THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 295

160° 56' E.; that given in Hydrographical Memo.
No. 7, viz. 160° 35', is incorrect, and is to be
altered.
The passage into the lagoon is on the south side, in
the middle of the group. On the west side of the
passage is a large islet, having the appearance of two
islets from the east; on the east side there is a small
islet.
This channel is supposed to be clear, with four
fathoms least water, the west shore being the deepest.
Anchorage may be had just inside the lagoon,
under the west islet, in 18 fathoms; a better one,
about four miles to the eastward, in 11 fathoms.
Strong Island, Chabrol Harbour.—Chabrol Island
is by far the best one for a man-of-war, being easy of
access at all times, and open to the sea breeze; well
protected from the heavy S.W. winds which prevail.
All the dangers are visible at low tide, but, from
the muddy nature of the bottom, are not generally
seen at high water, especially after rain.
Extract from Remark Books of Lieutenant Saunders,
and Navigating Sub-Lieutenant Sabban of H.M.
schooner "Alacrity."
A. Rock.—A rock of reddish appearance, about
3 feet above water, was seen by the schooner
"Melaine," in August, 1870. The master places it
in lat. 21° 26' S., and long. 170° 57' E., determined
from position at noon.
New Hebrides Islands, Erromango Island, and
Elizabeth Bay.—Elizabeth Bay is not recommended,
on account of its deep water, 14 fathoms to within
200 yards of the shore, bottom coral and sand. With
a westerly wind a vessel could not lie there. Dillon's
Bay, which is 7' further south, has nearly the same
disadvantages, but it is not so deep, having 3 to 7
fathoms sand; it is more frequented by traders.
Solomon Islands, San Christoval Island, Makira
Harbour.—Makira Harbour is difficult to make out
from seaward: the best leading marks would be
Phillip Island to the southward, and Ergo Island to
the northward; the latter is a peculiar little island,
rising to a knob at one end.
Off Observatory Point there is a detached rock
with a small tree or shrub on its summit; this rock
seen with its tree, just clear of those overhanging
from the shore, clears passage ledge.
The harbour ridge, being often obscured by clouds,
is not to be trusted as a leading mark. A shoal
patch extends from the outer south point of entrance
towards Phillip Island, about one mile, with appa-
rently not more than 1 to 2 fathoms over it. Between
Phillip Island and the main land the water is full of
shoals.
Hermit Islands.—The Hermit group consists of
seventeen islands, enclosed by a reef which extends
about 12' N. and S. by 16' E. and W. There are four
entrances through this reef, two on its east and
two on its west side. The largest island, which is
the only high land visible, lies in the S.W. part of
the group, not N.W., as marked in the Directory;
its centre bearing about S.W. by W., will lead
through the northernmost of the eastern entrances,
steering a W. by S. course, with about 3 fathoms in
passage, till the N.E. islet, which is rather more
than a mile from the entrance, bears N.W. by W.,
then steer for it, anchoring about half-way between
it and the entrance, in 8 fathoms, sandy bottom.
The other passage on this side is about 400 yards
further south, and is preferable as a passage, I think,
its limits being more clearly defined; but there is a
patch with only a few feet of water on it lying just
inside, and with a northerly wind there would not be
working room; either of these passages could be
easily taken by directions from the mast-head.
At the anchorage the only tide that is felt is for
about four hours after low water, when it runs nearly
three knots in a south-westerly direction; there
appears to be but one tide a day. It would not be
advisable to attempt either of these passages while
this strong tide lasts; unless favoured by a strong,
steady wind, the tide ripples make it difficult to
discern the reefs.
L'Echequiers Islands are described by a trader as
consisting of thirty-seven islands, enclosed by a
narrow reef through which there are several pas-
sages; the one chiefly used being on the N.E. side.
The natives number 800, and are frequently at wa
with the Hermit Islanders.
Rennell, or Kennell Island.—The master of a
vessel that was wrecked on the Indispensable Reef
reports having landed on Rennell Island in search of
water, but could find none. This island is marked
on several charts as of doubtful existence.
Extracts from Captain's and Navigating Lieutenant's
Remark Books, H.M.S. "Dido," 1874.
Conway Reef.—No vegetation could be seen on
the cay.
L'Enfant Perdu.—Passed over the position of this
island without seeing anything from the mast-head.
Fiji, Viti Levu, Sarua Harbour.—After passing
the opening into Grandby Harbour, south coast of
Viti Levu, the island in Sarua Harbour will be seen
just clear of the mainland. The island is composed
of two hills of moderate height, and a low gap
between them; on it is a large native village. The
break in the reef, just east of the island leading to
Sarua Harbour, is clear, and a good anchorage may
be found in 15 fathoms; the gap in the island N.
86° W. This harbour is well sheltered by the sea
reefs. A few miles east of Sarua is a large break in
the reef, having a small sand islet on its eastern side.
Extracts from a Letter from Messieurs Capelle
and Co.
Bonham Islands, Marshall Group.—This atoll,
called by the natives Jaluij, is composed of a large
number of islets, more or less extensive, surrounding
a spacious lagoon; its position is from 5° 47' to 6° 18'
N. lat., and from 169° 25' to 169° 49' E. long. On
the east side there are four good passages, and on the
west, one; of these the best is undoubtedly the S.E.
or "Barrosa Passage;" it is short, easily entered,
and has at least 8 fathoms water in its shoalest part.
On rounding the islet, forming the south side of the
passage, a vessel can at once find an anchorage in a
perfectly safe and commodious harbour; the depth
of water varies gradually from 4 to 25 fathoms, with
a sandy bottom.
NEW HEBRIDES AND NEW CALEDONIA.
Her Majesty's Ship "Pearl,"
Sydney, 22nd March, 1875.
Hydrographical Memorandum No. 12.
THE accompanying information, which I have re-
ceived from Captain Chapman, of Her Majesty's
ship "Dido," relative to the New Hebrides and New
Caledonia, is hereby promulgated for general infor-
mation and guidance.
JAMES G. GOODENOUGH,
Captain and Commodore (Second Class)
Commanding Australian Station.
To the respective Captains and
Officers Commanding, &c., &c.
NEW HEBRIDES.
Three Hills Island.—A reef extends about 2' in an
easterly direction from the north end of this island.
Api Island.—The land from Three Hills is very
clearly laid down in Chart No. 1380. The passage