MARINE DEPARTMENT. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1899-1900.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1900 Session I, H-15

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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

MARINE DEPARTMENT. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1899-1900.

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

My Loed, — Marine Department, Wellington, 31st July, 1900. 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, Wμ. Hall-Jones, His Excellency the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, Minister of Marine. Governor of New Zealand.

The Seceetaey to the Ministeb of Marine. Sib, — Marine Department, Wellington, 2nd July, 1900. I have the honour to make the following report on the work of this department during the financial year ended the 31st March last: — Lighthouses. —The lighthouses have been maintained in an efficient state. The cost of maintaining them during the year was £13,458 19s. 4d., exclusive of the cost of the Government steamer, which visits them periodically with oil and stores. Two assistant keepers — J. E. Dickson and P. J. Mac Lean—have left the service, and one— A. G. Whymark—has been appointed, leaving one vacancy at the end of the year. The new lighthouse on Somes Island has been completed, and the light was exhibited for the first time on the 21st February last, when the old light was discontinued. The new light is a second-order light, and is visible at a distance of sixteen miles in clear weather. It is of much greater power than the former one, and consequently masters of vessels are able to approach the entrance with greater confidence in thick weather. As it is really a harbour-light, being solely for the benefit of vessels entering and leaving the Port of Wellington, the Harbour Board contributed £800 towards its cost. The former light is now in store, and is available for erection in any suitable locality where a light of the kind is required. The erection of the lighthouse on East Island, off East Cape, is now nearly completed, and the lighthouse artificer is engaged on the erection of the lantern and apparatus. It was intended to connect this lighthouse with the telegraph system of the colony by laying a cable across the channel which separates the island from the mainland, and Mr. Logan, the Superintendent of Electric Lines, recently visited the place in the s.s. " Tutanekai " to survey the route, when it was found that the bottom of the channel was very rocky, and no good landing-place for the cable could be found on the island. If on further inspection it is found possible to connect it with the telegraph system, the station will be an important one for reporting vessels, and also as a weather station. In connection with the proposal to erect a lighthouse between Farewell Spit and Westport, the Shipmasters' Association has been asked to say whether it considered Rocks Point or Kiourangi Point the more suitable site, and the reply is in favour of the latter. As soon as East Island Lighthouse is completed steps should be taken to erect a light on one of these sites. During the year the sum of £236 Bs. 4d. has been expended on repairs, the greater part of it having been expended on repairing and strengthening the tower at Cape Campbell. The work done will enable the tower to last a few years longer. Provision should be made in this year's estimates for new houses at Farewell Spit, as the wooden houses which were erected when the first tower was built in 1870 are in such a state that they will not be habitable much longer. Alterations and repairs are also required at Nugget Point. Arrangements have been completed with the committee of Lloyd's for signalling communications from Lloyd's to passing vessels at Cape Maria van Diemen, Farewell Spit, and Nugget

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Point, and in order that shipmasters may know that they can also send messages by signalling them to the lighthouse Lloyd's flag will be flown at each station. When a master signals a message it will be sent by telegraph to Lloyd's agent in Wellington, who will telegraph to the lighthouse any communications which are to be signalled to vessels. If it is found that this arrangement entails much additional work at Nugget Point the question of appointing a third keeper at that station will have to be considered, as there are only two keepers there at present, whose time is pretty fully occupied in performing the ordinary lighthouse duties and in keeping the road from the landing-place in repair. The sum of £20,996 Bs. 3d. has been collected for light dues during the year, as compared with £19,382 16s. 4d. during the previous year, being an increase of £1,613 lls. lid. Harbours. —The Government steamers have attended to the overhaul and cleaning of the buoys in the harbours under the control of the department. Those in Gisborne and Whangarei Harbours have also been done, at the cost of the Harbour Boards. The approach to the wharf at Onehunga having become obstructed by a bank, a vote for dredging was taken last session of Parliament, and the Westport Harbour Board dredge and two hoppers have been chartered and taken over to Manukau for the work, which is now being carried out, the dredged spoil being deposited in a part of the harbour where it will not impede navigation. At Nelson material from road-slips was being deposited over the wall of the Bocks Eoad, and, as this was likely to be injurious to the harbour, it became necessary to stop it. The removal of material for ballast from the foreshore of Waiheke Island has been prohibited, as it was found that the beach was being seriously injured. Mr. Walter Bowles has been appointed Harbourmaster at Picton, in place of Mr. H. B. Dobbie, resigned. The wreck of the steamer " Waipara," which has been lying in the Okarito River for the past two years, being dangerous to passing vessels, the owners have been called upon to remove it. Failing their doing so, the department will do the work and recover the cost from them. Flag-signals for indicating the state of the bar at small ports which are not provided with the means of making the signals fixed by the harbour regulations have been prescribed. A return showing the harbour-works authorised by the Governor in Council and the licenses issued for the occupation of foreshore is appended hereto. The sum of £3,255 14s. has been collected for pilotage and port charges in respect of the harbours under the control of the department, as against £2,664 16s. 6d. during the previous year. The amount collected at each port is shown in the appended return. Fisheries. —Mr. L. F. Ayson, who visited Europe and America for the purpose of inspecting the fish-hatcheries there, and obtaining information respecting the introduction of suitable salt- and fresh-water fish into the colony, has been appointed Inspector of Fisheries. This will enable the department to take more active steps to assist in the development of the fishing industry. A vote of £500 was taken last session for experimental trawling in order to ascertain the best fishing-grounds off the coasts, and the steam trawler " Doto " was chartered early in March last for the work. She is commanded by Captain Nielsen, who has had considerable experience in trawling in Europe and in Hawke's Bay, and who was in charge of the vessel which carried out experimental trawling in New South Wales two years ago. Mr. Ayson, who accompanies the vessel on behalf of the department, directs where the trawling is to be done, and keeps records of the results. Work was begun off the coast north of Lyttelton, continued down to Foveaux Strait, Te Waewae Bay, and round Stewart Island, and it is intended to test the Wanganui Bight, Blind and Golden Bays, the Hauraki Gulf, and Poverty Bay. Mr. Hamilton, Registrar of the Otago University, accompanied the vessel from Lyttelton to Dunedin for scientific purposes, and Mr. G. M. Thomson, of the Otago High School, will accompany her while working in Blind and Golden Bays and in the Wanganui Bight. The work done so far has been satisfactory, and, when completed, a full report of the results will be made by Mr. Ayson. Mr. Ayson has inspected and reported on the site of the proposed fish-hatchery at Purakanui, and the department is now endeavouring to arrange for a local Board to construct and maintain the hatchery, a subsidy being granted by the Government towards the cost. On different occasions American whitefish have been put into Lake Rotoiti, in the Nelson District, but, as none have been caught, an attempt has been made to net the lake, in order to prove whether or not the attempt to acclimatise this valuable food-fish has been successful. Owing, however, to the large number of snags in the lake the netting operations were unsuccessful. Complaints have been made by line and hand-net fishermen that the "trawlers interfere with their fishing, and drive the fish away from places where they were formerly plentiful. For these reasons the department has been asked to prohibit trawling within a prescribed distance from the shore. It has not, however, seen its way to do this. It is believed that the allegation that the fish are driven away is incorrect, and the rocky nature of the bottom close to the shore on most parts of the coast prevents the trawlers from working close in. Regulations have been made allowing the use of set-nets with an opening of not more than 3 ft. by 1 ft. for taking whitebait in the Ashley River and its tributaries the Taranaki and Waikuku Creeks. The use of nets for taking fish has been prohibited in the Wanganui River above the Aromoho Railway-bridge for a year from the Ist March last. This has been done to prevent interference with the breeding-ground of flounders and the taking of trout by the fishermen. The close season for seals has been extended up to the 30th June, 1901. Mr. Henry, the caretaker of the Government reserve for native birds on Resolution Island, Dusky Sound, thinks that it may be possible to restock the seal rookeries in that sound with the progeny of tame seals, and in order that he may make a trial of his plan he has been authorised to get three young seals for the purpose of taming them and breeding from them. The experiment will be interesting, and, if successful, a valuable one.

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Inspection having shown that the oyster-beds in the Hauraki Gulf require a rest, they have been closed this year. The beds in the northern and southern subdivisions of the northern oysterfishery have also been closed. Those in the middle subdivision, extending from the south side of the Waitangi Eiver to Cape Wiwiki in the Bay of Islands, are open, and it is anticipated that they will be able to meet requirements. The leasing of the beds in Manukau Harbour has not turned out so successful as was expected. Some of the lessees, finding that the beds in their areas were not paying them, have surrendered their leases, and it is probable that others will ask to be allowed to do so. The owners of dredging-cutters working in Foveaux Strait and other persons have asked that dredging for oysters by steam-vessels should be prohibited, on the ground that their dredges scoop up most of the oysters and thus injure the beds. The department has not, however, seen its way to accede to this request. Licenses for the exclusive right of taking sponges from two areas at the Chatham Islands have been granted to Messrs. J. C. Cooper and 0. S. Watkins, of Wellington, and if the sponges prove to be marketable a valuable new.industry will be opened up. Weather-reporting. —The duty of making and circulating weather forecasts has been performed by Captain Edwin, as has been the case for many years past. The forecasts for the localities are now shown by means of signals at Cape Maria van Diemen, Tiritiri, Cape Campbell, Farewell Spit, and Cape Foulwind Lighthouses, and are of great value to passing vessels, enabling them to be warned of approaching bad weather. This mode of publishing warnings is the first of the kind in use in the Australasian Colonies. Inspection of Machinery. —The Chief Inspector's report, which is appended hereto, shows clearly the work which has been done during the year. Owing to the increase in the work of inspection it has been necessary fto appoint another Inspector, and the appointment has been conferred upon Mr. A. W. Bethune, chief engineer of the Government steamer "Tutanekai." Mr. Bethune has been stationed in Canterbury, but he will be available for other districts should the work get in arrear. The benefit of having a proper system of Government inspection is shown by the immunity from serious accidents in the colony. Survey of Steamers, &c. —The report of the Principal Engineer Surveyor is appended hereto. Last session an Act was passed empowering the Minister to make regulations to define the engineers to be carried by vessels propelled by gas, oil, fluid, electricity, or other mechanical power than steam, and to prescribe the certificates to be held by them. Regulations have since been made, and examinations have recently been held at Auckland. In order to interfere as little as possible with small vessels of this class, the Act exempts those under 5 tons register from survey and from carrying certificated officers, and those between 5 and 15 tons which are not allowed to carry more than twelve passengers from carrying certificated engineers, and from survey after the first survey. Several prosecutions have taken place for carrying passengers without certificates to do so, and for carrying more passengers than allowed, conviction resulting in each case. 'Examination of Masters, Mates, and Engineers. —The Government having decided to procure an officer from England to fill the positions of Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates and Nautical Adviser, the Agent-General was instructed to confer with the Board of Trade as to the selection of a suitable person. This was done, and resulted in the selection of Captain H. S. Blackburne, who arrived in the colony in August last, and at once commenced his duties. He has prepared entirely new examination-papers, which are being used under his direction, and the examinations are being conducted in a satisfactory manner. The examinations are held at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin, where the local examiners are Captains Eeid, Smith, Marciel, and Fleming. The holding of examinations for certificates as masters of steamers plying within restricted limits has been discontinued at the Thames. One hundred and twenty-seven persons passed their examinations for certificates of competency, and seventy-seven failed. Of those who passed, seventy were masters, mates, and engineers of seagoing vessels, and fifty-seven were masters and engineers of steamships plying within restricted limits. No certificates of service were issued. The report of the Principal Examiner of Masters and Mates is appended hereto. Engagement and Discharge of Seamen. —The appointment of nautical men to fill the positions of Superintendents of Mercantile Marine at the four principal ports having been decided upon, applications were invited by advertisement in the public Press, and Captains Eeid, Smith, Marciel, and Fleming were selected for the positions. In addition to performing the duties connected with engagement and discharge of seamen, these officers are Examiners of Masters and Mates, and carry out any other nautical duties that may be required of them. The appointments have given satisfaction, and the department finds it beneficial to have men with nautical knowledge and experience at the shipping centres. Some seamen having been wounded in a fracas which occurred in Wellington, on a steamer owned in the United Kingdom and trading between London and the colony, and it being necessary to leave them behind, the question arose as to whether the ship was liable for their maintenance in the colony and for their conveyance back to England. In order to settle the matter authoritatively it was brought before the Supreme Court, which decided in favour of the ship. Proceedings have been taken against persons for employing men without putting them on the articles, a conviction resulting in each case. Government Steamers. —Both steamers have been fully employed during the year. The " Tutanekai " has been engaged in carrying railway-sleepers and other Government cargo, on repairs to the Cook Strait telegraph-cable, making two trips to Samoa in connection with the native trouble there, and conveying His Excellency the Governor through the Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds and round the greater part of the North Island. The " Hinemoa " has been principally employed on the work of conveying oil and stores to lighthouses, including material for the new lighthouse on East Island, and in overhauling and cleaning buoys. In addition to this work she has visited the Southern Islands and the Kermadec Islands to search for castaways and

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to inspect the depots of provisions and clothing which are maintained there for the benefit of shipwrecked persons. On the 2nd June last, when at East Island, one of her boats, in charge of Mr. Brown, the chief officer, was sent in to see if landing was practicable, instructions being given to him to be careful to run no risk. When nearing the landing-place a heavy sea struck the boat and capsized her, and Mr. Brown and three seamen named M. Buchanan, O. Sjoblom, and Ostermann were, unfortunately, drowned. All the bodies except that of Ostermann were recovered, and that of Mr. Brown was, at the request of his relatives, brought to Wellington for burial. The bodies of the two seamen were buried on the island, and the department has enclosed the grave and erected a tombstone. Coastal Surveys and Dangers. —A dangerous rock having been reported to exist at the French Pass, the locality has been surveyed by Captain Bollons, of the " Hinemoa," who reported that the danger was a patch of rocks completely out of the track of vessels, being a continuation of the first point north of Beef Point. Search has also been made for a reported rock between Hawes Eock and Blumine Island, at the entrance to Queen. Charlotte Sound. No rock was discovered, but several patches were found with 1, 2 and 3 fathoms of water on them, and, in consequence, a notice was issued warning mariners against using the channel. Wages and Effects of Deceased Seamen. —The estates of forty-five seamen, amounting to £321 2s. 4d., were dealt with during the year. Of these, thirty-three were new estates. The sum of £210 16s. 3d. was paid to relatives and other claimants, and the sum of £45 os. Id., representing estates which have been unclaimed within the statutory period of six years, has been paid into the Public Account. Wrecks and Casualties. —Tables showing the casualties to ships and an analysis thereof are appended hereto. Those on the coasts of the colony numbered forty-two, representing 10,146 tons, as against forty, representing 11,550 tons, in the previous year. The total wrecks within the colony were six, of 2,247 tons, as against six, of 367 tons, in the previous year. The number of lives lost was thirty-five, as against eight in 1898-99. Of these, twenty-six were within the colony— viz., twenty-two from the s.s. " Ohau " (all hands), and one each from the s.s. " Takapuna," "Lily," "Ariel," and s.s. "Wakatu." Of the nine lost outside the colony, eight were from the " Jasper " (all hands) and one from the " Ilala." The increase of lighthouses, the running of two Government steamers instead of one as formerly, and the generally increased work of the head office has put considerable strain on the staff during the past year. It has not as yet been found necessary to increase the clerical staff, which consists of the chief clerk, two clerks, and a cadet. No extra clerical assistants were employed during the year. 1 have, &c, W. T. Glasgow, Secretary.

