A.—No. 7.

HARBOUR DEFENCES OF THE COLONY.

Provincial Council Chambers, 16th May, 1872. Sir — I have the honor, by direction of the Provincial Council of the Province of Canterbury, to transmit the Eesolution enclosed herewith for the consideration of the House of Eepresentatives. I have, &c, To the Hon. the Speaker, Henbt John Tanceed, House of Eepresentatives, Speaker.

[Enclosure.] " In tlie opinion of this Council it is desirable that the attention of the General Assembly should bo called to the defenceless state of the Harbours of this Province ; and that an earnest request be addressed to that body praying it to take early steps for the better protection of the seaboard of Canterbury."