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Government Steamers. The following Government steamers have been surveyed during the year, namely: " Antrim," "Ben Lomond,"* "Countess of Eanfurly,"t " Hinemoa," " Janie Seddon," "Manurere"t " Mountaineer,"* and "Tutanekai." A thorough overhaul of the s.s. " Hinemoa " was carried out in Auckland under the supervision of one of the Surveyors of this Department. The shafting, cylinders, boilers, and the main engines, and the whole of the gear on deck were completely overhauled, and considerable renewals of parts of the machinery were made. This work was done in a satisfactory manner, and since the overhaul the main engines are now running very much better. This vessel probably does as much steaming in any one year as any vessel in New Zealand waters, and it is creditable that she is rarely ever stopped through any defect either in machinery, hull, or equipments. Additional Steamers and Vessels surveyed for the First Time. An addition (totalling 38) has been made during the year to the number of steamers and to vessels fitted with auxiliary power in New Zealand. The names of these steamers and vessels are: " Apanui," " Aupori," " Awaroa," "Baden-Powell," "Bravo," I "Echo,"f "Fairburn,"t "Hercules,"! "Ivy," "Kaeo,"t " Kaituna," " Karamea," "Kestrel," " Kina,"-f " Koroi," " Kotare," "Lomen," "Maheno,"t "Manuka," "Mamirere," " Mascotte," " Murihiku," "Navua," "Omawi,"t "Oreti," "Pelican," " Rahutai," "Ripple," " Ruru," "Settler," "Sir William Wallace," "Squall," " Terewai," "Te Wharu,"t " Torgautin," " Tuatea," " Wairuna," " Wakapai." Survey op Steamers. The Return No. 15 gives the total number of steamers surveyed by the Surveyors of this Department during the year, and also gives the names of the steamers, together with their tons register, nominal horse-power, indicated horse-power, and the brake horse-power of oil-engined vessels, together with the nature of their machinery and propeller. The total number of surveys made of steamers and oil-engined vessels were 353, and the number of vessels surveyed was 326. The fees received for these surveys amount to £1,809 10s. Sailing-ships. Intercolonial sailing-ships (comprising both wooden vessels and iron vessels) were surveyed during the year. Extensive repairs to some of these vessels were found necessary, and many renewals of parts were effected. Return No. 16 gives the full particulars. The total fees received for these surveys amount to £41 ss. Return No. 19 is a supplement to Return No. 21 of the last annual report, as it shows this year's additional boilers and the class of certificated drivers required to be in charge of them ; also, the changes of ownership that have occurred in the boilers during the year, and the amended sizes of cylinders as now measured, together with the horse-power of these boilers. Returns. The details of the several returns accompanying this report, and numbered 1 to 19 inclusive, are as follows :— 1. Number and class of boilers inspected, and fees payable on these ; the machinery inspected, "and the fees payable thereon ; and the classes and numbers of engine-drivers' certificates issued, and the fees payable therefor. 2. Return of defects found on inspection of boilers. 3. Return of notices given to repair boilers. 4. Return of notices given to fence dangerous parts of machinery. 5. Return of accidents which were not fatal. 6. Return of accidents which proved fatal. 7. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. Names of all persons to whom land stationary, winding, locomotive, and traction certificates of competency and service have been granted during the year. 14. List of persons who were examined for marine engineers' certificates of service and competency. 15. Return of steamers and oil-engined vessels surveyed during the year. 16. Return of sailing-vessels surveyed during the year. 17. Return of vessels surveyed for seaworthiness, &c, during the year. 18. Return showing sums earned or received and amount spent during the financial year for inspection of machinery, examination of engineers and engine-drivers, and survey of steamers and sailing-vessels. 19. Return showing the names of additional boilers and transfers which require to be in charge of certificated drivers. . I have, &c, Robert Duncan, Chief Inspector of Machinery, Principal Engineer Surveyor of Steamers, and Chief Examiner of Marine Engineers and Land Engine-drivers. The Hon. the Minister in Charge of the Inspection of Machinery Department.

" Plying on Lake Wakatipu. t Oil-engiued vessels. J Plying on Lake Manapouri.