H.—ls

6

The total output of coal from the Westport mines for the year was 500,864 tons, of which 482,770 tons were, shipped from the port, as against 465,968 tons and 450,097 tons respectively for the previous year. Conclusion. As my appointment to the position of Secretary was subsequent to the 31st March, 1922, I am submitting sectional reports from the, respective controlling officers. I. have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Marine, Wellington. A. D. Park, Secretary.

The Marine Engineer to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir, — I have the honour to report as follows upon the various works dealt with during the year ended 31st March, 1922:— Cape Maria Van Diemen. —The erection of two new keepers' dwellings has been completed. Cape Brett. —A new oil-engine winch has been installed for hauling up stores, &c. The tramway has been overhauled and repaired, and new tracks graded to the residences. East Cape. —Owing to the unstable nature of the island on which this light is situated, it was decided to shift on to the mainland, and the work is well in hand. So far two lightkeepers' cottages have been erected, approximately one mile of road constructed, excavation for foundation of the light is in hand, material has been procured and delivered for the erection of carpenter's shop, paintshop, &c, and a considerable amount of joinery-work is in hand. A start has been made with the dismantling of the old light, and a temporary light erected in its place. Kaipara Head Beacons. —New beacon has been erected at the South Head, and proposals arc in hand for repairs to the North Head beacon. Gable Island.— A site has been selected for the installation of a light on Gable Islet, and plans were prepared accordingly. It is proposed to utilize a lantern-house which is at present available, but it has been necessary to order a new lens to suit the. locality. A contract has been let for excavating the site and preparing foundation for lantern-house. Contract has also been let for the manufacture of a landing-crane. Ohena Island (Mercury Bay). —A light has been procured and surveys are being made and plans prepared for its erection. Meanwhile, the light has been installed as a temporary light for East Cape. Ninepins (Chetwode Island) .—A new Aga light with lantern-house tower, landing-crane, &c, was erected during the year. This is an unwatched white light showing a flash of three-quarters of a second, followed by an eclipse of three seconds. It is 55 ft. above high water, and should be visible for at least ten miles in clear weather. Cape Campbell. —Two new lightkeepers' dwellings have been completed. Motueka Wharf. —Plans and specifications have been prepared. Kaikoura Boat-harbour. Considerable improvements have, been effected in the boat-harbour. A new slip and dingy-landing has been constructed, and a number of rocks which interfered with the boat-moorings have been blown out. Karamea Harbour.- Repairs have been carried out to tin; training-wall. Chatham Islands Wharf. —Plans have been prepared. General. The following proposals, submitted for approval, have been dealt with as below ; — Wharves. —Castlecliff Wharf —construction of wharf approved. Hicks Bay Wharf - erection of wharf authorized. Kaikoura Wharf- erection of goods-shed approved. Freeman's Bay —erection of jetties approved, also a number of smaller wharves in various localities. Foreshore Leases. —Dargaville foreshore vested in local body. Evans Bay —yacht-slip and clubhouse. Kaihu Creek —launch-shed. Kohukohu mud flats vested in Town Board. Napier —launchlanding. Paterson Inlet- boat-shod. Purakanui —boat-shed. Wairoa River —metal-landing. Reclamations. —Mahurangi River—reclamation of mud-flat approved. Opua—- mangrove reclamation. Pukapuka River —reclamation of mud-flat approved. Onerahi Beach —proposal for groynes examined and reported on. Harbour-works. —Gisborne Harbour- proposal for outer harbour approved. Muturoa Harbour, New Plymouth —extension of breakwater approved. Wanganui Harbour- proposals re wharfextension approved. Hokianga Boatman's Residence.—A contract was let and completed for the, transference of this residence to Rawene. Yours, &c, The Secretary for Marine. F. W. Furkert, Marine Engineer.

The Nautical Adviser to the Secretary for Marine. Sir,— Marine Department, Wellington, 12th July, 1922. I have the honour to submit the following report for year ended 31st March, 1922 : — Adjustment and Inspection of Ships' Compasses. During the year the adjustments of the compasses of home-trade vessels and of foreign-going vessels have been inspected, and tested at my office. In the majority of cases the adjustments were