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Statement showing the Cost of the Inspection of Lahd Machineet during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1881. Nature of Expenditure. Amount. £ s. d. Salaries .. 1,246 16 8 Travelling expenses .. 511 12 3 Sundries 71 16 8 £1,830 5 7

ANNUAL REPORT ON LIGHTHOUSE WORKS BY THE MARINE ENGINEER. The Maeine Engineek to the Secbetaby, Marine Department. Sib,— Marine Office, Wellington, 31st March, 1881. 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, &c, during the year, viz.: —- Cape JSgmont. —lnstructions were received on the 27th August as to the removal of the disused Mana Island light, and its re-erection at Cape Egmont. An excellent site at the latter place had already been selected, consisting of a raised knoll, about 50 feet high, and about 12 chains back from the coast-line. Steps were at once taken to pull down the tower, remove it to the beach, and there ship it to New Plymouth, from whence it was carted to the proposed site. It is of cast iron, about 1G feet diameter at the base, and about 50 feet high. Materials for the dwelling-houses (two) and stores (two) were also sent at the same time. The overseer, with a party of men, arrived at Cape Egmont on the 11th November, 1880, and immediately began the work of getting in the foundations to receive the tower, the erection of which, as well as that of the houses and stores, is so well advanced, that it is expected the whole will be completed by the end of June, and that the light will be ready for exhibition by the Ist August. A reserve has been made for the lighthouse of about 50 acres, around which the Armed Constabulary are constructing a ditch and bank fence, and a road is being made from the main road, near Pungarefiu, to the lighthouse. It will be about three miles long. Removal of Rocks, Oatlin's River. —A tender was accepted for this work on the 14th. December, 1880, and the time for completion is the 14th May, 1881. The contractor, so far, has made very fair progress, and it is expected that the work will be completed within contract time. Removal of Buoy Rock, Nelson Harbour. —This work was the subject of a previous contract, but contractors failed to carry it out. It was advertised for public tender again, and a second tender was accepted on the 30th December, 1880, the work to be completed by the 30th June, 1881. The contractor, up to date, has not made much progress, but has ordered the diving and other apparatus necessary for the proper carrying out of the work, which he hopes to finish in contract time. I have, &c, John BiACKETT, The Secretary, Marine Department. Marine Engineer.

By Authority: GrEOßas Didseuby, OoTernnaent Printer, Wellington.—lBBl.

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