The Peincipal Examinee of Masters and Mates to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir,— Marine Department, Wellington, 17th May, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that the examination of masters and mates has been carried out by the Examiners at the four principal ports in a satisfactory manner. I have visited all the Examiners, and am very pleased and thankful to have for my colleagues in the work gentlemen whom I can so thoroughly rely on to do their duty faithfully and impartially, and at the same time I believe them all to be gentlemen of pleasant and even temper, so that there has been no ground for complaint (nor is there likely to be) from the candidates of unkind treatment, notwithstanding the fact that the Examiners have had the very unpleasant duty of failing an unusually large percentage of candidates. I have been making every effort to get a large number of examination-papers printed so that the papers may be constantly varied, and since my arrival in the colony last August only papers of my own setting have been given to all candidates, except to those for the Eestricted Limits Masters' examination, which last mentioned I now send to Examiners so as to maintain uniformity. At a few of the examinations I have been present myself during the whole of a candidate's examination, and I generally pay a visit to the examina-tion-room for an hour or so while each examination is proceeding in Wellington. All examinationpapers are sent in to me from the different ports, which I carefully look through so that any case of wrong failure, or of passing a candidate who ought to have failed, may be rectified. Having had a specially favourable opportunity of late years of watching the conduct of Board of Trade examinations in London, I am thoroughly convinced that the examination now in New Zealand is quite as difficult as in the Home-country, and is as nearly as possible alike to it; also, as it is easier to keep an eye on two or three candidates than on forty or fifty, as in London, there is less opportunity of a candidate cribbing here than in London. I hear, in fact, that now many candidates prefer going to the sister colonies on account of being able to get their certificates easier there. It would be very little expense to the country, and, I believe, would give an impetus to proficiency in navigation, if prizes were given every year for the best papers produced in each grade of the ordinary examination for masters and mates. I have, &c, H. S. Beackburne, Principal Examiner of Masters and Mates. The Secretary, Marine Department.

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The Chief Inspector of Machinery to the Secretary of the Marine Department. Office of the Chief Inspector of Machinery, Queen's Chambers, Sir,— Wellington, 4th April, 1900. I have the honour to submit my annual report on the working of the Inspection of Machinery Act of 1882 throughout New Zealand during the financial year ended the 31st March, 1900. The work accomplished has been in excess of that of any previous year, and the natural increase through expansion of industries and from the development of new ones is very marked. Freezing, dairying, and mining account for most of it; but, apart from these, the one desire of owners in the colony seems to be the discarding of obsolete machinery, and of obtaining the latest and best to do their special class of work. Gold-dredging has now become a great industry, and, although Otago could till quite recently boast of having the monopoly, the west coast of the South Island has now began to establish dredges on the various rivers and alluvial flats there, and, from reports recently issued by experts well qualified to judge, much success should be achieved by dredging in this new field, the expenses in gold-dredging in proportion to the gold returned being so much less than those required to develop a quartz-mine. Iron Trade. —All the iron trades are busy in all parts of the colony, and at the present time there is every indication of continued prosperity. During the year I visited most of the engineering establishments, and found, in nearly all cases, extension of premises, the employment of the latest tools, installation of the electric light, and contracts in hand —more especially in the South Island —sufficient to keep a numerous staff employed for the next twelve months. Boiler Inspection. —Eegarding the work of inspection of boilers in particular, 3,625 inspections have been made, and certificates issued for same, and all machinery driven by these has been very carefully examined to see that no part that might injure or cause bodily harm to attendants is left unprotected. This is a matter that receives very careful attention, and it is found that owners are only too glad to adopt any plan put forth by practical men to insure the safety of their employes. No accident by explosion of a steam-boiler has occurred to cause loss of life or injury to property of any one in New Zealand during the year, and it might be of interest to summarise the accidents to persons and the destruction of property in Great Britain during the twelve months ending the 30th June, 1899. During that period fifty-two preliminary inquiries and sixteen formal investigations into the cause of boiler-explosions were made under the Acts of 1882-90. These sixty-eight explosions caused the death of thirty-six persons, and inflicted injuries on sixty-seven, making a total number of casualties far higher than the preceding twelve months ; but this was largely accounted for by the disastrous effect of a serious accident at Barking, in Essex, where ten persons were killed and twenty-three were injured. Out of the total number of explosions forty-seven were of steam-generators, the remainder being accidents to steam-pipes, valve-chests, cast-iron vessels, and so on. Of the forty-seven boilers, fourteen were of the marine type, fourteen were vertical boilers, nine locomotive type, seven Cornish and horizontal cylindrical, and three water-tube boilers. The number of persons killed by these forty-seven explosions was twentyseven, and the number injured fifty-six, but if the casualties at Barking are deducted the list of accidents from steam-generator explosions was not very high. It is interesting to note that in a large proportion of them the part of the boiler which gave way was the fire-box. Thus, out of the forty-seven cases no less than twenty-two failed in this part, or, if the boilers which have no fire-boxes are subtracted, quite 50 per cent, failed at this part. Amongst the locomotive boilers five fire-boxes were ruptured, and in one case a stud was blown out of the fire-box. In the remaining three cases plugs for stopping tubes were blown out, each accident resulting in casualties. Among marine boilers only two accidents occurred in the furnaces, but among vertical boilers ten failed in the fire-box ; one was blown overboard, and presumably the crown of the box had given way ; and the three remaining explosions were failures of small importance. The flues of five Cornish-type boilers gave way, and in the two remaining cases of horizontal land boilers, one of which was egg-ended, the shell ruptured. Out of these forty-seven cases twenty-nine were not inspected. In twelve cases where the inquiry had been completed the owners were blamed for negligence, as a rule, as regarded inspection, and had to pay costs varying from £15 to £125. The following extracts from reports on explosions in Great Britain are worth attention:— " Many safety-valves are loaded by means of a spring in tension or compression, the pressure being regulated by a screw. When the pressure at which the valve is required to blow off is ascertained, the fitting of a washer or ferrule, to prevent any further screwing of the spring, affords a very simple and inexpensive method of preventing the overloading of the safety-valve. Absence of this fitting has resulted in numerous explosions. The Courts have frequently pointed out the necessity for it, but, unfortunately, this simple precaution is not generally adopted. In three of the cases the Court has called attention to the matter. In the Barking case the Court observe that properly qualified persons were not appointed to manage the works, an observation which was emphasized by the neglect of the manager to see that the washer or ferrule was placed under each of the compressing-nuts of the safety-valve, in order to prevent the nuts being screwed down so as to produce an improper load on the safety-valve. In this case the Court found that the explosion was caused through the safety-valve having been screwed down to a pressure exceeding that of 200 lb. per square inch by the neglect of the mechanic who was employed to adjust them, and they held the owners responsible for his neglect, and for also neglecting to appoint properly qualified managers of their works. The explosion last referred to occurred in engineering-works which were formerly under the management of a retired shipmaster, succeeded by a naval architect, neither of whom possessed the qualifications of an engineer ; and the naval architect was succeeded by a mechanic, whom the Court held to be unfit to be manager of en-gineering-works. They were of opinion that a consulting engineer should have been called in from time to time. As in previous years, several of the explosions have been caused through

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ignorance, but the Commissioners will not accept this as an excuse for neglecting to take proper measures to insure that a boiler is being worked under safe conditions, and it may be useful to repeat their decision in this respect—viz., that if a person for the purpose of his business chooses to use steam appliances which, if neglected, become a source of great danger not only to himself but to others, he must, in the event of an explosion, be taken to have known that it was his duty to ascertain that they were kept in good condition, and, further, that if he was not able to ascertain that himself, it was his duty to have called in a competent person from time to time to examine the boiler, to ascertain if it was fit to be worked at the pressure required." This information may be of use to steam-users in this colony, and it clearly demonstrates how useful, beneficial, and safe compulsory inspection of boilers and machinery —as carried out in New Zealand by competent men —is for those employed about boilers and machinery, as well as a safeguard to residents in the vicinity in which the boilers and machinery are situate, and a protection for their property. Defects in Boilers and Fittings. —No fewer than 431 defects were discovered in boilers and their fittings, of which eighty-seven were dangerous, many of which, if neglected, would have undoubtedly led to accident to life and injury to property. New Boilers. —There were 345 new boilers started during the year, representing a total horsepower of 4,116. Of these, 149, with 2,138-horse power, were made in the colony, and 196, with 1,978-horse power, were imported, and include the following classes : Portable, traction, locomotive, Cornish, vertical cross-tube, vertical tubular, multitubular, Lancashire tubular, water-tube, and marine. Lifts and Water-driven Machinery. —There were 171 hydraulic lifts, twenty lifts driven by gas, steam, and electricity, and 201 water-driven machinery examined during the year. In ten instances new ropes were ordered for lifts, and two new chains, and in twenty-five cases the chains were required to be annealed. With reference to the water-driven machinery, there were twentyfour instances in which notices were given to fence and guard the machinery. Accidents in connection with Machinery. —l regret to have to report several accidents to life and limb of persons employed amongst machinery, a detailed account of which is given in Eeturn No. 6, attached. Accidents in connection with Boilers. —l regret also to have to report an accident to a man who was employed cleaning the inside of a boiler which was empty, he being fatally injured. A boiler alongside the empty one was in use and under steam. Unfortunately, the blow-off cock of the empty one had been left open, and when the blow-off cock of the full one was opened to blow off sediment in its bottom the hot water was blown into the empty one, scalding one man inside fatally. The details of this accident appear in Eeturn No. 6, attached hereto. Competency Certificates for Land-boiler Drivers. —During the year 154 traction- and locomotive- and twenty-one winding-engine drivers passed the competency examination, and ten tractionand locomotive- and three winding-engine drivers were granted service certificates. Additional Inspector. —Mr. A. W. Bethune, chief engineer of the s.s. " Tutanekai," was appointed an additional Inspector of Machinery, and commenced duty on the 16th January, 1900. He has been stationed in the Canterbury District, but will assist in the Otago and other districts when required. Districts. —During the year I have visited all the districts and the various offices of the Inspectors of Machinery, have interviewed most of the shipowners, leading engineers, &c, and have visited works where disputes have arisen, and have generally obtained information for the better carrying-out of the various duties of this department. Prosecutions. —It has been necessary, to enforce the Acts governing the department, to institute several prosecutions, the majority of which have been for driving engines by men who had not obtained the necessary certificate according to law, and only in one instance against the owner of a boiler for working without a certificate. Postal and Police Authorities. —The thanks of this department are due to the postal and police authorities for the very valuable assistance they have rendered in the carrying-out of their part of the duties imposed by the statutes upon them, in many instances at great personal inconvenience. Returns. —Appended are the returns in detail, numbered from Ito 11: (1.) Number and class of boilers inspected, and fees payable on these ; the machinery inspected, and the fees payable thereon; and the classes and numbers of engine-drivers' certificates issued, and the fees payable therefor. (2.) The different classes of work for which the boilers and machinery are used, showing the motive-power also used. (3.) Beturn of defects found on inspection of boilers. (4.) Eeturn of notices given to repair boilers. (5.) Eeturn of notices given to fence dangerous parts of machinery. (6.) Eeturn of accidents which were not fatal. (7.) Eeturn of accidents which were fatal. (8), (9), (10), and (11). Names of all candidates to whom certificates of service and competency as engine-drivers have been granted during the year. I have, &c, Bobebt Duncan, The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. Chief Inspector of Machinery.

No. 1. (a.) Ebtuen showing the Number of Land Boilees and Machineey inspected, and for which Oeetificatbs are issued, for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900. Boilers— Stationary — Five-horse power and under, 907; 10-horse power and over 5, 496; over 10-horse power, 909 ; digesters, 192 : total, 2,504. Portable—Five-horse power and under, 149; 10-horse power and over 5, 839; over 10-horse power, 157 : total, 1,145.

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Machinery— Hydraulic lifts, 171; Gas-lifts, 13 ; electric lifts, 4 ; steam-lift, 1; steam-and-water lift, 1; gas-and-water lifts, 2 : total, 192. Water-engines, 64 ; water-wheels, 73; peltons, turbines, rams, &c, 63 : total, 200. Grand total, 4,041. (b.) Betubn showing Fees payable for the Inspection of Boilees and Machinery, and for the issue of Engine-dbivebs' Ceetificates, during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900. Fees payable on boilers, £3,936 ; fees payable on machinery, £71 55.; fees payable on enginedrivers' certificates, £78 12s. 6d.: total, £4,085 17s. 6d. Government boilers and lifts inspected, but not charged for in the above amount, represent £35 10s. (c.) Eetden showing the Numbeb of Service and Competency Certificates issued to Traction-, and Locomotive-engine Drivers during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1900, and the Fees payable therefor. Steam-winding: Service certificates issued, 3; fees, 7s. 6d. Competency certificates issued, 21 ; fees, £10 10s. Total fees, £10 17s. 6d. Traction and Locomotive : Service certificates issued, 10; fees, £1 ss. Competency certificates issued, 133 ; fees, £66 10s. Total fees, £67 15s. Service certificates issued, 13; fees, £1 12s. 6d. Competency certificates issued, 154; fees, £77. Total fees, £78 12s. 6d. Totals of steam-winding certificates, 24; fees, £10 17s. 6d. Traction and locomotive certificates, 143 ; fees, £67 15s. Total fees, £78 12s. 6d.

No. 2.— Return of Boilers and Machinery inspected during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900, showing the Number of Factories, Workshops, &c., in which they are used, and the Power used.

Description of Works. a s Driven by ° 9 e3 to £ b it 6 «*} 3 3 Description of Works. £ O co Drive: i'S-S s 9 <a en is by u <5* .battoirs Lgricultural implements Lir-compressing.* iinmonia- works L mmunition-factory .. Lssaying iacon-faotories Sakeries iarrel-stave making iark-mills iasket-making iicycle-works iiseuit- works iisouit- and jam-faotory Siscuit and confectionery ilacking-works Jlacksmiths and wheelwrights ilock- and pump-works Soat-building toiler-making 3oiling-down (excluding refrigerating and soap-works plant) Jone-mills .. 5oot-factories Sox- and oase-making Srass-foundries 5reweries 5rick- and tile-works and brickand pipe-works Srush-works Guilders' tools Sutter-factories.f 'able tramways Jabinetmaking (including woodworking, joinery, and turnery) 3 16 1 1 1 1 10 6 1 3 1 5 10 1 7 1 11 1 3 5 61 i 1 Candle-works.{ Cement-mixing Cement- and lime-making Cheese-factories, f Chaff cutting Chaff-cutting and other work combined Chemical laboratory Chemical-works and acid-mills Chicory-mill Cider-factory Coal-mining (including pumping and winding thereat) Coffee- and spice-works Confectioners Cooking, heating, steaming, and warming Cooking and laundry-work Cooperages Coppersmiths Cordial - factories (inoluding aerated - water works and mineral spring) Creameries Cutlery-work Dairy factories Dairy-work Dentist Diamond drill Docks and slips Dredging (harbour-works) Drug-making Dye-works Electric-light works Engineers' tools and engineworks Pan-driving .. 3 12 179 25 1 8 1 1 16 8 7 32 4 12 6 46 6 1 1 "i 17 3 3 3 63 39 193 1 245 3 6 1 16 1 8 17 2 3 11 51 i 2 2 '3 2 44 14 5 * Included in collieries and gold-minini :• t Inol ided ii dairy factories. J Inoluded in oil-, soap-, ind eandle-wi >rks.

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No. 2.— Return of Boilers and Machinery inspected during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900, &c.— continued.

xf o 3 Return of Defects found on Inspection of Boilers during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900. Three hundred and five defects were found out, seventy-six of which were dangerous. One hundred and twenty-six defective fittings were found on inspection, of which eleven were

dangerous. No 4 — Return of Notices given to repair Boilers during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900. Two hundred and sixty-one notices were given to repair boilers, and include boilers of the following types: Cornish, Lancashire, marine, multitubular, portable, semiportable, semitubular, traction, vertical flue, and water-tube.

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Driven by Drivei by Description of Works. a cd CD CO 2 U>, ed -,-S is 8.2 *4= Description of Works. s CO fl.'TjS © © fl ed 43 &Zz CO |£ u CD cd is 6 CD CD =8 i% OS Pellmongeries Fire-engines Firewood-cutting Fish-preserving Flax-mills Flock-mills Flour-mills Foundries Fruit-preserving Galvanised-iron works Gas-works Glass-grinding Grain-crushing Glue-works Gold-mining (including all work at) Gold-dredging Hairdressing Harbour reclamation Hat-making (including strawhat making) Hauling (including log and road hauling) Heel- and toe-plate works Hosiery-factory Hoisting (including hydraulic plant for cranes, also winches and pile-driving) Instrument-making Iron-rolling mills Iron-workers Irrigation-works Jam-factories Knitting-factory Landing service Lapidary-work Laundries Lead- and pipe-works Lifts for goods Lifts for passengers Lifts for goods and passengers.. Locomotives Machine-shops Malting Manure-works (including ihosj attached to refrigeratingworks) Match-factories Meat-preserving Milk - condensing, preserving, and pasteurising Milking-machines Mortar-mills ... Oatmeal-mills Oil-, soap-, and candle-works .. Oleo- works Organ-blowing Organ-making Paint manufacture Paper-mills Pastrycook Pickle- and jam-factories Pig-feed boiling and grinding .. Pipe-making Ploughing Plumbers Potteries 13 20 58 7 97 3 57 34 5 1 16 1 7 3 76 105 2 8 103 1 103 1 1 9 1 8 1 1 2 16 1 1 2 11 16 22 12 i 1 Pottery and colliery Printing-works Pumice-works Pumping (including harbourworks, drainage-works, waterworks, and general pumping only) Quartz- crushing Quartz-crushing and winding .. Quartz-reduction works Rabbit-preserving Refrigerating-works Refrigerating-works and trottercuring River-clearing Road-rollers Rope- and twine-works Roundabouts Sash- and door-factories Sausage-making Sawmills and planing-mills School of engineering Searchlight Seed-dressing Sheep-shearing Sheep-shearing and firewoodcutting Sheep-shearing and chaff-cut-ting Shipbuilding yards Soap and sheep-dip factory Station work (general) Stone-crushing Stone-outting Stove-making Sugar refinery Sulphur-works Starch-works Tanneries Threshing (portable) Threshing and chaff-cutting (portable) Threshing and chaff-cutting and firewood-cutting (portable) Threshing (traction) Threshing and chaff-cutting (traction) Tnreshing and firewood-cutting (traction) Tinplate-works Tobacco-cutting Tool-making Toy-factory Tram-engines Varnish-works Venetian-blind works Vinegar-works Water-works, 8 (included in pumping). Well-sinking Winding (now included in the specific works). Woollen-mills Wool-pressing Wool-scouring 18 6 1 2 38 1 1 5 5 2 43 95 373 1 1 11 25 2 2 4 1 21 27 3 2 1 1 2 19 105 28 1 27 1 62 8 4 6 2 2 12 5 1 2 3 i 153 18 2 15 2 42 45 1 13 '■8 5 193 8 2 10 6 4 1 I i 1 1 7 1 1 1 6 2 6 4 18 2 16 1 1 2 i i 16 2 3 1 2 10 25 17 2 3,385 3 371 i 17 io

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No. 5. —Eetuen of Notices given to fence Dangebous Pacts of Machineby, &c, during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900. Twenty-four notices were given to fence dangerous parts of the machinery, and included flywheels, gearing, spindles, emery-wheels, driving-belts, ends of shafts, scutchers, pulleys, &c.

No. 6. —Return of Accidents (not fatal) in connection with Machinery during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900.

No. 7. — Return of Accidents which proved fatal in connection with Machinery during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900.

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Name and Address of Owner. Description of Machinery. Name and Age of Nature of Accident, Person injured. and Date. Cause of Accident, and Remarks. Leyland and O'Brien, Auckland Sawmill James Parkinson ; aged 22 Cut on right heel; 31st May, 1899 Parkinson is a drayman who called at the mill, and, starting to load without permission, stepped baok against the saw. Right hand was oaught in belt, reaching over shaft to put rssin on belt. Eliza Richardson, Outram Flour-mill Albert Tripp; aged 21 Right arm broken balow elbow; 11th July, 1899 Thigh lacerated Singer, Maddox, and Co., Petone John Anderson, Christchurch Soap-manufactory M. Clements; aged 15J Archibald Johnston; aged 56 CI,othing caught in cogs of soap-mixer. Wood-planing machine Three fingers taken off left hand; 25th August, 1899 Broken finger; 25th August, 1899 Apparently through trying to take too heavy a cut, the timber skidding caused him to fall towards the maohine. Cleaning machine, which was stopped, he pulled the wheel round, not noticing where he put his hand, and the wheel caught one of his fingers. Placing his hand on cog of feed-gear when in motion. Edward Seagar, Wellington Punching-maohine James Crawfurd; aged 15 W. Cable and Co., Wellington Lathe F. Garvey; aged 19 Top of finger nipped; 4th September, 1899 Caught on shaft, body bruised, no bones broken; 11th September, 1899 Jib fell down and caused scalpwound ; 28th September, 1899 Fractured ankle and sc alpwound ; 12th October, 1899 Two toes on left foot crushed ; 16th November, 1899 Flesh-wound on leg; 3rd January, 1900 Four fingers on left hand cut off; 9th February, 1900 Left arm cut off above elbow; 3rd March, 1900 Fractured skull; 8th Maroh, 1900 Skelton, Frostick, and Co., bootmanufacturers, Christchurch Slugging-machine .. John Christopher; aged 26 Putting on belt with shaft in motion his sleeve was oaught. He was specially cautioned against this a few minutes before. Robertson and Co., engineers, Wellington Crane in boiler-shop Albert Carter; aged 40 Jib carried away through material becoming crystallized. Butterworth Brothers, warehousemen, Dunedin New Zealand Insurance Company, Dunedin Hydraulic passengerlift William Farquhar; aged 18 Rope-splice on top. of cage drew out, and cage fell 40 ft., catoh failing to act through cage canting. Hydraulic passengerlift William White; aged 18 He was lift-attendant, and carelessly put his foot over lift, when it was caught between lift and floor. J. W . Home, Sydenham Osborne's well-sinker Vivien Manson ; aged 18 Through leaving machine in gear while hooking the monkey on. A. J. White, cabinet - works, Christchurch Circular-saw John Milne; aged 19 Want of proper oare in handling the wood whilst it was being put through the saw. Albert Grum, brickworks, Ashburton Pug-mill William Kerr; aged 18 Oiling pug-mill, his loose shirt-sleeve caught in cogs, which drew his arm in. Robert Stansell, flaxmill, Waikanae Flax-stripper William Dalziel; aged 25 Drum of stripper burst, and piece of casting struck Dalziel on the head.

Name and Address of Owner. Description of Machinery. Name and Age of Nature of Accident, Person injured. and Date. Cause of Accident, and Remarks. Phillip Joseph Hennessy, Foxton Flaxmill Joseph Hatton Morgan; aged 27 Caught in belt and carried round shaft; died from internal injury, 25th May, 1899 Scalded; 24th January, 1900 Putting on belt while machinery in motion, against orders. Auckland City Council, Auckland Pumping machinery Samuel Martin ; aged 35 Martin was making repairs inside a boiler when steam was let in through blow-off cock having been left open >ck connected with another boiler under ;o same pipe when blowing sediment outand the openin steam alongside g-up of another c i; admitting steam

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No. B.—Eetuen of Steam-winding-engine Deivbes to whom Cebtificates of Service have been geanted from Ist April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. No. and Name of Person. Date of Issue 1899. 39. Thomas Smith ... ... ... ... ... Bth August. 40. William Henry Smart ... ... ... ... ... „ 41. Peter Grayden ... ... ... ... ... Bth November.

No. 9.—Eetuen of Teaction- and Locomotive-engine Deivees to whom Cebtificates of Seevice have been granted from Ist April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. No. and Name of Person. Date of Issue. No. and Name of Person. Date of Issue. 1899. 1899. 503. Henry James Harrison .. .. May 11 508. Vincent Philip Aylward .. .. Nov. 8 504. William Page .. .. .. ~11 1900. 505. Thomas Winters .. .. .. Aug. 8 509. James LongstaS .. .. .. Feb. 21 506. Henry Cox .. .. .. .. „ 8 510. Arthur Curragh .. .. .. ~21 507. John I'An son .. .. .. Nov. 8 I 511. Henry Hartly .. .. .. ~21 I 512. David Sime .. .. .. „ 21

No. 10.—Beturn of Teaction- and Locomotive-engine Deivees to whom Certificates of Competency have been granted from Ist April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. No. ana Name of Person. Date of Issue No. and Name of Person. Date of Issue. 1899. 1899. 322. Richard Bevan .. .. .. May 11 389. William Charles Brown .. .. Nov. 8 323. John James .. .. .. ~11 390. Duncan William Finlay .. .. ~8 324. Albert Jarrett .. .. .. ~11 391. Albert Charles Cone.. .. .. ~8 325. David Anderson .. .. .. ~11 392. Eobert Henry Mehrtens .. .. ~8 326. Charles Plavell .. .. .. ~11 393. Harold Edward George .. .. ~8 327. Nicholas Came .. .. .. ~11 394. William John Simpson .. .. ~8 328. Alexander George Scott .. .. ~11 395. Arthur William Johnston .. .. ~8 329. Ernest William Tattley .. .. ~11 396. Stafford Henry White .. .. ~8 330. Paul James .. .. .. ~11 397. George Martin Harvey .. .. 8 331. Harry Graham Lever .. .. ~11 398. Owen Carlin Pleasants .. .. ~8 332. John Gourlay .. / .. .. ~11 399. James Levett .. .. .. ~8 333. Eobert Finlay .. .. .. „ 11 400. Ezekiel George Prioe .. .. ~8 334. Albert Rice.. .. .. .. Aug. 8 401. James Bridgland .. .. .. ,8 335. Ernest Chapman .. • • .. ~8 402. James Alexander Fowler .. .. ~8 336. Arthur James Taylor .. .. ~8 403. Henry Edgar .. .. .. ~8 337. Robert John Murray .. .. ~8 404. George Wood .. .. .. ~8 338. John Samuel Hill .. .. .. ~8 405. William Henry Woodward .. .. ~8 339. Isaac Simpson .. .. .. ~8 406. Henry Mehrtens .. .. .. ~8 340. Leonard James Holdaway .. .. ~8 407. Robert Crawford .. .. .. ~8 341. Arthur Edgar Segar.. .. .. ~8 408. Hugh Trounce Pascoe .. .. ~8 342. John Joseph Sundborn .. .. ~8 409. John Caithness .. .. .. ~8 343. Edwin Herßert Lukins .. .. ~8 410. William Taylor .. .. .. ~8 344. John Primrose .. .. .. ~8 411. John Cameron .. .. .. ~8 345. Herbert Arthur Coates .. .. ~8 412. John Nicol .. .. .. .. ~8 346. William Thwaites .. .. .. ~8 413. Osman Oliver Mackley .. .. ~8 347. Harry Saunders .. .. .. ~8 414. Albert Hastings Jones .. .. ~8 348. Thomas MoCulloch .. .. .. ~8 415. Arthur Smith .. .. .. ~8 349. John Russell Crossan .. .. ~8 416. Henry Isaao Woodward .. .. ~8 350. Charles Edgar Neville Woodman .. „ 8 417. John Stevenson .. .. .. ~8 351. Henry William Aker .. .. ~8 418. Richard Joseph Kelly .. .. ~8 352. Peter Duncan Campbell .. .. ~8 1900. 353. Charles William Bowman .. .. ~8 419. Robert Reid .. .. .. Feb. 21 354. David Nuttall .. .. .. ~8 420. Alfred Ernest Franks ... .. ~21 355. Lionel Saunders' ~ .. .. ~8 421. Edwin Metherell .. .. .. ~21 356. Meredith Wilson .. .. .. ~8 422. Robert Murray .. .. .. ~21 357. Robert Henry Bailey .. .. ~8 423. George Richard Cleeve .. .. ~21 358. Francis William Reid .. .. ~8 424. Edmund Thomas .. .. .. ~21 359. Isaac Furby Croft .. .. .. ~8 425. Charles Challies .. .. .. ~21 360. Charles Donald Lucas .. .. ~8 426. Alexander William Doran .. .. ~21 361. Matthew Henry William Galpin .. „ 8 427. Henry Ernest Maindonald .. .. ~21 362. Frank Jacobs .. .. .. ~8 428. Henry Edward Gillum .. .. ~21 363. Thomas Maoßae .. .. .. ~8 429. Albert Beazer .. .. .. ~21 364. Moore McKay .. .. .. „ 8 430. George Green .. .. .. ~21 365. Roderick McDonald.. .. .. Nov. 8 431. Douglas McDowall .. .. .. ~21 366. William Halliday .. .. .. ~8 432. Edward Joseph Milverton .. .. ~21 367. George Morrill .. .. .. ~8 433. Robert Hendry .. .. .. ~21 368. Thomas Urry .. .. .. ~8 434. John Kyne .. .. .. .. ~21 369. Shafto Harrison Wicksteed .. .. ~8 435. George Husband .. .. .. ~21 370. George William Shortt .. .. ~8 436. Alexander Davidson.. .. .. ~21 371. Adam Madill .. .. .. ~8 437. Charles Henry Gibbs .. ... ~21 372. George Dean .. .. .. ~8 438. Frederick Thomas Bateman .. .. ~21 373. James Joseph Henderson .. .. ~8 439. William Wells .. .. .. ~21 374. Albert Edward Shirley .. .. ~8 440. John McDonald, jun. .. .. ~21 375. Thomas Jones .. .. .. ~8 441. Robert Crosbie .. .. .. ~21 376. Roderick McLeod .. .. .. ~8 442. David Crosbie .. .. .. ~21 377. Frank James Saunders .. .. ~8 443. Frederick Charles McClure .. .. ~21 378. Albert Samuel Hayman .. .. ~8 444. Ritchie James Burns .. .. ~21 379. Henry Thomas Heron .. .. ~8 445. Frederick Townsley .. .. .. ~21 380. James Burgess .. .. .. ~8 446. Donald Green .. .. .. ~21 381. Samuel Thornley .. .. .. ~8 447. William Newman .. .. .. ~21 382. George Hartnell .. .. .. ~8 448. Frederick Athole Martin Rawlinson .. ~21 383. Ronald Campbell .. .. .. ~8 449. Gibson Porter .. .. .. ~21 384. William Fredrick Conway .. .. „ 8 450. Owen Tibbott Evans .. .. ~21 385. Jesse Lewin Soal .. .. .. ~8 451. Alexander McLeod .. .. .. ~21 386. George Robert Holland .. .. ~8 452. John McKay .. .. .. ~21 387. Alexander Withers .. .. .. ~8 453. John Edwin Wilce .. .. .. ~21 388. Edgar Francis Dixon ~ ~ ~8 454. David Daniel Ince ~ ~ ~ ~21

