7

G—.No,

REPORT OF MARINE DEPARTMENT.

work was caused by the difficulty that was experienced in getting a steamer to place at his disposal for taking soundings on the bar. 18. The marine surveys having, for the present, been brought to a close, a resume of the work performed, and of the cost of it, may be appropriately given in this Report. By reference to previous Reports of the Marine Department, it will be seen that the marine survey commenced on the 15th December, 1867, at the Kaikoura Peninsula, and that the following places, in addition to those mentioned in the extract given above, have been surveyed; viz., Waiau-au, Gore Bay, Elaxbourne, Cape Campbell, Port Curtis, Entrance to Otago Harbour, and West Coast of Middle Island from Jackson's Head to Cape Foulwind. The amount expended by the Marine Department on these surveys up to the end of June last was: — £ s. d. In the financial year 1867-8 4,347 5 10 „ 1868-9 2,222 18 8 : ~ „ 1869-70 ... 4,333 11 5 1870-71 1,222 15 10 £12,126 11 9 The expenditure in 1869-70 includes a payment of £1,200 to the Government of INew South Wales for the surveying schooner " Edith " and upwards of £800 for fitting her out ; she was afterwards sold for £1,250, thus leaving the sum of £10,876 lis. 9d. as the total cost to the General Government for the marine surveys specified above. I have, &c, William Seed, To the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, Secretary of Customs. &c. &c. &c.