1678
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

S.W. Point. Sounding from eighteen fathoms de-
creasing—sand; anchored in seven fathoms. Marks
for anchorage—black sand beach, only one in the bay,
bearing E.; S.W. part of island S. 9 W. Pass inside
rocky patches, marked doubtful, which are very
doubtful.
Passed through several fields of drift pumice-stone
a little north of Torres Island. This pumice-stone
appears to be working to the S.E.

Louisiade Archipelago.

Anchorage may be obtained in bay, between Bous-
quet Point and Garden Island (Louisiade Archi-
pelago), in ten to twelve fathoms, taking care not to
go too deep into bay, as numerous coral patches
exist.

Nepenthes Point.—Found the water in the creek
where H.M.S. "Rattlesnake" watered unfit for use.
Anchorage in bay to eastward of point in twelve to
thirteen fathoms—mud. Proceeding from Sharp
Island to Du Chateau Island, passed over a three-
fathom patch of some extent on the way not marked
on chart.

Proceeding from Du Chateau Island to Kosmann
Island, experienced a strong set to S. W. in forward
entrance. There are several dangerous coral patches
S.W. of the latter island not shown on chart.

Marau Sound, Guadalcanar Island, Solomon Group.

Marau Sound, Guadalcanar Island, Solomon Group,
is a good and secure anchorage in all winds, protected
from the sea by a chain of islands encircled by a
barrier reef. Recommend southern passage during
S.E. trades. The southern island of the group can
be seen in clear weather about ten miles distant.
Steer for that, leaving remainder of group on starboard
hand, until Barrier Reef is made out, distant about
five miles. A small island further to the westward
(called Ferguson Island) will then be observed,
which, steered for, leads through the reef passage,
which is clear of dangers. Careful look-out is neces-
sary, as two shoal patches lay in the centre of the
channel to the sound off Ferguson Island. Anchorage
may be obtained under Ferguson Island, but the
principal one is in the sound, about 1½ miles further
to the N.W. A large island, the highest peak of
which bears about N.N.W. from Ferguson Island,
also bears about E. by N. from the entrance to the
sound, and is a good mark for finding it. A rock
awash lies at entrance. Good water can be obtained
from a creek W.S.W. from this rock, about a mile
distant. General depth of water between rock and
creek, eight to twelve fathoms—mud. The main
passage to the north appears clear of dangers, with
the exception of the reefs extending off the different
islands, which a careful look-out can avoid.

INFORMATION received from Lieut. Horne, H.M.
schooner "Sandfly."

On the 16th July, 1877, when in lat. 8° 59' N.,
long. 159° 37' E., passed through great quantities of
pumice-stone; strong N.E. current.

Brougham Shoal.

The "Sandfly" passed over the position of Brougham
Shoal, but saw nothing of it. Ariel Cove—Island of
Corrambangara, Solomon Group—is situated on the
west coast of this island. The harbour, which runs
in a N.N.E. and S.S.W. direction, is entered between
two reefs from 80 to 100 yards apart, with plenty of
water close to their edges. The length of the har-
bour is about 3/4 of a mile, and greatest breadth 1/2
mile. A fringe shoal of sandy mud extends for a
short distance around its shores. This is a most
excellent place for watering, as boats, i.e. gigs, can be
taken at high or low water about 1/2 mile up the
stream situated at the head of harbour.

INFORMATION received from Lieut. de Hoghlon, H.M.
schooner "Beagle."

Lesson Point.—New Britain extends much further
to the eastward than shown in Chart 764, 1873.
The island marked P.D. between Duke of York and
Praed Point does not exist. There are several shoals
to the westward and southward of Morada.
"Beagle" experienced a confused sea with heavy
southerly swell off Cape St. George; also a set in 48
hours of 75 miles to the southward.

Bridgewater and Princess Shoals.—Do not exist in
the position assigned to them on the chart.

NOTICE TO MARINERS.

No. 31 of 1878.

Marine Department,
Wellington, 23rd November, 1878.
THE following Notice to Mariners, received from
the Marine Board, Hobart Town, Tasmania, is
published for general information.

J. BALLANCE.

Colonial Treasury,
26th October, 1878.
THE Governor directs the publication of the follow-
ing Notice to Mariners respecting the Lighthouse in
course of erection at Currie Harbour, West Coast of
King Island, Tasmania, for general information.
By His Excellency's command.
W. R. GIBLIN.

LIGHTHOUSE AT CURRIE HARBOUR, ON WEST COAST
OF KING ISLAND.

Marine Board,
Hobart Town, 26th October, 1878.
NOTICE is hereby given that a lighthouse now in the
course of erection at Currie Harbour, on the West
Coast of King Island, will be ready for exhibition
early in 1879.

The following is a description of the tower, and the
light that will be exhibited :—

Tower.—Is an iron tower 70 feet high, supported
by 6 cast-iron columns, the lower ends terminating
in screw piles. It has a wrought-iron light room
and central tube for staircase; it will stand on an
eminence about 70 feet high, on the south side of
Currie Harbour, in lat. 39° 56′ 45″ S., long. 143° 57′ E.

Light.—Is of the first order, dioptric holophotal
revolving, with flashes every twelve seconds—viz., 5
flashes and eclipses alternately in a minute, will illu-
minate 180° of the horizon, and will be 150 feet above
the sea level.

Due notice will be given of the exact date when
this light will be first exhibited.

EDW. K. BARNARD,
Master Warden,
Hobart Town Marine Board.

Authority to Frank.

General Post Office,
Wellington, 26th November, 1878.

HIS Excellency the Governor has been pleased to
authorize

The PRIVATE SECRETARY to the Hon. the
COLONIAL TREASURER,
to frank, free from the prepayment of postage, letters
and parcels posted on the public service.

J. BALLANCE,
(for the Postmaster-General.)