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No, 11.—Eetubn of Steam-winding-engine Deivebs to whom Cebtificates of Competency have been geanted from Ist April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900. No. and Name of Person. Date ol Issue No. and Name of Person. Date of Issue. 1899. 1899. 159. David Leach .. .. .. May 11 170. James Alexander Allan .. .. Nov. 8 160. Thomas MoLaughlin .. .. „ 11 171. John Thomas Casey .. .. „ 8 161. Thomas Nelson Henry .. .. ~11 172. William Henry Redfern .. .. „ 8 162. William Henry French .. .. ~11 173. Thomas Lloyd .. .. 8 163. Robert Falconer .. .. .. ~11 174. Percival Vesey . .. .. 8 164. Ernest William Tattley .. .. ~11 1900. 165. Alexander MoGruer .. .. .. ~11 175. John Samuel Nicholson .. .. Feb. 21 166. James McGlynn .. .. .. ~11 176. Frederick Charles Bunyard .. .. ~21 167. Thomas Matthew Snow .. .. Aug. 8 177. David John Morgan .. .. ~21 168. John Berkery .. .. .. „ 8 178. Harry Etohes Wilson .. .. ~21 169. Archibald Benjamin Badmin Percy .. „ 8 179. John Dean .. .. .. ~21

The Chief Examinee of Bngineebs to the Secbetaey of the Marine Department. Office of the Principal Examiner of Engineers, Queen's Chambers, Sib,— Wellington, 4th April, 1900. I beg leave to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1900. During the year 116 candidates applied to be examined, as follows : Chief engineers, 2; second-class engineers, 9; third-class engineers, 43 ; river engineers, 39; marine-engine drivers, 23. Fees amounting to £116 were received. The method that was adopted last year of sending in the application and fee to the Chief Examiner, and thus dealing through one channel only, has given great satisfaction, and, together with the change made two years ago, when set times were fixed upon for examining candidates, so that they could make the necessary arrangements beforehand, has simplified matters, both for the Examiner and the applicant. A new departure has been introduced during the year —viz., regulations for new sets of examinations wholly for those employed looking after machinery in auxiliary-powered (oilengine) vessels. There will be three grades of certificates issued—A first-class, for engines above 60 brake horse-power; a second-class, for engines below 60 brake horse-power; and a certificate for vessels in restricted limits or narrow waters. A book setting forth the requirements of the examination, as well as full particulars of the examination, can be had at any Customhouse or from any Superintendent of Mercantile Marine in the colony. Examinations are held at the four centres during alternate months: Auckland, first week in January, May, and September; Wellington, first week in February, June, and October; Christchurch, first week in March, July, and November; Dunedin, first week in April, August, and December. The Eegulations were gazetted on the 22nd March last. Mr. A. W. Bethune, Chief Engineer of the Government steamer " Tutanekai," was appointed an additional Examiner, and started his duties on the 16th January, 1900. Nothing of particular moment has occurred to mar the smoothness of our examinations and methods during the year just ended. I have, &c, Eobebt Duncan, The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. Chief Examiner of Engineers.

The Principal Engineee-SubVeyob of Steamees to the Secretaby of the MaeinU Depabtment. Principal Engineer-Surveyor's Office, Queen's Chambers, SiE,— Wellington, 4th April, 1900. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the financial year ended 31st March, 1900. General. —During the year just closed a larger amount of work has been accomplished than in previous years. Numbers of steamers have undergone a very complete overhaul, including removal of lining throughout the ship for a thorough examination of the plates, angles, and stringers, and it is noteworthy that no accident has occurred traceable to neglect at survey. Mishaps. —Several mishaps have occurred to steamers, such as partial loss of steering-gear, broken shafts, &c, but by far the most appalling loss was the foundering of the s.s. " Ohau " on the east coast of the South Island during a gale, leaving no trace behind her. About two months prior to this casualty the vessel had undergone a very complete overhaul, including a new wooden deck throughout, and repairs to main boiler and machinery. So extensive were the repairs executed that the vessel was laid up for three months. She was in as good order as on the day she was launched as far as human eye could judge. The s.s. " Mapourika," which had been stranded on the Greymouth bar, has been refitted, and the hull bottom plating pretty well made new, and the workmanship displayed at this vessel's repair is creditable to New Zealand workmen.

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Auxiliary-powered Vessels. — The additions to auxiliary-powered vessels have not been so marked this year as in the two previous years, but the craft fitted with this power have, with one or two exceptions, done fairly good work. The tendency now is to put in oil-engines of more power. Extra Work. —A considerable amount of extra work has been thrown on surveyors this year in the fitting out and equipment of the troopships that took out the New Zealand Contingents to the scene of the war at the Cape. Up to the present all have carried their valuable freight to their destination safely, which is a credit more particularly to the engineers of these vessels, who have not only to look after the propelling machinery, but also water-supply, pumping, lighting, and ventilating, as well as keeping the ship clear of water. Engineers. —The duties and responsibilities of the engineer on board steamers have been largely increased not only on the large " liner," but also on the cargo-steamer. The progress of our Empire should be the aim of every one, and it is within the power and scope of the marine engineer to advance the progress of the nation by attention to duty, perseverance in educating himself, and studying how he can best insure the highest economy and efficiency in the machinery of which he has charge. The steamers and machinery of other nationalities are in close competition with us. It is therefore the duty of the marine engineer to practise a sensible economy in all things, to make his steamer a commercial success. Steam-trawling. —A new departure during the year has been the survey and equipment of a steam-trawler for experimental proving of fishing-grounds round our coasts, the vessel chosen being the " Doto," one of the vessels employed trawling at Port Ahuriri. She is of composite build, her principal dimensions being—sBft. long, 12Jft. beam, sft. 7in. deep; gross tonnage, 2855 tons; registered tonnage, 19-42 tons ; machinery, 13-horse power; single screw. The trawling industry in and around Port Ahuriri has held its own, and has proved remunerative to owners of steamers engaged in it. New Appointments —A. W. Bethune, chief engineer of the Government steamer "Tutanekai," was appointed an additional Surveyor during the year, and commenced his duties on the 16th January, 1900. Excursions. —No mishap has occurred to any excursion steamer, though numbers have carried their full complement. Cargo Gear. —The cargo gear, which is now made as safe as it is possible to do commensurate with utility, and in accordance with new regulations enforced in June last year, is giving great satisfaction to those engaged in the discharge and loading of cargo. The open hook could never be relied on. Besides the fitting of the appliance just mentioned, all the small parts of hoisting-gear are carefully annealed as often as possible, to minimise the effects of the crystallizing action of the material under constant strain.

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 returns of steamers to which certificates of survey were issued in New Zealand during the year ended 31st March, 1900, including the names of steamers, tons register, horse-power, nature of machinery and propeller, also trade in which employed. I have, &c, Robert Duncan, Principal Engineer Surveyor. The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington.

- T , , Number of Number of Certificates Steamers. ksued . Trade in which engaged. Aggregate Regis- Registered Nomi- Fees navable tered Tonnage. nal Horse-power. * J 26 32 87 92 147 181 260 305 Foreign Home trade Eiver and extended river ... 28,898 15,454 3,749 5,353 4,833 2,416 £ s. 401 0 447 0 377 10 d. 0 0 0 48,101 12,602 1,225 10 0

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Return of Steamers to which Certificates of Survey were issued in New Zealand during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

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Name of Vessel. M 5 s m a o 6 § » 5 » &*® 9 9 4 a "a S'&£'§' a g .o Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Remarks. •Admiral Ahuriri Albany •Alexandra Alice Annie Wallace Antrim •Aorere Aotea (Auckland) Aotea (Auckland) •Awaroa 82 31 8 73 3 2 35 49 157 89 28 17 8 30 4 3 30 16 33 15 3 Compound Non-condensing .. Oil-engines Non-condensing .. Compound Screw Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Extended river. River Launch. Ferry-steamer. First survey. Oil-engines Non-condensing .. Sternwheel .. Home trade. River Home trade. River First survey. Awarua (Blenheim) Beatrice Beautiful Star Ben Lomond .. Birkenhead .. "Blanche Britannia Brothers Brunner Canterbury .. Chelmsford .. Clansman Clara Clematis Comet Coromandel .. Coy .. Daphne •Delta 3 10 30 15 20 9 40 50 95 24 24 90 24 8 2* 25 Towing and cargo only; first survey. Fishing-vessel. 8 146 33 55 18 108 55 483 Compound Non-condensing .. Screw Paddle '. ] Screw Paddle Screw Extended river.. Home trade. River. Perry-steamer. Extended river. River. Home trade First survey. Oil-eugines Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Compound Twin-screw .. Screw Extended river.. Home trade. Launch. 70 336 5 Condensing Sternwheel .. Screw River Launch. 67 Compound Oil-engines Non-condensing .. Extended river. River. Launch. i 24 Sternwheel .. Yacht. Towing and cargo only. Launch. Despatch (Mokau) Dingadee Dot .. 393 6 80 01 Compound Non-condensing .. Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Home trade. River Yacht; first surDoto Douglas Duchess Duoo Durham "Eagle Edina •Effort •Eliza Elsie Energy Erin Erskine Ethel J. Express Palcon Panny Pingal •Plora Florence Plower of Kent Gairloch Gertie Glenelg Greyhound Gymerio 19 55 62 26 53 138 5 13 16 13 81 60 24 70 6 12 3 8 16 4 35 16 25 5* 30 9 180 34 34 85 59 75 50 364 Compound Home trade Extended river. River. Extended river.. vey. Fishing-vessel. Triple expansion .. Compound Tag. Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw Paddle Screw River Extended river.. Ferry steamer. Fishing-vessel. Towing only. 15 15 Compound Non-condensing .. Compound River Home trade River First survey. Towing only. Dredge. 98 20 36 55 22 838 Non-condensing .. Compound Home trade Extended river. Home trade. Fishing-vessel. Non-condensing .. Compound Foreign trade. River Towing only. Launch. 211 100 156 83 2,598 Twin-screw .. Home trade. Condensing Compound Oil-engines Triple expansion .. Screw First survey. Troopship; first N.Z. survey. First survey. Foreign trade .. Hamurana .. Haupiri Hawea Heathcote Herald Hercules Hesketh Hinemoa (Rotorua) Hinemoa (Taupo) Hirere Horeke 475 1,114 94 370 51 393 10 88 104 35 85 36 80 64 3 16 4 Non-condensing .. Compound Triple expansion .. Compound Oil-engines Compound Non-condensing .. Twin-screw .. Screw River Home trade. Foreign trade. Extended river.. Home trade. Hopper-barge. Wrecked. Launch. Twin-screw .. Screw River 32 Condensing Non-condensing .. Twin-screw.. Screw Launch. * Surveyed twice, and in some cases three times,

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

14

Name of Vessel 9 M 9^ &9 9 ° o a n B f ° ? II9O aco o<nm Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Remarks. to a o H *Huia (Auckland) •Huia Huia (Wellington) Huria Ida Inoa 196 90 12 8 Non-condensing .. 60 Oil-engines 23 Compound 10 ! Oil-engines 10 Non-condensing .. 10 50 Compound 24 Non-condensing .. 9 Compound 22 90 28 Screw River Home trade. Extended river.. River Launch. Fishing -vessel; first survey. Towing only; first survey. Invercargill .. 'Irene Ithaca Jane Douglas Janet Nicoll .. J.D.O. 123 Home trade. River. Extended river.. Home trade. 7 75 496 88 Fishing-vessel. Extended river.. Dredging and towing only. John Anderson Kahu Kaituna Kanieri Kapanui Kate Katikati Kauri Kawatiri 36 99 25 40 4 20 32 5 Non-condensing .. 8 Condensing 14 Non-condensing .. 24 Foreign trade. River Home trade. Extended river. River Extended river. River 115 75 Cargo only. 27 „ 0 Launch. Yacht. First survey; launch. •Kawau (Auckland) Kawau (Auckland) •Kennedy •Kilmorey Kini Kiripaka Knight Temphir 37 53 124 14 Compound 20 43 1J Non-condensing .. 130 Triple expansion .. 24 Compound 500 Triple expansion .. Twin-screw .. Screw Extended river. Home trade. River Foreign trade. Home trade. Foreign trade .. First survey. 702 72 2,767 Launch. Troopship; first N.Z. survey. Cargo only. Kopu Kopuru Koputai Kotiti Lady Barkly .. Lena Lily Little George.. Lyttelton Mahuta 28 5 40 39 13 Non-condensing .. 20 120 Compound 14 20 5 Non-condensing .. 12 Compound 4 Non-condensing .. 80 Compound 10| Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Extended river.. River. Home trade Extended river. Home trade. Extended river.. Tug. Towing only. 20 4 39 13 Twin-screw .. Screw Paddle Screw River. Extended river.. River Tug. Towing only; first survey. First survey. Makarora Mana (Wellington) Mana (Westport) Manapouri Manaroa Mangaiti 45 77 51 1,288 77 13 Non-condensing .. 25 Compound 90 300 24 6 Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade. River Tug. Manukau Manuwai Maori (Auckland) Mapourika Mararoa Matuku Mawhera •May Medora •Mere Mere .. Minnie Casey Miranda 45 75 17 718 1,380 3 346 20 Compound 25 Non-condensing .. 8 130 Triple expansion .. 530 3 Non-condensing .. 75 Compound 3 Non-condensing .. 20 Oil-engines 3 Non-condensing .. 20 Compound 4 Non-condensing .. Sternwheel .. Screw Extended river. River. Extended river. Home trade. Foreign trade. River. Home trade. River Home trade. River Extended river.. Towing only; first survey. Launch. 67 48 First survey. Fishing-vessel. Fishing-vessel. first survey. Moa •Moana (Auckland) Mokoia Monowai Moss Rose Motara 109 96 33 Compound 18 Oil-engines 4 Non-condensing .. 290 Triple expansion .. 6 Condensing 4 Non-condensing .. Twin-screw .. Screw Home trade. First survey. 2,137 River. Foreign trade. River Fishing-vessel. Late "Moutoa"; cargo only. Launch. •Moturoa Mountaineer .. Muritai •Napier Nautilus 66 133 48 29 10 50 Compound 45 30 18 Paddle '.'. Screw Home trade. * Surve; ■cd twice. and in some cases three times.

