15

D.—s

of rocks stretches to the north for some distance, which breaks the sea rolling round that end. There are two detached rocks in a line with each other, and in one with the extreme north end of the island, neither of which are covered at low water, but are at high water. The northernmost one is about one mile and a half from the island ; there is deep water between them, and at the time of the visit of the "St. Kilda" 12 to 14 fathoms was found. All around to the northward of the islands is foul ground, but an excellent fishing-ground for blue cod and trumpeter. In fact, all around the island fish can be caught in abundance, and crayfish can also be obtained on the rocks. These islands, and the rocks around Jackson's Head, are a particularly favourite resort for seals. Nearly in a line from the islands to the entrance to the Haast is a half-tide rock, called the "Alhambra Rock," upon which the sea breaks very heavily, and is often seen to break in 8 fathoms off the entrance. The ground all around it is clear. The Haast River discharges into the sea immediately to the westward of Mosquito Hill, and is easily discernible from sea by the break in the bush, and the gorge to the south-east of Mosquito Hill. The bar is shifting shingle, and has variable depths on it according to the season, as much as 9 feet sometimes, and sometimes barely 6 feet. Vessels drawing 6 feet navigated it in 1866, and may still continue to do so. About seven miles south of the Haast is the Okura River, with a shifting bar, and a fair average depth of w rater of from 7to 9 feet. The bar of this river is well sheltered from seaward by the Open Bay Islands and reefs. The heavy sea which breaks on the coast during stormy weather does not reach this bar with near the force it does the Haast and the Waiototo, and the bar can be crossed in safety by a small vessel when it would be dangerous to attempt the Haast. The Okura, to my mind, is the best river on that part of the coast for navigation for small craft, on account of the shelter which it has to seaward. Seven miles farther south is the Waiatoto River, with the deepest bar on the coast, but exposed to the north-west winds; yet, although so much exposed, the channel keeps moderately good, and vessels drawing from 7to 8 feet could navigate it with ease. Six miles further south is the Arawata River, with a shifting shingle bar, and at times the shallowest on the coast; the bar shifts from north to south-west with great rapidity. During heavy freshes each of the rivers enumerated above discharges an immense quantity of water into the sea, which generally clears out their respective bars. In conclusion, I may state that, after nine years' experience on the West Coast, and having seen Jackson's Bay in all weathers, I have no hesitation in recommending it as a safe anchorage, proper precautions being taken as regards moorings and clear anchors. I have, &c, Thos. Tuenbull, His Honor the Superintendent, Westland. Chief Harbour Master for Westland.

Enclosure 4 in No. 20. Mr. J. Matthtes to His Honor the Supeeintendent, Westland. Sic, — Hokitika, 15th September, 1874. I have the honor to lay before you herewith the outline of a plan of forming a special settlement down South. As this is justly termed a special settlement, so a special class of immigrants is required to insure success. The two attempts at special settlements (Martin's Bay and Stewart's Island) illustrate two facts to be avoided: Ist. In holding out great inducements to acquire land ; and 2nd, in depending only on one branch of industry, they both proved failures. Happily the district of Jackson's Bay offers all the advantages of successful agriculture, comparatively a near market, and riches of the sea. On the development of these resources the success of the settlement depends. The assistance and advantages held out by Government to intending settlers—that is, by employing them half their time for two years— will give them a fair start and place them in an independent position by that time. By adopting the co-operative system and forming themselves into a community, their united labours could be better directed to one purpose ; some preparing land for cultivation, others in fishing, thereby supplying food, while the rest may be employed at public works, the benefits would be shared alike, and every one's interest represented. By this plan not only could the men be kept at the same work more profitably, but also would not be subjected to continual shifts at the public works, and no time would unnecessarily be lost. The clearing and planting would go on uninterruptedly, and the object to become independent and employers of labour soonest gained. The gradual increase of population and a sure supply of farm produce, would soon decide enterprising men with capital to develop the timber trade of that district. To obtain these results, I propose to introduce a class of immigrants coming from a similar coast to this, accustomed to agricultural labour and fishing: I mean Pomerania, a province of Prussia bordering on the Baltic Sea, which people stand in high estimation even in their own country. They lead a simple and primitive life ; physically they are a sturdy and healthy race, and are of the Protestant faith. They would not come out with extravagant notions of making a fortune, but with aim and intent to acquire a home of their own, with plenty to live on. Their inherited frugality and industry would soon raise them far above their expectations. Coming all from the same district, related or known to one another, they would naturally cling to and assist one another, never thinking of shifting or leaving their friends. The assisting of the sick, and perhaps the support of widows, could reasonably be expected to be undertaken by them so as not to become a burden. I may here also state, that the women are handy in spinning and weaving, and making clothes for themselves, a great consideration in a retired settlement. The great resemblance in manners and otherwise to the British nation, the close connection of language, would soon cause them to be amalgamated with the present population of the Coast. The resources of the district for them to develop would be the general production of farm produce, especially barley, cultivation and dressing of Native and European flax, and planting of osier beds. The breeding of stock would be a matter of time, but fishing and potting of crayfish for export