CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEPOT AT THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1868 Session I, A-14

A.—No. 11

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEPOT AT THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OP THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND GJ? HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON. 1868.

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CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEPOT AT THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

No: 1. Copy of a Circular Letter to the Governments of Victoeia, South Austbalia, New South "Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sib,— "Wellington, 28th January, 1868. The attention of the New Zealand Government has been drawn to the comparatively numerous wrecks which have occurred during the last five years at the Auckland Islands, and to the suffering and loss of life which has ensued from the absence of almost any means of supplying the wants of survivors cast away on those inclement shores. The recent news of the wreck there of the ship, " General Grant," on her voyage from Melbourne to London, and of the rescue of a few survivors of her crew "and passengers, after they had undergone for upwards of eighteen months on the islands, much suffering and privation, has forcibly shown the necessity, in the interests of humanity, of making proper provision there for the relief of persons shipwrecked, and for facilitating their removal to a place of safety. It will be in your recollection, that in October, 1865, both 11.M.C. steamer "Victoria," from the Colony of Victoria, and the steamer " Southland," from New Zealand, proceeded to the Auckland Islands in search of persons reported to have been shipwrecked there, and that some animals and vegetables were left with a view to affording relief in cases of shipwreck. The experience, however, of those wrecked in the " General Grant," has proved that this provision was very inadequate. Possessing, as the Australasian Colonies do, a common interest in the ships whose course is in the vicinity of the Auckland Islands, this Government is desirous of taking, in concert with the Governments of the other Colonies, such steps as may, by the formation of a depot of stores on the islands or otherwise, adequately provide for the object in view. Believing that the Government of will be willing to co-operate in this work, I have the honor to suggest that, after consultation with the other Australian Governments, to whom I have addressed a similar letter, you would intimate what provision should be made and the most practicable mode of making it, the cost of such provision to be equally divided amongst the contributing Colonies. As I understand a depot, with a similar object has been made on Booby Island, in Torres Straits, I shall feel obliged by your furnishing me with any information in your possession showing the exact nature of the provision made there, and of the regulations for maintaining it. In the Auckland Islands it would be-necessary that not only a stock of animals, vegetables, preserved food and clothes, but also all the requisite material for building and navigating large boats should be kept. It will not probably be considered advisable that any staff of persons should be permanently maintained at the Auckland Islands, and it will therefore bo necessary that periodical visits for the purpose of rescuing shipwrecked persons should be made ; this Government, as being the nearest to the Auckland Islands,, would undertake as part of the scheme to send a vessel there twice a year for that purpose. I have, &c, E. "W. Stabfoed.

No. 2. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. H. Paekes to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. (No. 68-858.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sib,— Sydney, N.S.W., 28th February, 1868: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, and to inform you in reply, that the proposal of the Government of New Zealand, therein made, to take in concert with the Governments of the Australian Colonies such steps as may, by the formation of a depot of stores on the Auckland Islands, or otherwise, adequately provide relief to the crews, &c, of vessels wrecked thereon, will receive the early consideration of this Government. 2. With regard to your request to be apprised of the provision made on Booby Island, and of the regulations for maintaining it, 1 have the honor to inform you, that 1681bs. salt beef, 1681bs. salt pork, 3361b5. biscuit, 1 tun of water, and 10 gallons of rum, are sent from Sydney and placed on the above island in the month of April in each year, in order to replenish the stock already existing there, the masters of the vessels conveying them certifying that such provisions are safely landed on the island in good order. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington. Henbt Pakkes.

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CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHMENT

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultaiw to the Hon. Hesby Paekes. (No. GB.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, 31st March, 18G8. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 23, of the 28th ultimo, and to thank you for the information contained therein relating to the depot at Booby Island. I have, &c, T. M. Haultatn, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, N.S.W. (for the Colonial Secretary.)