H.—ls.

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

15

Name of Vessel. u 9 s 'EL 9 « o H gag. J.S i-9 £ DDm GO oggg HgW.-a <s a 90 a o 8,02 n o«m iz; 0 Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Remarks. Ngaru Ngunguru Nina 54 7 11 17 2 Non-condensing .. Condensing Compound Screw River Home trade. River Yacht. Towing only; first survey. Noko 'No. 121 No. 222 Oban Ofa .. Ohinemuri Ohuru Omapere Onslow Opawa 'Opuatia Oreti Orewa Osprey Ovalau Paeroa Pania Pareora Patiki Pelorus Phoenix Pilot Pinafore Piraki 'Planet Plucky Poherua Presto Prince of Wales 15 394 502 27 39 73 20 352 16 64 138 37 138 767 46 27 355 37 18 6 11 9 100 120 16 31 26 60 80 14 18 5 50 17 70 75 15 11 71 15 12 5 13 3 9 8 40 128 3 27 Non-condensing .. Compound Oil-engines Compound Condensing Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Quadruple expans'n Compound Twin-screw.. Screw Twin-screw.. Screw Twin-screw .. Screw Paddle Screw Extended river. Home trade Foreign trade .. Home trade. River. Home trade. River. Home trade. River Home trade. Extended river. River. Foreign trade. Home trade. Auckland dredge. Dunedin dredge. First survey. Launch. Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Paddle '.'. Sorew River. Towing only. Compound Non-condensing .. Home trade. Extended river.. River. Towing only. 10 13 29 749 Compound Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Compound Home trade Foreign trade. River. Home trade Towing only. Tug. 487 Twin-screw.. Meat-freezing vessel. Oamaru dredge. Progress .. Pukaki Queen of Beauty 200 917 50 110 37 Quadruple expans'n Oil-engines Sorew Foreign trade. Extended river.. Yacht; first survey. Queen of the South 'Result (Napier) 'Result (Tauranga) Rimu Riro Riro Rita Rob Roy Rosamond 'Rose Casey Rotoiti Rotokino Rotomahana (Auckland) Rotomahana (Dunedin) Rotorua Savaii Seagull Snark Southern Cross (London) 121 18 144 22 34 462 99 630 1,263 139 901 576 31 40 10 4 95 4 11 16 90 109 104 135 50 450 172 8 6 10 19 Compound Non-condensing .. Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Compound Triple expansion .. Quadruple expans'n Compound Twin-screw .. Screw Home trade. Extended river.. Home trade. River. Extended river.. Home trade. Extended river. Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade. Extended river.. River Fishing-vessel. Towing only. Fishing-vessel. First survey. n • • Fishing-vessel. Condensing Non-condensing .. 12 205 Compound Foreign trade .. Missionary vessel; first survey. Yacht; first survey. Spray 3 3 Non-condensing .. River Stella Sterling Stormbird Sumner Sunbeam 'Sylph 'Swan 157 26 137 94 90 39 40 35 6 8 10 Compound Oil-engines Condensing Non-oondensing .. Home trade. Extended river.. River. Hopper-barge. 5 16 Extended river.. Towing only. Fishing-vessel; first survey. 'Taieri Tainui (Auckland) Tairua 'Takapuna (Auckland) .. Takapuna (Dunedin) .. Talune Tangaroa Tangihua Taniwha (Auckland) .. 'Taniwha (Timaru) 1,071 46 58 377 1,303 109 20 191 155 20 6 20 165 255 70 15 40 16 Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Oil-engines Non-condensing .. Compound Triple expansion .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Paddle Screw Paddle Screw Foreign trade. River. Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade River. Home trade. Extended river.. Ferry-steamer. Twin-screw .. Screw Twin-screw .. Screw First survey. Dredge. * Surve; r ed twice, and in some ci .ses three Si:

H.—ls.

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

Return showing the Number of Masters, Mates, and Engineers examined during the Year ended 31st March, 1900, distinguishing the Number of Successful and Unsuccessful Candidates.

16

Name of Vessel. :-. CD 43 'Ed to pq a o H IS* & 2 ® &9 O 9 S390 Nature of Engines. Nature of Propeller. Class of Certificate. Remarks. •Tarawera Tarewai Tauhara Taupo Taviuni Tawera (Auckland) Tawera (Te Anau) Te Anau Tekapu Terranora Theodore Thistle Thomas King .. j Timaru Tongariro (Auckland) .. Tongariro (Taupo) Toroa (Napier) •Tuakau Tui .. Tuna .. Vesta • 1,268 7 250 12 10 92 135 40 25 250 25 94 25 90 16 78 25 8 91 2 64 14 3 Compound Screw Foreign trade. River. 408 910 44 Non-condensing .. Compound Quadruple expans'n Oil-engines Non-condensing .. Compound Foreign trade. Extended river. River Home trade. 1,028 50 199 35 77 70 211 62 First survey. Condensing Paddle River. Home trade. Extended river.. Home trade. River. Oil-engines Non-condensing .. Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Twin-screw.. Screw Twin-screw .. Paddle Screw Cargo only. First survey. 174 Foreign trade .. River Extended river.. Launch. Towing only. Compound Non-condensing .. Twin-screw.. Screw River Towing and cargo only. •Victoria •Victory 92 50 4 Paddle Screw Towing and cargo only. Vivid .. •Waahi Waiapu Waihi Waihora Waikare Waimana Waimarie Wainui Waiotahi Wairere Wairoa (Auckland) Wairoa (Nelson) Waitangi ■' .. Waitara (Wanganui) .. Waiwera (Kaipara) Wakatere Wakatipu Wakatu •Wanaka •Wasp 6 61 63 1,269 1,901 107 159 411 167 27 63 48 34 13 5 15 20 250 229 18 48 95 56 80 24 20 62 12 6 140 230 30 280 1 Oil-engines Compound Triple expansion .. Quadruple expans'n Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Condensing Compound Non-condensing .. Compound Twin-screw.. Paddle Screw Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade River. Launch. First survey. Home trade. Twin-screw.. Screw River. 157 1,258 95 1,572 Paddle Screw Home trade. Foreign trade. Home trade. Foreign trade. River Towing only. Quadruple expans'n Compound Triple expansion .. Non-condensing .. Towing and family use only. Waverley Weka (Auckland) •Weka (Napier) Wellington Westland Whakapara 93 86 53 279 35 25 27 20 90 64 2 Compound Twin screw .. Screw Home trade. River. Home trade. Condensing Compound Paddle Screw Extended river.. G-reymouth tug. Yacht; first survey. Towing only. Yankee Doodle •Zephyr 6 8 12 12 Non-condensing .. Paddle Screw River * Surveyed twice, and in some cases three times.

Auckland. Wei llington. 'ttelti in. Dunedi in. Othi )rPli ices. Totali 13 rj rH CD CD a3 co Pa 49 CO --H O td ed B Ph Ph Class of Certificate. 13 CD CD 'j CO £ C3 CO —< 49 td CS O Ph Ph B t3 CD CO CO cri Ph ■a 3 >6 CD CO CO d fH CD '2 Ma 49 O H CD en c5 . Ph a-j CD 'ea Pi . i t) a co 49 tO O C3 H PH cd CD '3 94 "ee o Eh foreign - going masters and , mates lome-trade masters and mates liver-steamer masters lea-going engineers liver-steamer engineers larine-engme drivers 1 5 7 11 14 8 5 9 2 5 9 4 14 9 16 23 12 6 5 3 12 2 5 7 7 13 12 3 15 4 7 6 2 5 1 11 3 1 2 2 13 3 4 3 1 4 .. 2 .. 6 3 16 4 1 5 1 j 2 3 4 5 2 14 14 15 42 26 16 20 17 6 14 14 6 34 31 21 56 40 22 3 2 2 2 5 3 2 5 7 1 Totals .. 46 34 80 21 54 15 11 26 19 11 30 j 14 14 77 204 33 127

17

H.—ls.

Return showing the Total Ordinary Expenditure of the Marine Department during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900.

3—H. 15.

Nature of Expenditure. ,ai] Is. Is. Irani Is. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1,085 3 10 £ s. d. 1,085 3 10 Salaries of Head Office Harbours: — Manukau, — Salaries Contingencies Report on channel at wharf Russell, — Contingencies Hokianga,— Salaries Contingencies Kaipara, — Salaries Subsidy to steamer for harbour-work Removal and re-erection of flagstaff Contingencies Mokau, — Salary Contingencies Opunake,— Salary Rangitikei,— Contingencies Foxton, — Salary Contingencies Mongonui,— Wharf repairs Whangarei,— Wharf repairs Tauranga,— Contingencies Wairau, — Salary Contingencies Havelock, — Contingencies Nelson, — Salaries Report on harbour Contingencies Motueka, — Salary Waitapu,— Salary Contingencies Collingwood, — Salary Contingencies Karamea, — Salary River stop-bank Contingencies Okarito, — Salary Contingencies Okuru, — Signalling and Contingencies Little Wanganui,— Signalling and Contingencies Waikawa, — Salary Waitangi (Chatham Islands), — Wharf improvement New buoys Chain, lamps, repairs to buoys, and sundries Pension of J. Heberly 426 0 0 80 19 4 22 16 6 529 15 10 32 12 8 274 0 0 37 2 5 311 2 5 415 2 2 340 0 0 229 16 10 48 19 7 « 1,033 18 7 37 10 0 3 10 6 41 0 6 25 0 0 0 16 9 190 0 0 33 12 2 223 12 2 50 0 0 100 0 0 6 14 4 145 0 0 27 9 7 172 9 7 36 1 3 480 0 0 105 0 0 174 11 1 759 11 1 10 0 0 25 0 0 50 10 0 75 10 0 30 0 0 17 0 3 47 0 3 40 0 0 100 0 0 49 2 3 189 2 3 35 0 0 74 18 8 109 18 8 85 17 10 28 18 3 15 0 0 25 10 5 497 9 9 348 14 9 86 18 11 4,737 16 3 Lighthouses: — Salaries of keepers Oil, inoluding freight and storage Stores and contingencies Keepers' travelling-expenses Lighthouse artificer Pension of widow of keeper Deck New light on Somes' Island 8,984 7 5 2,106 8 7 2,916 14 4 79 3 1 210 0 0 30 0 0 1,289 3 5 15,615 16 10

18

H.—ls

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

Nature of Expenditure. Details. Totals. Grand Totals. departmental travelling-expenses .. Coastal buoys Inquiries into wrecks and casualties rtelief of distressed seamen Search for missing vessel " Wolverene " errant for maintenance, " Tararua " Cemetery josts of prosecution re fraudulent issue of certificate Dost of Marine Commission Jnseaworthy ships Charts Sundries £ s. d. £ s. d. 170 3 0 3 3 9 377 3 6 0 10 3 112 14 0 50 0 0 195 5 2 1,404 8 7 4 16 0 71 18 9 452 2 10 £ s. d. 2,842 5 10 Veather Forecasts, — Salary Contingencies 350 0 0 16 15 6 365 15 6 inspection of Machinery and Survey of Steamers, — Salaries «. Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. Rent and contingencies 365 15 6 2,396 18 8 1,431 17 5 374 5 2 4,203 1 3 4,203 1 3 Examination of Masters and Mates, — Salaries Contingencies 44 13 0 125 5 10 169 18 10 1,011 3 8 Superintendents of Mercantile Marine,— Salaries Contingencies 770 16 8 70 8 2 841 4 10 fisheries, — Protection of oysters Protection of fish Expenses, fish-hatcheries Expenses of Mr. Ayson to Europe, &c. 166 2 1 332 7 10 192 9 4 313 15 2 1,004 14 5 1,004 14 5 Less amount of credits to vote 30,865 17 7 1,102 15 6 jovernment Steamers, — S.S. " Tutanekai " .. S.S. " Hinemoa " 9,764 12 8 7,688 2 6 29,763 2 1 Less amount received for freight, passages, &o. 17,452 15 2 5,424 18 6 12,027 16 8 180 0 0 Compassionate allowance to son of late W. Brown, ohief ornoer of " Hinemoa " 12,027 16 8 180 0 0 Total .. 41,970 18 9

19

H.—ls

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, 1900.

Note.—This return does not include the cost of the periodical visits made to the lighthouses by the Government steamer with oil, stores, and provisions. The proportion of the steamer's expenses chargeable to this service is about £5,000 a year. * Includes £27 55., cost of repairs. t Includes £48 16s. 3d., cost of provisions for keepers. J Includes £185 9s. lid., cost of repairs. § Includes £68 Is. 3d., cost of fencing. In addition to the amount shown against Somes Island light, the sum of £1,289 3s. sd. has been expended on the new light The Wellington Harbour Board contributed £800 towards the cost of this light.

