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piled or made up with large stones and filled in behind, or the boat-shed might be again injured by a heavy sea from the bay.

East and West Spits.

The East Spit has made out considerably, and I do not think any annoyance will be caused by it washing away again for some time. A heavy sea will cut off a portion; but it soon makes up again: the reverse is the case with the West Spit, several hundred feet having washed away since my last report; the mooring piles have also been washed down, although placed thirty feet beyond high water mark and drove thirteen feet in the shingle and well braced. These I will replace by an anchor as soon as I recover the moorings in the bay.

The Bar.

Since my last report the depth of water on the bar has decreased from thirteen down to ten, and all the vessels brought in drawing ten feet have touched on the bar of the east channel. The west channel has nearly a foot more water; but, owing to very little tide passing through it, and the swell on a vessel’s beam, it cannot be frequently used. The last vessel that passed through it touched twice, although drawing only eight feet three inches, while the soundings gave ten feet: this was caused by the swell. The above shows what little water we have to work upon.

The Roadstead.

About a fortnight ago I succeeded in hooking that which I believe to be the moorings with the s.s. Star of the South, but have not had an opportunity to heave them up. I will, however, do so as soon as possible. When recovered, I will report further on their condition; but I think it is now understood that the position of these moorings is condemned, from the decision of the last wreck enquiry (at which the Harbour-master was unjustly blamed for neglect). I would now respectfully suggest that thirty fathoms of the mooring cable be unshackled, buoying the remaining fifteen with a small buoy until at some future time appliances may be found capable of raising the anchor. If it was only the weight of the anchor, it could be easily lifted — but the suction and the depth (it must be buried) materially adds to its weight. In the meantime, another mushroom anchor the same size might be sent for, and fifteen fathoms more cable. These, together with thirty fathoms recoverable in the bay, and the buoy, would complete another proper mooring to be laid down in seven and a quarter fathoms water, or exactly where the William Cargill is moored, which vessel has just ridden out a smart north-easter.

The Wharves.

The revenue derived from the wharves and key wall will average about £40 per month: but I am led to this conclusion by the amount of goods imported and exported, also stock shipped for this month, which does not include the wool per William Cargill; and I would again respectfully suggest the increase of wharfage from 6d to 1s per ton on general merchandise, excepting such bulky articles as coal, timber, shingles, &c. The rates for goods in Lyttelton is 2s per ton, and in Wellington, I think 1s 6d per ton.

The Boats.

The boats are all in good order; but I would again draw your Honor’s attention to the necessity of having a proper life-boat with all the latest improvements.

Pilotage.

The new rates of pilotage when in force will bring in something like £25 per month. This I consider below the amount, as port charges will also be included. No instructions have yet been received to carry these latter charges into effect.

Disbursements of Harbour Department.

As I have before stated in this report, the probable amount of revenue from wharves, &c., £480; new rates of pilotage, &c., £300; total, £780.

Salaries for H.M. asst.-pilot and two boatmen, one year £631 5 0
Contingencies 75 0 0
Extra boatmen 25 0 0

£731 5 0

There has also been a yearly allowance of £99 for harbour purposes. The revenue to meet this is paid from rents of harbour reserves.

Trusting the above will meet with your Honor’s approval,

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obdt. servt.,
W. G. C——,
H. M. and Pilot.

His Honor D. M’Lean, Esq.,
Superintendent, Napier.

Printed under the authority of the Government of the Province of Hawke’s Bay, by James Wood, Printer for the time being to such Government.