Winds.—Northerly or N.N.E. winds are as a general rule followed by a change to west and south-west winds.

Directions.—Ships bound to Bass Strait from the westward now generally keep in about 42° or 43° S. latitude until the meridian of 138° E. longitude is reached; they then haul up about N.E. or N.E. by N. to make Moonlight Head; this course intersects the parallel of 40° S. at about 120 miles west of King Island, the position named in the Australian Directory, Vol. I., p. 502.

During strong westerly winds, it is advisable to maintain the 40th parallel after passing the meridian of Cape Leeuwin, and, with a view of giving King Island a wider berth, to haul up for Moonlight Head on reaching the meridian of 135° E.*

Several vessels have been wrecked on King Island by steering a direct course for Cape Otway, undue weight having been given to the dangers on the south coast of Australia, and the much greater dangers on King Island apparently neglected. It is strongly recommended, therefore, that Moonlight Head, or some point on the coast even more to the westward, should be made, as the soundings on this part of the coast are well defined and regular. The 100-fathom line of soundings is thirty-five miles to the south-westward of Moonlight Head, and the depth of 40 fathoms will be found at ten miles from that headland. When approaching Bass Strait in thick weather, or when the navigator is uncertain of the vessel’s position, the soundings should not be reduced to less than 40 fathoms.

Commanders of iron ships, especially of those newly built, are cautioned as to the necessity of ascertaining the errors of their compasses on approaching the Australian coast.

Hydrographic Office, Admiralty,
London, 16th June, 1875.

*See caution, p. 205, Australian Directory, Vol. I.

Recreation Ground Reserve in Confiscated Lands.

WHEREAS by the Regulations for the sale and disposal of lands taken under the authority of “The New Zealand Settlements Act, 1863,” and “The New Zealand Settlements Amendment and Continuance Act, 1865,” contained in the Schedule to an Order in Council made and issued, bearing date the 11th day of May, 1871, it is provided that reserves for roads, and all other public purposes whatever, and for education, and the sites for churches and chapels or other places of worship for different religious denominations, may be made by Government out of any confiscated lands, and that notices of all such reserves shall be published in the New Zealand Gazette: It is hereby notified, that the land specified in the Schedule hereunder written shall be reserved for the purpose therein mentioned and set opposite the description of the said parcel of land.

H. A. ATKINSON,
Secretary for Crown Lands.

Dated this 16th day of October, 1875.

SCHEDULE.

Cemetery Reserve in Confiscated Lands.

WHEREAS by the Regulations for the sale and disposal of lands taken under the authority of “The New Zealand Settlements Act, 1863,” and “The New Zealand Settlements Amendment and Continuance Act, 1865,” contained in the Schedule to an Order in Council made and issued, bearing date the 11th day of May, 1871, it is provided that reserves for roads, and all other public purposes whatever, and for education, and the sites for churches and chapels or other places of worship for different religious denominations, may be made by Government out of any confiscated lands, and that notices of all such reserves shall be published in the New Zealand Gazette: It is hereby notified, that the land specified in the Schedule hereunder written shall be reserved for the purpose therein mentioned and set opposite the description of the said parcel of land.

H. A. ATKINSON,
Secretary for Crown Lands.

Dated this 16th day of October, 1875.

SCHEDULE.

Tenders.

Public Works Office,
Wellington, 19th October, 1875.

THE following list of successful and unsuccessful Tenderers is published for general information.

EDWARD RICHARDSON.

DUNEDIN AND MOERAKI RAILWAY.
COMPLETION OF UNFINISHED WORK ON THE PORT CHALMERS CONTRACT.

Accepted. £ s. d.
Allen and Kingstreet, Wellington ... ... 32,700 . 0 . 6