E.—B

2

Memorandum for the Hon. the Telegraph Commissioner. I should recommend that Mr. Lattimer Clark be intrusted with the designing and supervision of the cable during its manufacture. I believe his firm, Clark and Ford, are engineers for the Australian cable. 18th December, 1875. C. Lesion, General Manager. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure No. 1. Eepobt by Captain Johnson. Sib, — Marine Office, Ist November, 1875. In compliance with the Hon. the Commissioner's instructions, I proceeded in the " Luna," for the purpose of sounding across Cook Strait, from Lyell's Bay to White's Bay, for the new telegraph cable. After two days' work, a route passing south of the supposed position of the old cable was found, with a good average bottom, and one (in the opinion of Dr. Lemon, who was on board) well suited for the cable. The course selected is rather serpentine, and is 38J miles long, with a bottom for the most part of sand, shell, and gravel. The soundings were taken at an average of a quarter of a mile apart, and the deepest water found was 160 fathoms on the route; while to the southward of the line the bottom was found very uneven, and as much as 414 fathoms (mud) found. Before the cable is laid, it will be necessary to closely traverse about 25 miles of the line, to ascertain the depth and nature of the bottom on either side, as it will be found, from the strong and variable tides, impossible to lay the cable exactly on the line. I have, &c, The Secretary of Customs, Marine Branch. E. Johnson.

No. 2. The Hon. the Pbemleb to the Agent-Genebal. (From Wellington, 6th March, 1876.) Referring to Lemon's memo, re cable: if you think better stipulate for delivery here in sound condition, or for laying, use your own discretion. Featherston, London. . Vogel.

No. 3. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. 7, Westminster Chambers,.Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 9th March, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 198, of the 18th December, 1875, on the subject of the new telegraph cable across Cook Strait. In accordance with the instructions contained therein, I at once placed myself in communication with Mr. Latimer Clark, and I have now to enclose you copies of two letters which he has addressed to me on the subject. After consultation with Dr. Hector, I decided to adopt Mr. Clark's suggestions, and the work will now proceed without delay. As you will observe, his estimate does not include freight; and the total cost of the cable delivered in Wellington will exceed the amount voted, unless I can send it out by the steamers now building in the Clyde. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 4. Mr. Clack to the Agent-Genebal for New Zealand. 5, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, S.W., Sib,— 6th March, 1876. Eeplying to your favour of the Ist instant, I beg to inform you that I shall be happy to undertake the design and supervision and testing of the cable for Cook Strait, as proposed by your letter. My charge for this work, including electricians' services, &c, would be 2\ per cent, upon the gross amount of the work or contract. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand. Lathieb Clack.

No. 5. Mr. Clack to the Agent- Genebal for New Zealand. 5, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, S.W., Sib,— 7th March, 1876. I beg to report further upon the subject of the new cable across Cook Strait. I have carefully considered the subject with my partners, and have studied the report of Mr. Johnson, the Marine Surveyor, and the memorandum of Mr. C. LemoD, and also the chart of soundings of the proposed route for the cable.