D—Jfi. I. c

Sir, — I have the honor to submit for the information of your Excellency, a report on the Lighthouse system of the Colony, and the inspection of steamers for the year 1864, together with second Report of the Marine Board, embracing the same j'eriod. I have, &c, J. Richardson. Postmaster General. To His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B., Governor of New Zealand, &c, &c. The officers connected with the Marine Board and the Lighthouses may be classified in the following manner: — £ 1 Master Warden and President, at a salary of 400 2 Wardens, being Inspectors of steam vessels at £375 each 750 1 „ (mail agent under Pearson-Coleman contract) The above constitute the Marine Board of the Colony. 2 Engineer Surveyors, for surveying macliinery, at £250 each 500 15 Lighthouse-keepers, at an average of £160 each 2360 £4010 In addition to these salaries there are expenses connected with officers travelling on duty, oil, stores, &c, which may probably demand an additional £1000, making a total of about £5000 ; but, as the Board, owing to a misapprehension, have not yet sent in their accounts in ac- ' cordance with the provisions of the Marine Board Act, it is not possible to state the amount with accuracy. The approximate Revenue, including the receipt of about £430 for the survey of steam vessels and £70 for the examination of masters and engineers, may be regarded as about £4230. Independently of the duties immediately connected with the Marine Board, 54 engineers have been examined by the staff, from the 5th of August, 1864, to the 18th May, 1865, of whom one has had his license cancelled; 47 masters have also been examined and have received certificates of competency between the 8th of August, 1864, and the 12th of May, 1865, four of whom have had their certificates cancelled. The Board estimate the probable Revenue for the year 1865-6 as follows:— £ Light Dues from 8 lighthouses 8400 Fees for the survey of steamers .. 500 £8900

REPORT ON THE MARINE BOARD DEPARTMENT OF NEW ZEALAND, BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL.