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SMALL CRAFT REGULATIONS As mentioned in last year's report, the Small Craft Regulations were discussed with yacht clubs. The final draft of the regulations is now almost complete. NOTICES TO MARINERS Information relative to changes in navigational aids, and to the discovery of obstructions, wreckage, or other dangers to navigation, and information of general interest to mariners, has been published in the form of notices to mariners. During the year, 59 such notices were issued. Notices of an urgent nature are sent out by radio in the form of a navigation warning " through the Post and Telegraph coast stations to vessels carrying an operator, and to other vessels through the National Broadcasting Stations. Notices to mariners from the following countries are available for inspection at the main ports: Britain, United States, Canada, Norway, Germany, Sweden, India, Siam, France, and Australia. COASTAL SURVEY It is pleasing to note a recent decision of Government to purchase a frigate from Admiralty for setting up under New Zealand Naval Board for continuing the necessary survey of our coast. This will be appreciated by navigating officers, both coastal and foreign-going. BLUFF - STEWART ISLAND FERRY SERVICE The G.s.s. " Wairua " continues to perform an excellent service to the Stewart Islanders by trips thrice-weekly in the summer months and twice-weekly in the winter. During the year the old steam plant was dismantled in the vessel and replaced by twin Diesel engines, and at the same time opportunity was taken to improve the accommodation so that, in addition to a satisfactory ferry service, the vessel would be more convenient for the conveyance of mutton-birders to the South Cape Islands and for servicing the lighthouse at Puysegur Point, at the southernmost portion of the west coast. The installation of Diesel engines has enabled the steaming-time on the ferry service to be reduced. SCHOOLS OF NAVIGATION The Schools of Navigation at Auckland and Wellington have held classes for all grades of certificates throughout the year, with the exception of a month's break to enable the Directors to have annual leave. It has been realized that, since the schools are catering for a mobile section of the community, every endeavour should be made to keep them continuous throughout the year, and this aspect has been kept in view when making recent appointments to the nautical staff. In future, both schools will remain in session throughout the whole year, and thus students will not suffer interruption to their studies as formerly. Nautical schools differ considerably from Universities and ordinary schools, in so far as there is no commencing date for classes and lectures, students enrolling to suit their own convenience, and usually on completion of their qualifying service. It will therefore be appreciated that the major portion of the teaching is devoted to individual tuition. Both schools are well equipped with textbooks and all the necessary instruments. The Wellington school has been at considerable disadvantage owing to the accommodation shortage, but I am pleased to report that a suitable home has been secured for it at the Ford Buildings, and with the added space, adequate lighting, and location in the centre of the city the efficiency of the school and its well-merited popularity will be enhanced considerably.

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