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EL—lO

The Marine Engineer to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir,— Marine Office, Wellington, 30th June, 1879. I have the honor to forward, for the information of the Minister having charge of the Marine Department, the annual report on works executed for new lighthouses during the year, viz.:— Centre Island, Foreaux Strait, —This light was first exhibited on the 16th September, 1878. It is of the first order, fixed; with red arcs thrown over the inshore dangers. Timaru Harbour Light, —This light was first exhibited on the Ist July, 1878. It is a fixed white light of the fifth order, visible in clear weather at a distance of 14_- miles. This light is maintained by the Timaru Harbour Board. Hokitika Harbour Light. —The tower is now about ready for the reception of the lantern and apparatus, which have been sent to Hokitika for the purpose of being erected. This work will not take many weeks to complete, and I hope to be able to report very soon that the light is ready to be exhihited. This light, being a local light, will be maintained by the Hokitika Harbour Board. Cape Maria. —The whole of the works at this place have been satisfactorily completed, and the light was first exhibited on the 24th March, 1879. It is of the first order, revolving once a minute. From the lower part of the tower a fixed red light is shown in the direction of Columbia Eeef. Akaroa. —The works here are in a forward state. The construction of the road from the landingplace was a heavy piece of work, very much of it in hard solid rock. A good landing-place and lifting apparatus have been prepared, which have much facilitated the landing of material. In connection with this work I regret to have to report the death of the overseer in charge of it, Mr. William Black, who was found dead on the ranges between the lighthouse and the Town of Akaroa on the 30th March last. The work suffered little or no delay, as another overseer was despatched and placed in charge almost immediately. Cape Saunders. —The necessary land has been acquired for this lighthouse, and a strong working party is now erecting the buildings, for which all the materials have been landed. Good progress is being made, and it is expected that the buildings will all be completed by middle of September. Mokohinau, Hauraki Gulf. —The land necessary for this was taken under " The Public Works Act, 1876," and preparations were made to begin the work, when instructions were received that the work should be suspended until further orders. I have during the year visited the following lighthouses and intended sites for lighthouses:— 1879. Jan. 8. Stephens' Island. Jan. 9. Kapiti Island. Feb. 25. Akaroa. Feb. 28. Timaru. June 2. Stephens' June 2. Cape Farewell Spit. Although I have twice visited Stephens' Island I have been unable to make a proper examination ; it is very rough and precipitious, and cannot be ascended and examined without previously cutting a road. This has been accomplished by a party of men sent for the purpose, and I propose to make an early visit to inspect the site, when a report will be made on it, as well as on Kapiti, which offers good facilites for the erection ofa lighthouse I have, &c., JonN Blackett, The Secretary, Marine Department. Marine Engineer.

BA uthority : Geoboe Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington. —lB79. Price Is. 3d.]