No. 4. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. A. H. Palmee to the Hon. E. W. Staffoed. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Brisbane, 21st March, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th January last, in reference to the establishment at the Auckland Islands, of a depot of provisions, clothing, and other useful materials, as a means of subsistence to shipwrecked persons while there detained, and of ultimate escape from shores so inhospitable. Fully concurring in the views yoirli&ve expressed as to the desirability of co-operation in such a matter by the several Australian Grovernments, I must express my doubts as to the liability of Queensland to contribute an equal quota for the purpose. Young in its commerce, the number of vessels despatched from its ports eastward by the vicinity of the Auckland Islands is very small, nor is it probable that, for many years to come, its trade thereby will equal that of any of the older Colonies of the group ; and I cannot but think that it behoves those older Colonies both to take the initiative in the matter, and bear the greater portion of the cost. The Government of Queensland will readily contribute thereto at such rate as may bear an equitable proportion to its interest therein, taking into consideration the number of vessels leaving the ports of the Colony, as compared with those despatched from the neighbouring Colonies. I would bring to your notice the fact that Queensland bears the sole cost of maintaining a settlement at Cape York, its most northern point, that settlement being of the least possible use to itself, but serving as a port of refuge, in cases of distress or shipwreck, to vessels of other Governments, and that the effort to obtain a contribution from the Imperial Government towards its support has hitherto failed, while an appeal to the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria has been met by a direct refusal. Still, in the interests of humanity, it has been determined, for the present, to meet unaided every expense incident to such a settlement; and lam glad to know that both Imperial and Colonial interests have, on many occasions, been well cared for, though unrequited. Reference being made in your communication to the assistance afforded by the Colonies of New Zealand and Victoria on the occasion of the loss of the " Fiery Star," a Queensland vessel, when the steamers " Southland " and " Victoria " were despatched in search of the unfortunate passengers and crew, I think it right to observe that though the Government of Queensland were at the time unable to take any active part in that work of humanity they readily contributed the amount asked from them towards payment of the full cost of the search, and though hopeful that occasion may not again arise for contribution to such an object, they will ever be ready to meet their responsibilities. With regard to the depot maintained at Booby Island I am unable to give any clear information. That charity is in the hands of the Government of New South Wales, with, I believe some assistance from Imperial funds or vessels of war. Queensland has not been called upon to contribute thereto, and, in fact, has no special interest therein. In conclusion, I beg to assure you that in the event of your communications with the Governments of other Australian Colonies resulting in further action on the subject of your letter now under notice, this Government will be prepared to give its co-operation upon such a basis as may be taken as a fair representation of its interests in the matter. I have, &c, A. 11. Palmee, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Colonial Secretary.

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Mooee to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. (No. G18.) Chief Secretary's Office, Sic, — Melbourne, Ist April, 18G8. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th January last, bringing under notice the necessity for a supply of stores at the Auckland Islands for the relief of shipwrecked persons, and arrangements for the visitation of the islands with the view of securing such castaways. In reply, I transmit to you the accompanying copy of a Memorandum from the Inspector-General of Customs in Victoria, and twenty-five copies of the map therein referred to. I have, &c. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. J- Mooee, (for Chief Secretary.)

OE A DEPOT AT THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

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Enclosure in No. 5. (No. 68-1063.) Department of Trade and Customs, Melbourne, 24th February, 1868. The only previous correspondence on this subject, of which I am aware, is a letter from the Superintendent of Southland, dated 20th January last, suggesting the erection of a lighthouse on the main island of the Auckland group, and forwarding a map of the islands. That communication having been forwarded to this Department on the 27th January by the Hon. the Chief Secretary, was referred to the Chief Harbour Master on the 2Sth idem, and returned by that officer, with a report, on the 4th instant. It was subsequently referred to the Lands Department, with a view to the map being lithographed. This has been done—vide my Minute of 21st instant' submitting that 500 copies should be obtained. I have ascertained from the Harbour Department that a store of provisions for the use of shipwrecked persons is lodged periodically in a cave on Booby Island, by and at the expense of the Government of New South Wales, but that masters of most ships passing through Torres Straits make it a rule, if possible, to call at the island and examine the provisions and water, and take on any letters found in the " Post Office" box. The remarks made in the record-book of the cave, which are published periodically in the Nautical Magazine, show the interest taken by commanders of vessels in keeping up the supply, and whenever the stores are found insufficient either in quality or quantity, they are renewed.from the stores of the ship. As, however, the within letter appears to be lithographed, a copy will probably be forwarded by the New Zealand Government to that of New South Wales, and the latter will doubtless furnish a full report on the dep6t at Booby Island. Commander Norman twice visited the depot in 1861-2, and found most of the provisions quite unfit for use (being destroyed by the dampness of the cave they were in, which is nearly on a level with the sea), a fact which was reported by him to the New South Wales Government on his return. I have, &c. J. Gutiieie.

