H.—22

7

The Government, being desirous of affording the masters of all vessels as much assistance as possible in obtaining information as to the state of the weather, have carried into effect a plan by which short questions and answers upon this subject can be made available, the cost of both messages being defrayed by the sender, upon the principle of reply paid. The question is in all cases, " What weather have you?" The reply states the direction and force of the wind, movement of the barometer, and the state of the sea or bar. These messages are sent to the Harbour Master of the port from which it is desired to obtain the information, who forwards, in reply, the necessary particulars. I have, &c, E. A. Edwin, W. Seed, Esq., Secretary of Customs, "Wellington. Commander, E.N.