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Colonial Secretary’s Office,

Wellington, 6th November, 1848.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR, under the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to direct the publication of the following extract, relative to the recent loss of the Barque Subraon, from a Report drawn up by a Board appointed to enquire into the causes of that unfortunate occurrence.

By His Excellency’s Command,

ALFRED DOMETT,
Colonial Secretary.

Wellington, Nov. 3rd, 1848.

Sir,—In compliance with the directions of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, contained in your letters of the 28th ult., and this day’s date, requesting a Board to assemble and enquire into the conduct of the Pilot on the occasion of the wreck of the Subraon, while proceeding to sea under his charge—we beg to enclose, for the information of His Excellency, the evidence of the Pilot, Master, and Chief Mate (of the late Barque Subraon) taken before us.

Having carefully investigated, and duly considered all the circumstances of the case, we would submit the following opinions, viz. :—

1st.—That the Pilot should not have attempted to proceed to sea by Chaffers’ passage (while the other was open to him and a safe anchorage under his lee) under any but the most pressing occasion, which, in our opinion, did not exist.

2ndly.—That having attempted this passage, he should have kept more on the weather side, or nearer to Barrett’s reef, and to have allowed a greater distance for the vessel to have veered or anchored in the event of missing stays, to the neglect of which the loss of the vessel may be mainly attributed.

3rdly.—That having placed the vessel in a perilous position, he seems to have lost all presence of mind, so utterly essential to a Pilot in extreme cases of danger, thereby rendering himself totally unfit to use his exertions for the safety of the vessel.

Lastly.—We think it justice to state, that after the vessel was wrecked, the Pilot gave every assistance in landing the Passengers, and afforded them the accommodation of his house until they could return to Wellington.

We have the honor to be,

Sir,
Your most obedient Servants,

CHAS. SHARP,
Harbour Master.

WILLIAM S. LUKE,
Master H.M.S. Fly.

W. B. RHODES,
Merchant.

To the Honble. the Colonial Secretary.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,

Wellington, 6th November, 1848.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR has been pleased to direct it to be notified that Mr. James Calder has been removed from the appointment which he lately held as Pilot for this Port, and that, in consequence, applications will be received at this office until Friday, the 1st December next, from persons desirous of offering themselves as candidates for the vacancy.

The following Regulations relative to the office have been established, but are subject to any modification which may be determined upon by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council.

The Pilot’s remuneration will for the present be £100 per annum, and one-fifth of all Pilotage received. A residence will be provided for him by the Government, as well as a Boat with a complete crew.

Applicants will be required to undergo an examination as to their qualifications by a Board to be constituted for that purpose.

It will be optional with Masters of vessels to take a Pilot either on entering or leaving the Port.

The Pilotage will for the present be Three Shillings per foot, and is to be paid to the Harbour Master.

By His Excellency’s Command,

ALFRED DOMETT,
Colonial Secretary.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,

Wellington, 6th November, 1848.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR has been pleased to appoint

Mr. JAMES AMES

to act (temporarily) as Pilot for the Port of Wellington, until arrangements can be made for permanently supplying the vacancy caused by the removal of Mr. Calder.

By His Excellency’s Command,

ALFRED DOMETT,
Colonial Secretary.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,

Wellington, 6th November, 1848.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR has been pleased to appoint

ARTHUR EDWARD MACDONOUGH, Esquire,

to be a Sub-Inspector of Police for the Province of New Munster.

This appointment to take effect from the 1st instant.

By His Excellency’s Command,

ALFRED DOMETT,
Colonial Secretary.