OE A DEPOT AT THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

5

A.—No. 14.

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