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may be heard, it is stated, from three to ten miles, according to the weather. The use of this in fogs would doubtless lessen the dangers of approaching the group, but would not, it is assumed, give such perfect confidence to the seaman as the erection of a light on a lower elevation on one of the outlying islets. From such observations as we were able to make during our short visit, we estimate that the approximate cost of erecting a light of the first order, together with the necessary buildings and appliances, on one of the outlying rocks, would be about £18,000 to £20,000, and on the main island from £12,000 to £15,000; also, that the cost of maintenance in the former case would be about £2,200, and in the latter about £1,200 per annum. These amounts would not include oils and stores, but they do include the cost of the necessary attendance of a steamer a certain number of times per year. R. Johnson, Inspector of Steamers. Marine Office, Wellington, New Zealand, John Blackett, 12th March, 1875. Colonial Marine Engineer.

No. 5. Captain Johnson to the Secretary of Customs. Sib, — Marine Office, "Wellington, 25th January, 1875. In continuation of my last year's report on lighthouse sites, I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, that, in company with Mr. Blackett, I proceeded in the " Luna " on her recent trip round the Middle Island, and visited the following localities in addition to those already reported on. Banks Peninsula. In this locality the two most suitable sites are—the first on Plat Point, and the second on Akaroa Head. A light on the former would have a greater arc of illumination to the northward than if placed on the latter, and is a better situation for vessels passing the peninsula bound South ; while Akaroa Head lies more in the track of vessels coasting from the southward as well as those trading within Timaru Bight. To English ships coming South-about the two sites are about equal. The landingplace for Flat Point is distant and inconvenient, while the landing-place at Akaroa Head is close to, in the adjoining cove. Taking everything into consideration, lam of opinion that Akaroa Head possesses the greater advantages of the two, and should be preferred. Entrance to Akaroa Harbour. The entrance to Akaroa Harbour is well marked. The western entrance—Point Iron Head—is a high perpendicular cliff of about 800 feet high ; the eastern side is also high, with the land sloping towards Akaroa Head and Trueni Point, that lies a short distance within the harbour. On this point a capital site for a harbour light may be had at an elevation of 90 feet. Landing in its immediate neighbourhood is, however, difficult, and can only be effected in very fine weather. The permanent landing-place would have to be in the cove eastward of Akaroa Head, from whence to site a road over a 600-feet high hill would have to be formed. Should a coastal light be erected on Akaroa Head, there will be no necessity for a distinct harbour light on Trueni Point, as the one light would answer both purposes. I would suggest that some arrangement might be made with the Provincial Government of Canterbury by which the light might be put up at joint expense of both Governments. Gape Saunders. On visiting the cape on this occasion the weather was fine and clear, and no difficulty was experienced in making the necessary examination. Two good sites were found; the first at an elevation of 292 feet, with an illuminating arc of 205°, and the second at a short distance to the westward at an elevation of 180 feet, with an illuminating arc of 175 3. It will therefore be seen that the first has a greater arc by 30° than the second ; but to this excess, however, I attach no importance, as it is only over an arc already guarded by Tairoa Head Light, which is on a lower elevation, and would be seen in thick weather, when a light is most required, and when a light en a higher elevation would be obscured. Between the first and second sites there is a small bay in which there is an excellent boat-landing suitable for both sites; safe in all weather, except during southerly winds, which blow direct in. The second site, in my opinion, is more preferable of the two. A light here would show from N. 50° E. to S. 45° W., or over an arc of 175° right in the direction from whence ships make the peninsula bound to Otago from the southward. Its altitude is also more suitable for localities like Cape Saunders subject to fogs; and, as the sea arc is less on this site than the first, a greater amount of back rays can be spared to strengthen that to seaward. JZuapuJce. In last year's report I stated that the proper place for Dog Island light is on Ruapuke. Having this year examined that island, a capital site was found on the North Head, at an elevation of 220 feet. Had a light with a red sector, showing over Toby Bock, been erected here, instead of on Dog Island, greater assistance than is now given would have been rendered to vessels navigating Fouveaux Strait. However, as shifting of this light would necessitate the erecting of a good harbour light at the entrance to Bluff Harbour, which, with the shifting of Dog Island Light, would cost a large sum, I think the best plan now would be to erect a small coasting light somewhere in the vicinity of Slope Point, as when this light and the lights the sites for which I examined and reported on last year are erected, the whole coast from the S.W. Cape to Otago will be thoroughly and efficiently lighted up.