch .. Lime, coal, and furniture Mokau River, 10 miles from Heads S.W. Light .. Martin Jensen. 45 Fire on board ; partial loss „ 22 Kawatiri, s.s.,14 Schooner 286 18 Coal .. Stranded; slight damage Stranded; slight damage J mile below wharf, Buller River, Westport Entrance to Nelson Harbour Ca lm Berthold Apstein. Frithjof Wilhelm Hultgren. ,, 22 years Huon Belle, 32 Ketch .. 42 4 Ballast.. Ca lm years

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4—H. 15

.ug. 28 Waverley, s.s., 13 years Patrician, 19 years Schooner Ship .. 1213 15 Coal Coal Stranded; slight damage Foundered; total loss 1 Abreast of breakwater, North Spit, Patea Lat. 39° 8' S., long. 158° 11' E., on voyage Newcastle, N.S.W., to Lyttelton S.S.E. E. Strong I Strong set of tide across channel set vessel on breeze to spit Gale .. Vessel met with continued gales from the 25th August. Heavy seas swept decks and cast adrift spare spars, which split coveringboards, letting water into hold which could not be kept under. One man was washed overboard during the gales, the remainder of the crew being rescued by the s.s. " Fifeshire." The Court expressed its admiration of the gallant conduct of the chief mate of the "Fifeshire," George Ross, Boatswain Mouatt, and Quartermaster Martin, who manned the boat that rescued the men, and of the assistance rendered to the rescue party by the skilful management of the " Fifeshire" Light Loss of nut of propeller during voyage from breeze Mokau to Waitara, and propeller shifting off shaft Light .. Vessel stranded while towing scow "Moana" to sea Light .. Vessel stranded while in tow of s.s. " Waitara" Frank L. Vickerman. Edward Robert Sterling. lept. 6 Manaia, s.s.,, 22 years Ketch .. 65 Coal .. Loss of propeller 7 miles north of Waitara NE. Light breeze G. A. Simpson. 12 Waipara,s.s.,33 years Moana, 1 year Schooner 62 8 Produce Stranded; no damage Stranded ; no damage Loss of life only North Beach, Hokitika River Mouth of Hokitika River S.W. Light .. Nicholson Wood. 12 Schooner 111 7 Railwaysleepers General S.W. Light .. William Cozens. 17 Westland, 18 years, Al Lloyd's Ship .. 1116 25 1 1 Cook Strait s. Gale .. Gale .. The passenger, C. W. L. Colly, disappeared overboard from the ladder on the port side of the forecastle-deck about 9.30 p.m., and was lost Light Casualty caused through Signalman G. F. Day breeze being grossly negligent in his duty of marking the true channel, and he was ordered to pay £5 8s. 5d., costs of inquiry Light .. Casualty caused through want of closer and more efficient attention to engine Moderate An A.B., Gustav Smith, fell from the main gale topgallant-yard on to the deck, and died seven hours afterwards from the injuries received Fresh Casualty caused by vessel missing stays and being compelled to wear. It being hazy at the time, the distance from shore seems to have been misjudged, and vessel grounded in wearing Casualty caused through stern-post being rotten, and rudder carrying away An O.S. named Patrick Casey was found in the bunkers smothered under the coal. Supposed to have gone there to sleep off effects of drink procured in Hobart Moderate Propeller-shaft broke at sea. Vessel towed into breeze Waitara by s.s. " Manukau " Fresh .. Vessel was approaching wharf on a thick, dark night, and, her lines having failed to reach the wharf, she drifted broadside on to the bank inshore Richard Kelly. 18 Kestrel, 8 years Ketch .. 51 Produce Stranded; partial loss Bar of Waimakariri River S.W. Light breeze Henry Ashford Featherston. Pinafore, s.s. (launch) Pleione, 20 years, 100 Al Lloyd's Coquette, 13 years Lug-sail None .. Breakdown of machinery Loss of life only7 miles north of Astrolabe, Blind Bav Lat. 43° 50' S.; long. 56° E., on voyage from London to Nelson Inside Farewell Spit .. S.E. Light .. Thomas Halstead Harley. Alfred H. Sargent. 21 3 1 ict. 4 Ship 1092 25 General 1 w. Moderate gale 19 Schooner 214 Coal and timber Stranded; slight damage W.N.W. Fresh Samuel Brown. Pet, 15 years .. Ketch .. Limestone Stranded; slight damage Loss of life only Largest of Tata Islands, Golden Bay Lat. 43° 12' S., long. 148° 35' E., on voyage from Hobart to Wellington 8 miles south of Cape Egmont Inside breakwater, New Plymouth Ambrose Edward Rickett. J. D. Sutcliffe. 29 22 S.W. ov. 3 Rakaia, s.s., 1 Schooner 3660 General 1 year 8 Manaia, s.s., 22 years Takapuna, s.s., 13 years Ketch .. General Propeller-shaft broken Stranded; no damage S. Moderate breeze Fresh .. G. A, Simpson. 65 7 10 Schooner 370 44 90 General N.E. John Grant.

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

Date of ! Name of Vessel, Casualty.: Age a^°class . Rij Number of Nature of Number Lives lost. Place where Casualty occurred Wind. Decision of Court of Inquiry, &c. Name of Master. be ~ iPassen- © i g | gers. Cargo. Casualty. Direction. Force. 1896. Nov. 11 Soukar Ship .. |1304 General Loss of life only 1 Lat. 38° 29' S., long. 28° 59' E., on voyage from Liverpool to Wellington Ponui Passage Lighthouse w.s.w. Strong gale An assistant steward named Ernest Winter is supposed to have falleD overboard from the topgallant forecastle while procuring water from over the ship's side Vessel collided with lighthouse. Casualty caused through vessel being in stays when strong squall heeled her over, and there was no room to wear round in time Casualty appears to have been accidental, and no one to blame Casualty caused through fresh in river setting vessel to northward, and s.s. " Huia," towing her, not having her in proper command Casualty caused through vessel touching ground between rise and fall of sea, and wind falling away and going more ahead Casualty caused through steering-gear, being new, acting less quick at a critical moment than the pilot expected Vessel sank at her moorings in about four fathoms of water in the night, during the gale, when no one was on board The master did not make sufficient allowance, when crossing the entrance to Cook Strait, for the inset of the current, but at 8.30 p.m., becoming anxious about his position, properly altered his course, and did all he could to save his vessed, and probably would have done so had the wind not failed. The Court returned his certificate, and made no order for costs Master responsible, through error in judgment, in trusting to cross-bearing taken to a sandhill instead of a more clearly defined point, but chiefly to his leaving bridge when running for laud without giving full and sufficient instructions to officers of watch. Fourth officer censurable for not taking more prompt action at time of danger, and for keeping insufficient look-out. Master's certificate suspended for three months, and ordered to pay costs of inquiry, £15 15s., less £5 to be paid by Edward Forsyth, fourth officer Vessel not being under control during calm, she was caught by baffling puffs of winds and adverse tide, and quietly took the ground till tide rose to full Moses Carden. 16 Huon Belle, 33 years Ketch .. 42 Sand .. Collision ; partial loss S.W. Strong breeze ; squally Peter Johnson. 16 Clematis, 24 Ketch .. Ballast.. Loss of mast and sails Stranded ; no damage 18 miles north of Kaikoura Peninsula Bar of Wanganui River s.s.w. Strong breeze Light .. Hans Kruhl. 67 5 17 years Coquette, 13 years Schooner 214 8 Ballast.. N. Samuel Brown. 25 Rock Lily, 9 years Ketch .. 50 Timber.. Stranded; no damage Bar of Waimakariri River S. William Thomas Taylor. „ 28 Corinna, s.s., 14 years Schooner 820 General Stranded; no damage Abreast red light, entrance to Nelson Harbour Off Clyde Quay, Wellington Harbour Peter Nordstrum. Dec. 3 Liberty, 2 months Ketch .. 14 Nil Foundered; total loss N.W. Gale .. John Chalmers. 8 D elmira, 3 2 Schooner 338 General Stranded; total loss Barton Point, Cape Palliser S.E. Light .. Frederick A. Hutchinson, 10 years 1897. Jan. 1 Ruapehu, s.s., 14 years, Al Lloyd's Stranded; partial loss Farewell Spit Dugald Stuart. Barque.. 2658 102 220 General Pig Island, Queen Charlotte Sound . 2 Elizabeth Price, 23 years Schooner 98 Ballast.. Stranded; slight damage Ca lm Thomas Hughes.

