D.—No. 8

OE THE MANUKAU BAR. were forwarded from me to your office some time back thorough the Provincial Government of Auckland, for your information and approval for publication, and which, I think, will be sufficient to show that your informant has confused the extending of the south-east part of the Tranmere Shoal, and called it the South Bank. The South Head beacons, as now standing in line, lead a fairway course between the outer shoals until within about two cables of the south-east point of the Tranmere, when, for the purpose of keeping deeper water, it is necessary to keep to the south-east until the beacons are open about three times their own width, which vessels are warned of by the pointing of the telegraph arm, until the North Shore beacons are brought in line, which will lead safe into the harbour. I would feel extremely obliged if you would pay a visit to the Manukau at your earliest convenience, as you would then be able to see the necessary harbour requirements much more satisfactorily than I can describe in this reply. The work contemplated is of an-urgent and expensive nature, and, under those circumstances, it is very desirable that I should be guided under your direction and authority. I have, &c, James M. Balfour, Esq., Colonial Marine Engineer, Thomas Wing, Wellington, New Zealand. Harbourmaster.

No. 5. Mr. Balfour to the Hon. J. Hall. "Resurvey of Manukau Bar. Sir, — Marine Department, Wellington, 21st November, 1868. I have the honor to forward herewith a tender from the Managing Director of the Now Zealand Steam Navigation Company to supply the s.s. " Ladybird " for the resurvey of Manukau Bar, at the rate of £30 per day when under steam and £25 per day when not under steam (i.e., £25 per day for detention during bad weather). I had requested a tender to do the work with the " Storm Bird," but there- was some difficulty about the insurance of that vessel, and the tender has been sent in for the " Ladybird " at the same rates as the " Storm Bird " would have been offered for. The tender is reasonable under all circumstances, but the cost of the survey would be probably 'not under £300 at those rates, thus increasing the probable cost of getting the Manukau Harbour service into decent order to £450 or more. Before accepting this tender or coming to any decision in the matter, I beg to recommend that I be authorized to write to Captain Wing, asking him on what terms he could get a suitable steamer at Auckland, especially as the " Ladybird " draws more water than I should wish for a vessel to be employed on any such service. I have, <fee, James M. Balfour, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Colonial Marine Engineer.

Enclosure No. 5. Mr. W. Bishop to Mr. Balfour. New Zealand Steam Navigation Company (Limited), Sir,— Wellington, 21st November, 1868. In reply to a verbal inquiry received from you, I beg to offer the s.s. "Ladybird" for the use of the Government officers who are to resurvey the bar and to remove and replace the buoys in Manukau Harbour on the following terms, viz.: — Payment to be made at the rate of £30 per day while under steam, and £25 per day while not under steam; any day upon which steam is got up by order of the officer in charge of the service to count as a day under steam. Payment to commence from date of vessel's arrival at Manukau, and to cease on completion of service. The time of engagement to be not less than ten days. Any officer going from Wellington to pay the fare usually charged to Government officers. Officers and men to be rationed at the providore's rates. I have &c, W. Bishop, J. M. Balfour, Esq., Colonial Marine Engineer. Managing Director.

No. 6. Mr. E. J. Creigiiton to Hon. E. W. Stafford. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 2nd December, 1868. Herewith I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the Colonial Marine Engineer, a copy of a letter from the Harbourmaster at the Manukau, reporting an inaccuracy in the notice which appeared in the Neiv Zealand Gazette of the 31st October last, with respect to an alteration in the channel of that bar. I have, &c, E. J. Creigiiton, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Eor the Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 6. Captain Wing to His Honor J. Williamson. Sir, — Harbour Department, Manukau, 10th November, 1868. I have the honor to report for your Honor's information, that the notice given in the New