SWINGING OE STEAM VESSELS.

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D.—No. 4.

evidence that they are competent to serve in other vessels until an opportunity has occurred for re-examining them (should that be considered necessary); but any Master or Engineer of good character who has been removed from one vessel to another of a similar class and engaged in a similar trade, will receive a fresh certificate from the Marino Department without charge. Where, however, any Master or Engineer has boon promoted to the charge of a vessel or engines of a different class, or engaged in a different trade, and the difference is of sucli a nature that it is deemed advisable to re-examine the said Master or Engineer, he will in that ease be called upon to pay for his new certificate. 15. " River," and " Sea-going Passenger Certificates," will be issued by the Marine Department, as formerly by the Marine Board, on receipt of the legal declarations. 16. In case of accidents involving the suspension of a certificate or an intermediate survey the period of currency of the certificate will not be changed, and such intermediate survey will not be charged against the steamer, no steamer being liable to be charged for more than two surveys per annum, if she be a low pressure boat, as defined by the Act, or for more than four surveys per annum if she be a high pressure boat. J. M. Balfoiir, Wellington, 28th December, 1866. Marino Engineer.

No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Rhodes to the Hon. E. W. Staffoed. Sic, —■ Superintendent's Office, Napier, 11th February, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular No. 33, dated 19th ultimo, enclosing copy of a letter from Mr. Balfour, the Colonial Marine Engineer, to the Honorable the Postmaster-General, and copies of its enclosures, conveying information as to the working of " The Steam Navigation Act, 1866," and to thank you for the same. I have, &c, Joseph Rhodes, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Deputy Superintendent.

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from Mr. WniTAKEn to the Hon. E. W. Staffoed. (No. 29, Book 27.) Superintendent's Office, Sic, — Auckland, 22nd February, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 19th ultimo, covering a copy of a letter from Mr. Balfour, the Colonial Marine Engineer, to the Honorable the PostmasterGeneral, and copies of its enclosures, conveying information as to the working of " The Steam Navigation Act, 1866," and inviting special attention to paragraphs 10 and 11 with regard to swinging vessels for compass correction. Referring thereto I have to inform you that there is no swinging apparatus at this port, nor are there any funds at present available to cover the cost of furnishing the same, which the Port Master has estimated at about three hundred pounds (£300). I may state, however, that there is every other facility for swinging at hand, the requirements of sheltered and convenient anchorage, absence of local attraction, accurate bearings, &c, being easily attainable. I have, &c, Feed. Wiiitakee, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 4. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Macandeew to the Hon. E. W. Staffoed. Province of Otago, New Zealand, Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 4th March, 18G7. Referring to your circular letter dated the 19th January last, enclosing copy of a letter from Mr. Balfour, the Colonial Marine Engineer, &c, relative to the working of " The Steam Navigation Act, 1866," I have now the honor to acquaint you that during Mr. Balfour's recent visit to this Province he inspected the mooring dolphin at Port Chalmers, and was pleased to express his approval of it. I have, &c, James Macandeew, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Barnicoat to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. Sin, — Superintendent's Office, Nelson, 6th March, 1867. Referring to your letter of the 19th January last, enclosing a letter from Mr. Balfour, the Colonial Marine Engineer, relative to the necessity for erecting swinging apparatus for adjusting ships' compasses, I have now the honor to inform you that instructions have been given to have the necessary apparatus erected at this port without delay. I have, &c, J. W. Baenicotjt, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington. Deputy Superintendent. 2