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Approximate Cost of Paper. — Preparation, not given; printing (exclusive of plan) 1,625 copies, £28 lis.

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Ian. 3 Dundale, 12 years Barque.. 1075 General Loss of life only 1 Lat. 51° 30' N„ long. 6° 25' W. An A.B. named Leopold Hilbert, while engaged with others in furling the upper foretopsail, fell on to the deck and was killed Vessel left Timaru with shingle ballast, and it is supposed that, meeting a heavy gale, the ballast shifted and the vessel capsized and foundered Master held responsible for going to sea improperly equipped, and for negligent navigation. His certificate was suspended for two months, and he was ordered to pay £11 17s. 6d., costs of inquiry Vessel left Lyttelton for Waitapu on the 28th January, and has not since been heard of. Supposed to have foundered during heavy gale which prevailed shortly after leaving Lyttelton Fire occurred in cargo of lime, which must, as regards some portion at least, have been shipped in a damp condition Casualty caused through rudder not being strong enough to stand the heavy seas striking against it Vessel bumped heavily when crossing bar, and, not answering her helm, drifted on to north bank Vessel struck on South Spit when crossing bar, and, injection-grating or -pipe getting choked with sand, engines were impaired, and she drifted on to main beach, where she became a total wreck Pilot F. W. Cox made an error of judgment in attempting to bring vessel in so late upon the tide. He was ordered to pay £6 10s., costs of inquiry Casualty caused by water in boiler being worked at excessive density, due to negligence of engineer, William Stewart, whose certificate was suspended for three months, and he was ordered to pay costs of inquiry, £6 5s. 6d. Master was groping his way to an anchorage in Bowden's Bay, and evidently overestimated the distance run between Snake and Gula Gula Points Casualty caused through there being insufficient water on bar John Lamont. 7 supposed) Lizzie Ellen, 10 years Schooner 42 1 Shingle ballast Supposed foundered ; total loss Supposed 4; all bands Supposed between Nugget Point and Bluff W.N.W. Gale .. Daniel Keys. . 15 Manaia, s.s., 22 years Schooner 65 General Stranded; total loss Reef off mouth of Oeo River, Taranaki N.N.W. Moderate George Archibald Simpson. 30 (supposed) Alert, 14 years Schooner 47 Ballast.. Supposed foundered ; total loss Supposed 4; all hands Supposed in Cook Strait S.E. Heavy gale FrithjofWilhelm Hultgren. 31 Manukau, s.s., 16 years Ketch .. Coal and lime Fire on board Alongside wharf, Waitara Gale .. Martin Jensen. 45 S.E. 31 Pukaki, s.s., 16 years Schooner 917 27 6 General Rudderhead broken 5 miles south-east of Taurakeri Head, Cook Strait Bar of Patea River S.E. Gale .. Colin Francis Post. Feb. 10 Aorere, s.s., 11 years Schooner 49 General Stranded; partial loss S.E. Fresh .. William Tinney. 12 Neptune, s.s., 14 years Schooner General Stranded; total loss Main beach, bar of Wairau River S.E. Fresh breeze Samuel Clark. 44 18 William Manson, 25 years Barque.. 366 11 Coal .. Stranded; partial loss Point of Haulashore Island, Nelson Harbour Ca lm Thomas Angel Fry. Maroh 6 No. 121 dredge, 12 years Schooner Collapse of crown, port furnace, of boiler Auckland Harbour George Broadfoot. 394 11 Torea, s.s., 19 years Schooner General Stranded; no damage Gula Gula Point, Queen Charlotte Sound N.W. Strong gale Henry Fisk. 26 Qeeen of the South, s.s., 20 years Ethel J., s.s., 14 years Schooner 121 12 General Stranded; partial loss Bar of Manawatu River N. Light .. Edward Johr Harvey. 26 Cutter .. 19 None .. Fo undered ; partial loss Alongside wharf, Mangawhare, Kaipara Harbour Vessel supposed to have caught, at low-water, some part of the wharf, and the rising tide listed her over sufficiently to fill with water, either through open ports or otherwise J. W. Pearce. ~ 3

NEW ZEALAND WRECK CHART.

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MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.), Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, H-15

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MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.) Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, H-15

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MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.) Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, H-15

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MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.) Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, H-15

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MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.) Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, H-15

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MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.) Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, H-15

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MARINE DEPARTMENT. (ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1896-97.) Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, H-15

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