H.—ls

8

The Principal Engineer-Surveyor of Steamers to the Secretary of the Marine Department. Office of Chief Inspector of Machinery, Wellington, Ist May, 1896. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report of steamers surveyed, and for which certificates were issued under "The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," during the financial year ended 31st March, 1896. The following table shows the number of steamers engaged in the respective trades, their tonnage, horse-power, and fees payable :—

For the 207 steamers shown above, 295 survey certificates were issued, that number of surveys having been made. The question of granting yearly certificates to steamers fitted with non-condensing machinery is worthy of consideration, as nearly all these steamers are plying on lakes or rivers where fresh water is available, or they have conveniences on board for carrying fresh water. There is therefore no good reason for having steamers fitted with non-condensing machinery surveyed twice every year, as now required. It is necessary that set times should be fixed for the examinations of marine engineers, so as to save the time both of examiners and candidates who wish to be examined. Appended is a table giving names of steamers surveyed, tons register, horse-power, nature of machinery'and'propeller, also trade in which employed. I have, &c, Robert Duncan, The Secretary, Marine Department. Principal Engineer-Surveyor.

Number. Trade in which engaged. Fees Payable.[ BegisdMnnage. Registered Nominal Horse-power. 23 56 128 Foreign Home Trade River and Extended River £ s. d. 335 0 0 407 10 0 437 10 0 19,257 10,684 3,656 4,231 3,355 2,163 207 1,180 0 0 33,597 9,749