294

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

point of Lee Bay; it is of red sandstone, and rises
abruptly from the sea to about 600 feet. Water
cannot be obtained in Lee Bay. Landing can only
be effected at high water. The reef off the north
point extends two cables further to the north-west
than shown.

Ellice Group—Funafuti Island.—The south-west
point and west sides of this lagoon are laid down
incorrectly on P. Chart 766. The group of islands
off the south-west point run in a N.N.W. direction;
the westernmost islet of the lagoon reef extends
nearly 4' further to the westward than marked. The
two channels marked on south-west side of lagoon
are not navigable for large vessels. There are two
good ship channels—one on the north side, the other
on the south side. “Rosario” entered lagoon by the
north channel, least water 5 fathoms. To enter this
channel it is necessary to bring the extreme of large
island to bear S. 40° E. × S. 80° E.; you will then be
close off the entrance. On the west side is a small sand
cay with a few cocoa-nut trees on it; on the east side
is a much larger cay, well wooded, having the appear-
ance of two islands at high water. The deepest
water is near the west shore, about one-third the
breadth from the west islet. When through the
passage, a S.E. by E. course, with slight deviations,
will take you to a position off the Mission Station,
distant about 7', passing four or five shoal patches,
visible when the light is favourable. Good anchorage
in 11 fathoms, sand, with mission-houses (remarkable
whitewashed buildings), S. 63° E.; south point of large
island S. 22° W.

Between the third and fourth islets off south-west
point of large island is a good ship channel, having 7
fathoms in the deepest part, which is nearer to the
third island, or eastern shore. Between this passage
and the mission-house station there is only one shoal,
and that is near the passage.

Gilbert Group—Taputconea, or Drummond Island.
—Anchored off N.W. side of island, north point N. 6°
E., and south extreme of land S. 61° E, in 15
fathoms, sand. I should recommend a vessel not to
go inside 17 fathoms, where there is a fine sandy
bottom about two cables outside the first break on
the reef. This is a fair anchorage with the wind east
of south, and has the advantage of enabling a ship to
stand clear of the north reef to sea in case the wind
should shift to the westward, when it would no
longer be a safe anchorage. Communication with
the shore is difficult; not enough water at low tide,
and heavy rollers at high tide. Traders have to wait
their opportunity to ship cargo. No water procurable.
High water F. and C., 6h. 15m. Flood stream sets
to the southward.

Nonouti Island.—The distance from the north
point to south point about 20'.

Traders anchor along the S.W. reef in 20 fathoms.
It is reported that the S.W. point of reef extends
much further to the southward than shown on Chart
731; a S.W. course should be steered for 10' from S.
point to clear it. Were unable to verify the report
on account of the unfavourable position of the sun.

Gilbert Group—Apaiang Island.—Entered the
lagoon by the Bingham Channel at half-ebb; found
the stream running nearly four knots; anchored two
cables inside in 10 to 12 fathoms, sand and coral,
uneven bottom. Both entrances to this lagoon are
too shallow for vessels drawing more than 12 feet.
You carry four to five fathoms till nearly through,
when there is a bar with numerous boulders on it;
between these boulders there is from two to three
fathoms. To anchor outside this channel you would
be in the strength of the tide, which runs with great
force during the full and change.

Tarawa Islands.—Sailing along the N.W. point of
Tarawa, observed a line of sandspits running to S.W.

from north point, probably 2" further than shown on
plan.

There is a shoal just inside the entrance; you can
pass on either side. After passing the sea reef, you
have a number of shoal patches ahead; to avoid them
haul well to the southward, skirting along the inside
of sea reef, not less than six fathoms.

To find the passage, bring S.W. islet of Tarawa to
bear S. 26° E., and a small sand islet, with a few
cocoa-nut trees on it, in the lagoon, S. 80° E.; the
passage will then be in line with the islet. The tide
does not run very strong. After clearing the passage,
you may choose your anchorage.

“Rosario's” anchorage marks west end of S.W.
island S. 34° W., east end of ditto S. 8° E., sand islet
N. 80° E. No supplies or water procurable.

Taritari, or Touching Island.—(Long. 172° 47′ E.)
The plan of this island is a good guide. There are
only two channels, divided by a small islet, the
southern one being the deepest, about four cables
wide. Least water between sea reefs, nine fathoms.
There are numerous shoal patches inside, which are
easily avoided when the light is favourable, with
deep water between them. The course in would be
about N.E. until inside all the shoals, then stand
towards the remarkable house (270 feet long and 70
feet high) S. 26° E., anchor in 13 fathoms, sand and
coral, with house S. 26° E., north of South Island
S. 60° W. Brackish water in small quantities can be
obtained. (The longitude of this island, viz. 172°
4' E., given in Hydrographical Memo. No. 7, is
incorrect.)

Marshall Islands—Milli, or Mulgrave Islands, Port
Rhin.—The best route in is to keep along the west
reefs, passing between them and a reef two cables to
the eastward; haul to the S.W., and anchor as con-
venient in about 15 fathoms, mud and sand, two
cables south of Tokowa Reef, with centre of Bar
Island N.W.

Marshall Islands—Arkno, or Pedder Island.—The
east channel into the lagoon has 3 fathoms least
water at half-flood. This is a good channel for
vessels drawing not more than 15 feet. There are
several boulders with 3 fathoms on each side of the
deep 44-fathom passage. The eastern side of the
lagoon appears to be pretty clear of dangerous reefs.
“Rosario” sailed through “Boat Passage,” west of
High Island; least water six fathoms, about one
cable wide. West side of lagoon is said to be very
foul.

The next passage, west of the one taken by the
“Rosario,” is also marked “Boat Passage,” and has
a deep channel with a reef just inside.

A dangerous shoal, with only 6 feet, lies about 1½
mile south of High Island, right in the fair way from
Taka-lip Passage to the trading station.

Marshall Islands—Elmore Islands.—The south
coast of Elmore Islands runs East and West for
nearly 12'; in the centre is a good ship passage.
Coming from the westward the passage opens out,
bearing N.E. by N. A village stands on the east
bank of passage, with two remarkable cocoa-nut
trees towering above the surrounding trees. Least
water obtained in passage, 10 fathoms.

When passing between the islands, steering about
N.N.E., a reef will be seen right ahead inside the
lagoon. When inside the islands, two channels
present themselves, one to the eastward, the other to
N.W. by N.

“Rosario” took the north-westerly passage, which
is about long and 150 yards wide. After clearing
the passage, haul to the S.S.W. and anchor in 22
fathoms, sand and coral, off a small islet on the reef.
The tide does not run strong. The channel is
straight.

Arecifos, or Providence Islands.—Correct long.