234

ledge the receipt of your Honor’s communication, of 9th inst., and reply to queries to state as follows:—

1. Oamaru moorings laid down with cost £800.

2. In a communication to your Honor, of 7th July last, I recommended that the Breakwater at Waikouaiti Bay should be a continuation of a reef under Matanika Head, about (150) one hundred and fifty feet in length, which would carry it into (9) nine feet at low water, and form a boat harbour suitable for the present requirements.

3. The proposed steam tug for the Pilot service would be commanded by one of the Pilots stationed at the Heads, for the purpose of towing and putting the Pilots on board of vessels. I feel assured that it would be nearly self-supporting. Overhauling moorings is a work that would occupy from ten to twelve days at a time, too long to be away from the Pilot Station. The expenditure for schooner, as a mooring vessel, is £180 per annum, to which would be added the present crew of the launch, whose work it would be to attend to moorings as well as buoys and beacons.

4. The weather has been unfavorable to take correct soundings of Acheron Head. I will furnish some on an early day.

5. The probable cost of a steam dredge will be about .. £8000
   Cost of 6 punts (£250 each) .. 1500

Expenditure—

• Master’s salary, per annum .. £250
• Engineer’s do., do. .. 250
• 2 Firemen do., do. .. 360
• 6 Men do., do. .. 900
• 900 tons coal, do. at 50s. .. 2250
• Repairs do. .. 1000
• Oil and tallow, do. .. 100
• Incidental expenses do. .. 100

Total working expenses .. £5210

6. The “Betsy Douglas” steamer has had a break down occasionally, arising from inexperience in working the boat. She has gone up to Grey Town as often as inducement offered; the speed of the boat is not what is required. The owner, Mr. Douglas, has a new boat on the way out from England, which he says will be more suitable. The “Betsy Douglas” as at present managed, cannot comply with the terms of contract.

7. Moorings laid down at Molyneux Bay would be the same as at Oamaru, £800. I would recommend the purchase of the “Clarendon,” as the price paid for hire of a vessel will soon exceed her value, and that she may be ready for use as soon as the river falls, there having been serious loss of time last winter in procuring a suitable vessel. The removal of snags is so tedious an operation, and would seriously interfere with the regular communication being kept up, if the steamer was to be engaged in the said works. In my opinion, the steam-boat owners would charge a higher rate for the removal of snags than it can be done for by vessels fitted for the purpose.

8. The Ferry wire would require to be raised (12) twelve feet above the present height, during summer months. The funnel would also fold down, so that nothing of the present work should be disturbed. I would recommend that a derrick of sufficient height should be set up at the water’s edge, close on the upside of the wire, with a tackle attached so as it (the wire) could be raised when wanted, or the wire might pass through the derrick and be a fixture; it will only be wanted on one side of the river.

9. Nothing is required at Catlin’s river to encourage vessels of small tonnage, and drawing not more than (4½) four and a half feet of water, but settlers in that locality; and a sale of the lands, I believe, is wanted. A party, with whom I have had conversation respecting this Harbour, and who objects to investing so large a capital as would be required for such purpose, with no other security than a timber-cutting license. A rock in mid-channel, over which there is (5) five feet at low water, can be removed when the trade for larger vessels than the afore-mentioned demands it.

10. The weather has not been favorable for me taking soundings at the entrance to Otago Harbour and Moeraki Bay. I will furnish your Honor with some as early as possible.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
W.M. Thomson,
Harbour Master.

SHEEP REPORT.

Dunedin,
12th October, 1862.

To His Honor Major Richardson,
Superintendent.

Sir,

FOR the information of the Government, I beg leave to inform you that the number of cattle imported from Wellington...