Oil. Name of Lighthouse. Salaries. Gallons j consumed. Value. and Contingencies. Totals. Cape Maria van Diemen Moko Hinou Tiri-Tiri Bean Rock Ponui Passage Cuvier Island Portland Island Napier Bluff Cape Palliser 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 Hokitik^, Cape Foulwind Farewell Spit Nelson Stephens Island French Pass £ s. d. 349 16 3 355 0 0 280 0 0 160 0 0 160 0 0 307 13 11 380 0 0 20 0 0 270 0 0 300 0 0 156 0 0 270 0 0 261 17 7 1,035 811 528 89 76 1,355 754 Gas 963 934 278 553 527 161 147 519 712 169 554 503 575 496 521 666 933 659 785 881 922 Gas 544 642 239 1,726 124 £ s. d. 78 2 6 60 16 6 39 12 0 4 5 4 5 14 0 101 12 6 56 11 0 14 5 0 72 4 6 70 1 0 20 17 0 41 9 6 £ s. d. 198 13 10 145 2 6 90 18 8* 42 10 8 23 15 11 135 5 7 156 4 6 10 4 125 4 9 62 1 7 26 18 1 71 0 1 £ s. d. 626 12 7 560 19 0 410 10 8 206 16 0 189 9 11 544 12 0 592 15 6 35 5 4 467 9 3 432 2 7 203 15 1 382 9 7 ) 51 12 0 77 18 0 391 7 7 120 0 0 258 18 6 466 4 3 90 0 0 270 0 0 270 0 0 270 16 8 300 0 0 290 0 0 250 0 0 280 0 0 270 0 0 347 1 3 356 16 0 347 3 0 12 0 0 280 0 0 365 0 0 280 0 0 380 0 0 210 0 0 11 0 6 38 18 6 53 8 0 12 13 6 41 11 0 37 14 6 43 2 6 37 4 0 39 1 6 49 19 6 69 19 6 49 18 6 58 17 6 66 1 6 69 3 0 15 18 9 40 16 0 48 3 0 18 8 6 129 9 0 9 6 0 35 16 1 89 5 1 113 14 8f 5 12 6 304 18 9{ 59 15 11 62 15 6 88 16 1 46 14 9 50 14 1 66 17 5 194 13 7§ 89 18 7 111 2 6 74 11 5 0 6 6 40 17 0 114 3 11 51 5 1 137 15 6 20 4 11 166 16 7 387 2 1 633 6 11 108 6 0 616 9 9 367 10 5 376 14 8 426 0 1 375 16 3 350 13 7 416 16 11 514 12 1 495 17 4 534 0 0 490 17 5 28 5 3 361 13 0 527 6 11 349 13 7 647 4 6 239 10 11 Totals 8,984 7 5 20,371 1,557 17 7 2,916 14 4 13,458 19 4

EL—l5,

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, the Sea-fisheries Acts, the Inspection of Machinery Acts, and for Pilotage and Port Charges &c., during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

Return showing the Amount of Light-dues collected during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

Return showing the Amount of Pilotage, Port Charges, &c., collected during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

20

Name of Lighthouse. Cost of Erection. iName oi mgninouae. Pencarrow Head Nelson Tiri-Tiri .. Mana Island* Taiaroa Head Godley Head Dog Island Farewell Spit Nugget Point Cape Campbell Manukau Head Cape Foulwind Brothers Portland Island Moeraki Centre Island Puysegur Point Cape Maria van Diemen Akaroa Head Cape Saunders Cape Egmontf Moko Hinou Waipapapa Point Ponui Passage! Kaipara Head French Pass Cuvier Island Stephens Island Cape Palliser Cost of telegraph cable to Tiri-Tiri Miscellaneous and unallocated £ s. d. 6,422 0 4 2,824 8 9 5,747 7 2 5,513 0 1 4,923 14 11 4,705 16 4 10,480 12 8 6,139 11 8 6,597 3 7 5,619 2 6 4,975 2 4 6,955 9 1 6,241 0 0 6,554 14 5 4,288 13 2 5,785 19 0 9,958 19 5 7,028 14 8 7,150 6 5 6,066 6 3 3,353 17 11 8,186 5 0 5,969 18 11 5,571 8 0 1,427 17 5 7,406 16 11 9,349 9 11 6,243 16 1 1,085 19 6 1,322 2 2 Total .. £173,895 14 7 * Light discontinued; moved to Cape Egm + Cost of iron tower, lantern, and appara noved from Mana Island, is not included in + Built by Provincial Government of i mown in Marine Department. lont. itus, which were rethis. Auckland; cost not

Nature of Receipts. Amount. Shipping 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 Pilotage and port charges .. Sundry receipts under Harbours Acts Sea-fisheries Act Inspection of Machinery Acts Sundries £ s. d. 1,787 8 0 1,405 10 0 18 8 0 156 15 0 20,996 8 3 64 13 0 1 3,255 14 0 207 12 0 95 0 0 3,939 2 6 165 5 11 Total .. .. £ 32,091 16 8

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. 5,913 9 11 113 1 6 84 12 7 6 5 2 20 2 1 6 2 11 6 16 1 232 13 5 86 5 8 23 5 6 20 3 5 446 10 0 583 7 10 167 0 4 34 6 8 134 3 10 10 9 10 5,026 10 2 15 7 2 266 5 9 314 4 2 477 10 1 197 5 7 1 17 5 2,252 2 5 710 15 3 117 9 6 1,681 9 3 2,046 14 9 Total £20,996 8 3

Name of Port. Pilotage. Port Charges, &c. Total. Auckland* Onehunga Hokianga Kaipara Thames* Gisborne* Wairoa* Napier* New Plymouth* Waitara* Wanganui* .. Patea* Foxton Wellington* .. Wairau Nelson Hokitika* Lyttelton* Timaru* Oamaru* Dunedin* Invercargill* .. Bluff* Riverton* £ s. d. 615 13 2 7 15 12 9 6 169 18 3 74 10 8 104 16 2 110 13 0 742 13 7 64 6 2 80 7 10 502 4 11 31 9 8 164 3 1 211 19 0 151 2 11 971 11 3 £ s. d. 3,173 11 9 124 3 6 1,085 4 6 903 8 6 4 3 0 3,420 19 3 134 7 11 73 18 2 510 3 £ s. d. 3,789 4 11 131 4 11 12 9 6 1,255 2 9 74 10 8 1,008 4 8 114 16 0 4,163 12 10 198 14 1 154 6 0 502 4 11 36 19 11 164 3 1 8,925 16 9 151 2 11 1,541 10 10 16 16 5 11,209 1 4 4,386 5 10 1,811 13 11 11,447 19 10 9 18 6 4,532 19 5 5 4 0 8,71317 9 6,755'l9 0 1,527 13 8 569 19 7 +16 16 5 4,453 2 4 2,858 12 2 +1,811 13 11 5,075 14 10 9 18 6 1,503 6 2 5 4 0 6,372 5 0 3,029 13 3 Totals .. 21,700 11 6 33,943 12 6 55,644 4 0 * Harbour Board revenue. t Tonna{ te rate on carj to-

21

H.—ls

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 31st March, 1900.

Return of Licenses as Colonial Pilot issued in pursuance of Section 31 of "The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1894," during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

Return of Licenses as Adjusters of Compasses issued in pursuance of Section 4 of "The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1895."

Name of Seaman. Balance to Credit of Estate on 31st March, 1899. Amount received. Amount paid. Balance to Credit of Estate 'on 31st March 1900. P. Mills r. Barry tf. Hegglind i. Pearson lohn Spers lames Marks rohn William Eaton William John Wilson Henry West tfathew Miller .. Robert MoDougall Ufred Murfin .. Phomas Sullivan lohn Price Blacklock Andrew Hughson Murdoch MacPherson Hobert Hogg Warrender .. •V. Gordon Matheson r. F. Heddell .. i.. Taylor fohn Martin rV. Carey r. Angus i. Weibe William J. Nicholls Jobert Burns rohn Young Douglas Grant Stevenson lames William Charnock r. S. Underwood rVilliam Denny .. r. Ferguson 1. Wilson r oseph Fielder Archibald Pender L S. Schofield Villiam Brown .. >leil Buchanan .. 3. Oeterman )tto Sjoblom fhomas Dowse fhomas Robertson ens Hansen 'ohn Tait '. F. Robertson £ s. d. 0 5 5 3 7 0 2 12 0 4 2 0 0 7 0 0 2 2 0 17 3 9 17 0 0 17 8 9 2 6 9 8 4 4 2 2 £ s. d. £ s. d. 0 5 5 3 7 0 2 12 0 4 2 0 0 7 0 0 2 2 0 17 3 9 17 0 0 17 3 9 2 6 9 8 4 4 2 2 4 6 8 £ s. d. 4 6 8 6 14 4 40 14 8 10 10 11 28 17 9 2 5 6 3 5 0 2 16 4 2 16 4 14 17 10 2 12 0 2 12 0 0 17 4 8 13 4 4 6 9 6 14 4 2 4 3 13 8 4 5 8 3 13 8 3 13 8 4 6 8 1 14 8 4 6 8 29 13 5 33 2 4 7 11 10 13 1 7 5 18 3 10 0 3 2 8 2 19 8 5 14 0 40 14 8 10 10 11 28 17 9 2 5 6 3 5 0 216 4 212 0 017 4 8 13 4 6 1 4 4 2 4 6 14 4 216 4 UJ.7 10 212 0 4 - 6 9 4 5 8 1 16 9 3 13 8 4 6 8 1 14 8 4 6 8 29 13 5 33 2 4 313 8 116 11 7 11 10 13 1 7 5 1 8 3 10 0 2"8 6 5 14 0 3"2 8 0 11 2 Totals 45 0 1 276 2 3 259 17 3 61 5 1

No. of License. Date of Issue. Name of Licensee. Port of Residence. Date of Expiry of License. 21 22 23 24 25 26 6 July, 1899 Richard Groombridge Butt.. 4 Oct., „ Frank Lawton 13 Nov. „ Edward Wheeler 21 „ „ Hugh McLellan 18 Jan., 1900 Archibald Kennedy 9 March, „ Frank Lawton .. Wellington .. Lyttelton .. Wellington .. 20 July, 1900. 3 Match, „ .. 12 Aug. .. 11 Nov., .. 21 Dec, 3 March, 1901.

No. of License. Date of Issue. Name of Licensee. Address. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 3 March, 1896 20 „ 9 April, 15 , 5 May, 26 Nov., 9 Dec, 11 . 1 Feb., 1897 27 April, 27 May, 27 July, 1 Sept., 13 Aug., 1898 26 April, 1899 George Frederick Augustus Carl von Schoen* .. Thomas Capel Tilly Frederick Macbeth Robert Strang George Urquhart Thomson John Robertson* George Burton* William Bendall Hugh McLellan Frederic William Cox Thomas Fernandez Robert Hatchwell Arthur G. Gifiord Herbert John Richardson Robert Heddleston Neville .. Wellington. Auckland. Dunedin. Onehunga. Wellington. Lyttelton. Nelson. Auckland. Lyttelton. Wellington. * Left the colony.

H.—s

22

Return showing the Number of Notices to Mariners relating to Matters within the Colony issued by the Marine Department during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

Descriptive Return of New Zealand Coastal Lighthouses.

■on or Lace. ijeci ;ice. Aotea Harbour Auokland Harbour Bay of Islands .. Cloudy Bay Dusky Sound East Cape Gisborne Harbour Hauraki Gulf Manukau Harbour Milford Sound .. Neleon Harbour New Zealand Ereotion of leading beacons. Alteration of buoy off Takapuna Head. Buoy placed off Poroporo Island. Safe anchorage during heavy gales in Cook Strait. Rook near anchorage in Cascade Cove. Exhibition of light. Back red leading-light raised 10 ft. Buoy on Sunday Rock, Waiheke Channel. Alteration of buoyage system. Mooring-buoy dragged out of position by s.s. " Waikare." Alteration of position of bar-buoy. Exhibition of weather-forecast signals. Magnetic variation on south coast. Signals at ports at which there is no flagstaff from which ball-signals oan be shown. Exhibition of lights on main-channel beacons. Signal at Taiaroa Head for open boats. Rock in shannel between Peter Island and next island to westward. Ofcago Harbour Port Abercombie, Great Barrier Patf a Harbour Port Nicholson Queen Charlotte Sound Tauranga Harbour Thames Harbour Wairau River Westport Harbour Whaingaroa (or Raglan) Harbour Soundings taken off roadstead. Exhibition of new light on Somes Island (two notices). Passage between Hawes Rock buoy and Blumine Island to be avoided. Buoys in Inner or Crooked Channel removed. Beacon erected at entrance to river. Buoy placed outside bar. Harbour lights and day and night signals. Erection of leading beacons.

Name of Lighthouse. Order of Apparatus. Description. Period of Revolving Light. Colour of Light. Tower built of Dwelling! built of Date first lighted. Cape Maria van J Diemen Moko Hinou Tiri-Tiri.. 1st order dioptric 1st order dioptric 2nd Revolving Fixed Flashing Fixed V 10" White Red, to show over Columbia Reef. White White, with red arc over Flat Rock White and red White Timber Stone Iron imber Timber 24 Mar., 1879 tone Timber 18 June, 1883 ron „ 1 Jan., 1865 Timber Timber Ponui Passage .. Cuvier Island East Cape Portland Island i 5th 1st 2nd 2nd Revolving Flashing Revolving Fixed 30" 10" 30" Timber Iron Timber imber „ 29 July, 1871 ■on „ 22 Sept., 1889 , „ Building, imber „ 10 Feb., 1878 Red, to show over Bull Rock. White Iron on Timber 27 Oct., 1897 1 Jan., 1859 1 Aug., 1881 imber „ 1 Sept., 1874 1 Dec, 1884 24 Sept., 1877 Timber Cape Palliser Pencarrow Head.. Cape Egmont Manukau Head .. Kaipara Head .. Brothers .. 4 2nd order dioptric 2nd 2nd 3rd 2nd 2nd Revolving Fixed Timber Flashing 10" 10" Fixed Red, to show over Cook Rock. White Timber Stone Timber mber Timber 1 Aug., 1870 tone Stone 1 April, 1865 mber Timber 1 Jan., 1880 22 April, 1878 one Stone 2 Jan., 1865 mber Timber 1 Jan., 1880 one Stone 4 July, 1870 mber Timber 1 Jan., 1884 one Stone 1 Aug., 1865 Timber Stone Timber 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 1' i6" Revolving Fixed Flashing Revolving i ; Red '.'. White Stone Timber Stone Timber Stone Stone Timber Stone Timber Stone i6" 30" Centre Island Fixed White, with red arcs over inshore dangers White Timber mber Timber 16 Sept., 1878 Timber Puysegur Point .. Cape Foulwind .. Farewell Spit 1st 2nd 2nd Flashing Revolving 10" 30" 1' White, with red arc over Spit end ' White, with red arc to mark limit of anchorage Red and white, with white light on beacon White .. Iron 1 Mar., 1879 1 Sept., 1876 an „ 17 June, 1870 Nelson 4th Fixed 4 Aug., 1862 French Pass 6th 1 Oct., 1884 Stephens Island .. 1st Group flashing :h interval of t 29 Jan., 1894 * Flashing twice every half-minute, wi( wery half-minute. + Two flashes in quick succession three se< :onds between flashes.

H.—ls.

Return of Masters, Mates, and Engineers to whom Certificates of Competency were issued during the Year ended 31st March, 1900.

