75

Misnomer.
The Snares do not deserve the name, being bold,
and tolerably high, and therefore an excellent
landfall from the Westward. I should recom-
mend vessels making them as a point of departure,
on passing South of Stewart's Island, whereas, the
name they possess would deter vessels from ap-
proaching them.

The tides here are inconsiderable. We ascer-
tained the position of the S.W. island,-
Latitude 48° 6' 43'' S.
Longitude 166° 30' 10" E.
Variation 18° E.

Traps.
On examining the South Trap, we found por-
tions 4 to 6 feet above high water, and of greater
extent than laid down by Cook. The extreme
South rock is in,-
Latitude 47° 33' 0" S.
Longitude 167° 55' 0" E.

Change of Climate.
We found a remarkable change in the temper-
ature and weather when we regained the East-
ward of Stewart's Island. The ordinary N.E.
sea-breezes of the East Coast appear to be lost
about the Southern Trap, being met by the N.N.
W. breeze of the West Coast, and for this reason
vessels bound either way should give the Traps a
wide berth.

East Winds.
It is said that later in the summer Easterly
winds sometimes set in for six weeks in Foveaux
Straits.

On our return to the Northward we revisited
Port Cooper.

Earthquake at Wellington.
We arrived at Wellington just in time to ex-
perience the effects of the severe earthquake of
January 23rd, account of which no doubt His
Excellency has received from the authorities
there.

Rising of the Land.
Our examination of the harbour showed a rise
in the land to the extent of 2 feet, but as my re-
marks upon this subject have been already pub-
lished, I need not refer to it, but enclose a copy
for His Excellency.

Shocks in Cook's Straits.
On the 25th of January we sailed for Nelson,
and felt a few shocks on our passage across; we
found this town had suffered less than Wellington;
we visited Croixilles and Port Hardy..

Hawke's Bay, Ahuri.—Ahuriri.
We arrived in Hawke's Bay on 26th February,
anchoring 77° W. 1½ miles from the Bluff.
We remained at the roadstead off Ahuriri, ten
days, and at one time I was in great hopes of get-
ting into the harbour, having found it deeper than
usually reported. There was 12 feet 6 inches at
high water, at the shoalest point, which was only
just below our draught of water. The tides are
rapid, but by leaving the roadstead at or near
slack high water, there is little difficulty in enter-
ing. I have supplied the Commissioner of Crown
Lands with a tracing of our survey of the entrance,
and I think the local authorities can easily place
two beacons in line to guide vessels, in, removing
their positions should the freshets affect
the channel. The following remarks appended
to the plan.

Directions for entering the Harbour.

"The present leading marks may not always
be correct; it is said the Rangatira bank is af-
fected by the freshets. On entering or leaving
the harbour it must be remarked that the flood
sets across the entrance to the eastward; there-
fore, on passing the point, steer for Meanee point,
and the deepest anchorage is immediately inside
it. On leaving the harbour, it must be remem-
bered, the ebb sets to the westward, directly to-
wards the Rangatira bank. The flood stream
runs in nearly two hours after high water to
cover the extensive flats. The strength of the
tide at the entrance is 6 to 7 knots. The proper
time to approach is when it is high water by the
beach, there will then be sufficient streami to
enter. Vessels drawing 6 to 7 feet water should
anchor off M'Kain's Hotel, as there is less tide
there."
Latitude, 39° 28' 44" S.
Longitude, 176° 55' 30" E.
Variation, 16° E.
Rise and fall 3 feet. High water, full and
change, 7h. 50m.
This harbour is adapted to vessels drawing 10
or 11 feet water, and is certainly the only har-
bour deserving the name between Tauranga and
Wellington, and within it is capable of consider-
able improvement.

Roadstead.
The Roadstead is very good, and what are here
termed the black north-easters give ample warn-
ing of approach.

Reef.
There is a reef bearing N. 19° E. 2 miles from
Ahuriri Bluff, having 8 feet water, and we found
the bottom uneven north of these rocks.

Climate.
The climate of Hawke's Bay is, I am inclined
to believe, the best in New Zealand-alike ex-
empt from the humidity of Auckland, and the
fiery breezes of Wellington. The inland naviga-
tion near Ahuriri is a great natural acquisition
o this Province, besides the Ahuriri.

River Tuki-Tuki.
The Tuki-Tuki disembogues 7 miles to the
southward, having a changable bar, but it is na-
vigable for 12 miles for boats.

River Nga-ra-Ruro.
The Nga ra-Ruro runs from the eastward, inter-
secting the Province, and is navigablo many
miles into the interior.

Town of Napier.
The Town of Napier and buildings round the
port are rapidly advancing, and the communica-
tion with the settlements of the interior being so
simple, both by land and water, that this fertile
district will become of great importance, and the
exports must soon be considerable.

Want of Timber.
The only drawback appears to be the scarcity
of timber; for, with the exception of a few belts
of kaihikatea, at present in the hands of the na-
tives, and for which they are demanding a high
price, it must be imported from the more tim-
bered parts of Hawke's Bay.

Natives.
The natives of this district appear very frank
and obliging in their disposition; they are gene-
rally better dressed, and more advanced in civiliz-
ation and obedience to English authority, than
any of the tribes I have met in this Island.

Anchorages in Hawke's Bay.
The other anchorages in Hawke's Bay are-
Long Point, in the north bight of the bay, and
Cape Kidnapper at the south. The former af-
fords shelter during N.E. and S.E. gales, and the
latter in S. Easterly, and the east side of the pe-
ninsula from the S.W.

River Wairoa.
It is my intention to examine this part of the
coast more minutely during the ensuing season.
We found the Wairoa, a considerable river, had
changed its mouth within the last three years,
having shifted 1½ miles to the eastward.
The entrance is very difficult, but within it has
a depth of 12 to 14 feet, and navigable for boats
12 miles.