To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, July 15, 1845.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 41, 19 July 1845, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, July 15, 1845.

Dear Sik, — Since the unfortunate wreck of the barque Tyne at Sinclair Head, I have been repeatedly questioned whether the accident would have occurred, had there been a lighthouse and a pilot establishment at the Heads. In reply, I have no hesitation in stating, that this severe loss would not have talten place had there been a light on Baring Head, the want of which obliged me to stand on and make the land before dark, to ensure our safety during the ni^ht. With respect to a pilot, the only assistance I could have expected would have been the benefit of the look-out, who would have sooner seen our perilous situation after the accident, and assisted or reported us at that critical time. As the authorities may now be urged on to adopt measures to prevent the 1 loss of life and property by-thn

erection of a lighthouse, 1 beg to offer my opinion as to the proper site, believing that few have navigated Cook's Strait more frequently than myself during the last six years. On approaching Port Nicholson either from the east orjwest, the three head-lands of Terawaiti, Baring-Head, and Palliser, are, under ordinary circumstances, visible from a fair offing. In thick weather the extreme points are- only visible, the higher part's being enveloped in" vapour ; I therefore strongly advise that the light be exhibited at a moderate elevation at Baring Head, which, in the thickest weather, may be visible at a sufficient distance to ensure the safety of a vessel, and effectually prevent losses either in Palliser Bay, or any other place between that and Terawaiti, and render Port Nicholson a harbour of refuge to strangers when caught by a southeaster. I may here mention that the amount of property lost by the wreck of the Tyne is not under I am, dear Sir, your obedient Servant, Charles Robertson, Master of the late Barque Tyne.

Extract of a letter from Mr. A. W. Hort, dated Tahiti, 7th May, 1845 :— " I am of unaltered opinion that France will retain possession of these islands, and I hope they will, for I feel assured that once confirmed, all persons engaged in business will do well here. The French have certainly incurred much unmerited calumny from misrepresentations of our fellow countrymen in Sydney, in New Zealand, and at home ; but from impartial experience I can bat in justice speak in the highest terms of Governor Bruat, and all the officers associated with him in the administration, the Police department excepted. " The Government are now most actively and energetically progressing in the erection of good, solid, and substantial buildings, and in the formation of excellent public roads, bridges, &c, — and anyone disposed to reside here without interfering in politics, may live as happily as possible, for everything teads to demonstrate they will render these possessions most prosperous ones. What a contrast to the sad, and I fear, ■almost fatal, mi&government of New Zealand \"