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.A-IFIFIEIsriDIX ZEC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON LIGHTHOUSE WORKS, ETC., BY THE MARINE ENGINEER. The Marine Engineer to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir, — Marine Department, Marine Office, 31st March, 1883. I have the honour to forward, for the information of the Hon. the Minister having charge of the Marine Department, the annual report on works executed for new lighthouses, and other works during the year, viz. : — Moko Hinou, Hauraki Gulf. —The works here are well advanced. It is expected that the lighthouse and all the buildings will be completed about the end of May, and that the light may be exhibited in June. The lighthouse is a building of substantial character, the lower part being of good sound concrete, surmounted by a light-room of dressed hard bluestone, and the balcony and inner staircases of cast-iron, with wrought-iron hand-railing. A most convenient landingplace has been erected, and has been furnished with a crane for landing goods and material. Kaipara. —ln view of erecting a lighthouse at the entrance to this harbour, a site has been selected on the North Head by Captain R. Johnson and myself, in close proximity to the present signal-staff, and a report has been furnished as to the character of light recommended. Tiri-Tiri Lighthouse. —This is being fitted with a red pane of glass, by which a red beam will be thrown in the direction of " Flat Rock " and the Island of Kawau. Mangere Reef, Manukau Harbour. —The old beacon, which consisted of wood-framing filled with stones, having become very much decayed, arrangements have been made to have it replaced by a structure of wrought-iron, which it is expected will prove to be of a permanent character. Castlepoint Jetty. —A complete survey of the site of the proposed wharf has been made, and plans are being prepared in order that the work may be advertised for public tender. Collingwood: Training-ivall in River Aorere. —The work executed under contract answered the intended purpose so well that it is proposed to lengthen the wall under another contract, which is now advertised for public tender. Havelock, County of Marlborough. —A new set of beacons to define the channel has been erected, the old beacons having become decayed and otherwise destroyed. Havelock Wharf.- —Plans and specifications have been prepared for a new wharf at Havelock, and the work is now advertised for public tender. Kaikoura Wharf. —The contract for the extension of this wharf, and for dredging out the bottom of the harbour in front of it, has been satisfactorily completed ; and a goods-shed 60 feet by 30 feet is being built in connection with the wharf. Waikouaiti Bay. —A complete marine survey of this bay has been made, and plans are now being revised so as to be printed in chart form. The survey was satisfactorily carried out by Mr. W. H. Scott, C.E. Removal of Rocks, Catlin's River. —After much delay this work has been completed. Waipapapa Point. —The work of erecting this lighthouse, with the necessary buildings for dwellings and stores, was commenced in December last under an experienced overseer. The lantern has arrived in the colony, and the apparatus is expected shortly. Telegraph Department Cable-lifting Gear. —Plans have been prepared for this for the Telegraph Department, and a contract entered into for the work, which has been satisfactorily completed; and the gear has been stored in the telegraph store. I have, &c, John Blackett, The Secretary, Marine Department. Marine Engineer.