PORT OF LYTTELTON.

Southland Times, Issue 601, 7 December 1866, Page 2

PORT OF LYTTELTON.

ABBTTTtt). Pec 5, 11.20 a.m.—Laughing Water, barque, from "Newcastle, Dec 5,12 noon.—Oeelong, s.s., from Lyttelton. BAIXED. Dec 5, 4 20 p.m.—Airedale, s.s., for Lyttelton. Dee 6, 4.25 p.m.—Ahuriri, s.b., for Lyttelton.

ABRIVi'D. Dec 6, 2.43 p.m.—Queen, s.s., from Wellington. Deo 6, 8 35 p.m.—Airedale, s.s., from Dunedin. BATLKD. Dec 5. 6 p.m.—Wainui. s.s., for Dunedin. Dec 6, 7.10 p.m.—Airedale, s.s., for Wellington. •-♦

JT The Marine Act of 1866 has now become law. and compulsory pilotage is in force for Port Otago. The pilots have now the authority to board every vessel coming from sea ; and, with a view of doing so, Pilot Stevens, with his boat's crew, pulled upwards of a mil* to sea on Monday to meet. thf> "Rangitoto. which wns bringing the English Mails via Panama. On nearing the steamer he hailed her, and acquainted Oaptain Darke with the facts. The pilot's services were, however, refused, and the Ranritoto steampd in towards the Heads. On entering them she took the ground in close proximity to the cliffs, and remained fast for a quarter of an hour, wben the flood-tide luckily floated her off. If the tide had been on the ebb serious consequences might have resulted. In the meantime, Pilot Stevens pulled in, and his services were again refused, aud the steamer proceeded to Port Chalmers through the well-buoyed and beaconed channel, for which nothing has been hitherto paid by such vessels — the channel having been kept up at the expense of the Province. It is only right that masters of vessels should now know that when a pilot offers his eerviceß, and if accepted or not, that the full pilotage must be paid at the Custom House before clearing for sea. There are a few masters who hold exemptions for the Port which still hold good for six months, after which period they will be renewed on payment of the regular fees. — Daily Time*. The iron troopship Serapis, 4173 tons, and 700-borse power, intended for the transport of troops to and from India, was launched on Sept j 26 from the yard of the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, at Blackwall. Her length between -perpendiculars is 360 feet; extreme breadth, 49 feet; and depth, 84 feet. Viscountess Cranborne named the ship, and the vessel went off in a mo3t successful manner. There was a large, concourse of spectators, and the band of the Royal Marines was in attendance. — English Paper. \