1.—12

3

Resolved, That the Secretary of Her Majesty's Customs be requested to furnish this Committee with a return showing the number of vessels, and their tonnage, passing in and out of the Manukau during the past two years, distinguishing sailing vessels from steamers. Captain Hansby, of the steamship "Hawea," attended, and gave evidence, which was taken down. Mr. Popham, late first officer of the steamship "Penguin," attended, and gave evidence, which was taken down. Resolved, That the Hon. Mr. Chairman be requested to write to the General Manager of the Union Steam Shipping Company, and ascertain whether they have any desire that lights be placed at the Manukau Heads, in order to enable vessels to pass in and out at high-water during the night. The meeting was then adjourned till called by the Chairman.

Thursday, 9th August, 1883. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. Speaker (Chairman), Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Levestam, Mr. Mitchelson, Mr. Sutter, Mr. Watt. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Captain Anderson, of the steamship " Eotorua," attended, and gave evidence, which was taken down. The Chairman being obliged to leave, at his request Mr. Hamlin took the chair. Captain Pope, of the steamship " Tui," attended, and gave evidence, which was taken down. Resolved, That Captain Eobinson, of the steamship "Oreti," be summoned to attend and give evidence, when he can be found. The meeting then adjourned till called by the Chairman.

Tuesday, 14th August, 1883. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. Speaker (Chairman), Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Sutter. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman laid before the Committee a letter from the Managing Director of the Union Steam Shipping Company, which was read. Letter from Captain Farquhar was read. Letter from Captain Wing, with shipping return, was read. Eeturn of shipping from Her Majesty's Customs was laid before the Committee. Copy of a letter from Captain Wing, Harbourmaster, Manukau, to the Secretary of the Marine Department, was read. The meeting was then adjourned till called by the Chairman.

Tuesday, 28th August, 1883. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. Speaker (Chairman), Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Levestam, Mr. Mitchelson, Mr. Sutter. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman read a telegram from the telegraph officer at Onehunga, relative to opinions of captains with regard to lighting Manukau Harbour. 'Captain Wing's telegram with regard to cost of putting lights at Manukau Heads, and keeping them there, was read by the Chairman. - The Committee deliberated upon the nature of the report to be brought up. _ On the motion of the Chairman, Resolved, (1.) That, in the opinion of this Committee, it is desirable that lights should be placed in the beacons, both on the South and North Heads of the Manukau Harbour. (2.) That the exigencies of keeping up rapid communication between Auckland and the South will soon render it absolutely necessary that the utmost facility should be given for entering and leaving Manukau at all times of high-water in moderate weather. (3.) That the cost of establishing the lights might, in the first instance, be a lightkeeper's cottage on the North Head, £125 ; the expense of procuring lanterns and fittings, say, £75. (4.) The services of a lightkeeper for the North Head beacons could be secured for about £80 per annum. Ordered, That the Chairman do draw up a report in accordance with the foregoing resolutions, and directing attention to the more material points of the evidence. The meeting was then adjourned till Wednesday, at 10 a.m.

— Wednesday, 29th August, 1883 The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. Speaker (Chairman), Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Levestam, Mr. Mitchelson, Mr. Mr. Sutter, Mr. Watt. The Chairman read the report to the Committee. On the motion of Mr. Levestam, Resolved, That the report be adopted. On the motion of.the Chairman, Resolved, That the report, together with the minutes of proceedings and evidence, be brought up to the House to-day by Mr. Hamlin, and that he move that they be printed and referred to the Government for consideration. The Committee then adjourned sine die.