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in the event of Captain Edwin being unable at any time, either from sickness or other causes, to attend to this duty, the system will be carried on without risk of stoppage. Prom official reports which have been received and are now laid before you, as well as from private sources, I am given to understand that the weather forecasts given from the central office have been generally very correct; that the information thus given has been highly appreciated at most of the shipping ports of the colony, and has been the means of preventing loss and damage to many vessels. Honorable members must, however, bear in mind that such a scheme cannot be perfected in a day or a year; it is only very lately that Captain Edwin has been able to give anything like reliable information; every day now will enable him to acquire further data on which to base his forecasts. In order that the necessary observations might be carried out with greater accuracy, a supply of superior meteorological instruments has been lately ordered from England; and it is hoped that the system will be in a most' efficient state before our next meeting. With the certainty of this colony becoming a great maritime country, I look upon this and other kindred undertakings as second to no other interests. Lighting our coasts, training our seamen, and forecasting the weather must of necessity largely occupy the attention of any Government for all time coming, and I have no doubt that these subjects will receive from the Legislature that consideration which they so well deserve. By Authority: Geoeqk Didsbuby, GoTernment Printer, Wellington. Trice, 3d.]