No. 6. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. E. W. Staffoed to the Hon. J. McCulloch. (No. 73.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sib — Wellington, 18th April, 18G8. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist instant, No. 618, in reply to my letter of the 28th January last, on the subject of the proposed establishment of a depot at the Auckland Islands, and to thank you for the maps forwarded therein of those islands. A.s it is not stated in your letter whether the Victorian Government will contribute and, if so, in what manner, to the cost of the proposed depot and of periodical visits of inspection, I should feel obliged if you would inform mo of the views of the Government of Victoria on the subject. I have, &c, The Hon. the Chief Secretary, Victoria. E, w. Staffoed.

No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Mooee to the Hon. E. W. Stafford, (No. 1170.) Chief Secretary's Office, SlE >~~ Melbourne, 9th Juno, 18G8. With reference to your letter of the 18th April last, in which you inquire if the Government of Victoria will contribute to the expense of maintaining a depot on the Auckland Islands, and of periodical visits for the relief of persons wrecked thereon, I have the honor to inform you that this Government will acquiesce in any arrangement that may be made for such purpose. I have the honor to request that you will be so good as to inform me of the arrangements proposed by your Government in order that it may be determined to what extent and in what manner this Government should contribute. I have, &c, J. Mooee, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. (for Chief Secretary.)

No. 8. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. E. W. Staffoed to the Hon. J. McCulloch. (No. 115.) Colonial Secretary's Office, SlE >— Wellington, 29th June, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1170, of the 9th instant, and to state that the question of the necessary arrangements to be made for the establishment and maintenance of a depot on the Auckland Islands will be submitted to Parliament in the next session, and that the result will bo communicated to you. I have, &c, The Hon. the Chief Secretary, Victoria. D "VV Staffoed 2

PEOPOSED DEPOT AT THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

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No. 9. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. H. Atees to the Hon. E. W. Stajtoed. rNTn r.na f;Q -\ Chief Secretary's Office. (No. 006-GS.) Adelaide, 23rd May, 18G8. I have the honor by desire of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th January last, stating that it is contemplation to establish a depot on the Auckland Islands for the relief of shipwrecked mariners, and requesting the co-operation of the Government of South Australia in the undertaking. _ In reply I am to inform you that this Government have carefully considered the subject, but regret that they are compelled to decline contributing towards the proposed object as at least ninetenths of the homeward bound ships from Adelaide proceed by the way of the Cape of Good Hope; and therefore this appears to be a matter in which South Australia has no interest in common with the other Australian Colonies. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. Heney Atees.

No. 10. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Sir E. Dey to tlie Hon. B. W. Stajwobd. xt> qni7 -\ Colonial Secretary's Office, J' u -> Tasmania, 18th July, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th January last, proposing the establishment of a depot in the Auckland Islands for the relief of shipwrecked persons, and inviting the co-operation of this Colony. ' In reply I have to express the readiness of the Tasmanian Government to contribute to such an undertaking, and upon the Government of New Zealand acquainting me with their views as to the course they recommend should be adopted, and the probable expense, I shall be prepared to give their suggestions most favourable consideration, though I could not acquiesce in the cost being equally divided amongst the contributing Colonies." I have &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. Eiciiaed Key.