D.—No. la,

Four hundred and Fifty pounds, which must also include freight, insurance, commission and other charges. The Bells could be dispensed with. Should the amount estimated exceed that sum, you will please communicate with me before you close with anyone. The Buoys being for the outside of the Harbour, it is of great importance they should be of the best material, and carefully tested before they are shipped. You will also oblige by furnishing me with a list of prices of Buoys of various sizes, as it is likely that some will be required for the Auckland Harbour. With reference to the mode of payment, you can advise as to what you consider the most convenient. I have, &c, Robert Graham, Superintendent. Robert Gilfillan, Esq.

Enclosure 2 to No. 5. MR. ROBERT GILFILLAN TO THE SUPERINTENDENT, AUCKLAND. Sill, I have the honor to acknowledge your communication of 31st December. I have called for tenders for the Buoys required for the Manukau Harbour, and have already received two ; one at £350, the other at £G00. I am, therefore, in hopes of being able to get the Buoys, &c, completed at something under the sum voted for them, aud I will take every precaution by testing them carefully to see that they are of the best quality and workmanship, and will further hasten their completion with the least possible delay. I shall address you by the next opportunity to Auckland with further particulars, and meantime I have, <Src., Robert Gilfillan. His Honor the Superintendent, Province of Auckland.

Enclosure 3 to No. 5. PILOT AND HAHBOUR MABTEE, MANUKAU, TO THE SUPERINTENDENT, AUCKLAND. Pilot Station, Mannkau, 26th January, 1863. OIR, I have the honor to make application for your Honor's permission to obtain the Articles specified in requisition enclosed, for the purpose therein stated ; also permission to employ four extra boatmen for the purpose of manning the life-boat and pilot-boat, to mark and buoy off the South Channel ; also to prepare launching ways, moorings, making mooring stones, and puttino- the signal mast and rigging, and other necessaries about the Pilot Station, into serviceable repair. I have, &c, Thomas Wing, Pilot and Harbour Master. P.S.—The extra boatmen would be required about three mouths at the rate of £6 per month, and 20s. per month extra to pilot crew to provide provender and lodging when working away from the Pilot Station. T. W. His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland.

No. 6 THE SUPEIilKTENPKNT, U'CKLAND, TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIB GEORGE GREY, K.C.B. Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 11th February, 1863. Sir,— ■" I have the honor to forward enclosed copy of a letter, received this morning from the Harbour Master of the Port of Manukau, furnishing a report of the loss of H.M.S. "Orpheus," and the loss of so many valuable lives. It is satisfactory to learn that Captain Renner of the " Wonga Wonga" rendered every assistance and kindness in his power. I have, <fec, Robert Graham, TT . _, ,, _ .. Superintendent. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

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LOSS OF H. M. S. "ORPHEUS."