23

Name of Person. Rank, [ I Class of Certificate. Date of Issue. No. Harold William Spencer Goertz .. Harold Astlay Houchen Frank Farmar James Archibald Wallace Archibald Gordon Baird Charles McLean George Henry McDonald William Henrv Macey Francis Driscoll Henry Montague Garrick Frederick John Duncan John McLennan McKenzie Carl Murrell Marris John Nathaniel Beighton Thomas Brown William Gifford John Mclntyre Sidney Leonard John Freeman Robert Isaac Fletcher Philip Gibbons .. .. William Haydon Duncan Alexander Matheson John MoNeilage.. Henry Collins John Broadbent Hal! Daniel Higgins William Williamson Alfred Cash David Alfred Scott Joseph Burns James Cregdala Paton James Cooke Skene John Gallagher Arthur Percival Blundell David Henry Dai ton Francis Knowles William John McManus John Findlay Gibson Allan Edward Neumann Bernhardt Robert Howard Percy Eden Waddington Deane Clifton Sharpe Thomas Ryan William McFarlane John William Robinson Francis Henry Duncan Neil Fletcher William Wright James Blackwood John Robert Hambleton Henry George Noy John Jabez Hay Wishart Graham Duncan Edward John Shields .. . - William Fincher Coutts Robert Coutts Malcolm John Connor Claude Prank Brookes Joseph Henry George Davis Michael Lanigan James Bambery Arthur Augustus Flyger John William Bird William John Cameron Joseph Edward Faulder Buckland John Sinclair William Wood Wilson Rutherford Clark Frederick Charles Davie Robert Sharman Hughes Richardson Alfred William Price Alfred Sneyd Andrew Douglas Davys Thomas Bell Jones Sinclair Carl Hausmann Norman John Arnott Robert William Wallace Ernest Day Albert Edward Brown Henry Joseph Kelly Henry Simson Edgar Vincent Hudson William John Sutton First mate Second mate First mate Only mats First mate Mastor, ordinary .. Second mate Master, ordinary .. First mate Master, ordinary .. Master Mate Master Mate Master Foreign trade Home trade River trade Foreign trade ..II May, 1899 .. .. 9 „ „ .. ..15 . „ .. ■ • 29 , „ .. .. 13 June, „ .. .. 24 Oct., „ .. .. 27 Nov., „ ., .. 12 Dec, „ .. .. 9 Jan., 1900 .. ■• 19 „ „ .. .. 27 „ „ .. .. 16 Feb., „ .. 8 March, „ ■• 15 „ „ .. .. 15 „ „ .. .. 28 April, 1899 .. ■ • 28 „ „ .. .. 29 June, „ .. 5 Aug., ■ ■ 5 „ „ .. •. 11 „ „ .. .. 16 „ „ .. .. 24 Oct., „ .. • ■ 30 „ „ .. .. 24 Nov., „ .. .. 4 Dec, „ .. .. 19 Jan., 1900 .. .. 16 Feb .. 24 March, „ ••24 „ „ .. .. 6 April, 1899 .. .. 9 May, „ .. .. 19 „ „ .. .. 4 July, „ .. ■ ■ 29 „ „ .. •• 29 „ „ .. •• 29 „ „ .. ■• 29 „ „ .. .. 25 Aug., „ .. .. 19 Sept., „ .. .. 19 „ „ .. • • 29 „ „ .. .. 14 Nov., „ .. .. 16 Feb., 1900 .. .. 24 March, „ .. 6 April, 1899 .. • • 21 „ „ .. .. 21 „ „ .. •• 21 „ „ .. .. 21 „ „ .. • • 21 „ „ .. •• 21 „ „ .. •• 21 „ „ .. • • 21 „ „ .. • • 28 „ „ .. .. 23 May, „ .. .. 23 „ „ .. .. 23 „ „ .. .. 23 „ „ .. •• 23 „ „ .. .. 23 „ „ .. .. 15 June, „ .. 19 „ „ .. •• 19 „ „ .. .. 17 July, „ .. .. 11 Aug., „ .. .. 16 „ „ .. .. 16 „ „ .. .. 16 „ „ .. .. 16 „ „ .. .. 19 Sept., „ .. .. 19 „ „ .. .. 19 „ „ .. .. 27 „ „ .. .. 9 Oct., „ .. .. 9 „ „ .. .. 9 „ „ .. .. 9 ,, „ .. .. 8 Nov., „ .. .. 8 Dec, „ .. .. 20 „ „ .. .. 20 „ „ .. .. 20 „ „ .. .. 17 Jan., 1900 .. 871 872 87H 874 •875 854 565 876 877 878 750 749 879 822 880 5320 5442 5443 5444 5445 5446 5447 5448 5449 5414 5377 •5450 5451 5452 5453 3295 3296 3297 3298 3299 3300 3301 3302 3303 3304 3305 3306 3307 3308 3309 221 426 337 285 282 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 436 437 275 438 439 440 441 327 442 443 444 •445 446 447 448 288 295 301 343 449 450 451 452 453 454 1st class engineer .. 3rd class engineer .. 2nd class engineer 3rd class engineer .. 2nd class engineer 3rd class engineer .. 2nd class engineer 3rd class engineer .. 2nd class engineer 3rd class engineer .. 2nd class engineer 3rd class engineer .. 2nd class engineer 3rd class engineer .. * Renewals.

24

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Return of Masters, Mates, and Engineers to whom Certificates of Competency were issued during the Year ended 31st March, 1900 — continued.

Class of Certificate. Date of Issue. No. Name of Person. Rank. Peter Fleming Watson Peter Marshall Henry Augustus Levestam Monte George Waller James Powell John William Townsend.. Ernest William Tattley Henry Augustus Dando Frederick John Foote Charles Stuart Laird Eustaoe Cleary Harry Jewiss Arthur Lett William Maxwell Lawton Charles Flavell Robert Brisen Johnston James Edward Jefeoate Richard John Morgan William Francis Hailing John McAlpine James Hanson William John Sutton Frederick Ward Somerfield Arthur Smith Frank Lawfield Samuel Campbell Samuel Plimley Hugh Perry-wheir Meikle George Mathews Alexander Anderson Hall Norman Henderson William Bentley Mackie Charles Edward Vercoe Rutland William Hunt John Collins Edwin Alfred Howe Thomas Wade Edward Biddle John William Deven William Bentley Mackie Charles Henry Anderson Adam Gibson John Alexander Campbell Walter Richard Paltridge William Gibson Young Joseph Steel Thomas Jefferson McGowan Thomas James Nott George Schmidt Walter Clifford .. 3rd class engineer .. 1st class engineer .. 2nd class engineer 3rd class engineer .. Engineer Foreign trade River trade 19 Jan., 1900 .. 7 Feb., „ .. 7 „ „ .. 7 . 6 March, „ 29 „ 23 May, 1899 .. 23 „ „ .. 23 „ „ .. 23 „ „ .. 23 „ „ .. 2 June, „ 13 . „ .. 17 July, . .. 17 . . .. 11 Sept., „ .. 19 „ „ .. 19 . „ •• 19 , „ .. 19 , „ .. 19 . , .. 19 „ „ .. 19 , „ .. INov., „ .. 28 Dec, „ .. 17 Jan., 1900 .. 17 „ , .. 7 Feb., „ .. 1 March, „ 13 . „ .. 13 , „ .. 24 „ .. .. 6 April, 1899 .. 23 May, „ .. 23 „ „ .. 13 June, „ 7 Aug., , .. 19 Sept., „ .. 19 „ „ .. 27 „ „ .. 8 Dec, „ .. 28 „ . .. 28 . „ .. 17 Jan., 1900 .. 17 „ . .. 17 . „ .. 2 Feb., . .. 7 . „ .. 7 „ „ .. 7 , , .. 455 390 303 456 457 458 1797 1798 1799 1800 1801 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 *55 56 57 58 Marine-engine driver * Renewal.

H.—ls.

Return showing the Orders in Council which have been issued during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900.

4—H. 15.

25

Date of Order. Purpose of Order. 1899. April 7 7 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 17 26 May 18 18 20 20 24 29 June 10 22 26 July 1 3 3 3 3 17 24 24 Approves plans of Whakatane Road Board's wharf, Whakatane. Licenses Whakatane Road Board to occupy foreshore as site for wharf. Approves plan of Wellington Rowing Club's skids. Approves plans of Barrier Reefs Gold-mining Company's wharf at Whangaparapara. Licenses Barrier Reefs Gold-mining Company to ocoupy foreshore as site for wharf. Approves of Westport Harbour Board procuring rolling-stook, &c Declares sponges and sponge-beds subject to sections 18 to 22 of " The Sea-fisheries Aot, 1894." Revokes Order in Council prohibiting export of rock oysters. Prohibits export of rock, shore, drift, or mangrove oysters. Approves plans of Glasgow Wharf, Wellington. Approves plans of renewal of portion of Queen Street Wharf, Auokland. Approves plans of wharf at French Farm Bay, Akaroa. Licenses W. Wright and S.. Hunt to occupy foreshore as site for wharf, French Farm Bay. Approves plans of Riverhead Paper mills Company's wharf and breastwork at Riverhead. Lioenses Riverhead Paper-mills Company to occupy foreshore as side for wharf. Makes regulations for exclusive right of taking sponges. Prescribes dues and makes regulations for Rodney County wharves. Approves of Westport Harbour Board carrying out certain works on Westport Railway. Appoints Commission to inquire into certain matters relating to Marine Department. Makes regulations respecting lighting of hatches of vessels. Appoints Commission to report on proposed eastern extension of Timaru Harbour works. Approves plan of proposed dredging below Buller Bridge, Westport. Approves plan of wharf at Shoal Bay, Auckland Harbour. Approves plan of Swain and Lonneker's wharf at Ryan's Creek, Patterson's Inlet. Licenses Swain and Lonnekor to occupy foreshore as site for wharf. Appoints members of Greymouth Harbour Board. Appoints members of Westport Harbour Board. Approves plan of outfall sewers, Kaiwarra, and authorises Onslow Borough Council to oonstruot same on certain conditions. Vests management of Tametame Wharf in Messrs Lane and Brown. Makes additional general harbour regulations. Vests management of Port Albert Wharf in Rodney County Council, and prescribes dues. Approves plans of J. T. Griffin's wharf, Omaka River, Wairau. Licenses J. T. Griffin to occupy foreshore as site for wharf. Extends time for Commissioners to report on certain matters relating to Marine Department. Approves plans of Wairoa Harbour Board works. Approves plan of proposed widening of Bluff Wharf. Approves plans of T. Eckford's wharf, Opawa River, Wairau. Licenses T. Eckford to occupy foreshore as site for wharf. Vests management of Mangawai Wharf in Mangawai Road Board, and prescribes dues. Approves plans of eastern extension, to Timaru Harbour works. Vests management of Tokatoka Wharf in Otamatea County Council, and prescribes dues. Approves plan of H. Handyside and others' jetty at Cape Turnagain. Licenses H. Handyside and others to occupy foreshore as site for boat-landing. Allows use of set-nets for whitebait in Ashley River. Approves plans of widening berth No. 16, Jervois Quay, Wellington. Approves of Westport Harbour Board proouring signals, &c, for Westport station-yard. Vests management of wharves at Matakohe, Pahi, and Point Curtis in Otamatea County Council, and prescribes dues. Makes additional regulations for the right of taking sponges. Approves plan of Premier Joinery Company's wharf, Auckland. Approves plans of Patea Harbour Board's wharf extension. Licenses J. S. Cooper and 0. S. Watkins to take sponges at Chatham Islands. Approves plans of proposed widening of Cross Wharf, Dunedin. Approves plans of G. Norton's boatshed, Waterloo Quay, Wellington. Approves plans of sundry harbour-works at Whangaroa. Licenses John Mcintosh and others to occupy foreshore at Whangaroa. Amends dues and rates for use of Russell Wharf. Approves plans of Waitara Harbour Board's wharf at Waitara. Approves plans of cattle-wharf, Westport. Approves plans of ferry jetty, Chelsea, Auckland Harbour. Approves plans of Piako County Council's bridge over Waihou River at Shaftesbury. Prescribes dues and rates for Havelock Wharf. Approves plans of Coastal Steamship Company's wharf at Warkworth. Licenses Coastal Steamship Company to occupy foreshore as site for wharf. Makes general harbour regulations as to shipment and landing of explosives. Approves plans of new western tee, Queen Street Wharf, Auckland. 24 31 31 31 31 31 Aug. 8 8 8 8 8 21 21 28 28 28 Sept. 4 11 18 28 Oct. 7 7 12 23 23 28 28 Nov. 13 13 13 13 20 20 Dec. 4 & at 20 1900. Jan. 8 8 , 15 15 Feb. 19 19 19 19 19 March 14 „ 16 „ 27 Approves plans of Victoria Wharf extension, Devonport. Approves plans of wharf at Greenhithe, Waitemata River. Approves plans of Borough Council's bridge at Kaipara, and licenses erection of same. Approves plans of Whataitai Rowing Club's boatshed, Evans Bay, Wellington. Prohibits use of net-fishing in part of Wanganui River. Approves plans of D. A. Gray's wharf and shed at Waiuku, Manukau. Licenses D. A. Gray to occupy foreshore as site for wharf and shed. Approves plan of G. Swain's wharf, Kaipipi Bay, Stewart Island. Lictnses G. Swain to occupy foreshore as site for wharf. Approves plan of proposed widening of Moturoa Wharf, New Plymouth. Appoints James Scanlon member of Westport Harbour Board. Extends close season for seals.

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26

Summary of Casualties to Shipping reported to the Marine Department during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1900.

Casualties on or near the Coasts of the Colony. Casualties outside the Colony. Total Number of Casualties reported. Steamers. Sailing-vessels. Total within Colony. Steamers. Sailing-vessels. Total outside Colony. Nature of Casualties. 49 t» £ CD CD do cd a o Eh CO 44 O . to O ® 15-4 H VH co °CD £i CD Q fl fl o co IH O Oh O CD hi O co o3 fl fl O 4= «tH O Hi II 4= fl • 5S IH CD an ee a o EH ■si rT ffl O CD 53.6 rH 44 CO* O CD . CD O to ■pi6 a o 43 03 O Q) o"3 • SO O CO eg o s . EC Strandings, — Total wrecks Partial loss Slight damage No damage 1 3 1 1 393 721 137 29 - 3 6 1,421 452 •• 4 9 1 5 1,814 1,173 137 1,464 4,588 " •• •• •• 1 12 " 1 12 5 9 1 5 1,826 1,173 137 1,464 -. 1,435 4 Total strandings 6 1,280 13 3,308 19 i i i i 12 20 4,600 1 12 Founderings, — Total loss 1 411 22 1 22 2 433 22 1 251 8 251 3 684 Collisions, — Partial loss Slight damage No damage 4 2 4 1,505 115 1,364 1 2 1 68 52 27 5 4 5 1,573 167 1,391 3,131 •• 5 4 5 1,573 167 1,391 I - Total collisions.. 10 2,984 ! 4 147 14 .. •• •• •• 14 3,131 Fires, — Partial loss I •• l 4,915 "' 1 4,915 1,927 1 4,915 • • •• •• Miscellaneous, including damage by heavy seas to hull and cargo, loss of masts, sails, &c. 2 1,681 1 2 114 4 1,795 1 2 1,927 2 6 3,722 Total casualties to shipping Loss of life only 19 1 6,356 95 23 1 20 2 3,591 104 2 39 3 9,947 199 23 3 l 4,915 4 1 2,190 1,245 8 1 5 1 7,105 1,245 8,350 8 1 44 4 17,052 1,444 31 4 •• • ■ •• Total number of casualties reported 20 6,451 24 22 3,695 2 42 26 4,915 5 3,435 9 48 18,496 10,146 .. 35

27

EL—l6

Return of Wrecks and Casualties to Shipping reported to the Marine Department from the 1st April, 1899, to the 31st March, 1900.

