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No. 7. Mr. Fabian to the Hon. W. H. Reynolds. Sib,— Telegraph Station, Castle Point, 21st June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, in respect to storm reports generally, and, in reply, beg to state that in almost every case, after being warned of the approach of bad weather by Captain Edwin, bad weather has followed. I keep diagrams, also a rough diary of weather, and have taken an interest in it, and, having had some years experience at sea, believe storm warnings to be beneficial. Considering that the Government has made weather information available on so easy a tariff, believe it will prove a blessing to seamen and others availing themselves of it. Since the Ist of April last up to present date, not less than thirteen gales have visited this coast, and in most every case warnings have been received preparatory to their taking place. I beg to suggest that if a flagstaff was erected at Castle Point it would be the means of showing warnings to passing vessels, and such as may be lying at anchor in the bay. I have, &c, F. P. Fabian, In charge Telegraph Station, Castle Point. The Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, Wellington.

No. 8. Captain Sewell to the Hon. W. H. Reynolds. Sib,— Oamaru, 18th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of date 9th June, 1875, relative to storm warnings. In reply, I beg to state lam of opinion that about two-thirds of the storm warnings received at this station have been correct; the warnings failing were chiefly for bad weather from the westward, which failings may be accounted for by the position of the Horse Range and Kakanui Mountains, they, being to the south-west and west, shelter Oamaru and district from some of the westerly weather experienced farther south, the mountains deflecting the winds down the Waitaki and Shag Valleys. One result of the storm warnings is, that it keeps the weather officers always on the alert, looking out for changes in the weather. I have, &c, Wm. Sewell, Deputy Harbour Master, Oamaru. The Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, Wellington.

No. 9. Captain Thomson to the Hon. W. H. Reynolds. Sii- . Habour Office, Bluff, 19th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, in reference to the system of storm warnings ; and, in reply, have to state that about 50 per cent, of the warnings that "Bad weather was approaching" have been correct, but the wind not always from the direction indicated. This, I consider, is as much as could be expected during the first year, and seeing the small area in an east and west direction over which data can be obtained. When the cable is laid between this and Australia I have no doubt it will greatly assist in foretelling the weather. I have frequently found the warnings of service, especially when fine weather appeared to bo set in. I have no doubt that, in a few years, when all the local indications are known, a much larger percentage of the warnings will bo correct, and found useful both on land and sea. I have, &c, Tuos. Thomson, The Hon, the Commissioner of Customs, Wellington. Harbour Master.

No. 10. Captain Leech to the Hon. W. H. Reynolds. Sib— Harbour Office, Westport, 17th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, and, in reply, have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the beneficial results which have already accrued from the storm warnings sent from time to time by Commander Edwin, E.N., since he assumed office. At first, as might be expected, the warnings were not so correct, but during the last six months they have improved wonderfully. The telegram sent at 7.40. p.m. on the 4tTi instant, although short, " Expect severe gale," was fully, and unfortunately to many, fearfully and quickly verified, as shown by the terrific gales of the sth and 6th respectively, which, although we escaped them nearly altogether here, were so severe on the East Coast. I have not the slightest doubt that if proper instruments are supplied to the observers, and they get acquainted with their use, that Commander Edwin will be enabled to render most valuable information to the seafaring and indeed all sections of the community, for it concerns all more or less. Owing to want of office accommodation, I have, as you observe, kept no register of the results ; but still I think that 50 per cent, of the warnings sent have been useful.