H.—6.

Sess. 11.—1884. NEW ZEALAND.

MARINE DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Sib, — Marine Department, Wellington, 29th May, 1884. I do myself the honour to submit the following report of this department for the year ended on the 31st March last:— Lighthouses, etc. —These have been maintained in good order during the past year. At fire different revolving lights—Portland Island, Cape Saunders, Cape Foulwind, Akaroa Head, and Mokohinou —the lights have, owing to slight accidents, remained stationary for a short time. At the Brothers one of the keepers fell asleep on watch, and the light ceased to revolve; the principal keeper reported this on the next trip of the attending steamer, and the offending keeper was at once suspended, and, on his case being brought under the notice of the Minister, his services were directed to be immediately dispensed with. In none of these cases did any report reach this department that the lights in question had been seen stationary by any vessel, so it is believed that no inconvenience or danger was caused to mariners from these stoppages. Moko Hinou. —This light was first exhibited on the 18th of June last, and on the same day the Tiri Tiri Light was made to show red from outside the Flat Eock across the passage to Kawau Island. Waipapapa Point. —The works in connection! with this light were brought to a satisfactory completion, and the light was first shown on the night of the Ist January last. This light is a 10" flashing white light of the second order dioptric. It is understood that it is of great service to mariners. Kaipara Heads. —A foreman and party have started the erection of this lighthouse, and it is now progressing satisfactorily. The lantern has arrived in the colony, and the apparatus, machine, &c, ought to be soon received. It is anticipated that the light will be completed ready for lighting before the end of the present year. The land on which the lighthouse, signal-station, &c, stand, has been reserved from sale. French Pass. —lt has been decided to place a red light of low power on the point of the mainland opposite to the end of the reef. A foreman and party have accordingly been at work building a cottage for the use of the keeper, making road, &c. It is believed that the light, which will be placed in a wrought-iron tower on a concrete foundation, will be ready for exhibition in a few months. It is hoped that this light may be of great use to mariners. A light on the beacon would of course have been preferable ; but owing to its cost, and its liability to be carried away by vessels, it was decided, in the meantime at all events, not to place one there. Light at Eastern Entrance to HauraJci Gulf. —A survey has been directed to be made of the best site for establishing a light in this locality. The selection appears to lie between Cuvier and Eed Mercury Islands. Stephens Island. —l would again reiterate my remarks in previous reports on the necessity that exists for a light on this island. It is to be hoped that it may be found possible ere long to provide the funds necessary for building this important light. Cape Campbell. —The lighthouse reserve has been fenced in, the materials having been supplied by the Government, and the labour provided by the owners of the adjoining station. Material for a coal-shed and privy to be erected by the keepers has been landed. Taiaroa Head. —A coal-shed and privy have been erected by the keepers, and it is proposed shortly to erect a concrete oil-store. Dog Island.—A dwelling for the third keeper has been erected at this station, the work having been done by the lightkeepers without any outside assistance. Materials for a new oil-store have been landed: this too will be built by the keepers. A new set of burners for the argand lamps in use at this station has been procured from England. Whale Bock, Bay of Islands.—A large iron buoy has been placed to show the position of this danger. Jackson's Head Beacon.— -An iron and timber beacon having been made for the rock off Jackson's Head, a foreman and party were sent to erect it, and it was completed just after the close of the financial year. Haeboues.—New Harbour Begulations were made by Order in Council of the sth of last June, I—H. 6.