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required by law. In this case the defendant was fined £10. One Inspector resigned during the year, and the vacancy was filled by the appointment of Mr. R. Duncan, who is now stationed in Otago, Mr. Blackwood having been moved to Auckland. Returns. —The annual returns, reports by Inspectors of Machinery, wreck-chart, &c, will be found appended hereto. I have, &c, Lewis H. B. Wilson, Assistant-Secretary. Thß Hon. the Minister having charge of the Marine Department, &c.

Delegates of Conteibuting Colonies to the Hon. the Minister having charge of the Marine Department. Hon. Minister, — Marine Department, 26th January, 1891. I have the honour to forward the report of delegates on the proposed light on the Snares Island. Owing to the gentlemen representing the other colonies being of opinion that the light should be an all-round light the site chosen had of necessity to be on the highest part of the island at such an elevation that I fear the light at times will be obscured, but not to such an extent as would be the case at the same elevation on the main land, for the spot selected is small, affording little room for fog to rest on. Myself, I would have preferred a much lower site, showing light only in the direction of approaching ships from south-west, north to north-east, shutting off the south-east arc, as useless, for no vessel is ever likely to make the island on that bearing. I have, &c, E. Johnson.

New Zealand Government s.s. " Hinemoa," at Sea, 16th January, 1891. Meeting of the representatives of the Governments of New Zealand, Victoria, and New South Wales, appointed for the purpose of taking steps to carry out the agreement entered into regarding the erection of a lighthouse on the Snares Islands. Present: Captain Johnson, Nautical Adviser to the Marine Department, New Zealand ; F. M. Hynes, Esq., Engineer for Harbour Works, Victoria; Captain Hixson, E.N., President, Marine Board, New South Wales. It was moved by Captain Hixson, seconded by Mr. Hynes, and Besolved, That Captain Johnson be appointed chairman to the Conference. Besolved, That Mr. H. L. Hixson shall act as secretary. The delegates, after having landed and thoroughly examined the locality of the islands, conferred in reference to the proper site and character of the proposed light, and decided to recommend to their respective Governments: (1.) That the lighthouse be built on the site indicated by the flagstaff erected on the summit near the southern extremity of the principal island of the group. (2.) That the light should be of the first order, dioptric, of the greatest brilliancy attainable by mineral oil, revolving and showing a white flash every half-minute; and, in view of its exposed position, that the tower, together with keeper's quarters, &c, should be of the most substantial character. It is understood that the details of the erection and maintenance of the light are to be undertaken by New Zealand ; and that the other colonies pledged, and New Zealand should contribute to the cost thereof in proportion to their respective population. Harley L. Hixson, Secretary. E. Johnson, Chairman.