706
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

are incorrectly shown on the chart. The position he
assigns to some of the islands of the group, and
which he states agree with those obtained from the
observations of Captain Ferguson, of the s.s. "Ripple,"
are as follow, viz.,-

North-east Islet, latitude 5° 27' S.; longitude
159° 34′ E.
North-west Islet (Hammond Islet), latitude 5º
18' S.; longitude 159° 17′ E.
South-west Islet, latitude 5° 38′ S.; longitude
159° 21′ E.

These longitudes depend upon that of Cape Astro-
labe being 160° 29′ E.

The group consists of a number of small, very low
and sandy islands, lying within a quadrilateral reef,
the diagonal measurement of which is about 34 miles
north-west and south-east, and 21 miles north-east
and south-west. The islands—which are also con-
nected by nnmerous reefs—are covered with cocoa-
nut trees, and are thickly inhabited. The sling is the
only weapon used by the natives, but they are very
treacherous, and should be approached with caution.

To the westward of the group a strong current
was, in July, found setting to the W.N.W. at a rate
of from 2 to 2 knots per hour.

Roncador or Candelaria Reef was found to be cor-
rectly placed on the chart. The sea breaks heavily
upon it. On its north-western edge, about one-
third of the way from its northern extremity, a
small rock was observed which, at a distance, ap-
peared like a small vessel. Just to the northwards
of this rock was apparently an opening into a
lagoon, extending towards the northern end of the
reef.

Frindsbury Reef.—The position assigned to this
reef was passed within three miles, but nothing could
be seen of it from the mast-head.

G. P. HEATH, Commander R.N., Portmaster.

Department of Boards and Harbours,
Brisbane, 22nd September, 1876.

NORTHUMBERLAND ISLES.—OUTLYING DANGERS,
h.h. CLUSTER.

CAPTAIN Lowrie, of the s.s. "Blackbird," reports
the existence of two dangers near the h.h. cluster,
which are not shown upon the chart.

1. Reef awash at low water, 3 cables S.W. of
   westernmost island of the group. Staff Commander
   Bedwell, R.N., the Admiralty Surveyor, corroborates
   the position of this reef, and adds that a shoal spit
   extends southwards from it for upwards of a mile.
2. A shoal with not more than 2 fathoms at low
   water, lying from 1 to 1½ miles W.S.W. from h. Peak
   Islet.

Captain Bedwell also reports shoal water as lying
nearly a mile to the south-westward of the same
Islet, and recommends vessels not to approach the
h.h. cluster within 4 miles, until the examination of
the ground is completed, as detached dangers exist
all round the group.

G. P. HEATH, Commander R.N., Portmaster.

Department of Ports and Harbours,
Brisbane, 22nd September, 1876.

No. 30 of 1876.

Customs Department (Marine Branch),
Wellington, 17th October, 1876.

COOK STRAIT.
Tom's Rock.

FROM a survey of this rock, made by Captain John-
son, of this department, it has been ascertained that
its position is accurately laid down on the Admiralty
chart, and that the direction for clearing it given in
the "New Zealand Pilot" may be relied on. There
are no outlying dangers, but for a half a mile seaward
there is a bank with from 10 to 6 fathoms at low-
water springs. The shallowest part is where Karori
Stream bears N. ¼ E., and Karori Rock just on with
Terawhiti. The tides set strongly over this bank,
causing heavy ripplings, particularly with the flood,
which causes an appearance similar to a shallowly-
covered reef.

Luna Rock.

This is a dangerous sunken rock discovered by
Captain Fairchild. It is small in size, and has only
6 feet of water on it at low-water springs, with deep
water all round. It bears from Karori Rock N. 57°
W., distant five-sixths of a mile, and from Mac-
manaman's house S. 70° W., distant from nearest
beach half a mile. It lies 1¼ cables outside of a line
from Karori Rock to Terawhiti.

Owing to a strong flood tide which sets partly on
the shore between Sinclair's Head and Cape Tera-
whiti, vessels from the westward bound to Wellington
should be careful against being carried inshore of
their course.

Shoal off Baring Head.

This shoal lies to the north and westward of Baring
Head. It is about 1 cable in width by 3 in length,
running parallel with the shore. It has from 7 to 4½
fathoms on it at low-water springs. The shallowest
part bears from Baring Head N. 53° W., distant 2½
cables. It breaks in heavy weather. To clear it,
keep Pencarrow Light N. by W., until Baring Head
is one point open of Taourakira Head.

Boat Passage off Jackson's Head.

The master of the steamer "Hawea" having re-
ported that she struck when drawing 14 feet of water
one-third across from the main in the inner passage,
Captain Fairchild, of the "Luna," sounded it, and
found the least water 4 fathoms, with very uneven
bottom. This passage is therefore not recommended
for vessels drawing over 12 feet.

GEO. MCLEAN.

Inquiry for Missing Person.

Colonial Secretary's Office,
Wellington, 18th October, 1876.

INQUIRIES have been made respecting a person
named

FRANCIS PAULA CLAUDIO,
a native of the Island of Fayal, Azores, a Gardener
by trade.
Any person possessing information respecting the
above named is requested to communicate the same
to this office.

G. S. COOPER,
Under Secretary.

Governor's Assent to Proclamation under "The Hawke's
Bay Special Settlements Act, 1862."

General Crown Lands Office,
Wellington, 17th October, 1876.

IT is hereby notified, that a Proclamation under
"The Hawke's Bay Special Settlements Act,
1872," under the hand of his Honor the Superin-
tendent of Hawke's Bay, bearing date the 13th day
of October, 1876, setting apart a block of land in
the Seventy-Mile Bush, as specified in the Schedule
hereto, for occupation as a special settlement, has