Datb of Casualty Name of Vessel, also Age and Class. & 9 Number of Nature of Number of Lives lost. Place where Casualty occurred. Win Direction. Wind. nd. Force. Decision of Court of Inquiry, &c. Name of Master. | [Passen-j Q I gerS ' I Cargo. Casualty. 1899. Jan. 25 (Since) 8 • Jasper, 32 years Barquentine 251 Guano .. Supposed foundered ; total loss Supposed 8; all hands On voyage from Bunker Island to Melbourne Vessel left Bunker Island on 25th January, and has not since been heard of. A buoy belonging to her was found on 27th April at Diamond Head, Camden Haven Vessel driven ashore during a hurricane, in which many pearling vessels were wrecked William Burton. Mar. 4 Gwarra Peres .. Ketch .. * Pearlingvessel General Stranded ; total loss Collision; no damage Collision; no damage Loss of masts, yards, and sails Not known - 1 Pelican Island, Torres Strait Hurricane Not known. 12 10 . 10 Orewa, s.s., 1 year Kotiti, s.s., 1 year Hiram Emery, 21 years Cutter .. Schooner 37 42 7 6 13 15 7 1 General Off North Head, Auckland Harbour E. Collision result of keen competition, but no damage done [John McKinI non. IGustav Eriksen. Frank W. Gorham. 14 Barque.. 699 General Lat. 4° N., long. 26° 35' W. On voyage from New York to Wellington Maintopmast and topgallantmast and mizenmasthead carried away by a sudden whirlwind 22 Rose Casey, s.s., 21 years Kapanui, s.s., 1 year Lyttelton, s.s., 21 years Red Jacket Schooner 9 8 General Collision; slight damage Collision; partial loss Collision; no damage Collision; slight damage Stranded; partial loss -I Master of " Rose Casey " made an error in judging distance, and did not reverse his engines soon enough. He was ordered to pay £18 13s. 6d., costs of inquiry The tug "Lyttelton," coming up the harbour, could not see the " Red Jacket," which was in tow of the "Canterbury," until too close to avoid collision When heaving out to the anchor, with tug ahead, the vessel's stern swung inshore with the young ebb, and her heel caught the ground. The tug was unable to pull her clear Vessel's false keel became loose, and consequently she would not beat to windward An A.B., Andrew Hughson, was washed overboard by a heavy sea, which also carried away a boat and deck-fittings I William Bazeley. William James Southgate, [John Galbraith. 99 Just inside Mahurangi Heads, Hauraki Gulf . 22 Schooner 75 7 14 General N.E. April 24 Cutter .. 39 8 Nil | Entrance to Inner Hari bour, Lyttelton 24 Lighter.. 30 1 Ballast.. 1 - 28' Cloud, 24 years Barque.. 280 io! Timber.. Port Albert, Kaipara .. S. William Henry Heays. •• 29 Mavis, 2 years Schooner Maize .. Stranded; partial loss Deck swept by heavy sea; loss of boat, &c. Supposed foundered ; total loss Mahia Peninsula Edward Rose Campbell. John Grant. 4 . . S.E. May 13 Takapuna, s.s., 16 years Schooner 377 43 10 General 1 Half a mile from entrance to Port Nicholson S. Strong gale May 14 Ohau, s.s., 15 years Schooner Coal and timber Supposed 22, all hands Supposed near Cape Campbell, on voyage from Greymouth to Dunedin S.E. Heavy gale No evidence to show how vessel was lost. Ship was a first-class one ; her load-line was correctly marked, and she was not loaded so that load-line was submerged. Vessel was last seen off Cape Campbell from 3 to 5 p.m., steaming against a heavy gale, until she was lost sight of. Some of her wreckage was washed ashore at Castlepoint Robert Brewer. 411 22 * Not known.

28

H.—ls

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

_ . . Name of Vessel, Date ol also Casualty. Age and 01ass Rig. U CD CDM 49 Cd Number of CD o Cargo. Nature of Casualty. Number Lives lost. Place where Casualty occurred. Direction. ind. Decision of Court of Inquiry, &c. Name of Master. .A a o o KEH Passengers. Force. 1899. May 25 Aparima, 14 years Schooner 22 Muttonbirds and firewood General Found ered; total loss Colao Bay, Foveaux Strait E.S.E. Gale .. Heavy seas breaking on board must have carried away, filling the vessel and sinking her. Joseph Cross. June 1 Hercules, 4 Schooner 51 5 3 Stranded ; no damage Collision; partial loss Inside Okuru Bar, West Coast, South Island Calm .. Master mistook signals on beacon for signal to take the bar John Skilton. 28 years T a viuni, s.s., 9 years Schooner 910 40 General "'I About two or three miles north of Rangitoto Island, entrance to Auckland Harbour E.N.E. Strong breeze Vessels came into collision on a dirty, dark night. No look-out appears to have been kept on "Rover" j DonaldMcLean 28 Rover, 6 years Schooner 68 4 Ballast.. Collision; partial loss Collision ; no damage Collision; slight damage Stranded; partial loss Damaged by heavy seas 1 Joseph Roder- ( iok. July 10 Te Waipounamu, 4 years Hananui, 16 Ketch .. 27 3 Oysters.. About three miles S.E. of Dog Island, Fouveaux Strait N.W. Light .. If master of " Te Waipounamu " had slackened up his dredge-lines and taken them right aft his vessel would probably have swung round and avoided collision Casualty caused through failure of oil-engines to work at a critical moment Heavy seas stove in side of deck-house forecastle, bringing down ten bunks and injuring four men j Charles Brad--j shaw Chas Goomes. 10 Cutter .. 22 3 Oysters.. ■ i . 20 years Oban, 2 years Schooner 27 4 Ballast.. j N.E. of entrance to Mokau River Lat. 48° 19' S., long. 157° 53' E., on voyage from Liverpool to Wellington North Spit, Hokitika River Pouto, Kaipara S.E. Very light Neils Albert Bertelsen. J. C. Cannell. 27 John o' Gaunt, 30 years Barque.. 1228 22 General S.W. Whole gale Aug. 5 14 Hercules, 4 years Sterling, s.s., 7 years Envy, 15 years Schooner Schooner 51 26 5 7 Coal .. Nil Stranded; no damage Stranded; partial loss Damaged by heavy seas Stranded ; total loss E. E. Light l Moderate gale Storm .. Vessel went on North Spit when entering narrow entrance of river Casualty caused through vessel's moorings parting, and she was driven ashore No blame attachable to master. Vessel left Wellington in seaworthy condition Whilst at anchor a heavy sea set in with a very light wind, and her cable parting, vessel drifted ashore. Wind too light to make sail A stowaway, Joseph Lasley, was washed overboard by a heavy sea breaking on board, and was lost John Phillips Coulson. William Robertson William H. N. Champion. Peter Johnson. 14 Ketch .. 52 7 Explosives Near Great Barrier E. 16 Maud Graham, 23 years Schooner 80 5 General Quarter of a mile north of landing-slip, Port Robinson Lat. 39° 40' S., long. 85°37'E. On voyage from Liverpool to Wellington Reef off Cape Wanbrow, near Oamaru E. Light .. 25 Ilala, 17 years Ship .. 1245 27 2 General Losso life only 1 S.W. Whole gale Allan M. Davies. (stowaw'ys) John Christian. Sept. 15 Pareora, s.s., 3 years Schooner 355 17 Produce Stranded; partial loss Calm .. Master neglected to take bearings before setting course to pass Cape Wanbrow. The mate, Alexander Robinson, neglected to call master when weather set in hazy, or fix his position by bearings, or use lead when approaching land (which was obscured), or to at once head vessel to sea before calling master, and when peril to ship was apparent. Master's certificate suspended for one month and mate's for two months, each to pay half costs of inquiry, amounting to £14 12s.

29

H.—ls.

5—H. 15.

Sept. 20 Mawhera, s.s., 15 years Schooner 340 23 General Stranded; partial loss Inside East Island, off East Cape Light .. Master held blamable for taking passage contrary to warning in "New Zealand Pilot." He was ordered to pay £7 7s., costs of inquiry Casualty caused by heavy sea breaking on board while vessel running before gale Edward Shaw. . 27 Glencairn, 14 years Schooner 62 4 Produce Damage to bulwarks, &c, and loss of boat Stranded; total loss Off Amuri Bluff S. Gale .. Peter Palleson. 1 30 Stanley, 17 years Brigantine 344 10 Sawn timber Passage between Red Mercury and Kawitihu Islands Baffling Master committed grave error of judgment in attempting passage, considering caution in "New Zealand Pilot," which he was aware of, that he had never been through passage, and the size of vessel. He was ordered to pay £16 18s. 2d., costs of inquiry Vessel driven ashore in heavy gale, her cables having parted, and her auxiliary oil-engines not being powerful enough to drive her out to sea against the storm Vessel was being towed into port when towline parted, and she took the ground Alfred Nettlingham. Oct. Hercules, 4 years Schooner General Stranded; partial loss 1 mile south of Arawata River, West Coast, South Island John Phillips Coulson. 51 N.E. Gale .. 4 Zealandia, 30 Ship .. 1116 26 2 General Stranded ; no damage Abreast of first red buoy, entrance to Bluff Harbour North Beach, Greymouth S.S.E. Strong breeze Robert William Bate. years 6 Hesketh, s.s., 16 years Schooner 393 Ballast.. Stranded; total loss Calm .. Vessel when entering Grey River was caught by three large rollers in succession, which threw her out of position, and, being unable to recover herself, was thrown on North Beaoh. No blame attached to master and officers Master guilty of negligent navigation. His certificate was suspended for six months, and he was ordered to pay £5 9s. 6d., half costs of inquiry. The chief officer, Alfred James Hailey, was held blamable for negligence in not taking and recording crossbearings where practicable. He was reprimanded and ordered to pay £5 9s. 6d., half costs of inquiry Casualty caused by carelessness of master, whose certificate was suspended for four months An A.B., Jens Hansen, was washed overboard by a heavy sea and lost Master guilty of negligent navigation. His certificate was suspended for three months, and he was ordered to pay £11 lis., costs of inquiry. The mate, Richard Huggins, was culpable for not calling master when weather beoame thick, and his certificates were suspended for one month Second mate of " Dingadee," William Fretwell, disregarded regulations for preventing collisions at sea. His certificate was suspended for three months, and he was ordered to pay £7 7s., half costs of inquiry. Second mate of " Kennedy," Carl August, committed error of judgment, but as he held no certificate, the master was held responsible and ordered to pay £7 7s., half costs of inquiry. Felix Black. 18 31 Pleiades, 30 years Stranded; total loss Akiteo Beach, south of Cape Turnagain Thomas Burton. Ship 997 20 Ballast.. E.S.E. Gale Ruakaka, 17 years • Nov. 1 4 Lily, 25 years.. Schooner Sohooner 44 84 5 Ballast.. Timber.. Stranded; partial loss Loss of life only 1 Near Point Rodney, East Coast, North Island Off Rocks Point, West Coast, South Island Te Kamara Bay, near Gape Terawhiti S.W. W.S.W. Light .. Gale .. John Henrj Roohfort. Andrew Bloom. 10 Stormbird, s.s., 45 years Schooner 137 13 11 Wool and empty casks Stranded; slight damage N.W. Light .. James Crawford Nov. 15 Dingadee, s.s., 16 years Schooner 393 19 General Collision; partial loss Between Rocks Point and Kiourangi Point, West Coast, South Island (AlexanderLindsay Kerr 15 S.S.E. Light Kennedy, s.s., 34 years Collision; partial loss I William Arthui V Wildman Schooner 127 14 Coal

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30

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

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,375 copies), £32 4s. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1900.

Prict 9d.}

Date of Name of Vessel, Casualty. Age anrJ s ° class . Rig. J | 8, j Number of f | | IPassenI M EH ; g | gers. ! | 8, Number of .a 2 ' Nature of Number Wind. Place where Casualty occurred. Decision of Court of Inquiry, etc. Name of Master. Cargo. Casualty. I Lives lost. Direction. Force. 1899. Nov. 16 Rotokino, s.s., 9 years Schooner 1304 30 Fruit and sugar Rudder disabled 5 miles east of High Peak Rooks, East Coast, North Island Half mile inside outer beacon Collingwood E.S.E. Strong gale Rudder broke in trunk-way during heavy gale. Charles McArthur Dec. 22 Rock Lily, 13 years Ketch .. 50 Timber.. Stranded; partial loss S.E. Vessel left wharf with light S.W. wind, but when near outer beacon wind shifted to S.E., right ahead, compelling her to put back to an anchorage, where she grounded at lowtide, and a swell setting in drove her on to her anchor Vessel touched slightly on sand while trying to pick up entrance during fog John Skelton. 28 Nautilus, s.s., 14 years Schooner 29 General Stranded ; no damage Near entrance to Buller River Samuel Alexander Leech 1900. Jan. 28 Ariel, 10 years Cutter .. 20 Fish .. Loss of life only 1 • Foveaux Strait, about 5 miles S. by W. of Bluff Hill About 80 miles from Wellington, on voyage to London S.W. Gale A fisherman, Douglas Hanning, was washed overboard and drowned Feb. 11 Aotea, s.s., 5 years Schooner 4915 65 3 General Fire on board; partial loss Fire in stokehold and engine-room; probably caused by lagging round boilers becoming inflammable through absorbing very fine coal-dust. Vessel returned to Wellington for repairs. The steward, John F. Robertson, was lost overboard, but there is no evidenoe to show how or at what time accident occurred Vessel missed stays while going about, wind baffling and following her round. She was towed off by Government steamer " Hinemoa" Collision caused by negligent handling of s.s. " Onslow," in bringing her too close to the port quarter of the " Moura." Master of " Onslow" severely reprimanded, and ordered to pay £2 10s., cost of inquiry Edgar J. Evans. Wakatu, s.s., 21 years Schooner General Loss of life only On voyage from Lyttelton to Port Robinson Light James Wills. 18 95 14 30 1 22 Chittoor, s.s., 25 Barquentine 217 Coal .. Stranded; no damage 2 miles from Picton, east side of harbour S.E. Moderate breeze with squalls James Hamilton. years Mar. 24 Onslow, s.s., 11 years Schooner 16 97 None .. Collision; slight damage :| Upper part of Otago Harbour /James Ramsay. i - Light . 24 Moura, s.s., 1 vear Schooner 1246 Ballast.. Collision; no damage I

New Zealand 1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 1900, Compiled from Official Records in the Marine Department

Centre Island Lighthouse, Foveaux Strait.

Lighthouse-keeper's Houses, Cuvier Island.

Dog Island Lighthouse, Foveaux Strait.

Puysegur Point Lighthouse.